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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Announces Plan to Charter Buses of Illegal Aliens to Washington, DC
By Richard Moorhead, The Western Journal April 7, 2022 at 7:37am
With a historic wave of illegal aliens set to cross the southern border this spring, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has a plan to make the Biden administration deal with the consequences of its own border policies.
Abbott announced on Wednesday that the state will charter buses of illegal immigrants directly to Washington, D.C.
The governor was speaking at a news conference in Weslaco, Texas.
BREAKING: Texas Gov. @GregAbbott_TX says that Texas will be sending charter buses of illegal migrants to Washington DC:
"The Biden Administration will be able to more immediately address the needs of the people that they're allowing to come across our border." pic.twitter.com/MWM8IqCici
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) April 6, 2022
Abbott is sending the aliens directly to the workplace of some of the political elites responsible for America's nearly open border.
"We are sending them to the United States Capitol where the Biden administration will be able to more immediately address the needs of the people that they are allowing to come across our border," he said.
Residents of border communities in states such as Texas have been hit hard by the lack of immigration enforcement under President Joe Biden.
With deportations gutted, spring waves of illegal migrants are arriving at the border, aware that they're unlikely to be returned to their country of origin by Biden's Department of Homeland Security.
Sources within Customs and Border Protection expect as many as 2 million illegal aliens to cross the U.S.-Mexico border this spring, with the bulk of the migrant surge likely coming after Title 42 is lifted in May.
Biden terminated the Trump-era border security policy last week, nullifying the easiest way to send illegal border crossers back.
Even Democrats have begun to criticize Biden's lack of immigration enforcement at the border.
Four senators in the president's party have rebuked the end of Title 42, with Sen. Joe Manchin arguing the policy should be permanent.
Manchin called Biden's termination of Title 42 a "frightening decision."
With the federal government all but abandoning immigration enforcement, Republicans running for statewide offices have proposed alternatives.
Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake has proposed an interstate compact between border states, outlining a new system to swiftly apprehend and deport illegals independently of the federal government.
border crisis, border security, Greg Abbott, illegal immigration, Republicans, Texas, US news
Richard Moorhead, The Western Journal
@Project_Veritas / Twitter screen shot
Blackout Begins Against Project Veritas Video - One Platform Has Purged It Completely
"I really think it's third-world that big, massive corporations team up with big tech monopolies to target journalism."


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Sabre Voice
Marian's Men's Bowling Team Striking Start
McKenna Hron, Co-editor
After only three years of existence, Marian's men's bowling team is currently standing strong with their season. Coached by head coach Dan Mueller and assistant coach Josh Schneider, they have been placing very well in their first three competitions of the season. The men's team has bowled in the Rock Valley Invite, the Midwest Classic tournament, and the GLBC tournament. These tournaments are all located in different locations, and they compete with a variety of different schools.
Marian's men's bowling team did an exceptional job in their first tournament, the Rock Valley Invite. This invite was located at Cherry Bowl Lanes in Rockford, Illinois. The men's varsity team for this tournament included juniors (Will Rouech [co-captain] and Josh Lynt), sophomores (Jason Claus and Ryan Dreikosen), and freshmen (Chase Haakenson, Rylee Schwartz, and Gavin Suprehand). This team placed first in this tournament, which according to Dan Mueller, is the "first tourney champ in the history of the men's bowling team." The following weekend (Oct. 2-3), the men's team bowled in one of the more competitive Midwest tournaments located at Bowlero in Wauwautosa, Wisconsin.
At Bowlero, the men's team placed 21 out of 46 teams. Dan Mueller states that this is a "pretty respectable place" as it's a very competitive competition. The starting seven varsity bowlers for this competition consist of juniors (Will Rouech [co-captain], Josh Lynt, and Nick Brensen), sophomore (Ryan Dreikosen), and freshmen (Gavin Suprenand, Kyle Beck, and Rylee Schwartz). Watch out for the following article on Marian's bowling team's GLBC tournament.
Marian's men's bowling team has 14 bowlers this year. These 14 bowlers are not guaranteed a spot on the starting varsity line and are not guaranteed to play each competition. They are required to work hard to prove to their coaches that they deserve a varsity spot. Before each competition, head coach Dan Mueller and assistant coach Josh Schneider discuss who will be on the starting varsity line and who will be on JV (if it's a competition in which JV can also compete).
The men's team can compete in the USBC and Club championships; however, there is no NCAA men's bowling at this time. I asked Coach Dan Mueller if he thought there would ever be an NCAA men's team; however, he doesn't think that USBC will make a men's NCAA team due to there not being enough men's bowlers as women's bowlers. Even as a club, Marian's men's bowling team is a strong team. In 2020, the men's team had an average team score of 180 for baker games and an average team score of 190 for individual games. Coach Mueller felt that the men's team did well last year and hopes they continue to put in the time and effort to have a strong season this year.
In addition to the practice and effort expectations that Coach Mueller has for the men's team, he also has some academic expectations. He asks that his bowlers go to class, put school first, show responsibility, and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA. In addition to those things, he asks that his bowlers be team players and put the team over the individual self in the competitions. These criteria are also what helped Coach Mueller and Assistant Coach Schneider pick the team captains, Will Roesch and Evan Rae.
When asked, Dan Mueller stated that he felt that the most important competitions for the men's team would be the Leatherneck Invite and the Hoosier Classic. See below for the men's bowling team's schedule. Those who are interested more in Marian's men's bowling team should reach out to head coach, Dan Mueller, assistant coach, Josh Schneider, or the team captains.
Oct. 23-24: GLBC Tournament located at Cherry Bowl Lanes in Rockford, Illinois
Oct. 29-31: Five Seasons Classic located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Nov. 6-7: UWO Titan Invite located at Classic Lanes in Neenah, Wisconsin
Nov. 12-14: Leatherneck Invite located in Moline, Illinois
Dec. 4-5: UWW Motive Warhawk Open located at Stardust Lanes in Addison, Illinois
Jan. 14-16: ISBPA/Kegel Midwest Classic located at Stardust Lanes in Addison, Illinois
Jan. 29-30: GLCB Tournament located at Dale's Weston Lanes in Weston, Wisconsin
Feb. 12-13: GLBC Tournament located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Feb. 18-20: Hoosier Classic located in Indianapolis, Indiana
Mar. 4-6: Club Championship located in Addison, Illinois
Mar 11-13: USBC Sectionals – location to be determined
https://www.sabreathletics.com/sports/mbowl/2021-22/schedule
ß Rock Valley Invite: Marian's Men's Bowling Varsity Team. Photo taken by Dan Mueller.
ß Rock Valley Invite: Marian's Men's Bowling Teams 1st place trophy. Photo taken by McKenna Hron.
McKenna Hron, Co-editor, Social Media, Writer
McKenna Hron is a Junior at Marian where she double majors in Business Administration (Human Resources) and Communications with a minor in Psychology....
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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The Painted World – film del 1914 diretto da Ralph Ince
 The Painted World – film del 1919 diretto da Ralph Ince

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Registration deadline is July 16, 2018. Registration with a late fee is open until July 23, 2018.
A complete call for entries package may be found HERE.
Please use one registration per project. You may enter as many projects as you wish.
Award winners will be recognized at the Design and Honor Awards Banquet.
The entry fee for each submittal is $40, there is no limit on the number of entries you may submit. The fee goes up to $50 after July 16, 2018.
First, register online. Once your registration and payment as been received, all templates and submittal information will be emailed to you. Submittals must be completed by July 30, 2018. For details and rules for all design awards, be sure to click the categories below.
Recognizes a member that has made an impact on his or her community through volunteer service.
Recognizes a member that has served architecture and the AIA.
Given each year to an individual or group of individual who promote good diesn and demonstration a commitment to quality architecture and planning.
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David Kohler, Former CNN Senior Vice President and Lawyer, to Head Law School's Media Law Institute
David C. Kohler, formerly senior vice president and general counsel at Cable News Network, has been appointed director of Southwestern University School of Law's National Entertainment and Media Law Institute.
Kohler will coordinate the institute's curriculum and services, establish relationships with law firms and the entertainment industry, and promote research.
"I am truly excited at the prospect of joining the exceptional Southwestern faculty and working with them to further enhance the institute's program and its recognition as a national resource for students, practitioners and scholars in entertainment and media law," Kohler said.
Over the course of his 20 years in media law, Kohler has been actively involved in some of the most significant media cases, including several resulting in important Supreme Court decisions, and a wide array of challenging legal problems faced by CNN, Turner Broadcasting and other clients.
Kohler joined Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. in 1991 and soon became assistant vice president and deputy general counsel. He became CNN senior vice president and general counsel in 1996.
He also was CNN's first chief ethics officer and chaired its advertising standards committee. He remains a consultant to CNN.
In private practice, Kohler was a litigation associate at Hogan & Hartson in Washington, D.C., later moving to the Richmond, Va. Firm of Christian & Barton, where he became a partner in 1989.
Kohler is a 1975 graduate of Duke University. He earned his law degree from Duke in 1978.


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Home » Toy Reviews » The Last Knight
"The Last Knight" Premier Edition Deluxe Autobot Sqweeks Toy Review
in 2017, Action Figure Review, Autobot, Deluxe, Premier Edition, The Last Knight
Release Date: April 28, 2017 (US Street Date)
Price Point: $19.99 (Varies by retailer)
Retailer: General Release (Toys R Us, K-Mart, Target etc.)
Accessories: Handlebars x 2, Blaster, Spare arm
Sqweeks is a new Autobot introduced in "The Last Knight". This little Autobot was being repaired by Izabella out of spare parts she found, giving him the appearance of what you'd expect a Junkion Mini-Con to look like.
Sqweeks is a second wave Deluxe Class "Premier Edition" figure. The "Premier Edition" label separates this sub-line from the other parts of the series such as the Knight Armor Turbo Changers. This also meant the price point for the Deluxes went up for this line, averaging $19.99 at most retailers (though there was word Walmart dropped the price temporarily to around $16 when the figures were first released). The packaging was one of the methods Hasbro used to make the figure look like a premium item.
Instead of being carded, Sqweeks is in a plastic tray inside a box. The figure is packaged in robot mode. The box itself basically wraps around the tray. On the right hand side (if you are facing the box) is the vertical "Transformers" logo. Above that is the "Premier Edition" logo. On the left is Sqweek's package art, which actually wraps around to the side of the package. The top features artwork of the Autobots in a group shot. The back shows the figure in both modes touting an 19 step transformation. These steps also seem to include the transformation of the back pack/trailer/repair bay. On the left is Sqweek's cosell: Autobot Drift.
Sqweeks is a fairly small figure. His size hovers somewhere between a Commander Class figure like Bulkhead and a Scout Class figure like Air Raid. Given that Hasbro is selling this at a Deluxe price point (and a "Premier" one at that) the figure includes several accessories:
A trailer has been included that transforms into a repair bay (more on that below).
Handlebars/hands: Two handlebars made of gunmetal colored soft plastic also double as hands for Sqweeks.
Blaster: This (somewhat ridiculous looking) blaster is a solid piece featuring several barrels and rockets sculpted into one weapon. This attaches to one of Sqweek's arms via a peg or it can be held in Sqweek's hand via a vertical peg.
Arm: At one point in the film Sqweeks receives a new right arm. This represents that arm. Sculpted in gunmetal grey, soft plastic the arm has a lot of cool sculpted details including wiring and overlapping panels.
Since Sqweeks himself is not that large of a figure, this cargo trailer was included to help bolster the value of the figure. A trailer for a Vespa-like scooter may seem like science fiction but such things do exist (though not large enough to transform into a repair bay). This trailer is pretty bulky but it has a curved, sleek appearance even including small fins on the front. There is a hitch in the front, allowing it to connect to Sqweeks himself in both robot and vehicle modes.
Trailer Mode:
The trailer is mostly cast in powder blue plastic, matching up with Sqweeks himself. You will see some grey plastic on the hitch and the back. On the bottom are four translucent blue wheels. In terms of paint, there are some rust colored brushmarks on the sides. Now, the brushmarks are some of the best and worst aspects of the deco. The rust color is meant to emulate the rust patterns seen on Sqweeks as see on the movie prop. While the designers nailed the color, the brush pattern makes them look like dirt stains instead. It looks like someone took a dirty sponge and smudged around some existing dirt and then just gave up on cleaning the vehicle. I get what was being attempted, but I think this design element would have been much better served by using spray ops in small, circular patterns. This has a much more natural looking effect and actually looks like rust spots. This could have also been done with round brushes being dabbed onto the plastic instead of wide brush strokes.
Transformation to Repair Bay Mode:
Holding on to the top and bottom of the trailer, pull the top up and swing it back.
Swing out the small blue panels on the sides.
Swing the sides out.
Swing the ramp in the front down.
Swing the rear panel back, then swing the top parts of the trailer up.
Raise the claw arm up.
Swing the toolbox open.
Repair Bay:
The repair bay mode is one of my favorite aspects of this figure. It is a fun bit of a callback to the original G1 Ratchet figure which also included a repair bay/trailer piece. The repair bay is broken up into four key sections:
The rear section looks like one set up to throw extra lighting on something being repaired. The "weapon barrels"/circles on the side panels and top panels all look like they could be powerful lights.
On the left side has a claw arm. It has six points of articulation that allows the arm to extend, turn in a circle and reach down and up. There are some nice little details including cables, power plugs and a cross hatch pattern. The back of the claw arm has a gunmetal grey part that can swing up. If you turn it around, the claw arm effectively turns into something that looks like a cannon.
The right side has a toolbox that folds open with two compartments. All the accessories except for the
The central section has enough room for Sqweeks to sit on and a ramp to roll out on. The ramp seems specifically designed for Sqweeks as the ramp has a single tire track instead of two. If you wanted to get creative and have some fun you can put some Legends Class figures on the platform as well.
The powder blue plastic still makes up most of this mode, but there is also a grey panel in the center. Grey paint is used on the claw arm panel and the ramp. The toolbox is painted red, which is a nice "real world" touch (yes, not all toolboxes are red but "classic" ones are often seen as red). The "lights" on the top panels are painted silver. The "rust stains" are done with brushes on the middle panel and claw arm panel. The way the "rust" paint was applied on these sections looks a lot better than the exterior of the trailer. It is still not as good as I think it could be but I want to give credit where it is due.
The trailer section is fantastic as toys go. It adds gives the figure a degree of verisimilitude, helping to sell the fantasy of the Transformers world.
Sqweeks Review
Robot Mode:
In "The Last Knight" Sqweeks was designed to look like he transforms into a Vespa, but he never actually does so. However, due to licensing issues this figure transforms into a generic scooter. That means some of the design elements of the figure differ in appearance from Sqweeks' on-screen appearance. Here are some of the differences:
Sqweeks' on screen prop has a sideview mirror on the left side, near his head. The figure does not have this detail.
The torso panel has a distinct design including a curved section in the middle that comes up to a collar-like area near his neck. This chest panel is much more angular with a raised section in the center and panels that come up under the head with vents on them.
Sqweeks moves on one wheel and one "peg leg" in the movie, but this figure has two wheels on the bottom instead.
On the actual movie prop, Sqweeks has all sorts of springs and tools (including a screwdriver and axe) on the sides. You could only see brief glimpses of these details in the movie, but during Toy Fair 2017 I was able to see the prop up close and noticed these details. None of these are present on this figure. Instead he looks a lot more "put together" with closed panels and armor on the sides.
the back has what looks like rockets on it, though I do not recall seeing those in the movie.
Now, the points above make it sound like this figure looks nothing like the on-screen model, but in fact there are many details on this figure that do come from the prop. These include:
The helmet is round with two distinct "cracks" on it. One in the center and the other on the top.
The eyes are large and round, looking like they are made out of headlights.
The mouth is shaped like an oval with some vertical lines on them.
Both arms are handlebars.
Sqweeks is mostly cast in powder blue plastic. There is a dark grey panel on the bottom and his eyes are translucent blue. Interestingly, his wheels are a soft, black plastic. It is not exactly rubber. Instead the plastic is more shiny and a bit more firm. However if you pull on it, the tires can be pulled off, which is a bit of a fun G1 callback. The handlebar arms are made of a soft, gunmetal colored plastic. Silver paint is used on the head and wheels. The handlebars on the head are painted grey. Several parts including the helmet, torso, wheel covers and back all have rust colored brush marks on them. I won't go into how those could have been better again. I will say however that some of these details do look good compared to the ones on the trailer. They help give him the "worn" appearance he had in the movie.
There are six points of articulation on this figure. That does not sound like a lot, but keep in mind the lower half of the body only has wheels and no legs, so you lose about half of the normal amount of articulation you would expect. I was happy to see his head can turn side to side while each arm can move up and down and out to the sides. The real fun with this figure comes in the form of the accessories. You can detach the right side handlebar and attach either the arm or blaster in its place. The arm can move around on its own and you can fit the blaster into the fist. You can also attach the blaster to either arm without the extra arm accessory. Sqweeks actually used this weapon in the movie, so it is a fun way to recreate a scene form the film.
There is one one more fun mode for this figure: a "super" mode. Take the trailer and swing the top part up and back. You will see a clip in between these two sections. It attaches to a slot on Sqweeks' back to give him some added bulk and firepower. He did not do this in the film, but it is a fun bit of added functionality.
Transformation to Robot Mode:
Separate the trailer/back pack if attached. Transform it into trailer mode.
Deatach the accessories and place them in the toolbox or set them aside.
Swing the helmet section up and flip it back.
Swing the eyes against the helmet.
Swing the rest of the head into the helmet.
Swing the back panel out.
Swing the head sideways into the opening in the back panel.
Extend the rest of the back panel out and straighten it out.
Swing out the wheels and rotate the entire wheel assembly around.
Rotate the torso panel around and push it in.
Swing the arms in behind the front panel of the vehicle.
Rotate the handlebars/headlights around.
Vehicle Mode:
Sqweeks' vehicle form is supposed to be a Vespa, but he never actually transforms in the film. This gave the toy designers some freedom in terms of creating a Vespa-like vehicle form without having to license the actual vehicle. The overall shape of the vehicle is similar to a Vespa down to the flat panel in front, a tall seat with foot rests in the middle. However, there are key differences. These include:
There are two small headlights instead of one larger one.
The front panel is very angular in design as opposed to the rounder, smoother Vespa design.
Vespas have to side view mirrors that raise up at angles on the handlebar sections. This figure does not have those.
The back section has a lot of angled shapes as opposed to the Vespa which has mostly round, smoother shapes.
The rear section has two thrusters, which could be seen as rear lights. The Vespa only has a single rear light.
This vehicle mostly shows off powder blue plastic. The headlights have translucent blue plastic. The wheels use black, soft plastic. The aforementioned "rust" details are found from the front to the back. The thrusters in the back and the sides of the wheels are painted silver. The seat "cushion" is painted brown. On the left side is a red Autobot symbol towards the back. Overall the deco looks good.
Sqweeks can roll on both wheels. If you want to stand the vehicle up there is a kickstand in the center. On the back you can flip out the hitch to attach to the trailer. The blaster cannot be stored inside the trailer so instead you can attach it to one of the four 5mm ports on the trailer. There are two on the sides and two on top. Thanks to these ports you could easily give Sqweeks a crazy amount of firepower.
I think Sqweeks is bound to be one of those polarizing figures. Some fans will appreciate it, others will think it is terrible. The aesthetic of the figure is very different than your typical Transformers figure but that can work for or against it. I really like what has been done with this figure, though I do wish more of the movie based detailing had made its way into the figure. The addition of the trailer/repair bay is a brilliant touch and it is one of my favorite parts of this figure. Recommended if the aesthetic appeals to you.
Unique design.
Cool trailer/repair bay accessory.
Fun accessories direct from the film (ex: the blaster and spare arm).
Fun transformation.
Vehicle form does not match the intended on-screen vehicle.
"Rust" deco is well intentioned, but not well executed.
Autobot Drift (Deluxe)
Autobot Hot Rod (Deluxe)
Autobot Hound (One Step)
Autobot Hound (Voyager)
Autobot Sqweeks (Premier Edition)
Barricade (Legion)
Barricade (One Step)
Barricade (Premier Edition)
Berserker (Deluxe)
Berserker (One Step)
Bumblebee (Deluxe)
Bumblebee (Deluxe, Wave 4)
Bumblebee (Legion)
Cogman (Deluxe)
Cogman (Turbo Changer)
Cybertron
Dinobot Slash (Deluxe)
Dragonstorm (Leader)
Dragonstorm (One Step)
Grimlock (Knight Armor)
Grimlock (Legion)
Grimlock (One Step)
Grimlock (Tiny Turbo Changer)
Grimlock (Voyager)
Megatron (Deluxe)
Megatron (Knight Armor)
Megatron (Voyager)
Optimus Prime (Knight Armor)
Optimus Prime (Legion)
Optimus Prime (Reveal the Shield)
Optimus Prime (Tiny Turbo Changer)
Optimus Prime (Voyager Class)
Scorn (One Step)
Skullitron
Soundwave (Tiny Turbo Changer)
Steelbane


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Fits true to size - Take your normal size. Model is 175cm/5'9" and is wearing size M.
Two side pockets, printed logo lettering, elasticated waistband, striped sides, zipped sides, pressed creases.
Upgrade your off-duty collection with the Slim Track Trousers from Palm Angels. Cut to a flattering slim fit with an elasticated waistband for added comfort, they are detailed with pressed creases along each leg for a sophisticated edge, while they're polished off with striped side panels and a designer stamp for a chic finish. Great with the matching t-shirt or heels for a sports-infused look.


You may have heard that fostering saves lives. It absolutely does. If you have never fostered an animal before we hope the Pope family's story of entering into animal rescue and foster inspires you to jump in and foster your own pet.
"A couple days before my birthday two years ago, I heard on the radio about how overfull the county shelter was, and how they were begging for people to adopt dogs and cats for free. I had really not wanted to get a new dog yet… I was happy to only have one dog in the house, and never planned to have more than one again. But maybe, just like the one-eyed cat I had adopted from HOPE a few years before, I could break my own rules a little to save a life.
I started by looking online and found page after page of pictures… and then a list of urgent dogs… and a list of beyond urgent dogs. Karen saw this liver spotted, very sick, pregnant dog, and because she used to raise puppies she knew we could handle it. As luck had it, she went down to PACC on my birthday to break her out of jail.
And she was told no.
Through all the publicity and the beyond urgent pleas… we had overlooked that pregnant dogs can only go to a partner rescue. Karen spent hours trying to get a rescue to answer her calls, with no luck. I finished my day at work and drove over, because if you know anything about Karen, you know that she won't take "no" for an answer. She was devising a plan to call the local TV news stations, because if there was any dog in that shelter who needed out that very day, it was this one.
and I met Kelsey. On the way back, a staff member remarked that the director of In the Arms of Angels, one of the few rescues who eagerly accept pregnant moms and litters of puppies, had just walked by. By coincidence, she was there to deliver laundry – yes, PACC's dryer had broken down, and she had volunteered to take a van load of bedding to dry offsite. We finally connected with her, and half an hour later we were official fosters and taking Kelsey home.
Our plan had been to adopt Kelsey and then find all her puppies homes when they were old enough, but now that we were a part of an actual rescue group, the plans changed. Maybe we could find her a home, and then pick up another mom or stray and save more lives. Once Kelsey's puppies had been adopted, plans changed again, as we brought another set of fosters in, and Kelsey still wasn't adoptable. On November 2nd, I adopted Kelsey as my own AND we kept fostering more.
In the past two years, we have brought 88 dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens into our home. It hasn't always been a happy story… Our foster Rosie lost all but one of her puppies to canine herpes at a week old. Darla's litter were exposed to distemper at PACC, and we fought for two months to save them, and only one survived. We have had fosters waiting for a year for the right home, recovered so many from colds and giardia, nursed a foster through pancreatitis, cleaned so many puppy messes, broken up dog fights, contributed thousands to their care. But it has always been worth it. Every minute, every dollar.
Loki and her sister Hailey were surrendered for euthanasia at 6 years old by their previous owner, but an animal control officer diverted them to us instead. They both were obese and had multiple health issues, but after treating for hypothyroid, living indoors with our family, and improving their diet, they are much healthier. Loki was recently adopted and has now gone to her new home.
Note: Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) currently does not allow pregnant animals to go to rescue but desperately needs fosters for moms and their puppies and kittens.
Why do you need to Foster?


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'DARE TO MAKE YOUR DREAM COME TRUE'
Rianne Lindhout30 April 2013
Gemma Venhuizen studied Physical Geography at the VU and became a freelance journalist. She recently – and hesitantly – began referring to herself as a writer: her debut novel Alle bessen kun je eten – alleen sommige maar één keer was published in January.
She has the following advice to anyone with the ambition to become a writer: 'Don't be too critical of yourself, just set aside some free time to do it. Dare to make your dream come true, even if it feels safer to just keep dreaming. 'Writing fiction is just like sex: don't think about it, just do it.'
At first glance, Venhuizen doesn't resemble her novel's protagonist Jasmijn at all, who wrestles with making choices. On her site, she explains that she knew that she wanted to be a writer from the age of five, and by the time she was 17 she was writing a weekly column in the daily newspaper de Volkskrant. But her life as a freelance journalist could also be seen as a way not to have to make any real decisions, as she explains in her bohemian flat that she shares with a friend in Amsterdam's Spaarndammerbuurt neighbourhood.
How did you manage to get a weekly column in de Volkskrant when you were only 17? "I read the columns by Anna Woltz about her life as a student and thought: I want to know if I can do that too? So I submitted a piece to the editors of the Volkskrant. My mother, who in no way resembles Jasmijn's mother, told me: 'Maybe you should start with the regional newspaper Heemsteedse Courant?' But the editors liked my piece, and offered me a weekly column."
'Writing fiction is just like sex: don't think about it, just do it'
Why did you choose to study Earth Sciences if you wanted to become a writer? "That was really more to have something to fall back on if it didn't work out as a writer. My parents had taken me on holidays to the mountains since I was two. As a child, I just thought it was boring, but I gradually learned to love the panoramic landscape and I became interested in how it was created."
Did you learn anything useful in your studies? "I think about that a lot. I'm not really a scientist; a study in the humanities would probably have been easier for me. But I still benefited from my studies, and I often write about subjects related to earth sciences. And the study helped to shape me as a person. For example, all of the field work helped me get over my homesickness. And now that I really enjoy working at the juncture between science and art."
"When I was 15, I wrote down three dreams in my diary: travel to New Zealand, write a book and marry the man of my dreams. Thanks to my studies, I was able to participate in an essay contest for young geologists, which I won. The prize was a trip to a geological conference in Australia. So I took an extra five months' vacation and went on to New Zealand. That trip gave me another idea for a story: my next book will take place in New Zealand."
How did Alle bessen kun je eten come about? "Publisher Paul Brandt invited me to a meeting when I was writing my columns. He said: 'If you ever write a book, let me know.' That was a real luxury, of course! We met several times after that, and he always asked me about my book. I had started on a story before, but I couldn't get any farther. But then I went to Spitsbergen for field work. That trip was so overwhelming that I thought: I should use this as the setting for my story. After talking about it with some friends, I came to the idea that the theme of the book should be how difficult it is to make choices. Not just while you're a student, because you can always doubt whether you have made the right choice, or you can ask yourself if you made good choices in the past."
"So when I came across Paul again, I told him about my idea. We agreed that I would send him something, and that gave me the motivation that I needed. I eventually stopped working temporarily to give me the time to focus entirely on the book."
So you're well on your way to making all of the dreams on your list come true. What would you like to do next in your career? "I would like to shift to writing more fiction. But on the other hand, the benefit of my journalism work is that I have to get out of the house and actually interview people. When I'm alone in front of my laptop, I can lose contact with reality."
Maybe I'd like to combine my writing with a part-time side job. I used to work one day per week as a forest ranger in the dunes, where I could feel the wind in my hair. But I also love to improvise, and I'd rather leave the future open, because it gives me the illusion that I still have plenty of options. Now, I can try lots of things without having to choose. I don't want to lose that freedom."
Are you curious about Alle bessen kun je eten – alleen sommige maar één keer? See the Advalvas website for more information, or you can order the book here.
CONTENTBLOK GEMMA VENHUIZEN NOG HIER PLAATSEN!!!


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Список планетарных туманностей

Северное полушарие небесной сферы

Южное полушарие небесной сферы

Списки туманностей


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CEC » POLAND: EU court overturns EC's Retail Tax block
POLAND: EU court overturns EC's Retail Tax block
In September 2016 the ruling PiS party introduced a retail tax reform. In October 2016, the European Commission struck down the new retail tax, arguing that it discriminates against larger stores and constitutes state aid. The tax blocked by the EC was be based on revenue, with no tax due on the first 17 million PLN of monthly sales. Monthly revenues from 17 to 170 million PLN were subject to a 0,8% tax, with anything above taxed at 1,4%. The levy was expected to bring in an additional 1,9 billion PLN in 2017 alone, and was one of PiS' main strategies of financing the government's spending plans. The tax did, after all, aim to both raise government revenues and level the playing field between largely foreign-owned retail giants and smaller local stores.
Yesterday, the European Court of Justice overturned the European Commission's decision to block the levy. The Court argued that the threshold of the tax itself cannot be considered as selective and a lack of a levy on SMEs is not state aid. The decision of the Court is a big hit for Brussels and a win for the PiS party, which was not expected by many commentators. It is not certain, however, if the levy will come back. The European Commission has two months to appeal the decision of the Court and will most likely do so. If it does, Poland will have to wait another year or so for the second verdict. Still, the ruling will now hold significant political value for PiS. Ahead of the European elections next week, the party will be able to argue that it has a won a battle against the European Commission which wanted to block a law beneficial to Polish interests. The revenue from the retail levy could also be used to fund a significant part of PiS' new spending proposals.


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Natalie Dormer says 'Jon Snow is dead… right now'
by Rahul
Game of Thrones' star Natalie Dormer has teased Game of Thrones fans that Jon Snow is dead at the moment. That means the status of his death might change in the future. We already know that death isn't permanent in Game of Thrones and there are various ways in which people can be resurrected.
Game of Thrones season 5 finale has become one of the most discussed episode with fans arguing whether Jon Snow survived the stabbing or not. Till now the cast of Game of Thrones has maintained that Jon Snow is dead but there are many theories that suggest otherwise.
Natalie Dormer spoke with Channel 5 News and when she was asked about Jon Snow, this is what she said:
If you get stabbed that many times, you're dead, you know. There are some basic medical rules that even apply in Westeros. So Jon Snow is dead right now.
When she was asked about "right now", she repeated emphatically: "Right now."
This means that Jon Snow's death might not be permanent and there might be a good chance that he will be resurrected as fans have been suggesting since the end of season 5.
Game of Thrones Season 6 premiers on April 24th. Take a look at the latest teaser below.
Jon Snow, Margaery Tyrell
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A lot of disciples came to the Hidden Pavilion, more than a hundred people every day, many of them didn't have any business here, but just wanted to look at Yang Chen's obsessed appearance and would roam in Yang Chen's surroundings daily.
Because this had become a habit for Yang Chen, the people close to him did not mind it much, in any case, everyone who entered the Hidden Pavilion was a servant or disciple of the Pure Yang Palace, so they were not allowed to exchange blows here. He also took no notice of other people, and thus, others also didn't try to look for him. Therefore, Yang Chen did not pay any attention to whoever was near him and was solely engrossed in scanning the jade slips, one by one, using his spiritual awareness.
However, the voice made Yang Chen sluggish, as he was recalling some warm memories from the bottom of his heart. In his previous life, when Yang Chen was in the Nine Earth Manor, this was the voice which cared for him, and after his rebirth, Yang Chen had thought only of his master and forgot the warm sensation he had initially sensed.
Turning his head, Yang Chen looked at the owner of that voice. And exactly as in Yang Chen's memories: well-fitted clothes with a finely crafted hem on her skirt, and a calm look in her eyes, with an exceptional complexion, similar to a fairy in a mythology, people stopped behind Yang Chen's body as if they were in a trance.
After addressing her loudly, all of a sudden Yang Chen was at a loss for words, not knowing what to say and just silently stood, rooted to the ground.
Gongsun Ling, looking at the junior apprentice brother whose name she had constantly heard recently, advised with good intentions.
However at that moment, Yang Chen's mind had already returned to his previous life and the memories of Gongsun Ling started appearing bit by bit.
In every sect, some genius disciples brimming with talent would appear and certainly Gongsun Ling was one of those genius disciples. Only the cultivation world was utterly cruel and under the fierce competition, a lot of these gifted disciples have perished due to various reasons. This was also the reason why Yang Chen did not want Zhu Chen Tao to reveal his talent.
And so in his previous life, Gongsun Ling was precisely a genius disciple who had died. However, the reason for her death was not because of other people, but rather when she was on the verge of ascending, she failed and ended up disappearing like scattered ashes and dispersed smoke. Yang Chen's impression of her was not as clear as that of Shi Qian Qian and Sun Qing Xue because of her premature death in the mortal world.
Still, during Yang Chen's cultivation in his previous life, Senior apprentice sister Gongsun Ling had guided him many times. At that time, Yang Chen had only been an ordinary disciple, but Gongsun Ling was a direct disciple*. Even when Yang Chen was in trouble once, Gongsun Ling had saved him. At his master's sect, apart from his master, at least, half of the warmth Yang Chen had received within the sect was due to Gongsun Ling.
Saving his life and other favors, the affairs of those days, although they hadn't happened yet, naturally Yang Chen could not allow the disaster of those days to be repeated since he had already found Gongsun Ling.
Gongsun Ling had an excellent, earth attributed spirit root. As for how good, Yang Chen did not know the specifics, but he remembered that Gongsun Ling had become an outer disciple in one year, had reached foundation stage in ten years, later on in less than eighty years she had entered the ranks of JieDan experts, afterwards, within a hundred years, she had reached the YuanYing stage and within five hundred years the Da Cheng stage.
At that time, Yang Chen had merely stepped into the mid-JieDan stage. Even the matter of Yang Xi putting false charges on him had not happened yet. At the moment, it could be assumed that Gongsun Ling's natural talent is rather good, not the least inferior to Shi QianQian and Sun Qing Xue. Even Yang Chen had started to doubt whether Gongsun Ling really had an earth attributed spirit root.
Gongsun Ling saw Yang Chen blankly staring at her without speaking and became somewhat angry. A lot of people were infatuated with her charm, Gongsun Ling understood this very clearly, however, she had good intentions when warning Yang Chen, but seeing him bluntly stare at her, she was really not pleased.
When Yang Chen heard Gongsun Ling's voice, he managed to wake up. Based on Yang Chen's temperament, only memories of the past could cause him to make such a mistake, otherwise, it was impossible for him to be so absent minded. Perhaps, Gongsun Ling had a place deep down in Yang Chen's heart.
Yang Chen hastily cupped his hands to express his thanks. At this point, he could clearly distinguish between his own good and bad.
Watching Gongsun Ling's charming figure leave, as if obsessed, Yang Chen stayed at his current position without any movements.
On the following day, without restraining himself by following Gongsun Ling's advice, he once again went to the Hidden Pavilion and started reading the jade slips one by one. Spending two more months on this, at last, Yang Chen had finally gone through all of the jade slips once.
Yang Chen in his previous life would always assiduously cultivate to reach the foundation stage and would only go to the Hidden Pavilion, just to look for fire attributed cultivation methods, how could he have this kind of leisure to read the all the jade slips in the Hidden Pavilion once? There were over a hundred thousand jade slips, reading an average of 500 jade slips every day took two hundred days of time from beginning to end.
Within these days, Yang Chen had unbeknownst to him acquired the nickname of a bookworm. Almost the entire Nine Earth Manor had become aware that Yang Chen had this kind of character.
Apart from 'third fire fourth fire' cultivation method, the rest of the 'first tree second tree fifth earth sixth earth seventh metal eighth metal ninth water tenth water' cultivation method had changed Yang Chen entirely already. The effects of changing were even better for the 'eight types of cultivation' method. Previously, to collect all of the bits to make the whole five phases of Yin and Yang, he could do nothing but collecting the cultivation methods of different types without thinking about the effects, but now, finally, he had found suitable cultivation methods.
The results could be seen immediately when the Yin and Yang five phases secrets began to move, when compared to those previous cultivation methods, the changed ones had a very smooth feeling to them. Additionally, because of these cultivation methods, Yang Chen's knowledge of other attributes' cultivation methods had also increased by a lot. Reading as many jade slips as he had, Yang Chen had naturally benefitted from them. Even at the qi layer, he had come to realize the spirit power of the five phases.
Adding to that Yang Chen's knowledge regarding the fire attribute, it was like removing the weeds and keeping the flower, Yang Chen had become even more knowledgeable towards the five phases' secrets. About the knowledge he could not gain, reading it again would be useless. He could only depend on himself to find the answers. After all, what's written in these books is other people's knowledge, Yang Chen must do is to grab it and convert it into his own.
The bookworm Yang Chen had come out of the Hidden Pavilion and was also not going in anymore. Suddenly, this news had spread wildly across the whole Nine Earth Manor.
Every day when Yang Chen was reading, a group of people would be forming around the scene, looking at him like he was a clown, giving a performance. Wherever Yang Chen went, he found these kinds of looks. Occasionally, a few of them did not contain this kind of ridicule but were instead filled with regret or perhaps confusion. But the entire Nine Earth Manor wasn't able to find out what he wanted to do.
But Yang Chen did not pay any attention to that, instead, according to his old habits, apart from circulating the qi through his whole body once a day, he just stayed in his tiny courtyard, meditating, quietly pondering and digesting the large amount of information he had learned from the library of the Hidden Pavilion.
Perhaps in his past life, his knowledge was too much centralized around fire attributed cultivation. When Yang Chen's mind was submerged in concentrating on each and every aspect, even if he only had the experience of the first qi layer, it would still have broadened Yang Chen's horizons. With regards to the comprehension of the Yin and Yang five phases' secrets, it had increased even more.
One month later, just as Yang Chen came out of his half secluded pondering, he immediately saw Sun Hai Jing. On Sun Hai Jing's face was a clear expression of schadenfreude. He looked at Yang Chen as if he was watching a dead person.
Yang Chen's brows slightly creased. Pure Yang Palace's superiors have asked him to go out to train? What is this? Could it be arranged by Chu Heng? Thinking about it, Yang Chen slightly shook his head, Chu Heng isn't bold enough to plan this kind of thing. Moreover, only the top notch people, like the hall masters and the palace master, have the ability to order this kind of things. What does this mean?
Seeing Yang Chen's expression, Sun Hai Jing felt so delighted within his heart, as if during the hottest of summers someone had given him a watermelon to eat. When Yang Chen was in Nine Earth Manor, there was no good method to deal with him, but so long as Yang Chen leaves the MeiQing Mountain, and leaves the territory under the influence of Pure Yang Palace, then certainly Yang Chen would not be so unbridled.
This kind of person incessantly schemed against him within his master's sect, Yang Chen was already determined to kill him as he absolutely could not allow Sun Hai Jing to live.
Influenced by Yang Chen's killing intent, Sun Hai Jing was startled and his whole body shuddered, his complexion became pale in a flash, he could not help but withdraw by several steps, almost tripping on the courtyard's doorstep behind him. His figure almost stumbled and only then was he able to stand firmly. In the split second when Yang Chen's voice full of killing intent echoed in his ears, it seemed as if his soul itself had started shivering.
Perhaps this excessive show off just now had lost him too much face, so Sun Hai Jing stood firmly and after several deep breaths, his face regained a trace of color. However just like before, he was still endlessly scared. He stubbornly tried to regain his calm expression, but the muscles of his face were involuntarily trembling, absolutely unable to stabilize.
He was still really frightened.
Yang Chen was certain that Sun Hai Jing had received this information from Chu Heng's place. What Yang Chen could not understand was, why they wanted to send him, a disciple of the first qi layer, outside to train. It made no sense. Yang Chen was not anxious, however. He was sure that some people will come to notify him.
Sure enough, a few moments later, a person came to notify Yang Chen and lead him to the Nine Earth Manor's main hall. Here, Yang Chen saw Du Qian whom he had not met for a long time. Furthermore, Chu Heng was also present, and to his surprise, even Gongsun Ling was there.
Chu Heng was speaking with an appearance of guiding him patiently and systematically, like a good teacher.
Yang Chen looked over at Du Qian with suspicion. Of course, Du Qian was aware of Yang Chen's doubt, but he only smiled and nodded his head slightly without saying anything. Yang Chen was convinced that Du Qian would not harm him, so this was absolutely not planned by Chu Heng.
Yang Chen responded without saying much. But Gongsun Ling, standing on the side, was baffled when looking at Yang Chen. For what reason could a disciple of the first qi layer be allowed to go outside to train. Not only Gongsun Ling but Yang Chen himself did not understand the reason. This affair was really quite surprising, he did not know what to think about these kinds of arrangements.
These words were very righteous, but Yang Chen was very clear about the meaning hidden within them.
While speaking he handed a talisman to Yang Chen.
NineAnime is the best site to reading Zhanxian Zhanxian Chapter 33 free online. You can also go Novels Genres to read other novel or check Latest Releases for new releases.


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Gaming Strategies for kids and Adults
In 2021, the best online games for Mac will be
The Mac is a fantastic productivity platform. Nonetheless, finding online games to play on your Mac may be a challenge. There aren't as many games on the platform as on Windows. This is intriguing because iOS is the best mobile gaming platform. But it doesn't mean you won't have plenty of terrific choices.
We've put up a selection of the finest Mac Online games for you. There's a Mac game for everyone, from MOBAs to first-person shooters to 4X Strategy. Let's continue reading to see which one is right for you.
ARK: Survival Evolved is the first game in the ARK series.
This is one of my favorites. ARK is a multiplayer online survival game, as the name implies. You're on an island with gigantic dinosaurs and other players, and you're alone. Everything from a fire to defense to residential constructions must be built from the ground up. Like Minecraft, you mine the environment for resources, but you must keep an eye out for human and dinosaur opponents.
This is a game that requires a lot of concentration. Make sure your Mac's graphics drivers are up to date. And if you run it on a Mac with a dedicated graphics card, you'll get the finest results. Remember that while this is an online game, it is a paid title. However, given the amount of information, you're receiving more than your money's worth.
Rocket League is the second game.
If you're looking for a game that combines sports with vehicle-fighting, this is the game for you. Rocket League is a simple concept to grasp: you're playing football, but you're driving turbo-powered rocket cars instead of players. Thanks to its competitive sports origins, rocket League plays smoothly on a wide range of Macs. It's a high-end game with a reasonable price tag, so it's not a big investment. You'll never have trouble locating other players because the game is available on various platforms, including Mac.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is the third game in the Counter-Strike series.
Counter-Strike is a true classic in the field of first-person shooters. Almost everyone has played a game of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive or Counter-Strike: 1.6 at some point. It looks alright as a Source engine update to the classic, but it runs on absolutely any system. It makes no difference if you have a $5000 Mac Pro or an older Macbook Air. This is one of those online games that can run on almost any device. You may play Dust2 on Mac as well if you want to shoot some counter-terrorists.
Minecraft is number four.
This is now a multiplayer online game ported to almost every platform imaginable. Mac is no different, and Minecraft is simple to port because it is written in Java. As a result, you get the full, full-fat Mac experience without any sacrifices. You get the same crafting and survival experience in a vast, randomly generated world.
This is a game with graphics that adjust to your computer's specifications. On current MacBooks with integrated graphics, you'll enjoy a terrific core experience. However, with the settings turned up to 11, your Mac Pro or iMac will sparkle.
Heroes of the Storm (#5)
This hugely popular multiplayer MOBA combines elements from popular games like Warcraft, Diablo, and Overwatch. As a free-to-play videogame, you can jump right into the hero brawler action without having to spend any money.
Heroes of the Storm is built to run well on a wide range of platforms due to its e-sports heritage, so even entry-level Macs will be able to handle it. With 87 different playable characters, each with their skills, strengths, and weaknesses, Heroes of the Storm caters to a wide range of play styles.
Civilization VI by Sid Meier
Both online and offline, this is a fantastic game. This is one of the best 4X Strategy games available on any platform, as it is the most recent title in the Civilization series. The Mac isn't the only Apple platform where Civilization 6 is accessible: good iOS ports for iPad and iPhone are also available. You'll obtain a comprehensive strategy education that will take you through the ages as one of many world leaders.
Individual games can last for several hours. If you want the full multiplayer experience, there's even an online "no-quit" community of gamers committed to finishing each session. This is yet another game that doesn't use many system resources. On a Retina iMac or MacBook display, you might even be able to get it to run in native resolution.
Dota 2 is number seven.
This is unquestionably a Valve classic. Dota 2 is the MOBA game that League of Legends and Heroes of the Storm strive to be. It is based on a Warcraft 3 mod. You receive a basic MOBA experience, probably the most influential MOBA experience in the genre's history. As a hero, you fight on either side of the map against opponents and enemy creeps, using special powers wisely.
As in other MOBAs, your goal is to demolish the opponent base on the other side of the map. The graphics are beautiful at higher settings, but this game can be scaled to any size. Dota 2 is a freemium game that you can play on your Mac for free, and it will look and operate well on a variety of Macs. There's also a vibrant Dota 2 community to become involved with.
Hearthstone (number 8)
This is a one-of-a-kind turn-based multiplayer card online game based on the Warcraft series. You use a deck of cards and a mana budget to reduce enemy health to zero using a combination of strategy and a powerful deck.
Hearthstone is a free-to-play game with no actual obstacles to entry: Because of the game's low system requirements, you can play it right away on any Mac. This is the game for you if you're looking for a low-key strategy game.
EVE Online (version 9)
Last but not least, one of gaming's most fantastic online communities should not be overlooked. EVE Online has been in existence for more than a decade, and the Mac port emulates a full-fat desktop environment. For the game's amazing visual effects, you'll need a powerful discrete graphics card, although it still runs smoothly on lower-end hardware.
EVE's allure stems from the amount of role-playing that players engage in. In this sci-fi world, you can be anything: a pirate, a capitalist, or a diplomat. A lot of player interaction happens offline, with real-money purchases of things and ships and treaties between groups. The best part is that EVE Online has made the transition to a fantastic Free to Play model. With no money, you'll be able to have a lot of great adventures.
I'm going to sign off…
There aren't as many online games on Mac as on other platforms, and it does, however, have an abundance of great, high-quality titles in every category. We're confident you've found a Mac online game that's right for you if you've looked through our list.
There's something for everyone here, whether it's Rocket League's vehicle fighting, Fortnite's battle royale, or Civilization VI's slow-paced global dominance. Because many of these online games are free to play, you may download them to your Mac and play them right away.
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NPSL preseason training schedule !
https://osapac.giuseppepezzano.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/magnuson_aerial_1200px.jpg 808 1200 osafc https://www.osafootballclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/logo_sito_new_110.png osafc2014-12-26 08:08:492014-12-26 08:08:49NPSL preseason training schedule !
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Home Activism Accountability Did Bush's New Homeland Chief Shield Terror Ring in New Jersey?
Did Bush's New Homeland Chief Shield Terror Ring in New Jersey?
Daniel Hopsicker
Michael Chertoff, appointed by President Bush to head the Homeland Security Department, may have shielded from criminal prosecution a former client suspected by law enforcement of having funneled millions of dollars directly to Osama Bin Laden while in charge of the U.S. Government's 9.11 investigation. Egyptian-born Dr. Magdy el-Amir, a prominent New Jersey neurologist, was at the center of terrorist intrigue in Jersey City.
El-Amir gave money to a conspirator in the 1993 World Trade Center Bombing Sheik Omar Abdel Rahman.
His brother in Cairo was caught on tape attempting to buy weapons from an American undercover agent for Islamic militant groups.
Before being arrested in a terrorist deal involving oil and heroin for guns and training, arms smuggler Diaa Mohsen was paid at least $5,000 by one of Dr. el Amir's companies, NBC's Dateline reported.
And his HMO was suspected by law enforcement of being used to funnel money directly to Osama bin laden.
WIRE TRANSFERS TO "UNKNOWN PARTIES"
Chertoff's client "caused more than $5.7 million to be paid by wire transfers to unknown parties," said the lawsuit filed shortly before the state took over his failing HMO. News accounts about el-Amir's legal difficulties contain unanswered questions about undue political influence and its effect on national security.
For example, how did el-Amir, who only the month before had been granted a state license to operate an HMO, finagle a lucrative contract from the state of New Jersey in 1995? "Why was this doctor allowed to start a health plan?" asked the October 25, 1999 issue of the medical trade journal Medical Economics.
"How could this medical entrepreneur, who had no experience running a managed-care or health insurance company, receive a license for an HMO that now provides care to 44,000 of New Jersey's most vulnerable citizens?" asked The Bergen Record. "Moreover, how could the state pay such a novice $ 6 million a month in taxpayers money to take on such a responsibility?"
Why did Michael Chertoff even take the case?
SKIMMING FOR OSAMA IN NEW JERSEY
Answers were slow in coming, until it was revealed that at the same time el-Amir was pitching state business he had begun making generous contributions to the governing Republican party, donating nearly $ 18,000 to various GOP candidates in 1996.
And a foreign intelligence report made available to the Chairman of the House International Committee alleged that an HMO owned by Dr. el Amir in New Jersey was "funded by Ben Laden," and that in turn Dr. el Amir was skimming money from the HMO to fund "terrorist activities."'… Stuff like that doesn't happen, does it? In New Jersey?
Barely three years after enrolling its first patient, APPP lay in financial ruins, its network doctors and hospitals were saddled with millions of dollars in unpaid claims, and its founder had retained the services of Michael Chertoff.
Did Chertoff know where the stolen money was going?
"Frankly, we can't differentiate between terrorism and organized crime and drug dealing," then-Asst Attorney General Michael Chertoff told the Senate Banking Committee looking into the terrorists' money trail in the aftermath of 9.11.
"These groups don't hold themselves independently: They work with one another. Terrorists get engaged in drug activity. They have relationships with organized crime," Chertoff said.
PAGING TONY SOPRANO
Chertoff was undoubtedly worth every penny Dr. Magdy paid him: though doctors and hospitals calculated they were owed more than $45 million, Dr. ElAmir faced no criminal charges.
When the MadCow Morning News first reported on Mob and terrorist connections to "Magic Dutch Boy" Rudi Dekkers and the covert operations conducted at the Venice Airport, Michael Chertoff was running the official U.S. investigation. Dekkers remains free. Magdy el-Amir continues to live and practice in New Jersey.
Now that Chertoff has been tapped to keep America safe, questions are sure to resurface about whether he hadn't himself been instrumental in helping to make America dangerous. Documents in the el-Amir case remain under seal. Fortunately, the following information does not. From the Bergen County Record (New Jersey) on January 24, 1999:
"For a while, Magdy Elamir looked like the Horatio Alger of managed care in New Jersey.""An Egyptian immigrant who parlayed a storefront medical practice in Jersey City into a multimillion-dollar health-care empire that served thousands of the state's poorest citizens, he lived in a Saddle River mansion and contributed generously to candidates for political office"…
"His health maintenance organization, American Preferred Provider Plan Inc., is about to be sold by state regulators to salvage some money for doctors and hospitals who calculate they're owed more than $ 45 million." Link
In August 2002, NBC's Dateline reported on the el-Amir case:
"Last fall, DATELINE obtained information about this man, Magdy el Amir. He's a prominent doctor, a neurologist with a practice in Jersey City. Born and educated in Egypt, he moved to this country about 20 years ago and since then has built a fortune…
MY BROTHER LIKES TANKS, IS ALL.
"Well, take a look at this document obtained by DATELINE last fall. A foreign intelligence report that makes a startling allegation about the doctor, that he has had financial ties with Osama bin Laden for years. The report was given to a senior member of Congress, Ben Gilman, back in 1998 when he was chairman of the House International Relations Committee…"The report alleges that an HMO owned by Dr. el Amir in New Jersey was "funded by Ben Laden," and that in turn Dr. el Amir was skimming money from the HMO to fund 'terrorist activities.'…
"Less than a year after the congressman says the FBI received the report, Dr. el Amir's HMO was taken over by the state of New Jersey… according to sources close to the investigation, more than $15 million is unaccounted for. Where did the money go? DATELINE has reviewed documents that show at least some of it went into hard-to-trace offshore bank accounts…
"But the intelligence report suggests one thing that he doesn't deny, that he has donated money to the mosque where the blind sheik once preached, Omar Abdel-Rahman, who is now in prison for his role in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing"…
"DATELINE has found another reason why federal investigators might want to pay close attention to Dr. el Amir and his family. It's something we learned when we interviewed Randy Glass, the con man-turned-undercover operative who helped the government break up an illegal weapons ring allegedly tied to terrorist groups. It turns out that one of the people recorded trying to arrange an arms deal with Randy Glass was Dr. el Amir's own brother, Mohamed, an engineer, also a US citizen now living in Egypt. And just listen to what he was interested in"…
"Mr. GLASS: (From tape) OK. They want to ship things like tanks, correct?"
"Mr. EL AMIR: (From tape) Uh-huh… No, no, no, no, just ammunition, not tanks."
"Glass says federal agents told him to drop the matter"…
"That same intelligence report that talks about Dr. [Magdy] el Amir also names his brother Mohamed as having ties to Osama bin Laden." Link
CHERTOFF FOR THE DEFENSE
The el-Amir's appear to be intimately linked with Osama bin Laden, making the following report from The Bergen Record quite puzzling, dated December 11, 1998:
"A Superior Court judge on Thursday ordered state Insurance Commissioner… to take control of American Preferred Provider Plan Inc., a health-maintenance organization for Medicaid patients allegedly bled dry by its Saddle River owner, neurologist Magdy Elamir…"But in a hint of the gravity of his legal predicament, he was represented in court by Michael Chertoff, the former U.S. attorney in Newark and counsel to U.S. Sen. Alfonse D'Amato's Whitewater investigation." Link
Yes, the soon-to-be Homeland Security Chief Michael Chertoff represented a known bin Laden operative. Perhaps more troubling, Chertoff also headed the U.S.'s investigation into the September 11th attack. From the New Jersey Law Journal, August 4, 2003:
"The Sept. 11 investigation was supervised by Assistant Attorney General Michael Chertoff, head of the U.S. Criminal Justice Division, who is now a Third Circuit judge." Link
More on Chertoff from the New Yorker, November 5, 2001:
"Since the September 11th terrorist attacks, Chertoff's office has become the funnel for what is probably the most important criminal investigation in American history, as prosecutors and F.B.I. investigators pour in to seek the boss's approval. What leads can we use from the search of a hijacker's car in Portland, Maine? Where do the hijackers' credit-card records lead?… For day-to-day decisions, Chertoff has the last word…"Graduating from Harvard Law School, in 1978… he served as a model for an intense and brilliant character in his classmate Scott Turow's book "One L,"…Link
INTENSE, BRILLIANT…CORRUPT?
Though el-Amir's HMO was known to be affiliated with bin Laden since the mid-1990s, Chertoff offers an alternate view of the HMO's financial statements. From The Record, December 18, 1998:
"Elamir's attorney, Michael Chertoff, the former U.S. attorney in Newark, offered the doctor's first in-depth defense to the state charges Thursday, insisting that Elamir had not misappropriated any funds from APPP [el-Amir's HMO]." Link
Also from The Record, December 16, 1998:
"Michael Chertoff, a former U.S. attorney who is Elamir's attorney, said the state's papers don't give the complete picture of the company's finances. "It's a one-sided picture of what's going on," he said." It would be unfortunate if the state's approach is to find someone to punish, rather than solve the problem.
"Chertoff said Elamir would like to work with the state in its effort to rehabilitate the HMO." Link
Chertoff's comments on the case made The New York Times on December 18, 1998:
""Dr. Elamir's lawyer, Michael Chertoff, said that all transactions were approved by state agencies and that his client has done nothing improper." Link
The Bergen Record printed a post-trial wrap-up of the case on February 22, 2000:
"A year after a Medicaid HMO accused of misusing state and federal funds was dissolved by the state, its founder is still enjoying a millionaire's income while the hospitals and doctors who allegedly were defrauded delay programs for the poor and fight for restitution…"APPP's founder, Saddle River neurologist Magdy Elamir, continues to practice medicine in a Jersey City storefront office and lives in a $ 1.8 million mansion in one of Bergen County's toniest suburbs, court records show. His car leases alone total $ 65,000 per year, the records show.
"The Egyptian immigrant also operates a chain of MRI facilities in Newark, Irvington, and Paterson, a limousine company, and a medical management company. Combined with his medical practice, his income totals more than $ 18,000 weekly, nearly $ 1 million a year, records show."
A REPUBLICAN VOICE FOR THE DOWNTRODDEN
'"He's still in good spirits," said Michael Chertoff, the former U.S. attorney in Newark whom Elamir hired as his defense lawyer."
"Public records in the civil case contain no reference to a criminal investigation, but court officials said some documents in the case were under seal. The state Attorney General's Office would neither confirm nor deny an investigation. The state's Medicaid fraud division is not involved in the case, a Medicaid spokesman said"…
"Elamir's property and bank accounts are worth more than $ 8.8 million, according to his financial statement, but mortgages and other liens reduce his net worth to $ 760,000″… Link
Why would New Jersey's Top Attorney Michael Chertoff represent a person of el-Amir's relatively modest financial position? Though comfortable, el-Amir had failed to reach millionaire status. Not exactly Chertoff's typical clientele, as reported by The Bergen Record on June 19, 2000:
"New Jersey is home to about 65,000 lawyers, some of whom are quite good at what they do. But if the state had a First Lawyer, or a Lawyer Laureate, it just might be Michael Chertoff…
"His counsel is sought by public corporations, politicians, government agencies, and high-profile defendants…
"Columbia/HCA, the health-care consortium… is the ninth-largest employer in the United States… As the lead attorney for Columbia, Chertoff negotiated a partial settlement of the case in May for about $ 745 million…
"When he entered private practice, Chertoff said he would not represent drug dealers and mobsters, preferring to work for "decent people."' Link
Well, after all, it was only a preference.
SOURCEBy Daniel Hopsicker, Mad Cow Productions on 1/12/05
Randy Glass
Previous articleGovernment Of the People, By the People, For the People!
Next articleJustice and 9-11
https://www.madcowprod.com/
Daniel Hopsicker is an investigative reporter, journalist, author, and documentary producer.
You can support his work by clicking the P below.
"Barry & the 'boys': The CIA, the Mob, and America's Secret History (MadCowPress, Eugene, Or. 2001); AND "Welcome to TERRORLAND:" Mohamed Atta and the 9/11 Cover-up in Florida (MadCowPress Eugene OR 2004).
His new documentary, "The NEW American DrugLords," is the sixth in his "America's Secret History" series.
9/11 Families, Experts Mount Unprecedented Challenge to NIST in New Filing
Robert Mueller helped Saudi Arabia cover up its role in 9/11 attacks: suit
Secret Terrorism Watchlist Found Unconstitutional


If magic was real, a sunset behind the mountains in Yosemite would definitely provide evidence to support that argument.
The pastel colors, ranging from pink to blue, are something other worldly. A haze over the glacier-topped mountains provide an ethereal and dreamlike feel to the soft colors that slowly turn into vibrant oranges and royal blues. The heat turns into a cool breeze as the colors transition into darker tones. Sweaters and pullovers are perfect for the cooler temperatures and light enough to tie around your waist before the sun goes down.


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News and Investigations
Leaked recording highlights UCL's disability discrimination problem
By Rob Davidson & Stephanie Frank
"I wasn't expecting just full ableism in front of my face"
The member of staff responsible for implementing Summary of Reasonable Adjustments (SoRAs) within UCL's School of European Languages, Culture and Society (SELCS) has been accused of ableism by a member of a complaints panel. The panel was convened after a disabled student claimed that the department failed to implement his SoRA. The complaint was upheld. A recording of the meeting, which was made available to the student, includes the accusation made after both the member of staff and the student had left the meeting. Another member of the panel added, "I found his attitude quite scary actually".
The student's SoRA required that audio-visual 'Lecturecast' recordings of teaching and a competent note-taker would be provided to assist their learning. Despite this being an established requisite, Lecturecast was only provided in one module the student took in the 2019/20 academic year, and the notetaker did not speak the language being taught. Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) guidance requires note-takers to have a "familiarity with subject specific vocabulary", while Equality Act 2010 Technical Guidance notes, "it is unlikely that an education provider will discharge its reasonable adjustments duty if the adjustment made provides little benefit to the student". It seems UCL has, in this case, failed to carry out this duty. The discrimination faced here is another addition to the examples of disabled students being systematically let down by the university, which was highlighted in the Disabled Students' Network (DSN) report publlished in January 2020.
Under Chapter 4, Section 5: Reasonable Adjustments of UCL's Academic Manual, the university vows to 'make reasonable adjustments to learning, teaching and assessment to support students with a disability or other ongoing medical or mental health condition'. Government changes to Disabled Students' Allowances in 2016 mean that universities are responsible for the provision of note-takers.
The member of staff reported the department's main justification for not allowing audio-visual recording in language classes to be a pedagogical one, as they were concerned that students would contribute less to the conversation if they knew they were being recorded. However, no students on this module were consulted to check if this might be the case.
During the recorded meeting, the member of staff from SELCS stated: "I can't help you run a marathon, you have to do it with your own legs. I can guide you and give you as much advice as I can, but ultimately if you don't follow through on that advice I'm not sure what progress you can realistically make". The panel repeatedly mentioned that the student's ability at the subject is not pertinent to the issue of whether the SoRA was implemented.
In an email from the staff member to the student read aloud by the panel, he said there existed "a mismatch between [the student's] intellectual strengths and learning preferences and those of language learning". These words, which may suggest learning a language simply isn't for students who require these adjustments, are strikingly similar to a testimony from Part 4: Academic departments of the Disabled Student Network's (DSN) 2020 report, where a student "was even told by a senior member of staff that UCL is an 'institution that expects a minimal level of functionality from its students."
The member of staff from SELCS further justified prohibiting Lecturecast by claiming: "It's not like actually the four hours [of language classes] per week is the be-all and end-all. You don't understand how to express a past action in [the taught language]?… Well the coursebook and the revision exercises are there for that". His words could be seen to contradict the rationale behind UCL's 70% attendance requirement, which was in place when much of this course was taught.
Unfortunately, this deeply concerning incident is not an isolated one. Last year, The Cheese Grater investigated an occurrence of ableism against a deaf student, whose provided note-taker was hard of hearing himself – something the note-taker had not disclosed. Both note-takers were provided by Randstad, an agency UCL uses regularly. This worrying resistance to fulfilling students' additional requirements has meant that students such as Mette Westander, an MSc Cognitive and Decision Sciences student, left UCL last year due to the university's perceived unwillingness to accommodate her SoRA.
A lack of knowledge surrounding disabled students' rights to reasonable adjustments may be partially to blame for these issues. The DSN report outlines how module leaders are often unaware of whether a student even has a SoRA, or how it can be accessed.
When asked whether the services of Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW) were helpful, the disabled student in question maintains: "I feel overall SSW did their best, but my understanding is that at the time (and maybe still? I don't know) SSW were not actually allowed to force departments to act if they chose not to implement SORA or other disability-related adjustments". Ultimately, a top-down approach from UCL may be required to elicit change – and to manage improved disability support within all aspects of the institution.
A spokesperson for UCL said: "All UCL students with a disability or longterm condition have the right to high quality support, ensuring they can demonstrate the full extent of their academic abilities and achieve the very best results… We have apologised to the student and both the Student Support and Wellbeing Team and the department will ensure all the recommendations made by the Panel are implemented and the best support is provided to the student moving forward."
SSW has started to recruit disability support workers directly from student communities within departments where speciality knowledge is needed. Last year, the UCL Student Experience Committee set up a Task and Finish Group, to look at the experiences of disabled students and with a view to making positive improvements. They have asked SSW and Disability Rights UK to review the student journey at UCL. This includes reviewing SoRA implementation and the complaints process. The Committee's co-chair, Professor Deborah Gill, praised their work so far, adding: "We very much welcome Professor Sasha Roseneil's appointment [to the role of Pro Vice-Provost (Equity and Inclusion)] to carry on and augment some of the important work started by this group."
In spite of recent measures perceived to improve disability support for students at UCL, substantive changes have been few and far between. Although this incident has momentarily spotlighted UCL's failure to uphold its responsibility to disabled students, many cases still go unnoticed due to a lack of knowledge and transparency surrounding disability rights.
This appeared in CG Issue 76
SELCS
How Effective was UCL's UberEats Voucher Programme?
We cannot let the persecution of Uighurs escalate
Why are lectures being held at the Royal National Hotel?
Here's How Many Societies Opted-Out of The Union's Shambolic Online Elections
UCL's ambiguous approach to Disabled Students' Allowance
The indomitable ISoc election machine
Inside the Panopticon: UCL surveillance creates a hostile environment for Tier 4 students


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2023 AECT International Convention:
"AECT 100: Reflections and Transformations"
[Call for Proposals PDF]
Convention Dates: Oct. 16 -20, 2023
Location: DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton, Orlando, FL.
The 2023 convention marks 100 years as an organization. As we continue to address critical issues within our field and in our larger societies, there is value in revisiting and reflecting on
previous contributions that have shaped our current practices and perspectives
fundamental theories and practices that contribute to today's research, policies, and practices
whether our work includes, serves, and benefits from the diversity of learners and context
We invite high-quality presentations from a wide diversity of disciplines focused on positively impacting learning and training in different contexts, such as higher education, K-12, corporate, military, government, non-profit, and health settings. In addition, we welcome empirical, theoretical, and philosophical scholarship, as well as practitioner-oriented presentations focused on improving learning.
December 21, 2022 - Call for convention proposals is released
January 30, 2023 - System opens for proposal submissions and reviewer sign-up
February 26, 2023 - Proposals Are Due, 11:59 pm US Pacific Time
Click here to read the Full Call for Proposals to prepare your online submission on January 30th, 2023.


Gas fireplaces have replaced wood burning fireplaces in many local homes. Keeping them cleaned and maintained and having them checked periodically is critical for your safety and for the efficient use of fuel.
Allred Heating Installs Gas Fireplaces! The technicians at Allred Heating are trained in the proper installation of gas furnaces, including Heat & Glo, Vermont Castings, and more. Some homes use them as a heat source and others as a clean burning alternative to wood for a cozy effect in the living or family room or even a bedroom.
Whichever you choose, it is imperative that the installation be done by a professional who has experience and training in working with gas. Your friends at Allred have worked with HVAC for over a decade and you can be assured that they will handle your installation with precision and care.
Just because gas fireplaces are not as complex as most heating and cooling systems doesn't mean that maintenance isn't important. If you purchased a home that already has a gas fireplace, call Allred Heating for a safety check before you use it for the first time. They can also check your ventilation system and do any cleaning that needs to be done.
Checking the (fake) logs should be done frequently and at the time of your first inspection with Allred they can show you how to do it as it should be done monthly if you use it frequently.
If you see any unusual behavior (Allred can discuss this with you) call immediately for one of the professionals at Allred to come check as malfunction at the least and injury at the worst can occur at this point.
You will want to clean your fireplace, logs, glass and interior, when it needs it but it is critical that you select the right cleaners. Allred will be glad to recommend the correct brands to keep the fireplace in tip-top shape. And do schedule an annual check-up.
Allred Heating is a family company who would like to be part of their family, too. Their service is fast and friendly and they will even come on weekends for emergencies. Check www.allredheating.com/testimonials for feedback then call 206-452-1991 or 425-366-7430 for an appointment.


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← Stopping the Talk and Walkin' the Walk
As Junior Wipes Out a Generation of Academics →
The "War On Terror" Is Misguided
Posted on June 20, 2007 by RagBlog
How Not to Do It: Countering Terrorism
By Veterans Intelligence Professionals for Sanity
FROM: Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity
SUBJECT: Countering Terrorism; How Not To Do It
On June 6, 2002, former FBI Special Agent Coleen Rowley testified before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary about the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 and how the FBI could do a better job detecting and disrupting terrorism. Time magazine had acquired (not from Rowley) a long letter she wrote to FBI Director Mueller listing a string of lapses in the month before 9/11 that helped account for the failure to prevent the attacks. As painful and embarrassing as it was after such tragedy to unravel the mistakes, Rowley insisted that the unraveling was necessary in order to address effectively the threat of further terrorist attacks. Her VIPS colleagues asked Rowley to review what has happened in the five years since her testimony, and we have contributed to this memorandum. In what follows, Rowley outlines how the primacy given to PR and other political factors has encumbered still further the FBI's ability to deal in reasonable and effective ways with the challenge of terrorism.
Given the effort that many of us have put into suggestions for reform, how satisfying it would be, were we able to report that appropriate correctives have been introduced to make us safer. But the bottom line is that the PR bromide to the effect that we are "safer" is incorrect. We are not safer. What follows will help explain why.
Wrong-headed actions and ideas had already taken root before that Senate hearing on June 6, 2002. Post 9/11 dragnet-detentions of innocents, official tolerance of torture (including abuse of U.S. citizens like John Walker Lindh), and panic-boosting color codes, had already been spawned from the mother of all slogans-"The Global War on Terror"-rhetorically useful, substantively inane. GWOT was about to spawn much worse.
Within a few hours of the Senate hearing five years ago, President George W. Bush reversed himself and made a surprise public announcement saying he would, after all, create a new Department of Homeland Security. The announcement seemed timed to relegate to the "in-other-news" category the disturbing things reported to the Senate earlier that day about the mistakes made during the weeks prior to 9/11. More important, the president's decision itself was one of the most egregious examples of the doing-something-for-the-sake-of-appearing to-be-doing-something-against-terrorism syndrome.
As anyone who has worked in the federal bureaucracy could immediately recognize, the creation of DHS was clearly a gross misstep on a purely pragmatic level. It created chaos by throwing together 22 agencies with 180,000 workers-many of them in jobs vital to our nation's security, both at home and abroad. It also enabled functionaries like the two Michaels-Brown and Chertoff-to immobilize key agencies like the previously well-run Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), leading to its feckless response to Hurricane Katrina.
Radical, Reckless Departures From the Law
There were so many other missteps, so much playing fast and loose with the law, that it is hard to know where to begin in critiquing the results. One transcendent error was the eagerness of senior political appointees to exploit the "9/11-Changed-Everything" chestnut to prime people into believing that effective detection and disruption of terrorism required radical departures from rules governing our criminal justice and intelligence collection systems. Departures from established law and policies were introduced quickly. Many of the worst of these came to light only later-extraordinary rendition, "black-site" imprisonment, torture, and eavesdropping without a warrant. (We now know that senior Justice Department officials strongly objected to the eavesdropping program.)
The first protests came from those most concerned with human rights and constitutional law. But, by and large, the fear-laden populace "didn't get it." The prevailing attitude seemed to be, "Who cares? I want to be safe." Everyone wants security. But all too few recognize that security and liberty are basically flip sides of the same coin. Just as there can be no meaningful liberty in a situation devoid of security, there can be no real security in a situation devoid of liberty. It took a bit longer for pragmatists to observe and explain how the draconian steps departing from established law and policy-not to mention the knee-jerk collection and storing of virtually all available information on everyone- are not, for the most part, helping to improve the country's security.
The parallel with the introduction of officially sanctioned torture is instructive. TV programs aside, many if not most Americans instinctively know there is something basically wrong with torture-that it is immoral as well as illegal and a violation of human rights. Pragmatists (experienced intelligence and law enforcement professionals, in particular) oppose torture because it does not work and often is counterproductive. Nevertheless, the president grabbed the headlines when he argued on Sept. 6, 2006 that "an alternative set of procedures" (already outlawed by the U.S. Army) for interrogation is required to extract information from terrorists. He then went on to intimidate a supine Congress into approving such procedures.
Virtually omitted from media coverage were the same-day remarks of the pragmatist chief of Army intelligence, Lt. Gen. John Kimmons, who conceded past "transgressions and mistakes" and made the Army's view quite clear: "No good intelligence is going to come from abusive practices. I think history tells us that. I think the empirical evidence of the last five years, hard years, tells us that."
Who should enjoy more credibility in this area, Bush or Kimmons?
The War on [fill in the blank]
"War! Huh… What is it good for? Absolutely nothing!" This 1969 song lyric turns out to be even more applicable to Bush's "global war on terror" than to the Vietnam War. As for "The War on Drugs," that one was readily recognized as little more than a catchy metaphor helpful in arguing for budget increases. But the use of our armed forces for war in Iraq was guaranteed to be self-defeating and to increase the terrorist threat.
— Military weapons are inherently rough, crude tools. Our rhetoric makes bombs and missiles out to be capable of "surgical strikes," but such weapons also injure and kill innocent men, women, and children, taking us down to the same low level inhabited by terrorists who rationalize the killing or injuring of civilians for their cause. Civilian casualties also serve to radicalize people and swell the terrorist ranks to the point where it becomes impossible for us to kill more terrorists than U.S. policy and actions create. (In one of his leaked memos, former defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld asked about that; he should have paused long enough to listen to the answer.) This inherent "squaring of the error" problem in applying military force in this context has been a boon to terrorist recruitment, and has spurred activity to the point of having actually quadrupled significant terrorist incidents worldwide.
— Declaring "war" on the tactic of terrorism elevates to statehood what actually may be scattered, disorganized individuals, sympathizers, and small groups. It empowers the terrorists as they add to their numbers and provides the status of statehood to what often should be regarded and treated as a rag-tag group of criminals.
— There is, of course, political advantage for a "war president" to rally Americans around the flag, but the negatives of the axioms "truth is the first casualty of war" and "all's fair in love and war" far outweigh any positives. Ultimately, the recklessness and cover-up mid-wived by the "fog of war" (everything from the friendly fire that killed Pat Tillman to the torture at Abu Ghraib and other atrocities) just magnify the "squaring the error" effect. Judiciousness-and just plain smarts-tend to be sacrificed for quick action.
— Perhaps the most insidious blowback from war is that it weakens freedom and the rule of law inside the country waging it. James Madison was typically prescient in warning of this: "No nation can preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare;" and "If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy."


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Kembang is een bestuurslaag in het regentschap Kulon Progo van de provincie Jogjakarta, Indonesië. Kembang telt 4384 inwoners (volkstelling 2010).

Plaats in Jogjakarta