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NFL: Week 12 Betting Preview
There was a very brief spell on Sunday night where the collective NFL fanbase sat up slightly straighter in their usual Redzone-worn armchairs.
Tom Brady was struggling to throw the ball to anyone. He was resorting to dunk-offs and lacked velocity, spiral and trademark trajectory.
It's been fifteen years since anyone, especially AFC team-supporting fans could dream of landing in a Super Bowl without having to face the Patriots in a bitterly-cold Foxboro only to be sent packing after a first quarter blitz that destroyed your soul.
But then Julian Edelman threw a touchdown pass and we were back to square one.
Let's see what other false hope we can be handed in Week 12. Joy.
Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans (-3.5): -114
Thursday 21st November 8:20PM
Nah, I can't have this. Between these two, the Houston Texans are a better football team.
When you factor in that this is a home game, they should be four point favourites and when you consider this is a Thursday night matchup, I'd give them a touchdown advantage.
Plus, their go-to players in both the passing and rushing games are out of this clash – TY Hilton and Marlon Mack respectively.
I have no idea why this spread isn't bigger – presumably because Indy put up 33 points last week, but it's a real red herring, while Houston haven't played a worse game of football since their ill-fated Wild Card embarrassment a couple of seasons ago.
Wrongs are generally righted. This game will signal the realignment of talent and everyone will be wondering why a team at home on a short week were only favoured by slightly more than a field goal against a unit without a franchise quarterback.
The mind boggles.
Back the Texans (-3.5) with CanPlay!
Carolina Panthers (+8.5) @ New Orleans Saints: -103
Sunday 24th November 1PM
The Panthers were the best team in the NFL offensively through the opening six weeks, at which point, you probably would have made them a one-point underdog in this situation.
But that's all changed now. Since they went to England and put up huge numbers against Tampa Bay through the air, their scheme has changed, relying far too much on Kyle Allen to guide them through the toughest part of their schedule.
Perhaps they're testing the water for their future at the position, but in doing so, they've knocked themselves out of the wild card perch and now they're digging up.
Luckily for them, New Orleans should set up in such a way that allows them to return to screen passes and clever design. Norv Turner's job might be on the line here.
You can back the Carolina Panthers (+8.5) @ +104 with CanPlay Sports.
Seattle Seahawks (+2.0) @ Philadelphia Eagles: -110
I'd bill this up as a myth-busting challenge.
All the specifications in terms of measurables for quarterbacks in the NFL are on display in Carson Wentz, while he steps up against the under-sized, lack-of-velocity arm in Russell Wilson.
One of these players is an MVP contender – alongside another undersized quarterback that some wanted to convert into a wide receiver, named Lamar Jackson.
Funnily enough, Wilson has one of the strongest arms in the league that allows him to fling play-action go routes more than anyone else in the NFL.
And he will take a sluggish base defence from Philly and show them the door.
Bet on the NFL with CanPlay.
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Avoid Touching your Face During the Day!
We use our hands to touch everything! Our hands carry nasty bacteria that can be transferred to anyone and anything. Even the common cold involves the transfer of bacteria from hands and other objects. This also applies to bacteria that cause acne which can be transferred by your hands. Oils from your hands get transferred from your palms or fingers without you even realizing it! Fingernails can carry dirt and debris and by scratching our skin we can cause infection in the skin and hair follicles. So remember to wash your hands regularly and keep them off your face!
Avoid touching your skin during the day to prevent acne breakouts. This will decrease the transfer of bacteria and toxins to the skin. Also, carry a hand anti-bacteria gel to destroy any bacteria that you come in contact with every day. Many people use oil blotting papers for their face to reduce the appearance of excess oils. Blotting sheets can come with many benefits that include nourishing the skin and absorbing excess oil but they also sit in the bottom of your purse all day. To avoid contaminates try our Previa Invisible Oil Free Blotting Powder that can be used alone or over foundation to set make-up and reduce the "shine" on your face.


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Home Tag Australia Day in London
Tag: Australia Day in London
Australia Day special features and events in London.
Get some proper Australia Day comedy at London's Bush Hall
by Australian Times
Anne Edmonds heads up this year's all-Aussie stand-up comedy night in London for people looking for an Australia Day event they can actually remember.
Top shelf Aussie comedians teaming up for big Australia Day laughs in London
Comedy Carnival promises to tickle our funny bones, Down Under style, in SheBu for Australia Day.
Australia Day means even more to expats in London
by Melinda Edwards
It's our great patriotic duty to demonstrate our pride by making Australia Day all it can be for everyone living so far from home. But most importantly, celebrating Australia Day when we're miles from home is going to remind us to appreciate every little thing that much more when we ...
Australia Day 2016: London's best events
London hosts a swag full of Australia Day events for happy little Vegemites of every persuasion. Here's your tip-top choices.
The Castle: 10 top quotes to put straight in the pool room
The best quotes from The Castle are of course going to include "Tell him he's dreaming" and "Straight to the pool room" but a there's a few others that defo rank right up there, according to the Bogan Bingo boys.
Australia Day means Australia gay too, you know
by Laurence Driscoll
We may be many, but we certainly aren't one when it comes to celebrating our national identity through music. Laurence Driscoll examines why the gay community often feel excluded from Australia Day celebrations.
Belushi's spreading Australia Day from London to Europe
Australia Day is set to go off with a true blue bang at Belushi's bars in London, Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin and Barcelona.
Australia Day movie marathon and Hottest 100 in London
Jetlag bar have stocked the fridge full of Aussie beer, getting set for a massive Australia Day with movies and Triple J. Plus there's live Down Under tunes at The Purple Turtle.
London mayor named honourary Aussie
London mayor Boris Johnson has been named an honorary Aussie as part of Australia Day celebrations in the UK.
Comedian Felicity Ward at The Clapham Grand Australia Day Weekender
by Gareth Mohen
AUSTRALIA DAY | Ahead of the Australia Day Weekender event tonight at The Clapham Grand, we speak with the equally outrageous and insightful comedian Felicity Ward, who is performing as part of the comedy line up.
Australia Day in London; get on it
by Jacqui Moroney
AUSTRALIA DAY | Our Honeymooning Nomad gets right into the spirit of things, and shows Aussie expats in London how to soak up the best of Australia on Australia Day.
Lyrics to the 2nd verse of Australia's National Anthem
AUSTRALIA DAY | As we prepare to celebrate Australia Day, we thought we'd give you the one thing missing from most parties; the lyrics to the second verse of our national anthem.
For Aussies in the UK who don't know what to vote for in Triple J's Hottest 100
by George Katralis
AUSTRALIA DAY | Living the expat life in the UK has its advantages, but when it comes to voting in Triple J's Hottest 100 it's easy to feel like you're in the dark. Our music guru GEORGE KATRALIS sheds some light on what songs have been big in Oz over ...
Where to celebrate Australia Day 2014 in London | Pubs & Parties
AUSTRALIA DAY | Here's the list of all the best Aussie celebrations around London. Whether you're in the east, south, west or north, rest assured there'll be a pub somewhere near you putting on an Aussie themed shindig for you and your mates.
Top 10 quotes from The Castle
AUSTRALIA DAY | Ahead of the screening of The Castle as part of the Australia Day Weekender at The Clapham Grand, here are the top 10 quotes from arguably the best Aussie film of all time.
Toast Australia Day at Humble Grape's Australian Wine Tasting event
AUSTRALIA DAY | Wine merchant Humble Grape is inviting you to a special post Australia Day event at The Haciendas Club where you can taste premium reds and whites from the best Aussie artisan producers.
What to do in London the day before Australia Day 2014
AUSTRALIA DAY | Have you ever misread the date on an invitation and turned up to a party a day early? It's embarrassing and awkward all at the same time. Well don't worry if it happens on the Australia Day weekend as there will be plenty going on around London ...
Celebrating Australia Day @ Jetlag
Jetlag is celebrating all that is great about Australia with a line up of Australian film, sport, food, drink and the favourite songs of 2013 as voted by Aussies.
Leading UK Aussies meet royal couple
Prominent Australians living in the United Kingdom have attended a London reception hosted by Prince Charles and his wife Camilla.
AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE: London celebrates Australia Day
Thousands of Australians have gathered in London at events across town to celebrate Australia Day. With music, comedy, and epic Aussie Day parties on at pubs in all parts of London, it was hard to escape the festive spirit.
Queen's milliner honoured as Australian of the Year in the UK
Long-serving milliner to the Queen and creator of the fascinator, Frederick Fox, was honoured in an Australia Day gala awards dinner hosted at Australia House to acknowledge the achievements of Australians in the UK.
Australia Day Comedy Carnival at Clapham Grand
AUSTRALIA DAY IN UK | This Australia Day 2013 in London, why don't you celebrate in true Aussie style by laughing along with some of Australia's best comedians at Clapham Grand's Comedy Carnival. Featuring a fantastic Aussie line-up, with Big Colin Cole, Brisbane's Benny Boot and Pete Jonas from Melbourne, ...
"This time last year….." – An Australian Times Australia Day
AUSTRALIA DAY IN UK | Where were you last Australia Day? And what are your plans this time around? Our writers reflect on their Australia Day experiences, both in the UK and back home, and share their ideas to make this year one to remember.
How to stream Triple J Hottest 100 Countdown live
AUSTRALIA DAY | Every year the Triple J Hottest 100 Countdown provides the soundtrack to Australia Day celebrations around the country. You might be tuning in from the UK this year, but you can still make sure you catch all the action this Australia Day by streaming it live.
Where to celebrate Australia Day 2013 in London | Best Pub Parties
AUSTRALIA DAY IN UK | With Australia Day falling on a Saturday in 2013, London is in for one hell of an Australia Day party. We've got the list of all the best Aussie celebrations on around town. Whether you're in the east, south, west or north, rest assured there'll ...
AUSTRALIA DAY | 'The Castle Quote Along' screening
AUSTRALIA DAY IN UK | What could be more Aussie than quoting along to The Castle, eating a Cherry Ripe and having a beer. Well, it's all possible at the special Australia Day 'The Castle Quote Along' screening, hosted by the boys from Bogan Bingo.
AUSTRALIA DAY | 'Sunday in Australia House' Aussie showcase
AUSTRALIA DAY IN UK | Celebrate Australia Day in London 2013 with a special 'Sunday in the Apartment' at Australia House showcase of Australian talent. Special guests include stage and screen star Adam Garcia, Michael Falzon from the musical War of the Worlds and fashion designer Benjamin Mach ahead of ...
AUSTRALIA DAY 2013 IN LONDON | Celebrate in Style
AUSTRALIA DAY IN UK | There is no shortage of ways Australians can celebrate Australia Day 2013 in the UK, including at parties being hosted by our favourite pubs and clubs across London town. However, there are also a number of alternative ways to celebrate — with Aussie film classics, ...
Triple J's Hottest 100: Australia Day's soundtrack
AUSTRALIA DAY | Every year the Triple J Hottest 100 Countdown provides the soundtrack to many Australia Day celebrations around the country. Australians living in London and the UK can make sure they're still part of the event by voting now for their favourite songs of 2012.
Australia Day in London: where to celebrate
Australia Day in London: A guide to the best events, from the formal to the outright debaucherous, for Australian expats and their mates get together for an explosion of green and gold in celebration of the land down under.
Get ready for a green and gold Australia Day in the UK
by Tim Martin
Australia Day, that holiest of days for Aussies, is one huge celebration of everything Australian. And I can't think of anything better to celebrate than the fact that I am, you are, we are — Australian.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Soothing & Moisture Aloe Vera 90% Body Cream is formulated to be rich in Aloe Vera which soothes and moisturizes the skin. This Cream is best after using the Aloe Vera 90% Body Shower Gel. The cream is great for all skin types and even ones with sensitive skin.


I just left a class on storytelling, which got me to thinking about the lies we tell ourselves. 'These pants are too tight because they were in the dryer too long' or 'if it wasn't for … I'd have enough money to do…' It never ends.
Let's start today to end the lies we tell ourselves about our money. The following are a few of the lies we tell ourselves, and how to get beyond them.
I would be saving if… wasn't happening. Although there are times when your finances are too tight to save, this should mean that you've cut everything down to the essentials. Often, we haven't. How about cable TV, eating out, the cleaners instead of laundry? If you have a steady income, you can save. It doesn't matter how much, just make sure you get into the habit of putting something away and not spending it all.
My kids have to participate in…and … activities. This is a tough one since no one wants their kids to go without. But many times there has to be a get real talk with yourself that starts with asking yourself if you can afford it without using credit cards or dipping into your newfound savings (which can not be tapped for this expense). Fortunately there are many free or discounted activities for kids. You can also ask for discounts if you have multiple children participating in the same things. Hey, this is what grandparents, uncles and aunts are for – remember it takes a village. Let's all bring something to the table for the sake of the children.
I deserve it. Yes, you do. You also deserve to live a life free of worry about small things like bills and other mundane expenses that right now would be tough to deal with financially. You deserve to live an easy, happy life; and to get to that you must take a moment to assess where you are, where you want to go, what it will take to get there, and what you are willing to do to make it happen.
The bottom line is to get to any goal, we have to be willing to work for it. To do that properly, we must stop lying to ourselves and commit to prosperity. You are the only one that is fortunate enough to live your life. Make it count.


This is one of my husband's favorite desserts. A layer of rhubarb is covered in a sweet buttery crust for the perfect sweet tart treat.
My husband has been begging to plant some rhubarb at our house ever since we moved here. Four and a half years later and we still don't have it! It's not that I don't want it, it's just that we never think of it at the right time. I think he only wants it so he can have this Rhubarb Crunch on an annual basis anyway. So when my parents moved to a place with rhubarb, we were in!
Now that doesn't mean that we won't be planting a plant ourselves, it just means we can have rhubarb crunch in the years between now and the time it actually happens! My husband doesn't go on and on about food very often. I hear about his mom's lasagna, that is definitely a favorite. One of the other recipes I've heard about is this one. So it is about time I actually make it!
So I swiped some rhubarb from my parents. (Actually MiMi gave it to me, don't worry!) Then I quick got the recipe from my mother-in-law, Nana. She said it actually came from my husband's grandma and generations of his family have been enjoying it. You know I love a good family recipe!
The recipe is actually really simple. Rhubarb is really tart on it's own, so it requires a good amount of sugar to make it palatable. Luckily I always have a healthy supply of Dixie Crystals on hand. You never know when you might need to make a dessert! So simply toss the chopped rhubarb in some sugar and place it in the bottom of your pan. Then you make a quick crumble to sprinkle over the top. The juice from the fruit and the crumble come together to make something wonderful! I can see why this is one of those recipes that my husband has an affinity for!
My husband's grandma suggested to serve this with a glass of milk on her recipe card. That is truly a great combination. A little fresh whipped cream would be good too, but I could eat freshly whipped cream on just about anything. Today I decided to serve it with a dollop of vanilla yogurt to go along with the brunch theme and that was great as well!
I haven't done much experimenting with rhubarb before this. So now I am wondering what are your favorite rhubarb recipes?
Butter an 8x8" pan and preheat oven to 350 F. Combine rhubarb and first cup of sugar and spread in the bottom of prepared pan.Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in butter, then egg. Mixture should be crumbly. Sprinkle over top of rhubarb, then bake for 40-50 minutes.Recipe can be doubled in a 9x13 pan.
This is my fav and my husband's..bring on the rhubarb!!! And wishing you wonderful Mother's day beautiful lady...you are the BEST!!
Thank you so much, Andrea! I hope you had a great Mother's Day as well!
This looks exactly like the recipe I have been searching for after enjoying some at a ladies brunch. I was unable to find out who brought it so I never got the recipe. I am not a fan of rhubarb but love this crisp.
How fun! It would be interesting to know if it was the same!
I should make this for a family get together sometime. My family all LOVES rhubarb!
You should! I need to get more!
Your Rhubarb Crunch would be a great addition to any brunch! Thanks so much for sharing this awesome post with us at Full Plate Thursday. Hope you are having a great day and come back soon!
I don't have nearly enough of them, but I am glad I finally got to make this one!
I am really excited to be a part of the team, thanks!


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<?php

// Setup a 'default' cache configuration for use in the application.
Cache::config('default', array('engine' => 'File'));

/**
 * The settings below can be used to set additional paths to models, views and controllers.
 *
 * App::build(array(
 *     'Model'                     => array('/path/to/models', '/next/path/to/models'),
 *     'Model/Behavior'            => array('/path/to/behaviors', '/next/path/to/behaviors'),
 *     'Model/Datasource'          => array('/path/to/datasources', '/next/path/to/datasources'),
 *     'Model/Datasource/Database' => array('/path/to/databases', '/next/path/to/database'),
 *     'Model/Datasource/Session'  => array('/path/to/sessions', '/next/path/to/sessions'),
 *     'Controller'                => array('/path/to/controllers', '/next/path/to/controllers'),
 *     'Controller/Component'      => array('/path/to/components', '/next/path/to/components'),
 *     'Controller/Component/Auth' => array('/path/to/auths', '/next/path/to/auths'),
 *     'Controller/Component/Acl'  => array('/path/to/acls', '/next/path/to/acls'),
 *     'View'                      => array('/path/to/views', '/next/path/to/views'),
 *     'View/Helper'               => array('/path/to/helpers', '/next/path/to/helpers'),
 *     'Console'                   => array('/path/to/consoles', '/next/path/to/consoles'),
 *     'Console/Command'           => array('/path/to/commands', '/next/path/to/commands'),
 *     'Console/Command/Task'      => array('/path/to/tasks', '/next/path/to/tasks'),
 *     'Lib'                       => array('/path/to/libs', '/next/path/to/libs'),
 *     'Locale'                    => array('/path/to/locales', '/next/path/to/locales'),
 *     'Vendor'                    => array('/path/to/vendors', '/next/path/to/vendors'),
 *     'Plugin'                    => array('/path/to/plugins', '/next/path/to/plugins'),
 * ));
 *
 */

/**
 * Custom Inflector rules, can be set to correctly pluralize or singularize table, model, controller names or whatever other
 * string is passed to the inflection functions
 *
 * Inflector::rules('singular', array('rules' => array(), 'irregular' => array(), 'uninflected' => array()));
 * Inflector::rules('plural', array('rules' => array(), 'irregular' => array(), 'uninflected' => array()));
 *
 */

/**
 * Plugins need to be loaded manually, you can either load them one by one or all of them in a single call
 * Uncomment one of the lines below, as you need. make sure you read the documentation on CakePlugin to use more
 * advanced ways of loading plugins
 *
 * CakePlugin::loadAll(); // Loads all plugins at once
 * CakePlugin::load('DebugKit'); //Loads a single plugin named DebugKit
 *
 */

/**
 * You can attach event listeners to the request lifecycle as Dispatcher Filter . By Default CakePHP bundles two filters:
 *
 * - AssetDispatcher filter will serve your asset files (css, images, js, etc) from your themes and plugins
 * - CacheDispatcher filter will read the Cache.check configure variable and try to serve cached content generated from controllers
 *
 * Feel free to remove or add filters as you see fit for your application. A few examples:
 *
 * Configure::write('Dispatcher.filters', array(
 *		'MyCacheFilter', //  will use MyCacheFilter class from the Routing/Filter package in your app.
 *		'MyPlugin.MyFilter', // will use MyFilter class from the Routing/Filter package in MyPlugin plugin.
 * 		array('callable' => $aFunction, 'on' => 'before', 'priority' => 9), // A valid PHP callback type to be called on beforeDispatch
 *		array('callable' => $anotherMethod, 'on' => 'after'), // A valid PHP callback type to be called on afterDispatch
 *
 * ));
 */
Configure::write('Dispatcher.filters', array(
	'AssetDispatcher',
	'CacheDispatcher'
));

/**
 * Configures default file logging options
 */
App::uses('CakeLog', 'Log');
CakeLog::config('debug', array(
	'engine' => 'FileLog',
	'types' => array('notice', 'info', 'debug'),
	'file' => 'debug',
));
CakeLog::config('error', array(
	'engine' => 'FileLog',
	'types' => array('warning', 'error', 'critical', 'alert', 'emergency'),
	'file' => 'error',
));

define('FOLDER','/newdating');

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


This navy mid-weight softshell fabric continues to offer and updated, crisp, and polished look to every rider. The stretch fabric and lining offer ultimate comfort and maximum performance. The reversible two piece points (a pattern on one side and canary on the other) provide versatility and convenience as they eliminate the hassle of completely unbuttoning the points when putting on and removing your coat! Garments are machine washable except for points which must be dry cleaned.


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Q: Manage transactional emails from the backend? Since Magento 1.9, all transactional emails were being queue and sent with cronjob. That is really good, but what I am concern here is about is there anyway to manage them.
How and where Magento save them? I think core_email_queue serve for this one.
I tried to find which part/modules in Magento core handle this job (queueing email and setup cronjob to send). But unfortunately, I can't.
Long-live bloody poor Magento documentation!
Any help will be appreciated.
Thank.

A: You could manage transactional emails in the backend on system/transactional emails
There you could manage your emails, add new or what ever you want.
If you are looking for the code, you could see the emails on code/mage/sales/model for orders or goes to /core/Mage/Adminhtml/Block/System/Email/

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Learn more about the risks facing California condominium owners
California Earthquake Risk
Earthquake Recovery Challenges
Homeowners' Association Resources
The latest research on earthquake risks in California. What are the earthquake risks where you live?
2015 Federal Government Earthquake Forecast for California (United States Geological Survey) "The likelihood for magnitude 6.7 and larger earthquakes somewhere in the entire region remains near certainty (greater than 99 percent). The likelihood is 7 percent for magnitude 8 and greater, a 50 percent increase over [the prior USGS survey], resulting from both the inclusion of multifault ruptures and the particular readiness of some large faults."
California Earthquake Risk by County (California Earthquake Authority) "Nearly everyone in California lives within 30 miles of an active fault that could cause a damaging earthquake…In fact, thousands of known faults crisscross California, and scientists continue to discover new ones."
Do You Live Near the Hayward Fault? The Most Dangerous Fault in America (Steven Newton, Earth Magazine) "Most people have heard of the San Andreas, which they assume will be the source of the next big quake in the Bay Area…East of San Francisco, across the muddy, green waters of San Francisco Bay, sits a smaller fracture in the crust: the Hayward Fault. One day, the Hayward Fault could produce the greatest natural disaster ever to hit the United States."
Live Earthquake Tracker (United States Geological Survey)
Condominium owners face unique challenges in seeking recovery in the aftermath of an earthquake
Earthquake Risks to Condo Owners and their Options…Before Motus Became Available (SF Gate) "Condo dwellers can buy quake insurance that covers the interior of their unit and certain other expenses…Homeowners associations can buy insurance that covers the building and other common areas, but nothing inside units…To be fully protected, a unit owner needs both. If unit owners buy coverage for themselves, but the HOA has not purchased it for the building and it is destroyed, the owners might have nothing to come home to."
The Inadequacy of Federal Assistance for Condo Owners Affected by an Earthquake (LA Times) "Officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency…have decided that condominium owners who have been living in their units [after an earthquake] cannot collect federal housing assistance because their homes–while in need of repair–are 'not uninhabitable'."
Just The Facts — Northridge Earthquake (Public Policy Institute of California) "In total, almost 450,000 [residential] units (84% of which were multifamily units) were inspected and found to be damaged."
The Loma Prieta, California Earthquake of October 17, 1989 — Building Structures (United States Geological Survey) "Of the 12,000 units lost, 9,000 were multifamily buildings. Of these, nearly 90 percent were still out of service one year after the earthquake…"
California Earthquake Zoning and Probably Maximum Loss Evaluation (California Department of Insurance) "In the Loma Prieta earthquake, for every $100 of insured residential damage, there was an average of $20 of contents damage, and $10 of loss of use. It turned out that these ratios were the same for the 1994 Northridge earthquake, even though the dollar amounts were much greater."
Understand the responsibilities of Homeowners' Association Boards in protecting members from earthquake-related loss assessments
The question of whether or not to purchase earthquake insurance represents one of the largest liability exposures facing board members of California Common Interest Developments (CIDs). Most D&O policies do not cover insurance-related claims, so if there is an earthquake, the members of a board that has declined to purchase earthquake insurance may find themselves to be the targets of unit owner claims – even if the association as a whole voted against buying insurance.
In this section we hope to outline what and how your board should approach earthquake insurance through advice from attorneys, arbitrators and the California government.
The Motus Insurance Program offers a new solution for both CID unit owners and boards. By enrolling in the Motus Insurance Program, the board will make individual policies available to unit owners. Furthermore, by making these policies available, the board will have demonstrably fulfilled its duty to act in the best interest of the association and it members, thereby helping to limit any earthquake-related legal exposure in the wake of an event. We understand why boards, against the advice of attorneys, pass on master earthquake policies since they are expensive, have large deductibles and are difficult to fund. However, boards have a fiduciary duty, that we will outline, which means the board must protect the best interest of the association.
The Motus earthquake program allows the boards to take a new, reasonable step to insure the association against earthquake – without the need for an association vote or forcing insurance on all members.
Fiduciary Duty: A duty to act for someone else's benefit, while subordinating one's personal interest to that of the other person. It is the highest standard of duty implied by law (e.g., trustee, guardian). – Black's Law Dictionary
Select 3rd Party Resources for Common Interest Development Board Members
The Board's Duty to Buy Earthquake Insurance (www.Davis-Stirling.com)
Original Article: https://www.davis-stirling.com/Main-Index/Duty-to-Buy
Davis Sterling – The Davis–Stirling Common Interest Development Act is the popular name of the portion of the California Civil Code beginning with section 4000, which governs condominium, cooperative, and planned unit development communities in California. It was authored by Assemblyman Lawrence W. "Larry" Stirling and enacted in 1985 by the California State Legislature. In 2012, the Act was comprehensively reorganized and recodified by Assembly Bill 805.
QUESTION: Several times over the past ten years the board has gone to the membership for a vote on earthquake insurance. Each time it was soundly defeated. The high premiums, high deductibles and low pay-out simply didn't make sense to the majority. Is the board obligated to set aside the vote and purchase earthquake insurance anyway?
ANSWER: That is a tough question. Unless required by their governing documents, associations are not obligated to buy earthquake insurance. Even so, the better course of action for condominium associations in high-risk areas is to buy earthquake insurance. This is especially true since individual members cannot insure the structure around their units, only the association can.
Motus Update: This last sentence is no longer true thanks to the California Department of Insurance's approval of the Motus earthquake program. Individuals can now insure the structure around their units and common areas if an association enters a Motus program.
Fiduciary Duty. When members vote against earthquake insurance, they have no duty to act in the best interest of other members, only in their own best interests. Boards, on the other hand, have a fiduciary duty to make decisions that are in the best interests of the association as a whole. Since earthquakes can be devastating, that would argue in favor of overriding the membership's vote if the association is located in an area vulnerable to earthquake damage.
Accordingly, boards should consider factors such as the location of fault lines, the type of soil upon which the structures are built (are they vulnerable to liquefaction?), the type of construction in the development (wood frame, steel & concrete, etc.) and premium costs, deductibles and pay-out levels.
Funding master earthquake insurance without a vote. If the board decides to set aside a membership vote, it faces a practical problem–how to fund the insurance? The board can either increase annual dues or impose a special assessment. For most associations the cost of a master earthquake insurance is more than the 5% special assessment limitation imposed by the Davis-Stirling Act, which effectively eliminates this funding option.
The other option is to increase annual membership dues up to 20% to cover the cost. However, the dues increase only applies to next year's budget. If the board wants to immediately purchase earthquake insurance, it can bridge the funding gap by borrowing money from reserves and repaying it within one year.
Funding the Motus earthquake program: Due to the minimal cost of entering a Motus program the board will have no issues funding the program without a vote.
Not Overriding the Vote. If the board chooses not to override the members' vote, its decision is governed by the Business Judgment Rule, which means directors are not subject to personal liability if their decisions are made in good faith, in the best interests of the association and with such care as an ordinarily prudent person would use. However attorneys will advice you that courts could apply a related rule called the "Judicial Deference" where courts defer to business decisions of a board even if a reasonable person would have acted differently. In this scenario directors could be held personal liable for not overriding a vote.
RECOMMENDATION FROM WWW.DAVIS-STERLING.COM: Obviously, these are not easy decisions for boards to make. Whichever direction they go, to buy or not to buy, the decision should be well supported in the minutes and explained to the membership.
RECOMMENDATION FROM MOTUS: With the California Department of Insurance's 2017 approval of the Motus Insurance Program, HOA boards have a new option available to them. For a minimal annual fee, an HOA board can now obtain coverage for the complex AND give each individual HOA member the ability to purchase comprehensive coverage, including common areas and residential structures. Furthermore, under the Motus Insurance Program, both the Association and the individual will be named insured, giving each a seat at the table in the wake of a catastrophe. By entering into the program, the Board will be going a long way toward fulfilling its fiduciary responsibility to the HOA and its members – without relying on a vote of the HOA membership. By contrast, a Board that declines to enter into the Motus Insurance Program will effectively be preventing its membership from accessing comprehensive condominium earthquake insurance coverage – a position that may be difficult to defend to members who have suffered a loss.
Do Homeowner Associations Have to Buy Earthquake Insurance? (© Los Angeles Times)
Read the Full Article: http://articles.latimes.com/2013/jul/19/business/la-fi-associations-20130721
By Donie Vanitzian. Zachary Levine, partner at Wolk & Levine, a business and intellectual property law firm, co-wrote this column. Vanitzian is an arbitrator and mediator.
Select Highlights
"Question: I've been president of our homeowners association for several years. We have fewer than 20 units and have managed to keep our HOA dues low at around $330 a month, mainly because we don't have earthquake insurance. We've saved a lot of money because we haven't paid for earthquake insurance for more than 15 years and have been very lucky. Do we have to get it?
"Answer: With one earthquake, your luck may run out. However, after 15 years of savings, and in the best interests of the association, the board should have been depositing those savings in an interest-bearing bank account. If so, your association would now have the money to purchase earthquake insurance."
"Although keeping dues low is a valid concern, artificially suppressing dues at the expense of the safety and stability of the association's infrastructure is not a "good faith" course of action, let alone sound business judgment"
"The mere mention of "earthquake insurance" under Civil Code section 1365 should alert even the most foolhardy boards that it is an important element in association management."
HOA Board Seeks to Avoid Liability for Not Buying Quake Insurance (© Los Angeles Times)
Read the Full Article: http://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/la-fi-associations-20150322-story.html
By Donie Vanitzian. Zachary Levine, partner at Wolk & Levine, a business and intellectual property law firm, co-wrote this column. Vanitzian is an arbitrator and mediator
"Question: I'm on the board of directors of my homeowner association, and by choice we're not buying earthquake insurance. If the board doesn't get earthquake insurance for the development, can we, as the board, vote to buy insurance against a lawsuit that might be filed against us if our facility sustains damage from an earthquake while we're uninsured?
"Answer: You're talking about limiting the board's liability for failing to perform its duty or trying to indemnify the directors for their knowing failure to act. Are you kidding?"
"Part of your job as a board director is to balance the risk of a lawsuit against the risk of your association going insolvent while fulfilling safety and maintenance requirements — and do all that while making well-reasoned and informed decisions"
"Directors limit their exposure by making well-reasoned decisions and acting in good faith. If the board has considered various insurance options for covering earthquake damage and balanced those options against the needs and resources of the association and its titleholders, then taking appropriate action as a fiduciary is your "insurance policy."
"This means that if you spend your time looking for ways to circumvent doing the right thing and making the right decisions because it may cost your association some money, you can be sued and you may not be indemnified for those decisions."
Quake Insurance is Needed for Both the Association and the Individual (© Los Angeles Times)
By Donie Vanitzian. Michael Krieger, a Los Angeles attorney practicing business contract, technology and intellectual property law, co-wrote this column. Vanitzian is an arbitrator and mediator.
Question: As a board of directors, we investigated various earthquake insurance policies and found that a policy with a 20% deductible amounts to about $16,000 annually in premiums. That increases our monthly dues by at least $70. The board proposes to decline earthquake insurance. To absolve the board of liability for no coverage in the event of an earthquake, the board wants to hold a formal paper vote of all titleholders as to whether or not the board should buy earthquake insurance. If all the homeowners unanimously vote against getting earthquake insurance, and the board does what owners want, is the board on safe ground? Insurance is expensive and complicated, so besides the economic gamble what else should we consider?
Answer: Safe ground? One earthquake will answer that question with a resounding "no." More immediately, have you considered what the liability exposure could be if the vote isn't unanimous?
"Even a vote by all owners against carrying earthquake insurance is irrelevant because the board's duty to protect association assets can't be delegated. Buying earthquake insurance is part of that "protection." By relying on such a vote, the board would abdicate its duty of due diligence to act in the best interests of titleholders who fund association operations."
"A board's fiduciary role requires acting in good faith and independently investigating the consequences of minimal or no insurance, and that requires seeking advice from professionals, not opinions of titleholders"
"Will the association's directors and officers insurance cover board directors even though they carried out what the majority of titleholders asked for in a paper vote? Probably not, given that the board intentionally and knowingly was imprudent and failed in its decision-making duties."
Condo boards are a penny wise, a pound foolish on earthquake insurance (© Los Angeles Times)
Original Article: http://articles.latimes.com/2013/nov/03/business/la-fi-associations-20131103
By Donie Vanitzian. This column was co-written by Michael Krieger, a Los Angeles attorney practicing technology business and intellectual property law. Vanitzian is an arbitrator and mediator
Question: Our board directors found the lowest earthquake insurance premium is with a 20% deductible, costing our homeowner association about $20,000 annually; they voted against raising monthly dues to cover it. Our 20 units in a four-level, zero-lot-line Los Angeles complex average $650,000 per unit and the structural integrity of the building is at greater risk because of our subterranean parking. Directors argue we've got over $150,000 in reserves and around $350,000 in combined money market and certificate of deposit accounts. Directors say that's more than enough money to cover any earthquake damage. Conservative estimates to build fire-escape stairs (presently we have none) are more than $90,000. To rebuild just a portion of damaged interior stairwells would cost over $40,000. The cost of elevator repair or replacement easily could surpass $100,000. Depending on the floor level, owners might not have access to their units for six months or longer. Rebuilding one damaged unit could cost $100,000 to $200,000 or more. Who's responsible for damaged cars in the parking structure? What if our building causes damage to the building next door? What if the city "red tags" us? Does the homeowner association pay the housing cost of owners who can't live in their damaged units? Are we adequately self-insured for this type of damage?
Answer: While $500,000 in liquid funds is commendable, the multiplicity of issues raised regarding vehicles, relocation and next-door building damage underscores the folly of thinking $500,000 is sufficient "self insurance." Damaged cars in the garage could easily exceed $200,000.
As yours is a zero-lot-line building (built on the property line), your association may also be responsible for any damage to adjacent buildings near your property line.
"It is the height of arrogance for directors to impose their wishful thinking on owners rather than engaging experts in structural engineering and geology before drawing conclusions"
"An insurer brings not only money but valuable knowledge, experience and impartiality to the complex task of reimbursing and rebuilding"
Boards have a Fiduciary Duty to their Association Members (Select Precedent Cases and Legal Terms)
A homeowners' association board has a fiduciary relationship with its members. (Cohen v. Kite Hill.) It is well settled that directors of nonprofit corporations are fiduciaries. (Raven's Cove v. Knuppe.) Directors of nonprofit corporations (such as the Association) are fiduciaries who are required to exercise their powers in accordance with the duties imposed by the Corporations Code. This fiduciary relationship is governed by the statutory standard that requires directors to exercise due care and undivided loyalty for the interests of the corporation. (Francis T. v. Village Green.)
Two Broad Duties as a Fiduciary. Upon their election to the board of a common interest development, directors become fiduciaries with powers to act on behalf of the association. As fiduciaries, directors are held to a higher standard of conduct and have two primary duties: (i) duty of care, and (ii) duty of loyalty. This applies to directors of both incorporated and unincorporated associations.
A. DUTY OF CARE (Due Diligence; Duty to Investigate). Directors must be diligent and careful in performing the duties they have undertaken. (Burt v. Irvine Company.) Directors must:
1. Attend and participate in meetings so they can be informed about the association's business.
2. Make reasonable inquiry re maintenance issues, rules violations, etc.
3. Make decisions.
4. Keep corporate records.
5. Enforce the governing documents.
B. DUTY OF LOYALTY (No Self-Dealing). Directors must act in the best interests of the association even if at the expense of their own interests. This is more than just embezzlement of funds; it includes steering contracts to family members or taking actions that result in personal benefits to the director at the expense of the association. Violation could result in (i) liability for all profits received, (ii) all damages caused by the breach, and (iii) punitive damages.
"We note that the duty of undivided loyalty applies when the board of directors of the association considers maintenance and repair contracts, the operating budget, creation of reserve and operating accounts, etc. Thus, . . . [directors] may not make decisions for the association that benefit their own interests at the expense of the association and its members." (Raven's Cove v. Knuppe.)
Business Judgment rule defined (California Corporations Code)
Even though officers and directors are deemed fiduciaries, boards are not required to make the "right" decision. Corporations Code §7231(a) protects directors from personal liability if they make decisions that result in damage or loss to others, provided their decisions were made:
In good faith,
In a manner which the directors believe to be in the best interests of the corporation, and
With such care, including reasonable inquiry, as an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances.
Judicial Deference. There is a related rule called the "Business Judgment Doctrine" or "Judicial Deference" under which courts defer to business decisions of a board even if a reasonable person would have acted differently.
You are not alone...there are over 30,000 HOAs in California that DON'T have a Master Earthquake Insurance Policy!
Request a Call From an HOA Specialist


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Earlier this year Lawrence Stanton was appointed as the new National Young Leaders Representative. Lawrence hails from Johannesburg and joined the Scouting Movement in 2003 at the 1st St Peter's Cub Pack which was being run on his school grounds. "The Scout Group was very small and in 2005 the Pack had to merge and my friends and I were introduced to the 1st Rivertrail Scout Group with Marion Halstead as its Akela," explains Lawrence. "It was only a matter of time before I joined the Scouting Movement. You can only see the other kids having fun with the Cubs for so long, until you're tempted in! But once I was in there my interest in outdoor skills and methods grew. So much so that I was still learning new things every Friday and at camp until I went up to Scouts." After obtaining his Leaping Wolf and then becoming a Scout, Lawrence spent 5 years as Patrol Leader, then 1 Year as Troop Leader. In the meantime he also served 3 years as Chairman of the Court of Honour. "As for my time with the Scouts themselves… How do I put it – it's just so much better when you do things bigger. I had also found a good bunch of friends and Scouts became as much a friendship as it is a brotherhood, and was simply a way of life at that point."
So which Scouting memories make Lawrence smile? "There are simply too many to recall. But probably the most significant memories were the ones where we were out there and simply had no idea what was happening. From a link badge camp and learning how to make a shelter from Rik the old Troop Scouter, to my first Scout camp – a backwoodsman camp towards Krugersdorp precisely 1 day after my investiture – where we got so drenched with the Highveld thunderstorms that we were finding crabs and other creatures in the ruins of that same shelter. I also have fond memories of building a pioneering tower 6m in the air where you need to tie that lashing perfectly or else the whole thing falls down. And finally, hiking through the night on the Fanie Botha trail in 2014, looking for a hut that had moved 1km down the hill from when my outdated map was printed! I think these memories stand out for me because you only learn something when the absence of that knowledge is highlighted bright and clear. On all these occasions we learnt something, and so every time I used that knowledge later on, I remembered those days, which lead to them becoming good memories."
He currently lives in the Western Cape and is studying towards his Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Mechatronics at the University of Cape Town. "I'm currently in my third year. Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary degree involving a strong foundation in electrical engineering, as well as mechanical engineering. By using the power of modern computational and sensory techniques, we can solve problems and applications that were previously impossible using a purely mechanical approach. Typically, we use this unique cross-discipline advantage to make complex machines and systems for highly automated and high-performance applications such as automotive assembly lines and autonomous machines. I really enjoy mechatronics because I find that most of the problems that I think are important and that interest me, involve solutions that mechatronics can provide."
After moving down from Johannesburg Lawrence decided to give back to others what he had gained through Scouting. "My SGL Robin Ellis grew up in Cape Town and came down to show me and my fellow Rivertrail Scout Harry Joannou around the Western Cape Scouting scene. He had met 6th Rondebosch Troop Scouter John Fraser while on the Jamboree in Japan. John had been grinding as a solo Scouter with zero ATS's. So we decided to join John's adult leader team as Assistant Troop Scouters. In doing so, I get to give back some of what I was given. Being from Jo'burg I now also get to discover a lot of things here that I didn't know! There is always something new to do or to find out. As an adult volunteer I've also staffed on the Raynor competition by Koeberg. That was the first time in years that I was out there and really didn't know what was cracking. All this running down the beach, and then, yeah, a base, ok, then… it was a real adventure and it filled that nostalgia craving from my days as a young Scout!"
When he is not studying or Scouting he can be found on a basketball court. "I am a keen basketball player! I have played for my school's 1st team and the UCT 1st team, as well as a few club sides along the way. At UCT we remained Western Cape champions and ranked 4th in the 2018 USSA (University Sports South Africa) tournament at Wits. Otherwise I also race sail boats in Simon's Town on Wednesdays." Lawrence is also no stranger to obtaining awards off the basketball court, he is a Springbok Award recipient and also managed to complete the Gold President's Award in 2015.
Despite his busy lifestyle Lawrence has now taken on a national role in Scouting too. "Many will attest that if you manage your time and prioritize what's important over what may be easy or distracting; you can do amazing things in just a single day. And it's not as if you have no time, how many hours a day do you spend watching TV or something else unproductive? Now compare that to the amount of time you actually work or study. Somehow, we can already get most things done in a surprisingly short amount of time, so what's the harm in allocating a bit more of your day to Scouts? Being appointed the new National Chair: Young Leaders Representative for SSA is a huge privilege and a challenge. I am fortunate to now engage in some of the decisions and discussions in the Manco, but I also have a lot of work to do. I aim to establish a Regional Young Leader's Representative in every Region, and provide a channel of communication for the Young Leaders' of Scouts. I want to draft and implement a Young Leaders' Involvement Policy to meet the objectives and outcomes and I want to understand why Scouts leave at age 18 and charter a plan to amend this and promote greater retention of Scouts into Adult Leadership and Rovers."
Lawrence's message to our youth and young leaders is clear "Nobody knows Scouting better than you do. You, the young leaders of Scouts, have the most recent account of what it takes, and what Scouting is really about. Make your voice heard, be curious, and be involved. There is always another adventure waiting for you here in Scouting!"
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What happens if stone age culture meets the Western World?
08 September 2016 Rudolf-Faix General, Religion, Islam (0)
Some uneducated and intolerant people leaving their own country for living in freedom and without persecution. They are even too stupid informing themselves first to which direction they should escape. These people are thinking that the world is turning around them and the Islam and are expecting that others are changing their own views into their favor.
One of these uneducated people is Morad Almuradi, who is now living at the Netherlands and is expecting that the government of Munich will stop one of their largest party - the Munich Oktoberfest. The deadbeat is thinking that local people have to change their lifestyle only for the reason he and some other Moslem can get offended from the local customs. If someone leaves his country for any reason for living in another country then this have to change his lifestyle and accept the local rules and not opposite round. If someone expect that he can continue his living on the traditional way then he has to chose a country where this is possible and not expecting from others that they will change themselves into his favor. Such narrow minded people like Morad Almuradi are only destroying the helpfulness from the local people and are converting their mind into xenophobia. Morad Almuradi is only one example from these narrow minded people who has chosen the wrong destination for his escape. There are getting 56 Muslim countries found at the world. Why has he not chosen one of them for his escape?
With his own intolerance against other cultures he likes to get accepted? Sorry, but such people need to get sent back to the hole where they have been coming from. If such people are getting prosecuted in their own country then would it be for the same reason for what they are trying to do in foreign countries.
Let's take first a look at the online petition what Morad Almuradi has started at change.org:
Ban the Intolerant and Anti-Islamic event of Oktoberfest
Dear City council of Munich,
I am writing this letter to bring to your attention something that I and many Muslims believe is unfair and requires attention. I would like to inform you that the Oktoberfest is an Intolerant and Anti-Islamic event. We tried to ignore the event, but there too many Un-Islamic acts done at the Oktoberfest. Such as alcohol consumption, public nudity etc.
We understand that the Oktoberfest is a yearly German tradition, but we, Muslims, can not tolerate this Un-Islamic event, because it offends us and all Muslims on the earth. We are requesting the immediate cancellation of the upcoming Oktoberfest event.
We also believe that the Oktoberfest might also offend all the Muslim refugees coming from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan. The cancellation of the Oktoberfest event will help refugees not to forget their Islamic history. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Morad Almuradi
Dear Morad Almuradi,
I have a few questions to you:
Why have you chosen Europe for your relocation?
Did you not know that government and religion are in Europe strictly separated?
Did you not know that religion is in other countries a private matter?
Do you not know that you have been coming to Europe and not Europe has been coming to you?
Do you not like to build up the same situation here from which you have been running away?
You are expecting that others shall respect your wishes. On the other site you are so closed minded that you are not able to accept the lifestyle from others. Do you think that your behavior is a basement for building up a relationship with European people?
Why did you not chose one of the 56 Muslim countries for your escape? I think that you only like to take advance from the European social system without paying one Cent into it. The local people have built up and paid into this social system, which is now paying your expenses and the expenses of the refugees arriving in Europe. In my opinion are you nothing else than a parasite. Do you think that parasites are welcome in any country?
If your religion does not allow you to drink some alcohol then do not drink it. But open minded people will even not let themselves influence from your views and your religion. Why do you not go home or to a country where your views are matching with your religious believes, if you are getting offended in your religious views from the tradition and behavior of others? Nobody has called or invited you coming here and nobody will keep you back if you like to leave us.
Do you not think that you are overstrain the patience from the people who have welcomed you in Europe?
Do you not think that you are the best example for these political parties, who has as their slogan "Foreigners go home"? You and others with the same views are one of their arguments!
Do you really think that others will stop eating their favorite food only for respecting your religious views? Don't forget you have to integrate yourself into the community here and not others have to accept your narrow minded views.
At the picture on the right site you'll see one of my favorite dishes - grilled rear pork leg with salads and beer.
Morad Almuradi you have to integrate yourself into the community of the country where you are living and not the community has to change their traditions! If you not understand this fact then it would better for you to search for a country which is matching your expectations. Nobody keeps you back. If you are not welcome there then it is your fault and not the fault of others. So don't overestimate yourself.
Why you should overthink any business relationship with Turkish business partners?
03 September 2016 Rudolf-Faix General (0)
Since Erdogan got elected as President from the Turkey the country is showing their true face. The country is changing from a democracy into a dictatorship. It seems that this dictatorship does not stop at the border from Turkey. Erdogan tries to take the whole world into hostage for his own interests. The hillbillies are thinking that they can even put other countries under pressure. So it happens that they even not understand the freedom of press, which is one of the basic rights in the Western World.
So it has happened that the Austrian daily newspaper "Kronenzeitung" has reported about actual cases happened in Turkey. For promoting their business they have a display showing their captions at the airport in Vienna - Schwechat. At this display are got shown the caption "Who makes vacation in Turkey, supports Erdogan" and at the time the Turkish supreme court canceled made the sex with children legal by canceling the children abuse law: "Turkey allows sex with children"
The Turkish resort Alanya and the community Schwechat had 15 years long a city partnership. This partnership got now canceled from the Turkish partner for the reason of the promotion from the private newspaper "Kronenzeitung" and the private airport company "Flughafen Wien Betriebsgesellschaft". The community has no influence on both companies.
For the case you have a Turkish business partner you should be aware that this business partner will act the same way. He will simple cancel contracts for a reason where you even have no influence on it. With Erdogan as president from the Turkey the Turkish people are feeling themselves as the masters of the world. Such people are not really trustful in making business and you should verify as often as you can that your business partner is fulfilling his duties.
Everybody has the right cancelling a contract, but using a reason on what you have no influence for it shows you how trustful the coward has been.
My personal opinion about the attempted coup from the military against the Turkish president Erdogan is that it has been only a staged show or the Turkish military is so incompetent and unable to do something. The first case has given Erdogan only a reason to remove his opposition by putting them into jail as we have seen it by following the news. For the second case remains for me the question how bad is the Turkish military trained? How will such a military be able to protect a country and their borders?
Update September 5, 2016: The Turkey shows with the following decision again that they are already a dictatorship and not a trusted partner for the Western World. In the news gets found the following article:
By order of the Turkish Foreign Ministry an archeology team had to end its excavations in the ancient city of Ephesus west coast, like the Turkish news agency Dogan reported yesterday. The reason for this statement are the tensions between Vienna and Ankara.
The excavations were completed on 31 August - two months before the regular end of the project. The activities of the Austrian Archaeological Institute (ÖAI) in Ephesus has a very long tradition, such work will take place since 1895th participate annually to the 250 scientists from up to 20 countries to the archeological major project.
With this step, the freedom of science is continuing to decline.
Update September 8, 2016: Another case shows that Turkey is far away from a democracy and cannot be in any community. The broadcaster Deutsche Welle has made an interview with the Turkish Minister of Sport. After the interview the recordings got immediately confiscated from the Turkish authorities. It seems that the Turkish Minister of Sport does not know how the freedom of press is one of the basic rules in a free world.
Such a moves only shows that Turkey is not a serious partner for anything. Therefore, not one can offer such people joining any community.
Malware from the military and police is ruling the black market
29 August 2016 Rudolf-Faix General (0)
The black market for malware is far from settled beyond any prosecution because it is ruled by the military and police of Western democracies.
Two weeks after an extensive program package had arrived for attacking firewalls from leading companies, came on Friday the so far most dangerous malware for iPhones to the public. Although the circumstances that they become known are completely different, both cases have one thing in common. Neither against Apple's iOS nor that against the operating systems of all firewalls directed package has a criminal background.
In both cases, the malicious files from the public sector and there just not from the usual suspects "Cyber rogues" Russia or China. For the attack tools on firewalls from Cisco to Fortinet, the NSA was at least the client. The iPhone malware got developed by the Israeli company NSO, a supplier for the Mossad.
We'll find additional at the Wall Street Journal article "Smartphones Become Next Frontier in Cybersecurity" from Jul 31, 2014 the information:
Private-equity firm Francisco Partners Management LLC earlier this year paid $110 million to acquire NSO Group, an Israeli startup that aims to help governments spy on individual mobile phones
The same company also has the firewall vendor Barracuda and specialized on Network Monitoring company Blue Coat in their portfolio.
Why the black market is settled for such malware far beyond any prosecution? This market would be interfering at least since 2000, no longer criminals, but military and police authorities. This Pandora's Box was open since 2000 and criminals were to distinguish more difficult by the authorities.
The US has begun and just tried once, whether they can enforce the use of malware in their country. This has at least according to its laws and works. After that, more and more Western democracies have been taking their right to use malware, first only in the intelligence field; afterwards they used it also in law enforcement. The so-called 'police Trojans' are nothing than malicious software.
Legalization of criminal activities
Since almost not one country had the necessary know-how and resources to develop all these attack tools themselves, they outsourced the production and maintenance to private companies. What was still considered criminal in the 90s, got step by step legalized. The black market for malware was therefore created by government agencies. Their demand fueled the market for malicious software continue running on, which is reflected in rapidly growing sales of commercial operators. The increasing sales in this sector are the sole reason why more and more new companies emerge in this market.
All Cisco Firewalls are affected
All versions of the operating systems from the Cisco product series PIX and ASA within the last 15 years are clearly concerned with very few exceptions. The development of attacking tools therefore launched shortly after the first PIX were delivered in 1996, the very last specimens of this product range reached just the end of their lifetime.
The so-called "Equation Group", of which the as yet unknown "Shadow Broker" these files allegedly stolen has, so the firewalls alone systematically attacked by Cisco for at least 15 years and their malicious code obviously adapted to every major update of the operating system. For the newer firewalls from the type ASA were hitherto found two so called "0-Day exploits", the name for attacking software for previously undiscovered vulnerabilities in an operating system. Cisco has indeed already ruled with a security update for its ASA operating system, but it is questionable whether it also against modified versions of the attack software helps.
Three "0 day exploits" against iPhone
The intruder tool for iPhone consists of three of these "0-day exploits" that contaminate the device via a single link in a text message, which had resulted in an investigation into the security firm "Lookout" with Canadian "Citizen Lab". The human rights activist Ahmed Mansoor from the United Arab Emirates had received an SMS with an embedded link what allegedly referred to a website with new information on torture in the dictatorial Emirates.
Mansoor did not click the link, but forwarded the SMS to the Canadian Citizen Lab for examination. Together with the dedicated security company for smartphones and tablets the company Lookout tested the consequences of a click on this link. The result has been the installation of a "completely invisible" spying software from the Israeli "cyber war" company NSO. Apparently for "security reasons" NSO even does not maintain a website.
The human rights activist Ahmed Mansoor was attacked for the third time since 2011. The company FinFisher (aka "Gamma Group") comes from Germany, "Hacking Team" is Italian origin.
The powerlessness of prosecutors
Although both cases are mounted quite different, and the circumstances are particularly in the case of firewall hacks in the darkness, but can draw some conclusions without overusing speculations. In both cases, the military intelligence services from Western democracies (US and Israel) are the principal for this high-quality malicious software. The anti-malware iPhones was sold to an alliance with the West dictatorship in the Persian Gulf, which thus spied the democratic opposition in his own country.
The malicious software to firewalls was commissioned by the US secret service NSA in order to attack the products for network security of the leading US companies Cisco, Fortinet and Juniper. Of particular interest in this case is that of all the world's leading firewall manufacturers, the Israeli-American company Checkpoint, is missing from the recent publications from the until now unknown "Shadow Broker".
Schizophrenia, black market, cyber crime - a conclusion
From these two paradoxes is it not difficult to deduce, use what schizophrenic situation the Western democracies by the decision, methods and tools of criminals, have conjured up. The States thus have even created a global black market for "cyber weapons" and made large, parallel rise offenses of "cyber crime" range exponentially in higher spheres.
The prosecutors are faced with an almost impossible task because they can never take the backers, so the producers, namely because the own military or even the police authorities themselves their clients. The authorities of Western democracies can save their warnings against "Russian hackers" or "the Chinese" therefore, because these accusations are just embarrassing. It is quite comparable to that scene from the "last days of humanity" where one prostitute insulted another one with the words "Such a whore!".
"Allahu akbar" - and what an unbeliever thinks about it
11 August 2016 Rudolf-Faix Islam, Religion (0)
I can understand how bad it must be for a peace-loving, believer when murdered somewhere in the world in the name of his god. "Allahu akbar" means "God is great" and is simply an act of faith, which probably pronounce every Muslim at prayer or at different occasions.
Every time a suicide bomber calls "Allahu akbar!" before he ignites his explosive belt or with the machete man starts, like a stitch must for a believer feel the heart. One harmless but important religious phrase is robbed the innocence, it is made to their war cry. The situation is already as bad as you cannot bring the sentence itself, without getting suspicious.
If you once whisper innocently "Allahu akbar" in the tram, bus or at a public place, all the bystanders wince overlook a suspiciously or take even panicky flight. No, it cannot be pleasant. Probably wants to be on some days when ruling on all channels the terrorist messages prefer crawl home.
I can also understand how much it must annoy a peace-loving, devout Muslim, to be pushed back again and again after each attempt to distance himself from the assassins. "Well, what do you say?", You will probably demand a challenging tone several times a day - from close friends as well as by casual acquaintances, in the work break in the cafeteria, in the school yard and on Facebook.
So, as if you are related to the terrorists, like as if one had only yesterday phoned them or as it is otherwise responsible somehow for the behavior of wild strangers. I can understand why the questions getting asked. Why should have a devout Muslim to violence a different opinion as a devout Christian, a staunch atheist or else a normal sentient human? Assuming that not already the question is from a kind which makes a Muslim co-responsibility and pushes him accusingly in a corner from which it is hard to disentangle, without getting moral scratches?
What I completely cannot understand is that not much more vigorously defend the million peace-loving, righteous, devout Muslims throughout the world against what terrorists do with their faith.
I imagine ungodly before, strange guys would kidnap my God, in his alleged order to commit the most atrocious crimes, they would all that I hold sacred twist, pervert and abuse for their own destructive purposes and then then even claim they have the for "all Muslims", i.e. done for me - then you can make it happen without objection that yet! If one has because if one is a believer, not the heartfelt desire to take his God in protection?
Will you not defend your God against his perverted fans? Is it not necessary to protect your God and his name against the murders and rapists? Why are you allowing to burn down in his name? "Nobody kills in my name!", takes a stand on the banners that Muslims around the world millions of times held in the height (at least where it is safe to do so). "Our God is not your God!", would preachers, politicians, scholars or other tribunes call the IS. Or: "You are not Muslims!"
People of faith will not do all this to make themselves popular to unbelievers or distance themselves from their God. They would do it because their God and their religion would be so important for them. Are people not only using their religion for their own purpose if they are not distance themselves from terrorists and criminals? Which value has the religion really for such people? Which value can have a religion with such a kind of followers? Who will trust into the teachings from such a religion? Isn't it a nice kind of promotion for a religion?
But perhaps all that follows merely a logic that can occur only from an unbeliever…
Double standard: This Islamic country is the new world-Sex-center
28 June 2016 Rudolf-Faix General, Islam, Religion (0)
So far, Thailand was considered the global center of cheap sex. Now another country prepares to become the red center of the world. It is just there preached particularly loud morality.
Flashing neon signs in sultry tropical night, music which penetrates from bars and massage parlors. In between women who are stalking around with a swinging butt on high heels. Her short skirts and tight tops have a clear view of a lot of skin.
"Happy Massage" is on welcoming signs. This is not Bangkok, whose sex industry enjoys a legendary reputation. This is Bukit Bintang, an entertainment district in Kuala Lumpur. The Islamic Malaysia is well on the way to Thailand and the Philippines as a red light center of the world to outdo.
Two contradictory faces of the same country: Malaysia with its multicultural society prides itself while still being one of the more moderate Muslim nations of the earth, at the same time; however, take the orthodox tendencies, such as the number of head veil on the streets of Southeast Asian state.
Female stimuli are taboo. Like Sex
At public buildings across the country emblazoned posters urging a "dress appropriately". Free shoulders and bare knees for women are not allowed to offices. Tight outfits from a woman can cause a national outcry, as happened recently in the case of successful gymnast Farah Ann Abdul Hadi. Although they took in the Southeast Asia Games last summer home six shiny medals for Malaysia, but was still vilified publicly.
The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Jamil Khir Baharom wanted, has recognized under her skimpy leotard "the shape of her vagina," and so he called shrilly for "stricter observance of the Islamic dress rules for sports and other areas". For me it looks like the Malaysian Minister of Islamic Affairs seems to be a sex maniac because he shows with his observations where he is looking during a sports contest. I would like to recommend him urgently to search help in a psychiatric clinic. Other, even the Chair of the Women Wing at the National Muslim Youth Association, Roszida Kamaruddin, joined in with the Minister of Islamic Affairs. Female stimuli are taboo. Just as sex.
Smooching and other intimacies in public are prohibited and will be severely punished. Those caught in sexual conduct in a public place, not only has up to 20 years in prison count, but also by caning.
Prostitution is illegal, but the sex trade flourishes
Three young women have made 2010 headlines, because they were sentenced as first "delinquents" of this kind to blows. They had slept before marriage with men. Meanwhile, arranged by the sharia corporal punishment for similar offenses are hardly special messages in Malaysia.
Prostitution is - in contrast to other countries - in Malaysia illegally. Yet the trade flourishes with sex than in almost any other country. The Malaysian sex industry is worth the equivalent of over 960 million dollars, it is said on the website of Havocscope Global Black Market information that examines the global black market.
Even 200 years ago found foreign loggers, sailors and miners on the Malaysian peninsula ladies who hawked their bodies. But these prostitutes worked mainly in clearly defined sin miles in the big cities. Today there is are small brothels, the love hotels and "massage parlors" have everywhere spread in the country - even in regions where the ultra-conservative Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS) is in charge. And the Internet erotic services are quite open. The authorities look somewhere else, while simultaneously preaching morality, whenever they can.
In Germany, where prostitution is not immoral since 2001, coming in section 49 prostitutes at 10,000 people. Even Thailand is by far not as a cesspool, as many believe the West: There are only 45 sex workers per 10,000 people. But in Malaysia with so many demurely veiled women and strict regional sharia, there are even 52.
The commercial sex was visible to all. But nobody talks about it. On the contrary: The ruling party United Malays National Organization (Umno) of Prime Minister Najib Razak is located chaste and puritanical. Najib is accused of corruption. His coalition has plugged a low blow after another. She needs every voter, they can get. And therefore it curries favor of the Conservatives and uses the religion for their election campaign.
"Women are punished, but no one thinks to their customers"
"Politicians are afraid that it calls into question their piety, because then they annoy voters or could lose," said the woman activist Ivy Josiah. She had defended a prostitute last year, which was arrested by an undercover policeman and sentenced in court to six months in prison because they had offered him sexual services. One should not condemn sex workers, said Ivy Josiah. "It is always sad that women are constantly punished for such acts while not given a thought to their customers."
Malaysian women prostitute themselves mostly out of necessity. Many are single mothers. In addition, an increasing number of students who can pay for their education or a little luxury of suitors, because there are hardly any scholarships or even something like student loans.
Over the past decade also flow women and girls from poorer neighboring countries of Burma, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, in Malaysia's brothels. The US has set the country on the black list of states with particularly nasty trafficking and even child prostitution. According to reports, even police officers involved in human smuggling. Again, the politicians mostly closed eyes.
Instead, they discuss publicly whether their home the "Hudud", the strict Sharia criminal law, is intended to introduce, and flare up further on to scarce jerseys their sports stars. Simultaneously, the streetwalker evening walks further lasciviously over the sidewalks. Demand is high: A roaring trade in a bigoted society.