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Driverless Cars to be tested ahead of Christmas Launch.
It looks like Santa's sleigh will not be the only fully autonomous vehicle on the streets of London this December!
It has been announced that a Government-backed consortium headed by Oxford University spinoff, Oxbotica will test a fleet of driverless cars on the streets of our capital this week. Should all go to plan, it is hoped that the UK's first fleet of totally driverless vehicles will hit the roads before Christmas.
If Hounslow, West London happens to be your stomping ground, then you may bear witness to these vehicles as they are taught to navigate features such as road signs and lane markings. Experts are hopeful; successful trials have already taken place in Oxbotica's home city of Oxford.
Insurance provider AXA, UK registry domain Nominet and multinational telecommunications manufacturer, Telefonica make up the consortium alongside Oxbotica.
The consortium was awarded an £8.6 million grant from Innovate UK to run the trials, which, if successful, will culminate in a fleet of autonomous vehicles running between Oxford and London in 2019.
The vehicles will be fitted with software from Oxbotica. It will enable the cars to share data with each other, providing alerts to hazards on the road. Other tech fitted to the vehicles will include radar and a variety of sensors, onboard computers and cameras.
According to Oxbotica, the tests will be repeated several times on different dates so that cars can learn how the streets change depending on lighting conditions.
Dr Graeme Smith, chief executive of Oxbotica, said: "These trials further demonstrate to the wider UK public that connected and autonomous vehicles will play an important role in the future of transport. This milestone shows the advanced state of our capabilities and firmly keeps us on the road to provide the technology needed to revolutionise road travel."
Earlier editions of Our Week in Digital have underlined the dominance of the UK in the development of the driverless car. Indeed, experts have highlighted the adverse road and weather conditions of the UK as true indicators of these cars' abilities. After all, if you can navigate the congested streets of London…potholes and all…you can drive anywhere!
Amazon to sell software that can read medical records
A doctors annotation is notoriously difficult to interpret, but this week it has been alleged that Amazon will sell software that is able to read medical records and from them, make suggestions regarding treatment and budget.
The service will be called Amazon Comprehend Medical and in short is cloud software combining text analysis and machine learning to read patient records. Once those records are digitised and uploaded to Comprehend Medical, it is able to select and organise information about a range of medical processes. Diagnoses, treatments, medication dosage, and patient symptoms for example.
There have been algorithms in the past which have tried to do the same thing. However, they have proven to be unsuccessful. Abbreviations in the shorthand of doctors have been a stumbling block and caused previous attempts to fail. Amazon, however, claim to have trained its system to recognise these idiosyncrasies. In turn, patients can then use the service to help manage different aspects of their treatment, including scheduling healthcare visits and prescription medicines or determining insurance eligibility.
This is another move into the health care market for Amazon. Back in June, the Silicon Valley Giant bought the online pharmacy PillPack and they already sell private label over-the-counter drugs through a partnership with Perrigo. They have also obtained pharmacy licenses in a few US states, and are permitted to distribute medical devices all across America.
Amazon are not the first large tech company to extend its reach into the healthcare space. Earlier this year, Apple released a feature that lets customers view their hospital medical records on their iPhones. Alongside this, Google recently hired former Geisinger CEO, David Feinberg to streamline the healthcare initiatives across its business, including search, Google Brain, Google Fit, and Nest.
The uploading of medical records to the cloud for machine learning analysis has caused some to question how Comprehend Medical will ensure patient privacy. In response to this, Amazon says patient data is encrypted and can only be unlocked by customers who have a key. They also claim no data processed will be stored or used for training its algorithms. In addition, Comprehend Medical complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Comprehend Medical is already being previewed by companies Roche Diagnostics and the Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center in Seattle. By using the software to analyse "millions of clinical notes," Amazon says the centre was able to reduce the time it needed to process each document "from hours, to seconds."
If this product from Amazon can escalate the services that critically ill patients can recieve, then it will dramatically improve the long term prognosis and efficacy of patient care.
Indeed, Matthew Trunnell, the CIO of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre, said "For cancer patients and the researchers dedicated to curing them, time is the limiting resource. The process of developing clinical trials and connecting them with the right patients requires research teams to sift through and label mountains of unstructured medical record data. Amazon Comprehend Medical will reduce this time burden from hours per record to seconds. This is a vital step toward getting researchers rapid access to the information they need when they need it so they can find actionable insights to advance lifesaving therapies for patients."
Apple launch app development program for female entrepreneurs.
Apple are set to better support female led or founded businesses by launching its new Entrepreneur Camp, a technology lab based on app development.
The free two-week camp will begin in January and will give female founders the opportunity to receive personal coding assistance from Apple engineers. They will also be given guidance regarding design, technology and app store marketing.
In order to be able to enrol, the company must be led, founded or co-founded by women. In an industry which is notoriously patriarchal, it must also have at least one female on its development team.
Broadly speaking, it is hoped that the camp will help keep more women in the workplace and encourage more women into leadership roles. Additionally, Apple's Senior Director of Worldwide Developer Marketing, Esther Hare believes that the program will serve as a platform which may help to increase the chances of women to raise funding for their enterprises. This year, it was reported that female founders have raised just 2.2% of all US Venture Capital Investment.
As this is an Apple-run scheme, it is an iOS programme. However, Android-based companies need not miss out. In fact, it is an invaluable insight into Apple's ecosystem and an opportunity to get direct support from the technologies creators.
The scheme truly has learning at its core. This ethos is perhaps best demonstrated by the fact that once accepted onto the scheme, the lucky participant is then able to extend the benefits out to her team. The program allows the core recipient to invite up to three others to the lab.
"Even if they're not the most advanced, they get to come to the workshop to get support, network and skill development," Hare goes on to say.
This is not an isolated scheme. Apple have taken on similar workshops, talks and accelerators in the past, but this is the first that has a particular demographic at its heart. Although this is the first that is female-focused, Hare states that Apple have developed this program with all "underrepresented minorities in mind – particularly women of colour".
Red Hat acquire cloud data management service, Noobaa.
A huge $34 billion is the price that tech giant IBM are likely to pay for open source software providers Red Hat. While this deal is yet to be finalised, it seems that this hasn't stopped Red Hat from going shopping themselves. In the interim, Red Hat are running independently and have just acquired NooBaa. This Tel-Aviv based startup helps enterprise customers manage their data more easily and access their various data providers through a single API.
Noobaa are a good fit for Red Hat and will slide seamlessly into its portfolio. At its core, NooBaa are all about bringing together various data silos. Red Hat already have OpenShift , the OpenShift Container Platform, along with its Ceph Storage service. Noobaa will add to this range of hybrid cloud tools.
Ranga Rangachari is the VP and general manager for storage and hyper-converged infrastructure at Red Hat. Of the acquisition, he states that "NooBaa's technologies will augment our portfolio and strengthen our ability to meet the needs of developers in today's hybrid and a multi-cloud world". He goes on to say that "we are thrilled to welcome a technical team of nine to the Red Hat family as we work together to further solidify Red Hat as a leading provider of open hybrid cloud technologies."
AWS launches a base station for Satellites as a Service
The AWS re:Invent conference takes place in Las Vegas this week, and Amazon Web Services have chosen this platform as its opportunity to announce a new service for satellite providers. The launch of AWS Ground Station, will be the first fully managed ground station as a service.
This new service will provide ground antennas through their existing network of worldwide availability zones. It will also facilitate the simplification of data retrieval and processing services for satellite customers or for others who consume the satellite data.
Although this is a concept that hadn't been considered by AWS before, CEO Andy Jassy pointed out that it is one that has been welcomed and prompted by customers;
"Customers said that we have so much data in space with so many applications that want to use that data. Why don't you make it easier?"
Before the advent of this service, companies had to build these base stations themselves. Only then could they harvest the data from the satellites as they passed over the base stations distributed here on Earth, wherever they happened to be. Having satellites as a managed service greatly simplifies every aspect of the workflow.
Not only will it streamline the process, it will also allow developers to get their hands on the satellite data faster than ever before.
Holger Mueller, an analyst at Constellation Research believes "To rule real-world application use cases you need to make maps and real-time spatial data available in an easy-to-consume, real-time and affordable way,"
AWS Ground Station looks likely to address and solve these issues too. Every aspect of the satellite data retrieval and processing operation for the enterprise company is handled by AWS, greatly reducing the cost and complexity associated with it.
Customers and partners involved in the Ground Station preview include Lockheed Martin, Open Cosmos, HawkEye360 and DigitalGlobe. At the conference, AWS outlined their plan. They will start with two ground stations as they launch the service, but hope to expand it to 12 by the middle of next year.
Microsoft become the world's most valuable company.
16 years after they lost their crown in the aftermath of the DotCom crash, Microsoft has, once again, become the world's most valuable publically listed company. On Wednesday it was announced that the tech giant had overtaken rivals Apple to reach the top spot.
Reports published mid-week saw Microsoft's market value reach $850bn (£664bn), seeing it surpass its rival for the first time since 2010. This comes off the back of a prolonged decline in Apple's share price.
Microsoft have enjoyed a boost in fortune since the arrival of Satya Nadella as CEO just under 5 years ago. Since that time, Microsoft have seen its share price triple. By contrast, amid reports of the decline in the sales of the iPhone, Apple's share price has fallen by 25% since its peak earlier this year.
Under the leadership of Mr Nadella, Microsoft have shifted their focus away from the "at home" consumer. Instead, they have focused their efforts toward enterprise and those business customers who use their software. This diversion has cooled the well-publicised rivalry between the two Silicon Valley leaders. Apple and Microsoft fell out after the Windows software collaboration went sour back in 1985.
Currently, Microsoft are focusing on playing to their strengths. They are concentrating on the cloud computing arm of their business while sidelining those divisions which have been less than fruitful. Their failed efforts in dominating the smartphone market is just one example of this. It could be argued that "Nokia-gate" was a disastrous attempt to compete with Apple directly.
Apple became the first company to hit a trillion-dollar valuation in August, and since 2013 have been the world's most valuable company. Microsoft and Apple were founded less than a year apart, in 1975 and 1976 respectively. Since then they have spent much of their life as bitter rivals. Since then their fortunes have ping-ponged back and forth. For the moment at least, however, it seems that Microsoft have the upper hand.
Microsoft to supply HoloLens headsets to US troops.
In our last piece of news this week our attention stay with Microsoft. In a deal with the Department for Defence, Microsoft have been awarded a $480m (£374m) sum to provide the US Army with the latest in holographic headsets. The soldiers will use this revolutionary piece of equipment in order to detect enemies whilst on the battlefield.
The technology giant will provide up to 120,000 versions of its HoloLens device to the military. It will be used to "increase lethality by enhancing the ability to detect, decide and engage before the enemy," the US Department for Defense said.
The HoloLens device is worn around the head and over the eyes. It works by projecting virtual images onto the real world. The wearer is then able to interact with the graphics using hand gestures like a pinch or pointing an index finger, for example.
HoloLens was launched in 2015 and is not yet available for use by the general public. It is, however, being successfully used by commercial clients. Ford and Volvo use it for designing cars and Lowe's, a hardware shop in the US uses HoloLens to help customers try out different paint colours on virtual walls. It is also being used for more exciting projects. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory have been using it to project holograms of Mars Rover images, giving scientists an opportunity to explore the red planet.
The US and Israeli Armies have already been using the device to train recruits. However, in this latest contract, the DoD have requested the tech be more sophisticated. Features such as thermal sensing, night vision and the ability to check vital signs like breathing are to be included in the winning piece of tech.
It is undeniable that being able to recreate and provide a greater layer of information will empower and enable the troops on the front line. Indeed, of the partnership, a spokesman from Microsoft revealed that "Augmented reality technology will provide troops with more and better information to make decisions. This new work extends our longstanding, trusted relationship with the DoD to this new area.


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Recently Youtube changed the website's homepage layout yet again in an effort to keep on top of the everchanging world of online video, but many are saying the new layout sucks. Youtube, in a post on the Youtube Blog claims "some" have mentioned that they don't like it and that others say they love it. You can read about the changes here: New YouTube homepage launches to all users.
What is your opinion? The video below is from jussttom who expresses in no uncertain terms what his impression of the changes made to Youtube are:
Looking at the numerous negative comments made on many videos about the changes, there seems to be a large portion of users of the website who feel the usability of Youtube suffers with the changes made.
Like jussttom mentions, the grid showing all the latest videos has been removed with a scrolling tower (similar to comments on Twitter or Facebook) has replaced it forcing users to scroll down the list to find those videos they want to watch. Personally I think the new format diminishes the enjoyment of site.
Most websites want their important content above the fold or immediately visable to visitors of the website and with the grid, you had a quick scan of almost all of the youtubers you were subscribed to right there in front of you. Now you have to scroll and scoll down the page. This new layout takes away the option to a certain extent to view those videos you really want to watch immediately.
Suppose you are a fan of Ray William Johnson or Phil DeFranco or Shane Dawson. With the old layout you could see almost immediately when they posted a new video and could quickly click to watch them. With the new layout, you are forced to bypass others who you are subscribed in order to watch your particular favorites.
There are some channels that you want to watch as soon as they post and not have to search for by scrolling down the page. Not everyone spends hours and hours on Youtube and with this new format some of those who are not the most subscribed or popular will lose views from the casual Youtube user. That means less money for Youtube partners with smaller audiences.
What to expect on an East African Safari?
2 months ago

subset: commoncrawl


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You are invited to the First Nations Health Authority and BC Patient Safety & Quality Council cultural safety and cultural humility webinar action series! 12 webinar events will take place over the next year to encourage participation, learning, self-reflection and positive change among BC's healthcare professionals.
The series will support development of tools and skills on how to be effective allies for advancing cultural safety and humility and what health service staff and allies can do to understand and integrate this work into their practice or interaction with First Nations and Aboriginal Clients.
Hear from thought leaders such as Joe Gallagher, Dr. Evan Adams, Dr. Nadine Caron, Margo Greenwood, and representatives from each regional health authority in the province.
Webinar 11: Leading with Culture in First Nations Community Contexts
First Nations in BC have practised traditional healing and wellness since time immemorial. Today, traditional wellness approaches have a vital role in improving overall health and wellness for First Nations. Services that are consistent with First Nations values and principles and reflect First Nations models of health and wellness are an essential attribute of quality health services.
Elder Virginia Peters will share what traditional healing and wellness means in her region and what is important in delivering traditional wellness programming as a part of providing culturally safe services for First Nations. Dr. McDonald will overview what the FNHA has been hearing from Elders, Health Directors, and traditional healers across BC over the last few years.
Virginia Peters is the Elder for the First Nations Health Directors Association and has worked in First Nations health programming since 1972. She was the Health Manager for St'ailes for many years and will speak to how her community has integrated traditional healing and wellness into their health programming. She firmly believes that culture and spirituality are the key to healing and rebuilding the strength of our families and communities. Including culture and traditional healing into health programming is a part of providing culturally safe services for First Nations.
Dr. Shannon McDonald is the Deputy Chief Medical Officer for the First Nations Health Authority. She works with regional health authorities and partners to ensure high quality, coordinated and complementary health services are being offered by their organizations and the FNHA to First Nations peoples in BC. Dr. McDonald reports on population and public health issues that require a collaborative and coordinated response, and leads communications on any that require immediate action.
Webinar 10: Responding to Anti-Indigenous Racism in the Health Care System
With Yvette Ringham Cowan and Laurie Harding
Stemming from a history of colonialism and ongoing racism in Canada, Indigenous people continue to experience many harms when trying to access health care. This presentation will take a closer look at where and how these harms tend to occur in the system, and what we can start doing as individuals and organizations in response. Drawing on lessons learned from the San'yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training program, this webinar will unpack the ways anti-Indigenous racism and stereotyping show up in health care settings and share insights on responding to racism and discrimination through Indigenous cultural safety approaches.
Yvette Ringham Cowan is of mixed Kwakwaka'wakw and English ancestry and has been working as a cultural safety facilitator for several years, focusing on supporting non-Indigenous folks to increase their own and their organization's capacity to create culturally safe interactions and environments. She has joined the San'yas team from Vancouver Island Health. Yvette holds the position of Indigenous Cultural Safety (ICS) Integration Lead working on the development and implementation of ICS knowledge integration activities and the ICS Strategy.
Laurie Harding is a White Settler with Scottish and English ancestry and has been working as a cultural safety facilitator with the San'yas team for seven years. She supports non-Indigenous Settlers and organizations to increase their capacity to create safer interactions and environments. Her doctoral research is focused on the impact of Indigenous stereotypes on service providers' attitudes and actions. Laurie is currently an Indigenous Cultural Safety Integration Lead, which involves working to help providers integrate Indigenous Cultural Safety knowledge into their work or practice.
Webinar 9: Cultural Safety Framework and Action Plan from Vancouver Coastal Health with Leslie Bonshor
Leslie will be speaking about how to transform and work within a regional health authority
• How do we put cultural safety and humility into practice?• What do we do to hardwire the indigenous lens into everything that we do?
• How do we put cultural safety and humility into practice?
• What do we do to hardwire the indigenous lens into everything that we do?
She will be exploring the multiple levels of support/enablers
• HR recruitment and retention practices, finance, organization systems, physical space and beyond
Leslie Bonshor is a member of Tzeachten First Nation. As the Aboriginal Health Executive Advisor at Vancouver Coastal Health, she provides strategic direction and guidance to the CEO and Senior Executive Team at Vancouver Coastal Health on challenges, priorities, and issues related to improving the health of the Indigenous population. Previously, she was Aboriginal Health Director at Fraser Health for 8 years. In this role, she provided leadership within Fraser Health by planning, supporting and guiding the implementation of initiatives designed to improve the health of Indigenous people.
Prior to working in health care, Leslie provided business support and consulting services to First Nations communities and organizations in the Fraser Valley, including project management, communications strategies, and policy development. Leslie has extensive expertise in Indigenous health strategic leadership, policy, primary health care and community based health delivery.
Webinar 7: Cultural Safety: Respect and Dignity in Relationships
Indigenous Peoples and the Health Care System
Join Hilary McGregor - Lead, Knowledge Translation and Community Engagement, Victoria Carter - Lead, Engagement and Integration, and Julia Petrasek MacDonald - Lead, Knowledge Broker and Community Engagement from Northern Health's newly branded Indigenous Health team for the next installment of the First Nations Health Authority and BC Patient Safety & Quality Council Cultural Humility Webinar Series.
The team, along with local partners, will present an overview of Northern Health resources that support cultural safety, along with specific examples of resources and initiatives developed and undertaken by local Aboriginal Health Improvement Committees.
Webinar 6: Cultural Humility and Nursing in BC
Nurses play an important role in delivering quality care for First Nations communities in BC. Nurses are sometimes the first and only local health support for rural and remote communities, and can be a trusted source of advice. What does cultural safety and humility mean as a nurse working in a First Nations community? How can nurses working with First Nations and Aboriginal peoples approach the work in a good way to ensure their care is safe?
This webinar will feature FNHA Chief Nursing Officer Becky Palmer, and nurses Inez Louis from the Sto:lo Nation and Lisa Sam from Nak'azdli. This webinar is open to all health and social services staff with a particular focus on nurses who interact with First Nations and Aboriginal peoples. We'll hear from First Nations nurses on how they integrate cultural safety into their work and practical tips on how others can do the same.
Webinar 5: Pursuing Cultural Safety
The politics of acknowledgement come to the fore in Fraser Health's Indigenous Cultural Safety debrief circle sessions. Facilitated by Aboriginal Health Liaison, Carol Peters, the debrief circle sessions are a training opportunity founded on the principles of inclusivity, respect and intentionality. Through a talking circle, participants undertake a personal and professional journey of self-discovery. In this space, buried biases can be unearthed and intentional practices towards reconciliation may be realized. Join Fraser Health's Aboriginal Health team as they discuss the challenges and successes of unearthing bias in the health care system and countering tendencies to create cultural risk.
Webinar 4: Intergenerational Trauma and Institutional Avoidance
At this year's National Health Leaders Conference, 73% of delegates voted Indigenous Health as Canada's top healthcare priority. There is no question that the country is paying attention to the unacceptable health gaps between First Nations and non-Aboriginal.
Reconciliation is an essential dimension of improving healthcare quality; only, too often reconciliation is viewed as focusing on the injustices of the past. In this webinar, hear from Dr. Evan Adams about how reconciliation is an everyday act that physicians can undertake to ensure greater cultural safety for Indigenous clients. We'll review communication styles and everyday practical tips that physicians can take today to make the healthcare experience safer.
Webinar 3: The Importance of Story to Cultural Safety Webinar
Colonization has impacted a people's story. In our spheres of influence, both personally and professionally, we must situate cultural safety to place, to the land, and to the geography in which we work, play, and live. How will you get to know the story specific to your place? What does investing in cultural safety look like in your organization to make impactful change?
Join Brad Anderson and Vanessa Mitchell from Interior Health as they explore the importance of understanding a people's story in the realm of cultural safety.
Webinar 2:
Learning and Advancing the Recommendations of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission with Shelley Joseph
Our country's history and present day are shared and co-created realities. Actively participating in the reconciliation process in Canada is one way that we can begin to take responsibility for our shared history and future together. Acknowledging and reconciling our past and present are fundamentally important to the health and wellbeing of Indigenous peoples and all Canadians. Reconciliation occurs at both the individual and systemic levels.
Join Shelley Joseph to learn how to effect daily acts of reconciliation at the individual level and how to grow reconciliation at home, at work and in our communities.
Event Poster (PDF 194 KB)


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Welcome to the Scarlet Lime Newsletter
We all need a little fun in the
middle of the week, so why not a MID week NEWSLETTER! Last week I
promised you a fun surprise in the middle of the week.. and here it is!
Not only do we have a cool new sketch from Sonda.. but some beautiful
inspiration from some of our Scarlet Lime Customers.. PLUS a SPECIAL
giveaway.. that is ALL on it's own.. we have a special sponsor for this
MID week giveaway.. so make sure you check it out below and get signed
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
August Card AND
This month,
Cassonda Tadlock
has given us a little "fun" surprise! Not only did she do a card
sketch, but she shows you how to convert the card sketch into a
layout as well! HOW cool is that! Thanks girl for all your hard work
Remember to post your cards using her sketch on our Flicker Group!
Can't wait to see what you all do :)
To see more pictures of the sketch and the cards she created with
it, simply click on the link below.
Scarlet Lime Flickr Group
Can't wait to see you there!
Speaking of Sketches... I
wanted to let you know about a new ONLINE Class that our Artist Team
member, Valerie Salmon.. and our Guest artist Janna Wilson, are
doing together! Their first class, Got Sketch 101.. was a TON of
fun.. and this class is no different! Sign ups are now.. and classes
begin September 1st! What a great way to use up all of our Scarlet
Lime Kits from the past few months! Can't wait for it!
to sign up visit their website at
These two layouts of inspiration, were done by
Sophia Soh! She used both the
July main kit and the June main kit for these two projects. She just
has a fun eclectic style.. and I can't help but LOVE the family
Thanks Soph for sharing!
This layout was sent to me
Heather Bowser, using our
NEW August kit that just arrived THIS week! way to get out and SCRAP
girl! YOU ROCK! So simple.. and SO easily to scraplift! Thanks for
the inspiration!
okay.. okay.. so..
Ivy Pe, (my dear friend) doesn't know
I am using this layout.. but I just LOVED the playfulness of it..
and simpleness of this layout! I just had to share it! LOL
Thanks girl :)
so are you ready for a COOL
giveaway! This midweek newsletter is sponsored by one of my FAVORITE
gals (my sister in law Brooke!).. Many of you know her because of
her Etsy website..
Tattered Tags.. but she has also
recently debuted a COOL new website.. called,
Cheap, and you won't believe the
Scrapping deals you will find on her website! They post ONE deal a day..
and once it's gone, it's gone. The prices are unbelievable.. up to 99%
off retail price of cool scrapbooking products.. it's amazing! Today's
deal ROCKS.. so make sure you go check it out!
She is our prize sponsor for
this newsletter and is giving away TWO prize packs worth over $50.00
All you have to do is post on
blog post to get entered to win and we
will announce the winners on our blog THIS Friday (when we will announce
the winners of last weeks Friday giveaways).. Plus post another
giveaway on Friday as well.. so make sure you check out her site.. post
on our blog to enter to win.. and get in on all the fun!
oh and If you aren't receiving
our newsletter in your inbox and would like too, simply go to the home
page of our website to get signed up!


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One of the most important legal cases in Britain's constitutional history will get underway at the High Court today.
Three of the most senior judges in the UK will rule whether the government is legally required to pass an act of parliament before triggering Article 50 and formally starting Britain's divorce from the European Union.
Mischon de Reya, a law firm based in central London, will represent one of the claimants, businesswoman Gina Miller, who Business Insider interviewed in August.
Miller's case argues that UK government cannot use royal prerogative to take Britain out of the European Union. It must seek the consent of parliament, the case says.
The case will not only go a long way to determining how and when Britain leaves the 28-nation bloc but will re-shape the country's constitutional landscape. "It is a constitutional blockbuster," barrister Jack Williams told Business Insider.
At the very least, it may delay Prime Minister Theresa May's promise of triggering Article 50 in March, according to the Financial Times. The decision in the High Court will almost certainly be appealed to the Supreme Court in December.
Williams, along with fellow lawyers Gerry Facenna QC, who has acted on behalf of the UK in numerous cases in the European Court of Justice, and Anneli Howard, outlined the key arguments which will be raised in Miller's case.
These are the basic arguments (paraphrased):
- Has a constitutionally-valid decision been made for the UK to withdraw from the EU and formally notify its withdrawal under Article 50?
- Can the Government notify the decision to withdraw using royal prerogative alone or must it secure Parliamentary approval?
In particular:
- Hasn't the government's power to use royal prerogative been removed by past legislation, such as the European Communities Act (1972), the Bill of Rights (1689), Acts of the Union and creation of devolution settlements for Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales?
- Does royal prerogative extend to allowing the government to remove fundamental citizenship rights derived from EU law?
- Would exercising royal prerogative be abusive by undermining Parliamentary Sovereignty, the proper role of the government as outlined by the constitution, and/or the rule of law?
It may sound complicated. But the premise of the case is pretty simple: it is not lawful for Theresa May's government to use royal prerogative to trigger Article 50. You can read the claimant's skeleton argument in full at Mischon de Reya's website.
The defendant in the case will be Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, David Davis, who will be represented by the government's legal department.
If the court rules in the claimant's favour, the majority of MPs would need to back an act of parliament before May can trigger Article 50. In theory, this means MPs could delay the process if they were unhappy with the prime minister's negotiating position.
The dates of hearing will be the October 13, 17, and 18, with a verdict expected in early-November.


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So those of you who know me in these parts know that I likes the sex and love the boys, so it should be no surprise that Samantha's character on Sex and the City is my favorite. And with all the shit being slung towards Kim Cattrall, the lovely vixen that gave Samantha life, I felt the need to create a post showing her love.
First off, Cattrall has acting credits going back to 19motherfucking75. That's before I was even born. I was first introduced to her via her role as Miss Honeywell in the raunchy classic Porky's. And who could forget her in Police Academy, or my favorite, Big Trouble in Little China? She fucking killed it in Bonfire of the Vanities (I know I'm skipping Mannequin, but only because it was never a big hit for me personally). Cattrall is freaking awesome.
Now, I am not taking anything away from SJP's long career, but we can all agree that Cattrall has had more memorable roles that SJP, especially for those of us that came of age in the 80's. So the notion that Cattrall was "made" by her role as Samantha is nuts. She was simply introduced to a younger crowd that didn't know any better.
I once wrote an essay stating that Sex and the City was not the celebration of female independence that many had assumed, and was instead a cautionary tale against it. Carrie married a man that STOOD HER UP AT THE ALTAR! Maranda agreed to be mother to her son and husband. Charlotte, well not much to say about her since her relationship with Harry was the healthiest. But she "won" the marriage game by not being the "up the butt girl because no one wants to marry the up the butt girl." And then we have Samantha, who should have been the happiest of them all. But by the second movie, they made her a laughing stock that basically said do not sleep around or you'll end up touching yourself in public like a sex offender.
For a talented actress like Cattrall, I totally agree with her decision to let this one go. The first movie was tolerable, the second was trash. And I sincerely doubt she would have had the opportunity to become a fully rounded character in the third installment. So cudos to you and thank you for bowing out with dignity. And fuck all the haters that are mad they cannot make more money off of your humiliation.


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2600 Cleveland Avenue NW, Canton, OH 44709-3897
School Details
Malone University began in a rented home in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1892. Today, the University retains its founding principles and Christian mission "to provide students with an education based on biblical faith in order to develop men and women in intellectual maturity, wisdom, and Christian faith who are committed to serving the church, community, and world."
This private not-for-profit four year institution offers bachelor's degree choices and graduate studies programs. Malone University has a variety of online offerings: from undergraduate classes to entire bachelor's degree completion or master's programs.
Accreditation & Licensing
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission


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Long-snouted Seahorse
Deficient data
this character
Its body colour can vary widely, ranging from dark brown to beige and sometimes even bright yellow or reddish. Like other species of seahorse, its body is covered with bony plates laid out in rings.
The long-snouted seahorse lives near eelgrass or posidonia meadows. It is a bottom-dweller, attaching itself to algae with its prehensile tail. It feeds on zooplankton (crustaceans and fish eggs and larvae) that it inhales using its pipette shaped mouth.
Mating begins with a special, lengthy ritual: with their tails hooked together, the partners rise up to the surface and come back down again several times. When the male expels the water from his incubation pouch, the female transfers her eggs to him using her genital papilla. The eggs incubate for three weeks in the male's pouch. He then uses muscular contractions to eject about 100 young measuring roughly 15 mm.
The artist on stage


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Every fall, we host an Alumni Weekend to welcome our over 9,000 alumni back to Augustana. Whether you graduated from Camrose Lutheran College, Augustana University College, or the University of Alberta's Augustana Campus, you will find something for you!
Please contact Deb Olafson at 780-679-1626 before 4pm on Friday Sept 25th if you wish to reserve a ticket for Alumni Weekend.
Host a class get-together to reconnect with old friends or reach out to a favourite professor! We already have several groups arranging get-together on the 2015 Weekend, such as the Classes of 1955, 1959, and our Golden Alumni. Vikings Basketball alumni will meet, we will celebrate Alumni Honour Award recipient Alan Fielding ('63), and alumni parents of current students can re-unite with their children on campus. Students of Dr. Milton Schlosser, Dr. Tim Parker, and Costa Rica Biology trip alumni are reserving tables to sit with their former professors.
Click here or scroll to the bottom of the page for more information about cohort reunions and accommodations in Camrose. Come on your own or join in a group – we look forward to seeing you!
Call the Alumni Office at 780-679-1626 or email firstname.lastname@example.com to connect with one of these groups or to talk about what you have planned. You can follow Alumni Weekend Events right here – come back any time for updates!
Thursday September 24
2015 Alumni Recognition Awards
7:00pm, Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, Edmonton
Alan Fielding ('63, UA BA '65 LLB '69) will receive an Alumni Honour Award, recognizing his contributions made over years in his local community and beyond.
There is a separate registration for the Edmonton event: please click on Order Your Tickets on this page.
Friday September 25
Green & Gold (& Red & Black) Day
Show your Augustana Pride! Wear your Green & Gold (or Vikings Red & Black) gear and take a photo: post it on Facebook or Twitter with the hashtags #uAlberta and #uofaAugustana or email it to firstname.lastname@example.com. Challenge your friends and fellow alumni to do the same: every unique photo posted counts towards our victory over the other UAlberta faculties. Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for updates on other events during G&G&R&B Day!
Vikings Mens Hockey Home Opener vs. SAIT Trojans
7:30pm, Encana Arena
Tickets available at the door.
Saturday September 26
Vikings Men's and Women's Soccer vs. Nait Ooks
12:00pm Women's Soccer, 2:00pm Men's Soccer
Tickets available at Augustana Athletic Field.
Basketball Alumni Games
1:00 – Vikings Current Men's Team v Men's Alumni
3:00 – Vikings Current Women's Team v Women's Alumni
With the hockey home opener on Friday night we hope many of the alumni will come in to catch the game as well!
Class of 1959 Alumni Reunion
3:00pm Odin Room, Norsemen Inn
Basketball Alumni Pub Night
Norsemen Inn Tap House
Doors: 6 pm
Glovebox starts playing at 7 pm until 11 pm!
Silent auction, draw for liquor basket, 50/50 draw
Your $40 pub night ticket includes a nacho/appy bar.
As an alumni basketball player, your $65 ticket includes game(s), T-Shirt, pub night admission, and hockey tickets for Friday night (upon request).
Alumni game only: $20 includes game(s), T-Shirt
For tickets and to register:
Dave Drabiuk, Men's head coach email@example.com
or Kelly Lyons, Women's Head Coach firstname.lastname@example.com
A Time to Play! Annual Theme Recital
7:00pm, Jeanne & Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre
Featuring two of Canada's most prominent musicians, violinist Andrew Wan (concertmaster, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal) and pianist Jacques Després (professor, University of Alberta) performing works by Mozart, Grieg, Debussy and Strauss.
Find out more about this event here!
The event will begin with a reception and performances by talented Augustana alumni and current students, followed by U of A alumnus and Augustana music professor Dr. Milton Schlosser's pre-concert discussion of the recital's music and performers in light of Augustana Campus' 2015-16 theme "A Time to Play."
Sponsored by the Department of Fine Arts & Humanities, the UAlberta Alumni Association, and the Augustana Alumni Office.
Tickets available through the Jeanne & Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre. Book online for this FREE event at www.camroselive.ca or call the box office @ 780 608 2922
Sunday September 27
Brunch Registration and Coffee
9:00am, Faith & Life Lounge
Costa Rica Alumni Reunion
9:00am, Dr. Roger Epp Conference Room
Alumni Worship Service
10:30am: Worship Service, hosted by Augustana Chaplaincy and the Augustana Alumni Office
Dean's Alumni Brunch
11:30am, Jeanne & Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre
Join Augustana's Dean, Dr. Allen Berger, 2015 Alumni Student Award recipients, current students, and your hosts the Augustana Campus Ambassadors for a delicious brunch.
Founders' Hall Grand Re-Opening
1:00pm, Founders' Hall
Founders' Hall, affectionately known as "Old Main", was built in 1912 to serve the needs of the then Camrose Lutheran College. It is being extensively renovated to serve Augustana Campus for the next hundred years.
Founders' Hall has provided space for residences, dining, classes, music studios, faculty and administrative offices, etc. Looking to the future, the building will continue to serve prospective students, alumni, other campus visitors, faculty, and current students.
Please join us on Sunday, September 27, for the re-dedication of this iconic building. You will have the opportunity to explore the repurposed space with faculty, staff and students. Your visit will include the campus "living room": a warm and welcoming gathering place and home to memorabilia from Augustana's century of history.
Please contact Deb Olafson at 780-679-1626 before 4pm on Friday Sept 25th if you wish to reserve a ticket for Alumni Weekend.
Special Note: The Campus "Living Room"
In gratitude and remembrance of a wonderful couple who, through their hospitality, helped so many people feel at home at Camrose Lutheran College (CLC), the new "campus living room" in Founders' Hall will be named "The Luther and Florence Olson Welcome Centre".
Many of you may remember Luther and Florence's own busy and welcoming home, just steps away from campus, was a place of fellowship and support. Their demonstrated values of kinship and community continue to resonate at Augustana and will be honoured in this comfortable space in Founders' Hall.
Luther and Florence's friends and large extended family have raised $100,000 towards the $150,000 fundraising goal and need the help of our large and extended "alumni family" to complete the project. As an added incentive, Stan and Gloria Olson and family have pledged to match – dollar for dollar – all gifts received from their "alumni family" after June 1, 2015.
To make a gift or for more information about this and other alumni giving opportunities, please contact:
Augustana Development Office
Information on Cohort Reunions
Class of 1955
Please contact Ivy Lee at 780-458-0008 for information on your Reunion!
Class of 1959
Please contact Myrna Simonson at email@example.com or 780-662-4145 for information on your Reunion!
Costa Rica
As an alum of Augustana's Costa Rica program, we would be delighted to have you join us for a get-together and a table Dr. David "Doc" Larson and Dr. Doris Audet are hosting at our annual Alumni Brunch on Sunday, September 27.
Doc and Doris ask you to bring one or two of your favourite photos from your time in Costa Rica, and bring a memory that stands out most. They will provide updates on the new Piro Station in Osa Conservation and you can celebrate 16 years of Costa Rican Field Studies together!
Preferred Accommodations:
Norsemen Inn
6505 48 Ave, Camrose, AB T4V 3K3
(780) 672-9171
Group Code: Augustana Alumni
Double Rooms – $104.00/night
Best Western Plus, Camrose Resort & Casino
3201 48 Avenue
Camrose, Alberta, T4V 0K9, CA
Phone: 780/679-2376
Fax: 780/679-0992
To book call: 780/679-2376 or 1-800-780-7234
Group Code: Augustana Alumni
double room and single room – $129.00/night
executive suites – $159.00/night
Book before August 27th, 2015
Please contact Deb Olafson at 780-679-1626 before 4pm on Friday Sept 25th if you wish to reserve a ticket for Alumni Weekend.


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The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a federal statute. FOIA generally provides that any person has a right to request access to federal agency records, except to the extent the records are protected from disclosure by any of nine exemptions contained in the law or by one of three special law enforcement record exclusions. There are several points to keep in mind regarding FOIA:
- Your request must be made in writing and you must provide a "reasonable" description of the records you are seeking.
- Agencies have 20 working days to provide an initial response.
- Agencies and requestors are encouraged to work together to define the scope of the request and the timing of the response.
- Agencies may establish "multi-track" response systems to facilitate the processing of simpler requests, rather than putting all requests in a single "queue."
The ABMC regulation implementing the Freedom of Information Act is set forth at 36 CFR Part 404. Below is a list of FOIA resources:
FOIA Reference Guide
FOIA Regulations
FOIA Reports
FOIA Plan
FOIA Reading Room
Freedom of Information Act requests should be mailed to the following point of contact:
American Battle Monuments Commission
Attn: FOIA
2300 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 500
Arlington, VA 22201
If you have any questions, please contact:
FOIA Requestor Service Center:
Beatriz Collazo 703-696-8384
FOIA Public Liaison Office:
Jennifer Li 703-696-6781


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City of Glendale, CAHome Sitemap Contact
Resolved Code Enforcement Cases
Neighborhood Services works closely with property owners and the community to ensure the properties are kept up to code. Below are before and after photos of selected cases.
This property had numerous violations as evident from the before photos. This individual had a very dangerous situation with pack rat conditions. Piles of junk and debris had been filling every room of the property to the point that it was a fire hazard as well as an infestation problem. Neighborhood Services staff was able to work with the owner to bring the property into compliance within a one week period.
Violation: Deteriorated paint to the exterior trim and siding.
Code Section: BSC.V5.1001.8
Buildings or portions thereof shall be considered substandard when they have faulty weather protection.
Violation: Accumulation of junk and /or debris throughout the interior of the house.
Code Section: BSC.V5.1001.2(13)
Any building, structure or portions thereof shall be deemed substandard when there exists any general dilapidation or improper maintenance.
Code Section:BSC.V5.1001.2(15)
Any building, structure or portions thereof shall be deemed substandard when there exists a lack of adequate garbage and rubbish storage facilities.
Violation: Deteriorated and /or damaged exterior doors on the garage and house.
Code Section: BSC.V5.1001.8(2)
Buildings or portions thereof shall be deemed substandard when there exists deteriorated or ineffective waterproofing of exterior walls, roof, foundations or floors, including broken windows and doors.
Violation: Junk and debris throughout the exterior or side rear of property.
Code Section: GMC.8.32.050
The owner or person in control of any private property shall at all times maintain the premises free of litter, junk and debris.


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Its been almost a year since the release on Ink Alchemy Vol 2 (featured), and now Justin Kamerer (Angryblue) and Jeral Tidwell (Humantree.com) have just released Ink Alchemy Volume 3. This new release features over 40 pages of illustrations from both artists, all on aged parchment paper, with a 2 color screen-printed cover. The books are signed and numbered in an edition of 800. The forst 100 orders will also get mini art prints from both artists.
Get em here: Ink Alchemy Vol 3 @ Angryblue.com


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A number of G7 and World Trade Organization members have taken retaliatory measures and/or filed complaints against recent US tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.
On Tuesday, Russia became the seventh WTO member – after fellow BRICS members China and India, and others – to file a request for "dispute consultations" with the US over the latter's new tariff policy.
"Russia claims the US duties of 25 per cent and 10 per cent on imports of steel and aluminum products, respectively, are inconsistent with provisions of the WTO's General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994 and the Agreement on Safeguards," a statement from the WTO said.
Russia's move comes just days after Canada – which is America's second largest trade partner – slapped tariffs on some $12.6 billion in American-manufactured goods in retaliation for the Trump administration's tariffs.
In tit-for-tat measures, the US steel and iron industries will face a 25-per cent Canadian tariff but other products like dish detergent and ketchup will be affected.
Canada will also levy additional duties on popular consumer staples such as US beef, fowl, peanut butter and whiskey. According to Canadian news media, the tariffs will also hit orange juice, cucumbers, strawberry jam and other popular food and fruit items.
In late June, the European Union also imposed retaliatory tariffs on American motorbikes, whiskey and a variety of food products.
But the Trump administration appears undeterred. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump said:
The economy is doing perhaps better than ever before, and that's prior to fixing some of the worst and most unfair Trade Deals ever made by any country. In any event, they are coming along very well. Most countries agree that they must be changed, but nobody ever asked!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 3, 2018
The US is expected to begin the first of two stages of tariffs targeting some $34 billion in Chinese goods on July 6.
China is expected to retaliate also in multiple stages on the same day targeting some 600 US products including pork, aircraft parts, meat and fruit processors, and hundreds of other industrial products.
The Chinese say they do not want a trade war but will retaliate if pressed by the US:
"This move not only hurts bilateral interests, but also undermines world trade order. The Chinese side firmly opposes that," a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce recently said.
Brewing war?
For the moment, most market analysts are warning of the impact of escalation between the US and its largest trading partners – China is number one; Canada is number two, with the EU close behind – on the world economy.
They are careful not to use the term trade war, but rather focus on trade tensions.
They're waiting for the Chinese response on Friday and if both Beijing and Washington draw lines in the sand, the escalation will likely lead to an all-out trade war.
The Chinese currency yuan went into free fall to its lowest rate against the dollar in nearly a year before central bank intervention helped prop it back up on Tuesday.
This downward spiral also hit the Turkish lira and other emerging market currencies such as the South African rand.
Earlier this week, the Mexican peso also took a 1.1 per cent dive.
The MSCI's benchmark emerging markets index dropped 0.3 per cent largely due to Asian investors feeling the trade … war … jitters.
Emerging stocks have performed the worst in 10 months, creating a rather large speed bump in what would otherwise have been a stellar rise for these markets.
On Tuesday, Japan's Nikkei benchmark exchange continued its two-day fall of the week closing 0.12 per cent down.
China's Shanghai Composite made some gains on Tuesday's central bank yuan intervention to 2,779, up 0.41 per cent – still a far cry from 3,182 just a year ago.
But things could get a lot worse if Trump decides to target the European automotive industry with fresh duties.
Trump had accused the Europeans of being just as unfair as China in their trade practices with the US.
The European Commission said it would retaliate with a further set of tariffs targeting some $300 billion in American goods.
By Firas Al-Atraqchi for The BRICS Post


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Challenging the expectations that black business has of itself.
The keynote speakers at the 2013 Motlekar Holdings Black Business Quarterly Awards may have hailed from widely divergent political backgrounds, but in one respect they reached consensus: it is time for black business to examine its role in society and raise its game if it is to achieve its destiny of driving the social and economic transformation of South Africa.
First to speak was Minister of Public Enterprises, Malusi Gigaba. In an earnest and impassioned address, Gigaba urged the illustrious crowd of celebrities, dignitaries and guests to celebrate South Africa's economic transformation achievements to date and soberly reflect on the road ahead.
Thanking the sponsor, Motlekar Holdings, for the opportunity to attend the awards ceremony, Gigaba praised the winners themselves, describing them as "those amongst us who continue to strive against ostensibly insurmountable circumstances and thus who serve as our guiding lights in our firmament, and as icons to be emulated." Notwithstanding the odds, Gigaba said, "What these icons are proving is that there is nothing impossible that cannot be made possible. Impossibility is a lexicon that is confined only to idle persons and cowards."
Reminding the audience that "five years on into the global financial crisis there remains a high level of uncertainty surrounding the prospects of the global economy", Gigaba cited Minister Pravin Gordhan's assertion that over the fast four and a half years, the present government had steered the country's economy through its worst recession in seventy years. "We have made bold and correct decisions which have restored growth, supported our industries and maintained a sustainable fiscal policy." Yet much more remained to be done: "Clearly, given the challenges we are facing, particularly subdued growth, poverty, unemployment and inequality, even more bold and correct decisions need to be made in the coming years by government, business, labour and society as a whole to lift our economy out of the current situation."
As a particular challenge, Gigaba emphasised "the growing trust deficit between government, business, labour and citizens" and said that certain measures announced by government in the October mini-budget speech aimed to redress this trust deficit and restore faith "so that the poor, in particular, who have been the worst victims of the current global downturn, must not be the only ones making sacrifices and suffering whilst the elite in society continue to rake in the benefits and live as if nothing is happening." Gigaba again reiterated "the call we have made repeatedly in the past to corporate and government leaders, including those of state-owned companies, to curb their remuneration and extravagance."
Identifying the primary challenge facing developing economies – "the main drivers of global economic recovery" – as the acceleration of industrialisation, diversification and infrastructure development efforts and the acceleration of regional economic integration efforts, Gigaba urged South Africans "to recognise that our fundamental economic challenge is to diversify our way from our dependence on our resources, exports or export-oriented economic policies." He recommended leveraging state investment "to promote confidence and certainty in relation to the building of the South African economy" and advised that developing economies like South Africa should "accelerate our economic integration in Africa, drastically expand intra-African trade, and explore new product destinations for our products among emerging markets."
South African business should not be blinded by "the relatively short-term global financial crisis" and should work on "systematically repositioning our economy in relation to the structural changes taking place in the global economy."
To the applause of the audience, Gigaba said, "South Africa's future lies deeply embedded in Africa. Africa is the future and the future is African."
In South Africa, Gigaba continued, the effects of the global crisis are amplified "by the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality and the social distance in particular between some political leaders, especially in municipalities and local communities." Further exacerbating the situation was the advent of what Gigaba termed "neo-fascist populist demagoguery that pounces on the plight of the poor, to promise them short-term gains of a radical nature" that would succeed only in derailing South Africa's democratic project. Instead Gigaba reminded the audience of their duty "to heed the genuine plight and expectations of the poor because our own social progress as a nation and economic progress as a few can only be sustainable if together we share the fruit of our democracy."
Gigaba went on to quote from Minister Gordhan's mini-budget speech, advocating more savings, investment, expansion and diversification, accelerated job creation and faster, inclusive job-creating growth. Growth is needed to increase the number of enterprises, create more jobs and generate the revenue needed to fund social programmes, infrastructure interventions and industrial incentives. "We have a duty to broaden opportunities for those who do not have secure incomes, formal jobs, solid homes or access to electricity or healthcare. We have to share the benefits of growth so that those of our people who are most vulnerable and disadvantaged can say, 'This economy works for me.'" This requires "cooperation and greater alignment between labour, business, government and other sectors to get things done" in order to build "a smart South Africa".
Optimism in this regard received a major boost from President Zuma's announcement of the trillion-rand roll-out of the Strategic Infrastructure Projects initiative. "Over the last three years," said Gigaba, "we have seen public-sector spending rise, especially in relation to public infrastructure investments, led by large investment in power stations, rail, ports and pipeline capacity, roads, water and dams and municipal and social infrastructure." Crediting these "counter-cyclical investments" with absorbing "the worst of the effects of the slowdown", Gigaba said that "one trillion rand will have been spent on infrastructure expansion" when the current administration leaves office and predicted that "our economic landscape will be significantly transformed" with the objective "not just to invest in infrastructure but to build our industrial capabilities and in the process achieve racial integration in the mainstream economy."
Reaffirming government's unwavering commitment to Black Economic Empowerment, Gigaba listed its successes: "Together, during the past nineteen years, we have ensured that more than sixteen million South Africans are on social grants, compared to only 2.6 million awarded to a select few in 1994. More than eleven million households have access today to electricity, compared to 5.5 million in 1994. More than 80% of our schools are today no-fee schools. More than 3.3 million families have free homes, compared to the 1.2 million housing backlog we found in 1994. More than 13.5 million jobs have been created in the last 19 years, compared to what was the case in 1994 when we found an economy in a deep and irreversible crisis from which we knew it would never recover. And the glass ceiling has been removed for aspiring black people entrepreneurs and business people."
At the same time, Gigaba admitted, business, too, had profited greatly from the past nineteen years, and not always in a transformative manner. "In this regard," he said, "the ruling party, the ANC, made the firm observation in 2012 at its national conference, that despite many commendable gains, the working class has experienced massive challenges, including high rates of unemployment, a decline in their share of national income, growth of practices such as outsourcing and subcontracting, all of which can have the effect of weakening workers' bargaining power."
Accordingly, Gigaba challenged the audience: "What role has business, both black and white, decided or chosen to play, in relation to this infrastructure and broader transformation economic programme? Have you chosen to partner government or simply to become uncaring and dispassionate profiteers?"
Gigaba challenged the private sector to respond to government's infrastructure roll-out, skills development and localisation targets with its own reciprocal targets and plans. "What are your skills development targets? Are your members procuring their services and components and supplies from black suppliers? Are we building the capacity of these black local suppliers, organising them and helping them to obtain more procurement?"
Gigaba mentioned two important obstacles to transformation: that business does not speak with one voice, and that business tends "to be parasitical rather than developmental, to view itself as a recipient of policies and programmes rather than a partner in development." Achieving business unity will require white business to make meaningful change "not because the legislation demands so and punishes those that do not comply, but because it is necessary, worth it and important to do."
It had always been clear to the ANC that political freedom without economic emancipation was meaningless, continued Gigaba; economic transformation is its most difficult and complex challenge as it provokes the entrenched resistance of dominant and established global and domestic interests. "The posture business will take and the role it will choose to play will be critical in determining whether our economy can industrialise and diversify, whether it can develop new supplier sectors amongst blacks and female stakeholders, and whether it is thus able to create jobs and skills and accordingly spread wealth and fund the frontiers of opportunity and inclusive growth."
Gigaba appealed to the audience: "Would you not see it as a moral imperative for you to advance economic transformation, not for personal gain but for the communities that you do business with, including the workers, in the form of worker-share schemes?" Urging the audience "to think about what type of social contribution you should be making in South Africa to eradicate poverty and unemployment", Gigaba stated that black business has been "anointed by history" to shoulder this "enormous responsibility", hastening to add that being a partner in development did not preclude making profits.
"However," the Minister concluded, "South Africa will miss out on the opportunities of the infrastructure programme and the broader economic transformation if all that this programme entailed was the state investing in infrastructure expansion and the private sector raking in the profits by any means necessary."


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« In Loving Tribute - But Not to the NYT | Main | Where's the Coverage? 99% of Americans Believe Iran Is a Threat to the U.S. »
February 27, 2013
Updated: Ha'aretz's Latest Lost in Translation
"Ha'aretz, Lost in Translation" strikes again. For the benefit of less informed foreign readers, Ha'aretz's English translators are once again injecting erroneous information that does not appear in the original Hebrew.
The English version of an Op-Ed by Zvi Bar'el, in both print and online today, errs:
[Shin Bet chief Yoram] Cohen is the man who decided whether to arrest Samer Issawi last August after he had been released in the deal in which abducted soldier Gilad Shalit was exchanged for 477 Palestinian prisoners. (Emphasis added.)
In fact, as this screen grab of a Dec. 18, 2011 Ha'aretz headline indicates, a total of 1,027 Palestinian prisoners were released in the Gilad Shalit deal; 477 in the first stage on Oct. 18, 2011, and another 550 on Dec. 18, 2011.
The Dec. 18, 2011 DPA article in Ha'aretz correctly reported:
The second stage of an Israel-Hamas prisoner swap was completed Sunday, as Israel released 550 Palestinian prisoners into the Palestinian territories and Jordan. . . .
A spokesman for the Hamas armed wing told a news conference in Gaza City that Sunday's release completed the prisoner exchange, whereby Israel freed a total of 1,027 Palestinian prisoners in return for a soldier held captive in Gaza for more than five years.
Unlike the English edition, the original Hebrew version of Zvi Bar'el's Op-Ed today does not contain the egregious understatement of the number of prisoners that Israel released. Thus, today's English error is another fine example of Ha'aretz's "tailor-made" content for English-language readers.
Update: 11:15 a.m. EST: CAMERA Prompts Ha'aretz Correction on Palestinian Prisoners
Posted by TS at February 27, 2013 03:26 AM
Guidelines for posting
This is a moderated blog. We will not post comments that include racism, bigotry, threats, or factually inaccurate material.


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Southern Ground Music and Food Festival
The Zac Brown Band has become well known for their exceptional music, including seven singles that have reached the number one spot on the Billboard country charts. Heading up the band is Zac Brown, who came up with the concept of the fantastic upcoming three-day Southern Ground Music & Food Festival. This event will see brilliant music and delicious food combining forces to offer festival-goers a mind-blowing experience.
The Southern Ground Music & Food Festival will be held from 21 to 23 October 2011 at Blackbaud Stadium, Charleston, U.S.A. Serving up meals will be famous Chef Rusty Hamilin, along with Sean Brock, RJ Cooper and Mike Lata. Tasty delights from local restaurants will be served, in addition to complimentary wine and beer. Of course a major part of this festival is the music, with performances by the Zac Brown Band, My Morning Jacket, Blackberry Smoke, Tigger Hippy, Levi Lowry, Danger Muffin, Blue Dogs, Cornmeal, The Wheeler Boys, Train, Brett Dennen, Sonia Leigh and many others.
Those fortunate enough to have booked a spot in the Front Porch Stage Boxes will find themselves sitting at stage level, just a few feet away from the music artists. Fans seated in these areas will enjoy a mouthwatering four-course gourmet meal and complimentary beverages, as well as a late-night snack menu. All this, while enjoying the thrilling performances of the artists.
Those in general admission will be able to rock along to the bands in the middle of the whole set-up. There will be two stages: Stage A and the Honest Tea Stage. Whether you're in the boxes or on the floor, this is set to be an unforgettable music experience. A unique aspect of the show will be getting to see the Zac Brown Band performing a full cover set before My Morning Jacket comes on to play.
Zac Brown has been quoted as saying that though this event won't necessarily become an annual thing, it is a model for how the band wants to tour. As it takes so much time to set-up, it is best to hold the event over a full weekend, and invite other bands to join in. One thing is for sure, fans will want to see more fantastic shows like this in the future.


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Well another disastrous attempt at getting into Elluminate this evening – so I missed the first half of the session and then it kept cutting out on me. This is all a bit frustrating as it's such a waste of time and I miss the synchronous contact.
On thinking back through the way I tried to connect this evening, I had to laugh at myself. I'm sure the steps I went through will seem quite bizarre to the technically competent.
1. I have a new laptop – the last one was dying on me – so I thought 'Great – this will speed things up!' But I couldn't get into Ustream. I thought it must be something to do with the settings on my new laptop – so I logged out and in a few times to no avail.
2. I then thought I would move back to my old laptop, since I have always got in with that one in the past – but my old laptop takes an age to start up. Finally opened up Ustream to find it was OffAir.
3. I puzzled about this for a little and then decided I must have got the time wrong – so went back to the connectivism site to check it. It was the same time as always – but had summer time changed in Canada? Off to the World clock to check on times. No I had the right time – so where was everyone?
4. I finally remembered that we had once before had to decamp to Elluminate so logged in there.
5. After much hassle with my old laptop, I got into Elluminate to find that I could see the chat – but had no sound at all.
6. Went through the audio wizard – which did not seem to be working.
7. Finally thought to check my volume to find that it was off – I'd done this earlier in the day, but forgotten.
So once again I joined the session late and everyone else seemed to be there and knowing what was going on. I'm only making this post as I think it's a salutory lesson for connectivism. Although I might be one of only a handful of people on this course (I prefer not to think that I might be the only one!) who is not very technically competent, I think there are plenty more like me out there and in fact many who are a lot worse than me – and the fact is, that if you can't handle the technology, then you just cannot connect in an online environment!
Anyhow, I'm going to remember this to help me keep my feet on the ground when working with people who are new to online learning 🙂
There was lots of interesting chat in the last half hour of the session, so I hope to catch up with it all soon!


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He added that he won't comment on the Valerie Plame Wilson case as long as there is any investigation, which should take this beyond his tenure.
In saying this was old news:
- He wants Congress and us in the public to ignore that this was part of a series of intentional tricks and lies to get America into a war, costing us thousands of lives and many billions of dollars.
- He wants Congress and us in the public to not pursue the likelihood that he, his Vice President, there staff and others conspired to commit these and other crimes and then cover them up.
- He wants Congress and us in the public to give him and his a free pass on obstruction of justice and other impeachable acts.
- He shows at its very worst what has become the hallmark of the American right — a brazen unwillingness to accept responsibility for their acts.
No, this is precisely the time not to move on. That not-the-droids-you're-looking-for-move-along routine worked in Star Wars. Back in the real world, there must not be any such diversion.
Taking responsibility: I'll moderate any comments when I return after a few days.
Tags: massmarrier, George W. Bush, Cheney, impeachment, Congress, obstruction of justice, Plame


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Listen to the latest Tea & Tattle here.
This Friday, instead of the usual Tea Reads, I'm bringing you a special Tea & Tattle episode, where I'm catching up on the latest news, chatting about some of my recent Jump for Joys and cultural recommendations, and also sharing a list of books that I think are perfect to read in the autumn.
I hope you have a relaxing weekend ahead of you, and that listening to this Tea & Tattle helps to make it just that bit cosier!
Tea & Tattle is also available to listen to on iTunes and stitcher.


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- Native Plant Profiles
- My Native Plant Garden
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Native Flora Garden
- Other Gardens
- Other Blog Posts
- Resources by Region
- Plant Finders and Databases
- Retail Sources of Native Plants
- Wholesale Sources of Native Plants
Native Plant Profiles
- Adlumia fungosa, climbing fumitory
- Amelanchier x grandiflora
- Aquilegia canadensis, Eastern Red Columbine
- Asimina triloba, PawPaw
- Dicentra eximia, Eastern Bleeding-heart
- Liatris spicata, Dense Blazing Star
- Sassafras albidum, Sassafras : Propagation
- Viburnum dentatum, Arrowwood
My Native Plant Garden
- Native Plant Acquisitions: LINPI 2015 Plant Sale, 2015-06-14
- Native New Yorkers: My Garden's NYC-Native Plant Checklist, 2015-05-14
- Place, Purpose, Plants: Urban Gardening with Native Plants, 2015-05-13
- Garden Deeper, 2015-05-09
- Native Plants Planting Plan, 2015-04-18
- FAQ: Where do you get your plants?, 2015-01-03
- Shruberries, 2014-11-08
- Megachile, Leaf-Cutter Bees, 2014-08-10
- http://flatbushgardener.blogspot.com/2014/06/event-saturday-621-nycww-pollinator.html, 2014-06-14
- What's Blooming, 2014-05-10
- Rainbow Garden, 2013-07-02
- My Plant Giveaway, 2013-04-29
- Rainbow Garden, 2013-07-02
- Native plants blooming in my garden today, 2012-04-28
- Rest for Winter's Dead, 2012-03-31
- Emergence, 2012-03-25
- Gardening with the Hymenoptera (and yet not), 2011-07-31
- Gardening with the Lepidoptera, 2011-06-11
- The Years Have Been Kind, 2011-06-07
- Dividing Panicum, 2011-04-03
- Planting Amelanchier, 2010-05-08
- Wildflowers in a Flatbush Backyard, 2009-05-11
- Transplanting Viburnum, 2009-04-20
- Woodland Garden Design Plant List, 2009-02-18
- Garden Blogging Bloom Day, May 2008, 2008-05-15
- Growing a Native Plant Garden in a Flatbush Backyard, 2007-08-06
- The Fourth Gardens: Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York, 2006-06-09
- Garden Diary: Four Gardens Revisited, and the Backyard Garden, 2006-04-30
- Garden Notes: Envisioning the Backyard Garden, Four Gardens, 2005-06-22
- Garden Notes: Plants for the Native Garden, 2005-06-15
Native Flora Garden, Brooklyn Botanic Garden
- BBG Celebrates Native Plants Throughout July, 2010-06-29
- The Native Flora Garden, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 2009-05-14
- Native Flora Garden, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 2009-04-27
- Native Flora Garden, BBG, April 2008, 2008-04-18
Other Gardens
- Greenbelt Native Plant Center, Staten Island, 2010-05-03
- Brine Garden, Pawling, NY, 2009-08-29
- Native Plant Garden, Chicago Botanic Garden, 2009-06-09
Other Blog Posts
NYC Wildflower Week
- Greenbelt Native Plant Center, Staten Island, 2010-05-03
- Wildflower Week in NYC, 5/1 through 5/9, 2010-04-29
- Wildflower Week in NYC, 5/1 through 5/9, 2009-04-29
- Local ecotypes available from Oak Grove Farms at Union Square Greenmarket, 2008-05-11
- May 3-10: NYC Wildflower Week, 2008-04-28
Other Native Plant Topics
- More Green Roofs for Parks Recreation Centers, 2010-05-06
- The Plight of NYC's Native Flora, 2010-04-08
- Steven Earl Clemants, 1954-2008, 2008-11-14
New York City and RegionDrosera
An Ecological Manual of New York City Plants in Natural Areas, Margaret B. Gargiullo, Ph.D
Greenbelt Native Plant Center, Natural Resources Group, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation
NYC Wildflower Week
New York Metropolitan Flora Project (NYMF), Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Stuyvesant Cove Park
Torrey Botanical Society
The Union Square Park NYC-Native Plant Garden
Cary Institute for Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY
Westchester Community College Native Plant Center
New JerseyNative Plant Society of New Jersey
ConnecticutConnecticut Botanical Society
New York State and RegionAdirondack Botanical Society
New York Flora Association (NYFA): Blog * Web Site * Plant Atlas
New York Mycological Society
New York Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP): Plant Guides * Community Guides
Natural Heritage Program (NY DEC)
New Jersey Natural Heritage ProgramPlants of New Jersey, Flora of New Jersey Project
Eastern Native Tree Society
New EnglandAsters and Goldenrods of New England, online identification guide
Go Botany, online identification guide from NEWFS
New England Wildflower Society
Rhode Island Wild Plant Society
Mid-AtlanticMaryland Native Plant Society
Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping in Maryland, USFWS BayScapes Conservation Landscaping Program
VirginiaNorthern Virginia Ecology, Island Creek Elementary School, Fairfax County Public Schools
Digital Atlas of the Virginia Flora
Virginia Native Plant Society
North AmericaBryophyte Flora of North America
Flora of North America
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Native Plant Network
Natural Heritage Network
North American Native Plant Society (NANPS)
North American Orchid Conservation Center
Plant Conservation Alliance, U.S. National Parks Service
Plant Finders (U. S.)Advanced Search, NY Natural Heritage Program
eNature Native Plant Finder
Native Plant Information Network, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Native Plant Finder, Mt Cuba Center, Delaware
Plant Database/Catalogue, NANPS
PLANTS Database, USDA
Other Resources
Illinois Wildflowers, Dr. John Hilty
Michigan Native Plant Producers Association
Retail Sources of Native PlantsThese vary by the range and sources of native plants they offer, and whether or not they have retail locations, staff regular hours for visitors, sell through mail-order, or special sales events. Check the Web sites for specifics about each provider. For information only; no recommendation or endorsement implied.
NY State, NYC Area
Catskill Native Nursery, Kerhonkson, NY
Fiddlehead Creek, Fort Ann, NY
Fort Pond Native Plants, Montauk, NY
Gowanus Nursery, Brooklyn, NY
Long Island Natives, Eastport, Long Island, NY (Minimum $250 order)
Native Landscapes Garden Center, Pawling, NY (2019-02-13: Corrected URL)
One Nature Garden Center, 321 Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508 (Added 2020-05-28)
New York State, Other
Amanda's Garden, Springwater, NY, Finger Lakes Area
Plantsmen Nursery, Groton, NY
White Oak Nursery, Canandaigua, NY, specializes in native woody plants
Wild Gardens Nursery, Cortlandt Manor (East of Peekskill), NY (added 2020-05-28)
WildThings Rescue Nursery, Valley Falls, NY
New Jersey
Earth First Native Plant Nursery, NJ
Eastern Plant Specialties, NJ, ME
Rarefind Nursery, Jackson, NJ
Toadshade Wildflower Farm, Frenchtown, NJ
Wild Ridge Plants, Pohatcong, NJ (By appointment only. Also wholesale)
New England
Earth Tones Native Plant Nursery, Woodbury, CT
Helia Native Nursery, Housatonic, MA
New England Wildflower Society:
- Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA
- Nasami Farm, Whately, MA. Plant List (PDF)
American Native Nursery, Quakertown, PA
Chesapeake Conservation Nurseries, Marydel, MD
Clear Ridge Nursery, Union Bridge, MD
Environmental Concern, St Michaels, MD
Edge of the Woods Nursery, Orefield, PA
Heartwood Nursery, Felton, PA
Herring Run Nursery, Baltimore, MD
Kollar Nursery, Pylesville, MD
Nature By Design, Alexandria, VA
Northeast Natives and Perennials, Quakertown, PA
Redbud Native Plant Nursery, Glen Mills, PA
Wakefield Valley Nursery, New Windsor, MD
Yellow Springs Farm, Chester Springs, PA
Wholesale Sources of Native PlantsMany of these wholesale nurseries participate in seasonal retail native plant sales, as well. So check their web sites for their calendars and events.
Aquascapes Unlimited, Pipersville, PA, carries local ecotypes
Country Gardens Nursery, Eastport, NY
Fernbrook Farms, Bordentown, NJ
Greenbelt Native Plant Center, Staten Island, NY
Long Island Natives, Eastport, Long Island
New Moon Nursery, Bridgeton, NJ
North Creek Nurseries, Landenberg, PA
Pinelands Nursery and Supply, Columbus, NJ, carries local ecotypes
Pleasant Run Nursery, Allentown, NJ
Wild Ridge Plants, Pohatcong, NJ, carries local ecotypes (also retail)
Short URL: [http://goo.gl/8LgEN]


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Beaches in Prestatyn Find out about Barkby, central and Ffrith beaches.
Marine lake Find out where the lake is, how to apply for a permit and Information on the activities that take place there.
Beaches in Rhyl Find out about Rhyl Central, East and West and Splash Point beaches.
Dogs on our beaches Information on when and where dogs can go on our beaches.
Lifeguards How our lifeguards help to keep you safe.
Beach car park permits Find out about permits to park in beach car parks.


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However, there is a particular scene that continues to make me ponder for many years. In fact, it is been 17 years since this particular scene jolted my views on God and his so-called Heavens. It made me to realize that if there is God, he is absolutely asshole to a point that I would support Lucifer Morningstar to rebel against God if he existed, that is. Lucifer was right and God was wrong on this matter, in my opinion. If this is the way it works up there in Heavens, then I do not want to be part of this shitola, actually.
|Raven's father, Trigon
Because of Raven. You can get the background on the origins of Raven on this link, Raven on Wikipedia. Raven is half-human & half-demon as her father was a powerful demon in another dimension named Trigon. Trigon raped the female human, Arella and gave birth to Raven. Unlike many others, Raven has to control her emotions to prevent her "soul-self" from changing her into a demon as Trigon wanted her to. Sometimes Raven succumbed but she always found a way to overcome her emotions and forced herself to control her soul and soul-self. By doing that, Raven repeatedly stopped her demonic father's attempts to rule, enter, destroy, enslave or terrorize many universes, dimensions and timelines.
In order to understand why Day of Judgment took place in DC Universe, you need to understand and/or read the conflicts between 1994 to 1999.
In 1994's Emerald Twilight, Green Lantern Hal Jordan went nuts and murdered many Green Lanterns & Guardians. After that, Hal became Parallax, the Entity of Fear. This enraged the Hal Jordan fans.
DC Comics also used Hal as Parallax in his attempts to bring his hometown, Coast City back by altering the timeline in Zero Hour which also enraged Hal fans as well. Coast City was destroyed and flattened in a huge battle by Mongul and Hank Henshaw in Superman series.
In 1996, during the FINAL NIGHT storyline, Hal Jordan as Parallax killed Hank Henshaw and went into the Sol in order to re-ignite the Sol to save Earth which was frozen and left Superman powerless as the sun was being drained by Suneater, an artificial living nebula that drained the stars in many systems and when the stars got exhausted, Suneater caused the supernova to destroy the planets & systems. When a supernova took place, Suneater used its explosion force to jump from one star system to the next star system.
|Hal Jordan's Sacrifice in FINAL NIGHT
Hal sacrificed himself by using the powers of Parallax to re-ignite the Sol and drained the Suneater by pulling its nebula energies into his body, effectively killed him. Of course, the fans were livid about it. The Green Lantern series declined as many fans rejected it outright.
In 1997, there was a story about God, Angels, Demons, Heavens, Hell and Earth with Justice League of America being caught in the massive conflicts. The 3-part series was called "JLA Paradise Lost" written by Mark Millar, I think.
DC Comics cannot use the word, "God" because it was already copyrighted in comic book industry by whom? Savage Dragon's writer, Erik Larsen. Instead of using "God", DC Comics used "The Presence". Instead of "Heavens", DC Comics called it the Pax-Dei. In the Pax-Dei, it has 4 Angel-Kings who commanded their own armies to defend & protect The Presence, the Pax-Dei and our multiverses. Each Angel-King represented their groups. They are Bull Host, Eagle Host, Human Host & Lion Host.
|Asmodel & Neron Assault on Heavens
Zauriel, a former Angel under the Eagle Host, fell in love with this mortal woman in San Francisco and asked the Angel-Kings to allow him to leave the Pax-Dei for Earth to be with this woman. Zauriel lost his immortality and was casted out. Zauriel was also dumb because when he tried to pursue that woman he fell in love with, that woman did not want Zauriel, she loved her insecure, chubby boyfriend named Jerry who works as a nurse for some hospital or clinic.
|Bull Host of Angel-King Asmodel
|Jim Corrigan Goes Home
|Hal Jordan Returns
No, I'm not telling you a story about what's going on in Day of Judgment, you can buy the graphic novel at your local Comic Book Shop or Amazon. But I felt that it is necessary to explain what's going on between 1994's Emerald Twilight to 1999's Day of Judgment so you can understand why this particular scene in Day of Judgment really baffled me for 17 years.
Geoff Johns started off with the tale in Hell where Neron tortured Asmodel who was chained to the posts. Right after Neron left the area, another demon, Etrigan sneaked in to free Asmodel and told Asmodel that he has the plans for Asmodel. Then Etrigan summoned the Spectre to appear in Hell where Etrigan successfully fooled and forced Spectre to bond with Asmodel. Asmodel then froze Hell and figured out that with Spectre's powers, he can rule Earth and Hell instead of serving in Heaven. All hell broke loose on Earth.
|The Sentinels of Magic
|The locked entrance of Pax-Dei (Heaven)
In Day of Judgment #2, Raven granted her permission for Zauriel to use his holy flaming sword to slice Raven's demonic soul-self open for Zauriel, Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Mister Miracle, Alan Scott and Raven to step through the soul-self to reach the Pax-Dei. The purpose of the visit to the Pax-Dei was to find Jim Corrigan and ask him to come back to control the Spectre. When the group arrived at the entrance of Pax-Dei, the entrance has been locked.
After trying to get someone to answer the doors to no avail, Mister Miracle, a member of New Gods from the twin planets of Apolokips & New Genesis, went ahead to manipulate and opened the locked entrance - When the door opened, Mister Miracle, Supergirl, Wonder Woman and Alan Scott immediately felt the familiar force or energy of Pax-Dei which empowered, inspired, calmed and delighted them. Mister Miracle said with a smile, "Feel this? This is the Source! I wish my wife Barda was here!!!"
All except for Raven. She also felt the familiar force or energy of Pax-Dei but it did not empower her as she screamed in agony as Raven's soul-self went haywire. Raven said that the Pax-Dei's forces or energies are tearing her soul-self apart as she tried to control her pains & control her soul-self. Raven started to panic when the force continued to tear her physical body, her soul and her soul-self. The painful attacks were relentless as Raven gave up and immediately teleported herself away from the Pax-Dei, "Forgive me, my friends, I must go!"
After Raven fled the Pax-Dei, Angel Michael comes out and told the others, "Do you truly believe that The Presence would allow the daughter of Trigon to come in? Are you all out of your minds?"
|Jim Corrigan said no.
At that moment, I was stunned. The Presence made it clear that Raven is not allowed to be there at all. Just because Raven's soul-self is demon by nature through Trigon who raped Arella, she's not allowed to be there? That's pretty rubbish and harsh thing to do. Is it really Raven's fault for being born as half-demon and half-human? And the Presence still rejected Raven's presence? That's pretty downright cruel. It was not Raven's fault for being like that. Raven had to keep her emotions under control all the time, but she is a human, first and foremost of all. It was not her fault that she was born with it and if God really existed out there doing that shit on innocent peoples, I don't want to be part of that crapola. Do you think Raven deserved to be treated like that?


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Английский язык: топики, грамматика, тесты и многое другое
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Помните, как в сказке царь приказал девице явиться к нему ни одетой, ни раздетой? Девушка выполнила условие: она завернулась в рыболовную сеть. Сегодня слово сеть обрело еще одно значение, связанное с компьютеризацией и новыми компьютерными технологиями. Но обо всем по порядку.
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Ukraine is situated in the south-eastern part of Central Europe and consists of 24 provinces and one autonomous republic. A capital of Ukraine is Kiev. Ukraine became independent in 1991. The country adopted democratic constitution that implies multi-party system in 1996. Constitution also protects basic human rights and liberties.
Ukraine is a republic with separate legislative, executive and judicial branches. Ukraine has a multi-party system. Small parties often create different coalitions or electoral blocs to participate in parliamentary elections.
A head of state and a legislature are elected by the people on national level. The head of Ukraine is the President. Under the Constitution of Ukraine the President guarantees sovereignty of the state and territorial integrity, the observance of human and civil rights and liberties. Population of Ukraine elects the President for a five-year term by universal, equal and direct vote. The current President of Ukraine is Viktor Yushchenko.
Ukraine's legislative branch includes the Ukraine's national parlament (the Verkhovna Rada) that has 450 seats. It is elected for a five-year term. All 450 members of the Verkhovna Rada are elected by proportional representation. Chairman of the Parlament is the speaker. The speaker is elected by secret voting of the parliament's deputies.
The executive branch includes the Cabinet of Ministers. It is headed by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister of Ukraine and the Cabinet of Ministers are appointed by the Verkhovna Rada. Local councils and city mayors are elected by the citizens. The President appoints the heads of regional administrations by nomination of the Cabinet of Ministers.
The Central Election Commission of Ukraine is responsible for conducting presidential, parliamentary and local government elections in the country. The state budget of Ukraine directly finances the Commission. The Commission consists of 15 members. Each member is appointed for a seven-year term by the Parliament of Ukraine. The Commission elects the head of the Commission, Deputy Chairman, and the secretary of the Commission.
Finally, it should be said that elections are very important for every democratic country. The significant choice is made by the citizens of the country. It will influence their future and the future of the whole country.


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EINSTEINIUM: A Scientific, Technological, and Philanthropic Blockchain Based Platform
The sudden growth of cryptocurrencies and its advancement to become a division to consider with can be traced back to the blockchain technology that started it all. Cryptocurrencies surfaced as a prototype, but now, within this short time itself, cryptocurrencies are changing the way in which man and money interacted from the origin. Cryptocurrencies are here to stay and Because of blockchain technology transactions are now far secure. In such a time the cryptocurrency einsteinium has made its mark.
Popularly called as the EMC2, Einsteinium is a currency designed for raising money for philanthropic causes. It also raises money to fund many bleeding edge scientific research, advanced information technology research and cryptocurrency project. Einsteinium will shorten the distance between regular people and cryptocurrencies and will change the way the world looks at cryptocurrencies.
Now with this cryptocurrency, the Einstenium foundation is looking up to finance research projects in a monthly manner, the projects which will be funded are selected through election process conducted in the community.
Malden Trifunovic is the Chairman of Einstenium foundation, and also one of the board members. Malden is a regular crypto investor and a serial entrepreneur. Jonathan Lauziere is the treasurer and also a board member. Erick Calder is the Chief Strategist and also a board member who has thirty plus years experience in architecture and software developing. Rayan Wright is the project coordinator. Vladen Bozilovic is the information technology department leader.
Apart from the core, the team consists of people from all around the world. The central objective of this community is to make sure that the platform is entirely decentralized and accessible for anyone. The team consists of people from Taiwan USA Canada and many other countries. The team is completely dedicated to improving the entire infrastructure and foundation of the platforms that they use.
Einstenium has recently integrated their crowdfunding platform to the Einsteinium foundation. Einstenium foundation plays a vital role in reshaping and revolutionizing the scientific research community. Einstenium is based on an open source technology. EMC2 is already a vital organ in the Bitcoin community. THE EMC2 donates two percent to the research fund, and the fund goes to donation purposes. EMC2 is divided into epochs. Each epoch consists of thirty-six thousand blocks of coins. EEinstenium has about 730 periods.
Einsteinium has a lot going on now, they have released an array of products and improvements that they will introduce in the near future. They plan to introduce a web wallet for the users to contain their coins securely. The EMC2 mobile wallet is a lightweight mobile wallet that they plan to launch. The EMC2 me is the platform that they plan to introduce for the fundraising process. ' Weeee…' will be the social networking platform of Einstenium. It is messenger which can send gifts including coins to surprise friends and family. You can buy EMC2 directly using credit cards in the superwallet. Finally, in the future, they plan to give Einsteinium awards for the distinguished in the science field.
As we said Einstenium foundation works to make funding for science projects. There is no other cryptocurrency in the world which is working as Einstenium does. Einstenium not only funds projects but also works for the betterment of the society. The users are not just going to gain finances but also contribute to the philanthropic vision of Einsteinium. As the company is booming, one who wishes to make money can invest in it, also funding innovative research teams with your small contribution.