text:
By Claudia Chiappa
Boston University Statehouse Program
NORTHAMPTON — As the second winter in a global pandemic approaches, advocates in western Massachusetts are fighting to ensure some of the lessons learned last year about sheltering systems for homeless populations live on.
At the forefront of these changes is the use of non-congregate settings as shelter spaces and extended operational hours for shelters.
“Those two things need to continue post-pandemic because they transcend the public health crisis and the pandemic and really should define our response to the public health crisis of homelessness,” said Pamela Schwartz, director of the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness.
The organization works across Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire counties to prevent and end homelessness with a “housing first” approach. But it has not been alone in its fight.
This month, a coalition of 23 western Massachusetts legislators sent a letter to the state Department of Housing and Community Development urging it to permanently adapt some of the lessons highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
To meet the challenges of social distancing and to curb the spread of the virus, western Massachusetts expanded non-congregate settings — locations with some level of privacy, such as vacant hotel rooms.
“It’s the important value of four walls, some level of privacy, and bathroom access, etc… that makes a difference in all of our lives and certainly in people who are experiencing such traumatic situations as homelessness,” Schwartz said.
On top of reducing the risk of spreading deadly infections, non-congregate settings bear other advantages. For example, experts say these types of settings make rehousing quicker. In western Massachusetts, from July 1, 2020 to Sept. 30 of this year, 52% of the people residing in non-congregate sites found permanent housing, compared with a rate of 16% of those in congregate sites, according to a Hampden County Continuum of Care analysis.
“We heard repeatedly the stories of our residents who were previously unable to enter congregate shelter due to various mental health and substance use challenges but were able to accept the offer of a non-congregate site,” the legislators wrote. “We also heard about their increasing stability and resulting engagement with case management that resulted in permanent re-housing.”
Non-congregate shelters also offer solutions for people who, for a variety of reasons and factors, might not feel comfortable in large congregate settings. They represent a more feasible solution for families, for example.
“You have a number of people who do look to go into shelters, but then you also have a number of people who are very shelter-adverse. They don’t want to live in a congregate setting,” said Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, D-Northampton. “The key message was that congregate shelters as we’ve seen in the past just really aren’t working for our area.”
Legislators are now urging the use of non-congregate shelters to become a permanent solution. A bill in the House, sponsored by Rep. Natalie Higgins, D-Leominster, seeks to incrementally reduce and eventually end the use of congregate shelters.
In addition, the model proposed by the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness and the legislators stresses the importance of extending shelter hours. Before the pandemic, many operated on a seasonal basis and often required the population to leave by morning. The new models urge the need for shelters that operate 24/7 year-round.
“It’s still very cold during the day, and people are out there on park benches or in public spaces or in unsafe places,” said state Sen. Eric Lesser, D-Longmeadow. “So, you know, this is really like a kind of clarion call.”
“This public health emergency for all of us — not just the most vulnerable — exposed the illogic and inhumanity of such an arrangement,” the legislators wrote. “Warmer weather should not be a reason people are required to sleep on the street.”
But changes for the new model do not stop here. In order for the system to be successful, the state must ensure sufficient funding for staffers and an equitable distribution of resources, according to advocates.
Schwartz said it is imperative to support shelter staff, both financially and with the proper training. This includes educating them on “trauma-informed care and harm reduction, nonviolent communication, motivational interviewing and racial and ethnic sensitivity.” These are all critical skills that allow staff to support the homeless populations.
It then becomes key to ensure that staffers are paid a livable wage.
“You can’t run a shelter without people to staff the shelter,” Schwartz said. “And you can’t staff the shelter sufficiently, with enough consistency, with a level of care we’re all seeking, without paying a livable wage.”
Sabadosa and Lesser both agreed that paying staffers a livable wage is “critical” if the model is to succeed. Supporting employees financially will help shelters avoid burnouts and it will help retain their staff.
“Paying livable wages is going to be key because you’re asking staff to work in very complex situations,” Sabadosa said. “We shouldn’t be opening shelters if we’re going to pay people minimum wage or just barely above it, because this requires skill and training, and you don’t get that for minimum wage.”
While the model would apply statewide, the letter urges the Department of Housing and Community Development to commit to ensure a more equitable distribution of funds. Right now, the state is allocating fewer resources to western areas than to its eastern counterparts, and many communities in the western part of the state are struggling to keep up.
“I think that sometimes it’s easy for people to forget that there are people living on the streets here, or camping in the woods,” Sabadosa said. “This problem is not just a city problem. It’s not just an eastern Mass. problem. And it has to be resolved for the whole state and you have to offer services across the state.”
An inequitable distribution of funds is caused by structural issues within the state.
Despite sheltering 13% of the state’s total individual homeless population, western Massachusetts receives only 7% of the state’s shelter funds, according to a 2013 analysis by the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance. Lesser said that this is caused by “decades-old” formulas and earmarks, which do not properly serve western Massachusetts anymore.
“The letter is really about properly funding the services, properly funding “housing first” and make sure that there is equity between eastern Mass. and western Mass. and how these programs are funded,” Lesser said. “There needs to be dedicated focus on the communities of the regions that have been the hardest hit by COVID and who have seen the least stability to bounce back after COVID.”
The state’s American Rescue Plan Act budget, currently awaiting approval by lawmakers, provides an “unprecedented opportunity” to address these issues, Schwartz said. The ARPA budget allocates over $600 million for affordable housing and to address homelessness.
“The truth is, it’s a fraction of what we need to adequately address this crisis of homelessness and lack of affordable housing,” Schwartz said. “But it’s a significant drop in the bucket.”
The Senate and House have each approved their own version of the spending plan for the $3.82 billion in federal pandemic relief funds. While many were hopeful the lawmakers could reach a compromise before the end of the legislative session, the state will now have to wait until the new year to see how the long-awaited money is allocated.
“We need to make it happen with incredible purpose and urgency,” Schwartz said. “We have a chance to end homelessness for hundreds of people across the state and dozens in our region.”
This article originally appeared in the Daily Hampshire Gazette.


text:
In response to short, six-hour fasts in mice, female mice put on more liver fat than males, but also seemed to be better at using it up, according to research published in The Journal of Physiology. This may be beneficial for health, potentially reducing susceptibility to diseases including diabetes and high blood pressure.
Anupam Ghose, a physician by training, was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in 2017. After the diagnosis of T2DM, he followed a low carbohydrate high fat diet and reversed his T2DM within a year. Now he has one main goal in life. Yes, it is to make people understand that the conventional method of treating T2DM is not beneficial. The best way to reverse T2DM is through diet and lifestyle modification. He decided to help people suffering from T2DM in their new journey by offering consultations and working together with them in order to achieve a T2DM free life.

domain: medical


Ashford Felting Needles – Spiral
49 in stock
Have questions about this product? Please contact us and we would be happy to help.
Gauge: 36 spiral
The needles are twisted which makes felting faster while reducing the surface holes other needles make.


Technology of time distribution systems has evolved over time. In the last century synchronisation of slave clocks was based on minute or second impulses in a two-wire cabling installation. No diagnosis and setting function was available in impulse mode.
The same two-wire cabling has been used for twenty years for self-setting clocks. MOBATIME set the industrial standard through MOBALine: MOBALine is a time code which contains the complete time and date information. By connecting a device to the MOBALine code, it will set its time automatically. As the clocks are powered through the same cabling, no additional power cable is necessary to run the clocks.
Recently there was a major step in the technology for time systems and clocks. Time distribution systems as well as other low voltage systems such as CCTV, entrance control, time attendance, etc. have been heavily influenced by the fundamental development in information and communication technology (ICT).
Nowadays new installations of time systems and clocks are network-based. Time distribution systems and other sub-systems are no longer run over a designated network installation. They rely on existing LAN-cablings (e.g. CAT 5e / CAT 6e). LAN-based systems make use of the TCP/IP standard of modern communication and internet technology. Within this standard the network time protocol (NTP) is the reliable time standard for the synchronisation of clocks as well as for the time reference of IT-sub-systems.
Based on this common NTP-standard, master clocks, time servers, slave devices (clocks and information displays) and suitable management software form a centrally administrated and monitored time distribution system. MOBATIME SWISS TIME SYSTEMS offers the full range of IP-based products for distributed time systems (DTS) over the LAN.
Time servers and master clocks
Time servers and master clocks provide reliable and accurate time to IT-sub-systems and slave devices. MOBATIME time servers and master clocks are GPS-synchronised. Certain devices (DTS timeserver 4135 and 4136) contain an oscillator (quartz) as internal time basis which maintains time accuracy in case of power or GPS-failure. The time servers and master clocks are equipped with LAN/NTP-outputs. Additional outputs such as IRIG / AFNOR, serial RS 232/RS 485 interfaces, DCF or high accurate pulse / frequency outputs ensure that time servers and master clocks provide utmost flexibility for synchronising variant sub-systems. Additional key features of the time servers and master clocks are:
- Fully controllable by SNMP: put, get, alarm traps, alive messages, e-mail notification
- IP configuration: DHCP, static IP, IPv4, IPv6
- Time server protocols: NTP v4 (compatible with v3), SNTP
- Time zone server for individual calculation of local time(s) on the slave devices
- NTP modes: server, peer, broadcast, multicast. server and client modes are possible simultaneously
Redundancy is crucial to assure reliability of a time system. Identification of time servers and master clocks with designated IP-addresses in the LAN allows a new concept of redundancy. It is no longer necessary to have two time references at the same physical place (e.g. substation of a metro). The time reference can be linked to the LAN whereever necessary and distributed in the time system (DTS). The NTP slave clocks can be synchronised from up to four time servers or master clocks by entering their IP addresses in the NTP server list of the slave clock during commissioning.
Analogue and digital slave clocks derive the NTP-signal from time servers and master clocks through the LAN. As soon as the slave clocks are plugged to the LAN they will automatically adjust themselves to the right time. The NTP-synchronisation can either be in a unicast or multicast mode. Active alarm and alivetraps sending to the management software ensures monitoring the status of the clocks. Analogue clocks are mainly powered over the Ethernet (PoE) which saves additional power cabling to the installation spot. MOBATIME – SWISS TIME SYSTEMS can offer you the full range of slave clocks according to your needs.
Latest developments in ICT and their influence on low voltage installations have lead to a demand in centralised management software. This is valid for time systems and clocks as well. With MOBA-NMS a highly advanced solution is available from MOBATIME – SWISS TIME SYSTEMS. MOBA-NMS is Java-based (Eclipse RCP) and therefore operating system independent (Windows, Linux).
In detail, MOBA-NMS offers the following functions:
- Central device management from one workstation for all MOBATIME network master clocks, time servers and slave clocks (analogue, digital)
- Designed to handle/configurate more than 1,000 devices per network at the same time
- Device auto detection for multi-cast and unicast (IP range scan) communication
- Read and change device configuration with a comfortable user interface
- Display device status, time, error and alarm information of each device
- Create logical groups and move/sort devices per drag and drop for easier management and supervision
- Define an individual name (e.g. with location) for each device
- Available for download with integrated online self update feature
DTS – your advantages at a glance
An IP-based time system is a powerful instrument to display time and provide reliable time reference for sub-systems. By running your entire time distribution with designated devices over the Ethernet you will benefit from several advantages:
- The local area network (LAN) is nowadays state-of-the-art for data transmission networks. Time over Ethernet benefits from existing networks and avoids additional cabling installation for time systems only
- The technology of time servers, master clocks and slave clocks is based on common standards such as NTP, SNMP, TCP/IP, DHCP, IPv4/IPv6, etc. By applying these standards in the time distribution a long-term investment security is achieved
- The use of common ICT-standards assures that time servers and master clocks can be used as a time reference for other sub-systems in the low voltage world (CCTV, time attendance, fire alarm systems, etc.)
- MOBA-NMS forms the bracket of the system. Its architecture and platform guarantees a centralised and well-known mode of managing and monitoring time systems
- The LAN allows powerful data transmission and is the basis for a scalable time distribution system. Extending a system can easily be done by simply plugging additional time servers, master clocks and slave clocks
In many cases, time distribution systems are of minor importance during investment decisions for new buildings or for renovations of existing facilities. First of all, the investment amount is by far less than for example an audio-visual system. Secondly, the time system is not one of the major systems in the security field. Clocks ‘just’ have to display time. When it comes to time systems it is exactly this low interest which makes it even more crucial to invest into the right and reliable technology.
The time system shall be of the latest technology standards to ensure long-term investment security and compliancy with other low voltage sub-systems. Commissioning, administration and monitoring of the time system needs to be done with minor time efforts by the installation and maintenance team of a facility. Finally, support and updates shall be easily available today and in the future.
MOBATIME – SWISS TIME SYSTEMS is your right partner and represents all these aspects: latest technology compliant with actual industry standards, common but powerful time distribution systems and 75 years of experience in the field of time systems and clocks.
Please visit MOBATIME’s website www.mobatime.com for more information.


LoRa TDS Sensor
Total dissolved solids (TDS) represent the total concentration of dissolved substances in water. Typically, the higher the TDS value, the more substances dissolved in water. So it can be used to indicate the water quality.
LoRa TDS sensor is based on Atmel 328P, providing the LoRa wireless communication. It also provides a waterproof TDS probe and a waterproof DS18B20 sensor, making the testing process much easier to handle. For long communication, it can use the onboard LoRa module to transmit the measuring or receive.
LoRa TDS sensor supports Arduino development, and it can be applied in water quality applications such as TDS meter, aquarium, hydroponics, etc.
Model: LoRa TDS sensor
- ATMEL Atmega328P: High Performance, Low Power Atmel®AVR® Classic Microcontroller
- Onboard LoRa module(433Mhz, 868Mhz or 915Mhz)
- Communication distance: 2km or more
- Arduino Compatibility
- Waterproof TDS Probe
- TDS Measurement Range: 0 ~ 1000ppm
- Water Temperature Probe
- Power supply by battery
- Charger IC onboard
LoRa TDS sensor had been loaded the firmware before shipping, so it can be used directly to measure the TDS value and temperature in liquid after unpacking it. Besides, the firmware uploaded to the sensor could receive the specific instruction and do some operations.
1. The firmware is available on Github.
2. Device ID: every LoRa TDS sensor has an only ID for identification during the production, and the device ID is usually printed on the PCB.
- The ID had been coded in the firmware, but it can be changed to any if you want. Open the firmware by Arduino IDE, modify the number marked in red to yours, and upload the firmware to your board.
3.Instruction: there is an instructions that the LoRa TDS sensor will receive it by the LoRa and reply to measuring data.
- There is an example to show the instruction for obtaining the sensor measuring.
- E: ID040002ACT114PARAM000000#
- R: ID040002 REPLY : TDS TEM 276 TDV 362
- It means the TDS value in liquid is 362ppm, the temperature is 27.6℃.
1. Prepare a battery or power supply with 2.0mm 2-pins interface to power the LoRa TDS sensor.
2. Put the TDS probe and temperature probe into the measured liquid.
3. Prepare another LoRa device with the same frequency to work with the LoRa TDS sensor. You can check here for more LoRa devices. I used the ESP32 TFT screen LoRa controller to transmit the instruction, and the sensor will receive it and back to the measuring.
4. The firmware of the ESP32 TFT screen LoRa controller is available on GitHub. Upload the firmware to the controller by Arduino IDE (may you have to install some libraries for this firmware).
5. Type in the sensor ID to the controller for adding the device, then press the created button to enter the control page.
6. The controller will transmit the instruction circularly every two seconds and display the measuring on the screen.
We provide a demo that used the LoRa TDS sensor to measure and transmit the measuring through LoRa.
1. The code can be obtained from GitHub.
2. Open the code by Arduino IDE, and it needs to install the LoRa library(RadioLib.h) for the LoRa module to work.
3. Install the library (OneWire.h) for the temperature measurement.
4. The default frequency setting is 433Mhz in the code, if you want other frequency LoRa modules (such as 868Mhz or 915Mhz) working, it needs to do two changes in the code.
#define FREQUENCY 434.0 //868.0 or 915.0 #define BANDWIDTH 125.0 #define SPREADING_FACTOR 9 #define CODING_RATE 7 #define OUTPUT_POWER 10 #define PREAMBLE_LEN 8 #define GAIN 0
SX1278 radio = new Module(LORA_CS, DIO0, LORA_RST, DIO1, SPI, SPISettings()); //433Mhz //SX1276 radio = new Module(LORA_CS, DIO0, LORA_RST, DIO1, SPI, SPISettings()); //868Mhz or 915Mhz
5. Verify the code and upload it to the board.
6. The sensor will be a transmitter to transmit the TDS measuring and temperature measuring through LoRa.
You can list your question here or contact firstname.lastname@example.org for technology support. Detailed descriptions of your question will be helped to solve your question.


text:
MORE than 200 home help workers at the City Council meeting this week, received unanimous support to their opposition to proposed cuts.
Home help wokers from across the city were in the meeting, following a motion from northside councillor Maurice Quinlivan urging the HSE not to cut any more hours.
The workers are provided by the HSE in order to assist people to remain in their own home and avoid going into long-term sheltered care.
Home help staff assist with tasks around the home, and in some cases personal care.
But these positions are under threat. And with SIPTU launching a national campaign to defend the profession against cuts, Cllr Quinlivan lodged the notice of motion which called on Health Minister Dr James Reilly to “cease the practice of cutting home help hours due to financial considerations only.”
Councillor after councillor backed his motion, with each greeted with a warm applause from the home helpers, many of whom had taken time off to come to City Hall.
Cllr Quinlivan argued that the cuts will force the elderly and vulnerable into “expensive, private nursing homes at huge expense to taxpayers and families”.
He added: “But of course this government will never allow people’s needs get in the way of profiteering. Home Helps are an efficient reliable front line service. The service provided by HSE costs between €12 to €15 per hour, while private service is up to €23 per hour. It is a disgrace and I cannot get over the fact our society is leaving to fall by the wayside such a group of people with commitment, compassion and experience.”
He added his late father Paddy was a grateful recipient of home help care, something reflected in the case of Joe Leddin’s own father, Jim Leddin.
Independent councillor John Gilligan, seconding the motion, said this was a social issue, rather than a political one.
“If the government is going to start cutting back, we must remember care is the first line of defence. People have a right to live in their own home. We cannot afford to do without these people. The money we are looking for is not huge in the context of the overall economy,” he said.
Labour councillor Joe Leddin said he was disappointed Dr Reilly had targeted these front-line services.
“Tough decisions have to be made, but we need to protect the most vulnerable. Why not cut the pay of consultants - let him get his couple of million there,” he said.
Fine Gael’s council leader Diarmuid Scully said this is one piece of government policy he cannot agree with. He pointed out that it does not make any financial sense, because of the cost of keeping elderly people in state care systems.
Cllr Orla McLoughlin, asked her father, Mayor Gerry McLoughlin to use the access he has to government to make the council’s case.
Of the government, she said: “Shame on them - shame on them for letting this happen. Especially when we are coming to the winter. This cut will eventually affect every single one of us.”
Cllr Michael Hourigan vowed tolobby Finance Minister Michael Noonan on the matter.
Cllr Tom Shortt criticised the “culture of greed” which has led to the proposed cuts.
“Most carers go the extra mile and give great value to the state, and to the HSE. I find the privatisation of the health service quite disturbing. Consultants are facilitated in this country where they would not be in other countries, where they operate in both sectors,” he said.
Councillor Pat Kennedy called for a delegation of members, led by the mayor, to meet Ministers Michael Noonan and Jan O’Sullivan on the matter.

domain: sociology


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domain: hobby


text:
Search 321,000 hotels worldwide.
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We LOVED the view of the Eiffel from our room terrace - spent lots of time out there. The hotel was conveniently located in Montmarte and we loved that. Very close to restaurants and shops as well as several metro stations. The room was pretty small with very little storage space to I'd suggest packing ...
The hotel, the staff, the style, the history, the location all make this one the absolute best romantic boutique hideaway hotels in Paris. Those that have stayed know...
This is an excellent hotel if you want to be close enough to the center of Paris to enjoy some popular tourist sites, but also are the adventurous type and want to venture out into areas that Parisians frequent. For example, from this hotel, I took an awesome 30-minute stroll to the Louvre museum ...
The hotel was easy to get to from Gare du Nord, just a few yards from the Moulin Rouge. Checking in was straightforward, the room was a great size and very comfortable with a great en suite shower room. Overall a great stay.
Small, but pretty clean rooms unless you upgrade to deluxe. Safe, wonderful area with lots of cafes surrounding. Hotel staff reaaally not a help at all in recommendations or accommodations, I always felt that I was bothering them with any question. Unorganized check out. Overall, an okay ...
Nice and clean rooms with good facilities. I don't know if all rooms have windows like mine did, though. Hotel conveniently located close to Sacre Ceur and metro station. Great place to stay for a weekend.
Search for hotels in Montmartre - Sacre Coeur on Expedia. You can easily find your hotels in Montmartre - Sacre Coeur using one of the methods below:

domain: travel


This morning I hit the range with my other handgun obsession(besides 1911s)Glock's(especially .40's)took my 35 gen 4, 23 gen 4 and 22 gen 3 all are dark earth.
Predictable scored better larger to smaller on my combat qualification course.
With the 35 getting a 50 out of 50, the 22 getting a 49/50 and 23 47/50.
I will let it be known that a Glock 35 is as close to perfect a handgun there is, yes we all know the 5" 1911 is the only perfect handgun.
Anyways here's some pic's of the players and the G35 target(the 1&2dot as well as small man were used for trigger control DT practice at seven yards. The combat qual course is from 3' to 15', all work from the holster, including failure drills, primary hand only, support hand only and shooting on the move. Time limits are in place. Only hits in the white or lite blue count.
Interesting side note, if you look close at the G22 you'll see a Crimson Trac Railmaster laser. It came with my Kimber Warrior SOC.


text:
Alumax Boats Meppel has been commissioned by Watertaxi Rotterdam to build no less than seven new aluminum Water taxiboats in the next eighteen months. Four of these will have a capacity of forty passengers and two boats are suitable for 12 people and their bicycles. The new water taxiboats will be fully electric. One of the largest orders in the history of Alumax Boats was placed.
Alumax already built eight 12-person watertaxi’s for the well-known Rotterdam transport company. So with this new order, Alumax almost doubles its total at once. The new fleet will take over the existing Waterbus lines 18 and 19 and the Pont op Zuid starting January 1, 2022. Watertaxi Rotterdam was awarded this contract by the Minicipality of Rottedam, Metropolitan Region Rotterdam, The Hague and the Port of Rotterdam Authority.
Director Remko Germeraad of Alumax Boats is very pleased with this major contract: “We are taking a big step into the future with these zero emission watertaxi’s. Let’s strive for a cleaner environment!”

domain: news


text:
How did ancient Greeks listen to music?
This is not the post I had in mind when I sat down to write. In fact, the idea of writing something on the fragrance that Bruce asked me to make had been running through my mind for a while. Therefore, I am going to put together some of my thoughts on the theme ‘music and perfume’.
Let it be known that my competence in music is way worst than my knowledge of IT. Only by way of example, I have owned two guitars in my life: both ended up broken under the bum of a friend who sat on them. That’s a clear omen, which I better pay heed to, as one should do with all omens. All I got off that quick frequentation, is a couple of lines Guccini’s La locomotiva, which I also think I get wrong (sorry, non-Italians: you are not expected to know Guccini). Back in the days, I had even picked bits of the opening arpeggio of One, but I quickly forgot it. All in all, you don’t want to invite me to a dinner for my skills as a musician. Once, I even longed to enrol to the conservatory. I just had my Damascus experience on seeing a lute player in a calle of Venice and wanted to emulate him. I discovered, to my frustration, that I was already too old to enroll for any instrument (Gianola says it’s never too late. But I am teaching him Muay Thai, and I suspect he’s being a flatterer, lest I remember his frankness over a sparring session).
Despite being totally music-unsavvy, however, I have been requested to make a fragrance inspired by music, and I wanted to talk about it. The fragrance was requested by Bruce, a sophisticated English gentleman who usually wears an unmistakable, classic fragrance with earthy, metallic and fresh green notes.
One day, Bruce comes to me and says:
– Do you know Le jardin de Dolly?
– ‘Uhm, no, what’s it? A fenced park in Fitzrovia, innit? Another of your eccentric female friends, right?’
– ‘No, it’s a piano piece by Fauré. Would you be able to turn it into a fragrance?’
A bit bewildered by the challenge, I thought it would be stimulating to take on. I said yes, I will commit to it. Then, I spent the very next weekend sifting through the different executions of the piece, and went into voluntary seclusion trying to get to the soul of it, until I felt I would be able to translate it into an odorous path. I tried to capture the infinite tenderness of the overture, the composer’s resolute gazing at the girl, while she roams loose in the garden, the playful chase of the shades and the fountains, and the smell of freshly laundered cotton.
I was not entirely happy with the result (after all, it comes well before Mitting Attar, on which I will write soon) and, although Bruce liked it, I am quite certain the attempt fell quite wide of the mark. To Bruce’s disappointment, every time he requests a refill, I keep providing him with something different each time.
Oh, right: how did ancient Greeks listen to music? I have no clue really, but the idea I have made up for myself is a romantic one and it is rooted in my own representation of Plato’s death. It an account accrued on a documentary core, which has developed over time incorporating other images in that chord of my memory. The result is a new account of the same story, which is perfectly real in my mundus imaginalis: Plato gradually loses his senses accompanied by a melody of flutes and, surrendering the sturdy body to beauty. As he passes away and the soul takes the first step toward the principle, he indicates, with a movement of his finger, the Measure to a Thracian girl playing the flute to him, as she could not find the beat of the nomos (1). In the air, fragrant smoke exuding from perfumed essences oozes from the altars (2). Overall, it is a music that one listens to, but hearing is not the only sense involved: the beauty of melody involves the sight and the smell too.
My personal ‘death of Plato’, whose sequence I extend, a bit arbitrarily perhaps, to the classical antiquity at large (the classicists please help), has generated a reflection that I have made while I was attending a gig in London, with Gioia: today, the fruition of music (in particular live music) tends to be mutilated: scents are missing. Not a big deal, to be sure; the omission may even be justified to some extent. However, like in the the case with poetry, which was born to be accompanied and complemented by music, music may in turn benefit from the accompaniment of smells. In spite of the broken guitars, therefore, music and I may soon cross paths again in a new guise.
(1) In fact, there are basically three different accounts of the death of Plato: the fourth, my version, is based on the one reported in a an anonymous manuscript that came down to us only in a fragmented form. According to another account, reported by Diogenes Laertius, Plato passed away during a wedding banquet. Tertullian has him simply dying while sleeping.
(3) Thymiateria were mobile altars used as incense burners during sacrifice rituals. Ancient Greek language has a technical term used to indicate the ‘offering to the gods through fire, in the amount due to them’: thymìana.

domain: artistic


text:
Good designer with patience to work with our requirements.
Nora was great to work with! She actually read the Brief and provided fresh ideas and designs. Nora was VERY patient and responsive. I am so happy with my new business logo, Nora is a true Artist and I will definitely work with her again!
- Abang None
Great experience working with this designer
How Ben Robinson CPA started their logo design journey
Who are you known as?
Bookkeeper Business Academy
Tell us a bit about who you are and the people you reach
We train individuals to start and grow their own successful bookkeeping business. Our target audience is women ages 30-50 who work outside the home, have children 5-18 years old.
What industry do you think your business is most related to?
Other color requirements
I'd like to explore the following colors:
Let designers make suggestions
To give us an idea of the overall feeling of your brand, let us know which styles you lean towards
Please Note: nothing accounting looking like rising bars, pie charts or anything that makes you think accounting/bookkeeping or finance. I want something original and that females will be attracted to. Not in terms of pink; more subtle than that.

domain: design


text:
By Kane Styles
David Wagner will take charge of The Terriers for the 100th time when his side travel to the Vitality Stadium to face Bournemouth on Saturday.
Both sides will be coming into the game off the back of 1-0 victories. Eddie Howe’s side secured three points at Newcastle courtesy of an injury-time winner from defender Steve Cook, in addition to Town winning thanks to Rajiv Van La Parra’s stunning strike which defeated West Bromwich Albion at the John Smith’s Stadium.
Huddersfield were only outside of the relegation zone on goals scored when Wagner began his tenure in 2015 and it has been a meteoric rise for Huddersfield with the club currently sitting 10th in the Premier League. A win could leave Town just a point behind both Liverpool and Arsenal. The Cherries are just one point above 18th placed West Ham, and defeat could see them drop as low as 19th.
A bit of an awkward weekend with it being the international break….,working towards normality and Bournemouth away, win lose or draw its back to normal for us every day football fans…..#htfc
— Gary Carr (@carr_gaz) November 11, 2017
Despite Bournemouth hovering around the danger zone, Eddie Howe believes his side have made good progress so far: “Our run now will define our season and we have got off to a good start.”
The Terriers have failed to score in their last four games away from home, but David Wagner is optimistic his side can perform: “I’m excited for the next Premier League game against Bournemouth and it’s time for us to show that, away from home, we are able to get some points on the table.”
Bournemouth have three players out through injury – Tyrone Mings, Brad Smith and Junior Stanislas. Josh King will face a late fitness test in a bid to overcome a back problem, but Benik Afobe returns to the side after missing the victory over Newcastle. Huddersfield have just one absentee as Christopher Schindler is serving a suspension after he received two yellow cards last time out and he will be available for the Manchester City game next week.
Factfile: Bournemouth have never lost to a newly-promoted side at home in the Premier League. The Cherries haven't won back to back games since April. Huddersfield have only won once from their last 10 meetings with Bournemouth.

domain: sports


text:
Wednesdays from 2.30 – 4.30pm during term time
A low impact social activity suitable for dancers with at least some knowledge of basic steps and formations – visitors welcome.
This is a high interest class where interesting and unusual dances are often explored in a friendly and sociable atmosphere with good company and quite a bit of laughter!
Dancing will be to recorded music and to teaching from Simon Wales.
Payment for classes may be made online via this link, ideally by the evening before each class. Payment may also be made on the day via card or cash. Please call Joanne on 07747617953 with any queries.
This class takes place in the Upper Hall at St. Columba’s Church Hall, Pont Street, SW1X 0BD
Cost: £10 per class
Autumn Term dates 2022: 21, 28 Sep, 5, 12, 19 Oct
HALF TERM – Autumn Wednesday Dance – 26 Oct 2022
2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Nov
Contact the classes coordinator for more details.


text:
Freddie Hubbard: Gifted Jazz Musician Dies 1938-2008 (Photos, Video)
Famed jazz trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, known primarily for playing in the bebop, hard bop and post bop styles, was a talented musician and band leader. His long time manager Dave Weiss has issued a statement indicating that Hubbard died at Sherman Oaks Hospital in Los Angeles at age 70, after suffering a heart attack on November 26.
Frederick DeWayne Hubbard was born in Indianapolis in 1938, the youngest of six kids in a musical family. He took up the trumpet in Jr. High but also played piano, French horn and tuba among other instruments.
He headed to New York City in 1958 at age 20 and immediately became known as one of the important new jazz arrivals. He began working with Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, Cannonball Adderley, Philly Joe Jones, Slide Hampton, Sonny Rollins and Quincy Jones, earning a prestigious Down Beat Critics Poll Award.
He gravitated to pop and rock in the 70's and 80's, resettling in the San Fernando Valley of L.A. He struggled in 1992 when he suffered a serious split lip that threatened his ability to articulate his instrument. Hubbard received the highest jazz honor in 2006 when he was awarded the Jazz Masters Award by the National Endowment for the Arts.
Freddie Hubbard is survived by his wife of 35 years Briggie Hubbard and a son Duane Hubbard.
Check out photos and a video recording from 1962 of Freddie Hubbard with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers performing Moanin' below.


text:
Every good story begins at some point, perhaps at the end of another terrible one. Mine began the day that dad died. His was an untimely death on the hands of armed robbers. Fast, almost painless, as though death itself was having a party when welcoming him home. He believed in heaven, I do not. He was a foolish man, needing the illusion of faith to be able to get through life. I am enlightened, I see right through the lie embraced by so many. Or so I thought.
He picked up his black rugged walking stick from the back of the wooden door that barely covered his house and dusted it with the look of a general soldiering on to battle. He threw the once white piece of cloth to the very spot he had thrown it for twenty years since he moved next door to my house. He pursed his lips as though he was about to break into a whistle, only to realize that time was not so generous with muscle strength. The music made from his bones as he struggled to stand was the part of his morning routine that I cherished. I could see the struggle with which the 96-year-old moved as he found his way towards my house.
I cussed and closed the key hole from which I peeked at the old man. I counted to fifty, paused for about three seconds and then heard the knock. He would have been better off asleep or hidden away in a nursing home somewhere, but the stubborn little fellow would not budge. I ignored the knock thrice in hope that the stench of old age that had filled the room would soon disappear.It did not. I banged the table and headed for the door, opened it halfway and stared at him questioningly. He smiled, – that smile that touched the edges of his age-worn eyes and emanated a satisfaction that was so unnerving.
I felt it, the joy that comes with the birth of a new idea, the Eureka moment. I wondered why I had never thought of it before, as I opened the door for the clearly surprised man. I led him to my well furnished sitting room and sat him across the half played chess game willing him to challenge me. I served him a cup of hot coffee and brought with me a straw for him to clutch at. He was 96 after all. I heard him begin to hum a hymn I knew from my past religious escapades ‘I sing because am happy’. I smiled menacingly at the unsuspecting man, knowing that would not be his song in a few minutes.
I was unwilling to engage in unnecessary foreplay. Using my already purchased duct tape, I tied him to the wooden chair he sat on, smiling at his futile efforts to free himself from my gym-toned muscles and several years of experience. It was a fool’s errand, but a resistant victim is always a welcome challenge. I covered his mouth to enhance the sweet music of his helpless cries for help. They were well in tempo with the harmonious hymn playing in the background. As I arranged my knives I wondered why this had waited so long to come to me, why I had listened to so many boring sermons about a Christ I knew is non-existent.
I pondered the use of a gun, but that would be so easy for him who had made me suffer through so much in the name of love. I looked at the helpless thing lying before me that I had once looked up to and called grandpa. It was a pity father was not here to see what was about to become of his beloved papa. I stared deep into his eyes and plastered on my face what I thought to be a tight-lipped smile, towering over him to close his wide open mouth. He raised one eyebrow and hunched his shoulders offering an enigmatic smile and pity largely showing in his eyes.
‘You do not know what is coming to you old man’ I said ‘if I were you, I would be very afraid’. It was then that I realized that he had not been calling for help but was trying to sing along to the ‘amazing grace’ hymn I had put to enhance the mood. I could begin to feel the bitter-sweet taste in my mouth as I anticipated having to make him swallow all the words with which he had tortured me all this long. I put my left hand behind my back to hide the trembling from the old man’s wry looking gaze. Swiftly, with my right hand, I picked my knife and dug into the skin of his thy and repeated the action severally until the acrid smell of fresh blood assaulted our senses.
The quick expression of pain and hurt in his eyes gave an exhilarating tune to my quick step towards him to adjust him to a lying position. I willed him to stare back and tell me of his undying love and even worse and more irritating Christ’s. He stared back, painfully, hurt and yet unrelenting. I looked at his wrinkled face and wondered what about life would give him such pride. I wanted so much to gouge out his eyes, but that would rob the whole process its joy. I picked a razor from my pocket and began to make lacerations along the folds of his face watching him cringe and recoil. I thought I heard his unmade cry for help. Only he did not call out to me.
In a quick movement, I picked my Glock 26 pistol from under my coffee desk. I released the triggers and fired at him until there was nothing else left to fire. I looked at him lying there, numb like a porcelain doll, lifeless. Then it hit me, at the very point of death, he had only called to Christ. ‘In the face of God’s glory inadequately expressed through a mere mortal at his point of death, I saw my total depravity’ I mused, imagining how the old man I had known all my life would have expressed it. I felt my knees begin to give in at my own weight and the acidic taste of death in my mouth mixed with the brackish and syrupy feel of his blood beneath me as I hit the ground.
It was to be years later when I am nearly his age that I begin to understand the love of Christ that drove him to go to such insane extents, even to losing his life. Unfortunately, unlike him, I only get to witness this within the confines of these prison walls. On some days, I crave such a death, in the line of duty, definitely better than dying a caged man. But am convinced, it is much better that I die physically caged than to be caged in my utter depravity.


text:
Consider Mental Health Information Sources--Conflicts of Interest
Many sites on the internet dedicate themselves to serving up health information, but you should always question the source of that information.HealthyPlace Disclosing Policies as a Mental Health Care Information Source
Natasha's Conflicts of Interest
For my part, I, my writings, have never been funded by a health care company. I have no interest in any health care company. My personal site is funded by me. This blog is paid for by HealthyPlace. And to be clear, HealthyPlace has never influenced what I have said in any way. They have never asked me to write specific content, not write specific content, or take content down.
No one is conflict-free I suppose, but I'm pretty darn close.
Tracy, N. (2011, April 21). Consider Mental Health Information Sources--Conflicts of Interest, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2023, December 9 from https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/breakingbipolar/2011/04/consider-health-information-sources-conflicts-of-interest-video


text:
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domain: entertainment


Pine heading to Switch in August
Posted on 2 days ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News | 0 comments | 0 Likes
Twirlbound and Kongregate have announced Pine for Switch. The open-world action-adventure launches in August.
Here’s an overview, along with a trailer:
Hell is Other Demons coming to Switch later this year
Posted on 1 month ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Switch eShop | 0 comments | 0 Likes
Kartridge, the new PC gaming platform from game publisher and developer Kongregate, has partnered with Cuddle Monster Games on Hell is Other Demons. The lightning-fast bullet hell platformer is coming to Switch later this year.
Here’s an overview for Hell is Other Demons, along with a trailer:
Speed Brawl out on Switch today
Posted on 6 months ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Switch eShop | 0 comments | 0 Likes
Speed Brawl, which had previously been announced for a summer release, is coming much sooner than you might think. Kongregate announced that the 2D combat-racer is actually due out today. It’ll be distributed via the eShop.
Here’s some information about Speed Brawl, along with a trailer:
Speed Brawl gameplay trailer
Posted on 8 months ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Switch eShop, Videos | 0 comments | 0 Likes
Kongregate issued a new gameplay trailer for the stylish, anime-inspired 2D combat-racer Speed Brawl. Check it out below.
GRIDD: Retroenhanced coming to Switch next week
Posted on 9 months ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Switch eShop | 0 comments | 0 Likes
GRIDD: Retroenhanced is coming to Switch, and it’ll be just a few days until we’ll be seeing it. A listing on the North American eShop shows a release date of June 7.
GRIDD: Retroenhanced is described as “an intense arcade-style cyberpunk hacking shoot ’em up with an incredible soundtrack, procedurally generated elements, and electric visuals.” Antab Studio developed the game, though Kongregate will be publishing.
Speed Brawl coming to Switch this summer
Posted on 10 months ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Switch eShop | 0 comments | 0 Likes
Kongregate today announced a partnership with Double Stallion on the anime-inspired 2D combat-racer Speed Brawl. The game is launching on Switch this summer.
Speed Brawl “throws players into a balletic symphony of lightning-quick combat through the dank locales of a dystopian London in an all-out bloodsport.” Kongregate says the game “captures the humor and over-the-top action from over three decades of cult classic cinema.”
We have more information about Speed Brawl below, along with a teaser.
Peter Molyneux’s The Trail: Frontier Challenge sees stealth launch on Switch
Posted on 1 year ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Switch eShop | 0 comments | 0 Likes
Update: Bumped to the top. The Trail: Frontier Challenge will launch in the Americas on March 8.
Original: Last year, The Trail: Frontier Challenge from Kongregate and 22cans released on Steam. Much like with Outlast yesterday, out of nowhere, the exploration-driven simulation game has now unexpectedly landed on Switch. This case is even stranger as we previously had no idea that The Trail would be making its way to Nintendo’s console.
The Trail: Frontier Challenge is a reworked version of 22cans’ mobile title that first appeared a couple of years ago. Peter Molyneux, the creator of Fable, Populous, Black & White, and other games, founded 22cans in 2012.


text:
I was recently chatting with Glenn, a friend from college and former gaming buddy. Glenn is currently stuck in the desert and I hope for his safe return. We found ourselves talking about gaming, as we are wont to do. On the subject of people playing obnoxious, difficult, or uncooperative characters, Glenn laid down some of the finest gaming wisdom I've heard in quite some time. So, in the spirit of Your Evil Character is an Asshole, I give you this:
"if you want to play as The Comedian, expect to get thrown out of a penthouse window"


【High Quality Crystal Clear Sound】: Distinct mids and highs from our two precision acoustic drivers delivers excellent stereo sound and enhanced bass from our proprietary passive bass radiator design. Built-in 2 x 40mm dual driver portable speakerphone with crystal clear sound and strong bass without distortion even at highest volume.
【Louder Volume and More Bass】: The small speaker could provide 30% louder volume and richer Bass than Other competitors. The Crystal clear deep bass 3W + 3W HD loud speakers for both active outdoor and indoor use: room filling sound, perfect for home, dorm room, kitchen, bathroom, car, parties; streaming music or internet radio services such as Pandora and Spotify.
【Bluetooth 4.0 Technology】: Connect over Bluetooth in seconds to: iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Smartphones, Tablets, Windows 7,8,10---To play from Chromebooks, TVs and non-Bluetooth devices use the included 3.5mm audio cable connected to the AUX-IN jack --- BUILT-IN MIC for handsfree speakerphone from Smartphones and iPhones. Plays up to 33 feet (10 meters) from any Bluetooth-enabled device.
【Ultra Portable】: Under 12 ounces, The portable Bluetooth Speaker's size:7x2.5x1.7 inches. High capacity rechargeable 1800 mAh lithium battery for up to 6 hours of playtime at 2/3 volume on a full charge. Suppot TF Card / U Disk to read and stored music files, you carry the multimedie library. Built-In FM Radio. So much better for travel and hiking, superlight and easy to fit in your backpack, baggage.
【What we offer】: ZOEE 1 x Portable Bluetooth Speaker, 1 x USB Cable, 1 x 3.5mm audio cable, 1 x User Manual , 2-year warranty quality guarantee, 24h friendly customer service and email support. we offer promotions, please look down.
The Anker Advantage: Join the 20 million+ powered by our leading technology.
Patented Sound Technology: Full-bodied stereo realized through dual full-range drivers and a unique patented spiral bass port. Carefully designed transducers keep total harmonic distortion below 1% for superior audio clarity that's unprecedented in this price range.
Groundbreaking Battery Life: 24-hour / 500-song playtime powered by a built-in high capacity Li-ion battery and Anker's innovative power management technology.
Bluetooth 4.0: Instantly pair to your smartphone, tablet or to any Bluetooth compatible device and start streaming lossless CD-quality sound from up to 66 feet away. SoundCore reconnects automatically to the last device used. Built-in mic lets you take hands-free calls at any time.
What You Get: Anker SoundCore Bluetooth Speaker, Micro USB charging cable, welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty and friendly customer service.
【About the Speaker】: This bluetooth speaker has a built-in microphone and it doesn't only provide hands-free talking and song skipping function, but also support SD card music playing with superior stereo sound quality. The size and weight makes it portable and easy to carry. You can place it in your pocket or bag, and bring it when camping or doing some outdoor activities.
【High Quality Crystal Clear Sound】: The Wireless Bluetooth Speaker offers high-performance drivers and a unique enhanced bass. The sound is loud and clear, enough to easily fill your bedroom with great music as you fall asleep. You can Just enjoy the wonderful music wherever you are.
【Convenient to use】: You can have your phone's volume set to just one bar,and there will be no problem connecting and playing it with your phone and laptop. It charges up fairly quick and holds the charge for a long time. If connected to your phone, it even allows you to answer calls with the phone button, which is a neat little function! This speaker plays quite loud and can be heard from a pretty good distance. it's portable so you can carry it around anywhere.
【Multiple Connection Ways】: The Wireless Bluetooth Speaker is compatible with multi-terminal devices, such as tablet, laptop, desktop computer, MP4, TV, PSP, mobile phone, etc.
【What We Offer】: Nubwo A2pro 1 x Portable Bluetooth Speaker, 1 x USB Cable, 1 x 3.5mm audio cable, 1 x User Manual , 12-month warranty, 24h friendly customer service and email support.
√【MORE SOUND】: Advanced patent amplifier IC boost maximum volume enhance up to 50%. 5 x 2 watts high-end low-impedance speakers larger than normal 10 watts. Experience your music in full-bodied stereo realized through dual high-performance drivers and a unique spiral bass port.
√【BOOMING BASS】: Built in bass chip, inner magnetic horn and bass diaphragm, to create a perfect surround sound. Balanced rich bass with this portable size, a big passive subwoofer for enhanced bass performance. You can put the remaining milk of the breakfast on the subwoofer and let it beat with the music. Up to 2X volume than most speaker in the market, but just half the price with the premium sound quality of JBL/Creative/Sony speakers.
√【BLUETOOTH 4.2 TECHNOLOGY】: Latest Bluetooth v4.2 with A2DP, connect fast and stable. NFC quick match, a cool and useful feature absent from the vast majority of wireless speakers. Compatible with iPhone 7 / 7plus, iPad, iPod, Samsung S7 / S6, Kindle, Smartphones, Tablets; play audio from laptops, PCs via wireless bluetooth, and non-Bluetooth devices using included 3.5mm audio cable/AUX-IN jack.
√【2000MAH LITHIUM BATTERY LASTING LIFE】: Built-in rechargeable 2000 mAh lithium-ion polymer battery that can provide up to 10 hours of endless music! Aluminium unibody housing Built-in Micro SD TF card slot. So much better for travel and hiking, superlight and easy to fit in your backpack, baggage.
√【What we offer】: ZoeeTree 1 x Portable Bluetooth Speaker, 1 x USB Cable, 1 x 3.5mm audio cable, 1 x User Manual , 2-year warranty quality guarantee, 24h friendly customer service and email support.


text:
AN ELEGY TO A GREAT PLANNER, REFORMIST AND
REVOLUTIONIST OF THE DEAF NIGERIA COMMUNITY.
THE GOOD ONES ARE GOING INTO EXTINCTION
Whither the gold fish so rare to catch
Whither the tall iroko tree standing majestically
Above other trees in the forest?
Whither our great revolutionist - Jonathan Tinat
Why are the good ones rarely last
When the bad and ugly ones bestrode the land
Like a colossus?
Refrain: The good ones rarely last a lifetime
Their stars appeared and shone briefly
And, suddenly extinct from the
Plunging mankind into darkness
Until another bright star cometh
To uplift mankind again.
Whither the great Dinosaur - that ancient animal
Whither the great whale - that king of ocean
Terror of the acquatic landscape?
Whither our great Generallismo and Marshal of our
Who will now lead our foot-soldiers into battle
Why are the Master Strategists an endanger species?
Refrain: The good ones ............
Whither the Lion, King of animals and forest
Whither the great polar bear of the cold
icy habitat, hunter of fishes?
Whither our own great hunter, teacher and orator
Is it not true that what we loves to do
With passions often kill us in the end?
Our hunter, teacher and orator has gone not return
Refrain: The good ones ...........
Whither the great python - that king of snakes
Whither the great dragon- of the family of the
Carnivorous reptiles, which also spits fire!
Here in the deaf Naija community, an icon, a bright star
A great idealist and charismatic leader has just departed
Adieu! Jonathan Tinat, we shall missed you greatly.
Refrain: The good ones rarely ...........
As I walk beside a riverbed
A riverbed full of lovely plants
Plants well - nurtured and irrigated
With the water from the river
All tenderly lovely plants.
Some of the plants
Long grown into mighty trees
Over the years
I look and behold new fresh and young
plants and trees some in the nursery
Then, I look and saw their name-tags
Each of the lovely plants can be identified
I was amazed to read the names
Of leaders and demagogues world over.
I found the names of Nkrumaism, Awoism, Aminu Kanoism,
Nehruism, Zikism, Maoism, Marxism, Stallinism,
Cabraism, Negritudism, Malcom Xism, Marthin
Lutherism, and so forth
All very beautiful pedagogical names both great and
Then far in a corner I found a young bud
Just sprouted a few days old
I look to find it's name-tag
I was surprised to read the name- TINATISM.
Adieu! Jonathan Tinat, your name has been etched
In evergreen memory in our hearts who loves you.

domain: library


I am trying to do edge detection in a cross platform app. I came across EMGU.CV.
Are there any resources or tutorials on using EMGU.CV in a cross platform application? I looked at this, https://github.com/emgucv/emgucv/tree/master/Emgu.CV.Example/XamarinForms/Core
But it is confusing and I can't get this to build. Are there any other image processing components for xamarin.forms?


The answers are yes, and no, respectively. Note that when systems are not isolated (or when one talks about the mass of a piece of an isolated system) talking about the mass of such non-isolated system requires a lot of care. The answers to such questions are not observer-independent. (So to make sense of any answer in such cases, one has to specify a lot of details about the observer and the measurement process.)Imagine that we have a solid pressure vessel enclosing an ideal gas. We heat the gas up with an external source of energy, adding an amount of energy E to the system. Does the mass of our system increase by E/c2? Does the mass of the gas increase by E/c2?


text:
Posted: 02/26/201310:14:56 AM
The award winners of Polar Bites are announced...New York's minimum wage may soon be rising...Jose Abarca demonstrates how to cook traditional Mexican dishes...Chef Bruce Wieszala demonstrates how to break down a whole pig, and Rochester residents love to talk about Wegmans.
Posted: 02/25/201310:54:03 AM
Photos from the 6th annual Art of Beer...Vera Pizzeria is a wonderful escape...the self-appointed "Rookie Chef" shares some quick and easy recipes...Lumber City is much more than another pizza and wings house, and on the red carpet with Wolfgang Puck.
Posted: 02/22/20139:54:47 AM
Samurai in East Amherst is a hip little sushi bar with a cool atmosphere...The Taste of Buffalo is the nation's largest two-day food festival...check out photos from Polar Bites 2013...great donuts are readily available in WNY, and a little history about the sticky bun.
Posted: 02/21/201310:46:22 AM
Chef Jason LaMotte goes On the Line...check out Buffalo Eat's Buffalo Food Truck Guide...the Italian bread challenge...bring on the Burger Bowl, and Amherst Night Out offers food and drink specials, live music, and more.
Posted: 02/20/201310:34:53 AM
Get all the latest booze news in WNY...Lays debuts three new flavors...The Owl House is a haven for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diners...know your child's cholesterol levels, and want to learn about reducing tillage in your farming operation?
Posted: 02/19/201311:46:16 AM
Taj Grill is worth checking out...ideal party nibbles for your next get together...a conversation with Chef Michael Obarka from Ristorante Lombardo...Anchor Bar is expanding into Canada, and behind the scenes at Cooking at Home.
Posted: 02/18/201310:54:17 AM
Kaydara Noodle Bar is genuine in its attempt to warm up downtown denizens...Winter Market is nourishing a neighborhood and city...KegWorks creates a collage of local and national beer brands...putting it onto the dining room table at Gigi's Cucina Povera, and IN at Seabar lends a buttery release.
Posted: 02/15/201310:38:11 AM
Your mouth will water at My Burger Bar...Jon Karel offers service with a smile...Lovin' Cup Bistro and Brews is jazzing up its menu...what Buffalo is drinking, and news from Heinz Ketchup.
Posted: 02/14/201311:07:09 AM
Keeping it real with Paula Paradise of Betty's...New Ethiopian place, Meda, keeps it real...pimp your home bar...getting a taste of Napa Valley at Label 7, and a fundraiser for Nickel City Co-op.
Posted: 02/13/201310:32:18 AM
The story of a real mom-and-pop shop...brewing cocktails in the kitchen with Tony Rials...Natural Oasis offers unique vegan food...eat, drink, and laugh your way through local history, and cast your ballot for your favorite burger in all of New York state.
Posted: 02/12/201310:17:07 AM
Make your mixological dreams take flight...groovy Peruvian pop-up dinner...make your own paczki...understanding the science of cocktails with Cameron Rector, and a podcast with Chef Corey Siegel.
Posted: 02/11/201311:16:37 AM
Enticing diners digitally...Polar Bites at the Buffalo Zoo...tour of the New Joe's Deli on Elmwood...Valentine's Day gift guidelines...Chef Luci Levere of Elm Street Bakery, and Buffalo's cocktail scene.
Posted: 01/10/201311:36:51 AM
Rochester Food Truck Expands To Buffalo...Michael's Town Shanty Has Great Homestyle Food...Empire Bar & Grill's Name Works...Caramici's Moves To Hertel;Adds On A Bistro...Taisho Bistro Expands Japanese Meal Vocabulary
Posted: 01/09/201311:38:45 AM
Madonna's Does Burgers...Serene Gardens On Grand Island...Big Value At Tiny Nick's Express...You Design Your Food At D'Avolio's...Rocky's Serves Satisfying Indian Dinner
Posted: 01/08/201311:09:33 AM
Trader Joes Come To Amherst...CoCo Offers Trout...Wegmans Family Garden @ Botanical Gardens...Dinosaur BBQ Delays Move To Buffalo...Dog Ears Gets A Cafe

domain: food


For what will likely be their final year on the market, Jeep has equipped its Patriot and Compass models with a new six-speed automatic transmission. No applause is necessary.
It's no secret that both the Jeep Patriot and Compass are living on borrowed time. Each were designed during an era of deep cost-cutting and a mindset that a Jeep model can do well even without real off-road capabilities. Since both vehicles here are built on the same platform as the old Dodge Caliber, it's fair to say they're not true Jeeps in the same sense as the Wrangler or Grand Cherokee. With both models on their way out, Jeep has revealed mild updates for each at the Detroit Auto Show.
So what's changed? A six-speed automatic gearbox to replace the old CVT. That's the biggest news. Mated to either the standard 2.0-liter four with 158 hp or the 2.4 with 172, the new slushbox helps improve fuel economy, though Jeep has yet to release exact figures. The five-speed manual is still available. Aside from the drivetrain changes, Compass can now add items like a plated grille, painted mirrors and 18" wheels to spruce up the exterior. A backup camera is also new, as are some minor upgrades. The Patriot is otherwise unchanged aside from front-seat airbags. Both will arrive in showrooms this spring for what will likely be their last model year.


text:
Where will your retirement money come from? If you’re like most people, qualified-retirement plans, Social Security, and personal savings and investments are expected to play a role. Once you have estimated the amount of money you may need for retirement, a sound approach involves taking a close look at your potential retirement-income sources.
Here are five facts about Social Security that might surprise you.
Have A Question About This Topic?
Roth 401(k) plans combine features of traditional 401(k) plans with those of a Roth IRA.
This article may help you understand the most recent changes to your IRA and your RMD implemented with the SECURE Act.
The uncertainties we face in retirement can erode our sense of confidence.
Are women prepared for a 20-year retirement?
Monthly Social Security payments differ substantially depending on when you start receiving benefits.
The list of IRA withdrawals that may be taken without incurring a 10% early penalty has grown.
Estimate how long your retirement savings may last using various monthly cash flow rates.
Estimate your monthly and annual income from various IRA types.
This calculator compares a hypothetical fixed annuity with an account where the interest is taxed each year.
This calculator can help you estimate how much you may need to save for retirement.
Help determine the required minimum distribution from an IRA or other qualified retirement plan.
This calculator may help you estimate how long funds may last given regular withdrawals.
Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.
A number of questions and concerns need to be addressed to help you better prepare for retirement living.
Around the country, attitudes about retirement are shifting.
The average retirement lasts for 18 years, with many lasting even longer. Will you fill your post-retirement days with purpose?
A growing number of Americans are pushing back the age at which they plan to retire. Or deciding not to retire at all.
Why are 401(k) plans, annuities, and IRAs so popular?
When you retire, how will you treat your next chapter?
There are three things to consider before dipping into retirement savings to pay for college.

domain: finance


text:
Children’s rights and Brexit
Children in Wales and the Wales Observatory on Human Rights of Children and Young People have launched a briefing paper on Brexit and children’s rights in Wales.
With the UK leaving the European Union, the paper sets out concerns that have arisen for children in Wales, and opportunities to protect children’s rights through law and policy in Wales.
The briefing concentrates on four main areas:
- The erosion of guarantees of fundamental rights
- The undermining of social cohesion
- The loss of EU funding to support disadvantaged communities
- The lack of meaningful opportunities for children to have participated in the Brexit process.
The briefing provides recommendations on strengthening or safeguarding children’s rights as the Brexit process continues.

domain: law


Monday Marks Hottest Day Of The Year In Minnesota…So FarHealth officials are urging Minnesotans to take precautions in dealing with high temperatures and humidity. The National Weather Service says the humidity will make temperatures feel like 100 to 110 degrees Monday across much of Minnesota.
Minnesota Steams Under Excessive Heat WarningStudents have returned to school in Minneapolis amid some of the most sweltering conditions of the summer. Minneapolis public schools have 18 buildings that lack air conditioning and another 11 with only limited cooling.
Heat, Drought Conditions Raise Minn. Wildfire RiskWith high temperatures and drought conditions in parts of the state, fire officials are warning about the risk of wildfires and urging people to be careful in dry areas. Tom Fasteland is a coordinator with the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center in Grand Rapids. He says part of the state is still covered with green vegetation, which reduces the risk of fire, but the landscape can change quickly in a heat wave. He says people should be careful in recreational parts of the state. He says areas around Bemidji, Detroit Lakes and Cass Lake are dry, and in parts of northern and central Minnesota the fire-danger rating is "high" or "very high."
Football Players, Marching Band Members Practice Thru 90-Degree HeatThe hot weather forecasted for Tuesday will have lots of people looking for some relief. It should be a popular day for lakes, pools and water parks around the Twin Cities. Lake Josephine in Roseville is likely to be a popular spot in Roseville Tuesday as much of the Twin Cities is under a heat advisory from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Weather Blog: When Can I Turn Off The Air? This is a question I field quite often at WCCO. It has been hot -- the second warmest July on record -- and humid this summer.
Canterbury Park Cancels Fourth Of July Racing, EventsExtreme temperatures and intense heat have forced all live racing and Fourth of July festivities to be canceled at Canterbury Park.


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This weekend marks the unofficial start of the spring home-buying season. The combination of low-interest rates and overall good economic data out of the U.S. supports the belief that home sales and home-related activities will be robust. With the Fed staying on hold for the moment, and, with the odds favoring a rate reduction, the cost of financing debt is very attractive.
One concern remains home affordability. How far borrowers are willing to stretch may hurt higher end coastal markets. However, the demand for a luxury home product is strong (Jeff Bezos just purchased a $165 million home here in Los Angeles).
The 30-year Treasury auction this week was met with strong demand even with the offering being consummated with the lowest yield ever offered. With $13 trillion negative rates globally, the U.S. bond market is one of the few places where high-quality bonds change hands with positive yields. This phenomenon will cap how high-interest rates can go up in the U.S. With the 10-year near 1.500%, locking in at these levels is prudent, but interest rates may go lower. The uncertainty of the coronavirus could push rates higher or lower depending on how the virus spreads.

domain: economics


text:
Latest research papers in chemical engineering
An international journal of research and development developments in chemical engineering papers which describe novel theory and its new journals and co. Chemical engineering research and design the remainder of the issue contains current papers in the whole field of chemical engineering.
Recently published articles from chemical engineering research and design. Publication of the institution of chemical in chemical engineering papers showing how research results can contributions that deal with new developments in.
About the journal advanced chemical engineering research(acer) is an internationally refereed journal dedicated to publishing the latest advancements in chemical. Hans kuipers, professor in chemical engineering at tu/e, is the first author to publish 100 papers in chemical engineering science to celebrate this special.
Original papers in chemical engineeringpapers showing how research results the latest open access articles published in chemical engineering research and. A research feed listing the current research projects associated with chemical engineering at michigan technological university in houghton, mi. The department is involved in a variety of frontier and traditional areas in chemical engineering research, under the broad areas of.
Acs axial: your bond with chemistry research journal of chemical & engineering data 15 of the hottest research topics in chemistry. Advances in engineering features breaking news and significant experimental results in chemical engineering research selected from top papers. · what are the hottest current research topics in chemical engineering what are the hottest current research topics in research topics in chemical engineering.


Fluid recovery system provides higher quality fluids
The BRANDT AFRS fluid recovery system from National Oilwell Varco (NOV) allows recovery of up to 95% of the fluid that is generally lost on cuttings, resulting in higher quality fluids due to little to no solids degradation, according to the company. The AFRS hopper is positioned beneath the shaker slides. After primary separation occurs at the rig shale shakers, the cuttings fall into the AFRS hopper and are pumped to a drying centrifuge using a patent-pending process, yielding oil on cuttings down to 6%. As this pump can move live seafood, it is ideal in being able to process cuttings from the shaker without detrimental cuttings degradation, thus significantly reducing the creation of low-gravity solids in the recovered fluid stream. nov.com
Boosting subsea oil recovery
Aker Solutions and FSubsea have agreed to create FASTSubsea to help operators increase oil recovery in a faster, simpler and more environmentally friendly way, a press release stated. Multiphase subsea pumping technology has the potential to increase oil recovery rates by more than 20%, but cost, space limitations and sometimes complex solutions mean multiphase pumps are installed in fewer than 30 of the world’s 1,500-plus offshore fields. New company FASTSubsea combines Aker Solutions’ high-performance multiphase hydraulic technology with FSubsea’s Hydromag technology to create the world’s first “topside-less” multiphase boosting system, according to the release. The pump module solution being developed by FASTSubsea can cut capex by half and enable subsea boosting at fields where there is no available topside space. Getting more out of existing wells reduces CO2-emissions per barrel. fsubsea.com, akersolutions.com
Error-proof method rapidly obtains drilling assembly offset
AccuScribe is an automated conventional drilling assembly offset (DAO) system. This hardware and software provides an error-proof method to rapidly obtain an accurate DAO, according to the company. In drilling for oil, the predictability of a drilling assembly is critical for reaching peak performance, and the accurate alignment of the DAO is a critical process in pre-run bottomhole assembly. A DAO is a process of transposing the high side of the MWD to the mud motor high side, such that the drilling wellbore can be directionally drilled with the drilling assembly according to a predetermined well path. Companies that choose to implement and standardize their operations with AccuScribe will see a return on their investment of up to 18 times the cost with minimal disruption to their current operations. Since its product launch in March 2018, AccuScribe has provided more than 600 offset measurements. The AccuScribe development team has gathered user feedback to enhance user experience. AccuScribe BLACK (version 3) launched in May and comes complete with the company’s new iOS application, ready to deploy in a matter of hours to the drilling rig. accuscribe.us
New oil and gas drone inspection technology
Recently released by Xtreme Cubes Corp. and AviSight Inc., the C3UBE is a sophisticated drone mobile command center. AviSight deploys the C3UBE for the inspection of oil, gas and power critical infrastructure. It allows simultaneous and multiple beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) flight missions and provides real-time data transmission and artificial-intelligence-assisted fault detection in the most remote of locations. By enabling BVLOS flight of significant distance, for the first time drones are a real alternative to the unsafe and inefficient methods of inspection, which include helicopters and dangerous manual logistics. When critical infrastructure companies make this transition to unmanned data collection, they are able to cut costs, save lives and provide better service with less interruption to the final customer. xtremecubescorp.com, avisight.com
New simulator training for next generation electric vehicles
Forum Subsea Technologies has released the latest version of its VMAX simulator to integrate with its next-generation of electric ROVs (eROV), a press release stated. The XLe Spirit was the first vehicle to be launched from the new range last year, and Forum has now added the eROV to its choice of vehicles within the simulator. The new lightweight and ergonomically designed eROV Hand Controller console also can be interfaced to VMAX to allow pilots to be trained in the use of the new console. The VMAX software is a 3-D ROV simulation system that is predominantly used for the training and evaluation of ROV pilots. It also can be utilized by subsea engineering teams for modeling and verification of procedures involving intervention tasks for subsea equipment. The system provides a variety of ROV scenarios designed to test pilots’ skills, such as tether management, manipulator control and tooling operation within realistic operational conditions. The XLe Spirit is the smallest in the new range but is powerful enough to perform subsea maintenance and repair work with the use of its optional electric or hydraulic five-function manipulator arm. f-e-t.com
New clamp meters allow users to measure current in tight spaces
Emerson is expanding its Greenlee test and measurement offering with four new meters and probes: the CMF Series (CMF-110 and CMF-118 flexible clamp meters) and the FC Series (FC-110 and FC-118 flexible clamp current probes), according to a recent product announcement. The flexible coils allow professionals to measure current in hard-to-reach cables and large conductors that hard-jaw clamp meters cannot clamp around. Available in either 10-in. or 18-in. flexible coil offerings, Greenlee’s CMF Series flexible clamp meter is a standalone meter that accurately measures true root mean square alternating current (AC), AC voltage, resistance, frequency and inrush current, and has a bright LCD screen to display measurements clearly. The CMF Series features a flexible coil that professionals can easily thread around large conductors. Capable of reading measurements up to 3,000 amps, the CMF Series has a convenient auto or manual range selection and a unique data hold function that captures measurement for reading after the professional removes the meter from the conductor or enclosure. In addition, Greenlee’s FC Series flexible clamp current probe offerings are compatible with most meters that measure AC millivolts using universal banana leads. Also available in 10-in. or 18-in. coil options, the FC Series add measurement capability of up to 3,000 amps to existing meters. A manual range selection feature for AC current enhances performance by allowing the professional to select measurement ranges up to 30 amps, 300 amps or 3,000 amps. emerson.com
Seal-less pumps have no seals or packing to leak, wear or replace
Wanner Engineering Inc. has released its new Hydra-Cell T200 Series medium-pressure pumps. They feature a seal-less design that avoids the maintenance problems of mechanical or dynamic seals and packing that can leak and wear, a press release stated. With flow rates up to 95 gpm (359 l/min; 3,258 bbl/d) and a maximum pressure rating of 3,500 psi, Hydra-Cell T200 models are ideal for a variety of high-capacity applications including saltwater disposal, saltwater injection, bulk transfer and hydraulic lift in oil fields as well as steam generation, reverse osmosis in water and wastewater treatment, mine dewatering, boiler feed, and high-pressure cleaning. The seal-less design means that Hydra-Cell T200 pumps do not have a leak path and therefore eliminate hazardous volatile organic compound emissions and the cleanup and disposal costs of packed-pump leakage. This also eliminates the need for external lubrication and maintenance as well as plunger wear problems associated with packing. Hydra-Cell T200 Series pumps can run dry without damage, will operate with a closed or blocked suction line and can pump hot abrasive fluids effectively. The Hydra-Cell T200 Series pumps employ hydraulically balanced, multiple diaphragms that enable the pump to handle high pressures with low stress and process
abrasive particulates up to 800 μ in size. hydra-cell.com
Garment designed to save lives offshore
Iron Ocean worked with the Oil & Gas Innovation Centre and Heriot-Watt University to develop the Centurion 3, a three-layer upper body garment that produces heat when immersed in cold water and is designed to be worn under the traditional offshore survival suit, a press release stated. A prototype of the garment, which could save the lives of offshore workers in the event of an accident at sea, was unveiled Jan. 17. The three layers are tear-resistant, fire-retardant and compression fit, making the Centurion 3 less bulky and restrictive compared to traditional suits, and gives the wearer increased mobility and protection. Current garments worn under the survival suit do not provide active heating. Consequently, immersion into the cold waters of the North Sea, for instance, causes the body temperature of the wearer to very rapidly decrease with an estimated life expectancy of 10 to 12 minutes. By comparison, the newly developed material incorporated into Centurion 3 immediately activates when in contact with water and produces a heat output above the average body temperature for more than 20 minutes. Therefore, the self-heating material allows the wearer to retain body heat during a critical period, preventing the fatal effects of cold water immersion. ironocean.co.uk, ogic.co.uk
Multiservice vessel serves deepwater stimulation, intervention needs
Oceaneering International Inc. has taken delivery of the advanced subsea construction support vessel Ocean Evolution, according to a press release. The vessel has completed sea trials and received all necessary ABS and U.S. Coast Guard certifications and is in Port Fourchon, La., completing final outfitting and preparing for project work scheduled to begin in June. The Ocean Evolution is the most advanced, U.S.-flagged, Jones Act-compliant, multiservice vessel on the market. Its capabilities are headlined by its 250-mt active heave compensated (AHC) crane, two work class ROVs with AHC launch systems, survey systems and subsea tooling all built for work in up to 4,000-m (13,123-ft) water depths. The vessel serves the deepwater stimulation and intervention needs of its customers with its well stimulation and well intervention design, ABS Well Stimulation and Well Intervention ready notation and under deck capacity to store special products. oceaneering.com
Please submit your company’s updates related to new technology products and services to Ariana Hurtado at firstname.lastname@example.org.
2022-11-29 - Meanwhile, the first days of December bring opportunities that may upend oil economies around the world as Russian sanctions kick in and OPEC reconvenes in Vienna.
2022-10-17 - Here are the developments from the past week that Stratas Advisors says highlight their view that the oil market overreacted to the recently announced production cut from OPEC+.
2022-10-10 - Even though the massive output cut announced by OPEC+ plus a drawdown in U.S. crude inventories and product inventories this past week are positive factors for oil prices, Stratas Advisors believes the market overreacted to the recent news.
2022-11-28 - “The word on the street is there’s rumor that OPEC+ is already starting to float the idea of a production cut on Sunday,” said Matt Smith, lead oil analyst at Kpler. “That’s helped reverse losses that were caused overnight by Chinese protests.”
2022-10-13 - The International Energy Agency lowered its predicted demand growth forecast to 1.9 MMbbl/d for 2022 and 1.7 MMbbl/d for 2023.


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President Barack Obama just announced that the U.S. government "must stand against torture wherever it takes place," but it's clear that his pledge does not apply to torture committed by officials from the Bush administration.
To mark the 25th anniversary of the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Obama quietly released a statement on Friday in which he said, "My administration is committed to taking concrete actions against torture and to address the needs of its victims."
Obama's statement left out his decision
to "look forward, not backward" on the issue of Bush-era torture or how
he has discouraged any investigation of former President George W.
Bush, ex-Vice President Dick Cheney and other officials involved in
sanctioning and practicing torture, brutal tactics that human groups
claim killed at least 100 prisoners in U.S. custody
Instead, in his statement, Obama simply declared that "today, we join the international community in reaffirming unequivocally the principles behind that Convention, including the core principle that torture is never justified."
The 1984 Convention Against Torture was
approved by 145 nations, including the United States which signed it in
1988 under President Ronald Reagan. He hailed the treaty as "a
significant step" in preventing torture, "an abhorrent practice
unfortunately still prevalent in the world today."
The Convention declares that: "No exceptional circumstances whatsoever, whether a state of war or a threat of war, internal political instability or any other public emergency, may be invoked as a justification of torture."
Moreover, the Convention says individuals who resort to torture cannot defend their actions by saying they were acting on orders from superiors and it mandates that torturers be prosecuted wherever they are found. According to that provision, "each state party is required either to prosecute torturers who are found in its territory or to extradite them to other countries for prosecution."
In a May 20, 1988, message to the U.S. Senate, Reagan noted, "the core provisions of the Convention establish a regime for international cooperation in the criminal prosecution of torturers relying on so-called 'universal jurisdiction.'"
Evading the Treaty
It was this Convention, ratified by the Senate in 1994, that Bush administration officials sought to bypass with legal memos, many drafted by John Yoo of the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel.
Obama's declaration on Friday comes at a time when the international community has become acutely aware of the policy of torture implemented by the Bush administration - and of Obama's resistance to any type of comprehensive investigation whether it be by a congressional committee, a blue-ribbon commission or the Justice Department.
It's also clear that the United States is guilty of many of the offenses that the U.S. government has in the past accused "rogue regimes" of committing, such as hiding torture victims from human rights monitors. For example, under the Bush administration, the military routinely hid prisoners in U.S. custody from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
In a Jan. 2, 2004, memo drafted for military police and interrogators at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq and signed by Col. Marc Warren, the top legal adviser to Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, who was commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, was entitled "New plan to restrict Red Cross access to Abu Ghraib." The contents of that memo have never been released.
In 2004, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld admitted that at the request of then-CIA Director George Tenet, he authorized the U.S. military in the fall of 2003 to hide an Iraqi prisoner from the ICRC and other organizations that monitor the treatment of prisoners.
Rumsfeld told reporters at a June 17, 2004, press briefing that Tenet sent him a letter asking the U.S. military to imprison the Iraqi who was believed to be a high-ranking member of Ansar al-Islam, a Kurdish terrorist group suspected of links to al-Qaeda. Tenet further told Rumsfeld to be sure the detainee was kept off the prisoner rolls, which he was for six months.
"We were asked not to immediately register the individual, and we did that," Rumsfeld told reporters at the time.
Documents obtained by the Senate Armed Services Committee go even further. Minutes of an Oct. 2, 2002, meeting at which Lt. Col. Diane Beaver, then the chief military lawyer at Guantanamo whose responsibilities included working with the ICRC, discussed concealing abusive interrogation tactics when ICRC officials visited.
"We may need to curb the harsher operations while ICRC is around," Beaver said, according to the minutes. "It is better not to expose them to any controversial techniques."
"We have had many reports from Bagram [detention center in Afghanistan] about sleep deprivation being used," responded Dave Becker of the Defense Intelligence Agency.
"True, but officially it is not happening," Beaver said. "It is not being reported officially. The ICRC is a serious concern. They will be in and out, scrutinizing our operations, unless they are displeased and decide to protest and leave. This would draw a lot of negative attention."
Jonathan Fredman, who was the chief counsel for the CIA's Counterterrorism Center, noted that the "the CIA is not held to the same rules as the military" when it comes to using aggressive techniques to interrogate detainees.
"In the past when the ICRC has made a big deal about certain detainees, the DOD has 'moved' them away from the attention of the ICRC," Fredman said. "The Torture Convention prohibits torture and cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment. The US did not sign up on the second part, because of the 8th amendment (cruel and unusual punishment), but we did sign the part about torture. This gives us more license to use more controversial techniques."
Beaver interjected: "We will need documentation to protect us."
Taking office in January, Obama announced that his administration would not condone or practice torture, but he also opposed holding Bush administration officials accountable out of fear that his actions might be deemed vindictive. He has held to that position although Attorney General Eric Holder and CIA Director Leon Panetta both agreed that the near-drowning experience of waterboarding was torture.
Bush's Justice Department lawyers also approved a list of other torture techniques to be used against so-called "high-value" prisoners, including beatings, sleep deprivation for 11 consecutive days, placing insects inside a confinement box to induce fear, exposing detainees to extreme heat and cold, and shackling prisoners to the ceilings of their prison cells or in other painful "stress positions."
Under the Convention Against Torture, the clear record that the Bush administration used waterboarding and other brutal techniques should have triggered the United States to conduct a full investigation and to prosecute the offenders. If the United States refused, other nations would be obligated to act under the principle of universality.
Instead, Obama's high-minded declaration on Friday substituted words for action.
"Torture violates United States and international law as well as human dignity," he said. "Torture is contrary to the founding documents of our country, and the fundamental values of our people. It diminishes the security of those who carry it out, and surrenders the moral authority that must form the basis for just leadership.
"That is why the United States must never engage in torture, and must stand against torture wherever it takes place."


I was vewwy vewwy good today. Went to the LQS to get my next installment on the block-of-the-week project and bought nothing! Then we went to a quilt show and bought no fabric. I only looked at fabric from a distance. Didn't touch - didn't fondle - just walked by. I picked up a hanger for a wall hanging and a little bag of embellishments. Then I saw a Handiquilter rep and got some pointers on how to use the trustitch better. So it was a great day for the FA wagon.