Puerto Rican Statehood Again Becomes An Issue In Congress
by Chris Bowers, Wed Apr 25, 2007 at 12:23:01 PM EDT
Capitol Hill is debating two proposals to determine the status of Puerto Rico, the Caribbean island that has been part of the United States since 1898. Although obscure, the issue could certainly affect perceptions among Puerto Rican voters, who represent a significant segment of the Hispanic vote.(...)While Bush maintains a veto threat on the bill that would give the District of Columbia a permanent, voting member in the House of Representatives, it actually appears that many Republicans, including the Bush administration, are in favor of statehood for Puerto Rico. In fact, the statehood movement in Puerto Rico seems to be mainly a Republican effort:
Two competing bills in Congress have primed the lobbying efforts on both sides. The Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2007, sponsored by Jose E. Serrano (D.-N.Y.), offers a two-step process on the road to statehood. The Puerto Rico Self Determination Act of 2007, sponsored by Nydia M. Velazquez (D.-N.Y.), calls for Puerto Ricans to have a constitutional convention on the subject and then present the results to Congress, which would make the final decision.(...)
At a packed Subcommittee on Insular Affairs hearing Wednesday afternoon, lobbyists following the issue said a statement from a Justice Department official supporting the Serrano bill marked an important victory for Statehooders.
The fiercest point of the debate over what happens to Puerto Rico is the partisan question. Both Republicans and Democrats belong to the Statehood Party; 60 percent are Republicans, and the remaining 40 are Democrats. In the Commonwealth Party, those who affiliate themselves with a national party are only Democrats because they're not allowed in the Republican Party, whose platform calls for statehood.Now, this is a complicated issue, one on which I do not claim to even have a modicum of useful insight. I don't really know why the left, or at least the center-left, position in the Puerto Rico appears to be in favor of remaining a commonwealth without will voting rights, but I certainly do not feel comfortable with the United States maintaining what is, in essence, a very large colony in the Caribbean. Personally, I favor either statehood or independence for Puerto Rico, simply because I don't like resident of any territory of the United States to not have the same rights as residents of any other territory. In my opinion, either we should grant equally to everyone, or we should split up. However, because independence appears to only have about one-tenth of the support of statehood, it would seem that statehood is the only viable political option that I would support.
Black argues that as a state, Puerto Rico's congressional delegation would go Democratic because three times as many people vote in that party's primaries compared with those who vote in the Republican ones. Not so, says Fuentes; of the 38 Statehood mayors, only one is a Democrat and 37 are Republicans.
Leaving aside the likelihood of such an event, the odds of which I can't even begin to estimate, if Puerto Rico were to become a state, it certainly does appear that it would lean Democratic. Latinos broke 69-30 for Democrats in 2006, those with an income under $15K broke 67-30 for Democrats, Democrats make up 40% of the right-wing party on the island, and Democratic primaries have three times greater voter turnout than Republicans. Whether or not the Puerto Rican congressional delegation would elect Democrats, it would probably exclusively members of parties that would at least caucus with congressional Democrats. And the federal delegation would be quite significant: six new US House seats, two new US Senators, and eight electoral votes. This is the sort of structural shift that could take both the House and the Senate virtually out of play for Republicans until at least until 2012, not to mention provide the Democratic nominee for President with an important, new "base" state in the general election. The importance of this issue goes far beyond partisan politics, but it is hard to not salivate at the potential it holds for Democrats.
Any resources or further information people can provide on this issue in the comments would be greatly appreciated. Articulation of the anti-statehood position would also be very helpful.


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(L.A.) Hilda Juarez Perez, 57, Died at a Residence
Case Number: 2023-12102
Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 57-year-old Hispanic female that occurred at a residence.
The coroner’s office has identified the woman as Hilda Juarez Perez.
Manner of Death: Homicide
Cause of Death: Multiple Gunshot Wounds
RIP HILDA JUAREZ PEREZ (July 3, 1966 – September 9, 2023)
Formal pronouncement of death was made on Saturday at 7:20 p.m.


20 Prisons Everyone Wants To Avoid In Their LifetimeLists, Shocking
Prison is already a pretty scary place, so finding out there are some out there across the world that are even worse than a general prison is pretty terrifying. Most people don’t think twice about a convicted criminal being sentenced to prison, but if you knew about the horrible things going on behind bars in some corners of the world, then you would think differently about those lives forced into these situations. These twenty prisons don’t rehabilitate, they make things worse.
Camp 22, North Korea
North Korea is already the type of place most people don’t want to end up in. Camp 22, however, is about ten times worse than the Communist country as a whole. Camp 22, otherwise known as Hoeryong Concentration Camp, gained a lot of notoriety in 2012 after it was found to be holding 50,000 prisoners. Extreme torture, human experimentation, and plenty more occur behind the walls.
Carandiru Prison, Brazil
Carandiru was the site of the Carandiru Tragedy in 1992, where riots caused the mass execution of the inmates within the facility by the guarders charged with watching over them. Over 1,300 deaths were confirmed throughout the entire course of its history. Human rights violations ran rampant during its 46 years.
Tadmor Military Prison, Syria
Amnesty International calls Tadmor Military Prison the most oppressive facility in the world thanks to the dehumanization that occurs. A clean-up massacre ended the lives of around 800 to 2,400 inmates living here within a 2 week span.
Bang Kwon Prison, Thailand
The “Bangkok Hilton” was known for housing some of the most notoriously crazy individuals in all of Thailand. Most of them didn’t begin crazy, though. The prison is overcrowded, understaffed, and has some of the worst living conditions for prisoners in the entire country.
La Sabaneta, Venezuela
La Sabaneta has gained some notoriety for being the most brutal prison in all of South America. Violence is a daily occurrence for those living within its walls, but that’s not the only thing prisoners must be wary of. Disease, starvation, very little medical care, and underpaid staff are all blatant problems with the facility.
El Rodeo, Guatire, Venezuela
Hugo Chavez’s reign had one of the highest crime rates within Venezuela, and over 50,000 prisoners were crowded into facilities across the country. A visitor day in 2011 ended with a bloodbath between rival gang members and resulted in a month long siege of the entire facility.
ADX Florence Supermax Prison, Colorado
This particular maximum security prison was built specifically in response to attacks happening against guards from inmates in prisons across the country. Psychological torture is quite common here, and many prisoners ultimately commit suicide due to the conditions.
Diyarbakir Prison, Turkey
This penal facility is thought to be the most sadistic and forbidden institutions. Physical and mental torture are beyond common, unlivable conditions, sexual abuse amongst inmates, and the incarceration of children for their entire lives are all too common. Inmates have attempted to gain better conditions through strikes, and some even lit themselves ablaze.
Gitarama Central Prison, Rwanda
This prison in Rwanda has been called hell on earth by some. Prisoners simply eat, sleep, live, rot, and die altogether. Four men per square yard bake underneath the African sun. Prisoners were left for dead for quite some time during the Rwandan genocide. Gangrene was quite common throughout the facility, and cannibalism ran rampant.
Alcatraz, San Francisco, California
Known as the “Devil’s Island,” Alcatraz was constructed in the 1920’s to insure escape was impossible amongst the prisoners. Abusive guards were the main issue here, as the men on staff forced prisoners to remain silent and even go so far as to prevent them from showing emotion for fear of punishment.
La Sante, Paris
La Sante means ‘health’, but that’s far from the truth. Prisoners underwent mental and physical torture during their time here. In 2002, 122 prisoners ended up committing suicide over the conditions, and 73 more committed suicide using drain cleaner by 2003.
Gldani Prison, Tbilisi, Georgia
Georgia has a zero-tolerance approach to criminals in their country, which means they have the lowest rates in Europe. However, when they do obtain inmates, they suffer tuberculosis epidemics, horrible treatment, and violent sexual assault behind bars.
San Quentin, California
San Quentin is the oldest prison in California, and both male and female prisoners are held here. Corruption was the biggest issue at one time, and inter-racial riots often occurred, some even encouraged by the guards on staff. San Quentin currently has the largest death row for male inmates in the nation.
Rikers Island Prison, New York
Rikers Island is already a notorious prison, but it gained attention across the world when an eighteen-year-old prisoner was beaten to death as the guards watched. Cruel treatment of mentally ill prisoners, most of whom end up committing suicide, is a major problem behind these fences too.
San Juan de Lurigancho, Lima, Peru
San Juan was built to house a measly 2,500 prisoners, but currently has over 7,000 incarcerated. Inmates are capable of selling almost anything, from electronics and movies to illegal drugs. Prostitutes wander the roads within the walls. Violence, including murder, is an epidemic.
Petak Island Prison, White Lake, Russia
The Russian version of America’s Alcatraz, Petak Island Prison is the home to the most dangerous prisoners in the country. Violence from both guards and inmates is a problem, and isolation with no bathroom or washing facilities. Prisoners are psychologically scarred and physically deteriorated.
Black Beach Prison, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
Human rights offenses are the biggest problem here, but guard brutality, starvation, overcrowding, and rat infestations are almost daily issues, too. Prisoners die from chronic disease, torture and prolonged beatings. Some prisoners simply disappear altogether.
Nairobi Prison, Kenya
800 prisoners were originally supposed to call this prison home, but that number has grown to 3,000 in 2003. Hygiene, sanitation, and living conditions ensure every single day is a struggle for the men behind these walls. Mental and physical health deteriorate quite fast.
Butyrka Prison, Moscow, Russia
Butyrka Prison is the largest prison in central Moscow, and is known for the brutality that occurs regularly. 20,000 inmates were present here during the Great Purge, where thousands were executed following an investigation. 100 inmates can be stuffed into a cell made for 10 men. AIDS and tuberculosis are rampant issues.
Kamiti Maximum Security Prison, Nairobi, Kenya
Prisoners live in some of the worst conditions imaginable here in Kenya. Sodomy, being beaten to death, malnutrition, cholera, and ulcers are completely normal amongst those living within the gated facility. It won’t get better anytime soon, unfortunately.


Our friendly manager, Jo Higham, and the staff will be happy to answer your queries regarding use of the facilities at the Leigh Arms.
Please contact us by post at:
The Leigh Arms
CW8 4QT, UK
Our telephone number is 01606 853327
You can also Email for any further information.
Please note that we can only accept table reservations by calling the telephone number above.


It was Ford’s sedan-pickup rival to the Chevrolet El Camino and GMC Sprint. In 1973, the Ranchero was Ford’s ‘sedan-pickup’ version of the Torino, and it too was in the second year of a new generation. Throughout the Torino / Ranchero ‘marriage’, the two vehicles shared most of their options, including the (now) hard to find GT sports package. While the usefulness of the cargo bed on these “pickup cars” is debatable, it does add style. Rancheros are an great candidate for performance modifications and use many of exact same parts as a Torino, plus weigh less most of the time. The largest engine you could get until 1976, was a 460 V8.
In 1977, the Ranchero name survived as the Torino name was dropped in favor of the LTD II. It was still on the same underpinnings, but wearing the new LTD II metal. Ranchero was a well-equipped vehicle this generation. Engine choices were a 302 V8 or 351 V8, but a 400 V8 was on the roster until 1978. The last model year was 1979, but a little known fact is that there actually was a separate 1979.5 model year for the truck. For its finale, Ford produced a limited edition Ranchero with a full leather interior, and special paint. The exact number produced is unknown.


Eye color - wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, 1 genetic determination; 2 classification of color; 3 changes in eye color; 4 eye color chart (martin scale) 4.1 amber; 4.2 blue; 4.3 brown; 4.4 gray; 4.5 green; 4.6. John brown (abolitionist) - wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, For other people of the same name, see john brown.. Timeline: michael brown shooting in ferguson, mo., Timeline: michael brown shooting in ferguson, mo. a look at how events in ferguson, mo., unfolded after michael brown was shot and killed by a police.
Free clip art & images - millions of royalty free images, Clker.com provides hundreds of thousands of free clip art & vector images that you can download or embed anywhere at no cost. the best in free images.. Cosmetics | bobbibrown.com, Shop makeup and skincare products on bobbi brown cosmetics online. learn bobbi's latest looks, makeup tips and techniques.. Brown note - tv tropes, Naga's noblewoman's laugh is the ultimate brown note in the slayers universe; heard from any distance it's been known to drive entire cities into raw panic, children.


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Memories have always been one of the most mysterious functions of our brain.
A recent discovery showed that moments before a memory is about to emerge, certain nerve cells jolt into action. Electrodes were implanted into the brains of epilepsy patients suddenly picked up signals in the hippocampus, a central memory center in the brain, while patients were shown pictures of things familiar to them. While the patients were viewing the images, the electrodes detected brain activity in the form of sharp-wave ripples.
Researchers later blindfolded the same patients and asked them to remember the pictures they were shown. A few seconds before they began to describe the pictures, the researchers noticed activity in the sharp-wave ripples, which resembled the ripples seen while showing them the pictures.
Since the ripples were echoed, we’ve learned that the ripples are essential in learning new information and recalling that information at a later time. It was already known that the ripples in the hippocampus were important in the formation of memories, but their role in recalling the memories was not clear.


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Remind me to update my interests.
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Google’s Nexus 10 will be made available on November 13th on the Play Store, however, for future customers interested in getting the 10-inch tablet sooner Walmart may be an option. Apparently late last night a shopper discovered Google’s newest tab for display with product label and all. While the shopper wasn’t able to purchase the Nexus 10 (the source indicated that there wasn’t anybody around to help), the fact that the Nexus 10 is on display could point to a possible sale coming prior to the launch date.
The label displayed the expected $499 for the 32GB model. Please keep in mind that most retailers do in fact have secrutity measures to prevent sales prior to a release date utilizing a POS lockout at the register. Iit isn’t quite known if the Nexus 10 falls into this category, however, customers might be able to take advantage of getting a unit early if Google didn’t have strict release date guidelines. Nevertheless, it’s only a matter of days before customers and Android fanatics alike can order what will be the most coveted reference tablet in the game.


I'm not saying it's important -- I'm saying just the opposite, that diversity in fashion should be accepted as something people have a right to practice and not argued about and objected to because it doesn't fit some narrow preconception about fashion or gender.
Anything that somebody has a right to wear, somebody else will have the right to point and laugh. Nothing is above criticism.
And to be brutally honest, I don't give a CRAP what real fashion will be like in 400 years' time. All any of us know is what things look like now, and the way I see it, the skant is as cringe-worthy as anything I've seen on that show.
I've also seen at least one heterosexual man publicly advocate male dresses.
Was it Eddie Izzard?


Training and Experience:
Emergency Management Bachelor’s degree is preferred. Possession of the following required: Bachelor’s Degree in, Public Health or Healthcare Administration from an accredited college or university or 4 years’ experience in emergency management planning may be substituted for the degree. Demonstrated ability to perform assigned responsibilities with minimum supervision; to maintain quality control standards; to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures. Strong verbal, written and interpersonal skills. Ability to develop and maintain cooperative relationships with staff members and clinicians and work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team. Demonstrated ability to follow set routines and be alert to variations and make decisions accordingly. Sensitivity to racially, ethnically, culturally and sexually diverse populations; excellent oral and written communication skills; and knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Working knowledge of methods and practices in a community clinic setting or similar health care facility. Ability to identify potential risks and ensure that they are appropriately mitigated. Experience in developing plans and procedures;. Basic knowledge of local, state and federal regulations relating to care of patients in a clinic setting, Managed Care, and Title 22 is preferred. Skilled at identifying problems and recommending solutions in a clear, concise and proactive manner, including recognition and resolution of costly errors. Demonstrated ability to set priorities and organize work responsibilities to insure completion of assigned tasks within agreed upon time span. Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions sufficient to establish a safe work environment.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This is primarily an office position that requires frequent bending, reaching, stooping, lifting and moving of office materials weighing 25 pounds or less. The position requires daily use of a personal computer and requires entering, viewing, and revising text and graphics on the computer terminal and on paper.
Must possess a valid California driver’s license; proof of auto liability insurance; and have the use of a personal vehicle for work related purposes which entails driving to all APLA Health from time to time.
Equal Opportunity Employer: minority/female/disability/veteran.


It caught my eye : a cute little dinosaur cartoon then a matching plate frame. Then I noticed the model is the “Alero”. That was just about the last new car introduced by Oldsmobile before GM did a little corporate Euthanasia. Have they been to Cabazon and fell in love with the dino out there? Was the driver married to one? Which was it?
pic by me with the trusty cell phone, doesn’t get bigger but if it did there would be no point.
Here’s one casualty of the strike that few will shed tears over: award shows.
The first victim: The Golden Globes.
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the producers behind the Globes, have failed to make an interim deal with the WGA, and according to Variety, this
will could result in an untelevised awards ceremony. SAG is encouraging its members not to cross the picket line, meaning few actors will likely attend to present or attend the award ceremony.
The LA Times is reporting that your catalytic converters are the target of platinum-loving thieves.
This holiday season has seen an explosion in thefts of expensive, platinum-laced catalytic converters from parked cars, and authorities report that high-clearance sport utility vehicles are the targets of choice for thieves.
With a common socket wrench and 90 seconds, they leave drivers stuck with cars that sound like Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and facing repair bills topping $1,000.
“It’s an epidemic. It’s everywhere,” said Lt. Bob Turnbull of the El Segundo Police Department.
Happy New Year!
Leno, Letterman, and the rest of the late-night shows return to the air tonight. Letterman’s The Late Show and Craig Ferguson’s The Late Late Show are the only shows that will have WGA writing staffs. The others will… honestly, I have no idea what material they will use. The hosts are WGA members, so they cannot write their own monologues. I guess they’ll be improvising, and won’t that be fun?
David Letterman’s company Worldwide Pants negotiated a deal with the WGA and agreed to all the terms the WGA planned to offer the AMPTP the last time they walked out of negotiations. Since late-night doesn’t do much re-run business I’m not sure how big a deal this is financially, but the writers will receive a portion of online revenue and that — as well as the example to the rest of the companies — is huge. CBS is allegedly furious, but since Letterman owns his show they have to allow it (or let some other network have the shows, I guess). Hopefully NBC and the other networks will see falling ratings and will match the competition by making deals for Leno and the rest of the shows. (I’m not being vague on purpose, but I haven’t watched late-night television in a really, really long time and I don’t think I’ve ever seen any shows but Leno and Letterman.)
I hope the rest of the WGA writers get to go back to work soon. In the meantime, I am really happy for Letterman’s guys.
Since 1983 a group of pilots based at the Santa Monica Airport have been volunteering their time, skills and airplanes to transport patients who need to get to treatment, but can’t afford to pay airfare. This group became what is now called Angel Flight West and they have flown over 22,000 missions.
Angel Flight missions include carrying cancer patients for chemotherapy, surgery or other treatment, between their home and the treatment facility; carrying people with kidney problems to obtain dialysis or kidney transplants; carrying patients with heart problems for specialized diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up; and transporting children to and from “special needs camps” such as camps for burn survivors, camps for children with renal disease and camps for children with life-threatening illnesses. Angel Flight also responds to many other compelling human needs for which free air transportation would be of value.
Are you a pilot? Here is a great way to combine your love of flying with a way to help others in need. Check out the pilot requirements page to determine if you qualify. Angel Flight has other non-pilot volunteer opportunities as well to help with pilot recruitment, outreach, mission coordination and to act as mission assistants. You can donate money as well.
For more info and to volunteer, contact:
Michael Nanko, Angel Flight’s Executive Director
Angel Flight West
Clearly someone has not caught up on their recent Metroblogging posts.
Siouxsie, without the Banshees, hits the Music Box stage on February 15th and 16th. (buy tix here)
Not to kick off 2008 with a total bummer or anything, we thought we’d give away a handful of tickets by inviting our readers to create their very own “dead pool.”
In the comments, leave a list of five celebrities who you don’t think will live to see 2009. Be sure to leave a valid email, because this gives you two chances to win:
1. We’ll randomly select two commenters on January 31st who’ll win a pair of tickets to their choice of either the Feb. 15th or 16th Siouxsie performance.
2. If by fate a name on a commenter’s list happens to kick the bucket by January 31st, they’ll instantly win a pair of tickets (up to three winners eligible).
Entry “deadline” is 11:59pm, January 31st. To be eligible for option #2, your list of picks needs to appear in the comments at least 24 hours before your pick’s time of death. Picks must be human, and to validate celbritihood their obituary must be carried by the AP, Reuters, or other reputable news source. Death row inmates ineligible if they die by scheduled execution.
U.S. Courts have rejected an asylum plea by an L.A. gang member, who fears his tattoos will make him a target for rival gangs in his native El Salvador. He moved here when he was four, and is a legal immigrant.
On one hand, there’s something seriously wrong with a legal system that considers a kid who has been raised in the US since he was four years old to be any less a citizen than a child who was born here, but not necessarily as moronic as a guy who gets gang tattoos by his own free will then worries he might be targeted as a gang member.
Wouldn’t those same tattoos make him a target here in Los Angeles?
My phones started ringing at 4:30 PM. It’s a recorded message from Monrovia PD advising that several wild animals have been caught in the foothills that carry the “Canine Distemper Virus”. The message went on to advise if you own a dog to make certain it has had the “CDV” vaccine as it is incureable and fatal. They advised that it is not fatal to humans.
They have additional information on the city web site HERE.
I would hazard the guess that this a problem for all of the communities in the San Gabriel foothill communities. Got a dog? Check with your vet!
Giving. An easy concept to grasp, but so hard to make a reality in the day to day orchestration of our lives. Here at blogging.la, we’ve been highlighting the twelve days of giving with some amazing ideas about how to give more back.
When writing this, I thought a lot about how I give…. Or don’t, I must admit. I’m remiss in the ‘giving’ department. I don’t volunteer, I don’t give a lot of cash to charities, but I do have the desire to make my community a better place through giving. But I’m a lazy girl.
One of my biggest obstacles is time. So I thought, “how can I incorporate a simple act of giving into my daily life?”I give freely to those I love and my circle of friends and family, but I have a desire to spread more giving in my interaction with strangers.
I drive daily, so maybe that’s the ticket.
Continue reading 8th Day of Giving: Yield
*Free stuff that gives back.
Happy New Year! (Sorry, didn’t mean to shout.)
Here is an easy way to start the new year off right: take your Christmas tree to any one of the 13 designated drop off site this Friday and Saturday (January 5 and 6) and get a free tree to plant, a CFL bulb and a coupon to receive a load of mulch for your garden. The City of LA’s Tree Recycling Program is all about the Three Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Your trees are turned into mulch, they give you a new tree to plant and a compact fluorescent bulb to replace one standard bulb in your house to reduce energy. Win Win Win! (If you have an artificial tree, then you can pat yourself on the back while folding it up that you have already saved a few trees. Good job.) New to the program in 2008: Drop off sites will also take your leftover wrapping paper and boxes.
Check the full list of drop off sites to find one nearest you. You can also drop off your trees to local fire stations (also included in that link/list) but they won’t have the baby tree, mulch coupon or CFL bulbs to give away.
If you can’t get to a drop off site (or don’t want to wait until then) you can dispose of your tree in your green bin and it will be mulched like the rest of yard trimmings, but there are a few rules. You must take off all decorations and tinsel and the like. The tree must be cut into pieces to fit into the bin. Most importantly, it is illegal to leave a full tree on the sidewalk or in alley ways. (They will not be collected.) Why is it illegal? Because they are a fire hazard and if you have been keeping up with Ruth’s Posts on Red Flags or have seen the news in 2007, you know how serious that is.
Saturday, January 5 and Sunday, January 6, 2008
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
City Of LA Tree Recycling
And you can always call 311 for more info.
More info after the jump.
Continue reading 8th Day Of Giving: Recycle Your Tree, Get Free Stuff*
New Year’s Eve is always a bust for me. Always. I usually wind up being the guy holding some girl’s hair as she loses her cookies with the Countdown happening in the other room.
Last night, I was convinced to ring in the New Year in Orange County. We thought we were going to the Mardi Gras party where they drop the orange ball, with Bourbon Street Bars, and bands like Berlin and the Psychedelic Furs.
Apparently, there were TWO Mardi Gras parties in the OC.
We went to Mardi Gras Carnivale at the OC Fair. Lame drinks. Lame casino games. Lame entertainment. The most amusing moment had to be when the Donnas were performing. I’ve never seen so many confused middle-aged people in my life. Maybe they were expecting the Bangles.
Did Santa bring you a speedy new computer this year? Wondering what to do with your old one? If it’s not too terribly old, chances are a number of nonprofits would love to put it to use. LA County has an online materials exchange site, LACoMAX, where you can list materials you have to donate or, if you are a nonprofit or school, materials you need. The categories range far beyond computers and electronics to cover building materials, durable goods and more. The database is searchable so you can look here for an organization that might need your old electronics (or other items). If you can’t find a donee there, try Techsoup’s search page which pulls up organizations by zip code. The page lists both nonprofit and school-based recyclers and commercial organizations which may be a better bet for older equipment. Note that most nonprofits, schools, etc. are looking for machines with at least a Pentium II or III processor that are fewer than five years old. Techsoup also has a good ten step guide to donating computer equipment, which includes links to a number of disk cleaning programs (several of which are freeware). Don’t forget to erase all those embarrassing manifestos and nude pictures.
If donating your old computer inspires you and you determine to lighten your load further, the Department of Public Works has a short list of helpful links.
(Photo by ChrisL_AK used through Creative Commons license.)
Since it’s past 2 am on the New Year and nobody has come out to wish you all a Happy New Year, I’m just gonna do it: Happy New Year! May 2008 be filled with better tasting meals, less work related violence, empty freeways, and a partner you actually want to spend more time with. I didn’t get around to asking but I’m quite sure all the other blogging.la contributors also wish you the best in 2008. The one that wished for more generalized misery asked for anonymity, but don’t worry about it, he never gets his way.
For a slightly less annoying 2008! Hurrah!


Using the Sitefinity API, I would like to show you how you can import products into Sitefinity Ecommerce.
How it Works
The product importer is actually a widget that is placed onto a page. Once the page has been created, bring up the page in a browser and follow the instructions to upload your file of products to import. Once you have uploaded your file, the product importer widget reads the values from your file and inserts them into the database. The latest version of Product Import(Product upload widget) is available on github https://github.com/esitefinity/Sitefinity-Ecommerce-Product-Upload and the code behind utility classes that are used by the widget and that you need are available also on github here https://github.com/esitefinity/ProductUploadPackage. We highly recommend using the latest version available from github. There is a NuGet package as well but it is possible that it is outdated.
In the example I am using a .csv file as my data input. The format of this file has been created such that you can add many custom product type fields at the end of the file. Here we are only going to create two custom product type fields, CustomProperty1,CustomProperty2.
Once you have NuGet installed, please follow the following installation steps.
- If you want to try using the NuGet Package: Right click on your solution and select “Manage NuGet Packages…”.
- In the Manage NuGet Packages window, select “Online” on the left side column then search for “Sitefinity”. NuGet will find the Sitefinity package allowing you to install it directly into your Visual Studio Solution.
- Create a folder called “upload” at the top level of your solution. This is where the .csv file will be uploaded in to.
- Copy over the file upload widget control into the root of your solution. You can download latest version of the Widget from GitHub.
- Open Sitefinity Thunder and add the widget to Sitefinity
- Build your solution
- Start your solution without debugging
- When your Sitefinity web site comes up, login to the backend of Sitefinity
- In the top navigation, click on “Ecommerce” and select “Type of Products”.
- Create all of your product types that you will be importing all of your products into.
- Create a new page in Sitefinity and call it productimport
- Drag and Drop the new widget you inserted using Sitefinity Thunder onto the page. Save the page.
- Bring up this page in your browser and upload your .csv file. This will upload your .csv file into a folder called “upload”, located in the root of your solution.
- In the top navigation, go to “Ecommerce” and select “Products” and you should now see all of your products imported.
I have created a video showing you how to install the Product Upload package using NuGet, add a widget using Sitefinity Thunder and upload your .csv file.
Sitefinity Ecommerce Product Import
Credits and thank you to Venkata Koppaka for programming this!


Minority leader Haruna Iddrisu has defended the decision unanimously made by Members of Parliaments (MPs) to receive over GHS21,000 as salary and GHS600,000 as ex-gratia.
According to the eloquent Tamale Central MP, parliamentarians do not have the security of tenure so they deserve to receive better emoluments. He explained that unlike other workers who could work for long years because their jobs are secure, MPs do not have that luxury.
In a conversation with the press after the State Of The Nation Address delivered by President Akufo-Addo on Tuesday, December 5 2020, Haruna Iddrisu said it is important for the public to appreciate their work.
“It is important that the public appreciates that for our job, there is no security of tenure… At the end of four years, [an MP] has to be entitled to it [better emoluments]. “What we need to do is to carry the public along. There are many of you who comment as if MPs are not deserving of it [better amoluments],”
“All that is now being worked out. It is not just gratuity but salary arrears will be paid to deserving members of Parliament who have served their four-year term. I believe, and I stand by it that salaries of Members of Parliament equated to that of appeals court judges. That is my view, that is my notion and I think strongly that we will work towards that.”
The President is meant to approve the ex-gratia of MPs and the other Article 71 officeholders while Parliament approves that of the Executive.


March 14, 2014 |
SARASOTA, Fla. - The chances of Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez's filling a much-needed rotation spot in April were dimmed by his drab spring performances. Gonzalez's immediate fate - a trip to the minors - was all but sealed Wednesday when he did not board a bus to Ed Smith Stadium with his Phillies teammates. The $12 million import from Cuba was scratched from his third scheduled Grapefruit League appearance because of right shoulder soreness. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Gonzalez could return this week.
March 7, 2014 |
CLEARWATER, Fla. - Jonathan Pettibone, who was down for 2 weeks in February, walked off the mound adjacent to the short field at the Carpenter Complex and Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez, who has faced major league hitters exactly one time in his life, shortly followed. Behind them was Phillies pitching coach Bob McClure. It was Monday, and McClure reached for a sheet in his back pocket when he was asked if Cole Hamels, also scheduled to throw a side session that morning, was still in line to pitch.
March 6, 2014 |
TWO SIGNS greet customers as they approach the front door of Serrata's Grocery Store in West Oak Lane: "No weapons allowed" and "Do not enter with mask or hoodie. " They sit at eye level - it's impossible to miss them. But a would-be robber ignored both of those warnings Friday and ended up dodging bullets for his brazenness, police said yesterday. Store owner Raul Serrata, 42, said he didn't have time to think when a masked punk entered his corner store, at 75th Avenue and Walnut Lane, with a handgun drawn and demanded money from him about 7:15 Friday night.
February 20, 2014 |
A MAN IN North Philadelphia found himself between some rock salt and a hard place last week when someone held him at gunpoint as he cleared snow from the sidewalk, police said yesterday. Daron Stinson, 21, pointed a gun at the 52-year-old man on Diamond Street near Sedgley Avenue around 3 p.m. Thursday, police said. But he didn't demand his wallet or his watch - he wanted his rock salt, police said. And it was all caught on video - by Stinson - who then uploaded the footage to social media as part of an apparent string of prank holdups Stinson filmed and posted on his Instagram account, according to police.
February 3, 2014 |
The Super Bowl meeting between the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks, as you have no doubt heard, matches the highest-scoring offense in the NFL against the defense that allowed the fewest points this season. It is also a matchup between the offense that gained the most yards and the defense that allowed the fewest yards. In the history of the Super Bowl era, those two things have never been the case before in the same game. So, yes, Peyton Manning's offense vs., for want of a better figurehead, Richard Sherman's defense, is the story line that makes the most sense and has garnered the most attention.
January 7, 2014 |
CAMDEN - An armed man selling PCP, or phencyclidine, was arrested by Camden County police on routine patrol Friday night in the city's Gateway neighborhood who witnessed a transaction, police said. PCP, also known as "wet" or "angel dust," has a hallucinogenic effect and has been associated with violent acts. Fernando Perez, 28, of Camden, was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, certain persons not to have weapons, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute, and possession with intent to distribute within 500 feet of a park.
December 21, 2013 |
Siarhei Baltutski claims he sold at least 100 pieces of military hardware with names like Thermal Eye Renegade 320 and Scorpion thermal weapon sights to pig hunters in his native Belarus. But a federal judge in Philadelphia didn't buy the 41-year-old arms exporter's story and sentenced him Thursday to more than 25 years in prison for violations of federal arms-control and money-laundering laws. Baltutski, a Minsk businessman who pleaded guilty in January, led an international arms network that recruited U.S. straw buyers, including Belarusians living as legal permanent residents in Philadelphia, to purchase military-grade rifle scopes, goggles, and other similar devices for resale on the black market.
December 17, 2013
AS THE second World Trade Center fell at 10:28 a.m. on Sept. 11, 2001, so, too, did the old world order. Almost immediately, a new order arose in its place, in the form of the war on terror, a domestic infrastructure called homeland security, a new kind of military engagement with volatile new enemies, and a heightened surveillance culture in which notions of privacy have also been turned upside down. At least initially, few doubted such actions were necessary to curb terrorism, and even doubters felt the trade-off between, say, civil liberties and government scrutiny was a necessary price.
December 6, 2013 |
Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., like most of his counterparts, is in search of pitching, and he's intrigued by his most recent acquisition, Brad Lincoln. The 28-year-old righthander was acquired by the Phillies on Tuesday from the Toronto Blue Jays for catcher Erik Kratz and minor-league lefthander Rob Rasmussen. (Rasmussen was acquired by the Phillies from the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Michael Young trade in August.) Lincoln was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2006 draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates and began his career as a starter, but he pitched entirely in relief during parts of two seasons with the Blue Jays.
November 17, 2013 |
WITH THE score already 28-0 in the third quarter, Imhotep's junior quarterback, Andre Dreuitt, dropped back to pass after a play-action fake and rifled a pass into his receiver's chest for a big-gainer. As Nasir Lewis, a sophomore, strode down the field, coach Albie Crosby turned and said, "best kept secret in the Pub is my quarterback!" Well, after Dreuitt's four-touchdown night in the Panthers' 48-8 takedown of West Catholic for the AA city championship, the secret is out - and in a big way. The Panthers don't pass much.


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Region Name Speculation v.2
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February 28th, 2013 (11:47 AM).
Bring on the flood.
....what about something to do with..... dinosaurs?......maybe.....the
=chunks of unsmelted metal usually found around fossils and
=dinosaur so..... maybe that would work? oh and roosterman the region your thinking of is called the almia region.
Adopt a pokemon at virtuadopt.com.
and, this Is Trashtench. The evolved form of garbodor...
Joined Feb 2013
Rhys or Torry take your pick
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ALT Linux Bugzilla – #12484
Last modified: 2007-08-06 15:42:44
You need to
before you can comment on or make changes to this bug.
I have just installed alterator-packages (and its dependencies; you see, I want
only alterator-packages, not alterator-everything). Basically it does not work
because of missing dependencies:
1) Missing dependency on /usr/lib/consolehelper/helper.
/usr/share/guile/1.6/alterator/pipe.scm:87:7: In procedure execlp in expression
(throw (quote misc-error) (cadr args) ...):
/usr/share/guile/1.6/alterator/pipe.scm:87:7: /usr/bin/alterator-browser-x11: No
such file or directory
*** This bug has been marked as a duplicate of 12483 ***


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By the time they reach 50 years old, most individuals have had significant relationship experience. Call it baggage or simply life experience; these interactions can have lasting ramifications on how individuals approach relationships in later years. If your dating partner keeps bringing up past experiences, this should be one of the major warning signs to watch for. 1. You’re More Flexible People over 50 are joining romantic relationships at an unprecedented rate, whether as singletons looking for romance or as partners already in relationships. And they do so through various arrangements such as traditional marriages, cohabitation and long-term living arrangements. Dating over 50 can be very different than dating in your 20s and 30s; though not necessarily better or worse, its unique challenges must be navigated successfully if this https://www.instagram.com/futurestarrmediallc phase in your life is to succeed. As you approach 50 and enter into a committed relationship, it may come as a shock that your partner isn't as willing to make compromises as when you were younger. While this can make dividing chores and household tasks evenly difficult, keeping this fact in mind can help build a healthy, happy partnership. Many people over 50 struggle with ghosts from past relationships and insecurities that make committing fully to new relationships difficult. If a date keeps revisiting old issues or appears angry most of the time, these should be red flags that should convince you not to get involved further with them. 2. You’re More Attractive At first, dating middle age can seem outdated; but that doesn't mean people over 50 cannot find love! Remarriage rates remain steady while cohabitation has quadrupled for those over 50. As an over-50 dating, it is vitally important that you recognize any red flags of dating that could potentially compromise your wellbeing. A prime example would be someone attempting to fast-track things; if this feels uncomfortable for you, make sure your partner understands this and take charge of deciding when things progress more slowly or rapidly. An obvious red flag to look out for in dating someone new is when they keep bringing up past relationships, or showing signs of anger from them. If this becomes a trend in their behavior, take action immediately and protect yourself. Physical appearance may play a large part in attractiveness, but other attributes can make you even more appealing, including kindness and honesty. A 2014 study asked 100 young participants to rate different faces based on positive and negative personality traits like honesty and kindness - the results revealed that those who showed kindness were far more desirable. 3. You Have More Time Remembering time is of utmost importance when dating in your 50s, since dating at that age was all about juggling relationships between work, socializing and caring for kids - now, dating should be about finding ways to reclaim lost moments of life and create the lifestyle you truly enjoy living. If someone is trying to rush things or making you uncomfortable, that should be taken as an indicator that their actions don't represent who they truly are as an individual. An additional red flag would be their constant mention of past experiences. Although sharing experiences is essential in developing strong bonds between couples, bringing up past hurts often and showing signs of resentment is never a positive indicator of future intimacy. Another red flag is when someone becomes preoccupied with sexual and body-building activities in their free time, especially if this activity becomes an unhealthy pursuit that turns off potential partners and is ultimately wasteful of funds. 4. You’re More Independent People over 50 who are returning to dating after experiencing long-term relationships, divorces or the death of a spouse are searching for more. And they're finding it. But they're also coming to recognize that dating and relationship building in this age group may differ significantly from when they were younger, yet this doesn't preclude finding love, forming meaningful and long-lasting relationships or moving to a new location. However, people over 50 must recognize the unique challenges associated with reentering the dating scene after an absence of 10-20 years. They should realize they've changed considerably as individuals since entering their 20s or 30s and that may affect who they find attractive in relationships. Keep this in mind when dating: it is acceptable and healthy to be selective in choosing who you date, regardless of their age. Finally, avoid rushing things early on; any attempt by another party to speed up getting to know one another should be seen as a red flag; relationships should develop naturally and at an enjoyable pace that works for both parties - otherwise they're probably not right for you and it might be time for the relationship to move on. 5. You Have More Money By the time people reach 50, most have had extensive dating and relationship experience - whether that's considered baggage or simply life experience - which impacts dating later in life and potentially leading to divorce at this age, often with its attendant financial hardships - especially among women who tend to experience more financially damaging divorce proceedings than men. Many divorced 50-plus singles are looking for more than casual relationships; they want something deeper, without all of the commitments that might come with traditional marriage. There are fortunately plenty of dating options for singles over 50. From online dating and gym meetings, older adults are connecting in unprecedented numbers and through various means. While it is important to remain open-minded when dating over 50, all single adults should keep an eye out for certain signals when dating; such as someone being unwilling or reticent to disclose general details like their age and place of employment; this could indicate hidden agendas which could result in miscommunication and make building trust difficult and limiting meaningful connections in the long run. 6. You Have More Experience By the time we reach 50, most of us have had extensive relationship experience. Whether it's been through divorce, widowhood, or just multiple relationships throughout your lifetime, having this insight can help guide future dating endeavors more successfully. However, it's important to keep in mind that your baggage doesn't have to follow you into every new relationship you enter. Although dating may feel intimidating at first glance, don't allow this fear or anxiety prevent you from finding love again. Make sure to recognize major dating red flags so you can quickly recognize unsuitable matches before they wreak havoc in your heart and life. For example, if a potential date doesn't share much about themselves (other than age and sexual preference) or only contacts you at late night hours - that should be taken as a strong indicator that they may not be ready for an exclusive relationship. Be mindful of these dating at 50 red flags to find your ideal match! If someone constantly talks about what they expect in a relationship or treats you like an object rather than as someone they can invest their time into, this should be another indication that they may not be compatible. Be wary of such people.


[linux-dvb] Multiproto API/Driver Update
abraham.manu at gmail.com
Tue Sep 9 10:22:05 CEST 2008
Uri Shkolnik wrote:
> Manu and all,
> First I would like to present myself (I'm new to this forum)
> My name is Uri Shkolnik, and I work as Software Architecture at Siano Mobile Silicon (www.siano-ms.com).
> As some people reading this mailing list know, but some don't.... Siano manufactures chipsets that support various of MDTV standards (DVB-H, DVB-T, ISDB-T, CMMB, T-DMB, DAB-IP,... and many more). Many products you see actually uses Siano's chipsets.
> As far as I understand from this thread, and from other threads, the LinuxTV/DVB sub-system will not support non-DVB standards in the near future.
Well, this is not true. What the idea we put forward was thus:
* have an API that is capable of supporting things which are needed in
the future as well, not just for now.
* At the point of working on the same, we mostly worked on DSS, DVB-S2,
DVB-H, also for some DOCSIS cable modems. Since these were somewhat
suppoted on many hardware we had.
* The Linux DVB V4 API supports ISDB-T and is running on some STB's
This is something which has been proven with regards to the ARIB
extensions as well, so we can use the interface of the delivery system
in the new API. But having no open drivers which were really supported,
really was a let down and the scrambling being employed -- was not
something that was open, slowed down things quite a lot, as it was yet
to be seen whether such supported hardware drivers would really exist
* With regards to DMB-T/H or the Chinese T-DMB, there is quite some
people interested on the same, This can be added in to the API at any
point of time, without sacrificing backward binary compatibility.
* There was even DVB-T2 in the works at that time, but it was argued and
proven right that we shouldn't just blindly keep adding things till we
really have support on the same.
You can see my post over here:
> This is quite understandable since those standards are quite complicate, and the newer are even more complicated than DVB-C/S/T. It took about 5 years for the DVB sub-system to become mature, so, trying to add all of those standards at once will lead to nowhere good.
True, one must look first what hardware will the general home user would
like to get going under Linux. There are some features professional
users also would like to get going.
But adding all the definitions into an API will be just a mess:
for example ATSC over satellite was a standard that was put forward at
some point of time and later on the whole standard itself was scrapped
in favour of DVB over satellite.
> I don't know what should be done next, which API (and sub-system) should be added first, second, ... (or not at all?). I have my own views (CMMB getting much more audience than DVB-H and ISDB-T more than the DAB family).
> But, I can offer technical assistant. Siano is senior member at most of the MDTV consortiumes (CMMB, DVB and more) and I have access to lot of technical documentation (specifications, guildlines, etc.) which are otherwise quite hard (if not impossible) to be obtained.
> True that some (not all) of those papers are under classification that does not permit me to share them directly, but always a specific question can be answered.
That would be nice. Well, there are quite some vendors who are willing
to help as well. Some of us have access to some of the consortiums,
AFAICS. If there's supported hardware out there, we can add in support
in the API too, for the relevant delivery systems.
The easiest way to do so, will be to start a discussion, on a newer
thread as to what you will need in terms of API support in a newer
> One point regarding Siano non-DVB offering - With Michael Krufky's help, I'm trying to find a way to add Siano's non-DVB(-T) offering into the kernel's code base (till now we supply a proprietary sources directly to our customers). Of course it will be somewhat specific code by the fact that it'll match Siano's chipset instead of be more generic.
More information about the linux-dvb


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Episode 43: How Qualcomm Thinkabit Lab Embraced Connected Learning To Reach More STEM Students Than Ever Before [Podcast]
Oct 2, 2020 6:00 PM ET
Campaign: STEM Education
Every summer, kids who attend Qualcomm Thinkabit Lab STEM summer camps explore IoT, robotics, and coding, creating their own inventions to express themselves and solve problems for their communities. While distanced learning made this year’s camps a little different, it also enabled more students than ever to participate.
In this episode, host PJ Jacobowitz chats with Senior Director of Corporate Responsibility at Qualcomm Angela Baker and Dr. Gloria Bañuelos, our Thinkabit Lab lead. They discuss what kids experience at the camps, the benefits of the connected environment, and how early STEM education empowers young girls and encourages a more diverse tech workforce.
Referenced in this podcast:
- Qualcomm Thinkabit Lab Learning Center
- Qualcomm for Good on Twitter and LinkedIn


This Article is based on History collected… Sometimes being tough could be your ONLY Solutions!
Muhammadu Buhari (born 17 December 1942) is the President-elect of Nigeria and a retired Major General in the Nigerian Army who was Head of State of Nigeria from 31 December 1983 to 27 August 1985, after taking power in a military coup d’état.
The term Buharism is ascribed to the Buhari military government.
He ran unsuccessfully for the office of President in the 2003, 2007 and 2011 elections. In December 2014, he emerged as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the March 2015 elections.
Buhari won the 2015 general election, defeating the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan.
Buhari is a native of Daura in Katsina State; he is of Fulani ethnic background.
Buhari has stated that he takes responsibility for whatever happened under his watch during his military rule, saying that he cannot change the past. He also describes himself as a “converted democrat”.
He narrowly escaped an assassination attempt
Mr Buhari has always been popular among the people of the North who largely speak Hausa language.
Now some feel his military background and his disciplinarian credentials are just what the whole country needs at this point in time.
A Muslim from Daura in Katsina State, who has given his support to Sharia in the north, Mr Buhari has previously had to deny allegations that he has a radical Islamist agenda.
This proved a problem for him in the 2003 polls – he failed to secure much support among Christians in the south, where he was viewed with some suspicion.
But having escaped an attack on his convoy in Kaduna in July 2014, which bore all the hallmarks of a Boko Haram assassination attempt, he has promised to end the insurgency within months if elected.
A tough disciplinarian
He ruled Nigeria from January 1984 until August 1985, taking charge after a military coup in December 1983.
It is a period remembered for a strict campaign against indiscipline and corruption, and for its human rights abuses.
The verdict on Mr Buhari’s 20 months as military ruler is mixed.
About 500 politicians, officials and businessmen were jailed as part of a campaign against waste and corruption.
Some saw this as the heavy-handed repression of military rule.
But others remember it as a praiseworthy attempt to fight the endemic graft that prevented Nigeria’s development.
He retains a rare reputation for honesty among Nigeria’s politicians, both military and civilian, largely because of this campaign.
As part of his “War Against Indiscipline”, he ordered Nigerians to form neat queues at bus stops, under the sharp eyes of whip-wielding soldiers.
Civil servants who were late for work were publicly humiliated by being forced to do frog jumps.
He also introduced a notorious decree to restrict press freedom, under which two journalists were jailed.
However, his attempts to re-balance public finances by curbing imports led to many job losses and the closure of businesses.
As part of anti-corruption measures, he also ordered that the currency be replaced – the colour of the naira notes were changed – forcing all holders of old notes to exchange them at banks within a limited period.
Prices rose while living standards fell, leading to a palace coup by Gen Ibrahim Babangida on 27 August 1985. Mr Buhari was imprisoned for 40 months.
Mr Babangida wanted to speed up the restoration of civilian rule, which Mr Buhari did not see as a priority… (To be continued)


Evangelical Press Association Gives Influence High Marks
Magazine receives nine awards, including top honor
Influence magazine garnered nine awards, the most in its six-year publishing history, during the annual Evangelical Press Association (EPA) convention, held April 27–30. The EPA awards contest honored the best work done in Christian publishing during the 2020 calendar year.
Originally scheduled to be held in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the conference went virtual because of lingering COVID-19 concerns. The 2020 convention was canceled altogether due to the pandemic.
The awards contest is divided into two categories: Higher Goals in Christian Journalism and Awards of Excellence. EPA’s Higher Goals competition honors individual, original aspects of a publication, such as writing, photography, or design.
Meanwhile, the prestigious Awards of Excellence competition honors overall excellence in Christian publishing. Judges review the entire publication, including writing quality, content choices, imagery, and overall design. Entrants in the Awards of Excellence compete against peer publications.
Influence received three first-place awards, one second-place award, and four fifth-place awards in the Higher Goals division.
“Influence lives up to its name. It invites readers in and keeps them reading.”
— EPA judge
Honored with a first-place award in the Cause of the Year (Christian Citizenship) category was Don Everts’ article, “Neighboring for the Common Good.” The judge commented, “A really fine piece on what neighbor love looks like in the face of hostility; it’s quite good.”
A first-place award was also given to Influence Executive Editor George P. Wood, in the Interview Article category for his piece, “From Necessity to Opportunity.” The judge said, “The writer was deft in handling multiple sources on the multi-faceted topic of being a bivocational pastor. His interview skills rewarded the reader with thoughtful responses from his subjects, while also using his pen to craft his own memorable lines. Well done.”
The final first-place award was in the Infographic category. The judge said, “Best overall integration of content, design and data with a clear message.”
The second-place award was in the Typography and Lettering category for an entry titled, “Create Positive Change.” The categories in which Influence won fifth place were Evangelism Article; General Article: Short; First-Person Article; and Original Art: Digital/Mixed Media.
To round out the awards, Influence received the Award of Excellence, the highest honor given to a publication, in the Christian Ministry category. The judge said, “A well-presented publication, graphically and textually. Influence lives up to its name. It invites readers in and keeps them reading.”
EPA is the world’s largest professional organization for the evangelical periodical publishing industry. It is comprised of over 200 Christian magazines, newsletters, newspapers, and content-rich websites from across North America.


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Prosoniq have ported their highly popular free NorthPole plug-in to the Apple AudioUnit format. Here's what they have to say about it...
This selectable LP/BP filter plug-in brings back the sound of the analogue era to your AudioUnit production environment - still for free! Released as a VST plug-in in 1997 this filter got rave reviews all around the world and was the first free VST plug-in to be available. Enjoy the sound of the 90s today!
NorthPole is a free effects plug in for AudioUnit compatible applications on the Macintosh. It adds a fully programmable virtual analog synthesizer filter with resonance, envelope follower and an integrated post-filter digital delay to your audio production environment.
This free plug in equips your AudioUnit environment with a fully programmable resonant filter. In short, you can send any of your audio tracks through this 'virtual analog' effects device to either create spezial effects or to simulate the behaviour of an analog 4-pole synthesizer filter. Specifications:
24dB/Octave (4 pole)
variable Cutoff + Resonance
Envelope Follower with adjustable sensitivity
Envelope attack/release times
Adjustable analog distortion
Adjustable digital delay after filter with time, mix and feedback
Pricing and Availability: