Consumers could get back money they have lost as a result of their dealings with any of the 24 failed financial firms (listed below) the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) declared in default during January and February 2018.
FSCS is the UK's statutory compensation scheme that protects customers of regulated financial services firms. A declaration of default means FSCS is satisfied a firm is unable to pay claims for compensation made against it. This paves the way for customers of that firm to make a claim for compensation.
Since it began in 2001, FSCS has helped more than 4.5m people, paying out more than £26bn in compensation.
If you wish to make a claim with FSCS against one of these firms, you may be able to do so using its online claims service. Or you can contact its Customer Services Team on 0800 678 1100 or 020 7741 4100, or by email at enquiries@fscs.org.uk.
Ocean Money (II) Limited (formerly Marlborough Loans Limited), PACIFIC HOUSE, RELAY POINT, WILNECOTE, TAMWORTH, STAFFORDSHIRE, B77 5PA.
Important note: not to be confused with Ocean Finance which offers credit cards and mortgage / loan broking under the Ocean, Ocean Finance and Ocean Mortgages brands, based in Think Park, Mosley Road, Trafford Park, Manchester – this company is not in default.


text:
Petra Bjelica
Ugo Ricciardi
Ugo Ricciardi is an Italian photographer in the field of portraiture, still life, and fashion photography, frequently working on his personal side-projects that enable him more freedom than the commissioned pieces. A passionate and devoted artist, fascinated...
Mehdi Ghadyanloo
Mehdi Ghadyanloo is an Iranian artist and muralist who gained great recognition and praise in the recent years. His main works were paintings done in a Surrealist manner with an otherworldly and silent atmosphere, rendering architectural landscapes and images...
Luvelli
Jon Luvelli is an Italian-American street photographer whose work is getting more and more attention in recent years, and is known as one of the top street photographers. He distinguished himself with monochromatic artwork, precise and calculated style, dark...
Kelly Tunstall
Kelly Tunstall is a San Francisco-based artist known for her paintings of elongated, large-eyed female figures. She is a part of an artistic collective KeFe consisted of her and her life partner Ferris Plock. A prominent figure on the San Francisco art scene,...
Eliza Ivanova
Eliza Ivanova is a young Bulgarian illustrator and animator that is currently working with the Pixar Animation Studio in San Francisco, California. Eliza started learning drawing, painting and fine arts at the age of 12 while she was still in Sofia. There she...
Gerald Moroder
Gerald Moroder is an Italian sculptor that deals with the fragility of human beings, reducing his sculptures to the essence of materiality in order to question its relationship with the Being. A sublime and profound theme, as are his sculptures, and rare as...
Huang Yong is a Chinese contemporary artist mainly working with acrylic on canvas and rendering Chinese traditional motives....
Kumiko Imanaka
Kumiko Imanaka is a Japanese artist born in 1939 that belonged to the later period of the Gutai avant-garde artist collective whose main goal was to create something that was never done before. Kumiko Imanaka distinguished herself by thin reflective stripes...
Ma Kelu
Ma Kelu is a contemporary Chinese painter that rose to prominence in the 70s as a member of the No Name Group, a circle of underground Beijing self-taught artists that opposed the actual government....
Dede is a graffiti and conceptual artist from Israel, a contemporary city wanderer who uses the public space and city streets as the ideal place for communicating through his art. He's been active on the streets of Tel Aviv since 2006 and in recent years...
Kopsky
Kopsky is a French graffiti and street artist from Montpellier that works on large-scale, colorful street art, and is always in pursue of fresh effects....
Kamea Hadar
Kamea Hadar is a Honolulu-based artist, famous for large scale murals in traditional portraiture style....
Hellbent is a New York based street artist, that is mostly famous for his graffiti, abstract murals and paintings....
Christopher de Leon
Christopher de Leon is a Haiti based artist from San Francisco that is talented in different art styles, from graffiti, street art, and illustrations to wood burning....
Apex is a San Francisco based graffiti, mural and street artist distinguished by his abstract designs and rich colors....
Amuse126
Amuse126 is a Chicago native muralist and graffiti artist known for visually captivating artwork with a eye-candy touch....
Arlin is a Brazilian designer, muralist, street and plastic artist based in Detroit with a distinctive vivid style....
Based in Montréal, Canada, since 2007, 123KLAN is a graffiti crew founded by the French duo Scien and Mrs Klor in 1992. Tireless, effervescent and often ironic creative force, Scien and Klor have been doing their art for two decades in the hip hop galaxy and...

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Congressional Update – Week Ending January 5, 2018
Jan 5, 2018 Marcus Montgomery
Only the Senate was in session the first week of 2018, but lawmakers did not accomplish anything significant related to foreign policy. Instead, the congressional leadership and the White House met to discuss solutions for funding the government for fiscal year 2018. A few notable personnel changes also took place.
1) Personnel
Two New Senators Take Their Seats. On January 3, Democratic Senators Doug Jones (Alabama) and Tina Smith (Minnesota) were sworn into office. Jones won a hotly contested special election in Alabama in December, becoming the first Democrat to represent the state in over two decades. He filled the seat vacated by former Senator and current US Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Smith, on the other hand, was appointed by Minnesota's governor to replace Al Franken, whose announced resignation took effect on January 2, in the wake of several sexual misconduct allegations.
Neither of the two new senators have anything on their records that indicate they will get involved in foreign affairs to a high degree, but as they take their seats, the chamber becomes reduced to a minuscule 51-49 majority for Republicans. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) will have a much tougher time pushing the GOP agenda along party lines and it will be interesting to see how the White House reacts if business slows even further in the Senate.
Hatch to Retire in 2018. On January 2, the longest serving Republican senator, Orrin Hatch (Utah), announced that he would forego reelection in 2018 and retire after serving for over 40 years in the nation's highest chamber. Hatch is one of the more powerful senators in the field of domestic policy and his vacancy could have numerous implications for President Donald Trump and the GOP's agenda. Most notably, his looming retirement all but ensures that two-time presidential candidate and former Massachusetts governor, Mitt Romney, will seek Hatch's Senate seat. Romney, though fiscally conservative, does not always fall in line with some of the Republican Party's more controversial or unpopular decisions. Combined with his contempt for Mr. Trump, a "Senator Romney" could potentially jeopardize the Trump-McConnell agenda, especially during the last two years of Trump's first term. Romney could prove to be a swing vote on a number issues, much like GOP Senators Susan Collins (Maine) and John McCain (Arizona).
President Trump returned to Washington, DC this week after spending the holidays at his "Winter White House" in Florida. Though no concrete steps were taken to shake up foreign policy, the president and his team made several comments over the last week that could have major implications in the Middle East, should any of the statements come to fruition.
US Could Cut UNRWA Funding. On January 2, the US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, held a press conference to kick off the new year. During the briefing, Haley announced that the Trump Administration was considering the idea of cutting funding to Palestinians—primarily the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) which is tasked, among other things, with providing humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees—until the Palestinian Authority (PA) agrees to return to the negotiating table. PA officials have boycotted working with the United States to reach a peace deal with Israel after Trump's controversial decision last month to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and announcement of plans to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Though it is uncertain whether the White House will pursue halting funds to UNRWA, which is internationally recognized for its humanitarian efforts, any such step would potentially harm the United States' foreign relations further. Aside from the obvious distrust that would be fomented within the Palestinian community, allies like Jordan and Lebanon rely on UNRWA to help provide for their large Palestinian refugee populations. Jordan, for example, could ill afford for its ally to cut funding from the organization when UNRWA helps provide for over two million registered Palestinian refugees living in Jordan.
US Officials Lend Support for Protests in Iran. For nearly a week, protests have taken place in most major cities in Iran. Observers have explained the peaceful protests as an expression of Iranians' frustration with limited economic prosperity, rampant corruption, and the conservative regime's strict rules for society. Though no major anti-regime protests have been reported over the last couple of days, the six days of unrest have left at least 21 dead in what are considered the largest protests in Iran since 2009. Whether in front of a camera, in written press releases, or via Twitter, a number of high-profile US officials have voiced support for the protesters in Iran, with the State Department even going as far as tweeting out support for them in Farsi.
Many supporters of regime change in Iran hope that President Trump and his administration will more fully embrace the protests than former President Obama did in 2009. However, others are more circumspect regarding how the United States should approach the situation. It has long been held that the United States—often portrayed as a meddling "Great Satan" by Iranian state media—must tread carefully when issuing support. In some ways, full-throated support coming from the White House or Congress fuels conspiracies of US meddling in Iranian politics, which drives a wedge between protesters.
Perhaps of more concern to policymakers in the United States, however, is what kind of response US support could elicit from the clerical regime in the Islamic Republic. Cracking down on its own citizens, while abhorrent, would not be new. However, now that US troops are in close proximity to Iran's proxies throughout the Middle East, there is concern about potential plans to target the United States. Whether it is in Lebanon, Syria, or Iraq, Iran has the ability to mobilize support and target US interests in response to any perceived threat to the regime in Tehran.
Shortly after publication of this week's Congressional Update, it was reported that the Trump Administration did, in fact, freeze a sum of $125 million allocated to UNRWA.
The US Midterm Elections Spell Further Trouble for the JCPOA
Policy Analysis | September 20, 2022
No Plan B for the US as Geostrategic Shifts Threaten to Scuttle Iran Nuclear Deal
Policy Analysis | August 31, 2022
Gauging Gulf Responses to President Biden's Middle East Diplomacy
American Evangelicals, the Gulf States, and Israel: A Cynical Covenant


Hey everyone - 2 more days! Eeep!
I really, really, REALLY wanted to do Galaxy nails again.. But, it was going to be more challenging because I had to solely use untried polish as I have so many to go through yet.. I did it. It is kind of iffy, and I didn't get to do cleanup before going to work.. and then after work, they were pretty beat up. I do apologize for that.. Not too terrible though!
It started with a base of Pure Ice Electric! (thanks Collette), then it was a sponging party with Pure Ice Jaguar (thanks again Collette!), NYX Royal Purple (thanks Christina!), and CG Liquid Crystal. Then I did some dots and "stars" with Orly White Out.
I like them as they are different colours than I would have wanted to choose. Did I mention I really like galaxy nails?


text:
Air Force training exercise formed a 'sky penis' by accident
in U.S.
Social media had a field day on Tuesday when a phallic-shaped doodle was spotted above the skies of the Luke Air Force Base Maricopa County, Arizona.
People are asking whether the penis-looking trail was premeditated like previous incidents involving military aircraft but officials are quick in saying it was an accident.
The military insisted that the trail, resembling male genitalia, was the outcome of normal flight maneuvers.
On Tuesday, a training exercise conducted by six pilots flying F-35 Joint Strike Fighters accidentally created contrails resembling a penis which has made social media users questioning it was premeditated like previous incidents involving military aircraft.
The 56th Fighter Wing pilots out of Luke Air Force Base in Arizona were in a dogfight stimulation when the phallic-shaped doodle was created, a base spokesperson told Fox News in a statement.
"We've seen the photos that have been circulating online from Tuesday afternoon. 56th Fighter Wing senior leadership reviewed the training tapes from the flight and confirmed that F-35s conducting standard fighter training maneuvers Tuesday afternoon in the Gladden and Bagdad military operating airspace resulted in the creation of the contrails, the statement read.
Officials insisted that "there was no nefarious or inappropriate behavior during the training flight."
The training pitted a "red air" aggressor team with four ships against a two-ship "blue" team, according to an email sent to Fox News by Maj. Rebecca Heyse. She then added that "when the red team pulled back, the blue team circled around before reengaging."
"The contrails were made by the 2-ship as they were beginning the fight with the 4-ship and then told to hold off causing them to hook to reposition before then beginning the fight again causing them to hook once more," Heyse said in the email sent. " What is not seen in the photos is a 3rd vertical contrail parallel to the 2 in the photo."
Upon reviewing the flight audio, senior officials confirmed statements made by the pilots.
In previous years, military personnel has been involved in a series of incidents where phallic flight patterns were created. Last year, two Marines were punished after they created flight patterns of a giant penis over the Salton Sea in Southern California. The image was circulated on social media and received criticisms.
After a Navy investigation, the two junior officers were found to coordinate a similar incident in 2017 when one of them suggested that drawing "a giant penis would be awesome."
New Hybrid Species of Pythons Pose New Threat to Florida Everglades
Santorini Donkeys Crippled by Obese Tourists from US, UK and Russia
Kitten with vitiligo now looks different after transforming from black to white over two years
Must be democrats seeing this as they are obsessed with everything sexual and deviant.
I always find it hilarious how people see penises in any configuration of lines, squiggles and bits of upright marks attached to one or—OMG, 2? —curved one(s). Never hear anybody say, "My, my, that erect penis looks like it was formed in the image of the Washington Monument!"
Previous readingDrake and Golden State's Draymond Green have heated exchange after NBA Finals Game 1
Next reading Singer-producer R. Kelly charged with 11 new counts of sexual assault and abuse


Join Gallery1988 West as they host Anthony Petrie's latest exhibition titled, Charts. The theme is maps referencing your favorite movies.
Charts opens from 7-10 p.m. Friday, January 9 at Gallery 1988 West, 7308 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles CA.
***Online sale on Saturday, January 10th at a random time HERE.


Let Monte Toyon host your group with many recreational activities and gathering areas.
A camp and conference center in Aptos, Santa Cruz County, California for nonprofit groups of 30-146. Secluded among coastal redwoods just inland from the shores of Monterey Bay south of Santa Cruz, Monte Toyon is an inviting and versatile camp and conference center for nonprofit groups.The site can also accommodate daytime conferences and special events. Take a walk among the Sumner Rhododendron Garden, one of the finest on the West Coast.
Whether you want to bring your group for the day, or for longer stays we have a variety of lodging options and indoor/outdoor meeting areas. We offer meal service buffet style for your group with made from scratch wholesome food. Please keep scrolling see a list of amenities, offerings, our gallery and site video.
Please call us at (800) 678-5102 for availability, detailed site information, or to make a reservation. For a free tour, schedule directly with the site director at (831) 688-5420. We look forward to making your experience possible!
"We felt cared for. Everyone was very kind! Our staff loved it and can't wait to come back!"
"The facility provided a great environment for our groups of students to do both indoor and outdoor activities. Helgesson Hall and Carey Lodge were clean and provided all the resources that we needed."
"Bread is freshly baked. Nutritious and appealing to all ages, even picky children. Accommodations were cheerfully made to suit special diets."
Meal Service - homemade meals served buffet style available for all groups, served in the dining hall by our friendly staff.
Cary Lodge - Newly updated in 2018, this beautiful two-story building, offering overnight accommodations in 16 four-person rooms and 3 two-person rooms, serving a total of 70 guests. Restroom facilities are on each floor.
Miller and Morris Dormitories - House 76 persons in nine guestrooms. Restroom facilities are located at each dorm.
Helgesson Hall - A light, spacious building with open-beamed ceiling and wood floors. Ideal for large assemblies (up to 150), with a stage and fireplace.
Hollidge Hall - This comfortable meeting space can hold up to 35 persons.
Silverthorn Chapel - A beautiful chapel in a wooded setting with panoramic views of the surrounding forest. This meeting space holds up to 35 people, with room for 15 more on the surrounding decks in nice weather.
Dining Hall Fireplace Room - This room, used for dining, can double as a meeting space for groups of up to 50 people.
Sun Room - A small meeting space for 8-10 persons in the Dining Hall.
Program Center - A small building near Helgesson Hall used as a meeting space for 10-15 persons (also used as a Nurse's cabin).
Outdoor Amphitheater - A beautiful outdoor meeting space for groups of up to 150. It has bench seating, a stage, outdoor lights, and a small fire circle.
Three additional fire circles with bench seating.
Eric Swanson Memorial Outdoor Classroom - Lean-to structure with bench seating for 25 people, ideal for outdoor education.
Large grassy playfield with separate areas for baseball and volleyball.
The Sumner Rhododendron Garden, with bench-seating for meditation, reading, or private conversations.
The camp is adjacent to the Nisene-Marks State Park.
Other local options include nearby attractions including ocean beaches, the Santa Cruz boardwalk, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, local museums and historic missions.
Monte Toyon offers both Low & High Ropes Challenge Courses. We can facilitate your ropes course experience. Call the camp office for more information.
WI-FI is available at the Dining Hall, Helgesson, Hollidge, and the Program Office.
To schedule a tour of Camp Monte Toyon, please call the site director.
Camp Monte Toyon is owned by the California-Nevada Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.


text:
{-# LANGUAGE CPP #-}
module Run (
  doctest
#ifdef TEST
, doctest_
, Summary
, stripOptGhc
#endif
) where

import           Data.List
import           Control.Monad (when, unless)
import           System.Exit (exitFailure, exitSuccess)
import           System.IO

import qualified Control.Exception as E
import           Panic

import           PackageDBs
import           Parse
import           Help
import           Runner
import qualified Interpreter

-- | Run doctest with given list of arguments.
--
-- Example:
--
-- >>> doctest ["-iexample/src", "example/src/Example.hs"]
-- Examples: 2  Tried: 2  Errors: 0  Failures: 0
--
-- This can be used to create a Cabal test suite that runs doctest for your
-- project.
doctest :: [String] -> IO ()
doctest args
  | "--help"    `elem` args = putStr usage
  | "--version" `elem` args = printVersion
  | otherwise = do
      i <- Interpreter.interpreterSupported
      unless i $ do
        hPutStrLn stderr "WARNING: GHC does not support --interactive, skipping tests"
        exitSuccess

      let (f, args_) = stripOptGhc args
      when f $ do
        hPutStrLn stderr "WARNING: --optghc is deprecated, doctest now accepts arbitrary GHC options\ndirectly."
        hFlush stderr

      packageDBArgs <- getPackageDBArgs
      let addPackageConf = (packageDBArgs ++)

      r <- doctest_ (addPackageConf args_) `E.catch` \e -> do
        case fromException e of
          Just (UsageError err) -> do
            hPutStrLn stderr ("doctest: " ++ err)
            hPutStrLn stderr "Try `doctest --help' for more information."
            exitFailure
          _ -> E.throwIO e
      when (not $ isSuccess r) exitFailure

isSuccess :: Summary -> Bool
isSuccess s = sErrors s == 0 && sFailures s == 0

-- |
-- Strip --optghc from GHC options.  This is for backward compatibility with
-- previous versions of doctest.
--
-- A boolean is returned with the stripped arguments.  It is True if striping
-- occurred.
stripOptGhc :: [String] -> (Bool, [String])
stripOptGhc = go
  where
    go args = case args of
      []                      -> (False, [])
      "--optghc" : opt : rest -> (True, opt : snd (go rest))
      opt : rest              -> maybe (fmap (opt :)) (\x (_, xs) -> (True, x :xs)) (stripPrefix "--optghc=" opt) (go rest)

doctest_ :: [String] -> IO Summary
doctest_ args = do

  -- get examples from Haddock comments
  modules <- getDocTests args

  Interpreter.withInterpreter args $ \repl -> do
    runModules repl modules

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
News Galashiels Selkirk Earlston Jedburgh Kelso Hawick Melrose Peebles Borders Coronavirus
Gala youngsters help clean up town centre during teacher strikes
Fantastic effort from Galashiels young people
By John Hislop Reporter
Skip to next photo
A GROUP of young people from the TD1 Youth Hub took advantage of the recent teacher strikes to help clean up Galashiels town centre.
With school cancelled, the youngsters, who all play football for Gala Fairydean Rovers, volunteered to take to the streets and they collected 10 full bin bags of litter.
Accompanied by TD1 Youth Hub manager Douglas Ormiston and participation worker Rachael Scott, the group set off in a loop past Home Bargains and the Interchange the down past the medical centre and finished off at Tesco.
READ MORE: Two people injured following three vehicle crash on A68
During the day they met other members of TD1 Youth Action who joined in and their actions were praised by several members of the public.
The effort, which lasted around two hours, will count toward a Saltire Award which involves 10 hours of volunteering.
Ms Scott said: "It was the boys' idea and they did really well. It was good to see them get some recognition from shoppers and you could see that they were proud of themselves at the finish.
READ MORE: Animal Care course proves a real confidence booster for Eve
"It was also good other members of TD1 who were not part of the litter pick also getting stuck in and I think they were speechless at the amount of litter they collected.
"And they are keen to do it again with the next project being a river clean."
Dozens of people have since posted messages of support on the group's social media platforms.
Gala Fairydean Rovers Community Trust Chairman Graeme McIver also praised the efforts of the youngsters.
He said: "I want to congratulate all the young people involved in choosing to help clean up the town centre and help their local community.
"Gala is full of young people we can be proud of."
Please sign in or register to comment.


Imad Mugniyah. [Source: FBI]In February 1994, double agent Ali Mohamed goes to Sudan and trains Osama bin Laden's bodyguards (see February 4-5, 1994 and Shortly Afterwards). While there, Mohamed arranges security for a meeting between bin Laden and Imad Mugniyah, the security chief for the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah who is said to have directed the 1983 bombing of the US Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon (see April 18-October 23, 1983). Bin Laden and Mugniyah are said to discuss upcoming operations. Mugniyah is believed to be involved in the hijacking of an Air India jet in 1999 where passengers will be exchanged for three militants in Indian prisons, including Saeed Sheikh, who will be the paymaster for 9/11 (see December 24-31, 1999). Mohamed will later claim in court that Hezbollah subsequently provided explosives training for al-Qaeda and Islamic Jihad. [Los Angeles Times, 10/21/2000; Raleigh News and Observer, 10/21/2001; Chicago Tribune, 12/11/2001; LA Weekly, 5/24/2002] A number of al-Qaeda operatives train with Hezbollah in Lebanon after this meeting (see Mid-1990s). Dan Benjamin and Steve Simon, director and senior director of the National Security Council's counterterrorism team, will later write that "The meeting between the two preeminent terrorists of the era reportedly did take place, and there was an agreement to cooperate. But there the record ends; there is little evidence that a long-term bond between the Sunni and Shiite groups was ever formed." [Benjamin and Simon, 2005, pp. 128] Mohamed will return to the US after an FBI agent phones him and asks to speak to him about an upcoming trial (see December 9, 1994).
Khaled bin Laden. [Source: Straightegyptians(.com)]An article in the respected Jane's Intelligence Review discusses the growing radical Islamist militant movement around the world and says, "Among the financiers is Osama bin Laden and his brother Khaled." [Jane's Intelligence Review, 4/1/1995] Khaled bin Laden is known as a horse breeder in Saudi Arabia. There are apparently no further mentions of him in the media regarding the financing of militants.
Hussan al-Turabi. [Source: CNN]On June 26, 1995, there is a failed assassination attempt on Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak as he visits Ethiopia (see June 26, 1995). The CIA soon concludes Osama bin Laden authorized the operation, and they plan a retaliation attack. [US Congress, 7/24/2003] Evidence suggests that the government of Sudan and Hassan al-Turabi, Sudan's leader, know where bin Laden is living in Sudan and helped support the plot. The United Nations Security Council places sanctions on Sudan as a result. The US examines options for attacking bin Laden and/or al-Turabi's facilities in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum. The options developed by the US military are rejected for being unstealthy and a de facto war on Sudan. In the ensuing months, there are reports of Egyptian covert operations against bin Laden and an Egyptian military build-up on the Sudanese border. These factors influence bin Laden's decision to move to Afghanistan in 1996 (see May 18, 1996). [Clarke, 2004, pp. 140-41] One suspect in the assassination, Anas al-Liby, moves to Britain. The British government not only refuses to extradite him to Egypt, but secretly hires him to assassinate the leader of Libya (see (Late 1995) and 1996).
Bin Laden writes an open letter to King Fahd of Saudi Arabia. He calls for a campaign of guerrilla attacks to drive US forces out of the kingdom. [PBS Frontline, 9/13/2001] Bin Laden rails against Saudi government mismanagement and corruption. "Do we not have the right to ask you, O King, where has all the money gone? Never mind answering-one knows how many bribes and commissions ended up in your pocket." He also decries the presence of US troops in Saudi Arabia. He concludes, "Our best advice to you now is to submit your resignation." But bin Laden does not call for revolution or the overthrow of the Saudi royal family, and pointedly makes no mention of Crown Prince Abdullah, the next in line to be king. [Wright, 2006, pp. 209-210] In November 1995, al-Qaeda will bomb a US-operated training center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (see November 13, 1995).
MI5, Britain's domestic intelligence agency, opens a permanent file on Osama bin Laden. However, MI5 still believes bin Laden is a terrorist financier rather than a leader, and the source of his wealth is a "mystery." [Daily Telegraph, 10/5/2009] MI6 is Britain's foreign intelligence agency, and presumably it would be more knowledgeable and concerned than MI5 about a foreign threat like bin Laden.
The FBI opens a case on Osama bin Laden. Dan Coleman and John Ligouri, members of the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), are sent to the CIA Counterterrorist Center (CTC) to see what the CIA knows about bin Laden. "They were amazed by the amount of material - some forty thick files' worth - that they found.… Most of the information consisted of raw, unfocused data: itineraries, phone records, associates lists, investment holdings, bank transfers." The vast majority of the data comes from NSA electronic eavesdropping and most of it has not been properly analyzed (see Early 1990s). They find that the CTC has been conducting a vigorous investigation on Wadih El-Hage, bin Laden's personal secretary. [Miller, Stone, and Mitchell, 2002, pp. 148-149] Coleman will go on to become the FBI's biggest expert on bin Laden and will help start the bureau's bin Laden unit. [Suskind, 2006, pp. 90] It is not known when the CIA or NSA began monitoring bin Laden or El-Hage.
Prior to this year, US intelligence has been uncertain whether Khalid Shaikh Mohammed (KSM) is connected to al-Qaeda. But this changes when a foreign government shares information that bin Laden and KSM had traveled together to a foreign country the previous year. [US Congress, 7/24/2003] The country may have been Brazil, since it has been reported that KSM and bin Laden traveled to Brazil together in 1995 (see December 1995).
CIA leadership allegedly suppresses a report about Osama bin Laden's hunt for weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), and only disseminates the report after pressure. After the CIA's bin Laden unit, Alec Station, is created in early 1996 (see February 1996), one of its first tasks is to see if bin Laden is attempting to acquire WMDs.
Bin Laden a Bigger Threat than Previously Realized - Michael Scheuer, head of the unit in its early years, will later say that the unit soon discovers bin Laden is "much more of a threat than I had thought.… It became very clear very early that he was after [WMDs], and we showed conclusively at that point that he didn't have them. But we had never seen as professional an organization in charge of procurement." Scheuer will later tell Congress that when the unit finds detailed intelligence in 1996 on bin Laden's attempts to get a nuclear weapon, superiors in the CIA suppress the report. Only after three officers in the CIA knowledgeable about bin Laden complain and force an internal review does the CIA disseminate the report more widely within the US intelligence community.
Bin Laden reportedly visits Qatar at least twice between the years of 1996 and 2000. He visits Abdallah bin Khalid al-Thani, the country's religious minister who later becomes the interior minister. [New York Times, 6/8/2002; ABC News, 2/7/2003] In 1999, the New York Times reports that bin Laden visited al-Thani "in Qatar twice in the mid-1990s." [New York Times, 7/8/1999] Presumably one of these times is in May 1996, when bin Laden stops by Qatar while moving from Sudan to Afghanistan, and is reportedly warmly greeted by officials there (see May 18, 1996). Former CIA officer Robert Baer will later claim that one meeting between bin Laden and al-Thani takes place on August 10, 1996. [Baer, 2003, pp. 195] Al-Thani is known to shelter Muslim extremists. For instance, the CIA narrowly missed catching al-Qaeda leaders Khalid Shaikh Mohammed (KSM), Ayman al-Zawahiri, and Mohammed Atef at his farm in May 1996 (see January-May 1996). Al-Thani is a member of Qatar's royal family, but ABC News will later report, "One former CIA official who preferred to remain anonymous said the connection went beyond al-Thani and there were others in the Qatari royal family who were sympathetic and provided safe havens for al-Qaeda." [New York Times, 6/8/2002; ABC News, 2/7/2003] Al-Thani will reportedly shelter al-Qaeda leaders like KSM even after 9/11 (see March 28, 2003), but the US has not taken any action against him, such as officially declaring him a terrorism financier.
I-49, a squad of FBI agents and Justice Department prosecutors that began focusing on bin Laden in 1996 (see January 1996), is upset that the NSA is not sharing with them data it has obtained through the monitoring of al-Qaeda. To get around this, the squad builds a satellite telephone booth in Kandahar, Afghanistan, for international calls. The FBI squad not only monitors the calls, but also videotapes the callers with a camera hidden in the booth. [Wright, 2006, pp. 344] It has not been revealed when this booth was built or what information was gained from it. However, the New York Times will later paraphrase an Australian official, who says that in early September 2001, "Just about everyone in Kandahar and the al-Qaeda camps knew that something big was coming, he said. 'There was a buzz.'" Furthermore, also in early September 2001, the CIA monitors many phone calls in Kandahar and nearby areas where al-Qaeda operatives allude to the upcoming 9/11 attack (see Early September 2001).
Abdallah bin Khalid al-Thani. [Source: Fethi Belaid/ Agence France-Presse]Since Operation Bojinka was uncovered in the Philippines (see January 6, 1995), many of the plot's major planners, including Ramzi Yousef, are found and arrested. One major exception is 9/11 mastermind Khalid Shaikh Mohammed (KSM). He flees to Qatar in the Persian Gulf, where he has been living openly using his real name, enjoying the patronage of Abdallah bin Khalid al-Thani, Qatar's Interior Minister and a member of the royal family (see 1992-1996). [ABC News, 2/7/2003] He had accepted al-Thani's invitation to live on his farm around 1992 (see 1992-1995). The CIA learned KSM was living in Qatar in 1995 after his nephew Ramzi Yousef attempted to call him there while in US custody (see After February 7, 1995-January 1996). The Sudanese government also tipped off the FBI that KSM was traveling to Qatar. Some CIA agents strongly urged action against KSM after his exact location in Qatar was determined, but no action was taken (see October 1995). In January 1996, KSM is indicted in the US for his role in the 1993 WTC bombing, and apparently this leads to an effort to apprehend him in Qatar that same month. FBI Director Louis Freeh sends a letter to the Qatari government asking for permission to send a team after him. [Los Angeles Times, 12/22/2002] One of Freeh's diplomatic notes states that KSM was involved in a conspiracy to "bomb US airliners" and is believed to be "in the process of manufacturing an explosive device." [New Yorker, 5/27/2002] Qatar confirms that KSM is there and is making explosives, but they delay handing him over. After waiting several months, a high-level meeting takes place in Washington to consider a commando raid to seize him. However, the raid is deemed too risky, and another letter is sent to the Qatari government instead. One person at the meeting later states, "If we had gone in and nabbed this guy, or just cut his head off, the Qatari government would not have complained a bit. Everyone around the table for their own reasons refused to go after someone who fundamentally threatened American interests…." [Los Angeles Times, 12/22/2002] Around May 1996, Mohammed's patron al-Thani makes sure that Mohammed and four others are given blank passports and a chance to escape. A former Qatari police chief later says the other men include Ayman al-Zawahiri and Mohammed Atef, al-Qaeda's number two and number three leaders, respectively (see Early 1998). [Los Angeles Times, 9/1/2002; ABC News, 2/7/2003] In 1999, the New York Times will report that "Although American officials said they had no conclusive proof, current and former officials said they believed that the Foreign Minister [Sheik Hamed bin Jasim al-Thani] was involved, directly or indirectly" in tipping off KSM. [New York Times, 7/8/1999] KSM will continue to occasionally use Qatar as a safe haven, even staying there for two weeks after 9/11 (see Late 2001).
Rachid Ramda. [Source: Public domain]The London Times publishes one of the first Western newspaper articles about Osama bin Laden. The article says, "A Saudi Arabian millionaire is suspected of channeling thousands of pounds to Islamic militants in London which may have bankrolled French terrorist bombings." Bin Laden is referred to as "Oussama ibn-Laden." It says that he sent money to Rachid Ramda, editor in chief of Al Ansar, the London-based newsletter for the radical Algerian militant group the GIA. However, government sources say that the money ostensibly for the newsletter was really used to fund a wave of militant attacks in France in 1995 (see July-October 1995). Ramda was arrested in London on November 4, 1995 at the request of the French government. [London Times, 1/5/1996] Two other people working as editors on the Al Ansar newsletter in 1995, Abu Qatada and Mustafa Setmarian Nasar, will later be found to be important al-Qaeda leaders (see June 1996-1997 and October 31, 2005). It will take ten years for Britain to extradite Ramda to France. He will be tried in France in 2005 and sentenced to life in prison for his role in the 1995 French attacks. [BBC, 10/26/2007] Bin Laden may have met with Ramda while visiting Britain in 1994 (see 1994). It will later be revealed that the 1995 attacks in France were led by an Algerian government mole (see July-October 1995), and the GIA as a whole was run by a government mole (see October 27, 1994-July 16, 1996).
US demands for Sudan to hand over its extensive files about bin Laden (see March 8, 1996-April 1996) escalate into demands to hand over bin Laden himself. Bin Laden has been living in Sudan since 1991, at a time when the Sudanese government's ideology was similar to his. But after the US put Sudan on its list of terrorism sponsors and began economic sanctions in 1993, Sudan began to change. In 1994, it handed the notorious terrorist "Carlos the Jackal" to France. In March 1996, Sudan's defense minister goes to Washington and engages in secret negotiations over bin Laden. Sudan offers to extradite bin Laden to anywhere he might stand trial. Some accounts claim that Sudan offers to hand bin Laden directly to the US, but the US decides not to take him because they do not have enough evidence at the time to charge him with a crime. [Washington Post, 10/3/2001; Village Voice, 10/31/2001; Vanity Fair, 1/2002] Counterterrorism "tsar" Richard Clarke later will call this story a "fable" invented by the Sudanese and Americans friendly to Sudan. He will point out that bin Laden "was an ideological blood brother, family friend, and benefactor" to Sudanese leader Hassan al-Turabi, so any offers to hand him over may have been disingenuous. [Clarke, 2004, pp. 142-43] CIA Director George Tenet later will deny that Sudan made any offers to hand over bin Laden directly to the US. [US Congress, 10/17/2002] The US reportedly asks Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan to accept bin Laden into custody, but is refused by all three governments. [Coll, 2004, pp. 323] The 9/11 Commission later will claim it finds no evidence that Sudan offers bin Laden directly to the US, but it does find evidence that Saudi Arabia was discussed as an option. [9/11 Commission, 3/23/2004] US officials insist that bin Laden leave Sudan for anywhere but Somalia. One US intelligence source in the region later will state: "We kidnap minor drug czars and bring them back in burlap bags. Somebody didn't want this to happen." [Washington Post, 10/3/2001; Village Voice, 10/31/2001] On May 18, 1996, bin Laden flies to Afghanistan, and the US does not try to stop him (see May 18, 1996).
According to counterterrorism expert Rohan Gunaratna, US intelligence monitoring al-Qaeda communications learn that al-Qaeda is canceling an attack on Western targets in Singapore. On April 18, 1996, 108 Lebanese civilians seeking refuge at a UN camp in Qana, Lebanon, are killed by mortars fired by Israeli forces. Bin Laden "was keen not to dissipate what he envisaged as widespread revulsion against Israel's action and hence called off the strike in Southeast Asia. Al-Qaeda's team in question was very determined to go ahead, having spent years preparing the attack, and according to the intercepts it proved difficult for Osama to convince it otherwise." Gunaratna claims the US learned this through the NSA's Echelon satellite network (see Before September 11, 2001) "and other technical monitoring of their communications traffic." [Gunaratna, 2003, pp. 133-134] If true, this case supports other evidence that the US was successfully monitoring bin Laden's communications from an early date (see Early 1990s) and that al-Qaeda's Southeast Asia operations were penetrated years before an important al-Qaeda summit in Malaysia discussing the 9/11 plot (see January 5-8, 2000).
The historical background of al-Qaeda. Al-Fadl was one of al-Qaeda's founding members (see August 11-20, 1988).
The structure of al-Qaeda and its leadership composition.
Its financial infrastructure and networks. Al-Fadl has extensive knowledge of this because he worked as an al-Qaeda financial officer (see December 1996-January 1997).
Its connections and collaboration with other terrorist groups and supporters.
Its activities against US soldiers in Somalia (see October 3-4, 1993).
Its activities in Bosnia. Al-Fadl was sent there on several missions (see Autumn 1992 and Autumn 1992).
The Al-Kifah Refugee Center, al-Qaeda's most important charity front in the US. Al-Fadl worked there in the 1980s (see 1986-1993).
Bin Laden's plans to attack either inside the US or US embassies (see Late 1996).
By 1996, the bombing campaign of the Groupe Islamique Armé (GIA) targeting the civilian population in Algeria shocks even other radical Muslim militants around the world. The GIA has been supported by bin Laden since its inception, but through an associate group al-Qaeda declares: "Due to the deviations and legal mistakes committed by its [leader]… jihad in Algeria, which started almost five years ago, faced a major setback following the massacre of a number of leading scholarly and jihadi figures by the current [leader] of the GIA, who is believed to be surrounded by regime spies and collaborators." [Gunaratna, 2003, pp. 184] Prominent radical imams Abu Qatada and Abu Hamza are forced to denounce the GIA around the same time due to widespread revulsion about the group's tactics (see Mid 1996-October 1997). The next year, al-Qaeda will make a final public break with the GIA and form a new group to replace it (see September 1997-May 1998).
Bin Laden issuing his 1996 fatwa. [Source: PBS]Secure in his new base in Afghanistan, Osama bin Laden issues a public fatwa, or religious decree, authorizing attacks on Western military targets in the Arabian Peninsula. This eliminates any doubts that bin Laden is merely a financier of attacks, rather than an active militant. [US Congress, 9/18/2002] He made a similar call to attack US troops in Saudi Arabia in an open letter to the Saudi king the year before (see August 1995), which was followed by an actual attack (see November 13, 1995). The fatwa is published by Khalid al-Fawwaz, who runs bin Laden's European headquarters in London. However, British authorities do not appear concerned. [O'Neill and McGrory, 2006, pp. 111] He will issue a new fatwa in 1998 authorizing attacks against the US and its allies all over the world (see February 22, 1998).
The State Department issues a fact sheet on bin Laden, calling him "one of the most significant financial sponsors of Islamic extremist activities in the world today." The text ties bin Laden to funding specific attacks, such as the attempt to kill dozens of US soldiers in Yemen in 1992 (see December 29, 1992). The fact sheet is also mentions the term "al-Qaeda," leading to the first media reports using that term the next day (see August 14, 1996). The fact sheet also contains details about bin Laden's finances, such as the allegation that he co-founded the Al-Shamal Islamic Bank in Sudan in 1990 with a group of wealthy Sudanese and capitalized it with $50 million of his fortune. [US Department of State, 8/14/1996; New York Times, 8/14/1996] Much of this information appears to come from al-Qaeda defector Jamal al-Fadl. The CIA had just finished debriefing him weeks before (see June 1996-April 1997).
Not long after bin Laden moves back to Afghanistan (see After May 18, 1996-September 1996), he tries to influence an election in Pakistan. Benazir Bhutto, Prime Minister of Pakistan, is running for reelection against Nawaz Sharif, who had been prime minister earlier in the 1990s. (Bin Laden apparently helped Sharif win in 1990 (see October 1990).) "According to Pakistani and British intelligence sources, bin Laden traveled into Pakistan to renew old acquaintances within the ISI, and also allegedly met or talked with" Sharif. Sharif wins the election. Bhutto will later claim that bin Laden used a variety of means to ensure her defeat and undermine her. She will mention one instance where bin Laden allegedly gave $10 million to some of her opponents. Journalist Simon Reeve will later point out that while Bhutto claims could seem self-serving, "her claims are supported by other Pakistani and Western intelligence sources." [Reeve, 1999, pp. 188-189] It will later be reported that double agent Ali Mohamed told the FBI in 1999 that bin Laden gave Sharif $1 million at some point while Sharif was prime minister (see Between Late 1996 and Late 1998). There are also reports that bin Laden helped Sharif become prime minister in 1990 (see October 1990). While Sharif will not support the radical Islamists as much as they had hoped, they will have less conflict with him that they did with Bhutto. For instance, she assisted in the arrest of Ramzi Yousef (see February 7, 1995), who had attempted to assassinate her (see July 1993).
According to FBI agent Jack Cloonan, in 1999, imprisoned double agent Ali Mohamed will tell Cloonan that he helped arrange a meeting between bin Laden and representatives of Nawaz Sharif, who is prime minister of Pakistan from 1990 through 1993 and again from 1996 to 1999. Mohamed claims that after the meeting he delivered $1 million to Sharif's representatives as a tribute to Sharif for "not cracking down on the Taliban as it flourished in Afghanistan and influenced the Northwest Frontier Province in Pakistan." It is unknown when this took place, but it is likely between late 1996, when the Taliban gain control over much of Afghanistan and Sharif as prime minister would have been in a position to crack down against them or not, and late 1998, when Mohamed is arrested in the US (see September 10, 1998). Cloonan will later say that he believes the information from Mohamed is accurate. [ABC News, 11/30/2007] There have been other allegations that Sharif met bin Laden in 1996 and used his help to win the election for prime minister (see Late 1996), and also allegations that bin Laden helped Sharif win the election for prime minister in 1990 (see Late 1996).
In 2001, four men will be convicted of participating in the 1998 embassy bombings (see 10:35-10:39 a.m., August 7, 1998). During their trial, it will come to light that the NSA was listening in on bin Laden's satellite phone (see November 1996-Late August 1998). Additionally, during this time bin Laden calls some of the plotters of the bombing before the bombing takes place. The prosecution will show records revealing that bin Laden calls Kenya 16 times, apparently all before an August 1997 raid on the Nairobi, Kenya, house of Wadih El-Hage (see August 21, 1997), who is taking part in the embassy bombing plot and is bin Laden's former personal secretary. The transcripts of two calls between El-Hage and al-Qaeda leader Mohammed Atef (using bin Laden's phone) are even read to the jury in the trial. The defense however, shows that at least 40 additional calls are made from bin Laden's phone to Kenya after El-Hage left Kenya in September 1997. Further, El-Hage makes some calls to Khalid al-Fawwaz, who essentially is serving as bin Laden's press secretary in London and is being frequently called by bin Laden around the same time. The transcript of a February 1997 call between El-Hage and Mohamed Saddiq Odeh, one of the other embassy bombing plotters, is also read to the jury. The US had been wiretapping El-Hage's phone and other phones connected to the al-Qaeda Kenya cell, since at least April 1996 (see April 1996). [CNN, 4/16/2001] In one call, El-Hage is overheard saying after returning from visiting bin Laden in Afghanistan that bin Laden has given the Kenya al-Qaeda cell a "new policy." After the raid on El-Hage's house, US investigators will discover that policy is "militarizing" the cell. But most details of what is said in these calls has not been made public. [Washington Post, 5/2/2001] In another call in July 1997, cell member Fazul Abdullah Mohammed (a.k.a. Haroun Fazul) specifies which mobile phone the cell needs to use when calling bin Laden. [New York Times, 1/13/2001] US intelligence also listens in during this time as bin Laden frequently calls the Kenya office of Mercy International, an office that is being monitored because of suspected al-Qaeda ties (see Late 1996-August 20, 1998). It has not been explained how the US failed to stop the August 1998 embassy bombings, given their surveillance of all these calls before the bombing took place.
The El-Hijra Construction and Development company, which builds a new airport at Port Sudan and a long highway linking Port Sudan to capital of Khartoum.
The Taba Investment Company, which deals in global stock markets and currency trading.
The Wadi al-Aqiq import/export company, which serves as the parent body for most of the other companies.
The Ladin International import-export company. In 1995, the FBI discovered links between this company and the Bojinka plot in the Philippines (see May 23, 1999).
And other businesses, including several farms, a tannery, and a trucking company. Al-Fadl reveals that some of the farms double as training camps.
Ali Mohamed, the US-al-Qaeda double agent living in California. Mohamed has already been under surveillance since 1993 for his al-Qaeda ties (see Autumn 1993). He will not be arrested until one month after the 1998 African embassy bombings (see September 10, 1998).
Ihab Ali Nawawi, an apparent al-Qaeda operative living in Orlando, Florida. It is not known if Nawawi is monitored after this, but communications between him, Mohamed, and El-Hage are discovered in January 1998 (see January 1998). He will not be arrested until May 1999 (see May 18, 1999).
Farid Adlouni. He is a civil engineer living in Lake Oswego, Oregon. In 1996 and 1997, El-Hage calls Adlouni in Oregon 72 times, sometimes just before or after meeting with bin Laden. Later in 1997, Adlouni's home phone and fax numbers will be found in two personal phone directories and one notebook kept by El-Hage (see Shortly After August 21, 1997). Records show that El-Hage has extensive dealings with Adlouni, mostly by selling gems El-Hage bought in Africa for a better price in the US. The FBI interviews Adlouni twice in late 1997, but he is not arrested. As of 2002, it will be reported that he continues to live in Oregon and remains a "person of interest" and subject of investigation by the FBI.
According to a November 2001 Spanish government indictment, in August 1997, a Syrian Islamist militant named Abu Bashir is arrested in Yemen and accused of plotting to assassinate the Yemeni deputy prime minister. He is soon deported to Malaysia. London imam Abu Qatada then contacts Osama bin Laden and asks him for his help to get settled with a job and house in Malaysia. Then, in June 1998, Spanish al-Qaeda leader Barakat Yarkas and Qatada arrange for Bashir to move to London. The Observer will report in March 2004 that Bashir apparently is still living in public housing in London. [Observer, 3/21/2004] Presumably the Spanish government knows this because Spanish intelligence is heavily monitoring Yarkas at the time, and he is frequently meeting with Qatada in London (see 1995-February 2001). Qatada is working as a British government informant around this time (see June 1996-February 1997). The exact identity of Abu Bashir is not known as there are several al-Qaeda-linked figures with a similar name.
A 1997 FBI report on double agent Ali Mohamed states, "He knows, for example, that there are hundreds of 'sleepers' or 'submarines' in place who don't fit neatly into the terrorist profile. These individuals don't wear the traditional beards and don't pray at the mosques." [Raleigh News and Observer, 10/21/2001] This is very likely a reference to comments Mohamed made while having dinner with some FBI agents and US prosecutors on October 1997 (see October 1997). One attendee of that dinner, FBI agent Jack Cloonan, will recall a very similar comment Mohamed made then: "He said that he was in touch with hundreds of people he could call on in a moment's notice that could be, quote, 'operational,' and wage jihad against the United States." [Lance, 2006, pp. 274-276] If so, it is probable that other comments he made at the dinner were included in the FBI report as well, such as his comment that he loves and believes in bin Laden, the US is the enemy, and that he trained Somalis to kill US soldiers in 1993 (see October 1997). But the FBI still takes no action against him.


For the second consecutive year, Winnebago Industries Inc. is teaming up with CBS News' The Early Show in its summer travel promotion – the Great American Vacation.
This year, a 2008 Winnebago Destination Class A motorhome will be taking the CBS staff to destinations across the U.S. to award nine unsuspecting viewers with a weeklong trip to the Caribbean. Winnebago President Bob Olson will help kick off the summer promotion with a live appearance on The Early Show June 29.
"Winnebago Industries is pleased to be partnering with CBS News' The Early Show again this year," said Winnebago Chairman and CEO Bruce Hertzke. "The Winnebago Destination will provide the ultimate travel experience this summer for the CBS staff, providing comfort and style as they travel across the U.S."
Winnebago said the diesel pusher Winnebago Destination will be featured every Thursday on The Early Show starting July 5.
They should be awarding one weeks use of the motorhome, not some old trip to the Caribbean.
After all RVing is the true "Great American Vacation".
BTW the 2008 model looks nicer than the 2007 model. The exterior front was improved!


A progressive, weightless serum infused with smart silicones that build shine from the inside out leaving hair silky and vibrant.
Directions: Apply to damp or dry hair to add silkiness and shine. Add 1-2 drops into any Alterna conditioner for adding conditioning.


So youre becoming a first-time driver, youve got lots of questions. You know that the best car insurance is very important. Without it, you can wind up without a car and financially strapped. You may ask yourself, What is the best car insurance? because you realize the need to get best car insurance quality coverage.
Of course, if youre a new driver, chances are you are a teenager, or you are just starting out on your own. When money is an object, you Cyber Auto Insurancewill need to select the right coverage, carefully. Many car insurance companies fill their policies with fluff and riders that truly do not do anything for you. Make sure that you read and understand any and all parts of an insurance policy before purchasing it.
The best car insurance policy is one that meets state requirements, gives you thoughtful and considerate coverage and is reasonably priced. If your policy straps you financially, you may as well just park your car and start taking the bus. The price of insuring a vehicle, as well as all aspects of owning and operating a vehicle has greatly escalated over the past several years.
If you are unsure about all of the different options that are available for best car insurance to you as a driver, do a little investigating. One place to find valuable information about car insurance is on your state run department of motor vehicles website. Youll get a better understanding of what is expected of you, as a driver.
Cyber Auto InsuranceYou can also do a search on your favorite search engine on state requirements of the best car insurance. Youll always be in the clear if youve made sure that your state and local car insurance requirements have been met. But dont stop there; this is minimal coverage that really should have some additional buffering for protection.
The best car insurance company will be one that has incredible customer satisfaction ratings. Find a company that you can depend on. The last thing that you need when something unfortunate happens to you and your vehicle is a car insurance company that will let you down. Look for top rate customer service and youll know that you can count on your plan and your company to see you through any tough times.
Tip: Look up the relative risk of your car online. If you are trying to keep your car insurance premiums low, it is best to consider this risk before you buy that high-risk sports car. You can also reduce your risk rating by packing your new car full of safety features. Consider installing additional side air bags, automatic seatbelts, and anti-lock brakes to reduce the risk of injuries and accidents.
To reduce the risk of theft, you may want to install a car alarm and use an anti-theft device such as the Club when you lock and leave your car unattended. A keyless entry feature is convenient and will also decrease your insurance risk rating.
OK, you have cleaned up your credit, chosen a low-risk car packed with safety features and have budgeted to pay your full car insurance premium up-front.


This variety produces large beefsteak type green fruit. Excellent for sandwiches or the American style green fried tomatoes. Great because it tends to get less pest problems from bugs and birds due to its green colour.
Sow in Spring and Summer or all year in warm northern areas (needs 20-28 degrees C soil temp. to germinate).


text:
Q: Spotfire create growth calculated column I am totally new at spotfire environtment. I want to create new calculated column as growth of the other column. Here is my data :
Item  ||  Date       || Value  || Growth
A     ||  12/12/2014 || 102    ||
A     ||  13/12/2014 || 121    || 19
B     ||  12/12/2014 || 141    ||
B     ||  13/12/2014 || 111    || -30

How to create Growth column with custom expression?
I already get some sample code that solve the similar problem. But, i still got an error.
first of all i create hierarchy named Hirarki that include Item and Date.
then i create this custom expression, but there's an error said that "couldnt find hierachy : 'Hirarki'"
sum([value]) OVER (intersect(parent([Axis.Hirarki]),[Axis.Hirarki])) - sum([value]) OVER (intersect(parent([Axis.Hirarki]),previous([Axis.Hirarki])))

Why spotfire couldnt find my hierarchy?
Thank you,
Cheers

A: I think this formula calculates what you need
Sum([Value]) OVER ([Item],[Date]) - Sum([Value]) OVER (Intersect([Item],Previous([Date])))

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Copenhagen Business School (CBS) announced two SDC PhD scholarships in the field of social sciences in May. The scholarship is the first of its kind for Danish students studying in the Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research (SDC).
CBS invites applications for two vacant PhD scholarships in social science. The PhD must conduct research which is embedded in already existing research projects at CBS related to the SDC.
The scholarships will be available from 1 August 2011. The PhD scholarship recipient can be situated at any department or center at CBS which has research on Danish-Chinese issues related to the SDC, and the department/centre must have supervision competences within the field.
Core research areas for the PhD students are (1) welfare, social innovation, public management and social development and (2) innovation management.


text:
<?php

namespace Jet\ShopBundle\Form;

use Symfony\Component\Form\AbstractType;
use Symfony\Component\Form\FormBuilder;

class SubcategoryType extends AbstractType
{
    public function buildForm(FormBuilder $builder, array $options)
    {
        $builder
            ->add('name')
            ->add('category')
        ;
    }

    public function getName()
    {
        return 'jet_shopbundle_subcategorytype';
    }
}


text:
Pirelli to take over Kirov, Russia, tire plant
MOSCOW (July 25, 2011)—Pirelli Tyre S.p.A. will take control of the former Amtel Tire's tire plant in Kirov, Russia, by November, according to terms of an agreement identifying which Russian assets Pirelli will take over within the framework of a joint venture agreement signed last November with two Russian partners.
The 68-year-old Kirov plant has annual capacity for 7 million car and light truck tires, Pirelli said, which should translate into annual sales of about $430 million by 2012.
The joint venture agreement, with Russian Technologies State Corp. and Sibur Holding, also calls for Pirelli to assume control of more production assets capable of about 4 million tires a year by 2014. The parties have not identified these assets as yet.
Pirelli also said it intends to invest up to $285 million in the 2012-2014 period in the Russian production assets the joint venture will control to upgrade the plants' capabilities and increase capacity.
The value of assets to be transferred to Pirelli control is $317.5 million, the joint venture partners said, with payment to be divided on a pro-quota basis between the partners, starting with $79 million this year and the rest next year.
Pirelli estimates the venture will be able to generate annual sales of $715 million by 2014. Pirelli said it expects the venture to realize double-digit profitability starting in 2013.
The company also said the joint venture agreement has a provision allowing Pirelli to raise its ownership stake to 75 percent from 50 percent through a three-year put-and-call option mechanism.
The tire maker said it expects Pirelli-branded products to account for half of the venture's installed capacity of about 11 million units, with an emphasis on winter tires for the replacement market, in particular "studdable" types to meet the needs of the Russian and eastern European markets.
Pirelli said it expect the venture's share in these markets to be about 20 percent.


text:
Richard E. "Dick" Crabtree
February 4, 1948 ~ November 4, 2019 (age 71)
Richard E. "Dick" Crabtree, 71, of Erie, died Monday, November 4, 2019 at Western Reserve in Erie.
He was born February 4, 1948 in Curwensville, PA, a son of the late Clarence and Vivian (Taylor) Crabtree.
Richard graduated from McDowell High School in 1967. Following high school he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1973. He served there until his retirement with the rank of Master Sergeant, with the (AFSC) Human Systems Division. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; the Air Force Commendation Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters; the Air Force Achievement Medal; the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster; the National Defense Service Medal; the Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars; the Air Force Overseas, Short Tour Ribbon with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; the Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon; the Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters; the Air Force Training Ribbon; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm; the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Upon his honorable discharge from the military, he lived in Cincinnati, OH, where he worked in the armored vehicle manufacturing business. He returned to the Erie area where he was employed at Erie County Haz-Mat where he worked until his disability.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Edward Crabtree in 2012.
His family include his daughter, Heather S. Hough (Andrew) of Erie; his grandchildren, Zachary Cannata (Shelby) of Pittsburgh; Addison, Jamison and Emerson Hough and a sister in law, Nancy E. Crabtree of East Springfield. and several, cousins, nieces and nephews. Friends may call on Thursday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Edder Funeral Home Inc., 309 Main St. East, Girard.
Interment will be in the Cemetery of the Alleghenies with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Families of the Wounded, Inc. PO Box 5327, Midlothian, VA 23113 or to the ANNA Shelter, 1555 East 10th St., Erie, PA 16511.


Reading is fun! As you flip through the pages of a book, you are transported to a different reality. Whether you enjoy romances or thrillers, there are books available to suit everyone's tastes. 2nd hand books are an affordable way to enjoy hours of entertainment.
When you read a book, you are also developing your concentration and intellectual capabilities. Reading enhances your capacity for learning and it promotes positive brain development. Both leisure books and non-fiction literature shape the way you view the world. While you can learn plenty of useful facts from non-fiction, you can gain an understanding of different people's perspectives of the world by reading fiction. The bottom line is, reading makes you smarter.
An advantage of finding books for sale is that reading helps to develop empathy and communication skills. It also helps you to understand your own emotions and opens you up to different experiences. Delving into the world of literature also helps you develop self-expression, which aids communication.
Reading helps to increase your general knowledge as well as generate interesting conversation starters. Whether you're at a book club or a dinner party, books bring people together and help kick up great conversations.
When you buy 2nd hand books, not only are you getting great entertainment, you're also investing in an excellent stress-reduction tool. Reading transports you to another reality and helps you to forget your worries for a while. Taking your attention off your problems can help you relax so that you can come up with constructive solutions to resolve the issues that are worrying you.
Whether you want to become an author yourself or plan to enter the business world, creativity is an important trait to cultivate. Reading develops your ability to come up with innovative solutions to problems and can also inspire you to try new things and develop new skills.
Whether it's a made-up reality or a real destination, leisure books enable you to explore new places without leaving the comfort of your home. When you read a book, you get some of the same benefits as travelling. Reading gives you insight into other cultures and destination, and books encourage you to open up your mind and see the world in a new way.
Reading helps to develop your memory. As you follow a story, you are required to recall characters, settings, and plots, which promotes the development of your memory. Having a good memory is beneficial for every aspect of your life, from studying to recalling the names of the people you meet.
Finding books for sale is a great way to develop your vocabulary. Reading expands your vocab as well as develops your understanding of language. Not only will you discover new words, you will also learn new idioms and explore new writing styles. A benefit of an improved vocabulary is an enhanced ability to express yourself both verbally and through writing. If you want to become an author, you will need to read new books constantly.
Another reason to buy 2nd hand books is that it plays a role in the development of morals. Reading helps you to distinguish which ideas are good and which should be disregarded. Reading helps us discover what perspectives on life are beneficial and which are harmful.
Now that you know more about the benefits of reading, find books for sale online and experience them for yourself.
From reducing stress to developing your memory, there are plenty of reasons to find a great read today. We list a few of them on the Junk Mail Blog.


Our Spring 2016 collection is trickling into the webshop, and we couldn't be happier about it. Spring has always felt particularly darling and delicate to us, so sweet scallops, pale pinks, and soft suedes seem fitting.
Today it's all about Barry, who's been making shoes here since the early 1960s.
We joke that he came with the building when our great grandfather bought it in 1962. Barry's job involves cleaning all the shoes that come off the production line, lacing them, as well as stamping and packing each shoe box.
We're proud to be a small, family operated American manufacturer. Our little old factory is a very special place to us, and that's why we're excited to bring you the Factory Photo Series.
This post's theme is time, and there are layers of time all over the place around here. The shoe company dates to 1888, so people have been making shoes here for a while, and it shows. Which, in our opinion, is a good thing.
It's always fun to see how mamas style our shoes on their little ones. And every once in a while, our shoes are paired with clothing so perfectly that we just have to learn more about the makers behind these pieces. That was the case with the adorable Spanish brand Milou and Pilou.


Pauline has inspired me, again (cause of course I like a good list) She's collected a number of questions to help to cut expenses. And I'm a penny pincher if there ever was one!
My answers are all in bold. Nice way to tell you a little bit more about myself, and my money management skills.
Do you need two cars? Well, no – I don't even have the car space for more than one! But one is 100% free in the dollars sense… Alas, it's due to be taken off me in March due to changes at work.
Do you need cable? I'd love to have it – but alas I don't!
Do you turn off the lights when you leave a room? Always! Admittedly occasionally I leave some low energy mood lighting on if I know I'm coming home late (ie when I go out after work), as much for others that will come home with me, than solely me. But I like a little ambient lighting when I get home… My guest last night went and turned lights off before we watched a DVD – what a great friend!
Can you switch to a better deal for broadband / Netflix / utilities? I don't have internet at home! With a smart phone, I hardly need it (despite my friends telling me otherwise!!) I stopped Quickflix – which is mail order DVDs Australia style. I haven't missed it either. So that's two things I don't have as expenses.
Is your house properly insulated? Well it's a concrete box looking out of one large set of windows (it's a loft apartment!) The concrete floor is a good thermal mass – especially with the air con! But generally the place stays warm in winter, which is more important to me than cool in summer, cause I don't get that hot.
Could you switch to the store's brand? Done – even though I did feel a little weird when someone was standing next to me in a grocery store. I feel like because people think I earn 'good money' I should buy 'premium' – but I'm not that silly!
Do you eat meat with every meal? Nope! Love a good vego meal, or even a meal that's largely vego save for a slice or two of bacon.
Could you reduce meat, dairy and alcohol consumption, even temporarily? Sure can – bought some beer and wine for NYE – wow that's a pricey trip. But I can't cut down to the extent that I'm 'freeloading' from my friends. So it's a balancing act. Dairy has been severely reduced in the past year – mainly cause it's hard to buy zero/low waste versions of cheese/yoghurt/cream. I really would like to limit my trash, and dairy isn't easy as I don't have a local deli.
Do you use coupons? No – they aren't really common in my local grocer (ie they are independently owned stores, not a chain).
Can you do without new clothes for some time? Yep – did this in 2011 – got SO bad, my father started questioning my decision, as he often hung out the family's washing. It was worth it to be able to buy my own place. Since then, I buy the bulk of my clothing whilst on holidays, which is usually once a year. I buy underwear whenever it's in stock and I'm in store (not often enough!). I tracked clothing expenses for two years – I spend between $2000 to $5000, so a year off is a HUGE saving.
Can you ask a friend to cut your hair, or do your own manicure? I have a buzz cut – I supported my friend who is currently undergoing chemo. So no more conditioner, no more hair dryer (at least for now!) Even my hair clips are languishing in the drawer. Now manicures. This is something I've never done, but my partner has indicated he'd appreciate. I painted them twice since – once was ultimate fail, but the second time was an improvement (thanks to good quality polish). Actually, by late Jan, I can recruit my mum to DIY – she's a pro!
Can you find a free course instead or a paid one? I'm not doing any courses… maybe I should be?!
Can you get your books from the library instead of buying them? Pft – people buy books? (OK, I bought two cook books as gifts for Christmas… but still). I have a list of library books to read, and I work through them. That reminds me, I must renew them, they are due back today or yesterday (ekk!), and I've only read one of four. (Bless friends for keeping me busy this Christmas/New Year period whilst my family were away). I'll also never buy a magazine, save for a long haul flight – and then I'll buy an economist, which is worth whatever the ticket price for the amount I learn!
Cool to read a detailed reply! Looks like you are doing pretty good overall 🙂 I would consider that the parking space could be rented as the ''expense'' to have a car, plus obviously the cost difference between driving and taking public transportation. It is cool to have an otherwise free car or two!
Hi Pauline, I'm looking forward to my work car being 'taken' away, and then I can make money off the car space that's part of my property (which I own/pay a mortgage on). The occasional use of the other car hardly warrants a nice underground carspace! I often wonder the cost difference between public transport and driving, but given I don't handle the current car driving expenses, it's hard to do a good experiment with my own life.
This is a cool list! I am good for most of it, except Rom and I have two cars, and I don't dry clothes outdoors.
Hey – I have two cars (technically) – at least you're two people! And you live in Canada, so the clothes drying is totally understandable, at least whilst it's snowing.


(Reuters) – The rustic, 316-room Cheyenne Mountain Resort hotel in Colorado Springs is usually booked solid this time of year, just days before a major national space conference rolls into town.
But business is off by about a third this season as NASA has withdrawn from the conference, one of many government agencies cutting spending to meet $85 billion in budget cuts that must be made by September 30 known as "sequestration".
"We're still taking reservations," said the Cheyenne Mountain Resort's general manager, Todd Felsen, who has 100 vacant rooms. "Last year at this time, we were over booked."
As the US travel industry nears its summer upswing, airlines and hotels are joining other companies in warning about lost revenue due to federal budget cuts that started in March – and fear they'll lose much more.
Travel cost-cutting will help save NASA an estimated $10 million in the current fiscal year, the agency said, noting it already trimmed conference and travel spending aggressively in the past. "With sequestration in place, we are further curtailing these types of non-mission critical activities," NASA spokesman Allard Beutel said in an email.
"This is our Super Bowl," said Felsen, of the Cheyenne Mountain Resort.
Hotels had been feeling the effects of reduced government spending even before sequestration took effect. Budget uncertainties led to cancellations of several air shows, including Virginia's Langley air show and the 2013 Wings Over Wayne Open House and Air Show at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base near Goldsboro, North Carolina, both of which had been scheduled for May.
Mark Carrier, president of B.F. Saul Company Hospitality Group, a Bethesda, Maryland-based operator of 20 hotels, said there has been a noticeable drop-off in business since January tied to sequestration. Sixteen of his company's hotels are in the Washington area.
"It's everything from the agencies saying 'we're not going to have meetings or do the training that we planned' to situations where the normal demand just isn't showing up," Carrier said. "It's really a significant thing here regionally."
As government business decreased, spending by defence contractors such as Boeing Co and Northrop Grumman Corp have also dropped off, Carrier said. At B.F. Saul hotels in the Washington region, 20 to 25 percent of business is directly dependent on the federal government, while another 20 to 25 percent is related to contractors, he added.
"We just have no way to offset the demand change in government and the contractors," Carrier said.


Powder Mountain Resort is a favorite of Utah natives. Closely located to Salt Lake City, this winter wonderland is easily accessible and packed with fresh snow. Before you hit the slopes, it's important to consider whether you'll purchase or rent ski or snowboard gear. While purchasing your own equipment has its perks, renting can be a huge budget saver. This is especially true if you're traveling by plane, as you'll save a lot on baggage fees by not lugging around skis. There are quite a few rental options near Powder Mountain, and we've got you covered with the best places and prices for Powder Mountain ski rentals.
Often ski resorts rent out equipment at inflated "window" rates, and Powder Mountain is no exception. For that reason, it's important to browse rental gear as early and often as possible. The earlier you browse, the better prices and discounts will be. But remember, you also have us. For the most current deals, you should always our website. We guarantee to show you the best places and prices for Powder Mountain ski rentals.
You can also save money on Powder Mountain ski rentals by checking out off-site rental shops. At Powder Mountain, a one day Ski or Snowboard Package costs $24. That price jumps to $46 for two days and $65 for three days. Comparatively, Alpine Sports in Ogden offers a huge selection of ski and snowboard rental packages, and many are priced lower than Powder Mountain's gear. Unfortunately, Alpine's offers are best for skiers. For example, Alpine's Adult Sport Ski Package costs $25 for the first day and $20 for additional days, saving you a modest amount. The true difference between pricing shows when you compare Powder Mountain's Performance Ski Package to Alpine's. Alpine's Performance All-Mountain skis cost about 35% less than Powder Mountain prices.
For a great deal on snowboards, check out Diamond Peak, also in Ogden. Their Performance Sport Snowboard Package is priced at $28 for one day and $24 for additional days, saving you a good amount of cash.
While it may be less convenient to rent from off-site shops, you definitely won't lose out on quality or selection. Most local ski rental shops offer brand selections that are similar to what you'd find at a resort. This is especially true for the shops in Ogden, which rent out a huge variety of brands and packages to suit your needs. Remember that checking with us online will help you not only narrow down your choices, but also score the best deals and pricing.
Another tip about Powder Mountain ski rentals: purchase what you need. Buying merino or synthetic wool socks can really maximize comfort and warmth while on the mountain. These socks are also moisture-wicking, so they'll dry much faster than cotton socks. It's also a good idea to consider purchasing a helmet and good goggles. A helmet purchase alone will save you around 7$/day in rental fees. Even though not everyone chooses to wear helmets, it's important to consider your personal safety above all else when participating in any winter sport. Once you've got the gear covered, you can focus on the best part the trip: hitting the slopes.


text:
Q: For which $\alpha$ does the series $\sum_{n=1}^\infty n^\alpha x^{2n} (1-x)^2$ converges uniformly at $[0,1]$. $$\sum_{n=1}^\infty n^\alpha x^{2n} (1-x)^2$$
Find for which $\alpha$ this series converges uniformly at $[0,1]$.
As $(1-x)^2$ is not dependent of $n$, I thought about rewriting it as:
$$(1-x)^2 \sum_{n=1}^\infty n^\alpha x^{2n} $$
And then you can use the M-test, with $n^\alpha$. Which would make me conclude that it converges if $\alpha < -1$.
I was thinking that it may also converge at $\alpha \in [-1,1)$. If I take calculate the supremum of $f_n(x)$ I find that this is at $\frac{n}{n+1}$, which gives: $$f_n(\frac{n}{n+1})=n^\alpha (\frac{n}{n+1})^{2n}(1-\frac{n}{n+1})^2= n^\alpha ((1+ \frac{1}{n})^{n})^{-2}(\frac{1}{n+1})^2\leq n^\alpha \frac{1}{(n+1)^2}\leq n^{(\alpha-2)}$$.
This implies it also converges at $\alpha\in[−1,1)$. The thing I don't understand is that this would mean that the factor $(1-x)^2$ makes it converge at $\alpha\in[-1,1)$. But intuitively I would say that $\sum_{n=1}^\infty n^\alpha x^{2n}$ and $\sum_{n=1}^\infty n^\alpha x^{2n} (1-x)^2$ should converge for the same $\alpha$.
And how could I prove that this series diverges for $\alpha \geq 1$ ?
Edit: If set $\alpha=1$, then I get $$\sum_{n=1}^\infty n x^{2n} (1-x)^2$$
I know the supremum is at $\frac{n}{n+1}$, so this gives $f_n(\frac{n}{n+1})=((1+ \frac{1}{n})^{n})^{-2}\frac{n}{(n+1)^2}$. So if $n\to\infty$, then this goes also to zero. Therefore I would conclude that it converges $\alpha\leq 1$. Is this correct ?

A: Let's denote by
$$f_n(x)=n^\alpha x^{2n} (1-x)^2.$$
First, we search for which values of $\alpha$ we have the normal convergence of the series that implies the uniform convergence. The supremum of $f_n$ is attained at $x_n=\frac{n}{n+1}$ so
$$||f_n||_{\infty}=f_n(x_n)=n^\alpha (1+\frac{1}{n})^{-2n}(\frac{1}{n+1})^2\sim e^{-2}n^{\alpha-2},$$
hence the series $\sum_n ||f_n||_{\infty}$ converges for $\alpha<1$. Thus we have the uniform convergence for $\alpha<1.$
Now, what about $\alpha\geq 1$? We have uniform convergence if
$$\lim_n\sup_{x\in[0,1]}|\sum_{k=n+1}f_k(x)|=0.$$
I'll explain that if the series is of positive terms, then the uniform and normal convergence are same. Indeed, in this case we have
$$\lim_n\sup_{x\in[0,1]}|\sum_{k=n+1}f_k(x)|\geq\lim_n\sum_{k=n+1}f_k(x_k)=\lim_n\sum_{k=n+1}e^{-2}k^{\alpha-2}=+\infty.$$


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