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CBS- WJZ is reporting that around 4 pm local time today, there was a shooting in North Baltimore. Four people have been shot and many more wounded. It is unknown how many shooters there were or who the shooter(s) are.
The shooting happened in North Baltimore on the 1500 block of Kingsway Road. Police are investigating and homicide detectives have been called to the scene. No suspects have been named in the shooting and the current number of suspects is unknown.
It is not known if all four individuals that have been shot are just seriously injured or dead at this time, but homicide detectives are on the scene investigating. There is one victim that is said to have died at this time, the death has been confirmed as the victim was pronounced on the scene. The victim was not from this particular area of Baltimore. The other three victims have been taken to local hospitals but their current conditions are unknown at this time.
By Jeanette Smith
Photo courtesy of dpbirds – Flickr License


text:
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ADMO Solar Water Heaters are engineered to withstand harsh environmental conditions and varied qualities of water.
Pressurized and non-pressurized systems are available to suit different requirements and locations.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Expert consultation on tick-borne diseases with emphasis on Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis
Second expert consultation on tick-borne diseases with emphasis on Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis
Epidemiological situation of tick-borne encephalitis in the European Union and European Free Trade Association countries
The report summarises existing information on the occurrence of TBE to obtain a better understanding of the current magnitude of TBE in the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries.
Epidemiological situation of rickettsioses in EU/EFTA countries
This report characterises the different reporting systems for tick-borne rickettsioses in EU/EFTA countries and identifies and assesses the current epidemiological situation of these diseases. It is the first attempt to collect existing data on rickettsioses in EU/EFTA countries.
Second expert consultation on Tick-borne diseases with emphasis on Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitisArchived
The objective of this expert consultation was to guide, harmonize and enhance the surveillance and prevention of tick-borne diseases in EU Member States, with special emphasis on Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis.
World Health Day - Vector-borne diseases
The topic for the 2014 World Health Day was vector-borne diseases.
Reliable surveillance of tick-borne encephalitis in European countries is necessary to improve the quality of vaccine recommendationsArchived
In July–November 2009, 26 European Union Member States, Norway and Iceland, participated in a survey seeking information on national tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccination recommendations.
The importance of synanthropic wild birds in distribution of Borrelia spirochetes: analysis of spring collections of Ixodes ricinus ticks feeding on passerine birds in the Czech RepublicArchived
The authors analyse the infestation rate and the Borrelia prevalence of passerine birds and questing ticks on two sites at two different seasons.
An integrated database on ticks and tick-borne zoonoses in the tropics and subtropics with special reference to developing and emerging countriesArchived
Tick-borne zoonoses (TBZ) are emerging diseases worldwide. A large amount of information (e.g. case reports, results of epidemiological surveillance, etc.) is dispersed through various reference sources (ISI and non-ISI journals, conference proceedings, technical reports, etc.).
Discovery of Dermacentor reticulatus (Acari: Amblyommidae) populations in the Lubuskie Province (Western Poland)Archived
Experimental and Applied Acarology 2011 Jan 12; [Epub ahead of print]The distribution of the meadow tick, Dermacentor reticulatus (Fabricius) is divided into two separate areas-Western Europe and Eastern (Russian).


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A striking thing occurred last night during FDL's Virtual Town Hall with Rep. Alan Grayson.
Not so striking, perhaps, to dyed-in-the-wool Democrats who toe the party line no matter what. But to a lifelong Independent like me, it was not merely symptomatic, but downright diagnostic as far as what precludes even the slightest gains for the kind of common-sense, people-first Progressive reforms that have been shown to be favored by a majority of Americans for generations.
Some context:
The virtual town hall was an online event for FDL members, the second in recent weeks (the first opened the discussion on what FDL's 2012 strategy should look like). These are highly informative, interactive sessions where members discuss the topic at hand after a PowerPoint presentation and some discussion amongst the presenter and FDL staff.
Last night, Rep. Grayson gave an eye-opening presentation based on a government report about who has wealth in America. The stark numbers – most notably (for me, at least) that 25 percent of Americans have a net worth of $1,000 – were presented by Grayson in the straightforward, sarcastic, often darkly humorous style for which he is famous. After taking a few questions from FDL staff, the floor was opened to firepups, who did their usual stellar job of cutting right to the chase.
What stuck me was how, after several questions and Rep. Grayson's characteristically direct answers, the one question he did not have what I could consider a "good" answer for – indeed, the correct answer – was some variation of: "So what do we do to change things?"
Now, let me just state that I have nothing but praise for Grayson's presentation and his terrific interactions with FDL members last night. And at one point, he came very close to that "correct" answer, the one each of us, in our heart of hearts, knows that someone of Grayson's stature must eventually stand up, boldly state, and unashamedly own. Responding to Jane Hamsher's question, "Well – so, what can we do?," Grayson replied: "We have to put one of us [meaning a Progressive] in the White House."
At other points in the conversation, Grayson had high praise for Dennis Kucinich –
perhaps the only true progressive we have in the House at present; and for Elizabeth Warren, the woman who would lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – if only our sold-our president had feet of something other than clay. Grayson waxed nearly poetic about these two incredible public servants' dedication to bettering the lives of common people, and their selfless work in trying to make the headway we so desperately need for them to make.
But in the end, Rep. Grayson gave his pitch for re-electing Barack Obama, stating that anything other than an Obama victory in 2012 will mean the last gasp for the middle-class and poor Americans. Bluntly, the same old lesser-of-two-evils crap.
I have no absolutely no doubt that Grayson, Kucinich, and Warren have only the best intentions. But when Rep. Kucinich gets on Air Force One in Cleveland opposed to the Health Insurance Giveaway and gets off in Washington prepared to vote for it; when Professor Warren refuses to see the handwriting on the wall – that she is not going to be doing anything of real consequence for Wall Street as a member of the Geithner/Obama syndicate; and when Rep. Grayson says we need a Progressive in the White House one minute but endorses the fatally flawed justifications that have taken us to the edge of cataclysm, intentions become meaningless.
All three of these leaders were among 10 selected by "MyFDL" readers last fall as preferred opponents to Barack Obama in the 2012 Democratic Party primaries, the same process in which the New Progressive Alliance was born. Without mutinous behavior – i.e., REAL leadership – on the part of such outlandishly bright, capable, deeply caring people as these, their good intentions will serve only to pave our Road to Hell.
Here's hoping one – perhaps all – of them will step up to the challenge we now face. That they will take faith from the political winds – now blowing the world over, from Cairo to Madison – which portend the rise of common people against the oligarchs and plutocrats whose grip on power in this country must be released, if we are to have any hope of leading secure lives, in peace, on a healthy planet.
Anthony Noel
NPA Facilitator


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It's been three years since Clyde was cut down in the prime of life.
He was a good tree, according to the man who had nurtured and loved Clyde since he was little more than a seedling.
"I'm beginning to get older, and planting something that I knew would live well beyond my lifetime was something very special," he shared in a post on Reddit.
The man, who identifies himself as a professional arborist, spared no effort in caring for baby Clyde.
"I drained his soil," he writes. "I gave him a crutch to lean on when he was a young lad, and I watched him grow."
Here's another good reason to avenge Clyde's death: An acre of mature trees can absorb a lot of CO2. (Photo: boonchoke/Shutterstock)
And then, as Clyde's roots deepened and his sheltering branches reached up to the heavens … he was cut down.
Those roots, it seemed, had spread too far for bureaucrats in Redondo Beach, California. As our Reddit narrator explains, the roots grew a little too close to the sidewalk and were cited as a risk to public safety. (We reached out to him for comment, but he didn't reply.)
And so a tree fell in Redondo Beach, California. But somebody heard this one. And somebody mourned Clyde.
"Mayor Steve Aspel, you killed my child," the aggrieved arborist declares in his note. "For this, you will pay."
The best revenge, of course, takes patience and careful calculation. And the seeds are best planted in warm earth.
"Two years and seven months ago, I secretly planted 45 California redwoods and 82 giant sequoias in various parks, yards, and state properties around your city," the arborist claims. It's worth noting that both Snopes and the city of Redondo Beach claim his story is not true. But still, the level of detail in this plot is impressive, even if it is imaginary.
In non-arborist terms, that means Redondo Beach could soon be home to countless trees, all belonging to a particularly massive species.
"You killed Clyde, but I have replaced him with over 100 living giants," the man notes. "And giant they will become. In a few years, they'll begin breaking heights of 100 to 300 feet and live well beyond 2,500 years."
In bureaucrat terms, that means these trees will be next to impossible to uproot without incurring enormous efforts and expenses.
The stealthy sower planted a giant sequoia in the mayor's own backyard — a tree that will look much like the one posted at top. Aspel is no longer the mayor of Redondo Beach — he was defeated in a March election.
We're talking about a tree that can weigh as much as 2.7 million pounds, towering to around 275 feet tall from its base.
And perhaps, when the wind rustles its branches, he might even hear the closing whisper of an arborist scorned.
"Good day to you, sir. May your city be overrun by trees. And may Clyde rest in peace."


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Product 6/38
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AQUAMARINE - calm, tranquility, divination, sadness, grief, and stress. SILVER - An elemental metal. Fosters hope, meditation, unconditional love, mothering, nurturance, grounding, appreciation of women and nature, mystic visions, spiritual and romantic love, tenderness, kindness, sensitivity and psychic abilities. The metal is sacred to the Moon Goddess. TURQUOISE - opportunity, friendship, money spells, love spells, happiness, preventing accidents. Many people believe it should only be given as a gift.


text: It makes me wonder, are there some genres of book more frequently stolen than others? I once watched someone who realised that he was being watched by the counter assistant go over to him and ask about a book on the next shelf to the one he was looking at. The assistant walked over and showed him, then whilst he was walking back with his back turned he had the one he wanted off the shelf and under his coat. Like you say, books can be bloody expensive; and those who have time and inclination to read tend toward poverty.


text:
Queen Victoria in Her Letters and Journals
Sutton, 2000 - Всего страниц: 374
This revealing selection from the Queen's papers provides essential clues to her character, tracing her development from shy princess to the formidable and uncompromising grande dame of Europe. How did she feel on hearing that she had become queen? How close was she to her eldest grandchild, who became Kaiser Wilhelm II? Why was she so reluctant to yield the crown to her son and heir, the future King Edward VII? What did she really think of Gladstone and Disraeli? These questions and many more are answered clearly and candidly in the Queen's own words. Victoria's passionate adoration of Prince Albert is evident throughout her journals, and later extracts give a touching insight into her feelings of loneliness and susceptibility after his death. Illustrated with some of the Queen's own drawings, this book presents an absorbing account of one of the most remarkable personalities of the nineteenth century.
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Childhood 18191837
The Young been 18371839
Авторские права
Не показаны другие разделы: 14
Другие издания - Просмотреть все
Часто встречающиеся слова и выражения
Alice Alix anxiety anxious April arrived asked Beatrice beautiful beloved Bertie's blessed breakfast Buckingham Palace Cabinet carriage cheering child confidence crowds CROwN PRINcEss darling dearest Albert December delightful dinner Disraeli dreadful dreadfully dress Duke Emperor England everything expression fear February feel felt find fine first five flowers Fritz Gladstone Government happy hear hope husband JOURNAL kind KING LEOPOLD kissed Lady Lenchen letter looked Lord Beaconsfield Lord Derby Lord Granville Lord Hartington Lord John Russell Lord Melbourne Lord Palmerston Lord Rosebery Lord Russell Lord Salisbury Lord Wolseley luncheon March marry morning never November o'clock October one's Papa Peel Ponsonby poor dear Prime Minister Prince Prince of Wales PRINcEss or PRUssIA Qieen Queen received seems September Sir William Jenner talked telegram tell terrible thank thing thought told Uncle Vicky Victoria Windsor wish write yesterday young


text:
Exactly a year ago, my dad greeted a certain birthday boy with a rousing cheer of
"Evan is Seven! Evan is Seven!"
It was a chorus repeated often in the past year.
Well, new year, new cheer..."Evan is Ev-EIGHT!"
(I think Pop had been waiting a whole year to use that one.)
(It went over really well with the second-grade and under crowd.)
Evan, I can't believe you're eight.
But you must be, because when I asked if you still wanted that Minecraft-themed birthday party we had talked about a few months ago (and that I had been mentally planning every day since), you said, "Uh, no, Mom." And when I said, "Oh, so maybe Star Wars or...." (mind-racing, reaching for my Pinterest app), you replied:
"Mom, I don't want a birthday party this year."
"Oh. Really? No party?" [heart, breaking just a little]
"Nope. Well, maybe just a family party."
"Definitely! But...no party with friends? How about just a play date with a few buddies?"
"Fine. But just three friends. And no decorations."
"Oh. Okay. How about a special snack or something?"
"Okay, but no fancy matching plates or anything."
So there it is. We'll celebrate your birthday...your EIGHT years...YOU...but I promise not to use matching plates.
You're starting to figure You out, buddy, and you're doing a great job. You're starting to understand your limits and also where you can push yourself to stretch a bit. You're figuring out how to meet your social and emotional needs on your own terms.
I'm so proud of you.
One of the things you've discovered during this year of Figuring You Out, has been Reading. You've been reading since kindergarten, but now you're Reading to try to quench an insatiable thirst...you're constantly seeking more books and chapters and pages and words.
(And I get it, buddy, I'm the same way...)
On the first day of spring break, I agreed to a Jammies Day. (You insisted upon it.) No schedule, no agenda, no boxes checked on our Spring Break Bucket List. You cuddled up in the little nest you've created for yourself in the space between your bed and the wall. You brought a stack of books and you disappeared. We ended up having a very laid back spring break.
(I tossed the bucket list.)
It was just what you needed.
Reading is just what you needed.
Reading gives you space. Reading gives you a retreat. Reading gives your active imagination a work-out...and it gives us so much to talk, wonder, and think about...together (which may be my very favorite part, selfish as that sounds...).
You are such a Reader.
(And I so get that.)
You devoured Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, which ignited a fascination with Greek mythology. I pulled out my old copy of D'Aulaires Book of Greek Myths and Enid Blyton's Tales of Ancient Greece, then you rounded out your collection with Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson's Greek Gods. You know all of their stories and strengths and weaknesses and family ties. You learned everything you could...but you were still hungry for more.
So we moved from Ancient Greece to Ancient Egypt. You started with, again, Rick Riordan. His Kane Chronicles series introduced you to the Egyptian gods and your ability to keep them straight (along with all of the Olympians) blows my mind. You know their powers, their weapons, their duties, their domains, and which animal head they possess.
But you've always been an information seeker, a Fact Keeper.
And I get that.
You are So Much like me.
But, as I was reminded by "Sarah" during my recent binge-watching of the show, Parenthood:
"as much as you seem so much like me, you're NOT me. You're not even an extension of me.
You're you."
I need to remind myself of that from time to time because there are things about you that are So You...and sometimes those things are hard for me to understand because they're so Not Me.
For instance...
You are a military-, weapons-, and war-obsessed kid right now. You've checked out every Eyewitness Book on the subject from your school library over the last few months. (Gone are the days of Henry and Mudge, I'm afraid...) You've memorized which weapons were used by which soldiers during which wars. You've asked questions about the Civil War, Vietnam, and the Nazis. You collect "army guys" and your pretend play scenarios all include battles and fighting and warfare.
And I hate it.
But I love you, and you look so stinkin' cute in your army gear...
So I'll allow this phase to run its course and (hopefully) pass.
Then, I'll patiently await your next obsession.
(Poetry writing? Bird Watching? Wetland conservation? International Peace Keeping? Memorization of the entire Beatles discography? A pacifist Mommy can dream, right?)
I love that...
You're a helper.
(Usually when you've finagled a compensation of some sort...)
|"I'll put away dishes if that means you'll be ready to play WWI Army Squadrons with me sooner!"
You know how to get a laugh.
You stand up to the dark side.
But you still look so sweet and innocent when you sleep.
Rather than delay gratification, you head straight for the best part first.
|Pun intended.
Because you know what you like.
And you go after it.
I love everything about you.
(Yes, even the fact that you elicit stronger emotions out of me than anyone else. You know how to make me so crazy and can split me wide open with such pride and joy.)
Sometimes, just standing back and watching you makes me kind of choke up.
You made me a Mommy.
How'd you get so big?
I'll stand by you as you keep figuring You out.
There's such a peace to self-awareness. I can't wait for you to have that.
In the meantime, we have each other.
And I'm so glad these two have you.
They're lucky to have you (even if Max doesn't always realize it...you CAN be kind of a Boss) and you're lucky to have them (even if you don't always realize it...Molly sure does love to "just go see what Evan's doing in his room"). But Dad and I are the luckiest of all to get to see the three of you grow up together.
Evan, never forget that you have a big, supportive family who have your back.
Sometimes literally...
Because you're awesome.
Even if Birthday Parties, suddenly, are not.
Lesson Learned:
Eight. That sounds so big. That sounds so official. He is. He's officially Big. And I love being a Big Kid mom. It's hard, though. It's so much harder than being a Mommy to babies. (Not that any current Mommy of Babies would believe me...) Sure, back then I was overwhelmed and exhausted and I thought my life had never been, nor would ever be Harder than it was Right Then. But the stuff we're dealing with now? The Real Life stuff...the friend stuff...the school stuff...the "safe choices" stuff...it feels like a Very Big Deal. Right now, we have a captive audience with him. I hope we always do...but in case we someday don't, I'm trying to squeeze it all in now...all of the important Life Lessons that he Needs To Know....I'm trying to plant those tiny seeds in his brain now so that, when he's bigger and farther from us and he needs them, they'll be ready for him to harvest.
But I also know that someday I'll look back on This time, when he was *only* eight, and I'll think "Man, I didn't realize how easy it was back then...."
This shit just keeps getting harder. But it's a good hard.


text:
Coming up with the ideas is only one part of what we do. Selling, presenting and most importantly – winning business is the other. But that's the shit they just don't teach you in class. So we decided it was time we learnt a thing or two about it and chatted to Andrew Foote – founding partner and creative director at AJF Partnership (http://ajfpartnership NULL.com NULL.au). He knows a thing or two about hand shakers – he started AJF from scratch with two other lads (who, weirdly enough, all have the same initials) almost 7 years ago. They are one of the largest independent agencies in Oz. Couldn't really be further from where he started — as a little junior copywriter in (r)Adelaide.
Junior: Ok Andrew – Can we call you Footey? Tell us, how did you get into advertising?
Footey: I was studying law at university, and realised the only thing I'd learned was that I didn't want to be a lawyer. I'd never really thought about a career in advertising, because quite frankly it hadn't occurred to me. (Truth be known I was probably spending too much time on the golf course to think about any career at all.) But I got to talking to a couple of mates in the ad business who suggested I give it a go, firstly by doing AWARD School. One of those mates was Adam Francis, who was an art director at the Adelaide start-up Killey & Withy, which was to become KWP! Anyway, I finished my law degree, then did okay in AWARD School, and by this time Adam had moved to Clemenger Adelaide and was in need of a writer. Fortunately, Clems gave me a crack. That was over 18 years ago, and Adam and I still work together to this day.
Jr: 18 years! That's longer than some marriages. At what point did you consider starting your own agency?
AF: Just to give you the career context, I went from being a writer at Clemenger Adelaide to a senior writer and creative director at Clemenger Harvie/CHE, then to Y&R Melbourne as a senior writer under James McGrath, then to joint creative director at Y&R Adelaide. We had an interesting 18 months or so at Y&R Adelaide. When Adam and I, together with MD David Hallett arrived, the place was struggling badly despite having an agency full of great, talented people. We worked incredibly hard, did some good work, turned things around, and then… lost Mitsubishi, our biggest client. The decision was made in Japan, and was totally out of our hands. Y&R made the decision to shut the agency, so we initially decided to start our own shop in Adelaide, which we did, although it proved to be a false start for AJF Partnership. At around the same time, CHE asked us to return as joint executive CDs, and for one reason or another this seemed like the best option at the time, particularly as it allowed us to return to Melbourne. But after ten months at CHE we realised that we really would like to have a bash at it ourselves, so we left, and we did.
Jr: It's obviously paid off now, but what were some of the initial challenges you first faced? Obviously it didn't take long to pick a name?
AF: Winning clients, obviously. Ever tried cold-calling anyone? It's pretty daunting. We had to decide who we were going to call, who would actually do the calling, what they'd say, and then how we'd present if they were interested in hearing from us. What was our point of difference? What could we offer that other agencies couldn't? Fortunately, our approach must have worked – in six years we've gone from three to sixty five staff in Melbourne, and have our Sydney office up and running with around a dozen staff. As for the name, crazily enough we did think about other options. Fortunately we resisted, and AJF Partnership it was. The fact that the three founding partners have exactly the same initials has been a pretty good icebreaker.
Jr: There's a lot of factors in play when it comes to a winning new business pitch, but what advice would you give young creatives when one lands on their desk?
AF: I don't think young creatives should treat a pitch brief differently to any other. Simply put, answer the brief in a creative, engaging way. More often than not, you need to find a big brand thought that can be easily demonstrated across a whole range of media. You might find that the CD pushes you down a certain path, and may not always go for what you consider to be your 'coolest' or most creative ideas. But as you say, there are a lot of factors in play in a pitch, so there are a lot of strategic decisions being made that you may not fully appreciate. Clients pitch for a lot of reasons, but there are generally very specific things they are looking for in an agency, and it's the CD's job to make sure the work delivers on those. One thing I'd say is that it's important to get up to speed with the client's business, their category and their target audiences very quickly. Any agency that demonstrates a good understanding of these things will be off to a good start.
Jr: Selling ideas – whether it be a pitch or a presentation is the second part of what we do. Can you tell us a few things we can do to get our ideas made?
AF: As a junior, I think the best thing you can do is to make sure your ideas answer the brief, and can be achieved on time and on budget. You may not be presenting the work yourself, so you'll often have to leave the selling to others, be they account management or senior creative people. But you can make the sale somewhat easier by developing a bulletproof creative rationale, explaining why the idea is right for the brief and why it will do the job it needs to. If appropriate, include plenty of reference so that the client can really picture what you're trying to achieve. But don't despair if work doesn't get sold. Chances are, you're working on smaller briefs at this stage, and although you'd no doubt like the agency to fight tooth and nail for your idea, in the bigger scheme of the client relationship it may not make a lot of sense to push too hard for a smaller job. It's a 'lose the battle to win the war' situation. In any case, if your idea's good enough it'll still stand out in your folio, and CDs will understand the reasons why it didn't get made.
Jr: Speaking of folios – What do you consider when judging the strength of an idea?
AF: Does it answer the brief, and will it work its arse off. In other words, will it get the people we want to do what we want them to? That's what all great advertising does. Of course, there are many ways to achieve this – that's where the creative bit comes in, and that's what we're paid to do.
Jr: And what do you look for when hiring a potential creative?
AF: For a start, we've got an unwritten no-dickhead policy. You spend a lot of time with people at work, so I'd rather enjoy their company than not. We look for people with honesty, integrity and a good work ethic. We look for people who can create campaigns, not just one-off ads. We look for people with a certain level of maturity so that they can work autonomously. And we look for people who create brilliant work that is designed to sell stuff, not just make their reel and folio look good.
Jr: As a copywriter, what process do you go through when writing headlines?
AF: I sit down with a pad and a pen. I scribble words on a page. If I kind of like a thought, I'll draw a box that's the shape of the ad and write the headline in it. Sometimes I pull out a thesaurus, just to look for other ways into what I'm trying to say. I keep referring back to the brief. Maybe flick through an annual, visit the client's website, stare out the window – all the usual stuff. It has to be quiet – I can't write with music on or people talking around me. I really enjoy the process. I don't delete or chuck out anything either, because a lot of thoughts that you don't end up using for that particular headline can make great bits of copy, or lines for digital pieces, or become other ideas altogether.
Jr: Lastly, what's the best piece advice that was given to you when you were a junior?
AF: Here's a good one for writers: buy a stopwatch. Whenever you're writing for TV or radio, read your scripts out loud, at a leisurely pace, and time yourself. This will help you to stop over-writing, and prevent much stress in the recording studio.
There are all sorts of those little things that you pick up along the way, but I can't recall any single profound pieces of advice that I've lived by. I guess I've always just observed everything and everyone, and reached my own conclusions about what I thought were the right and wrong ways to do things. I'm still doing it today.Tweet


text:
Fiduciary News Trending Topics for ERISA Plan Sponsors: Week Ending 2/11/11
Welcome to Fiduciary News Trending Topics. Each Monday, we'll give you a quick synopsis of the major news events and trends impacting ERISA plan sponsors, 401k fiduciaries and those in the business of supporting these fine folks. If you smile when you read these entertaining snippets, well, that's the idea.
Fiduciary News Lead Story:
"Should Plan Sponsors Fear? Is the 401k Merely a Ponzi Scheme?" (Fiduciary News, February 8, 2011). This is the story you've been hearing about. It started with a rather inane comment from a small market radio host and went viral in 24 hours. Too ridiculous to be true? The mass media seems to promote this urban legend. Here's the truth that busts it.
Fiduciary Standard – Positioning Continues:
Who's the better fiduciary? Who can best regulate a fiduciary? What is a fiduciary, anyway? The debate continues as if the topic was debatable. What's clear now is "the fiduciary standard" has become a mere pawn in a larger power struggle that has everything to do with funding, politics and prestige. The client? Don't be so naïve.
"HighTower's Weissbluth: 'Choice' Argument Against Fiduciary 'Intellectually Dishonest,'" (Advisor One, February 7, 2011) Weissbluth lays it on the line. A must read to fully appreciate the implications of "fiduciary."
"Sen. Harkin to DOL: Hold Retirement Plan Advisors to Strict Fiduciary Rules," (Advisor One, February 1, 2011) Read this and see if you can spot the way the Senator's harsh stance allows the DOL to weasel out.
"FINRA urges firms to gear up for fiduciary duties," (Reuters, February 8, 2011) "Thank you sir may I have another?" Before you get hung up on the presumptuousness of the headline, read the article. There's a word that keeps popping up: "disclosure."
"Wells Fargo's Carroll: Fiduciary standard will 'narrow' investment choices," (Investment News, February 9, 2011) Weissbluth (above) pre-empted this argument, but, as one famous RIA tweeterer said, "Isn't that the point?" If removing bad choices "narrows" the choice, then we have a true fiduciary standard.
"What Are the Implications of a Uniform Fiduciary Standard?" (Financial Planning, February 10, 2011) This article best sums up the current reality when the author writes, "What has happened is that constitutes from both sides of the broker-dealer and financial advisor camps are gearing up for what figures to be a protracted series of reports and baton passing between Congress and the SEC."
"SEC's Fiduciary, SRO Studies Considered Linked, Experts Say," (Advisor One, February 11, 2011) Here's where we start seeing the real pieces of the faux struggle falling together. It's not about a fiduciary standard to help put the client first, it's about who's getting the dollars and the power to regulate an industry everyone loves to regulate.
401k as the Enemy – The Perils of Poor Timing:
Every once in a while – almost as if it's on some editorial calendar – we see a week with a series of articles calling into question the sanctity of the 401k plan. Is it the root of all evil – or is it just drawn that way?
"Retirement To Change Drastically, Merrill Says," (Financial Advisor, February 2, 2011) The good news: older more experienced retirees would encourage today's workers to start investing for retirement in their early 20's or 30's. The bad news: Women are much less confident about securing a good retirement than men. This might be, as the article points out, because women expect to do much more than men in their retirement years. Other than that, it's tough to find any "drastic" change.
"I know 401k plans aren't perfect, but a Ponzi scheme?" (Employee Benefit News, February 8, 2011) Here's a pretty honest piece, inspired by last week's lead story in Fiduciary News, reflecting surprise at the pervasiveness of this myth.
"Mistiming Retirement," (Financial Advisor, February 2011) Sometimes, things are just an unfortunate accident of birth. And sometimes they're an unfortunate accident of bad advice. This is an exhaustive piece and good for the wonk-heads in the audience.
Major Plan Sponsor Moves and News:
What are other plan sponsors and fiduciaries doing with their plans? And how are participants responding? The latest in legal proceedings involving plan sponsors and fiduciaries.
"Federal Court Rules in Precedent-Setting ERISA Class Action Complaint," (The Law Firm of Faegre & Benson LLP, February 4, 2010)
"Make This 401k Problem Go Away," (Motley Fool, February 4, 2010)
Wisdom from Some of Our Favorite Blogs:
fi360 Blog: Fiduciary Links: Register for the Committee for the Fiduciary Standard's webinar
Hot Tips from Popular Web Resources:
The Rosenbaum Law Firm P.C. (via JDSupra): Off The Mark: Target Date Funds, 401k Plans, and Truth in Advertising
The Rosenbaum Law Firm P.C. (via JDSupra): 401k Plan Provisions That Are Bad Ideas
Business Roundtable: BRT Letter on Application of ERISA Fiduciary Rules to Proxy Advisory Firms
Epstein Becker & Green, P.C.: Technology Team Newsletter: Minding Your 401k Plan Duties While Minding the Store
Miss anything? Feel free to add a comment below.


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Randstad CEO calls for OECD members to brace for digital transformation's impact on skills needs
Digital transformation of the global economy is leading to widespread deindustrialisation and job polarisation in OECD countries. As a result, business, policy and education leaders must rethink what new skills will be needed in this new era and help workers prepare for the changes ahead, according to Randstad CEO, Jacques van den Broek.
His comment comes ahead of his contribution to the annual OECD Forum in Paris and Randstad says it serves as both a rallying cry and a caution to leaders in the OECD markets, where digital transformation is having the most profound effects on those economies.
Randstad is launching 'Flexibility@work 2016' today, an annual report on flexible labor and employment. This year's report includes the sub-theme "Future of Work in the Digital Age, evidence from OECD countries", by the University of Utrecht and the University of Leuven, showing polarisation is growing as the number of high- and low-wage jobs is rising while those paying mid-wages are diminishing. A critical reason for this trend, the company says, is the effect of automation, robotisation and outsourcing of many jobs.
van den Broek commented, "Job automation and outsourcing to markets outside of OECD is having a significant impact on our member states and their workers.
"This transformation presents both opportunities and challenges for employers, policy makers and educators, because they need to understand the powerful dynamics behind the changes and develop policies that will help workers at all levels obtain the skills they need to thrive in the high-tech era."
According to 'Flexibility@work 2016', demand for STEM skills will increasingly drive job polarisation. As more high-skill jobs are created in support of digital products and technology, a corresponding rise in low-skill employment will occur. In fact, the researchers revealed, for every high-tech job created, an additional 2.5 to 4.4 jobs are created as a result.


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Whether planning a short break with friends, a family holiday
Whether planning a short break with friends, a family holiday, a weekend away with your sports and social club or looking for a great weekend away, the Esplanade Hotel makes planning group trips easy with special group amenities, guaranteed services, and customized rates, so all you have to do is relax and have a great time.
Contact a member of our Sales Team who will be more than happy to assist you with your request on +353 (0) 1 286 2056
Make a General Enquiry. Our sales team will respond within 24 hours, Monday to Friday.


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Curse facute cu BMW-ul tau pe 400m, 1000m sau daca te tine... pe toata autostrada pana la capat!
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Main Material : acrylic |
Other Materials : plastc coated nylon thread and precious white metal |
One of a Kind : No |
Hallmarked : No |
Length (inches) : 16
When lying flat, the dimensions of the necklace are 480 x 85 mm. The item is light to wear due to the nature of the material.
Due to the size of this piece it is made to order and can take up to thirty days until dispatch.
The whole piece can be rinsed with soapy water and dried by patting with a cloth. If the fragments of metal tarnish they can be cleaned with silver dip, this will not damage the plastic in any way.
For the perfect accompaniment.
Black long chain by Alena Asenbryl


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Hello! Today I have the whispered ASMR version of the type writer video for you and I also edited it in a different way and adjusted the volume of the typing a bit so that it doesn't interfere with my whispering too much ^_^. It is the same footage but put together differently. For those of you who requested a whispered voice over and for everyone else that loves my whispered videos, please let me know down below what you think! Much love Ilse
Connect with me through my website or social media!
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- Sleepy ASMR ♥ Get Cozy With Me, My Doggo & Plush Collection - August 17, 2018
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- ASMR Mystery Box from New Zealand! LOTS of CRINKLES ^_^ - July 7, 2018


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A new normal Thanksgiving…
Dad was a handsome fella…
…just a few decades ago. He's gone now. Ginny's Dad is gone too. Allen & John won't make it to our family Thanksgiving for the first time…ever.
It's our new normal. I'm the old man @ 45, it seems.
Happy notes.
2 daughters will be here from thier college experience. 2 little boys will be here bouncing off the walls….wishing for Christmas ffwd. Jesus should be around, I presume. And 2 older moms & 1 young one will be here. And…then…this old man. It's all we got…and we're okay.
Don't get me wrong. Dad did his best. From Kerns bakery to Phillip Morris to Starlight Lanes to Buster Brown to Martin Marietta & Union Carbide…this Dad provided. Gin's Dad did the same between our country's Navy service & many churches after he "retired". John provided and more.
2 sweet men. 2 long lives. 2 missed loved ones.
Yeah, John & Gin up there and Mom & Dad at our wedding. Good times.
Life does indeed go on. All roads lead to Florida…as I say. Then…USVI & BVI. Just sayin.
Here's wishing you & yours a wonderful Thanksgiving. God bless.
Love you, Dad. Always.


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COVINGTON — The Covington Board of Education partnered with the Upper Valley Medical Center (UVMC) for annual funding for upgrades to the athletic facilities and an athletic trainer services during their meeting on Wednesday evening.
The board approved an agreement with UVMC for sponsorship, marketing rights, and naming rights for the period of May 15, 2019 through May 15, 2024. UVMC will provide funding of $10,000 per year in that agreement to the school for the upgrades and maintenance of athletic field and sports facilities, programs that support academic development, and programs that are intrinsic to the development of student skills and talents.
In addition to the yearly donations to athletic facilities and programs, Treasurer Carol Forsythe said that UVMC will also provide athletic trainer services for the benefit of the junior high and high school athletic teams at no cost to the district, for which the district district was previously paying.
The agreement with also provide comprehensive wellness programs and services to Covington schools' employees and students at a cost 10 percent below the normal market rate.
During the board's student spotlight, they recognized Covington High School senior Gray Harshbarger, who is one of the valedictorians, was voted prom king, and was voted most outstanding senior boy. Harshbarger also participated in basketball and track.
"He is just one of those young men who represent Covington so well," Covington Elementary School Principal Josh Long said.
In the following staff spotlight, the board recognized Bob Boyer, the junior high and high school custodian and maintenance employee.
"He is just an outstanding employee," Long said. "He has great passion … and just a ton of pride in what he does."
The Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) Business Honor Roll also recognized the following businesses for their strong support of Covington schools: Brandon Studebaker Construction, LLC; Ebberts Field Seeds, Inc.; New Tech Plastics; The Stitchery; and more.
The board also authorized the 2019-2020 membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association; approved the purchase of a Science and Health six-year curriculum program for grades nine though 12 from McGraw-Hill Education at a cost of $34,029; and approved the purchased of a reading and math benchmarking and assessment tool for grades kindergarten through 12 from NWEA at a cost not to exceed $15,750.
The board ended their meeting by going into executive session to discuss personnel.
Board members Mark Miller and Lee Harmon were absent.
Reach Sam Wildow at email@example.com. © 2019 Miami Valley Today, all rights reserved.


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Recommended Resources
St Francis Magazine is a publication of Arab Vision and Interserve. Both organizations are committed to witnessing to Jesus Christ in the Arab World. The magazine aims to strengthen the Christian witness in the Arab World by articles, through studies, and by offering applied training on matters related to the Christian apostolate in the Arab World.
If you are interested in the history of the church in North Africa, read the book by Robin Daniel, This Holy Seed: Faith, Hope and Love in the Early Churches of North Africa.
After Saturday comes Sunday – Understanding the Christian crisis in the Middle East.
In her latest book, Elizabeth Kendal opens the eyes of her readers in compelling fashion to the tragedy that has befallen Middle Eastern Christians. Her extensive experience as a religious liberty analyst has informed this work, which is at once an insightful survey of past historical and political events, and a call to action on behalf of persecuted Christians. No reader could fail to be moved by this power study.
Peter Riddell, Vice Principal, Melbourne School of Theology
You can find more information at the author's site and at Amazon


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Meet the New Teachers: Ms. Sharpe
Here's the inside scoop on one of our new teachers at Magnet this year! Ms. Sharpe is excited to have the opportunity to be here at Magnet and interact with our wonderful students!
Where are you from?
Ms. Sharpe is a native of the Charleston area; she grew up in Hanahan. After high school, she attended Newberry College and then got her M Ed. from The Citadel.
What made you want to teach at AMHS?
Ms. Sharpe had already subbed at Magnet in place of Mrs. Renes during her maternity leave, and felt comfortable in our school's environment. After the departure of the beloved Ms. McIntyre, Ms. Sharpe couldn't pass up the opportunity to teach at such a great school.
Where have you previously taught?
Rivers High School, Wando, Goose Creek High School, and as a substitute at the School of the Arts
What classes do you teach?
Geometry and Algebra II
How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Caring, Dedicated, Intelligent
What is your family life like?
She lives in Goose Creek with her 15 year old black Dachshund named Amazing Grace and loves to spend time with her family who lives in Hanahan.
Do you have any special talents?
Ms. Sharpe likes to paint, study art, and can play the trumpet.
What inspired you to be a teacher?
Ms. Sharpe felt that she had the proper personality type to help educate students and really wanted to make a difference in student's educational lives.
What is the best part of your job?
She enjoys having a positive influence on her students.
Who is your hero and why?
Ms. Sharpe's biggest hero is her sister because she always wanted to mirror her sister's kind, loving, and gentle personality.
What is your goal as a teacher?
Ms. Sharpe wants her students to become proficient in math and to learn to appreciate how large a role geometry has in the real world.
Is there anything you want to say to the Magnet community?
She is excited to maintain the stellar math department here at our school and loves it here at Magnet.


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Wynn Williams - Christchurch and Auckland Lawyers
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Vacancy for Senior Solicitor in Auckland
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Published on 20/02/2014
Rapid growth in our corporate / commercial Auckland practice means that we require an experienced solicitor who wants to become part of a dynamic team and take control of their career.
You will have developed a strong corporate/commercial skill set through practicing in this area for the last 3-6 years within a large national firm and have experience in a range of corporate transactions including acquisitions, divestments and joint venture arrangements. You will also have strong interpersonal skills and relish the opportunity to be client facing in respect of both existing and potential clients.
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Wynn Williams
Level 5, Wynn Williams House, 47 Hereford Street, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand.
PO Box 4341, DX WX11179, Christchurch 8140.
+64 3 379 7622
+64 3 379 2467
Wynn Williams
Level 25, Vero Centre, 48 Shortland Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
PO Box 2401, Shortland Street, Auckland 1140.
+64 9 300 2600
+64 9 300 2609
Wynn Williams - Christchurch and Auckland Lawyers
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Our Emperor Penguin Wallpaper Mural is a brilliantly crisp, bright image that depicts a little huddle of emperor penguins meandering their way across the snowy terrain. Lovely contrast in colour between the white of the snow and the bright blue sky goes a long way to create a brilliant feature wall in your home. Perfectly matching any colour scheme and or interior design ideas that you might have our Emperor Penguin Wallpaper Mural will also look stunning in any room of the home.
MuralsWallpaper is rated 9/10 on TrustPilot based on 650+ reviews.


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Get set for a Nero experience
British electronic music group Nero will perform at a music festival in Bangalore next month. Saurabh Datar gets them to spill the beans on their act
There's good news for dubstep fans. Grammy-winning British band Nero will perform in India this December at the Smirnoff Experience Festival. The trio, who will headline the festival along with top dubstep artiste Rusko, have been constantly lauded for innovating in the dubstep genre, and won a Grammy for their collaboration with Skrillex they remixed 'Promises' which won them the Best Remixed Recording 2013.
The concert is set to be a visual treat with world-renowned stage designers, Alex Lazarus and Heather Shaw having been given the reins to handle the sets and graphics. Incidentally they have done the 3D visual mapping for Amon Tobin's ISAM live tour, and the Do Lab stage at the Coachella Music and Arts Festival. SUNDAY MiD DAY spoke to Nero about their upcoming India gig.
How did the India festival materialise? How do you feel about performing in Bangalore?
We've never played in India before. We were asked to come and play at the show, so it's quite an exciting prospect.
What can the fans expect from a Nero show?
They can expect to hear a broad range of electronic music, some classic Nero tunes and a couple of new ones, too.
Besides dubstep and electronica, what other kinds of music do you like?
On the whole, we dislike a lot of what gets called 'EDM' and 'Dubstep' now. There's some great electronic acts that we're really into, but mostly, we don't really listen to much modern electronic music in our spare time. We listen to a lot of '70s and '80s music — British synth pop like Depeche, Mode and Gary Numan, 80s boogie/electro funk, Fleetwood Mac, Michael Jackson and so on. We're huge Prince fans, too.
How was it working with Skrillex? How did it feel winning the Grammy for Promises?
It was cool; we hooked up with him at our studio whilst he was visiting London and collaborated on the Promises remix. It came together really fast and just seemed to work. If you had told us that night that it would go on to win a Grammy, we'd have been very surprised.
Will we hear the song in your show?
Yes, indeed.
What songs of yours are the most loved by fans? Any special playlists you've prepared for the India festival?
No, we're not doing anything different in terms of the music we play. It's important that all our fans get the experience of a Nero show, so we play a lot of Nero songs, as well as other stuff that we're really into.
Any Indian artistes that you're particularly fond of?
We used to listen to Talvin Singh quite a bit.
The Smirnoff Experience Festival will be held on December 21, 2013 at Manpho Convention Centre, Bangalore.
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text: The Fellowship of Christian Athletes meets on Fridays at noon in Mr. Parker's room. Coach Kaleb Hoffman is the group's sponsor. He strives to promote good, Christian behavior among our young people. They host 5th quarter after basketball games, 10th inning after softball games and work with the Academic Society in their charitable food drives. All are invited to join!


text: I can't seem to find the answer to this seemingly simply question anywhere. What I'd like to know is simply whether or not I can set a widget's size hint from within Designer. I know I can just override sizeHint() once I generate the code, but it'd be nice if I could set it within Designer so that my widgets don't get all funky when I add a layout manager. Thanks, skawaii ----- Jason Cooper Software Engineer Northrop Grumman Intelligence Group (TASC) -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/sizeHint-access-in-Designer--tp19062826p19062826.html Sent from the PyQt mailing list archive at Nabble.com.


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Meet The Photoshop Gurus Of India. You Won't Believe, But They're Ridiculously Good.
We all know it needs a lot of creativity and skill to master the art of Photoshop but some people pull it off perfectly without spending much effort. All they need is a little knowledge of MS-paint. These photos look so good and realistic that you have to look twice to know if they are digitally altered.
1. This should be the official poster for the next Superman sequel.
2. The official poster of Kareena Kapoor's Kurbaan 2.
3. And have you ever seen a Dhoom poster as awesome as this?
4. "Lemme just take a quick photo with my new car."
6. No, that's not Tom Cruise.
7. That's a tight hug bro! Eyes-to-eyes, lips-to-lips – love is in the air. 🙂
8. This dude who photoshopped everything right except Katrina Kaif's upper head.
9. Ek tha tiger and that's him.
10. So brave! That's really a friendly tiger.
11. Why, why, why?
12. Someone broke the lady's heart.
13. Twilight saga meets The Last Exorcism.
14. Did Iron Man just swallow a head?
15. Caption please!
16. Just a lucky old man getting cozy with Kajol.
17. Meet the Desi Spidermen.
18. "I am a vampire."
19. I am so jealous of this guy.
20. This girl who starred along with Shah Rukh Khan in Jab Tak Hai Jaan.
21. That's a big hand though. OMG!
22. What a romantic couple!
23. "I am a hunter and I shoot only lion."
24. This sad guy who just fought with his girlfriend.
25. Yes, Singh is king.


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The Effects of Google +1 and SEO
2011, like many have predicted, is shaping up to be the year of a social influenced search results. While many traditional SEO's are cringing at all of these new changes to Google's algorithm, at Falling Up Media we are loving the new changes that Google is dishing out! Social integration such as related tweets, Facebook likes, Google Buzz links, etc have been influencing SERP's for awhile now. Now enters..... Google +1 This is a similar feature to the popular FaceBook "like" button. It essentially allow... Read more


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In accordance with strict financial rules and regulations, TheTradersDomain collects and verifies the personal identification data of all our account holders. TheTradersDomain logs and tracks all the transactions that are carried out by our clients.
In order to open a trading account you must provide at least 100 points of ID. The ID you provide must comprise of a primary form of Photo ID which includes a valid government issued document showing your full name and date of birth and a secondary form of ID showing your name, residential address and provision of services such as money owed or paid.
In accordance with the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing Act 2006 we are required to verify your identity prior to opening a trading account.
We are required to collect a minimum of 100 points of ID. Each form of primary ID accounts for 70 points with each form of secondary ID accounting for 30 points. The total must be equal to or greater than 100 points.
The following are acceptable forms of photo identification:
Photo ID must show full name and date of birth. If your Photo ID is Certified or Notarized add 30 points (100 points in total).
The following are acceptable forms of proof of residence:
All proof of residences must be current and not outdated by more than 90 days, show the full document, clearly display the name and address (no PO Boxes) and show a provision of services such as money owed or paid.
Total = 100 points
We must be able to understand the language shown on your Photo ID and Proof of Residence. We are able to translate most languages except Arabic and Russian. We require documents provided in Arabic and Russian to be accompanied by an English translation.
The withdrawal process at TheTradersDomain detailed below is structured around strict guidelines to make sure that funds are securely sent back to their originating source and beneficiary.
Prior to opening an account, TheTradersDomain shall document the identity, nature of business, income, source of assets if applicable, and investment objectives of each prospective customer.


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An issue was discovered in Adobe Acrobat and Reader: 2017.012.20098 and earlier versions, 2017.011.30066 and earlier versions, 2015.006.30355 and earlier versions, and 11.0.22 and earlier versions. The vulnerability is caused by a computation that writes data past the end of the intended buffer; the computation is part of handling an EMF EMR_BITBLT record. The vulnerability is a result of an out of range pointer offset that is used to access sub-elements of an internal data structure. An attacker can potentially leverage the vulnerability to corrupt sensitive data or execute arbitrary code.
View Analysis Description
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they may have information that would be of interest to you. No inferences should be drawn on account of other sites
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NIST does not necessarily endorse the views expressed, or concur with the facts presented on these sites. Further,
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this page to email@example.com.
*cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:* versions up to (including) 11.0.22
*cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:* versions from (including) 17.0 up to (including) 17.011.30066
*cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat_dc:*:*:*:*:continuous:*:*:* versions from (including) - up to (including) 17.012.20098
*cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat_dc:*:*:*:*:classic:*:*:* versions from (including) 15.0 up to (including) 15.006.30355
*cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat_reader:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:* versions up to (inclu
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/101812 No Types Assigned
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/101812 Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1039791 No Types Assigned
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1039791 Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb17-36.html No Types Assigned
https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb17-36.html Vendor Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/101812 [No Types Assigned]
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1039791 [No Types Assigned]


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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have launched a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle on, carrying the French SPOT-6 Earth observation satellite, along with a 15-kilogram Japanese microsatellite.
Lift off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre was on schedule at 04:23 UTC
ISRO Launch:
The sixth satellite in France's Système Probatoire d'Observation de la Terre, or SPOT, programme, SPOT-6 is an optical imaging satellite capable of imaging the Earth with a resolution of 1.5 metres.
Constructed by EADS Astrium, it is based on the AstroSat-500 Mk.II bus, has a mass of 712 kilograms (1,600 lb) and is expected to operate for ten years. Another satellite, SPOT-7, is scheduled for launch in 2014.
SPOT-6, launch carried the Project of OIT Electric-Rocket-Engine Onboard Small Space Ship, or PROITERES, satellite for Japan's Osaka Institute of Technology (OIT).
A 15-kilogram microsatellite equipped with a boom for gravity gradient stabilisation, PROITERES will be used for experiments investigating the propagation of radio signals, testing communications systems, and demonstrating electric propulsion for small satellites. It also carries a high resolution camera for earth imaging.
The mini Redundant Strap down Inertial Navigation System, or mRESINS, payload is also being flown aboard the PSLV. This is a technology demonstration payload operated by ISRO, testing new avionics for future PSLV missions; similar to the AAM payload launched by PSLV C8. Like AAM, it will remain bolted to the rocket's upper stage following launch.
The spacecraft was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation, ISRO, using a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, or PSLV. First flown in 1993, the PSLV is the most flown and most successful Indian orbital launch system yet developed. The launch will use the Core Alone configuration, the smallest PSLV variant in use
The first flight of the PSLV in September 1993 carried the IRS-1E satellite; however a guidance problem resulted in the rocket failing to achieve orbit. Another failure occurred on the first operational launch in September 1997.
This failure resulted in the payload being placed into a lower-than-planned orbit, from which it expended a significant quantity of its on board fuel in an effort to recover.
The launch of SPOT-6 was the second mission for India's PSLV this year, following the deployment of RISAT-1 in April. Overall, it marked the twenty-second flight of the PSLV, and the eighth of the Core Alone configuration.
PSLV-CA configuration was first used in April 2007, on the C8 flight, to deploy the AGILE spacecraft for the Italian Space Agency; a mission which also carried ISRO's AAM avionics experiment. Its next launch came in January 2008, deploying Israel's TecSAR radar imaging spacecraft, with another launch in April carrying CartoSat-2A, IMS-1, seven CubeSats and the Rubin-8 payload. A year later, the fourth flight launched RISAT-2 and ANUSAT.
In September 2009, the next PSLV-CA deployed OceanSat-2 and four CubeSats, also carrying the Rubin-9 payload, which like Rubin-8, remained intentionally attached to the upper stage. The sixth launch, in July 2010, orbited CartoSat-2B, AlSat-2A, and three CubeSats. The most recent flight before C21 occurred in October 2011, when PSLV C18 deployed the Franco-Indian Megha-Tropiques satellite, along with the VesselSat-1, SRMSAT and Jugnu spacecraft.


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Richard was born at Oxford on 8th September 1157, the third son of Henry II, and, as such, never expected to succeed to the English throne. History has glamorised his reign, endowing it with an air of romance and chivalry as epitomised by his statue outside the Houses of Parliament.
Another description could be that of absentee warlord, forever seeking to expand his rule through the force of arms and spending only six months of his ten year rule in England. His undoubted military prowess earned him the title of Lionheart in Europe, while in the East, mothers would threaten their children with his Arabic name Melec Ric - "King Ric".
He was recorded as a handsome figure, 6'5" tall with the fair hair and blue eyes of the Plantagenets. He was a bright scholar and a talented linguist; he could make jokes in Latin and recite poetry in French and Provencal. A man of some intelligence and insight, he realised that there was more to successful warfare than just being skilled in arms. He combined these qualities with a gift for strategy and tactics that enabled him to consolidate his rule in both his duchy of Aquitaine and kingdom of England.
Following the deaths by drowning of his two legitimate sons, William and Richard, plus their half brother Outtel, Henry I did all he could to ensure that his daughter Matilda would succeed him to the throne and forced his nobles to swear to this on more than one occasion, the last being at Oxford when all present, including Stephen of Blois, son of the Conqueror's sister Adela gave his word. Stephen was a pleasant, affable and likeable man and a favourite of Henry who gave him so much land and property both sides of the channel that he became one of the richest and most powerful of noblemen. He lacked the moral strength and ruthlessness however to be a firm leader which ultimately proved to be the cause of his failure to secure his line through the accession of his son. He was one of the party intended to travel to England in 1120 on the White Ship, but declined due to diarrhea, an attack which probably saved his life.
Henry's remarkable success against the French in battle is well known, but it is not generally realised how close he came to uniting the kingdoms of England and France. His victories had given him control of two thirds of France, plus the guarantee of him succeeding to the French throne on the death of the mad King Charles. If Henry could have lived a few short weeks longer he would have achieved this grand ambition.
Those interested in Medieval history will know of Henry's great victory at Agincourt (or Azincourt to give it its proper name), but this was not the end of his ambition in France.
King Henry's heavy taxes to pay for his dynastic ambitions in Europe, plus bad weather and widespread famine, provoked civil unrest in England leading to civil war.
200 years after the Norman invasion the country's nobility had largely become anglicized and viewed France and Europe in general with suspicion.
French born Simon de Montfort was tolerated as a councillor of King Henry III, but things changed when he inherited through his mother, the title of Earl of Leicester and became a focal point for those nobles unhappy with the perceived misuse of power by the king. The situation worsened when he married the king's sister Eleanor without first seeking royal consent.


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Posts Tagged 'articles'
Russian Duma Introduces Even More Restrictions on Public Protest
From The Huffington Post.
July 12, 2010.
The building of autocracy in Russia is done in small steps. One brick was added to the wall this Friday by the State Duma. An act that further restricts public gatherings and protests in the country passed in its first hearing.
The most widely discussed "innovation" of the new act is that it obliges organizers of all actions involving cars or any other means of transportation (including trains, bycicles etc.) to de facto receive approval from the authorities. It is an apparent response to recent protests of car owners (the so-called "blue buckets") and opposition actions in Moscow trains. The government and police found it difficult to stop or persecute participants of those protests, so now they'll have a pretext.
Another paragraph of the act bans people who have previously (within one year) violated the law on public gatherings from organizing any public actions at all. Given the way Russian courts operate in such cases (i.e. simply approve police reports without checking them or listening to the other side), it's going to become a handy means to prevent unwanted "troublemakers" from holding any legal protests. For instance, I will be personally affected by this law: I won't be allowed to organize any more protests. This is an obvious violation of the Russian Constitution, by the way, as this ban is imposed without an explicit court rule. But who cares about the Constitution?
I think the world needs to know the authors of this act. Representatives of three parties signed it, namely, of United Russia, Just Russia and LDPR. The LDPR guy, Pavel Tarakanov recently called off his signature and the party surprisingly decided to vote against this act. A Just-Russia co-author, Mikhail Emelyanov, was in Unted Russia until 2007 and in Yabloko earlier.
But the most vocal apologist of the act is Sergey Markov. He is a former NDI (National Democratic Institute of the US) and Carnegie Center fellow turned Kremlin's hardliner and United Russia's deputy. He writes books on how to prevent "coloured revolutions" and tells Ukraine how they should teach their students history. He is also a member to the Ministry of Truth Presidential Commission for Prevention of Falsification of History to the Prejudice of Russia's Interests and the Presidential Council for Facilitating the Development of Civil Society Institutions and Human Rights of the Russian Federation. He is a frequent guest at international conferences and meetings. So if you meet him, please ask him to try and explain how he pushes for less freedom of assembly while still calling himself a democrat.
Last Democratic Party in Russia Surrenders to Kremlin
From Huffington Post.
December 23, 2009.
Yabloko, which had claimed to be the last registered democratic party in Russia, has officially broke up with the opposition. Its convention adopted [on December 19] a resolution last week that bans Yabloko's members from participating in any opposition organizations, movements or coalitions.
Kremlin's most hated "troublemakers" like The Other Russia and Solidarnost are explicitly mentioned in the resolution. Those who don't leave these organizations within three months will be automatically expelled from the party, regardless if they hold high posts.
Yabloko had long struggled to balance the real democratic opposition and the so-called "system opposition" (i.e. controlled by the Kremlin). Members participated in Dissenters' Marches and openly criticized Vladimir Putin's regime while their official leaders were more busy attacking other democratic organizations and figures. Grigory Yavlinsky (Yabloko's co-founder and former leader) and Sergei Mitrokhin (Yavlinsky's successor) called themselves the opposition, but meanwhile supported the authorities when sensitive topics were concerned. They denounced any opposition's attempts of consolidation, defended infamous Moscow mayor Yury Luzhkov from accusations of corruption, and even went so far as to support United Russia's candidate for mayor of Sochi against Boris Nemtsov of liberal Solidarnost.
But this display of loyalty wasn't enough for the authorities. Yabloko hasn't been allowed to win any major elections since 2003. The party also had huge debts after its lost campaigns. The latest Moscow Duma elections were a disaster for Yabloko when Mitrokhin lost his deputy seat. It became clear that Yabloko had no chances to win any elections without submitting to the Kremlin completely. The only other option was to join the opposition ranks and inevitably lose the official registration (i.e. the right to participate in elections, under current legislation) and face harsh repression. No wonder the party's leadership didn't want such a fate.
To guarantee the full loyalty of Yabloko, Mitrokhin needed to get rid of "troublemakers" within his own party. Such were the most independent and popular activists (like the head of St Petersburg branch Maksim Reznik or a well-known journalist Andrei Piontkovsky), who were already participating in different opposition projects. The latest resolution was therefore both a way to clean the party of its democratic wing and a signal that Yabloko was ready to surrender — A kind of a white flag visible from the Kremlin's towers.
The latest decision makes Yabloko a part of the system of managed, or "sovereign" democracy built by Vladislav Surkov. This concept implies that all democratic institutions exist in paper, but are in fact imitated and controlled by the government. Elections are held regularly but their outcome is known in advance. Freedom of speech is praised but only exists on the Internet and in some papers with limited circulation. There are parties that call themselves opposition but they will never challenge the existing government or try to take its place. This system is used to fool and calm down people both inside and (maybe even more) outside Russia. "Our democracy is not perfect, but so isn't yours," they say to Western leaders. And there are always ones who prefer to believe (or pretend to believe) that this imitation is democracy.
The most ironic part of this story is that even after such a shameful surrender Yabloko has only a dim prospect of restoring even a part of its influence. As shows the experience of another wannabe pocket opposition party, Right Cause, Surkov doesn't value his defeated opponents. Almost all candidates of Right Cause weren't even allowed to run for elections this autumn. So there is a very slight chance that Yabloko will be able to win any elections after giving in to the Kremlin. Especially after they expel all their most promising activists.
Killers of Russian Human Rights Activists Will Not Be Punished
From The Huffington Post.
July 20, 2009.
Natalya Estemirova, a prominent Russian human rights activist and a representative of Memorial, one of the most respected human rights NGOs in Chechnya, was kidnapped and killed last week. She just left her home in Grozny, Chechnya, in the morning of 15 July and was found dead later that day in neighboring Ingushetia. The assassins shot her in the head and in the chest; this was an apparent "extrajudicial execution," as human rights defenders call it. The reaction of Russian civil society and international community was immediate: human rights and journalist organizations condemned the murder; so did many Western politicians, from leaders of US Helsinki Commission to German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Dmitry Medvedev also said he was "outraged" with the murder and promised that "the killer will be found."
However, this promise is barely worth anything. The death of Natalya Estemirova is not the first tragedy in the recent history of human rights activism in Russia and in Northern Caucasus in particular. Earlier this year prominent lawyer Stanislav Markelov, who had been defending victims of human rights abuses in Chechnya, was shot dead in downtown Moscow along with young journalist Anastasia Baburova. Owner of a very popular and highly critical to the Ingush authorities Web site Ingushetiya.ru Magomed Yevloev was killed by a senior police officer in August 2008. The murder of famous journalist Anna Politkovskaya in October 2006 was, perhaps, the most outspoken crime of this kind. But many more killings, kidnappings and assaults against human rights activists and journalists remain unnoticed. The performers, not to speak of organizers and masterminds of such attacks are never punished and suspects are rarely even named. Abusing human rights appears to be a safer business in Russian Northern Caucasus than defending them.
This unstoppable wave of violence was made possible thanks to the atmosphere of terror and lawlessness that exists in Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan in recent years. Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov, a former insurgent, now a proud and ardent supporter of Vladimir Putin, was given a carte blanche by the Kremlin to do whatever he wants as long as he controls the situation in the republic. This semiliterate but incredibly ambitious man looks extremely corrupted and cruel even by Russian standards. His love for flashy cars and other kinds of luxury as well as formal attributes of social status (for example, Kadyrov, who reportedly even lacks primary education, was awarded an honorary academic degree by the Russian Academy of Natural Science) have become a subject for jokes and gossips among people. His ruthless, medieval methods of punishing the insurgents are a reason for persistent criticism by human rights advocates. He isn't even very popular among the ruling elite for ignoring all the rules and behaving in a provocative way (like meeting then-President Vladimir Putin in Kremlin wearing just a sport suit). But as long as Kadyrov does all the dirty work in the Caucasus for Moscow, he is invulnerable. He even extends his authority beyond the borders of Chechnya: his battalion of guards fought in the war in Georgia a year ago, now they are officially allowed to operate in Ingushetia.
Cruelty and cynicism are much in demand in the Kremlin. So we must realize that the death of Natalya Estemirova, who carried on her mission of helping ordinary citizens of Chechnya for many years despite the mortal danger for herself, will most probably be perceived there as a "side effect" of Kadyrov's "efficient management." The justice will not triumph yet. Her murderers will not be punished. The most we can do is remember Natalya Estemirova and believe that one day humaneness will be rated higher than barbarianism.
Medvedev Imposes Control over Russian History
From The Huffington Post.
May 20, 2009.
He who controls the past controls the future. He who controls the present controls the past.
George Orwell
Russia now has its own little Ministry of Truth. Dmitry Medvedev issued the decree to create a new body with a long but meaningful name: the Presidential Commission for Prevention of Falsification of History to the Prejudice of Russia's Interests. This Commission will monitor "attempts to falsify historical facts and events" that may undermine "the international prestige of the Russian Federation" and coordinate efforts of government institutions of "adequate response to… and neutralization" of such attempts.
26 of 29 members of the Commission are either public servants or represent state bodies (or both), including FSB and SVR (External Intelligence Service). Head of Medvedev's Administration will be the Chairman of the Commission. Only two professional historians are going to participate, both representing the semi-governmental Russian Academy of Science.
Although the Commission has no legal authority, there is no doubt that it may be very powerful thanks to its high status. Powerful–and useful for dealing with unwanted ideas. Since "falsification of history" is a very vague definition, their field of work is only limited by their own fantasy. Two topics are almost sure to be the first on the Commission's agenda: Holodomor (famine in Ukraine and some other parts of the USSR, allegedly planned and organized by Stalin) and the occupation of Baltic states by the USSR. But soon, more subjects are probably to come. Russia's newest history textbooks call Stalin an "efficient manager" and his mass political repressions "side effects of modernization". KGB is rehabilitated and its proud successor FSB is the most powerful state agency. Any attempt to argue against these axioms will undoubtfully be considered a "falsifiaction of history" and equated with a thoughtcrime.
West Must Speak Up for Moldova
From The Huffington Post.
April 10, 2009.
Some countries are just more lucky than others. Moldova wasn't lucky enough to be known in America or Western Europe. Indeed, it's a small East-European ex-Soviet country, poorest on the continent, and there's little of interest about it. Except maybe for the fact that Moldova is the only place in the world where Communists keep winning West-approved elections. So they did, or claim to have done, at general elections last Sunday.
What followed the voting was completely unexpected both by the government and the opposition. About 10,000 protesters, mostly students, held a protest in Chisinau on Monday again what they called fraudulent elections. The young people, who organized themselves via Facebook, Twitter and SMS, demanded freedom of press, creation of a broad opposition coalition and new elections. The protest was peaceful and ended same evening.The other day more young people came to protest and the situation went out of control. Police were taken by surprise as 30,000-strong crowd stormed the Parliament and President's Residence. Organizers, both civil groups and opposition parties, couldn't control their supporters and the demonstration turned into a riot. Hooligans, who were reportedly a minority of the protesters, vandalized and looted official buildings and even put the Parliament building on fire. Riot police arrived at the site in the night and arrested every young person they found. It looks like the police allowed the protests become violent intentionally or even infiltrated them with provocateurs in order to have an excuse for harsh action.
The governement is now in control of Chisinau and accuses the opposition of attempting a coup. Communist President Vladimir Voronin may now use the protests to crack down on the civil and political activists and the arrests are already said to have begun. Organizers of the Monday action, like youth leader Natalia Morar, deny the accusations and explain that they tried to prevent violence. However, the government doesn't seem to be listening. If the crackdown continues, the whole democratic opposition in Moldova may be beheaded and the already threatened democracy effectively destroyed.
Western leaders are largely ignoring the dramatic events in Chisinau. Will they allow the pro-European democratic forces in Moldova to be crushed by the Communist regime? Will they be just as short-sighted as they were when Lukashenko destroyed the opposition in Belarus or when Putin established his "sovereign democracy" rule in Russia?
American and European leaders should speak up in support of peaceful solution in Moldova and call both sides to refrain from violence. They should offer their mediation between the government and the opposition. Voronin has already agreed to such negotiations, the opposition will surely do as well. Otherwise, another "last dictatorship in Europe" is going to appear in this unlucky country.
New Column on Politkovskaya
I start writing for The Huffington Post, one of the leading American political blogs. Here is my first column for their recently launched World News section, on the case of Anna Politkovskaya.
Murder of Anna Politkovskaya: The Trial Begins
December 5, 2008
Four men, two of them are officers of Russian special services and two others are Chechens, are being tried in the Moscow District Military Court now. They are accused of organizing the murder of Anna Politkovskaya, one of the most outrageous crimes in Russia's recent history.
Who was Anna Politkovskaya?
Anna Politkovskaya was a prominent Russian journalist who worked for Novaya Gazeta newspaper. Most of her work was dedicated to the Northern Caucasus and in particular to Chechnya, devastated by two wars, poverty, terrorism and unbelievable lawlessness. She went where misery was too great for people to bear. She investigated police and army brutality; she helped Russian prisoners of war; she supported victims of terrorism.
She was respected and trusted by both the Chechen separatists and the victims of Chechen terrorist groups. She was the one who brought drinking water to 800 hostages in the Moscow theatre Nord-Ost in 2002. When terrorists seized a school in Beslan in 2004, she immediately went there to negotiate a peaceful solution of the crisis. However, she didn't make it to Beslan. She was poisoned on the airplane, as her colleagues believe, by Russian secret services who didn't want her to interfere into their own plan. She survived but while she was in the hospital, the Russian army stormed the school. 331 hostages were killed as a result, most of them children.
Anna wrote a highly critical book Putin's Russia in 2004 and participated in a founding conference of the Other Russia opposition coalition in July 2006. Russian authorities as well as the pro-Kremlin Chechen leadership despised Anna for her activities and didn't even try to hide it. When she was killed, then-president Vladimir Putin tried to defend himself against suspicion in a very cynical way by saying that "her death caused more harm than her work".
Who killed her?
She was assassinated at the doorstep of her home in Moscow on October 7, 2006, on Putin's birthday. Many people believe that such a bloody gift was given to the Russian president by Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov (he was appointed president of Chechnya by Putin a few months later). Russian authorities, on the contrary, declared immediately that it was Boris Berezovsky's provocation against Kremlin. Such claims weren't unexpected as this ex-oligarch serves as a scapegoat for probably every second bad thing happening in Russia. No proofs of that were found afterwards, however. It is still unknown who was the initiator of this crime but, according to the defendant's attorneys, the file has clues that it was "a political figure inside Russia."
The hitman was also not found. Detectives say that the man who shot five bullets at Anna is Chechen Rustam Makhmudov and is now hiding abroad. Two his brothers are under trial for organizing the murder of Politkovskaya. Two others defendants are a former officer of UBOP (police unit responsible for fighting organized crime but also used against political opposition), Sergey Khadzhikurbanov, and acting FSB Lieutenant-Colonel Pavel Ryaguzov. Novaya Gazeta staff organized their own investigation and said that these defendants were most probably involved in the crime but they played more a supportive role.
The trial
The very beginning of the trial was marked by a serious scandal that raised new questions. The process was initially open to the public but at the second hearing the judge, Evgeny Zubov, decided that no journalists will be allowed in the court room. The reason was the jury's request to close the process: the jurors were reportedly afraid of the media.
However, the next day juror Evgeny Kolesov gave an interview and claimed that there had been no such request and nobody asked to get journalists out. He said that a court clerk entered the jury's room before the hearings and asked them to sign a written statement that they want the process to be closed. All the jurors refused to sign it. But still, the judge didn't care. Nineteen out of 20 jurors signed a petition to the judge saying that they don't have any objections to the open process. Evgeny Kolesov sent the judge a letter in which he said that he didn't want to participate in an "unfair trial" and refused to stay in the jury.
The judge had to reopen the process after these events. However, it is still unknown what he wanted to hide so badly. Is it some links to the murder that go high into the ruling elite? Or is it related to the FSB's reported surveillance of Politkovskaya? We will hopefully know soon.
Update: Rustam Makmugov, the suspected killer, made a statement that he was ready to surrender himself to the police if fair trial is guaranteed for him. Unfortunately, such a condition is very hard to meet in Russia.
Autopsy of an Opposition Party
RobertAmsterdam.com has published my column on liquidation of SPS, the democratic party, which I used to be a member of. This party has always been very contradictive since it incorporated two different wings: liberal, which criticized Putin for establishing dictatorship, and conservative, which supported Putin for his economical policy or, later, simply because it appeared more pragmatical. Most recently, this party was literally sold to the Kremlin and liquidated at a staged convention last Saturday. Here is my insight into its history.
A Medical Report for SPS
November 19, 2008
On 15 November, Union of Right Forces (SPS), one of the two remaining democratic parties in Russia, was liquidated by its own members at an extraordinary convention in Moscow suburbs. This was, as openly admitted, a deal between the party's leadership and the Kremlin. Some of the former SPS members will now join a new puppet party Right Deed (Pravoe Delo) while dissenters will participate in creation of Solidarity opposition movement.
SPS was a very contradictive organization from the day one. It appeared not long before the 1999 parliamentary elections as a coalition of liberal (in European sense) and conservative movements and parties. The liberals included the oldest democratic party in Russia, Democratic Choice of Russia (DVR), led by ex-PM Yegor Gaidar, and Boris Nemtsov's Young Russia (Rossiya Molodaya) movement. Ironically, the name of Nemtsov's organization was later taken by a Kremlin-sponsored group of provocateurs. The conservatives were represented by another ex-PM Sergey Kirienko (now a member of Government) with his New Force (Novaya Sila) movement and by the father of Russian privatization Anatoly Chubais among others.
The strange structure of the party caused ambivalence in its position and activities. The liberals criticized Putin for establishing authoritarian regime and wanted to join the opposition while the conservatives supported Putin's economical policy and tried to cooperate with the Kremlin. The parliamentary campaign in 1999 was mainly influenced by the conservative wing with its slogan "Putin for president, Kirienko for the Duma!" Soon after this program was fully implemented, Sergey Kirienko left the Parliament and became Vladimir Putin's representative in Volga Federal District. Some of his former colleagues like Boris Nemtsov were at the same time trying to oppose Putin's crackdown on NTV, the most popular independent TV channel. But even this one of the earliest anti-democratic moves of the new president was done by the hands of Alfred Kokh, Chubais' colleague and close friend! As Boris Nemtsov participated in protest rallies against the takeover of NTV, his fellow party members celebrated the success of this "special operation" (I have witnessed it myself).
The party's schizophrenia was arguably the main reason for its loss of popular support. Putin's followers who voted for SPS in 1999 switched their support to United Russia while the opposition voters didn't believe SPS and simply stayed at home. As a result, SPS lost the 2003 elections and stayed out of the parliament. Many people hoped that this defeat would force the party to choose its side. However, it never happened. Since Kirienko left SPS, all of its public leaders were liberals, they maintained the critical to the Kremlin stance of the party and attracted new activists from the opposition. But the party's funding was mostly provided (especially after the arrest of Mikhail Khodorkovsky and the loss of elections) by Anatoly Chubais, many regional branches only existed de jure and consisted of UES (the state energy company headed by Chubais) employees. In addition, most of the party's officers were paid by and therefore loyal to Chubais and his conservative wing but had to follow orders from party's political leadership, mostly liberal. This made both wings of the party dependent on each other and predetermined its end.
Still, there were a few attempts to cure the party's split personality. One of SPS' leaders and ex-senator Ivan Starikov headed a riot against Anatoly Chubais and his conservative wing by going for the party chairmanship in 2005. He claimed that SPS must become a part of the opposition and shouldn't compromise ideals of democracy for Kremlin's favor. The conservative wing had no political figures to stand against Starikov and many expected that he would win. However, just before the national convention a compromise figure, Nikita Belykh, was introduced by Boris Nemtsov. Chubais' closest deputy, Leonid Gozman, was to become the vice chairman of the party to counterweigh liberal Belykh. So, schizophrenia in SPS was saved (and even institutionalized by introducing the new vice chairman position) by both of its parts. They truly felt that they couldn't do without each other!
Nikita Belykh tried to balance both wings of the party for several years but it was impossible. The more SPS hesitated to join the opposition, the more supporters it lost. Starikov and some of his followers were the first to leave the party in 2005. Eventually, Starikov joined Mikhail Kasyanov's People's Democratic Union and is now one of its leaders. I myself left SPS in April 2007 when Belykh supported an attempt of party's apparatchiks to destroy the Moscow branch, which has always been liberal and opposition. The party's support and influence was disappearing day by day.
The last attempt to bring SPS in opposition was made in late 2007 before the parliamentary elections. When Putin became #1 in United Russia's list of candidates, it made impossible even for SPS conservatives to support him. The second reason was that Chubais ceased to sponsor the party and its dependence on him diminished. Nikita Belykh and other party leaders criticized the president in the media, campaign printed materials were openly anti-Kremlin, it even officially participated in a Dissenters' March–something that had been severely punished just a year earlier. But the split hasn't gone anywhere: some regional leaders refused to oppose the administration, some even changed sides, others simply didn't know how to work under government's pressure. After losing the elections SPS largely returned to its older state with two wings struggling against each other. It appeared, however, that the liberals were to win.
There was one other actor that didn't like an idea of having a schizophrenic party in the country–the Kremlin. What they wanted to see is a controlled, predictable and loyal quasi democratic party, which might be used to convince the West that we've got pluralism. At first, they attempted to use spoiler parties like Democratic Party of Russia (DPR) but they couldn't fool many people: SPS was still there. And the worst of all, SPS had an official registration that allowed the party to go for the elections. Since more and more people in SPS realized that there was no other option rather than to join the opposition, the Kremlin's well-entrenched electoral system became endangered: it was based on not allowing any uncontrolled elements even to appear in the ballots. What would happen if Russian citizens had an opportunity vote for Kasparov or Kasyanov or even both? Nobody knows. And Kremlin surely doesn't want to know. So it decided to liquidate SPS.
Of course, this special operation could be done by simply "re-checking" the party and taking away its registration, as it was done to the Vladimir Ryzhkov's Republican Party of Russia before. But this would cause some political troubles for Putin, both domestic and international: SPS was a well-known and rather large organization. Therefore it was decided to destroy the party with its own hands. What still strikes me is how easily it was done! Gozman agreed to shut SPS down in exchange for a "pardon" from the Kremlin. Belykh left the party but didn't try to prevent its liquidation. Only a small number of devoted liberals kept struggling against Gozman till the last day. Some of them even organized a picket near the place of the party's convention and said, "If you have conscience, don't vote for [the liquidation]". According to the results of the voting, only 11 delegates had conscience out of 108.
At the end of the day, the liquidation of SPS may be a good thing. It's true that this party had many true democrats and liberals but these people haven't disappeared. On the contrary, now you can easily tell them from the others, who had nothing to do with liberalism but participated in the same party. The latter will join a new Kremlin's pseudo-democratic party Right Deed, the first will join the opposition Solidarity movement or other opposition organizations. It is sad, however, that the only way to cure schizophrenia was decapitation.