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CNN: John Kelly Knew of Abuse Allegations for Months; White House Official: Government Shutdown Vote Will Be "Close". Aired 2- 2:30p ET
Aired February 8, 2018 - 14:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[14:00:00] WILL RIPLEY, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: North Korea is already preparing its next moves, given that the United States will kick off joint military drills with South Korea after the Olympics. In the past, North Korea has launched missiles, or conducted nuclear tests surrounding drills like this. What will be Kim Jong Un's next move after the Olympics is really anyone's guess -- Wolf.
WOLF BLITZER, CNN HOST: That's it for me. Thanks for watching. The news continues right now, right here on CNN.
BROOKE BALDWIN, CNN HOST: Hi, Wolf, we'll take it. Thank you so much.
Hi, everyone. I'm Brooke Baldwin. You're watching CNN.
Soon, White House briefing will begin.
Officials will no doubt be confronted with more questions about how accused abuser Rob Porter could have kept his job at the White House, often right by the president's side. What's more, the accusations of beating his two ex-wives kept Porter, the White House staff secretary, from getting this full security clearance, a fact known since last fall by senior White House officials, including Chief of Staff John Kelly, according to our sources. And now, yet, in a just released statement, the chief of staff said he was, quote, shocked by the new allegations against Porter.
Porter's star was on the rise in the administration until he announced his resignation just Wednesday. He helped draft the president's State of the Union. He attended the world economic forum in Davos, Switzerland, with the president. And Porter was one of the select few who shook the hands with the Chinese president when he traveled overseas to Beijing.
So, one of the key questions, why did it take until now for Porter to leave? Just a day after these images of this alleged abuse against his first wife went public. Porter denies all of the abuse allegations against him.
So, let's start this hour with a woman who has been breaking news on this one, left and right, MJ Lee. She is our CNN national politics reporter.
And talking about the timeline, MJ, I know we're saying the chief of staff knew about some of this as early as last fall. I understand you have a new timeline that dates even farther back than that.
MJ LEE, CNN NATIONAL POLITICS REPORTER: Well, and I have to say my colleagues at the White House have been doing some terrific reporting on sort of who knew what and when, because that's really important. What we're learning is that the White House aides, multiple White House aides knew about some of these allegations of domestic abuse from Porter's two ex-wives going back months. And President Trump only knew about it for the first time last week.
But, again, multiple aides knew about these allegations going back months and one of the reasons - and this is really important to talk about why this may have become a bigger issue at the White House and gotten people's attention, is the issue of the security clearance. I know based on talking to the two ex-wives yesterday that they were interviewed by the FBI regarding, too, Porter's security clearance. They interviewed them as people who were obviously married to him. And they told me that they were, frankly, very honest with the FBI about detailing to them the troubles that they had in their marriages, the abuses that they say they received from Porter.
And so when this became an issue, that is our understanding of why more people at the White House would have become aware of the fact that Porter had these problems. Now, as you were pointing out, though, even despite all of this being widely known at the White House, his stock, Porter's stock at the White House was rising.
You mentioned that he went to Davos, that he was involved in drafting the State of the Union address.
LEE: You know, this was someone who was clearly viewed as being talented, having a lot of potential and was even sort of being groomed by the chief of staff to sort of be the next big guy. So, the fact that a lot of White House folks knew about these allegations but nonetheless continued to sort of have this political rise, that's potentially very problematic.
BALDWIN: Yes, indeed. I've got more with you, I want to fold you into a bigger conversation in just a second. So, hang with me.
But the second ex-wife of Rob Porter explained why she stayed with him in a blog post from April of last year. Little bit of the back story. You know, they have been married for nearly four years before divorcing back in 2013.
And I want to read something for you today, because this is Jennifer Willoughby's reasons. And forgive me, there's a little bit of language here, but this is all part of Jennifer's point. So, this is what she wrote in her post.
The first time he called me an f-ing bitch was on our honeymoon. I found out years later he had kicked his first wife on theirs. A month later he physically prevented me from leaving the house. Less than two months after that, I filed a protective order with police because he punched in the glass in our front door while I was locked inside. [14:05:03] We bought a house to make up for it. Just after our one
year anniversary, he pulled me naked and dripping from the shower to yell at me.
Everyone loved him. People commented all the time how lucky I was. Strangers complimented him to me every time we went out but in my home, the abuse was insidious. The threats were personal. The terror was real and yet I stayed.
When I tried to get help, I was counseled to consider carefully how, what I said, might affect his career. So, I kept my mouth shut and stayed. I was told, yes, he was deeply flawed. But then again, so was I. And so I worked on myself and I stayed.
If he was a monster all the time, perhaps it would have been easier to leave but he could be kind and sensitive and so I stayed. He cried and apologized and so I stayed. He offered to get help and even went to a few counseling sessions and therapy groups and so I stayed. He belittled my intelligence and destroyed my confidence and so I stayed.
I felt ashamed and trapped and so I stayed. Friends and clergy didn't believe me and so I stayed. I was pregnant and so I stayed. I lost the pregnancy and became depressed, and so I stayed.
Abuse is indifferent to education level, socioeconomic status, race, age or gender and no one can ever know the dynamics of another's relationship. My cycle continued for four more years. Afterward, I let go and welcomed the hard work of healing and forgiveness. My experience made me stronger and able to love more deeply but my heartbreaks for him. In the end, who is the real victim of his choices?
Let's have a conversation about this. MJ is back with me. Also here, CNN special correspondent Jamie Gangel, and CNN anchor Christi Paul, an abuse survivor, who wrote the book "Love Isn't Supposed to Hurt".
And just, Christi, let me just start with you and I think it's just -- listen, I have never been a victim. I think it's just -- it's difficult as a woman to read words like that and know that someone still stayed and I know you can relate.
CHRISTI PAUL, ABUSE SURVIVOR: Yes. I have people all the time telling me they read my book and feel like I'm writing their story. Her story is essentially mine. And it's every woman who has read it, because we -- all of those reasons she talked about staying, that's why we stay. Either somebody doesn't believe us -- she made a very important point. She made some very important points here.
The shame and humiliation, first of all, holds you back. That's why you don't talk to people. You don't talk to people because you're ashamed that you're allowing this to happen. And then you reach out and somebody is not only not believing you, but maybe they're judging you for it.
So, this makes it really difficult. One thing she said in a "Daily Mail" piece that struck me was that she made a point of saying he never showed his anger to anybody else. It's something that happened behind closed doors.
And that's how it works. It happens behind closed doors. You see all of it. You are afraid nobody is going to believe you.
And I am so grateful that if all of this is true, of course, that she and her -- his first ex-wife, they had the courage to leave because not everybody does. I've had so many people write to me and say I didn't know I had a right to leave. Because when you are bombarded by somebody telling you you're a liar and horrible and selfish and calling you names for so long and it's somebody that is supposed to love you more than anything, it's hard not to absorb that and to have it consistently happened over and over again, it's very hard to pick yourself back up.
BALDWIN: I so appreciate you speaking up. And I have adored you and loved you and our friendship, and just thank you for bringing that to this conversation. And this is -- listen, this is -- again, he said no, this never happened. And so, we have to talk about who else knew.
Jamie Gangel, here's my question for you, because like we're reporting months ago, you know, the chief of staff knew that there was some issue with the security clearance, he couldn't get this full security clearance, that there was -- and no action was taken. There was knowledge about these ex-wives and allegations of abuse.
[14:10:00] Knowing what, you know, you know about John Kelly, why do you think nothing?
JAMIE GANGEL, CNN SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT: So, we don't know what Rob Porter said to John Kelly --
GANGEL: -- assuming they have a discussion. But you can imagine he might have said it's not true. It was an ugly divorce.
BALDWIN: That that would have been told him what that from the get.
GANGEL: The problem is John Kelly heard what he wanted to hear in that case. As someone said to me, John Kelly should have known better. And when you look at the timing of this in the fall, first of all, this is the White House. Second of all, this is a pattern of abuse here. This is not just one charge that someone might dismiss.
Where were we this fall? We were in the middle of Me Too.
GANGEL: If nothing else would have raised a flag, that should have raised the flag as well.
So, I think looking back, whatever Rob Porter may have said to him, John Kelly should have known better.
I will say this. I know people who have known Rob Porter for 20, 30 years, and they cannot reconcile this with the person they know. But as his wife said, it was never in public.
BALDWIN: Maybe that is the case, MJ, to you, that Rob Porter said to his chief of staff the entire time, this isn't me. This never happened, which would perhaps begin to explain then. I mean, that second statement from John Kelly was shocked by, you know, the allegations and yet, you know, as you've been reporting, sources knew for months and months and he's objected to Porter's decision to resign.
LEE: Well, can I first say about the second statement that John Kelly released?
LEE: Yes, it started off by saying he was shocked by these revelations. He also said the words I stand by. He said he stands by the previous statements he had made about Rob Porter's character, even after the photos surfaced, even after these details came out. He said that he stood by the characterizations that he had given of Porter and the man that he had known prior to these allegations.
The other thing that John Kelly said in that statement was that he believes everyone has the right to defend their reputation. That, to me -- I was personally surprised to see that statement, especially because it was supposed to be a redo. You know, we're calling it sort of the statement that John Kelly put out, damage control.
Doesn't actually sound like someone who is actually saying, you know what, given the seriousness of these allegations, I can't stand by the things I said about Porter, at least until I know the full story or have had another conversation with him. He's sort of complimenting him or at least supporting him for his decision to say this is a smear campaign and these things didn't happen.
BALDWIN: Let me play more sound. This is from Porter's second wife. This is what she told "The Washington Post" about what she shared with the FBI.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JENNIFER WILLOUGHBY, SECOND EX-WIFE OF FORMER WHITE HOUSE STAFF SECRETARY: I told them all the details of my marriage, including verbal and emotional abuse, and including the incident when he pulled me out of the shower. They were also made aware of the protective order that I signed in June of 2010. And they were also made aware of another time when I called police to our home after a domestic disturbance.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BALDWIN: Christi, did it really take a photo of a black eye to make people at the White House believe? PAUL: Apparently it did. I don't think that's -- the sad part of it
is, I don't think that's necessarily unheard of. It's hard to believe. You know, as we've been saying he had a public persona, he had a personal persona. And he -- to blame it on his ex-wife and say, oh, well, you know, I was like this, you know, to Jennifer Willoughby because my former ex-wife was who she was and it was toxic, it's just a classic tactic of somebody who is an abuser and the fact is, look, there are men who are abused too. We're not trying to downplay that at all.
BALDWIN: Of course.
PAUL: People are abused, male or female. It's happening behind closed doors right now. What she went through, what I went through, it is happening to people who are possibly watching this. If nothing else -- yes, there's fear to go forward because you're afraid of the judgment. You're afraid of not being believed. You heard it there in her own statements, that she was counseled by saying he's flawed but you're flawed too. It's B.S. at the end of the day.
If you're in danger, you need to get out. It's hard to do that, because you've been so broken down. But the truth of the matter is the most dangerous time for anybody who's in an abusive relationship is when they try to leave because an abuser wants control.
[14:15:01] And if they think they have control and now they're backed into a corner because you're walking out the door, that's when things can get really violent. And that's why people stay.
And it's time that we give a little more credence to what people say. I'm not discounting the fact that some people say things that aren't true. But if this is what it took, maybe this is what it takes to have more of these conversations and for these two women to come out and be telling their situations now and their stories.
That's important, because one of the hardest things about being in that situation is that you feel so alone. And by hearing somebody else's story, you know that you're not, for one. And, two, you know it's survivable.
And that -- words matter. Words can shape you. They can lift you up or they can tear you down. And if they're coming from somebody who supposedly loves you more than anything, and that's supposed to be your safe haven, you know, that's supposed to be your safe place, we need to start giving more credence to people who have the courage to come forward.
It's not easy to talk about. It's not easy to admit you allowed yourself to live like that with anybody. It's hard enough to admit it to yourself. But then to admit it publicly, we just have to start listening more.
BALDWIN: Thank you for allowing me to listen to you and all of you.
And, Christi, just from all of us, ladies, we admire you. Thank you so much for using your voice in such a powerful way. And Jamie and MJ, and all your reporting. Thank you so much.
We have a lot more to talk about on that story. The White House will be facing some pretty tough questions about this just a short while from now. It's not Sarah Sanders who will be behind that podium. First up here it's Raj Shah, her number two, her press secretary deputy. We're going to take that live, momentarily.
Also ahead, another volatile day on Wall Street. At one point, the Dow tumbling more than 650 points. What's going on?
And just in, former White House adviser Omarosa making pretty interesting comments about her time in the White House, describing being haunted by tweets every single day. We're going to play that clip for you, next.
[14:21:31] BALDWIN: Time is quickly running out for lawmakers to reach an agreement to avoid another government shutdown. Senate leaders have struck a bipartisan deal, but there is bipartisan opposition to this whole thing on the House side. A senior White House official now telling CNN the vote in the House will be close because some Democrats as well as some Republicans just aren't on board.
The top Democrat in the House says her vote is no until House Speaker Paul Ryan agrees to hold a floor vote on the future of the Dreamers.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. NANCY PELOSI (D-CA), HOUSE MINORITY LEADER: It's not just about the Dreamers, it's about the United States of America and who we are as a country. I hope that the speaker will man up and decide that we can also have a Mitch McConnell guarantee in the Senate, a vote -- a vote on the floor.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BALDWIN: Now, the assumption has been that the whole thing will pass. But the massive amount of spending in this deal really underscores a real, shall we call it, metamorphosis of the Republican Party. Under President Obama, this was the party of fiscal discipline, of deficit hawks. But today's Republican Party -- they are raising budget caps by $300 billion in the next two years and grant more than $80 billion in disaster relief to hurricane-ravaged areas.
Here is House Speaker Paul Ryan.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. PAUL RYAN (R-WI), SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: It's hurricane relief. I mean, we're not going to rebuild Houston? We're not going to rebuild Florida? We're not going to help Puerto Rico or the fires in California?
The other domestic spending is something that we all agree on. We have an opioid crisis in America. Let's get on with fixing it. We think we can get pretty darn close on cancer research and getting some cures, so let's keep that going. We all know we want to work on infrastructure, so we're getting a good down payment on infrastructure.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BALDWIN: Let's talk to CNN politics reporter and editor at large, Chris Cillizza, and CNN senior political reporter, Nia-Malika Henderson.
Chris, you know, yes, disaster relief, yes, much needed. But as you point out in your piece, the $300 billion comes on top of the $1 trillion Republicans added to the deficit, you know, approving the tax cut legislation the end of last year. So, how do you square that with the Republican Party of yesteryear?
CHRIS CILLIZZA, CNN POLITICS REPORTER AND EDITOR AT LARGE: Right, I mean, yesteryear? Five year. I mean, it's not like we're talking about 1880.
BALDWIN: Well, a week is like a year lately so --
CILLIZZA: True. I mean, Paul Ryan rose to national prominence, Brooke, rose to the speakership on the strength of what the Ryan budget, what was the underlying principle there? Our debt, we were spending too much. Our debts were getting out of control. We needed to make hard choices to reel those in. That was in 2010.
BALDWIN: We've got some of that sound. Let me play some of that. This is from a few years ago, aka yesteryear.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PAUL: So, what we have here is a spending gusher that's going to keep on gushing and they have no plan to get this fiscal house in order.
We are cutting spending. You ever heard that type of statement around this town before? We really do believe that the value of this Republican majority has been a change to this culture.
We want to balance the budget. They don't. We want to restrain spending. They want to spend more money. We think taxpayers have given enough to Washington.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BALDWIN: Who -- who -- who is leading the charge on the spending spree?
CILLIZZA: I mean, that's the whole thing. First of all, great throwback to the old Paul Ryan haircut, 2010 style.
BALDWIN: I knew you were going to go there.
CILLIZZA: I've kept my hair the same style since 12, so kudos to him for changing.
But, look, this was the reason -- this was the organizing principle around which Paul Ryan sort of led the rebirth of conservatism in the Obama era, Obama spending too much money.
[14:25:13] He was the alternative to it. It's in some ways why he wound up on the ticket with Mitt Romney. To see him say deficit is fine, it tells you one thing, Donald -- this is Donald Trump's party. Donald Trump doesn't care a wit about debt and deficits.
BALDWIN: Do you agree, Nia?
NIA-MALIKA HENDERSON, CNN SENIOR POLITICS REPORTER: I think that's right. I mean, he is the king of debt. He was very much talking about, for instance, not touching entitlements. That was one of the pledges that he made and talked about spending, that debt and deficits don't really matter.
Very deep departure, as Chris was talking about, from Paul Ryan. That wing of the party, from the Tea Party wing of the party, that very much I think pushed Republicans into a majority in both the House and the Senate. And now, that is a distant memory as they urge, at this point, those members in those districts, in those conservative districts to essentially do away with all this idea about a balanced budget, about restraint in spending.
Their argument is essentially if you love the troops, you will support this bill. If you want to see more military spending, you will support this budget and it will likely work. We'll see, you know, what the numbers are in terms of whether or not Republicans actually abandon this. They have been saying that they might and stick to their principles in terms of limiting spending, but we'll see.
BALDWIN: Yes, we've got one Republican congressman who is a big fat hell no, to quote him on this. We'll talk to Mo Brooks next hour.
In the meantime, I've got to ask both of you about the president's former adviser, Omarosa, who just left the White House last month. She is now back into dipping her toes into reality TV. She is on "Big Brother" and she shared some of her White House experiences. Listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
OMAROSA MANIGAULT, FORMER WHITE HOUSE ADVISER: I was haunted by tweets every single day, like what is he going to tweet next?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Does anybody say to him, what are you doing?
MANIGAULT: I tried to be that person and then all the people around him attacked me.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Should we be worried?
MANIGAULT: Don't say that.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Because we are worried. But I need you say, no, it's going to be OK.
MANIGAULT: No, it's not going to be OK. It's not.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HENDERSON: That is dramatic. My god, it sounds like a ghost story or something. I mean, there's lowered voices -
CILLIZZA: The whispering.
HENDERSON: Yes, the whispering, the hushed --
CILLIZZA: Nia, no one will hear us, tell me whatever you need to tell me now because we're on television.
BALDWIN: National TV.
HENDERSON: Yes, I mean, this is what Omarosa is brilliant at, right? Making good TV, reinventing herself, being relevant in whatever way she needs to be. She jumped on the reality show bandwagon early on with Donald Trump and jumped on -- jumped off the Hillary Clinton bandwagon and on to the Donald Trump bandwagon in the context of 2016.
And here she is, reinventing herself and saying to jump off the Donald Trump bandwagon and making herself a kind of relevant and interesting to watch.
CILLIZZA: And, Brooke, just to add, Nia is exactly right. I take issue with dipping her toe back into the reality TV world.
HENDERSON: Did she ever leave, right?
CILLIZZA: I don't think she ever got out. I mean, that's who she is. Her time in the White House was largely spent sort of playing, sort of a -- playing a character named Omarosa, which she continues to do. And, you know, you can hate her but, man, can she get headlines.
BALDWIN: She sure does. Chris and Nia, thank you, guys, both very much.
CILLIZZA: Thank you.
HENDERSON: Thank you, Brooke.
BALDWIN: Let's talk about the president now. Mike Pence arriving in South Korea today for the Winter Olympics and sending a pretty tough message to the game's host on nuclear threat of neighboring North Korea. Pence warning the U.S. wants a peaceful dismantling of North Korea's nuclear weapons but quoting him, all options are on the table.
This comes as we're hearing that the South Korean president, President Moon, will meet with the sister of the North Korean dictator. The two planning to actually lunch on Saturday.
So, now, the world wondering, will President Moon try to broker any kind of meeting between Vice President Pence and North Korea while these games go on?
Let's talk it all over, Gordon Chang. He is back with us today, author of "Nuclear Showdown: North Korea Takes on the World."
You know, you can comment on whether that may be brokered or roll your eyes. But to me, you know, what's interesting is how this whole President Moon meeting with the member of the Kim dynasty, first time ever on South Korean soil. And that seems to be upstaging the vice president.
GORDON CHANG, AUTHOR, "NUCLEAR SHOWDOWN: NORTH KOREA TAKES ON THE WORLD: Yes, certainly. But we also know that Moon Jae-in, the South Korean president, is going to try to broker a meeting between the United States and North Korea, because it was reported a couple of days ago in South Korea that they're trying to get Pence to meet Kim Jong Nam. Sorry.
BALDWIN: The sister.
CHANG: No. The head of state, the head of state of North Korea.


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Dating can be an thrilling and typically confusing journey. It’s a time once we discover our feelings, kind connections, and discover extra about ourselves and others. But when is the best time to start dating? Should we jump into the courting scene as soon as potential, or should we await the right moment? In this article, we will delve into the different aspects of dating and discuss one of the best time to take that leap.
The Importance of Self-Discovery
Before venturing into the relationship world, it is important to take the time to know ourselves and what we this article wish from a relationship. Self-discovery permits us to establish our values, priorities, and goals, which in the end shape the kind of partner we’re looking for. Here are a number of indicators that indicate we are ready to begin dating:
Emotional stability: It’s crucial to have a solid foundation of emotional stability earlier than coming into a romantic relationship. This means being snug with ourselves, managing our emotions effectively, and having a optimistic self-image.
Sense of identity: Dating can sometimes blur our sense of self, main us to compromise our values and interests. When we have a robust sense of identification, we usually have a tendency to entice partners who align with our true selves.
Personal growth: Life is a journey of progress and self-improvement. Before in search of a associate, it’s essential to repeatedly work on private development, be open to learning experiences, and be prepared to adapt and change as individuals.
When it involves relationship, age can play a major position in figuring out the most effective time to start. Different phases of life deliver distinctive challenges and alternatives. Let’s take a closer look at how age influences the best time to begin relationship:
Teenage Years: Exploring Relationships
The teenage years are a time of self-discovery, exploring relationships, and understanding our romantic preferences. However, it is essential to method dating with caution throughout this period. Teenagers are still within the strategy of figuring out their identities and establishing a strong basis for his or her future. Dating experiences during this time ought to concentrate on socializing, constructing friendships, and studying more about what we need in a future partner.
Early Twenties: Building Independence
In our early twenties, we are often transitioning into adulthood, pursuing greater training, or beginning our careers. This is a time when we are studying to be impartial, making essential life choices, and discovering our passions. While relationship could be exciting during this period, it is necessary to strike a balance between personal progress and romantic pursuits. Building a strong basis for our future sets us up for more healthy and more fulfilling relationships.
Late Twenties: Seeking Commitment
As we enter our late twenties, we’re probably extra established in our careers, have a clearer sense of self, and could also be prepared for a extra dedicated relationship. This is the stage where we would start thinking about long-term partnerships and envisioning a future with a life companion. However, you will want to remember that everyone’s journey is exclusive, and there might be no one-size-fits-all approach to dating. Some people may be ready for dedication earlier, while others might have more time to discover and grow.
External Factors to Consider
While inner components such as emotional stability and private progress are essential for determining one of the best time to begin courting, external factors can also affect our readiness. Here are a quantity of exterior components to contemplate:
Social Support: Having a robust help system can provide steerage, recommendation, and encouragement when embarking on the relationship journey. Surrounding ourselves with family and friends who support our choices can boost our confidence and make the courting process more gratifying.
Life Circumstances: Life circumstances, corresponding to monetary stability, career obligations, or household responsibilities, can impression our capability to decide to a relationship. It’s necessary to evaluate whether we are able to take a position time, vitality, and resources into relationship.
Readiness for Vulnerability: Dating typically includes vulnerability and emotional openness. Before we begin relationship, it is essential to gauge whether or not we are able to be vulnerable and share our lives with someone else. Being emotionally prepared for potential heartbreaks and setbacks is crucial for a wholesome relationship expertise.
While there is not a definitive answer to the query of when is one of the best time to start courting, it is crucial to consider both inner and exterior factors. Self-discovery, emotional stability, and private progress are fundamental elements that contribute to a profitable courting expertise. Age considerations additionally play a role, as totally different stages of life convey distinctive alternatives and challenges. Ultimately, one of the best time to start courting is once we feel ready to embark on this journey, understanding that it’s a steady means of progress, learning, and connection. So embrace the joy, trust your intuition, and benefit from the wonderful experiences that dating can deliver.
How have you learnt if you are prepared to start out dating?
Determining whether you’re ready to begin out dating entails self-reflection and understanding your emotional readiness, maturity, and private goals. Ask yourself in case you have healed from previous relationships, if you’re comfy with your own firm, and if you are emotionally stable sufficient to handle the ups and downs of dating. It’s crucial to ensure you are relationship for the right reasons and never looking for validation or filling a void in your life.
What is the best age to begin dating?
There is no one-size-fits-all reply to this query. The ideal age to start out dating varies from individual to individual based mostly on their maturity stage, cultural background, and personal circumstances. It is necessary to suppose about your emotional readiness somewhat than focusing solely on your age. Some individuals may be prepared to begin out courting in their late teens, while others might wait until their twenties or beyond.
Should one wait until they’re financially stable to begin out dating?
While monetary stability is essential for a healthy and sustainable long-term relationship, it mustn’t essentially be a prerequisite for beginning to date. Financial stability typically develops over time, and ready until you attain a selected financial milestone may unnecessarily delay your relationship life. It is more essential to be clear about your monetary state of affairs with potential companions and ensure shared values and expectations relating to money.
How essential is it to have a clear sense of self earlier than beginning to date?
Having a clear sense of self is crucial earlier than embarking on the courting journey. Understanding your own values, interests, goals, and boundaries will allow you to make better selections when choosing a associate. It will also help you navigate potential conflicts and talk effectively in a relationship. Taking the time to construct self-confidence and establish a powerful identification outside of a romantic relationship will finally lead to more healthy and extra fulfilling connections.
Are there specific indicators that indicate one is prepared for relationship after a previous breakup?
Several indicators might point out that you are ready to begin courting after a breakup. First, you must really feel genuinely excited about assembly new people and forming connections, quite than solely in search of a rebound or escaping emotional ache. Additionally, if you have processed and healed from your previous relationship, forgiven your ex-partner and your self, and discovered valuable lessons, it’s a positive indication. Lastly, if you have regained your emotional stability and are no longer seeking validation via a model new relationship, you’re probably able to embrace dating again.
How can one steadiness courting with different life priorities, corresponding to education or career?
Balancing courting with other necessary life priorities is key to maintaining a well-rounded and fulfilling life. Communication and time management are essential in phrases of balancing your private life with schooling or profession. Clearly communicate your boundaries and availability to potential partners, and guarantee they understand your priorities. Setting aside devoted time for relationship, whereas nonetheless maintaining focus in your schooling or career, will assist achieve a harmonious balance.
Is there an optimum time to start relationship after a divorce?
The optimum time to start courting after a divorce varies for each particular person and depends on a quantity of elements. It is important to give yourself sufficient time to heal emotionally and mentally from the divorce before getting into a new relationship. Consider in search of professional counseling or support teams to assist in your therapeutic course of. Listening to your personal instinct and acknowledging when you feel ready and open to new connections is crucial. Avoid evaluating your journey to others and give yourself permission to seek out love once more when it feels best for you.

domain: psychology


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It seems that the more places I see and experience, the bigger I realize the world to be. The more I become aware of, the more I realize how relatively little I know of it, how many places I have still to go, how much more there is to learn.
Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life — and travel — leaves marks on you.
The journey is part of the experience — an expression of the seriousness of one’s intent. One doesn’t take the A train to Mecca.
The most recent local government by-election results (from elections held on 21 July) should at the very least concern political strategists of the governing ANC. A few interesting trends have been confirmed by these results.
First, the ANC’s support amongst colored voters in the Western Cape – even in rural areas – has collapsed dramatically. The ANC has become an African party with very little support amongst members of other race groups. So much for the ANC’s much advertised non-racialism. Whether this has something to do with the embarrassing tantrums and childish rants of a leader like Julius Malema is not clear. What is clear is that the ANC in the Western Cape has completely alienated non-African black voters.
Second, the DA has made modest (but very limited) gains amongst African voters. These gains are more pronounced in small rural towns than in the big cities but remains limited. The DA still has a lot of work to do to convince African voters that it could possibly represent their interests. Even where traditional ANC voters want to cast protest votes they are more likely to cast such votes for independent candidates (or even for Cope) than for the DA candidate.
Speaking of Cope, interestingly, Cope has done surprisingly well in some of the by-elections. This is particularly the case in Cape Town where it gained between 15 and 25% of the vote in constituencies dominated by African voters. This suggests that the voter support for Cope might not have imploded completely despite the dreadful infighting in that party. Maybe something could still be rescued for this sorry bunch of infighters.
Third, some credible independent candidates in certain areas have stolen a large percentage of votes from the ANC while the voter turnout in ANC dominated constituencies where no credible independent candidates were standing, was very low – as low as 25% in some cases. This suggests that the electoral dominance of the ANC – while still very pronounced – is not as solid as it used to be. If credible candidates or parties stood for election, many African voters seem now for the first time prepared to abandon the ANC. This is in line with electoral trends in many other post independent countries, where the party of liberation starts losing its absolute dominance after about 20 years of freedom.
If these patterns are to be repeated in the local government election next year (by no means a forgone conclusion) and if the ANC fails galvanize its traditional supporters to go to the polls, the party will suffer very heavy losses. This will be to the benefit of the DA who might receive almost the same number of votes but a much higher percentage of the votes because of lower turn out.
Lastly, the ANC is continuing to show growth in KwaZulu-Natal at the expense of the hapless IFP. At this rate the IFP would be dead before Mangosuthu Buthelezi is finally disposed of as leader. The IFP is basically dead. The fights about who should succeed Buthelezi as leader is really just a fight about who should oversee the funeral of the IFP.
Of course, these results show clearly why the ANC wants to co-ordinate local government and national elections. In national elections its freedom credentials might still hold sway while elections fought on the failure of local governments (and not on national issues) would make life rather difficult for the ANC – especially where credible alternative candidates come forward.BACK TO TOP

domain: sociology


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Jasper builds early lead, beats Orangefield
Published 10:18 pm, Friday, September 7, 2012
For the second week in a row, the Jasper Bulldogs ran off with their game in the first half and cruised to an easy victory.
This week, Jasper exploded for 42-first half points to roll over Orangefield 55-14 Friday night at the Dawg House.
Jasper claimed control of the game in the first quarter as the Bulldogs ran out to a 35-0 lead. Jasper took the opening kickoff and drove down the field for a 15-yard score by Shawn Jones.
Orangefield scored two fourth-quarter scores to avert the shutout.
Jasper will take on cross county rival Kirbyville next Friday in Jasper.

domain: game


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This card functionally reads as "You get +1 skill value to 2 different tests" due to it being immediately available from the discard pile.
This means it will work wonderfully with anyone who cares about on-commit effects such as Minh Thi Phan (with her Analytical Mind), who already loves cards like A Glimmer of Hope. With Persistence, she essentially gets to commit it once for +2, then again for another +2! (The same can also be said for anyone using any variant of Grisly Totem).
It could also work in a Patrice Hathaway deck. She loves wildcard skills that allow her to improvise to whatever situation she finds herself in. Secondly, she loves cards that can be played from the discard pile, considering how quickly she goes through her deck.
It's a shame Winifred Habbamock can't take it, though.

domain: hobby


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This is a wall hanging quilt I recently finished for a friend of mine’s youngest brother. He is apparently a HUGE San Diego Chargers fan and his mom wanted to surprise him with a newly redecorated room in everything CHARGERS!!! He just got home and absolutely loved his wall hanging quilt. I also made a matching pillow sham for his bed.
I recreated the logo using freezer paper and a pencil and then I attached it to the quilt using a very simple fusible applique technique.
I did the quilting myself on my Voyager 17 midarm quilting machine and I was very pleased with the way it all turned out.
I also included a sleeve on the backside of the quilt for hanging it up.

domain: artistic


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By Elodia Ratti. interior. Published at Friday, April 27th, 2018 - 23:28:28 PM.
Bedroom/tub areasFitting a tub into a small space can be a challenge. but sometimes you just have to unwind with a bubble bath. which is why some enterprising home designers brazenly put the tub right in the bedroom.
inspired Cinco de Mayo table.Planning on working some Mexican style into your home this summer? Creating a luxury retreat in your own home may seem like an expensive and overwhelming task. Opulent furniture and upscale décor come to mind when we think of the term “luxury.” but. it doesn't have to be that way. By simply making a few small changes. you can make your home feel luxurious without spending an arm and a leg.
Layers of woven baskets are great for organizing. and they work perfectly with distressed wood elements. Mexican style should put a big smile on your face. This whimsical sunburst mirror is made from bamboo and wicker.Layer natural. woven materials to add visual interest to your Mexican-inspired design.4. Set A Table Featuring Mexican-Style Cinco De Mayo DecorA salsa bar is perfect for Cinco De Mayo.
wall hanging or as fabric for throw pillows.For a cool. contemporary Mexican decor vibe. add a few elements such as an area rug and throw pillows. A rich turquoise wall works perfectly with layers of striped bedding and pillows.Colorful tassels and pompoms add a Mexican bohemian vibe to your room's feel.


Perhaps looking for new malware types, attackers from China are apparently going after state and local governments in the United States the old-fashioned way: with malware-laden CDs sent through the mail.
According to reports, the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC), an organization created to help improve the security posture of U.S. governmental agencies--including state, local and tribal governments--issued a non-public alert warning of the scam. Some state governmental agencies reported last month receiving mail from China containing letters that seemed to be written by someone with a lack of command of the English language and a CD.
The CDs contain Microsoft Word files written in Mandarin, and some of the files contain malicious Visual Basic scripts.
The agencies that have received the mail are the most high-profile targets, including state archive agencies, state historical societies and a state’s cultural affairs department. There's no word whether any of the recipients fell for the scam and inserted a CD into an agency computer.
However, the mailings serve as a reminder that even at a time when hackers continue to evolve their methods for delivering malware and other threats and use more modern avenues such as the web and mobile devices, there is still room for the older techniques that have worked in the past. Researchers with cybersecurity vendor F-Secure noted late last month that four decades after the first piece of spam was sent, email continues to be the most common way cybercriminals spread their malicious web links and malware-laden attachments.
It’s clear why. According to the researchers, spam still works. In the second half of 2017, the click rate on spam was 13.4 percent. That increased in the first half of this year, to 14.2 percent. Attackers also have a good understanding of what works best with spam. The probability of a person opening an email jumps 12 percent if it claims to come from a known individual, and having an error-free subject line improves the success rate of the spam by 4.5 percent, according to F-Secure.
The spam attacks also are getting more sophisticated.
“Rather than just using malicious attachments, the spam we’re seeing often features a URL that directs you to a harmless site, which then redirects you to site hosting malicious content,” Päivi Tynninen, threat intelligence researcher at F-Secure, said in a statement. “The extra hop is an analysis-evasion method for keeping the malicious content hosted for as long as possible. And when attachments are used, the criminals often attempt to avoid automatic analysis by asking the user to enter a password featured in the body of the email to open the file.”
So it is with CDs, which were a common way of spreading malware not that long ago. One of the highest-profile examples was Stuxnet, which was first downloaded from a CD that was inserted in an Iranian nuclear plant. Even at a time when most PCs and Apple Macs no longer have CD drives, some users are still vulnerable.
“I don’t think this is as common as it used to be, but it still works, and it works well,” Chris Morales, head of security analytics at Vectra, which sells automated threat management solutions, told ITPro Today in an email. “More often an attacker would leverage a USB drive as most new systems do not have CD drives. That form of medium was most likely very specific to the intended audience (a government agency still using legacy systems that support CDs).”
In addition, the “‘persona’ who is most at risk is someone who owns a device with a CD drive,” Morales said. “Apple hasn’t sold a MacBook or an iMac with a DC or DVD drive for well over four years. The same is true for many PC makers, including HP, Dell, Lenovo. This means the people at risk are tech laggards who are using older hardware. Elderly parents and frugal small-business owners jump to mind.”
According to Sanjay Kalra, co-founder and chief product 0fficer at cloud security solutions provider Lacework, the CD attacks show that attackers don’t always use elaborate technology to deliver malware.
“They'll usually take the path that is most likely to collide with a user's lack of awareness and will prey upon misconfigurations,” Kalra told ITPro Today in an email. “People have to operate with a security-first mindset and question the sources of the technology they engage with. Every time they download, upload, or click ‘OK’ they have to think about the potential door they're opening into their own IP and their organization's environment.”
The mail isn’t the only way to receive CDs with malware, according to Joseph Kucic, chief security officer at cybersecurity vendor Cavirin. It’s also important for users to be aware that CDs and USB devices received, for example, at trade shows can be threats, and that there are steps enterprises can take to protect themselves.
“This continues the 1980s sneaker net approach of floppy disks and snail usage of CDs as a distribution source,” Kucic told ITPro Today in an email. “Most organizations no longer provide CD/DVD drives, and most consumer devices exclude them, as well. In addition, organizations disable auto-on/boot features on computers. Following best practices for disabling these devices and/or not allowing the user to have administrator privileges is the best approach for users that will try to load and run those CDs.”


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In West Virginia
Events to mark birthday of abolitionist Brown
HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. -- Scholars, politicians and history buffs will gather at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park this month to celebrate the 200th anniversary of abolitionist John Brown's birth.
Brown led a short-lived raid on the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry in October 1859. He had planned the assault to liberate and arm slaves, then spread a rebellion through the South. He was captured and hanged after a trial in Charles Town, W.Va.
Activities begin today, Brown's birthday, with a postal cancellation at a station set up within the park. Lectures throughout the month will focus on Brown's life, its relationship to the slavery debate, his influence and his place in history. A program called "John Brown Revisited" will be held Saturday.
In Wicomico County
Teen accused of killing father over allowance
SALISBURY -- A teen-ager has been accused of stabbing his father to death for cutting his allowance.
Bruno Lorenzo Smullen, 16, of Salisbury is charged with approaching his father from behind Saturday morning and stabbing him with a large kitchen knife, Wicomico County sheriff's officials said. The death of Warren Smullen, 57, was the first homicide in Wicomico County this year.
Sheriff R. Hunter Nelms said the father apparently had cut his son's allowance. The youth has been charged as an adult with first-degree murder.

domain: news


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- Lush, expansive HD worlds.
- Overflowing with creative power-ups.
- Nostalgic without being stuck in the past.
- The best multiplayer in a Mario platformer yet.
- Gamepad controls don't add much to the experience.
- Doesn't feel quite as ambitious as past console Mario games.
Just when the Wii U($979.99 at Amazon) needed a hero, Mario has returned in Super Mario 3D World, the plumber's latest console outing. Don't confuse it with last year's 2D sidescroller New Super Mario Bros. U, though. In Super Mario 3D World, Mario platforms in all directions throughout intricately designed 3D environments. While it may not be quite as radical and revelatory as its Super Mario Galaxy predecessors, Super Mario 3D World is still the best proof yet of how nothing can touch this series when it's at the top of its game.
The Best of Both Mario Worlds
When Mario's old nemesis Bowser abducts the seven Sprixie princesses, Mario, Luigi, Toad, and the refreshingly not kidnapped Princess Peach hop from the Mushroom Kingdom to the Sprixie Kingdom using the mysterious, new clear pipes. As its slightly misleading title suggests, Super Mario 3D World's($37.96 at Amazon) closest relative is 2011's Super Mario 3D Land($19.99 at GameStop). But whereas the 3D in Super Mario 3D Land's name referred to the stereoscopic 3D visuals provided by the Nintendo 3DS, Super Mario 3D World's visuals are flat but gorgeous HD landscapes powered by the Wii U. Colors dazzle, characters animate with personality, and textures like grass and fur look tangible. Even the map screens, full of motion and background secrets, come alive.
The hardware upgrade gives more than just a visual boost though. Super Mario 3D World features huge, uncompromised playgrounds to run and jump through with flag poles so far in the distance players need in-game binoculars to see them. They dwarf Super Mario 3D Land's boxy, somewhat claustrophobic levels as well as Super Mario Galaxy's tiny planetoids. Like its portable sibling, Super Mario 3D World's ever-shifting level design casually blurs the line between 2D and 3D platforming, but the contrast between the open 3D sections and tight 2D challenges keeps the game fresh. Adding to the gameplay variety are the occasional Captain Toad levels where players must navigate a puzzle box without jumping. Cerebral and slower-placed, they offer a nice break from the more action-packed main game.
The larger levels are great settings for the game's four-player co-op/competitive mode, a first for a 3D Mario game. Between the stat-tracking (finally making scores relevant in a Mario game) and ability to steal crowns from the winning players, it's fun to see how quickly the game turns friends into enemies. However, the added freedom of movement makes this multiplayer more fun than the overly frantic past multiplayer Mario titles. Picking a character with a helpful unique ability, like Luigi's higher jump and Peach's floating skirt, also adds a little strategy.
Embarrassment of Riches
Super Mario 3D World's levels are inventive, brimming with secrets, and constantly keep players on their toes. But, the game's most creative moments come from its plethora of imaginative power-ups. Returning favorite like fire flowers and Tanooki suits are joined by new abilities that fundamentally change the way a Mario game is played. The player-multiplying double cherry specifically feels like it could sustain a whole game's worthy of new ideas all by itself. Kuribo's Shoe becomes Kuribo's Ice Skate while Yoshi is replaced with Plessie, a giant Plesiosaur to ride. Goomba disguises turn old Japanese dojos into stealth missions, light boxes bust ghosts Luigi's Mansion-style, boost pads complement the new multi-tiered dash ability, and the prominent cat suit adds verticality never before seen in a Mario game thanks to its adorable wall-climbing perks. There are so many great items that the game has an almost cavalier attitude towards them, throwing one out after its first few uses just so there's time to get to the next one. That way, players are left wanting more rather than thinking a particular skill has overstayed its welcome.
However, even with all of these new powers and approaches to level design, Super Mario 3D World mostly feels like a love letter to Mario's past. While there's an element to nostalgia to most everything Nintendo puts out these days, Super Mario 3D World's references run deep. Mario Kart, Super Mario Sunshine, and even one-shot villain Wart from Super Mario Bros. 2 all get subtle shout-outs. Beyond that, there also appear to be allusions to other classic Nintendo franchises like The Legend of Zelda's($19.99 at GameStop) top-down dungeons and Donkey Kong Country's($19.99 at GameStop) blasting barrels. Heck, even Nights into Dreams fans can pretend that the game's frequent dark and spooky neon carnival levels are acknowledgements that game exists. However, Super Mario Galaxy fans bummed out by the game's more earth-bound nature will be the ones most pleasantly surprised by some late-game secrets.
Mario is Back
There are a few missteps here and there. Having to collect dozens of hidden green stars to progress hurts the pacing near the end and artificially lengthens an experience that's already plenty long and content-rich. The timer and lives system are weirdly unnecessary old-school holdovers that just limit enjoyable exploration, and later boss fights pale in comparison to Bowser ghost riding a pimpmobile in the game's opening battle. Meanwhile, the smattering of Wii U-specific features like blowing fans to move platforms, controlling the camera by tilting the controller, or touching the screen to reveal hidden pathways provide little extra fun. Off-screen play, better graphics, and sharing cute stamps online via Miiverse are the console's best contributions.
However, Super Mario 3D World's biggest but most nebulous flaw is how safe it feels overall. Like something truly out of this world, Super Mario Galaxy felt like the result of an insanely talented young team pushing themselves to the limits of their creative ambition. Even that game's story went off in bizarre directions that briefly made a Mario game almost touching and existential. Super Mario 3D World on the other hand looks like that same team used their gained experience to make a game that's more confident and self-assured but perhaps less risky, even when it comes to something like the good but less catchy orchestrated soundtrack.
Still, Super Mario 3D World stands as one of the finest, most well-realized Mario games yet making it an obvious Editor's Choice. For a franchise that so frequently and effortlessly embodies the best of what a video game can be, that's saying something.
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text:
Sunset Inn Bed and Breakfast
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Travel Blogs from Rocky Mount
... All we had to do was hold up a seed stick and one or two would land on our hands and start eating the seeds. Sometimes, the birds were not in a sharing mood and one would chase the other one off and have the seed stick to herself. Once the parakeets had cleaned off all the seed from the sticks, we headed to the other side of the exhibit where the American flamingos were standing in a shallow pool of water. We bought some bags of duck pellets to feed ...
... for Christmas. I know my mom and dad are sad I won't be here yet happy for Johnnie and me. Our plane leaves this afternoon and all is ready. I am awaiting Johnnie to return from work and my limousine. (It is really my mom and dad's truck but limousine sounded much more sophisticated.) We will soon be off to the airport for the next 2 days of flying. I know, we won't arrive in Cairns until December 21st! The time change is really going to mess with us. ...
... geocaching and a road trip in store.
We can't wait to arrive and begin to explore.
Johnnie is saying, What have I done?!
I know that he loves me, we are going to have fun!!!
The adventure Down Under how special it will be.
A wedding with my soul mate God made just for me.
God be with us tomorrow and all through our stay.
Our blessings go out to our family and friends, we pray.
What a miserable place!
It's hot as hell, the water in the pool looks like someone poured milk into it, and there is nothing to do in the area.
This is our own fault. We completely spaced about the holiday weekend and this was the ONLY place we could find available anywhere near where we want to go next.
Boo for us.
We completely understand why this place is for ...
... We looked around for a while and found the cabin we had reserved ( Cabin 1) and surprised the folks who were staying in it and who knew nothing about our reservation or the whereabouts of the campground operators. At this point we folded our tent and went to the Days Inn in Rocky Mount to recouped and get some dinner. We will be back on the road tomorrow on the way to New Jersey and another great day of interesting ...

domain: travel


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|Elvis Express Radio brings news of Elvis releases and provides free online entertainment & news to fans around the world. We DO NOT sell any Elvis products
|HEARTBREAK HOTEL FOR AMERICAN HORROR STORY
August 21, 2015 / International Business Times / Elvis Express Radio
“American Horror Story” just released two more teaser trailers for the upcoming season, but the biggest clue from the videos is not what can be seen on screen, but what is heard in
Entertainment Weekly released the two videos Friday. The first, titled “Do Not Disturb,” features a man with no face and a quick audio at the end teasing “Heartbreak Hotel.” The
second video, “Beauty Rest,” shows someone getting strangled by a metallic claw-like hand. Those listening closely can catch the words to a chilling song: “Since my baby left me/ I
found a new place to dwell/ Heartbreak Hotel.”
Elvis Presley fans will recognize those lyrics from his 1956 single “Heartbreak Hotel.” But what some don’t know is that there is a sad story behind the song. The tune was written by
Tommy Durden and Mae Boren Axton for Presley’s first single with his new label, RCA Victor. Durden and Axton reportedly were inspired to write the song after reading a
newspaper article about a man who killed himself by jumping from a hotel window. After destroying all forms of identification, the man left behind a note with five words on it: “I walk a
lonely road.” Durden and Mae created a haunting song, adding a “heartbreak hotel” to the story.
The latest promo videos feature country singer Heidi Feek’s cover of “Heartbreak Hotel.” Could the lyrics reveal clues about the Season 5 plot? “American Horror Story” fans
already know that a love triangle will play out among the characters played by Lady Gaga, Finn Wittrock and Matt Bomer. Perhaps one of the men will find himself with a broken
heart? Or maybe heartbreak and gloom are what draw the guests to the Los Angeles hotel?


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Semiconductor and personal computer stocks ignited another rally in the technology sector Thursday, sending the Nasdaq composite up 41 points to another record close of 3,197.21. The Dow Jones industrial average closed off 2 points to 10,595.30.
Some positive comments from brokerage firms lifted the chip sector to record levels as analysts are expecting strong demand for the next year or two.
However, the blue-chip stocks lost ground as next week's Federal Reserve Board's policy meeting is making some traders nervous.
"My sense here is that there is some anxiety going on concerning the Fed meeting," said Joseph Barthel, the chief investment strategist at Fahnestock & Co. "My sense is that you had a rally prior to (the meeting) and now they're getting ready (for the hike)."
Merrill Lynch got the chip stocks started Thursday after it boosted its price targets on semiconductor makers, saying the current upswing in spending on computer chips has several more years to run.
Analog Devices Inc. (ADI) rose 5 1/2 to 64 1/2 while Appied Materials Inc. (AMAT) and LSI Logic Corp. (LSI) shot up 6 3/4 and 4 5/16 a share, respectively. Broadcom Corp. (BRCM) moved up 11 3/8 to 180 and Intel Corp. (INTC) tacked on 7/16 to 79 7/16.
Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) charged up 5 to 28 after company officials said it expects to break even in its first quarter. First Call consensus was expecting the chipmaker to lose 36 cents a share in the quarter.
Internet firewall firm, SonicWall (Nasdaq: SNWL) made an impressive debut as its shares rallied up 12 1/16 to 26 1/16.
The rest of the Internet sector wasn't as fortunate.
America Online Inc. (AOL) dropped 3 3/8 to 142 5/8 and Yahoo! Inc. (YHOO) lost 4 9/16 to 193 1/2. Lycos Inc. (LCOS) lost 1 to 56 5/16. Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) gained 1 to 73 while Excite@Home Corp. (ATHM) and Infoseek Corp. (SEEK) shed 1 9/16 and 3/4 a share, respectively.
VeriSign, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRSN) rose 2 3/4 to 155 after it issued a 2-for-1 stock split Thursday and announced a deal with a Swedish telecom company.
Beyond.com Corp. (Nasdaq: BYND) lopped off 1 1/16 to 9 3/16 after the stock was downgraded to a "hold" from a "buy" by CS First Boston, citing the squeeze from Amazon.com's entry into the software space, and a recent management exodus.
Among widely held PC stocks, Dell Computer Corp. (DELL) closed up 2 to 43 7/16 ahead of its earnings report; Compaq Computer Corp. (CPQ) added 1/2 to 22 1/2; Gateway Inc. (GTW) moved up 7/16 to 76 5/16 and Apple Computer Inc. (AAPL) gained 13/16 to 92 1/4.
Time Warner Inc. (NYSE: TWX) closed up 7/8 to 68 9/16 after announcing its CNN News Group plans to buy a $20 million on a minority equity stake in InterVu Inc. (Nasdaq: ITVU). InterVu shares closed up 12 9/16 to 76 1/8.
Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) added 2 ? to 89 5/8 and Sun Microsystems Inc. (SUNW) shot up 1 9/16 to 114 3/4.

domain: economics


text:
Shovel away the virus blues with these popular bright pink hydrangeas. Add one to a single vase for a minimalist accent beside your bed. Or add a large bouquet to a vase to make a stunning display in any room of your house.
Popular Pink Hydrangeas
No need to water these blooms. These pink petals add a touch of femininity to your diva’s bedroom without any extra care. Craft beautiful arrangements with our popular rose pink hydrangea pick to adorn a porch, sunroom, bath or home office. The rose pink flowers are accented by two life-like green leaves on a light green stalk. Accent any floral arrangement with these lovely dainty hydrangeas. Place them in this vintage-inspired watering can for a rustic, yet French look or add them to your Easter decor.
Consider giving these stems to a bridesmaid along with this lovely pair of earrings. Opals compliment any color, especially pink.

domain: design


text:
RAYLEIGH-TAYLOR INSTABILITY OF A DUSTY GAS
Read the full article ';
Interface instability of «gas+dust» system was explored. A numerical solution of the dispersion equation,
connecting the perturbation wave numbers and its growth rates was found. It was shown that dust density
decreasing, as well as the size of the dust particles increasing, reduces the rate of the instability evolution. The gas viscosity was shown to decrease the rate of perturbation growth with large wave numbers.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

domain: literature


text:
When FBI Director James Comey discussed on national television the massacre at an Orlando nightclub, he made an off-the-cuff policy decision not to speak the gunman’s name. “You will notice that I am not using the killer’s name, and I will try not to do that,” Comey said during the live news conference, the Associated Press reports. By then, the name Comey was refusing to say had already been known for nearly 24 hours: Omar Mateen. Forty-nine people were killed in the attack, the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history.
Comey’s pronouncement reflects a change in how federal officials discuss terrorism cases, and it opened the door to questions about whether the intense focus on terrorists since 9/11 has unintentionally glorified them.
It was also the latest turn in a renewed debate about the way politicians talk about terrorism. The same day, Republican Donald Trump urged President Obama to resign for refusing to use the words “radical Islam” in his response to the attack. Trump’s Democratic rival Hillary Clinton inched closer, using the term “radical Islamism,” but stressed action over words.
Obama dismissed such criticism as “yapping” and said focusing on the gunman’s Muslim faith, not his self-described allegiance to a terror group, “suggests entire religious communities are complicit in violence.” The FBI director said his intention was to avoid contributing to the gunman’s infamy. The FBI said there has been no formal policy change, but Comey’s move was a calculated decision that reflects a growing concern among law enforcement that too much publicity for lone-wolf attackers will inspire more violence.


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February tease. Looks like “A Man Escaped” to me, and they currently have it on Hulu. Others are saying “Rocco and His Brothers” but I’ve never seen that.
I think it’s a hint towards The Garbage Pail Kids Movie
Lol I haven’t seen that film since I was like 10,surely almost important 2 cinema as citizen kane
The upgrade is for Sans Soleil.
Oooohhh, maybe a Chris Marker Eclipse set to make it supercoolawesome ?
Kwaidan is being listed at Blu-Ray.com. No release date has been set but a similar thing happened a few months before the Fanny and Alexander Blu-Ray release. Here’s hoping that Criterion releases the full version this time (I’m sure they will).
^ That just made my day a little peppier!
And now Being John Malkovich.
Ugh Being John Malkovich really does not deserve to be in Criterion! It’s really the weakest Kaufman and neglected cinema blah blah blah…
I liked it when they tried harder than what was pseudo artful and kind of provocative 10 years ago. They must think that their most popular age demographic grew up with Being John Malkovich and would be more than happy to spend $30 on a rebuilt version of Kaufman’s intro to directing. I hope it’s not true, and i’m just internet overreacting over stupid shit.
I don’t really see how Sans Soleil would benefit from HD treatment.
It will if it was filmed with normal film stock it will. It won’t if Marker filmed with something like Beta max tapes.
That’s the thing. I didn’t think it was filmed with normal film stock
Not to sound totally aggressive over the internet, but that’s bullshit. You’re saying it’s a bad thing Criterion reps “neglected cinema” and “known masterworks” simultaneously?
I think both very obviously have their place, and thank god Criterion thinks so too. Being John Malkovich is an excellent piece of filmmaking, and a Day 1 snap purchase for me. I can only pray that Adaptation and Synecdoche one day follow suit.
You’re saying it’s a bad thing Criterion reps “neglected cinema” and “known masterworks” simultaneously?
Ugh. No. I’m just saying that Being John Malkovich is not particularly good, and they would be much better off releasing anything better – whether it is already abundantly available on dvd for $5.87 or not.
If they release KWAIDAN on Blu-Ray, will it be that longer version that seems to be released in other countries?
^ I would assume so. Criterion wouldn’t want to repeat their previous blunder with the original DVD release.
I hope they would – I’ve been interested in seeing it for a while, but read about the mistake and thought that I would just wait until someone releases the full version. I guess that day is almost here!
I’ve put off seeing it because the Criterion DVD wasn’t complete. But now that it is being released on Blu-Ray I’ll be more than happy to pick it up.
Lets not forget HD treatment doesn’t just mean visual . . . but audio gets a great boost as well.
^ The sound is no longer compressed on Blu-Ray, so yes, there is quite a marked improvement.
I get the idea that they will be re-issuing the film on both DVD and Blu-Ray.
Not too indicative as they do this often. But it is coming; was one of the earliest rumored blu upgrades.
Even with beta, benefits can be had. But the portions of Sans Soleil that Marker filmed were done with 16mm.
Being John Malkovich will bring in the $$s for Criterion to pursue projects like Moment of Truth. I’ll accept, though I will never own BJM.
I like this cover already, just erase all the text except the title
People are saying Throne of Blood. It certainly needs a Blu-ray upgrade.
Criterion Cast has been posting pictures from Bresson films on Tumblr. I think L’Argent is in the near future.
Sans Soleil and now Bresson on blu-ray, wow!
Why are people saying it is Throne of Blood? I would be quite pleased if it was, being my second or third favourite Kurosawa.
I beg you to release standalone Madadayo :’(.
So…. guesses for tomorrow?
Being John Malkovich :(
La Jetee / Sans Soleil upgrade
Kwaidan upgrade… hopefully
but what else? will they finally get around to Y Tu Mama Tambien? How about the Qatsi trilogy? I can only hope…

domain: entertainment


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Methods | Statistics | Clinical | Educational | Industrial | Professional items | World psychology |
The term Telemedicine is the delivery of medicine at a distance. The term is composed of the Greek word τελε (tele) meaning 'far', and medicine. Telemedicine may be as simple as two health professionals discussing a case over the telephone, or as complex as using satellite technology and video-conferencing equipment to conduct a real-time consultation between medical specialists in two different countries.
Care at a distance (also called in absentia care), is an old practice which was often conducted via post; there has been a long and successful history of in absentia health care, which - thanks to modern communication technology - has metamorphosised into what we know as modern telemedicine.
In its early manifestations, African villagers used smoke signals to warn people to stay away from the village in case of serious disease. In the early 1900s, people living in remote areas in Australia used two-way radios, powered by a dynamo driven by a set of bicycle pedals, to communicate with the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia.
The terms e-health and telehealth are at times wrongly interchanged with telemedicine. Like the terms "medicine" and "health care", telemedicine often refers only to the provision of clinical services while the term telehealth can refer to clinical and non-clinical services such as medical education, administration, and research. The term e-health is often, particularly in the U.K. and Europe, used as an umbrella term that includes telehealth, electronic medical records, and other components of health IT.
Types of TelemedicineEdit
Telemedicine is practised on the basis of two concepts: real time (synchronous) and store-and-forward (asynchronous).
Real time telemedicine could be as simple as a telephone call or as complex as robotic surgery. It requires the presence of both parties at the same time and a communications link between them that allows a real-time interaction to take place. Video-conferencing equipment is one of the most common forms of technologies used in synchronous telemedicine. There are also peripheral devices which can be attached to computers or the video-conferenceing equipment which can aid in an interactive examination. For instance, an otoscope allows a physician to 'see' inside a patient's ear; a stethoscope allows the consulting physician to hear the patient's heartbeat. Medical specialties conducive to this kind of consultation include psychiatry, internal medicine, rehabilitation, cardiology, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology and neurology.
Store-and-forward telemedicine involves acquiring medical data (like medical images, bio-signals etc) and then transmitting this data to a doctor or medical specialist at a convenient time for assessment offline. It does not require the presence of both parties at the same time. Dermatology, radiology, and pathology are common specialties that are condusive to asynchronous telemedicine.
Telemedicine is most beneficial for populations living in isolated communities and remote regions and is currently being applied in virtually all medical domains. Specialties that use telemedicine often use a "tele-" prefix; for example, telemedicine as applied by radiologists is called Teleradiology. Similarly telemedicine as applied by cardiologists is termed as telecardiology, etc.
Telemedicine Coming of Age Online introduction and primer to telemedicine from the Telemedicine Information Exchange
- The Telemedicine Information Exchange (TIE)
- UK Telemedicine Information Service
- The Center for Telemedicine Law (CTL)
- Information on Telemedicine in India and Mauritius (SPSOOD)
- Telemedicine in India (AMRITA Group)
- Telemedicine in India (Apollo Group)
- Association of Telehealth Service Providers
- Norwegian Centre for Telemedicine
- SHL Telemedicine: provider of advanced personal telemedicine solutions
- American Telemedicine Association (ATA)
|This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Wikipedia (view authors).|

domain: health


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One-hundred-and-fifty families who lost loved ones or were injured in The Troubles have accused the British Government of an "abject failure" to investigate the deaths.
It comes as a response to last month's crisis talks at Stormont, which ended with the Fresh Start agreement being produced.
But political parties failed to break the impasse over toxic legacy issues remaining from The Troubles.
New mechanisms for tackling the past had been agreed by politicians last year - in the Stormont House Agreement - but they have since been derailed by a row between Sinn Fein and the UK Government.
The root of the impasse is the Government's insistence on retaining a veto, on national security grounds, over disclosing certain historic documents on Troubles killings.
The campaign groups slammed this in their open letter branding it "unacceptable".
The Pat Finucane Centre (PFC) and Justice for the Forgotten together took out a full page advertisement in the Irish News.
In a statement they said the letter was a sign of the "anger, frustration and bitter disappointment felt by over 150 bereaved families at the abject failure of the politicians and British government to implement the legacy proposals set out in the Stormont House Agreement (SHA)".
It said: "It is completely unacceptable that no process has yet been established in which families can have confidence.
"Such a process MUST be sufficiently independent within the terms of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Shamefully, the British government is currently in ongoing violation of the Convention.
"This breach is intolerable and calls into question public confidence in the credibility of the other institutions set up by the Good Friday Agreement (the Stormont Assembly, the power-sharing Executive and the accountability mechanisms over the PSNI)."
The PFC’s Paul O’Connor said further action is being planned.
"The anger and hurt expressed by bereaved families today is the tip of a very large iceberg", he said.
"Families, whether Catholic or Protestant, from both communities, in the privacy of their own homes, are both angry and grieving.
He continued: "This is not an insolvable impasse. With goodwill, common sense and respect for international legal standards, the legitimate wish of families to the truth they so earnestly desire, and deserve, can be achieved.
"They, and we, appeal to every concerned member of the public – and all politicians – to renew their efforts to reach agreement on how to investigate the past.
"Now is the time to set the truth free."
The so-called "agreement" between the DUP and Sinn Fein last week - and it is those two parties alone which have agreed, not, please note, the other three parties in the Executive - is a weak attempt to respond to the serious, medium-to-long-term problems of the Government of Northern Ireland.
The content of Fresh Start: The Stormont Agreement and Implementation Plan agreed by the DUP and Sinn Fein does not constitute a fresh start in the sense of a new beginning that substantively deals with the problems that brought the Stormont Assembly to the point of collapse.


Application of industrial endoscope in railway vehicle inspection and maintenance
The railway industry is developing faster and faster as the market changes. At the same time, the railway industry has put forward higher requirements for the quality and efficiency of railway vehicle maintenance and repair. Therefore, according to the actual situation of vehicle maintenance in railway market, our Ministry of Railways has reformed the railway vehicle maintenance system in China, extended the cycle of factory repair and repair, and shortened the time of vehicle maintenance. Therefore, how to maximize the efficiency of maintenance work under the premise of ensuring the quality of railway vehicle maintenance? It has become the concern of many railway vehicle maintenance workers. This article introduces a new type of railway vehicle maintenance and testing tool and its application in railway vehicle maintenance.
Application of industrial endoscope in vehicle maintenance and detection
The biggest difference between industrial endoscopy detection and other non-destructive testing methods is that it can directly reflect the inside and outside surface of the detected object, and does not need to compare the data or detect the skill and experience of the inspector to determine the existence or absence of the defect. At the same time, we can use the industrial endoscope device to record the whole process of video recording or photographic recording, and we can make quantitative analysis of the detected defects and measure the length and area of the defects.
In general, the application of industrial endoscopy in the railway industry is very extensive. It involves different fields such as the development, manufacture, maintenance and repair of railway engineering vehicles and transport vehicles, and even in the railway infrastructure construction, such as the construction and maintenance of bridges and tunnels. Industrial endoscope Application. In the overhaul of railway vehicles, the main applications of endoscope include gear box, hollow horizontal axle, motor, bogie side frame, bolster and shock absorber spring, air conditioning system check and so on.
Gear box inspection
With the use and operation of locomotives, it is inevitable that gear wear and improper occlusion will occur in traction gear boxes. Serious cases may even lead to the scrapping and derailment of gearboxes. Using the industrial endoscope detection method, using the flexural guiding inserting tube, through the gear inlet of the gear box to enter the gear box, check the gear condition and whether there is foreign matter at the bottom of the gear box. Such a way of inspection can be very intuitive to show the situation inside the gear box, and through the image recording function of the industrial endoscope, we can record the checked situation and make the remote diagnosis realized.
Inspection of traction motor
The traction motor is usually installed on the bottom of the locomotive. It not only starts frequent parking, but also vibrate in operation and has small installation space. It also suffers from wind, sand, rain, snow and dust attacks. The conditions are very bad, so it is easy to fail. Generally speaking, motor faults are mainly caused by motor ring fire (motor oil inlet or defective brush breakage), insulation failure, bearing wear, winding line or lead off line, brush line connection fracture. During the repair, we need to completely dismantle the decomposed motor to complete the inspection. But after using the industrial endoscope, we can insert the industrial endoscope through the maintenance window or cooling hole to check the oil contamination, carbon deposition, bearing and lead condition inside the motor.
Hollow shaft inspection
With the popularization and application of electrified high-speed trains, the application of wheelset hollow shaft has also become very extensive. The detection of hollow shaft usually uses ultrasonic flaw detection equipment to carry out whole shaft flaw detection. It is found that there are corrosion, rust, wear and other dangerous parts that are suspected to be damaged. The industrial internal endoscope is used to detect the internal parts of the hollow shaft, and the suspicious parts of the injury are examined carefully, because of the observation of industrial endoscope. Amplification effect, the staff can even use the random application soft machine of the industrial endoscope equipment, complete the picture record at the testing site, check the defects in the studio through the computer, establish the test file backup, measure the defects again, make the detection work more accurate, and make the tracking recheck comparison become a reality.
Carbon deposition test for internal combustion engine
Diesel engines of diesel locomotives, if there is carbon deposition on the exhaust valve, will cause the effective power of the internal combustion engine to decrease and consume fuel. Now the industrial video endoscope can be inserted into the cylinder through the spark plug to carry out the internal inspection of the engine.
In addition to some of the above inspection applications, industrial video endoscopes have also been applied to many inspections. For example, the inspection of air conditioning and ventilation systems, maintenance of locomotive diesel internal combustion gearboxes, inspection of urban rail vehicle door systems, railway infrastructure projects such as tunnels, construction quality inspection and aging inspection of bridges.
J40 police endoscope


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The challenge this time around is Flourishes and Embossing, and is being sponsored by Stitchy Bear Digital Stamps, we were given a choice of images to use and I just loved this one, it's from The Hat Silhouette Series and is called Feather Flourish.
The turquoise metallic embossed card and handmade glittered paper have been in my stash for a long time, I bought them at a local craft shop a couple of years ago, and they have been safely stored in one of those piles that everyone of us has called 'too gorgeous to be used' hehe!, but I finally took the plunge and cut into them (it broke my heart but it had to be done, sob, sob! LOL!). I embossed the oval with a Cuttlebug embossing folder called Dawny, the flourishes and leaves are a Magnolia DooHickey called swirl and leaf, the black organza roses are from MeiFlower and gems, ribbons, feathers and pearls are from stash. I layered the hat silhouette onto the oval, using foam pads, but when I cut it out I left a white edge which I glittered with glamour dust, the leaves and parts of the hat are also glamour dusted. Not sure if I over-did the bling but I love the way it looks, its all sparkly and twinkly.
I used the same image to decorate the insert, also paper from The Clipart Fairy Sweet Candy paper pack and a flourish that comes from a set called Flourish Brushes by Michelle Coleman I have had them a long time and can't find a link to them any more.
What do you think, too much bling!.... can you ever have too much bling though? LOL!
Also look what is coming to WH Smith's, HobbyCraft and some local craft shops!
Due out on 1st September, (although I have it on good authority that some places already have it in), this is a kit and magazine, all boxed up together, from Practical Publishing.
In it you'll find Polkadoodle papers, stamps, stickers, die-cuts, templates, buttons, ribbons and a whole magazine full of inspiring projects made using the kit, including some by little old moi! (that's my teepee card on the front woohoo!!!)
I'm going to enter my card into the following challenges
Scrappy Frogs - Bling
Stampin' Sisters in Christ - Choose at least 3 (Ribbon, Button, a Swirl, Hat Pin, Brad, Charm, Popped up Image) my 3 are Ribbon-swirl-popped up image
Poodles Parlour - anything goes
Show and Tell - Anything goes
Charisma Cardz – Glitter It
Scrapbook Sisters - #49 flower, ribbon, gem
Bearly Mine-Bring On The Bling
Wow Colette, that's a stunning card, beautifully done. Jo x
Amazing card Colette!!!! There's no such thing as too much bling!! xx
this is gorgeous, I adore the feathers and other amazing details...hope your day is awesome!
Stunning card,love the colours!
Thanks for joining us at Charisma Cardz this week and good luck!
Fabulous card Colette, I love bling, can't have enough....lol. Look forward to seeing the new mag in the shops (great card too!)
Wowzer what a stunning creation, wow, the colours, design, embellishments and image look superb, thank you for joining our challenge at Bearlymine.
wow a very elegant card! looks fantastic.Good luck with the challenge and thanks for joining us at BearlyMine
So pretty! Just love all of the details... the silver, black, cameo and feather touches make this project stunning!
So elegant! Really love those colors. Thanks for playing along at Stampin Sisters in Christ!
Gorgeous! Thanks for joining The Poodles Parlour. Good Luck. Hugs
Gorgeous! and well done using some of your favourite papers, I know how hard it must have been for you - but it was worth saving them for 'something special', that's what this card is. x
Oh wowza! This is stunning! Love the flourishes and the feathers! It's elegant and yet fun! Thanks for joining us at Stampin Sisters in Christ!
Hi Colette, what a gorgeous card. I love the silhouette and the glitter looks beautiful. Thanks for joining us at charisma cardz this week. Hugs, Denise x
Gorgeous! So elegant!
Oh wow, this is stunning!! Love the image with that big feather... and then the shiney cardstock and everything. So neat *Ü* Thanks for playing at Stampin Sisters in Christ this week!
OH my word, this is just stunning! Gorgeous colors and details. Thank you for joining us at Stampin Sisters in Christ.
Oh my goodness, this is so fun!!! I love the color choice, love the texture, love the card!
Thanks for linking up to my show and tell! Remember, every Friday at
my Website we do it again!
Great card and love the inside too
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Westminster Confession of Faith is a classic confession of Faith which is used by the Presbyterian church around the world for many years now.confess
Dabney was a Baptist, and this work is his Systematic Theology. Dabney was also Calvinistic.
Adam Clarke’s Christian Theology is a work on a lot of common doctrines found in Scripture.
Alfred Edersheim was a Christian of Jewish descendent. His work reflects a profound understanding of Jewish culture. This particular work deals with the inner workings of the Temple, both the physical structure, its ministers and ministry (service). An excellent resource book for any student of Scripture.
Definitions of Doctrine is a basic doctrines book in three volumes. Vol 1 has 26 chapters dealing with the doctrine of God. Vol. 2 has 27 chapters on Sin, Salvation, and Service. Volume three has 27 chapters on the Church.
WJ Hocking’s work Christ and His Church is a series of eight addresses about the church, building, growth, membership, etc.
The Works of Harry Ironside are 12 books by Ironside. Topics run from the Parable of the Foolish and wise virgins to Another Gospel? Holiness, Ultra-Dispensationalism.
In Rossier’s work, Simon Peter, he looks at 13 different points in the life of Peter, such as the declaration that I am a sinful man, Peter’s walking on the water, Peter’s beholding Christ in glory, etc.
This is a 11 chapter work on meditations before and after the Lord’s Table.


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For an update on this post, see here.
There is no doubt that the "Snatch" Land Rover issue is hotting up, especially with the regrettable deaths of two soldiers in Afghanistan yesterday. The Guardian, in particular, noted:
The soldiers from the Special Boat Service were returning from a night patrol when insurgents hit their armoured "snatch" Land Rover with a rocket-propelled grenade. The soldiers left the vehicle and two died in the ensuing battle. The injuries to the third were described last night as serious but not life-threatening.It is too early to say whether a better-protected vehicle would have changed the outcome for, as we pointed out yesterday, the RPG 7 is a different order of threat. The anti-mine measures embodied in vehicles like the RG-31 would not necessarily have saved the troops in this particular firefight.
Nevertheless, this did not stop the Guardian noting that the casualties "may stoke the controversy surrounding British troops' use of open-topped Land Rovers, which offer limited protection." The paper cites Captain Gibson who observes that: "It's a balance of protection, mobility and risk … If you drive around in fully armoured vehicles you can't talk to the local population."
But the Guardian, rather confusing the issue between the open-topped patrol vehicles and the "snatch" versions, goes on to say:
The vehicles have been criticised as a soft target after the roadside bombs which have killed some 18 British soldiers in Iraq. Des Browne, defence secretary, told MPs on Monday that the issue was being reviewed. Defence sources said possible alternatives include the RG-31 mine-protected armoured vehicle made by a BAE Systems subsidiary in South Africa and used by US forces in Iraq.It seems also that the matter has been raised directly by journalists at one of the daily briefings at No. 10., when the prime minister’s official spokesman said: "Let us be clear that the very sad deaths today were down to those who attacked British troops. We shouldn't make it any more complicated than it is. Our thoughts are with their families."
Enter, therefore, the BBC to put its "impartial" analysis on its website to inform general readers about the issues. Headed, "Q&A: Army Land Rover row," it tells us that:
The use of Snatch Land Rovers by the British Army has become controversial after several high-profile roadside bomb attacks in Iraq. Now a Snatch in Afghanistan has been attacked with a rocket-propelled grenade, leaving two soldiers dead.What is then remarkable is that the Beeb – usually no friend of the MoD and definitely of an anti-war persuasion - not only trots out the establishment line but adds a few embellishments of its own.
It starts by quoting an MoD spokesman to explain that tanks are often too big and too slow, cumbersome and likely to annoy civilian populations. "You can't exactly go downtown Basra in a battle-tank," says our man helpfully. What he doesn't say though is that the security situation in Basra has deteriorated to the extent that the Snatches are no longer allowed out on their own, so patrols are escorted front and rear by (tracked) Warrior MICVs – a procession that is hardly likely to be much less annoying to the civilian population.
What he might also have mentioned is that the Warrior fleet in Basra and surrounds is doing such high mileage that the vehicles are being worn out very rapidly and the maintenance problems are stacking up. They are being used at an unsustainable rate – for a purpose for which they were never intended – and something soon will have to give.
Nevertheless, the Beeb continues in its role of MoD platform, allowing the spokesman to add, "The Land Rovers are fortified with armour to offer the troops protection against explosions and ballistics … They also have electronic counter-measures (ECMs) - designed to detect roadside bombs before they explode."
Note the use of the word "fortified", which is not the one I would have chosen – "lightly armoured" would be a neutral description. As for "protection against explosions and ballistics", last night we heard it from the horse's mouth when Sky News interviewed a soldier on patrol in Basra. His view, simply put was, "These Land Rovers are no use to anyone".
The ECM is, of course, useful, but only against bombs detonated by radio or mobile 'phone. Against pressure plate activation, command wire detonation or infra-red triggers, it offers no defence.
Never let it be said that the BBC does not try though. Posing the question as to why the Land Rovers are "controversial" – not "deadly" mind you – we are told that "a number of incidents in Iraq have thrown the spotlight" on them. We are not told that "number", only that "Insurgents have begun to use roadside bombs against British forces - killing several soldiers", with the Beeb continuing, "Families of dead soldiers have complained that the Land Rovers do not provide enough protection."
Then, putting the best possible gloss on this, the Beeb tells us that "Defence Secretary Des Browne responded by promising to review the use of the vehicles in Iraq," quite forgetting to say that this was only after a serious campaign had started.
Then we come to the really serious spin. Reviewing the alternatives, we are told that "critics of the Army" say the vehicles are an outdated, cheap alternative to the more modern equipment used by the US and South Africa. No Beeb, we are not criticising the Army. We are criticising the government, and Blair in particular, for sending troops in without adequate protection.
As for the US forces, well, the Beeb says, they use "Humvee vehicles", again forgetting to tell us that they are also introducing RG-31s, Cougars and Buffalos, and are actively looking for a replacement (see above left). No, all we get is, "these (Humvees) come in for similar criticism to the Land Rovers and are thought to be susceptible to roadside bombs and grenades."
Now we arrive at the meat: "Others have suggested that vehicles used by the South African army - RG31s - should have been bought to replace Land Rovers." Again, there are some key missing facts, like the US is using them in Iraq and the Canadians are using them in Afghanistan – and have just ordered another 25. Instead, we get:
But RG31s are designed to protect against landmines, not the kind of explosives the Army deals with in Iraq. The Army used RG31s in Bosnia, but took them out of commission due to maintenance problems.This, of course, we have rebutted thoroughly on this blog, here and here, but the lie is now in the system and the Beeb is at the forefront of perpetuating it.
And, to conclude this "impartial" analysis, Lord Drayson, the procurement minister, is given the last quote: The "size and profile" of the RG31s did not match the Army's requirements, and they could not access urban areas the Land Rovers could. We are then left with this:
Other armoured vehicles that the Army already uses, such as the Warrior, have been suggested. But these are much bigger and less mobile than the Snatch Land Rover. The MoD has argued that their Land Rovers have enough counter-measures to make them safe for peacekeeping patrols. They say that the equipment they use is under constant review, along with the tactics and electronic counter-measures.So, everything is fine with the world of the BBC and MoD. Except, we learn from Monday's defence questions, after an intervention from Conservative MP Mark Pritchard, the government has "agreed to supplement Snatch with a new patrol vehicle, Vector, which will come into service in 2007."
The "Vector", it turns out, is the Armoured Pinzgauer, which we have already dubbed coffins on wheels. The thing has already had a glowing review from the Sunday Telegraph's Sean Rayment and is now attracting its defenders on the unofficial Army forum.
The odd thing is that the 80 armoured vehicles, at a cost of £35 million, were supposed to be going to Afghanistan, yet the question Pritchard posed was in relation to Iraq. Are we on the verge of a fudge here, with the MoD diverting these dangerous vehicles to Iraq as a public relations measure?
No doubt, if this happens, the Beeb will be on the case, and first in line with criticism when soldiers are slaughtered, despite having done nothing to prevent it. That is the wickedness of the BBC.
See also this update on the Pinzgauer
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