text:
<?php

namespace Controllers\Admin;

use Controllers\BaseController;
use Tricks\Repositories\PersonalRepositoryInterface;

class PersonalesController extends BaseController
{
    /**
     * Personal repository.
     *
     * @var \Tricks\Repositories\TagRepositoryInterface
     */
    protected $personales;

    /**
     * Create a new PersonalesController instance.
     *
     * @param  \Tricks\Repositories\PersonalRepositoryInterface  $tags
     * @return void
     */
    public function __construct(PersonalRepositoryInterface $personales)
    {
        parent::__construct();

        $this->personales = $personales;
    }

    /**
     * Show the tags index page.
     *
     * @return \Response
     */
    public function getIndex()
    {
        $personales = $this->personales->findAll();

        $this->view('admin.personales.list', compact('personales'));
    }

    /**
     * Delete a tag from the database.
     *
     * @param  mixed $id
     * @return \Illuminate\Http\RedirectResponse
     */
    public function getDelete($id)
    {
        $this->personales->delete($id);

        return $this->redirectRoute('admin.personales.index');
    }

    /**
     * Show the tag edit form.
     *
     * @param  mixed $id
     * @return \Response
     */
    public function getView($id)
    {
        $personal = $this->personales->findById($id);

        $this->view('admin.personales.edit', compact('personal'));
    }

    /**
     * Handle the creation of a tag.
     *
     * @return \Illuminate\Http\RedirectResponse
     */
    public function postIndex()
    {
        $form = $this->personales->getForm();

        if (! $form->isValid()) {
            return $this->redirectRoute('admin.personales.index')
                        ->withErrors($form->getErrors())
                        ->withInput();
        }

        $personal = $this->personales->create($form->getInputData());

        return $this->redirectRoute('admin.personales.index');
    }

    /**
     * Handle the editing of a tag.
     *
     * @param  mixed $id
     * @return \Illuminate\Http\RedirectResponse
     */
    public function postView($id)
    {
        $form = $this->personales->getForm();

        if (! $form->isValid()) {
            return $this->redirectRoute('admin.personales.view', $id)
                        ->withErrors($form->getErrors())
                        ->withInput();
        }

        $personal = $this->personales->update($id, $form->getInputData());

        return $this->redirectRoute('admin.personales.view', $id);
    }
}


Can you please move the reboot phone option to the basic settings menu instead of the advanced?
Is there a reason (security) why it is only on the advanced settings?
End users typically do not have their admin passwords and feedback is not good when we ask them to unplug / replug the phone sets.
I think this is a good idea, however you can hold down the X button and the phones will ask if you want to reboot.
I knew about holding OK for factory reset, but holding the X key (or the * key on the 56+ series) I did not know - thank you!
The reason why we put the option in the advanced menu is that it would be password protected to prevent the unwantted reboot by mistake or by others.
And yes you can hold the X button to do a reboot.
Seems odd that the system requires a password to reboot from the advanced menu but no password is required while holding down the X button?
That's a good question. I think holding the X button is a hidden operation, and it's less frequent for triggering an unwantted reboot.


text:
Wishing all a Happy Mother's Day!
The following are photos I have of my direct ancestor females, with links to blog pages I have written about them in the past.
My 3rd Great-Grandmother, Catherine (Young) Steward with her husband Thomas Steward, and four of her children. One of them may be my 2nd Great-Grandmother, Hannah B Steward.
Catherine (ie Katherine, Katie, Catharine) died in 1875, her burial place unknown.
For more, see blog:
Thomas Steward and wife Catherine Young
Hannah B Steward, daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Young) Steward, my 2nd Great Grandmother. Her name was changed to Alberta Ann Rowell following her adoption. She died in 1901, aged 29 years, from complications after a pregnancy.
I have a page about her here:
Hannah B Steward, aka Alberta Ann Rowell
(above) My 3rd Great-Grandmother, Emily A. (Waitt/Waite) Brown, wife of James W Brown of Kittery, Maine.
Her daughter, Emily Jane Brown (center photo), my 2nd G-Grandmother, married John Kramer of Colchester, CT, but she lived most of her life in Kittery. At right is my Great-Grandmother, Martha (Kramer) Leavitt, Emily's daughter, with myself and siblings.
More about their families here:
Brown - Locke's Cove, Kittery, Maine
Emily Augusta (Waitt) Brown
My Waitt (Waite) Family from Malden, MA
Emily Jane (Brown) Kramer
My maternal line continues..
My Great-Grandmother, Annie (Knight) Smith (pictured here on porch with her sister Abbie). Her daughter, Alice (photo on right), is my gram (with me helping her at church bake sale...nice batch of brownies there!)
(at left) My mom and I on (I believe) Pest Island in the Piscataqua River.
My paternal line:
My Pridham relatives here, including my grandmother Alice (Pridham) Dow, and her mother, my Great-Grandmother Louise (Condon) Pridham.
More about this family is written here:
The Pridhams of Puddle Dock (Portsmouth, NH)
My Great-Grandmother, Dorothy M (Yeaton) Dow, the daughter of Nathaniel B and Louisa M (Meloon) Yeaton.
I have a blog post written about her here:
In Memory of Great-Grandmother Yeaton
"Thomas Steward and His First Family"
- all that was written on back of photo at right (this photocopy sent to me by a relative years ago)
The following is a timeline I wrote out, attempting to trace the whereabouts of this family.
1858, 1 Sept - Thomas Steward marries Catherine Young at Skowhegan. Both of Skowhegan.
1859, Dec (est) - dau Emma F Steward born in Skowhegan.
1860, 29 July - date Skowhegan census (below) taken
1860 Skowhegan, Somerset, ME census
1862, 9 Dec - dau Rosa M Steward born in Skowhegan [date calc from age at death]
1863, 24 July - Thomas is drafted, to serve in the 7th Maine infantry. He did not go.
1863-1864 - perhaps a dau Mary born (seen in 1870 census, aged 6) **see below**
1864, Jan + Feb - Thomas arrested for failing to join, deserted, and was again arrested
1864, July+Aug - deserted (location unknown) and arrested twice.
1865, 2 July - discharged from service
1866, Spring - dau Sarah born (seen in 1870 census, age 4)
1870, January - son Herbert (aka Orion H) Steward born in Skowhegan (death rec says Lexington)
Skowhegan Annual Town Report (y/e 3/1/1865), family of Thomas Steward received $89.30 in state aid
1870 Jerusalem, Franklin, ME census
1870, 21 July - (above) census for Jerusalem taken
1872, 19 Feb - dau Hannah B Steward born in Skowhegan
1873, circa - Thomas lived in Cornville, "soon moved to Athens", lived there 3 or 4 yrs. Wife died there. Moved from there ca 1877-78 [affidavit in pension, dated 8/31/1889]
1874, 8 May - son Thomas J Steward born in Athens, Maine
1875, 13 July - wife Catherine (Young) died in Athens
1875 or '76 - worked in Dead River, ME. "Had lost wife and had with him two small children" [Affidavit in pension file, dated 12/7/1892]
1875, 23 Oct - dau Hannah is adopted by Luther and Lovisa Rowell. Name changed to "Alberta Rowell"
1878, 9 Mar - Thomas remarries to Estelle Skillings, at Anson, Maine
The only record seen that shows Catherine (aka Kate/Katie) as being born in Canada is the 1870 census, so this may be wrong. Son Herbert's marriage record lists Jerusalem as her birth place, perhaps more reliable than his death record, which says Lexington (which was his step-mother Estelle's birth place). Looking at the death records of her other children, Rosa's shows "unknown", while Emma's lists Skowhegan as Kate's birth place.
No burial place has been found for Catherine (Young) Steward. Cemetery transcriptions of graveyards in Athens and Skowhegan have been searched, as well as all of those Somerset County cemeteries included in the Maine Old Cemetery Association (MOCA) records.
It is interesting to note that, in the 1870 census for Jerusalem, Franklin County, Maine, there are only five households in town (in 1860, there were 7, but 2 were unoccupied). One of those five households just happens to be a Young family. John Young, though himself listed as born in Maine, was also shown as having foreign born parents, just as Catherine (Young) Stewart was. Perhaps there is a link between them, though my research has yet to find one.
ADDENDUM, 2015
Since I began typing this blog, I also continued my search into these family members. In the past, I had searched high and low for those two girls (Mary and Sarah) that were only seen in the 1870 census. For many years, before we had the ability via Ancestry.com and Family Search to search for names, the family had been "lost" between 1860 and 1880, as myself and other researchers were always looking in Somerset County. It was in 2003 when I had found Thomas and his family in neighboring Franklin County, with two more names in the household we hadn't known about! Last night, trying again to find these Stewart girls, I lucked out. In the Mass VR, there is an 1897 marriage in Everett, MA between an Isaac W Bryden, Jr and a "May" F (Stewart) Crosgove, both a second marriage for them, both were listed "of Everett, age 30". She had been born in Skowhegan, the daughter of Thomas Stewart and Katie Young!
Unfortunately, I have yet to find them in the 1900 census, and Isaac is afterwards seen in the 1902 Portland street directory, and remarries (listed as a widower) that same year. I haven't found May/Mary yet in a death record between 1897 to 1902.
ADDENDUM, 9/29/2016
Daughter Sarah has been found. Not sure how I previously missed her while doing blank searches for anyone with a Thomas Stewart/Steward and Catherine/Katherine (Young) for parents, but found her this time around. In 1907, a Sadie E Spaulding was married to an Arthur Woodman of Fairfield, and the above parents were listed. This marriage was listed as her second (in error), she being a widow. Her previous marriage was to William H Spaulding (6/27/1888 in Waterville, ME), whom she married shortly after her divorce from her first husband, Clarence Witham, was finalized. They had been married on 10/21/1883 in Embden, Maine, and they had a daughter Alice together. When Alice was married, she listed her mother as being born in Embden, which seems more likely the correct location, as compared to later accounts of her being born in Exeter, ME. Sadie, aka Sarah Etta, died in 1939, and was buried in Sunset Cemetery, North Anson, the same cemetery as her father. The Lewiston Daily Sun, 08/09/1939, printed an obituary for her.
https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xSQgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=gmoFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3377%2C2672070

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Henry's girlfriend in rumor turns out not to be SNSD's Sunny as fans thought!
Fans of the Henry-Sunny couple must be very disappointed as Henry's rumor girlfriend turns out to be FIESTAR's Jei.
On August 7th, Kpop fans have been spreading the rumor that Henry's girlfriend is actually Jei, a former member of FIESTAR. The rumor burst out when two of them were both seen at the same luxurious resort. Henry's picture was posted by a friend of his, and Jei's picture was her own on her SNS. This rumor has stunned many fans. Most of them send their blessing to this new relationship that their idol currently has.
The two idols were at the same hotel on July 31st
Henry is a solo artist and a restaurant owner at the moment. On the rumor girlfriend's side, Jei is a former member of FIESTAR, an underrated that disbanded not so long ago. Jei has a stunning look and a sexy body figure, which made her qualified to become a top star but she didn't have the luck. Both of them have yet spoken up about this rumor.
Jei's stunning look
Every SM fans will know about the "Forever Alone Couple", Henry and Sunny. They are the well-known best friends couple in the company, and there have been many cute moments of the two together before. Hence, fans have always wished that they would become a real couple one day. If Henry and Jei are dating for real, apparently fans will have to say goodbye to this adorable couple.
The ship is sinking
Related Items:fiesta, Henry, SNSD Sunny
Turns out that non-Korean idols have their own 'foreign lines'
Kpop plastic surgery disaster is criticized because of a deformed face similar to… Sunny (SNSD)
Fireworks splashed in the eyes, Wendy (Red Velvet) got injured at the time of their comeback
Five idol groups who have been resting for too long, will they disband?


text:
Q: Meteor and Jekyll I am wondering if it is possible to build a site with Meteor that using Jekyll to make my blog posts. Or even use Octopress and Meteor. How would I go about doing this, I am not sure if this is even possible having the Meteor server and the Jekyll server. I am basically trying to figure out the easiest way to blog using Meteor.
https://github.com/mojombo/jekyll
http://octopress.org/docs/

A: You won't be able to use jekyll without making a seperate server and stack, it would really increase your workload because you would have to communicate with the meteor server too. Jekyll is a ruby gem so I guess it would go best with a rails stack
You could have a look at a few github project at what look like Meteor blogs, they might be a good place to start:

*

*https://github.com/jefflam/meteor-blog

*https://github.com/xydudu/a-meteor-blog

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Manhunt launched for driver who fled scene of fatal crash
The man was seen leaving the wreckage of the car covered in blood and mud
Rachael McMenemy
Police are looking for Tadas Sostakas
One man died and a manhunt has been launched for another after a deadly crash.
The suspected driver of a Mercedes, which crashed in a ditch, was seen walking away covered in blood and mud.
Tadas Sostakas, 37, thought to be the driver, left the scene before emergency services arrived to the ditch between Wisbech Road and First Marsh Road in Wisbech at 3pm yesterday (June 5).
The passenger, a man in his 30s, was found by emergency services and pronounced dead at the scene.
Police launched a massive search for the driver including foot searches, a police helicopter and dog unit.
One man died and a manhunt has been launched for another (Image: Fenland Police)
Local hospitals have also been checked as it is thought Mr Sostakas may be injured.
Mr Sostakas was seen on CCTV leaving the scene after the collision.
Officers are concerned for his wellbeing and would also like to speak with Mr Sostakas concerning the collision.
He is described as white and was wearing a white and blue T-shirt with dark tracksuit bottoms, socks and no footwear. Witnesses reported seeing Mr Sostakas with blood on his top, face and hands and described his clothes as muddied.
Woman charged with killing two men by dangerous driving in Newmarket crash
Anyone who may have seen Mr Sostakas or who witnessed a man fitting that description is asked to contact Norfolk Police immediately on 101.
CrimeA member of the public spotted him with a kitchen knife
Artificial pancreas is 'life-changing' for very young children with diabetes, experts say
Police name man killed after being hit by lorry in A1 crash
A1He was tragically struck by a lorry after the car he was driving collided with the central barriers


This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Has Gone Viral. You MUST Have It!
Someone call a doctor because this chicken noodle soup has my taste buds love sick.
For centuries, chicken noodle soup has been a go-to remedy for colds and flu. Why? because the bones of the chicken are packed with all sorts of immune-boosting nutrients. so many folks make their stock with boneless chicken parts and they are really cheating themselves out of the goodness of bone broth. The following recipe calls for bone-in chicken thighs so make sure you use them. You won't regret it!
Chicken noodle soup is one of my favorite soups to make. You can use any type of noodle that you want but I prefer Kluski. However, on the day I made the soup all i had were egg noodles on hand.
USE THE RED NEXT PAGE LINK BELOW FOR THE CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP RECIPE.
Quick Tip: Feel free to add or omit the veggies from this beef stew recipe that you prefer.
Please provide a facility so that one can print the recipe directly from the webpage.


Tableware : Tableware Wholesale Tableware Uk Vintage Hand Painted Italian Pottery Sweet 16 Tableware Italian Porcelain Bowls. Italian Tableware. Hand Painted In Italy. Where To Buy Pottery In Italy. Italian Pottery Gifts.


text:
Louisiana Bars Get One More Hour Of Alcohol Sales After Edwards Tweaks Phase 3 Rules
By Paul Braun • Sep 17, 2020
Betsy Shepherd / WWNO
Gov. John Bel Edwards loosened Louisiana's coronavirus restrictions Thursday to allow bars to serve alcohol until 11 p.m. — one hour later than the previous restrictions allowed.
The move comes one week after Edwards ushered the state into Phase 3 of reopening and allowed on-site consumption of alcohol in bars in parishes with a lower incidence of COVID-19 cases.
Bars are allowed table seating and service only. Alcohol sales will also end at 11 p.m. for other businesses, including restaurants and casinos.
To qualify, parishes must have a percent-positive coronavirus case rate of less than 5 percent over a 14 day period. Parish governing authorities must opt-in.
The governor's office confirmed that four parishes — Acadia, Jefferson Davis, St. Landry and Plaquemines — have qualified and opted in. The parish governments of St. John the Baptist and St. Charles have also indicated that they will opt in.
Orleans Parish qualified, but New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced last week that she would keep the parish's modified Phase 2 restrictions in place for the foreseeable future.
Edwards said in a press release that he made the decision to extend alcohol sales after consulting representatives of the service and hospitality industry, calling the one-hour extension a "meaningful change to benefit restaurants that may have later service."
"This change has been implemented in several states, including Colorado, and has been recommended by the White House Coronavirus Task Force," Edwards said in a press release.
"Limiting the hours for alcohol consumption is designed to reduce the amount of higher risk behavior in this community," Edwards repeated in Thursday's release.
Bars were first closed in March during the initial surge of coronavirus cases in the state. Edwards allowed bars to reopen at 25 percent capacity when the state entered Phase 2 in early June, but behavior at bars quickly contributed to the second surge of coronavirus cases in the state.
With their close confines and young, often inebriated clientele, they became the site of so-called super spreader events across the state. The Louisiana Department of Health attributed more than 100 COVID-19 cases to the Tigerland bars near Louisiana State University after one weekend of partying.
Edwards shuttered barrooms again on July 13, at the same time he implemented a statewide mask mandate and stricter limits on gathering sizes in an attempt to tamp down coronavirus cases in the state.
WRKF News
Gov. John Bel Edwards
Some Bars Can Reopen And Businesses Can Let More Customers Inside In Louisiana's Phase 3
By Rosemary Westwood • Sep 11, 2020
Louisiana's churches and businesses will be able to expand their capacity and some bars will be allowed to reopen under new restrictions in Phase 3 of Louisiana's reopening plan announced by Gov. John Bel Edwards on Friday.
New Orleans Will Stay In Phase 2 'Til Kids Get Back In School'
By Ashley Dean & Aubri Juhasz • Sep 10, 2020
New Orleans will remain in Phase 2 of its coronavirus reopening as the rest of the state moves to Phase 3 on Friday under Gov. John Bel Edwards' order.
Dr. Alex Billioux, A Leader In Louisiana's Coronavirus Response, Will Resign At The End Of Septemb
Dr. Alex Billioux, Louisiana's assistant secretary of health for the Office of Public Health and a key leader in the response to the coronavirus pandemic, will resign at the end of the month.
Louisiana Is Moving To Phase 3
Louisiana will move to Phase 3 of the state's reopening plan Friday, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced on Thursday.


I began sculpting clay in high school, an activity I continued sporadically throughout much of my working career. However, after retiring, that passion for creating objects in ceramic clay quickly evolved . . . first, into creating jewelry in sheet metal, and, finally, into creating jewelry in metal clay. I began with silver metal clay, and although I still use it, my passion has shifted to the newer base metal clays, copper, bronze, and steel. When combined in a single piece, they are considerably more challenging than working with silver alone. In the past 6 years, I have mentored with eleven renowned jewelry artists in bead & pearl stringing, lapidary, silver fabrication, and silver and base-metal clays. Jonna Faulkner and Hadar Jacobson have been my principle mentors in metal clay, and I will be forever grateful to them for sharing their knowledge, skills, and art with me.
After my long career in the sciences, it is deeply gratifying to now be known as a "jeweler" and as an "artist." I am also extremely pleased to have placed second in two jewelry contests, to be featured as a "Rising Star" in an issue of Metal Clay Today, to have four of my pieces featured in two books by Hadar Jacobson, to have another piece featured in the November 2014 issue of Metal Clay Artist, and, finally, to be juried into the Desert Art Center in Palm Springs where my jewelry is now on display and for sale. In all of Southern California, only two people are accredited to teach Hadar's base metal clays, and I am one of them. I am also certified to teach silver clay.
I make jewelry using metal clay as the medium. I like to think of it as wearable art. Although some of my work is distinctly feminine, I am increasingly emphasizing a unisex, even masculine, aesthetic. Design principles that I see in my work are balance, proportion, and pattern. Terms I hear others use when commenting on my work are "careful," "precise," "detailed," and "refined," terms that I heartily embrace.
I create art because I have to; it is what nourishes my soul. I work with clay because of its tactility; the artist in me requires that intimacy. I work with metal clay, not just because I love metals, but because of the ease with which I can impart texture to my pieces. This is one of the strengths of metal clay as a medium for artistic expression. I work primarily with the base metals because they allow me to create wearable art using the rich metallic colors of the earth. I especially love mixing the metals in a single piece. Jewelry made from these clays is a relatively new art form. Few people have seen such jewelry, and it is exciting to be on the front lines.
I believe my artistic inclinations to be hereditary. My father was an oil painter, and my maternal grandfather was an accomplished coppersmith. Although my grandfather died the year I was born, he left behind a treasure trove of copper work that continues to inspire me. I find the work of the acclaimed Taxco artist Antonio Pineda to be particularly inspirational and influential to my art. His designs are bold yet refined, conveying a sense of power and elegant sophistication. For similar reasons, I am inspired by the work of acclaimed metal clay artist, Gordon Uyehara.
My goal as an artist is to create distinctive pieces of wearable art that people will "ohh" and "ahh" about and leave them wondering how something so unique, surprising, and beautiful could possibly be made.


Kim Melville-Smith famously dated Marco Pierre White Junior while he went into the Celebrity Big Brother house. Kim and Marco split when he was evicted after he cheated on her with housemate Laura Carter. Kim is now a fashion designer.


text:
Peace Studies & Conflict Resolution
Modern History To 20th Century: C 1700 To C 1900
Armaments Industries
War Is a Racket : The Antiwar Classic by America's Most Decorated Soldier
By (author) Smedley Darlington Butler , Afterword by Cindy Sheehan , Foreword by David Talbot , Introduction by Jesse Ventura
Available. Expected delivery to the United States in 10-13 business days.
US Marine Corps Major General Smedley Butler collected an award cabinet full of medals for his battlefield bravery. But perhaps his bravest act of all was to declare, after his retirement in the early 1930s, who was really winning (and losing) during the bloody clashes.
It was business interests, he revealed, who commercially benefited from warfare. War Is a Racket is the title of the influential speech Butler delivered on a tour across the United States, as well the expanded version of the talk that was later published in 1935 and is now reprinted here. This seminal piece of writing rings as true today as it did during Butler's lifetime.
In his introduction, Jesse Ventura reviews Butler's original writings and relates them to our current political climate explaining how right he was, and how wrong our current system is. With an insightful new foreword by Salon.com founder David Talbot, and a new afterword by activist Cindy Sheehan, this portable reference will appeal to anyone interested in the state of our country and the entire world.
Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Arcade imprint, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in history--books about World War II, the Third Reich, Hitler and his henchmen, the JFK assassination, conspiracies, the American Civil War, the American Revolution, gladiators, Vikings, ancient Rome, medieval times, the old West, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
Publication date 30 Jun 2016
Publisher Skyhorse Publishing
Publication City/Country New York, NY, United States
About Smedley Darlington Butler
Jesse Ventura is the former independent governor of Minnesota. He is also a former US Navy frogman, a professional wrestler, a movie actor, a visiting fellow at Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and the New York Times bestselling author of seven books, including American Conspiracies, 63 Documents the Government Doesn't Want You to Read, and Don't Start the Revolution Without Me! He was the host and executive producer of truTV's Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura, which won the Stony Award from High Times magazine in 2010. He was also the host of the political talk show Off The Grid, which aired on RT America and online at Ora.tv. He has a reputation as a rebel and a freethinker, and he has no qualms about questioning authority. He spends half the year in Baja, Mexico and the other half in his home state of Minnesota.
David Talbot is the New York Times bestselling author of Brothers: The Hidden History of the Kennedy Years and The Devil's Chessboard. He is the founder and former editor-in-chief of Salon and has written for the New Yorker, Rolling Stone, and Time. He lives in San Francisco.


text:
Angraecum rostratum är en orkidéart som beskrevs av Henry Nicholas Ridley. Angraecum rostratum ingår i släktet Angraecum och familjen orkidéer. Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life.

Källor

Orkidéer
rostratum

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Badly sagging ceilings were found by our inspector when conducting a building and pest inspection in the Brisbane suburb of Daisy Hill in the last week. The plasterboard ceilings had dropped down by more than 100mm. A sagging ceiling would need to be fixed immediately because it's a safety hazard and could result in the ceiling falling in, and causing extensive damage to the home and it's inhabitants. If this defect had gone undetected this problem could have potentially cost the purchaser thousands of dollars in repairs, whereas knowing about it prior to purchase has provided an opportunity for negotiation between the buyer and seller.


text:
Home General McCain Needs to Woo Conservatives
2/6/2008 By Ben 3 Comments
McCain Needs to Woo Conservatives
Since last night's results make it increasingly apparent that Sen. John McCain is not only the Republican front-runner but its putative nominee-to-be, here are some thoughts. Exit polls confirm the obvious – that McCain has a lot of work to do to woo conservatives.
Mary Matalin (via KJ Lopez at the Corner) has some concrete ideas for what the McCain campaign can do to make it happen:
A "trust but verify" strategy for McCain might include:
** announcing in his CPAC speech that he is leaving CPAC and going straight to Newt's for a comprehensive tutelage on "Real Change."
** adopting Fred's immigration plan and Rudy's tax plan;
** announcing that he would establish a Cabinet-level Domestic Policy Czar who will report directly to him, be housed in the White House, and would would oversee and consolidate all the "soft Cabinets." This would be followed by the announcement that he planned to name Jeb Bush as the czar;
** announcing Ted Olson as attorney general;
** announcing George Allen as secretary of the Treasury;
** recognizing that Romney has made and could put blue states in play, and is relentlessly optimistic about America. Therefore he would install him as RNC general chairman to traverse the country and chatterati shows as the 21st century face of conservatism.
Along the same lines, Mark Tapscott has some ideas for a McCain CPAC speech (H/T Captains Quarters):
Here's my initial suggestions for what conservatives should expect from McCain, as a minimum:
1. McCain-Coburn: Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma may be the most credible politician in the GOP, thanks to his no-nonsense, bluntly honest approach to earmarks and federal spending. Coburn is already a McCain supporter. Reagan announced Schweicker ahead of the 76 GOP convention. McCain can put Coborn on the ticket and make him the McCain administration's tax and budget czar.
2. Reform McCain-Feingold: McCain should admit the First Amendment says Congress shall make NO law regarding freedom of political speech. That means McCain-Feingold must be rewritten as a campaign finance disclosure law, not a campaign speech regulation.
3. Build The Fence: Stop the nonsense and doubletalk. Like Reagan said, a nation that cannot control its border is not a sovereign nation.
I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot more suggestions from the Republican and conservative punditocracy over the coming weeks. But that's only because it's crucial for McCain to do some serious wooing of conservatives if the party is going to hold together and have a chance of being energized this November.
Now the only entertainment left in this Presidential primary season is on the Democratic side. To me, it's clear and simple: If McCain is to be the GOP nominee, Republicans who want to preserve the White House need to be cheering for one Democrat candidate to win and another to lose. The Arizona Senator matches up much better with one than the other, and if you've been paying any attention, you should be able to figure out who is who.
But for the fact that it will practically be in our backyard, I'm looking forward to the possibility of a Democratic National Convention with plenty of fireworks. The Clinton-Obama race is far from over, and could be a race to the finish line.
Filed Under: General, National Politics Tagged With: Barack Obama, conservatives, CPAC, DNC Convention, Hillary Clinton, John McCain, Mark Tapscott, Mary Matalin, National Review, punditocracy
Steven Nielson says
2/6/2008 at 9:54 am
Ben –
Great post! You are absolutley correct, that McCain needs to spend a lot of time and energy focussing on the conservative base of the party. It is easy to assume at this point that should McCain win, Huckabee will be the VP. That being the case, I would like to call on our LPR learnings to discuss the weakness in the Reagan coalition, and how a McCain-Huckabee ticket can win the party and unite the country.
First, there are the five categories of the political spectrum: equal outcome, care & fair, Pocketbook, Rules & order, Faith.
Huckabee brings the faith based voters to the table… no contest. But he also reaches out to the moderate and youthful vote by relating to the Care & Fair voters. McCain has some of the Rules & Order voters, less the immigration hawks… But neither one seems to have a big following in the Pocket-book voter group. As you stated above, if they can strengthen their coalition to include great FICON advisers, they will ensure a strong Republican campaign heading into November.
So how do they win in November? Easy. McCain and Huckabee appeal to their respective Republican base, but they also have appeal to the moderates and independents… and Huckabee has huge appeal to the youth voters. That could be a lethal combination, especially since we have conservatism on our side…
Obama or Clinton… I can't see either standing a chance in November against whomever we select as a nominee!
I hope your optimism is well-placed. Don't be so sure that McCain ends up picking Huckabee as VP.
I think Chris Cilizza is write to bring forward the name of SC Gov Mark Sanford.
Check out his Running Mates Line (almost a week old now, I know) here:
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008/02/the_line_on_runningmates.html
Ben – I think the most liekly pick for McCain is Huckabee. His strong showing in the rural and most conservative parts of hotly contested states (like MO) show that he can help lock up the social conservatives for McCain. As well, Huckabee has the name recognition, the likeability, the oratory skills, and the experience that some of the other picks may not have. If McCain and Huckabee continue momentum into the convention, Huckabee should be the pick. If Huckabee falls flat, McCain may pick someone else who has not embarrassed himself nationally. I don't see Huckabee taking big losses, rather making some positive gains in the upcoming states, and (optimism… engaged) will have momentum as the party goes to convention.
Unfortunately for Mitt, and I had said this before, he is not mentioned in the list of VP candidates for McCain, and needed to win the convention if he wanted to be on the ticket.


text:
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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-05-12
TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW No. 85/14 10-12.05.14
[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS
[01] Turkish columnist: US Vice President Biden will visit Cyprus on 21 and 22 May
[02] Eroglu: We feel the pressure of some big countries
[03] Eroglu briefed the "parliamentary platform" on the Cyprus talks
[04] "Deputies" to attend PACE meeting in Istanbul
[05] Slovakian Ambassador: The current process could and should not be allowed to fail
[06] Messages for the 9th of May Europe Day
[07] Ozgurgun: "We are ready to say 'yes' to a solution based on equality"
[08] The Italian Ambassador to Lefkosia met with the "head of religious affairs department"
[09] The son of the King of Jordan and a delegation of the Malaysian Royal Family visited the tomb of the late Seyh Nazim Kibrisi in occupied Lefka
[10] Atlasjet to start direct flights to the breakaway regime according to Sabah
[11] The 2nd International Career Opportunities Forum and the Turkish Cypriot Products Fair to take place in the occupied area of Cyprus
[12] Swoboda: The Cyprus problem has nothing to do with Chapters 23 and 24
[13] German Foreign Minister supports Chapter 23 in Turkey's EU bid
[14] EP Vice President: Turkey has moved away from the EU
[15] US Ambassador: The alliance between Turkey and the U.S. will ensure regional stability
Turkish daily Haber Turk newspaper (11.05.14, online) publishes a column by Muharrem Sarikaya under the title "Biden is coming for the solution". The Turkish columnist reports that the Vice President of the United States of America, Joe Biden will visit Cyprus on 21 and 22 of May in order to meet with President Anastasiades and the Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu to discuss the Cyprus problem and propose a "solution model".
The Turkish columnist writes, inter alia, the following:
"?Biden will be in Cyprus on 21-22 May, meet with the leaders of the two sides, discuss the negotiating process and propose a solution model. I found out about this as a result of meeting at the door the US Ambassador to Cyprus John Koenig when I went to meet with TRNC President Dervis Eroglu in Nicosia. When I asked Eroglu about the intention of the US delegation headed by Koenig, his answer was clear: 'They [Translator's note: He means Eroglu and Koenig] held a meeting regarding the visit of Vice President Biden?' He also said that the interest of Washington in the island has increased during Ambassador Koenig's term. When I asked him what kind of a result he expected from Biden's visit, his answer was humorous: 'Perhaps he will want to make us feel their weight. I have said it to them too. I said: 'There is no need for making us feel your weight. It is enough if you make the Greek Cypriot side feel it'. He noted that the USA wants to dominate over the island in order for extracting oil and natural gas in Eastern Mediterranean and added: 'It let Russia seize Syria in the area. It does not want let it seize Egypt as well. It shows interest in the island while it develops relations with Egypt and Iran?' He said that the stance of the USA on the island until today was aiming at protecting the interests of the Greek Cypriots. He said that 'it secured no benefit for the Turkish side until today' and added: 'It presents itself as if acting in a balanced manner towards both sides with its Ambassador, but it is actually trying for the Greek Cypriot side'.
I reminded him of what has been said as regards the USA needing a success story in the area and that it is producing a formula for this. I said: 'It is said that since a state cannot be established, then let a joint energy company be established and let's reach a state from there. What is your approach?' Eroglu said that interim solution models have not worked until today and will not work from now on. He noted that the negotiations which resumed on 6 May went even more backwards because of the stance of the Greek Cypriot sector. He said that the problem derives from Greek Cypriot leader Anastasiades' wanting to ignore the past agreements and to bring again all articles to the table. It seems that there will be no result from these negotiations too. The expectation is for the process to be opened with the pressure by the US Vice President Biden for going to a state partnership from a company partnership. However, the most correct way is to agree for divorcing and becoming two separate states instead of agreeing for unification after 40 years of separation. It is both easy and permanent?"
In the introduction of his column, Sarikaya reports that Vice President Biden's to Cyprus will be the first visit from the USA to the island at the level of a President or a Vice President after 52 years. He recalls that Vice President Johnson had been the last US official at that level who visited Cyprus.
(I/Ts.)
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (12.05.14) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu has reiterated the allegation of the Turkish side that the developments which happened in Cyprus after the 1974 Turkish invasion of the island cannot be ignored and that the Greek Cypriot leadership should come to the negotiations evaluating the forty years that passed since then.
Addressing the 18th general assembly of the war veterans who had participated in the invasion, Eroglu said that they feel the pressure of some big countries on them and added that he knows what he is defending. He alleged: "Our people have settled, took roots, and built new houses. If you ignore these and say 'I want whatever I had lost in 1974', they will say to you that you are too late. Where your mind was in 1974 for an agreement? An agreement between Denktas and Makarios was reached in 1977, why did you shelve it?" Eroglu alleged that the Greek Cypriot side wants too many things in the negotiations. "I also want many things, but the important thing is what is possible", he claimed.
Eroglu went on and said that with the Turkish war veterans they share the roof of the same "state" and the same destiny. He added: "?If we do not know the value of what we have gained, one day it will be lost. We have to defend heart and soul our gains".
Eroglu alleged that the "state", which the Turkish Cypriots have established with the support of Turkey and by paying heavy costs, is the biggest happiness for them.
Meanwhile, according to Kibris (11.05.14), in statements during a meeting with a delegation of a school from Turkey, Eroglu argued that the negotiations are advancing too slowly and that this derives from the Greek Cypriot side, which has allegedly "nothing to worry about". He said that the Republic of Cyprus, which the Greek Cypriots have allegedly stolen from the Turkish Cypriots, is supported by the UN and the EU, while the so-called TRNC established by the Turkish Cypriots is not recognized and suffers under so-called embargoes.
Furthermore, in statements to Anatolia news agency (09.05.14), Eroglu alleged that the Greek Cypriot officials are not willing to decide on a deadline to agree on a solution and added: "The Greek Cypriot officials are now saying that July 2015 is the time to decide on an agreement, but who knows if they will say '2016 is better' when July 2015 comes?". Eroglu said that they will continue to insist on a 'timeframe' for the negotiations.
He alleged that their priority is to "ensure the rights of those displaced" during the island's partition 40 years ago. "If a person was to move from the northern part of the island to the south - or vice versa - he/she has to have equal living conditions", he said.
According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 10.05.14), Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu briefed the "parliamentary platform", which is made up by the representatives of the political parties with seats in the "assembly", on Friday on the new stage of the Cyprus negotiations process.
Eroglu briefed them regarding the proposals made by the Turkish Cypriot side at the last meeting of the negotiators on the 6th of May on Governance and Power Sharing and Property issues.
The meeting was attended by the leader of the Republican Turkish Party-United Forces (CTP-BG), self-styled prime minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu, the self-styled foreign minister Ozdil Nami, the Secretary General of the CTP Kutlay Erk, the leader of the main opposition National Unity Party (UBP) Huseyin Ozgurgun, UBP "deputies" Tahsin Ertugruloglu and Ersan Saner, the leader of the Democrat Party - National Forces (DP-UG) self-styled deputy prime minister Serdar Denktas, the DP Secretary General Hasan Tacoy and DP Foreign Relations Secretary Serhat Kotak, the leader of the opposition Social Democratic Party (TDP) Cemal Ozyigit, the party's Secretary General Mehmet Harmanci and TDP Deputy Zeki Celer.
Eroglu's undersecretary Hasan Gungor, the Turkish Cypriot negotiator Kudret Ozersay, the self-styled presidential spokesman Osman Ertug and members of the Turkish Cypriot negotiating team were also present at the meeting.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Yorgancioglu said that it had been a useful meeting during which Eroglu had briefed them on the latest proposals. "It was a useful meeting. We believe that such meetings should be held more frequently. We conveyed this suggestion to Eroglu", he said.
Stating that both sides needed to accept the convergences reached to this day in order to be able to reach a settlement, Yorgancioglu said that the leaders needed to focus on areas where divergences existed.
Ozgurgun, for his part, claimed that the Greek Cypriot side continued to resort to delaying tactics despite the bridging and constructive proposals made by Eroglu.
Alleging that the Greek Cypriot side had presented proposals on Governance and Power Sharing which fell out of the framework of standing UN parameters, Ozgurgun said: "There is no rotational presidency, no right to veto. The ratio of the council of ministers will be 7 Greek Cypriots and 3 Turkish Cypriots but all decisions will be taken by a simple majority. That means that all decisions will be approved despite Turkish opposition. Clearly all they want is just 3 puppet Turkish Cypriot ministers which will mean that the new administration will be completely run by the Greek Cypriots. This is totally unacceptable. They want to postpone the process to after 2020".
Also speaking to the press after the meeting, Denktas said that as the process moved forward the number of questions in his head was growing. "No matter how positive and hopeful the messages given to the public are, I do not share this level of optimism" said Denktas, stating that despite this, his party will continue to focus on a solution and try to remain unprejudiced during the negotiations.
Denktas also claimed that the Greek Cypriot side had no intention of reaching a solution and that he believed some proposals were being made deliberately to sabotage the process.
Ozyigit, who spoke last, said that it had been an informative meeting on the latest stage reached in the talks. He added that they attach great importance to the joint statement and expressed the belief that the negotiations should proceed on the basis of the joint declaration.
According to illegal Bayrak (online, 10.05.14), a delegation from the self-styled assembly of the breakaway regime is to attend the meetings of Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe's Committee (PACE) on Culture Education and Media in Istanbul. The delegation consisting of the Republican Turkish Party (DTP) "deputy" Mehmet Caglar and the National Unity Party (UBP) "deputy" Tahsin Ertugruloglu will be representing the "TRNC" at the meetings.
The two are expected to return to the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus on Tuesday, May 13th.
Meanwhile, Caglar represented the Turkish Cypriot community at the PACE's Political Affairs and Democracy Committee meeting in Athens.
Addressing the meeting, Caglar touched upon the Cyprus issue and the freedom of religion that existed on the island. He also said that the joint declaration agreed upon and signed by the two leaders had created a positive atmosphere on the island.
Pointing out that the religious leaders in Cyprus have recently launched a dialogue parallel to the talks, Caglar said that the meetings of the religious leaders gave messages to the two "peoples" on the island on the unifying role the religion played.
Stating that individuals who were non-Muslims practiced their religion freely in the "TRNC", Caglar alleged that despite the lack of funds, a number of projects is developed and implemented in "North Cyprus" for the protection and preservation of the cultural heritage and monuments.
According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 10.05.14), the Slovakian Ambassador to Cyprus Oksana Tomova said that she perceives the round table meetings held for the last 25 years under the auspices of the Slovakian embassy to be part of the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) between the two sides.
Speaking on a program on "BRT" on Thursday night, the Ambassador said that her country has been involved in the Cyprus problem since the first bi-communal meeting between political parties was organized in Prague upon an invitation by the former Czechoslovakian Ambassador 25 years ago in May 1989.
Underlining the importance of the meetings that take place at Ledra Palace, she said that the meetings provided a unique atmosphere and opportunity where political parties from both sides of the divided country could come together to share and discuss issues pertaining to the Cyprus problem. "These meetings are extremely important in building bridges as well as conveying messages to the public on both sides", Tomova said.
Responding to a question regarding the Cyprus negotiations process, the Slovakian Ambassador said that the current process could and should not be allowed to fail. She said that everyone, including the international community and other actors had to work in order to ensure that the process will be a success.
According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 10.05.14), the 9th of May Europe Day was marked in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus with various events.
The Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce and the EU Commission's Representation Office organized a joint reception yesterday on the occasion.
The reception was attended by the self-styled speaker of the assembly of the breakaway regime Sibel Siber, self-styled prime minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu, former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, self-styled foreign minister Ozdil Nami, representatives of various Embassies and officials from the Greek Cypriot Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Delivering the first speech at the event, the Chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce Fikri Toros said that the EU's designs to ease the economic and social life of the Turkish Cypriots had unfortunately failed despite numerous efforts and initiatives. Claiming that this had created a deep sense of disappointment amongst the Turkish Cypriots, Toros said that despite this the chamber remained committed to cooperate and work with the EU.
Speaking next, the Head of the EU Commission's Representation Office in Cyprus George Markopouliotis said that the current state of affairs in Cyprus is unacceptable and that the EU Commission will continue to support the Turkish Cypriots regarding the implementation of the acquis.
In addition, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (10.05.14) reported that the self-styled foreign ministry issued a statement on the 9th of May Europe Day claiming that in order for the Turkish Cypriots to be benefited from the basic European rights, the "unnecessary limitation imposed in economic and social life and the lack or representation" must be lifted. The self-styled ministry also stated that the Turkish Cypriots, who voted in favor of the Annan Plan ten years ago, celebrate this day, even if they are not represented in the EU. It also claimed that the Turkish Cypriots continue their efforts for a positive outcome at the Cyprus negotiations.
Also on his message, the self-styled prime minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu, stated that as a "government" they will do everything possible for the solution of the Cyprus problem and added that the solution is very important for the Turkish Cypriots who are under "embargoes".
Finally, on his message, the general secretary of the Republican Turkish party Kutlay Erk said that the Turkish Cypriots are part of the European family and their place is in the EU.
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (10.05.14) reported on statements by the leader of the National Unity Party (UBP) Huseyin Ozgurgun who in statements to a televised program, evaluated several issues and said that they do not agree with the bonding of the so-called police to the social authorities.
Referring to the Cyprus negotiation talks, Ozgurgun said that the National Unity Party is ready to say "yes" to a solution to be reached as a result of the Cyprus negotiation talks, based on the equality of the two communities.
Ozgurgun added also the following: "If the Greek Cypriot side abandons the view that the Turkish Cypriot people are a minority, this will pave the way for solution. However, we had not witnessed yet such an approach at the negotiation table?"
(AK)
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (10.05.14) reports that the Italian Ambassador to Lefkosia Guido Cerboni met with Talip Atalay "head of religious affairs department".
According to the paper, Cerboni stated that Italy follows and supports the dialogue taking place between the religious leaders in Cyprus during the last three years.
On his part Atalay thanked the Italian Ambassador for his support and added that separating the "religious" language from the "political" language is very important for the religious leaders.
Under the front-page title: "The son of the King of Jordan is in Lefka", Turkish Cypriot daily Haberal Kibrisi newspaper (12.05.14) reports that Prince Hasim, son of the King of Jordan is illegally visiting the occupied area of Cyprus and particularly the occupied Lefka village.
As the paper writes, Prince Hasim visited yesterday the tomb of the late Seyh Nazim Kibrisi of Lefka who passed away the previous week. The Prince visited also the family of Kibrisi and expressed his condolences.
Meanwhile, according to Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (10.05.14), a delegation of the Malaysian Royal Family consisting of 12 persons arrived yesterday, (on Friday) with a private jet via Larnaka Airport to Cyprus. After their arrival, they crossed over to the occupied area of Cyprus where they visited the tomb of the late Seyh Kibrisi in Lefka.
The Malaysian Royal Family delegation is headed by Princess Raja Aleena, sister of Malaysian Princess Raja Ashman Shah who passed away some time ago. The Malaysian delegation departed from Larnaka airport on May 10.
Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (12.05.14) reports that Atlasjet will start in 2015 direct flights to the occupied area of Cyprus.
Speaking to Sabah, the chairman of Atlasjet administrative board, Murat Ersoy, stated that the firm is able to start direct flights in 2015 to the breakaway regime, adding that this will bring life to tourism in the area. He also stated that the possibility of launching direct flights is the reason behind the construction of a luxury five-star hotel with 2.500 bed capacity in occupied Keryneia. He also said that with these investments foreign franchises may come to the breakaway regime.
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (11.05.14) reported that the "Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry" (KTSO), together with the illegal Eastern Mediterranean University (DAU) and the Eurasia Economic Relations Association (Ecoavrasya), will co-organize the 2nd International Career Opportunities Forum and the Turkish Cypriot Products Fair.
The event will be organized on May 15-16 at the "Rauf Denktas" Congress Center in occupied Famagusta.
The paper writes that more than 70 participants from 9 countries are expected to attend the event. Among the participants will be ministers and businessmen.
Turkish daily Milliyet (12.05.14) reports that Hannes Swoboda, leader of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, in an interview to the paper, asked to comment that "chapters 23 and 24 are in the shelf due to the Cyprus problem and can the sides create a solution?", said that in reality the Cyprus problem has nothing to do with the Chapters 23 and 24, but unfortunately they are connected issues. He added that the Greek Cypriot side is open-minded on this issue and is ready to produce a solution. The Turkish government should use this advantage and to have positive stance towards a solution, Swoboda said and added: "The longer the solution takes, the more difficult will become. The solution is not impossible, but the display of a political will is a condition."
On the same issue, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 12.05.14), under the title "Turkey further away from EU accession than in 2007, Swoboda says", reports that Turkey is further away from European Union membership today than it was seven years ago, Hannes Swoboda has said, voicing concerns over judicial independence in the country, to the paper on the sidelines of a conference titled "International Symposium on Justice and the Rule of Law" held in Istanbul last week for the first time.
In the last two years, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has changed and has rolled back some reforms that were significant for the EU, according to Swododa.
He said Europe and Turkey had to work for accession. "We have to convince our citizens in our countries that the Turkish membership would be good," Swoboda said. For Turkey's part, it should do "a real constitutional reform" and realize "decentralization," he added.
"You can't keep such a big country together with populations including the Kurdish one in a unitary state. It is one of the issues, but there are many other issues concerning democratic reforms," said Swoboda.
He also said that centre-right European politicians could cease supporting Turkey's accession process in the near future, predicting that there would be more extremist parties in the European Parliament after the elections. "The danger is that some right-wing parties could move away from the enlargement and Turkey issue because they are afraid that they could be consumed by the extremists. The effect will not be immediate, but we might see the influence over the centre right," Swoboda said.
According to Ankara Anatolia news agency (10.05.14), German Foreign Minister, Frank Walter Steinmeier reaffirmed Saturday his support for Turkey on the opening of Chapter 23 ? Judiciary and Fundamental Rights ? during its accession into the European Union.
Delivering a speech at the 10th session of the Turkish-German Society, Steinmeir said that Turkey and Germany have deeply rooted relations and that Germany's affirmative stance in 2005 paved a way for the negotiations between Turkey and the EU.
Neither the European Union nor Germany are excellent, stated the German Foreign Minister, adding that Turkey has a long path ahead on judiciary and democracy and should not abstain from criticism.
Turkish daily Today's Zaman (online, 11.05.14) reports that Turkey's bid to join the European Union has been undermined in recent months and Turkey has moved away from the 28-nation bloc, according to Othmar Karas, an Austrian politician and member of the European Parliament's biggest group, the European People's Party (EPP).
In an interview with Today's Zaman, Karas insisted that the EU is not just a common market and that membership in the bloc requires a commitment to values such as freedom of religion and democracy, and respect for human dignity. "I hope Turkey will reinstate the dynamism of reform on the way to becoming an EU member," he said in the interview, which was conducted in German.
Karas, who is running for re-election to the European Parliament in the elections slated for the end of this month, said he and another Austrian Member of the European Parliament (MEP), Hannes Swoboda of the Social Democratic Party, supported the opening of accession talks between the EU and Turkey. "But I have to say with regret that developments over the past several months have pushed Turkey away from the EU," he said, adding, "I regret this because I believe that the EU and Turkey moving closer to each other is in the interest of both sides."
According to the Austrian politician, the EU does not have the capacity to absorb the membership of a country like Turkey, and Turkey has not met the conditions of membership. But the membership negotiations must be continued on the basis of agreements signed and the European values," he said.
In an exclusive interview with Turkish daily Sabah (online, 12.05.14), U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Francis J. Ricciardone stressed that the alliance between Turkey and the U.S. will ensure regional stability.
He also touched on the fact that the two countries respect one other's independent policies while maintaining national interests. He confirmed that he enjoyed his time spent in Turkey and may collect his memoirs into a book. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio
tcpr2html v1.01 run on Monday, 12 May 2014 - 18:52:13 UTC


This Walking Dino brings the dinosaur world to life! Watch your toy walk around the room with its sharp teeth ready to munch on the first thing it finds. His spine lights-up with bright colors as he walks around! Use your imagination to create a dinosaur world to play in with the Walking Dino!


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The full lineup for this summer's Lollapalooza features a huge assortment of rock, pop, hip-hop, EDM and country stars, from headliners Ariana Grande, Childish Gambino, Twenty One Pilots and The Strokes, to J Balvin, Lil Wayne, The Chainsmokers, Meek Mill, Gary Clark Jr., Flume and Tame Impala.
The festival will take over Grant Park on Chicago's lakefront from Aug. 1-4 with a massive roster that also boasts sets from Janelle Monáe, Rosalía, Tenacious D, Yaeji, Slash, Gunna, Lil Baby, Lil Skies and Madeon.
A partial lineup was revealed on Tuesday in an adorable puppy-filled video that gave a sneak peek at the lineup, which Wednesday's (March 20) full announcement revealed will also include H.E.R., Hozier, 21 Savage, Death Cab For Cutie, The Revivalists, Maggie Rogers, co-founder Perry Farrell's Kind Heaven Orchestra, Alesso, 6Lack, NF, Sheck Wes and King Princess.
This summer's Lolla will host more than 170 bands on eight stages, with 4-day general admission, GA+, VIP and Platinum passes available now here; One-day tickets will be offered at a later date. Children 10 and under are free with every ticket-holding adult.


text:
Anna Bradley Picks a Fight
She was broke, alone, and physically devastated--and then she picked up on a little-remarked federal requirement called Section 508. With that, Anna Bradley had both a calling and a pioneering business.
By John Grossmann
GOOD DAYS AND BAD DAYS "When God was handing out brains, common sense, and business acumen I was at the front of the line," says Anna Bradley. "But when He was handing out good health…"
Ken Collins
Entrepreneurs create businesses for many reasons, under various circumstances, responding to all manner of marketplace insights and opportunities. Many start small, under their own roof. But nobody's got a story anything like Anna Bradley's.
Once a well-paid corporate executive specializing in information technology, she had fallen on the hardest of times. At age 35, out of work and suffering from the physical and emotional ravages of a third major health crisis in less than a decade, she'd done the unthinkable: moved back in with her parents, to the 1,100-square-foot Iowa ranch house she grew up in.
There, holed up for months in the 8-by-10 bedroom of her childhood, she spotted a bright opportunity in a few gray lines of governmentese. In late 2000, Bradley read that the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (now known as the Access Board), a federal agency devoted to accessibility for the disabled, had issued final standards for some recent congressional amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the landmark law that changed the American landscape by fostering wheelchair ramps, curb cuts, handicapped parking spaces, and wheelchair-accessible public restrooms at federal offices. The new initiative, Bradley noted, required federal agencies and companies doing business with the federal government to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities.
That requirement, coupled with her determination to craft a second working life suited to her own disability, effectively sparked her business, which she named Criterion 508 Solutions, incorporating the number of the new section of the Rehabilitation Act. Bradley knew enough about government procurement contracts to feel the rumblings of a tectonic shift in commerce. The new regulations would go into effect soon, on June 21, 2001. Fortunes would be made by understanding and serving the soon-to-explode field of 508 compliance, the equivalent of building wheelchair ramps to technology.
"When God was handing out brains, common sense, and business acumen I was at the front of the line," says Bradley. "But when He was handing out good health, I must have been at a bar or a party somewhere because I certainly didn't get much."
Not quite true. Bradley enjoyed good health until she hit her mid-twenties. She excelled in the first female ice hockey league in Des Moines, then became a bantam-league hockey referee. Comfortable as an authority figure and rules enforcer, she hoped to follow her 1989 graduation from Iowa State University (where she majored in history) with a career in law enforcement. She made it through the Department of Public Safety boot camp, only to have the state patrol academy shuttered by budget cuts. While waiting for that situation to be resolved, Bradley took security work at a hospital and at one of Des Moines's biggest local employers, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, a seed company now owned by DuPont. That led to a job in the Pioneer mailroom.
PCs were then just landing on desktops at Pioneer, befuddling many first-time users. Bradley purchased a computer for home and devoured the manual, eager to understand this new technological frontier. As she delivered mail on the floor at Pioneer, she started offering assistance to computer novices. Word quickly spread: "If you're having trouble with your PC, call the mail clerk in plant breeding."
One day, the call came from engineering. Bradley solved a print-driver problem in 15 minutes--and got offered the job of systems engineer. "Within a year of starting at Pioneer, literally in the mailroom," she says, "I was on the company private jet to Naples, Florida, doing a presentation to the board of directors on a computer-based training program I had developed."
But in 1992 Bradley's good fortune changed, soon after she gamely donned an inflatable sumo wrestler's suit for a bit of tomfoolery at a company picnic. Her spotter's attention wandered. Bradley fell over backwards, hitting her head on the concrete. "I saw stars for the first time in my life. I'd thought that was a figurative saying," she says. "But literally, all these white things clouded my field of vision." Bradley assumed the terrible headache that laid her up for more than a week would pass, but in fact her injury led to persistent headaches and chronic pain that radiated to her shoulders, back, and hips. Pain became a state of existence, something she learned to live with as she continued to work, to pursue a master's degree in adult education, training, and development, and to learn all she could about the next new thing to hit the hinterland, something called the Internet. She started moonlighting. She'd rent a hotel ballroom, place an ad in the paper, collect $75 a head from five dozen or six dozen attendees, and then speak about the wonders of the World Wide Web.
Word got around. The Principal Financial Group (NYSE:PFG), a Des Moines stalwart, lured her away in 1996 to help get the company's Internet and intranet operations up to speed. When she moved to another company it was for a six-figure salary; she lived, she says, "the high life." She traveled freely. Selected the Eddie Bauer edition when she purchased a Ford (NYSE:F) Explorer. But before the year was out, a new array of internal pain she'd endured for months was finally diagnosed as cancer. Bradley underwent a radical hysterectomy. Her change of life hit her like a speeding train. "I went through menopause in 48 hours," she says. "I felt like an addict coming off heroin. I used to walk around with a towel around my neck. I was dripping wet. It was like somebody turned a hose on me." Within a year, her hormone-crazed body piled on an additional 120 pounds. To dull the pain as she continued to work and pursue a Ph.D., Bradley popped Vicodin like breath mints. "You just get used to it," she says. "Personally, I don't consider myself disabled. That's my mindset. I've got problems, but everybody's got problems."
Her tale gets worse before it gets better. In 2000, while working for Florida Light & Power, Bradley contracted a bacterial infection, likely during a routine root canal. The infection settled around her heart, triggering a four-day episode of tachycardia. This third health strike really laid her low. Bedridden for months, unable to work, Bradley first depleted what little savings she had, then sold both the home she'd bought in Iowa and her second home in Stuart, Florida. "I went bust. I lost everything I'd ever worked for," she says. "At 35, moving back into my parents' home was the hardest thing I ever had to do, but I had no choice."
Now that she had touched bottom, she discovered that she had acquaintances, not friends. No one offered to take her in. So Bradley retreated, ailing and humiliated, to the confines of her former bedroom, a narrow, cell-like enclosure with a twin bed, a small desk, and a litter box for her cat--a most unusual business incubator indeed. Armed with a cell phone and a five-year-old HP (NYSE:HPQ) computer with a pokey 56k modem, she set about creating a business that would suit the life that now seemed hers, one of good days and bad days.
Bradley had joined the ranks of America's disabled, a much misunderstood portion of the nation's population. One unintended consequence of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, which expanded equal access regulations to state and local governments and private employers, has been the skewing of the public's perception of disability. For many people, disability equals wheelchair. "Every time we park our car we see that handicapped parking place, and every time we go to the bathroom we see that symbol," says Daniel Goldstein, a lawyer with the firm Brown, Goldstein & Levy and counsel for the National Federation of the Blind. The blind, continues Goldstein, are part of "a fairly invisible minority." Indeed, 9.3 million Americans are blind, hearing impaired, or both, according to the most recent U.S. Census data. Overall, the 2000 Census identified 49.7 million respondents with some kind of lasting physical, mental, or emotional disability. That's nearly one in five Americans.
To see Bradley, now 41, behind the wheel of her now 10-year-old Explorer you'd never know the pain she endures, or that the Small Business Administration has certified her company as an 8(a), or disadvantaged, firm. But watch her closely, and you'll notice that her spunk outstrips her gait, which sometimes borders on unsteady.
A good chunk of the counter in the bathroom off her bedroom is taken up by a phalanx of pharmaceutical vials--painkillers, heart medicine, and more. Bradley is also prediabetic and suffers from asthmalike symptoms. She goes in for periodic injections in the back of her head to manage her chronic migraines. Her hormone replacement therapy takes the form of creams and pills. Frankly, she's the Physicians' Desk Reference incarnate. "Most mornings when I get up I feel like I scrimmaged with the Green Bay Packers the day before," she says. Her mobility generally improves as the day progresses, but some days she barely makes it to the living room couch, and she's gone a week or more without leaving the house. She'll answer the phone if it rings, but may not turn on her computer. Keeping her company are her lap-size Italian greyhound, Paco, and her two cats, Fred and Mr. Big, who's gone blind. "That's my family," she says. "I take incredible care of my animals. When I travel, Paco goes to a pet resort where he has his own room with a TV set and they baby him something terrible."
All of which explains why Bradley's bedroom-hatched business plan for Criterion 508 Solutions called for a virtual business, one operated via the phone and Internet, employing just-in-time contract workers operating out of their homes, just like herself, many of them also afflicted with a serious disability. Attending an Entrepreneurs With Disabilities workshop held by the Iowa Department of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (mostly, Bradley admits, so she could qualify for a $20,000 grant to help launch her business) opened her eyes to the varying challenges and abilities of those with disabilities other than her own. Who better to help her snag a share of the nascent industry conducting audits and fixing software and websites to make information technology accessible to disabled users than tech analysts who are blind or suffer from cystic fibrosis or MS--the very users who increasingly rely on technology to keep them integrated with the rest of the world?
How can the blind surf the Internet, meaningfully visit various websites, and transact business online? The answer is, not easily, and often not at all, if the supporting source code and architecture of a website have not been specifically built or reconfigured to be accessible to the special software employed by the visually impaired. That's one of the key aims of the Section 508 provisions--to make government PDF documents and websites accessible to the now widely available screen access software, the so-called screen readers, which say aloud in synthesized speech what the sighted see on their computer screens. Section 508 also comes to the aid of the colorblind (a population that includes as many as one in 10 males, who may miss information and options coded only by color or against similarly hued backgrounds), those with failing vision, the deaf (for whom a webcast lacking synchronized subtitles will be meaningless), and those with severe physical disabilities who access their computers by blowing or tapping the keyboard with a mouth-held stick.
About half of the 30 people who work for Bradley have some serious disability. She supplements a core group of seven contract employees with another two dozen workers brought in on an as-needed basis. Some are blind. One has cerebral palsy. Another has returned to the work force after years of anxiety and depression caused by a serious case of undiagnosed sleep apnea. Other workers are not disabled but have young children and cherish their Criterion job because it allows them to work from home, typically at night after the kids have gone to bed. "I have disabled employees whose best previous job was working in a fast food restaurant who are now making $35 an hour, doing what they are capable of doing," Bradley says. Several of her employees have advanced degrees and earn as much as $75 an hour.
Bradley deflects an attempt to pin a crusader's button on the Criterion logo shirts she favors. "I'm a pragmatic person," she says. "This is business, pure and simple." But she's clearly happy with the how and the why and the who behind her company. "The vision isn't just to provide Section 508 services. The vision of Criterion is also to create golden-collar job opportunities for qualified disabled people to provide Section 508 services, because, guess what, they've got a skill set, which is their disability, which you can't go to college to learn."
Though the majority of her employees are Iowans, Bradley also mails checks to workers in Missouri and North Carolina, and Canada. All, except a childhood friend who lives a few blocks away, have been hired over the telephone (typically, after a qualifying phone interview with her chief technology officer, Patrick Shields, who lives in Toronto). "What I focus on," says Bradley, "is the inflection in their voice, how well they communicate, what excites them about Criterion."
"I really like working for Anna," says Karen McCall, who "met" Bradley at a Web seminar in 2005. "Number one, our business ethics are similar, which is important for any long-term relationship, and I like the fact that she's drawing on expertise rather than having a fixed staff in one place. And the instructions she gives are clear and concise, both on the phone or via e-mail."
McCall, who has been legally blind since the age of 14, lives near Toronto. She worked for years in offices, at the Canadian National Institute for the Blind and three Canadian colleges and universities, until she tired of daily commuting. An expert in workplace accommodations for the blind, she's written a book on creating accessible PDF files. She currently squeezes in 10 to 20 hours a week for Criterion among projects of her own home-based businesses.
Brian Walker, a Des Moines resident and a full-time technology analyst for the Iowa Department for the Blind, also moonlights for Bradley, taking on audits and serving as a go-to person for new Criterion hires for insight on how someone using a screen reader will approach certain challenges in webpage navigation. Walker, who has been legally blind for half his 40 years, was one of the first blind tech people hired by the maker of JAWS for Windows, one of the most popular screen access programs. An expert JAWS user, he surfs the Internet with his speech reader turned up so fast the rush of words is unintelligible to an inexperienced listener. Walker knows how to move across a webpage looking for helpful headings. How to employ keywords to focus his searches. How to (sometimes) discern a Web designer's intent even when it's not clear from the words vocalized by his screen reader. But even Walker is left frustrated, like a rat in a maze, by inaccessible websites that subvert his screen reader's attempt to interpret their pages. What sighted customers take for granted--products for sale and prices and purchasing instructions--often assaults Walker like an acid trip of onrushing underlying HTML code: "Slash slash apostrophe comma graphic backslash underline apostrophe comma…"
Like all the people who work for Bradley, Walker and McCall serve as contract employees, receiving their auditing assignments after Bradley rustles up the business. "I don't have any overhead if we don't have any projects, which is the best way for a small business to survive," Bradley says. She does some rainmaking at conferences, but most jobs come via Internet-spawned inquiries or by referrals. Clients have ranged from FEMA, the IRS, and the National Institutes of Health to a handful of state universities to the states of Nebraska, Louisiana, Florida, and Iowa. Then there's a range of private sector clients, including Citibank (NYSE:C), Hewlett-Packard (NYSE:HPQ), and a number of health insurance plans.
In effect, Bradley has created an iceberg, a company with very little visible but all kinds of support hidden from view, notably a comprehensive suite of e-learning courses she created herself. Bradley trained her initial employees in a series of extended phone calls. Now new hires prepare for their first assignments by logging on to Criterion's proprietary training programs. Training also includes a virtual field trip to a website called EnableMart.com, which specializes in assistive technology and devices. "Look at all you're trying to accommodate," she instructs her employees, "not only the blind, but people like Christopher Reeve." Before soloing on a project, everybody first works a job or two with an experienced Criterion auditor. When Bradley needs to put several heads together, she and her employees convene online, at www.gotomeeting.com.
Criterion's jobs run from $12,000 to well over $100,000. A job begins with an audit, after which Criterion 508's techs train the client's techs to fix the client's website and keep it in compliance. Last year, partly on the strength of companies seeking her out because of spreading knowledge of the issues behind a class-action lawsuit filed against the retailer Target (NYSE:TGT) (see "Welcome! No, Not You," previous page), Criterion doubled its client base and had its first million-dollar year. In keeping with the virtual nature of her business, Bradley has met only about 5 percent of those she consults with. "Most people," she says, "picture Criterion in some four-story office complex with a receptionist." Not without a bit of a helping hand from her. Bradley indulges in the standard home business ruse of adding a bogus suite number to her address, which happens to be a charming one-story house on a cul-de-sac in a new development in Johnston, Iowa. Custom-built by her brother, the home is accessible to the handicapped.
Until last summer, when Bradley hosted a company picnic at her house, only two of her workers had visited the office of their employer. One of the two is a childhood friend named Gabriel Ruggieri, who lives a few blocks away. "Anna always had dreams bigger than the rest of us," he says. "When I was worried about money for a date on Friday night, she was planning a career. Back then, she had dreams of owning a deep-sea charter business. She had her boat picked out, she knew where she was going to keep it, what it would cost, how much she had to charge to make a living at it."
Two decades later, Bradley is piloting a very different vessel, a small, pioneering business in a burgeoning industry. Early this year, she expects, she'll need to ramp up hiring. She anticipates easily doubling or tripling the size of Criterion, should two companies that have slotted her for 508 compliance work be among the primes awarded two long-term government contracts, one for $10 billion, the other for $20 billion.
Such an upturn in business, she says, might require a dozen new hires, many full-time, auguring an eventual change in her business model. "Once corporate America gets onboard [the technology accessibility bandwagon], then we would need the resources to go after group health plans and other opportunities," she says. "We could conceivably be in that four-story office."
Were that to happen, Bradley imagines she might stop in "every other day or so for an hour to check with people" and continue to run Criterion remotely. She's at peace, challenged, and as comfortable as possible, working from her home office in a hinterland cul-de-sac. For her it is no dead end.
John Grossmann, a longtime writer for Inc., wrote the January cover story, "Is Dave Insane? Inside a Brand Makeover."
Published on: Feb 1, 2007


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Fujifilm X-T30 arrives: a 26.1MP 'Little Giant' with X-factor
By Niall Hampton 14 February 2019
Latest X-Series mirrorless camera shares tech specs with more expensive five-star-rated sibling
Fujifilm has just announced the Fujifilm X-T30, the successor to its best-selling enthusiast CSC model. The X-T30 will supersede the Fujifilm X-T20 and includes a range of technical benefits ported down from the company's highly-rated Fujifilm X-T3.
The manufacturer is presenting this package of innovations as 'Gen 4.1' – the latest evolution of the X-Series, which dates from 2012.
At its UK launch in London, Fujifilm dubbed the X-T30 the "Little Giant" – a small camera with big performance. Indeed, pair the X-T30 (383g) with the new Fujinon XF 16mm F2.8 R WR lens (155g) and this ultra-lightweight combination will weigh just 538g.
You can check out our hands-on Fujifilm X-T30 review here, but the pertinent details are as follows...
The X-T30 retains the standard tilting touchscreen
Leading the X-T30's feature set is the incorporation of the 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 APS-C image sensor and X-Processor Pro 4 image processor.
The new sensor debuted last autumn in the X-T3 and is back-illuminated – the electronic wiring is at the back of the sensor, so it can't obscure the photodiodes at the front. Benefits comprise improved light-gathering capability, so f/1 super-high-speed lenses come into play, plus higher image quality.
Add this to enhanced autofocus performance, various bumps to features and functions and the inclusion of all the renowned Fuji film simulations, and we reckon the X-T30 should have little difficulty in exceeding the popularity of the X-T20.
The D-pad is gone, replaced by the new Focus Lever joystick
Starting on the outside, the X-T30 has a near-identical form factor to its predecessor. The body is slightly slimmer, thanks to the rear LCD being 1.3mm thinner, and a new grip shape offers better handling. The pop-up flash is retained, and a USB-C port will cater for up-to-the-minute connectivity needs.
A revised rear panel design majors on a new Focus Lever, for switching autofocus points and changing settings. The round control button from the X-T20 has been removed.
Available in the established black and silver, X-T30 buyers can also choose to have the new Charcoal Silver finish, if they can delay their purchase until May.
And good looks are certainly an X-Series USP: tactile old-school manual controls sit alongside automatic shooting modes, helping make the range a lifestyle camera choice for many young photographers.
The X-T30 comes in standard silver and black, as well as the new Charcoal Silver
Inside, the X-Processor 4 is three times faster than the previous X-Trans CMOS III. Phase detection AF covers 100% of the frame, and there's improved face and eye tracking.
This can be selected via the LCD touch panel or Focus Lever, and there's non-stop phase detection AF when focusing from distance. When composing via the viewfinder, the image has been made smoother and brighter than that of the X-T20.
Low-light capability has been stepped up, too, thanks to 2.16m phase detection autofocus pixels, compared to 0.5m in the previous version. This means the -1EV of the X-T20 has been extended to -3EV on the X-T30. Standard ISO sensitivity is 160.
The Face and Eye Detection AF algorithm has also been improved, supporting a smaller face-tracking area for extra precision: where the X-T3's starts working at 10% of the vertical range, the X-T30's works at 7%. A single X-T30 AF point processes four times more data that a single point on the X-T20.
The new Face Select function allows shooters to select their main subject using the LCD touchscreen and focus lever: the camera will track the designated face even if it is moving in the frame.
AF speed has been improved, too. Non-stop phase detection AF means faster focusing even when there's a huge gap between subjects. It's up to 300% faster when focusing from far to near and near to far when using the system, especially when using longer telephoto lenses.
Other technical improvements see up to 30fps blackout-free bursts when using the electronic shutter at a 1.25x crop, or 20fps without. An 8fps burst is possible when using the mechanical shutter.
Film and video users haven't been excluded from the X-T30's improved feature set. The X-T30 offers the same UHD 4K/30p capability as the X-T3, with in-body 48KHz 24-bit high-depth sound recording.
There's a new Eterna cinema film simulation, and enhanced tracking speed and stability for Face and Eye Detection AF. Video input is 6K, with 4K output at 30p (non-cropped).
Other improvements made for this latest X-Series camera see enhanced connectivity to smartphones via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, over an updated Fujifilm Camera Remote app (version 4.0) which comes to iOS in March and Android in May.
A forthcoming firmware update (due in April) will bring the 'Gen 4.1' functionality of the X-T30 to the X-T3: improved face and eye tracking; stable exposure in Face and Eye tracking; support of smaller face tracking (7% from 10%); Face Select using touch panel or AF lever; non-stop Phase Detection AF; and quick touchscreen response.
Capture One support and new lens profiles
On the same day as the Fujifilm X-T30 was made public, Phase One announced a v12.0.2 update its high-end Capture One raw processing and editing software which added support for the X-T30's raw files. The update also brings lens profiles for a series of Fujinon prime lenses:
FUJINON XF14mm F2.8 R
FUJINON XF16mm F1.4 R WR
FUJINON XF18mm F2 R
FUJINON XF23mm F2 R WR
FUJINON XF27mm F2.8
FUJINON XF60mm F2.4 R Macro
FUJINON XF90mm F2 R LM WR
Capture One comes in three versions: the full Capture One edition which supports all camera brands, a slightly cheaper Capture One Fujifilm edition for Fujifilm cameras only, and a free Capture One Express for Fujifilm version with a reduced set of features but the same high-quality raw processing.
Phase One recently announced a collaboration with Fujifilm which greatly extends support for Fujifilm cameras and new Film Simulation profiles in Capture One.
The Fujifilm X-T30 will be available body-only for £849 /$899, in a kit with the Fujinon XC 15-45mm lens for £899 / $999, or with the Fujinon XF 18-55mm for £1,199 / $1,299.
The silver and black editions go on sale in March, with the Charcoal Silver finish arriving in May.
Today's best Fujifilm X-T30 deals
Fujifilm X-T30 Mirrorless...
Fujifilm - X Series X-T30...
Hands-on: Fujifilm X-T30 review
Fujinon XF16mmF2.8 R WR: small on size, big on style
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The best cameras to buy in 2021: cameras for every user level and every lifestyle!


We've already discussed improving your kick for Breaststroke but that is only half the stroke. There is another, equally important, aspect to the stroke that you need to master if you want to swim your best, and that is the arm movements. When timed well, these arm movements enhance your kick and work in tandem to keep you moving through the water at a good clip.
We're here to help! We've broken down the arm movements for Breaststroke into a few key motions. Whether you already swim this stroke like a pro, or are just starting out, this guide will help!
It can be tempted to sweep your arms out like you are doing a jumping jack in the water, but this actually is not the movement you want for breaststroke. Instead, you want to follow a three step system, Catch, Pull, and Recovery. If you are more of a visual learner, you can imagine these movements akin to scooping from a large bowl of ice cream.
The Catch is the first part of the stroke. With your arms out in front of you, cup your hands into an almost scoop-like shape, pressing down and out at the same time. This is where you would do the scooping of the ice cream from the large bowl.
The Pull follows the Catch, and can be thought of the part where you pull the ice cream you scooped to your mouth to eat. With your elbows above your hands, pull your hands, hard, toward your chest. This should be a relatively quick movement, pushing back and downward by your palm and forearm. Do not go too far though, as the further you go, the longer you will have to recover.
The final part of the arm movements is the Recovery, which to complete the metaphor, is when you prepare for your next scoop of ice cream. Join both of your palms together in front of your chest and push them forward until your arms are straight out in front of you once again, ready to perform another Catch.
Last, but not least, you have to keep your breathing in mind as you perform the arm motions. Ideally, you take a breath on every stroke, to help with your rhythm. During the Pull, when your hands near your mouth, push your head above water and take a breath of the air. But do not take your hands out of the water, or you will be swimming only through air.
When your head is back underwater, exhale through your nose in mouth. This will ensure that your lungs are empty and ready for the next breath on the next stroke.
Now that you know about the arm motions and the kicking motions of breaststroke, it's time to tie everything you know together. When you do, you'll be swimming like a pro. Don't worry if you can't get the timing right on your first few tries--it can take time. Keep at it, keep practicing, and you'll be a master in no time!


MARTIN LUTHER. 95 THESES. DISPUTATION OF DOCTOR MARTIN LUTHER. ON THE POWER AND EFFICACY OF. INDULGENCES. OCTOBER 31, 1517.
"THE NINETY-FIVE THESES". Martin Luther. - 1 -. "The Ninety Five Theses" — the common title to his. "Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences".
came Dr. Martin Luther, a monk, priest, and professor who struggled with the ... the Castle Church in Wittenberg , a paper with 95 Theses (reasons) he wanted.
Martin Luther's "95 Theses". This is a selection of Martin Luther's 95 Theses as nailed to the church door in the Saxon town of Wittenberg on 31 October, 1517. 1.


After what was, undoubtedly, the biggest and most extravagant party we have ever put on with Space Ibiza last year, we are proud to announce the debut of Space Ibiza - The Lost Island on Saturday 20th July!
We have set in place massive production plans which will reprise the legendary Opening and Closing Fiestas. Expect a fully immersive experience straight out of the legendary Playa Den Bossa history books!


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ETF/REIT
Mr Vagari
Home Category Investing 3 best dividend kings
3 best dividend kings
krille15
Dividend kings are companies that have increased their dividends every year for the last 50 consecutive years or more, which means growth, stability, and reliability — the three keys to successful dividend investing. They're the safest because companies that have come as far as increasing their payouts for five decades are least likely to cut dividends.
Having paid uninterrupted and growing dividends for such a long time, these companies exhibit the highest qualities of resilience, discipline, and commitment, all of which are also essential attributes of a king, hence the befitting name.
Stanley Black & Decker:
Has increased its dividend for the 50th straight year. The company has an uninterrupted dividend record of 142 years.
From a small hardware shop in 1843 to the world's leading tools and engineered fasteners manufacturer and the second-largest commercial security services company.
Stanley Black & Decker generated $13 billion in sales last year. Nearly 80% of the 175-year old company's revenue growth so far has come in just the past two decades, thanks to acquisitions. Since 2002, the company has spent $9 billion on acquisitions, including a buyout of Craftsman brand and Newell Tools last year, which contributed a combined 19% to its fiscal 2017 revenue.
In the past five years, Stanley Black & Decker's earnings per share (EPS), free cash flow (FCF), and dividends grew at compound rates of 10%, 11%, and 6%, respectively. The company grew its dividends by 7% in the past decade and paid out roughly 37% of net profits in dividends over the trailing 12 months. Management has well-defined long-term financial goals, which include:
Revenue: 10% to 12% growth with 4% to 6% organic growth.
Earnings per share: 10% to 12% growth, 7% to 9% excluding acquisitions.
Free-cash-flow: 100% or more of net income.
Capital allocation: Return 50% FCF to shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases, and use 50% for acquisitions.
Target payout ratio: 30% to 35%.
American States Water
Oldest of Dividend Kings.
American States Water has the longest streak of dividend increases among publicly listed companies: 63 consecutive years.
American States Water operates two subsidiaries: Golden State Water Company (GSCW) and American States Utility Services (ASUS). GSWC is a regulated water and electric utility that contributed 77% and 78% to the company's revenue and net income, respectively, in fiscal 2017. ASUS is a contracted water and wastewater systems provider that serves 11 military bases in the U.S. under 50-year contracts, and it accounted for 23% of American States Water's revenue last year.
American States Water's success with dividends can be credited to six broad factors:
A strong position in a capital-intensive industry with high barriers to entry.
A highly regulated and contracted business model.
A healthy water rights portfolio, which includes 73,600 acre-feet of owned adjudicated groundwater rights, and 11,300 acre-feet of surface water rights.
A stable customer base in a resilient industry.
A strong management team with extensive experience in utilities.
Strong financials and commitment to shareholders.
Between 2011 and 2017, American States Water grew its EPS and dividends at compound rates of 8% and 10.4%, respectively. In the long run, management aims to grow dividends at a compound rate of "more than 5%.
The king of Dividend Kings.
The company has paid uninterrupted dividends for more than 100 years now. Credit goes to 3M's ubiquitous products, a hugely diversified portfolio, and disciplined deployment of capital.
3m's has many successful products, think Post-it notes and Scotch tape. Those are just two of the company's well-known brands. 3M also owns Scotch-Brite, Scotchgard, Filtrete, Command, and Nexcare brands, among others, and a portfolio of more than 60,000 products that are sold across 70 countries today.
3M might be an industrials company, but its tag line isn't even close. "Science. Applied to Life" — that's what it says. The company is living up to its slogan. Today, nearly one-third of 3M's sales come from products invented in the past five years.
3M is on target to achieve the below five-year goals through 2020 as unveiled in 2016:
Revenue: Local-currency organic growth of 2% to 5%.
EPS: 8% to 10% growth.
FCF: 100% conversion of net income to FCF.
Return on invested capital: 20%.
More Investing and dividend stocks tips please look at Investing Category and Stock Category.
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Scared of the dark? No prob-llama! Our super cute multicolored LED llama night light is here to keep you company. A cute gift idea, this little guy will be your favorite piece of room décor whether it's day or night!


Elliott, Patrick D.. 2018. Collective Predication and Ellipsis. Snippets. Online.
Elliott, Patrick D., Nathan Klinedinst,Yasutada Sudo & Wataru Uegaki. 2017. Predicates of Relevance and Theories of Question Embedding. Journal of Semantics 34(3). 547–554.