The War in Iraq Was Won

Brandon Scott, who served on a Tactical Human Intelligence Team in Iraq from 2004 to 2005, argues that despite the storm of sectarianism and violence,  the Iraq War should be perceived as a success.

The 10th Anniversary of the Iraq War was marked this week with the usual commentary of defeatism. It seems like no matter where one reads, the same underlying statement is made: The United States lost the war in Iraq. I strongly disagree with this argument.

Unlike in Vietnam, US soldiers, spooks (intelligence officers), and statesmen did not leave Iraq in a rush. The Mahdi Army or the al-Qaeda inspired Islamic State of Iraq, unlike the North Vietnamese Army in Saigon, did not roll down the streets of Baghdad tearing down all the political, security, and social arrangements that the US had built. Many critics state that the Iraq War was a failure because the country’s insurgency started after President George W. Bush infamously declared “Mission Accomplished!” or because the reconstruction efforts for Iraq continued painfully and fitfully.

These critics ignore the greater point about the Iraq War: the US accomplished many of its goals in Iraq, even if it took time. US involvement in Iraq from 2003-2011 cannot be viewed simply as a series of disconnected actions engaged in isolation of each other. The US, instead, ventured and succeeded in overcoming arguably one of its greatest challenges since the Second World War; which was to conduct regime change, wage a successful counterinsurgency, develop the security forces of Iraq, and provide economic development throughout the country.

Moreover, the US military effort to wage counterinsurgency in Iraq produced perhaps the most successful adaptive experience that the military has ever had. The US military adapted so well to the circumstances that it faced in Iraq, that it now exports counterinsurgency training to other countries which face current or potential insurgencies. It has also learned, in partnership with the Iraqi military, the empirical lesson that it is necessary to work within combined-joint-multi-national operations to confront complex and rapidly emerging threats. Several recent and forming conflicts in the world, including in Yemen, Somalia, Libya, Syria, and the Congo region, will test whether the US military learned thoroughly from its experiences in Iraq.

Iraq has also benefitted from the removal of Saddam Hussein, even with seemingly endemic sectarian violence, public sector corruption, and political conflict over the rights and responsibilities of the country’s diverse communities in the context of a federal system. The Arab Spring-inspired protests that have been occurring against the current Iraqi government are a step in the right direction for the country. Civil disobedience was ruthlessly suppressed under Saddam, and even during the US occupation of Iraq it would have been strongly discouraged, by Iraqis and the US, in the interest of promoting internal stability during war. Today, Iraqis are showing a greater willingness to empower themselves and to work through civil society and political mechanisms, which is an act of courage that will hopefully continue the process of building a democratic Iraq.

Economically, the Iraqi Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has grown consistently since the removal of Saddam Hussein, other than for a drastic drop of $20 billion from 2008 to 2009. In addition, Iraq’s Deputy Central Bank Governor, Mudher Kasim, recently stated that Iraq’s GDP will double in three years from $170 billion to $360 billion. Now, the challenge for Iraq and its international partners such as the US is to facilitate the country’s exports, drive profits from energy resources into education, and continue to improve the country’s infrastructure.

Perhaps most promising for Iraq is the bravery and dedication of its youth. It was my distinct honor to participate in the US Department of State’s Youth and Education Study (YES) program where I interacted directly with Middle Eastern youth in Washington DC. In the summer of 2008, I participated in YES as a Cultural Adviser for a cohort of Iraqi high school student participants. As I took them to the airport at the end of their program, I remember tears welling up in my eyes, and theirs, as we hugged and promised to stay in contact in the future. We all knew that I was wishing them well as they prepared to return to an Iraq that was still in the midst of sectarian conflict and a US military surge.

In my mind, these Iraqi students were a ray of sunshine in the storm of sectarianism and violence in Iraq. It has been four years since that day, and perhaps a rainbow of hope for the future of Iraq is emerging from the clouds. One of my students, a courageous and brilliant young woman, was featured as a speaker at TEDx Youth Baghdad Conference. Upon seeing her picture, and hearing about her confidence in a better future for Iraq, I was overcome with emotion.

All of the Iraqi students expressed to me that they would not have had the opportunity to achieve what they have, under the stagnant regime of Saddam Hussein. Many of them attend universities in the US, and are actively involved in civil society capacity building and social development, in the service of their country. Tell them, then, that they are fighting for a lost cause.

*[Note: The views expressed in this article should not be construed as the official position of 361 Security.]

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South Korean World Cup Kits

Korea Republic head to Qatar with stunning bespoke Nike kits, they’ll wear them in Group H of the 2022 competition, against Portugal, Ghana & Uruguay.

South Korea 22/23 Home & Away Kits

2022/23 South Korea Home Shirt

South Korea campaigns in the 2022 World Cup with a Nike home that is predominantly reddish-pink. It has a tonal tiger striping along the raglan sleeves to give the shirt some design element. A polo collar in black caps off the look.
Get The 22/23 Kit

2022/23 South Korea Away Shirt

South Korea's black Nike away shirt for the 2022 World Cup expresses the ultimate creativity and spontaneousness. With a black base, the kit is able to give life and visibility to the abstract spraypaint strokes in red, blue and yellow covering the entirety of the kit.
Get The 22/23 Kit

South Korean played their first international match against Mexico in London, England on the 2nd August 1948 losing 5-3. Known as the Asian Tigers and locally as the Taeguk Warriorshas they have been Asia's most successful national team since they made their debut at the 1948 Summer Olympics.South Korea play their home games in red shirts dark blue shorts and red socks with the away strip being white shirts red shorts and white socks. They had their most successful world cup appearance in 2002 when as joint hosts with Japan they finished an impressive and unexpected 4th.

2020/21 South Korea Home Shirt

South Korea Home 2020/21 KitThe prominent change applied on the 2020 South Korea home kit is the patterned print on the top half part of the shirt, departing from the solid colours of the uniforms the team has worn for their previous campaigns. The said print though gradually transitions to a solid red near the bottom part of the jersey. Going into the details of the design of the pattern, we could see that it is composed of multiple intersections of three lines on a diagonal orientation. Using the shoulder and sleeve area as the starting point, the lines coming from the left side alternates between solid and broken lines and are quite bent as they extend further down. The lines coming from the other side are wavier. Combine these lines and you now have an excellent representation of the Hallyu Wave (a term coined by Chinese journalists to demonstrate the growth of interest with Korean culture). The federation logo is on the left chest while the Swoosh is on the right.

2020/21 South Korea Away Shirt

South Korea Away 2020/21 KitWhile the home kit represents the progressive Hallyu culture of South Korea, the away strip for the 2020/21 is a direct nod to the country's nickname as the 'Tigers of Asia.' The kit combines black and white to produce a tiger skin-like graphic that spans the entire shirt. The sleeves have narrow black cuffs while the v neckline has an attached black fabric that shapes into a round neckline. Classy gold accents appear in the form of the Swoosh and the Federation badge on the right and left chest respectively. White shorts and socks with the tiger print details complete the away kit.

The Korea Republic national football team are nicknamed 'Taeguk Warriors' and they are one of the most dominant nations in the AFC Confederation along with Japan and Australia. The nation have had several notable players to wear their shirt including Park Ji-Sung, Cha Bum-Kun, Hong Myung-Bo, Park Chu-Young, Lee Dong-Gook, Kim-Nam-II, Lee Chung-Yong and many more. The South Koreans wear red home shirts with blue shorts supplied by American sportswear company Nike.

The Asian nation have won just two AFC Asian Cups in 1956 and 1960 where they hosted the tournament and they have been runners-up on three occasions and third place on four occasions.

South Korea have had their shirts supplied by Nike for over 18 years where before that they had Rapido, Weekend, adidas, Asics, Prospecs and Kolon Activ.

Korea Republic World Cup Kits

South Korea World Cup 2022 Kits World Cup 2022 - Led by talisman Son Heung-min, South Korea qualified for the Qatar World Cup with two group games to spare. This meant that the nation comprised the Asian delegation to the World Cup for the tenth consecutive time dating back to 1986. The Tigers of Asia then marked the first winter World Cup with pinkish red home kit that had a camo design (patterned after a tiger print) on the raglan sleeves. The away kit was their first-ever shirt in black, and featured an abstract, spraypaint-like graphic in a multicolour tone.

South Korea World Cup 2018 Kits World Cup 2018 - The 2018 South Korea red home kit and its plain look contrasted with the white alternate shirt, which at least had strips of lines in red and blue positioned in a curved flowing manner to abstractly illustrate the Taeguk. Despite another group stage exit, South Korea ended the campaign on a positive note as they delivered a 2-0 upset against Germany and bring the defending champions with them in crashing out of the group phase (Germany's first time to do so since the reintroduction of the format in 1950). Mexico was so thankful for the upset win they celebrated in front of the South Korea's embassy. Mexico's victories in their first two opening matches would had been for nothing had Germany won since they themselves lost their last group match to Sweden (meaning Germany would proceed due to goal difference). The match was therefore called the 'Miracle of Kazan.'

South Korea World Cup 2010 Kits World Cup 2014 - If not for the broad trims demarcating the sleeves and the rest of the shirt, South Korea's red home and white away strips might had been as plain-looking as their other classic kits. The former had the said trims in blue while the latter had them in red. High hopes were set because of the country's bronze medal in the 2012 summer Olympics. However, the group stage exit curse afflicted them, resulting to some angry fans dishonourably pelting them with native candy 'yeot' upon the team's return to their homeland.

South Korea World Cup 2010 Kits World Cup 2010 - In 2010, the Asian football powerhouse donned its red primary and white secondary jerseys that were designed with a faded graphical print, which was a representative image of the fur of a tiger (the team's symbol). Manchester United legend Park Ji-sung led the charge both as captain and primary scorer, ending up with a R16 finish against Uruguay.

South Korea World Cup 2006 Kits World Cup 2006 - South Korea's 2006 red home and white away kits both featured blue-striped side panels as the standout feature. Despite starting the group stage with a win and a draw against Togo and France, respectively, they still exited the group stage when they lost 2-0 against group leader Switzerland.

South Korea World Cup 2002 Kits World Cup 2002 - Like other Nike kits at that time, South Korea wore a white home and a red away jersey that had angular lateral trims accented from the partner kit's base colour. Furthermore, both strips featured two sets of curved pinstripes, one covering the lefthand side and the other the bottom half. With the appointment of Guus Hiddink (the same Netherlands' manager that dealt them a 5-0 defeat a WC prior), South Korea made 2002 a memorable one. Not only did they co-host the event with Japan, they managed to finally win games and even finished fourth place despite not having won any matches in any of their previous World Cup appearances.

South Korea World Cup 1998 Kits World Cup 1998 - The return of Cha Bum-kun as manager brought excitement to the nation's 1998 campaign. But everything came to its head when South Korea lost 3-1 to Mexico and 5-0 to Guus Hiddink's Netherlands, resulting to the legend's sacking ahead of the final group match. The team reverted back to plain looks compared to the previous WCs, with the red home simply having a blue accent from the polo collar and the blue away having a white one.

South Korea World Cup 1994 Kits World Cup 1994 - Arguably the most artistic of its World Cup kits, South Korea's white home and blue away shirts featured a multicolour diagonal image that represented a wave effect. While the group stage exit was forgettable, the nation remembered 1994 for the 'Miracle of Doha,' where South Korea clinched qualification courtesy of their 3-0 win against NoKor but, more importantly, Japan's concession of a late goal to Iraq. The results, all in all, meant SoKor were in due to better goal difference.

South Korea World Cup 1990 Kits World Cup 1990 - Relative to the 1986 outfits, South Korea changed from blue to white for the away kit and remained red for the home in this World Cup. Both kits displayed red and blue accents on the collar (which appeared bolder on the secondary shirt) to maintain the influence of the flag colours. SoKor lost of its group stage matches in Italy to crash out of the competition.

South Korea World Cup 1986 Kits World Cup 1986 - While the nation had its first World Cup in 1954, South Korea began its consistent participation only in 1986. They were led by Bundesliga great Cha Bum-kun, known at that time for his thunderous, powerful shots. Because the 1954 campaign ended without a single goal scored, Park Chang-sun actually gave the nation its first World Cup goal when he scored against Argentina in the opening match. The team wore a red home and a blue away shirt, patterned after the colours of the Taeguk symbol on the national flag. The kits were made by then Samsung's fashion brand that was renamed Rapido in 1988.


Work limit
  Type: double
  Default value: Infinity
  Minimum value: 0
  Maximum value: Infinity

Limits the total work expended (in work units). Optimization returns with a WORK_LIMIT status if the limit is exceeded (see the Status Code section for further details).

In contrast to the TimeLimit, work limits are deterministic. This means that on the same hardware and with the same parameter and attribute settings, a work limit will stop the optimization of a given model at the exact same point every time. One work unit corresponds very roughly to one second on a single thread, but this greatly depends on the hardware on which Gurobi is running and the model that is being solved.

Note that optimization may not stop immediately upon hitting the work limit. It will stop when the optimization is next in a deterministic state, and it will then perform the required additional computations of the attributes associated with the terminated optimization. As a result, the Work attribute may be larger than the specified WorkLimit upon completion, and repeating the optimization with a WorkLimit set to the Work attribute of the stopped optimization may result in additional computations and a larger attribute value.


April Monthly Market Review 2021

After the fairly volatile first quarter, April brought more decisively positive stock market returns, while bonds paused their losing streak. The main April takeaways for investors were threefold. First, improving economic sentiment would no longer push up bond yields, therefore easing the competition for sources of yield that had become the main headwind for equities in the first quarter. Second, strongly rising commodity prices and annual corporate earnings growth touching 50% provided solid evidence that recent equity market optimism had an increasingly solid base in the real economy. Third, the regional picture remains changeable, with Europe no longer significantly trailing the US, whereas last year’s regional darlings in East Asia (especially the Chinese and Japanese markets) have become this year’s laggards.

The rotational forces that set back the US tech giants in the first quarter eased, confirming the view that their valuations have become increasingly correlated with bond valuations. However, despite returning a set of astonishingly strong Q1 earnings results, they still no longer lead markets. Meanwhile, the sheer number of company earnings which continue to beat even the high bar of lofty analyst forecasts is testament to the breadth of the 2021 stock market positivity, and suggests further reasons to remain optimistic in the medium-term.

In regional terms, the US led market gains, rising 5%, with Europe and the UK following closely behind, up 4.2% and 4.1%. Emerging Markets posted a respectable 2% gain in April, given the aggregate was dragged down by flat to negative returns from China. Meanwhile the 1.9% decline in Japanese stocks had as much to do with proximity to China as with a pick‑up in domestic COVID cases, rather than any suggestion of underlying weakness.

The modest gain in global bonds snapped a streak of declines as central banks appeared to finally have their message heard that they are in no rush to roll back monetary stimulus, and want to see actual rather than just forecasted progress.

In return terms, the biggest story in April was the major rise in commodity prices across the board, with agricultural prices in particular hitting multi-year highs. Copper, a key industrial bellwether, topped the leader board with a +12.1% increase, taking it to its highest level in a decade. The increase was aided by continued hopes for the global economic recovery as the vaccine rollout proceeds, as well as the fact that copper stands to benefit from a wave of fiscal support underpinning fresh spending on infrastructure and clean energy goals. Meanwhile, oil prices maintained their existing lead for the year-to-date (YTD), with both the US (West Texas) and international (Brent) benchmarks moving higher, to take their US dollar YTD gains to +31% and +29.8%, respectively. As with copper, hopes for a strong recovery after the pandemic have supported gains, with oil set to be in demand as economies open up once again.

Overall, there was little for investors to dislike about returns in April. Central bank support looks set to continue, fiscal support from governments is increasing, particularly with the new US administration determined to recapture its world leader status and reputation as the engine of global growth – a position which it effectively forfeited to China after the global financial crisis. Company earnings and profit margins are expanding and the economic data suggests a decisive post-pandemic rebound is firmly on the cards.

As always, there are various serious risks and ‘unknown unknowns’ capable of spoiling the party, but at this point the biggest question for investors is whether the economic recovery will simply return us to the status quo before the pandemic, or whether the opportunity for governments to build society back better, stronger and greener, will be seized, putting us in a fundamentally better place than we were before the pandemic.

Asset class returns at 30th April 2021

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Sunflower seeds: do pipasols make you fat?

The seeds of the plants have several virtues as antioxidants, calming and purifying, digestive. Can be used for slimming programs or to gain weight, there are types of seeds such as sunflower seeds that can be used in both directions.

Sunflower flower

The sunflower is symbolized as a reminder of the sun and love by Greek mythology because the nymph Clytia fell in love with the sun god Apollo when the latter did not respond to her love.

The sunflower is of North and South American origin, the Indians ate the sunflower seed with corn and pumpkins. Being a plant of the asteraceae family, the sunflower always remains turned towards the sun because it is one of the plants that grow by exploiting the sunlight.

This large plant is characterized by its stem that can reach a height of up to 4 meters and a flower with a diameter of 30 centimeters.

Sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds or pipasols provide many health benefits, more than half of the sunflower seed is composed of lipids that protect against cardiovascular disease.

Being a dried fruit, pipasols are known for their essential fatty acid content, especially linoleic acid and other fatty acids. A consumption of 30g of seed per day according to nutritionists, fights diabetes and cholesterol because unsaturated fatty acids have positive effects on cholesterol. Eating sunflower seeds reduces the risk of cardiac arrhythmia and reduces inflammation and premenstrual disorders.

Do pipasols make you fat?

Pipasols or sunflower seeds are a concentrate of nutrients. Because of the good fats, proteins and fibres in sunflower seeds, they are perfect for satisfying hunger and stabilizing blood sugar levels.

100 grams of pipasol provide 653 calories, they are in comparison with almond seeds more caloric.  Eating them peeled and mixed with salt can be fattier by its high calorie content than eating a whole bar of chocolate. So indeed, sunflower seeds can be an element leading a person to gain weight.

Made up of several nutritional components, sunflower seeds, because of their high calorie content, can be added to a program to help you gain weight.

National Institutes of Health
What type of juice extractor to choose to enjoy all the benefits of fruits and vegetables?


Summary of Lecture by Dr. David M. Kirkham

By Natalie Wright Romeri-Lewis

Professor David M. Kirkham’s presentation on “Human Rights, the Constitution, and Religious Liberty” instructed us on the various intellectual origins of the US Constitution. The Constitution’s “ideals and ideas” is the accumulation of the laws and philosophies of classical antiquity, English Common Law, the English Commonwealth, Enlightenment Rationalism, Puritan Covenant Theology, and other Christian thought. The framers were also influenced by their own state constitutions, geopolitical institutions, compromises, and other political-economic ideas. Of special interest is that at least five “state Constitutions required a test of faith before running for office.”  Although the Constitution’s checks and balances reflect “a construction of Enlightenment counterpoints,” the resulting document also reflects the Puritan ideal that American would set an example for the world. Thus, because “religion was as pervasive in the 18th Century as in the 17th, religion did affect the Constitution.”

Professor Kirkham then contrasted the US Constitution with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (“UDHR”).  He explained that “the UDHR is not a constitution and is not binding, reads more like a Bill of Rights, but is more like a Declaration of Independence.”  Although a few non-Western nations helped draft the UDHR, Professor Kirkham asked whether the UDHR “is a Western document emphasizing individual liberties or a declaration of civil [or innate (by virtue of one’s birth)] rights?”  Kofi Annan stated that “no one list of rights is a blueprint for all countries.”  In response, China asserts that “a nation’s political and economic history requires rights to be relative within each country.”  This approach “concerns human rights activists that the UDHR will become meaningless if enough countries see it this way.”

Professor Kirkham encouraged attendees and those interested in religious freedom to join the debate: “We should embrace the UDHR and its language and dispute the evolution of rights when the discussion does not really include God-given rights.  Don’t fear and stay out of the discussion. . . .  We can embrace the language of the UDHR and be uncomfortable with some peoples’ interpretations of the language.  If same-sex marriage is discussed as a human right, we need to join the debate and ask, ‘Where does it get its universality, as does heterosexual marriage?’ “

The full presentation and Professor Kirkham’s helpful PowerPoint slides are all available here.


Cheesy Summer Squash Gratin

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Source: RecipeGirl.com

15 Mins
30 Mins
Cheesy Summer Squash Gratin

This gratin is actually like a really thick, cheesy chowder and the flavorful cheese sauce is definitely what makes the dish. The vegetables sort of melt down into the sauce, while breadcrumbs and a sprinkling of cheddar form a nice crust on top. It’s an easy recipe to make too, the only thing to note is that you’ll want to factor in 15 minutes for the summer squash to release their excess water; just slice the squash, salt it, and let it sit in the sink to do its thing while you work on the rest of the recipe.

Butter, to grease the dish

2 pounds (about 4 medium-large) summer squash, preferably a mix of zucchini and gold bar

1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 very large onion, diced

3 large cloves garlic, crushed

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk, at room temperature

1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

8 ounces (about 2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

1 tablespoon Italian-style breadcrumbs

Preheat the oven to 400F; grease a 2.5-liter casserole dish with butter and set aside.

Slice the summer squash into 1/4-inch-thick circles, and then put it into a colander in the sink and sprinkle on 1 1/4 teaspoons salt. Gently toss so all the squash is coated with salt. Leave the squash to sit in the sink for 15 minutes so it releases some of its water, then rinse it under cool running water, drain well, and pour it out onto a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Gently pat the squash dry with paper towels.

Meanwhile, heat the butter in a 5-quart pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened but not browned, about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds more, stirring constantly.

Whisk in the flour and cook 1 minute, then gradually whisk in the milk. Stir in the paprika, black pepper, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring it up to a gentle boil, stirring frequently, and then turn off the heat and whisk in 2/3 of the shredded cheddar. Add the summer squash and parsley (if using), and gently stir to coat the squash.

Pour the summer squash into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 of the shredded cheddar on top, and sprinkle on the breadcrumbs.

Bake until the casserole is golden and the squash is tender, about 20 minutes.

Serve warm.

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D-Luxe Daily Bronzer SPF 30

Silky, lightweight D-Luxe Daily Bronzer (30g) protects skin from UV damage, while providing a healthy, natural bronze glow.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil delivers decadent softness and hydration. Zinc Oxide provides the safest broad spectrum SPF protection, has natural anti-bacterial properties, and may also help balance the appearance of redness, irritation, and inflammation from free radical damage.

And the best part? It’s fortified with essential Vitamin D. (Since sunscreens are designed to filter out the sun’s rays, they also block the UVB light that our body needs to make Vitamin D.) The body uses Vitamin D to maintain many aspects of its overall health, from bones and teeth to the brain and immune system.

For a luminous foundation with a luxurious, barely-there finish, use this SPF 30 Daily Bronzer to nourish and protect your skin.

Active Ingredients: non-nano Zinc Oxide (25%)
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), *Olea Europaea (Extra Virgin Olive) Fruit Oil, *Cera Alba (Beeswax), Tocopherol (Vegetable Vitamin E), Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).  *Organic  Non-GMO


Ein Ökologisches Projekt mit Kunst, Natur und Spiritualität

An ecological project with Art, Nature and Spirituality

Un progetto ecologico con Arte, Natura e Spiritualità

Ecology can begin in Man

“When we humans think of nature and learn to feel nature, a protective elemental spirit naturally builds up in it.”

( H. Grill, The Archai and the Way to the Mountains)

In the meantime, there are many good considerations and procedures to protect the environment and to preserve biodiversity (of species) and to think about their interaction. However, the real relationship of people to their natural environment is still missing. Environmental protection is usually thought of separately from people. But how can humans and nature work together in a constructive way? How can nature benifit by men?

The difference between consumption and conscious contemplation

Man can build up nature, places or objects in the way he looks at a thing and the way he encounter it. By consciously perceiving a thing, for example a certain quality such as a shape, a colour, a composition and experiencing it and finding it beautiful, he promotes that thing. This activity has great value.

It can happen that something is objectively beautiful, but you still don’t notice it very much and you don’t experience it as beautiful even though you look at it. A house or a work of art that is objectively beautiful may still not seem beautiful. Depending on how each person perceives a thing, whether he consumes it or perceives it carefully, he has a giving or a taking effect. By consuming something, by taking possession of it, he takes away its radiance, its beauty. The thing no longer shines for others.

If one consciously looks at something in such a way that one promotes its beauty, then one creates substance for this thing. The next person will look at the thing more consciously at the very first glance. The thing seems to be more alive. This power in conscious, attentive perception means a great lot for nature as well as for culture. Man can revive a thing, build it up and make it radiate for other people. The result is among other things, a sense of respect and dignified treatment of nature, a place or a thing. In this sense, ecology begins in the conscious relationship of human beings to their environment.

In Naone, the different areas are worked on individually

When one arranges something like the design of a garden in a new way, develops new forms, builds new formations and compositions with stones, then one adds something to nature. One enriches nature and creates new life forces (etheric forces). Artistic garden design, simple building with stones, care of the meadow, woodwork, work with forms as well as meditation, text work, contemplation exercises and yoga exercises are different subjects in Naone. Many designs have been implemented on the property so far.

Hazel bushes in the marginal area are pushed back to prevent the open area from becoming overgrown. This creates light and the overall area appears more open and wide. Water areas ( streams; a plunge basin, a pond) have also been created as well as cultivation areas for cereals and vegetables. In the forest, storm wood is processed to create order and the wood is used as firewood. A walkway with different areas has been designed to stimulate the senses. Old boundary walls have been rebuilt and various herbs planted for health/nutrition, contemplation and to reduce insect pests.

Lavender bushes were planted next to the stone path

Order, structure and composition attract people’s eyes and enliven the elemental spirit. And as a result, wild plants such as mullein, lilies and orchid species show up more frequently. Wild animals ( roe deer, red deer, various bird species) also find their way in, as does the emerald lizard.

It turns out that it is necessary to meet nature with thoughts, ideas and active action.

“The more thoughts flow into creation from a natural and chosen activity, the more creation gains an empowerment. But the less we think of nature, of the paths, of the mountains and their elements, the less they can benefit from us for their empowerment.”

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Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Geographic Tongue - People First Dentistry | Miami, Kendall, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables

Geographic Tongue

Geographic tongue disease on a caucasian child

About Geographic Tongue

Geographic tongue is a medical condition in which the patient has an enlarged, discolored portion of tissues on the tongue. This is a painful condition that can cause difficulty breathing and even lead to other problems like chronic ear infections.

The most common treatment for the geographic tongue is a dental procedure. It’s an outpatient surgery that removes excess tissue from the roof of your mouth and reduces its size, causing other areas on both sides of your mouth to stretch so it becomes more comfortable when biting or chewing.

This is a cosmetic dentistry service to improve aesthetic appearance but also has functional health benefits such as improved speech and alleviating enlarged tonsils

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The Federal Charter Schools Program: 2022 Impact Report

lead image

The Charter Schools Program (CSP) is the nation’s only source of dedicated federal funding to support the creation, expansion, and replication of public charter schools. At its fiscal year 2022 funding level of $440 million, the CSP amounts to less than 1% of federal spending on K-12 education but has a significant impact on the communities that charter schools serve.

This annual report explores the impact of the CSP on communities around the country and makes the case for increased funding for the program. In the report, we explain the charter school model, offer a brief history of the CSP, profile inspiring grantees, and address persistent misconceptions.

Charter schools are a vital part of the public school ecosystem, and by advocating for the CSP, we can help more students have access to a public school that meets their unique needs.


Nobel Prize for quantum physics shared by three physicists

This year’s Nobel Prize in physics awarded to three scientists for their work on quantum information science, which has significant applications, such as in encryption. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences cited Frenchman Alain Aspect, American John F. Clauser, and Austrian Anton Zeilinger for discovering how unseen particles can be linked, or “entangled,” even when they are separated by a large distance, such as photons or tiny bits of matter.

Nobel Prize for quantum physics shared by three physicists

There is a feature of the universe that even baffled Albert Einstein, one that connects matter and light in a tangled, chaotic manner. Clauser, 79, received the prize for a 1972 experiment that helped settle a famous debate between Einstein and Niels Bohr about quantum mechanics. “A spooky action at a distance” was described by Einstein and he believed it would eventually be disproven.

Clauser said, “I was betting on Einstein. Unfortunately, I was wrong and Einstein was wrong, but Bohr was right.” According to Clauser, quantum mechanics shows you can’t confine information to a closed volume like a desk box – although he is unable to explain why. “Most people think nature is made up of materials dispersed throughout space and time,” Clauser said. This does not appear to be the case.”

David Haviland, chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics, said quantum entanglement involves measuring one photon over here and knowing immediately something about the other. “We can establish common information between two different observers of these quantum objects if the photons are entangled.” In this way, we can perform secret communications that were previously impossible.

According to Eva Olsson, a member of the Nobel committee, quantum information is not an esoteric thought experiment. It is a “vibrant and developing field.” Olsson said it could have implications in areas such as secure information transfer, quantum computing, and sensing technology. Moreover, its predictions have shaken the very foundations of how we interpret measurements, opening doors to another world.

It is possible for everything in the universe to be entangled, but in most cases the entanglement just washes away. As a result of its chaotic and random nature, it is impossible for us to see anything,” said Harvard professor Subir Sachdev, who has studied quantum entangled material with up to 200 atoms in it. However, scientists can sometimes unravel just enough to make sense and be useful in everything from encryption to superconductors, he said.

Zeilinger said he was still surprised to hear he had won the award at a news conference after the announcement. Zeilinger, 77, a professor at the University of Vienna, described the shock as a positive one. For more than a decade, Clauser, Aspect, and Zeilinger have been the subject of Nobel speculation. They won the Wolf Prize in Israel in 2010, considered a precursor to the Nobel Prize.
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Project managers: Know your workforce

Keep on top of labor supply and materials to make sure the job is finished on time and on budget.

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Paul Belshoff

Paul Belshoff

Perspective 2022 vol 2
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The number of considerations that go into starting a construction project are almost too numerous to count. Contracts, materials, labor, deadlines, even weather, to name a few.

They vary from project to project and any one of them can change in an instant, whether it be materials suddenly in short supply, labor that isn’t available for your particular kind of project (is it luxury hospitality or affordable residential?), or an unexpected phenomenon like Covid that makes everything suddenly screech to a halt.

Key to surmounting any problems that arise is being up to date on the state of each of the variables and where to go for replacements or replenishments if necessary. Be aware of added costs for any scenario that might play out—for example, if the funds will be needed (and available), or if the design might have to be changed.

Know Your Workforce

At the top of that list is the local work force.  The design and construction team needs to know if it is robust enough and whether available workers have the requisite skills to get the job done.  That means anything from hanging drywall to doing something specialized like pouring terrazzo or the unusual task of fabricating a dome for a new mosque.  One-offs like massive art installations in commercial or hospitality projects can be particularly problematic without enough lead time.

Labor needs shift with booms and busts in the economy and projects can suffer if they get caught short of skilled labor. Hawaii, for example, experienced a huge boom in luxury high-rise construction in  2014-2015 when towers were popping up all over the place. Developers found themselves in a tough situation where drywall labor was capped out.

In other words, there was a back-up of projects and only a finite number of drywall installers available locally.  Same thing with installers of windows and curtain walls – there just weren’t enough to do the jobs on schedule.  Labor had to be flown in from inland locations, paid more and put up in hotels.

In such instances, project managers have to be flexible and knowledgeable enough to do what they have to do, which is hire labor from elsewhere. In Hawaii, for instance, this means getting labor either from one of the other islands or the mainland.  This can have an environmental as well as financial impact, especially in a place like Hawaii where the shortage can be particularly acute.

There are unseen and unanticipated problems that come with this kind of demanding work schedule. While it’s good for the economy and laborers’ incomes, it often results in serious worker burnout. Everyone working longer hours, including weekends and holidays, leads to shortened careers while others make dramatic career path shifts based on burnout. It’s a real challenge that needs to be managed better industry-wide and especially significant during the “Great Resignation”.

Anticipate Potential Increased Workforce Costs

Increased cost is sometimes the hardest thing to reconcile. In the 2014-2015 example, the total cost of construction goes up as much as 10% if you fly workers in from the mainland or from destinations that are more than four hours’ drive time away. Project managers also have to calculate the cost of housing the workers, which can be substantial, and the fact that they might be slower given the lack of familiarity with the local market.

Situations like this don’t happen that often but when they occur, it becomes a huge topic of conversation and a huge concern among project managers and workers. There’s no question that a lack of available labor means the cost of the project is going to go up; you’ll be paying premiums on overtime until you hit a point where not even that will satisfy demand.

Skilled Labor And Specialty Projects

Project managers know that incurring additional costs where specialty projects are concerned is a given. Hiring workers with special, costlier skills is acceptable, as long as the cost is built into the design budget, like an art installation in a two- to three-story-high glassed-in lobby, or a golden dome for a mosque project in Louisville that was fabricated in Cincinnati, Ohio, and completed just weeks before the start of the Ramadan holiday.  Labor can be even more complicated if you need to find a fabricator who could build to strict religious standards as well as the client’s.

Terrazzo flooring is another unusual material that requires a special skill set to lay down properly.  Terrazzo specialists are rare in some locations, so the design team needs to be aware of the potential costs involved. But most designers and architects who know local markets rely on concrete aggregates that are attractive in their end use and readily available. The local labor force may be familiar with alternates, narrowing the margin of error.

They are also aware, for instance, of how cement can be manipulated to mimic other finishes with more of a high-end look. Same material, just a different way of polishing it.  What workers and project managers know is that it’s about achieving a look with what’s already available and doing so at a reasonable price.

Perhaps peculiar to coastal regions, workers know code required designs for windows or curtain walls that give way in a flood. They’re rarer in Hawaii than in other coastal spots in the US, but that technology saves millions of dollars in damages when done properly, as the local work force knows how to perform the scope.

The local work forces in some states are also up on environmental concerns like solar panels which most agree are not as common as they could be. There have been government backed incentives to install them on residences creating savings on electric bills.  The environmental impact of construction benefits by making the best use of locally available product and labor in any project.

Money savings from energy conservation initiatives in any kind of project generally get funneled back into the project to add more curb appeal to anything being built in what is an extraordinarily busy and booming residential and commercial market. Any money saved on commercial projects will likely go into upgrading mechanical or electrical plants to enhance efficiency.  New methods tend to scare people – no one wants to be the guinea pig. But a sure thing is a product or technology that blows people away or carries a cost savings, either up front or long term, that is enticing enough to get them to take on the risk of the unknown or new technology. Project managers must be on top of new developments to know how to sell them.

As Seen In Building Design + Construction, October 2022, “Project Managers: Know Your Workforce


In legal professions, safeguarding documents and paperwork is an essential office task. These papers may contain important, private information about a company’s operations, or they may include other privileged information shared by clients concerning their cases. In an increasingly digital world, the lock and key of the filing cabinet are no longer enough to guarantee document security.

How can your practice better protect the digital files it stores? Take a moment to consider these six tips for implementing better security surrounding these important documents.

1. Store Documents of Similar Security Levels Together

When creating a digital filing system to store your sensitive documents, it is vital to employ a classification system that makes sense today and tomorrow. In other words, documents of similar sensitivity levels should all go into the same general area of your local or cloud infrastructure. The effect is twofold. First, you always know exactly where to locate particular types of documents. Second, you can standardize the types of security you apply to these documents based on their overall security level, rather than classifying every document individually all over again.

2. Prefer Group Permissions Over Individual Access

Controlling access to confidential information is important; not everyone within a legal practice may have the authority or right to view certain documents. Access control systems, such as Microsoft's Active Directory Rights Management Services, serve an important role in designating which files remain accessible by which users. Leaving secure documents in insecure places on your computer networks or in the cloud not only raises the risk of an incident caused by an outside intruder but also increases the risk of a leak from within your office. At the least, it's an unacceptable liability.

3. Use Software That Enables Secure Document Management
It's tough to overrate the value of software tools that put security features right at your fingertips. Law offices, increasingly working in a paperless environment, require cost-effective programs that make secure document management easy. Whether that means redacting information before turning over discovery materials, affixing a certifiable signature, or encrypting files altogether, the right tools make the difference.

4. Protect and Encrypt Your Most Sensitive Files
Speaking of encryption, it is advisable to lock down your files in general. An intern or clerk should not be able to find sensitive client information in a file folder and simply start browsing and reading with a few clicks. Using password-based encryption is an easy way to ensure that wayward eyes can't access information without authorization.

5. Safeguard Against Tampering with Secure Digital Signatures
Using cryptographic certificates, modern digital signatures provide binding proof of who authorized a document and when. In the legal field, ensuring the authenticity of documents is of the utmost importance. Use tools that have anti-tampering measures built-in to ensure that your documents hold up to the strict scrutiny given to paperwork in the legal profession.

6. Keep Safe Backups
Nothing is worse for a firm than losing essential papers that you cannot replace. Without the need for additional physical storage space, keeping your legal documents secure in the cloud is an easier way to guarantee access now and in the future. Whatever backup solution you choose, continue to follow the practices outlined here. Group files together into sensible backup folders, and make sure you've password-protected your documents and encrypted the backup. When your document management solution integrates with ease into standard cloud services such as Microsoft Sharepoint, you can exert a highly granular control over permissions and security settings.

Make Changes to Protect Your Legal Documents Today
With best practices in place and the appropriate software tools powering your efforts behind the scenes, creating a modern security setup for your legal team is simple. Straightforward, easy-to-use, and cost-effective tools make quick work of security workflows. When everyone can use the same tools and follow the same procedures, you can confidently reduce the risk of sensitive information leaking from your office. Learn more about how to empower your efforts to improve security today.