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Analysis: Israeli media expert reports on how Western-style democracy does not always work in an Arab Muslim state.
By Uri Dromi
Once again, the American administration finds itself in the situation where it doesn't really know exactly how to deal with an enigmatic Middle East. This time, it's Egypt that is teaching Americans how complex this turbulent region is.
From the standpoint of Washington, something good must have happened in Egypt in the last two years. After decades of dictatorship, it seemed that democracy had eventually prevailed. The many Egyptians who took to Tahrir Square in January 2011 chanting, "Enough is enough," finally got , in the eternal words of President Lincoln, "a government of the people, by the people, for the people."
But did they really? The Muslim Brotherhood movement, which for eight decades has prepared itself for taking over the government in Egypt, managed to snatch the revolution from the hands of the people who had generated it. Gaining power by using free elections — an instrument of democracy in which they have never believed — the Muslim Brothers quickly drafted a constitution that was meant to turn Egypt into a country ruled entirely by the laws of Islam.
This step was not only an abuse of the will of many Egyptians, but it also failed in every other aspect. Egypt, already suffering from chronic socio-economic malaise, found itself in a much more serious situation, which deteriorated last week into a popular revolt. The army, being the only functioning organ in the Egyptian executive branch, felt it was its duty in such a crisis to step in, and while twisting the democratic rules of the game, restore public order and thus serve the best interests of the nation.
This is not unprecedented, even in Western democracies. It was none other than President Lincoln, who, in the first days of the Civil War, found it necessary to suspend a constitutional right, the habeas corpus writ — the right of every citizen to a due process of law. Defending his act before a perplexed Congress, in a special session on July 4, 1861, Lincoln, the master of explaining the most difficult issues in few simple words, said: "Are all the laws, but one, to go unexecuted, and the government itself go to pieces, lest that one be violated?"
The Congress endorsed the president's action, but some remained unconvinced, among them the chief justice at that time, Roger Taney. In his Ex parte Merryman opinion he argued that while the president's duty was to "faithfully execute" the laws, it didn't imply that he had to execute them himself, or to use the military in order to usurp judiciary powers. An angry Lincoln threatened to arrest the chief justice.
Gen. Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, Egypt's strongman, graduated from Pennsylvania's U.S. Army War College in 2006. I'm not sure that when Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel called him last week that the two actually discussed that old American constitutional debate. I'm pretty confident, though, that hanging in the air was the issue of much-needed U.S. aid to Egypt, when U.S. law prohibits the administration from supplying aid to countries that have gone through a military coup. I guess, then, that between Hagel's lines there was a silent wish that whatever happens in Egypt, it shouldn't look like a military coup.
At first, it looked like the plan had worked. In his dramatic televised speech, Gen. el-Sissi, surrounded by an impressive representation of the Egyptian civic and religious communities (not the ousted Muslim Brothers, of course), declared that the military would stay out of politics, and in a distant reverse of President Lincoln's feud with his chief justice, the Egyptian general announced that the president of the Constitutional Court will serve as an interim president until elections are held.
This was a very powerful speech, much better than the one el-Sissi made in 2011, when, after some female Egyptian protesters had been subjected to "virginity tests" conducted by the army, he justified the humiliating acts. Just a reminder of what a long way Egypt still has to go when it comes to real democracy.
Anyway, to complicate things even further, Sen. Patrick Leahy, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoiled the party by declaring that U.S. law is clear: "Aid is cut off when a democratically elected government is deposed by military coup or decree."
I don't envy President Obama, who will have to mobilize his best oratory to explain to his fellow Americans what's going on in this highly delicate matter. I guess he will not dare tell them the plain truth — that in certain areas of the world, Western democracy is not the cure to all problems. On the contrary, when used by un-democratic forces, it makes the lives of the people involved even worse.
Remember the elections in Iran in 1979, which doomed the Iranian people to the oppressive rule of the ayatollahs, and the 2006 elections in Gaza, which left the people there suffering under Hamas.
This was first published in the Miami Herald
Uri Dromi writes about Israeli affairs for The Miami Herald. Readers may send him email at firstname.lastname@example.com.
View original Israel Today publication at: http://www.israeltoday.co.il/NewsItem/tabid/178/nid/23971/Default.aspx?hp=readmore


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HVAC Industry Trends: 7 Things Every Contractor Should Know
The past year has seen many developments in HVAC technology and the industry as a whole. For contractors, understanding these HVAC industry trends is key for maintaining competitiveness in the space.
Today, we'll take a look at 7 of the most prominent trends for 2019 and beyond. First, let's examine the state of the industry as a whole.
HVAC Industry Statistics for 2019
The following HVAC industry statistics pertain to the United States, as tabulated by IBISWorld and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Market Size/Revenue: $96.6 Billion
Industry Growth Rate in 2019: 0.4%
Median Pay: $47,610 per annum
HVAC Industry Outlook: 13% projected job growth for mechanics and installers through 2028; much faster than the average of 5% for other jobs in the United States
HVAC Industry Trends
#1. Transparency in Pricing
Online retailers (particularly Amazon) have conditioned consumers to expect upfront price declarations in all aspects of commerce. As a result, HVAC companies who rely on the increasingly outdated strategy of only disclosing price after a home visitation (read: long sales pitch) place themselves at a disadvantage.
Effective companies, however, display pricing information for their products and services prominently on their websites. Some have even taken to providing prospective clients quotes via apps.
#2. CRM Technology
Another one of the most prominent HVAC industry trends for 2019 involves the transition towards CRM (customer relationship management) software.
Slow-to-adapt HVAC companies still rely on filing cabinets with forms and pieces of paper to keep track of client data. This is incredibly inefficient and renders it impractical to adequately follow up with clients about maintenance appointments.
For 2019 and beyond, it's imperative that companies looking to remain competitive adopt more efficient processes that automate customer relationship management.
#3. HCFC Refrigerant Discontinuation
The Environmental Protection Agency previously mandated that production and importation of HCFC must cease by January 1, 2020.
This will have a considerable impact on the HVAC industry outlook since virtually all air conditioners manufactured before 2010 use HCFC. Many of these units are still being used on residential and commercial properties today.
As existing HCFC supply wanes, HVAC technicians and companies will undoubtedly benefit from encouraging clients to either switch to more modern systems or retrofit their old ones. The latter solution will require additional training for technicians; proactive companies should prepare for this.
#4. Furnace Fan Efficiency Regulations
One of the HVAC industry trends for 2019 that we saw come to fruition this past year pertained to new standards for furnace fan efficiency. The standards, introduced by the Department of Energy in 2014, require drastically reduced wattage for furnace fans as of 2019.
HVAC technicians need to ensure their parts meet these standards. Once this is taken care of, companies have an opportunity to replace the substandard parts in countless systems across America.
#5. Increased Emphasis on Digital Marketing
Companies that don't pay attention to this trend risk being left out of the tremendous HVAC industry growth projected for coming years.
Gone are the days when word-of-mouth was the primary way people learned about service companies in their area. Today, people head to Google for everything. This presents many opportunities and challenges for HVAC companies.
For one, companies need to develop SEO-friendly websites that will actually get them on the radar of potential clients.
Second, companies need to work on building a repertoire of positive reviews on platforms like Google My Business. No reviews (or worse, bad reviews) simply don't cut it anymore.
#6. Residential Clients Driving HVAC Industry Growth
Research indicates that residential clients were major drivers of growth in the U.S. HVAC market during 2019. This trend will almost certainly continue beyond this year considering its roots; demand for retrofitting and renovation services will only increase as new regulations come into play.
#7. New HVAC Technology Developments to Watch
Revolutionary new methods are making their way to the U.S. HVAC market.
While conventional systems familiar to all industry professionals are unlikely to disappear anytime soon, it's imperative that companies hoping to thrive for years to come familiarize themselves with technology such as:
- Smart HVAC
- DeVAP HVAC
- Geothermal HVAC
- Solar HVAC
Even if they aren't tasked with installing these systems anytime soon, increased access to information means technicians will almost certainly get asked about them in the field. Being informed will help them communicate the weaknesses of these developing technologies in favor of systems they are better equipped to install.
Research indicates the U.S. HVAC industry is poised for growth in the coming decade. By keeping abreast of developments concerning the industry trends above, contractors will remain competitive and well-positioned to take part in that growth.
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subset: commoncrawl


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04/03/2000 Design News
IN BRIEF: Computer productivity tools
AutoQuant is a Windows-based software package from MIDAC Corp., developed at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for the automatic collection, archiving, and real-time analysis of gas phase infrared spectral data. It is implemented by an advanced multivariate algorithm to provide quantitative results, concentration vs. time plots, and spectra, all displayed and updated in real-time. The spectra and quantitative results may be archived and exported.
The TSM9925 touchpad module for USB interfaces was developed by Cirque Corp. for applications in industrial, medical, portable, and high-traffic uses such as kiosks. Users can perform both primary and secondary mouse taps on its surface, eliminating the need for mechanical buttons in product designs. And the TSM9925 does not require software drivers.
Beckoff Automation LLC's TwinCAT software-an acronym for "Total Windows Control and Automation Technology"-is a PC-compatible hard real-time control, including I/O interfaces for 11 fieldbuses and PC buses (such as TCP/IP), programming interfaces, and built-in HMIs. It includes an IEC1131-3 Software PLC, and a software-based motion control package designed for Point-to-Point motion and interpolation.
The Windchill Factor! e-Series from Parametric Technology Corp. and Sun Microsystems is an out-of-the-box collaborative product commerce (CPC) solution that allows engineers and designers to share product information and manage product development with their company and across its product network. With its infrastructure of server-side JavaT technology and a SunT server, Windchill's Release 4.0 can scale to support 1,000 concurrent users, with power to spare, the companies say.


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Hi there! I hope everyone had a good week. 🙂 Today's post is my weekly recap. So let me tell you what I've been up to on my blog this week…
Monday 20 Feb – Beauty Hoarder Problems / Countless Back-Ups
Monday's post was about another problem that beauty hoarders have to deal with – countless back-ups! Click here if you want to read the post.
Tuesday 21 Feb – Rimmel Exaggerate Full Colour Lip Liner 038 Allure
On Tuesday I reviewed one of the lipliners that I have several back-ups of – Rimmel's Allure lipliner. If you'd like to read the post, click here.
Wednesday 22 Feb – John Frieda Frizz Ease Forever Smooth Samples
Wednesday's post was about the John Frieda Frizz Ease Forever Smooth hair products (shampoo, conditioner, anti-frizz primer) which I had samples of. Click here if you'd like to read my review.
Thursday 23 Feb – Nail Of The Day
Friday 24 Feb – Superdrug Orange & Black Lava Exfoliating Face Mask
Thursday's post was another nail post. I did a colourful foil mani. Click here to read the post. And on Friday I reviewed Superdrug's (fairly new) Orange & Black Lava Exfoliating Mask. If you'd like to read this post, click here.
Oh, and I'd like to give you an update on the progress I've made with my Sleek Au Naturel palette. A little while back I told you that I'm trying to finish this eye palette. If you'd like to read the post, click here. Anyway, I've now emptied 5 of the 12 pans, I'll be emptying 2 more pans soon (pans 3 and 6, top row), and I'm also concentrating on the dark matte shades (pans 3 and 5, bottom row). Not bad, eh? Feel free to let me know what you think! 🙂
And this is it for this week. I hope you enjoy the rest of the weekend. And thanks for stopping by! 🙂


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Story highlights
NEW: Six planes continue search in remote Indian Ocean
So far no sign of objects seen by satellite
What was up with pilot's call, and were batteries aboard the plane dangerous?
Australian officials have said the objects could be from Flight 370
Two weeks after the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, finding it remains a global search-and-rescue effort. The bulk of the attention is on the southern Indian Ocean, where a commercial satellite photographed objects that Australian authorities say could be related to the search.
Authorities have called the find the best lead yet on where the missing plane might be, and it has prompted a massive search in the area more than 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers) southwest of Australia. So far, they have turned up nothing.
What's the very latest?
Australian officials say six planes were continuing the search Saturday after nothing was found in the area Friday.
Britain's The Telegraph published what it said was part of a transcript of the final communications between the Malaysia Airlines flight cockpit and air traffic controllers. It shows only routine technical chatter. CNN has not independently verified that the transcript is genuine.
The CEO of Malaysia Airlines confirmed that the plane was carrying lithium-ion batteries. And authorities said they're aware of a news report that the plane's pilot placed a cell phone call shortly before the flight departed.
What's the significance of the phone call?
There may not be any, but in a mystery as big as this one, investigators will check out any lead to see if it's important.
And what about the batteries?
Lithium-ion batteries are the type commonly used in laptops and cell phones, and have been known to explode, although it is a rare occurrence.
A fire attributed to lithium-ion batteries caused the fatal 2010 crash of a UPS cargo plane in Dubai. Lithium-ion batteries used to power components in Boeing 787 aircraft were also implicated in a series of fires affecting that plane.
So, in theory, a cargo of the batteries could have caused a fire that led Flight 370 to crash.
But Malaysia Airlines CEO Ahmad Jauhari Yahya told reporters the batteries were routine cargo.
"They are not declared dangerous goods," he said, adding that they were "some small batteries, not big batteries."
It's been two days since we saw the satellite photos of floating objects. Why haven't searchers found anything?
The area being searched is enormous and remote. Aircraft can stay over the scene just two hours before having to return to base. And given that the objects spotted on satellite could have drifted hundreds of miles since they were photographed Sunday, or maybe have even sunk by now, finding them isn't a simple proposition.
Japan is sending surveillance planes, more merchant ships are on the way, and Australia, Britain, China and Malaysia are all sending ships to the area – a remote region far from commercial shipping and air lanes.
Is it possible that the plane would have gone that far?
Investigators think so. They concluded the plane flew for hours after disappearing from radar, and calculated a pair of arcs running north and south from the Malay Peninsula for likely locations. Based on those trajectories, the amount of fuel on board and other factors, experts believe the plane could have made it to the southern Indian Ocean.
When will we know whether the objects are from the missing flight?
Maybe never. Searchers might miss them, or they might have sunk by now.
But even if they do find the objects, the process of determining whether they're from the missing flight could still be lengthy.
"We have to locate it, confirm that it belongs to the aircraft, recover it and then bring it a long way back to Australia, so that could take some time," said John Young, general manager of emergency response for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority,
Could pieces of the plane still be floating?
Probably not any big pieces, according to Steve Wallace, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration's former director of accident investigation. But pieces of lightweight debris, such as life jackets and seat cushions, can float for days after an aircraft strikes the water, he said.
If it's not the plane, what else could it be?
Almost anything big and buoyant. The objects were spotted in a part of the Indian Ocean known for swirling currents called gyres that can trap all sorts of floating debris. Among the leading contenders for what the objects might be, assuming they're not part of Flight 370: shipping containers that fell off a passing cargo vessel. There are reasons to doubt that theory, however. The area isn't near commercial shipping lanes, and the larger object, at an estimated 79 feet (24 meters), would seem to be nearly twice as long as a standard shipping container.
If it is the plane, would its location tell us anything about what happened on that flight?
If it really is the wreckage of the Boeing 777-200, its far southern location would provide investigators with precious clues into what terrible events unfolded to result in the disappearance and loss of the airliner, according to Robert Goyer, editor-in-chief of Flying magazine and a commercial jet-rated pilot. "The location would suggest a few very important parameters. The spot where searchers have found hoped-for clues is, based on the location information provided by the Australian government, nearly 4,000 miles from where the airliner made its unexpected and as yet unexplained turn to the west," Goyer wrote. The first obvious clue is that the airplane flew for many hours.
What do the satellite images show?
Two indistinct objects, one about 79 feet (24 meters) in length and the other about 16 feet (5 meters) long. Though they don't look like much to the untrained observer, Australian intelligence imagery experts who looked at the pictures saw enough to pass them along to the maritime safety agency, Young said. "Those who are expert indicate they are credible sightings. And the indication to me is of objects that are reasonable size and are probably awash with water, bobbing up and down out of the surface," he said.
How old are the images?
They were taken by commercial satellite imaging company DigitalGlobe on Sunday.
Why did we first hear about them on Thursday, then?
Basically, the Australians say, it's because the Indian Ocean is a very big place. The maritime safety authority said it took four days for the images to reach it "due to the volume of imagery being searched and the detailed process of analysis that followed."
Who is running the search?
The Australians are in charge of the search in their area of responsibility, which includes a large area of the southern Indian Ocean off Australia's west coast. Malaysia remains in overall control of the search.
How did they know to look in this area?
Investigators analyzing satellite pings sent by the plane concluded it was traveling along one of two arcs away from the Malay Peninsula. U.S. officials have said they believe the plane most likely traveled south and crashed into the Indian Ocean.
Searchers narrowed the area of interest by calculating the most likely locations based on time in the air, fuel usage and other factors.
It's already been 14 days. Are we running out of time to find this plane?
The locator beacons attached to flight data recorders are designed to ping for at least 30 days, but will probably keep going at full strength up to five days longer, said Anish Patel, president of Dukane Seacom Inc., the Florida company that believes it made Flight 370's beacons.
"Our predictive models and lab tests show 33-35 days of output before we drop below the minimal values," Patel told CNN. "Depending on the age of the battery, it could continue pinging for a few days longer."
Pinging is one thing. Finding the pings is another.
Not only is the area being searched vast, it is deep – up to 13,000 feet in many places. Given that the pingers can be detected from no more than about two miles away, they could be hard to hear if they're on the bottom of the deepest part of the ocean.
Layers of different water temperatures could also make it tough to pick up the sound of the beacons, experts say.
LIVE: Latest updates on the missing Malaysia Airlines jetliner
What can we tell from fresh lead?
If this is the debris of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, what happens next?
Difficulties may hamper Flight 370 search
Opinion: Search for MH370 highlights need for trust, unity in Asia
CNN's Mike M. Ahlers contributed to this report.


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Massive fire engulfs Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris
The day after a massive fire engulfed the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, the officials surveyed the damage to the centuries old cathedral.
The cathedral's iconic 315-foot-tall spire collapsed as the world watched during the holiest week of the year for Catholics.
Several hours into the blaze, video showed fire moving into the left bell tower. Later, the tower was deemed to be safe.
While there are many GoFundMe pages already created claiming money will benefit rebuilding the cathedral, officials with the French Consultant in Boston tell Hearst TV's WCVB the official fundraising campaign is being run by the Friends of Notre Dame de Paris.
It is a registered charity, so donations are tax deductible.
"We are very touched by all the kind words and support that we have received from Americans as well as from all over the world," according to a statement from the French Consultant. "The Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris has launched a project to raise funds for the restoration of Notre Dame."
Investigators said the fire might have started in the attic, CNN reported. Investigators also said they do not think the fire is suspicious.
The fire reportedly began about 5 minutes after the cathedral had closed for the day.
A group from Maine had just left Notre Dame Cathedral and were in a nearby park when they heard the structure was on fire.
Freeport, Maine, resident Lucy Soule, 22, said it was "weird" having been in the church right before this happened. "Now you can smell it burning."
She and her father, Win Soule, 58, and Libby Heselton, 53, are on a weeklong trip to Paris where they planned to "see all the sights" and had just finished their visit to Notre Dame. They had been in the cathedral at 5:30 p.m. — about an hour before the fire.
More than 13 million people visit the cathedral annually.
The cathedral, which dates to the 1100s, is home to invaluable works of art and is one of the world's most famous tourist attractions.
The medieval roof structure "has been lost," according to Monsignor Patrick Chauvet, the rector of the cathedral.
Much of the structure's current wooden frame dates to 1220.
Notre Dame spokesman Andre Finot told French media: "Everything is burning, nothing will remain from the frame."
The Paris prosecutor has opened an investigation into the Notre Dame Cathedral fire, a spokesman tells CNN.
French President Emmanuel Macron said he is treating the fire as a national emergency.
The Vatican released a statement saying the fire has "devastated" the cathedral.
"The Holy See has seen with shock and sadness the news of the terrible fire that has devastated the Cathedral of Notre Dame, symbol of Christianity in France and in the world."
It is not yet known what caused the fire. A $6.8 million construction project at the cathedral was underway, local media outlets reported.
France's civil security agency says "all means" except for water-dropping aircraft were deployed to tackle the blaze.
The defense agency said those were unsuitable for fires like the one at Notre Dame because dumping water on the building could cause the whole structure to collapse.
On Thursday, 16 religious statues were removed from the peak for the first time in over a century to be taken for cleaning and therefore escaped the blaze.
Construction for the cathedral began in 1160. It was completed by 1260, but was modified over time.
The cathedral was hit with desecration in the 1790s. But public interest was restored in the 1830s following Victor Hugo's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame."
It is estimated that 13 million people visit the cathedral annually, making it the most visited landmark in Paris.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo called the blaze a "terrible fire."
On Twitter, she said: "A terrible fire is underway at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The fire brigade are trying to control the fire. We are mobilized locally in close connection with church authorities. I ask everyone to respect the security perimeter."
BBC reports that the Catholic Church in France began a campaign last year to save the cathedral. Leaders said the cathedral was beginning to crumble.
"The cathedral has been through so much," CNN religious commentator Rev. Edward Beck said. "To see so much history go up in flames, it's just heartbreaking."
Known as Notre-Dame de Paris, which means "Our lady of Paris," the cathedral has withstood World War I and World War II.
The entire wooden interior of Notre Dame Cathedral has been lost
A "forest" of wooden latticework inside Notre Dame Cathedral fueled the fire that consumed the iconic church.
The medieval roof structure "has been lost," according to Monsignor Patrick Chauvet, the rector of the cathedral.
The cathedral's wooden frame, which primarily consisted of oak, contains beams that date as far back as the first frame built for the cathedral. That frame featured trees cut down between 1160 and 1170, forming one of the oldest parts of the structure.
Most of the current frame dates from the year 1220, according to the church's website. The modern frame is the second frame, and reflects adjustments made early in the cathedral's construction process.
The prevailing Gothic style called for high vaulted ceilings. To accommodate this, the cathedral's plans required tall, sturdy oaks from a nearby forest.
To kick off the project, workers cleared 21 hectares of oak. Each beam of the intricate wooden cross-work was drawn from a different tree: estimated at 13,000 trees in total. To reach the heights the carpenters needed to build the structure, those trees would likely have been 300 or 400 years old, meaning they would have sprouted out of the ground in the eighth or ninth centuries.
The beams formed one of the oldest structures in Paris.
The dimensions of the framework are soaring: 100 meters long and 10 meters high. At the nave of the church, the frame is 13 meters wide, and at the transept it's 10 meters high, the church's website says.
During the Middle Ages, the carpenters first built the frame on the ground to get the dimensions and structure right. Then workers would have disassembled the frame, hoisting it up with lifting gear to the ceiling, where it would have been reassembled. Once in place, the beams extended toward the heavens at steep 55-degree angles.
The wood frame structure supported a roof, made of lead, that weighed 210 tons. The lead frame had the advantage of being fire-resistant, according to the National Library of France. But the wood that supported that lead roof is what burned.
— Ryan Prior, CNN
What's inside the cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris
The cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris is home to numerous artifacts, works of art and religious relics that each tell a story.
As a devastating fire tore through the cathedral on Monday, toppling its spire, many feared the items -- collected over the centuries -- might be lost.
Here's an overview of some of the revered Gothic cathedral's most noteworthy features.
• The Great Organ has been replaced and updated several times throughout history. The position of titular organist, or head organist, carries great prestige in France and around the world.
• The Rose Windows are a trio of immense round windows over the cathedral's three main portals.
• Numerous sculptures, statues and paintings inside the cathedral depict Biblical scenes and saints.
One series of 76 paintings, each nearly four meters tall, commemorates the New Testament's Acts of the Apostles, including the crucifixion of St. Peter and the conversion of St. Paul. The works were completed between 1630 and 1707 by the members or associates of the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture.
Another painting is from a series by Jean Jouvenet depicting the life of the Virgin Mary. All six from the series used to be in the cathedral. They were moved to the Louvre in the 1860s, and only "The Visitation" was returned to Notre Dame.
• The twin bell towers, first constructed in the 13th century, were the tallest structures in Paris until the completion of the Eiffel Tower in the late 19th century.
• The cathedral's main bell, Emanuelle, has marked significant moments in French history, such as the end of World War II, as well as holidays and special occasions.
• The cathedral's treasury contains several artifacts sacred in Christianity, including what is believed to be the Crown of Thorns, a fragment of the True Cross and one of the Holy Nails.
• On the cathedral's exterior, a menagerie of menacing gargoyles and chimères stand guard.
— Emanuella Grinberg, CNN
CNN and The Associated Press contributed to this report.


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'There is no logical reason why Dic is alive,' says wife of injured MBTA officer
Richard Donahue, wife to host summer blood drive
Three months after the Boston Marathon attack, injured Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Transit Officer Richard Donohue is speaking out about his recovery from the firefight with the bombing suspects.
NewsCenter 5's Liz Brunner caught up with Donohue and his wife Kim to find out how he is doing, and why they are hosting a summer blood drive in his honor.
Donohue spent a month at Mt. Auburn Hospital, another month at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, and now, home for just four weeks, he is relishing every minute of it.
"It's awesome to be home," said Donohue. "Just being able to get here to relax, be with my family, my son, and to hold him. I'm just glad he'll be able to have a dad."
The 33-year-old was critically wounded April 19 in Watertown when he was shot in the femoral artery. His heart stopped for 40 minutes. He wasn't breathing and he lost nearly all of his blood.
"There is no logical reason why Dic is alive," said his wife Kim. "Even the doctors said there is no logical reason why he survived."
Returning to a normal life comes with many challenges.
Donohue still can't drive or walk too far without the aid of crutches or a cane. Nor can he go to the gym, or go out for a run. But perhaps his biggest health complication right now is unexplained nerve damage on the bottom of his left foot.
Donohue said any pressure on the bottom of his foot is painful. It's as if his brain doesn't recognize whether he has his hand on his foot or if his foot is on the ground.
When Brunner first met the Donohue couple in May, their immediate goal had been to get out of Mt. Auburn Hospital and get to Spaulding Rehabilitation Center in Charlestown.
Now that he is at home, there is another goal within reach: to get rid of his crutches and cane completely.
"I have more mobility now, so I can make myself a snack or have a drink," he said. "It's nice to have a little more freedom to do more than I was allowed or what I could do before."
Feeling so blessed, Donohue and his wife are hosting a blood drive on July 18 at the Boston Marriott Copley. They said is just one small way they are giving back.
"I lost a lot of blood, and I used a lot of blood," said Donohue. "Without that being readily available, I wouldn't be sitting here today. So, I'm really thankful to these anonymous donors who helped me out and kept me alive today."
The Blood Drive in honor of Officer Donohue is sponsored by WCVB-TV, Mt. Auburn Hospital and the American Red Cross on Thursday, July 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Boston Marriott Copley.
To sign up for an appointment, log onto the Red Cross website or call 1-800-RED CROSS.


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Christine McGinn
(Australian Associated Press)
A team of Australian scientists have helped develop a thermally conductive and chemically stable material to tackle overheating issues in technological devices.
Scientists at Deakin University's Institute for Frontier Materials, partnered with experts in Northern Ireland and Japan, to shave down the chemical compound boron nitride to an atomically-thin level, and permeated the material with the desired flexibility.
The experts also increased its thermal conductivity and cooling capabilities.
"Atomically thin BN (boron nitride) has better thermal conductivity than most semiconductors and insulators, along with low density, outstanding strength, high flexibility and stretchability, good stability, and excellent impermeability, making them a promising material for heat dissipation on next-generation devices," researcher Dr Luhua Li said.
"This is a fundamental breakthrough, and with time and further research it will help to open up the boundaries of what's possible in electronic devices – particularly as the trend in next-generation electronics will most likely need to be flexible."
Dr Li said thermal cooling would become more critical in emerging technology such as foldable phones, micro-machines and wearable devices.
Scientists want to find alternatives to aluminium and copper, which are conductive, he added.
The experts spent more than two years on the process and another seven years to understand the intrinsic properties of the material.
The results of their work have been published in the academic journal Science Advances.


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This Is America Under Donald Trump And Republicans Full Control. A 10 Year Old Child Just Out Of Emergency Surgery Taken Into Custody By US Immigration For Deportation.
The days of America's shining shore for the poor, needy, sick and forgotten are closing fast and furious under the control of Anti-Human Donald Trump and Unpatriotic Republicans. The Statue Of Liberty Fires are gone and only the Ember remains;
Statue Of Liberty Poem
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
{NYT}"One of the newest arrivals this week at the Baptist Children's Home Ministries facility for child migrants in San Antonio, Tex., is 10 years old.
She has cerebral palsy. Her name is Rosa Maria Hernandez, and she does not understand why, days after undergoing emergency gallbladder surgery, she has not yet seen her mother, even though they are less than a three-hour drive apart.
"Do I get to go home tomorrow?" she asked her mother on Wednesday evening, when they spoke over FaceTime.
"I told her that she was only there because she was recovering, and once she was recovered, then she could come with me," recalled her mother, Felipa de la Cruz, speaking in Spanish.
"O.K., Mommy."
The truth is that Ms. de la Cruz does not know when her daughter will be released.
They live in the border town of Laredo illegally, and when Ms. de la Cruz sent Rosa Maria to Corpus Christi for the surgery early Tuesday, the girl's ambulance was stopped at a Border Patrol checkpoint. After agents learned the girl was an undocumented immigrant, they followed her to the hospital and guarded her room. When she was discharged, the agents took her to the shelter, which houses juveniles in immigration custody.
Checkpoints Isolate Many Immigrants in Texas' Rio Grande Valley NOV. 22, 2015
"It's the period when she needs me the most," said Ms. de la Cruz, who cannot visit her daughter because she, too, could be arrested at a checkpoint. "I can't help her. When I start to think about her, I start to get sad."
In a year when President Trump's hard line on illegal immigration has driven the number of immigration arrests up by more than 40 percent, Rosa Maria's case has sped straight to the heart of the immigration-debate maelstrom."
Open New York Times For Full Heart Wrenching Story
Twitter @sheriffali


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Product Details
Bigger and cuddlier than usual, this oversized bean bag chair is just what you need to lounge like royalty. Extra big and crammed full of tiny beads, the armless chair accommodates seat seekers of all shapes and sizes. It combines comfort and class to provide a world class lounging experience!
General Dimensions: L70cm, D105cm, H65cmMaterial: High tech polyesterSuitable for: IndoorsFilling: Polystyrene beads
You of course deserve THE best seat in the house! Well, this is it. Generously filled with micro beads, our ultra swanky bean bag chair uniquely conforms to the shape of your booty bump. Accompanied by a matching ottoman, the set will have you kicking up your feet when lounging like a queen or king.
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Have a seat and stay awhile. Featuring a concave setting that cuddles and caresses your bum, this bean bag chair delivers an intensive level of soothing comfort. Though lovably comfy, the fabric used to cover the bean filled chair and matching ottoman is durable enough for both indoor and outdoor use.
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A refined style that lends itself to pairing with just about anything in your wardrobe, making it perfect for elevating an everyday office look or looking sharp for drinks at your favorite cocktail bar.
- These khakis pick up where your favorite jeans leave off.
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- Skinny fit.
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- 94% Cotton, 6% Elastane


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April 1st, 2008
John McCain's health
By Dr. Sanjay Gupta
Tonight, we are going to air a piece about Sen. John McCain's health. Truth is, it has been hard to get many details about the man, as his staff has not released his medical records since 2000. We know, as I'm sure you do by now, that if he wins, he will be the oldest president ever elected. He would be 2 years and 165 days older than Ronald Reagan was at the time of his inauguration. Though, I must admit, I love that his 96-year-old mother has occasionally been on the trail with him. He is making the point that he has good genes.
You have probably also heard McCain has malignant melanoma. Our research shows that if elected, he would not be the first president to have cancer. Grover Cleveland had cancer in his jaw. Reagan had both colon cancer and skin cancer, a less serious basal cell carcinoma, on his nose. From what we have gathered, McCain has Stage IIA melanoma, which carries an average 10-year survival rate of 66 percent. Dermatologists say McCain's odds are better because the odds improve the longer you go without a recurrence.
If you see the pictures of his face, you will no doubt see a scar running down the left side and persistent puffiness of his left cheek. This is from the aggressive operation he had to remove the cancer as well as the lymph nodes in the area, as well as part of his parotid gland. When we show those pictures to independent doctors, some have told us an operation of that magnitude would've been done only for a much more serious and aggressive cancer than IIA melanoma. Other doctors disagree, saying McCain's aggressive operation may have been done out of an abundance of caution, where doctors removed more lymph nodes and other tissue than is normally done, because he is, well, John McCain.
Tonight, we will "show" you exactly what the senator had done and why. And, based on everything we know now, we will closely examine and dissect his health. But, the larger question I discussed with my staff today: Is this really important? How important is the health of McCain or any of the candidates for that matter? Should the medical records be more forthcoming?
Programming Note: Watch Dr. Gupta's report on Senator John McCain's health on Anderson Cooper at 10 p.m. ET
Editor's Note: Medical news is a popular but sensitive subject rooted in science. We receive many comments on this blog each day; not all are posted. Our hope is that much will be learned from the sharing of useful information and personal experiences based on the medical and health topics of the blog. We encourage you to focus your comments on those medical and health topics and we appreciate your input. Thank you for your participation.
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About this blog
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.


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Over the past week, Hurricane Sandy blasted through the East coast of the United States and made her way into Canada. Many people suffered extraordinary losses as their homes were destroyed or damaged by storm surges, flooding, and downed trees. Many lost (and continue to be without) power, leaving them without heat, warm showers, transportation, and fresh food.
Here at Animal Fact Guide headquarters in New London, Connecticut, I looked out the window of my darkened house on Monday afternoon. The wind was shaking the building, and big branches cracked as they snapped off a tree and then thudded to the ground. I noticed a squirrel perched on one of the tree's lower branches huddled against the trunk, bracing himself against the powerful gusts. I wondered if animals were as adversely affected by hurricanes as we were.
I think that with people's complete dependence on their homes and technology for safety and for their way of life, hurricanes do have a more devastating effect on people. But hurricanes also deeply impact wildlife in several ways:
Wind Dislocation
While songbirds and woodland birds can usually ride out a storm by holding on to their perches, powerful winds from a hurricane can blow migrating birds hundreds of miles off course or push shore birds inland.
Tree Loss
Downed trees can be devastating to species who rely on certain types of trees for food and shelter. Food sources are also lost as the seeds and fruits get blown off trees.
Storm Surges
Storm surges destroy seaside habitats. Nest sites can be washed away by rising tides. In certain cases, entire beaches can be washed away. (This happened here in New London when Hurricane Sandy washed away Osprey Beach.) The influx of seawater also disrupts the balance of salt in wetlands, causing harm to marsh grasses, crabs, fish hatchlings, and minnows. Furthermore, the flooding causes sediment and pollutants to enter waterways, which negatively impacts marine animals.
What You Can Do
During a hurricane, the best thing you can do is stay safe. Listen to government officials and heed their advice. Evacuate your home before the storm if necessary and seek shelter in a safe location. Stay inside during the storm to keep safe from falling branches and flying debris. After the storm, avoid going near downed power lines.
In terms of helping wildlife, if you see any rare species or injured animals, report them to your local wildlife agency. You can also fill your bird feeders to help tired songbirds recover after the storm.
But in the grand scheme of things, the increasing frequency of storms like Sandy remind us of the effect global warming is having on our planet. A warming planet means more extreme weather headed our way more frequently. It means more storms and more droughts. With that in mind, it's important to renew our efforts to curb our carbon emissions on a personal level and appeal to our politicians to instate policies that will cut back on carbon emissions on a global scale.
Learn more about how hurricanes and wildlife:
- National Wildlife Federation's article, "Seven Things to Know About How Hurricanes Affect Wildlife"
- University of Georgia's article, "How Do Hurricanes Affect Wildlife?"


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Attracting top talent is a challenge for most organisations, and while a competitive salary may get them through your door, retaining them requires a better understanding of which working conditions are most effective.
Companies that offer flexible and remote working may be getting the pick of the crop, according to a recent survey by Powwownow. When choosing a new role, 70 per cent of workers said being offered flexible working would make the job more attractive. In fact, 40 per cent would pick flexible working over a pay rise if they could only choose one, suggesting that the priority for many employees is the quality of their experience at work, above and beyond the amount they are paid.
As technology advances, increasing numbers of businesses are taking advantage of the tools available to attract talent globally and allow them to work long-distance. In a recent survey of business leaders at the Global Leadership Summit in London, 34 per cent said more than half of their company's full-time workforce would be working remotely by 2020. And a full 25 per cent said more than three-quarters would not work in a traditional office by 2020.
It seems could be our own homes – or wherever we choose. So how can you ensure your organisation stays ahead of the trend and empowers employees to work remotely, while ensuring productivity remains high?
1. Keep it real-time
Communication is key to managing a successful remote team. Nothing makes remote employees more disenfranchised than feeling like they are missing out on important communications, so make sure they have the means the keep in touch with their colleagues in real-time, wherever they are.
Platforms like Skype, Slack, Trello and Google for Work will allow them to have instant access to any updates and share information with colleagues more easily. It's worth spending some time looking at the functionality they need, and making sure all relevant personnel are trained in it. You can learn more about .
2. Don't be a 'helicopter manager'
When employees work remotely, it can make monitoring their performance more difficult. But this doesn't mean managers should be more stringent with their supervision. As part of a research study into the effects of remote working, author Nick van der Meulen found that while conventional wisdom is to monitor remote employees more carefully, this may have an adverse effect.
"A lack of direct supervision is often not a problem," van der Meuelen says. "Most teleworkers aren't slackers by nature. These studies suggested that the extent of telework does not negatively affect their job performance but improves it. In fact, attempts to monitor too closely can backfire: our survey suggests that most of the performance benefit of telework is less about being out of the office than about being given more autonomy. Undermine that autonomy and you undo the advantages of telework."
3. Engage, engage, engage
Employee engagement is a term that gets thrown around a lot, but nowhere is it more important than when managing remote workers. If you're not seeing them every day, finding ways to make employees feel like a valuable part of the team and making sure their work is recognised is more of a challenge. It requires continual investment from the company on every level.
Taking the time to meet with them personally, where possible, and having an informal communication channel where you can discuss things outside of work can contribute to making them feel more engaged.
4. Track the mood
When employees work remotely, it can be hard to monitor morale – sentiment isn't easy to assess over email or Skype. One way to ensure your employees remain engaged is to use a mood tracker, such as Culture Amp, TINYpulse or Officevibe, where you can survey their level of engagement online or through a mobile app.
Getting regular feedback will help you stay ahead of the curve and also reiterate to employees that their morale is important to the organisation.
5. Coach, rather than manage
Remote workers can respond differently to management than those in the office, according to the research. In fact, 56 per cent of employees in the Powwownow survey said managers should adapt their skills to manage a remote workforce. Managers need to look at the relationship less as a hierarchical one, and more as a supportive role.
"The key is to realise that remote employees don't need nagging so much as coaching," van der Meulen says. "For instance, managers might provide employees with additional insights into their performance or the effects of their work. An effective approach would therefore be for managers to focus on teleworkers' long-term results, and rely on employee self-monitoring and peer support to keep shorter-term performance on shared projects or objectives on target. Similarly, if managers can create greater transparency regarding peer performance, employees can better judge the results of their own work."
6. Create a shared work culture
Just as you would expect office workers to buy into the company values and your way of doing business, it's important that remote workers feel the same sense of community and represent you in the same way. Keeping them informed about the status of the business, new projects (even if they are not directly working on them) and company news are all essential if you want them to feel part of it all. Where possible, bringing the remote workers and the rest of the team together in person is a good way to build relationships and integrate them into the shared work culture.
Finally, it's important to remember that if remote working is a new and unfamiliar practice in your organisation, you may need to provide a bedding-in period for managers in particular to get used to the new skills and practices required. Just as you'd expect the remote worker to be fully versed in their area of expertise, those managing them need to completely understand the differing demands of the role.
Keen to get started? Read our .


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Evil alien menaces battles the Justice League of America...
San Diego Comic-Con coverage brought to you by Collectibles Insurance, Big Bad Toy Store, Sekaido, and Monkey Depot.
Mattel has a long history of innovative package design, coming up with some truly unique presentations over the years. I have a feeling that come 2011 when we look back at a year full of releases one of the top spots will go to that company's San Diego Comic-Con exclusive DC Universe Infinite Heroes Starro the Conqueror Introduction of the JLA. This thing has it all, from dynamic poses to classic inspiration, lights, sounds, and more! Oh, and the figures inside are pretty cool too!
With a new slate of popular superheroes in the late 1950s, DC Comics created a super team in the Justice League of America. Debuting in The Brave and the Bold #28, the group of heroes needed a suitable villain to oppose them, and thus Starro was born. A giant one-eyed alien starfish, Starro had great physical power as well as the ability to produce miniature clones of itself that can control humanoids by attaching to their faces. Marauding through Rhode Island, the menace was halted only when by the cooperation of Aquaman, Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, and Wonder Woman. Realizing their power in numbers, they founded the Justice League of America.
Mattel's Starro set comes packaged in a huge outer cardboard box that looks good on its own. Primarily blue, the front and back are emblazoned with a giant version of the new DC Universe Infinite Heroes 75th Anniversary image with the "Trinity" of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman front and center. It's interesting that they went with this image that has nothing to do with the item inside; there aren't even any words! Anyway, you really want to open that outer box...
Because inside you'll find the star of the show, Starro! As Mattel advertised, the box really does look and feel like a museum display case. Recreating the Brave and the Bold cover, the figures are posed in combat with the alien monster, suspended in the packaging along with an authentic background image and cover elements like the title at the top.
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cT9ZCWh2fj0]YouTube - SDCC10 Exclusive Mattel DC Infinite Heroes Starro the Conqueror[/ame]
Below all of the action you'll find a solid base with three important elements on the front side. In the middle is a plaque with the title "Starro the Conqueror Introduction of the JLA" with a speaker on the right and a button on the left. Press the button and the packaging comes alive with different colored lights and voice narration by Kevin Conroy (the voice of Batman in many animated series and films). The lights turn on and off in a pattern as Conroy describes the Justice League's introduction and battle against Starro, then how the issue marked the first time the team and Aquaman were on the cover. Finally, by pressing the button you can rotate around the group and hear Conroy describe each character in turn.
Meanwhile, the back side of the box has four reproductions of four Starro-starring comic book covers: Brave and the Bold #28, Justice League of America Vol. 1 #190, Justice League of America Vol. 2 #4, and Teen Titans #52. No matter how many times the alien is defeated, it always seems to come back...
Seeing as it's the star of the show, let's first take a look at Starro. The creature is not necessarily an easy character to translate into plastic. Miniature Starro Spores (or Starrophytes) have appeared as accessories in the JLU and Batman: Brave and the Bold lines, while there was an in-scale Starro only in the HeroClix game. Scaled to its 3 ¾ inch Infinite Heroes opponents, this Starro is a huge chunk of rubber at 10 inches from point to point. Surprisingly heavy, the alien has a thick central body radiating into five points. On the top of the creature is a giant eye, while the underside hides a hideous mouth.
The sculpt on this toy is surprisingly good, with all sorts of disturbing details like nubbed fringes around the points, eyelids, and that mouth... ::shudder:: It's also very accurate with respect to coloring, a light blue on top that darkens to purple around the edges, with pink on the nubs and mouth. The great central eye has a black pupil, red iris, and white cornea. Beyond just looking good, Starro is actually poseable! That's right, there are metal armatures in the points so you can pose the creature and it'll stay in that position.
For fans of the Infinite Heroes line (like me), this set is awesome for the figures it contains. There are five figures in here, with a nice mix of repainted and new elements. Each figure is also an improvement over previous versions (where applicable). Let's do a quick rundown of each. But first, a brief primer on Infinite Heroes bodies. Version 1.0 had simple articulation: neck, ball-jointed shoulders, elbows, waist, hips, and knees. Version 2.0 stepped it up with ball-jointed elbows, forearms, ball-jointed knees, and ball-jointed ankles. Finally, the mighty Version 3.0 added ball-jointed hips and thigh articulation while swapping out the awkward forearm joints for wrists. On the female side there has been only one body style so far, articulated at the neck, shoulders, torso, V-crotch hips, and knees.
Flash characters are very well represented in the Infinite Heroes line, starting from the very first set of releases. The Flashes began with Wally West and moved backward all the way for a Jay Garrick figure before we ever got a Barry Allen. The first one came in the Mattycollector exclusive set of Crisis figures, but that one captured Allen as he was dying, complete with melty face. Just recently there was a regular Barry Allen release, a simple repaint of the original Wally figure. Finally, Barry gets his due in the Starro set. This figure is built on the Infinite Heroes 3.0 body, with its vastly increased articulation. The only differences in sculpt are the tiny wings on Flash's boots and a really great new head. Barry's costume is bright red with the appropriate yellow accents (including correct horizontal lightning across the waist and forearms) and chest logo. The figure is even accurate down to the bright blue eyes!
Infinite Heroes have also played host to several members of the Green Lantern Corps, and specifically four prior versions of Hal Jordan. The original figure and a green version of it utilized the Infinite Heroes 1.0 body, while the First Flight and modern versions had the better 2.0 body. This new JLA member represents Hal at the beginning of his career when he wore a more rigid, basic Green Lantern uniform. Essentially, the green section of his uniform has vertical borders over his shoulders, while later the color would extend over them. The figure itself is actually a repaint of the First Flight figure with its distinctive angular mask and S-curl haircut, which works really well for this classic look.
Martian Manhunter only recently appeared in the Infinite Heroes lineup in the final wave of Crisis figures. Its 3.0 body was adorned with sculpted boots, a unique head, and a massive cape clasped at the neck. For the Starro version, Mattel repainted the existing figure. Where the original had dark blue trunks, boots, and cape, the classic version has light blue. Likewise, his belt buckle is now white instead of yellow, and the clasp around his neck is unpainted (just the blue plastic of the cape). While those might not be big changes, there is one more thing that really changes the character of the figure. While the original figure had red eyes, this one has painted eyebrows and eyes with black pupils and white corneas, giving him a much more "human" look.
One of the best things about this set is that it includes the first and only Infinite Heroes Aquaman figure, and it's awesome! Built on the 3.0 body, Curry has all of the articulation you could want (while still being sturdy and able to stand on his own), with a great head sculpt and unique details like the fins on his gloves and lower legs and "A" belt logo. His costume is classically-inspired, with the orange scaled shirt, yellow gloves and belt, black trunks, and green legs. Aquaman has a serene but tough expression on his face, and his wavy blonde hair is sculpted in such a way that it could be floating in the water or wet and tousled on dry land.
Finally, the exclusive set includes a brand new version of Wonder Woman. Another character who's no stranger to the Infinite Heroes line, Diana has appeared in three different configurations including a modern and animated film style. Until the Starro set, every female character in Infinite Heroes has been based on the same body (tall, busty, and somewhat lacking in articulation). Now, the ladies get an upgrade of their own. Classic Wonder Woman has ball-jointed hips and thigh articulation where the previous figures had a V-crotch, as well as ball-jointed knees. The usual tradeoffs are still in effect (bulkier hips), but she is much more poseable than previous figures. Diana also has a brand new head sculpt that really captures her early Silver Age look. Her traditional red, white, blue, and gold colors are extra bright and vivid, and she really stands out from the crowd!
While the Infinite Heroes are not known for their accessories, there is actually a couple included in this set... sort of. There's one honest to goodness accessory, a fantastic green energy construct for Hal Jordan. Fitting over his right hand, the translucent piece represents energy radiating from his ring to form a big green fist. It attaches very well and isn't so heavy that it pulls him over while wielding it. Every Lantern figure should come with something like this! To spice up the look of the figures in the packaging even more, Mattel included Wonder Woman's Lasso of Truth. To be honest, it's just a golden string, but it's still a little added fun.
The Starro set is really great, and was a fantastic deal for only $50. But, those who purchased it at SDCC got something extra on top of the cool package and figures. That, of course, was the little plastic bag holding four Starro Spores (otherwise known as Starrophytes). Now, if the spores were done in Infinite Heroes scale they'd have to be really, really small. So, instead Mattel made these to fit on your DC Universe Classics figure! They look just like miniature versions of the big guy, complete with all-seeing eye and creepy underbelly. Best of all, they're pre-molded in a grasping "pose" so that they can easily fit on the faces of your unsuspecting heroes.
If you missed out on Starro and the Justice League at the big show, you still have an opportunity to pick them up when Mattel releases more inventory on Mattycollector. Unfortunately, you won't be getting the exclusive Starro Spores, but that's what exclusives are for. Good hunting!
For even more images of the SDCC Starro Exclusive Figure Set, CLICK HERE!
Review and Photos by Scott Rubin


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It's snowing all over the country and ski season in the US is kicking off hard this weekend. Here's my rundown on all major iPhone snow-report apps, and my pick of the worthiest.
OnTheSnow's Snow Reports
Using their own dataset, OnTheSnow's $2 app is my app of choice for checking the resort conditions, including time of update, trails and lifts open/total, a direct call number to mountains, weather, new snow depths over the last 3 days and base depth conditions. It looks nice, too. Includes conditions from resorts in EU, South and North America, and allows you to favorite 16 resorts and scroll through them with swipes. [iTunes Link]
Snow Report
The most simple app lets you favorite the same resorts listed in OnTheSnow's app, because it uses their data. The best feature in this no frills app is that it lists all the new snow depth from the last day from all resorts on a single page. You have to click through for surface type, and its $3 so not really recommended. Maybe if it was $.99 or free.
[iTunes Link]
REI Ski and Snowboard Report
I love REI, the outdoor gear co-op, but I hate their iPhone app made by Zumobi. You can only have 3 resorts on tap, it takes awhile to load, and 25% of the space is dedicated to shopping at REI and pushing Zumobi apps, none of which I feel inclined to do when I'm about to hit the slopes. The info is good — it has base and new snow over the last 3 days, lifts (but not run) data, and a link to weather and webcams. Same resort and dataset as OnTheSnow apps. It's worth it only because its free. But I will probably delete it soon because its ugliness offends me. [iTunes Link]
It loads slow, but it has a few major things going for it: It is location aware, so can list your nearby resorts instantly, and can use the 3G's gps to pinpoint you on maps of resorts, so you can tell where you are in relation to trails. Clicking through gets you more than just base and new snow and temps: maps, mountain cams, weather, among others. They're building a friend finding feature, soon, too, they say. But a rather ugly app. Only US and Canada support and only 70 resorts are mapped down to the trails. Here's a warning: it costs $2.99, but expires end of the season. F-That! [iTunes Link]
Ski Lodge
OMG so beautiful. All the resorts are listed on one page (which I like) with base, temp, an icon for current weather, new snow over the last one or two days. It's also location aware, and can list your local mountains. Clicking through you get a detailed page with not only photos and websites and an option to view the place in the iPhone map app, but you can download official trail maps! They're highly detailed, so are about a quarter to half a megabyte each, so don't try this on anything but 3G or WiFi. (The good news is they cache for future reference.) But US and Canadian support and only metrics (CM and Centigrade) make it a potential deal buster for me. I also don't know where they're getting their data from. However, if they fix these minor beefs, I'm game. I think they can, so probably best to buy this NOW at $0.99, its current sale price. UPDATE: Settings for metric/standard measurements were in the iPhone system preferences page. Ski Lodge WINS. [iTunes Link]
Just found this this morning, so I'll just give my brief impressions. Oh, it crashed. And thinks I don't have an internet connection now. Skip. I'll update if I get it working. But you should pass for now on this at 99 cents, or just try the free version which is limited to 2 favorite resorts. [iTunes Link]
We Ski - Ski Reporter
A simple app that uses snocountry's data, and is free. I like how it shows which resorts are open or closed with a green/red icon, but the font for new snow is small and hard to read. But it's free. [iTunes Link]
The Winners
If you've been following along, you probably guessed: Overall I recommend OnTheSnow's app. But if
metric measurements don't bother you and you are limiting your skiing to the US and Canada, I'd recommend trying out Ski Lodge, especially at the current sale price.
I'm really looking forward to snowboarding this weekend.


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Free flow of racy content a headache for parents
Until this summer, few people outside the R&B music scene knew who Robin Thicke was. Then came his new song "Blurred Lines" and an unrated online video to promote it.
"You the hottest b---- in this place!" Thicke sings, as topless models playfully dance around him.
The video has stirred a debate, with detractors complaining that it's too racy and degrading to women.
Thicke insists he meant no offense — and the song, meanwhile, has become the No. 1 hit of the summer.
Certainly in pop culture, pushing the limits of what's considered appropriate is hardly new. Back in the roaring 1920s, young women of the "flapper" generation raised eyebrows. In the 1950s, Elvis gyrated and caused a ruckus.
In the 1970s, comedian George Carlin joked about "The Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television," quickly listing them in a social commentary about the pitfalls of censorship.
Singling out those few words seems almost quaint in an era when just about any kind of uncensored content is easily accessible from a mobile phone, a tablet, or on less regulated cable and Internet TV or satellite radio. Media experts say broadcast TV and mainstream radio have, in turn, tried to keep up by airing saucier content to try to retain dwindling audiences. Many see this free flow of content as progress — a victory for freedom of expression in an uptight society.
But for many parents, it also can be difficult to try to keep their kids from pop culture offerings they don't consider age appropriate.
Do they filter it as best they can? Laugh it off? Use it as a teachable moment? Demand more limits?
And if they do the latter, who gets to decide what those limits are, anyway — since what's appropriate to one person might not be to another?
"It's a conundrum," says Kirsten Bischoff, a mom in Springfield, N.J., who's also co-founder of HatchedIt.com, an online social network for families
Bischoff recalls wincing during a car ride last year as her then 13-year-old daughter and a young friend belted out the song "Whistle" by rapper Flo Rida. The girls had no idea the song was about fellatio.
Mom decided to say nothing so they wouldn't ask questions. But she later fretted about her decision on her online blog, where other parents told her they'd faced similar dilemmas.
"Lord, I'm turning into Tipper Gore," Bischoff later joked, fearing people would compare her to the former second lady, who campaigned to get the music industry to put warning labels on content with explicit lyrics.
Gore got some support but became the object of ridicule and a few protest songs, including rapper Ice T's 1989 song "Freedom of Speech" in which he, too, used the b-word to refer to Gore and other profanities to make his point.
It's true that those who question any kind of content risk being called a prude, or a censor. That's partly because history has shown that efforts to curb allegedly "indecent" content can fail, or look misguided in hindsight, says Susan Mackey-Kallis, an associate professor of communication at Villanova University.
In 1930, Hollywood adopted the Motion Picture Production Code, a list of moral standards for the film industry.
Among other things, the code — which was abandoned in the 1960s for the current rating system — forbade showing interracial sexual relationships, scenes of childbirth, "in fact or in silhouette," or anything about sexual hygiene or sexually transmitted diseases. It also was implied that gay content should not be shown.
"Looking at a list like this today, it is amazing to think how far we have come," Mackey-Kallis says.
While religious or political figures have often weighed in with moral arguments, today a decision to limit content is as likely to be a business decision.
Credit card companies and the banks that oversee their transactions use web-crawling and other investigative techniques to search for questionable content. They do not, for instance, allow payments for goods or services that are related to any illegal sexual acts — or that might even depict rape or exploitation of a minor. But beyond clearly illegal acts, they also reserve the right to steer clear of any content they feel reflects poorly on their brands.
Ultimately, however, it is the courts that determine what is obscene, a term reserved in the legal system for sexually explicit content that meets certain criteria.
The U.S. Supreme Court has based its definition of obscenity on "community standards" and these three factors:
- Does the work appeal to "prurient," or excessively sexual, interests?
- Does it "depict or describe, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct specifically defined by the applicable state law?"
- And does the work lack "serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value?"
"It's clearly very tough to prove. What's obscene to some may be artful dancing to others," says Robert Pondillo, a professor of mass media history and American culture at Middle Tennessee State University who wrote the book "America's First Network TV Censor."
And, he notes, the courts have not tended to limit language, which generally falls under free speech protection. Media that is broadcast on the airwaves — network television and radio, for instance — is still somewhat limited, though not as much as some parents would like.
Determining what's acceptable is further complicated by the fact that online life has changed the notion of the "community standard."
"We're an increasingly connected society, so we're no longer divided by our (physical) communities," says David Gudelunas, a communication professor at Fairfield University in Connecticut.
Now, those communities are often online, stretching across continents and age brackets to bring together people with common interests.
Take 33-year-old Ben Tao. He was an engineering student in Los Angeles when he discovered a "niche" in the adult film industry. Crowdfunding sites such as Kickstarter, he learned, didn't allow the creators of sexually oriented projects to post those projects to seek funding.
So he started Offbeatr, a fundraising site for creators of adult films and content.
His site is aimed at people age 18 and older. Those who propose projects for funding must prove their age, though he concedes it's impossible to monitor the age of everyone who visits the site.
Of course, parents can use filters to keep their children from the content, he says.
But he concedes, "I think it's a hard battle to fight if you're trying to say, 'I'm going to protect against every single thing.'"
Therein is the dilemma. Should society err on the side of free access, even if it means children might encounter inappropriate content? Or do you set limits on online access to pornography, for instance, unless a household requests that access, as British Prime Minister David Cameron plans to do?
Should radio stations err on the side of a playing "clean" versions of songs? Should cable companies be more careful about airing age appropriate content during daytime hours?
And for that matter, should an artist such as Nicki Minaj worry if an 8-year-old learns the words to a song that talks about selling cocaine and "panties comin' off"? A couple years ago, the parents of Sophia Grace Brownlee, a young British girl, made a video of her rapping and singing Minaj's song "Super Bass."
Deemed "cute" and "adorable" by the video's many viewers on YouTube, Sophia Grace later performed the song on Ellen DeGeneres' talk show, where she has since become a regular.
Minaj herself seemed a tad uncomfortable when she appeared on the show with Sophia Grace and urged the girl to sing a tamer part of the song.
But Jeffrey McCall, a media studies professor at DePauw University in Indiana, says he's not surprised that few others questioned whether a kid this age should perform the song, or even have access to it.
"The entertainment industry has a huge role in deciding what is culturally OK, and society will often take (its) lead," says McCall, author of the book "Viewer Discretion Advised: Taking Control of Mass Media Influence."
Even Pat Cooper, a comedian who knew George Carlin, sees a difference between the late comic's "Seven Words" skit and much of the material he hears today.
Carlin "was saying, 'Let's express ourselves. Be a human being,'" says Cooper, who's 85 and lives in New York City. Too often now, Cooper says, vulgarity on stage and elsewhere is used for shock value alone.
"We don't want to think anymore. So instead of thinking we just curse out what we want to say," Cooper says.
Jeanne Achille, who heads a New Jersey public relations firm, cites a recent story as another example of this problem: the media's summer obsession with New York politician Anthony Weiner and his habit of sending lewd photos of himself to women.
"Sadly," she says, the coverage "validates ... our society's tolerance for ingesting everything and anything with no sense of what to filter and no ability to put boundaries in place — whether sensationalistic news delivered 24/7, huge quantities of bad food also available 24/7, or horrible television programs featuring stupid, foul-mouthed people."
But she's found her way to deal with it and suggests others do the same.
"Not to sound like Nancy Reagan, but, 'Just say no.,'" Achille says. "I'm at a point in life where I've finally learned that I can shut it out and don't need to participate when it doesn't suit me."
For an individual decision, that can work fine. But, again, what about when it comes to raising a teen today?
Bischoff, the mom in New Jersey, feels powerless to filter out all the inappropriate content.
"There's no way to shelter a kid anymore, unless we home-school her and go live in the woods somewhere," she says. "The only thing I can think of to do as a mom is to try to stay ahead of it . with talk, talk and more talk."


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Republicans smell an election opportunity – but only if they can keep the economy down, jobs down and wages down. Most recently to keep people and the economy miserable they filibustered long-term unemployment assistance, and are working to cut back from the meager 26 weeks of assistance the states offer.
The New York Times explains in "States Cutting Weeks of Aid to the Jobless," "[L]ast July, North Carolina sharply cut its unemployment program, reducing the maximum number of weeks of benefits to 20 from 73 and reducing the maximum weekly benefit as well."
When North Carolina did this, a huge number of people just gave up looking for work and disappeared from the workforce. This made it look like the unemployment rate went down because only people who are actively looking are counted in the statistics. But what actually occurred was an increased need for food stamps and other aid. This, of course, doesn't save the government money because, instead of paying unemployment, they are paying for this assistance.
As Republicans explain it, their idea is that people getting unemployment assistance are too "comfortable." So the have to force these lazy, comfortable people into conditions that are so bad they will take any nasty, low-wage, humiliating, dangerous job. Of course, this means they will work for even less than the people who are already in such jobs. Meanwhile, the reality is that there is only one job for every three people looking for work.
Here is the thing: Obviously cutting this assistance drags down the surrounding economy as even more people can't pay their mortgage or rent or buy shoes, gas, clothes of even enough food. So local stores have to cut back, causing even more unemployment. Billions are taken out of the economy, things get worse... And now more "red" states are working on doing the same thing.
The Bet Is That The Public Will Blame Democrats
Republicans are betting that voters will blame the "party in power," which means the party of the president. Our corporate media is complicit in this strategy. If Americans found out that it is Republican filibusters in the Senate and obstruction in the House that keeps bills from even getting a vote that is holding back the economy, they would know who to blame. The media works to keep that a secret.
For example, from the New York Times story cited above:
A federal program supplying extra weeks of benefits to the long-term unemployed expired at the end of 2013, and congressional Democrats failed in an effort to revive it.
Right, It was Democrats who "failed to revive it." This surely tells voters to hold Democrats responsible for the cutoff of long-term unemployment assistance. With media reports like this, Republicans will win their bet.
While Republicans are doing everything they can to hold back economic recovery, the right's propaganda machine is blasting out that the economy is terrible. For example, one of the headlines at Drudge this week, "Wall Street Advisor: Actual Unemployment is 37.2%...," was right there next to the usual drumbeat, "Record 20% of Households on Food Stamps..."
The strategy is paying off. This from The Hill: "Boehner touts poll finding more blame Obama for economy than Bush":
Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) on Tuesday used a private meeting with House Republicans to tout polling that suggests that voters now blame President Obama more than former President George W. Bush for the state of the economy.
. . . Republicans, he argued, now have the upper hand when it comes to the economy.
. . . After Obama's 2012 reelection, according to Winston's polling, 53 percent of voters said "policies of the past" were causing the nation's economic problems, while 44 percent blamed policies "of the present." Polling in November 2013 found those numbers largely reversed; 41 percent blame the policies of the past, while 49 percent blame current policies.
Other Sabotage Examples
Related to this is the ongoing Republican effort to sabotage Obamacare. This Wednesday TPM had this: "Republicans Seek To Sabotage Obamacare With Higher Premiums":
Conservative wonks and Republican lawmakers are coalescing around a new strategy to sabotage Obamacare by repealing a temporary piece of the law designed to hold down premiums in the event of major market disruptions.
. . . The conservatives are open about the end goal: collapse Obamacare by causing higher premiums on the law's marketplaces for the newly insured, which progressive experts who support Obamacare agree would occur if the provision is scrapped.
But wait, there's more. The Guardian reported last month that "State conservative groups plan U.S.-wide assault on education, health and tax."
Conservative groups across the US are planning a co-ordinated assault against public sector rights and services in the key areas of education, healthcare, income tax, workers' compensation and the environment, documents obtained by the Guardian reveal.
The strategy for the state-level organisations, which describe themselves as "free-market thinktanks", includes proposals from six different states for cuts in public sector pensions, campaigns to reduce the wages of government workers and eliminate income taxes, school voucher schemes to counter public education, opposition to Medicaid, and a campaign against regional efforts to combat greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change.
Here's the strategy: Sabotage things, wait as corporate media doesn't inform the public who is filibustering and obstructing, let conservative propaganda outlets tell the public to blame Democrats for the terrible suffering and economic catastrophe that result. Over time people really don't have much choice except to blame the people who the radio and TV and FOX News and all the other outlets tell them to blame: Obama and the Democrats.
The sabotage strategy is starting to become apparent. Brian Beutler at Salon recently wrote this article, "GOP's ulterior motive on unemployment: Economic sabotage?"
Unemployment benefits make people's lives better and buoy a fragile, but possibly accelerating recovery. Some Republicans are apparently reluctant to give the economy, and by extension the Democrats, a shot in the arm right now.
A while back I posted this at Crooks and Liars, "It's Economic Sabotage As GOP Obstructs Infrastructure Work" and C&L published this video at the top:
5 Years of Republican Economic Sabotage Explained in 3 Minutes
Rev. Al Sharpton had this on the air:
Here is the Economic Policy Institute, a year ago, in "The congressional GOP has smothered a more rapid economic recovery":
If this ideologically driven objective of deeply cutting spending is met, this will represent just one more way that the GOP Congress has managed to delay full recovery from the Great Recession. The evidence continues to pile up that these spending cuts, forced on a still-depressed economy, can easily throw the nation back into an outright recession and prolong the nation's economic misery.
Is this an overly harsh read on the motivations of GOP members of Congress? Not at all. Motivations aside—regardless of whether they deeply believe that their ideological goal of reducing government spending will help the economy or whether they think that a slowed economy will simply help their own electoral prospects—the facts are simply that congressional Republicans have consistently hamstrung efforts that a large consensus of economists agree would have provided crucial help in lowering American unemployment.
[. . .] Conclusion
Concern that the GOP Members of Congress have a vested interest in slowing economic recovery has been brewing for quite some time. Speaking at Cuyahoga Community College ahead of the election, former President Bill Clinton accused congressional Republicans of deliberately trying to keep the unemployment rate elevated for political gain.
Here is Talking Points Memo from June 2012, "Harry Reid Accuses Eric Cantor Of Economic Sabotage":
It's a theory that progressives have grown sympathetic to as Republicans make it ever-more difficult for President Obama to govern and thwart initiatives in Congress to stimulate the economy. Democratic operatives have loosely floated the claim in broad ways by suggesting the GOP is hoping for economic failure, but Reid's pointed accusation took it to a new level.
But these are not the outlets that reach the broad majority of Americans. Will the Republican strategy of economic sabotage win them the House, Senate and maybe even the presidency? If it does succeed, what does this mean for the future of our economy and our country?
This post originally appeared at Campaign for America's Future (CAF) at their Blog for OurFuture. I am a Fellow with CAF. Sign up here for the CAF daily summary


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Chiloé chēlōā´ [key], island (3,241 sq mi/8,394 sq km), a part of Los Lagos region, off S Chile. It is separated from the mainland by the Corcovado and Ancud gulfs and the Chacao Channel; the waters around the island are used as nursery by blue whales. It is the largest of the Chilean islands and the only one that has been successfully settled. A rainy climate favoring the growth of wet and dense evergreen forests makes it one of the world's last virgin frontiers. Nevertheless, the settlers have been able to raise wheat and potatoes and to export timber. The population is concentrated around Ancud and Castro; the former was totally destroyed and the latter badly damaged by an earthquake in 1960. Wrested from the natives by the Spanish in 1567, Chiloé was the last stronghold of Spanish royalists, who were not driven out until 1826.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2023, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
See more Encyclopedia articles on: South American Political Geography


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By Ronin, 14 Feb 13 With all the calls for common sense gun control measures like the recent NY ban on what idiots refer to as "assault" weapons", "large clips" and sensible solutions like weapon registration, limits to ammo etc. I thought I would add a little stick to stir the pot.
The easiest way to fight back is not to play their game. No living politician wrote the constitution and none of them can change it. Politicians will attempt to force compliance with a variety of measures from painting those that refuse as criminals, insane, dangerous, outlaws. They will also offer rewards and pick a few misguided cowards (those that do as they say) and parade them around in the press as heroes (after all they surrendered their guns).
Educate each other, hunters and sportsmen, and legitimate gun owners as the media refer to us are all in this together. Unfortunately a few will drink the cool-aid, remind them once we are divided we are easily all disarmed. We are only demanding our rights be respected; we do not all live in a gated community with armed guards. If we are ever disarmed, immediately start making demands that police are also. We can win without breaking laws using civil disobedience, outright resistance and refusal and only as a last resort, unlawful methods. Face it, we or one of our kind, will instantly turn from law abiding citizen to felon overnight at that point you have very little to lose.
So what to do? First and foremost do the research. Identify everyone that voted for any restriction, call them, write them or visit them. Let them know using any method that you can that you will never again vote for them or any other member of their political party. Let them know that you will volunteer to help anyone running against them and follow through. I suggest you publish your list and letters on facebook or similar social media so others can join in the ban the politician party.
It may be a small number but I believe at least some politicians are hoping for a few outraged gun owners to bunker up and fight to the death. This will add endless proof that gun owners really are a problem. Politicians would then call for confiscation, extreme criminal penalties for non-compliance and a host of other punishments. Call their bluff; their worst nightmare is an outraged public asking why they are targeting citizens over criminals. The closer to an election the better, trust me they do not want drama then. Watch the blogs and watch and spread our outrage when these idiots actually grow a set and arrest someone for not registering a weapon. We will expose, the who, what and why, that is what we do. You can help.
Because I think fighting first responders is wrong when politicians are the actual problem (and we can just vote those idiots out). We need a nonviolent solution. This would be the easy way to defeat this problem. Monitor the crime stats for your area and call and report someone carrying an evil assault weapon in the most gang active area you can find. Other options could also be fun, like tossing weapons in neighborhoods near the homes of officers, they leave those shiny cars in the driveway, report them for noncompliance. If you get caught you were turning the weapon in, as framing an officer is not exactly legal but then again neither is placing limits on our 2nd amendment rights. I do not want to be a criminal, they have no right to make me one. (more…)


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Sherman, James Schoolcraft
Sherman, James Schoolcraft, 1855–1912, Vice President of the United States (1909–12), b. near Utica, N.Y. A lawyer, he was (1884–85) mayor of Utica. Sherman served (1887–91, 1893–1909) as a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives and was a skillful parliamentarian. In 1908 he was elected Vice President on the Republican ticket along with William Howard Taft. Sherman was renominated in 1912 but died shortly thereafter. Nicholas M. Butler ran in his place.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2023, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
See more Encyclopedia articles on: U.S. History: Biographies