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ACM TechNews is intended as an objective news digest for busy IT Professionals. Views expressed are not necessarily those of either Gateway Inc. or ACM.
Volume 2, Issue 43: Friday, April 14, 2000
Microsoft Acknowledges Its Engineers Placed Security Flaw in Some Software
Congress Weighs In Anew on the Microsoft Debate
Computer Bugs Seen Spreading to New Hosts
Linux Server Shipments Soar 166 Percent in Q4
Ireland Seeks to Plug the Software Skills Gap
On-line-Only Retailers Likely to Fade
ACLU's Filter Appeal Rejected
NSA Chief Tries to Dispel Privacy Worries
Cellphone Big Three in Net Security Pact
Your Boss May Be Watching
As IPO's Stumble, Anger and Skepticism Rise
German Court: AOL Liable for Music Piracy
European Commission Makes Proposals For Running Internet
Why Gates Is Rolling the Dice
CRM Hot for Start-Ups
B2B Apps Are Hot Item on Menu
Brick-and-Mortars Take the E-Commerce Plunge
What Good is 3D CAD Anyway?
"Microsoft Acknowledges Its Engineers Placed Security Flaw in Some Software"
Wall Street Journal (04/14/00) P. A3; Bridis, Ted
Microsoft engineers deliberately placed a file in some of the company's Internet-server software that could allow hackers to obtain Web site management files from thousands of sites, the software giant admitted yesterday after two security experts reported the flaw. The secret password violates Microsoft's policy and is a firing offense for the still unidentified programmers who wrote the code, said Microsoft security response center manager Steve Lipner. Microsoft will warn users through email and on its Web site to delete the file named "dvwssr.dll" that is installed on the company's Internet server software with Frontpage 98 extensions. Many Web sites use the software, and hackers could use the password to access site management files, which could lead to the discovery of information such as credit card numbers. The three-year-old software was written at the height of the browser wars between Microsoft and Netscape, and the illicit code includes a slur referring to Netscape engineers as "weenies." Security experts say the file is a major security threat, especially to commercial Internet-hosting providers.
"Congress Weighs In Anew on the Microsoft Debate"
Washington Post (04/13/00) P. E3; Grimaldi, James V.
Justice Department antitrust division chief Joel I. Klein appeared yesterday before the House Judiciary Committee to discuss the Microsoft case. Klein advised legislators that "Everyone would benefit from a toning down of the rhetoric and a greater faith in the court system to come to the right resolution." Nonetheless, lawmakers shared their opinions with Klein, with a number of Republicans supporting Microsoft's arguments. Republican Microsoft supporters said the case emphasized complaints from the company's rivals rather than consumer issues, and further argued that the case has become obsolete in the face of the dynamic software marketplace. Meanwhile, Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.) insinuated that Republicans are using the case as "a fund-raising cash cow." Conyers also condemned Microsoft for running TV ads featuring Chairman Bill Gates in an effort to garner public support following the court's decision. The move was unprecedented and "incredible," Conyers said. Also yesterday, Sun Microsystems CEO Scott McNealy spoke with Senate Republicans about the Microsoft case, to balance Gates' meeting with GOP senators last week.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/print/business/inside/A693-2000Apr12.html
"Computer Bugs Seen Spreading to New Hosts"
Reuters (04/12/00)
There is a growing concern among industry officials and employees that because any product connected to the Web is subject to Web-based attacks, future Internet-enabled systems, such as 911 switchboards or burglar alarms, could be at risk. Additionally, because hackers learn from their history and technology is advancing at an astonishing rate, the potential damage caused by an attack increases with every attempted system sabotage. A team of researchers at IBM is studying how to protect entire networks from attack using software sophisticated enough to detect a security threat, pinpoint the source, and apply remedies in real time. Many experts similarly believe that the best means of defense is to protect the Web infrastructure and are therefore working to secure ISPs and their networks.
http://www.mediacentral.com/channels/search/04_12_2000.reutr-story-N12147565.html
"Linux Server Shipments Soar 166 Percent in Q4"
Computerworld Online (04/10/00); Ohlson, Kathleen
Linux server shipments grew 166 percent to 72,422 units between the fourth quarter of 1998 and the fourth quarter of 1999, making Linux the most rapidly growing server platform, says an International Data (IDC) survey. In terms of shipments, Linux claimed about 6 percent of the total entry server market, but IDC predicts continued server growth for the open source operating system. Compaq accounted for 25 percent of 1999's fourth-quarter Linux server shipments with 18,088 units. In second place was IBM with 7,001 units, followed by Hewlett-Packard with 5,429 units.
http://www.infoworld.com/cgi-bin/deleteframe.pl?story=/articles/pi/xml/00/04/10/000410pilinuxship.xml
"Ireland Seeks to Plug the Software Skills Gap"
Financial Times (04/13/00) P. 2; Brown, John Murray
Ireland, the largest exporter of software in Europe, faces a shortage of skilled IT workers and is working to solve the problem by changing immigration laws and providing training programs. Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern this week announced that 500 new jobs will be created by a Lucent Technologies expansion. However, the Irish IT industry already has trouble finding workers, and is expected to fall several thousand workers short of its requirements in the future, says industrial strategy agency Forfas. Addressing the shortage, deputy prime minister Mary Harney this week signed a software cooperation deal with India, the largest producer of IT workers. Irish-based companies Baltimore Technologies and PACE Software announced partnerships with Indian companies. Furthermore, Harney last week unveiled new immigration rules that allow non-European Union workers to acquire visas more easily. Meanwhile, Microsoft, IBM, and Hewlett-Packard, which have their European bases in Ireland, are planning to offer IT training to help ease the shortage.
"On-line-Only Retailers Likely to Fade"
Washington Times (04/13/00) P. A1; De Marco, Donna
Many online retailers are expected to fail due to competition and financing problems by the end of next year, predicts Forrester Research. Internet-only retailers are in the most precarious position, while catalog companies that have moved to the Web and traditional retailers with Web storefronts are in better shape. The National Retail Federation's Scott Silverman says, "The challenge for Internet-only retailers is to build a brand and a customer base." Although online retailers sold over $7 billion in goods during the 1999 holiday season, few were profitable. Still, Forrester says most online retailers say they do not expect to be profitable until 2002. Forrester says competition will drive consolidation in the industry, particularly for those sites selling software, music, and books. Furniture, apparel, and shoe retailers are in better position since their products are more differentiated.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/business/daybook-2000413215759.htm
"ACLU's Filter Appeal Rejected"
Wired News (04/13/00); McCullagh, Declan
A federal judge has denied the ACLU's appeal of the recent court ruling involving Cyber Patrol and the "cphack" code-busting program. The ACLU had asked for a temporary stay of U.S. District Judge Edward Harrington's order that Web sites stop using the cphack program, but the judge ruled that the ACLU was not a party in the case and thus had no right to ask for the stay. The ACLU will likely take its battle to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, said ACLU attorney Chris Hansen. Harrington wrote that parents have the right to block Web sites in order to "screen and, thus, prevent noxious and insidious ideas from corrupting their children's fertile and formative minds."
http://www.wired.com/news/print/0,1294,35660,00.html
"NSA Chief Tries to Dispel Privacy Worries"
Wall Street Journal (04/13/00) P. A4; King Jr., Neil
The National Security Agency (NSA), viewed by many as a sinister and all-powerful intelligence body, continues to defend itself in the face of mounting criticism from U.S. and European privacy advocates. On April 12, the director of the NSA denied that the agency ever takes part in foreign economic espionage on behalf of U.S. corporations and explained that it will only snoop on Americans under strict conditions. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Hayden, who has been defending the agency from such accusations for about a year now, explained that if the NSA is ever compelled to eavesdrop, it must prove to a special court that the matter is relevant to national security. It must also prove that the target of the investigation is an agent of a foreign power, a spy, or a terrorist. Hayden said such surveillance requests occur about six times a year. However, in recent months the American Civil Liberties Union and other groups, along with a number of European officials, have accused the NSA of abuses stemming from the use of its Echelon spy system. The agency has been charged with using Echelon to sift through private emails, faxes, and telephone calls both at home and abroad. Some members of Congress are calling for new, tech-conscious legislation aimed at keeping the NSA more in check. The agency's use of its network of powerful listening stations is supposed to be reserved for tracking money laundering, weapons proliferation, and corporate corruption.
"Cellphone Big Three in Net Security Pact"
Reuters (04/11/00); Ridley, Kirsten
The three largest cell phone manufacturers in the world--Ericsson, Motorola, and Nokia--announced a partnership on Tuesday to create an open, international framework for secure e-commerce transactions via wireless handsets. The three encouraged industry peers to adopt their initiative. The companies perceive the encoding of data as vital for the expansion of virtual services. Ericsson estimates that there will be one billion cellular users worldwide by 2004. Presently, WAP phones offer no security protection against an unauthorized user. The solution uses such features as WTLS (Wireless Transport Layer Security) and WIM (Wireless Identification Module), which will serve as a personal identification license for e-commerce transactions and Internet access. The three companies plan to develop a digital signature that will become the industry protocol for authentication of wireless e-commerce transactions. Additional information about the project will be made available by the end on May on the companies' Web sites. The framework of the plan is expected this summer.
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20000411/wr/tech_mobile_1.html
"Your Boss May Be Watching"
Medill News Service (04/12/00); Maestri, Nicole
Almost three-fourths of large companies in the U.S. monitor their workers' use of communications technology, including Internet surfing, PC use, email, and phone calls, according to a survey released by the American Management Association on Wednesday. Workplace surveillance has drastically increased since 1999, when 45.1 percent of companies monitored their employees, the survey says. The number of companies that review employee email has tripled to 38 percent since 1997. In addition, 54 percent of respondents say they monitor Internet connections. Doug Fowler, president of PC monitoring software firm SpectorSoft, says 54 percent sounds too high and suggests that companies might be referring to filters and other ways of blocking sites rather than actual tracking of Internet use. Employers are concerned that misuse of technology reduces productivity and poses liability threats. Almost 20 percent of the survey's respondents say they have terminated workers for abusing technology, says the association. Although many workers believe their communications are private, companies are legally able to record and review email messages, phone calls, PC use, and Web surfing that take place on corporate equipment.
http://www.pcworld.com/pcwtoday/article/0,1510,16252,00.html
"As IPO's Stumble, Anger and Skepticism Rise"
New York Times Online (04/11/00); Giussani, Bruno
The recent southward trend of European tech companies' stock prices is alienating investors and potential investors alike. The European market's ill fortune began March 14 when Lastminute.com held its IPO. The offering turned out to be a bust as Lastminute.com's stock fell well below its initial price, causing consternation among investors and casting doubt on the brand's potential for future growth. World Online (WOL) followed with its own flop just a few days later. The WOL offering, like the Lastminute.com offering, was greatly oversubscribed, prompting WOL founder Nina Brink to select the top listing price of 43 euros a share. The stock did well briefly before dropping precipitously. Brink's decision to sell two-thirds of her WOL shares three months prior to the offering--an occurrence that was not publicly brought to investors' attention until after the listing--did not help matters. Although she has declined to explain why she sold the shares, Brink has made it known she is sorry about "the commotion in the market." Contrition is not enough for the underwriting banks, which are calling for Brink's resignation, according to sources. The Dutch media reports that investors are preparing to launch lawsuits against the company and that the offering is being analyzed by Dutch banking and regulatory agencies.
http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/00/04/cyber/eurobytes/11eurobytes.html
"German Court: AOL Liable for Music Piracy"
USA Today Online (04/12/00)
A German court has ruled that AOL Germany is liable for the illegal trading of digital music files on its servers, a decision that could bolster the music industry's defense against piracy on the Internet. AOL Germany says it will appeal the decision, which stems from a lawsuit filed against the ISP by Hit Box, a German company that sells digital music files. "Total control of all pages on our servers is technically almost impossible," said AOL Germany's Alexander Adler, adding that such monitoring would also amount to censorship. The court's ruling underscores the need for ISP-introduced copyright-protection technologies, said Gema, Germany's top music licensing group.
http://www.usatoday.com/life/cyber/tech/review/crh053.htm
"European Commission Makes Proposals For Running Internet"
The European Union on Tuesday proposed several measures designed to boost Europe's presence on the Internet. The EU's European Commission proposed a new top-level domain for Europe, dot-eu, and expressed the need for Europeans to have access to cheaper Internet connections. The EC also endorsed the concept of free and open elections for members of the board of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). Erkki Liikanen, the European Commissioner for the information society, said, "The Internet needs a light touch from the regulators, but a firm hand to ensure that its business-generating, job-creating potential is encouraged to the full." The EC says ICANN needs "transparent and secure" funding, but otherwise provided few details to back its proposals.
http://www.totaltele.com/view.asp?ArticleID=26964&pub=tt&categoryid=0
(Please note that access to this site is free; however, first-time visitors must register.)
"Why Gates Is Rolling the Dice"
Business Week (04/17/00) Vol. 3677, P. 50; Greene, Jay; France, Mike; Carney, Dan
Rather than settle a Sherman Antitrust Act dispute with the U.S. government, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates has chosen to focus most of the company's energies and efforts on its new Internet strategy. Apparently, the software giant sees the antitrust case as less of an issue than the threat of not being able to do business as it would like in an increasingly electronic world. In fact, a settlement with the government would likely have forced Microsoft to agree to the dictates of the government regarding the new features the company could integrate into Windows. In no way does Microsoft want the government telling it what belongs and what does not, the company's decision suggests. As a result, Microsoft moves closer to its one big Windows vision that essentially would run everything from notebook computers to huge servers. For many technology companies, this would mean that Microsoft has not changed at all. Microsoft plans to unveil its new Internet strategy, Next Generation Windows Services, in May. The company intends to connect Web sites, corporate servers, and desktop PCs together and to the Web by planting bits of software in versions of Windows. Nevertheless, Microsoft is taking a calculated risk by not accepting the government's olive branch. The company's stance may move Justice Department antitrust chief Joel I. Klein to seek a breakup of the company. There are some weaknesses in the government's position, however. One involves Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson's ruling on the legality of tying, and the other involves imposing remedies that fit the crime but do not look ahead to the Internet or corporate-enterprise markets. Ultimately, Microsoft can always contend that its alleged anti-competitive practices did not help it in handheld devices, high-end servers, and other new markets, which could result in a punishment that resembles the government's proposal in settlement talks. But Microsoft is likely to have its Internet strategy in place before the legal dispute is resolved.
"CRM Hot for Start-Ups"
Computer Reseller News Online (04/13/00); Howle, Amber
Many dot-coms looking to cash in on business-to-business e-commerce are turning to customer relationship management (CRM). Kovair and trustedanswer.com are among the startups that entered the CRM market this week. On Monday, Kovair released hosted software that provides a single point of interaction for customers and partners to conduct business with a company's sales division. CRM covers a wide range of integration between sales and marketing processes, says Kovair's Eric Sternberg, adding that his company has taken the approach of offering direct interaction between the company and the customer. Kovair is now forming partner programs, and intends to target ASPs and Web integrators. ASPs that aggregate different applications could integrate Kovair's software into their own applications to offer a complete solution, says Sternberg. Meanwhile, systems integrators would back-end integrate Kovair's software into order entry and order status applications, enterprise resource planning software, and e-commerce software, says Sternberg. Another startup called trustedanswer.com debuted on Tuesday, launched by mainframe and storage maker Amdahl. Trustedanswer.com uses a Web-based self-service solution to offer hosted customer service and support.
http://www.techweb.com/wire/story/TWB20000413S0015
"B2B Apps Are Hot Item on Menu"
Interactive Week (04/10/00) Vol. 7, No. 14, P. 82; Roberts-Witt, Sarah L.
Seeking to capitalize upon the need for Internet startups to become operational as soon as possible, such companies as Ariba, BroadVision, Commerce One, IBM, and Open Market have begun offering business-to-business (B2B) application packages to enable businesses to quickly build e-commerce Web sites. These packages often include such features as search engines, tax calculation, payment processing, security, order processing, auction capabilities, and customer personalization capabilities. The ongoing surge in B2B activity has even altered the focus of many companies' offerings; IBM, for example, has shifted from an emphasis upon e-commerce middleware platforms toward an emphasis upon e-commerce applications. The company recently bolstered its WebSphere Commerce product to include such features as a personalization engine and auction and payment management capabilities, and introduced a service provider version of WebSphere Commerce. Additionally, IBM last month announced a partnership that will allow Ariba to integrate IBM's WebSphere applications with its B2B e-commerce platform. Although B2B packages can be extremely useful, integration with other systems can be difficult and the costs of customizing packages to meet the needs of individual businesses can be quite high. Many analysts, therefore, recommend that companies thoroughly review each package to determine how well its applications, interoperability, and add-on commerce services meet both immediate corporate technological needs and long-term business goals.
http://www.zdnet.com/intweek/stories/news/0,4164,2523632,00.html
"Brick-and-Mortars Take the E-Commerce Plunge"
InfoWorld (04/03/00) Vol. 22, No. 14, P. 40; Schwartz, Ephraim
Although brick-and-mortar companies have taken the time to familiarize themselves with e-commerce and believe they are now ready to move online, there are still several obstacles traditional companies must overcome in order to survive in today's digital economy. Restructuring existing business practices and learning how to act more quickly are perhaps the greatest challenges brick-and-mortar companies face in their e-commerce transformation. "Changing the flow of information changes the business model," says Raj Desai, director of the industrial sector of IBM's Worldwide Automotive Solutions division. Businesses should implement systems that can continuously monitor the status of shipments, taking into account value-added services and factors such as packaging methods, labeling, and shipping company. Also, the relationship between suppliers and distributors is likely to change. B2B companies typically do not carry inventory and instead collaborate with partners at all stages of the manufacturing process, creating products in a piecemeal, immediate fashion. Additionally, time-to-market affects e-business practices. Brick-and-mortar companies cannot afford to take the extra time to get everything right, but instead must use the knowledge of employees to get online as soon as possible. Some traditional companies have chosen to form separate dot-com businesses in order address these e-commerce challenges, while others have formed partnerships with other brick-and-mortar companies and also existing Internet companies. Despite the changes brick-and-mortar firms must implement now, some believe it will ultimately be the dot-coms, and not the traditional companies, that will be forced to significantly alter their practices in order to secure the customer loyalty and build the customer service infrastructure required to survive in the business world.
"What Good is 3D CAD Anyway?"
Machine Design (04/06/00) Vol. 72, No. 7, P. 202; Schoonmaker, Stephen J.
Although there are no definitive guidelines executives can refer to when directing an engineering firm's transition from 2D CAD software to 3D CAD software, Grove Worldwide's manager of engineering systems Stephen Schoonmaker offers some advice to help executives ensure the process is as beneficial and stress-free as possible. First, executives must understand they simply cannot anticipate and plan for all of the problems that might arise during the shift from 2D CAD to 3D CAD, and instead should be prepared to discover appropriate ways to customize the new CAD system both to the technical environment in which it will function and to the work habits of its users. Second, it is important for executives to realize that not everybody will be able to proficiently use 3D CAD and benefit from the program. These individuals often are confused by the mathematical concepts and logic-based sequencing upon which 3D modeling is based and will be more productive using alternative methods of design. Third, the use of 3D CAD may encourage more open, frequent communication among users because it is often much easier to intelligently discuss the design of an item when viewing a detailed physical model. Also, 3D CAD may help team members understand more clearly how each person's efforts relate to the project as a whole, thereby allowing individuals to work together more effectively and harmoniously. Finally, 3D CAD will dramatically reduce the amount of manufacturing errors that are made by enabling team members to discover design flaws long before a product is ever built or put to use. As a result, a firm will save time and money, boost profitability, and create a more productive staff.


Robert C. Coogan Memorial Scholarship: Named after late St. Thomas parishioner Robert C. Coogan, the Coogan Scholarship is awarded to a St. Thomas student with demonstrated financial need, academic merit, and active campus ministry involvement. Vivian Okeke is our current Coogan Scholar!
Hello! My name is Vivian Okeke and I am from Nigeria. I am a junior majoring in nursing. Words cannot explain how grateful I am to be the recipient for the Robert C. Coogan Scholarship this year. I love travelling and trying out cuisine from around the world. This is one of my favorite things about St Thomas. I've gotten the opportunity through St Thomas to meet people from different countries, have different cuisines and celebrate mass in different languages during International week.


White 2016 Dodge Journey SXT AWD 6-Speed Automatic 3.6L V6 24V VVT **RPO CERTIFIED VEHICLE**, **3 MONTH 3,000 MILE EXCLUSIONARY WARRANTY**, *ONE OWNER*, *NEW OIL & FILTER CHANGE*, *USB / AUX INPUTS TO PLAY MUSIC*, *3RD ROW SEATS*, *PREMIUM WHEELS*, *NON SMOKER*, *SPLIT FOLDING REAR SEATS*, AWD.
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Among the best perks of vacationing around the beach is having the ability to understand the tantalizing view from within the sea. The Caravelle Resort sits oceanfront making for any romantic view whatsoever occasions. As the sun increases within the sea, the colours that dance within the sea sky at sunset could be just like beautiful.
Probably the most convenient and spot to watch the sunset comes from your personal balcony inside your room or suite. Cozy on a seat together, place your ft on the railing and catch the sun rays because they fall while reflecting around the water. During vacation, relaxing is among the most significant parts to savor, so remaining in and enjoying your living space and also the view is an ideal way of spending a night.
The beach obviously feels safe and nearer to the experience. Going for a use the shallow water and feeling to see the vibrant orange and pinks reflect from the sea as well as on for you is really a spectacular picture and extremely submerges you into this type of beautiful natural occurrence.
If you like to visit out for that evening, browse the SkyWheel for any high look at downtown Myrtle Beach, the Atlantic and also the sun falling behind the cityscape. This enclosed, romantic ride also gives couples an opportunity to get cozy while rising over the sea for a much wider view.
Dining by having an sea view experiencing the sunset when you drink and eat is a brand-time favorite. The Pier House Restaurant is an ideal spot to take part in this. Enjoy a comprehensive menu with foods like, shrimp, fish, salads, sandwiches and steaks. There's something for everybody to locate like a delicacy and everybody enjoys a look at the sea. Should you catch the clouds because they morph using the sky into magnificent colors, then that is a perfect method to have a meal.
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Enjoy your remain at The Caravelle Resort, put on shades and make certain you look at what beautiful display nature provides for us to tell us it's the finish during the day!


It'll be the Masters champion's first time to compete there since 2006.
A big win over Fiji to start the day made all the difference as France await in the quarter-finals.
The 34-year-old Spanish World Cup winner lifted 32 major trophies during his Barcelona career.
German World Cup winner will join Vissel Kobe this summer.
Will we just move to Japan? Ah, we will.


A Christian metalcore strap from Sioux Town, Iowa, For Today released their first album, Ekklesia, in 2008. Authorized to Facedown Information, For Today – created in 2005 and composed of Mattie Montgomery (vocals), Ryan Leitru (acoustic guitar), Mike Reynolds (acoustic guitar), Brandon Leitru (bass), and David Morrison (drums) – spent the lion's talk about of their 1st year or two together spending their dues within the live circuit. With an recording to market in 2008, the music group had an extended yr of touring and gigs prepared. After their debut, they stayed productive, liberating their follow-up, Portraits, in 2008. Their third recording, 2010's Breaker, became their 1st to reach the entire recording graphs, and 2012's Immortal, For Today's debut on Razor & Connect, did better still, breaking in to the Best 20. Matty Mullins of Memphis Might Fire guested on the fifth record, 2014's Combat the Silence. In 2015 they changed tempo guitarist Samuel Penner with Jim Hughes from the music group Colossus. Putting your signature on with Nuclear Blast Information, they released their 6th record, Wake, in Oct of that calendar year.


Chelgate Local is hosting a Breakfast Briefing on December 5 about Garden Towns and Villages at Essex County Cricket Club in Chelmsford.
Come and have breakfast with senior Essex and Hertfordshire politicians and discuss current projects in Essex and Hertfordshire and hear their views on solving the housing crisis. Held in conjunction with Bidwells please reply to this email or contact rlass@chelgate.com to find out more and reserve a place.
Chelgate Local offers a comprehensive range of strategic communications advice, planning PR, advocacy, consultation and engagement to support our clients as they move through the planning process from site allocation to planning and construction.
We work hand-in-hand with our clients to get under the skin of a project and understand their objectives. We're not shy about taking a different or unusual approach and will tell our clients when they are wrong.
Our strategies are designed to meet and match the planning programme and create a comprehensive strategy to take the project forward and meet our objectives.
We constantly review our offer and have successfully embraced new technology and combined it with the best traditional techniques. We know when social media works and when it needs to be avoided. Fundamentally we recognise that we need to make engagement easy and genuine.


An intensive introduction to the science of mind-body and cognitive conditioning through mindfulness meditation. Specifically designed for first responders. Experiential practice through guided meditations and mindful movement are supported with discussions on scientific research to support resiliency. This training begins the challenging journey that can transform our capacity for working within a trauma filled landscape with resilience, and for meeting those in deep suffering & crisis with greater skill, humanity & desired strategic outcomes. A trauma informed training that resources participants for greater resiliency of mind, heart and body. Mindfulness skills training positively impacts organizational resiliency, fostering greater equanimity among department members and enhancing our capacity for leadership of self and others.
Open to first responders in police, fire, EMS, dispatch, medicine, social work, and other public safety disciplines.


About a mile up the road, at the top of Walnut Hill, one of the old Amherst farms remains mostly as it has over the past 100 or so years, though worn and weathered with time. The old structure is not maintained by it's current owners, and every time I walk by I see some small sign of deterioration…a new broken window pane, a little less paint, a slightly more tilted door. There is something comforting in seeing this inanimate object age, as we all do, but to see it still standing, carrying on.
I've painted this particular barn quite a few times, each time differently, but each time with the purpose of revisiting this subject (and theme) to cast it in a different light, and in a way to give it new life.


text:
RF Government to allocate RUB 320 million as support of shipping companies
2020 July 13 09:32
Under the new order of Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, RUB 320 million will be allocated for subsidizing shipping companies involved in sea and river cruises. According to the Government's statement, those money can be spent for payments under leasing agreements.
The resources will be provided to the Federal Marine and River Transport Agency from the Reserve Fund of the Government. They are intended to support companies which did not undertake massive personnel cuts and companies having no debts in payment of taxes or insurance.
The companies can apply till August 15. The subsidy will be provided as a lumpsum to cover leasing payments from March 11 till December 31.
This measure was proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The companies were forced to stay idle amid the threat of coronavirus. The navigation period remaining after lifting the restrictions will be very short. The subsidies will support the industry participants.
The document is available in Russian >>>>
Eligibility rules are available in Russian >>>>
Другие новости по темам: shipping, Covid-19

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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How did you get involved with the Pause on Market Street LIZ*?
Pause is the outgrowth of the Yerba Buena Community Benefit District's (YBCBD) Yerba Buena Street Life Plan, a 10-year road map of possible public realm improvements in the neighborhood. That plan signaled our intentions to create a more livable neighborhood that reflects the growing population and offers amenities that makes a neighborhood great. SF Planning's Neil Hrushowy participated in the development of the Street Life Plan, and understands what the YBCBD aims to achieve in the public realm. He brought us together with the Exploratorium and the City to bring this idea to life. There are 36 projects in the Street The Street Life Plan, and its 36 Projects, provided leverage and credibility with stakeholders that the YBCBD is seriously committed to cultivating positive public realm activations. The LIZ project, specifically, is outside of the Street Life Plan, but 100% within the goals of the YBCBD.
How has this LIZ added value to the Yerba Buena community?
It's exceeded expectations. It is a welcome mat to the neighbor¬hood. People may not realize what a vibrant neighborhood Yerba Buena is. There are approximately 10,000 people that live here in the neighborhood and countless people visit our cultural institutions and Moscone Convention Center. Historically, the neighborhood may have been overlooked in the development of its public realm, but its moment is now. The top of Yerba Buena Lane is really a nice entry point into the neighborhood. It offers ample space for people to gather and linger at the LIZ.
"Pause" generates smiles. There are very few things that I can point to where that's the outcome. It makes people curious, and it has become a destination spot. We hosted a holiday digital projection project, where the greetings and holiday wishes were projected on wall adjacent to the LIZ because we knew it was an attraction. On Market Street, there is nothing like it.
Overall, we've seen this great steward¬ship from the people who use the LIZ. There are people every day discovering how the dishes or the bench work and share that knowledge with others. It's been a really wonderful invitation to the neighborhood.
What challenges have come up with the LIZ installation?
Most of the challenges were in the design phase. How do you design something for a two-year lifespan? Unlike a permanent structure which is bolted down, the LIZ had to be durable enough to withstand being on Market Street for a two-year period while ephemeral enough to be easily removed. How do you get buy-in from neighborhood stakeholders when no one can quite say what the first LIZ will be? These were some of the challenges. We were lucky to be brought together with the Exploratorium and the Planning Department staff on this project. Their thoughtfulness and solution-oriented approach helped us in engaging the neighborhood.
Post-installation there have been a few challenges, and a ton of learnings. We have learned a lot about ideas our Street Life Plan promotes. The LIZ is a great example of how public seating can work in San Francisco. The City needs more of it located in the right places. The YBCBD also wanted to test out ideas related to green technology in the project. We advocated for a charging station to be included in the design. The pedal- powered station that was part of the installation at its unveiling became too difficult to maintain. It was not about the technology, but about pedals needing to be constantly replaced. This is an experiment, and we need to be learning something from it.
The partnership has been key to minimizing challenges. The Exploratorium really takes on the technical aspects, with the musical bench in particular. There have been times when that hasn't been working, and they take on repairs. We are focused on graffiti removal, cleanliness – the eyes on the street. We have done a review of our services and have not seen an additional demand for the YBCBD cleaning and graffiti removal or other services in that area.
Describe your experience working with the City on this LIZ.
My experience working with the City was great. The LIZ team is incredibly smart, forward-thinking, practical, and positive. They were highly engaged. Neighborhood buy-in to this project when we didn't really know what this project would become was very important to them. The YBCBD brought neighborhood voices to the table, and the City (and the Exploratorium) listened. The LIZ footprint actually extends onto privately managed property. That wasn't a part of the original concept. It happened as a result of getting the community together to support what, at the time, was just an idea — nobody had done it. Throughout the process, the City team was very responsive.
What advice would you give to another CBD or similar organization considering undertaking a LIZ project?
I think the partnerships are really key. The Exploratorium has a good track record of public realm activation projects. And getting other stakeholders on board. At the ground floor, trying to get together the people that want to have a say in the project and would be an influencer on the project. That said, I think there also needs to be a real attention to detail and pushing it out there, like continually communicating with stakeholders. The Exploratorium did a public drawing outreach day where they brought out a lot of their toys, and that kind of excitement that we were able to build really led to a really smooth process in getting more people to buy into it than we expected.
How do you define a Living Innovation Zone?
I define it differently now than I did when I was introduced to the project. The City approached the YBCBD describing this as an effort to bring the energy of technological innovation onto the street. They described a climate where "we live in one of the most technologically driven cities in the country, if not the world, and it is not reflected in the public realm." That seemed very accurate at the time. Whatever we were going to do, it would attempt to bring that into the public realm.
What resulted however is not a manifestation of an emerging technology. I think the actual innovation of the LIZ is how it makes people stop on Market Street and engage with each other at a safe, social distance in a culture where we generally don't pause to communicate with a stranger. The innovation is not anything technologically based, it's the social interactions it supports.


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Public R&D Support and Firms' Performance: A Panel Data Study
IZA DP No. 11651: Public R&D Support and Firms' Performance: A Panel Data Study
Øivind Anti Nilsen, Arvid Raknerud, Diana-Cristina Iancu
We analyse all the major sources of direct and indirect R&D subsidies in Norway in the period 2002-2013 and compare their effects on individual firms' performance. Firms that received support are matched with a control group of firms that did not receive support using a combination of stratification and propensity score matching. Changes in performance indicators before and after support in the treatment group are compared with contemporaneous changes in the control group. We find that the average effects of R&D support among those who obtained grants and/or subsidies are positive and significant in terms of performance indicators related to economic growth: value added, sales revenue and number of employees. The estimated effects are larger for start-up firms than incumbent firms when the effects are measured as relative effects (in percentage points), but smaller when these effects are translated into level effects. Finally, we do not find positive effects on return to total assets or productivity for firms who received support compared with the control group.
firm performance
treatment effects


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Home People Daljit S. Doogal
See People
Daljit S. Doogal
ddoogal@foley.com
Detroit 313.234.7122
Jump To Overview Representative Matters Capabilities Insights
Overview Representative Matters Capabilities Insights
Daljit S. Doogal is a partner and business lawyer with Foley & Lardner LLP, where he is the chair of the firm's national Business Law Department. Daljit focuses his practice in corporate, private equity, venture capital and restructuring law matters. He is a member of the firm's Transactions, Private Equity & Venture Capital and International Practices, and its Automotive and Manufacturing Industry Teams. Daljit is a former managing partner of Foley's Detroit office.
Daljit's practice includes representation of automotive and manufacturing suppliers, venture capital/private equity funds, financial institutions, and other publicly and privately held businesses in the areas of mergers, acquisitions and divestitures; private offerings of equity securities; fund formation/representation, financing matters and corporate reorganizations, including the restructuring of financially distressed companies, both inside and outside of bankruptcy. Daljit serves as the outside general counsel for numerous companies and frequently advises boards of directors and special committees in regard to fiduciary duty issues in various contexts.
Daljit frequently speaks on corporate, restructuring and general merger and acquisition matters and often speaks with regard to cross-border legal and business issues with respect to doing business in India.
Daljit was ranked as one of the top corporate and mergers and acquisitions attorneys in Michigan by Chambers USA (2011 - 2017). He has also been selected for inclusion in the list of Michigan Super Lawyers® (2014 - 2016) and was previously listed on the Michigan Super Lawyers – Rising Stars® editions (2009 - 2012). Daljit has been recognized by his peers for his work in corporate and mergers and acquisitions law by The Best Lawyers in America© since 2013. In addition, Daljit has been Peer Review Rated as AV® PreeminentTM, the highest performance rating in Martindale-Hubbell's peer review rating system.
Daljit's professional affiliations include memberships in the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association, Oakland County Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan, and American Bar Association.
Affiliations and Community Involvement
He is a charter member, and a co-founder of the Detroit Chapter of The Indus Entrepreneurs, a nonprofit network of entrepreneurs and professionals dedicated to the advancement of entrepreneurs. He is also a member of the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce and the small business development committee of the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he serves on the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law Dean's Advisory Board.
Daljit is a cum laude graduate of the University of Notre Dame Law School and received his bachelor's degree, with high distinction, in economics from the University of Michigan.
Foley represented a manufacturer in its stock acquisition of a rigid plastics business that manufactures containers and closures for food and home/personal care markets in North America.
Foley attorneys represented Amcor's U.S. subsidiary, Amcor Rigid Plastics, in its purchase of (1) the manufacturing assets and intellectual property of Eco-Groupe, Inc., a privately held preform manufacturing operation with four manufacturing sites in the United States; and (2) a minority equity interest in EnKon, LLC, a woman-owned business enterprise affiliate of Eco-Groupe, Inc.
Foley represents the owner of an NBA team, in its internal reorganization aimed at separating non-sports entertainment properties from the NBA-related holdings. The restructuring and reorganization involves a unique structure and an understanding of the NBA's revenue sharing rules. Foley's experience understanding the NBA's regulations, as well as our clients' expectations has been instrumental in overcoming challenges pertaining to the matter. Foley is also helping this organization explore options for renovations to modernize their sports arena and find solutions for gaining public support of a renovation project.
Life Sciences Automotive Manufacturing
Transactions Corporate Mergers & Acquisitions Private Funds & Buyout - PEVC Venture & Growth Capital
Autonomous-Vehicle Technology Brings IP to Forefront
WardsAuto
Reaping the Rewards
Michigan Lawyers Weekly
Buying Assets from a Company in Chapter 11
Foley Attorneys Named Michigan Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Foley Attorneys Recognized In The Best Lawyers in America 2019 List
Evolving Automotive Business Disputes: Is Technology Innovation Fueling Risk of Litigation?
China General Chamber of Commerce Forum
OESA Supplier Roundtable: Indian Market Strategy and Insight
Acquisition Selection, Due Diligence, and Integration Techniques: Keys to a Successful Acquisition
ddoogal@foley.com 313.234.7122


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Cal4Wheel's first president
Founding member Sacramento Jeepers
Founding member Lake Tahoe Hi-Lo's
One of the owners of Rubicon Springs
Cal4Wheel's Ed Dunkley Medal of Honor in 2014
Rubicon Trail Foundation award winner
Off Road Motorsports Hall of Fame 2019 inductee
Steve was a founding member of the California Four Wheel Drive Association in 1959, and served as its first president until 1961. We are proud to continue serving the four-wheelers of California in his honor.
Steve had dedicated his life to spreading the message on the beauty of Rubicon Springs and through ownership, making sure the Rubicon Springs is available to everyone. Steve couldn't have written a better life script passing away at Rubicon Springs after being with his family and so many friends during the event he loved so much. Steve is the only one in the world with place of death Rubicon Springs on his certificate.
Steve Morris went out on his own turf doing what he loved.
Morris, who lived in Sacramento, owned part of the Rubicon Trail and had been on 65 of 67 Jeepers Jamborees.
He passed on July 27, 2019 at the 67th Jeepers Jamboree after giving his annual Saturday morning history talk on the trail. After he did his talk he ate lunch they asked if he wanted (something to drink), he said, 'I would like some scotch,' he had a sip and went through the pearly gates.
Morris was born in June 1930 and bought his first Jeep in 1954, a Willys CJ2A. In that same year he participated in his first Jeepers Jamboree on the Rubicon Trail and hasn't missed one since. He became a legend on the trail. One of the trail's most difficult obstacles, Morris Rock, is named after him. As a rock roller he would help vehicles get through that challenging part of the trail.
As he got older, Morris had to be talked out of rock rolling. He then turned his energy to giving a history talks about the complete history of the Rubicon Trail dating back hundreds of years. His son, Rick Morris, wrote a book, "Rubicon Springs and The Rubicon Trail: A History" in 2011. Rick will continue giving the history talks.
California Four Wheel Drive Association
Morris helped found the California Association of Four-Wheel Drive Clubs in 1959 and served as its president until 1961.
Sacramento Jeepers
In 1956 helped form the Sacramento Jeepers club.
Lake Tahoe Hi-Lo's
In 1966, he started the Lake Tahoe Hi-Lo's club where he and other volunteers in the community adopted and maintained trails in the Tahoe National Forest.
Rubicon Springs
In 1985 a group of twelve people including Morris purchased part of Rubicon Springs on the Rubicon Trail just three days before it was going to be taken over by the U.S. Forest Service.
Rubicon Trail Foundation Rock Award
Steve Morris is one of the fathers of the Rubicon Trail. Along with Mark Smith, Steve has been on the trail since the early days. Steve has spent so many years as a rock roller at the top of Cadillac Hill, the top is now known as Morris Rock. His son, Rick has written the definitive hist ory of the Rubicon Trail. As a partial owner of the Rubicon Springs, Steve has spent most of his life helping keep the Rubicon Trail open for all.
Off Road Motorsports Hall of Fame
All of his off-roading led him to be one of six inducted in 2019 to the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame. The Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame announced that they will also honor Morris' life and legacy at the awards ceremony.
VIDEO BY CHRIS COLLARD


NEWS ANALYSIS: Covert radio wave technology with a range of 8 miles enables remote code injection and exploitation.
The simplest way to avoid attacks and exploitations in the modern connected world is often just to pull the plug. When it comes to the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA), just pulling the plug isn't enough, according to new details published this week.
In a Jan. 14 New York Times report that was based on information from whistleblower Edward Snowden, new information is revealed about the NSA's ability to remotely connect to a target computer without an Internet connection.
That's right, folks. You don't have to be connected to the Internet to be exploited.
According to the report, the NSA leverages covert radio channels to exfiltrate data from target machines as well as inject malicious code. The target machines first are compromised by way of a USB stick or tiny circuit board that broadcasts the information.
Stepping aside for a moment from any potential misuse of this technology that violates the individual rights of Americans, or anyone else, this is an amazing development that makes a lot of sense.
A good standard best practice in many IT organizations is for some kind of data-loss prevention (DLP) technology that monitors data as it leaves the network. With this new remote access radio technology, data isn't exactly leaving over the monitored Internet network, so a DLP solution that is tethered to the Internet wouldn't block the data.
This isn't just radio as in WiFi either since WiFi, after all, is still network traffic with an IP address. Regular WiFi is also limited in range typically to a maximum of 600 feet or so, meaning that if an operative wanted to get the data, he or she would have to be relatively close (and likely also within harm's way).
The geniuses at the NSA with the remote radio access technology have extended the range to a staggering 8 miles.
According to The Times report, the radio-based data exfiltration technology has not been used in domestic surveillance activities within the United States.
One target that the technology likely was used on was Iran. For years, people have speculated about how the Stuxnet malware got into Iran and helped derail that nation's nuclear weapons ambitions. The prevailing theory has long been that the United States, likely aided by the State of Israel and its Mossad intelligence agency, created Stuxnet and somehow got it into Iran's nuclear enrichment plant.
It seems likely that remote access radio technology was used in that case. If that is true, and this newly reported NSA technology was critical in preventing Iran from building a nuclear weapon, then this technology (with the proper oversight) is an immensely valuable tool in the arsenal of freedom.
Sadly, thanks to the Snowden leaks, we do know that the width and breadth of the spying activities are immense. It's also clear that some kind of reform is needed, and thankfully that reform is likely coming soon. On Dec. 18, a presidential task force issued a report providing 46 recommendations to overhaul U.S. surveillance activities. President Obama is expected to comment and respond to the report this week.


The first episode to think about holographic rights. Are these characters just computer generated figures made of nothing more than light? I'd love to delve deeper into the topic, but not right now. For the moment, I think that when you create holoprogram with this level of intensity (the ability to stump Data, not Holmes) you should expect the unexpected.
This episode also, finally, helped to calm Pulaski down about Data being a person and she grew a little bit as a character… more than the two dimensional Doctor of the previous 2 episodes. I guess Pulaski's dialogue, and the reason I never liked her, really served to make the audience think about Data and robots in general. How will we approach their human rights in the coming years?
As for the piece of paper that Moriarty gives Data, the drawing of the Enterprise, quite possibly with the overriding nature of the program… perhaps the paper wasn't holographic?


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Exclusive Interview: Aidan Delgado
by Dewey Hammond, www.deweyhammond.com, The Buddhist Channel, Aug 18, 2007
Aidan Delgado (www.aidandelgado.com) is a veteran of the United States Army, honorably discharged in April 2004 after serving in Iraq, including at the infamous Abu Ghraib prison. Delgado joined the Army on September 11, 2001, literally moments before the planes hit the towers.
He is also a Buddhist, his religion the basis of his discharge and the inspiration for his book, "The Sutras of Abu Ghraib: Notes from a Conscientious Objector in Iraq," which last weekend I reviewed for the San Francisco Chronicle.
Below is an exclusive and unedited interview with Delgado, with whom I exchanged emails between July 10, 2007 and August 6, 2007.
Describe your experience of becoming a member of the United States Army Reserves.
Routine. Ordinary. Actually a bit of a relief because I thought it would get me out of there faster. After four or five hours in the Tampa recruitment station I was so mentally and physically exhausted I would have signed my life away to the circus.
The actual "signing of the line" took place after several weeks of trips to Tampa, medical exams, interviews, standing in line; all the typical Army bureaucracy. Then while I was signing, my recruiter walks in and says, "Hey get up and come see what's on television. Something just hit the World Trade Center." The date's mid-September. Suddenly, it's not routine or ordinary.
In the book you describe an onslaught of emotion in the immediate aftermath of the planes hitting the towers: "confusion, fear, excitement, adrenaline." How did you feel on September 12, after you began to digest your new reality?
The day after I enlisted I wasn't thinking too much about the Army. Like everyone else in America, I spent most of the week watching and reacting to the tragedy. I was officially inducted into the Army Reserve one week later on September 18.
Truthfully, the new reality of the post-September 11 world didn't dawn on me until sometime after the invasion of Afghanistan. That was when I realized something I had never considered before: when I joined the Army the chance of a war happening was as close as I could conceive of to 0; after September 11 it was almost certain.
At what point for you did it become clear that being a solider could not coexist with being a Buddhist?
After enlistment, during Basic and Advanced training, I began to study and became far more serious about Buddhism but I still felt that there was some way to allow the ideals of being a soldier and the ideals of being a Buddhist to coexist. When I deployed to Iraq and had all the abstractions peeled away, saw what it truly meant to be a soldier, was when I finally decided that Buddhism and militarism were incompatible.
That is not to imply that it was a sudden "revelation" on my part; to the contrary, it was the final stage of a long process of questioning and maturation on my part. I didn't suddenly decide that war was wrong when I deployed to Iraq, I knew it already intellectually, but it took the direct experience of war to make it real for me and give me the courage to oppose it.
Where initially did you think there might common ground between the ideals of being a solider and the ideals of being a Buddhist, and what happened to wash away that perception?
One of the examples of common ground that I believed in was the Zen/warrior ethic of the samurai class in feudal Japan. Perhaps because of my interest in Japan and my overly romantic image of that time period, I imagined that I could use my Zen Buddhism to overcome fear in much the same ways as samurai did.
I also had a preoccupation with the idea that being a good Buddhist meant being able to meditate in any circumstances and also to participate in any activity while maintaining mental purity. I guess something in my adolescent mind wanted me to "test" my Buddhism in the harshest conditions. Looking back on it now, it really was a kind of asceticism that I don't believe has any lasting merit. The first step in maintaining a healthy mind is avoiding traumatic, morally ambiguous situations when possible.
Explain what asceticism's role in Buddhism, and elaborate on the meaning of this statement: "Looking back on it now, it really was a kind of asceticism that I don't believe has any lasting merit."
In Buddhist tradition, one strives to seek the middle way between the extremes of pain (asceticism) and excessive pleasure (hedonism). Asceticism is as much an indulgence as luxury because one who practices it tends to develop a haughty attitude, e.g "I am better and wiser than everyone else because I can go without food for a month and sit on a bed of nails."
Furthermore, it is often considered a "failed solution" to the problem of human suffering because by weakening and hurting the body it increases the power of the mind to delude itself. In that way it may actually increase delusion and wrong understanding.
This principle is illustrated in the archetypal story about asceticism in Buddhist legend: After The Buddha left his life of luxury as a prince, he went into the forest and joined a company of Hindu ascetics. He became a master of their disciplines and practiced the harshest mortification of his body, hoping that as he reduced the influence of his body on his actions that he would come to a higher understanding. He found the inverse. As the body weakened, the obscuring power of the mind increased as a defense against the extreme physical suffering. It was after tasting these two extremes: luxury as a prince and suffering as a hermit, that The Buddha arrived at his famous doctrine of the middle way, neither too slack nor too taut.
I felt that my fixation on trying to be a "good Buddhist" while remaining a soldier was a kind of indulgence very much like asceticism. The idea that by remaining in the Army that I no longer agreed with I could train myself to be "better" and "more spiritual" in spite of my surroundings. It was a very immature approach to morality, trying to use an immoral situation to strengthen myself, but that was the way I justified it at the time. Later, when I was wiser, I came to believe that by remaining in an immoral situation I was giving my silent assent to what was going on, and not doing anything to alleviate the suffering and oppression that I saw.
It is a commonly held belief that it is unpatriotic for American civilians to speak out against the war in Iraq because doing so lowers troop morale, which in turn fuels terrorism. What are your thoughts on this?
The "support the troops" rhetoric is a total red herring. First and foremost, no one in the peace movement is against the troops themselves. By opposing the war, critics are doing what they think is best for our soldiers: bringing them home alive.
As for lowering morale, from my experience that would also be inaccurate. Go to Iraq, get any group of guys together and tell them that there is a group of citizens in America trying to bring them home tomorrow rather than 18 months from now. You tell me if their reaction to that news is "demoralization." I don't think so.
To the third point, that of fueling terrorism, let me say this: allowing the U.S. military to commit immoral acts fuels terrorism, not raising questions about those acts. If civilians don't speak out against the war and they let it run wild and unchecked, as it did at Abu Ghraib and Haditha, it creates the rhetoric and propaganda that terrorists need to rally against the U.S. Keeping a close, critical eye on our own actions is the best way to deny terrorists the ammunition they use against us. It's the patriotic thing to do.
Did your application for conscientious-objector status have any impact on troop morale?
My application did not affect the morale of my fellow soldiers but it certainly affected their attitudes toward me. Almost overnight I became a pariah to about half of my company and a person of suspicion for nearly everyone else. They didn't appreciate that I thought the war was wrong and therefore by extension that they were wrong.
As for the officers I'm certain that my application upset my Captain, he told me as much. He believed that having a CO in his command would be a black eye for him and an embarrassment to the unit, so he fought to prevent me from getting my status. The truth was that no one in the unit or the army would have known anything about my status if he hadn't told them, so in a way the command created the furor over my objection.
Describe some of the internal hostilities that you faced.
The most common hostility that I faced was the ostracism of many of my peers: the young soldiers of the same rank as I. Although it might sound trivial, in a war zone the close bonds with your comrades are absolutely vital to your sanity. Most were subtle about it: not sitting with me, refusing to talk to me or work with me, others were not so subtle.
The incident with Wilson [ed. note: Delgado was assaulted by another soldier and fought back] was the culmination of what I perceived as a long, slow escalation of hostility towards me. As I describe in the book, I had a previous shoving match and near confrontation with another soldier because of my statements and I perceived that some members of my unit saw me as an "easy target" and fair game for harassment.
Although I truly did not wish to fight, I felt that in that situation there was no alternative but to demonstrate strength in order to nip this new physical hostility in the bud. It hurt me tremendously to lose the respect of many soldiers that I had called my friends, and it still hurts today when I occasionally meet one of the guys from the unit and they treat me with contempt. I wish it could be otherwise, but it's a price I'm willing to pay for holding on to my principles.
The other side of the hostility was the response of my commander and senior NCO's. Taking away my ballistic plates [protective armor] was a childish and dangerous act on their part, although I am certain they did not intend to cause me direct harm, I felt they were sending a message that I should recant or be treated as less than my fellows.
Revoking my two-week home-leave was the most devastating blow. It shattered my morale. That was clearly act of coercion: take back your CO papers and maybe we'll let you go home. Ironically, it only hardened my resolve to see it through and as you read I eventually convinced them to let me go home anyway. In comparison to revoking my leave, restricting me to base and assigning me to every bad detail was minor.
During your two-week personal leave, you returned to Florida and were surprised by how uncomfortable it was to be home. You describe longing to return to Iraq, the place you wanted more than anything to leave. Describe that experience.
I had created an experience of "home leave" in my mind long before I ever returned. In a sense I had retreated from the stress and negative feelings of my Army life by living in a fantasy of what it would be like when I went home. As was the case with America itself when I was growing up, I displaced all good feelings onto my trip to Sarasota [Florida]: everything would be the same, everything would be perfect, my strength of will would be renewed.
What I learned is that nine months apart can't be healed in a day. Beyond that, nine months of war is such an alien experience that it can hardly be related to another soldier, much less friends and girlfriend.
That first night home, when the gap between what I had expected and the reality became sharply apparent, I had a sudden sensation that Iraq was now my home and this place was the illusion. The reversal at that moment, the moment you realize you're more comfortable in a war zone than in your own bed, is an excruciatingly painful one. That's when you first begin to think that perhaps "home" will never be the same again, and when you return for good from the war it won't be like stepping back into your old life. That moment convinced me that even when I came back, things could never be the same.
What has life been like since your honorable discharge?
Busy. Tough. Rewarding. When I came back from Iraq, the last thing I ever wanted to do was talk about it. Now I find myself talking about it nearly everyday, but strangely, that's been good. To talk about it, to go through it again and again has done wonders in helping me process and integrate that part of my life.
One painful aspect of my activism is confronting people who disagree with me so strongly that they actually hate me personally. Since I began speaking out I have tasted more scorn, denial and venom than I thought I would be able to bear. Yet I have, and the more I take the more I know I can handle it. It has been very hard for me to accept that people who don't know me, who've never met me or heard me speak could be so sure about who I am and what happened to me in Iraq.
I may never understand it, but gradually I have become professional enough to bear the slings and arrows that come with standing up for any controversial opinion. That's life. I continue to hope for reconciliation with those members of my unit who strongly disagree with me, and I hope that someday we can all sit and discuss our experiences as friends.
On the whole, my life has been good and continually getting better. I feel like I've finally found my voice: to speak, to take a stand, to be principled in public. I'm not afraid to do it anymore, because I've already come so far and through so much. It was tremendously fulfilling to write a book and to see it printed. I hope it touches a few people out there. I think if I can I'll write another one, maybe a fiction this time, and see where that takes me.
Someday, years from now, I intend to run for office and try to do something with the perspective I've gained. In the balance, the road ahead seems wide open and alive with possibilities. I'm alive, I'm whole, I'm sane, and I'm free. You couldn't really ask for more than that.
Source: http://www.deweyhammond.com/2007/08/exclusive-interview-aidan-delgado.html