In a major attack on democratic rights, the Sri Lankan Supreme Court ruled last month that citizens have no right to lodge complaints with the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC). The court declared that the country's accession to the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) was "unconstitutional and illegal."
A five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva issued the ruling on September 15 amid an escalating civil war and well-founded allegations of abductions, extra-judicial killings and "disappearances" carried out by the military and its paramilitary allies. The cold-blooded killing of 17 local workers attached to the French aid agency Action Contre la Faim (ACF) in Muttur in early August is just one high profile case in which the military are directly implicated.
No serious, independent investigation has taken place into the many allegations against the security forces this year. Because no military personnel have been prosecuted, international human rights organizations have concluded there is a culture of impunity in the country. The Supreme Court ruling has now effectively blocked any formal international intervention into cases of gross abuses of democratic rights.
The Supreme Court based its decision on the assertion of Sri Lankan sovereignty. As the accession to the ICCPR's Optional Protocol was signed by the previous president Chandrika Kumaratunga in 1997 and not adopted by parliament, it was "not valid in the law of the country," the judgment stated. At the time, however, the media hailed Kumaratunga's decision as a great step by the government to commit itself to international human right norms.
The court's defence of "national sovereignty" is in line with the denunciations by Sinhala extremists of even the mildest international criticisms of the renewed war and the military's abuses. The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU), which back the government, have repeatedly demanded the removal of Norway as the formal facilitator of the international peace process for its alleged pro-LTTE bias and breaches of Sri Lankan sovereignty.
The Supreme Court was ruling on an application by Nallaratnam Sinharasa to secure the "domestic implementation" of the UNHRC's findings on his plight. Sinharasa was arrested in July 1993 under Sri Lanka's notorious Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and emergency regulations, which have been in force for most of past 40 years.
Sinharasa was severely tortured, resulting in permanent blindness. After nearly five months in detention, he allegedly signed a confession in December 1993 written in Sinhala, a language he could not read. In September 1995, he was convicted of five counts of conspiring to overthrow the government, by participating in attacks on army camps. He was sentenced to a total of 50 years in jail, later reduced on appeal to 35 years.
The sole basis for Sinharasa's conviction was his "confession." The prosecution provided not a single piece of corroborative evidence. According to Sinharasa, when he refused to sign the confession, a police officer forced him to put his thumbprint on the document. This scrap of paper was accepted by the court as evidence. Under the PTA, the burden of proof rests with the accused to prove that the confession was made under duress or torture.
Sinharasa appealed to the UNHRC, declaring that it was impossible for him to satisfy the burden of proof under section 16(2) of the PTA. He had been compelled to sign the confession in the presence of the very police officers who had earlier tortured him.
His treatment was a blatant violation of article 14, paragraph 3(g) of the UN Covenant, which states that "no one shall be compelled to testify against himself or confess guilt". The UNHRC said the Sri Lankan PTA breached the provision and declared that the burden should be on the prosecution to prove that any confession was made without duress.
The UNHRC also found that Sinharasa's rights had been breached by the lengthy delay in the hearing of his appeal in the Supreme Court. It took more than four years—from September 1995 to January 2000—for the legal process.
Last month's Supreme Court ruling sets a precedent for overturning other international treaties and declarations that Sri Lanka has previously adopted. The decision opens the door for the security forces to violate the basic protections contained in the ICCPR without fear of legal consequences. It will also encourage further abductions and killings designed to intimidate and terrorize the Tamil minority and anyone opposed to the war.
Significantly, the Supreme Court ruling had nothing to say about how the PTA and other Sri Lankan law breach democratic rights, nor called for any changes. Its narrow argument that Sri Lankan law is constitutionally sacrosanct, in effect defends the existing anti-democratic legal provisions and thus the gross abuses of democratic rights by the security forces.
The same argument was advanced by the government in response to the UNHRC findings on Sinharasa's case. The Supreme Court decision approvingly quoted that response, which declared that the government does not have the constitutional right "to release the convict or grant a retrial" and "cannot be expected to act in any manner which is contrary to the Constitution of Sri Lanka".
In the ruling's concluding paragraph, the Supreme Court declared its sympathy for the "plea of helplessness on the part of the government in response to the Human Rights Committee... which does not reflect well on the Republic of Sri Lanka." So to save the government and the country from any future embarrassment, it ruled the 1997 accession to the Optional Protocol invalid and summarily dismissed Sinharasa's application.
It is no accident that the Sri Lankan Supreme Court made such a ruling as the US Congress was putting together legislation to sidestep the Geneva Conventions and legitimize the arbitrary detention and torture of so-called unlawful combatants by the CIA and US military. Under the banner of its bogus "war on terror," the Bush administration has created a reactionary climate in which governments around the world feel they can thumb their noses at previously established norms of international law.
There has been a marked absence of any protest or debate in the political and media establishment in Colombo on the Supreme Court ruling. In a rare comment, Kishali Jayawardene in her Sunday Times column on October 1 lamented the lack of discussion among "public, civic society organizations, those belonging to the legal and judicial services and most importantly legal academics."
She continued: "The deliverance of the SC [Supreme Court] judgment has direct effect on all areas of law and not only international human rights law... However, the continuing absence of any substantial debate on these issues is further solid evidence of the abandoning of any claim that we live in a society which has vigorously democratic thought and movement."
The lack of any discussion is one more symptom of the closing of ranks in Sri Lankan ruling circles as the government and the military have escalated the offensive against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Just as there has been no criticism of the abuse of basic rights by the security forces, so there has been no criticism of the military's flagrant breaches of the 2002 ceasefire agreement.
Last Friday, the European Union attempted to introduce a timid resolution into a session of the UNHRC, which is currently meeting in Geneva, critical of Sri Lanka's poor human rights record and citing cases of the abduction and killing of civilians. Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasingha responded yesterday, berating the EU for failing to consult and declaring the move "unwarranted" as the government was acting on allegations of human rights abuses.
Far from taking action to rein in the military, the government, in line with the Supreme Court decision, is once again seeking to avoid any international scrutiny of the mounting crimes of the security forces as fighting with the LTTE intensifies.


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The Art Critique Service gives PSWC members a place where your artwork can be constructively critiqued by an artist for a small fee. If you are interested in a private professional art critique, some technical help, or just a bit of advice here is your chance to submit up to three images for one fee of $45. The process is easy. Simply click on Artist Critique (here). Upload your images, pay the fee, and you can expect a written response in five days.
You have just finished your masterpiece. You LOVE it. You show it to your spouse, and they love it, too! This one is gallery worthy. The last stroke is in place, you step back and doubt sets in. Does it need more blue? Is it shaded enough? Should you just scrap it all and start again?
Self-critiquing is a mine field, but what every artist really needs is the good eye of another good artist. The PSWC Art Critique Service gives artists the chance to get constructive criticism from art experts.
The service is receiving rave reviews from the lucky artists who have had their work critiqued.
Noted artist and award winner LaVone Sterling gave us the opportunity to see some of what she had shared with her client. Her critique began,
"Thank you for the opportunity to critique your beautiful paintings. After closely examining each painting I am most impressed with your style and sense of design. You apparently have had some formaltraining or this may be something that comes naturally to you.Either way I must compliment you for a job well done.
All three paintings affirm my impression that you are a strong, confident artist, who has a positive grasp on the element of design. From the images you sent to me, the best example of this is in Painting #2.
In this painting the design has a subtle rhythm, with no apparent conflicting points of interest. My eye moves easily around and within the painting. It is a very nice interpretation of the landscape.
There is good color harmony. Your values are good, and not overstated."
DISCLAIMER: Artwork created with professional assistance or professional instruction such as an art critique, art evaluation, art assessment, class, workshop, or private instruction will be ineligible for entry into PSWC competitions.
PSWC ART CRITIQUE APPLICATION
One application per 3 images
Title of Piece One to be critiqued
Title of Piece Two to be critiqued(1)
Title of Piece Three to be critiqued(1)(1)
Artistic concerns regarding artwork
Upload a File or multiple files. Upload all files in one transaction or email additional files to PSWCMag@pswc.ws
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Have an Award Code? Enter it here, then hit "Submit"
Our three professinal Critique artists are waiting to help you achieve your goals.
Gerald Boyd
Gerald Boyd in his studio
Gerald Boyd became interested in art as a career when, as a schoolboy, he won a statewide contest in Oregon for a pencil portrait of his grandfather. By his mid teens, he began using pastels and with the limited set he owned, gained some notoriety for portraits of fellow classmates and the principal of his high school in the San Fernando Valley. Upon graduation, Jerry secured a position as an apprentice pictorial artist with a billboard company in Los Angeles and, for five years, was sent one evening a week to private fine art classes with an academic teacher.
Gerald spent 42 years painting giant advertisements in oil, but continued his own painting in both oil, watercolor, and pastel in his off hours and weekends. Beginning in 1983, he became more involved with the local art club and has done demonstrations, mostly in portrait painting, to over 100 such societies. He began entering exhibitions and by 1987 he had earned Signature status with the Pastel Society of the West Coast and also the Society of Western Artists in San Francisco.
Irene's Way by Gerald Boyd
Since retiring in 2003 and building a studio in his backyard, Jerry has taught classes and workshops, judged dozens of art shows both large and small, and served ten years on the board of the Pastel Society of the West Coast, eight as Chairman of Pastels USA. He has also served as shipping agent for Pastels USA since 2006. In 2009, Gerald earned the "Distinguished Pastellist" status with PSWC and in 2011 gained Signature status with the Pastel Society of America. Most recently, he has been awarded "Master Circle" status with IAPS – the International Association of Pastel Societies.
Tina Moore in her studio
Tina Moore is the new Pastels USA 2017. Awards Chair and has been a professional artist and teacher for over 25 years. She is a graduate of Lodi High School where she also did her student teaching in the art department. Her pursuit of art took her to Stephens College in Missouri, the University of Hawaii, and the University of the Pacific, where she earned her B.A. in Fine Art.
She has retired from teaching high school and junior high art to devote more time raising dogs for the blind.
Tina is a realistic artist who primarily works in pastel and oil. She has works in many private collections throughout the United States and Canada and has done commissions for a variety of organizations. She has painted many animals including African wildlife, the famous Siegfried and Roy tigers, dogs and horses, especially drafts. Most importantly she loves colors and enjoys how they interact with each other as they meet on her paper or canvas. Her singular ability to capture a subject is a hallmark of her work.
Marisol by Tina Moore
Tina has art works in many private collections and has done commissions for a variety of organizations, including Kaiser Permanente, Porsche Club of America, and the University of the Pacific. She is an award winner in local, regional, national and international shows, including several Best of Show Awards. She was accepted into the Pastel Society of America's annual show in New York City this year and has received six awards in The Pastel Journal's annual competition plus receiving an award again in the most recent Pastels 100.
She is a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America and the Pastel Society of the West Coast as well as a member of the Portrait Society of America and most recently Women Artists of the West. Tina is presently serving as President and Show Chair of the Pastel Society of the West Coast and will continue the presidency in 2009. She is an active member of the Stockton Art League and has served as show chairman of the prestigious 45th through 54th Annual Exhibitions at the Haggin Museum. Tina is presently the outgoing president of the Stockton Art League having served five terms.
LaVone Sterling
LaVone Sterling in her studio
LaVone Sterling is an award winning California artist whose pastel paintings are internationally recognized. She is a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America; Pastel Society of the West Coast; the Sierra Pastel Society and the Alliance of California Artists. LaVone is a retired Community College Art Instructor with both Bachelor and Master Degrees. Her work has been published in magazines, books, and her painting Golden Glow is on the box lid of Sennelier Soft Pastel Landscape Set of 30 half-sticks.
LaVone conducts workshops and has both judged and juried art shows. She is currently listed by the Pastel Society of the West Coast's critique service as one of the critiquing artists. She is married with three daughters and six grandchildren. She lives in Visalia, California with her husband and two dogs.
Hidden Valley by LaVone Sterling
In her own words: "From my back door I can see the rugged Sierra Nevada Mountains and the soft curves of it's foothills. The peaks, blue against the sky, are sometimes covered with snow. The grassy hills, sprinkled with trees, are draped and twist with rivers and streams, that is, when California is not having a drought. As a landscape artist having a plethora of subject matter so nearby, whether wet or dry, is a plus. The climate of my work is based on what I see and what I feel. Painting is my time of focus and meditation. There is a quiet peacefulness I experience while creating a painting, which I hope passes on to the viewer."

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Though the pain of losing your belongings in a fire might initially discourage you from spending even more on the services of a professional fire restorer, they are the only ones who truly have the skills and know-how that are necessary in such a situation. After all, while you might think that cleaning up after a fire is as simple as removing some soot and washing your walls, the principles behind fire and smoke damage restoration are not that straightforward.
While smoke is not as terrifying as a blazing fire, the damage it can wreak can be just as devastating. If the ash that it leaves behind is not immediately cleared and treated, it can end up etching on your brass or copper furniture, corroding your appliances, and leaving behind unpleasant odors in your linens and upholstery.
Fire does not only burn through your belongings. Its residue can also discolor the items that have been left behind, such as upholstery and clothing. Metals can tarnish or corrode if the coating of soot or ash is left on for too long. Likewise, the finishing on your wooden floors or electrical appliances can begin to yellow if they are not immediately subjected to proper cleaning. Ash is an acidic substance so it will only cause greater damage the longer it is left alone.
In order to prevent this from happening, it is best if you immediately contact the professional fire and smoke restorers in your neighborhood. Wasting time will only worsen the damage and increase the possible costs. Waiting for weeks before seeking professional help will increase the chances of needing to replace more items rather than to seek simpler restoration.
Unlike a simple homeowner, professionally trained restorers such as Denver Restoration Masters will be able to quickly assess the damaged materials within the vicinity. He will also be able to pinpoint the sources of any foul odors. The restoration and cleanup process is a highly meticulous job and only a professional will be able to execute it as thoroughly as possible.
A certified professional restorer will be able to identify which items can still be saved and which are too damaged and beyond repair. He will clean the items that can still be restored and carefully remove the soot and ash coating. The residue left behind by a fire can easily spread to other items and cause even greater damage, so it is best that you leave this job for the experts.
Afterwards, the restorers can then focus on removing the unsavory odors by locating the main source. They can then use specialized equipment and cleaning materials in order to neutralize the odors. The treated sources can either be taken out of the premises or sealed off to prevent the odors from spreading.
Unless you already have a company in mind, you will find that there can be numerous fire and smoke restoration companies in and around your neighborhood. Nevertheless, you should only choose the one that can boast of having certified and trained professionals under its employment.
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification or the IICRC is the government agency that monitors and registers these companies. You should make sure that you choose a restoration company that has been certified by the IICRC. Only the companies that pass and uphold the strict standards of the industry will be able to help you get through the restoration process.


They weren't too sure about it at first. I didn't blame them.
Caballo is telling us what he thinks about this!
Tippet is checking things out while Autumn sniffs the snow.
Lightning and Sadie look at me questioningly. Lightning is our last available female from this litter. She is the quiet, shy one with an adorable face!
Autumn is a pretty little girl.
Blackie says his toes are cold! Blackie is the last remaining male available.
Caballo is a perfect little snowflake catcher.
Ozzy takes it all in stride. Quietly looking around.
Zailey looks up at me wondering what to do.
Moments later she can't see a thing!
Available - Blackie - black tri male Miniature Australian Shepherd, family ranch raised right here in Wyoming. Good working blood lines, 14-16" tall. $600. Please call 307-254-3968.�For more puppy information click here.
Available - Lightning - black tri female Miniature Australian Shepherd, family ranch raised right here in Wyoming. Good working blood lines, 14-16" tall. $700. Please call 307-254-3968. For more puppy information click here.


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This Day in Texas History: Father of Conjunto Born in Reynosa
October 29, 2013 By: Author
Father of Conjunto Born in Reynosa
On this day in 1911, Narciso Martínez was born in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico. His parents immigrated to the United States that year and settled in La Paloma, a town outside Brownsville.
Martínez took up the accordion in 1928. Around the same time he moved to Bishop and absorbed the accordion-playing traditions of the local Czechs and Germans. Martínez and his partner, bajo sexto player Santiago Almeida, established the accordion and bajo sexto as the basic instruments of the conjunto and became well regarded as a team. Their pairing led to Martínez's major innovation in the development of the conjunto: he emphasized the right-side melody and treble notes of the accordion, leaving the left-side bass notes to the bajo sexto player. All other conjunto accordionists soon adopted this change.
Martínez made his first recording with Almeida for Bluebird Records in 1936, but switched to Armando Marroquín's Ideal label in 1946. Nicknamed "El Huracán del Valle" ("The Hurricane of the Valley") for his fast-paced playing, Martínez remained a popular performer throughout the 1950s, but worked as a field hand in Florida after a new generation of conjunto musicians emerged in the mid-1960s.
His career revived, however, after he was featured in Chulas Fronteras ("Beautiful Borders"), a 1976 documentary film about Texas-Mexican music. He was inducted into the Conjunto Music Hall of Fame in 1982, received a National Heritage Award from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1983, and was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1989. He was scheduled to appear at the annual Tejano Conjunto Festival in San Antonio in May 1992 but was prevented by illness. He died the following month.
Category: Notable Texans, Texas HistoryTagged: accordion bajo sexto Bluebird Records Chulas Fronteras conjunto El Huracán del Valle La Paloma mexico Narciso Martínez Reynosa Santiago Almeida Tamaulipas texas history
Our Newest Reseller in Wichita Falls
This Day in Texas History: A Star is Born


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Harry Reid on War & Peace
Democratic Sr Senator (NV)
OpEd: 2003 Iraq vote unmistakably authorized war
Senators Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, Harry Reid would later claim that they were not voting to authorize war but only to continue diplomacy. They must not have read the resolution. Its language was unmistakable: "The President is authorized to use the Armed Forces of the US as he determines to be necessary and appropriate in order to defend the national security of the US against the continuing threat posed by Iraq; and enforce all relevant UN Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq." Source: Decision Points, by Pres. George W. Bush, p.240-241 , Nov 9, 2010
2007: War is lost; surge not accomplishing anything
The new Democratic majority in the House of Representatives passed a nonbinding resolution that declared," Congress disapproves of the decision of Pres. George W. Bush announced on Jan. 10, 2007, to deploy more than 20,000 additional US combat troops to Iraq."
After a day of heavy violence in April, Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) declared, "This war is lost, the surge is not accomplishing anything." The majority leader of the US Senate had just used his platform to tell 145,000 American troops and their families that they were fighting for a lost cause. He had written off the surge as a failure before all of the additional troops had even arrived. It was one of the most irresponsible acts I witnessed in my eight years in Washington.
On May 1, Congress sent me a war-funding bill mandating a troop withdrawal deadline later in the year. Setting an arbitrary pullout date would allow our enemies to wait us out and would undermine our ability to win over the local leaders. I vetoed the bill. Source: Decision Points, by Pres. George W. Bush, p.382 , Nov 9, 2010
OpEd: saying Iraq war was lost emboldened our enemies
Both candidates had to answer for controversial remarks they've made in the past. Angle was asked whether she really thinks jobless Americans have been "spoiled" by unemployment benefits. "No, I don't think that our unemployed are spoiled," she said, "and that was totally mischaracterized by my opponent," which has become Angle's standard response when questioned about past statements.
But Reid, too, is known for making strange remarks. Angle tried to score by reminding the debate audience that Reid had once said the Iraq war had been lost. "That emboldened our enemies, demoralized our troops and endangered them, and you need to apologize to them, Senator," Angle chided. Reid countered with the many things he's done for veterans and his endorsement from the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Source: NPR Morning Edition coverage of 2010 Nevada Senate debate , Oct 15, 2010
Voted YES on redeploying non-essential US troops out of Iraq in 9 months.
Vote to transition the missions of US Forces in Iraq to a more limited set of missions as specified by the President on September 13, 2007: S.AMDT.3875 amends S.AMDT.3874 and underlying bill H.R.2764:
The President shall commence the safe, phased redeployment of members of the US Armed Forces from Iraq who are not essential to the [new limited mission].
Such redeployment shall begin not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
No funds under any provision of law may be expended to continue the deployment in Iraq of members of the US Armed Forces after 9 months.
Proponents support voting YES because:
Sen. LEVIN: "The amendment requires redeployment be completed within 9 months. At that point, funding for the war would be ended, with four narrow exceptions:"
Security for US Government personnel and infrastructure
Training Iraqi security forces
Equipment to US service men and women to ensure their safety
Targeted operations against members of al-Qaida.
Opponents recommend voting NO because:
Sen. McCAIN: "This year, after nearly 4 years of mismanaged war, our military has made significant gains under the so-called surge. Overall violence in Iraq has fallen to its lowest level since [2003]. Improvised explosive device blasts now occur at a rate lower than at any point since September 2004.
"Al-Qaida's leadership knows which side is winning in Iraq. It may not be known in some parts of America and in this body, but al-Qaida knows. We are succeeding under the new strategy.
"Given these realities, some proponents of precipitous withdrawal from Iraq have shifted their focus. While conceding, finally, that there have been dramatic security gains, they have begun seizing on the lackluster performance of the Iraqi Government to insist that we should abandon the successful strategy and withdraw U.S. forces. This would be a terrible mistake." Reference: Safe Redeployment Of US Troops From Iraq Amendment; Bill S.AMDT.3875 to H.R.2764 ; vote number 2007-437 on Dec 18, 2007
Voted YES on designating Iran's Revolutionary Guards as terrorists.
Vote on a "Sense of the Senate" amendment, S.Amdt. 3017, to H.R. 1585 (National Defense Authorization Act), that finds:
that it is a vital US national interest to prevent the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran from turning Shi'a militia extremists in Iraq into a Hezbollah-like force;
that it should be US policy to combat, contain, and roll back the violent activities and destabilizing influence inside Iraq of the Government of Iran;
to support the prudent and calibrated use of all instruments of power in Iraq, including diplomatic, economic, intelligence, and military instruments, in support of the policy;
that the US should designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps as a foreign terrorist organization.
Sen. LIEBERMAN: Some of our colleagues thought the Sense of the Senate may have opened the door to some kind of military action against Iran [so we removed some text]. That is not our intention. In fact, our intention is to increase the economic pressure on Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps so that we will never have to consider the use of the military to stop them from what they are doing to kill our soldiers.
Sen. BIDEN. I will oppose the Kyl-Lieberman amendment for one simple reason: this administration cannot be trusted. I am very concerned about the evidence that suggests that Iran is engaged in destabilizing activities inside Iraq. Arguably, if we had a different President who abided by the meaning and intent of laws we pass, I might support this amendment. I fear, however, that this President might use the designation of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity as a pretext to use force against Iran as he sees fit. [The same was done with the Senate resolution on Iraq in 2002]. Given this President's actions and misuse of authority, I cannot support the amendment. Reference: Sense of the Senate on Iran; Bill S.Amdt. 3017 to H.R. 1585 ; vote number 2007-349 on Sep 26, 2007
Voted YES on redeploying US troops out of Iraq by March 2008.
Begins the phased redeployment of US forces from Iraq within 120 days of enactment of this joint resolution with the goal of redeploying by March 31, 2008, all US combat forces from Iraq, except for a limited number essential for protecting US and coalition personnel and infrastructure, training and equipping Iraqi forces, and conducting targeted counter-terrorism operations. Such redeployment shall be implemented as part of a diplomatic, political, and economic strategy that includes sustained engagement with Iraq's neighbors and the international community in order to bring stability to Iraq.
Proponents recommend voting YES because:
Our troops are caught in the midst of a civil war. The administration has begun to escalate this war with 21,000 more troops. This idea is not a new one. During this war, four previous surges have all failed. It is time for a different direction. It is time for a drawdown of our troops.
This resolution calls for imposing an artificial timeline to withdraw our troops from Iraq, regardless of the conditions on the ground or the consequences of defeat; a defeat that will surely be added to what is unfortunately a growing list of American humiliations. This legislation would hobble American commanders in the field and substantially endanger America's strategic objective of a unified federal democratic Iraq that can govern, defend, and sustain itself and be an ally in the war against Islamic fascism. The unintended consequence of this resolution is to bring to reality Osama bin Laden's vision for Iraq; that after 4 years of fighting in Iraq the US Congress loses its will to fight. If we leave Iraq before the job is done, as surely as night follows day, the terrorists will follow us home. Osama bin Laden has openly said: America does not have the stomach to stay in the fight. He is a fanatic. He is an Islamic fascist. He is determined to destroy us and our way of life. Reference: US Policy in Iraq Resolution; Bill S.J.Res.9 ; vote number 2007-075 on Mar 15, 2007
Voted NO on redeploying troops out of Iraq by July 2007.
Voting YEA on this amendment would establish a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq. Voting NAY would keep the current situation without a timetable. The amendment states:
The President shall redeploy, commencing in 2006, US forces from Iraq by July 1, 2007, leaving only the minimal number of forces that are critical to completing the mission of standing up Iraqi security forces and conducting specialized counterterrorism operations.
The President should maintain an over-the-horizon troop presence to prosecute the war on terror and protect regional security interests.
Within 30 days, the administration shall submit to Congress a report that sets forth the strategy for the redeployment of US forces from Iraq by July 1, 2007.
Opponents of the Resolution say:
This amendment would withdraw American forces from Iraq without regard to the real conditions on the ground.
The consequences of an American retreat would be terrible for the security of the American people at home.
Our commitment is not open-ended. It is conditional on the Iraqis moving toward self-government and self-defense.
Supporters of the Resolution say:
Congress talks almost incessantly about the situation in Iraq as if on 9/11 the situation involved Iraq. Of course, it didn't. We were attacked by al-Qaida operating out of Afghanistan on 9/11.
One of the theories we hear is that somehow staying in Iraq is necessary because all the terrorists will come into Iraq, and then they wouldn't be able to attack us anywhere else. Some call this the roach-motel theory. The fact is, al-Qaida is operating in 60 to 80 countries. Yet our resources are only heavily focused on this Iraq situation.
In terms of differences from other Iraq amendments: This is binding, not just a sense of the Senate.
Secondly, we have a date; other amendments are open-ended.
Thirdly, this has an over-the-horizon force specifically to protect our security interests.
Reference: Kerry Amendment to National Defense Authorization Act; Bill S.Amdt. 4442 to S. 2766 ; vote number 2006-181 on Jun 22, 2006
Voted YES on investigating contract awards in Iraq & Afghanistan.
To establish a special committee of the Senate to investigate the awarding and carrying out of contracts to conduct activities in Afghanistan and Iraq and to fight the war on terrorism. Voting YES would: create Senate special committee to investigate war contracts, taking into consideration: bidding, methods of contracting, subcontracting, oversight procedures, allegations of wasteful practices, accountability and lessons learned in Afghanistan and Iraq. Reference: Committee to Investigate War Contracts; Bill S Amdt 2476 to S 1042 ; vote number 2005-316 on Nov 10, 2005
Voted YES on requiring on-budget funding for Iraq, not emergency funding.
Amendment to express the sense of the Senate on future requests for funding for military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. A YES vote would:
Request all future funding for ongoing military operations overseas, especially in Afghanistan and Iraq, be included in the President's annual fiscal year budget proposal
Call for the President to submit to Congress by Sept. 1, 2005, an amendment to his annual fiscal budget, that details estimated costs for ongoing military operations overseas.
Ask that all future funding requests for ongoing military operations overseas appear in the appropriation bills in which such expenditures are normally included.
Reference: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act; Bill S.AMDT.464 to H.R.1268 ; vote number 2005-96 on Apr 20, 2005
Voted YES on $86 billion for military operations in Iraq & Afghanistan.
Vote to pass a bill that would appropriate $86.5 billion in supplemental spending for military operations and reconstruction in Iraq and Afghanistan, in Fiscal 2004. The bill would provide $10.3 billion as a grant to rebuild Iraq. This includes:
$5.1 billion for security
$5.2 billion for reconstruction costs
$65.6 billion for military operations and maintenance
$1.3 billion for veterans medical care
$10 billion as a loan that would be converted to a grant if 90% of all bilateral debt incurred by the former Iraqi regime of Saddam Hussein, would have to be forgiven by other countries.
Reference: FY04 Emergency Supplemental for Iraq and Afghanistan; Bill S1689 ; vote number 2003-400 on Oct 17, 2003
Voted YES on authorizing use of military force against Iraq.
H.J.Res. 114; Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002. The administration would be required to report to Congress that diplomatic options have been exhausted before, or within 48 hours after military action has started. Every 60 days the president would also be required to submit a progress report to Congress. Reference: Bill H.J.RES.114 ; vote number 2002-237 on Oct 11, 2002
Voted YES on allowing all necessary force in Kosovo.
Majority Leader Trent Lott motioned to kill the resolution that would have authorized the president to "use all necessary forces and other means," in cooperation with U.S. allies to accomplish objectives in Yugoslavia.
Status: Motion to Table Agreed to Y)78; N)22 Reference: Motion to table S. J. Res. 20; Bill S. J. Res. 20 ; vote number 1999-98 on May 4, 1999
Voted YES on authorizing air strikes in Kosovo.
Vote to adopt a resolution to authorize the President to conduct military air operations and missile strikes in cooperation with NATO against Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro). Reference: Bill S.Con.Res 21 ; vote number 1999-57 on Mar 23, 1999
Voted YES on ending the Bosnian arms embargo.
Ending the Bosnian arms embargo.
Status: Bill Passed Y)69; N)29; NV)2 Reference: Bosnia Herzegovina Self-Defense Act of '95; Bill S. 21 ; vote number 1995-331 on Jul 26, 1995
Condemns anti-Muslim bigotry in name of anti-terrorism.
Reid co-sponsored the Resolution on bigotry against Sikh Americans:
Title: Condemning bigotry and violence against Sikh Americans in the wake of terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001.
Summary: Declares that, in the quest to identify, locate, and bring to justice the perpetrators and sponsors of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, the civil rights and liberties of all Americans, including Sikh-Americans, should be protected.
Condemns bigotry and acts of violence or discrimination against any Americans, including Sikh-Americans.
Calls upon local and Federal law enforcement authorities to: (1) work to prevent hate crimes against all Americans; and (2) prosecute to the fullest extent of the law all those who commit hate crimes.
Source: House Resolution Sponsorship 01-HR255 on Oct 4, 2001
Deploy UN multinational peacekeeping force in Darfur.
Reid co-sponsored deploying UN multinational peacekeeping force in Darfur
Calling for the urgent deployment of a robust and effective multinational peacekeeping mission with sufficient size, resources, leadership, and mandate to protect civilians in Darfur.
Whereas hundreds of thousands of people have died and approximately 2,500,000 people have been displaced in Darfur, Sudan since 2003;
Whereas Congress declared on July 22, 2004 that the atrocities in Darfur were genocide;
Whereas the Sudanese President refused to allow the UN to deploy a peacekeeping force to Darfur;
Whereas deliberately targeting civilians and people providing humanitarian assistance during an armed conflict is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, and those who commit such violations must be held accountable;
Whereas on June 11, 2007, Sudanese President al-Bashir pledged to accept unconditionally the full United Nations-African Union hybrid deployment;
Whereas to establish conditions of peace and security, the peacekeeping mission must be accompanied by a peace-building process among the parties to the conflict;
Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate urges the President of the US to work with members of the UN Security Council and the African Union to ensure the expeditious deployment of the United Nations-African Union hybrid peacekeeping force with a mandate affirming that civilian protection is a primary mission objective;
Provide the UN-African Union hybrid force with sufficient logistical support and airlift capacity; and necessary vehicles, fixed-wing aircraft, and helicopters for tactical reconnaissance and armed deterrence;
Be prepared to implement meaningful measures, including the imposition of multilateral sanctions, an arms embargo, and a no-fly zone for Sudanese military flights over Darfur, if the Government of Sudan obstructs deployment of the agreed upon peacekeeping mission.
Legislative Outcome: Agreed to by Senate by Unanimous Consent. Source: Resolution on Darfur (S.RES 276) 07-SR276 on Jul 19, 2007
Opposes timetable for troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Reid opposes the F2A survey question on troop withdrawal
Faith2Action.org is "the nation's largest network of pro-family groups." They provide election resources for each state, including Voter Guides and Congressional Scorecards excerpted here. The Faith2Action survey summarizes candidate stances on the following topic: 'Set a timetable for withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan ' Source: Faith2Action Survey 10-FF-q17 on Sep 19, 2010
Move the US Embassy to Jerusalem.
Reid co-sponsored the Jerusalem Embassy Act
Declares it to be U.S. policy that:
Jerusalem remain an undivided city in which the rights of every ethnic religious group are protected;
Jerusalem be recognized as the capital of the State of Israel;
the U.S. Embassy in Israel be established in Jerusalem no later than May 31, 1999.
Makes specified amounts of such funds available until expended in FY 1996 and 1997 only for construction and other costs associated with relocating the U.S. Embassy Jerusalem.
Corresponding House bill is H.R.1595. Became Public Law No: 104-45. Source: Bill sponsored by 77 Senators and 78 Reps 95-S1322 on Oct 13, 1995
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On Sunday, February 1, 2015, the Maine Irish Heritage Center (MIHC) and Saint Joseph's College announced a partnership between the two institutions to explore areas of mutual interest and concern over the course of a two-year term. The partnership was announced at the second annual Karen Lemke Memorial Lecture at MIHC, a lecture series honoring the late Karen Lemke, a former professor of education at Saint Joseph's College.
"We are thrilled to have these two institutions working together for the benefit of the community and for those who participate in the organizations," said Michael Pardales, Saint Joseph's chief learning officer, at Sunday's announcement.
—an ongoing collaboration between Saint Joseph's professor Michael Connolly, MIHC, and the College's communications department on a documentary film chronicling, in part, Governor Brennan's decision to choose Senator George Mitchell to fill the Senate seat left vacant by the appointment of Maine's Senator Edmund Muskie to serve as secretary of state for the last year of Jimmy Carter's presidency.
The partnership, said MIHC's Mary McAleney, follows years of collaboration between the two organizations and was the result of the tireless efforts of Michael Connolly.
The Maine Irish Heritage Center's mission is to protect, preserve, and restore the historic landmark that was formerly Saint Dominic's Church, a hub of the early Irish community in Maine; provide a center for Maine's diverse communities to share their cultural experience through education, programs, and community events; and house Maine's Irish Genealogical Center, museum, archives, and library, preserving the story of Irish history in Maine. For more information about MIHC, visit www.maineirish.com.
Saint Joseph's College is Maine's only Catholic college, providing a supportive, personalized, and career-focused education for more than 100 years. From its 430-acre campus on the shore of Sebago Lake, the College offers undergraduate degrees to on-campus students, and certificates, undergraduate, and advanced degrees for working adults through online programs. For more, visit www.sjcme.edu.
Present at Sunday's announcement was, from left to right: MIHC's Mary McAleney, 2015 Karen Lemke Memorial Lecture Series presenter Amy Smith '99, Saint Joseph's Chief Learning Officer Michael Pardales, and Michael Connolly, professor of history at Saint Joseph's College.


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Use of Elements of Semiotic Language in Tourism Marketing
Ranking the Knowledge Management Enablers Based on University Academic Members, Staff and Students Using AHP Method
In Defense of the Internalists' Conception of Africa's Under-Development
Taraz Al Akhbar in Persian Literature and Culture
Huxley's Ape and Essence and Human Manipulation
Of Protests and Riots: The Media Coverage of June 2009 Events in Iran and those of August 2011 in Britain
Landmarks of Corporate Social Responsibilities in Romania
Impact of Work Life Balance and Stress Management on Job Satisfaction among the Working Women in Public Sector Banks
Some Uncertainties at Romanian Beginning of the Philosophy of History
Evaluating the Readiness of Management Schools to Execute Knowledge Management
Investigating the Relation between Emotional Intelligence and Mental Health of the Students Majoring in Educational Sciences in the Year 2012 at the Mahabad's Payame Noor University
Predicting Financial Stability of Select BSE Companies Revisiting Altman Z Score
Global Projections of Populational Ageing
The Revolution in the Poetry of Dabiran
Structural Changes in Livestock Production: A Case Study in Montenegro
The Benefits of Reverse Logistics
Sustainable Logistics and Business Competitiveness
Strategies and Stratagems of Negotiation
Convictive Communication and Persuasive Communication
Heuristic Valences of Professional Newspapers
ILSHS > ILSHS Volume 26 > In Defense of the Internalists' Conception of...
Many people have contributed to the debate on the causes of, and solutions to, Africa"s underdevelopment. The various contributors to the debate have been so divided into intellectual camps of the externalists and the internalists. The externalists" camp comprises of those that argue for Africa"s underdevelopment by tracing the causes and solutions to external factors; on the other hand, the internalists camp is the umbrella body of those that link Africa"s problem to internal factors. In this paper, we argue that the problem of Africa"s underdevelopment is traceable more to the internal factors, than the external factors. Consequently, this work seeks to exhume evidences from the pre-colonial and contemporary Africa to support and illustrate our claim.
O. A. Shitta-Bey, "In Defense of the Internalists' Conception of Africa's Under-Development", International Letters of Social and Humanistic Sciences, Vol. 26, pp. 14-21, 2014
Olanrewaju Abdul Shitta-Bey
Africa, Causes, Externalists, Internalists, Underdevelopment
Ayittey G. (2005). The Colonialism-Imperialism, Paradigm is Kaput, available at: www. utexas. edu/conferences/africa/ads/815.
Falaiye M. (2012). A Philosopher Interrogates African Polis: How Can We Get It Right? University of Lagos Inaugural Lecture Series 2012. Lagos: University Of Lagos Press.
Falaiye M., Grayson S. M. (eds) (2005). Sparks of Resistance, Flames of Change: Black Communities and Activism. Lagos: Foresight Press.
Mimiko N. O. (1999). The Reparation Question in the Contemporary International Economic System: Bases, Strategies and Constraints" in Falaiye, M. (ed. ), Africa, s Political Stability: Ideas, Values and Questions. Lagos: Panaf Publishing Inc.
Navari P. (1982). Diplomatic Structure and Idiom, in James Mayall, J. (ed. ), The Community of States. London: George Allen & Unwin (Publishers Ltd).
Ofonagoro W. I. (1984). Reappraisal in History: The West African Context, in Erim, E. O. & Uya, O.E. (eds. ), Perspective and Methods of Studying African History. Enugu: Fourth Dimension Publishing Co. Ltd.
Rodney W. (2009). How Europe Underdeveloped Africa. With an introduction by Harding, V. Lagos: Panaf Publishing.
Seligson M. A. (1993).
[1] R. Marchant, East Africa's Human Environment Interactions, p. 163, 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-88987-6_4


For this year, 'supercharged' bone broth is tipped to become the next big morning beverage and freekeh is giving rice a run for its money. Oh, and oranges will be contending with some far more exotic rivals. Here's our pick of the top five trends for the coming 12 months.


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The combination of shades of white and red has long been a rebellious paring and has become a signature part of OTAA's palette. Meticulously made from linen, this slim-cut necktie is a rakish piece. Wear it to lend evening attire a dash of irrefutable luxury.
Maroon Herringbone Linen Necktie has a rating of 5.0 stars based on 2 reviews.


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Themed Travel open sub-menu
Goryeo Palace Site
Sochang Experience Center & Joyang Bangjik
Yongheungung
Ganghwa Anglican Church
Oegyujanggak
Ganghwasanseong
Wangjajeong
Daemyeongheon
Ganghwa Folk Flea Market
DMZ Peace Train
Regional DMZ Attractions
Information & Reservation
Daehak-ro
Rush Ticket
Experience Royal Palace Life
Hanbok Programs
Korean Cooking Classes
Craft-Making Classes
Ceramic-Making Classes
Traditional Korean Medical Tours
Taekwondo Programs
Spas & Hot Springs
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Winter of Korea
SKI KOREA FESTIVAL
KOREA's WINTER FESTIVALS
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Home AttractionsTravel Highlights
Beautiful Riverside Bicycle Routes in Korea
Hit18662
The newly-constructed bicycle route that runs along Korea's four major rivers— Hangang River, Nakdonggang River, Geumgang River, Yeongsangang River— stretches 1,757 kilometers across the country and takes riders past traditional Korean villages, historical relics, and restaurants with traditional Korean food. Connecting the land from east to west, and from north to south, the route was recently constructed, and is safe for cycling. It also features a variety of convenience facilities including camp sites. The route also features several bicycle rental shops on the way, so visitors can rent a bike and safety gear at affordable prices. Read on and immerse yourself in the scenic adventures of cycling tours around Korea.
Hangang River Bicycle Route(56 kilometers, 3 hours 40 minutes)
The Hangang River is the major river that runs through Seoul from east to west and is a key landmark of Korea. The bicycle route runs along the Hangang. Though it goes against the stream of the river, the route has no upward slopes and is wide, making it a fairly leisurely cycling path. Step on the pedal and enjoy the landscape created by the 24 bridges on the river, the skyline of high-rises, and colorful cruise ships and yachts on the river. The route is linked with the bicycle roads that go to Cheonggyecheon Stream, the four major royal palaces, Yeouido, Olympic Park, and other major tourist attractions in Seoul.
Cheonggyecheon Stream
Cheonggyecheon was a stream running through parts of Seoul from east to west. After becoming polluted during the urban transformation of Seoul, the stream was covered up and hidden by an overpass. A restoration that began in 2003 unearthed the stream, and today, Cheonggyecheon is a popular area for Seoul residents and international tourists. Throughout the year, various festivals and events are held at the stream. On the basement floor of the Korea Tourism Organization building located beside Cheonggyecheon is an Information Center for foreign tourists. Gwanghwamun Square and Seoul Plaza are both located near the stream, with both offering additional community spaces.
Insa-dong
Insa-dong is a traditional neighborhood in Seoul that is highly popular with tourists. It is a great place to explore traditional goods, antiques, traditional food, and performances. The antique street is lined with shops and street stalls selling artwork, antiques, and crafts. Inside the small alleys, visitors will also find traditional Korean restaurants and teahouses. Various festivals and special events are held year round, so the area is popular for international tourists.
Namdaemun Market is a major traditional market in Korea. It is lined with shops selling children's clothes, women's and men's wear, accessories, and shoes. The goods sold at street stalls are inexpensive and of good quality, so they are popular among visitors. Inside the alleys, there are many restaurants selling steamed dumplings, noodles, and grilled fish.
N Seoul Tower
Rising on top of Namsan Mountain, the N Seoul Tower is a major landmark in the center of Seoul that offers a 360 degree view of the city. It can be reached by cable car, bus or on foot. Visitors can get to the observatory by riding a high-speed elevator. The observatory offers information on the distance and direction to the major cities around the world. Outside the observatory, you will find the "Locks of Love" hanging on the fence. The restaurant on the fifth floor of the observatory is great for dining while taking in the splendid night view of Seoul.
Situated in the heart of Seoul, Myeong-dong is one of the city's most popular shopping districts. The bustling district is a premier spot for the latest in fashion trends and culture, and is also favored by university students and young people. The area offers a range of pricing, and visitors and purchase quality cosmetics, fashion items, bags, and accessories. The district is also a strong draw for Chinese and Japanese tourists.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the royal palace of the kings of the Joseon Dynasty era. A number of buildings have been preserved in their original form, including the Geunjeongjeon Hall (throne hall where the king formally granted audiences to his officials) and Gyotaejeon Hall (main residing quarters by the queen). Other historical sites located in the center of Seoul are Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a royal palace that is considered the most beautiful royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty period, Changgyeonggung Palace from the same era, and Deoksugung Palace with its beautiful stone wall. A Royal Guard-changing ceremony is organized every day at Gyeongbokgung and Deoksugung palaces for international tourists.
National Museum of Korea
Situated in Yongsan, the National Museum of Korea has on exhibit national treasures and numerous cultural assets from Prehistoric times up to modern times. The East Wing houses permanent exhibitions, and the West Wing houses auxiliary museum facilities and special exhibitions. The Donations Gallery on the second floor features various donated artworks, including those donated by Japanese. The museum is closed on Mondays.


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Alexandria Police Department's K9 Taz has received donation of body armor
Alexandria Police Department's K9 Taz has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Taz's vest was sponsored by Chuck and Cathy Rey of Alexandria, VA and embroidered with the sentiment "Gifted by Chuck and Cathy Rey".
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,004 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.
The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
Brotherhood Across Borders: How a T.C. Soccer Team United Cultures and Created a Family
At a Northern Virginia high school, brotherhood and policing through soccer
Inspiring the Next Generation of Police Officers
Grant Awarded for our COPS Programs!
Alexandria Police Foundation • A 501c3 Non-Profit Organization • 3600 Wheeler Avenue Suite 118 • Alexandria, VA 22304 • 703-746-1909 • Contact Us


Mobile apps have taken the whole world by storm in a very short span of time. Apart from USA, Singapore – India is seeing great growth in terms of usage of apps and deployment as well. But have you ever wondered how apps are developed or what is the cost developing mobile app!!! Mobile app development process is a complex one involving many stages. Everyone can't just build an app.
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Prevalence of oral Candida in saliva of uncontrolled and controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus patients – Beyond reasonable doubt? p. 1
Saramma Mathew Fenn, Mohan Narayanan, Mathew Jacob
DOI:10.4103/srmjrds.srmjrds_48_18
Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of Candida in the saliva of uncontrolled and controlled group of type II diabetic and in nondiabetic individuals. Settings and Design: This was a cross-sectional study. Subjects and Methods: Total study group consists of 75 type 2 diabetic patients, in which 25 patients in Group I were taken as controlled diabetics, 25 patients in Group II were considered as uncontrolled diabetics, and 25 patients were considered as nondiabetics, control group in Group III, respectively. Statistical Analysis Used: Student's t-test, Chi-square test, and one-way ANOVA test were used in this study. Results: In this study, a total of 75 patients were included, of which a total of 30 saliva samples had shown the presence of candidial growth. Out of 25 saliva samples collected from Group I (controlled diabetic patients), 11 samples showed the presence of candidial growth and out of 25 samples collected from Group II (uncontrolled diabetic patients), 19 samples showed the presence of candidial growth. Samples obtained from Group III (nondiabetic patients) were negative for any candidial growth. A significant difference was observed in candidial growth from saliva samples obtained between the various study groups. The uncontrolled diabetic patients group showed a higher candidial colony-forming unit when compared with that of controlled diabetic patients group. Conclusion: The prevalence of Candida in the oral cavity of patients with diabetes is of primary concern for dentists in the early detection of opportunistic infections, such as oral candidiasis, by understanding the predisposing local and systemic factors. The habitat provided by the predisposing disease may, beyond reasonable doubt, reset the microbiological environment to favor the proliferation and colonization of opportunistic microorganisms such as the oral commensal, Candida.
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Prevalence of dental caries and gingivitis among corporation school-going children in Chennai city – A population-based cross-sectional study p. 7
Gamal Abdul Nasser, Rupkumar, Mohamad Junaid
Aims: The aim was to evaluate the prevalence of dental caries and gingivitis among corporation school-going children and their treatment needs in Chennai city. Subjects and Methods: The present descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 3–19-year-old corporation school-going children of Chennai city. It was conducted for a period of 2 months from August 20, 2018, to October 20, 2018. A sample size of 20,007 children (9707 males and 10,300 females) was examined. Oral health status with emphasis on dental caries, gingivitis, and treatment needs was recorded. Statistical Analysis Used: The obtained data was analysed using SPSS 21.0 (IBM, USA). Results: The prevalence of dental caries in the participants examined was 34.72% (6946). About 1663 (23.94%) participants had dental caries involving single tooth, 293 (4.22%) had dental caries involving two teeth, and 4 (0.06%) had dental caries involving >2 teeth. Clinical pulpal involvement with pain on percussion was found in 4067 (58.55%) participants. Nine hundred and nineteen (13.23%) participants exhibited grossly decayed tooth advised for extraction. The prevalence of gingivitis in the participants examined was 8259 (41.28%). About 2672 (32.35%) participants had mild gingival inflammation, 5563 (67.36%) had moderate gingival inflammation, and 24 (0.29%) had severe gingival inflammation based on Loe and Silness gingival index scoring. On the basis of treatment needs, 59.5% of the participants were in need of treatment. Almost 34.3% of the screened participants were in need of primary care, whereas 25.1% of the screened participants were in need of advanced care. Conclusions: The present study reveals the current oral health status of corporation school-going children in Chennai corporation. The results obtained demand a special attention toward these children of less effluent families for the promotion of oral health by regular conduct of treatment camps by corporation and other agencies.
Salivary gland tumors: An institutional experience p. 12
Jimsha Vannathan Kumaran, Mariappan Jonathan Daniel, Mithunjith Krishnan, Sruthi Selvam
DOI:10.4103/srmjrds.srmjrds_3_19
Introduction: Salivary gland neoplasm represents the most complex and diverse group of neoplasm of the head and neck. Their diagnosis and management are complicated by relative infrequency. Around 64%–80% are located in the parotid gland, 7%–11% in the submandibular glands, and the remainder being distributed between the sublingual (1%) and the minor salivary glands (9%–23%) throughout the oral cavity. Aim: The aims of this study were: (1) To assess the frequency of salivary gland tumor based on tumor type and anatomic location. (2) To correlate gender and age in different tumor type. (3) To correlate the location of benign and malignant tumors. Subjects and Methods: A retrospective study was made in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology from the period of January 2006 to December 2017. Data were collected from the archives maintained in the Department of Oral Medicine, and details of the patient include age, sex, and site of the tumor were obtained and confirmed with histopathological study and sent for statistical analysis. Results: Chi-square test was applied to find the distribution of malignant and benign tumors. The prevalence of salivary gland tumors in our study was 0.3%, and the benign: malignant ratio was 1:2.2, with the mean age of occurrence was 45.01 ± 16.3 years with slight overall female predominance and a male-to-female ratio of 0.7–0.9, respectively. Conclusion: The present study was a single-institutional experience where the analysis of 32 SGTs was carried out. Malignant tumors were more compared to benign. Among benign tumors, pleomorphic adenoma was the most common type. Among the malignant salivary gland tumors, mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most common, followed by adenoid cystic carcinoma then ex-pleomorphic adenocarcinoma followed by low-grade polymorphous adenocarcinoma.
Learning preferences among clinical dental students of coastal South India: A multi-centric study p. 17
Supriya Nambiar, Mahesh Jain, B Unnikrishnan, Vivek Narayan, Suresh Babu, Shaji Varghese
Introduction: Dental skills based on sound theoretical knowledge are the basis for a dental student to become a good dentist. The 3rd and 4th years of Bachelor of Dental Surgery requires integration and application of clinical knowledge, skill, and attitude. However, to understand this integration, there is a paucity of literature on the dental students' learning preferences, especially in the Indian scenario. Hence, the objective of the present study is to provide information about it. Materials and Methods: VARK questionnaire (VARK is an acronym that stands for visual [V], aural [A], read [R], and kinesthetic [K] sensory modality of learning) was used to evaluate the learning preferences of clinical dental students. This multicentric study included 350 students from four dental colleges in India. Statistical Analysis: Strong preference was calculated on Microsoft Excel using the VARK guidelines. Likert scale (1–5) was used to know their perceptions of their VARK score. Results: Majority of the students were multimodal with many students showing two preferences. Kinesthetic modality was the strongest single preference and visual was the weakest single preference. Conclusion: Majority of the students are multimodal in their learning preferences with kinesthetic modality showing strong single preference. Teachers can help students to develop learning preferences based on their preferences of learning. Teaching methodology should involve all sensory modalities so that all kinds of students can actively participate in learning process.
Prevalence of detected soft tissue calcifications on digital panoramic radiographs p. 21
Derya Icoz, Faruk Akgunlu
Objectives: Some calcifications of the head and neck region may be seen on dental panoramic images due to the superimpositions and proximity of structures. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of soft tissue calcifications observed on digital panoramic images and the relationship of the calcifications with age and gender. Materials and Methods: Four thousand two hundred and sixty-three digital dental panoramic radiographs of the individuals aged between 6 and 89 who had visited the faculty of dentistry for different oral and dental complaints were evaluated retrospectively and detected calcifications were recorded with the age and gender information. Data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics, Pearson Chi-squared, and independent samples t-test. Results: Two hundred and seventy calcifications (6.4%) were detected in the whole study population. Observed calcification types were tonsillolith (2.5%), carotid artery calcification (2.3%), sialolith (1%), and calcified lymph node (0.6%). The prevalence of calcifications for all types increased with age (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence of calcifications seen on the dental panoramic images is relatively rare, but the detection during routine dental examinations is important in terms of the need for more detailed evaluation of the patients.
Survival trends in oral cavity cancer patients treated with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy in a tertiary center of Northern India: Where do we stand compared to the developed world? p. 26
Nishant Lohia, Sharad Bhatnagar, Sankalp Singh, Manoj Prashar, Anand Subramananiam, Sundaram Viswanath, PK Sahu, Ajay Rai
Introduction: Oral cavity cancer is the third most common cancer in India. It presents a major burden on health services in India due to the widespread and rampant use of tobacco. Moreover, as per the Indian Council of Medical Research 2016 data, it ranks the fifth in overall mortality rate among different cancers prevalent in India. Aims and Objectives: The aim was to study and present our data on patient- and tumor-related factors as well as overall survival (OS) among patients of oral cavity cancer treated with surgery and radiotherapy at our center. The objective was to find the difference in OS in various subgroups of patients at 2 and 5 years from treatment. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study carried out in a tertiary care center of North India. The data collected were of patients treated between November 12 and November 16. A total of 112 cases of oral cavity cancers were studied. The patient-related variables that were analyzed included age, gender, history of tobacco or alcohol use, and presence of preexisting comorbidities. The tumor-related factors that were studied were tumor subsite, stage, and histological grade. OS of patients with varying parameters was compared at 2 and 5 years. Results: OS at 5 years for Stage I was 100% and decreased to 85% for Stage II. For Stages III and IV, the 5-year survival was a mere 43% and 42%, respectively. Conclusion: Treatment results at our center were comparable to world literature.
Assessment of smoking cessation advice: Attitude, practice, and barriers among clinical dental students p. 32
Mohammed Ahsan Razi, Surangama Debnath, Shekhar Prashant, Sourav Chandra, Kausar Parwez Khan, Adya Singhal
Aims: The goal of this study was to assess the smoking cessation advice (SCA): Attitude, practice, and barriers among dental students of Hazaribag College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Hazaribag, Jharkhand, India. Subjects and Methods: The study population comprises of a total of 217 clinical dental students studying in Hazaribag College of Dental Sciences and Hospital. Data were obtained using a self-administrated questionnaire comprising of 25 multiple choice questions, based on Likert scale. Attitude-6, Practice–14, Barriers-5. The qualitative analysis on the distribution of opinion was assessed using Chi-square test, P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The results of the present study showed that the attitude and practice of house surgeons were better than that of third and final year students for questions based on attitude toward smoking cessation questions such as – How effective do you think smoking cessation counseling provided by dentists? (P < 0.05), based on Practice in tobacco smoking cessation: Do you refer patients to appropriate service to help them stop smoking? (P < 0.05) were statistically significant. Conclusions: Despite having knowledge of smoking associated health risks and positive attitudes toward giving SCA to patients, dental students in the clinical scenario witnessed barriers to provide SCA. To ensure that when students graduate from dental school, they should not only have good knowledge but the confidence to provide effective SCA and be able to refer to specialists trained in smoking cessation programs. In conclusion, tobacco cessation advice, counseling of patients and referral to appropriate sources for treatment needs to be included as a part of the BDS curriculum to acquire skills in this aspect of dentistry.
Trace elements as a diagnostic biomarker for premalignant lesions and malignant conditions p. 40
Surekha Rathod, Prachi Rathi, Vivek Harkare
The aim of this paper was to study and compare the levels of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) in patients with premalignant lesions or malignant conditions. A schematic search was conducted according to population, intervention, comparison, outcome in order to obtain appropriate articles for critical appraisal. The review incorporated a total of 16 articles, including in vivo human studies published in English language. Studies with premalignant and malignant conditions and trace elements including Cu as an essential element and Fe and Zn as other elements were considered. No limit was placed on a number of patients and studies involving blood investigations were included in this review. The exclusion criteria were in vitro nonhuman non-English studies. Case series, case reports, retrospective studies, and studies involving only saliva/tissue investigations were also excluded and studies not having any of the above-mentioned trace elements were also excluded from the study. Results of the studies suggested that serum Cu and Zn as well as the Cu to Zn ratio can be used as biomarkers for oral precancer and cancer. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of these trace elements can be used as a reliable biomarker for development and progression of oral cancer.
Childhood bruxism p. 47
Trisha Das Sarma, Abhishek Mandal, Shabnam Zahir, Gautam Kumar Kundu
Bruxism is diurnal or nocturnal parafunctional habits which includes repetitive jaw-muscle activities, clenching or grinding of the teeth and/or bringing forward the mandible. Psychological components, genetic components, peripheral and patho-physiological components are the main Etiology of bruxism. Treatment options include occlusal rehabilitation, behavioural and pharmacological therapy. We perform a scientific paper search by using ebscohost, pubmed, and Google search engines. The searched item 'Bruxism' showed total 1125 papers, among which 250 were review papers. Most of them were published between 1990 to 2017 and some of them before 1990. Through this review an overview about childhood bruxism and its various treatment options and outcomes will be provided.
Congenital midline labial sinus of the upper lip p. 53
Anka Sharma, Subhash P Kumbhare, Ashita Kalaskar
Congenital midline labial sinus is a rare condition affecting both the upper and lower lips. This anomaly has been reported in either gender but with a slightly increased predilection in females. It is known to occur either in isolation or in association with other congenital malformations such as cleft lip, cleft palate, van der Woude syndrome, median lip pit, brachidactilia, tongue tie, hypertelorism, notch of median vermillion border, nasal fistula, and abnormal hair pattern. In this article, we report a case of congenital midline sinus (without any associated congenital malformation) affecting the upper lip in a 12-year-old Indian male. Furthermore, a review of literature has been attempted on this condition.


text:
The Half Man Half Biscuit Lyrics Project
Busking this at Embankment Tube tomorrow.
Latest: Familiar faces in the crowd at Tranmere Rovers
The A to Z of HMHB
W is for... Willie Rushton
"And at the Monday night archery, a fellow cellar hopper lent to me, a Willie Rushton biography"
– CAMRA Man
So… what do we know about Willie Rushton?
Letters Sent (6)
Skip to the most recent comment
Mr. abelazar woozle
Had a superb recipe for Nepalese scrambled eggs that he published in his book "Superpig" which involved chili and ginger. His description of it was "scares the hell out of a hangover".
GOK WAN ACOLYTE
Once stood as a "Death to the Tories" candidate in a by-election in the early 1960s, polling 45 votes. His ashes are reputedly buried on the boundary at the Oval
dickhead in quicksand
Which part of the boundary? Both those who don't want to dance on his grave, and those who do, need to know.
Celebrity Squares regular.
Went to Malvern School (as did a certain Mr. Crowley) and loathed it. After he became famous, they kept pestering him to come and do something for them, eventually he agreed to come and open a new block. He cut the ribbon and said "there you go, the bugger's open". They didn't ask him again….
This leaden paul
Notwithstanding the above anecdote, Rushton went to Shrewsbury, with Paul Foot, Richard Ingrams and John Ravenscroft (without whom this would all be fields around here).
And I'll tell you stuff for nothing...
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text:
Second Saturday Art Walk set in Port Angeles
Several kinds of art on display at multiple locations
Friday, January 10, 2020 1:30am
EntertainmentClallam County
PORT ANGELES — You don't have to be a star to be in this show.
Studio Bob's Bring Your Own Art Show will feature a wide variety of local art from established artists as well as students, first-timers and nervous-never-shown-before during the Second Saturday Art Walk.
The studio upstairs at 118 ½ E. Front St. will host a reception for the artists from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.
There will be a no-host bar and refreshments in The Loom, next door to the exhibit hall.
The show also will be open from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday.
This is the 22nd annual Bring Your Own Art.
"This is an exciting show and a chance to meet new artists and appreciate the many forms of art being created in our community," said Bob Stokes, owner of Studio Bob.
Several kinds of art will be on display this weekend.
• Bar N9ne, 229 W. First St., will kick off the weekend with 2nd Friday Art Rock (2FAR), beginning at 9 p.m. Friday.
This month's 2FAR comes with gravy on top, said organizer Dan Lieberman.
It will feature Port Angeles band Bread and Gravy and Port Angeles artist Cherish Dahinden.
The $3 cover charge will help support the musicians and artist.
Bread and Gravy, featuring Stephanie and Jess Doenges and friends, plays blues, bluegrass, classic rock, Americana and contemporary songs "that will feel like comfort food for your soul," Lieberman said.
"They do it all with creativity and heart. They play a mix of classic instruments and other fun surprises, and they are also known for excellent spoken-word stylings."
Dahinden will return to 2FAR to celebrate the start of 2020 with live art.
"Her deep colors and vivid scenes are the perfect pairing with some Bread and Gravy," Lieberman said.
• Harbor Art Gallery, 114 N. Laurel St., will feature the art of Garret Delabarre during the Second Saturday Art Walk.
He will be at the gallery from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
DelaBarre was born in California. He studied art in Fresno beginning in 1980 before working a variety of jobs — at a mill, as a furniture mover, a carpet cleaner, a sign painter and finally a builder.
He couldn't shake the thought that someday he would return to art.
That happened after he closed his construction business.
Since then, he has been exhibited at several local galleries.
• One of Kind Art Gallery, 115 E. Railroad Ave., is a collective of more than 40 artists.
During the Second Saturday Art Walk, it will honor all of its exhibiting artists.
• The Landing Artists Studio, 115 E. Railroad Ave., is a working studio that is open on winter hours from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through May.
On Saturday, it plans a gathering of the artists who exhibit there, as well as appetizers and demonstrations from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Farming Film Festival in Jefferson County
Mountain movie, tree planting, Chimacum school play on Peninsula
Climate change talk, concert set for Monday
A talk on climate change and a concert are among Monday's activities… Continue reading
Seattle cellist arrives for concerts in Port Angeles, Sequim
Musician to perform with Symphony's Chamber Orchestra
Young musicians to compete in Symphony's 34th annual competition
Teenagers from across the North Olympic Peninsula will perform… Continue reading
Spanish pianist to return to Port Angeles
Josu de Solaun will join the full orchestra Feb. 22
Birds, origami, sasquatch, dancing coming up this weekend
More Peninsula events also on PDN interactive calendar
RESCHEDULED: 'Wind in the Willows' performances slated
Snow forces delay of play
Sequim actor, director's hands are full this season
Carol Swarbrick Dries will direct, appear on stage
Hot wings, benefit concert set on Peninsula
Information also is available on the interactive calendar at www.peninsuladailynews.com/calendar .
Elwha River update, kayaking talk among Thursday's activities
Information also is available on the interactive calendar at www.peninsuladailynews.com/calendar.
Water law, healthy eating among topics to be discussed Wednesday
A presentation on water law and tips for eating for health are…


Numerology - What your inner dreams and fantasy means?
* Don't count W or Y as a consonant if it is been used as a vowel in the name.
1...You dream of being a leader and one who is in charge. You want to be known for your courage, daring, and original ideas. You seek unconquered heights. People may get a first impression that you are very aggressive and sure of yourself.
2...You dream of close and meaningful relationships, cooperation with those around you; family and friends. You want to be a peacemaker and mediator. You present an image that you are a very pliable and easygoing person who would be very easy to get along with.
3...You dream of artistic expression; writing, painting, music. You would seek to more freely express your inner feeling and obtain more enjoyment from life. You also dream of being more popular, likable, and appreciated.
4...You dream of being a very solid citizen that people can depend upon. You strive for organization and predictable order. You want to be recognized as a person with a plan and the discipline to make that plan work like clockwork.
5...You dream of being totally free and unrestrained by responsibility. You see yourself conversing and mingling with the natives in many nations, living for adventure and life experiences. You imagine what you might accomplished.
6...You dream of guiding and fostering the perfect family in the perfect home. You crave the devotion from offspring and a loving spouse. You picture yourself in the center of a successful domestic unit.
7...You dream of having the opportunity to read, study, and shut yourself off from worldly distractions. You can see yourself as a teacher, mystic, or ecclesiastic, spending your life in the pursuit of knowledge and learning.
8...You dream of success in the business or political world, of power and control of large material endeavors. You crave authority and recognition of executive skills. Your secret self may have very strong desire to become an entrepreneur.
9...You dream of being creative, intellectual, and universal; the selfless humanitarian. You understand the needy and what to help them. You would love to be a person people count on for support and advice.
11...You dream of casting the light of illumination; of being the true idealist. You secretly believe there is more to life than we can know or prove, and you would like to be provider of the "word" from on high.
22...You dream of being a master organizer and a builder of monumental projects; of guiding a truly huge endeavor. Your secret fantasy is to think big and imagine what could be done for the world. You may also dream of the huge rewards.


Wolpertinger (also called wolperdinger, poontinger or woiperdinger) is an animal said to inhabit the alpineforests of Bavaria in Germany. It has a body comprised from various animal parts — generally wings, antlers, tails and fangs, all attached to the body of a small mammal. The most widespread description is that of a horned rabbit or a horned squirrel.
Stuffed "wolpertingers", composed of parts of actual stuffed animals, are often displayed in inns or sold to tourists as souvenirs in the animals' "native regions".


Photo Courtesy of Tasty Tails. Craws and Clams!
Crawfish season is upon us and the excitement I reserve just for this is on the same level as my excitement for Texas State Fair fried foods, fried chicken and Backstreet Boys. The endless pounds of delicious, fat, mud bugs that'll put me in a dreamy state of seafood coma sub-consciousness will probably require someone to sedate me so I don't injure myself shoveling food in my mouth and accidentally choking on a claw.
If you share the same enthusiasm about crawfish, or seafood in general, I have great news for you: I am prepared to dub Tasty Tails the best crawfish in Dallas.
Khanh Tran and Vu Tran opened the crawfish joint last April in hopes of bringing an authentic New Orleans style of crawfish to the seafood scene in Dallas. The eldest brother, Khanh, moved to Dallas 15 years ago from New Orleans and brought with him recipes he learned from family and friends during the 20 years he lived in Louisiana. After many years of hosting crawfish boils at home, Khanh dreamed of opening a crawfish joint for years and finally made it happen.
Before the opening of Tasty Tails, Khanh worked as a theatre installation specialist and Vu attended school for court reporting, neither were really want they wanted to do with their lives. So, when the opportunity to take over the 200 sq. ft. space that once belonged to a Thai restaurant presented itself, they jumped on it.
At any given day of the week, the Tran family — which consists of brothers Khanh, Vu, Michael, sisters Juliee, Charlye, Vi, Alex, and a number of cousins and close friends — are manning the restaurant and serving lines of people waiting to get their crawfish fix. The family business is young and energetic and eager to share good New Orleans Cajun-style cooking.
Over the past year, popularity for the charming seafood joint has spread through social media and word of mouth. Khanh believes the quality of food and freshness of product has customers returning for more and telling their friends.
The Trans take extra steps to ensure the freshness of all their products and fly much of it in from Louisiana vendors. Tasty Tails is known for the large sizes of the crawfish, especially during peak season, because they take the time to find the right vendors with the best crawfish and pay the premium for it. Anything dead is thrown away and never served customers.
Juliee explains their crawfish is first boiled in different seasonings, spices, and other secret family ingredients to really fuse the many flavors into the meat of the crawfish. They do the same with their shrimp, clams, and crabs. Customers choose between the traditional New Orleans flavor, where the crawfish is cooked in various spices, fruits, and veggies or with the Who Dat sauce, which is the traditional crawfish with added garlic and butter(for those who really need their butter), and whatever the level of spiciness they can handle.
"That's how we would eat it from back home. Dallas people aren't used to eating it this way without the garlic butter or dry rub. We thought why don't we try and introduce it to Dallas since it's hard to find in Dallas," said Juliee.
Tasty Tails offers different flavor options to their crawfish lovers to achieve a bigger goal outside of just satisfying hungry bellies.
The menu extends past just seabugs and offers po'boys fully stuffed with shrimp or catfish, fried catfish or shrimp baskets, gumbo, and of course sides of corn, potatoes, sausage or Cajun fries. You'll also find specialties items such as crawfish pies and turkey necks.
The Trans emphasize the authenticity they are bringing to each seafood lover's plate and are doing a bang up job. Before even reaching the shops one year anniversary, there are talks of opening a second Tasty Tails location possibly later this year. No locations or contracts have been inked yet, but Khanh hints it would be an expanded version with more featured New Orleans-native menu items such as charbroiled oysters and hand grenades, reminiscent of Bourbon Street.
Love for the bags of delicious mud bugs is evident in how often the restaurant sells out. When asked how they handle the demand, Khanh says they only purchase enough for the day to guarantee the freshness. Keeping crawfish overnight effects the freshness and the taste and just simply isn't an option.
Easily selling thousands of pounds a month during busy season, it is easy for the restaurant to sell out of crawfish at least several days throughout the week on a regular basis. This is one indication they have some serious crawdad fans. The food court holds up to 200 people, and at one point or another, it is filled with mostly diners cracking and peeling their dinners.
Wall of Fame: Polaroids of customers are put up on the wall.
Regulars know better than to just show up, knowing there's a chance of food running out. They go as far as calling to reserve several pounds of their favorite crawlers before arriving or checking for availability and even sizes.
What makes Tasty Tails truly special doesn't stop at the delectable menu or its unique location (Did I mention BYOB?? Just wanted to be clear). It's the family ties that has really made the restaurant successful.
"I'm most proud of my family. The way they supported the restaurant. They all have full time jobs and still come out here at least two or three times a week just to help out. We make it fun. We don't run it like a corporation. We chill and have fun," Khanh said.
Juliee acts as their main social media point person and despite working full time for a digital marketing and advertising company, makes it out often to help out.
"It's a family thing where we want to see each other succeed and help them get to where they want to be," she said, "It's rewarding because they work so hard. It brings us all together. We already hang out a lot together as a family, but this gives us an excuse to hang out even more".
Good day! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I'd figured I'd ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog post or vice-versa? My blog covers a lot of the same topics as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other. If you happen to be interested feel free to shoot me an email. I look forward to hearing from you! Wonderful blog by the way!