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A PEACE JOURNEY TO KABUL
On 8 August, our Airbus landed at Kabul airport at 1:00 pm, after a thirty minutes flight from Peshawar. There were about 300 of us, who constituted the Pakistani component of the Afghan-Pakistan Peace Jirga, which was to be held in Kabul from the nine to the 12 of August.
I had returned to Kabul after thirty-five years. In 1972, Kabul was a pulsating cosmopolitan city; but these days it wore a decrepit look, as if accusing us of neglect. In some sense, Kabul is right. She deserved much better. At the same time there was a sense of anxiety and disquiet I wondered, whether a similar fate awaited Kabul's sister cities of Peshawar and Quetta, if the peace jirga failed?
In September 2006, Presidents Karzai and Musharraf had agreed to seek peace in Afghanistan and Pakistan by using the regions traditional tool for conflict resolution of a regional jirga. Comparison of this jirga was made with the first large jirga held in this area in the 18th century, which created the Afghan state under Ahmed Shah Abdali. Some thought that this congregation was even larger.
If Pakistan and Afghanistan were to have a common approach then there were three necessary conditions to fulfill. The Pakistani jirga was composed of three different regional groups representing Baluchistan, NWFP and the tribal areas. They also suffered from creeping Talibanization. They needed to be united on a common platform to deal with Afghan complaints against Pakistan for providing safe havens to the Taliban.
Secondly, the Pakistani jirga contained representatives from the opposition parties; how would the Pakistani Jirga leader obtain their consent on different policy issues since the opposition leaders were not too happy with the Musharraf government? It was necessary to gel them into a cohesive group. To their lasting credit, all the opposition leaders acted as the Pakistan team and we felt proud. No matter what our internal differences, when it came to defending the state all stood as one. There may be a lesson in all this for our leaders.
Thirdly, how would we transcend Afghan reservations about Pakistani policy in counter insurgency matters? For the jirga's success, it was essential to create trust with our Afghan counterparts, only then could we reach common ground.
What were the problems and concerns of the Afghans? It became evident that the dynamics of the current structure of Afghan political elite placed certain compulsions on the jirga. The ethnic balance of the state was itself an area of concern dividing the Afghans into groups. How was this to be transcended in the days to come?
Afghans repeatedly stressed that their identity was inclusive and every Pashtun, Tajik, Aimak, Uzbek and Hazara was an Afghan. Such a configuration may be all right for rhetoric but it could not rub out the Pashtun loss of influence in Kabul, which is a major cause for the continuance of insurgency itself.
Secondly, under what Pashtun nuance a jirga could be held with the Taliban, when the existing Kabul elite contained persons whom the Taliban held responsible for the use of violence against captives. Could this be balanced out by pointing to a similar action by the Taliban? The past has created personal vendetta between the combatants and its resolution is essential before peace has a chance. It is an enormous challenge standing in the path of the peace jirga, but which needs resolution.
Thirdly, how would we resolve sensitive issues with our Afghan comrades regarding involvement of third countries in conduct of sabotage in NWFP and Baluchistan as well as the support provided by the Afghans to disenchanted Bugtis, and who carried Afghan passports?
The political and institutional structure of Afghanistan is different from Pakistan. In the former, power is spread horizontally over a wide spectrum of traditional space covered by individuals and families. It is not a hierarchical structure like Pakistan, where a vertical hierarchy created under law conducts business.
The difference in societal structures in both countries is often the cause of problems. One of the chief one being that Afghanistan cannot quickly commit itself to a policy, unless the vast horizontal structure is consulted. Once such consultation has occurred they provide the government with the commitment of all the Afghan society. On the other hand, a narrow vertical hierarchy makes the decisions in Pakistan. This is an elitist approach and thus lacks societal support because of a narrow support base. In Pakistan, it is easy to make decisions but they lack societal commitment.
By holding this jirga, Mr. Karzai has succeeded in carrying out a coup. I say so for very good reasons. Firstly, it would have been difficult for Mr. Karzai either to ask for the retention of foreign forces in Afghanistan or to ask for their departure. In choosing either course, he would have faced problems with either the Taliban or the U.S authorities. However, the jirga did not have such inhibitions and could discuss these matters openly as this was likely to be raised in future negotiations.
If Karzai asked for the continued presence of foreign forces, the Taliban and other nationalist forces would target him as a traitor, who like their ancestors, resist the presence of foreigners in their land. Secondly, if Karzai asked this stabilization force to leave, he would be left without protection and thus weaken his negotiating position. Without the presence of a security umbrella, Afghanistan will revert to war and disintegrate into chaos again. This must never be allowed to happen. The price is too high.
Mr. Karzai may have gotten out of this problem by transferring it to the peace jirga. The jirga would not have to grapple with Karzai's dilemma and could thus be a point for negotiation with the Taliban.
One of the solution suggested and discussed in the jirga as a way out of this impasse is the provision of a joint Muslim stabilizing force composed of Malaysians and Indonesians under a UN mandate.
This solution has its ramifications. The U.S is the sole world power with the capacity to ensure peace. Multilateralism has its own dynamics and weaknesses; it may have succeeded in Timor, but can it succeed in Afghanistan? To me this is doubtful unless there is general U.S support for such a concept.
A formula could be worked out, where the Taliban declare their readiness to a cease-fire followed by the start of formal talks leading to an election under international supervision. Multilateralism may succeed when such an agreement is in place. However, what cannot be condoned is to permit the return of chaos and upheaval in Afghanistan. These factors were discussed and argued in the jirgas five committees.
At times, the discussions were acrimonious and heated. One was gladdened to watch untutored tribesmen and Baluch defending Pakistan. I think we underestimate and wrongly distrust our civil society and the opposition politicians. They stood as a rock against anything harmful to Pakistan but open to reasonable Afghan suggestions. The Afghans on the other hand were articulate and urbane. To their credit, they always supported a better argument.
Such an attitude was present in public conduct too. For example Mujadidi, a former President of Afghanistan and a respected religious leader, seemed to have lost reason and began criticism of Pakistani policies in his Friday prayer sermon on the 10 August. Suddenly, all Pakistanis got up from the congregation and publicly rebuked Mujadidi and refused to say their prayers. The Afghans in the congregations who were in large numbers requested the Pakistanis not to leave the prayer meeting. The matter was resolved once it was agreed that Siaf would lead the prayers. Later, Mujadidi offered an unconditional public apology for his hurtful behavior.
The committee meetings were lengthy and jirga members spent long hours in negotiating how to tackle various problems. For example, the final meeting of the executive committee of the peace jirga began negotiating the joint declaration at 5:00 p.m on the 11 August and reached agreement at 4:00 am on the 12 August, after intense but friendly negotiations.
One of the reasons for the success of the jirga was the excellent personal rapport between the head of the Peace Jirga, Aftab Sherpao of Pakistan and his Afghan counterpart Dr. Abdullah Abdullah. Both did their nations proud. The joint declaration was unanimously approved by the whole jirga on 12 August.
The main importance of the joint jirga lies in it being the basis of a political strategy for fighting the war against terrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Until now, there was only a military strategy. The next newsletter, to appear shortly will discuss the details contained in the joint declaration and the issues involved.
The gigantic task of organizing this mammoth jirga providing it security and then being flexible when reason demanded, speak volumes of our Afghan hosts goodwill. Their enormous hospitality and friendship has left a deep and abiding impression on the Pakistani jirga members. There was not a dry eye, when our plane took off for Peshawar on the evening of 12 August after participating in what may turn out to be a historic occasion.
4 thoughts on "A PEACE JOURNEY TO KABUL"
faridsahib August 14, 2007 at 7:38 am
Looking forward to the next Newsletter and your prognosis….
Emran Ghaffar Khan August 14, 2007 at 7:38 am
So …..There is light at the end of the tunnel.It is time something good happens.Our people deserve it.Thank you or the deep insight to the problem.Inshallah with minds like you behind it ….there is yet…hope.
Fareeda and Tariq Nishtar August 16, 2007 at 7:37 am
Very happy to read the review.Lets hope and pray that something constructive comes out of this for both our people of Pakistan and Afghanistan Ameen
Yusaf Said August 17, 2007 at 7:37 am
Dear Khalid Khan, I was very happy to know you were one of Pakistan's representatives at the recent Peace Jirga held at Kabul, Afghanistan. I agree with the optimism expressed in your article, and believe the future will see the people of both countries become much closer. The Peace Jirga was indeed a very good step in that direction! Having worked here for the past two years, I have experienced at first hand the immense love and regard ordinary citizens of Afghanistan have for Pakistan. And I say this not about Pushtuns alone, but also about persons from other ethnic groups (Hazaras, Tajiks, Uzbeks, others) I met during my stay here. Many of them sought and obtained shelter in Pakistan to escape from the havoc of civil wars, instigated at behest of superpowers, and their respective stooges holding power in countries surrounding Afghanistan. Large numbers of returned exiles consider Pakistan their second home, and express great love and longing for its cities, towns and villages, and for the Pakistani neighbourhoods, friends and families amongst whom they lived. Many Afghan citizens understand and converse in Urdu and other regional languages of Pakistan. Sadly, successive Pakistani governments have never realised that the love of ordinary Afghan citizens for the people and places of Pakistan is its real "strategic depth", which should be encouraged and promoted to benefit both countries. Many thanks for regularly sending your newsletter. I find it very informative and interesting, and it has greatly increased my knowledge and understanding of current events taking place in our region. With warm regards to you and the family,
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Students will will get a chance to create virtual chat boxes as well as work on programming a computer to guess your inputs - all on its own!
The Summer Enrichment Academy at UMBC offers unique, fun, challenging and mind expanding academic summer workshops and camp programs for middle school and high school students.
SEA brings students exposure to the college experiences with opportunities in science, engineering, technology, the arts and humanities, all led by UMBC faculty, industry professionals and graduate students.
Registration is first-come, first-served. Deadline is April 1st.
Women are making a difference, changing the world, and transforming the future with science, technology, engineering, and math. Explore STEM with hands-on activities, science shows, and technology workshops.
At the Mind, Body, & Coding camp, girls will challenge their minds through coding and robotics as well as nurture their bodies through meditation and yoga. Each day girls will enjoy block- or text-based programming classes, yoga instruction, robotics workshops, presentations from guest speakers and tours of the UMBC campus. At the end of this week-long summer coding camp, the girls will showcase their achievements.
G.E.M.S. held after-school enrichment programs at Buck Lodge Middle School and William Wirt Middle School in Prince George's County, MD.
Girls worked with University of Maryland undergraduate students on hands-on activities related to STEM.
G.E.M.S. STEM Saturday Academy offered girls the opportunity to explore STEM fields. Girls built robotic arms, balloon-powered cars, and explored Maryland Day at the University of Maryland, College Park.
G.E.M.S. board member, Raluca, works with student on math activity at William Wirt Math Family Night.
G.E.M.S. thanks Alpha Omega Epsilon for sponsoring the 5K Turtle Trot benefiting G.E.M.S.
Dr. Raluca Rosca accepts a diploma on behalf of GEMS of Prince George's County as part of the Transforming Neighborhood Initiative (TNI) recognition event (July 15, 2016). It is great to know that the work of our mentors, school sponsors and students is recognized by Dr. Kevin M. Maxwell (CEO, PGCPS) and PG County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III.
Copyright © 2019 G.E.M.S - All Rights Reserved.


This public exhibition closed on Monday 2 May 2016.
Council sought comment from the community on a planning proposal to amend Ku-ring-gai Local Environmental Plan (Local Centres) 2012 to rezone Council land at 259-271 Pacific Highway, Lindfield and reclassify the land from Community Land to Operational Land.
This site is also known as the Lindfield Library Precinct. Council has prepared an urban design study and masterplan to guide the future redevelopment of the site.
The outcome of the reclassification and amendments to the planning provisions applying to the site would enable the redevelopment of the site in accordance with Council's adopted master plan, thereby creating the capacity for Ku-ring-gai Council to better manage this asset for the purpose of supporting Council's asset renewal strategies.
Has no power to sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of community land.
May grant a lease or license of community land, but only in accordance with the Local Government Act.
The documents below were on public exhibition from 24 March 2016 to Monday 2 May 2016 at our Customer Service Centre, Level 4, 818 Pacific Highway, Gordon and at the Lindfield branch Library.
Comment period closed 5pm Monday 2 May 2016.
Please note all submissions are public documents and will be considered in a final report to Council.
A public hearing was held in accordance with Section 57(6) of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act following the exhibition.


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Un hul est une coiffe qui fait partie du costume traditionnel néerlandais, particulièrement à Volendam, Katwijk, Urk et Spakenburg.

Références

Galerie

Couvre-chef en dentelle
Costume traditionnel des Pays-Bas

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Calming Nerves as Students Start the School Year
The new school year can be a very exciting time for children and parents. However, for many children, it also can cause some anxiety, especially if they are going to a new school or haven't been in person for a while.
The San Diego County of Office of Education (SDCOE) is committed to supporting school districts, schools, students, and families to improve their mental and emotional health and well-being. Our student wellness team works closely with school staff across San Diego County to ensure tools and resources are available to youth. We've compiled resources and information to help education professionals and families.
Following are some tips to ease anxiety from Johns Hopkins Children's Center:
A week or two before school, start preparing children for the upcoming transition by getting back to school-year routines, such as a realistic bedtime and selecting tomorrow's clothes.
Arrange play dates with one or more familiar peers before school starts. Research shows that the presence of a familiar peer during school transitions can improve children's academic and emotional adjustment.
Visit the school before the school year begins, rehearse the drop-off, and spend time on the playground or inside the classroom if the building is open. Have your child practice walking into class while you wait outside or down the hall.
Come up with a prize or a rewarding activity that your child could earn for separating from you to attend school.
Validate their worry by acknowledging that, like any new activity, starting school can be hard but soon becomes easy and fun.
Returning to school can also be stressful for older students. Check out SDCOE's Teen Guide to Mental Health and Wellness for five wellness tips for teens.
For additional ideas and information, explore the following resources from SDCOE and other organizations. Hopefully, they can help make the transition to the new school year smooth. Don't forget to talk to your child's teacher or principal if you still have concerns.
Resources to Help Your Child
Back-to-School Anxiety - How to help kids manage worries and have a successful start to the school year
When Your Child Feels Too Anxious to Go to School
How to Empower Your Child to Deal with School Anxiety
What to Do About Teen Anxiety and School Refusal
General Wellness Resources
A Young Person's Guide to Wellness (SDCOE)
Virtual Wellness Center (SDCOE)
Helping Handout for School and Home (National Association of School Psychologists)
Teen-Created Mental Health Anxiety Card
When Back to School Anxiety Lingers
Description: UCLA Center for Child Anxiety Resilience Education and Support (CARES) Director Dr. John Piacentini and CARES Clinical Psychology Fellow Dr. Diana Santacrose talk about the feelings of fear and anxiety that often come up around back to school and how parents can recognize them.
Resources for Educators, Families to Discuss Mass Shootings in the Community
Mental Health Resources for the Holidays
Tips to Spark Students' Curiosity During Winter Break
Resources for Educators to Teach Thanksgiving
Fentanyl and Other Drugs: Prevention and Awareness Resource Guide
Resources for Educators, Families to Discuss School Shootings
Teaching About Voting and Elections
FAFSA Completion Resources to Create a College-Going Culture
Wildfire Preparedness Resource Guide
Mental Health and Wellness Resources for Educators
Supporting LGBTQIA+ Students
Resources for Menstrual Equity in Schools
Resources for Educators, Families to Discuss the Events in Ukraine with Students

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Another thing is one of My friends that watch the movie with Me is that I haven't see Her again in more than 5 months, I'm happy to see Her again :) even not much We talk about as We usually chat via Yahoo Messenger.
Which attracted me to your bolg was the movie MI3,I was so fortune that I could be the first one to make comment in your bolg.
As I've read some of your diary,I know that you are living in Indonesia. Right?
But in the photo,it seems you're not the local people. So may I ask what's your origin country?
You can send mail to me.
Hoi Alina, thanks for Your comment. I live in Indonesia, the photos on My post before are photos when I was in the Netherland, Paris and Luxemburg, so I'm not the local people there.
Actually, you don't know me at all. Sometimes, I think the Internet is a magic that can make us link together. It seems your English is quite good, so what's your mother language? Is it include English? Or you just learn it as a second language?
My mother language is Bahasa Indonesia. English is My third language :) My second language is Javanese as I grow up in Jogjakarta.
How about You Alina? I'm curious about You now :D where do You live?
I feel quite strange about why your uncle Charlie need a GPS. But this system is very interesting. If I can get one, I won't worry about losing my way. (You know,the sense of direction for girl is often chaotic.)And I suppose such kind of system just used for national security.
There are many types and purposes of GPS, one of it are GPS for giving road direction. The one that Uncle Charlie bought have maps of 3 countries: Netherland, Belgie and Luxemburg.
Even Netherland can be considered as small country if We compare it with Indonesia or China it still 'big' country :) and You still need help for road direction. The GPS answer this need.
With traditional map You will need to find the route to Your destination manually. Using GPS, You don't need to find route manually, the GPS does it for You automaticaly.
If You want one, may be You can found it on electronic shops. The problem is: is there any map of China for the GPS system?
Why I interested in GPS is that I like to watch war films. And in those films, the American soldier always use it to position their point in jungle. Or they can help the soldier to lead the satellite, then destory the military base. So I think it's a product of high-tech, but perhaps not so useful in our daily life.
From your ex-post,I feel you're a quite interesting person. And I'd like to know more about you. May I know what's your favorite book?
About Your question of My favorite book, I answer it directly to Your email address.
I've sent mail to you.After that we can use mail to connect each other.


New York, NY: Customer Management Practice, a division of IQPC,is proud to unveil a new and exciting Chief Experience Officer Exchange this July 29-31 in Chicago, IL. The Exchange is an invitation-only event that hosts cross-industry senior level experience executivesfor two and a half days of true peer-to-peer networking, benchmarking and match making. Our guests will be exposed to timely, tangible and honest discussions to help draw conclusions on how holistic experiences are designed and deliveredin world-class enterprises. Executives must meet qualifying criteria inclusive of strategic development and oversight, active projects within the next 24 months, and control or direct influence of the experience budget.
The Chief Experience Officer (CXO) is an evolving title quite new to the C-Suite. The CXO Exchange content leansinto understanding customer touch points paired with the innovation required to break down silos and reinvent pain points while leveraging design as an organization-wide tool. Moreover, how do all experiences created by an organization, from analog to digital and from marketing touch points to customer service touch points, speak with one, holistic service experience? This event dovetails perfectly with the Customer Management Practice's Chief Customer Officer (CCO) Exchanges and Customer Contact Week (contact center and service-oriented) Exchanges, adding additional flavor to the existing portfolio of Exchanges that put customer first.
Mario Matulich, Customer Management Practice's executive director, shares insight into the unique role of the CXO. "CXO's are the glue that holds enterprise experiences, both internal and external, together. Getting large organizations to speak with one experiential voice can be such a strenuous challenge. Our new CXO Exchange provides a platform for fledgling and experienced CXO's to share their stories, successes and challenges for holistic experience design and delivery." Join us at CXO Exchange this July.


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WIAA girls' state basketball tournament a boon for Green Bay-area businesses
Beth Rikkola treasures her memories of playing high schoolbasketball in Madison during the 1996 state tournament.
WIAA girls' state basketball tournament a boon for Green Bay-area businesses Beth Rikkola treasures her memories of playing high schoolbasketball in Madison during the 1996 state tournament. Check out this story on postcrescent.com: https://www.postcrescent.com/story/news/2014/03/23/wiaa-girls-state-basketball-tournament-a-boon-for-green-bay-area-businesses/6793323/
Adam Rodewald, USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Published 1:00 p.m. CT March 23, 2014
Kimberly takes on Oak Creek in a 2015 WIAA Division 1 girls' state basketball semifinal game at the Resch Center in Ashwaubenon.(Photo: File/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)Buy Photo
She felt let down when the three-day competition moved to the Resch Center in Ashwaubenon.
But as the 35-year-old school teacher from Sevastopol stood in the crisp, springtime air outside the venue Saturday morning, she changed her mind.
"I see all the people and all the history here, and I think it's a really cool thing," she said.
Players, fans, local residents and businessowners interviewed for this story said they're happy with the tournament located at the Resch Center, which is within walking distance of ample parking, hotels and restaurants.
"It's better this year than last year," said Linda Bender, 56, of Wisconsin Rapids. "I think the city takes good care of us here."
Twenty teams from around the state converged in Titletown this weekend for the WIAA state girls basketball tournament, which ended Saturday night.
The event was expected to attract an estimated 40,000 people, who would spend around $3 million on everything from food to gasoline to retail goods at the shops and malls throughout the area, said Brad Toll, president and chief executive of the Greater Green Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau.
It's an economic impact comparable to the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon and good-sized convention on the same weekend, he said.
"After the Packers games, this is considered a big event for both my properties," said Chirag Dave, owner of the Quality Inn and the Best Western Green Bay Inn and Conference Center, which are located next to the Resch Center.
Dave said she sold out all 202 rooms between both hotels on Thursday and Friday. The Quality Inn remained nearly full Saturday night, and the Best Western was 60 percent full.
"We're very happy to have this (tournament) here to get everyone going in this slow time. It's definitely bringing more revenue in," she said.
The Convention & Visitors Bureau estimated visitors from the event filled 2,500 to 3,000 local hotel rooms for the weekend.
Jerry Watson, owner of the Stadium View Bar and Grille located down the street from the Resch, said business was better than last year.
"Too many teams last year were local teams within 15-20 miles of Green Bay. So, when they traveled here they watched the game and went home," Watson said. "This year, with more teams from outside the area, they all have to come up and spend the day here. That's better for the tourism part of it."
Attendance was down slightly this year, as 38,609 fans attended the event. Last year drew 39,731 fans — 9,378 more than the 2012 tournament at the Kohl Center in Madison.
The crowds were fueled in part by state title wins by three Northeastern Wisconsin schools — Green Bay Notre Dame, Kewaunee and Algoma.
The venue hosted the event for the first time last year after the WIAA had given it a two-year commitment because of scheduling conflicts in Madison, which had hosted the event since 1976.
That contract between the WIAA and PMI Entertainment Group, which manages the Resch Center, has since been extended through 2020.
Players said they liked the venue, which can hold about 10,000 for basketball, making it easier to fill with fans than the Kohl Center with its capacity of more than 17,000.
"I know a lot of fans are coming because it's so close," said Carely Lemke, a senior from Oconto Falls. "It's so exciting being down here as a team."
Some teams took advantage of the opportunity to tour neighboring Lambeau Field.
"It's awesome. I've never been here before, so it's overwhelming," said Katie Klein, a senior from De Forest. "A lot of people put a lot of hard work into letting this happen for us. We're thankful to be here."
Adam Rodewald writes for Press-Gazette Media, Green Bay
Read or Share this story: https://www.postcrescent.com/story/news/2014/03/23/wiaa-girls-state-basketball-tournament-a-boon-for-green-bay-area-businesses/6793323/
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We are devoted to caring for the orphans and widows in the Migori Country region of Kenya by meeting their basic physical, medical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Through our sponsorship program, we provide each child not only with a well balanced diet, monthly medical care, top quality education at our school for orphans, basic necessities for maintaining good hygiene, but also a supportive and loving home in our orphanage.
Currently, most of our classes are required to share classrooms due to inadequate space. Because of this, the government has threatened to shut down Christ Care Academy as a learning institution. In building a classroom, you provide a comfortable location where the orphans can feel free to learn in a quiet and private environment.
Keep updated on CCMI's latest news by checking out our blog. Read personal stories and encounters of what God is doing through our ministry. We also address our current greatest need and how you can help.


We have received some incredible feedback from our Open Evening which echoes the pride we feel for our staff and students.
We would like to thank all those parents for attending and contributing to a wonderful evening and we extend a particular thanks to all of our students who excelled themselves in showcasing our Academy.
"We attended your Open Evening tonight and just wanted to say thank you! From my point of view I fear my child going to high school much less and my son was blown away by the school! Thanks again, the girl who showed around group 9 is a credit to the Academy."


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Menifee Plugged In: Playstation 4 Hits the Mark
by Menifee 24/7 Correspondent @ 11/18/2013 06:51:00 PM
By Neil Kristjansson
Last Friday, Nov. 15 marked the release of Playstation 4. The next generation of gaming has arrived, and boy is it pretty.
For eight years, the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 have controlled the market. While Nintendo's Wii sat on the sidelines, appealing to a more general crowd, Sony and Microsoft pushed towards a more "dedicated" approach to gaming. And so, after so long, it's time for the new.
With a different design and different technological specs, it's better than ever. Graphically speaking, it's nothing but pure eye candy. Oh man, oh man, I cannot emphasize that enough. People have a tendency to say that graphics aren't a big deal when it comes to games. That gameplay is all that matters. Which, to some extent, is true. Gameplay is what makes a game a game. But gameplay can only change so much over time. It is composed of ideas and algorithms that mostly stay the same.
Graphics, on the other hand, have changed so much in just the past 10 years. We used to see heads in the shape of flat diamonds, textures that looked like colorized white noise. Now? It's borderline real. For example, seeing images from Metal Gear Solid V makes me think, how much further can we go? I grew up with the progression of visual technology and even I'm astounded at how far it's come.
Going back to speaking of gameplay, the Playstation 4 has a new line of titles that don't quite blow my mind. Typically, games that come with the release of a new console – the first lineup – are never the best. However, that's probably due to the fact that most of them happen to be sequels of the previous generation. Oh well. In time, they'll come to prove themselves.
In time, everything will be absolutely amazing. As for now? One of the launch titles is this cute adventure called "Knack". It's essentially trying to emulate the Pixar quality of being cute and cartoony. But it doesn't quite add up to being an astonishingly great title, as it's short and typical. At least it's cute and pretty.
As for my major, major, MAJOR gripe: The Playstation 4 is NOT backwards compatible. I HATE THAT. It's a marketing scheme by game companies to make more money. It's absolute crap. What backwards compatibility is, is the ability to play (for instance) a Playstation 2 game on a Playstation 4. In order for that to work, you'd have to repurchase the title on the Playstation Store and download/install it to the system.
It's an absolute waste of money if you actually have the game already. In a perfect world, all consoles would be backwards compatible. But, in my opinion, the best approach to this would be the ability to at least read the disc and provide a free download to the system. Or a discount at least. It's so stupid.
As for everything else? It's great. Fantastic. Sony did a great job with the Playstation 4. It's improved its social features tremendously. You can stream your gameplay from your console. You can use Facebook from your console. And with the new Share button right in the middle of the controller, it's literally as easy with the click of a button.
The next generation has arrived. And it's only going to get better from here. I can only hope you're as excited as I am.
Neil Kristjansson's "Menifee Plugged In" column appears each Monday. He writes about two things of interest to most of the younger generation -- music and electronic gaming. He welcomes your comments here or though email at menifee247info@gmail.com.
Labels: menifee plugged in, neil kristjansson
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Those fussy cuts are just perfect!
Wow, that is just sooooooo lovely! Fab fabric and great pattern combo!!!
I will visit a Haberdashery shop later to buy some new crafting materials since I am planning to make a new pillow cases for our throw pillows in the living room.
Fabulous pillow design and tutorial!
It is my great pleasure to visit your website and to enjoy your excellent post here. I like that very much. pillow covers.


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Q: PHP: Create JSON from MySql to look like this. Consume in Swift 3 My query is:
"SELECT day, title, speaker, time, room, details FROM classes"

I would love to know how to create JSON to look exactly like this from a MySql table in PHP:
{
   "DAY" : "MONDAY": [
             {
             "TITLE": "TEST DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT",
             "SPEAKER": "JASON SHAPIRO",
             "TIME": "9:00 AM",
             "ROOM": "MATISSE",
             "DETAILS": "EXPLORE THE TOPICS AND TOOLS RELATED TO TEST DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT."
             },
             {
             "TITLE": "JAVA TOOLS",
             "SPEAKER": "JIM WHITE",
             "TIME": "9:00 AM",
             "ROOM": "ROTHKO",
             "DETAILS": "DISCUSS THE LATEST SET OF TOOLS USED TO HELP EASE SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT."
             }
             ],
  "DAY" : "TUESDAY": [
             {
             "TITLE": "MONGODB",
             "SPEAKER": "DAVINMICKELSON",
             "TIME": "1: 00PM",
             "ROOM": "PICASSO",
             "DETAILS": "LEARNABOUT\"NOSQL\"DATABASES."
             },
             {
             "TITLE": "DEBUGGINGWITHXCODE",
             "SPEAKER": "JASONSHAPIRO",
             "TIME": "1: 00PM",
             "ROOM": "VANGOGH",
             "DETAILS": "EXPLOREDIFFERENTPATTERNSFORDEBUGGINGYOURIOSAPPS."
             }
             ],
             [
    Day etc....
             ]
  }

I am assuming I can't get this to work because of the word "DAY:" prior to the actual day.  But how would I consume this in Swift 3 being each day is dynamically generated? My ultimate goal is to create properly formatted JSON and consume it efficiently in Swift 3 tableview (for the days - vertically scrolled) and collection view (for the titles - horizontally scrolled in each table row).

A: Using same key in JSON will cause unintended result.
Below is valid JSON Formation.
{
   "MONDAY": [
             {
             "TITLE": "TEST DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT",
             "SPEAKER": "JASON SHAPIRO",
             "TIME": "9:00 AM",
             "ROOM": "MATISSE",
             "DETAILS": "EXPLORE THE TOPICS AND TOOLS RELATED TO TEST DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT."
             },
             {
             "TITLE": "JAVA TOOLS",
             "SPEAKER": "JIM WHITE",
             "TIME": "9:00 AM",
             "ROOM": "ROTHKO",
             "DETAILS": "DISCUSS THE LATEST SET OF TOOLS USED TO HELP EASE SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT."
             }
             ],
  "TUESDAY": [
             {
             "TITLE": "MONGODB",
             "SPEAKER": "DAVINMICKELSON",
             "TIME": "1: 00PM",
             "ROOM": "PICASSO",
             "DETAILS": "LEARNABOUT\"NOSQL\"DATABASES."
             },
             {
             "TITLE": "DEBUGGINGWITHXCODE",
             "SPEAKER": "JASONSHAPIRO",
             "TIME": "1: 00PM",
             "ROOM": "VANGOGH",
             "DETAILS": "EXPLOREDIFFERENTPATTERNSFORDEBUGGINGYOURIOSAPPS."
             }
             ],
             [
    Day etc....
             ]
  }

create a sort function
// create a sort function
// put the whole result array to res
function sortResultByDay($res) {
    $returnArray = array();
    foreach($res as $row) {
        $day = $row['day'];
        unset($row['day']);
        $returnArray[$day][] = $row;
    }
    return $returnArray;
}

and use the function like this
$res = mysql_query("SELECT day, title, speaker, time, room, details FROM classes");
$resArray = array();
while($row = mysql_fetch_assoc($res))
    $resArray[] = $row;

$resArraySorted = sortResultByDay($resArray);
echo json_encode($resArraySorted);

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Q: C# - Bits and Bytes I try to store some information in two bytes (byte[2]).
In the first four bit of the first byte I want to store a "type-information" encoded as a value from 0-9. And in the last four bit + the second byte I want to store a size-info, so the maximum of the size-info is 4095 (0xFFF);
Lets do some examples to explain what I mean.
When type-info is 5 and the size is 963 than the result should look like: 35-C3 as hex string.
35-C3 => the 5 is the type-info and the 3C3 is the 963.
03-00 => type-info 3 and size 0.
13-00 => type-info 3 and size 1.
But I have no idea how to do this with C# and need some community help:
byte type = 5;  // hex 5
short size = 963; // hex 3C3
byte[] bytes = ???
string result = BitConverter.ToString(bytes);
// here result should by 35-C3

A: It should look like this:
bytes = new byte[2];
bytes[0] = type << 4 | size >> 8;
bytes[1] = size & 0xff;

Note: initially my numbers were wrong, I had written type << 8 | size >> 16 while it should have been type << 4 | size >> 8 as Aleksey showed in his answer.
Comments moved into the answer for posterity:
By shifting your type bits to the left by 4 before storing them in bytes[0] you ensure that they occupy the top 4 bits of bytes[0]. By shifting your size bits to the right by 8 you ensure that the low 8 bits of size are dropped out, and only the top 4 bits remain, and these top 4 bits are going to be stored into the low 4 bits of bytes[0]. It helps to draw a diagram:
        bytes[0]                    bytes[1]
+------------------------+ +------------------------+
| 7  6  5  4  3  2  1  0 | | 7  6  5  4  3  2  1  0 |
+------------------------+ +------------------------+

  type << 4
+-----------+
| 3  2  1  0| <-- type
+-----------+
            +------------+ +------------------------+
            |11 10  9  8 | | 7  6  5  4  3  2  1  0 | <-- size
            +------------+ +------------------------+
              size >> 8           size & 0xff

size is a 12-bit quantity. The bits are in positions 11 though 0. By shifting it right by 8 you are dropping the rightmost 8 bits and you are left with the top 4 bits only, at positions 3-0. These 4 bits are then stored in the low 4 bits of bytes[0].

A: Try this:
byte[] bytes = new byte[2];

bytes[0] = (byte) (type << 4 | size >> 8);
bytes[1] = (byte) (size & 0xff);

A: Micro Optimisations of the Memory Profile for types is not something you usually should bother with in .NET. If you were running native C++ I could understand this to some degree, but I would still advise against doing that. It is a lot of work with limited benefits at best.
But in .NET you just make a class or struct with a Enumeration (Int8) "Type" and a Int16 SizeInfo, say "good enough" and call it a day. Spend your resource on something better then shaving 1 byte worth of memory off it, when 64 bit is the native Integer Size of most Computers nowadays.
BitArray is about the closest you can get to actually defining specific Bits from a byte in .NET. And it features some info on similar types.
If you want to do the math the hard way, Modulo is a good place to start.


Turning waste materials into something attractive and saleable is the dream of every potential entrepreneur. That dream coupled with imagination has turned the hobby of making reedlike birdcages into a profitable home industry in Panama.
A small group of Panamanian farmers near the highlands of El Valle de Anton spend much of their spare time collecting the raw materials and forming them into intricate birdcages of various sizes and designs - miniature houses, churches, fire stations, airplanes, helicopters, pagados, and recently, one 7-foot model of the Thatcher Ferry Bridge was made.
The cages are not made of reed, but the stem of the sugarcane and from the hard center strip of coconut palm leaves.
The farmers most active in this small industry are from El Copecito and El Espino, communities approximately 60 miles west of Panama City near the entrance of El Valle - the home of the rare golden colored frog and the strange tree with a square trunk.
Growing sugarcane is perhaps the oldest and most widespread industry in the Republic of Panama and in the last 20 years it has grown into a major export industry.
The farmers use every part of the cane. From it they make a sweet refreshing juice called guarapo. In the old days it was sometimes left to ferment and the result was a fairly strong drink the natives called cimarron. Guarapo also is boiled until it has the consistency of molasses or until it sugars. This brown sugar is molded into blocks and used to make sweets and candies. Until recently, families in the Interior sweetened their coffee with sugarcane molasses or the brown sugar. As the industry grew additional refining was necessary to sell the sugar on the world market.
Another industry which uses the sugarcane as raw material is the important rum industry of Panama. Although the rums are not widely exported, they are considered by many rum drinkers as among the best in the region.
After the juice is extracted from the cane, the fibrous residue, or bagasse, is used for fuel. In some areas bagasse is made into wallboard. The leaves also are used, for cattle fodder. What is left is the slender stem, or viruli, of the sugarcane blossom which for many years has been used all over Panama for making kites and more recently the birdcages of El Valle.
Viruli is easy to handle and is fairly strong. The pieces may be cut or broken at any desired length. Strips of coconut leaf fiber are used to join the pieces of stem to reinforce the bird cage construction. Though fragile looking, the cages are durable and withstand the weather even if hung outside for years.
One of the manufacturers of the birdcages is Heriberto Sanchez. He is an expert and some of his creations are true works of art. His tools include a machete for cutting the coconut palm leaves, a well sharpened penknife for extracting the fibers from the leaves, and an awl for making holes in the stems to place the fibers.
Most of the cages Sanchez makes are in the form of a house or a church. But his pride and joy is a model of the Thatcher Ferry Bridge. For the base he used two 7-foot lengths of white cane (of the same family as sugarcane) often used for building the rustic native huts of the Interior. He sold the bridge cage to Miss Marsha Collins of the Canal Zone. It was so big it had to be divided into three sections so it would fit in the car.
According to Sanchez, the best time to cut viruli is in November when the sugar cane is in bloom. A 13-year old nephew, Enrique Quintero, helps him to cut the cane and to make the birdcages. The boy's real ambition, however, is to go to school in Panama City and learn to be an airplane mechanic. The money he earns goes toward his education.
Another artist at making birdcages is Julio Torres, an 18-year-old youth from El Espino. His father has a grocery stand on the side of the road. Torres has a bohio in front of his father's place and it is practically filled with cages of all kinds. His creations average about 2 feet in length and 1 foot in width. In the cages are little bars for the birds to perch on. He sells the simple cages for $1.50 to $2.00 and the more complicated ones for $3.00. Others, depending on the work involved, cost a little more. It takes from 1 to 2 days to make a cage, depending on the size.
A cage in the form of a house, pagoda, tower, or airplane takes about a day to make. A helicopter takes a little longer. A fishing boat with cranes and net throwers takes much longer to make and sells for $3.50. Torres, who has a grade school education, makes his living on the birdcages. Since business is not very good during the rainy season, he makes most of them in November and has a large supply ready when the dry season sets in and visitors go to the area. On some Sundays he earns as much as $35.00 selling birdcages.
An effort is being made by the National Artesan and Small Industries Service (SENAPI), sponsored by the United Nations and the Panama Government, to find other markets for the cages.


text:
Copper Won't Save You From Coronavirus
"If 40 percent of your proteins don't work, you don't work," Dr. Johnson said. Copper may even be capable of jamming up proteins that typically run metal-free by simply glomming onto their surfaces.
Even our own immune systems appear to exploit copper's protective perks. Some evidence suggests that immune cells like macrophages — which gobble up and destroy bacteria, viruses and other microbes — may be capable of engulfing and sequestering germs in an acidic "ball of death" chamber that's then spiked with lethal doses of copper, Dr. Johnson said. "Our bodies have been using this for warfare" long before copper masks hit the market, he added.
But it remains to be seen which of these scenarios will play out with the coronavirus, and to what extent. Dr. Johnson is one of several scientists currently on the case, tinkering with copper to suss out exactly how it exerts its apparently potent effects on this dangerous germ.
[Like the Science Times page on Facebook. | Sign up for the Science Times newsletter.]
Steer clear of the copper nose picker
What works well in the lab, however, won't necessarily pass muster in the real world. Both Dr. Johnson and Dr. Djoko have held off on recommending copper-infused accessories, including face coverings and masks, to their friends, family and colleagues as a way to reduce transmission. (Overingesting copper is also a bad idea, and probably wouldn't do much to boost immunity, Dr. Johnson said. And Dr. Djoko isn't keen on the idea of sticking copper wands up your nose.)
Loosefitting face coverings, like cloth or surgical masks, aren't air tight and don't make the wearer impervious to infection. But if the wearer is infected, masks can do a great deal to protect others from virus-laden droplets spewed by coughs, sneezes and speech. A 2010 study found that the metal-laced accessories could curb the amount of active influenza virus lingering on contaminated masks. (The analysis was conducted by Cupron Scientific, one of several companies now selling copper-lined face coverings.)
If copper face coverings also curtail the coronavirus, that could come in handy for people who mishandle their masks, said Linsey Marr, an aerosol scientist at Virginia Tech. A hefty dose of copper could diminish the chances of viable virus making it into the eyes, nose or mouth via a wayward hand that's touched the front of a mask.
Tags: Copper, coronavirus, save, wont
Previous 'There's Probably Never Been More Uncertainty,' Fed Official Warns
Next Dow roars higher on hopes for US-China trade relations


text:
Chicago -- The 2014 Pritzker Architecture Prize has been won by Shigeru Ban, a Tokyo-born, 56-year-old architect.
Art collectors of Art Kabinett social media network applaud the sustainable designs of this architectural master.
For twenty years Ban has traveled to sites of natural and man-made disasters around the world, to work with local citizens, volunteers and students, to design simple, recyclable shelters and community buildings for the disaster victims.
Ban is known for the originality, economy, and ingeniousness of his works, which do not rely on today's common high-tech solutions.
Wooden Projects
The Swiss media company Tamedia asked Ban to create pleasant spaces for their employees. He responded by designing a seven-story headquarters with the main structural system entirely in timber. The wooden beams interlock, requiring no metal joints.
For the Centre Pompidou-Metz, in France, Ban designed an airy, undulating latticework of wooden strips to form the roof, which covers the complex museum program underneath and creates an open and accessible public plaza.
To construct his disaster relief shelters, Ban often employs recyclable cardboard paper tubes for columns, walls and beams, as they are locally available; inexpensive; easy to transport, mount and dismantle; and they can be water- and fire-proofed, and recycled. He maintains that his Japanese upbringing helps account for his wish to waste no materials.
As a boy, Shigeru Ban observed traditional Japanese carpenters working at his parents' house and to him their tools, the construction, and the smells of wood were magic. He would save cast aside pieces of wood and build small models with them.
He wanted to become a carpenter. But at age eleven, his teacher asked the class to design a simple house and Ban's was displayed in the school as the best. Since then, to be an architect was his dream.
Humanitarian Focus
Ban's humanitarian work began in response to the 1994 conflict in Rwanda, which threw millions of people into tragic living conditions. Ban proposed paper-tube shelters to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and they hired him as a consultant.
After the 1995 earthquake in Kobe, Japan, he again donated his time and talent. There, Ban developed the "Paper Log House," for Vietnamese refugees in the area, with donated beer crates filled with sandbags for the foundation, he lined up the paper cardboard tubes vertically, to create the walls of the houses.
Ban also designed "Paper Church," as a community center of paper tubes for the victims of Kobe. It was later disassembled and sent to Taiwan, and reconstructed there, in 2008.
He employs local victims, students, and other volunteers to build his projects.
'Naked House' Commission
The Pritzker jury cited Naked House (2000) in Saitama, Japan, in which Ban clad the external walls in clear corrugated plastic and sections of white acrylic stretched internally across a timber frame. The layering of translucent panels evokes the glowing light of shoji screens.
The client asked for no family member to be secluded, so the house consists of one unique large space, two-stories high, in which four personal rooms on casters can be moved about freely.
Shigeru Ban is currently a professor at Kyoto University of Art and Design. His design firm is based in Paris.
He is the seventh Japanese architect to become a Pritzker Laureate — the first six being the late Kenzo Tange in 1987, Fumihiko Maki in 1993, Tadao Ando in 1995, the team of Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa in 2010, and Toyo Ito in 2013.
The Pritzker Architecture Prize was founded in 1979 by the late Jay A. Pritzker and his wife, Cindy. Its purpose is to honor annually a living architect whose built work has produced consistent and significant contributions to humanity and the built environment through the art of architecture. The laureates receive a $100,000 grant and a bronze medallion.
Pritzker Foundation
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is a well organized group with a two-tier leadership structure. There is a military wing and a political wing, both of which is led by an overseeing central committee. This committee, and the organization as a whole, is led by Velupillai Prabhakaran.
Soosai who led the Sea Tigers amphibious assault group.
Charles Anthony who led the airborne group.
Pottu Amman who led the highly secretive intelligence group.
Nadesan who led the political office.
Veerakathy Manivannam (aka Castro) who led the global network.
Most of these leaders were killed during the Eelam War IV between 2006 and 2009.
The group is believed to have between 7,000 and 15,000 fighters.
Funding for the group has largely been acquired from sympathizers in the region, as well as diaspora communities in North America and Europe.
In addition, the group has acquired funds through what are seemingly legitimate humanitarian organizations who act as fronts for the group. The group has also been known to take part in various criminal activities to help fund their activities.
The LTTE, or more commonly known as the Tamil Tigers, are a separatist group from Sri Lanka. The group was founded in 1976 and has been participating in terrorist activities since the late 1980s. They have been pursuing an independent homeland for ethnic Tamils who they feel have been discriminated against by the majority Sinhalese in Sri Lanka.
Over the years, the LTTE has waged a violent campaign with the assistance of organized air, ground and naval forces. LTTE has successfully assassinated high ranking officials in both the Sri Lankan and Indian governments, military officials and prominent individuals in rival groups. The group is recognized for having pioneered the suicide bomb jacket, as well as the use of women in suicide attacks. The war against the Sri Lankan and Indian governments has caused more than 70,000 deaths.
In May 2009, the Sri Lankan government declared victory over the LTTE, which brought the conflict to an end. The military killed the elusive LTTE's leader Vellupillai Prabhakaran and most of its high ranking leadership. The group conceded defeat and in a statement said it would lay down its arms.
Despite these claims, analysts are uncertain as to the level of de-militarization undertaken by LTTE, and believe that campaigns of subversion, destabilization and fundraising continue, especially among diaspora communities.
LTTE was very active between 1990 and 2009. This list attempts to highlight the principal profile attacks carried out by the group.
August 2005: Assassination of Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar.
January 2008: Assassination of both a member of parliament from the opposition United National Party, T. Maheswaran and Sri Lankan Nation-Building Minister D. M. Dassanayake.
April 6, 2008: Assassination of Sri Lankan Highway Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle.
The group is rooted in a secular nationalist ideology. They do not have ties to radical Islamic affiliates or other religious groups. LTTE believes in supporting the minority Tamil ethnic population in Sri Lanka.
The LTTE's objective is to create a separate, independent homeland for the Tamils in the Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka. At one time the LTTE did control most of the Northern province. However following 2009 it lost the Eastern province and most of its control over the northern region.
The LTTE is a very sophisticated operation, conducting military style operations, guerilla warfare, intelligence collection and highly successful suicide attacks. The group is responsible for several high-profile assassinations across Sri Lanka and India. The LTTE has also sunk several Sri Lankan naval vessels, and caused significant casualties to security and military forces.
The group is known for pioneering the suicide bomb jacket, as well as the use of women in their attacks. The vast majority of the LTTE's attacks have been carried out with the use of explosives and suicide bombs. In some cases, they utilized small arms, rocket propelled grenade launchers, and mortars.


text:
Linn Lake is a lake in Chisago County, Minnesota, in the United States.

Linn Lake was named for a family who settled there.

See also
List of lakes in Minnesota

References

Lakes of Minnesota
Lakes of Chisago County, Minnesota


Small Footprints has a great "Change the World Wednesday" challenge for us this week.
It's one of those challenges that makes you realise living more sustainably can take just a few minutes, cost you nothing and even SAVE money and resources!
According to her research, an LCD monitor uses between 20-40 watts of electricity … a CRT version uses approximately 80 watts. And of course, laptops run off batteries, but if we use the monitor on the brightest setting, the battery will quickly need recharging.
Now I'm pleased to admit I'm slightly ahead of the game on this one as I recently had to buy a new desktop.
As you can imagine; buying new products are a bit of a nightmare for me. I spend so much extra time trying to get something that matches my techie needs as well as my 'green conscience' needs. However, I feel confident I succeeded!
The machine I have is an 'all in one desktop' with some great sustainability features built in.
Tied in with this week's challenge is a brightness control which automatically adjusts to the effects of ambient light. In addition I have various setting in the power manager which I can manually override.
The default setting is for maximum brightness on the screen and the display to go off after ten minutes of idle time. On the maximum energy setting, the screen is on the lowest setting (perfect for me because I don't like a bright screen) and the display goes off after 5 minutes. Apparently I can even monitor and control this remotely!
As well as carrying the Energy Star label, the desktop I have is GreenGuard certified which means it is free of up to 2000 potentially harmful contaminants. What's most exciting to me is the machine is made from up to 65% post-consumer content – you know how I love to recycle!
What about you? Will you be dimming your screen and brighting up the planet?


Cignal AI presents the results from the 4Q18 Optical Hardware Report.
On December 13, 2018, Cignal AI presented their results from the 3Q 2018 Optical Hardware Report.
Lead analyst Andrew Schmitt joined Ulrich Dopfer, ADVA CFO and Stephan Rettenberger, ADVA Senior VP of Marketing and Investor Relations to provide their various perspectives on the optical industry.
Each year, OFC showcases the most noteworthy developments in the optical industry, and this year was no exception. Companies utilized OFC as a venue to announce and demonstrate new products and solutions such as coherent technology, hardware disaggregation, and 400G inside the data center.
On March 6, 2018, Nokia announced its fourth generation coherent optical technology, the PSE-3, which continues the company's strategy of developing coherent DSP processors in-house. Nokia is betting that these chips will differentiate the performance, price, and availability of its optical hardware products.


A joint University of Adelaide-Shanghai Jiao Tong University study has provided the first broad picture of the evolution and possible functions in the plant of pollen allergens.
Published in the journal Plant Physiology, the researchers believe their work may help with medical research into the reduction or prevention of allergic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
"During the past four decades, allergic diseases have become a global health problem," says project leader Professor Dabing Zhang, who leads the University of Adelaide and Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Laboratory for Plant Science and Breeding.
"Studies have shown that more than 50% of patients with perennial allergic rhinitis are sensitised to pollen allergens, and the number of people affected by pollen allergy is on the increase worldwide.
"Unfortunately, pollen allergens are difficult to avoid because of the extremely small size and high prevalence of pollen.
"This is a serious health issue but very little is known about their evolutionary history and why plants have evolved these allergens."
The researchers, including postgraduate students Miaolin Chen at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Deborah Devis at the University of Adelaide's Waite campus, performed a genome-wide analysis of potential pollen allergens in two model plants, Arabidopsis thaliana (thale cress) and rice by comparing those results among 25 species of plants ranging from simple alga to complex flowering plants.
They used these findings to develop a model explaining how plants produced and maintained pollen allergens.
"This genetic and evolutionary insight our work has provided will be useful in terms of both future medical and plant-breeding research focused on preventing pollen allergies. For instance it may help in the development of a vaccine or in modifying crop plants by screening out allergens during plant breeding," says Professor Zhang.
Article: Origin and Functional Prediction of Pollen Allergens in Plants, Miaolin Chen et al., Plant Physiology, doi: /10.1104/pp.16.00625, published 19 July 2016.
University of Adelaide. "Genomics study points to origins of pollen allergens." Medical News Today. MediLexicon, Intl., 8 Aug. 2016. Web.


text:
Paris Agreement 5 Years On: Reasons for Optimism | Climate Action 100+
Paris Agreement 5 Years On: Reasons for Optimism
Climate Action 100+ among financial sector leaders highlighted during Paris Agreement anniversary
By Laetitia Tankwe
Chair, Climate Action 100+ Steering Committee
Adviser to Ircantec President Jean-Pierre Costes, Groupe Caisse des Dépôts.
Year-in-review articles will soon be appearing, with COVID-19 dominating the coverage. I hope as you reflect on 2020, Climate Action 100+ will inspire both pride and hope for the year ahead as it has for me. I felt both during events marking the five year anniversary of the Paris Agreement, which made clear how much the pace of climate action is accelerating.
I had the good fortune to represent Climate Action 100+ at a working meeting at the Élysée Palace with President Emmanuel Macron, Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, and Olivia Gregoire, Secretary of State of social, responsible and inclusive economy. The meeting marked the third anniversary of the One Planet Summit, where Climate Action 100+ was formally announced.
The meeting provided opportunity to share highlights from our just published Progress Report. For instance, that 54% of the oil & gas companies on our engagement 'focus list' have committed to a net zero target by 2050 covering scope 1 and 2 emissions. I also noted, however, that capex at these companies is not aligned with these commitments.
Also, I indicated that, although as investors we have leverage to contribute to a low carbon economy, we face a range of policy barriers in the process. I took the opportunity to present some of these, including:
Reduced leverage when engaging with majority state-owned enterprises
Countries that have taken an inhospitable approach to regulation
Obstacles to filing shareholder resolutions
The lack of a global framework based on consistent, reliable data
I also acknowledged the leadership that France has shown on climate-related regulations and financial products, and I suggested that the country could consider issuing the first SDG bonds.
Climate Action 100+ was also represented by Nicolas Moreau, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Global Asset Management, which has worked as lead or supporting investor at companies such as Anglo-Australian miner BHP, Norwegian oil & gas produce Equinor, Indian & European steel producer ArcelorMittal and France's own Total. All have made significant emission reduction commitments.
In Moreau's words:
Climate Action 100+ represents an excellent example of asset managers – who would usually compete against one another – coming together to work for the good of all their clients, of society and of the planet.
Nicolas Moreau, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Global Asset Management
It was clear from President Macron's remarks that he views Climate Action 100+ as an important initiative and feels a close association with us, given our launch at the One Plant Summit. He mentioned some of our lead investors and asked two questions:
What's next — after our 5-year term concludes?
What can Climate Action 100+ do to encourage signatories to fund the green transition?
On the first, I assured him discussions are underway to explore a 2.0 version of the initiative. On the second, I said we are coordinating with the Net Zero Asset Owner Alliance and Net Zero Asset Managers, both of which are better suited for discussions around investment allocation. Our remit remains to engage with the largest emitters of greenhouse gases and convince them of the material risks we, as their largest investors, face if they avoid an orderly transition to net zero emissions.
In his conclusion, President Macron underlined the importance of private initiatives as a counter to weak country level NDCs. He said the finance sector broadly must support a strong climate agenda, including central banks, public banking, commercial banks, asset managers and asset owners. He announced that France's 40 largest listed companies have committed to TCFD.
The anniversary celebrations provided a very energised end to a busy 2020, partly due to a range of announcements, including:
The Public Development Banks Coalition announcing a commitment to align with the Paris Agreement. The public banks will support the definition and implementation of ambitious NDCs, adaptation plans, and long-term strategy while also making sure that every project financed provides a positive contribution to Paris-aligned goals.
The chief executive of French insurance giant Axa called for the creation of a net zero underwriting alliance in time for COP26 that would see companies from across the insurance sector align their business activities with a 1.5°C future.
Space agencies from 25 countries agreeing to pool spatial data on climate change in order to:
assist in public decision making;
improve communication with stakeholders: general public, researchers and academics; and
contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.
The five year anniversary events made clear that the bar has been raised on climate ambition by many stakeholders. We started with 2°C as an aspiration and we have moved increasingly to a strong commitment to 1.5°C, with capital commitments and remuneration growing areas of focus. As the year turns, I am proud of all that we have accomplished together and I look forward to working with you to realise the ambition of the Paris Agreement.
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Tweetsie Railroad is proud to operate two vintage steam locomotives: the #12 "Tweetsie" and the #190 "Yukon Queen." When you visit Tweetsie Railroad during the operating season, the train will be pulled by one of these historic engines. Both locomotives are coal-fired narrow-gauge engines, built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia. Before entering service at Tweetsie Railroad, the locomotives were put into operating condition by Tweetsie's on-site steam train repair shop. Locomotive #12 is the last surviving narrow-gauge steam locomotive of the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad (ET&WNC), which ran train service from Johnson City, Tennessee to Boone, North Carolina from 1919 to 1940. When the Tweetsie Railroad theme park opened in 1957, this was its sole locomotive. In 1960, Tweetsie Railroad acquired another steam locomotive,the #190 "Yukon Queen" from Alaska's White Pass & Yukon Railway. Both locomotives are coal-fired narrow-gauge engines, built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia. #12 was completed in 1917, and #190 in 1943. Before entering service at Tweetsie Railroad, the locomotives were put into operating condition by veteran engineer Frank Coffey, who trained new generations in Tweetsie's on-site steam train repair shop.
Great fun for young children. During October they have a haunted train ride and haunted house that can be terrifying for young children. I'd take older children to this event in October.
This was a great day for our family. We got here around 8:30 for close parking. Thomas the Train was in town and my 9 year olds said they were "too old" for it. When we got close to take pictures, they became really excited. The rest of the park was empty since most people hopped on the train. The girls had the rides to themselves for several minutes and had a blast! We got through most of the park before a torrential downpour occured. We left earlier than expected, but we all will have some great memories to look back on.
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From a prison cell to academia: the story of Natalie Atkinson
Amongst the scores of people who attend university, it is unusual that you will see someone who has over a hundred convictions under their belt taking lecture notes. However, over at The University of Cumbria's Lancaster campus, a 24-year-old has put a history of crime behind her to attain a first class degree.
Natalie Atkinson had a troubled upbringing, and was taken away into care at the age of 13. Despite excelling in secondary school, she dropped out, which is where her life took a turn for the worst. Starting in children's secure units, Atkinson found herself in proper prison and was surrounded by more severe convicts. It was at this point when she realised that she needed to buck her ideas up.
Following her attainment of two GCSEs in English and maths whilst serving a custodial sentence, Atkinson began an Access to Higher Education diploma where she was advised to apply at the University of Cumbria.
Even with the intellect and qualifications to perform well, the Lancaster-born student was worried whether she'd go down well with her peers: "My biggest fear was that I would not fit in to the university but my concerns were soon put behind me. From day one I have felt supported and empowered to achieve my potential."
Her story has been of such interest that in 2012 BBC asked her to present a documentary, 'Banged Up and Left to Fail?', which concentrated on the struggle of getting on with life after coming out of prison, which was broadcast in spring of this year.
When summer rolled by Atkinson was ecstatic to receive a first in policing, investigation and criminology (BSc). Musing on her exceptional grade after her uneasy past, she proclaimed: "I never thought I would return to education and now I am about to graduate with a degree and go on to study a post-graduate course." And she isn't just on any course, either. In the Autumn Natalie will be partaking in a masters in Criminal Justice Policy at the highly regarded London School of Economics.
Tagged: university, study, new, london, graduate, education, cumbria, bbc


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Soslan Fraev (March 15, 1970) is a former competitor in Freestyle Wrestling who competed for both Russia and Uzbekistan.

in 1994 Fraev won the European Championships by defeating future mixed martial arts champion Vladimir Matyushenko in the finals.

Fraev was a runner up at the Asian Championships in 2000, and won a bronze in 1997 and 1999. Other notable achievements include a bronze at the 1998 Asian Games, the 1996 Wrestling World Cup and representing Uzbekistan at the Wrestling World Championships in 1997, 1998 and 1999. Fraev's highest placing here was 7th in 1997.

References

Profile

Russian male sport wrestlers
Uzbekistani male sport wrestlers
1970 births
Living people
Wrestlers at the 1998 Asian Games
Asian Games medalists in wrestling
Medalists at the 1998 Asian Games
Asian Games bronze medalists for Uzbekistan