text:
Military feels pain at the pump in Iraq
By Anne Flaherty Associated Press
Wednesday, April 2, 2008 11:01am
Local NewsNation / world
WASHINGTON — Think you're being gouged by Big Oil? U.S. troops in Iraq are paying almost as much as Americans back home, despite burning fuel at staggering rates in a war to stabilize a country known for its oil reserves.
Military units pay an average of $3.23 a gallon for gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, some $88 a day per service member in Iraq, according to an Associated Press review and interviews with defense officials. A penny or two increase in the price of fuel can add millions of dollars to U.S. costs.
Critics in Congress are fuming. The U.S., they say, is getting suckered as the cost of the war exceeds half a trillion dollars — $10.3 billion a month, according to the Congressional Research Service.
Some lawmakers say oil-rich allies in the Middle East should be doing more to subsidize fuel costs because of the stake they have in a secure Iraq. Others point to Iraq's own burgeoning surplus as crude oil prices top $100 a barrel. Baghdad subsidies let Iraqis pay only about $1.36 a gallon.
The U.S. military, through its Defense Energy Support Center, buys fuel on the open market, paying from $1.99 a gallon to as much as $5.30 a gallon under contracts with private and government-owned oil companies. The center then sets a fixed rate for troops, currently $3.51 a gallon for diesel, $3.15 for gasoline, $3.04 for jet fuel and $13.61 for avgas, a high-octane fuel used mostly in unmanned aerial vehicles.
Kuwait does grant substantial subsidies, but they cover only about half the fuel used by the U.S. in Iraq. And the discount is eaten up by the Energy Support Center's administrative costs and fluctuations in the market.
Overall, the military consumes about 1.2 million barrels, or more than 50 million gallons of fuel, each month in Iraq at an average $127.68 a barrel. That works out to about $153 million a month.
Historically, these figures are astounding. In World War II, the average fuel consumption per soldier or Marine was about 1.67 gallons a day; in Iraq, it's 27.3 gallons, according to briefing slides prepared by a Pentagon task force established to review consumption.
The surge in demand can be attributed in part to the military's expanding aviation fleet, including helicopters, and its reliance on planes to shuttle cargo and troops between the U.S. and Iraq. Vehicles, too, are more heavily armored and require more energy to run. Another major contributor is the widespread use of generators to cool troops.
The Pentagon's demand for fuel in Iraq has had little if any effect on global oil prices. Frank Verrastro, director of the energy and national security program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said the military's use of 1.2 million barrels a month — or roughly 40,000 barrels a day — represents a small chunk of the 86 million barrels demanded each day on the global market.
Instead, Verrastro says, the hike in oil prices since the 2003 invasion is more likely due to a "fear factor."
"Prices rise when Iran saber-rattles, or there's a disruption potential in Nigeria," he said. An even larger driver of fuel costs is global demand, fed by robust economies in Asia and the lack of available alternative fuel sources, according to Verrastro.
Still, some lawmakers say the U.S. is paying too much to secure an oil-rich nation that resides in a neighborhood swimming in the natural resource.
Rep. Gene Taylor, D-Miss., a member of the House Armed Services Committee, said he was shocked last December to watch U.S. troops in Kuwait filling diesel tanks at higher prices than he would have paid to fill up his boat in Mississippi.
"The Kuwaitis have been good allies. But let's face it, that nation would not be there if not for the American liberation of Kuwait," he said, referring to the 1991 conflict.
When Taylor pressed Pentagon and embassy officials on the matter, he was told Kuwait was actually offering a rare discount. Unlike other oil-rich allies, Kuwait is estimated to have saved the U.S. government $1.2 billion in four years, from 2002 to 2006, U.S. Embassy officials told the congressman in a Jan. 3 letter.
Under the current agreement, the Kuwait-owned company supplies 7,000 gallons per day of free fuel to U.S. forces operating inside Kuwait. For troops in Iraq, Kuwait offers 860,000 gallons of jet fuel a day at less than half the market price. This discounted fuel represents more than half the fuel the U.S. uses in Iraq each day.
The rest of the fuel — about 100,000 to 200,000 gallons a day — is sold to the U.S. military at market rate.
When Taylor asked whether more could be done by Kuwait and other oil-rich allies in the Middle East, a senior Pentagon official said the U.S. wants to see an even bigger reduction in prices from Kuwait but indicated there was no guarantee that would happen.
"It is our view that all of those forces, whether they are semi-stationed in Kuwait … or those transitioning into Iraq, should receive that fuel at a reduced rate, and that is continuing dialogue that goes on between our government and the government of Kuwait," Mark Kimmitt, deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East, said in a January hearing.
It's unlikely the U.S. has pressed Saudi Arabia, Qatar or other oil-rich allies recently to help subsidize the cost of fuel in Iraq. The Defense Department referred questions about such negotiations to the State Department, where a spokesman said the agency was not aware of any.
Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, R-Md., also a member of the Armed Services Committee and a vocal advocate pushing the military to pursue alternative energy solutions, said he doubts such talks would be fruitful anyway because of the impression by many in the Middle East that the U.S. invaded Iraq for its oil to begin with.
"I'm not sure they're as convinced we're fighting for them, as they were in the first Gulf war," Bartlett said.
He said he hopes instead that the war will spur military development of hybrid technologies and alternative fuels at a time when private companies are lacking the financial incentive. So far, the price of oil hasn't restricted combat operations, but it has inspired the military to hunt for new ways to conserve energy.
Development of more energy-efficient equipment will take time. Former CIA Director James Woolsey, who co-chaired a policy panel on the Pentagon energy study, said operations in Iraq and elsewhere are forcing the military to take the burden of fuel costs more seriously.
"The combination of $100-a-barrel oil and the terrorist situation and the dependence on the Middle East are really, I think, waking them up very fast," he said.
In the meantime, other lawmakers say they want to see the high costs of the war defrayed by Iraq dipping into its own oil revenues, which are projected to be substantial. Independent auditors estimate that Iraq is headed this year toward a massive surplus because of as much as $60 billion in oil revenues — a consequence of increased production paired with the sharp rise in prices.
"It's totally unacceptable to me that we are spending tens of billions of dollars on rebuilding Iraq while they are putting tens of billions of dollars in banks around the world from oil revenues," said Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., chairman of the Armed Services Committee. "It doesn't compute as far as I'm concerned."
Administration and military officials say Baghdad hasn't been able to spend its oil revenues so far because the newly formed government is still learning how to manage its revenues. They say Iraq's lack of spending isn't due to corruption or laziness, but rather Baghdad's inability to determine where its money is needed most and how to allocate it efficiently.
The Iraqis have a "genuine mechanical problem in drawing up national budgets (and) executing those budgets, particularly when it comes to capital infrastructure," said David Satterfield, the State Department's senior adviser on Iraq. But, he added, the government is improving with time and should be able to do more in the months to come.
Read more online
The Defense Science Board Task Force report: http://www.acq.osd.mil/dsb/reports/2008-02-ESTF.pdf
Washington one of 17 states suing EPA over global warming
Proposal would cost Seattle shoppers 20 cents for a plastic bag


GRETNA – An electrical contractor alleges a roofing company caused property damage due to improper roofing procedures.
Electrical Concepts Contractors Inc., James Leak and Connie Leak filed a complaint on Jan. 25 in the 24th Judicial District Court against Riverside Roofing Inc.
According to the complaint, on Jan. 29, 2018, the plaintiffs discovered the defendant had allegedly been negligent in securing the roof of a property during a roof-replacement process, causing a building to suffer from water damage. The plaintiffs were caused to suffer damages due to the alleged negligence of the defendant. The defendant is accused of negligence and failure to prevent an incident from taking place.
The plaintiffs are seeking all reasonable sums due, attorney fees and court costs. The plaintiff is represented by Michael Mahone Jr. of The Mahone Firm LLC in New Orleans.
The case has been assigned to Division N Judge Stephen Enright Jr.
The 24th Judicial District Court Case No. is 791568.


text:
News / China / More
China extends debt relief to DR Congo amid COVID-19 crisis
Thursday, 07 January 2021 6:22 AM [ Last Update: Thursday, 07 January 2021 6:22 AM ]
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi
The Democratic Republic of the Congo says China has offered some debt relief in a bid to ease pressure on the central African country ravaged by the COVID-19 crisis.
The Congolese Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday that as a result, the DR Congo would not have to repay its interest-free loans from China that matured at the end of 2020, without specifying sums.
The deal was announced at a joint press conference in the capital, Kinshasa, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
"As Congo's most reliable friend, China wishes to continue to make its contribution to Congo's development," Wang was quoted as saying in the Congolese ministry's statement.
China has extended debt relief worth over $2bn to developing countries under a Group of 20 (G20) framework in an attempt to help them overcome economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
According to data gathered by Johns Hopkins University's China Africa Research Initiative, Chinese entities have extended 53 loans to the Democratic Republic of the Congo between 2000 and 2018, amounting to a total of $2.4bn. Most of the lending was focused on the power, transport, and mining sectors.
The major cobalt and copper producer has attracted billions of dollars in investment from Chinese miners in recent years.
The Congo's exports to China surged by 30 percent in 2020 compared with the previous year.
While the Central African country boasts of mineral deposits estimated to be worth trillions of dollars, the resources have fueled a never-ending war that has left millions dead, hundreds of thousands displaced, and children and women facing grievous human rights abuses.
Over 1 million displaced by violence in eastern DR Congo: UN
More than one million people have been forced to flee their homes in the violence-ravaged eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since the start of the year, the UN says.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has one of the highest rates of internal displacement in the world, according to the United Nations (UN).
Over five million people within the country's borders have been uprooted by insecurity, while nearly a million more have sought safety in neighboring countries as refugees.
The top UN relief official, Mark Lowcock, has already warned that the first famines of the coronavirus era could soon hit the Central African nation.
China Africa Democratic Republic of Congo investment loan pandemic coronavirus repayment Wang Yi debt relief
Beijing slams new US sanctions over South China Sea
US faces extraordinary humiliation as Europeans refuse to meet with Pompeo
UN chief says worried by DR Congo tensions

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) slides past Jacksonville Jaguars defensive back Jarrod Wilson (26) on a first down run during the third quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in Houston.
Deshaun Watson kept reading the defense on the fly, scanning the field before bolting into action.
It was an effective strategy for the Texans' quarterback, utilizing his mobility and elusiveness to keep the Jacksonville defense off balance.
The zone-read option plays generally involved Watson holding onto the football Sunday during a 20-3 victory that clinched an AFC South division title.
The multi-dimensional second-year passer rushed for a game-high 66 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. By halftime, the Texans had built a 17-3 lead as Watson had gained 48 yards to the Jaguars' 16 rushing yards.
The approach isn't super complicated, and it leans heavily on Watson's roots as a dual-threat quarterback during his days as a national championship game winner at Clemson and a blue-chip recruit at Gainesville High School in Georgia.
Although coach Bill O'Brien is reticent about discussing specifics about the Texans' shift toward more quarterback keepers for Watson, it's obvious what's going on.
Watson's ability to run prevents defenses from teeing off on running backs Lamar Miller and Alfred Blue. They improved Sunday, combining for 78 yards and one touchdown on 26 carries.
It creates a larger amount of spacing as defenses are forced to adapt to the threat of Watson. And the Texans are still throwing the football efficiently. Watson completed 25 of 35 passes for 234 yards with no interceptions despite being sacked six times Sunday, bringing his NFL-high total to 62 sacks for the regular season.
"I think it's great," O'Brien said Monday. "I think he's a dynamic player. I think he does an excellent job understanding what the front is, what the look is, what the pass rush is. Certainly, he took some hits that maybe we want to try to control those, but there's other times where he did a great job sliding or ducking out of bounds. I think it's good for our team when the ball is in his hands."
On Sunday, O'Brien didn't want to discuss what made the Texans want to run the football more frequently with Watson.
"I'm going to be careful about how I answer that," O'Brien said. "So, I'm not going to answer that question. It's a great question, but you'll have to figure that out on your own. I just don't want to get into the schematics of all the things we did."
One day later, O'Brien had a similar response. It's clear, though, why the Texans want to run the football with Watson. He's an extremely difficult player to tackle and piled up 551 rushing yards and five touchdowns during the season. The Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson and the Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen were the only quarterbacks to rush for more yards than Watson this season.
Plus, a porous offensive line that hasn't been particularly good at run blocking or pass protection over the past month is enough to motivate O'Brien and his staff to make a few changes.
"Like I was trying to say, I really don't want to get into all of the schematics of it," O'Brien said. "But everything that we do, we try to mix and match as best we can, if that makes sense."
Watson is the first quarterback in NFL history to pass for at least 4,000 yards and 25 touchdowns and rush for at least 500 yards and five touchdowns.
"Of course, I want to throw it," Watson said. "But at the end of the day, if the ball is in my hands, I feel like I'm a playmaker. Every time I have the ball in my hands, which is every play, I feel I'm the best player on the team.
"That's just my mentality. I'm not saying that in a cocky way, but everybody should have that mentality when they step on that field. As we play, I just kind of make the best decision and try to move the chains."
Watson has passed for 4,165 yards and 26 touchdowns with just nine interceptions. He has a 103.1 passer rating. He's also averaging 5.6 yards per run.
"It's good to be able to run and have a balanced offense," Watson said. "They've got to be worried about both things. They can't just focus on the run game or the passing game and have us locked down that way. When you have balance, good things are going to happen on offense."


text:
A Baby for Sarah
1The Lord cared for Sarah as he had said. He did for her what he had promised. 2Sarah became pregnant. And she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. Everything happened at the time God had said it would. 3Abraham named his son Isaac. Sarah gave birth to this son of Abraham. 4Abraham circumcised Isaac when he was eight days old as God had commanded.
5Abraham was 100 years old when his son Isaac was born. 6And Sarah said, "God has made me laugh.# The Hebrew words for "he laughed" and "Isaac" sound the same. Everyone who hears about this will laugh with me. 7No one thought that I would be able to have Abraham's child. But I have given Abraham a son while he is old."
Hagar and Ishmael
8Isaac grew and became old enough to eat food. At that time Abraham gave a great feast. 9But Sarah saw Ishmael making fun of Isaac. (Ishmael was the son of Abraham by Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian slave.) 10So Sarah said to Abraham, "Throw out this slave woman and her son. When we die, our son Isaac will inherit everything we have. I don't want her son to inherit any of our things."
11This troubled Abraham very much because Ishmael was also his son. 12But God said to Abraham, "Don't be troubled about the boy and the slave woman. Do whatever Sarah tells you. The descendants I promised you will be from Isaac. 13I will also make the descendants of Ishmael into a great nation. I will do this because he is your son, too."
14Early the next morning Abraham took some food and a leather bag full of water. He gave them to Hagar and sent her away. Hagar carried these things and her son. She went and wandered in the desert of Beersheba.
15Later, all the water was gone from the bag. So Hagar put her son under a bush. 16Then she went away a short distance and sat down. Hagar thought, "My son will die. I cannot watch this happen." She sat there and began to cry.
17God heard the boy crying. And God's angel called to Hagar from heaven. He said, "What is wrong, Hagar? Don't be afraid! God has heard the boy crying there. 18Help the boy up. Take him by the hand. I will make his descendants into a great nation."
19Then God showed Hagar a well of water. So she went to the well and filled her bag with water. Then she gave the boy a drink.
20God was with the boy as he grew up. Ishmael lived in the desert. He learned to shoot with a bow very well. 21He lived in the Desert of Paran. His mother found a wife for him in Egypt.
Abraham's Bargain with Abimelech
22Then Abimelech came with Phicol, the commander of Abimelech's army. They said to Abraham, "God is with you in everything you do. 23So make a promise to me here before God. Promise that you will be fair with me and my children and my descendants. Be kind to me and to this land where you have lived as a stranger. Be as kind to me as I have been to you."
24And Abraham said, "I promise." 25Then Abraham complained to Abimelech about Abimelech's servants. They had captured a well of water.
26But Abimelech said, "I don't know who did this. You never told me about this before today."
27Then Abraham gave Abimelech some sheep and cattle. And they made an agreement. 28Abraham also put seven female lambs in front of Abimelech.
29Abimelech asked Abraham, "Why did you put these seven female lambs by themselves?"
30Abraham answered, "Accept these lambs from me. That will prove that you believe I dug this well."
31So that place was called Beersheba# This name means "well of the promise" or "well of seven." because they made a promise to each other there.
32So Abraham and Abimelech made an agreement at Beersheba. Then Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, went back to the land of the Philistines.
33Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba. There Abraham prayed to the Lord, the God who lives forever. 34And Abraham lived as a stranger in the land of the Philistines for a long time.
Copyright © 2015 by Tommy Nelson™, a Division of Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
The Birth of Isaac
1The Lord kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised. 2She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would. 3And Abraham named their son Isaac. 4Eight days after Isaac was born, Abraham circumcised him as God had commanded. 5Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born.
6And Sarah declared, "God has brought me laughter.#21:6 The name Isaac means "he laughs." All who hear about this will laugh with me. 7Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse a baby? Yet I have given Abraham a son in his old age!"
Hagar and Ishmael Are Sent Away
8When Isaac grew up and was about to be weaned, Abraham prepared a huge feast to celebrate the occasion. 9But Sarah saw Ishmael—the son of Abraham and her Egyptian servant Hagar—making fun of her son, Isaac.#21:9 As in Greek version and Latin Vulgate; Hebrew lacks of her son, Isaac. 10So she turned to Abraham and demanded, "Get rid of that slave woman and her son. He is not going to share the inheritance with my son, Isaac. I won't have it!"
11This upset Abraham very much because Ishmael was his son. 12But God told Abraham, "Do not be upset over the boy and your servant. Do whatever Sarah tells you, for Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted. 13But I will also make a nation of the descendants of Hagar's son because he is your son, too."
14So Abraham got up early the next morning, prepared food and a container of water, and strapped them on Hagar's shoulders. Then he sent her away with their son, and she wandered aimlessly in the wilderness of Beersheba.
15When the water was gone, she put the boy in the shade of a bush. 16Then she went and sat down by herself about a hundred yards#21:16 Hebrew a bowshot. away. "I don't want to watch the boy die," she said, as she burst into tears.
17But God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, "Hagar, what's wrong? Do not be afraid! God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. 18Go to him and comfort him, for I will make a great nation from his descendants."
19Then God opened Hagar's eyes, and she saw a well full of water. She quickly filled her water container and gave the boy a drink.
20And God was with the boy as he grew up in the wilderness. He became a skillful archer, 21and he settled in the wilderness of Paran. His mother arranged for him to marry a woman from the land of Egypt.
Abraham's Covenant with Abimelech
22About this time, Abimelech came with Phicol, his army commander, to visit Abraham. "God is obviously with you, helping you in everything you do," Abimelech said. 23"Swear to me in God's name that you will never deceive me, my children, or any of my descendants. I have been loyal to you, so now swear that you will be loyal to me and to this country where you are living as a foreigner."
24Abraham replied, "Yes, I swear to it!" 25Then Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech's servants had taken by force from Abraham's servants.
26"This is the first I've heard of it," Abimelech answered. "I have no idea who is responsible. You have never complained about this before."
27Abraham then gave some of his sheep, goats, and cattle to Abimelech, and they made a treaty. 28But Abraham also took seven additional female lambs and set them off by themselves. 29Abimelech asked, "Why have you set these seven apart from the others?"
30Abraham replied, "Please accept these seven lambs to show your agreement that I dug this well." 31Then he named the place Beersheba (which means "well of the oath"), because that was where they had sworn the oath.
32After making their covenant at Beersheba, Abimelech left with Phicol, the commander of his army, and they returned home to the land of the Philistines. 33Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he worshiped the Lord, the Eternal God.#21:33 Hebrew El-Olam. 34And Abraham lived as a foreigner in Philistine country for a long time.
NLT brought to you by Tyndale House Publishers Inc.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation copyright 1996, 2004, 2007, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation.
For more information about the NLT:


Did you just get your tooth extracted? Do you wake up in the middle of the night with excruciating pain?
Did you just get your tooth extracted?
Do you wake up in the middle of the night with excruciating pain?
If you are suffering from acute pain coupled with a foul odor emanating from your mouth, it is quite probable that you are a victim of a dry socket.
But then, don't worry, as clove oil can actually cure your condition. Wondering how? Keep reading to know more.
Some dental problems and conditions can prove to be quite painful, and complications can develop that leave sufferers seeking quick relief.
One such example is a dry socket.
When you get a tooth pulled, particularly a molar, there is the risk of a dry socket forming when a blood clot is dislodged.
On average, 5 percent of those who get their teeth extracted develop a dry socket.
The good thing is that there are remedies available to treat this painful condition, including some natural ones.
How Does Dry Socket Form?
After one of your teeth is extracted, a blood clot develops at the base of the tooth or socket. Gradually, bone tissue and gum develop and fill the socket.
The blood clot gets washed away naturally. When the blood clot gets dislodged prematurely, a dry socket is formed.
The raw bone gets exposed and the result can be excruciating pain. This pain can spread up to the ear and jawline as well.
People suffering from it find it difficult to speak, sleep or do anything literally.
The most prudent thing you can do after feeling the symptoms of a dry socket after tooth extraction is visiting your dentist. He may perform surgical procedures, prescribe painkillers and do the needful to offer relief from the pain.
However, OTC (Over the Counter) treatment medications may not be enough to alleviate the pain caused by a dry socket.
A lot of victims complain of getting no relief even after using strong OTC painkillers. You may complement the treatment by opting for natural remedies like clove oil.
A dentist will try to flush the socket so that the remaining debris is cleared. The dentist may also apply anesthetic agents to numb the pain and then pack the socket with medication-filled dressing.
As it is, some dentists use dressing with clove oil so that the risk of bacterial contamination is minimized.
Think You Have a Dry Socket?
Schedule an appointment online or call our office today to see how we can help!
Why Opt For Clove Oil To Treat Dry Socket?
Clove oil has been used since ancient times to treat diverse dental problems and pain alleviation.
It has antiseptic and analgesic properties. The spice, often used as an ingredient to add flavor to various dishes, can help relieve pain caused by a dry socket.
The oil extracted from clove is strong in taste and flavor. It can kill bacterial contamination inside the mouth and help reduce the pain caused by inflammation.
Clove oil is available in a majority of health stores and you can also buy it online nowadays.
How To Use Clove Oil For Dry Socket Treatment?
When you realize you have a dry socket, keep the area covered by a medical gauze.
If the pain aggravates, see your dentist.
He can seal the hole so that the raw nerve does not get exposed to food or anything easily.
You may talk with the dentist about the suitability of applying clove oil to alleviate the pain and aid the healing process.
As it is, the sealant does not remain for a long time in a socket.
If it gets loosened or comes out, apply some clove oil directly on the socket.
It may create a stinging sensation, though. You may choose to take a dropper to apply clove oil on the socket. Be careful not to apply too much oil as it may sting the gum or tongue.
You can also ask the dentist to seal with another medicated gauge after applying the oil.
Of course, you can apply painkillers to keep the pain under tolerable levels but refrain from self-medication. Use only those painkiller medications approved by a dentist for a steady recovery.
You will also find some painkillers with clove oil as an ingredient. However, their usage will not bring the same results as you get after using pure clove oil.
While the efficacy of clove oil in alleviating dental pain and healing inflammation is not questioned, you should proceed with caution when applying it to heal a dry socket.
Since clove essential oil has a strong flavor and taste, you may find it unsuitable for direct application inside the mouth.
Some people feel a burning and stinging sensation after applying undiluted pure clove oil on the gums. Dilute it with a carrier oil and dip the cotton ball in the mixture for application on the socket.
While clove oil offers quick relief from dental pain, you should have realistic expectations. Sometimes, you may also need to use OTC painkillers along with clove oil application on the gums.
Healing may take a week or more.
Those suffering from diabetes may even take longer to heal from the condition.
If you are allergic to essential oils, some side effects like local rashes may develop after applying clove oil. In such instances, you may have to stop using the oil. However, such allergies are quite rare.
Clove oil has a compound called eugenol, which is known to interfere with the natural blood clotting process in the human body. So, when you are recuperating from a dry socket and an operation is scheduled shortly, it is prudent that you try other natural remedies for pain reduction and healing.
You do not have to writhe with pain and discomfort post tooth extraction. With clove oil, you can bid adieu to all dental problems!


Chloe Stillwell has a writing degree from the New School, and is a culture columnist and entertainment writer currently residing in Nashville. Her work has been featured in The Frisky, Death & Taxes, Mic, Salon, Nerve, and Narratively among others. She is also a UCB-trained stand-up comedian. Follow her on Twitter (@chloekillwell) and Instagram (@w1nem0m).


text:
"""
3. Giving models custom methods

Any method you add to a model will be available to instances.
"""

from django.db import models
import datetime

class Article(models.Model):
    headline = models.CharField(max_length=100)
    pub_date = models.DateField()

    def __unicode__(self):
        return self.headline

    def was_published_today(self):
        return self.pub_date == datetime.date.today()

    def articles_from_same_day_1(self):
        return Article.objects.filter(pub_date=self.pub_date).exclude(id=self.id)

    def articles_from_same_day_2(self):
        """
        Verbose version of get_articles_from_same_day_1, which does a custom
        database query for the sake of demonstration.
        """
        from django.db import connection
        cursor = connection.cursor()
        cursor.execute("""
            SELECT id, headline, pub_date
            FROM custom_methods_article
            WHERE pub_date = %s
                AND id != %s""", [str(self.pub_date), self.id])
        # The asterisk in "(*row)" tells Python to expand the list into
        # positional arguments to Article().
        return [self.__class__(*row) for row in cursor.fetchall()]

__test__ = {'API_TESTS':"""
# Create a couple of Articles.
>>> from datetime import date
>>> a = Article(id=None, headline='Area man programs in Python', pub_date=date(2005, 7, 27))
>>> a.save()
>>> b = Article(id=None, headline='Beatles reunite', pub_date=date(2005, 7, 27))
>>> b.save()

# Test the custom methods.
>>> a.was_published_today()
False
>>> a.articles_from_same_day_1()
[<Article: Beatles reunite>]
>>> a.articles_from_same_day_2()
[<Article: Beatles reunite>]
>>> b.articles_from_same_day_1()
[<Article: Area man programs in Python>]
>>> b.articles_from_same_day_2()
[<Article: Area man programs in Python>]
"""}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Nikola Marinow, eigentlich Nikola Marinow Abadshiew, (; * 10. Juli 1879 in Targowischte; † 16. Dezember 1948 in Sofia) war ein bulgarischer Maler.

Leben
Marinow absolvierte im Jahr 1903 die Kunstakademie in Turin. Ab 1921 war er als Professor an der Kunstakademie in Sofia.

In seinem Werk widmete er sich insbesondere Porträts und Landschaften. Er malte jedoch auch Ikonen und Wandbilder, wobei er sich realistischen Traditionen verpflichtet sah. Unter anderem schuf er Fresken für die Kirche Uspenie Bogorodiza in Popowo.

Werke (Auswahl)
Pia, 1908
Bauern auf dem Markte, 1921
Frühling, 1940

Literatur
 Marinow, Nikola. In: Taschenlexikon Bulgarien, Bibliographisches Institut Leipzig 1983, Seite 117.

Maler (Bulgarien)
Hochschullehrer (Nationale Kunstakademie, Sofia)
Bulgare
Geboren 1879
Gestorben 1948
Mann

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


student voters last week, balloting for the first time in the fall instead of at the end of the spring term, changed the High Board from predominantly female to predominantly male.
For the past several years . elections for the High Board ; the executive organ of the organization of student government, have been sponsored by the High Board numbers of the previous year.
9f Students, comprising a number of employess in the Office of Student Affairs, and a few students. Elections were scheduled for October 14th and 16th.
Graduate Member : Abdalla Eissa, 27 years old. Management major ; the only candidate.
Senior Cla.s.s .Members : Naguib Khoury, 22 Physics-Chemistry major; 299 votes.
Amin Sawaf, 20. Physics-Chemistry major; 212 votes.
•Junior C'la.ss Members : Tarek Saleh 22, Economics major 333 votes.
Amira Fattouh, 18 Political Science major; 252 votes.
No date has been set for the elections of the Parliament, but they are expected within two-or three weeks.
Members of the student Parliament. the legislative organ of student government, were outraged at what they considered an unacceptable intrusion in student life by the Office of Student Affairs. They decided to resist the innovation.
Sameh Makram Abeid speaker of the Parliament, on that same day presented a letter to Dean Blanning signed by Salwa Morsi, former president of the High Board. Salwa stated that on no account did last year's High Board authorize the Office of Student Affairs to act on Its behalf.
Within hours, the election committee formed by Dean Blanning was dissolved and a new one was formed by the Parliament. Dean Blanning claimed to have formed his short-lived election committee as a result of a misunderstanding of the discussion at a High Board meeting last spring.
Apart from this collision, the elections went on as scheduled.
"More of the same and better", wa.s President Chri.stopher Thoron's foreca.st for this year at the American University in Cairo. One iiii|>ortant development i.s a plan for a new library building on the Greek .School Campus.
A consultant team now visiting AUC will con.sider alternative propo.sals concerning the establishment of this library. It will prol>ably be l»uilt on the ground now occupied by the tennis courts.
As the sports season gets under way. Cairo University has turned down Hassan Ahmed's request that it allow the American University in Cairo to part'cipate in its off-c'al sports elimination tournaments.
Hassan Ahmed the Director of Sports at AUQ said he understood that Cairo University regarded the tournaments as internal competitions among the national colleges. Thus it considers AUC's status as a private institution disqualifies It from the tournaments, lifies it from the tournamets.
In addition, AUC teams have been ruled out of competition with the national university teams during the forthcoming Youth Week of the .Universities and Higher Institutes. The grounds for refusal were understood to be that AUC degrees are not yet recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, and that the AUC teams were not good enough for the competition. The competing teams during Youth Week are the winners of the national university tournaments. They include the best of Egypt's international players.
AUC teams will probably compels on an informal basis with the national university te2uns. Hassan Ahmed has promised to try to organize sports contests with their teams on a friendly basis. But no dates have been fixed yet for these encounters.
"If you define progress as less time to be wasted, then yes AUC has made progress.'' Academic progress, he added, is the result of Interaction between students and professors but it is subjected to outside frustration.
If they could be avoided AUC would be at a much higher academic standard. Another kind of progress is the recent Increase in the number of students.
President Thoron was highly In favour of student meetings and discussions, not just on academic problems, but also on other problems that may face them. He said that he would like to see a continuation of such discussions between students. He also stressed that he would like to see more committees such as the Student Affairs Committee established on campus.
"No spectacular events", said the President. He thinks that priority should be given to important events even though these may not be so spectacular.
Greater academic freedom and the role of institutions of higher education in the task of building a new state were the main themes of President Anwar el-Sadat's- speech at Cairo University on Saturday, 9 October.
"University men have a great trust placed in their hands by the people for the welfare of future generations", he said.
On academic freedom the President said he would like to see every university in the country become a fully integrated unit capable of building for itself whatever It considered fit and desirable.
He went on to say that the university was "a complete unit with its own professors, students, and workers "who seek the shortest way to the building of a modern state".
The president assured the audience that the confusion that l)eset students and professors in the past would not be repeated in the coming stage.
Promising a break with the past, he declared that the university guard had been abolished and that hencefortli nothing will be done in the dark since all centres of power and influence outside the State machinery have been eradicated.
He told university professors that since they hold the trust of the country's generations, they should adopt new modes of thinking and prepare for the battle of today, tomorrow and the coming generation.
On the external political situation, the President reiterated yet again that the end of 1971 would be decisive either for peace or war.
The meeting was attended by government officials, professors, and teaching staff of universities and institutes of higher education from all over the country.
Following President Sadat's address, the Caravan interviewed students of the American University in Cairo for their reaction.
There was a consensus that the new role assigned to universities in the task of building a new state was a source of pride. Some students said they felt excluded from this important role since the American University In Cairo does not belong to the realm of national universities and higher institutes to which the President's speech was exclusively addressed.
They decided to send a letter to President Sadat explaining their feelings and desire to be included.
Transcript Oar, \J 60 ^0 •|-NiW/P' PC' THE WEEKLY NEWSFAP^K OF THE A.MERK^AN UNIVERSITY IN CAIRO lu CARAVAN sf, TUESDAY 19 OCTOBER 1971 "pincEr^:- ONE PIASTRE •/ ^ UN»V» New High Boa.rd: Men In Majority Over Half of Students Vote in 2-Day Election student voters last week, balloting for the first time in the fall instead of at the end of the spring term, changed the High Board from predominantly female to predominantly male. The results of the elections were announced at the Welcome Party Saturday night. Voting took place on Thursday and Saturday after two weeks in which candidates papered the campus with posters. The new High Board is composed of four men and one woman. The outgoing board had three women and two men. The new members Euid their votes received are : For the past several years . elections for the High Board ; the executive organ of the organization of student government, have been sponsored by the High Board numbers of the previous year. AMIN SAWAF This year, however, the Office of Student Affairs took action to sponsor High Board elections. On 12 October an election committee was formed by Frank W. Blanning, Dean 9f Students, comprising a number of employess in the Office of Student Affairs, and a few students. Elections were scheduled for October 14th and 16th. Graduate Member : Abdalla Eissa, 27 years old. Management major ; the only candidate. Senior Cla.s.s .Members : Naguib Khoury, 22 Physics-Chemistry major; 299 votes. Amin Sawaf, 20. Physics-Chemistry major; 212 votes. •Junior C'la.ss Members : Tarek Saleh 22, Economics major 333 votes. Amira Fattouh, 18 Political Science major; 252 votes. No date has been set for the elections of the Parliament, but they are expected within two-or three weeks. Members of the student Parliament. the legislative organ of student government, were outraged at what they considered an unacceptable intrusion in student life by the Office of Student Affairs. They decided to resist the innovation. .AMIRA FATTOUH Sameh Makram Abeid speaker of the Parliament, on that same day presented a letter to Dean Blanning signed by Salwa Morsi, former president of the High Board. Salwa stated that on no account did last year's High Board authorize the Office of Student Affairs to act on Its behalf. Within hours, the election committee formed by Dean Blanning was dissolved and a new one was formed by the Parliament. Dean Blanning claimed to have formed his short-lived election committee as a result of a misunderstanding of the discussion at a High Board meeting last spring. "The Office of Student Affairs has taken a prerogative that it shouldn't have," lamented the Dean. "The Office is simply a service-unit waiting on the student organizations. Yeah, we've stepped on wrong grounds." Apart from this collision, the elections went on as scheduled. SADAT VOWS NEW FREEDOM IN ACADEMIA PRESIDENT CHRISTOPHER THORON Thoron: AUC Trajectory is Onwards and Upwards "More of the same and better", wa.s President Chri.stopher Thoron's foreca.st for this year at the American University in Cairo. One iiii|>ortant development i.s a plan for a new library building on the Greek .School Campus. A consultant team now visiting AUC will con.sider alternative propo.sals concerning the establishment of this library. It will prol>ably be l»uilt on the ground now occupied by the tennis courts. A Rebuff In Sports As the sports season gets under way. Cairo University has turned down Hassan Ahmed's request that it allow the American University in Cairo to part'cipate in its off-c'al sports elimination tournaments. Hassan Ahmed the Director of Sports at AUQ said he understood that Cairo University regarded the tournaments as internal competitions among the national colleges. Thus it considers AUC's status as a private institution disqualifies It from the tournaments, lifies it from the tournamets. In addition, AUC teams have been ruled out of competition with the national university teams during the forthcoming Youth Week of the .Universities and Higher Institutes. The grounds for refusal were understood to be that AUC degrees are not yet recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, and that the AUC teams were not good enough for the competition. The competing teams during Youth Week are the winners of the national university tournaments. They include the best of Egypt's international players. AUC teams will probably compels on an informal basis with the national university te2uns. Hassan Ahmed has promised to try to organize sports contests with their teams on a friendly basis. But no dates have been fixed yet for these encounters. PROGRESS DEFINED Asked about AUC progress in the two years that he has headed the university. Mr. Thoron .said: "If you define progress as less time to be wasted, then yes AUC has made progress.'' Academic progress, he added, is the result of Interaction between students and professors but it is subjected to outside frustration. If they could be avoided AUC would be at a much higher academic standard. Another kind of progress is the recent Increase in the number of students. Continued on page 4 REGISTRATION I.MPROVED Regarding the registration system, Mr. Thoron hopes that "it has been improved a lot this year." There is also the graduate program established recently at AUC. The president hoped to "see that do well". • President Thoron was highly In favour of student meetings and discussions, not just on academic problems, but also on other problems that may face them. He said that he would like to see a continuation of such discussions between students. He also stressed that he would like to see more committees such as the Student Affairs Committee established on campus. "No spectacular events", said the President. He thinks that priority should be given to important events even though these may not be so spectacular. Greater academic freedom and the role of institutions of higher education in the task of building a new state were the main themes of President Anwar el-Sadat's- speech at Cairo University on Saturday, 9 October. "University men have a great trust placed in their hands by the people for the welfare of future generations", he said. On academic freedom the President said he would like to see every university in the country become a fully integrated unit capable of building for itself whatever It considered fit and desirable. He went on to say that the university was "a complete unit with its own professors, students, and workers "who seek the shortest way to the building of a modern state". The president assured the audience that the confusion that l)eset students and professors in the past would not be repeated in the coming stage. GU.-VRD ABOLISHED Promising a break with the past, he declared that the university guard had been abolished and that hencefortli nothing will be done in the dark since all centres of power and influence outside the State machinery have been eradicated. He told university professors that since they hold the trust of the country's generations, they should adopt new modes of thinking and prepare for the battle of today, tomorrow and the coming generation. On the external political situation, the President reiterated yet again that the end of 1971 would be decisive either for peace or war. The meeting was attended by government officials, professors, and teaching staff of universities and institutes of higher education from all over the country. REACTION Following President Sadat's address, the Caravan interviewed students of the American University in Cairo for their reaction. There was a consensus that the new role assigned to universities in the task of building a new state was a source of pride. Some students said they felt excluded from this important role since the American University In Cairo does not belong to the realm of national universities and higher institutes to which the President's speech was exclusively addressed. They decided to send a letter to President Sadat explaining their feelings and desire to be included.


Afib triggers such as alcohol, smoking, exercise, and over-the-counter cough and cold medications are not the only harmful risks. Other things like stress, pollution, and hormones can bring on an afib attack as well.
A study published in May 2018 in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that job-related stress, or "job strain," was associated with nearly a 50 percent increased risk of afib. Another study, published November 2018 in the American Journal of Cardiology, found that traumatic events such as a life-threatening illness were significantly associated with afib among women. Even perceived stress can increase a person's risk of afib, according to a study from June 2015 in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine.


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Home / City Living
Topics: Environment | Forests | Urbanization
Volume 1 | Issue 3 | Page 8-9 | May 2010
Aldas Kirvaitis
The development of megacities has been championed by the World Bank and some environmentalists as the most efficient way to shepherd the Earth's resources as world population increases. However, a study in the March 2010 issue of the journal Nature Geoscience argues that the drivers of tropical deforestation have shifted in the early 21st century from subsistence agriculture to the growth of cities and globalized agricultural trade.
The report finds that tropical countries like Brazil, Indonesia, and Cambodia have been supplying increasing amounts of palm oil, soybeans, sugar, meat, and other processed products for export. Not all the products are used for food; palm oil and sugar in particular are also being converted into biofuels. As small farmers within tropical nations move away to become city dwellers, they may actually come to use more resources from the countryside. "Collectively, these results indicate a shift from state-run road building and colonization in the 1970s and 1980s to enterprise-driven deforestation," says the study.
Almost 60 percent of remaining forests occur in areas where net agricultural trade, percentage of products exported, and urban growth are all relatively low. But as demand for products grows, these areas are likely to see increased pressure, the study says. According to projections by the United Nations, nearly all population growth in the next 40 years will take place in cities, and some two-thirds of people will live there by 2050.
The report carries a strong message for those looking for solutions to deforestation. Most initiatives currently focus on getting small landowners to conserve forests—a popular mechanism among governments and nonprofits. That response ignores the real damage done by large-scale clearing, finds the report, meaning that governments need to look to policies that intensify yields on existing fields rather than clearing more land.
This Article is Part of: Volume 1 | Issue 3 | May 2010
Current Issue Read more
Women in the World0
By Carla Koppell
In 2010, the world's women face daunting challenges, yet they are also the most promising and untapped agents of change. Who can forget the ink-stained fingers of the 2,000 Iraqi women who ran for parliament in that war-torn country's 2010 …
Environmental Disclosure in China0
By Tracy Yingcui Cai, Robert G. Eccles, Allegra Fonda-Bonardi, Guo Peiyuan
The first step to achieving environmental accountability in China is to open up about just how much impact the country's rapid growth is having. That means full environmental information disclosure from Chinese industries on the …
Resolving the Increasing Risk from Wildfires in the American West0
By Ray Rasker
Wildfires have always been part of living in the American West, but today they are bigger, burn longer, cause more damage, and kill more people than ever before. Much of this drama plays out on public lands of the West, where almost half of the …
Many Environmentalisms from New York to Kabul, from the Past to the Present0
By Gregory Rosenthal, Marjeela Basij-Rasikh
We are proud to have marched side-by-side with approximately 400,000 others on the streets of New York City in the People's Climate March in September 2014. We are less proud that we squirmed through a police barricade on 42nd Street to …
Why Denver? Sustainability Innovation in the Mile High City0
In April of last year, I published an article in Solutions entitled "The Path to a Regenerative Future: The Importance of Local Networks and Bioregional Contexts." Originally conceived, that article was to focus on the special features of the …


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Analysis of 1st List of Candidates Announced by Political Parties for Lok Sabha 2014 (BJP, NCP, SHS, AIADMK, SAD)
129 (30%) MPs declared Election Expenses of less than 50% during Lok Sabha, 2009
10th Annual National Conference on Electoral and Political Reforms
Election Expenditure Declared By MLAs of 5 Election (Nov-Dec 2013) States
Civil Society recommends rejection of amendment of RTI Act
Prof Jagdeep Chhokar, Founding Member & Trustee of ADR, on NRIs Vs MRIs
SEC proposes postal ballot system for NRIs, Founding Member of ADR, Prof Jagdeep Chhokar raises some valid concerns. 1. Of the estimated 1 crore population of NRIs across the world, 60 lakhs are eligible to cast votes. EC seems to be going through a lot of effort to ensure voting rights to NRIs while our own MRIs (Migrant Resident Indian) do not seem to enjoy the same privilege. 2. For an estimated 28.50 crore (38% of the total registered voters in the country) migrants in India who are eligible to cast votes, there is no practical arrangement in place by the EC to exercise their franchise. The recommendation of the EC that migrants register as voters in their place of work is not doable as they are always on the move and a majority of them are not literate. Investing their time in registering as voters means foregoing their wages for a few days, which will also be true in case they choose to travel back to their villages to cast votes. 3. A practical arrangement that allows 28.50 crore migrants to cast their votes conveniently from anywhere in the country rather than giving preference to 60 lakh NRIs is the need of the hour. 4. As per a Dec 21 media report, EC is examining a plan to allow migrants to vote in their candidates' constituencies and will deliberate on a conceptual framework of the technology to enable voting from anywhere. While this is an encouraging development, the conceptual framework is still to be discussed, which means there is still time, raising questions whether the same will be in place before the 2024 general elections.
EVM | EC Gives Different Answers To A Single RTI Query. Surprised? | The Quint
Prime Debate With Wesal Azam | کیا مجرمانہ ریکارڈ رکھنے والے سیاستدانوں کے خلاف قانونی کاروائی ہوگی؟
LIVE Debate: Are Electoral Bonds only for Ruling Party? with Jagdeep Chhokar (ADR) & Adv. Viplav Sh
Supreme Court's Clean-Up Order On Criminalisation Of Politics
200% increase in assets of MLAs since 2007: ADR report
UP elections round 5: Brisk polling in first two hours
Goa MLAs' assets tripled since 2007
Top 3 richest candidates in district from Noida
House truth: Our legislators work only 19 days every year


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Q: Shortcut to restart the X-screen in Xubuntu like 'r' is for Gnome Shell Just like in Gnome-shell, wherein you can restart the X-screen with a terminal command 'r' without closing any of the running applications, is there something in Xubuntu which could serve the same purpose?

A: I found it out:
setxkbmap -option terminate:ctrl_alt_bksp

A: I'm not a Xubuntu user, but I did a little bit of digging. According to this page (scroll down to the bottom), you can create custom keyboard shortcuts in the keyboard preferences dialog.
So, you can create your own shortcut here. Choose an appropriate shortcut, such as Ctrl+Alt+R and map it to xfwm4 --replace.
This is basically what Gnome Shell's R command does, and it's completely different from using Ctrl+Alt+Backspace to kill the X server. When you kill the X server, every program you have open dies, too. When you run xfwm4 --replace, only the window manager dies and is restarted.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Samsung Electronics Introduces New Portable SSD T5 – Ideal for photographers
Samsung Portable SSD T5 is the newest portable solid state drive (PSSD) from the South Korean tech giant as it seeks to raise the bar for the performance of external memory products.
The T5, built with Samsung's latest 64-layer V-NAND technology, delivers industry-leading transfer speeds with encrypted data security in a compact and durable design, with the intention of making it easier than ever for users to access our most valuable image and video data anywhere, at any time.
"Samsung has been pushing the envelope of what is possible in portable storage and solid state drives for years, and the Portable SSD T5 continues our legacy of leadership and innovation," said Un-Soo Kim, Senior Vice President of Brand Product Marketing, Memory Business at Samsung Electronics. "We are confident that the T5 will exceed consumers' expectations for external storage by offering faster speeds and a solid design that is lightweight and conveniently pocket-sized. It is the ideal portable storage product for consumers and professionals who are in search of a fast, durable and secure device."
Designed to deliver stunning speeds of up to 540 MB/s – up to 4.9 times faster than typical external HDD products – the new T5 was produced specifically with content creators in mind, as well as mainstream consumers. Also, the T5 is smaller than an average business card at 74 x 57.3 x 10.5 millimeters (3.0 x 2.3 x 0.4 inches) and lightweight at a mere 51 grams, less than half the weight of an iPhone 6, making it highly portable. The aluminium exterior comes in two distinct metal finishes – Deep Black (1TB and 2TB models) and Alluring Blue (250GB and 500GB models).
The T5 comes with a three-year limited warranty and is available to order globally from now with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $129.99 (£124.99) for the 250GB model.
Buy now: Samsung T5 Portable SSD from Amazon
Buy now: Samsung T5 Portable SSD 2TB from Amazon
With no moving parts and a shock-resistant internal frame, the T5 offers users peace of mind as it can withstand accidental drops of up to 2 meters (6.6 feet), according to Samsung's internal testing. The new drive is also supported by the Samsung Portable SSD Software for PCs and Macs based on the AES 256-bit hardware data encryption, making it it easy to configure security settings and receive the latest firmware and software updates. A mobile app is also available for Android smartphones and tablets for even further convenience. In addition, the T5 includes two connection cables – USB-C to C and USB-C to A – for enhanced compatibility across numerous devices.
Homeless photographers share their world in MyLondon pictures
Bruce Forsyth – a celebration of his life in pictures


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State Watch - 8h 8m ago
Opinion>Congress Blog>Economy & Budget
The views expressed by contributors are their own and not the view of The Hill
Very unwise for employers to tell employees how to vote
by Gordon Lafer, associate professor, University of Oregon - 10/25/12 5:00 PM ET
{mosads}The Kochs may be ideological extremists, but their tactics are quickly becoming mainstream. Last week, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce launched a campaign encouraging businesses to distribute political ads in the payroll envelopes of their employees. And newly surfaced tape records Mitt Romney himself urging employers to "make it very clear to your employees what you believe is in the best interest of your enterprise and therefore their job and their future in the upcoming election."
These are the kind of banana-republic tactics that our government regularly condemns when they occur abroad. The Bush Administration, for instance, rejected Ukrainian elections as illegitimate, in part because international observers found that managers of state-owned enterprises had "instructed their subordinates to vote for [the ruling party]."
One step beyond even the Kochs is GOP mega-donor Bob Murray, who required employees at an Ohio coal mine to attend a Romney campaign event. The resulting photo-op could have been at home in the old East Germany – candidate standing before a crowd of miners, replete with banner reading "Coal Country Stands With Mitt," with no notice that miners were attending under the direction of their boss, forced to give up a day's pay in order to serve as human props. Again, we routinely condemn such charades when carried out by foreigners. The Bush Administration criticized Armenia's elections, for instance, after observers reported that "factory workers … were instructed to attend the incumbent's rallies." But what we reject for Armenians and Ukrainians, the business lobbies now want to institute at home.
An employee whose boss tells them hot to vote may still ignore this advice in the privacy of a voting booth. What they won't do, however, is display a button or bumper sticker, write a letter to the editor, or be seen attending a rally of the opposing party. This strikes at the very heart of democracy. Elections are only "free and fair" if voters are free to speak out, write in, and publicly support the candidate of their choice, without fear for their livelihoods.
This principle is not only enshrined in international standards; it is a fundamental norm of American democracy. When the Founders set about designing the world's first democracy, they were particularly concerned that employees might be subject to the undue influence of those who controlled their economic fate. "In the main," Alexander Hamilton warned, "power over a man's support is power over his will." Constitutional author Gouverneur Morris likewise worried that those who "receive their bread from their employer" would be pressured to "sell [their votes] to the rich."
This concern spawned a host of federal and state regulations specifically aimed at insulating voters from political pressure in the workplace. A dozen states, for example, ban employers from putting political messages in employees' paychecks. Others have laws like Ohio's that prohibit employers from predicting that "if any particular candidate is elected… work in the establishment will cease in whole or in part."
What sets democratic elections apart from the sham votes of authoritarian regimes is not secret ballots – after all, even Saddam Hussein had secret ballots – but the ability of all voters to participate in what the Supreme Court termed "uninhibited, robust and wide-open debate" without fear of retaliation.
In striking down limits on political advertising, the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision also – perhaps inadvertently – deleted the statutory language that prevented corporations from forcing political propaganda on employees. The GOP and corporate lobbies now want to exploit this loophole to turn us into a country where only the independently wealthy are truly free to speak out, while the rest of us have to look over our shoulders before signing a petition or wearing the "wrong" button.
It's hard to imagine a worse direction for the country, or a more important place for Republicans and Democrats to come together in defending the fundamentals of our democracy.
Lafer is a University of Oregon political scientist and research associate at the Economic Policy Institute.
More Economy & Budget News
Let states lead on paid family leave — with federal support
by Joshua McCabe, opinion contributor 1 week ago
Congress Blog / 1 week ago
Here's how McCarthy's concessions will transform the House of Representatives
by Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-Okla.), opinion contributor 2 weeks ago
Congress Blog / 2 weeks ago
The US needs fast growth: The Fed is against it
by Paul A. London, opinion contributor 3 weeks ago
Congress must follow these new year's resolutions
by Tom Schatz, opinion contributor 1 month ago
Congress Blog / 1 month ago
Trump criticizes Democrats' effort to 'cruelly' change up primary ...


Joella Long received her Bachelor's degree in Cultural Studies from the University of Washington and her Master's degree in Couple and Family Therapy from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington. After graduation, she was trained as a Functional Family Therapist and worked with families court ordered to family therapy before starting in private practice. She is passionate about supporting families and the unique challenges that face young adults. Joella has volunteered around the world for humanitarian causes as well as right here in the U.S. supporting Army families in transition.
In addition to working as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Joella is an engaging lecturer and presenter and a growing researcher. She was accepted as an Early Career Member of the American Family Therapy Academy, where she presented her research at the AFTA 2017 National Conference in Philadelphia. Most recently Joella taught Substance Abuse and Addictions in Bastyr University's Masters in Counseling Program.
When she is not working with young adults and families, Joella can be found on one of the many trails in Central Oregon with her husband and their husky, Abbeygale.


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Rachel Valentine '21 , Broadcast and Digital Journalism
Real-Life Experience in the Newsroom
When Rachel Valentine '21 was looking at colleges, NVU-Lyndon had major selling points for her: small classes, a cross-country team she could join, many campus activities to get involved with, and a location outside her home state of Arizona.
Most of all, she was drawn to the broadcast and digital journalism program.
When Rachel visited Lyndon, she toured the campus News7 station, a student-run, Emmy award-winning operation that produces live broadcasts five days a week. "I was sold. The newsroom was really cool," she says. "And I saw that the broadcast program was highly ranked."
Live at the On-Campus Broadcast Studio
As a student in the broadcast and digital journalism program, Rachel works at News7, building skills that will help her stand out to employers. Her experience shooting, writing, and editing stories for classes prepared her to work at the station, where she and her peers do it all: report, edit, anchor, direct, produce.
"Getting real-life experience in the newsroom is preparing me for what I want to do," says Rachel, of Clarkdale, Arizona. "That's big hands-on experience. Because of the small school size, you learn everything. You become well-rounded in the field…I'm adding to the tools I can use when I graduate."
Rachel plans a career in sports broadcasting, so she's pursuing a minor in sport management. "The minor has tied in really well with my journalism major, and I think it will help me," she says. "The biggest thing for me is that every opportunity at Lyndon, if you want to do it you can do it. If there's something you're interested in, professors will help you. They want to see you succeed."
Sports and Other Ways to Get Involved at NVU
Rachel's additional involvement in varsity cross-country and lacrosse and other campus activities is helping her to build leadership and communication skills and meet people.
"Playing sports has helped me make a lot of friends. It's good for me to make connections with the coaches and be part of the team. It has added to my experience at Lyndon, being able to participate in a sport and do the major I want. You don't get that at every college," she says. "There are so many things I'm doing now that I never thought I'd be able to do in college."
A Place to Connect with Supportive Faculty and Make Friends
Rachel is also a resident assistant (RA) and was a leader in the Summer Bridge Program, which provides extra orientation for new students. "I've made an entire new group of friends, and I've gained a great set of leadership skills I didn't even know I needed," she says. "It's cool as an RA to see the way you can connect people."
NVU's small classes make it easier to connect with people — professors and other students.
"I'm not a number. I'm at a school where everybody knows me, and the professors want to help me and see me succeed," Rachel says. "People here care about you and want you to do well."
"Ready. Respected. Results. Those are the three words I use to describe my ambitions and goals in this challenging, rewarding, and ever-changing passion I have."
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You can add, delete, and modify parameters for a geoprocessing script tool. Introduction to Geoprocessing Scripts Using Python (9.3). WILD 6900 Special Topics Section 6 (2 credits) Spring 2008. This course teaches how to create Python scripts to automate ArcGISgeoprocessing tasks, increasing productivity and efficiencies in GIS workflows. You can write a Python script to execute and make use of a geoprocessing service in multiple ways. Geoprocessing with Python using Open Source GIS. For available courses, please refer to our course catalog. The primary way to execute a script is to make use of ArcPy. Python toolbox data types are set using the parameter's datatype property. Python is initially only aware of tools stored in ArcGIS system toolboxes like the Data Management Tools, Conversion Tools, and Analysis Tools toolboxes.


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al-Bahr al-ahmar (, deutsch Rotes Meer) bezeichnet:

 al-Bahr al-ahmar (Bundesstaat), einen sudanesischen Bundesstaat
 Gouvernement al-Bahr al-ahmar, ein ägyptisches Gouvernement


For readers who followed "Enrique's Journey," "Outcasts United" is another equally moving account of refugees finding a new life in the U.S. Based on the adult bestseller, "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference," this young people's edition is a complex and inspirational story about the Fugees, a youth soccer team made up of diverse refugees from around the world, and their formidable female coach, Luma Mufleh. Clarkston, Georgia, was a typical southern town until it became a refugee resettlement center. The author explores how the community changed with the influx of refugees and how the dedication of Lumah Mufleh and the entire Fugees soccer team inspired an entire community. "From the Hardcover edition."