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Assertions are poppycock (Gordon Harmer)
Brian Nugent must be a believer in E B White's quote: "Trust me, Wilbur. People are very gullible. They'll believe anything they see in print."
He makes the same mistakes he made during the independence campaign; he thinks we are all stupid.
Now some simple maths to show the truth of his assertions in last week's Sounding off. Shetland SNP membership up 300 per cent? This actually equates out as from a total Shetland electorate of 18,000 we have a total SNP membership of around 300, which then makes SNP membership in Shetland a mere 1.6 per cent of the total electorate.
There were 5,669 yes votes in Shetland, a mere five per cent of which now make up the SNP membership.
Out of the 4.5 million voters in Scotland a mere 2.06 per cent are SNP members, so hardly the huge jump or rocketing membership Brian claims.
The SNP membership is obviously made up of the 37 per cent of Scotland's electorate who voted yes, so Brian's assertions are poppycock. All that has happened is a few yes voters have joined the SNP, leaving the no voters where they have always been, in the majority.
Brian also concocts a lament of dissatisfactions with the wide spectrum of new powers being given to Scotland. It is important to remember that these powers were promised not to those who voted yes but to those who voted for the union.
It was those whose loyalty to the idea of union remained, who won those very substantial extensions to Scotland's ability to manage its own affairs.
The new powers were given to make Scotland stronger as part of the union, not to enable its disconnection from it.
In other words Brian, just to rub it in, as the old Greek saying goes, "to the winner go the spoils", not to the loser go the spoils.
Just to put Brian right on another point: for two years those who were always going to vote no led in the numerous polls which were regularly conducted. Then, shock horror, a rogue poll indicated a lead for the yes camp shortly before decision day.
The talking shops went into overdrive as the YeSNP side attempted to profit from this poll and the no side worked to correct this apparent gain.
The YeSNP lost their attempt to split the UK in two. In essence, those who were always going to vote no did so, then in accordance with the predicted polling results over two years, went on and won the referendum as expected, to keep Scotland in the union and remain in the United Kingdom.
Therefore Brian, as the loser you should accept the result of the majority. Brian and the YeSNP are the vocal minority still out there, shouting about independence because they did not get what they wanted.
Unless I am mistaken, they wanted independence, not extra powers within the union. If that is what they wanted, then they must be the ones who changed their vote, yet funnily enough they are the same people who proclaim they voted yes.
They are entitled to nothing, except constant reminders that the democratic wish of the Scottish people is to stay with the union.
Gordon Harmer
Bayswater,
Brae.
independence debate
Yes Shetland
Offended by Da Whitrit (Alasdair MacEachen)
Angst won't stop the rot (Alastair Christie-Johnston)
Steven Jarmson
February 9th, 2015 19:01
About time someone said something sensible.
The powers were, as Gordon corrects states, a prize for the No campaign, not the yip people.
The new powers were to add to Scotland as part of the UK.
And, Gordon hasn't added this in his letter, the new powers were agreed by ALL the parties, including the SNP, as an acceptable accommodation of all sides wishes.
Regardless of what powers are given the SNP will cry.
They also keep moaning that the powers haven't been delivered yet, but if they had been delivered by now the SNP would have moaned that the new law to give Scotland powers was rushed.
They really do think people are, as Gordon so eloquently puts it, STUPID!!!
The Yip voters keep telling us they've moved on from the referendum but it is they who are crying about, the No voters simply point out their idiocy, unfortunately on a weekly basis, as the Yip lot seem to think there is interest in their opinion.
Robin Stevenson
February 15th, 2015 1:49
"About time someone said something sensible", Couldn`t agree more Steven, when would you and and Gordon Harmer like to start?
IF either of you "Actually" read the article, you`d have noticed that the SNP membership is actually up by 580% where Gordon get`s his figures from is anyone`s guess?
So, for the sake of the numerically challenged, let me [try] to explain :
SNP membership [pre ref ]was a mere 46 people, presently, 272, an increase of 580%
Perhaps Gordon or Steven could tell us the membership of Lab/Con/Lib Dems party membership and the increase since the referendum?
"It is important to remember that these powers were promised not to those who voted yes but to those who voted for the union"…..
Really? and who do you think pushed for these new powers Gordon?… Labour? Lib Dems? Tories?….not ONE other party was pushing for anything, [indeed refused to have them on the ballot sheet] so to pretend that "It was those whose loyalty to the idea of union remained, who won those very substantial extensions to Scotland's ability to manage its own affairs",..is complete and utter Bunkum.
The "Spoils" were created by the SNP, NO other…. and If you like to quote Greek philosophy, may I suggest you study this little gem? :
"It is impossible to begin to learn that which one thinks one already knows."….[Epictetus]
"The new powers were given to make Scotland stronger as part of the union, not to enable its disconnection from it"…
Huh?…Firstly there are NO new powers given, there are "recommendations" given by the "Smith report", Secondly, 70% of tax and 85% of welfare is retained by Westminster, now that`s what I call Devo-Max near Federalism….[NOT]
Sadly, for that "democratic wish to stay within in union", faded into insignificance after the Indyref, when polls showed [and are still showing] 66% wanted either Independence OR Devo-Max, now Devo-Max has not been delivered, roll on May 2015, where a substantial number of SNP MP`s will [actually] fight Scotlands corner.
Seems to me that the "Poppycock", I`ve witnessed, seems to be coming from Mr Harmer and his Britnat pals?
February 11th, 2015 13:44
THE high profile 'vow' made by pro-union party leaders in the final days of the referendum had no impact on the final result, new research has found.
And the last TV debate between Alex Salmond and Alistair Darling, which the SNP leader was widely deemed to have won, also had little effect, according to the analysis of web search data.
The study also showed that the more information that people searched for online, the less likely they were to vote for independence.
Which just goes to show we researched we found the truth we were not conned and we voted no.
Neither are we being conned by percentages offered by Mr Nugent and the SNP, the truth is out there, it is being revealed and more will be revealed the closer we get to polling day.
http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/scottish-independence-vow-had-no-impact-on-vote-1-3686914
I'll be reading that link tonight.
I have to say, I do laugh everytime someone claims that 52% would vote yes today.
I assume yougov have been running more dodgy polls in pro-Nat areas in order to grab a headline.
Lets pray it all falls apart for the neo-nats come May!! (nit that there's much to fall apart)
YouGov conduct their polls online.
Whatever you think of them, they are rather more reliable than Google Trends data.
Robert, you must know that YouGov and Panelbase was mobbed by the YESNP before the referendum to give a false impression the polls were going their way. Websites and social media sites were full of SNP and yes activists telling their supporters to register in the beginning with Panelbase and laterally with Yougov.
Online polls are easily influenced by groups registering with them as was proved in the run up to the referendum, every yes Facebook page instructed their sycophants to register so as to give a false result. That is what caused the hiccup a few days before the referendum which made Westminster panic and introduce the Vow which whatever you say has been proved to have made no difference to the no vote.
Mr Harmer,
Do you suggest the same happened to Ipsos Mori and ICM, who also reported a narrowing of the gap?
I think your view of the polls is rather simplistic and again reflects your own bias on this issue. Panelbase certainly used questionable sampling and questioning practices but YouGov are a very reputable pollster who's results were largely in line with general trends and the final result. Do you really think their polls are so crude and simplistic as to be manipulated that easily? I think they would have a rather difficult time convincing anybody with funds to commission a poll were it so open to abuse.
To say The Vow has been "proved" to have had no effect is just complete and utter nonsense. The study you highlight suggests that, arguably with some reasonable evidence (very arguably, I would say) but even were we to accept the validity of that study, it does not "prove" anything.
Robert of course online polls are open to abuse with a large enough organisation like the YESNP and plenty of obedient followers even YouGov were open to abuse.
How are they rather more reliable than Google Trends data, both Panelbase and YouGov got the result wrong but yet the same Google Trends data method which you belittle, predicted 45% would vote yes, I rest my case.
YouGov and Panelbase's final polls both came in at 45% Yes…
Poppycock Robert, Excluding don't knows (6% in this survey by YouGov), the figures are the same as in our last poll six days ago: No 52%, Yes 48%.
A significant gender gap has persisted to the end. If only men had the vote, Scotland would choose independence by 54-46%. However, women prefer to remain in the United Kingdom by a larger 57-43% margin.
YouGov questioned 3,237 electors between 15 and 17 September. This is by far the largest poll conducted during the referendum campaign.
If you do not do your research Robert you tend to look a bit on the silly side, did you think I had not looked it up.
Richard Richardson
There is considerable evidence from around the world that constitutional change votes invariably lead to a "no change" vote by a few percentage points more than opinion polls once people get to the voting station.
The Vow could just as easily have hardened the yes vote as boosted the no vote. So not a factor in the outcome from what we know.
iantinkler
Robert Duncan, do you make it up as you go along, just for the sake of argument? How about a bit of rationality, better the stay quiet and appear foolish than write rubbish and dispel all doubt!
Yes, I apologise, Gordon, I posted the figures from memory and clearly remembered the figure including DKs rather than pure Yes/No. Still, 48% Yes is firmly within the margin of error, rather different from getting the result "wrong". I'm not sure the relevance of the other paragraphs in your most recent comments.
I do not put much weight on individual polls. To do so I think suggests a misunderstanding of how polls work and what they mean. The "poll of polls" for the independence referendum delivered a high degree of accuracy, and those clutching at outliers on either side show their biased views. I feel similarly about this single study, and expect had it pointed the other way you would be among the first to dismiss it as nonsense. Certainly, to claim that it "proves" anything is naive in the extreme.
Ian Tinkler, if you care to make a substantive point, do feel free.
Robert, the other paragraphs are not relevant they are just part of the piece I copied and pasted from YouGov. The poll of polls was bang on but that was taken from an average percentage of all the polls published at the time. Which all goes to show that the Google Trends data which you took with a pinch of salt was actually accurate and does add credibility to their claims that the Vow changed no ones vote on any side.
i copied
I certainly know, anecdotally, that some "swithering" friends and family were ultimately convinced by it. I acknowledge this study provides some evidence that its effect was negligible, but my sole point here is that it was a single study, with a relatively untested methodology, and as such must be viewed within the wider context. It is irresponsible to trumpet it as "proof" of one thing or another.
It's time to be bold over extra powers, former Shetland Movement candidate urges politicians
Shetlanders must not squander the opportunity to achieve more autonomy, businessman John Goodlad told Tuesday night's forum on self-determination. He said the broader constitutional landscape…
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Small turn-out for Yes rally
A rally organised by Yes Shetland a year on from the independence referendum saw a small gathering on Commercial Street today. Ten people attended the…
Don't vote SNP (Graham Johnston)
Sometimes, maybe not often, politics is too important to leave to the professionals and the deeply unrepresentative minority of party activists and campaigners.
April 5, 2015 | 10.19am
Sounding off: UK's Pyrrhic victory (Brian Nugent)
Retired lecturer BRIAN NUGENT, chairman of the Scottish independence campaign group Yes Shetland, alleges that people were "conned, bullied and panicked" into voting no in…
February 2, 2015 | 10.50am
SNP branch appointments following surge in membership
A 500 per cent rise in membership has seen Shetland SNP appoint new staff to handle the surge in numbers.
January 19, 2015 | 11.37am
Carmichael critical of Scottish government oil forecast
The Scottish government's oil revenue forecast for the first three years of independence is £15.5bn wide of the mark, according to the latest analysis produced…
December 29, 2014 | 4.46pm


Your cellphone may be straining your relationship. In a new study in the Journal of Marriage and Family, researchers analyzed cellphone usage of 1,367 couples for 2 years and found that relationship and family satisfaction both drop as cellphone usage goes up.
That's because always being available to your employer can blur the boundaries between work and family time. Cellphones can cause work worries to "infiltrate other parts of our lives," says study author Noelle Chesley, Ph.D. Let the calls go to voice mail or screen them more strictly, she says.


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KATHARINE HEPBURN "Christopher Columbus…..what riches!"
This period blue check wool day dress was worn by Katharine Hepburn in the original and loved 1933 RKO film version of "Little Women".
Costume were designed by Walter Plunkett.
Everyone who appreciates and loves classic Hollywood has a favourite Katharine Hepburn film. Little known is that Hepburn herself considered this to be one of her personal favorites and is reported to have one said that she defied anyone to be as good as shoe was in the character of Jo. Hepburn considered her personality to be like hers and that part suited what she described as her exaggerated sense of things.
The costume is worn by Hepburn in the scene where she visits on her neighbour Laurie played by Douglass Montgomery. Hepburn utters the much remembered phrase from the film when she sees the mansion which Laurie resides in with his Grandfather and shouts out "Christopher Columbus…..what riches!" She also fences with Laurie in this scene.
The film Little Women tells the Louisa May Alcott novel of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March growing in Concord, Massachusetts, during the Civil War.
Hepburn plays the tomboyish Jo, who dreams of becoming a famous author.
The film broke theatre attendance records during its first week and Hepburn won the Best Actress award at the Venice Film Festival,
Directed by George Cukor and made at RKO studios, the film also starred Joan Bennett, Paul Lukas and Francis Dee.
There have been a number of film versions made of this classic novel including the MGM version in 1948 with June Allyson, Elizabeth Taylor and Peter Lawford.
This 1933 version remains a personal favourite.
Posted by thecostumecollector at 11:40 PM 1 comment: Links to this post
Labels: Elizabeth Taylor, George Cukor, June Allyson, Katharine Hepburn, Little Women, RKO, Walter Plunkett
NINA FOCH A DUTCH BORN AMERICAN IN PARIS
This full length period lavender gown was worn by Nina Foch in the Cecil B. DeMille 1956 epic, The Ten Commandments in which she played Bithia, Pharaoh's sister who found the baby Moses in the bullrushes, adopted him as her son, and joined him and the Hebrews in their Exodus from Egypt.
The costume was worn by Nina Foch in the scene where Charlton Heston as Moses approaches Bithia and confronts her with the Hebrew cloth that Moses was found in an a child.
The costume can be seen in the video below and comes in at 6:20, sorry I could not find an English version on youtube:
The gown is also worn in the next scene where Moses visits his real mother. The costume is worn under a robe for that scene.
Slightly altered from its original use, the clasp to the front was changed for use in another production. Not worked it out yet.
I was lucky enough to also come across the bracelet that is worn by Foch in the scene with the costume and managed to get them back together again. Below is the bracelet.
Costumes for the film were designed by an array of talent available to Paramount at the time including Arnold Friberg, Edith Head, Dorothy Jeakins, John Jensen and Ralph Jester. Added to this are at least 20 more talents that were not credited to the final work. With an epic such as this, the task of costuming not only stars such as Nina Foch, Anne Baxter, Charlton Heston and Yul Brynner but thousands of extras with filming in the US as well as in Egypt.
Below is a copy of the original sketch of the Nina Foch gown from the film.
Here also is photo of Nina Foch on the set in costume.
Dutch born Nina Foch has appeared in many memorable films of the 40's and 50s including Marie Antoinette in Scaramouche (1952), Executive Suite (1954), starring William Holden, Spartacus (1960) opposite Kirk Douglas and Laurence Olivier and An American In Paris with Gene Kelly in 1951.
Nina Foch spent the last 40 years of her life not only performing however teaching acting and directing at major teaching institutions. Foch was a forty-year member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Foch was married three times, one time to James Lipton host of Inside the Actors Studio.
Foch died in December 2008, of complications from a blood disorder.
Posted by thecostumecollector at 8:51 PM 8 comments: Links to this post
Labels: Charlton Heston, Edith Head, James Lipton, Nina Foch, Paramount, Ten Commandments
MERLE OBERON QUEENIE TO MY FRIENDS
Indian born Merle Oberon is arguably Hollywood's first Indian Actress. Born in India, she obscured both her birth lineage which was probably part Eurasian by claiming she was born in the Australian state and Island of Tasmania, a story, which in the last years of her life came to be confirmed as untrue.
The story of her life is itself a plot for a movie and indeed was the basis of the 1987 miniseries "Queenie". Oberon tried so hard to live the lie of her birthplace that she even visited Tasmania on two occasions throughout her life. The guilt of the untruth finally got to her and she revealed it is understood that it was a falsehood.
That aside, Merle Oberon was a brilliant, vivacious and very appealing screen actress. She has graced the screen in some very memorable roles including that of "Cathy" in Wuthering Heights (1939). Before that she enjoyed a wonderful career in British film in classics such as The Private Life of Henry VIII (1933), and The Scarlet Pimpernel (1934).
Here is a beautiful fur coat worn by Merle Oberon in the film "Lydia" released in 1941 by Alexander Korda Films and distributed through United Artists.
The costume is a full length white fur evening coat with fitted full length sleeves, attached shoulder cape and line hood. Ornamented at the hood, yoke and waistband with silver bullion embroidery in a foliate pattern. The garment is fully lined in white satin.
The film tells the story of Lydia MacMillan, a wealthy old woman who has never married, is invited by an old love to a reunion with the men who have been a part of her life. The film is told in a series of flashbacks as they remember when they were young and chasing Lydia.
The production design by Alexander Korda. Costumes by Walter Plunkett and Rene Hubert.
The costume appears in a scene where Oberon is riding is a sleigh through the snow and in a scene with her costars Joseph Cotton and George Reeves. Below you can see the scene where the coat appears:
Here also are some close ups showing the intricate silver bullion design to the coat.
The costume came from the famous Western Costume Company and was auctioned as part of the great Western costume sales which took place in 1993.
Oberon's has director Alexander Korda to thank for her career and indeed when went to herself become Lady Korda in 1942.
Her career continued until the end of the 1940s when it declined to only a few appearances in film. A great shame, as she really is a wonderful actress.
Labels: Alexander Korda, Lydia, Merle Oberon, United Artists, Walter Plunkett, Wuthering Heights
French born actress Leslie Caron is a much loved film actor and dancer who has appeared in some of the most memorable MGM musicals.
Discovered by another MGM performer, Gene Kelly, Caron started life as a dancer. He cast her in the MGM classic An American in Paris (1951). MGM liked what they saw and continued her in a number of musical classics. Lili in 1953 and of course the best being Gigi in 1958.
This wonderful costume was worn by Leslie Caron in the 1958 MGM musical classic "Gigi". Released in 1958, the film was directed by Vincente Minnelli. Considered as really the last of the great MGM musicals, the film remains a much-loved musical classic.
The costume consists of a white blouse with blue bow detail and a sapphire-blue wool skirt with blue satin piping to the hem. The costume is worn by lead actress Leslie Caron as young Gigi in the musical comedy.
Costumes were designed by the legendary Cecil Beaton who designed for other film classics including My Fair Lady.
The costumes whilst designed by Beaton, were executed by another legendary designer Irène Karinska.
Karinska was a costumer with the New York City Ballet. For film she won the 1948 Oscar for costume for Joan of Arc.
The costume is worn in a number of scenes in the film including the conformation scene with co-star Louis Jourdan. The film also starred Maurice Chevalier and character actors Hermione Gingold and Isabel Jeans. A young Eva Gabor can also been seen in this film classic.
Below is the trailer to the film as release by MGM.
This link takes you to one of the scenes in which the costume appears.
The costume is also worn by Caron in a number of promotional photos released for the film.
With songs by Lerner and Lowe, the film is set in turn-of-the-20th century Paris and tells the story of high society, marriage, mistresses, lovers and a girl named Gigi.
Gaston a wealthy bachelor, bored with life, takes interest in Gigi in a different way as she slowly become groomed as a courtesan and learns etiquette and charm from her Aunt Alicia. These scenes in themselves are charming and very funny.
Eventually after a few failed attempts he ends up falling in love with a matured Gigi.
Caron has appeared in other much loved film classics including "Daddy Long Legs", "The Glass Slipper" and "Father Goose".
Caron has danced with the greats including Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Rudolf Nureyev.
Caron continues to act and appears on stage film and television.
Gigi is such a loved classic that it has been selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."
The film is ranked as number 35 in the AFI top 100 films. It's in the top 10 in mine.
Labels: Cecil Beaton, costumes, Gene Kelly, Gigi, Hermione Gingond, Karinska, Leslie Caron, Louis Jordan, Maurice Chevalier, MGM, Musicals
KATHARINE HEPBURN "Christopher Columbus…..what ric...

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Metasearch is a tool that many potential guests use to research their trips and most look at many sites before they book. It's a way for potential guests to see your hotel compared to others and make an informed choice of where to book. It's also a great way to attract first-time stays, bringing them into the CRM so you can market to them directly in the future. You can't afford not to be represented.
Metasearch can also be a tool that can "level the playing field," placing smaller hotels alongside bigger travel companies and OTAs to compete for direct bookings. If you have a good strategy in place, you should be winning on rates when potential guests shop via metasearch and therefore winning direct bookings.
Toby Berger at the TripTease "future of metasearch" panel at the Direct Booking Summit in Singapore.
Recently, Toby Berger, Managing Director of Sales for APAC, spoke on a panel put on by TripTease about the future of metasearch at the Direct Booking Summit in Singapore. The panel discussed how hoteliers can make the most of metasearch in a fragmented OTA landscape. What came through in the panel is that there is no one-size-fits-all strategy for metasearch. However, there are some best practices that you should be following.
Make sure your brand is listed on all metasearch sites—you want your brand out there competing with the OTAs. For other channels, you should first and foremost be thinking about the cost of acquisition. That will impact where you want to source your guests. Direct is obviously the best option when available, it's the cheapest and enables you to build loyalty by directly marketing to your guests, but you'll likely need other channels, such as OTAs, to fill out your occupancy, and those could cost you anywhere from 15-25 percent per booking.
You'll also want to consistently and continuously analyze the channels you're using to determine if they're working for you. Know how the ROI of one channel compares to another. You also want to think about when you're getting bookings from each channel. Are these channels providing guests only during your high season? They might be less valuable. Are they helping to fill rooms in low season? If so, perhaps a higher cost of acquisition is acceptable. If a particular channel is bringing in international travelers that you may not have directly marketed to, or a higher volume of guests, you may want to weigh those factors as well. It's complex. That's why there is no single answer for all hotels. You want a mix of channels that meets your needs.
Volume – How many reviews are you getting?
Quality – Are the reviews good reviews or bad reviews?
Recency – Are the reviews from this year, or five years ago?
Keeping your guests reviewing you (and giving you good reviews) is key to your success. In 2018, Revinate survey customers generated about 51% (93k of 182k) of all of their TripAdvisor volume via survey publishing – post-stay surveys sent to guests with the option to publish them as reviews. Getting that large a volume of reviews can really help boost your ranking on metasearch sites. A Cornell Study (April 2016) found that those hotels using Revinate surveys saw an average 10% increase in ranking on TripAdvisor, and 58% increased their ranking by some degree.
There are other things you can do to boost your hotel's success rate on metasearch sites. For example, According to TripAdvisor, responding to 50% of reviews increases the likelihood of receiving a booking inquiry by 24% when compared those who did not respond to reviews.
In general, to succeed you need to focus on the guest and what they want. While that may seem like a truism in the hotel industry, it the foundation for your success. You have to understand that metasearch provides convenience to the traveler by having all the rates, options and more all in one place. That convenience also levels the playing field a bit for hotels without the marketing budgets of larger brands. But only if you take advantage of the opportunity.
Look at it from the guest perspective and optimize for that experience. Companies like Uber and Amazon are successful because of this customer-centric approach. As a hotel, it's your responsibility to make sure that you're listed on metasearch sites and that you've put the right strategies in place, in terms of encouraging guest reviews, maintaining competitive rates, and ensuring that you're monitoring your cost of acquisition. Getting that right will mean more bookings. Which will mean more positive reviews and recommendations, which means more "meta-juice." It's a virtuous circle.
Zach is the Content Marketing Manager at Revinate.


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Boston had to eke out a victory over the Pacers to take a 2-0 series lead, but is this team truly ready to take on the heavyweights of the East?
After some growing pains from shifting back into smaller roles following last season's playoff run, Boston's young core feels like it has things figured out.
The Celtics entered this season as Eastern Conference favorites but now are left searching for answers.
As the Lakers and Celtics continue to struggle, another team has faced adversity and persevered.
The former All-Star has shown glimpses of what he can be, but he's not all the way back yet. For Boston to achieve its goals, that will have to change.
The sum of Boston's offense continues to be less than its parts, and it's becoming a major Celtics problem.
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Boston is looking like the favorite in the East with the return of Gordon Hayward from last year's horrific ankle injury seemingly right on track.
The Spurs have come to grips with the fact they are going to have to trade Kawhi Leonard. Who the Spurs want to get deeply involved with is the Boston Celtics. Boston has the combination of good young players (Jaylen Brown, for example) and picks (Boston could have four first rounders in 2019) that interests the Spurs more than Brandon Ingram an anything the Lakers can push into the pot.
What can the Celtics trade for Kawhi Leonard?
The Celtics have three highly paid All-Stars, cheap young talent and valuable draft picks. So what should they trade for Kawhi?
With a trip to the NBA Finals on the line, the Celtics say they are expecting a tough battle against the Cavaliers on Saturday in Boston.
Jayson Tatum stole the show and Boston's defense stymied LeBron in the second half. Now the Celtics head back to Cleveland with a chance to end King James' Eastern Conference reign.
The first two games of the East finals hinted at the end of an era. The next two showed that the conference still belongs to LeBron, and he's not giving it up easily.
Boston took it to Cleveland in the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals, but the Celtics now need a readjustment heading into Game 4.
The Celtics acknowledge the powerhouse that is LeBron James, and their plan is simple: Control what you can control.
How did Boston make it this far? Danny Ainge, Brad Stevens and the players have addressed challenges with a special brand of toughness.
Boston lost two of its biggest stars, Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving, to injuries. So how did this group of unsung heroes reach the Eastern Conference finals?
For all the talk about the young, talented 76ers led by star rookie Ben Simmons, it's been Boston rookie Jayson Tatum who's stepped up in this series.
The team so many gave up on after a series of devastating injuries is now two wins away from the conference finals after a 22-point comeback.
Boston fans haven't always had the most friendly things to say about Horford and his massive contract. But he's a big reason why the Celtics won their first-round series.
The Boston Celtics closed to within two points with six minutes left in the fourth, but Giannis Antetokounmpo poured in 8 of his game-high 31 points to close out the Celtics and lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a Game 6 victory.
Boston's second-year swingman was once so broken up about basketball that he became physically ill. Now, he's breaking out on the NBA's biggest stage.
These banged-up Celtics have no business making a deep playoff run, but they are playing like a team that isn't ready to pack it in yet.
This week's highlights includes Boston's fun run, LeBron working the corner and jersey madness.
The Celtics are playing perhaps their worst basketball of the season, and after losing their third straight game on Wednesday, coach Brad Stevens said the team might consider shuffling the lineup when it returns from the All-Star break.
"Thank you, Paul Pierce" resounded in TD Garden as Pierce raised his No. 34 and lifted the championship trophy from the Celtics' 2008 title during his retirement ceremony on Sunday.
Isaiah Thomas spent just two-plus seasons in green, but Boston's "King in the Fourth" left a Celtics legacy that goes beyond the basketball court.
At long last, the NBA's most decorated franchise will have a home game on Christmas Day.
With his coach pushing better ball movement to cure the Celtics' season-long offensive lulls, Al Horford had 10 assists to spark a win over the Magic.
Celtics' amazing start: Can they keep it up and contend for a championship?
Al Horford scores 21 points with four assists, Jaylen Brown adds 18 as Boston edges Toronto, 95-94.
Pelton mail: Will Marvin Bagley III's decision boost the Celtics?
What's next for Celtics after dealing top pick?
Clippers, Celtics keeping hope of Carmelo Anthony trade alive?
Are you looking for a different way to show your Boston Celtics spirit? Use this Beaded Neck pillow and display your enthusiasm for the Boston Celtics in comfort. This features team graphics that will have every Boston Celtics fan wishing they looked as comfortable as you do.
You don't have to save your Celtics pride for game day! Show off some team spirit when you're at the beach this summer with these Leopard Print bikini bottoms from Miss Fanatic. Featuring an allover animal print and a team logo at the back right, these swimsuit bottoms will show off your NBA enthusiasm to anyone admiring your Boston-inspired attire. Don't be surprised when you get compliments from fellow Celtics fans when they see you in these adorable bikini bottoms!
The Boston Celtics have sent recently acquired big man Brandan Wright to Phoenix for a protected draft pick that initially belonged to the Minnesota Timberwolves, sources confirmed to ESPN.
The Boston Celtics have traded Rajon Rondo to the Dallas Mavericks, the teams announced Thursday night.
The Boston Celtics, after years of flirting with potential Rajon Rondo deals, are in substantive discussions on a trade that would send Rondo to the Dallas Mavericks, according to league sources.


Contraindications: Active infection or inflammation eye condition, any recent ocular surgery which may get harm by an air puff.
Preparations for test: Explaining testing procedure before start air puff test people who are not eligible for air puff (eg: corneal draft patient & immediately eye surgeries done) refer to ophthalmologists and needy eye care professionals.
Purpose of the test: Measure Intraocular Pressure with ocular pulse amplitude.


text:
Oct 17, 2012 | daily life, memories, Uncategorized | 0 comments
Both yesterday and today the sky has been a wonderful color of blue and there are streaks of white clouds. Blue skies with no clouds no matter how beautiful make me nervous. Definitely goes back to September 11, 2001. But I digress. There is a crispness to the air that is refreshing. A light coat or jacket is needed but probably won't be later in the day. The leaves are changing colors. Many different shades of orange, yellow and red add splendor to the usually green mountain side. The water of the lake acts as a mirror reflecting the changing landscape. Yes, it is a beautiful day in my neighborhood.
"A beautiful day in the neighborhood" always makes me think of Mr Rogers. My firstborn loved Mr Rogers. To be honest he made me crazy. The walking in and changing his shoes, putting the sweater on, the puppets just made me nuts. But E. loved it. Once when we were out and deciding which fast food restaurant to go to, E. said "can we go to Mr Rogers?". She thought Roy Rogers was Mr Rogers. Whenever I think of Roy Rogers, I am reminded of a childhood memory of seeing the real Roy Rogers at the rodeo in Utah. I remember seating in the stands. I was in kindergarten. And Dale Evans and her children rode past in a convertible. They were waving to everyone. And Roy Rogers rode in on Trigger. It was the first time I had ever seen someone in real life who had been on television. That is all I remember but it was a very exciting moment.
I have grown to appreciate Fred Roger's dedication to quality children's programming and his words of wisdom. I think when my daughter was young he annoyed me so much because he was so calm and I on the other hand was a crazed want to be super mom. I have included some of his words of wisdom to ponder. Enjoy!
Parents are like shuttles on a loom. They join the threads of the past with threads of the future and leave their own bright patterns as they go. Fred Rogers (20th century), U.S. television personality and parenting specialist. Mister Rogers Talks With Parents, ch. 1 (1983).
Very early in our children's lives we will be forced to realize that the "perfect" untroubled life we'd like for them is just a fantasy. In daily living, tears and fights and doing things we don't want to do are all part of our human ways of developing into adults. Fred Rogers (20th century), U.S. television personality and parenting specialist. Mister Rogers Talks With Parents, ch. 11 (1983).
I like to compare the holiday season with the way a child listens to a favorite story. The pleasure is in the familiar way the story begins, the anticipation of familiar turns it takes, the familiar moments of suspense, and the familiar climax and ending. Fred Rogers (20th century), U.S. children's TV personality and author. Mister Rogers Talks with Parents, ch. 11 (1983).
The presence of a grandparent confirms that parents were, indeed, little once, too, and that people who are little can grow to be big, can become parents, and one day even have grandchildren of their own. So often we think of grandparents as belonging to the past; but in this important way, grandparents, for young children, belong to the future.
We've forgotten what it's like not to be able to reach the light switch. We've forgotten a lot of the monsters that seemed to live in our room at night. Nevertheless, those memories are still there, somewhere inside us, and can sometimes be brought to the surface by events, sights, sounds, or smells. Children, though, can never have grown-up feelings until they've been allowed to do the growing
Read more at http://quotes.dictionary.com/author/fred+rogers?page=3#XPl7QXsvyUxqzt4p.99


text:
Q: Java- Copy file to either new file or existing file I would like to write a function copy(File f1, File f2)
f1 is always a file.
f2 is either a file or a directory.
If f2 is a directory I would like to copy f1 to this directory (the file name should stay the same).
If f2 is a file I would like to copy the contents of f1 to the end of the file f2.
So for example if F2 has the contents:

2222222222222

And F1 has the contents

1111111111111

And I do copy(f1,f2) then f2 should become

2222222222222
1111111111111

Thanks!

A: Using the code from the answer by Allain Lolande and extending it, this should address both parts of your question:
File f1 = new File(srFile);
File f2 = new File(dtFile);

// Determine if a new file should be created in the target directory,
// or if this is an existing file that should be appended to.
boolean append;
if (f2.isDirectory()) {
    f2 = new File(f2, f1.getName());
    // Do not append to the file. Create it in the directory,
    // or overwrite if it exists in that directory.
    // Change this logic to suite your requirements.
    append = false;
} else {
    // The target is (likely) a file. Attempt to append to it.
    append = true;
}

InputStream in = null;
OutputStream out = null;
try {
    in = new FileInputStream(f1);
    out = new FileOutputStream(f2, append);

    byte[] buf = new byte[1024];
    int len;
    while ((len = in.read(buf)) > 0) {
        out.write(buf, 0, len);
    }
} finally {
    if (out != null) {
        out.close();
    }
    if (in != null) {
        in.close();
    }
}

A: FileOutputStream has a constructor that allows you to specify append as opposed to overwrite.
You can use this to copy the contents of f1 to the end of f2 as below:
  File f1 = new File(srFile);
  File f2 = new File(dtFile);

  InputStream in = new FileInputStream(f1);
  OutputStream out = new FileOutputStream(f2, true);

  byte[] buf = new byte[1024];
  int len;
  while ((len = in.read(buf)) > 0){
    out.write(buf, 0, len);
  }
  in.close();
  out.close();

A: Apache Commons IO to the rescue!
Expanding on Allain's post:
  File f1 = new File(srFile);
  File f2 = new File(dtFile);

  InputStream in = new FileInputStream(f1);
  OutputStream out = new FileOutputStream(f2, true); // appending output stream

  try {
     IOUtils.copy(in, out);
  }
  finally {
      IOUtils.closeQuietly(in);
      IOUtils.closeQuietly(out);
  }

Using Commons IO can simplify a lot of the stream grunt work.

A: Check out the link below.  it is a source file that copies a file to another using NIO.
http://www.java2s.com/Code/Java/File-Input-Output/CopyafileusingNIO.htm

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


If you want comfort, peace in your heart and happiness then you should be asking yourself why you haven't contacted me. check my profile.
Not so calm but romantic guy who can be the world around me. Someone I can run home to and share with every bit of my day's occurrences.
lonelyjey hasn't asked any friends to write a recommendation yet.


text:
Merck Begins New Trial For Its Experimental Alzheimer's Drug
Cureus	in General	 December 3, 2012 256 Words
Although several competitors have halted testing of Alzheimer's compounds — Merck & Co Inc has moved its experimental Alzheimer's drug into the next stage of testing.
The drugmaker announced on Monday that it has begun Phase II and III clinical trials of its promising new class of oral Alzheimer's medicine MK-8931, to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the pill with some 200 patients who suffer from mild-to-moderate stages of the disease.
If the company finds success in Phase II, which will compare the drug with a placebo, the study is expected to enroll up to 1,700 patients in the main Phase III of the new trial by 2014.
"Merck is committed to advancing the understanding and treatment of Alzheimer's disease," says Darryle D. Schoepp, Ph.D., senior vice president and head of Neuroscience and Ophthalmology, Merck Research Laboratories, in a statement.
"As the global health and financial burden of Alzheimer's disease grows, innovative research is critically needed, and we need to accelerate this research wherever possible. This new study is an important step in our overall strategy to understand the potential of the BACE inhibitor mechanism and MK-8931, our lead compound, in multiple stages of Alzheimer's disease."
Merck has jumped into a race where rivals have experienced mixed results with their own compounds, aiming to become the first drugmaker to get a medicine on the market that slows the progression of Alzheimer's.
Regardless of who's first across the finish line, the new trials offer hope to those suffering from the mind-wasting disease.
Read the entire Reuters report.
Alzheimer's disease dug trials
Alzheimer's drugs
Alzheimer's research
Merck + MK-8931
Merck + new Alzheimer's drug trials
Merck news
Merck Research Laboratories + MK-8931
new Alzheimer's medicine
A New Age Of Peer Reviewed Scientific Journals
Should the process of publishing a paper trump the power of scientific ideas within?


text:
More choices coming to Mall at UTC in Sarasota
Movie theater, bowling center among concepts considered for UTC East District.
by: Pam Eubanks Senior Editor
Benderson Development's vision to create a lifestyle center in the University Town Center area is taking shape with plans for a high-end movie theater and possibly a bowling center in front of The Mall at University Town Center.
The entertainment offerings are planned outside the mall but within the perimeter ring road. At least two restaurants also are planned there, Benderson Development's Senior Marketing Manager Julie Fanning and Director of Development Todd Mathes said.
The entertainment district will likely be the first piece in Benderson's future East District at UTC, located
NEW TENANTS FOR UTC
New retailers recently opened or scheduled to open in the University Town Center corridor:
In Tourist Center Drive
at UTC:
Crop (expansion) (Now open; expansion ready in fourth quarter 2019)
Doughbie Bros. Pizza Co. (Opened in October)
Dim Sum King (Opened Nov. 2)
In The Square at UTC (by Kohl's)
Thai Seed (By first quarter 2020)
Yaki Sushi Grill (By first quarter 2020)
West District at UTC (along Cattlemen Road, near Target)
Row House (Opens first quarter 2020)
New Balance (Opens first quarter 2020)
Norman Love Confections (Opens first quarter 2020)
Bento Asian Kitchen (Opens first quarter 2020)
Georgie's Garden Cafe (Opens second quarter 2020)
Vitamin Shop (Opens first quarter 2020)
between The Mall at UTC and Interstate 75 south of University Parkway and north of Benderson Park. Construction could start as early as 2020.
Mark Chait, Benderson's executive director for leasing, called the UTC area the "epicenter" for shopping, dining and entertainment in the Sarasota-Manatee region.
"What we need to add is the entertainment component," he said.
He said there are a variety of entertainment concepts gaining popularity nationwide, but he would not speculate on concepts being considered for the site.
The new American Dream mall in East Rutherford, N.J., for example, features a Nickelodeon-themed park with 25 rides and attractions and an NHL-sized ice rink.
Other concepts gaining traction nationally include aquariums, luxury movie theaters, large-scale indoor playgrounds, escape rooms, miniature golf and bowling alleys.
The entertainment piece, however, is just one part of the mixed-use plan for the East District.
On the remainder of the site, Benderson expects to build Class-A office space, hotels, restaurants and multifamily housing in a format meant to foster interconnectivity of uses.
Although the site plan could change, Benderson currently expects to build Class-A office space at the northern end of the property, near the southwest intersection of University Parkway and I-75.
"It will be a gateway entrance," Mathes said. "The world has changed since we started studying office [space] here. We like how the buildings lay out [in this plan]."
Immediately south would likely be one hotel and a fitness center, which would provide recreational opportunities for office tenants and future residents.
The property's southernmost portion, which abuts the northern end of Nathan Benderson Park, will be reserved for residential development. Five multiple-story buildings could include retail or other shops on the bottom levels.
Benderson earned approvals from Sarasota County for the East District property in 2015.
Mathes said motorists will access the future East District from the traffic signal at University Town Center Drive at Cattlemen Road or from any of the three roundabouts leading to the mall. Drivers will take the mall's perimeter road to the site.
Mathes said Benderson monitors traffic around the mall and is working to ensure it flows as smoothly as possible.
He said that the opening of the Lakewood Ranch Boulevard extension to Fruitville Road in 2020 should help shift traffic patterns and bring more motorists from the south.
In 2019, Sarasota County made the permitting of and funding for an overpass across Interstate 75 from Lakewood Ranch Boulevard to Cattlemen Road a federal legislative priority. Mathes said those future improvements would also help shift traffic away from the intersection of University Parkway and Interstate 75.
In the short term, Benderson has proposed to Manatee County and will propose to Sarasota County a change in signal timing for the traffic signal at the intersection of University Parkway and I-75 that it believes will improve flows. Mathes said there's also opportunity to improve signal timing at Cattlemen Road and University Town Center Drive.
Tidewell Hospice grief program spreads its wings in Lakewood Ranch


text:
Q: Including a formula based on a function in a dynamic defined cell I need to concatenate a dynamic range using VBA.
My best guess so far was to create a function and then calling the function via VBA to a specific cell. Here is the code i'm using:
Sub test()
I used this method to declare the variable just to shorten the code. Basically the last column that may contain data will always vary and is never the same. I already have the code working in order to determine the last column that contains data so let's just say in this case the last column is column G (or column 7)
Dim LASTCOLUMN As Integer: LASTCOLUMN = 7

What i need is to get the concatenated range in cell A1. My best guess is the following code but i also tried several other options and all of them failed. Can someone please help me with this line of code? It needs to be dynamic in order to incorporate the dynamic variable LASTCOLUMN.
Range("A1").Formula = "=ConcatRange(Cells(2, 1):Cells(LASTCOLUMN, 1)" End Sub

This is the function that concatenates a given range
Function ConcatRange(myrange As Range) As String
    Dim CurrentRange As String
    Dim r As String
    CurrentRange = ""
        For Each cell In myrange
             If cell <> "" Then
               r = cell
               CurrentRange = CurrentRange & r
             End If
        Next cell
    ConcatRange = CurrentRange
End Function


text:
Why the Huawei ban is bad for security
Many believe the ban on exporting U.S. technology to Chinese company Huawei could hurt American tech vendors and do little to mitigate supply chain threats.
Cynthia Brumfield (CSO (US)) 13 June, 2019 20:00
Last week, Google reportedly warned the Trump Administration that its current ban on exports to Huawei might actually jeopardise national security by forcing Huawei to create an insecure fork of its Android operating system, according to the Financial Times.
That ban was imposed as part of a Commerce Department effort announced in mid-May which placed the Chinese telecom and tech giant on a U.S. export blacklist, the "entity list," for its purported efforts to spy on behalf of the Chinese government. Two other companies — the telecom giant ZTE and a memory chip maker, Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit — were also placed on the list and the administration is now reportedly considering adding video surveillance company HikVision to it.
Two days before Google's reported warning was made public, the Washington Post released the results of a survey of 100 cyber security experts from government, academia and the private sector who mostly concluded that the ban would only end up hurting U.S. tech companies and further diminish U.S. influence over the security of new products. One of the experts, former Facebook security chief Alex Stamos, now a Hoover Fellow at Stanford University, said that the ban could cause China to "emerge as the indispensable nation in consumer technology."
The Commerce Department action comes on the heels of a White House executive order that bars telecom services and network gear from foreign adversaries in the U.S., a directive that is largely targeted at Huawei and its Chinese rival ZTE. Both of these actions, in turn, follow the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019, which contains provisions banning the federal government from purchasing equipment from certain Chinese vendors due to security concerns, including Huawei and ZTE.
The blacklisting of Huawei: A timeline
These most recent clampdowns on Huawei (and other Chinese tech suppliers) are the culmination of more than a decade of mounting concern over the supply chain risks that Huawei has fostered. In 2005 an Air Force-commissioned report by the Rand Corporation flagged concerns over the company's ties to the Chinese military. In 2012, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence issued a report warning against the use of technology from Huawei and ZTE.
In 2018, AT&T abandoned plans to become the first U.S. mobile company to offer Huawei handsets after regulators and lawmakers warned the telco against it. Shortly after, the Pentagon banned the sale of Huawei and ZTE phones in military base stores. Along the way, Huawei has been embroiled in a number of other controversies, including whether it violated trade sanctions on Iran, allegations that ultimately resulted in the arrest of Meng Wanzhou, the daughter of company co-founder, Ren Zhengfei.
This year, the Trump Administration has been pressuring foreign governments to ban Huawei from their next-generation wireless telephone networks — a large request considering that Huawei is a leader in 5G mobile technology. Although Australia and Japan are among the top countries that have banned or limited Huawei's products to "non-core" portions of their networks, Europe, where Huawei has gained a strong foothold, is a much harder sell.
In the Netherlands, leading wireless carrier KPN has selected Huawei to provide equipment for its 5G network. Portugal and Germany are leaning in favour of using Huawei in their 5G networks, while most other European countries are treading carefully by studying the matter or pausing on previous plans to deploy Huawei technology. Russia has struck a deal with Huawei to build that country's first 5G network for carrier MTS.
Surveillance and the IT supply chain
All these developments centre on a valid concern. Under Chinese law, Huawei, ZTE and any other tech company are obligated to assist in intelligence work and hand over any data or knowledge that the government in Beijing requests. Despite assurances from Huawei that it will not build surveillance backdoors or hand over data to the Chinese government, the country's 2017 National Intelligence Law and the 2014 Counter-Espionage Law require them to do so and will protect them if they do support, cooperate or collaborate in intelligence work.
The question remains, however, whether efforts to block, ban and shun Chinese tech suppliers effectively address the main, underlying concern that Huawei and its Chinese peers are implanting surveillance and other undesirable technologies into the IT supply chain on orders from Beijing. A related question is whether these efforts actually harm security, as Google's recent appeal suggests.
Many experts believe that the world has evolved beyond the point where blocking any specific vendor or country can stop an adversary from infiltrating the supply chain. The sheer number of players operating in our current digital infrastructure makes it extraordinarily difficult to block not only China-related malware somewhere along the chain, but any would-be adversary who wants to implant unwanted technologies.
"The internet, after all, is about the interconnection of disparate networks; keeping Chinese hardware out does not translate into keeping Chinese-originated digital code out," Robert Williams, director of the Paul Tsai China Center at Yale Law School, and Tom Wheeler, former FCC Chairman and now a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution and a fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School wrote in Lawfare in February 2019.
Huawei, of course, agrees. "Blocking an individual company does not make cyberspace or America any safer partly because you want to promote interoperability," Andy Purdy, CSO for Huawei Technologies USA, tells CSO. "One of the fundamental messages we've communicated both publicly and in our submissions to the FCC is that there is real cyber security risk out there. The threat from the most sophisticated of the nation-states is very real."
A risk-management approach
What would work best in the long run, according to Purdy, is a comprehensive approach to supply chain threats based on risk management. Williams and Wheeler would agree. "The U.S. government should push for multistakeholder efforts to develop common approaches to supply-chain diversification, to ensure an open and transparent international 5G standard-setting process, and to promote voluntary agreements on security standards," they said in their Lawfare piece. "Regardless of whether Huawei is banned from building U.S. 5G network infrastructure, Chinese networks and Chinese equipment will be connecting to American networks, so the U.S. must take proactive steps to deal with this."
In the short term, though, Huawei is pressing the government, to the extent they can talk to government officials at all at this point, for what are called national security agreements that a host of foreign-related tech companies, such as Nokia and Ericsson, have struck with the federal government. "We are hoping the government will talk to us," Purdy says. "Right now, we believe we could come up [with] risk mitigation mechanisms. We are not yet in those conversations."
Huawei may just get the chance to do that if a recent statement by Donald Trump to CNBC is any indication. Trump said during a call-in to the network's Squawk Box show that he would reconsider the penalties his administration has imposed on Huawei as part of a trade deal with Beijing. Using Huawei as a bargaining chip in trade talks has alarmed some security experts because it sends the signal that our country's security assessments are political and not based on bona fide threat analysis.
Making Edge Computing success certain: How APC by Schneider Electric ensures it
More from Schneider Electric
More about AT&TAustraliaBoxCNBCCSOFacebookFCCGoogleHooverHuaweiKPNNokiaRandStanford UniversityZTE
How Automating the Development Pipeline, Security and Infrastructure Leads to Real Business Benefits


Most women are taught to avoid weightlifting out of fear of bulking up.
However, this is a huge missed opportunity, and even a danger to their health.
Why is weightlifting important from an age management perspective?
What is the surprising truth about the use of testosterone in the treatment of breast cancer?
On this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Mickey Barber for an awesome, in-depth conversation about some of the frontline treatments and methods that keep her patients looking and feeling great.
If you're not doing weight training, you're going to waste away and the muscle will be replaced with fat.
At the beginning of the show, Dr. Mickey shared how she got started, the health challenges she faced, and how that led her down the path of optimization.
We also discussed the importance of building muscle for women, and why medicine is 40% science and 60% art and intuition.
Dr. Mickey also talked about different peptides and the varying benefits they have.
It's natural for us to lose bone density and muscle as we get older.
When we lift weights, we're tearing the muscle down and building it back up through nutrition and supplements providing protein and amino acids. Without this, we would simply shrivel away.
Until our evolution catches up with our lifespan, we have to do something about it and consistent weight training is the way.
Optimizing hormones also helps, but it can't be in isolation. Lifestyle is still important, so we also have to also prioritize sleep, fitness and nutrition.
Dr. Mickey is the Chief Executive Officer/Chief Medical Officer at Better Life Carolinas. She offers an integrative approach to age management medicine while providing the patient with an assessment of hormonal balance and overall health and disease risk. Her philosophy for successful aging includes maintaining energy, health, and sexual vigor through shared responsibility of the patient-doctor team. Dr. Barber not only teaches her patients about hormonal balance but practices such balance herself. She has competed in Masters level figure competitions at the age of 48 placing second and ten years later competing to a standing ovation. Given a strong family history of heart disease and cancer, she takes her health very seriously and is a living example of the benefits of the program. Go to https://betterlifecarolinas.com/ for more information.


Is it time for optimism for small firms?
FINRA recently announced that Paige Pierce has won a seat on the FINRA board of governors to represent the roughly 3000 small firms that are still left. The SIPA has supported her in her past elections for the NAC and the board and we were proud to offer our support again. In past years, the SIPA has launched elections campaigns to try and influence the shape and the direction of FINRA's governing body, but time and again we have been disappointed by the actions. Many of our own supported members spoke strongly and then carried no stick. To be fair to them, they are outnumbered by the rest of the board by 21 other board members so it is a tough task. However, they all knew the odds were against them going in and this is what they bargained for. Paige has been on the forefront on bringing meaningful change to FINRA on behalf of small firms. Specifically, PCAOB relief is on her plate and she has been meeting with congressmen and senators about this. With her new position on the FINRA board, we think it's time to give her the support to go directly to the 'big guy" himself in the White House and see if the business man in chief is interested in scaling back regulation on small firms so they can help the economy. There are many other areas of regulation that must be addressed as soon as possible. This may be our last chance to get meaningful change and would encourage all members to get involved, give her support and perhaps sign a reasonable and non threatening petition asking for certain regulatory reliefs. Congratulations to Paige for all her hard work, but now the real work begins. Too many former small firm governors have plotted the same old course in which they try to '"become friends" with other board members or try to acquiesce FINRA personnel with the hopes they will reciprocate. While there is a time and a place for that sort of politicking, the time for that approach is dead and buried along with about 800 small firms the last 10 years. We need clear action and relief now.


LCD Dot font is decorative font which is designed by Omer KOSE. This font is labeled as LCD font. LCD Dot font family has 1 variant.
LCDDot TR font is one of LCD Dot font variant which has Regular style. This font come in ttf format and support 0 glyphs. Based on font metric, LCDDot TR Regular has usweight 400, width 5, and italic angle 0. This font is labeled as .


text:
The 2010 Davidson Wildcats football team represented Davidson College as a member of the Pioneer Football League (PFL) during the 2010 NCAA Division I FCS football season. The Wildcats were led by sixth-year head coach Tripp Merritt and played their home games at Richardson Stadium. They compiled an overall record of 3–8 with a mark of 3–5 in conference play, placing sixth in the PFL.

Schedule

References

Davidson
Davidson Wildcats football seasons
Davidson Wildcats football

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text:
Antifa: Satan's Communists and Anarchists
By: Scott Campbell
Narrated by: Scott Campbell
Categories: Politics & Social Sciences, Politics & Government
1.0 out of 5 stars 1.0 (1 rating)
Warning: Antifa will always be after you and your family if you consider yourself an "American". Antifa represents organized and continuous intimidation and violence. Rather than social justice protesters with noble causes, Antifa are trained, armed, and organized terrorists for hire. Their victims include whoever is against their credence of total anarchy. Antifa arose from paramilitary factions and has been likened to a militia. They have aligned with, and take money from, the forces behind the American far left.
Marxist Antifa-progenitors first arose in the Bolshevik Revolution starting in 1917 as paramilitary and found themselves instrumental in finally bringing down the Russian government in 1923.
Antifa groups then migrated to a politically embroiled Germany as the Russians began exporting Marxism to China in 1921 to penetrate the Nationalist Party. Mao Zedung joined up soon thereafter and would catch Stalin's eye and support to become chairman of the Chinese Communist Party and the world's most deadly totalitarian ruler.
The Bolshevik goal was to establish communist dictatorships through violence. They wanted to do to Germany and China what they had done to Russia, help overthrow the government through Marxist violent revolution. The largest Antifa organization was officially named in 1932 as an affiliate of the Communist Party of Germany and also had paramilitary roots.
The terrorist group was so ruthless and violent that they drove many Germans to vote for Hitler's National Socialist German Workers' Party, the Nazi Party. Of course, the Nazis would become Antifa's sworn enemy and downfall. Thalmann's fate was alleged to be shot in a Nazi concentration camp after a long prison term.
This audiobook not only explores the history of Antifa and its ideology and its main actions, but also explores in depth the origin and nature of Marxism as arising from a foundation of Satanism directed against the Christian Church.
©2020 Scott Campbell (P)2020 Scott Campbell
Ideologies & Doctrines Communism & Socialism
Summary: Keep Sharp by Sanjay Gupta, MD
Summary: One Vote Away: Ted Cruz
What listeners say about Antifa: Satan's Communists and Anarchists
0 out of 5 stars out of 5.0


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We were excited to visit Batu Caves during our stopover in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Hindu rituals were beautiful, but we will never forget the kindness.
KL Batu Caves . Took a trip out to the Batu Caves , a Hindu pilgrimage site. Me at the bottom.


A fitness club is the perfect addition to a healthy and active lifestyle. Stopping at the club to workout is a great habit to get into. There are arrays of places that offer a little bit of something for everyone. What types are out there? There are those that cater to bulking up buff body builders, those that draw a certain philosophy bent such as a yoga studio, those that offer racquetball courts or swimming pools and those that are strictly for women. There are some that offer all of the above plus a cafe, juice bar and childcare facilities. What do you need in a fitness place?
The body builders would be drawn to a place that has a gym full of strength building weights. There may be weight machines or free weights. There are usually floor to ceiling mirrors so that the gym enthusiasts can view their form to ensure that they won't injure themselves, as well as to admire their developing musculature.
Yoga or aerobics studios would have padded mats and tools required for this type of workout. A musical system to play lively aerobics tunes or peaceful yoga melodies would be available. Classes are often scheduled with a teacher so that the participants can be led into a great workout.
Swimming pools can be a family free-form affair or may have organized classes that offer a great workout while being a bit softer on the joints. This would be ideal for those with arthritis or other joint issues. Racquetball courts offer fun, social connections and fitness.
If you are looking for a good club, take a tour of several to see what appeals to you. Be sure to select a facility that is conveniently located near your home or office in order to ensure ease of stopping in. Many clubs offer a free one-day pass in order to allow prospective patrons to try out their facilities.
Make a list of items that you will require, such as showers or childcare and only visit those places that align with your needs. Ask about whether the fees are contractual or month-to-month. You'll want to think twice being signing a long term contract at a club that you're just joining. Make sure that you really like a place, the staff, the hours and location before signing more than a month-to-month agreement.
Add a club to your life and you will not only become slimmer and more physically fit, but you will add another layer of enjoyment to your life. Exercise is fun and a great place to meet others. You will support your healthy lifestyle by befriending health conscious buddies. When something is enjoyable, it's easier to keep it up.


text:
The Spirit's Sidekick (ComicBookMovie.com)
An early incarnation of the Spirit's sidekick has been the center of controversy for many years. Here's a look at the past issue the character faced.
Whether you agree with Frank Miller's interpretation of the character, see eye to eye with the film's similarity to his Sin City's, or believe he butchered Eisner's masterpiece, The Spirit has dealt with serious issues. The Spirit is considered to be one of the first comics with serious adult tones, creating a road for mainstream comics.
In the series' living city, its inhabitants were always occupied with things. Whether they were criminals wanting to thieve, or female fatales in New York- style tenants, the people always had drama to deal with. According to Eisner, it "gave [him] an adult audience." He managed to fill the pages with dramatic stories that were crime-noir dramas that had adventure, love stories, mystery and sometimes horror, and of course its noted humor.
One of the comedic elements that Eisner tried to inhibit was through The Spirit's sidekick. Ebony White, an African-American citizen growing up in the harsh city, would constantly aid the masked hero. Not necessarily a sidekick like Robin or Bucky who would help the hero fight, but more of an Alfred/Jarvis assistant who would help in tough situations and drive him around in a taxi.
Ebony White, Frank Miller


Soma West massage studio is located in the South Granville Lofts, just off the Granville Street bridge. This clinic is easily accessed by clients requiring massage therapy in the Vancouver west side and downtown neighbourhoods such as Yaletown, Kitsilano, Fairview/False Creek and Cambie Village. Pay parking is available on the streets around the South Granville Lofts. If you park on South Granville, please check the parking regulations to avoid being towed during your massage.
Soma East massage studio is located on Nanaimo Street and Charles Street, near East 1st Avenue. This central location is easily accessed by clients in East Vancouver and Burnaby for massage therapy. Free parking is available on Nanaimo, Charles and Kitchener streets. Please be sure to check the parking regulations on Nanaimo Street during peak hours to avoid being towed during your massage.
If you are unable to make your massage appointment, we require 24 hours notice or you will be charged for the full amount of the booked appointment.
Book your next treatment online!


[Update: A new teaser video has made its way to the tubes, and, more importantly, a PC-centric FAQ is now up on the Fable Legends website. System requirements have not been announced, but Lionhead confirmed that it will be a Windows 10 exclusive, and will support DirectX 12 graphics options as long as you're rocking a DX12 video card.
Microsoft has announced at today's Windows 10 event that Fable Legends, the latest chapter in Lionhead's long-running Fable series, is heading to the PC, and will feature cross-platform play with the Xbox One version of the game.
"We think enabling people to play multiplayer games on Windows 10, across Xbox One and Windows 10, will unlock the potential of Xbox Live and grow [the] social network that's there today," Xbox boss Phil Spencer said, as reported by Polygon.
Fable Legends on PC is cool, but the big development here is the promise of widespread cross-platform play between Windows 10 and the Xbox One. If that actually catches on (and call me a relentless pessimist if you will, but I think that's still a pretty big "if"), it could have a huge impact on the PC gaming space, and Microsoft's presence in it.
Fable Legends is set to come out later this year.


text:
"""The bare-metal admin extension."""

import webob

from nova.api.openstack import extensions
from nova.api.openstack import wsgi
from nova.api.openstack import xmlutil
from nova import exception
from nova.openstack.common.gettextutils import _
from nova.virt.baremetal import db

authorize = extensions.extension_authorizer('compute', 'baremetal_nodes')

node_fields = ['id', 'cpus', 'local_gb', 'memory_mb', 'pm_address',
               'pm_user',
               'service_host', 'terminal_port', 'instance_uuid',
               ]

node_ext_fields = ['uuid', 'task_state', 'updated_at', 'pxe_config_path']

interface_fields = ['id', 'address', 'datapath_id', 'port_no']

def _interface_dict(interface_ref):
    d = {}
    for f in interface_fields:
        d[f] = interface_ref.get(f)
    return d

def _make_node_elem(elem):
    for f in node_fields:
        elem.set(f)
    for f in node_ext_fields:
        elem.set(f)

def _make_interface_elem(elem):
    for f in interface_fields:
        elem.set(f)

class NodeTemplate(xmlutil.TemplateBuilder):
    def construct(self):
        node_elem = xmlutil.TemplateElement('node', selector='node')
        _make_node_elem(node_elem)
        ifs_elem = xmlutil.TemplateElement('interfaces')
        if_elem = xmlutil.SubTemplateElement(ifs_elem, 'interface',
                                             selector='interfaces')
        _make_interface_elem(if_elem)
        node_elem.append(ifs_elem)
        return xmlutil.MasterTemplate(node_elem, 1)

class NodesTemplate(xmlutil.TemplateBuilder):
    def construct(self):
        root = xmlutil.TemplateElement('nodes')
        node_elem = xmlutil.SubTemplateElement(root, 'node', selector='nodes')
        _make_node_elem(node_elem)
        ifs_elem = xmlutil.TemplateElement('interfaces')
        if_elem = xmlutil.SubTemplateElement(ifs_elem, 'interface',
                                             selector='interfaces')
        _make_interface_elem(if_elem)
        node_elem.append(ifs_elem)
        return xmlutil.MasterTemplate(root, 1)

class InterfaceTemplate(xmlutil.TemplateBuilder):
    def construct(self):
        root = xmlutil.TemplateElement('interface', selector='interface')
        _make_interface_elem(root)
        return xmlutil.MasterTemplate(root, 1)

class BareMetalNodeController(wsgi.Controller):
    """The Bare-Metal Node API controller for the OpenStack API."""

    def __init__(self, ext_mgr=None, *args, **kwargs):
        super(BareMetalNodeController, self).__init__(*args, **kwargs)
        self.ext_mgr = ext_mgr

    def _node_dict(self, node_ref):
        d = {}
        for f in node_fields:
            d[f] = node_ref.get(f)
        if self.ext_mgr.is_loaded('os-baremetal-ext-status'):
            for f in node_ext_fields:
                d[f] = node_ref.get(f)
        return d

    @wsgi.serializers(xml=NodesTemplate)
    def index(self, req):
        context = req.environ['nova.context']
        authorize(context)
        nodes_from_db = db.bm_node_get_all(context)
        nodes = []
        for node_from_db in nodes_from_db:
            try:
                ifs = db.bm_interface_get_all_by_bm_node_id(
                        context, node_from_db['id'])
            except exception.NodeNotFound:
                ifs = []
            node = self._node_dict(node_from_db)
            node['interfaces'] = [_interface_dict(i) for i in ifs]
            nodes.append(node)
        return {'nodes': nodes}

    @wsgi.serializers(xml=NodeTemplate)
    def show(self, req, id):
        context = req.environ['nova.context']
        authorize(context)
        try:
            node = db.bm_node_get(context, id)
        except exception.NodeNotFound:
            raise webob.exc.HTTPNotFound()
        try:
            ifs = db.bm_interface_get_all_by_bm_node_id(context, id)
        except exception.NodeNotFound:
            ifs = []
        node = self._node_dict(node)
        node['interfaces'] = [_interface_dict(i) for i in ifs]
        return {'node': node}

    @wsgi.serializers(xml=NodeTemplate)
    def create(self, req, body):
        context = req.environ['nova.context']
        authorize(context)
        values = body['node'].copy()
        prov_mac_address = values.pop('prov_mac_address', None)
        node = db.bm_node_create(context, values)
        node = self._node_dict(node)
        if prov_mac_address:
            if_id = db.bm_interface_create(context,
                                           bm_node_id=node['id'],
                                           address=prov_mac_address,
                                           datapath_id=None,
                                           port_no=None)
            if_ref = db.bm_interface_get(context, if_id)
            node['interfaces'] = [_interface_dict(if_ref)]
        else:
            node['interfaces'] = []
        return {'node': node}

    def delete(self, req, id):
        context = req.environ['nova.context']
        authorize(context)
        try:
            db.bm_node_destroy(context, id)
        except exception.NodeNotFound:
            raise webob.exc.HTTPNotFound()
        return webob.Response(status_int=202)

    def _check_node_exists(self, context, node_id):
        try:
            db.bm_node_get(context, node_id)
        except exception.NodeNotFound:
            raise webob.exc.HTTPNotFound()

    @wsgi.serializers(xml=InterfaceTemplate)
    @wsgi.action('add_interface')
    def _add_interface(self, req, id, body):
        context = req.environ['nova.context']
        authorize(context)
        self._check_node_exists(context, id)
        body = body['add_interface']
        address = body['address']
        datapath_id = body.get('datapath_id')
        port_no = body.get('port_no')
        if_id = db.bm_interface_create(context,
                                       bm_node_id=id,
                                       address=address,
                                       datapath_id=datapath_id,
                                       port_no=port_no)
        if_ref = db.bm_interface_get(context, if_id)
        return {'interface': _interface_dict(if_ref)}

    @wsgi.response(202)
    @wsgi.action('remove_interface')
    def _remove_interface(self, req, id, body):
        context = req.environ['nova.context']
        authorize(context)
        self._check_node_exists(context, id)
        body = body['remove_interface']
        if_id = body.get('id')
        address = body.get('address')
        if not if_id and not address:
            raise webob.exc.HTTPBadRequest(
                    explanation=_("Must specify id or address"))
        ifs = db.bm_interface_get_all_by_bm_node_id(context, id)
        for i in ifs:
            if if_id and if_id != i['id']:
                continue
            if address and address != i['address']:
                continue
            db.bm_interface_destroy(context, i['id'])
            return webob.Response(status_int=202)
        raise webob.exc.HTTPNotFound()

class Baremetal_nodes(extensions.ExtensionDescriptor):
    """Admin-only bare-metal node administration."""

    name = "BareMetalNodes"
    alias = "os-baremetal-nodes"
    namespace = "http://docs.openstack.org/compute/ext/baremetal_nodes/api/v2"
    updated = "2013-01-04T00:00:00+00:00"

    def get_resources(self):
        resources = []
        res = extensions.ResourceExtension('os-baremetal-nodes',
                BareMetalNodeController(self.ext_mgr),
                member_actions={"action": "POST", })
        resources.append(res)
        return resources

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


From Dillion to Livingston we passed 3 interesting historical sites: Robber's Roost, Nevada City and Virginia City.
Robber's Roost is simply an old station that the stages used to stop at. Story has it that the Sheriff and some of his men would scope out the travelers as they rested at the hotel, assessing their potential wealth. If someone came through that looked like a good target they would alert their comrades, the bad guys, who would then waylay the stage the next day and relieve the traveler of their wealth. It was never really proved to be the case.
The next stop was Nevada City where we learned about a wealthy visionary named Charles Bovey who was a collector of old buildings and their contents. Back in the 1930's and 40's he began buying buildings; lock, stock, and barrel, and moving them to Nevada and Virginia Cities. Folks donated buildings to his cause so that the buildings would be preserved instead of demolished or ruined by the elements. Nevada City is more of a tourist trap with a museum, train station, cabins to stay in, and a few places to eat. Virginia City is a main street lined with old buildings, some of them are businesses catering to tourists and many are mini museums where you can look back in time, seeing original, pristine, authentic goods that were purchased by Mr. Bovey. We talked to a volunteer who comes each summer to work in the buildings. She was folding period clothing that was brand new for display in a clothing store. She said they have buildings full of stuff to stock the museum buildings with, much of it new and in the box. I think it is very cool that a wealthy person leaves this kind a historical legacy for so many people to learn from and enjoy. I recommend Virginia City to anyone visiting Montana!
View inside an old store, all goods are originals and in perfect condition.
View of the back side of some of the buildings.
Many of you already know that those two little buildings are the old outhouses, but the one in the center is special. It is a double decker outhouse that was once connected to the 2nd story of the old hotel. Guests did not have to go all the way downstairs to GO!
Learned a valuable lesson today: Don't cross the Continental Divide on a steep, gravely, single lane road with no pull outs or places to turn around, in the Rialta. The Astro? ok, no problem. The Rialta, NO!
It started out ok, but 10 miles later we were grinding slowly up the last long incline in the lowest gear with the accelerator floored. We were both sitting on the edges of our seats, willing the rig up the last 100 yards. I was poised to jump out and push. As we limped up to the summit all 3 of us heaved sighs of relief. You gotta love the Idaho DOT, there at the top was a sign that read "No RVs or trailers." Brother. As is usual with me I took no pictures of this part of the day. When the going gets tough I don't take pictures.
Going down was not a problem and we cruised to Clark Canyon Reservoir where we were treated to a nice free campsite above the lake and a beautiful sunset. It was a lovely finish to a somewhat stressful day.
The next morning as we were gassing up in Dillion, a guy approached Thayer and asked him if we were the RV seen going over Lemhi Pass the previous day. Our daring reputations preceded us!
Sunset over the Clark Canyon Reservoir, and our new dining room-the great out-of-doors!
After a final morning float, we pack up and say goodbye to everyone.
We find Sunbeam Hotsprings on the shores of the Salmon River, a delightful soaking spot. Informal pools have been made out of river rock and heated by very hot water coming vigorously out of a culvert. You just move around the pool til you find the temperature that suits you. There is also hot water coming right out of the sand on the bottom of the pool.
We spent the night at Boot Hill cemetery, located above the ghost towns of Bonanza and Custer. This is part of the Yankee Mining District and the Yankee River was heavily dredged in the day. They are now trying to restore parts of the river for salmon habitat. Custer is a nicely preserved town run by the Forest Service, manned by crusty old volunteers and has a nice little museum.
Mining Dredge near Bonanza- churned up 5 1/2 miles of pristine river, leaving giant piles of rocks everywhere.
A great thing about our trips is that there are almost always some young folks along to do the heavy lifting and learn the ropes so that in a few years they will be captaining us old folks down the river. The weekend after our rafting trip my son Tommy took a bunch of his friends on his first organized rafting trip here at the Payette. It has become a legacy activity!
After a long day of preparation, and a last minute sale of the Blazer, we finally pull away from Bothell shortly before midnight.


There are a lot of PACs that play in Houston's elections. It's hard to keep up with all of them, and I say this as someone who reads far more campaign finance reports than is healthy. Very few of them file finance reports with the city of Houston – I presume this is because most of them are state organizations that operate in elections elsewhere as well, so they file their reports with the state. This year there were three special purpose PAC (SPAC) reports that caught my eye and that I thought were worth examining, so here they are.
Citizens to Keep Houston Strong lists one William H. "Bill" White as their filer and treasurer. I have no idea what this PAC is for. It's been around since White was Mayor – Penny Butler was the filer through 2010 – and has basically done nothing since he left office. If you go to the city's campaign finance webpage and choose "Specific-Purpose Political Committee", you will see that PACs come and go over the years. Some are for (or against) particular candidates, others are for specific referenda, like Renew Houston and red light cameras. I'm not sure what if any rules exist for disposing of PAC funds – candidates have a certain amount of time to dispose of campaign funds once they are no longer in office or seeking office – so who knows, this one could be around for awhile.
The purpose of the other two is more obvious. "Houstonians for Family Values" is Dave Wilson's ugly baby – that $44K in loans is all from him. The reason the amount is so specific is because the total amount spent represents the cost of printing and postage for a mail piece. The fact that this PAC has no cash on hand should not lead anyone to conclude that it will be inactive this year. It surely won't be the only such PAC this year whether or not we have to vote on HERO repeal, but at least we can say that Dave Wilson was there first. As for Equal Rights Houston, most of their money was spent on consultants. I'm going to guess that they'll have other things to spend their money on this year.


text:
Immigration Redux: The Clear Solution No One Wants (EP. 301)
Home » Immigration Redux: The Clear Solution No One Wants (EP. 301)
Immigration has a clear, workable and comprehensive solution set that has been ignored for decades. Politicians don't want a solution.
Immigration is one of, if not the most, important issue facing our country today. And there is a clear, workable and comprehensive solution set that has been ignored for decades. Why? Because politicians don't want a solution that works for America. Politicians on both sides want a solution that works for them at the expense of the country.
That is the subject of today's 10 minute episode.
The key to a comprehensive immigration plan is insisting on having secure borders. Anything less is nothing but a plan to have open borders. Open borders add the voters that some want, and the cheap labor desired by others. The logical end point to an open border policy is to cease being the United States as a sovereign nation, becoming the State of America in the United States of the World. With an unsecured border, every town is a border town and every state is a border state. And some people actually want that. I do not. (Do you?)
Donald Trump got it right in wanting secure borders, but he blew it with how he handled the issue. Talking only about building walls while promising that Mexico would pay for them made his otherwise sound secure borders policy appear silly. Then he added that the wall would stop the "rapists and murderers", allowing the Democrats to pretend that they, too, wanted secure borders, just in a more practical and humane way.
The Dems responded with "Walls don't work; build a 20' wall, and the hungry immigrants will show up with a 21' ladder." Walls have worked everywhere, e.g., the Russians used one to keep freedom-loving people in, and Israel uses them to keep suicide bombers and other lethal threats out. But a wall running down the middle of the Rio Grande would be silly. High tech walls supported by human observers and enforcement along with high tech electronics could work well elsewhere along the border. There is no need to create a border security plan in this episode. Experts create plans for things like interstate highways, dams and bridges; they could do a fine job creating a plan for a secure border. But do we really want a secure border?
Ronald Reagan came close with his amnesty plan, but forgot to insist on having the secure borders part first. All he got was amnesty. Presidents from Bush on have tackled this issue, with no success. With a solution set this clear and effective, and we'll get to that, why has it been ignored?
To get to the truth here, we need to ask one simple question, hoping for a simple, truthful answer: "Do we want open borders?" We have open borders between states. Travel is unrestricted; one can become a citizen of a different state by merely showing up and staying. We are one nation, with free movement among the states, and free access to the benefits, including a variety of government-supported services, that the various states offer. Is that what we want for our country? Do we want to offer the type of free, permanent access to residents of other countries that we allow residents of other states?
If the answer is yes, then we must have the courage to say it clearly and out loud. "The simple truth is, I want open borders. National boundaries should mean no more than state borders." We could stop spinning our wheels in smokescreen arguments about the effectiveness of walls and who is and who isn't inclusive. And we could stop wringing our hands about terminology like "undocumented" vs. "illegal"–everyone would be legal. Declaring the simple truth "I want open borders." would take the debate to a very different–and honest–level.
I don't want open borders. No nation can exist for any length of time like that. And I don't want to be the State of America in the United States of the World. What I do want is a secure, prosperous, welcoming America; an America that can continue to be attractive to and lead the way for the rest of the world. Here's how we do that:
First, secure our borders. Stop using the term "wall." We don't need a wall everywhere; technology, human observation and intervention, and natural boundaries can be very effective.
Insist that employers use E-verify prior to hiring. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information entered by an employer from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to records available to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm employment eligibility. No more paying illegals under the market wage, and under the table.
Use technology to track those who overstay their visas; by most accounts some 50% of those who are here illegally have simply overstayed their visas.
Create a path to citizenship for those who are here illegally. Put them behind those who came here legally. And no voting; that's a bridge too far for anyone who snuck in. Yes, this is amnesty. But with secure borders, it will be the last amnesty. Repeat amnesty is nothing more than a painful—and dishonest—way of creating open borders.
Allow in a generous number of legal immigrants every year based on 1. Merit–who we want–and 2. People who need to be here, regardless of what they can contribute. It seems like an 80/20 mix of merit and need is about right. The exact number of immigrants and percentages are not the key here; they can be altered as our thinking and circumstances change in the future. But a secure border is key. Without that, what we think and what is right means nothing. The people sneaking in make all the decisions.
With this in place, no one who came here would have to take the legal and physical risks of sneaking across the border. No one who came here would have to hide. They could walk tall and be proud to be here. And we could walk tall and be proud to have them.
I have no problem with working with other countries, spending limited amounts of money along the way, to try to make those home countries more attractive, therefore making coming to America less attractive. I am not optimistic, but it is worth a try. Set a plan, with checkpoints to monitor progress and spending, as see if it works.
But it still comes down to having and maintaining secure borders.
Tell me what you believe. I and many others want to know.
As always, whatever you do, do it in love. Without love, anything we do is empty.
If you liked today's episode, other episodes or the revolution2-0.org site itself, visit the store for some fun items, comment, subscribe, and encourage others to subscribe with you. Each One Reach One will help spread the word about Revolution 2.0™.
Will Luden, coming to you from 7,200' in Colorado Springs.
Is Geography Destiny? (EP.179)
America And Her Heroes: Miraculous and Flawed (EP. 376)
Cops And Robbers: Choosing Up Sides (EP.324)
Handouts (EP.38)
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Charles Cabral Reply January 29, 2021 at 1:21 pm
I agree with your proposal, and, yes, it makes too much sense to actually be adopted. The left don't want it to go away as an issue, and the right want the "under the table" labor. The only thing I disagree with is your statement that open borders bring in voters. As far as I know, non-citizens cannot vote in any jurisdiction. The left probably do glean votes, however, from the demographic that identifies ethnically with the immigrants.
Terry Tracy Reply February 11, 2021 at 7:09 pm
I agree with you on all but one point. Illegals do vote in many cases as evidenced in the last election. And can we ignore Obama going on television and encouraging such activity when speaking to "undocumented" individuals "you have a voice in this election to."


The new 2nd edition of My First Grammar is an even more fun and easy grammar series designed for elementary school students. In the series, students are presented with easy-to-understand charts that highlight each grammar target. Lots of colorful images and photos help illustrate each target and fun activities continually keep students engaged. The new features make learning grammar even more fun and help students maintain the feeling of success and interest while learning. My Next Grammar continues the series helping students maintain a feeling of success and interest throughout their studies.