text:
A pharmacist by profession, I have tried to describe here the decisions leading up to and my experience of, the "Liberation Procedure", an experimental treatment for Multiple Sclerosis by correcting the venous drainage of blood from the brain and spinal cord. (CCSVI) Living with MS post "Liberation" is really a journey into the unknown.
Monday, 14 March 2011
When people I know go for the procedure
But what about the other third? I must say I am struck with a form of guilt when I hear their stories. Here I am, so much better than before, and they get nothing. I hope at least that this information will finally crack the enigma that we call MS.
Maybe this is not just one disease, with one set of causes, but a number of different ones, that result in similar signs and symptoms. Getting a diagnosis of MS can be a long and drawn out process for some, as all the alternatives are checked and discarded. For others it seems swift and relatively straight forward. For some, the diagnosis is never clear or straightforward.
So each time I hear of someone I know undergoing CCSVI investigation and treatment, I hope they have the same form of MS as me and all those other responders out there. But sometimes it doesn't work, and all they are left with is hope.
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I can't believe it's already been two years since you were born. It seems like just yesterday I was on the way to go see my sister in the hospital because she just gave birth to you.
I still remember when you were just a baby. It's crazy to think that you're already two years old. Just like your sister, you are growing up way too fast. Just watching and listening to you this weekend, it amazes me how much you've grown. You're able to say words that I can actually understand now!
As it turns out, you're a big fan of Barney… I found that out Saturday when I was trying to find a show that would prove as a distraction for you. Not to brag, but that was the best idea I've ever had!
I can't believe how fast you're growing. Before I know it, you'll be in school, which will be while you'll be in Hawaii. What better place to start school than while you're in the land of paradise?
Happy Birthday, Kendra. I love you more than words can say.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Vision Science faculty constitute a prestigious group of educators and researchers. Use the button below to learn more about them, including research interests, contact information and links to lab websites.Directory
The VSG leadership is comprised of a Chair also known as the Head Graduate Advisor, a Graduate Affairs Officer, and six or more Program Advisors – collectively the Group Advisory Council.Leadership
The faculty at Berkeley Optometry constitute a prestigious group of educators and researchers. See below for a list of recent awards.Faculty Awards
All UC Berkeley Faculty members who are interested in vision science are encouraged to participate in the Vision Science Group (VSG). Active Core and Affiliate members of the VSG enjoy the benefit of training PhD students toward a degree in Vision Science. Currently, our PhD students are supported by the VSG for the first 2-3 years of the program, after which time the research advisor assumes full support.Learn More
The graduate Ph.D. program in Vision Science began over 75 years ago. Today it comprises 35 well-funded faculty members from 11 departments across campus.Funding Info


text:
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text: Olya is a lifelong painter, and has built her work and perspective through her modern nomadic living experience. For a span of nearly four years, her experience in Rome, Italy has shifted her painting practice to new levels. She has participated in group shows in Rome such as Ab Ovo, All´origine della forma at Scuderie Aldobrandini Museum, Il Margutta Art Gallery, and I She participated with Electronic Art Cafè, a touring art project which consists of events and exhibitions by artists of international avant-garde, curated by Achille Bonito Oliva and Umberto Scrocca. Her current painting practice is an integral part of her work where she utilizes technology and cultural identity.


text:
A forum about Atari 16/32 computers and their clones. This forum is in no way affiliated with Atari Interactive.
Moderators: Mug UK, moondog/.tSCc., [ProToS], lp, Moderator Team
DrCoolZic wrote:How do we log into atarimusic.net ?
FatRakoon wrote:Whats really annoying is that there is so much high quality software out there, thats being held on to, and not released to the public.
I mean, what possible harm could it do?
If anything, it will give the Atari a good boost !
CuBase Audio is only one of a long list of apps I could name that would be a real benefit to us if the source was released. The inability of pirates to do a decent crack is only testament to just how good the cubase programmers are / were.
FatRakoon wrote:I mean absolutely no disrespect in any way shape of form for any hacker / cracker / coder out there... Not one bit of it. I am merely called them pirates in a loving way...
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text:
Great deals in Chicago: Finding bargains in the big city
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The perils of a $25 bikini wax
Beware the Yelpers who praise discount waxing.
How much to pony up for an oil change
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Expensive bakeware is worth the money
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Is DIY framing worth the deep discount?
A writer pits the DIY counter at the Great Frame Up against a full-service shop.
Expense vs. quality matrix
A spectrum of goods and services, from pricey-and-worth-it to our favorite steals.
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text:
I am an associate professor, director of graduate studies, and former program chair of industrial design in the School of Design at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My core teaching includes How People Work, Research Methods for Design, Design Principles and Practices, and Executive Education. I have dedicated my teaching and research to methods and practices for human centered design, with an emphasis on design ethnography, participatory design, and the meaning of form in context.
I am co-author of the book, Universal Methods of Design: 100 Ways to Research Complex Problems, Develop Innovative Ideas, and Design Effective Solutions. Beverly, MA: Rockport Publishers, 2012. Universal Methods was recently released in a "Pocket Edition" in 2017.
View my curriculum vitae here


text:
U.s. Vets Waianae Civic Center Pai'olu Kai'aulu Waianae85-638 Farrington Highway
Waianae, HI 96792
(808) 696-6770
Class of Housing: Transitional Housing
General Information:
|ELIGIBILITY: Priority to homeless individuals / families of the Leeward Coast of Oahu with referral by approved outreach agency and/or other "at-risk" individuals / families with proper documentation (call for details).
|TARGET: Homeless families and individuals, preferably those currently residing unsheltered on the Leeward Coast of Oahu; other individuals based on documented need.
|FEES: Fees based on room size: 12'x 12' (large), $180.00 per month; 10' x 10' (medium), $150.00; 8' x 10' (small), $100 per month.
Fees may apply for this Transitional Housing resource. Contact U.S. VETS WAIANAE CIVIC CENTER PAI'OLU KAI'AULU with the contact information we provided to get full details. Oftentimes you can apply for sliding scale fee payment or other options if you are low income. You will need to speak with them to see if you qualify.
Helpful Definitions For U.s. Vets Waianae Civic Center Pai'olu Kai'aulu Waianae:
Transitional housing is affordable supportive housing designed to provide housing and appropriate support services to persons who are homeless or who are close to homelessness. The transition is to help them be more self sufficient to move towards independent living on their own. Transitional housing locations are oftentimes called Halfway Houses. The naming of the two (Halfway House OR Transitional House) is oftentimes interchangeable.
Many Transitional Housing programs are subsidized and are income based. Income based transitional housing generally charges 30% of your income for rent when you do have income. Contact the transitional housing facility to see if this applies.
Services provided at transitional housing facilities varies from substance abuse treatment, to psychological assistance, job training, domestic violence assistance, etc. The assistance provided varies, but it is generally affordable and low cost housing. Read the descriptions of each of the transitional living locations for more detailed information. Transitional housing facilities also may or may not assist with alcohol and/or drug substance abuse treatment.
Post Comment OR Correction
If you need assistance call U.s. Vets Waianae Civic Center Pai'olu Kai'aulu Waianae directly at: (808) 696-6770
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text:
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Hexagons, hexagons, everywhere I look there are hexagons! This a fat-quarter friendly twist on the classic hexagon patterns out there. Plus, it is incredibly easy to put together! No hand sewing, no partial or y-seams. Just straight stitching!
You will need a 60 degree Triangle Ruler to make this quilt.
Finished sizes
Website hosting by Shopify.
© 2019 Donna's Quilt Studio.


text:
A Compelling Case for
Inquiry-Based Science Education in Our Schools
The need to champion inquiry-based science education can be clearly reasoned if one begins to look closely at the emergence of China as a global economic superpower.
In the book called, The Chinese Century by Dr. Oded Shenkar, he states the following, "the shift in China industries from Original Equipment Manufacturers to Original Design Manufactures requires significant technological upgrading: more and higher-level engineers, mastery of the latest technologies, creative thinking, and problem solving abilities…These qualities are not found in abundance in China now. That is where educational reform, foreign education, and the transfer of skills from foreign firms to domestic players come in. This explains why those areas are accorded high priority by Chinese leadership."
The author goes further and explains that the Chinese government is able to move quickly building infrastructure and streamlining regulations supporting high economic growth rate. The strategy has been too moved aggressively into a variety of industries from textiles to appliances.
If for no other reason than to remain competitive in the world economy, the USA must enter into the race to employ INQUIRY as the means by which our students learn science. The Chinese are recruiting experts from the USA and their own USA educated scientists to help implement this educational methodology in Chinese schools. The goal in minds is to produce masses of critical thinking problem solving engineers needed in their industries. It is important that stakeholders committed to the USA education system take notice and now make Inquiry-Based Science Education a national priority for our schools.
A report recently published by the National Academies details a renewed focus upon science education in the United States. The report is titled, A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas, Committee on a Conceptual Framework for New K-12 Science Education Standards. The rational for this new emphasis upon inquiry is detailed within the document and present below:
"Many recent calls for improvements in K-12 science education have focused on the need for science and engineering professionals to keep the United States competitive in the international arena. Although there is little doubt that this need is genuine, a compelling case can also be made that understanding science and engineering, now more than ever, is essential for every American citizen. Science, engineering, and the technologies they influence permeate every aspect of modern life. Indeed, some knowledge of science and engineering is required to engage with the major public policy issues of today as well as to make informed everyday decisions, such as selecting among alternative medical treatments or determining how to invest public funds for water supply options. In addition, understanding science and the extraordinary insights it has produced can be meaningful and relevant on a personal level, opening new worlds to explore and offering lifelong opportunities for enriching people's lives. In these contexts, learning science is important for everyone, even those who eventually choose careers in fields other than science or engineering."
Both of these are arguments for the implementation of science in the classroom that is inquiry-based; a curriculum designed to produce critical thinking individuals that deliver creative and intuitive solutions to perplexing problems we face into the 21st century. The process of doing inquiry in the classroom requires a more focused content that is investigated in greater depth. There must be an acknowledgment that our students can take the lead in their own learning by applying knowledge they have acquired to solving practical problems.
Schools are institutions of learning. Faculty and administrators need to embrace a sense of urgency to meet the academic needs of our students. Schools not only provide the physical environment, climate and culture for learning to flourish, but also commit time, resources and talent necessary so all students learn. Learning is the constant in education; time and support are the variables.
The goal in science education is to create movement toward a shared vision for learning in our schools. The starting point is to build collaborative cultures in the school by engaging in collective inquiry regarding matters that impact student learning, participate in action research, create continuous improvement processes, and help each other monitor and improve upon results.
Views: 101


text:
by Joanne
(St. Charles, MO)
Your Question on Psyllium husk/medication affect:
Does taking psyllium husk affect the absorbtion of medication? I have been using the Blueberry Detox, and it doesn't say anything about usage and the timing of prescription medications.
Kamala's Answer:
Joanne, psyllium has an effect on the absorption of your medication.
It is highly advisable not to take within two hours because Psyllium husk has the effect of brushing off whatever is in the colon.
I do not know why Blueberry Detox does not say anything about usage and timing of prescription medicine, but I would advice you not to take it within two hours anyway. You will not lose anything by following this.
If fact there is an unwritten rule that all western medicine prescriptions are not to be taken with any herbal or natural preparations so as to avoid any unwanted issues.
You can ask your doctor who has prescribed you the medicine regarding this.
Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Detox FAQ.


text:
Reviewed by: Jennifer Constantine
What advice do you have for new and growing Christians? AnswerHow do I know what is right from wrong? Answer
Should I save sex for marriage? Answer
What are the consequences of sexual immorality? Answer
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Every time you buy a movie ticket or rent a video you are casting a vote telling Hollywood "That's what I want." Are YOU part of the problem? Read article
|Brian O'Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Jason Mewes, Kevin Smith, Rosario Dawson, Jason Lee, Kevin Weisman
|Kevin Smith
|Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, Carla Gardini
|Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
"They still don't like you. In fact, they like you even less."
"Clerks II" is a foul movie. But, if you are a Kevin Smith fan, you already knew that. This movie is loaded with foul language and crude, perverse jokes. So going into the screening, I had prepared myself, but, despite this fact, I was still very offended by the movie. On the other hand, there were things I liked. Let me explain.
The movie opens some twelve months after the original "Clerks" introduced us to Jersey Shore slackers whose lives revolved around the convenience store where they worked. Throw in a couple of scene-stealing drug dealers and a whole generation was hooked. Dante (Brian O'Halloran), our protagonist comes to work one day and finds the quick stop has burned to the ground. So the entire crew moves to Mooby's (a cow-themed, fast food restaurant) to work and hangout.
This movie is actually better than the first, if only because the audience feels connected to the characters due to it being a sequel. This is a movie about not letting life pass you by. In an attempt to avoid that, Dante decides to marry his girlfriend and move to Florida where he will enjoy the good life and a cushy job given to him by his future father-in-law.
Several characters express regret over how their lives have panned out. There is a surprisingly poignant scene where Dante and Randal (Jeff Anderson) go bumper-car riding and Randal expresses how it reminds him of better times when they had their whole lives in front of them and the world at their feet. The big surprise in this movie is that Jay and Silent Bob actually get saved (off screen) while doing a stint in rehab. They continue to deal drugs, and when asked how they will cope with the temptation to keep using, Jay states that Jesus will help him and proceeds to whip out a bible. While obviously the work of sanctification has only just begun with the pair, there are times when Smith nails Christianity right on its head, plain and simple.
Rosario Dawson and Trever Fehrman as the scene-stealing Elias complete the Mooby's crew. Ben Affleck and Jason Lee (of "My Name Is Earl" fame) have cameos.
The disappointing elements of the film deal with sex and monogamy being treated very light-heartedly (although Jay stands up for a woman whose fiancée gets another woman pregnant by calling him a crude name). There are very inappropriate elements, including bestiality, a woman pulling her shirt over her head while wearing a very sheer bra, drug use, drinking, nudity (Jay mooning, and then in another scene full frontal, although he is "tucked in"), and masturbation. I lost count of the number of times foul language was used, but I am not exaggerating when I say that it is almost every sentence.
Director Kevin Smith is a conundrum. While he acknowledges God on a regular basis (and frequently thanks God in the closing of his movies), it seems that he takes delight in irreverently doing so. Elias, one of the supporting characters, is a Christian, but he is portrayed to be a weak one. Dante wears a cross around his neck, but I really wondered why. Jay and Silent Bob seem to be better Christians than Elias, because they understand that Jesus is the source of strength.
What I liked about this movie was that it gives the characters a happy ending, as it transitions them into adults at long last. I found that for a simple comedy, it had complex layers—examining what becomes of us as we leave our twenties, and adolescence disappears for good. 1 Corinthians 13 says "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me." I found myself caring about the characters by the end of the movie—something that the original never inspired me to do. It would be great to see Jay and Silent Bob evangelizing in their next movie, along with Elias (who I hope becomes a recurring character in Kevin Smith's movies). I left the theater with a positive feeling, but I don't recommend "Clerks II", as it contains a lot of offensive material.


text:
Friday Fictioneers is an online group of writers who produce 100 words each week prompted by a hphootograph on this blog:
Be careful how you treat people in this life, because they might not be so forgiving in the next - love it!
I glanced the first line briefly and though it said 'Teresa had buried three husbands in one night' LOL!
Oh Annalisa! If only we had that much stamina! You made me chuckle.Delete
Ah! The woman's prerogative. But does Death ride a bike? Nice one, Lizy.ReplyDelete
Death can ride any steed he likes, I assume - even a bike.Delete
Terrible luck for Teresa.... she got what she wished for....
nice post... Anu....
Ah - but I think she recovered to wear out a few more lovers!Delete
This made me chuckle ;)ReplyDelete
Thanks, MJ - I usually write something darker but ....Delete
And just what did those notes have to say...?ReplyDelete
This is where you write your own script, Baggy!Delete
Death rides a Bike...great title for a movie or maybe an alternative rock song. And good for Teresa. Surely the three husband's died happy. Great doorway - inspired post.ReplyDelete
I had to get the bikes in somehow!Delete
Great fun. A woman who enjoyed life and is now taking death by the throat and giving it a good shake. Have flowers.ReplyDelete
Flowers picked from the Garden, perhaps?Delete
I like her zest for life... and death. :)ReplyDelete
So do I, Sandra.Delete
Fantastic - this was perfectly written and the punchline perfectly delivered.ReplyDelete
Wow - thank you! I shall have to print and frame your words to cheer me up on blue days. :)Delete
Dear Lizy,
That stare of her must be something to behold. The bike statement at the end threw me somewhat. Then in the comments I got it. Death riding a bike? Why not.
Good story.
"On your bkie" is an English idiom which translates as "Go away now!" or words to that effect. And as there are bikes in the photo it seemed appropriate!Delete
Ah. Thank you for clarifying. We are two cultures separated by a common language, aren't we? I'm always happy and willing to learn.Delete
Perhaps I should add a rider to some of my posts!Delete
Lizy, Good and humorous story. I could see Death riding a bike. It reminded me of an old Bill and Ted movie where they play a game of Battleship to defeat Death and he says surprised, "You sunk my battleship." Well done. Thanks for telling us from the U.S. what "On your bike." means. Well written. : ) ---SusanReplyDelete
Thanks for commenting once again, Susan - I just wish I could edit the typos in my replies to comments! Have you read and Terry Pratchett books? He writes about Death as a real person - often very humourously.Delete
Lizy, I haven't read the Terry Pratchett books. I'm here in India and miss the great U.S. libraries. The libraries here are few and far between. I've run out of shelf space for buying additional books and intend to buy a Kindle one day soon. : ) ---SusanDelete
Susann - I live in Tenerife and miss the libraries and bookshops of England! I have a Tablet onto which I have downloaded a Kindle app, which means I can buy Amazon books at least, though only the ones that have reached Amaxon Spain. Better than nothing!Delete
What a woman. I love : on your bike. I really like this story. Very well done. LucyReplyDelete
Thanks anthrode - are you another American who will be using that phrase from now on?Delete
Ah.. much more effective than trying to play chess with death..ReplyDelete
Yes indeed, Bjorn - just send him packing.Delete
On yer bike indeed and for this formidable lady I think Death might just comply.ReplyDelete
Death shouldn't have been so quick off the mark, should he?Delete
And did he listen?! You've got to wonder how heaven works out now that people are able to move on and remarry. I hope God's got it all sorted.ReplyDelete
Maybe when Teresa IS ready her husbands will welcome her with open arms - all three of them!Delete


text:
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Professional Design
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Original DSB
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The DSB Patent Leather Dressage Boots are designed with a truly unique style. These dressage boots are available in black, pink, or silver, accented with your choice of a white or black fleece interior. They are also complete with a sleek patent leather finish to add a classic elegance to the overall style of your tack. These sport boots also come in a variety of sizes to accommodate a wide range of athletes.
Size Chart
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text: A little while back we let you in on a new Chanel digital project – Chanel Confidential. Well, the new website has launched and it delivers on what it promised. Chanel Confidential is an inside look into the makeup studio. From interviews with Peter Philips to makeup tips, Chanel Confidential is a nice new addition to Chanel's growing digital presence.


text:
A several days before. I'm looking for information on the Free People Pop Champagne Dress (Peach) Women's Dress, so i would like to describe here.
Free People Pop Champagne Dress (Peach) Women's Dress
Intricate beading adorns this party-ready crinkle chiffon dress.V-neckline and V-back.Sleeveless construction.Zip closure at side.Uneven flowy hem.Lined detachable cami with adjustable straps.100 polyester Lining 100 polyester.Hand wash cold line dry.Imported. MeasurementsLength 36 inProduct measurements were taken using size SM (Women's 4-6) . Please note that measurements may vary by size. Read more
Compare stores: Here


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This past Thursday night, I attended a pre-screening of the hotly contested arrival of The Great Gatsby. Although it has been quite a few years since I first read F. Scott Fitzgerald's quintessential American novel, I tend to spend a day every couple of years rereading the classic. I was incredibly excited to finally see it on the big screen, even though I had a hard time figuring out how Baz Luhrmann would depict Nick's thoughts in a film format. The previews confirmed my suspicions that the 143 minutes of film would primarily include partying, aggression, lies⦠and music that most definitely did not come from the 1920s. I had been disappointed when the release of the film was delayed as Luhrmann signed on Mr. Carter himself to oversee the musical direction of the film, but, thinking back to the musical prowess of both Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge!, I imagined I could wait a few extra months for greatness.
While the release of the soundtrack was kept under wraps until about a week before the film release, the recording artists and expected musical quality was enough to make the soundtrack as big, if not bigger than the film itself. Film soundtracks don't typically receive this much buzz, unless it's Danny Boyle, Hans Zimmer, John Williams, etc. My answer to this can be attributed to brand loyalty.
One of the reasons why the film release was delayed from Christmas 2012 to May 2013 included the addition of an all-star music lineup on the accompanying soundtrack. To effectively compete in the summer movie contest, Luhrmann and Warner Brothers pulled out all the stops and managed this partnership with Jay-Z. At least from my perspective, this partnership immediately attracted an entire demographic of loyal Jay-Z followers, who may not have been originally interested in the film itself. As an adaptation from a piece of literature primarily seen in the classroom, Warner Brothers needed to break that connection and portray this film as more engaging and exciting.
Surprisingly, Jay-Z only makes the 20th rank in a list of highest-paid musicians in 2012, but still banks a cool $38 million a year and boasts a net worth of about $500 million. Money doesn't need to talk, though, because the jigga man doesn't need a paycheck to prove his market value. Since coming into popularity in the mid-90s, Jay has a hand in several industries, including clothing, sports, entertainment and alcohol. His influence is wide-ranging, even when not entirely visible at first glance. He has been building rapport with his followers for over 25 years and he can easily bring that following into every new venture in his global empire.
At this year's Loyalty World USA, we discuss influencers, from celebrity ranking to a purchasing consumer. Speakers will address the importance of building relationships with your consumers and properly engaging with them across different channels.
Keynote speakers at this year's Loyalty/ Big Data World USA conference include:
· Dhani Jones, Partner, VMG Creative; Founder and Chairman, BowTie Cause; Former Linebacker, National Football League
· Dr. Inderpal Bhandari, Chief Data Officer & Vice President, Knowledge Solutions, Express Scripts
· Derek Strauss, Chief Data Officer, TD Ameritrade
· Jeannine Haas, Chief Marketing Officer, Avis Budget Group
· David Norton, Chief Analytics Officer, Urban Outfitters
Join us on October 28 and 29 at the Bellagio in Las Vegas to learn more about the dichotomy between customer marketing and data analytics.


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Original URL: https://www.aljazeera.com/focus/2010/02/20102159019764237.html
By Ahmed Janabi – Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera talks to an Iraqi lawmaker banned from running in upcoming elections.
On January 14, more than 500 candidates were banned from running in Iraq's second parliamentary elections since Saddam Hussein was removed from power by US-led forces in 2003.
The ban came from the National Committee for De-Baathification, a post-war body established to remove former Baath Party members from government, the military forces and parliament. The ban was upheld by a panel of Iraqi judges.
Although 149 of the banned politicians appealed to Iraq's Supreme Court to rescind the Committee's decision, only 28 appeals were successful.
Dhafir al-Ani, one of the most prominent Iraqi lawmakers, was among those whose appeals were rejected; the ban on him has now become final and can no longer be appealed.
Prior to 2003, al-Ani was a professor of political science at Baghdad University. He entered politics in 2005 when he won a seat in the post-war parliament. In 2006, he became the speaker of al-Tawafuq opposition bloc, the biggest Sunni Arab bloc in the Iraqi parliament. In 2008, he founded the National Future Bloc.
He is known to be an outspoken opponent of the current government and has expressed his views on TV talk shows, debates and in op-ed columns.
Al Jazeera's Ahmed Janabi spoke with al-Ani by phone.
Al Jazeera: Why were you banned?
Dhafir al-Ani: It was definitely because of my views. I have always criticised the government's performance and its lack of professionalism. They do not want people who care about Iraq as a home country to be part of the political process; they just want people to serve their plans.
The pretext about me having links to the Baath party is just a cover. They know that I was not a Baath party member.
The decision to ban you was approved by the Supreme Court; the court must have found enough evidence to uphold the ban.
The De-Baathification Committee, which is in charge of eliminating Baath party members from the Iraqi state, thoroughly reviewed the files of each and every politician back in 2005, just prior to the first elections in post-Saddam Iraq.
If I and my other colleagues were Baath party members, we would have been excluded there and then. Let us also not forget that the sensitivity against Saddam and the Baath Party was thousands of times stronger five years ago, so again if I had the slightest affiliation with the Baath Party, I would not have been in parliament for the past few years.
But it is not only about being a Baath Party member; it is also about sympathising with the Baath Party.
Anyone who does not agree with the ruling coalition is branded "the enemy" – the Baath Party. It is as simple as that.
What impact will the ban of more than 300 politicians have on the upcoming elections?
We are really worried the country would sink again into the vicious circle of violence. Religious extremists might use the ban as a pretext to prove their point of view was correct.
Al-Qaeda affiliated Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, leader of the so-called Islamic State of Iraq, has already issued a statement saying his organisation will attack electoral stations. Jaish al-Mujahideen, an Islamist armed opposition group has issued a fatwa saying the coming parliamentary election are illegitimate.
We are concerned that the banning would give armed groups a boost in people's eyes. They have a stronger case now. Their argument about fighting the government because it is not democratic as it claims has become stronger. It would be very dangerous if those groups managed to plunge Iraq into the bloodshed of a few years ago.
The coming election has been seen as a wonderful opportunity for many Iraqis to restore their patriotic fervour and to rid themselves of sectarian and ethnic fanaticism. We were the only nationalist, secular coalition that represents Iraq as whole.
The offices and headquarters of banned politicians including yourself, have been bombed in the past few days. Who do you believe to be behind those attacks?
I do not have solid information about the perpetrators, but let us see who has enough motives to do that. It is obvious nearly all of those who were banned from running for the elections are somehow either opposed to or not in favour of Iranian influence in Iraq, so either Iran or pro-Iran parties could have carried out these attacks.
It could also be the work of al-Qaeda and extreme armed opposition groups who do not believe in the political process and issued statements that they will target the electoral organisations and parties involved.
Recent media reports suggested that the US is pressuring Nouri al-Maliki, the Iraqi prime minister to lift the ban. Why do you think the Americans would follow such a course of action?
I do not have any idea about this, but I can say if the decision to ban me and my colleagues becomes definite and all efforts fail, then the Americans will be forced to wave with white flag and surrender to the Iranians.
As I mentioned before, the common factor between almost all of those who were banned is they are not in favour of growing Iranian influence in Iraq. If we are out, then the coming parliament and government will be exclusively Iranian – as in, loyal to Iran.
Mahmoud Ahmedinajad, the Iranian president, said in his speech on the recent anniversary of the Iranian revolution that Baath Party members should not be allowed in the political process in Iraq. That shows how much the Iranians are comfortable to speak about Iraq's internal issues.
They already deal with Iraq as if it were an Iranian province, and if the little bit of opposition we represent is gone, then I assure you Iran will swallow Iraq completely in the near future.
Original URL: https://www.aljazeera.com/focus/2010/02/20102159019764237.html


text: hi, I updated the wiki of Group sales in Taipei http://wiki.openmoko.org/wiki/GroupSales#Taipei Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Best Regards, Mac Lin > From: mkl23 at hotmail.com > To: community at lists.openmoko.org > Subject: Freerunner group sales in TAIWAN!! > Date: Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:20:18 +0800 > > > hi, > > Thanks to the generosity of Harry of openmoko, there will be a group sale in Taiwan for sure. > > If we can collect 10 piece, then we could have the 10-pack price. But even if we can't , they would still accept the order. > > One that are interested in Taiwan, please send an e-mail to mkl23 at hotmail.com, and specify the amount of the phone, debug board(DBoard), and spare packs that you want, along with your name and phone number. > > I hope it could be done fast, so the due date will be 8/17. Than I'll send the order to openmoko. > > I don't have such group sale experience yet, so mail me if you have any concern or question want to ask. > > Best Regards, > Mac Lin > > > _________________________________________________________________ > 聰明搜尋和瀏覽網路的免費工具列 — MSN 搜尋工具列 > http://toolbar.live.com/ _________________________________________________________________ 隨身的 Windows Live Messenger 和 Hotmail,不限時地掌握資訊盡在指間 — Windows Live for Mobile http://www.msn.com.tw/msnmobile/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.openmoko.org/pipermail/community/attachments/20080804/8de2945d/attachment-0001.htm


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Been feeling a bit like a slacker lately when it comes to working on this blog, but I am getting closer to being able to focus on it. Right now I'm working on a big website overhaul for our business site – I like to keep it updated, and the new version of Dreamweaver I'm working on is pretty sweet… at least so far. We'll see how well it goes when I test links and usability.
In the meantime, I started some Cannabis Pillows – I have two tops made and the backs are cut, zippers in house, all I have to do is sew them up!
I think they'll be pretty sweet when I get them finished up. The other project is my Hummingbird #2 Quilt – I'm appliquéing the bird down now, I'm about halfway done. For this one, I'm going to add some flowers so the bird can be in the garden!
I'm still working on the placement of the flowers. I'm going to sew the whole bird down first then I'll work on the flowers. They are so cute!
What are you working on this month?


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Faults and Subsurface Fluid Flow in the Shallow Crust
EditorWilliam C. Haneberg, Peter S. Mozley, J. Casey Moore
Hardcover | January 26, 1999
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Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 113.
This volume offers a sample of the diversity of research on faults and fluid flow in the late 1990s. It describes detailed surface and subsurface characterization of fault-zone structure and diagenesis with implications for hydrology and petroleum geology; the role of faults in geothermal systems; laboratory studies of rock mechanics, permeability, and geochemistry of faults and fault rocks; and mathematical modeling of fluid flow through faulted and fractured rocks.
The most striking and appealing feature of the volume, as well as the general research topic of faults and subsurface fluid flow, is its interdiscplinary nature. The authors are drawn from the fields of structural geology, engineering geology, geohydrology and hydrogeology, sedimentology, petroleum geology, geothermal geology, rock mechanics, and geochemistry. Likewise, the emphasis on faults rather than simple open fractures raises issues not addressed in much of the literature on flow through fractured rocks. Although faults are a type of fracture and semantics can confuse the issue, faults are generally more complicated than the simple fractures that are the focus of most work in fractured rock hydrology. Most notably, faults can have very large displacements (up to many kilometers) and develop complicated tectonic fabrics, gouge zones, and juxtaposition of rocks or sediments of different types.
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I was wondering if "way to do something" means it is right or wrong to do something?
I thought it means it is right to do something until I read this:
Just a few doors down, Lynette's sister shows up just in time to help her through her split with Tom. Unfortunately the once messy sibling shows up looking fabulous and on the arm of a sexy new boyfriend. Way to make Lynette feel good about herself!!! Don't you hate when that happens? When a friend or loved one shows up to try to help you through a troubling time and all they do is flaunt all of the fabulous things that are going on in their life.


text: The USD/JPY pair initially fell during the day on Friday, but then shot higher and above the 110 handle. This is a market that continues to see quite a bit of support underneath this area, so with that being the case we can break above the highs from this past week, we believe that the market will then reach towards the 112 level. We think pullbacks are buying opportunities and we have no interest whatsoever in selling this market but recognize that it is highly sensitive to risk appetite which can be seen in stock markets and of course commodity markets.


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Join New ThinkTank Peer Advisory Group
Why a Peer Advisory Group? It's lonely at the top. Have you noticed?
If you run a business where do you go to let down your guard? Where can you go to be vulnerable? Where can you share your deepest concerns? Who helps you be a better leader?
Share them with your Partners? What if they are the issue?
Share them with your spouse or spouse equivalent? Maybe…… or maybe not.
Share them with your staff, your board of directors? And watch the vultures circle your carcass.
Everyone around you has an agenda. You're surrounded by people who color their advice with a zero-sum solution… someone wins and they lose. Everyone around you has an agenda. There's something in it beside your best interest for everyone around you.
So where can you go for unvarnished, experienced advice and wisdom? That's what Forward ThinkTank Peer Advisory Group is about. It's a safe, confidential forum of from 8 – 12 of your peers. People just like you who run businesses. People just like you who want to learn, improve their performance, share their experience and wisdom. Peers whose only agenda is to help you because you will help them. This is the ultimate give/get group.
Our Peer Advisory Group one 1/2 day every week with the expressed purpose to help us all become better leaders, improve our businesses and our lives. Everything discussed is strictly confidential. In this Peer Advisory Group, it's Vegas Rules what happens in that room stays in that room.
With the first ThinkTank group off and running and fully subscribed, I'm forming a second group expected to launch in March. Are you the right person to be a founding charter member?
Interested? Schedule a Complimentary Coaching Session? Schedule a 1 on 1.
This Forward ThinkTank group is accepting members who meet the following:
Target Member Profile:
- Revenue: $500K – $10M
- Min Employees: 3
- Must be able and willing to Give & Get Value
- High Integrity
- Committed to Attending Meetings
- Business, Gender, Racial, Religious Diversity
- Full Time Engaged in their business
Not everyone who meets these traits will be accepted and members who don't meet the current revenue or employee goals may be invited to join dependent on their past experience.
This group is focused on the following goals:
Group Values:
- Growth – Profitably growing the value of our companies
- Operational Excellence – Constant focus on improving operational performance
- Leadership Development – Becoming more effective inspirational leaders
- Team Building – Building a high-functioning team that works and plays well together
- Best Possible Exit – Preparing for the best possible exit whether that is to sell the company, to groom managers to allow the member to step away from daily operations while maintaining ownership and income or grooming the next generation of corporate executive management.
If you run a business and you want to be the best leader you can be and you understand the loneliness at the top, find out if you qualify to join us on the 14th
How much does membership cost?
- Monthly Meetings: $500 ($1,500 3 month deposit required)
- Optional Online Skype one-to-one: $150 per hour (non-member rate $250)
- Optional face-to-face one-to-one: $250 per hour (non-member rate $350)
Want to sample a complimentary one-to-one? Qualifying business leaders can arrange a one to one by scheduling it here.
Who am I and why am I qualified to facilitate a peer group?
- Sales, Marketing, and Top Executive Management since 1979
- Participated in Multiple IPOs and M&A Events valued over $80 Million
- 10 Years Working as a Turn-Around CxO for Venture Capital Investors
- Trained and Qualified By Vistage as a Peer Group Facilitator/Coach
- Former Vistage Rookie of the Year
- Over 10 years experience as a Peer Group Facilitator and Business Coach


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Unlike the National Football League, rivalries in the National Hockey League are alive and well. So, Buffalo is very happy that Boston lost.
There are two things that make people from the city of Buffalo happy. The first is seeing one of their own go on to succeed and do great things. The other is watching a bitter rival go down in flames and misery.
Watching Western New York native Chicago Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane go on to win his second Stanley Cup and his first Conn Smythe trophy as Most Valuable Player of the NHL Playoffs was a very sweet moment indeed for all of Buffalo.
Now, I know that some of you are saying that the only reason we're doing that is because of the fact that we never won anything among the major professional leagues. Well that isn't the case at all. What people need to understand are the values and beliefs of Buffalo.
Once you understand that you will understand why Buffalo is happy that Boston lost.
Buffalo in history of the United States was a port city for the rest of the country. A blue collar town that featured steel mills and other factories, but Buffalo can be best describe in one word.
We don't care about strip clubs or a huge night life as Canada is right across the Niagara River and their rules are a lot less stringent. Just like any blue collar worker, what the citizens of Buffalo care for is the future of their children.
We understand that for our children to succeed they need resources in addition to hard work. So, many of our citizens work long hours and overtime to pay the bills, and whatever is left over we set aside for them. That way when they are old enough they have something to help them on their way.
So, a fun night out for the citizens of this city is watching their local sports team kick the snot of rivals like the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Bruins as we understand there is not greater feeling than being rewarded for hard work. Also, there is nothing like taking your kids to game and watch them enjoy their heroes up close and it also serves as good teaching tool as they are completely focused on the game it allows you to make points that will sink in.
So, call it misguided and messed up all you want, but be warned we don't care. For the citizens of Buffalo are so happy that Boston lost!


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The owners of these bedrooms are definitely not afraid of drama. The gallery shows how black is becoming a popular paint color for the bedroom. The bedrooms are all painted black, and while that may seem unusual, one glance through the gallery will show it's not a bad idea.
To counter the walls being painted black, many of the rooms feature a lot of white accents. There's actually very little other color besides white and black; bright colors are saved for small accents.
Black is the New Off-White When it Comes to Bedroom Design
Jessica Marcel — January 31, 2010 — Art & Design
References: apartmenttherapy


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Cruise line's first new luxury boutique river ship is set to debut in 2021
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Author: Rebecca Gibson/15 February 2017/Categories: News, Onboard experience, Carnival
Carnival Cruise Line has added new food and beverage concepts to its New Orleans-based ship Carnival Dream during a multi-million dollar refit in Freeport, The Bahamas.
New spaces include cocktail pharmacy-themed lounge Alchemy Bar; complimentary poolside Mexican eatery BlueIguana Cantina; full-service sushi restaurant Bonsai Sushi; Pizzeria del Capitano; and Guy's Pig & Anchor Barbeque Smokehouse. Designed by Food Network star Guy Fieri, the open-air free-of-charge venue complements the Guy's Burger Joints featured on Carnival Dream and 13 other Carnival ships.
Carnival Dream, which resumed service on 12 February, already offers a WaterWorks aqua park with a 304-foot water slide, a Serenity adults-only retreat, a Cloud 9 Spa with a thalassotherapy pool and thermal suite, and an indoor/outdoor live music and entertainment venue. The ship also has the Seuss at Sea experience, recreational spaces for younger passengers and various accommodation categories.
Sailing from New Orleans year-round, Carnival Dream offers three different seven-day itineraries to destinations in the Caribbean.
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CruiseandFerry.net is the online home of International Cruise & Ferry Review, a twice-yearly magazine that is also available for subscription in both printed and digital formats.
Via our website, magazine and social networks, we aim to be the world's best supplier of news and insight into the global passenger shipping industries. Our content covers both the cruise and ferry businesses, and provides our audience with insight into building and refurbishment, marine operations, onboard experience, ports and destinations and more.
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Facebook Fires Back at ACLU's Criticism of 'Places'
Facebook on Thursday shot down complaints that it failed to build important privacy safeguards into its new Places location-based service.
Facebook this week introduced a location-based "check in" service similar to Foursquare, which the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Northern California later criticized as lacking proper privacy protections.
In a statement, Facebook said the ACLU "seems to generally misunderstand how the service works."The ACLU said that Places lets your friends check you into a location without your permission. Facebook will send you an alert when this occurs, but Facebook only provides you with a "yes" or "not now" option, according to the group.
"'No' isn't one of the easy options," the ACLU said.
Facebook said that "every person on Facebook must agree before they check in or can be checked in to a place" and "the story your friend tagged you in does not show up on your profile until you have agreed to allow it."
The social-networking site said that the ACLU ignored many built-in protections like the fact that only confirmed friends can check you in, they can only check you in if they also check themselves in, and there is an option to remove any tag.
The ACLU also criticized the "here now" feature, which will tell you how many of your friends are at a particular location. The group said users "don't have full control" over who can see them on the list they can only turn it on or off. They also did not like that it was enabled by default for anyone who selected "Everyone" as their profile setting.
Facebook said the ACLU's demand would add an extra step to an option that already exists, and the group is "just wrong that more complexity is better here."
"The current settings already enable you to easily make yourself visible to only a specific group of people on a Places page," Facebook said. "All you need to do is turn off 'Here Now' and set your 'Places I check-in' control to the appropriate setting for the visibility you want. They are demanding that you, instead, customize two settings to get the same result."
To access these settings on your own account, click "Account" on the top right-hand corner of your Facebook account, scroll to Privacy Settings, and click "the Customize settings" link on the privacy menu. The last two options under "Things I share" are "Places I check in" and "Include me in 'People Here Now' after I check in."
It's true that if your account is open to "Everyone," the "Here Now" function will be enabled by default. But if you have selected "Friends Only," "Friends of Friends," or a more customized view, the box will not be checked until you select it.
The ACLU's final complaint centered on applications.
Facebook "immediately opened up location data and applications to Connect sites," the ACLU said. "This means that your friends' apps may be able to access information about your most recent check-in by default as soon as you start using Places. Even if you've already gone through your settings to limit the info that apps can access, you should do it again- you may find that you've been defaulted into sharing your location info with apps."
Facebook countered that, thanks to its new permissions-based app menu, every application you add must inform you what type of information it uses before you download it.
"Your friends can share your check-ins with applications and we feel there is the potential here to make really compelling social experiences," Facebook said.
Settings can be altered by clicking the "Applications and Web sites" link under Privacy Settings. Click "edit settings" next to "info accessible through your friends," and un-check the "Places I've Visited" box.


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- Home
- Destinations
- Africa
- South Africa
- Small Business Development Internship and Product Design in Africa
What is the Small Business Development Internship and Product Design in Africa all about?
There are many small businesses in Africa looking for the support of interns to share their ideas and time. In exchange, you will receive a hands-on experience in the challenges faced every day in developing nations' business ventures. Whether you are interested in HR, finance, policies or marketing, these small businesses will appreciate your fresh perspectives and support with their activities. Bring your business skills and study experience and join us in South Africa or Swaziland to enhance the future of a social enterprise.
Why choose this Small Business Development Internship and Product Design programme in Africa?
As a student or someone with a business background, you can share your knowledge with local business owners and help them to develop business strategy, marketing materials and procedures. You will have the incredible opportunity to learn about the different elements of a small business in an international setting, which will be an asset to your CV/resume.
Role of the Business and Community Volunteer
This is a varied and interesting placement that gives you a unique look at the challenges faced by these businesses. You may be involved in the following activities:
- Capacity building and training of staff (topics dependent on experience)
- Assistance with production of items, introducing new product lines or working methods
- Development of strategies for marketing, including website design and social media use
- Creation of policies and procedures to manage human resources and finances
- Assistance with business development and identification of growth areas
- Development of monitoring and evaluation tools to identify the impact of business on the lives of the local community and customer engagement
Potential study related learning outcomes from this internship include:
- Creating and implementing practical policies, protocols and strategies
- Conducting research for business growth and strengthening market position
- Designing and using websites and social media in order to market and generate income
- Managing and running a small business, including finance and personnel management
You will attend weekly meetings to review your progress with the MD of the small business. At the end of your placement, you will be asked to present a final reflection to the MD and the local project team.
What skills do I need to be a Business and Product Design Intern?
Interns should be studying either business, social entrepreneurship, finance, HR, or marketing. Having previous experience in those sectors is also useful, even if you are not still studying. You will be supported during your placement by a dedicated mentor but will be expected to use your own initiative throughout. Bring a positive attitude, lots of ideas, and a willingness to work as part of a team to make the most out of this placement.
It is recommended that you bring their own laptop to work on marketing and product development and your final presentation. You will be asked to submit a CV/resume and a letter of motivation upon application. You will need to attend a telephone interview to discuss your expectations and suitability for this internship.
To help local project staff working to develop small businesses
To gain hands-on business experience in the context of a social enterprise / NGO
To share your creativity and problem solving skills, while learning from others
Where will I work in South Africa?
Interns are based in either Cape Town, South Africa or in Swaziland. Cape Town is a dynamic city with plenty to offer interns in their spare time. You will enjoy exploring the city's museums, beaches, bars and hiking trails. You are welcome to travel over weekends as well to nearby sites.
In Swaziland. you will be located in the Ezulwini Valley, also known as "The Valley of Heaven". Interns will spend evenings hanging out by the pool, listening to wildlife, or socializing at a cafe or restaurant. On weekends, you can join a safari or hike up one of the nearby mountains. Visits to the beaches of Mozambique or a safari in Kruger National Park in South Africa are possible options for weekend trips from Swaziland.
Details & Costs
- Duration: 4+ weeks
- Cost: £1575 / $2520 for 4 weeks
additional weekly prices can be found in the drop-down menu
- Requirements: age 18+
- Location: Cape Town, South Africa or Lidwala, Swaziland
- Project activities: market research, finance, HR, policy creation, social media content design, marketing review
- Working hours: 7:30 – 17:00
- Project availability: all year round, with the exception of November & December when the project is closed
- Arrival day: 1st Mondays of the month
What is included
- Accommodation: dorm accommodation in a house with 4-8 others, shared communal areas, kitchen and swimming pool
- Food: 3 meals per day
- Airport pick up and drop off from Cape Town International Airport (South Africa placements) or from OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg (Swaziland placements)
- Training: pre-departure information pack, on-site orientation, cultural tour and project induction
- Support: 24-hour support from on-site coordinator
- Assistance from local staff to plan weekend excursions
- Learning Reflection Document
- Certificate on completion of internship
- Supervision from qualified professional
What is not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visas
- Daily transfers to and from the project
- Police/Government Background Check: US and UK citizens will be processed through Kaya (admin fee applies); all other nationalities must provide local police check.
Easy 3-step application process
APPLY ONLINE Click here to apply online and pay your deposit to secure your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW Once we've received your application, we'll be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.
GET PREPARED When you've been accepted onto your project we'll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.
We pride ourselves on providing you high quality placement information throughout your application process and whilst on the ground. Connect with us if you have any questions.
Use your skills and entrepreneurship spirit to participate in this Entrepreneurship for International Development Internship in Tanzania and help the local community generate new income and fight unemployment.
Join our social work and youth internship in South Africa and get involved in a local community while developing your professional skills in a different environment.
Join our human trafficking internship in South Africa and get involved with a local community on a worthy cause.
Develop your experience through an hospitality management internship in an African context working for an award winning backpacker lodge
Join our social work and youth internship in South Africa and get involved in a local community while developing your professional skills in a different environment.
Join our human trafficking internship in South Africa and get involved with a local community on a worthy cause.
Join our hospital and healthcare internship in South Africa and get involved in a local community while developing your professional skills and learning about healthcare in an African context.
Develop your experience through an hospitality management internship in an African context working for an award winning backpacker lodge
Join our occupational therapy in South Africa placement and get involved in a local community while learning about a different other than your own.


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Hello World! MOM has arrived in Cyber Space in rural Haiti with Satellite Internet. And, we did it with human power! With the use of the Pedal Watts System, electricity is being generated by pedaling a bicycle! Yep! You heard me…pedaling a bicycle that's attached to a generator and a power pack! It works!
On January 21, 2011, MOM's Satellite Internet was launched in the rural village of Petite Riviere De Nippes, Haiti. The internet opens a whole new world in that the system is part of a long-distance education program that will provide first class academic instruction by one of Haiti's top universities, the GOC University! Now in its rebuilding stage, the university will offer long-distances courses for teachers, pastors, at-risk-youth. All of MOM's development projects have training modules where locals are trained in a wide variety of skill sets that equip them to gain employment with the projects.
The system is powered by the Pedal Watts System. Energy is generated by pedaling a stationary bike and the electricity produced is stored in a deep-cell battery. Seven hours of pedaling will take care of the system's power needs for about 4 hours. A Power Team of strong young adults have volunteered to pedal for 1 ours per day to power the system. Phone calls can be made over the internet to the U.S. and Canada. The computer is set up with Skype so that we can communicate with the solar bakery's manager and other personnel in De Nippes.
Our goal is to build a sustainable urban village (SUV) where the latest sustainable and alternative technologies are at work! We have a good start…We have two of the world's largest solar ovens that are baking hundreds of loaves of bread daily with the sun. And, when solar energy is not available due to rainy weather, the ovens are equipped to use propane gas. This means that they can cook 24/7 if necessary. We are hoping that business will pick up to the point that we might have to operate around the clock. With internet access, the market will expand as word of internet capability and the availability of fresh baked bread spreads.
The internet will provide hours of education and entertainment for the villagers of all ages via internet and DVD media. Our projector system turns the laptop computer's screen into a "movie" screen which is projected onto the wall! A small amphitheater constructed of alternative materials and construction is planned for the village (SUV) in the future.
The internet will also provide much needed linkage to medical services, too. This is crucial in this age of digital communication with a vast array of human and social service resources on- line.
One of our biggest challenge is the education of the community about the value and need for alternative and sustainable technology. Their reluctance is the result of wanting "quick" solutions to expensive major problems such as the lack of infrastructure. The concept of pedaling for energy to run the internet is not particularly embraced. A generator that burns fossil fuel and "money" is the preferred source of energy! However, education and patience will result in acceptance eventually. A generator will not be used to run the system!
The internet opens up communication between the villagers and their families in other parts of Haiti and the world! Just imagine the joy of being able to communicate with family members living abroad and who may have been separated for long periods of time….even years! In Haiti, I am told that the Internet is mainly used for "making friends" on the social websites! Well, this aspect will be greatly limited unless volunteers agree to pedal around the clock!
We are researching the use of a flywheel system to increase the efficiency of our alternative and sustainable system. Flywheels are presently being used in several South American countries successfully for many tasks such as grinding grains, shelling nuts, powering tools, pumping water and all without the use of batteries.
This is an exciting time for MOM as the organization partners with universities to experiment with these sustainable technologies for use in De Nippes at our SUV. (Sustainable Urban Village) Project.
Computer literacy is a project that we wish to continue in rural areas. The desktop systems that were set up back in 2003 in Anse-a-veau have all "expired". They had been used many years before they were donated to MOM and so we are thankful for the time that they worked! Eventually, the systems were cannibalized for parts until they all had become inoperable as well as obsolete. We plan to establish a new computer lab in De Nippes order to start a computer literacy project.
This is why MOM is asking you to support our people to people efforts in Haiti. With your support, we will be able to successfully execute economic development projects that lead to self-sufficiency. It is about "teaching the people how to fish" rather than giving them a fish. Economic independence, education and self sufficiency is the way out of poverty. While the task is huge, we can solve the problem the same way one eats an elephant…. ONE BITE AT A TIME!!!
Here's a SmileBox of the Satellite System! Sit back and enjoy learning about how we are using human power to pedal our way to cyberspace. The use of human power is gaining popularity across the world. One can find many websites extolling the virtues of human muscle power to drive various technologies! Very interesting and educational, too.


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In Junior High, I was approached by my favorite teacher, Mrs. Drake. She wanted to know if I was okay. I had changed, she said. She was worried that something might be troubling me.
I was tired, I told her, doing my best to shrug off her inquiry with an air of adolescent nonchalance. But the truth is, she was right. I had changed.
She didn't push. Just offered her ear and any assistance I might need. Although I fantasized about telling her everything – all my dark secrets finally laid bare – I never took her up on her offer. Instead, I began to practice the fine art of blending in.
When other kids laughed at her jokes I painted a smile on my face. When she called on me, I answered with confidence; meeting the expectations of an advanced placement English class with my usual relative ease. For all intents and purposes, within two weeks of her inquiry I was back to "normal" and she never questioned me again.
It's an unwritten rule that children who are abused do not talk about it.
My theory is that that's because most often, the people who are mistreating—and yes, abusing—us are the same people we thought we could trust unequivocally. And as it turns out, we were wrong.
Why would we risk the unknown—and therefore very scary—consequences of telling anyone else when the people who are supposed to love and protect us are, in essence, through their behavior, letting us know that we are unworthy of both?
It pains me to admit that by the time Mrs. Drake approached me I was afraid to be at home. The truth is, I never knew what to expect or what version of my mother and step-father I was going to meet. Sometimes, the anxiety of not knowing was worse than the reality of who showed up.
That kind of mistrust and insecurity for a child leads to an indescribable loneliness.
That was the year that, despite my popularity and group of wonderful friends, I began to believe that I could not rely on anyone but myself.
At this point you're probably thinking that I had it really rough. That I must come from a place of severe abuse to have felt so isolated and despaired. I guess that would depend upon your definition of abuse.
If, like me, you believe that practices such as spanking, pulling hair, washing mouths out with soap, and locking a distressed child in her room until "she calms down" only to have her vomit all over herself are abuse, then you'd be right. But let's be clear, mistreatment and abuse take many, many forms.
For instance, the threat of violence, which is what I dealt with from my step-father much more than actual physical violence, is as menacing and as cruel as any of the actual slaps I endured. To create and feed that kind of fear in a child, so that s/he must always be on high alert, can result in an, at times, crippling anxiety.
The changes that Mrs. Drake so astutely observed in me were a direct result of that kind of anxiety. The kind that, at first, frightened me. And then saddened me until I had no choice but to harden myself against all the pain I had been forced to endure. Eventually, I was unable to feel anything more than a white hot anger and burning resentment that fuelled, what I thought at the time was my survival, but what I now know was the beginning of my slow and arduous descent into shame and self-loathing.
In some countries corporal punishment is now illegal. And in most western nations in recent decades, the notion that we have the right to strike our children is considered abhorrent; we assume that nobody does it anymore. Yet, the data shows otherwise.
In the U.S, more than 109,000 students were paddled, swatted, or otherwise physically punished in schools in 2014, according to Education Week Research Center analyses of federal civil rights data. Corporal punishment remains legal in 19 U.S states and is actively implemented in over 4000 schools.
Although the number of parents who spank their children at home is declining, it is heartbreaking to read that a 2013 Harris Poll found that among those with a child in the household, seventy eight percent believe that spanking is sometimes appropriate.
Thankfully, the American Academy of Pediatrics is now entering the arena, with a 2018 policy statement strongly disapproving of all forms of corporal punishment, including yelling at and shaming children.
As parents, we are change makers, so I implore all parents to think again.
For I promise that to your child, it is the not severity or regularity of spanking that will impact them the most, but the fact that it happens at all.
All any child wants—and most definitely needs—is to feel safe and secure. It is the most basic of biological needs. All living beings need a strong foundation from which to grow and thrive. A parent's words and actions can either nourish the soil of possibility or poison it.
It has taken years of painful and exhausting work for me to find healing and forgiveness. If you know me today you know that I have a close relationship with my mother. But it didn't—and sometimes still doesn't—come easily.
No matter how many times my mother has apologized, or my step-father had taken responsibility for his actions before he passed away, I still battle with resentment and anger, and a deep sadness. So much so, that at times I have had to distance myself from my mother, as recently as when my three-year-old son was born.
The truth is, because of the things that went on in my childhood, regardless of how often, the relationship I have with my parents today always feels somewhat tenuous; as though it could break at any moment if I let it. Sadly, unless I continuously choose to practice forgiveness and offer compassion for them as imperfect people I sometimes think I could let them go forever.
And that is not something I ever want my son to feel. I don't want to give him any reason to feel like his life might be better or easier without me in it, no matter how old he is. Nothing is more important to me than connection; than the sense of safety, security, and love it provides and that my son so desperately needs and deserves.
Spanking, yelling, threatening violence of any kind, timeouts and isolation all lead to disconnection and distrust.
We know that these behaviors do not produce the parent's desired effect, but instead contribute to aggression, self-destructive behaviors, and low self-esteem amongst other things. Most assuredly, they lead to a child distancing themselves from the people with whom they are meant to be closest. And sometimes, you just can't bridge that gap again. No matter what.
There are so many reasons not to inflict harm upon our children, either with our words or our actions. No one is perfect, and we'll all undoubtedly make mistakes. The probability of our asking our children for forgiveness for some transgression at some point is pretty high. The way in which we speak to and treat them from the earliest age will determine whether or not they will see us worthy of forgiveness.
Harris Poll, Four in Five Americans Believe Parents Spanking Their Children is Sometimes Appropriate.
Education Week, Corporal Punishment Use Found in Schools in 21 States
NPR, The American Academy of Pediatrics on Spanking Children: Don't Do It Ever
New York Times, Spanking Is Ineffective and Harmful To Children, Pediatrician's Group Says


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Crete Property Uncovered
Are you thinking of buying or building a house on the Greek Island of Crete?
What Are Your Experiences Already? - Have you Purchased or Had Built a Property on Crete?
Then tell others (in strictest confidence, if you wish) about your relationship with home builders, architects, lawyers and housing project developers - whether these experiences have been good, bad or indifferent in building your dream home:
Note: You will soon appreciate that there are a number of variations in name spellings in English for Greek locations on Crete. Here are just a few examples of anglicized versions Crete's four counties/prefectures:
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Requip is a dopamine agonist, a drug used to treat certain medical conditions, including Parkinson's disease as well as restless leg syndrome (RLS). There are two versions, an extended-release variant and an immediate-release drug. The extended-release drug may be used only by patients with Parkinson's disease. The immediate release drug may be used by patients with either of these two conditions.
How it Works
This drug works by imitating a substance called dopamine, which is normally found in the brain. In some individuals, the levels of dopamine present are abnormal. If there is insufficient dopamine in the brain, the normal transmission of signals between neurons in the brain is hindered. This is what takes place in the case of people with Parkinson's disease. Requip works by offering a substitute for the lacking dopamine and thus helps to normalize the signal transmission.
Requip is primarily used in the treatment of symptoms exhibited by patients with Parkinson's disease or RLS. It can only be taken with the prescription of a doctor and should be consumed in precise dosages as instructed.
The dosage required will depend on the condition of the patient and the severity of the symptoms. A doctor will advise on the frequency and quantity of the drug to be taken orally. This should not be altered in any way without a doctor's permission. These tablets should not be crushed, chewed, or broken.
Side Effects
It may take several weeks for symptoms to improve, but some side effects may present from the commencement of this drug. Minor side effects that you may experience include:
Acid stomach
Back pain
Lowered libido
Dry mouth
Difficulty passing stool
Weight loss
Appetite loss
Contact your doctor if more serious side effects occur, such as:
Worsening symptoms of condition
Twitching or unusual movements
There may be other side effects that are not listed above.
Some individuals are advised against taking Requip. If you smoke, have high or low blood pressure, are suffering from kidney disease, or have experienced heart problems, you should not take Requip. It is also not advised for use by people with sleep disorders like narcolepsy or any conditions that cause daytime drowsiness. Avoid drinking alcohol with the use of this drug.
Some patients may be at higher risk for developing other conditions, so it is important to disclose your complete medical history to your doctor prior to taking Requip. Clarify what symptoms you should be vigilant for and any other dietary and lifestyle restrictions you must adhere to.
Inform your doctor if you know that you are pregnant or if you are breastfeeding. It has not been determined yet whether this medication can affect a child in utero or newborn child. The medication is only prescribed for individuals over the age of 18.
Self Care
Do not adjust your dosage without explicit instructions from your doctor. Store the medication in a cool and dry place, away from sunlight. You may take Requip with or without food. Avoid suddenly stopping the drug as it may cause withdrawal symptoms. Inform your doctor if the symptoms do not improve after several weeks of use.


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Cater2.me is a growing mid-size startup on a mission to make eating at work amazing. We're changing the way employees eat by drawing from a diverse set of local, passionate food providers that are making company meals more exciting inside and outside of the office. We work collaboratively across 11 US markets, from San Francisco and New York to Austin and LA.
Our onsite team is responsible for being a frontline member, working with food vendors to ensure meals are delivered and set up properly for our clients. Our ideal Catering Captain has a background in customer service, hospitality, or food & beverage team and has experience and passion for food.


text: Transfer pricing: US readies adoption of OECD's country-by-country reporting requirement – implications for US taxpayers Global Tax Alert Share this 4 MAR 2015 By: Sirathorn B.J. Dechsakulthorn Paul Flignor The US Treasury Department has announced plans to implement a country-by-country (CbC) reporting requirement starting for fiscal years beginning in 2016 as set out in the guidance issued by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development on February 6, 2015. The OECD guidance follows its September 2014 report on transfer pricing documentation. The guidance proposes a three-tiered documentation approach consisting of (1) a master file providing high-level information on the global business operations of a multinational enterprise (MNE); (2) a local file providing entity-level information on intercompany transactions of the MNE; and (3) a country-by-country report providing information on revenues, profits, taxes accrued and paid, capital, headcount, and other indicators. This action is one of 15 actions comprising the OECD Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) initiative in response to tax administrations' concerns regarding corporate tax planning strategies that artificially shift profits to low-tax jurisdictions. Action 13 transfer documentation requirements assist in furthering the OECD BEPS project by providing transparency into the worldwide operations of MNEs so that tax administrations can perform meaningful transfer pricing risk assessments while encouraging MNEs to carefully consider transfer pricing requirements in establishing intercompany pricing policies. The February OECD guidance delivers specific recommendations relating to the implementation of the CbC reporting requirement, some of them addressing contentious issues: Timing: Suggests that the initial CbC reports be filed for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2016, indicating that the CbC reports for MNEs with fiscal years ending December 31, 2016 are due by December 31, 2017. Exemption for smaller MNEs: Groups with less than €750 million (approximately $840 million) annual consolidated group revenue would not be required to file a CbC report. Confidentiality: Jurisdictions should enforce legal protections to preserve the confidentiality of CbC reports. Some commentators have questioned if sufficient protections are offered by current treaties to protect sensitive information. Consistency: Jurisdictions should use the standard OECD CbC reporting template, with no requirements for additional information. Appropriate use: Jurisdictions may use the CbC report for assessing transfer pricing and other BEPS-related risks, but jurisdictions should not propose adjustments based solely on the data provided in the report. CbC implementation and government exchange of information: Jurisdictions should require ultimate parent entities to file CbC reports in a timely manner and exchange this information with jurisdictions in which the MNE operates. In cases where a jurisdiction fails to collect and share the information, a secondary mechanism will be accepted (e.g., moving requirement to next tier parent country or local filing). Implementation package: A comprehensive package establishing protocols for the governmental exchange of CbC reports will be issued by the OECD by April 2015. The Treasury announcement, issued by its representative Brian Jenn, indicated that the US plans to meet, or will try to meet, all of the OECD's recommendations for implementation of CbC reporting. While the US has not yet issued its own CbC reporting template, Mr. Jenn stated that the US will develop a form consistent with the OECD CbC template. The US will exchange CbC information with other tax authorities under bilateral tax treaties and tax information exchange agreements. What do US MNE taxpayers need for CbC compliance? Most of the compulsory information in the OECD CbC template is currently reported by United States entities that are required to file Forms 5471/5472. However, the CbC template expands on the information reported in Forms 5471/5472 by requiring annual data on entities that are not controlled foreign corporations (CFCs) − for example, entities under the check-the-box rules. Other information required in the OECD CbC template that is not covered in Forms 5471/5472 include: The entity's tax residence Constituent entities resident in the entity's jurisdiction of tax residence Number of employees, by jurisdiction and Table 3: Additional information necessary to facilitate understanding of information in the CbC report. While the OECD has indicated flexibility in the best source of data (such as consolidated or local GAAP), providing the required data may present a challenge to taxpayers depending on their information systems and complexity of their group holding structures. Implications for US MNE taxpayers CbC reporting provides tax authorities with increased visibility into the financial and operating nature of MNEs. In line with the overall purpose of the OECD BEPS initiative, tax administrators are concerned that profits of MNEs may be misaligned with the economic activities generating the profits. For example, one risk assessment factor generated from CbC reporting that tax authorities will inevitably examine are companies located in low-tax jurisdictions with low numbers of employees and high profits. In addition, as discussed above, US MNEs are now required to share data of their non-CFC entities used in their tax planning strategies. As the CbC reporting requirement has moved from a future possibility to a definitive requirement in 2017, MNEs may want to consider the appropriateness of their tax footprint with their business activities. CbC reporting is the initial tool for tax administrators to consider the appropriateness of intercompany pricing arrangements. As additional Action Items are released over 2015, a clearer picture of the OECD recommendations for addressing perceived transfer pricing abuses will emerge. DLA Piper will continue to track OECD and US BEPS developments and issue further updates as information becomes available. Find out more by contacting the authors.


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Investors are skeptical about extreme dividends these days. A quick screen shows that 106 companies sport a yield of at least 10% today. Of these, only 10 have beaten the S&P 500 benchmark over the last year. For every market-beating SandRidge Mississippian Trust I
It's not like the market-beaters are far and away higher-quality businesses than the losers. The losers all have upsides and the current winners are far from perfect.
All four of the stocks mentioned above score at least four out of five stars in our CAPS stock-grading system. The Fool has both recommended mobile operator France Telecom and bought shares of it -- and I own some, too. Fellow Fool Brian Pacampara took a look at oil and gas investment fund Enerplus to see if it was poised for a big comeback.
On the other hand, Fool Isac Simon keeps a wary eye on SandRidge's massive debt load and worries that "poor decisions taken in the past could come back to haunt management." Alex Dumortier likes mortgage REIT American Capital Agency just fine, but believes that Spanish bank Banco Santander
Here's the part that might surprise you: Even though my own France Telecom holding lands on the losing side of this skepticism right now, I totally applaud investors for considering the risks in any high-yield stock.
When dividend yields soar, it's either due to remarkable payouts or collapsing share prices. In many cases, prices on high-yielding shares fall because investors worry about coming dividend cuts. Indeed, Enerplus recently moved from cash payouts to a share-based dividend and France Telecom executives were caught talking about lower payouts in 2013 -- there's a mobile price war brewing in Europe and the company may need some extra cash to weather that storm.
So go ahead and consider the risks inherent in super-rich dividends. Fantastic payouts can be overwhelmed by falling market values, particularly if the collapse is followed -- or started -- by a dividend cut.
If extreme payouts leave you shaking your head over their risky nature, you should have a look at nine rock-solid dividend stocks that can secure your retirement. These yields may be a bit lower, but so are the market risks. This special report is free for a limited time, so get your copy right now.


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Peter Michael, Ma Danseuse Pinot Noir, Fort Ross-Seaview 2013
Peter Michael's steep Seaview Estate vineyards are on the reverse-slope of the first ridgeline in from the Pacific, with vine material from Burgundy. The plummy fruit, rich earth, rose and spice of this cuvée evoke the Côte d'Or: ample and authoritative. Lofty alcohol, but its vivid fruit tones avoid torrefaction.
Alc 15.1%
Price: UK – £136 Hedonism. US – $124.99 – $155 Newton Wines, Belmont Wine Exchange*
Taster: William Kelley
*US stockists from Wine-Searcher.com


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The fastest soccer ball ever kicked had a speed of 132 miles per hour. Brazilian soccer player Ronny Heberson is responsible for this kick.
This kick dates back to 2006 when Heberson played for Sporting Lisbon. The team was competing against Naval and Heberson kicked the ball at the 88-minute mark for the game. Heberson is a fullback and his kick is currently in the Guinness Book of World Records. Only one other soccer player comes close to this speed; in 1996, David Hirst kicked a soccer ball at 114 miles per hour in a game where his team the Sheffield Wednesday played Arsenal.