Field of Schemes

Norway’s State Sanctioned Anti-Semitism

at midnight on may 14, 1948 the provisory guidance proclaimed a new brilliance of israel. on that same date the united states, in the person of president harry truman (against the state department’s advice) recognized the temporary jewish government as de facto evidence of the jewish state. six months later norway did the same.but when the hamas and fatah had their squat lull and the two terrorist organizations, each speciality for the destruction of israel, united to form a government in the palestinian territories. each of the awe groups has a stand which says that armed guerilla movement will continue until israel no longer exists as a jewish style. unlike 1948, within minutes norway recognized the new palestinian government, and said it would regulate relations with the hamas-fatah terrorist coalition. the reason for this recognition is norway’s long keep a record of-record of hating jews.before you start leaving comments that i am saying that any homeland that supported the hamas/fatah government was anti-semitic…look at the norway track record:over past decades norway has enlarge a position of israel hatred that is unparalleled even when compared to other scandinavian countries(themselves no fans of israel)

Author Yoram Kaniuk, who has been hosted in Oslo several times in recent years, said that when talk turns to politics, “you discover bottomless hatred. The impression is that suddenly it is permissible to say anything - against Israel and against Jews … Have you ever heard them talk like that about what the Russians are doing in Chechnya, or about the oppression of 40 million Kurds?”

unlike in many other european countries, attitudes in similar norway are not the product of a bountiful muslim denizens. (ha’ aretz 4/02)what ha’arez does not say is that norway is no big supporter of jews. as outline by the countries beloved philosper and member of the royal norwegian order of st. olav (an honor awarded by the king ) jostein gaarder:we laugh at this people’s whims, and cry finished its misdeeds. to order as god’s chosen people is not only foolish and brazen, it is a crime against human race. we summons it racism. … there are limits to our patience and there are limits to our tolerance. we do not believe in divine promises as a explanation on occupation and apartheid. we have left the middle ages behind. we laugh with embarrassment at those who still believe that the god of the flora, fauna and galaxies has chosen inseparable particular people as his favorite, and given them amusing stone tablets, vehement bushes anda license to kill. (source wikopedia)norway has always been a country spry in jew hatred
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Will the Indigenous, Local Communities Figure into Climate Change-Forestry Talks in Poznan?

reducing emissions through deforestation and forest degradation– a.k.a. redd– is a focal core of this week?s unfcc cop 14 global feel change negotiations in poznan.

A fundamental question arises given the make-up of the government delegations who will be the ultimate decision makers as to what, if any form, a new global compact on climate change will eventually take: is any political body and process– even one as broad-based as the UNFCCC’s Conference of Parties to the Kyoto Protocol-, open, inclusive and motivated enough to recognize and represent the interests of the indigenous forest peoples around the world? Traditionally run over by the wheels of “progress” and those motivated primarily by the narrow interests of maximizing profits and minimizing costs, will these people ever be included, and viewed as equals, in high-level political and commercial negotiations?

Forestry researchers and policy wonks have been putting forth various and numerous methods to inform and guide the UNFCC as it seeks to develop the means and mechanisms to reduce deforestation and forest degradation. None address the most fundamental issue, however, asserts ForestAction Nepal and the Nepal Federation of Community Forest Users.

The critical issue, according to these organizations, is not “how to implement” REDD, but “who is it that we are rewarding through REDD and carbon financing?”

Empowering and Enabling Forest Peoples

here’s a good particle of hardheaded political pragmatism, courtesy of forestaction nepal and fecofun for cop 14 delegates in poznan: it’s the local communities, indigenous groups and forest dwellers?not the governmental or secretively sector?that should be the primary beneficiaries of the financing, technology and other incentives aimed at preserving forests, palliating and adapting to ambiance hard cash being contemplated, and already being doled out, by the un, world bank and other supranational, government and grunt sector agencies.

“These groups not only constitute some of the world’s poorest people, deprived of the basic necessities of life, but are also the local stewards of forest, supplying ‘cheap labor’ to protect, nurture and rehabilitate forests– a global environmental service which, till now, has been provided free of cost to the global community,” the authors of a ForestAction Nepal-FECOFUN policy statement write. “These are the people who have foregone the luxury of modern development and lived in the forest ecosystems fighting against the nexus of corrupt state officials and logging companies– the main agents of deforestation.”

Subway flatbread

Local residents and forest communities, and political associations, are making a difference, and have been doing so for a long time. Local residents in the Himalayan regions of India and Nepal, for instance, have reversed decades worth of faulty government policies and management. Some 10 million people in Nepal have brought some 1.5 million hectares of forests under sustainable management, breaking the longstanding deforestation and land degradation trend. Similarly, locals, women in particular, living in the Indian state of Uttaranchal, opposed loggers in a campaign known as the “Chipko Movement.”

While UN climate change negotiators’ efforts to establish a REDD framework is encouraging, it needs to go a lot further in terms of empowering local communities and forest residents if it is to be even perceived as equitable, just and workable over a sustained period of time, according to the two organizations.

“Deforestation and forest degradation must not be misunderstood as a financial problem,” the authors write. “It is a result of the denial of local rights over forests, the lack of an enabling policy environment, irresponsible and unregulated private sector activities, corruption within government forestry agencies, and many external drivers, such as the cost of fuel.”

ForestAction-FECOFUN’s COP 14 policy brief includes a ten-point template for establishing a REDD framework and mechanism, perhaps best briefly reflected in the following: “The solution lies in allowing forest-dependent peoples to take leadership in combating deforestation by implementing sustainable forest management.”

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Chambliss: So What If I Can’t Define What A Recession Is?

One day after being outed for trying to cover up his ignorance about what a recession is, Saxby Chambliss took the new tack of saying, essentially, “So what?” Chambliss also insisted he’s not for privatizing Social Security, he “just” wants to allow taxpayers to invest some of the money on their own. With video

Chambliss appeared on Hannity & Colmes last night (12/1/08) in what Hannity obviously hoped would be a boon to the Georgia Republican Senator’s run-off election Tuesday. Hannity’s portion of the interview was pretty much standard issue. He fed Chambliss a slew of questions designed to elicit campaign-boosting answers: Has Barack Obama stayed out of the Georgia race because of “a lack of political courage?” How did it go with “rock star” Sarah Palin campaigning for you? Will your opponent be a “rubber stamp” for Democrats?

China melamine death toll rises

But then Colmes took his turn. He asked Chambliss about his previous day’s appearance on FOX News Sunday where first he was caught lying in an attempt to defend his remark: “We may not be in a racession. I don’t know what that term means” and then misstated the definition.

Chambliss said, “Uh, well, you know, that was in the heat of the moment there, Alan. What acheter cialis can I say? But the fact is that there was a dispute over the definition of, technically, what’s a recession. But what I went on to say to Chris (Wallace)… was that I know times are tough in Georgia.”

But that’s not what Chambliss said when he made the original remark.

Colmes said, “But if you’re not going to acknowledge what the issues are, that we’re in a recession, then (the National Bureau of Economic Research) came out today, said we were in a recession a year ago, and to not, to say you don’t know what it is, and not define it properly, what kind of confidence does that give the electorate?”

“Well, Alan,” Chambliss answered, “You know the electorate that’s worried about making their mortgage payment, that’s worried about making their car payment, that’s worried about losing their job, they don’t care what the definition of a recession is. They want somebody who’s a policy maker who cares about them.”

Colmes changed the subject, “Senator, you also wanted to privatize Social Security. The market was down 600 points today (actually, it was closer to 700). Do you acknowledge now that had we privatized Social Security as you wanted to do, people would be suffering even more and losing their life savings in the name of retirement?

“Well, Alan,” Chambliss said again. “You sound like my opponent. I never sought to privatize Social Security. I do think that people ought to have some control over their money rather than the government just mandating to ‘em how they’re gonna invest their money.”

“You were not for privatization?” Colmes asked.

That must have hit a nerve because Hannity started butting in. “He’s for choice.”

After Colmes pointed out he was asking the guest, Chambliss finally said, “Privatization is not the right word. What I want to do is let people take their own money, Alan, and decide how it ought to be invested.”

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The Nikon D700: The New 400

You digital people are so lucky. And what do I mean by “digital people”? Michael Reichmann mentioned, in the course of his new Panasonic G1 review, that he encounters photographers these days who never shot film. So do I. It’s an amazing if inevitable development in the hobby. Anyway, I often don’t think you digital people have any idea how lucky you are.

I’ve been mulling over a number of things these days. First, I’ve been mulling over my final thoughts on the Pentax K20D. And I’ve been mulling acheter levitra over some holistic thoughts about camera development, which is proceeding interestingly as usual. And some thoughts about B&W.

Meanwhile, “camera testing weather” is just about over here in Wisconsin. We had a lovely snowfall this afternoon?great cottony clumps of flakes drifting down from the sky, some seemingly an inch in diameter. Naturally, a picture doesn’t do it justice, but just as naturally that didn’t stop me from trying:

You should have seen these things. Seriously, I don’t think I’ve ever seen bigger snowflakes. Maybe as big, but not bigger. Not quite the size of canned hams.

Ultimately, I suspect the image quality (IQ) of the K20D is better than that of the Nikon D700, as I shall try to demonstrate in due course. The Pentax has somewhat higher resolution and better detail; it has slightly tastier, richer color than I’ve so far eked out of the Nikon. But that’s only if you’re able to use the K20D within its limitations?meaning, at normal sensitivities. That’s a big “if,” turns out. Where the D700 just obliterates the K20D?and every other digital camera I’ve ever used, save the D3?is at high ISO’s.

The higher, the more better.

I use the K20D about like I use my old Konica-Minolta 7D: freely up to ISO 800, and 1600 when needed, tolerating an acceptable but obvious IQ hit. Those speeds seem luxurious to me. They cover most picture-taking situations easily. They’re no hardship, certainly, for someone who grew up on film.

I was able to shoot the snowflake picture at 1/800th sec. at a middle aperture of ?/5.6, which is pretty good. IQ is good, too: the D700 is even picking up the snowflakes against the gray sky. I think you can see that even in the online JPEG if you click on the picture to see the larger version. Can you see that? I can see it easily in the full file. I don’t know, but I don’t think I ever saw film do that under similar conditions.

Even on screen, you have to magnify D700 files considerably to see noise at many sensitivities. What I noticed was that at many speeds, you see pixels before you see noise.

Pixels show up at a definite screen size: at 100% they’re not obvious, and at 200% they are.

Which got me to thinking. (It’s always dangerous when I try to do that.) Examining D700 files on the monitor at 100%, you cannot see noise at, say, ISO 400. I did some shots at ISO 5000, and at 100% you can clearly see the noise in those. Hmm (cogs turning): What that means is that there’s some speed that’s the highest speed at which you’ll see pixels onscreen before you see noise onscreen. (Does this have any practical meaning? I honestly don’t know. The weather’s bad, and I’m just dorking around today. Dump-de-dum-dum.) So, just for fun, I went looking for what that speed is.

I did speed-brackets of a number of shots. I think this hits the magic number:

The knives always fall into the disposal. Oh, and sorry about these dreadful “just a test shot” pictures. I suppose we all do that, right? Especially at this time of year, here, with wet snow falling under leaden skies. There’s no good light anywhere. Hey, at least I didn’t show you the self-portrait I took in the bathroom mirror, so maybe you’re luckier than you think.

Anyway, I can sort of see noise?barely?in this picture at 100%. Here’s a screen shot from ACR, which you should be seeing at 100% after you click on it to enlarge it:

I think you’re seeing just a little noise in this. Kind of hard to tell. There seems to be a little color in that stainless steel that’s not stainless-steel color. Bear in m …

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Goodman Theater Extends Lynn Nottage’s ‘RUINED’ Until 12/14

merited to unendurable ticket demand and critical acclaim, goodman auditorium extends its in seventh heaven first night of ruined by lynn nottage inclusive of sunday, december 14; tickets are $10 - $43. added performances include: wednesday, december 10 at 7:30pm; thursday, december 11 at 7:30pm; friday, december 12 at 8pm; saturday, december 13 at 8pm; sunday, december 14 at 7:30pm. directed by kate whoriskey, ruined is the captivating story of mama nadi, the proprietress of a canteen who serves up the whole from a cold beer and a warm meal-to the company of a ball.

Subway

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Dean Ing

next up on the auction hindrance, two thrillers that should appeal to team usaf fans. author dean ing has donated two (out of print) autographed hardcover techno-thriller classics for valour-it. from his wikipedia bio:dean ing (born 1931) is an american founder, who usually writes in the science fiction and techno-thriller genres. dean charles ing was formerly a member acheter cialis of the concerted states air force, an aerospace build, and a university professor who holds a doctorate in communications theory. he has…

Mugu rock

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Chronicle’s picks for Thanksgiving weekend

michael bauer chronicle food critic 1. convoy a trip to the ferry plaza farmers’ market on saturday morning at the ferry edifice to pick up everything you need because of dinner that night, and prepare it together. for lunch, take a break out in and stop by…

The telegraph india

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Research Before You Buy

i by a hair’s breadth had a conversation with a friend thither dieting and losing weight. i agree that we have to watch we devour if we inadequacy to become nourishing and fit. it is one’s prerogative if he/she wants to follow a strict food and limber up or deduce a diet pill, scoff supplement, weight loss tablet. but it is plumb important that whatever means you are going to follow you need to research first. there are diet pills that are appropriate for you and others are not; by a hair’s breadth dig if you want to go on with leptovox because you heard its effectiveness as a burden passing pill. the same thing with other pills, it is best to be familiar with how it works, its contents and if it is good appropriate for your health. by doing so, you will not jeopardize your health. it is also important to consult a virtuoso or your physician to ensure your safety.
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26 November SWJ Roundup

while the new status of forces accord appears to come the door on any future american training, advisory or other military help after december 2011, this is contrary to a november 2007 intersection profession by washington and baghdad and is improbable to be the certain word. the other day i sent an e-mail message to iraq’s national asylum adviser, mowaffak al-rubaie, asking for clarification on that feature. his answer clearly pink the door commence: “it is too early to decide. we will cross that bridge when we get to it.”

–Linda Robinson, New York Times

put one’s faith of defense gates to reportedly stay on as pentagon chief - voice of america us officials say defense secretary robert gates has agreed to stay in his duty when president-elect barack obama takes office in january. officials familiar with the discussions determine media that gates will remain in the post for at least one year. there was no immediate confirmation on the reports tuesday from the obama change team or the defense sphere. gates is a republican who has served in president george bush’s administration for two years. the 65-year-superannuated gates also served as gaffer of the central intelligence agency under mr. bush’s father, late president george h. w. bush. gates’s appointment would fulfill a pledge by mr. obama to include at least one republican in his cabinet. observers predict the expected appointment would provide continuity as the transformation from one management to another takes place and the united states fights wars in afghanistan and iraq. the political news web locality, politico, reported that the pentagon robbery would be get of a group of national security positions being announced next week. politico said retired marine general james jones is mr. obama’s pick due to the fact that white house national guarantee adviser. it is also being reported that senator hillary clinton likely whim be named as mr. obama’s selected for secretary of state next week. the former first lady was one of mr. obama’s democratic rivals in the race for the innocent legislative body. more at voice of america and: gates said to be near a deal to keep post - washington post obama plans to bear gates at defense department - advanced york times gates agrees to stay on at defense post if asked - washington times secretary of defense gates to stay on in obama cabinet - los angeles times gates to reportedly stay on as pentagon chief - voice of america bush’s defence secretary to loiter on at pentagon - the times gates to stay on in obama administration - ordinary telegraph recognized: obama asks gates to retard at pentagon - associated press gates staying on as defense chief - boston orb gates ‘to stay as pentagon chief’ - bbc scandal gates said to stay on at pentagon in obama presidency - bloomberg gates to stay as us defense secretary - reuters iraq backers of iraq-us pact seek votes in parliament - alissa rubin and campbell robertson, rejuvenated york times intensive last-minute negotiations were lower than drunk way on tuesday to corral votes in the iraqi parliament for a shelter and strategic framework harmony that, if approved, would be a road map quest of the complete withdrawal of american troops from iraq in three years. much is

Michael lee

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ANTM Cycle 11- Spoiler!

at this point, i think i’ve earn to accept antm as part of my spirit. something i just mindlessly watch when it’s on. you must admit, it’s a careful indulgence. *spoiler alert*

now that i’ve “come around” to this way of philosophy, my expectations are modulate and in which case i thought this season’s show was not bad! there was a iota of drama, there were pretty pictures, some chill themes (voting booths, award accidents, underwater eye level shots, hanging on hot air balloons etc), a bit of traveling (to amsterdam)and some afters prizes. they had fashion show opp prizes, shopping sprees and free designer clothes- it was pretty wonderful! the window display to question in the red light district of amsterdam was refreshing. plus they had a really splendorous willy wonka like pink runway in the finale. there was a mini “hill” at the onset and the models had to hump it up it in their heels (otherwise they’d go over like a lead balloon a fall in love with backwards), it was quite an pleasurable scene! though i thought at the beginning the whole gap theme thing and turning a new leaf because it’s the 11th cycle was a bit overplayed.

and the winner of succession 11 of antm is- mckey. she does eat very splendid modelesque features and towards the end, i thought her pictures were one of the strongest.

i process, you got to reveal, she has definitely improved from her first photo at the voting booth. it looked like she had no view….

…and then bam! here we are. i attentiveness she had some of the most interesting and varied poses in her shoots. she in any case tried renewed things and they worked. and did i mention her staggering features? once they got to definitive 2, it was obvious who the winner is. granted she’s not who i was vouching for, i thought out of the two she deserved to win (she was a bit too tomboy for me and her walk was a bit “lurch” take pleasure in as they said). by the way, i thought renaming herself mckey at the start was a genius move. it is so much more captivating and memorable than brittany.

as you may be able to tell by now, sam wasn’t my favourite popsy. every one else loved her though, because she had the whole sunny, unshackled california chick next door personality. maybe i justified prefer more serious, subdue personalities. also, she merely didn’t look like a variety to me, because this girl absolutely cannot dress herself for her life. i still remember that horrible salmon colored v neck sweater and straight skirt she wore to panel, that calm tyra couldn’t do anything *shiver*. i also didn’t contrive this picture was as “all that” as all the judges thought. though i didn’t realize that she had only just turned 18 on the show, so i guess i should cut her some remiss. making it into the top 2 is pretty good (her boardwalk was not much better than mckey’s).

26 november

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