Archive for November, 2009
US peace initiative
November 28th, 2009 Posted 11:43 am
So Israelis are not on the edge of their seats hoping that President Barack Obama can, despite all the difficulties, create a new peace process or revive an old one. Instead they are sceptical, and cynical about anything other than more of the same.
Most people are much more concerned about Iran and its nuclear plans than about Palestinians, who are a known, containable commodity. The Iranians are much more worrying.
I am sitting writing this in the shade of some pine trees in the Jewish settlement of Kiryat Arba in the occupied West Bank. All the houses around me are illegal under international law.
If anything, the Palestinians who think all of this occupied land should be theirs are even more cynical and sceptical about peace than the Israelis.
Many Palestinians are convinced that history’s lesson is that Israelis are out to steal their land. Not just the soil and rock, but the water underneath it too.
Plenty of Palestinians say that they prefer it when seemingly harder-line right-wingers like the current Israeli prime minister are in power.
The left, they say, are good at deceiving foreigners but they are just as determined to take land as the rightists.
For more than 15 years, on and off, Palestinians have watched leaders on the TV talking about peace.
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Jewish-Arab crime film captures tensions
November 28th, 2009 Posted 11:38 am
Where were you? Where were you?,” screams the veiled woman on the screen, before breaking into heaving sobs.
She has already lost one son to drug-related gang violence and the other is late home.
“I was really crying, I wasn’t acting,” says Nisrin Rihan, one of the non-professional actors catapulted into the international limelight by the film Ajami.
Next year, the gritty tale about mafia-style murders will become the first Arabic language film to represent Israel at the Oscars.
Like Ms Rihan, who has lost three relatives to gang crime, most of its actors are locals with first-hand experience of the sprawling, scruffy streets of Ajami, a former slum in the port city of Jaffa.
Impoverished Israeli Arabs shooting one another in the shadow of the gleaming towers of Tel Aviv is far from Israel’s preferred international image.
And the aggressive police and brutal killing of a Jewish character shows a dark underside to the ideal of coexistence sometimes touted in mixed Jewish-Arab areas like Jaffa.
But many Israeli film critics and cinema-goers are nevertheless gushing over the film, shot in an intense, documentary style.
Directed jointly by Yaron Shani, a Jewish Israeli, and Skander Copti, an Israeli Arab born and raised in Ajami, it has so far clocked up the Israeli Ophir and Wolgin prizes, and a special mention in Cannes.
But in Ajami itself, the reaction is mixed.
Revenge is the problem. When someone gets killed it just goes on and on…” says student Awad Katta,19.
“It’s quiet now, but four or five years ago someone was killed every week.”
Like many Israeli-Arab viewers, Mr Katta complains that the film makes scant reference to the poverty and historical oppression which he sees as being behind the violence.
Until the war which led to Israel being founded broke out in 1948, Jaffa was the considered the cultural capital of what was then British Mandate Palestine.
Thousands of its Arab residents fled during the fighting.
Israeli Arabs – people of Palestinian descent living in what is now Israel – lived under martial law for nearly two decades.
Since then they have faced widely documented discrimination.
A young man in Ajami “doesn’t know if he’s Palestinian or Israeli, he’s confused, he doesn’t know what he is, what he wants to do,” says Ms Rihan.
“They don’t know how to express themselves, when they fight the easiest thing is to pull out a gun or a knife.”
“I’m shocked that Jews like the film more than Arabs, even though it shows that we are like this because of them!”, she adds.
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November 28th, 2009 Posted 11:31 am
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for Uggs on sales.
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November 28th, 2009 Posted 11:28 am
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History of the Liberty ‘V’ Nickel
November 27th, 2009 Posted 6:31 am
The Liberty Nickel, commonly known as the “V” nickel for the Roman Numeral “V” on the reverse was officially produced from 1883 to 1912. We use the word officially
because one of the most famous coins of all is the 1913 Liberty Nickel which was produced under suspect circumstances. For more on the famous 1913 Liberty Nickel
please refer to the article titled “History of the Famous 1913 Liberty Nickel”.
In 1881, A. Loudon Snowden, Superintendent of the Philadelphia Mint directed Chief Engraver at the time, Charles Barber, to create designs for the cent, three-cent
piece and the nickel. Snowden believed that all three coins should be similar in design and metal composition. The designs created by Barber were all simple in
appearance with Lady Liberty on the obverse and a Roman Numeral I, III or V on the reverse to represent the denomination. Barber completed the request later that year
with all three coins stuck in copper-nickel which was the same as the Shield Nickel currently in circulation. The Shield Nickel, introduced in 1866, was the first
“nickel” sized coin. The half-dime, made of silver, had previously filled the need for this denomination. The Shield Nickel was well received despite the fact that
during this time period, consumers liked their coinage in silver and/or gold. And although the nickel was relatively new, its bland design made it ripe for a redesign.
Additionally, during this time period, there was not yet a federal law establishing the minimum life expectancy for US coin designs.
Changing the cent, three-cent piece and nickel was not to be. Congress opposed a change in composition to the cent and the Treasury would not approve a design change
for the three-cent piece. The three-cent silver piece has been discontinued several years before and the three-cent nickel, with the exception of 1881 had seen
declining mintage numbers. With the nickel seeming to be the only viable option for change, Barber and Snowden concentrated on making the change to the nickel a
reality. In addition to a design/appearance change, Snowden also changed the size from 20.5 mm in diameter to 21.2 mm. Snowden believed that by increasing the diameter
and reducing the thickness (the weight stayed the same), die life would be extended.
After all the finishing touches were complete, there was a special ceremony on January 30th, 1883 to introduce the new nickel. Those who attended, and were deemed
important, received first strike coins. A few days later, regular production began. The new nickels had hardly been circulated when a major problem surfaced. The coin
did not contain the word “cents” and con artists of the day were plating the nickel with gold and passing them off as $5.00 gold pieces. Because the nickel was still
new, the general public was not aware of the new nickel and since the “V” was the only symbol of value, it could mean 5 cents or 5 dollars. Unfortunately for the mint,
nearly 5 ? million nickels had already been produced and released. Barber quickly created a new design, this one with the word cents prominently displayed on the back.
The first nickels soon became known as the “no cents” nickels. The nickels that were gold plated became known as “racketeer nickels” and can still be found in old
hoards and collections.
In the end, over 16 million nickels were produced in 1883. Even though far more 1883 nickels with the word “cents” were produced, they are harder to get in good
grades. The “no cents” variety was saved by people thinking that they would be recalled/replaced.
After this initial controversy, the Liberty Nickel settled down to a calm life. There were no significant changes during the life span of the nickel, and for all but
the final year, all the nickels were made in Philadelphia. In the final year of official production, 1912, nickels were also made in Denver and San Francisco. 1913
gave way to the Buffalo Nickel followed by changed in the dime, quarter and half dollar.
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Coin Collecting Hobby : Great Fun For The Whole Family
November 27th, 2009 Posted 6:31 am
Isn’t it funny that when we are kids we tend to enjoy collecting as a hobby but most of us do not continue this through adult life? I know as a child I enjoyed a stamp
and coin collecting hobby along with swap cards and teddy bears. I gave my stamp collection away when I got older and I sold most of my coins as well. I honestly
cannot remember what happened to the swap cards or all the teddy bears.
For a lot of people, their stamp or coin collecting hobby has continued into adulthood or perhaps they picked it up later in life as many do. But never the less there
are lots and lots of avid collectors out there. A coin collecting hobby for example can mean to the collector many things. Some like to have this type of hobby because
they love history and get great pleasure out of learning more from years gone by.
Then there are those who like to only purchase very rare and expensive coins for an investment purpose. Many people love to purchase brand new coins straight from the
mint while others collect foreign coins only. The great thing about a coin collecting hobby is that there are no rules and everyone can collect whatever they wish.
If you are a serious collector then there are groups and associations such as the American Numismatic Association that you can belong to if that is what you like.
These can be great for all you numismatists as you can have the opportunity to swap coins with other enthusiasts like yourself. They organize The World’s Fair Of Money
every year where you can learn more about this interesting hobby.
If you think you have a valuable coin in your midst then this group will also be able to help you with having your coin appraised. Even for the novice it is good to
have appraisals done on coins that you may have because you never know if you are sitting on a real hidden treasure or not. Something that may look cheap maybe worth a
lot and something that looks expensive and old may not be worth much at all. That is why it is a good idea to get them valued.
Whatever your reasons are for a coin collecting hobby you still should keep your collection in good order by displaying them in a protective folder or case. This way
you can look at them at any time safely and easily without damaging them. Leave them in a locked glass cabinet if you wish to have them on display all the time.
Having a collection such as this is also a good way to teach the family some history. Especially children. It is also one of the easiest hobbies to start your child
off with. Stamps are another great one to do. You don’t even have to buy them to start off with. You can collect them off letters from grandma or a friend and before
you know it you are hooked. These, just like the coins can also be a history lesson. I remember as a child I ended up with stamps and coins from all over the world
because my grandfather was in the ww1 and brought lots back with him and of course stamps on his letters.
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Have you own ugg boots now?
November 27th, 2009 Posted 6:24 am
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Various Styles of Ugg Boots
November 27th, 2009 Posted 6:23 am
Recent years the classic cardy ugg boots have been becoming more and more popular in the fashion world. You can found many different colors.There are no limitations with these boots. No matter what your preference is, it can be found in the Ugg boot.
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The Crochet Ugg boot is another style these boots come in. This boot is a shorter boot and only reaches right above the ankle. The ugg classic cardy boots also comes in taller length that reaches to right above the calf.The shorter style has buttons up the side of it but the taller style is a slip on. Sheepskin Boots are a controversial fashion accessory, people are polarized either adoring them or despising them. Over the past 5 years the number of people sharing their opinion on the worlds coziest footwear has increased and so its difficult to tell if there in or out. Sheepskin Boots are in, last year alone the number of sheepskin wearers doubled!
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Creative Ways To Use Your Digital Camera – Learn To Never Leave Home Without It
November 25th, 2009 Posted 8:32 am
Most people buy a camera to take pictures – which is what it is for. Photographs of family members, portraits, landscapes,
animals, magazines, newspapers, etc. are the main purposes, to either put on the Web, business purposes, or just family
stuff. However, there are many other ways and purposes the camera can be used – and lots more fun.
One of the innovative ways the digital camera can be used is for many areas of education purposes. Lectures use them for
discussion clarity, such as traveling to Italy or to see the inside of a chemical. Many digital photos are used for medical
teaching, such as diagnosis and treatments.
Building reference collections of a chosen field or interest is an excellent way to categorize things. Photographs are used
for encouraging critical thinking skills, illustrating case studies, enhancing creative skills, emphasize visual
communication abilities, analyze practices, to document an event, or to access knowledge or observations.
Insurance companies use digital photography techniques for substantial savings. When their field inspectors go out for claim
inspections, they take photos with their digital cameras. After this, they immediately download them into their laptop
computers, tagging each photograph with text information, including the policy and claim numbers. When this is done, they
send the information back through a wireless server, where the server confirms their receipt and closes down. Next case is
onboard for the inspectors within minutes. Statistics show that field inspectors who use digital cameras increase their
caseload by 40%, with a savings of 70% in film and developing costs.
The possibility of taking digital photos of the home, trailer, or apartment, that is either for sale or one that has been
damaged, is endless. The photo will reveal the actual need for repairs or replacements to the home insurance field agent,
while also providing important locations of valves, location of utilities, or the general operations of things. If the front
porch needs to be repaired, with estimates from carpenters, photos can be shot of the porch, while e-mailing them to several
carpenters without leaving the home. You do not have to wait for them to visit you.
They can even e-mail the estimates back after looking at the pictures. When something major has occurred to the home – a
hurricane or a flood – have the inspector arrive at the damaged property. Photographs can be taken by the inspector or by
the homeowner of visible damaged areas, accessible items, heating systems, central air condition systems, plumbing, etc.
upon which a hard copy of the inspection report will be handed over, corresponding to the matching photographs.
Try using the digital camera as a copier or scanner, with high-resolution camera for documents, important paper work,
pictures, etc. If needed, use a tripod and lots of lighting to ensure the works will be clear and legible. To remember the
address, or phone number on a billboard or yard sign, you can click a digital photo.
If we tend to forget where we park our car, a photo will help us to remember. We can also shoot photos of the back portion
of computers, stereo sets, etc. This will help us to have a record of the serial numbers, the jacks, and ports, looking at
how they are connected.
Using the digital camera for memory work, back ups, or proof and verification adds more value to the camera. It will also
take time off insurance paper work for auto wrecks, home repair, or important paperwork if lost. It is simply a matter of
getting into the habit of using it for personal benefits, instead of just leisure. The digital camera is not just another
pretty face!
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Help Me, I Can’t See Anything Using My SLR!
November 25th, 2009 Posted 8:30 am
The inner workings of the digital SLR rely on image sensors. These sensors capture the image by carrying electrostatic
charges, which attract the dust, along with many airborne particles to these same sensors. Particular areas, such as dirt
fields, beaches, or parks, have more dust than others.
We need to save our SLR from dust if we want to obtain consistent results, this is not an easy battle to win, because dust
finds different ways to get inside our camera body and stick to the sensor. This happens especially when the lens is being
replaced or it happens when the sensors get charged – drawing in the dust. Probably the easiest way to avoid dust is by
changing the lens in a clean place with no dust – but it makes sense to not change the camera lens in a windy, dusty or
sandy location.
It is much better to change them inside a closed room before leaving for a shoot. It can be determined if the camera is
affected by dust in a simple manner. Shoot a picture of a clear blue sky or a smooth white surface, well lit. Shoot without
a flash, such as f/16 or f/22; if the camera has a zoom lens, shoot the test shots at a wide angle. If the camera zooms in,
the dust splotch will appear like a soft blob instead of a spot.
When taking pictures, try to hold the camera in a downward angle, while changing the lens to avoid dust from entering from
above. Basically, the mirror fixed inside the SLR offers protection to the sensor from dust. The mirror/sensor chamber,
which can accumulate dust, should therefore be kept clean to avoid dust from finding its way to the sensor. In case it is
decided to change the lens in the field, try to find a sheltered location. Try to reduce the time the camera is kept open,
by keeping the replacement lens ready for a swap.
Giotto’s Rocket Air Blower is a good product to keep for removing dust from the camera. Reviews have said it is light to
carry, yet bulky. Other than that, it is a good product. It effectively cleans with just a puff or two, and is better to
clean at home or the studio. Never clean the insides of your camera with compressed air stored inside an Aerosol can.
The propellant in the Aerosol can sometimes sprays a liquid that quickly evaporates leaving a residue behind on the surface
of the sensor resulting in malfunctioning of the sensor. The air blowers work a lot better. The air blower is helpful when
available within arm’s reach. It helps to eliminate massive dust in an easy manner, helping a few photographers, who use
editing software to remove the particle from the pictures, keep their cameras clean.
Another way to avoid dust accumulation, in emergencies you can shoot with wide aperture openings. This reduces the camera’s
depth of field and negatives the impact that dust may have on an image. However, this should not be made a practice as he
dust, if it is allowed to accumulate on the sensor surface, will lower its sensitivity.
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