text:
Richard S. Dunham / Business Week & Barton Gellman / Washington Post – 2005-11-12 08:27:45
The Patriot Act: Business Balks
Richard S. Dunham / Business Week Online
(November 10, 2005) — Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman loves to remind visitors of Sin City’s oh-so-discreet tagline: “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” But since the New Year’s celebrations ringing in 2004, he has had to modify the motto.
Fearing a terrorist attack, the FBI descended on casinos, car rental agencies, storage warehouses, and other Las Vegas businesses with sheaves of “national security letters” demanding financial records covering about 1 million revelers. Startled business owners who questioned the action were told they had one choice: cough up their documents or wind up in court.
Now, a somber Mayor Goodman acknowledges, what happens in Vegas may end up staying in an FBI computer. “It’s Kafkaesque,” he says. “The central component to our economy is privacy protection. People are here to have a good time and don’t want to worry about the government knowing their business.”
The FBI carried out its document hunt under the Patriot Act, the anti-terrorism law passed hurriedly in the aftermath of September 11. The act allows investigators to demand that businesses turn over sensitive financial records, without specifying the investigation’s target or why the files are needed. The outfit receiving a letter is permanently gagged, prohibited by law from ever disclosing that the feds came calling.
Indeed, the statute is silent on whether company officials who receive an order can call a lawyer or appeal to a judge — although the Justice Dept. says it always allows businesses to seek legal recourse, behind closed doors and without the person appealing present. “Businesses want to cooperate in the war on terrorism, but this type of unchecked government power goes a little over the line,” says Bob Shepler, director of corporate finance at the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).
With most provisions of the Patriot Act due to expire at yearend, the Administration has been urging Congress to make its temporary police powers permanent. But an odd coalition is trying to scale back the government’s reach — and it may be making headway. On Nov. 9, word came from Capitol Hill that the rising chorus of civil liberties complaints could produce a deal to temper some of the law’s more intrusive features.
Thousands of Letters
If that happens, corporate interests can notch up part of the victory to savvy lobbying. Concerned about the circumvention of due process guarantees — and about hefty compliance costs — a half-dozen prominent business groups have joined with the American Civil Liberties Union to push Congress to narrow the law’s scope. What’s surprising in today’s with-me-or-against-me Washington is that the coalition includes such Bush allies as NAM, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the National Association of Realtors.
“These are not groups that normally take on this Administration,” says Susan Hackett, general counsel of the Association of Corporate Counsel, a coalition member that represents companies’ in-house lawyers. “People in the business community clearly are worried.”
Administration officials insist they haven’t overreached. “The Patriot Act allows us to get a very limited set of records,” contends one Justice official. “We are not inclined to ask courts to endorse fishing expeditions, and courts are loath to do so.” Department officials say that judges have granted them access to business records under Section 215 of the Patriot Act just 35 times in the first 3 1/2 years of the law, adding that those orders involved only data on driver’s licenses, public accommodations, apartment leases, credit cards, and telephone use.
But Justice also enjoys broader clout under the Act’s Section 505 — an expansion of national security letters, issued without a court order. Since 2001 the feds have served as many as 30,000 letters a year, according to Administration sources and civil libertarians. Despite the volume of requests, one Justice official says: “There has not been a single verified abuse of any Patriot Act authority.”
Still, corporate lobbyists and business groups are increasingly concerned about the law’s cost and potential for abuse. The business alliance spelled out its reform agenda in an Oct. 4 letter to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter (R-Pa.). The groups argue that the Patriot Act’s Sections 215 and 505 “allow the federal government to require voluminous and often sensitive records…without [public] judicial oversight or other meaningful checks on the government’s power.”
They say that compliance with the demands puts confidential financial data, trade secrets, and other proprietary information at risk. Another concern: the fear that multinationals could land in legal trouble abroad — particularly in Europe — for violating stringent privacy laws there if they comply with U.S. government demands for financial records.
The businesses with the most at risk are real estate agents, car dealers, casinos, jewelers, boat dealers, travel agencies, insurance brokers, Internet service providers, and pawnbrokers — all deemed to be financial institutions under a broad definition approved by Congress in 2003. “Our customers must be comfortable that sensitive financial information will remain confidential,” says Tom Heinemann, a policy analyst at the Realtors’ association. “Our industry wants to make sure that there are appropriate checks and balances in place to protect access to those kinds of records.”
What’s more, the business groups contend that the Patriot Act, as written, gives the feds carte blanche to rifle through corporate records. One worry: Like police searching a car trunk after a traffic stop, the feds could discover evidence of unrelated crimes or securities law breaches when they rummage through business records. “The sweep of government power is extremely broad,” says Lisa Graves, senior counsel at the ACLU. “When you’ve got a hammer, everything starts to look like a nail.”
Business groups say they already are getting pounded. They argue in their Oct. 4 letter that the law “does not impose any limit on the breadth of records” demanded by federal agents, and they are seeking “a meaningful right to challenge the order when the order is unreasonable, oppressive, or seeks privileged [business] information.” The coalition has urged Congress to give companies the right to seek court permission to lift the act’s lifetime gag orders, an idea that may be taking hold.
Few of these complaints are registering with the usually business-friendly Bush Administration. The Justice Dept. says that business has all the protections it needs. “There are sufficient safeguards that many choose to ignore,” Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales told the Senate Judiciary Committee at an April hearing. Among those: a right to appeal to a secret court and a limited right to counsel to comply with or challenge an order. Gonzales now favors including those guarantees in the rewritten Patriot Act, which will be finalized by House and Senate negotiators scheduled to meet for the first time on Nov. 10.
But Gonzales is likely to be disappointed by many of the other provisions negotiators are now hammering out. Both the Senate and House versions of the measure would allow a judge to modify an FBI order that was deemed unreasonably burdensome on a business.
And on Nov. 9, the House directed its team to accept Senate-passed provisions setting a four-year sunset clause on many of the Patriot Act’s key provisions, despite Administration opposition.
In final negotiations, the Senate is pushing its House counterparts to incorporate most of the safeguards sought by commercial interests.
One big victory for the corporate coalition came on Nov. 9 when House negotiators agreed to permit businesses or individuals to seek judicial review of national security letters. Senate leaders believe they have an agreement on another top business concern: limiting the power of law enforcement to keep company records on file forever. A tentative deal would require investigators to return or destroy lists they’ve obtained, such as those covering airline passengers or casino customers, if the terror tip turns out to be a dud.
Less certain is the fate of a Senate-passed requirement that the FBI link the specific records that it’s seeking to a specific suspect. The Administration is fighting to maintain its current power.
The changes sought by business “are overly complex and will lead to litigation difficulties [in pursuing terrorist suspects] because it will require the courts to engage in a more complicated legal review,” one senior Administration official argues. As BusinessWeek went to press on Nov. 9, congressional leadership sources said that no final deal had been cut on the sensitive issue.
In one area, business appears to be losing: Neither version addresses corporate concerns about exposing trade secrets or breaching customer privacy.
Corporate reps in Washington acknowledge that they had qualms about the Patriot Act from the start but say they didn’t want to speak out against the key legislative underpinning of the war on terrorism immediately after September 11. But with George W. Bush’s approval rating now hovering below 40%, Hill Republicans may have decided that it’s wiser to stand up for their corporate donors than to stick with their embattled President.
Posted in accordance with Title 17, US Code, for noncommercial, educational purposes.
The FBI’s Secret Scrutiny: In Hunt for Terrorists,
Bureau Examines Records of Ordinary Americans
Barton Gellman / Washington Post
(November 6, 2005) — The FBI came calling in Windsor, Conn., this summer with a document marked for delivery by hand. On Matianuk Avenue, across from the tennis courts, two special agents found their man. They gave George Christian the letter, which warned him to tell no one, ever, what it said.
Under the shield and stars of the FBI crest, the letter directed Christian to surrender “all subscriber information, billing information and access logs of any person” who used a specific computer at a library branch some distance away.
Christian, who manages digital records for three dozen Connecticut libraries, said in an affidavit that he configures his system for privacy. But the vendors of the software he operates said their databases can reveal the Web sites that visitors browse, the e-mail accounts they open and the books they borrow.
Christian refused to hand over those records, and his employer, Library Connection Inc., filed suit for the right to protest the FBI demand in public. The Washington Post established their identities — still under seal in the US Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit — by comparing unsealed portions of the file with public records and information gleaned from people who had no knowledge of the FBI demand.
The Connecticut case affords a rare glimpse of an exponentially growing practice of domestic surveillance under the USA Patriot Act, which marked its fourth anniversary on Oct. 26. “National security letters,” created in the 1970s for espionage and terrorism investigations, originated as narrow exceptions in consumer privacy law, enabling the FBI to review in secret the customer records of suspected foreign agents. The Patriot Act, and Bush administration guidelines for its use, transformed those letters by permitting clandestine scrutiny of US residents and visitors who are not alleged to be terrorists or spies.
The FBI now issues more than 30,000 national security letters a year, according to government sources, a hundredfold increase over historic norms. The letters — one of which can be used to sweep up the records of many people — are extending the bureau’s reach as never before into the telephone calls, correspondence and financial lives of ordinary Americans.
Issued by FBI field supervisors, national security letters do not need the imprimatur of a prosecutor, grand jury or judge. They receive no review after the fact by the Justice Department or Congress. The executive branch maintains only statistics, which are incomplete and confined to classified reports. The Bush administration defeated legislation and a lawsuit to require a public accounting, and has offered no example in which the use of a national security letter helped disrupt a terrorist plot.
The burgeoning use of national security letters coincides with an unannounced decision to deposit all the information they yield into government data banks — and to share those private records widely, in the federal government and beyond. In late 2003, the Bush administration reversed a long-standing policy requiring agents to destroy their files on innocent American citizens, companies and residents when investigations closed. Late last month, President Bush signed Executive Order 13388, expanding access to those files for “state, local and tribal” governments and for “appropriate private sector entities,” which are not defined.
“National Security Letters”
National security letters offer a case study of the impact of the Patriot Act outside the spotlight of political debate. Drafted in haste after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the law’s 132 pages wrought scores of changes in the landscape of intelligence and law enforcement. Many received far more attention than the amendments to a seemingly pedestrian power to review “transactional records.” But few if any other provisions touch as many ordinary Americans without their knowledge.
Senior FBI officials acknowledged in interviews that the proliferation of national security letters results primarily from the bureau’s new authority to collect intimate facts about people who are not suspected of any wrongdoing.
Criticized for failure to detect the Sept. 11 plot, the bureau now casts a much wider net, using national security letters to generate leads as well as to pursue them. Casual or unwitting contact with a suspect—a single telephone call, for example — may attract the attention of investigators and subject a person to scrutiny about which he never learns.
A national security letter cannot be used to authorize eavesdropping or to read the contents of e-mail. But it does permit investigators to trace revealing paths through the private affairs of a modern digital citizen. The records it yields describe where a person makes and spends money, with whom he lives and lived before, how much he gambles, what he buys online, what he pawns and borrows, where he travels, how he invests, what he searches for and reads on the Web, and who telephones or e-mails him at home and at work.
As it wrote the Patriot Act four years ago, Congress bought time and leverage for oversight by placing an expiration date on 16 provisions. The changes involving national security letters were not among them. In fact, as the Dec. 31 deadline approaches and Congress prepares to renew or make permanent the expiring provisions, House and Senate conferees are poised again to amplify the FBI’s power to compel the secret surrender of private records.
The House and Senate have voted to make noncompliance with a national security letter a criminal offense. The House would also impose a prison term for breach of secrecy.
Like many Patriot Act provisions, the ones involving national security letters have been debated in largely abstract terms. The Justice Department has offered Congress no concrete information, even in classified form, save for a partial count of the number of letters delivered. The statistics do not cover all forms of national security letters or all US agencies making use of them.
“The beef with the NSLs is that they don’t have even a pretense of judicial or impartial scrutiny,” said former representative Robert L. Barr Jr. (Ga.), who finds himself allied with the American Civil Liberties Union after a career as prosecutor, CIA analyst and conservative GOP stalwart. “There’s no checks and balances whatever on them. It is simply some bureaucrat’s decision that they want information, and they can basically just go and get it.”
‘A Routine Tool’
Career investigators and Bush administration officials emphasized, in congressional testimony and interviews for this story, that national security letters are for hunting terrorists, not fishing through the private lives of the innocent. The distinction is not as clear in practice.
Under the old legal test, the FBI had to have “specific and articulable” reasons to believe the records it gathered in secret belonged to a terrorist or a spy. Now the bureau needs only to certify that the records are “sought for” or “relevant to” an investigation “to protect against international terrorism or clandestine intelligence activities.”
That standard enables investigators to look for conspirators by sifting the records of nearly anyone who crosses a suspect’s path.
“If you have a list of, say, 20 telephone numbers that have come up . . . on a bad guy’s telephone,” said Valerie E. Caproni, the FBI’s general counsel, “you want to find out who he’s in contact with.” Investigators will say, “ ‘Okay, phone company, give us subscriber information and toll records on these 20 telephone numbers,’ and that can easily be 100.”
Bush administration officials compare national security letters to grand jury subpoenas, which are also based on “relevance” to an inquiry. There are differences. Grand juries tend to have a narrower focus because they investigate past conduct, not the speculative threat of unknown future attacks. Recipients of grand jury subpoenas are generally free to discuss the subpoenas publicly. And there are strict limits on sharing grand jury information with government agencies.
Since the Patriot Act, the FBI has dispersed the authority to sign national security letters to more than five dozen supervisors—the special agents in charge of field offices, the deputies in New York, Los Angeles and Washington, and a few senior headquarters officials. FBI rules established after the Patriot Act allow the letters to be issued long before a case is judged substantial enough for a “full field investigation.” Agents commonly use the letters now in “preliminary investigations” and in the “threat assessments” that precede a decision whether to launch an investigation.
“Congress has given us this tool to obtain basic telephone data, basic banking data, basic credit reports,” said Caproni, who is among the officials with signature authority. “The fact that a national security letter is a routine tool used, that doesn’t bother me.”
If agents had to wait for grounds to suspect a person of ill intent, said Joseph Billy Jr., the FBI’s deputy assistant director for counterterrorism, they would already know what they want to find out with a national security letter. “It’s all chicken and egg,” he said. “We’re trying to determine if someone warrants scrutiny or doesn’t.”
Billy said he understands that “merely being in a government or FBI database . . . gives everybody, you know, neck hair standing up.” Innocent Americans, he said, “should take comfort at least knowing that it is done under a great deal of investigative care, oversight, within the parameters of the law.”
He added: “That’s not going to satisfy a majority of people, but . . . I’ve had people say, you know, ‘Hey, I don’t care, I’ve done nothing to be concerned about. You can have me in your files and that’s that.’ Some people take that approach.”
• For the rest of this article, go to: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/05/AR2005110501
Posted in accordance with Title 17, US Code, for noncommercial, educational purposes.


The memories are 11 years old, but still make Jose Basulto red with anger.
The Cuban exile was flying a private plane toward Cuba in February 1996 when he saw a flash and smoke, reports CBS News correspondent Kelly Cobiella.
Cuban fighter pilots shot down two other private planes flying alongside Basulto, killing four of his friends.
They had been on a mission with Brothers to the Rescue, a Cuban exile group, which had been flying missions into Cuban airspace to drop anti-Castro leaflets over Havana. Basulto didn't know it at the time, but his group had been infiltrated by Cuban spies.
"They are all murderers!" Jose says
In 1998, the U.S. government charged and convicted the spies - for infiltrating the Cuban exile groups, and attempting to steal U.S. military secrets.
The spies are appealing their conviction on the basis it was impossible to get a fair trial in Miami, where hating Fidel Castro is practically a pastime - and sometimes has escalated into real violence against Cuba. The Cuban government says these men were only protecting their country against exiles who posed a threat.
Militant Cuban exile groups were openly training in south Florida in the 1990's. Cuban exiles had been linked to a string of hotel bombings in Cuba.
In Cuba, the spies are known as the "Five Heroes," wrongfully imprisoned. Meanwhile, the man Havana considers responsible for the worst of terrorism in Cuba, Luis Posada Carriles, is a free man living legally in Miami. Posada is accused of bombing a Cuban airliner in 1976, killing 73 passengers. To Cubans, he's a symbol of U.S. hypocrisy in the war on terror.
"This is a festering injustice," says Leonard Weinglass, who represents one of the five, Antonio Guerrero, in the appeal to have the convictions overturned.
"I think we absolutely can win this trial in any venue in the United States outside of Miami," Weinglass says.
"We didn't attack anybody. We didn't use violence. We didn't use war," says Ricardo Alarcon, president of the Cuban National Assembly. "We just used what is referred now in America as 'human intelligence.'"
The exile community calls the cuban five killers. The cuban government says the U.S. would not hesitate to shoot down any plane that invaded america's airspace.
This broadcast includes brief clips of an interview with Ricardo Alarcón. The complete interview can be read here.


Every day Apility.io’s scraping services analyze almost a hundred black and blocking lists distributed throughout the network. Between IP addresses, email and domains resource the number of active resources in our database fluctuate between 3 and 4 million items. Although this number of items is easily manageable with today’s technology, when we talk about the number of transactions carried out in the system, the numbers skyrocket.
The services offered by our API are like a digital Swiss Army Knife. They can always help you find a way to solve a problem or implement a solution in your applications. For example, the Email Scoring service can be used to perform bulk Email Verification and Validation. Email verification determines whether or not an email address is fully valid and deliverable. The process involves a deep analysis of each email, and this is what the Email Scoring service does.


roded terminals which prevent the delivery of sufficient
coated When this active material ,is used up, the lamp
current under heavy load; cracked or broken cases with
will blink on and off. At the end of life, the lamps usually
resultant loss of electrolyte, short circuits within the
show a dense -blackening at the ends Blinking of the
cells; worn out plates, chipping of active material;
lamps, failure to start, etc., are symptoms of some
freezing, sulphation; growth of positive plates; shrinkage
defect requiring attention, not necessarily the lamp tube
of negatives; and electrolyte below the tops of the plates
itself The fault may be in the starter or the ballast or
Terminals and cable connections must be kept clean of
other parts of the system.
corrosion and electrolyte maintained at level adequate
to cover the plates. Defective batteries will be replaced
c. Maintenance Procedures.
with new or rebuilt ones.
(1) If a fluorescent lamp fails to light. Check
(1) Alkaline type. The alkaline cells (fig 10-
to see that it is properly seated in the sockets. If it is,
4) consist of nickel-plated steel grids containing tubes or
check the starter If defective, replace the starter. If the
pockets to hold the active materials of nickel and iron
lamp still falls to light, test the tube in another circuit; if
oxides. The electrolyte for the nickel-iron cells is a
defective, put in a new lamp tube.
solution of potassium hydroxide, more familiarly called
(2) If a lamp is slow at starting. Check the
starter switch and replace if defective. Low line voltage
(2) Lead type. In this type, the plates are
and an improper ballast may also cause sluggish
lead and lead oxide immersed in an electrolyte of dilute
(3) If only the ends of a lamp light. This
(3) Nickel cadmium type.
indicates a short circuit in the starter, which should be
cadmium battery (fig 10-6 and 10-7) consists of 10 cells,
replaced. Starters long in service frequently fail in this
with intertray connectors and terminal adapters for SAE
manner. This trouble should be promptly corrected or
positive and negative cables, contained in two five-cell
the circuit inactivated by removal of the lamp or starter,
crates. This is a 12-volt battery, and lS used in the
since a lamp tube glowing only at the ends will shortly
mechanically activated refrigerator cars discussed in
(4) If a lamp blinks on and off. This usually
10-3. Lighting Fixtures
indicates failure of the lamp. The starter should be
replaced as a test, if blinking continues, then renew the
a. General. Railway passenger cars are lighted
temperatures, and cold drafts may also cause difficulties
with fluorescent and/or incandescent lamps.
of this nature. Blinking lamps should be corrected
maintenance problems of fluorescent lights are
promptly, as this condition will ruin both the lamps and
somewhat more complicated than those of incandescent
Regular cleaning of fixtures, glassware
reflecting surfaces, and lamp tubes is necessary. Lamp
replacement is an important service function.
maintenance required for these lamps is regular
cleaning and the replacement of blackened or burned
b. Fluorescent Lamps. These do not screw into
out lamp bulbs. Regular inspection of circuits should be
sockets like incandescent lamps. There is a lamp
holder at each end of the unit specially designed to hold
faulty switches, etc.
the lamp in contact. Lamp tubes are removed or
Preventive maintenance includes replacement of
inserted by a quarter turn in these holders. The tube
damaged parts or adequate repairs and cleanliness.
should be inserted gently to avoid twisting the lamp
Insulation in particular is affected by dirt, oil, and
base, but firmly enough to lock it into contact so it will
moisture, which cause failures.
not be jarred loose by vibration. The average life varies
with the size. The 14-watt lamp most commonly used
on trains is rated at 1,500 hours Normal failure of
fluorescent lamps is caused by the gradual dissipation of
the material with which the electrodes at either end are


text:
Carbohydrates and obesity: from evidence to policy in the UK.
Carbohydrates provide the major source of energy in the diet and hence the type and amount of carbohydrate consumed is an important consideration for weight control. Recent risk assessments have shown that there is no consistent association between the proportions of energy consumed as carbohydrate and body weight and reinforce the dominance of total energy intake as the primary determinant of body weight. However, they have highlighted evidence that different types of carbohydrate have specific effects on the risk of obesity. Short-term experimental studies suggest that some types of dietary fibre may be linked to increased satiation and cohort studies are supportive of an association between low intakes of fibre-rich, whole-grain foods and weight gain. But these observations are not supported by evidence of effects on body weight in randomised controlled trials, suggesting that high-fibre or whole-grain intake may simply be a marker of a broader dietary pattern. Recent attention has focused on the growing evidence of a positive association between the intake of free sugars and weight gain and particularly the risks linked to consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB). Given the high population-level intake of free sugars the challenge is to identify actions that will successfully reduce consumption to contribute to reductions in the prevalence of obesity. The present paper considers the range of policy options available, using the Nuffield ladder of intervention to provide a framework for risk management, with a focus on the consumption of SSB. Current policy interventions are largely based around consumer education and encouragement to industry to renovate products to reduce the sugar content of food and drinks and/or reduce portion size, but dietary change has been slow. Further measures, including the use of specific incentives/disincentives may be needed to change consumption patterns, some of which may infringe personal or commercial freedom. For these policies to be implemented will require sustained efforts to create a climate in which such interventions are acceptable or even welcomed by society as an appropriate protection against obesity and other diet-related ill-health.

domain: literature


It’s time once again for an annual Boston tradition. Get ready to kick the can down the subway tunnel.
The MBTA is ready to roll out this year’s attempt to pull the transportation system out of another big financial hole. No doubt people will complain about higher costs, shrinking service or both. We’ll see the details later this week.
Another low-risk prediction: That plan will cover a projected budget shortfall of $161 million for the fiscal year ahead--on paper, at least--but do little or nothing about the T’s real money problems. See you next year.
The T’s real problem is debt. The system owes too much -- about $5.2 billion at the moment -- and will never break free from a annual cycle of fiscal contortions to balance its books without some commitment to reduce the overall debt.
In other recent years, shortfalls have been met by refinancing obligations further into the future and even raising more money with bonds based on the revenue from parking spaces decades into the future. This time, fare increases will almost certainly be part of the answer.
“The T is not self-funding and it never will be self-funding with the kind of debt it’s carrying and the kind of [service] commitment politicians want,” says David D’Alessandro, the former John Hancock Financial Services Inc. chief who led an independent review of MBTA operations in 2009. “They’ve got to change the economic model.”
Here’s another way to look at the MBTA’s debt: It takes all the money the system raises from fares, more or less, to make the monthly nut on those borrowings. That amounts to about a third of the T’s budget. A business facing those kinds of numbers would consider reorganization in bankruptcy court.
“We can’t continue to run a system in which 33 cents on every dollar goes to debt payments,” says Richard Dimino, president of A Better City, a research organization focused on economic competitiveness in Boston. “Without any intervention the debt number is just going to grow.”
It’s tempting to blame those problems on the transit system itself, the people managing it and the unions representing employees. And, yes, they have all contributed.
But the MBTA got stuck with billions of dollars in obligations that should have ended up on someone else’s balance sheet.
Think of the MBTA’s debts as a pie divided into three, roughly equal slices. One slice is made up of state bonds that had funded transportation projects and were shifted onto the T’s books as part of a financial reorganization in 2000. Another slice consists of debts the MBTA has run up on its own since that change 12 years ago.
The third slice paid for public transportation improvements that had been drawn up principally to help the Big Dig construction project, not the MBTA. The highway plan -- and all the cars it would attract -- needed environmental mitigation projects to win approval. They became MBTA activities -- and obligations.
That reorganization plan launched 12 years ago -- known as “forward funding” -- envisioned a financial future in which an economically independent MBTA could handle those debts and pay them down. Says D’Alessandro now: “Forward funding anticipated an economic model that was ridiculous.”
The money wasn’t -- and isn’t -- there to pay the debt that has only grown larger.
Eventually the state needs to assume at least some of the MBTA’s debt. It would be fair for the state to assume at least those obligations that were really run up to enhance the prospects of the Big Dig. The T would save more than $100 million in annual interest payments on that slice of debt alone.
But even that change would face an uphill battle. Politicians beyond Boston don’t like the idea of supporting the MBTA with more state money and they certainly don’t want to assume new debts.
Cities -- and the metropolitan areas that surround them -- need functioning public transportation for more than convenience. It is an economic necessity for businesses and institutions that won’t come or stay without a transportation system that can get their employees to work every day.
The MBTA certainly can provide that. But it needs a serious financial plan that finally addresses the debt burdens it can’t shoulder.
Steven Syre is a Globe columnist. He can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.org.


text:
If traditional style is familiar, and transitional design is comfortable but fresh, then mid century design is the black sheep of the design triad. A significant movement in design history, the mid century stylings rose to prominence after the end of World War II. Young american war heroes returned home and new families and social dynamics were established. There was an edge working it’s way out of our American traditions, and this can be dramatically felt in a modern space.
This style is the sophisticated older sister with metropolitan flair. Primarily distinguishable by its clean lines, sharp angles, bold colors, and overall lack of embellishment, mid century modern design embraces a “less is more” aesthetic. The style also aims to bring nature into interior spaces. Mid-century architecture boasts larger windows and natural materials, and this use of nature is often mirrored inside by incorporating glass, metal, and wood in unexpected places.
To create a fresh take on mid-century modern styling, start with a rug with a bold, geometric print or a plush shag. Add a wooden console with clean lines and angled legs, a bold colored sofa or a neutral tone in an unexpected fabric like velvet or tweed. Accent your space with a bold piece of abstract art, a live house plant, and bits of bronze or chrome. Look for pieces that have a distinctly angular shape, and incorporate pattern to add some movement to the space. By following these simple design tips, you’ll be able to create a sophisticated space with Big City personality in Small Town America.

domain: artistic


[Max 55 Lumens Output] OxyLED® N05 Bright Dimmable LED Tap Night Light Stick-on Anywhere Touch Tap Push Lamp, for Closets,Garages, Car, Sheds, Storage Room – Brightness Level Memory, 1 Year Warranty
- Uses a super bright LED with a maximum output of 55 lumens.^The stepless adjustment is from 3 lumens to 55 lumens.^It memorizes the brightness level of the last use.^There is a large tap area for easy use to turn the light on.^Fade in/ fade out for better eye comfort, your eyes will have time to adjust to the lights various b
OxyLED® – Natural Life, Natural Lights
The OxyLED® N05 is a super bright, dimmable tap light. Featuring a stepless brightness adjustment, brightness level memory and fading in / fading out. It’s a perfect gadget for your closet, bedroom, hallway, garage, or any off the grid dwelling etc.
– Power source: 3pcs AA batteries(not included)
– Light source: LED with a lifespan of over 50000 Hrs.
– Runtime: 60hrs. – 1000hrs.
– Size (diameter x
More Info & Customer Reviews
Related LED Garage Lighting Products


Colosseum II was an English jazz-rock band that released the album Strange New Flesh on Bronze in 1976, followed by Electric Savage and War Dance on MCA in 1977. They also backed Andrew Lloyd Webber on his 1978 classical-rock album Variations. The band was a followup to Colosseum, which drummer Jon Hiseman led from 1968 to 1971. On this second go-round, the focus was breakneck instrumentals with the occasional vocal number.
Colosseum II functioned as an early showcase for Irish guitar prodigy Gary Moore, who reached new levels of speed and fret-dexterity with this band. Bassist Neil Murray played on the first album en route to National Health and Whitesnake. Keyboardist Don Airey surfaced in Rainbow and Ozzy Osbourne‘s backing band.
Members: Jon Hiseman (percussion, drums), Don Airey (synthesizer, keyboards), Gary Moore (guitar, vocals), Mike Starrs (vocals, 1975-76), Neil Murray (bass, 1975-76), John Mole (bass, 1977-78)
Colosseum II was formed in 1975 by drummer Jon Hiseman, who wished to advance the jazz-rock experiments of his earlier band, Colosseum. But whereas that band came from the blues-based brass-rock angle (ala Keef Hartley Band, Greatest Show on Earth), this new band was modeled on the leaner, filigree-laden style of Return to Forever. To that end, Hiseman recruited keyboardist Don Airey, bassist Neil Murray, and Irish guitarist Gary Moore.
Hiseman’s career stretched back to the mid-1960s, when he replaced Ginger Baker in a late-stage lineup of the Graham Bond Organization. From there, he and GBO multi-reedist Dick Heckstall-Smith briefly joined John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, then formed Colosseum, which released three albums and a live double between 1969 and 1971.
After playing on Heckstall-Smith’s 1972 album A Story Ended, Hiseman recorded two albums with the rock trio Tempest, the first with guitarist Allan Holdsworth. (Oddly, Tempest was more hard-rock in nature, despite the overall jazz-rock leanings of Hiseman and Holdsworth.) His list of possible recruits for Colosseum II included keyboardist Duncan MacKay (Cockney Rebel), singer Graham Bell (Skip Bifferty, Bell + Arc), and Colosseum/Tempest bassist Mark Clarke.
Moore first recorded as a teenager in Dublin blues-rockers Skid Row. After working as a session player (Dr. Strangely Strange, Jonathan Kelly), he debuted as a solo artist with the 1973 CBS release Grinding Stone. He then put solo work on hold to start an on-off relationship with Thin Lizzy, appearing on their 1974 album Night Life and serving intermittently as their touring guitarist.
Murray was a founding member of Canterbury jazz-rockers Gilgamesh, but left before their first album. He played on the 1974 Manticore release Magic Dragon by funksters Hanson. Just as Colosseum II was getting underway, he (along with Airey) played on the Babe Ruth swan song Kid’s Stuff. Airey hailed from Cozy Powell‘s Hammer.
For its first album, Colosseum II employed Scottish vocalist Mike Starrs, who’d recently cut a string of singles and the 1974 Telefunkten album Electric Garden with pop producer Tony Atkins.
1976: Strange New Flesh
Colosseum II released their debut album, Strange New Flesh, on Bronze in 1976 (UK, Europe, Japan, Oceania). It opens with “Dark Side of the Moog,” a blazing Airey/Moore instrumental that flashes their chops while title-spoofing a certain Pink Floyd album with Airey’s choice of instrument.
Moore and Hiseman co-wrote the album’s closing epic, the 10-minute “Winds,” an ever-winding sequence of crashing currents and sparking fugue-like interplay. They also wrote two interior tracks: “Gemini and Leo,” a crunchy funk-rocker in D minor; and “Secret Places,” a Tempest-like rocker with sizzling riffs, searing leads, bursting drums, and soaring choruses. Moore lone-wrote “On Second Thoughts,” a sunset ballad with glistening guitar/keyboard tones.
Airey contributed the midsection on “Down to You,” an elongated cover of the Joni Mitchell composition from her 1974 album Court and Spark. In the song proper, Moore’s lyrical sustains enmesh with misty, whirling synths. Then comes Don’s showcase: a passage of Di Meola-like Spanish guitar and classical piano filigree, followed by a turbo-charged, chromatic roller-coaster sequence of Hammer-like runs.
Hiseman produced Strange New Flesh at Roundhouse Studios, established in 1975 by Bronze founder Gerry Bron as an extension of the label. The album was engineered by the team of
. It shows five figurines that represent the band, composed of metal joints and appliance parts, performing on a long wooden deck at stormy high altitude.
In the UK and Germany, MCA paired “Lament” and on 7″.
Colosseum II’s third album, War Dance, appeared in late 1977 on MCA. Airey composed the titular grand opening number and the spacey side two sequence “Mysterioso” and “Quasar,” linked as a medley with Mole’s “Star Maiden.” Mole and Moore created “Major Key,” marked by a searing theme atop a modulating sequence of chordal passages.
Moore and Hiseman composed the outro “Last Exit” — on which a sparkling fugue cascades over crying, lyrical fretboard passages — and the album’s hard-rocking interior: “Put It That Way,” “Fighting Talk,” and the speedy, galloping “The Inquisition,” spiked with another soaring, nonstop lead.
Side one concludes with an uncharacteristic Moore/Hiseman number, the emotive ballad “Castles,” where humble verses swell to a flowing chorus in heavenly C major-seven, propelled by rippling organ and Moore’s poignant refrain:
“I nearly made it that time
I nearly got away
I nearly made it that time
But I always have to stay”
They originally demoed “Castles” in 1975 with Starrs. That version (contained on deluxe reissues of Strange New Flesh) runs eleven minutes with strident guitar solos over a rhythmic, mid-tempo arrangement.
Hiseman co-produced War Dance with engineer Martin Levin, who also worked with fellow jazz-rockers Turning Point and Barbara Thompson’s Paraphernalia, led by Hiseman’s reedist wife. Levin and assistant engineer Nigel Green also worked on the 1978 Gull release Back to Thunder, the second album by hard-rockers Strife. On War Dance, Hiseman adds Arbiter Autotune drums and Rogers Accu-Sonic timpani to his pre-existing arsenal.
The War Dance cover, designed by Geoff Halpin with photographer Paul Wakefield, shows the band looking on as colored, disembodied hands square off at opposite ends of a table where two hands engage at the center. On the back, the hands dance in single file along the table circle.
In 1978, Colosseum II performed rock-classical pieces composed by playwright Andrew Lloyd Webber for the MCA release Variations. Each member is pictured on the yellow inner-sleeve along with additional guests Barbara Thompson and keyboardist Rod Argent (The Zombies, Argent). The album also contains uncredited instrumentation by Phil Collins, bassist Herbie Flowers (Hungry Wolf, Rumplestiltskin, Sky), and vibraphonist Bill Le Sage.
Moore and Collins — along with bassist Alphonso Johnson and Phil’s Brand X colleagues (Jack Lancaster, Robin Lumley, Morris Pert) — played on the 1978 MCA release Moving Home, the debut solo album by Rod Argent. Also in 1978, Moore played alongside another Brand X member (John Giblin) on Electric Glide, Gary Boyle’s second solo album.
Jon Hiseman and Barbara — along with trumpeter Ian Carr (Nucleus) — appear on four 1977–81 albums by the United Jazz+Rock Ensemble. He joined Paraphernalia for their 1979 MCA release Wilde Tales, producing that and his wife’s subsequent projects, including the 1982 album Ghosts, her collaboration with Rod Argent. Meanwhile, Barbara, Hiseman, and Mole played on the London cast recording of Cats, the 1981 musical by Lloyd Webber.
In 1983, Barbara, Hiseman, Argent, and Mole formed Shadowshow with guitarist Clem Clempson from the first Colosseum. Their self-titled album, which features a guest appearance by David Sancious, appeared that year on TM Records, the home of Barbara’s subsequent output. In 1994, they reunited the 1970–71 lineup of Colosseum for two decades of live activity.
Don Airey played on the 1979 solo album And About Time Too by guitarist and ex-Babe Ruth colleague Bernie Marsden, by then a member of Whitesnake with Murray, who also appears along with Jack Bruce, Ian Paice — who Marsden supported in Paice Ashton Lord — and Cozy Powell. Marsden returned the favor on Over the Top, Powell’s 1979 Ariola release with backing by Airey, Bruce, Clempson, Moore, and Cozy’s old mate from the Jeff Beck Group, keyboardist Max Middleton (Hummingbird).
That same year, Airey joined Powell in Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, replacing keyboardist Tony Carey (Planet P Project) for that band’s fourth studio album Down to Earth. Airey stayed for the 1981 followup Difficult to Cure, the first with singer Joe Lynn Turner. During the ’80s, Airey backed Powell on two further releases and played on the first and third solo albums by Ozzy Osbourne. He reunited with Moore, Murray, and Paice for one track (“Falling In Love With You”) on Corridors of Power.
In 1985, Airey played on the second album by Marsden’s Alaska (The Pack) and appeared alongside bassist Glenn Hughes on Moore’s Run for Cover. Airey — along with Hughes, Murray, Powell, and original Fleetwood Mac guitarist Peter Green — perform on Phenomena, which limits Green’s role to backing vocals.
Gary Moore resumed his solo career with the 1978 MCA release Back On the Streets, which features Airey and Mole on four tracks, including the Colosseum II-style instrumentals “Flight of the Snow Moose,” “Hurricane,” and “What Would You Rather Bee or a Wasp.” He briefly rejoined Thin Lizzy for their 1979 album Black Rose (A Rock Legend) and played on Phil Lynott’s 1980 release Solo in Soho. Between those projects, Moore formed G-Force, an LA-based hard-rock band that initially featured Hughes. The album G-Force appeared in 1980 on Jet Records.
In 1981, Moore recorded Dirty Finger, his first in a string of hard-rock solo albums, but waylaid the project to work with Greg Lake. One track written for that album, “Nuclear Attack,” appears on the 1981 Chrysalis release Greg Lake, recorded with Moore and various studio musicians. Moore joined Lake’s backing band along with keyboardist Tommy Eyre (Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation, Riff Raff, Zzebra) for the 1983 album Manouevres. Moore also played alongside Airey on Powell’s 1981–83 solo albums Tilt and Octopuss.
The first release of Moore’s ’80s-era solo run, Corridors of Power, appeared on Virgin in 1982, followed by the unvaulted Dirty Finger and a sequence of top-selling albums on Virgin-subsidiary 10 Records, including Victims of the Future, Run for Cover, and Wild Frontier.
Dennis Wilson (Dec. 4, 1944 — Dec. 28, 1983) was an American musician from Inglewood, Calif., best...
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Let's Look At... Shapes
Marion Deuchars (Author)
Buy new or used from an indie through our partner Biblio:
DescriptionLearn all about shapes with this stunning board book, perfect for sharing with your baby or toddler. Part of a brand-new series of board books Let's Look At... and with beautiful artwork from bestselling author and illustrator Marion Deuchars, this book is the perfect introduction to shapes. Make learning fun and stimulating as you go through the pages of this gorgeous book for young readers, full of colorful and engaging illustrations. Marion Deuchars is the award-winning and bestselling author of the Let's Make Some Great Art series. Other titles, also published by Laurence King, include Bob the Artist, Bob's Blue Period and Bob Goes Pop, beautiful picture books about friendship, art, dealing with emotions and working together. Also available in the Let's Look At... series: Let's Look at...Numbers, Let's Look at...Animals (August 2021) and Let's Look at...Colors (August 2021).
March 09, 2021
6.2 X 6.3 X 0.6 inches | 0.55 pounds
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About the Author
Marion Deuchars is the bestselling author of the Let's Make Some Great Art series. Her work has appeared in Samsung ads, Formula 1 posters, and Royal Mail stamps. Her books have won six international awards and she is one of six UK designers at Helsinki's World Design Capital celebrations.

domain: library


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La La Anthony is speaking out about her health with SELF Magazine. During the interview, the busy mom and actress shared intimate details about undergoing emergency heart surgery in June.
While chatting with the publication in August, Anthony revealed that the day after her enjoying a Memorial Day barbecue with family, she began feeling lightheaded. “I never felt anything like that before,” she explained as she documented symptoms like her heart racing, sweating, and looking pale.
She was later transported to a hospital via ambulance after her 14-year-old son Kiyan Anthony voiced concern that she didn’t look like herself. At the hospital, she was sent into an emergency heart procedure, which lasted two hours.
"There were a lot of scary moments,” she recalls about the health scare caused by an abnormal heartbeat. “They would wake me up during the procedure and say, ‘We’re going to speed your heart up now…. Just take deep breaths. Those doctors were just so incredible [...] But it was a terrifying experience.”
She remained in the hospital for four days to recover.
This was not the first time Anthony received alarming news about her heart. Back in 2019, she was diagnosed with premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)—abnormal heartbeats that can lead to serious health issues.
“I felt my heart racing all the time, but because it’s all I ever really knew, I didn’t even know that it was necessarily something wrong,” the 39-year-old explained. “I just thought, ‘Oh, you just feel your heart racing sometimes because you’re working too much, you haven’t slept, you’re stressed.'”
She added, “You know, we, especially Black people, like to self-diagnose. We got all the answers.”
After seeing a doctor, who conducted an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG), Anthony learned she was having about 25% more heartbeats over the course of the day than the average person.
“They were very, very concerned,” she shares. “Within a 24-hour period, they said, my heart was beating 30,000 extra beats more than the average person. It was going fast constantly.… Your heart is a muscle. If a muscle is working so hard all the time, eventually the muscle will get weak and cause heart attack, stroke, death, whatever it is.”
Although she was prescribed medication that would attempt to restore a normal heart rhythm, Anthony admits that the side effects caused her to discontinue use. “It really makes you so tired and out of it,” she explained. “I’m on set. I’m reading scripts. I’m filming. There’s no way I could just be that tired. I was literally head-bobbing mid-conversation.”
Anthony shared that if the emergency visit to the hospital didn’t happen this summer, she more than likely wouldn’t have underwent the procedure. “Had it not happened [as an emergency], I probably would have still just been continuing to put it off, put it off, put it off.”
Thankfully, the results of her latest EKGs show signs of better health. She shared, “Just that quick. Everything kind of evened itself out and leveled out.”
Anthony says this experience has made her prioritize self-care. “This made me reprioritize myself because it’s always about everyone else and work and this and that,” she reveals. “And it’s like, if I’m not good, I’m not gonna be good for anyone.”
A powerful statement. We're happy to hear that all is well La La!

domain: news


When the company introduced Microsoft Surface is Book 2 in 2017, has added another model with a screen size of 15 inches. Although this device was in serious competition with the Macbook Pro, except that its price was starting from $ 2499.
I know of
Now, Microsoft offers the Surface model Book 2 the size of a 15 inch compared to 1999 only$, i.e., $ 500 less than the previous price. Certainly, this reduction comes with some compromises.
Comes version $ 1999 memory random capacity of 16 GB memory SSD 256 GB, it also includes the previous generation of Intel Core i5 processor, and is a step backwards, given that the version most expensive and it contains a Core i7 processor.


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According to tradition, monasticism began in Tur Abdin with the arrival of Saint Eugene (Mor Augen locally) in the fourth century CE. Legend says that Saint Eugene was a pearl diver from the Egyptian Red Sea Coast who traveled to the Tur Abdin region, bringing with him many disciples and Egypt’s tradition of desert monasticism. He died in the area in 363 CE. Over time, his reputation grew throughout the region until he was widely regarded as one of the most significant figures in the history of the local monastic scene. The monastery named after him, also known as Deyr Marog to locals, was built high up on the southern slopes of Mount Izla, allowing stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Upon visiting the site in 1890, traveler Gertrude Bell declared that it was “the most striking monastery” in the region.
For centuries, visitors to the monastery have had to undertake a long and winding climb up stone steps built into a cliff before arriving. Like many monasteries in the region, the most impressive aspect of the monastery is its location; the building itself is small, though the austere Church of St. Mary within its walls give some evidence of what the earliest monasticism in the region must have looked like. Above the monastery complex, hermit caves are visible.
Abandoned for decades, the monastery was recently reopened by a monk who came from Sweden to revive the community; over the past few years, it has once again been receiving visitors and bustling with Christian refugees from surrounding areas.

domain: geography


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Born and trained in New York City, Julie Carmen began her acting career off-off-Broadway, danced on...
Began her career acting in experimental Off-Broadway plays.
Millburn, New Jersey, USA
21 August 2019
Class of 1989: How I Came to Stop Worrying About Sequels and Learned to Love Fright Night Part 2
25 August 2018
Trailers from Hell
24 July 2018
Contest: Win John Carpenter’s In The Mouth Of Madness Collector’s Edition on Blu-ray
Mary Elizabeth Winstead takes a cue from her latest film Gemini Man to prepare her younger self for a life in Hollywood.
Check out the action from New York Comic Con check out what IMDb editors are watching this month, and more.

domain: entertainment


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How much does a Marketing Graphic Designer make in Port Byron, NY? The average Marketing Graphic Designer salary in Port Byron, NY is $42,775 as of May 13, 2019, but the salary range typically falls between $36,509 and $49,063. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
About Port Byron, New York Port Byron is a village in Cayuga County, New York, United States. The population was 1,290 at the 2010 census. It is in the town of Mentz north of Au....More
Port Byron, New York area prices were up 1.5% from a year ago View the Cost of Living in Port Byron, New York
Marketing Graphic Designer
Understand the total compensation opportunity for a Marketing Graphic Designer, base salary plus other pay elements
Average Base Salary
Average Total Cash Compensation
Includes base and annual incentives
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Marketing Graphic Designer in the United States. The base salary for Marketing Graphic Designer ranges from $36,509 to $49,063 with the average base salary of $42,775. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $37,182 to $50,884 with the average total cash compensation of $43,937.
Port Byron, New York
Port Byron is a village in Cayuga County, New York, United States. The population was 1,290 at the 2010 census. It is in the town of Mentz north of Auburn.
The local school is the Port Byron Central School District. Byron, a small town in southeastern Minnesota, was named after Port Byron, the name being suggested by George W. Van Dusen, a grain dealer who was formerly from Port Byron.
Port Byron is located at 43°2′N 76°38′W / 43.033°N 76.633°W / 43.033; -76.633 (43.0368, -76.6254). According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 1.01 square miles (2.61 km2), o...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia


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Velociraptor vs Protoceratops Fossil Replica-SKR044
Celebrate the clash of the Cretaceous Titans with this velociraptor vs protoceratops fossil replica! Perfect for spicing up any wall decor, this wall fossil decoration will bring a prehistoric flair to your home, office, or even a luxury hotel! Don't miss this epic battle! Bring out your inner archaeologist and recreate the clash of the ages in your own home. This velociraptor vs protoceratops fossil replica is the perfect way to add a prehistoric touch to any wall decor. Create a scene fit for a luxury hotel, and be amazed by this epic battle between the titans of the Cretaceous era!
*Dimension:LW=10mx 5.5m(Thickness 30cm)
*Museum-quality dinosaur fossil replica
*Materials:Made of durable fiberglass with steel support
*Production time: Basically 30 Days. If customized sculpture or color requires extra days as per design

domain: hobby


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Vitamin D May Help Improve Eczema
Eczema is a condition that causes inflamed, itchy, cracked, and rough skin. A recent study has found that supplementation with vitamin D may help improve severe eczema.
Participants in the study included 92 children with an average age of 10.5. All had been diagnosed with severe eczema. They received 1600 IU of vitamin D3 or a placebo daily for 3 months. Eczema severity was evaluated every 4 weeks using the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score.
At the end of the study period, 56.44% of the participants in the vitamin D group saw improvements in their EASI score compared to 42.09% in the placebo group. In addition, 38.6% of the participants in the vitamin D group saw a 75% improvement in their EASI score compared to 7.1% in the placebo group.
The study was conducted by researchers from Mansoura University. It was published online ahead of print on November 3, 2020 in the journal Pharmacology Research & Perspectives.


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If you have any question, please leave your contact information, or contact us, We will wholeheartedly provide high quality products and service for you!
Medical Protective Accessories
This Latex gloves suitable for medical examination and health protection.
High-quality soft polyethylene material Goggles, it is widely used for the protection of hospital medical personnel
Medical protective Surgical Mask is mainly used in medical environment with high medical requirements.
Get In Touch
27th floor, Building A, Fortune Plaza, Middle East Third Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing

domain: medical


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Red Alert: Senators Grassley and Feinstein’s Plot to Take Everything You Own-This Is a Real Threat
Red Alert: Senators Grassley and Feinstein’s Plot to Take Everything You Own-This Is a Real Threat by Dave Hodges – The Common Sense Show
The Central Banks of Europe are ruining the bank depositor’s wealth in Europe with their insistence on finance based on debt expansion. Traditional currencies have given way to two practices (1) hording cash in anticipation of a fiat currency meltdown, and, (2) the mainstream public’s adoption of cryptocurrencies as a hedge against traditions fiat currency failure.
Consider the following from Zerohedge:
“Negative interest rates in Europe and fiat demonetization in developing countries are still driving demand for Bitcoin and alternative cryptocurrencies. Although Bitcoin was initially ridiculed as money for computer nerds and a conduit for illegal activity, investors are beginning to see the potential for this technology to be an integral part of wealth management from the perspective of portfolio diversification.”
The same thing is happening inside the United States with the insistence on the Federal Reserve raising interest rates when there is no justification to do so. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are outpacing traditional currencies as a means of investment. However, the Federal Reserve has help on the way.
Released Clinton emails reveal that NATO killed Gadaffi because he was installing a gold back currency for Libya. Subsequently, the terrorism of the Central Banks knows no bounds. Consider the following from Global Research:
“Hillary’s emails truly are the gifts that keep on giving. While France led the proponents of the UN Security Council Resolution that would create a no-fly zone in Libya, it claimed that its primary concern was the protection of Libyan civilians (considering the current state of affairs alone, one must rethink the authenticity of this concern). As many “conspiracy theorists” will claim, one of the real reasons to go to Libya was Gaddafi’s planned gold dinar.”
Death is the fate for those who would defy the edicts of Central Bankers.
The United States Part In the Financial Scam Stealing From the World
Sen. Grassley and friends (eg Feinstein) has introduced a bill which will make it illegal to store cash and cryptocurrencies without reporting the event(s) to you local bank!
S.1241 – Combating Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Counterfeiting Act of 2017115th Congress (2017-2018) |
Sponsor: Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] (Introduced 05/25/2017) Committees: Senate – Judiciary Latest Action: 05/25/2017 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (All Actions)
This bill has the status Introduced
Here are the steps for Status of Legislation:
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To President
- Became Law
Mr. Grassley (for himself, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Cornyn, and Mr. Whitehouse) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary……”
In the act, Combating Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Counterfeiting Act of 2017. a citizen cannot possess cash or cryptocurrencies without reporting, in writing, to their local bank. Also included in the list of prohibited list is includes prepaid mobile phones, electronic currencies and even retail gift vouchers. Failure to comply does not only result in a stiff fine and 10 years in prison, it also involves the confiscation of all of your personal assets under Civilian Asset Forfeiture. In other words, if you store cash of engage in the business of cryptocurrencies, you are being labeled as a terrorist. Here is a breakdown of this heinous bill.
Why Would the Government Engage in Such An Action?
As the public is running from fiat currencies because of the inevitability of their failure and subsequent loss of personal wealth, the government seeks make the Federal Reserve reign supreme and trap you inside their corrupt and failed system.

domain: finance


Businesses urged to hire apprentices from tough backgrounds | London Evening Standard
... Bola Lawal, 22, who grew up in Kennington, said she had the grades to go
to university but didn’t want to be saddled with debt. She moved out
of London with her mother and sister because they couldn’t afford to
live there and, despite going to “one of the worst schools in Essex”,
got good A-levels. ...


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What You Need to Know About Social Security
Every so often, you’ll hear about Social Security benefits running out. But is there truth to the fears, or is it all hype?
Have A Question About This Topic?
Learn about the role of inflation when considering your portfolio’s rate of return with this helpful article.
It's important to make sure your retirement strategy anticipates health-care expenses.
Overview of Medicare Advantage, what’s in them, special rules, and more.

domain: economics


Beside leveraging futuristic technologies that haven’t yet worked their way into the production automobile realm, Buick’s cutting-edge crossover utility vehicle of the future – the 2018 Buick Enspire concept – also makes use of the best of what’s available now. That includes GM’s air curtain technology, which features on the Enspire in an attempt to reduce the battery-electric crossover’s aerodynamic drag.
Air curtain technology is relatively new, having only emerged in the last few years as a practical means of improving the aerodynamic efficiency of a vehicle design. It’s entirely passive, requiring no moving parts, and instead relying on simple vents within the front fascia to direct oncoming airflow around the vehicle’s wheels rather than into the wheel wells. You can see the 2018 Buick Enspire concept’s fascia inlets here:
Wheels and tires tend to generate a lot of aerodynamic drag, so guiding air away from them has a positive effect on aerodynamic efficiency. That translates to less NVH through lower wind noise, greater driving efficiency, and greater straight-line speed and acceleration. Some of the airflow is also routed in such a way that it helps cool down the braking components, too, providing strong stopping power even in trying conditions.
Air curtain technology is available on the 2019 Chevrolet Camaro and 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. It will soon make its way to the all-new, 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe and 2020 Chevrolet Suburban, as well.
About The 2018 Buick Enspire Concept
The Buick Enspire concept is a concept crossover utility vehicle first shown at Auto Shanghai in April. Billed by GM as “an exploration of Buick’s bold design ideas and innovative technologies for future mobility,” the concept boasts a 550-horsepower, all-electric Buick “eMotion” powertrain – potent enough for a 0-to-60-mph time estimated at 4.0 seconds. Driving range is estimated to be about 370 miles on a single charge, and fast-charging can take the battery from 0- to 80-percent charge in 40 minutes.
Additional technologies previewed by the 2018 Buick Enspire concept include facial-recognition unlocking, an augmented-reality head-up display, a shock-absorbing structure in the seating, smart OLED taillights, and an advanced automatic parking system. Stay tuned to GM Authority for more Buick Enspire news.


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Texting, Choice Architecture, and Incentives to Improve Colorectal Cancer Screening Uptake
Chyke Doubeni, MD, MPH
Akinbowale Oyalowo, MD, MSHP
Sarah Huf, MBBS, PhD
Center for Therapeutic Effectiveness Research, University of Pennsylvania
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women in the United States. It is recommended that individuals begin regular screenings for CRC at the age of 45. Screening can prevent cancer by discovering precancerous polyps that can be removed before they turn into cancer. It can also find CRC early when treatment often leads to a cure.
Patients have several options when it comes to completing screening. The most common are colonoscopy and FIT (fecal immunochemical test).
Unfortunately, millions of people in the United States are not getting screened for CRC.
We conducted a series of clinical trials with patients at the Health Annex, a community health center in Philadelphia, to explore the effects of texting, choice architecture, and financial incentives on CRC screening uptake.
In the initial study, we tested opt-in text messaging outreach with or without a lottery-based financial incentive. Messages were sent to patients eligible for CRC screening and FIT tests were mailed to the homes of individuals who chose to participate.
In a later study, we used text messaging to reach out to patients who were eligible for CRC screening. The intervention group received an opt-out offer for a FIT kit, and those who did not opt out were mailed kits and sent three behaviorally informed text message reminders to complete their screening. Participants in the control group received only a text message telling them that they were overdue for colorectal screening and should contact the clinic.
In the first study, around 30 percent of contacted patients opted into the text messaging program. Patients in both intervention groups had a 12 percent FIT completion rate. This outcome suggests that text messaging can promote CRC screening with mailed FIT kits and that adding a lottery-based incentive does not improve screening rates further. Half of the participants who completed a post-study interview selected text messaging as an acceptable method for receiving CRC screening reminders. A follow-up survey confirmed that, for most of these patients, an incentive would not change their decision to complete CRC screening. Patients for whom an incentive would have mattered were less likely to believe that CRC screening is beneficial. This finding suggests that targeting financial incentive interventions according to patient screening beliefs could be a cost-effective strategy in primary care outreach programs to increase CRC screening.
In the second study, the opt-out intervention led to a CRC screening completion rate nearly ten times higher than that of the simple text message reminder. Notably, the participants in the study were in traditionally difficult-to-reach populations – 88 percent were Black, nearly half were Medicaid beneficiaries, and about one-fifth were uninsured. The study results suggest that the opt-out mailed home test kits paired with serial text messaging can effectively improve CRC screening rates in underserved populations.


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Understanding Stamped Concrete: The Basics
Stamped concrete is a popular decorative option for both residential and commercial spaces. It involves pressing patterns or textures onto freshly poured concrete to create a unique look. This process can mimic the appearance of various materials such as stone, brick, wood, and tile.
One of the benefits of stamped concrete is its durability and low maintenance requirements compared to other materials like pavers or natural stone. Stamped concrete also offers versatility in terms of design options with numerous patterns, colors, and textures available. Additionally, it can be used for a variety of applications including driveways, patios, pool decks, walkways and more.
However, it’s important to note that proper installation by an experienced contractor is crucial for achieving high-quality results that will last long-term. Lone Star Concrete Works recommends doing research on qualified contractors before beginning any stamped concrete project to ensure satisfaction with the final product.
Benefits of Stamped Concrete Compared to Other Materials
Stamped concrete is a highly versatile material that can mimic the look and texture of other materials such as brick, stone, and wood. However, unlike these materials, stamped concrete is much more durable and requires less maintenance over time. This makes it an ideal choice for outdoor spaces such as patios, driveways, and pool decks.
Compared to traditional pavers or natural stone options like flagstone or slate, stamped concrete offers a significantly lower cost per square foot. Additionally, since there are no individual pieces to install with stamped concrete (like there are with pavers), installation tends to be quicker and easier overall. This means homeowners can enjoy their new outdoor space sooner rather than later.
Another advantage of choosing stamped concrete over other materials is the ability to customize colors and patterns according to each homeowner’s unique preferences. With integral coloring techniques available during the mixing process itself (as opposed to staining after installation), homeowners have more control over achieving specific shades they desire in their finished product. Similarly, stamping tools come in various designs allowing for endless possibilities when creating intricate textures on the surface of the final product.
Popular Stamped Concrete Patterns and Designs
One popular stamped concrete pattern is the Ashlar Slate. This design mimics the look of natural stone, with a combination of square and rectangular shapes that create a cohesive pattern. It can be customized with different colors to match any outdoor space and adds an elegant touch to patios, walkways, and driveways.
Another popular option is the Herringbone Brick pattern. This design resembles interlocking bricks in a zigzag formation, adding a classic charm to any area it’s applied on. The Herringbone Brick stamp can also come in various sizes, which allows for more customization options.
The Random Stone stamp is another favorite among homeowners and contractors alike. With its irregular shape and texture, this design creates an organic feel that blends seamlessly into surrounding landscapes. The Random Stone stamp comes in several sizes as well as color options making it perfect for those looking for something unique yet versatile in their outdoor living spaces.
Achieving Texture: Different Techniques for Stamped Concrete
One of the main advantages of stamped concrete is that it can be designed to mimic various textures and patterns. Achieving texture in stamped concrete involves using different techniques during the stamping process. One common technique is adding a release agent, which prevents the stamps from sticking to the wet concrete surface and creates an antique or distressed look.
Another technique for achieving texture in stamped concrete is called “troweling.” This involves using a trowel to smooth out any rough spots on the surface before stamping begins. Troweling can create a smoother finish with less visible seams between stamps. It’s important not to over-trowel, however, as this can cause problems with adhesion and durability.
A third technique for creating texture in stamped concrete is through joint cutting. After the initial stamping process, joints are cut into the surface at regular intervals to prevent cracking and allow for expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. These joints also add visual interest by breaking up large expanses of patterned concrete into smaller sections. By combining these techniques, contractors can achieve unique textures that enhance both form and function in their designs without sacrificing durability or longevity.
Coloring Stamped Concrete: Dyes, Stains, and Integral Colors
One of the benefits of stamped concrete is its ability to be colored in a variety of ways. Dyes, stains, and integral colors are all options for achieving different shades and tones on your stamped concrete surface. Dyes are typically used for creating bright and bold colors while stains offer a more natural look with earthy tones. Integral colors, on the other hand, are mixed into the concrete before it is poured, providing an even color throughout.
When choosing a coloring option for your stamped concrete project, it’s important to consider factors such as durability and maintenance requirements. Stains tend to penetrate deeper into the surface than dyes and can provide longer-lasting results with less fading over time. However, they may require more frequent sealing or touch-ups compared to dyes or integral colors.
It’s also worth noting that certain patterns or designs may benefit from specific coloring techniques. For example, intricate patterns with deep grooves may benefit from using a stain rather than dye to ensure full coverage in hard-to-reach areas. Consulting with a qualified contractor can help you determine which coloring method will work best for your particular project needs.
Maintaining Stamped Concrete: Tips for Longevity and Durability
Proper maintenance is crucial in ensuring the longevity and durability of stamped concrete. One simple yet effective tip is to regularly clean the surface with a broom or leaf blower to remove dirt and debris that can scratch or damage the sealant. In addition, it’s important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive tools when cleaning as they can strip away the protective layer on top of the concrete.
Another way to maintain stamped concrete is by resealing it every two to three years. This helps protect against water damage, UV rays, and other environmental factors that can cause cracking or fading over time. Before resealing, make sure to thoroughly clean and dry the surface first for proper adhesion.
Lastly, consider adding a non-slip additive when sealing your stamped concrete if you live in an area prone to rain or snow. This will help prevent slips and falls on wet surfaces while also providing additional durability against wear and tear from foot traffic. By following these tips for maintaining stamped concrete, you can enjoy its beauty and functionality for many years to come without having to worry about costly repairs or replacements down the line.
Enhancing Stamped Concrete: Adding Accents and Borders
Adding accents and borders is a great way to enhance the look of stamped concrete. Accents can be used to highlight certain areas or create a focal point, while borders can define the edges of the space and add visual interest. There are many options for accents and borders, including contrasting colors, different textures, and decorative patterns.
One popular option for adding accents is to use a different color of stamped concrete in certain areas. For example, if you have a patio with a large circular pattern stamped into it, you could choose to stamp smaller circles within that design using a different color. This creates an eye-catching contrast that draws attention to those areas.
Borders can also be added using various techniques. One common method is to use an imprinting tool along the edge of the space to create a decorative border pattern. Another option is to use brick or stone pavers as an outer border around the perimeter of the area. This not only adds visual interest but also provides a functional transition between your stamped concrete surface and any adjacent landscaping features.
By incorporating accents and borders into your stamped concrete project, you can take its appearance from ordinary to extraordinary. With so many options available, there’s no limit on what you can achieve with this versatile material!
Stamped Concrete for Different Applications: Residential, Commercial, and Public Spaces
Stamped concrete is a versatile material that can be used in various applications, including residential, commercial, and public spaces. In residential settings, stamped concrete is commonly used for patios, driveways, walkways, and pool decks. It offers homeowners an affordable way to enhance the appearance of their outdoor living space while providing durability and low maintenance.
In commercial settings such as restaurants or retail stores with outdoor seating areas or walkways leading up to entrances can benefit from stamped concrete’s ability to mimic more expensive materials like natural stone or brick. This provides an upscale look without breaking the budget. Additionally, it is slip-resistant which makes it ideal for high-traffic areas where safety is a concern.
In public spaces like parks and plazas stamped concrete has become increasingly popular because of its versatility in design options. It allows landscape architects and designers to create unique patterns that reflect the surrounding environment or historical significance of the area while also being durable enough to withstand heavy foot traffic and weather conditions over time. Stamped concrete can also be colored with integral pigments which means colors will not fade over time making it perfect for long-lasting designs in public spaces.
Budgeting for Stamped Concrete: Factors and Considerations
When it comes to budgeting for stamped concrete, there are several factors and considerations that you need to keep in mind. One of the most significant factors is the size of your project. The larger the area you want to cover with stamped concrete, the more expensive it will be.
Another factor that affects the cost of stamped concrete is the complexity of the design. Intricate patterns and designs require more time and effort to create, which means they come at a higher price point than simpler designs. Additionally, if you want multiple colors or textures on your stamped concrete surface, this will also increase its cost.
It’s important to note that while stamped concrete may initially seem like a pricier option compared to other materials such as plain concrete or pavers, it offers long-term benefits such as durability and low maintenance costs. Plus, its ability to mimic natural stone or brick can add value and curb appeal to your property. When considering budgeting for stamped concrete, weigh these factors against your needs and preferences before making a decision on what material works best for you.
Finding a Qualified Stamped Concrete Contractor: Tips and Resources
When it comes to finding a qualified stamped concrete contractor, there are several tips and resources that can help you make an informed decision. One of the most important things to look for is experience in working with stamped concrete specifically. This type of work requires specialized skills and knowledge, so it’s crucial to find someone who has a proven track record in this area.
Another key factor to consider when choosing a contractor is their reputation within the industry. Look for reviews and testimonials from past clients, as well as any awards or recognition they may have received. A reputable contractor should be happy to provide references upon request, so don’t hesitate to ask for them.
Finally, it’s important to choose a contractor who is licensed and insured. This will protect both you and the contractor in case anything goes wrong during the project. Make sure to verify their credentials before hiring them, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about their insurance coverage and licensing status. By following these tips and utilizing available resources such as online directories or referrals from friends or family members, you can find a qualified stamped concrete contractor who will deliver high-quality results on your project.

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We work hands-on with each of our perimeter security products from start to finish. As designers, engineers and manufacturers, we understand how they are supposed to function. We are committed to providing you with an inside look of each product, helping you to understand how each of our systems work and selecting the right system for your needs.
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Nigerian singer and songwriter, Timi Dakolo, has revealed why some people do not reciprocate the love shown to them.
Naija News reports that the father of two in a post shared on Twitter opined that some people are ignorant of the love they receive from others.
According to the ‘Iyawo mi’ crooner, such kind of people aren’t selfish or anything related to it but they grew up in homes where survival was a priority not love.
Timi Dakolo noted that such people want to survive by every means and the popular saying ‘to love and be loved’ is not top of their list.
He tweeted: “Some people don’t know what to do with all the love you are pouring into them. Not that they are selfish or anything like that,they grew up in a house where survival was priority not LOVE. They just want to survive. To love and be loved is not top on their list. Sad but true. “
Yemi Alade Robbed Abroad
Meanwhile, ‘Mama of Africa‘ Yemi Alade has lamented after unknown persons invaded her privacy and stole her money at a hotel in Côte d’Ivoire.
The singer had visited the country for the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND), a 3-day gathering of creatives from Africa and the Diaspora when the incident occurred.
Narrating the experience, the 33-year-old singer said while she was away from her hotel room, her belongings were ransacked and all the money carted away.
She said: “A few minutes after I left my room, some unknown people decided to go through my things and steal all the money they could find. Very good.”