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NextTalking Science With Patient Advocates
Medical AcademiaMedical EthicsPolitics and Regulation
The NCCAM Seeks Comments for its "Strategic Plan: 2010." Part I
Kimball Atwood	on November 13, 2009
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has posted three essays about its latest "strategic planning process," and has invited "stakeholders" to make comments. I have previously made my own opinions clear,* as have fellow bloggers Gorski, Novella, Lipson, and Sampson: the best strategic plan for the NCCAM would be to extinguish itself. Since politics makes that plan unlikely, there are strategies that could minimize the considerable harm now done by the Center, while possibly offering a modest benefit. In summary:
For both scientific and ethical reasons the NCCAM must dispense with trials of highly implausible claims. It should start by abandoning the ongoing Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT), its largest and most expensive trial yet, and one that has proven to place experimental subjects in considerable danger. It should publicly acknowledge such mistakes and explain why they must not be repeated—no matter how much political pressure there may be to do so.
The Center should use its website's Health Information function to explain what's known, rather than continue its customary practice of putting the best possible slant on most "CAM" claims, no matter how absurd or disproven.
The Center should address aspects of "CAM" advocacy that it has previously avoided, the most important being the close affiliation of such advocacy with the anti-vaccination (and autism quackery) movement. The NCCAM should consider itself an important source of rational information for a public that is currently, and dangerously, misled about immunizations. A related example of mischievous "CAM" advocacy, so far also ignored by the Center's website, involves an imagined, sinister cartel of physicians, the AMA, pharmaceutical companies, and the FDA. The NCCAM should vigorously debunk such myths by providing facts and data.
The Center should pursue the question of why some people are stubbornly attracted to implausible, unproven, and/or inert treatments. Wally Sampson suggested this idea years ago. It is one of many legacies of the late Barry Beyerstein, among others, whose writings could serve as a template for legitimate NCCAM research topics.
The NCCAM's Charter and its boosters in Congress make such strategies exceedingly unlikely, as explained here. Therefore, in this and two subsequent postings I'll address a few of the assertions made in each of the Center's three "big picture" essays. These will not be comprehensive critiques of those essays, which would require deconstructions of nearly every sentence.
Essay #1: NCCAM's Mandate and Mission
The essay quotes from the Center's "legislative mandate":
(a) The general purposes of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine are the conduct and support of basic and applied research (including both intramural and extramural research), research training, the dissemination of health information, and other programs with respect to identifying, investigating, and validating complementary and alternative treatment, diagnostic and prevention modalities, disciplines and systems.
(c) In carrying out subsection (a), the Director of the Center shall, as appropriate, study the integration of alternative treatment, diagnostic and prevention systems, modalities, and disciplines with the practice of conventional medicine as a complement to such medicine and into health care delivery systems in the United States.
The words "validating" and "integration" imply that the authors of the 1998 legislation, e.g., Senator Tom Harkin, were already certain of the value of "CAM" and expected the Center to promote it even prior to the results of investigations. That is exactly what happened.
The essay attempts to tackle the "definition of CAM":
Definition of CAM
Many definitions of CAM have been suggested, but a precise or consensus definition has not emerged. Nonetheless, most definitions share the common themes of 1) broad inclusivity of health practices that emerge outside of or beyond the socially dominant paradigm of health care and 2) indistinct boundaries between CAM and the dominant health care paradigm. Definitions of CAM from several interested organizations are representative.
NCCAM Web site: "CAM is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine, and alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine. Some health care providers practice both CAM and conventional medicine."
2005 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the United States: "A broad domain of resources that encompasses health systems, modalities, and practices and their accompanying theories and beliefs, other than those intrinsic to the dominant health system of a particular society or culture in a given historical period. CAM includes such resources perceived by their users as associated with positive health outcomes. Boundaries with CAM and between the CAM domain and the domain of the dominant system are not always sharp or fixed."
Cochrane Collaboration: "A broad domain of healing resources that encompasses all health systems, modalities, and practices, and their accompanying theories and beliefs, other than those intrinsic to the politically dominant health system of a particular society or culture in a given historical period. These practices complement mainstream medicine by 1) contributing to a common whole; 2) satisfying a demand not met by conventional practices; and 3) diversifying the conceptual framework of medicine."
The repeated use of the term "socially dominant paradigm of health care" and its variations, not only by the NCCAM but by the reputedly trustworthy IOM and Cochrane Collaboration, is dishonest and disturbing. The implication is that modern medicine became "dominant" not because its marriage with science resulted in unprecedented effectiveness (and the promise of much more), but because of arbitrary "privileging." This kind of post-modern language distortion has been a staple of NCCAM propaganda since its inception, as previously discussed here.
Regarding a concise and accurate definition of "CAM," here is one that you'll not find offered by the NCCAM or any other advocacy organization:
A spectrum of implausible beliefs and claims about health and disease. These range from the untestable and absurd to the possible but not very intriguing. In all cases the enthusiasm of advocates vastly exceeds the scientific promise.
The essay next discusses
Epidemiology of CAM Use
NHIS data also have provided important insights into reasons for CAM use, which fall into two approximately equal categories 1) treating a variety of health problems—particularly chronic pain and other difficult symptoms and 2) promoting general health and wellness. Much of this use is "self-care" (i.e., not provided or administered by a health care provider). Notably, use of CAM to completely replace effective and safe treatments for serious conditions appears uncommon.
Notice the begged questions: NHIS data have provided no insights into the issue addressed in the final bullet at the beginning of this posting. It is reasonable to assume that people who are drawn to implausible or ineffective treatments think that they work. Insight would come from investigating why they think so. To the first category—"treating a variety of health problems"—Dr. Beyerstein's views are pertinent. Regarding the second, "promoting general health and wellness," we must invoke an additional Madison Avenue component, for which the NCCAM is at least as culpable as any other source.
The Current State of CAM Research
Over the past decade the evidence base regarding efficacy and safety of CAM practices has grown substantially in both quality and quantity. Basic research and clinical trials, both large and small, have yielded results—both "positive" and "negative"—that inform consumers' use of and health care providers' recommendations concerning CAM…There is also evidence that this body of research has influenced consumers. For example, both NHIS data and industry sales figures suggest that the results of several large clinical trials have affected both the frequency of use and sales of nonvitamin/nonmineral dietary supplements. In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has taken actions to address concerns about the safety of some CAM products as a direct result of CAM research…
Well, no: results have really been only "negative" (remember the NCCAM's customary practice of putting the best possible slant on most 'CAM' claims? We'll see more of this in subsequent posts). What, though, is the "evidence that this body of research has influenced consumers"? If true it would be a good thing, but I don't buy it. It's amusing that the essay credits the beleaguered FDA for trying to put out the same fires that the NCCAM fans.
Although approximately half of CAM use by Americans consists of practices aimed at improving general health, most CAM research to date has focused on the application of CAM practices to the treatment of various diseases and conditions. Better health, wellness, and well-being are terms that allude to a concept important to everyone and are the focus of current debates about the future of health care in America. However, research on interventions aimed at improving general health and well-being presents very significant scientific and logistical challenges, including difficulties defining their meanings and their multi-dimensional and dynamic qualities. In considering future strategic directions for NCCAM and the field of CAM research, it is important to consider carefully the opportunities at hand and the resources and research tools needed to pursue those opportunities. It also is important to consider carefully the role that NCCAM should play in promoting and developing a body of research at NIH regarding this complex arena.
Other than the begged questions already mentioned, I'm not sure what to make of that paragraph. On the one hand it appears to be a segue to special pleading about designing trials of 'CAM' claims for "improving general health"; on the other it may be a preliminary apology, to certain "stakeholders," for an eventual decision NOT to "develop a body of research at NIH regarding this complex arena." Here's hoping for the second interpretation.
Criticisms of CAM Research and NCCAM
There has been a spectrum of critical opinion regarding the NCCAM-funded research enterprise. It is important to examine these points of view—which are often contradictory—in considering NCCAM's mission and its future strategic directions.
At one end of the critical spectrum are claims that CAM approaches are inherently implausible and justified only by "pseudoscience," that peer-review processes are inferior to those of the rest of NIH and that NCCAM funds proposals of dubious merit, that the field suffers from insularity, that the research agenda is driven by political pressures rather than scientific considerations, and that the research could be better carried out under the aegis of other NIH institutes and centers.
At the other end of the spectrum are claims that NCCAM research fails to evaluate CAM as it is actually used in "real-world" CAM practice settings, that there is insufficient support of CAM practitioner involvement in the research process, that the field is dominated by reductionist scientific approaches or inappropriate methodology, that the peer-review process is biased against CAM, that most NCCAM research is designed or conducted with a goal of "debunking" or disproving value, and that there has been insufficient focus on health and wellness.
Well, yes: many 'CAM' approaches are inherently implausible and justified only by pseudoscience; NCCAM peer-review processes are inferior to those of the rest of NIH; the NCCAM funds proposals of dubious merit; the field suffers from insularity; the 'CAM' research agenda at the NIH is driven by political pressures rather than by scientific considerations; the research could be better carried out under the aegis of other NIH institutes and centers, which usually begin by considering scientific and medical promise rather than ideological correctness, and which are unlikely to hire convicted felons and other scoundrels as investigators.
Such charges do not come from "one end of the critical spectrum." They come from the center of the science-based critical spectrum. Some of them are simple facts, as the linked essays demonstrate. Both the Gonzalez trial and the Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy resulted largely from pressures applied by Rep. Dan Burton to the National Cancer Institute and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, shortly before the creation of the NCCAM—which subsequently embraced both trials.
Each trial bypassed the usual preliminary investigations necessary to justify a Phase III human trial. In the case of the TACT, which the NCCAM shepherded from the Request for Applications onward, the Center also contradicted language in its own report, "FY 2003 Research Priorities" (a precursor to the current "Stategic Plan"):
Cardiovascular diseases–Preclinical and early phase studies of approaches to manage hypertension, heart failure, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease, including studies of the biology of EDTA chelation therapy in animal models.
That passage was written months before the first (human) TACT subject was infused with disodium EDTA, but there is no evidence that such animal studies were ever done. The TACT peer-review process was further tainted by the presence of a key "stakeholder," L. Terry Chappell, on the pertinent scientific review committee. Chappell was not competent to review NIH scientific research protocols, as the linked report demonstrates. That his presence was in clear violation of the NIH conflict of interest policy is shown by his having been named as a participant in the TACT, on page 284 of the very application that he would be reviewing, and by language at the bottom of the meeting roster on which his name appears.
The NCCAM's portrayal of such charges as extreme—"one end of [a] critical spectrum" whose "points of view…are often contradictory" (the other end pleading that it isn't fair to subject 'CAM' to scientific scrutiny at all)—seems to call for 'balance.' The truth, it implies, must lie somewhere in between. How convenient, and how utterly dishonest. It suggests a twist on a logical fallacy; perhaps we should call it The Fallacy of the Fallacy of the Excluded Middle.
The CAM Research Enterprise and Research Capacity
…CAM research is now a specific focus of several international organizations, including the Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine, the International Society for Complementary Medicine Research, and the Society for Integrative Oncology…
In the context of charting NCCAM's future strategic directions, it is important to consider the relationship and boundaries between the field of CAM research and the emerging field of "integrative medicine." A 2005 IOM report on CAM concluded that the goal for integrative medicine should be the provision of comprehensive medical care based on the best scientific evidence available regarding benefits and harm; that encourages patients to share in decision making about therapeutic options; and that promotes choices in care that can include CAM therapies, when appropriate. In early 2009, IOM and the Bravewell Collaborative described integrative medicine as "orienting the health care process to engage patients and caregivers in the full range of physical, psychological, social, preventive, and therapeutic factors known to be effective and necessary for the achievement of optimal health."
There is considerable overlap between integrative medicine research and CAM research…
Well yes, I suppose there is. The deadline for submitting comments to the NCCAM is November 19, 2009. I hope that some of you will offer your opinions.
In the next post I'll discuss the second essay in the NCCAM's Strategic Planning series: NCCAM Priority Setting — Framework and Other Considerations
* Selected NCCAM screeds by KCA:
Yes We Can! We Can Abolish the NCCAM!
Yes We Can! We Can Abolish the NCCAM! Part II
Yes We Can! We Can Abolish the NCCAM! Part III
The Ongoing Problem with the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Bioterrorism and the NCCAM: The selling of 'Complementary and Alternative Medicine'
Posted in: Medical Academia, Medical Ethics, Politics and Regulation, Science and Medicine, Science and the Media
Tagged in: quackademic medicine
Posted by	Kimball Atwood
Talking Science With Patient Advocates
Conflicts of interest in science-based medicine


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Oh, So Thankful!
By United Way of King County, on November 24, 2021 | In Breaking the Cycle of Poverty, Fighting Homelessness, Helping Students Graduate, News, Racial Equity, Success Stories, Volunteering
This blog post was written by Lauren McGowan, Associate Vice President of Ending Homelessness and Poverty at United Way of King County.
The last few years have been challenging for everyone— especially for our unhoused neighbors and those who were struggling to make ends meet before the pandemic. The health and economic impacts of COVID-19 have cost jobs, deepened racial disparities, and increased the number of people struggling to put food on the table and keep a roof over head.
Despite these challenges, I'm grateful that we live in a generous and caring community. Together we are helping respond to the economic impacts of the pandemic and rebuild toward a more just and equitable tomorrow. As I reflect on this year, there are so many people, partners and policies to be thankful for. Here are a few of my favorites:
AmeriCorps members: United Way of King County is grateful for the hundreds of AmeriCorps, VISTA, and NCCC members who have been on the front lines since the start of the pandemic. They are delivering food, connecting families to tax credits, completing rent applications, and helping college students access basic needs. They are building capacity of community-based organizations, launching new initiatives and evaluating our programs. They are addressing racism head-on and fighting for more just and equitable systems. AmeriCorps members will be critical to implementing Build Back Better and other recovery efforts in equitable and efficient ways that match the scale of the need. We love national service because it creates impact today and a pipeline of civically engaged leaders for tomorrow. And United Way is able to leverage donor dollars and braid them together to help make national service more impactful. We are so thankful for these dynamic emerging leaders each and every day.
Home Base Partners: We believe that preventing homelessness is the most effective and least traumatic way to address our homelessness crisis. That is why we have been laser focused on preventing evictions and homelessness through Home Base. Together with our incredible partners we have connected 16,500 households to over $77 million in public and private funds. This work is hard— not only because the need is high— but because there was no infrastructure for this level of financial assistance before the pandemic. We've all had to learn a lot, shed some tears and get creative. Big shout outs to Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, Wellspring Family Services, Solid Ground, Neighborhood House, Refugee Women's Alliance, Housing Justice Project, and the United Way Rent Team who have been processing all of those applications. We are also incredibly grateful for our partners at the City of Seattle and King County who partnered to create low barrier and equitable processes for rental assistance. We appreciate the hundreds of landlords who have worked with us to complete applications, accept payment terms, protect tenancies and learn new data systems. And we are grateful that the U.S. Treasury has made it easy to get these dollars to those who need it most— hello direct tenant payments. We still have a lot of work to do to get rental assistance to those who need it and ensure we have equitable policies that protect tenants. We are grateful for the dream team we have working on this.
DoorDash: Food and housing should be basic human rights. Unfortunately, food insecurity was too high before the pandemic and skyrocketed while people were out of work. At United Way we believe that Basic Food (also known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP) is our best anti-hunger tool because it provides the food purchasing power to those who need it. But some people aren't eligible, and the benefits don't always stretch far enough— especially with rising food costs. So, we asked ourselves: How do we get food to people who need it in low-barrier ways (no lines, no requirements, little paperwork)? That is why we have been so excited to partner with DoorDash Ride United to deliver healthy and culturally appropriate food to those who need it. Thanks to the DoorDash team, our incredible colleagues at United Way Worldwide, dozens of outstanding local food banks, Cascadia Produce, Safeway and others we have been able to provide weekly deliveries of food to over 5,400 households— this has resulted in 224,719 deliveries since we launched. The DoorDash program is helping thousands access food today and helping us reimagine what food distribution could look like in the future. I'm excited to imagine a time when anyone can access food that meets their dietary, cultural, and taste preferences when and where they need it.
Bridge to Finish/Benefits Hub Partners: I'm so proud of the partnership we have to connect community college students to food, housing, emergency financial assistance and other basic needs. We are learning so much about the needs of #realcollege students— most importantly that we need to trust students. Last year, we connected more than 6,000 students to 27,000 financial interventions. More than 70% of the students we served were students of color and 42% were student parents. We are grateful for the many partners who make this work possible including AmeriCorps, Serve Washington, Neighborhood House, American Financial Solutions, Nordstrom, Ballmer Group, ECMC Education, The Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice, WA Student Achievement Council, Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, Edquity, Premera Blue Cross, and so many others. This work wouldn't be possible without our 10 college partners who host our Benefits Hubs. Together we can reimagine higher education systems to ensure every student has equitable access to the resources they need to thrive.
Biden Administration and Congress: I am so beyond thankful that we FINALLY have a historic opportunity to restore, revitalize and reimagine the federal social safety net. Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, the Infrastructure Bill and Build Back Better (fingers crossed the Senate passes it quickly)— we will have new tools to address poverty, hunger and homelessness. By expanding and investing in the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Universal Free School, SNAP, meals via Community Eligibility Provision, rental assistance, affordable housing, childcare, universal Pre-K, paid leave, and so much more, we can get relief to families who need it most. Now we need to make sure that these strong policies are implemented at scale in effective and equitable ways. Because good policy doesn't matter if it doesn't reach those who need it most. That's where United Way partners and donors come in. Together we can braid funding, mobilize resources, and build the systems and tools to work toward a racially just community where people have homes, students graduate and families are financially stable. And I'm thankful for that!
I know that many people are looking to return to the way things were before the pandemic hit. The problem is— things weren't working for too many. Poverty was too high. Food insecurity was too great. And homelessness was at crisis levels. What we had before wasn't working. What we have today isn't acceptable. It's time to chart a new path forward toward equity and justice to a place where everyone has food on the table, a roof over head, and access to the economic and educational opportunities they need to thrive. I'm thankful that we live in a community that can dream big and chase that dream. It will take all of us.
Tags: AmeriCorps, Basic Food, Benefits Hub, Biden, Bridge to Finish, Congress, DoorDash, Home Base, homelessness, Racial Equity
Looking Back at 2022, Looking Forward to 2023
AmeriCorps Stories: A Q&A With Current Member Monique Blockman
AmeriCorps Stories: A Q&A With Former Member Fae Raitt

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


A triple decker stack of pure extravagance—toasted waffles, whipped dessert topping and lots of candy!
1. Lightly toast KELLOGG'S EGGO Homestyle waffles according to package directions. Cool. Resist urge to eat them yet.
2. Top 1 waffle with 1/2 cup whipped topping, second waffle, another 1/2 cup whipped topping, third waffle and the remaining whipped topping. Sprinkle with chocolate candies, fruit-flavored candies, and peanut butter pieces. Take a picture to remember it.
3. To serve, cut in half. Dig in. Everything is better now.


We decided to avoid the black flies and head south for May 2-4. Wheatley Provincial Park was the perfect choice!
Boosey Creek campground is radio-free and non-electric. Definitely the way to go for May 2-4! There were plenty of fireworks across Sugar Creek at the other campgrounds. As well as music, shouting and what must have been a pretty awesome drum circle . The other campgrounds at Wheatley were celebrating! The noise didn't bother us, but I was happy to be where we were with kids.
The Carolinian forest was a bright, spring green and the bird migration was in full-swing. We had a lovely campsite by Sugar Creek that was rated 'good' for privacy as well as for quality. It was pretty good! We couldn't see neigbours on either side, though there was one site across from us.
Site 12 was fairly large and flat and we were able to catch a glimpse of the creek through the trees behind us.
The Carolinian Forest along the creek was the best thing about this site. I have never heard so much wildlife! The bird songs filled the air, the frogs were croaking, the otters were splashing and the herons were fishing.
We arrived late afternoon, set up camp, then walked down to the footbridge over Boosey Creek to check out the beach on Lake Erie.
The beach is not sandy, but it is full of interesting stones. We only explored a small section, so I am not sure if it is the same all the way along. The kids had a great time finding the "best ones ever!" My son found a fossil and we all found plenty of flat skipping stones. We skipped stones and chased waves until sunset, then headed back for a rather late dinner and campfire.
Saturday we woke up pretty late, after a morning of drifting in and out of sleep, listening to the birds. We hung out at the site, playing frisbee, walking along the creek-side trail and playing card games.
We then headed to Point Pelee shortly after noon.
Point Pelee is just 20 minutes from Wheatley and our main reason for choosing this area. The spring migration and long weekend made for a pretty busy day to visit, but the crowds weren't too terrible and by late afternoon were thinning out.
Point Pelee is really lovely.
Standing at the southern point of Canada was more exciting than I thought it would be! To see the water meeting from both sides and crashing at the tip was pretty fun.
The beaches along the eastern side are soft and sandy, and the walk through the woods is full of butterflies and birds. The trolley to the trail to the tip is free and pleasant. Because we were there on such a busy day, we opted to hike the 2 kilometers back to the Visitors Centre, rather than wait for the next trolley. It took about 20 minutes and the road was nice and flat. Next time, we will bring bikes.
The Visitors Centre is well worth a visit. The displays are great, there is a fun board game the kids and I played, and the movie is quite good. Nice little gift shop and clean bathrooms as well.
Wheatley Provincial Park has car camping only, spread across four campgrounds. Check out the Ontario Parks website for more information and to make a reservation. I booked our site 5 months in advance, but I don't think that is really necessary for this park most of the time. Some campgrounds did fill up quicker than others, and the best sites booked up long before May. If privacy and location are important, advance booking is recommended! There are also 2 group camping sites available for tent camping in a more rustic setting.
Check out the Friends of Point Pelee website as well as the Parks Canada website for more info.


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There has been a court on this site since at least 1375 and a prison since at least 1449. Over the centuries, many thousands of people have entered the building with a sense of dread for their future. The very steps to the entrance were the site of many public executions.
Join Dark Soul Events as we investigate Nottingham's historic Shire Hall and County Gaol now known as the National Justice Museum (formally the Galleries of Justice). Spend time alone in the condemned man's cell or spend a quiet moment or two in the dungeon as we look for the ghosts of those who perished in the hangman's noose.


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30-second video clip of Tori and Michael Stipe recording "It Might Hurt" posted at Toriphoria (yessaid.com)
Updated Thu, Dec 04, 2003 - 1:34am ET
Toriphoria (yessaid.com) has just posted a 30-second video clip of Tori and Michael Stipe recording "It Might Hurt". The clip comes from an episode of the entertainment news TV show, Extra, from May 14, 1995. Screen captures from the video have also been posted. Toriphoria believes this is the first bit of the song that's ever been heard by the public, so go check it out! (And yes, there are still NO plans to release this song that we know of!)


What surprised me too much, and I still completely can not understand, that setting «status» in the usage of the minimum width is to blame. Funny, ha? Yes, it's funny, but the we spent more than 4 searching for that. Feel free to put this option in the «false». There are no new errors found after disabling this flag will initialize the Facebook SDK. After the flag was disabled the operating functions of login, logout, getLoginStatus, etc. work perfectly in all the browsers. It's always like that - there is no choice left for us, ordinary developers, by Facebook programmers - they are forgiven for the similar code. But, we are always happy to this king of a surprise, and the boring winter Monday brightens up with a good laugh in the office... As a conclusion of this topic, I will say this: if you can not do something, do not jump to conclusions, do not blame the technology with which you are unfamiliar, and get to the very core, the sources of errors.. Even if you spend a lot of time. You will gain invaluable experience, which you can not learn from any book or teacher.


text:
namespace System.Runtime.InteropServices
{
    /// <summary>
    /// Native buffer that deals in char size increments. Dispose to free memory. Allows buffers larger
    /// than a maximum size string to enable working with very large string arrays.  Always makes ordinal
    /// comparisons.
    ///
    /// A more performant replacement for StringBuilder when performing native interop.
    /// </summary>
    /// <remarks>
    /// Suggested use through P/Invoke: define DllImport arguments that take a character buffer as SafeHandle and pass StringBuffer.GetHandle().
    /// </remarks>
    internal class StringBuffer : NativeBuffer
    {
        private uint _length;

        /// <summary>
        /// Instantiate the buffer with capacity for at least the specified number of characters. Capacity
        /// includes the trailing null character.
        /// </summary>
        public StringBuffer(uint initialCapacity = 0)
            : base(initialCapacity * (ulong)sizeof(char))
        {
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// Get/set the character at the given index.
        /// </summary>
        /// <exception cref="ArgumentOutOfRangeException">Thrown if attempting to index outside of the buffer length.</exception>
        public unsafe char this[uint index]
        {
            get
            {
                if (index >= _length) throw new ArgumentOutOfRangeException(nameof(index));
                return CharPointer[index];
            }
            set
            {
                if (index >= _length) throw new ArgumentOutOfRangeException(nameof(index));
                CharPointer[index] = value;
            }
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// Character capacity of the buffer. Includes the count for the trailing null character.
        /// </summary>
        public uint CharCapacity
        {
            get
            {
                ulong byteCapacity = ByteCapacity;
                ulong charCapacity = byteCapacity == 0 ? 0 : byteCapacity / sizeof(char);
                return charCapacity > uint.MaxValue ? uint.MaxValue : (uint)charCapacity;
            }
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// Ensure capacity in characters is at least the given minimum.
        /// </summary>
        /// <exception cref="OutOfMemoryException">Thrown if unable to allocate memory when setting.</exception>
        public void EnsureCharCapacity(uint minCapacity)
        {
            EnsureByteCapacity(minCapacity * (ulong)sizeof(char));
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// The logical length of the buffer in characters. (Does not include the final null.) Will automatically attempt to increase capacity.
        /// This is where the usable data ends.
        /// </summary>
        /// <exception cref="OutOfMemoryException">Thrown if unable to allocate memory when setting.</exception>
        /// <exception cref="ArgumentOutOfRangeException">Thrown if the set size in bytes is uint.MaxValue (as space is implicitly reserved for the trailing null).</exception>
        public unsafe uint Length
        {
            get { return _length; }
            set
            {
                if (value == uint.MaxValue) throw new ArgumentOutOfRangeException(nameof(Length));

                // Null terminate
                EnsureCharCapacity(value + 1);
                CharPointer[value] = '\0';

                _length = value;
            }
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// For use when the native api null terminates but doesn't return a length.
        /// If no null is found, the length will not be changed.
        /// </summary>
        public unsafe void SetLengthToFirstNull()
        {
            char* buffer = CharPointer;
            uint capacity = CharCapacity;
            for (uint i = 0; i < capacity; i++)
            {
                if (buffer[i] == '\0')
                {
                    _length = i;
                    break;
                }
            }
        }

        internal unsafe char* CharPointer
        {
            get
            {
                return (char*)VoidPointer;
            }
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// Returns true if the buffer starts with the given string.
        /// </summary>
        public bool StartsWith(string value)
        {
            if (value == null) throw new ArgumentNullException(nameof(value));
            if (_length < (uint)value.Length) return false;
            return SubstringEquals(value, startIndex: 0, count: value.Length);
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// Returns true if the specified StringBuffer substring equals the given value.
        /// </summary>
        /// <param name="value">The value to compare against the specified substring.</param>
        /// <param name="startIndex">Start index of the sub string.</param>
        /// <param name="count">Length of the substring, or -1 to check all remaining.</param>
        /// <exception cref="ArgumentOutOfRangeException">
        /// Thrown if <paramref name="startIndex"/> or <paramref name="count"/> are outside the range
        /// of the buffer's length.
        /// </exception>
        public unsafe bool SubstringEquals(string value, uint startIndex = 0, int count = -1)
        {
            if (value == null) return false;
            if (count < -1) throw new ArgumentOutOfRangeException(nameof(count));
            if (startIndex > _length) throw new ArgumentOutOfRangeException(nameof(startIndex));

            uint realCount = count == -1 ? _length - startIndex : (uint)count;
            if (checked(startIndex + realCount) > _length) throw new ArgumentOutOfRangeException(nameof(count));

            int length = value.Length;

            // Check the substring length against the input length
            if (realCount != (uint)length) return false;

            fixed (char* valueStart = value)
            {
                char* bufferStart = CharPointer + startIndex;
                for (int i = 0; i < length; i++)
                {
                    // Note that indexing in this case generates faster code than trying to copy the pointer and increment it
                    if (*bufferStart++ != valueStart[i]) return false;
                }
            }

            return true;
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// Append the given string.
        /// </summary>
        /// <param name="value">The string to append.</param>
        /// <param name="startIndex">The index in the input string to start appending from.</param>
        /// <param name="count">The count of characters to copy from the input string, or -1 for all remaining.</param>
        /// <exception cref="ArgumentNullException">Thrown if <paramref name="value"/> is null.</exception>
        /// <exception cref="ArgumentOutOfRangeException">
        /// Thrown if <paramref name="startIndex"/> or <paramref name="count"/> are outside the range
        /// of <paramref name="value"/> characters.
        /// </exception>
        public void Append(string value, int startIndex = 0, int count = -1)
        {
            CopyFrom(
                bufferIndex: _length,
                source: value,
                sourceIndex: startIndex,
                count: count);
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// Append the given buffer.
        /// </summary>
        /// <param name="value">The buffer to append.</param>
        /// <param name="startIndex">The index in the input buffer to start appending from.</param>
        /// <param name="count">The count of characters to copy from the buffer string.</param>
        /// <exception cref="ArgumentNullException">Thrown if <paramref name="value"/> is null.</exception>
        /// <exception cref="ArgumentOutOfRangeException">
        /// Thrown if <paramref name="startIndex"/> or <paramref name="count"/> are outside the range
        /// of <paramref name="value"/> characters.
        /// </exception>
        public void Append(StringBuffer value, uint startIndex = 0)
        {
            if (value == null) throw new ArgumentNullException(nameof(value));
            if (value.Length == 0) return;

            value.CopyTo(
                bufferIndex: startIndex,
                destination: this,
                destinationIndex: _length,
                count: value.Length);
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// Append the given buffer.
        /// </summary>
        /// <param name="value">The buffer to append.</param>
        /// <param name="startIndex">The index in the input buffer to start appending from.</param>
        /// <param name="count">The count of characters to copy from the buffer string.</param>
        /// <exception cref="ArgumentNullException">Thrown if <paramref name="value"/> is null.</exception>
        /// <exception cref="ArgumentOutOfRangeException">
        /// Thrown if <paramref name="startIndex"/> or <paramref name="count"/> are outside the range
        /// of <paramref name="value"/> characters.
        /// </exception>
        public void Append(StringBuffer value, uint startIndex, uint count)
        {
            if (value == null) throw new ArgumentNullException(nameof(value));
            if (count == 0) return;

            value.CopyTo(
                bufferIndex: startIndex,
                destination: this,
                destinationIndex: _length,
                count: count);
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// Copy contents to the specified buffer. Destination index must be within current destination length.
        /// Will grow the destination buffer if needed.
        /// </summary>
        /// <exception cref="ArgumentOutOfRangeException">
        /// Thrown if <paramref name="bufferIndex"/> or <paramref name="destinationIndex"/> or <paramref name="count"/> are outside the range
        /// of <paramref name="value"/> characters.
        /// </exception>
        /// <exception cref="ArgumentNullException">Thrown if <paramref name="destination"/> is null.</exception>
        public unsafe void CopyTo(uint bufferIndex, StringBuffer destination, uint destinationIndex, uint count)
        {
            if (destination == null) throw new ArgumentNullException(nameof(destination));
            if (destinationIndex > destination._length) throw new ArgumentOutOfRangeException(nameof(destinationIndex));
            if (bufferIndex >= _length) throw new ArgumentOutOfRangeException(nameof(bufferIndex));
            if (_length < checked(bufferIndex + count)) throw new ArgumentOutOfRangeException(nameof(count));

            if (count == 0) return;
            uint lastIndex = checked(destinationIndex + count);
            if (destination._length < lastIndex) destination.Length = lastIndex;

            Buffer.MemoryCopy(
                source: CharPointer + bufferIndex,
                destination: destination.CharPointer + destinationIndex,
                destinationSizeInBytes: checked((long)(destination.ByteCapacity - (destinationIndex * sizeof(char)))),
                sourceBytesToCopy: checked((long)count * sizeof(char)));
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// Copy contents from the specified string into the buffer at the given index. Start index must be within the current length of
        /// the buffer, will grow as necessary.
        /// </summary>
        public unsafe void CopyFrom(uint bufferIndex, string source, int sourceIndex = 0, int count = -1)
        {
            if (source == null) throw new ArgumentNullException(nameof(source));
            if (bufferIndex > _length) throw new ArgumentOutOfRangeException(nameof(bufferIndex));
            if (sourceIndex < 0 || sourceIndex > source.Length) throw new ArgumentOutOfRangeException(nameof(sourceIndex));
            if (count == -1) count = source.Length - sourceIndex;
            if (count < 0 || source.Length - count < sourceIndex) throw new ArgumentOutOfRangeException(nameof(count));

            if (count == 0) return;
            uint lastIndex = bufferIndex + (uint)count;
            if (_length < lastIndex) Length = lastIndex;

            fixed (char* content = source)
            {
                Buffer.MemoryCopy(
                    source: content + sourceIndex,
                    destination: CharPointer + bufferIndex,
                    destinationSizeInBytes: checked((long)(ByteCapacity - (bufferIndex * sizeof(char)))),
                    sourceBytesToCopy: (long)count * sizeof(char));
            }
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// Trim the specified values from the end of the buffer. If nothing is specified, nothing is trimmed.
        /// </summary>
        public unsafe void TrimEnd(char[] values)
        {
            if (values == null || values.Length == 0 || _length == 0) return;

            char* end = CharPointer + _length - 1;

            while (_length > 0 && Array.IndexOf(values, *end) >= 0)
            {
                Length = _length - 1;
                end--;
            }
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// String representation of the entire buffer. If the buffer is larger than the maximum size string (int.MaxValue) this will throw.
        /// </summary>
        /// <exception cref="InvalidOperationException">Thrown if the buffer is too big to fit into a string.</exception>
        public unsafe override string ToString()
        {
            if (_length == 0) return string.Empty;
            if (_length > int.MaxValue) throw new InvalidOperationException();
            return new string(CharPointer, startIndex: 0, length: (int)_length);
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// Get the given substring in the buffer.
        /// </summary>
        /// <param name="count">Count of characters to take, or remaining characters from <paramref name="startIndex"/> if -1.</param>
        /// <exception cref="ArgumentOutOfRangeException">
        /// Thrown if <paramref name="startIndex"/> or <paramref name="count"/> are outside the range of the buffer's length
        /// or count is greater than the maximum string size (int.MaxValue).
        /// </exception>
        public unsafe string Substring(uint startIndex, int count = -1)
        {
            if (startIndex > (_length == 0 ? 0 : _length - 1)) throw new ArgumentOutOfRangeException(nameof(startIndex));
            if (count < -1) throw new ArgumentOutOfRangeException(nameof(count));

            uint realCount = count == -1 ? _length - startIndex : (uint)count;
            if (realCount > int.MaxValue || checked(startIndex + realCount) > _length) throw new ArgumentOutOfRangeException(nameof(count));
            if (realCount == 0) return string.Empty;

            // The buffer could be bigger than will fit into a string, but the substring might fit. As the starting
            // index might be bigger than int we need to index ourselves.
            return new string(value: CharPointer + startIndex, startIndex: 0, length: (int)realCount);
        }

        public override void Free()
        {
            base.Free();
            _length = 0;
        }
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


WARNING: 18 YRS+ THIS BOOK CONTAINS DRUGS, DRUG USAGE DURING THE 1980s, SEXUAL CONTENT, & VIOLENCE. PLEASE DON'T READ IF THE TOPICS LISTED OFFEND YOU.
Continuing the story of Lucifer and Aries, now 2 years later it's the summer of 1985. Aries is a new mother again and is missing her freedom.
Lucian the love of her life is more Lucifer than Lucian. He is asserting his dominant alpha side a bit too much for Aries' liking. Will he go one step too far and force her to make one of the hardest decisions of her life?
Charlie has finally found a family in Aries and her children. Will Charlie need to choose between his loyalty to the club or to his new family?
The Devious Jokers MC are still faced with an outside threat from two rival clubs, Lucifer receives unwanted help from another MC he cannot refuse.
Will this be the end of their story or another beginning for Aries and Lucifer?


text:
'A dream for a dollar': Christmas Tree Elegance raffle returns to support Spokane Symphony

The nine Christmas trees occupying the Davenport Hotel's mezzanine glistened and sparkled Monday alongside signs promoting the chance at prizes like furniture, jewelry, gift certificates and thousands of dollars in cash.

The scene was similar on the second floor of River Park Square, where six more trees of various colors and themes showcased troves of possible prizes up for grabs for just $1 per raffle ticket.

Yes, Spokane: Christmas Tree Elegance is back.

The 39th-annual Christmas tree raffle fundraiser to support the Spokane Symphony will run from Tuesday through Sunday, Dec. 12. Raffle tickets are $1 each.

The themes for this year's 15 trees range from "Harry Potter" to "Home for the Holidays." Including the tree itself, each offers a prize package with a cash value of up to $4,999, said Elizabeth Raol, event chair for Christmas Tree Elegance 2021.

The "Hogwarts Holiday" package, for example, includes $3,000 in cash toward a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood and a 6,000-plus-piece Lego Hogwarts Castle, while the "Home for the Holidays" tree includes a 50-inch 4K TV, a Breville espresso machine and $1,500. Two trees, meanwhile, offer a chance at straight cash: one at $4,500 and another at $4,100.

The trees and a Father Christmas sculpture will be raffled off Dec. 12. Ticket buyers must be at least 18 years old or older.

"It's like a dream for a dollar," said Elizabeth Raol, event chair for Christmas Tree Elegance 2021. "It's within anybody's reach if they can come up with four quarters."

The proceeds largely go to the Spokane Symphony, with some withheld for startup costs associated with next year's raffle, Raol said.

Regarded as Spokane Symphony's largest fundraiser, Christmas Tree Elegance was canceled last year due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The donations from the fundraiser accounts for around 6% or so of Spokane Symphony's budgeted revenues, said Bruce Colquhoun, president of Christmas Tree Elegance's parent nonprofit Spokane Symphony Associates.

All of the themed trees planned for last year's event have returned.

Raol said more than 100 volunteers worked together to make this year's Christmas Tree Elegance happen. That number includes "tree teams" dedicated to decorating and rounding up the prize packages for each trees with support from participating donors, Raol said.

Colquhoun said while some older volunteers were unable to participate due to COVID-19 concerns, the event was able to find enough help to cover.

"I am just very proud of the planning committee and our tree teams. They worked very hard on this to bring it back to the community," Raol said. "We have a diverse group of wonderful trees. … There's something for everyone."

Raol said the raffle barrels will close at 4 p.m. Dec. 12. Drawings will take place starting at 5 p.m. at the Davenport.

Given the year off, organizers are hopeful the turnout for this year's Christmas Tree Elegance can return to past levels of participation. Colquhoun said ticket tables will have plastic shields, while volunteers will have masks.

In 2019, Christmas Tree Elegance sold more than 400,000 tickets.

"We're grateful we have an opportunity to help (the Spokane Symphony) and keep that alive in our community because it is such a beautiful form of art for us to enjoy, so we hope we can return to that level again," Raol said, "but time will tell."

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First time on the market in 26 years ... this home has had a gentle life and immaculate is an understatement. Perfect for families or those relocating from a rural lifestyle, who desire space, privacy and a healthy outdoor lifestyle, this well-presented home is a secluded retreat nestled in a park-like 1227m2 environment. It delivers a superb synergy of country-like freedom in an urban setting. The freehold section is a rare find in the handy Glenview suburb. Most rooms open to decks for very convivial indoor/outdoor living and relaxation. The picturesque rear deck runs the full length of the home and links with the double garage, which has two huge storage rooms and great potential for a home office, craft/hobby room or just an extra play space for the little ones. The deck overlooks the expansive, sunny lawns and verdant setting to offer an ideal spot for alfresco living and watching the kids play. Interiors have a rustic ambience in keeping with the natural surrounds. The master suite is a tranquil retreat away from the family bedrooms. Well-appointed, it features an ensuite, walk-in robe and deck access. Three bedrooms and a family bathroom occupy a separate wing, while living, meals and kitchen comprise the heart of the home. This spacious communal zone sits under a high pitched ceiling, has a series of sliders for easy outdoor access, and a light, uplifting atmosphere. The gas fireplace creates a sense of warmth and intimacy over winter. Brought to market in very tidy condition, the property is fenced, gated and child-friendly. The grounds are neatly retained and terraced grounds, and there is good off-street parking. Close to Waikato Hospital, Hamilton Airport and a quick run into the CBD, Glenview is conveniently sited and popular with families. It is zoned for Deanwell School and has reputable early childhood centres. Call Libby Buchanan today to view - 022 0644556.


text:
The New Coronavirus Support Package
Posted 26.10.2020 in Business Update, Home
Posted: 26th Oct
Chancellor Rishi Sunak made significant changes to enhance the generosity of the government's support package when the current furlough scheme comes to an end on 31st October. In addition to increasing the government's contribution to the job support scheme and increasing the generosity of the self employed income support scheme, additional grants have been announced for businesses in Tier 2 lockdown areas.
Job Support Scheme
Our previous communications in respect of the Job Support Scheme should not now be referred to as the government has made very significant changes to the scheme. From 1st November 2020, there will be two schemes operating under the umbrella of the Job Support Scheme, one for businesses which are required to close by law, and one for all other businesses. There are now significant similarities with the outgoing furlough scheme. The schemes are in place until 30th April 2021 though the government has said the level of the government contribution will be reviewed in January.
Both schemes are open to any employee who was on the payroll at 23rd September 2020 and who was included on a PAYE submission made to HMRC between 6th April 2019 and 23rd September 2020. Employees who joined shortly before 23rd September 2020 but were not paid until after that date and employees who left before 23rd September 2020 and have subsequently re-joined are not eligible. New joiners since 24th September 2020 are also not eligible.
The employee does not have to have been furloughed to be eligible.
Under both schemes, the minimum claim period will be 7 days.
A claim cannot be made for an employee during their notice period (whether contractual or statutory). Nor can an employee be made redundant or put on notice of redundancy during the period within which a claim is being made for them.
There are additional criteria and restrictions for companies with more than 250 employees on payroll at 23rd September 2020.
Job Support Scheme – Open
This is the scheme for employers who are legally able to open. An employee must work a minimum of 20% of their usual hours to be eligible. This is a key difference from the current furlough scheme where the employee does not have to attend work at all.
The employee must be paid in full for the hours that they work. For the unworked hours, the employer must make a 5% contribution and the government will make a 61.67% contribution (to a maximum of £1541.75 per month). This means that the employee will receive a minimum of 73% of their normal earnings. The employer is permitted to top up the employee's wages (this was not previously the case for the Job Support Scheme). Employer national insurance and pension contributions cannot be claimed.
It should be noted that the minimum employer contribution to wages goes up from 20% under the current furlough scheme to 24% under the new Job Support Scheme (though the employee now has to work a minimum of 20% of their normal hours). The minimum employee earnings also drop from 80% under the current furlough scheme to 73%. The government's contribution reduces from 60% of earnings under furlough to a maximum of 49% under the Job Support Scheme.
Due to the very much reduced employer contribution for the unworked hours, it is no longer the case that it is far more efficient for an employer to retain a smaller number of staff on a larger proportion of their hours (rather than a larger number of staff on fewer hours).
The charts below show how an employee's earnings will be made up for individuals working the minimum of 20% of their normal hours and 70% of their normal hours.
The charts below show how an employee's earnings will be made up
Making Claims
HMRC have advised that it will be possible to make claims from 8 December 2020 and that all claims will be made in arrears. Payments will be made after the claims have been approved. See HMRC Guidance
See the Government JSSC Factsheet
Self Employed Income Support Scheme
The government has also announced an increase in the self-employed support scheme grant for November to January from 20% to 40% of earnings for affected businesses. The maximum grant will now be £3750.
See self employment income support scheme grant extension.
Business Support Grants
The government has announced that it is providing money to local authorities in Tier 2 lockdown to make grants to businesses in those areas which are not legally required to close, but whose trades are significantly affected by the current restrictions on socialising. Tier 2 areas currently include the whole of Cheshire and Stoke on Trent. The grants will also be made available retrospectively to businesses in Greater Manchester for the period between the initial imposition of additional restrictions in the summer and Tier 3 lockdown being imposed.
Click for details on grants administered by each local authority.
More generous grants are available to businesses required to close in Tier 3 lockdown areas. See details
Local Grants
We are aware that there are a number of bodies making grants. However, these schemes appear to be opening and closing at very short notice. We have attached a link to the scheme which the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership is running for businesses in this area. There will be equivalents in other areas (and with different deadlines). There will also be grants available in some of the most severely hit sectors. It is worth keeping an eye on what might be available and being prepared to apply at very short notice.
Click for details on 1 million extra local support grants.
Harts Webinar Series: Success in a Changing Landscape
We continue our series of seven fortnightly interactive webinars to help keep your business agile, proactive and thriving in uncertain times. Each 45-minute sessions, hosted by Steven Glicher and guests, are designed to provide practical, really useful information and the opportunity to discuss any issues raised.
Next weeks seminar 'Value and Pricing' be held on Tuesday 3rd November. In the meantime view on our YouTube page along with all the previous webinars in the series.
Cheadle Office is now Open
Our Cheadle office is now open with restricted hours, please contact us before visiting.
However, Macclesfield Office remains open normal hours.
Call or email us at Harts if you have any queries about topics covered above or to find out more about our services at Harts, call us on 01625 669669 or email info@harts-ltd.com
Please follow us on LinkedIn for up to date information.
The team at Harts


German: GA is a shortcut for 'Geoscience Australia'.
German: GBE is a shortcut for 'Government Business Enterprise'.
German: GBR is a shortcut for 'Great Barrier Reef'.
GBRMP is a shortcut for 'Great Barrier Reef Marine Park'.
GBRMPA is a shortcut for 'Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority'.
German: GBS is a shortcut for 'Global-Based New Ship Construction Standards'.
German: GC is a shortcut for 'Code Code for the Construction and equipment of Ship s Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk'.
German: GEF is a shortcut for 'Global Environment Facility'.
GEOREP is a shortcut for 'Georgian Ship Reporting System'.
GES is a shortcut for 'Ground Earth Station'.


text:
The JPRA Memo Described the "Improvised" Techniques Later Used
12 Sep 2009 emptywheel
Remember this post, in which I argued that a JPRA memo sent to DOD (and probably to CIA and OLC) on July 26, 2002, was probably the description of torture for which OLC gave an oral authorization on that same day? Now that we've seen the CIA's IG Report and many of the documents requesting approval for "new" torture techniques, it's clear that this document not only described waterboarding as it was practiced, but also a number of other other torture techniques integrated in the program.
Here's how the SASC Report described the contents of this memo.
On July 26, 2002, JPRA completed a second memorandum with three attachments to respond to the additional questions from the General Counsel's office. The memo stated that "JPRA has arguably developed into the DoD's experts on exploitation and as such, has developed a number of physical pressures to increase the psychological and physical stress on students …"
In the memo, JPRA informed the General Counsel's office that it had already "assist[ed] in the training of interrogator/exploiters from other governmental agencies charged with OEF exploitation of enemy detainees."190 The memo also stated:
Within JPRA's evolving curriculum to train interrogators/exploiters many interrogation approaches are taught along with corresponding options for physical pressures to enhance the psychological setting for detainee interrogation. Several of the techniques highlighted (Atch 1) as training tools in JPRA courses, used by other SERE schools, and used historically may be very effective in inducing learned helplessness and 'breaking' the OEF detainees' will to resist."
The first attachment to the July 26,2002 memo was "Physical Pressures used in Resistance Training and Against American Prisoners and Detainees."192 That attachment included a list of techniques used to train students at SERE school to resist interrogation. The list included techniques such as the facial slap, walling, the abdomen slap, use of water, the attention grasp, and stress positions. 193 The first attachment also listed techniques used by some of the service SERE schools, such as use of smoke, shaking and manhandling, cramped confinement, immersion in water or wetting down, and waterboarding.
JPRA's description of the waterboarding technique provided in that first attachment was inconsistent in key respects from the U.S. Navy SERE school's description of waterboarding. According to the Navy SERE school's operating instructions, for example, while administering the technique, the Navy limited the amount of water poured on a student's face to two pints. However, the JPRA attachment said that "up to 1.5 gallons of water" may be poured onto a "subject's face." While the Navy's operating instructions dictated that "[n]o effort will be made to direct the stream of water into the student's nostrils or mouth," the description provided by JPRA contained no such limitation for subjects of the technique. While the Navy limited the use ofthe cloth on a student's face to twenty seconds, the JPRA's description said only that the cloth should remain in place for a "short period of time." And while the Navy restricted anyone from placing pressure on the chest or stomach during the administration of this technique, JPRA's description included no such limitation for subjects of the technique.
Attachment one also listed tactics derived from JPRA SERE school lesson plans that were designed to "induce control, dependency, complia[n]ce, and cooperation," including isolation or solitary confinement, induced physical weakness and exhaustion, degradation, conditioning, sensory deprivation, sensory overload, disruption of sleep and biorhythms, and manipulation of diet.
Just for clarity, here are the techniques discussed in this memo:
Use of smoke
Shaking and manhandling
Cramped confinement
Immersion in water or wetting down
Waterboarding (as actually practiced in the CIA program)
Isolation or solitary confinement
Induced physical weakness and exhaustion
Disruption of sleep and biorhythms
Manipulation of diet
With the exception of "smoking" and "shaking and manhandling," every single one of these techniques was eventually integrated into the CIA torture program approved by OLC. Though in just about every example, official OLC approval appears to have come after the technique was actually first used. And "use of smoke" was one of the techniques treated as an "unauthorized" technique in the IG Report, while the "hard take down" might resemble the "manhandling" technique.
In other words, this JPRA document appears to have been the techniques used in the CIA program and, in the case of waterboarding, it described the technique as it was actually used, rather than the way it was described in the Bybee Two memo.
I'm working on some follow-up to this to both describe the timing implications and more evidence that this was the actual CIA program.
But for the moment, remember the other document included in this packet of documents: a JPRA document referring to these techniques as torture.
Why Is Congress Negotiating with Health Care Industry Scofflaws?
When There's Nothing On The Horizon You've Got Nothing Left To Prove


Get to know Jennifer with a visit, contact us to set up an appointment.
Jennifer Rath PT, DPT joined MobilityPlus in 2017. She earned her Masters of Science in Physical Therapy degree in 2000 and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy degree in 2004 both from Des Moines University- Osteopathic Medical Center in Des Moines Iowa. She worked for 5 years in central Illinois in a variety of settings including acute care, women's health, and outpatient orthopedics. Jennifer then relocated to Velva, North Dakota where she worked for 9 years gaining experience in acute care, home care, skilled nursing, and outpatient orthopedics. Overall, she offers a wide variety skills for all client populations. She is currently enrolled to become a Certified Exercise Expert for the Aging Adult. She has had training in other areas that include craniosacral, myofascial release, positional release, total motion release, and clinical instruction. She has been a member of the APTA since 1998 and is currently a Geriatric Sections member.
Jennifer resides near Kindred with her husband and 3 children. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, attending her kids' sporting events, volunteering for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, camping, gardening, crafting, baking and traveling.


text:
Argeșani este un sat în comuna Băiculești din județul Argeș, Muntenia, România. Satul se află în partea central-vestică a județului, în Dealurile Argeșului.

Argeșani, Băiculești

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Here you will find a list of the recorded events.
Each will lead to a separate page where the description of the action will be linked with the texts read, the ritual type(s) performed, ritual objects used (to the extent available) and film footage of the actual performance.
The film "Between the Lines: Exorcising the Old Year in a Himalayan Bonpo Village" should be added here, too.


text:
Posts Tagged 'richard trevithick'
Do you know the British inventor behind the steam locomotive?
By Chris Bowditch | August 18, 2021 | 0
Richard Trevithick was born in a small Cornish mining village in 1771 and was surrounded by engineering at an early age, which paved the way for him to become the pivotal inventor and engineer who was responsible for inventing the first ever working steam locomotive…
During his school years, Trevithick paid little attention in class and instead focused on sports; however he also had a natural aptitude for arithmetic, and always managed to get to the correct answer using unconventional methods.
Painting of Richard Trevithick by John Linnell
During his time working in the mining community, Trevithick began to pioneer the use of high-pressure steam, and started building and modifying steam engines around this principle. As time went on, and boiler technology improved, Trevithick realised this now allowed for the safe production of high-pressure steam; which meant engines could be smaller and more economical to run.
Trevithick's early applications of high-pressure steam ranged from stationary engines to steam-road locomotives. In 1802, Trevithick built his first steam locomotive for the Coalbrookdale Ironworks in Shropshire.
"Richard Trevithick's Pen y Darren Locomotive" by Hugh Llewelyn is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
In 1804, the first officially recorded steam-hauled railway journey took place when another one of Trevithick's locomotives hauled a train from the Pen-y-Darren Ironworks in Merthyr Tydfil to Abercynon in South Wales.
Trevithick's inventions were responsible for revolutionising the mining industry and he became a well-respected figure in both mining and engineering circles because of it. Trevithick even had some involvement in the early development of the Thames Tunnel, and several different nautical projects, however the successful first working steam locomotive remains his most well-known claim to fame.
Now commemorated on a BRAND NEW range of coins
And now, a portrait of Richard Trevithick features on a BRAND NEW range of coins, exclusive for Westminster Collectors.
This is the first time a portrait of this pivotal inventor and engineer from our history has been featured on a British Isles coin, and the edition limits for each of the three specifications this coin has been issued in, are very low…
You can explore this coin range using the link below – however, with such low edition limits on each of this coins specifications, you'll need to act fast if you want to add one to your collection!
Click here to view the Richard Trevithick Coin Range >>
Posted in British History, Coins, New Issues and tagged 2021 Coins, British history, Coin Collecting, Guernsey, Guernsey Coin, richard trevithick, Silver Coin, Silver Coins, steam train, train coin, trains, trevithick


The official transcript of Daniel '6ix9ine' Hernandez' guilty plea has been made public.
In this transcript, Tekashi69 admits to having 'met and joined the Nine Trey Blood Gang' in Autumn 2017, during the same time period he was filming for the video for Gummo.
22-year-old Tekashi69 also confessed to being involved with three different violent crimes in 2018. These crimes included an attempted murder on March 20, a robbery on April 3, as well as a shooting on June 2.
Although the plea does not give any specific identifying details, this shooting lines up with the time frame of the attempted shooting of rapper Keith 'Chief Keef' Cozart.
According to Complex, 6ix9ine originally denied being involved in the incident. However, he has now confirmed he hired Kintea 'Kooda B' McKenzie to carry out the job.
Both McKenzie and 6ix9ine are reportedly now facing maximum sentences of life imprisonment. No person was injured during the shooting.
As reported by Complex, who have obtained the documents in question, 6ix9ine admitted in the plea that he 'paid a person to shoot at a rival member of Nine Trey to scare him [Cozart]'.
Complex revealed how other documents make it clear that this individual was McKenzie. 6ix9ine reportedly offered McKenzie $20,000, however this was later reduced to half of this amount.
As a member of Nine Trey, the enterprise engaged in such activities including shooting at people, robbing people, and at times drug trafficking.
When Judge Paul A. Engelmayer enquired if 6ix9ine had 'ever been treated or hospitalised for any mental illness', the rapper responded by stating he had suffered from 'depression and post-traumatic stress' around 2011 and 2012, after his stepfather was murdered.
I started becoming just rebelling and not showering, like depression stuff.
@genwhypod it's still very early, but the #YNWMelly case is worth keeping on eye on. Aspiring rapper allegedly murdered two of his close friends and then staged it as a drive-by. Also his biggest song is 'Murder on My Mind'.
6ix9ine's plea was made on January 23. However, it had been withheld from the public until new people in the case – including McKenzie and 6ix9ine's alleged kidnapper Anthony Ellison – could be added to the indictment and brought into custody.
6ix9ine will receive his sentence on January 23, 2020, exactly one year to the day after he made his plea.
He now faces a minimum sentence of 47 years in prison. However, Judge Engelmayer was clear that if Hernandez should 'successfully cooperate', he may receive a sentence below the mandatory minimum.


TOKYO, October 21, 2013 - Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) announced today that it has begun producing the indoor units of commercial air conditioners for the North American market at Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc.'s wholly owned subsidiary company, PIMS, S.A. de C.V., located in Baja California, Mexico.
This is the latest move by Mitsubishi Electric to expand its air-conditioning business in North America through a locally integrated framework for development, production and sales. PIMS reflects Mitsubishi Electric's commitments to the U.S. market and enhanced air-conditioning experiences for U.S. customers.
To better meet market needs while strengthening operational efficiencies, Mitsubishi Electric expanded warehouse space and placed several offices and its engineering center under one roof near Atlanta, Georgia in April. It also has upgraded engineering functions by developing and testing products in the United States.
Mitsubishi Electric began selling ductless air conditioners in 1982. Today, Mitsubishi Electric US Cooling & Heating Division is America's No. 1 selling brand of ductless cooling and heating systems. As U.S. consumers become increasingly energy-conscious, sales of ductless air conditioners are expected to grow.
PIMS is headed by Minoru Ogawa and has approximately 60 employees.


I want to know how to get in touch with Hytera in Australia.
Hytera has two subsidiary and office in Australia. For more information visit our Locations page.
I want to contact the distributor.
Please see our distributor page and contact our appointed distribution partners.


Taiwan Excellence is known for showcasing the high-quality innovative and game-changing brands of Taiwan to The Philippines. Last June 3 to 5, at SM Megamall events center the Taiwan Excellence Experiencing Zone Mall Event drew a big crowd to show how Taiwan Excellence Products can enhance their lifestyles.
The Taiwan Excellence Experiencing Zone Mall Event is part of the Taiwan Excellence Campaign which is undertaken by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and organized by Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) of Taiwan. This has helped Filipino's recognize products manufactured to the highest standards in Taiwan.
Brand partners like Acer, Asus, D-Link, Tatung, Heartway, KYMCO, MSI, Johnson Tern, and Chanson joined this one-of-a-kind product exhibit and proudly bear the Taiwan Excellence Seal of high quality and superiority.
Aside from the exhibit guests and mall visitors were welcomed by a happy Formosa bear mascot! Not only that there was a dance number by Conven PH, while Christian Bautista, Julie Ann San Jose, Yeng Constantino entertained guests while they browsed through the products on display.
There was also a fashion show of products plus fun games lead by Saab Magalona and cosplayer sisters Alodia and Ashley Gosiengfiao.
TAITRA 's effort in creating brand awareness within the Philippine Market has made brands like ASUS and Heartway appreciate how they have become a reliable brand through their association.
Watch out lasses for these upcoming Taiwan Excellence Experiencing Zones are scheduled on July 8 to 10 in SM Mall of Asia, August 19 to 21 in Trinoma, and October 21 to 23 in Market! Market!


text:
Jessica A. Scott
Freelance Portfolio
Author Interview: Myrtle Brooks on The Geyser Girl of Yellowstone Park
By jessica December 8, 2017 Leave a comment
Hello everyone! Today I am interviewing another member of the Indie Eden Book Club, Myrtle Brooks. Her book, The Geyser Girl of Yellowstone Park, is the story of a young girl who gets taken in by the geysers and the animals of Yellowstone Park, and grows up completely surrounded by nature.
Let's see what Myrtle has to say about her book, and about her writing process.
Hi Myrtle! First things first: What is the one question that you wish people would ask you about The Geyser Girl of Yellowstone Park?
They already do, all the time! "Are you the Geyser Girl?" Yes, of course. The story idea came from childhood, when I imagined myself a legendary child who lived with Old Faithful and rode the fountain (Wheeeee!), able to withstand the temperatures of a hot spring.
Which typical author interview question do you hate the most?
None. It means someone is giving me his/her time, interest and listening ear.
Can you give us a short description of your book?
The Geyser Girl of Yellowstone Park is an allegorical literary novel, the universal theme of which is man' edification through nature's examples. It is family-oriented, and the reading level starts with ages 11 through 111 (smile) with stories for little kids. It replenishes the core values such as kindness, courage, faithfulness and rejoicing over the successes of others.
I like that idea; there are not a lot of books out there like that today! Is there any famous author that inspires you, or that you admire?
Daphne Du Maurier comes to mind. Her famed novel, Rebecca, is filled with lush descriptions that transport you to that world and inside the characters' skins. She does this by much showing and little telling.
Your book is in the historical fiction and fantasy genres. What drew you to these genres? Do you also like to read books in these genres?
I like most genres. Reading many genres broadens the perspective: it helps you understand other people and the lives they lead which could be far different than your own, while possessing the same emotions, needs and aspirations. What inspired me to make this a historical piece was an imperative: I had to match the backdrop and story. And then, of course, it's Yellowstone. Exploring the park's history, flora and fauna, the transition from the First U.S. (Yellowstone) Cavalry to the Park Ranger was a sheer joy. Knowing the park's heritage enriches the book's import.
Who is your target audience for this book? What do you think will appeal to them about your book?
While the concept and narrative appeal to older children, I cannot restrict the age group. A Yellowstone firefighter bought it for herself (picture her in a tent underneath the stars with a flashlight), as did senior citizens. People who love nature and national parks will identify with this "artist's rendition." People who love Disney will picture a geyser princess whose calling is to aid and protect all of Yellowstone, in a world where animals, geysers and winds speak their own languages and tell their stories.
I was definitely picturing a Disney movie while I was reading, I have to admit! When you write a book, do you plan out everything beforehand, or do you let the story follow its own course?
Oh… I thought the characters wrote the book. How did my name get on this?? Seriously, spontaneity equals real life. The story carries me.
Do you have any quirky writing habits?
See last question. I do get stuck and write notes to myself with my name on them. Okay, Myrtle, what's next? And I'll figure out what I think is a capsule idea for the next part. Then I come back, look at it and say: Hey, that's perfect the way it is: short and succinct. A spontaneous outline?? Hmmm…
Any writing tips for other writers?
Cannot stress this enough: Write from the heart, soul and spirit. And the belly. Don't worry if someone will like it or not. That is called: "editing." Editing something you haven't written yet?? Then you are not writing it at all. Pour it out (or erupt in geyserlike fashion).
That is some of the best advice I have heard in a while. :) What would you say is the best way to market your book? With which method have you had the most success so far?
I took a road trip to the Yellowstone region and did book signings in Cody, Livingston and Jackson. Spent nights at Old Faithful Inn and Colter Bay Cabins, Grand Teton. The ranger at the Yellowstone Park gate said: "I've heard of your book. You're the Geyser Girl." Go, as is possible, to the places where people will identify with your work.
How did your book come to be published? What was your journey to publication like? Did you get a lot of rejection letters before you finally saw your name in print?
I kept telling myself: Hemingway and Stephen King received rejection letters. Don't be a fool and give up. Keep going: you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Then Black Rose Writing sent me the contract. It is an independent press: honest, dedicated to its authors and will judge an author's work based on its merits. Period.
Is being a published author everything you dreamed it would be? If not, how is it different? Is there anything you would change about it?
It is all I expected and much more. The first thrill on the journey is the "Yes." The second, holding your finished book in your hands. The third, a complete stranger reading it and getting something out of it. Change? Yes. Authors should be judged by their art, not because they publish with the "big five." Many bookstores lean towards a title from a large publishing house. There is so much extraordinary talent out there. They should read some of that talent and promote it. It's a win-win.
I agree! Thanks for the advice, Myrtle, and for letting us get to know you and the Geyser Girl a bit better!
As written beneath her yearbook photo, Class of 1970, the expressed lifetime goal of the author herein known as Myrtle Brooks is: "to realize the love present in everything." When not at home in her beloved Brooklyn, N.Y., she may be found dancing with the big rigs on the interstate as she heads for places of quiet beauty.
You can find Myrtle on Facebook , Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble. You can also visit her website at www.myrtlebrooks.com.
In Yellowstone National Park at the turn of the twentieth century, an infant of mysterious origin is adopted by Old Faithful geyser and by a mother buffalo named Bearer of Song. Beloved to all the park, Flower of the Steam Basin grows up with their stories, proverbial sayings and teachings: in a land where the animals, winds and geysers speak their own languages.
Having met a child her age and her parents, trust ripens between families, and Flower of the Steam Basin gains a closely protective circle of human friends. At nine, she is brought face-to-face with Retired Lieutenant Ned Halpen of the Yellowstone Cavalry, whose exemplary career embodied the role of protector of Yellowstone's spiritual and physical heritage.
In the wake of Lt. Halpen's passing, her sacred vow to continue his legacy brings both reward and mortal danger. And when the circle is breached, Flower of the Steam Basin and her father are forced to choose between her well-being and the performance of her sworn duties.
This is her story as seen through the eyes of Yellowstone.
book club geyser girl indie authors indie eden myrtle brooks the gyser girl of yellowstone park yellowstone park yellowstone park legends
Written by jessica
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