LG G2- New Smartphone with 5.2 inch full-HD display and 2.26 GHz Snapdragon 800 processor

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WNEgmg0HmJbhkZp4BDnEATgjXCV_r0HkTfFOPGYgJBHaxZ7wjSHCoIizEzewm9wUgHshGcdwpeFKRxNCtH8fEy_4VK2Haq8lA-hO3Mtuq2nLOFeQIFvf0vdXDVQx_jYtD8OgZSyUw_pf/s1600/lg_g2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WNEgmg0HmJbhkZp4BDnEATgjXCV_r0HkTfFOPGYgJBHaxZ7wjSHCoIizEzewm9wUgHshGcdwpeFKRxNCtH8fEy_4VK2Haq8lA-hO3Mtuq2nLOFeQIFvf0vdXDVQx_jYtD8OgZSyUw_pf/s640/lg_g2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>LG has launched its brand-new flagship device, the LG G2.<br /><br />It comes with a 5.2-inch full-HD (1080x1920). It has Qualcomm's quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor with speed up to 2.26GHz. It has 2GB RAM and offers 16GB and 32GB storage options.<br /><br /> The LG G2 has 13 MP rear camera with Optical Image Stabilization and 2.1 MP front shooter. It runs Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2 and powered by 3000mAh battery. It has dimension 138.5 x 70.9 x 8.9mm and will be available in Black and White colour.<br /><br />LG G2 comes with a unique design by having power buttons and volume rocker at the back of the phone, below the rear camera, instead at the sides of the phone. It also comes with bezels as thin as 2.65mm.<br /><br />LG G2 also comes with some software like Answer Me, Plug & Pop, Text Link, Slide Aside, and a Guest Mode. Answer Me automatically answers the call after lowering the ringtone when the phone is raised to one's ear. Plug and Pop recommends options to choose from when the earphone or USB cable is detected. Text Link allows information embedded in text messages to be selected and easily saved in a memo or calendar and searched on a map or the internet. Slide Aside enables easier multi-tasking by simply open apps off to the side using a three-finger swipe. Guest Mode is designed to protects owner's privacy by displaying only pre-selected apps when guests access the phone with a secondary unlock pattern.<br /><br />It also includes QuickRemote that can remotely control popular home entertainment devices.<br /><br /><strong><u>Specifications of LG G2</u></strong><br /><br /><ul><li>5.2 inch full-HD display</li><li>2.26GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor</li><li>2GB RAM </li><li>16GB/32GB internal storage</li><li>13MP rear camera</li><li>2.1MP front camera</li><li>Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean</li><li>138.5 x 70.9 x 8.9mm</li><li>3000mAh battery</li></ul></div>

LG G2- New Smartphone with 5.2 inch full-HD display and 2.26 GHz Snapdragon 800 processor

LG has launched its brand-new flagship device, the LG G2. It comes with a 5.2-inch full-HD (1080x1920). It has Qualcomm's quad-core Snap...

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Low Budget Smartphone with latest features has been launched by XOLO: XOLO A500S

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div>XOLO- the next level which objects to provide something new and better every time. XOLO has been launched world’s first Intel processor powered smartphone with fastest computing experience. XOLO developed its new device with an intent to provide something better experience to user.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLf1RsgEAh3Sctjnc6t8cI05zYe266qyTR4j3k-6DUboS8Ipo2a0gl6q3dU8Z9lzRxI9c94OVRfhsQz_RCHkdF6aTWgCEuKvvGwHYixS17nolt8szmnbTv-kcjq_6ik7FbSIz4u2AgwH0/s1600/xolo-a500s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="XOLO launched a low budget smartphone with latest features" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLf1RsgEAh3Sctjnc6t8cI05zYe266qyTR4j3k-6DUboS8Ipo2a0gl6q3dU8Z9lzRxI9c94OVRfhsQz_RCHkdF6aTWgCEuKvvGwHYixS17nolt8szmnbTv-kcjq_6ik7FbSIz4u2AgwH0/s1600/xolo-a500s.png" title="" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: xolo</td></tr></tbody></table><div>XOLO launched its new low budget smartphone A500S with 4-inch (480-by-800) display and 233 pixels per inch. The device will provide all the latest features in just Rs. 6999. A500S is powered by 1.2 GHz Dual core processor with 512 MB of RAM through which user can use multiple applications consecutively. </div><div><br /></div><div>XOLO A500S will be run on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean which provide simple and quick app switching. It also includes 32 GB expandable storage with 4 GB of internal storage. With 1400 mAh battery it provides more backup in comparison to other smartphones.</div><div><br /></div><div>Users can enjoy with the pictures and video recording up to 720p resolution from 5-MP rear camera and a VGA camera may be used for front facing. It is a rare case of providing 5-MP camera in low price.</div><div><br /></div><div>XOLO launched its A500S smartphone with a new Anti-theft application which protect your phone from data loss or theft. It automatically back up your phone’s call logs, SMS and other important data time to time.</div><div><br /></div><div>The device is 9MM thick i.e. very slim in smartphones and it is a dual SIM (3G+2G). It has all the connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, 3G, and GPRS etc. like other smartphones. The phone will be available in four standard color variants: Black, Blue, Red and White.</div></div>

smart phone XOLO Low Budget Smartphone with latest features has been launched by XOLO: XOLO A500S

XOLO- the next level which objects to provide something new and better every time. XOLO has been launched world’s first Intel processor powe...

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Big Ten Football Preview 2013...OH-IO!!

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZj2PbMvnZ6YOySn2s5GsKKVZ4Drzz1AeCgik13wWNwwZ9d0DbTB27sACWqF0Px0K00DEAXigN1an26rB7DJAviNhtvgqPs_6FVwCAY2Jebhrtj_DsDlyFS3KFL8N-ObnodPjQ_7Q2EaUu/s1600/Ohio+State+Football+Fans+Suck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZj2PbMvnZ6YOySn2s5GsKKVZ4Drzz1AeCgik13wWNwwZ9d0DbTB27sACWqF0Px0K00DEAXigN1an26rB7DJAviNhtvgqPs_6FVwCAY2Jebhrtj_DsDlyFS3KFL8N-ObnodPjQ_7Q2EaUu/s320/Ohio+State+Football+Fans+Suck.jpg" width="289" /></a>Are you ready for some football, America!!?<br /><br />Hiya my fellow college football fans….<br /><br />Tank Patterson (B.S. Agri-Business, THE Ohio State University ‘77) here for IWS.<br /><br />Now yesterday, Jayman posted a <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2013/08/sec-football-preview-2013.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">preview of the upcoming 2013 SEC Football season</span></a>, and upon reading it, I said to myself…<br /><br /><i>“Tank?  You should preview the upcoming 2013 football season for the only NCAA Football conference that matters, that being the Big Ten Conference.”</i><br /><br />So…Here I am.  Tank Patterson, 1977 graduate of THE Ohio State University.  So, here goes, in order of where each team will finish…<br /><br /><i>Leaders Division</i><br /><br /><b>THE Ohio State University:</b>  If Braxton Miller can stay out of trouble, and our beloved Buckeyes can dodge the early landmines of such high powered teams such as Buffalo, San Diego St., Cal, and Florida A&M, we will be prepared to run through our conference schedule like a combine through a drought stricken corn field.<br /><br /><b>Wisconsin:</b>  The Badgers come to OUR house this year.  Prepare to see a lot of people wearing scarlet and red that game…the red being the blood of 22 Wisconsin Badgers lying dead on the sacred turf of OUR house!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWL-2y3WQ-hBXOy5r3ccdlJjtQG_balEh8F5311vuHAJHItUZdCo3FYOegDQNnHSLk-MZ7U3bqse_0m4IwUIZ-f_gNI6YucikMqtQwG4a_9iw7jzEcFH-mS2FcWe2c0EjK-NGZuvRDM73/s1600/Jerry+Sandusky+Penn+State+Candy+Rape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWL-2y3WQ-hBXOy5r3ccdlJjtQG_balEh8F5311vuHAJHItUZdCo3FYOegDQNnHSLk-MZ7U3bqse_0m4IwUIZ-f_gNI6YucikMqtQwG4a_9iw7jzEcFH-mS2FcWe2c0EjK-NGZuvRDM73/s320/Jerry+Sandusky+Penn+State+Candy+Rape.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>Penn State:</b>  They come to Columbus on October 26th.  That’s pretty close to Halloween, so hide the kids. Those perverts will be offering candy to all of the precious little kids in OUR city.<br /><br /><b>Purdue:</b>  Ooooooooo, Purdue…Oooooooo, we’re so scared of you, Purdue.  Kicking your ass in Ross-Ade Stadium this year would be a great memory except for the fact that I, my wife, and my family have to spend the night in West Lafayette, IN. in order to watch it happen.<br /><br /><b>Indiana:</b>  Seriously?  Why do you guys even bother?  You are barely a basketball school anymore.<br /><br /><b>Illinois: </b> We go on the road for the second week in a row to play you after Purdue.  Looking for an upset of us?  Perhaps you and the Fighting Illini’ tribe would be better served by making reservations for a scalping!!<br /><br /><i>Legends Divison</i><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAtJ1b7H_Wu8G3Z5ED1PcHfVwYOInhN80BeuDO7SF6WfZeV0QTnd_J6P1DIWavG85Q_qmM9ZJ_-CMLTnYYqsjU5Uys6y5fdRLfPRGniU4PEnZFErFqGXjuUUoTkFubWZsUl1ZfOTwi4LX/s1600/Stupid+Michigan+Football+Fans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAtJ1b7H_Wu8G3Z5ED1PcHfVwYOInhN80BeuDO7SF6WfZeV0QTnd_J6P1DIWavG85Q_qmM9ZJ_-CMLTnYYqsjU5Uys6y5fdRLfPRGniU4PEnZFErFqGXjuUUoTkFubWZsUl1ZfOTwi4LX/s1600/Stupid+Michigan+Football+Fans.jpg" /></a><b>Nebraska:</b>  Remember when you guys were feared? Remember Tom Osborne?  Remember when you joined the Big Ten and much to your chagrin found out that even Ohio has a more moderate winter climate than yours?  Take That!! Cornsuckers!!<br /><br /><b>The Team That Must Not Be Mentioned:</b>  What do you call a Wolverine football player with a National Championship ring?  A Thief!!<br /><br /><b>Northwestern: </b> Hey Smarty Pants, we play you in the “jewel of the Midwest” Evanston, IL. on October 5th…Are you going to trick us by running counter-intuitive plays, or perhaps try to stifle our offense with your defensive mind meld antics?  Your SAT score doesn’t trump the scoreboard on the field.<br /><br /><b>Michigan State:</b>  Ha…Every year, “people in the know” say that this is YOUR year Sparty…Hell, we’re going to beat you 42-0 this year, and we don’t even play you!!<br /><br /><b>Minnesota:</b>  The Golden Gophers are rebuilding and revitalizing their program this year, which means they may actually win a game or two…or not.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnziZ1S_2aQJKKXR5PrY4Nq3v8w3e_YK7ZH8ZCGk3HyYEBCA3F8Uugw2BONxqcreCnN70sWdIryxQG0XZPbA8oqP7DbgTBvecqJpS9x0JqICzdNP7hwZqC6fmpOHCrghhaMmd5UC6mg6Mx/s1600/Sexy+Ohio+State+Girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnziZ1S_2aQJKKXR5PrY4Nq3v8w3e_YK7ZH8ZCGk3HyYEBCA3F8Uugw2BONxqcreCnN70sWdIryxQG0XZPbA8oqP7DbgTBvecqJpS9x0JqICzdNP7hwZqC6fmpOHCrghhaMmd5UC6mg6Mx/s320/Sexy+Ohio+State+Girl.jpg" width="278" /></a><b>Iowa: </b> Kirk Ferentz is quite the head coach.  I know Ferentz is an Iowa grad, but man, he has the IQ of a Northwestern grad, because anyone with his dismal record who can still retain his job, is fucking brilliant!! <br /><br />See you on October 19th, Kirk…unless the IU administration comes to their senses.<br /><br />So there you have it folks…a fair and balanced break down and preview of the 2013 Big Ten Football Season.<br /><br />Here’s to the upcoming college football season, and to Jay and Matt, and here’s to THE Ohio State University.  The best of the best.<br /><br /><i>OH-IO!!</i><br /><br /><i>Tank Patterson</i><br /><br /><a href="mailto:mattmaniws@ymail.com">mattmaniws@ymail.com</a><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/MattMan_IWS" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">@mattman_iws</span></a><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mattmaniws" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Matt’s Facebook Page</span></a></div>

Big Ten Football Preview 2013...OH-IO!!

Are you ready for some football, America!!? Hiya my fellow college football fans…. Tank Patterson (B.S. Agri-Business, THE Ohio State Univer...

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World of Warcraft: Burdens of Shaohao Part 3: Fear

<div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <p> <div id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:7ad9f212-717c-4dcd-8301-7ae18a901029" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px"><div><object height="480" width="853"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/lom_plwy9iA?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/lom_plwy9iA?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="853" height="480" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div></div></p> <p><a href="http://us.battle.net/wow/en/blog/10534912/The_Burdens_of_Shaohao%E2%80%94Part_3_Fear-8_6_2013" target="_blank"><font size="3">Burdens of Shaohao</font></a><font size="3">: Part 3 Fear has just been released.  It is as impressive as the previous installments in the series.</font>  <br></p> <p></p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:3548c990-f862-4d8d-9135-3f06ea72dde7" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/World+of+Warcraft" rel="tag">World of Warcraft</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/WOW" rel="tag">WOW</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Burdens+of+Shaohao" rel="tag">Burdens of Shaohao</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/video+games" rel="tag">video games</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/MMO" rel="tag">MMO</a></div>

Blizzard Burdens of Shaohao MMO video games World of Warcraft WOW World of Warcraft: Burdens of Shaohao Part 3: Fear

  Burdens of Shaohao : Part 3 Fear has just been released.  It is as impressive as the previous installments in the series.   Technorat...

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All better now!

Also known as there's a really fun and easy way to make a dirty girl happy ;-)  As we always do, our tension builds and builds and we truly hate each other.  We're the epitome of dysfunction.  And the epitome of make-up sex.<br /><br />For us, it's not make up, then sweet lovin'.  No, it's the other way around.  It's emotionally charged and aggressive and almost violent.  Then after, that's where the making up happens.  Not that we're talking about anything, it's just that clean slate all's forgiven and fall asleep snuggled together.<br /><br />And see I can write about this because I know he's never reading this ;-) It's a shame I'm not better with words.  Some of you are truly gifted with them!  <br /><br />There was an orgasm so intense I literally cried.  I wasn't upset, the tears just stated pouring which then turned into tears from laughing because they wouldn't stop.  <br /><br />I fessed up to him not that long ago about my darker fantasies.  We're still in the learning phases of what makes me tick.  It's a shame we've got to have so much resentment and hostility built up (or drunkenness) for it to get this good.  So there's things that others do or like and I read them thinking there's no way I'd ever like that.  Or I think it's odd how their body reacts to something, not that it's wrong but I don't understand how it's sexual in any way.  Then I personally stumble into it and find a new way to rock my world.<br /><br />Apparently I like having hands over my face and neck so I can't hardly breathe.  Seems I like not being able to move anywhere other than my fingers and toes.  The weird one.  Him holding my chin so I look at his face and him asking, "Are you trying to tell me what to do?"  Wow.  Didn't see that one coming.  But that shot straight from my ears on down... <br /><br />Okay enough of that and back to the point of this.<br /><br />I'm clearly not a techie person.  I got my first phone that did something other than make a telephone call and sent my first text about a year ago. Yes, I'm now an addict!  I was recently informed it's not Tweeter, it's Twitter.  Even though the messages are tweets not twits...  I am on facebook though and am being slowly fattened by pinterest.  So not totally in the dark ages.  But then again, I've never owned a CD... which I suppose is fine now but I don't have one of those ipad touch thingys either.  I like Spotify and then XM in the car.  It's all good.  I feel like a little old lady sometimes but I'm not.  I'm 38.<br /><br />And... I didn't know that accidentally hitting publish rather than save would broadcast my rantings to the world in a way that can't be taken back.  Friggin "feed" or whatever somebody said it was called.  Once it's there it doesn't go away.  Even when you un-publish it a millisecond later, it's stuck for eternity.. Thanks for the tip joey, I can be dense lol.  And lol clearly stands for little old lady. <br /><br />I didn't mean to have my temper tantrum on display. I'm glad most of you were only privy to the paragraph you got.  I'd apologize for the immaturity, but it was my feelings at the time so it was what it was.<br /><br />I was blown away by the emails and texts and facebook chats of concern.  I am humbled by the compassion and concern.  Just still cannot wrap my mind around the outpouring of support for everyone here.  And to answer the burning question, no it's not all good now.  Yes, we are in dire need of counseling. No, it's never gonna happen.  What matters is that no matter how much we want to wring the other's neck, we do love each other.  There's ups and downs.  Yesterday was one of the bottomest bottoms and we're back on the upswing.  I don't know what the future holds for us.  I (and I suspect he as well) want to grow old together so that's the vision I choose to keep.  Despite the tantrum I might have.<br /><br />At least I don't do this (bad words warning) when I'm not getting my way!<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/PEPoO08IMog" width="420"></iframe><br /><br />

All better now!

Also known as there's a really fun and easy way to make a dirty girl happy ;-)  As we always do, our tension builds and builds and we tr...

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Anti-ALEC protests converging in Chicago

<div class="tr_bq"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TA8gnpUBIE6LV-jYfA9sluaVixOCxgSmYPMKsqxrjeiLzhdg0RpbjLfeGiC9vjjs-56-EpntyZqEt7eC6DHqU1AmlCL8sdu0e8V5kwEMlVHir4n_cbEy7JDAtNKpf_OQbmJgz2G_hMa5/s1600/alec+is+coming+to+chicago.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TA8gnpUBIE6LV-jYfA9sluaVixOCxgSmYPMKsqxrjeiLzhdg0RpbjLfeGiC9vjjs-56-EpntyZqEt7eC6DHqU1AmlCL8sdu0e8V5kwEMlVHir4n_cbEy7JDAtNKpf_OQbmJgz2G_hMa5/s1600/alec+is+coming+to+chicago.jpg" /></a></div>The pace of protest is quickening throughout the nation as a vast army of fed-up workers sing in the Wisconsin Capitol, <a href="http://preaprez.wordpress.com/2013/08/06/alec-protests-begin-banner-drop-and-arrests-at-the-palmer-house-more-to-come/">disrupt a posh Chicago hotel</a>, hold <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/07/nc-moral-monday-protests-against-alec.html" rel="nofollow">massive rallies in North Carolina</a> or simply <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/08/low-wage-workers-in-Chicago-Milwaukee-Seattle-walk-off-jobs.html" rel="nofollow">walk off their low-wage jobs</a>.<br /><br />Though the Solidarity Singers in Wisconsin and the Moral Monday protesters in North Carolina may be thousands of miles apart, their targets and tactics are the same. They are protesting politicians who've been bought by corporations to help them seize more power and wealth. Since April, more than a thousand protesters have been arrested for civil disobedience in Raleigh, Madison and Chicago.<br /><br />Tomorrow another large protest in Chicago will take direct aim at the corporate-backed group that stands out for its lethality to workers and for the huge number of politicians who have filled its shopping bag: the American Legislative Exchange Council, or <a href="http://alecexposed.org/" rel="nofollow">ALEC</a>. ALEC has written hundreds of bills to outsource public education, destroy unions, raise taxes on the middle class and limit voting to its supporters. ALEC's modus operandi is to treat state lawmakers to luxury vacations and hand them legislation to empower corporations at the expense of workers and citizens.<br /><br />ALEC is hosting one of its periodic confabs this week at the luxurious Palmer House in Chicago's Loop. Already an offshoot of North Carolina's Moral Monday group staged a disruption in the hotel lobby -- on Monday of course -- demanding that ALEC go home.Six were arrested. Tomorrow another large demonstration will take place outside the hotel.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.prwatch.org/" rel="nofollow">Center for Media and Democracy</a> brings us the frightening ALEC agenda at the Chicago meeting:<br /><br /><ul><li>New ways to thwart local democratic control by prohibiting city or county governments from regulating genetically modified plant seeds...</li><li>Presentations on how fracking America can lead to increased profits through exporting America's natural gas....</li><li>Updates to some of ALEC's long-standing anti-union policies. The "Employee Secret Ballot Protection Act" will be amended "to call for [union certification by] a majority of members in the bargaining unit, rather than a majority of those voting." This was the same certification policy pushed by Scott Walker in Wisconsin, and creates an almost insurmountable burden....</li><li>Renewing objections to linking the minimum wage to the consumer price index...</li><li>Privatization and outsourcing of toll roads...</li><li>New efforts to eliminate occupational licensing for any profession, which help ensure that people who want to call themselves doctors, long-haul truckers, accountants, or barbers meet basic standards of training and expertise to guarantee that consumers are safe and get what they pay for.</li><li>Expanding virtual “schools,” which enriches ALEC’s online school corporate funders, such as K12 Inc. </li></ul></div>Meanwhile, little notice has been given to the protests against ALEC's agenda in Wisconsin. Yesterday was the seventh day in two weeks that police arrested Solidarity Singers, a group that has met every weekday since March 11, 2011, to sing pro-union and civil rights songs inside the Rotunda. Twenty-two were arrested. <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/06/scott-walker-still-kills-jobs-better.html" rel="nofollow"><strike>Job-killer</strike></a> Gov. Scott Walker has been an ardent promoter of ALEC's agenda to <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/07/ALEC-bills-to-crush-unions.html" rel="nofollow">crush unions and lower workers' wages</a>.<br /><br />One of Walker's political opponents, state Rep. Sandy Pope, was threatened with arrest yesterday for watching the singers.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bluecheddar.net/?p=34690" rel="nofollow">blue cheddar</a> tells us:<br /><blockquote>Today was the 7th day of mass arrests in Wisconsin’s capitol building since July 24, 2013 when the mass arrests began... </blockquote><blockquote>According to WMTV, today August 6th, 22 people were cited for not having a permit and one of the 22 also got a disorderly conduct ticket. </blockquote><blockquote>A tally that Jason H. has been keeping shows that capitol cops have dispensed 168 citations and 6 misdemeanors to singalong participants since July 24th.</blockquote>We understand some of the Solidarity Singers may be on their way to Chicago...

Anti-ALEC protests converging in Chicago

The pace of protest is quickening throughout the nation as a vast army of fed-up workers sing in the Wisconsin Capitol, disrupt a posh Chica...

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10 startling facts about low-wage workers

<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Low-wage workers are rising up against their corporate bosses nationwide in an effort to increase their appalling wages and improve workplace protections by organizing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some that’s meant walking out on their jobs on a one-day strike, while others have joined them on the picket line to protest.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFdvMq6sS7Om2igYBfpKzBUWCwJpqBhR7_WYyhul1n-CWMzv_7IQWoKcFGsq0cRG_sotnoN8TTrKcS7_CXsWthAffeuCxn9Ft74DkQymlH8q5aFRMmDfo9KoN7pjQbN1x2SKnlxoEhGkm/s1600/7-31lowwagerally1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFdvMq6sS7Om2igYBfpKzBUWCwJpqBhR7_WYyhul1n-CWMzv_7IQWoKcFGsq0cRG_sotnoN8TTrKcS7_CXsWthAffeuCxn9Ft74DkQymlH8q5aFRMmDfo9KoN7pjQbN1x2SKnlxoEhGkm/s320/7-31lowwagerally1.jpg" title="Workers at a Chicago McDonald's walked off the job to protest low pay and a lack of benefits." width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Workers protest at a Chicago McDonald's last week.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No matter what form the action takes, there are many good reasons why this is happening now. While the U.S.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>unemployment rate has dropped in the past few years, </span><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/01/low-wage-workers-recovery_n_3685091.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the new jobs created are falling far short of the ones they are replacing</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> when it comes to pay and benefits. That means many low-wage jobs, such as in the fast food and retail industries, are now being filled by adults who have families to feed. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Here are 10 little-known facts that show who is working low-wage jobs and what they have experienced in recent years:</span><br /><ol><li><a href="http://www.cepr.net/index.php/blogs/cepr-blog/slow-progress-for-fast-food-workers" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">39.3 percent of fast-food workers are 25 or older</a></li><li>31.4 percent of fast-food workers aged 20 and over have at least some college experience;</li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">26.6 percent of fast-food workers are parents;</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">83.6 percent of fast-food workers make $10.09 an hour or less;</span></li><li><a href="http://www.nelp.org/page/-/Reports/NELP-Taking-Low-Road-Federal-Contracting.pdf?nocdn=1"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">74 percent of those in federal contract jobs</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (which includes port truckers, janitors, fast food and retail workers) make less than $10 an hour;</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The </span><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/17/worker-wage_n_3610530.html?utm_hp_ref=business"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">average U.S. worker with one child needs to earn $14.17 an hour</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> to achieve economic security;</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Workers </span><a href="http://www.alternet.org/recession-forever-10-reasons-american-workers-are-screwed"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">making between $10.61 and $14.21 per hour saw their real wages drop</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> on average by 4.5 percent between 2009 and 2012;</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The median U.S. income has fallen 8.1 percent since 2007;</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Involuntary part-timers have almost doubled in the past five years, to 8.2 million;</span></li><li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/news/politics/article/Exclusive-4-in-5-in-US-face-near-poverty-no-work-4691668.php#page-2">12.6 percent of adults aged 25 to 60 live in poverty</a></span></li></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don’t expect worker-led efforts to raise awareness to end anytime soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>It’s going to continue to be a long, hot summer for corporations that pay poverty wages.</span></div>

low wage workers 10 startling facts about low-wage workers

Low-wage workers are rising up against their corporate bosses nationwide in an effort to increase their appalling wages and improve workplac...

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How Is LFone Faring?

<a href="http://archidose.org/wp/1999/10/18/landesgartenschau/"><i>Landesgartenschau</i></a>—aka Landscape Formation One (LFone)—is a flower pavilion designed by <a href="http://www.zaha-hadid.com/">Zaha Hadid</a> for Weil am Rhein, Germany, the same town that is home to her first built work, <a href="http://www.vitra.com/en-us/campus/architectur#5">Vitra's Fire Station</a>. When LFone was completed in 1999 it looked something like this:<br /><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgsduwf58nURhy2Mx_Mga-oZITx2iqZL01UWOa5uPHwzvS3-kXd9BA7CQJhH0YaPOoJcFEZ3aFcyB1r-HfHgCNsAA9_lpiXaHc9WNFfnHGRcxst6C4RiVUWcxq5T_kZfIzIXqiiIqbx7L/s1600/th_65d1300db123ce22f6e2569fb36764f8_943_lands_phot_04.jpg" /><br />[Photography © Hélène Binet | image <a href="http://www.zaha-hadid.com/architecture/landesgardenschau-landscape-formation-one/">source</a>] <br /><br />In 2007 I posted <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thegoatisbad/1361268993/">a photo from Flickr user "thegoatisbad,"</a> pointing out that LFone had "<a href="http://archidose.blogspot.com/2007/09/seen-better-days.html">seen better days</a>":<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thegoatisbad/1361268993/" title="if this is the building now... by thegoatisbad, on Flickr"><img alt="if this is the building now..." height="426" src="http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1142/1361268993_7224d29fa4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Having visited the pavilion a couple weeks ago I can say things have gotten both better and worse for LFone. The approach clearly signals that something is happening:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/archidose/9460644790/" title="Landesgartenschau by archidose, on Flickr"><img alt="Landesgartenschau" height="536" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3690/9460644790_ed013ac819_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />For the summer (at least) the grounds abutting the building are being used for a festival with food kiosks placed around a central seating area and stage for musical performances.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/archidose/9457862087/" title="Landesgartenschau by archidose, on Flickr"><img alt="Landesgartenschau" height="638" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3788/9457862087_fa4d65405e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />As can be seen above and below, the building itself appears to be in adequate condition, better than the seen-better-days photo from five years ago. <a href="http://www.badische-zeitung.de/weil-am-rhein/landscape-formation-one-grosser-wurf-und-sorgenkind-zugleich--72632530.html">A June 2013 article at Badische Zeitung</a> appears to say (via Google Translate) that: "Two years ago it was believed at the Town Hall and the Garden Festival Society to have problems with the water under control: 770 meters wall tops were sealed with a special process, the concrete impregnated."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/archidose/9457861919/" title="Landesgartenschau by archidose, on Flickr"><img alt="Landesgartenschau" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5482/9457861919_70d9b827a5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The landscaping adjacent to the building is also in good shape, perhaps stemming from the fact the plants are succulents (or appear to be, to my untrained eye):<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/archidose/9457861215/" title="Landesgartenschau by archidose, on Flickr"><img alt="Landesgartenschau" height="800" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3677/9457861215_9306f6b626_c.jpg" width="600" /></a><br /><br />It also appears that the tagging covering the half-pipe-like slope at one end of the building has given way to serving as a canvas for children's chalk drawings:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/archidose/9460644152/" title="Landesgartenschau by archidose, on Flickr"><img alt="Landesgartenschau" height="800" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2891/9460644152_349de9fd9d_c.jpg" width="600" /></a><br /><br />So given that the building won't be falling down anytime soon, and the grounds around it (that aren't covered with trucks and the like) are faring well, then the big issue is what exactly is the building doing? Is it merely serving as a backdrop for outdoor festivals? Is it a rental space for parties (some tables and chairs were awkwardly squeezed inside when I was there, but the doors were locked)? Is it a visitor center, a trailhead for the adjacent nature preserve (a small visitor center with an LFone brochure, among others, was stuffed into a small space, also locked)?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/archidose/9460644010/" title="Landesgartenschau by archidose, on Flickr"><img alt="Landesgartenschau" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3675/9460644010_c608bf4bba_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />It's not really clear what purpose the building is serving these days, and therefore it's up to Weil am Rhein to find something that is appropriate for the building while enabling the town to pay for its continued maintenance. Not surprisingly, it doesn't work as a backdrop for summer festivals. If anything, its landscraper-like design and original function point to something aligned with the appreciation of nature unspoiled by commercial presence.

How Is LFone Faring?

Landesgartenschau —aka Landscape Formation One (LFone)—is a flower pavilion designed by Zaha Hadid for Weil am Rhein, Germany, the same tow...

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Leaders of personal computer makers ready to introduce a new kind of device: tablet-cum-laptops.

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />Leading manufacturers including Dell, Lenovo, Acer and HP are ready to launch hybrid of laptop and tablet. There is an all new series of gadget is ready to hit Indian market. A crossbred of laptops and tablet is a new arrival for the users and every leading company wants to join it with their product.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hS-jIhGp5DY/UgJmawI44DI/AAAAAAAAAJE/AZqZbYJVg6c/s1600/Lenovo-IdeaPad-Yoga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hS-jIhGp5DY/UgJmawI44DI/AAAAAAAAAJE/AZqZbYJVg6c/s320/Lenovo-IdeaPad-Yoga.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">credit: gadgetronica.com</td></tr></tbody></table><br />According to P Krishnakumar, executive director and head of consumer business at Dell India said, “On one side the pc market is not growing, while on other face more and more people are getting used to the touch interface. The question is, ‘Do you want to complain or do something about it.” It is clear from this statement that companies are ready to get full advantage of markets hypothesis.<br />In 2012, Smartphone shipments in India grew 48% to 16.3 million units; on other hand PC market grew at a slow rate of 3.5% to 11 million units from 10.5 million units at same time. So the Leading PC makers change their concept.<br /><br />PC makers like HP, Dell, Acer gambling on touch based laptops, a new device to beat reduce speed. “Touch will bring interest back to PC market but overall volumes will not increase but steady the decline,” says Ranjit Agarwal, research director at technology research firm of UK.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZN1Bpx1hfQ/UgJmH7cp9dI/AAAAAAAAAI8/asdqk6Aoq8g/s1600/asus-taichi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZN1Bpx1hfQ/UgJmH7cp9dI/AAAAAAAAAI8/asdqk6Aoq8g/s320/asus-taichi.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">credit: gadgetronica.com</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNDagWdyi4Y/UgJmrSnGn_I/AAAAAAAAAJM/q4qTt4vfdCU/s1600/XPS-12-Dell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Top 5 tablet-cum-laptops available in India are following with specification</span>:<br />1. Asus Taichi: RAM: 4GB DDR3, Processor: Intel core i7-3517m (1.9GHz), Price Rs.: 1,39,999.<br />2. Samsung ATIV smart PC Pro: RAM: 4GB DDR, Processor: Intel core i5, Price Rs.: 75,490.<br />3. HP Envy X2: RAM 2GB, Processor: Intel Atom 1.8GHz, Price Rs.: 48,200.<br />4. Dell XPS 12 Convertible: RAM: 4GB DDR3, Processor: 3rd Gen Intel Core i5-3317U(2.6GHz), Price Rs.: 89,990.<br />5. Lenovo Ideapad Yoga 13: RAM: 8GB DDDR3, Processor: 3rd Gen Intel Core i3-3217U, Price Rs.: 84,290.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNDagWdyi4Y/UgJmrSnGn_I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/DL4Njvj-t_4/s1600/XPS-12-Dell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNDagWdyi4Y/UgJmrSnGn_I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/DL4Njvj-t_4/s320/XPS-12-Dell.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>                                                    credit: gadgetronica.com<br />Device makers having also a challenge about their touch-based devices at sensibly price to make them  in consumers reach.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/100638775997274345522" rel="author">Anil Swami</a></div></div>

Asus Dell HP Intel laptop Lenovo samsung Tablet Leaders of personal computer makers ready to introduce a new kind of device: tablet-cum-laptops.

Leading manufacturers including Dell, Lenovo, Acer and HP are ready to launch hybrid of laptop and tablet. There is an all new series of gad...

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Belviq Patients

Good Morning everyone!  I can't believe we are already well in to August!  It's already proving to be a hot and steamy month here in Houston!  We have had a heat advisory for a few days.  I guess that means I will spend more time in the pool to cool off!<br /><br />I changed my blog just a bit.  I added some tabs where it's easier to find things.  Let me introduce you to a few key tabs:<br /><br />First is the Belviq Patients Tab.  I am following about 5 or 6 other Belviq patients who just started in the last month or so.  All have great results thus far.  Most are in align with my numbers as well.  I will periodically update so keep check back for those updates.  You can go directly by clicking here:<br /> <a href="http://www.belviqdaily.blogspot.com/p/other-belviq-patients.html">http://www.belviqdaily.blogspot.com/p/other-belviq-patients.html</a><br /><br />The Second one is for my weigh ins.  It's the videos people claim they enjoy watching to see my progress.<br /><a href="http://www.belviqdaily.blogspot.com/p/video-weigh-in.html">http://www.belviqdaily.blogspot.com/p/video-weigh-in.html</a><br /><br />How about some before and after pictures.  This is a great way to see the slow transition to my desired goal:<br /><a href="http://www.belviqdaily.blogspot.com/p/before-and-after-pictures.html">http://www.belviqdaily.blogspot.com/p/before-and-after-pictures.html</a><br /><br />And, let's not forget about all of the wonderful people who are blogging or writing about my progress as well:<br /><a href="http://www.belviqdaily.blogspot.com/p/we.html">http://www.belviqdaily.blogspot.com/p/we.html</a><br /><br /><br />Also, pay attention to the ads on my blog.  If you see an ad that interests you, then click on the ad and go check it out.  You never know what you may find and I also get a little extra as well.  There are great companies with great products.  All of this is helping me pay for my Belviq.  I made through donations and ads exactly enough to pay for my August Belviq.  I am hoping the ads alone with help me pay for September and not rely on other assistance.<br /><br />Have a great hump day!<br />xoxox<br />Ellie<br /><br />

Belviq Patients

Good Morning everyone!  I can't believe we are already well in to August!  It's already proving to be a hot and steamy month here in...

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How to purchase a Bed mattress intended for Couples

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By George Dodson</div><br /><br /> <div class='uawarticle'>A big chunk of marital issues can either be created or resolved in the bedroom. It would naturally help in to make the couple happy in each other's company every day with a comfortable bedroom. Once you have bought the right furniture, beddings and 'feng shuied' your bed room, you need to think about getting the right mattress as you begin your journey into life, as newlyweds. Given below are some suggestions for selecting a mattress for the newly married couple.<br /> <br /> Your Weight<br /> <br /> You need to select different types of mattresses depending on the body weight of the couple. For persons who are having a slim frame, the regular model of bed will suffice. However, these types of beds will not be suitable for those couples in which one or either of the persons are heavily built. In such scenarios, couples are advised to buy a queen or king sized mattress instead.<br /> <br /> Selection for the physically handicapped<br /> <br /> If both or one of the partners has a handicap, they will require more space to create room for any specials equipment. Larger beds such as King or Queen models would be suitable in such a situation as well.<br /> <br /> How close would you like to sleep<br /> <br /> As a newly wed couple, you are more than likely to snuggle close to each other or sleep in each other arms. Regular size beds would be ideal for them as it creates more intimacy and passion since it does not leave much space between the couples. On the other hand, if you prefer your own space, then queen or king sized bed, will provide the necessary amount of room you are after.<br /> <br /> Sleeping Positions<br /> <br /> People have different sleeping positions, which according to psychologists will tend to indicate an individual's personality. Different types of sleeping positions adopted by different individuals are categorized as fetal, soldier, log, yearner etc. One of the worst things you can do to your partner is to try to amend their sleeping habits. It is important to remember that your partner has developed that sleeping position over along period of time. For the harmony in marriage it would be ideal not to attempt to alter the partners sleeping positions. The best approach is simply to accommodate for each others patterns, by getting the type of mattress that accommodates both of your sleeping patterns.<br /> <br /> Adjusting to married life by compromising some of your preferences is very important even while choosing a mattress which accommodate your preferences. So don't go shopping and pick your bedding based on mattress deals. Consider the best compromise for you and your partner. This would ensure a happily married life.<br /> <br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawresource'><br /> <div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br /> About the Author:<br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawlinks'>Thanks for your time. I'm hoping you had fun reading the article. If you want more, come see my <a href="http://distributioncenter.piccsy.com/">Distribution Center piccsy board</a>.</div><br /> </div><br />

How to purchase a Bed mattress intended for Couples

By George Dodson A big chunk of marital issues can either be created or resolved in the bedroom. It would naturally help in to make the ...

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Water And Fat Loss, How Does It Assists In Losing Physique Fat?

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Frederic Leblanc</div><br /><br /> <div class='uawarticle'>by Frederic Leblanc<br /> <br /> Have you ever wondered why water and fat loss exercises combined will improve your outcomes inside your weight reduction plan? Aside weight lifting, as I currently stated, nutrition is primordial in fat loss and water is part of your nutrition. When trying to slim down, you always need to track what you consume, your every day activities,and so on. Nonetheless, when you're doing something incorrect, it simply need 1 factor to completely hinder your fat loss progress like not drinking sufficient water via the day. Water and fat loss workouts with each other improve your chance to reach your objectives faster.<br /> <br /> What's the benefits of water and fat loss exercises/nutrition, how does water helps?<br /> <br /> Help controlling your appetite: Water and fat loss diet, we're usually in calorie deficit and it occurs that we are craving for foods. Nevertheless, we should only eat a certain quantity of calorie during the day and we can't always eat when we want, the solution is to drink water. It may assist you to from not starving but only for a brief period of time. A should for your kidneys: Burning calories produce toxins then your kidneys require water to transport and flush all of your toxins otherwise how can your kidneys can be cleaned? Unless you want your liver to come into play to help . Also, Your liver is taking your stored body fat to turn it into power, relying in your liver will just slowing down this process. For this reason, you may put all chance on your side and drink enough water to enhance your fat loss outcomes to ensure that you letting your liver performing his job properly by turning your undesirable bodyfat for energy. Hydrated muscle tissues for much more strength: have you noticed that you're not as strong as when you're dehydrated? Drinking adequate water every day will give you much better exercise, you're 20% stronger when you are well hydrated (more stronger=more repetitions=more calories burned), it provides you much better blood flow, it prevent you from getting muscle cramps and water is required to deliver nutrients to your muscle as well which is essential when you are working out.<br /> <br /> If you ever not drinking enough water, it can lead to dehydration,make you tired,cause water retention,headaches,muscle weakness,sleepiness,dizziness,etc. I guess It is enough to say that you simply need to drink your needed quantity of water intake each day to ensure you don't get any problems associated with lack of water and that you get the maximum benefits from it. I hope you enjoyed my "water and fat loss" post and be sure to come back for much more tips to come :)<br /> <br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawresource'><br /> <div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br /> About the Author:<br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawlinks'>Feel free to browse my website for much more fat loss tips by <a href="http://www.empowernetwork.com/white700/blog/category/fat-loss/">clicking here</a> or if you wanna know tips about how to gain muscle you can see my other blog, <a href="http://tips4musclegain.com/">visit it here.</a></div><br /> </div><br />

Water And Fat Loss, How Does It Assists In Losing Physique Fat?

By Frederic Leblanc by Frederic Leblanc Have you ever wondered why water and fat loss exercises combined will improve your outcomes ...

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The Big Muscle Building Misunderstanding

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Russ Howe</div><br /><br /> <div class='uawarticle'>The vast majority of male gym users have asked for tips on how to build muscle at some stage or another. For some reason it's rare to see a man that actually achieves the physique he wants and today we're going to reveal why so many of us get lost in the shuffle.<br /> <br /> Every day we see men toiling away with the weights and struggling to make advances with their progress. If you're one of them, you're in for a treat today as we reveal the top steps for building a leaner, more muscular physique.<br /> <br /> Better still, none of them will cost you anything and you can apply them all right now. <br /> <br /> The first thing we'd like to bring to your attention is your diet. It's great having the dream of building your body into a head-turning mountain of muscle and it's good to have the dedication to hit the gym very often, but if you neglect your diet you will not see a positive return on your efforts.<br /> <br /> There is so much nonsense and hype out there about nutrition, largely down to the massive range of supplements all competing for your purchase each month, that many people are led to believe it's too confusing to sort out their nutrition plan. It's not, and we're going to show you how to do it today. Are you ready for step one?<br /> <br /> If you take the body weight you wish to be (in pounds) and multiply it by fifteen.<br /> <br /> That daily calorie target is a very achievable and solid ball park figure.<br /> <br /> There are various other factors which need to be address too and we will briefly cover the most important points next.<br /> <br /> Firstly we need to address your sleeping pattern. Your body releases growth hormone when you are in a state of deep sleep, which usually occurs 2-4 hours into sleep. Needless to say, growth hormone is as good for building size and strength as it sounds so you don't want to miss out by only getting an hour or two in bed each night.<br /> <br /> The arena of supplements has become an ever popular one over the last decade and we'd like to discuss this with you now to keep you on the straight and narrow, so to speak. It is quite easy to get lost in today's market, every product claims to work wonders and be the best thing ever invented. Never put too much emphasis on a supplement.<br /> <br /> Keep things simple. A whey protein supplement and a creatine monohydrate supplement is all you need to get started and these are the two bodybuilding supplements with by far the most scientific support behind them.<br /> <br /> The rules in today's video and article will provide you with the foundation of how to build muscle more effectively. Many people get lost in the gym, now you're on the right track!<br /> <br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawresource'><br /> <div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br /> About the Author:<br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawlinks'>Creator: Russ Howe PTI is England's most subscribed <a href="http://RussHowePTI.com">Personal Trainer</a>. Learn <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KFcTIpXe90">how to build muscle</a> with our free video guide teaching the five principles to a more muscular body.</div><br /> </div><br />

The Big Muscle Building Misunderstanding

By Russ Howe The vast majority of male gym users have asked for tips on how to build muscle at some stage or another. For some reason it...

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World of Warcraft: Burdens of Shaohao: Despair

<div id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:89900fca-366a-458d-a100-6fbf76399460" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px"><div id="0c583d14-74f8-4617-89c1-4dd4ead467c3" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMEHZPZTAVc&feature=share&list=UUbLj9QP9FAaHs_647QckGtg" target="_new"><img alt="" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('0c583d14-74f8-4617-89c1-4dd4ead467c3'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/gMEHZPZTAVc&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/gMEHZPZTAVc&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-t290XA6Uw7Y/UgJajmHjC2I/AAAAAAAADCo/-o4cVDm_USA/videof1533f3fc544%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none"></a></div></div></div> <p>The third beautiful installment in the Burdens of Shaohao series.</p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:b4b5b6db-d920-43c5-8213-ac4de1e8d912" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/World+of+Warcraft" rel="tag">World of Warcraft</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/WOW" rel="tag">WOW</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Burdens+of+Shaohao" rel="tag">Burdens of Shaohao</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/MMO" rel="tag">MMO</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/video+games" rel="tag">video games</a></div>

Blizzard MMO video games World of Warcraft WOW World of Warcraft: Burdens of Shaohao: Despair

The third beautiful installment in the Burdens of Shaohao series. Technorati Tags: World of Warcraft , WOW , Burdens of Shaohao , MMO , vi...

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How To Tell If A Personal Trainer Atherton Worthy Of Your Hard-Earned Cash

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Tammy Walker</div><br /><br /> <div class='uawarticle'>Atherton is a town in San Mateo, California that is said to be among the wealthiest cities all over the United States. The truth is, Forbes has once placed the city of Atherton as among America's most expensive cities to stay in. And because most residents here can afford to hire even the most highly rated fitness trainers all over the country, you'll find a lot of personal trainer Atherton here that are known for their outstanding abilities.<br /> <br /> But before you decide to hire one though, it's important that you choose somebody who is definitely worthy of your hard-earned money. So here are tips on how to tell if a personal trainer Atherton is the best one to hire.<br /> <br /> Education<br /> <br /> It is important that you look for a trainer who has a wide experience in the field of fitness training. This is very necessary because those who lack experience in the field of fitness training might just put you at high risk of injury and you will just be wasting your hard-earned money with them. Others might charge you a small fee since they are still new in the profession, but this might just actually cause you to spend more money in the long run. So always do your research well and look for a personal trainer Atherton who has wide knowledge in fitness training.<br /> <br /> It is best to hire a personal trainer Atherton who have graduated with a 4-year degree on any fitness related course to be sure that you will be able to achieve your fitness goals successfully and in the safest way possible. Hiring someone who does not have the proper knowledge on fitness training might just be a big waste of money and might just lead to accidents and injury.<br /> <br /> Personal trainer insurance is important because in the event that the trainer would cause any injury or harm to you during your exercise session, you know that all the costs associated on the medical expenses will be covered. Aside from that, the trainer is also covered by that insurance so if something happens to him while the two of you are working out, then he won't have to worry about the medical expenses.<br /> <br /> So before you decide to hire a personal trainer Atherton, ask to see a copy of the certificate of insurance. A typical insurance policy for trainers should be able to provide liability coverage which means that any monetary damages as well as legal expenses in case there is a lawsuit will all be covered.<br /> <br /> So before you decide to hire a personal trainer Atherton, ask to see a copy of the certificate of insurance. A typical insurance policy for trainers should be able to provide liability coverage which means that any monetary damages as well as legal expenses in case there is a lawsuit will all be covered.<br /> <br /> Experience<br /> <br /> It is best to hire a personal trainer Atherton who have graduated with a 4-year degree on any fitness related course to be sure that you will be able to achieve your fitness goals successfully and in the safest way possible. Hiring someone who does not have the proper knowledge on fitness training might just be a big waste of money and might just lead to accidents and injury.<br /> <br /> So remember these three things when searching for the very best trainer to hire. A personal trainer Atherton who has graduated with a degree in fitness training, has a personal trainer insurance certificate and has several experiences is someone who truly deserves your hard-earned cash.<br /> <br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawresource'><br /> <div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br /> About the Author:<br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawlinks'>Getting in top shape with the help of <a href="http://www.theperfectworkout.com/personal-trainer-atherton/"> Atherton Personal Trainer </a> not only improves your physique but likewise your overall health as well. The benefits that one can obtain from <a href="http://www.theperfectworkout.com"> The Perfect Workout </a> are endless.</div><br /> </div><br />

How To Tell If A Personal Trainer Atherton Worthy Of Your Hard-Earned Cash

By Tammy Walker Atherton is a town in San Mateo, California that is said to be among the wealthiest cities all over the United States. T...

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Tricks For Weight Loss Salt Lake City Residents May Want To Know

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Lucy Cho</div><br /><br /> <div class='uawarticle'>When it comes to the weight loss Salt Lake City residents may want, they ought to start off right by talking to a doctor. A qualified doctor may help them strategize for how they may individually set up their diet or exercise plans. There are also several tricks out there that may possibly help those who are working toward the weight loss Salt Lake City residents may want. This brief article will address three different tricks that may at the very least result in positive trends in weight reduction. We will talk about how even the lip injections Utah clinics may perform might be beneficial.<br /> <br /> First, we will discuss how vitamins may help people to earn the weight loss Salt Lake City dwellers often need. Second, we will explore how boosting your confidence in your appearance may be another way to boost weight-reduction efforts. Third, we will discuss how your breakfast composition might alter your whole day of meals.<br /> <br /> For almost everyone who wants to reduce their weight it is difficult to attain the goals they set for themselves. A study in a journal about obesity found that a multivitamin is actually a valuable aid. The study involved splitting overweight female test subjects into three groups that received a daily calcium supplement, a placebo, or a multivitamin each day for 6 months. The women in the group using the multivitamin had less body fat than the other two categories of women at the conclusion of the trial. A healthcare professional has suggested that many people may binge eat because they are craving minerals and vitamins they're lacking in. Multivitamins would theoretically then be able to step in and help provide those missing nutritional elements and reduce overeating.<br /> <br /> Bettering the way you look isn't always just about appearances. Actually, it may have a positive impact on other facets of your daily life, also. Lots of people who make positive changes in their appearance develop more confidence in themselves, too. Whether you get a facial or the lip injections Utah clinics can provide, improving your appearance may increase your confidence in yourself and thus aid in your willingness to concentrate on the weight loss Salt Lake City residents like you may want.<br /> <br /> Changing what you eat for breakfast could help you to get the weight loss Salt Lake City residents may want. Protein at breakfast has proven fairly influential in eating a better diet. One study had men eat one of two breakfasts every day (both with equal calories). One breakfast was protein-rich, and the other was heavy on the carbs. The men who ate the protein breakfast ate about 400 fewer calories each day than those who ate the carb-rich breakfast.<br /> <br /> Little tricks like having the lip injections Utah esthetic professionals may provide can help affect the weight loss Salt Lake City dwellers might want; however, the most important trick is simply to work hard at it.<br /> <br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawresource'><br /> <div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br /> About the Author:<br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawlinks'>Learn more about <a href='http://www.elase.com/utah/vive-weight-loss'>weight loss Salt Lake City</a>. Stop by Lucy Cho's site where you can find out all about this and options like <a href='http://www.elase.com/utah/lip-augmentation'>lip injections Utah</a> and what they can do for you.</div><br /> </div><br />

Tricks For Weight Loss Salt Lake City Residents May Want To Know

By Lucy Cho When it comes to the weight loss Salt Lake City residents may want, they ought to start off right by talking to a doctor. A ...

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Bring it: The most important thing a teacher can bring to school

<p>My <strong>air conditioner has been broken</strong> all this week. They have ordered a part but we’re not sure if it is going to be here before school starts. If it is not, I’ll teach class on the stage rather than risk the computers expiring in the heat and have kids sweat because of the heat.</p> <h3>Sometimes things stink as we prepare for school.</h3> <p>This is less than ideal. OK. I’ll admit it - <strong>IT STINKS.</strong> Honestly, I stink too. </p> <p>But stinky stuff happens. It just does. I’m in gnat central here and it is 90 something outside and I’m opening my door to my room to cool it off. I’m wearing <strong>workout clothes</strong> that shed heat so I can sweat with as little soak as possible.</p> <h3>And then IT happened…</h3> <p><strong>My laptop died today</strong> - perhaps heat induced. Not sure.</p> <p>I connected the hard drive - threw everything in Dropbox and am letting it sync. <em><a href="http://www.dropbox.com">Dropbox</a> has saved me again.</em></p> <h3>When everyone has done all they can, you can still choose what you can</h3> <p>Yet. <strong>My students will be here Thursday.</strong> We’ve got lots to cover.</p> <p>Whether my first day is in my computer lab – out back – or in the outhouse - <strong>these kids have me and I’m bigger than this.</strong> My principal has done all he can do and everyone is doing what they can. <strong>What I can do is not add a sour attitude to an already heated situation.</strong> There’s nothing I can do but that.</p> <p>Problems are the canvas upon which I will paint a picture of a person who overcomes. </p> <p>Maybe that picture will inspire others to do the same. Maybe it will even help someone out there going through something. If so, this problem won’t be wasted.</p> <p>How about you and your problems? The worse the problems, the more dramatic the picture you paint.</p> <h3>We just have to make do with what we have.</h3> <p>Sometimes what we have is all we have… but a determination to do well and be amazing is all we need to get started. </p> <p>You can put a person with a <em>stinky attitude</em> in a <em>million dollar computer lab</em> and not get <em>peanuts</em> out of the students.</p> <p>You can put a <em>champion with a determination to teach</em> in a computer lab that cost <em>peanuts</em> and get a <em>million dollar learning experience</em> out of those students.</p> <p>It depends on <strong>what you bring.</strong> Are you bringing it?</p> <p>WE NEED MONEY. I’m not saying we don’t. I’m not making excuses for those who refuse to invest in our future.</p> <p>But when it is time for school to start and <strong>things don’t go just right </strong>- if I let it influence my relationship or attitude towards my students one teeny tiny bit - <strong>then I’m not bringing my best.</strong> </p> <p><strong>I’ve got to bring my good attitude if I hope to get students to the altitude they can achieve with me.</strong></p> <p>So… laptop or not… lab or not…I’m going to put on some clinical strength Secret Deodorant and lace up my tennis shoes… <strong>as long as I have me and my students somewhere on this campus – I’ve got enough to get us started.</strong> </p> <p>I’m bringing <strong>it.</strong> I’m bringing <strong>me.</strong> </p> <p>I’m bringing the only essential ingredient besides a <strong>firm grasp of content knowledge,</strong> <strong>pedagogy, and </strong>presentation finesse.** I’m bringing <strong>me</strong> and my <strong>determination to be an excellent teacher anyway.</strong></p> <p>I’m bringing <strong>it.</strong> I’m bringing <strong>me.</strong> </p> <p>You’ll rust before situations are ideal . They never are. They never will be. </p> <p>I’m bringing <strong>it.</strong> I’m bringing <strong>me.</strong> </p> <p>If your good attitude is dependent upon perfect situations then you’ll always have a bad one. I reject my human inclination to be crabby when things go wrong. I want to be more. These kids deserve it. Plus, I’ve got something FANTASTIC planned.</p> <p>I’m bringing <strong>it.</strong> I’m bringing <strong>me.</strong> </p> <p>There’s nothing exceptional about a person who’s cranky when their computer breaks and they are sweating profusely. There is something exceptional about a person who makes do and looks up. </p> <p>I’m bringing <strong>it.</strong> I’m bringing <strong>me.</strong> </p> <p>Kids and adults alike awe at exceptional. When you have awful problems – you have the opportunity to make people full of awe as they watch you overcome. </p> <p>They will expect me to bellyache when we meet on the stage Thursday if that A/C isn’t fixed. But I’m not - I’m going to wow them and make the most of that stage. IT isn’t going to be AW-ful it is going to be AWESOME! Oh yeah. I’m going to rock it. I’ve already got it planned. I’m going to use that stage and they are going to be amazed and never forget the first day of school this year. </p> <h3>I’m going to bring it</h3> <p>I’ll wear my workout clothes again tomorrow and sweat like an oldie for my last day of preplanning, but I’m going to hit this school year. I’m glad to be here. These are my students. I love them. I’m going to bring it… I’m going to bring what counts and that is me and nothing is going to stop me from teaching. Nothing. </p> <p>I’m bringing <strong>it.</strong> I’m bringing <strong>me.</strong> </p> <p>I’m not Polyanna. To be honest, I will admit to you that this attitude would not be possible without my time each morning on my knees taking these problems to <strong>Upper Management.</strong> But I also have to know that <strong>I am at the center of my Att-I-tude.</strong> </p> <p>If my attitude stinks, it is my fault. No one can MAKE me have a bad day - in all but the most horrific circumstances - <em>I can choose to have a bad day but no one can MAKE me have one but myself.</em></p> <p>This is a pep talk for me just as much as you… and right now I’m feeling better because I can see what my students see when they see a teacher who is able to make awesome out of awful. They see how to make it in a life full of problems. Because that’s what we’ve got down here… problems and lots of them. Welcome to planet earth.</p> <p>So, I ask you…</p> <h3>Will you bring it?</h3> <p>Will you bring you? </p> <h3>Will you share your story?</h3> <p>Do you have any similar stories for beginning the school year and how did you overcome?</p> <p>Other teachers need to hear your stories. We need each other… now more than ever. Teachers are the media that will turn the tide of stories about our profession. We are media now and we will not be quiet about what it is like to teach and the importance of our profession. We will inspire. We will encourage. We will be open. We will be the kind of teacher we want who will transform the profession we love.</p> <p>You’re noble teacher. I’ll try to be noble too. Bring it!</p>

EDUCATION Inspiration Teaching Bring it: The most important thing a teacher can bring to school

My air conditioner has been broken all this week. They have ordered a part but we’re not sure if it is going to be here before school start...

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Today's Teamster News 08.07.13

<a href="http://www.teamster.org/content/keolis-paratransit-workers-choose-teamsters-union" rel="nofollow">Keolis Paratransit Workers Choose Teamsters Union</a>  IBT   ...Paratransit drivers and mechanics with Keolis, a global transportation group in Long Beach, Calif., have voted overwhelmingly, 74-2, in favor of Teamster representation...<br /><a href="http://www.teamster.org/content/sci-regressively-bargains-striking-funeral-directors-negotiations-continue" rel="nofollow">SCI Regressively Bargains With Striking Funeral Directors As Negotiations Continue</a>  IBT   ...More than a month after Chicagoland funeral directors and drivers were forced to strike over unfair labor practices, Service Corporation International (NYSE: SCI) resumed negotiations with Teamsters Local 727 only to regressively bargain...<br /><a href="http://www.wkbn.com/2013/08/06/37439-autosave/" rel="nofollow">Teamster Nurses Voting on New Contract</a>  WKBN News   ...Nurses at Northside Hospital, who are members of Teamsters Local 377 in Youngstown, Ohio, began voting on a new contract Tuesday...<br /><a href="http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/news/article.html/content/news/articles/bn9/2013/8/6/hernando_commissione.html" rel="nofollow">Hernando commissioners, Teamsters set to meet on CBA</a>  Bay News 9   ...A collective bargaining session will be held later this month between Hernando Commissioners (Florida) and Teamsters Local 79...<a href="http://prospect.org/article/la-story-0" rel="nofollow"><br />L.A. Story</a>  The American Prospect   ...The Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy: a new model for American liberalism?<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">..</span><br /><a href="http://news.firedoglake.com/2013/08/06/fbi-pressuring-internet-providers-to-allow-government-surveillance-software/" rel="nofollow">FBI Pressuring Internet Providers To Allow Government Surveillance Software</a>  Fire Dog Lake   ...The FBI is pressuring Internet service providers to install software inside their networks to allow real-time government spying on users. The FBI claims real-time collection of information is suddenly necessary for the agency to do its job...<br /><a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/08/05/1229150/-TEN-THOUSAND-turn-out-to-protest-GOP-in-Asheville-NC#" rel="nofollow">TEN THOUSAND turn out to protest GOP in Asheville, NC</a>  DailyKos   ...There are plans for future protests in other cities (Charlotte is tentatively August 19) and it appears some smaller satellite protests are happening around the country...<br /><a href="http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/355951" rel="nofollow">Walmart retaliates against striking workers</a> (opinion)  Digital Journal   ...In June, Walmart workers around the country walked off the job in a coordinated strike to protest working conditions at the nation's number one private employer. In a fit of revenge wreaking of a Hollywood sequel, Walmart has begun terminating employees...<br /><a href="http://tv.msnbc.com/2013/08/05/seiu-backs-15-an-hour-minimum-wage/" rel="nofollow">SEIU backs $15 an hour minimum wage</a>  MSNBC   ...“We support the workers demand for $15 an hour and want to hear from the most profitable multinational companies in the world, why not?” said SEIU President Mary Kay Henry...<br /><a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2013/08/the-magical-world-where-mcdonalds-pays-15-an-hour-its-australia/278313/" rel="nofollow">The Magical World Where McDonald's Pays $15 an Hour? It's Australia</a>  The Atlantic   ...Even in countries with a high minimum wage, the golden arches manage to turn a profit. Here's how...<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-leadership/wp/2013/08/06/what-it-costs-to-replace-a-twenty-something/" rel="nofollow">What it costs to replace a twenty-something</a>  Washington Post   ...Oh, those pesky millennials. They’re been called <a href="http://nation.time.com/2013/05/09/millennials-the-next-greatest-generation/" rel="nofollow">entitled, lazy and over-confident</a>. They seem to put <a href="http://www.nten.org/blog/2013/07/18/mcon13-millennials-and-social-media" rel="nofollow">social media</a> right up there with food, water and shelter. They have–gasp–<a href="http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2010/02/24/millennials-confident-connected-open-to-change/">tattoos and piercings and sleep with their cell phones</a>. Oh my! And now, it turns out, they’re also quite costly to replace on the job...<br /><a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international-business/how-cheap-made-in-china-products-hurt-the-us-economy-in-multiple-ways/articleshow/21618129.cms" rel="nofollow">How cheap 'Made in China' products hurt the US economy in multiple ways</a>  New York Times   ...Here is a symbol of China's assault on the US economy: the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, which connects Brooklyn and Staten Island. This landmark, which opened in 1964, is North America's longest suspension bridge. It's also in urgent need of renovation. Unfortunately, $34 million in steel production and fabrication work has been outsourced to China...<br /><a href="http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/08/06/how-predatory-payday-lenders-pop-back-up-even-after-states-crack-down/" rel="nofollow">How predatory payday lenders pop back up even after states crack down</a>  Pro Publica   ...In 2008, payday lenders suffered a major defeat when the Ohio legislature banned high-cost loans. That same year, they lost again when they dumped <a href="http://www.followthemoney.org/press/ReportView.phtml?r=400&ext=1">more than $20 million</a> into an effort to roll back the law: But five years later, hundreds of payday loan stores still operate in Ohio, charging annual rates that can approach 700 percent...<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/courts_law/us-govt-accuses-bank-of-america-of-civil-fraud-in-sale-of-850m-of-mortgage-bonds-in-2008/2013/08/06/0954129e-fed7-11e2-8294-0ee5075b840d_story.html?hpid=z3" rel="nofollow">US gov’t accuses Bank of America of civil fraud in sale of $850M of mortgage bonds in 2008</a>  Associated Press   ...The U.S. government has accused Bank of America Corp. of civil fraud, saying the company failed to disclose risks and misled investors in its sale of $850 million of mortgage bonds during 2008...<br /><a href="http://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-product-design/stat-of-the-day-us-has-enough-empty-houses-to-hold-all-of-britain.html" rel="nofollow">Stat of the Day: US Has Enough Empty Houses to Hold All of Britain</a>  treehugger   ...According to the latest data, the number of vacant U.S. homes touched 18.7-million in the second quarter...<br /><a href="http://www.thereporter.com/news/ci_23803205/chevron-pay-2-million-refinery-violations" rel="nofollow">Chevron to pay $2 million for refinery violations</a>  Contra Costa Times   ...Chevron Corp. will pay $2 million in fines and restitution after pleading no contest Monday to six misdemeanor criminal charges stemming from a fire at its Richmond refinery last year...<br /><a href="http://www.prwatch.org/news/2013/08/12202/groups-charge-alec-tax-fraud-over-secretive-scholarship-fund-finances-junkets-sta" rel="nofollow">Groups Charge ALEC with Tax Fraud over Secretive "Scholarship" Fund</a>  PRWatch   ...The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is running a secretive, multi-million dollar slush fund that finances lavish trips for state legislators and has misled the Internal Revenue Service about the fund’s activity, two government watchdog groups charged...<br /><a href="http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/08/05/3085468/state-employees-get-some-protections.html" rel="nofollow">State employees get some protections in bill, but grievance procedures shortened</a>  News & Observer   ...North Carolina’s Gov. Pat McCrory is expected to sign a bill that speeds up the employee grievance process for state workers but backs away from earlier efforts to sharply curtail their civil service protections...<br /><a href="http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/186714/judge-strikes-down-city-council-s-prevailing-wage-bill" rel="nofollow">Judge Strikes Down City Council's Prevailing Wage Bill</a>  NY1   ...The mayor had vetoed the legislation that requires businesses which receive at least $1 million from the city to pay workers at a rate higher than the state's minimum wage...

Today's Teamster News 08.07.13

Keolis Paratransit Workers Choose Teamsters Union   IBT   ...Paratransit drivers and mechanics with Keolis, a global transportation group in...

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refinishing the bench

When will I learn?! That's rhetorical by the way, as I think I am beyond help.<br /><br />Ever since I wrote about the glory that is unpainted wood furniture (<a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2013/04/au-natural.html" target="_blank">here</a>), I've had a hankering to add some, somewhere. And since I've got extra furniture three rows deep in the basement, I figured buying something wasn't the way to go.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitk5xnXWiM0q2k-VR9QyBngR5btzf6kvYimhGpVWR_nyBgrtoe7BryX3XmEdY5Lg73MGhrbVujmQbGjq_icb-wjFahq9OWrS82O6FEHt_Ub8VpKTFNrFvp8by9Trl95Wk26NlS7KNK37YO/s1600/PA300418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitk5xnXWiM0q2k-VR9QyBngR5btzf6kvYimhGpVWR_nyBgrtoe7BryX3XmEdY5Lg73MGhrbVujmQbGjq_icb-wjFahq9OWrS82O6FEHt_Ub8VpKTFNrFvp8by9Trl95Wk26NlS7KNK37YO/s640/PA300418.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Luckily I've been eyeing my church pew. I've been thinking of changing the red for some time, as I talked about <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2013/01/spin-color-wheel.html" target="_blank">here</a>, so why not go with the color it was originally meant to be anyway.<br /><br />In theory anyway.<br /><br />Quick history on the pew, it came from the small country chapel that my great-great-grandfather founded long long ago. My mom acquired it back in the early 80's when they renovated the chapel and at that time it was painted brown. <i>Why in the world would someone paint wood furniture brown?</i> That's exactly what I was thinking too! Anyway, she promptly painted it red and it has been that way ever since. The point being no one that I know knew what type of wood this was or how it would look.<br /><br />I love to solve a good mystery so I tested a little spot with my <a href="http://www.wmbarr.com/product.aspx?catid=36&prodid=63" target="_blank">Citristrip</a> just to see what I was getting into. If it looked bad I could paint that spot again or worse yet just put a pillow over it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeON74zIMV4OovcwTbRwyPHW80RYTn3Uit_Md577AUzU2p-JriLs_WPgvD_vK2o3ahx8ISGCo4igHab5MCDf0j4snKV0WC_jw1cTn_MjhhfpyJp7iy4jYVVENBcojqYjHw5S5xnEKFk5Lu/s1600/IMG_1312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeON74zIMV4OovcwTbRwyPHW80RYTn3Uit_Md577AUzU2p-JriLs_WPgvD_vK2o3ahx8ISGCo4igHab5MCDf0j4snKV0WC_jw1cTn_MjhhfpyJp7iy4jYVVENBcojqYjHw5S5xnEKFk5Lu/s400/IMG_1312.JPG" width="296" /></a></div><br />What a tease. It was worse than Ryan Seacrest before a commercial break. It was all, oh, I'm bubbling right away, I'll come up with no problem. And the first layer did.<br /><br />That's right, I said first layer. But it was the layer, upon layer, upon layer of brown...paint/natural stain/mystery McGuyver substance that wouldn't. go. away.<br /><br />I don't really have any pictures of this phase as its hard to take a picture while banging you head but basically each day started with 'I'm sure this will be the last layer of brown goop, I can do this' and ended with 'Who in lucifer's reach made this #%$^!!!'.<br /><br />This went on for a week.<br /><br />It was the worst as it <i>looked </i>as if there wasn't any paint there but when I scraped off the Cirtristrip there was more and more dark brown goo. I never did find out what it was but I got as much off as I could.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3u7iHlKlq6zXAmC2zEqKlW3aycr8g2Oy41CF2Cx6DXIzwgKhoTuGde_DvTsd496tA1YYQFS6u04lGeYI-gDaUqh-1x69gj_CJNNFMPotQr2UZvnjbDB6V1oOso7QBhXU5Vggdq0ecm40/s1600/sandingbench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3u7iHlKlq6zXAmC2zEqKlW3aycr8g2Oy41CF2Cx6DXIzwgKhoTuGde_DvTsd496tA1YYQFS6u04lGeYI-gDaUqh-1x69gj_CJNNFMPotQr2UZvnjbDB6V1oOso7QBhXU5Vggdq0ecm40/s640/sandingbench.jpg" width="632" /></a></div><br />I used my last bit of energy to sand and then I stopped. The bench and I needed some time apart.<br /><br />Have you ever underestimated a DIY project? Have you wanted to beat a piece of furniture? Do you have any idea what that brown goop could have been?<br /><br />Come back next week when we see how the old girl looks now.

refinishing the bench

When will I learn?! That's rhetorical by the way, as I think I am beyond help. Ever since I wrote about the glory that is unpainted wood...

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Back to the '80's

<span style="font-size: large;">I visited a house Ciaran is building in Knocklyn. On the way back I passed this dodgy looking strip mall.  I don't think it would be missed if it was knocked!</span><br /><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Look at this Penneys sign!!! I remember this branding from the nineties, I think!</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPb5VdB6cuGNqN21Sb74iFAnBi2XISy4C4gKsSjrt8PY6QUhflLdhSd1DN6F6cbq3wkCYLl4cDNBO1sJoZgQ3zc17IPqBB1ADPD9WY5LffXXUNTWe8M_LqAH1kf0ILFJFAihQIovQdwvkl/s640/blogger-image--1532969922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPb5VdB6cuGNqN21Sb74iFAnBi2XISy4C4gKsSjrt8PY6QUhflLdhSd1DN6F6cbq3wkCYLl4cDNBO1sJoZgQ3zc17IPqBB1ADPD9WY5LffXXUNTWe8M_LqAH1kf0ILFJFAihQIovQdwvkl/s640/blogger-image--1532969922.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">Btw, for the benefit of my US readers I should mention that Penneys has nothing to do with JC Penneys.  The Irish store Penneys is known as Primark in Britain and is a clothes and homewares store for the whole family. It is a cheap and cheerful, high fashion shop.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6yB3rpIN4wEBUXDW2CZ73Hl3M89VbfrkIY7Pdly5PMgSdUmYvgKFJFersBDqQbbcGomp2cLsIJAGG9OKtClgd9pq6TUxQnkuFtzhy5i83zA6I6s-mW_D0szUgP0cgInt2Fjxgn_KY5t7/s640/blogger-image-192667368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6yB3rpIN4wEBUXDW2CZ73Hl3M89VbfrkIY7Pdly5PMgSdUmYvgKFJFersBDqQbbcGomp2cLsIJAGG9OKtClgd9pq6TUxQnkuFtzhy5i83zA6I6s-mW_D0szUgP0cgInt2Fjxgn_KY5t7/s640/blogger-image-192667368.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0HwNIxjQ9znKQMoaEkb2dKV8dXMy9exPDkZlmtVo3rr88kZrpsOnGpUAyhPT80YcKIjmo4AtSpVl3y0-Td64WP_AaPnI62r_HdeGpmxCLofRHLXHWQZECfmu4BSS8_gdnnX_rgN3Awea/s640/blogger-image-1982239584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0HwNIxjQ9znKQMoaEkb2dKV8dXMy9exPDkZlmtVo3rr88kZrpsOnGpUAyhPT80YcKIjmo4AtSpVl3y0-Td64WP_AaPnI62r_HdeGpmxCLofRHLXHWQZECfmu4BSS8_gdnnX_rgN3Awea/s640/blogger-image-1982239584.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /></div>

Back to the '80's

I visited a house Ciaran is building in Knocklyn. On the way back I passed this dodgy looking strip mall.  I don't think it would be mis...

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICAS’ CYBER SPACE FAR SIGHT

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font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";} </style><![endif]--> <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qH2F54WuwpzmHycsg6KDASckB_n1iQwluPlGRNLun6Stjd1osEpJI9dQmpL4Akyi27ouuEBk6dekSXPUsnPh4ZBhwM46A7j7I-TxkxTVgdTlmdjwuAf1I02k4FHntk3IaU6jvs5dLAYB/s1600/ooda-blue-60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qH2F54WuwpzmHycsg6KDASckB_n1iQwluPlGRNLun6Stjd1osEpJI9dQmpL4Akyi27ouuEBk6dekSXPUsnPh4ZBhwM46A7j7I-TxkxTVgdTlmdjwuAf1I02k4FHntk3IaU6jvs5dLAYB/s640/ooda-blue-60.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">ACTIVITY – BASED INTELLIGENCE USES METADATA TO MAP ADVERSARY NETWORKS </span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><ul><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">The <span style="color: #134f5c;">ROMANS</span> invented <span style="color: #134f5c;">ROADS</span> to move their armies faster and efficient, thus becoming an empire</span></span></b></li><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">The <span style="color: #134f5c;">BRITISH</span> invented the <span style="color: #134f5c;">RAILROAD</span> to connect trade routes, and subsequently became and empire</span></span></b></li><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">The <span style="color: #134f5c;">UNITED STATES OF AMERICA</span> invented – developed and control the <span style="color: #134f5c;">DATA – CYBER - INTERNET HIGHWAY</span> and thus emerged as an empire</span></span></b></li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .75in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">By Geopolitical Analysis and Monitoring </span></i></b></span><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><a href="http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130708/C4ISR02/307010020/Activity-based-intelligence-uses-metadata-map-adversary-networks?odyssey=nav%7Chead" target="_blank">Source: Defense News</a></span></b></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Read also related article at</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">: <a href="http://geopoliticsrst.blogspot.co.at/2013/08/usa.html">http://geopoliticsrst.blogspot.co.at/2013/08/usa.html</a></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Few outside the intelligence community had heard of activity-based intelligence until December, when the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency awarded BAE Systems $60 million to develop products based on this newish methodology. But ABI, which focuses not on specific targets but on events, movements and transactions in a given area, is rapidly emerging as a powerful tool for understanding adversary networks and solving quandaries presented by asymmetrical warfare and big data.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Indeed, ABI is the type of intelligence tool that could be applied to the vast wash of metadata and internet transactions gathered by the NSA programs that were disclosed in June by a whistle-blower.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In May, the U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation’s Activity-Based Intelligence Working Group hosted a top-secret forum on ABI that drew representatives from the “big five” U.S. intelligence agencies.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At the SPIE 2013 Defense, Security + Sensing Symposium, NGA Director Letitia Long said the agency is using ABI to “identify patterns, trends, networks and relationships hidden within large data collections from multiple sources: full-motion video, multispectral imagery, infrared, radar, foundation data, as well as SIGINT, HUMINT and MASINT information.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The technique appears to have emerged when special operators in IRAQ and AFGHANISTAN reached back to NGA analysts for help plugging gaps in tactical intelligence with information from national-level agencies. These analysts began compiling information from other intelligence disciplines — everything from signals intelligence and human intelligence to open sources and political reporting — and geotagging it all. The resulting database could be queried with new information and used to connect locations and establish a network.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This experience led to a series of seminal white papers published in 2010 and 2011 by the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence. The papers call ABI “a discipline of intelligence where the analysis and subsequent collection is focused on the activity and transactions associated with an entity, population, or area of interest.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This focus on interactions is the fundamental difference between ABI and previous efforts to integrate different types of intelligence, which were often confined to a single agency and aimed at a specific target.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“When we are target-based, we focus on collecting the target and, too often, we are biased toward what we know and not looking for the unknown,” NGA’s Dave Gauthier said last year at GEOINT 2012. Gauthier, who handles strategic capabilities in the agency’s Office of Special Programs, called ABI “a rich new data source for observing the world and the connectedness between objects and entities in the world.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYFSeQsnknPYPgLOTcymsRV8LKyVVGVqFHZOPr_8H8fxi8xd4E0zbMYIb0zeEFNHSmLAitZpTA8SNbW2YywE9beBTGHjOFR3zQAphykcUw2kchK8Hw8Wwcg7lQhUWTkZemv59AdodSbuQ/s1600/harris1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYFSeQsnknPYPgLOTcymsRV8LKyVVGVqFHZOPr_8H8fxi8xd4E0zbMYIb0zeEFNHSmLAitZpTA8SNbW2YywE9beBTGHjOFR3zQAphykcUw2kchK8Hw8Wwcg7lQhUWTkZemv59AdodSbuQ/s640/harris1.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ABI attempts to meet two challenges with traditional intelligence-gathering. First, there are no clear signatures for and no doctrine governing the activities of nonstate actors and insurgents who have emerged as the most important threats to U.S. national security. Second, the volume of big data has become “staggering,” in Gauthier’s words. Take, for example, the recent bombing in Boston: There was a massive amount of surveillance imagery available, but analysts initially had no idea whom they were looking for, and moreover, the suspects turned out to look little different from thousands of other spectators on hand.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“ABI came out of the realization that the scheduled, targeted, one-thing-at-a-time, stove-piped analysis and collection paradigm was not relevant to non-nation-state and emergent threats,” said Patrick Biltgen, a senior engineer in the intelligence and security sector at BAE Systems. “We are breaking this one-thing-after-another paradigm because information is flowing … all the time and we don’t know what to do with it because if you’ve stopped to try and collect it, you’ve missed everything else that’s coming.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">NEW METHODOLOGY</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Though the USD(I) white papers call ABI a new discipline, many prefer to think of it more as a methodology with several components.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The first is the constant collection of data on activities in a given area, then storing it in a database for later metadata searches. The NGA’s Long recently said the agency is working to create a “model that allows us to ‘georeference’ all of the data we collect persistently — over a long period of time,” one that allows “analysts to identify and evaluate data down to the smallest available object or entity.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The second is the concept of “sequence neutrality,” also called “integration before analysis.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“We collect stuff without knowing whether it’s going to be relevant or not. We may find the answer before we know the question,” said Gregory Treverton, who directs the Rand Center for Global Risk and Security. “It’s also not so driven by collection; the collection is just going to be there.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The third is data neutrality — the idea that open-source information may be just as valuable as HUMINT or classified intelligence.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAc_DaS7pcs0PW5npn4Y8PBIPVCLk24WACNU4VhUyCLev2NGoGfh-6xTAiMSgwN8rFRezoFTnVZD_midE2chpHln6WnxktIDjsX4e6-0iR7cOhlBju3NKZC8vcvIg48MKPvahfPnSdzjXt/s1600/image_gallery.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAc_DaS7pcs0PW5npn4Y8PBIPVCLk24WACNU4VhUyCLev2NGoGfh-6xTAiMSgwN8rFRezoFTnVZD_midE2chpHln6WnxktIDjsX4e6-0iR7cOhlBju3NKZC8vcvIg48MKPvahfPnSdzjXt/s400/image_gallery.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: yellow;">“Humans, unlike other entities, are inherently self-documenting. Simply being born or going to school, being employed, or traveling creates a vast amount of potentially useful data about an individual,” the white papers say. This tendency has exploded on the Internet, “where individuals and groups willingly provide volumes of data about themselves in real time — Twitter and social network forums like Facebook and LinkedIn are only a few examples of the massive amounts of unclassified data that is routinely indexed and discoverable.”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: yellow;"><br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Finally, there is knowledge management, which covers everything from the technical architecture that makes integrated intelligence and information-sharing possible to the metadata tagging that allows analysts to discover data that may be important, but not linked spatially or temporally.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">USAGE EXAMPLES</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ABI products take the form of customizable Web-based interfaces that allow analysts to locate associations among data sets using metadata.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You could call them Web services, apps, widgets, but they help analysts sift through large volumes of data,” said BAE Systems’ Biltgen.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These do not compete with giant systems like the armed services’ Distributed Common Ground Systems, end-to-end databases that connect thousands of users with intelligence information. Rather, they are generally designed to plug into DCGS, then help smaller working groups deal with specific problems.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Really, what we’re doing is working with the metadata — the dots and the indexes and extracted ‘ABI things’ — to get those on the screen, whereas the large systems really manage streams of imagery for exploration,” Biltgen said. “We go, ‘Let’s take clip marks and the tags that come from exploited video streams and look at all of them at the same time without ever having to touch a frame of video.’ ”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He said the goal is to “precondition the data and make it easier for the analyst to correlate them, apply their cultural awareness and knowledge to them, and really put the thought muscle on the data after it’s been well conditioned.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So what does ABI actually produce? One common format is activity layer plots. An analyst might, for example, place all available intelligence about an explosion of an improvised explosive device atop information about a kidnapping in the same area, then lay in data about the local bus line, the fruit market at the corner, or the local timber-smuggling operation.Once displayed, the information may overlap or intersect in interesting ways.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To date, ABI has primarily been used in the kinds of operations that have defined IRAQ and AFGHANISTAN: manhunting and uncovering insurgent networks. But because ABI is more a methodology than a discipline, and because the products that enable ABI are customizable, the intelligence community sees ABI applied to a broad range of problems.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“The immediate question is, can we expand it beyond counterterrorism and manhunting and the fight against terror?” Treverton said.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He suggested applications such as maritime domain awareness, in which signatures exist for CHINESE frigates but not junks.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ABI can theoretically be brought to bear on any problem that might be aided by a “pattern of life” analysis, a prominent phrase in the white papers. In finance, for example, ABI might identify patterns left by a particular kind of criminal.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bxxCkpWzrEX1tVXINVJFTHwLryMgtvGHge-vIA6qYYDoGZtQtAYrXq-w7HZq_y11LznXmNS5vqL-TbzijKCAf9sX-XCpvoKA-Ih0pVdaIRA0CuJL8Mq2ZH36rvXomxN-o3Dlq_Eo1pNG/s1600/0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bxxCkpWzrEX1tVXINVJFTHwLryMgtvGHge-vIA6qYYDoGZtQtAYrXq-w7HZq_y11LznXmNS5vqL-TbzijKCAf9sX-XCpvoKA-Ih0pVdaIRA0CuJL8Mq2ZH36rvXomxN-o3Dlq_Eo1pNG/s400/0001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="font1" style="font-size: 8.6px; top: -2.5px;">Analysts create ABI system events in SOCET GXP using Web services</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You could use this in the insurance industry to try and understand the patterns of life of individuals that steal things from you and make false claims. We do some of that work today,” Biltgen said.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">While ABI can help anticipate patterns, advocates don’t claim it can predict future behavior.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I wouldn’t call it predictive,” Treverton said. “I wouldn’t call anything predictive. That’s asking way too much.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Still, it may help officials anticipate threats by building a deep understanding of the networks that give rise to specific incidents.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">POTENTIAL ROADBLOCKS</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Two things could hinder ABI — one technical, one cultural.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It sounds relatively uncomplicated to develop a visual network, say, by tracing all of the tire tracks captured by wide-area motion video in a given area over a period of time. Origins and destinations become nodes, and hundreds or even thousands of tire tracks describe a network from which analysts can extract meaning. But the devil is in the details. For example, it is difficult to define a “vehicle stop” in an algorithm, much less assign meaning to it. Does a “stop” last five seconds or one minute?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It sounds easy, until you touch the data. You realize that every proposition in that value chain has hidden complexity,” said Gary Condon, an intelligence expert at MIT’s Lincoln Lab, at GEOINT 2012.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The second set of issues are cultural. Even in the post-9/11 era, legal boundaries and security clearances can prevent the kind of data-sharing that makes ABI work. The quantity of publicly available information swells by the day, but the intelligence community still often prizes classified over open-source information. And just as complex: Some of that open-source intelligence raises privacy concerns when U.S. persons are involved.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That’s been at the heart of the outcry over the NSA’s Prism program and phone-record collection.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Still, top-level intelligence officials see ABI as a valuable new tool. Several senior officials from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence remarked on its growing importance at the U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation forum in early May.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“The defense and intelligence worlds have undergone, and are still undergoing, a radical transformation since the events of 9/11. The Department of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence have made information sharing and efficiency priorities,” the spokesman said. “This will increase collaboration and coordination, which will have a multiplying effect on approaches such as ABI.”</span></div>

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