When it comes to luxury vehicles, you likely already know you want the completely redesigned 2019 Acura RDX thanks to its fresh appearance, potent engine and available Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive. The only question is, which one? Acura offers the standard model with an impressive host of core features, but shoppers who want even more know to look for the available packages.
Two popular ones to compare for the 2019 Acura RDX are the Technology Package vs Advance Package. What's included with them and why might you choose one or the other?
One thing that is very important to consider when looking at your package options is that some of them aren't available without others. This is especially important to note when comparing the 2019 Acura RDX Technology and Advance packages because the Technology package is required for the Advance package. On the other hand, the Technology package can stand alone as an option for the standard, core RDX. So, when you look at the fantastic features found in the Technology package, any RDX that also has the Advance package will have the Technology features as well.
That said, the Technology package includes leather-trimmed sports seats, Acura Navigation with 3D View and Real-Time Traffic, GPS-Linked climate control, front and rear parking sensors, Blind Spot Information System, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor and the Acura/ELS Studio System with 12 speakers.
Since the Advance package must be paired with the Technology, it adds to or upgrades anything found with the Technology. Chief highlights include the adaptive damper system, rain-sensing windshield wipers, LED fog lights, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a surround view camera system with rear camera washer and the Acura/ELS Studio 3D system with 16 speakers and a 10.5-inch head-up display.
Clearly, you'll find the best of the best in the 2019 Acura RDX Advance package and Technology combo. Not sure if all these great features are necessary? Stop by Radley Acura to compare features in person. We happily serve customers from Washington D.C., Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Springfield, McLean and Falls Church.
Interested in a 2019 Acura RDX?


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EIA reports a weekly drop in U.S. crude stocks, gasoline inventories rise
The Energy Information Administration reported on Wednesday that U.S. crude inventories fell by 4.6 million barrels for the week ended Jan. 7. On average, analysts had forecast a fall of 1.6 million barrels, according to a poll conducted by S&P Global Platts. The American Petroleum Institute on Tuesday reported a 1.1 million-barrel decline, according to sources. The EIA also reported weekly inventory increases of 8 million barrels for gasoline and 2.5 million barrels for distillates. The S&P Global Platts survey expected supply gains of 3 million barrels for gasoline and 2 million barrels for distillates. The EIA data showed crude stocks at the Cushing, Okla., Nymex delivery hub edged down by 2.5 million barrels for the week. February West Texas Intermediate crude CLG22, +1.50% was up $1.25, or 1.5%, at $82.47 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It traded at $82.08 before the supply data.
BlackRock net income beats Wall Street target
BlackRock Inc. BLK, -2.19% said Friday its fourth-quarter net income increased to $1.64 billion, or $10.63 a share, from $1.55 billion, or $10.02 a share,


oldest culture in the area, the museum showcases local artifacts such as an old barber shop, a canoe from the 19th century and a tribute to the local veterans.
there are carefully assembled displays that include books and educational material, all put together by caring volunteers.
See a journal and some stockings belonging to the town's founder, or read up on the old cemeteries in the area. There's something to see from every part of the district – from clothing, to pictures, to household items.
Come and learn some of the astonishing, interesting and moving stories from around the RM of Piney at this historical central.


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GMT+8, 2019-4-21 14:58 , Processed in 0.052132 second(s), 6 queries , Apc On.


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Shark - A Thaelia's World story
Sir Thierry of Helden stared at the blank page of the Temple journal. The events that occurred at Dragonsteeth needed recording, but how to start? Tealvia demanded her priests be true to details, but she wasn't opposed to the occasional personal opinion while elucidating on the incidents. "People in general are happy being ignorant & blind. How often have I looked beyond the face of a beggar when I entered a village upon Tealvia's business? Did I actually offer that scruffy person a piece of bread or fruit, maybe even passing a copper or silver piece before moving to another place? The eternal pessimist needs concrete proof in the sincerity of mankind before he lends a hand to that beggar, preferring those who have less go to the Temples for help. It's easier to pretend the problem doesn't exist and ignore that disheveled drifter with the hopelessness in his expression. Making eye contact forces us to consider the possibility we could someday be that person in worn out clothing with no shoes to cover their feet."
Sir Thierry rubbed his forehead. "How could those people not see was going on?" He bent back to his journal. Dipping the quill in the ink pot, he stated writing.
It started simple enough.
Arias Westleigh was eighteen, and three years past due to be married. Her parents, Sean and Mary Westleigh adopted her as a member of their household when she was an infant. The local temple priestess said she had been abandoned at the temple door over night. No one could say where she'd come from or who my parents were. She looked out of place when she stood with her family, being of average build and medium height wit ash-blonde hair and black eyes. Their true son, Jonas took his role as an older brother to heart, pushing her away until Arias started to grow up, then he wouldn't let his little sister out of his sight.
Arias loved swimming. Around the village, it was common knowledge that if Arias was missing, one only need check the closest body of water. Even as a toddler, Arias could swim almost as well as one of the river otters.
Dragonsteeth wasn't just a place of beauty. The region had been blessed by the Goddess, Chanxeri. Hot springs were nestled among limestone caves dotted throughout the outlining hills. The tree-lined valley was abundant with game: Blue Eagles, Red Deer, and Golden Pheasant were found in abundant supply. The mountains were said to be home to dragons, although no one had seen any in decades. On days when the clouds are blown clear of the mountain tops, it is easy to tell how the highest peaks influenced the mountain's name. The tops are jagged, and white with snow that never melts. When the sun rises or sets, the colors reflect an eerie reddish glow, as if a massive dragon had opened its mouth to show its teeth.
Jonas became fed up waiting for Arias as normal. Graime needed every able-bodied person to help with the grape harvest. Since he hadn't found Arias, Jonas went in his sister's place instead of tending to his expected duty to apprentice at his father's blacksmith shop. She didn't care; Arias was too busy exploring an underwater shelf, trying to tempt an octopus to come out of a small crevasse when it happened the first time.
Arias felt an incredible urge to swim out further, beyond what she would normally consider the 'safe' zone. Going up to take a breath, she went back under and continued past the surf, going under the bigger waves.
First, her body started to tingle all over, and then her legs cramped. Arias knew she was in trouble, so she tried to swim to the surface, but the rest of her muscles locked up, not painfully, just momentarily froze. Then she felt a strange sensation and suddenly Arias wasn't herself. She tried to swim with her arms, but Arias' upper body wasn't responding at all. Turning, her whole body felt wrong. In fact, her vision looked different; she could smell and feel the fish around her.
When she moved her back, Arias shot forward. She opened my mouth and closed it. Wait, something was really wrong. Arias twisted around to look at her feet and saw a fish tail, well make that, a shark tail! She twisted the other way to check again. There was that shark tail.
Sweet Thaelia, it really was a shark's body! How was that possible? Arias' heart beat faster. Was she forever stuck in a sharks' body? This was not the life I had planned on, not had my parents. Am I stuck this form, or is this a temporary state?
Swimming slowly, the girl in the sharks body moved along the water. The fish ignored Arias. Either they knew she wasn't a real shark or they believed themselves too small to be of interest. It took Arias a bit to learn how to use her torpedo-shaped self. As she began to relax, it actually started to get fun. Her new shape was fast once she figured out the right way to swim and it was nice not having to come up for air.
As she explored the underwater world, a sudden sense of excitement rushed over her skin. Her senses kicked in, and Arias just had to see what was causing her skin to dance in ecstasy. Diving deeper, she slowed down, letting her instincts telling her what to do. Arias knew she was getting closer when the sensation became stronger. Starting from the bottom, she felt the need to suddenly swim up, opening my jaws as she came underneath a figure near the surface. She grabbed and held on to the slippery dark creature. The two of them crashed back to the water, the Arias shark shaking her head and biting down hard.
The sweet taste of blubber and blood overwhelmed her. She bit down until her jaws tore a huge chunk of meat from the seal. Swallowing the flesh, Arias came back for another bite. The seal, his mortal wound gushing out blood, desperately tried to escape his fate. She was faster this time, and was able to get another bite. Going back for another, Arias halted. A second shark, one larger than her, showed up at the kill.
Arias held back, letting the bigger shark have her seal. Swimming away, her head was buzzing from the experience. Arias took her time getting back.
As she approached the beach, Arias wondered if she would be able to change to her real self. Nothing happened. Arias thought about how her parents would feel. Mom would cry, thinking she'd been killed or stolen. Da knew there were worse fates than death.
Just as she thought about the family, the tingling started again. Within seconds, Arias was back to her regular self. Surprised, she almost choked on a mouthful of water. Sputtering when she reached the surface, she coughed as she headed back to shore, flattening out on the cool, sandy beach. Arias couldn't say how long she was out, but Jonas was pretty mad when he found her coming down the road to their house.
"Arias, where have you been? We need to get home, it will be dark soon." He glared at his sister. "Did you go meet a boy?" He peeked over her shoulder, watching to see if another figure snuck out of the water after she did.
"No, I went swimming, just as I told you." He'd never believe my story. Arias followed Jonas home. She couldn't wait to see if she could change again.
"I tell you, it was a female shifter. I saw her take a seal." Sir Garan of Alline insisted. "I know a true shark from a shifter. I tell you, Thierry, that female was not a natural born fish." He shifted from one foot to another, too anxious to sit down.
"There are no female shifters. Our kind only breeds males." Sir Thierry of Heldin, the leader of the Temple of the White Sharks, one of the guardian orders paced the length of his chamber. He would be 50 on his birthing day, yet his appearance was that of a man half his age. Thierry's body was warrior-lean, his brown hair still without a sign of grey. Thierry carried himself with the wisdom of his age, only the scars of many battles betrayed his years.
"Sir Breri, what have you found out in the archives? Prove to us all that what I saw wasn't my imagination." Garan asked another knight who sat in a corner sipping on a goblet of wine.
Sir Breri gave the younger man an indulging look before he answered. "At first I believed as Sir Garan, that only males carried the ability to shift."
Sir Garan started to speak until Thierry held up a hand to silence him. "Please, continue on Breri." Thierry said.
"Thank you milord" Sir Breri said tilting his head slightly in acknowledgment, "I said at first, but I went to the older records. It is written by Sir Naevin of Iraedonia, when he was Keeper of the Archives at the Temple in Zhalki that our Order was down to six female members. The women were as active as the men, patrolling the shorelines and dealing with pirates."
Sir Garan puffed out his chest as he let out "I was right! She must be a shifter. I wonder where she came from."
Thierry had had enough of the young knight's arrogance. "Garan, sit down, for Tealvia's sake! I, too, have the same thoughts." Thierry went to stand by a large window, the top half a beautifully colored stain glass depiction of the Goddess Tealvia standing on a shark, holding a triton in one hand and a handful of water lily blooms in the other. She was wearing clothing in storm black, river green, and her hair was the blue of the warm seas of Livanya. Tealvia was decorated with turquoise and pearls, both precious stones sacred to her. The water under the Goddess was teaming with sharks and otters, the two animals sacred to her. The bottom of the pane had kelp rising up from the bottom depths to stop at the watery surface. Where the stained glass stopped, a clear window began.
Thierry took peace from the Goddess' portrait. He started at the colors until his head cleared and he had made a decision. Without turning around, he stated his instructions. "Did you follow the female?"
"I…nay, Sir Thierry, I am sorry to say I forgot myself in my rush to come tell you of my discovery."
"That is no help to us. How can we consider bringing this young woman in to our order if we do not know who she is?"
Garan flushed bright red with shame. "I apologize for my short-sightedness, Your Grace."
"Take Sir Dagonet of Anglesey with you. Find out all you can of this woman but don't approach her. I will decide if she is to become one of us, or if she is to be exterminated. We can't have rogue shifters casing problems. Report back every night with your findings. Now go."
After Garan had left the room, Sir Breri stood up. "If there is one female out swimming around, there might be more. I thought our line was restricted to males. This news bothers me, Thierry, only the Grey Wolves and our order have shifters among their members. Any other shifters were long banished to Joslurek."
"That is not quite true. Recall the tale of Averell? The favored knight of Jenslu rescued stolen children of shifters."
"Averell's story is told to every boy growing up. Averell and his companions searched for two years until they located all of the kidnapped young of the Joslurekens."
"The stories leave out a key element: a few of the older children had sired children of their own. Not all of the half-breeds were accounted for. Shifters breed true. Any babe born to a shifter mother or sired by a shifter male will be a shifter as well. There is one other fact not mentioned in Averell's legend. Two of the young males sired offspring while in their primary animal form. Those babies were also able to shift."
"What happened to those born with the ability to change shape?"
Thierry stared at his fellow knight. "Need you ask?"
"They became founding members of the Knights of the Grey Wolf or the Temple of the White Shark."
Sir Thierry nodded "Aye, although our Order has become water-based creatures only and the Wolves land-based. I shall seek the counsel of Tealvia and pray she answers my questions on how to proceed from here."
Sean Westleigh shut the door of his house, weary from a day in the smithy workshop. "Mary, have you seen Jonas today?"
"Aye, my love, he was searching for Arias." She said as she set a bowl of thick lamb stew in front of her husband. "She didn't show up at the vineyard again.
"For Goddess' sake, Arias is no longer a child." He ate his meal, one eye watching the front door.
Jonas came in first. "Sorry Da, I couldn't find Arias. I went in her place to help harvest grapes." He sat down at the table. Thanking his mother when she placed a bowl of stew in front of him.
"I heard. Thank you for going in your sister's place. We'll share in the profits for our assistance. Does Graime need another day's help bringing in the grapes?"
"Nay, we picked all that's ripe. Graime said to wait for three days before we need to be there again."
Sean was interrupted by Arias walking inside. She saw the anger on her parents face and almost turned around to leave.
"Oh no you don't, Arias." My father said with a stern look, "I told you to be at the vineyard at daylight. Every villager helps with the vineyard work: we plant, we prune, and we harvest. When Graime asks, we help and in return, we all share in the profits from the wine he sells. Jonas took your place today, which left me a pair of hands short at the smithy. I have a big order to fill for the Baron of Elkondera. For your punishment, I expect you to help out Mistress Delvour in the dairy all day tomorrow. "
Arias felt trapped. All day meant bending over milking cows and goats, twice each, mucking out goat corrals and cow pastures, churning butter, and any other chores that gloomy widow could dream up for her to do. "Aye, Da." She said, refusing to make eye contact with her father.
"Look at me when I speak to you, girl!" Sean bellowed, allowing his anger to spill out. When Arias didn't immediately correct her behavior, he pushed his chair away from the table, lunging towards his wayward daughter.
She had no time to evade her father as he backhanded her across her cheek. "I said look at me while I am talking to you! Do you understand me?"
"Aye, Da, I do." She said to her father.
"Good, now get out of my sight." Sean watched his daughter leave for her bed. Satisfied she would obey him, he sat down to finish his meal in peace.
Sir Garan and Sir Dagonet waited in a copse of scrub oak. Garan resented having the older knight oversee his watch for the young girl. It had taken him three days to discover the identity of the girl. Waiting for Arias Westleigh to make another attempt at changing had been a game of cat and mouse. Garan and Dagonet had yet to see her enter the water, yet the village fishermen spoke of three more seal carcasses found in the bay over a week's time. The old men nursed their ale as they reminisced in the tavern. No one could recall a Great Shark hunting this close to shore.
Dagonet yawned, cracking his neck. "If we don't see the girl before the sun hits mid-day, we're done. My legs are cramping and my belly aches for food."
"I think Arias pass by us today. It's been three days since the last seal carcass was discovered. The urge to hunt can't be ignored." Garan said.
Sir Garan's word proved true when Arias walked by just before the sun had entered its highest point in the sky. Keeping enough distance behind not to be seen, Garan and Dogonet stayed on the girl's trail. They hid when she shed her clothing, quickly running down across the beach and in to the water. A brief flash of a fin cutting through the water's surface was enough temptation. The two knights followed suit, removing their clothing, hiding it under a cloaking spells, and entering the water.
Both men instantly changed forms, becoming great sharks. A plan agreed to in advance had Garan and Dagonet splitting up, each to check different areas of the Dragonsteeth waters. Garan lost sight of his fellow knight but he did spot Arias ahead of him, swimming beyond the protected waters of the bay.
Arias swam deep, passing by rocky shelves that were home to eels and octopus. A scent of blood caught her attention. This time the creature wasn't a seal. She swam faster, feeling other predators in the general vicinity. I don't know what the animal is, but it smells better than seals!
Arriving within visual distance, Arias was dwarfed by the shape of a dying Silverback Whale. The remnant of a harpoon was sticking just in front of the whale's right front fin. The great animal exhaled a bloody spray, its movements labored.
Arias circled the whale, other smaller sharks keeping out of her path. Letting her instincts take over, she approached the large creature's abdomen. Her eyes rolling back, Arias bit down, her ferocious jaws holding tight as she shook her head and forth. Tearing off a hunk, she swallowed. Arias came back to eat her fill. Done, she casually left the whale just as a feeding frenzy erupted. Seagulls and fish gathered eager to reap the benefits of an easy meal, no longer concerned about the other sharks.
Garan was not stupid, ever ready to take advantage of a quick meal. Zabe's Blood, I wish you'd stick around long enough so I could check you out with the ruse of eating as my cover. Garan couldn't quite help himself, tearing off a hunk of whale meat before swimming after Arias. When he saw the girl leave, it only took a few strokes of his powerful tale to catch up to her.
She continued exploring, going deep as she followed the coastline. Garan stayed within range, tracking her movements. When Arias decided to run back, Garan was behind her.
When Arias approached the beach and changed back to herself, she was surprised when Garan popped up next to her. Dagonet stood on the beach holding two bundles of clothes. The older knight handed a pile to the knight and the girl.
Dagonet had a stern look on his face as he watched her put on her clothing. "We know what you are, Arias Westleigh. You will accompany us."
What will the knights do with me? Arias' heart threatened to burst from her chest it was beating so hard but she remained quiet as she dressed.
The march to the Temple was somber. Neither of the knights said a further word to her. Entering the Temple of the White Shark, Arias was directed to a small chamber, where she was left alone. The room had a wooden table and two chairs. A tiny window, good only for letting in light kept the room from being dark. A candle in a sconce hung from the wall opposite the door.
After being alone for a lifetime, the younger knight walked through the door with two older men. Arias guessed they were Temple members from the similar outfits: a blue surcoat with a white shark worn over a gray tunic edged in white. One of the men had a black leather belt decorated with silver sea shells, with matching scabbard & knife sheaths. His knife and sword had mother-of-pearl inlaid to the hilts. The second of the two men wore a plain black belt, his sword bearing a large turquoise in the hilt.
"I am Sir Thierry, he is Sir Breri, and you have met Sir Garan." The oldest of the knights explained as he pointed out to Arias which man was who, "I'm the High Priest & Knight of our Temple, Sir Breri is our historian, and Sir Garan is a Knight of our Temple. It is he who discovered your ability to change form from human to shark."
Arias started to deny Sir Thierry's statement.
Sir Thierry took two large steps, stopping to stand inches from Arias. "Don't bother to deny the facts, girl. Sir Garan and another Knight, Sir Dagonet, witnessed your transformations. We are here to determine your fate. Villagers have complained about the seal kills. They are nervous. This week finds harbor seals washing up on shore, next time it could be a child or fisherman. As it is, the seals are leaving."
Arias jumped to her feet. "I would never attack a person, I swear it!"
"One can never be sure what an untrained shifter, especially a predator, will do when under the influence of a blood lust. How can I be certain you speak the truth?"
"I will do my best. I stay away from other sharks and big kills."
"Do you now?" Sir Garan spoke up, "I saw you eat your fill of the Blue & White today."
"Oh, well I couldn't help myself, I'll admit, but I'd NEVER attack a person. I know who I am when I'm swimming."
"Yes, that will be true for we have decided to admit you to our ranks. It will be the only method to keep close watch on your behavior while we teach you proper control. The Goddess Tealvia has given her consent. Sir Garan will escort you to your family, where your parents will be told you have been accepted to our Order. You will return back tonight where you shall take your acolyte vows."
Not live at home? Become a priestess? That means I'll never have a family or be free again! "If I refuse, then what happens?"
Sir Breri glared at her. "You will disappear; your family and all that know of you will forget you ever existed."
"Some choice, die or join you." She snorted, dropping to sit in the chair. "I'll join the Temple. It can't be that bad. At least I won't be working in the fields or forced to marry a man I don't love."
"Go with Sir Garan to make a visit to your family. We'll be ready for the ceremony when you return." The priests turned and left Arias with Sir Garan.
"Our life isn't bad once we complete our training. I think you shall enjoy yourself. We travel the lands as part of our duties."
"I've always wanted to see more than this small village." Arias replied. "Lead the way, Sir Garan. Let's hurry up and get back here." I'll do anything to have the chance to swim freely again. With a bounce in her step, Arias left the room, a smile on her face. A Knight/Priestess of the Temple of the White Shark; I like the sound of that.
Posted by Greycliffs Chronicles at Wednesday, December 21, 2011


FONTANA – Design work for the final phase of the downtown facade-rehabilitation program is under way as officials hope to maintain revitalization efforts in the city's core.
"The architect's idea was to restore those buildings to the original designs," said Don Williams, the city's community development director.
The $2.3million project will restore storefronts on Sierra Avenue between Arrow Boulevard and Valencia Avenue.
The City Council has made the facade program a top priority this year. Funding is tight. Williams said his department will ask the council later this year about financing construction.
One downtown merchant said business has improved since work was done on her shop during a previous phase.
"It looks better," said Felisa Perez, owner of Claudia's Barber and Beauty Shop, 8631 Sierra Ave., Suite B.
Soft blue paint covered the building's shabby, off-white facade. The city installed new signs and decorative lighting above a fresh set of windows. There's a new awning as well.
Perez said she has run her business there for about six years. One thing she would like to see is better lighting throughout the area.
"This part of downtown is very dark" at night, Perez said.
The city also is sprucing up facades facing the alleys.
"The idea is to light them up and make them more pleasant so people will use the parking that is back there," Williams said.


Roughly 800,000 Americans suffer from a stroke every year. Learn how to act F.A.S.T. and learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke.
Join us to have your questions about stroke prevention and care answered.
Join us at 11:30 a.m. for lunch. Presentation begins at noon.


It took me quite a while to narrow down my ideas, however with a borrowed ear and some time, this story beat out the others. Titled "Where You Belong" is a story about twins Margot and Lena. Growing up with a strict mother and father who treated their family like a revolving door, Margot decides… Continue reading Official NaNoWriMo project!
"Me, Moth. You, Flame." is now available for pre-order for the Ebook version! Since I am still learning, I am also hosting a giveaway for anyone who pre-orders, which will run through October 15th! As the official publishing day is October 16th! The Giveaway will post later today, but will be a goodie bag full… Continue reading MMYF is available for Pre-Ordering!
Me, Moth. You, Flame. – Back Cover Blurb!
I am getting down to the final details of my first book! I am super excited for it, as I have the final three chapters to write before it goes out to my wonderful beta readers and then, one final revision before it publishes, October 2018! As a thank you to everyone, I'm posting my… Continue reading Me, Moth. You, Flame. – Back Cover Blurb!


Can I use a OLYMPUS SRF-11 Ring Flash Set with my Sigma 105mm f2.8.
Or should I how easy is to attach one?
the simple answer is that as long as the internal diameter of the RF11 is sufficiently large so it doesn't cause vignetting the rest is all down to your 'engineering' skills.
people have created effective attaching elements from 3 ice lolly sticks and some epoxy in the past.
given that the RF11 located to the old 50-200, I would expect you can find a way to get a workable solution with that lens.
or something like a 62-72 step up ring would seem to sit rather well.
it would appear that the 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro with it's 62mm filter fitting isn't the same!
Thanks, good to hear you found it of use, I look forward to seeing some pics taken with the setup.


The URequest class provides additional functionality to more easily manipulate native $_POST and $_GET php arrays.
The get method returns the null value if the key name does not exist in the get variables.
The get method can be called with the optional second parameter returning a value if the key does not exist in the get variables.
The post method returns the null value if the key name does not exist in the post variables.
The post method can be called with the optional second parameter returning a value if the key does not exist in the post variables.
It is common to assign the values of an associative array to the members of an object.
This is the case for example when validating an object modification form.
The update action of the Users controller must update the user instance from POST values.
Using the setPostValuesToObject method avoids the assignment of variables posted one by one to the members of the object.
It is also possible to use setGetValuesToObject for the get method, or setValuesToObject to assign the values of any associative array to an object.
SetValuesToObject methods use setters to modify the members of an object. The class concerned must therefore implement setters for all modifiable members.
In the case below, the initialize method only loads the vHeader.html view if the request is not an Ajax request.
The isCrossSite method verifies that the query is not cross-site.


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Uninsured at Record Low
Obamacare Shopping Is Trickier Than Ever
VIDEO: Proposed Health Care Cuts
Democrats Rally Against ACA Cuts
CHIP Extended in Funding Deal
Rep. Artur Davis
Around The Table: Episode 8
Health Agencies fight Misinformation
Survivors of Gangs & Gun Violence
CA AG investigating Hospitals
Abortion on the Ballot
Shopping for Health Insurance?
Texas revamps Active Shooter Drills
Medical Debt and Credit
Texas Recasts Sex Education
Preventive Medical Services Threatened
Hospitals Cut Jobs & Services
When Medicare Deadline Looms
By Sarah Varney, Kaiser Health News Service
POSTED: October 09, 2012, 12:00 pm
San Francisco – Bruce Osterweil is a lucky man to live just a short walk from where San Francisco's Golden Gate meets the cold, rough waters of the Pacific Ocean. He is also a lucky man to have married his wife, Patricia Furlong, who has long provided the family's health insurance through her job at a small financial consulting firm.
But last month, Osterweil's wife turned 65 and decided to retire, and although she may walk away with a crystal bowl or a golden watch for all those years of service, she will also walk away from her company's generous health insurance benefits. That means Osterweil, who is 59 and a self-employed benefits consultant, is shopping for his own health insurance.
"I'm really surprised at how hard it could be for just the average person who isn't an actuary or benefits consultant to figure any of this out. It's astonishing," he says.
When a spouse or parent signs up for Medicare, it is often perplexing – and unnerving – for the rest of the family who may have grown used to cushy employer-sponsored coverage. For example, young adults up to age 26, who were covered under their parent's insurance, are no longer covered when their parent moves to Medicare.
"Medicare doesn't cover dependents," according to Joe Baker, president of the Medicare Rights Center, a patient education group with a busy hotline for those with Medicare questions. "However, if you're a dependent of someone who is losing coverage because they're retiring and going into Medicare, you can continue your coverage for 3 years under COBRA."
COBRA is a federal law that allows someone to pay full price to stay on their employer's group plan. They can also shop around for an individual plan. For healthy young adults, Baker says families should look to see if they can find less expensive coverage.
But buying an individual plan can be daunting for older adults in their late 50s or early 60s who are more likely to have some health problems. They are at the mercy of the private insurance market. "We do frequently get calls from folks," says Baker, "who cannot find insurance policies in the state in which they live either because they have pre-existing conditions or the policy is so expensive they really can't afford it."
The younger spouses of Medicare beneficiaries who have been denied coverage – and have been uninsured for six months – can apply for coverage through their state's so-called high risk pool. Baker notes that there should be better options for older adults starting in 2014, when a key provision of the federal health law will prohibit insurance companies from denying adults coverage because of a pre-existing condition.
Another confounding question is what to do when someone turns 65 and decides to keep working. Should they keep their insurance or sign up for Medicare coverage?
The answer hinges on just how big of a company you work for. "The [federal] rules are quite clear," says Baker. "If you're working at an employer with more than 20 employees and you have coverage through that employer or through a spouse working at company with more than 20 employees, you can continue to keep that coverage. That means you don't really need to enroll in Medicare."
Baker says many people will still enroll in Part A of Medicare – which covers inpatient hospital care – because there is no premium, and it may pay some of the costs not covered by your group health plan. But most don't enroll in Part B – which covers doctor's visits – because it costs about $100 dollars a month and is often largely redundant.
It is a different story if you work at a small company with fewer than 20 employees. In that case, Baker says, the federal rule is: You need to enroll in Medicare.
"Employers think they're doing people a favor, saying, 'Oh don't worry, you can stay on our plan. Don't worry about Medicare.' If they're under 20 full time employees, they risk the insurance company finding out you're Medicare eligible and saying, 'You're off the plan and by the way everything we paid after you turned 65 and were eligible for Medicare, you need to pay us back.'"
To avoid any foul ups, Baker recommends that as people near their 65th birthday, they should start talking to their human resources department or call Social Security.
This article was reprinted from kaiserhealthnews.org with permission from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent news service, is a program of the Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonpartisan health care policy research organization unaffiliated with Kaiser Permanente. This article was produced in collaboration with NPR.


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Our providers also have peering connections with other major Tier 1 providers, which allows traffic to be switched to alternate backbones should the need arise. In addition to our ultra-high bandwidth connectivity, we further ensure maximum uptime to 99% through the use of numerous climate control and filtration systems, iris scan entry, guard security, and redundant power systems, including a generator and battery backup.
In addition to smoke and heat detection devices, The Network Operations Center (NOC) are each equipped with two fire fighting systems to protect against fire hazard. A Fire Master 200 (FM200) gas-based fire suppression system uses Halon gas, which can quickly extinguish fire in 10 seconds or less, while causing no harm to electrical equipment. The pre-action dry-pipe sprinkler system provides an effective backup to the FM200 system.
Any computer facility requires a reliable air-conditioning system to prevent malfunctions due to overheating or high humidity. The Network Operations Center (NOC) strictly controls the temperature and humidity of its centers with redundant cooling air-handling units, so that all facilities can run properly.
Our physical security mainly focuses on the physical access into different areas and zones, as well as storage and handling of sensitive information within Smart-Info facilities.
Smart-Info provides 24x7 monitoring system and technical support to customers.
External doors are secured with dual identity control of Electronic Key Access and Hand Geometry Reader to ensure that only authorized individuals are allowed to admit into the facility. Furthermore, there are numbers of video surveillance cameras monitoring the facilities, and secured cages are available to give customers ability to administer and access their own equipment.
Spare servers are kept on-line of all CPU configurations. If a server were to experience a hardware failure, our network technicians would turn a key, grab the handle on the drive, pull it out, and insert it into an identical standby CPU. We would then reboot the second machine and the server would be up and running again in a matter of minutes.
1. Excellent tailor-made web design service.
Our designers are both experienced and creative. Their design can be fashionable, professional, user-friendly or funny, depending on the clients' specific need. Our designers are experience & professional enough to develop a unique website for our clients to match with its mission.
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We are regarded as one of the leading web service providers in Hong Kong. And referral is one of our major sources of business and contributes to about one third of our new business. The positive word of mouth spread by our existing clients broadens our customer-base.
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Our staff is both knowledgeable and eager to please. We deliver high quality service and respect our clients as friends so that a good customer relationship is maintained.
We are committed to excellence and our clients turn to us for the best web service available. We ensure to provide high quality design and professional advice on technical issues to our clients. This builds up confidence and trust among our clients.
Our providers also have peering connections with other major Tier 1 providers, which allows traffic to be switched to alternate backbones should the need arise. In addition to our ultra-high bandwidth connectivity, we further ensure maximum uptime to 99.9% through the use of numerous climate control and filtration systems, iris scan entry, guard security, and redundant power systems, including a generator and battery backup.
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Q: Taking Backup of files of particular limit in unix Here is the scenario,
I have 1000 files in a folder each 0f 3 MB, I want to zip all files into 50MB each zip and remove those files
50MB may contain 20 files or 10 files but that zip package should be <=50MB

A: Do they have to be separate, complete zips, or do you just want each file to be <50mb. If so, look at adding -s 50M to your zip invocation (check man zip for split)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


This blog post was written by Anna Greene, one of our amazing volunteers. The post covers the basics of some of the seed and agriculture terms being used in this year's Spring Seed Campaign.
Starting from the broader terms that encompass Groundswell's work, and moving down to the more specific, learning these terms will help you become well-versed in seed lingo!
The term "genetically modified" or "genetically engineered" is probably the most well known, but controversial term on our list. At Groundswell, we believe that this type of seed (often referred to as GM or GMOs) is harmful for long-term sustainable development. Essentially, GMOs are plants or animals created through gene splicing techniques using biotechnology and high tech laboratory techniques (also called genetic engineering or GE). This experimental technology merges DNA from different species, creating unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacterial, and viral genes that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding. Virtually all commercial GMOs are engineered to withstand direct application of herbicide and/or to produce an insecticide. Despite biotech industry promises, the jury is still out as to whether the GMO traits currently on the market offer increased yield, drought tolerance, enhanced nutrition, or any other consumer benefit. Meanwhile, a growing body of evidence connects GMOs with health problems, environmental damage and violation of farmers' and consumers' rights (NON GMO Project).
What other terms are useful to know for Groundswell and our Spring Seed Campaign?
Agroecology is one of many terms people use to describe an approach to farming – others being sustainable agriculture, ecological agriculture, low-external input agriculture or people-centered agriculture. Agroecology can be defined as farming that "centers on food production that makes the best use of nature's goods and services while not damaging these resources." It applies ecology to the design of farming systems; uses a whole-systems approach to farming and food systems; and links ecology, culture, economics and society to create healthy environments, food production and communities.
Biodiversity includes the components of biological diversity that are essential for feeding human populations and improving the quality of life. Biodiversity encompasses the variety and variability of ecosystems, animals, plants and micro-organisms that exist at the genetic, species and ecosystem levels, and which are necessary to sustain human life as well as the key functions of ecosystems. This diversity is the result of thousands of years of farmers' and breeders' activities, land and forest utilization, and fisheries and aquaculture activities combined with millions of years of natural selection (FAO).
Organic Agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems, and people. Organic agriculture relies on ecological processes, biodiversity, and natural cycles and is adapted to local conditions, rather than using inputs that can result in adverse environmental effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation, and science to benefit the shared environment, promote fair relationships, and ensure a good quality of life for all involved.
Hybrid seeds refer to a plant variety developed through a specific, controlled cross of two parent plants. Usually, the parents are naturally compatible varieties within the same species. This hybridization, or the crossing of compatible varieties, happens naturally in the wild; plant breeders basically just steer the process to control the outcome. (Mother Earth News).
Heirloom and Heritage Seeds are defined as open-pollinated varieties that were in circulation before WWII, prior to the commercial introduction of F1 hybrids and the changes in industrial agriculture that favored them. Many heirlooms are much older and have been passed down by families and traditional cultures for generations (Sow True Seed).
Seed Banks or Community-Managed Seed Banks are networks for seed saving and exchange. Seeds are collected, saved, grown out, multiplied, selected, distributed through the network and the cycle is continually repeated. In Haiti, community-managed seed banks lend seeds to farmers at the beginning of the rainy season, and then farmers pay interest in seeds so that other farmers have the same access. Seed banks are also called Seed Libraries, where you can borrow seed like you borrow a book, and return on reading (growing and multiplying). (Seed Freedom).
Want to know more? Let us know in the comments below or post via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram If you haven't signed up yet to receive your healthy, GMO-free seed packets from Groundswell, click here.


They're on the cutting edge.
Big Box Farms is tight-lipped on just how its racks are so good, but if it can back up its boasts, the future may just be green.
Because of the shorter transportation time… the shelf life of the salad mixes will be two to three times longer than that of traditionally grown and shipped bagged salads.
With an unprecedented shelf-life and the benefits of being pesticide-free, Big Box Farms is growing a revolutionary product.
Big Box Farms, a start-up in New York City, is making headlines with its revolutionary approach to both growing and marketing fresh salad products.
© 2012 Big Box Farms.


Scientists have found a new group of cells in the retina that directly affect the biological clock, an advance that may pave the way for new treatments for jet lag.
The new group of cells in the retina affect the biological clock by sending signals to a region of the brain which regulates our daily (circadian) rhythms, said researchers from University of Edinburgh in the UK.
Biological clocks are synchronised to light-dark changes and are important to regulate patterns of body temperature, brain activity, hormone production and other physiological processes.
The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is a region of the brain which co-ordinates the circadian rhythm using many different signalling molecules, including the neurohormone vasopressin, researchers said.
Researchers interfered with the signalling of light information sent to the SCN in rats.
Using a series of physiological tests, they showed that vasopressin-expressing cells in the retina are directly involved in regulating circadian rhythms.
The retina signals environmental light changes to the SCN but it was previously unclear on how this process took place, researchers said.
This research shows for the first time that the retina has its own population of vasopressin-expressing cells which communicate directly to the SCN and are involved with regulating the circadian rhythm.
This gives an insight into how the biological clock is regulated by light and could open up new therapeutic opportunities to help restore altered circadian rhythms through the eye, researchers said.
"Our exciting results show a potentially new pharmacological route to manipulate our internal biological clocks," said Mike Ludwig from University of Edinburgh.
"Studies in the future which alter vasopressin signalling through the eye could lead to developing eye drops to get rid of jet lag, but we are still a long way off from this," Ludwig said.


Reading Hog Roast originally asked us to design a new logo for them. They wanted something that looks fresh and modern, something that can also be incorporated into other marketing materials such as business cards and flyers. We are pleased to say that they were so happy with the logo that they also asked us to build a new website for them. Their old site was outdated, non responsive and wasn't search engine friendly. Since we designed and optimised the new website the traffic has increased and they've had nothing but positive feedback from their clients and associates.


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NNBV Events
Carson Nugget owner expanding into Dayton; changes ongoing
News | September 26, 2018
Anne Knowles
aknowles@nevadaappeal.com
The Carson Nugget's gift shop, Emporium, opened in February with a ribbon cutting with Mayor Bob Crowell and Dean DiLullo, CEO. The shop is inside what used to be the sports book and is one of several remodeling projects the Nugget has undertaken recently.
CARSON CITY, Nev. — The owner of the Carson Nugget is expanding his business into Dayton.
Dean DiLullo, chief executive officer of the downtown Carson City landmark, earlier this month purchased the Nevada Nugget at 6 Retail Road in Dayton.
"It's the coolest little joint in Dayton," said DiLullo, who declined to discuss the purchase price.
DiLullo is planning to beef up the casino's offerings. It now has 40 slots but is licensed for 85 and has room for expansion inside the building. Last week, a job fair to hire full- and part-time slot attendant/cashiers was held there.
DiLullo is also adding 65-inch televisions and putting in what he calls a mini-Alatte, a smaller version of the Carson Nugget's coffee and sandwich shop. And he's already added draft beer to the offerings.
DiLullo sees synergy between the two properties, and plans to cross promote them. For example, slot players in both casinos will be eligible to win a Ford Mustang on Oct. 6, one of the Nugget's quarterly car giveaways.
"Dayton is a big part of the Nugget's database," said DiLullo. "Now we have a sister property."
DiLullo still is busy making changes inside the Carson Nugget, changes that started four years ago when he bought the property.
The poker room near the east entrance is being remodeled in time for Nevada Day with a James Bond theme, including memorabilia and autographed photos from the many movies in the ongoing film series.
DiLullo recently remodeled the Carson Comedy Club, and added a show on Saturday nights, in anticipation of the filming of the pilot for "Casino Boss." In early August, Joe Piscopo and a crew spent a few days at the Nugget filming the script written by DiLullo.
"On Tuesday I get to see the first pass on it," said DiLullo, meaning an edited version of the episode. "We're hoping it gets picked up by Netflix or Amazon."
Earlier in the year, the Nugget unveiled the Emporium, a gift shop in the former sportsbook spot. It carries women's and men's apparel, food, drinks, and cigarettes.
At the same time, next to the Emporium a stage was added to The Loft, the casino's live music venue, and remodeled with a TV cube and cigar smoking area.
DiLullo is also celebrating the one-year anniversary of Slot Burger, his concept business in Las Vegas that combines beer, burgers, and slots.
"I'd love to expand that idea," said DiLullo. "We're looking for opportunities."
People: Kristina Miranda takes accountant role at Clausen & Company
Kristina Miranda, who was hired recently as a staff accountant at Clausen & Company, is currently enrolled at the University of Nevada, Reno and is earning a Bachelor of Science in business administration.
Nominations due Jan. 31 for Best Places to Work in Northern Nevada awards
People: Steven A. Caloiaro Elected as member attorney at Dickinson Wright
People: Dierra Luckett hired as sales officer with City National Bank
People: John R. Funk named shareholder of Gunderson Law Firm
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Share your photos on Instagram using #nnbizview
Gardnerville – Nevada
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Price pressures
As the summer sporting season begins and temperatures rise, our office is gearing up for one of our busiest months. In July last year, over £200 million worth of property changed hands in our area of prime central London, with signs suggesting this year will be no different.
Within our market, sales and achieved prices continue to rise, particularly in the competitive sub £5 million market. However, potential buyers are well informed and are unwilling to overpay for properties. Over-valuing by agents is increasingly common within our market, something Crayson do not advocate. Potential vendors must ensure that they launch their properties onto the market at the right price, to attract early interest and increase the chance of achieving the best value.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has admitted that it underestimated the strength of the UK economic recovery, confirming its positive outlook. However, they have expressed concern that the housing market, in its current state, could be a threat to ongoing economic recovery, thoughts which have been echoed by the Bank of England. Both have criticised unnecessary constraints on new development, as well as the increase in low deposit mortgages.
'The disconnect between vendor and purchaser expectations on price has increased, often buoyed by agents over-valuing to secure instructions.'
Nicholas Crayson
The property press continue to report conflicting stories on the fortunes of the housing market. On one hand, house price growth figures suggest a rapidly rising market, yet on the other, talk of a boom and bust cycle, particularly in London, rumbles on. This disparity is creating issues and is widening the gap between vendors' and purchasers' expectations on price.
Despite mixed messages on the health of the housing market, demand for property in our area remains strong. Over the last three months the number of properties sold in our area increased by 17% over the same period a year ago.
Sales of apartments have dominated the market so far this year, with the number sold rising 32% compared with the figure at this point a year ago. The opposite is true for houses, with sales so far this year down 21%. Flats have also outperformed houses in terms of price growth. Flats sold in our area over the last three months achieved prices per square foot that were 13.6% higher than the same period in 2013. Houses saw average prices increase at a still respectable 10.6%.
Outside prime central London, the surrounding boroughs have continued to post significant growth. The outperformance of boroughs such as Hammersmith and Fulham, Wandsworth and Lambeth has meant the significant premium for homes in Kensington & Chelsea has been eroded. Prices in Kensington & Chelsea were 196% higher than those in Lambeth in mid-2012. In April 2014, this had fallen to 166%.
Buying in prime London
The amount spent on property in prime central London has risen significantly this year. Buyers have spent an average of £157.5 million per month in our area, 27% higher than at the same point a year ago.
Aside from the ongoing scarcity of stock within our market, there is relative parity between the proportion of properties sold (by type) and those currently on the market. Whilst not dramatically different, the market for flats with two or fewer bedrooms is the most undersupplied, accounting for 60% of sales so far this year, but just 53% of properties currently on the market. Buyers looking for houses or larger flats have more choice, with these properties making up almost half (47%) of available stock.
As we reported in our previous Market Intelligence Report, the strongest growth in values continues to be for homes at the lower end of the market (under £1 million) and those priced between £2 million and £5 million, with average values within these price bands having risen by 12.7% and 12.9% respectively. Prices per square foot for homes selling in excess of £5 million have plateaued this year. However, they are still achieving values which are 28% higher than they were three years ago.
So far this year, larger properties over 5,000 square foot have accounted for 3% of transactions in our area. However, the total value of homes sold (over 5,000 square foot) exceeded £138 million, 22% of total sales by value, up from 12% in 2013.
Achieving the best price for your home
As spring turns to summer, the market in our area of prime London remains relatively buoyant. Despite the strong market conditions and vendors continuing to benefit from the number of potential buyers outpacing new instructions, it is vital that both vendors and agents are realistic about the value their properties can achieve. As competition for new instructions has intensified, some agents are over-valuing in a bid to secure instructions; a practice that is not recommended.
Put simply, vendors who achieve the best price for their property do so by bringing their home to market at the right price, creating early interest amongst buyers. Properties that are launched at an unrealistically high price are missing out on crucial selling opportunities in the early stages of marketing. The average amount of time before a property is first reduced is currently 70 days.
Unrealistic expectations of values alongside competition for new instructions means properties are still reaching the market at values that are not attracting buyers.
Within the Royal Borough, 24% of properties currently on the market have been reduced in price since they were first marketed. The highest proportion of price reductions is seen in the price bracket over £10 million (31% now reduced); this compares with just 21% of properties priced at £2 – 5 million.
Twenty-five per cent of the most prolific agents within our area (with more than five properties listed for sale) have reduced the prices of more than a third of their available stock. Comparing properties sold this year at different price bands shows that the market of over £5 million saw the highest levels of price reductions, with 36% of properties having their asking price reduced before finding a buyer. This compares to just 15% of properties over £5 million sold in 2013. For properties under £5 million, 22% had seen their asking prices reduced before finding a buyer.
Base rates have remained at a record low of 0.5% for over five years. Despite the UK economy continuing to improve, the Bank of England has said it is in no rush to increase rates. The Governor, Mark Carney has suggested the UK economy is edging closer to the point where rate rises would be needed. However, most analysts still expect that rates will not begin to rise until the first half of 2015.
In April, recommendations made in the Mortgage Market Review (MMR) were implemented and there has been much speculation about what the impact will be on the housing market. New assessment criteria, which has actually been slowly introduced since the early part of the year, means that mortgage lenders will now look at a borrower's ability to continue to meet their mortgage payments if rates rise. In conjunction with the new MMR guidelines, Lloyds Banking Group have also announced that for loans of over £500,000, they will now apply an income multiple limit of four.
The new rules do appear to be impacting the number of mortgage approvals nationally. Figures from the Bank of England suggest mortgage approvals have fallen for three consecutive months since January.
It is likely that the new lending rules will have less of an impact in prime areas of London, where high loan to value mortgages remain scarce. Indeed, Kensington & Chelsea remains one of the least mortgage reliant areas of the country. The value of outstanding £200 mortgages within our area totals £3.68 billion, just 1.6% of the total for Greater London.
The most recent European Parliamentary elections saw a significant rise in seats for Eurosceptic and far-right parties. This was evident in the UK and in many of the larger mainland European countries.
A recent review of UK economic policy has angered many MPs, with Europe urging the UK government to re-assess taxation of the housing market. The European Commission has suggested the government implement higher taxes on high value homes, increase house building, re-assess Help to Buy and implement a comprehensive council tax revaluation.
Help to Buy continues to take a bashing from Europe and the opposition parties. However, the latest figures show that London, where prices are rising most rapidly, accounted for 13% of all loans for house purchases since March 2013 but just 6% of Help to Buy transactions. Despite the upper price threshold for Help to Buy of £600,000, there have been no Help to Buy equity loans completed in Kensington & Chelsea or Westminster since the scheme was launched 13 months ago.
The European Commission and many of the parties vying for the top spot at next year's general election advocate further taxation on high value properties. However, changes to stamp duty in recent years are already yielding significant amounts for the government's coffers.
In our area of prime London, growth in values, rising transaction levels and the implementation of higher stamp duty land tax on homes sold for over £1 million, and subsequently £2 million have increased stamp duty receipts significantly.
So far this year, buyers in the Crayson market area have spent an average of £9.77 million per month on stamp duty. This compares with just £2.9 million per month five years ago. Sales over £2 million, which in 2009 made up 56% of stamp duty collected, now account for 77% of the total.


The Liberal delegates have (unfortunately in my view) voted to extend the wait back to 2013 before choosing a new Liberal leader. I've already gone over my objection to that, but it seems from what I was hearing that the LPC brought out the party leaders heavy artillery and urged acceptance of their motion, rather then accept either the 6 month requirement or a middle of the road option as my friend Jeff was putting forward. The LPC brass got their way, it seems. I'd have thought since 2006 that some of our party would learn that the Party bosses and leaders don't always know best. PERHAPS they will get it right this time, but I won't be shocked if they didn't.
On another Liberal front, this time the provincial battle, the PC's are copying their federal cousins counterparts in running the same ad over and over again attacking Dalton Mcguinty and the Liberals – mostly on the local sports events like Blue Jays baseball. I hope the OLP doesn't wait too long to respond to those… because it's an obvious copycat attempt at cementing a negative view towards the Ontario Premier.
UPDATE: Sunday June 19, 2010 – Happy Father's Day to all fathers! And, I note I'm not the only one who thinks this was a top-down engineered (or peer pressured) vote yesterday. Steve has similar views of mine. Bottom line: the vote yesterday is what it is, and those of us who disagree with this vote and this process will have to work with it.. but my impressions are we're a long ways away from having a grassroots oriented party here still.
I think another backroom deal with the Power Corp boys is the best way to choose a liberal leader.
Look how well for Canada it turned out last time!
I think it's worth noting that 89 per cent was the vote on the final amendment as amended, when the choice was March-June 2013 or October 2011, which no one wanted. Many people that supported earlier dates are in that 89 per cent, because going in October 2011 would be madness. We don't know that the results were of voting on the three sub-amendments, just that #3 got more than 50 per cent. Saying this timeline was the first choice of 89 per cent would be plain wrong.
Scott that quote from a young Liberal or two could be said in a more extreme fashion about every constitutional amendment in the party's history including OMOV which passed in Vancouver and which I gather you supported and didn't indicate was an illegimate amendment. Again, a regular member's amendment passed, not that of the party brass. I don't even recall amendments from regular members even being allowed at past conventions, only those put forth by commissions. The majority of people that spoke were regular members, I'd like names on who thse supposed ex-ministers, MPs and so on were, because they certainly didn't identify themselves as such (though I would assume everyone knew who Dion was) and if they didn't identify themselves as such what was the pressure? Some people are unhappy, but 89% is just overwhelming.
Anyone who wanted to be on the call could do so and not be denied a spot.
Under the circumstances, was there any way to do this more democratically and more inclusively and than was done under the party's current constitution?
Don't agree with this, though good points are made for delaying it and there are a lot of beenfits. With all this time hopefully come January the party will look at really changing the process of how the next leader is chosen so that they can engage as many people as possible in choosing the next Liberal leader. Time will also give potential candidates from outside the current caucus time to build a profile, hopefully leading to many different options when choosing the leader. I'm also supportive of having a fairly long leadership race, not constant campaigning or anything but when you consider the campaign for the Mayor of Toronto basically took 9 months then we should have more then a couple of months to get to know a potential Prime Minister. Maybe there will be some by-election wins before then as well.
Personally I hope to see more of Ted Hsu over the next two years, on paper his background would definitely qualify him to be an excellent leader of the Liberal Party.
Yeah it was a decision made by the party brass. There were 2700 Liberals on the call. Over 50% supported sub-amendment 3, but you, someone not on the call, are right. 1400 people on the call were party brass…. Your comment is insulting.
Insulting? please.. try not to get so over-dramatic.
A conspiracy theory and exaggeration is insulting to rationality.
It was 89% in favour from a vote of from what I understand was about 2500 delegates voting largely anonymously. I would say that's a pretty strong endorsement of delaying leadership to 2013 from the membership rather than the party brass. Bear in mind that what passed was actually NOT what the national exec put forth but a sub-amendment that was put forth by an LPC member (who happened to get Stephane Dion to agree to introduce his proposal). The delegates chose this sub-amendment over 2 other sub-amendments by a wide margin that a run-off between the top two sub-amendments wasn't even deemed necessary. If this was just the national exec and party brass enforcing their will, wouldn't the national exec's orginal motion have passed instead of an amended one? This is a significant delay of the leadership vote beyond what the national exec said they wanted.
I know some Liberals are unhappy but when something gets 89% support that's a pretty clear will being expressed.
I'd like to see the same motion debated and be passed via OMOV rather then this delegated setup.. before I accept it as a clear will being expressed – by these particular delegates? Sure.. but by all the LPC membership? Not so sure.
Scott this was basically OMOV by any measure. Was there a single LPC member who wanted to vote on this but was denied a delegate spot? Some may have had time commitments but surely some of those would have actually supported the amendments that actually passed. There were 2500 people on the call, how many do you think there would have been if it was officially OMOV?
And remember again the brass get what they wanted which was a sooner leadership race than what delegates voted for. Dion hasn't been considered part of party brass for some time and he was the only real bigwig that spoke. National exec's proposal was defeated in favour of a regular member's proposal that's something grassroots should be glad of. The membership and ridings will have power for 2 years that they've never had before.
I imagine you would have gotten a very similar result as what we had this time if this was officially OMOV and gotten a similar participation rate. The delegated aspect only had to be followed to follow the letter of the constitution. An amendment can be moved in Ottawa in Jan 2012 to make future amendments done by official OMOV and that's worth supporting but I don't think that de-legitimizes today's vote considering there doesn't seem to be a significant enough number of people (to have changed the result) who wanted to participate but were denied the chance to do so.
Anyways I just don't see reason to be disappointed with the results. You should look forward to the next 2 years of hard rebuilding and having a louder voice now. I could be wrong and the party blows it, but I think there's a realization that the party just might not exist in a decade if there aren't significant changes and more membership consultation and involvement now. I think people know the stakes now.
Sorry "Remember again the brass DIDN'T get what they wanted" it should say.
One final comment, it can't be denied that the voting on these constitutional amendments was more inclusive both in terms of ability to participate (much easier to take a phone call than to travel to Vancouver or Montreal) and cost ($20 vs $500 or more) than any votes on constitutional amendments in perhaps the entire party's history. So just bear that in mind since I didn't recall anyone saying the constitutonal votes from Vancouver or Montreal were illegitimate. I'm on board with more inclusive votes in the future (not just on constitutonal amendments with OMOV of LPC members but also for having leadership races open to the whole public), but hopefully we just move forward together going forward rather than worrying about spilt milk.
Other than Dion introducing the third amendment, there were no other arm twisting going on from the brass. At least not anyone I would recognize. So you may be a little misled here. Overall I thought it was a very democratic experience and the technology used worked well once the help line kicked in to get the initial stragglers connected.
Milken did an excellent job.
See below convo with Mike and some YLC delegates. They beg to differ.


Controversial Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) president Phillip Chiyangwa has appointed himself at the helm of the ZIFA referees committee.
In a statement released by the football association ZIFA on Wednesday, the association's president announced that he now the new boss of the referees committee which is responsible for the selection of referees for matches.
Other committees are led by the association's Vice President a move which has been met with mixed feelings.
Commenting on this issue prominent journalist Nkosana Dlamini said the appointed vindicated Chiyangwa's critics that he was indeed a glory seeker than a leader.
" This is football incent. Where does it happen that the person who is supposed to oversee the running of the country's mother body can still be, let alone appoint himself leader of a committee,. It vindicates those who have always said that Chiyangwa is a glory seeker a diabolical one at that," said Dlamini.
Chiyangwa who is also a politician and business person has in the past been criticized by many and some have doubted his capabilities to lead football.
Though he has managed to bring in convicted fraudster Wicknell Chivhayo to sponsor the association problems of funding challenges.
Recently the Mighty warriors only received $5 after their participation at the Olympics, Chiyangwa promised them stands something which is yet to materialize.
He has been appealing to soccer lovers to donate for the cause of football through ecocash since his term in office has failed to bring any fruits for Zimbabwean football.
Chiyangwa has been know for controversial statements and has at one point said that he was concerned with the state of affairs at Dynamos when he appealed for the club to fire its then coach Paulo Jorge Silva.


text:
Competitiveness Framework
New Growth Models
Why institutions matter for economic growth
Margareta Drzeniek-Hanouz Deputy Head of Social and Economic Agendas, Member of Executive Committee, World Economic Forum Geneva
World is 100 years away from gender parity but these countries are speeding things up
If you want to predict the prosperity of a country, just look at its institutions. Together, the legal and administrative organizations that underpin every society form what we economists call an "enabling environment" for the creation of wealth. When they fail, trust is eroded and economies can become damaged, as Ricardo Hausmann recently suggested. Collaboration between public and private sectors is particularly important when it comes to boosting productivity. But in the absence of strong institutions the alliance can become dysfunctional, with both sectors colluding in the pursuit of profit at the expense of the consumer.
Hausmann is right to argue that a healthy relationship between business and government should be a priority for an economy at any stage of its development. Here, institutions are key in establishing such a long-term agenda, allowing for public-private collaboration in the public interest, free from the vagaries of the legislative cycle. However, Hausmann is not correct to assert that insufficient recognition is awarded to institutions on which such a successful symbiotic relationship depends, including in the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report, our annual assessment of the economic health of more than 140 economies. The fact is, national institutional frameworks have had a pivotal influence since we began measuring competitiveness in 1979.
How do we measure the importance of a country's enabling environment for long-term economic health? The answer is through a blend of quantitative data, taken from leading agencies such as the United Nations, World Bank or OECD, as well as subjective responses from more than 15,000 top executives around the world, who respond every year to our proprietary Executive Opinion Survey. This approach allows us to measure the relative strengths and weaknesses of economies across a total of 112 separate indicators.
Most of these 112 indicators are influenced by public and private institutions – some directly, others less so. The first and most basic pillar (there are 12 in total) on which we assess an economy is dedicated to institutions, providing 16 different measurements, including observance of ethics, levels of corruption, and government efficiency and accountability.
Without strong institutions, progress in the other 11 pillars would not be easy either: the quality of electricity provision in the Infrastructure pillar, for example, or the local availability of specialized research and training in the Higher Education and Training pillar.
For those countries at the upper end of the development spectrum, institutions play an important role in maintaining economic health and keeping public-private collaboration on track, whether it is through the encouragement of industry clusters (pillar 12, Business Sophistication) or better collaboration between universities and businesses (pillar 12, Innovation).
We do this not so much out of intellectual curiosity, but to create a practical guide that will help countries make informed decisions about how to improve their economic performance. In the almost 35 years that the Forum has been measuring competitiveness, we have found, unsurprisingly, a marked correlation between those countries that have strong institutions and those that regularly appear towards the top of the Global Competitiveness Index. Out of the Nordic economies, for example, where standards of corporate ethical behaviour are generally higher, we see Finland, Denmark and Norway in the top 10 of the related indicator of the index. Nordic countries also fare well in terms of trust and the integrity of politicians – another condition for effective public-private collaboration.
Raising awareness of the importance of public-private partnerships has led to the creation of a number of National Competitiveness Councils and enabled the Forum to work with countries in every region of the world, putting in place the long-term determinants for productivity and prosperity. One such collaboration, our Competitiveness Lab in Latin America, will present key recommendations this month at our Annual Meeting in Davos.
However, indexes only work for as long as they are relevant, which is why the Global Competitiveness Report 2015-2016 will feature a revised methodology, sensitive to the world's evolving economy and the changing nature of innovation. Public and private institutions will continue to play a central role in our assessment, as without them long-term economic growth remains out of reach.
Author: Margareta Drzeniek is Director and Lead Economist, Global Competitiveness and Benchmarking Network, World Economic Forum.
Image: A man looks at the Pudong financial district of Shanghai November 20, 2013. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
Margareta Drzeniek-Hanouz, Deputy Head of Social and Economic Agendas, Member of Executive Committee, World Economic Forum Geneva
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With his new Children's Album "Butterflies Wear Sneakers," GRAMMY Winner Steve Pullara's music and topics have that unique crossover appeal to many families and genres. His songs are a combination of styles in Folk, Americana and Country.
Steve Pullara is the recipient of many Children's Music Awards such as: The GRAMMY, Two GRAMMY Nominations, Parent's Choice Gold, N.A.P.P.A. Gold and a cited inclusion into the U.S. Congressional Record mentioning his recording work for children. Review his websites at: www.StevePullara.com & www.CoolBeansMusic.com.
"From the opening track "The More Teeth Missin' The Better For Kissin'" and throughout, I became enchanted by the touching word-smithing and the rich organic sounds of the instrument arrangements. This is "Feel Good" music and I would love to see it in our local libraries, especially in the children's library. The album is a perfect collection of family friendly music and storytelling that very quickly, if you're like me...will have your whole family singing along."
"We as a universal music community of arts are sorely void of fantastic music that is family friendly. I continually find Steve's music 'hook' to be that he is tapping into an audience that needs stellar musicians and lyricists like him. An artist needs a good hook more than ever today to set them apart which is no doubt one of the reasons Steve Pullara is a Grammy Award winning artist. I think we as a universe need role models in artists who share messages of love, optimism, and hope. There's a beautiful wholesomeness and nostalgia to what Steve brings to our ears, and to our emotional and spiritual intelligence that I find endearing." -Toni Taylor-Helser, DJ & Musicologist of the popular "Barefoot Music Group" radio program in Oregon. These are two excerpts of an in depth review of this album.


From insect-eating bats in Europe that provide important pest control to seed-dispersing bats in the tropics that help sustain rainforests, bats deliver vital ecosystem services across a wide range of environments. Bat populations in large urban areas can consume up to 30,000 pounds of insects in a single night.
One of most spectacular and unusual tourist attractions in Austin, TX is the Congress Bridge bat flight from mid-March until November, where over a million Mexican free-tailed bats stream into the sky at dusk on their nightly forage for food. A popular tourist attraction, the spectacular bat flight generates millions of dollars for the city each year.
When migrating, bats can travel up to 4,000 km in one year. Africa's greatest mammal migration involves 8 million fruit bats that fly into Zambia from across the continent each year. This flight is an incredible spectacle that scientists are still unraveling. Besides the Arctic, Antarctic and a few isolated oceanic regions, bats are found everywhere on Earth. Having inhabited the planet for the last 50 million years, bats today make up nearly a quarter of the global mammal population. Although more than 1,100 bat species are now documented, bat species are still being discovered in places as varied as Madagascar, the United Kingdom, the Philippines, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Comoros islands.
The Year of the Bat will coincide with the United Nations' International Year of Forests. Bat species disperse seeds and aid pollination in temperate and tropical forests, helping to regenerate and sustain almost a third of the Earth's land area. Sustainable forestry management is essential for maintaining healthy bat populations as well as balanced ecosystems in forests and woodland areas.
Bat populations have declined alarmingly in recent decades. Despite intensified conservation efforts, over half of all bats species are now classified by the International Union for Conservation as threatened or near threatened. Habitat loss and destruction, human disturbance at hibernation sites, increasing urbanization, and epidemics such as White-nose Syndrome, which has killed more than half a million bats in the United States since 2006, are putting bats increasingly in danger. Bat species throughout the world need continued protection.
Most people are unaware that bats provide invaluable services to the environment. Fruit agriculture of primary importance to tropical economies, depends to a large extent on the ecological contributions of fruit bats. An estimated 134 plants that yield products used by humans are partially or entirely reliant on bats for seed dispersal or pollination.
Environmental experts increasingly regard bats as indicators of biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. With biodiversity as an integral part of the campaign, the Year of the Bat will encourage people across the world to get involved in bat conservation efforts, so that these fascinating "masters of the night sky" can continue to delight us and perform their invaluable services to the global environment.
The Western Great Lakes Bird and Bat Observatory will participate in this celebration in 2012. Stay tuned!


WASHINGTON, November 24, 2014 — The November 24 deadline for a nuclear accord between Iran and the West came today with the two sides still divided by numerous technical issues. They agreed to push the deadline back by seven months.
The likelihood of success as been widely viewed as remote for several weeks, though both Kerry, President Obama and the Iranians have been anxious to see the deal struck.
The economic costs of sanctions to the United States and the EU have been high, though undoubtedly lower than the high-end estimates published by the National Iranian American Council. NIAC put lost export revenue to the U.S. between 1995 and 2012 at $175 billion, with 50,000 to 65,000 potential jobs lost every year. The estimate for 2008 was up to 279,000 potential jobs lost. EU losses are believed to be double those of the U.S.
If those numbers are high, independent experts believe that they are at least in the right ballpark. In terms of the overall U.S. economy, though, the impact is quite small. The more serious impact is on Iran.
If the impact on the U.S. is relatively slight, that raises the question of why Obama and Kerry are so anxious to reach an agreement. In Kerry's case, the anxiety to sign an agreement has led him to accept personal humiliation and abuse at the hands of his Iranian counterpart, Foreign Minister Javad Zarif.
Administration desperation over an agreement is, as Ghasseminejad observes, widely known. This has given Iran the upper hand in a situation where it shouldn't have it, and has led Obama's team to concede some important points.
The most important of these is sanctions relief. The Obama Administration has offered to lift sanctions up front, before Iran has fulfilled its side of the deal. The administration argues that it can snapback the sanctions if Iran breaks the agreement, though once trade has been reestablished, there would be a great deal of political pressure not to do that.
A second issue has to do with centrifuges. Uranium is enriched by means of high-speed centrifuges which are able to separate the lighter, fissile U235 isotope from the heavier U238 isotope. Natural uranium is about 0.72 percent U235. Enriched uranium for nuclear power production is 3-5 percent U235. Nuclear weapons require uranium enriched to over 90 percent U235.
Iran has been enriching uranium to 20 percent with about 10,000 centrifuges. It could very quickly further enrich that uranium to weapon grade, especially if it takes the number of centrifuges to 18,000, as it has planned. If the number of centrifuges were cut to 4,000, breakout to enough weapon-grade uranium for bomb construction to begin would take almost a year.
American administrations have consistently demanded that Iran cease to enrich uranium and that it dismantle the centrifuges. The Obama Administration has recognized Iran's inalienable right to enrich uranium and has shifted the demand from dismantling the centrifuges to unplugging them. It has also decided not to insist that the heavy-water reactor which Iran is building in Arak and which is suitable for the production of plutonium 239, another fissile material for making nuclear weapons, be converted to a light-water reactor.
In spite of these concessions, which are extraordinary, Iran wants more. Iran has a history of deception on its nuclear program, making verification a high priority. A Reuters report suggests that the Obama Administration is prepared to waive a demand that Iran disclose the history of its program, which will make verification an exercise in imagination.
If Obama and Kerry are determined to win an important foreign policy success, the nuclear negotiations with Iran would be an excellent place to do it. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear that the administration defines success as actual nuclear non-proliferation or regional security, but as a signed agreement. Iran knows it, and so does every other country in the region, hence administration initiatives in this regard are as likely to end in chaos and heightened peril as its other foreign policies. Unless another nation acts, a nuclear Iran is a near inevitability.
PAIRED: Thanksgiving recipes & tips brining to green beans!