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by Ksenia Kuzmina
Around the World in 14 Years: Sofitel Macau's Executive Chef Daniel Brooker
In 20 years of his career, Daniel Brooker worked around the globe, cooked for presidents and celebrities, and in 2012, became the first New Zealander to win the Gold Medal at the Culinary Olympics. As the executive chef of Sofitel Macau At Ponte 16, he managed to strengthen its position on the Macau gastronomy map and attract more guests during this challenging 2020. We sat down with Chef Daniel to talk about his achievements and what military and culinary careers have in common.
Tell us about your career path. What brought you to Macau?
It all started in Aukland, New Zealand. When I was 17, I did a three-year internship in a SkyCity Casino with 26 food and beverage outlets. Then, I worked for two renowned NZ chefs, Peter Gordon and Peter Thornley.
At 23, I left New Zealand and moved to Oman, where I worked for a year with a team of 126 nationalities. It was my first overseas experience; a culture shock. The first time leaving is the hardest, but then I've never been back to work in New Zealand.
Afterward, I relocated to Almaty, Kazakhstan, where I had probably the best time of my life. It was challenging in terms of language, so I learned some Russian and Turkish to communicate with the team. I got to cook for the Russian president Putin, former Kazakh president Nazarbayev, ministers; basically for the elite. It was a valuable and, at times, extravagant experience with insane security measures involved.
After the economic crisis in 2009, I moved back to the Middle East, Abu-Dhabi, my first post as an executive chef. Then I worked in Beijing and Xiamen, then afterward Sofitel Guangzhou. I left Sofitel to start my own business and came back to work for the brand in Macau.
Have you always dreamed of becoming a chef?
Not really. However, I always loved cooking as a kid. I just looked at the photos of cookies with colorful icing in my mom's cookbooks and cooked according to the recipes. I could always make something at an early age.
I dropped out of school when I was 16. While I was good with crafts and arts, maths or science was not my thing. Then I did a few jobs in the supermarket and cleaning. When I turned 17, I started that apprenticeship in the kitchen.
At the start of your career, was there someone who drove you or taught you something that influenced you?
I weighed 130 kilos at 17 years old. That was one of the reasons why I dropped out of school, you know. The biggest drive was my fellow intern, Andrew, who was fit and handsome and later became my best friend. I always tried to compete with him; he was my motivation to be better.
What or who inspires you now? Are there any names in the gastronomy world that move you?
Not so much anymore. The icon I still hold at the pinnacle of every chef is Marco Pierre White, a master of European cuisine for me. I have his cookbook, White Heat. You can put any dish from that book on a menu today, and it would be modern. It's timeless.
What is your style of cooking and your forte?
I believe in honest food and value for money, so guests won't need to go to McDonald's after having a fancy but not satisfying dinner. There is nothing wrong with just serving salmon with salad or a good steak with French fries.
Coming from New Zealand, I love cooking steaks–it's my specialty. That's what we do there–steaks, steaks, steaks every day. There are no vegetarians at my house!
Who would you be if you didn't become a chef?
My dream was to be a sniper or a marine. If I didn't become a chef, I would have gone to the USA and try to become a marine. Being a chef and a soldier has a lot in common–discipline, being a leader, trusting in your team.
Do you also apply this military discipline in your kitchen?
I do when it comes to structure and ranks, yes.
Your bio says, "chef with a bold mind." Would you say it's your defining feature? Which other sides of your character helped you to become an executive chef?
Not sure who wrote this (laughs). Well, to me, being bold is rejecting the status quo. When you get to a certain level and gain plenty of experience, you have to be confident in your abilities. It's a bit like with grandparents–they have been on this planet for 80 years. Who are you to question their expertise? They went through WWII! So I know what I can do and have the proof to back it up.
Yes, I'm only 37, but I started young and had a diverse and rich experience, working around the world with people worldwide. Knowing your worth is very important.
You are from New Zealand, working for a French brand, in charge, among other things, of Western and Chinese restaurants, a la carte, room service, and more. How do you manage to juggle so many different pillars successfully?
We have an international team at Sofitel, including chefs that can do anything. The key to any operation is the right team. First of all, you have to hire the right people, train them well, give them the tools, trust them, and provide them a chance to perform. Sometimes you need to watch people making mistakes and not intervene so that they can learn and progress.
How would you define Sofitel Macau's role in the local restaurant scene? Why would people choose to dine here over other restaurants in Macau?
We are not pretentious; we offer good value for money and serve honest food. You don't need to be someone to come here. Sofitel caters to all demographics on a social scale in Macau.
At Sofitel Macau, we are not that pressured by frames and guidelines, so we have the creative freedom of doing what we think works. Here, the chef has a lot of input because, for Sofitel, gastronomy is crucial, F&B has a strong emphasis here.
What do you think changed at Sofitel Macau since you started working here?
I was hired at the same time as our Food & Beverage director, Falko Flamme. Together, we make a good team–he is creative, and I'm good at operations. We were recruited to be creative, think outside the box, introduce a fun element, and attract new guests. In 2020, we raised more Western events, such as set lunch and dinner, wine tasting, and transformed the concept of Privé into something that works better. Now it hosts occasional social seafood dining, wine dining, and Dinner in the Dark.
We also brought more products iconic in French gastronomy–cold cuts, bread, wine. Sofitel Macau is back on the gastronomy map as a place that offers Western products and acquired a more diverse clientele.
What exciting plans you have for Sofitel dining next year?
2020 was pretty chaotic. In 2021, we have adjusted budgets, but we know the circumstances and already have exciting events planned. In 2020, we brought the Dinner in the Dark to Macau and adapted its structure and mechanics to the local guests. Next year we plan to keep on with this project.
Until we can open Privé daily, the plan is to have a special dinner every week. There will be blind wine, seafood, fondue dinners. By the way, our seafood tower is the best deal you can get in town!
Starting in March, we are planning a dinner event with dry-aged smoked meat. Sofitel Macau will be focusing on family-style, not pretentious events where people can gather and share decent food.
What are the most satisfying and the most challenging sides of working in Macau?
A lot of people here speak English. After working in various locations with language barriers, I appreciate this luxury. From a chef's point of view, the price of alcohol is a significant advantage. The challenging side is that Macau is a relatively expensive place. Actually, before Covid-19, I didn't live in Macau. My home is in Zhuhai, so I used to cross the border to get to work.
What do you do on your day off?
Anything that doesn't involve thinking about work, really, mainly resting. Back home in Zhuhai, I have many animals–fox, eagle, cats, and dogs. So my day off would be taking care of the animals, fixing things around the house. I'm not very social so I'd rather not go out and be among the crowd. Frankly, I get more satisfaction taking care of animals or plants. I don't need people to be happy.
But as I stay in Macau, I sometimes work. If I don't, I'd go for an hour's cycle around town or stay in, sleep, check Instagram for Macau Lifestyle updates, watch Animal Planet or Discovery for hours. I'm good at learning new things, so I might go on YouTube and check out tutorials to learn a new skill.
What are your favorite places in the city? How about favorite restaurants and bars?
McDonald's is very consistent (laughs). Well, I have no shame to say that the last meal of my life would be a Quater Pounder with cheese. I love comfort food! Also, I'm into hot pot and Korean BBQ. Frankly, I haven't found a place in Macau that I'd go back to every week.
A bar that I do enjoy going to is The Macallan Whisky Bar & Lounge for their drinks, food, and good music. Macau Soul is also great. But I don't go out that much. I'm a UFC fan, so when it's a good fight, I'd go to The Roadhouse Macau.
What advice would you give to your younger self at the start of your career?
Honestly, if I could live my life again and be at the same place, I'd be grateful.
I'd tell myself to leave school earlier. My parents and wife look at me funny when I claim this, but I don't believe classic education is crucial. Obviously, it is if you want to become a doctor or lawyer. Not everybody needs it. I managed to achieve what I achieved and be successful without it.
Also read: Wake Up Here: Sofitel Macau At Ponte 16
For the latest news and updates, follow Sofitel Macau on Facebook and Instagram @sofitelmacau
Sofitel Macau At Ponte 16 Rua do Visconde Paço de Arcos, Macau, +853 8861 7801, www.sofitelmacau.com
Daniel Brooker
Sofitel Macau
Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16
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We must address inequalities now. This is a European commitment – Joint press conference on the Porto Social Summit
Mag 7, 2021 | In Primo Piano, Interventi
Statements by António Costa, Portuguese Prime Minister, David Sassoli, EP President and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
Today we have the opportunity to learn the lessons of this pandemic in order to rebuild a more sustainable, fairer Europe for all Europeans. Everyone has a right to a prosperous future.
My closing remarks at the #EUSocialSummit2021 in Porto ↓ https://t.co/KhZk8pqqXt
— David Sassoli (@EP_President) May 7, 2021
Sassoli: We must address inequalities now. This is a European commitment
Extracts from the speech of the European Parliament President at the European Council in Porto
"Our citizens expect a lot from the recovery we are preparing. They expect it to have a strong social imprint, to have the objective of bridging inequalities, of relaunching quality work, of accompanying everyone in the great transition that awaits us.
"The growth in inequality created by the COVID-19 crisis threatens to leave a legacy of poverty and social and economic instability that would be devastating. Covid-19 highlighted pre-pandemic inequalities more vividly than we could imagine.
"It would be misleading to think that this social rift, widened by the pandemic, can heal quickly and that the economy and society can return to pre-pandemic normality.
"The European Recovery Plan contains an indispensable social dimension, as it will make it possible to finance measures linked to social and territorial cohesion, as well as measures in favour of children and young people. This dimension, to me, seems essential: climate change cannot be decoupled from social justice and from the fight against inequalities. Indeed, inequality and poverty fuel the ecological crisis, while we see that more egalitarian societies have a better environmental situation and a greater capacity to become more sustainable.
"Thus, with the European Recovery Plan, Europe is giving itself the means to tackle structural problems and to move further towards a social Europe. Social dialogue and the commitment of social actors will be essential to achieve this goal. More than ever, in addition to the Green Deal and the Digital Strategy, it is necessary to strongly reaffirm the existence of a third pillar for EU recovery and transformation, the European Pillar of Social Rights.
"This important summit must not be a point of arrival, but a starting point that leads to the implementation of the renewed social agenda that we are agreeing together here today.
"The time has come to take stock of the lessons learned from the pandemic and to build resilient and prosperous societies into the future. The Parliament believes that we have the legislation, we have the financial means, we now need real political will and the commitment of all responsible authorities to make social rights a reality for everyone in the EU.
"The social proclamation of the European Pillar of Social Rights in Gothenburg in 2017 was an unprecedented event; the same goes for the Porto Social Summit. It is time to take a step forward together in terms of concrete results, ambition, objectives and social rights."
The full speech is available here

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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WHAT ARE SURETY BONDS?
VISIT NASBP.ORG
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SURETYLEARN FOR CONTRACTORS
Current Industry Trends In Overseas Markets: A Conversation With International Surety Market Experts
Recorded On: 07/16/2020
Non-member - $179
NASBP is excited to announce a special panel discussion developed by the NASBP and SFAA International Committees, where panelists will address current surety market trends in today's overseas markets.
This panel has been developed by the NASBP and SFAA International Committees, where panelists will address current surety market trends in today's overseas markets. Panelists will also explore such timely topics as the varying requirements of suretyship, opportunities for contractors in overseas markets, the disruption of the raw material supply chain from Pacific Rim countries, and the impact COVID-19 is having in overseas markets.
The panel discussion will be moderated by NASBP International Committee chair, Sheila E. Thompson, President, Rosenberg & Parker of Canada, Inc. Joining Sheila will be several surety representatives who specialize in international suretyship.
Dekker Buckley, Senior Vice President, CHUBB - COG Surety
Michael C. Fay, Senior Vice President, Head of Contract Surety, Zurich North America
Gonzalo Videla, Regional Underwriting Officer, Latin America and Fronting, Travelers, Bond & Specialty Insurance
Nicholas Kim, Vice President and Senior Underwriting Officer, Liberty Mutual Surety
This session is a perfect fit for every construction and surety professional, including agents, underwriters, claims professionals, contractors, and supporting staff.
Sheila E. Thompson
Rosenberg & Parker of Canada, Inc.
Sheila E. Thompson is the President of Rosenberg & Parker of Canada, Inc. With over 35 years' experience as an underwriter and as a broker, she oversees client and surety relations and is responsible for the operations of Rosenberg & Parker of Canada, Inc. She has written bonds for both publicly traded and privately held corporations in the construction, manufacturing, energy savings, technology, environmental and waste hauling industries, as well as for many other companies with bonding requirements.
Sheila's prior experience includes Marsh & McLennan, Chateau Insurance Company, Morris & Mackenzie Inc., Hunter Keilty Muntz & Beatty and HKMB HUB.
In addition to being a past Director and Treasurer of the Canadian Association of Women in Construction, Sheila is a member of the Toronto Construction Association (TCA), National Association of Surety Bond Producers, Construction Financial Management Association, The Risk and Insurance Management Society of Canada (RIMS Canada) as well as various construction associations. She is the past chair of the Surety Association of Canada's Ontario and Education Committees and currently sits on the Ontario Committee. She is the only broker representative on the Canadian Construction Documents Committee's Surety Subcommittee.
In 2016, Sheila became Chairperson for the National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP) International Committee.
Sheila graduated from Trinity College, University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Dekker Buckley
Senior Vice President, CHUBB - COG Surety
Dekker Buckley has been with Chubb for more than 30 years, beginning his career as a surety trainee in Chubb's New York office in 1988.
He is currently a Senior Vice President for Chubb Overseas General, involved in the surety underwriting and operations for Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific. He also serves as chairman of the International Committee for the Surety and Fidelity Association of America as well as President of the International Surety Association. Dekker managed Chubb's surety operations in Mexico from 1993 to 1999 before returning to the company's Home Office.
Dekker has a B.A. from Williams College and an MBA from Duke University.
Michael C. Fay
Senior Vice President, Head of Contract Surety, Zurich North America
Mike Fay is a Senior Vice President and serves as the Head of Contract Surety for Zurich North America. He is responsible for leading underwriting operations, strategy, engaging with the broader surety market and maintaining relationships with our customers. Mike joined Zurich in 2017 as SVP – Global Accounts in Zurich Surety. Since this time, he has assumed the Head of Contract Surety with Zurich Surety. Mike has 34 years of surety experience. Prior to Zurich, he held various roles in the surety industry, including contract, commercial and international at a variety of Surety operations, including Chubb, AIG and Seaboard Surety. His international experience included being located in London, England and headed up AIG's AIU Surety practice in New York. In addition to his vast surety experience, Mike's initial work experience was at the Bank of New York in their International Operations – Letter of Credit area in New York City.
Mike holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island.
Nicholas Kim
Vice President and Senior Underwriting Officer, Liberty Mutual Surety
Nicholas Kim is Vice President and Senior Underwriting Officer at Liberty Mutual Surety responsible for overseeing the Latin America and Iberia regions. He is located in the King of Prussia, Pennsylvania Home Office. Nick's job responsibilities include developing a clear underwriting and risk management strategy for the countries within his region as well as managing a team of home office underwriters who are responsible for working with the various field offices for underwriting approvals. The oversight of the LatAm & Iberia regions include the management of a portfolio of clients ranging from large corporates to small & medium size enterprises (SME) with both contract and commercial bond needs, both in conditional and on-demand surety markets.
Nick graduated from Temple University's Fox School of business with a concentration in Risk Management & Insurance and International Business. He started in Liberty Mutual Surety in 2007 and has focused the majority of his career in International Surety.
Gonzalo Videla
Regional Underwriting Officer, Latin America and Fronting, Travelers, Bond & Specialty Insurance
Gonzalo Videla currently leads International Surety for Latin America and Fronting at Travelers, Bond & Specialty Insurance. His responsibilities include overseeing the construction and commercial surety business in Latin America as well as the worldwide fronting operations. Gonzalo graduated from the University of Buenos Aires with a double major in Accounting and Business Administration. He started his surety career in Argentina, where he was born. Work experience includes various roles in international surety at both Chubb and Zurich North America. With over 25 years in the surety industry, Gonzalo has surety underwriting, reinsurance, and portfolio management expertise including reverse flow and local accounts in several countries around the world.
See your success with Old Republic Surety. Success can come from a ferocious appetite to win. Strength helps too. Choose a surety partner with the character to win. We write bid bonds, performance & payment bonds and maintenance bonds in all 50 states. Responsive, Reliable, Respected - Old Republic Surety.
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Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS) is a disorder characterized by low blood counts, increased risk of leukemia, and digestive problems due to malfunction of the pancreas. The mission of the Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome Registry (SDSR) is to offer a unique resource that promotes science and discovery to improve the diagnosis, treatment and ultimately curing of children and adults with SDS. While the majority of patients present with symptoms in childhood, increasing numbers of adults are diagnosed with SDS due to improved awareness of this syndrome. The Registry serves a crucial role in finding a cure for SDS.
Typical symptoms may include frequent loose bowel movements, poor growth, frequent infections, low energy/fatigue or increased bruising or bleeding. Some people with SDS have additional symptoms such as those involving the bones, liver, immune system, heart, eczema, and other organ systems. However, some people with SDS may lack apparent symptoms for a long time. Early diagnosis allows treatment prior to the development of irreversible complications.
Since SDS is a rare disorder, limited information is available to guide diagnosis, medical management, and treatment. To address this gap and improve the health of patients with SDS, the Registry was established in December of 2008 to collect clinical information and samples from people affected with SDS and their families. The SDSR was first headquartered at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and later moved to Boston Children's Hospital in collaboration with Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Medical Center. Together, we can cure SDS!
The Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome Registry (SDSR) is dedicated to accelerating research and treatment for SDS to improve survival and quality of life for all patients with the disease. The ultimate goal is to cure SDS!
The SDSR is centered at Boston Children's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. SDSR is dedicated to sharing new knowledge with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS) is an inherited condition typically characterized by low blood counts and digestive problems. Many patients have additional symptoms such as problems with growth, bone abnormalities, and infections.
Most cases of SDS are associated with genetic changes, called mutations, in the SBDS gene. It is possible that additional genes that are not yet identified may also cause SDS. SDS is a rare disorder and our understanding of the medical complications and best treatments remains limited.
The bone marrow fails to produce an adequate number of neutrophils. Neutrophils, a type of white blood cells, fight infections, particularly those caused by bacteria or fungus. The medical term for low numbers of neutrophils is "neutropenia". Neutropenia is associated with an increased risk of infections.
The numbers of red blood cells or platelets may also be low. "Anemia" refers to low numbers of red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body. Symptoms of anemia include excessive fatigue, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, and pallor. Infants with anemia may have difficulty feeding and lack energy.
"Thrombocytopenia" refers to low numbers of platelets. Platelets help the blood to clot. When platelet counts are low, there is an increased risk of bruising or bleeding.
Severe bone marrow failure causing very low blood counts is called "aplastic anemia".
SDS is also associated with an increased risk of Myelodysplastic Syndrome/ Leukemia, typically Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML).
Some people with SDS have frequent loose bowel movements, poor growth, and additional symptoms such as those involving the bones, liver, immune system, heart, eczema, and other organ systems.
It's easy to join the Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome Registry.
Contact the SDS Registry to discuss eligibility and provide informed consent.
If you are interested in enrolling your child or yourself in the Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome Registry (SDSR), please contact us. Consent forms can be Emailed or mailed directly to you. We require consent forms to be reviewed over the phone with the SDSR research staff before signing them. You will need to contact the SDSR to set up a time to go over the forms. This telephone call is short and we can work around your busy schedule. If the patient is a minor (under age 18) parents/legal guardians must review and sign the consent forms. It is important that the signed consent form(s) be mailed back to the SDSR office as soon as possible. A pre-addressed, pre-stamped envelope will be provided to you.
Obtain medical records. We do the work for you! A new Release of Medical Records form is required annually for you to share copies of your medical records with the SDSR. The records requested by the SDSR include clinic notes, notes from hospitalizations, laboratory results, radiology studies, and pathology reports from your primary care physician and any specialists you see for your care. To protect the confidentiality of your medical records the SDSR study staff will assign a unique study code to each participant. This coded information will be entered into a secure computer database.
The Registry would like samples of your blood and/or bone marrow when obtained as part of routine clinical care. No extra procedures are ever required. Please contact the SDSR regarding these samples 1 month prior to your scheduled clinic visit and we will send you all of the materials needed.
After your consent is complete we will send you a Patient Questionnaire regarding your past and current health. This questionnaire will be periodically sent to you so the Registry can track your health over time. We are happy to assist you by phone when you are filling out the questionnaire.
Why should I join the SDSR?
Things we learn through the Registry allow us to determine what causes SDS and find ways to treat it.
Participation takes little time and the Registry does most of the work for you.
The Registry can receive your consent over the phone if you are unable to visit a Registry site in either Cincinnati or Boston.
With your permission, small amounts of blood or marrow are shared with the Registry and drawn ONLY with scheduled blood or marrow testing.
Information about your health is protected and will not be shared outside of the Registry (i.e. hospitals, insurance companies, etc.).
The Registry is collecting information about all aspects of SDS including pancreatic/nutritional, liver and neuropsychological issues.
The Registry is a resource for both patients and physicians regarding SDS. Contact us with any questions.
The Registry staff is available to speak to families and physicians regarding SDS.
SDS is a rare disease. The more people who participate in the Registry, the more we can learn about SDS, improve medical management, develop new treatments and advocate for SDS families. Click HERE to view our enrollment data.
Help us find a cure for SDS!
The success of the SDS Registry critically depends on funding support.
Makenna was first put on Hematology/ Oncology's radar at ten weeks old when it was discovered that her hemoglobin levels were critically low. Ten months later, she was tested for SDS and genetically confirmed. Today Makenna is a sweet and spunky toddler who loves to play with her friends, play outside, and talk. Makenna's proud parents are Derek, an engineer and Tracy, a teacher. They hope to model a spirit of resilience and grit for Makenna so that she grows to know no limits. They enjoy raising money for the Registry because they know it is essential to improving treatments for those affected by SDS; the Registry gives them hope for a cure!
It's been a journey for the Miller Family to reach SDS diagnoses for three of their four children. The second oldest, Scott, was diagnosed with pancreatic insufficiency at just 18 months. Initially the diagnosis of SDS was not thought likely because he lacked the SDS mutations so Scott continued forward. When he was 5 years old, it was recommended by another SDS family that the Millers connect with an oncology/hematology specialist. At 6 years old Scott received his first bone marrow biopsy and ultimately reached his diagnosis.
At the same time Scott began his time in hematology/oncology, their son Jonathan, 14 months old, also received a bone marrow biopsy. Jonathan experienced frequent infections and ear infections leading up to his time of diagnosis but never really presented as a traditional SDS patient. Although he still lives with some gastrointestinal issues today, he is excelling at his Latin school.
Meagan, diagnosed with IBS at 3 years old, always had immune system struggles growing up. It wasn't until she enrolled in the SDS Registry, because of her connection to her brothers and their mutations, that they were able to reach her own SDS diagnosis, at 10 years old. Pam Miller, mom, said, "If it wasn't for the Registry linking people together, we wouldn't be a part of this and we wouldn't have a diagnosis." The Registry has offered a watchful eye on Meagan, which helped to ensure an infection or illness would be caught before it progressed too much and had negative repercussions on her health.
Today, Meagan, Scott and Jonathan are thriving. They attend school and participate in extracurricular activities. The Millers encourage families to join the Registry because it creates an important community and an understanding that SDS may present differently from patient to patient. The Registry is a vital resource to educate and support families, while keeping everyone actively engaged in the SDS journey with the ultimate goal to find a cure.
The SDS Registry is dedicated to accelerating research and treatment for SDS to improve survival for all patients with SDS.
Is there a cost to me to participate on the Registry?
- There is no cost to you to participate.
What are the research priorities of the Registry?
Can I make a donation to the Registry to support its ongoing efforts?
- Absolutely! Continued funding support is critical for the continuation of the SDS Registry.
should be Tested for SDS?
Testing new medicines for SDS Drug screens to discover new therapeutic strategies Gene discovery for diagnosis and therapy Collaborative studies across institutions Identifying the complications of SDS and their treatments Curing SDS Gene discovery: While mutations in the SBDS gene are found in the majority of SDS patients, a subset of patients remain as yet genetically undefined. The Registry is hard at work to identify additional genes that cause SDS, but we need additional families, clinical records, and samples to succeed.


Nicole hates talking about herself, even though she thinks the world revolves around her. She's afraid that she's turning into a Gilmore Girl because she drinks ridiculous amounts of coffee, talks really really fast, and knows entirely too much about pop culture (no, seriously, her friends won't play Trivial Pursuit with her anymore). When she's not working, Nicole watches too much TV, plays with her puppies, hosts Bad Movie Night, and somehow has incredibly functional relationships with her family and friends.


Outside of being a curator for the Music to Practice Yoga Playlist, I work for a tech startup called Asana in San Francisco. On the side, I teach yoga part time at CorePower and run an online men's group….
This is a playlist for people who love to feel the special energy of the night in their lives, it's a playlist designed to join you on the experience of being up and surrounded by the silence of everyone else sleeping around you.


Godrej Properties presents the most awaited residential project with a new Phase 5 of Godrej Garden City at Jagatpur, Ahmedabad. Its a tower of Ground + 12 Floors which comprises of 2 BHK & 3 BHK apartments at a launching price of Rs 39 Lacs Onwards.
Godrej Garden City as an entire project is a huge township which has various towers coming up and loads of facilities which makes it a small world all together. Whatever your requirement is, should be available here. So what are you waiting for, call us now and grab the limited offers of launching price.
Godrej Garden City Phase 5 is a very good residential project located in Jagatpur and an important location in Ahmedabad. Being developed and constructed by Godrej Properties Limited, It comprises of well planned, well designed residential living spaces.
This residential Project comprises of a number of facilities and contemporary amenities that include Party Lawns, Olympic Size Swimming Pool, Restaurants & Guest Rooms etc.
This Project is situated at an important location in Jagatpur. It is in close proximity to Off Sarkhej Gandhinagar Highway, Walled city, Jagatpur. Other nearby facilities and landmarks include NIRMA University, BSNL Training Centre & Regional Telecom training centre, etc.
Godrej Garden City Phase 5 project comes under Village N/A, having CTS No. N/A.
Nearby Landmarks:- NIRMA University, BSNL Training Centre & Regional Telecom training centre, etc.
* 100 Ft wide road running from South End to North End of Township. Meaning the Road Runs from One end of the Township to the other end.


While I normally do two posts regarding idiocy when its this grandiose, I feel a bit bad here, but whatev.
First of all, COPYRIGHT IS ENFORCABLE ON THE INTERNET. It is. If you have questions, "Toni," you may speak to my lawyer, and if you would steal my ADVICE word for word and SIGN YOUR NAME TO IT, this tells me that a large part and parcel of your site is a collection of the work of others - not your own. If you are so "spiritual," you would know this sort of behavior would bring you a lot of "bad karma." You took my intellectual property, and now that you have been called on it, the best defense would be to simply admit it - not pretend the wronged party is the person to attack.
You have not even bothered to contact me directly, instead posting to a group. I offered you speak to me privately, and you scurried away from that fast enough...but I am told you have a shop, so I would be happy to call you. Since public speeches are your preferred method, I will speak to you in your language.
If any of you would follow the type of person that defends this sort of behavior, you would deserve what you get. You are following someone who's work is not even theirs, who's thoughts are not theirs, and who defends illegal theft and misrepresentation by saying it was for the greater good. My site is here, a link to it would suffice, quotes around what was being said, and signed "Cat." Not signed "Toni" but with my signature. I have been copied quite a bit...as of yet this is the first instance of someone stealing my word for word advice. I'm tempted to take legal action if not only to teach that copyright law is very easily enforced, especially on a dated blog, that I can't "mess with" the dates, nor can I retroactively publish something to look like mine...and the arrival of your site on the scene is very much traceable as well.
Even more amusing is that several practitioners have told me they liked my website disclaimer on my business site (not the one on this site,) asked to copy it and replace the certain names (ie my site name with theirs,) and I was totally okay with this word for word copy. Seriously. Why? They asked my permission to use my work, and further, the piece didn't contain well-known catch phrases of mine from 3 years ago as did the plagurized item we spoke on yesterday.
I am spiritual...but I'm not flakey, and I do not hide behind such claims in an effort to make others look worse. I find it troubling that someone outed as theif of intellectual property who signed her name to my work actually makes this accusation, and has people who are okay with that, but I guess that's because I'm normal. I do not believe that being spiritual makes a need for me to be someone you can kick and steal from. I have always stood up for myself. I have a strong belief in the divine and in spirits...does that make me spiritual? I have studied many religions and many paradigms, and have come full circle back to what I love (Hoodoo) many times. Does that make me spiritual? I pray every day and meditate every day even without a spell or a need to do such a thing, but because I WANT TO - does that make me spiritual? I have assisted people in trouble at cost to myself - both in cases of their spiritual safety and physical safety...and you feel perhaps THIS makes me spiritual?
I think anyone defending someone's blatant theft of my work and signing her name to it (her name was SIGNED, people,) might want to consider that I have been typing up pages and pages of free spells which I could have easily put in a book for SALE since most of this blog is my original work (except where noted and quoted, you know, like proper people do,) and then being cavalier about stealing it when spoken to might want to consider WHY they would take that person's side over mine.
The thing is, with such flimsy arguments and criticisms as those made in this person's defense have been given, I don't really feel the need to further defend myself against people who, lacking any creativity or intiative, could not even be bothered to directly contact me because they fully comprehend that they have no argument worthy to defend such behaviors. My grammar, spelling, and my "unenforceable laws" which certainly plagued Perez Hilton when he's violated them are not a concern to people who wish to brand me as "unspiritual," for asking why someone would SIGN HER NAME to a direct quote of mine and then defend it as "a friend emailed it to me" (ridiculous if you knew it already, though, right,) and say I'm "not spiritual," for having pride in my own work. However, if you are interested on defending yourself, I have gone on some lengthy tirades in the past regarding other people I have problems with, and right here in this blog. Perhaps you can use the copy and paste function in an effort to get me to argue with you, and in the hopes I don't recognize my own work again. Its damn good, so thanks.
COPYRIGHT 2008 THE ORIGINALNINJACAT, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
You can look at this by clicking for a pop up, too.
If any of you in the future would like to plagurize, I've made a new special catagory for that so that you can be put on display on my page too (because you obviously idolize me.) Thanks.
UPDATED TO ADD: I'm being chastised now for having an ego, and that I should just be okay with people lifting my work off of the internet because the idea was obviously one "everyone knows," but which she could not be bothered to write in her own terms. The nerve!
I need readers to go over her site to locate any spells, text or etc which is lifted off of this site. I have a few signature spells and I need those checked out. I've already googled text on a regular basis, but given the response from this person, I think we need to go over and make sure nothing else of mine is up... I will give a free half-hour reading to TRUSTED people who want this job. This means you and I have a working relationship already. Thanks!
ALSO: I am not accepting ANY comments into my inbox from the "Crimson Moon" group anymore, AS I'VE BLOCKED ALL COMMUNICATIONS from there, not being interested in being further chastised for doing nothing wrong whatsoever. IF YOU WANT TO DISCUSS ANYTHING WITH ME, don't bother doing so through that venue. My contact details can be found on this page. I think its special that a few people want to give me hell for miss-spelling plagurize when the theft of intellectual property (plagurized stuff,) is a an actual crime. :) If you can't find anything wrong with my argument, find something wrong with my grammar and spelling because...well, its something.


Switzerland: The Fountain of Youth!
Medical tourism is becoming more and more common in Switzerland, especially among those who put health first and money second. This trend ties in with another movement that took on the world in recent years. It is all about our well-being, our fitness, how we feed our bodies and generally how we look after ourselves.
Switzerland has been at the forefront of medical care and medical innovation for decades. The country is particularly known for its private clinics. The initial appeal of Switzerland had very little to do with the quality of the facilities. It also had nothing to do with the medical staff. I did however have everything to do with the peaceful and untouched environment. In the 19th and 20th century, patients would escape bigger cities. Cities were ridden with pollution and poor hygiene. The would come to Switzerland to enjoy the mountains, the fresh air and the quiet, clean surroundings.
In those days, patients would mostly travel to Switzerland from neighbouring countries like France, Germany and Austria. Patients would also come from Great Britain or Russia. In today's world, people come from all over the world. Patients don't necessarily come to get cured by the mountain air. They come to make use of the world class healthcare facilities and medical talent that Switzerland has cultivated. The country has continuously been in the top 10 of the global rank for healthcare for a long time. This includes public health services too. It is not bold to assume that Switzerland offers the best private medical services in the world. We also think that it will continue to excel over time.
When looking at medical faculties, there are countless branches and specialities that are available to our clients but, there are only two areas of expertise that are relevant to this article. The first one is cosmetic surgery (and non-invasive treatments). The other one is the specialty of anti-ageing treatments. In order to look and feel your very best for as long as possible, it is highly recommended to consider both of these medical "helpers". So if you want to give yourself a treatment from within to renew your cells and to rejuvenate your body, we will gladly arrange an anti-ageing treatment for you at one of our partner clinics.
The same goes for a making minor or major improvements to the way you look. We can help you navigate the challenges of plastic surgery and also advise you on the latest in non-invasive treatments that are available. All of these services are offered by carefully selected clinics and doctors who have gone through our vetting process and are the very best at what they do.


Anybody doing research on Norths in Lewis County, Kentucky?
Mary North (no maiden name or husband name found so far) born abt 1792 had Harriet, Rebecca, Josiah and Rachel.
Births in either KY or OH - but switch each census!Can find 1850-1880 and then they disappear. Only one I can follow is Harriet (dreaded 1890 census brickwall).
I am especially interested in Rachel and Nathaniel and her mother Mary and who her father was.


NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Police Department is trying to solve a homicide mystery that happened Wednesday night, March 21.
According to police, officers responded to the report of shots fired in the 7100 block of Salem Drive. Moments later, the call was changed to an aggravated battery by shooting.
At the scene, police say they found a man on the front porch of a home. He appeared to have been shot several times, and he was declared dead at the scene.
As of Wednesday night, detectives were still gathering evidence to identify the killer and a motive.
The Orleans Parish Coroner's office will determine the exact cause of death and will release the victim's name once his family members have been notified.
If you have information on the case, you can reach NOPD homicide detectives at 504-658-5300.
Or you can phone in a tip to CrimeStoppers at 504-822-1111. The toll-free number is 1-877-903-STOP. You won't be asked to testify in court, and you could earn a cash reward.


text:
Q: JPanel's with SpringLayout preferredSize does not calculate the right value I fail to see how to make a JPanel with SpringLayout properly calculate its preferred size, as currently it is always (0, 0). I tried calling panel.setPreferredSize(layout.preferredLayoutSize(panel));, however it doesn`t change anything. I also tried putting constraints (commented out in the code below) on panel's south and east sides comparatively to components that are the most south / east, and while it starts giving me right preferred size, the GUI gets absolutely messed up when resizing JFrame (e.g. some components shift out of view, overlap each other etc.).
This is the class that is giving me issues:
public class TileView extends JPanel {

    private TilesController controller;

    private JRadioButton paint, select;
    private JPanel prototype_panel, selection_panel;

    public TileView (TilesController tiles_controller) {
        controller = tiles_controller;
        SpringLayout layout = new SpringLayout();
        setLayout(layout);

        prototype_panel = new TileBrushPanel(controller);
        selection_panel = new TileSelectionPanel(controller);
        paint = new JRadioButton("draw");
        paint.addActionListener(l -> controller.setPaintTileMode());
        select = new JRadioButton ("select");
        select.addActionListener(l -> controller.setSelectMode());

        ButtonGroup bGroup = new ButtonGroup();
        bGroup.add(paint);
        bGroup.add(select);

        layout.putConstraint(NORTH, paint, 4, NORTH, this);
        layout.putConstraint(WEST, paint, 4, WEST, this);
        add (paint);

        layout.putConstraint(NORTH, select, 0, NORTH, paint);
        layout.putConstraint(WEST, select, 4, EAST, paint);
        add (select);

        layout.putConstraint(NORTH, prototype_panel, 4, NORTH, paint);
        layout.putConstraint(WEST, prototype_panel, 4, WEST, this);
        add (prototype_panel);

        layout.putConstraint(NORTH, selection_panel, 0, NORTH, prototype_panel);
        layout.putConstraint(WEST, selection_panel, 4, EAST, prototype_panel);
        add (selection_panel);

        //layout.putConstraint(SOUTH, this, 4, SOUTH, prototype_panel);
        //layout.putConstraint(EAST, this, 0, EAST, selection_panel);
        setPreferredSize(layout.preferredLayoutSize(this));

    }

}

A: SpringLayout is working just fine.  You had it right the first time;  you should uncomment those last two putConstraint calls, and remove the setPreferredSize call.
The reason you are not getting the results you expect is probably due to this line:
layout.putConstraint(NORTH, prototype_panel, 4, NORTH, paint);

which you probably meant to write as:
layout.putConstraint(NORTH, prototype_panel, 4, SOUTH, paint);

By aligning the north edge of prototype_panel with the north edge of paint, while aligning both of their west edges to the west edge of the container, you made them overlap.
SpringLayout is difficult to use.  In my opinion, you would be better off using a different layout, or a combination of layouts.  There's nothing wrong with nesting many panels inside each other.
In your case, I believe you could have accomplished the same layout using Box instances:
Box radioButtons = Box.createHorizontalBox();
radioButtons.add(paint);
radioButtons.add(select);

Box panels = Box.createHorizontalBox();
panels.add(prototype_panel);
panels.add(selection_panel);

Box windowContents = Box.createVerticalBox();
windowContents.add(radioButtons);
windowContents.add(panels);

setLayout(new BorderLayout());
add(windowContents);

It's not much shorter, but it's considerably easier to read and understand.
As for why you're getting a width and height of zero, I can only guess that you're printing out the preferred size before validation has taken place.  Even using your SpringLayout code, I never got a width and height of zero, once I added the TileView panel to a JFrame and called pack() on it.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
parametric assembly that isn't a formal "TC parametric part" or a scripted .ppm
There's an occasional dispute over whether or not TC's a "parametric" program or not, that is, whether it's possible to model parts or assemblies with persistent relationships that can be varied with the model rebuilding, without having to be redrawn or corrected. I've been fooling around with constraints, and I've found that it's possible to build some pretty involved parametric models using constraints, but without having to involve the formal "format|parametric part" process or scripting. I haven't used TC's constraints before so I was doodling and experimenting in V17 (the old version, not 2017), and this is my first result. It's incomplete, in that I haven't reasoned the relationship that will place the middle shelf midway between the benchtop rails yet, and I didn't bother to give it doors that can be opened to whatever angle. What I wanted to do is build something that can be shaped by using overall dimensions and probable material thickness in the most obvious way, through the variables, without having to dig through the part tree or scripting. I know that I've gotten some things wrong, because while it works in V17, I opened the file in 2015 and 2016, and something goes wonky when the HeightOA variable is altered, but not width or cabinet depth, so I'm theorising that something's changed slightly, or I've made an error, which is more likely. I did dabble with Alibre a long time ago, and I do recall that there was a song-and-dance, which they called "data vault" at the time, to open a file built in an older version in a newer. Whatever....
To circumvent the 2D, not 3D, constraint limitation, I used intersected simple extrusions. This meant that the limits to the model's size are dictated by the value of the sweep, but I just gave them arbitrary, ridiculous values that won't be approached in the normal size range of such a cabinet. Another thing that's notable about TC's constraints is that, although they're 2D you can associate values, like applying equal length and distance, radius and probably others that I haven't considered, for entities that aren't on the same plane, which means that some things have a sort-of-3D constrainability.
The file is nicely compact, 120kB, not that that's anything worthy these days, and things that interested me about the result are: it can be translated in x, y and z, but not rotated or scaled (d'uh. It just occurred to me that scaling is trivial in the calculator/variables palette. Possibly rotation too, with a little more thought) .
However, it can be resized and copied, which breaks the associations with the constraints, rotation and realignment is unconstrained afterwards.
IMO, TC's got a lot of capability that's all but ignored, because it doesn't work like other programs that people are more familiar with, and for which there's a lot more documentation and learning material for their particular methodology.
Really nice work Murray, constraints did have a lot of potential when they were bought in, its a shame it wasn't exploited by the programmes to more easily convert into full 3D
Thanks Andy. There are pitfalls that are probably obvious to people who have experience with programming or scripting, like when I changed the name of variables, they stopped working in functions/expressions. My rookie error was putting spaces in the new names, they don't work in functions if that's done. I don't know if that's in the documentation, but it ought to be so prominent and repeated so frequently that it can't be missed.
Another tip is that size changes, say to the side length of a rectangle, can extend in an unwanted direction, ie, the wrong end is fixed. Deleting the variable/dimension and applying it to the opposite side of the rectangle corrected that for me.
« Last Edit: November 01, 2017, 01:42:03 PM by murray dickinson »
nikkipollard
User name: nikkipollard
Another way to stop things moving in the wrong direction is to use the anchor constraint.
There are reasons I like taking this one step further and converting them to parametric parts.
1. extrude heights can be a parameter, rotation angles of a revolve can be a parameter etc - making it more 3d
2. with nested parametric parts you can move and rotate parts, as well as make copies of components.
3. You can use the math functions to work out number of copies, distances.
4. They are easy to drag into drawing from the library palette and change parameters of that specific object without having to try to figure out which parameter is relevant. You also avoid having conflicting variable names in the calculator palette.
But there are also disadvantages
1. You will need to explode them and turn them into groups or blocks - because they don't work well with the drafting palette, and the architectural section- elevation tool.
2. They don't always work in newer versions of the program.
3. the edit existing part has bugs - so you need to plan carefully, so that you don't need to use it
4. the mid constraint doesn't work
5. when you rotate a nested part using rotx roty or rotz it rotates about the center of extents of the original geometry including dimensions and block marks - so you need to plan carefully.
« Last Edit: November 01, 2017, 11:00:35 PM by nikkipollard »
TC20 platinum
TC 2015 platinum
TC 2017 with lightworks
I don't agree, Nikki. This is a parametric assembly, not an assembly of parametric parts, so I used intersection instead of simple extrusion because the intersecting objects can both be constrained. To coin your own term, it's even MORE "more 3D" than a constrained profile with what amounts to a thickness parameter. The point of the parametric assembly is to be able to have the entire assembly compose itself, without having to attend to what some people call "granular" detail, ie extrusion length or material thickness for individual components. The profiles can have linear, polynomial or compound interrelationships that can be predefined, you don't have to get "under the hood" to jigger the parameters because it's the driving dimensions, the overall height, width and depth, that are changed, the relationships of the components is already defined, although there are driving dimensions like material thickness or the material dimensions of individual components that can redefined together or separately. Because of that, the fix geometry constraint overconstrains if it's used more than once in an assembly, because the fixed points can't alter their relationships.
However, I'd be very interested to see if you can arrange an assembly of nested parametric parts to interact this way. You'd know better than me if that's possible? I deliberately built this cabinet to be similar to one that Don Cheke built in SolidWorks when this discussion flared up in a thread a while back. Don reckoned it took him a quarter-hour or so in SW and that he did similar things regularly; mine took me a day-and-a-half. However, this is the first time I've attempted it, I was teaching myself as I did it, and this afternoon I've figured out how to make the middle shelf place itself in the middle when the height is varied, how to rig parametric opening doors, and how to locate screw holes anywhere - but still not within the formal "TC parametric part" format. I think that what I'm describing is novel use of TC, and I think that there's more to be discovered.
« Last Edit: November 02, 2017, 05:17:36 AM by murray dickinson »
Try your method on a whole kitchen layout or building. It can get really complicated.
Don't we use proxies like blocks, x-refs for that sort of thing?
I've added door/s that can be opened, and experimented more, including using the object in later versions. I also discovered that if the file is opened and saved to later versions, it functions as it should, but if the file is inserted or copied into a file, it behaves incorrectly, and that also applies if the file is inserted into its native version.


text:
Knights offense powers past Cal
The Gannon University women's soccer team had won just one of its last four games, failing to score more than once in any of them. California University of Pennsylvania hadn't lost in nearly a month or even allowed a goal for two weeks.
But when the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference-leading Vulcans came to play the fourth-place Knights for a critical game with conference playoff implications at Gannon University Field Tuesday, the Knights stepped up by blanking the Red Raiders 3-0.
"I think the girls wanted it," coach Colin Petersen said. "Last year, they bullied us around pretty good so they wanted to prove themselves."
Coming off a week-long hiatus, the rejuvenated Knights grabbed control of the game early. Outshooting Cal 7-1 at one point in the early going, Gannon snapped Cal's scoreless streak 17 minutes into the game when sophomore Michelle Genetin got behind the Cal defense on a throw-in from freshman forward Mani Brueckner.
"We definitely need the energy," Brueckner said. "We knew this was a game that we should win and we could win and needed to win."
From there, the defense took over.
Gannon (10-3-1, 7-3-1 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference) stoned a Cal offense that had outscored opponents 10-0 in their previous three games.
Fifth-year senior Maggie Brinkman made seven saves and the Knights' defense stopped the Vulcans' diverse offense when it had to.
The Knights received an insurance goal early in the second half when Brueckner slid a free kick past a wall of defenders for her team-leading ninth goal of the season. Freshman Sammy Valloud helped ice the game with another score with five minutes remaining
Cal's (11-3-1, 8-2-1) offense threatened throughout the second half but narrowly missed on a number of occasions, including hitting the post on a corner kick.
In defeating 15th-ranked California, the No. 22 Knights tallied multiple goals for the first time since beating Millersville University 6-0 on Sept. 28. Cal is tied with West Chester and Kutztown universities with 25 points for the PSAC top spot.
With 22 points, Gannon kept pace with Slippery Rock University for fourth place—the fourth and final spot to host a quarterfinal conference playoff game.
"In order for us to make a deep playoff run, we want that first home game, so we know that we need to win out," Brueckner said. "Right now we can't look too far ahead because we need to make the playoffs first."
The Knights will travel to Shippensburg University 1 p.m. Saturday. The Red Raiders maintain a 6-6-3 overall record and 4-6-2 mark in the PSAC.
Gannon prepared to opt-in to fall and winter sports despite PSAC cancellation
PSAC announces scheduling update
Strong trial times look promising for women's swimming
Men's swimming aims to build on strong season
New rule change in the OHL means well, but won't work
Men's wrestling returns 3 All-Americans, 10 starters
Women's wrestling team improves in second season
World Series ends with COVID controversy


Description: Cleveland Limousine provides best service and price for limousine rentals. We have one of the largest limo fleets to offer in Cleveland. For limo rates and quotes contact us at Cleveland limousine.


Will the U.S. Open Up Trade with Cuba?
The numbers are an exporter's dream: 11 million consumers in a new, untapped market. Already, Texas businesses are gearing up to provide this market with food products, information technology and even travel-related services.
This dream market is the island nation of Cuba, the communist dictatorship that spent more than a half-century locked in a cold war with the U.S. — one that very nearly turned catastrophically hot. And at this point, despite the recent improvement in diplomatic relations, there's the not-so-little matter of a very strict trade embargo still in effect.
But the historic meeting also demonstrated how difficult it will be to normalize relations with a communist state, with all the suspicion and red tape that involves. Even as President Obama was declaring a "new day" between the U.S. and Cuba, President Castro was asserting that his nation had no political prisoners — something few outside Cuba believe. And since the meeting, Cuba's government has repeatedly stressed that it will tolerate no threat to its "sovereignty" in its relations with the U.S.
The suspicion runs both ways. Many Republicans in Congress believe better trade relations would benefit Cuba's rulers rather than ordinary Cubans. President Donald Trump has expressed skepticism about trade relations with Cuba and mentioned his desire to "make a better deal" for both Cuban citizens and America.
Many Americans know of the trade embargo. Fewer, however, are aware the wall against trade has gaps. The U.S. has been quietly exporting goods to Cuba, mostly agricultural products considered humanitarian aid, for more than 15 years. Many Texas farmers hope the federal government will allow more trade in the future.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott led a large state delegation to Cuba in November 2015, meeting with officials from Cuba's Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment, its Port of Mariel, the Cuba Chamber of Commerce and two Cuban state companies. Abbott described Cuba as an untapped, multibillion-dollar market for Texas farmers, ranchers and energy producers.
President John F. Kennedy signed an executive order enacting the U.S. trade embargo on Feb. 3, 1962, in reaction to Cuba's nationalization of U.S.-owned assets. Kennedy said the embargo's purpose was to reduce the "threat posed by [Cuba's] alignment with the communist powers." To date, this executive order still stands.
Congress reinforced the embargo in 1992, with the Cuban Democracy Act, and then again in 1996 with the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act, often called the Helms-Burton Act, which spelled out very specific conditions for lifting the embargo, including the protection of property rights of U.S. nationals; the legalization of all political activity and release of all political prisoners; a transition to free and fair elections; freedom of the press; legalization of labor unions; and respect for internationally recognized human rights. The embargo can be lifted only when the president determines these conditions are being met.
The Helms-Burton Act was tempered somewhat with the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (TSRA). Under TSRA, which became effective in July 2001, Cuba can import "humanitarian" goods from the U.S., including medicines and medical devices, airline and civil aviation safety equipment, environmental protection equipment, renewable-energy or energy-efficiency goods, telecommunication products and goods and services to meet the needs of the Cuban people. All proposed exports are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
The rules for this trade, the Export Administration Regulations, are administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security and the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control.
Congress's enactment of the TSRA allows for certain trade exemptions, but continues to ban federal and private financing for U.S. exports to Cuba. In other words, no U.S. governmental program or private concern can extend credit to Cuban buyers.
The result: Cuba must pay in cash, in advance, for all American goods and services. Cuba has found it difficult to acquire the hard currency needed for such transactions, and building trade without financing has proven challenging.
According to the International Trade Administration, U.S. exports to Cuba under the various exceptions written into law totaled only $145.6 million in 2002 but quintupled within five years, reaching $711.5 million in 2008 (Exhibit 1). Exports to Cuba have fallen significantly since that time, however, declining by 65 percent since 2008.
Texas exports to Cuba followed a similar pattern but declined even more sharply, peaking at nearly $96.2 million in 2008 and declining to less than $219,000 in 2016 (Exhibit 2).
In 2016, Texas accounted for only about 0.1 percent of U.S. exports to Cuba (Exhibit 3).
Cuba imports up to 80 percent of its food each year, and nearly all of its imports from the U.S. are foodstuffs, particularly poultry, corn and soybean products.
In the peak year of 2008, two industrial categories — agricultural products and "food manufactures," animal and vegetable materials that have been processed into food products, such as packaged chicken parts — accounted for 93 percent of U.S. exports to Cuba and all but a tiny fraction of Texas' exports.
Dr. C. Parr Rosson, head of the Department of Agricultural Economics at Texas A&M University, attributes the sharp decline in exports to Cuba to the fact that the island nation has shifted away from U.S. food products in favor of those from the European Union, Brazil, Argentina, Vietnam and other nations. Credit terms offered by some of these nations allow Cuba to conserve its hard currency reserves and make larger purchases over time.
The TSRA "cash-only" requirement, then, may have cost U.S. and Texas agriculture producers dearly.
Cuban demand for rice is huge, for example, but no U.S. rice producer has exported to Cuba since 2008. Dwight A. Roberts, president and CEO of the U.S. Rice Producers Association, says the market potential for Texas farmers is significant.
"Cuba is a country of just over 11 million people, and they are very large consumers of rice," Roberts says. "They eat approximately 80 kilos per person per year — it's a basic staple of their diet, as it is in a lot of countries around the world. Their annual consumption is 900,000 tons to a million tons, and they have to import because they only produce about half of what they need.
In January 2017, Arkansas U.S. Representative Rick Crawford introduced H.R. 525, the Cuba Agricultural Exports Act, which would repeal restrictions on export financing and give producers access to U.S. Department of Agriculture marketing programs that could help them compete in Cuba's markets. It would also allow limited U.S. investment in Cuban agribusinesses, as long as U.S. regulators certify the entities are privately owned and not controlled by the Cuban government or its agents. At this writing, the bill is being jointly considered by the U.S. House committees for Foreign Affairs, Financial Services and Agriculture.
Dr. Luis A. Ribera, associate professor and director of the Center for North American Studies with Texas A&M's Department of Agricultural Economics, says Cuba's newly opened Port of Mariel, only 903 miles from the Port of Houston, should make the island particularly appealing to Texas exporters.
Before Mariel's new container facility opened, Cuba's ports could receive only relatively small cargo vessels.
The Port of Mariel is trying to establish itself as the "hub of the Americas," as part of the Mariel Special Economic Development Zone, a 180-square-mile area destined for business development in areas such as agricultural processing, manufacturing and oil imports.
While relations between the U.S. and Cuba have been slow to improve, signs of a thaw are unmistakable.
For the first time in more than 50 years, U.S. airlines are flying regularly scheduled passenger flights to Havana. On Nov. 28, 2016, Texas-based American Airlines Flight 17 became the first regularly scheduled U.S. commercial flight to land in Havana, leaving Miami and arriving to a water-cannon salute. Since then, seven other U.S. airlines — Alaska Airlines, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Spirit, Southwest and United — have begun service to Cuba.
In June 2016, Starwood Hotels & Resorts announced an agreement with the Cuban government to open Four Points Havana, the first American hotel allowed to operate there since the revolution. Under the agreement, the Cuban government owns the hotel, while Starwood manages the property's renovation and day-to-day operations. The agreement received the approval of the U.S. Treasury Department, allowing Starwood to finance property improvements through U.S. financial institutions.
But Rosson says Cuban internet use is on the rise and predicts it will have major implications for Cuba's future.
Cuba will never be one of America's largest trading partners, but the potential benefits are real and significant. The Peterson Institute for International Economics estimates that U.S. exports to Cuba could reach $4.3 billion per year if the embargo is lifted. A 2015 study by the Center for North American Studies found that Texas agricultural exports to Cuba could rise to $18.8 million annually if the embargo were lifted, resulting in total economic gains of nearly $43 million annually.
For more information on U.S.-Cuba relations, visit the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council, Inc.


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An Operating System (OS) is a software program that enables the computer hardware to communicate and operate with the computer software. Your computer would be useless if it didn't have an operating system.
Windows XP - is now obsolete!
What does it mean that the OS is Obsolete?
In general Microsoft will continue the mainstream support (updates) 5 years after a release or 2 years after a new version has become available - whichever comes first.
The BIOS is a program installed on the computer to start up the operating system.
The BIOS doesn't need any control, it runs by itself. Experienced users may run the BIOS to change certain settings to control the order of the computer is using to call up devices on start-up.
If you are NOT an experienced user DON'T make any changes to your BIOS settings. Leave that to the technicians. Believe me - I DO!
The processor is the brain of the computer. Unlike the human brain, it doesn't "think, feel or reason" like we do, but it processes data.
The bigger your HD is the more room you have for storing data. The size normally vary from a few GIG to hundreds of GIG.
Look at the HD as a huge box or a basement you can store data in.
The motherboard is the main circuit of your computer. This is where all your hardware - your CPU, your hard drive(s), RAM and all other hardware, is plugged into. The motherboard allows all your hardware to function together.
RAM is a memory device/unit installed on your Motherboard.
When you work with a program on your computer, the data is loaded into the RAM instead of your Hard disk. You can think of the RAM and Hard disk as your short term memory (the RAM) and the long term Memory (Your hard drive).
The more RAM you have, the more commands your computer can handle at the time.
All the visible and touchable parts of your computer-monitor, keyboard, cards, printer, scanner, cables, drives etc.
Programs, applications, scripts that you can Install on your computer.
A device that connects the computer to a phone line. A modem allows a computer to talk to other computers through the phone system. You could say that modems do for computers what a telephone does for humans.
The ISDN adapter can replace the telephone modem and can work faster than the Modem.
Network Interface card - also called a Network Adapter is the piece of hardware you need to be able to connect to a network or another computer.
The plug-in card in a computer that creates the electronic signals required by the monitor. It determines the maximum resolution, refresh rate and number of colors that can be displayed, which the monitor must also be able to support.
Also called a "sound board" or "audio adapter," it is a plug-in card that records and plays back sound. Supporting both digital audio and MIDI, sound cards provide an input port for a microphone or other sound source and output ports to speakers and amplifiers. Sound circuits are typically built into the chipset on the motherboard, but can be disabled if a separate sound card is installed.
A driver is the software needed to run a hardware device, such as a printer, sound card, monitor, or scanner.
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A widely used hardware interface for attaching devices to the computer. USB ports began to appear on PCs in 1997, and Windows 98 was the first Windows to support it natively. Within a few years, USB became popular for connecting almost every external device - replacing the serial and parallel ports on a PC. Usually todays computer comes with at least four USB ports.
Normally you use the USB for plugging in your headset, (wireless) mouse, External drives etc.
A pathway into and out of the computer or a network device such as a hub, switch or router. There are numerous ports on the back of every desktop computer for hooking up the keyboard, mouse, modem, printer and network. Laptops have many ports as well, because external monitors, keyboards and mice are generally supported. On network devices, the ports are for communications, typically connecting Ethernet cables or telephone lines.
Small handy storage devices used for transferring files from one computer to another. The sizes (or storage capability) varies from 64 MB to several GIGs. You attach them to your computer through a USB port.


Amazon estimates as much as $45 Billion a year is spent on drunk purchses while shopping online.
A Florida couple with 7 children accidentally left their daughter at the park over night. She didn't have to stay at the park alone, police picked her up at 10pm and the family figured out she wasn't there at 8am the next morning. BJ said he once left one of his kids behind on accident too!
Geri Halliwell (Ginger Spice) is pissed that Mel B(Scary Spice) is talking about them sleeping together in the past on Piers Morgan's show. The Spice Girls Reunion Tour will not be coming to America now.
Michael Avenatti was arrested for allegedly trying to extort Nike.
Have you seen The Motley Crue movie on Netflix? It is called The Dirt and everyone is talking about it!
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Over the years our family has benefited greatly from Chiropractors and on this episode of The Your Life! Your Terms! Show we talk to one of our favourite chiro's, Dr. Pete Angerilli of Clearview Chiropractic. In preparing for this chat we were surprised to uncover some interesting opinions around the profession and decided to address them with Dr. Pete right out of the gates. We learned a lot and had a great chat. He's helped all members of our family and we're thrilled to bring him on the show. Dr. Pete is a passionate guy, who loves what he does and shares a lot of great insights on this episode, enjoy!!!


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text:
Sudan: Satellite images of indiscriminate bombing reveal potential war crime in Southern Kordofan
Source: Amnesty
Attacks on civilian areas, including indiscriminate aerial bombardments by Sudan's government forces, have resulted in increased destruction in Southern Kordofan and may constitute a war crime, Amnesty International said in a new briefing published today.
The armed conflict – which began three years ago – has intensified following the launch of a new military operation by Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on 14 April. Satellite images secured by Amnesty International during that period offer further evidence of indiscriminate aerial bombardments and correspond to reports that homes, markets, hospitals and schools have been bombed.
"The evidence captured in these images taken over a sustained period in May corresponds to numerous reports of attacks on civilian areas that are not only a clear violation of international humanitarian law but may also constitute a war crime," said Michelle Kagari, Deputy Regional Director for Eastern Africa at Amnesty International.
The recent intensification of fighting between SAF and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), has been accompanied by sustained indiscriminate aerial bombardments by the SAF in civilian areas including in Heiban Um Dorein and Delami counties.
These aerial attacks often use unguided weapons such as barrel bombs which are rolled out manually from aircraft, and parachute-retarded bombs launched from aircraft at high altitudes, causing extensive damage to civilian areas. Between 15 and 22 May, human rights monitors documented over 200 bombs dropped over Tangal, in Um Dorein County. On 26 and 28 May, 33 bombs were reportedly dropped on Kauda, a town with no known military presence, damaging homes and other buildings, including the office of a local NGO.
Analysis of satellite images of Kauda taken between 20 and 31 May shows craters and burn scars measuring up to 20 metres in diameter. In the most populous southern area of Kauda, 17 such craters were created over the 11-day observation period.
The months of May to August are the key planting season in Southern Kordofan. By intensifying attacks during this time and at harvest, the SAF are hindering people's ability to cultivate their fields. This in turn contributes to an already acute situation of food insecurity. Over the last three years, Amnesty International has documented a pattern of attacks during these months. The Sudanese government continues to block humanitarian assistance to civilians in opposition-held areas, placing civilians in an extremely precarious situation.
"After three years of conflict the people of Southern Kordofan, already desperately vulnerable to hunger and disease, are facing a looming humanitarian catastrophe," said Michelle Kagari.
Amnesty International is calling on the government of Sudan to immediately end indiscriminate ground attacks and indiscriminate aerial bombardments in civilian areas and to urgently grant access to humanitarian organizations.
"The world has watched this conflict unfold from the sidelines. The time has now come for the international community to ensure that the government of Sudan ends its indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas which are causing suffering on a massive scale."
Read report here - https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7c8jfgyi7szbea8/AAAWEbBD2KMn4jFEaJbX-ue2a/SKr...
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact: Stefan Simanowitz in London on +44 (0)207 413 5729 stefan.simanowitz@amnesty.org or +44 20 7413 5566 email: press@amnesty.org
On 14 April 2014, the Sudanese government publicly launched its "Decisive Summer" military operation to "end all rebellion in South Kordofan, Blue Nile and Darfur", which includes deploying the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as support for the Sudanese Armed Forces.
Failure to distinguish between civilians and combatants is a breach of the fundamental "principle of distinction" under international humanitarian law. It is a war crime to intentionally direct attacks against civilians or civilian objects.
The SPLM-N reported that 90,000 people were displaced within Southern Kordofan in May, adding to the reported 800,000 people displaced or otherwise affected by the conflict in SPLM-N areas since the start of the conflict.
Amnesty International estimates that fighting over the last three years has caused scores of civilian deaths and hundreds of civilian casualties.
Amnesty International is calling on the government of Sudan to:
cease immediately all violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile including indiscriminate aerial bombardments in civilian areas, and deliberate attacks against civilians and civilian objects;
take all necessary precautions in all attacks in order to protect civilians, including by warning civilians of impending attacks on military objectives;
grant immediate and unhindered access to UN agencies and international humanitarian organizations to all areas of Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan to facilitate the urgent provision of all necessary assistance to civilians affected by the conflict, including food, shelter and medical care;
initiate prompt, effective and impartial investigations into violations of international human rights and humanitarian law and bring those suspected of criminal responsibility to justice before ordinary civilian courts in fair trials, without the death penalty.
Labels: South Kordofan, Sudan, Sudan Armed Forces, War Crimes