text:
Sep — Dec 2012
New Faces, Familiar Policies
Published January 2013 in Comparative Connections · Volume 14, Issue 3
Connect with the Authors
Kevin Scott
CSIS Contributor
Leadership changes have occurred on both sides of the strait. As predicted, the 18th Party Congress saw Xi Jinping appointed as general secretary in Beijing. In Taipei, President Ma announced in September a complete reshuffle of his cross-strait and foreign policy team. In both cases, the personnel changes do not foreshadow any policy changes in the coming months. While Ma remains unwilling to address political issues in direct negotiations, some interesting Track 2 dialogues occurred. In October, Beijing gave visiting DPP politician Hsieh Chang-ting unusual high-level attention, and following his return Hsieh has tried, thus far unsuccessfully, to promote change in DPP policy. Against the backdrop of increasing tensions over the Diaoyu Islands, Ma is focused on asserting Taiwan's interests primarily through his East China Sea Peace Initiative.
18th Party Congress and PRC policy
The 18th Congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) saw the long-anticipated emergence of a new party leadership under General Secretary Xi Jinping. In the lead-up to the Congress, Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) Minister Wang Yi authored two important articles. The first, an article in the party theoretical journal Qiushi, addressed primarily to party members, was entitled "The Accomplishments and Theoretical Renewal in Cross-Strait Work during the Past Ten Years." Wang noted that the goal was reunification, that the interests of all Chinese would be best served by peaceful reunification and that the "peaceful development" of cross-strait relations based on Hu Jintao's Six Points would pave the way for peaceful reunification. During the past 10 years, policy had been successful because the forces for Taiwan independence had been blocked and significant progress had been made in opening dialogue and reaching agreements that gave substance to peaceful development. This article was in part a puff piece for Hu Jintao's policies. But at a time when there has been some questioning of Hu's policy within China, the article explained how party members should interpret past developments and why those policies would best served China's longer-term interests.
Wang Yi's second article was an interview published in Xinhua and aimed at a more general audience. The theme of the interview was "We have the firm determination, full confidence and patience needed in solving the Taiwan issue." Wang predictably linked the Taiwan issue to nationalism, repeating that reunification was a sacred mission for the CCP. In explaining his confidence about eventual reunification, Wang cited two factors. First, the mainland's increasing comprehensive national strength and rising international status are certain to determine the future development of the cross-strait relations. Second, Beijing's policies have gained more understanding from Taiwan society and would provide a way to move from exchanges to harmony to reunification. Both articles seemed designed to reassure skeptics that Beijing's policies are working and would continue to produce progress toward unification.
Hu Jintao presented the 18th Congress Work Report on Nov. 8. Wang Yi's theoretical article accurately previewed some of the main themes in the report. Since the 17th Congress report had been written when Chen Shui-bian was raising cross-strait tensions, it was natural that the 18th Congress report incorporated key elements of Hu Jintao's more recent policies including elaboration of key elements in the "Peaceful Development" policy and mention of the "1992 consensus." The report also addressed Beijing's current concern about how to make progress toward political talks. The key sentence stated, "We hope that the two sides will jointly explore cross-strait political relations and make fair and reasonable arrangements for them under the special condition that the country is yet to be reunified." The report also briefly mentioned Beijing's hope for developing military confidence building measures and a peace agreement, emphasizing Beijing's goal of strengthening a shared sense of Chinese national identity.
Beijing recognizes that domestic political factors constrain Ma from pursuing political talks. Hence, patience is needed. Nevertheless, as Congress spokesman Cai Mingzhao commented, political issues must eventually be addressed. Since President Ma's reelection in January, Wang Yi has commented frequently on the need to build the mutual trust needed for political talks. The key sentence in the work report reflects Beijing's desire to find a way forward. When asked about the report's mention of political relations, Wang Yi commented that "fair" arrangements should take into account each side's concerns and not be coercive and that "reasonable" arrangements should be consistent with the one-China principle. Trust can be built by gradually expanding areas of agreement and reducing differences.
President Ma shuffles his team
On Sept. 19, Chiang Pin-kung resigned as chairman of the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), part of a raft of other changes made by President Ma: Lin Join-sane, secretary-general of the ruling Kuomintang (KMT) was selected to replace Chiang, Chiang's deputy Kao Koong-lian was persuaded to stay on, and Wang Yu-chi, former spokesman for the Office of the President, replaced Lai Shin-yuan as chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC). The personnel shuffle extended beyond cross-strait relations with Jason Yuan returning to Taipei from his post as Taiwan's representative in Washington to become secretary-general of the National Security Council. King Pu-tsung, who led President Ma's 2012 reelection campaign, was named representative in Washington.
These changes drew criticism as the replacements are all new to the organizations they now lead and to many of the issues they will face. However, President Ma's selections reflect his intention to maintain close personal control over cross-strait and national security policy. Therefore, he believed it is important for his policies to be implemented by trusted individuals with no possibility of alternative agendas or communication barriers. Ma claimed as much, stating on Sept. 27 that "Lin is unfamiliar with handling cross-strait affairs," but "is very familiar with administrative affairs and has excellent communication skills." Former DPP legislator Shen Fu-hsiung praised Wang Yu-chi's promotion in a more colorful way, using the common Chinese expression that Wang is a "tapeworm in Ma's guts."
President Ma's policy goals
President Ma and his new lieutenants stated the administration's objectives in cross-strait relations clearly and consistently. The highest-profile statement was Ma's Republic of China (ROC) National Day address on Oct. 10 when he listed negotiating implementation of some aspects of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), expanding interactions across the strait based on the "1992 Consensus," and revising the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area as his priorities. Some of these initiatives may bump up against domestic political issues. Taipei did not respond positively to Hu Jintao and Wang Yi's calls at the 18th Party Congress for proceeding with cross-strait political talks.
The administration showed more willingness to facilitate Track 2, and even Track 1.5, discussions on political issues, enabling private organizations to invite government officials (in their private capacities) and scholars from Taiwan and the mainland to attend and deliver speeches. Former ROC Foreign Minister C.J. Chen and former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) SEF Chairman Hong Chi-chang led a delegation from the non-partisan Taipei Forum to China in December, with Chen telling scholars in Shanghai that although the two sides had made great progress in cross-strait relations, direct political discussions remain too sensitive. Rather, he said, civil organizations should work to build understanding.
Although TAO Deputy Minister Sun Yafu and other Chinese officials were not permitted to come to Taiwan for a conference sponsored by the pro-unification Chinese Integration Association shortly after the inauguration, Sun did make an extended visit in December that included his speaking at a conference sponsored by the Chinese Integration Association. Senior representatives of the Kuomintang (KMT) and DPP also participated. Sun then attended a conference hosted by KMT Vice Chairman Chiang Hsiao-yen, at which former KMT Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung encouraged think tanks and civic groups to discuss political issues, making clear the Ma administration's support for such meetings. Though such forums tend to result in representatives of the two sides talking past each other rather than to each other, they do represent a cautious step forward.
The Ma administration remains unwilling to undertake talks on a peace agreement. Speaking on Nov. 10, after Hu Jintao's Work Report had been presented, Wang Yu-chi reiterated Ma's three premises for launching such talks and stated that a referendum would be needed before the government would act. However, Ma did reiterate his support for the establishment of reciprocal SEF/ARATS representative offices, which he had referred to in other speeches as far back as May, as "a necessary step." Ma also referred to the establishment of SEF/ARATS representative offices in a message to Xi Jinping after Xi's election as general secretary of the CCP.
Taipei hopes that reciprocal offices can be established by the end of 2014 and recognizes that amendments updating the Act Governing Relations between the Peoples of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area will be needed for the establishment of those offices. Government officials also mentioned possible amendments to articles in the Act on trade and economic exchanges; Taiwan identification cards for some mainland citizens; double taxation avoidance; limits on Chinese people serving in public office in Taiwan after gaining citizenship; and regulations on Chinese advertisements. There was also discussion of easing the prohibition on ROC citizens serving at various levels in the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), though President Ma said on Dec. 26 that this was not appropriate.
Cross-strait developments
The months around the 18th CCP Congress naturally did not see significant breakthroughs in cross-strait relations. Nevertheless, some modest steps were taken to implement agreements. The two sides have made slow progress in preparing for implementation of the Currency Settlement Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on Aug. 31. The core of the MOU is an arrangement for the direct settlement of RMB and NT$ accounts between designated banks. Although each side has designated its settlement bank and the MOU was to have come into effect on Oct. 30, no announcement has yet been made that the arrangement is operational. Once it is, financial institutions in Taiwan will be authorized to conduct certain banking, savings, trade, investment, brokerage, and other transactions in RMB and reciprocal arrangements will be made for the NT$ in China.
At the second meeting of the Cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Committee (CSECC) in November 2011, it was agreed that the two sides would authorize the reciprocal establishment of trade organization offices early in 2012. It was not until Dec. 18, 2012 that the semi-official Taiwan External Trade Development Organization (TAITRA) opened its office in Shanghai. The China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products has not yet opened its office in Taipei. The length of time taken to open these semi-official offices reflects the care both sides must take on even non-controversial issues. These trade offices, established under ECFA, join existing semi-official tourism offices established under the SEF-ARATS Tourism Agreement. They are important as elements in an expanding institutionalized framework for cross-strait relations. The Fourth CSECC meeting was held Dec. 11 in Guangzhou. Although some minor steps were announced, including the formal approval of the exchange of trade offices, no new agreements were concluded.
Frank Hsieh challenges the DPP
Former DPP Premier "Frank" Hsieh Chang-ting visited Xiamen and Beijing in early October. Beijing gave Hsieh much more high-level attention than past visiting opposition figures because he is the only senior DPP figure who has made concrete proposals concerning a political basis on which the DPP might conduct dialogue with Beijing. TAO Minister Wang Yi met Hsieh, and State Councilor Dai Bingguo hosted a dinner for him. Hsieh was received in these meetings as chairman of the Taiwan Reform Foundation, which he heads.
Upon return, Hsieh said that in the course of his wide-ranging discussions he had explained his view that while the DPP did not accept the "1992 consensus," the spirit of the 1992 meetings could be viewed as "different interpretations of constitutions (憲 法 各 表)," in other words, as a "constitutional consensus." This amounted to a reformulation of what Hsieh had earlier called his "Constitutional one China" view, meaning that since the ROC Constitution was based on a one China concept, the Constitution could provide a basis for cross-strait political talks. Xinhua noted his meetings but did not report Hsieh's views or discussions. Subsequently, Beijing officials have carefully avoided any comment on Hsieh's proposals.
Hsieh's visit was a major event in the ongoing internal DPP debate on its "China" policy. The reactions within the DPP predictably followed the pattern that has evolved in that debate. Party fundamentalists like Yu Shyi-kun, Yao Jia-wen, and Kao Jyh-peng criticized Hsieh. A few pragmatists, such as Tung Chen-yuan, saw the visit as a constructive step. Party Chairman Su Tseng-chang only commented that Hsieh's visit was a personal one and that the views expressed were Hsieh's, not those of the DPP. Wu Jaushieh, executive director of the DPP Policy Coordination Committee, opined that the DPP would never accept one China. Despite the criticism, Hsieh has actively promoted his ideas for dialogue, arguing that the DPP will not be able to win a national election and return to power if it does not adjust its policy toward Beijing.
After a long period of consultation, the DPP announced on Nov. 21 the establishment of its "China Affairs Committee" and that Chairman Su Tseng-chang would serve as its convener. Committee membership is undecided, though both Frank Hsieh and Yu Shyi-kun indicated initially that they would not join. As fundamentalists had expressed concern about the committee, Su stated that basic DPP policies had not changed and would continue to be based on the 1999 Resolution on Taiwan's Future. When asked for comment on the committee, the TAO spokesman said that Beijing would never accept the "one country on each side" concept, which views Taiwan and the PRC as separate countries. Ten days earlier, TAO Minister Wang Yi had reiterated CCP policy toward the DPP stating there would be no contact with the DPP as a party until it renounced Taiwan independence and the "one country on each side" idea.
East China Sea developments
As tensions continued over territorial claims to the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands (technically Taiwan refers to the islands as Tiaoyutai) in the East China Sea and Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, Taiwan faced two unique challenges: avoiding the perception that it was or should cooperate with the People's Republic of China (PRC), and simply trying to maintain its claimant status for possible future negotiations. Taiwan balanced potentially provocative moves such as drills, official inspections, and fly-bys and sail-bys with more diplomatic measures.
During a visit to nearby Pengjia Islet on Sept. 7, President Ma elaborated on the East China Sea Peace Initiative that he proposed in August, suggesting that Taiwan, China, and Japan carry out separate bilateral dialogues and then a single trilateral negotiation on economic, environmental, and security issues in the disputed area. He carefully noted that safeguarding sovereignty was the priority for the ROC. A few days later the Japanese government announced it would purchase the disputed islands increasing tensions further. In October, Japan's foreign minister said that Tokyo endorsed the spirit of Ma's initiative, but not the implementation plans. Taipei and Tokyo held a preparatory meeting in November concerning fisheries talks planned for early 2013. Ma told US visitors on Dec. 6 that his government is drafting a code of conduct for the East China Sea.
Chinese officials have continued to encourage Taipei to work with Beijing to defend the sovereignty of the Chinese nation. On Sept. 18, Jia Qinglin, then a Politburo Standing Committee member, said that both sides should work together through their own means to defend the nation's territorial integrity. While there has been collaboration between civilian activists from Taiwan, the PRC, and Hong Kong, from the beginning President Ma always very carefully claimed sovereignty for the ROC. In September then-MAC Minister Lai Shin-yuan called cooperation with Beijing "unseemly." In October, Taiwan's Foreign Ministry purchased advertising space in leading newspapers criticizing the Japanese government's purchase of the Senkakus (it did not address China's aggressive behavior), arguing not only that the ROC held legal sovereignty over the Tiaoyutais but also that the islands historically had been included in the same administrative units as the island of Taiwan.
In the South China Sea, Taiwan has sought inclusion in any discussions on a code of conduct. Former Premier Lien Chan pressed Taiwan's case in meetings with Southeast Asian leaders at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in Vladivostok in September, and reported that "many of them" welcomed Taiwan's participation (though his counterparts didn't say this themselves). China is widely perceived as having blocked such talks during the ASEAN Summit in November. Taiwan announced in late December that it would begin exploring for oil and gas near Taiping Island in 2013.
Chinese passports stir controversy
Taipei pushed back, strongly at times, against passports issued by Beijing since May, which include maps of disputed territories and images of two Taiwan tourist sites. On Nov. 23, the MAC released a statement condemning inclusion of the images and President Ma's spokesman said the images were inappropriate, expressing hope that Beijing would not undermine progress in cross-strait relations. On Dec. 12, Lin Join-sane formally told Chen Yunlin that the passports "could harm cross-strait relations" but later Lin sought to downplay the controversy and called the offending images "style considerations," causing the DPP to demand his resignation. On Dec. 13, Wang Yu-chi told Taiwan's legislature that the government was considering barring holders of this passport from entering Taiwan and said later that SEF had protested to ARATS in writing. Subsequently, ARATS replied that Taipei's concerns were invalid.
International space
At the APEC Leaders Meeting in Vladivostok, Hu Jintao again received Taipei representative Lien Chan. After the meeting, Lien told the press that Hu said Beijing would seriously consider Taiwan's desire to participate in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Despite this second occasion on which Hu was said to have expressed this willingness, there has been no progress toward Taiwan's participation. TAO Minister Wang Yi noted in September that Beijing was willing to discuss the issue, but that Taiwan has not been willing to do so. Not wanting to be seen as dependent on Beijing, the Ma administration has been reluctant to consult Beijing.
When asked for comment on Hu Jintao's reported statement, the TAO spokesman said on Sept. 12 that so long as cross-strait relations are improving and mutual trust is growing, Beijing could consider Taiwan's desire for greater international space in a practical way. These remarks explicitly made the linkage between progress on cross-strait relations and Beijing's approach to international space issues. This creates a dilemma. Since Ma does not believe he has domestic support for addressing political issues, he is further constrained from approaching Beijing on international space. Since Ma is unwilling to negotiate, Beijing will not grant the additional international space that would give Ma the political benefits that might make it easier for him to address political issues. For now, the political will to break this dilemma is lacking.
In the months leading up to the National People's Congress in March, personnel decisions will flesh out Xi Jinping's team for managing cross-strait relations, including membership in the Taiwan Affairs Leading Small Group, the TAO and ARATS. Wang Yi is expected to get a more responsible position; whether he will have a continuing role in cross-strait issues will be important. It is possible that TAO Deputy Chen Yuanfeng, who was promoted to the Central Committee, may be in line to replace Wang.
ECFA negotiations on liberalizing trade in goods and services were ongoing throughout the fall. Despite hopes on both sides to finalize an agreement on services by the end of 2013, a deal had not been reached at yearend. Reports indicate that China is pressing for more access to Taiwan's market – ironically, it also wants to receive most-favored nation treatment from Taiwan and observance of its WTO status as a developing economy. It is expected that the Currency Settlement MOU will come into operation, and its implementation will provide initial insight into the role of the RMB on Taiwan.
President Ma said his government is drafting a code of conduct for the East China Sea. Although Beijing has not commented publicly, it is probable that Beijing will see reasons related to the disputes in both East and South China Sea for opposing such a proposal.
Farther into the future, the negotiation on reciprocal SEF/ARATS offices will be important. Taipei hopes the offices can be established by the end of 2014, though it may take longer, given the delays that have occurred in almost every other cross-strait negotiation. Issues include the roles, functions, and staffing of the offices, and the level and identity of the individuals to lead each office. Once established, the offices will represent a substantial step forward in institutionalizing cross-strait relations. How the specifics are handled could have implications for the de facto acknowledgement of each side's jurisdiction that President Ma has often discussed.
September — December 2012
Sept. 1, 2012: Republic of China (ROC) Defense Minister Kao Hua-chu visits Pratas Atoll in the South China Sea.
Sept. 3, 2012: Cross-strait Cultural Forum is held in Beijing.
Sept. 4, 2012: Taiwan legislators from Kuomintang (KMT) and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) visit Taiping Island in Spratlys and observe a live-fire drill.
Sept. 5, 2012: Delegation of retired Taiwan legislators visits Beijing and meets Politburo Standing Committee BSC member Jia Qinglin.
Sept. 6, 2012: President Ma Ying-jeou says the Coast Guard should patrol Diaoyutais regularly.
Sept. 7, 2012: President Ma makes visit to Pengjia Islet with several Cabinet members.
Sept. 7, 2012: Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) Vice President Wang Zaixi says Beijing is glad to hear of President Ma's visit to Pengjia and that the two sides should work together to protect sovereignty.
Sept. 7, 2012: Lien Chan meets Hu Jintao at APEC.
Sept. 9, 2012: Secretary Clinton meets Lien Chan at APEC.
Sept. 10, 2012: ARATS President Chen Yunlin leads 60-member cultural delegation to Taiwan.
Sept. 10, 2012: Taipei and Beijing protest Japan's decision to buy the Senkakus.
Sept. 12, 2012: Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) spokesman says that China and Taiwan share the claim to the Diaoyus and should unite in face of aggression.
Sept. 17, 2012: Bank of Taiwan named cross-strait currency clearance bank.
Sept. 18, 2012: Lien Chan meets Jia Qinglin in Nanjing.
Sept. 23, 2012: Taiwan becomes a full member of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization (SPRFMO).
Sept. 25, 2012: 78 fishing boats with 12 Taiwan Coast Guard cutter escorts arrive in the Diaoyutai area; exchange shots from water cannon with Japan Coast Guard ships.
Sept. 26, 2012: President Ma reiterates desire for peaceful resolution.
Sept. 27, 2012: President Ma receives fishermen protesting Japanese actions in Diaoyutais.
Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2012: US-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference held in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Oct. 1, 2012: Lockheed Martin announces $1.85 billion contract to upgrade Taiwan F-16s.
Oct. 2, 2012: Taiwan Vice Defense Minister Andrew Yang meets US Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter at Pentagon.
Oct. 4, 2012: Taiwan Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Cho Shih-chao notes plans to reach cross-strait services trade agreement by year end.
Oct. 5, 2012: DPP's Frank Hsieh gives lecture at Xiamen University.
Oct. 6, 2012: Frank Hsieh meets TAO Minister Wang Yi.
Oct. 7, 2012: Frank Hsieh meets State Councilor Dai Bingguo and Chen Yunlin. Su Tseng-chang says Hsieh's trip was personal.
Oct. 10, 2012: President Ma reiterates desire for progress under 1992 consensus.
Oct. 11, 2012: Executive Yuan proposes legislation allowing People's Republic of China (PRC) students in Taiwan for more than half of a year to qualify for National Health Insurance.
Oct. 16, 2012: Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) Chairman Lin Join-sane on an initial visit to mainland China travels to Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, and Kunshan.
Oct. 16, 2012: TAO Minister Wang Yi publishes article in Qiushi on ten-year accomplishments.
Oct. 17, 2012: SEF Chair Lin Join-sane meets Jia Qinglin.
Oct. 19, 2012: Frank Hsieh says independence can't be basis of DPP's appeal to voters.
Oct. 29, 2012: Taiwan's Defense Ministry confirms that three former military officers were arrested for selling classified information to China.
Nov. 6, 2012: President Ma says he would visit mainland "as the president of Taiwan if our Chinese counterpart respects that fact." Wang Yi describes such a visit as "difficult."
Nov. 8, 2012: General Secretary Hu Jintao delivers Work Report to 18th Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Congress.
Nov. 10, 2012: PRC Commerce Minister Chen Deming urges Taiwan to give China most favored nation treatment.
Nov. 14, 2012: TAO's Wang Yi and Chen Yuanfeng elected to CCP Central Committee.
Nov. 15, 2012: Taiwan Tourism Association opens its second office in Shanghai.
Nov. 15, 2012: Chairman Ma sends a congratulatory message to Xi Jinping.
Nov. 21, 2012: DPP establishes China Affairs Committee with Su Tseng-chang as convener.
Nov. 21, 2012: New PRC passport with images of Taiwan tourism sites and maps with disputed territories comes to light in Financial Times report.
Nov. 23, 2012: Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) issues statement calling PRC passports "unacceptable" and a threat to mutual trust.
Nov. 23, 2012: Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs says now not an appropriate time for Dalai Lama to visit Taiwan.
Nov. 30, 2012: Taiwan-Japan preparatory fisheries talks are held in Japan.
Dec. 5, 2012: Wang Yu-chi says mainland must be more specific about contents of a cross-strait peace agreement before Taiwan can consider it.
Dec. 6, 2012: President Ma says Taipei is working on an East China Sea code of conduct.
Dec. 9, 2012: US announces the release of a $289 million Raytheon contract for Taiwan radars.
Dec.10, 2012: Chinese Integration Association's Taipei Conference, attended by Sun Yafu.
Dec. 11, 2012: Fourth Cross-strait Economic Cooperation Committee (CSECC) meeting is held in Guangzhou.
Dec. 11 2012: Being designates Taipei branch of Bank of China as settlement bank.
Dec. 11, 2012: Taipei Forum delegation visit to Shanghai and Beijing.
Dec. 15, 2012: China submits documents to United Nations explaining its claims to the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands and areas in the East China Sea.
Dec. 17, 2012: Su Chi, former secretary general of the National Security Council under President Ma says two sides of the strait should undertake political dialogues to build trust.
Dec. 18, 2012: Taiwan External Trade Development (TAITRA) office opens in Shanghai.
Dec. 19, 2012: President of Honduras says his country will open trade office in China with a view toward establishing diplomatic relations with the PRC
Dec. 24, 2012: Director of Taiwan's intelligence service criticizes Sun Yafu's "pro-unification" remarks in Taiwan.
Dec. 24, 2012: SEF sends complaint over Chinese passports to ARATS.
Dec. 25, 2012: Taiwan Foreign Minister David Lin says that dual recognition by Honduras of the ROC and PRC is not acceptable.
Dec. 26, 2012: President Ma says ROC citizens joining Chinese People's Consultative Conference Chapters is "not appropriate."
Dec. 27, 2012: Taiwan Bureau of Energy informs legislature that Taiwan will begin undersea oil exploration near Taiping Island in the Spratlys in 2013.


text:
package com.twitter.finagle.netty4.ssl

import com.twitter.conversions.DurationOps._
import com.twitter.logging.Logger
import com.twitter.util._
import io.netty.handler.ssl.SslContext
import java.util.concurrent.atomic.AtomicReference

private object ContextReloader {
  val log = Logger.get
}

/**
 * Class to support asynchronous refreshes of [[SslContext]].
 *
 * Reloads are best-effort and resilient to non-fatal exceptions after the initial evaluation.
 * Out-of-date values may be returned if `ctxFac` does not return within `reloadPeriod`.
 */
final private class ContextReloader(
  ctxFac: => SslContext,
  timer: Timer,
  reloadPeriod: Duration = 1.minute,
  pool: FuturePool = FuturePool.unboundedPool)
    extends Closable {
  import ContextReloader.log

  // this evaluation of `ctxFac` could entail synchronous i/o happening on
  // class construction.
  private[this] val ctx: AtomicReference[SslContext] = new AtomicReference(ctxFac)

  // all writes happen in timer thread
  @volatile private[this] var lastFacUpdate: Future[Unit] = Future.Done

  private[this] val respondFn: Try[SslContext] => Unit = {
    case Return(rebuiltContext) =>
      ctx.set(rebuiltContext)
    case Throw(t) =>
      log.warning(t, "failed to reload SslContext")
  }

  private[this] val reloadTask = timer.schedule(reloadPeriod) {
    if (!lastFacUpdate.isDefined) { // the last factory call hasn't completed
      log.debug(s"failed to reload SslContext within $reloadPeriod")
    } else {
      // bounce ctxFac through a pool since we expect sync i/o
      val fFac = pool(ctxFac)
      fFac.respond(respondFn)
      lastFacUpdate = fFac.unit
    }
  }

  /**
   * The most recent [[SslContext]]. There are no other guarantees about recency.
   */
  def sslContext: SslContext = ctx.get()

  def close(deadline: Time): Future[Unit] = {
    reloadTask.cancel()
    Future.Done
  }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Features on JJJ Hotest 100 Volume 16.
Excellent song. My girlfriend had their album, and liked everything but this, while this was my clear standout.
Don't know why, but I think this is very cool.
Solid track though I think Shadows was far superior.


text:
Q: Win10: Can I have an admin password for installs and changes, but not have to go through a login screen (ever)? As it says in the title I would like for windows to always (even better if this can be disabled for a specific duration) ask for a password on installs and system changes, but not for login after wake up or power on. I know how to disable wake-up logins, but not how to get to happen and still require a password on installs and changes.

A: If you create a standard user account separate from your admin account and always use the standard account, it should prompt for administrator credentials for any system changes (including installs). Then you can set the computer to automatically log in to the standard user account on startup.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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The South Dakota Women in Agriculture's 2016 rural women's conference is planned for Oct. 19-20 in the beautiful Black Hills at The Lodge at Deadwood.
This not-to-be-missed annual conference routinely provides women with great speakers and resources that address current ag issues along with self-development topics. Networking opportunities, Pay It Forward projects, creative learning sessions and great vendor shopping are also part of the conference lineup.
The two-day event will offer a look into the world of genomics in the plant, animal and human health industries. There are lots of amazing things happening in this field, and those in attendance will not want to miss this informative session.
Another important session not to miss will be the "Legacies Are Built Everyday" with Jean Koehler and Danci Baker of First Dakota National Bank. The women will talk about daily choices we make and how that impacts our farm transitions, legacies and estate planning.
Also, conference attendees will be inspired to "Do Big Things" after hearing about what other farm and ranch women in the state are doing to promote agriculture and rural communities.
Keynote for the event is Sarah Tveidt with the South Dakota Soybean Association's Hungry For Truth campaign. Tveidt will package up the education from the two-day conference and help demonstrate what is working to conduct meaningful and accurate conversations about agriculture and food.
Women who are involved in the agriculture industry across the region, or those who just want to know more about agriculture, can now register for the 2017 event. Find registration online at EventBrite.com.
The conference will kick off with an 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Historic Tour of Deadwood and Lead with a small lunch provided before returning to The Lodge for the conference kickoff.
That evening will see the awarding of the South Dakota Ag Woman of the Year and Young Gun honorees. To submit applications for this award see http://www.SouthDakotaWomeninAg.com.
You may also contact conference coordinators at sdwia@outlook.com or (605) 347-1549 with questions. Registration deadline is Sept. 30. Make sure to watch Facebook for additional highlights. A block of rooms is being held at The Lodge at Deadwood. Book yours by calling 877- 393- 5634 and asking for Women in Agriculture discounted rate.


Whether you are a visitor trying to arrange for a family reunion or wedding; or a travel industry professional needing extra assistance while planning a trip to Solvang, the Solvang CVB can be your liaison for coordinating essential details. Let us provide business referrals, group accommodation request for proposals, escorted tour guides and hands-on site visits. We offer complimentary walking maps, visitor guides and coordination services for all your local destination tour and event planning.
Contact Conference Services, at 1-800-468-6765 or email.
The Visitor Center, located at 1639 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang, CA, is open seven days a week from 9:00am - 5:00pm PST.
We are your liaison to a wonderful Solvang experience and look forward to working together!


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Travel/Outdoors
Britton, Tanja
Worms, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany
https://tanjabrittonwriter.com/
After growing up in Germany, Tanja Britton came to Colorado Springs thanks to her husband Mike, whose family, like many, was transplanted to the Pikes Peak region because of their affiliation with the military. Her interest in medicine led her to explore the fascinating history of tuberculosis in the area, which catalyzed wider historical studies. Increasingly fond of nature, photography, and writing, she was inspired to combine her interests by starting a blog in 2016 and by writing her first book.
Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
Search the Catalog for Tanja Britton
Places and People of the Pikes Peak Region: Exploring 14 Signature Sites (Weste…
Colorado Springs parks - Colorado Springs history - Colorado's avifauna
Read more about Britton, Tanja
Weilert, Benjamin
info@benjamin-m-weilert.com
http://author.benjamin-m-weilert.com/
Missile Defense - Civil Service
14er Climber, Rocket Scientist, Published Novelist, Movie Connoisseur, and Amateur Photographer, Benjamin M. Weilert was born in Colorado in 1985. While he went to school for Mechanical Engineering (eventually earning a Master's Degree), he has found science to be interesting enough to write fiction about it. He likes to classify his novels as "science fantasy," wherein the science is real and (semi) accurate, but portrayed in a fantasy setting to make it accessible to non scientific readers. If you want stories that are surreptitiously educational, he's your man. He currently lives in Colorado Springs and his most recent book is Fourteener Father, a memoir of climbing all of Colorado's 14,000-foot mountains with his dad.
"Creative Fiction Writing" course at the Colorado School of Mines
Search the Catalog for Benjamin Weilert
Fourteener Father: A Memoir of Life above 14,000 Feet (2nd ed., 2017)
The Fluxion Trilogy (Omnibus)(2nd ed., 2017)
First Name Basis (2nd ed., 2017)
Second to None (2nd ed., 2017)
The Third Degree (2nd ed., 2017)
"Clicking for a Reason" (The Colorado School of Mines Oredigger newspaper, Sept…
"A Cool Way to Detect Neutrinos" (The Colorado School of Mines Oredigger newspa…
"3 Tips from an Engineer to Help You Write Efficiently" (NaNoWriMo Blog, Nov. 2…
"Fact vs. Truth: A Fight to the Death" (short story)(Colorado School of Mines H…
"Jurassic Manor" (short story)(The Midnight Writers' Anthology, 2016)
"Soul Photographer" (short story)(The Midnight Writers' Anthology, 2018)
"Aria in White: First Movement" (poetry)(Colorado School of Mines High Grade Jo…
"Genetics" (poetry)(Colorado School of Mines High Grade Journal of the Arts, 20…
The Midnight Writers - National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), municipal liaison for the Colorado Springs region
Self-publishing (writing, editing, formatting, cover design, etc.) - National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) - Submitting to short story anthologies
Read more about Weilert, Benjamin
Kimbrell, Judith
judith@mothernaturephotography.com
http://www.mothernaturephotography.com/
Photographer - Author
Judith has specialized in capturing breathtaking scenic and nature images for over 20 years. She shares her vast knowledge through private and group photo tours of Garden of the Gods as well as other Colorado locations. You can also join her for photographic seminars and workshops. Visit her website to view portfolio images, fine art prints and see free instructional videos at www.mothernaturephotography.com. Judith says, "Showing up at a location and photographing nature by literally recording the moment is different from capturing nature as an artist feels it should be viewed; using light, weather, equipment, and an artistic interpretation to show Mother Nature's beauty and power. Both methods are useful in photography, but each has a distinct time and place. My goal is always to make each image intentional, represent my artistic vision, and create a piece of art that will be loved for a lifetime. I have spent the majority of my life in Colorado Springs, moving here as a child. I remember my joy while climbing on the rocks of Garden of the Gods early in my life. Though I moved to Michigan for ten years, Colorado always echoed in my heart. Now that I have returned to "The Springs," I often frequent Garden of the Gods, spending much time hiking and photographing this breathtaking open space with my loving husband and children."
Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art, Hillsdale College - Addition studies in photography at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI - Staff Photographer for R.J. Michael's, Inc. (an advertising agency in Jackson, MI) - Studio Manager and Second Shooter for Don Jones Photography (a commercial photography studio in Colorado Springs, CO) - Twelve years as both an art and photography faculty member and head of the Professional Photography department at Pikes Peak Community College.
Search the Catalog for Judith Kimbrell
Garden of the Gods (Capturing Colorado series)(Mother Nature Photography, 2016)
Garden of the Gods: A to Z (forthcoming in March 2019)
An interview with Judith, hosted by Mike Pach, on The Photo Show through KCMJ 9…
An interview with Judith about her participation in the Pikes Peak Studio Tour …
General landscape and nature photography tips and techniques - Best practices to learn and study photography, and start a photography business - Local landmarks and parks including: photography site favorite locations around the city and tips to make amazing photos in each place; the history of Garden of the Gods; issues pertaining to the preservation of the land and wildlife.
Read more about Kimbrell, Judith
Walton, Vikki
https://www.vikkiwalton.com/
Author - Designer - Nonprofit Consultant - Speaker/Trainer - #workquilter
I have lived in Colorado Springs for the last seventeen years. I was born in Chicago, later moved to France (father in the military), returned and moved to Kansas before spending most of my time in Texas (San Antonio area). I have held myriad positions in my life. I like to undertake more than one thing at a time, thus I refer to myself as a #workquilter combining various avenues of income. These include: -Author of nonfiction and fiction. -Certified permaculture designer and previously worked as a registered interior designer. -Suburban Homesteader (have gardens, chickens, bees). -Speaker/trainer on myriad topics. -Global house- and pet-sitter. -Nonprofit consultant, certified grants specialist (proposal writer, donor communications, fundraising strategy)
Honor of Community Trustee (Leadership Pikes Peak)
Bachelor of Science, Organizational Management in Christian Leadership, GCU (magna cum laude) - Associate's degree, Registered Interior Designer, St. Philips College in San Antonio, TX - Certified Grants Specialist - Certified Grants Reviewer
Search the Catalog for Vikki Walton
Work Quilting (Morewellson Ltd., 2017)
Smart Woman's Guide to Travel (Morewellson, Ltd., 2018)
Honey Homicide (Backyard Farming Mystery series #3)(Morewellson, Ltd., 2019)
Cordial Killing (Backyard Farming Mystery series #2)(Morewellson Ltd., 2018)
Chicken Culprit (Backyard Farming Mystery series #1)(Morewellson Ltd., 2018)
Colorado Springs CDBG Board Member
Writing - Creative writing - Self-publishing - Backyard farming (permaculture principles, food forest, perennial gardening, lasagna gardening) - Travel - House/pet sitting - Getting what you really want in life - Work quilting - Nonprofit topics (e.g. Fundraising 101) - Entrepreneurship - Design (Interior Design, Landscape design using permaculture zones)
Read more about Walton, Vikki
Gould, Peg
Manitou Springs, CO
pegdali@aol.com
http://www.hounddogbluesbook.com/
Journalist - Author - Chaplain - Massage Therapist - Spiritual Advisor
A career writer and editor from upstate New York, Peg moved west to Colorado and Alaska, where she renewed her love of photography on the stunning Kenai Peninsula. She worked for several decades in daily newspapers (Gannett and Freedom) and freelanced for years for business and lifestyle magazines. She is licensed both as a massage therapist and a spiritual advisor and has worked in hospital spiritual care. She writes about people and what they believe, career development, small and corporate business, health care and education, psychology and nature. Peg and her husband Todd raised a family in Manitou Springs and still live there, but also enjoy working on their log home in Alaska.
Mark Hellinger Award, Journalism
Sigma Delta Chi Outstanding Graduate, Journalism
First HS Journalism Award
Well Dones, Colorado Springs Gazette
MBA, University of Colorado - BA Journalism, Cum Laude, St. Bonaventure University - Alaska's oral history
Hound Dog Blues: Duke's Doggone Last Ride Home, A Memoir of Life and Loss (Balb…
"The Art of Connecting with Nature" (compilation in DogEar, 2016)
35+ years of newspaper and magazine articles and headlines
Member, AMTA (Message Therapy)
Grief - Bereavement - Interviewing - Self publishing - Travel - Parenting - Nature and Animals - Outdoors
Read more about Gould, Peg
Jones, Andrea
http://betweenurbanandwild.com/
Writer - Owner of Jones Literary Services
Andrea M. Jones born and raised in Colorado. Andrea writes about people's relationship to the land from a high grassy ridge southwest of Pikes Peak, where she lives with her husband and their two horses. Her nonfiction book, Between Urban and Wild, explores the beauties, contradictions, joys, and responsibilities of life outside the urban boundary. As the owner of Jones Literary Services, Andrea creates back-of-the-book indexes for publishers and authors. She blogs at www.BetweenUrbanAndWild.com.
2016 - Colorado Authors' League Writing Award - Top prize for blogging
Search the Catalog for Andrea Jones
Between Urban and Wild: Reflections from Colorado
Read more about Jones, Andrea
Alleman, Arleen
allemanarleen@gmail.com
https://arleenalleman.com/
Retired - Author
Arleen is a former senior analyst with the Government Accountability Office where she wrote extensively on many topics ranging from satellite systems to endangered species. She has a science education and loves nature and reality. She is a life-long avid reader and began writing fiction in 2009. She has completed the six-book Darcy Farthing adventure series, which are contemporary mysteries with travel and thought-provoking topical subjects.
First three books of Darcy Farthing series - Best Trilogy of 2012 by booksandauthors.net
Degree in Biology - Dozens of professional training courses in conjunction with GAO position - Many additional college level courses in varied subjects from robotics to religion
Search PPLD's Catalog for Arleen Alleman
Currents Deep and Deadly (Book 1, Darcy Farthing series, 2019)
Currents of Vengeance (Book 2, Darcy Farthing series, 2019)
Current Assets (Book 3, Darcy Farthing series, 2022)
Alternate Currents (Book 4, Darcy Farthing series, 2022)
A Current Deception (Book 5, Darcy Farthing series, 2015)
Currents of Sin (Book 6, Darcy Farthing series, 2016)
Sometimes Naughty-Always Loved: Mary and Her Big Cat Brain (2018)
Arleen Alleman webpage interviews
Health - Exercise - Positive thinking - Public speaking - Path to becoming an author later in life
Read more about Alleman, Arleen
Petterson, Adrienne
Fountain, CO
pettprojects@yahoo.com
http://www.pettprojects.com/
Travel writer - Nature photographer - Artist
Adrienne has lived in Fountain since 2013 and is originally from South Africa. She adores nature and has been a photographer for more years than she cares to admit. Having discovered so much to photograph in her own backyard (she refers to everywhere as her "backyard"), a book of her work was the logical next step. Her Backyard Snapshots book is an eBook, with 150 full color photos! Her book is for all ages, and she is particularly keen for children to read and enjoy this book as the message inside is to stop and look. Her book is available from Amazon.com and readable on most devices, which is great, as you're not restricted to using a Kindle. Visit her website at www.pettprojects.com to see more wildlife photos, her art work and her travel stories.
Backyard Snapshots: Volume One (2015)
The Obviousness of It All: A Guide to Common Sense (PublishAmerica, 2007)
A Marmac Guide to Las Vegas (Pelican Publishing, 2005)
Read more about Petterson, Adrienne
Travis, Lisa
http://packngogirls.com/
Author, entrepreneur
Lisa Travis dreamed of faraway places ever since she was a little girl who explored National Geographic magazines every month. Looking for ways to discover the world, Lisa studied at the University of Freiburg in Germany, traveled the USA in a Volkswagon camper, and lived and worked in South Korea. She currently finds ways to pack and go by creating global executive leadership programs that take her to cool places like Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Brussels, Copenhagen, and Prague. Her experiences around the world inspired her to create Pack-n-Go Girls, an innovative book and toy company for girls that delivers positive messages around independence, adventure, and global awareness. Lisa brings an MA in Communication and 20 years of instructional design to her writing. She lives, bikes, and skis in Colorado with her husband, two kids, and two dogs.
2014 Moonbeam Award - Gold Medal, Children's Chapter Book Series
Search the Catalog for Lisa Travis
Mystery of the Golden Temple (WorldTrek Publishing, 2014)
Mystery of the Troubled Toucan (WorldTrek Publishing, 2015)
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
Children's literature - Multicultural learning and literacy - Writing (grades K-5)
Read more about Travis, Lisa
Knauf, Sandra
Phone (Public)
sandra@sandraknauf.com
http://www.sandraknauf.com/
Writer and Publisher, Greenwoman Publishing, LLC
Sandra Knauf is the one-woman-show behind Greenwoman Publishing. Her books include her newest work Please Don't Piss on the Petunias: Stories about Raising Kids, Crops, and Critters in the City, the six-volume series Greenwoman (compilations of literary garden writing and art), her young adult fantasy novel, Zera and the Green Man, and an anthology of sexy gardening stories that she says is the feminist gardener answer to Fifty Shades of Grey--Fifty Shades of Green. She was a 2008-09 featured "Colorado Voices" columnist for The Denver Post and her humorous essays have appeared nationally in GreenPrints and MaryJanesFarm. She has also been a guest commentator on KRCC's (NPR's southern Colorado affiliate) Western Skies radio show. Sandra lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado with her family, dogs, huge urban garden, and lots of books.
2019 - North Street Book Prize Finalist, Please Don't Piss on the Petunias
2015 - Microgrant Award from Pikes Peak Arts Council
2011 - Grant award from Pikes Peak Community Foundation for work on Greenwoman magazine
2008-2009 - Selected as a Denver Post "Colorado Voices" featured columnist
2005 - Edited book A Taste for Gardening (2004), recipient of the Top National Award from the National Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc.
2002 - First Place, Creative Nonfiction, Paul Gillette Memorial Writing Contest
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Bachelor of Arts, English, 1991
Search the Catalog for Sandra Knauf
Please Don't Piss on the Petunias: Stories about Raising Kids, Crops, and Critt…
Fifty Shades of Green (ed. by Cheri Colburn)(Greenwoman Publishing, LLC, 2014)
Zera and the Green Man (Greenwoman Publishing, LLC, 2013)
Greenwoman, Vols. 1-6 (Greenwoman Publishing, LLC, 2011-2014)
Weekly column appearing in online literary magazine, US Represented
Flora's Forum Blog
Essays have been published in MaryJanesFarm Magazine, Greenprints, Colorado Gar…
Denver Post "Colorado Voices" columnist, 2008-2009
Heritage Radio Network - Episode 114 Greenwoman Magazine
Grimy Hands Girls' Club - Toastmasters - League of Women Voters - Peak Peak Art Council - Green Cities Coalition
Read more about Knauf, Sandra
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Pollinators are definitely in need of our help. These little honeybees, bumble bees, some bats, humming birds — you get the idea — work hard to pollinate all of the crops that are not pollinated by the wind. This basically means they bring us melons, almonds, apples, cherries – anything that's not a grain.
In California, where there is currently a tremendous drought, much attention is being focused on the almond crop. Not only does this crop require a significant amount of water, it requires the assistance of honeybees as well. Without the bees, what would be left is hand-pollination.
Pollination by hand by people who use a small brush or other implement and climb up on ladders beside the trees to make the necessary transaction. In parts of China this is a normal practice.
So the plight of the honeybee has been in the news for at least a decade. It seems we're finally giving up the battle over why and turning the focus to what to do. That seems eminently reasonable given the fact that honeybees have been in decline the entire time stakeholders have been pointing fingers or wringing their hands. One thing is for sure, however: the beekeepers know that their bees can't continue at this rate.
One thing all parties seem to be in agreement about is that current farming methods and rates of development have left precious little in the way of wildflowers and other pollinator delicacies available to the pollinators. So – before every last bee dies as the cause of the problem makes its way through whatever litigation is inevitable, some people have decided to take a very simple yet meaningful action.
The Million Pollinator Garden Challenge, of which Michelle Obama is a welcome and important champion, calls for the creation of one million new pollinator spaces by the end of 2016. Everything counts. Add a window box with bee-friendly flowers – that's one. Plant some deck pots with plants that are irresistible to hummingbirds – that's two. All you need to do is join in and take a very simple action. The important thing is to plant pollinator-friendly native plants now. It may not have the cache of a chia pet or a pet rock, but it's hopefully a fad that will change the fate of the pollinators.


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Home News Anthony Pettis Confirms CM Punk is Still Training MMA
Anthony Pettis Confirms CM Punk is Still Training MMA
Andrew Ravens
Anthony Pettis spoke with TMZ Sports ahead of his fight with Stephen Thompson at UFC Nashville. This is where he stated that Punk is still training at Roufusport gym.
"He is still training," Pettis said. "I don't know what his plan is. I know he's doing some movies and a couple other things, but I'm not sure if he plans on fighting again or what. But, I know he's still training…That dude's a hard worker."
"Not many people in the world can do what he did. I mean, it's on the biggest stage, and he fought some good guys too. It's not like he was fighting scrubs. He's fighting good guys in the UFC…He's training with killers. He's training with me, Woodley. He comes in day and day, and he's getting his butt kicked, and coming back, showing up, so I give him props, man. No matter what, he did it."
Punk has joined the announce team for Cage Fury Fighting Championships to commentate future events. He'd made his broadcasting debut at the CFFC 71 event on Dec. 14 at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City on UFC Fight Pass.
Punk lost to Mickey Gall in his debut MMA fight in 2016, then returned to the UFC for a unanimous decision loss to Mike Jackson.
Phillip Jack Brooks
Brooks is currently signed to both the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he competes in the welterweight division, and to Cage Fury Fighting Championships (CFFC), ...


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HomeNews CommentaryTrump Tweets (Open Thread)Trump Tweets: It's Tuesday's Open Thread
Trump Tweets: It's Tuesday's Open Thread
April 7, 2020 12:52 pm EDT Tiff Trump Tweets (Open Thread) 2
It's Tuesday aka Taco Tuesday.
Let's Get Some Tacos – Psych GIF from Psych GIFs
For Taco Tuesday President Impeached has tweeted 4 times, and retweeted 1 time, so far. His first Tuesday tweet was sent at 12:35 a.m. D.C. time.
In which the President encourages voters to vote during a pandemic.
Vote today, Tuesday, for highly respected Republican, Justice Daniel Kelly. Tough on Crime, loves your Military, Vets, Farmers, & will save your 2nd Amendment. A BIG VOTE! https://t.co/1FPYjzZCoH
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 7, 2020
11:26 a.m. President Impeached once again encouraged voters to get out and vote NOW!
Wisconsin, get out and vote NOW for Justice Daniel Kelly. Protect your 2nd Amendment!
Video clips from polling places around Wisconsin. Typically, the state has about 180 polling stations, but for today's pandemic primary day, they have 5.
ELECTION DAY IN WISCONSIN: Riverside High School is one of just five polling locations open in the city of Milwaukee today. We are still waiting for them to start letting people inside. pic.twitter.com/6UTlhyFItV
— Hannah Hilyard WISN (@Hannah_WISN) April 7, 2020
Voters in Wisconsin! pic.twitter.com/SS4WgDqOKW
— Laura Bruzas (@Laura_Bruzas) April 7, 2020
the only polling site in Waukesha, Wisconsin just as polls were opening
what a failure of our system and decision-making: pic.twitter.com/FkKkZxn3Hf
— j.d. durkin (@jiveDurkey) April 7, 2020
According to CNN, Wisconsin has 2,511 reported cases as of Monday evening, with 85 deaths related to the coronavirus.
Lines early Tuesday as voting began were long: So many poll workers quit that Milwaukee consolidated its 180 polling places down to just five locations — and in those locations, voters stretched around multiple blocks. Staffing at polling places looks different: Nearly 300 of the state's National Guard troops will be replacing volunteers who quit.
And thousands of people requested absentee ballots ahead of last week's deadline, but they won't receive those ballots in time to mail them back, according to data reported by local clerks to the Wisconsin Elections Commission. Those people will be forced to choose between voting in person or skipping the election.
CNN. 04/07/2020
In light of the virus according to the article new voting procedures were put in place by the Wisconsin Elections Commission who worked with the state's health department.
The Wisconsin Elections Commission worked with the state's health department to develop procedures for in-person voting that includes a public health checklist for poll workers, limiting how many people can be in each location at a time and making signs to let voters know what to do if they are experiencing symptoms. Voters will also be asked to sanitize their hands at the start and end of the process.
At their polling locations, voters may see tape on the floor with six-foot line designations as well. When they step up to poll book tables, there will be six-foot markers on both sides for voters and poll workers. Voters will step up to the table when instructed, set down their ID, and step away while poll worker examines (but not touches) the ID. The poll worker will then open the poll book for the voter to sign, step away and ask the voter to sign it with a provided pen that they can keep or discard after voting.
CNN. 04/07/2020.
For editorial thoughts regarding Wisconsin's primary election @the News Blender.
President Whiner moves on to blast W.H.O. for being very "China centric."
The W.H.O. really blew it. For some reason, funded largely by the United States, yet very China centric. We will be giving that a good look. Fortunately I rejected their advice on keeping our borders open to China early on. Why did they give us such a faulty recommendation?
Reuters reported on January 31st, WHO spokesman Christian Lindemeier said during a Geneva briefing that borders should be kept open with people and trade flowing.
Lindemeier is quoted as saying a "huge reason to keep official border crossings open," was in the hopes it would prevent people from entering irregularly and not being screened for the coronavirus.
On that same day, President Impeached announced travel restrictions on China.
From the January 31st, proclamation.
Section 1: Suspension and Limitation on Entry
The entry into the United States, as immigrants or nonimmigrants, of all aliens who were physically present within the People's Republic of China, excluding the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau, during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States is hereby suspended and limited subject to section 2 of this proclamation.
The White House. 01/31/2020.
Section 1 shall not apply to:
(i) any lawful permanent resident of the United States;
ii) any alien who is the spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident;
(iii) any alien who is the parent or legal guardian of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, provided that the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident is unmarried and under the age of 21;
(iv) any alien who is the sibling of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, provided that both are unmarried and under the age of 21;
(v) any alien who is the child, foster child, or ward of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, or who is a prospective adoptee seeking to enter the United States pursuant to the IR-4 or IH-4 visa classifications;
vi) any alien traveling at the invitation of the United States Government for a purpose related to containment or mitigation of the virus;
(vii) any alien traveling as a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(C) or (D) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(C) or (D), as a crewmember or any alien otherwise traveling to the United States as air or sea crew;
(viii) any alien seeking entry into or transiting the United States pursuant to an A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3 (as a foreign government official or immediate family member of an official), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-4, or NATO-6 visa;
(ix) any alien whose entry would not pose a significant risk of introducing, transmitting, or spreading the virus, as determined by the CDC Director, or his designee;
(x) any alien whose entry would further important United States law enforcement objectives, as determined by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or their respective designees based on a recommendation of the Attorney General or his designee; or
(xi) any alien whose entry would be in the national interest, as determined by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or their designees.
President Impeached moves on from blaming WHO for his admins failure to take the coronavirus serious in January and February to focus on…
Why didn't the I.G., who spent 8 years with the Obama Administration (Did she Report on the failed H1N1 Swine Flu debacle where 17,000 people died?), want to talk to the Admirals, Generals, V.P. & others in charge, before doing her report. Another Fake Dossier!
On Monday the Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General released a report entitled, "Hospital Experiences Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of a National Pulse Survey March 23–27, 2020."
According to the report the purpose of the study was to provide the "Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other decision makers (e.g., State and local officials and other Federal agencies) with a national snapshot of hospitals' challenges and needs in responding to the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic."
They go on to say that this report is not a review of HHS response to the pandemic, but information collected as an aid for HHS as it, "continues to lead efforts to address the public health emergency and support hospitals and other first responders. In addition, hospitals may find the information about each other's strategies useful in their efforts to mitigate the challenges they are facing."
The survey was conducted from March 23rd, to March 27th, 2020.
Principal Deputy Inspector General Christi Grimm, explains in a summary of what the survey of 323 hospital administrators across 46 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico found.
Hospitals reported that their most significant challenges centered on testing and caring for patients with known or suspected COVID-19 and keeping staff safe. Hospitals also reported substantial challenges maintaining or expanding their facilities' capacity to treat patients with COVID-19. Hospitals described specific challenges, mitigation strategies, and needs for assistance related to personal protective equipment (PPE), testing, staffing, supplies and durable equipment; maintaining or expanding facility capacity; and financial concerns.
HHS Inspector General Report.
From her conclusion.
Since our interviews, some hospital challenges may have worsened and others may have improved. Hospitals reported that their most significant challenges centered on testing and caring for patients with known or suspected COVID-19 and keeping staff safe. Hospitals also reported substantial challenges maintaining or expanding their facilities' capacity to treat patients with COVID-19.
We recognize that HHS, Congress, and other Federal, State, local, and Tribal entities are taking substantial action on a continual basis to support hospitals as they work on the frontlines to treat patients, ensure the safety of the health care workforce, and protect communities. We present this information for HHS's and other decision-makers' consideration as they continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, hospitals may find the practical information about other hospitals' strategies useful as they confront the many challenges they face in fulfilling their mission.
During Monday's mini-rally, which at this point given the over 2 hours in length the pressers are lasting, minus the clapping seals, it might as well be a full-blown campaign rally, President Impeached melted-down when asked about the latest IG Report.
Trump dismisses the HHS IG report because the official who put it together wasn't appointed by him pic.twitter.com/XnA7L0PvnX
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 6, 2020
You're a third-rate reporter. What you just said is a disgrace … you will never make it" — Trump attacks @jonkarl pic.twitter.com/uEO9zB25nK
ABC Chief White House Correspondent, John Karl is the current President of the White House Correspondents Association. According to his WHCA bio, he has been reporting on the White House on and off for two decades. But yeah, he's never gonna make. This is your daily reminder that our President is a child.
As to IG Grimm From her bio.
In January 2020, Christi Grimm became the Principal Deputy Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of Inspector General (OIG).
From 2014 to 2019, Ms. Grimm was the Chief of Staff and Deputy Inspector General for the Immediate Office. She directed OIG's strategic planning, was responsible for effective execution of OIG's priorities, and advised on a wide variety of policy and operational matters.
As Chief of Staff, Ms. Grimm created and chaired OIG's Engagement Committee, a senior executive forum that deliberates on OIG investments. Prior to becoming OIG's Chief of Staff in 2014, Ms. Grimm served in leadership roles in the Immediate Office, including Director of Policy and Programs and Senior Advisor for Program Oversight.
Ms. Grimm began her career with OIG in 1999 as a Program Evaluator and later served as a Senior Program Analyst in OIG's Office of Evaluation and Inspections. She designed and conducted groundbreaking work to improve quality and safety in hospitals, stop unqualified providers from enrolling in Medicaid, and improve the process for appealing Medicare payment decisions.
Yeah, she's totally Deep State….*eye roll*
Yes, there is a rally scheduled for Tuesday, at 5 p.m. D.C. time, or maybe 5:30 or 5:45 or…
Here's Trump's public schedule for tomorrow. (Public schedules don't include all of a president's activities.) pic.twitter.com/dfGgxHHuXh
— Daniel Dale (@ddale8) April 7, 2020
There might be updating.
This is an Open Thread.


NBFC takeover procedure has been simplified by the RBI. NBFC takeover is easier process in comparison to NBFC fresh registration. In NBFC takeover, firstly acquirer of NBFC should conduct due diligence and overview the financials of the target company. Under this, MOU is signed with advance money. In takeover balance sheet of the seller entity stands null after all its assets and liabilities are transferred to the acquirer. There are following 8 steps in order to complete the NBFC takeover.
First step is signing of the MOU i.e. Memorandum of Understanding with the proposed company, it specifies that both the companies agree to enter into an agreement of takeover. It is signed by both the directors of the Acquirer Company and Target Company. While signing of MOU, token money is given by Acquirer Company to the target company. It shall also specify the responsibilities and requirement of each company.
To fix day, date, time and place of convening Extra Ordinary General Meeting.
For passing resolution in EGM.
In relation to takeover scheme, reply to query of RBI.
After obtaining the RBI approval, public notice shall be made to invite any objection of the public which is taking place due to take over in two newspaper within 30 days of such approval.
After the expiry of the 31st day of the notice in newspaper, share transfer agreement shall be signed and remaining consideration shall be paid by the acquirer company.
Target Company shall obtain NOC from its creditors before the transfer of business from Target Company to Acquirer Company.
After this, transfer of assets shall take place in case no objections have been received and RBI approved the scheme. But the transfer should not contravene any clause of the agreement.
Valuation shall be done in accordance with the rules provided by the RBI. The technique adopted for valuation shall be Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) Method, this will represent the net present value of the entity. After the evaluation, a certificate shall be obtained by the Chartered Accountant briefing the method adopted for valuation.
After the process of valuation and approval of the takeover scheme, NBFC shall submit an application to the Regional Office of RBI. Application shall be on the letter head of the company. Any change in management of the NBFC after the takeover should also be intimated on a continuous basis to RBI.
Information of the proposed directors and shareholders.
Sources of funds of Acquirer.
Declaration by the shareholders and directors regarding their association with any unincorporated entity which is accepting deposit.
Declaration by the directors regarding no criminal proceedings have been initiated against them in past or are pending against them in any court of law.


text:
Protecting and Enhancing Women's Rights
Election Reform
Health and Safety During COVID-19
Senior Citizen Rights
Organization Endorsements
Assemblymember Rebecca Seawright In Action
Protecting and Enhancing Reproductive and Women's Rights
Rebecca has taken a lead role in protecting and enhancing reproductive and women's rights in New York State.
Animal rights are vitally important to ensure that animals are free of suffering and torture in a humane and moral society.
Assemblymember Rebecca Seawright has provided strong and consistent leadership to get the job done in Albany for our community.
Assemblymember Rebecca Seawright is at the forefront of election reform of the antiquated electoral system.
Rebecca has fought to protect our community through major environmental and sustainability initiatives.
We need to build on the strong gun laws that now exist to further protect our community.
Assemblymember Seawright has persistently aided members of our community in numerous ways to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
Rebecca believes that state support for higher education is a wise investment that must be supported in order to assure an educated workforce and the leaders of tomorrow.
Adequate housing and support services are directly linked to reducing inequality in our city and key to addressing the homelessness crisis.
Rebecca has been a leading advocate and champion on maintaining affordable housing for the Upper East Side, Yorkville, and Roosevelt Island.
Rebecca championed education as a PTA activist and is now a member of the Assembly Education Committee fighting for K-12 and advocating for increased support for our public schools.
Rebecca joins Attorney General Tish James in standing for equal rights, not special rights, for the LGBTQ+ community.
Rebecca has fought for senior citizen rights in every conceivable way in our community, our borough, and in the state Capitol.
Rebecca has been a champion of small businesses in our community which are critical to both the economy and the livelihood of so many of our neighborhood families.
Tax reform, tax relief, and tax assistance are needed in our state and we must continue to make progress.
Safe and effective transportation is important to facilitate travel, commerce, and social interaction.
Paid for by Friends of Rebecca Seawright


Dug Begley May 1, 2013 Updated: May 1, 2013 11:34 p.m.
METRO is looking for ways to enforce fare payment by light rail passengers now that the transit agency is opening the North, East and Southeast lines next year.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood likes Houston's light rail that's up and running but warns that regional transit officials have squandered opportunities the past decade by not building greater consensus.
"The region needs to get its act together," LaHood said during a brief question and answer session after an unrelated news conference Wednesday in Houston.
Metropolitan Transit Authority board Chairman Gilbert Garcia conceded a tarnished transit image and political opposition has slowed progress, but the past three years have seen Metro make significant progress.
"It may not go the pace we all want but we've gone very far," he said.
Going further, Garcia said, will take more buy-in from local congressional and statehouse lawmakers.
Though the Main Street line has been a success, and three more lines are under construction, LaHood said the area is coming up short because more hasn't been done to extend lines to the suburbs where most people live.
He said he spent the morning in Houston talking about projects to extend transit farther from the downtown area. Suburban taxpayers who supported referendums in 2003 and 2012 especially have demonstrated a desire for development, only to have officials shortchange them.
"The fact that these people voted for a referendum and are paying these taxes and have never seen any benefit from it is just not right," LaHood said.
LaHood, who is stepping down as transportation secretary as soon as a successor is confirmed, said in other cities that have won rail funding, it's been because everyone from City Hall to Capitol Hill has shown their support for transit funding. In Houston, that hasn't been the case, and that's going to hamper getting federal funds.
"If there is not going to be universal agreement then it is not going to happen," LaHood said.
Politicians are not the only Houston-area people divided on the merits of rail. Many taxpayers inside and outside the city remain skeptical that light rail is right for Houston, and that the investment thus far has paid off. For them, a lack of federal investment is a good thing.
Others have pressed for greater investment, but have largely not garnered the support to advance projects like the University Line, linking downtown with the Galleria area.
Two of the three light rail lines under construction received a combined $900 million in federal transit funds, via an agreement signed in 2011 that followed Metro nearly losing the money because of "Buy America" provisions tied to the funds.
The federal agreement followed years of contentious battles about Metro's internal policies and political fights between Houston-focused rail backers and suburban officials that continue.
Rep. John Culberson, a longtime critic of efforts to run rail down Richmond Avenue westward toward Loop 610, has opposed any federal funds aimed at the University Line because he views the line as unaffordable.
In a statement, he said he was glad LaHood recognized Houston's light rail deficiencies.
"Metro has squandered millions of taxpayer dollars, and they cannot afford to build any more rail beyond the three lines already under construction," Culberson said. "I look forward to the day when Metro publicly admits what they have privately told me: They can't afford to expand light rail in the city."
Metro officials, meanwhile, think the upcoming lines will help persuade people to put more money toward rail. Garcia, the Metro chairman, predicted the opening next year of the North, East and Southeast lines will allow more people to see the benefits of rail.


Abstract : In this paper we describe the various steps of a method using local descriptors in order to classify freehand sketches, which are drawn in an unconstrained manner and recorded online. Our final objective is to simultaneously allow classification, comparison or clustering of those elements according to their Visuo spatial properties, their realization strategies, their structural or temporal parameters, or any combination of two or more of those parameters. The context and the motivation of this work-in-progress are described. First, we'll explain the detection step: we decided to use a mixed segmentation process. Indeed recognition methods based on local descriptor are not fully adapted to our types of shapes and to the one-line context. Later, we will show how we plan to give a global perception of the shape to our local descriptor by using segmentation results. Then we will introduce the local descriptor and how it is computing. Next we'll explain how we calculate the dissimilarity between two descriptors. Finally, we'll describe the approach we have chosen to determine the dissimilarity between shapes represented by sets of local descriptors.


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Home Fire & Police Student Poses With Guns On Social Media
Student Poses With Guns On Social Media
By Steve Mosco -
Plainview officials responded following a threat on social media.
After the mass shooting in Parkland, FL, gripped the nation on Feb. 14, Plainview-Old Bethpage School District Superintendent Dr. Lorna Lewis revealed that on Friday, Feb. 16, a student at Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy (POB-JFK) High School made a "disturbing" social media post that referenced guns and racist remarks.
The offending photo, obtained by the Herald from a neighborhood source, appeared on Instagram and shows a student smiling while brandishing two hand guns, posted with a racially charged comment by the individual baring the name of the account holder.
In a comment obtained from the POB-JFK Facebook page, Lewis said that following the district's protocols and procedures, officials notified law enforcement and police arrived at the school immediately. According to the superintendent, police interrogated the student in question and administration took appropriate action in accordance with its code of conduct. The matter is currently under investigation.
Later in the message to the community via Facebook, Lewis said, "We are all heart-sick over the tragic events that have taken place throughout the country in our public schools. Always remember that the safety of our students, faculty and staff is the most important priority at Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District. I would like to thank our high school administration and our administrator in charge of School Security for the immediate and thorough actions that they took. This is another example of our entire community working together to keep each other safe."
The fatal mass shooting in Florida claimed the lives of 17 victims in and around Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last Wednesday. The alleged shooter, Nikolas Cruz, is currently in custody. According to published reports, the FBI received a tip on potential violence from Cruz last month, but the bureau failed to investigate.
The mass shooting, the 18th such incident to take place at an American school this year, has left local parents and officials shaken, with schvool representatives reaching out to assure parents of the potent safety measures currently in place at local schools.
"Throughout the year, Plainview-Old Bethpage schools conduct many emergency drills and no doubt there will be more," said in a social media post following the Florida shooting. "The emergency teams in each building sharpen our procedures annually, allowing all to be clear about response in various scenarios. This incident reinforces once again the importance of these drills and the need for all of us in the community to communicate when we suspect or feel that there is something going on with a student or staff that needs our attention."
Lewis went on to say that, "We have students who are connected to the Parkland students because they transferred from that school to our schools and some who attended sleep away camp with them. It is important that we keep our eyes and ears open for students who are struggling with this news."
For more local reaction to the school shooting in Florida, see Local Officials Respond To Latest School Shooting.
Local Officials Respond To Latest School Shooting
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Steve Mosco
Steve Mosco, former editor-in-chief at Anton Media Group, is a columnist for Long Island Weekly's food and sports sections. He fancies himself a tastemaker, food influencer and king of all eaters.