jester updraft: April 2013

Monday, April 29, 2013

Play of the Day: The New $100 Bill

BERLIN, April 29 (Reuters) - Barcelona will try every trick in the book to overturn a 4-0 first-leg deficit against Bayern Munich in their Champions League semi-final return leg on Wednesday, honorary Bayern president Franz Beckenbauer warned on Monday. Bayern crushed the Spaniards last week in a surprisingly one-sided encounter but Beckenbauer, former player, coach and president of Germany's most successful club, warned that Barcelona were not ready to surrender. "Barca will try everything to throw Bayern off balance," he told Bild newspaper. ...

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/play-day-100-bill-103744964.html

detroit lions Thanksgiving Day cooking a turkey toysrus how to carve a turkey ipad 2 wal mart

Contracted prisons cut costs without sacrificing quality, study finds

Public release date: 29-Apr-2013
[ | E-mail |

Share ]

Contact: Brandon Lausch
blausch@temple.edu
215-204-4115
Temple University

Temple University's Center for Competitive Government estimates long-run savings of 12 percent to 58 percent when comparing private and public facilities

As states continue to grapple with aging correctional facilities, overcrowding, underfunded retiree obligations and other constraints, new research from Temple University's Center for Competitive Government finds that privately operated prisons can substantially cut costs from 12 percent to 58 percent in long-term savings while performing at equal or better levels than government-run prisons.

Temple economics Professors Simon Hakim and Erwin A. Blackstone analyzed government data from nine states that generally have higher numbers of privately held prisoners (Arizona, California, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas), and Maine, which does not contract its corrections services. The professors calculated both short- and long-run savings per state, finding that contracted prisons generate significant savings without sacrificing quality.

"Contracts between private-prison operators and state governments can be very precise in terms of the outcomes the state expects," said Hakim, director of Temple's Center for Competitive Government, which is affiliated with the Fox School of Business. "And contractors have an incentive to overshoot the performance metrics established by the state lest they lose out to a higher-performing company on the next contract bid."

The study uses economic models to determine each state's avoidable costs, which are compared to the contracted per diem rates charged by the private operators. The study also takes into account underfunded pensions and retiree healthcare costs a critical issue, with the Pew Center on the States reporting in 2010 of a $1.38 trillion gap between states' assets and their pension and healthcare retiree obligations.

In California, for example, the researchers estimated that contracted prison facilities save between 32 percent and 58 percent. In Maine, estimated savings in the short run (including operational costs, such as personnel and medical and food services) is 47 percent while long-run savings (which combine short-run costs with capital expenditures, such as facility modernization and financing) is estimated at 49 percent. Researchers said Maine's substantial estimated savings could be attributed to that state's lack of private-public competition and its small prisons that cannot exploit economies of scale.

"It is important to note that the existence of public prisons also keeps in check price hikes by the private prisons," Hakim and Blackstone wrote. "The knowledge that states could resort to the use of just public prisons encourages private contractors to offer their services at even lower prices than the statutory requirement."

Key findings of the study include:

Contract prisons save money while maintaining at least the same quality as public prisons: The private facilities generally met industry standards established by the independent American Correctional Association and, in several cases, offered more rehabilitation programming than public counterparts. Further, interviews with departments of corrections officials found that contracts with private companies mandate performance levels, which the states closely monitor. Private correctional officers are generally paid comparable wages and receive similar training to public officers.
Competition yields savings and better performance for private and public facilities: Even though private contractors comprise less than 7 percent of the state corrections industry overall, they have generated substantial competitive benefits. As more contractors compete, both private and public facilities work to provide lower-cost and higher-quality service. Further, more managerial and technological innovations are introduced in both segments of the industry.
Adoption of the "managed competition" model could foster even greater efficiency in delivering corrections services: In this model, public workers and private contractors competitively bid to provide public services. As a result, both groups have an incentive to find managerial and technological innovations and to offer services at competitive prices.

###

The full text of the study, titled Cost Analysis of Public and Contractor Operated Prisons, is available on the Center for Competitive Government's website at http://bit.ly/11S6vUS. The study received funding by members of the private corrections industry.

[ | E-mail |

Share ]

AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.

Contracted prisons cut costs without sacrificing quality, study finds

Public release date: 29-Apr-2013
[ | E-mail |

Share ]

Contact: Brandon Lausch
blausch@temple.edu
215-204-4115
Temple University

Temple University's Center for Competitive Government estimates long-run savings of 12 percent to 58 percent when comparing private and public facilities

Key findings of the study include:

Contract prisons save money while maintaining at least the same quality as public prisons: The private facilities generally met industry standards established by the independent American Correctional Association and, in several cases, offered more rehabilitation programming than public counterparts. Further, interviews with departments of corrections officials found that contracts with private companies mandate performance levels, which the states closely monitor. Private correctional officers are generally paid comparable wages and receive similar training to public officers.
Competition yields savings and better performance for private and public facilities: Even though private contractors comprise less than 7 percent of the state corrections industry overall, they have generated substantial competitive benefits. As more contractors compete, both private and public facilities work to provide lower-cost and higher-quality service. Further, more managerial and technological innovations are introduced in both segments of the industry.
Adoption of the "managed competition" model could foster even greater efficiency in delivering corrections services: In this model, public workers and private contractors competitively bid to provide public services. As a result, both groups have an incentive to find managerial and technological innovations and to offer services at competitive prices.

###

[ | E-mail |

Share ]

AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.

Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-04/tu-cpc042913.php

trayvon martin obama care miss universe canada don draper gallagher madmen james cameron

Relationship Recital: How We Met | Weddingbee

In order to better understand how lucky we were that we met, I will start by saying that Sparky grew up in St. Louis, went to college in Indiana (Purdue, like Miss Scooter!), and nearly moved to Chicago upon graduation. (He ended up moving to Seattle for a job instead.) I grew up in Seattle and have lived here my whole life with the exception of the few months I studied abroad.

Relationship Recital: How We Met : wedding relationships seattle Map map

Thirty-one hours driving, according to Google Maps

In the summer of 2006 I was getting used to being back in the country (having arrived home from three months abroad). That summer was rough; my grandfather died and the father of the guy I was dating at the time also died, both within two weeks of each other. I was very close to my (now ex) boyfriend?s dad, and both deaths hit me hard. I had already begun to realize that I wasn?t wonderfully happy in my relationship, but I kept thinking maybe things would get better. After his dad died I promised myself I would be strong and supportive and our relationship would fix itself.

During that rough time, we were arguing a lot. On one particular day we had been invited to a party at the home of one of my best friends from college. I hadn?t intended to go, but then we argued so I decided to go to the party on my own.

Relationship Recital: How We Met : wedding relationships seattle 200347 505306205475 7594 N 200347_505306205475_7594_n

Approximately one week before meeting Sparky. Please excuse my ridiculous 20-year-old self. / Personal photo

At the party, I walked in and immediately found myself a place on the couch. There was a guy there that I?d never met before, and he proved to be very funny and interesting. I spent hours chatting and laughing with him, and when I eventually left the party many hours later I was so glad that I had gone.

Little did I know that the guy at the party had seen me the moment I entered the party and had decided that he wanted to know me. He thought I was cute and, after talking for hours, thought I was smart and sweet.

We became friends and started hanging out fairly frequently. I knew he was a good guy because less than two weeks after making my acquaintance he helped me move. As our friendship developed, I learned that this guy had gone to high school with my college friend and had run into her randomly on the street in downtown Seattle. Not that big of a deal when you?re from the city, but quite impressive when you realize that they both grew up in the Midwest.

Backing up: Sparky graduated college in May of 2006. Earlier that year he had been offered a position here in Seattle, and it was pretty much exactly what he wanted. He made the decision to accept the offer and make the move to the West Coast. One day, after moving to his new home, Sparky was exploring downtown Seattle. Across the street he thought he saw someone he knew from St. Louis. He wasn?t sure enough to call out to her at that point but instead looked her up on Facebook when he got home. (What would we do without Facebook?) After asking how likely it was that she was at this corner at this time, she replied that yes, it was in fact her! Not only that but she was having a housewarming party and thought Sparky should come so they could catch up and reconnect.

Well, they didn?t really get the chance to reconnect or catch up at that party because Sparky spent the entire time in conversation with yours truly. We hit it off, we clicked, and we became great friends.

Relationship Recital: How We Met : wedding relationships seattle 73 505304858175 2276 N 73_505304858175_2276_n

First picture of us taken together on 4/2007 / Personal photo

We went to Seattle U soccer games, we tried new restaurants, we went to Mariners games, and we played video games. Sparky?s apartment happened to be a block from my school and work, so I spent a lot of time there. We really connected and it wasn?t very long (read: October) before I had to admit to myself that I had feelings for him.

One problem: we both were dating other people.

Anyone else meet the guy of their dreams only to find that he was already spoken for?

Source: http://www.weddingbee.com/2013/04/28/how-we-met-stories-47/

Side Effects bob marley weather the walking dead the walking dead Walking Dead Season 3 smash

Video: Conan O'Brian to host the White House Correspondents' Dinner (cbsnews)

Share With Friends:

| Politics - Top Stories News, News Feeds and News via Feedzilla.

Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/302024260?client_source=feed&format=rss

google project glass google goggles one tree hill projectglass stock act new york auto show khalid sheikh mohammed

LG unveils Optimus GK in Korea, brings G Pro features in a 5-inch package

Not tired of seeing different versions of the Optimus G? LG has just revealed another variant for Korean customers: the Optimus GK. Similar to the one-off Optimus G Pro it delivered in Japan on NTT DoCoMo, this handset has features pinched from the 5.5-inch Pro (1.7GHz Snapdragon 600 CPU, 2GB RAM) squeezed into a more-pocketable 5-inch frame. The 1080p screen here (440PPI) is Full HD IPS like the one we're expecting to see in AT&T's Optimus G Pro in a few days, matched a 3,100mAh battery, 16GB of storage, microSD slot and 13MP/2MP rear/front camera setup. This particular variant had been rumored to launch at MWC but is only now being announced for Korean carrier KT, we'll see how many more twists LG can wring out of the Optimus G platform before delivering a true sequel later this year.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, LG

Comments

Source: LG Korea

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/04/28/lg-optimus-gk-5-inch-kt/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget

Misty May Treanor Lolo Jones Marvin Hamlisch Megan Rossee grenada grenada Sikh

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Developmental neurobiology: How the brain folds to fit

Apr. 26, 2013 ? During fetal development of the mammalian brain, the cerebral cortex undergoes a marked expansion in surface area in some species, which is accommodated by folding of the tissue in species with most expanded neuron numbers and surface area. Researchers have now identified a key regulator of this crucial process.

Different regions of the mammalian brain are devoted to the performance of specific tasks. This in turn imposes particular demands on their development and structural organization. In the vertebrate forebrain, for instance, the cerebral cortex -- which is responsible for cognitive functions -- is remarkably expanded and extensively folded exclusively in mammalian species. The greater the degree of folding and the more furrows present, the larger is the surface area available for reception and processing of neural information. In humans, the exterior of the developing brain remains smooth until about the sixth month of gestation. Only then do superficial folds begin to appear and ultimately dominate the entire brain in humans. Conversely mice, for example, have a much smaller and smooth cerebral cortex.

"The mechanisms that control the expansion and folding of the brain during fetal development have so far been mysterious," says Professor Magdalena G?tz, a professor at the Institute of Physiology at LMU and Director of the Institute for Stem Cell Research at the Helmholtz Center Munich. G?tz and her team have now pinpointed a major player involved in the molecular process that drives cortical expansion in the mouse. They were able to show that a novel nuclear protein called Trnp1 triggers the enormous increase in the numbers of nerve cells which forces the cortex to undergo a complex series of folds. Indeed, although the normal mouse brain has a smooth appearance, dynamic regulation of Trnp1 results in activating all necessary processes for the formation of a much enlarged and folded cerebral cortex.

Levels of Trnp1 control expansion and folding

"Trnp1 is critical for the expansion and folding of the cerebral cortex, and its expression level is dynamically controlled during development," says G?tz. In the early embryo, Trnp1 is locally expressed in high concentrations. This promotes the proliferation of self-renewing multipotent neural stem cells and supports tangential expansion of the cerebral cortex. The subsequent fall in levels of Trnp1 is associated with an increase in the numbers of various intermediate progenitors and basal radial glial cells. This results in the ordered formation and migration of a much enlarged number of neurons forming folds in the growing cortex.

The findings are particularly striking because they imply that the same molecule -- Trnp1 -- controls both the expansion and the folding of the cerebral cortex and is even sufficient to induce folding in a normally smooth cerebral cortex. Trnp1 therefore serves as an ideal starting point from which to dissect the complex network of cellular and molecular interactions that underpin the whole process. G?tz and her colleagues are now embarking on the next step in this exciting journey -- determination of the molecular function of this novel nuclear protein Trnp1 and how it is regulated.

Share this story on Facebook, Twitter, and Google:

Other social bookmarking and sharing tools:

Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Ludwig-Maximilians-Universit?t M?nchen.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

Journal Reference:

Ronny Stahl, Tessa Walcher, Camino De?Juan?Romero, Gregor?Alexander Pilz, Silvia Cappello, Martin Irmler, Jos??Miguel Sanz-Aquela, Johannes Beckers, Robert Blum, V?ctor Borrell, Magdalena G?tz. Trnp1 Regulates Expansion and Folding of the Mammalian Cerebral Cortex by Control of Radial Glial Fate. Cell, 2013; 153 (3): 535 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2013.03.027

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/most_popular/~3/VfzsNww9vBA/130426115501.htm

Colorado Marijuana elizabeth warren puerto rico diane sawyer Washington Election Results drudge report Presidential Election 2012

U.S. suspects Syria used chemical weapons, wants proof

By Phil Stewart and David Alexander

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House said on Thursday the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad had probably used chemical weapons on a small scale in the country's civil war, but insisted that President Barack Obama needed definitive proof before he would take action.

The disclosure created a quandary for Obama, who has set the use of chemical weapons as a "red line" that Assad must not cross. It triggered calls from some hawkish Washington lawmakers for a U.S. military response, which the president has resisted.

In a shift from a White House assessment just days earlier, U.S. officials said the intelligence community believed with "varying degrees of confidence" that the chemical nerve agent sarin was used by Assad's forces against rebel fighters. But it noted that "the chain of custody is not clear."

While Obama has declared that the deployment of chemical weapons would be a game-changer and has threatened unspecified consequences if it happened, his administration is moving carefully - saying it is mindful of the lessons of the start of the Iraq war more than a decade ago.

Then, the George W. Bush administration used inaccurate intelligence to justify the invasion of Iraq in pursuit of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons that turned out not to exist.

"Given the stakes involved and what we have learned from our own recent experiences, intelligence assessments alone are not sufficient - only credible and corroborated facts that provide us with some degree of certainty will guide our decision-making," Miguel Rodriguez, White House director of the office of legislative affairs, said in a letter to lawmakers.

One senior U.S. defense official told reporters, "We have seen very bad movies before," where intelligence was perceived to have driven policy decisions that later, in the cold light of day, were proven wrong.

The term "varying degrees of confidence" used to describe the assessment of possible chemical weapons use in Syria usually suggests debate within the U.S. intelligence community about the conclusion, the defense official noted.

The White House said the evaluation that Syria probably used chemical weapons was based in part on "physiological" samples. But a White House official, briefing reporters on condition of anonymity, repeatedly declined to say what that evidence was. Nor is it clear who supplied it.

Chemical weapons experts say sarin, a nerve agent, can be detected in human tissue, blood, urine and hair samples, or in nearby soil or even leaves. But the chemical can dissipate within days or weeks, depending on ambient heat, wind and other factors.

Iraq is said to have used sarin 25 years ago in an attack on the Kurdish city of Halabja during the Iran-Iraq war. More recently, the agent was used in the 1994 attack by a religious cult on riders of the Tokyo subway system.

In Syria, U.S. officials said the scale of the use of sarin appeared limited. Nobody is "seeing any mass casualties" from the possible use of chemical weapons in Syria, one U.S. intelligence official noted.

The United States has resisted being dragged militarily into Syria's conflict and is providing only non-lethal aid to rebels trying to overthrow Assad. Washington is worried that weapons supplied to the rebels could end up in the hands of al Qaeda-linked fighters.

But acknowledgement of the U.S. intelligence assessment appeared to move the United States closer - at least rhetorically - to some sort of action in Syria, military or otherwise.

A White House official told reporters that "all options are on the table in terms of our response" and said the United States, which has been criticized for not doing enough to halt the bloodshed, would consult with its allies.

The official said the U.S. military was preparing for a range of "different contingencies," but declined to give specifics. Options available to Obama could include everything from air strikes to commando raids to setting up a Libya-style "no-fly" zone, either unilaterally or in cooperation with allies.

SURPRISE ANNOUNCEMENT

But Obama appeared intent on deflecting pressure for swift action by stressing the need for a comprehensive U.N. investigation on the ground in Syria - something Assad has blocked from going forward.

Syria's deputy foreign minister, Faisal Mekdad, in an interview with Reuters, dismissed Western and Israeli claims that government forces had used chemical weapons and said it was a "big lie" that Syria was preventing the U.N. probe.

Assad has clung to power despite repeated U.S. calls for him to step down. More than 70,000 people have been killed in the revolt against his family's decades-long autocratic rule. A military stalemate has set in, but Assad has still been able to rely on support from Russia and Iran.

"The reality is that as a country we can't declare red lines and then do nothing when they are crossed. Eventually we have to do something," said Ariel Ratner, a former Middle East adviser in the State Department and now a fellow at the Truman National Security Project.

The Obama administration's sudden disclosure caught many off guard. It came just two days after Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and other U.S. officials appeared to play down an Israeli assessment that there had been repeated use of chemical weapons in Syria.

France and Britain have also concluded that evidence suggests chemical arms have been used in Syria's conflict.

"The intelligence community has been assessing information for some time on this issue and the decision to reach this conclusion was made within the past 24 hours," Hagel said.

The White House said it wanted to provide a "prompt response" to a query on Wednesday from lawmakers about whether Syria had used chemical weapons. The legislators' letter to Obama cited the assessments by Israel, France and Britain.

Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona, one of the leading advocates of deeper U.S. involvement in the Syrian conflict, said the intelligence assessment demanded a response.

"The president of the United States said that if Bashar Assad used chemical weapons, it would be a game-changer, that it would cross a red line," he said. "I think it's pretty obvious that red line has been crossed."

Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein, head of the Senate Intelligence Committee, voiced concern that the public acknowledgement of the U.S. intelligence assessment could embolden Assad and may prompt him to calculate "he has nothing more to lose."

"Syria has the ability to kill tens of thousands with its chemical weapons. The world must come together to prevent this by unified action," she said.

In Brussels, the NATO alliance was "concerned by reports of the possible use of chemical weapons," an official said.

"As NATO has said in the past, any use of these weapons would be completely unacceptable and a clear breach of international law, and if any side uses these weapons we would expect a reaction from the international community," the official said.

Patriot missile interceptors that NATO has sent to Turkey, a member of the alliance which borders Syria, would "help ensure the protection of Turkey against any missile attack, whether the missiles carry chemical weapons or not," the official added.

(Additional reporting by Matt Spetalnick, Roberta Rampton, Patricia Zengerle and Tabassum Zakaria; Editing by Warren Strobel and Peter Cooney)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/u-suspects-syria-used-chemical-weapons-wants-proof-034431157.html

Katy Perry Grammys 2013 taylor swift taylor swift Ed Sheeran Fun ll cool j Presidents Day 2013

Friday, April 26, 2013

Google Glass' vision of the future runs on a 2011 smartphone chip

Google Glass may represent the future of wearables, but its components are a vestige of the past -- 2011, to be exact. That's according to developer Jay Lee who dug up some interesting Glass tidbits using Android Debug Bridge. Taking to his Google+ page, Lee verified that Google's smart eyewear currently runs on Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich - a fact CEO Larry Page has apparently fessed up to -- incorporates an OMAP 4430 processor running at an unspecified frequency and is paired with about 682MB RAM (out of a likely 1GB), though it's not clear if this is a dual-core setup. For non-mobile industry historians, this particular Texas Instruments OMAP chipset hasn't been used since the Droid Bionic and Atrix 2 in 2011, making it relatively ancient by industry standards. So, what other surprises lurk beneath the Glass? We'll leave those mysteries to our EIC Tim Stevens to suss out in his Glass diaries.

Filed under: Wearables, Google

Comments

Via: Ars Technica

Source: Jay Lee (Google+)

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/yDlytm1WOns/

the hobbit mick jagger Newton Shooting Newtown Shooting Gangnam Style Ryan Lanza Sandy Hook

Twitter settles dispute with analytics firm over data access

By Gerry Shih

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Twitter Inc and Peoplebrowsr Inc, a social media analytics firm, reached a settlement that would allow Peoplebrowsr to continue to buy Twitter's data until the end of 2013, the two companies announced Thursday.

Beginning next year, Peoplebrowsr will have to purchase access to the full "firehose" of 400 million daily tweets through one of Twitter's authorized data resellers, according to the settlement's terms.

Peoplebrowsr, based in San Francisco, sifts through Twitter and resells social media "intelligence" to clients that include media organizations and the U.S. Department of Defense.

The legal dispute between the two companies flared last late year, when Twitter, which has been ramping up its operations as it approaches a widely anticipated initial public offering, began to exercise greater control over its content.

Although Twitter contends that individual users retain intellectual ownership over their tweets, the company has moved aggressively to block some firms from profiting off of its data.

Peoplebrowsr had been purchasing data from Twitter directly, rather than through a reseller, on a month-to-month basis before Twitter sought to end the arrangement last July.

Peoplebrowsr Chief Executive Andrew Grill said the settlement gave Peoplebrowsr the eight months it needed to "technically and commercially" figure out how to continue providing the same kind of analytical services.

"We got out of this settlement what we needed," he said.

Financial details of the settlement were not disclosed.

Twitter said in a statement: "We're pleased to have this matter dismissed with prejudice, and look forward to PeopleBrowsr's transition by the end of the year off of the Firehose to join the ecosystem of developers utilizing Twitter data via our reseller partnerships."

(Reporting by Gerry Shih; Editing by Bob Burgdorfer)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/twitter-settles-dispute-analytics-firm-over-data-access-233257287--sector.html

Levis Fireman Ed Allegiant Air Melissa Rycroft mega millions Cyber Monday Deals 2012 Sasha McHale

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Panasonic launches $500 Lumix DMC-LF1 enthusiast compact with WiFi, NFC

Panasonic's just unveiled the 12-megapixel Lumix DMC-LF1 compact for fans of high-end compacts like Canon's S110 who may not want to snap with a smartphone camera. But the social set will still be able to share images to their handset or tablet thanks to the LF1's built-in WiFi with NFC pairing and included app. Meanwhile, most cellphones definitely can't compete with the 1/1.7-inch, 12-megapixel CMOS sensor and 28-200mm equivalent f2.0-5.9 Leica zoom lens. Other specs include 1,920/60i video with AVCHD and MP4 recording, POWER OIS, a 200K EVF, a variety of shooting modes like panorama, and full manual control. There's no set arrival date, but it'll run a hefty $500 or so -- perhaps a hard sell against certain photo-clever handsets.

Filed under: Cameras

Comments

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/YxCGSXipvhc/

scalloped potatoes the ten commandments charlton heston moses tulsa shooting doug fister the perfect storm

Civil society groups slam government for ?failure to ... - Minivan News

Civil society groups slam government for ?failure to ensure conducive environment for elections? thumbnail

Prominent NGOs have released a joint human rights brief accusing the Maldivian government of failing to create conditions conducive to free and fair elections, ahead of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) meeting to be held in London this Friday.

The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the Maldivian Democracy Network (MDN) reported that with less than six months before the presidential elections ?there are clear signs indicating that the coalition government in power since February 2012 has so far failed to set the conditions for free and fair elections in which ?all parties and leaders are able freely to conduct election campaigns?.?

?The most critical matter in this regard is the continued interference of the executive on other branches of power, as manifested by the trial of several opposition members to prevent the opposition from running in the upcoming elections,? the brief reads.

Authorities have both failed to ensure a ?free and fair? atmosphere with respect to freedom of information or freedom to assembly, as well as made no efforts to inform and educate voters on electoral rights and responsibilities, the report claims.

FIDH and MDN highlight that promoting and protecting human rights has suffered from a ?substantial lack of progress? and that a ?culture of impunity for perpetrators of past human rights violations? has been institutionalised.

While ?human rights abuses reduced drastically? following former President Mohamed Nasheed?s election in 2008, past and present police brutality, torture and impunity have gone unaddressed, states the brief.

Institutions such as the Police Integrity Commission (PIC), the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM), and a Presidential Commission ? created in 2009 and disbanded in 2012 ? failed to investigate and address human rights abuses, including torture committed by the police services, given their limited mandates.

?The coalition government established in February 2012 has been accused of a wide range of human rights violations, from violent repression of street protests, arbitrary arrests, sexual harassment of female protesters, torture, harassment of pro-opposition media, to legal and physical harassment of members of the opposition,? states the brief.

?Since the HRCM made public its reports on these allegations in August 2012, no action has been taken for investigation or redress,? the brief continues.

Systematic omissions have been identified in the the Commission of National Inquiry (CoNI) ?serious enough to raise fundamental questions about the accuracy of the report?s conclusions.? Furthermore, recommendations made by the CoNI on August 30, 2012 regarding human rights abuses, torture, and impunity ?were immediately dismissed by senior government officials; this could only encourage the security forces to disregard the rule of law and commit further human rights abuses in impunity,? the brief reads.

?Uncertainties? have caused a ?new phase of slowdown? in the country?s legal reform process as well.

?Women have suffered and still suffer from the absence of a strong legal framework? and?women?s rights remain at risk of being curbed by religious parties influencing the governing coalition and pushing for the full implementation of Sharia,? the report states.

Rising tensions regarding interpretations of Islam is ?particularly an area of concern? given the ?fundamental views being introduced by the Adalath party and some religious groups, mainly those that are being linked with Shari?a and harsh punishments,? claims the brief.

?Bearing in mind that there is absolutely no public trust in the judiciary to have the capacity to deliver justice under these circumstances, those critical of these [religious] interpretations have faced violent consequences,? reads the brief. ?To date, there are no reports of an investigation or any on-going effort to find the perpetrators of these crimes [of murder and attempted murder].?

Following Nasheed?s claim he was deposed in a coup d??tat, the Commonwealth suspended the Maldives from the CMAG, and said it had decided to place the Maldives on its formal agenda in February 2012 because of ?questions that remain about the precise circumstances of the change of government, as well as the fragility of the situation in the Maldives.?

In September 2012, CMAG decided the Maldives would remain on the agenda?under the item ?Matters of Interest to CMAG?, however its suspension from the international body?s democracy and human rights arm has now been revoked.

CMAG recommendations

FIDH and MDN emphasised that the newly reformed CMAG mandate includes ?situations that might be regarded as constituting a serious or persistent violation of Commonwealth values?, and the ?systematic denial of political space, such as through detention of political leaders or restriction of freedom of association, assembly or expression.?

?These situations have continuously characterised the political environment of the Maldives especially since the change of power of 7 February 2012.?

FIDH and MDN provided CMAG with five key recommendations in regard to the deteriorating human rights situation in the Maldives.

They compelled CMAG to raise concerns regarding human rights violations in the Maldives, especially allegations of police brutality and torture, and request government authorities take all necessary measures to prevent violence, respect the due process of law and prevent arbitrary arrests.

A review of CMAG?s position on CoNI report should be conducted, especially in reference to ?later developments?.

CMAG should also advocate for the preservation and consolidation of democratic achievements and take all necessary steps to guarantee the conditions for free, fair and inclusive elections in September 2013.

Providing technical assistance to the Maldives? government is recommended. This is necessary to strengthen the rule of law and support the development of public institutions, in particular the judiciary, as well as independent commissions such as the HRCM, the PIC, and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

Finally, provide support to civil society organizations to raise public awareness about the role of public institutions and the importance of separation of powers, develop human rights education programs, and play a key role monitoring democratic and independent institution building.

Maldivian government recommendations

FIDH and MDN also provided the Maldivian government with a list of 11 recommendations to improve the country?s human rights failures.

This includes strengthening independent commissions, such as the PIC, JSC, and HRCM, in accordance with CoNI report recommendations. Reforming the judiciary should also be prioritized.

The physical and psychological integrity of human rights defenders, journalists and members of the opposition must be also guaranteed in all circumstances.

Initiating a national campaign to address past human rights violations (1978-2008), including ?accountability for perpetrators, acknowledgement, truth-telling mechanisms, reparations, and legal and institutional reforms to prevent occurrence of new violations? is recommended.

?Such mechanisms would also act as a deterrent to prevent any future form of harassment, intimidation, arbitrary arrest or ill-treatment by State security personnel,? the brief states.

Additionally, the Majlis (parliament) should ?urgently enact? pending legislation, ensure civil society is consulted, and that the bills ?fully conform with international human rights commitments and obligations of the Maldives.? Furthermore, the death penalty should not be enshrined in those texts.

FIDH and MDN also recommend the government fulfill its various international commitments. This includes investigating allegations of torture, adopting implementing legislation for the International Criminal Court statute, as well as guaranteeing the human rights and protections enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

Additionally, the scope of the Maldives? reservation to Article 16 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) ? which aims to eliminate discrimination in all matters relating to marriage and family relations, and ensures gender equality ? should be significantly reduced.

Adhering to the recommendations of various UN Special Rapporteur?s, which have addressed some of the systemic problems within the judicial system and various human rights issues, is also recommended. As is arranging future Rapporteur?s missions regarding transitional justice and additional human rights challenges.

Government reaction

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dhunya Maumoon told local media yesterday (April 23) that?Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Abdul Samad Abdullah had left for London April 22 to participate in the CMAG meeting.

Maumoon highlighted that this marks the first occasion the Maldives has been invited to a CMAG meeting since its removal from the agenda.

?The opportunity for the Maldivian Foreign Minister to participate in a CMAG meeting was a great achievement, and one which resulted from the efforts by President Waheed?s government in cooperation with the Commonwealth,? said Maumoon.

?Now Maldives will have the opportunity to partake in discussions at CMAG. But the Maldives delegation will not be present when the group discusses the Maldives,? she added.

Maumoon also reiterated the government?s position that the Maldives should not have been on CMAG?s agenda and that ?the move was prompted by a lack of understanding of the true events that transpired in the Maldives.?

?Some countries? had realized this error and accused Nasheed of influencing CMAG members, Maumoon claimed.

While Maumoon admitted ?there was always a fear of instability in Maldives due to the rather infant democracy in the country,? she also highlighted that ?international partners have acknowledged the positive strides the country has made brought about in a relatively peaceful manner.?

In April 2012, Maldives? permanent representative to the EU Ali Hussein Didi criticised the Commonwealth?s involvement in the Maldives, telling the European Parliament that the Commonwealth?s Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) lacked a clear mandate to place the Maldives on its agenda.

Source: http://minivannews.com/politics/civil-society-groups-slam-government-for-failure-to-ensure-conducive-environment-for-elections-ahead-of-commonwealth-meeting-56908

north korea threat brandon jacobs brandon jacobs brian dawkins emma roberts north korea news north korea news

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Residential lawns efflux more carbon dioxide than corn fields

Apr. 23, 2013 ? More carbon dioxide is released from residential lawns than corn fields according to a new study. And much of the difference can likely be attributed to soil temperature. The data, from researchers at Elizabethtown College, suggest that urban heat islands may be working at smaller scales than previously thought.

These findings provide a better understanding of the changes that occur when agricultural lands undergo development and urbanization to support growing urban populations.

David Bowne, assistant professor of biology, led the study to look at the amount of carbon dioxide being released from residential lawns versus corn fields in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. His co-author, Erin Johnson, was an undergraduate at the time of the study and did the work as part of her senior honors thesis. Their findings were published online today in Soil Science Society of America Journal.

For Bowne, the study allowed him to look beyond the obvious impact of losing agricultural fields to development -- the loss of food that was once produced on the land.

"That is a legitimate concern, but I wanted to look more at how this change could potentially impact the carbon cycle with the understanding that the carbon cycle has implications for global climate change," explains Bowne.

To begin to understand how the carbon cycle was changing, Bowne and Johnson measured carbon dioxide efflux, soil temperature, and soil moisture under the two different land uses. They found that both carbon dioxide efflux and soil temperature were higher in residential lawns than in corn fields. Additionally, temperature had the most influence on the levels of carbon dioxide efflux, followed by the type of land use.

Higher temperatures leading to increased carbon dioxide efflux was not a surprise for Bowne and Johnson as this relationship has been documented before. "As you increase temperature," Bowne explains, "you increase biological activity -- be it microbial, plant, fungal, or animal." That increased activity, then, leads to more respiration and higher levels of carbon dioxide leaving the soils.

What was unexpected, however, was that the higher temperatures found in residential lawns suggested urban heat islands working at small scales. Urban heat islands are well documented phenomena in which development leads to large areas of dark-colored surfaces such as roofs, buildings, and parking lots. The dark color means more heat is absorbed leading to an increase in temperature in the neighboring areas. Urban areas, then, are warmer than the surrounding countryside.

The interesting part of Bowne's study is that the urban heat islands in the areas he was looking seem to operate on much smaller scales than he previously thought. While heat islands are usually studied on large scales -- such as comparing a large city and its surrounding rural areas -- fewer studies have been done to work out how development may affect temperatures on small scales.

"Within a developed area, within a city or town, you could have local increases in soil temperature because of the amount of development within a really small area," says Bowne.

His research suggests that temperatures may vary even across short distances due to the influence of development. One source cited in his paper says that development within even 175 meters of a location can cause an increase in temperature. Bowne is planning further experiments to test soil temperatures over a range of development setups and sizes.

The other factor that Bowne will test in the future is the sequestration of carbon. Along with the carbon dioxide efflux data in the current study, information about carbon sequestration would give a bigger picture of carbon cycling. That picture could then help researchers determine how various land uses as well as management practices such as no-till agriculture or leaving grass clippings on lawns can change the carbon cycling.

"If we go from one land use to another land use, how does that impact carbon cycling which in turn can affect climate change? Our current study touches on one component of that cycle, and more research is needed to address this huge topic," says Bowne.

Share this story on Facebook, Twitter, and Google:

Other social bookmarking and sharing tools:

Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Soil Science Society of America (SSSA).

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

Journal Reference:

David R. Bowne, Erin R. Johnson. Comparison of Soil Carbon Dioxide Efflux between Residential Lawns and Corn Fields. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 2013; 0 (0): 0 DOI: 10.2136/sssaj2012.0346N

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/top_news/~3/lDxyqrGcYCA/130423110711.htm

taylor swift safe and sound delilah nevis 2012 sports illustrated swimsuit same day flower delivery valentines day cards hallmark

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

'This stuff is cool': Obama goes into high gear at White House science fair

Saying "this stuff is really cool," President Obama praised the science projects from some high-achieving students at the third White House science fair. NBC's Peter Alexander reports.????

By Darlene Superville, The Associated Press

WASHINGTON ??It was an offer President Barack Obama couldn't refuse.

"You're welcome to try this out if you like," the Oakland Park, Fla., high school student said.

With that, a president who often laments a lifestyle that denies him the pleasure of driving eagerly hopped on the blue-and-silver bicycle in his dark blue suit and pedaled away ??never mind that the machinery didn't take him anywhere.

"Only because these guys really want this," Obama said, gesturing to the small group of reporters and photographers who were brought to a White House garden on Monday to watch the president go from exhibit to exhibit at his third White House science fair.

He said afterward that the science fair is "one of my favorite events during the course of the year."

As Obama pedaled, Payton Karr and Kiona Elliot, classmates at Northeast High School, explained their pedal-powered water filtration system. The collapsible, transportable emergency water-sanitation station filters E. coli and other harmful pathogens from contaminated water. During emergencies, the device can be assembled and broken down in less than an hour, and can produce enough water for 20 to 30 people during a 15-hour period.

Karr and Elliot were among some 30 student teams that were invited to the White House to show off projects that won them top honors in science, technology, engineering and math competitions around the country.

Jewel Samad / AFP - Getty Images

President Barack Obama paddles a bicycle-powered emergency water-sanitation system in the East Garden on Monday, during the White House science fair.

Jewel Samad / AFP - Getty Images

President Barack Obama checks out a low-cost mini-press that can turn biomass waste products such as banana peels into a viable wood alternative for cooking. The device was designed by students from Pinelands Eco Regional High School in New Jersey.

Larry Downing / Reuters

President Barack Obama views the winning entry in the BEST Robotics category with students from St. Vincent de Paul Middle School in Theodore, Ala., as he hosts the White House science fair in the State Dining Room at the White House. The "Vator" robot is designed to mimic a space elevator by lifting cargo up a 10-foot pole.

Rockets, robots rule
Rockets and robots were among the exhibits, too, along with a fully functioning prosthetic arm that 17-year-old Easton LaChapelle, of Mancos, Colo., made mostly with parts generated from a 3-D printer. He said it cost just a few hundred dollars to make, far less than the $80,000 replacement arm he said had inspired him.

The arm apparently functioned up until a few minutes before Obama stopped at Easton's exhibit in the State Dining Room. Easton told Obama that he'd planned for the prosthetic arm to shake the president's hand. Obama shook hands with the disembodied arm anyway, "because it was working," he said.

Three pint-sized students from Flippen Elementary School in McDonough, Ga., told Obama about the "Cool Pads" they created to help football players stay cool on the field. Evan Jackson, 10, Alec Jackson, 8, and Caleb Robinson, 8, developed the pads for the shoulders, helmet, armpits and groin with built-in temperature sensors to help keep players from overheating. Gatorade is in there, too, so players don't have to leave the field to hydrate.

Obama called their invention "pretty spiffy."

During more formal remarks after he visited a total of a dozen exhibits, Obama praised the students and their projects, which included new ways to detect cancer, create alternatives to burning wood for fuel and breeding new types of algae.

"Young people like these have to make you hopeful about the future of our country," he said.

AmeriCorps effort
Obama also announced a new effort to link AmeriCorps national service members with nonprofit groups that promote science, technology, engineering and math. Since taking office in 2009, Obama has been pushing to increase the number of students, including girls, and teachers who pursue these fields.

He also saw the rocket built by Darius Hooker, 19, of Memphis, Tenn., and his high-school classmate Wesley Carter that propelled eggs more than 800 feet into the air and then brought them down unbroken in less than a minute.

"Did the eggs come down OK?" Obama asked.

Hooker said in a telephone interview afterward that he was always interested in "anything that goes up" and that he now thinks of himself as a role model.

"We motivate a lot of people that's our age, younger than us and older than us," he said. Hooker is currently studying for a license in aircraft mechanics at Tennessee Technology Center in Memphis.

More about science at the White House:

Source: http://feeds.nbcnews.com/c/35002/f/653377/s/2b09e513/l/0Lscience0Bnbcnews0N0C0Inews0C20A130C0A40C220C1786670A0A0Ethis0Estuff0Eis0Ecool0Eobama0Egoes0Einto0Ehigh0Egear0Eat0Ewhite0Ehouse0Escience0Efair0Dlite/story01.htm

Jenny Johnson olivier martinez ny lottery Ohio Lottery Colorado Lottery Pa Lottery Ebates

Monday, April 22, 2013

The Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 5: First Trailer!

Source:

elizabeth berkley lenny dykstra jenelle evans jenelle evans

Samsung Galaxy S4 screen weathers a flurry of blades

Samsung Galaxy S4

Over the weekend, one Romanian reviewer put the screen of the Samsung Galaxy S4 through a gauntlet of durability tests. Three different knives, a pen, a set of keys, and a fistful of coins didn't seem able to put the slightest mark on the S4's front face. This is good news for those that are on the verge of picking up one of these bad boys.

The Galaxy S4 is the first handset to use Gorilla Glass 3, which we've seen take a pretty harsh beating at CES, showing that it can do as well with impacts just as it can with scratches.

After seeing the video below, are you any more convinced about picking up a Samsung Galaxy S4? How highly does screen durability rate in your purchasing decisions?

Via: SamMobile

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/_bP3TiQcIxs/story01.htm

christina aguilera Mayan End Of The World Olivia Black World Ending 2012 gossip girl Ink Master Jenni Rivera Funeral

Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3 hits the FCC, sports AT&T compatible HSPA+

Samsung's Galaxy Mega 6.3 still doesn't have an exact launch date, but it has made its way to the FCC. While the Mega was announced with LTE and HSPA+ radios, it appears that this version, model I9200, only has the latter onboard (I9205 is the LTE-equipped variant) -- the Galaxy slightly-less Mega, it seems. It's a safe bet that this particular model won't officially make it stateside, but the reports seem to indicate that it'll play nice with AT&T's HSPA+ bands. In case you're thinking of importing this 1.7Ghz device down the line, you can have a look at our hands-on here. Otherwise, you can have a look at the filing by heading to the source link.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung

Comments

Source: FCC