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|Reviews for Battlefield|
| Rukii Dragon chapter 2 . 7/14/2009
I love your writing! Also I hope your mom will be okay.
| paris chapter 2 . 7/14/2009
great chapter and I'm sorry to hear about your mom.i hope she feels better
| Silverspoon chapter 2 . 7/14/2009
Once again, I wish your mum a speedy and full recovery. I hope you are all holding up well at home.
Giles' story was very sad and touching, I especially liked the song choice for this chapter. Buffy's thoughts as they walked through the graveyard were also extremely sincere and emotive. I hate graveyards but always feel better when you notice fresh flowers at a grave, letting you know that someone is still missing the occupant. You picked up on this very feeling (which I presume to be quite common amongst people), and this is a trait of a perceptive writer.
You should be proud of this chapter because it was believable yet thought provoking. I can't wait for more as always. x
| ba2006 chapter 2 . 7/14/2009
Hope your mum gets better soon.
Love this fic, this chapter was awesome, and sad :)
looking forward to the next chapter
| vixangel chapter 2 . 7/14/2009
Aww hun I'm sorry to hear abou tyour mum, best wishes for you, hope everything turns out alright.
Great chapter, it's nice to read Buffy and Angel in a comfortable relationship, knowing each other and being secure with each other..lovely. Poor Giles tho, bless him. Maybe you should have him and Xander have activities they do together, ya know like manly activities or something, plane flying, fishing etc, help with the grieving...ooh be quite cool to bring Jenny's daughter into it?
Oh maybe too much drama but i take it you're bringing Spike back? Maybe jennys daughter could start seeing him and no one realises at first? dun dunn dun lol...oh or maybe she could hook up with Xander..that'd be quite nice ey? Lol anyway look at me rambling on, just wanted to say great chappie n ill look forward to the next one x
| ba2006 chapter 1 . 7/13/2009
love this fic, hope there will be more soon :)
| angelplusbuffyequals4ever chapter 1 . 7/13/2009
| ScreamChosen chapter 1 . 7/11/2009
I'm already loving it. I am eagerly awaiting the next chappie. :)
| cluelessangel85 chapter 1 . 7/10/2009
already loving this story. I'm so glad you decided to write a sequel to Silent Tears. I can't wait to read the rest.
| bb-4ever chapter 1 . 7/10/2009
great start to a sequel look forward to finding out about Giles past its great to see how happy Buffy Angel and Evelyn are. look forward to more soon
| CelticJenn chapter 1 . 7/10/2009
Great continuation! Cant wait for the 'action' to kick in! Regardless its a terrific story and Ill be reading it as long as your posting!
| White-Horse186 chapter 1 . 7/10/2009
this was really great. i'm excited yet kind of scared to find out about Giles, and I'm glad its such a happy story, for the minute anyways. can't wait to read more! thanks alot Beth!
| Marzi chapter 1 . 7/9/2009
First off.. I adore the name Evelyn! Second, ya for Giles' story being revealed!
'Course, 'tis bound to be horribly depressing..
Am I right to assume that each chapter will now begin with a quote? Nice to know the chapters are going to be longer, gives us something to really sink our teeth into.
| amanda chapter 1 . 7/9/2009
thank you for writing a sequel...cant wait for more!
| romanceaholic chapter 1 . 7/9/2009
Very good first chapter. Glad Buffy was able to have a baby to fill her life. Definitely happy family and friends. Great start. Keep up the good work.


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A prisoner has been mistakenly freed by a Midlands jail because he had the same surname as another inmate.
A 23-year-old woman has posed in a bikini exposing her colostomy bags to raise awareness. Find out the symptoms of the disease here..
Bethany Townsend, who has Crohns disease, has become an internet sensation after posing in her bikini, exposing her colostomy bags.
A singer from Worcestershire has got to number one in the official Singles Chart.
Becky Hill from Bewdley shot to fame after appearing on 'The Voice' and is the first contestant from the show to get a number one.
Her single Gecko (Overdrive) is a collaboration with Dutch producer Oliver Heldens.
You can watch it here...
A lorry driver was airlifted to hospital today after falling off the back of his truck and knocking himself out.
The 43-year-old, from Leicestershire, was in Cobham Road in Pershore, Worcestershire, when he fell around five feet.
Paramedics were called shortly before 11.30am and the air ambulance was forced to land at a nearby school, before taking him to the major trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.
He was fully conscious by the time they arrived at the hospital, but was complaining of pain in his pelvis and chest pains when he breathed in and out.
There is slow traffic in both directions of the M5 between J4 A38 (Lydiate Ash / Bromsgrove) and J6 A449 / A4440 Warndon Way / A4538 Pershore Lane (Worcester).
This is due to an earlier vehicle fire on the northbound carriageway, and a broken down vehicle on the southbound side.
All lanes have now reopened.
The parents of a teenage girl say she might still be alive today if she had been cared for properly when she was taken to hospital in 2009.
Richard and Jacqueline Carter are speaking out after receiving an out of court settlement from Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust following the death of their 15-year-old daughter Amy. She died three days after being discharged from the Worcestershire Royal Hospital in December 2009.
She was released on 21st December after being diagnosed with glandular fever but then re-admitted on Christmas Eve when she died of septicaemia and multi-organ failure.
In a statement Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said: "Following Amy's death a full investigation was carried out by the Trust which found that at all stages of her hospital stay, Amy received appropriate care."
The parents of a teenage girl who died from multiple organ failure two days after being discharged from Worcestershire Royal Hospital have won an out of court settlement from the hospital trust.
15-year-old Amy Carter died on Christmas Eve of septicaemia and multi-organ failure. Her parents had been told she had glandular fever.
Amy's mother and father say there should also have been an apology along with the compensation.
In a statement that hospital said: "All of those involved in Amy's care were extremely saddened to learn of her death and we extend our greatest sympathies to her family.
"Following Amy's death a full investigation was carried out by the Trust which found that at all stages of her hospital stay, Amy received appropriate care. The results of this investigation were shared with Mr and Mrs Carter."
"We are pleased that the legal claim arising from Amy's death has now been resolved."
Pixie Lott will hold a special performance for students in Birmingham and Worcestershire today.
The singer-songwriter is in the region to raise awareness of cardiac risk in young people after her dance teacher died of an undiagnosed heart condition when he was just 30-years-old.
A man from Malvern has been charged with murdering his wife at their home in January.
Police were called to Eston Avenue in Malvern on 21st January. 74-year-old Monica O'Neill was found dead at the scene. A post mortem found she had injuries caused by blunt trauma.
78-year-old Francis O'Neill was arrested but initially released. Today he was charged with her murder. Mr O'Neill appeared at Worcester Magistrates’ Court and has been remanded into the care of a hospital.
While the Midlands is gripped by the World Cup spirit, willing Roy Hodgson's boys on to win their second group match against Uruguay, they'll be one unusual soul squawking his support on Thursday.
Slipmatt, the African Grey Parrot, has practised a pitch-perfect rendition of football anthem The Great Escape. The nine-year-old bird can also shout 'England' and cheers on his favourite player yelling 'Come on Rooney'.
His owner Fran Sheridan, from Worcester, says it took him about a month to train the patriotic parrot the new World Cup songs. Lets hope Slipmatt's in fine voice, or should that be squawk, for Thursday's crucial clash in Sao Paolo, which is live on ITV from 8:00pm.
The Royal Three Counties Show is getting underway at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern in Worcestershire today.
Cattle entries are said to have reached record levels. The first show was held on the streets of Hereford back in 1797, and has been at its current site since 1958. Princess Anne is the show's patron.

domain: news


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Ascari logo 500x360
Ascari Cars Ltd. was a British automobile manufacturer based in Banbury, England, and founded by Klaas Zwart. The company was named after Alberto Ascari (1918–1955), the first double Formula One world champion.
The company stopped its activity in 2010.
Banbury, Oxfordshire, England
Ascari Cars was established in Dorset in 1995. Its first limited-edition car, the Ascari Ecosse, was launched in 1998.
In 2000 Ascari Cars built a new facility in Banbury in northern Oxfordshire. Ascari Car’s second car, the Ascari KZ1, was developed at Banbury, which also housed Team Ascari’s racing assets. The premises are now occupied by Haas F1 Team.

domain: history


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“Ballee Blues And Royals Flute Band, est. 1987” with a list of the Apprentice Boys (on the left) and (on the right) seven streets in the area (Drumtara, Lettercreeve, Kincora, Shanowen, Shancoole, Shanlieve, Lanntara) and the six counties of Northern Ireland. The emblem in the centre is the arm badge of the Blues & Royals (the British Army regiment), featuring the (French) Waterloo Eagle – here carrying a flute. The band
does not appear to have persisted past 2012 has since changed its name – see comment below. Drumtara, Ballymena.
Copyright © 2007 Peter Moloney


PSL 9: This list comprises a significant number, with a total of 254 international cricketers. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has noticed a rise in interest from foreign players who have expressed their eagerness to participate in the PSL.
In particular, there is a curious absence of several prominent Australian players from the released list. However, the overall pool includes participants from several cricketing nations, making it a diverse and globally representative collection of talent.
Within this group of players, 20 people have been designated in the platinum category and, notably, a substantial number of them are England cricketers.
Some well-known and accomplished players such as Alex Hales, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Shakib Al Hasan, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, David Wiese, Sikandar Raza, Colin Munro, James Vince, Rassie Van der Dussen and Hazratullah Zazai have already committed to participate in the PSL 9 draft. Their participation increases the anticipation of an exciting and competitive lineup for the upcoming season.
For those eager to see how the teams will develop, the official PSL 9 draft is scheduled for December 13 in Lahore.
The draft is a crucial event where teams select players for their teams, setting the stage for the tournament squad and generating anticipation among cricket fans for the upcoming season.


No Objection To Int. Atomic Energy Agency in Iraq
Coalition Progresses in Iraq, Challenges Remain on the Path
By Jim Garamone - American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON – Each day the conditions in Iraq are improving and the life for the Iraqi population is starting to return to the "normal pre-war standard," said Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld.
In his briefing to the Pentagon press, the secretary also said the department has no objection to officials from the International Atomic Energy Agency going back to Iraq.
Rumsfeld said the coalition would find it helpful for the U.N. scientists to tell coalition forces what was in the sealed areas of the atomic energy plants. He said the decision for sending the IAEA back is up to the United Nations.
Rumsfeld stressed that there are still problems in Iraq. No nation making the transition from a tyranny to a civil society "has been immune to the difficulties and challenges of taking that path," he said.
Rumsfeld gave some examples of the "good news" coming out of Iraq. Some 65 percent of the students in Baghdad have returned to school and a committee of Sunni and Shia Iraqis are working together to develop a new curricula for the schools.
The U.N. Children's Fund is distributing the "school in a box" to the cities of Basra, Umm Qasr and Safwahn. Each kit contains enough supplies for a school's worth of students for a year.
Passenger rail service between Basra and Baghdad has resumed and rail service between Baghdad and Mosul and Baghdad and Umm Qasr has started again, he said.
There will be a new mayor of Kirkuk sworn in on May 27. The city of Mosul elected its first mayor and town council.
In Baghdad, criminal courts have been reopened and U.S. soldiers have testified in cases involving looting.
"Throughout the country civil servants are returning to work and some 900,000 Iraqi civil servants have been provided emergency payments," Rumsfeld said.
Coalition officials met with trustworthy Iraqi military leaders who provided a list of 27,000 officers, noncommissioned officers and defense ministry civilians who may be ready to assist in security activities, he said.
Residential electric customers in the north and south of Iraq have more electric service today than at any time in the last 12 years. In Basra, Iraqis are dealing with a decaying infrastructure by launching Operation Leak Stop. Iraqi plumbers move through the city repairing water pipes.
In Kirkuk 13 of 16 primary health care centers and 46 of 56 health care facilities are operational.
Coalition officials are employing more than 1,500 Iraqis to handle trash duties and to clean up overflowing sewage.
The secretary said Iraqi Media Network began broadcasting last week and that its first broadcast included reports on Mosul elections and the resumed train service to Baghdad.
Iraqi cities are seeing the first uncensored newspapers and magazines in 20 years, he said.
More than 4,500 Iraqi police are back on duty in Baghdad and other cities are rehiring trustworthy men for their police forces. "Reports of looting, curfew violations and gunfire are decreasing," Rumsfeld said.
The secretary also discussed antiquities. "There now appears to be growing evidence that the theft at the museum was most likely an inside job and only an estimated 38 items seem to be currently confirmed as missing," he said.
Bottom line: There are challenges in
the country, Rumsfeld said, but the conditions have improved
and in the days and weeks ahead, they will continue to get


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Paying kids to attend school is not always a bad idea
The other night I heard something on TV that prompted me to reconsider my opposition to paying kids for school attendance and high grades--at least some kids in some places.
Harlem Children’s Zone maestro Geoffrey Canada was talking to correspondent Anderson Cooper on CBS’ “60 Minutes” about his pioneering effort in New York to provide health and educational services to more than 17,000 children in a 97-city block area in Harlem and make sure they all get a college education.
In Canada’s world view, kids can’t do well in school if they are hungry or sick, so his organization offers a variety of services to families so that the kids can concentrate on school.
When talking about the Promise Academy Charter Schools that he runs in the zone, the issue was raised of rewarding students for showing up to class and doing well. High school students can earn up to $120 a month and younger kids earn trips to places such as France.
This goes along with a tough program that includes Saturday school, a summer vacation that lasts only three weeks, and afterschool programs that are offered not only to children in Promise academies but to zone children in regular public schools as well.
Said Cooper to Canada: “Aren’t you essentially bribing them?”
Canada laughed and responded, “I love to bribe kids.... People say, ‘Well Geoff, look, don’t you want kids to do it for the intrinsic value?’ Sure, I’d love them to do it for the intrinsic value. And until then I’d love them to do it for money. I just want them to do it.”
And with that came crashing down my solid opposition to paying kids for anything to do with school. It is a practice in a number of urban school districts, where kids don’t often get the same kind of massaging that kids in middle- and high-income families do for their school success.
Most kids in middle- and high-income families have a support structure that rewards them, if not with cash payments (though some of them get that, too), by other means.
“Oh, we are so proud of you, we’re all going to celebrate your report card with a dinner out,” a parent might say.
Children in these families, too, also are motivated to do well in school by their family and their peers, something many children in troubled neighborhoods don’t necessarily get.
So getting kids who live in the zone to school and offering them a reason to learn to like learning makes sense.
The “doing it for the intrinsic value” can come later--and apparently does for Canada’s kids. Every child who graduates from the Promise academies goes to college and 90 percent of the kids who attend public schools in the zone and Canada’s after-school programs go on to college as well.
The incentives for the kids in the zone are only one piece in a very large educational, social and health program that creates the conditions for them to actually succeed. As such, they make some sense. Absent the extensive wrap-around programs, they don't.
Now I know many people think this is wrong, paternalistic, wacky, and even worse. So tell me why I'm wrong.
| December 9, 2009; 6:30 AM ET
Tags: Harlem Children's Zone, school reform
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domain: sociology


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Baby Dead From Covid-19 In Qatar: Ministry
Sumaira FH Published January 17, 2022 | 12:30 AM
Doha, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Jan, 2022 ) :A three-week-old baby has died from Covid-19 in Qatar, the health ministry said on Sunday, reporting a rare child fatality from the illness in the Gulf country.
"The baby had no other known medical or hereditary conditions", and was the second child to have died in the country since the pandemic began, it added.
Child deaths from Covid-19 are infrequent but health authorities in several countries have registered a rise in childhood infections since the spread of the Omicron variant.
The Qatari ministry said youngsters have generally been less at risk of severe Covid infection than older people, but that "a greater number of children are being infected in this current wave and needing medical care than in previous waves".

domain: medical


text: Culver City has been home to a number of television and movie studios since the 1920s, including MGM and Sony Pictures, and the cast of "The Wizard of Oz" stayed in one its historic hotels during filming. Today its downtown area has a vibrant shopping and dining scene within easy walking distance from homes and apartments. It's also home to a light rail station that can get you downtown in 40 minutes. Families here love the school district. Courtesy of GoodMigrations.

domain: geography


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Objective: This prospective multicenter investigation was conducted to define the repeatability of duplex-based identification of venous reflux and the relative effect of key parameters on the reproducibility of the test. Methods: Repeatability was studied by having the same technologist perform duplicate tests, at the same time of the day, using the same reflux-provoking maneuver and with the patient in the same position. Reproducibility was examined by having two different technologists perform the test at the same time of the day, using the same reflux-provoking maneuver and with the patient in the same position. Facilitated reproducibility was studied by having two different technologists examine the same patients immediately after an educational intervention. Limits of agreement between two duplex scans were studied by changing three elements of the test: time of the day (morning vs afternoon), patient's position (standing vs supine), and reflux initiation (manual vs automatic compressiondecompression) . Results: The study enrolled 17 healthy volunteers and 57 patients with primary chronic venous disease. Repeatability of reflux time measurements in deep veins did not significantly differ with the time of day, the patient's position, or the reflux-provoking maneuver. Reflux measurements in the superficial veins were more repeatable (P <.05) when performed in the morning with the patient standing. The agreement between the clinical interpretations significantly depended on a selected cut point (Spearman's ρ, -0.4; P <.01). Interpretations agreed in 93.4% of the replicated measurements when a 0.5-second cut point was selected. The training intervention improved the frequency of agreement to 94.4% (κ = 0.9). Alternations of the time of the duplex scan, the patient's position, and the reflux-provoking maneuver significantly decreased reliability. Conclusions: This study provides evidence to develop a new standard for duplex ultrasound detection of venous reflux. Reports should include information on the time of the test, the patient's position, and the provoking maneuver used. Adopting a uniform cut point of 0.5 second for pathologic reflux can significantly improve the reliability of reflux detection. Implementation of a standard protocol should elevate the minimal standard for agreement between repeated tests from the current 70% to at least 80% and with more rigid standardization, to 90%.
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine


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Last night, Gal Gadot attended the 2018 Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar last night in Santa Monica, California.
Not only did the Israeli star stun on the red carpet in a beautiful Prada dress but she took home the incredible #SeeHer Award.
Presented by the Association of National Advertisers, the #SeeHer Award "recognizes a woman who embodies the values set forth by the #SeeHer movement".
A movement which aims to push boundaries, challenge stereotypes and "recognize the importance of accurately portraying women across the entertainment landscape".
Gal has gained global fame for her portrayal of the iconic DC hero, Wonder Woman. Off-screen, the actress has used her fame to fight for gender equality.
The award was presented to Gal by her Wonder Woman director, Patty Jenkins, who gave her a rousing introduction.
"She didn't do it for the glory. She didn't do it for the fame. She's not here for the money. She did it for us. She knew the great importance of this character and what she could mean to the world if well done."
The 32-year-old actress gave an inspiring acceptance speech which congratulated the industry for taking steps in the right direction with the #MeToo and Time's Up movements.
"We’ve been witnessing a movement in our industry and society and I want to share this award with all the women and men who stand for what’s right."
She added the powerful promise: "My promise and commitment to all of you is that I will never be silenced and we will continue to band together to make strides uniting for equality."
However, she recognised that there is still a long way to go towards gaining gender equality and ending sexual harassment in the workplace.
"So although this is progress, there is still a long way to go."

domain: entertainment


May 2, 2012 - Houston police patrol commanders have implemented a crime fighting initiative to target violent crime citywide.
At the direction of Police Chief Charles A. McClelland, Jr., commanders at patrol stations throughout the city are targeting violent offenders and those wanted on warrants and parole violations for violent crimes.
The initiative was discussed at a news conference today (May 2) at the headquarters of Crime Stoppers of Houston, which is featuring three violent offenders wanted for crimes in the eastside of the city. Brandon Demond Foster (b/m, DOB: 5-11-92) is wanted on a parole violation for aggravated robbery, Palmira Barron (H/f, DOB: 11-9-92) is wanted for robbery causing bodily injury and Samwell Osumba Ogaga (b/m, DOB: 12-26-89) is wanted for aggravated assault and robbery. Photos of all three are attached below.
Captain Robert Manzo of the Eastside Patrol Station said officers will distribute educational flyers to hang on doors at apartment complexes where many crimes occur late at night as would-be victims are congregating on sidewalks, in courtyards and other areas.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the three featured suspects is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
Pictured above at today's announcement are the four commanders (left to right) comprising the East Patrol Command: Captain Robert Manzo (Eastside Patrol), Captain Mark Fougerousse (Clear Lake Patrol), Captain Glenn Yorek (South Central Patrol) and Captain Jay Jones (Southeast Patrol).
Brandon Demond Foster
Samwell Osumba Ogaga
For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.


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These are a few of our favorite sites!
Click here to see what we like!
Our Next Region Event:
Read this month's "Tailfin" - our chapter's newsletter - to learn the latest that the Indiana Region has planned for its members! We hope you'll join us down the road!
Previous editions of the "Tailfin" can be found in our Archives.
A few of our favorites from the Cadillac-LaSalle Museum and Research Center and the cover of our Winter Tailfin.
For information about upcoming events, click here.
The CLC Museum & Research Center is located within the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, Michigan.
Each year, Cadillac & LaSalle enthusiasts gather at the museum for a weekend of fellowship on the beautiful museum grounds.
To learn more about the CLC Museum and Research Center click here or click below for the latest news!.
May 19, 2018
Meeting at Greek's Pizza
6317 Dr. Martin L. King Jr. Blvd
Tour of John Hannon's car collection to follow
See you on the 19th!

domain: hobby


Product news: London designer Benjamin Hubert has created a series of tables with legs and tops made of metal mesh for Italian brand Moroso.
Designed by Benjamin Hubert for Moroso, these circular tables have been made by manipulating expanded steel, which is more commonly found on industrial equipment and architecture, to form cylinders and disks for the legs and tops.
"In reference to its industrial origins, Net is purposefully geometric and simple in its design language," explains the designer. "The tables have a large surface with expanded steel perforations that give a feeling of lightness while being small enough to not allow small objects to slip through."
The tables come in a range of powder-coated paint colours and are available in various different sizes.
Hubert and Moroso also recently collaborated on a chair with a hammock-like back and a chair that looks like it's wrapped up in a cloak.
- Aloe by Discoh
- Dezeen Screen: VUE watch by Yves Behar
- Tapehook by Torafu Architects
- 9,5° chair by Rasmus B. Fex
- Journey to Space capsule for space touri…sts by Priestmangoode
- "That these products have been in use fo…r 50 years is testament to good design"
- Beasties, Zaha and BarberOsgerby for 20l…td
- Philippe Starck at Driade
- Rock Series by Arik Levy at Design Miami…/Basel
Sign up for a daily roundup
of all our stories


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SE Asia stocks: Most rise; Singapore hits over 2-year high ahead of inflation data
[BENGALURU] Most South-east Asian stock markets rose on Monday after Wall Street's record finish in the previous session, with Singapore hitting a more than two-year high ahead of the release of September inflation data later in the day.
All three US stocks indexes hit record closing highs on Friday after the senate passed a budget resolution that will allow Republicans to pursue a tax-cut package without Democratic support, lifting hopes that President Donald Trump's tax-cut plan may move forward.
"Market sentiment was lifted on news last Friday that the US Senate passed a budget resolution allowing US$1.5 trillion of deficits over 10 years, which is seen as paving the way for tax reforms legislation to be passed," Mizuho Bank said in a note.
Singapore shares rose as much as 0.6 per cent to their highest since July 2015, before shedding gains to trade marginally higher.
The city-state's consumer price index in September is expected to have risen at the same pace as the previous month from a year earlier due to higher petrol prices, a Reuters poll showed.
Financials and industrials led the gains with heavyweight DBS Group Holdings rising to a more than two-and-a-half-month high and Keppel Corp Ltd climbing to its highest August 2015.
Indonesian shares rose up to 0.6 per cent to a near three-week high, with financials accounting for most of the gains.
Bank Central Asia Tbk PT, the country's biggest stock by market capitalisation, climbed as much as 5 per cent to a record high, while Astra International Tbk PT rose up to 1.6 per cent.
Vietnam shares were down for a second straight session, with energy and materials sectors leading the decline.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said the country is likely to meet its annual economic growth target of 6.7 per cent this year.
Average inflation in 2017 is seen around 4 per cent, meeting the target, while foreign reserves have reached a record high of more than US$45 billion, he told the country's national assembly.
Thailand was closed for local holiday.


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Instruct Staff Not to Accept Rent Checks from Nonresidents
From time to time, you or a staff member may get a rent check from someone other than the resident named on the lease. If you deposit the check and it turns out that the resident is illegally subletting his unit to the person who sent the rent check, you could run into problems. A court may rule that you have had knowledge of and consented to the sublet by accepting and depositing the rent check even if you never intended to.
And if a court rules that you have consented to a low-income resident’s sublet, you won’t be able to continue counting that unit as low income. The tax credit law requires you to certify the income of all households that occupy your low-income units. But if a qualified, low-income household sublets its unit, you’ll have a situation where the unit’s actual occupants were never certified. As a result, your state housing agency may cite you for noncompliance.
To help prevent this from happening at your tax credit site, give your staff a memo instructing them to hold off depositing rent checks from people who aren’t named on the lease. Instruct staff that before they can deposit such rent checks, they must investigate and make sure the resident isn’t illegally subletting his unit. We’ll give you a Model Memo: Give Staff Instructions for Handling Rent Payments from Nonresidents, which you can adapt and use at your site.
What Memo Should Say
Your memo, like our Model Memo, should instruct your staff:
- To hold off depositing any rent checks from people not listed on the lease;
- To visit the unit in question to see if the resident is subletting the unit without your consent;
- To deposit the check if investigation shows that it’s from an acceptable source (such as a relative paying rent for a resident), and make a notation to that effect in the file; and
- To notify management immediately if there’s an illegal sublet, so you can take appropriate action.
See The Model Tools For This Article
|Give Staff Instructions for Handling Rent Payments from Nonresidents|

domain: law


text:
Product added to cart
Have you ever wondered how better off you really are by switching from regular cigarettes to the vaping? Well a quick Google search will tell you that vaping/e-cigarettes are 95% less harmful than tobacco according to a study carried out by the Public Health England[¹]. Great news! But of course, this isn't the full story. Even though vaping is widely regarded as the better option to ‘traditional’ smoking, it has been around for a relatively short period of time and there are concerns over some of the chemicals they contain. These chemicals are known as Diketones.(Note: not all ejuice contains diketones, some are diketone free). Be sure to check out our diketone free vape juice.
If you’ve been vaping for a while you may have heard of diketones once or twice but have never really thought to look into it further until now. In this blog post, I want to explain what diketones are, the different types of diketones, whether you should be concerned and other ingredients found in e-liquid.
What Are Diketones
Diketones aren’t just something that is used in e-liquid, it is something that is found in the general flavoring industry. This is because it is used as an additive for buttery flavorings and creamy flavorings in food as well as in e-juice. Diketones are actually required by law to be tested for in food however it is not required by law to be tested in inhalation products. This is why many of you who vape find it difficult to find concrete information as to whether some e-liquids are diketone free.
Diketones isn’t just one chemical however, it is the term used for a group of chemicals. The chemicals that are known as diketones are diacetyl, acetyl propionyl and acetoin. However it is known that acetyl propionyl and acetoin can sometimes also contain traces of diacetyl. I will go into each of these in more detail.
Diacetyl is the most questionable out of the three and for good reason. In the 1990’s, it was found that workers in a popcorn factory contracted bronchiolitis after inhaling high amounts of diacetyl for a long period of time. Diacetyl is used as an additive to create the beautiful buttery flavour we get in our microwave popcorn. While levels of diacetyl are tested in food, nobody had realised before this incident that inhaling diacetyl could be cause of concern. Bronchiolitis is now known in laymen terms as “popcorn lung” because of this incident.
While even the hardiest of vapers won’t inhale as much diacetyl into their lungs as popcorn factory workers, it is a harmful substance that is going straight into your lungs.
Smoking vs Vaping
Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos' study found that many of the well-known e-liquid manufacturers had high levels of diacetyl and some even being above the safety limit set by OSHA. In recent times though, many e-liquid manufacturers have removed all flavors from their production that contain diacetyl.(All VapeCraft,Inc's juice is diacetyl free)
A second(and newer) study was also conducted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health[²] that showed that smoking tobacco resulted in inhaling 750 times more diacetyl than vaping e-juice.
Keep in mind that Diacetyl isn’t in some e-juice at all, and a much higher amount of diacetyl can be found in tobacco cigarettes as seen in the chart below.
Acetyl Propionyl and Acetoin
The other diketones are acetyl propionyl and acetoin which aren’t as much of a concern as diacetyl but many vapers still try and avoid them in their e-liquid. After manufacturers realized the harm diacetyl can cause when inhaled, they looked for alternatives so they could still create creamy and buttery flavors. These alternatives came in the means of the diketones acetyl propionyl and acetoin. It has been found out recently though that these can actually ‘catalyze’ into a small trace of diacetyl either during the manufacturing process or even during the vaping experience.
While these two diketones are considered to be safe for inhalation, many vapers try and avoid these ingredients when purchasing e-liquid. There has not yet been any scientific evidence as to whether acetyl propionyl and acetoin are harmful or not. As mentioned earlier on, vaping is a relatively new thing and so tests are still continuing to be done.
Should You Be Concerned[caption id="attachment_61" align="aligncenter" width="468"]
Due to the lack of scientific evidence surrounding acetyl propionyl and acetoin there is little cause for concern. The main cause of concern is with diacetyl which has proved to cause problems with lungs known as ‘popcorn lung’ which is irreversible. This doesn’t mean that you should stop eating your delicious buttery microwave popcorn though as diacetyl is safe for food consumption. It is only harmful when inhaling large doses of it and for a long period of time.
While diacetyl has been found in some e-cigs and e-liquid, it is important to take into account that even then, you may be better off vaping than smoking traditional cigarettes because diacetyl is found up to 750 times more in cigarettes than in e-cigs. While there is a very minimal chance of contracting ‘popcorn lung’ from vaping, many vapers and manufacturers choose to stay clear. If you know of any companies that still use diacetyl let us know in the comments below, and we will update the thread with a list of companies.
You will generally find that most well-known e-liquid manufacturers now don’t sell any e-liquid that contains diacetyl but you will still find manufacturers who will sell e-liquid containing acetyl propionyl and acetoin so as to be able to create popular flavors such as banana cream, butter and custard.
What Is In E-Liquid
E-liquid is what fuels your vaping device/e-cigarette and is what gives the flavor. It can also provide a nicotine solution to those who are just starting to switch from traditional smoking. E-liquid is what evaporates to create the vapor that is very similar to that of traditional cigarettes. It can come in many flavors and contain different ingredients. Those ingredients can include the diketones I have spoken about and also propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG).
PG or Propylene Glycol
Propylene Glycol is nontoxic and is a flavoring found in foods, some ingredients in food coloring and even some medicines. It is an additive just like diketones for flavoring, but a nontoxic additive. It is usually recommended to have a blend of both propylene glycol and vegetable glycol for a much smoother flavor than if you were to have 100% PG.
VG or Vegetable Glycerin
Just like with propylene glycol, it is recommended that you blend both vegetable glycerine and propylene glycol as VG can be very hard to vape of if it is 100% strong. This is because VG is a thick vegetable based liquid so is harder to evaporate. It is quite sweet in taste and is nontoxic so makes for a good e-liquid ingredient.
We will be publishing an in depth article on our blog soon about VG/PG ratios. Stay Tuned!
I think the main thing to point out is that only diacetyl has officially been found to cause lung problems when inhaled and that there is no evidence(yet) to show that acetyl propionyl and acetoin do the same. More and more research is being done by professionals on e-juice which you will always find out about here. For now though, be sure to avoid any e-liquids that contain diacetyl.
Items 8 to 8 of 8 total

domain: chemistry


By Paul Newberry, AP Sports Writer
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. Gianni Meersman of Belgium won the third stage of the Tour de Georgia with a furious sprint to the finish Wednesday, the top finisher in a stunning breakaway that slashed the field of contenders.
Thirteen cyclists broke away from the field early in the 118.2-mile stage and steadily increased their margin as they raced from Rome, Ga., to Chattanooga, Tenn. just across the north Georgia border.
Outside of those riders, everyone else finished a staggering 29 minutes, 7 seconds behind the winner.
The trailing group included Italy's Daniele Contrini, who led through the first two stages but is now out of contention in the weeklong race. Also left in the dust: American hopefuls Levi Leipheimer, George Hincapie, 2005 Tour de Georgia winner Tom Danielson and Olympic gold medalist Tyler Hamilton, racing for the first time in the U.S. since serving a two-year suspension for blood doping.
"It doesn't happen that often in any race," said Tim Johnson of the United States, who was among the lucky 13. "I was surprised there weren't more teams working behind us. I guess the teams were satisfied with the guys they had in the break."
Contrini and the rest of the field crossed the line in a huge pack, nearly a half-hour behind. They have little hope of making up such a huge gap by Sunday's seventh and final stage, a circuit race through the streets of downtown Atlanta.
Meersman, who rides for the Discovery Channel team, claimed his first professional stage win with a time of 4 hours, 33 minutes, 18 seconds. He edged David Gracia Canada at the line by a second, but the Spaniard could take solace with assuming the overall lead from Contrini.
"With 300 meters to go, I went full gas," Meersman said. "It's like a dream come true."
Another Discovery Channel rider, Janez Brajkovic of Slovenia, finished third and was credited with the same time as Canada, as were five other riders.
Johnson led the breakout but faltered a bit at the end. He wound up ninth, 2:20 behind Meersman.
"It started out as normal break with eight to 10 guys, then a few more broke out," Johnson said. "Every single time we checked, (the margin) got funnier and funnier. Ten minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes. None of us expected that."
Jeff Louder of the U.S. tried twice to break away from the lead group - once on Lookout Mountain, again as the pack entered the streets of Chattanooga. He was reeled in both times and settled for sixth.
"Everyone fanned out and kind of looked at each other," Louder said, remembering his initial move. "I thought I would take a chance. I got a good gap, and then I was committed. So I gave it the gas and decided to see what happens. But it was hard out there. It seemed like there was a bit of a headwind. It took a toll with 2.5 kilometers to go, and they caught me.
"Then they caught me again."
Canada leads the overall standings with a time of 13:34:21, but five other cyclists, including Louder and Brajkovic, are just 3 seconds behind. Meersman is 13th, 6:31 behind the Spaniard and the last of those with any chance of contending.
Contrini dropped to 14th - 27:47 behind Canada.
The Associated Press


If you have actually not recently updated your Chrome, Opera, or Side internet browser to one of the most existing supplied version, it would absolutely be a remarkable concept to do so as quickly as feasible.
Cybersecurity researchers on Monday revealed info concerning a zero-day flaw in Chromium-based internet browsers for Windows, Mac along with Android that may have enabled challengers to entirely bypass Content Security Plan (CSP) guidelines considered that Chrome 73.
Tracked as CVE-2020-6519 (put 6.5 on the CVSS range), the concern originates from a CSP bypass that leads to approximate execution of hazardous code on target web websites.
According to PerimeterX, several of one of the most prominent sites, consisting of Facebook, Wells Fargo, Zoom, Gmail, WhatsApp, Investopedia, ESPN, Roblox, Indeed, TikTok, Instagram, Blogger, in addition to Quora, went to danger to the CSP bypass.
Taken into consideration that CSP is the main strategy made use of by website proprietors to apply info protection plans and also avoid the implementation of damaging manuscripts, a CSP bypass can successfully place customer info in jeopardy.
This is achieved by defining the domain names that the internet browser need to consider to be legitimate resources of executable manuscripts, to ensure that a CSP-compatible web browser simply carries out manuscripts packed in resource data obtained from those allow-listed domain names, overlooking all others.
Its worth bearing in mind that websites like Twitter, Github, LinkedIn, Google Play Shop, Yahoos Login Page, PayPal, as well as likewise Yandex were not exposed vulnerable taking into account that the CSP strategies were executed taking advantage of a nonce or hash to make it feasible for the implementation of inline manuscripts.
“Having a susceptability in Chromes CSP enforcement device does not straight reveal that websites are breached, as the challengers additionally need to manage to obtain the terrible manuscript called from the website (which is why the susceptability was identified as device strength),” PerimeterXs Girl Weizman kept in mind.
While the effects of the susceptability maintain unidentified, customers call for to upgrade their net web browsers to among one of the most current variant to safeguard versus such code implementation. Website owners, for their component, are advised to benefit from hash and also nonce capabilities of CSP for included safety and security and also security.
Remarkably, it turns up that the comparable flaw remained in enhancement highlighted by Tencent Defense Xuanwu Laboratory likewise a great deal greater than a year back, simply a month after the launch of Chrome 73 in March 2019, yet was never ever before solved till PerimeterX reported the problem previously this March.
After the searchings for were revealed to Google, the Chrome team gave a taking care of option for the susceptability in Chrome 84 upgrade (alternative 84.0.4147.89) that began providing on July 14 last month.
CSP is an included layer of safety and security that assists location and also decline details type of attacks, including Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and also information shot strikes. With CSP standards, a website can mandate the victims net web browser to carry out certain client-side talk with a goal to block particular manuscripts that are developed to manipulate the internet browsers depend on of the product acquired from the web server.


text:
Director Mike Leigh talks to Alan Yentob about his unique body of work and struggle to make films on his own terms. Actors he has worked with discuss his distinctive methods.
In a revealing documentary, Mike Leigh, director of Secrets & Lies, Vera Drake and Abigail's Party among many others, talks to Alan Yentob about a unique body of work and a lifelong struggle to make films on his own terms.
On day one of a Mike Leigh film, there is no script, no story and the actors do not know if they will even be in the final film. It is a process that has yielded some of cinema's most celebrated performances, and Leigh's new film Mr Turner is already winning critical acclaim.
Actors including Jim Broadbent, Eddie Marsan, Sally Hawkins, Lesley Manville and James Corden give fascinating insights into the director and his distinctive method of working.
Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes
|Interviewed Guest||Mike Leigh|
|Interviewed Guest||Jim Broadbent|
|Interviewed Guest||Eddie Marsan|
|Interviewed Guest||Sally Hawkins|
|Interviewed Guest||Lesley Manville|
|Interviewed Guest||James Corden|
|Series Editor||Alan Yentob|
|Executive Producer||Tanya Hudson|

domain: artistic


text:
Following last night's meeting between supporter groups and the club, Along Come Norwich and Barclay End Norwich have summarised their thoughts...
Along Come Norwich and Barclay End Norwich were represented at last night’s supporters groups meeting with the club, to further explore our concerns about the new membership scheme. Also in attendance were our colleagues from Forces2Canaries, Proud Canaries, The Canaries Trust and Capital Canaries.
It was encouraging to hear the club acknowledge that the consultation, communication and implementation of the new scheme was flawed. We welcome the commitment from Ben Kensell and the club to undertake robust engagement with supporters regarding memberships for 2020/21, to ensure a new model works for the fans and the club.
There were plenty of opinions exchanged and it is fair to say it’s unlikely any membership scheme will ever be perfect, but we remain of the view the club should have reconsidered their stance, and as gone as far as refunding supporters and reverting back to the away points system, with the clear proviso that things would change for 2020/21. The club do not share this view, but accepted our points, particularly in relation to the cost for Junior Canaries and families, which we believe could act as a prohibitive factor in allowing the next generation of supporters to attend matches.
Moving forward, provided we continue to be part of any ongoing consultation, we will press the case for any membership scheme to be affordable and not just be a way to access tickets. It should also make a member feel part of their club, and the benefits of any scheme should reflect that fully. We feel strongly that the specific away membership scheme needs scrutiny and that it should have been scrapped for this season. However, we can only lobby for this in future discussions about 2020/21 and will now fully focus on backing the team for the season ahead.

domain: sports


text:
TE21 Serbian Moments
“And he always played the victim. He made us feel sorry for him. All the time. It took me fifteen years to realize that the real victim was me. And the other girls. Except for Amanda, of course.’ “He was pimping his wife”? asked Egan putting the cup up to his lips. “Oh, no. See, that’s where problems started. That’s when we finally woke up. Me and the girls, you know”, Jessie sighed. “Let me tell you about Amanda. She was on the streets at the age of twelve, I swear to God. Toots found her when she was fifteen or so. Hesaid he’d foundagreat talentand brought her to theBarn. That’s what we called his quarters, the Barn. Meno broke her in but the poor bastard fell in love with her. Now, Toots, being Meno’s lover was… What? You didn’t know?” Jessie laughed. Egan nodded his head and gave a short, tender laugh. A bit like a laugh of an older man watching youngsters play. “Toots loved Meno, he really loved him. We used to hear them in the Barn, it was creepy. I mean, a pimp without a car, come on. Meno had some kind of phobia, he couldn’t drive. So, me and the girls walked and walked and walked. All for the sake of their love. Even today my knees hurt when the weather’s changing.”
“Anyway,Tootswascrazywithjealousy.HeinsistedthatAmanda starts working just like other girls, but Meno did not want that. Meno told him that, if he starts whoring Amanda, they would elope leaving Toots alone. The old faggot was petrified by that thought. So, he struck a deal with his lover; Meno could keep Amanda away from the Barn under the condition that every month the other girls hook up the money Toots lost with Amanda’s inactivity. Do you understand what I’m saying?” “It’s simple. Me and other girls had to work more to keep Amanda free. We fucked for her freedom. That’s when Meno’s financial problems really started. There were months when we weren’t able to hook up Amanda’s share. Meno had to find all kinds of ways to get the money. Toots loved that because that way he kept Meno by the balls. What do you say about that?” “No, not quite.”
“Interesting? For fifteen years of my life, I was used and abused by all sorts of men and women to keep that slut safe and sound in her fancy house. She dressed and behaved like a queen. She wouldn’t say hello on the street; she’d turn her face the other way.”
“Why did you do it then?”
Jessie lit another cigarette and took a long breath of smoke.
“We did it because we felt sorry for Meno. Can you believe
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domain: literature


🕑 Reading time: 1 minute
Mosul Dam, formerly known as Saddam Dam, is a type of earth-fill dam constructed on the Tigris River in Iraq. It is located approximately 60 km from the Mosul city in the northwest region. The construction of the dam started back in 1981 and was completed on 7th July 1986. The dam was constructed for flood control, hydropower generation, and to provide water for three irrigation projects. It is believed to be the most strategic project for water resource management in Iraq.
After the completion of the project in 1986, it was found that the dam had several seepage points. Due to the dissolution of anhydrite and gypsum beds, the water was seeping and raised concerns for the stability and safety of the dam. The seepage was noticed from six major springs for the first time at different levels on the left bank of the dam when the water level had increased in the reservoir.
Seepage was also occurring from the underside of the dam as the river water was discolored at some distance from the dam. It was observed that the discoloration was possible due to the increase of sulfate concentration in the water. Leaching of the gypsum from the foundation rocks of the dam was the main reason behind the increase of sulfate concentration. Approximately 13,000 tons of minerals were leached from the foundation of the dam.
The ministry of water resources of Iran kept this problem within a small group of people till the engineers of the US Army investigated the dam from June 2004 to July 2006 and suggested the possibility of dam failure. However, the mainstream media highlighted the safety concern of the dam when ISIS occupied the dam site in 2014. The investigation concluded that more than 500,000 people will lose their lives if the Mosul Dam fails. Also, the destruction of the infrastructure and loss of property of the cities located downstream of the dam will be immense and may flood the capital city of Baghdad.
In this article, we have discussed the geological features, engineering problems, and the possible solutions recommended for the Mosul Dam.
- 1. Geology of the Mosul Dam
- 2. Design Parameters of the Mosul Dam
- 3. Engineering Problems of the Mosul Dam
- 3.1 Karstification
- 3.2 Sinkholes
- 3.3 Presence of an Aquifer
- 4. Consequences of Failure of Dam
- 5. Possible Solution to the Problems of the Mosul Dam
- 5.1 Precipitation of Insoluble Materials
- 5.2 Sealing of Gypsum Surface
- 5.3 Use of Chemical Solution
- 5.4 Use of Barriers
- 6. Future of the Mosul Dam
1. Geology of the Mosul Dam
The following points describe the geology of the Mosul Dam:
- The exposed outcrop of the dam is made up of Lower Fars (Fatha) formation. It consists of alternating beds of gypsum, limestone, and marl.
- The dam abutments are located on the upper member of the Fatha formation. The Fatha formation consists of cyclic sediments, marls, claystone, limestone, and gypsum. However, in the uppermost part, the ratio of claystone increases as compared to the lower part.
- The rocks of Fatha formation are nonhomogeneous and behave differently when loaded.
- Generally, the limestone and gypsum beds show the karstification phenomenon. However, the karstification was observed more in the lower member than the upper member of Fatha formation.
- This is attributed to the presence of more clastics in the upper member than that of the lower member of the Fatha formation. Also, the thickness of limestone and gypsum beds become less in the upper member of Fatha formation.
- Several investigations were carried out because the geology of the area was complex, and it was finalized that there existed two faults within the dam site area.
- One of the faults is a rotational type with a strike in NW-SE direction. The other fault is a reverse type with strike in NE-SW direction. The second fault was very difficult to locate because it is seated deep down the Tigris River.
- No tectonic movement was reported from the dam and its nearby sites. Furthermore, small faults were discovered at the dam site by Iraq Geological Survey during detailed geological mapping of the dam. These small faults have no significant importance for the dam. Thus, the area of the dam site doesn’t suffer from active tectonic movement.
2. Design Parameters of the Mosul Dam
The Mosul Dam was constructed with a mud core and is an earth-fill type of dam. The height of the dam is 113 m and the length is 3650 m including the spillway. The top crest width is 10 m. The upstream side of the dam is faced with rocks. The dam was designed for the capacity of 11.11 km3 of water at normal pool level, this capacity includes 8.16 km3 of live storage and 2.95 km3 of dead storage.
The dam was designed for a concrete spillway located on the left abutment. The elevation of weir crest of spillway is 318 m and its total length is 675 m. The spillway was provided with the five gates of 13.5 m x 13.5 m size. Total discharge measured by the spillway is 12,600 m3/sec, when the reservoir is filled to maximum level. The dam was constructed at a total cost of $3 billion in the 1980s.
3. Engineering Problems of the Mosul Dam
The problematic geology of the site had created various issues during construction, operation, and impounding of the Mosul Dam. After the completion of the project in 1986, various leakage areas were discovered in the structure. The primary reason for leakages is the geological issues that influenced the stability of the dam, these issues are:
- The karsts dominant at the dam site and in the reservoir zone.
- The presence of gypsum rock in the foundation of the dam established with the marl layers and enormous limestone sheets.
- The presence of a broad groundwater spring influences extensively the groundwater system in the right bank of the dam.
Karstification is the process of formation of karsts. Karst is a geological feature, formed due to the dissolution of soluble rocks such as gypsum, limestone, and marl. Main features of the karst are caves, vertical thin layers of rock separated by holes.
The main geological peril that impacts Mosul Dam is karstification, particularly in the foundation of the dam. The karst stretches out to a depth of 110 m beneath the foundation of the dam. The karstification upgraded the broad disintegration of gypsum and anhydrite rocks present above and underneath the limestone layers.
These elements caused the implosion of entire layers of clayey marls into the underneath holes, creating the beds made out of brecciated gypsum particles and anhydride blocks installed into a free clayey lattice. Four such layers were found during the detailed site survey after the completion of the project. One of these layers was found in the sky chute jump of the spillway foundation. It ended up being significant because of their unpredictable behavior during the grouting of the curtains beneath the dam.
The presence of surface cracking and groundwater fluctuation gives rise to the development of sinkholes. One sinkhole on the left flank of the reservoir suddenly appeared overnight in February 2003 and developed rapidly with 15 m of settlement and 15 m diameter depression. Other sinkholes appeared on the right side downstream of the dam.
The rate of settlements of these sinkholes was 0.25 m when they appeared in 1992 and then it was reduced by 50% in 1998. The maximum cumulative settlement was recorded to be 5 m in the sinkhole. It is believed that the formation of these sinkholes is due to the dissolution of surface gypsum beds which led to the formation of conduits under the surface. This took place due to the groundwater flow in the aquifer toward the Tigris River where the recharge of this aquifer increased tremendously when the reservoir was impounded.
The holes increased in size because of the variation in the water level on the downstream side of the dam due to the activities associated with the management of the dam. When the size of these holes expanded and turned out to be nearer to the surface, it fell after the heavy precipitation.
Recently, a bathymetric survey was conducted in 2011 and it indicated the presence of countless sinkholes inside the reservoir zone. This is a hazardous process, in which if these sinkholes are associated with the aquifer, it can cause various issues for the stability of the dam. Likewise, additional springs were present downstream of the dam situated on a similar line of the sinkholes.
3.3 Presence of an Aquifer
The significance of the aquifer is not simply because of the incredible challenges it caused during the development of the siphon stockpiling plan. But additionally, it has shaped the profile of groundwater stream around the right abutment of the dam. Also, it has added to the development of sinkholes at the downstream side of the right bank of the dam.
The sulfate-rich water of the aquifer demonstrates the disintegration of gypsum from the dam site and its region. Also, the hydrostatic forces of water inside the reservoir zone are expanding the paces of disintegration, this cycle is in advancement since the opening of the dam. This cycle also prompted the presence of different features like the development of fractures and fissures almost 100 m from the right bank of the dam which showed up in 1996.
Taking into account the above-mentioned phenomenon, it can be expressed that there is a unique development of groundwater inside the dam site and its encompassing area. Further, this is causing high paces of disintegration of gypsum related with washing fine earth and small particles of carbonate.
This cycle is alarming where it can develop huge caverns that can abruptly breakdown the ground surface. This was seen in February 2003, October 2004, and July 2005. This process is developing inside the zone of karstified rocks and has been expanding in its rate because of the impact of the operation of the dam.
4. Consequences of Failure of Dam
In 1984, Iraq commissioned the Swiss Consultants Consortium to carry out a potential dam break and flood wave study on the Mosul Dam. The Swiss Consultants completed the study and gave the possible causes of failure. The following points describe the possible causes and the consequences of the failure of the Mosul Dam:
- The most plausible cause would be piping in the foundation resulting in enlarged flows within the dam base which would progress to open a big gap in the dam.
- The initial maximum discharge of the wave can vary between 500,000 m3/s to 400,000 m3/s.
- The wave will reach Mosul city after 1 hour and 40 minutes and Baghdad in 3.5 days. The maximum height will be about 26 m and 8 m in Mosul city and Baghdad city respectively.
If the Mosul Dam fails, then the ensuing catastrophe would be far beyond anything which has been experienced before or can happen in the future.
5. Possible Solution to the Problems of the Mosul Dam
A number of solutions were discussed to overcome the seepage problem. The International Board of Experts (IBOE) was selected by the irrigation ministry of Iraq to develop the solution for the problems of the Mosul Dam.
IBOE had a number of gatherings with the contractors and designers to examine the issues at the dam site. Grouting issues and types of grout mixtures were talked about. Proposals to utilize silica gel in the grouting of the left bank to decrease seepage were considered. Also, the use of cement grouts and the utilization of sand rock blends in various zones were discussed. All investigations inferred that the disintegration of rocks that had happened since the operation of the dam was considerable, however not so great as to preclude a fruitful culmination.
Several alternatives were suggested, which are discussed below.
5.1 Precipitation of Insoluble Materials
Seepage path can be filled by precipitating the insoluble material, such as sodium chloride, from the water seeping through the ground level. However, this proposal was rejected because the volume of insoluble material will not be sufficient enough to fill all the sizes of the various seepage path. Also, the water seeping from the ground level may have traveled in an unpredictable manner.
5.2 Sealing of Gypsum Surface
Protection of gypsum surfaces against disintegration can be done by sealing the gypsum surfaces. This can be accomplished either by maintaining a saturated or supersaturated solution with SO4 against the foundation rock surfaces. However, this process would require a continuous supply of solution from the upstream side of the gypsum blanket.
This proposal was dismissed because of the enormous amount of gypsum eliminated daily from the foundation level and the vulnerability of the seepage flow path.
5.3 Use of Chemical Solution
Another option was to decrease the solubility of the CaSO4. This could be achieved by reacting the CaSO4 to a chemical solution to form an insoluble coating around CaSO4.
This process utilizes a chemical solution called calcium oxalate. However, the issue with calcium oxalate is the durability and tenacity of such a coating against additional seepage. Also, the vulnerability and complications in judging the performance with time. Likewise, this material has harmful impacts on people and animals. Also, the enormous volumes needed to be delivered into groundwater is very difficult. Thus, this proposal was dismissed.
5.4 Use of Barriers
Use of barriers can be accomplished by:
Blanketing the upstream side of the reservoir and dam can be done by drawing down the reservoir and by lowering the lining materials through perforated pipes brought down into the lower part of the reservoir. After that, the sand can be put on top of the pipe to hold the dirt set up due to the influence of disturbance. But this technique has not been utilized in any reservoir previously.
5.4.2 Cut-off Wall
A cut-off wall is to be developed as shown below in the Figure. This technique is extremely unsafe to be executed now on Mosul Dam.
The danger includes the extraordinary stature of the cut-off wall, hardness of pervious layers, and presence of holes and voids in the dam foundation. It is also very difficult to maintain the verticality of the cut-off wall panels.
5.4.3 Development of a New Curtain
In this process, an additional reinforcement is added to the existing curtain. The curtain can be extended to the upstream of the dam to improve the behavior of existing curtain. However, this process requires the lowering of the reservoir level, thus, this recommendation was dropped.
5.4.4 Construction of Diaphragm Wall
Another option proposed was to build a diaphragm wall from the upstream embankment, with a slanting concrete facing from the highest point of the diaphragm to the highest point of the dam. Also, it can be done by eliminating the top portion of the dam and introducing the diaphragm wall through the core in an area upstream of the dam gallery.
This plan was credited to the inaccessibility of machines that could slice to the desired level. Later on, the expulsion of the top portion of the dam was thought unnecessary because of new advancement in the construction of diaphragm technology. However, the board made a deemed the recommendation as unwanted because the reservoir level has to be lowered, which can take at least 2 to 3 years with very high expenses.
6. Future of the Mosul Dam
All the proposed recommendations were not useful and some of them were not practical. Hence, the board decided to work on the existing curtains, by improving the quality of the curtains through grouting. Several grout mixes were applied to the seepage area and sealants were also applied to the large pipes and channels to reduce the seepage problem.
The protective measures were taken up because of the conceivable failure of the Mosul Dam. Thus, to protect the lives of human and animals downstream to the Mosul dam, the ministry of water resources of Iraq decided to build Badush Dam in 1988.
The construction of Badush Dam was started in 1988 and it was decided to finish the dam within four years. It is situated roughly 40 km downstream from Mosul Dam site and around 15 km upstream of Mosul city. However, the work on the Badush dam was stopped in 1991 because of United Nations sanctions on Iraq. Till 2020, the Badush dam is not completed.
Despite all the intensive grouting support work, the disintegration of gypsum has continued over the years. Additionally, it is obvious from the work done that the grouting is a temporary solution, it cannot stop the disintegration of gypsum permanently. In addition, grouting is weakening the foundation rocks of the dam by the re-grouting process. Also, grouting is successful in stopping the development of sinkholes. Moreover, it is giving a false sense of security.
Grouting cannot be the final solution for the seepage problem. Thus, the researchers suggest to use the alternative solutions discussed section-5. Practical and most advantageous solution would be the construction of diaphragm wall along with the completion of the Badush Dam.
The construction of the Mosul Dam started back in 1981 and the dam was opened in 1986.
The Mosul Dam is an earth-fill type of dam. The core of the dam is filled with mud.
The height of the Mosul Dam is 113 m.
The world's most dangerous dam is the Mosul Dam, located in the Mosul city of Iraq.


FIRST it was Paul Coverdell in Georgia, then Kay Bailey Hutchinson in Texas and Richard Riordan in Los Angeles.
Barely recovered from the defeat of George Bush in the 1992 presidential election, Republicans began to speculate openly about possible gains in the House of Representatives and prospects for recapturing control of the Senate in 1994.
Then, in early November elections, three more Republicans won major elections: Christine Todd Whitman ousted Democratic Gov. Jim Florio in New Jersey, Rudolph Giuliani sent David Dinkins packing in New York's mayoral contest, and George Allen beat out Mary Sue Terry for the open governor's seat in Virginia.
Six major elections held in the United States since Bill Clinton became president have gone to Republicans. A few Democrats won important mayoral races on Nov. 2 - Dennis Archer in Detriot, Thomas Murphy in Pittsburgh, Sharon Sayles Belton in Minneapolis, and Thomas Menino in Boston. And the GOP suffered one significant mishap Dec. 8 when Ms. Hutchinson was indicted a second time on election fraud charges almost identical to those dismissed six weeks ago. But Republicans remain sanguine. Instead of speculating about forthcoming gains in the House and Senate in 1994, they are beginning to predict them.
Of course, these are the same folks who thought Mr. Bush invincible in the fall of 1991 after a summer of parades celebrating the president's triumph in the Persian Gulf war. Republican pundits would be well advised to consult their history books before putting too much of their credibility on the line in predicting a resurgence for the GOP in 1994.
First, consider the House of Representatives. The average loss in the House for the president's party during midterm congressional elections is historically very high, but not high enough for even the most devoted GOP enthusiasts to contemplate a Republican majority come January 1995. From 1862-1990 the average midterm loss in the House for the president's party was 34 seats. If the 1994 election followed this pattern it could mean a 21-seat to 34-seat gain for the GOP. The best scenario would still leave Republicans 35 seats shy of a majority in the House.
The loss of seats for the president's party in the House typically followed a boost in House seats for members of the president's party. In times past, presidents brought members of the same party into Congress with them during the general election, hence the idea of ``presidential coattails.'' For example, Democrats picked up 75 House seats with Truman's victory in 1948, and Republicans picked up 34 seats with Ronald Reagan's election in 1980.
Midterm congressional elections then took back from the president's party some part of what was gained in the general election (and on occasion even more than that). Republicans won 47 new seats in the House in President Lyndon Johnson's midterm election in 1966, and 49 new Democrats entered the House following the Watergate debacle in the election of 1974.
However, in the current era of candidate-centered politics, a president's coattails do not hold much influence in congressional elections. In fact, neither of the last two presidents had any coattails at all. The GOP actually lost three House seats when Bush was elected president in 1988, and the Democrats lost 10 House seats when Mr. Clinton was elected in 1992. It was therefore no surprise that in the 1990 midterm elections, GOP losses in the House were rather small at only eight seats, well below the historical averages.
Since Bush didn't bring any new Republicans into Congress with him in 1988, the GOP had fewer seats to lose in 1990. Clinton faces the same situation in 1994. Having lost 10 House seats in 1992, the Democrats are not likely to lose anything near the number of seats predicted historically by the average loses during midterm elections.
As a general rule, the lower the number of House seats gained in the general election by members of the president's party, the lower the losses in the following midterm election. Thus, the best hope for the GOP to make a resurgence in the House is not the 1994 midterm elections, but the general election in 1996.
The situation is worse for Republicans in the Senate. Average losses for the president's party in midterm senatorial elections from 1862-1990 were 2.5 seats, from 1950-1990, three seats, and from 1962-1990, a little less than an average of two lost seats. With 34 senators up for reelection in 1994, 21 of whom are Democrats, the Republicans are calling this ``an historic opportunity to ... recapture a Senate majority.''
But the Republicans would need to win eight new seats (and hold the other up for reelection) to ``recapture a Senate majority.'' This is more than two-and-a-half times the highest average number of seats a president's party has lost in a midterm election. A turnover of this magnitude is possible, but it has only happened three times since 1946, when Republicans won 13 seats in the Senate; again in 1958, when Democrats won 15 seats; and once more in 1986 when Democrats recaptured the Senate from Reagan Republicans with eight new seats.
Such an outcome today is possible but not likely, especially since recent presidents have had very short coattails in senatorial elections. Bush gained only one seat in the Senate for the GOP in 1988, but lost only one in 1990. Clinton gained no seats in the Senate for Democrats in 1992 and has lost two in special elections since becoming president. The chances for a Republican majority in the Senate come 1995 are remote at best.
Electoral history won't stop GOP pundits and loyalists from hoping for a huge victory for the party in 1994. But in neither chamber will they make much headway against Democratic control of both the House and Senate; at least not without an electoral miracle of historic proportions. Don't count on it. The Opinion/Essay Page welcomes manuscripts. Authors of articles will be notified by telephone. Authors of articles not accepted will be notified by postcard. Send manuscripts by mail to Opinions/Essays, One Norway Street, Boston, MA 02115, by fax to 617 -450-2317, or by Internet E-mail to OPED@RACHEL.CSPS.COM.


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"The most authoritative account in English or any other language about how the war began."--The Washington Post Book World. "An essential resource for anyone of the conflict."--The New York Times Book Review.
Probably the best account of what exactly happened in Bosnia, and how the whole thing started (not just Bosnia, but Kosovo and Croatia as well). Authors go into extensive detail, providing the reader with a solid background to the war(s). While I was intimately familiar with the conflicts, or so I thought, this book shed some much needed light on some of the doubts I had, some confusing contradictions I picked up through the media, etc. The book, contrary to what some people are saying here, is not biased at all. That one side is portrayed in an "evil" tone is merely a result of what that "side" did during the conflicts, as documented by thousands of media outlets, historians, cameras and photographs. Of course, no one is an angel, but that should not diminish the fact that - there are demons and then there are DEMONS. Or whatever the daily word for evil, bad, ruthless people is. The book is thoroughly researched with a lot of important and verifiable information. It focuses on Croatia and Bosnia, mostly in Bosnia. It is the most accurate account that I've encountered yet; written in a clear and harmonious way. Did not get bored for one second, even though most of the information was not new to me. But what was new to me was certainly worth the wait.
A masterful account
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
If you read only one book on the tragedy that befell Yugoslavia in the 90s this book is the one. Deeply if subtly analytical to satisfy the social scientist, profoundly sensitive to empirical detail to please the historian, this account ranks as the best journalism of its day. It can and should be read by the widest audience: scholar, policy-maker, or generalist. I would go so far to say that not reading this book is an irresponsible act.
THE book to read on this subject.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Although, as the authors note, they largely leave the Serbian-Albanian conflict in Kosovo aside, this book clearly explains how the violent breakup of Yugoslavia in a sense began with Slobodan Milosevic's manipulation of that issue in the 1980s. What most people are only beginning to be aware of about Kosovo is in fact a late chapter in a story that's been going on for a very long time now, most of which this book tells better than any other.
Extremely detailed/comprehensive review of Yugoslav breakup
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
I became involved in the Bosnian crisis in a professional capacity as an intelligence analyst and briefing officer at the headquarters, U.S. European command, and served in Sarajevo with the initial NATO Peace Implementation Force (IFOR). I have been studying and following the history of this area and events in Bosnia ever since. I am familiar with many of the events in the crisis and personalities involved, and found this to be an outstanding summary of the process of the disintegration of Yugoslavia. The portion of the book covering the rise of Milosevic and the departure from Yugoslavia of Slovenia is particularly well done. The coverage of the Bosnian war is a bit cursory, and takes the perspective of the conventional wisdom of the international journalistic community. I know from talking to UNPROFOR officers and others who were there that the Muslims were not totally innocent victims and the Serbs universally evil monsters. With that small caveat, I would strongly recommend this book to anyone trying to understand the entire Yugoslav crisis. It is meticulously researched and documented. Anyone trying to understand what is happening in Kosovo right now would be well advised to read this book.
ThriftBooks sells millions of used books at the lowest everyday prices. We personally assess every book's quality and offer rare, out-of-print treasures. We deliver the joy of reading in recyclable packaging with free standard shipping on US orders over $15. ThriftBooks.com. Read more. Spend less.

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Cinnamon Roll Dump Cobbler Recipe
If you're craving cobbler but you don't want to spend a long time in the kitchen making dough and assembling pie filling, then this Cinnamon Roll Dump Cobbler Recipe is the one for you. It's simple, delicious, and only uses two delicious ingredients. Because this cobbler recipe is so simple, it is a great way to get your kids in the kitchen, cooking with you! Just have them dump the ingredients into the pan and bake away. This recipe is great for any occasion, any time of the day, but you might find it so good that you won't want to share!
Preparation Time5 min
Cooking Time15 min
Cooking Vessel Size10-inch Pie Pan
Read NextEasy Old Fashioned Peach Cobbler
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I had the same issue and had to replace the upper shock tower bushings. The older style could not support or handle the weight and would wear out quickly. The newer style bushings are a harder rubber and will not wear out as fast. You can do the job yourself if you are so inclined.
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This modern floral handbag really makes a statement! The gorgeous red handbag is bold, bright, and so trendy! You'll love the bright color of the red and white purse and its beautiful hand-drawn and hand screen printed artwork. This screen printed handbag is a one of a kind work of art that you will be so happy to own.
-The handmade handbag has a lovely bright red background. I hand screen printed my own hand-drawn modern floral design in white onto one side of the red bag.
-The inside of the red floral purse is cool red and white geometric print.
-I added a handy inner pocket inside the top handle bag and a magnetic snap closure to keep all of your stuff secure.
-The handles are a beautiful, rich wood which compliment the bag so well.
-The wood handle purse is the perfect size to carry all of your essentials without being too bulky. It makes a perfectly easy casual bag!
Size: approx. 15" at its widest point, 12" at the opening, 7" tall (not including the handles), 12" tall (including the handles)
(approx. 38 cm at its widest point, 31 cm at the opening, 18 cm tall (not including the handles), 30 cm tall (including the handles))
To see more of my handmade handbags with handles, click here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/jenniferladd?section_id=5888541
To return to my shop, click here: http://jenniferladd.etsy.com
1 business day
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Just contact me within: 14 days of delivery
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Request a cancellation within: 0 hours of purchase
But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.
Please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
I will only use your shipping and billing address, and contact information

domain: design


text:
Once again, NASA is disappointing doomsday prophets with its data-and-science obsession. The space agency said on Tuesday that an asteroid spotted for the first time just a few years ago could make a very close pass by Earth next month but that it won't smash into us.
Asteroid 2013 TX68 will make its latest close pass by Earth on March 5. The 100-foot (30 meters) long space rock could fly by at the comfortable distance of 9 million miles (14 million kilometers) or a little too close for comfort at just 11,000 miles (17,000 kilometers). That wide range is due to the fact that scientists were able to track the asteroid only for a short time when it was first discovered in 2013.
But even with the small amount of data on the asteroid's trajectory, NASA is pouring cold water on some of the more paranoid corners of YouTube and the Internet where people believe there's still a chance that 2013 TX68 could hit the Earth, perhaps bringing the End Times with it. In a release, the agency said there's no possibility that this object could slam into Earth during the flyby next month. However, there's a 1-in-250-million chance it could hit Earth on its next pass in 2017, and even smaller odds for passes in 2046 and 2097.
"The possibilities of collision on any of the three future flyby dates are far too small to be of any real concern," said Paul Chodas, manager of NASA's Center for NEO Studies (CNEOS). "I fully expect any future observations to reduce the probability even more."
Even if 2013 TX68 did smack our planet, we probably wouldn't fall victim to an extinction-level event. The asteroid measures roughly twice the size of the meteor that exploded in the sky over Russia three years ago. That event knocked out thousands of windows in the city of Chelyabinsk before the boulder landed in a frozen lake outside town, but it didn't cause any other damage.
Perhaps a more real threat is the notion that the asteroid could hit a satellite in orbit, as its projected range could bring it closer to the Earth than many craft currently in geosynchronous orbit. Now, I haven't run any numbers on this, but I'm assuming the odds of two such relatively small objects colliding in space is just insanely miniscule, like stepping on a specific grain of sand in the Sahara. Nonetheless, this asteroid will be stomping around the neighborhood.
Fortunately, NASA and others are already on the job, and I believe Bruce Willis is also standing by to reprise his role from "Armageddon."


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Transcript for the text on the image under the cut:
Spectember 2020 #09 | nixillustration.com | alphynix.tumblr.com
Concept suggested by:
The hesperornitheans were a group of highly specialized aquatic avialan birds, closely related to the common ancestor of all modern birds. Living during the Late Cretaceous, they were foot-propelled divers with both teeth and beaks in their snouts, and some of the later species had only tiny vestigial wings.
Descended from a small-winged form that hadn’t yet fully lost the ability to stand and walk on land, the INERMIORNITHIDS diverged into a different ecological niche. Starting off as rather penguin-like birds, they switched from diving to waddling around in shallow water, catching fish and invertebrates with sudden darting strikes from their long sinuous necks.
[Image: a hesperornithean bird standing up in a rather penguin-like manner, with its feet splayed slightly out to each side. It has a long pointed snout with a beak at the front and teeth further back, an s-curved neck, and vestigial wings that are barely visible under its thick feathers.]
Ancestral penguin-like hesperornithean
They developed fully webbed feet and longer legs, taking up a lifestyle similar to herons, slowly walking or standing still in the water and making quick lunges at anything that could fit in their mouths.
With vestigial wings so tiny they weren’t even externally visible, and a slightly wide-legged waddling gait retained from their ancestors’ limb arrangement, these birds seemed like they would be completely defenceless from predators. But they could actually run surprisingly fast despite their awkward-looking bodies, moving in a similar “quick step” manner to runner ducks, and also used aggressive pecks and kicks to fight off threats – along with emitting particularly loud and startling screaming sounds.
Later inermiornithids diversified into other wading niches, including crane-like, stork-like, and even filter-feeding flamingo-like species.
[Image: two images of a heron-like wading hesperornithean, with slightly longer legs and no visible wings. In the first image its head is tucked up close to its body; in the second it has extended its neck out and opened its mouth to show its teeth.]
The basal species Inermiornis ardeamimus, a heron-like form. Its long neck was usually held retracted close to its body, but could extend out much longer than it appeared for both sudden lunges at prey and display behaviors.
[Image: a crane-like wading hesperornithean with a long neck, long legs, and a slight downward curve to its snout.]
Skouzornis inconcinnus, a crane-like inermiornithid.
[Image: a stork-like wading hesperornithean with a long neck, and long legs. It has a thicker snout with a slight upward curve at the beak tip, and rounded crushing teeth.]
The stork-like Pseudociconius crassodon had a thicker heavier snout than most other inermiornithids. Probing around in the mud for hard-shelled invertebrates, it used thick rounded teeth in its jaws to crack open its prey.
[Image: a vaguely flamingo-like wading hesperornithean with a long neck, even longer legs, and a slightly more upright posture than the others. It has a wide duck-like snout full of many closely-packed needle-like teeth that act as a filtration system. It is a cursed-looking bird.]
Subrisornis execrabilis converged on flamingos, developing a filter-feeding lifestyle. It had many closely-packed needle-like teeth in its wide duck-like jaws, and its tongue and the inside of its mouth were covered in hairy lamellae, efficiently capturing tiny aquatic animals from mouthfuls of mud and silt. Like some modern wading birds carontenoids in its diet were deposited as pigmentation in its pale feathers, turning it varying shades of pink, red, and yellow-orange.

domain: biology