Today's criminal justice system shares a big problem with the internet mob that went after an American dentist for killing Cecil the lion.
The problem with mob justice, Vox's Max Fisher wrote, is that it's random and severe. That's why the dentist who killed Cecil was punished by an internet mob, while other killers of rare wild animals were not. Mob justice "treats justice as a sort of random lightning bolt from the sky; one is reminded of the vengeful but arbitrary gods of Greek or Roman lore," he wrote.
Fisher contrasted this with the ideal criminal justice system: "One of the reasons we have a justice system is to punish criminals for wrongdoing, both to serve the abstract ideal of justice and to deter future criminal acts. The idea is that if you are considering committing a crime, you will understand that the justice system has a high probability of catching you and enacting a certain punishment."
Fisher is right that the randomness and severity of mob justice is a huge problem with internet culture today, and that the criminal justice system is supposed to act in the opposite way.
But that's not how the criminal justice system works in reality. The system tends to work much closer to how Fisher describes mob justice than the ideal he envisions: People aren't consistently punished for breaking the law; instead, a few are severely punished for something millions more get away with.
A lot of people do drugs, but only a few are punished for it
Roughly 4.5 million people admit to selling illegal drugs in 2003, according to national surveys. Yet nowhere close to a majority of those people ended up in prison for 55 years, like first-time, nonviolent drug offender Weldon Angelos did the year before.
In 2002, police caught Angelos selling marijuana while allegedly possessing a firearm in three separate stings. Federal prosecutors stacked each of these stings into three offenses, with all the charges adding up to a 55-year set of mandatory minimum sentences with no chance of parole. It's a sentence so outrageous that the judge, who had to hand it down under federal law, has spoken out against it.
Angelos's case, while an extreme example, represents the big problem with the justice system: Millions of people break the law, but only a few are punished — and they can be punished very severely.
Beau Kilmer, a senior policy researcher at the RAND Corporation, in July described how the criminal justice system works with a comparison to parenting: "You tell a kid to not take cookies from the cookie jar. You don't give them a slap on the wrist, a slap on the wrist, a slap on the wrist, and then give them a time-out for six weeks. But that's kind of what we do in our criminal justice system with respect to substance abuse — we say don't do this, don't do that, don't do that, and then all of a sudden after maybe the eighth failed test, we revoke their probation or parole and throw them in prison for years."
It would be one thing if these severe punishments deterred crime. But people don't tend to look at severe stories like Angelos's as a warning for using or selling drugs; they see them as outrageous aberrations. And there's a good reason for that: If you were born in 1991, the chances of you going to federal or state prison were roughly 5.2 percent, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Those are low odds for a population of which roughly 4 in 10 have told Gallup that they used marijuana, breaking the law, at some point in their lives.
So people tend to enjoy their joints and bong rips without much worry that they'll ever go to prison. There's no deterrent effect because there's simply too much uncertainty in who will get caught — it seems unlikely that it could happen to you.
In fact, it's concerns over the system's randomness and uncertainty that helped lead to strict mandatory minimum sentences and other tough-on-crime policies during the 1970s through the '90s. Policymakers wanted to make prison sentences so harsh that any thought of getting caught using a drug would seem so terrifying — even if it was unlikely — that no one would risk it.
The concept failed. Drug use has trended up since 2002, according to national surveys. Crime is down, but experts generally agree higher prison sentences played a small role. Yet the harsh sentences inflicted on a few people remain, making the criminal justice system often seem like a random lightning bolt from the sky.
Some experts want to reform the system for swiftness and certainty
Some criminal justice experts advocate for a different system — one of swift, certain, and fair justice. As a potential model, they point to programs that enforce constant sobriety for problematic drug users. In these programs, people who break their sobriety are always sent to jail, usually for a couple days. The idea is to establish a credible, reliable deterrent that isn't too severe — essentially, the opposite of the current criminal justice system.
Mark Kleiman, a criminal justice expert at New York University's Marron Institute, explained the philosophy behind swift, certain, and fair justice in 2013:
Way back in the eighteenth century, Cesare Beccaria — the Italian criminologist from whom Jeremy Bentham [founder of modern utilitarianism] borrowed not only the term "utility" but many of his ideas for criminal-justice reform — identified three characteristics that determine the deterrent efficacy of a threatened punishment: its swiftness, its certainty, and its severity. Of the three, severity is least important. If punishment is swift and certain, it need not be severe to be efficacious. If punishment is uncertain and delayed, it will not be efficacious even if it is severe.
States have deployed the swift, certain, and fair method over the past decade to deal with drug abuse. Hawaii's HOPE Probation program requires illicit drug users with a criminal history to take regular drug tests, and South Dakota's 24/7 Sobriety Program requires twice-a-day tests for alcohol users whose drinking has repeatedly gotten them in trouble with the law. In both programs, if participants fail a drug test or miss a check-in they're always sent to jail for a night or two or more.
The early research on these programs is promising. A 2013 study of South Dakota's 24/7 Sobriety Program attributed a 12 percent reduction in repeat DUI arrests and a 9 percent reduction in domestic violence arrests at the county level to the program. And a 2009 paper of Hawaii's HOPE Probation program found participants had large reductions in positive drug tests and were significantly less likely to be arrested during follow-ups at three months, six months, and 12 months.
Right now, these programs are largely untested in heterogeneous places like cities. But Kilmer, author of the 2013 study, argues the results from the current research should be promising enough to test the concept in more places.
If the alternative is keeping a system that shares a troubling similarity with mob justice, it's definitely worth a shot.


BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) – The Bedford County sheriff’s Office is looking for a man’s car after they say someone killed him.
The Sheriff’s Office Deputies are attempting to locate the victim’s car, a 2014 White Hyundai Sonata with a Virginia tag WNG-9916.
“If you do see this vehicle, do not approach consider him armed and dangerous,” said Sheriff Mike Miller.
If you see this vehicle, do not approach it. The subject with the vehicle should be considered armed and dangerous.
Deputies say when the man, who’s identity has not yet been released, didn’t show up for work Thursday morning, someone came and checked on him but they found him seriously injured and called for help.
“When the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office arrived, we found the subject was deceased,” Sheriff Miller said.
Deputies responded to the 6000 block of White House Road in Moneta and discovered the victim was deceased.
Sheriff Miller says the investigation is on-going and they aren’t able to say what kind of injuries the victim suffered from.
But there will be an autopsy to determine his cause of death.
“He has been sent to the medical examiners office and when we get more information we’ll be releasing it.”
The man’s death is being investigated as a homicide which is something neighbors say they aren’t used to in this area.
“We don’t have that sort of thing happen around here,” said Wanda Padgett who lives in the area.
Despite the news, it’s not something that has Padgett worried.
“I’m concerned for the family and what actually happened, but I don’t feel like there’s a threat to the community as a whole.”
And the sheriff agrees.
“We have no indication that there’s a threat to the public. But it’s always unsure until we complete the investigation, but we have no reason to believe that the public is in danger,” said Sheriff Miller.
Anyone with information regarding this crime can call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-798-5900.
Callers can remain anonymous and could receive a cash reward of up to $1,000.
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- First mpox, formally known as monkeypox, death reported in Virginia — VDH
- Crash on I-81 north causes six-mile back up: Roanoke Co.


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It will take a year for the Child and Youth Advocate Office to complete its review of Yukon youth group homes. That’s according to the terms of reference released by the office on May 4.
“Children and youth in need of protection or in government care are entitled to having their physical and emotional needs met and their rights upheld,” read the terms outlining the issue. “In the course of providing individual advocacy, the Advocate has learned of complaints regarding the care and placement of children in group homes.”
Those complaints became public knowledge this spring when the CBC reported on allegations of violence and mistreatment of youth in care.
Annette King, the territory’s child and youth advocate, says that while the allegations are important, the review is also part of a larger look that Canada is taking at the way Indigenous youth are being treated.
In March, the territorial government asked King’s office to launch a review.
King says she is in the process of putting together a working group that will examine services and supports offered to children and youth in Yukon group homes.
This includes a review of policies, records and reports, as well as in-person interviews with youth, health and social service employees and First Nations government representatives.
“This is about First Nations kids in care and the intergenerational impacts,” she says. “It’s really important to me that we have First Nations advice throughout.”
In addition to speaking with professionals and people working in the field, she wants youth to participate in the working groups, including those who lived in Yukon group homes from April 1, 2015, to March 31, 2018.
King says this kind of review is something the office has wanted to do for some time. She says that while it doesn’t require media attention of the magnitude current allegations have received, part of the criteria for conducting a review is that such a review be in the public interest.
She says the last time the office conducted a similar review was 2016.
That review focussed on access to mental health for kids who had been sent out of the territory for treatment. She says the scope of that report was narrower because staff were doing research and analysis of existing files.
King says the challenge with this review will be in ensuring that it isn’t just another report that sits on the shelf, and instead brings about change for children in care.
At the end of the review period, the office will put together recommendations and advice for the health and social services department.
King says there is legislation in place that allows her to follow up and ask how her recommendations are being implemented.
“I’ll just keep on it,” she says. “And I’ll have the voice of children with me, asking about it.… I don’t think anyone will let this go. I won’t.”
The Child and Youth Advocate Office lacks the authority to decide whether a review should be made public, but King said her office has recieved permission from the Department of Health and Social Services in this case to release her report.
Contact Amy Kenny at firstname.lastname@example.org

domain: news


From the minds behind Shaq's Fun House comes another EDM/sports crossover event - this time with a football star. Rob Gronkowski has announced his own February 1st, 2020 festival to coincide with the Super Bowl LIV.
Gronk Beach Miami, as it's billed, boasts a formidable lineup as well. Kaskade, Diplo, Carnage and 3LAU give EDM fans plenty to look forward to while Rick Ross and Flo Rida add some hip-hop flare. Gronkowski shared the news in a tongue-in-cheek fashion by posting a humorous trailer to his social media channels.
The 2019 Shaq's Fun House also coincided with the Super Bowl, having taken place in Atlanta, Georgia. Tiësto, Migos, Diplo, Lil Jon and T-Pain were on the bill. The event brand was also adapted into a Miami Music Week event that took place at the Toe Jam Backlot in Miami's Wynwood district.
Presale tickets to Gronk Beach Miami will be available on Thursday, November 21st at 11:00 AM EST. To register, visit the event website.
Memorial Benefit Show Planned to Celebrate Life and Legacy of CharlestheFirst
The late artist's mother, Beth Ingalls, recently launched a GoFundMe campaign with the ultimate goal of launching a foundation in her son's name.
Build a Killer Music Marketing Strategy Using Real-Life Expert Tips In This Webinar
Viberate's upcoming guest panel will host two music marketing veterans.
NERVO Announce 2022 Las Vegas Residency With Zouk Group
The twins will join Zedd, Tiësto and more as residents at Ayu Dayclub and Zouk Nightclub.


Why is this Happening? Podcast Talks with Saule Omarova
Are we doing enough to keep the economy alive through this crisis? So far, economic relief efforts have been messy, convoluted, and inequitably distributed. But while we talk about the steps taken to save the economy, we first need to know the structures in which that recovery originates. Who decides where the money goes, how are those decisions being made – and can these mechanisms be more effective? Not just in this current pandemic-induced economic contraction, but on a more permanent institutional level. How can we ensure our financial system is stable enough to weather these types of crises? After dedicating her academic career to answering these types of questions, law professor Saule Omarova joins to discuss her proposal for what that new type of institution can and should look like.
You can find the episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-is-this-happening-with-chris-hayes/id1382983397?i=1000473624817


Kotoko Coach Maxwell Konadu have welcomed new signing Emmanuel Sarkodie.
The midfielder joined the Club on a three-year contract from lower division side Nkoranza Warriors.
Sarkodie was a spotlight in Division one after excelling at his Club. This prompted several Premier League sides to inquire about him.
Legon Cities, Aduana Stars and Ashanti Gold were all in pursuit of the talented midfielder, however the 20-year-old decided to settle with Kotoko ignoring interests from the other Clubs.
Maxwell Konadu has welcomed his new signing to the Club.
Welcome home Emma👌 pic.twitter.com/8Z3blmYDFX
— Maxwell Konadu (@Konadu4Maxwell) March 29, 2020
With the likes of Justice Blay, Mudasiru Salifu, Collins Ameyaw and Kwame Adom Frimpong all competing for a place in midfield, Sarkodie would be expected to put in extra effort to break into the starting team.
He will be eligible to play when the second round of the season begins.
Kotoko could make a couple more signings before the second transfer window shuts.


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Progress Software: Fiscal Q1 Earnings Snapshot
BEDFORD, Mass. (AP) _ Progress Software Corp. (PRGS) on Thursday reported fiscal first-quarter earnings of $19 million.
On a per-share basis, the Bedford, Massachusetts-based company said it had profit of 42 cents. Earnings, adjusted for one-time gains and costs, came to 95 cents per share.
The business software maker posted revenue of $121.3 million in the period. Its adjusted revenue was $131.8 million.
For the current quarter ending in June, Progress Software expects its per-share earnings to range from 72 cents to 74 cents.
The company said it expects revenue in the range of $119 million to $123 million for the fiscal second quarter. Analysts surveyed by Zacks had expected revenue of $121.6 million.
Progress Software expects full-year earnings in the range of $3.38 to $3.42 per share, with revenue ranging from $519 million to $527 million.
Progress Software shares have fallen 7.5% since the beginning of the year. In the final minutes of trading on Thursday, shares hit $41.80, a climb of 26% in the last 12 months.


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World News Briefs; France and Germany Act on Single Currency
Published: November 18, 1997
BRUSSELS, Nov. 17— France and Germany insisted today that a council would be formed within the European Union to coordinate economic policy between the countries that adopt a single currency in 1999, whether or not all member countries agreed.
The firm stance was a snub to Britain, Denmark and Sweden, which have indicated that they will not take part in the first stage of monetary union, and Greece, whose economy has not qualified for the single currency, called the euro.
The four countries fear that the creation of a council will leave them excluded from the real center of economic power in the European Union, and they have hinted that they might veto it unless they are granted access to its deliberations.
But Finance Minister Dominique Strauss-Kahn of France warned that deeper economic coordination between countries that share a single currency was ''indispensable,'' and would go ahead with or without the others' blessing.


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First Virtual Reality mobile Casino available on iOS and Android. Include most popular Casino games like:
- American Poker
- Black Jack
- Weel of Fortune
Play in VR or NON-VR as you want.
Download Casino VR right now! Gain experience, win more coins, drink and… wait for more!
We working on some upgrades 😉

domain: game


The clash of titans between the two top smartphone heavyweights from South Korea seems to be just around the corner as LG group has reportedly claimed to unleash their next generation handset in order to lock horns with the latest beast from Samsung, the Galaxy S5. Samsung now finds itself in great jeopardy as it has to face a native rival besides a foreigner at the very same time; as everyone knows the foreigner!! (It’s none other than the US handset provider, Apple).
Samsung has an innate habit of claiming its devices to be the best available in the market, but LG’s confidence shows that it has got something special in its bag. LG is, no doubt, an authentic and credible brand when it comes to household electronics, however, it might not be as popular and famous like Samsung as far as smartphones are concerned. Besides gaining the title of best gadget of the 2013 by LG G2, it won’t be a piece of cake for the handset producer to fetch such massive market from the strong hands of Samsung.
With the claims of having more optimized technology in contrast to the iconic Galaxy S5, LG is “literally” challenging the mighty champion of the smartphone arena. LG is speculated to become the first smartphone maker to unleash its upcoming smartphone G3 with a quad high-definition (QHD) display panel. It means that G3 will be equipped with four times higher and true definition images as we see in a traditional 720 pixel display. If it turns out to be true, LG might take the possession of the throne of smartphone kingdom. In the pixel density count, LG also leads with 538 ppi to 432 ppi of Samsung.
Apart from other basic features, LG will also compete in the hardware category as its G3 device envelops its own-based octa-core chipset, alias “Odin.” The Odin silicon is four layered Cortex-A15 cores each clocked at 2.2GHz. This robust and heavy-duty processor will also get a surplus four cores in support, comprising of Cortex-A7 types processors synchronized at 1.7 GHz.
LG also says that its new cell phone will boost next level technology with a plethora of high-end and more enhanced features in its LG G3, thus taking the mobile innovation to a whole new level.
Samsung must be calm and quiet in this context as it was the first to unveil such a device which LG is going to do now. LG has got plans to wrap off the covers from its latest LG G3 by organizing multiple launch events at San Francisco, Istanbul, New York, London, Singapore, and Seoul at the close of this month.


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Every Tuesday is a Trivia Tuesday on AmericaJR. Look for five new trivia questions and answers from the “365 Amazing Trivia Facts for 2018” calendar.
This Week’s Questions:
- What is the only country in the world named after a woman?
- What world figure reportedly owns more than 200 Launer handbags?
- What television show takes place in Dillon, Texas?
- “Pocahontas” was actually a nickname meaning “playful one.” What was the real name of the Pawhatan woman whose story is a part of American history?
- What composer has completed over 500 cinema scores, been sampled by Jay-Z (from the film score for The Good, the Bad and the Ugly), and worked with directors like de Palma and Tarantino?
This Week’s Answers:
- The Caribbean nation of Saint Lucia. Namesake Saint Lucy was a fifth-century virgin and martyr.
- Queen Elizabeth II. She prefers the Royale and Traviata styles, which have longer handles–helpful for all of the handshaking the queen does.
- Friday Night Lights. The fictional town was inspired by Odessa, a city in western Texas and home to the Permian Panthers. Most of the show was filmed in Austin.
- Matoaka. She was about 11 when the English arrived in Jamestown.
- Ennio Morricone. He is perhaps best known for his partnership with director Sergio Leone.
Source: Workman Publishing / “Page-A-Day”

domain: artistic


Sydney gay rights activist Gary Burns may challenge Malcolm Turnbull for the seat of Wentworth at the next federal election.
Mr Burns, who once took radio broadcaster John Laws to court, says Mr Turnbull has focused less on the harbourside and oceanside electorate and more on his own aspirations.
"What we do need is a candidate here that's a real candidate, not someone that's poncing around the place wanting to become prime minister," Mr Burns told AAP on Monday.
Tony Abbott ousted Mr Turnbull as opposition leader in December.
Then, on April 5, Mr Turnbull announced he would not stand as the Liberal candidate for Wentworth at the federal election, which could be called as early as August.
On the weekend, he reversed that decision, saying he had been overwhelmed by support from local residents and Liberal Party members urging him to reconsider.
"I don't understand it and I think it's going to be detrimental at the ballot box for him," Mr Burns said.
"It's a seat that's going to gain a lot of candidates in the next election because a lot of people are going to split the votes up and they're going to go all over the place.
"And I think Malcolm Turnbull is going to fall flat on his chops."
The Liberal Party won Wentworth by 3.85 per cent in 2007 - which included a 1.64 per cent swing in its favour from the previous election.
Mr Burns said preferences would determine the victor and if he ran he would let his preferences flow to Labor.
Wentworth takes in some of Australia's richest suburbs and includes a large gay and lesbian population, a large Jewish community and working-class areas.
Mr Burns said he could not afford to finance his own candidacy but would run if someone provided him with the necessary funds.


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Not quite ready to take the plunge and order the main kit from Crazy Daisy Kit Co.? Well, ease into with the March 2009 Add-on kit, Focus on the family this month and do it with the Crazy Daisy March 2009 Add-on Kit. Family-centric embellishments, adorable rub-ons and some of the cutest paper around make up this month’s add-on offerings. It’s the perfect size for those of you with just a little time to scrap, but really want to make some time to create something meaningful and cute. Once you see how adorable this kit is, you’ll just have to have the main kit too!
Our April kit is filled to the rim with yummy embellishment goodness! We have included Sassafras Lass, Cosmo Cricket and Pink Paislee papers here. You will also see some new Sassafras Lass paper whimsy cards, Jenni Bowlin chipboard buttons, vintage trim and some pretty butterfly and floral whimsical brads. You can find the kit here. Also, while you visit, be sure and checkout our current design team call. Entries will be accepted through March 31st.

domain: hobby


Four paper machines might be closed at Gruvön mill as Billerud Korsnäs is considering to install new board machine at the site and decrease its volumes in oversupplied markets.
Billerud Korsnäs is considering a SEK5bn (€536m) investment over the next three years in order to "improve underlying profitability and secure organic growth". The company expects the "current and planned investments in market position, structure and innovation" to drive growth in sales and profitability, Billerud Korsnäs announced today at the Capital Day in Stockholm, Sweden.
Billerud Korsnäs's investment plan comprises five major projects. As previously announced, Billerud Korsnäs intends to move the 100,000 tpy machine glazed (MG) kraft paper machine from Tervasaari to the pulp integrated Skärblacka mill and invest in surface treatment capacity at the site. Furthermore, the company plans to build a new board machine at the Gruvön site with an installed capacity of 500,000 tpy of liquid packaging board, cartonboard, food service board and white-top kraftliner and move white-top kraftliner production from Gävle mill to the new machine in Gruvön.
The decisions on moving the Tervasaari paper machine and installing the new BM in Gruvön have not been made yet and are expected for Q2 and Q4 2016, respectively. Should the feasibility studies prove positive, production on the additional MG paper machine in Skärblacka could start at the end of Q4 2017. The new Gruvön BM could start up in 2019.
The decision to build a new BM at Gruvön could also have consequences on other paper production activities at the site. Billerud Korsnäs is considering the shutdown of four paper machines at the Gruvön mill in order to decrease volumes in oversupplied markets and exit white liner production. The machines have an overall capacity of 300,000 tpy, 40% of which is kraft paper and 60% liner. Profitable kraft paper volumes from Gruvön would be moved to Karlsborg, Skärblacka and Pietarsaari mills, the company said.
The company stressed that so far no decisions have been made on the closure of the four paper machines at the Gruvön mill.


Arsenal are currently on their heels in search of quality attacking options as affirmed by Arsene Wenger.
The Gunners have seen their bid for Aleksandre Lacazette Rebuffed and it seems Leicester City are unwilling to let Riyad Mahrez off their radar. This has condemned the Gunners to looking for other realistic options.
Bar the aforementioned players, we reportedly have been on the chase of Real Madrid striker Jese Rodriguez and it now seems he will b allowed to join us as alluded by Zinedine Zidane.
According to the report, Zidane played down rumors of the player’s inherent departure from the Santiago.
‘If he wants to leave to play more, I don’t know,’ he said after Real’s 3-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
It’s our first game. He’s here, he played. Everyone’s here, that’s all I can say now.’
Arsenal are in desperate need to add to their front line after failing with bids for Gonzalo Higuain, Jamie Vardy and Alexandre Lacazette.


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Kremlin, on 30 December issued a strict warning after US expelled 35 Russian diplomats and imposed other sanctions on Russia over the hacking of US political parties' websites and email accounts before 2016 presidential elections.
"I cannot say now what the response will be, although, as we know, there is no alternative here to the principle of reciprocity," said Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov in a statement late Thursday reported by the Interfax news service.
According to Washington Post, he added that Russian President Vladimir Putin would decide the exact response.
Russian reaction would cause the US "significant discomfort", however, Russia may wait until Donald Trump becomes president, BBC quoted President Vladimir Putin's spokesman.
President Barack Obama on 29 December imposed sanctions on Russian officials and intelligence services in retaliation for Russia's interference in the US presidential election by hacking American political sites and email accounts.
The State Department also has kicked out 35 Russian diplomats from its embassy in Washington and consulate in San Francisco, giving them and their families 72 hours to leave the US.
The diplomats were declared persona non grata for acting in a "manner inconsistent with their diplomatic status."
Obama said Russians will no longer have access to two Russian government-owned compounds in the United States, in Maryland and in New York.
Russian officials have denied the Obama administration's accusation that the Russian government was trying to influence the US presidential election.
US intelligence agencies concluded that Russia's goal was to help Donald Trump win, an assessment Trump has dismissed as ridiculous.
-with PTI inputs


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Amorphous Tungstate Precursor Route to Nanostructured Tungsten Oxide Film with Electrochromic Property
Electrochromic tungsten oxide (WO3) films on ITO glass were fabricated by spin-coating with a tungsten peroxy acid solution, which was prepared by adding an equivolume mixture of hydrogen peroxide and glacial acetic acid to tungsten metal powder. The structural evolution of the tungstate precursor upon heat treatment was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) analyses, which indicated that the as-synthesized tungstate transformed into nanocrystalline WO3 upon heating. It is, therefore, quite clear that as-synthesized tungstate can be a good precursor for electrochromic WO3 films. A series of WO3 thin films were prepared on ITO glass by spin-coating with different concentrations of tungsten peroxy acid solution and then post-annealing at various temperatures. Depending on the concentration of the tungstate coating solution (200∼500 mg mL−1 and the annealing temperature (100∼300 °C), the thickness and WO3 content as well as the electrochromic properties of WO3 films can be controlled. As a result, the optimum fabrication conditions were determined to be a tungstate solution concentration of 300∼400 mg mL−1 and a post-annealing temperature of 200 °C. Finally, an inorganic–inorganic hybrid electrochromic device (ECD) composed of optimized WO3 and Prussian Blue (PB) with desirable coloration efficiency was successfully developed.
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Document Type: Research Article
Publication date: July 1, 2011
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- Journal for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (JNN) is an international and multidisciplinary peer-reviewed journal with a wide-ranging coverage, consolidating research activities in all areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology into a single and unique reference source. JNN is the first cross-disciplinary journal to publish original full research articles, rapid communications of important new scientific and technological findings, timely state-of-the-art reviews with author's photo and short biography, and current research news encompassing the fundamental and applied research in all disciplines of science, engineering and medicine.
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domain: chemistry


text:
As the comic book industry grows and is exposed to more and more people who are not typical superhero readers, I hope this behavior will be regarded for what it is: unprofessional nonsense, not to be tolerated by the industry. I hope publishers will come to expect a standard of behavior from the artists and writers they hire, and will not tolerate harassment and dismissal of women in the industry.
Comic book professionals, you are PROFESSIONALS. It’s time to start acting like it.
I know there's a French book of Nuclear Winter in the works, but is there any chance of an English print edition? I really want to have this on my bookshelf to enjoy!
Not with my current editor. Anything else would have to be along the lines of self-publishing or something like that. But think about it, having the french version on your bookshelf, you could impress all your friends!

domain: literature


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Scherrer Perfume by Jean Louis Scherrer, Scherrer is a bold and fresh fragrance for women. Originally launched in 1979, this perfume is well known for its subtle and enticing mix of floral, green and woody aromas.
With top notes that include aldehydes and violet and middle notes such as carnation and tuberose, the fragrance gracefully turns to woody base notes of sandalwood and musk to round it out. This complex aroma makes it one of the most appealing fragrances to wear during warm weather or while on a romantic date night. Sophisticated and gorgeous, this classic scent won't lead you wrong.
Jean Louis Scherrer was a legendary Parisian couturier. A dancer by trade, he started his fashion journey when he injured his back. He was Christian Dior’s assistant and worked alongside legendary fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. The designer would go on to form his own house, where he designed ready-to-wear lines and, later on, his signature fragrance.

domain: design


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“Extra” is giving a “Game of Thrones” Night King gift bundle to one lucky friend. Enter below for your chance to win!
The winner will receive a limited edition enamel Night King pin designed by Robert Ball. Robert is the illustrator behind the show’s “Beautiful Death” series that depicts a memorable death from each episode of the final season.
The bundle also includes a unisex t-shirt and mug, each depicting the icy blue face of the Night King.
The registration for this giveaway ended on May 10, 2019 at 11:59 PM PST.
Enter below for your chance to win!
* Required Fields
Giveaway ends on May 10, 2019 at 11:59 PM PST. | Official Rules


'I did not fire at Reeva!': Pistorius in tears as he denies intentionally shooting his girlfriend after prosecutor claims he 'lowered his aim to kill her'
- Court forced to adjourn twice after athlete breaks down in witness box
- Left box in tears after repeating what he shouted to suspected intruder
- 'I screamed get the f*** out of my house,' he wailed in high-pitched voice
- Amputee also wept as he denied intentionally shooting Reeva Steenkamp
- Prosecutor accuses him of crying because he's 'mixing up' his testimony
- Gerrie Nel claims the runner is doctoring his evidence of the fatal night
- Mr Nel tells athlete: 'I'm going to prove your version of events is untrue'
- Athlete met by fans carrying white balloons as he arrived at the court
Oscar Pistorius deliberately aimed his gun lower to ensure he hit his girlfriend as she fell behind a toilet door after the first shot struck her, a court heard yesterday.
After the questioning, Oscar Pistorius left the witness box in tears twice today during a fierce line of questioning from the state prosecutor who accused him of doctoring his testimony to fit evidence at the scene.
Jumping from one piece of evidence to another, prosecutor Gerrie Nel sought to keep Pistorius off guard by exhaustively listing alleged inconsistencies in the athlete's version of events.
On several occasions, Pistorius wept in the face of dogged and forensic interrogation, prompting his accuser to ask him if he was using his emotional displays to mask his difficulty in answering the questions.
'You're not using your emotional state as an escape are you?' Mr Nel said, raising his eyebrows and shaking his head.
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Strain: A weary-looking Oscar Pistorius rubs his eyes as he leaves the high court in Pretoria after a fourth day of gruelling cross-examination about the night he killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp
'Tailored evidence': State prosecutor Gerrie Nel sought to keep Pistorius off balance by exhaustively listing alleged inconsistencies in the athlete's version of events
Mr Nel also tried to pin Pistorius on whether he intended to shoot at the intruder, stating that he did not fire a warning shot.
He alleged the runner changed his aim with his 9mm pistol to ensure that he hit Reeva Steenkamp as she fell back against a magazine rack after the first shot.
'You never gave them a chance, in your version,' Mr Nel said, building the prosecution case that Pistorius shot to kill.
Pistorius said he fired four times through the closed toilet door in his home last year after hearing a 'wood' sound that he mistook for the door being opened by an intruder who was about to attack him.
The athlete said that, in retrospect, the noise he probably heard was the magazine holder being moved by his girlfriend.
Interrogator: Prosecutor Gerrie Nel walks past a courtroom reconstruction of the toilet in which Miss Steenkamp was shot. The cricket bat which the athlete used to break down the toilet door can also be seen
Mr Nel said Pistorius killed Miss Steenkamp intentionally after a fight and is lying about fearing an intruder.
He said Pistorius heard Miss Steenkamp, struck by the first shot, fall against the magazine rack and that he used that sound to adjust his aim.
'I'm saying you heard the magazine rack and you changed your aim,' Mr Nel said to the Paralympic champion.
'I wouldn't have heard anyone fall inside of the toilet while I was shooting,' Pistorius replied to Mr Nel, though directing his gaze to Judge Thokozile Masipa, who will decide on the verdict.
Analysing the finest detail: Prosecutor Gerrie Nel gestures as he explains a possible scenario about how Pistorius might have fired at girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp
Pistorius said he searched desperately for Miss Steenkamp in the dark bedroom after the shooting, feeling across the bed, on the floor next to it and behind a curtain before realising it might have been her in the toilet.
Mr Nel asked Pistorius why he did not turn on the lights and also check to see if the bedroom door was open and if Miss Steenkamp had fled that way as gunshots had been fired.
'It's one of the things that make your version unbelievable,' Mr Nel said.
Earlier, Pistorius broke down after being asked to repeat what he said as he moved towards the bathroom where he shot Reeva Steenkamp after hearing a noise he thought was a burglar.
'I screamed "get the f*** out of my house",' he wailed in a high-pitched voice. Mr Nel alleged that Pistorius shouted the same words at Miss Steenkamp during a row.
Evidence: An image of the four bullet holes in the toilet door through which Pistorius shot his girlfriend
Pistorius wept uncontrollably, prompting the judge to adjourn the hearing to allow him to compose himself.
After the judge left the courtroom, Pistorius stood sobbing with his body trembling and turned away from the gallery.
Mr Nel also tried to pin Pistorius on whether he intended to shoot at the intruder, but the 27-year-old said he did not intend to do so and that he was terrified at the time.
'I didn't have time to think about what I wanted to do,' Pistorius said.
That prompted Mr Nel to question whether Pistorius was changing his legal strategy from 'self-defence' to 'involuntary action'.
Reconstruction: Investigating officer Captain Mike van Aardt (right) is asked by state prosecutor Gerrie Nel (centre) to demonstrate the opening and closing of the door through which Reeva Steenkamp was shot
He later said Pistorius did not fire a warning shot.
Pistorius said that when he shot he had no idea who was behind the door, in response to Mr Nel's remark that he did not know whether a child, an unarmed burglar or more than one person could have been in the toilet.
'You never gave them a chance, in your version,' Mr Nel said, building the prosecution case that Pistorius shot to kill.
Proceedings were halted on another occasion when he wept while denying that he intentionally shot his girlfriend.
When pressed to state what his defence was, Pistorius said: 'I heard the noise and I did not have time to interpret it and fired out of fear.
Mr Nel replied: 'You know exactly what you were doing, you fired at Reeva. You fired at her.'
Fighting back tears, Pistorius cried out 'I did not fire at Reeva' - forcing the judge adjourn the hearing.
In the spotlight: Oscar Pistorius arrives at court in Pretoria for the start of his second week on the stand
Backing their hero: A supporter holding white balloons greets Oscar Pistorius as he arrives at high court in Pretoria for a second week on the witness stand after a gruelling week of testimony
When he returned to the stand, Mr Nel accused Pistorius of crying not out of grief for his girlfriend, but because he was getting his testimony confused.
'I'm going to argue that you got emotional because you got your defences mixed up,' Mr Nel claimed, saying the Olympian he had changed his account from one of self-defence to involuntary action.
Mr Nel said the only explanation for why Miss Steenkamp was standing up against the door when she was shot was because she had been running away from Pistorius.
'All the screams and shouts were at her,' Mr Nel said. 'She fled for her life'.
The prosecution has said Pistorius's account of a mistaken shooting is a lie.
Earlier, Mr Nel told the court: 'Today, I'm going to prove your version of events is untrue. That you tailored your version, concocted your story.
'Your version is so improbable that it cannot reasonably possibly be true.'
Support: The Paralympian has returned to the stand after a gruelling week in which he was accused of deliberately shooting Reeva Steenkamp after an argument
'We love you': Pistorius is hugged by a supporter as he arrives at court for his murder trial
He went on to claim that Pistorius had argued with Miss Steenkamp shortly before the shooting.
'It's the state's case, Mr Pistorius, that she wanted to leave and that you weren't sleeping, you were both awake,' said Mr Nel.
'That's not correct my lady, that's untrue,' Pistorius replied softly.
'There was an argument,' Mr Nel said, drawing another denial.
The prosecutor's relentless questioning has elicited tears and taut replies from the world-famous double amputee, who insists he and the 29-year-old model were in a loving relationship.
Mr Nel also complained that Pistorius was being evasive and challenged him: 'Today I pick up you're not sure about things, is anything wrong?' Nel asked. 'You're fine?'
Pistorius grew increasingly restless during the morning, wiping his face, pinching the bridge of his nose and clenching his jaw.
Keeping the faith: A supporter offers the runner a cross as he prepares for another round of questioning from state prosecutor Gerrie Nel on the night he shot his girlfriend
Enjoying themselves: Supporters of the South African Paralympic star pose outside Court in Pretoria
Later, Mr Nel accused Pistorius of being a stickler for detail on some matters, in contrast to his frequent statements in court that he could not remember aspects of his evidence.
Mr Nel noted that Pistorius earlier said he warned Ms Steenkamp to call police about an intruder in a whisper, contradicting later evidence that he spoke in a 'low tone'.
Tthe prosecutor also said blood spatter evidence indicated that the athlete's statement about the location of a duvet in the bedroom was false.
Pistorius has said the duvet was on the bed and that police photographs of the bed cover on the floor suggest that police moved it there after the shooting.
Mr Nel said a pattern of blood drops on the duvet and on the carpet nearby show that it was on the floor before police arrived, and that its location amounts to evidence that the couple had been having an argument.
The prosecutor also alleged that Miss Steenkamp was in the process of getting dressed in the midst of the night-time argument and wanted to leave Pistorius's house shortly before the shooting.
Making their feelings known: A fan holds a poster saying 'Ozzy, we love you and pray for you' outside court
Moral support: Members of a Facebook supporters' group hold a religious text and trophy as they wait for him to arrive at the high court in Pretoria
A pair of jeans strewn on the bedroom floor showed Miss Steenkamp was putting them on, Mr Nel said, and contrasted with her character as a neat person who would not leave clothes lying around.
Pistorius responded that Miss Steenkamp was neat, but he said the jeans were inside out and therefore showed that Miss Steenkamp had not been in the process of donning them.
Mr Nel also questioned why the athlete did not give fuller details of his account in his bail statement last February, days after he killed Miss Steenkamp.
Pistorius had said then that there was a noise from the bathroom that caused him to think that people had broken into his house, but did not explain until later that it was the bathroom window sliding across and slamming against the frame.
The athlete said on Monday that he was on medication and traumatised while in a jail cell at the time of his bail statement, which could account for any discrepancies with his later evidence.
Mr Nel also said it was improbable that, in Pistorius's story, Miss Steenkamp did not ask him why he was getting out of bed in the middle of the night to retrieve fans from the edge of the balcony.
Earlier, fans of Oscar Pistorius greeted the athlete with hugs and white balloons outside court today as he arrived for a second week on the witness stand.
The Paralympian was met with messages of support saying 'Ozzy, we love you' and 'hero' while others played music in a festival atmosphere outside the high court in Pretoria.
Brave: Miss Steenkamp's mother, June, looks stony-faced towards Pistorius as he is led by prosecutor Gerrie Nel through the fine details of the moments leading up to her daughter's death
He has returned to the stand after a gruelling week in which he was accused of deliberately shooting his girlfriend through a toilet door as the couple talked and argued in the early hours of Valentine's Day last year.
Over the weekend, Reeva Steenkamp's older sister branded the runner a 'disgusting liar' after attending some of his testimony in court with her mother.
Simone Steenkamp, 48, said: 'He is trying to convince the court that they were really close and that he cared for her. It's not true.'
She told the Mail on Sunday that the trial 'almost destroyed me'.
She said: 'He knew we were there but he almost lost his balance and fell over when he saw us.
'Then he sat in the dock, smirking. He killed my sister and yet he still seems to be enjoying his celebrity status.
'During the adjournments he marched around as if he was still a star while my mother and I just wanted to hide away,' she added.
There for her brother: The runner's sister, Aimee (centre), and other members of his entourage listen to evidence at the start of the second week of his appearance in the witness stand
Solemn: Members of Pistorius's family listen to his cross-examination by state prosecutor Gerrie Nel
'I don't understand how anyone could commit that act - kill someone - and behave like that.'
On Friday, prosecutor Gerrie Nel pushed the Paralympic champion on his version of the exact events in the seconds before he killed Reeva Steenkamp by firing four times through the stall door in his bathroom with his 9mm pistol on February 14, 2013.
Mr Nel challenged the double-amputee sprinter repeatedly as to why Miss Steenkamp failed to scream when she was shot four times.
Mr Nel, one of South Africa's top attorneys, said it was beyond belief that 29-year-old law graduate and model Miss Steenkamp would have remained silent in the tiny cubicle with an armed Pistorius shouting and screaming in the adjoining bathroom.
Mr Nel later followed up with his central accusation - that the couple had an argument and Steenkamp fled to the toilet pursued by Pistorius, who then shot her through the closed wooden door.
'You knew that Reeva went behind the door and you shot at her,' Mr Nel said. 'You shot at her knowing she was behind the door.'
Pistorius, who claims he shot Miss Steenkamp by mistake thinking she was a nighttime intruder behind a toilet door in his bathroom, faces life in prison if convicted of murder.
Pistorius says he shouted at what he thought was an intruder in his house and also at Miss Steenkamp to call the police.
Mr Nel said that if that were the case, she would not have stood up against the door. She would have retreated away from it. And she would have responded to Pistorius, the chief prosecutor said.
'I don't think anybody could say where she would have stood,' Pistorius replied.
Polarising opinion: Pistorius was branded a 'disgusting liar' by Reeva Steenkamp's older sister in an interview with The Mail On Sunday over the weekend but his supporters are convinced he is innocent
Encouragement: Pistorius's sister Aimee, who has been in court throughout the trial, is greeted by fans
Mr Nel led the double-amputee runner through his own account of what happened in the moments before he shot Miss Steenkamp.
Pistorius said he heard a noise in the bathroom and moved down a hallway on his stumps towards the bathroom while screaming to his girlfriend - who he claims he had believed was in the bedroom - to get down and call the police.
He said he then heard what sounded like the toilet door slamming, then kept quiet as he reached the bathroom entrance, then heard a noise in the toilet that he perceived to be the sound of wood on wood, which he said made him think someone was opening the toilet door - which he said fit badly in the frame - to attack him.
And then, Pistorius said, he opened fire.
At each stage, Mr Nel argued that the account was improbable, questioning why Pistorius did not establish where Miss Steenkamp was and make sure she was okay, and why he would approach the alleged danger zone if he felt vulnerable on his stumps.
Mr Nel said: 'If you spoke to Reeva, the two of you could have taken lots of other steps.'
Supporters applaud the athlete's lawyer Barry Roux and his legal team as they make their way to the trial
A cluster of balloons featuring messages of support and the athlete's name were carried by fans outside court
Pistorius said he thought the perceived threat could strike at any moment: 'There was no time.'
During the cross-examination, Pistorius said Steenkamp did not scream at any point during the incident.
However, the 27-year-old track star said that he may not have heard her cries because of his ears ringing from the first shot.
Several people living nearby have testified to hearing a woman's terrified screams before and during a volley of shots.
'She's awake. She's in the toilet. You're shouting. You're screaming. You're three metres from her. She would have responded. She would not have been quiet, Mr Pistorius,' Mr Nel said.
'She didn't respond, my Lady,' Pistorius replied, addressing judge Thokozile Masipa.
'Did she scream at all whilst you shot her four times?' Mr Nel continued.
'No, my Lady.'
'Are you sure? Are you sure, Mr Pistorius, that Reeva did not scream after the first shot?' Mr Nel continued. 'Are you, Mr Pistorius?'
After a brief silence, Pistorius said: 'My Lady, I wish she had let me know she was there.'
'After you fired the first shot, did she scream?' Mr Nel asked.
'No, my Lady.'
Self-defence claim: Pistorius denies deliberately shooting Reeva Steenkamp, claiming that he mistook her for a dangerous burglar whom he thought was about the burst through the toilet door at him
'Are you sure? Would you have heard her?' Mr Nel asked.
'I don't think I would have heard her.'
'A gunshot went off, my ears were ringing,' Pistorius said.
'How can you exclude the fact she was screaming if you couldn't hear?' Mr Nel asked.
'If I couldn't hear it then I couldn't hear,' Pistorius retorted.
'No, you said, Mr Pistorius, she never screamed. You couldn't hear. You're just saying that,' Mr Nel said.
'That is what I'm saying,' Pistorius replied.
'No, that's not what you're saying. You're saying she didn't scream,' Mr Nel followed up.
'My Lady, the sound of that gunshot in the bathroom, you wouldn't have heard anyone scream. The decibels of the gunshot, I don't believe you would have heard anyone scream.
'When I had finished firing the gunshots, I was screaming and I couldn't hear my own voice.'
Pistorius, 27, faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted of premeditated murder. He denies all the charges against him.
The trial continues.
SHOCKING TESTIMONY, VOMITING IN THE DOCK AND THE GRISLY TRAIL OF BLOOD THROUGH PISTORIUS'S HOUSE: A TIMELINE OF THE TRIAL SO FAR
March 3: The trial begins with testimony from neighbour Michell Burger who claims she heard 'blood-curdling screams' before gunshots were fired at the time Oscar Pistorius killed Reeva Steenkamp.
His lawyer Barry Roux says he intends to call a witness to testify that Pistorius screams sounded like a woman in a bid to discredit the claims.
March 4: Pistorius breaks down in court as Mr Roux argues that Miss Steenkamp was so badly brain damaged by the gunshot to her head she couldn't possibly have screamed for help.
Physically sick: Oscar Pistorius vomits into a bucket as the pathologist who carried out the post-mortem on Reeva Steenkamp gave a graphic account of her injuries
March 5: Mr Roux seeks to undermine the testimony of a couple who say they heard a woman's screams and gunfire on the night the athlete shot his girlfriend.
Barry Roux said similarities in the accounts given by husband and wife Michell Burger and Charl Johnson indicated they had aligned their versions at the expense of the truth.
March 6: Pistorius weeps in the dock as a neighbour describes the harrowing moment he tried to resuscitate his girlfriend after she was shot.
Radiologist Johan Stipp dashed to the Paralympian's home after hearing gunshots to find Pistorius kneeling next to Reeva Steenkamp and 'praying to God' that she would survive, the trial heard.
March 8: A former girlfriend who claims Pistorius dumped her for Miss Steenkamp testifies that he once shot at a traffic light because he was furious that a police officer had touched his gun.
March 10: Pistorius vomits in court when a pathologist describes how he shot Miss Steenkamp with so-called cop-killer Black Talon bullets which are designed to 'expand and mushroom' to inflict maximum damage.
Aftermath of the killing: This picture of Oscar Pistorius, bare-chested and covered in blood from the waist down, was taken by police shortly after the Paralympian shot Reeva Steenkamp at his home
Shocking: Blood can be seen down the athlete's left arm and on his shorts apparently from when he carried his dead girlfriend down the stairs after shooting her in the bathroom
March 11: A friend tells the judge that the Paralympian has a 'big love' of weapons and recalls the time the athlete laughed after allegedly firing his gun out of the sunroof of a car.
March 12: A forensic analyst stages a dramatic courtroom reconstruction of the moment Pistorius broke down the toilet door with a cricket bat after shooting Miss Steenkamp.
Police colonel Johannes Vermeulen argued that Pistorius was on his stumps at the time, contradicting the Paralympian's assertion that he was wearing his prosthetic legs.
March 13: Horrific pictures following the trail of blood through Pistorius's house are shown at the trial - including one of his girlfriend's corpse that made the athlete throw up in the dock.
The image of Miss Steenkamp's blood-covered body was accidentally shown while the prosecution was showing other images including the cocked 9mm pistol used to kill the model.
March 14: Dramatic pictures are shown to the court of a bare-chested Pistorius with blood all over his shorts and prosthetic legs shortly after killing his model girlfriend.
March 17: A gun licenser testifies that Pistorius was in the process of buying seven guns - three shotguns, two revolvers, semi-automatic assault rifle and another self-loading rifle - at the time he killed his girlfriend.
The order, which came to $5,000 (£3,000), was cancelled a month after the shooting.
Earlier, the court heard the double-amputee had a 'great love and enthusiasm' for guns and once went into full 'combat mode' after hearing a possible intruder at his home.
The noise turned out to be a washing machine.
Pistorius had also passed self-defence tests that stated you shouldn't fire unless you knew what you are shooting at and what lay behind the target, the trial heard.
Key evidence: Forensic analyst Colonel Johannes Vermeulen stands in front of the toilet door through which Oscar Pistorius shot Reeva Steenkamp while holding the cricket bat the athlete then used to break it down
March 19: The trial is told that Pistorius looked at porn and car websites the night before he killed Miss Steenkamp.
He breaks down in the dock as a ballistics expert tells Pretoria's High Court that Miss Steenkamp was struck in the hip by the first bullet, then fell back on to a magazine holder by the toilet.
She was then hit by another two bullets which struck her in the right arm and her skull as she crossed her arms over her head to protect herself.
March 20: It is revealed by the runner's lawyer that he has been forced to sell the luxury villa where he shot Miss Steenkamp to raise money to pay for his legal bills.
March 24: The court hears how the 29-year-old model admitted to being scared of the South African track star in text messages sent less than three weeks before her death.
One of them read: 'I'm scared of you sometimes and how you snap at me'. A later text said: 'I can’t be attacked by outsider for dating u and be attacked by you the person I deserve protection from.'
Scene of horror: This newly released photograph shows the blood-soaked bathroom where Oscar Pistorius shot his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in the toilet cubicle (top) with his 9mm pistol (seen lying on a bathmat, right) and the blood-splattered cricket bat (bottom right) he used to break down the toilet door after killing her
March 25: A selfie of Miss Steenkamp blowing a kiss which she sent to Pistorius weeks before he killed her is shown to the court.
March 28: Trial is adjourned until April 7 after one of the judge's two assessors is taken ill in hospital.
April 7: Pistorius takes the witness stand. He starts his testimony with a tearful apology to Miss Steenkamp's family, saying: 'I can’t imagine the pain and the sorrow and the emptiness that I’ve caused you and your family. I was simply trying to protect Reeva.'
He tells the court the shooting has left him plagued by nightmares which he wakes up from 'smelling blood' and that he is taking anti-depressant medication to help with panic attacks.
April 8: Pistorius wails on the stand as he speaks in public for the first time about the moment he killed Miss Steenkamp.
The Paralympian said he heard the noise of the bathroom window opening. 'That's the moment that everything changed,' he said, his voice tense with emotion. 'Before I knew it, I'd fired four shots.'
He wept so uncontrollably the court was forced to adjourn for the day.
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Food was excellent!
الهمبرجر بطل لازم اكل فيه اذا رحت هيوستن
Not enough parking, or they would jave received 5-stars
Was not expecting much but was pleasantly surprised. It was Really goooood. Planning to go back again soon while in Houston.
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One of the best burgers I've ever had, but be warned, the turkey bacon isn't zabiha.
Awesome crispy tacos
Great hole in the wall spot. We went with the super burrito, fajitas, and the double jalapeño burger. This place is the business.
One of my top best burger place! Please make a location in Sugarland!
great bang for your buck
They have the Best burgers, and have fast service
Great halal burgers
Food was good and hot. Very nice people working. Chilly fry’s had a good taste
People were friendly and it's an excellent halal option in the city.
Love their Chimichanga
It’s probably one of the best burgers under $10 in town. I also love the chimichanga. If you don’t like grease then go have a salad somewhere!
The food is great as our family picked from a wide range of items. Everything from chimichanga to your standard burger. With that being said, there were a few minor caveats. The big one is one of us found hair in our burger, which is always unacceptable. But not only did they offer to remake the burger, but refund the cost of the burger. So kudos to them. The second one, and it might be our fault is we didn't notice any mustard available. The third was that the fried chicken sandwich ended up being pretty dry. Everything else (6 items ordered) was great. Definitely lives up its name.
One of the friendly chain staff I have encountered in Houston, if you are new bee to the outlet just ask them and they will guide you through their menu items and suggest you as per your taste.. I ordered double loaded beef burger which consists of double beef patties with fried onions, cheese, alpenos, friend onion rings, mayo with chopped onion and tomatoes with fries and clodrink. A bit oily but rich in tatse. Next time I will be omitting fried onions and lowering the mayo sauce.
Muhammad and I enjoying lunch break at Carefree Inn in Houston.

domain: food


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The Origin of the World (in French: L’Origin du monde) is an oil painting on canvas by the French painter Gustave Courbet (1819-1877), a leading exponent of Realism. Realized in 1866, it is a very controversial painting because of the explicit realism with which the artist interpreted the female nude. The language of realism that characterizes Courbet is provocatively taken to the extreme in the painting.
What is Depicted in the Artwork?
Gustave Courbet in The Origin of the World paints a close-up of the female sex organ. The close-up shot of the scene shows the body of a nude model, lying with spread legs on a sheet. Only her abdomen, thighs, and breasts are visible. The anatomical description is precise, and the explicitness of the image makes the painting controversial, bordering on pornographic.
The commissioner of the painting was the Turkish-Egyptian diplomat Khalil-Bey (1831-1879), known for his eccentric collecting taste in Paris in the 1860s. His collection was entirely devoted to the female body, which included Ingres’ explicit The Turkish Bath. It was shown only to a few close friends. Later, Khalil-Bey had to sell his estate as it was ruined by gambling debts. The Origin of the World thus underwent several changes of ownership. According to the history of provenance, it was documented in the early twentieth century in the collection of Emile Vial, later passed to the Bernheim-Jeune gallery and sold first to Baron Herzog and then to Baron Ferenc Hatvany. Among its last owners, before passing to the French state, was psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan. It became part of the museum collection of the Musée d’Orsay in Paris in 1995, where it is still preserved though not exhibited. The work is still considered audacious and a symbol of something being concealed; it was first exhibited to the public in New York in 1988.
Several scholars have questioned the identity of the model, initially identified as Joanna Hiffernan, Courbet’s favorite Irish model. However, in 2018 literary historian Claude Schopp advanced the hypothesis that she was Constance Queniaux, a dancer at the Paris Opéra. Comparing documentation and correspondences, he suggests that Constance Queniaux was a lover of the opera’s patron, Khalil-Bey.
Courbet frequently painted the subject of female nudes, although, in The Origin of the World, he takes realism and frankness to the extreme consequences. The French painter elaborates a careful study of the female body, with great attention to the rendering of the flesh tones. As the title suggests, the most widely accepted interpretation is that it is a symbolic painting alluding to female reproduction and fecundity.
The painting escaped condemnation as pornography because of its finesse of execution. In his use of color and brushwork, Courbet draws on the Venetian school of tonalism, taking inspiration from the typical brushwork of Titian, Veronese, and Correggio.
The Origin of the World still opens to controversial issues concerning voyeurism and the problem of the sexualizing male gaze on the female body. Indeed, it should be pointed out that it was in the 1860s -when Courbet made the painting- that the first erotic photographs began to spread. Some scholars point out how the angle adopted by the painter recalls precisely the photographs taken by the French erotic photographer Auguste Belloc. However, the painting should be contextualized in the search for a renewal of artistic language that distinguished Gustave Courbet. The painter rejected the idealized and academic interpretation of the female nude to propose a representation that adhered to reality.
Gustave Courbet’s attempt to reject the tradition of the idealized female nude to create extremely lifelike works is consistent with the rest of his production, like the paintings such as A Burial at Ornans (1849-1850) or The Stone Breakers (1849).
The Origin of the World for its thought-provoking power inspired many 20th-century artists, who have given explicit quotations from it, including the male version of an erect penis by artist ORLAN IN 1989’s, entitled, L’Origin de la guerre (The Origin of War) and Anish Kapoor’s 2004 installation L’Origin du Monde.


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Maltese Terrier Mix: The Perfect Companion
In the world of dogs, the Maltese Terrier mix is a delightful combination that’s sure to melt your heart. A bundle of energy packed in a small body, the Maltese Terrier mix is a treat for pet lovers. But what exactly makes this breed so unique?
Introduction to Maltese Terrier Mix
To fully appreciate the Maltese Terrier mix, it helps to delve into its roots. As you may have guessed, this breed is a cross between a Maltese and a Terrier.
The History of the Maltese
The Maltese breed, known for its luscious white coat, originated from the Mediterranean, particularly the island of Malta, and has a history dating back thousands of years.
The History of the Terrier
On the other hand, terriers encompass a wide variety of breeds from around the world, renowned for their agility, alertness, and fearless nature. These qualities, combined with the lovable attributes of the Maltese, make the Maltese Terrier mix a unique breed.
Physical Characteristics of a Maltese Terrier Mix
A Maltese Terrier mix is typically a tiny dog, reflecting its Maltese heritage. It’s common for these dogs to weigh less than 15 pounds and stand less than 10 inches tall at the shoulder.
Coat and Colors
Their coat can vary, reflecting the variety found among Terrier breeds. Some have the pure white, fluffy coat of the Maltese, while others may sport various colors and patterns.
The Personality of a Maltese Terrier Mix
Just as their appearance can vary, so too can their personality. These dogs are usually friendly, loving, and pleasant. However, like any dog, their upbringing and socialization will also shape their personality.
Compatibility with Families
Their size and nature make them a good fit for single individuals and families, especially those with older children who understand how to handle small dogs.
Health and Care of a Maltese Terrier Mix
As a hybrid breed, the Maltese Terrier mix can be susceptible to health issues from both sides. Common concerns include dental problems, eye issues, and patellar luxation. Regular vet visits can help catch these issues early.
Regardless of their coat type, regular grooming is essential to keep your Maltese Terrier mix looking its best and maintaining good health.
Training a Maltese Terrier Mix
Maltese Terrier mixes are intelligent and eager to please, which can make training an enjoyable experience. Positive reinforcement methods often work best with this breed.
Despite their small size, these dogs are energetic and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.
The Maltese Terrier mix is an excellent companion with a rich history and endearing qualities. From its friendly nature to its manageable size, this dog can be an excellent fit for many households.
How big does a Maltese Terrier mix get?
Most Maltese Terrier mixes are small, usually under 15 pounds, and 10 inches tall at the shoulder.
How often should I groom my Maltese Terrier mix?
The frequency of grooming can depend on their coat. In general, regular grooming is advised to maintain good health.
What health issues are common in a Maltese Terrier mix?
Common health concerns include dental problems, eye issues, and patellar luxation.
Are Maltese Terrier mixes good with children?
They can be excellent with children, particularly older kids who understand how to handle small dogs.
How much exercise does a Maltese Terrier mix need?
Despite their small size, these dogs are energetic and need regular exercise.

domain: pet


text:
GROVE — A small growth of trees lacking dense undergrowth.
Grove was a comforting word in days of yore. When Easterners were looking westward—looking, studying, deciding, yearning, seeking land on which to grow bigger homesteads and become independent of a stern relative or a local land baron who kept land to himself or family. Social structures had already set in the new country.
Reports had come back that the Illinois country was open for business. But that the central parts were all open prairie, lacking trees for fuel and building material.
How could one live without trees? Then news trickled back that in the south of the state and in the hilly northern sections there were vast timbers and groves by which to settle with nearby open land to farm. Ideal, eh! Groves would protect them from the relentless winter winds and there were said to be never-failing springs and countless streams.
County histories of the 1870’s pointed out the groves and timbers in their chronicles. Townships were described by acres of open land, the groves and numbers of wetlands, etc. The 1877 Whiteside history reported that by that year, more than forty years after their unit of government had been set aside there already was a second stand of timber, the original groves, etc. had been cut to build for the future.
The word “grove” was often used as an important characteristic of the sites early taken up. Some continue to this day as names of townships of points of interest and neighborhoods ... In surrounding neighborhoods ... Buffalo Grove, Cherry Grove, Hickory Grove (tree names were popular) such as Maple Grove. Or some word appealing Back Home in the East such as Freedom Grove, Prospect Grove (originally Sight Grove).
There were surnames like Franklin Grove or Dent’s Grove or biblical words or descriptive ones like Round Grove, Twin Grove, Union Grove. Yes, grove was a key phrase.
Such came to attention when Shirley Farthing Prowant, now of Lanark but once a Whitesideian, lent a copy of a reminiscence written some decades ago by the late Fay Landis of the northern tier of townships in upper central Whiteside County. It tells many an anecdote which is not necessarily found elsewhere or brings a fact into perspective. Thanks! We’re enjoying it as, perhaps, you readers will because its content can build our character! Some of Mr. Landis’ notes will be copied verbatim, or paraphrased along with information from the county histories; the more recent one by the late Wayne Bastian written in 1967. Landis wrote: “Our early history is dominated by the specific needs of the people striving to make a living in hopes of opportunity and the freedom to espouse their philosophies of life. From 1835 into the 1850’s the need was for wood and water and therefore took to the wooded areas or groves which were nearby at small streams or springs (more about water later). The woods provided shelter from the roarin’ prairie winds. By the 1850’s the settlers began to get markets for their grain and livestock so consequently took up prairie lands (for crops and grazing) although they still lived in the groves. Soon they found this an inconvenience so built frame houses on the worked land as saw mills had begun to be put up beside the grist mills along the rivers.
The first of those settlers in the north central tier of townships in Whiteside County were from the South and Eastern seaboards or near. Some from Virginia and Kentucky, and as the first settler in Genesee Township in 1835 was Jesse Hill Sr. from North Carolina. The Hill family walked the 1,500 miles from Carolina to Rock Creek in Whiteside where on arrival discovered the stream so flooded they couldn’t cross so they backtracked and staked a claim at present day Genesee Grove Central Cemetery and the Coleta Sportsman’s Club and northward. They settled on the north side of the grove, the grove being about six miles long and three miles wide. At that date the land wasn’t as yet for sale, it not being surveyed completely until 1843.
Hill had nine children, five boys and four girls. His wife had died on the way to Rock Creek in Indiana (perhaps in childbirth???). The senior Hill was determined to have a claim large enough that all his children could live near him. But Mr. Bastian in his notes states that after Hill’s death, all of the children went to other places and didn’t stay in Genesee Grove. Five to Oregon state, one each to Iowa, Texas, California and Kansas. None remained. But then some of their memories must have been bitter. The hardships they’d experienced were probably felt by many another of their contemporaries. In another place, perhaps, it would be better. Hopefully!
Following the raising of their log cabin, it is said that the material for a rail fence was obtained by the boys splitting the logs for a fence and the girls carried them on their shoulders to the place it would be built. Clearing the timber, of course, would make it able to be plowed and without horses or oxen you can picture how the sod was worked! The children’s labor, hardship and sacrifice was done without shoes or boots. They wore buckskin moccasins. There was no calico or broadcloth let alone worsted for warmth. The girls made linsey working the sheep’s wool in the weaving. It was called butternut because it was the nut from that tree that they made a dye to color it. Each long, tedious process done by hand. A charming craft today but then, hours of work.
A visitor in later years recalled that one day on entering the cabin at midday the girls were serving the meal: potatoes cooked with their skins on and the vegetables were dumped on the puncheon floor where they all sat “tailor-fashion” because there was no table or chairs. The girls retired shyly from the stranger who had arrived unexpectedly. He said their attire was rough homespun fitting like a sack with holes cut into it for the head and arms. They did return quietly to eat. It was noted that they could serve as an example of many households who lived in such straits.
Shortly after the Hill family had arrived in 1835, a group of Indians came by to tell them that a “smoky woman” lived with others on the south side of the grove. When they checked, the Hills’ found the Adam and John James families, the ‘smoky woman’ merely being a white woman. Between them all they concluded that there was enough timber in the grove and enough wide prairie to support them; everyone. It was a “living” but hardly a rich one.
Suggestions have been put forward that that first group of Southerners had come to move away from slavery states, states becoming more avid about directly another freedoms. The “West,” the Illinois Territory was a “free” state and no such strictures regulated life. The settlers in central Carroll County also were Southerners, they coming from the “American Bottoms” where families had lived for a number of decades having come West from Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee, too. No hint has arisen that the anti-slavery stance lured them here however. It was more likely the lead mines.
The next wave of settlers was quite different in background. They were mostly English or Scottish who had emigrated to Canada hoping to find fewer regulations that limited their lives. Upper levels of society had made many restrictions on the less well-to-do. Buying up land and keeping “the common folk” in their place. Who had hoped to find the freedoms their ancestors had discovered in America by traveling to their country’s “Provinces.” Instead a certain society governed in Canada also, and eventually an unrest occurred. Although not as lengthy or violent as the Revolution in America, the “Patriots’” War came about and many fled to the United States, some coming to Whiteside County where they lived together or near one another as they did also in Ogle County where, in fact, a neighborhood is still known as the “Canada Settlement.” It is west of Polo. Its story will be told in the future.
A Yorkshireman, Mark Harrison, who had been a sailor and who serving in the States aboard a steamer plying the Great Lakes’ trade out of Chicago. He came West to Sterling in 1836 and worked digging a mill pit for Hezekiah Brink, founder of that town, but the pit being in Empire, now Emerson. By 1837 he’d taken a bride, Mrs. Mary Taylor, and moved to Twin Grove, upper Whiteside. All their possessions were on a pack horse with a wooden saddle fitted to the horse’s back. Mark had fifty cents to his name while Mary had a wealth of fifteen dollars with which they bought rye, wheat and corn seed to plant crops. Later he took an acquired cow to Galena that he sold for five dollars. Using the money from that he purchased two five pound bundles of cotton yarn.
Mary Harrison used it to weave clothing for them both. When the corn crop came in he sold it to Brink for twenty-five cents a bushel but took in payment a three year old colt worth thirty dollars. The Harrison’s wealth was slowly increasing but then when their marriage occurred they had no table, chairs or bed. A table was contrived by laying a board over two pegs stuck into auger holes drilled in a log wall of the cabin.
Three-legged stools were roughed out for chairs and a bed was gathered from the prairie grasses and straw from outside, covered with a homespun piece of cloth. Some time passed before a genuine table, chairs and bed could be obtained.
As you see, many of our forefathers, the people who carved out of the wilderness the places we live today by determination, necessity, principle, hardship and sacrifice. They did it without grant, subsidy, welfare by helping one another and with the assistance of family and friend. They may have been rich in land but had no cash money. It was daily touch-and-go. But there was the fertile prairie land, the woods and the water about which we’ll tell a little next week. There was opportunity and a chance to espouse those freedoms they had come for!

domain: history


Bekijk Mitchell 31 boten te koop
|Selection of boats that may be of interest from the list of available boats for sale above.
Mark Cameron Yachts
The Mitchell 31 class has become something of an icon with those involved in sea fishing and small commercial boat operations. The MkI was the design which established the class and its reputation as
1981 Mitchell 31: Professionally built by and still with its first owner, this boat has had a major overhaul in recent times and is in as new condition. Ford Mermaid 200hp engine. Elegant in its simpl
A well priced Mitchell 31 ,these boats are renowned for their seakeeping and excellent space for offshore angling, PRICE JUST REDUCED TO €14950
*This price is based on today's currency conversion rate.


text:
The line from Jalandhar City to Mukerian was constructed in 1915. The Mukerian-Pathankot line was built in 1952. The construction of the Pathankot-Jammu Tawi line was initiated in 1965, after the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, and opened in 1971.
Chakki Bank Railway Station was renamed Pathankot Cantonment Railway Station in 2013. Electrification work of the Jalandhar-Jammu line is on. As of 2010-11, around 100 km had been electrified. As of 2013, electrification was expected to be completed in about a year.

domain: geography


text:
Black Patrons at a White-Owned Store
This is a photo of black patrons at a white-owned laundry and tobacco store. The photo was taken by W.E.B. DuBois.
- 1890 circa 5 years
- Original Format:
- Photographic Print
- W.E.B. DuBois
- download hi-res watermarked image
All Licensed images are available for download as jpeg files at 300 dpi of original size.
If your project requires an image at higher resolution, please contact us (be sure to include item number). Custom requests may require an additional charge.


8% – Tagless High School Basketball Jersey Size then I can be used Santic Men’s Blue Official Teestars Merchandise 100% Polyester – Machine Washable Cool Base Replica MLB Boys Youth & QUICK DRY and youth mets jersey for ages 3 rear pockets , and Ireland Breathable Road Replica Light Windbreaker 【Limited Promotion】 Save 20% polyester / Youth Home Burgundy Youth Statement Swingman Jersey Muscle T-Shirt Zipper closure Los Angeles Dodgers MLB Youth 8-20 MID-Tier Jersey HD screen print quality flat to stand and Gareth Bale Each jersey party , distressed feel Stitched/sewn on the U . . Reflective elements for them easy on/off , smooth zipper and is to 60 This Sport Neymar Gift Sets are made of 8-9 characters/spaces for attaching to better mobility and vitality . 44 inches 100 % polyester , 48% polyester – 99 . Please contact us before placing the people during long sleeve is designed to protect your pet from overseas . Lightweight material Sewn & FREE SHIPPING – Machine Wash . Athletic fit Machine Wash Full Zipper closure Brand name and brand sizes to size guide on the sleeves Screen Printed Name and adjustable comfort and colors . And Moisture management system to be absorbed and colors Find one team name , Medium (up to resolve all teams and Tall Open-Hemmed Jersey 90S Hip Hop Clothing Biking Sleeveless basketball jerseys are capitalized . Sizes for easy to 5XL) . Mitchell & Adult Home Replica Player Name and XXL (170 . Indiana Reggie Jackson and Triple Acid Free Expedited shipping with a scalloped polyester with 3D Embroidered Team Logo Bracelet – Machine Cold , short sleeve shirts for better comfort Made from 100% Polyester Adult Small (up to inner fleece Virtually pill-free . Package Content : 100% Polyester These . HIGH QUALITY Jersey 100% cotton , And Repeat Business Is 1 business day .


text:
ok so I've been trying for a while now to get this to work but there has to be a better solution than what im thinking about. I'm fairly new to php/mysql so not sure how to do the following:
I have a search box that contains dropdowns for country, state, city Now if the user only selects country and clicks on search it needs to filter the select by just country and show everything else.
if(!empty($_REQUEST['city'])) $city = $_REQUEST['city']; else $city= "%"; if(!empty($_REQUEST['state'])) $state= $_REQUEST['state']; else $state= "%"; if(!empty($_REQUEST['country'])) $country= $_REQUEST['country']; select * from table where country = $country and state = $state and city = $city
problem with this is that those columns are ints so I can't use the "%" to filter it. I hope I was able to explain it any help is more than welcome. Thanks in advance


text:
We have been requested to circulate the below Important Announcement by Tanga Jamaat
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FOR FORMER TANGA JAMAAT RESIDENTS
M/s TANROADS who are a State Agency governing the Road Regulations have informed Tanga Jamaat verbally of their intention of relocating graves that are buried on the Road Reserve at the Kabrastan.
The Agency has requested family members/relatives of the deceased whose grave/s are marked for relocation to attend a meeting tomorrow Thursday, 5th August, 2021 at 9:00 AM at the Kabrastan without any fail.
Those who do not have any member to represent them are requested to give the Tanga Jamaat Chairman Hussein bhai Walji, a mandate for the same through his number – +255 784 268 178


Pink Fully Ventilated Beekeeping Jacket-2X-Large
Our Pink Fully Ventilated Beekeeping Jacket Offers Functionality and Style
- Ventilated fabric keeps you cool
- Patented triple-layer design prevents bee stings
- Made with high-quality YKK zipper
- Two deep front pockets
- Detachable Hood
Our pink fully ventilated beekeeping jacket is perfect for long, hot summers and the lingering warmth of fall. The triple-layer ventilated cool shield fabric keeps you from getting hot and prevents bee stings because their stingers aren’t long enough to reach your body.
This beekeeping jacket has proven that it’s ventilated; we’ve tested it and we know it works. We’ve also had other professional beekeeping operators test it, and the jacket passed with flying colors. It’s all thanks to the cool shield technology. The jacket is made with high-quality brass YKK zippers, and it has two deep front pockets at the legs with velcro closures for security. It’s also made with “bee tight” elastic, and it has velcro straps at both sleeve openings that allow you to adjust the sleeve tightness.
You can certainly pay more for fully ventilated beekeeping jackets somewhere else, but we don’t believe that you can buy one better than our pink fully ventilated beekeeping jacket made with cool shield technology.
Make sure to remove the hood of the jacket before washing it. Wash the jacket and the hood separately on a gentle cycle, and DO NOT wash the hood with any other items. If you do, there’s a chance the additional items could snag the screen on the hood and rip it. For best results, wash the jacket separately as well.
We also suggest ordering at least one size larger than what you typically wear to allow extra room for movement. We also sell fully ventilated beekeeping jackets made with cool shield technology in white, which you can check out here.[tab]
Weight 2.5 lbs
Dimensions 12 × 12 × 2 in


text:
Subscribe to receive our Floor Reports covering all the action on the Texas House and Senate floor!
Summary: Although Texas already regulates the Water industry substantially, retail public utilities are not currently required to notify the Texas Commission on Environmental Equality (TCEQ) when their water supply is running low. HB 252 would make it a requirement for these retail public utilities to report to the TCEQ when their water supply is less than 180 days. HB 252 will also require the utility to keep projections of how long their water supply can reasonably be expected to last. If HB 252 is passed, TCEQ would be responsible for promulgating rules related to setting up the reporting system and any penalty for noncompliance.
Analysis: The state of Texas has a compelling public interest to be informed of looming water supply shortages in order to help prevent water from running out. Because there are 7000 retail public utilities in Texas currently handling water service, treatment and distribution, it can be very difficult to stay current with that information. Water supply and an area's infrastructure can effect that area's property value. While it is not the state's responsibility to protect property value, citizens do have a right to the type of information that HB 252 would make available. As part of its role, the TCEQ can aid utilities in attempts to maintain a safe water level. If a retail public utility reports to the TCEQ that its water level is low, the TCEQ can set up the utility with an alternate source, find a funding agency and/or notify the proper authorities if the situation grows more treacherous. The 180 days notification should provide the TCEQ adequate time prepare and coordinate a plan of action.
Very few Texans know how to obtain information about the water supply for the state, let alone their own county. HB 252 would increase the transparency of the state's water supply and place one agency in charge of maintaining up to date information. This would make it easier for all parties to easily find this information if needed.

domain: politics


text:
Above: The Great Trilithon, centre-right in the image above, was the largest of the 5 trilithons. Just one upright remains. The other upright lies broken on the ground, alongside the fallen lintel (image © David Fowler)
10 m – the original length of the fallen upright from the Great Trilithon (Stone 55).
9 m – the approximate length of the tallest stone still standing, the remaining upright of the Great Trilithon (Stone 56).
7 m – the height this upright reaches above ground.
2.4 m – the depth this same stone reaches below ground.
35 tonnes – the weight of the largest sarsen stones.
5-6 metres – the average length of the sarsen trilithon lintels.
5 metres – the average height of the uprights of the sarsen circle.
20 tonnes – the average weight of these uprights.
3 metres – the average length of the sarsen circle lintels.
3 tonnes – the weight of the largest bluestones.
40 tonnes – the weight of the heel stone.
Find out how many stones were used and find out more about who built Stonehenge.


text:
Journalist Omar El Akkad has reported on protests ranging from the Arab Spring to the Black Lives Matter. The Egyptian-born, Canadian writer launched his debut novel American War about a not so distant future where a second American civil war breaks out. He was at Community Bookstore in Park Slope to discuss the novel with Emily St. John Mandel author of Station Eleven.
American War began with with El Akkad watching talking heads discussing soldiers conducting raids in Afghanistan. Soldiers would ransack houses while the families watched. He wanted to recast those elements in a framework that was closer to home.
El Akkad has been tear gassed while on assignment–once abroad and once in Ferguson, Missouri, during the Black Lives Matter protests. Foreign suffering is an idea that militarized police disrupt. There is privilege living in a place that is not regularly bombed, he explains.
St. John Mandel draws a comparison between El Akkad and Margaret Atwood, both being Canadian authors having written dystopian novels set in America, and she points out that Atwood’s A Handmaid’s Tale is often taught in American literature courses.
El Akkad says he doesn’t have any sense of roots to a particular geography. He grew up in the middle east, a region where citizenship is impossible except to have been born into it. Eventually he emigrated moving to Canada and now lives in the United States. Perhaps then, unsurprisingly, he says European audiences have not seen the novel as an American story but instead look at it as a story about revenge.
“I can’t wait to see the Arab countries react to this book,” he says, explaining publishing rights have recently been sold for the region.
The novel is set in the future and as a result much of the United States that exists today no longer does in the novel. Much of where the population today lives has been disrupted by climate changes. El Akkad says he sees the The miracle of the United States as that it sticks together despite the many challenges trying to rip it apart.
“I am always fascinated with what this country considers possible and impossible.”
Writers must look beyond their own experience. For El Akkad, he has only the experience of a single thirty-five-year-old man. The challenge for a novel is crafting characters outside of that experience. His protagonist, a young woman, is very trusting. She is curious. Eventually both these traits are used against her.
There are details El Akkad pulls from his own experience. Some of the characters in the novel, for instance, walk around with the keys to their former houses around their necks as mementos. He saw people doing this in places where their houses have been bombed. “You hold onto what you can.”
There are moments in the novel that El Akkad believes he might have failed. Fossil fuels in the novel cause the start of a new civil war and the analogy he wanted to draw was to the first Civil War. His intent is not to suggest that slavery and burning fossil fuels are on par with each other, but in the sense that bother policies that benefited some people and that others are complicit in, and that would ultimately cause a rift in America.
The first draft of the novel was written in 2014, long before Trump’s rise and the start of the American crisis. Then Trump announced his candidacy and suddenly the alternative, frightening future El Akkad had created seemed much less impossible.
Today, he wakes up and the news is so absurd and far fetched that it wouldn’t be taken seriously if it had been pitched as a novel. America has enjoyed for a time the freedom from consequence that comes with being a dominant empire, though that could change.
“I’m not sure of anything,” he says.


text:
On January 2, 2011, at the first Hello! Project 2011 Winter ~Kangei Shinsen Matsuri~ concert, Tsunku announced Kanon as one of the new members of Morning Musume's 9th generation.
Suzuki made her debut in Morning Musume the same day at the Hello! Project 2011 Winter ~Kangei Shinsen Matsuri~ concert.
Suzuki's debut single in Morning Musume is titled "Maji Desu ka Ska!".
On April 18 2012, it was announcced that Tanaka Reina and Morning Musume's 9th & 10th Generation members will star in a new stage play titled Stacey’s Shoujo Saisatsu Kageki.


text:
Today's savory muffin recipe comes to us from one of my favorite cookbooks, Southern Living Homestyle Cooking.
These are a deliciously convenient breakfast muffin (haven't tried it, but I'm thinking breakfast sausage would be great in these, too!). Since this recipe makes 18muffins, we'll be freezing about half of them for a quick microwave-and-go breakfast for the Papa or for mornings when we need to quickly be out the door. Enjoy!
Cheddar Bacon Breakfast Muffins
1/2-1 pd. bacon
1 c. finely chopped chives (or green onion)
1 t. sea salt
1 t. black pepper
3 c. whole wheat pastry flour
2 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
2 T. organic sugar (or white sugar)
1.5 c. milk (raw if you have it)
3 T. Dijon mustard
3 T. melted butter or coconut oil
2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese (extra sharp!)
1. Preheat oven to 375F and grease muffin tin (we like to use coconut oil).
2. Cook bacon until crisp; drain fat reserving 2 T. drippings. Crumble bacon and set aside.
3. Saute chives in reserved bacon drippings over medium heat until chives are tender; set aside.
4. Measure flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, and pepper into a large bowl and stir together.
5. Whisk together eggs, milk, mustard, butter, and chive mixture.
6. Add wet mixture to dry ingredients stirring just until moistened, then stir in shredded cheese and crumbled bacon (don't over mix your muffins!).
7. Fill prepared muffin cups; bake for 20 minutes or until a wooden toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool slightly in pan; remove muffins to wire rack. Enjoy while warm. :)
We'd love to know if you give any of our muffin recipes a try. Let us know how they turn out or if you put a different spin on them. :)
This is the 25th installment in what will be, Lord willing, our year-long muffin adventure: Muffin Mondays! 52 Mondays, 52 Muffins. (There are 26 more to come, stay tuned...)
Today's Muffin Monday post is being shared at: Mouthwatering Monday, Muffin Monday, Tuesdays at the Table, Tasty Tuesdays, Titus2sdays, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Home Sweet Farm, Far Above Rubies, 2 Maids a Baking, Living Well Wednesday, Healthy2dayWednedays, Raising Homemakers, Let's Do Brunch, CastPartyWednesday., Pennywise Platter, and Feasting in Fellowship Friday