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Years ago, one of my kids went to the dentist for x rays. These were not the usual bite-wing x rays that the populace had been getting for years; this was a new fangled machine that could take an x ray of your entire mouth at one time, without any pieces of film in your mouth. One stepped into its circle, the machine was turned on, and the machine slowly traveled around you as you stood there.
My kid stepped into that circle, the machine was turned on, and I watched as my kid's eyes blinked open and starred straight ahead, unseeing. The moment the machine stopped, my child collapsed to the floor.
Thankfully his father was there to catch him.
It took my child several moments to come out of his trance, and he complained of feeling dizzy and sick.
Of course the dentist scoffed at him for his reaction, stating over and over again how 'safe' these x rays were, (we were told they even had less radiation than the old bite-wing kinds had,) and that his reaction must be from something else.
We brought our child home, and put him to bed to rest. Two hours later, we heard screaming from his room, and ran to see what was the problem.
When we entered his room, we found him in the middle of the room on his floor, rocking back and forth, and screaming and crying at the top of his lungs. There was such total panic and fear in his screams, that it made it hard for me to think. (As a mother, you immediately want to remove the pain and make it all better. But I knew not how.)
He was unresponsive, and shrank from our touch. He didn't recognize us or his name, nor did he seem to know where he was.
I ran back into my bedroom, and up to the cross on the wall. I sank to my knees, and begged the Lord Jesus to help him.
Moments later, my son began to speak. He told us that he did not recognize us, nor did he recognize his name. Fear ruled over him, and kept him from us.
Slowly, my son's memory returned, piece by piece.
The Lord told me to give him some vitamins and herbs, namely calcium and nattokinase, and he gladly took them. A few hours later, he was feeling a little better, (he began to recognize his room and the things in it,) but was still quite dizzy and weak for all of the following day.
And yes, in case you were wondering, this is the same kid that can see so clearly into the unseen world.
For years after that incident, my son refused all x rays, much to the disgust of the dentist. As his parents, we backed up his choice not to have any x rays.
Then came the day when my son needed another x ray, and the usual bite-wing type would not work. So he agreed to have the x ray taken, much to my distress.
I went before the Lord in prayer, asking Him to please protect him, and to not let those demons attack him like they did the last time. (I had realized later on, that it had to have been demons that caused such illness within him.)
God reminded me, that at that first time, we had not known that we could cast out demons and claim protection in His name. And now that we knew the reality of it, we could prevent those things from happening to him again.
So, the night before the scheduled x ray, he took the same supplements, along with some magnesium, and I then blessed him with the blessed olive oil.
When we went to the dentist, we found that they had gotten rid of the other x ray machine, and now had a newer model that they were using.
He got into its circle, and I could see the fear and trepidation in him, for he was shaking. The machine turned on and began to rotate. (The dental assistant told us to stay behind the cones, but we were ready to jump forward to catch him if needed.) Suddenly his eyes opened wide, and he starred forward, unseeing, just like he had the other time. But this time he did not collapse.
I kept reciting scriptures under my breath, until I could not remember any. I found my mind had gone completely blank, and I could not remember any scripture at all. I cried out to Jesus, and then sensed from Him that I should begin speaking in tongues, which I did.
When it was over, he had to be led over to the dentist's chair, for he was too weak and shaky and dizzy to walk on his own. It was almost as if he had forgotten how to walk.
While he sat there in the chair, I felt the Lord instruct me to bless him again with the blessed olive oil, and to close all portals that had been opened by the x ray.
I did as He instructed, and I sensed that this helped my son no small amount. I then cast out all demons that had already come through that portal, in the name of Jesus.
We went home that night, and once again he went to lay down, for he was still quite weak and dizzy. We made sure that someone stayed with him at all times. He took more of the vitamins and herbs, as directed on the bottle. (I had found out from the Lord after the first time, that calcium can help bind up stray molecules of radiation, so that it gets flushed out of the system. It also helps the heart to keep beating. Same with magnesium; it works with the calcium. Nattokinase keeps the blood flowing, and helps to prevent any strokes from happening.)
The next day he spent in bed, still weak and dizzy from the x ray. The day after that, he refused to go out, for some things were still not familiar to him, and seeing things that he did not recognize but knew he should, caused panic to flare up within him. He explained that that x ray was like a hard re-boot on a computer, or a kind of cerebral wipe of memory. He sensed that his memories were still there, but the linking to them is what was affected.
Three days after that, he arose and was able to go about his business. He still had some momentary dizziness every now and then, and I remarked that I too, had the same momentary dizziness that he was experiencing. After a few more days, all symptoms left us, and we were all back to normal.
I praise you Lord Jesus Christ, for keeping us all safe!
My son then told me, how he had kept his eyes closed, so he could not see anything. But I told him that he had opened his eyes as soon as the test began. This surprised him, for he claimed he could not see anything except a great darkness. Even his hearing was blocked, for all he could hear was some kind of loud buzzing sound. (It was just like the sound that demons make when gathered together.) It wasn't until the machine was turned off, that he could once again see into this world and hear us. He also told me, that this newer machine was still way better than the last one.
I share this with you, so you know that x rays (at least some kinds,) can form a doorway for satan to come in and attack. It is good to bind them up in Jesus name before hand, and afterwards cast them out in His name!


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Snakes. In the ancient Maya ruins where I'm working at with archaeologists, the creatures we fear most are probably the snakes.
That fact might sound like the punchline to an Indiana Jones joke, until you hear about the most dreaded serpent here in the jungles of Belize. The fer-de-lance is likely the deadliest snake in Latin America, packing an amputate-if-you're-lucky bite if it goes untreated. Its long fangs can go right through a boot, and it's aggressive - unlike many snakes that seem more afraid of us than we are of them, the fer-de-lance won't hesitate to strike.
Luckily, killing snakes is what one of our local experts Mandito knows how to do. Not with the machete, although he certainly knows how to swing his. No, this summer, when Mandito saw a snake, he cut down a nearby sapling, crafted a spear from it with one or two quick hacks of his blade, and then stabbed the serpent to death.
So why am I here with archaeologists daring the snakes of Belize? Why did I help excavate human remains this year from ruins, and hang from vines, roots and branches off the side of a giant stone pyramid last year? We're hunting clues to a longstanding mystery - the collapse of the ancient Maya empire.
The ancient Maya civilization encompassed an area twice the size of Germany, occupying what is now southern Mexico and northern Central America, including Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. At the height of the Maya empire, known as the Classic period, which stretched from roughly 250 AD to at least 900 AD, perhaps as many as 25 million people lived there, achieving a population density greater than that of medieval Europe.
For uncertain reasons, the ancient Maya civilization apparently collapsed more than a thousand years ago, with its population declining catastrophically to a fraction of its former size. Researchers want to find out why.
The area where we excavate is known as Blue Creek in western Belize near the southern border of Mexico, which archaeologists at the Maya Research Program have investigated for more than two decades now. Researchers and volunteers such as myself dwell at base camp at Blue Creek in the summer on a hill surrounded by cattle pastures tended by cowboys.
Roughly 25,000 Maya once dwelled in Blue Creek home, making it a relatively small population center. However, it seems to have been unusually important for its size - for instance, the fifth-largest known cache of jade in Central America was found here, and even the poor were found buried with the precious stone.
Excavations involve us climbing onto pickup trucks every morning for drives that can swerve back and forth and buck up and down over very bumpy and often muddy roads, sometimes in pouring, stinging rain. Troops of howler monkeys wail in the canopies, sounding much like how you might imagine dinosaur roars would've seemed.
The work can be hard, no doubt. We have to lug buckets of equipment and jugs of water up and down slippery trails each day. Pick and shovel work to excavate dirt and rock in the hot sun can be backbreaking - there are days when I figure we've each literally moved a ton of earth. All this is no easier in the rain, which just soaks the dirt and makes it heavier to haul. Mosquito bites and monkeys throwing excrement at us don't help either.
But it all seems worth it to us when we spot a pair of jaguars on the trail in the morning. When we discover jade ear spools, or obsidian blades, or ornaments made of shell. When we clear all the dirt and foliage off pyramids and tombs to reveal what they once looked like. When we get to delicately work on human burials, we can exhume remains that directly tell us what the people here were like. We can speculate about the lifestyles they might have lived, with their teeth inlaid with jade, or filed to points like vampire fangs.
And we certainly make sure to enjoy ourselves as well. Sometimes quietly, gazing at stars on the roof at night, or dozing off in a hammock. Sometimes more raucously, such as by wearing horse pinata heads and drawing on our bodies and tying up an intern who'd fallen asleep in a hammock and spray-painting his foot orange. (Great line from him when he groggily woke up amid a tangle of tape and rope, shooting us the finger on both of his hands - "What is this witchcraft?")
For all the questions we're out here to answer, we intriguingly tend to unearth just as many enigmas. For instance, at Tulix Muul ("Dragonfly Hill," named after the dragonflies seen there when the site was discovered), over a cluster of human burials, a mystery was found in a nook in a wall - a leg bone was plastered into place like a pillar within the cubbyhole, and then a perfectly round pot rim was fitted into place into the entry of the cavity. Nothing like this has apparently been seen in the ancient Maya world before, and its meaning and significance remain entirely unclear.
Other puzzles get slowly answered over time. For instance, on a hill directly facing our base camp, a perfectly round structure was discovered - unusual, since the ancient Maya of Blue Creek didn't build round stone buildings. It turns out it may have been a shrine of a style imported from the neighboring Yucatec in the Terminal Classic, the waning days of the Classic period. A structure like this foreign-styled shrine to helps reveal that the collapse of the ancient Maya civilization did not impact everyone there equally. This area might have held out by forming ties with neighboring cultures.
There is a lack of precision when it comes to dating certain artifacts of the Late and Terminal Classic period here, such as ceramics, which can make it hard to judge how the site collapsed. However, researchers at the Maya Research Program are now seeking to improve this precision by applying cutting-edge dating techniques. This should help lead to a much more refined idea of the nature of Blue Creek's abandonment.
There are undoubtedly risks we face coming out here. In seems venomous creatures of every kind found on land lurk out here in addition to the snakes - scorpions, centipedes, army ants, and killer bees (really). First morning before working on ruins here, I saw a tarantula the size of my hand. Even the plants are no joke - one tree has a sticky black sap that can raise terrible boils on the skin.
These risks pretty much confirm what everyone's always suspected about archaeology. We all have to be like Mandito. We all have to be a bit badass.

subset: commoncrawl


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Part 1: Citation Metrics and Measuring Impact
Citation metrics provide quantitative data used to evaluate the impact of a scholar's research. Several methods and tools exist to assist scholars with obtaining information about citation counts and impact data, such as ISI Web of Science, Google Scholar, and other citation counting tools by discipline. Metrics also assist scholars with identifying key journals and notable researchers in their field.
Part 2: Managing Researcher Profiles In part two of the workshop we'll discuss why it's important to develop an online profile as a researcher, how to promote your work and connect with other researchers and look at several sites in depth. See what ORCID, LinkedIn, Research Gate, Academia.edu, PIVOT, Plum Analytics, and Google Scholar can do for you. Please bring your laptop if you would like to follow along with the presentation.
Students must register for all workshops through their myUCF Student Center under Graduate Students then Pathways to Success.
Location:Graduate Student Center: Colbourn Hall, Suite 146 *
*This event occurs on multiple dates/times. This event takes place at this location on this date.
Event runs on multiple dates (select event date for details)
|January 25, 2017, 1 p.m.
|Graduate Student Center: Colbourn Hall, Suite 146
|February 23, 2017, noon
|Graduate Student Center: Colbourn Hall, Suite 146
|March 22, 2017, 1 p.m.
|Graduate Student Center: Colbourn Hall, Suite 146


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Broken Blonde Part 2
A beautiful, big-titted blonde like Rain DeGrey can be seen in every town in America, so what makes her special? Well, she is one of the most intense bondage lovers ever. Whips, canes, clothes pins, clamps, and whatever else; Rain loves it all. Sure, she cries a bit when we put dozens of clothes pins all over her face, but when she is in that kind of pain she is one step closer to cumming. ...
Read More
18 U.S.C. 2257 Compliance Statement


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Barrenjoey High School
Ever since I was little, models have always fascinated me and stretched my imagination. For my artwork I decided to take the concept of prepackaged models to a completely new level of interpretation and creativeness. My work raises ideas and issues about a mainstream modern-day consumer society of prepackaged and mass-produced objects.


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Cascais, a town so nice I had to see it twice. Above and below are a few more photos of the area, taken a few days after the first visit. Also included are some photos from Estoril, a neighboring town a mere two train stops before Cascais.
Estoril has longer beaches than does Cascais, and the time from stepping off the train and into the sand is literally less than 2 minutes. For added coolness, add in the fact that it has been used in a James Bond movie (Her Majesty's Secret Service).
The following few pictures were taken in Parque Marechal Carmona. An amazing place, just across the road from the ocean.


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Shooting death investigated in Forestport
FORESTPORT >>State Police in Remsen are investigating a shooting that occurred shortly after 4 p.m. Tuesday inside a residence, located at 9220 Trestle Road in Forestport.
The investigation has revealed that Larry W. Utter, 49, called the Oneida County 911 center to report a shooting inside his residence. When Officers and EMS entered the residence, they located 45 year-old, Stacey L. Utter dead from an apparent gun shot wound.
Larry Utter is being held for questioning regarding his involvement in the death.
State Police were assisted at the scene by the Oneida County Sheriff's Office and the New York State Forest Rangers.


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Travel: Trip to Sapporo-Otaru-Hakodate-Onuma, 17-27 Apr 2016 (Part 8 - Day 7 in Hakodate)
>> Tuesday, May 10, 2016
The JR limited express train ride from Sapporo to Hakodate, south of Hokkaido, took approximately 4+ hours. We left on the 1st train (before 6:00a.m.) & arrived at Hakodate slightly before 10:00a.m. The JR train seats were comfortable enough to just sit back, relax & enjoy the ride, sleeping throughout the journey if you would want to or just enjoying the country-side/coastal view along the way.
Upon arriving at the JR Hakodate train station, we saw some Japanese dressed up as samurais & various characters, inviting the public to join them for some photo opportunities. Ah, why not, why not :D
Our 1st time holding a sword & attempting to look like some Japanese samurai...ahahahaha...fail!
As usual, we got some maps from the train station before heading towards our hotel, only to be disappointed as there was not a soul at the small reception area. We called & waited for 10-15 minutes before deciding to just make our way to hunt for some food.
Lucky Pierrot was on my list for lunch, so we walked about 1.5km to the restaurant & spotted some low-hanging sakura trees at a small park on our way! *yay*
So pweeetyyyyy!
Had to take a photo with the flowers although we're the only 2 jakuns there
We passed the Hakodate Beer Hall as well, but didn't get in to try how different the beer was from Otaru & Sapporo beer
Lucky Pierrot Bayside Marine branch ベイサイド海上レストランピア館
Hakodate Suehiro-cho, 14-17 (函館市末広町14-17)
Tel: (+81)(138) 275000
Fax: (+81)(138) 221117
Business hours: 10:00a.m. - 12:30a.m. daily (closes at 1:30a.m. on Saturdays)
Getting there: Hakodate tram - Suehirocho station (approx. 5 minutes walk from the station) or a 20-minutes walk from the JR Hakodate station
How much we spent in total: JP¥1922; RM69.19
Lucky Pierrot is a very popular burger joint in Hakodate (yes, they're available ONLY at Hakodate). They currently have 17 outlets all over Hakodate, each restaurant designed with a different theme. Unfortunately for us, the outlet that we visited wasn't highly interesting. It would be really nice to visit an outlet that's angel themed, circus themed or even Christmas themed!
The burger joint is well-known for their "Chinese chicken burger", so as burger-lovers, we had to check it out :P
The iconic 'Chinese Chicken Burger' statue
The interior of the restaurant
We tried their Japanese curry with fried chicken rice, their gyoza, their fried yam mochi, & of course, their Chinese chicken burger set & walked out of the burger joint pretty satisfied ;)
Chinese Chicken Burger Set (JP¥650/set; RM23.40)
I've no clue why they call it a Chinese chicken burger as it resembles McD's Chicken McDeluxe & doesn't seem to have any hint of Chinese in it, except maybe the use of sesame seed oil in the marinade of the chicken? Anyhow, the chicken was crispy on the outside, juicy & flavorful on the inside & the toasted sesame buns were soft & fluffy, which was very comforting. The fries in a mug were loaded with creamy cheese + black pepper sauce, which made the thick-cut fries soak up the gravy. If you don't mind 'soggy' fries, these are REALLY delicious! Both of us loved it as we love potatoes, cheese & black pepper sauce :D
Japanese Curry with Fried Chicken (JP¥700/serving; RM25.20)
It was our 1st meal trying out the Japanese curry in Japan itself. The vast difference from what we have back there is the chewy texture of Japanese rice that's guaranteed on every plate of Japanese curry. The fried chicken pieces on this plate tastes like the same 'Chinese fried chicken' used in their burgers.
Gyoza (JP¥250/serving; RM9.00)
This is one burger joint that serves pretty much every other familiar Japanese dish. Their gyoza was actually quite nice, with the gyoza skin not too thick, yet slightly chewy & doesn't break too easily. The meat filling was also well seasoned & goes well with the black vinegar sauce that came with the gyoza dish.
Deep-Fried Sesame Coated Mochi with Yam/Sweet Potato Filling (JP¥200/piece; RM7.20)
This was surprisingly toothsome! It reminded us so much of home, but this mochi's crust was freshly deep-fried, so it was still warm when we bite into it :D We loved the yam/sweet potato filling as it was pleasantly sweet, complimenting the slightly bland mochi very well!
View of the area around Lucky Pierrot
After lunch at Lucky Pierrot, we walked 1.5km back to the hotel (yes, mad us!) & FINALLY, there's someone available at the reception to assist us with the checking-in. We got our super old fashion hotel room keys (no such thing as a slot card to get the electricity turned on) & entered our corner room, which had a really small, probably a super single bed + a single tatami mattress! Alamak...how to fit both of us...hahahaha...apparently, the other rooms are HALF the size of our room *faints*
Kikuya Hotel
8-23 Wakamatsuchō, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaidō 040-0063, Japan
Tel: (+81)(134) 261144
URL: http://h-kikuya.com
Business hours: supposedly 24/7 but somehow we think it's safer to appear at the reception during office hours til before midnight
Getting there: JR Hakodate station (it's a 300m walk from the station)
How much we spent in total: RM282. 41/night, booked through Agoda.com (really expensive for such a small, basic hotel room. It's almost RM100.00 more than our Tokyo Dome Hotel Sapporo per night!
The simple reception area
Tadaaaa! Here's how our Western mixed Japanese room look like! If you opt for a full Japanese-style room, you won't have a 'bed' but just the tatami mattres; we had both.
Our rather small bed...hahaha...
The bathroom
Really compact! In fact, it's a bathroom that's "fitted" into the room separately, just like 2x the size of an airline's washroom :P Thank goodness we're not huge in size nor were we staying for many nights at this hotel.
How other rooms look like (took a peek while the worker was cleaning)
There are public washrooms too!
We rested for an hour or so before walking over to the JR Hakodate station to catch a bus to the Motomachi Park area/Hakodate Ropeway - Mount Hakodate. It's more convenient & slightly lesser walking if you take the bus (if you get off at the correct stop) as the bus stops halfway at the Motoi Zaka Slope. Price for the bus ride is pretty much the same as per the tram, so just take the bus :D (JP¥210/person; RM7.56)
Walking up the Motoi Zaka Slope
"This slope was once the starting point of the main road heading from Hakodate for Sapporo. At the foot of the slope, there was a post designated as the starting point, thus the slope is named "Motoi (Basis) Zaka". The upper part of this slope was considered the city center, & this was where the city Hakodate Bugyo (Hakodate City Government) was located. In the Edo era, this slope was called "Oyakusho Zaka", literally meaning "Government Slope" or "Goten Zaka" meaning "Palace Slope".
British Consulate
This British Consulate was established in Hakodate in 1859 when the port of Hakodate was opened as the 1st Japanese port to trade. It is the 3rd consulate in Hakodate after the American & Russian consulates.
Public Hall of Hakodate Ward 旧函館区公会堂
11-13 Motomachi
Hakodate, Hokkaido Prefecture 040-0054
Tel: (+81)(134) 221001
Business hours: 9:00a.m. - 7:00p.m. daily
Getting there: Suehirocho tram stop (walk 500m up the slope) or take the bus from JR Hakodate station
The Public Hall of Hakodate Ward
We didn't go up as there were so many tourists at sight, at the building area. We just got a glimpse of the building from afar, then continued our journey towards the Hakodate Ropeway station to catch the cable car up the Mount Hakodate for a view of the Hakodate city during twilight 'til night.
Walking on the way to the Ropeway station, we passed many typical Japanese houses on quiet streets :)
AP was enjoying the architecture & taking in the historical views of this serene area of Hakodate
Look! A pulic phone booth! :P
View from top of the Hachiman-Zaka Slope
The Russian Orthodox Church
The Roman Catholic Church
Neat row of houses that reminded us so much of the Japanese movies & animes that we watch from Malaysia
A replica of the Statue of Liberty in Hakodate (with manicure! *lol*)
"A 6.3-meter-tall replica of the Statue of Liberty has been restored near a famous sightseeing area here despite the city's earlier decision to have it removed for looking "out of place."
The statue was first installed by local seafood company Marukita Kitamura Suisan in June last year in front of the company's outlet on the top of a slope in the Motomachi sightseeing district in Hakodate, Hokkaido Prefecture." - taken from Japan Bullet website
Our stroll along the Motomachi street towards the Hakodate Ropeway station took at least 20 minutes since we actually took our own sweet time to admire the view. It wasn't a total surprise that upon arriving at the Ropeway station, we saw bus loads of tourists from China, Taiwan, Thailand & all around Asia, making their way to the entrance of the cable car queue *wergh*
Mount Hakodate Ropeway 函館山ロープウェイ
元町 19-7
〒040-0054 Hakodate
Tel: (+81)(134) 233105
URL: http://334.co.jp
Business hours: 10:00a.m. - 10:00p.m. daily (4/25-10/15); 10:00a.m. - 10:00p.m. daily (10/16-4/24)
Getting there: The easiest way is to take a bus from the JR Hakodate station & stop right in front of the Ropeway station.
How much we paid in total: JP¥1280/person for a return ticket; RM46.08
View of the Hakodate city on the way up from inside the cable car
Love the view of the horizon during dusk!
See...I told you there's like a market full of tourists, who won't go away after snapping their photos...grrr...
I had to use the maximum length of zoom to get such shots
This was where I managed to squeeze =.="
It was cold & Aaron was not too excited after seeing the silly crowd of tourists
Night shots! Feels just like "Christmas"?
Good evening, Hakodate...
View of the Hakodate city from the cable car going back to the foothill
The Ropeway station
We had to wait for the bus in the cold, so my hubs waited out there, while I stayed inside cos it was just too cold for me...
We concluded our 1st day at Hakodate with a sushi dinner that we spent JP¥4320; RM155.52. It's not cheap since not many shops were opened after 8:00p.m. around our hotel area.
Sushi Nimura すし新村 (朝市サクラ観光市場)Otemachi, 22−2
Hakodate, 〒040-0064 Hokkaido Prefecture
Tel: (+81)(134) 277885
Business hours: 9:00a.m. - 10:00p.m. daily
Getting there: JR Hakodate station (290m walk from the station)
The restaurant where we had our dinner (photo taken the next morning)
Overall, the food here was acceptable. It wasn't fantastic nor was it bad, but our experience at the Otaru's Sankaku Fish Market, the day before, was certainly the better experience in terms of having fresh sashimi.
Assorted sushi set
Assorted sashimi set
The scallops here are still very sweet!
Grilled Octopus Tentacles sushi
Grilled Eel/Unagi sushi
Tori Karaage/Japanese Fried Chicken
Since the "pig-backside uncle" experience, we were kinda hooked to the Japanese fried chicken that we will have it almost anywhere we go :P This wasn't too bad, but frankly speaking, the "pig-backside uncle's restaurant" was the better tasting one that we've had thus far.
Day 7 was certainly quite a long day with quite a bit more of walking, but it ended perfectly with a nice soak in the hot water bath at our hotel *aaahhh*
Walkway to the public baths (on the right)
Another exciting day ahead to look forward to!


text: HSG Graduation Days Our Graduation Days offer an opportunity to bid farewell to our graduates at the Bachelor's and the Master's degree. Bachelor and Master Graduation Days Twice a year, the Graduation Days take place at the University of St.Gallen (HSG). In a festive ceremony, graduates are handed their degree certificates and are officially accepted into HSG Alumni, the University's association of former students. In addition, the best Master's graduates of each major are awarded prizes. The next Bachelor's Graduation Day will be celebrated on Saturday, 23 March 2019. Graduates at the Master's Level (including the Courses in Business Education) will receive their degree certificates on Friday, 29 March 2019 and Saturday, 30 March 2019.


text:
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With state revenues up, Keno appears out
HARTFORD -- Keno never really got off the ground after last year's reluctant approval in the General Assembly.
Now, with a projected surplus of $506 million in the fiscal year ending June 30, it's all but dead.
"Every budget is about making compromises," said Andrew Doba, spokesman for Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. "Last session, the governor's goal was to pass a budget that continued to invest in job creation and public education, and to do it without raising taxes.
"Working with Democratic leadership, that's exactly what we accomplished. But we had to agree to Keno and other compromises to get it. It's good news that our economic recovery and state revenues have improved enough that we can consider this item now."
Speaker of the House Brendan Sharkey, D-Hamden, said Wednesday he would work with other legislative leaders to repeal last year's Keno approval. Projected to earn the state about $31 million in new revenue over the first two years, the electronic lottery-type game required a negotiated deal with the two Indian casinos before Keno could be put in bars and restaurants.
Its projected cost was about $5.4 million for installing Keno terminals for betting and viewing in about 2,800 locations statewide.
Sharkey made his announcement at the annual conference of the Connecticut Council of Small Towns in Cromwell. He said that since Keno has yet to be implemented, its repeal is now appropriate.
"Keno was a late addition to the budget last year as a way to help fill a budget hole, but now the revenue is not needed, so I don't see a reason to go forward with it, particularly when it hasn't even started," Sharkey said in a statement. "There was never really a groundswell of support for Keno, it was simply a revenue option that was put on the table during budget negotiations at the time and was acceptable to the governor."
Last year, opposition to expanded state gambling was trumped by budget problems.
But negotiations with Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, the Indian casinos that have monopolies on all gambling except lottery games and pari-mutuel wagering, never really progressed. Increasing state revenues, fueled by sales, gasoline and income taxes, made Keno less attractive.
Senate Minority Leader John McKinney, R-Fairfield, said the announcement coincided with recent poll results that showed waning statewide support for Keno.
"I opposed the legalization of Keno from the moment it was introduced by the speaker and Senate president and signed into law by Gov. Malloy," McKinney said in a statement. "It is not surprising that the governor and speaker had a change of heart shortly after a political poll found that the vast majority of Connecticut residents oppose their plan. But regardless of their motivation, it is in Connecticut's best interest to stop Keno."
Senate President Pro Tempore Donald E. Williams Jr., D-Brooklyn, said revisiting budget options is an advantage of the state's improving fiscal picture.
"I think that it's well-known that I've have never been a supporter of Keno, and I share many of the concerns first raised by Sen. Andrea Stillman (D-Waterford) and now Speaker Sharkey," Williams said. "I look forward to discussing this, as the session progresses, with the members of my caucus."
firstname.lastname@example.com; 860-549-4670; twitter.com/KenDixonCT; facebook.com/kendixonct.hearst; blog.ctnews.com/dixon


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Australia's housing construction sector appears to be finally picking up but economists and industry groups warn further interest rate cuts may be needed to ensure the nascent recovery gathers steam.
The number of residential building approvals rose 2.9 per cent in November, the Australian Bureau of Statistics said on Thursday.
UBS senior economist George Tharenou said the figures suggested a modest recovery was underway in the housing sector, though he said almost all of the growth had been in approvals for multi-unit properties.
He said the figures suggested a series of interest rate cuts from the Reserve Bank of Australia over the past year was helping to stimulate growth in the sector.
The RBA has cut the cash rate, currently at 3.0 per cent, by 1.75 percentage points since November 2011.
"To us it shows an uptrend since the RBA started cutting interest rates," Mr Tharenou said.
"But it does show a shift in household patterns to high-density living, which is the more affordable end of the market," he said.
Construction approvals for multi-unit properties rose 10.1 per cent in November, while approvals for houses fell 0.3 per cent.
But National Australia Bank chief economist Rob Henderson said the housing figures weren't as positive as they first appeared, with a fall in the value of buildings approved.
Mr Henderson said the value of residential buildings approved in the month rose 2.7 per cent, after falling 11.4 per cent in October, while the value of non-residential building approved fell 14.4 per cent.
"It's hard to paint a positive picture out of these figures," he said.
He said the RBA may have to cut interest rates again this year to provide a greater boost to the sector.
"You'd want to see an apparent turnaround for construction before too long, otherwise it suggests more interest rate cuts are needed to stimulate the economy."
Master Builders Australia chief economist Peter Jones welcomed the rise in approvals figures but agreed further rate cuts were needed.
"The danger is that the recovery could run out of steam as the impact of previous interest rate cuts appear to have failed in lifting new homebuyer confidence and underpinning a sustained housing recovery," he said.
"Authorities are banking on a strong revival in residential building as the economy loses mining as its key driver. For this to eventuate, the Reserve Bank should cut interest rates at the next board meeting in February," Mr Jones said.
The ABS figures showed the growth in building approvals was centred around Victoria, which saw an 8.7 per cent rise during November.
All of the other states recorded a fall in approvals, with South Australia, down 13.9 per cent and Tasmania, down 7.7 per cent, the worst performers.


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Renewable energy developer Bioenergy won 71% of the 282MW of wind sold at the auction in December. Wind power developers registered 484 wind projects with a combined capacity of almost 12GW for December's auction. However, most companies subsequently dropped out due to the low prices.
Prices fell consistently from BRL 112/MWh during the auction rounds. By the end, only 11 projects were sold. Beside Bioenergy, three other companies sold power: Egp Serra Azul - controlled by Italy's Enel Green Power; Spain's Enerfin and Brazil's Renova at BRL 89.20/MWh, BRL 87.50/MWh and BRL 88.68/MWh respectively. By comparison, in 2011's auction, average wind power prices were BRL 105.12/MWh.
"We were there, actively participating, but in the end we withdrew," said Marcos Augusto Brandao, CEO of renewables company Desa."I am not going to go into the details," he said. "But I consider selling at such low prices an adventure. We at Desa are committed to delivering what we sell."
Economies of scale
Bioenergy's stance has been raising questions all over the market in Brazil and abroad, so much so that elbia Melo, president of Brazilian wind energy association Abeeolica, dubbed 2012 as "the year we want to forget". Before the auction, she said the low prices that had been a feature of the Brazilian market were not likely to recur, since there would be greater demand in future auctions.
But Bioenergy shrugged off the criticism. The company's CEO Sergio Marques told Windpower Monthly that it could gain competitively from economies of scale and micromanaging projects. Bioenergy is planning to bring forward the start of operations to 2014 so that it can sell power in the non-regulated market, where contracts are shorter but energy can be sold for a higher price.
"Other companies don't have enough experience in wind power, my team has been together since 2001, we built the first Proinfa projects," Marques said.
Last month, Bioenergy announced a BRL 110 million ($53.8 million) project to build 240 kilometres of transmission lines to carry power from its future wind farms in the north-eastern Maranhao state to the grid.
These will be ready in March 2014, more than 30 months before the start of regulated market contracts. At the same time, the first turbines will be operational, Marques said.
"There are many local industries already seeking to buy power for 2014 and 2015 because of higher prices spurred on by the talk of power shortage," he said referring to low reservoir levels that raised alarm bells in Brazil's energy sector a couple of days into 2013. Hydroelectric power makes up 65% of Brazil's energy supply.
Unregulated market
Marques did not say at what price he hopes to sell power in the unregulated market, but it will likely be significantly higher than BRL 87.77/MWh. According to the Brazil Electricity Trading Board CCEE, spot-market prices were above BRL 500/MWh in early January because of low reservoir levels.
Aside from commercial profit, Bioenergy is also relying on reducing installation costs by 22% from BRL 4,500/kW to BRL 3,500/kW ($2,197/kW to $1,708/kW), said Marques.
The company is expected to announce the turbine supplier for its projects later this month. The chosen manufacturer is rumoured to be Chinese. GE supplied the turbines for the company's two other operating wind farms.
Cutting costs
According to Marques, Bioenergy does not sign turnkey engineering contracts. Instead its own employees will develop and manufacture infrastructure such as substations and towers.
"Just by doing this I can cut the cost of building a substation by BRL 20 million to 25 million," Marques said.
The developer can also save money on logistics. Closely managing the order of arrival of towers, hubs, nacelles, blades and other equipment can result in significant savings, he said.


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ASU Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This collection includes most of the ASU Theses and Dissertations from 2011 to present. ASU Theses and Dissertations are available in downloadable PDF format; however, a small percentage of items are under embargo. Information about the dissertations/theses includes degree information, committee members, an abstract, supporting data or media.
In addition to the electronic theses found in the ASU Digital Repository, ASU Theses and Dissertations can be found in the ASU Library Catalog.
Dissertations and Theses granted by Arizona State University are archived and made available through a joint effort of the ASU Graduate College and the ASU Libraries. For more information or questions about this collection contact or visit the Digital Repository ETD Library Guide or contact the ASU Graduate College at firstname.lastname@example.com.
- Gould, Ian
- Moore, Thomas
- Moore, Ana
- 1 Arizona State University
- 1 Pillai, Smitha Thulasi
- 1 English
- Chemistry
- Photosynthesis
- Water Oxidation
- 1 Carotenoids
- 1 Nanoparticles
- 1 Photo protection
- Reverse Fountain Cytoplasmic Streaming in Rhizopus Oryzae
- Diné Research Practices and Protocols: An Intersectional Paradigm Incorporating Indigenous Feminism, Critical Indigenous Research Methodologies and Diné Knowledge Systems
- Developing an Augmented Reality Solution for Mapping Underground Infrastructure
- Characterization of 2D Human Ankle Stiffness during Postural Balance and Walking for Robot-aided Ankle Rehabilitation
- Using Molecular, Cellular and Bioengineering Approaches Towards Understanding Muscle Stem Cell Biology
Natural photosynthesis features a complex biophysical/chemical process that requires sunlight to produce energy rich products. It is one of the most important processes responsible for the appearance and sustainability of life on earth. The first part of the thesis focuses on understanding the mechanisms involved in regulation of light harvesting, which is necessary to balance the absorption and utilization of light energy and in that way reduce the effect caused by photooxidative damage. In photosynthesis, carotenoids are responsible not only for collection of light, but also play a major role in protecting the photosynthetic system. To investigate the role of …
- Contributors
- Pillai, Smitha Thulasi, Moore, Ana, Moore, Thomas, et al.
- Created Date
- 2011


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BuddyTV Holiday Trivia Challenge
A lot of the readers to this blog (you're out there, even if you don't comment! :) ) come to us from BuddyTV, where we're listed as a Premiere Blogger. They understand the sickening dread falling upon us as the first unrelenting hellatus approaches.
So they're running a Holiday Trivia Challenge! Prizes for the Supernatural portion include a script signed by Jared, the anime series signed by Misha, and complete DVD sets, among other things. Other shows are included in the challenge, as well, and participants get entered into the overall prize drawings for Kindle Fire, gift cards, and more.
I'm heading over now to test my knowledge! Come join me!


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A Sandwich A Day: Chicken Shawarma at Hummus & Pita Co.
A new sandwich every day.
In this great city of ours, one could eat a different sandwich every day of the year—so that's what we'll do. Here's A Sandwich a Day, our daily look at sandwiches around New York. Got a sandwich we should check out? Let us know. —The Mgmt.
Walking into Chelsea's Hummus & Pita Co., I was greeted by the sight of hot puffed pitas and roasted meats spinning on spits. The large assembly line counter makes the place feel like a Chipotle where falafel and hummus has replaced carnitas and guacamole.
Though there are lots of options for stuffing your pita (or laffa), we went with the Chicken Shawarma ($6.95) in a whole wheat pita with cucumber salad and harissa. The chicken is juicy and but a little under-seasoned, the cucumber salad is crisp and fresh, and the harissa is fiery in a way that few are.
Each topping and sauce is charged a la carte after the first two, so you could end up building quite the expensive sandwich if you let your imagination run wild (sure I'll have my gyro with baba ganoush, Morrocan beans, chimichurri, and schug!)
This isn't the best shawarma you'll ever have—the ingredients don't quite build on each other the way they should in such a sandwich—but the the myriad customizable options is is enough to bring me back if I need a quick lunch in the neighborhood.
The Hummus and Pita Co.
585 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10011 (map)
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.


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Configuring your mobile handset for using Data Service:
You can get your mobile handset settings for data services using SMS service:
The handset configuration of data service can be got by sending SMS to 738. SMS sending procedure is described below:
Write "set" and send SMS to "738".
In reply SMS you will get a configuration file. Please save the configuration file in your handset. In the time of saving the file please use a pre-configured password 1234.
NOTE: Right now the configuration file supports all Nokia Handsets and Android-based Smart Phones.
Details Internet & MMS Settings
How to configure your set for Internet and MMS?
One of the following 3 (Three) options you may avail for configuring your set:
1. Automatic Settings
A. New/ first time User
You will receive the automatic configuration/setting parameters for Internet and MMS as soon as you insert the Teletalk SIM card the very first time. You just need to save it for enjoying data services.
B. Old User in case of switching your handset
Whenever you are going to change your handset you will automatically receive the setups for the new handset. Just save it. If you again go back to the previous handset you will get settings again that means if you keep on changing your handsets using your SIM you are going to receive new settings each and every time. You can save it or discard it (if you decide not discarding your previous settings). Suppose, your handset model A has been configured properly. For whatever reason if you decide to insert your SIM to Handset Model B you are going to receive settings for model B. Whenever you go back to Model A, you will again receive the settings for model A. You can save it or discard it at your own discretion.
If due to manual change or due to any untoward situation you don't receive system automated SMSs for the settings, please avail the 2nd option as under .
2. Setting through SMS
Just type Set and send to 738. You will receive the Internet and MMS settings one after another. Save the both settings with password 1234.
Even if you miss the SMSs for any untoward reason, please follow the procedures in accordance with your brand as under.
3. Manual Settings
3.1 iPhone
In Settings
Cellular data network
Put APN : WAP
In the same menu put:
MMSC : http://10.5.4.22:38090/was
MMS proxy: 10.5.4.40:8080
MMS Max. Message Size: 100000
3.2 iPad
From the main screen of iPad press
Cellular data network (make Cellular Data ON)
APN Settings
Put WAP in APN field
Keep username and password Blank
3.3 Android Device
Internet Settings
Wireless and Networks
Mobile Networks
Access Point Names
Add a new APN
Name : TT-INTERNET
Keep User name, Password and proxy blank
In same menu add another APN
Name: TT-MMS
MMSC: http://10.5.4.22:38090/was
MMS proxy : 10.5.4.40
MMS port :8080
APN type : MMS
3.4 Window 7.5 and 8 ( Nokia Lumia and others)
Internet settings
Mobile network
Edit apn
Put APN : WAP
3.5 Others
Name: TT-INTERNET
Leave User name, Password and proxy blank
Name: TT-MMS
MMSC/Server Address: http://10.5.4.22:38090/was
Proxy Address: 10.5.4.40


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Drug combating severe nausea in pregnancy begins clinical trial
Pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum, the extreme and debilitating form of morning sickness that Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, famously experienced, may find relief from a medication prescribed for seizure patients.
The first randomized, double-blind, two-arm clinical trial to test gabapentin as a treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum, begins this summer, thanks to a four-year, $1.3 million National Institutes of Health grant to Thomas J. Guttuso Jr, MD, associate professor of neurology and obstetrics and gynecology at the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. The drug is normally prescribed to treat seizures, pain and restless legs syndrome.
The incidence of hyperemesis gravidarum is not precisely known but estimates put it somewhere between 1 and 20 per 1,000 pregnant patients. Approximately 59,000 patients are hospitalized with the condition in the U.S. annually, but experts point out that the condition is very likely underreported.
"I think a lot of people don't appreciate just how sick and disabled these women can be," Guttuso says, noting that 15 percent of women with this condition end up having abortions even though they really want to have children.
"Some of the most severely affected end up having abortions because they have no hope of getting better," he says. "Ending the pregnancy is currently the only effective treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum. These women are so sick. They often retch every 15 to 30 minutes and it can go on all day and often at night as well."
Pregnant women with this condition have long sought relief; several social media sites deal with the condition and Guttuso has been contacted by some of them.
"We could never thank you enough for validating the severity of this debilitating, tormenting and life-threatening condition," one of them wrote upon hearing of the study. "These women who thought they would never be able to have another child are being given a renewed sense of hope."
For the upcoming study, UB and the University of Rochester each will enroll approximately 40 women through Guttuso and Loralei L. Thornburg, MD, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, UR Medical Center.
The 80 women will be randomized to take either gabapentin or another anti-emetic drug, ondansetron. The women must have had moderate to severe refractory nausea and vomiting (i.e. hasn't responded to medication) before 16 weeks of gestation, causing them to lose at least five percent of their pre-pregnancy weight or having other signs of significant malnutrition or dehydration.
Guttuso is a Western New York neurologist and UB professor whose practice with UBMD, the practice plan of the UB medical school, focuses primarily on patients with movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease. He originally became interested in gabapentin when he accidentally discovered that it appeared to be effective in treating hot flashes in postmenopausal women. Soon thereafter, a breast cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy informed him that gabapentin appeared to fully resolve her chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Guttuso thought that it should be tried with patients suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum. He teamed up with several Buffalo obstetricians and UB professor of pediatrics Luther K. Robinson, MD, to do a pilot study on seven pregnant women who had not seen any improvement with other anti-emetic medications.
The pilot study examined the drug's safety, tolerability and effectiveness in treating hyperemesis gravidarum. After two weeks of gabapentin therapy, the seven women experienced an average 80 percent reduction in their nausea and a 94 percent reduction in their vomiting and near normal levels of eating and drinking.
"When they started with gabapentin, all of them showed a marked improvement," he says. "Within two hours of taking the first pill, most patients were feeling much better and several were able to start eating and drinking again. It was a pretty amazing thing to see."
About a year after Guttuso's results were published in 2010, the FDA put the study on clinical hold until further safety data was available; two of the seven infants had been born with birth defects. That clinical hold was removed in May 2012 when a subsequent study reported that the rate of congenital defects among 258 infants born to women taking gabapentin early in pregnancy was about the same as the rate of congenital defects in the general population. That allowed Guttuso to resume his research.
Guttuso says it's not clear how a seizure medication like gabapentin could help with symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
"Our theory is that in some women, particular brain cells become overactive in response to the very large increases in hormone levels that occur early in pregnancy," Guttuso says. "We theorize that this overactivity is partially mediated by too much calcium inflow and that leads to the symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Gabapentin most likely works by preventing the flow of calcium ions into particular brain cells that are involved with the generation of nausea and vomiting."
Guttuso is listed as an inventor on a patent owned by the University of Rochester covering the use of gabapentin for treating hot flashes.
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Baseball honors New York's finest, bravest at FanFest
Tribute Day also recognizes military and teachers at Javits Center
NEW YORK -- Members of the NYPD and FDNY spend much of their lives protecting baseball fans and making sure they're safe in New York City. On Tuesday, Major League Baseball showed its appreciation by honoring both departments as part of Tribute Day at the T-Mobile All-Star FanFest.
"Major League Baseball, it's a part of our life," said Sal Cassano, commissioner of the FDNY. "It's an honor for us to be recognized by Major League Baseball, and the excitement it's brought to New York City is especially gratifying."
In addition to firefighters and police offers, Tribute Day recognized servicemen and women, teachers, community members, as well as anyone who's made a positive difference in the lives of those around them. During Tuesday's Opening Ceremony at the Jacob K. Javits Center, the FDNY and NYPD presented the nation's colors, and firefighter Frank Pizarro sang the national anthem.
Pizarro has performed the anthem at Yankee Stadium in the past, and said it's always special to have the opportunity to work with MLB.
"They always take care of us," said Pizarro, a member of Engine 76 on the Upper West Side. "It's always an honor to do anything with Major League Baseball."
The children of members of the FDNY and NYPD also shared in the festivities, getting the chance to play a game of T-ball on The Diamond, presented by T-Mobile.
Chris Laietta, an officer with the NYPD's Midtown North precinct, said it was a thrill to be a part of FanFest, especially since this isn't something that comes around very often.
"Being that the opportunity of having an All-Star Game only comes to the city once in a while, to be a part of it is really special," Laietta said.
Cassano said both departments have been preparing for All-Star Week for months, making sure fans can feel safe while they're in New York and at Citi Field.
Being able to take part in the event is a special opportunity.
"It's the greatest city, and the greatest state and the greatest country in the world," Cassano said. "To have Major League Baseball here this week, it's great for the city."
The final phase of All-Star Game voting will again have fans participating in the official voting for the Ted Williams All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet. During the Midsummer Classic, fans will vote exclusively online at MLB.com via the 2013 All-Star Game MLB.com MVP Vote, and their voice will represent 20 percent of the official vote determining the recipient of the Arch Ward Trophy.
The 2013 All-Star Game will be played at Citi Field on Tuesday, watch at 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX. Come to MLB.com for extensive online coverage of the All-Star Week festivities.
The 84th All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX Sports, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 200 countries via MLB International's independent feed. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB Network and SiriusXM also will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com.


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Speech by M. François Hollande, President of the Republic (New York, September 24, 2013)
The UN's honour comes from acting whenever people's freedom is denied. The UN's honour comes from acting whenever fundamental rights are compromised. The UN's honour comes from intervening when extremism threatens international security. The UN's honour comes from acting to advance peace.
And in Syria, the situation is urgent.
Urgent because 120,000 people have died in the past two and a half years, 90,000 in the last year alone. A quarter of the population has been displaced. Millions of Syrians have become refugees. And the country has been destroyed.
The worst happened in Damascus on 21 August, when chemical weapons were used against civilians, women and children.
The UN inspectors - the very ones we sent, as part of our organization
have clearly and indisputably established the use of these weapons. Faced with such a horrific crime, France wanted a strong reaction to punish this violation of international law and to deter Bashar al-Assad's regime from committing new massacres. The pressure exerted by my country and others, notably the United States, has produced the first results, because today, negotiations are under way to guarantee the verification and destruction of chemical weapons.
But in order for us to see these negotiations through, I am putting forward three requirements.
The first is that the text must clearly open the way for the Security Council to take up the matter of chemical weapons at any time.
The second is that the resolution we are preparing must provide for coercive measures, i.e. under Chapter VII, should the Syrian regime fail to abide by its commitments. That is in fact what is stipulated in the agreement signed by the Russians and the Americans. One more reason to adopt it as part of the resolution.
The third requirement is that those who committed these crimes must be held accountable in the courts. But beyond this resolution, which should be adopted in the near future, we cannot stop. We must end this war, the most deadly one since this century began. The solution is political and too much time has been wasted. And I'm not going to bring up the blocking of the Security Council again. During this period, not only did the regime step up its violent actions, but terrorist groups took advantage of the international community's inertia, to the detriment of the democratic forces within the Syrian National Coalition. That's why Geneva 2 must be held promptly. But for France, the Geneva 2 meeting isn't about talking, it must be a decision-making conference.
What is the objective ? To install an interim government with full executive powers whose mission could be to restore civil peace, to protect all communities and to organize elections when the time comes. Sometimes I'm asked about the participants in this conference. My answer is simple : all countries - yes, all countries - are welcome provided they accept the objective of installing a transitional government and clearly acknowledge their commitment to a political solution.
The emergency is also humanitarian. In Syria, displaced persons number in the millions and there are now more than 1.5 million refugees distributed among Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon. Lebanon, whose unity and security are directly threatened by the prolongation of this crisis. Nearly 20% of its population is now of Syrian origin. I want to thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for organizing the first meeting of the International Support Group for Lebanon. France is committed to that country because we know how much it has suffered in recent years from the unrest in the Middle East, and how much it must be supported today in its efforts to take in refugees.
There are grave concerns in this part of the Middle East, but there are also rays of hope.
The first is the resumption of negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians. Only negotiations will lead to peace, which is dependent on the coexistence of two states with secure, recognized borders. We must do everything we can to ensure that this opportunity that is now presenting itself to Israelis, Palestinians and the entire region is finally seized, in order to end a conflict whose regional and international repercussions we're all familiar with. Negotiating peace between the Israelis and Palestinians would be a historic act.
The statements by the new Iranian President represent the second ray of hope, because they mark a shift. I don't want to exaggerate, but the question now is whether these words might translate into actions, particularly on the nuclear front. Discussions have been stalled for 10 years, forcing the international community to adopt increasingly harsh sanctions. We all know this situation is dangerous. So France expects Iran to make concrete gestures proving that that country renounces its military nuclear programme, although it is perfectly entitled to pursue its civilian programme. That is why I have chosen to engage in a direct and candid dialogue with President Rouhani. But let me say here that as much as I am in favour of dialogue, I remain firm on the key issue of nuclear proliferation.
The Middle East is not the only region in the world that concerns us. Africa is prey to terrorism. The barbarous attack in Nairobi tragically confirms this yet again.
Victories against terrorism are possible. In Mali, for example, with a clear mandate from the Security Council, African and French forces with support from the Europeans responded to the Bamako authorities' appeal to intervene, and succeeded in ending a large-scale terrorist offensive. Today the results speak for themselves. Mali has regained all of its territory, is guaranteeing the security of its population, and even managed to hold presidential elections on schedule, elections that were recognized as indisputable. Here I would like to welcome the new President of Mali, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, who represents a great West African victory against terrorism.
But the threat continues in the Sahel, and also in Libya where weapons are circulating and terrorist groups have found refuge. There too we must help the Libyan authorities to guarantee the security of their territory and their population. France stands ready.
I would now like to issue a call of alarm, as I did least year with respect to Mali. That alarm concerns the Central African Republic, a small country that has been ravaged for too many years by coups d'état and conflicts. Chaos has now taken hold there. And once again, civilians are its victims. We must put an end to these atrocities, which are also sectarian in nature. That is why I hope the Security Council will issue a mandate and grant logistical and financial means to an African force whose first mission would be to restore stability in the Central African Republic.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, women and children are raped each day in the Kivu region. Here, too, it is imperative for us to continue strengthening Monusco, implementing the Addis Ababa agreement and rejecting all foreign interference.
We must learn from the experiences of recent years. Wherever unrest prevails, terrorism takes hold and spreads. That is the case in Somalia. The attack on Kenya reminds us that al-Shabaab groups, while they may have been defeated, have not yet been eradicated.
That is why the international community must help the African nations to protect themselves.
At the end of the year, France will hold a meeting on peace and security in Africa. It has invited all the African nations to attend. Europe will be represented. The UN too. It's about providing training and equipment for African armies so that they themselves can guarantee the continent's security, combat all forms of trafficking, notably drugs, and fight piracy. The Africans must ensure their own security. But we cannot let them stand alone in the face of terrorist threats.
Our best weapon is the policy to promote development.
Because poverty, unemployment and inequalities sadly provide the most fertile soil for violence and insecurity. Here too, France is calling for the international community to mobilize through the establishment of new funds to finance vital infrastructures and allow access to essential public services.
France is campaigning, together with Europe, for the introduction of innovative financing. First, the tax on plane tickets that benefits UNITAID and has brought in €1 billion since 2006. My country has decided to increase this tax by an additional 10% in order to further improve what we can do to combat the major pandemics (AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria).
France, again with Europe, has instituted a financial transaction tax, and I've decided to allocate 10% of its revenues to activities relating to development, water access and renewable energies. Because in this way, through development, we will help the poorest countries to assure their future and hence their security.
And also to be able to respond to the challenge of climate change, which concerns all of us.
France has stated that it is ready to host the climate conference. Here too, our own security is under threat. Because successive reports all say that if we do nothing, the temperature of our planet will have increased by 3 to 4 degrees by the end of the century. We know the consequences : flooding in some places, drought in others. With direct threats to peace around the world.
So we must try to reach an agreement at this climate conference in 2015. The foundations for this compromise are well known. The agreement must be fair. Everyone must do their bit. The developed countries, which must of course make the biggest effort. The emerging countries, which should not undermine their development but must also understand that climate change threatens them directly. Lastly, the least developed, most fragile, most vulnerable countries need to be supported in this transformation. That's the purpose of the Green Climate Fund created in Durban.
This agreement must also be binding. It cannot just involve the restating of principles ; it cannot just be a mantra in resolutions that will not be put into practice. Because if there's no assessment, if there are no sanctions, there will be no progress. And then there will be an inexorable rise in global warming.
Ladies and gentlemen,
My message is simple. In all areas - international security, nuclear proliferation, development, climate change - the greatest risk is inaction. The worst decision is not to take any decisions. The greatest danger is not recognizing this.
The UN has a responsibility to take action. And whenever our organization proves to be powerless, it's peace that pays the price. That's why I am proposing that a code of good conduct be defined by the permanent members of the Security Council, and that in the event of a mass crime they can decide to collectively renounce their veto powers.
Finally, I hope the Secretary-General's investigative powers will be strengthened and that the UN can, as it did in Syria, establish the truth everywhere, conduct investigations and act accordingly. Our Assembly can independently decide to do this.
Our credibility depends on our ability to intervene swiftly and effectively to enforce international law, sanction any breaches, promote development and save future generations.
We have the legitimacy to do so. It's rooted in the UN Charter. We must be worthy of it.-
This is the context in which France will always assume its responsibilities in all matters.
Thank you./.


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Lobster Roll and More at Neptune Oyster (Boston, MA)
Neptune Oyster is a small seafood restaurant in the North End, and one of the most popular in town. If you don't get there early enough, waits can go up to over an hour! Luckily, we came pretty early and got seated before too long.
Since the place is called Neptune Oyster, we obviously had to start with some oysters. They have one of the bigger selections in town. This time, we tried 4 different oysters from the area: Katama Bay (Edgartown, MA), Thatch Island (Barnstable, MA), Browne's Point (Damariscotta, ME), and Summerside (Bedeque Bay, PEI)
Everything was extremely fresh - I think I liked the Summerside the best from this batch.
Neptune is famous for their lobster roll: Maine Lobster roll, hot with butter ($27)
It's one of the most expensive in the city, but also one of the best. It's served on a buttery brioche bun, and the lobster is soaked in hot butter. It's so rich, the bread gets drenched and the roll becomes messy, but you won't care as you devour it.


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Vogel, Harold L. is the author of 'Entertainment Industry Economics : A Guide for Financial Analysis', published 2010 under ISBN 9781107003095 and ISBN 1107003091.[read more]
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500 pounds of marijuana seized in Md. bust
DEA agents say they also found cocaine at Harold Byrd's home
Federal officials said they found about 500 pounds of marijuana and 5 kilograms of cocaine at a Baltimore County home, along with containers used to ship the drugs from Arizona.
Drug Enforcement Agency officials said agents searched a home in northern Baltimore County earlier this week after intercepting a conversation that led them to believe resident Harold Byrd was selling drugs. According to court documents, agents had been tracking Byrd for some time using a court-authorized tracking device.
Officials said they found the cocaine in a workroom of the Phoenix home and the marijuana in 73 black plastic containers. They said investigator also seized three handguns, an AK-47 and four sets of body armor.
Harold and Joseph Byrd have been charged with possession and intent to distribute drugs.


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Michael Kaplan '85
New agreement benefits alumni, expands New York City program
Starting this spring, alumni will have a chance to stay in the heart of New York City at discounted rates. At the same time, the College will expand its Ithaca College New York City (ICNYC) program for current students.
Ithaca College has entered into an agreement that provides access to a first-class hotel...


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SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Song and merriment and chestnuts roasting highlighted the 26th annual Victorian Streetwalk. Whether clad in authentic 1800s clothing or bundled up in a parka and boots, the Streetwalk revelers enjoyed an evening out. From 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, entertainment and events filled the shops along the sidestreets and Broadway, which was closed to traffic during the festivities. Toy store G. Willikers featured face painting and a Toys for Tots drive. At Circus Cafe, Tim Wechgelaer played Victorian fiddle. And all around the streets marched toy soldiers, elves and even Santa Claus. The line to see Santa, who has a special cottage outside Putnam Market, was lengthy. Most of the children waited patiently, looking at reindeer and bouncing balloons. But misfortune had struck Abigail Rider, 5, who was waiting in line with her family. "I lost my balloon," she said, frowning. "I lost two balloons." Her father assured her they would find her another. Rider brightened as she thought of seeing Santa; she could ask him for a new balloon. Tyler Smith, 12, stood just ahead of the Rider family. He had "Santa Rocks!" painted on his forehead. "I want to ask Santa for a new bike," Smith said. "And tell him 'Merry Christmas.'" The young man accomplished much holiday shopping at the Streetwalk and carried a bag full of gifts for his parents and siblings. He especially liked the gingerbread houses. The gingerbread houses were not for eating, but folks who stopped at Dawgdom found cookies and punch. Dogs accompanying their owners could get a treat as well. Denise Secor of Colonie brought her pit bull, Emma, and store owner Sara Ellis found a treat for the dog. "Sit, Emma! Good girl," Ellis crooned, giving the cookie to a wagging Emma. Secor laughed as her dog scarfed down the treat. "Sara taught her to sit with those cookies," Secor said. Over at Celtic Treasures, owner Paul O'Donnell nibbled a tastier ginger cookie. "I love the Streetwalk," he said. "It's the biggest open house ever. And it's great for business."
Spa City marks holiday season's start with 26th annual Victorian Streetwalk
- Jennie Grey
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Natural Food Markets and Delis:The Fresh Market
The Fresh Market605 Post Road E/H 1Westport,Connecticut
06880 203-227-2910 Map
This gourmet shopping destination features an old world European market ambiance with healthy selections offered in all their departments. There is an old-style butcher shop and fish market; a full service bakery; a globally supplied bulk foods section; a 300+ item produce section with organics; wholesome packaged, refrigerated and frozen groceries; an eclectic selection of gourmet cooking items, and natural personal care products. They also offer daily food and coffee samplings; a European-style delicatessen; quality, value-priced private label products; cooking demonstrations and other in-store events; weekly specials, and a signature selection of prepared foods to go.
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This morning, on my travels through Lewisburg, I passed This sign which made me so happy:
Sweet Frog is coming to Lewisburg! Yessss!
Let me explain, Sweet Frog is part of the latest dessert trend, the yogurt bar where you top your yogurt with all the toppings you want and pay by weight.
The toppings include just about anything you could want to put on yogurt, from gummies to candy to sauces.
My fiancé and I first tried one in Arizona and now we have my whole family hooked.
Now, I normally don't get too hooked on trends, but I couldn't resist this one, and am SO exited to see it hit the Valley.
One yogurt bar opened in Bloomsburg recently and now with this one, I'm hoping yogurt bars are here to stay!
Here's to hoping Danville gets one next!


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To contact us about a review that appears on the wrong location:
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- Under the "What action do you want to take?" dropdown menu, select "Review in wrong location."
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Once our editors have your request we'll happily correct this review for you. The review should appear on the location you selected within a day or so.


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"We Shocked the World" – Fresno State Bulldogs CWS Champions Poster
Has there ever been a bigger upset in the history of NCAA athletics? Who ever even HEARD of Fresno State before June?
Those of you who had heard of the Bulldog school at the foot of the Sierra Madres are probably either alumni or hometown fans, and are probably still as thrilled by the baseball team's exploits as anyone, and are probably going to find a place for this one on the wall of your home or office. This poster commemorates the shocking 2008 NCAA National Baseball Champions (read about it here) with amazing style and flair, commemorating the victory in spectacular fashion. Published in a limited print run of just over 2,000, we were lucky enough to get an allottment of 50 in our warehouse, and are making them available on a first-come, first-served basis. It's not every day that a Fresno State Bulldogs poster comes along, so don't miss your chance!
(And for those of you who are College World Series fans, but not necessarily Fresno State-specific, check out the official poster of the 2008 College World Series tournament, an annual favorite.)Explore posts in the same categories: New Poster Releases
Tags: college baseball, college world series, Fresno State Bulldogs, fresno state universityYou can comment below, or link to this permanent URL from your own site.
One Comment on ""We Shocked the World" – Fresno State Bulldogs CWS Champions Poster"
January 11, 2009 at 3:11 am
Yes, I'm thrilled by Fresno State Bulldogs, and that's a brilliant poster I must say! 🙂


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Hudson Valley Foie Gras
In Ferndale, New York, this is the nation's largest foie gras factory farm in the U.S. And while most factory farms shun visits from the public, Hudson Valley Foie Gras is an exception.
It surprisingly offers tours to the public. So COK's undercover investigator took advantage of this opportunity by scheduling a visit, and wearing a hidden camera during the tour.
Even though this was a white-gloved, guided tour, the video reveals the sheer barbarity of this industry. What he documented can only be described as a torture chamber for birds—from pipes being shoved down their throats and food pumped into their stomachs to being grabbed by their wings, shackled upside down, and their throats slit.
What Is Foie Gras?
Foie gras is French for "fatty liver," and in order to produce this so-called "delicacy," ducks are force fed abnormally large quantities of food, causing their livers to become diseased and swell up to ten times the normal size. After 28 days of force-feeding, the birds are killed, and their diseased livers are marketed as foie gras.


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I did say i died lol well im part back
but on RD i guess im there most of the time
but buu its B_D here not quite BCD though im wodering if i can still get my named changed........lol B_D he'd be happy about that.
Haven't seen you around for a while, I hope you're okay.
Maybe the spam only shows up when I look at my profile? I added a screen cap to that thread so you can see what I mean
Hi mate. I know you're a Luffy fan, have you seen my drawing of him?
Hi thanks for the add.
Hello Dood
Hey man! hope you are well, and ready for the big release! I dont know if you are aware, but I am actually the International news reporter and moderator for a site called hokutodestiny.com, and I was at the London Expo yesterday doing an interview for the site, we would like you to join our facebook page if you havent done so already?? You are very passionate about Hokuto no ken and Ken's Rage. Hope to see you on our site, and I hope you will take a look at my Interview with Will Curley! Regards, Lee Shellum.
Senior Member
Junior Member


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Thor Fish Funny Dark Grey T Shirt
Material: 100% Cotton Ships out in 1-2 Days via USPS High quality unisex Men's Ladies T-shirts that are 100% pre-shrunk cotton with your favorite Viva La Evolucion design. We also carry men's and women's fitted ringspun cotton t-shirts. All t-shirt designs are available in the following color shirts: White, Black, Sport Grey, Charcoal Grey, Dark Chocolate Brown, Daisy Yellow, Gold, Light Blue, and Royal Blue.
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A new 100-room hotel located in the Pinecraft community, the heart of Sarasota's Amish settlement. Stay in peace and comfort, just minutes...
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A luxury landmark on Florida's Gulf coast offering championship golf, private beach-front facilities, award-winning dining, mobile-rated spa, nearby shopping and fishing and...
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Standing 18 stories tall, The Westin Sarasota offers breathtaking views of Sarasota Bay and 255 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites. Located...
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An icon of architecture, service & luxury gallery, dining & social spaces.


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TOKYO — The Japanese government officially said Friday that it doesn't consider bitcoin to be a currency and has no plans at present to regulate it as a financial product.
As it tries to cope with the fallout from the bankruptcy of the Tokyo-based Mt. Gox exchange, the government said that the crypto-currency would be treated like other goods and services, with commercial sales of bitcoin itself and bitcoin-based transactions subject to sales tax. In addition, any gains on exchange rates will be taxed as well.
"Any bitcoin transactions are taxable when they fulfill requisitions stated by laws on income tax, corporate tax and consumption tax," the government said in its statement, which came in response to questions over how bitcoins will be regulated.
At the same time, the statement ruled out treatment of bitcoin as a currency or a financial instrument.
"Bitcoin are neither Japanese nor foreign currencies and its trading is different from deals stated by Japan's bank act as well as financial instruments and exchange act," according to a document released by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet.
It also said that banks won't be allowed to offer bitcoins to their customers.
But the statement also suggested that the government remains uncertain over how to deal with bitcoin, which aren't widely used in Japan even though Mt. Gox was itself the market leader with an 80% share of the trading at its peak.
An expanded version of this report appears on WSJ.com
More must-reads from MarketWatch:
Why the payrolls report won't shake stocks
Amazon's got a killer new app, and Bezos knows it


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So we can share understanding, I quote here from a linked article on a new [to me] word that too accurately describes me, my condition or situation.
"There are some words out there that are brilliantly evocative and at the same time impossible to fully translate. Yiddish has the word shlimazl, which basically means a perpetually unlucky person. German has the word Backpfeifengesicht, which roughly means a face that is badly in need of a fist. And then there's the Japanese word tsundoku, which perfectly describes the state of my apartment. It means buying books and letting them pile up unread.
The word dates back to the very beginning of modern Japan, the Meiji era (1868-1912) and has its origins in a pun. Tsundoku, which literally means reading pile, is written in Japanese as 積ん読. Tsunde oku means to let something pile up and is written 積んでおく. Some wag around the turn of the century swapped out that oku (おく) in tsunde oku for doku (読) – meaning to read. Then since tsunde doku is hard to say, the word got mushed together to form tsundoku.
As with other Japanese words like karaoke, tsunami, and otaku, I think it's high time that tsundoku enter the English language..."
Reference: http://www.openculture.com/2014/07/tsundoku-should-enter-the-english-language.html
Yes, I buy books, yes they are actually, literally, piled up in a room upstairs. (While on vacation this month I picked up several more.) But dammit I have EVERY INTENTION of reading them. Well, most of them. Really. Someday. Not today, but SOMEDAY!
Here are some books I recently purchased and why I bought them.
Please share your tsundoku stories!
There's one called Saint Who? - 39 Holy Unknowns. We visited the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles gift shop and saw this.I think the clever subtitle got me.
Jacob T. Marley, was in the bookstore too, something I saw when it first came out but didn't want to spend the money. Seeing it reminded me that I wanted to read it. So I checked one of my favorite sources: ABE Books dot com. Found it for a song and free shipping. I might actually read this one.
And yet another Chesterton tome: The Catholic Church and Conversion. Ha ha. I buy stuff like this 'for my husband' who is interested in the church, but who will never read Chesterton.
Then we were at Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park Visitor Center and I saw Adopted by Indians. But they wanted way too much (for my budget) So standing there in the bookstore I checked Amazon, found it for a fraction (and free shipping).
Then, while I was looking at Amazon I noticed Roadside Geology of Northern California on my wish list. The price was going up not down, so I figured I might as well get it. It's been on the wish list for quite a while. This is a reference work. Therefore I don't have to have any intention of reading it. It's just good to have around, right? You don't READ dictionaries. You USE them. So...there, that's that one.
So...how about you?


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Nigerian security forces gunbattle with extremists
Security forces engaged Islamic extremists in a five-hour gunbattle that killed one suspect in Sokoto city in northwest Nigeria, the police reported Friday.
It's apparently the first report in a year of activity in Sokoto by suspected members of the Boko Haram, the extremist group that is blamed for attacks on schools that have killed dozens of children in its stronghold in northeast Nigeria.
Local news reports said the attackers were plotting to assassinate the Sultan of Sokoto, the pre-eminent leader of Nigeria's tens of millions of Muslims, who preaches against extremism. Boko Haram, whose name means "Western education is sacrilege," has in the past threatened to kill the sultan.
But deputy police superintendent Almustapha Sani told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Friday from Sokoto that he did not have any information about an assassination plot.
He said one suspect captured in the shootout indicated the group was planning to rob banks and commercial centers to get money to buy arms.
Sani said five women and six children living with the militants were "rescued."
The shootout began before dawn Thursday and lasted hours because security forces were afraid of killing civilians, he said.
"The terrorists use them as human shields so this was an extremely successful operation in that no security force member was killed and no civilian was killed," he said. The joint force of police, military and State Security Service intelligence officers attacked a home on the outskirts of Sokoto, acting on information that it was being used as a hideout by the militants. At least two extremists escaped, Sani said.
Sokoto state is not under the state of emergency that was declared May 14 in three northeast states where the government acknowledged the militants had taken over entire towns and villages.
Thousands of troops deployed to halt the Islamic uprising have claimed success in pushing the extremists out of towns and many villages.
But attacks have continued, with the U.N. children's agency reporting 48 students and seven teachers slain since June in northeast Nigeria.
On Friday, as Nigerian Muslims celebrated the third day of Ramadan fasting season, the Sultan of Sokoto appealed to his followers to "fervently pray for the peaceful co-existence and security and stability of Nigeria."
Boko Haram wants to institute strict Shariah law in all of Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation of more than 160 million people almost equally divided between Christians and Muslims.
Extremists have killed more than 1,600 people since 2010, according to an AP count.
The Islamic uprising poses the greatest security threat in years to Africa's biggest oil producer.