text:
Home Tech A Spreadsheet of China's Censorship Shows the Human Toll
A Spreadsheet of China's Censorship Shows the Human Toll
In China, don't question the heroes.
At least seven people over the past week have been threatened, detained or arrested after casting doubt over the government's account of the deaths of Chinese soldiers during a clash last year with Indian troops. Three of them are being detained for between seven and 15 days. The other four face criminal charges, including one man who lives outside China.
"The internet is not a lawless place," said the police notices issued in their cases. "Blasphemies of heroes and martyrs will not be tolerated."
Their punishment might have gone unnoticed if it weren't for an online database of speech crimes in China. A simple Google spreadsheet open for all to see, it lists nearly 2,000 times when the government punished people for what they said online and offline.
The list — which links directly to publicly issued verdicts, police notices and official news reports over the past eight years — is far from complete. Most punishment takes place behind closed doors.
Still, the list paints a bleak picture of a government that punishes its citizens for the slightest hint of criticism. It shows how random and merciless China's legal system can be when it punishes its citizens for what they say, even though freedom of speech is written into China's Constitution.
The list describes dissidents sentenced to long prison terms for attacking the government. It tells of petitioners, those who appeal directly to the government to right the wrongs against them, locked up for making too loud a clamor. It covers nearly 600 people punished for what they said about Covid-19, and too many others who cursed out the police, often after receiving parking tickets.
The person behind the list is a bit of a mystery. In an interview, he described himself as a young man surnamed Wang. Of course, if the government found out more about him, he could end up in prison.
Mr. Wang said he had decided to compile the list after reading about people who were punished for supposedly insulting the country during celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic, in October 2019. Though he is young, he told me, he remembers more freedom of expression before Xi Jinping became the Communist Party's top leader in late 2012.
"I knew that there were speech crimes in China, but I've never thought it's so bad," Mr. Wang posted in August on his Twitter account, where he writes in both English and Chinese. He wrote that he had become depressed after reading more than 1,000 verdicts.
"Big Brother is watching you," he wrote. "I tried to look for the eyes of Big Brother and ended up finding them everywhere."
The list, bluntly titled "An Inventory of Speech Crimes in China in Recent Years," detailed what happened to those who questioned Beijing's official account of the June clash between Chinese and Indian forces at their disputed border in the Himalayas. The Indian government said then that 20 of its soldiers had died. Last week, the Chinese government finally said four of its soldiers had died.
State-run media in China called them heroes, but some people had questions. One, a former journalist, asked whether more had died, a question of intense interest both in and out of the country. According to the notice the spreadsheet linked to, the former journalist was charged with picking quarrels and provoking trouble — a common accusation by the authorities against those who speak up — and faces up to five years of imprisonment.
Feb. 27, 2021, 12:24 p.m. ET
When you read the list, it becomes clear how well Mr. Xi and his government have tamed the Chinese internet. People once thought the internet was uncontrollable, even in China. But Mr. Xi has long seen the internet as both a threat to be contained and a tool for guiding public opinion.
"The internet is the biggest variant we're facing," he said in a 2018 speech. "Whether we can win the war over the internet will have a direct impact on national political security."
Liberal-leaning voices and media were among the first to be silenced. Then internet platforms themselves — the Chinese versions of Twitter and YouTube, among many others — were punished for what they allowed.
Now, Chinese internet companies brag about their ability to control content. Nationalistic online users report speech they deem offensive. Of the seven people who were accused of insulting the heroes and martyrs, six were reported by other users, according to the police notices. In some ways, the Chinese internet polices itself.
China's police, who are widely disliked for their broad powers to lock people up indefinitely, are big beneficiaries. According to the spreadsheet, people have been detained for calling the police "dogs," "bandits" and "bastards." Most are locked up for only a few days, but one man in Liaoning Province was sentenced to 10 months in jail for writing five offensive posts on his WeChat timeline.
Petitioners are among those who suffer the most. In one case on the spreadsheet, a woman in Sichuan Province whose son died at school and whose husband committed suicide was sentenced to three years in prison for charges that included spreading false information. The verdict listed the headlines of 10 articles she posted and the page views they garnered. The most got 1,615 page views, while the least got only 18.
Perhaps the most depressing items are those about people who were punished for what they said about the Covid-19 pandemic. On top of the list is Dr. Li Wenliang, who was reprimanded on Jan. 1, 2020, along with seven others for trying to warn the country about the coronavirus. He died of the virus in early February last year and is now remembered as the whistle-blower who tried to warn the world about the outbreak. But the spreadsheet lists 587 other cases.
Even cheesy skits by aspiring online influencers can be deemed offensive. Two men in northwestern Shaanxi Province livestreamed a funeral they held for a sheep. In the video, one man cried over a photo of the sheep while the other dug the grave. They were detained 10 days for violating social customs.
But the spreadsheet also highlights inspiring cases in which people spoke out to challenge authority.
In 2018, a 19-year-old man in the northwestern city of Yinchuan decided to test the newly passed law that prohibits questioning and criticizing heroes and martyrs. He posted on Weibo that two famous martyrs had died meaningless deaths and that he wanted to see if he would be arrested, showing a lack of free speech in China. He was detained for 10 days and fined $70.
One man, Feng Zhouguan, criticized Mr. Xi and was charged with picking quarrels by the local police in the city of Xiamen. He was detained for five days but appealed after his release, arguing that the police had improperly interfered in a potential libel cases between two individuals. The local police, he argued, are "not the military bodyguards or family militia of the national leader." The court upheld the sentence.
Still, many people pay a steeper price.
Huang Genbao, 45, was a senior engineer at a state-owned company in the eastern city of Xuzhou. Two years ago, he was arrested and sentenced to 16 months in jail for insulting the national leader and harming the national image on platforms like Twitter. He shared a cell with as many as more than 20 people and had to follow a strict routine, including toilet breaks. He and his wife lost their jobs, and he now delivers meals to support his family.
"My life in the detention center reminded me of the book '1984,'" he said in an interview. "Many of the experiences are probably worse than the plots in the book."
Previous articleSaudi Prince Approved Khashoggi's Death, U.S. Report Says
Next articleStimulus Checks Helped Personal Income Surge in January
Jurors ended a third day of deliberations on Thursday without a verdict in the fraud trial of Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of the...
Cable TV Is the New Landline
This article is part of the On Tech newsletter. Here is a collection of past columns.People have been predicting the death of cable...
Lawmakers Urge Instagram's Adam Mosseri to Better Protect Children
WASHINGTON — Lawmakers of both parties came out swinging in a hearing on Wednesday with Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, expressing deep...


text:
Stress, Shock, and Adaptation in the Twentieth Century
Authors: Kirk., Robert G.W. --- Jackson, Mark --- Ramsden, Edmund --- Cantor, David
Book Series: Rochester Studies in Medical History ISBN: 9781580464765 Year: 2014 DOI: 10.26530/OAPEN_478052 Language: English
Publisher: University of Rochester Press Grant: Wellcome Trust - 082834 (chapter 1) and 084988 (chapter 9)
Stress is one of the most widely utilized medical concepts in modern society. Originally used to describe physiological responses to trauma, it is now applied in a variety of other fields and contexts, such as in the construction and expression of personal identity, social relations, building and engineering, and the various complexities of the competitive capitalist economy. In addition, scientists and medical experts use the concept to explore the relationship between an ever increasing number of environmental stressors and the evolution of an expanding range of mental and chronic organic diseases, such as hypertension, gastric ulcers, arthritis, allergies, and cancer. This edited volume brings together leading scholars to explore the emergence and development of the stress concept and its definitions as they have changed over time. It examines how stress and closely related concepts have been used to connect disciplines such as architecture, ecology, physiology, psychiatry, psychology, public health, urban planning, and a range of social sciences; its application in different settings such as the battlefield, workplace, clinic, hospital, and home; and the advancement of techniques of stress management in a number of different national, sociocultural, and scientific locations.
history of science & medicine
The Invention of the "Stressed Animal" and the Development of a Science of Animal Welfare, 1947–86 (Book chapter)
Book title: Stress, Shock, and Adaptation in the Twentieth Century
Book Series: Rochester Studies in Medical History ISBN: 9781580464765 Year: 2014 Language: English
Evaluating the Role of Hans Selye in the Modern History of Stress (Book chapter)
Europäische Wissenschaftskulturen und politische Ordnungen in der Moderne (1890-1970)
Author: Hübinger, Gangolf
Book Series: Schriften des Historischen Kollegs ISSN: 2190-1392 ISBN: 9783110446784 Year: 2014 Volume: 87 Pages: 326,00 DOI: 10.1515/9783110446784 Language: German
At the beginning of the 20th century, two revolutionary processes intersected in European industrialized societies. The sciences became a central force for interpreting the world, and the democratization of modern life became a key determinant of the political and cultural order. These processes turned Europe into a laboratory for very different interconnections between scientific self-observation and ideas about polity.
History of science --- Historisches Kolleg
The making of British bioethics
Author: Wilson, Duncan
Publisher: Manchester University Press Grant: Wellcome Trust - 081493
Recent decades have witnessed profound shifts in the politics of medicine and the biological sciences. Members of several professions, including philosophers, lawyers and social scientists, now discuss and help regulate issues that were once left to doctors and scientists, in a form of outside involvement known as 'bioethics'. The making of British bioethics provides the first in-depth study of the growing demand for this outside involvement in Britain, where bioethicists have become renowned and influential 'ethics experts'. The book moves beyond existing histories, which often claim that bioethics arose in response to questions surrounding new procedures such as in vitro fertilisation. It shows instead that British bioethics emerged thanks to a dynamic interplay between changing sociopolitical concerns and the aims of specific professional groups and individuals. Highlighting this interplay has important implications for our understanding of how issues such as embryo experiments, animal research and assisted dying became high profile 'bioethical' concerns in late twentieth century Britain. And it also helps us appreciate how various individuals and groups intervened in and helped create the demand for bioethics, playing a major role in their transformation into 'ethics experts'.

The making of British bioethics draws on a wide range of materials, including government archives, popular sources, professional journals, and original interviews with bioethicists and politicians. It is clearly written and will appeal to historians of medicine and science, general historians, bioethicists, and anyone interested in what the emergence of bioethics means for our notions of health, illness and morality.
theology --- ethics --- bioethics --- history of science --- history of medicine
Abbreviations (Book chapter)
Book title: The making of British bioethics
˜Where to draw the line? Mary Warnock, embryos and moral expertise (Book chapter)
Bibliography (Book chapter)
'A service to the community as a whole': the emergence of bioethics in British universities (Book chapter)
'Who's for bioethics?' Ian Kennedy, oversight and accountability in the 1980s (Book chapter)
Manchester University Press (12)
Böhlau (3)
University of Rochester Press (3)
De Gruyter (1)
Istituto per la storia del pensiero filosofico e scientifico moderno - National Research Council (1)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


While the Telegraph reports that the partners of the NatWest Three "want" to meet John Reid to ask him to ask the Americans if Bermingham, Darby and Mulgrew can spend part of their bail time in Britain - scoop! - the Guardian has seen a prosecution memo showing that the longest the bankers are likely to spend in jail is about one third the time their supporters claim.
"Campaigners have repeatedly claimed that under sentencing guidelines, they face 23 years without parole if convicted, far longer than they could expect in Britain. However, the prosecution memo, lodged on Friday at Houston's federal court, says that based on the size of the alleged fraud, 'the defendants, if convicted, face a potential sentencing range under the US sentencing guidelines of seven to nine years' incarceration'."
"It also discloses that two corrupt executives at the top of Enron have turned supergrass and provided sworn statements saying the three Britons knowingly colluded in the financial wrongdoing which surrounded the now defunct energy trading empire."
As for the unbalanced extradition arrangement being used by cheerleaders for these three filthy-rich men to divert attention from the strengthening case against them, here's some earlier thoughts on that - with interesting comments attached - from a Texas-based lawyer and more recently from the same source, a closing suggestion that Mr Blair may have been right to anticipate during last Wednesday's PMQs that the Brits would get a softer ride than American Enron-related defendants have. Oh, for a friend like George?


If the experience is what you are targeting, you can apply for summer internship for High School Students. It can be quite difficult of course, but you will find it very useful if you are succeeded to get the chance. Sometimes you will need recommendation from your parents or teachers to get the chance to join an internship programs, but you can also consider searching for it by yourself through online searching or asking local companies for any opportunities.


The name "Tête Jaune Cache" originated from an Iroquois Métis nicknamed Tête Jaune (Yellowhead) because of his light colored hair. He kept a stash of furs at Grand Forks, the meeting of the Robson and Fraser Rivers. Soon the area became known to trappers as Tête Jaune's cache. The name migrated downriver to a periodic settlement of Secwepemc First Nations people, and further downstream to the railway construction town.
What is now a ghost town was once a thriving metropolitan city of around 3000, much larger then present day Valemount. Between 1911 and 1913 the town of Tête Jaune Cache was the largest settlement west of Winnipeg during railroad construction.
Tête Jaune was a pivotal center for transportation between Fort George (Prince George) and Edmonton. By 1913 there were three sternwheelers making runs down the Fraser River carrying supplies and people.
Record high water level was recorded in 1913. The flood eventually washed away the peninsula that the center of Tête Jaune (mile 52) stood on. At mile 53 lived the engineers, superintendents and surveyors. The workers called this snob hill. A forest fire destroyed all the houses on snob hill in 1916, after Tête Jaune had become a deserted ghost town.
Currently the area under the aegis of Tête Jaune Cache is home to a few small businesses specializing in custom timber milling, woodworking, guided flyfishing, whitewater rafting, snowcat skiing, and bed and breakfast accommodation.
Interested in a booklet on the history of Tête Jaune Cache? We have some available for purchase online here, or in the Museum's gift shop.


A true "Beach House" in every sense of the word! Rustic and charming, offering a fabulous location only a short stroll away from the Ocean/Beach in Quogue with Bay access across the street. Enjoy all that the Hamptons have to offer this summer in your private, 3 Bed/2 Bath cottage getaway, complete with Gunite Swimming Pool! Say no more...Home is offered for sale as well.


In his distinguished career as a Hollywood photographer, Bob Willoughby took iconic photos of Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Fonda, but remains unequivocal about his favorite subject: Audrey Kathleen Ruston, later Edda van Heemstra Hepburn-Ruston, best known as Audrey Hepburn. Willoughby was called in to shoot the new starlet one morning shortly after she arrived in Hollywood in 1953. It was a humdrum commission for the portraitist often credited with having perfected the photojournalistic movie still, but when he met the Belgian-born beauty, Willoughby was enraptured. "She took my hand like...well a princess, and dazzled me with that smile that God designed to melt mortal men's hearts," he recalled.
Bob Willoughby(1927-2009) took his first photo at the age of twelve. By 1954 his exhibitions of photographs of jazz musicians and dancers led to a contract with Globe Photos, followed by work at Harper's Bazaar. After shooting Judy Garland during the filming of A Star is Born he became the first "unit photographer"—hired specifically by movie studios to take on-set promotional "stills". The author of numerous books on photography, he lived his last years in Vence, France.


The attractive exterior with drive up entry to keep you dry from the elements outside.
Front desk reception is available 24 hours for all of your service needs.
Enjoy the Stylish and inviting lobby.
Stylish and inviting seating are for visiting with friends, family and business associates.
ADA bathroom wheel chair accessible with roll in shower.
The suite living area includes a sofa bed for more space to relax.
Our King Suite includes a king size bed, sofa bed, two 47-inch TVs with guest room entertainment package including Netflix, work desk, fridge/microwave and oversized stand up shower and free Wi-Fi.
You can enjoy the view from our King Suite.
Our King Suite includes a 47-inch TV with guest room entertainment package including Netflix, work desk, fridge/microwave and oversized stand up shower and free Wi-Fi.
Get some work done in the privacy of your own suite at the work desk area.
Our Queen/Queen Suite includes two queen-size beds, sofa bed, two 47-inch TVs with guest room entertainment package including Netflix, a work desk, fridge/microwave and oversized stand up shower and Wi-Fi.
Our guest bathrooms feature an over-sized stand up shower.
Relax after a long day in our large walk-in showers.
Come be productive in our complimentary Business Center.
Never miss an email in our complimentary business center with free Wi-Fi and printer access.
Connect & Print in our 24 hour business center for all of your business and travel needs.
Corner Market is available 24 hours to quench your thirst or to grab a quick snack.
24 hour coffee bar is always open and brewed fresh for your convenience.
Complimentary hot breakfast includes make your own waffles, proteins, whole grains, fruit and dairy products.
Complimentary hot breakfast includes make your own waffles, proteins such as eggs and meats.
Complimentary hot breakfast includes grains and whole fruit.
Complimentary hot breakfast includes apple/orange juice, cereals, yogurts and various dairy products.
Relax and enjoy our commons area for breakfast in the morning or socializing in the afternoon and evening.
Enjoy our breakfast area for fresh start to your day in the morning or a relaxing time in the evening.
Splash Country Waterpark includes several amenities such as 2 slides, basketball hoops, water fountain, catfish, and zero depth entry for all ages.
Enjoy our 2 slides that all ages can enjoy in Splash Country Waterpark.
Enjoy our over sized hot tub in Splash Country Waterpark.
Party deck in Splash Country Waterpark is available to rent for birthday or pool parties!
Fitness Center is available 24 hours to help keep you on your fitness schedule while traveling.


To purchase the upgrade version, you must own a previous licensed version of WordPerfect Office. Please note that upgrade eligibility excludes Academic, Home & Student, OEM and Not for Resale (NFR) versions.
Corel® WordPerfect® Office X9 Standard Edition is the trusted solution for creating impressive documents, presentations, spreadsheets, and more. With built-in PDF functionality, enhanced Reveal Codes, and eBook publishing, you'll find all the support and familiar features you need to work more efficiently and collaboration is made simple with support for over 60 file types. User-suggested enhancements streamline your most important workflow requirements, making it simple and intuitive to discover the tools to set you up for success in any office environment.
An all-time favorite feature just got even better! Gain more control over the appearance of reveal codes by changing the color of the space character that is used to separate words. You can also get instant access to this handy feature with the ability to turn the Reveal Codes option on and off on the default toolbar.
Simplify your workflow with new time-saving view thumbnails that make the template selection process easy. With the intuitive Template Viewer feature, you can instantly browse your installed or created templates to make a faster selection.
Use a few simple clicks to get the exact template you need – either from the latest version of WordPerfect or from your customized keystrokes. With the new Function Key Template macro, you can seamlessly create a printable keyboard template that outlines every keystroke so you won't miss a thing.
Famous for its unrivalled compatibility, WordPerfect Office lets you work with more files than ever. Easily open, edit and share files with support for more than 60 formats, including Microsoft Office (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx). The Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack will be retired in the near future. Please install at the time of purchase to ensure you have access to this pack and its full feature set.
Open as many documents as your computer memory will allow with multiple WordPerfect windows. Best of all, without the restriction of nine documents per window, the sky's the limit.
Keeping track of several documents on your desktop at the same time can be a cumbersome task. Not anymore! Simply use the Favorites feature to instantly mark all of your relevant documents. Next, click on your toolbar to simultaneously open your set of most frequently used documents.
Now you can experience multitasking at its best. With this new feature, WordPerfect lets you save a document to various file formats - WPD, PDF, and HTML5 – all at the same time. Within the Macro Manager, select 'Save to Multiple Formats' choose the option to Play your macro, save it to multiple formats, then click Play and you're ready to go.
You asked for it, and now we've got it. The PDF Form feature lets you create fillable forms for collecting information interactively. Easily add a range of form controls, including text fields, check boxes, drop-down lists and more. Changing the form's appearance—font, style, and color—is easy to do.
In addition to MOBI, the WordPerfect eBook Publisher supports the EPUB format. This provides compatibility with more eBook devices, such as Kobo, Nook, and Sony Reader. What's more, the WordPerfect eBook publisher enables relative font and graphic sizing, and automatic conversion of footnotes to cross-linked endnotes.
(Note: this feature is available in the Standard and Pro Edition only).
Enjoy the photo editor that reveals your true creative potential and frees you from high costs, from endless subscriptions, and from hours spent editing at your computer. Import, process, and output faster, and get back behind the camera where want to be!
Now you can address envelopes and labels more quickly and easily. The Mail Merge Expert makes it simpler to associate a data source, such as an address book or a spreadsheet, with form documents, including letters, labels, and envelopes. Let the Mail Merge Expert guide you through the process—step by step.
The Publish to HTML option can output to more HTML standards, including HTML5. It provides more publishing options, such as relative font sizing and the ability to publish footnotes.
The new Keystroke Menu helps you quickly access settings and commands. Simply type the first few letters of the feature you're looking for and WordPerfect will present a series of available matches.
Famous for its unrivalled compatibility, WordPerfect Office lets you work with more files than ever. Easily open, edit, and share files with support for more than 60 formats.
SharePoint support is fully integrated into WordPerfect Office X9, enabling you to interact more easily with content, processes, and business data. Share knowledge, find information, and collaborate with confidence both inside and outside your organization.
Open PDFs directly with WordPerfect X9 to easily reuse text and graphics. You can also choose to import only the PDF's text, and convert characters in image-based PDFs to fully editable text.
With suite-wide PDF publishing options, WordPerfect Office X9 ensures that you can share your documents, charts and presentations with anyone. You can adjust PDF file size and print resolution to suit a variety of destination platforms, such as web, email and print.
This office suite also supports PDF password protection, which lets you restrict who can view, copy, print or edit your PDFs. What's more, WordPerfect Office X9 supports PDF/A, which is a widely-used government standard for archiving documents.
WordPerfect's Make It Fit™ feature lets you select a block of text and instantly resize it to fit a specified number of pages, while minimizing formatting changes. Avoid spending time adjusting margins and fonts or cutting out text. With the Make It Fit feature, the look you want is just a click away.
Take your productivity to the next level with WordPerfect support for multiple monitors. Open different files on different monitors so you can work on them simultaneously.
This relational, file-based database lets you store and retrieve data in a variety of ways. To help track, organize, and compile data, this complete desktop database solution stores information in powerful, searchable tables.
View a WordPerfect file before opening it by selecting the file in Windows Explorer or Microsoft Outlook, then choose from a robust set of right-click options that enable you to search, select, or copy text, browse a document, or even print directly from the Preview panel—all without having to open the file.
BrainStorm training videos help beginners easily get up and running on WordPerfect Office X9, offering tips and tricks that even the most experienced user will find helpful. Get to know WordPerfect Office X9 inside and out with BrainStorm.
Get started quickly and easily with this step-by-step guide that offers an array of project templates and helpful advice. When you start a PerfectExpert project, the PerfectExpert panel dynamically updates to provide advice and guidance specific to the task at hand.
Get the most out of your office software with built-in learning resources and support. WordPerfect Office features an easy-to-access help system that puts tips, tutorials, and answers right at your fingertips. Whether it's information on how to use a specific feature or helpful information for creating eye-catching documents and presentations, WordPerfect Office offers all the support you need to get the job done right.
Gather up-to-the second data from the web and then automatically update a document with that information whenever you open it. For example, create a report with updated stock prices, send out a real-estate brochure that pulls in new MLS listings, or publish daily weather reports. Bring the power of the web to all your documents with WordPerfect Office.
Discover a better way to create a Table of Authorities with new Corel® Perfect Authority. Instead of hand-marking citations, let Perfect Authority locate, sort and create the Table of Authorities for you in minutes, saving you time and money.
Black out sensitive or confidential information, and ensure that text cannot be retrieved or revealed. This versatile feature can also search a document for words and phrases to hide and automatically apply redaction. Redacted files can be saved to .pdf or .wpd formats, keeping your information safe and secure from onlookers.
Metadata is information that lurks within office productivity files and includes undo/redo history, reviewers' notes, hidden text, and comments. Fortunately, WordPerfect has a built-in feature that enables you to strip this confidential or sensitive metadata from your files. Keep your documents clean, safe, and secure.
Adding Bates numbering to critical files is standard practice in many fields, including law and medicine, and can be tedious and time-consuming. Legal users can save time with this new tool that lets you easily insert Bates numbers in WordPerfect documents. Every page in a document (or a folder of documents) is assigned a unique, incremental number for quick identification.
WordPerfect Office has a set of built-in tools designed specifically for legal professionals. Easily create and format pleading papers, generate indexes and tables of contents, and even create a Table of Authorities.


yesterday, all the resolutions proposed in the Notice to Shareholders were duly passed.
1,000,000 preference shares of £1.00 each ("Preference Shares").
affects the special rights and privileges attaching to the Preference Shares.
vote for every Preference Share held by him/her.
participate in the profits or the assets of the Company.
offer or agreement notwithstanding that the power conferred by this resolution has expired.
and  the south east of England.  Shield currently operates approximately 500 commercial contracts.
Shield is a PLUS Markets quoted company.


Supercars teams must lead the way on fundamental cost saving measures but avoid destroying the sport's DNA in the process, according to Triple Eight Race Engineering boss Roland Dane.
A range of cost saving concepts were discussed at last week's Supercars Commission meeting as the series attempts to address methods to safeguard the sport's viability to teams moving into the future.
The process is already underway with the championship confirming this week that twin-spring dampers will be banned from next season onwards, and the introduction of a new cost effective transaxle.
It is understood further measures could be introduced as cost saving discussions continue into next year.
Teams have made it clear that significant measures are required, as sponsorship dollars become increasingly hard to secure, with Dane admitting that banning twin-springs is not really going to have an impact on team bank balances.
However he feels that 'a good hard look at how the championship goes racing is required' and that teams are responsible for shaping the sport's future.
"We need to cut our costs to suit the environment we're in," Dane told Speedcafe.com.
"Honestly, rules around whether we're using twin-springs or single springs, they're not going to ultimately make a difference to the real cost space of the championship.
"We need to talk about some far more fundamentals, which I think we will do in the coming months.
"And hopefully we'll do it in a considered but private way amongst the people who ultimately fund the championship, which the underwriter (of) which is the teams.
"It's up to us (the teams) to really determine our future.
"The world around us changing rapidly, and in terms of interactions between people and cars is changing very rapidly, but also the landscape commercially.
"We need to be better set up at the moment to weather any economic storms as well.
"So there are a number of very sound good reasons for having a good, hard look at the way we go racing.
Dane did not wish to disclose the areas which he feels need addressing but agrees with Garry Rogers Motorsport director Barry Rogers, who believes there are costs that can be saved from modifying engines.
The Triple Eight boss cites the non compulsory generic engine option the British Touring Car Championship offers as an option that could be considered.
However, he warns that Supercars must not lose sight of its DNA in making cost saving changes.
"Whether a control engine is the right thing, or whether a generic engine … And there's people are not necessarily clear or even understand fully what they mean by this yet," Dane added.
"There's the BTCC model of having a generic engine, which you can use if you want to, but you don't have to, is potentially a very good one.
"But there is plenty of work to do around it, and it's not necessarily, again, something that's going to give instant dividends to everyone in terms of its payback and cost saving.
"There are other areas which we've got to look at and that could well be something that we need to look at hard, but it needs to be done in a proper considered way.
CLICK HERE to have your say on the what Supercars should do to save costs.


text:
Q: Display controller > action as title in dynamically I need to display the title dynamically as following style/order Controller> action.
ex:

class Office::MeetingController < ApplicationController
    def today
    ...
    end
    def yesterday
    ...
    end
end

I want to display the title dynamically (i.e dynamically put the title on the page), like
today page title => Office> Meeting> Today
yesterday page title => Office> Meeting> Yesterday
I feel lazy to use the title tag. ;)
thanks in advance

A: you can use two ways:
1 Set it in your layout file:
<title>
  <%= controller.controller_name %> > <%= controller.action_name %>
</title>

2 You can use yield in your layout:
<title>
  <%= yield :title || "No title" %>
</title>

and then in your views you can call content_for
<%= content_for :title do %>
   <%= controller.controller_name %> > <%= controller.action_name %>
<% end %>

And you can watch this screencast http://railscasts.com/episodes/30-pretty-page-title

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Looking for a job or work experience? Come along and join our recruitment team from Rochdale at Queen Elizabeht Hall on Thursday 21st September.
There will be staff available on the day to advise you about jobs, careers and access to training!


text:
Internet Television - TV Online - India
9XM TV
India - Music
Bollywood Music at its best, that's what 9XM is all about. We play it all,...
India - General
AAJ TAK is a 24-hour Hindi news television channel owned by TV Today Network....
Angel TV
A free HDTV channel proclaiming the soon coming of Jesus Christ. The most...
Asianet Global
India - News
Asianet News is a Malayalam news channel owned by Jupiter Media and...
Know the New Economy through Moneycontrol, India's No.1 financial portal. Tune...
CNBC आवाज़
India - Business
CNBC AWAAZ is the second most watched Hindi News channel amongst all decision...
CNN IBN
Read CNN News18 breaking news, latest news from India & World including...
DD India
India - Local TV
DD india was launched in 1995 (then it was called DD International). The...
DD News
Doordarshan News, usually referred to by its abbreviation as DD News, is...
Divine Online
Divine Vision Network is a television channel that airs inspirational programs...
DY 365
DY365 (Assamese: ডি ৱাই ৩৬৫ is a 24-hour satellite channel of Assam, India....
The Supreme Court allowed the civic agency NDMC to e-auction five-star hotel...


I really love the Royal Ontario Museum.
Today I thought I'd try to walk through every open gallery, to reacquaint myself with all the collections on display, and I did (though it took a while, as I kept stopping to look at things – as you're meant to do!).
After university, I returned as a salesperson in the Reproduction Shop, a (gloriously named) volunteer-operated, long-gone boutique, located in a corner under the golden mosaic dome, selling … gorgeous and high-quality reproductions of items in the ROM's collections (glassware, jewellery, textiles, etc.). One day, around Christmas, I bravely approached a browsing Christopher Plummer, not quite sure what to say, coming up with, "See anything you like …?" He smiled. He did not buy the offered scarf or tie (and I blushed for the rest of the day).
Celtic dagger and sheath. The sheath consists of bronze bands wrapped around ashwood.
Anyway … the third floor Egypt, Rome, and Greece galleries are my long-time favourites, and the first places I go every visit. I tend to drag accompanying friends to see the walk-around Acropolis model, which I still think is wonderful.
Today's overview of all the galleries was marvellous, as it reminded me of the vast scope of the ROM's collections, under the dual mandate of nature and culture. One of the surprises (other than the friendly sloth!) was the case of "Britain and Ireland to the Time of the Romans," featuring a Celtic dagger and sheath dated 600-500 BC, found under Westminster Bridge in London. I didn't know that was part of the collection, wow!
The First Peoples gallery is usually the last I visit, so I can linger there until I'm ready to head out. I'm delighted that the Toronto Underfoot exhibit created by the ROM's April Hawkins, New World Archaeology Technician, is still on display there. The Greater Toronto Area is rich in archaeological potential, and April's exhibit and interactive Google map offer a glimpse into the history under our feet.
The Royal Ontario Museum is museum no. 3 in my #100museums challenge (see 100 Museums Challenge).


SCHEDEL - Tercia Etas Mundi. / Carthago. / Folio XL.
SCHEDEL, H. - Tercia Etas Mundi. / Carthago. / Folio XL.
Tercia Etas Mundi. / Carthago. / Folio XL. - SCHEDEL, H.
Title : Tercia Etas Mundi. / Carthago. / Folio XL..
Size : 18.0 x 12.7 inches. / 45.7 x 32.3 cm.
Description :A very fine presentation of the city of Carthage, centered on the church.(Dim. H : 120 mm W : 168 mm).
Ancient Carthage was the Phoenician city-state of Carthage. During the 7th to 3rd centuries BC, its sphere of influence, the so-called Carthaginian Empire, extended over much of the coast of North Africa as well as substantial parts of coastal Iberia and the islands of the western Mediterranean.
Including also a genealogy of Zaraya, Meraioth , Amarie and Achitob. Recto, a genealogy of Booz is depicted.
The woodblock cutters were Michael Wolgemut, the well-known teacher of Albrecht Dürer, and his stepson Wilhelm Pleydenwurff. Wohlgemut was Albrecht Dürer''s tutor between 1486-90 and recent scholarship has shown, Albrecht Dürer may also have collaborated, since some of the cuts bear a remarkably close resemblance to the Apocalypse illustrations.


If you intend to study at St George's, whether as an undergraduate, postgraduate, elective or overseas transfer student, the UK government may ask that you apply for a Tier 4 (General) visa.
The visa application system is complex, so the advice we provide is a guide only and we'd always recommend using the UK Visas and Immigration's Tier 4 Policy Guidance.
There is also a lot of useful information on the GOV.UK website and the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website.
St George's has fully trained immigration advisors who will be happy to help with your application. If you have any queries about the process, please email us.
Immigration advisors at St George's are regulated under Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) guidelines to give immigration advice. The OISC is an independent organisation that monitors immigration advice and services. Advisers have to attend regular training to be able to provide immigration advice.
The UKCISA has an advice line which is open from 1-4pm, Monday to Friday. It can be reached on the numbers below.
Telephone: 020 7788 9214 (inside the UK).
Please note that the above information is subject to change; please check the GOV.UK website for updates. This information is provided is given in good faith for information purposes only. This information is not intended to nor does it constitute legal advice. St George's, University of London does not warrant the accuracy of the information provided and accepts no liability whatsoever as any claims arising from it.


The latest digital copiers are great pieces of equipment to have in your office. Many models do it all: copy, fax, scan and email. Leasing copier systems has many advantages such as access to the latest equipment, support, etc. For most companies it makes sense to lease their copiers. When you need an upgraded or newer model with more capabilities, you simply call your vendor and they replace the old one with a new unit. What can be better?
If the unit is in decent shape, the leasing company may refurbish it and lease it again to another company.
If the machine is very old or not in good shape, the leasing company may just scrap it.
But here's something most business owners don't realize — most digital copiers contain hard drives that store all of those copies, faxes, and scanned documents you've been making!
Now, here's something I know you do know: Hard Drives, if not cleaned or disposed of properly can have their contents recovered very easily by cyber-criminals.
So, here's my question: How sure are you that your leasing company is properly removing the contents of that hard drive BEFORE leasing it to another client or disposing of the unit?
This video shows a CBS broadcast on what is actually happening to all of those copiers that are recycled to new customers. The fact is: business, personal, and confidential documents are in danger of being stolen by cyber-criminals.
Insist that your copy vendor verify to you that it has wiped the data from the hard drive BEFORE sending that unit out again or prior to disposing of it. Many digital copiers have a "data wipe" feature that is activated by just pressing a button. However, you need to know how this function works because if this feature merely formats the drive, the data is still accessible using widely available IT recovery tools. This is simply unacceptable and leaves you open to data theft.
What does XSolutions do when it repurposes or disposes of client computers?
When a client wishes to repurpose a used computer for any reason, XSolutions' removes the hard drive from the PC and securely wipes out the data with special purpose programs using the Department of Defense 5220.22M standard or higher. This ensures that all previously resident data on that drive is removed and cannot be recovered.
If a client wishes to dispose of a workstation, XSolutions removes the hard drive and physically destroys it to the point that its data cannot be recovered or accessed.
For your protection, insist that your copy vendor securely wipes out the data from the copier's hard drive on all returned units using at least the DoD standard and ask them to verify that to you in writing.


Puree all ingredients except tomatoes with ¼ cup olive oil in food processor until smooth, adding additional olive oil in drizzle until creamy, scraping sides of processor as needed. Continue blending until no chunks of nuts are visible. Stuff grape or cherry tomatoes with pesto, removing pulp of tomatoes if desired. If tomatoes are large, they can be cut in half.
Variations: a white pesto can be prepared by leaving out the basil leaves. Also, spinach, cilantro or arugula can be used in place of the basil.
OMG Ocean, I have too many cherry tomatoes right now and this looks awesome. How do you stay so thin eating all these nuts? I love them but soooo many calories and fat, for me I can get enough of a good thing. Though I understand you don't get much fat elsewhere in a raw diet?


text:
{ "item_title" : "Surviving in an Angry World", "item_author" : [" Charles F. Stanley "], "item_description" : "The premise of this book is that learning to let go of anger--and ultimately forgiving the offender--will transform the foundation of every kind of relationship we have. Stanley defines anger as a strong feeling of intense displeasure, hostility, or indignation as a result of a real or an imagined threat or insult, frustration, or injustice toward yourself or towards someone who's very important to you. Building on this defintion, Stanley... 1. Helps readers identify the signs of anger, so they can identify anger in themselves. 2. Reveals the far-reaching consequences of anger, which encompass the spiritual, emotional, and physical. 3. Teaches readers how to handle anger through thirteen concrete steps. 4. Walks readers through the steps to true forgiveness and the healing power it brings. With compassion and a wealth of biblical understanding, Stanley explains that the measure of a person is the size of thing that makes them angry. He goes on to distinguish between healthy and harmful anger and reminds us that righteous indignation is a divine emotion. However, he skillfully explains that misguided anger eats away at ourselves, our relationships with others, and our relationship with God. By helping readers look honestly at the source of their anger, he gently leads them to the ability to truly forgive and find the peace they seek.", "item_img_path" : "https://covers4.booksamillion.com/covers/bam/1/43/919/057/1439190577_b.jpg", "price_data" : { "retail_price" : "15.99", "online_price" : "15.99", "our_price" : "15.99", "club_price" : "15.99", "savings_pct" : "0", "savings_amt" : "0.00", "club_savings_pct" : "0", "club_savings_amt" : "0.00", "discount_pct" : "10", "store_price" : "" } }
Surviving in an Angry World : Finding Your Way to Personal Peace
by Charles F. Stanley
The premise of this book is that learning to let go of anger--and ultimately forgiving the offender--will transform the foundation of every kind of relationship we have. Stanley defines anger as "a strong feeling of intense displeasure, hostility, or indignation as a result of a real or an imagined threat or insult, frustration, or injustice toward yourself or towards someone who's very important to you." Building on this defintion, Stanley...
1. Helps readers identify the signs of anger, so they can identify anger in themselves.
2. Reveals the far-reaching consequences of anger, which encompass the spiritual, emotional, and physical.
3. Teaches readers how to handle anger through thirteen concrete steps.
4. Walks readers through the steps to true forgiveness and the healing power it brings.
With compassion and a wealth of biblical understanding, Stanley explains that the measure of a person is "the size of thing that makes them angry." He goes on to distinguish between healthy and harmful anger and reminds us that "righteous indignation" is a divine emotion. However, he skillfully explains that misguided anger eats away at ourselves, our relationships with others, and our relationship with God. By helping readers look honestly at the source of their anger, he gently leads them to the ability to truly forgive and find the peace they seek.
Publisher: Howard Books
Publish Date: May 2011
Dimensions: 8.51 x 5.54 x 0.63 inches


text:
NewsPreviews	 Erroll Maas	 10 months ago Comments Closed	94 views	0 likes
GDC 2019 Spotlight: War Tech Fighters
At GDC 2019, we got the chance to see War Tech Fighters, an upcoming third person mech action shooter by publisher Blowfish Studios and developer Drakkar Dev. The developer has provided more information about the story of War Tech Fighters below:
" After a devastating war, the ruthless Zatros empire claimed the home planets of the Hebos and Ares colonies. Pilots from the remnants of the shattered colonies fight fiercely for their independence in fully customizable mechs called War Tech. Captain Nathan Romanis leads the talented squadron in their desperate struggle to reclaim their home."
There are three different types of mech classes for players to choose from: Hawk (light), Lynx (balanced), and Rhino (heavy) in both a 33 mission campaign mode and a survival mode. While this doesn't seem too different from other recent mecha action games (such as Project Nimbus), all mechs are also fully customizable allowing players to change out every separate part of the mech while choosing between over 180 different upgradeable parts and systems as well as thousands of paint and livery options. The console editions of War Tech Fighters will also feature console exclusive Archangel War Tech special sets: Glory Sword, Redemption Halberd, and Faith Shield. These Archangels will be available from the beginning and will be able to help players easily get out of tough situations.
While this nearly unlimited customizability is a great feature most other mech action games lack, the third person shooting elements are what keep me cautiously optimistic about this game. The shooting looks similar to other mech action games and might be something that causes players to lose interest. Additionally, you're always locked to the left side of the screen, meaning that movement doesn't have as much freedom as it could and risks feeling less fluid. Besides your basic to be expected shooting mechanics, the mechs featured in War Tech Fighters can also participate in sword battles and use flashy execution moves by completing a variety of quick time events and brief minigames. This is what first got me interested, because so many mecha games seem to have the same type of shooting mechanics and don't experiment enough with other types of weapons. In addition to this, there are also several AI companions players can direct, adding a more strategical element to the game.
While War Tech Fighters doesn't distance itself much from other games in the genre, its customization options and flashy close range combat may be just enough to set it apart. Whether those features will help players and fans of the genre overlook its flaws, we'll just have to wait and see.
War Tech Fighters is expected to launch on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch sometime in Q2 2019. It is currently available on PC.
Tags: action, Blowfish Studios, Consoles, Drakkar Dev, Mech, Mecha, Nintendo Switch, pc, playstation 4, ps4, third person shooter, Xbox One
Previous ArticleGDC 2019 Spotlight: RecompileNext ArticleGDC Spotlight: Obey Me
Looking For Heals Available On PC Through Steam Early Access
Review: kuso
Copyright 2017- IndieHangover.com / Caution4 LLC


It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month — Do You Know What to Look For?
Breast cancer is the top cancer among women: In 2015, it killed over half a million people around the world, according to the World Health Organization. Emmy-winning actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus just recently announced she was diagnosed with the disease. Yet in Avon's survey of 19,000 women, only 42 percent felt confident they would be able to recognize changes to their breasts that could indicate breast cancer, though 72 percent of those same respondents said they look for changes.
Breast cancer rates dropped in the early 2000s with the decrease of menopausal hormone therapy, but they have remained somewhat constant since then. Still, because simple factors like age can drastically increase risk, it's increasingly important women understand how to look for early signs of breast cancer — WHO says early detection is key for improving breast cancer outcomes and survival. Though prevention isn't always possible, there are some simple ways to be vigilant. Here are a few important ways to maintain awareness and guard your health when it comes to breast cancer.
According to the CDC, studies show breast cancer risk is due to a number of factors, often a combination. Simply being aware of these risk factors in your own life can promote vigilance in your self-exams so you can catch any sign of breast cancer early on. Keep in mind that some women get breast cancer with none of these risk factors, and having a risk factor doesn't mean you will ever get breast cancer. Here are a few of the most common risk factors, according to the CDC.
Age: Most breast cancer cases are diagnosed after age 50.
Genetic mutations: Inherited changes to genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 may lead to higher risk for both breast and ovarian cancer.
Family or personal history of breast cancer: Having a first-degree family member (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer doubles your risk.
Hormone exposure: Having an early menstrual period (women who got their first period before age 12 have been exposed to hormones for longer), taking oral contraceptives, or using combination replacement therapy have all been known to increase risk.
Late or no pregnancy: Having a first pregnancy after age 30 or never having a full-term pregnancy can increase risk.
Lifestyle: Not being physically active, drinking alcohol, or being overweight can all contribute to breast cancer risk.
Signs of breast cancer can be more nuanced than feeling a lump in your breast, and not all warning signs are the same in every breast cancer case. But it's always important to know what to look for. Here are some of the most common signs of breast cancer — if you think you may have any of them, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
While many of the above symptoms can be warning signs of breast cancer, often, they can indicate benign conditions of the breast. Still, make sure you discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Mammograms are x-ray screenings that show signs of breast cancer when there may be no other indicators. Most women get mammograms at or after age 40, but if you have any of the above risk factors, talk to your doctor about early screenings. According to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, due to common use of mammography screenings, most breast cancer cases in the US are diagnosed early, which plays a huge part in survival. In other countries, where breast cancer screenings are less common, mortality is much higher.
Whether or not you have any risk factors or blatant warning signs of breast cancer, it's always helpful to be aware of what to look for. And while diseases like breast cancer, unfortunately, can't always be prevented, you can take care of your body, reduce your risk factors, and catch any concerns early on. Again, if you have questions or concerns about your risk factors or any changes in your breasts, make sure you discuss them with your physician.
How are you taking a preventative approach to your health? Let us know @BritandCo.


In 2007, the world reached the unprecedented milestone of half of its people living in cities, and that proportion is projected to be 60% in 2030. The combined effect of global climate change and rapid urban growth, accompanied by economic and industrial development, will likely make city residents more vulnerable to a number of urban environmental problems, including extreme weather and climate conditions, sea-level rise, poor public health and air quality, atmospheric transport of accidental or intentional releases of toxic material, and limited water resources. One fundamental aspect of predicting the future risks and defining mitigation strategies is to understand the weather and regional climate affected by cities. For this reason, dozens of researchers from many disciplines and nations attended the Urban Weather and Climate Workshop.1 Twenty-five students from Chinese universities and institutes also took part. The presentations by the workshop's participants span a wide range of topics, from the interaction between the urban climate and energy consumption in climate-change environments to the impact of urban areas on storms and local circulations, and from the impact of urbanization on the hydrological cycle to air quality and weather prediction.


Find Villas For Sale in Phra Khanong.
Want to sell or rent your Villa in Phra Khanong? List it now - For free.
What kind of Villa are you looking for in Phra Khanong?
Do you own a Villa in Phra Khanong?
The average price per square meter for a Villa For Sale in Phra Khanong is ฿132,704, which is 20% below the average price per square meter in Bangkok that is ฿159,160.


text:
You are here: Home » Observances » Holy Convocation/Fast of Tebeth
Many Jewish holidays date to a historical event, which occurred in Biblical times. For instance, the Passover marks the Israelites' exodus from Egypt during Moses' time; Shavuoth commemorates the revelation of the Ten Commandments to the Children of Israel at Mt. Sinai; Succoth refers to the Children of Israel's wanderings in the wilderness when they dwelt in booths; and lastly, the Fast of Tebeth (the tenth month on the Hebraic calendar) commemorates the siege of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple in 588-586 B. C. E. (before the common era).
Biblical Information
Several biblical passages give details about the siege of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple that occurred in 588-586 B. C. E. Of these, Jeremiah chapter 52 and II Kings chapter 25 give the most detailed description.
According to these accounts, the Kingdom of Judah was invaded by the Babylonians (Chaldeans) under King Nebuchadnezzar. The invasion and ultimate defeat of Judah came in several stages over the course of two years. First, the city of Jerusalem, the capital, was besieged by the Chaldeans who pitched forts around the walls of the city, preventing the entrance and exit of food and supplies. Second, famine afflicted the inhabitants of the city, and they began to suffer. Third, the Chaldeans invaded Jerusalem, burned many buildings, took many people captive, and deported them to Babylon. Fourth, a new governor, Gedaliah, was installed, but eventually he was killed by a band of men led by Ishmael. Finally, the remaining people of Judah fled into exile in Egypt and other neighboring countries.
The Promise of the Restoration of Jerusalem
The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple were sad events in the history of Judaism. Thousands of inhabitants of Jerusalem were deported to Babylon and exiled into neighboring countries. While in exile, Psalms 137 expresses the sobering disposition of the Israelite people as they viewed their lost independence, grieved about their captivity in strange lands, and yearned for freedom and the opportunity to return to their homeland.
Despite the gloom of their situation, they failed to lose hope. During the time of the prophet Zechariah, there was a prophecy that Jerusalem would be restored and the Temple would be rebuilt. In Zechariah chapter 8 verses 1-8, there is a promise that Jerusalem would be restored and inhabited by children, old men, and old women. The promise included the gathering of the remnant of God's people from the East and the West. In Zechariah chapter 8 verse 9, it is prophesied that the Temple will be rebuilt.
Commemoration of the siege of Jerusalem
As a memorial of the methodical invasion of Jerusalem by the Babylonians and the destruction of the Temple, the House of Judah was commanded in ancient times to observe certain fasts: the fast of the fourth month, the fast of the fifth, the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth. This proclamation is found in Zechariah chapter 8 verse 19.
Within our Congregation, we preserve the memory of this solemn event by observing the Fast of Tebeth. The Fast of Tebeth actually correlates with the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem, which occurred on the 10th day of the 10th month. We commemorate this event by worshipping, praying, fasting, and feasting.
Before sundown on the third day of Tebeth, the members of our congregation assemble in the Tabernacle to observe the beginning of the Holy Convocation (the Holy Convocation consists of seven "Holy Days" leading to the Fast of Tebeth). The service consists of the blowing of the trumpets by the males of the congregation. The blowing of trumpets is a practice, which goes back to biblical times. It denotes seriousness and a call of attention to a sacred event. The service also consists of singing and the reading of Zechariah chapter 8, which articulates the restoration of Jerusalem and the Temple, and the commemoration of the four fasts.
An important characteristic of the seven days of the Holy Convocation is the 4:00 a.m. service. This service consists of praying, thanksgiving, singing, and testifying. Specifically, on each morning, the prayer found in St. Matthew chapter 6 verses 9-14 is recited while in a different praying position. Each day the praying position gets lower until finally, we lay flat on our stomachs with faces in hands which symbolizes the fall of the walls of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple. On the Sabbath or 10th day we are to stand erect (one of the meanings for standing on the 10th day symbolizes that the Temple has been rebuilt metaphorically).
Other important features of the Holy Convocation are the observances of fasting and feasting. At sundown, on the eve of the tenth day, all members of the congregation are to engage in a fast, by abstaining from food and water. The only members who are excluded from fasting are children, the elderly, the sick, and expecting mothers. The fast, which lasts approximately 18 hours, ends at high noon (1:00 p.m.) with a feast. The feast, which usually occurs in the Tabernacle, involves the eating of a festive meal while giving thanks to God.
As a commemoration of the siege of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple in 588-586 B. C. E., the Children of Israel were commanded to observe the fasts recorded in Zechariah chapter 8. These fasts correlate to the systematic invasion of the House of Judah by the Babylonians. They are reminders of this solemn event in the history of the Israelite people.
For our Congregation's purposes, the Holy Convocation/Fast of Tebeth is also a recollection of the siege of Jerusalem. Yet, it too is a time when we lay siege on our individual walls of sin and shortcomings, and it is a period to become reconciled with God through prayer and thanksgiving.


text:
Het Collegium Polonicum in het Poolse Słubice is een gemeenschappelijke internationale onderwijs- en onderzoeksinstelling van de Europese universiteit Europa-Universität Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder) en de  universiteit van Poznań. De onderwijsinstelling is in 1998 geopend. In de moderne bibliotheek is het archief van Karl Dedecius, vertaler van Poolse lyriek,  ondergebracht.

De huidige directeur van het Collegium Polonicym is Krzysztof Wojciechowski.

Met de bouw van het gebouw is in april 1996 begonnen.

Externe links
    Homepage Collegium Polonicum
  Het archief van Karl Dedecius

Bouwwerk in Lubusz
Onderwijs in Polen

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


"Artist Books & Goods Winter Gifts Fair"
From November 17 to January 6, during our Artist Books & Goods Winter Gifts Fair, original books and items related to Benesse Art Site Naoshima will be on sale at Chichu Art Museum, Lee Ufan Museum and Honmura Lounge & Archive. Please come by!
*Access to the Chichu Store requires to enter the Chichu Art Museum.
*Advance reservation required to enter the Chichu Art Museum. Tickets available here.
All three shops are closed on Mondays.
(open on December 24, but closed on December 25).


It's been a while, hasn't it? I spent the last few weeks in Shanghai and Ningbo. It's been seven years since I was last in China and the skyline has changed dramatically. Suddenly, skyscrapers surround my grandmother's apartments - this quiet little residential neighborhood is now encroached by luxury shopping centers.
It amused me to no end the juxtaposition of old and modern. A few hundred feet from where elderly neighbors relax on a handcrafted chairs, sleek Louis Vuitton boutiques and brightly illuminated La Mer counters have sprung up.
I was fortunate to visit during while the cherry blossoms bloomed.
I spent quite a bit of time visiting botanical gardens and peony pavilions. This was my first taste of China in the spring time and the display of flora took my breath away. Literally. The pollen count made it pretty hard to breathe when my allergies went haywire.
I ate a great deal of things. Managed to gain ten pounds in three weeks! There are so many things to eat, I could spend a lifetime in China and still not taste them all. I think we ended up going out to eat... every single day of those three weeks.
Hot pot is one of favorite meals, and my aunt remembered! She made reservations for hot pot the very next day after I landed. I could feast on quail eggs, shiitake and ribeye all day long, I think.
Most restaurants serve food family style on a lazy-susan. For a party of 8-10 people, it's not uncommon to have maybe 7-10 cold plated appetizers followed by 10-15 hot dishes. Shanghai cuisine is pretty mild compared to other regions of China with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce and seafood. There's usually at least dish of fish, along with prawns or crab.
I finally got my stinky tofu fix. I had been craving it for about, well, seven years. It's a snack food that you'll probably find at a street vendor's cart while taking an evening a stroll. The tofu is fermented and then fried. A name such as "stinky tofu" is not particularly appealing, but it's really tasty. The exterior is crisp and the taste.... well, if you're a fan of other pungent foods like bleu cheese or sauerkraut, I think you'd like the savory stinky tofu.
Also a big fan of dim sum and one of my favorite restaurants was a Hong Kong based dim sum house that had scrumptious crispy roasted suckling pig, durian fruit pastries and pretty good Chines BBQ pork buns (the big fluffy buns at the bottom).
Another dish that stood out to me was this preparation of a fioe gras pâté that was particularly aromatic.
People watching also never gets old. This gentleman is 82 years old and as fit as a fiddle. Seriously, you should have seen how unwrinkled his complexion was and how bright his eyes sparkled. He spends two hours a day practicing calligraphy in the park using water as his ink and the tiles as his paper. While his characters have no permanence, he says that honing his art everyday in this seemingly futile way fills him with a sense of peace and happiness.
The density of the population never ceases to astound me. This was on a Saturday evening, near Nanjing Road. Thousands of people in the streets, the flow of bodies like a schools of fish.
Sir Elly's at The Peninsula Hotel has a rooftop terrace bar that has a stunning view of the Shanghai Bay, particularly at night. If you're ever there, the Up in The Clouds drink features tasty lychee liqueur. Ah, Shanghai -where you can spend hundreds of yuan on drinks at upscale bars at night but buy tasty piping hot breakfast the next morning for less than a fiver at the street corner.
I really enjoyed my time there, other than allergies and pollution taking a toll on my body. I'm spending some time just relaxing and catching up on snuggles with Vesper & The Gang now that I'm home. While I didn't have very much time to shop, I did buy some Korean and Japanese makeup while I was there and I can't wait to show you!


Who would have thought this cute little shrub from Australia would be such a good grower for the maritime Pacific Northwest. This small shrub becomes a compact spreading mound in the garden. The tiny evergreen leaves have a refreshing minty fragrance when brushed up against. In late spring to early summer small orchid-like white flowers cover the shrub and are very attractive to pollinators.
Alpine mint bush grows best in full sun to light shade. Any well drained soil is fine for growing this shrub, but it will tolerate sandy soils and dry locations. Once established it will thrive on only occasional watering and can be completely drought tolerant. Not necessarily a long-lived plant, but should grow well and be beautiful for at least a decade.
Native to southeastern Australia in the states of New South Wales and Victoria and is found at subalpine elevations among low shrubs and granite rocks. English botanist George Bentham (1800-1884) formally described this species in 1848.


just loaded some shotguns ammo to his side of the body.
- DO NOT get close to him because he can turn around fast and slam you!
everytime he tries to attack you.
the boss. Beware you still can get hurt while playing dead!
you. Try to get at least 2 HEADS and grab an axe.
gas tank and blow them off. You should choose your partners carefully.
use once so don't forget that and play dead if he did his 1 hit move!
- Samuel's normal virus gauge help you a little bit.
- Jim's ability to play dead is useful to lure zombies to a nearest gas tank.
I used to think only du***** wore these, but this one looks cool.
smellin' a little funky lately.
The soles are flat so you can pedal faster. They look pretty tight.
enough to wear 'em outside.
D***! That's a nice parka! Thin and waterproof. With style to spare.
they're for kids, I kinda like 'em.
A set of 128 crossword puzzle cards. A full set is pretty d*** rare!
Disco-lookin' shoes that are a mix between futuristic design and 70s flair.
A magazine for crazy peeps like me who dig shoes.
Q) What does it mean when you said bad partners and good partners for Jim?
Q) So, in File 1 can Jim have his lucky coin?
Q) What is the strongest NPCs that have Jim's type?
Q) Can Jim easily avoid the land mines in End Of The Road scenario?
A) Kind of. If you do it correctly, then it should be easy.
Q) What kind of AIs partners should Jim have in offline mode?
Q) Is it true that Jim's voice has changed?
Q) Is it true Jim can get hurt even when he is playing dead?


text:
Roland Martin: What Will Doug Jones Do Now?
Written By: Diannah Watson, BlackAmericaWeb.com | 12.21.17
Doug Jones has been elected as the democratic Senator-elect in Alabama after a close and drama filled race. Even after winning, Roy Moore refuses to concede but Jones continues to look toward the future. Roland Martin talks with Jones about the election and the future.
It's no secret that African-Americans came out to vote and were responsible for helping Jones win.
'No question about it, I mean it was an incredible effort. It was a combination of as they say boots on the ground and a massive effort on knocking on the doors," explained Jones. "Leaders across the state who got behind the campaign. And the messages that we were talking about."
Since African-Americans were the main impetus for getting Jones elected, Martin asks if his new staff will reflect the people that voted for him.
"Absolutely, we have started the process of gathering our resumes. You know I'll be honest with you," expressed Joens. "The one great thing really for me that has been so gratifying is that with all the attention that this race has garnered we're attracting some really top talent from both within Alabama and outside the state."
Like BlackAmericaWeb.com on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram
Roland Martin: What Will Doug Jones Do Now? was originally published on blackamericaweb.com
More By Diannah Watson, BlackAmericaWeb.com


If my father were still alive, he would be 97 years old today. My father was a senior in high school when this photo was taken.
Here is some of the music he would have heard between during the 1930s. In 1932, he was the same age that my nephew is this year. Amazing!
Don't you think, back then, high school seniors look much more mature than they do now? They probably were, having more adult responsibilities than most current day teens.
A lovely photo of your dad. Happy Birthday to him!
Happy birthday to your father. My dad also listened to some of the same music. As a young man, he played clarinet in a band in Toronto. About ten years ago, when I was out west visiting a friend, we stayed for a week at his dad's helping to care for his mom after she took a serious stroke. His dad had a bunch of tapes he had made of his favourite songs from the 30s and 40s - recording the music from records borrowed from the library and doing his own FM-radio-style introductions to each piece. It was such a fun break from what might otherwise have been a rather sad week for all of us. Listening to those tunes is now part of a favourite memory from my past.
TaraDharma, robin andrea, kjm and bev -- Thank you for your kind birthday wishes to my father and for your remembrances, bev.


text:
Home » Gaming » Oculus Rift » You are reading »
Ethereon Launches Latest Screenshots
Anushay Qaiser November 30, 2014 Ethereon Launches Latest Screenshots2014-11-30T18:55:54+00:00 Gaming, Oculus Rift No Comment
Ethereon is a new virtual reality game that is recently being launched and is apparently in very high demand already.
The game has been created by indie developer Innervision Games, who have launched a Kickstarter campaign to generate the needed funds to release Ethereon. Ethereon is a fast paced, adventure, puzzle game set in virtual reality that is completely immersive. The entire game is filled with novel interactions that have been based on the theory that virtual reality is the next big thing. Innervision Games have claimed that Ethereon will be a huge hit with fans of the puzzle and adventure genre with respect to gaming in virtual reality.
In Ethereon, players are supposed to unlock the secrets of the otherworldly game that has been set in a beautifully designed ethereal new world. The goal of the game is to face and win several puzzles that have been designed to be very challenging for the player. The developers claim that the game is easy enough to be fun and rewarding, but difficult enough to not bore the players and keep their interest piqued.
Innervision Games is hoping to raise an amount of $35,800 by 21st December 2014 at the latest. They need this funding to help in developing Ethereon properly and then launch the game for Pc sometime later this year. Innervision Games has claimed that support for both the PlayStation 4 and Oculus Rift's virtual reality headset will be released soon after the official launch of the game itself. Ethereon will also be made compatible with the virtual reality headset of Project Morpheus but the developers have not specified the date of release for this yet.
This week, new screenshots have been released by the developers to whet the appetite of fans anxiously awaiting the release of Ethereon. An added benefit of launching these pictures is to get people to send in more donations, after looking at the beautiful world that has been created by Innervision Games. Since Ethereon has been set in an aquatic world, the images are breathtaking in their simplicity and design. Seven new pictures have been released this week. Players will be able to solve puzzles set in this wonderful world and see the scenes change as they move forward in the game. With each new level, players will move deeper into this surreal world and may come across originally designed creatures within the aquatic world, some of which may even take them on further rides. Demos of the game are available for download at the moment. Virtual Reality Times will keep following the progress of Ethereon and report back with any further updates.
Ethereon – Trailer
For more information on Ethereon, please visit the following links:
http://vrfocus.com/archives/9029/ethereon-gets-new-screenshots/
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1475340426/ethereon-virtual-reality-adventure
http://innervision-vr.com/
CES 2020: Vuzix Introduces the M4000 Enterprise Smart Glasses with Optical Waveguide
Scope AR Snaps Up $9.7 Million for the Expansion of AR Platform
SteamVR 2.0: Valve Teases New Generation SteamVR Platform
Jack Daniel's Augmented Reality Marketing App Which Transforms Labels into Pop-up Storybooks
Documents: Magic Leap Assigns All Its Patents to J.P. Morgan Chase as Collateral for a Loan
https://virtualrealitytimes.com/2014/11/30/ethereon-launches-latest-screenshots/https://virtualrealitytimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Ethereon-e1417372640977.jpghttps://virtualrealitytimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Ethereon-e1417372640977-150x90.jpg 2014-11-30T18:55:54+00:00 Anushay QaiserGamingOculus RiftEthereon is a new virtual reality game that is recently being launched and is apparently in very high demand already. The game has been created by indie developer Innervision Games, who have launched a Kickstarter campaign to generate the needed funds to release Ethereon. Ethereon is a fast paced, adventure,...Anushay QaiserAnushay Qaiseranushayqaiser@hotmail.comContributorAnushay is a writer from Pakistan, specializing in technology and futurism. She's a big VR fan, despite living in a country without much presence in high technology or virtual reality.Virtual Reality Times
About Anushay Qaiser
Anushay is a writer from Pakistan, specializing in technology and futurism. She's a big VR fan, despite living in a country without much presence in high technology or virtual reality.
View all posts by Anushay Qaiser →
« The Indelicates Use Oculus Rift To Release New Single
EvilMech Runner Launching for Oculus Rift »
Is This Counter-Strike VR? No, it's Pavlov VR!
Pavlov VR is an indie-created VR team shooter created by davevillz, and it recently received an …
VR app project brings back dead people in virtual reality
What if it only takes an app to transport you in a virtual world – a …
Facebook Accidentally Shipped Oculus Touch Controllers With Creepy Hidden Messages
Tens of thousands of Oculus users will be receiving cryptic conspiratorial messages on their Oculus Touch …
Anvio VR Takes Arcade to a whole New Level
Anvio VR is a new Virtual Reality experience that allows you to play inside a massive …
HaptX to Partner With Military Contractor ECS to Develop Mixed Reality Military Training Systems
The Florida-based U.S. military contractor Engineering & Computer Simulations (ECS) has been awarded a grant to …


Gooey Chocolate Brownie recipe - Cookit!
Comments: Care is needed when melting chocolate over the hot water and removing it, as well as with the oven.
It is a good idea to prepare the baking tray, when you put the oven on and whilst the chocolate is melting.


text:
You are here: Home1 / Reaseheath News2 / Wildlife film makers encourage undergraduates to 'make a difference'... / Events3
Wildlife film makers encourage undergraduates to 'make a difference'
12 February 2016 /in Reaseheath News/by Sophie Tatton
Wildlife film makers Madelaine Westwood and Piers Warren are encouraging Reaseheath undergraduates to 'make a difference' by recording their concerns about endangered animals on film.
Wildlife Conservation and Ecology undergraduates Sam Field, Tom Holloway, Victoria Johnstone and Gareth Myers-Cann, who are studying wildlife film making, chat to Madelaine Westwood.
Madelaine, founder of the Great Ape Film Initiative (GAFI), uses cinema and television to spread the message about vulnerable habitats which are shared by apes, other species and people in places like Africa and South East Asia.
Invited to our college as a guest lecturer by Reaseheath's Conservation Society, Madelaine, who has worked for all major broadcasters in Britain and abroad, told our animal management undergraduates how targeted screenings of GAFI films had been viewed by 300 million people in 15 countries.
The GAFI team, which uses an innovative pedal powered cinema when conventional power is not available, aims to encourage local communities to create solutions which benefit both themselves and the endangered species which share their home.
Audiences range from local school children to politicians. In some cases the film showings result in local solutions or national changes to the law on issues such as climate change and unsustainable clearing of forests.
"Films are a powerful communication tool, particularly when they are backed up by social media, which can have far reaching effects," Madelaine told her audience. "By getting your message out in a way which goes to the heart of communities, you can change human behaviour and really make a difference."
Madelaine, who works closely with local non-government organisations when spreading her environmental message, later gave a second lecture which was open to all students, staff and the public.
Learn more at www.gafi4apes.org.uk
Next week undergraduates on our BSc Wildlife, Conservation and Ecology degree who are studying on the module 'Wildlife in the Media' will enjoy practical workshops on film making and photography led by Madelaine's colleague Piers Warren. Piers is Principal of Wildeye, an international school of wildlife film-making, and is co- editor with Madelaine of a book on conservation film making which is suggested reading for our students. Said Course Manager Ben Coleman: "This is a very exciting opportunity for our students to learn from the best."
Header image caption: Madelaine Westwood during her lecture with animal management undergraduates
https://www.reaseheath.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Madelaine-Westwood-GAFI-header.jpg 1664 3884 Sophie Tatton https://www.reaseheath.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/reaseheath-logo-web-header-1.png Sophie Tatton2016-02-12 12:07:452016-02-12 12:07:45Wildlife film makers encourage undergraduates to 'make a difference'
Staff members motivate WorldSkills UK squad Cake puts the icing on cub scouts centenary celebrations


Let's talk about the pasta now. I personally never loved true "spaghetti". I like my noodles fat. Buccatini is essentially just fat spaghetti noodles with a hollow center. It's basically just pasta straws. Have you ever tried it? I am going to say that bucatini is the best long pasta that ever existed and ever will exist. And Bon Appetit wrote an article titled just that.
So here is a gluten free bucatini, here is a paleo pasta, and here is a Semolina pasta. Choose your pick. I personally use a gluten free pasta, unless I'm cooking for C who only likes the "real stuff". Make it paleo by using the paleo pasta brands, like Cappello's.
Some of my friends have been asking me for easy recipes to cook with their significant other or roommates. This recipe is perfect for that occasion. It is fancier than regular spaghetti but it is very easy to make! If you want to add more protein, top it with some black drum or shrimp!
Fill a large pot with water, and place on the stove on high heat. Add salt to the water, and be generous, 1-2 TB.
When water is at a rolling boil, add pasta. Put timer on for 10 minutes.
At ten minutes taste a piece of pasta to see if it is fully cooked. It may need 1 or 2 more minutes.
Drain pasta in a colander. Assemble with sauce and top with red pepper flakes and black pepper (and salt if needed). Sprinkle parmesan on top.
Place bacon on a baking sheet and place in the oven for 15 minutes or until cooked.
In the meantime, place garlic and 2 TB butter in a small skillet on medium/high heat. Cook until garlic is browned. Add olive oil and lemon and stir. In 1-2 minutes, add dry wine. Let the wine cook out. Add 1-2 more TB of butter. Stir in the bacon at the end.
I included links in the post for Gluten Free Bucatini Pasta brands!


We have been residing in a personalized globe, and you're a personalized event planner. Just grab those March 2019 Calendar Excel Worksheet and share it with your friend, take out of here free or free from costs and targeted up to publish in keeping with your requirements. Knowing somebody who's a conference planner, then send them a letter or provide them something special saying many thanks for what they perform. You understand I am an evangelist round the whole notion to be ultra-fit if you would like to be in your absolute best. Trainers and organizers would be the most excellent equipment that produces the Online March 2019 Calendar Excel which we can use anytime and anyplace. It could look like moving contrary to good sense to check beyond the favorite market designations of"Millennial.


text:
Für die Wettbewerbe im Synchronschwimmen bei den Olympischen Sommerspielen 2024 stehen Plätze für insgesamt 96 Athletinnen zur Verfügung.

Für den Gruppenwettkampf erhalten die Siegernationen der fünf Kontinentalmeisterschaften einen Quotenplatz. Europa, das von der französischen Delegation als Gastgeber vertreten wird, stellt hierbei eine Ausnahme dar. Die fünf verbleibenden Plätze für den Gruppenwettkampf werden im Rahmen der Weltmeisterschaften 2024 vergeben. Alle qualifizierten Nationen aus dem Gruppenwettkampf qualifizieren sich auch automatisch für das Duett. Auch hier werden fünf weitere Plätze an die beste Nation eines Kontinentes vergeben. Sollten noch Quotenplätze offen sein, werden diese ebenfalls im Rahmen der Schwimm-WM in Doha 2024 vergeben.

Qualifizierte Nationen

Duett

Gruppe

Weblinks
 Qualifikationssystem der FINA

Synchronschwimmen
2024 Qualifikation
Schwimmsport (Frankreich)


text:
Senator Murray Questions Air Force Secretary Wynne About the Tanker Contract
Appropriations Defense Subcommittee - Hearing Transcript
Watch the Q & A
MURRAY: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
Secretary Wynne, I do have many questions regarding the decision on the aerial refueling tanker, but before I get to that, I must raise a related item with you that I'm concerned about.
The week of the announcement of Airbus winning the tanker competition, there was a paper released by Loren Thompson of the Lexington Institute extolling the benefits of the Airbus platform and indicating somehow that the Boeing plane was a lesser plane.
That was right after the decision was made. It was prior to Boeing being debriefed and prior to Congress getting debriefed. How do you defend the information leaks on this decision from the Air Force?
WYNNE: I cannot defend it. I have inquired and conducted an inquiry. I would say that I thought it was a travesty for anybody to talk to anybody before we talked to the winning and losing candidates.
MURRAY: Well, what it looked like from our end was that the Air Force was engaging in an ad campaign to fill the papers with misinformation that no one could refute because no one had been debriefed by this.
WYNNE: I actually apologized to the Boeing folks about this. It was sort of an unfair, certainly preemptive press article.
MURRAY: Do you believe a violation occurred?
WYNNE: Ma'am, I don't know that.
MURRAY: Yes, I know you stated something similar to that yesterday before the House.
I mean, it leads me to ask how many other violations have occurred. Who else was talked to? What information was given out? Who had it? Are there any other leaks?
WYNNE: I'd have to say that we try very hard to hold a very tight hold. I would say that Loren Thompson seems to have sources that are not willing to come forward and say that they were the one.
MURRAY: So there are sources within the Air Force that were talking to...
WYNNE: I have no idea. I have no idea.
MURRAY: Clearly. I mean, obviously, there had to be.
WYNNE: I have no idea where he got his information from.
MURRAY: So how are you going to find out?
WYNNE: I have no means or mechanisms to force a subpoena on anybody.
MURRAY: Well, that's very troubling, because not only am I worried about what appears to be a big ad campaign before anybody could defend anything or have another story that lasted for well into a week and a half, but if someone is talking to Loren Thompson, the question has to be asked who else are they talking to.
Were they talking to either of the companies? You know, what was occurring throughout this process? It leaves a big question out there. No response?
WYNNE: No, ma'am. I have told everybody that it is improper and you can only expect that upholding the integrity of the process is foremost in everybody's mind, and yet...
MURRAY: Well, I think it leaves a question for all of us on the integrity.
I have to say I am very perplexed by the outcome of this process. After all, the competition was for a replacement of a medium-sized KC-135 tanker, but what the Air Force selected is an aircraft larger than the KC-10.
I mean, what it looks like from my end is that you put out an RFP for a pickup truck to carry three quarters of a ton and what you selected at the end of the day was an 18-wheeler -- doesn't get great gas mileage, can't park where we've got parking garages today, and it's, you know, a completely different concept. So you know, it is surprising, I think, to everyone.
But let me ask you, now that you have selected a much larger aircraft, what will be the associated cost for our military construction budget? Can these Airbus planes fit in the hangars that we have today?
WYNNE: Ma'am, I have done very little work in where it goes. I will tell you that it's all part of the evaluation that's currently under protest. I will tell you that in the RFP there was no indications of size.
And I will tell you that in the analysis of alternatives for replacing the KC-135 the 330, the 340, the 767, the 77 and the 787 were all cited as potential candidates. Every one of these suppliers knew the competitors' offerings.
MURRAY: Well, Mr. Chairman, in terms of MILCON, I think that is something we have to look at -- longer runways, larger aircraft hangars, what is the cost of that, and I hope that we'll be able to do that.
Mr. Secretary, I've had a lot of conversations about this. I have listened to all the press conferences. I've got to tell you, I am left with more questions than answers.
It's become very clear that there were many factors that the Air Force didn't consider in this -- the pending WTO case that the United States now has against the E.U. regarding the illegal subsidies that are provided for the development of the Airbus commercial aircraft, the total cost to our government for military construction, the impact of a subsidized R& D on the cost per aircraft, potential national security implications of outsourcing the backbone of our air superiority to a foreign country.
And you know, I've listened to all the Air Force officials like Sue Payton and yourself, and I keep hearing the same phrase again and again. You said it in your opening remarks. "We followed the law and we went by the book." Well, the Air Force seems to be acknowledging, it seems to me,that there are factors of concern that were outside what was required by the law to be considered, like national security.
And that leads me to a very important question. Do you feel the procurement process as it currently exists takes into account all of the factors that should be considered when fielding critical defense platforms?
WYNNE: I will say that the acquisition laws have been layered on layered on layered over the years. They are extraordinarily complex. It goes to alliances. It goes to coalitions. It goes to many aspects of procurement.
And as you know, the presidential helicopter is, in fact, an international offering. The CSTAR has international offerings. The C-27 is an international offering. It goes to how much of the industrial base of America is dedicated.
You might not know but you should know that the MRAPs are currently being lifted by Russian Antonov airplanes from Charleston because we believe that's the most efficient way to do it.
I think if there is a consideration, it has to go very deep into how much is America willing to invest in its industrial base.
MURRAY: Well, is the current process out of line, from your viewpoint, with what is necessary to give a complete and accurate picture to meet our defense needs?
WYNNE: No, ma'am. I think we have gone through this over the last several years, and the laws are very clear in who they allow to be a competitor, what part of the...
MURRAY: The laws are very clear. The laws are clear, but I'm asking you if you think the current procurement process reflects the needs of the defense, of our defense.
WYNNE: I think right now I worry about the industrial base of the future. I think we started to decay our industrial base in 1990. And I think our market doesn't support a large industrial base right now.
MURRAY: Does the current process put American companies at a disadvantage when competing with subsidized companies?
WYNNE: I don't know that. I can't measure that.
MURRAY: Well, Mr. Secretary, this concern isn't just about utilizing American ingenuity to meet the needs of the war fighter. I think we have to consider what an R& D investment in a foreign company could lead to.
Airbus and EADS have already given us plenty of reason to worry about how hard they're going to work to protect America's security interests. In 2005, EADS was caught trying to sell military helicopters to Iran. In 2006, EADS tried to sell transport and patrol planes to Venezuela, which is a circumvention of U.S. law.
They don't have to follow our laws. And that really is a concern for me as a United States senator. Do you have similar concerns?
WYNNE: Ma'am, I will tell you from a standpoint of an ex-official in the acquisition process, I follow the law of the United States of America to the best of my ability. So you tell me how to react to that.
MURRAY: I've heard you say that many times.
And I think, Mr. Chairman, that's what gives me pause, is that the Air Force is following the letter of the law. I think we as policy-makers have to think whether, to quote a famous author, "the law is an ass."
And I think we have to think about whether or not our laws are protecting our national security interests, our economic interests and our military infrastructure.
I have several other questions, but I will wait for the next round.
MOSELEY: Senator, might I add a parallel thought to my secretary? Ma'am, I would also say this is about fielding capability.
This is about being able to field systems on time and being able to field systems to replace close to a 50-year-old airplane that has served us very, very well.
To be able to look at Guardsmen, reservists or active duty crews, pilots, co-pilots, boomers or crew chiefs that maintain old airplanes and tell them that we'll wait while we have the technology and the capability to field a new system is something that's not -- it's not a good feeling for a chief of staff.
And so this is about fielding capability to be able to fight this country's wars and win.
MURRAY: General, I have fought for a long time to get these refueling tankers built. I represent men and women in my state who fly these. I know they are very old.
But I also think we as policy-makers have to make sure that we're making the right policy for decades to come about our national security and our economic interests for the future, and not make a mistake in doing that.
I want to get those planes up there. I want my men and women flying the best. But I want my national security interests to be at stake as well.
Permalink: https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2008/3/senator-murray-questions-air-force-secretary-wynne-about-the-tanker-contract