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During his speech at the Republican National Convention, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie echoed the right-wing media myth that as secretary of state, presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton personally “fought” to keep Nigerian group Boko Haram off the terror watch list, which resulted in the abduction of hundreds of Nigerian schoolgirls -- a claim media fact-checkers debunked.
Christie Claimed Clinton “Fought” To Keep Boko Haram Off Terrorism Watch List In Convention Speech
Christie: Because Clinton “Fought For Two Years To Keep An Al Qaeda Affiliate Off The Terrorist Watch List, ... These Terrorists Abducted Hundreds Of Innocent Young Girls.” During his speech at the July 19 Republican National Convention, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie claimed that “In Nigeria, [presumptive Democratic presidential nominee] Hillary Clinton amazingly fought for two years to keep an Al-Qaeda affiliate off the terrorist watch list,” referring to the extremist group Boko Haram. Christie argued that “because of this reckless action … terrorists abducted hundreds of innocent young girls.” From the July 19 speech:
Since the Justice Department refuses to allow you to render a verdict, let's present the case now, on the facts, against Hillary Clinton. She was America's chief diplomat. Look around at the violence and danger in our world today every region of the world has been infected with her flawed judgment.
In Nigeria, Hillary Clinton amazingly fought for two years to keep an Al-Qaeda affiliate off the terrorist watch list.
What happened because of this reckless action by the candidate who is the self proclaimed champion of women around the world? These terrorists abducted hundreds of innocent young girls two years ago.
These schoolgirls are still missing today.
What was the solution from the Obama/Clinton team? A hashtag campaign! Hillary Clinton, as an apologist for an Al-Qaeda affiliate in Nigeria resulting in the capture of innocent young women guilty or not guilty? She fights for the wrong people. [NJ.com, 7/19/16]
Right-Wing Media Previously Hyped This False Claim
Fox & Friends: Clinton “Made Sure” Boko Haram Was “Not Placed On The Terror List,” Which “Perhaps Could Have Saved These Girls Earlier." Fox hosts Steve Doocy and Elisabeth Hasselbeck blamed Clinton for refusing to designate Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), claiming that if she had done so, it “could have saved these girls earlier.” From the May 8, 2014, edition of Fox News’ Fox & Friends:
STEVE DOOCY (CO-HOST): This is really something. We've with been telling you over the last couple of days about this terrorist group called Boko Haram out in Africa, how they've killed an entire village. They have since, in the last couple of weeks, they have kidnapped 300 young girls. They're going to sell them into slavery.
BRIAN KILMEADE (CO-HOST): And prior to that, boys.
DOOCY: They burned a bunch of boys. They burned down a village. It's all bad. And now, word is, because we did not place them on the terror list, of officially known terrorist groups, it's going to be harder to go after them. And who exactly made sure that they were not placed on the terror list? Hillary Clinton.
ELISABETH HASSELBECK (CO-HOST): And the rights of women and young girls, those were pillars of what she wanted to accomplish in her time at the State Department. But right here, what she didn't actually tweet, and perhaps because it was over 140 characters, was the fact that her own State Department, as Steve just mentioned, did not place Boko Haram on the list of foreign terrorist organizations, which would have forbidden any sort of authority to increase securities to them, increase assistance to Nigerian security forces in that area, and perhaps could have saved these girls earlier. [Fox News, Fox & Friends, 5/8/14]
National Review: “The Excuses Now Being Offered In Explanation Of Clinton's Dereliction Are Specious.” National Review's Andrew McCarthy claimed that Clinton “protected” Boko Haram as secretary of state and that “the excuses now being offered in explanation of Clinton’s dereliction are specious" and “ridiculous.” McCarthy wrote that Clinton was “appeasing Islamists.” From the May 8, 2014, article:
The excuses now being offered in explanation of Clinton’s dereliction are specious. As Rogin explains, Clinton’s State Department claimed that Boko Haram was merely a local group with parochial grievances that was not a threat to the United States. Have a look, though, at the State Department’s list, here. Several of the listed groups are waging local terrorist campaigns that do not threaten our country—the Basque ETA, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the Real Irish Republican Army, etc. A significant reason for having the list is to promote international cooperation against terrorism and discourage its use against anyone anywhere. The fact that a terrorist organization may have only local grievances and may not directly imperil the U.S. has never been thought a reason to exclude it from the list.
Fox News has further reported another rationale of Clinton apologists: Hillary did not want to raise Boko Haram’s profile and assist its recruiting which, they reason, would be the effect of designation by the Great Satan. That is ridiculous. The main point of having the list, and the sanctions that accompany a terrorist designation, is to weaken the organization by depriving it of assets and material support. The logic of what Clinton supporters are claiming is that U.S. counterterrorism law — much of which was put in place by the administration of President Bill Clinton — does more harm than good. Does anyone think they really believe that?
What happened here is obvious, although the commentariat is loath to connect the dots. Boko Haram is an Islamic-supremacist organization. Mrs. Clinton, like the Obama administration more broadly, believes that appeasing Islamists--avoiding actions that might give them offense, slamming Americans who provoke them--promotes peace and stability. [National Review, 5/8/14]
Hot Air: “The Responsibility For This Failure Rests Directly With Hillary Clinton.” The conservative blog Hot Air wrote that “the responsibility for this failure” to designate Boko Haram a terrorist organization was Clinton’s and that the decision enabled the group to commit acts of terrorism, including the mass kidnappings. Hot Air also brushed aside Clinton's support of U.S. intervention in the Nigerian kidnappings, writing, “Now Hillary wants to fight Boko Haram with hashtags. Too bad she didn't fight them with real resources when she had the chance.” From the May 8, 2014, post:
Boko Haram has wreaked havoc in Nigeria and portions of surrounding nations since 2009, when the Nigerian government tried to crack down on their arms-gathering operations. The group of Islamist terrorists had been known for much of that time to have ties to al-Qaeda, both ideological and tactical. Hundreds, perhaps thousands died in terrorist attacks from 2009 to 2013, many of them targeted for their Christianity. And yet, not until November 2013 did the US finally list Boko Haram as a terrorist group.
Why? We should ask Hillary Clinton
It’s true that not every local grievance requires a State Department designation, but Boko Haram allied itself with al-Qaeda and provided it tactical support, at least. That should have prompted State to act, especially with the consensus within the national-security communities demanding it — repeatedly. Instead, Hillary Clinton refused to act in order to keep up a pretense that “al-Qaeda was on the run.”
Now Hillary wants to fight Boko Haram with hashtags. Too bad she didn’t fight them with real resources when she had the chance. [Hot Air, 5/8/14]
Newt Gingrich: State Department Under Clinton “Wouldn’t Even List [Boko Haram] As A Terrorist Group.” Former Fox News contributor Newt Gingrich blamed Clinton for not listing Boko Haram a terrorist organization in 2015 speech at the Iowa Freedom Summit, even though. “last year Boko Haram killed more people than Ebola.” From CSPAN’s broadcast of the Iowa Freedom Summit:
NEWT GINGRICH: You see people all around the planet, this is a global war, and yet they insist on talking about it by geography. So, we’re going to really focus on Northern Syria. Well, there are thousands of jihadists who have come to Northern Syria from all around the world, over a thousands from France alone. Over 600 from Great Britain. over 100 from the United States. This is a global war. In Nigeria, Boko Haram has 10,000 fighters, and last year Boko Haram killed more people than Ebola. But the State Department, for years under Secretary Clinton, wouldn’t even list them as a terrorist group, even though their initial base camp was called Afghanistan, in honor of the Taliban. Now, you would think somewhere in here, people would get a hint. [CSPAN, Iowa Freedom Summit, 1/24/15]
Fact-Checkers Point Out Christie’s Claim Has Long Been Debunked
Politico: Clinton “Was Heeding The Advice Of Numerous Regional Experts” And There Is Doubt About “Whether The Designation Could Have Prevented” The Abduction Of School Girls. Politico fact-checked Christie’s claims about Clinton’s foreign policy record as secretary of state, noting that Clinton “was heeding the advice of numerous regional experts who argued in an open letter that” designating Boko Haram a terrorist group “could elevate the group's prestige” and that “It is not clear that the group ever pledged formal allegiance to al Qaeda, and the two groups were sometimes described as rivals.” Politico also explained that Boko Haram was designated a terrorist group a year before the Nigerian schoolgirls were abducted, “raising the question of whether the designation could have prevented their abduction.” From the July 20 Politico report:
Christie said that Clinton “fought” to keep the radical Islamist group Boko Haram off an official State Department terrorism watch list before she left government in 2012. In 2014, the group abducted hundreds of young women and girls who are still missing. Clinton, Christie concluded in perhaps his most explosive allegation, was “an apologist for an al Qaeda affiliate in Nigeria resulting in the capture of hundreds of young women.”
It's true that Clinton opposed designating Boko Haram a Foreign Terrorist Organization, an act that imposes financial sanctions and other legal penalties on named groups and their supporters. While that may be hard to understand—the group already had a clear record of violence and radicalism — she was heeding the advice of numerous regional experts who argued in an open letter that doing so could elevate the group's prestige. The Nigerian government also opposed the designation.
John Kerry did name Boko Haram a terrorist organization after succeeding Clinton in 2013. But the girls were kidnapped the following year, raising the question of whether the designation could have prevented their abduction.
Finally, Christie described Boko Haram as “al Qaeda affiliate.” It is not clear that the group ever pledged formal allegiance to al Qaeda, and the two groups were sometimes described as rivals. (Boko Haram publicly pledged allegiance to ISIS last year.) [Politico, 7/20/16]
CNN: “No Evidence” Clinton Personally “‘Fought’” To Keep Boko Haram Off Terror List. CNN’s Reality Check Team gave Christie’s claim a “false” rating, noting the lack of evidence that Clinton “was personally responsible for the delay in the designation.” CNN also pointed out the “delay” did not result in the kidnapping of Nigerian school girls, which occurred after Clinton left the State Department. From the July 20 fact-check (emphasis original):
Boko Haram, an affiliate of al Qaeda, was never designated a foreign terrorist organization during Clinton's leadership of the State Department. The department eventually labeled the group a terrorist organization while under Kerry in December 2013.
The kidnapping of the 200 Nigerian school girls occurred in April 2014.
While Clinton was head of the State Department at the time, Christie says she “fought” to keep them off the list and there is no evidence that she herself was personally responsible for the delay in the designation. Our verdict: false. [CNN.com, 7/20/16]
Wash. Post: “No Evidence That Clinton Played A Role Or ‘Fought’ To Keep Boko Haram Off The List” Or “That A Terrorist Designation Any Sooner Would Have Prevented” The Mass Kidnappings. Washington Post fact-checkers Glenn Kessler and Michelle Ye Hee Lee wrote that “Christie grossly simplifie[d] a complex debate at the State Department -- which actually did not involve Clinton personally.” The Fact Checker blog noted that State Department officials conceded they could have moved faster with Boko Haram’s designation, but that “there is no evidence that Clinton played a role” and that there is also “no evidence” that the terrorist designation “any sooner would have prevented the kidnapping of the girls.” The fact check also pointed out that the hashtag campaign “came after Clinton had left the State Department.” From the July 19 article:
Christie grossly simplifies a complex debate at the State Department — which actually did not involve Clinton personally.
In 2014, the Fact Checker closely examined this issue, concluding that claims that Clinton was responsible for the decision betrays a misunderstanding of how the State Department works. Yes, Clinton was secretary of state in 2012. Designations of foreign terrorist groups are ultimately issued by the secretary of state. But the decision on how to handle the group was resolved before it ever reached her level, according to officials familiar with the deliberations.
State Department officials in 2012 vigorously debated how to treat Boko Haram, with the Bureau of Counterterrorism, headed then by Assistant Secretary Daniel Benjamin, leaning toward designation, and the Africa bureau, headed then by Assistant Secretary Johnnie Carson, urging caution. One big issue was that Nigeria was a government close to the United States — and Nigeria was adamantly opposed to the designation, arguing it risked entrenching Boko Haram. Nigerian officials also argued that a terrorist designation — which halts any flow of funds to the entity or people associated with it — would make it difficult for humanitarian aid to continue in the region where Boko Haram operated.
There was another, complicating issue: U.S. officials thought the Nigerian army had engaged in brutal human rights abuses in its efforts to fight Boko Haram. So a compromise was reached internally: The administration would name three leaders of Boko Haram as specially designated global terrorists while holding out the possibly of a broader designation of the entire group as a means of improving the behavior of Nigerian forces battling Boko Haram.
In any case, in 2013, the State Department formally designated Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organization. Officials later conceded that, in retrospect, they could have moved a bit faster, but there is no evidence that Clinton played a role or “fought” to keep Boko Haram off the list. The internal debate did not rise to her level; it was handled by the deputy secretary of state.
There is no evidence that a terrorist designation any sooner would have prevented the kidnapping of the girls. As for the hashtag campaign, that came after Clinton had left the State Department. [The Washington Post, 7/19/16]
ABC: Clinton “Publicly … Denounced [Boko Haram].” An ABC News fact check rebutted Christie’s claim that Clinton personally “fought” to keep Boko Haram off the terrorist organization list and “responded to its mass kidnapping with a ‘hashtag strategy,’” noting that she publicly denounced the group and that “she was not Secretary of State when the kidnapping happened.” From the July 19 fact check (emphasis original):
Claim: Hillary Clinton is an “apologist” for Boko Haram. She and Obama responded to its mass kidnapping with a “hashtag campaign.”
Rating: False. It is based on a true fact, that Clinton’s State Department declined to list Boko Haram as a terrorist group out of concern that doing so would raise the group’s profile. But publicly Clinton has denounced the group, and she was not Secretary of State when the kidnapping happened.
Background: In 2011, Hillary Clinton’s State Dept. declined to list Boko Haram, the terrorist group that would abduct more than 200 schoolgirls from Chibok in 2014, as a foreign terrorist organization, against the recommendations of DOJ, FBI, CIA, and lawmakers, Josh Rogin reported for The Daily Beast in 2014.
That move, however, appears to have been based on a disagreement over whether listing Boko Haram would elevate its status. A State Department official said as much to Rogin in the same story. The assertion that she is an “apologist” appears to be a rhetorical exaggeration criticizing that decision. But publicly, Clinton has denounced Boko Haram. [ABC News, 7/20/16]

domain: politics


Compact crossover SUVs serve so many buyers so well, thanks to their flexibility, economy, and affordable sticker prices.
One of the bestselling vehicles of its kind, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 comes in a wide range of models, all of them winners. Redesigned last in 2019, the RAV4 specializes in choice, ranging from the rugged TRD Off-Road model to a thrifty hybrid.
The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan is a relatively new arrival, and plays some great cards, including safety, technology, and interior room in its challenge to the RAV4.
Both compete with excellent vehicles, including the latest Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and Nissan Rogue. If the choice comes down to these two, which one gets our nod?
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
Tiguan vs. RAV4 prices and features
Base Tiguan costs about $28,000
So does the base RAV4
Best picks: RAV4 XLE Hybrid, Tiguan SE
How much is a Toyota RAV4?
With as many as 16 versions to choose from, the RAV4 carries a solid base price of about $28,000. That RAV4 LE comes with cloth upholstery, 17-inch wheels, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Spend a little more to get the RAV4 XLE. For more than $30,000 as an all-wheel-drive hybrid, it comes with a power driver seat and keyless start, and leaves the door open for options like heated front seats and a bigger touchscreen.
Spend about $40,000 and you can have the plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime. Very difficult to find on lots, it’s worth the chase thanks to its superb fuel economy and its standard sport suspension, not to mention its all-electric drive mode. All RAV4s carry a basic 3-year/36,000-mile warranty.
How much is a VW Tiguan?
The base Tiguan S also costs about $28,000, which brings with it cloth upholstery, 17-inch wheels, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. All VWs come with a strong 4-year/50,000-mile warranty with two free years of scheduled maintenance.
For about $33,000 the Tiguan SE adds synthetic leather upholstery, 18-inch wheels, wireless smartphone connectivity, and adaptive cruise control.
You’ll pay just about $40,000 for the Tiguan SEL R-Line and its sunroof, upgraded sound system, and 10.3-inch digital gauges.
Advantage: Toyota RAV4, though you’ll spend more for top models.
2022 Toyota RAV4
Tiguan vs. RAV4 performance
RAV4 Prime has sportscar power
Tiguan has smooth turbo-4
Both offer all-weather AWD traction
Acceleration is middling with the Tiguan’s 184-hp 2.0-liter turbo-4, but it’s smooth and couples well with the standard 8-speed automatic. What’s more impressive is its comfortable ride. Tuned for a compliant ride, the Tiguan feels best when it runs on 17- and 18-inch wheels in the S and SE models. The R-Line has 19- or 20-inch wheels that can roughen the ride in an attempt to feel more sporty.
All versions of the 2023 Tiguan offer all-wheel drive, though front-wheel drive is the standard setup. Most versions of the RAV4 come with front-wheel drive as standard equipment, but all 2022 RAV4s can be equipped with all-wheel drive.
Base RAV4 crossovers make decent power from a 203-hp 2.5-liter inline-4 paired with an 8-speed automatic. The engine gets noisy when it’s pressed hard, but it’s acceptably strong. It’s the hybrids that get our vote: the 219-hp Hybrid pairs the engine with batteries and a rear-wheel electric motor for standard all-wheel drive and excellent fuel economy. Even better—and way more rare—is the RAV4 Prime, which gets a big 18.1-kwh battery pack and a big output of 302 hp. It can shoot to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and handles well, thanks to a tautly tuned sport suspension—all while it delivers up to 42 miles of electric driving range.
Advantage: The RAV4, with a nod to the Hybrid and Prime.
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
Tiguan vs. RAV4 size, seating capacity, and cargo space
How big is the Volkswagen Tiguan?
Volkswagen makes its crossovers big, and the Tiguan is one of the largest among its class with up to 73.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Its boxy proportions reflect the 4 inches of added length it has beyond the RAV4.
The Tiguan seats up to seven people in front-drive models, and five in all-wheel-drive editions. We prefer the five-seat versions: they’re more comfortable for four large passengers, thanks to supportive seats. The small third-row seat holds two small people, at best. The Tiguan has up to 73.4 cubic feet of cargo space in AWD models with the rear seats folded; front-drive seven-seat versions have a little less cargo space.
How big is the Toyota RAV4?
The Tiguan’s versatility might give it an edge over the RAV4, which seats five. With the rear seats folded the RAV4’s cargo volume is 69.8 cubic feet, which is above average for the class. Its seats feel thinner, though, and head room is lower than the Tiguan by 2 inches, but there’s a bit more leg room in the cabin of the RAV4 than the Tiguan. Six-footers likely will find the Tiguan to be a roomier, comfier driving experience.
Advantage: The Tiguan’s interior has more usable space and better seats.
2022 Toyota RAV4
Tiguan vs. RAV4 fuel economy
Tiguan’s frugal with fuel
It’s no match for the RAV4 Hybrid and Prime, though
Most RAV4s aren’t hybrids or plug-ins, and with EPA fuel economy of 30 mpg combined in front-wheel-drive versions, that’s just fine. All-wheel drive doesn’t cost much more in fuel. The 40-mpg RAV4 Hybrid earns the nod as the most cost-effective and efficient model, but the Prime’s 42 miles of electric driving set it apart even from this strong lineup.
It’s average, with front-drive models earning EPA ratings of 26 mpg combined. Heaver AWD versions check in at 25 mpg combined. No hybrid versions are offered.
Advantage: Toyota RAV4, even in its base versions.
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
Tiguan vs. RAV4 styling
RAV4 has adventurous looks
The Tiguan’s more sedate
Both SUVs get sharp touchscreens
The RAV4 looks fresher than the Tiguan. Toyota channeled its truck line in the design of the RAV4 to hark back to when SUVs were based on trucks. Chunky fenders and a stout, broad face pretend to be truck-like, but the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models add even more cosmetically rugged features. Inside, the cabin works with a simple horizontal design lightened up by metallic trim, synthetic leather, and on some versions, a big 9.0-inch touchscreen.
The Tiguan is nowhere near as daring or pretentious, and we don’t mean that in a bad way to either vehicle. Conservative from its LED headlights to LED taillights, it has a clean shape without a lot of fussy detail-a theme that it follows inside with a low dash fitted with an 8.0-inch touchscreen and on some versions, a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
Advantage: The RAV4’s more engaging, from the outside in.
2022 Toyota RAV4
Tiguan vs. RAV4 safety
Excellent crash-test scores for both
Both have automatic emergency braking
VW offers a surround-view camera system
How safe is the Toyota RAV4?
It’s earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, and the NHTSA gives it five stars overall. The RAV4 also has standard automatic emergency braking, active lane control, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams; blind-spot monitors are an option.
How safe is the Volkswagen Tiguan?
The NHTSA hasn’t crash-tested it, but the IIHS gives it a Top Safety Pick+ rating. The Tiguan has standard automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitors, and offers optional adaptive cruise control, active lane control, and a surround-view camera system.
Advantage: Both get top crash-tests scores.
2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Which is better: Tiguan or RAV4?
By the numbers, the Toyota RAV4 walks away with the win here. It earns a TCC Rating of 6.7 out of 10; Primes would rate even higher thanks to their gutsy performance and efficiency. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
But the spacious 2023 Tiguan has its charms, and VW gives each one a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty that includes two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance. With a TCC Rating of 6.3 out of 10, it isn’t far behind the RAV4. Hybrid and plug-in options would make it more competitive, but VW already offers one excellent alternative: the all-electric VW ID.4 crossover EV.


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domain: entertainment


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Summary: Luke shares with us what a Christ centered post-baptismal life involves: 1. A life of intimate prayer 2. A life empowered and led by the Holy Spirit 3. A life that reveals in its true identity and mission as a child of God
Theme: Post Baptismal Life
Proposition: Luke shares with us what a Christ centered post-baptismal life involves: 1. A life of intimate prayer 2. A life empowered and led by the Holy Spirit 3. A life that reveals in its true identity and mission as a child of God
Grace and peace to you from God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ who came to take away the sin of the world.
What a joy it is to worship with you and your family this morning. Thank-you for being here. If you would please, turn in your Bibles to Luke chapter three where we see Luke sharing with us some new and exciting events that were taking place near the Jordan River around 26/27 AD. After many years of silence, God had raised up a Spirit-filled prophet among the people of Israel. This prophet's was the only son of a Levite couple named Zacharias and Elizabeth who went by the name John the Baptist.
John the Baptist proved to be a most unusual prophet. First of all, John was the son of a religious insider. He was the promise child of a Levite couple. All of his life, John had been raised in and around the Temple. He had been taught the ways of a priest and skilled in what it meant to serve as a mediator between God and man. He was well acquainted with the intricate rituals, prayers and sacrifices of the Temple. Everything about being a priest was second nature to John. He was a man of all the smells, bells and whistles so to speak.
No doubt, Zacharias and Elizabeth thought that their promised son John would live out his life as a faithful Levite priest serving in and around the Temple. They probably thought John would proclaim the coming of the Messiah in some type of major Temple event. And yet, as Luke writes, John being led by the LORD was told to live out in the rugged wilderness and proclaim a powerful message centering on repentance, forgiveness of sin and water baptism.
John traded in his priestly robe for the prophet's camel haired garment. John traded in his comfortable room for camping out in the wilderness and desert area near the Jordan River. John traded working inside the hallways of the Temple for the waters of the Jordan River. And John traded in a daily diet of bread, fish and the occasional lamb or goat feast for a meager diet of locust and wild honey.
John's message was simple, to the point and packed with supernatural power - "Repent of your sins, seek God's forgiveness, submit to water baptism and follow it all up with a life dedicated to holy living". John's message of repentance of course was not new; plenty of prophets, priests and scribes had proclaimed, prayed and penned down the message of repentance. John's message centering on the need for the forgiveness of sin was not new. That too, had been proclaimed by all the ancient men and women of God. And of course the challenge to live a holy life was not new either. Even the ritual of water baptism was not new. So, what was new? The newness was how John employed the ritual of baptism and to the audience he was calling to experience water baptism.

domain: literature


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TEHRAN, Young Journalists Club(YJC)_Boris Johnson, the British Prime Minister addressing the nation Monday evening, introducing strict new curbs on life in the Kingdom to tackle the spread of coronavirus, that’s already taken 335 lives.
The urgency in the Prime Minister’s voice was evident. But the latest move, supported by the opposition Labor party, might’ve come a little too late. While countries like France and Italy introduced draconian measures enforced by their police and military and scientists sounded the alarm for months, the Johnson government picked a different strategy: herd immunity, a go-it-alone approach that ended in failure…valuable time was wasted and more lives will be lost as a result.
And it’s not a complete lockdown, like the ones in China and Italy. You can still go out to exercise once a day, to travel to and from work if absolutely necessary, to shop for essentials, and to fulfill medical needs.
There’s also the question of enforcement. Years of austerity and cutbacks has led to a smaller police force, meaning the police may not be able to ensure the lockdown is observed by Britons. That might call for the military’s involvement. In the early hours of Tuesday, the Armed Forces began to assist the NHS, that’s ill-equipped and already overwhelmed, by distributing personal protective equipment to hospitals.
Most of the four other large countries with significant outbreaks of the virus, China, Italy, Spain, and France, enacted their own lockdowns reaching Britain’s death toll, meaning that for the United Kingdom, the worst is yet to come.

domain: news


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The 2013 NBA Draft will take place tonight in Brooklyn, NY, we will have wall-to-wall coverage of all the latest rumors, news, and picks.
Major questions still remain. The Cleveland Cavaliers still seem undecided on the #1 pick (at least publicly) between Noel, Len, and Oladipo. Nobody seems to know what the Magic are doing with the #2 selection other than the fact that they are looking to trade.
The 2013 NBA Draft may lack superstar content, but it will likely be a wild night for rumors and trades.
Check out our 2013 NBA Draft Countdown for all of our previous rumors, profiles, and chatter.
Philadelphia has traded Glen Rice Jr., to Washington for the 38th and 54th picks, league source tells Y! Sports.— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 28, 2013
Hearing Grizzlies have trade in the works: Darrell Arthur and 55th pick will be dealt to Denver for Kosta Koufos— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 28, 2013
Golden State has moved back to No. 30, cutting a deal with the Suns, a source tells Y!— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 28, 2013
The Nuggets will trade the rights to Rudy Gobert to the Utah Jazz, league source tells Y!— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 28, 2013
Golden State made a deal with Minnesota for the 26th pick, and then made a deal with OKC to trade 26 for 29. Or something.— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 28, 2013
Dallas - ATL trade: Dallas sends 16th pick (Lucas N), Jared Cunningham and 44th pick to ATL for 18th pick (Larkin)— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) June 28, 2013
Dallas has traded the 16h overall pick to Atlanta, league source tells Y!— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 28, 2013
Mavs trading No. 13 to Boston for No. 16 and two second-rounders. Boston instruct Mavs to choose Kelly Olynyk— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 28, 2013
Utah is sending the 14th and 21st pick to Minnesota for Trey Burke, the 9th overall pick, league sources say.— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) June 28, 2013
Correction: NO gets 42nd pick this year, not 11. The deal: Philly sends Jrue+42 to NO for Noel and 2014 first, which has Lottery protection.— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) June 28, 2013
Putting an end to at least one rumor, Enes Kanter will not be traded tonight, per sources.— Bill Oram (@tribjazz) June 27, 2013
Oklahoma City is pushing hard for a deal with Orlando to secure the No. 2 pick and draft Indiana's Victor Oladipo, league sources tell Y!— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 27, 2013
Hearing Suns are offering Cavs 5 & 30 for 1. Not yet known how Cavs view the offer. Suns after Noel.— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) June 27, 2013
We're hearing from league sources that Nerlens Noel's knee was red flagged by Suns. There's speculation that he could slip out of top 10.— NBADraft.net (@nbadraftnet) June 27, 2013
Toronto is trying extremely hard to trade into the late lottery, specifically targeting Giannis Adetokunbo.— Mark Deeks (@MarkDeeksNBA) June 27, 2013
Shane Larkin has attracted the interest of Utah (14) and Milwaukee (15), league sources say.— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) June 27, 2013
League sources say Utah has interest in including Kanter if it can move up.— Andy Katz (@ESPNAndyKatz) June 27, 2013
Clippers aren't expected to trade Eric Bledsoe tonight despite interest from the Raptors, Pistons, Pelicans, Magic and Mavs, sources tell Y!— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) June 27, 2013
After much debate back and forth for 6 weeks, the Cavs will select # 1: NerLenthony McLottodipo. Hope that clears it up for everyone...— Dan Gilbert (@cavsdan) June 27, 2013
According to the NBA, no trades were sent in before the 2 pm trade deadline. That means draft order is set.— Andy Katz (@ESPNAndyKatz) June 27, 2013
The Boston-Brooklyn discussions for Garnett and Pierce are serious, several team sources tell Y! "Deal could get even bigger," source says.— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 27, 2013
Boston and Brooklyn discussing a blockbuster deal that would send Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to Nets, league sources tell Y! Sports.— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 27, 2013
Giannis Antetokounmpo insisting he won't go back to Greece next year. Wants to be in NBA now. That's scaring teams away in the lottery.— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) June 27, 2013
The Cavaliers are choosing between Nerlens Noel and Alex Len at No. 1. If they pick Len, Noel could drop to Suns at No. 5.— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 27, 2013
On the other hand Saunders said that anybody is tradable.
“Wilt Chamberlain was traded, guys like Oscar Robertson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar got traded,” he said. “Anyone can be trade for the right price. But [Williams is] not a guy that we’re just out there looking to trade.
“He played well at the end of the year. If he was in the draft right now, he’d be a guy that would be one of the top three players that people would be looking at to draft. He’s only 21 years old. Sometimes you have to let those guys develop a little bit.”
Giving up Williams to trade the No. 9 pick is not viable. - See more at: http://www.prosportsdaily.com/articles/flip-saunders-derrick-williams-is-not-in-play-tonight-256138.html#sthash.JxSYXQfV.dpuf
- The Cleveland Cavaliers have reportedly offered their #1 overall selection to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Greivis Vasquez, the #6 pick, and a 1st round pick in 2014. Good luck with that one. Full story
- The New Orleans Pelicans are saying that Eric Gordon is not happy there and is very much available in a trade. Full Story
- The Orlando Magic are willing to deal their #2 pick and there may still be discussion with the LA Clippers involving Eric Bledsoe. Full Story
- The Houston Rockets are interested in freeing up some cap space and are shopping Thomas Robinson. The Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers could be in play here. This one could actually happen.
Mavs sources insist that there is a 0% chance Shawn Marion is traded during draft. He'd have to approve deal before June 30. Not discussed.— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) June 27, 2013
2013 NBA Draft Countdown

domain: sports


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Turning to Facebook to flesh out her thoughts about “the never-ending issue of media bias” and how she told Fox News she was going to back away from her usual role is chief complainer about the “Lamestream Media,” Sarah Palin pivoted off the assumption that the the press corps is biased and always has been [emphasis added]:
The media has always been biased. Conservatives – and especially conservative women – have always been held to a different standard and attacked. This is nothing new. Lincoln was mocked and ridiculed.
This is kind of weird. In a debate about the modern-day press corps and how it holds conservatives, and especially conservative women, to a different standard, Palin points to the fact that 150 years ago the president during America's Civil War was “mocked and ridiculed” in the press.
Yes, and....? I mean, what's her point? During the Great Depression Franklin Roosevelt was mocked and ridiculed in the press. In fact, there's never been a U.S. president who wasn't “mocked and ridiculed” in the press. (Turn on Fox News if you doubt Obama is today “mocked and ridiculed” in the press.)
So the burden is still on Palin to prove the liberal media's nasty double standard. She offered up just two historical examples to buttress her claim. Lincoln was the first. This was the second:
Reagan was called an amiable dunce, a dangerous warmonger, a rightwing fanatic, and the insult list goes on and on. (But somehow Reagan still managed to win two major electoral landslides, and this was in the days before the internet and talk radio when all he had were three biased network news channels spinning reports on him. If he could do so much with so little and still be such an optimistic and positive leader, then surely we can succeed with the new media tools at our disposal.)
Here, Palin torpedoes her own argument about the supposedly nasty press coverage Reagan had to endure. In one breath she claims Reagan was attacked mercilessly by the press (although Palin doesn't bother with any specific examples.) Then she notes, gee Reagan was still able to win landslide elections.
How was that possible? Three words: On Bended Knee. (Palin should read it some time.)
As we've been noting in the wake of the NPR controversy, the GOP Noise Machine remains wholly committed to its never-ending cry of liberal media bias. The problem is they've become so lazy when making the claim that they rarely even try to back it up with tangible examples or proof.
On Facebook, Palin gave it a shot. But I'm sorry, pointing to press coverage from two centuries ago, as well as complaining about the often worshipful coverage Reagan received doesn't cut it.
It simply confirms that Palin, like lots of conservatives, can't make her case.


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A deadly new strain of bird flu has been transmitted from person to person for the first time, scientists reported.
Research published in the British Medical Journal indicated that the virus had moved between a father and daughter in eastern China, killing both of them in the space of 10 days.
The experts said it was the strongest evidence yet that the avian flu strand H7N9 could be transmitted from human to human, but stressed that its ability to be passed on in this way remained “limited and non-sustainable”.
As of the end of June, 133 cases of this particular type of bird flu have been reported, leading to 43 deaths.
Most cases come from people who regularly visited markets selling live birds, or those who had contact with live poultry, around seven to 10 days before falling ill.
The latest study was unusual in that the 32-year-old daughter had not had any contact with potentially infected live animals.
She was tending to her ill 60-year-old father, who often went to markets, when both had to be admitted to hospital. Both died from multiple organ failure despite intensive care treatment.
Follow-up investigations revealed almost genetically identical virus strains from each patient, suggesting transmission from father to daughter.
Dr Peter Horby, senior clinical research fellow at the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit in Hanoi, Vietnam, said the study suggested intensive surveillance of future cases was needed, including of the dose of virus needed to infect people and the role of repeated exposure to the strain.
He said: “The most likely source of infection for the daughter was her father, during the period that she cared from him whilst he was ill.”
Dr Horby nonetheless added that limited person to person transmission had been reported for other strains, H5N1 and H7N7, and the swine origin flu virus H3N2v.
He said the strains have been around for more than a decade, but ”have not progressed any further down the path towards a pandemic virus“.
- More about:
- Family And Parenting
- Newspapers And Magazines
- Oxford University
- Southeast Asia


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HONIARA – A tsunami forecasted to hit areas of the South Pacific Ocean following a 7.8 magnitude earthquake near the Solomon Islands has ended without any reported incidents.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake hit at 9:38 a.m. PT Thursday (4:30 a.m. Friday in the Solomon Islands) about 200 kilometres southeast of the capital, Honiara.
The epicentre was relatively deep at 41 kilometres below the surface. Deeper quakes generally cause less damage on the ground.
Solomon Islands National Disaster Management Office director Loti Yates said he had received reports of collapsed buildings in villages in Makira, the island closest to the epicentre of the massive undersea quake, which had initially prompted a tsunami watch as far afield as Hawaii.
“Villages that we have made contact with have evacuated. Actually, most of the communities that we have spoken with had already evacuated,” Yates said.
Yates said the authorities in the Solomons had not received any reports of deaths but would start to assess the damage as morning dawned. Some 50,000 people live in Makira province.
Tsunami Threat Passed
After the quake, a tsunami watch was issued and then upgraded to a “tsunami threat forecast” that waves of one to three metres could hit the Solomon Islands, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC).
The PTWC also cautioned waves of up to one metre could hit the nearby coasts of Papua New Guineau and Vanuatu as well.
Waves of less than 0.3 metres were forecast for other areas, including Australia, Fiji, Indonesia and New Zealand.
About two hours after the quake, the forecast was downgraded to say that the threat had passed and only minor sea-level fluctuations were recorded.
Royal Solomon Islands Police Force spokesman Reginald Tungi said it is too early to determine the extent of the damage remote areas, according to Stuff.co.nz.
He said power and mobile phone coverage was spotty in Honiara.
“It seems OK, nothing is majorly damaged, but it is too soon after 4am [the time the quake struck] to know completely,” he said.
However local Tali Hong wrote on Twitter that there was a blackout across Honiara.
The Solomon Islands quake comes after a shallow 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck western Indonesia before dawn on Wednesday, killing at least 102 people and injuring more than 750.
Search and rescue crews using advanced life-detecting devices have been searching for any sign of movement, as hopes fade of finding any more survivors.

domain: geography


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Mobilize.Net Releases New VBUC That Converts VB Apps to .NET Core
by DeeDee Walsh, on Mon, Aug, 24, 2020 @ 05:08 AM
Mobilize.Net VBUC enables legacy apps to migrate off classic Visual Basic and move to cross-platform including Linux
BELLEVUE, WA – Aug 24, 2020 - Mobilize.Net announced today the immediate availability of Visual Basic Upgrade Companion that supports automated migration of legacy Visual Basic source code to the new .NET Core open source framework from Microsoft.
Customers can choose to migrate their legacy code to either the .NET Framework or .NET Core. The open source Core version is the future of Microsoft’s development platform, allowing apps to run on platforms from Windows desktops to Linux or Apple MacBooks. Customers can also choose to modernize their VB6 code to either VB.NET (Framework only) or C# (either platform). Microsoft has previously announced it will no longer update .NET Framework and is encouraging customers to move to .NET Core.
“Microsoft has been clear that .NET Core is the future for its cross-platform capability and the ability of millions of developers to contribute via open source work,” Tom Button, CEO of Mobilize.Net, said. “VBUC version 8.3 marks another milestone in our support of NET Core, which also includes converting desktop apps to native web apps using ASP.NET Core and Angular.”
Used by over 80 percent of the Global 2000, the Visual Basic Upgrade Companion is the world’s most widely adopted solution for bringing legacy VB6 and ASP classic applications into a modern language, architecture, and platform. Each release of the VBUC is rigorously tested on over 4 million lines of real-world customer source code, ensuring an effective and reliable tool that reduces the workload of legacy modernization projects by 95 percent compared to manual rewriting.
Mobilize.Net accelerates and simplifies the transformation of software applications to .NET, web, mobile, and cloud platforms. Millions of developers have used Mobilize.Net technology to successfully modernize billions of lines of code. Mobilize.Net solutions enable customers to reduce risk, cost, and time while moving applications to the platforms businesses demand today. Mobilize.Net migration technology is Microsoft's chosen solution for Visual Studio and MSDN customers. The privately-held Mobilize.Net is based in Bellevue, WA, and is led by former Microsoft Corporate Vice President, Tom Button. Find out more at https://www.mobilize.net


Our guest today Leagues is a perfect place to start our week-long visit to Music City because they encapsulate the change that is going on in Nashville. They are a new rock band formed by an amazing singer Thad Cockrell who was so disenchanted with his alternative country career that he was going to leave the music business before Leagues happened. He posed his idea to create a new band that would actually make audiences move and be happy to guitarist Tyler Burkham and drummer Jeremy Lutito and slowly good things indeed happened. Make that great things, leading to their debut album You Belong Here. Sure, songs remain king in Nashville and so does country music. But East Nashville is brimming with creativity and we’ll spend the week exploring old and new Nashville for Sense of Place: Nashville.
Website | Facebook
YOU BELONG HERE
Recent Release: You Belong Here
Release Date: 1/29/13
Label: Bufalatone Records


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The New York Police Department held a press conference Friday where they announced they are building a criminal case against Harvey Weinstein and weighing an arrest warrant for the producer who has been accused by dozens of women of sexual assault.
“If this person was still in New York and it was recent, we would go right away and make the arrest,” Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce said Friday, adding that Weinstein is currently at an Arizona rehab facility.
“I am not going to deny that we don’t have probable cause, but I will say we have an actual case going forward. If this person was still in New York and it was recent, we would go right away and make the arrest. No doubt. But we are talking about a seven-year-old case, and we need to move forward gathering evidence first.”
Boyce’s press conference comes on the heels of new allegations put forth by Boardwalk Empire actress Paz de la Huerta, who told police that Weinstein raped her on a pair of occasions at her apartment in late 2010.
“Immediately when we got inside the house, he started to kiss me and I kind of brushed [him] away,” de la Huerta told Vanity Fair. “Then he pushed me on to the bed and his pants were down and he lifted up my skirt. I felt afraid … It wasn’t consensual … It happened very quickly. He stuck himself inside me. When he was done he said he’d be calling me. I kind of just laid on the bed in shock.”
After the NYPD interviewed de la Huerta and corroborated portions of her account, Boyce called the actress’ accusations “a credible and detailed narrative,” the Hollywood Reporter writes. De la Huerta was able to “articulate each and every movement of the crime: where she was, where they met, where this happened and what he did,” Boyce added.
However, despite Boyce’s remarks, the office for New York District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. said in a statement that they were not ready to file charges against Weinstein, the New York Times reports. Vance Jr. had previously been criticized for failing to prosecute Weinstein following earlier accusations against the producer, who donated money to Vance Jr.’s campaign.
“I was very traumatized,” de la Huerta said of the Weinstein incidents. “I don’t think I was taking very good care of myself. What happened with Harvey left me scarred for many years. I felt so disgusted by it, with myself… I became a little self-destructive. It was really hard for me to deal, to cope.”


Monday, July 30, 2007
Like 18k other hooligans, I went to go see Daft Punk perform at the LA Sports Arena recently. It was a great turnout for a great French group that I consider "Electronica for Dummies." After the show I was conversing with my uber daft punk fan friend Cesar who remarked, "I can burn you the "Electroma" dvd if you'd like, I hated it." At first I was like yeah whatever, but then I thought, oh why not, free is free isn't it. A few days later I decided to pop in the movie as I was still vibing off a great show and day (saw Beckham's premier). I knew the movie was going to be slow, and after Interstella 5555 which I thought was a cool 2 hour music video I wasn't expecting to be wowed.
On the contrary, I was wowed. In fact, super wowed. This film is a truly love it or hate it kind of thing, but as I am an artsy movie buff I found it quite interesting. I'd say it's a mix of Kubrick and The Man Who Fell To Earth (which starred David Bowie). As the movie didn't really wow many people and ended up on the midnight circuit in Paris of all places I'm sure the general public doesn't have a clue about this jig. Basically you have 2 robots in a place that is like earth in all ways except everybody are robots. The 2 main characters happen to have the outfits of Daft Punk's stage persona, go figure. They strive to be Human, and for an hour and a half they do that, and that is it. There is absolutely NO DIALOGUE in this film, and the determining factor of emotion is music. Now that is why I love this film, the music supervision is flawless to the T and not one piece of Daft Punk music is used. Brian Eno, Sebastian Tellier, Curtis Mayfield, Chopin, Todd Rungren, and more make up this fascinating soundtrack that by all means sets the tone of the whole movie.
The film was shot in 11 days in Independence, CA a beautifully barren town and desert base of the Sierra Nevadas, 90 miles south of Mammoth. The scenic beauty adds a lot depth to an otherwise easily misinterpretted film. Another realization one must make before viewing this film is that it is slow, scenes drag on for many minutes, the opening scene is 7 minutes of basic driving through the desert, and at the end of the movie things are at a crawl. Daft Punk wanted to make a film their way and by now they should have that right. I commend them for doing what they have done and really not caring about the outcome or critic's point of view. It was the perfect time for me to see this movie, mood and setting were on point, and that lends a lot to my feelings about it. What could essentially be 9 or 10 music video's put together wonderfully tells a simple story of the constant sorrow associated with the stuggle of being like everybody else. The simplicity of the film is a breath of fresh air as so many movies today depend on bad jokes, bad action, bad storylines, and bad stories. Why not embrace a calming experience like "Electroma"?
"Electroma" is out on Vice Records in September (total bummer, piss poor label). For a zipped file of the soundtrack head over here, it's really worth it, bravo to the music supervisor. The last thing I can say is in a world in which we are handfed most of our entertainment (Perez Hilton, TMZ, Transformers) it's nice to see a pair of artists make a film that completely disregards what is expected of entertainment.


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TheStreet cut shares of Profire Energy (NASDAQ:PFIE) from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday morning, TheStreetRatingsTable reports.
PFIE has been the subject of several other reports. ValuEngine cut Profire Energy from a sell rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Thursday, January 31st. Zacks Investment Research cut Profire Energy from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Thursday, March 7th. Finally, Chardan Capital reiterated a hold rating on shares of Profire Energy in a research report on Tuesday, May 14th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. Profire Energy has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $4.25.
Shares of PFIE stock opened at $1.51 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $71.91 million, a PE ratio of 12.58 and a beta of 2.08. Profire Energy has a 1-year low of $1.36 and a 1-year high of $5.14.
A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of PFIE. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its holdings in Profire Energy by 29.3% in the 3rd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 147,744 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock valued at $471,000 after buying an additional 33,481 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in Profire Energy by 44.5% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 1,569,824 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock valued at $5,007,000 after buying an additional 483,068 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc grew its holdings in Profire Energy by 44.5% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc now owns 1,569,824 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock valued at $5,007,000 after buying an additional 483,068 shares in the last quarter. Virtu Financial LLC purchased a new stake in Profire Energy in the 4th quarter valued at $86,000. Finally, Wedge Capital Management L L P NC grew its holdings in Profire Energy by 124.6% in the 4th quarter. Wedge Capital Management L L P NC now owns 374,699 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock valued at $543,000 after buying an additional 207,883 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 45.05% of the company’s stock.
About Profire Energy
Profire Energy, Inc, an oilfield technology company, provides burner- and chemical-management products and services for the oil and gas industry in North America. It assists energy production companies in the production and transportation of oil and natural gas. Its products include PF3100, a burner-management system, which is designed to operate, monitor, control, and manage various complex and multi-faceted oilfield appliances; safety and monitoring devices, such as shut-down and temperature valves, pressure transmitters and switches, burners, pilots, and other combustion related equipment; and chemical-management systems to monitor and manage chemical-injection process to ensure that optimal levels of chemicals are injected.
Receive News & Ratings for Profire Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Profire Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.


In a move which marks EVgo’s latest efforts to push energy storage innovations forward in the electric-vehicle (EV) space, the company has recently deployed a new energy storage system powered by “
In a recent move, Tesla has marginally increased the price of its Powerwall home battery pack unit.
In a notable move which can potentially accelerate the transformation of the global transportation industry, China is testing an ‘intelligent highway’ built by Qilu Transportation Development Group
In a recent announcement, petroleum company BP has revealed that a new energy storage system for its Titan 1 wind energy power plant in South Dakota, US, will be built and supplied by Tesla.
© 2018 EVSECTOR.COM ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. COPYSCAPE PROTECTED


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Connie Caldwell, PA-C
Approach To Care
Connie Caldwell has experience in pediatric and transplant heart surgery.
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing – Iowa Wesleyan College, Mount Pleasant
- Master of Physician Assistant Studies – University of Nebraska, Omaha
- National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Connie Caldwell is a huge dog lover and enjoys traveling.
All North Memorial Health providers, with the exception of senior clinic providers, accept the following insurance carriers. Don’t see your carrier or have insurance questions? Contact us at 763-581-CARE.
- Blue Cross
- Medical Assistance
- Preferred One

domain: health


Hi everyone. I hope you enjoyed Warren Kurtz's interview with Dean Kastran and Pat McLoughlin. Here's the scoop on the new album, and more details.
-The Cyrkle is back with their first studio album in 55 years, Center Of The World.
-We're targeting next Friday, November 18th, as the official release day, or the day that copies of the new album will begin to ship out.
-You can purchase the album now, via this link.
Or messaging the band via their FB page. More ways to buy the album are coming soon, as well.
The new album has thirteen songs, including new recordings of Red Rubber Ball, Turn Down Day, and The Visit. The album features several new songs written by Don Dannemann, Mike Losekamp and Pat McLoughlin. It also features the reunion in sound of Dannemann with the Tom Dawes on two songs, We Thought We Could Fly, and He Can Fly. My sincere thanks to Andrew Sandoval for allowing us to use his 2003 recording to make this happen.
We also welcome back the band's 1967 producer Charlie Calello, as his provides his mixing touch on the band's new single, Dance With Me Tonight.
Much more about this, and more news will be coming soon.
Stay tuned, and spread the word.
November 11, 2022
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Fertilizers might be the missing piece of the puzzle. But what exactly is fertilizer, and why is it essential for your plants? In this blog, we’ll explore the world of fertilizers and guide you through everything you need to know to boost your garden’s growth. We’ll discuss the essential nutrients plants need, the difference between synthetic and organic fertilizers, and the importance of macronutrients and micronutrients. We’ll also cover the different types of fertilizers available on the market and provide tips on adequately applying them to your garden.
What is Fertilizer?
Fertilizer is a substance that supplies vital nutrients to soil and plants for growth. Organic or synthetic fertilizers both have benefits and drawbacks. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N.P.K.) are the three essential nutrients in fertilizer. Using fertilizer properly can enhance crop yield, plant health, and soil fertility.
Why is Fertilizer Important?
Fertilizer is crucial for plant growth and development as it provides nutrients, including fertilizer. Plants lacking nutrients may have stunted growth, discoloured leaves, or fail to produce fruits or flowers. Fertilizer also aids soil structure and water retention, contributing to a productive garden when used appropriately.
Key Nutrients for Plants
Plants require essential nutrients to grow and develop, provided by fertilizers. Fertilizers enhance soil quality, correct nutrient deficiencies, and increase crop yield. The primary plant nutrients in fertilizers include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, aiding plant growth. Secondary plant nutrients like magnesium, sulfur, and calcium also play a vital role in plant nutrition. Gardeners can achieve healthy gardens by using the correct type of fertilizer and a soil test to determine nutrient content and chemical elements.
While synthetic fertilizers offer an instant nutrient boost at a low cost, there are downsides to their use. Overuse can damage plants and decrease fertility, while misuse can negatively impact the environment through soil depletion or chemical runoff into waterways. Water-soluble and urea fertilizers contain chemicals that affect nitrogen uptake, making it essential to use them carefully by following instructions closely. Incorporating organic matter such as manure or compost can improve soil fertility without risking these negative impacts.
Types of Synthetic Fertilizers (Including Water-Soluble and Urea)
Synthetic fertilizers offer a quick nutrient boost through chemical compounds such as chemical fertilizers. Water-soluble options provide immediate results, while urea-based alternatives have a more gradual effect on sustained plant growth. While using these options carefully is crucial to prevent environmental damage or harm to plants, reading and following label instructions for chemical fertilizers can help ensure best practices are followed.
Derived from animal manure, compost, or bone meal, organic fertilizers provide a consistent supply of plant nutrients and promote soil health in the long term. Gardeners should note that although they require more effort to apply than synthetic alternatives, they are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Examples of Organic Fertilizers (including Manure, Compost, and Green Manuring)
Organic fertilizers are made from animal, plant waste, and decomposed matter, promoting soil health without chemicals. Green manuring is another effective method that involves planting cover crops to enrich the soil with essential nutrients like nitrogen. These alternatives are also cost-effective when compared to synthetic options. Mulch is another organic process which can keep the soil wet and suppress weed growth.
Benefits of Organic Fertilizers
Sustainable gardening practices use organic fertilizers that gradually release nutrients to improve soil health. These fertilizers contain natural materials such as manure or compost that increase the nutrient content of the soil without using harmful chemicals. Other benefits of these fertilizers are attracting beneficial insects and microbes to your garden and controlling pests. Additionally, they support sustainable agriculture practices and promote healthy food production by providing essential nutrients required for good crop yield and organic material.
Plants, including phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium fertilizers, need macronutrients to grow. Nitrogen is crucial for healthy foliage, while phosphorus promotes root growth and flowering. Potassium allows plants to balance water levels and improve stress resistance. By adding fertilizer rich in these essential nutrients, gardeners can increase crop yield without harming waterways or soil health with runoff.
Plant growth and development are influenced by several factors, including micronutrients. These essential nutrients, such as iron, zinc, manganese, and copper, are required to have a small, significantly substantial impact on crop quality and yield. Plants’ availability of micronutrients is affected by soil pH levels; hence it’s vital to test soil fertility regularly. Deficiency in micronutrients negatively affects plant growth, causes stunted growth and decreased crop yields.
Importance of Micronutrients
To promote healthy plant growth and high crop yields, paying attention to micronutrients like iron, zinc, manganese, and boron is crucial. These essential nutrients are needed in a minor vital role in overall plant nutrition. Plants may need more levels of micronutrients in the soil to grow correctly. To ensure optimal nutrient content in your soil during the growing season, it’s important to test soil fertility regularly and apply organic matter such as compost or manure and granular or liquid fertilizers containing a mix of trace elements like copper or sulfur.
Examples of Micronutrients (Including Iron and Zinc)
Plants require more than just fertilizer to grow; they need essential nutrients like iron and zinc. Chlorophyll production relies on iron and prevents the yellowing of leaves. Zinc regulates plant hormones. Micronutrients such as boron, copper, manganese, molybdenum, chlorine, and micro-organisms also play an essential role in plant growth.
Phosphate is a nutrient for plant growth and is crucial in photosynthesis. It also helps in root growth and seed formation. While synthetic fertilizers containing phosphate may improve crop yield, they can also harm soil health by causing nutrient imbalance and water pollution. Organic alternatives like bone meal or rock phosphate provide a sustainable solution to supplement soil with essential phosphorus while promoting long-term soil health. Sustainable gardening uses organic fertilizers that gradually release nutrients to improve soil quality.
As a crucial macronutrient for plant growth and development, nitrogen plays an integral role in the lush green colour of foliage, contributing to building proteins, D.N.A. and Chlorophylls in plants. Nitrogen must be addressed when aiming for optimal crop production. However, excessive leafy growth and reduced flower yield can occur if there’s too much nitrate in the soil. Gardeners should regularly apply anhydrous ammonia nitrogen fertilizer to prevent this problem during the growing season.
Supporting root growth while promoting flower and fruit development is crucial for successful gardening. Phosphorus is a vital macronutrient necessary for early-stage plant development, with bone meal, rock phosphate, and fish emulsion being excellent natural sources. Deficiency symptoms include poor flowering or fruiting, stunted growth, and decreased disease resistance. Always follow your fertilizer’s instructions for proper phosphorus application to avoid over-fertilization.
Ensuring your plants receive sufficient potassium promotes healthy growth and protects them against pests and disease. By using potassium-rich fertilizers like muriate of potash or potassium sulfate in the right amounts relative to the needs of your soil and crops, you can maintain optimal levels of this essential nutrient without risking salt build-up or other adverse effects on your garden’s health. Remember that while it’s necessary to prioritize potassium when selecting a fertilizer regime, many other important macro- and micronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and zinc must also be considered.
Magnesium is a macronutrient that plays a vital role in photosynthesis and plant growth. Plants deficient in magnesium may suffer from yellowing leaves and stunted growth. You can find familiar sources of magnesium like Epsom salt, dolomite lime, or compost. It’s essential to apply magnesium at the right time to ensure optimal plant absorption and prevent overuse that may lead to imbalances in soil pH and nutrient levels.
Types of Fertilizers
Gardeners have different options when it comes to fertilizers. One of them is organic matter such as manure or compost. Another is nitrogen fertilizer which can go in now water-soluble or urea that provides essential plant nutrients for growth. Magnesium and calcium are also necessary for plant food like phosphate rock, promoting healthy foliage during the growing season. Gardeners must be careful not to overuse fertilizers as some runoff chemicals can leach into nearby waterways and harm other plants or organisms. Soil testing can help determine what fertilizer a garden needs for optimal soil fertility.
Single Nutrient (“Straight”) Fertilizers
To enhance soil fertility and plant growth, gardeners use single-nutrient fertilizers such as nitrogen fertilizer, phosphate rock, or potassium chloride. Soil testing is essential for determining which micronutrient is lacking in the soil to choose the fertilizer required for maximum crop yield. Although single-nutrient are cheaper than organic fertilizers, they need frequent application due to their low concentration of nutrients. Overuse of these chemicals causes leaching and runoff into waterways, posing significant risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health.
Multi-nutrient Fertilizers (Including N-P-K)
You can use multi-nutrient fertilizers to enhance your garden’s growth without too much fertilizer. These blends contain essential plant nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and are available in granular or liquid form. The N-P-K ratio on the label shows the percentage of each nutrient in the formula. Choosing a blend with the correct N-P-K ratio for your plants’ needs is crucial for optimal results. Using multi-nutrient properly, you can experience better soil fertility and healthy plant growth.
Slow- and Controlled-Release Fertilizers
Gardeners must choose the right kind of fertilizer to achieve optimal plant growth. Two popular options include slow-release and controlled-release. Slow-release fertilizers disperse nutrients slowly over time while controlled-release nutrients at a specific rate for precise feeding. Both kinds can minimize nutrient leaching and over-fertilization. When deciding which to use, consider your soil type and your plant’s needs for magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, calcium, and other essential trace elements.
How to Apply Fertilizer
To ensure your garden gets all the necessary nutrients, there are several essential steps for using fertilizer. Begin by carefully reading and adhering to the instructions on the fertilizer packaging. Determine how much you need based on your garden’s size and specific plant types. Applying it equally is vital, or you may end up with an uneven distribution of nutrients that can damage some areas of your garden more than others. Afterwards, water everything thoroughly so each plant can absorb those essential elements.
Methods of Application (Including Foliar Application)
To apply fertilizer effectively in your garden for optimum plant growth and crop production during the growing season, carefully read instructions before using it to determine the recommended amount based on garden size and plant type to avoid over-fertilization or burning of foliage. Ensure even application followed by thorough watering, and choose from various application methods like broadcasting, banding, or foliar. Broadcasting involves spreading granular fertilizer evenly over a wide area of soil. Banding is more targeted, placing the granules around the plant’s roots in a narrow band. The foliar application involves spraying liquid fertilizer directly onto the plant’s leaves for quick nutrient boosts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where and How Are Fertilizers Used?
Fertilizers are used in gardening, farming, and other agricultural areas to give plants like tomatoes essential nutrients. They can be applied to the soil or sprayed on leaves. Proper usage is necessary as overuse may harm plants and the environment. Various fertilisers, such as organic or synthetic, cater to different needs.
Which is better, plant food or fertilizer?
Plant food and fertilizer have distinct roles in gardening. Plant food stimulates plant growth, while fertilizer supplements soil nutrients. Deciding which to use depends on your plants’ needs and soil conditions. A combination of both may be best for optimal growth.
How do you apply fertiliser to your garden?
When fertilizing your garden, follow the instructions and distribute the fertilizer evenly using a spreader or hand-held applicator. Water your plants afterwards to help the fertilizer absorb into the soil, but avoid overapplication, as this can harm both plants and the environment.
Fertilizers are an essential component of any gardener’s toolkit. They provide the necessary nutrients for plants to grow healthy and strong. Organic fertilizer are an excellent option for those who prefer natural methods, while synthetic fertilizer are more commonly used due to their fast-acting results. It’s important to understand the essential macronutrients and micronutrients that plants need and how different fertilizer can provide them. Knowing how to apply fertilizer correctly is also crucial for achieving optimal growth in your garden. For more information on selecting the right fertilizer for your garden and using it effectively, check out our comprehensive guide on boosting your garden’s growth.

domain: agronomy


Question about Frigidaire FAFW3801LW Washer
Door will not open. The "Door Lock" light is on. How do I open the door or reset the door lock
Posted by Anonymous on
a 6ya expert can help you resolve that issue over the phone in a minute or two.
best thing about this new service is that you are never placed on hold and get to talk to real repairmen in the US.
the service is completely free and covers almost anything you can think of (from cars to computers, handyman, and even drones).
click here to download the app (for users in the US for now) and get all the help you need.
Posted on Jan 02, 2017
SOURCE: FRIGIDAIRE FRONT LOAD WASHER
I too had the same problem, I closed the soap tray and a magnet popped out and got stuck to the door. Same problem with it acting like it was going to start and then beeped. This is where the magnet goes, just stick it back in, its held in with pressure (barely) :)
I took the whole control panel off to locate the magnetic reed switch, then just reverse engineered where the magnet is supposed to go on the soap drawer.
Posted on Sep 26, 2008
The control is most likely bad. If lights flash on front let me know which ones and how many as it will sometimes tell me what the failure is. Thanks, please leave feedback or contact me again for more info if you need it.
Posted on Nov 29, 2008
SOURCE: Frigidaire Affinity Door Lock
under 1st yr warr, sure if thats he issue they would cover, it, a clogged drain pump may cause the same problem though , not being able to drain water , the pump would just hum.
Posted on Dec 03, 2008
Tips for a great answer:
Feb 19, 2017 | Refrigerators
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Hello Steven Krenz - Was the unit in self-clean mode? Try pressing and holding the "Clear/Off" button to stop any operation of the EOC. Do this at the same time while pushing and hold the light switch to the left of the door lock. Usually this will trick the oven into unlocking the door. If it is ineffective, try resetting the unit by unplugging it or flipping the household circuit breaker off. Wait approximately ten minutes and redo the steps. If door continues to maintain locked while open, the unit may possibly have a faulty door latch or a communication problem with the EOC. Contact a professional to move forward accurately.
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Is This Correction Good For Life InsuranceIs This Correction Good For Life Insurance This article discusses the potential impact that ... and capital ratios were well managed. Analysts care about earnings and capital vola- tility, and whether ...
Description: This article discusses the potential impact that low interest rates can have on the Life Insurance industry, even if they occur for a short period of time.Hide
- Authors: Rostislav Zilber
- Date: Feb 2011
- Competency: External Forces & Industry Knowledge>External forces and business performance; Technical Skills & Analytical Problem Solving
- Publication Name: Product Matters!
- Topics: Annuities>Investment strategy - Annuities; Life Insurance>Investment strategy - Life Insurance
Asset Management for an Insurance CompanyAsset Management for an Insurance Company This discussion is on asset management ... concerted effort to regain those lost assets. Today, primary emphasis is on asset building products with significant ...
Description: This discussion is on asset management for an insurance company, including issues of varying investment strategies for different product lines through various asset segmentation approaches, management of the assets supporting surplus, and asset/liability risk management considerationsHide
- Authors: Steven Eisenberg, Raymond J Nacin, Stanley B Tulin
- Date: Oct 1981
- Competency: Leadership>Thought leadership; Technical Skills & Analytical Problem Solving
- Publication Name: Record of the Society of Actuaries
- Topics: Annuities>Investment strategy - Annuities; Finance & Investments>Asset allocation; Finance & Investments>Investment policy; Finance & Investments>Investments; Life Insurance>Investment strategy - Life Insurance

domain: economics


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AFFORDABLE TOUCHES: WARM WEATHER SPRING DECOR ON A BUDGET
New season, new look. With winter in the rearview it’s time to give your space a lighter feel. Banish heavy throw blankets for more ethereal interior design touches without going broke. Here are some warm weather spring decor ideas from our designers. They won’t break the budget, either!
“I always think of coastal elements for warmer months like shells, river rocks, driftwood, fresh flowers, and natural woven rugs.” -Angela
“Add florals, such as orchids or tulips, by bringing plants (real or faux) into your home, so your spaces come alive with blooms, just like the outdoors. It gives texture and makes rooms feel more inviting. Branches added to vases will also connect to nature and can even create height on a console table where needed.” -Anita
“While there are things that are purely decorative in my house, I like to focus on refreshing for each season with items that are practical and useful. For example, I have throw pillows for the colder months and different ones for the warmer months. When shopping for accessories for the warmer months, think about colorful, unbreakable glassware, easy-care succulent plants or cactus, and natural soy candles in scents that relate to the outdoors. Winter vases and accessories tend to be opaque, with a heavier ceramic feel. Glass vases, on the other hand, reflect light, showing the element of water with cut flowers and branches with a spring/summer feel.” -Jeanie
Jeanie’s Real-Life Spring Refresh
“I love adding fresh spring flowers or branches to my space. They’re inexpensive (maybe even free if you can find a field to pick from!) and look so beautiful in a clear glass vase. It’s the perfect warm weather staple and always makes my home feel airy and pulled together without being overly done.” -Paulina
What’s your favorite budget-friendly warm weather interior design tip? Drop a comment and let us know!

domain: design


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Police at Wandegeya in Kampala is investigating a case of attempted murder following an incident at a Total petrol station in Makerere Kikoni, Kawempe Division, Kampala , that happened today 17th of April 2023 .
It is alleged that an Indian national, identified as 40-year-old Patel Samir Kumar Arvind Bhai, allegedly strangled and cut Michael Ssebowa , a manager at the petrol station.
Ssebowa sustained a deep cut on the left side of his neck and is receiving treatment at Hammar Medical Services in Makerere Kavule.
Bhai, a resident of Lugogo Bypass in Nakawa Division, is the manager of HJ. Oils Uganda Limited and has been detained pending further investigations.
According to Bhai, he attacked the victim due to suspicions of witchcraft, though the pair had reportedly had a difficult relationship in the past.
A knife was recovered at the scene, and the investigation is ongoing.


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Many enjoy celebrating Halloween, but like other holidays Halloween comes with a lot of waste at the end. I've gone on the hunt for great nature-based Halloween activities so that you can create and celebrate without the waste. Including a couple of our previous activities and some fantastic ideas by incredible people.
1. Zombie & ghost leaves
Collect some fallen leaves and get creative with these great ideas from @mothernatured the natural marks on the leaves make for fantastic zombie skin and you could even string them either design to create a spooky garland!
3. Invitation to create something spooky
One of our previous Halloween activities. Creating with play dough and natural materials. This is a great way to let litting ones imaginations run wild and they conjure up their spooky monsters. @deerandfawns for more pictures.
4. Pumpkin potions
Get your witches brew bubbling with potions in a pumpkin thanks to this incredible idea by @littlepinelearners that was inspired by Room on A Broom.
If you need some inspiration for potions to add your spooky ingredients to, you can check out our tutorial.
5. Toilet roll bats
Turn some toilet rolls and leaves into hanging bats just like @themakermum
Head over to her account to find out how they made these awesome bats.
6. Spider pumpkin
Another one of our previous Halloween creations. Gather some sticks and twine to create a web and then add sticks into your small pumpkin for legs, carve circles and push acorn caps in and paint the eyes on.

domain: artistic


DeVon Prioleau brings nearly two decades of formal study and industry experience in architecture, real estate development, strategic planning, development advisory, process management, and technical building expertise within the public and private sectors both domestically and internationally. A leader in delivering multi-phased real-estate programs, DeVon has managed projects up to and over 1.5 million square feet in size, guiding his clients through the entire life cycle of a project. Equipped with a deep knowledge of the New York City real estate market, DeVon is an integral project team member, advising only the best practices in the industry. DeVon is passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a mission to address the “fuzzy math” that leads to underrepresentation in the industry.
Prior to joining Macro, DeVon was the Founding Principal of PRI-O-LEAU Development Group (PDG), where he advised real estate owners, clients, developers, investors, local municipalities, and nonprofit organizations across real estate projects, from conception to completion. Reflecting DeVon’s mission to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace, he formed PDG with an entrepreneurial attitude toward resolving shortages of diverse talents and increasing demand for higher quality leadership services amongst minority professionals within project management. Today, DeVon remains actively involved in various service organizations with several Board positions.


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We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
What a quiet place: green oasis due to the source, having breakfast and lunch on the terrace. We had a room on the first floor, very quiet but somewhat outdated furniture, perfect bathroom, view on the inner court: good value for money.
I can’t recommend this place highly enough. It’s off the beaten track, so it’s a destination in itself, surrounded by dramatic mountains and forest trails. The staff are very friendly, the rooms spacious and tasteful. Exceptional value, even for South Africa. If you’re in Paarl,...More
Already the drive there, leaving the Cape Town to Johannesburg highway and driving through the soft hills of Paarl and the cape winelands prepares you for this little part of paradise hidden in the Western Cape.
Quiet and peaceful surroundings, excellent food, a well stocked...More
What a great hidden gem. I was able to get a last minute booking here on a work trip. Beautiful location. Large luxurious room. Great breakfast overlooking the pool and mountain backdrop. All the staff I dealt with were very riendly well trained. Highly recommend...More
Very nice country manor hotel in the middle of the nature. Excellent rooms. Very kind and well educated staff which gave you a warm welcome. Good breakfast and the set dinner well done! Only a big compliment and we hope to come back!
TripAdvisor gives a Certificate of Excellence to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers.
Free High Speed Internet ( WiFi )
Things to do
US$139 - US$247 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
Star rating provided by Expedia.
#2 Romantic Hotel in Paarl
#3 Luxury Hotel in Paarl
Non-Smoking Rooms ,
Number of rooms
TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Hotels.com, Booking.com, Agoda and Expedia so you can book your Cascade Manor reservations with confidence. We help millions of travellers each month to find the perfect hotel for both holiday and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.

domain: travel


text:
Photos of university / #unikassel
What we offer
- double M.Sc. degree from two partner universities
- living and learning in Germany and the MENA region
- courses on advanced renewable energy and energy efficiency concepts and technologies
- excursions to relevant institutions and companies
- training in intercultural competencies
Our program structure
- overall 24 months, 120 ECTS full-time program in English
- program start in March in Kassel (only in 2019 start in April in Kassel) or in September in Cairo OR Monastir
- one semester studies at Cairo University in Egypt AND/OR at the University of Monastir in Tunisia
- one semester studies at the University of Kassel in Germany
- possible exchange semester with the University of Sfax in Tunisia
- 6 months Master project with an institution or company in Germany, the MENA region, etc.
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region (REMENA)
In the Middle East and North Africa, the so-called MENA region, depleting fossil fuels, increasing energy costs and the growing energy demand call for a substantial change in the energy policy of the corresponding countries. Renewable energies and energy efficiency are the basis for a sustainable energy policy and render possible new ways for implemeting the Energiewende in the framework of international cooperations in Europe and, in particular, in Germany. These cooperations are typically carried out by companies and institutions in projects between Arab and German partners. For the projects, experts are needed who have skills and knowledge in both technology and economy, but also in language, society and politics in both the Arab and German cultures. Currently, the huge potential of projects cannot be realized in view of missing experts and graduates from corresponding Master programs.
The objective of the international Master of Science (M.Sc.) program REMENA is to educate German and international students in measures for a sustainable energy sector where the students are expected to have working experience in a corresponding area and hold a Bachelor degree. The latter can be obtained in different disciplines, e.g. law, economic, social, engineering or natural sciences. While the program contents focus on the cooperation between countries in the MENA region and Germany, applicants can be accepted for the REMENA program independently of their nationality.
The study of renewable energies and energy efficiency requires intensive studies of different theoretic and practical topics in technology, economy, law and intercultural affairs. The REMENA graduates will be experts in different disciplines for future projects in the energy sector with a special focus on the cooperation with countries in the Middle East and North Africa. The REMENA program will be conducted at different places. It comprises lectures, seminars, practical training and excursions during one semester (6 months) at the Cairo University in Egypt and/or the University of Monastir in Tunisia, one semester (6 months) at the University of Kassel in Germany and a possible exchange semester at the University of Sfax in Tunisia. The master thesis project (6 months) is to be done in Germany, the MENA region, etc. preferably in companies or institutions dealing, e.g., with wind parks and photovoltaics for power generation, with building insulation or energy economics. The overall duration of the program is 24 months. The program can be started either in March (summer term) in Kassel or in September (winter term) in Cairo or Monastir. Upon successful graduation the student will be granted a Master of Science (M.Sc.) double degree from the University of Kassel and the Cairo University or the University of Monastir.
The REMENA master's program offers three main types of modules offered in different universities. The modules include:
- Basic (B) Modules
- Elective (E) Modules
- Thesis (T) Project Module (Master Thesis)
The basic modules being taken during the first two semesters of the study in the REMENA master’s program are Compulsory. Clearly, each student is free to select combinations from the elective modules complying with the examination rules and corresponding to the individual knowledge and interest in the different areas. Finally, the module Thesis Project, comprising 30 credit points (CP) according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) is to be conducted in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region or in Germany during the fourth semester.
Basic modules Cairo
- Engineering Thermodynamics
- Heat Transfer
- Fluid Mechanics
- Material Science
- German and Arab Language Courses Cairo
- Presentation and Moderation Techniques
Basic Modules Monastir
- Thermodynamics Fundamentals
- Heat Transfer Fundamentals
- Fluid Mechanics Fundamentals
- German and Arab Language Courses
- English Presentation and Moderation Techniques
Basic Modules Kassel
- Electrical Engineering Fundamentals
- Control Systems
- Technical Mechanics
- Engineering Mathematics
- German-Arab Relations
- Intercultural Communication
- German and Arab Language Courses
- Bio Fuels
- Potentials of Bio Waste
- Project Planning and Tendering
- Project Commissioning, Operation and Maintenance
- Conversion Processes
- Fundamentals in Energy Efficiency
- Solar Thermal Heating
- Concentrated Solar Thermal Devices
- Photovoltaic Devices
- Environmental Issues and Managing the Effects (Global Climate Change)
- Macroeconomic Aspects of RE
- Engineering Economics and Feasibility Studies for REEE
- Potentials of RE in the MENA Region and Europe
The Master program "Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region (REMENA)" is directed to young professionals with practical experience and a high motivation to contribute to introducing a sustainable energy supply and to the development in the Arab region in general, which includes a keen interest in the culture and language. The participants should aspire to make a career in the international energy sector.
Minimum requirements are:
- a bachelor degree in engineering, natural sciences, economics or social sciences
- practical experience (internships, vocational education, professional work, and others) preferably in the energy sector
- high motivation
- fluent in English.
Prospective applicants for the REMENA master program are required to
- have successfully completed a bachelor's program or an equivalent degree in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences or engineering or to hold an equivalent degree with an average mark on an international scale, or
- have successfully completed a bachelor's program or an equivalent degree in law, business sciences/economics or social sciences with an average mark on an international scale and has successfully passed modules in the field of mathematics, natural or engineering sciences.
Evidence of very good knowledge of the English language to the level of B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages CEFR must be presented. This evidence is granted for applicants, if English is the mothertongue, or previous studies were completely conducted in English.
If you are accepted for the program, you have to organize different visa for your stay abroad. All people need a visa for the countries which are not their home country. The visa must cover the entire duration of the academic year and is a pre-condition for enrolment. For more information look at "Visa".
Requirements for Enrollment in Cairo
Once admitted each student should submit the following documents:
- B.Sc certificate certified and notarized by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- birth certificate certified by the Egyptian embassy in the student home country or from the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- six passport photos (size 4x6 cm2)
- medical report, indicating freedom from HIV infection
- approval of the student home country embassy in Egypt of the student’s enrollment in the program
- certified copy of student passport
- registration forms of the Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, properly filled in
- declaration that the student will stay in Egypt during the course of studies according to the master program.
See the requirements also on the Cairo University website.
To enroll to the master program the student has to pay
- 10,000 Euro tuition fees and additional service fees at the universities each semester as follows:
- around 85€ in Cairo
- around 290€ in Kassel. This service fee must be paid for all semesters due to the fact that the students have to be permanently registered as students of the University of Kassel.


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If you're a long-time fan of the PS2 classic, Shadow of the Colossus , you'll appreciate this.
As revealed at Reddit , artist Andrew McGee has delivered a piece of fan art that's truly unique. And enlightening!
You can see it here; it takes all the Colossi from the game and places them in one image, so we can check out the crazy size disparities. McGee has other minimalist artwork at his DeviantArt page , if you're interested. It's wicked cool to see how all those massive monsters stack up against one another. I always thought the horse was smaller than that, and I never realized just how massive that flying Colossi in the desert really was…
If you missed out on the epic awesomeness that was SotC, you can always grab the ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection . We promise you won't regret that purchase.
Related Game(s): Shadow of the Colossus