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Dear Esther turns a profit in five and a half hours, sells 16,000 in a day
By Tom Senior published 15 February 12
A post on the Indie Fund site responsible for backing the development of Dear Esther says that the team have recouped their investment of $55,000 in just five and a half hours and is currently the third best selling game on Steam .
"To be honest, we are a little surprised by how many people bought Dear Esther so quickly," say the Indie Fund. "We were expecting the game to have a niche appeal. In fact the situation is quite different." Dear Esther has so far sold more than 16,000 copies in its first day.
The Fund were slightly reluctant to fund the game in the beginning because they were worried it go down well with Steam's mainstream audience. "We appear to have been very wrong about all this," they say. "We are happy to have been wrong."
For our verdict on Dear Esther, check out our Dear Esther review .
Tom Senior
Based in Bath with the UK team, Tom loves strategy games, action RPGs, hack 'n slash games, digital card games… basically anything that he can fit on a hard drive. His final boss form is Deckard Cain.


Quitting World Of Warcraft For The Umpteenth Time!
Those of you who are regularily reading googlespiders might remember my last quit post which I wrote a while back.
So I successfully stayed off the Warcrack for nearly a year, but with the upcoming release of Cataclysm and the reactivation of a few friends decided once again to step foot in Azeroth.
After much grinding, dungeoning, tanking and general leetness I have decided to give it a break. The game is still pretty awesome, yeah I never much liked the grinding side of things but the playing with friends and other people really made it for me. I've done all the heroics, got all the phat lewts and met some great new people along the way. Unfortunately, the only way to progress now is to give my life to the gods of raiding. I don't much fancy all the drama or time commitments to do that.
One aspect of the social side of the game has been becoming more apparent to me. It was something I think was first mentioned by grumhelden, a regular commenter here. Wrath of The Lich King more than ever has bred a generation of WoW players with serious entitlement issues. It seems that a lot of the people you meet out there in LFD assume that completing an heroic run is a given, and get irate at any signs of a wipe despite the fact that they are happily undergeared and underperforming.
This undergeared/underperforming is most apparent with the dps/pvp classes who are well versed in WRITING IN UPPER CASE when things go southward. The healer goes out of mana, the tank dies, they stand in the fire but it's never their fault. Listen people, Wrath was last year. Healer mana is now finite. You can no longer take down bosses at your leisure. If you are not pumping out the dps at a great rate of knots we will wipe and it is your fault. Yes, you. Get your rep gear, learn your rotations. The era of being carried is over!
Yes! I keep hearing players with this attitude of entitlement, and I want to say, "Stop whining!" The other day a couple noobs got upset with me for "letting" their character die while questing nearby. When did it become my job to save everyone? I might have helped if I'd seen what was happening, but my point of view was not in their direction. I wonder if the entitlement thing is happening because Blizzard is catering to younger players now?


Andrew Davison is a Professor at Imperial College London and the founding Director of the Dyson Robotics Laboratory at Imperial College. He held an ERC Starting Grant from 2008 to 2013. His research interest include advancing the basic technology of real-time localisation and mapping using vision with a particular focus on real-time dense reconstruction and tracking, large scale map optimisation, high speed vision and tracking, semantic and object-level mapping and the use of parallel processing in vision. At the Dyson Robotics Laboratory, he is working on applications of computer vision to real-world domestic robots.
Thomas Funkhouser is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the Princeton University. Before coming to Princeton, he worked for four years on the technical staff at Bell Laboratories. His research interests include computer graphics, vision and human-computer interaction. He is currently working on 3D shape-based retrieval and analysis, including shape representations, descriptors and shape segmentation, which are used for multi-modal queries in databases of 3D objects.
Christian Häne is currently a PostDoc in Jitendra Malik's group at the University of California at Berkeley. Previously, he was a PhD student at ETH Zurich under the supervision of Marc Pollefeys, where he made fundamental contributions in the area of semantic 3D reconstruction. His research interests include dense 3D reconstruction and the application of these methods to challenging scenarios, and real-time applications such as self-driving cars.


One of the best advantages of living at Potter Ridge is the service. Our staff is trained by the Director of Health Services (RN) with a program developed by Welcome Home Management Company, to ensure that our staff remains highly skilled at what they do.
We offer several different services in our assisted living community, but the one that interests families the most, is the safety and security of having staff on site, 24 hours a day. Health supervision services are available including medication reminders and assistance with non-injectable drugs. Additional health supervision services are tailored to the residents needs. Medical transportation can also be arranged as necessary. Throughout the year, our Health Services Department puts on several informational meetings and wellness clinics for our residents, including yearly flu shots for residents and staff members.


More than five million Syrians have fled conflict in their homeland. Over half are children.
As the crisis in Syria enters its ninth year, the UN have stopped counting the dead. Best estimates suggest the figure is over 470,000.
An average of 170 people have been killed each day since the start of the conflict in 2011.
The survivors are desperately in need: half the people in Syria have lost their homes, with 6.2 million displaced within the country, and 5.3 million as refugees in neighbouring countries. A further 5 million remain are desperately in need of aid as they struggle to survive.
Tragically, over half of those affected are children.
The UN states that the crisis faced by the Syrian people is "the biggest humanitarian emergency of our time" and that Syria is the "most dangerous place in the world for civilians".
Desperate to flee the violence in their homeland, thousands have died at sea or perished on land. Of those still in Syria, 11.7 million women, children and their families urgently need assistance.
Through our national partners, CARE is delivering emergency aid, shelter kits, food parcels to displaced families in areas under siege within Syria. Our partner, Syria Relief are even helping displaced children hear for the first time. You can watch the moment 13-year-old Abdulkader received his hearing aid in this video.
CARE has reached over 4.7 million people affected by the Syria Crisis in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Egypt and Syria, but we still need your help to continue to support the millions more in need.
Syria represents the biggest humanitarian emergency of our time. 13.5 million Syrians inside the country are in need of humanitarian assistance, including 5.8 million children. Intense fighting around the country is causing further problems to an already beleaguered populace.
As neighbouring countries restrict admission on their borders thousands of refugees are becoming stranded at the border in poor conditions with insufficient support.
CARE is working in Syria on the distribution of relief supplies such as emergency food and hygiene kits. CARE is also supporting the renovation of two water treatment plants. CARE's partners are distributing mattresses and blankets to thousands of affected people.
In addition to immediate humanitarian needs, CARE is developing resilience programs, providing families with livelihoods support, and microfinance.
So far, CARE has assisted more than 4.5 million people in Syria.
Aleppo aid worker: "I'm doing this for my country and my people"
Nearly 250,000 Syrian refugees have fled to northern Iraq, where CARE is already responding to the humanitarian needs of the locals who have fled their homes. CARE is delivering water, sanitation, shelter, and household items, so far reaching over 250,000 people with this assistance. In Mosul city and other areas of Northern Ninewa, CARE is also rehabilitating and equipping public health centres with medical equipment and supplies, and providing nutritional and educational services to pregnant women and new mothers. CARE is also training midwives and traditional birth attendants to deliver maternal health services to people in the area.
In camps for displaced people and surrounding host communities in Northern Iraq, CARE is working with local Iraqi organisations to provide clean drinking water and hygiene items to people living there. CARE and partners regularly repair and maintain the water and sanitation facilities in the camps, and provide garbage collection and septic tank emptying services, to ensure the camp's water and sanitation facilities are operating, and people can stay healthy.
More than 3.6 million Syrians have fled to Turkey since the war began in 2011. CARE is coordinating with the Turkish authorities and other organisations to provide newly arrived refugees with food, blankets, clothing and hygiene items. We are also providing information on psychological support, early marriage and hygiene awareness. We have reached over 100,000 people so far.
Syrian refugees flee to Turkey: "We cannot go back"
CARE is helping newly arrived Syrian refugees who were forced to flee to Turkey.
More than 117,500 Syrians have fled to Egypt to escape conflict in their homeland. CARE is assisting with vulnerable populations, in particular those at risk of Sexual Gender-Based Violence, providing legal and psycho-social support as well as transition shelter in emergency cases. Preventing child abuse is also a priority, with child protection awareness training held raising awareness within the community. Syrian refugees are also being helped with cash assistance, while livelihood training is helping to identify economic opportunities long-term. We have reached more than 24,000 people so far.
More than 1 million Syrians escaping violence in their homeland are seeking refuge in Lebanon whose total population is only four million.
CARE is providing support through improving living conditions at informal tented settlements, rehabilitating substandard houses, planning ahead for assistance and advocating for support within the donor community. Syrian refugees are also being assisted with basic needs such as cash assistance, as well as food parcels and World Food Programme vouchers and access to water and sanitation. Over 110,000 Syrian refugees and 180,000 vulnerable Lebanese people have been assisted so far.
From CARE's blog: Childhood on hold – refugee youth in Lebanon.
Refugee youth in Lebanon remember their life Syria before the conflict. This is one family's story.
More than 656,000 Syrian refugees have now reached Jordan. CARE is Protecting and rebuilding lives affected by the Syrian crisis by working with those living in urban areas who need support to pay for basic living costs including rent, food and essential relief items. We also run vocational and livelihood training programs in collaboration with government and local partners. We have reached more than 325,000 Syrian refugees, 52,000 vulnerable Jordanians, providing cash assistance, relief items and vital information on how to access health care and social support.
From CARE's blog: Hospitality shines for Syrian refugees in Jordan.
In Irbid in northern Jordan, people have opened their doors Syrian refugees.
How the world is failing women and girls on refugee family reunion.
Call 1800 020 046 toll free and pay by credit card. Donations over $2 are tax deductible. Should the funds raised through an emergency appeal exceed the amount required to meet the immediate and longer term needs of the people in the affected areas, or if there are changes in circumstances beyond CARE's control which limit its ability to utilise all funds in the affected areas, CARE will direct excess funds to other emergency relief activities in the future.
Monthly donation will go to emergency relief & preparedness activities where it is needed most.


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Audi Activesphere Concept is luxury crossover that turns into a pickup
Volkswagen Group delivered 572,100 all-electric vehicles in 2022
Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV revealed at the Brussels Motor Show
Volkswagen UK expands PHEV line-up with launch of frugal Golf eHybrid Style
Volkswagen is opening its order books for an important, fleet-friendly addition to its Golf plug-in hybrid line-up with the unveiling in the UK of the new Golf eHybrid Style model.
Priced from £32,995 RRP OTR, and offering CO2 emissions of 21 g/km (WLTP) and fuel economy of up to 235 mpg (WLTP, combined) – as well as a pure-electric range of 44 miles on a full charge – the new 204 PS Golf eHybrid is set to expand significantly the appeal of the brand's plug-in hybrid offerings.
The new five-door Golf becomes available in the UK as Volkswagen works to broaden already-strong interest in its plug-in hybrid Golf, which to this point has been represented here solely by the sporty Golf GTE. Sitting beneath the 245 PS GTE, the new 204 PS eHybrid model is offered exclusively in luxurious 'Style' trim, meaning that this sprightly yet frugal new offering is as well appointed as it is well engineered.
The new plug-in hybrid drive makes it possible for the Golf to become a zero tailpipe-emission vehicle when running on pure-electric power only. Comprising a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine, an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery that is located beneath the rear bench seat, the drive system provides a compelling combination of minimum consumption and impressive power delivery. The 204 PS Golf eHybrid produces maximum torque of 350 Nm practically from a standing start. Channelled to the front wheels via a six-speed DSG transmission, that is enough to propel this new model from rest to 62 mph in only 7.4 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 137 mph (where permitted).
Around town, practically all short-distance trips are possible in the Golf eHybrid with zero tailpipe emissions. The car's full electric range of 44 miles (WLTP combined) on a full charge, allied to the fact that the Golf eHybrid always starts journeys in all-electric E-MODE if the battery is sufficiently charged (except at battery temperatures of below -10°C), means that all-electric running will probably become the norm for many drivers.
Moreover, since the Golf eHybrid can also be driven in all-electric mode at speeds of up to 80 mph (where permitted), motorways can also be covered under purely electric power if desired. It is also possible to reserve electric energy during longer journeys in order to guarantee that it is possible to drive in E-MODE, with zero local tailpipe emissions, in a built-up area at the destination. At the start of the journey, the driver simply enters the percentage of the battery capacity that must be reserved in the infotainment system. The battery also does not have to be fully charged at the start of the journey for this to function effectively, since the lithium-ion unit can also be charged during the trip via both the TSI engine and brake energy recuperation.
A full charge of the battery in the Golf eHybrid is normally performed via an external power supply. A charge port is provided in the front wing on the driver's side into which the charging cable is plugged. Depending on the power source, charging takes place with 2.3 or 3.6 kW alternating current (AC). When supplied with 230 volts at 2.3 kW via the normal domestic grid, the battery is fully charged in five hours if it had previously been completely empty. If the power source is a Volkswagen wall box or a charging station with 360 volts and a charging cable designed for 3.6 kW, the charging time is reduced to three hours and 40 minutes.
The battery charger manages charging fully automatically –all the driver has to do is to connect the plugs. The driver can also control the time at which charging takes place via the infotainment system or using the We Connect app on a smartphone, in order to benefit from cheaper off-peak electricity.
The Golf eHybrid features the now familiar 1.4-litre TSI (EA 211) engine, as well as a HEM80evo type electric drive motor on board. In order to be able to travel in E-MODE in town at the end of a longer trip, Volkswagen has reconfigured the operating modes of the hybrid system and therefore simplified battery recharging during the journey. Instead of five operating modes as with the previous generation Golf GTE, there are now two in the Golf eHybrid: E-MODE (all-electric driving) and Hybrid (automatic or manual changeover between electric motor and TSI engine).
Generously equipped, the Golf eHybrid Style features a raft of standard-fit kit including the likes of Volkswagen's sophisticated Digital Cockpit Pro (digital instruments); a 'Discover Media' navigation system including streaming and internet, DAB+, and mobile phone interface with inductive charging function; Dynamic Road Sign Display; a multifunction leather steering wheel; sports comfort seats; Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist lane keeping system; Front Assist Autonomous Emergency Braking; Air Care Climatronic automatic air conditioning; a start/stop system with brake energy recuperation; the pioneering Car2X local warning system; new Keyless Start keyless comfort start function; LED Plus headlights and LED tail light clusters; as well as smart 16-inch 'San Antonio' alloy wheels.
Apr 30, 2021 Blagojce Krivevski
PEUGEOT e-2008 wins 'Best Crossover' at the TopGear Electric AwardsViritech Developing 1,100-HP Hydrogen-Powered Hypercar
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Volkswagen opens its North American Battery Engineering Lab in Chattanooga
Blagojce Krivevski
Blagojce Krivevski is physicist and green technology lover. Keep in touch with Blagojce through his email, web site, Twitter, Linkedin, Facebook and Google+.
April 30, 2021 Electric Car News, Plug-in HybridsGolf ehybrid, Golf GTE, Volkswagen, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Golf eHybrid, Volkswagen Golf GTE

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Maurizio Costa is to step down as Chief Executive Officer and deputy Chairman of Arnoldo Mondadori Editore S.p.A.
At the same time he will be appointed as deputy Chairman of Fininvest S.p.A.
Ernesto Mauri has been designated to fill the position of CEO of Arnoldo Mondadori Editore S.p.A.
Danilo Pellegrino co-opted onto the Board to replace outgoing Director Briglia
Maurizio Costa, CEO and Deputy Chairman of Arnoldo Mondadori Editore S.p.A., informed the Board of Directors, which met with Marina Berlusconi in the chair, that he will resign from his positions with effect from the Board's approval of the draft financial statements for the period ended on 31 December 2012, scheduled to take place on 20 March this year.
Maurizio Costa has been at the head of the Mondadori Group since 1997. Under his management, the company has strengthened its leading position in the books publishing sector, has embarked on the development of magazines abroad – the Group is now present in more than 20 countries – and has carried out a far-reaching review of its business portfolio, including exiting the printing sector among other aspects.
The Chair then informed the Directors that on the occasion of the Board of Directors scheduled on 20 March, she intends to move that Ernesto Mauri – the General Manager of Mondadori Magazines and Chairman and General Manager of Mondadori France – be co-opted onto the Board and appointed Chief Executive, once the Remuneration and Appointments Committee has completed the work for it is responsible.
"I believe that this is a very particular moment for all those who love Mondadori" stated Marina Berlusconi at the end of the meeting. "The passion and professionalism with which Maurizio Costa has led the company during these sixteen years, in an increasingly complex sector like publishing, his loyalty and honesty, in short, in fact, everything that he has done in the service of a company that is so important for the life of this country, deserve the most sincere gratitude on the part of our publishing house, all its shareholders and on my part personally. But Costa's decision does not break off his long relationship of collaboration with the Fininvest Group and my family. In fact he will take on the position of Deputy Chairman of Fininvest S.p.A., concluding a process that began last June when he entered the parent company's Board of Directors."
The Board of Directors of Arnoldo Mondadori Editore S.p.A. also co-opted Danilo Pellegrino, the General Manager of Fininvest, to replace Roberto Briglia, formerly acting as an Executive Director owing to the executive position that he previously held with the company, who resigned with effect from today's meeting.
The CV of Danilo Pellegrino, who has the status of a Non-Executive Director in compliance with the Italian Stock Exchange Self-Regulation Code, may be consulted in the Governance section of website www.mondadorigroup.com.
28 Feb 2013 / at 18:40
MAURIZIO COSTA IS TO STEP DOWN (86 kb)


Lost button studio: art display racks tutorial, creative ways to display kids art, art wall edit423. 20 interesting ideas to display kids artwork kidsomania. Wall art designs: amusing portable art display walls.


As a weary Sri Lankan and an even wearier Indian team make their way to sweaty Bangladesh after a soul-sapping Australian sojourn, they would be forgiven for thinking that they have it worse than any other sports team in the world. If India have been thrashed physically and mentally throughout their three month Australian tour, Sri Lanka will point to the fact that they have been playing without pay since the World Cup. And now they lock horns again in the Asia Cup, alongwith Pakistan and Bangladesh, just three days after the CB Series final where a brave Sri Lanka went down to Australia.
The Asia Cup in its 12th edition is a funny old tournament at its best and will be probably be paid little attention to, by the rest of the cricket world. However, it gives cricket lovers a chance to see India and Pakistan clash, a rivalry enjoyed by every subcontinental cricket fan. India have been the most successful team in the tournament, winning it five times, including the last time it was played in 2010.
So, how important is the tournament to each of the participants?
There have been a few shake-ups to the squad, Sehwag and Zaheer have been left out (supposedly Sehwag had asked for rest himself!), and it will be interesting to see their replacements. Manoj Tiwary and Ashok Dinda, both from Bengal, are considered fine, promising cricketers and should look to prove themselves in conditions much more similar to home.
Pakistan – The heady euphoria after the 3-0 whitewash over England is in danger of evaporating after the reverse whitewash in the ODI series. Misbah is now considered Pakistan's best Test captain, but his captaincy is being questioned in the limited overs format. Like Dhoni, this will be another chance for Misbah to prove his credentials. However, Pakistan will have their task cut out against India and Sri Lanka, and will have to put in that extra yard. Their bowling as always is strong, in the capable hands of Umar Gul, Shahid Afridi, Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman. Wahab Riaz and Aizaz Cheema are no less capable, if less experienced. Do not expect Ajmal and Rehamn to weave the same magic all over again this time, all the three other teams can plan spin much better than the English.
Pakistan have dropped Adnan Akmal and brought in Sarfraz Ahmad as the specialist keeper, a move that will take some load off Umar Akmal and will hopefully inspire this talented cricketer to play without inhibitions.
Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka journey to Bangladesh after coming close to beating the Aussies in their own den and taking the CB series home. On current form, they are probably the favourites to win the Asia Cup; however, they will have to want to guard against player burnout. Jayawardene's captaincy in Australia has inspired one and one all, and there is a distinct consistency in his team, something missing from all the other teams. Dilshan, Jayawardane and Sangakarra are all in pretty good nick, and their new find, Dinesh Chandimal has already got cricket watchers declaring that he is among the most composed young batsman in world cricket. Lasith Malinga had just one bad day in the CB series where he got thrashed around the park by the new Indian vice-captain Virat Kohli, but, make no mistake, he still is among the finest death bowlers in the world.
In a move which must be lauded, Sri Lanka have decided to rest Herath, Welegedara and Prasad in preparation for their series against England, which starts immediately after the Asia Cup. Legspinner Seekkuge Prasanna, who takes his place, is a pretty unknown quantity. Can he turn out to be another Ajantha Mendis?
Bangladesh – Bangladesh are in a very Pakistani situation, their chief selector, Akram Khan resigned in protest against the exclusion of talented but inconsistent left-hander Tamim Iqbal. According to Akram Khan, Tamim Iqbal had been included in the final squad, but the Bangladeshi Cricket Board president had stepped in and rejected his inclusion. Now after three days of drama, the board has suddenly retracted from its stand and re-inserted Tamim in the squad. Internal policy matters be damned, such infighting among the board can only have a negative effect on any team, let alone, on-paper the weakest team in the competition.
Despite their growth as a cricket team, Bangladesh have a dismal record in the competition, with their only victory in 29 matches coming against Hong Kong. However, on their day, Bangladesh are capable of putting it across any team in cricket, and the raucous, joyous home support they are sure to enjoy, will provide them with a much-needed impetus. They will be captained by Mushfiqur Rahim, and their battery of spinners have proved to be hard to dominate, especially in subcontinental conditions. Mashrafe Mortaza, the tall highly-regarded Bangladeshi pacer makes his return to his side. Shakib-Al-Hasan, easily among the best ODI allrounders in the world today, is also in the team and is a player whom many teams have underestimated at their own peril. Tamim Iqbal is another player of the mould of Mohammad Ashraful, if he gets going, he'll take the match out of the opposition's grasp. However more often than not, he flops and the team collapses with him. Hopefully, all this controversy over his inclusion will lead him to put his head down and concentrate on his batting.


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TRICARE Fairness for National Guard and Reserve Retirees Act
by admin | Dec 5, 2019 | EANGUS
Last month, the National Office supported a new piece of legislation. Frank Yoakum, our executive director shared the following quote, "The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) extends its support for the TRICARE Fairness for National Guard and Reserve Retirees Act. We thank Representative Spano and Representative Gabbard for introducing the legislation. Many members are separating from the National Guard before the age of 60 because of early retirement credits, but are unable to retain their health care coverage. This legislation would fix the loophole, and ease those members' transitions to civilian life." There will likely be no action taken on H.R.5169, TRICARE Fairness for National Guard and Reserve Retirees Act in December. The National Office staff will fight to see its inclusion in the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act in the spring.


Today was rather uneventful, quite frankly. After waking everyone up, some friends and I jumped into the Atlantic ocean to start the day. We ate an apple-ginger oatmeal breakfast then proceeded to ready our gear for snorkeling and exploring St. Helena. During this process, a local fuel ship pulled up impromptu to fill our diesel tanks, meanwhile, Robbie, Rob, Colin, and Davis played catch until Davis made a sweet throw overboard. Apparently, we couldnt jump in to retrieve it because there was a massive barge pumping a few hundred liters of fuel into Argo, so we had to let it drift away until it was a mere speck in the deep blue. Then Tina and I whipped the dingy out to save Wilson. This delayed our departure but it mattered not because an hour or two later we jumped in the water with a small whale shark, which was pretty ok. It was nearly as big as the fishing boat that brought us to the location off of Barn Point. The dive masters brother, Keith, told us all about the Island on the way back to Argo. Apparently the R.M.S. St. Helena cargo ship has been supplying the Island with essentials for 200 years and today it arrived for the last time. There are mixed feelings regarding this change because the cargo ship has been the lifeline for the local inhabitants. The reliance has shifted to the recently constructed airport. Regardless, we eagerly explored the Island, and for most of us, this was the first time on land since Cape Town. After exchanging money, the grocery stores were raided, the ice cream stores were drained, and the coffee shops wifi had more internet traffic at one moment than it has had for a long while. Oreos, peanut butter, crisps, candy, and juices were a few of the favorite purchases. The students scattered and ate their lunches, my favorite being a ramen and seafood joint halfway up the only road. We were then picked up promptly at 4:30 for jump-in showers. There were a couple nice backflips but the highlight of the day was a really nice cannonball by Eileen who took about 45 minutes worth of convincing to jump in to get the conditioner out of her hair.


EIDU believe that all children should be given the chance to reach their full intellectual potential, and for that, they need a proper foundation early on. It is EIDU's mission to help these children acquire foundational skills before they start school. To facilitate this, they have created a learning app for young children in poor areas where it's hard to get the high-quality education that all children deserve. Their solution enables children to learn by themselves, without the help of adults, on an app that works globally, even on the cheapest devices. EIDU are currently testing their app in the toughest conditions they could find: with more than 3,500 children in two of the largest urban informal settlements in Africa, located in Nairobi.
EIDU are looking for a Growth Manager who will manage all their growing operations in Kenya related to sales, operations, customer service, and logistics.
Be responsible for identifying, convincing, onboarding, and engaging new schools and their head teachers to grow their presence in Kenya with your team in Nairobi.
Lead a growing team in Nairobi and work directly with the country manager and the management team in Germany that consists of very experienced digital entrepreneurs and experts in the field of Education and Social Studies.
Be part of their expansion into other African markets (medium term).
Work in a result-oriented way to increase the core KPIs of EIDU, like teacher engagement.
5-10 years of work experience, 2+ years managing a team of 5+ people.
Having worked or studied in Sub-Saharan Africa for at least 6 months.
(For Kenyans) Having worked or studied abroad in the US or Europe for at least one year.
Preferably professional experience in sales (big plus).
Preferably professional experience in an international company/NGO (big plus).
Preferably experience in the field of Education (very welcome but not required).
Empathic and highly receptive to non-verbal communication.
Interest in and adaptivity to other cultures.


In 2000, I ran in a contested primary against Shane Brnkman. Shane's mother, Joyce, had been a very popular legislator in the same Pike Township district and later served as State Treasurer. While I won the primary, I had to work my tail off. I learned first hand the difficulties running against someone who is the off-spring of a well-liked politician.
With about 20 precincts left to count, Kennedy has over 76% of the vote against Sam Carson, son of former Congresswoman Julia Carson and former at-large councilor, Ron Gibson. While the Washington Street Politics blog may not be impressed by that performance, I certainly am. I never dreamed she could get to 76% facing two very credible, though not very active, challengers. I thought if Kennedy got to 65% that would be an excellent performance.
It is clear that the Democrats are solidly behind Melina Kennedy in this campaign. To win, Ballard has to get almost all Republican votes (unlikely given his fiscally liberal record) and reach across to Democrats.. There is nothing to suggest that Ballard can do either of those things. If Ballard has a path to victory this fall, I don't know where it is.


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The Operation Anthropoid Memorial is a monument in Libeň, Prague that commemorates Operation Anthropoid, an ambush on senior Nazi official Reinhard Heydrich by Czechoslovakian partisans on 27 May 1942 which resulted in his death one week later.

Design and construction

Operation Anthropoid had never served as the basis of a sculpture or public work of art. On 14 April 2008 the Prague 8 city district announced its intention to hold a one-round competition, open to the public, for the design of a memorial to Operation Anthropoid and to Jan Kubiš and Jozef Gabčík. One of the chief design requirements for the memorial was that it should not merely commemorate one of the most successful actions of the Czechoslovak resistance during World War II, but that it should also serve as a tribute to the virtues embodied in the Czechoslovak military tradition – a commitment to one's oath of duty, and to defending one's nation even at the cost of one's own life.

Twenty proposals were submitted. On 27 May 2008, the anniversary of the Operation Anthropoid, a proposal was chosen. The authors of the winning proposal were artists David Moješčík and Michal Šmeral, and architects Miroslava Tůmová and Jiří Gulbis. Moješčík and Šmeral had previously collaborated on various projects in connection with "public art".

The memorial was to be located on the actual site of the assassination. Work on the memorial began immediately thereafter. On 27 May 2009 at 10:35 a.m. – the exact time of the assassination – a celebratory unveiling of the completed memorial was held.

The figures are manufactured from bronze cast from a clay-modelled statue. The column is made of welded steel enclosed by corten steel.

Inspiration and evolution of design

The starting point for the design was Leonardo da Vinci's 1490 drawing "Vitruvian Man"; from which is derived the "Vitruvian Cross", illustrating the proportions of the human body. The stance of the depicted man as a generalization of the human physique is therefore an allusion to the very name "Operation Anthropoid", as "anthropoid" means "human in form or appearance". Although the memorial's design underwent a constant evolution as the artists worked on it, the "Vitruvian Man" was the original basis of the figures surmounting the sculpture's central column and remained the memorial's chief design element from its conception to its completion. One of the initial concepts for the memorial involved the use of a stone block to represent the Czech flag. This early conception then went through various iterations, in which the block was first divided into the three geometrical shapes composing the Czech flag, and was then, in a subsequent design, merged with the shape of a "Czech hedgehog" - an anti-tank obstacle most familiar to English-speakers from its use by the Germans on the beaches of Normandy but invented in Czechoslovakia and used throughout Europe in World War II. The flag motif, though eventually simplified, remained a basic element of the finished composition. It was incorporated into the design of the central column, which, being triangular in cross-section, corresponds to the equilateral triangle in the Czech flag. This simplification was necessitated by the somewhat awkward shape of the memorial site. The central column was clad in corten, a form of weathered steel, symbolizing the destruction of Czech statehood and the subjugation of the entire nation. After being exposed to the weather for several years the corten will form a stable, rust-like appearance. As envisioned in the initial drafts the column is surmounted by three Vitruvian figures, each standing on an edge of the column and facing outward.

Geographic context

The assassination took place in Prague 8, at a hairpin turn created by the junction of  (Avenue) and  (Avenue). This site was chosen because the hairpin turn required Heydrich's driver to slow down when negotiating this turn, thereby creating a favorable opportunity for an ambush. The actual site of the assassination was the site chosen for the memorial.
In the intervening years, the local geography has greatly changed. , now named , no longer intersects . Although there is still a junction in the same place, it is formed by  and two access ramps of the surrounding traffic interchange, the three roads together forming a triangular traffic island inside the hairpin turn where  formerly intersected . Because the memorial was to be located amidst several busy thoroughfares, its most numerous and frequent observers would be the occupants of passing vehicles; this therefore became a very important factor in determining the proper scale for the memorial. The area surrounding the base of the sculpture has been designed so that the memorial integrates with the existing features of the parterre in a very natural manner. This area now consists of long, narrow concrete slabs, separated by narrow strips of earth, allowing grass to grow between the slabs. The greenery bursting through the concrete slabs not only integrates the memorial into the site, but also emphasises the vital spirit of the memorial and the events it commemorates. There is a memorial plaque directly in front of the sculpture. The whole composition escalates towards the sculpture. The ample space offered by this design enables the site to serve as a dignified gathering place for those wishing to remember the sacrifices made by the participants in Operation Anthropoid, as well as those who may gather for any solemn occasion.

Streets immediately to the west of the memorial site are now named after Jozef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš, who carried out the ambush, and Josef Valcik, who acted as lookout and died alongside them in Ss. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral.

References

Additional sources
 ASSASSINATION Operation ANTHROPOID 1941–1942, Michal Burian, Aleš Knížek, Jiří Rajlich, Eduard Stehlík, Prague 2002
 Web of Author of The Memorial

Monuments and memorials in the Czech Republic
Operation Anthropoid
Prague 8
Monuments and memorials to the victims of Nazism

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Your Anger is Showing and it Isn't Pretty
I recently published a story (since deleted) that was based on a Facebook post from the day before. Moments after sharing the update on social media, one of my followers left a comment stating it was a "lame repost."
Frustrated, the old me would have retaliated with an unpolished comeback. Perhaps something along the lines of "No, you're the lame repost." But the new me, the cleaned-up version — a worn-out mother who spent the last four years of her life protecting herself against a narcissistic tyrant — just stared at the screen, flustered, and deleted his comment. Then, I hopped on my bike and rage-peddled for six-and-a-half miles.
When I reached the top of murder hill, it dawned on me why his careless criticism had upset me so much. This person had absolutely no idea who I was or what my life was all about. He didn't know about my emotional courtroom drama, or how hard I've been working to keep a roof over my child's head, nor did he have a clue how tough it is for a 53-year-old mother to hustle with muscle as an independent writer without letting her thick skin get bruised. And while it may sound like a lucrative career choice, sharing content on social media doesn't benefit the originator unless they pay for engagement.
So, was it a shameless repost? Absolutely. Was it lame? According to one man, it was, but it made me laugh, and I hoped to do the same for others. If I could speak to the person who started his day by trying to ruin mine, I would have this to say: Sprinkling fairy dust over a hostile world to make a few extra pennies on a t-shirt or ad before your mortgage is due isn't pathetic; it's a vital component of freelance life. It seems no one thinks before they speak anymore. Instead, we argue, harass, and belittle one another, saying horrible things we would never say face-to-face with zero empathy and little respect. The good news: it's fixable, but it's going to take a village.
As grown-ups, it is our job to lead by example and pass our wisdom down to younger generations. Hold on; let's back up. Stop what you are doing right now — except reading, obviously — and get on social media, preferably Facebook or Twitter. Next, I want you to scroll down and find a political post (this shouldn't take long) that upsets you, and read the comments. How long did it take before you found one that was so wicked it made you cringe? My guess would be under a minute.
Let's take it a step further. Think back to the year 2000 if you can, before social media seized your attention with its mighty bells and whistles. Do you remember what that felt like?; because I sure do. We had answering machines and disposable cameras. When friends and family gathered together — bellying up to a bar to splurge on pure nonsense — moments were rarely captured on film. Rather than swiping a digital attendant in search of a decent filter that would conceal our flaws, manipulate reality, and ruin the fucking moment, we focused on giving one another our full attention. It was a lovely and drama-free way to live, and I can count the number of times we fought over 'differences of opinions' on zero fingers because it never happened until now.
It's been twenty years since I developed my last roll of film. Most of my friends have kids now, the vast majority of which are on social media, sharing flawless selfies and staged portraits of friends and family beaming with joy, despite any backstory of pain. Today, everything is an illusion, and yet very real. People are beginning to show sides of themselves that they never shared in person. They're wearing buttons now for Christ's sake, letting you know exactly who they are and what they stand for in case you are curious. But how much is too much information? Do we really need to know who you voted for in the primaries? We never did before.
Humanity is slipping. Nothing is private, and everything is personal. We have given in to The Seven Deadly Sins in exchange for convenience and look at what it is doing to our world. On a happy scale of one to ten, most of us are teetering between two and three, and as far as I can see, there is only one way to make this better: we must go back to a simpler time and change our behavior.
Remember when you were little, and your parents would tell you to be kind others? They'd say, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything." Well, it's time to go home and stay put because your parents were right. It may take a while for the domino effect to go viral, but if we all work together, I feel like we have a pretty good shot at fixing things. Who's with me?


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About Charles
Financial comfort wrapped in wisdom, & delivered in truth.
Work With Charles
Charles Brown, III – My Story
CB3 Financial Group, Inc. (CB3) was founded in 2006 by Charles R. P. Brown III, CMT, the CEO and Portfolio Manager. Prior to CB3, Mr. Brown previously had a successful career trading stocks and commodities with his boutique Commodity Trading Advisor (CTA) firm, TST Capital, headquartered at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Mr. Brown has been trading commodities and stocks for thirty-plus years. Mr. Brown is a member of the CMT Association and has been awarded the Chartered Market Technician (CMT) designation. Less than 6,000 portfolio managers in the world have attained this designation.
Charles is a noted author of numerous options-trading articles. He co-authored the book "Not Your Father's Retirement". As a sought-after lecturer and commentator on financial topics and economic news, Charles is recognized for his "accessible and easily-understandable" approach to explaining complex topics in his "everyman" conversational style. He has been a contributor to FOX News, with his economic opinions aired on nationwide TV, FoxNews.com, the Fox Report with Shepard Smith, and the Sean Hannity Show, among others.
Charles is also an accomplished musician, performing at Carnegie Hall in NYC at the age of 17, and continuing to compose and perform today. He is a graduate of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. He performs in and around the Chicagoland area and is an active member of the Moody Church Orchestra in Chicago. In 2018, he was named Composer in Residence for the Lake County Symphony Orchestra.
Why Work With CB3?
CB3 Financial clients enjoy a personal relationship with their actual portfolio manager. While not unique in this business, this personal relationship with all our CB3 clients is, indeed, rare. CB3 Financial is a family office that exists to manage the retirement and Trust assets of Charles & Alice Brown, as well as select manage clients who fit the profile of educated investors who want to be knowledgeable about why and how investment decisions are made on their behalf. We welcome your own specific questions and inquiry of our concierge services for the keen investor.
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If you like the finer things in life and yearn for a sun-filled getaway but don't want to break the bank, our vacation rentals at Windsor Hills Resort are for you! From single-bedroom villas to our luxurious five-bedroom executive villas with access to a pool, spa, and a Jacuzzi, not to mention other resort-style amenities, this 24-hour gated community is worth a look when you're passing through family-friendly Kissimmee.
Where is Windsor Hills Resort?
Our Windsor Hills Resort vacation rentals are located just two miles from Disney World, so it's the perfect place to rest up after fun-filled days in the amusement park. The resort is also about 24 miles from the International Airport in Orlando, so you'll have an easy time reaching your vacation rental after your flight. An adventure into downtown Orlando is easy, as well - just follow I-4 E all the way there.
One of Windsor Hills Resort's most alluring features is the double Olympic-size pool. Take a swim or recline on a lounger while the kids play in the toddler pool, fountains, and spiral water slide. Follow up with a soak in the hot tub while you take in the Florida scenery.
For family fun time, head to the castle-themed playground for a game of giant chess or have a turn on the merry-go-round and swings. There is a picnic and barbecue area for grilling while the clubhouse has billiards and a video arcade for indoor fun. The 48-seat movie theater is a great place to beat the heat and enjoy a free movie.
If you want to maintain your fitness regimen, you'll have ample opportunity. Perfect your swing at the tennis courts or Championship golf course, work on your swish on the basketball court, or master your cut shot on the volleyball court. Head to the fitness center for cardio equipment and weight training.
The villas are a vacation unto themselves with 3,000 square feet of living space, AC, and flatscreen cable TVs in every room. The decor is luscious and upscale, boasting stylish furnishings, plush pillows, and silk accents throughout. The kids' rooms have their own bathrooms and are themed to capture imaginations and create lasting memories. The state-of-the-art kitchen has everything the chefs in your group need to make hearty, delicious meals. Other amenities include WiFi, a safe for your valuables, a Tiki Bar, and an on-site grocery store.
When you come to Florida for tropical breezes and golden sunshine, be sure to check out our Windsor Hills vacation rentals for a truly relaxing stay with convenience and comfort.


The Museums and Galleries History Group's recent symposium at the Wallace Collection asked what makes a good house museum. What better way to investigate than to visit a few? Below is a list of some of the most interesting in the UK, Europe and the USA, selected by Katy Barrett.
The neoclassical architect's former home now houses many of his models and drawings, as well as his personal collection of paintings, drawings and assorted antiquities. The museum runs an inventive exhibition programme and is currently under the directorship of Abraham Thomas.
Ernö Goldfinger designed 2 Willow Road as his family home, but construction of the architect's block in Hampstead met vocal opposition from the influential Henry Brooke in 1937. It went ahead, and is now protected by the National Trust.
Most house museums have become time capsules of sorts but very few were actually built as one. Severs (1948–1999) turned his terraced house on London's Folgate Street into a 'still-life drama' that dramatically recreates the home of a Huguenot silk weaver.
Collector and curator Jim Ede lived at Kettle's Yard from 1958 to 1973, but always conceived of the house as 'a living place…where young people could be at home unhampered by the greater austerity of the museum or public art gallery.' His impressive collection of modern British and European art is meticulously arranged within the domestic space, without labels or distractions.
Henry Moore moved to Perry Green in 1941 after his London home was damaged in the Blitz. His house, Hoglands, and the surrounding grounds, are now a museum and sculpture garden overseen by the Henry Moore Foundation.
Auguste Rodin bequeathed his sculptures, models and casting rights to France in 1916, on the condition that the state set up a public museum of his work. His former atelier at the Hôtel Biron in Paris is now the site of the Rodin Museum, and many of his most famous sculptures take pride of place in the grounds.
Édouard André (1833–1894) and the society painter Nélie Jacquemart (1841–1912) were great art patrons, and created this lavish Parisian mansion to house their collection of Old Master works. The museum opened to the public 1913.
Some of Claude Monet's most recognisable, and best loved, paintings were created here. The famous Impressionist settled in Giverny in 1883, and dedicated himself to painting the garden's riot of colourful flowers, hovering waterlilies, scattered light and the famous Japanese bridge.
Henry Clay Frick (1849–1919) amassed an extraordinary collection of Old Master paintings, sculpture and decorative arts over his lifetime. The building itself is equally precious: it is one of only a few surviving Gilded Age mansions in the area.
The patron, collector and philanthropist Isabella Stewart Gardner's house and garden were conceived as a complementary whole. Opened in 1903, it is home to some 2,500 paintings, sculptures, tapestries, furniture, manuscripts, rare books and decorative arts.
Can a copy ever be more authentic, and more informative, than an original work of art?
If you had $65 million to blow on your local museum, how would you spend it?


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Okay, so here's what's been going on, in a nutshell.
· My mother, who is back in physical therapy at the nursing home, is doing better – but she seems to be jumping from one infection to another. The staff is working on it. Other than that, her morale is good, and bless her heart, she's been making friends with other residents and even managed to bring another resident out of her shell. Hey, she's doing God's work there, so it's hard for me to argue.
· A good friend of the family passed away over the weekend at the age of 41 after a courageous battle with cancer. The funeral was yesterday. I'm sad, but it's greedy. I'm going to miss her company, and she was a really great friend to my wife, who will really miss her. But again, I can't argue – she's in God's hands now and is free from pain. It was a rough trip for her, but I know she'd say it was worth it. She said as much while she was still with us.
· I have been swamped at work. I usually "carry work home" inside my head, thinking about creative solutions to projects on my desk. Last week I was physically carrying work home – and stayed late a night. Stayed late last night, too, making up time I took away for the funeral.
· You may or may not have noticed, depending on how many links you try to click – part of my archives are missing. Specifically, the first year's worth, from September 2001 to August 2002. That's really odd. I've been in contact with Blogger about it.
· I read Wolves Eat Dogs by Martin Cruz Smith, the fourth about enigmatic Russian investigator Arkady Renko. It's brilliant.
· I also happened to find and purchase a 1GB iPod Shuffle. It is also brilliant, and perfect for the way I listen to music. Like right now.
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Pressure Shouldn't Slow Down Juan Gonzalez
By Johnny Paul
Forth Worth Star Telegram
ARLINGTON, Texas, July 5, 1998 -- Rangers right fielder Juan Gonzalez promises that his locks of jet black hair will remain in place this season no matter what.
"Yes, I know the story," says Gonzalez, whose grin eventually evolves into laughter. "My hair will not fall out."
Gonzalez, the major leagues' most prolific run producer, knows the story about former Yankees right fielder Roger Maris, who produced arguably the game's most significant single-season accomplishment, breaking Babe Ruth's home-run record in 1961.
The strain of that pursuit and all the attention that came with it took its toll on Maris, who began losing clumps of hair during the chase.
Halfway through the season, Gonzalez has positioned himself for a serious pursuit of the single-season record for runs batted in, established by outfielder Hack Wilson of the Chicago Cubs, who drove in 190 in 1930.
That pursuit will generate more interest -- more than Maris ever encountered in this age of electronic media -- should Gonzalez remain within striking distance in September. The attention, though, will not become a distraction, Gonzalez says.
"I've prepared my body and my mind for a big year," he said. "I know the media will be coming, but that's part of it. That's the media's job, and I understand. You guys have a tough job, too."
Gonzalez continues to be the recipient of national exposure. The list this season includes: "USA Today, Sports Illustrated, Baseball Weekly, ESPN Magazine, Los Angeles Times, New York Post" and "CNN-SI". He also has been the subject of feature stories by almost every local newspaper when the Rangers stop in an opposing city.
Gonzalez complies with the requests, but he does not relish all the attention, said Luis Mayoral, the Rangers' Latin American liaison and Gonzalez's confidant.
"He doesn't want to be put on a stage with Mark McGwire, Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas and Albert Belle," Mayoral said. "He'd rather do his thing on the field. That's his nature. That's his makeup."
Gonzalez has performed well in the media spotlight. He thrived in the 1996 playoffs against the New York Yankees, batting .438 (7-for-16) with five home runs and nine RBI in four games.
"He's more mature," Rangers manager Johnny Oates said. "He's got a better grasp of the English language, and he's more comfortable speaking in public. That series was a coming-out party for him. It was national exposure big time, and he handled it well."
"He was the only guy doing anything offensively, and people wanted him," recalled John Blake, the Rangers' vice president for public relations. "He handled it well. He was as good in defeat as he was after we won Game 1. I got a lot of compliments from the national and New York media in terms of Juan making himself available and answering their questions.
"It was a good national spotlight for him, and he came through it well. I couldn't ask for a guy to handle the postseason any better than he did. I think that was a turning point for him in that regard."
The Rangers, though, do have a plan in place should a media crush befall Gonzalez this season. It will resemble the plan the Cardinals put in place for McGwire, who remains on pace to break Maris' single-season record for home runs (61).
The Cardinals make McGwire available for a 30-minute session with the media 3 1/2 hours before the first game of each road series with no other pregame availability during the series.
"You try to make it as easy as you can for the individual, and that's what we'll do", Blake said. "You want to be cooperative, but it can become a distraction. I think Juan understands how important it is, and I think he's been very cooperative."


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Vera Institute of Justice | The Problem
The Case for Universal Representation
Building the Movement
Implementing the Vision at the Local and State Level
Karen Berberich
Corey Lazar
Emily Tucker
The lack of a right to government-funded counsel in the immigration justice system eviscerates due process.
One way in which the government deports immigrants from the United States is by placing them in removal proceedings in immigration courts administered by the U.S. Department of Justice. Removal (also known as deportation) is one of the most severe penalties a person can face under law.The terms removal and deportation are used interchangeably, though there are distinctions under the law.
For those deported, these proceedings carry dire consequences—physical exile from one's home, separation from one's family, loss of employment, and potential violence or death on return to the country of origin.
Despite the high stakes, people in immigration proceedings do not have the right to government-funded counsel. They must navigate the notoriously complicated and ever-changing labyrinth of immigration law alone against a trained government attorney, without the help of a lawyer.On the labyrinthine nature of immigration court, see Drax v. Reno, 338 F.3d 98, 99 (2d Cir. 2003); and Noel Brennan, "A View from the Immigration Bench," Fordham Law Review 78, no. 2 (2009), 623-31, 624, https://perma.cc/VEU8-GJ3L.
Considering the severe consequences of deportation, the lack of a right to government-funded counsel in removal proceedings violates due process and the basic fairness considered fundamental to the justice system and American society as a whole. As the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which has been held applicable to deportation proceedings, states, "No person shall . . . be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law."The U.S. Supreme Court has held that the right to due process applies to deportation proceedings. See Reno v. Flores, 507 U.S. 292, 306 (1993) ("It is well established that the Fifth Amendment entitles aliens to due process of law in deportation proceedings").
The right to appointed counsel, which the U.S. Supreme Court describes as "necessary to insure fundamental human rights of life and liberty," has thus far only been applied in criminal proceedings.Johnson v. Zerbst, 304 U.S. 458 (1938); and Gideon v. Wainwright, 372 U.S. 335 (1963). Yet the complexities of immigration law and the severe consequences at stake make it unjust and unreasonable to expect individuals to represent themselves competently in immigration court.
Indeed, it is nearly impossible to win relief from deportation without the assistance of counsel—only 5 percent of those who won relief between 2007 and 2012 did so without an attorney.Ingrid V. Eagly and Steven Shafer, "A National Study of Access to Counsel in Immigration Court," University of Pennsylvania Law Review 164, no. 1 (2015), 22-24 & figure 4, https://perma.cc/7J65-CZCM.
Nonetheless, the lack of appointed counsel means that tens of thousands of people each year go unrepresented, including asylum seekers, longtime legal residents, immigrant parents or spouses of U.S. citizens, and even children. In some cases, unrepresented U.S. citizens have been detained and deported despite their citizenship.Deportation Research Clinic, Buffett Institute for Global Studies, Northwestern University, United States Citizens in Deportation Proceedings: Immigration Court 'Code 54' Adjournments, January 1, 2011 to June 9, 2017 (Evanston, IL: Deportation Research Clinic, 2017), https://perma.cc/3BKR-9FK6.
The result is an immigration court system that appears more like a mass deportation pipeline than a venue where people can fairly present the individual circumstances of their cases.
Immigrants in detention are the least likely to secure representation and the most vulnerable to deportation.
Compounding the lack of government-appointed counsel for immigrants in removal proceedings, detained immigrants face particularly significant challenges in accessing representation. In recent years, representation rates for those detained have hovered around 30 percent, leaving the remaining 70 percent to fend for themselves without the benefit of counsel.Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC), "Who Is Represented in Immigration Court?" figure 1, October 16, 2017, https://perma.cc/HPX7-GPF6.
Detention centers are often located in remote areas of the country, away from where attorneys are likely to be concentrated.Eagly and Shafer, "National Study of Access to Counsel," 2015, 40-43. Yet even in major cities like New York, rates of representation were abysmal before the introduction in 2013 of an appointed counsel program for indigent immigrants facing deportation.Sixty percent of detained immigrants were unrepresented by the time their cases were completed. See Study Group on Immigrant Representation, Accessing Justice: The Availability and Adequacy of Counsel in Immigration Proceedings (New York: Cardozo School of Law, 2011), 3, https://perma.cc/9DAW-ZDDJ.
The loss of liberty and free movement that characterize detention introduce additional obstacles into the already daunting process of an individual trying to represent themselves effectively. It is extraordinarily difficult to gather evidence in support of one's legal case from the confines of detention. Without internet access and with telephone access that is both expensive and highly restricted, it can be challenging—often impossible—for detained immigrants to obtain documents from other countries.On the expense of phone access for detained immigrants seeking to mount a defense, see Leticia Miranda, "Dialing with Dollars: How County Jails Profit from Immigrant Detainees," Nation, May 15, 2014, https://perma.cc/Z948-YGEC These documents may include police reports, hospital records, local news articles, supporting affidavits, and certificates of birth, marriage, or death: the kind of evidence that is critical to securing release from detention on bond while the case is pending or establishing a defense to deportation.
Detained, unrepresented immigrants therefore face potentially insurmountable challenges to effectively presenting their cases.
Due process for immigrants has been under attack for decades—and recent policy changes bring renewed urgency to the crisis.
Two laws enacted in 1996 dramatically expanded the government's unchecked authority to punish people using immigration detention and deportation: the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRAIRA) and the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act (AEDPA).Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, Pub. L. No. 104–208 (September 30, 1996); and Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, Pub. L. No. 104–132 (April 24, 1996).
These laws significantly expanded who could be subject to mandatory detention, eliminated the right of some immigrants to make their case before a judge, and exacerbated the racially disproportionate impacts of detention and deportation.The processes that allow the federal government to deport certain categories of individuals without an opportunity to present their cases in front of an immigration judge are known as expedited removal (permitting summary removal of non-citizens who seek entry at a port of entry or those found within 100 miles of the border within 14 days of their arrival to United States who lack proper entry documents), reinstatement of removal (permitting summary removal of non-citizens who return to the United States unlawfully after having previously been deported), and administrative removal (permitting summary removal of non-lawful permanent residents convicted of an aggravated felony). They were established through IIRAIRA in 1996. On the racially disproportionate impacts of detention and deportation, see Juliana Morgan-Trostle and Kexin Zheng, The State of Black Immigrants—Part II: Black Immigrants in the Mass Criminalization System (New York: Black Alliance for Just Immigration and NYU School of Law Immigrant Rights Clinic, 2016), https://perma.cc/NHM8-CFFZ. The impact of these and related policies have been startling, with more immigrants deported between 2000 and 2015 than were deported in the entire 150 years prior.Office of Immigration Statistics, 2015 Yearbook of Immigration Statistics (Washington, DC: DHS, 2016), 103 & table 39, https://perma.cc/6ZQ9-ATKV.
The situation has only worsened in recent years, as the federal executive branch has instituted policies that broaden who is targeted for enforcement while limiting available defenses. Immigration judges have largely been stripped of their discretion to decide many potential issues that come before them, and, in the face of a constantly burgeoning caseload, have been put under pressure to complete cases faster.See U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of the Attorney General, Matter of L-A-B-R- et al., 27 I&N Dec. 405 (A.G. 2018); and Laura Meckler, "New Quotas for Immigration Judges as Trump Administration Seeks Faster Deportations," Wall Street Journal, April 2, 2018, https://perma.cc/VM34-W4S3.
Attempts to radically limit the scope of who is eligible for asylum (a form of immigration relief for individuals fleeing persecution) and other relief have threatened to overturn decades of established precedent.See DOJ, Office of the Attorney General, Matter of A-B-, 27 I&N Dec. 316 (A.G. 2018); and Aliens Subject to a Bar on Entry Under Certain Presidential Proclamations; Procedures for Protection Claims, 83 Fed. Reg. 55,934 (November 9, 2018) (to be codified at 8 C.F.R. Parts 208, 1003, & 1208), https://perma.cc/7BQL-URS5. Those previously granted the right to remain in the country—including recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS)—have been forced to file litigation in federal courts to protect the sudden loss of their right to remain in the United States.Under DACA, children under the age of 18 who were brought to the United States without authorization prior to 2012 are not targeted for deportation and are eligible to work lawfully. TPS provides temporary legal status to citizens of certain countries affected by armed conflict or natural disasters. For DACA, see Regents of University of California v. United States Department of Homeland Security, 279 F. Supp. 3d 1011 (N.D. Cal. 2018). For TPS, see Ramos v. Nielsen, 321 F. Supp. 3d 1083 (N.D. Cal. 2018). Immigrant children have been forcibly torn from their parents and detained.On family separation, see DHS, Office of Inspector General, Special Review—Initial Observations Regarding Family Separation Issues Under the Zero Tolerance Policy (Washington, DC: DHS, 2018), https://perma.cc/KP59-V64B. Even naturalized U.S. citizens have been targeted for enforcement after decades of lawful residency due to minor inconsistencies on their citizenship applications.Amy Taxin, "US Launches Bid to Find Citizenship Cheaters," Associated Press, June 11, 2018, https://perma.cc/AK83-PRXT.
Back to: The Case for Universal Representation Building the Movement


This stunning ski-in ski-out chalet, located at Courchevel 1850, is a real masterpiece, furnished with exceptional modern designer pieces. The large terrace provides views on the mountains and the chalet offers a range of luxury amenities that will satisfy the needs of the most discerning guest.
The spacious chalet has a total surface of approx. 600 square meters and hosts up to 10 people. It is spread over 4 levels with lifts providing access to all levels. The top level of the majestic chalet houses the living room with the dining area, the sitting area arranged around the fireplace, home cinema, billiard area, the terrace-with-a-view, the professional kitchen and a guest cloakroom.
The main entrance on level 1, houses the master bedroom with dressing facilities and a beautiful gas fireplace, as well as bedrooms 2 and 3. All 3 these bedrooms have double beds, en-suite bath & shower rooms and flat screen television.
On level 0 we find 2 more bedrooms with 2 single beds in each, both with en-suite bathrooms and flat screen television. This floor also boasts the splendid kids room, a cinema room, ski & boot room, shower and W.C. and the garage.
The magnificent Spa facilities are situated on the lower floor where we find the indoor swimming pool with bar, spa area with sauna, Hammam, shower and massage table and a gym area.
Based on your requirements and preferences we will arrange the perfect service staff (chef, butlers, chauffeur etc) for you to make sure you are looked after very well in this beautiful luxury chalet in Courchevel 1850.


Ilan Geva is an international branding expert who provides consulting, teaching, training and helps in practicing and implementing all brand touchpoints. He develops and creates Brand platforms including brand vision, brand strategy, brand personality, using strategic branding solutions for many of the world's largest corporations. His work has won over 100 industry awards around the world.
He helped national and state tourism organizations grow their constituencies and tourism revenue including: The Mexico Tourism Board, Lisbon Convention Bureau, Turismo de Portugal, British Tourism Authority, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Israel Ministry of Tourism, Illinois Department of Tourism, State of Iowa Tourism Division, Satour (South African Tourism), Turkish Tourism, as well as airlines, hotels and car rental firms.
Building a Destination Brand is far more than a clever name, brilliant photography, attractive logo and compelling positioning statement. The perceptions of a destination, based on outsiders' observations, plus reliable and well-designed research studies, must include the consumer's definition of technological sophistication, friendliness, accessibility, safety and a number of other features and qualities. Rather than trying to fit a square peg into a round space, it is best for medical travel destinations and healthcare providers to first identify or accept the dominant perception of the location and then to build and expand their Destination Brand upon and around these perceptions.


text:
package cmd

import (
	"path/filepath"

	"fmt"

	"github.com/go-redis/redis"
	"github.com/urfave/cli"
	"github.com/xlab-si/emmy/config"
	"github.com/xlab-si/emmy/crypto/cl"
	"github.com/xlab-si/emmy/log"
	"github.com/xlab-si/emmy/server"
)

var ServerCmd = cli.Command{
	Name:  "server",
	Usage: "A server (verifier) that verifies clients (provers)",
	Subcommands: []cli.Command{
		{
			Name:  "start",
			Usage: "Starts emmy server",
			Flags: serverFlags,
			Action: func(ctx *cli.Context) error {
				err := startEmmyServer(
					ctx.Int("port"),
					ctx.String("cert"),
					ctx.String("key"),
					ctx.String("db"),
					ctx.String("logfile"),
					ctx.String("loglevel"))
				if err != nil {
					return cli.NewExitError(err, 1)
				}
				return nil
			},
		},
	},
}

// serverFlags are the flags used by the server CLI commands.
var serverFlags = []cli.Flag{
	// portFlag indicates the port where emmy server will listen.
	&cli.IntFlag{
		Name:  "port, p",
		Value: config.LoadServerPort(),
		Usage: "`PORT` where emmy server will listen for client connections",
	},
	// certFlag keeps the path to server's certificate in PEM format
	// (for establishing a secure channel with the server).
	&cli.StringFlag{
		Name:  "cert",
		Value: filepath.Join(config.LoadTestdataDir(), "server.pem"),
		Usage: "`PATH` to servers certificate file",
	},
	// keyFlag keeps the path to server's private key in PEM format
	// (for establishing a secure channel with the server).
	&cli.StringFlag{
		Name:  "key",
		Value: filepath.Join(config.LoadTestdataDir(), "server.key"),
		Usage: "`PATH` to server key file",
	},
	// dbEndpointFlag points to the endpoint at which emmy server will contact redis database.
	&cli.StringFlag{
		Name:  "db",
		Value: config.LoadRegistrationDBAddress(),
		Usage: "`URI` of redis database to hold registration keys, in the form redisHost:redisPort",
	},
	// logFilePathFlag indicates a path to the log file used by the server (optional).
	&cli.StringFlag{
		Name:  "logfile",
		Value: "",
		Usage: "`PATH` to the file where server logs will be written (created if it doesn't exist)",
	},
	logLevelFlag,
}

// startEmmyServer configures and starts the gRPC server at the desired port
func startEmmyServer(port int, certPath, keyPath, dbAddress, logFilePath, logLevel string) error {
	var err error
	var logger log.Logger

	if logFilePath == "" {
		logger, err = log.NewStdoutLogger("server", logLevel, log.FORMAT_LONG)
	} else {
		logger, err = log.NewStdoutFileLogger("server", logFilePath, logLevel, log.FORMAT_LONG,
			log.FORMAT_LONG_COLORLESS)
	}
	if err != nil {
		return err
	}

	c := redis.NewClient(&redis.Options{
		Addr: dbAddress,
	})
	err = c.Ping().Err()
	if err != nil {
		return fmt.Errorf("unable to connect to redis database (%s)", err)
	}

	registrationManager := server.NewRedisClient(c)
	if err != nil {
		return err
	}

	recordManager := cl.NewRedisClient(c)

	srv, err := server.NewServer(certPath, keyPath, registrationManager, recordManager, logger)
	if err != nil {
		return err
	}

	srv.EnableTracing()
	return srv.Start(port)
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Aid Still Required
Just Because It Left the Headlines Doesn't Mean It Left the Planet
Field Teams
Field Programs
K-6 Schools
Orphan Program
Haiti Earthquake
Indian Ocean Tsunami
Darfur Conflict
ASR Today
ASR Swag
Shop for Others
Haiti 4 Years After the Earthquake
ASR Events • Current Events • Environmental Sustainability • Haiti
4 years ago, Haiti experienced a devastating 7.0 earthquake that ravaged what is still the poorest country in the western hemisphere. While billions were pledged around the world to help the small island country left with hundreds of thousands in temporary shelters without access to food, water and medicine, what few realize is how little actually made it to the country.
Martha Mendoza and Trenton Daniel wrote a fascinating piece back in 2012 about the real lack of impact that aid to Haiti had in the months after the earthquake.
For one "less than 12 percent of the reconstruction money sent to Haiti after the earthquake has gone toward energy, shelter, ports or other infrastructure. At least a third, $329 million, went to projects that were awarded before the 2010 catastrophe and had little to do with the recovery — such as HIV/AIDS programs.
And this: "Of the $988 million spent so far, a quarter went toward debt relief to unburden the hemisphere's poorest nation of repayments. But after Haiti's loans were paid off, the government began borrowing again: $657 million so far, largely for oil imports rather than development projects."
Of the nearly $9 billion pledged to Haiti after the earthquake, less than $1 billion had been spent in the two years after the disaster.
Now, 4 years later, there is still an incredible amount to do.
At Aid Still Required, we know that the challenges in Haiti are great. We also know that they are not insurmountable. Together, we can improve the lives of thousands of women, children and men in Haiti that, at times, may feel hopeless.
In the Haiti settlements the UN estimates that 90% of women are raped or sexually assaulted at some point in their lifetimes. Raising a family and being a productive member of your community is difficult enough without the pain and suffering experienced when one is attacked. ASR's trauma relief programs are helping women to find peace and healing, allowing for long term community building and a stronger family structure.
After the earthquake, Haiti's orphanages overflowed with children whose parents had died or could no longer take care of them. ASR's OADENN program is providing mentorship, counseling, safe places for play, education and healthcare to over 100 children in Cap Haitien. These children will have the opportunity to become the leaders in their communities when they get older–they are being given a new chance at life they may not otherwise receive.
By partnering with Sirona Cares, ASR is launching the Jatropha Tree Program to give thousands of farmers and their families a new life while also improving the environment and creating long term financial development.
This is how we can help Haitians help themselves. The old way of charity–simply handing out food, water, medicine and shelter–is not the path toward long term redevelopment. We must provide the financial assistance to get well designed, effective programs off the ground and then we must train Haitians to run these programs on their own so that they can be the source of their own country's future success.
Join with us and help to make the future of Haiti a bright one.
Visit Haiti Awareness Campaign 2014 landing page to learn more and donate. Do you think that you can't make enough of an impact? "Whoever thinks they are too small to change the world has never been in bed with a mosquito." Let's come together and make real change for people who just need the opportunity for a better life. These are the people who will change the future of Haiti.
Aid Still Required Cap Haitien children Haiti Haiti Awareness Campaign Haiti earthquake man Port-au-Prince UN women
Older Thank you for 2013 and looking ahead to 2014
Newer Indiegogo Here We Go : Haiti and the Jatropha Tree Program
© 2008–2021 Aid Still Required • P.O. Box 7353 • Santa Monica, CA 90406 USA • (310) 454-4646


Gamestop Corporation ( GME ) will begin trading ex-dividend on December 10, 2018. A cash dividend payment of $0.38 per share is scheduled to be paid on December 21, 2018. Shareholders who purchased GME prior to the ex-dividend date are eligible for the cash dividend payment. This marks the 8th quarter that GME has paid the same dividend. At the current stock price of $13.56, the dividend yield is 11.21%.
The previous trading day's last sale of GME was $13.56, representing a -33.23% decrease from the 52 week high of $20.31 and a 11.7% increase over the 52 week low of $12.14.
GME is a part of the Consumer Services sector. GME's current earnings per share, an indicator of a company's profitability, is -$5.78. Zacks Investment Research reports GME's forecasted earnings growth in 2019 as -19.09%, compared to an industry average of 6%.
For more information on the declaration, record and payment dates, visit the GME Dividend History page. Our Dividend Calendar has the full list of stocks that have an ex-dividend today.
Interested in gaining exposure to GME through an Exchange Traded Fund [ETF]?
The top-performing ETF of this group is FGD with an decrease of -7.25% over the last 100 days. It also has the highest percent weighting of GME at 1.66%.


text:
Analysis & Comments
Bond Prices & Yields
Yield Calculator
Buy Bonds
Learn about Bonds: Types of Bonds
Why every Portfolio should contain Bonds
What are the risks ?
Credit Rating explained
The mysteries of Index Linked Gilts
Calculating the yield
Buying bonds
Building a portfolio
Bond ETF Review description
Books about bonds
Bonds are securities representing the debt of a government, company or other organisation. Effectively they are loan stock, or "IOUs" issued by these organisations and bought by investors such as banks, insurance companies and fund managers.
Investors are often heard to say "I don't understand bonds", but the truth is that these instruments are much simpler than equities. The key factors can be broken down as follows:
The issuer: This is the entity which is borrowing the money. For instance, £500 million will be borrowed, and £500 million of securities will be issued. Typically these will be sold at "par" or 100p in the pound
The coupon: The issuer commits to pay a rate of interest of "X" % per year. This coupon will generally be a fixed amount and is paid annually or semi-annually.
The maturity: A date is set for the repayment of the money. This is known as the redemption date. The bonds will be redeemed at "par" or 100p in the pound (with some rare exceptions)
At launch, bonds are sold to investors via an investment bank or broker. This is known as the primary market. Gilt issues are also offered directly to the general public. After this primary phase, bonds are then free to trade between investors and/or market counterparties. However, unlike equities that trade through a centralised stock exchange, bonds generally trade on a peer-to-peer basis from one institution (such as an investment bank) to another (such as broker).
This global market in bonds is enormous. Figures released by the International Monetary Authority in 2002 estimated the total amount of debt securities as around 43 trillion US Dollars. At the time this was nearly twice the total of the world's stock market capitalisation. The number of bonds in circulation is considerable, and a large and regular issuer such as the European Investment Bank may have several hundred issues trading at any one time. These bonds will be issued in a variety of currencies and may differ greatly from each other in terms of coupon or coupon type, date of maturity and other features such as imbedded puts and call.
This website is aimed at Sterling-based investors, and thus deals primarily in GBP-denominated bonds. With this in mind we monitor a restricted "universe" of around 200-300 bonds selected on the grounds of liquidity and ease-of dealing for the private investor. Our focus is also towards "investment grade" bonds, ie those with higher credit ratings which are likely to offer a lower risk profile.
The table below provides further information about the various types of bonds on this website.
Gilts or UK Government bonds: these are bonds issued by the UK government in order to finance public spending. UK Gilts are rated AAA by all the major credit ratings agencies and can be viewed as effectively risk-free from the point of view of default. The price of these instruments will fluctate from day-to-day in the market, depending on the outlook for interest rates but investors who buy at par or below, and hold the bonds to maturity can be certain that interest and principal will be repaid in full.
Conventional Gilts: The majority of Gilts are of a conventional nature, paying a fixed coupon (generally twice a year) and maturing at a set date. The life of these instruments will vary from a few months out to as much as fifty years. The most popular Gilts for private investors are maturities between two and ten years. Some gilts have more complex features such as "calls", which enable the government to retire the debt ahead of time. Before purchasing a Gilt, it is worth checking the full details of the issue. Please note, prospectus for Gilt issues can be obtained at the website of the government Debt Management Office.
Index-linked Gilts: These instruments were first issued in 1981. Rather than pay a fixed coupon and amount on redemption Index-linked gilts differ from conventional gilts in that the semi-annual coupon payments and the principal are indexed to the UK Retail Prices Index (RPI). It is worth noting that there is a time lag on the RPI used to calculate the coupon and redemption period, however these instruments do offer a hedge against inflation.
Because of the inflation-linking aspect of these bonds, Index Linked Gilts may show wider movement of price over time.
Undated or perpetual Gilts. These instruments differ from convenentional Gilts as they have no set maturity date. They may (or may not!) be paid back at a time of the government's choosing. Because of this the holder is reliant on the market price to liquidate his investment, and as such they should be viewed as more risky than conventional Gilts. The most well known amongst this group is the UK 3.5% War Loan.
These instruments are more volatile than conventional Gilts (which inevitably trend towards par).
Sterling denominated non-Gilt: These are the biggest group of bonds on this website, and covers the majority of GBP-denominated bonds other than UK Gilts. These securities are often known as corporate bonds, although they may be issued a range of types of organisations, not all of whom are strictly "corporations".
These bonds may be issued by a variety of different types of issuers, ranging from foreign governments and their agencies, through UK Banks and all the way down to medium-sized companies. As with Gilts, the prices of these bonds will move alongside the market's expectations for interest rates. However, the price (and thus the yield) will also be affected by the perception of the credit quality of the issuer. If this is thought to be deteriorating, the price of the bond will fall.
The best way to determine the relative value of a bond is to compare the "spread" or incremental yield offered over a Gilt of the same maturity. The investor will then be comparing "like with like" and a value judgement can be made regarding the balance of risk to any additional reward. Thus, at the time of writing, five-year Gilts offer a yield of 2.9%. The Segro 6.25% Sept 2015 bond offers 4.9%, a "spread" of 2% (also known as 200 basis points) over the Gilt. This should then be compared to other bonds of similar maturities.
PIBS: or Permanent Interest Bearing Shares: These are a type of instrument issued by UK building societies. Technically they are not bonds, but a type of risk capital, being subordinated to deposits and other senior obligations of the society. The events of 2009 demonstrated that this subordination is a real risk for investors and holders of PIBS in many building societies and ex-building societies have been adversely effected.
Because of their fixed coupons. PIBS behave in a manner similar to bonds and offer investors a long-term income stream and these securities remain popular with private investors.
Individual issues vary greatly in coupon, price, yield and other features such as calls.
Other types of bonds
Floating rate notes: These are bonds where the coupon is not fixed, but based on a reference rate, typically LIBOR. They do not exhibit the same degree of interest rate sensitivity as conventional bonds. The majority of FRNs will be issued with maturities between two and ten years and will be senior debt. However, there is a class of perpetual floating rate notes which you may encounter from time time. The majority of these are subordinated debt.
Convertible bonds: These are bonds where the holder may convert his redemption proceeds into the equity of the issuing company. These are known as "equity convertibles" and can offer a combination of yield and growth for investors. These instruments may see their price driven higher by a rise in the company's equity. Risk, however, is generally higher.
In some cases, bonds may be issued with the option to convert into other bonds. These are a rather different kettle of fish and should not be confused with the "equity convertibles" above.
Subordinated bonds: The majority of bonds issued are "senior debt", meaning that the holder has a priority claim on the company's assets, ahead of that of the shareholders. Some bonds are issued with "subordinated" status. This means that the buyer of the bonds accepts a lower claim on the company's assets, below the senior debt holders, but above the equity holders. Because of the additional risk, a higher yield will be offered. These bonds are also more volatile and show greater sensitivity to shifts in the perceived credit quality of the issuer.
Please note, the content on this section of the website is provided for educational purposes. Examples shown of prices, yields and credit ratings may have changed since the time of publication.
Stockcube Research, March 2010


On July 20, 1989 President George H. W. Bush announced plans for the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI). On the 20th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing mission, Bush delivered a speech on the steps of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum calling for construction of the Space Station Freedom, sending humans back to the Moon, and ultimately sending astronauts to Mars. In announcing his plans Bush specifically invoked history and exploration: "From the voyages of Columbus – to the Oregon Trail – to the journey to the Moon itself – history proves that we have never lost by pressing the limits of our frontiers." He noted that in 1961 it took a crisis to accelerate the civilian space program, and that he was acting in 1989 not impelled by crisis but to seize an opportunity in the best tradition of American history. He proposed not a 10-year Apollo-style plan, but a long-range continuing commitment based on the three above elements, ending with "a journey into tomorrow – a journey to another planet – a manned mission to Mars." The President noted it was humanity's destiny to explore, and America's destiny to lead. He ended by asking Vice President Quayle to lead the National Space Council in determining what was needed to carry out these missions in terms of money, manpower and technology.
Following this announcement NASA Administrator Richard Truly initiated a study of the options to achieve the President's goals, headed by Johnson Space Center Director Aaron Cohen. On 29 November 1989, Truly briefed the National Space Council's Blue Ribbon Panel on the resulting "90-Day Study." The study estimated SEI's long-term cost at approximately 500 billion dollars, a truly staggering figure, even spread over 20 to 30 years. The Vice President asked the National Academy of Sciences to assess the scope and content of the NASA study, as well as alternative approaches and technology issues. Although the Academy largely concurred with the NASA study, White House and Congressional reaction to the NASA plan was hostile, primarily due to the cost estimate. NASA was repeatedly rebuffed in its efforts to gain Congressional support for the plan. President Bush sought international partners, but the program was too expensive even for an international endeavor.
In August 1990 President Bush established a Committee, headed by Norm Augustine, to make recommendations for the space program. Among the recommendations in the Augustine report, released on 17 December, 1990, was that NASA should focus on space and Earth science, while transitioning human exploration to a "go-as-you-pay" strategy. The President ordered NASA to implement these recommendations. Dan Goldin was brought in as the new NASA Administrator, and during his tenure near-term human exploration beyond Earth orbit was abandoned, and the "faster, better, cheaper" strategy was applied to space science robotic exploration. As a result the Clinton Administration's 1996 National Space Policy officially removed human exploration from the national agenda.


The Train Depot has been in the same location since it was built in 1885 by the Brooksville Railroad Association.
The 1885 Train Depot Museum is made up of three parts.
Visitors enter in the office area, the front of the depot. This is where passengers came to buy their tickets, arrange for freight shipment, and send telegrams. In this area visitors will learn about the history of Hernando County starting with the Seminole Indians Wars to early settlements, and the building of the depot.
The freight room houses train artifacts and displays depicting historical railroad events. Two HO model train exhibits delight the kids and adults alike. See original objects used by early settlers as they struggled to survive in the wilderness of Hernando County.
On the enclosed dock of the museum take your child's picture sitting in a restored 1925 Fire Engine. The first fire engine the city of Brooksville bought.
Also on the dock are exhibits of farm equipment, industrial tools and more railroad apparatus.
A cooks/utility train car from 1880s. This wood car used for the work crews was abandoned by the railroad in the Green Swamp. With the help of W.R.E.C. the museum hauled it to the depot site. Imagine cooking in this car in the swamp, in Florida, before air conditioning and bug control! Two volunteers, Jim Faller and Anita Thompson, worked hard to restore the train car for our visitors to enjoy.
A 1913 shelf unit from the Hernando County Courthouse.
An 1800's settlers, (Cracker House) display.
A model train display with replicas of Brooksville houses.
1800's tools, a civil war scale, a railroad freight scale.
Centralia artifacts, logging tools, firefighting equipment, farm equipment, railroad artifacts.
Has anyone ever heard of Mamod Toys? They make steam rollers and other steam toys. WE HAVE ONE! A steam roller, that is. Check it out on "Bing". Ms. D Knight graciously donated one to the Train Depot Museum. It looks like it might still run … anyone want to try it?
There is something for everyone to enjoy and learn from in the diversity of exhibits and displays at the Train Depot Museum.