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Washington DC Bus Tour & Capitol Building Visit
Enjoy a history lesson of the United States Capitol Building, one of Washington DC’s most sought-aft...
Washington DC 2-Hour Tour by Electric Car
Climb aboard a eco-friendly vehicle to explore Washington DC on a 2-hour sightseeing tour with a loc...
DC at Dusk - Night Tour of the National Mall
Visit the landmarks and monuments of Washington, D. C. on a 3-hour bus tour after dark. Marvel at th...
Bike Tour: Capitol Hill, Lincoln Memorial, National Mall
Cycling is a great way to familiarize yourself with the heart of Washington, D.C. Bike the sites of ...
DC at Night: Historical Highlights Walking Tour
This 2.5 hour walking tour through Washington DC’s most popular sites will introduce you to the wars...
Small-Group National Mall Walking Tour in Washington DC
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Immerse yourself in America's rich history on this small-group guided tour of the coun...
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Washington DC: Guided City & Mall Tour with 2 Museum Visits
Make your day an unforgettable trip through Washington, DC on one of the most popular tours in town....
Washington DC: E-Bike Tour of the National Mall
Experience the hot new E-Bike trend in Washington DC which makes peddling through the city an absolu...
Small-Group Combo Tour: Washington DC National Mall and Capitol Hill
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This semi-private (8 Guest Maximum) 5 to 5.5 hour guided walking combo tour with ...
Washington D.C.: National Mall and Memorials Walking Tour
Take a stroll around the most iconic sites of Washington D.C. Together with a professional guide you...
Washington, DC: Walking Tour with Washington Monument Entry
Embark on a 4-hour guided walking tour and explore Washington, DC’s iconic monuments. Dive deep into...
Small-Group DC Evening Historical Walking Tour
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This 2.5 hour semi-private (8 Guest Maximum) guided walking tour through Washingt...
National Mall Museums Architecture Walking Tour
Starting at the Smithsonian Castle, we'll visit the original home and oldest muse...
Total DC Daytime Tour: Monuments in DC & US Music History
Join this small group tour of the National Mall on board the all-electric Red Roadster. Next, travel...


August 29, 2019
Listen to announcements to join an informational call out at your school to learn more about this year's Monroe County Youth Council leadership opportunities and the ALL NEW Teen Action Service Corps available to all Monroe County High School teens.
Upcoming Call Out or...
September 13, 2018
This year's MCYC members will be participating in monthly service with their team members at one of five community partner organizations.
Bloomington Parks and Recreation
Provides essential services, facilities and programs necessary for the positive development and wel...
August 6, 2018
Still have questions? Need more information about what MCYC is all about?
Attend one of the upcoming MCYC Call Out and Information Sessions to get your questions answered before you apply.
Saturday, August 18 3-4 p.m. at the Monroe County Public Library Room 2A (30...
August 3, 2018
April 1, 2018
Get excited for GYSD 2018!
Our Recent Posts
MCYC and Teen Action Service Corps CALL OUTS
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MCYC Membership Call Out Sessions Scheduled for August


You have searched for Iqbal Siddiqi
LAST UPDATED : 27 Apr 2017, 22:40 IST
- No violation of law in Hafiz Saeed's detention, Pakistan govt tells court
In a written reply submitted to the Lahore high court on Thursday, the Pakistan government defended the detention of the JuD leaders on January 30, saying the action has been taken under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, which deals with the proscription of persons.
- Two women among 3 more held in 2016 Vapi murder
Three more persons have been arrested by the government railway police (GRP) in connection with the murder of a woman, who was thrown on railway track in Surat last year. GRP officials said that the trio had helped the prime accused Mohammed Iqbal Rafiq Sheikh in killing his wife Parveen Sheikh. Iqbal wanted to get rid of his wife as they didn’t get along as a couple. He admitted that he got inspired by a crime show on television to commit the murder.


Sensor of humidity DV-2
The sensor of humidity DV-2 is intended for measurement and control of humidity of air which not aggressive to sensor materials.
Range of temperature of measurement 0-85C
Range of measurement of humidity of air of 0-100%
Error of measurement of 3%
Supply voltages of a direct current 12B
Scheme of connection four-wire
Overall dimensions 73*50*14mm


This work is dripping with lush harmonies that embark on a simple text from Robert Smithdas, a deaf/blind man who has captured the sights and sounds of nightfall as very few can. It should never be rushed, however the use of rubato is encouraged throughout. Although fairly easily sung by a moderately skilled choir, lesser skilled choirs can master this contemporary, yet romantic song that suggests either a spring or summer concert setting, but just as well sung at any time of the year. The oboe obligato can be substituted for flute, however in the right acoustical environment and with an accomplished oboist, it can only enhance the gorgeous step-wise movement of the chorus. This work was dedicated to the Choral Society of Middle Georgia and Paul Gamber, Director. A version which includes a simple piano accompaniment is also available.


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Gujarat Assembly Election Results 2012: Narendra Modi wins from Maninagar
Ahmedabad: Aiming for a hat-trick, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi notched victory in his Maninagar constituency on Thursday by a huge margin.
Modi won from Maninagar Assembly constituency by over 86,373 votes trouncing Congress rival Shweta, the wife of suspended police officer Sanjeev Bhatt. The widely expected victory triggered noisy celebrations by Bharatiya Janata Party supporters.
The constituency is located on the outskirts of Ahmedabad.
Keshubhai Patel, who heads the Gujarat Parivartan Party (GPP), had decided against putting up a candidate in Maninagar to ensure a tough fight for his main rival, Modi of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Riding high on expectation, the Gujarat CM, quoting Swami Vivekananda, had tweeted earlier in the day: "No need of looking behind, FORWARD! We want infinite energy, infinite courage, infinite patience..."
Modi, 62, has ruled Gujarat since October 2001 when he replaced incumbent chief minister Keshubhai Patel.
He became Gujarat`s longest serving chief minister in July 2007 when he completed 2,063 days in office. In December 2007, he led the BJP to victory for the second time in a row.
(With IANS inputs)
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- Akshay Singh's death case: MP CM assures fair probe, lambasts Oppn over Vyapam scam

domain: news


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Govt takes stock of air quality, seeks report on vehicle ban
Delhi chief secretary KK Sharma has directed all officials to work in a time-bound manner on the action plan meant to improve air quality in the Capital.delhi Updated: Apr 05, 2015 01:02 IST
Delhi chief secretary KK Sharma has directed all officials to work in a time-bound manner on the action plan meant to improve air quality in the Capital.
In a meeting with all the secretaries and head of departments, Sharma asked sought a compliance report on the NGT (National Green Tribunal) order, which had imposed a ban on vehicles more than 15 years old in Delhi.
The officials told the chief secretary that the Delhi Pollution Control Committee and two other agencies were monitoring ambient air quality in Delhi at 20 stations. “Efforts have been made in the past to improve ambient air quality in Delhi by taking a number of measures.
However, an increase in population with a consecutive increase in vehicular population, construction activities in Delhi as well as NCR states, meteorological conditions, including horizontal/vertical wind direction/speed, have led to a situation that needs to be tackled at the earliest,” Sharma was told in the meeting.
The environment secretary told Sharma that the Delhi government had formulated an action plan for short-term and long-term measures required to tackle air pollution. Sharma has directed the transport department to come up with realistic data on private vehicles more than 15 years old.
“The transport department has been asked to launch a website for getting information on vehicles 15 years and above, from private owners and update the data base,” said a government spokesperson.
About 28 lakh vehicles are more than 15 years old on the basis of registration data.
First Published: Apr 05, 2015 00:56 IST


Extender™ is a cable managing system allows better arrangement of the cables inside your case. Instead of putting all kinds of connectors on PSU, PSU can now just provide the stand-alone Molex cable for Extender to extends to various connectors that you need, thus giving you more flexibility on arranging your cables and make your system tidy.
T-shape connector (a.k.a. T-connector) is a patented design by HIPER. It is a male-female connector that extends Molex (source) to a Molex as well as other connectors like SATA and floppy through the perpendicular wires.
Originally Extender was the feature of Type R series, later Extender has become one of the significant features of all HIPER mid and top class models.
The following illustration shows how Extender in HPU-4M580 should be connected:
Extender is also available in retail package: HLC-2M1P-15, HLC-2M4S-15, HLC-3M3C-15, HLC-4M2E-15


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- This event has passed.
Think the Supreme Court needs fixing? So do we! Join ACS for an event with Professors Ryan Doerfler of the University of Chicago Law School and Samuel Moyn of Yale Law School regarding their extensive work around democratizing reforms of the Supreme Court. By shifting some of the Court’s considerable power back to the popular legislative process, they believe that the Judiciary can recede from its current outsized role in American politics. Professor Jeff Fisher will serve as the moderator and help guide the initial discussion as well as student Q&A.
Lunch will be served in Crocker Garden starting at 12:45 PM for all those who RSVP by EOD Thursday 2/17. The panel discussion will then take place inside a SLS classroom from 1-2p.

domain: law


A vehicle drove into a house at 12:10 a.m. Sunday morning in Salem, according to Salem Police.
The house was located on the 600 block of West Main Street.
When crews responded, they stabilized the vehicle and extracted the victim from it.
They then transported the passenger to Lewis Gale Hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
More on this story: ABC 13


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May 14, 2020
How Engaging is Your Content Marketing? 5 KPIs to Measure Content Engagement
Do you know how many people genuinely enjoy your content? Sure, you might have a handful of comments and a few people emailing you to say they enjoyed your content. (Even if that’s followed with a guest post pitch.) But are you measuring that content engagement?
Engagement is a key goal for many marketers. It shows the reader is genuinely enjoying the content you’re sharing, and they’re giving their time to act on it—be that with a social share or a subscription to your email list.
The downside? Research has found that getting target customers to engage with a brand is the top challenge for B2B marketers.
You can make that easier by measuring content engagement with these five engagement metrics:
1. Social Shares
A social share means that someone has read your content and gone out of their way to share it with their own network, be that on Twitter, LinkedIn, or a niche forum.
Shelby Rogers of Solodev explains: “Having high levels of engagement shows that your content resonates with people. That means your messaging broke through the noise of infinite scrolling and posts, caught a user’s attention enough for them to like, and made an impact enough for them to comment on your content.”
Related Reading: Lake One’s Guide to LinkedIn Marketing
Or, you can look for social shares on specific platforms by adding your URL into the search bar:
(Research has found that written articles, videos, and images are the three most engaging types of content on social media. You might already be experiencing social shares if those three formats make the bulk of your content strategy.)
2. New Backlinks
The number of backlinks you’re collecting for your website is another important marketing metric to consider to measure content engagement, as Joe Robison of Green Flag Digital explains: “Backlinks drive both referral traffic and show Google your new content is trustworthy, contributing to your overall rankings.”
People only link to other URLs if the site is trustworthy. After all, the goal of SEO is to prove to Google that you’re trustworthy enough to rank well in their search results.
Associating your site with another, high-value one proves that, but if other people are linking to you, they must think you’re authoritative enough to be associated with.
3. Organic Ranking Positions
You can’t get a good search presence if you don’t have a solid army of backlinks pointing to your content.
Once you start building those backlinks, you’ll need to move your attention to another metric to measure content engagement: Your organic ranking positions, which tell you the keywords each piece of content is ranking for (and in what position.)
It goes without saying that you want as many position #1 rankings as possible. But so long as you see the upward trend of more and more organic keywords you’re showing for, it can prove that your content is engaging enough for Google to rank it well. Click here for more on the Dos and Don’ts of B2B SEO.
This is also ideal if you’re using the topic and cluster model, as Stephen Jeske of MarketMuse explains: “Of course, a cluster of pages can’t rank, but you can look at the individual page rankings in the context of the cluster. That can reveal a lot about what is or is not working within that group.”
4. Brand Market Share
Stan Tan of Selby’s, “The end goal [of content marketing] is building a brand so you don’t have to rely on spending money on TV ads, Facebook ads or other forms of advertisements.”
Brand market share is a tactic you can use to measure this. It tells you the percentage of customers in your industry that purchase your products.
You can determine your brand market share with this formula:
|(Your total sales / The industry’s total sales) * 100|
For example: If you make $100,000 per year in an industry that has collectively made $1 million in sales, your brand market share would be 10%.
Again, this metric is best-measured when you compare it over time. Pick a time frame to regularly check-in on how your content affects your brand market share—such as every quarter or once a year. How much market share did you grow by?
5. Qualified Leads
There are two types of leads that marketing departments want to report on:
- Marketing Qualified Lead (MQL): A person that fits the buyer persona and has similar qualities to their typical customer.
- Sales Qualified Lead (SQL): An MQL that’s been passed to sales reps, who’ve confirmed that they’re a potential customer.
Related Reading: Best B2B Lead Gen Tools
You should keep an eye on these metrics—not by setting a figure amount to reach each month, but by monitoring how they change over time. This change can be another indication of content performance and engagement.
For example: Do you get more SQLs after publishing a long-form piece of content? Does the topic of your content influence how many SQLs you get that week? Which type of content has the best MQL to SQL conversion rate?
Summarizing, Casie Ost of Beacons Point adds: “You can bring new eyes to your website, but the only way to get ROI from your efforts is to turn them into paying customers. Therefore, if you focus on tracking metrics of your qualified leads, whether it be a MQL or SQL, those are the key metrics client’s will really want to see.”
Content marketing is one of the most difficult marketing channels to track. And whilst everyone visiting your content might not hit the “purchase” button on their first visit, you can use these metrics to determine whether they’ll end up there.
But the benefits of engaging content go beyond that initial purchase. A report by Gallup found that B2B companies retain fully engaged customers more than others by 27%. (And we’ve all seen the statistics on how much cheaper it is to retain an existing customer than acquire a new one.)
Use these metrics to track and measure content engagement. Always use them as a benchmark when trying new tactics, and figure the perfect formula for a piece of content that encourages the reader to take action.


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Look for Our Mother and Our Father
Imagine you have spent your life in the middle of a dust storm, and the air finally clears. Now you can clearly see things that you had not even realized were distorted… This book questions everything we think we know, everything we think we have learned through the natural and social sciences, every theory proposed by our philosophers and theologians, and everything taught to us by our culture.
- Anonymous, December 2010
- Download options:
- EPUB 2 (DRM-Free)
You can read this item using any of the following Kobo apps and devices:

domain: library


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Chandigarh, Feb 8 (PTI) A woman from Rajasthan was allegedly raped by an autorickshaw driver and his accomplice in Haryana's Rewari district, police said on Monday.
The woman and her husband, both aged around 27 years, boarded an autorickshaw from the Rewari bus stand on Saturday for Neemrana, about 38 km away. An accomplice of the driver was also present in the vehicle.
Police said the auto driver offered to drop the couple at Neemrana, Rajasthan, as they had been waiting to catch a bus for some time.
The woman lodged a complaint with the police last Saturday, stating that the autorickshaw driver took a different route on the highway and later the two suspects raped her at a secluded place.
'A rape case has been registered in the incident. We have identified the two accused and are hopeful of arresting them soon,' Bawal Deputy Superintendent of Police Rajesh Kumar said over the phone. PTI SUN HMB


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The Upgraded Slotastic Mobile Casino Experience
Slotastic! Online Casino has made it possible to enjoy your favorite mobile casino games wherever you happen to be. The use of mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones has grown in popularity. Players at Slotastic Casino will not find themselves lacking in quantity or quality by the mobile casino offerings provided by this casino. The casino has recently announced new upgrades to the mobile casino, which can result in a better experience for everyone playing mobile games. This is due to the upgraded software interface available to player, which makes it possible to take the fun where you happen to be.
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Slotastic! Online Casino has released information on how they saw the importance of meeting the demand of its players and to keep up with the ever changing technology available in the mobile casino industry. It was shown that mobile casinos are quickly surpassed other ways of playing games in the casino. More players have been found to use mobile casino technology compared to a computer with instant play. The amount of people playing in mobile casinos have also started to exceed to people who prefer to download casino software to play games. As the needs and requirements of consumers have changed, mobile casinos have had to respond. There are also a lot more of online casinos offering mobile platforms and this has increased the level of competition among them. Naturally, Slotastic Casino also recently upgraded their mobile casino platform to keep ahead of the game - to not just meet the demands, but also exceed them. This is a way for mobile casino to not only retain customers, but also attract new customers.
According to the casino, the new interface and mobile software update has resulted in the mobile gaming process at Slotastic! Casino becoming more seamless and integrated with software providers such as RealTime Gaming. Players will soon begin to realize the new features available to them with an updated interface. The casino already has many different ways their casino technology can be enjoyed. For example, players can use a desktop computer or a tablet to play games. Using a mobile phone is also an option. With these recent changes, Slotastic Casino players can see new games being added frequently to the mobile casino. This is expected to happen on a monthly basis. This will also include new online slots and other casino games to play at Slotastic Casino. Players who enjoy the desktop version of the computer will be happy their favorite slot games will be converted to mobile versions for them to play anywhere. The casino plans to offer both desktop and mobile versions with will result in a higher amount of slots games for mobile devices. Slotastic Casino players can already experience what this new upgraded mobile casino experience will be like, especially with the new mobile casino design.
Those of you who have not experienced the new Slotastic Casino mobile casino interface are probably wondering what to expect. Well, one of the highlights of this new upgrade is being able to play casino games without having to rotate your screen. Mobile casino games at Slotastic Casino can now be played in portrait mode. This makes it easier to enjoy your mobile casino slots without having to rotate the screen or first change the settings for the display. Anyone who has had problems without viewing games on their mobile device in the past at other mobile casinos, can now enjoy gameplay that is more clear and easier to navigate. Players will be better able to see if their game has loaded. This reduces the time between signing in and then starting to spin the reels. There is also an upgraded configuration section as the in-game menu where players can visit the cashier, receive help or choose Autoplay or Turbo Play for games. At the present, the Slotastic mobile casino is testing out the popular slots such as Builder Beaver, Fucanglong, Aztec's Millions, and Achilles Slots in the new portrait mode display. Other slots such as Caesar's Empire and Bubble Bubble can also be played in portrait mode.
Play Slotastic! Casino Mobile Games
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domain: game


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Dozens – maybe even more - children are currently living out on the streets, sleeping in squats and living in atrocious conditions. Officially they are known as unaccompanied minors. This week four aid organisations joined forces to draw attention to their plight.
“The exact number of these children is hard to map out” says Anne-Sophie Loobuyck of MSF.
Caroline Vrijens adds: “Aid workers say they are getting younger and younger. Many are youngsters from North Africa, from Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria. Social media posts may have encouraged them to come to Belgium. Gangs are also recruiting them.”
Little is known about the avenues they take to arrive here. The children’s rights commissioner says that is a subject that needs to be researched. The gangs that encourage them to come to Belgium then enlist their services as thieves.
”The Convention on the Rights of the Child requires Belgium to protect them against exploitation and violence” says Vrijens. “Just removing the children from the street is not a good idea because they are used to that kind of life”.
“You need to tailor a solution to their needs. It’s important there are centres that the children can visit freely and where they receive aid.”
“A central body needs to decide who should co-ordinate action to tackle this problem. Several public bodies are involved: the justice department, the health and well-being department as well as youth care. We need to work together across all levels.”

domain: sociology


text:
Not listening to anything?
Try one of the ReverbNation Channels
Hey there Alex, just stopping by to show our support. Really enjoyed your songs. Keep up the great work! ~Suthurn Swaggur
Thanks!!! I'll have to go check out your stuff! XO
Enjoyed listening great vocals and sound keep up the good work
"Searching" sweet track Alex !!! Peace, LCB/jeffrey
Hey peeps! Come join me on the Official Alex Cartwright Twitter Fan Page!
Stay in the LOOP by following us @acartwrightfans and @AlexLCartwright
Enjoyed listening, keep on groovin!!!
Greetings from Bavaria. Best wishes :)
Alex, c'est bien chez toi! ! like it!
Merci! Je suis si heureux que tu l'aimes. (Je parle un peu français)
Hello there darlin'! Just stopping by to show some love on your page and thank you for your support! I appreciate you helping me spread the word! I love 'Pure Unadulterated Me'....catchy! I look forward to meeting you in person at some point! Have a wonderful day!
With Love In Music,
www.JoyCollinsMusic.com -sign up on mailing list
and subscribe to my you tube channel countrymusicsongs4u :)
Wonderful stuff-great luck to you
Good stuff, keep up the good work!
eMinor, Inc. (c) 2013

domain: artistic


According to the generally reliable Auto Bilde, BMW’s planning on offering the next generation 5 Series (out in late 2016) with a version of the company’s new 3 cylinder. With the 1.5L pumping out over 220 hp in the i8 it’s safe to assume that it will take the place of the lower powered four cylinders within the line-up.
Also mentioned in the article is the next generation M5. According to the publication BMW M is aiming for more than 600 hp via a twin-turbo V8 similar to the S63Tü. Corralling all of that power will be an optional xDrive system developed by M. Given the increased traction we’d expect 0-60 times to improve dramatically to under 3.5 seconds compared to the current which is closer to 4.


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To create the highly-prized shapes that topiaries are famous for, only a few plants make the cut. Find out what these are and how to choose the right one for your garden in this guide.
Choosing topiary trees for beginners
First things first, topiaries must be evergreen. That’s because evergreen plants maintain their leaves all year. The deciduous trees, on the other hand, drop their leaves in the autumn. From there, you should get to know the various styles, sizes and shapes that are available. Discover some of the best-selling varieties below.
Photinia Red Robin Topiaries
Potted Photinia ‘Red Robin’ Multistem No. 393
We love the name and look of this plant. The Red Robin gets its name from its gorgeous, shiny-red tinted leaves in spring and summer. It’s a great way to add a sophisticated, fiery appearance against the cooler green shades in your garden. As for their shape, they make a great formal geometric hedge, or can be potted with a circular or oval cloud.
Why choose the Red Robin?
- Affordable and easy to maintain
- Can withstand British winters when mature (stays hardy even between -15 and -10°C!)
- They love the sun, but partial shade is also fine.
Which Red Robin should you choose?
There are various varieties for you to choose from. Your choice may boil down to what looks best, or you might want one that requires the least effort to maintain its shape.
Let’s look at your options:
The traditional Red Robin is the most common option and can grow as high as six metres. However, if you want something smaller, we recommend the Little Red Robin or the Red Robin Compacta. The latter variety will grow to two metres and have even brighter red leaves for you to enjoy.
Whether you want a small or large statement piece for your garden, browse your options.
Cupressus Goldcrest Topiaries
x4 Potted Cupressus Goldcrest Spiral
The Cupressus is ideal for fashioning into a neat spiral. They’re fantastic for placing at door entrances, to line pathways or as a statement piece in your garden. It thrives in sunny, warm areas with well-drained soil.
Why choose the Cupressus Goldcrest?
This evergreen conifer is a popular choice for gardens due to its year-round, bright lime-yellow foliage, upright narrow shape and low maintenance requirements.
- Suitable for hedging, screening and as an architectural plant in various garden types.
- Can tolerate dry conditions once established.
- It requires minimal pruning and can be left to grow naturally or pruned in late spring to control its height and spread.
We hope this guide has given you some food for thought on which topiaries would work for your garden design. Shop exquisite topiaries online at Olive Grove today for inspiration.

domain: design


Consumer bureau nominee Richard Cordray backed by 37 state AGs
This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.
Attorneys general from 37 states and U.S. territories urged senators to confirm the nomination of their former colleague, Richard Cordray, to be the first director of the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
The nomination of Cordray, Ohio’s attorney general from 2009 to 2011, has been stalled in the Senate because of Republican demands for major changes in the structure of the agency. But the attorneys general -- including eight Republicans -- urged senators to vote for Cordray because he is ‘both brilliant and balanced.’
‘Some of us may disagree with aspects of the Dodd-Frank legislation,’ they wrote in a letter Tuesday on the letterhead of the National Assn. of Attorneys General. ‘But we are united in our belief that Mr. Cordray is very well qualified to carry out the responsibilities of this position.’
One of the Republicans who signed the letter, Utah Atty. Gen. Mark Shurtleff, said it was important to get a director confirmed who could start working with states on mortgages and other key issues.
‘We need Rich Cordray in there,’ Shurtleff told reporters on a conference call organized by the White House. ‘He knows us, knows how to work with us.’
The Senate Banking Committee approved Cordray’s nomination this month on a 12-10 party line vote. This spring, nearly all Senate Republicans -- enough to keep the nomination from moving forward -- publicly vowed to block any nominee to head the agency unless the Obama administration agreed to water down its power by making some key changes.
For example, the Republicans want to replace the agency’s single director with a five-member, bipartisan commission and subject its annual budget to the appropriations process.
Republicans have said they have no particular problem with Cordray, but simply want the consumer bureau to be more accountable.
Brian Deese, deputy director of the White House National Economic Council, told reporters that the letter showed Cordray was highly qualified and that Senate Republicans should stop blocking his confirmation to a job that is crucial to the financial reform law enacted last year.
‘The creation of a single agency that could look out for consumers was unique and significant, but in order to make good on the promise of that legislation and that idea we need to put a confirmed director in place,’ Deese said. ‘There just simply is no reason why we shouldn’t move forward.’
-- Jim Puzzanghera


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A Photographic Guide to Birds of Jamaica and the West Indies
A country of huge scenic diversity, Peru is a birdwatcher's paradise and a popular tourist destination. In constant competition with its neighbours Colombia and Ecuador as to which country can claim the highest number of species, Peru is home to about 1800 different types. This book features 252 of Peru's most interesting and spectacular birds.
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domain: hobby


This jacket is 100% windproof, thanks to the PTFE membrane. The Outer fabric repels water and the inner fleece retains body heat. Specially designed for police. As a result, covers torso and waist of patrol officers wearing a duty belt and gun holster. But this jacket also allows easy access to belt accessories and the firearm at either side through zippers and snaps. Highly breathable PTFE membrane and underarm ventilations regulates body temperature. In addition, a detachable lining provides extra insulation and a removable tail keeps the back side out of the wind and cold.


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BESTIVAL AT GOLDSMITHS – THIS FRIDAY – FREE TO ATTEND
MUSIC. ARTS. CULTURE.
THREE AMAZING STAGES: THE COLLEGE GREEN / THE QUAD / PUREGOLD X FLAME THROWA
AUDIO VISUAL DELIGHTS AND TANTALIZING TREATS: PUREGOLD DJS / WIRED RADIO DJS / GOLDSMITHS UNDERGRAD ART SHOW
STREET FOOD / BOLLYWOOD COCKTAIL BAR
THE GREAT HALL: GHOSTPOET / ROSIE LOWE / NOCTURNE
THE STUDENT UNION: DISCIPLES / AMY BECKER / ROB DA BANK / GOLDIEROCKS
FREE DAYTIME LECTURE PROGRAMME: KANYA KING / ROB DA BANK / SUNDAY BEST / SIMPLE THINGS FIELD MANEUVERS / ROSIE LOWE / FEMME / REEPS ONE GOLDIEROCKS / JENNIFER OTTER BICKERDIKE / MATTHEW HERBERT AND MANY MORE
CURZON GOLDSMITHS CINEMA SHOWINGS: PURPLE RAIN / 20,000 DAYS ON EARTH
On Friday 17th June, Bestival, the UK’s official Best Major Festival, will team up with Goldsmiths, University of London to host a unique public celebration of music, arts and culture.
Free to enter from midday Friday until 11pm, Bestival at Goldsmiths will bring the excitement of one of the world’s best festivals to the heart of London, transforming the university’s New Cross campus into a wonderland of art, culture and performance across three spectacular stages, The College Green, PureGold X Flame Throwa and The Quad. Showcasing Goldsmiths homegrown talent, expect a troupe of musical pioneers, spoken word artists, disco freaks and innovative harlequins. Kings of musical delights, Wired Radio DJs will be laying on the beats on the green throughout the day, joined by Goldsmiths’ jewels, PureGold DJs. Dance on down and indulge in exquisite beverages from Bollywood Cocktail Bar, scrumptious street food and the innovative Goldsmiths Undergrad Art Show – don’t miss the incredible free festivities!
Friday evening will see Goldsmiths’ campus become a festoon arcadia of striking colour and sound for two exclusive ticketed events featuring Ghostpoet, Rosie Lowe and Nocturne in the Great Hall, with Disciples dropping beats at The Stretch accompanied by Amy Becker, Rob da Bank, Goldierocks, Wired Radio and PureGold DJs.
Bestival Curator Rob da Bank says: “What a fantastic collaboration for us! Josie and I met at Goldsmiths when we were young and reckless 18-year-olds and had an amazing four years there together hatching many of the creative plans and madcap ideas that have forged our careers in party-starting and mass gathering creations. We’re very proud to come back a few years later with some of our musical mates and some inspiring talks and performance. I hope you can join us.”
A thought-provoking programme of lectures and talks chaired by some of Goldsmiths most eminent alumni and academics, and will also run throughout the day. Collaborating with Goldsmiths’ onsite cinema Curzon Goldsmiths, there will be themed screenings to echo the event. Current students will also be curating spaces across campus.
For more information, please head to: www.bestivalatgoldsmiths.net
Tickets: College Green, Forecourt, Quad
The Great Hall Adult – £20 + BF
The Stretch (The Student Union) Adult – £12


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Thanks for sharing the Fusion 360 file, nice work!
I changed the Fusion 360 file (Modify -> Change parameters) to accommodate 7/16 wooden dowels (11.2mm). I used an M3 bolt instead of an M6 bolt. I also lengthened the top support from 135mm to 180mm.
Next step: I've remixed (cut & combined) the central portion to eliminate the two short dowels and the M6 bolt, will post after it prints.


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Chinese new year traditions Mauritius
Chinese New Year Spring Festival History and Traditions
Chinese New Year also known as Spring Festival is wrapped in great history, traditions and rituals. This year the Chinese New Year begins on February 3rd. This one is especially for the people who have been long intrigued by the history and the traditions behind the Chinese New Year. The history and traditions are very [...]Original Post at: Chinese New Year Spring Festival History and Traditions - To subscribe to our Daily News section, click here.
03 Feb 2011, Island Crisis

domain: history


With March 21 literally around the corner, Census 2021 is in full swing in Boston.
The letters, with your unique access codes, have all gone out and responses are already coming in.
“A successful census will help give the best picture of the needs of everyone living in England and Wales,” Iain Bell, deputy national statistician at Office for National Statistics, said.
“It helps us understand what our society needs now and what it will likely need in the future. We’ve had a fantastic response so far, with so many of you completing the questionnaire on your laptops, phones and computers.
“It takes just 10 minutes per person to take part and if you can’t get online, there are paper forms available for those who need them. Now is the time to make your mark on history.”
Operating in line with the Government’s latest Covid-19 guidance, field officers will be deployed across the country to contact those who have not responded. They will offer help and advice to those who need it. They will also remind people that their census response is required by law.
This census is the most inclusive yet. Everyone can identify as they wish using search as you type online and write-in options on paper if they need it.
The questionnaire includes questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. And, for the first time, there will be a question asking people whether they have served in the armed forces, as well as voluntary questions for those aged 16 and over on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations.
To complete your census, and to find out how you can get help, please visit census.gov.uk or call 0800 141 2021.


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Just like certain (healthy) foods make you feel good and happy, foods can also make your moods change for the worse.
High Sugar Treats
Doughnuts, cookies and other high sugar treats cause a quick rush, then a crash. Avoid them! They lack fiber and other nutrients that help slow down digestion.
This might be hard if you’re like me and have a HUGE weakness for brownies and other baked sweets, but try to steer clear from them. Think about how you’ll feel afterward. Grab an apple, instead.
Foods high in saturated fats
These foods might taste good, but I know I feel pretty gross after I eat them, especially bacon!
Try to eat unsaturated fats such as nuts, and olive, canola or nut oil.
These artery-clogging fats hide in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, which are commonly used at restaurants for frying and in baked goods.
The evil fats hide in…
- Pizza crusts
- Hamburger buns
- Processed foods
Researchers found in a recent study that trans fats make people more prone to depression and anxiety, anti-social behavior and feelings of malaise and exhaustion. They also found that those who consumed more trans fats scored lower on measures of mental healthy, social functioning and daily functioning.
Try your best to avoid these fats by eating more at home, and make sure you’re using healthy cooking oils, like olive or nut oils. And stay away from processed foods!
Feelin’ fat and happy? I didn’t think so. Consuming big portions may seem like a good idea at the time– when you’re hungry and the food tastes good– but be careful. Soon after you finish, you won’t be feeling too great.
Large feasts will leave you feeling dissatisfied because they take so long for your body to digest, which means less blood for your brain and muscles.
Stay energized by eating five to six small, healthy meals a day. Try to eat three main meals of no more than 400 to 600 calories each, plus two 200-to-300 calorie snacks). Make sure you’re eating your fruits and vegetables, along with those whole grains! And don’t forget about protein, either!
A healthy tip: Drink two cups of water before eating. Researchers suggest this will make you feel fuller faster, and a study found that you will consume 75 to 90 fewer calories per meal. (It really does make you feel fuller faster, too!)
Too much caffeine or alcohol
Caffeinated drinks, like coffee, have healthy benefits, but don’t go overboard. I know from personal experience that too much caffeine can make you feel nauseous and just plain gross!
Drinking too much alcohol will put you at a greater risk for cancers, high blood pressure, stroke and heart failure.
Think twice before you indulge. It can be hard to do, but just think of how you’ll feel afterward. No one likes being in a bad mood.
Stay happy. Don’t let the kind of food you eat bring you down.

domain: food


I obtained my doctoral degree (PhD) of engineering at the University of Leuven, Belgium. My research focused on improving the privacy of the citizen with cryptography. I'm currently working at the research team of Smals, which provides IT services to Belgian governmental organizations. Every day, I continue my quest for improving privacy with cryptography, which has become even more relevant since the GDPR has come into force.
At Smals, I developed a deep understanding of blockchain and, more general, distributed ledger technology (DLT). My academic background in cryptography and privacy turned out to be a perfect match, since it helps me to approach this young and heavily hyped concept in a scientific and balanced way.
Meanwhile, I have built up many years of expertise, which I use to:
by devising advanced & creative solutions
proposals on their privacy, security, scalability, ...
You are starting to be the [blockchain] reference in Belgium.Vincent (professor)
Kristof is the only person I have met so far who effectively masters the blockchain technology.Pieter
Smals (Belgian Government)
I am part of the research team of Smals, which provides IT services to Belgian governmental institutions.
I stimulate innovation by inventing and applying novel cryptographic concepts, by giving advise and by doing knowledge transfer such as seminars.
The last years, my main occupations were:
Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT)
Anonymisation and pseudonymisation of PII (Personal Identifiable Information)
Some of my activities are:
I introduced the first technical knowledge about blockchain and smart contracts into the Belgian federal government.
I advise and coach several governmental organization in a technology-neutral way and I'm involved in several government projects. For instance, I'm technical expert in the Validata project, which has been initiated by the Flemish government.
In 2004 I obtained a Master in Informatics (with distinction) with a thesis entitled: "Group and Ring Signatures", which are two related cryptographic primitives to create digital signatures in the name of a group.
In 2009, I was awarded, as PhD student, the Best Paper Award at SECRYPT, the international conference on security and cryptography for my paper: Service and Timeframe Dependent Unlinkable One-Time Pseudonyms.
In 2011, I obtained my PhD of Engineering with a dissertation entitled: “Improving privacy in applications by managing the disclosure of personal properties”. The aim was to develop and facilitate the development of applications whereby the certified personal user data that are being disclosed to the service provider are minimized, while the latter still has sufficient information and guaranties to offer its services. Today, this is called self-sovereign identity. One of the key cryptographic tools in my research were attribute-based credentials, as well as the underlying zero-knowledge proofs.
The list of my academic publications can be found here.
During my time at the university, I have been teaching various courses for various student groups and I have been coaching theses of several master students, of which two obtained later a PhD as well. Occasionaly, there is still collabaration between the University of Leuven and me at Smals. I coached, for instance, during the academic year 2016-2017 a master student on his thesis "Kruisen van persoonsgegevens met
maximale bescherming van de privacy (Linking together Personal Identifiable Data with Maximal Protection of the Privacy)".
In 2015 I passed flawlessly the online Coursera course Cryptography I offered by professor Dan Boneh, Stanford University.


text:
Divorce Party Ideas
Celebrate the first step into your next chapter when you host a divorce party at Howl at the Moon. Featuring tons of ways to host a divorce party that lets you celebrate the way you always wanted, Howl Denver comes complete with plenty of space for your night to unfold in, delicious drinks and a dueling pianos show like none other. Denver divorce parties start off in unforgettable fashion when you celebrate at Howl at the Moon. Book your reservation and let’s get this unforgettable night started!
Heading up to Howl at the Moon’s bar is a staple at celebrations like this! Our bartenders know how to keep divorce parties howlin’, ready with an awesome selection of beers and a drink menu loaded with shots, cocktails and our jaw-dropping 86 oz. buckets of booze. Private parties at Howl at the Moon can even add a custom drink package with tons of favorites to sip on all night.
This divorce party is about to reach its peak — Howl at the Moon’s band is ready to take the stage! Our musicians rock nights out in unbelievable fashion, bringing a dueling pianos show featuring the biggest hit songs and the crowd’s best requests all night long. Once your crew is howlin’ loud enough, we will bring even more excitement to the stage with more Howl Denver musicians joining in on guitars, drums and more for a live music experience beyond belief. Denver divorce parties become unforgettable celebrations of things to come wen they are celebrated at Howl at the Moon.
“Such a good time! Love the staff and the environment!”
“Fun time, good drinks, check this place out!!!”

domain: entertainment


text:
When the best athletes in the world gather to compete next to each other on the global stage, the hundredths of a second between them making and missing the podium comes down to the gear they use.
While the Winter Olympics showcase some of the greatest athletes, the games are also introducing the world to some high-tech equipment. Obviously Sochi has some low-tech accommodations compared to U.S. standards—or perhaps their so deceivingly high-tech that American bobsled team member Johnny Quinn has to hulk though doors in order to open them. (It’s plausible… After all, this is the country that sent Sputnik into orbit. Surely they can manufacture properly working doors and elevators with the $51 billion they spent on the games). Aside from the brown water, odd plumbing/ toilet placements and somewhat shady locking systems, the games are pretty technologically advanced. In fact, the XXII Olympic Winter Games are considered the most “technologically complex, data-intensive Games ever.” From security advancements like facial recognition monitors at the airports to tracking devices such as GPS and finish line sensors and especially the broadcasts, which aren’t only being shown on television, but streamed to computers, smartphones and tablets worldwide, technology is propelling these games more so than ever before. But, for the athletes, the most important technology comes down to the gear they’re using. This Two for Tuesday, we’ll look at two technological advances bringing Team USA closer to the podium before the races even begin.
State of the Art Sleds
Before the men won the gold in 2010 for the four man bobsled event, the last time the United States bobsled team won a gold medal, the late Shirley Temple was beginning her childhood acting career. Over three-quarters of a century later, and engineers have set the U.S. up for a number of events. For years, countries like Japan, Germany and the United Kingdom have relied on big name innovators and designers such as Formula One, Ferrari and McLaren to manufacture cutting-edge sleds for their teams. For these games, the U.S. commissioned BMW to engineer new sleds for the bobsled, luge and skeleton events. Thus far, the investment has not disappointed as, Erin Hamlin won the first singles luge Olympic medal (bronze) in the nation’s history.
Even if athletes don’t podium, the update wasn’t a complete waste: the luge and skeleton equipment team USA used in the last Olympics was 12 to 15 years old. Anyone who witnessed the 1988 Olympics (or the film Cool Runnings) knows what can happen when racers compete with sub-par sleds.
A First-Place Fabric
This year, Team USA unveiled their new skintight speed skating uniforms by Under Armour. In conjunction with Lockheed Martin, a leader in aerospace technology, Under Armour created and outfitted US speedskaters with what is said to be the fasted speedskating uniform available, The Mach 39. In order to reduce drag, Lockheed Martin used computer modeling and three hundred hours of wind tunnel testing to create the suit’s aerodynamic skeleton. Through additional testing, Under Armour concluded that in order to construct the most aerodynamic suits, they needed to use several strategically-placed fabrics and materials, rather than using just one fabric. So far, no Team USA speedskater has medaled. Two-time Olympic medalist J.R. Celski just missed the podium yesterday for the 1500m Short Track. See the Americans and The Mach 39 in action during the speedskating events.
Obviously technology is the talk of the town in Sochi. But, as the malfunctioning snowflake in the opening ceremonies shows, technology isn’t always reliable. To really go for gold, athletes will have to have the skill set as well as quality gear.
[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://wpmaster.sjadv.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2013/02/Cassandra-Bremer-Our-Space-Photo-e1402061863316.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Cassandra is a Content Manager and Developer at SJG. She earned her BA from Fontbonne University in 2011. Outside the office, she enjoys an active, healthy and well-rounded lifestyle including reading, writing, running, golfing, watching films, listening to music, taking photographs, and consuming media and social media.[/author_info] [/author]


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Can YOU tell if the Union Jack is the right way up? More than half of Brits do not know when the nation's flag is being flown upside down
- Most Britons struggle to identify the correct way to hang the UK flag
- When shown two images, only 45 per cent chose the right option
- The key to working out the correct answer is to look at the top left corner
- There is also a raging debate about the correct name for the British flag
It's the ultimate icon of Britishness, but most UK citizens can't tell when the Union Jack is being flown the right way.
A new survey has found that 55 per cent of Brits struggle to identify the correct way to hang the red, white and blue standard.
When shown two images, one showing a flag being flown correctly and another upside, only 45 per cent were able to choose the right option.
So can YOU tell which flag is correct? Answer is below
Topsy-turvy: A new YouGov survey has revealed most Brits can't tell when the UK flag is upside down
Fiendish flags: When shown two images, one showing a flag being flown correctly and another upside, only 45 per cent were able to choose the right option
The correct flag is option A
One third of respondents chose the wrong answer while another 22 per cent said they didn't know which was correct, according to YouGov.
HOW TO WORK IT OUT
The key to working out the correct answer is to look at the top corner.
When the flag is flown correctly, the thick white bar in the top corner closest to the flagpole should be along the top edge of the flag.
There is also a raging debate about the correct name for the British flag.
Almost half of Brits believe 'Union Jack' is the only proper name while some suggest that term should be reserved for when the flag is being flown from a ship.
About a quarter of Britons say 'Union Flag' is the correct name, according to the survey.
However, the document Flying Flags in the United Kingdom, produced by Parliament’s Flags & Heraldry Committee in conjunction with the Flag Institute, says both names are allowed.
Tricky: One third of respondents chose the wrong answer while another 22 per cent said they didn't know which was correct, according to YouGov
Some 16 per cent of respondents knew that both terms can accurately be used to refer to the flag.
And even those who should know better don't always get it right.
In February last year, Brussels bureaucrats were left red-faced after it emerged the Union Jack had been flown upside down outside the European Parliament while PM David Cameron was holding talks inside.
In 2012, the flag was raised the wrong way up above the EU Parliament in Strasbourg.
Fuming mad: There is also a raging debate about the correct name for the British flag
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Published by The Lawfare Institute
in Cooperation With
2018 represented a sharp departure from previous years in terms of the sheer number of jihadist attacks in the West. Though attacks in Western Europe and North America were on a steady rise prior to this year, in 2018 they plunged, and jihadist attacks in the West in 2018 were fairly unsophisticated and significantly less lethal. Meanwhile, declines in other indicators traditionally used to assess the strength of the jihadist movement—numbers of arrests and individuals departing for conflict zones to fight alongside jihadist groups—point to an overall stagnation in jihadist activities in Western Europe and North America.
That is not to say that the threat is gone. Officials in most Western countries continue to monitor large pockets of support for the Islamic State and, more broadly, jihadist ideology. From the perspective of European and American law enforcement, many of these pockets, which range from isolated fanboys to structured networks, could be potentially ready to activate themselves and carry out attacks. And, despite efforts by major social media providers, jihadism still thrives online and as a subculture among some disenfranchised Western Muslims.
Nonetheless, the territorial collapse of the Islamic State had a major impact on jihadist activities in the West. This decline—paired with a relative surge in right wing extremism in many Western countries—is leading authorities to partially refocus resources from jihadism to other security challenges, such as different forms of extremism, cybersecurity and information warfare. But any reassessment of how best to tackle terrorism in 2019 after the relative lull of 2018 should include a consideration of what lessons have been learned in terms of countering and understanding extremism over the last few years. In particular, it is worth revisiting the pre-2011 environment to understand what may be in store. To some degree, the current situation is reminiscent of 2011, when the death of Osama bin Laden, a lull in terrorist attacks in the West, optimism about the early days of the Arab Spring and the general fatigue after a decade of War on Terror led many to think that the jihadist threat was on the decline, if not completely evaporated, in the West.
This assessment, fairly widespread in 2011, proved dramatically incorrect in the following years, as the Islamic State and other jihadist groups fighting in the Syrian civil war attracted some 6,000 Western foreign fighters and inspired an even larger number of sympathizers. Many Western policymakers initially failed to see the long-term security implications of the jihadist mobilization to Syria. In some cases, officials held the view that travel to Syria by foreign fighters was preferable, buying into the axiom that “if they fight over there, they don’t kill us here.” It became dramatically clear in the following years that the presence of Western foreign fighters in Syria and Iraq triggered various problematic dynamics. Not only, in fact, did foreign fighters exacerbate the conflict, but many of them planned, instigated and executed dozens of terrorist attacks in Europe and North America. The recognition that conflicts provide fuel to the fire of radicalization—particularly those that have a high symbolic value and are relatively easy for foreign fighters to join—should guide policymakers in the coming years. The lesson may prove particularly important in light of the forthcoming withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria and from other conflict zones in the region as well.
Similarly, in 2011 collective knowledge on the process of radicalization was extremely limited. Over the last few years, terrorism scholars and practitioners alike have devoted enormous attention to trying to understand why individuals radicalize. The results of these efforts are admittedly modest. Most agree that radicalization is a complex and highly individualized process and that there is no common profile of a “radicalized” individuals. Beyond these points, there is little consensus. But the flurry of radicalization theories demonstrates the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, suggesting that a better understanding of radicalization is crucial to prevent and reverse it. While those in the field no longer place as much value on traditional models based exclusively on socio-economic analyses, theories based in psychology and social networks have gained ground.
This research and the corresponding multidisciplinary approach, though it represents a greatly expanded body of knowledge, is still in its early stages. Despite the lull in attacks and decreased attention paid to jihadism, it should be expanded to improve radicalization prevention and de-radicalization efforts in coming years. Moreover, many of the lessons learned with jihadist radicalization are likely to prove useful when dealing with other ideologies.
The last seven years also show that, without effective management, prisons can be potential incubators of radicalization. Among militants aligned with the Islamic State, high percentages (in some European countries, more than 60 percent) possessed a criminal background. For many of these individuals, the redemptive conversion from street thug to holy warrior took place behind bars. This trend is not entirely new: Since the 1990s, in fact, authorities in most Western countries have struggled with the phenomenon of charismatic inmates radicalizing fellow prisoners. But in some countries, the challenge may metastasize in the immediate future: the large numbers of arrests related to the Islamic State in recent years have led to the incarceration of an unprecedented number of radicalized individuals throughout Europe and, to a lesser degree, the United States. Resources and expertise are needed to prevent the “ideological contagion” of the larger prison population and to attempt, when possible, to deradicalize those detained for terrorism.
During the Islamic State-related mobilization, a great deal of popular reporting focused on the role of online propaganda and networks in facilitating radicalization. While it would be highly incorrect to think that most people radicalize solely online—or, similarly, that the Islamic State attracted tens of thousands of supporters in the West only because of its slick social media presence—it is undeniable that digital communications played an unprecedented role in the latest mobilization. Since 2011, there have been major developments in contrasting online jihadism. Governments and internet companies have at times held divergent positions, and the desire to protect free speech has often clashed with security concerns. Nonetheless, increased (though highly imperfect) government-industry cooperation has succeeded in marginalizing extremist material, pushing content and accounts that promulgate such material from major platforms like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube onto lesser-known online platforms. While these smaller platforms do not enjoy the same audience as their better-known counterparts, the downside is that some utilize encryption and are more difficult for law enforcement to monitor. Eliminating online terrorist content is a chimera—but the ongoing effort to marginalize it must adapt and continue into the future.
Across the board, it is imperative that legal systems are up to speed in countering new developments of the threat. Many challenges from the last few years stem from the fact that most Western countries’ terrorism laws were unprepared to cope with the quantitative increase and qualitative shifts in radicalization—a deficiency whose side effects will linger for years to come. For example, at the outset of the recent mobilization, many European countries did not have laws criminalizing participation in a terrorist organization abroad. Even in those countries in which such laws existed, prosecuting terrorism financing and bringing evidence from a battlefield to a civilian court are often difficult. As a result, of the over 1,000 foreign fighters from EU member states who returned to their native countries, only a small percentage have been prosecuted. Moreover, though national and transnational cooperation mechanisms have improved significantly, the last few years clearly demonstrated that inadequate legal tools constitute a major challenge to effective counterterrorism.
Many unpredictable factors will shape the next phase of jihadism in the West. It is unclear whether there will be another conflict as attractive as Syria was in the early 2010s, what the future will hold for the Islamic State and whether al-Qaeda or other groups will emerge or re-emerge as leaders of the global jihadist movement. These events are largely beyond the control of Western policymakers and counter-terrorism apparatuses. But Western countries can and should learn from the experiences of the last few years to adapt to the current threat and preemptively prepare for future challenges.


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The right, created by provisions of federal tax laws, given to married couples who file joint returns to have their combined incomes subject to anincome taxat a rate equal to that which would be imposed if each had filed a separate return for one-half the amount of their combined income.
Income splitting was devised as a result of legislation enacted by Congress in 1948 to equalize the federal taxation of married couples who lived in common-law states and who paid higher taxes than couples who lived in community property states and, as a result, have the tax benefits of income splitting.
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