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Bergedorf Round Table
136th BERGEDORF ROUND TABLE
Turkey as a Partner for European Foreign Policy in the Middle East
Eckart Cuntz, Richard von Weizsäcker, Yaşar Yakiş, Ishak Alaton. Photo: Marc Darchinger
Istanbul (February 23-25, 2007)
Can Turkey function as a mediator between the EU and the Middle East? That was the question at the heart of the 136th Bergedorf Round Table that took place in Istanbul from February 23 to 25, 2007. Turkey, an EU accession candidate, also directly neighbors on Syria, Iran, and Iraq, is a secular state with an overwhelmingly Muslim population, and maintains amicable relations with Israel.
These traits are often cited to support arguments favoring a Turkish mediating role. Still, what real value can Ankara add to EU policies relating to challenges that include the instability in Iraq, Iran's nuclear program, or problems in Lebanon? Is Turkey more valuable as an EU partner or member in dealing with these challenges, and how should its role be regarded – as a bridge, a strategic partner, or a model for the states of the Middle East?
Twenty-five outstanding politicians and experts from Germany and other EU states, Turkey, and the Middle East discussed policy options for collaborations in foreign affairs between the EU and Turkey.
The conference in Istanbul marks a further step in the Bergedorf Round Table's dialogue with the Middle East.
The results of the confidential deliberations had been documented in the 136th Bergedorf Protocol, which is published by the edition Körber-Stiftung.
Downloading Protocol (PDF):
Complete Protocol
Discussion transcript
Photo documentation
Appendix (Biographies, Glossary, Literature)
Lecture by Ahmet Davutoğlu, Senior Advisor to the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
to "Round Tables"


Martin O'Neill has pledged to do his "utmost to bring a bit of success to Sunderland".
O'Neill signed a three-year deal on Saturday to succeed Steve Bruce at the Stadium of Light and was in the stands on Sunday as the Black Cats went down 2-1 to Wolves at Molineux. The former Leicester, Celtic and Aston Villa manager is excited to be back in the game after a year-long absence but refused to make any outlandish promises.
O'Neill told SAFC TV: "It's a nice feeling to be back in football and obviously I'm very excited about joining Sunderland. It's a big moment and I'm hoping it works out well. All I can say, without promising the earth, moon and stars is I will do my utmost to bring a bit of success to Sunderland."
O'Neill grew up a Sunderland fan in Northern Ireland due to his admiration for Cork-born great Charlie Hurley.
"You were either Celtic or Rangers in terms of a religious divide, but most of the boys took an English team too," he said.
"Much to the laughing of one or two who took Manchester United and teams like that, I took Sunderland, with Charlie Hurley (being there). I never regretted it. I had a number of fights in the quad with other schoolboys about my choice, but outside that, not a problem."
O'Neill will be on the bench for Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash with fellow strugglers Blackburn.
"Every single game is important - the Barclays Premier League has become the Holy Grail of football," he said.
"You want to get yourself established. We had a great season last season, finishing 10th, and a wee bit of a disappointing start this time, but we hope that with a little bit of luck we can turn things around.
"I would like it to be a really successful period and I'm going to try my best to achieve that. That's what I've come for - that's what I want to do."


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TTAB - Trademark Trial and Appeal Board - *1 IN RE LEATHERMAN TOOL GROUP, INC. Serial No. 74/092,273 July 18, 1994
*1 IN RE LEATHERMAN TOOL GROUP, INC.
Serial No. 74/092,273
Stephen J. Jeffries
(Sidney I. Moskowitz, Managing Attorney)
Before Simms, Cissel and Hohein
Administrative Trademark Judges
Opinion by Hohein
Administrative Trademark Judge
Leatherman Tool Group, Inc. has filed an application to register "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL" as a trademark for goods identified as "a compact folding tool comprising knife, pliers, and multiple blades, and leather and fabric sheaths therefor". [FN1]
Registration has been finally refused under Section 2(e)(1) of the Trademark Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1052(e)(1), on the basis that, when used in connection with applicant's goods, the mark is merely descriptive of them. Specifically, the Examining Attorney contends that the evidence of acquired distinctiveness submitted by applicant is insufficient since "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL" is a generic designation for applicant's goods and thus is incapable of registration. [FN2]
Applicant has appealed. Briefs have been filed, [FN3] but an oral hearing was not requested. We affirm the refusal to register.
Preliminarily, we observe that when the application was filed, applicant stated that registration was being sought under the provisions of Section 2(f) of the Trademark Act on the basis that "the mark has become distinctive as a result of substantially exclusive and continuous use in ... commerce ... for a period of more than five years immediately preceding this application for registration." The claim of acquired distinctiveness, however, in effect constitutes a concession by applicant that the designation it seeks to register is at least merely descriptive of, although not generic for, its goods since, as correctly noted by the Examining Attorney, such is tantamount to an admission that the designation is not inherently distinctive and therefore is unregistrable in the absence of a showing of acquired distinctiveness. See, e.g., In re Cabot Corp., 15 USPQ2d 1224, 1229 (TTAB1990) and In re Professional Learning Centers, Inc., 230 USPQ 70, 71 (TTAB1986) at n. 2. The issues presented for our consideration are accordingly whether the designation "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL" is generic for applicant's goods and, alternatively, if such designation is not regarded as generic, whether it has acquired distinctiveness. As to the former, the Patent and Trademark Office has the burden of proving genericness by "clear evidence" thereof, while in the latter instance applicant has the burden of proof with respect to establishing a prima facie case of acquired distinctiveness. See, e.g., In re Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc., 828 F.2d 1567, 4 USPQ2d 1141, 1143 (Fed.Cir.1987) and Yamaha International Corp. v. Hoshino Gakki Co. Ltd., 840 F.2d 1572, 6 USPQ2d 1001, 1006 (Fed.Cir.1988).
*2 Turning first to the issue of genericness, both the Examining Attorney presently in charge of this case and the one previously assigned thereto have made of record the results of various searches of the "OMNI" file of Mead Data Central, Inc.'s "NEXIS" library. The information retrieved from such database, of which the following representative newspaper, magazine and wire-service excerpts are considered to be the most pertinent, plainly establishes that the term "pocket tool" is used to describe any compact or pocket-sized, hand-held implement, including a specialized combination of a knife and other blades known as a "survival tool" (emphasis added):
... a small pocket tool with pliers, chisel, hole punch, file, stapler, two kinds of screwdrivers, measuring tape and scissors.--L.A. Times, April 8, 1990, § L (Travel), at 5, col. 1;
This mostly male audience of do-it-yourselfers spent $17 for the Handyman "21 in 1" pocket tool from national television advertising.--DM News, September 1, 1989, at 72;
The Swiss Army knife is one of those products that keeps finding a new market--from GIs in the foxhole to yuppie campers on a weekend in the wild.
And that's good news for a small Connecticut company that had the good sense to promote the handy pocket tool from forgotten sideline to bestseller.--Chicago Tribune, July 25, 1988, Business, at 9;
Leatherman [Tool Group, Inc.] was credited with selling precision pocket tools in more than 30 countries.--United Press International, May 25, 1988;
Folding pocket tool and knife. Patent No. 4,648,145.--Washington Post, April 20, 1987, Financial, at F28;
Still, good deals can be found on ... Swiss army knives (from $4 for a small two-blade model to $30 for a 12-blade pocket tool chest)....--Fortune, March 31, 1986;
Many of his [knife] products, Kershaw said, aren't used for hunting or fishing, but as collectors' items, showpieces and occasionally as pocket tools.
Still Kershaw pays attention to its outdoor-oriented customers. For example, the company has just come out with a new survival knife. The 13-inch knife with a six-inch saw and knife blade includes a hollow handle stuffed with a survival kit--fish hooks, waterproof matches and more. Enclosed in a black Cordura sheath are a compass and five small cards jam-packed with survival tips.--Business Journal-Portland, June 10, 1985, § 1, at 1;
The [watch] chain has a heavy gold ornamental anchor on the other end that turns out to be a multipurpose pocket tool.--United Press International, July 29, 1983;
The Pipe Magician pocket tool offers multiple use capability.--Oil & Gas Journal, August 28, 1982, at 148;
A mechanical engineer in Portland, Ore., got patent 4,238,862 this week for a pocket tool that he calls Mr. Crunch. Timothy S. Leatherman thinks hunters, campers and cyclists will find it convenient.
*3 The tool can be folded to pocketknife size. The handles that control pliers contain knife blades, screwdrivers, scissors, a file, a can opener and even a small ruler. One part made of grindstone material may be used for sharpening fish hooks.--N.Y. Times, December 20, 1980, § 2, at 41, col. 6;
Another contractual requirement for the F-16 radar is that any of its six line-replaceable units must be capable of being replaced with minimal pocket tools in no more than 5 min.--Aviation Week & Space Technology, May 3, 1976, Avionics, at 85;
Older youngsters will find the Survival Tool a nifty gadget for their trail packs. Packed in its slender leather case are folding knife, scissors, magnifying lens, cap opener, screwdriver, wrench, can opener, nail file, ruler and sharpening stone.--San Francisco Chronicle, December 16, 1991, Sports, at C13;
A genuine conversation piece is the matchbook-sized Survival Tool ($9.85), which claims to work as a knife, nail puller, can opener, signal mirror, chisel, bottle opener, screwdriver, saw, etc.--Boston Globe, December 9, 1990, Travel, at B9
Magellan's also sells a matchbook-size, all-purpose survival tool that combines a knife, nut wrench, screwdriver, saw, chisel, file and signal mirror for $9.85....--L.A. Times, November 25, 1990, § L (Travel), at 1, col. 1;
Herron said "the lack of visual references in the Arabian desert makes the magnetic compass an indispensible survival tool."--PR Newswire, November 15, 1990;
The Survival Tool from Troika sells for just Pounds 12.95 and has 12 steel tools--pliers, wire cutters, 8" ruler/saw, four screwdrivers, file, awl/punch, can/bottle opener, and a sharp 2 1/2 in. blade. It is very streamlined, is only 4 in. long and weighs just 5 oz.--Financial Times, February 24, 1990, Weekend FT, at XI
Phrobis, founded in 1982 by Charles (Mickey) Finn, does not manufacture knives or anything else, but conducts research and development on a variety of survival tools and weapons.--L.A. Times, December 20, 1989, Business, at 2, col. 6;
That's the price of the Basic Survival Tool. ....
Survival is a basic human drive.... Eight-fifty for it sounded like a good deal, even though the Basic Survival Tool turned out to be nothing more than short strips of flint and magnesium glued to a handle made of elk antler. The thing looked like a derringer.--San Francisco Chronicle, November 8, 1989, Daily Datebook, at E10;
You might be able to get away without a decent pack and shoes, but don't ever go on a hike without a Swiss Army knife. It is the ultimate survival tool.--Washington Post, August 20, 1987, Style, at C5;
"I always carry a knife," Davidlow says. "It's one of the best survival tools available. You can shape wood, start fires, make traps, build shelters." He also packs a survival kit which contains rope, a compass, maps, his trip timetable, a small first aid kit and a bandana.--United Press International, June 25, 1985; and
*4 New York's sixth annual custom-knife show opens today, and its promoters note with delight that among the blades exhibited will be those closely resembling the survival knife used by Sylvester Stallone in his starring role in the motion picture "First Blood."
The original knife was created by the Arkansas knifemaker Jimmy Lile at Mr. Stallone's request. Mr. Lile ... did not ... design a knife that would merely photograph well. His goal ... was to make one that was truly functional, multipurpose, stainless-steel survival tool that would have, among other things: a 9-inch blade with a real saw on its back; a compass; a hollow, watertight handle to hold matches and other small essentials; and a handle that would also, because it is hollow, enable one to insert a pole into it to make a spear.--N.Y. Times, November 11, 1983, § A, at 29, col. 1.
With respect to the designation "pocket survival tool," the evidence from the same database reveals the following usages (emphasis added):
My vote for neatest gadget of the year is the Pocket Survival Tool. Made of a flat piece of stainless steel 2 1/4 inches by 1 1/4 inches, it is designed to open bottles and cans, turn screws, measure, file and saw. The maker says it is weakly magnetized and, when hung from a string outdoors, will point north. It is $10 plus shipping from Animal Town....--N.Y. Times, November 26, 1989, § 5, at 3, col. 1, which article also appears to have been reprinted in the Chicago Tribune, December 10, 1989, Travel, at 18;
It was then that I remembered that in a burst of self-indulgence I had recently acquired a so-called "Pocket Survival Tool" manufactured by Leatherman, whose innards include several screwdriver blades, a knife blade, a file, a leather punch and needle-nose pliers with a wire cutter. It is a good tool and did the job, and my only criticism of it is that the steel in the cutting edges of the pliers is too soft.--N.Y. Times, July 1, 1985, § C, at 8, col. 1; and
This toolbox-on-your-belt acts a lot like an industrial-quality Swiss army knife, but with one major difference: it can bite. The pliers/wire cutter jaws enable you to deal with situations that require nabbing and twisting.... I was unable to deform the jaws, nor could I persuade any of the several screwdriver blades to part company with the stainless steel handles. Other blades include an effective can opener ..., a sturdy knife blade, an awl, and a file.... All the blades lock open. Closed up, the whole kaboodle rides in a leather case not noticeably larger than its Swiss rival.--Whole Earth Review, May 1985, at 70, which is headlined: "Pocket Survival Tool".
In addition to the foregoing, a search of the "ALL" file in the "LEXPAT" library of Mead Data Central, Inc.'s computerized database retrieved the following excerpt from U.S. Patent No. 5,102,360, issued on April 7, 1992 for a shipboard container for survival equipment (emphasis added):
*5 While it is possible to vary the amount and types of survival equipment selected and stored in the container ..., a particularly effective set of contents ... is as follows:
28. 1 handy pocket survival tool.
The Examining Attorney contends that the above "excerpts from the LEXIS/NEXIS database ... demonstrate that each component of Applicant's proposed mark comprises an apt or common descriptor for Applicant's goods identified as compact tools comprising knife, pliers and multiple blades" and that the combination "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL" is a "generic composite" which forms "an 'apt descriptive name' for the goods." The Examining Attorney further maintains that his conclusion is likewise supported by certain of the sales catalog evidence furnished by applicant (discussed below), which assertedly shows generic usage of the terms "pocket tool," "survival tool" and "pocket survival tool" by various third parties. Thus, and even excluding the "NEXIS" stories in which reference to applicant's products is clearly being made, the Examining Attorney insists that the evidence of record demonstrates that the purchasing public would perceive the designation "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL" as a generic name for the type of goods offered by applicant.
Applicant, in response to the refusal to register, has made of record the declaration, with exhibits, of its president, Timothy S. Leatherman. Among other things, Mr. Leatherman states that applicant "has been using the mark POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL continuously and exclusively in connection with the goods recited in the application since 1983"; that since that time "applicant has sold in excess of one million tools (with gross sales exceeding $20,000,000) in connection with the mark POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL"; that applicant "has spent approximately $200,000 for advertisements which display applicant's mark ... in many well-known catalogs of national distribution such as L.L. Bean, The Sharper Image, Brookstone, Eddie Bauers [sic], Cabella's, and Neiman Marcus"; that "applicant's mark is also publicized in ... magazine articles such as new product releases contained in well-known magazines such as Popular Science, Sports Afield, and Outdoor Life" and in newspaper articles like the July 1, 1985 N.Y. Times story cited by the Examining Attorney and one which mentions applicant's goods in the following manner (emphasis added):
THE HOTTEST ITEM for men is the Pocket Survival Tool. It's the size of a pocket knife. Unfolds into pliers and wire cutter. The handle contains a knife, three sizes of screwdrivers, a bottle opener, file and a lot of other goodies. It's a man's toy.--San Francisco Examiner, February 8, 1985;
that "[u]ntil approximately 1985, the mark was actually stamped upon the tool itself" as shown by an advertisement from a Gander Mountain, Inc. catalog which is reproduced below;
*6 and that an instructional "User's Guide," [FN4] the relevant portions of which are illustrated below, accompanies each tool.
Mr. Leatherman's declaration additionally indicates that with respect to the "NEXIS" evidence submitted by the Examining Attorney, "two of the three entries ... which mention the words POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL in combination are referring to applicant's product"; and that applicant "considers the third Nexis entry for 'Pocket Survival Tool' to be an infringement of applicant's common law rights in the mark," but that such use apparently "is no longer continuing" inasmuch as applicant's attempt "to contact Animal Town at the number given in the Nexis Report [was] to no avail" and it was advised by "Directory Assistance ... that there was no listing" for such party. Mr. Leatherman further notes, however, that "use of the name POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL by this party has caused confusion with applicant" in that, as shown by a copy of the document pertaining thereto, one of applicant's customers returned an Animal Town "Pocket Survival Tool" to applicant for a credit on the customer's account. According to Mr. Leatherman, the customer, who was "familiar with our product and trademark, sent this product to us in the mistaken belief that it was our product because it employed our POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL mark." Lastly, Mr. Leatherman notes that his declaration is accompanied by "a representative letter from a [different] customer wherein the customer refers to our product as the 'Pocket Survival Tool' " and observes that "[w]hile applicant has not conducted an exhaustive search of its records," he "know[s] from personal recollection that such a reference to this product as a POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL is not uncommon."
Sample catalog advertisements and magazine new-product reviews, which accompany the Leatherman declaration, are depicted below:
Applicant argues that in light of the above, the designation it seeks to register would not be perceived by the relevant public as a generic term for its goods. In particular, applicant points out that except for a story about a different product marketed by Animal Town, which respectively appeared in the N.Y. Times and the Chicago Tribune on November 26, 1989 and December 10, 1989, the articles and advertisements which mention a "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL" plainly refer to applicant or its specific product. Applicant also insists that many of the reviews and advertisements of record contain a generic description of its product, such as "compact tool," "All-in-one tool," "Multipurpose Tool," "Pocket Multi-Tool" or "pocket tool box," in contrast to trademark use of the designation "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL". Moreover, applicant notes, such designation is often used with quotation marks, an initial capitalization of each word, a "TM" symbol, and in other ways, including an association with applicant's "LEATHERMAN(R)" mark, so as to set the designation apart from the verbiage with which it appears and to indicate that it is applicant's mark. The use of "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL" by Animal Town, applicant insists, is not only an infringing use which appears to have ceased, but the return of one such item to applicant by one of its customers demonstrates trademark rather than generic significance for the designation at issue. Finally, with respect to use of such designation in a recent patent, applicant contends that (underlining by applicant):
*7 When the reference, "one handy pocket survival tool," is read in the context of the list of shipboard survival equipment, there is a strong impression that the list is referring to a specific product, not merely a type of product. The patent application was filed in 1990, which is consistent with applicant's opinion that the entry refers specifically to applicant's product.
The test for determining whether a designation is generic, as applied to the goods set forth in an application or registration, turns upon how the term is perceived by the relevant public. See Magic Wand Inc. v. RDB Inc., 940 F.2d 638, 19 UDPQ2d 1551, 1552-53 (Fed.Cir.1991) and cases cited therein at 1553. Such perception is the primary consideration in a determination of genericness. See Loglan Institute Inc. v. Logical Language Group Inc., 962 F.2d 1038, 22 USPQ2d 1531, 1533 (Fed.Cir.1992). As Section 14(3) of the Trademark Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1064(3), makes clear, "[a] ... mark shall not be deemed to be the generic name of goods ... solely because such mark is also used as a name to identify a unique product ..."; instead, "[t]he primary significance of the ... mark to the relevant public rather than purchaser motivation shall be the test for determining whether the ... mark [is or] has become the generic name of goods ... on or in connection with which it has been used." Consequently, if the designation sought to be registered is understood by the relevant public primarily to refer to the class or genus of goods at issue, the term is generic. See H. Marvin Ginn Corp. v. International Association of Fire Chiefs, Inc., supra. Evidence of the relevant public's understanding of a term may be obtained from any competent source, including newspapers, magazines, dictionaries, catalogs and other publications. See In re Northland Aluminum Products, Inc., 777 F.2d 1566, 227 USPQ 961, 963 (Fed.Cir.1985).
On the present record, we concur with the Examining Attorney that the designation "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL" is a generic term for any pocket-sized survival implement, including the compact folding tool comprising a knife, pliers and multiple blades marketed by applicant. [FN5] The "NEXIS" excerpts, as noted previously, clearly establish that "pocket tool" and "survival tool" are generic designations for, respectively, a compact or pocket-sized hand tool and a specialized hand tool which combines a knife and a multiplicity of other types of blades. Plainly, a compact or pocket-sized version of a survival tool is aptly named by the designation "pocket survival tool" and, as shown by many of the catalog advertisements and magazine new-product reviews made of record by applicant, such designation would be so perceived by the relevant public, which comprises buyers and potential purchasers of Swiss army knives and other small hand tools suitable for use as survival tools.
*8 In this regard, we observe that not only are applicant's goods identified as a type of compact folding tool, but we judicially notice that The Random House Dictionary of the English Language (2d ed. 1987) defines "pocket" at 1492 as an adjective meaning "small enough or suitable for carrying in the pocket: a pocket watch" [FN6] and lists "survival" at 1916 as an adjective meaning "of, pertaining to, or for use in surviving, esp. under adverse or unusual circumstances: survival techniques". The relevant public would thus readily understand that, when joined to form the phrase "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL," the individual words have a meaning identical to the meaning which ordinary usage would ascribe to those terms in combination. There is nothing unique or incongruous about the combination nor would it have any meaning other than generically signifying a "pocket survival tool" when used in connection with a pocket-sized, hand-held survival implement such as applicant's compact, folding knife with pliers and multiple blades. "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL" consequently serves only to designate the class or genus of goods to which applicant applies such designation. In short, the evidence of record, including that furnished by applicant and relied upon by the Examining Attorney, is sufficient to meet the burden of proof upon the Patent and Trademark Office of establishing that the designation "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL" is generic and thus incapable of registration. See, e.g., In re Gould Paper Corp., 834 F.2d 1017, 5 USPQ2d 1110, 1112 (Fed.Cir.1987) ["SCREENWIPE" for a "premoistened, antistatic cloth for cleaning computer and television screens" incapable of being registered].
Applicant's arguments with respect to the evidence of record are not persuasive of a contrary result. Specifically, as to the various methods asserted by applicant as demonstrating the trademark significance of the designation "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL," we note that the use of the "TM" symbol in connection therewith cannot make an otherwise unregistrable term a trademark. See, e.g., In re General Foods Corp., 177 USPQ 403, 404 (TTAB 1973) at n. 1 and In re Nosler Bullets, Inc., 169 USPQ 62, 64 (TTAB 1971). Similarly, the initial capitalization of the words comprising the designation "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL" is not persuasive of trademark significance in this case since not only is such term also used in some catalogs in an undifferentiated manner in the same advertisement, [FN7] but a number of catalog ads and magazine articles initially capitalize a word or words which applicant points to as being generic terms for its product. [FN8] Moreover, using quotation marks, as is the case in a few newspaper articles about applicant's goods, adds little more to set off the initially capitalized words "Pocket Survival Tool" than does such capitalization alone, as is apparent from the excerpts mentioning the same goods which appeared in the N.Y. Times and Chicago Tribune in late 1989.
*9 Furthermore, while there is no question that a product may bear more than one mark, provided that each mark serves to identify and distinguish the product from the like goods of others, the association of the mark "LEATHERMAN(R))))" with the designation "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL" is such that the relevant public would perceive only the former as a trademark for applicant's product and view the latter as a generic term for the item. [FN9] In addition, the single incident of a return to applicant by one of its customers of an Animal Town pocket survival implement does not evidence trademark significance for the designation it seeks to register inasmuch as the customer was a dealer familiar with applicant and, hence, would be expected to know to whom to return a "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL" product, in accordance with applicant's 25-year guarantee, even if it were not a version of the product which had been sold by the dealer.
Lastly, the sales and advertising figures provided by applicant's president fail to convince us of the alleged trademark significance of the designation "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL" since, in addition to the demonstrated use thereof on the goods and in instructional guides and various promotional materials in a manner which, in essence, constitutes generic usage, [FN10] the designation itself aptly names the type of goods sold by applicant. Absent, therefore, anything to link applicant's gross sales of over $20 million and advertising expenditures of $200,000, which were generated and spent in connection with its marketing of in excess of one million tools during a nearly ten-year period, with use in contexts which would condition customers to react to or recognize the designation "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL" as an indication of source rather than as a description of a category of product, there is no convincing basis for finding that such designation functions other than as a generic name for a type of compact folding tool, consisting of a knife, pliers and multiple blades, which is sold by applicant for survival purposes. See, e.g., In re Behre Industries, Inc., 203 USPQ 1030, 1033 (TTAB 1979).
We therefore conclude on this record that consumers and prospective customers of applicant's product would not regard the designation "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL" as a trademark. Instead, the relevant public would attribute to such designation the ordinary, plain meaning provided by its component words and its demonstrated manner of use, namely: pocket survival tool. The designation "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL" is thus a generic name for applicant's product and is incapable of registration. See, e.g., In re Pennzoil Products Co., 20 USPQ2d 1753, 1757-60 (TTAB 1991).
Nevertheless, even if we had not found the designation which applicant seeks to register to be a generic name for its goods, we would affirm the refusal to register on the ground of mere descriptiveness because the evidence submitted by applicant in support of its claim of acquired distinctiveness is insufficient to show that the designation "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL" has become distinctive of its goods in commerce. As pointed out in Yamaha International Corp. v. Hoshino Gakki Co. Ltd., supra at 1008, the greater the degree of descriptiveness which a term possesses, the heavier is the burden of proving that it has become distinctive of the applicant's goods. Here, given the high degree of descriptiveness of such designation and that it has essentially been used in the manner of a name for applicant's goods rather than as a trademark therefor, we simply are not convinced by the sales and advertising figures furnished by applicant with respect to a period of time of almost ten years that the purchasing public for small multiple-blade knives and other compact survival implements has come to view the terminology "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL" as a trademark. See Truckstops Corp. of America v. C-Poultry Co. Ltd., 223 USPQ 143, 146 (M.D.Tenn.1983) [defendant's outstanding sales record and advertising expenses do not prove secondary meaning].
*10 Instead, the evidence provided by applicant of its sales figures may, at most, be said to demonstrate the apparent popularity or commercial success of its goods, but such evidence alone does not suffice to establish that the designation "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL" has acquired distinctiveness. See, e.g., In re Bongrain International (American) Corp., 894 F.2d 1316, 13 USPQ2d 1727, 1729 (Fed.Cir.1990) [growth in sales may be indicative of popularity of product itself rather than recognition of a term as denoting origin] and WLWC Centers, Inc. v. Winners Corp., 221 USPQ 701, 707 (M.D.Tenn.1983) [popularity in sales alone cannot establish secondary meaning]. In a similar manner, while applicant's expenditures of approximately one percent of its gross sales on advertising and promotion for its goods is indicative of its efforts to develop distinctiveness for the designation it seeks to register, such outlays are not determinative of the success of those attempts. See, e.g., In re Semel, 189 USPQ 285, 287 (TTAB 1975) ["in evaluating the significance of advertising figures ..., it is necessary to consider not only the extent of advertising but also whether the use of the designation therein has been of such nature as to create in the minds of the purchasing public an association of the designation with the user and/or his goods"] and Ralston Purina Co. v. Thomas J. Lipton, Inc., 173 USPQ 820, 824 (S.D.N.Y.1972) [promotional expenditures indicate efforts to establish secondary meaning, but do not determine the success thereof].
Thus, viewing the totality of the evidence of record, and assuming that the designation "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL" could function as a trademark, we find that applicant has failed to meet its burden of establishing a prima facie case of acquired distinctiveness. This is because the high degree of descriptiveness inherent in the designation "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL" and the manner of its use as a name for applicant's goods are simply more persuasive as evidence bearing on the issue of acquired distinctiveness than are the sales and advertising figures experienced by applicant during nearly ten years of use. In short, more evidence than that which has been offered by applicant, especially including proof of (i) long-standing and extensive promotion of the designation "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL" as a trademark for applicant's goods and (ii) consumer recognition thereof, would be necessary in order to show that such designation has in fact acquired distinctiveness. See, e.g., In re Pennzoil Products Co., supra at 1760-61, and In re Stanbel Inc., 16 USPQ2d 1469, 1472 (TTAB 1990).
R.L. Simms
R.F. Cissel
G.D. Hohein
Administrative Trademark Judges, Trademark Trial and Appeal Board
FN1. Ser. No. 74/092,273, filed on August 29, 1990, which alleges dates of first use of May 5, 1983.
FN2. Such refusal was expressed in the Office Action of July 6, 1992 as follows:
Refusal of [r]egistration under Trademark Act Sections 2(e)(1) and 2(f) is continued and made final because the proposed mark, POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL, appears to comprise the apt or common commercial name for applicant's goods.
The examining attorney does not recommend conversion of this application to seek registration on the Supplemental Register.
While, as indicated in In re Capital Formation Counselors, Inc., 219 USPQ 916, 917 (TTAB1983) at n. 2, the insufficiency of a showing pursuant to Section 2(f) of the Trademark Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1052(f), is not a statutory basis for refusal of registration on the Principal Register, the failure to make a sufficient showing of acquired distinctiveness precludes registration of terms otherwise barred by the "merely descriptive" prohibition of Section 2(e)(1). Moreover, in the case of merely descriptive terms which are generic, no showing of acquired distinctiveness would suffice for purposes of registration on the Principal Register. See, e.g., H. Marvin Ginn Corp. v. International Ass'n of Fire Chiefs, Inc., 728 F.2d 987, 228 USPQ 528, 530 (Fed.Cir.1986) and authority cited therein ["A generic term ... can never be registered as a trademark because such term is 'merely descriptive' within the meaning of § 2(e)(1) and is incapable of acquiring de jure distinctiveness under § 2(f). The generic name of a thing is in fact the ultimate in descriptiveness"].
FN3. With its initial brief, applicant has submitted an appendix of evidentiary materials which includes, as Exhibit E, copies of two pages from the Spring 1985 catalog of L.L. Bean, Inc. Applicant concedes that such exhibit "was not part of the original record" and the Examining Attorney, in his brief, has properly objected to the introduction thereof as untimely under Trademark Rule 2.142(d). Accordingly, while we have not further considered Exhibit E in our decision of this case, it should be noted that even if such evidence were properly of record, it would make no difference in the result which we reach.
FN4. Copies of the four-page guide were submitted by applicant with the application as specimens of use.
FN5. Similarly, leather and fabric sheaths therefor are generically described as pocket survival tool sheaths.
FN6. Likewise, Webster's Third New International Dictionary (1976) defines "pocket" at 1747 as an adjective meaning "1 a : small or flat enough to be carried in the pocket <a dictionary> <a flask>.
FN7. For instance, the REI 1991 Catalog refers to the "Leatherman Pocket Survival ToolTM" as the "first pocket survival tool with full-size pliers," while the Dunn's Late Fall 1988 Catalog mentions both the "Pocket Survival Tool TM" and the "Mini Pocket Survival ToolTM" as "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOLS".
FN8. For example, besides the reference in the Gander Mountain, Inc. catalog to a "Pocket Multi-Tool" and the designation in the L.L. Bean, Inc. Spring 1990 Catalog of a "Pocket Survival Tool with Sheath," the review in the May 1984 issue of Popular Science refers to both an "All-in-one tool" and "the stainless-steel Pocket Survival Tool," while the article in the May 1986 edition of Outdoor Life mentions both a "Multipurpose Tool" as well as "Tim Leatherman's Pocket Survival Tool".
FN9. This would especially be the case with applicant's User Guide, which utilizes the phrase "LEATHERMAN(R) TOOL" to refer to the goods along with the terminology "LEATHERMAN(R) POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL(R)" and "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL(R)".
FN10. We do, however, concur with applicant that the appearance of the term "pocket survival tool" in a recently issued patent is not a basis for concluding that such term is generic. When read in context, the reference is ambiguous since, we observe, some terms which would seem to be trademarks (e.g., "rubbermaid") are either not plainly indicated as such or are used generically.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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text:
Duterte rejects extension, pushes for federal system
Monday, January 15th, 2018 at World
MANILA • Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (picture) has rejected calls from his allies to extend his six-year term and to cancel elections next year, while supporting moves to shift to a federal system of government.
In an interview with news website MindaNews, Duterte said he wants a federal government with a leadership structure similar to the French government, with both president and prime minister.
He also wants the Philippine Senate and House of Representatives to be merged into a single chamber with some 50 lawmakers to enact laws faster.
If the Philippines wished to change its system of government "you want a set-up that would ensure fairness and equality," Duterte told MindaNews, while warning that federalism may still not solve the use of money, power and violence to win elections.
Duterte also said he doesn't want to stay in power beyond 2022 and doesn't favour calls to scrap mid-term elections for lawmakers and local officials next year as proposed by some House of Representative lawmakers.
The Philippine president, who promised the shift to federalism during the campaign to bring peace to the southern Philippines, further said he will form in a few days a consultative body to review the nation's constitution.
He has repeatedly supported lifting the constitutional ban on foreign ownership, except on land, to further boost the economy and promote competition.
Duterte to be Russian vaccine's 'guinea pig' as talks begin
Virus lockdown sends M'sia stocks tumbling to 7-month low
China's Xi readies deals for Manila trip
Peso slumps as Philippines makes surprise central bank governor pick
Philippine's Duterte seeks laws to curb inflation, spread wealth
'Imeldific': Philippines anger over $1m Games cauldron


Firm volunteers have mentored more than 850 high school students in 23 cities nationally.
Ernst & Young LLP, which collaborates with the non-profit College for Every Student (CFES) on the firm's College MAP initiative, announced it expanded the program to 10 additional schools and almost doubled the number of under-represented students it mentored for the 2013-2014 school year.
According to the Lumina Foundation, almost 25 percent of low income students who score in the top quartile of standardized tests never go to college. Yet 65 percent of jobs in the US will require post-secondary education by 2020, according to Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce. College MAP works to narrow that gap by demystifying the process of applying to and affording college.
Since launching the program as a pilot in 2009, EY professionals have mentored more than 850 high school students. The reach of the program is rapidly expanding. This year, the fifth anniversary of College MAP, saw the addition of 10 new schools to the program's roster, for a total of 23 schools. Additionally, program participants almost doubled to 560 students last year alone, from 290 students collectively in the first four years of the program. These 560 students worked with approximately 360 EY mentors. College MAP currently mentors students in these 23 US cities: Atlanta, Austin, Birmingham, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Providence, Richmond, Rochester, San Antonio, San Francisco, San Jose, Secaucus, and Toledo.
The program is having an impact – more than 90 percent of students who have participated in College MAP have enrolled in a two- or four-year institution. In addition, the EY College MAP Scholarship Fund, introduced in 2013, has distributed more than $220,000 to College MAP graduates to date.
Another important element of the College MAP program is the strong mentoring relationships formed between the EY professionals who volunteer as mentors and the students who participate. More than three quarters (76 percent) of at-risk students who have mentors aspire to enroll and graduate from college versus about half (56 percent) of at-risk young adults who had no mentor, research from theNational Mentoring Partnership shows. Many of the EY mentors are first-generation college students themselves, so they are able to share personal stories and serve as first-hand examples of exactly the type of success that can be achieved. College MAP also fosters inclusiveness skills in EY people, and mentors say they have a greater sense of belonging at the firm as a result of their participation in the program.
For more insight on the College MAP program, read this recent piece in the Lumina Foundation's quarterly Focus magazine:http://focus.luminafoundation.org/spring2014/.
CMAP is Now Recruiting Juniors!
Come to the College Center for an application.


text:
articles | 29 September 2017
Co-op posts €8m in net losses amid restructuring slowdown
The state-owned Cyprus Cooperative Bank said it generated a net loss of almost €8 million in the first six months of 2017 compared with a €49.8m net profit in the respective period of 2016.
The loss was mainly on reduced net interest income, which fell in January to June to €125.9m from €143.1m a year before and an increase in provisions by €67.9m against €22.5m in the respective period of 2016, the lender which said in an emailed statement on Friday. All this more than offset the reduction in overall expenditure to €81.5m from €86.5m.
The bank, which is working on its Cyprus Stock Exchange listing to prepare for a capital increase next year, said its non-performing loans stock fell by €38.1m to below €7.2 billion in June and account for 59.4% of its loan portfolio. Still, loans with more than 90 days in arrears increased in the second half of the year by €64.3m to below €5.8bn.
The bank which announced in July an agreement with Spain's Altamira governing the management of its delinquent portfolio said that it restructured a total of €377.1m in non-performing loans in the first six months of the year against €667.7m in the respective period of 2016.
Its common equity tier 1 (CET1) ratio rose to 15.42% in June from 15.42% in December, the Co-op said.
Customer deposits stood at €12.2bn at the end of June compared with €12.6bn in December, the bank said. Total gross loans stood in June at over €11.9bn compared with over €12bn in December.
"The Cyprus Cooperative Bank while in a difficult business environment, manages to maintain its size and market share in the two balance sheet categories, deposits and loans," the bank's chief executive Nicholas Hadjiyiannis was quoted as saying.
He added that the recent agreement with Altamira, as well as that with Citigroup which will serve as global coordinator in its capital increase, 'support the strategy and business plan" of the corporation'. The Co-op is committed to the European Commission's Directorate General for Competition to reduce the government's stake, currently at over 99.2%, to below 25% with successive capital increases until 2020.
In March, the Financial Ombudsman ruled that the lender had to return €111m to overcharged borrowers, which forced the bank to revise its past years' earnings.


Monticello Agency came to ICBits in 2008. They had an old website that an employee had developed. They were looking for online forms for potential clients to request insurance quotes. Ten years later, with the same website, they finally opted for a more current, responsive website.


text:
Experts Make 5 Predictions for Black Friday 2021
What do you get when you cross Black Friday deals with a continuing pandemic, supply chain disruptions and inflation?
Answer: a very messy version of the biggest discount day of the year, which happens annually on the day after Thanksgiving. This year, that's Nov. 26.
Here are five predictions from retail experts about Black Friday 2021 — plus, how you can navigate the upcoming sales.
1. Supply chains will be stretched
Supply chain complications due to the pandemic have caused delays or shortages of items as varied as toys, furniture and books. Companies may have to pivot their Black Friday selling strategies as a result.
"Retailers might focus on specific items rather than trying to have a huge range of everything," says Mathew Isaac, professor of marketing at Seattle University.
As stores focus on getting the most in-demand items on their shelves, don't expect them to carry as many sizes, styles or variations of everything else, he adds.
This outcome could be a big change from the 50-page Black Friday advertisements we've seen from big-box retailers in the past.
2. Online sales will outpace in-store sales
Black Friday has been trending toward an online shopping day rather than an in-person event. That shift will only continue this year.
"People are definitely going to be interested in Black Friday and excited about it, but the bulk of the activity is going to be online," says Donna Hoffman, professor of marketing at the George Washington School of Business in Washington, D.C. "That's my prediction."
Shopping from home allows consumers to avoid crowds and stay safe during the pandemic. It's also conducive to bargain hunting and price comparison, offering a low-stress way to browse multiple stores at the same time in pursuit of the best price.
"I think this year, compared to last year, there's even more of a focus on budget," Hoffman adds.
Those who do set foot in stores won't necessarily do so because they found a better deal there. Instead, Hoffman anticipates shoppers will go to stores if they're unable to find what they wanted in stock online. But Hoffman predicts that small businesses will attract in-person shoppers, particularly if that business has a sustainable mission.
3. Shoppers will get more sleep
That shift to online shopping could have another side effect — more sleep.
Because of COVID-19, stores no longer packed shoppers in during the "wee hours" of Black Friday last year, Sheri Lambert, assistant professor of marketing at Temple University in Philadelphia, said by email.
Many stores abandoned their late-night Thanksgiving hours last year. And major retailers have already announced plans to stay closed this Thanksgiving Day, as well.
After the changes that took hold last year, Lambert doesn't foresee the "mad rush of in-person shopping" returning anytime soon. So shoppers can sit back and make purchases from their couch (or bed) instead of having to camp out on the sidewalk in front of their local Target or Best Buy.
4. Holiday shopping will be a marathon
Black Friday sale events will start early and last for a long time, according to Lambert. This "marathon" approach is similar to what happened last year, when deals were offered throughout the entire month of November.
But unlike Black Friday events before the pandemic, spread-out savings opportunities don't mean shoppers should wait to shop in anticipation of better deals to come. Lambert said retailers are starting to communicate to consumers that they should start buying for the holiday season now, in light of global shipping bottlenecks.
"My number one tip: Shop now," Lambert said. "Order that special gift for that special someone today. And even then, anticipate and expect the worst — but hope for the best."
You might not be guaranteed to receive your purchases before Christmas.
5. Persuasion will persist
Finally, it wouldn't be Black Friday without a little bit of pressure. Remember, retailers want you to buy that shiny new whatever-it-might-be, even if you don't necessarily need it.
Isaac says retailers make a substantial percentage of their yearly revenues during this 75- to 90-day period, "so they're going to do everything they can to try to get you to shop, as long as they have the product."
If you choose to shop during this year's unique version of Black Friday, traditional shopping advice will still apply.
Stay alert to persuasion tactics — like good deals that reel you in and tempt you to act on other, not-so-good deals. Aim to stick to a physical or mental list of things you actually need. And make a budget before you buy a single thing.
This article was written by NerdWallet and was originally published by the Associated Press.
Courtney Jespersen writes for NerdWallet. Email: courtney@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @CourtneyNerd.
The article Experts Make 5 Predictions for Black Friday 2021 originally appeared on NerdWallet.


Convert your surveillance systems to broadcast systems INSTANTLY!
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When your CCTV or IP camera gets connected to the Livebox on-premise or on-cloud, you get to stream your content before every house hold in your entire area through the Livebox IPTV module, Geo blocking, transcoding, social streaming and everything gets enabled out of the box to your existing Surveillance systems. Isn't that amazing?
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Sign up at https://livebox.co.in right now! Kickstart your UPGRADED surveillance system today.


Nairobi, Kenya, 6 March 2014 – A conference hosted by the International Disability Alliance (IDA) to deepen dialogue between national, regional and global organisations of persons with disabilities (DPOs) began in Nairobi, Kenya today. The three-day event aims to strengthen advocacy amongst DPOs in order to promote inclusive development in the future global development framework.
The 6th Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) began on July 17, 2013. A full room and a good number of side events confirm the relevance of what has become the most relevant annual gathering at international level on disability rights.
New York, 18 July 2013 – The 6th Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) began on July 17, 2013. A full room and a good number of side events confirm the relevance of what has become the most relevant annual gathering at international level on disability rights.
The ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) by Albania on 11 February 2013 brings a total of 128 States Parties to the CRPD.


text:
Q: Getting request.body value undefined in nodejs? my front end code:
    console.log('In front end ', UserDetails.fname);
    $.ajax({
        type: 'POST',
        data: UserDetails.fname,
        url: 'http://localhost:3000',
        success: function(data){
            console.log('Success!!');
        },
        error: function(error){
            console.log('Error!!');
        }
    })

In first console line the UserDetails.fname printing correctly. But when I send it to the back end, the back end shows it as undefined.
my back end code
var express = require('express');
var mysql = require('mysql');
var bodyParser = require('body-parser');
var userId = 1;
var conn = mysql.createConnection({
    host: 'localhost',
    user: 'root',
    password: '',
    database: 'facebook'
});

conn.connect(function(err){
    if(!err){
        console.log('Database connection success...');
    } else {
        console.log('Failed to connect to database...')
    }

});
var app = express();
// Add headers
app.use(function (req, res, next) {
    res.setHeader('Access-Control-Allow-Origin', '*');
    res.setHeader('Access-Control-Allow-Methods', 'GET, POST, OPTIONS, PUT, PATCH, DELETE');
    res.setHeader('Access-Control-Allow-Headers', 'X-Requested-With,content-type');
    res.setHeader('Access-Control-Allow-Credentials', true);
    next();
});

app.use(bodyParser.json({ type: 'application/*+json' }));
app.use(bodyParser.raw({ type: 'application/vnd.custom-type' }));
app.use(bodyParser.text({ type: 'text/html' }));

app.post("/", function(req, res){
    console.log(req.headers);
    console.log('body: ' + JSON.stringify(req.body));
    res.send(req.body);
});
app.listen(3000);

I have updated my code. But still I have the same probelm.

A:
Make sure to put your body-parser code above all the routes

var bodyParser = require('body-parser');

var app = express();
app.use(bodyParser.json());
app.use(bodyParser.urlencoded({ extended: false }));

A: Did you setup a body parser in express ?
https://github.com/expressjs/body-parser#user-content-change-accepted-type-for-parsers

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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KTC Organic Virgin Coconut Oil 250 ml.
KTC Pure Coconut Oil 500ml.
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KTC Rose Water 190 ml.


Black walnut wood bowl with lots of color from tan to red to deep brown. Lovely figure and deep sturdy walls make this a candidate for family heirloom. Can be used for salad for 2-4. Food safe, walnut oil finish.


It's been a while since I posted Star Wars RPG paper miniatures. So here is something that would break the silence: Imperial Royal Guards! The red armoured guards which was first introduced in Return of the Jedi.
As a bonus, I've included Palpatine the nice and helpful former Senator from Naboo in the pack. He is such a pleasant fellow. I might have printed the ones in the photo wrong somehow. They came out too dark instead of bright red.
It started as a sore right toe, specifically its joints.
Right toe in great pain. What do I do about the pain?
So I went to the doctor. After some questions, the doctor said, "WELCOME TO THE CLUB!" The doctor has the gout. So now I have the gout.
Nothing to do but to consume the meds and control my diet to decrease the pain.
Which I think might be a whole lot better than watching Showgirls.
Ebb and Folks commissioned a new cover for an upcoming ebook entitled Deep Space Squadron.
Originally I designed the cover artwork to show the single multi-kilometre long capital warship Resolution under attack by smaller corvettes or frigates, but then it was decided to have less clutter.
Thus, only the Resolution remains in the final artwork.
Remember: Port is red. Starboard is green.
The evening after the Spell-It-Right competition, we travelled to Alor Setar where Ain and Cik Su who came visiting would be heading to Kuala Lumpur to reunite with Tok Bah and Tok Ma, and also to see little Rania.
It was sad when Irfan and I were the only two occupants in the car heading home. Perhaps I thought we would continue the adventures of Jax Hunt when Ain was away.
But in the meantime there were places to go. For example the Perlis Book Carnival was taking place at the Kangar Public Library. Irfan and I just had to go visit despite the abnormal midday heat. There were food stalls and even an inflatable pool for children. Irfan was much too big for it.
We bought a couple of books. Irfan bought Darkmouth, a YA fantasy novel by Shane Hegarty which he digested quickly over the coming days. I bought a trio of Buku Fixi titles namely Kampung, Pakar and Hikayat Raja Babi. Before we left the book fair, I thought I heard the distant roll of thunder.
It has been more than a month since it last rained. The skies have been blue all day for weeks. I would gladly enjoy the view of the blue sky if it were not for the soaring heat.
And it came to pass Irfan was selected to attend another Spell-It-Right competition in Kangar. He was apprehensive in joining company of English spellers for his school, but in the end he decided to jump in feet first.
We braved the searing solar radiation to drive toward the hotel where the event was being held. And sear us it did. We thought we could take refuge in the hotel lobby, but for some reason it was still stifling hot within. Either the air conditioning was unable to overcome the heat radiating from hundreds of schoolchildren or the air conditioning was borked.
There were three sessions: one for the primary students and the secondary schoolkids were split into two separate session. Naturally, Irfan's school was assigned to the third session. So we waited in the heat. It was sweltering within.
So for a time most of the students hung out at the steps leading up to the hotel's main entrance, scaring away potential hotel customers with their constant staring into their phones. Soon, but not soon enough, Irfan's team was called into the ballroom where the written spelling competition was held.
Irfan exited the ballroom about an hour later and we all shared a banana split at the hotel restaurant.


CREDAI Western UP Vice President Amit Modi said the smart city would greatly enhance the much needed infrastructure requirement of these cities.Pune Real estate sector will be impacted positively with an impetus to the infrastructure growth as well as the economic activity for Maharashtra, said Rohit Gera, MD of Pune-based Gera Developments.Bhubaneswar emerged on top among 20 cities, including Pune, Ahmedabad, Chennai and Bhopal, that have been selected as part of the first batch of the Smart City initiative for which the NDMC area of Delhi has also made the grade. Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu announced the first list of 20 cities today that will be developed to have basic infrastructure.Assured water and power supply, sanitation and solid waste management systems, efficient urban mobility and public transportation, IT connectivity, e-governance and citizen participation are some of the highlights of the initiative.Jaipur, Surat, Kochi, Jabalpur, Visakhapatnam, Solapur, Davanagere, Indore, Coimbatore, Kakinada, Belagavi, Udaipur, Guwahati and Ludhiana are the other cities selected in the first batch. Mauris nec dolor dolor. Aenean ac faucibus magna. Integer vehicula, arcu id cursus accumsan, mi libero varius sem, a venenatis mauris nunc quis est. Duis bibendum diam in magna dignissim lacinia. Etiam tincidunt tortor quis blandit suscipit.
Realtors' body CREDAI today hailed the selection of first 20 cities for 'Smart City' programme, saying the initiative would provide great opportunity for the real estate development, particularly in the affordable home segment, with improvement in infrastructure of these towns. "Its a good initiative by the government. Satellite towns around these smart cities will be good opportunity for the real estate development especially affordable housing," CREDAI President Getamber Anand said.Welcoming this step, CBRE South Asia Chairman & MD Anshuman Magazine said: "While this initiative will involve large-scale retrofitting as well as redevelopment; these cities could become showcases of urban infrastructure development, encouraging others to follow suit. "Cushman & Wakefield MD Sanjay Dutt said the Smart City initiative would further boost the affordable housing, which is already a priority for the government.The Smart City initiative would be a game changer in raising the standard of infrastructure in the cities in the country, said Shubhranshu Pani, MD - Infrastructure Services, JLL India."Adequate attention is paid to sustainability, infrastructure and improving the life of inhabitants," he said, adding that JLL has supported two of the cities which have been shortlisted in the first list -- namely Bhubaneshwar and Chennai. CREDAI Western UP Vice President Amit Modi said the smart city would greatly enhance the much needed infrastructure requirement of these cities.Pune Real estate sector will be impacted positively with an impetus to the infrastructure growth as well as the economic activity for Maharashtra, said Rohit Gera, MD of Pune-based Gera Developments.Bhubaneswar emerged on top among 20 cities, including Pune, Ahmedabad, Chennai and Bhopal, that have been selected as part of the first batch of the Smart City initiative for which the NDMC area of Delhi has also made the grade. Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu announced the first list of 20 cities today that will be developed to have basic infrastructure.Assured water and power supply, sanitation and solid waste management systems, efficient urban mobility and public transportation, IT connectivity, e-governance and citizen participation are some of the highlights of the initiative.Jaipur, Surat, Kochi, Jabalpur, Visakhapatnam, Solapur, Davanagere, Indore, Coimbatore, Kakinada, Belagavi, Udaipur, Guwahati and Ludhiana are the other cities selected in the first batch. Mauris nec dolor dolor. Aenean ac faucibus magna. Integer vehicula, arcu id cursus accumsan, mi libero varius sem, a venenatis mauris nunc quis est. Duis bibendum diam in magna dignissim lacinia. Etiam tincidunt tortor quis blandit suscipit. Nam ornare porta ipsum a aliquam. Nam felis neque, sodales et mollis vel, molestie sodales justo. Praesent ut dapibus urna, non porttitor lectus. Donec sem erat, pretium nec enim in, interdum porta sem. Morbi vel mi mi. Aenean id maximus augue, quis ullamcorper nisl. Vestibulum dignissim, erat euismod euismod commodo, magna velit mollis orci, semper fringilla lorem magna in arcu. Pellentesque fringilla urna sit amet dolor fringilla commodo. Proin vel pharetra mi. Morbi euismod velit quis eros gravida, tempus congue dolor semper. Suspendisse vitae ex a mauris pharetra placerat. Vivamus vitae faucibus eros. Praesent scelerisque ex a maximus laoreet. Donec sagittis sagittis est, at mattis nulla lacinia tincidunt. Aliquam ullamcorper ornare suscipit. Sed imperdiet felis justo, ut dignissim turpis pretium ac. Phasellus feugiat, arcu id hendrerit tempus, dolor orci porttitor risus, nec sagittis sapien velit efficitur augue. Ut ultrices mollis augue, at dignissim nibh mattis ac. Praesent tincidunt, nulla mattis accumsan ultrices, tortor nulla imperdiet ante, nec lacinia ipsum nunc pellentesque nulla. Praesent sed placerat lectus, eget molestie tellus. Praesent scelerisque nisl vitae dignissim interdum. Aliquam sit amet pretium ex, id egestas dui. Nam id aliquet massa.


Whether for your friend, brother, or husband, these are great gifts this holiday season.
Step anyones sandwich game up a notch with this genius containercumcutting board. The lunch box is the perfect solution to avoid soggy sandwichesjust pack the tomato (or any other juicy ingredients) separately and slice it at your desk for ultimate freshness.
Stop the travesty that is lukewarm white wine with this icicleshaped contraption. Keep it in the freezer, and when you uncork a new bottle, use it to keep the wine the perfect temp for hours. It functions as a pourer and aerator too. The only thing that could make it better would be an accompanying bottle of wine.
Ice molds are big this holiday season, and while we saw Buddha, gem, and diamond varieties, our favorite is this classic snowflake tray. Its festive for the holidays but also works the rest of the year (ice doesnt go out of style). This mold is really the gift that keeps on givingas long as you refill it.
This is for the impatient people on your list. Save them the pain of slaving away on a cake, only to have to wait even longer to get a taste of the goods. With this minime in the mix, theyll get a sample to make sure everything is as delicious as expected without cutting into the final product.
If flavored water is your thing, you need this in your life. The builtin juicer is the perfect size for lemons, limes, oranges, and clementines. You can even add fresh herbs to the bottom compartment for bolder flavors. Zing it loud, zing it proud, stay hydrated.
Sure, there are dog people and there are cat people, but we dare you to find someone who wouldnt love this pug perched on the side of their glass, making them a cup of tea. Its one of the easiest ways to add a dose of happiness to your day.
If anyone on your list, like us, picked up a spiralizer a few months ago, chances are theyve been enjoying the same two zucchini dishes ever since (guilty as charged). Help them branch out with this cookbook thats packed with great ideas for easy, lowcarb meals.
This deck breaks down smoothie recipes by situation (heading to the gym, in a rush, or craving dessert), which is to say its perfect for the person with a packed Gcal. The 50 vegan smoothie recipes make it easy to eat clean, shake up your routine, and still get where you need to be.
Saturday morning pancakes just got better. For the friend whose brunch love knows no bounds, help them spice up the standard flapjack with this Picassomaking batter crayon.
This is the musthave gift for all of the laidback nerds on your list. Theyll appreciate the lowkey faux paper bag exterior while loving the technology that secretly keeps their wine the perfect temperature. Effortlessly cool, literally.


With the new year well under way, time to change one of the banners on the Everything Dinosaur website. Not the easiest of tasks as none of us at the company would describe ourselves as particularly gifted when it comes to photoshop skills. However, we are determined to have a go and after the first few days of January, the "Happy New Year" banner had to go.
The subject for our next banner was to be a forest scene, depicting a feathered dinosaur. We tried to imagine what it would have been like to visit the Liaoning Province of what was to become northern China during the early Cretaceous.
It took a bit of effort but we were able to secure the image of some forest undergrowth, to this we added the images of two feathered dinosaurs – Microraptor (Microraptor gui). We have tried to depict these two small, bird-like dinosaurs as if they were displaying to each other.
The picture shows a Microraptor dinosaur model, specifically the Carnegie Collection Microraptor dinosaur, an excellent example of a feathered dinosaur model.
This feathered dinosaur was at least in part arboreal (living in the trees). It was capable of gliding according to some interpretations of the fossil evidence. Microraptor had long feathers on its arms and legs. When spread apart, these would have provided an effective gliding surface, perhaps permitting this little crow-sized animal to glide from tree to tree. The tail was also feathered and it had a plume, presumably to help this little dinosaur steer whilst in flight.
In the dark understorey of the Cretaceous forests, it is possible that many dinosaurs were brightly coloured to help them display to each other. Although very little is known about dinosaur colouration, certainly any fossil material associated with the Microraptor genus does not reveal information about possible colour, Microraptors are generally depicted as colourful creatures and we think they stand out quite well against the dark vegetation.


Now Healthcare have recently produced a research paper demonstrating the effectiveness of digital technology in the healthcare space. You can find the full paper here.
We've made a bit of noise in the media and below is a snapshot of where we and our business and products have been featured.
You can find a small selection of Now Healthcare Group pictures and logos below. if you can't find what you're looking for then contact our media team directly by emailing press@nowhealthcaregroup.com and they'll help you out.


The North Face company is pleased to present a plush and ultra comfortable quarter zip that allows for easy ventilation. This gorgeous pullover is made from polyester high pile sherpa fleece. Winter just got a whole lot warmer!


This full time course is an introduction to business which will equip you with work-related, practical skills to get your foot on the ladder. You will learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands.
From small, single-owner enterprises to large multinational organisations, the impact of businesses is far reaching. They provide goods and services, create jobs and growth in the economy, as well as creating new opportunities through skill development and innovation.
This course enables you to focus on specific areas including finance, human resources, and marketing. They are an ideal foundation for you to enter the workplace or progress to further education, providing you with a theoretical background reinforced with practical skills that transfer into the modern workplace.
Successful completion of this course can progress to the full-time Level 3 course in Business which is equivalent to 3 A-Levels.
Business purposes - This unit will introduce students to the main features, characteristics and purposes of business.
Business organisations - Students will learn about the various types of business, functional areas, and long-term and short-term aims.
Financial forecasting for business - Students will explore the principles of finance, classification of costs, and how to forecast financial activity.
People in organisations - In this unit students will consider the skills needed in business, the recruitment process and organisational structures.
The marketing plan - Students will gain an understanding of the 4Ps of marketing, how to create an online marketing plan and develop promotional activities.
Verbal and non-verbal communications in business contexts - Students will learn about the importance of verbal and non-verbal communications, and how to use verbal communications in a number of business contexts. They will also have the opportunity to practise different styles.
Business communication through documentation - Students will consider why written documents are important in business, the different audiences and stakeholders. They will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge to a number of scenarios.


Another book to do with detectives and child abductions and the classic question of was it the parents? You thought I'd be bored of all of that by now wouldn't you? To be honest this book had been on my kindle for a while and I had completely forgotten what it was about until I started reading it and my first thought was " not another child abduction story" and I was worried I'd be bored quite quickly.
Thankfully I was very wrong and I swiftly finished this book over a weekend.
Close to Home by Cara Hunter is the first in a series following Detective Adam Fawley while he tries to solve a missing child case. 8 year old Daisy is believed to have been taken from her own back garden during a party her parents are throwing for their neighbours and their children's school friends and their families. As with most missing child cases the media latches on and quickly the parents are thrown into the spot light, believed to be responsible but is it really that simple? Detective Fawley is in charge of the case and after an extensive search of all nearby areas to no avail it becomes more and more likely that something much more sister has happened to young Daisy.
For me I always think this genre is a very difficult one to get into as a new author because there are so many well known ones out there. At first I was worried that I would get bored and find this too predictable but in actual fact even when I was sure I knew what happened I enjoyed reading about how it was all going to get discovered. It helps that I ended up being wrong with my theory.
I loved how Cara created the parents because I hated them from the beginning. Maybe a little bit strong but from the beginning both parents were shown to be pretty awful parents. It was clear from the start that both of them never worked as a team and I always got the feeling that one would rat out the other if the opportunity presented itself. Daisy's mother was very concerned with everyone's perceptions of her and made it very difficult for the police whenever possible.
I loved that the story kept me guessing, every time I thought I knew what was happening another clue would be found and I never managed to land solely on one person being behind it all.
I loved the ending because it genuinely surprised me. I won't give it away don't worry but I truly felt satisfied with the ending because it tied everything up in what I believe to be a fair outcome for every character involved. It was also an ending I really didn't see coming, making it all the better.
Overall I enjoyed this book and managed to read it very quickly, which I feel is a great marker for how much I enjoy a book. Due to it being such a popular genre it can be hard to distinguish between a lot of these stories, especially for me because I am constantly reading thrillers but I still feel I enjoyed this without finding it too predictable or similar to other books in this genre I have read.
Hmmm I haven't heard of this one before. Great review!


text:
James Denton (Nashville, Tennessee, SAD, 20. siječnja 1963.), američki glumac

Životopis
Glumački put Jamesa Dentona počeo je neuobičajeno. Rođen je na jugu SAD-a, u konzervativnoj sredini Tennesseeja. Denton niti je sanjao, niti je priželjkivao postati hollywoodska zvijezda. Studirao je menadžment na sveučilištu u Tennesseeju, diplomirao s najvišim ocjenama i potom se zaposlio u marketingu televizijske kuće CBS kao prodavač oglasnih minuta u programu te televizije.

No, istovremeno je amaterski počeo koketirati s lokalnim kazalištem, zajedno sa svojim ocem. Očaran svjetlima pozornice, James je odlučio prekinuti s marketinškim poslom i okušati se kao profesionalni glumac. Preselio se u Chicago i ondje zaigrao u predstavi "Tramvaj zvan čežnja". U kazalištima Chicaga glumio je pet godina, i to u više od 20 predstava. Tko zna dokad bi se nastavila njegova kazališna karijera da ga na poziv njegova prijatelja nije došao pogledati John Cosby. Nakon što je vidio njegov talent, pozvao ga je da se okuša u filmskoj industriji. James, tada 28-godišnjak i po svim kriterijima prestar da bi ostvario zamjetniji hollywoodski uspjeh, najprije je poziv shvatio kao provokaciju i nije se odazvao misleći da ga netko pokušava nasamariti. No agent je bio uporan. Ubrzo zatim Denton je počeo redati epizodne uloge u uspješnim serijama poput "Ally McBeal", "Zapadno krilo" i "JAG",  a potom je angažiran kao protagonist u seriji "Izvještaj Matrix". Neposredno nakon završetka snimanja posljednje sezone taj je glumac otišao na audiciju za "Kućanice". Ostalo je povijest.

James je inače oženjen nekadašnjom kazališnom glumicom Erin O'Brien, koja je nakon razočaranja u svoju profesiju postala osobni fitness-trener. Ubrzo nakon sklapanja braka, Erin i James postali su roditelji malenom Sheppardu, a u ožujku 2005. dobili su i kćer Malin O'Brien Denton.

Zanimljivosti
 rodno ime mu je: James Thomas Denton Jr.
 u nekim serijama i filmovima je kreditiran i kao Jamie Denton
 visok je 185 cm.
 od 1997. – 2000. bio je u braku s glumicom Jennom Lyn Ward.
 sin Sheppard rodio se u ožujku 2003.
 na ruci nosi tetovažu s inicijalima imena svog pokojnog oca, datum njegova rođenja i smrti, te čin koji je imao u mornarici.
 obožava voziti motore.

Televizijske uloge
 "Desperate Housewives" (Kućanice) kao Mike Delfino (2004.-danas)
 "Masters of Science Fiction" kao Curran (2007.)
 "Reba" kao doktor Morgan (2005.)
 "Threat Matrix" (Izvještaj Matrix) kao John Kilmer (2003. – 2004.)
 "JAG" kao Geoffrey Roizman (2003.)
 "JAG" kao Bruce Carmichael (1996.)
 "Drew Carey Show" kao Daryl (2002.)
 "Philly" kao Augustus Ripley (2002.)
 "The West Wing" (Zapadno krilo) kao Tom Jordan (2000.)
 "The Pretender" kao Lyle (2000.)
 "Ally McBeal" kao Jimmy Binder (2000.)
 "Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place" kao Howard Zaunaveld (2000.)
 "Dark Skies" kao Rob Winter (1996.)
 "Moloney" kao Rocky Talese (1996.)
 "Sliders" kao Jack Bullock (1996.)

Filmske uloge
 "Tortured" kao FBI agent (2008.)
 "Custody" kao John Sullivan (2007.)
 "Undead or Alive:Zombedy" kao Elmer (2007.)
 "Beautiful Dreamer" kao doktor Kessler (2006.)
 "Assumption" kao John (2006.)
 "Ascension Day" kao John (2006.)
 "Primal Quest Utah" kao pripovjedač (2006.)
 "Jumbo Girl" kao Jack (2004.)
 "The Pretender: Island of the Haunted" kao Lyle (2001.)
 "Primary Colors" (Predsjednikove boje) kao Mitch (1998.)
 "Face Off" kao Buzz (1997.)
 "That Old Feeling" kao Keith Marks (1997.)
 "Hunter's Moon" kao Nick (1995.)
 "Thieves Quartet" kao Ray Higgs (1994.)

Američki filmski glumci
Američki televizijski glumci

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Whether the provisional detention of Khieu Samphan complied with the conditions for detention contained in Internal Rule 63(3) of the Internal Rules of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia.
Whether the conditions in Internal Rule 63(3) continued to be met so as to justify extension of Khieu Samphan's provisional detention by a period of one year pursuant to Internal Rule 63(6)(a).
Whether the Co-Investigating Judges had properly exercised their discretion in refusing to grant release of Khieu Samphan and in extending provisional detention for a period of one year.


text:
VIRAL: Video Discussing Alleged Arizona Sharpie Ballot Fraud Goes Viral As Election Irregularities Mount
by Frankie Stockes
in 2020, Politics, States, Video, Voter Fraud
An election day video shot in Arizona has drawn scrutiny nationwide after voters in the hotly contested state reported being issued Sharpie permanent markers to fill out their ballots, as opposed to the standard ballpoint pen, raising concerns that ballots filled out with the markers will not be properly counted.
Filmed outside a polling location in Maricopa County, a woman on screen can be heard telling a man recording footage of the incident that poll workers were handing out Sharpies to voters, triggering vote-counting machines to reject ballots. Despite the issues, poll workers seemed to have barred the use of pens, maintaining that ballots must be filled out with Sharpies despite having pens on hand and barring voters from using their own or each other's pens to vote.
"There were two people in front of me that used the Sharpie that was given to them by the poll workers, it did not read their ballot, and they slide it in there twice. I used a pen. I took their Sharpie and threw it away and it read my ballot," the woman said.
"They had a bowl of pens behind them that they were not giving to people and only giving Sharpies out," she says as another woman appears to corroborate her story.
What's more, is the woman in the video says that after posting an account of her troubles voting to a local Facebook chat, more voters described a similar experience, all seeming to revolve around a region surrounding the Town of Gilbert, a heavily Republican area.
"I posted it on my Facebook group chat in my neighborhood, they said they did it at the Queen Creek Library, they did it at ASU Polytech earlier, that like four different polling places were doing Sharpies all in – like between Queen Creek and the edge of Gilbert."
When the woman began alerting other voters at the polling location to the issue with the Sharpie markers, "there was a guy that directly came out and yelled at me. Three times."
"They called the sheriffs[…]and told us to stop handing out the ballpoint pens," the man recording responds. "In which case, those [ballots being filled out with ballpoint pens] are the only ones being counted and validated."
"And so we know that and we've been telling them you need to use a ballpoint pen, not the sharpie, and now those are getting invalidated. So people are coming here to vote for Donald Trump and those votes are all getting invalidated. There we go…Welcome to the new America, people. That's what's going on!"
Left-leaning Big Tech and media meter maids were quick to jump in and begin throwing flags on the voters' direct video testimony about the fraud they claim to have witnessed.
Reuters, the typically stodgy and sluggish wire service, was quick to jump into the "Sharpiegate" fray, running a story claiming the sharpie allegations were "unsubstantiated," while also reporting that "Maricopa County officials were trying to inform voters that Sharpies did not interfere with ballots" – contrary to the voters' eyewitness claims.
Facebook's network of left-leaning fact-checkers also stepped in and dubbed the viral video "false information," without offering any substantive evidence that the sharpie-filled ballots were actually being tabulated.
UPDATE: As reported by National File, "Sharpiegate" is under investigation.
Arizona State Senator-elect Kelly Townsend, currently a State House Representative, confirms, after speaking to the Maricopa County Recorder's office staff, that the reports of voters in Republican-leaning areas being given sharpies by poll workers that allegedly resulted in ballots being rendered unusable are now officially under investigation, and urges Maricopa County residents to aid in the effort.
Tags: arizonaballotBidenElection FraudgilbertmaricopasharpiesharpiegateTrumpvoter fraud


text:
Hosted by a Nomad Family - 9 Days
Meet the nomads, immerse yourself in the millennial way of life of these proud riders of the steppes and share their rough and beautiful daily lives. Learn about Mongolian traditions and herding work by sharing a guest yurt with your host family for a few days.
"Central Gobi" Mongolian sands
Starting the tour immediately with your team of guide and driver, you'll approach the vast expanses of Mongolian steppes towards Khogno Khan, one of the 33 Gobi called "Gobi of Center"!
There, you'll meet the family that will host you and gradually get to know them. Through their lifestyle you will discover activities such as milking, cooking, family life, etc. You can also have a taste of Mongolian dairy products and the famous Aïrak (depending on the season), traditional drink made from fermented mare's milk!
FB-Local Mongolian cuisine, Night in a friendly family's guest yurt.
Erdene Khamba Monastery
One of your next destinations is an ancient Buddhist monastery in the mountain and ruins of Ovgon temples. The Erdene Khamba monastery, located in the sacred Mountain Khogno Khan, was rebuilt in the 1990s after being destroyed during the Soviet purges. Today there are only the ruins and 3 small temples left. The monastery had two sections: the lower one called the Zaluu Khiid and the upper one called the Ovgon Khiid. The Ovgon Khiid (meaning "Old temple") was destroyed during middle age feuds between western and eastern Mongolians after the collapse of the Mongol Empire.
Karakorum "The Chinggis Khaan Empire"
Early in the morning, you will depart to Karakorum to attend the morning service in the Erdene Zuu buddhist monastery. Erdene Zuu means' hundred treasures. The building dates from 1586 and once consisted of more than a hundred temples. Sadly, the complex has been subjected to many political ups and downs, at last being actively restored since 1990 around twenty remain today. It is one of the cultural and spiritual highlights in Mongolia. The complex is fully fenced and every fifteen meters there are stupas, 108 in total, in the walls.
Then, the tour of Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire during the time of Chinggis Khaan (1162-1227). Now it is a small town in the middle of the grasslands. There are some remains of the city scattered to see around. However, most stones of the old buildings were later used to build the "Erdene Zuu" Monastery.
It is not far from there that you settle in with your next host family for 3 nights. Your activities include: practice of the Mongolian language, walks, traditional games, among others…
The Sacred Orkhon Valley
From here, you set off to explore the Orkhon Valley. It was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage (one of a few in Mongolia) as representing the evolution of nomadic pastoral traditions and includes numerous archaeological remains dating back to the 6th century. The beauty of the natural site consists not only of green plains and hills bursting with basalt lines extending on both sides of the Orkhon River, but also of deer steles, hirgesuur (tombs in cairn), tombs with slabs, anthropomorphic and zoomorphic statues, ruins of ancient capitals.
Tuvkhun Monastery
Orkhon Waterfall
After breakfast, go on excursions to the Orkhon Falls, planted in the middle of a surprising basalt landscape. Located in the heart of the valley, it is one of the best sights in central Mongolia. The waterfall was formed by a unique combination of volcano eruptions and earthquakes. The fall is naturally most impressive after heavy rain, but getting there allows you to pace around the beautiful area. At about fifteen meters high, it offers a nice walk along the banks of the river and, after a difficult descent, at the bottom of canyon! The most daring ones can even do some kayaking down the river!
Khustai National Park "Wild Horses lost in history"
You will now head west of the capital, to the Khustain Nuruu nature reserve, which shelters the last wild prehistoric horses, called "Przewalski horses". Upon your arrival, you leave accompanied by a ranger, first to discover the astonishing "stone-men" of the Turkish era (6th – 9th century), while remaining on the lookout for animals that roam the park freely. You will end the day hoping to approach these wild horses near the waterhole where they come to drink at dusk.
It is at the heart of this protected reserve that your last host family settled up their summer quarters. You'll join them for a time to learn horse riding, herding or traditional songs…
Ulaanbaatar city tour
Today will be spent on a city tour. You will visit the Gandan Monastery, a historical and spiritual Buddhist temple in the city.
FB, Overnight in a tourist hotel
Cook /Available from 5+ pers./
Private vehicle /Russian Mini van/
Tourist hotel in UB
Home-stay with locals
Sleeping bag (for guest yurt)
Package name: * Hosted by a Nomad Family
Price From USD $ 850/person
Total $ 850 USD
Essential South: The Gobi tour
Mythical Horse-Ride


Deep Dish Reading Series, October 7, 7 p.m. — Featuring novelist Mary Robinette Kowal, debut novelist Cath Schaff-Stump, host Mary Anne Mohanraj, plus Chris Bauer, Richard Chwedyk, and Meg Khoury for the inaugural Deep Dish.
From left to right: Mary Robinette Kowal, Cath Schaff-Stump, Chris Bauer, Host Mary Anne Mohanraj, Meg Khoury and Richard Chwedyk.
Meg and Mary field questions, talk shop, and graciously accept compliments.
With most seats full, there were a few standing attendees at the rear.
Discussions continue. Thanks again to Volumes Bookcafe for having us!


The BMW provides its owners with a driving experiences that includes high performance, high responsiveness, high luxuriousness and also—high maintenance. The more power under the hood, usually, the more times it needs a look under the hood. The V8-powered BMWs are known offenders. Owners know as the odometer clicks upward, so do the repair bills. Leaking power-steering lines, degrading gasket covers and oil-pan gasket and intake manifold gaskets. Cooling system sometimes go bad. And it won't help you keep your cool when the window regulars clunk out or the sunroof refuses to open. The sensors, owners know too well, are often far too sensitive—and some BMW models have numerous sensors.
Absolute Automotive is well acquainted with what it takes to make a BMW perform properly, and that knowledge base means we waste little time in finding and treating the source of the trouble. We're also careful about which repairs require certain resets, ensuring one fix doesn't create the need for others.
We can get any performance problems with your car repaired in a timely fashion and get you back behind the wheel of your BMW as quickly as possible.


Lucky VIP is a new online gaming platform that is sure to make you feel like the luckiest VIP around! The Lucky VIP casino is home to all the best slots, roulette, live casino and table & card games for you to make your fortune on. We have 100s of casino games for you to play on this brand-new casino site. These games are sure to look and play great on any device, whether that be laptop, mobile or tablet.


text:
/* Startup code for Linux */
/* written by Paul Edwards */
/* released to the public domain */

#include "errno.h"
#include "stddef.h"

extern int __start(int argc, char **argv);
extern int __exit(int rc);

/* We can get away with a minimal startup code, plus make it
   a C program. There is no return address. Instead, on the
   stack is a count, followed by all the parameters as pointers */

int _start(char *p)
{
    int rc;

    rc = __start(*(int *)(&p - 1), &p);
    __exit(rc);
    return (rc);
}

static char membuf[31000000];

void *__allocmem(size_t size)
{
    return (membuf);
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Should your tattoos be balanced or symmetrical? Should your tattoos be balanced or symmetrical?
JM's comment on my post about geometric designs, concerning symmetry intrigued me.
Many of us feel that our body art should be balanced. That is, if we have a certain number of tattoos on the right side, we should have an equal number on the left.
Thus, after getting my first tattoo over my right collarbone, I got the second on the inside of my left ankle. Then I got another over my left shoulderblade. My original intention was to get a fourth tattoo on the outside of my right leg, but you know how life sometimes interferes with your best-laid plans.
I see the balance as right/left, inside/outside. None of my tattoos even slightly resemble each other, although the tattoos over my collarbone and over my shoulderblade cover approximately the same area. I added on to the tattoo on my left ankle, making it much bigger than it started out, and I would have balanced that with a fairly large design on the right.
But I had an unplesant reaction to the red ink in the "upgrade" on my ankle tattoo, so I have put further ink on hold for a while. It still feels as though I should get one more to achieve that balance.
Now, in my mind, balance and symmetry are entirely different concepts. One can have balanced designs that are not symmetrical, and symmetrical designs that are not balanced. Put a gorgeous mirror-image artwork on your right hip and leave it at that, and you're not balanced.
I admit my view on the matter is somewhat quirky. Some people feel that in order to be balanced the artwork has to be pretty much the same on both sides. Some people feel the subject matter has to be either the same or closely related. Some see balance only as symmetry and require the artwork to be symmetrical across the center line, wherever it's placed.
What are your views on symmetry and balance? Did you make an effort to achieve one or the other or both when you got your ink? I'd be interested to hear how we all feel about this.
For some reason the links aren't showing up, and I'm not sure why. I'll have to look into that.
So, I took the next step and got a symmetrical blue bunny on the other arm. For some reason I feel better knowing it's always being seen.
I don't have a tattoo because I'm too dark but I love them when they're done properly. I think the most beautiful are the very intricate full body art works that are popular among the Japanese Yakuza (I think that's what they're called). A single theme but not necessarily perfectly symmetrical is very cool. I hope that makes sense.
I agree! Those full body suits are some of the most beautiful artwork anywhere, on skin or not. I can't imagine the time and patience it would take to get that done.
I didn't want anything around my first tattoo either, but lately I've been thinking about going back to the artist and getting him to turn it into a half sleeve. Decisions, decisions.