News for today's 2018

QATAR’S GREAT POWER GAMES

7:20 PM Tukiyooo 0

<br />   <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUVs6M2-Ab3qP4FT-QFNXM3wWBjbSZguiRv60jxE0uXdiIAdjFSz0e9uppCE-S2Se17SWGAaieGA9Fty2-A_ur7u62HzkAges48eB-Qm4Sc2IiR0ChLWd2kYtZlJXqshGJ6pnHWnosvV3/s1600/globe_qatar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUVs6M2-Ab3qP4FT-QFNXM3wWBjbSZguiRv60jxE0uXdiIAdjFSz0e9uppCE-S2Se17SWGAaieGA9Fty2-A_ur7u62HzkAges48eB-Qm4Sc2IiR0ChLWd2kYtZlJXqshGJ6pnHWnosvV3/s400/globe_qatar.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;"><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 style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">NEW POWER BALANCE IN THE ARAB WORLD……..</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><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";">WHERE THE TRADITIONALLY POWERFUL COUNTRIES LIKE EGYPT, ALGERIA AND IRAQ PROVED HELPLESS AGAINST THE WEALTHY DWARF QATAR</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The recent ARAB LEAGUE summit, which illegally <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/arab-league-summit-showcases-qatars-swagger-184114970.html" target="_blank">decided </a>to provide military aid to the SYRIAN opposition under pressure from Doha, has once again demonstrated that there is a new power balance in the Arab world where the traditionally powerful countries like EGYPT, ALGERIA and IRAQ have again proved helpless against the wealthy dwarf QATAR. The emirate used every means at its disposal to get what it wanted, including financial blackmail. Even SAUDI ARABIA showed less perseverance than QATAR.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Doha has obviously become extremely disillusioned with the survivability of SYRIA’S legitimate government, which has held out for more than two years despite the active external pressure aimed at removing the Assad regime from power and the foreign military assistance provided to the armed SYRIAN opposition, which Doha has generously funded. QATAR has already spent so much money that it has put on hold a number of domestic development projects, and foreign investments in the country have significantly fallen off.</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; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><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";">QATAR AT ODDS WITH RUSSIA OVER ITS STANCE ON SYRIA? OR IS IT ABOUT DOMINATING THE GAS ENERGY MARKETS? </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><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/AVvXsEhSR3yYLfjdMrQnJ_27w3mfuWT2hDEBPTU6YlNLlozbQb7N5Bgw5MMI3cgPE0tqBc8qs98-Sk1UTUxA1RDAskWCrmBAB8PfUZ4IxWRd_z-3_xnCBF2f5GMtAylTTifGbRL8H34s9Os_ikyX/s1600/Tapline.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSR3yYLfjdMrQnJ_27w3mfuWT2hDEBPTU6YlNLlozbQb7N5Bgw5MMI3cgPE0tqBc8qs98-Sk1UTUxA1RDAskWCrmBAB8PfUZ4IxWRd_z-3_xnCBF2f5GMtAylTTifGbRL8H34s9Os_ikyX/s1600/Tapline.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">reactivation of Trans-Arabian Pipeline</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">E.g. the Emir has not fulfilled his promises to participate in several major RUSSIAN projects that he made during his November 2010 visit to Moscow. The question arises — is it because of lack of money, or is QATAR reprimanding RUSSIA for its SYRIA stance? The main reason, of course, is the latter. After all, in November 2011 <a href="http://en.rian.ru/russia/20111205/169361690.html" target="_blank">the RUSSIAN ambassador was </a>questioned at Doha airport. Furthermore an attempt was made to confiscate his diplomatic pouch because he allegedly antagonized local Wahhabis, by too energetically defending his country’s position in the local media.  QATARI objective is clear: to topple the SYRIAN regime which is blocking a gas and oil pipeline project from QATAR to TURKEY via SAUDI ARABIA, JORDAN and SYRIA with final destination European. The strategic objective behind the move is clear — squeeze RUSSIA out of its traditional markets for natural gas supplies in SOUTHEASTERN and EASTERN EUROPE, as well as in TURKEY. And Doha is not doing it just on its own accord; US pressure has been brought to bear.</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;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><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";">QATAR: A NATURAL GAS FIELD AND LARGEST US AIRBASE IN THE MIDDLE EAST</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><table align="center" 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/AVvXsEjSkWgL4vvPhO3-593NfOzUUvWpntIdctkEdqVGHwnSy_S7q8JxS5itY2q3yyLphwMA6uPMSu2EoOU8ZLEsTtKg-Mr7zOBiKXoQ8S3NqJ6HLLf2msJPpn65d9_nPFkYwVwc3JKpomSDPHpP/s1600/Al+Udeid+Air+Base.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkWgL4vvPhO3-593NfOzUUvWpntIdctkEdqVGHwnSy_S7q8JxS5itY2q3yyLphwMA6uPMSu2EoOU8ZLEsTtKg-Mr7zOBiKXoQ8S3NqJ6HLLf2msJPpn65d9_nPFkYwVwc3JKpomSDPHpP/s400/Al+Udeid+Air+Base.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">US Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After all, the Emirate can hardly be considered a state in the classical sense. It is actually a large natural gas field that is dominated by US-based EXXON MOBIL and the largest US Air Force base in the MIDDLE EAST, which has almost 5000 US military personnel, i.e., almost half as many as are in the QATARI Armed Forces. How much independence does Qatar really have? Moreover, the Emir and his family are caught on Washington’s hook. After all, the Emirate had previously been listed as a state sponsor of terrorism, and it was only taken off the list because it allowed its territory to be used in the war against IRAQ. But many members of the Emir’s family openly supported the terrorists who allegedly carried out the attacks in New York and Washington on September 11, 2001. Indeed, the legitimacy of the Emir himself is questioned by almost half of the members of the Al Thani family. After all, he removed his father from the throne in 1995, which prompted his brother and some of his relatives to leave the country in protest and still are living in exile.</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;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><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";">QATAR WAS ONE OF THE MAIN SPONSORS OF THE WAR IN CHECHNYA</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;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One should not forget that QATAR was one of the chief sponsors of the war in CHECHNYA, generously funding ARAB mercenaries and the CHECHEN rebels. When the rebellion in CHECHNYA was crushed, it was no coincident that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zelimkhan_Yandarbiyev" target="_blank">Zelimkhan Yanderbiyev</a>, the “president” of Ichkeria, was given refuge in the Emirate along with more than 800 of his supporters. Today, several QATARI Islamic charitable funds generously donate money to terrorists throughout the world — from AFRICA to the PHILIPPINES, not to mention the ARAB world. Also, Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, the main mouthpiece of the Muslim Brotherhood and chairman of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, broadcasts from Doha. Not to mention Al Jazeera, given its disruptive role in all of the ARAB “revolutions.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><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";">TINY STATE IMPOSES ITS WILL ON ENTIRE ARAB NATIONS</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;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The question lies elsewhere — how is it that this small country, which has a population of fewer than 300,000 citizens (smaller then CYPRUS) and employs 1.5 million foreigners, manages to impose its will on the ARABS? Surely it is not because of a special talent possessed by its prime minister and foreign minister, Hamad bin Jassim, who was a low-grade clerk in some second-rate ministry 20 years ago and does not even have a college degree. He is better known for the business he does using the Emirate’s sovereign wealth fund than as a world-class diplomat. The answer would seem to be simple. Doha’s financial resources enabled it to manipulate the situation in EGYPT and LIBYA, making them financially dependent on QATAR. But ALGERIA and IRAQ refuse to deal with the Emirate for fear of money flowing to local Salafis, representing large numbers in both countries. Especially since QATAR has de-facto encouraged the rift between IRAQI Sunnis and the Shiite majority government.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aL0Qlw8Z2LscpFTQ5w5lM2b5KugeHoZL9ea4umP57Xdtr1AcR64_mX-6oKhF1whpvERW3udadsbDZmuByLv3DRYrxQ1wxq8Ro8KbY35QALy_9dn0UM3vwMe_wbIPbw3kpt7YQjtab9m4/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aL0Qlw8Z2LscpFTQ5w5lM2b5KugeHoZL9ea4umP57Xdtr1AcR64_mX-6oKhF1whpvERW3udadsbDZmuByLv3DRYrxQ1wxq8Ro8KbY35QALy_9dn0UM3vwMe_wbIPbw3kpt7YQjtab9m4/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><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";">QATAR AND SAUDI ARABIA </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;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">However, it would be the beginning of the end for QATAR if SYRIA’S legitimate government continues to hold on to power. If the armed SYRIAN opposition is defeated, it would have considerable geopolitical consequences for Doha. The Emirate’s biggest fear is that the current SYRIAN administration manages to eradicate “Islamist revolutionaries” who are trying to take control in SYRIA. Doha would then have to answer to the entire radical conservative Arab world, including SAUDI ARABIA, which could remove the current Emir from his throne in a matter of hours. Now that QATAR has taken up the banner of “revolution,” it needs to carry it to the end — to victory or to its own end. Nobody needs a loser, neither QATAR, nor the AMERICANS. Thus Qatar could face an uncertain future, for it seems it was created on the foundations of oil and gas and dictates doctrines, based on the precepts of 17th century Islam on the one hand, and on the other hand demands democracy in other Arab countries, whose histories and civilizations are thousands of years older than the latter.</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;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Read also related articles: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com.ar/2012/01/syrias-destiny-sealed.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://news-these-days.blogspot.com.ar/2012/01/syrias-destiny-sealed.html</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span>By Peter Lvov, via Oriental Review</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><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;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Background Information: </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Read also:</span></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="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">SAUDI ARABIA AND QATAR </span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">THE QATARI PROJECT: “DESTROYING SAUDI ARABIA”?</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com.ar/2013/03/saudi-arabia-and-qatar.html">http://news-these-days.blogspot.com.ar/2013/03/saudi-arabia-and-qatar.html</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The events of the ARAB Spring and the variables that have happened in IRAQ after invading it in 2003, which led to the fall of the dictatorial rulers, caused authoritarian and political vacuum, over which the States whose governments still hold the reins of power in it have competed and thus have turned into powerful States.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">QATAR is one of these States that is small but yet have great ambitions and is supported and backed by the UNITED STATES and ISRAEL. In fact, the Gulf area have become an area where both influence and power between different parties compete, including QATAR and SAUDI ARABIA, and the region in turn have changed into a yard for political conflicts. It became clear that the Arab policy in general is based on the special interests of the rulers and never respects the freedom of speech or conscience, especially that what is happening seemingly is quite different from what is hidden between lines.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is clear that QATAR’S policy aims at strengthening its authority and role in the region, most likely at the expense of the SAUDI role. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">HOW MUCH AND TO WHOM IS QATAR PAYING?</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At the same time, the SYRIAN-QATARI relations became strained over QATAR’S plan to hit SYRIA in order to get a foothold in the Gulf and then to destroy and divide other countries so that to become a superpower among small fragmented States in the region. QATAR is so far supporting the SYRIAN armed opposition financially and in the media to expose the role of the SAUDI government after dropping SYRIA. Therefore, the basic question remains: How much and to whom is QATAR paying? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE ANSWER: WAHHABI ASSOCIATIONS AND MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The answer is clear: Sheikha Mozah’s association has paid about 200 million dollars to Wahhabi associations as (“Ansar al-Sunnah” in EGYPT) and 100 million dollars to the Muslim Brotherhood. Additionally, the Emir of QATAR has built a huge mosque in the name of Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">QATAR has also implemented a military plan aiming at transferring the U.S. military bases from SAUDI ARABIA to its territories and by doing so it imposed itself on the Western world as a regional and Arab country. This became a reason to intimidate SAUDI ARABIA materially and politically, since the kingdom was the place where GULF STATES and other countries agree seemed to show consensus among each other.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">STRIVING FOR BECOMING THE REGIONAL POWER PLAYER </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thus, a new ideology against the ruling family in SAUDI ARABIA would be promoted between the army and the SAUDI people in order to destabilize and destroy the SAUDI State politically and economically, so that QATAR will raise its political stakes in the region.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At the same time, the situation in SAUDI ARABIA is not as calm as usual, and the so-called “SAUDI stability” seems to slowly crumble, for the oil-rich eastern Shiite areas are boiling and the sounds of explosions are heard in the areas very close to the capital Riyadh. Additionally, the descendants of the ancient Arab families in the Hijaz and Asir, west of the country, do still remember the role they have played earlier in the life of the Arabian Peninsula, of which they have been deprived in the era of Al-Saud. QATAR the small, stable, and rich country, will use this opportunity to take advantages over contradictions and divisions Arab state have been showcasing for centuries, thus displaying QATAR as the regional player to reckon with. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Via ABNA an Iranian viewpoint</span></div>

QATAR’S GREAT POWER GAMES

NEW POWER BALANCE IN THE ARAB WORLD…….. WHERE THE TRADITIONALLY POWERFUL COUNTRIES LIKE EGYPT, ALGERIA AND IRAQ PROVED HELPLESS AGAINST T...

WILD School Sites Part 4--Stepping Stones, Animal Tracks Plot, and Maintenance

1:08 PM Tukiyooo 0

<h4> This is the fourth article in a series on WILD School Sites, or outdoor classrooms. WILD School Sites are locations that can be used by students, teachers, and the school community as places to learn about wildlife and the environment. The first thing to do when developing a site is to formulate a plan. You can contact your district <a href="http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/Home/ContactUsStandIn/tabid/18270/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Wildlife Communication Specialist</a>, who can walk you through the process to help ensure success. <o:p></o:p></h4><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br /><h4>So what type of project should you do?<o:p></o:p></h4><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Remember, no two sites are the same, so each site will consist of different projects. Available resources, such as time, money, space, and labor, will also play a role in what projects are chosen. Last month’s article focused on brush piles, perching wires, and viewing blinds as an inexpensive and quick way to get your site up and running. This month we will look at a few more projects which can be completed as well as some important thoughts for those who already have sites.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br /><h4 class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px;">Cementing your legacy<o:p></o:p></h4><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/AVvXsEj-Qq3rhVy3itgi_LD4VllZVSmw7gAY5FRxAssweG5yvIQ1sO9dKxFu-Ak5Gbheab6iIRkgP9XoHI-CQ37tlEstKlcHetmJgZtoUQEEqtUf1RwmlUA_EUlOUes-5AlzfDhcGJc8YzI5wgJf/s1600/ss_web_page_photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Qq3rhVy3itgi_LD4VllZVSmw7gAY5FRxAssweG5yvIQ1sO9dKxFu-Ak5Gbheab6iIRkgP9XoHI-CQ37tlEstKlcHetmJgZtoUQEEqtUf1RwmlUA_EUlOUes-5AlzfDhcGJc8YzI5wgJf/s320/ss_web_page_photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.whitbyschool.org/">www.whitbyschool.org</a><br /> </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Stepping stones help provide a visual and functional walking path through your site. This can be especially important in the early stages of a project when young plants are still frail. Stepping stones can also help with established sites by leading participants from one project to the next. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are numerous kits available, or you can build your own with old plastic planter saucers or cake pans. Directions can be found on various sites online. After the mold is filled, wait for 30-60 minutes before proceeding. Once the cement has started to set, the students can proceed with decorating the stepping stones. Virtually anything can be used to decorate the steps. Leaves, animal tracks, insect replicas, or any other outdoor learning device can be incorporated into the stepping stones. <o:p></o:p></span></div><h4> Sneaky visitors<o:p></o:p></h4><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83K1jNnZiGxqAI3iai5Ts_bk0uRiEjTSYnMhsjakCnvktjGiAqNYIck3aDtaQGhWdAUvlFUJo3LTgR-0odbEhfVOUGZKpiO4iPGUjBDcbnFlQEGPWIqQduoSMkjVgVDHsI3Rlrpkx2-xp/s1600/kids+tracking219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83K1jNnZiGxqAI3iai5Ts_bk0uRiEjTSYnMhsjakCnvktjGiAqNYIck3aDtaQGhWdAUvlFUJo3LTgR-0odbEhfVOUGZKpiO4iPGUjBDcbnFlQEGPWIqQduoSMkjVgVDHsI3Rlrpkx2-xp/s320/kids+tracking219.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Many species of animals are wary of humans and can be quite elusive. Creating an animal track plot is an inexpensive and fun way to learn what types of animals pass through your site. Students and educators are often amazed at the species that live around them. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Begin by clearing an area at least 3ft. by 3ft. of all grass and vegetation. A raised bed can also be constructed using landscape timbers. The area should then be filled with clay soil 2-3 inches deep. Be sure to rake the soil smooth and moisten the soil so it is soft enough for animals to leave impressions. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">To increase the number and types of animals that visit your plot, try using various types of bait to lure wildlife in. For additional learning opportunities, keep records of what animals visit the site. Students can also create molds of the animal tracks using plaster of Paris. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br /><h4 class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px;">Don’t walk away<o:p></o:p></h4><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQcoCjyh3xqQmrePQPSJbQXIurspGSQCtyCahzjk4IvO-bKRTFZLbep1cjOZUkf9evh_Hz1InLVFPVIrgUdjjagPx-mugwWOdm4-4wGoqu3KgoR8B7EHwjIpL3RpLzDyeK7RM2XqJMDwR/s1600/winterkids264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQcoCjyh3xqQmrePQPSJbQXIurspGSQCtyCahzjk4IvO-bKRTFZLbep1cjOZUkf9evh_Hz1InLVFPVIrgUdjjagPx-mugwWOdm4-4wGoqu3KgoR8B7EHwjIpL3RpLzDyeK7RM2XqJMDwR/s200/winterkids264.jpg" width="119" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Whether you are just starting out, or a seasoned veteran, WILD School Sites need to be maintained or they will become an overgrown patch of weeds. Maintenance really depends on what projects have been included in the site. This time of year, many species of bushes, including butterfly bushes, can be trimmed. Consult a garden book or website for other species. Warm season grasses can also be trimmed. Now is also a great time to start placing orders for perennials. Stick with native species if possible. Native plants will benefit more wildlife than non-native plants. Also, some non-native plants can become invasive. Native plants are also better adapted to local weather and pests so they require less water and chemicals. </span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MzY0KtwA5TYxed0K9Tg7Et5SFhyznZ0bDEnvOaxaNTj3vg1-H6X9AtDn-YQTEZ9VF5xdFLvbblmQDrlZ_cmxQN8ekUYJCQl0gJjrQrUDxhmm8O728x96PTnsnIw_fM6D_LpSi58xVeRS/s1600/kids+cleaning+birdhouse274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MzY0KtwA5TYxed0K9Tg7Et5SFhyznZ0bDEnvOaxaNTj3vg1-H6X9AtDn-YQTEZ9VF5xdFLvbblmQDrlZ_cmxQN8ekUYJCQl0gJjrQrUDxhmm8O728x96PTnsnIw_fM6D_LpSi58xVeRS/s320/kids+cleaning+birdhouse274.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">If your site has nest boxes for birds, now is an excellent time to clean those boxes and remove any old nesting material, insect nests, and repair any damage that may have occurred over the winter. Nesting birds such as bluebirds, chickadees, titmice, house wrens, and tree swallows are beginning to look for nesting sites. So be sure to be ready for them.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br /><h4 class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px;">A Final Thought<o:p></o:p></h4><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Although most WILD School Sites contain multiple projects that can take years to develop from start to finish, stepping stones and animal track plots offer an opportunity to start educating youth about Ohio’s wildlife at any time of the year. They are relatively inexpensive, easily constructed, and can be used at virtually any site. As the weather begins to warm, don’t forget to take students outside and perform some general maintenance on your site. For more information about these projects or other WILD School Site projects, contact your district’s<span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/Home/ContactUsStandIn/tabid/18270/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Wildlife Communications Specialist</a></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">.</span> <o:p></o:p></span><br />

WILD School Sites Part 4--Stepping Stones, Animal Tracks Plot, and Maintenance

This is the fourth article in a series on WILD School Sites, or outdoor classrooms. WILD School Sites are locations that can be used by stu...

Library Aide, Circulation - Groton Public Library

12:53 PM Anonymous 0

Library Aide, Circulation - Groton Public Library

Library Aide, Circulation - Groton Public Library , 12-16 hours per week - evenings, Saturdays and Sundays. $10.00/hour. High school dipl...

Assistant - Deep River Public Library

12:44 PM Anonymous 0

Assistant - Deep River Public Library

Assistant - Deep River Public Library . Part-time position. Seeking a dependable, energetic and creative individual to work every Saturda...

All chocolated out....

11:25 AM Tukiyooo 0

After Easter and a LOT of chocolate it is back to my soup diet.  Today I made a big pot of veggie soup which I will take with me to work all week for lunch.<br /><br />I oven roasted peppers, onions, carrots and sweet potatoes while cooking broccoli in the stock. It all gets added in to the pot and blitzed up.  If it is too thick extra water can be added - or even a tin if tomatoes. Delicious!<br /><br />I'm also trying to eat more protein and less processed carbs so I had a salmon fillet with lemon pepper for my dinner.  I'm on a 2 month countdown to when I will be back in my bikini in Key West, Florida. Woo hoo!! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQTnKc4e1CGDs8wESbsOSH1q-Ld2ZI7j_n3mjU5hhXURRQB_h5NF4XFk5-a7_KimRpywu_vj1xrZRYzg1TgpPFGi1yLhy7JdRuNfyCQ-rVD_wuXrhHoHrpbw5ehS2pY6alauZSnCzbRmF/s640/blogger-image-336578616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQTnKc4e1CGDs8wESbsOSH1q-Ld2ZI7j_n3mjU5hhXURRQB_h5NF4XFk5-a7_KimRpywu_vj1xrZRYzg1TgpPFGi1yLhy7JdRuNfyCQ-rVD_wuXrhHoHrpbw5ehS2pY6alauZSnCzbRmF/s640/blogger-image-336578616.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYY9WxgDIDhSL-2nLmGn9VrwX4GRsneb2DMZYWo9mh6MtBFoOMeMDIgZtsoeCpucownAPE2EzcAS6DlYsEwS2jgNUtL6KzLY6B0b593y6xFR_yEl-7dOIxdaSbKVrMu7VM-hNQYOXJOUc/s640/blogger-image-487625689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYY9WxgDIDhSL-2nLmGn9VrwX4GRsneb2DMZYWo9mh6MtBFoOMeMDIgZtsoeCpucownAPE2EzcAS6DlYsEwS2jgNUtL6KzLY6B0b593y6xFR_yEl-7dOIxdaSbKVrMu7VM-hNQYOXJOUc/s640/blogger-image-487625689.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbUZkIeDjY32ZIeEnZ3LtdINrTze6qqF9eGq4TDpB4dO6iCwV6J3D4p_636yOtPmCTGGKj8PZ5jAySQOtK_s-s_UvF9lu45TgvCL6H19XWEnC7D-68lEeqAsjDadScMbSUi-m8XoBeMcs/s640/blogger-image--1362983498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbUZkIeDjY32ZIeEnZ3LtdINrTze6qqF9eGq4TDpB4dO6iCwV6J3D4p_636yOtPmCTGGKj8PZ5jAySQOtK_s-s_UvF9lu45TgvCL6H19XWEnC7D-68lEeqAsjDadScMbSUi-m8XoBeMcs/s640/blogger-image--1362983498.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gdau8eyqNq1lqE4cARrVaoaX39GYRi9EEUNP_YsTpS9pj5OLf2yezDAkbHOpuS1oGza5UheK1CIrplhVlTJOITVolK4Fn-pi1eXiam2oiJygYRoVi5EyxdswNlKtX9kXvRoLBJLRrApf/s640/blogger-image--1110493574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gdau8eyqNq1lqE4cARrVaoaX39GYRi9EEUNP_YsTpS9pj5OLf2yezDAkbHOpuS1oGza5UheK1CIrplhVlTJOITVolK4Fn-pi1eXiam2oiJygYRoVi5EyxdswNlKtX9kXvRoLBJLRrApf/s640/blogger-image--1110493574.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ijjOuKT5G6NvITfw9Jt4tAy3Ar70YEUuQuHaXTGwtN227kHp338nyvBkVYund-SBAjvWbew1_15nposmyum1DwBir_6ZG3z4j1ykTo9BBVzFiU7Uv3T6ai4vAIaKCjSrvISifAGHrP67/s640/blogger-image--598418454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ijjOuKT5G6NvITfw9Jt4tAy3Ar70YEUuQuHaXTGwtN227kHp338nyvBkVYund-SBAjvWbew1_15nposmyum1DwBir_6ZG3z4j1ykTo9BBVzFiU7Uv3T6ai4vAIaKCjSrvISifAGHrP67/s640/blogger-image--598418454.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4qp96-g5p9LfU7Ucf7AP4F_rqtqvVZbOaDfPmIxbvm1h5PK5S3oRqHh4wkFAQY9reS9wPvM_8cSo1V1MjjsSh7xaRfSR4lA3TfrA_Svjszv1ieYVew4ynYREQNCHB3oidmDRtMa_3R_u/s640/blogger-image-2062928500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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All chocolated out....

After Easter and a LOT of chocolate it is back to my soup diet. Today I made a big pot of veggie soup which I will take with me to work all...

HERE ARE 8 OF THE BEST APRIL FOOLS’ DAY PRANKS WE COULD FIND

8:13 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div data-key="hyhaw" data-num="1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">Have you had any heart-stopping, brow-furrowing or annoyance-inducing moments today? This April Fools’ Day has been ripe with pranks coming from big names like the <a href="http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/04/01/the-white-house-pranked-everyone-with-this-fake-message-from-the-president/" style="border: 0px; color: #ea1606; font-family: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_self">White House</a>, Google and YouTube. Of course, there are a plethora of videos showing tricks played on people uploaded online as well.</div><div data-key="wptop" data-num="2" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">We’ve pulled together eight of these videos so you can get your April Fools fill in one place.</div><div data-key="hafsl" data-num="3" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">Here a fake robbery sends a homeowner running through house after the masked prankster <strong>(Content warning: Some strong language)</strong>:</div><div data-key="hafsl" data-num="3" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7ZH-JJgUDUs?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><div data-key="ieucm" data-num="5" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">Improve Everywhere used its power of gathering participants to get <a href="http://www.geekosystem.com/backwards-flash-mob-in-times-square/" style="border: 0px; color: #ea1606; font-family: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">2,000 people to walk in reverse</a> in New York City’s Times Square. The result confused many:</div><div data-key="" data-num="6" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/huJpdolLjH0" width="560"></iframe></div><div data-key="tppbe" data-num="7" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">This prankster puts cards on the parking sensors of his mom’s car — front and back — so no matter which direction she drives, the alert system would “beep excessively”:</div><div data-key="" data-num="8" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VsNTK5zrLhM" width="560"></iframe></div><div data-key="iyciw" data-num="9" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">If you conducted a Google search today, you might have noticed the curious “Nose” beta feature. Watch how it works:</div><div data-key="" data-num="10" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9-P6jEMtixY" width="560"></iframe></div><div data-key="hspnf" data-num="11" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">Here’s someone pranking someone else using Google’s “Nose” feature:</div><div data-key="" data-num="12" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/P-NKLIQxZQ4" width="480"></iframe></div><div data-key="yuaio" data-num="13" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">YouTube unleashed an announcement saying it was really an eight-year-long video competition and that it would be shutting down. Check it out:</div><div data-key="" data-num="14" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/H542nLTTbu0" width="560"></iframe></div><div data-key="tymyp" data-num="15" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">This young man thought YouTube was serious about going dark for a decade. “I only have five videos on my YouTube page”:</div><div data-key="" data-num="16" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Oqd0ELxFt2M" width="480"></iframe></div><div data-key="agmgl" data-num="17" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">ABC’s Good Morning America gave a segment full of April Fools in a feature about gorilla language:</div><div data-key="" data-num="18" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/y-BghIGD-yY" width="560"></iframe></div><div data-key="hagmg" data-num="19" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">How about Gmail blue? “It’s Gmail, only bluer.” See how the service is exactly the same as Gmail except it’s all a blue that’s “representative of nature but is better than what nature created” with a guest appearance by the Blue Man Group:</div><div data-key="" data-num="20" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Zr4JwPb99qU" width="560"></iframe></div></div>

April Fools HERE ARE 8 OF THE BEST APRIL FOOLS’ DAY PRANKS WE COULD FIND

Have you had any heart-stopping, brow-furrowing or annoyance-inducing moments today? This April Fools’ Day has been ripe with pranks coming ...

Lindsay Lohan pregnant or pretending?

8:11 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><img src="http://global.fncstatic.com/static/managed/img/Entertainment/lindsay%20court%20661%20reuters.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="border: 0px none; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Lindsay Lohan is at the center of a pregnancy riddle after 'telling' fans she is expecting.</div><div style="border: 0px none; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">A tweet from her official account containing the shock news was sent at 7.35am UK time, just days after she was seen <a href="http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/4865991/Lindsay-Lohan-under-a-table.html" rel="external ext-linked" style="color: #183a52; cursor: pointer; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">slumped under a table at a Brazilian nightclub</a><img src="http://global.fncstatic.com/static/v/all/img/external-link.png" style="border: 0px none; margin: 4px 0px 0px 4px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />.</div><div style="border: 0px none; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It simply read: "It's official. Pregnant."</div><div style="border: 0px none; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The message was posted to Li-Lo's 5.7 million followers on 1 April at around 10.30pm PST, suggesting the actress could be playing a late April Fools' Day joke or that her account had been hacked.</div><div style="border: 0px none; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The posting has been re-tweeted by more than 10,000 users and has become a worldwide trending topic</div><div style="border: 0px none; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Lohan, 26, has been dating City Of The Sun guitarist <a href="http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/4854775/lindsay-lohan-dates-musician-avi-snow.html" rel="external ext-linked" style="color: #183a52; cursor: pointer; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Avi Snow for the past few weeks</a><img src="http://global.fncstatic.com/static/v/all/img/external-link.png" style="border: 0px none; margin: 4px 0px 0px 4px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />.<br style="outline: 0px;" /> </div><div style="border: 0px none; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Last Wednesday the troubled star was whisked to Brazil to open a new fashion store in Sao Paolo.</div><div style="border: 0px none; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The trip came shortly after dodging yet another jail stint during a court appearance.</div><div style="border: 0px none; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The actress will instead spend 90 days in a lock-down rehab clinic where she will reportedly be treated for alcohol and prescription drug addiction.</div><span style="border: 0px none; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /><br /></span></div>

Lindsay Lohan Lindsay Lohan pregnant or pretending?

Lindsay Lohan is at the center of a pregnancy riddle after 'telling' fans she is expecting. A tweet from her official account contai...

Today's archidose #663

7:30 AM Tukiyooo 0

Here are some construction shots of the <a href="http://www.coop-himmelblau.at/architecture/projects/musee-des-confluences">Musée des Confluences</a> (2001-2014) in Lyon, France, by <a href="http://www.coop-himmelblau.at/">Coop Himmelb(l)au</a>, photographed by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39946027@N00/">Christophe Durand</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39946027@N00/8609173607/" title="Lyon. Chantier du Musée des Confluences. by kriss69, on Flickr"><img alt="Lyon. Chantier du Musée des Confluences." height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8384/8609173607_f7cf23d800_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39946027@N00/8609171881/" title="Lyon. Chantier du Musée des Confluences. by kriss69, on Flickr"><img alt="Lyon. Chantier du Musée des Confluences." height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8245/8609171881_d95737e46d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39946027@N00/8610283476/" title="Lyon. Chantier du Musée des Confluences. by kriss69, on Flickr"><img alt="Lyon. Chantier du Musée des Confluences." height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8118/8610283476_b2f0c115b0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39946027@N00/8610281878/" title="Lyon. Chantier du Musée des Confluences. by kriss69, on Flickr"><img alt="Lyon. Chantier du Musée des Confluences." height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8120/8610281878_27543fca65_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />To contribute your Flickr images for consideration, just:<br /><blockquote>:: Join and add photos to the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/archi-dose/">archidose pool</a>, and/or<br />:: Tag your photos <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/archidose/">archidose</a></span></blockquote>

Today's archidose #663

Here are some construction shots of the Musée des Confluences (2001-2014) in Lyon, France, by Coop Himmelb(l)au , photographed by Christoph...

Librarian I - University of New Haven

7:22 AM Anonymous 0

<strong>Librarian I - </strong><strong><span style="color: #48286d;">University of New Haven</span></strong>.  7 hour/week position with no benefits. Duties: Provides research and  reference assistance to on-site and distant students and faculty.   Provides information literacy instruction to class groups and individual  students. Develops and updates LibGuides; designs web-based tutorials;  and assists faculty in the development of student’s information literacy  and research skills through course-integrated instruction.  Prepares  newsletters and assists with special projects as needed.   Exercises  administrative control over the library during weekend or evening hours,  when sole professional on duty. Qualifications: ALA-accredited MLS  degree is highly desirable.  A student currently enrolled in an  ALA-accredited MLS degree program will be considered. Current library  reference experience is needed. Demonstrated proficiency in use of  traditional and electronic resources and electronic databases.  Demonstrated ability to teach. Must be service-oriented and have  effective, demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.  Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize. Demonstrated  ability to work collegially and professionally with all levels of  staff. Strong computer & information management skills are needed.  Experience with LibGuides, Microsoft Office applications, web design  applications, and course management systems, such as Blackboard strongly  preferred. The salary meets the CLA recommended minimum.  Primarily  weekend hours.  Applications accepted until position is filled.  Applications should include cover letter specifying search number,  resume, and names/phone numbers of 3 professional references. Email to: <a _fcksavedurl="mailto:hrdept@newhaven.edu" href="mailto:hrdept@newhaven.edu">hrdept@newhaven.edu</a> or mail to: Search #12-97, University of New Haven, 300 Boston Post Road, West Haven, CT 06516. AA/EOE.

Librarian I - University of New Haven

Librarian I - University of New Haven . 7 hour/week position with no benefits. Duties: Provides research and reference assistance to on-si...

Boylan Bottling Mash Soda Review

5:42 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you love soda you will most certainly enjoy these delicious wacky flavors from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/drinkmash">Drink Mash</a>. You might have heard about or tried their other sodas from Boylan Bottling Company. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes the one that has their sodas bottled in glass that reminds you of old times from the malt shoppe or diners!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Boylan Bottling sent me their new mash flavors for review.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>I received:</u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOw9Oa7rEJOSKJZevPxWXTsflOLdoH3Cc-NVcpe9JVPVxDJau7xGb35c2lguRWi3HaMIG7WTKdZbt61q-kUKkbjkZPrcAuLTepzsbYmBBWw2YcOAk3bmr2r2YsEQS-EpYONxsRt-YDeA/s1600/Mash+sodas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOw9Oa7rEJOSKJZevPxWXTsflOLdoH3Cc-NVcpe9JVPVxDJau7xGb35c2lguRWi3HaMIG7WTKdZbt61q-kUKkbjkZPrcAuLTepzsbYmBBWw2YcOAk3bmr2r2YsEQS-EpYONxsRt-YDeA/s320/Mash+sodas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pomegranate Blueberry</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ripe Mango Blood Orange</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lemon Peel Ginger Root</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Grapefruit Citrus Zing</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In fact you have probably seen my review on their Shirley Temples.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well today I am going to be talking to you about their mash sodas.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They took two delicious flavors and mash them into one soda for great taste that you are sure to love!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Their Ripe Mango Blood Orange and Pomegranate Blueberry are simply amazing!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The taste is phenomenal, I've never tried anything like it!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Who doesn't love two flavors in one bubbly concoction? </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not really a big grapefruit or lemon peel fan for sodas, but they weren't too bad.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The kids are sure to love it!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Face Book:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/drinkmash"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">https://www.facebook.com/drinkmash</span></a></div>

Boylan Bottling Mash Soda Review

If you love soda you will most certainly enjoy these delicious wacky flavors from Drink Mash . You might have heard about or tried their ot...

11 ways to be positive when your spring break isn't all you wished for

4:59 AM Tukiyooo 0

<p> Yesterday with my eye partially covered with a bandage from the mohs surgery done to remove a skin cancer growth next to my eye, I realized that I was gifted with seeing things clearly.</p> <p>I'm not happy about having to do this surgery over spring break nor are my children happy that we are spending the money intended for our holiday on such unpleasantness but that is how it goes sometimes. Tomorrow (Wednesday) afternoon I'll be done with the last of it. </p> <p>Yet, as unpleasant as it is, life isn't all happy stuff. And when we have struggles, we can learn even from those. Here are some things that came to me yesterday as I went to Cracker Barrel with Mom, my face covered in gauze and iodine.</p> <ol>   <li><strong>There are kind people in the world</strong>. The waitress was so kind to me. The lady at the doctor's who cut the gauze meticulously so I could see out of my right eye today was kind. The adept Mohs surgeon was kind, looking me in the eye and asking me if I had questions (and we even talked about my blog - why does that always come  up - I guess it is important to me.)</li>   <li><strong>Rejoice in the little things</strong>. I got to read a book yesterday while waiting and I got to spend time with my Mama. She's so busy and everyone wants her attention that time alone with her is precious. </li>   <li><strong>Put one foot in front of the other</strong>. When dealing with unpleasantness it is important not to get too far ahead of yourself. I had to deal with yesterday before today. And today before tomorrow.</li>   <li><strong>Play your game forward</strong>. You can't live life in the rear view mirror. I could be angry at myself for the year of sunbeds I did for the sake of beauty pageants. I could be bitter that others are out having fun while I'm dealing with this. Come to think of it, my kids could be bitter too. The great movie 7 Days in Utopia has a scene where Robert Duvall tells the golfer to "Play his game forward" - it means you look ahead of you and not behind you to determine what your next shot will be.</li>   <li><strong>Mercy always trumps legalism</strong>. Kip brought home the Les Miserables movie last night. It is such a reminder to me of how mercy and love are always stronger than legalism and unforgiveness. Some will look down upon me and say "she's getting what she deserves because she got in the sunbed when she was 18, it serves her right."    Yet, I have doctors who are giving me mercy, trying to help me look good again. I have a family who is merciful and my Dad picked up pizza for us. I had texted my kids that I needed some Tylenol hoping one of them would get it for me and I had 2 extra large bottles on the table that they had bought with their own money - each of them got it for me. Those 2 bottles of Tylenol are precious reminders that although I may struggle with my teens, underneath it all, they love me. Without this, I might have only seen the dirty laundry and dirty dishes.</li>   <li><strong>There can be purpose in the pain</strong>. I was called back for a second time to have the doctor go back in and remove more. I have to admit, I just thought I was going to die, but while I was back, my Mom was helping a lady in the lobby who was struggling to get to the ladies room. She was there because I was back there. I believe the good Lord can use our struggles and pain to minister and be there for others. People need kindness wherever we are. If we're only self centered and see our own selves, we miss out on the chance to be a blessing.</li>   <li><strong>Crying is not always the right thing to do. I</strong> admit, I'm a pretty private person. I've teared up on stage before talking about my students but I try not to. My Mom tells a story of when she and Dad were in Russia and Mom almost died in a Russian hospital due to an allergic reaction to some medicine she'd taken. As she sat there in the hallway  of a dirty hospital, watching doctors reuse needles and with roaches crawling on the walls and beds, she realized how bad her situation was. Her throat was swollen and she could barely breathe. She started feeling the tears coming but then, she realized, "I can either cry and die or I can make it through this and live." She toughed it out and lived to come home to us girls. As I teared up yesterday, the worst pain of the day started shooting down my nose and through my eye. I quickly realized as upsetting as it was, that the best thing for me to do is to go through this, without the tears. Those would have been tears of self pity anyway as the biggest pain was gone. It is OK to cry when you lose someone but self-pity tears often make it worse.</li>   <li><strong>There is always someone having a harder time</strong>. Dad had lunch yesterday with a man whose 28 year old daughter is hoping to get her kidney function back. She's been in the hospital 2 weeks and it is a tough situation. While it doesn't minimize my own pain, it does offer perspective that there are worse things that could happen.</li>   <li><strong>There are always people having a great time out there</strong>. Facebook is filled with photos of people in fantastic places. I was talking on Facebook with people about a recent study that shows that most people have a temporary dip in self image after getting on Facebook. This person quoted a friend (I can't find the original comment) who said, "The problem with Facebook is that we are comparing the best exterior of others to our worst interior thoughts." Right now, I'm taking a Facebook break as much as I can. It is just too upsetting. Why do something that will make me more upset. Sure, it is spring break and most people are off, that is what people DO on spring break.</li>   <li><strong>Choose your attitude</strong>. I don't sit in manure. So, why would I sit in unforgiveness, bitterness, and anger - three components of a stinky attitude? I'd rather have love, forgiveness, faith and renew my mind daily so that I can accomplish what God intended me to do with my life.</li>   <li><strong>Remember</strong>. Last summer was awesome. More awesome than usual. I'll look back on the ziplining and rafting memories. Some women my age can't manage a canoe or ducky or zipline, so I'm happy I got to do that.</li></ol> <p>Even now, this blog post is part of my hope that God will use this situation for good. Some of you out there are having a pity party about something. Something didn't go as planned. You're not getting to do what you want to do. Someone you love is having a hard time. Why? Why? Why?</p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtLeTqwkG6Q7SHsnv3YwvUyEfszvrQA3b7egzl-pUlKwox6N3kEkev4qJxZMrzFhhpbP5oFRJV6jdJojd2q59n3PTsNhnSoVJdrJ9swdoM43N0wjOh8BlApo2_SET4RAL4uybezoR2Lgu/s720/E0624DD5-6AA4-4901-A683-133D9EF06750.JPG" target="_blank" style="text-align: center; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="333" id="blogsy-1364904200561.4927" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtLeTqwkG6Q7SHsnv3YwvUyEfszvrQA3b7egzl-pUlKwox6N3kEkev4qJxZMrzFhhpbP5oFRJV6jdJojd2q59n3PTsNhnSoVJdrJ9swdoM43N0wjOh8BlApo2_SET4RAL4uybezoR2Lgu/s500/E0624DD5-6AA4-4901-A683-133D9EF06750.JPG" width="500"></a><p>Just yesterday in my journal, I listed 2 whole pages of worries that I'm praying about. Just yesterday I had 2 shots in the face and tomorrow I have more surgery. I don't say this to gross you out but to say, life isn't always pleasant and none of us are Pollyanna. It isn't easy living life but life is much easier when we learn how to help others and be kind amidst the struggles.</p> <p>The last time I checked the death ratio is 1:1. Everyone will die at least once. And, for me, I truly believe that "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." We're not put on this planet to serve ourselves but to serve and help others. Even in our pain, we can help others and we should, but it isn't always that easy to do.</p> <p>I guess this is why I'm happiest for Easter. This didn't start out to be an Easter-themed post, and yet, if you're looking for a reason that someone could be happy amidst all of this mess - there it is. I serve a risen Savior and He's alive in me. </p> <p>I welcome all faiths and religions here on this blog and in education and work everyday to include and encourage others. Those of you who know me, however, know that truth and honesty is important. It is what it is. I'll just speak the truth in love as honestly as I know how, while respecting the fact that you can choose what to believe yourself.</p> <p> I may take a break for a few days and not have my typical 4-5 posts this week but I'll be back working hard to inspire all teachers with technology, inspiration, and encouragement to be excellent next week. Meanwhile, Mom just texted me she's leaving the house and I've got to get ready for Day 2.</p> <p>Remember your noble calling, teacher. And know that there are ways you can teach through the struggles of life - people are always watching so live your life in a way worth living. Have a great day and if you're on spring break, enjoy it, and I will too.</p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Written by Vicki Davis, author - Flattening Classrooms, Engaging Minds - Posted with Blogsy from my iPad" height="20" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" />Written by Vicki Davis, author - Flattening Classrooms, Engaging Minds - Posted with Blogsy from my iPad</a></div>

Inspiration 11 ways to be positive when your spring break isn't all you wished for

Yesterday with my eye partially covered with a bandage from the mohs surgery done to remove a skin cancer growth next to my eye, I realized...

Entries for Microsoft’s Partners in Learning Forum are now open

1:25 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The South Africa and Lesotho Microsoft Partners in Learning Forum recognises innovative teachers who are using ICT in engaging ways to enhance teaching and learning. SchoolNet works closely with Microsoft in organising this event which was formerly known as the Innovative Teacher competition.  </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This competition is aimed at teachers who are using technology to enhance learning activities or as part of project based activities. The Forum rewards creative and dynamic teachers with great prizes and provides them with an opportunity to share their ideas with like-minded teachers. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This Slideshare shows you more about the Partners in Learning network, and also gives details on how to enter the competition.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="356" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/16693300" style="border-width: 1px 1px 0; border: 1px solid #CCC; margin-bottom: 5px;" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="427"> </iframe> <br /><div style="margin-bottom: 5px;"><strong> <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/Schoolnetsa11/the-partners-in-learning-overview-south-africa" target="_blank" title="The Partners in Learning Overview - South Africa">The Partners in Learning Overview - South Africa</a> </strong> from <strong><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/Schoolnetsa11" target="_blank">Schoolnet SA </a></strong> </div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you would like to know more, please read about the event and get more details on our SchoolNet website <a href="http://schoolnet.org.za/">http://schoolnet.org.za</a></span> <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRa4pw5Q4ihZYYtW5YC-ikYhS479st0-vzgDx9RF3u5QGEyVoXu6kcuaGEV64B3kVcxpCUwt0-hxJnC8MpWGH8OiCm53cSBlOV0D0Lt-1JVjSF8jnusxYKsZH2ovpKgD5JrqbUsV2RJw/s1600-h/image%25255B4%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIHEDXH5_DERVeBTdP1ccVVkouMfHyEz4mQjPUSftzfOtGzAPTv8NRvF0ySztKlEXjpPYg9fxZukhFv2Ni_qT6zuimH2P049EzDWYv15Lc-4RNn3XKJdOO4ZvH_cQHPYtIZpfst4pJE8/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="400" /></a><br /><br /></div>

Microsoft Entries for Microsoft’s Partners in Learning Forum are now open

The South Africa and Lesotho Microsoft Partners in Learning Forum recognises innovative teachers who are using ICT in engaging ways to enhan...

Hi di hi Clampers!

1:10 AM Tukiyooo 0

This morning, when I opened my curtains, I found the clampers (Grrr) having a field day on my street. They had clamped 2 cars and were attaching a Denver Boot to a third. They were so quiet (deviously so) - there will be a nasty surprise for three people as they leave for work this morning.<br /><br />Living so close to Dublin City we have to pay for parking permits.  Visitors need to feed the meter to park on our road.  One of my friends was clamped on their first visit to my house. Not good <br />:-(<br /><br />Unfortunately I think the clampers are a necessary evil as we live very close to a large rugby stadium and parking would be a nightmare during game times if it was unregulated. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRss_LRvbxiQ0uKwsnvNCnictDGHYYhW3S1MGaYi9U7-8mMdAnnEYAoWzEacSA06X_UWFwT4SFk3oARab4hg50j5_wtHYjaWCfLU-NYzgAxvxqmFwvECMLQ4lH8uSCarJEzOc76FUwt0Na/s640/blogger-image--429271780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRss_LRvbxiQ0uKwsnvNCnictDGHYYhW3S1MGaYi9U7-8mMdAnnEYAoWzEacSA06X_UWFwT4SFk3oARab4hg50j5_wtHYjaWCfLU-NYzgAxvxqmFwvECMLQ4lH8uSCarJEzOc76FUwt0Na/s640/blogger-image--429271780.jpg" /></a></div>

Hi di hi Clampers!

This morning, when I opened my curtains, I found the clampers (Grrr) having a field day on my street. They had clamped 2 cars and were attac...

‘Glee’ Star Cory Monteith Enters Rehab

9:09 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><img alt="gty cory monteith jef 130401 wblog Glee Star Cory Monteith Enters Rehab " src="http://abcnews.go.com/images/Entertainment/gty_cory_monteith_jef_130401_wblog.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font: inherit; line-height: 20px; padding: 15px 0px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“Glee” star <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/rep-glees-monteith-heads-rehab-18851855#.UVmijBnZWUc" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(255, 94, 153); color: #30659c; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Cory Monteith</a> has checked into rehab.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font: inherit; line-height: 20px; padding: 15px 0px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">His rep told ABCNews.com that the actor “has voluntarily admitted himself to a treatment facility for substance addiction.”</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font: inherit; line-height: 20px; padding: 15px 0px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“He graciously asks for your respect and privacy as he takes the necessary steps towards recovery,” the rep added in the statement.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font: inherit; line-height: 20px; padding: 15px 0px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">This isn’t the first time the 30-year-old actor, who stars as Finn Hudson on Fox’s music-themed comedy-drama, has been to rehab. In a 2011 interview with Parade magazine, Montieth said he got treatment at 19 for his addiction struggles that included taking “anything and everything.” He told Parade that he was “lucky to be alive.”</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font: inherit; line-height: 20px; padding: 15px 0px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">He is currently dating “Glee” co-star Lea Michele. She told People, “I love and support Cory and will stand by him through this.”</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font: inherit; line-height: 20px; padding: 15px 0px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“I am grateful and proud he made this decision,” she said.</div></div>

Glee ‘Glee’ Star Cory Monteith Enters Rehab

“Glee” star Cory Monteith has checked into rehab. His rep told ABCNews.com that the actor “has voluntarily admitted himself to a treatment...

Lollapalooza announces lineup

9:07 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><h2 class="lead-in" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; line-height: 27px; margin-left: 60px; margin-top: -2px;">The Killers, Mumford & Sons and The Cure to headline the Chicago music festival.</h2><div class="article-metadata-wrap" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; float: left; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; height: auto; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; position: relative; z-index: 1;"><aside class="single-photo expandable-collapsed" itemprop="associatedMedia" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 20px; position: relative; width: 180px; z-index: 100;"><div class="image-wrap" style="box-shadow: rgb(200, 200, 200) 1px 1px 5px; cursor: pointer; padding: 3px; position: relative;"><img alt="cure" class="expand-img-horiz" itemprop="url" src="http://www.gannett-cdn.com/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2013/04/01/cure1-4_3_r536_c534.jpg?1b79b3da202957124496e3768cfb7b67cdb10c81" style="border: 0px; max-width: 100%; min-height: 131px; vertical-align: middle;" /><span class="toggle" style="background-image: url(http://www.gannett-cdn.com/static/images/sprites/asset-sprite.png?1362424877); background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; bottom: 0px; height: 21px; position: absolute; right: 0px; width: 21px; z-index: 200;"></span></div><div class="image-credit-wrap" style="color: #646464; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 16px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px 5px 0px 0px;"><span class="credit" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: 400;">(Photo: David Wolff, Getty Images)</span></div></aside><div class="article-metadata" style="position: relative;"><aside class="comp story-highlights " style="clear: left; float: left; margin: 0px 0px 20px; min-height: 60px; position: relative; width: 180px; z-index: 1;"><h3 class="hlts" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(212, 212, 212); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #999999; font-family: 'Futura Today Bold', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px auto; text-transform: uppercase;">STORY HIGHLIGHTS</h3><ul class="hlt" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; left: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; z-index: 0;"><li class="hlt-item" style="background-image: url(http://www.gannett-cdn.com/static/images/components/story_highlights_bullets.png?1362424877); background-position: 0px 17px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-color: rgb(212, 212, 212); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #646464; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 16px; padding: 12px 0px 12px 15px;">Lollapalooza returns Aug. 2-4 to Chicago's Grant Park for its ninth year</li><li class="hlt-item" style="background-image: url(http://www.gannett-cdn.com/static/images/components/story_highlights_bullets.png?1362424877); background-position: 0px 17px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-color: rgb(212, 212, 212); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #646464; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 16px; padding: 12px 0px 12px 15px;">The Cure will perform for the first time in the fest's 22-year history</li><li class="hlt-item" style="background-image: url(http://www.gannett-cdn.com/static/images/components/story_highlights_bullets.png?1362424877); background-position: 0px 17px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; color: #646464; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 16px; padding: 12px 0px 12px 15px;">The National, New Order, Nine Inch Nails, Vampire Weekend and The Lumineers are also set to perform</li></ul></aside></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">No need to call a plumber — all Lollapalooza lineup leaks have been officially plugged up. This list is airtight.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">The Killers, Mumford & Sons and, for the first time, The Cure, will headline the three-day event (Aug. 2-4) in Chicago's Grant Park.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">"The first time I ran into Robert Smith of The Cure was 1997 in New York City," festival founder and Jane's Addiction frontman Perry Farrell says in a media release. "It was Halloween. I was dressed as myself and so was he. I am so happy The Cure have finally arrived at Lolla in Chicago!"</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">Also confirmed to play: Nine Inch Nails, Phoenix, the Postal Service, Vampire Weekend, New Order, Queens of the Stone Age, The Lumineers and The National. Nine Inch Nails, which played the first Lollapalooza in 1991, will be on tour this summer following a four-year hiatus.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">Other artists in the 130-band lineup include Kendrick Lamar, Eric Church, Ellie Goulding, Thievery Corporation, Grizzly Bear, Lana Del Rey, Band of Horses, Hot Chip, Azealia Banks, Local Natives and Two Door Cinema Club.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">The full lineup follows. You're welcome.</div></div>

Lollapalooza Lollapalooza announces lineup

The Killers, Mumford & Sons and The Cure to headline the Chicago music festival. (Photo: David Wolff, Getty Images) STORY HIGHLIGHTS Lol...