text:
Laying the foundations for careers in construction
A project to help young people build careers in construction has been launched in Sheffield by the world famous Cutler's Company.
With the support of Sheffield Housing Company (SHC) – and particularly its construction partner, Keepmoat Homes – the Better Learners, Better Workers (BLBW) initiative is designed to show students approaching their GCSEs, the career options available in the building industry.
It will also help address the growing skills shortage in the sector in a city with plans to develop 10,000 new homes by 2024.
Launched by Master Cutler Nicholas Cragg at the prestigious Cutlers' Hall in Sheffield, BLBW is providing Year 10 students from Chaucer School and Sheffield Park Academy with a year-long programme of visits to real construction sites to learn about the latest working methods, the type of jobs available and the built environment.
There are also workshops, focusing on the job application process, team building and other workplace skills such as communication, resilience and critical thinking.
Designed by employers and with support from the Cutlers' Company and Sheffield City Council, BLBW operates across South Yorkshire, focusing on specific industry sectors, so young people can follow their interests.
This new construction and built environment sector initiative is being sponsored by SHC - Sheffield City Council's joint venture development company, established with private sector construction partner Keepmoat Homes and Great Places Housing Group. Its goal is to improve the quality and choice of housing across the city, while creating jobs, encouraging investment and supporting the communities in which it works.
Supporting educational and training projects is a key element of SHC's programme to help create apprenticeship and job opportunities. It is currently working on the second phase of a 25 year plan to build 2,300 new affordable homes for sale, shared ownership and rent, across the city.
To date 600 homes have been completed, 60 apprentices employed, over 500 jobs created and more than £80 million spent with local suppliers.
John Clephan, Project Director with SHC, said: "We are committed to helping young people in Sheffield to get the best possible opportunities for progressing into our industry. We could see that this was an ideal way of doing that, helping to build young people's confidence and skills but also giving them real experiences of the workplace. It was great to see the enthusiasm of the young people who were at the launch."
Haydn Tomlinson, Land and Partnerships Coordinator at Keepmoat Homes in Yorkshire, added: "There is a huge demand for young talent in the construction industry with thousands of new jobs expected to be created in Yorkshire alone over the next few years. That's why this scheme is so important and why we're proud to be involved. Through it we hope to engage young people, show them the opportunities available in the modern construction industry and inspire them to consider it a career for them."


text:
Campaigns and Issues
Eastern Ghats
Fifth Schedule
Forest Rights
Important Judgement
Samata Judgement
Volunteer Review Form
Volunteers Report
Volunteers Review
Nimalapedu Zero
by	Samata	/ Wednesday, 15 September 2004	/ Published in News, Samata in News
Down to Earth | Sep 15, 2004
The milestone read Nimalapedu 0. We had travelled through the forest regions of Vishakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, to this tribal village, which we knew had stoutly resisted and tamed the might of the Birlas when the latter was given a lease to mine calcite in their backyard. This was the village whose battle led, in 1997, to a historic judgement of the Supreme Court that put a stop to the greed of private companies, eager to get their hands on a lease for land in tribal areas to mine or set up a factory. Named after the dynamic tribal rights organisation that took the case to the high court and thence to the Supreme Court on behalf of the villagers — Samata — the judgement today is the biggest thorn in the sides of those who have a vested interest in inviting private and foreign mining companies into such areas.
We walked to Nimalapedu. How had they persisted in a fight that took over 10 years? we asked a group of men. What we heard is amazing in its simplicity. "One day we found a few men wearing half pants, with chisels and hammers and magnifying glasses, in our village. This was around 1988. Then they came with drilling machines and started making wells. Nobody told us who they were and why they had come. But then, revenue officials came and asked a hamlet to leave. They offered Rs 5,000. More men came, tractors started leaving loads of stone here and there. Nobody spoke to us. But we heard that a road was to be built. Talk spread that we would all have to leave."
"We decided to fight. Nobody went for labour on the road. Then we heard that close by in the Borra caves, an organisation was helping to stop mining. We approached them. They said we should file a case in the high court. But we lost the case: our lawyer was paid off by the company. This was around 1995 and then Samata said that they would take the matter to the court in Delhi."
Did all the villages agree to oppose mining? The answers were less forthcoming. "Yes, it was difficult. Many of our neighbouring villagers had been promised money and jobs. They wanted the road. Government officials came to us to threaten us again and again. We said we would not succeed. But we did not give up." A pause. Then, sadly: "Even now they do not give us jobs as coolies. They say you opposed us then. We will do nothing to help you now."
So what happens now? I asked looking particularly at the young men. The answers dried up. As we left, my colleagues and I were asking ourselves two questions. How long would the village hold out in this way in the future? How long would it be before another mining company, another Birla, bamboozles its way in, with state protection?
This is the determining issue, not just for Nimalapedu, but the entire region. The region is phenomenally resource-rich. Bauxite, chromite, calcite, gemstones, locked up in a land of poor and powerless people. For instance, 90 per cent of all bauxite available in India is found in the largely tribal districts of Orissa, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. The Samata judgement ruled that the state had no right to grant leases — even on government-owned forest land — to private companies in areas governed by the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution (tribal scheduled areas). The state government was directed to stop all private mining within scheduled areas. Only cooperative societies, comprising solely of scheduled tribes, could exploit mining operations in such areas, subject to the compliance of the forest conservation act and forest protection act, said the court.
But the government is hell-bent on changing this. Parliament is discussing an amendment to the Mines and Minerals Regulation and Development Act that will overturn the Samata judgement. States are desperate. They need the cash and see private capital as their best bet. They see pure lucre in royalty they will earn by leasing lands. Last year Orissa, sidestepped the law, arguing that the judgement wasn't binding on them. For governments today, court restrictions and the various acts that protect resources such as forests are unnecessary obstacles that need to be removed as fast as possible.
For us, the issue is: What, then, are the options for Nimalapedu, and all the other villages in these mineral rich lands? How do they hold off miners, who will work closely and securely with governments? Can they build a future around mining? Can mining be regulated, so that they benefit? Or is there another way to development?
Which brings me to another question. It was March. I was expecting, while travelling, to see dry, destitute lands and empty homes, the men already migrated for work. But Nimalapedu was different. Rice crops glistened in carefully sculptured fields. It was the village's third crop of the year. Streams from the forest above the village irrigated the fields. I asked them who the huge amount of land on the sides of the village belonged to. "To us," was the answer. By all indicators they should be rich. But by all evidence they are poor. They do not have education, health services or cash for additional food and facilities. But they are also extremely rich in resources. It is just that they do not have the where with al to turn these into productive assets. That is where the tragedy really lies. But to correct this, we would have to redefine what we mean by poverty, and how wealth should be generated.
The piles of stones are still there, ready to become a road.
— Sunita Narain
About Samata
Espousing tribal rights
शिड्यूल एरिया में गैर आदिवासी को खनन लीज का हक देना गलत : विश्वनाथ
Samata Judgement discussed in Parliament on 26.06.2019 || Video ||
Samata in News
Select Category Adivasi Award Environment, Forest & Climate Change News Samata in News Updates Video
Select Month May 2020 February 2020 November 2019 October 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 April 2019 March 2019 April 2014 June 2013 April 2012 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 May 2007 January 2007 January 2006 November 2005 October 2005 September 2005 August 2005 July 2005 April 2005 September 2004 January 2004 December 2003 September 2003 August 2003 July 2003 December 2002 August 2002 March 2002 December 2001 July 2001 June 2001 March 2001 July 2000 April 2000 January 2000 April 1998
We are a social justice organization working for the rights of the tribal "Adivasi" people of Andhra Pradesh, India and for the protection of the natural resources and ecology of the Eastern Ghats (hills).
Samata Vs. State of Andhra Pradesh (11.07.1997)
Read Judgement
©2020 Samata. All Rights Reserved. Designed by Samata

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Art & Culture - Fondation Louis Vuitton The Fondation Louis Vuitton Book Your Visit
Art & Culture - Fondation Louis Vuitton 01/14
The Fondation Louis Vuitton
The Fondation Louis Vuitton has opened a large-scale exhibition dedicated to Charlotte Perriand, a free woman, pioneer of modernity, a leading figure of the 20th-century design, who contributed to the definition of a new art de vivre.
The Fondation Louis Vuitton has opened a large-scale exhibition dedicated to Charlotte Perriand (1903-1999), a free woman, pioneer of modernity, a leading figure of the XX century design, who contributed to the definition of a new art de vivre.
Charlotte Perriand
To mark the twentieth anniversary of the passing of Charlotte Perriand (1903-1999), the Fondation pays tribute to her as an architect and visionary creator through an exhibition of her work exploring the links between art, architecture and design.


hi everyone! I am onatsky of Tarlac City Philippines mabuhay! I was born to spam the forum boards..I hope I'll enjoy my life here as a great spammer!
since I'm a spammer or should I say Selfish Spammer, I don't want others to spam any of these threads.. I will only give 1 warning and if you insist, I'll kick you out this site.. for good.. lol..
hahaha whatever Onatsky.. ^^, dont forget the java tutorial.. see you around!
hey you spammer! please stop spamming!
ok sure, I will.. I promise..


text:
# Table of Contents

  1. Title Page
  2. Table of Contents
  3. Copyright
  4. Dedication
  5. Epigraph
  6. Introduction
  7. Maps
  8. The Lake Shore Limited
  9. The Lone Star
  10. The Aztec Eagle
  11. El Jarocho to Veracruz
  12. The Passenger Train to Tapachula
  13. The 7:30 to Guatemala City
  14. The 7:00 to Zacapa
  15. The Railcar to San Salvador
  16. The Local to Cutuco
  17. The Atlantic Railway: The 12:00 to Limón
  18. The Pacific Railway: The 10:00 to Puntarenas
  19. The Balboa Bullet to Colón
  20. The Expreso del Sol to Bogotá
  21. The Expreso Calima
  22. The Autoferro to Guayaquil
  23. El Tren de la Sierra
  24. The Passenger Train to Machu Picchu
  25. El Panamericano
  26. La Estrella del Norte ("The North Star") to Buenos Aires
  27. The Buenos Aires Subterranean
  28. The Lagos del Sur ("Lakes of the South") Express
  29. The Old Patagonian Express
  30. About the Author

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaBook


Listening to my music now that everyone who contributed to the long process of recording it has been paid makes it take on a completely new quality. More grand. Idk.
I used to write out words thinking that the written word is a whole different ball of wax from that of the spoken word. Those days are over. I'm going to start making contractions the default mode of speaking and writing from now on.
Mark my words. You can't write like you talk. But you can start making it easier to read. Contractions ON by default.
Looking at the apps on my phone. I barely use any. Witnessing a need for edutainment. Recommitting to mathogen2.
Just signed up for the defcon ctf Quals. Thanks for the invite Jon! Can't wait to get started!


One Identity, a Quest Software business, helps organizations get identity and access management (IAM) right. With a unique combination of offerings, including a portfolio of identity governance, access management and privileged management, and identity as a service that helps organizations reach their full potential, unimpeded by security, yet safeguarded against threats.
One Identity is committed to its customers' long-term IAM success. More than 7,500 customers worldwide depend on One Identity solutions to manage more than 125 million identities, enhancing their agility and efficiency, while securing access to their data -- wherever it might reside.
Cybersecurity is about humans, skills and knowledge. So is the Cybersecurity Leadership Summit in Berlin (#CSLS18). Discussing face-to-face with your peers about trends, hypes and evolving threats, getting trained in thinking the unthinkable to be better prepared for disaster, or even avoid the worst of it. #CSLS18 represents the new thinking that really matters for a secure digital transformation of your enterprise. At #CSLS18 you will find an impressive line-up of world-class keynote speakers, panel moderators, panellists, best practice presenters and professionals facing the same challenges as you do.
Willkommen zum Cyber Access Summit (CAS) 2018! Gestalten Sie die Zukunft der digitalen Transformation und diskutieren Sie mit Kollegen und Branchenexperten. Das Programm des deutschsprachigen Cyber Access Summit 2018 nimmt aktuelle Themen und Trends im Bereich des Identity und Access Managements in den Fokus.
Identity and Access Management (IAM) is one of the most important and challenging disciplines, involving multiple departments and systems across the enterprise and requiring constant communication between the business and IT. Without IAM, it is difficult to mitigate access risks, to comply with regulations and to deliver a consistent and frictionless user experience.
Implementing Identity and Access Management universally across multiple IT infrastructures and software platforms is a major challenge for any organization. To do their daily job successfully, users today expect to get access to information they need from anywhere at any time, regardless of the target system or application.
Privilege Management, the management of accounts with elevated privileges and, in particular, shared accounts, is changing drastically. Providing shared account password management, a privileged Single Sign-On, or restrictions for elevated privileges is no longer sufficient.
Amazon, Uber, Netflix, the Kindle etc.: Digital technology has changed our society in an appreciable way. Just as our personal lives are being transformed digitally, the same happens in corporations and with our traditional technology solutions. The digital transformation affects everything from customer experience andoperational processes to business models and IT focus. Even software development is being digitally transformed. This leads to new security and privacy challenges: In IoT and digital transformation, organizations have to deal with more identities and relations than ever before. The attack surface increases constantly every day.
The majority of 2015's high profile security breaches can be attributed to lost or stolen credentials and nowhere are the stakes higher than with those distributed to "super users". It's no surprise, therefore, that many organisations looking to shore up their defences start with privileged access management (PAM).
IAM (Identity & Access Management) is a central discipline of Information Security. But it rarely starts on a green field – commonly there are already some IAM components in place such as directories, Single Sign-On etc. There might also be e. g. IT service management tools in the company. Thus, IAM must integrate well into the existing landscape. Depending on their current infrastructure and requirements, organizations therefore might want to start at different points with IAM. Successful implementations demand a holistic, unified view.
Aussagen von Auditoren zu Risiken durch privilegierte Nutzer sind nicht wirklich nötig, um ein besonderes Augenmerk auf privilegierte Zugriffe zu werfen.
Identity & Access Management first and foremost is a business dimension and should be process-oriented and results-driven. In this webinar you will learn how to enable business owners to decide and be accountable of wo gets access to what.
Cloud, Mobile, Social Computing - IAM requirements are rapidly changing and need to go beyond classical provisioning. In this webinar, KuppingerCole´s Principal Analyst Martin Kuppinger will guide you through these new challenges and talk about maturity levels of IAM deployments. Quest Software (now part of Dell) Principal Solutions Architect Paul Walker will contribute a number of best practice examples and talk about his experience from migrating existing provisioning environments to up-to-date flexible and future-proof solutions.
In this webinar, KuppingerCole´s Principal Analyst Martin Kuppinger will describe, how to reduce business risks through transferring responsibility for defining, maintaining and auditing information security policies and access rules from IT to those business divisions which actually need these policies to do their job. Following to Martin´s presentation, Quest Software´s Phil Allen will show practical approaches and best practices implementing such an Access Governance program.
In this webinar, KuppingerCole's co-founder and principal analyst Martin Kuppinger will give you an overview on the dos and don'ts of privileged user management, with a special emphasis on hybrid cloud environment. Followed by Martin, Phil Allen, Quest Software's Director Identity Management EMEA, will talk about Quest Software's solution focus within the privileged user management sphere, which recently received a strong boost through the acquisition of e-DMZ Security.
In this webinar, KuppingerCole´s Principal Analyst Martin Kuppinger will discuss with Joe Baguley, Quest Software´s CTO Europe, about how to transition from a reactive, siloed IT to a more agile, cloud computing aware infrastructure through small, manageable steps and subtle changes in thinking.
During this free webinar, Martin Kuppinger will give an overview on SharePoint Governance, followed by SharePoint expert Joel Oleson who will show you how to simplify SharePoint 2010 management with operations plans that include governance and change management policies as well as governance best practices.
Die (automatische) Anpassung der Sicherheitsstufe eines Authentifizierungsvorgangs an den jeweiligen Kontext leistet einen erheblichen Beitrag zur operativen Effizienz und spart Geld. In diesem Webinar spricht Martin Kuppinger, Principal Analyst bei Kuppinger Cole, über die unterschiedlichen Ansätze adaptiver Authentifizierungsverfahren, bei denen unterschiedlich starke Authentifizierungswege für unterschiedliche Risiken angewendet werden können, und gibt eine Übersicht über Lösungen im Active Directory Umfeld. Reto Bachmann von Quest Software wird danach den Einsatz des Quest Defender in Kundenprojekten beschreiben.
Approaches to automate and optimize the auditing on access and providing reporting capabilities are mandatory – at any level of IT. To save time and improve quality, appropriate tools are a must. Is there a one-size-fits-all approach?
Bottom-Up or Top-Down or both? What is the appropriate approach to automate auditing on access and reporting on directories and identities and also on mail and file access? In This Webinar, Martin Kuppinger (Kuppinger Cole), Jackson Shaw and Reto Bachmann (both Quest Software) will discuss with you these questions and talk about best practices on how to integrate IT- and business views.
The identity management marketplace offers a number of different solutions enabling Active Directory-based single sign-on for SAP, making life for SAP endusers much easier and at the same time offering a good potential to reduce the costs of managing your IT infrastructure. In this webinar, Martin Kuppinger (Kuppinger Cole), will talk about the different concepts of SAP-SSO and why Kerberos is a real option in such an environment. Then, Jackson Shaw and Reto Bachmann (Quest Software) will present some best practices based on Quest´s solution for SAP.
In diesem Webinar geht Martin Kuppinger zunächst auf die Notwendigkeit ein, konsistente Autorisierungsstrategien zu entwickeln, die bei minimiertem administrativen Aufwand einen durchgängigen Schutz von Informationen bieten – indem man sich auf das Wesentliche konzentriert und sich nicht in Punktlösungen verzettelt. Reto Bachmann von Quest Software wird daran anschliessend anhand von Praxisbeispielen beschreiben, wie sich das Berechtigungsmanagement unter Einsatz des Quest Access Managers einfach und transparent gestalten lässt.
Managing access rights through business roles is a key element of identity management initiatives and it is fundamental to an enterprise-wide GRC strategy. True? Are there alternatives? Fact is, that many role management projects tend to either run out of budget or time, or completely fail. In this 90 minutes XL-webinar, we will first talk about the 5 most important rules for a successful role management project, and then present the results of a recent survey we did to find out where most companies are right now.
Je komplexer die IT-Infrastruktur, desto angreifbarer ist sie und desto höher die Aufwände (und Kosten) für Compliance. Für die erfolgreiche Einführung einer unternehmensweiten GRC-Plattform ist es deshalb von entscheidender Bedeutung, einerseits deren Fundament in Form einer zukunftsorientierten Identity Management Strategie darauf auszulegen, aussagekräftige Informationen zur Verfügung zu stellen, und andererseits durch einen Risk-orientierten Compliance-Ansatz die Kunst der Beschränkung auf das Wesentliche zu üben. Die Kuppinger Cole Governance, Risk Management & Compliance (GRC) Jahresveranstaltung 2008 fokussiert Strategien und Vorgehensweisen, Technologien und Werkzeuge, die Ihre Unternehmensführung in die Lage versetzen, wettbewerbs- und kostenrelevante Entscheidungen in Kenntnis aller wesentlichen Informationen und Risiken zu treffen - ohne dass Ihre Compliancekosten ausufern.
Die Berechtigungsvergabe auf Basis von Business-Rollen ist ein wesentlicher Bestandteil des Identity Managements und wichtige Grundlage für eine GRC-Strategie. Ist das so? Geht es auch ohne? Fakt ist, dass sehr viele Projekte, bei denen das Rollenmanagement eine wichtige oder die Hauptrolle spielt, entweder aus Budget- und Zeitrahmen laufen, oder gar scheitern. In diesem Webinar sprechen wir über die 5 wichtigsten Regeln für ein erfolgreiches Enterprise Role Management.
Last year we had our first discussion of risk and value related to IoT. Over the last 12 months we have gone from "What is this IoT?" to IoT becoming a driver of digital transformation. All of the major platform (PaaS) players have made IoT a key part of their strategies. In this session Jackson will highlight how the IoT landscape has changed from a risk & security perspective for both consumers and enterprises, how it is driving digital transformation and why it is even more important for you to be planning your IoT strategy now.
Did you know that today, there are over 30 billion connected IoT devices? And that in 2020, that number will double? Do you know how these devices connect to the internet? To each other? To their manufacturer? How many IoT devices are used within your company? If you're a security professional you'll need to be able to answer these questions and more. In this session, Jackson Shaw discusses the convergence (collision?) of IoT with IT and OT, what it means to him as a consumer and what it means to us as identity and IT security professionals.


ahhh pupster my constant companion. I could not ask for a better friend.
The other day I was mowing the lawn (a chore I go into each time with annoyance - why why why does the darn grass grow back?) and pupster was of course outside with me.
I started the mower and pupster sensing my unhappiness started attacking a running lawn mower. his every motion "I will protect you mommy I will". I took this crazy picture as I shooed him away (to keep him from getting hurt).
It occurred to me though this isn't the first time he has "risked it all" for me.
If I am particular ly sick in the night he will howl scream or whatever else to get hubster up.
And probably most impressively he simply doesn't allow for purging. If I try he sits at the bathroom door and gives the most pathetic whine/howl... And well it's working. I can proudly say I've gone from 5 to 6 times a day to ONCE IN THE LAST MONTH!!! He is pretty amazing this poodle of mine!
Much love for you girl.
Get in touch if you want.
I recently had a similar stint.
I'm so proud of you both!


text:
Урхо:

 Урхо — район в городском округе Карамай Синьцзян-Уйгурского автономного района КНР.
 Урхо Кекконен — национальный парк на севере Финляндии, в провинции Лапландия.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


There are many problems both real and perceived with our electoral systems. I personally think the problems are exaggerated, but that's just me. One solution suggested for stopping voter fraud is to simply go to an open ballot. That would probably remove the franchise from city employees and contracters. A better solution would be to create an algorithm for a voter ID number based on a fingerprint and retina scan. The voting records would then be put online by searchable by voter number. This would eliminate the problem of repeat voting because the machine would automatically throw out a vote which had a repeat number. Furthermore the machine would be able to keep records of all the repeat voters so fraud could be successfully tracked. For example suppose you require the registration to take place a month before the election. The machine could track if there are large numbers of repeat voters in Milwaukee and if these repeat voters are registered or have voted in Chicago. In addition vote tampering could be easily uncovered by the voters by simply checking what their vote was recorded as compared to what their receipt says. In addition ballots couldn't be made invalid simply because there is no time as the votes are sent in immediately. The research value of this database is immeasurable for political scientists and could lead to more efficient campaigns and more responsive politicians.
Anothe problem is the low voter turnout. This has two components. One component is that people don't care enough to show up at the polls. If we really wanted to solve this we could pay or fine $100 for voting or non-voting respectively. However the root problem of voter apathy is not one so easily solved. In fact the best solution is to do nothing. Is there any other group where it is considered a problem that the least interested don't have enough decision making power in the group?
I would suggest switching all non-Presidential primaries to runoffs to help counteract the incumbency advantage of the parties and the heavy disadvantage given to third parties. A runoff would allow the parties to get the proportion of votes which the voters felt appropriate unaffected by the tendency to avoid third parties because of the waste of a vote. It also would encourage more results like Lamont's which I feel was a good thing for our system (that Lieberman was beaten in the primary not that the moonbat Lamont could be elected).


A former Secretary of Defense and Representative, Melvvin R. Laird, is calling for universal civil service for all youths instead of a universal draft. He points out that the military doesn't need that many soldiers, airmen, sailors, and marines, but that the rest of the government could really, REALLY use the influx of manpower.
I personally think that military service should be one of the options, but otherwise agree with Mr. Laird.
Do you think Laird is floating a trial balloon here to see if this call for universal service can be parlayed into a draft? Maybe it's just my old distrust 'em all nature, but this has the feel of a trojan horse maneuver to me.
We agree with Mr. Laird on this issue. Everyone Serves is working to encourage the next president and congress to initiate a program of mandatory national service. If you agree, sign our petition to show your support.
Jim, it may be a Trojan horse, but it may not be too. Given that he was a SecDef for a while there when there was a draft, I presently choose to trust that he's right about the Pentagon, and what he's saying jives with what I understand about the military brass' opinion on the draft – most hate it, since volunteers give you a military where more people are in it for the long term (Like my cousin, who's now in Iraq for his 4th tour – this war).
I agree with you, Brian. National service (including military service as the default, I propose) would be a democratizing influence. Our military is now little better than a mercenary force, hired by us to do our dirty work, distinguished from Blackwater mainly by its lower wages and more dangerous working conditions.
I've always believed in this…and would dearly love to see something similar in the UK.
You can call it "Universal Civil Service" but conscription is conscription … what do you do for "conscientious objectors". Or what happens if I'd prefer to work in my profession but you don't have any options for me?
"Universal Civil Service" linux programmers? electrical engineers?
Just because the conscription isn't about supporting the military doesn't mean it isn't still a bad idea. "Forcing" people to do things they didn't volunteer to do is always a bad move.
Really, really: what happens to the people who plain don't want to. Are you prepared to punish them or send them to jail over this?
I would only advocate that those people who want to serve their country in ways other than putting on a uniform and killing people be given the opportunity to do so.
There are many things one can do to make the country a better place that don't involve being used as cannon fodder.
"Conscientious objectors" to something like being a teaching aide, or a soup-bank worker, or a interstate highway pavement layer? Come on, give me a break. This is why it's universal national service, not a universal military draft.
The goal here is to get to young people before they're old enough to really have a profession. IMO, between secondary school and college is the perfect time.
And yes, I am prepared to punish people who refuse their service.
To me, this is about consciously and intentionally changing an entire culture from one of "me me me me me" to one that's more "we're all in this together – us" focused. And mandatory national service may be one of the better ways to do it. I'm willing to entertain serious notions about how to do this without mandatory national service, but I haven't seen anything else that I think has a real chance of doing it.
You know, Gavin, I wonder to what extent the appeal of mandatory service is shaped by our particular context. In principle I'm not much on the idea myself, but in reality I live in a culture that has simply redefined self-indulgence, that has almost zero collective self-awareness, that's (to use Postman's term) "amusing itself itself to death." The emergence of the Millennial Generation is threatening to turbocharge this treacherous dynamic, and I find myself trying to imagine how, in the absence of some fairly massive intervening event, we're going to survive what we have become.
So maybe I see civil service as a possible hook for getting people invested in something other than what they're instinctively interested in. I don't know. I can't say that it will work, but I can damn sure say that the alternative isn't working….
My sentiments exactly, Sam – I think for the sake of our collective futures that we need to somehow engage Millenials – at least in the US – in some kind of outward oriented service that gives them an understanding of what it means to serve somebody instead of being served all the damned time. It would have done both my sons a world of good, I believe….
Jim, I mentioned Laird's time under Nixon just to place him in time and to bring up Nixon's mixed legacy on the issue. In fact, Laird could himself be described as a mixed legacy, a Rockefeller Republican who was tarred by Vietnam.
Also, Jim, I was less than clear about the solution I would prefer. I want a draft, de jure not merely de facto, because I hate militarism. That seems counterintuitive, but there would be two beneficial effects, I think. First, seeding the army with people who are from every social class (and many of whom hate the army) would involve the whole citizenry in how the army is used, and it would make it more difficult for a Bush to instigate another war of choice. Second, a citizenry who has had military experience is likely to be more chary of military solutions, having experienced first-hand the inefficiencies and absurdities of army life (after I served in the army, I reread Catch-22 as nonfiction). We might then be able to introduce the now-radical notion that the 735 imperial bases the US now has around the world, in fact, make the US less safe than it would be with a much smaller, domestic, defensive force.
And yes, civilian alternatives, for all the good reasons Brian gives. We live in a community which provides us with a legal-economic-security framework within which we can be Linux programmers and college professors and entrepreneurs, so I don't see anything so terrible about having to give up a couple of years doing something for the community. And using conscription to accomplish that. As you say, Sam, the alternative is not working. Good phrase, Jim: outward oriented service.


Today, Fine Point solutions manage both wireline and wireless platforms from a single server and integrate all solutions into a single GUI. With Fine Point, network operators can better manage their brand and their business. Fine Point's headquarters is in Herndon, Virginia.


text:
UN Programme Offers Cash For Struggling Afghan Families
November 30, 2021 Bud Uncategorized
The United Nations (UN) began resuming flights for humanitarian missions to Afghanistan on Thursday (2/9) local time.
The UN spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said that the humanitarian flights were put into operation "so that 160 humanitarian organizations can resume lifesaving activities in various provinces of Afghanistan."
Dujarric later explained that the flight was operating from Islamabad, Pakistan, to two cities in Afghanistan, namely Mazar-i-Sharif and Kandahar.
According to Dujarric, there have been three flights landing at Mazar-i-Sharif since August 29. All of the flights were carrying food aid for Afghans.
He said that currently, the United Nations is working on adding more flights to reach other parts of Afghanistan.
"From 2002 to 2021, UN Humanitarian Flights in Afghanistan have reached more than 20 destinations in the country. We will try to return to those locations when security and finances allow," Dujarric said, as quoted by AFP.
In addition, Dujarric also said that the United Nations is working to provide cargo flights to carry non-food items, such as medical needs.
Meanwhile, civil flights to and from Afghanistan are currently not operational. Hamid Karzai International Airport has not been active since US troops departed earlier this week.
This civilian flight is very much needed because there are still many citizens, both foreigners and Afghans, who are waiting for evacuation.
At this time, it is not known which party will operate Kabul airport. Before the US left, Turkey operated Kabul airport since 2004. Now, Turkey and Qatar are reportedly continuing to coordinate discussing the operation of Kabul airport.
Source: Reuters and CNN. Stay tuned for more international news about Afghanistan.
Sartorius expands activities in South Korea and France
South Korea is reportedly developing a ballistic missile that is said to be as powerful as a tactical nuclear weapon. Sources said the missile can carry up to three tons of warheads.
In the Defense Ministry's 2022-2026 blueprint; the country will develop a new missile "with significantly increased destructive power".
In addition; South Korea also plans to upgrade its missile defense system and deploy a number of new missile interceptor systems capable of capturing long-range artillery. "We will develop more powerful and precise long-range missiles in order to anticipate threats in order to achieve security and peace on the Korean Peninsula;" South Korea's Ministry of Defense said in a statement quoted by Reuters on Thursday (2/9).
Some of the missiles being developed by the country include missiles with a flying range of up to 350-400 kilometers with a 3-ton warhead.
Citing an anonymous source; Yonhap news agency reported the missile was designed to destroy underground facilities such as those believed to be owned by North Korea to store nuclear weapons.
The missile technology will be the latest war tool for South Korea in anticipating the threat of North Korea.
So far; South Korea has the new Hyunmoo-4 short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) which can carry a 2-ton warhead. Hyunmoo-4 is South Korea's largest missile today.
Source: Reuters and CNN. Stay tuned for more international news about South Korea.
New Zealand shooting: Gunman killed, four police officers in hospital
New Zealand police reportedly shot dead a man who stabbed and injured several patrons of a mall in Auckland on Friday (3/9).
"Police can confirm that a man has entered a New Lynn supermarket and injured multiple people," New Zealand Police said in a statement.
New Zealander Dies After Pfizer Injection, Gets Myocarditis
Police said they had arrested the perpetrator who had fled and had to be shot dead at the scene.
Quoted by Reuters, Radio New Zealand reported at least four people were injured in the "serious" incident. However, the number of victims has not yet been confirmed by the authorities.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is said to be being briefed on the incident.
Fully armed police and ambulances were dispatched to the scene.
A week of lockdown, New Zealand Covid-19 rises to 148 cases
Meanwhile, the mall said the incident was being handled by the police.
"We will continue to provide assistance to security forces to assist with the investigation. Lynn Mall is currently closed and we will inform you of further developments as soon as possible," the mall said.
Source: Reuters and CNN. Stay tuned for more international news about New Zealand.
Taliban 'clueless' over governance, struggle to rule Afghanistan
British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab says Britain needs to work with the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Britain does not want to recognize the Taliban as the holder of power in Afghanistan. However; Raab cited the reason his country still needs to cooperate with the Taliban.
Britain – Taliban
Citing Reuters; Raab also said that he did not want to see the economic and social order in the country damaged; Friday (3/9). He also said that it would be impossible for Britain to evacuate 15;000 people without the cooperation of the Taliban.
"We do see the importance of engaging and having direct lines of communication (with the Taliban);" Raab said.
This discourse of cooperation is not the first time that has been raised. In July; British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said his country would cooperate with the Taliban if the group succeeds in getting into the Afghan government.
"Whoever the current government is; as long as it adheres to international norms; the UK government will engage with it;" Ben told the Daily Telegraph; Tuesday (13/7).
Apart from Britain; Germany also opened up opportunities for cooperation with the Taliban. Germany said several compromise conditions had to be met; such as safeguarding human rights and security.
China is also said to have begun considering cooperation with the Taliban.
Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said that the Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wu Jianghao made the promise when communicating via telephone with a member of the Taliban's political office in Doha; Abduh Salam Hanafi.
As previously known; the Taliban succeeded in controlling Afghanistan in mid-August 2021. Fear of the possibility of a rigid and restrictive Taliban leadership made the Afghan people evacuate in droves from Afghanistan.
Britain itself is one of the allied countries that helped the US invade Afghanistan to get rid of the Taliban regime at that time.
Source: Reuters and CNN. Stay tuned for more international news about Britain.
Demonstration in Vienna against Taliban restrictions on Afghan women
At least 17 people were killed when Taliban members opened fire in the air to celebrate victory after claiming to have captured Afghanistan's only unconquered area; the Pansjhir Valley.
The Shamshad and Tolo news agencies reported that a dozen people were killed when the Taliban fired "fire into the air" in Kabul. In addition; 41 other people were also injured in the incident.
Not only in Kabul; at least 14 other people were also injured because members of the Taliban in Nangarhar province opened fire in a similar celebration.
The main spokesman; Zabihullah Mujahid; also appealed to its members not to celebrate victory by firing into the air.
"Avoid firing shots in the air and just thank God. Bullets can injure civilians; so don't shoot unnecessarily;" Mujahid said as quoted by Reuters.
The Taliban are celebrating victory after the group claimed it had captured the only area in Afghanistan they had not conquered; the Panjshir Valley. However; anti-Taliban forces in Panjshir dispute these claims.
If the claims are proven; the group has managed to cover all areas of Afghanistan after fighting in recent months.
The Taliban themselves often fire in the air to celebrate victory. Shortly after the United States left Afghanistan earlier this week; they also opened fire on various roads.
Source: Reuters and CNN. Stay tuned for more international news about Taliban.
Health experts welcome Brazil COVID-19 inquiry findings
Brazil's health regulator; Anvisa; has suspended the use of more than 12 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine developed by China's Sinovac Biotech; Ltd. which was produced in illegal factories.
Brazil – Sinovac
In a statement on Saturday (4/9) local time; Anvisa said it received a warning on Friday (3/9) by the Butantan Institute; a biomedical institution that is partnering with Sinovac to work on the vaccine locally in Brazil.
The warning contained 25 batches or the equivalent of 12.1 million doses shipped to Brazil from unauthorized manufacturers.
"The manufacturing unit; was not vetted and approved by Anvisa in the said emergency use authorization of the vaccine;" the regulator said.
"This prohibition is a precaution to avoid exposing the population to possible risks;" continued Anvisa.
Butantan also told Anvisa that another 17 batches; equivalent to 9 million doses; were also produced at the same factory; the funds were on their way to Brazil.
During the 90-day ban; Anvisa will inspect the factory; and find out more about the safety of the vaccine manufacturing process.
During the delivery of the Covid-19 vaccine in Brazil earlier this year; most of the vaccines administered were Sinovac.
Brazil on Saturday (4/9) reported 21;804 new cases and 692 new deaths from Covid-19.
Source: Reuters and CNN. Stay tuned for more international news about Brazil.
EU will not recognise Taliban regime
The Taliban reportedly shot dead a pregnant Afghan policewoman at her home in Firozkoh.
A number of relatives told the BBC that initially, three gunmen visited the house of the policewoman named Banu Negar on Saturday (4/9).
Taliban News
They ransacked Negar's house, then tied the hands of his family members. The three men then beat Negar and shot the woman dead in front of her husband and child.
The BBC doesn't know the details of the incident because many people don't want to speak up. They are afraid of being targeted by the Taliban if they dare to speak up.
Grief for Afghan Women in Indonesia: My sister was killed by the Taliban
However, some of Negar's relatives showed photos showing blood splattered on the wall in the corner of a room. There are also photos of bodies whose faces are unrecognizable.
However, the spokesman for Takiban, Zabiullah Mujaheed, said that his group was not involved in the incident at all.
"We are aware of the incident and I can confirm that the Taliban did not kill him. Our investigation is still ongoing," Mujaheed told the BBC.
Afghan women protest in front of the Taliban, urge for equality
He also stressed that the Taliban had announced they would pardon people who worked for the previous government.
Mujaheed also suspected that Negar's murder was related to "personal matters or something else."
This news comes amid public concerns about the increasingly repressive attitude of some Taliban members towards women after the group took power in mid-August.
Since taking power, the Taliban has continued to build an image as a more tolerant group. However, a number of reports of their brutality in restraining women are still emerging.
A number of observers have also begun to sniff out the signs of the Taliban to reduce the role of women. At the end of last week, Kabul was shocked by the news of a number of women who dared to stage demonstrations in front of the Taliban troops.
The Taliban allowed the demonstrations in the name of equality and freedom of expression. However, a number of women who attended the demonstration said the Taliban fired tear gas as they tried to cross the bridge to the Presidential Palace.
Taliban's Takhar district governor killed in roadside explosion
One of the governors of the Taliban in Afghanistan, Mullah Neda Mohammad, said he would continue to hunt down ISIS fighters from hiding in his country.
Neda also previously fought against the US-formed Afghan government. Now he occupies the position of Governor of Nangarhar, Afghanistan, after the Taliban managed to retake the country.
Taliban Governor
"We are still looking for people (ISIS) who are still hiding," Neda Mohammad told AFP.
He also claims to have arrested 70-80 members of IS Khorasan (IS-K), the country's branch of ISIS, since the Taliban under his command took control of Jalalabad City, Nangarhar Province.
IS-K is said to be behind a number of suicide bombings in Afghanistan in recent years. The group is also said to have massacred people inside mosques, in public areas, and in hospitals.
IS-K also claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing that killed more than 100 people, including 13 US troops, near Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul. The attack was said to be the largest since the US invaded Afghanistan in 2011.
The US retaliated for the suicide bombing by carrying out drone air strikes against the IS-K suicide bomber designer in Nangarhar province.
However, Neda Mohammad does not believe ISIS will pose a serious threat to the Taliban in Afghanistan.
"They have lost a lot of lives in the north and east of Afghanistan. There is no reason ISIS can live here (Afghanistan). We don't see ISIS as a threat," said Neda Mohammad.
Although the Taliban and ISIS are both Sunni Islamist militias, they differ in terms of branching beliefs and strategies.
The two even fought each other and claimed to carry the flag of jihad. The battle caused many casualties.
ISIS also made a statement that the Taliban had betrayed the jihadists because of the deal to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan.
Source: Reuters and CNN. Stay tuned for more international news about Taliban Governor.
COVID: Vietnam records nearly 13,000 new cases
The Vietnamese Communist government court sentenced the spreader of Covid-19 to five years in prison.
Vietnam COVID
It was Le Van Tri, the man who was found guilty of violating the quarantine period at home and spreading Covid-19 in the country.
The 28-year-old man was traveling from the red zone in Ho Chi Minh to his hometown of Ca Mau. Meanwhile, the province requires a 21-day quarantine period at home for residents who come from the red zone.
Violation of this rule is punishable by criminal sanctions by the Vietnamese Court.
"Tri has violated the rules of the quarantine period at home, causing a number of residents to be infected with Covid-19. One person died on August 7 after contracting it," the court ruled in a statement, quoting AFP.
Local Vietnamese media also reported that a total of eight people had contracted Covid-19 due to the violations committed by Van Tri.
Vietnam is now facing a surge in Covid-19 cases with a total of 540,000 people who tested positive and 13,000 died so far.
The highest cases were recorded at the end of April, forcing the country to go into lockdown in major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
Several people were also jailed for being found guilty of spreading Covid-19. The 32-year-old man was jailed for 18 months in July on charges of spreading Covid-19.
Source: Reuters and CNN. Stay tuned for more international news about Vietnam COVID.
Turkey remains vigilant against new COVID-19 variant
Turkey has warned the international community not to be too hasty in recognizing the Taliban as Afghanistan's new official government.
In a television interview; Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu warned that the new Afghan government should be inclusive and provide space for women. He also suggested that some Afghan women from various ethnic groups should be given ministerial posts.
Turkey – Taliban
"There is no need to rush. This is our advice to the whole world. We must act together with the international community;" Cavusoglu said.
Cavusoglu himself is very careful and does not reveal how Turkey's own attitude towards the current relationship with the Taliban.
Turkey is currently in negotiations regarding operational assistance for Kabul airport; which has not yet fully recovered after being left by the United States and its allies.
Cavusoglu also said that Turkey is currently cooperating with Qatar and the US to formulate requirements for the opening of Kabul airport which will be prioritized for access to humanitarian aid distribution and evacuating civilians who want to leave Afghanistan.
Cavusoglu considers security issues to be the main focus of Kabul Airport operations. He stressed that commercial flights can never be resumed until the airline is sure that conditions at the airport are safe enough.
Cavusoglu said even if airlines; including Turkish Airlines; wanted to fly to Kabul; insurance companies would not allow it because security was not guaranteed.
"In my view; Taliban or Afghan forces can ensure security outside the airport;" Cavusoglu said.
"But inside; there could be a security company that the international community trusts or all the other companies;" he said.
Meanwhile; the US stated that they no longer control the airspace in Afghanistan and the Kabul airport was in a state of disrepair when it was abandoned by Uncle Sam's troops.
However; Kabul Airport started operating for domestic flights last week. The Qatari Ambassador to Afghanistan stated that the Kabul airport runway had been repaired and could be used again for domestic flights and humanitarian assistance.
He then said that since the runway was fixed; there have been two successful domestic flights taking off from Kabul airport; namely to Mazar-i-Sharif and Kandahar.
Source: Reuters and CNN. Stay tuned for more international news about Turkey.
Joe Biden's Poll Numbers Cratering
US President Joe Biden has said he believes China will try to strike a deal with the Taliban after taking over Afghanistan in mid-August.
Joe Biden – China
"China has a real problem with the Taliban. So they are going to try to make some deals with the Taliban;" Biden said; when asked about his concerns about China's potential to fund the group.
The United States and its allies in the G7 have agreed to cooperate on their response to the Taliban. However; Washington first blocked the Taliban's access to Afghanistan's budget reserves; which are in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
The move was made to ensure the Taliban respect women's rights and international law.
But experts say the US economic influence on Afghanistan will be lost if China; Russia or other countries provide funding to the Taliban.
Italy as the president of the G20; tried to hold a virtual meeting in Afghanistan; but so far there is no definite time for implementation. This meeting further exacerbated the dispute between the two groups.
Meanwhile; China through the State Counselor and Chinese Foreign Minister; Wang Yi; said the international community must cooperate with the Taliban.
China has not yet recognized the Taliban as the new government; but Wang hosted the head of the Taliban's political office – who is now Afghanistan's interim deputy prime minister – Abdul Ghani Baradar in July.
He said the world should guide and support Afghanistan as it transitions to a new government; instead of putting more pressure on it.
Yesterday; Tuesday (7/9) the Taliban announced the interim government of Afghanistan. A number of senior members have been appointed to strategic positions.
Mohammad Hassan Akhund was appointed interim prime minister. Then the deputy; accompanying Hassan; was Mullah Abdul Ghani Barradar.
Meanwhile; the Minister of Home Affairs is occupied by Sirajuddin Haqqani. He joined the organization; which is included in the US version of the terrorist list.
Source: Reuters and CNN. Stay tuned for more international news about Joe Biden.
Japan, Israel and Morocco Impose Bans on Foreign Travelers
Japan could potentially have a female prime minister for the first time since former Interior Minister Sanae Takaichi ran for chair of the ruling party.
Takaichi announced his candidacy as chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan (LDP) on Wednesday (8/9) to replace Yoshihide Suga.
Japan PM
The LDP will hold a vote to elect a leader on September 29. The winner in the LDP chairman election will later become the party's representative in the PM election at the lower house level of parliament which will be held no later than 28 November.
The head of the LDP is almost certain to be the next prime minister; given that the ruling party does hold a majority in parliament.
If he wins; Takaichi will become Japan's first female prime minister. Reuters reported that Takaichi had a pretty good chance given that former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe gave support to the only female candidate.
With Abe's encouragement; Takaichi is certain to receive the support of at least 20 MPs. However; Takaichi's popularity rating in the eyes of the public itself is currently still very low.
The former interior minister in the Abe era began campaigning for a number of programs that he would intensify if he was appointed prime minister.
Takaichi said he wanted to fix a number of issues that had not been resolved by the previous government; such as achieving 2 percent inflation; and drafting legislation "that prevents the leakage of sensitive information to China."
He also considered that Japan needed an extra budget to fix the country's medical system which was chaotic due to the recent Covid-19 pandemic.
Despite launching a number of important programs; Takaichi's conservative attitude is considered to reduce support from women's rights fighters.
Some time ago; Takaichi and the LDP vehemently rejected calls for women to retain their own family names after marriage.
They consider such a move to undermine the unity of the family and go against tradition.
Source: Reuters and CNN. Stay tuned for more international news about Japan.
India steps up COVID-19 testing for international flyers
India's health system continues to improve to prepare for a possible third wave of Covid-19 infections; which is expected to occur in mid-September to October.
The threat of a third wave of Covid-19 emerged after India detected a significant rise in coronavirus infections to an average of 40;000 cases per day around the end of August after the harvest festival took place two weeks earlier.
India Covid
The increase in positive cases of Covid-19 in India in recent times has made the country led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi make various preparations; one of which is supplying 15 thousand tons of oxygen per day to every hospital.
Although the current demand for medical oxygen is much reduced compared to when the second wave of Covid-19 occurred around last April; various producers and the government continue to prepare for the worst-case scenario to avoid a repeat of the corona virus catastrophe.
The Indian government has also increased patient bed capacity in various health facilities across the country.
When the second wave of Covid-19 infections hit; India faced various problems; from lack of oxygen supply to unfinished cremation of bodies.
That is why the Indian government and hospitals are on guard to supply all the needs for Covid-19 treatment tools amid the threat of the third wave of transmission of the SARS-like virus.
For example; Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi increased its oxygen storage capacity by 50 percent. They also installed a one kilometer long pipe that can deliver oxygen directly to the COVID ICU; and also installed equipment to keep the oxygen flow high.
"Given the possibility of the emergence of a coronavirus mutation; with a higher rate of transmission and immunity; the hospital continues to prepare for the worst;" said Ganga Hospital director Ram Satendra Katoch as quoted by Reuters.
Several Indian states; including Madhya Pradesh; also supply anti-viral drugs such as Remdesivir.
The hospital is also preparing a special ward for children; considering that many children who have not received the vaccine are vulnerable to contracting Covid-19.
Source: Reuters and CNN. Stay tuned for more international news about India Covid.
Why Joe Biden Should Want Donald Trump to Run Again
President Joe Biden has asked 11 officials selected by his predecessor; President Donald Trump; to serve on the advisory board of the United States military academy to resign or be dismissed.
Some of the officials asked to step down include former White House spokesman Sean Spicer; former senior presidential adviser Kellyanne Conway and former security adviser H.R McMaster.
The three currently serve on the advisory boards of the Naval Academy; Air Force Academy; and Army Academy; respectively.
The news was first revealed from a source to CNN. Shortly after; White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki confirmed the resignation request.
"The President's goal is what any madame president is aiming for; making sure you have candidates and people who are qualified to serve on this board; people who are in line with the values you believe in. So; yes the request has been decided; " Psaki told reporters.
"I would let others evaluate and think whether Kellyanne Conway and Sean Spicer; and others are eligible; or are their appointments unpolitical to serve on this council? This is a presidential requirement; not an opening of your party's list of members; they must qualify;" he added.
There is also Heidi Stirrup; the former White House liaison with the Trump Ministry of Justice.
In addition; Douglas MacGregor; former US ambassador and controversial Pentagon official. Stirrup and MacGregor were appointed by Trump to the boards of the Air Force and Army Academy.
The request for the resignation of Trump's elected officials comes; after the US Department of Defense recently restarted the functions of various state advisory boards.
According to the US Air Force Academy website; a military academy advisory board was established to oversee the morals; discipline; social climate; curriculum; instruction; physical training; to academic methods related to the state military academy.
The military academy board meets several times a year and often provides independent advice and recommendations to the president.
Source: Reuters and CNN. Stay tuned for more international news about Biden Trump.
New Swing Bridge Over Suez Canal Successfully Completed
A large cargo ship snagged again in the Suez Canal on Thursday (9/9) and briefly triggered congestion in one of the global trade routes.
The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) stated that the Panamanian-flagged Coral Crystal had problems while moving south of the canal.
According to SCA, the 43,000-ton ship was stuck in the northern part of the Suez Canal. However, the crew was able to come up with a movement solution on their own and managed to resolve the issue about 15 minutes later.
Based on the monitoring of the MarineTraffic website, the Coral Crystal ship then moved at a speed of about 12 knots towards the Port of Sudan.
Egypt to Release Cargo Ships Blocking Suez Canal
The spokesman for the Suez Canal, Geoge Safwat, said that at the time of the incident, there were 61 ships carrying a total of 3, million tonnes of cargo were transiting the Suez Canal. He admitted there had been a traffic jam.
"The traffic jam has no negative impact," Safwat said, as reported by USA Today.
SCA representatives also admitted that this incident did indeed cause traffic jams. However, the problem can be resolved quickly.
"There was only a slight congestion problem and it was resolved in less than an hour," an SCA official told The National, as quoted by The Independent.
This news is of concern because in March, a giant cargo ship which also has a Panama flag, Ever Given, was stuck in the Canal Canal for up to six days.
The incident sparked congestion on one of the world's busiest trade routes. Egypt also ordered the owner of the Japanese ship, Shoe Kisen, Kaisha, to pay US$900 million or equivalent to Rp13.16 trillion as compensation.
Source: Reuters and CNN. Stay tuned for more international news about Suez Canal.
North Korea Can Make More Uranium for Nuclear Bombs Than Previously Thought
The United States; Japan and South Korea will hold a meeting in Tokyo to break the deadlock in North Korea's nuclear and missile disarmament efforts that have been stalled.
"The three countries are expected to have in-depth discussions on how to promote cooperation in managing the situation on the Korean Peninsula stably and continuing the peace process in the near future;" South Korea's foreign ministry said in a statement Friday.
North Korea's Nuclear
Seoul said South Korea's special representative for peace and security on the Korean Peninsula; Noh Kyu-duk; would travel to Japan for three days.
He plans to meet with the US envoy to North Korea; Sung Kim; and the Director General of the Japanese Foreign Ministry's Bureau of Asian and Oceanic Affairs; Takehiro Funakoshi.
In addition to discussing North Korea's missile and nuclear issues; the envoys will also strengthen cooperation between Seoul; Washington and Tokyo.
In August; Sung Kim said he was ready to meet North Korean representatives anywhere and anytime.
Quoted by Reuters; so far North Korea's nuclear disarmament efforts are still in place. In fact; the US-North Korea had agreed to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula.
Pyongyang has always maintained that it is open to diplomacy. However; US sanctions and military exercises between Seoul and Washington have often been a stumbling block for diplomacy with North Korea.
Earlier; US President Joe Biden said that he would seek diplomatic avenues in efforts to disarm North Korea and its ballistic missiles. However; Biden is still unwilling to ease US sanctions against the isolated nation.
Source: Reuters and CNN. Stay tuned for more international news about North Korea's nuclear.
Taliban asks UN for a seat at the table
The United Nations' human rights chief; Michelle Bachelet; said the Taliban were breaking its promises on women's rights and inclusive governance in Afghanistan.
UN – Taliban
"Contrary to assurances that the Taliban will uphold women's rights; over the past three weeks; women have been increasingly excluded from the public sphere;" Bachelet told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Bachelet also expressed disappointment with the composition of the Taliban government which did not involve women and was dominated by ethnic Pashtuns.
"(I) am disappointed by the lack of inclusion of the so-called interim cabinet; which does not include women and is slightly non-Pashtun;" Bachelet said.
He stressed that Afghanistan was entering a new and dangerous phase since the Taliban took power on August 15. Violence against protesters and journalists has also increased.
Several demonstrators were even reported killed after the Taliban opened fire in the air to disperse the crowd. Many other demonstrators also claimed to have been beaten by the group.
Another promise that the Taliban broke; said Bachelet; was the issue of granting amnesty to former civil servants and security officers during the Ashraf Ghani administration. He highlighted house-to-house searches of former officials in the previous era.
The United Nations says it has received multiple reports of searches for those who have worked with US companies and security forces. Some staff also reported increased attacks and threats.
He also admitted to receiving reports regarding the alleged murder of dozens of former members of the Afghan military.
Bachelet then called for a mechanism to monitor rights in Afghanistan.
"I reiterate my call to this Council to take bold and strong action; commensurate with the gravity of this crisis;" he said.
The world is continuing to shine a light on the Taliban; especially as they promised to build an inclusive and moderate government when they took power in mid-August.
They also promised to uphold women's rights. The current government; said the Taliban; will be different from the 1996-2001 era; which was considered authoritarian and ultraconservative.
Not even a month into the leadership; the Taliban has shown restrictions on women's movement. They also do not want women representatives to occupy ministerial positions because they think it is not in accordance with Islamic law.
Source: Reuters and CNN. Stay tuned for more international news about UN Taliban.
The mutated Corona virus will never really go away
The corona virus B1;466.2 is one of 12 SARS-CoV-2 variants that are included in the WHO priority list for further monitoring.
According to WHO data; 85 percent of the B1;466.2 variant has so far been found in Indonesia; 5 percent found in Malaysia; 4 percent found in Singapore; 1 percent each in Australia and Japan.
The Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) said that the local variant B.1.466.2 even had a massive spread in Indonesia before the Delta variant attacked.
According to researchers from the LIPI Biology Research Center; variant B.1.466.2 had dominated transmission in Indonesia in up to 57 percent of Covid-19 cases in March 2021; before finally the Delta variant attacked and dominated more than 80 percent.
However; currently; the variant tends to be a minority and the proportion is less than 5 percent in mid-June-July; after the Delta variant dominated Covid cases in Indonesia to 92 percent.
LIPI said that variant B.1.466.2 was first discovered in Bekasi on November 12; 2020. WHO has put variant B.1466.2 under monitoring since April 28.
This variant called LIPI has changes in genetic material that are thought to affect the characteristics of the virus or are thought to pose a risk in the future.
But the evidence for a phenotypic or epidemiological impact is currently unclear; requiring further monitoring and new scientific evidence.
There are also several other variants that are dominant in Indonesia; namely B.1.470; B.1.1.398; and B.1.459.
Variant B.1.470 was found in Surabaya 9 April 2020; B.1.1.398 in Jakarta on 5 June 2020; and B.1.459 in NTB on 1 June 2020.
Meanwhile; so far; WHO has three categories of monitoring coronavirus mutations.
The three categories consist of variants of the corona virus of concern (VoC); variants of interest (VoI); and variants that require further close monitoring (Alerts for Further Monitoring).
Source: Reuters and CNN. Stay tuned for more international news about Corona Virus.
Singapore to decide on Covid-19 vaccine for kids
Singapore's Health Minister Janil Puthucheary said that currently his country is considering the possibility of using a non-mRNA vaccine as a booster injection.
The Singapore Ministry of Health's Committee of Experts (MOH) stated that they are "actively studying heterologous strategies involving non-mRNA vaccines".
Singapore Vaccine
The agency also said that the ministry would continue to observe global and local data; especially regarding the risk of vaccine side effects; before recommending booster injections for Singaporeans.
MOH is studying the possibility that a different brand of vaccine would be more effective as a booster shot. Several studies have shown it can be done.
Several types of non-mRNA vaccines recommended by WHO are Oxford-AstraZeneca; Johnson & Johnson; and Sinopharm.
Not only studying non-mRNA vaccines; Singapore also made various agreements and plans to provide booster vaccines for its citizens.
"We have a strategy that is deliberately aimed at acquiring a portfolio of vaccines that use different technologies; to increase our chances of securing a vaccine that will continue to be safe and effective against COVID-19;" Puthucheary said.
"We are negotiating with suppliers to give us injections of non-mRNA boosters; and some are preparing their applications for PSARs (pandemic-specific access points)."
PSAR is required in the Singapore Health Sciences Authority's licensing process to grant temporary authorization for vaccines to be used in Singapore.
The Sinovac vaccine is one of them; given this authorization in June after obtaining emergency use permits by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The MOH is currently recommending that seniors 60 years of age and older receive a booster vaccine six to nine months after the second vaccine injection. Meanwhile; immunocompromised individuals should receive a booster vaccine two months after they receive their second dose.
Singapore has also signed an advance purchase agreement with American biotechnology company Novavax to secure its protein-based vaccine. The plan; this vaccine will arrive before the end of the year.
As of September 9; 2021; 81 percent of Singaporeans have received the full dose of the Covid-19 vaccine; while 85 percent have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
Source: Reuters and CNN. Stay tuned for more international news about Singapore Vaccine.
No easy options in the quest for nuclear Australian submarines
Australia will build eight nuclear-powered submarines under a new Indo-Pacific security pact with the United States and Britain.
"Our world is becoming more complex; especially here in our region; the Indo-Pacific;" Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.
Australian Submarines
Australia is the second country to be given access to US nuclear technology to build nuclear-powered submarines. The first country was England in 1958.
"To meet these challenges; to help provide the security and stability our region needs; we must now take our partnership to a new level;" Morrison continued.
The Prime Minister of New Zealand; Jacinda Ardern; welcomed the cooperation; which focuses on the Indo-Pacific region.
"I'm pleased to see that the focus has shifted to our region from the partners we work with;" he explained.
However; Jacinda also said the submarine would not be allowed to sail in its territorial waters under the country's nuclear-free policy.
"This is a contested area; and there is a role others can play in taking an interest in our territory."
In a press conference on Wednesday (15/9) yesterday; the leaders of the US; UK and Australia tried to counter the growing power and influence of the enemy by making this trilateral pact. Especially regarding military development; pressure experienced by Taiwan and placement in the South China Sea.
They did not say for sure that the action was against China. However; some believe it was carried out to reduce Beijing's influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
The leaders also stressed that submarines would not be nuclear-armed; but would only use propulsion systems or nuclear reactors to guard against future threats.
In response to the deal; the Chinese Embassy in the US said countries should not build exclusive blocks that target or harm the interests of third parties.
"In particular; they have to let go of their Cold War mentality and ideological prejudice;" he said.
Source: Reuters and CNN. Stay tuned for more international news about Australian Submarines.
UN mission in Libya condemns attack on Sebha court
The United Nations Security Council (UN) decided to extend the UN mission in Afghanistan for another six months until March 2022. The UN also called on the Taliban to create an inclusive government.
UN Mission in Afghanistan
The 15-member security council decided to continue the political mission entitled UNAMA which focused on dealing with development issues. Afghanistan has been an important concern since the Taliban seized the government.
In the document, the United Nations stressed the importance of establishing an inclusive and representative government. Currently, the government is made up entirely of members of the Taliban and there are no women.
"Women's full, equal and meaningful participation, and respect for human rights, including for women, children and minorities," the UN wrote.
In addition, in this mission, the UN also ensures that it will continue to play a role in the peace and stability of Afghanistan.
Diplomats said the Taliban had no objection to the extension of the UN mission in Afghanistan.
"They are more pragmatic," said a UN Afghanistan specialist.
The UN representative also said the Taliban needed a UN presence.
"The Taliban need the UN and this is our influence," the UN representative said.
The UN Security Council also asked UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to provide monthly briefings on the latest situation in Afghanistan until the end of the mission.
Source: Reuters and CNN. Stay tuned for more international news about UN Mission.
Will the Omicron variant change Singapore's Covid rules?
November 9, 2021 Bud Uncategorized
Singapore's Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) recorded 934 cases of COVID-19 on Friday (17/9); the highest daily number of infections since last year. There have been a total of 75;783 cases since COVID-19 was first discovered in the country.
Singapore Covid-19 Cases
The Ministry of Health in Singapore detailed that out of 934 cases; 838 cases occurred in the community and 96 others occurred in dormitories. In addition; the group with the most local cases infected was the elderly; with 241 cases.
Reporting from The Strait Times; the infected patients were hospitalized as many as 813 people to date. That number decreased from the previous day; which was 831 people who were treated.
A total of 90 people were declared to need oxygen supplementation and 14 people were in critical condition. The 14 people are currently still being treated in the intensive care unit (ICU). Of the total patients; as many as 82 people are elderly.
The Ministry of Health of Singapore noted that there were at least 12 large clusters that had been found by his party. One of the clusters was found at Sembcorp Marine Admiralty Yard with 26 cases.
Citing Channel News Asia; the cluster was caused by workplace transmission with further spread to household contacts of cases; the MOH said. Then; there is the Orange Valley Nursing Home cluster in Simei with a total of 17 cases. Bintang Biru Dormitory with 71 cases and Avery Dormitory with 95 cases.
Then there is the Chinatown Complex cluster with 256 cases and the cluster at the bus intersection in Toa Payoh; Tampines and Punggol so far it has reached 437 cases.
Singapore's Minister of Health; Ong Ye Kung predicts that the increase in COVID-19 cases in Singapore will be more than 1;000 cases per day. Because; he sees; the number of cases is increasing day by day.
"I think let's prepare for the possibility of crossing the 1;000 mark soon. That's not unexpected; it's the typical behavior of a transmission wave that usually peaks between four and up to eight weeks; or 30; 40 sometimes 50 days;" Ong Ye Kung said Saturday ( 18/9).
The Singapore government has tightened entry for travelers to the country. Visitors are required to take a pre-departure polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test within 48 hours; an on-arrival test; and an out-of-home notification PCR test on Day 7.
It is known; the vaccination rate in Singapore is fairly fast. Until now; the Ministry of Health of Singapore noted that 82 percent of the population there had received the complete dose.
Source: Reuters and CNN. Stay tuned for more international news about Singapore Covid-19.
Dutch police fire warning shots at anti-lockdown protest
Hundreds of people held anti-lockdown demonstrations in Melbourne on Wednesday (22/9). The demonstration led to clashes; resulting in two police officers being injured.
Melbourne Police also arrested 200 people in demonstrations against the lockdown policy in the region.
Anti-Lockdown Demo
Launching Channel News Asia; this demonstration was carried out to protest the social restrictions imposed in the state of Victoria.
The Victorian government made it mandatory for construction workers to be vaccinated and closed construction sites; citing non-compliance with health regulations. This policy triggered the demonstration.
"There aren't a lot of merchants involved. There are small breakaway groups that see the benefits of hijacking these things;" Guenther said.
"We have a lot of resources. We will change our tactics tomorrow; if that's what we need to do. But of course; my message is; don't come to town."
Not only that; demonstrators are also looking with a fine of AU$5;000 (Rp51 million) for violating Covid-19 directives; added Guenther.
"There were some people out there who you would say are from the building industry;" Victoria State Prime Minister Daniel Andrews told reporters.
"There are others who are not…they are not there to protest. <=They are there to fight; pretend demonstrations."
Major Australian cities; such as Sydney; Melbourne and Canberra; will close for weeks to suppress the spread of the Delta variant. This lockdown is the sixth time for Melbourne.
Meanwhile; Victoria recorded 628 new positive cases on Wednesday (22/9).
As of September 21; the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Australia alone reached 88;710. On the same day; the positive number in the country increased by 1;609; reported Worldometers.
Source: Reuters and CNN. Stay tuned for more international news about Anti-Lockdown Demo.
French Ambassador to visit Lafayette
French President Emmanuel Macron ordered French Ambassador to the United States Philippe Tienne to return to Washington next week. Macron has been in communication with US President Joe Biden to defuse tensions over Australia's nuclear submarines.
France Ambassador
The talks were the first communications between Macron and Biden since Australia's announcement of canceling a contract to buy French submarines as part of defense cooperation with Britain and the United States.
"Macron has decided that the French ambassador will return to Washington next week. He will then begin intensive work with senior US officials," the joint statement said.
Macron and Biden also pledged to resolve the issue. The two of them are said to be meeting in Europe at the end of October 2021.
The meeting will seek "to reach a common understanding and maintain momentum in this process," the statement said.
He added: "Both leaders agreed that the situation would benefit from open consultations among allies on matters of strategic importance to France and our European partners."
It said Biden also agreed on the need for a stronger European defense to complement NATO, a key idea that Macron has repeatedly raised.
"The United States also recognizes the importance of a stronger and more capable defense of Europe, which makes a positive contribution to transatlantic and global security and complements NATO," the statement said.
Previously, in a virtual press conference on Wednesday (15/9), Australia, Britain and the United States announced their trilateral cooperation, AUKUS.
In its first program, AUKUS plans to develop nuclear-powered submarines for the Australian fleet. This cooperation has generated a negative response from various parties, such as China and France.
France later recalled ambassadors to the US and Australia after the two countries cooperated on nuclear submarines.
Source: Reuters and CNN. Stay tuned for more international news about France Ambassador.
Sanctions on North Korea Do Not Work
North Korea laid out a number of conditions for the United States and South Korea before Pyongyang would negotiate to end the 1950-1953 Korean War.
Through the official state media KCNA; the government led by Kim Jong-un demanded the US-South Korea stop "hostile policies" and double standards towards North Korea.
Previously; North Korea said South Korea's call for an end to the Korean War; which lasted from 1950-1953; was rushed.
Pyongyang said there had been no guarantees from Seoul or Washington to stop this series of "hostile policies".
"Nothing has changed so far the political situation around the DPRK (North Korea) has remained unchanged; and the hostile policy of the United States has not changed; even though calls to stop war have been made hundreds of times;" North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Thae Song was quoted as saying. reported by Reuters; Friday (24/9).
"US efforts to stop double standards and hostile policies are the top priority in stabilizing the situation on the Korean peninsula and ensuring peace on it;" Ri continued.
The two Koreas are technically still at war. Because the war that occurred in 1950-1953 only ended in an armistice; not a peace treaty.
Prior to Ri's statement; South Korean President Moon Jae-in repeated his call for an official end to the Korean War in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday (21/9).
Moon is confident that Pyongyang will recognize its interest in dialogue with Washington. However; he is also pessimistic that the moment will arrive during his tenure which will end in 2022.
"It seems that North Korea is still weighing options while opening the door to dialogue; because that only escalates tensions to a low level; enough for the US not to cut off all contacts;" Moon said.
Meanwhile; the US has said it wants continued diplomacy to resolve the crisis surrounding North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
However; North Korea rejected the US offer to engage in dialogue.
North and South Korea's ballistic missile tests last week also further exacerbated an arms race between the two as peace talks appear to be continuing in place.
Source: Reuters and CNN. Stay tuned for more international news about North Korea.


25 best ideas about foyer chandelier on pinterest foyer. Best 25 entry chandelier ideas on pinterest entryway. The 25 best foyer lighting ideas on pinterest dining. Best 25 foyer chandelier ideas on pinterest entryway.


text:
Q: Lenovo thinkpad dock USB charge I've got a Lenovo 90W Pro Dock, looking for a way to have my USB port to charge my mobile phones when my laptop is off. Basically I am trying to have it perform like a USB charger. Is this possible?

A: As stated in product description on the official Lenovo site, one of the USB ports is always-on, so yes, it is possible:
https://www3.lenovo.com/us/en/accessories-and-monitors/docking/mechanical-docks/ThinkPad-Pro-Dock-90W/p/40A10090US

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Whether you work in the fashion industry, or just love bling; this is a great way to promote your brand! Add a lucky addition to the next promotions by giving these away to your customers. In addition have your logo placed on the medallion provided. If you're ready for something different, that's going to appeal to your target market, than you'll love the attention these will get. Make sure that you customize these badges with your logo or design. Using our Design Lab, you can easily upload your ready made image or you can choose from our wide range collection of cliparts and fonts. Share your luck with your customers today and enjoy our 110% price match guarantee!


How common is this practice inside/outside Chabad?
Who inside/outside Chabad practices it?
How do they practice it? Are additional yizkor candles lit beyond that/those for loved ones? Are yahrzeit candles lit for all 7 (9?) rebbeim of Chabad?
Generally, how common is the practice of lighting yahrzeit/yizkor candles for non-family, i.e. tzaddikim?
להדליק נר שידלק כל המעת לעת. אם אפשר בקל - נר של שעוה.
A yahrtzeit candle should be lit that will burn for the entire twenty-four hours. If possible, the candle should be of beeswax.
Generally, the custom is to light it for the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe (Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Shneersohn, on the 10th of Shvat) since the current Lubavitcher Rebbe said to, and for the current(Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, on the 3rd of Tammuz).
Iit could be that the older Chassidim who were Chassidim of the fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe still lit a candle on his Yahrtzeit, but I don't think that any are still alive at this point (he passed away on the second of Nissan 1920).
Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged chabad chasidut-hasidism chassidic-rebbe yahrtzeit yizkor .
Why do non-orphans leave during Yizkor?
When is Avraham Avinu's Yahrzeit?
Does a ger (convert) say Yizkor?
Why is the Or Hachayim's yahrzeit in Luach Colel Chabad?
Is a convert allowed to say Yizkor for their non-Jewish parents?


text:
Legal Marijuana In South Dakota Without Limited Licenses?
This month's election saw both medical and adult-use marijuana initiative petitions get voter approval in South Dakota. Neither framework contains a numerical limit on licenses, but both contemplate some limitation depending on various factors. The Cannabis Consumers Coalition does not support limitations on licenses that harm free-market competition as we believe consumers are best served by vigorous market competition as to price and quality.
Constitutional Amendment A (adult-use marijuana) provides:
Section 8: In determining the appropriate number of licenses to issue, as required under this article, the department shall: (1) Issue enough licenses to substantially reduce the illicit production and sale of marijuana throughout the state, and (2) Limit the number of licenses issued, if necessary, to prevent an undue concentration of licenses in any one municipality.
Initiated Measure 26 (medical marijuana) provides:
Section 72. That the code be amendment by adding a NEW SECTION to read: Not later than one hundred twenty days after the effective date of this Act, the department shall promulgate rules pursuant to chapter 1-26:
(3) Establishing a system to numerically score competing medical cannabis establishment applicants, in cases where more applicants apply than are allowed by the local government, that includes analysis of:
(a) the preference of the local government
(b) In the case of dispensaries, the suitability of the proposed location and its accessibility for patients;
(c) the character, veracity, background, qualifications, and relevant experience of principal officers and board members; and
(d) the business plan proposed by the applicant, that in the case of a cultivation facility or dispensary shall include the ability to maintain an adequate supply of cannabis, plans to ensure safety and security of patrons and the community, procedures to be used to prevent diversion, and any plan for making cannabis available to low-income qualifying patients;
While it's a positive thing that neither framework creates an explicit limit on licensing, it's disturbing that both frameworks allow for limits on licensing that depend on arbitrary government determinations; notably, both frameworks allow limits on licensing that are specific to local or municipal governments. This is likely a recipe for induced corruption or pay-to-play practices; moneyed operators will hire lobbyists to argue for limits on the number of licenses at the local or municipal level.
In August 2019, the Federal Bureau of Investigation put out a notice specifically noting the risk of corruption is greatest in these kinds of systems:
Mollie Halpern: As an increasing number of states change their marijuana legislation, the FBI is seeing a public corruption threat emerge in the expanding cannabis industry.
States require licenses to grow and sell the drug—opening the possibility for public officials to become susceptible to bribes in exchange for those licenses.
Supervisory Special Agent Regino Chavez...
Regino Chavez: We've seen in some states the price go as high as $500,000 for a license to sell marijuana. So, we see people willing to pay large amounts of money to get in to the industry.
Halpern: The corruption is more prevalent in western states where the licensing is decentralized—meaning the level of corruption can span from the highest to the lowest level of public officials.
As recreational marijuana becomes more widespread, Intelligence Analyst David Kirschner says states should expect the corruption problem to increase.
A lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Amendment A has recently been filed by members of law enforcement with the support of Governor Kristi Noem, a vigorous opponent of marijuana reform. In an interview with the Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan, a spokesman from the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry further indicated there would likely be further action by the South Dakota Legislature to restrict the implemented framework of Initiated Measure 26.


text:
Whales' 'first line of defense'
Posted: 11:30 AM ET
FLAGLER BEACH, Florida - The wind is out today in Florida, and that means my quest to see one of the most endangered whales in the world will be shifted a bit.
Patsy Sater and Paul Henderson watch for endangered right whales from a restaurant balcony in northern Florida.
I had planned to venture into the Atlantic Ocean in an inflatable boat with scientists from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to search for right whales. But the wind gusts are too strong, which makes boat trips like this risky and unproductive. It's difficult for the researchers to spot the whales in choppy waters.
So I went to my plan B, which ended up being tons of fun: I traveled by foot and car up the Florida coast with a group of retirees who look for the school-bus-sized whales from the shore.
Right whales are sometimes called "urban whales" because they live in waters so near the East Coast of the U.S. These volunteer whale watchers say the massive black whales sometimes come very near to the beach. Last Friday they spotted 11 of them at once - a group of juveniles playing.
Armed with binoculars, they troll up and down the coast looking for blackish blobs of whale on the horizon. John Kostiak, 62, told me the whales look like black Sharpie marks on the blue ocean. When they spot a whale, they call in backup from scientists who then alert the shipping community to their presence. Collisions with ships are a major cause of right whale deaths, and these volunteers see themselves as a first line of defense. If they see a whale before a ship does, they could save a life. Only 400 of these whales exist, so each is critically important to the species' survival.
The volunteers showed true dedication: One wore whale earrings and a whale necklace. Another goes out on these watches four days a week - spending four hours each day just looking for the behemoths. They all spoke of the intense joy they feel when they find a whale. That's relatively rare, though. One told me he's only called in two sightings in eight years.
Like others, they hope their efforts contribute a small part to protecting a creature they've come to love. They also say they're raising whale awareness through their efforts. Many people - even in this part of north Florida - don't realize right whales give birth right off the coast here, well within eyesight.
Each morning, the volunteers are doing their part to change that.
- John Sutter, CNN.com
Posted by: endangered species, florida, right whale, whales
Filed under: Animals • environment
| 9 Comments | Add a comment | Permalink


Three Hundred & Sixty Five: Days at Home / Thirty-Five.
After it rains, we always check the garden for Fairies.
« I'd rather have a Rooster, because atleast I could drive him to the country and leave him there.
My 4 year old niece told me on Saturday that "When I talk, fairies come out of my mouth." Apparently when they exercise too much, they need to be put in the cage for a rest.


Why choose Churchill home insurance?
Churchill was one of the UK's first direct insurers, so you can rely on them to give you the right buildings and contents cover at the right price.
Insure your buildings up to £1,000,000 and your contents up to £50,000, with new-for-old replacement.
For even greater peace of mind, you can take out optional extras for accidental damage, home emergencies, legal expenses and more.


Novoe tv reception by Internet There is 1 product.
Novoe tv, tv by internet N o v e o ip tv, is more than 60 channels thematic Russians.. .via internet in HD quality, available in less than 5 minutes in your living room!You live in an apartment and / or you can not install satellite dish to receive your favorite channels, you have internet access ADSL (mini 2 Mbps), then N o v o e tv, is the solution.This pack included the IP receiver as well as a year subscription to NOVOE TV satellite channels. Novoe TV, it's more than 60 channels thematic Russians... via the internet, in HD quality, available in less than 5 minutes in your living room!You live in an apartment and / or you can not install satellite dish to receive your favorite channels, you have internet access ADSL (mini 2 Mbps), then Novoe tv, , is the solution.This pack included the IP receiver as well as a year subscription to Novoe tv, satellite channels.


New Orleans Indymedia provides coverage from the UNO Student Walkouts and Occupation on September 1, 2010 in protest of the enormous budget cuts to programs, faculty, staff and financial aid available to students by the state of Louisiana. 2 people were arrested, reportedly six people were involved in the occupation and approximated 150 to 200 people participated in the walkouts.
See, hear and read more info below.
An anonymous statement sent to the press by a University of New Orleans student who occupied Milneburg Hall on the lakefront campus.


text:
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Manny Banuelos (60) throws in the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Saturday, July 18, 2015, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brett Davis)
Cubs 4, Braves 0
Matthew Bain, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
How the game was won: Jon Lester dominated a cold Atlanta offense and nearly threw his second no-hitter before A.J. Pierzynski got a broken-bat single in the eighth. Lester still got his fifth win of the year, allowing no runs, two hits, one walk and seven strikeouts over 7 1/3 innings.
The Cubs scored their first run in the third inning. Kris Bryant got a two-out single off Manny Banuelos and advanced to third on an errant pick-off attempt. He then scored on Anthony Rizzo's single.
Banuelos got chased in the fifth inning when he allowed another run and walked Chris Denorfia to load the bases with two outs. His final line: 4 2/3 innings, six hits, two runs (one earned), three walks and four strikeouts.
Number: 51. When Jason Frasor entered the game in the top of the fifth, he became the 51st player the Braves have used this year — a franchise record. Coincidentally, Frasor wears the No. 51.
What's next: The Braves host the Cubs in the rubber match of this three-game series. Shelby Miller (5-5, 2.38 ERA) looks to get his first win since May 17. He'll start opposite Chicago's Jake Arrieta (10-5, 2.66 ERA).