Ever since Washington put together an international anti-ISIS coalition, the situation in Syria and the region has become more ambiguous and blurry. The Syrian position has been to accept US airstrikes against the terrorist group as a fait accompli, while Iran continues to object to them and Moscow criticizes them sharply. What is happening inside the Russian-Iranian-Syrian alliance?
The question would disconcert most diplomats, let alone Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem, who usually weighs his word very carefully. But, to my surprise, the minister spoke unreservedly, and at the end of our meeting, he told me, "Publish whatever you see fit from what I said. I will let you judge the situation." Thus, I will have to choose what may be published from a long conversation with Syria's top diplomat that was not meant for publication, but for "comprehension." Below is what I judged to be appropriate to publish.
At the end, I came out with a thorough understanding of the workings of Syrian policy. This policy works in all circumstances in accordance with Syria's own criteria and traditions, based on the fact that it is a pivotal state in the region, a principle that Syria does not compromise on, though it manages its battles with maximum flexibility and caution, in light of the priorities of the stage.
At this point, the priority is to defeat terrorism in Syria.
Muallem, who had just underwent heart surgery, has regained some of his vitality, youthfulness, humor, and cigarettes. His vision is panoramic, without any filters or retouching, and there is no room in it for anger, emotion, impulsiveness, or weakness: it sets out priorities carefully, and manages the international and regional chess game skillfully. It loses in some instances to win in others, and proceeds with caution and confidence towards the goal.
The dangerous game initiated by President Hafez al-Assad in 1970 continues, and the Syrian player remains in position. This is the impression that one comes out after an open discussion with the minister, who has been involved in all the difficult and near-impossible chapters of the Syrian crisis, fulfilling his duty quietly and with confidence; Muallem is reminiscent of the Soviet epoch, and Minister Sergei Lavrov in particular.
We asked Minister Muallem about his relationship with his Russian counterpart. It goes beyond the political and professional to the personal, he said. They are friends in every sense of the word, and are candid with each other and never withhold – friendly of course – criticism where appropriate. In their most recent meeting, Muallem openly expressed to his friend his annoyance over the Russian diplomatic use of the term "our Western partners." He told him, "Those are not Russia's partners, but her enemies." This reflects the depth of the historical relationship between Damascus and Moscow. Let this be our first stop then.
Syrian-Russian relations, as demonstrated during the years of crisis and war, are excellent and special. Damascus is different from other friends of Russia in that it does not use this relationship to blackmail the West. Rather, Syria, culturally and emotionally, leans towards the Russians, who in turn see Syria not just as an ally but as a part of the family. Russia owes its Orthodox faith, that is, one of the key components of its national identity, to Syria. Russia owes Syria at present, just like Iran does, for the regional and international resurgence they achieved, which would not have been possible in the near term were it not for Syrian endurance.
Syrian diplomacy stands on solid ground, represented by the resilience of the republic, and the strength of its army, yet without the implication of arrogance or adventurism. Its current priorities are to manage all issues, so as to ensure continued resilience, to protect Syria from an aggression it cannot cope with, and to secure more arms for its military.
Al-Akhbar: Do you mean the S-300?
Walid Muallem: Yes, and other advanced weapons that would allow the Syrian army to face the challenges ahead.
AA: Have you received the S-300?
WM: No, but we will and other advanced weapons in a reasonable timeframe. Russian defense companies operate under a slow bureaucracy, but the main issue is going to be resolved quickly – that is, the Kremlin's political approval. This could happen very soon.
AA: Have the Russians approved a $1 billion loan?
WM: We have not requested such a loan. I do not know what the source of this information is, but it is not true. We have sufficient credit facilities from the Iranian ally. As for what we asked for, and was met with understanding and responsiveness by the Russians, it was more important than the loan: a series of economic and trade agreements that will boost the Syrian economy, and enhance [our] resilience and [help in] reconstruction.
WM: There are no disputes, but a different assessment of the situation to face the common challenge. It is us who are running the war, and our positions are governed delicately by the balance of power on the ground. The Russians and the Iranians can take tough positions vis-à-vis the US-led coalition. We are pleased with these stances, and we want them to be sustained, because they hinder aggressive tendencies in the West.
AA: Do you expect a Turkish military assault? Would you confront it?
WM: Our strategic decision is to confront any Turkish aggression militarily. We hope to have, as soon as possible, advanced weapons capabilities that would ensure we could thwart the aggression. However, we do not see a possibility for aggression by Turkey against Syria in the foreseeable future. Turkish conditions for intervention in Syria are still rejected by Washington. Moreover, such an intervention is not approved by Saudi Arabia, Turkey's main rival in the other camp. This camp is marred by contradictions, of which we benefit. In addition, Turkey's internal situation is very fragile in light of a possible Kurdish rebellion. The steadfastness of our Kurdish compatriots in Ain al-Arab thwarted Erdogan's policy, and gave President Obama, on the other hand, meaning for his air campaign. The Turkish position on ISIS' assault on Ain al-Arab rallied the Kurds everywhere against the Turkish government. Kurds, not only in Turkey, where they number 15 million, are increasingly rallying around the leadership of Abdullah Ocalan, as well as Iraq's Kurds; with every additional day of steadfastness in Ain al-Arab Massoud Barzani and his ally, Erdogan lose.
AA: But where does Damascus stand on the battle in Ain al-Arab?
WM: Ain al-Arab is Syrian. Its citizens are Syrian. We have supplied and continued to supply it with aid, weapons, and munitions, and will continue to do so. Before the Americans started their air strikes, the Syrian air force was carrying out daily air strikes against ISIS concentrations around Ain al-Arab. But this had to stop because there is no coordination with the Americans on the field.
AA: Is Salih Muslim, the leader of the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Party, a separatist?
WM: No, he is not a separatist. The party has established a self-governing administration for the Kurdish areas caught in the war. He was keen for this administration not to be exclusively Kurdish, and to include Arab tribes in those areas. The Kurdish areas in Syria in Hasakah, Manbij, and Ain al-Arab cannot secede because they are not geographically contiguous, and are also home to other communities. Furthermore, we will not allow nor recognize any secession in Syria. Syria has a mosaic of ethnic, religious, and regional components, and sanctioning any separatism will fragment the state. This will never happen. The alternative is what the state has always been, a secular, national state with multiple components and cultures represented in one framework, which can be developed democratically in line with its position, regional role, and alliances, etc.
AA: In the context of alliances, the Syrian-Iranian alliance appears deep and controversial at once. What is your take on this?
WM: Tampering with this alliance in Iran is unacceptable for Imam Khamenei and his sphere. The possible hindrances come from the liberal sphere. Each time this happens, the imam, the parliament, and the Revolutionary Guards settle the matter in Syria's favor. Iran has provided us, and continues to provide us, the arms we need, especially Iranian-made munitions. Furthermore, Tehran supports us politically, economically, and financially. We are grateful for this support, and we are confident it will continue, and with it the Iranian senior leadership's realization of the importance of the alliance with Syria. Sometimes, some Iranian politicians do not appreciate its importance. In my discussions with the Iranian Foreign Minister, Javad Zarif, I told him clearly: The steadfastness in Syria is that what allows you to negotiate from a strong position with the West on the nuclear issue.
AA: Does this mean, then, that religious conservatives in Iran are secular Syria's closest allies?
WM: Of course, because they are aware of Iranian strategic interests, and are free from pro-Western tendencies.
AA: But are there difficulties with this camp? Have they put pressure on you to change the Syrian position vis-à-vis Hamas?
WM: No, that did not happen. Our position on Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood is clear and well known to our allies. It is not a matter of debate.
AA: Does this stance, which is shared with Egypt and Syria, not open the door to reconciliation with them?
WM: For Egypt, we support the state and the armed forces, without any ambiguity, in the face of violence, terrorism, and religious extremism. Syria and Egypt, at the strategic level, are in the same trench, but the position of the Egyptian leadership regarding Syria, despite the positivity, is not yet up to the level of the common challenge. We hope that this will change soon. We understand the pressures faced by Cairo, especially in the economic field, and the need for Saudi support, but we want Egypt to regain its full Arab role; this begins in Syria.
AA: What about Saudi Arabia – is there a prospect for reconciliation?
WM: The Saudi position on the Muslim Brotherhood is in the context of its conflict with Qatar and Turkey. However, it continues to support terrorist groups, and to incite against Syria and President Bashar al-Assad. This policy is adventurous and will ultimately backfire on Saudi Arabia.
AA: Does Saudi Arabia stand to the right of the United States on Syria as a result of blind hatred? Is it because the president described its leaders after the 2006 war on Lebanon as "half men"?
WM: It's possible. But I remind you that King Abdullah visited Damascus after that famous speech, and accompanied President al-Assad to Lebanon. Saudi Arabia is hostile to us because of our independent policies toward Lebanon and Iraq; it believes that these policies undercut its regional influence. Also, the continued growth of Syrian-Iranian relations angers Riyadh, and pushes it to work against Syria.
AA: Does this mean that if things progress towards an Iranian-Western-Saudi understanding, and a Syrian-Saudi understanding regarding Lebanon and Iraq, that reconciliation may be reached?
WM: We will spare no opportunity to stop the war on Syria and ensure the safety of the Syrians. But it is those who are paying the price in blood who will decide Syrian policy in the end; this is a political reality, which the war produced. It is no longer possible to manage Syrian policy without the consent of the national public opinion. The Syrians have a certain position on Saudi Arabia because of its funding and support for the aggression on their country. The same goes for Qatar.
AA: Has there been a Qatari attempt for reconciliation?
WM: Yes. But we rejected it. The Syrian people will not accept this reconciliation. If Qatar wants reconciliation then it must take the initiative to halt support for terrorists, and to stop the campaign against Syria.


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Kane Brown (RCA Nashville/Zone 4)
WHAT IT IS: A unique artist to the country format, the 22 year-old native of Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., built an online army of fans, by posting videos of original and cover songs to his personal social profiles, which led to the viral success of his 2014 independent single, "Don't Go City on Me," and his crowd-funded EP Closer. The set debuted at #11 on iTunes and, by October 2015, reached #1 on the country chart. His official debut single, "Used to Love You Sober," which also went to #1 on the country singles chart, has now sold more than 250k copies. His latest release, Chapter 1, shot to #1 on the iTunes country albums chart and hit #1 on iTunes overall. The baritone artist, who co-penned four of the five tracks on Chapter 1, is currently on a headlining tour with 40+ sold-out shows and is set to join Florida Georgia Line for their 2016 Dig Your Roots Tour, starting in May.
ALBUM: Chapter 1 (EP)
SINGLE: "Used to Love You Sober"
LIVE: 40+ sold out shows November 2015-present; joining Florida Georgia Line, Cole Swindell & Cadillac Three on the 2016 Dig Your Roots Tour
INTERNET: 1.7m+ Facebook likes, 37m+ Facebook video views this year (188m+ total); 7.15m views on YouTube; 400k Instagram followers
RADIO: Impacted 2/16; currently #39 with 100+ stations on
PRESS: Named Artist to Watch by Huffington Post and other noteworthy news sources
BOOKING: Braeden Rountree, Rob Beckham/WME
PUBLISHING: UMPG
MANAGEMENT: Martha Earls/EFG Mgmt

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Will the Location of the Perturbation Boundary Affect the Growth Rate of the Kelvin-Helmholtz Instability?
Study of the spacecraft potential under active control and plasma density estimates using MMS observations and comparison with Cluster results.
The kinetic features of ion dynamics in the closed magnetic configurations.
Magnetic reconnection vs. Kelvin-Helmholtz instability: is the debate really over?


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arXiv.org > astro-ph > arXiv:1701.03731
Astrophysics > High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
Title:Neutrinos and Cosmic Rays Observed by IceCube
Authors:IceCube Collaboration: M. G. Aartsen, M. Ackermann, J. Adams, J. A. Aguilar, M. Ahlers, M. Ahrens, I. Al Samarai, D. Altmann, K. Andeen, T. Anderson, I. Ansseau, G. Anton, M. Archinger, C. Argüelles, J. Auffenberg, S. Axani, X. Bai, S. W. Barwick, V. Baum, R. Bay, J. J. Beatty, J. Becker Tjus, K.-H. Becker, S. BenZvi, D. Berley, E. Bernardini, A. Bernhard, D. Z. Besson, G. Binder, D. Bindig, E. Blaufuss, S. Blot, C. Bohm, M. Börner, F. Bos, D. Bose, S. Böser, O. Botner, J. Braun, L. Brayeur, H.-P. Bretz, S. Bron, A. Burgman, T. Carver, M. Casier, E. Cheung, D. Chirkin, A. Christov, K. Clark, L. Classen, S. Coenders, G. H. Collin, J. M. Conrad, D. F. Cowen, R. Cross, M. Day, J. P. A. M. de André, C. De Clercq, E. del Pino Rosendo, H. Dembinski, S. De Ridder, P. Desiati, K. D. de Vries, G. de Wasseige, M. de With, T. DeYoung, J. C. Díaz-Vélez, V. di Lorenzo, H. Dujmovic, J. P. Dumm, M. Dunkman, B. Eberhardt, T. Ehrhardt, B. Eichmann, P. Eller, S. Euler, P. A. Evenson, S. Fahey, A. R. Fazely, J. Feintzeig, J. Felde, K. Filimonov, C. Finley, S. Flis, C.-C. Fösig, A. Franckowiak, E. Friedman, T. Fuchs, T. K. Gaisser, J. Gallagher, L. Gerhardt, K. Ghorbani, W. Giang, L. Gladstone, T. Glauch, T. Glüsenkamp, A. Goldschmidt, J. G. Gonzalez, D. Grant
, Z. Griffith, C. Haack, A. Hallgren, F. Halzen, E. Hansen, T. Hansmann, K. Hanson, D. Hebecker, D. Heereman, K. Helbing, R. Hellauer, S. Hickford, J. Hignight, G. C. Hill, K. D. Hoffman, R. Hoffmann, K. Hoshina, F. Huang, M. Huber, K. Hultqvist, S. In, A. Ishihara, E. Jacobi, G. S. Japaridze, M. Jeong, K. Jero, B. J. P. Jones, W. Kang, A. Kappes, T. Karg, A. Karle, U. Katz, M. Kauer, A. Keivani, J. L. Kelley, A. Kheirandish, J. Kim, M. Kim, T. Kintscher, J. Kiryluk, T. Kittler, S. R. Klein, G. Kohnen, R. Koirala, H. Kolanoski, R. Konietz, L. Köpke, C. Kopper, S. Kopper, D. J. Koskinen, M. Kowalski, K. Krings, M. Kroll, G. Krückl, C. Krüger, J. Kunnen, S. Kunwar, N. Kurahashi, T. Kuwabara, M. Labare, J. L. Lanfranchi, M. J. Larson, F. Lauber, D. Lennarz, M. Lesiak-Bzdak, M. Leuermann, L. Lu, J. Lünemann, J. Madsen, G. Maggi, K. B. M. Mahn, S. Mancina, M. Mandelartz, R. Maruyama, K. Mase, R. Maunu, F. McNally, K. Meagher, M. Medici, M. Meier, T. Menne, G. Merino, T. Meures, S. Miarecki, T. Montaruli, M. Moulai, R. Nahnhauer, U. Naumann, G. Neer, H. Niederhausen, S. C. Nowicki, D. R. Nygren, A. Obertacke Pollmann, A. Olivas, A. O'Murchadha, T. Palczewski, H. Pandya, D. V. Pankova, P. Peiffer, Ö. Penek, J. A. Pepper, C. Pérez de los Heros, D. Pieloth, E. Pinat, P. B. Price, G. T. Przybylski, M. Quinnan, C. Raab, L. Rädel, M. Rameez, K. Rawlins, R. Reimann, B. Relethford, M. Relich, E. Resconi, W. Rhode, M. Richman, B. Riedel, S. Robertson, M. Rongen, C. Rott, T. Ruhe, D. Ryckbosch, D. Rysewyk, L. Sabbatini, S. E. Sanchez Herrera, A. Sandrock, J. Sandroos, S. Sarkar, K. Satalecka, P. Schlunder, T. Schmidt, S. Schoenen, S. Schöneberg, L. Schumacher, D. Seckel, S. Seunarine, D. Soldin, M. Song, G. M. Spiczak, C. Spiering, J. Stachurska, T. Stanev, A. Stasik, J. Stettner, A. Steuer, T. Stezelberger, R. G. Stokstad, A. Stößl, R. Ström, N. L. Strotjohann, G. W. Sullivan, M. Sutherland, H. Taavola, I. Taboada, J. Tatar, F. Tenholt, S. Ter-Antonyan, A. Terliuk, G. Tešić, S. Tilav, P. A. Toale, M. N. Tobin, S. Toscano, D. Tosi, M. Tselengidou, C. F. Tung, A. Turcati, E. Unger, M. Usner, J. Vandenbroucke, N. van Eijndhoven, S. Vanheule, M. van Rossem, J. van Santen, M. Vehring, M. Voge, E. Vogel, M. Vraeghe, C. Walck, A. Wallace, M. Wallraff, N. Wandkowsky, A. Waza, Ch. Weaver, M. J. Weiss, C. Wendt, S. Westerhoff, B. J. Whelan, S. Wickmann, K. Wiebe, C. H. Wiebusch, L. Wille, D. R. Williams, L. Wills, M. Wolf, T. R. Wood, E. Woolsey, K. Woschnagg, D. L. Xu, X. W. Xu, Y. Xu, J. P. Yanez, G. Yodh, S. Yoshida, M. Zoll
et al. (206 additional authors not shown)
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Abstract: The core mission of the IceCube Neutrino observatory is to study the origin and propagation of cosmic rays. IceCube, with its surface component IceTop, observes multiple signatures to accomplish this mission. Most important are the astrophysical neutrinos that are produced in interactions of cosmic rays, close to their sources and in interstellar space. IceCube is the first instrument that measures the properties of this astrophysical neutrino flux, and constrains its origin. In addition, the spectrum, composition and anisotropy of the local cosmic-ray flux are obtained from measurements of atmospheric muons and showers. Here we provide an overview of recent findings from the analysis of IceCube data, and their implications on our understanding of cosmic rays.
Comments: Review article, to appear in Advances in Space Research, special issue "Origins of Cosmic Rays"
Subjects: High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena (astro-ph.HE)
Journal reference: Advances in Space Research 62 (2018) 2902-2930
Cite as: arXiv:1701.03731 [astro-ph.HE]
(or arXiv:1701.03731v1 [astro-ph.HE] for this version)
From: Markus Ackermann [view email]
[v1] Fri, 13 Jan 2017 17:09:27 UTC (8,815 KB)
astro-ph.HE


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School Counselors: School? Community? Or Both?
By Dr. Shari Sevier, L.P.C.
I'll never forget the phone call I received during the Martin Luther King weekend. One of our most popular seniors, his family and their family dog had died of carbon monoxide poisoning in their home. Our students were wrecked, and their parents were calling for help. It didn't matter that it was a holiday weekend; our department turned out in force, showing up at the home of the parent who had called us. We spent the evening comforting our students, talking with parents, and making plans for a response at the school on Monday. Even though the school was technically closed, we opened the doors for the community. Kids and parents piled in and, guided by a school psychologist and a grief specialist, we took part in one of the most amazing group experiences I'd ever witnessed. It didn't dawn on any of the school counselors that we were doing community outreach; we were doing what was best for our students, and bringing the community together was best.
Every week I hear about school counselors who quietly devote time to their communities. Some work in hospitals running support groups, some provide tutoring after hours, some provide comfort and counseling to families reeling from loss. I recently provided professional development for a small school district on the topic of bullying. I was struck when the school counselor suggested engaging the local churches in using the same terminology for their programs that the school would be using. She spoke of the value of a consistent message and language throughout the community. I got goosebumps as I listened to her.
Yes, we are "school" counselors. But never once have I heard a school counselor say no to the needs of their community. Being a school counselor means embracing not just the school building but the entire community. School counselors work hard to support the whole child, and that often means being instrumental in coordinating services and leading the charge in times of need. There are no boundary lines that say "this is where our work ends." School counselors are the unsung heroes of their communities, the backbone of student services and family needs.
As we approach the traditional time of the year when giving is at the forefront, I am especially mindful of the work of school counselors. I am in awe of your selflessness, your community spirit, and the love you have for your students. Thank you for your work on behalf of others; it does not go unnoticed. Blessings and thanks to all of you!
Contact Dr. Shari Sevier, L.P.C., MSCA director of advocacy, at drsharisevier@gmail.com.
Military-Connected Youth in Your School and Community
In Your Community: Ethical Behavior Is Context-Dependent
Bridging Students to the Community
Getting Creative with Community Partnerships


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Biology Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for biology researchers, academics, and students. It only takes a minute to sign up.
Very frequent multiple births in humans
18th century Feodor Vassilyev is said to have had children by two wives, each of whom only ever had twins, triplets or quadruplets. His first wife has 16 sets of twins, 7 of triplets and 4 of quads; his second had 6 sets of twins and 2 of triplets. Is there any known plausible biological explanation for this, or do we have to dismiss it as a fabrication?
I could understand a woman's body being unusually susceptible to multiple births. I can't find information on whether these women tended to have monozygotic or polyzygotic offspring, but neither option seems unviable to me. However, since it's unlikely two of Feodor's sexual partners would share such a trait, one would think to attribute it to him. Presumably there would have to be a mechanism by which paternal DNA can trigger embryo fissions, in which case I imagine the offspring would be polyzygotic.
human-biology reproduction human-genetics
J.G.J.G.
$\begingroup$ The probability of having twins is hereditary (see this non-peer review source of information) $\endgroup$
– Remi.b
Risk factors for dizygotic twinning are related to multiple follicular development, and include maternal family history, ethnicity, geography, maternal parity, maternal age, and, of course, use of assisted reproductive technology. There may be a genetic component to monozygotic twinning as well, but that rate is fairly consistent across populations. Other risk factors, such as diet and supplementation, have been proposed, but the data are less robust. There are some interesting studies demonstrating geographic clusters of twinning, but these tend to be demographic clusters that are associated with other risk factors.
Though a higher risk of twinning can be transmitted from a father to his daughters, the father's family history of twinning is not a significant risk factor (for his own children to be twins). To clarify -- if a man has a family history of multiple births, his children are no more likely to be twins than the general population, but his daughers are more likely to give birth to twins. This study is one example of the studies that have shown a significant independent association between maternal family history and twinning, with no significant independent association with paternal family history.
As far as the case of Feodor Vassilyev is concerned, many people have lived on this earth, making very unlikely events in a single instance more likely to have ever occurred. I would say this case is either a hoax or a rare chance event. There is no modern data I'm aware of that would support a paternal genetic reason that this particular man produced so many multiples.
De NovoDe Novo
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Ours was the first People to People Ambassador Program law delegation to travel to Brazil. We went with great anticipation. We were excited about the prospects of fostering one-on-one dialogues with Brazilian lawyers. We knew that this delegation was important not only because of the possibility for future collaboration between the two legal communities, but also because of the personal importance it had for each of us. We wanted to experience the diverse Brazilian culture as well as gain an understanding of Brazilian law. In the end, the delegates individually and collectively accomplished these goals.
In many ways, what we learned in Brazil was a breath of fresh air. There flowers bloom year round and the beaches belong to the people. Brazil is a country of sambas and happiness. In fact, the country was discussing a national amendment, which would make "happiness" a national right. Ours was a wonderful adventure, some of which is captured in the journal, which follows. But the reader should not get the impression that Brazil is simply a country of music and fun. Rather, it is a country that has strong leadership, a sound democracy, and is a player in the world stage. It is a key economic and political leader, not only in Latin America but also the world. Brazil is one of the largest and fastest growing emerging markets in the world. Brazil's position in the world can be seen by the fact that in 2014 it will host the World Cup and in 2016 the Summer Olympics.
Brazil is a very large country and can be divided into five regions, each with its uniqueness and culture. Our delegations' time was concentrated in the Southeast in two of the country's largest cities. In Sau Paulo we met with the Brazil Bar Association, toured the Supreme Federal Court of the 3rd Region and met with the representatives of the prestigious Pinheiro Neto law firm who explained common litigation issues in Brazil as well as the Brazilian Legal System and the Court System. In Sau Paulo the delegation enjoyed Rio's famous sunset on Sugar Loaf Mountain, viewed the iconic Cristo Redentor, experienced the samba and toured the Carnival grounds. And then there are the beaches in Rio. We will never forget our hotel on a Rio beach or the Brazilian people. It was quite an adventure.
Our Delegation totaled 29 people. Most were lawyers, some were guests. During our nine-day adventure in Brazil we were always positive. We worked and played together. Perhaps the positive tone was set the first night after the briefing when our national guide, Marcella Granatiere, arranged a demonstration on how to make the Brazilian national drink which the delegates participated in. We learned many things while in Brazil. We learned that Brazilian Law comes from Portuguese civil law and is based on statutes, although stare decisis is now coming into play. We learned that the Brazilian culture is a culture that is very diverse. We learned that the religion of most Brazilians is Catholocism and that Brazil has the largest Catholic population in the world. We learned that Brazilians love their music and that they have many holidays. We learned that they, like other countries, have their problems and challenges. Some are unique to Brazil; others are similar to other countries. We learned that two million people gather on a beach in Rio on New Year's Eve. We learned that Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, with its elaborate parades and samba schools, which participate, is alive and well. We learned that we want to go back.


Vision Systems, General. Automation, Systems.
WWW Link. Vendor, Inspection. Industrial Automation and Inspection systems.
WWW Link. Vendor, Inspection. Industrial Automation and Inspection systems. Eyebot.
WWW Link. Vendor, Inspection. Industrial Automation and Inspection systems. Especially flat panel display inspection systems.
WWW Link. Vendor, Inspection. Industrial Automation, Assembly, Metrology, and Inspection systems.
WWW Link. Vendor, Inspection. Europe based company. Cameras, hardware and software.
WWW Link. Vendor, Inspection. Vendor, Transportation. Inspection and intelligent transportation systems.
IEEE_EXPERT(1), Spring 1986, pp. 63-83.
PAMI(10), No. 3, May 1988, pp. 291-309.
PR(17), No. 1, 1984, pp. 169-176.
IVC(8), No. 3, August 1990, pp. 225-232.
SMC-B(27), No. 6, December 1997, pp. 1022-1030.
MVA(12), No. 4, 2000, pp. 157-157.
MVA(16), No. 1, December 2004, pp. 21-26.
MVA(23), No. 1, January 2012, pp. 43-63.
Other Industrial Applications Areas .


Now open in Rochester, NY, College Town is an exciting new mixed-use, close-knit district providing the broader Rochester community, University of Rochester and University of Rochester Medical Center students, faculty and staff a one-of-a-kind, vibrant 24/7 environment to live, learn, dine, shop, work and play. Strategically located at the intersection of Mount Hope and Elmwood Avenue, College Town features 125,000 SF of street level retail, including a two-level Barnes and Noble university/community bookstore; a 136-room Hilton Garden Inn Hotel; 50,000 SF of new class A office space; and, 150 new high end apartment units known as Mount Hope Lofts. Developed by Gilbane Development Company and Fairmount Properties, College Town is perfectly positioned to bring Rochester's booming higher education and medical community together with a 5-county population of over 1 million people to enjoy new-to-market retail and restaurant options to meet every taste and style, as well as family-oriented and other programming for gathering and recreating. Stay updated on the latest openings, events, and deals on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Whether you're single or married with children, Rochester is an ideal "home"—providing what you need, as well as what you like, as you fulfill your residency or fellowship requirements at URMC.


Meet Anil Batra, my favorite guru of Analytics. It so happens that he also works with me at Ascentium as Chief Analytics Officer.
Last week, Anil was one of seven newly elected board members to Web Analytics Association (WAA). This is the leading association within the web analytics industry that supports its members by providing quality education, developing standards and best practices, conducting research and advocating for the industry's issues.
Anil will bring much passion and energy to the WAA. He has been a thought-leader in the field of Web Analytics for the past five years and writes one of the industry's most popular blogs. As marketing continues to evolve with emerging new media, analytics strategy and the ability to optimize campaigns and other marketing efforts are becoming center piece issues on the minds of CMO's. As Anil would say, what are we trying to do here? And why? And how will we appropriately measure and optimize to meet or exceed goals. I know for a fact that Anil's vision and leadership has added tremendous value to Ascentium's marketing POV for our clients.
I first met Anil when he was leading Zaaz' Microsoft account. He didn't really drink, and he's quite particular about what he eats. So, we just talked about the industry during that initial meeting. Later, I was fortunate enough to have him join ZeroDash1 shortly after we launched the Web Analytics consultancy. He brought energy, his industry perspective and definite credibility. Just as important, however, was his sense of humor and reassuring loyalty.
Together and with other team members, we developed ZeroDash1's reputation enough to be eventually acquired by Ascentium.
He is definitely a worthwhile person to follow within the industry. He twitters, blogs and speaks at various conferences. He also provides great value to Ascentium's clients with his expertise.
Congratulations Anil. Let's go to Cafe Zum Zum for a bit of lamb, spinach curry to celebrate.
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Beth Ullman has been wowing audiences in the southwest for the past twenty years with her innovative renditions of jazz standards. Her 1994 debut CD, "Aren't We the Lucky Ones," garnered enthusiastic reviews from JAZZTIMES and CADENCE magazines, the latter noting: " She has an absolutely exquisite instrument." "It's hard to resist the sublime and haunting interpretations of vocalist Beth Ullman." JAZZIZ , May 1995. "The lady swings hard and positively shines on ballads." CADENCE , April 1995. "Ullman's vocals connect both head and heart. A virtuoso musician." Michael Point, Austin American Statesman . Ms. Ullman has also released two CDs that are a unique blend of pop and new age styles of original meditation music: "Go Within" and "Remember Me." KUT-FM Public Radio host John Aielli selected "Go Within" as his favorite release of 1998. In July of 2011, Aardvark Records released her all-original compositions CD "We've Got Tonight." Ms. Ullman is on the Commercial Music Faculty at McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas, where she is an instructor of voice and vocal ensemble, a vocal arranger and accompanist. She has also sung for Disney Films.
As a kid the only time I was allowed in the kitchen (other than to do the dishes) was to make spaghetti. That was on the nights that my parents threw dinner parties for their faculty chums at Purdue, where my father was a business professor. So I grew up in a family where throwing dinner parties was a regular occurrence. But I didn't get to eat any of the food, and there were never any leftovers! My grandparents on my dad's side were both gourmet cooks (meaning that you put wine into EVERYTHING) and as kids, we ate lavishly and well. My father used to chide us about how well we ate and how poorly most of the rest of the kids in the world ate… So I grew up liking and expecting a lot from my food. And to this day, my boyfriend says it's a good thing I live in the gym, because all I talk about is food. My ex-husband used to say I lived for my lunch. I am a diehard fan of sweets. I love ice cream and I love to bake cookies. I make a mean ginger-infused pumpkin cheesecake with a homemade gingersnap crust every Thanksgiving, and a killer pumpkin bread pudding. I love cooking for others, and every week end I spend a large part of my time in the kitchen, barefoot, with a spatula… I taught myself how to cook and grew up laughing with Julia Child. (I, too, must have a glass of wine, or nothing comes out right. I can't fathom eating dinner without it.) I'll never forget what Julia did to that poor chicken… I cook both with and without recipes. The only food I detest is liver. Oh yeah, and I don't eat eggs. My grandmother told me if I didn't, I would lose my teeth. I didn't believe her for one second, and I still eschew eggs. The ideal meal to me would be large, deep-fried Gulf prawns, with chocolate bread pudding for dessert. Give me a dinner bell and I'll ring it!