home white uniforms, and coach Mike Krzyzewski earned a roar from the Blue Devils fans when he strode to the floor moments later.

Badgers fans outnumber Duke fans by about 4 to 1.

The national anthem was performed by a military band while a 25-year-old bald eagle - named Challenger after the space shuttle crew killed in the 1986 explosion - soared over the length of the floor. The eagle was blown from a nest and raised by the American Eagle Foundation.

Next up: Introductions, then the final tipoff of the season.

---

8:40 P.M.

Both teams are sticking with their Final Four starting lineups.

That means the Badgers will send out seniors Frank Kaminsky and Josh Gasser along with junior guard Sam Dekker and sophomores Nigel Hayes and Bronson Koenig.

The starting lineups are oneroom, while the Blue Devils spent a few extra minutes on the raised floor of the indoor football stadium.

Jahlil Okafor, the Blue Devils' star freshman, put up a bunch of extra free throws. Good idea, because a game between such evenly matched teams could come down to the foul line.

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski is trying for his fifth national championship, and his third in Indianapolis. Wisconsin counterpart Bo Ryan is also trying for his fifth title, though the first four came while coaching in the Division III ranks at Wisconsin-Platteville.

Judging by the crowd already in the arena, most of Madison made its way to the game. There are plenty of blue-clad Blue Devils fans, too.

The students are close to the floor, but not necessarily in great seats. The


A weapon comprising a large, very wide blade with a wooden handle. These weapons were employed during the kal-if-fee ceremony to discourage any interference or improper behaviour from those attending.5

A small disruptor pistol. This weapon was banned in the Federation because it was regarded as being unnecessarily cruel; it took six seconds to disintegrate a person, a much slower and far more painful death than was caused by a phaser. Only five were ever manufactured. The collector Kivas Fajo owned four of them, but these were confiscated in 2366 when he was arrested by the crew of the Enterprise-D.11

Weapon used by Dominion forces to attack ground targets. In 2373 the Jem'Hadar used ultritium concussion shells to bombard the area around a crashed Dominion ship which Captain Sisko andhis officers had taken refuge in. The weapons were never used against the ship itself as the Jem'Hadar did not want to injure a Founder who was hiding aboard. Rather they were used against the ground nearby over a prolonged period in an attempt at psychological warfare.12

Weapon developed by Starfleet in an alternate timeline at some point between 2377 and 2404. The torpedoes were massively effective against Borg cubes. A future version of Captain Janeway equipped Voyager with transphasic torpedoes in 2377, enabling the ship to reach a Borg transwarp hub in an attempt to return home.18

A device which was capable of influencing the brain activity of a victim. Thought makers comprised a pair of devices, one which was placed near the victim and one which was used


to control it from a distance. It was illegal to own or use thought makers within the Ferengi Alliance. Nevertheless, in 2364 DaiMon Bok used a thought maker in an attempt to discredit and ultimately kill Captain Picard. Purchasing the thought maker cost Bok his entire life's profit.21

An ancient Klingon knife which dates back to the time of Kahless, and is believed to be stained with his blood. The Knife of Kirom is held on the Klingon homeworld in a sacred vault, from which nobody is allowed to remove it. Nevertheless, it was removed by Gowron in 2369 and taken to Boreth. Gowron hoped to compare the DNA on the blade to that of the recently resurrected Kahless, to prove that he was a fraud. In fact, theknife showed that the blood was a match for Kahless. This subsequently proved to be because Kahless was a clone of the original.27

Weapon used by the Bajoran Trazko. He shot Quark with it in 2370, after Quark opened a box he had acquired for Trazko's employer and examined the contents. The weapons fired a compressed tetryon beam.30

In 2369 Captain Picard was badly wounded with a Compressed Tetryon Beam weapon by some Lenarians. The weapon fused the bioregulator of his artificial heart, causing him to go into cardiac arrest. It also caused internal haemorrhaging and liver and spleen damage.31

A Federation weapons invented some time between the 24th and 29th centuries. The weapon distorted spacetime around the target, stressing it to the point where it could no longer hold cohesion.


A temporal disruptor small enough to fit in the hand could utterly destroy an Intrepid class starship, and in 2375 Captain Braxton used one to destroy Voyager. Fortunately the weapon was disarmed before it could be activated using temporal technology.33

Weapon in use by Earth Starfleet43 and Earth's MACO organisation in the 2151s.44

A stun grenade was a metallic cylinder, sized to fit into the palm of the hand. When activated a blue light on the side lit up. The weapon was then thrown into the midst of the enemy. On detonation it emitted a non-lethal stun effect, rendering anybody in the immediate proximity unconscious.43

In 2151 T'Pol suggested that the NX-01 might use stun grenades to incapacitate the Novans to facilitate their removal from the tunnels they had established beneathenergy shielding.51

Projectile weapon which fires a cloud of small metal pellets. The Iotians produced shotguns after cultural contamination from an Earth book.24 The Melkotians projected telepathic visions of gunfighters armed with shotguns into the mind of Kirk and his officers in 226856, and they were used in the "Old West" holoprogram on the Enterprise-D.4 21st Century police also used shotguns during the Bell Riots57, as did the rioters.58

A device used by the Selay to capture and hold prey. The loop would be placed over the prey's head and then tightened around the neck, allowing them to be held from a distance with the pole. A Selay accidentally used one of these devices on Commander Riker in 2364, mistaking him for an Antican.60

Ancient Vulcan weapon which amplified telepathic energy,


Voyager was able to avoid fire from the cannon by moving into a magnetic storm over the north pole, so hiding from the Mokra targeting systems.90

Weapons used on board the NX class starships.83 The pistols had a maximum yield of 10 Megajoules, though this could be doubled to 20 Megajoules if needed.92 They could be set to stun or kill83; the stun setting also produced significant heating effects.93

A pistol used by the Germans in the 20th century. This was one of the weapon designs John Gil gave to the Ekosians as part of his program to recreate Nazi society.99 They were also a part of the World War II holoprogram which Voyager's crew experienced in 2374.100

A weapon designed by the Na'kuhl in an alternate timeline version of Earth.planet in days, whereupon they would die out and so leave the planet ready for re-colonisation by the aggressor.115

A bolt-actionrifle used by the Germans during the 20th century. Voyager's crew encountered Mauser rifles as part of the World War II holoprogram they experienced in 2374.100 Captain Archer also encountered them in an alternate timeline version of the 1940s.85

A projectile weapon used on Earth during 20th century. An automatic weapon, the madsen could fire projectiles at a rate of hundreds per minute. The neo-Roman species encountered by the Enterprise in 2267 used weapons identical to the Madsen Model 1950.122

An anti-personnel mine. Seven of these devices were located by the Enterprise-D in 2366, leftovers of the Koinonian Wars; one detonated when an away team was passing, killing Lieutenant Aster. The


weapon which used a chemical explosive to propel a metal pellet towards the enemy. Trelane created flintlock pistols for use in his duel with Captain Kirk; Kirk used his to destroy Trelane's machine, in hopes that it would allow an escape.157

A Federation laser pistol, as used on board the NCC-1701 in 2254. Like the later phasers, the weapon was capable of being set to produce a force chamber explosion.127 Some of these weapons were refitted to fire phaser beams.162

Handheld device which emits a stream of EM radiation. These were used by the NX-01 crew in an attempt to force the web creature the ship encountered in 2152 to release its captives. The attempt failed.167

An automated weapon system created by the now-dead Minosians. The EP 607 created drone weaponsin Earth's 20th and 21st centuries. The Iotians produced copies of the weapon after cultural contamination form an Earth book24 Voyager's crew also used them in a World War II hologram in 2374.100 Captain Archer encountered M1911 pistols in an alternate timeline version of 1940s Earth.85

A primitive weapon consisting of a metal tube, closed at one end. Gunpowder would be loaded into the tube, then a metal cannonball. Igniting the explosive would hurl the ball at the target, inflicting damage via kinetic energy. Q recreated a cannon as part of an illusory world in 2364.166

Double edged bladed weapon, approximately a metre long, with an unusually heavy blade.180 The weapons were commonly used in Earth's Medieval period, and were a feature of Q's recreation of the Robin Hood legend.125

Powerful


explosive made from combining the crystalline substance bilitrium with an antimatter converter. Bajoran terrorist Tanah Los used bilitrium explosives in an attempt to destroy the wormhole in 2369.196

An impressive but relatively harmless series of small explosive charges deployed from a starship. The Enterprise-D used an antimatter spread to distract the Borg during the retrieval of Captain Picard.201

A weapon used by the Ansata terrorists in their attack on the Enterprise-D. The weapon was attached to the warp core, set to detonate shortly after the attackers departed. The explosion would have been sufficient to breach the core and destroy the Starship, but some quick work on the part of the chief engineer led to it being detached and beamed out into space before detonation.65

Torture device used by the Empire inthe mirror universe, apparently a larger version of the Agonizer.34 The booth was invented by Major Reed and Doctor Phlox. It was a great improvement on previous punishment methods, since it automatically calibrated itself to match whatever species was put into it and switched the targeted nerves frequently so as to avoid desensitising the subject to the pain being inflicted.184

An ancient weapon developed on the planet Altamid. The Abronath was capable of producing a black cloud which could consume any form of biological life. The device could affect a wide area - Krall expected to be able to use it to exterminate all life on the enormous Starbase Yorktown, millions of people in all.129

The Altamidians came to fear the destructive power of the Abronath so much that they


was able to find it and reunite the two parts. He used the Abronath to kill Ensign Syl, then took it to Starbase Yorktown to attack the base. Although he came very close to succeeding, the Enterprise officers were able to launch the device into space along with Krall, moments after he activated it. It consumed Krall's body as he died in space.129jet assembly having a venturi (or an expanded nozzle). As the water flows through the venturi, the water at the center of the venturi moves more rapidly than the water along the sides of the venturi. As a result, a low pressure area is created at the center of the venturi. Air is drawn from an inlet into the low pressure area and mixes with the water. The mixture of pressurized water and air thereby provide an aerated therapeutic jet of water.
Well-known hydrotherapy jet assembly fixtures (i.e., those available from Jacuzzi Bros.) generally include four components: a wall fitting, a gasket, a jet valve body, and caulk. A first step in installing a jet assembly is drilling a hole in the tub wall from the inside of the


tub through to the back of the tub at the desired location of the fixture. Next the back of the tub surround the drill site must be ground smooth, flat, and parallel to the interior of the tub. This grinding is done by eye and introduces a margin for potential error into the installation. The gasket is placed onto the wall fitting, and the wall fitting is inserted through the drill hole from the interior of the tub, such that the gasket is between the wall fitting and the interior surface of the tub. The jet valve body is then attached to the portion of the wall fitting exiting the back of the tub. However, the tubs are relatively deep. Therefore, two persons are required to install theThe Government has said that the Donegal South-West by-election will be held by the end of the month.

The announcement was made by Chief Whip John Curran following today's High Court ruling, which found there was an unreasonable delay in holding the vote.

Mr Curran said he expected the writ to be moved straight away.

However, he said the Government would appeal today's ruling to the Supreme Court.

He said the Government decided to appeal in view of the serious issues of constitutional importance raised by the High Court decision.

He said the Attorney General was of the view that serious matters had arisen around the separation of powers and that the appeal would be timely.

He said writs for the other by-elections - Dublin South, Waterford and Donegal North-East - will be moved


in the New Year.

The High Court ruled this morning there has been an unreasonable delay by the Government in moving the writ for the Donegal South-West by-election.

The Court granted a declaration sought by Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty and ruled that the delay amounted to a breach of Senator Doherty's constitutional rights.

The seat has been vacant since June last year.

High Court President Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns said the delay in calling the by-election was unprecedented.

It was the longest in the history of the State and represented a significant proportion of the five-year Dáil term.

He said the relevant legislation did not set out the time period in which a by-election should be called but he was satisfied it should be interpreted as requiring the writ to be moved withinThis invention relates to a fish scaling apparatus and particularly to a portable fish scaling apparatus which can be conveniently stored and removed whenever a plurality of game fish are to be cleaned.
Many people enjoy fishing as a sport in contrast to commercial fishing. Inland lake fishing as well as large fresh water lake fishing and ocean fishing results in catching a substantial number of relatively small fish. Some of the fish of courset particularly on large inland lakes may reach sizes of many pounds. Generally, the average sports fisherman catches somewhat smaller fish in somewhat greater numbers. The individual sport fisherman has always been faced with the rather unpleasant task of cleaning the fish, and particularly the removing of the fish scales prior to preparation of the


the Jarvis family moved away from Salem Twp.

The student population of the Jarvis Stone School ranged from 20 to more than 30. In its earliest years, the school year consisted of a 3 to 4 month winter term taught by a man and a 5-month summer session taught by a woman. Initially, salaries for the teacher's ranged from 0 to $10 weekly.

The following is taken from the School Register and appears on the Salem Area Historical Area website. It also includes a sampling of the teacher salaries from 1866 to 1962:
1866 Carrie Thayer- $28 per month- Tenure 13 weeks
1866 George P. Vorhies - $40 per month - Tenure - 16 weeks
1926-7 James Spencer - $140 per month - Tenure - 2 years
1933-4 Felice Beitel - $45 per montha semi-truck too closely and for failing to indicate lane changes. He asked the driver, Ms. Bradford, to show him the vehicle's paperwork and her driver's license. Ms. Bradford told Trooper Peech the car was rented and retrieved her driving documents.

3
Trooper Peech noticed that Ms. Bradford was very nervous. She was breathing rapidly and intensely, and her face was pale white. She cupped her hands in front of her chest and clutched them to her body. She was shaking and sweating, and her eyes were opened very wide. Trooper Peech also observed that she had a new-looking duffle bag on the rear seat, a pillow was in a bag on the back seat, and a large number of fast food wrappers and potato chip bags were scattered throughout


the car. He also saw a cellular phone. Based on the sum of these observations, Trooper Peech became suspicious that she was running drugs.

4
When Ms. Bradford handed Trooper Peech the rental agreement, her hands were visibly shaking and she fumbled her license as she retrieved it from her wallet. She used both hands to give it to Trooper Peech. Her legs were also shaking. Her level of nervousness did not dissipate, and beads of sweat began to form at the neckline of her shirt.

5
Trooper Peech asked Ms. Bradford to sit in his patrol car while he issued her a warning citation and conducted a routine check of her status. While he waited for her to follow him to the patrol car, he reviewed the rental agreement and noticedthe car had been rented at the Los Angeles airport on March 13, 2003 and was to be returned to the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport on March 17, 2003. He also noticed it was a one-way rental for $104 per day. This increased his suspicions, based on his training that one-way rental agreements are a "large flag of criminal interdiction." Aplt's App. at 17.

6
When Ms. Bradford came to the patrol car, Trooper Peech noticed her hands and palms were glowing with sweat. When Trooper Peech commented on that, Ms. Bradford denied sweating and began rubbing her hands together continually in an attempt to wipe away the sweat. While Trooper Peech issued the citation, he conversed with Ms. Bradford about her travels. She said she was returning home to Minnesota


from a family reunion in California. When he asked her how long the reunion was, she responded in a weak and high-pitched voice that it lasted about one week. He asked her where the reunion was held, and she said it was outside of Los Angeles because her grandmother was from there.

7
Trooper Peech called dispatch to conduct a routine check of Ms. Bradford's driving status, and her nervousness finally seemed to dissipate. She told Trooper Peech that she had flown to Los Angeles and rented the car to drive her grandmother to Cheyenne, Wyoming. When he asked how her grandmother got to California, Ms. Bradford responded that her sister and parents had driven to California and picked up her grandmother on the way. Trooper Peech asked how theygot back to Minnesota, and Ms. Bradford stated that they had flown back.

8
Trooper Peech then asked Ms. Bradford where her grandmother lived in Cheyenne. Ms. Bradford paused and hesitated for a noticeable length of time before answering and her signs of nervousness returned. She was unable to say where her grandmother lived, only that she had directions to the house. When Trooper Peech asked if her grandmother lived in North or South Cheyenne, Ms. Bradford did not answer. At that moment, Trooper Peech stopped talking to Ms. Bradford because he observed a vehicle approaching them at about ninety miles per hour, moving rapidly from the left lane to the right lane. Trooper Peech and Ms. Bradford were sitting in the patrol car parked on the right shoulder. He


saw that the vehicle was approximately a quarter of a mile away, drifting across the fog line to the right. Trooper Peech became concerned that the vehicle would crash into the rear of his patrol car. He suspected the vehicle was a "chase" car, often used by drug traffickers to ensure drugs reach their final destinations.

9
Trooper Peech did not follow the other car. He returned Ms. Bradford's documents and gave her a warning. He also asked her if she had anything in the vehicle he needed to know about. She said she did not. Her signs of nervousness intensified as she clasped her driving documents close to her chest. He asked whether there were guns, bombs, or drugs in the car, and Ms. Bradford swallowed hard several timesname was. She repeated the question, paused, and with a squeaky voice, said her grandmother's name was Elizabeth Bradford. Trooper Peech then asked Ms. Bradford about her grandmother's phone number or area code, and she could not answer. She said her grandmother had moved to Cheyenne because California was too crowded and had lived there for about a year. She also said that she had no other relatives in Cheyenne and the family reunion was held at a town outside Los Angeles. When Trooper Peech asked the name of the town, she could not remember. She also stated that she flew to Los Angeles, rented the car, and drove from there. Trooper Peech observed that her responses were evasive, she repeated questions as if stalling for time to


think, she paused for an unusual length of time before responding, and she laughed nervously while responding. Other signs of nervousness also returned, including profuse sweating and splotchiness on her skin.

12
Ms. Bradford then told Trooper Peech she wished to leave. He asked if he could search the car before she left, and her eyes began to water as if she were about to cry. Trooper Peech asked if she would be willing to wait for a K-9 unit, and she again stated she wanted to leave. Trooper Peech told her he would be temporarily detaining her while he called for a K-9 unit. She asked why, and Trooper Peech explained that he believed she was lying about the details of her trip and suspected she had drugs inher car.

13
Trooper Peech called for a K-9 unit. Ms. Bradford waited near her rental car, and Trooper Peech was in his patrol car. Less than a minute later, she came to the patrol car's passenger side door and opened it. She told Trooper Peech that she had a marijuana pipe in her car. Trooper Peech then called the K-9 unit to instruct it not to respond. Trooper Peech exited his patrol car and asked Ms. Bradford if she had anything else. She replied that there was also a small bag of marijuana in the car. Trooper Peech told her that if she was being honest and there was no other contraband in the car, he would issue a citation for possession of marijuana and release her. Ms. Bradford


relaxed.

14
She walked to her vehicle and retrieved a blue colored pipe with residue consistent with burnt marijuana. She also gave Trooper Peech a small bag containing a green leafy substance consistent with marijuana. She stated that her cousin had purchased the marijuana for her in Los Angeles, but that she had not smoked any while driving. Trooper Peech said he needed to check the car to make sure she did not have any more marijuana. She immediately became nervous again. Trooper Peech instructed her to step away from the car and wait by his car. Trooper Peech then retrieved the car keys from the ignition and opened the trunk. He saw a brown colored suitcase, a plastic bag, and a newer duffle bag. Trooper Peech heard Ms. Bradfordsay "oh my God, no." When Trooper Peech opened the duffle bag, he found three packages, each the size of a football, wrapped in Saran Wrap that smelled like Orange Glo cleaning product. He also noticed that there was a milky colored fluid in the bottom of the duffle bag. Trooper Peech recognized the packaging and cover scent as methods used by drug traffickers. He also recognized that the packages contained substances consistent with drugs.

15
Trooper Peech informed Ms. Bradford she was under arrest and advised her of her rights. She told Trooper Peech she was trying to pay for college, and it had been hard to resist the money she was offered to transport cocaine. She admitted that her grandmother did not live in Cheyenne and that she


had not gone to a family reunion. She also stated that she was a "horrible liar," and admitted that she became nervous when she was lying. She told Trooper Peech that the car should be moved off the road, as another vehicle was traveling with her. The State Crime Lab later determined that the cocaine from the duffle bag weighed 4.97 kilograms.

16
Ms. Bradford filed a pretrial motion to suppress the cocaine, arguing it was the fruit of an illegal search. After conducting a suppression hearing, the district court denied her motion. See Bradford, 290 F.Supp.2d at 1271. Ms. Bradford subsequently entered a conditional guilty plea.

17
The district court calculated Ms. Bradford's total offense level at thirty-one and her criminal history in category I. The court found Ms. Bradford responsiblefor five kilograms of cocaine, thirty grams more than the 4.97 kilograms to which she pled guilty of possession. Five kilograms of cocaine yields a base offense level of thirty-two. The court imposed a two-level enhancement for obstruction of justice because Ms. Bradford absconded from supervision after offering assistance to the government, as well as a three-level reduction for acceptance of responsibility because she pleaded guilty. Ultimately, the court sentenced Ms. Bradford to 132 months of incarceration, within the range of 120-135 months authorized by the United States Sentencing Guidelines Manual.

II. DISCUSSION

18
Ms. Bradford contends Trooper Peech lacked both reasonable suspicion to detain her and probable cause to search the car and trunk. She also claims an obstruction of justice enhancement imposed by the district court because she absconded


1270. Even if she had not conceded this issue, there is no question that Trooper Peech's observations of her "following too closely, failing to use a turn signal, cutting in front of a semi-truck without using a signal, and driving inattentively," id. at 1266, justified him pulling her over, because "a traffic stop is valid under the Fourth Amendment if the stop is based on an observed traffic violation." United States v. Botero-Ospina, 71 F.3d 783, 787 (10th Cir.1995).

23
b. Scope of the Questioning

24
Ms. Bradford argues Trooper Peech's actions were not reasonably related in scope to the stop because of his "detailed questioning" while she was seated in the patrol car and his further questioning after he gave her back her paperwork. See Aplt. Br. at 14. Neither contentiona particularized and objective basis for suspecting legal wrongdoing. As the district court noted, in addition to the cellular telephone, the luggage in the backseat, and the fast-food wrappers, Ms. Bradford exhibited numerous physical manifestations of fright, including perspiration, hard breathing, shaking, wringing of hands, splotchiness, nervous laughter, and a squeaky voice. Bradford, 290 F.Supp.2d at 1271. Her answers to basic questions were evasive and conflicting at best, and the story she told defied common sense, particularly the financial illogic of purchasing a series of one-way plane tickets and one-way car-rentals. She could not answer simple questions about where her grandmother lived in Cheyenne. She could not explain the timing discrepancies of her story, including her claim that she picked up the rental car at Los Angeles International


sensationalized treatment that UFOs have received on TV, even from "responsible" news organizations, with their exciting but unsubstantiated claims of dramatic UFO encounters. A refreshing change was the season opener for NOVA (actually a production of the BBC) telecast on PBS stations October 12 and 13.

Although Sacramento may not have the emotional appeal of San Francisco or Los Angeles in the minds of people when they think of California, it has symbolic significance by virtue of being the state capitol. Nevertheless, it shares with its bigger sisters the dubious distinction of being a hotbed of distorted thinking on paranormal events. This strange attraction to the irrational is best seen from the vantage of the city's talk shows. With two local radio stations competing for people's attention, audience responsemost vulnerable people experiencing homelessness. Prior to working in Marin, Carrie worked for HomeBase, a nonprofit law firm that works with cities and counties to implement responses to homelessness. She has a J.D. from American University Washington College of Law.


for 30 years and eventually became the deputy chief. While at the fire department, plaintiff's duties included running the Fire Prevention Bureau and the inspection department. He conducted hundreds of commercial, industrial and residential fire inspections during his employment with the fire department. He was also responsible for checking the exterior of the buildings to insure that the post indicator valves (PIVs) (sectional valves in the sprinkler line where the water goes into the building and allows a portion of the system to be shut down without closing down the entire system) were not blocked.
The address of the fire alarm, 11701 S. Central, is part of a warehouse complex which extends from 11601 to 12001 S. Central in Alsip, Illinois. The warehouse is a large single structure dividedinto four sections, each containing a different business. Universal Furniture Industries, Inc. (Universal) is a tenant at 11601 S. Central; and Dart Warehouse Corporation (Dart) is a tenant at 11701 S. Central. Center Point Properties Corporation (Center Point) owns these two sections of the warehouse. Anixter Brothers, Inc. (Anixter) is a tenant at 11801 S. Central and Midway Realty Associates (Midway) is the owner. American Drug Stores, Inc. (American Drug) is a tenant at 12001 S. Central and American National Insurance Company (American National) is the owner.
The entire warehouse shares a common underground circulating loop-type water supply and fire control system. There are two PIVs located behind 11601 S. Central and 11701 S. Central. The valves are connected to a line that goes into the building and are


fed from the circulating loop.
After arriving at the warehouse, plaintiff went into the warehouse at 11601 S. Central. Finding no problems within the warehouse which could have triggered the alarm, plaintiff proceeded out of the rear exit of 11701 S. Central to check the leak. As he exited the building, he observed a sheet of ice extending 60-70 feet from the building and out into the area of the PIVs. During plaintiffs deposition, he testified that he noticed an ice accumulation near the PIVs, and he observed water leaking from the PIVs on December 20, 1995. As plaintiff came within approximately five feet of the PIVs, he fell and was injured.
At the time of the accident, plaintiff was wearing his fireman's uniform, a fire jacket and rocky eliminatorboots. Plaintiff testified during his deposition that these boots were purchased by the fire department and were worn by firemen "to prevent people from slipping and falling."
Plaintiff and other members of the Alsip Fire Department had responded to other safety-related problems at this property prior to the date of the accident on December 29, 1995. Plaintiff had been out to this warehouse a total of 50 times, and had responded 10 times in the previous year to similar types of alarms at this location. In particular, on November 24, 1995, plaintiff *1155 was notified that there was ice building up behind the two buildings in the area where he later fell. On December 4, 1995, plaintiff personally observed water coming up from the PIVs. On December 20, 1995,


plaintiff called a special meeting with all of the occupants to address "life safety problems" associated with water leaking from the PIVs.
Plaintiff and his wife filed a complaint against Centerpoint, Lakeshore Associates, American National, Universal, Anixter, American Drug and Midway for injuries sustained from the fall. Dart was later dismissed as a party defendant. Plaintiffs wife requested damages for loss of consortium. On December 24, 1997, plaintiff filed his first amended complaint in which he joined defendant Commodore Environmental Services, Inc.
On February 18, 1999, plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint alleging negligence by defendants due to their failure to maintain the fire suppression system. Plaintiffs also refer to several covenants entered into by defendants in a 1973 easement agreement. The agreement provides in pertinent part:
"Grant of Easement:
* *many alarms at this location in the past and had responded to fire alarms 10 times in 1995 alone. During his inspections of the warehouse, not only had he personally observed ice forming around the PIVs on November 24, 1995, and water coming up from the PIVs on December 4, 1995, he had also called a special meeting to address these issues on December 20, 1995.
More specifically, on the date of the accident, plaintiff went to defendants' premises in response to a "full flow water alarm." After he determined that there was no fire, he further investigated the source of the alarm which included investigating the PIVs. Plaintiff testified that that investigation was related to his responsibilities. He further testified that he was well aware of the sheet


Finlandia Hall (Finlandiatalo) Tours

Finlandia Hall (or Finlandiatalo) is Helsinki's concert and congress hall. It is also an architecture masterpiece by famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto (1898 - 1976) who was sometimes referred to as the Father of Modernism. In Helsinki, Aalto wanted to realize the major plan for a grand square and avenue flanked by cultural buildings, including the Parliament Building, first thought of by Eliel Saarinen in 1917 when Finland became independent of Russia. He drew plans for a grand center to Helsinki in 1961 and modified them in 1964 and 1971; you could say the city was a lifelong project of his.

Finlandia Hall was designed in 1962 and built between 1967 and 1972. The congress wing followed in 1973 - 75. For Aalto it was aSearch

IBM lawsuit casts diversity in starkly competitive terms

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IBM lawsuit casts diversity in starkly competitive terms

International Business Machines Corp's insistence in a new lawsuit that its efforts to recruit and maintain a diverse workforce are trade secrets bucks a trend towards transparency and highlights how companies can see the issue in competitive terms, business and legal experts said.

Pedestrians pass a video advertisement for IBM at their office in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., January 16, 2018. REUTERS/Brian Snyder

15 Feb 2018 09:30AM

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REUTERS: International Business Machines Corp's insistence in a new lawsuit that its efforts to recruit and maintain a diverse workforce are trade secrets bucks a trend towards transparency and highlights how companies can see the issue in competitive terms, business and legal experts said.

Armonk, New York-based IBM on Monday


they are valuable to competitors, said Villanova University law professor Michael Risch.

IBM said in a statement that it "has a long history of being recognised for leadership in a diverse and inclusive workplace."

Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft, which is not named in IBM's lawsuit, said it had no interest in IBM's confidential information.

'PUBLIC CONDEMNATION'

Russell Beck, a lawyer specializing in trade secrets law, said he was surprised to see IBM make such nakedly economic arguments about diversity, noting that corporations more typically cast their efforts as benefiting society as a whole.

Most large tech firms have long faced criticism for the lack of diversity of their staffs. IBM took a shot at Microsoft in its lawsuit, noting that the latter company has faced "public condemnation and class action litigation" for its strugglesfishermen who have sailed into the deep and not returned."

"The dragons are myths," Jacob laughed. "A brave wise man like you I'm surprised you have never even attempted it."

"In my younger years perhaps, but I have a wife and child I dare not abandon for the sake of a few folk tales. One day boy when you captain your own boat perhaps you may dare to explore, but until then keep your head out of the clouds. Your household cannot afford to lose you just ye..." Cap was stopped by a murmur he heard in front of them.

An unusually large wave crept toward them, it hit the boat and knocked them to the floor. A glow beneath the ocean followed behind the wave and circled the boat at


chill ran itself across the deck. Everyone headed below deck to ready the boat to dock.

Cap stayed above in the cabin to steer the boat home. He had an old rusty radio to signal the harbour of their return. Within the static interference a voice replied to Cap to direct him through the floating ice field. Most of the ice he was unable to avoid and so crashed through it. The winter was only settling in so the majority of the ice had only recently formed, creating an easy path. The oak harbour reached out twenty feet into the ocean bay. It had stood for several hundred years and had remained unscathed by the endless battering of the northern sea. It was often used during the summer monthsBeth's home an instant relief. He took a seat next to the growling fire and rubbed his hands in the warmth.

Beth left the cooking for a moment and joined Jacob. "So Jacob how was your voyage, did you catch plenty?" she asked.

"Have you not heard of our catch yet?" He replied.

"Heard? Jacob you know I don't venture out into the village often, I have heard nothing from anyone these last few days."

"Well we caught more than enough fish for the entire village and we caught something even greater."

"Even greater?" Beth leaned in closer.

"We caught something else that none of us would have ever imagined. Cap finally caught up with his lifelong obsession. The creature that had haunted him for years, was finally removed from the claws of the


than fishing Jacob, you have not spoken to him much have you?" Beth stirred the stew and turned the cooker off. She grabbed two bowls and served the stew on the table behind her. "Please Jacob have something to eat."

Jacob took his place at the table "Of course I have spoken to Cap, I have been with him for the last six months." He tore a small piece of bread from the loaf on the table and sank it in the stew.

Beth swallowed a mouth full of food. "I mean about him and his past, you know where he is from and what he's about. He is one a few who has travelled across the land of Pangaea."

"He has never spoken of his travels to me," Jacob grunted.

"Andin front of the bar "I'm good thanks," Jacob smiled back.

"And who is this young looking woman you have brought with you?" he chuckled.

"Shut up Frank," Beth blushed. She took a seat next to Jacob.

"I do believe it has been a while since you last graced us with your presence young lady."

"What can I say? A girl has better things to do with her time then sit in this place," she winked at Frank.

"Enough flirting you two, can you please pour me a pint of your marvellous ale?" he joked. The remoteness of the north resulted in few alcoholic drinks available so they were left with Frank's somewhat strong ale or if they were lucky and the summer was fruitful he would pour a dark red wine.

"I just


square. The roar intensified for a moment until the light dimmed, it was at the point Cap realised where this light came from. Soldiers of the Ark, he would recognise one of their ships a mile away. Not quite Guardians but they were still nasty bastards who liked to show off their authority. It was only a scout ship that lowered into the square. Small enough to fit five men. The small rectangular vessel made from carbon was kept in the air by four thrusters at each corner. The vessel settled on the snow, the heat from the thrusters exposed the stone path beneath. The futuristic look of the vessel was in stark contrast to the simplistic look of the village.

"Everyone calm down, it's only a scout ship,"worn out face snarled at Frank.

"Don't worry yourselves we've only come here for a drink," he placed money on the bar. The others all took their masks off and took a seat at an empty table.

"I'll bring them over to you," Frank replied.

"Darling," the Solider winked at Beth as he joined his men.

"You're not going to let them stay here are you?" Beth asked Frank.

"What choice do I have? I can't exactly tell Soldiers of the Ark to leave, they'll have me hanged. Besides, they will only stay here for a short time before leaving, it's as Cap said they are only here to remind us whose still in charge." He poured five pints of ale and handed them to the Soldiers. "I don't want any trouble here


knees and coughed.

Beth could see Jacob peering through the crack in the floorboard. "Run," she mimed. Although distressed by what was happening Jacob knew he could not approach the men he was clearly outnumbered. He climbed down from the stool and rushed to the other side of the basement. There was another little hatch that led up into the barn. Jacob had to wait though until the other Soldiers had finished searching it.

"The boy is not in the barn either," the Soldiers returned.

The lead Soldier frowned. "Burn this place down and bring her with us," he walked out of the cottage and back to the others in the town square.

"You heard him come with us," the second one grabbed Beth by the hair and lifted her to herbrick wall. Inside the factory was comprised of two steal built warehouses. Two chimneys rose from behind with thick black smoke that escaped into the sky. The conveyer belt had halted since the siren had begun. The factory was deserted, the machines stopped and for a moment there was silence.

"Beneath the furnace we will find our exit. When get there we blow the entrance, we can't risk the chances of being followed," Erik led the way.

The wind blew dust through the courtyard. A bronze statue of the previous Chancellor stood motionless in the centre. Jacob stood before it.

"You know this is the first time I've laid eyes on my father."

"As much as I care for sentimental moments, we really don't have time." Erik pulled Jacob away from the


entered Noreia and eluded the soldiers there. What I want to know is what his next steps are. Where is he going Beth?"

"I promise I do not know, all he was told was to head to Noreia and he would be told where to go next. Please let Freyja go."

Esau shook his head. "Well perhaps Atreus will be more cooperative after a bit of strong talking too," he laughed.

"Esau stop this," Rebekah shouted.

The sound of a huge roar of people could be heard from outside the room. Esau looked at his wrist. "My people await, ladies I must leave you," he turned away walked out the room.

"Esau!" Rebekah screamed.

The door gently closed behind him and was locked. All three women were left with the fading flicker of lightof us that equals two each doesn't it?" Jacob used his hands to place two pieces of fish in front of each wolf. He then ate the remaining sardines. Jacob could not tell how long the can had been on the floor for but they tasted fresh. The wolves seemed to agree too and they quickly devoured the fish. The first wolf barked again.

"Sorry boys I'm all out," Jacob pulled his pockets inside out.

The second wolf barked and they both rose to their feet. They looked at Jacob one last time and walked outside. Jacob was unsure exactly what had just happened, why would two hungry wolves save him? Not that he minded, after all he could do with two guardian wolves looking over him. Jacob grabbed his


the drama of the previous day he had forgotten his need for the toilet. Ideally he did not want to relieve himself against the wall of the petrol station.

Jacob walked to the side and found a little brick outhouse. This was in worse shape than the main building. Its decayed wooden door hung from a single hinge. He opened the door and it fell off its hinges and onto to the floor. Inside the outhouse a foul stench escaped. Jacob coughed and tried to hold down vomit. Even the corpse didn't smell as bad as the outhouse. He entered none the less, there was a toilet, sink and a cracked, filthy mirror. First Jacob stood in front of the toilet, the water inside discoloured from the stains ofknow is that there's a hefty bounty on your head. Just let me go I promise you won't see me again."

"The keys to your van, where are they?" Jacob pointed the gun at him once more.

"They're in the van," he cried.

Jacob didn't reply to him, but turned around and left the church. He walked up to the van and sure to the son's word the keys were still in the ignition. Jacob opened the door and threw in his bag and the gun. He climbed in and closed the door. Jacob didn't exactly have much experience when it came to driving. Back home Atreus had shown him a couple of times how to drive his old truck. Jacob had struggled at first but after a few attempts he


with his left hand and steadied himself with his other foot. He wiped his sweet soaked forehead and regained his balance and breathing. Luckily the other steps were more secure.

Ten minutes into Jacob's decent the fog below had begun to lighten. The dense humid mist was starting to evaporate underneath him. After a few more steps he could finally see the ground. Much like the surface he had travelled from it looked like another barren wasteland. He was disappointed by the sight but at least he would soon be off the ladder. Jacob saw the crow perched on a bare tree branch that grew from out the canyon wall. It was waiting for Jacob.

Rays of sunlight started to filter through the evaporating fog, this helped dry the moistureforehead.

"How long have I been out?" Jacob said to himself.

Upon seeing Jacob awake the crow hopped away from him and flew into the city ruins behind. Jacob used the sleeve of his coat to wipe away the blood. He grabbed the bottle of water and drank half of it, he had built up quite a thirst whilst lying unconscious. The sun had started to fade behind the canyon and the fog had begun to return. Jacob did not have the view he had before of the city that lay in front of him.

Jacob picked himself up from the floor and took a better view of his surroundings. Not far from where he stood another road, this one smaller than the last, lead into the city. It was barely


against the counter to try and make a decent place to sit out the storm. There was a tiny tap at the window. Amongst the incoming clouds of dust the crow had finally caught up. Jacob ran to the door and threw the chair out of the way to let the crow in. It hopped on one foot into the shop. Jacob picked the chair up and closed the door again.

"Where have you been?" Jacob said. The crow squawked in reply. Jacob knelt down and could see it was in pain. It kept its other leg close to its body. It must have got hurt whilst exploring the city. The crow hopped onto the pile of clothes and sat down. "I guess I will have to sit onother side, dust spewed into the air and cracks appeared as the floor around him creaked. He struggled to get up, the floor started to break away. Jacob scratched at the floor as he tried to find some grip to help himself up. A metal rod pierced through the concrete, this was enough for Jacob to move himself away from the disintegrating concrete. He stood up and looked behind.

"Don't move," Ash was stood in the doorway holding a gun.

Jacob stood still and looked around.

"I said don't move!" Ash yelled.

"You don't have to do this," Jacob calmly spoke back.

"Oh yeah why don't I?"

"I am worth more then what ever you are being offered," Jacob raised his hands into the air.

"Bullshit, like I said stay where you are."

Jacob took another


bulbs hung from the ceiling, they swung with the whisper of wind that echoed through the tunnel. His arms were dropped over the shoulders of two burley men, his feet draped along the floor. Jacob tried to keep his head up but he did not have enough strength, his head pounded with an almighty ache. Cables were tied together along one side of the hallway. The hallway itself was built from stone brick that curved into the ceiling.

Jacob groaned. "Looks like our guest it waking up," one of the men spoke. The other just laughed in reply.

They carried Jacob through a doorway and sat him down, resting him on an old cushioned couch. Dust sprung from the aged floral pillows. Jacob rubbed his head and regained his sight.had finally reached destination.

"That is correct Jacob. I am Caster Karason the North Commander of the People's Army," Caster introduced himself.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you Commander."

"Nonsense it's a pleasure to meet you Jacob, and call me Caster. Let my doctor talk a look at your arm." Caster welcomed the female doctor into the room.

The doctor sat next to Jacob and placed her medical bag on the table. "Take off your jacket and let's have a look at this arm of yours."

Jacob followed orders and removed his jacket. The doctor opened the bag and pulled out a needle, thread and a bottle of liquid. She rolled up his sleeve and laughed.

"From all my time spent stitching up bullet holes not once have a seen one stuck together


were not worthy of it." Caster paused for a moment.

"Do you want some time?" Jacob didn't know how else to continue the conversation.

"I once read, the fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time. I have always prepared myself and anyone who follows me for our eventual oblivion. Erik will be rewarded in the afterlife."

"It looks like I'm done here," Parmjit had finished stitching up Jacob's arm. "I hope that didn't hurt too much."

"Don't worry I think I handled the pain well enough," Jacob smiled.

"If you don't mind Commander I will excuse myself."

"Thank you for your help dear," Caster excused Parmjit.

"So where have you brought me?" Jacob asked Caster.

"At the moment we are sat beloware through there, don't take too long."

Jacob walked into the shower room. It was empty, all the men had taken their morning shower already. In the first room there were two metal dressers with mirrors against the wall and a long wooden bench in front. Cold stone covered the floor, not ideal for bare feet. Towels hung from hangers next to the entrance of the showers. Jacob undressed and lay his clothes along the bench. He was careful with his arm to try and not damage the stitches. There were a few bruises on his shoulders and legs, the last few days had taken their toll on his body. A blister had burst on his foot and dried blood had settled on his toes.

Undressed he walked into the


shower room. The six showers were fed from a copper pipe that ran along the wall. He walked to the middle shower and turned the handle on the wall. The pipes creaked and water burst through the shower head. Jacob was initially shocked at the coldness of the water, but it soon warmed up, albeit only slightly but it was bearable. He stood underneath the shower and held his head down to let the water flow down his body. His aching body was able to relax.

There was a used bar of soap placed on a metal plate. Jacob scrubbed the soap over himself to remove the dried dust from his body. Once he was clean he turned off the shower. The water on the floor around him wasrubble.

"Astrid get the last of our best men and station them around this place, we need to hold them off for as long as possible. As for the rest we keep them below, including you Jacob."

CHAPTER TWELVE

Tomkin had fled from the church toward the park. He climbed through the ruins and kept hidden from view. At this point more soldiers were closing in on the church. They marched in full view aware that everyone had retreated inside. The vibrations from the Mech became more intense the closer that Tomkin got. He could see the gates of the park and the shadow of the drop ship through the fog that had settled.

The Mech had made its way onto the street, this was Tomkin's first full view of the machine.


With his last breath of energy he lifted his body and stumbled to his feet. The Mech lowered itself into position and Tomkin found that he could reach the switch. The soldier who had shot him fired several more rounds. These tore through Tomkin as he held onto the rail. Blood drained from his body, but he glared at the soldier and smiled. He pulled the switch and tumbled to the floor. As he lay on his back he watched the EMP light up. A bright pulse of light scolded his face and a boom sent a shockwave through the street. Sparks flew from the circuits in the Mech. The EMP worked better than they had thought it would. The generator was almost charged when the EMP causedgun. Despite the destruction of the Mech there were still hordes of soldiers closing in on them.

Gunnar ran over to the opening but it had been covered with rubble. "Commander, the entrance below is blocked."

"What do you mean it's blocked?" Caster shouted across.

"When the Mech took out half the church it must have caved in the entrance, we need to halt that water otherwise those below are going to drown."

"Get rid of these bastards first and then we can halt the water."

Gunnar ran back to the others and slid across the floor. He lay on his front in a puddle of water and opened fire. The soldiers were getting closer. A couple reached the steps below but Gunnar brought them to their knees. Despite his injury Ivar was


the gas. A scorching ball of fire engulfed her causing her to roll around in agony. Jacob ducked and sheltered his body over Kirsten's as the fire escaped the room. The sprinklers kicked in and quickly extinguished the flames. The lights went out and were replaced by a pulsing red glow. Jacob shielded Kirsten's eyes from the charred remains of Parmjit. Now the sprinklers were adding to the water already flowing they would run out of time even quicker.

"Help!" Jacob screamed.

"No one can hear you," Kirsten cried.

"The gunfire is calming down, either it will be Caster and the others pulling away that rubble or we're screwed."

They waited another fifteen minutes. The water had already started to rise around their ankles. The staircase weakened further and gave way. Itup in the air. The helicopter gracefully landed where half the church once stood. Its blades continued to rotate, it would only be a quick stay. Astrid was first to climb on board, she opened the door next to the pilot and jumped him. He embraced her with open arms and they shared a kiss. Gunnar stood up and left his shirt and empty gun on the floor, he slid open the rear door to the helicopter and climbed in. Caster and Jacob both helped an injured Atreus hobble into the helicopter.

Gunnar looked over at the peaceful body of Ivar. "Rest easy now brother, may I see you again in Valhalla," he whispered to himself.

The blades rotated faster and the helicopter lifted up from the ground. It slowly


head. It was long to the sides and short around the front and back. The neck of the hoodie was wrinkled and appeared similar to a loose fitting scarf. The others were all dressed similar but for a slight difference in the shades of colour in their clothing.

"We ready to move?" Caster asked.

"Yep, but what about our suits?" Jacob replied.

"What about them? We can't carry them with us, just leave them, by the time anyone finds them we will be long gone." Caster turned away and walked down the chamber.

Jacob could hear the wind ricochet off the walls of the chamber. Although it was dark inside there were tiny spot lights that flashed along the walls. They walked in single file with Jacob at the back. Every solive with were married together with vivid intense colours Jacob had only seen in a sunset. How could a place with such colour and magnificent structures hold the evil he had been told. Why would anyone choose to live on the surface with the poverty and suffering Jacob had experienced instead of this Utopia?

"How much further have we got to walk?" Gunnar moaned.

Atreus halted and turned to face everyone. "Oh we still have a few more miles to walk yet," he smiled.

"Are you joking?" Gunnar was unimpressed.

"If your legs are hurting that much Gunnar then we can always get a bus, there's a stop a bit further up."

"Why didn't we do that in the first place?"

"Because walking is our best suited option for not being recognised or getting


caught, you sit on a bus it allows for others enough time to figure out who you are," Caster interrupted.

"Surely by us walking along these open streets it gives us just as much chance of being recognised," Gunnar shook his head.

"He has a point Caster, if we catch a bus then we can keep our heads down and get to where we need to in no time." Astrid was on Gunnar's side.

"Look if you don't want to walk then let's get the bus!" Atreus grunted. "Except one problem how do you all plan of riding it?"

"How do you mean?" Gunnar asked.

"Well every resident in the Ark has a chip implanted into their wrist. To buy or use anything here you have to swipe your implant. I used tohell'," and other colourful words were sprayed over it. Jacob assumed the statue was one of the older chancellors. All of the restaurants in the square had closed up for the night, however the bars were still open. A nightclub stood opposite, loud techno music echoed across the square. Revellers pilled out onto the square from each bar. Most were dressed in brightly coloured florescent clothes. The women either wore small dresses or tight trousers, the men in tight tank tops or baggy hoodies. They all wore heavy workmen boots regardless of their attire.

There was a unique large neon sign above the club that lit up the square reading 'Genesis'. Atreus led the group across the crowded square and toward the club. Jacob pushed through the crowd, he


careful decorated the falling leaves with the glow of autumn.

Kaelen was disturbed by a knock at his door. At first he ignored it and continued to paint, he was captured in the moment. There was a second more forceful knock at the door. Kaelen disapprovingly placed his palette and brush on the side table and lowered his small spectacles. He walked over to the record player and lifted the tonearm. He removed the record and slipped it into the sleeve.

"Enter," Kaelen spoke with a deep authority.

An out of breath small and skinny man gracefully opened the hardwood door. He held a folder full of pictures in his arms.

"How may I help you?" Kaelen asked.

"We thought you would want to see this," he replied.

"What is it?"

The man walked overout of the room and into the main hall. The hall was pitch black. The only light they could see was from the glow sticks a few of the clubbers had around their heads. The Guardians outside had refused to let anyone leave. Everyone inside the club was huddled together in a hushed silence. Pelops felt his way against the wall and toward the bar. A light appeared from the tunnel that led into the club. It fluttered its way through the tunnel and into the hall. It momentarily hung in the air above everyone's head.

"Keep your heads down and close your eyes," Atreus called out.

They all dropped their heads and closed their eyes. Everyone else in the club looked up and were mesmerized by the splendour of


his nose.

"It is the sewer," Astrid laughed. She walked up to him and nudged him in the back. "Go on then."

"I'm not going first," Gunnar refused.

"Gunnar just get your ass in there now!" Caster ordered.

"Christ sake," Gunnar murmured to himself. He ducked and climbed into the dank sewer. He crouched as the ceiling was too low to stand up fully. The entire sewer was built from old cobblestone, moss grew between the cracks in the stones. Gunnar's feet were submerged in three inches of dirty slimy water. To his horror he saw a lump of faeces floating near his foot.

Above Atreus could hear the heavy footsteps of the Guardians taking his father away as they all entered the sewer. Caster made his way to the front and ledrusty green metal door within the doorway was padlocked.

"Sir, we have an issue," Astrid called back.

"What is it?" Caster asked. Astrid moved aside so they could see the padlock, "Gunnar!" Caster shouted.

Gunnar managed to navigate the steps and saw the padlock. He hurriedly walked at the door and kicked the lock. The frail old chain cracked and the door flew open. It opened up into a darkened alleyway. The power throughout the district had been cut, the only luminosity came from vague red emergency lights at the end of each street corner. They huddled around Caster as he inspected the map.

"I guess our time together is up?" Atreus pointed to the map. "Caster you three will need to head in this direction, myself and Jacob will go in


support. It was twenty feet wide and rose up at slight angle into the platform above. Iron bars were placed half a metre apart along the side on the support. The iron bars led through the platform and to the region above.

"Jacob, you first," Atreus ordered.

"Really?" Jacob moaned.

"Yes, that way if you fall I can catch you," Atreus smiled.

"Ok then if you say so," Jacob grabbed the iron bar in front of him and began climbing.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Caster had been following the map from his wrist for half-an-hour with no sign that they were being followed. The map had taken them across the district lines and into an industrial estate. The three were stood a quarter of a mile away from an intimidating fortress, which stood upon a driedtall and prepared to attack. He signalled to Gunnar to stand next to him. They both clenched their fists and ran from out the shadows to take the guards by surprise. Caster punched the nearest guard square in the face, his head fell back and hit the wall He collapsed to the floor unconscious. Gunnar instantly broke the other guard's jaw, teeth scattered across the floor as he was sent flying along the corridor. Gunnar quickly stood over him and elbowed him in the temple to make sure he would not get up.

"Easy," Caster moved Gunnar away from the guard. He wandered through the doorway and walked out onto a metal grated walkway. It overlooked the control room. Fifteen feet below the walkway there were two rows of


at Nancy.

Caster looked from out the window and saw gunfire being sprayed from out the darkness. The trail of gunfire lead from the outskirts of the region and closed in on them.

"I'd say they know he's here," Astrid sneered.

A handful of the soldiers below turned their attention away from the control room and began to fire in the direction of the others. Finally they could hear the rotors of Max's helicopter. He approached from a low height. Rockets erupted from two launchers at the side of the helicopter and two mini guns teared across the courtyard. The rockets threw groups of soldiers through the air and crashed into the surrounding buildings. The bullets teared up the footpaths and ripped through some of the guardians. They quickly dispersed tostood next the apple tree. He looked around and down every street he could see hundreds of soldiers marching towards them. Freyja grabbed Jacob's hand and held it tight.

"Jacob what are we going to do?" she asked worriedly.

Jacob continued to look around and the soldiers came to a halt about half a mile away from them. "They've stopped," Jacob shouted back Atreus.

"Something's not right," Atreus muttered to himself. "Until the others arrive we should go into the cathedral."

"Come on," Freyja pulled Jacob away from the apple tree and they ran up the marble steps to the entrance.

Atreus pushed open the large wooden doors and they entered the cathedral. Inside it looked twice as big. There was a mosaic adorning across the ceiling depicting a biblical story. A dark


few more steps closer in anger but Esau pointed his gun at Jacob. "That's it brother take one more step."

"Let her go," Jacob growled.

"And finally he speaks," Esau mocked.

"Let her go and you can have me," Jacob offered himself.

"No Jacob," Beth whimpered.

"Be quiet whore!" Esau kicked her again and infuriated Jacob further. "What's the matter? Does it upset you to see this whore rolling on the floor where she belongs?"

Beth wriggled and groaned.

Esau sighed, he bent down and lifted her head. "Do you have something to add?"

"Jacob run, only the Guardians know who you are not one else does, Esau will do everything to make sure as few people as possible know who you are, you are too important to him," Beth coughed.

"Very clever, give the boy ideas,"loosened. Jacob used his weight to jump through the door and into the coach. Jacob had ten coaches to pass through before he could reach Esau.

Esau walked back to the cabin and pulled out his pistol and kept it to his side. He leaned over the driver and placed his hands on the dash board. "Can you speed this up? I want get to Region One as quickly as possible."

"Sir if I accelerate too fast I'll will derail us," the driver quivered.

Esau lifted the gun to the driver's head and rested his finger on the trigger. "It was a rhetorical question," he whispered in the driver's ear.

The driver nodded nervously, he pressed harder on the accelerator and the monorail's speed increased. The lights in each coach flickered as


the edge and looked over at Jacob who had also almost reached the top.

"End of the line brother," Esau smirked.

Jacob looked up at Esau. "Is this how you want to end it?"

Before Esau could reply there was another tremor, albeit a minor one but it still caused Esau to slip on the rain soaked floor and fall over. Jacob grabbed on to the steel bars and stopped himself from falling, upon seeing Esau had fallen Jacob seized on the opportunity and pulled himself to the top. The top of the wall was narrow with just enough width to fit two people. A metal barrier ran along the top. Esau was pressed against the barrier and picked himself up. They were stood ten metres apart, one side overlooking thefactories and warehouses of Region One and the other overlooking the intense waves of the ocean.

"We don't have to do this brother," Esau held his palm to Jacob, and held the barrier with his other hand. "Join me, look around you. That magnificent city that stands before you can be yours."

"And why should I trust you, from the moment you knew my whereabouts you have tried to have me killed!" Jacob snapped.

"Nonsense I have merely tried to remove those around you, they have lied to you Jacob. They only want to use you for their own gain."

"Then why take Beth and Freyja?"

"You're forgetting who swiped you from our father to begin with. Beth knew of your importance to him. For a long time only one sibling was born


Kirk Cousins and the Redskins look to prove that last season's NFC East title was no fluke - and it all begins Monday night under the bright lights against the Steelers. CSN has you covered with a one-hour pregame show starting at 6 p.m. - and here are the top five storylines to watch.

Will the real Redskins please stand up - In the first six games of the 2015 season, the Redskins scored just 12 touchowns and averaged 19.5 points per game. The final 10 games of the year, however, saw the Redskins offense explode. The team scored 32 TDs over those final 10 contests and averaged more than 27 points per game. Jay Gruden and Kirk Cousins certainly believe the real Redskins offense is the one thatCoila

Coila may refer to:

Coila (muse), associated with Robert Burns

Geography
Coila (Arcadia), a town of ancient Arcadia, Greece
Coila, Mississippi, a community in the United States
Coila Creek, a stream in Mississippi
Kyle, Ayrshire, Scotland


stick is falling without rotation at a canted angle going down from left to right and the secondary stick were to hit the juggling stick near the upper left hand end, the secondary stick would easily catch the hook or inwardly cambered end-cap to allow the player to easily toss the juggling stick upward to keep the game in play. On the other hand, should the player strike the same falling stick near the right hand end, in order to make a play, he must either allow the juggling stick to slide across the secondary stick to the upper end in order to catch the upper left hand end of the juggling stick, an extremely difficult play, or allow the upper left hand end to fall below the451 F.3d 339
Melissa WHITING, Plaintiff-Appellant,v.The UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI, Shelby Thames, Dr., Dana Thames, Dr., Carl Martray, Dr., Defendants-Appellees.
No. 04-60956.
United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit.
June 2, 2006.

Kim Turner Chaze (argued), Durham, NH, for Whiting.
James Allen Keith, John Simeon Hooks (argued), Adams & Reese, Jackson, MS, Lee Partee Gore, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, for Defendants-Appellees.
Appeal from the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi.
Before HIGGINBOTHAM, WIENER, and DENNIS, Circuit Judges.
DENNIS, Circuit Judge:

1
Dr. Melissa Whiting was a non-tenured professor at the University of Southern Mississippi ("USM"), whose annual evaluations and third-year review were consistently excellent. Nonetheless, she was denied tenure and promotion at the end of her sixth year at USM after participating in the tenure application process laid out in the Faculty Handbook.


court's order remanding those claims to state court.

BACKGROUND

3
In September 1996, Dr. Melissa Whiting became an assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education in the College of Education and Psychology at USM. In May 1997, the Board of Trustees of the State Institutions of Higher Learning approved her for tenure-track status. From 1996-2002, Dr. Whiting and the Board executed nine-month employment contracts for each of the six academic years that fell during that period. Those contracts state that they are subject to the "laws of the State of Mississippi and the policies and bylaws of the Board."

4
As a member of the USM faculty, Dr. Whiting received the Faculty Handbook and the College of Education and Psychology Policy and Procedures for Tenure and Promotion. These handbooksDr. Thames and another faculty member, Dr. Reeves, "began a quest to scuttle [her] career," by intimating that Dr. Whiting had committed academic fraud. Dr. Whiting further alleges that Dr. Thames sought to isolate Dr. Whiting through departmental cliques and by placing her in a separate building from the rest of the faculty. She also alleges that Dr. Thames was displeased by Dr. Whiting's remarks about student rights that reflected poorly on Dr. Thames' administration of the department.

7
USM's review of Dr. Whiting's application began with a committee of faculty from her department. At their meeting, questions arose over certain articles listed in the publication section of her dossier. The committee chair and Dr. Thames met with Dr. Whiting and requested a written response to these questions. Dr. Whiting


submitted her response, including an explanation of the methodology and analysis used to write several of her published articles. After the committee reconvened and considered her response, it voted to award promotion, with six in favor, three against, and two abstentions. The committee voted against awarding tenure, however, with six against, four in favor, and one abstention. The committee's summary report notes a general agreement that Dr. Whiting wait to request tenure until she had completed her sixth year of teaching (a tenure candidate may request deferral of the tenure process until the seventh year of employment).

8
Both the committee chair and Dr. Thames notified Dr. Whiting by separate letter of the committee's conclusions and suggested that she consider withdrawing her request for early tenure. Dr. Thames prepared awritten recommendation to the Dean of the College of Education and Psychology, Dr. Carl Martray, regarding the committee's decisions. In that report, Dr. Thames expressed her agreement with the committee's concerns, but informed him that Dr. Whiting still wished to move forward with both the tenure and promotion processes.

9
Dr. Whiting's dossier, as well as the recommendation to Dean Martray and a rebuttal letter from Dr. Whiting, came before the College Advisory Committee ("CAC"), a group of representatives from each department in her College. The CAC noted the disparity between Dr. Whiting's high marks in her annual evaluations and the "more negative" report of the tenure and promotion committee. After undertaking its own review of Dr. Whiting's credentials, the CAC concluded "that it appeared that the annual evaluations of


the chairs in the past were more optimistic than the credentials justified during many of the years." The CAC's report noted concerns that Dr. Whiting's body of work at that time "was not adequate and did not meet college research standards." The CAC voted to deny tenure and promotion, each vote tallying to four against and two in favor, with no abstentions. Dean Martray reviewed the CAC recommendations and Dr. Whiting's dossier, concluding that he had "no compelling reason to recommend against the CAC's determination." He transmitted Dr. Whiting's materials to the Provost, without recommendation for either promotion or tenure. Dean Martray notified Dr. Whiting of his decision and included the copies of the CAC's reports, reminding her that she retained the option to withdraw her application andrequest deferral to her seventh year.

10
Dr. Whiting chose to continue with the promotion and tenure process. Accordingly, her dossier came before the University Advisory Council ("UAC"). The UAC met twice to review her materials. On the advice of her attorney, Dr. Whiting declined invitations to attend these meetings, and presented UAC members with a letter alleging failures of due process and violation of her due process rights under the Fourteenth Amendment. Ultimately, the UAC voted to award tenure (five voted in favor, three against, and one recusal), but did not reach a conclusion as to promotion (four in favor, four against, and one recusal). Those votes, in addition to another supplementary letter from Dr. Whiting, were then submitted to the Provost, who concurred with the UAC's recommendation as


to tenure, and further recommended promotion. He notified Dr. Whiting of his recommendation by letter on May 17, 2002.

11
Dr. Whiting's dossier thus came before University President Shelby Thames, father of Dr. Dana Thames, who had taken that office on May 1, 2002. On August 23, 2002, President Thames wrote to request a meeting with Dr. Whiting to discuss concerns about her application. Dr. Whiting chose not to meet with President Thames. On August 30, 2002, President Thames wrote to Dr. Whiting to inform her that he would not recommend her to the USM Board of Trustees for tenure or promotion. That letter further gave notice that Dr. Whiting's employment at USM would not be renewed after the academic year ending May 2003.

12
Dr. Whiting appealed to the Board ofTrustees on September 16, 2002. In forwarding her request to the Board, the Commissioner of Education recommended that the Board decline to consider the appeal. The Board did so unanimously, because Dr. Whiting had already filed suit, and notified Dr. Whiting of its decision by letter to her attorney on November 21, 2002.

PROCEDURAL HISTORY

13
On August 6, 2002, Dr. Whiting filed the instant suit in the Circuit Court of Forrest County, Mississippi. Dr. Whiting complained of violations of her constitutional rights, as protected by section 1983 of the Civil Rights Act, claiming deprivation of substantive and procedural due process, and of rights guarded by the Equal Protection clause and the First Amendment.2 She also raised breach of contract and other claims under state law. She sought punitive damages, injunctive


if, in her annual evaluations and third year review, she meets or exceeds the criteria used for evaluation, then "she is to be tenured." Appellant's Brief at 21. This flat guarantee, she asserts, is sufficient to create a property interest. Language in the Faculty Handbook, however, consistently reiterates that promotion and tenure are not guaranteed, even by positive performance reviews: the Handbook states, for example, "[p]romotion in academic rank is not guaranteed by contracted employment or earned solely by the duration of employment" and "[t]he privilege of tenure is not guaranteed by tenure-track appointment, by prior promotion in academic rank, or by duration of employment." Further, as the district court noted: "the same faculty handbook reiterates that, notwithstanding the procedures, tenure is awarded at the discretion of theboard of trustees upon nomination by the president." Given such language and existing state law precedent, we cannot construe an expectation of continued employment sufficient to generate a protected property interest.

26
Since Dr. Whiting's interest in her continued employment does not make for a viable due process claim, she may only claim a due process violation if she has some other property interest in a benefit afforded by her current contract with the state university. A mere breach of contract will not suffice for an action under § 1983 without a violation of due process rights. Bishop, 426 U.S. at 349-50, 96 S.Ct. 2074. While a plaintiff may have an action in state court for damages for breach of contract, he may not sue under § 1983 unless his


the criteria applied during annual and third-year reviews. Because the handbook's procedures are incorporated into her contract, her contract rights warrant due process protection, and she has met or exceeded the criteria, Dr. Whiting argues she is therefore contractually guaranteed tenure. This argument fails for reasons already discussed supra: the language in the Faculty Handbook emphasizes that the ultimate decision for tenure lies in the Board's hands, and that positive evaluations do not guarantee a grant of tenure.

31
Third, Dr. Whiting argues that the tenure and promotion procedures create a de facto tenure program such that she has a protected interest in her continued employment. She relies on Perry v. Sindermann, in which the Supreme Court held that "[a] teacher ... who has held his position for a numberhis daughter, Dr. Thames, left him "biased and prejudiced" and inclined to go along with his daughter's alleged smear campaign. Dr. Whiting offers nothing but her own beliefs as foundation for this causal chain. President Thames's affidavit states that he had not discussed Dr. Whiting's tenure and promotion application with his daughter or her allies, and that he based his decision not to award tenure on a careful and independent review of Dr. Whiting's dossier.

62
While Dr. Thames's accusations may, indeed, have been retaliatory, Dr. Thames was not responsible for the final decision to deny tenure. It could be argued that her accusations eventually influenced President Thames by their very presence in the record, but Dr. Whiting makes no argument beyond her assertions of belief that President Thames based


COLLINGWOOD will be without midfield recruit Levi Greenwood until midway through the season after scans revealed he had suffered a hairline fracture in his right ankle.

The Magpies estimate the 26-year-old will be off his ankle for about six weeks before entering a rehabilitation program.

The injury occurred when his foot was trapped under Western Bulldogs forward Jarrad Grant during a tackle in the third quarter of Saturday night's game at Etihad Stadium.

It is a massive blow for Greenwood who joined Collingwood on a four-year deal at the end of 2014 after completing a breakout year with North Melbourne.

"He will be off it for about six weeks and after that it will be however long it takes him to run again," director of football Neil Balme told the club's website.

Theand initially specialised in aquariums, Koi and pond. Through their passion for animals, the areas of dog, cat, and pet supplies were added mid-2010. In all areas of the Aquarium shop offers Mair a wide range of different products, which offered a large part also in the in-house online shop on the Internet. Due to the increasing demand the offer will also continuously expanded. Company contact: Aquarium shop & pet supplies Mair Peter Mair Augsburger Strasse 24 86529 Schrobenhausen Germany Tel: + 49 8252 881280 E-Mail: Web: PR contact: Aquarium shop & pet supplies Mair Peter Mair Augsburger Strasse 24 86529 Schrobenhausen Germany Tel: + 49 8252 881280 E-Mail: Web:

The piercing and its economic and cultural impact through fashion. The ‘bling bling’ trend related to the world of


Kurdish SDF, which Ankara considers to be an extension of its long-running domestic Kurdish separatist insurrection,

set the planking for a reciprocal withdrawal of Turkish support for rebel militias on the northwest border (blue area) as well as the handful of border towns in the Kurdish northeast they had penetrated before today’s ceasefire,

accommodate the formation of some kind of limited self-governance arrangement for the two million Syrian Kurds domiciled in the Syrian northeast, and

provide regular Syrian military uniforms and paychecks to Kurd fighters now enrolled in the SDF.

Moreover, once this emergent tripartite deal is reasonably finalized and implemented, the remaining cleanup of the giant political and military mess Washington has foisted upon Syria could be accomplished with alacrity. Together with its Russian, Iranian and Hezbollah allies, Damascus would makeshort shift of the remaining jihadist fighters in Idlib province (dark brown area) now known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which was formerly called al-Nusra Front and before that Al Qaeda.

In short, the Donald’s bold decision to stand down rather than dither in place forever ala the Afghan fiasco has paved the way for a swift end to the horrific Syrian Civil war. The latter caused more than 500,000 deaths, generated upwards of 9 million internal and external refugees, utterly ruined the Syrian economy and civilian infrastructure and dangerously roiled the entire middle east.

Needless to say, with Syria whole again and Damascus able to militarily secure its own territory with the help of the Russian air force and the professional military detachments of the Iranians and Hezbollah, there won’t


Biden was an early, enthusiastic and influential supporter of Washington’s 2003 invasion of Iraq. Over one million died in Iraq during that senseless calamity, including 4500 dead and at least 100,000 severely injured US soldiers; and worse still, by destroying the Iraqi state and the tolerable ethnic/religious balance under Saddam Hussein’s Baathist rule by the sword and the spoils of oil, Uncle Joe helped open the gates to hell and the emergence of the scourge of ISIS.

Likewise, while he was Vice President Biden supported Hillary and her harpies in their "betrayal" of Khadafy after he gave up his nukes and support for Mideast terrorists. Libya today, of course, is still in chaos with tens of thousands dead owing to the endless battles between warlords and violent factions whichthey would not be attacking and executing soldiers of the Kurdish SDF because the latter wouldn’t exit, either.

To be sure, the War Party and its media megaphones are revising history so fast as to make the other Uncle Joe – Stalin – blush with envy. The New York Times over the weekend gave the McCain Brigades an instant do-over, turning them into the darkest of bad guys:

…..Grandly misnamed the Syrian National Army, this coalition of Turkish-backed militias is in fact largely composed of the dregs of the eight-year-old conflict’s failed rebel movement……Early in the war the military and the C.I.A. sought to train and equip moderate, trustworthy rebels to fight the government and the Islamic State…..A few of those now fighting in the northeast took part in those


failed programs, but most were rejected as too extreme or too criminal.

That’s absolute risible baloney. As Moon of Alabama deftly reminded, the leaders of the National Syrian Army are the same as those of the FSA upon which John McCain and his Deep State network lavished billions for the purpose of attacking the legitimate government in Damascus, not just or even mainly ISIS.

Just a few weeks ago, in fact, the current iteration – the Syrian Interim Government – came together bringing 41 different factions under the newly christened "Syrian National Army". So doing, they elected Abdurrahman Mustafa as president and Salim Idriss as defense minister.

These good folks are pictured below at the launch of Senator McCain’s Free Syrian Army (FSA) back in 2013:

For want of doubt, Salim Idrissthe petro-states had prevented the Syrian government and its allies from policing and protecting its own territory; and from safeguarding Syria’s meager oil fields in the northeast, which for a brief period of time ISIS looted in order to fund its pretensions to being a state with an army.

But as this map below from the end of September shows, the caliphate is long gone. And the remnants of the affiliated jihadi forces in Idlib (purple area) are likely to rendezvous with their 13 virgins soon – now that Trump has greenlighted the Syrian government and its Russian/Iranian allies to finish them off.

Equally, importantly, all the handwringing about the Kurds is vastly exaggerated. They have made their deal with Assad. In now completing the re-conquest and unification of his


importantly, all of these crocodile tears completely ignore the history of why the thin red corridor depicted in the enlarged map below has become such a tinderbox after Washington’s bull-in-the-china-shop intrusions into the age-old sectarian fissures and political conflicts of the region.

To begin, the Kurds did not bleed and die in behalf of American security and liberty. They fought ISIS and gladly received American money and weapons in defense of their own communities – after Washington unleashed the US armed ISIS marauders into their regions.

The 10,000 who were killed in the 2015-2017 battles with ISIS, died protecting their own homes and villages from the barbarians who arrived in US military vehicles toting US guns and artillery left behind in Iraq or sent to anti-Assad forces in Syria, whounhesitatingly sold them to the Islamic state.

Behind that reality, of course, stands the fact that US covert intelligence agencies (among others) were the force behind the “revolution” in Syria against the Bashar al-Assad. The majority of the fighters coming into the region were trained and equipped in Jordan in camps run by the CIA and other western agencies. The program was called Operation Timber Sycamore and was launched in different segments during 2011-2013.

Indeed, the evidence is overwhelming that the Arab Spring and the conflict in Syria were the result of external intervention and subversion. Weapons were funneled from the Libyan crisis into the hands of “rebels” that infiltrated Syria, and equipment directly provided by the US found its way into the hands of groups that would eventually become


on the rubble of Iraq and Syria.

In fact, when the Islamic State collapsed, the YPG helped the jihadists join al-Qaeda forces in Idleb by given safe passage across their “Kurdistan”.

Moreover, the Kurdish intrigue was every bit as devious as the that among the Turkey-backed Arab and Turkmen factions. To wit, the Iraqi Kurds of the Barzani clan were directly involved in the original ISIS conquest of western Iraq in the summer of 2014.

Accordingly, the son of the President and Head of Intelligence of the Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government attended a secret CIA meeting in Amman Jordan in June 2014, which planned the capture of Mosul and the Sunni provinces of western Iraq.

Consequently, other than a few for show skirmishes, the Barzani Kurds in Erbil (Iraq) did not fightany real battles against ISIS. They simply re-enforced their own territorial perimeters and sent them to face the Sunnis. Worse still, they enabled ISIS to enslave non-Muslim Kurds, the Yezidis, during the Battle of Sinjar. Those who were rescued were saved by Turkish PKK and Syrian YPG fighters dispatched to the area.

From there, of course, ISIS moved on to the Syrian east and north. But having unleashed ISIS on the Syrian state, Washington then compounded insult with injury by encouraging its newfound Kurdish ally to pursue its dream of an independent state called "Rojava" in northeast Syria.

Needless to say, Turkey saw the Rojava project as an assault on the territorial integrity and security of its own state from the get go.

Yet in October 2015 the Pentagon created the


Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as the official military wing of Rojava. The SDF was comprised mainly of Syrian Kurdish YPG militants, which then expelled Arab and Assyrian Christian families from their homes as the SDF expanded the control area of this proto-Kurdish state into historically non-Kurdish towns and communities.

Indeed, Kurdish fighters from Iraq and Turkey settled in their homes and took possession of their lands. Thereafter in March 2016, the autonomy of “Rojava” was declared with no small amount of help from Turkish Kurds and the ruling Barzani clan from the Iraqi Kurdish region in what is now the Kurdish controlled (yellow area) of the map above.

From there, the tangle only thickened. For instance, worried that the Turkish PKK and the Iraqi Barzani clan would pave the wayfor the creation of a Greater Kurdistan, the Iraqi government secretly sent weapons to the PKK in order to help overthrow the independence-seeking Barzani clan in northern Iraq.

Likewise, in early 2018, the Russian Ambassador to the UN revealed that Syrian Kurds had pardoned 120 Daesh/ISIS leaders and had incorporated them into the YPG.

All the way through, of course, Washington had studiously ignored the checkered history of its 11th hour Kurdish ally. In fact, however, the Syrian YPG was just an offshoot of the Turkey-based Kurdistan Workers’ Party or PKK.

The latter, in turn, was a Marxist-Leninist insurgency supported by the Soviet Union during the cold war years, which fought against the dictatorships of the Kemalist generals, who were members of NATO. With the aid of Hafez el-Assad during that


period, the PKK set up a military training camp in the Lebanese plain of Bekaa, under the protection of the Syrian Peace Force

When the USSR collapsed, the PKK had more than 10,000 full-time soldiers and more than 75,000 reservists. This war of liberation destroyed more than 3,000 villages and displaced more than 2 million people, killing upwards of 50,000 civilians. Despite these immense sacrifices, it failed.

In fact, during a joint operation with the Turkish, US and Israeli secret services in 1999, the historic leader of the Turkish Kurd revolt, Abdullah Öcalan, was captured and imprisoned on the island of Imrali in the Sea of Marmara. The PKK thereafter largely collapsed, causing large numbers of its activists and combatants to flee Turkish prosecution and settle in the Kurdish communitiesof northern Syria among others.

At the beginning of the 2011 Arab Spring, Abdullah Öcalan rebuilt the PKK from his prison cell around a new ideology. After secret negotiations with NATO in the Imrali prison, he abandoned Marxist-Leninism in favor of a vague form of stateless communitarianism. So the Kurdish firebrand who had always struggled against Turkey in order to build his own state, Kurdistan, now claimed that any state is in itself a tool of oppression.

Then came a further double-cross. The aforementioned militants of the PKK, who had been forced to flee to the north of Syria after Öcalan’s capture, initially had adhered to his written pledge to Assad that his followers would never lay a claim to Syrian territory.

Indeed, at the beginning of Washington regime change war


on the Syrian government, the Kurds formed militias to defend the country which had given them shelter and awarded them Syrian nationality.

However, on October 2014, Salih Muslim, who was one of the co-chairman of the YPG (the Syrian branch of the PKK), took part in a secret negotiations with French President François Hollande and his Turkish President Erdogan. There he was apparently promised that he would become the head of his own state if he agreed to help re-create Kurdistan…in Syria!

Soon thereafter the so-called international group which had been stood up by Washington to fight ISIS per the usual "coalition of the willing" ploy offered support to the YPG. Accordingly, the above mentioned nation of Rojava was declared and the rest is history – right up until theStockman was a two-term Congressman from Michigan. He was also the Director of the Office of Management and Budget under President Ronald Reagan. After leaving the White House, Stockman had a 20-year career on Wall Street. He’s the author of three books, The Triumph of Politics: Why the Reagan Revolution Failed, The Great Deformation: The Corruption of Capitalism in America and TRUMPED! A Nation on the Brink of Ruin… And How to Bring It Back. He also is founder of David Stockman’s Contra Corner and David Stockman’s Bubble Finance Trader.


"The ingredients, the elements of the products I make, have been in use for thousands of years. They're safety tested by our ancestors..."

Meet Liz Neves, the founder of Raganella's Botanical Solutions, an all-natural, ethical body care company that hand blends organic, sustainable, smokable tea and other herbal products in her kitchen in Brooklyn, New York. Liz sees herself as a "caretaker". She left her 9-5 job in advertising to fulfill her calling to pursue something more ecological and healthy - starting her own body care company because she was fed up with synthetic, brand name products in the marketplace touting solutions to problems, but using ingredients that weren't actually healthy for your body or the environment. As she dug deeper, she realized that "simple is good" that "theUber has opened a new Greenlight Hub in Sandton to cater for the needs of its drivers.

The building is a one-stop-shop for Uber drivers, offering them facilities to register on the platform, attend training courses, and more.

Uber said its new building can serve up to 1,800 driver-partners per day and is the company’s flagship Greenlight Hub on the continent.

Drivers visiting the Greenlight Hub are serviced by a team of Uber experts, who aid them with anything from payment queries to app usage training.

Facilities inside the building include a training room for onboarding new drivers, a service area where drivers can resolve queries and complete documentation, and a free coffee station.

Ground floor space is also devoted to partners who offer discounted cellphone insurance, fuel vouchers, health insurance, and more.

“We


corporate espionage.

HACKED!, reported by Andrew Fowler and presented by Kerry O'Brien, goes to air on Monday 27th May at 8.30pm on ABC1. The program is repeated on Tuesday 28th May at 11.35pm. It can also be seen on ABC News 24 on Saturday at 8.00pm, ABC iview or at abc.net.au/4corners.

Transcript

'HACKED' Monday 27 May 2013

KERRY O'BRIEN, PRESENTER: Cyber thieves have infiltrated Australia's most sensitive government departments.

MARK DREYFUS, ATTORNEY-GENERAL: There's a great deal of intelligence material that we don't comment on.

KERRY O'BRIEN: Industry too, has been hit.

DONALD MCGURK, CEO, CODAN LTD: It's difficult because it's probably a matter of national security.

KERRY O'BRIEN: And the likely culprit isn't hard to find.

RICHARD BEJTLICH, CHIEF SECURITY OFFICER, MANDIANT: It is standard operating practice for them to break into the network of the countersold at a fraction of the price. To add insult to financial injury the control boxes of the copies were marked 'Made in Australia' and labelled with a fake Minelab logo. But in fact they'd been made in China. Codan was a victim of industrial espionage.

DONALD MCGURK: It's not it's not until these products ah came back to the service centres because they weren't operating correctly and ah and some of our dealers ah opened them up and said something's not right here. These circuits are not the circuits that we've come to expect.

ANDREW FOWLER: There was something else he didn't expect. ASIO arrived on his doorstep to tell him something he was completely unaware of. The company's computer system had been hacked.

ANDREW FOWLER: We've been told that


stolen.

ANDREW FOWLER: Four Corners has leaned that breach of the Defence Department only came to light by chance. During an intelligence operation against China, a friendly nation, possibly the US, discovered information from the classified Australian document in an assessment produced by the Chinese military. According to our source, Defence wasn't the only department targeted. A flaw in the security system of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, the coordinator of cyber security policy, allowed hackers to get in the backdoor.

INFORMANT I: The Department of Tourism portal was not as secure as it should've been. It was being hosted in an area that was linked to Prime Minister and Cabinet. The hackers removed information was removed from PM&C through the insecure department of tourism portal.

ANDREW FOWLER: YetFOWLER: But why is that?

MARK DREYFUS: Well, I'm proposing to continue that practice.

ANDREW FOWLER: China is increasingly identified as a major source of cyber hacking. Downtown Shanghai, the country's biggest city, and its booming. But away from the business and bustle, a nondescript building, home to a secret cyber espionage unit.

RICHARD BEJTLICH: That unit is part of a larger operation whose goal is to extract trade secrets, intellectual property, other sensitive data from Western companies and organisations and to use that for the benefit of Chinese companies and Chinese organisations.

ANDREW FOWLER: Richard Bejtlich is a former US intelligence officer. Earlier this year his company Mandiant, published a revealing report which for the first time identified the building as one of some 20 centres for cyber attacks against the


West.

RICHARD BEJTLICH: We estimate that there's ah, as far as the numbers of people who work there somewhere in the hundreds, potentially a thousand, the building that we identified is part of a compound, and we know that their expertise is English language speaking companies.

ANDREW FOWLER: His team traced the cyber attacks back to their source. The Mandiant report cited hits on more than 100 mainly US companies and for the first time named the attacker. The attacks come from the second bureau of the People's Liberation Army's General Staff Department Three, commonly known by its Military Unit Cover Designator as Unit 61398.

DES BALL: It's an entirely secretive organisation. Ah, what you can find out about it only comes about because of what mistakes they make. They doall sorts of things. They do the industrial espionage because there's a link there to the ah, private sector if you can call it the private sector in China. But they are also well into a whole range of intelligence collection.

ANDREW FOWLER: The Chinese Government has repeatedly denied the claims made in the Mandiant Report. In a recent interview with the ABC, the Chinese Ambassador to Australia said China had also been hit.

CHEN YUMING, CHINESE AMBASSADOR TO AUSTRALIA (translation): China is also a big victim of cyber attacks in the world. There are hundreds of thousands of computers in Chinese government agencies which have been attacked by cyber attackers from overseas sources.

ANDREW FOWLER: The Mandiant team discovered that the Chinese also had Australian companies in their sights.

RICHARD BEJTLICH: