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Sophia Bush goes Gaga for 'One Tree Hill,' remains dedicated to the Gulf
Bush - who still struggles with an old knee injury, not to mention asthma - was never an avid runner, but she set the half-marathon goal for herself in order to raise funds for Global Green's effort to rebuild the gulf coast after the oil spill.
Her fellow CW star, "Supernatural's" Misha Collins, has proven the formula successful; this week he ran 52 miles (83 km) in one day and raised over $67,000 dollars for orphanages in Haiti and victims of the Pakistan flooding. That number is still climbing as pledgers pony up their promised donations.
Bush will run in November, but she and boyfriend/co-star Austin Nichols have raised over $11,800 - so it looks like those painful legs are already paying off.
Luckily, she doesn't have to go it alone. "One of the girls on the running team has been putting me through very painful shin splints stretches," Bush says. "I've resisted the urge to kick her in the face." She's also got an army of over 90,000 Twitter followers behind her. "I've got all these people tweeting information on how to make them feel better and how to prevent them in the future," she says.
Sophia never thought she'd be a presence on any kind of social networking site. "The idea of actively giving people access to me and my personal life literally repulsed me," she says. "Now, my one regret is that we didn't start on Twitter years ago. I wish I had a bigger reach, because I know the bigger the reach the better the fund raising."
We spoke with Sophia and Nichols after their trip to Grand Isle in June, when Sophia told us she was "enraged" about the Gulf oil disaster. She hasn't calmed down any. "People think that it's stopped and they think that everything is okay, but things are steadily getting worse," she says. "We're only just starting to realize the ramifications of the abysmal way that the situation was handled."
She explains that the correctant and dispersants being released into the water are actually exacerbating the oil problem, not solving it. "We're just getting information abut how toxic the dispersant is," she says. "B.P. has been very clever in breaking up the oil particles so we're not seeing anymore giant plumes or slicks, and people think things are getting better. Instead, the particles are now so small they're being ingested by our sea life and contaminating everything, killing everything."
Bush encourages her fans and Twitter followers to use their "little voices" whenever possible, and she intends to keep using hers until her message is heard. "The most important piece of information for me to let other people know is that this is a situation that is still causing total devastation. It's not a finite issue. It's not like there was oil and now there isn't."
"I'm very nervous that most people who aren't following this closely think that it's over," she says. "We're still seeing disruptive activity. We're just starting the long road ahead to getting better."
Beside Sophia on that road are some high-profile companions. "I was shooting some specials for this season of 'One Tree Hill' up in Asheville," she says, "And I was in my hotel room on the phone with Ian Somerhalder and Deepak Chopra talking about the changes that still need to be made. It was beyond. Deepak is someone I've admired my whole life, and now we're sitting on the phone and emailing each other and I can't believe it's happening."
As for Somerhalder, Bush practically gushes about him. "Ian is absolutely incredible," she says. "When you connect so seriously on something that is absolutely inherent in your heart, that you're passionate about, you become family. It's like when you meet a friend and immediately, they're just in your soul." She feels the same way about everyone who has raised their voices in support of the victims of the oil spill.
Keep in mind that one way to support Louisiana residents is to contribute to the tourism in the area. "People should absolutely still visit," Sophia says, having loved the area since she was a child. "The amazing restaurants in New Orleans are no less amazing just because they're not serving gulf catch. The town is no less wonderful, the music no less lively. It's absolutely worth it to make those plans and go there now -- but we shouldn't be lying to people about the situation. The fishermen I worked with still aren't comfortable feeding people the catch right now."
So what can we do? "Even though it's scary and frustrating, don't get discouraged," she urges. "Keep paying attention. Keep reading. Keep listening. Keep active. Keep writing. The one thing that we have is our voice."
We can't help but boggle at Bush's dedication. But how does she find the time to raise money, tweet, train for her run, chat with Deepak Chopra, and -- oh yeah -- star in a television show? "It's not easy," she laughs. "These last weeks have been really tough. I'm a bit behind on my fund raising because I'm prepping my episode."
Bush started directing the sixth episode of "One Tree Hill's" 8th season on Thursday, Sept. 2. "I have the most difficult episode of the year thus far," she says. "It's pretty crazy. Our producers were like, 'Wow, you got this episode? Yikes.' Luckily, I'm OCD, so it'll happen."
For any of Sophia's "little voices" who also consider themselves "little monsters," the episode will be especially awesome. "I've got my own little moment that I inserted," she teases. "It's an homage to Lady Gaga, because she's a bad, bad, b**** and I love her."
On screen, Bush's character Brooke is happily engaged. "She's very happy, but don't think there won't be drama," she says. "There will always, always be drama."
Here's what we do know: the drama won't come in the form of Julian (Nichols) leaving Brooke. "He's not going anywhere," says executive producer Mark Schwahn. "The wedding is happening." Alex ( Jana Kramer) won't be coming between Brooke and Julian again.
"This is a guy with a good heart," Bush says. "Alex was incredibly inappropriate with him last season, and he's not going to leave anybody who is in trouble stranded, but he's also never going to cheat on his woman. He will wait and wait and wait and tell her over and over again until she gets it."
Bush speaks of Brooke as if she's an old friend, which seems appropriate, given that she's in her eighth year playing the character. Her passion for her job never distracts her from her other missions, though.
"I have some free time tomorrow," she says. "So that's when I'll make about 80 phone calls for fund raising stuff. We've got a lot on the horizon - in addition to contests, we've got giveaways, and we've just collaborated with Gold's Gym on an amazing project to benefit the Gulf. We've had incredible support since we started making our voices heard. It's the one thing we have, as Americans -- they're not allowed to make us be quiet, and that's a very valuable tool."
To support Sophia and Austin on their Run for the Gulf, you can contribute via Crowdrise. If you donate $50 or more to Sophia's Crowdrise page, she'll send you an autographed 8x10 photo. If you donate $50 or more to Austin's Crowdrise, he'll do the same.
Follow Zap2it and @cadlymack on Twitter and Zap2it on Facebook for the latest TV, movie and celebrity news.
Photo credit: CW


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If you missed “Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary” at the Kiggins Theatre, don’t fret—it’s playing at the Liberty Theatre in downtown Camas at 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, and again at 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 21. This film celebrates the groundbreaking music of jazz legend John Coltrane.
Chasing Trane is the definitive documentary film about an outside-the-box thinker with extraordinary talent whose boundary-shattering music continues to impact and influence people around the world. This smart, passionate, thought-provoking and uplifting documentary is for anyone who appreciates the power of music to entertain, inspire and transform. Written and directed by critically-acclaimed documentary filmmaker John Scheinfeld (The U.S. vs. John Lennon and Who Is Harry Nilsson…?), the film is produced with the full participation of the Coltrane family and the support of the record labels that collectively own the Coltrane catalog. Scheinfeld brings his strong story-telling skills to the creation of a rich, textured and compelling narrative that takes the audience to unexpected places.
The film will play in the Liberty’s Granada Studio. Tickets are $8 for all seats. Theater-style refreshments are available in the lobby, as are craft beers and fine wines. For more information about upcoming films at this restored landmark historical theater, visit www.camasliberty.com.

domain: entertainment


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Several Limestone County road and bridge projects are slated for this spring and summer, including resurfacing, adding lights, widening roads and replacing bridges.
This spring the county will install flashing warning lights at the intersections of Capshaw and Jones roads, Zehner and Quinn and Easter Ferry and Coffman with federal high-risk rural road funds. District 2 funds will pay for a traffic signal at the Capshaw and Sanderson roads.
By this summer, resurfacing and widening work will be underway on Thomas L. Hammonds Road from U.S. 31 to Sandy Road with state industrial access funds, and Holt Road from Bain Road to Wales Street will receive safety improvements and widening with federal road money.
ATRIP first round
The county and the city of Athens received nearly $1.2 million in the first round of Alabama Transportation Road and Improvement Program funding announced in May 2012.
ATRIP allows sponsoring counties and municipalities to improve roadways with a 20 percent local match. The 80 percent state match is funded by GARVEE bonds, which provide the state with immediate access to future federal dollars to pay for road and bridge projects.
Local ATRIP projects include a $475,000 bridge on Mooresville Road over French’s Mill Creek with a county match of $95,000, and about $972,000 to resurface Lucas Ferry and Sanderfer roads from Alabama 99 to U.S. 31 with a city match of about $972,000.
The bridge replacement on Mooresville Road is still pending the outcome of an endangered species study by the county and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, according to County Engineer Richard Sanders.
In second-round funding announced on Feb. 4, Limestone County corralled more than $3.5 million from ATRIP.
Athens-sponsored projects included about $519,000 to resurface Lindsay Lane from Brownsferry Road to Alabama 251 with a city match of nearly $104,000. The city also received $590,000 with a local match of $118,000 for a bridge on Cambridge Lane over French’s Mill Creek.
The town of Elkmont secured $407,000 to resurface Upper Fort Hampton Road from Alabama 172 to Sandlin Road with a local match of $81,400.
A joint $206,000 project by the county and Athens to improve the intersection at Huntsville-Brownsferry Road and U.S. has a local match of $41,2000.
The county was approved for a $522,000 bridge on Lucas Ferry Road over Mud Creek ($104,400 local match), and two bridges for $762,000 on Ragsdale Creek Road over Ragsdale Creek ($152,400).
The county also was approved for $575,000 to resurface Elk River Mills Road from Baker Hill Road to Alabama 99 ($115,000), and $869,000 to resurface Nick Davis Road from Mooresville Road to Sanderson Road ($173,800).

domain: news


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Developing Dementia Dexterity: 3-session webinar using Zoom
A 3-part webinar designed to help improve skills and confidence for people taking care of someone at home with dementia or Alzheimer’s. This program helps caregivers understand the effects of dementia on the brain, learn how to communicate and create a positive caregiving environment, understand how to manage or redirect challenging behavior, and provide meaningful daily activities. Sessions meet once a week for 1.5 hours via Zoom.
Thursday Afternoons / October 14 – October 28, 2021 / 2:00 – 3:30 pm:

domain: psychology


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To support the new Bitcoin law, the El Salvador legislature has decided to create a $ 150 million fund. The money came from the reallocation of a loan that was intended to stimulate the economy.
On September 7th, a law came into force in Central American El Salvador that raised Bitcoin to legal tender status. We have already reported several times that part of the population is anything but enthusiastic about it. But this does not concern the government. The Legislative Finance Committee has now approved a $ 150 million trust fund to support President Nayib Bukele’s plan. The Development Bank of El Salvador (BANDESAL) appears as the trustee of the fund.
According to a report in the Salvadoran daily Diario de Hoy, the proposed amount could even increase. According to the report, parliamentarians also approved a reform of the state budget in 2021. The reform allows $ 500 million to be diverted from a loan from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), which was originally intended for the economic recovery of small and medium-sized businesses.
Government of El Salvador advertises Chivo-Wallet with a bonus
On the day the new law goes into effect, El Salvador will also introduce a wallet called Chivo. It simplifies transactions and the exchange of the current national currency, the US dollar, into Bitcoin. The government announced the trust fund back in June. He is providing funds to cash out the $ 30 bitcoin bonus that citizens receive when they sign up for Chivo. President Bukele has stressed that El Salvador’s citizens are by no means forced to download the app. In addition, the government is setting up 200 ATMs (Cajeros Chivo) to support Bitcoin transactions.
According to a current estimate, only around 50,000 residents of El Salvador currently own Bitcoin, which makes up just 0.8 percent of the population. The Bukeles initiative is expected to increase this number to 4 million, according to a government announcement. However, it is not clear from this whether this number includes only active users of cryptocurrencies or all people who would sign up for the Chivo wallet.
But the government of El Salvador is not only trying to allay the concerns of the population through the USD 30 bonus. Opponents of the law include retirees, veterans and workers who are concerned that their pensions could be paid out in Bitcoin. For them, the volatility of Bitcoin is a major factor of uncertainty. However, the government made it clear that salaries and pensions will continue to be paid in US dollars. The prices for goods and services also remain expressed in the world reserve currency.


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Dana Medical Library is now open to UVM affiliates with an active CATCard and to UVM Medical Center employees. Library resources, services, and support are also available online!
Welcome! This research guide will introduce you to the use of Mental Measurements Yearbook with Tests In Print, commonly referred to simply as MMY.
Throughout this guide, the "lock" icon will be used to indicate licensed resources that require a UVM or UVM-Medical Center logon and password when accessing from off-campus.

domain: library


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BHS wrestlers place six at Raytown meet
The Baldwin High School wrestling team traveled to Raytown, Mo., Saturday to compete in the annual Raytown Christmas Tournament.
This tournament has always been a tough one for BHS because it features 20 big-class schools, numerous state placers, national champions and all-americans. Baldwin placed 14th as a team.
The Bulldogs placed a first-ever six placers at Raytown, but unfortunately were unable to get a wrestler in the finals. Freshmen Alan Callahan and sophomores Kevin Callahan and Gabe Mason all placed third in their weight classes. Alan Callahan went 6-2 at 103 pounds, Kevin Callahan went 7-1 at 125 lbs. and Mason went 8-1 at 160 lbs.
"It was a tough tournament and we could see what our strong and weak points were," junior Brandon Reed said. "I'm looking forward to our next tournament."
Senior Matt James and and Michael Thurlow both placed fifth. James went 6-2 at 130 lbs. and Thurlow went 6-2 at 119 lbs., despite not being seeded.
"I am very, very proud of the team, every single one of them," head coach Kit Harris said. "We faced a lot of adversity, a lot of physical and mental challenges. But everyone showed valor and we certainly left that tournament a better team then when we entered it."
Rounding out the placers, was senior Josiah Mason placing eighth at 152 lbs. and went 3-4. Josiah Mason had a tough first day losing two matches in the final seconds and his third being pinned after building a strong lead. Junior Sam Wilson finished one round away from placing at 145 lbs, going 3-4.
"The first day of wrestling, for me, was difficult because I wasn't mentally into it," Josiah Mason said. "The second day was much better. The team as a whole was definitely learned some tough, but necessary lessons in order to obtain the success that we are striving for."
Next up for the Bulldog wrestlers will be host to Burlington at 5 p.m. Jan. 12 at BHS.
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- Officials say work on Baldwin City entrances to be finished in time for Maple Leaf Festival
- Baldwin school board hears proposal to fix aging high school HVAC system


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Learning Impact: The Importance of Storytelling
MP4 | Video: AVC 1280×720 | Audio: AAC 44KHz 2ch | Duration: 31M | 196 MB
Genre: eLearning | Language: English
Stories can transform even the driest content into something memorable. Learners of all stripes-visual, auditory, and kinesthetic-often have an easier time retaining concepts when they’re weaved into a compelling narrative. In this course, Paul A. Smith shows how to build engaging training content using essential storytelling techniques. Discover how to choose the right story to tell in the right situation, as well as how to structure your story. Plus, learn how to incorporate emotion, surprise, and humor into your training to make the content more fun and relatable to learners.
(Buy premium account for maximum speed and resuming ability)


The advantage about tomato clip
1. Connect plants to trellis twine quickly and easily，Can reduce labor intensity, improve efficiency and save the time.
2.Quick-release feature allows clips to be moved easily and to be saved and reused for multiple crops throughout a growing season, up to one year,low cost and easy to harvest.
3.Increase the output, easy to harvest, low cost.


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A draft constitution of the BCCI was submitted in the Supreme Court in a sealed cover on Monday, incorporating suggestions of the Justice RM Lodha panel on reforms in the cash-rich cricket body.
Also, the apex court, which had summoned BCCI office- bearers CK Khanna, Amitabh Choudhary and Aniruddh Chaudhry for allegedly coming in the way of the preparations of the draft constitution, took note of their personal appearance on Monday and exempted them from appearing before it on November 29, the next date of hearing.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra made it clear that it would not allow any plea now seeking to intervene in the ongoing proceedings, saying that they would be “cruelly” rejected.
“In pursuance of an earlier order, the draft constitution has been filed. The personal appearance of the office-bearers is now dispensed away with,” the bench, which also comprised Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, said.
Earlier, the bench had summoned the three officials after it was alleged that they had been stalling the process of framing of draft constitution, being framed in accordance with its judgement, and had warned them of serious consequences if they failed to give suggestions.
The top court had said that the draft constitution should include the suggestions of the Lodha committee in its entirety so that a holistic document can be placed before it for a final decision.
The three officials were also present today in the court in compliance with its August 23 order summoning them to appear before it.
The court had earlier expressed its displeasure that the directions were given by it and its order on the recommendations of the Lodha panel had not been implemented yet.
The bench had directed the Committee of Administrators to prepare a draft constitution of the BCCI in terms of its earlier judgement and order on the Lodha panel recommendations.
The Justice Lodha panel had recommended a slew of structural reforms in BCCI which were approved by the apex court.
It had approved the Lodha panel’s recommendations such as ‘one state, one vote’; ‘one member, one post’; and fixing an age-cap of 70 years on those occupying BCCI posts.
The Lodha panel was formed in January 2015 in the wake of the Justice Mukul Mudgal Committee report that called for reforms within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The Mudgal panel had gone into state of affairs of the BCCI, following the 2013 IPL betting and spot-fixing charges.
The court had in its July 18 last year verdict accepted most of the recommendations of the Lodha committee to reform the BCCI following charges of large-scale maladministration in the cash-rich cricket body.

domain: law


₹559 - ₹379.00
(as of Jul 14,2023 01:33:05 UTC – Details)
Trance Home Linen presents the 180 TC Cotton Large Size 20×30 inch Printed Pillow Covers, offering a touch of elegance and comfort to your bedroom, home, hotels, farmhouse, and more. This set includes 2 pieces of pillow covers, perfectly sized at 20 x 30 inches (51 x 76 cm), suitable to fit standard large size pillows. Crafted from 100% cotton, these pillow covers are made with high-quality yarn, featuring a 40s yarn quality and a thread count of 180. This ensures a soft and luxurious feel, providing you with utmost comfort during your sleep or relaxation time. The fabric has undergone a thorough test, and a fabric test report has been uploaded for your reference. Adding to their charm, these pillow covers are designed with a 2 cm flange on all edges, giving them an elegant and sophisticated look. The satin stripe pattern adds a subtle touch of style to your bedding ensemble, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your bedroom decor. Please note that the product color may slightly vary compared to the photographic image due to different display settings. To maintain the pristine condition of these pillow covers, it is recommended to wash them gently in cold water. Avoid bleaching and using harsh detergents to preserve the quality and longevity of the fabric. For a coordinated look, you can search for Trance Home Linen bedsheets and bolster covers on Amazon, as they offer matching designs to complement your pillow covers. These pillow covers also make an excellent choice for housewarming ceremony gifts or gifting to friends and family. The timeless design and premium quality of Trance Home Linen ensure that these pillow covers will be cherished by your loved ones. Experience the comfort, style, and hypoallergenic properties of these pure cotton pillow covers from Trance Home Linen. Elevate your sleep experience and enhance the beauty of your living spaces with this exceptional product.
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The Steam Engineer’s Handbook is volume that began for tradesmen in the early 20th century. Small, straightforward and satisfactory to requirements. It begins with practical mathematical guidance which could benefit any elementary student of applied mathematics. Volumes of cylinders, cubes and oblongs and equations for the measurement of pressure within a pipe or boiler. The contents hardly stop there however, and the reader can expect a practical guide to relevant chemistry, a construction brief on the major types of furnace and stern directive on how to obtain quality steam. It is likely this comprehensive approach that kept this book in use for engineers until later in the century and keeps it relevant to this day.
This book was intended to be, in its author’s words, ‘A convenient reference book for all persons interested in Steam Boilers, Steam Engines, Steam Turbines and the other Auxiliary appliances and Machinery of Power plants’. Calculated to be a handbook in the literal sense this book is academic without the faintest trace of elitism and optimistic about the possibility of solving just about any steam engine, boiler or auxiliary system problem. The scope was ambitious from the start but it keeps this book fascinating.
At the time of writing these technologies did not simply heat homes, baths or meals for society. It pushed steamships across the Atlantic and powered cross continental trains to cut through the unbroken landscape. This technology was reaching the world and bringing it within our grasp. This book stowed away in the pockets of the engineers as they went.
In order to keep the book of such size as to be carried conveniently in the pocket, the treatment of many of the subjects has necessarily been brief; but subjects of greater importance, as, for example, the care and Operation of boilers and engines, have been dealt with more fully. The various tables have been selected with great care, and only those have been included which are likely to be consulted most frequently. The numerous rules and form ulas are stated as simply and concisely as possible, and their applications are clearly illustrated by the full solution of many examples.
Another important feature is the inclusion of abstracts from the license laws of the various citiesand states in which such laws have been adopted. These abstracts serve to indicate how and to whom applications for license must be made and what qualifications are necessary in order to obtain licenses of the various grades. The United States marine license law is given in full.
Care has been taken to arrange the several por tions in a convenient and logical manner, and a very_ full index increases further the facility with which any given subject may be located.


Combined gross fraud losses on South African-issued bank cards soared by 18% in 2018, compared to the previous year, and totalled an astronomical R873.4-million, industry body Sabric said on Wednesday.
Browsing: Kalyani Pillay
The South African Banking Risk Information Centre on Thursday warned of a surge in Sim-swap fraud in the country.
Three hours, around 100 people, 1 400 Japanese ATMs and 1 600 counterfeit credit cards, was all it took for fraudsters to exploit Standard Bank in Japan. The bank, which stands to lose up to R300m, described the attack as a “sophisticated
A R300m card fraud hit on Standard Bank in Japan is an incident of transnational organised crime that was well planned and executed, says a local banking risk body. The South African Banking Risk Information Centre
Local bank customers must pay closer attention to their mobile security, the South African Bank Information Centre (Sabric) said on Thursday. Sabric, which is a non-profit company, was formed
Despite the introduction of Europay, MasterCard and Visa chip cards by South Africa’s banks, fraudsters continue to clone the cards to use them in countries that haven’t implemented the EMV standard for card payments. Until the banks stop
The banking industry’s gross fraud losses due to South African-issued credit card fraud has soared in 2014. In the first nine months of the year, losses have accelerated to R453,9m, from R366m in the same period a year ago. The biggest contributor
Bank customers should be aware of bank-related scams to avoid falling victim to them, the South African Banking Risk Information Centre said on Tuesday.”We want to warn customers to be vigilant during the festive season, especially around
There are simple steps the public can take to prevent ATM fraud, the South African Banking Risk Information Centre said on Wednesday. “There is a perception that most bank-related [crime] matters are perpetrated by internal staff in banks,” Sabric CEO Kalyani Pillay told
The value of debit card fraud losses decreased by 42% between January and September this year compared to the same period last year, the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (Sabric) said on Monday. It fell from R204m to R117,7m over the two years, it said in a statement


A video surveillance system refers to a network of cameras and confederate equipment utilized to monitor and record activities in a particular area, handing over video footage for security, safety, and monitoring purposes.
It captures and reserves video footage, authorizing for real time monitoring and further examination. Video surveillance are generally used in different types of settings, including homes, businesses, and public spaces, to strengthen security, deter crime, and ensure the safety of people and assets.
Here are some important points about video surveillance:
- It improve security and track activities in various settings.
- Incorporation with other security systems improves overall security measures.
- It are effective and can be customized to suit particular requirements.
- Regular maintenance and technical assistance to make sure optimal performance.
- Cloud and AI technologies can be incorporated for enhanced storage and analytics capabilities.
Benefits of Video Surveillance System:-
Here are some detailed explanations of the benefits of video surveillance system, which are discussed below.
1. Crime prevention and caution:
Video surveillance play an important role in preventing and precautionary various criminal activities. The mere existence of cameras acts as a strong deterrent, as potential criminals are aware that their activities are being monitored and recorded. This knowledge essentially diminishes the possibilities of criminal acts happening in the first place. Areas with visible cameras are generally considered high risk targets by criminals, leading them to search for alternative, less risky locations for their criminal activities.
In addition, in case that a crime does take place, video footage captured by surveillance cameras becomes helpful evidence for identifying offenders, determining the sequence of events, and helping law enforcement in their investigations. This proof can be utilized in court to build up guilt and ensure the successful prosecution of criminals.
2. Improved security and safety:
Video surveillance system contribute to the entire security and safety system in different types of environments, such as public spaces, commercial establishments, educational institutions, and residential areas. By constantly keeping a check on the surroundings, these security systems empower security guards to identify potential threats in real time and take instant action to address them.
The locations with high security systems, including airports or government buildings, that systems can incorporate excessive control systems to offer an extensive security solution. This authorized security personnel to keep an eye on access points, demonstrate individuals, and respond immediately to any security breaches or doubtful activities.
Furthermore, that systems are advantageous in emergency circumstances. They help in coordinating response efforts, provide guidance to emergency services to the correct locations, and deliver essential information to ensure the safety of individuals present in the affected area.
3. Remote monitoring and administration:
Developments in technology have facilitated video surveillance systems to provide remote monitoring facilities. With the help of internet connectivity, people can access live video feeds and recorded footage from anywhere, by utilizing their smartphones, tablets, or computers. This facility is especially beneficial for businesses with numerous locations or individuals who want to monitor their property while away.
Remote monitoring permits for real time assessment of activities and incidents, offering the ability to respond on the nail to any issues that may come about. Managers can remotely view surveillance footage to make sure operations are running appropriately, administer performance of employees, and make informed decisions based on the observations.
4. Employee and customer safety:
Video surveillance systems contribute to developing a safer environment for employees and customers. They perform as a restraint against harassment, violence, and theft at any workplace. The presence of cameras delivers an accurate message that inappropriate and irrelevant behavior will not be tolerated, resulting in a more secure and respectful workplace.
In the case of an incident consisting of employees or customers, video footage becomes important evidence. It can support in determining the sequence of events, pick out individuals involved, and offer an authentic account of what transpired. This evidence is necessary for internal investigations, dispute resolutions, and potential legal proceedings.
It also help in implementing safety protocols and pointing out potential hazards within a site. By administering work areas, managers can make sure compliance with security procedures, determine areas that require modifications, and take cautious actions to prevent accidents and injuries.
5. Operational efficiency and productivity:
Video surveillance provide advantages beyond security. These systems can contribute to correcting effective functioning and productivity in several industries.
By monitoring procedures and workflows, managers can classify obstructions and inefficiencies. This observation authorizes them to make informed decisions, simplify operations, and distribute resources more effectively. For instance, in a manufacturing factory, surveillance cameras can assist in identifying areas where production of goods slows down or where breakdowns of equipment or machinery occur frequently. This information empowers managers to enforce measures to address these problems and improve overall productivity in the factory.
Moreover, video surveillance systems support decreasing time theft and illegal breaks. By monitoring attendance and activities of employees in an organization, managers can assure faithfulness to work schedules, discover instances of employee misbehavior, and carry out workplace discipline when necessary.
6. Loss prevention and asset protection:
Loss prevention is an important aspect for every business across various industries. Video surveillance systems provide an efficient method for protecting assets and reducing losses due to theft, mischief, or illegal access.
By tactically placing cameras in important areas including entrances, exits, storage facilities, and high value merchandise displays, businesses can put off potential thieves and keep an eye on any doubtful activities. The existence of surveillance cameras makes an appreciation of accountability among employees and customers, decreasing the probabilities of theft or misconduct.
In the circumstance of a theft or other security violation, video footage offers valuable evidence for pointing out the offenders and recovering stolen assets. This evidence is also important for insurance claims, empowering businesses to demonstrate their losses and facilitate the claims process.
In addition, video surveillance can assist businesses identify and prevent internal theft or fraud of employees within an organization. By monitoring employee activities, businesses can recognize unauthorized access to confined areas, inventory depreciation, or events of employee misconduct. This information lets for convenient interference and convenient disciplinary action, encouraging a culture of accountability and honesty within the organization.
7. Evidence for investigations and legal purposes:
Video surveillance systems play a crucial role in giving evidence for investigations and authenticate course of actions. The high quality video footage captured by these systems can be fundamental in rebuilding events, deciding liability, and making sure an equitable settlement of disputes.
In criminal investigations, video footage provides important evidence for identifying offenders, setting up timelines, and verifying witness statements. Law enforcement agencies depend on surveillance footage to improve their investigations and boost the likelihood of successful prosecutions.
Video evidence also plays an essential role in civil law, including personal offense claims or property damage disputes. Whether it is a slip and fall event in a store or a car accident grasped by nearby surveillance cameras, the recorded video footage delivers an objective record of circumstances and can assist in determining fault and liability.
In addition, video surveillance contribute to improving public safety by helping law enforcement agencies in the cautious prevention and detection of criminal activities. By sharing this surveillance footage with the police or other security agencies, communities can contribute to the combined effort of maintaining a safe and secure environment.
It is necessary to note that while video surveillance provide some key advantages; their enforcement should be done in compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and privacy considerations. Rights of individuals to privacy must be appreciated, and adequate actions should be taken to make sure that surveillance is controlled within legal and ethical boundaries.


Agile gibbons are small apes, and, like all apes, they do not have a tail. Agile gibbons have white eyebrows and the males also have white furred cheeks. The coat varies in colour from black to pale golden brown.
Like other gibbons, they have distinctive long arms and use a motion called brachiation to swing through the tree-tops. Each family lives on a territory of around 25 hectares (that’s about 25 football pitches!) and defends it from their neighbours through loud calling displays that are performed most mornings.
They live in family groups made up of a monogamous pair (a single male and female live together) and their offspring. Breeding occurs throughout the year but the exact length of pregnancy is unknown. Both parents care for the young and offspring live with their parents until they are around eight years old, when they leave to find a mate of their own.
Agile gibbons eat mainly fruit, but they also eat leaves. Flowers are enjoyed when they are in season and insects are also occasionally eaten.
The main threat facing these gibbons is habitat loss, as wild forest is converted into farmland. On Sumatra, the expansion of oil palm plantations is a particular problem. As the forest shrinks, it has become easier to capture them to sell as pets; agile gibbons are regularly seen in wildlife markets.


2. ChatterPal is a easy to setup and use technology that gives you the ability to add visitor interaction on any website through an advanced chat bot and messaging system. The purpose of it is to boost sales and leads. It’s been created using years of testing and data analysis and continues to evolve using several industry leading features and artificial intelligence. ChatterPal merges cutting-edge “Interactive 3D Avatar” technology with AI backed “SMART Chat Automation” to deliver results like no other chat app in the market! You can add ChatterPals to ANY website (even ones you don’t own) to instantly boost sales, conversions and leads on blogs, e-commerce sites, bonus pages, and landing pages.
Furthermore, there is an amazing news is that ChatterPal gives you a special discount time. Thus, you can have the big opportunity to buy it at its lowest price- $47 only. But you need to grab it at the right time- I mean its launch time in order to buy it at that price. So if you consider that this product will help you to gain more benefits, do hesitate to mark your calendar on 2019-Feb-28 in order not to miss its discount time.
Chatter Pals come in six adorable characters; unicorn, dragon, monster, lamb, kitty kat and puppy. Every boy and girl, no matter what age, is bound to find a favorite. Pick one or better yet, collect them all to have endless good times. Chatter Pals will liven up slumber parties. Conversations with friends will be so much fun. Bonding with parents will be extra special when there is a lovable Chatter Pals around. Chatter Pals also make a perfect gift for any child, be it for birthdays, holidays or any other special occasion because anybody will fall for the charms of Chatter Pals.
I do a great deal of e-mail, a great deal of interactions, I make use of hotkeys and you can do this in a lot of different methods. Much of the various live conversation software program around support a hotkey application or you can utilize a software program like a ChatterPal I believe there may be a Windows edition yet on a Mac which lets you establish faster ways for frequently asked inquiries as well as reactions.
15. The secret to viral marketing is all about getting into a niche network of people. Believe it or not, people interested in whatever it is you are promoting are already congregating online. Learn How to Maximize Your Online Brand Visibility with Less Effort in this video series. No stones are left unturned when you get your hands on this now. You will become a complete expert on this, and you’ll get everything you need inside to do the same. BLURB+ ($49 VALUE)
You have probably found out about this sales technique currently. An online conversation is very practical for upselling. Specifically currently when your possible consumer is not sure which variant of your item is the right one for him. You can simply expose him to the choice he didn't consider. Anyway do not be too consumed with attempting to sell. Offer just helpful suggestions.
ChatterPal combines industry leading features like Unlimited smart chat automation, talking 3D avatars, text-to-speech, one-click translation and a whole lot more to instantly skyrocket your leads, sales and profits using artificial intelligence! People who have seen this technology in action are calling it a “game-changer”, “pattern interrupt”, “revolutionary”, “groundbreaking” technology.


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Tucci Italian is a quick way to enjoy a selection of longtime local favorites from Tucci Benucch.
Tucci Italian features fresh made pizzas served deep dish and hand stretched. Entree and pasta selections include our famous baked spaghetti, classic lasagna and chicken parmesan, all served with our made-from-scratch sauces.
Our locations are conveniently located inside Lunds & Byerlys in Edina and Ridgedale.
Tucci Italian customers download the Lunds & Byerly’s Extras app and get member only coupons and discounts. Get more details here.
Please note: Tucci Italian locations do not accept Lettuce Gift Cards.
Tucci Italian customers download the Lunds & Byerly's Extras app and get member only coupons and discounts. Get more details here.
Enjoy Tucci Italian’s signature pastas and one of a kind pizzas at your next party or event. One of our catering specialists would love to help you plan a perfect party.
Call our catering hotline at 952-224-9901.

domain: food


This is long, but well worth your time. I have a 2013 plum crazy challenger – purchased out of state, but I’ve utilized Route 18 Chrysler Jeep Dodge for service related issues. First, there was a defect with the gas cap. I called service & was told to come in so they can take pictures in order to have it covered under warranty. I stopped in the following Saturday – at 3:02pm (service door was not locked & 2 employees at the desk) when I stated why I was there 1 employee looked at his watch & told me that they closed at 3:00pm. The other employee must have seen my face and said he would help me. He took the pics, said he would order the gas cap, and I’d get a call when it came in. 6-8 weeks later and no call. I called service & was told “yeah, its sitting here”. My next experience… received a recall notice for the engine timing chain (may fracture which can cause the engine to seize resulting in major engine damage). I called service to be told they don’t have the part in stock. I asked to be called when the part came in and was told “we don’t do that, you’ll have to check back”. My husband called back & asked why we couldn't get a call and was told “we don’t do that, we are too busy”. After requesting to speak with a manager the women said “I’ll make this one-time exception and call when the part comes in”. Two months pass and no phone call. I called and was told they had one part left. I made arrangements to drop the car off Sunday evening & was told the car would be ready Tuesday. Tuesday afternoon I called service for a status since I hadn’t heard from them. The women who answered said she couldn’t help me and would have an adviser call me. With service closing in two hours, I asked her to check on it. She became frustrated, put me on hold, and came back to tell me my car was in a bay and my engine had been removed. To sum this up (character limit here), my husband called & they had my car finished that day…however, when we got there we noticed 3 chips in the hood paint. We asked for a manager, Ben Farber, who told us they have a guy that comes in on Tuesdays that repairs scratches, chips, etc. & gave us a “We Owe” slip that specifically states “Fix paint chips in hood to customer satisfaction. At least three pointed out and acknowledged”. He told me to drop the car off Monday night, and that he would be on vacation that week but he would inform another manager that I’d be dropping it off. At approx 12 noon I received a call from Ann in service stating my car would not be repaired that day - the guy that comes in on Tues. was on vacation. So we went to pick up the car – to find it parked with the doors unlocked & the passenger window half open. We inspected the car & noticed there was now a scratch in the decal above the door handle & two light scratches on the front fender that were not there the night before. Again, we asked for a manager, Rich Warren. He said I should not have been told the repair could not be done that day, that they could have, and should have, made arrangements with the body shop they use. He promised that he would get the repair done the following day & went further to say he may drive the car to the body shop himself & he would give us a loaner car. He also said he would have the car parked inside for the night. So you can see the type of people working on cars here, when he handed the keys to the mechanic and told him to park it inside the mechanic replied “I don’t know where the f*@k you expect me to put it” (yes he did!) – I don’t think he realized I was in the room. In the end I left the car in their hands again (big mistake). At around 1:30 pm the next day I received a call from Chris Lardieri the service director. He said they would fix the decal but that was it. He denied the damage to the hood was done while the car was at the dealer, and said it was due to usual road debris, & said that all they would do is touch it up with touch up paint. As you can imagine at this point, I could see the quality of this – three big blobs of touch up paint. When I expressed my dissatisfaction (and I admit I got a little irate at this point as I would imagine anyone would) he said they now wouldn’t do any repair at all. Ben Farber and Rich Warren promised it will be repaired - misleading liars is an understatement. I picked up my car that evening and will NEVER step foot in this dealership again! They are EXTREMELY DISORGANIZED, they don’t communicate with each other AT ALL & if you read other reviews on them MY CAR IS NOT THE FIRST CAR THEY HAVE DAMAGED and tried to get away with it! THEY ARE DISHONEST LIARS!! It’s a shame organization's like this get away with screwing the consumer. We are informing Chrysler Headquarters of this dealerships poor service. Looking at some other negative reviews, the dealership responds with the typical BS and excuses and never takes responsibility for their actions. DON'T LET THEM SCREW YOU TOO!
I Recommend This Dealer:
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Movies Under the Stars: Thursdays in June, 9 p.m.; Porreco College, 2951 W. 38th St.; June 14 is "Coco"; hosted by Edinboro University filmmaker John C. Lyons and presented in partnership with the Film Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania; take a blanket or lawn chair for seating; food trucks on-site during screenings. Cost: Free. Info: 732-1793.
Lake City Fire Co. Carnival: Thursday-Saturday, June 14-16; Lake City Fire Co., 2232 Rice Ave., Lake City; food, music, rides and more fun during the 94th annual fundraising event. Cost: Free admission. Info: https://bit.ly/2J50gcA.
Goodell Summer Music Series: Friday, June 15, 7-9 p.m. (gates open at 6:45 p.m.); Goodell Gardens & Homestead, 221 Waterford St., Edinboro; Celtic Hooligans performs; take a folding chair or blanket; concessions available for sale. Cost: $5 for adults, $3 for age 55 and older, and $2 for ages 5-17; free for children 4 and younger, Edinboro University students and Goodell Gardens members. Info: www.goodellgardens.org.
Tacos, Tequila & Margaritas: Friday, June 15, 6-9 p.m.; Courtyard Erie Bayfront Hotel, 2 Sassafras Pier; the Humane Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania presents a fiesta with food, drinks, live music and a silent auction; well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome; proceeds benefit the shelter. Cost: $35. Info: 835-8331.
CorryFest: Friday-Sunday, June 15-17; Corry City Park and other select locations; chalk walk, live music at the gazebo, vendors, Balek's Greenhouse, children's activities, YMCA 5K (June 16), parade (June 16) and more; new Art in the Park features local artists and their work on Sunday, June 17, noon-5 p.m. Cost: Free admission. Info: https://bit.ly/2J5GyNJ.
Board game night: Saturday, June 16, 2-4 p.m.; Lincoln Community Center, 1255 Manchester Road, Fairview; anyone age 6 and older is welcome to visit and play a variety of board games at local library branches. Cost: Free. Info: 451-7085.
Spring Fun Horse Show: Saturday, June 16, 11 a.m. (registration starts at 10 a.m.); Four Seasons Farm, 8090 Sterrettania Road, Girard; horse-and-rider challenges for various skill levels; rain date is Saturday, June 23; concessions available for purchase; partial proceeds benefit Disabled American Veterans. Cost: $4 per regular class; $10 for jackpot classes; free for spectators. Info: 450-5484, 464-3480, 449-5631.
Raptors at Arundel: Saturday, June 16, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Arundel Cellars & Brewing Co., 11727 E. Main Road (Route 20), North East; get a close-up view of live birds of prey from the Tamarack Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Center; samples of Arundel's Falcon Red wine will also be available. Cost: Free. Info: 725-1079, www.arundelcellars.com.
Erie Talent Share: Tuesday, June 19, 6 p.m.; Blasco Memorial Library, 160 E. Front St.; music, poetry, comedy, performing talents welcome, as are spectators; hosted by local musician Chris Ehrich and created by the Local Music Project. Cost: Free. Info: 451-6927.


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For as far as women have come since the 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920 (hard to believe, but it really has been less than 100 years since women were given the right to vote in this country), the political field still looks a lot like an Old Boys' Club. Literally.
Only 277 women have served in Congress since Rep. Jeannette Rankin became the first in 1917, and the average age for a U.S. Senator is 62. So, while Hill offices, nonprofits, and internships are packed with smart, driven young women, there’s still a gender gap when it comes to real political power.
But instead of accepting that gap, several amazing women are working tirelessly to change the face of politics — by running for office, calling the shots behind the scenes, and advocating for women’s rights. Here’s a primer on some of the political powerhouses (all under 40!) who we think will be making headlines for decades to come.
You've heard all the jokes about British cuisine. You know, about the bland, doughy, deep-fried fare that gets served up at pubs and the like. You'd fire back, but, frankly, you're too busy feasting your way through London to bother. The city that was once a punchline for food snobs is now a gastronomic capital — and read
You're not technically in a style rut, but lately, it's been hard to think outside of the box (and by box, we mean a skinny-jeans-and-oversized-sweater-shaped confinement). That silhouette is the sartorial equivalent of your security blanket: It's easy to put together, flattering, and comfortable to boot. But, in terms read

domain: sociology


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Russian President Vladimir Putin awards President of the judo club Turbostroitel Mikhail Rakhlin with the Order of Honour during a ceremony in St. Petersburg, Russia.
|Feature:||Russia Putin Judo|
|Location:||St. Petersburg, Russia|
|Keywords:||Rahlin, wrestling, sambo|
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Do we need to scan the brain of the other
in order to know his or her thoughts ?
in order to know his or her thoughts ?
It is possible to play the piano with your thoughts. We have seen it in my blog last week. However, research how your thoughts can steer your body via a brain implant is yet in an experimental stage, and we saw last week, for instance, that the pianist with ALS still had to be connected by a wire with a computer. But sooner or later also this problem will be solved, and then people with ALS will be able to do what every healthy person can do.
Research like this is not exceptional and it is done everywhere in the world. Not so long ago investigators of the Utrecht University in the Netherlands succeeded to let a woman with ALS express her thoughts on a computer screen, about in the same way as the pianist with ALS succeeded to play.
What happens here is that thoughts are downloaded to an implant and then converted that way that an apparatus external to the body proper is brought into operation. We can use this method in order to help disabled people. One step more is helping healthy people to function better. This is what Elon Musk – the founder of SpaceX and Tesla – had in his mind when he founded Neuralink Corp. The brain, so Musk, functions efficiently and fast, but once we want to put our thoughts into text and motion we slow down, and move at a snail’s pace. How much time it takes to write a short app on your smartphone, for instance! That can be done better. Simply download thoughts and transfer them to a machine or appliance. It will work so much faster! And why should we put a chip in the brain in order to read thoughts? A brain scanner will do as well. Okay, the present fMRI scanners that are often used for reading the brain are big and clumsy instruments but in future this problem will certainly be solved. Moreover, there are also other methods to measure brain activity and maybe thoughts. Anyway, Musk thinks that within five years it will be possible to tap thoughts from the brain in an efficient and useful way.
However, if we can download thoughts and use them, why couldn’t it be possible then to upload thoughts as well? This is also an idea Elon Musk is playing with, and not only Musk, for the field of artificial intelligence and its relation to the functioning of the human brain is a rapidly developing field of science. And once we can upload thoughts to the brain, the possibilities are endless. Many psychological illnesses but also physical illnesses that have their origins in the brain – and also ALS is such a disease – can perhaps be cured (or partly). Or we can communicate more efficiently with computers and smartphones. One step further is that we can communicate in a more efficient way with other people, when thoughts can be directly transferred from person to person. But will it all be positive? Esther Keymolen, technology philosopher at Leiden University, says in an interview with the Dutch daily De Volkskrant: “With this kind of technology, in fact you get a business undertaking in your head. Now already it is difficult to find out what technology companies do with your data and how they connect them.” Musk wants to prevent that artificial intelligence will control us instead of the other way round. But this development can also make that the artificial intelligent entity we are connected with sends things into our brains. “If that happens, you can ask: Who are we then?”
Indeed, who are you, if private firms send information into your brain? If a technology firm acts in good faith and sincerely wants to improve your life, you can say, it’s okay. But even then, your personality doesn’t depend any longer on what you make of it, but on what others make of it. If in good faith a company changes your characteristics, your memory, etc., maybe that’s what you want. However, then what makes you the person who you are has become in the hands of others (for can you really know what they upload to your brain, if already now you don’t know what they do with your data?). But what if the technology company that you deal with acts in bad faith? So if it doesn’t want the best for you but only for itself, anyhow? When this happens the company makes you according to its own design; not to yours. Then it is so that what makes you the person who you are has become in the hands of another. Then you are no longer you, but you are the other.
Yet one step further is that it is not a private company that manipulates you out of self-interest, but it is the state that does in order to control you and maybe all citizens by means of the new technology of artificial intelligence. Then it happens that Big Brother is not only watching you but that Big Brother is literally within you.
SourcesDe Volkskrant, dated 15 Nov. 2016, 22 and 29 March 2017; 22 Nov. 2018.


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Slipped through the Net
Innovation that’s made a come-back.
The Jaipong that emerged in the late 70s as an answer instigated by the government to the pernicious influence of western pop music. This new ‘domestic’ Javan musical form fell into oblivion in the 90s but has returned in full, albeit in trendy mixed forms with for example latin and dance. In this episode music by the group SambaSunda and of the CD Innovative Jaipong – Robot Percussion.Producer:

domain: artistic


Blake Shelton Calls Out ‘Voice’ Contestant After Gwen Stefani Gets Flirty
Put her out of her misery: Gwen Stefani found herself in a bit of a pickle during this week's The Voice battle rounds when she issued an impressive contestant a flirty critique. And longtime boyfriend Blake Shelton, who watched the exchange from just a few feet away, was not so keen on the conversation.
Chris Blue and RJ Collins, who were vying for spots on Alicia Keys' team, delivered a crowd-pleasing rendition of Miguel's "Adorn." But for Stefani, Blue stood out more, and she delivered some serious praise.
"Chris, you let yourself completely get absorbed into the music, almost as an out-of-body experience," she said. "I don't even know if I was listening to your voice because I was so mesmerized by your body."
Almost instantly, tension manifested among the coaches, and Adam Levine wasted no time calling out Stefani for her choice of words.
“It’s hard to talk your way out of that one,” he said.
Shelton ultimately worked his way into the conversation, too, and said to Blue: "What’s your problem man?"
“I don’t want any trouble. I don’t have any problem,” Blue insisted.
"I wanna see it again!" Stefani confirmed after some deliberations.
"I'm sure you do!" Levine quipped.
Ultimately, Keys picked Blue to move on, so fans can probably expect more couple's quarreling to come.
Gwen Stefani's Daring Style Over the Years:


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B.A. in Humanities with Concentration in Gender Studies
The Gender Studies program is designed to have practical and vocational application. It provides a unique education to students who wish to increase their career prospects in the 21st century as would-be educators, artists, writers, leaders, Innovators, and challengers of oppression. By participating in the program's fieldwork experience course, students are encouraged to explore the crucial relationship between idealism and activism, between theory and social change, between analysis and praxis.
The structure of the program curriculum is interdisciplinary. The core is based on a foundation of gender and feminist theory courses. Each student, in consultation with a faculty advisor, is able to design a concentration of study, appropriate to his/her own interests (media, performance, policy, etc), which draws on expertise from a wide spectrum of subject areas and perspectives. Courses are offered and taught by a wide variety of departments within the liberal arts and sciences.


When a team of American special forces hunting Islamic State fighters in Niger was ambushed and four of its soldiers killed, the attack last October was described as “a total tactical surprise” by the commander of US Africa Command.
Their deaths became a political scandal in Washington – where there was little awareness of US military operations in the region – and became notorious when Donald Trump, in a condolence call, told the widow of one of the dead soldiers that he “knew what he signed up for”.
“They had never seen anything in this magnitude – numbers, mobility and training,” said US Gen Thomas Waldhauser last month, presenting the results of the Pentagon investigation into the attack, which found “individual, organisational and institutional failures” leading up to the ambush.
But the same group that attacked the US-Nigerien team near the village of Tongo Tongo, close to border with Mali, had staged many attacks, including one of similar magnitude on an outpost of Niger’s national guard almost a year earlier.
In that attack, just like in Tongo Tongo, over 100 heavily-armed men suddenly appeared on motorbikes and in vehicles. They killed six Nigerien soldiers, and took two others hostage. Only one lived to tell the tale.
The Guardian has gained rare insight into the Isis-affiliated group through an interview with that soldier, who spent three months chained up as their hostage.
Abdoul Wahid, 28, talked to many of his kidnappers, who said they had no demands but just wanted to wage jihad, and spoke of wanting to kill foreign soldiers in particular. Wahid also witnessed them recruiting and training an army of children aged around 10.
After breaking the Ramadan fast in Niger’s capital Niamey last week, Wahid, off duty in a crisp short-sleeved shirt, sat in his mother’s room and described the chilly November morning in 2016 when the 17 soldiers at his post were attacked by a group of men. They were led by a skinny man called Aboubacar Chapori, also known as Petit Chapori, a key lieutenant of Abu Walid al-Sahraoui, leader of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS).
“We shot at them until we had no bullets left,” Wahid said. “By the end, six of our men were dead, including our chief. He was shot in the head in front of all of us, and two of us were taken hostage.”
Wahid was thrown into the back of a pickup, along with his 24-year-old friend Habib Isa, and the jihadist convoy sped off. Wahid and Isa had done their training together. “We were really close,” he said.
They were driven across the dry scrub of western Niger. Wahid knew the region well and recognised where he was being taken. When they reached the Tongo Tongo area, they stopped and pulled Isa down from the pickup.
“They slit my friend’s throat. They said he was a dog,” Wahid said, maintaining his military bearing, but his voice giving way just a little. “Then they tied my hands and feet together and blindfolded me. They said: ‘You see your friend? You’re next.’”
But they kept Wahid alive. Sitting barefoot and crosslegged on his mother’s mat, Wahid demonstrated how they strung him up in the back of the pickup, his back towards the cab, arms over his head. They drove like that for two days, crossing the Malian border to join their brothers. As they sped through hamlets en route, Wahid heard villagers cry “Allahu Akbar” – Allah is great. He was deep in enemy territory, he realised.
It is not known how many members ISGS has; some analysts say less than 100. But Wahid estimated that he saw up to 600 fighters, and said they told him he had only seen half their total number.
Since the Tongo Tongo attack, Niger’s interior minister Mohamed Bazoum said the group had been significantly weakened, with only a few hundred survivors.
But according to Malian and Nigerien security sources who spoke to the Guardian on condition of anonymity, Tongo Tongo brought Sahraoui respect and money from Isis and its other affiliates, such as Boko Haram in neighbouring Nigeria.
“The Tongo Tongo attack gave Abu Walid a lot of importance and support from his superiors,” one said.
Defence secretary Jim Mattis has ordered a review of US counterterrorism forces in Africa after the ambush, which could result in resources for such missions being halved over the next three years.
Little is known about ISGS. The Guardian pieced together their history by talking to intelligence, military, political and rebel sources across Niger.
Sahraoui, the leader and founder, may be a jihadist pledged to Islamic State, but his camel and motorbike-mounted militants are very different to ISIS fighters in Iraq and Syria.
Sahraoui is thought to be originally from the disputed territory of Western Sahara and spent time in Algeria before coming to Mali. After years at the Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO) and the al-Qaida-linked group al-Murabitoun, he split off to found ISGS, piggybacking on a conflict on the Niger-Mali border that had been rumbling on for decades and was ripe for exploitation.
The people he chose – nomadic Fulani herders in the regions of Tillabéri and Tahoua – had been feuding with the Daoussahak Tuareg of the Ménaka region in Mali for decades.
“The Tillabéri problem is an ethnic problem,” said a Nigerien intelligence officer who had worked on the region for decades. “The Fulani have a problem with the Tuareg, and jihadists profited from the situation.”
Records show that there has been fighting over access to water and pasture land since at least the 1950s, but according to several sources who witnessed the conflict evolve, it intensified in the 1990s.
An accord signed between the governments of Niger and Mali in the 90s allowed pastoralists in search of water for their animals to cross from dry Niger into Mali’s less dry Ménaka region. However, this agreement was not explained properly to people on the ground, so when Nigerien Fulani arrived with hundreds of cows in Mali, the well-armed Daoussahak Tuareg population reacted by raiding their cattle.
Because they were Nigerien, the Fulani herders had no representation in Mali, and no friends in high places to support them. They started trading cows for Kalashnikovs to protect themselves and by 2010, Daoussahak and Fulani were regularly launching bloody attacks on each others’ camps.
Then came the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in neighbouring Libya, which saw Malian Tuareg fighters from his armies return home. They brought with them arms and money, and the explosion of northern Mali as they joined forces with other rebels to create a separatist movement, the MNLA. Many Daoussahak joined them, and according to Niger’s interior minister Mohammed Bazoum, this drove young Fulani to join MUJAO – not out of a desire to wage jihad, but to protect themselves against their old enemy.
Sahraoui took some of the Fulani from MUJAO and al-Mourabitoun, but also recruited Tuareg and Arab fighters into ISGS’s ranks. To start with, they were a small group.
“Abu Walid didn’t have many men. I knew him in early 2016, and he only had four pickups then,” said the intelligence officer. In Niger’s rural regions, power is often counted in numbers of Toyota Hiluxes.
But they steadily increased their firepower, mainly through attacks on Nigerien military.
When Bazoum took the interior minister job, he sent emissaries to ask what they wanted.
“I said ‘listen, if you have political claims, or problems with the justice, the administration, the state, then tell me’,” said the imposing Bazoum, sitting on the sofa in his Niamey office. “We are ready to discuss your problem with you and resolve it. Declare that you’re a rebel front with specific claims on the Nigerien state.”
He said he received a handwritten letter from Sahraoui himself, which said: “No, we have no problem with you; we are waging jihad against Mali.”
According to Bazoum, the letter contained a list of Sahraoui’s comrades in Nigerien jails, whom he wanted released. If they were freed, ISGS promised to shield Niger from attack.
“I freed some of them to show my good will, but I couldn’t free all of them because some were on trial,” Bazoum said.
After that, the communication channel broke down and attacks escalated. Some believe the group’s militants could still be offered an olive branch to demobilise and be reintegrated into Nigerien society. But Bazoum is not among them.
“The young people working with Abu Walid al-Sahraoui aren’t just there to oppose the Daoussahak, they’re also there to wage jihad against our country, and they attack us,” Bazoum said. “We have no solution to propose to them, all we have is war to weaken them.”
Wahid was chained up, freed only occasionally to relieve himself, fed on nothing but flatbread and pond water, and ferried around with the militants, who he said were constantly on the move.
They were training an army of children, he said. Three to five new boys, aged around 10, would arrive every day – usually group members’ brothers who had been sent for.
He said that foreign soldiers were a major ISGS target.
“I don’t know whether they were American or French, but in Mali there were lots of white soldiers, and they [ISGS] particularly wanted to kill them. They knew the whites were after them,” he said.
For one of his three months as a captive, Wahid was held by the group’s head of recruitment, Petit Chapori, who would occasionally come and chat to his prisoner. Since the deaths of the American special forces soldiers, much attention has been focused on Doundou Cheffou, an ISGS member who had been a target of the joint US-Nigerien raid just before the Tongo Tongo attack. According to several sources with knowledge of the group, however, Cheffou is merely a “chef de poste”, below Petit Chapori in the hierarchy.
“He asked me if, when I was a soldier, I drank alcohol. I said no. He asked if I smoked, and I said yes. Did I fuck women? I said yes. How many foam mattresses did I sleep on? I said two or three. He laughed and said: ‘Look what life has done to you. Now you sleep on the ground, with no mattress at all.’”
He added: “Petit Chapori speaks of Islam, but he’s not really a believer. He’s just a thug.”
None of the group practised Islam as Wahid knew it. He never saw anyone do the required ablutions before praying – and he was never allowed to wash himself. They said half the usual number of prayers, and when he asked them why, they said it was because they were travellers.
He asked them why they were fighting. “They always said: ‘We want nothing. Our mission is to wage jihad.’ Then they would tell me about army positions they wanted to attack.”
Every day of his ordeal, Wahid thought the militants were going to slit his throat, as they had Isa’s. But one day, his captors unlocked his chains. After negotiations with the government, they had agreed to free him. He was driven back the way he had come, three months earlier.
When he got back to his mother’s house in Niamey, the pain in his shoulders from being chained up for three months stopped him sleeping. But he has recovered, and is about to get married.
Wahid was lucky to escape with his life. That is something his former captors cannot do, he said.
“Some want to leave, and stop fighting, but they can’t. If you abandon the group, they’ll kill you.”


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Washington —Malissa Wilkins and Sinead Casey are both 21-year-old seniors at George Washington University who enjoyed Wednesday night’s presidential debate and for the first time next month will help elect a president.
That’s where the similarities end.
One reason Wilkins supports re-electing President Obama is the federal government taking charge in hiring teachers.
Casey, chairwoman of the school’s College Republicans, will vote for former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney because he will preserve military spending and not cut it like Obama, who she mockingly called “the professor.”
Wilkins and Casey joined more than 200 people at George Washington’s Marvin Center to watch the first of three debates held between Obama and Romney.
Students were civil while watching a big-screen television listening to both candidates at the University of Denver discussing topics such as the economy, job creation and taxes.
Some of the College Republicans, who held posters that read “America’s Comeback Team,” became boisterous when the question was asked on the federal government’s role in public education.
Romney said federal money should go to parents and allow them to choose where a child goes to school. In addition, he said education is mainly a role for the state and local government.
Obama supporters clapped when he proclaimed successes last year repealing the “don’t ask, don’t tell policy” against gay service members in the military, killing former Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden and retaining entitlement programs.
Most agreed the debate offered no clear-cut winner or loser, but gave distinct differences in the information presented.
Ninio Fetalvo, a 19-year-old sophomore, said Romney presented more specifics such as eliminating the Affordable Care Act known as “Obamacare.”
“President Obama said he had these plans, but where were they the last four years?” he said.
In regard to higher education, the candidates present distinct plans.
Obama has said by 2020, America would have the most college graduates in the world. The president’s website, barackobama.com, claims his “Income Based Repayment” program saved more than $60 billion by placing a 10 percent cap on students who borrowed federal money. Approval in paying a low monthly payment is based on income, family size and state residency.
Romney proposes to reduce federal government spending and said “the cost of a college education has risen by 25 percent and student debt has reached a record $1 trillion,” according to his website, mittromney.com. His plan to improve higher education is to “strengthen and simplify the financial aid system, welcome private sector participation instead of pushing it away and replace burdensome regulation with innovation and competition.”
As for Wednesday’s debate, Dionna Lewis wanted to hear more specifics about proposals to decrease student loan debt. After attending GW and two other schools to pursue a career as a federal attorney, Lewis’s debt exceeds $200,000.
Lewis, 26, supports Obama and said Romney presented inconsistencies in the debate.
“I just wasn’t feeling Romney. He gave a lot of power to the states, but I don’t think it is realistic,” she said. “History said federal government fought issues to combat busing, for example.”
Students at HBCUs also held formal presidential watch parties on campus, but with a more Democratic viewpoint.
Patrick Osborne, a 21-year-old senior at Alabama State University, said a previous statement from Romney on students borrowing money from their parents to pay for college “is a slap in the face.”
“Items like Pell Grants help students pay for a college education,” said Osborne, who admitted most of the estimated 80 people at the event were Obama supporters. “An education is an investment that provides a successful economy and a better America.”
Vice President Joe Biden and Romney’s running mate, Congressman Paul Ryan, will debate next Thursday at Centre College in Danville, Ky.
The presidential candidates will debate again Oct. 16 and Oct. 22. All the debates are held on college campuses and scheduled from 9-10:30 p.m. Eastern time.

domain: politics


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Rummu Quary is a pretty unique place 40 km away from Tallin, Estonia’s capital
It’s an abandoned prison that’s now flooded with clear turquoise waters… truly a one of a kind place! It’s surrounded by incredible nature. Apparently it’s a hot spot during the Estonian Summer. When we went it was sunny enough to sunbath but cold enough to be in the water for less than 5 minutes!
If you visit Estonia, you’ll definitely want to add this cool spot to your things to do list!

domain: geography


Bogus checks show up in Loris
Fake checks that appear to be from a North Myrtle Beach business are popping up locally, the Loris Police Department warns.
Time Line Express, Inc. in North Myrtle Beach does not exist, the LPD says. It’s likely that Mary Fowe, whose signature appears on the check, is also not real.
Anyone with information on these checks, or who encounters one, is asked to contact the Loris Police Department at 843-756-4000.


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Résultats de votre recherche: "shulk"
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CHALLENGER APPROACHING: Shulk! Take a look at Shulk from Xenoblade Chronicles in these new screens for Super Smash Bros Wii U & 3DS! • Follow GameXplain ...Facebook: ...Twitter: ...Google+: ...and of course:Préféré
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New video has been leaked showing what could be gameplay of Bowser Jr and Shulk in Super Smash Bros for 3DS. Is this enough evidence to show that the leak is real or is it all an elaborate ruse. We talk about all of the possibilities of this leak and morePréféré
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Here is the Japanese reveal trailer of Shulk from Xenoblade Chronicles in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U & Nintendo 3DS *Subscribe to my channel for more gameplay videos and live streams* *Follow me on Twitter for updates on uploaded videos and live streams*Préféré

domain: game


Ace Aluminum Scoop General Purpose Shovel Wood Handle -63 in
by: Ace Hardware Corporation
This multi-purpose tool can be used year round. It is a lightweight aluminum scoop used to move and scoop grain, seed, feed, fertilizer and other materials. It is also useful for general clean-up or moving mulch, sand and soil.
(You save )


text:
Update: Victim in Woonsocket homicide identified
A Woonsocket man was arrested Wednesday morning and charged with second-degree murder.
Matthew Walter Novak, 33, was arrested after authorities were called to a home at 206 S. Third Ave. in Woonsocket around 9 a.m., Department of Criminal Investigation spokeswoman Sara Rabern said.
The victim has been identified as 25-year-old Jennifer Ann Gibson, of Woonsocket.
The Woonsocket School was briefly locked down on Wednesday morning after police surrounded the home. Superintendent Rod Weber said police told him to lock down classrooms at around 10:30 a.m.
"I was notified that a few blocks away, the police were surrounding a house," Weber said.
The lockdown lasted about 10 minutes, after which Weber was told that police escorted someone from the home in handcuffs.
The Department of Criminal Investigation is looking into the incident, said Sanborn County Sheriff Tom Fridley. He declined to go into detail about what happened.
“Several law enforcement agencies are currently working the scene and more information may be released once investigators have had the opportunity to complete their work,” Attorney General Marty Jackley said.
The Attorney General's office will handle the prosecution, but a court date for Novak has not been set, Rabern said. She was unsure if an attorney had been selected to represent him.
Danielle Ferguson contributed to this story.