toukoredu's posterous http://toukoredu.posterous.com Most recent posts at toukoredu's posterous posterous.com Fri, 28 Dec 2012 02:29:17 -0800 Samsung expects to ship more than half a billion phones in 2013 http://toukoredu.posterous.com/samsung-expects-to-ship-more-than-half-a-bill http://toukoredu.posterous.com/samsung-expects-to-ship-more-than-half-a-bill

To a black ESPN sports analyst, this is the critical question: Is Robert Griffin III, aka RG III, the black rookie sensation Washington Redskins quarterback, "a brother, or is he a cornball brother?" What has RG III done or said to raise a suspicion about his bona fides as a black person? More importantly, what does this have to do with appreciating ? or choosing not to appreciate ? Griffin as an athlete?

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/samsung-expects-ship-more-half-billion-phones-2013-180500001.html

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Fri, 28 Dec 2012 00:35:29 -0800 Pakistan Taliban spokesman outlines conditions for ceasefire http://toukoredu.posterous.com/pakistan-taliban-spokesman-outlines-condition http://toukoredu.posterous.com/pakistan-taliban-spokesman-outlines-condition

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - The Pakistani Taliban have outlined conditions for a ceasefire, including the adoption of Islamic law and a break with the United States, a spokesman said Thursday, an offer a senior government official described as "preposterous".

The Taliban, in a letter sent to the Pakistan daily The News, also demanded that Pakistan stop its involvement in the war pitting Afghan insurgents against the Kabul government and refocus on a war of "revenge" against India.

The letter from Taliban spokesman Amir Muawiya comes as the focus in Afghanistan shifts from a military push by NATO troops to potential peace talks, and amid speculation of a rift between top Pakistan Taliban leaders.

Military officials told Reuters last month that Pakistan Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud had lost operational command to his deputy, Wali ur-Rehman, who is considered to be more open to reconciliation with the Pakistani government. The Taliban deny Mehsud has lost command.

The Pakistani Taliban are a separate entity allied to the Afghan Taliban. Known as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), they have launched devastating attacks against the Pakistani military and civilians.

"They are a bunch of criminals. This is not the Afghan Taliban. They are not open to talks," said one senior government official who called the Pakistan Taliban offer "preposterous".

"No one can take such an offer or terms seriously. The TTP is not a proper entity, certainly not one any government can negotiate with."

The ceasefire conditions, confirmed by spokesman Ihsanullah Ihsan in a phone call to Reuters, said Pakistan should rewrite its laws and constitution according to Islamic law.

"We are ready to cease fire with Pakistan as long as they meet our demands, that an Islamic system should be put into place, they should fix their foreign policy and stop agreeing to American's demands," Ihsan said.

The militants accused Pakistan's army of acting as "mercenaries" for America and pledged to continue attacks on two major political parties they say serve U.S. interests.

"The big mistake (the government) made is that they fought America's war in Afghanistan and brought it into Pakistan," Ihsan said.

NATO troops are due to hand over control of most operations in Afghanistan to Afghan forces next year and officials have been eager to start peace talks with the Taliban there.

But the Taliban insurgency in both Pakistan and Afghanistan is fragmented and senior commanders often disagree with each other over strategy.

(Reporting By Katharine Houreld; Editing by Nick Macfie)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/pakistan-taliban-spokesman-outlines-conditions-ceasefire-084344205.html

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Mon, 17 Dec 2012 14:26:49 -0800 Russell Wilson soars as Seahawks rout Bills 50-17 http://toukoredu.posterous.com/russell-wilson-soars-as-seahawks-rout-bills-5 http://toukoredu.posterous.com/russell-wilson-soars-as-seahawks-rout-bills-5

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes against the Buffalo Bills during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Toronto. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes against the Buffalo Bills during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Toronto. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) is tackled by Buffalo Bills strong safety George Wilson (37) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Toronto. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) runs the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the first the half of an NFL football game in Toronto, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Nathan Denette)

Buffalo Bills linebacker Kelvin Sheppard (55) sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the first the half of an NFL football game in Toronto, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Nathan Denette)

Seattle Seahawks tight end Zach Miller (86) celebrates his touchdown reception ahead of Buffalo Bills defensive back Ron Brooks during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Toronto. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Frank Gunn)

TORONTO (AP) ? Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks are not only surging toward a playoff berth. They showed they can pile up the points on either side of the border.

A week after a 58-0 win at home against Arizona, Wilson ran for three touchdowns and threw for another in a 50-17 rout of the Bills in Buffalo's annual game in Toronto on Sunday. Wilson's scores all came in the first half.

The Seahawks' opportunistic defense then took over by forcing three consecutive turnovers to start the second half, including safety Earl Thomas scoring on 57-yard interception return.

The 108 combined points over two weeks matched the NFL's third-highest total. The New England Patriots also scored 108 points in consecutive games last month, according to STATS. And the Seahawks became the NFL's third team to score 50 points in consecutive weeks, joining the Los Angeles Rams and New York Giants, who both did it in 1950, according to STATS.

In winning for the fifth time in six games, the Seahawks (9-5) inched closer to clinching a playoff berth and still aren't out of the running to win the NFC West. They return home to host division-leading San Francisco in what's become a key showdown.

Wilson, the rookie third-round draft pick, scored on 14-, 25- and 13-yard runs to become the NFL's first quarterback to run for three scores in one half since Daunte Culpepper did it against Chicago on Sept. 3, according to STATS. And Wilson's 4-yard touchdown pass to Zach Miller was his 21st of the season, moving into a tie for second with Cam Newton among NFL rookies. Only Peyton Manning, with 26 in 1998, has more.

Wilson had 92 yards rushing to give him 402 on the season, setting a Seahawks record by passing Rick Mirer, who had 343 yards rushing in 1993. He also went 14 of 23 for 205 yards before giving way to backup Matt Flynn with 5 minutes left.

Wilson ran circles around the Bills (5-9), who were entirely outclassed in being mathematically eliminated from playoff contention for a 13th season. That's the NFL's longest active drought. And their performance further raises questions about coach Chan Gailey's job security.

C.J. Spiller scored on a 14-yard run, while Stevie Johnson scored on a 20-yard catch from Ryan Fitzpatrick.

This was an utter meltdown by a Bills defense that had allowed an average of 16.75 points and 254.25 yards offense over its past four games. Buffalo's now allowed 45 or more points three times this season.

The Seahawks scored 31 points on their first five possessions, and 40 points on their first eight, a stretch in which Canadian-born Jon Ryan punted just once.

The Bills rallied by scoring 10 unanswered points in the final 1:10 of the first half to cut the Seahawks' lead to 31-17. But any chances of a comeback ended on Buffalo's first possession of the second half, when Fitzpatrick forced a pass over the middle and was intercepted by linebacker K.J. Wright, who returned it to the Bills 20.

Two plays later, Marshawn Lynch scored on a 13-yard run.

On the next possession, Fitzpatrick had the ball stripped from his hand by defensive end Chris Clemons and the fumble recovered by teammate Bruce Irvin. That led to Steven Hauschka hitting a 33-yard field goal to make it 40-17.

And then it got ugly.

Fitzpatrick turned the ball over a third straight time, when he was intercepted by Thomas. The touchdown was reviewed, and the crowd cheered loudly when referee Scott Green announced that Thomas had caught the ball before it hit the turf.

The announced crowd of 40,770 was well below the downtown domed Rogers Centre's capacity of 54,000.

The Bills dropped to 1-4 in regular-season games at Toronto since the series began in 2008, with their lone win coming last year when they beat Washington 23-0.

The Bills and Toronto-based Rogers Communications are closing in on a deal to extend the series, which expired after this game.

Torontonians might want to reconsider after this. With 5:20 left, fans in one end zone began chanting "Let's Go Blue Jays!"

At least they were entertained by both the Seahawks and at halftime by Korean pop star PSY performed his hit "Gangnam Style" at midfield. Many fans stuck around and stood during the performance, with some doing the dance the song has inspired.

Bills in Toronto series organizers hired PSY to perform in a bid to boost ticket sales for a game that has had difficulty selling out over the previous four years. PSY was greeted by loud cheers and performed in front of a group of cheerleaders and youngsters dressed in blue shirts who all wore PSY-styled sunglasses.

The crowd was slow-arriving and featured a wide diversity of NFL fans. While there were numerous fans dressed in Bills and Seahawks colors, fans were spotted wearing a Steelers' Troy Polamalu jersey, and another wearing a Tom Brady No. 12 Patriots jersey.

The Seahawks wore their third uniforms ? "wolf grey" jerseys and pants with green numbers and names ? for the first time since introducing them this offseason.

___

Online: http://pro32.ap.org/poll and http://twitter.com/AP_NFL

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2012-12-16-Seahawks-Bills/id-6ebff2ca73a14a43afd45ad4986a3a46

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Mon, 17 Dec 2012 12:40:11 -0800 Internet regulation seen at national level as treaty talks fail http://toukoredu.posterous.com/internet-regulation-seen-at-national-level-as http://toukoredu.posterous.com/internet-regulation-seen-at-national-level-as

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - The world's major Internet companies, backed by U.S. policymakers, got much of what they wanted last week when many nations refused to sign a global telecommunications treaty that opponents feared could lead to greater government control over online content and communications.

In rejecting even mild Internet language in the updated International Telecommunications Union treaty and persuading dozens of other countries to refuse their signatures, the U.S. made a powerful statement in support of the open Internet, U.S. officials and industry leaders said.

But both technologists and politicians fear the Internet remains in imminent danger of new controls imposed by various countries, and some said the rift that only widened during the 12-day ITU conference in Dubai could wind up hastening the end of the Net as we know it.

"If the international community can't agree on what is actually quite a simple text on telecommunications, then there is a risk that the consensus that has mostly held today around Internet governance within (Web-address overseer) ICANN and the multi-stakeholder model just falls apart over time," a European delegate told Reuters. "Some countries clearly think it is time to rethink that whole system, and the fights over that could prove irresolvable."

An increasing number of nations are alarmed about Internet-based warfare, international cybercrime or internal dissidents' use of so-called "over-the-top" services such as Twitter and Facebook that are outside the control of domestic telecom authorities. Many hoped that the ITU would prove the right forum to set standards or at least exchange views on how to handle their problems.

But the United States' refusal to sign the treaty even after all mention of the Internet had been relegated to a side resolution may have convinced other countries that they have to go it alone, delegates said.

"This could lead to a balkanization of the Internet, because each country will have its own view on how to deal with over-the-top players and will regulate the Internet in a different way," said another European delegate, who would speak only on condition anonymity.

Without U.S. and European cooperation, "maybe in the future we could come to a fragmented Internet," said Andrey Mukhanov, international chief at Russia's Ministry of Telecom and Mass Communications.

HARD LINE IN NEGOTIATIONS

Spurred on by search giant Google and others, the Americans took a hard line against an alliance of countries that wanted the right to know more about the routing of Internet traffic or identities of Web users, including Russia, and developing countries that wanted content providers to pay at least some of the costs of transmission.

The West was able to rally more countries against the ITU having any Internet role than agency officials had expected, leaving just 89 of 144 attending nations willing to sign the treaty immediately. They also endorse a nonbinding resolution that the ITU should play a future role guiding Internet standards, along with private industry and national governments.

Some delegates charged that the Americans had planned on rejecting any treaty and so were negotiating under false pretenses. "The U.S. had a plan to try and water down as much of the treaty as it could and then not sign," the second European said.

Other allied delegates and a U.S. spokesman hotly disputed the claim. "The U.S. was consistent and unwavering in its positions," he said. "In the end?and only in the end?was it apparent that the proposed treaty would not meet that standard."

But the suspicion underscores the unease greeting the United States on the issue. Some in Russia, China and other nations suspect the U.S. of using the Net to sow discontent and launch spying and military attacks.

Ror many technology companies, and for activists who are helping dissidents, the worst-case scenario now would be a split in the structural underpinnings of the Internet. In theory, the electronic packets that make up an email or Web session could be intercepted and monitored near their origin, or traffic could be subjected to massive firewalls along national boundaries, as is the case in China.

Most technologists view the former scenario as unlikely, at least for many years: the existing Internet protocol is too deeply entrenched, said Milton Mueller, a Syracuse University professor who studies Net governance.

"People who want to `secede' from that global connectivity will have to introduce costly technical exceptions to do so," Mueller said.

A more immediate prospect is stricter national regulations requiring Internet service providers and others to help monitor, report and censor content, a trend that has already accelerated since the Arab Spring revolts.

Jonathan Zittrain, co-founder of Harvard University's Berkman Center for Internet Society, also predicted more fragmentation at the application level, with countries like China encouraging controllable homegrown alternatives to the likes of Facebook and Twitter.

Zittrain, Mueller and other experts said fans of the open Net have much work to do in Dubai's wake.

They say government and industry officials should not only preach the merits of the existing system, in which various industry-led non-profit organizations organize the core Internet protocols and procedures, but strive to articulate a better way forward.

"The position we're in now isn't tenable," said James Lewis, a cybersecurity advisor to the White House based at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "For us to say 'No, it's got be an ad hoc arrangement of non-governmental entities and a nonprofit corporation ... maybe we could get away with that 10 years ago, but it's going to be increasingly hard."

Lewis said the United States needed to concede a greater role for national sovereignty and the U.N., while Mueller said the goal should be a "more globalized, transnational notion of communications governance" that will take decades to achieve.

In the meantime, activists concerned about new regulation can assist by spreading virtual private network technology, which can national controls, Zittrain said.

Backup hosting and distribution could also be key, he said. "We can devise systems for keeping content up amidst filtering or denial-of-service attacks, so that a platform like Twitter can be a genuine choice for someone in China."

(Reporting by Joseph Menn in San Francisco and Matt Smith in Dubai; additional reporting by Leila Aboud in Paris, editing by Jonathan Weber and Marguerita Choy)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/internet-regulation-seen-national-level-treaty-talks-fail-004025561--sector.html

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Mon, 03 Dec 2012 02:30:52 -0800 Retailers' price war can save you big bucks http://toukoredu.posterous.com/retailers-price-war-can-save-you-big-bucks http://toukoredu.posterous.com/retailers-price-war-can-save-you-big-bucks

4 hrs.

This holiday season, the hottest trend among retailers isn't found on a store shelf. It's taking place at the cash register.

Major retailers, from Best Buy to Toys R Us, are promising to match their competitors' prices. Generally customers just need to bring in an advertisement or printout to prove that the same item is available elsewhere at a lower price. In some cases, shoppers can come back with a receipt and get a refund for the difference if the price of an item they bought fell.

Best Buy, Target, Walmart and Sears offer price matching to customers all year round. But what's different now is that Best Buy and Target are matching online retailers such as Amazon.com for the first time. That's a big deal, since online prices tend to be lower than those at stores.

Shoppers will be able to save some extra money, but they're going to have to read a lot of fine print to do so.

"Price matching sounds good, but there are so many exclusions, it sometimes isn't as good as it sounds," says Edgar Dworsky, the founder of ConsumerWorld.org, which tracks deals for shoppers.

For instance, Target limits the number of online retailers that it will price match against to just five. Best Buy has selected 20, but only matched online prices from Nov. 1 to Nov. 17 and will start again from Nov. 27 to Dec. 24.

Toys R Us is offering price matching for the first time and will only match prices that customers find in other brick-and-mortar stores. Walmart also matches against in-store prices. However, both retailers will match prices found on their own websites if the prices are lower than what you find in their stores. It's not uncommon for retailers to offer steeper discounts online than in their actual stores. (But Toys R Us says it won't match prices on its own website if the item is marked as an "online-only price.")

Even the most experienced bargain hunters can get tripped up by all the rules. But shoppers can save some money if they're diligent.

"It really is a way to save money and shop at the store you want instead of one that's inconvenient," says Dworsky.

Here are five ways to get the most out of price matching offers:

1. Know the policy
If you want to take advantage of a price match offer, read the store's policy closely. You can find the guidelines on the store's website.

Print out the policy and bring it with you. Having a hard copy will be helpful if you need to argue your case.

"Know their policy backwards or you may be bluffed into thinking something doesn't qualify," says Dworsky.

2. Bring proof
Always bring the advertisement or the printed web page for the item you want to price match. Walmart doesn't require bringing the ad because it says cashiers have access to all local advertisements. But Dworsky recommends bringing ads in anyway. If there's any confusion, you'll be better prepared to make your case no matter where you shop.

The cashiers and customer representatives are always looking for a reason not to approve the transaction, says Dworsky.

3. Save receipts
Some retailers will give you money back if you see a lower price after you buy an item. Keep a hold of your receipts and, particularly for big-ticket items, continue to look for lower prices.

Best Buy will issue refunds until the end of January. Toys R Us lets you seek a refund up to seven days after buying an item. Sears customers can get a refund after 14 days. Target is letting customer's price match against brick-and-mortar retailers until Dec. 24 for any item bought after Nov. 1. You can only ask Target to match the price of an online retailer until Dec. 16.

4. Go straight to the customer service desk
Many retailers have hired cashiers specifically for the holiday rush, so the new employees may not be up-to-speed on the store's price-matching policy. Heather Wheeler, who runs savings website TheKrazyCouponLady.com, recommends handling the transaction at the customer service desk instead on the cashier.

"(Those staffers are) trained a little more and are more knowledgeable," says Wheeler.

5. Look beyond retailers
You can also price match depending on how you pay. PayPal, the payment processer, promises to match a lower price if you've already made a purchase using the service. That includes airline tickets. PayPal will match the prices of retailers that don't let customers use PayPal, however. Just fill out a form and upload a receipt when you find a lower price. PayPal will give you back up to $1,000 for all purchases made until Dec. 31.

You should also ask your credit card company to see if it offers price matching. It's rare, but there are a few cards that do.

Citi just launched a program for its credit card holders. Called the Citi Price Rewind program, it promises to do the work for you. Register your purchases made on the Citi credit card online and it will send you a check for the difference if it finds a lower price from an online retailer.

The program is aimed at pricier purchases: It will only issue a discount if the price difference is $25 or more. Citi will give you the amount up to $250 for each item, and up to $1,000 a year. Of course, you're going to need pay your credit card bill in full and not incur interest charges to truly make this a deal.

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/business/retailers-price-war-can-save-shoppers-big-bucks-1C7308451

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Mon, 03 Dec 2012 00:39:58 -0800 Fighting near Syrian capital, Lebanon tension high http://toukoredu.posterous.com/fighting-near-syrian-capital-lebanon-tension http://toukoredu.posterous.com/fighting-near-syrian-capital-lebanon-tension

Syrian children look through their car window as they cross into Lebanon with their families at the border crossing, in Masnaa, eastern Lebanon, Friday, Nov. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

Syrian children look through their car window as they cross into Lebanon with their families at the border crossing, in Masnaa, eastern Lebanon, Friday, Nov. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

A Syrian family crosses into Lebanon at the border crossing in Masnaa, eastern Lebanon, Friday, Nov. 30, 2012. Syrian rebels battled regime troops south of Damascus on Friday and Internet and most telephone lines were cut for a second day, but the government reopened the road to the capital's airport in a sign the fighting could be calming, activists said. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

In this Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012 photo, night falls on a Syrian rebel-controlled area as destroyed buildings, including Dar Al-Shifa hospital, are seen on Sa'ar street after airstrikes targeted the area last week, killing dozens in Aleppo, Syria. (AP Photo/Narciso Contreras)

(AP) ? Activists are reporting clashes near the airport of the Syrian capital, Damascus, as Internet and cellular telephones continued to be cut for the third day.

A day earlier, 20 Lebanese were killed inside Syria while fighting alongside rebels to topple President Bashar Assad. The news heightened tensions in neighboring Lebanon.

Lebanese troops deployed to the northern city of Tripoli after the deaths were announced late Friday and Sunni Muslim gunmen fired into the air in tribute. The city was clam Saturday.

The vast majority of Syria's rebels are also Sunnis. Assad ? along with his most elite troops ? belongs to the Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shiite Islam.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Syria-based activist Mohammed Saeed reported heavy fighting and shelling near Damascus' airport Saturday.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2012-12-01-Syria/id-0a7233b0e121468881c4980238feafab

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Sun, 02 Dec 2012 22:48:35 -0800 Read Channels Television Interview with Chukwukemeka Fred ... http://toukoredu.posterous.com/read-channels-television-interview-with-chukw http://toukoredu.posterous.com/read-channels-television-interview-with-chukw

In this special Channels Televison, sunrise classic team of Kayode Akintemi and Olusola Toyin Momoh interviews Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr. (CFA) ? Nigeria?s leading digital media consultant on Cyber Crime and the Nigerian Economy.

Kayode Akintemi is General Manager Operations at Channels Television, responsible for the core broadcast operations of the station. He is an award-winning broadcast journalist who has helped positioned Channels Television as Nigeria?s foremost broadcast station.

Olusola Toyin Momoh is Executive Director and Co-founder of Channels Television, a seasoned Broadcaster with over 20 years of experience in Television Journalism.

Click here to watch with lower bandwidth internet or mobile.

Channels Tv Read Channels Television Interview with Chukwukemeka Fred Agbata Jnr. (CFA) on the Internet

Channels Television

Kayode Akintemi: When we look at our economy today, before we even talk about cyber crime, let?s look at the opportunities that abound on the Internet, that we seem to lose or miss out on but a handful of people are making good. The opportunities that are there for us on the internet as a nation, are we tapping into it the correct way?

CFA: Alright thank you, I would say no, not yet. The opportunities on the internet are so vast. This is what I do on a daily basis, and I can see that it has a huge opportunity. There is a website called Internet statistics Website, if you visit that website Nigeria has the tenth largest internet users population, according to the website there are 48 million internet users generally, based on that particular website.

Olusola Toyin Momoh: Tenth is not bad, is it? Considering no power, Internet access, the price we pay to access the internet which is still very expensive, compared to the rest of the world.

CFA: It?s not bad, it?s a very good figure, and it?s a very good number. With no power, all the challenges? cuts in?. highly expensive, so tenth is a very good figure, its show a lot of potential.

I was speaking to a company that came to Nigeria to launch an eCommerce website and I asked the young man, I said with all the negativity we hear about Nigeria, why you are coming in and what gives you the confidence?

And the guy looked at me with this smile, this look on his face, You guys don?t know the opportunity you have, the opportunities are so huge and he said this is just the beginning that from his research. He brought out his laptop and he showed me some quality research.

He said form his research Nigeria?s mobile population is going to grow higher. I mean if you look at the about 48 million users, using this figure as an example, it is still less than 30% of the total population thereabout, so the opportunities are there. Part of what I do as a trainer and consultant, I encourage businesses because the cost of doing businesses is on the rise. So what you need to do, you need to look at ways technology can help you to cut down on the cost.

So the opportunities are there and are we maximizing them as a nation, I would say NO! For example, the eCommerce boom that we are experiencing now, while we have Nigerians on the internet that own various?eCommerce websites, they are not making the most of it. If you go to some sites (we were just discussing while waiting here in Channels Television) there is a particular?eCommerce site, I am not going to mention the name but everywhere you see them online ? these are owned by South Africans even though they have Nigerians on board, the truth of the matter is that, it has a South African origin and they are here and every moment, they are doing all sorts of adverts and probably they are not making the money now as there are lot of challenges distribution challenges, payment challenges, a lot of challenges but you know the innovation they came up with, pay on delivery, that was a good innovation. So don?t worry just shop, we will bring to your doorstep then you pay us, it has its own risk but that?s what they are doing.

Olusola Toyin Momoh: We are going to have more internet access and that will mean more cyber crime, now tell us what kind of cyber crimes, should I say are available? What kind of cyber crimes do people carry out?

CFA: Alright thanks. I will say this very straight up people should understand that the internet is as important as for instance your passport. The internet we call it the online real estate. It is so important that you have to take care of it so it means that your passwords, your credit cards, your credit information, your account information etc. These are things you have to take care of, you have to keep them very sacred.

So, based on my experience as a trainer and a consultant I usually tell people something simple as your password because virtually every website will require that you enter your password, so I start by asking why do you like using very simple passwords? i.e. 1920fred or fred1980 ? you know with the date of birth, you don?t understand that the people who are perpetuating cyber-crimes are very smart people, unfortunately they are extremely smart. So they could just pick up your Facebook, twitter, maybe gmail or yahoo, they can guess and make some very good guesses. It starts with the password, you have to use very secure passwords across the internet and you have to ensure that you don?t repeat the same passwords on two sites. Each site should have very a unique password. And it should be alphabet numeric.

Olusola Toyin Momoh: How should we remember that?

CFA: Before I answer that, your password should be alpha-numeric ? that means it should contains letters, numbers and symbols, so as to make it difficult. Now there are a lot of tools to do that. We were just talking about cloud computing, cloud technology how its growing, so if you ask me I use a free tool called lastpass (lastpass.com), it is a free tool.

Personally, I have over a thousand accounts and they all have alpha-numeric passwords, so there is no way on earth I can remember all of them. They are all unique but I manage them with Lastpass, so I just need to remember one master password which I change frequently but also everybody who owns a account on the internet should at least try to change your account password once in a month or once in two weeks but minimum once in a month should be fine because for instance if a group of hackers hack into say Facebook for instance they can get access or hold of whole line of passwords they can use to access accounts. So, if you don?t do that regularly you can fall victim and it cuts across.

For instance, let me give you an example of a cyber-crime I experienced personally my website was hacked and the guys inserted some codes on my website so if you visit my website it?ll automatically download those codes on your system and then it starts stealing your secret information, your account information, your credit card information, your date of birth, your pictures and the funny thing about the kind of cyber-crime that is going on now, it?s so smart and powerful that it can take hold of your PC even while working. I mean your computer is booting, you can see your computer booting but behind it is a guy working on it. Honestly you are there, you?re seeing it, you might even be doing some work but the guy is also doing some work at the same time accessing every single information you have on your system.

Therefore, part of what people need to do is you need to start looking at having software such as lock my pc, on your system so that you can erase your data remotely if you have to, on your phone or your tablets and on your PCs. This is must for everybody who has got gadgets today. Because when you lose your phone immediately, somebody can get into your phone and the person can wreak havoc with your data on it.

There is a guy somewhere an editor and his actual account was hacked before the guy knew what was happening, the guy deleted every single information he had on the internet, from his Facebook to his yahoo, he deleted everything and guess what he wrote him personal email and told him if he doesn?t speak, he is going to tell him how he did it. And the guy agreed that he wouldn?t report him to the police in US and he told him everything step by step how he performed the hack ? brilliant hack, very brilliant.

Olusola Toyin Momoh: When a cybercrime is committed, we probably go to EFCC or police, do you think that our securities themselves are adequately informed and trained for these crimes which we expect them to investigate and solve for us?

CFA: NO! There are no 2 ways about it because if you want to pin somebody down who is into cyber-crime, you got to know exactly what he?s doing, you?ve got to have an idea of what?s he?s doing, So I would say no and I will give you typical example one of mentor and clients ? I consult for him, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, he had his yahoo account hacked some time ago and the person who hacked the account, first of all deleted all his private questions, changed everything, so there was no way he could claim ownership of that account any longer, so the account was lost. And the guy(hacker) just like you mentioned earlier, he started sending everybody emails that Mazi was in trouble and because people know him, a lot of them were almost responding until he got to know.

In that case the people who performed that act were certainly close by, I think he made effort, he called yahoo but nothing happened. What it simply means, is that the people who are supposed to enforce these laws need training, if they even have to learn the principles of hacking so be it because you can?t catch a criminal if you don?t understand what he is doing. And the hackers are most times gentle people with normal faces, very cool guys, cool ladies very cool people and they do these things. So for our security agencies to be able to tackle this, they?ve got to get some bit of training, that will help them understand how it works. Because the truth on the matter is that it works like the speed of light I mean very fast. We are sitting down here and before we know what?s happening the guy is in your account imagine if it is a politician, so they are going through your account and they mess up everything and just imagine the Facebook account of a prominent politician reads something strange ? how do you explain it wasn?t me? I mean it?s difficult, by then the deed is done.

This cuts across everybody, government and just like Wande mentioned the internet is going to cause a very massive revolution in this country. I tell people everywhere, whether we are accepted it or not, whether we are like it or not, whether we believe in it or not, it is happening ? our children, our families, our fathers, everybody is going on the internet and there has to be regulation. It is very important! Again for instance apart from the home security that is in charge, the FCC in the US is also doing a lot. For instance you can?t send someone emails if I did not request for it. The FCC will fine you for that if I report you to them. Every email provider for example has what is called the FCC Spam act, you have to send emails to only those people who accept to receive that emai;s. They came up with the idea because they understand that one of the ways to perpetuate cyber-crime is emails. Send an email.

Olusola Toyin Momoh: So how come spam is around so much?

CFA: Yes well that shows you that is cyber crime. The email providers are spending billions of dollars to fight spam. And it keeps coming up because all you need to do is sit down with a blaster (I mean there are different names for it) and the blaster can send one million emails in a second. I mean how are you going to do that? And the guy can sit down there and can send hundred million emails in a day or two and they are all owned by people.

So part of what you should do as somebody and I tell people never click on any link with your email address, never except your hundred percent sure. If you?re not sure don?t click. Copy and paste on your browser, that is much better. Because the purpose of clicking is that it drops in the code, or malware or spyware into your system. These are the some basic security measures you should take as user, whether you?re a politician, a banker whether you?re a journalist? ? it cuts across everybody

You have an image to protect online and it?s your duty to start protecting it now.

Kayode Akintemi: Final words

CFA: Based on my role as a media consultant; I am going to talk about parents and social media. I think what parents should do in terms of security is that parents should start understanding what their are children do on the internet and one of the things they can do, is that they should know about their children?s friends online, they should try as much as possible because that?s the next area where we are going to the cyber-crime. A lot of children (God forbid) are going to get molested, lot of things are going to happen via social media so I think I should encourage and advice parents to be more conscious of who their children interact with on social media and what they do on social media. Because most parents are not understanding as it where, kids don?t add their parents as friends so parents must understand, that times have changed you can?t bring your 1940 strategy into 2012, it can?t work ? this is jet internet age! It has come to stay so parents please understand what your children do online and try to understand it because you can?t stop them.

I have been to trainings and meetings where parents ask me? What can we do our children are always holding phones or on Facebook. I say parents there is nothing you can do, it has come to stay. So what you can do now as a parent is to understand what your children do on social media and try to be there friends.

Kayode Akintemi: Thank you very much CFA.

*** The End ***

I hope you found this helpful? Feel free to contact me with your questions or requests. I am still committed to helping you Leverage the Internet for increased profit and brand perception.

If you this post, you may also like these:

  1. About CFA ? Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr
  2. Read the Impact of Internet on Nigeria et al by McKinsey
  3. Thank You for your Support during the Demise and Burial of my sister Ada Miracle Agbata
  4. Achieving Success In Internet Based Business
  5. 4 Internet Marketing Strategies you can Implement this Year

Source: http://www.cfagbata.com/channels-television-interview/

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Sun, 02 Dec 2012 06:02:40 -0800 Twitter in legal spat over data clampdown http://toukoredu.posterous.com/twitter-in-legal-spat-over-data-clampdown http://toukoredu.posterous.com/twitter-in-legal-spat-over-data-clampdown

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Twitter Inc's steadily tightening grip over the 140-character messages on its network has set off a spirited debate in Silicon Valley over whether a social media company should or should not lay claim over its user-generated content.

That debate has now landed in court.

A San Francisco judge on Wednesday granted a temporary restraining order compelling Twitter to continue providing access to its "Firehose" - the full daily stream of some 400 million tweets - to PeopleBrowsr Inc, a data analytics firm that sifts through Twitter and resells that information to clients ranging from technology blogs to the U.S. Department of Defense.

As part of a broader revenue-generating strategy, Twitter in recent months has begun clamping down on how its data stream may be accessed, to the dismay of many third-party developers who have built businesses and products off of Twitter's Firehose.

PeopleBrowsr, which began contracting Firehose access in July 2010, has continued to buy Twitter data on a month-to-month basis until this July, when Twitter invoked a clause in the agreement that allowed for terminating the contract without cause.

The court's decision to extend the two San Francisco-based companies' contract has not settled the legal spat; a judge will hear PeopleBrowsr's arguments for a preliminary injunction against Twitter on January 8.

But the case could provide the first, in-depth look at issues surrounding one of the Internet industry's most prominent players in Twitter.

In a court filing, PeopleBrowsr founder John David Rich argued the Twitter move was a "commercial disaster" for his business and contradicted the spirit of repeated public statements that Twitter has made regarding its data.

"Twitter has repeatedly and consistently promised that it would maintain an 'open ecosystem' for its data," Rich said in his company's request for a temporary injunction.

In its response, Twitter's lawyers argued: "This is Contracts 101."

Twitter said in a statement after the court decision: "We believe the case is without merit and will vigorously defend against it."

(Reporting By Gerry Shih; Editing by Tim Dobbyn)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/twitter-legal-spat-over-data-clampdown-193457042--sector.html

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Sun, 02 Dec 2012 05:11:57 -0800 21 House Committees ? and Now One Chairwoman http://toukoredu.posterous.com/21-house-committees-and-now-one-chairwoman http://toukoredu.posterous.com/21-house-committees-and-now-one-chairwoman

Check the box! There will be a Republican woman who will be chairing a full House committee next session, after all.

Rep. Candice Miller of Michigan earlier this week lost out to Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, for the coveted Homeland Security gavel, a decision made by a GOP steering committee controlled by Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio.

But on Friday, Boehner announced that Miller will chair the House Administration Committee, which may not be as desirable a post but includes among its jurisdiction oversight of the federal election process. Miller becomes the fourth Michigander leading a full committee, joining Reps. Fred Upton on Energy and Commerce, Dave Camp on Ways and Means, and Mike Rogers on Intelligence.

Miller?s losing bid earlier this week in the contest for Homeland Security had caused a stir, because it signaled there might not be any women among the 113th Congress?s 21 House committee chairs. But yet to be announced were still two of the 21 total chairs, for Administration and Ethics. (Republicans have at least picked several women for posts in House GOP conference leadership, topped by Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington as conference chairwoman.)

But the prospect of no women heading full committees was even more puzzling given all the talk among Republicans that they needed to project a more diverse image ? and given that women voted Democratic by double-digit margins in the presidential contest and generic congressional ballots on Nov. 6.

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., has been serving as a committee chairwoman, on Foreign Affairs. But she isn?t keeping that committee?s gavel next year because she is term-limited.

It is uncertain whether now giving Miller the top seat on the Committee on House Administration may soften the negative perceptions of a white-male-dominated roster of Republican House committee chairmen, particularly when contrasted with what will be a more diverse roster in terms of gender and race among Democratic ranking members.

The House Administration Committee has jurisdiction over the federal election procedures, and also is charged with managing the budget authorizations for House committees and members? offices and overseeing traditional franking and more modern ways for members to engage with constituents. It works closely with Capitol Police as an overseer of security on the House side of the Capitol.

In a statement on Friday, Miller said, ?I am both humbled and honored by the confidence Speaker Boehner has shown in me to take on the Chairmanship of the Committee on House Administration.?

?This committee has the responsibility to ensure that the House runs in an effective and efficient manner, which is vital as we work to meet the many challenges facing this great nation,? she said. ?Most importantly, this committee has jurisdiction over the federal election process, and I am absolutely committed to making certain that we enact rules to ensure this nation continues to have open, free, and fair elections.?

There was still no word as of Friday afternoon on who will lead the Ethics Committee ? a post that many lawmakers do not want given its role in investigating colleagues? activities.

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Source: http://news.yahoo.com/21-house-committees-now-one-chairwoman-162518491--politics.html

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Sun, 02 Dec 2012 04:13:00 -0800 German producers plan Pope Benedict biopic http://toukoredu.posterous.com/german-producers-plan-pope-benedict-biopic http://toukoredu.posterous.com/german-producers-plan-pope-benedict-biopic

MUNICH, Germany (Reuters) - Two German producers have bought the film rights to an upcoming biography of Pope Benedict by the Bavarian author of three best-selling interview books with the pontiff.

The Odeon Film company said producers Marcus Mende and Peter Weckert planned a film for international release based on a biography by journalist Peter Seewald due to be published in early 2014.

Seewald's book-length interviews with Benedict - two as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger and one as pope - have given readers many insights into the life and thoughts of the shy theologian who now heads the Roman Catholic Church.

Seewald has signed on as a consultant to the scriptwriter, Odeon Film said in a statement on Thursday. It gave no information about the schedule for the film or who might play the main role.

"The producers plan an international film that illustrates all aspects of the extraordinary life and work of Joseph Ratzinger from his birth on Easter night in 1927 in Marktl am Inn in Bavaria to his pontificate today," it said.

Benedict's predecessor Pope John Paul was the subject of a dozen documentary films around the world and two major television movies in the United States.

(Reporting by Tom Heneghan; editing by Andrew Roche)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/german-producers-plan-pope-benedict-biopic-155509583.html

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Sun, 02 Dec 2012 03:31:26 -0800 African Bank Named South Africa's 'Bank of the Year' - Ventures Africa http://toukoredu.posterous.com/african-bank-named-south-africa39s-39bank-of http://toukoredu.posterous.com/african-bank-named-south-africa39s-39bank-of

VENTURES AFRICA ? South Africa?s African Bank has been named South African Bank of the Year by the Banker magazine, the award citing the Bank?s complex business and risk models as helping steer businesses through the financial crisis.

Africa Bank is the biggest unsecured lender in South Africa ? a country widely considered to be relying too heavily on the use of unsecured loans, with this type of financing growing quickly across the country.? Unsecured lending currently accounts for 131 billion rand ($14.95 billion) of South Africa?s 1.36 trillion rand ($155 billion) outstanding receivables.

As such the decision to grant the award for Bank of the Year to an unsecured lender is somewhat surprising.

However, the Banker made the award ? which was handed over in a ceremony in London ? based on the Bank?s stability through-out the financial crisis, noting that its business and risk models are serving to increase credit responsibility across the South African financing sector.

?African Bank?s business model has been robust through the recent financial crisis and provided through the cycle profitability and attractive returns,? the Banker said in making the Award.

?The group has rolled out innovative products to make it easier for customers to access responsible credit and widened the bank?s distribution network through the establishment of kiosks and carve outs in its retail division which has helped drive the growth in loans,? the citation added.

Receiving the award on behalf of the company, Tami Sokutu, an executive director at African Bank Investments congratulated the Bank?s employees, and thanked customers for their continued loyalty to Africa Bank.? She went on to underline: ?We remain cognisant of our customers? requirements and needs as we assist to enhance their lives through the provision of responsible credit.?

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Gabriella

Gabriella Mulligan is a journalist with a special interest in business and legal issues, having come to journalism following a successful career in consultancy. After completing her legal education at the esteemed law school at Cambridge University, and prior to that at the University of Kent, Gabriella went on to work for a ?Big Four? financial and business services firm. She now enjoys writing on topical issues that affect businesses and the economy today. Gabriella is British and Hungarian. She has travelled widely, but harbours a passion for Africa and has made Nairobi, Kenya her home.

Total Posts: 238

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Source: http://www.ventures-africa.com/2012/11/africa-bank-named-south-african-bank-of-the-year/

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Sat, 01 Dec 2012 17:03:17 -0800 Kuwait's rifts highlighted by election boycott http://toukoredu.posterous.com/kuwaits-rifts-highlighted-by-election-boycott http://toukoredu.posterous.com/kuwaits-rifts-highlighted-by-election-boycott

Kuwaiti supporters of one of the parliamentary election's candidates walks by a polling station in Salwa during election day in Kuwait on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012. The general election to appoint a new Parliament is the fifth since mid-2006, and the second this year.(AP Photo/Gustavo Ferrari)

Kuwaiti supporters of one of the parliamentary election's candidates walks by a polling station in Salwa during election day in Kuwait on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012. The general election to appoint a new Parliament is the fifth since mid-2006, and the second this year.(AP Photo/Gustavo Ferrari)

Kuwaiti citizens wait in line to cast their vote at a polling station in Rumaithiya, Kuwait on Saturday, Dec. 1st, 2012. The general election to appoint a new Parliament is the fifth since mid-2006, and the second this year.(AP Photo/Gustavo Ferrari)

Islamist, nationalist and liberal opposition groups gather to protest the Kuwait government's amendment of the electoral law and support a boycott on the country's election on Friday, Nov. 30, 2012 in Kuwait City. More than 15,000 protesters rallied in the first government-authorized demonstration in Kuwait since a ban on political gatherings earlier this month. The election to be held Saturday, Dec. 1 is the fifth since mid-2006, and the second this year.(AP Photo/Gustavo Ferrari)

A Kuwaiti citizen casts her vote at a polling station in Saalwa, Kuwait on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012. The general election to appoint a new Parliament is the fifth since mid-2006, and the second this year.(AP Photo/Gustavo Ferrari)

KUWAIT CITY (AP) ? Kuwait's deep political rifts took center stage in parliamentary elections Saturday as backers of the ruling establishment cast ballots while a broad opposition alliance staged a boycott and vowed to reject the outcome.

The voting capped months of political upheavals and showdowns in the oil-rich Gulf state ? a strategic Western ally ? and the polarized atmosphere suggested more tensions ahead.

Kuwait has the Gulf's most politically powerful parliament and the election is certain to restore control to pro-government lawmakers. Yet that doesn't guarantee any extra breathing space for the ruling system amid claims it is overstepping its powers.

A wide-reaching coalition of opposition factions ? ranging from hard-line Islamists to Western-leaning liberals ? already has challenged the legitimacy of the new parliament because of the boycott and could increasingly take their grievances to the streets.

Kuwait has largely escaped the unrest sweeping the region, and any potential for greater unrest is closely watched by Washington, which has thousands of U.S. ground forces in Kuwait as part of the Pentagon's military counterweight to Iran in the Persian Gulf.

Islamists and tribal allies won control of the 50-seat parliament in February elections, but the chamber was later dissolved over a legal challenge by the ruling establishment over electoral districts. Kuwait has been left without an effective working parliament for more than five months.

Complaints against authorities include increasing efforts to muzzle free speech and failure to have Kuwait's economy and growth keep pace with other dynamic Gulf centers such as Qatar's capital Doha and the United Arab Emirates' hubs of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Last month, four people were arrested on charges of insulting Kuwait's emir in Twitter posts.

Security forces watched over polling stations across Kuwait, but no disturbances were reported. The voting sites vividly displayed the country's divides with pro-government areas showing steady turnout, but areas loyal to the opposition were almost deserted. Boycott backers tied pieces of orange ribbon ? the adopted color of the opposition ? around tree branches near some polling sites.

Some opposition groups predicted turnout could be well below 50 percent, compared with near 60 percent for the last parliamentary elections in February that were won by Islamists and their allies.

"I'm certain that the boycott will have an effect on the turnout," said Information Minister Mohammad al-Abdullah Al Sabah, a member of the ruling family.

He appealed, however, for the opposition to confine their objections within the country's "legal framework."

The anti-government groups have bitterly denounced a decree in October by Kuwait's emir to end an unusual balloting system that allowed four choices per voter.

Critics claim the new one-vote-per-person rule will make it easier for state authorities to potentially influence the outcome. They also say the emir went beyond his authority by changing the voting rules without public debate.

On the eve of the election, more than 15,000 people joined a peaceful pro-boycott march in the first rally permitted by authorities since a ruling last month banning gatherings of more than 20 people.

Kuwait's parliament has the most powers of any among the Gulf Arab states. Opposition lawmakers have often fired off accusations of corruptions and abuses against government officials, including the prime minister and other members of the ruling family.

The country also has some of the widest political and media freedoms in the region, but key government posts and policies remain under the control of the ruling family.

Yet Islamists and their backers also worry many Kuwaitis for open support of stricter Muslim codes such as censoring artists and imposing death sentences for those convicted of denigrating Islam.

The concerns about the rising clout of Islamists also reflects wider battles across the Gulf as authorities crack down on groups suspected of ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, which has taken control of Egypt following elections in the past year. Gulf leaders view activists inspired by the Arab Spring as potential threats, but Kuwait's Islamist leaders claim they are a homegrown force that only seeks a greater say in the country's affairs.

A 29-year-old voter, Ali Boushehri, said he was frustrated with both sides.

"I hold the government accountable for many of our shortcomings in Kuwait, and that is why I am voting," he said. "I don't agree with the opposition. Boycotting is not a good thing to do ... I want to vote because I believe in democracy."

A businessman, Khaled al-Qahtani, 38, decided to join the boycott even though he also has misgivings about Islamists. Many liberals have joined the unusual alliance of convenience with Islamists over their shared anger against the ruling system, but remain far apart on ideology.

Islamists and their backers "aren't to be trusted with the future of Kuwait, so I don't support them," said al-Qahtani. "Although, sadly, the government lost the support of many others by failing the people repeatedly."

The region's popular uprisings have not spilled over to Kuwait in a major way as in nearby Bahrain, and it remains unlikely opposition groups would wage an all-out challenge to the current system and risk losing the generous cradle-to-grave benefits provided by the state.

But clashes last month between protesters and security forces displayed the potential for violence to escalate.

Kuwait also was hit by a wave of labor unrest and strikes earlier this year, including walkouts that grounded the state carrier, Kuwait Airways, and temporarily closed customs posts and left several hundred trucks stranded at the border.

Calls for better working conditions have grown louder in the wake of the Arab Spring uprisings. Kuwaitis are used to well-paid government jobs and benefits that increasingly have become a burden on state finances despite the country's huge oil wealth.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2012-12-01-Kuwait/id-4b0175e4bffe4e54bc11e04446f9037c

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Sat, 01 Dec 2012 04:10:38 -0800 Yale Drops Dramatic Five-Setter to Bowling Green in NCAA First ... http://toukoredu.posterous.com/yale-drops-dramatic-five-setter-to-bowling-gr http://toukoredu.posterous.com/yale-drops-dramatic-five-setter-to-bowling-gr November 30, 2012

Down 2-1 in Sets, Ivy League Champ Yale Forced Fifth Game

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The Bulldogs dropped a heart-stopping fifth set to Bowling Green in their NCAA First Round match at Rec Hall on Friday evening.

The scores of the match were 16-25, 25-15, 25-21, 13-25 and 15-11.

In its fourth-ever NCAA Tournament appearance, Yale came back from a 2-1 set deficit to force a deciding fifth. The loss snapped Yale's 15-match win streak, and the Bulldogs ended the season 18-6 overall and 14-0 in Ivy Play.

Mollie Rogers and Kelly Johnson led a balanced Yale attack with a team-high 12 kills each, while senior team captain Haley Wessels ended her Bulldog career with 11 kills, 6 block assists and five digs.

The fifth set was pulsating volleyball and featured eight ties and five lead changes.?

Yale recovered from a 7-5 deficit to score the next four points.? After three straight Bowling Green errors, Kendall Polan rifled an ace along the left side to give Yale a two-point edge.

After a Yale error, Lindsey Butterfield gave the Falcons back the lead with two straight kills.? McHaney Carter and Rogers teamed up for block assists on the next point to tie the set at 10.?

Carter finished with nine kills, hit. 391 and five block assists.? Rogers, a first-team All-Ivy selection, added 17 digs and four block assists.

Leah Shaw's kill put Bowling Green back in front, and the Falcons never trailed the rest of the way. ?

Bowling Green improved to 9-0 in five-set matches this season, while Yale was playing in its first five-setter of the year.?

Yale ended the season as the second team in Ivy League history to finish a conference season 14-0 and featured five All-Ivy selections.

Bowling Green will face the winner of Binghamton and Penn State tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. in a NCAA Second Round match.

Check back later for more details.

Report filed by Ernie Bertothy, Yale Sports Publicity

Source: http://www.yalebulldogs.com/sports/w-volley/2012-13/releases/20121130bwhke1

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Sat, 01 Dec 2012 02:18:26 -0800 Exclusive 24 Carat Gold facial treatment at Four Seasons Cairo ... http://toukoredu.posterous.com/exclusive-24-carat-gold-facial-treatment-at-f http://toukoredu.posterous.com/exclusive-24-carat-gold-facial-treatment-at-f

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Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:29:11 -0800 Choosing the Best Window Company in DFW (DFW 817-484-5613 ... http://toukoredu.posterous.com/choosing-the-best-window-company-in-dfw-dfw-8 http://toukoredu.posterous.com/choosing-the-best-window-company-in-dfw-dfw-8 Ad #22544218 Contact

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As a homeowner you want to know that proper lead safety precautions are taken. This is vitally important to your family during home renovation projects. If you, or the company you allow to work on your home, do not comply with the RR&P certification, there could be fines or lawsuits for civil responsibility. In States where the certification is controlled by the EPA itself, not the state, the fines could be up to $37,500 per infraction/per day. At America's Best Choice, your safety and well being are an absolute top priority. We will make sure all steps are taken to educate you as a homeowner, and that all safety measures and precautions are used during your home improvement job. .

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Years of Experience in the Window Industry

America's Best Choice of DFW has been in the Window Industry for 30 Years specializing in residential window replacements, doors and siding serving all of the Dallas and Fort Worth metro area.

Warranty Specifications

America's Best Choice ("Company") warrants to the original purchaser and subsequent owner of the property (once the warranty is transferred as outlined below) that any window installed by the Company is free from defects in material and workmanship for as long as the original purchaser owns and resides in the home where such windows and doors are installed.

ABC Windows is a proud member of Mighty Main Street as the local Windows & Doors company serving local homeowners in DFW Texas.

If you would like a free in-home estimate on windows, doors or siding, Call us at 817-484-5613 Today!

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Source: http://www.classifiedads.com/home_services_stores-ad22544218.htm

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Fri, 30 Nov 2012 00:34:22 -0800 Denny's new Las Vegas restaurant puts weddings on the menu http://toukoredu.posterous.com/dennys-new-las-vegas-restaurant-puts-weddings http://toukoredu.posterous.com/dennys-new-las-vegas-restaurant-puts-weddings

LAS VEGAS (Reuters) - Denny's, the 24-hour American diner, opened a restaurant on Thursday in Las Vegas with a wedding chapel where couples can tie the knot after a meal of bacon, peanut butter and bananas between two slices of French toast finished off with a bacon vodka chaser.

The restaurant is near the Las Vegas strip on historic downtown Fremont Street. Its modern curves, neon and steel are meant to fit in with the city's "over the top" feel, said Frances Miller, chief marketing officer.

"A normal Denny's is not going to cut it in Vegas," she said, adding that the restaurant is the first of 1,700 Denny's worldwide that will have a wedding chapel and photo booth. It is one of fewer than 50 Denny's with a full bar.

The chapel is scheduled to start hosting nuptials in the first quarter of 2013, with a celebrity wedding slated for February. Details of the wedding were not disclosed.

"I kind of hope it's Kim Kardashian because then you could have repeat performances," architect James Wines quipped at the ribbon cutting.

With this new restaurant, Denny's Corp, based in South Carolina, hopes to capitalize on redevelopment that is underway in the downtown Las Vegas area.

The restaurant's neighbours include a zip line that carries visitors above street-level traffic and a restaurant that holds a Guinness Record for the highest-calorie burger. The area soon expects to have what is being billed as the world's largest gay nightclub.

Miller said that at 6,400 square feet (6,000 meters), the Fremont Street Denny's is among the company's 10 largest in the world. She said the restaurant, owned by the parent company instead of being franchised, is also among the most expensive Denny's to build, but she declined to say how much it cost.

P.S. The French toast plate is called the "King Stack." As in Elvis.

(Editing by Cynthia Johnston)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/dennys-las-vegas-restaurant-puts-weddings-menu-201543954--finance.html

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Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:01:10 -0800 Wednesday Musings - A's Give to Charity, New Baseball Rules, Checking In http://toukoredu.posterous.com/wednesday-musings-as-give-to-charity-new-base http://toukoredu.posterous.com/wednesday-musings-as-give-to-charity-new-base

Happy Wednesday! How is everyone holding up this holiday season?

In case you haven't heard this fabulous story, let me recap: The A's players voted to donate an entire playoff share ($34,325.16) to charity. It's not such a noteworthy story if we have a team full of millionaire superstars, but with our payroll, and our group of guys, this is truly a touching gesture, and as the article puts it:

Despite having one of the lowest payrolls in the Major Leagues, the A?s showed how closely connected the team is to the community. The generous gesture by the Oakland A?s just adds another reason why the team has been rekindling the passion for baseball in Oakland.

I decorated my Christmas tree last night, and as all the A's ornaments went up, I just felt again the magic of the 2012 season. Last year at this time, I no more could have imagined an AL West Championship than I could have a real visit from Santa, but look at how that turned out. I feel so lucky to have the A's as my main rooting interest, and despite being in the middle of a fun year with my other teams (49ers, Stanford football, and the Warriors), I still think of A's baseball the most, even during the off-season.

Sports Illustrated published this article yesterday, and I thought it was worth a quick glance. Titled "The Nine Rules Baseball Needs to Change", it delves into the benefit of replay, the disadvantage of having umpires makes calls out of position, and body armor.

I absolutely disagree with the assessment that the playoffs are too long, and a seven game series should be shortened to five; personally, I would like all playoff series to be 7. I also found the argument against September expanded rosters to be interesting:

It's time for general managers to stop talking about it and do something about it. It's a quick and logical fix. Teams should play all games with the same number of players. I advocate using a 25-man roster all year long. The difference is that in September you can call up as many players as you want but you must designate a game roster each day of 25 players. A manager, for instance, might leave off his other four starting pitchers, for instance, to include four September call-ups. Some GMs have advocated a standard but expanded roster for September games -- say, a daily roster of 28. Twenty-five is plenty, and brings uniformity to the season.

What do you think? So how IS everyone? Are you watching any other sports, or are you counting down the days until A's baseball is back on the air? Catch me up!

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

Source: http://www.athleticsnation.com/2012/11/28/3702218/wednesday-musings-as-give-to-charity-new-baseball-rules-checking-in

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Thu, 29 Nov 2012 17:09:42 -0800 Spaceplane engine passes key test http://toukoredu.posterous.com/spaceplane-engine-passes-key-test http://toukoredu.posterous.com/spaceplane-engine-passes-key-test

The UK company developing an engine for a new type of spaceplane says it has successfully demonstrated the power unit's enabling technology.

Reaction Engines Ltd (REL) of Culham, Oxfordshire, ran a series of tests on key elements of its Sabre propulsion system under the independent eye of the European Space Agency (Esa).

Esa's experts have confirmed that all the demonstration objectives were met.

REL claims the major technical obstacle to its ideas has now been removed.

"This is a big moment; it really is quite a big step forward in propulsion," said Alan Bond, the driving force behind the Sabre engine concept.

The company must now raise the ?250m needed to complete the next phase of development.

Skylon

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This would essentially take the project to the final designs that could be handed to a manufacturer.

Although the British government has put significant sums into REL's technology in the past, the company's preference is to pursue city finance.

"The project to date has been more than 90% privately funded, and we intend to continue with that type of structure," explained Tim Hayter, the CEO of Reaction Engines Ltd.

"Yes, we would encourage government money but we're not reliant on it and we're certainly not depending on it.

"What is more important to us is government endorsement. That gives everyone the confidence that the UK is behind this project."

REL's idea is for an 84m-long vehicle called Skylon that would do the job of a big rocket but operate like an airliner, taking off and landing at a conventional runway.

The vehicle would burn a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen but in the low atmosphere the oxygen would be taken from the air, in the same way that a jet engine breathes air.

Only once it had achieved very high speeds would Skylon switch to full rocket mode, burning onboard fuel supplies.

Taking its oxygen from the air in the initial flight phase would mean Skylon could fly lighter from the outset with a higher thrust-to-weight ratio, enabling it to make a single leap to orbit, rather than using and dumping propellant stages on the ascent - as is the case with current expendable rockets.

If such a vehicle could be made to work, its reusability should transform the costs of accessing space.

But its success depends on the Sabre engine's ability to manage the very hot air entering its intakes at high speed.

These gases have to be cooled prior to being compressed and burnt with the onboard hydrogen.

REL's solution is a module containing arrays of extremely fine piping that can extract the heat and plunge the inrushing air to about -140C in just 1/100th of a second.

Ordinarily, the moisture in the air would be expected to freeze out rapidly, covering the piping in a blanket of frost and dislocating their operation.

But the company's engineers have also devised a means to control the frosting, permitting the Sabre engine to run in jet mode for as long as is needed before making the transition to full rocket mode to take the Skylon spaceplane into orbit.

It is the innovative helium cooling loop with its pre-cooler heat-exchanger that REL has been validating on an experimental rig.

"We completed the programme by getting down to -150C, running for 10 minutes," said Mr Bond. "We've demonstrated that the pre-cooler is behaving absolutely as predicted."

The UK Space Agency asked Esa's propulsion division to audit the tests, and the Paris-based organisation has declared its satisfaction with the outcome of the experimental programme.

"One of the major obstacles to developing air-breathing engines for launch vehicles is the development of the lightweight high-performance heat exchangers," it said in a statement.

"With this now successfully demonstrated by REL, there are currently no technical reasons why the Sabre engine programme cannot move forward into the next stage of development."

Dr Mark Ford, who heads the propulsion engineering group at the agency, added: "The gateway is now open to move beyond the jet age."

The next phase is a three-and-a-half-year project. It would see a smaller version of Sabre being built on a test rig. The demonstrator would not have the exact same configuration as the eventual engine but it would allow REL to prove Sabre's performance across its air-breathing and rocket modes.

"Its parts will be spread out slightly; there's no need for us to package it as we would a real engine," said Mr Bond.

"Also, we will want the ease of access to exchange parts, so it will look a little bit like an anatomy exhibition."

The UK government is currently assessing what its involvement should be in the next phase of Skylon/Sabre, but David Willetts, the science minister, was keen on Wednesday to add his personal support to the project: "The engine being developed by Reaction Engines is a potential game-changer in terms of space technology," he said.

"This successful testing validates the assessment made of the engine concept by the UK Space Agency back in 2010 and is yet another example of the UK's world class space industry. It would be a fantastic achievement if we could one day use this home-grown technology for our own commercial space launches."

Esa is certain to do more study work with REL. Although it is currently working on new versions of its Ariane rocket - a classic expendable vehicle - the agency also wants keep an eye on future launcher technologies.

REL itself is considering other applications for its technology. These could include incorporating Sabre-like heat-exchangers into existing gas turbine jet engines to improve their fuel-burn efficiency; and also into desalination plants.

Sabre engine: How the test campaign was conducted

Continue reading the main story David Shukman and Skylon engine cooling

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Our science editor David Shukman watches a pre-cooler test run

Jonathan.Amos-INTERNET@bbc.co.uk and follow me on Twitter: @BBCAmos

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20510112#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

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Wed, 28 Nov 2012 22:44:41 -0800 Mursi decree stirs debate on Brotherhood role http://toukoredu.posterous.com/mursi-decree-stirs-debate-on-brotherhood-role http://toukoredu.posterous.com/mursi-decree-stirs-debate-on-brotherhood-role

CAIRO (Reuters) - The decree that expanded President Mohamed Mursi's powers and plunged Egypt into crisis came as a shock to some of his team; a step with huge legal ramifications, it appeared to have caught even his justice minister off guard.

The surprise move on November 22 has fueled debate on how far the Muslim Brotherhood is dictating policy and ignoring cabinet members and others in an administration that Mursi presents as being inclusive of Egypt's political forces and not dominated by the Islamist party whose electoral muscle put him in office.

Signs that Mursi failed to consult those formally appointed as his advisers on a decree that has set off countrywide protests and violence have given ammunition to critics.

These paint a picture of a man with autocratic impulses who either heeds only his own counsel or, what is more troubling to many, is in thrall to old friends in the Brotherhood, a movement long banned by the old regime and which many Egyptians still view with suspicion as a secretive cabal with radical aims.

That is the very perception he has been trying to fight since he came to office, when the Brotherhood pledged to free Mursi of partisan pressure and he himself promised to be a president for all and to build a broad-based presidential administration. Much of that work has been undone.

"There is a lot obscurity linked to how decisions are taken in the presidency," said Nabil Abdel Fattah, a political scientist. "There is a certain party that is taking this decision," he said. "And the most likely answer is that it is members of the Muslim Brotherhood."

RESIGNATIONS

At least two of Mursi's advisers have resigned in the days since he issued a decree opponents see as a major threat to the country's nascent democracy. One of them, a Christian, had the title of Mursi's assistant for "democratic transformation".

Like most Egyptians, Samir Morkos only learnt of what was in the decree when it was read on state television late on Thursday, he told the London-based Asharq al-Awsat newspaper.

Another adviser, Emad Abdel-Ghaffour, told Reuters he had not been consulted either. Head of the hardline Islamist Nour Party, he is still serving as an adviser on "social outreach". He is in almost daily contact with Mursi, an aide said.

"Our opinion was not sought," Abdel-Ghaffour said of the decree, adding that he had reservations on the text, but like other Islamists, was broadly supportive of it.

It is the second time Mursi has surprised Egyptians with a dramatic move that has challenged perceptions of him as an accidental president - the man who ran only because the Brotherhood's first-choice candidate was disqualified.

Khairat al-Shater, the group's original candidate, has largely stayed out of the public eye since Mursi took office.

Mohamed Habib, a former Brotherhood deputy leader who left the movement last year, said he had no doubt Mursi had consulted the group before making such a controversial move: "It's clear that some were consulted, and others were not," he said.

"He is in great need of their backing, especially when a decision is expected to face attack," he said, referring to the Brotherhood. "He has not and will not break with them until he is on a firm footing in the presidency," Habib told Reuters.

Mursi, a 61-year-old, U.S.-trained engineer, similarly made waves with an August decision that forced into retirement Hosni Mubarak-era generals who had established themselves as a rival source of authority. That time, Mursi enjoyed broad support for sidelining Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi. Not this time however.

OBSCURITY

Critics of Mursi's decree fear it puts at risk the entire democratic transformation in Egypt, run for decades by army-backed autocrats. Among other controversial articles, it shields from judicial review decisions taken by Mursi until a new parliament is elected some time next year.

The Mursi administration has defended the decree as a temporary step needed to smooth the transition to a new system of government. It guarantees new steps to investigate violence against protesters during the uprising against Mubarak.

The president's only public appearance since the decree was to Islamist supporters outside his presidential offices.

Liberal politician Mohamed ElBaradei said Mursi had not given "a whiff of an indication" that he had anything of the sort in mind when they met in the days before the announcement.

"You assume that if somebody, the president, is going to take sweeping measure grabbing all powers that he will at least consult before. There was no consultation at all. That doesn't show the best of good intentions or good will," he told Reuters.

"He didn't mention anything of that kind," added Amr Moussa, the former Arab League secretary general who ran in the presidential election and met Mursi three weeks ago. He was also speaking to Reuters.

Brotherhood spokesmen routinely refer questions about Mursi to the president's staff, saying they cannot speak for him.

Brotherhood spokesman Mahmoud Ghozlan dismissed the accusations that the group shapes presidential policy as one of an endless list of fabrications against the group.

"The president has many legal experts and I think they wrote it," he said, referring to the decree.

Justice Minister Ahmed Mekky, a judge broadly respected for his independence in the Mubarak era, has studiously avoided answering journalists' questions on whether he knew about the decree in advance. He has since expressed his "reservations".

(Additional reporting by Edmund Blair; Editing by Alastair Macdonald)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/mursi-decree-stirs-debate-brotherhood-role-104901029.html

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Wed, 28 Nov 2012 19:04:02 -0800 The No Touching Rule - BC Boards http://toukoredu.posterous.com/the-no-touching-rule-bc-boards http://toukoredu.posterous.com/the-no-touching-rule-bc-boards Example
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    Emoticons

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    The No Touching Rule In Sheepdog Trials

    #1 User is offline ? geonni banner?

    • Group: Registered Users
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    • Interests:Photography, dog training, samurai movies, anime, illustration

    Posted 26 November 2012 - 09:49 PM

    I was reading in the livestock management thread, and something struck me as interesting.

    Under discussion was an unruly ewe that stood off a young dog with threat displays. It was pointed out that a whack on the bridge of her nose would have likely sorted her. I'm sure this is a regular practice in sheep farming as even the most affable ruminants can sometimes get stroppy.

    I was thinking about so many videos of sheepdog trails - usually at the penning - that a well-placed knee to the butt of a static sheep would have dramatically improved the penning time of the contestant.

    So if trialing is meant to be a display of the work of a stock dog and its handler, why is this sort of thing, which must come up routinely in real work situations, not allowed at trials? Is it an attempt to avoid the issue of "how much force is too much force"? Or is it that the judges want to see the dog do the lion's share of the close work?

    Do dogs that normally work livestock for a living in a farm or ranch setting ever seem puzzled at a trial by the handler's lack of willingness to help things along with a well-timed smack to a sheep's butt or nose?


    #2 User is offline ? Liz P?

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    • Location:somewhere inside my brain

    Posted 26 November 2012 - 10:03 PM

    The trial is supposed to showcase the dog more than anything. People want to know if the dog has the skills to do what needs to be done. If handlers were allowed to interfere too much you would have a harder time sorting out how much was the dog and how much was the handler. As it is, that can sometimes be hard to determine. Remember, people often use what they see in a dog at trials to make decisions about breeding or purchasing a pup.


    #3 User is offline ? DeltaBluez Tess?

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    Posted 26 November 2012 - 10:29 PM

    At home if a ewe is slow to go into the stall, I do the boot in the butt encouragement....doesn't work at trials...as for a ewe standing up to a dog, a quick nip might work...or the dog slowly advancing....at trial you want to showcase your dog. At home, i need to get the job done. I teach my dogs to gip on commands so at home, if a ewe is being a snot, a quick grip changes her mind. BUT i you run on a farm flock and have sour ewe that won't move even if a dog grips her, then you are out of luck. either way, your dog must be able to show that he/she can stand up and move a unrury ewe.

    (Note: the boot in the butt is me putting my boot on the sheep hind end and pushing her in...not kicking. I do not kick or hit my sheep)


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    Posted 26 November 2012 - 10:48 PM

    OK, I get it, but I'm imagining the poor dog, having not won the trial because some ewe was standing just outside the pen until the clock ran out, thinking, "What's up with mom/dad? He/she usually has my back in these situations..."

    Of course, the dog probably doesn't go over the run in his mind on the way home. But that moment at the gate, when the handler is watching the clock run out, tendons singing like high-tension wires - and not whacking that ding-busted ewe in the rear. Do you think the dog ever thinks WTF? :blink:


    #5 User is offline ? DeltaBluez Tess?

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    Posted 26 November 2012 - 11:05 PM

    ghot it, if that happens I just retire and help push the ewe along with the dog following.....then tell dog, "good girl/boy......"


    #6 User is online ? juliepoudrier?

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    Posted 26 November 2012 - 11:22 PM

    I'm sure we've all seen (or done) handler antics at the pen to try to remove that reluctant sheep. Like Diane, if we fail for some reason, I'm always sure to get the sheep moving on the way to the exhaust and let the dog know it was a job well done.

    I don't think dogs think WTF.

    J.

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    #7 User is offline ? Gloria Atwater?

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    Posted Yesterday, 12:44 AM

    View Postgeonni banner, on 26 November 2012 - 10:48 PM, said:

    OK, I get it, but I'm imagining the poor dog, having not won the trial because some ewe was standing just outside the pen until the clock ran out, thinking, "What's up with mom/dad? He/she usually has my back in these situations..."

    Of course, the dog probably doesn't go over the run in his mind on the way home. But that moment at the gate, when the handler is watching the clock run out, tendons singing like high-tension wires - and not whacking that ding-busted ewe in the rear. Do you think the dog ever thinks WTF? :blink:/>/>/>

    I don't think the dogs really see it that way. Unless the situation is totally horrible and the dog is completely stressed, I doubt the dog is aware of much but the job at hand. He's not, or shouldn't be, thinking in terms of the human taking up his slack. If a dog lacks confidence and is caught in a nasty situation, i.e. a ewe that charges him or just stamps and faces him off for several minutes, then yes, I can see a dog suffering some sort of setback.

    But I also think that we as handlers practice enough at home, (or should,) in encouraging the dog to do as much of the work as possible, that the dog is not really expecting us to step in. Also, at the pen, there is so much that we can do: step forward or back, wiggle the rope, waggle our crook, stomp our feet, crouch or bend, (once I leaned over and BLEW in a ewe's face - she went in, lol) that I don't think the dog will really feel hung out to dry. Not unless we're just standing there like a lump.

    My tuppence, anyhow. :)/>/> And if things really go bad, I just try to let my dog know that I appreciate their effort and they are still a good dog.
    Respectfully submitted,

    Gloria

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    #8 User is offline ? Donald McCaig?

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    Posted Yesterday, 05:19 AM

    Dear Trainers,

    The boot to the butt or the crook across the bridge of the nose will, indeed, get the sheep's attention shifted from what you might want her to do to you - the new threat on the block. After decades of working sheep, I am trying to think of an instance where brute force made a sheep do what she didn't wanna. Still thinking . . .

    Donald McCaig


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    Posted Yesterday, 01:30 PM

    View PostGloria Atwater, on 27 November 2012 - 12:44 AM, said:

    But I also think that we as handlers practice enough at home, (or should,) in encouraging the dog to do as much of the work as possible, that the dog is not really expecting us to step in.
    Gloria


    This explains it best for me. Do you train a dog that is primarily a farm/ranch working dog on a trial type course to get it ready to work in a trial?

    I'm assuming that the work interaction on a trial course is at least a little different from when the dog is at home. IE - the handler never touches the stock and stays at the post for the outrun, fetch, and cross drive.

    Would a shed at home be materially different from that on a trial course? Meaning, would the handler be helping to split the sheep using the crook or doing a bit of pushing?


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    Posted Yesterday, 01:32 PM

    View PostDonald McCaig, on 27 November 2012 - 05:19 AM, said:

    Dear Trainers,

    The boot to the butt or the crook across the bridge of the nose will, indeed, get the sheep's attention shifted from what you might want her to do to you - the new threat on the block. After decades of working sheep, I am trying to think of an instance where brute force made a sheep do what she didn't wanna. Still thinking . . .

    Donald McCaig


    Well, maybe not the handler, but as for the dog but isn't that what a grip is for?

    #11 User is offline ? Smalahundur?

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    Posted Yesterday, 03:20 PM


    #12 User is offline ? Donald McCaig?

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    Posted Yesterday, 04:39 PM

    Dear Wouldbe Sheepdoggers,

    When I suggested that whacking a sheep rarely gets her to do what you wish, Ms Banner wondered: but isn't that what a" (dog) " grip is for?"

    Like other violence, there are times when a grip is effective and more times when it just makes things worse.

    Effective: some neighbor kids brought their ten pet sheep to be sheared with ours. Big Suffolk recovering bottle lambs, never seen a dog before. Luke promptly bit the leader on the nose to inform her she was a sheep.

    Makes things worse: Maiden ewe defending her newborn, sick sheep won't move, single sheep fleeing, terrified lamb . . .

    Donald McCaig


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    Posted Yesterday, 04:53 PM

    View PostDonald McCaig, on 27 November 2012 - 04:39 PM, said:

    Dear Wouldbe Sheepdoggers,
    ...Like other violence, there are times when a grip is effective and more times when it just makes things worse...
    Donald McCaig


    I wish more folk could see this in day-to-day dealings. :(

    #14 User is offline ? TEC?

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    Posted Yesterday, 04:55 PM

    View Postgeonni banner, on 27 November 2012 - 01:32 PM, said:

    Well, maybe not the handler, but as for the dog but isn't that what a grip is for?

    A well-placed grip with just the right force, timing and duration certainly has its place in trialing and farm-work. Most handlers do not want to train the grip out of a dog, as it likely takes a little keenness with it. IME it's a fine balance that has to be maintained, so that your dog is not consistently getting DQ'd, yet retains good keenness along with a justified grip when reasonably needed. Parameters of what's justified varies among judges and handlers.

    My little dog has an ,"Are you talking to me?" snap toward the nose (never seen her connect) that usually turns the sheep another direction. Infrequently she has the standard run-along-side and briefly grip wool behind front shoulders, which tells me she was out of position, and she knew it. Little like the "blatant foul" in basketball. We're working on that one, chiefly by getting her into correct position from the beginning.

    Do good and experienced handlers humanely manhandle stock when need be? In event the dog, for instance, isn't successful pushing sheep through gate into muddy half of pen, handlers sometimes have to, for example, take hold of sheep to get a few through so that others will follow. The task needs to get done, nevertheless it would be poor training to have his dog try with all its ability, yet fail.

    I liked everything Gloria said, especially about handler (and dog) from time to time "stepping back", also known as pressure-and-release. This tactic can be especially effective for close-in work. Sometimes the dog and handler him/herself can inadvertently over pressure stock. When stock feel too much, too close, too forceful, or too fast they freeze in-place and/or turn assertively toward the dog. A dog and handler: 1) stepping back (or moving left/right) from the packet to be shed in order to spread the group, or 2) opening the gate only halfway, so that if stock stall in entrance, there is room to swing it further-still...these are examples of releasing pressure. It's best, I believe, to find ways to invite stock to do what they likely want to do in any event.

    I try to build my dog's confidence by placing her in progressively more difficult situations. If my estimation is off, and we find that she was moved along too soon, it may be best to set-up a more appropriate training scenario, or if a chore has to be done, step-up and use reasonable measures. Does a dog feel let-down by a handler who will not directly assist? I believe the dog loses a notch or two of confidence in his/her own abilities. IME herding dogs are resilient, and an occasional training error can be overcome by a little extra patience and better choice of difficulty levels. Incorporating intangibles of pace and flow can obviate many stock-dog-handler confrontations. -- Kind regards, TEC

    Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity. - Patton


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    Posted Yesterday, 06:05 PM

    View PostDonald McCaig, on 27 November 2012 - 04:39 PM, said:

    Makes things worse: Maiden ewe defending her newborn, sick sheep won't move, single sheep fleeing, terrified lamb . . .


    Not to put a finer point on it, but nobody with any sense of stock would use violence, be it a nose grip or a whack from a staff in the above situations.
    But maybe I wasn?t in the group you adressed, what exactly are "wouldbe" sheepdoggers...?

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    Posted Yesterday, 07:02 PM

    View Postgeonni banner, on 27 November 2012 - 01:30 PM, said:

    This explains it best for me. Do you train a dog that is primarily a farm/ranch working dog on a trial type course to get it ready to work in a trial?

    I don't have panels or a pen so I personally don't train on a trial type course on a regular basis. But one can use the natural obstacles in a field to practice the elements of a trial course. I don't own a freestanding pen, so if I want to practice that I'd need to go elsewhere, but I can send sheep through gates or put them in barn stalls and really the principle is largely the same.

    Quote

    Would a shed at home be materially different from that on a trial course? Meaning, would the handler be helping to split the sheep using the crook or doing a bit of pushing?


    From a practical standpoint, if I needed to sort sheep at home, the fastest and easiest way to do so is to gate sort. This means that you man the gate and use your dog to bring the sheep up and then shift them around so the sheep you want end up at the gate opening and you can let them through. I almost never have a need to shed in an open field, but on occasions when I need to do that, how much I help or train or anything else would largely depend on why I'm separating a sheep and how pressed for time I am.

    Likewise, I wouldn't take the time to park a trailer in the middle of a field and then proceed to try to load it. It would be an interesting training exercise to do so, but if I'm loading a trailer it's usually because I need to get the sheep somewhere on time and so I need to do it as quickly and efficiently as possible. So in that case, I'd pull the trailer along a fence or in a gateway or something similar so that I could create something of a chute that would funnel the sheep toward the back of the trailer. That would make it easier for me and the dog(s) to get the sheep loaded as efficiently and non-traumatically (for the sheep) as possible.

    ETA: I went back and looked at your original question, and I think you need to consider context as well. In the livestock management section the discussion was about a ewe facing off and stomping at a *pup.* Youngsters can be seriously set back if they are hit, chased, etc., by a ewe. So in a case like that, as I said there, I'd probably go over and help turn the ewe. Normally just getting between her and a pup and wavings one's arms would be enough to turn her, but if not, then yeah, I might whack her on the nose. But you have to remember that it's a special circumstance and not an everyday occurence.

    J.

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    Posted Yesterday, 07:06 PM

    Quote

    Makes things worse: Maiden ewe defending her newborn, sick sheep won't move, single sheep fleeing, terrified lamb

    Not to put a finer point on it, but nobody with any sense of stock would use violence, be it a nose grip or a whack from a staff in the above situations.

    Well, to be honest, if I have a single fleeing and the dog gets in front of it and stops it with a nose grip I don't consider that a situation where a grip *isn't* warranted. But for the other cases, I generally agree.

    J.

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    #18 User is offline ? Gloria Atwater?

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    Posted Yesterday, 08:51 PM

    View Postgeonni banner, on 27 November 2012 - 01:30 PM, said:

    This explains it best for me. Do you train a dog that is primarily a farm/ranch working dog on a trial type course to get it ready to work in a trial?

    I'm assuming that the work interaction on a trial course is at least a little different from when the dog is at home. IE - the handler never touches the stock and stays at the post for the outrun, fetch, and cross drive.

    Would a shed at home be materially different from that on a trial course? Meaning, would the handler be helping to split the sheep using the crook or doing a bit of pushing?

    I'm just moved up to Open, so still a newbie to higher levels of trialing, but for my own part, I like my dogs to understand both work and trialing. I don't own sheep, but whenever I can help friends or even just help out at a trial, I jump at the chance.

    For my level of trialing - i.e., not world-moving - I'm not training a trial course, per se. I'm training the segments of it. I want a nice, long drive on my dogs, so I work to encourage steady driving. I want pace when coming into a panel and alacrity when turning into the cross drive, so I train and encourage solid stops, an honest "steady" and clean flanks. (We can discuss another time whether I get those! :D)

    One thing I can see that can catch a handler up, when taking a dog from farm work to trialing, is that in daily work, the dog is permitted to make more of his own decisions. There's a job to do, the dog 'gets' the job, so we aren't requiring as much precision or obedience.

    So, if I have a trial coming up, I'll take time out to put on extra polish, sharpen up the stops, focus on the pace, and in general make sure the dog's responses are a little crisper and cleaner than in daily work. I'm reminding him that hey, pal, right now I need you to give a little more focus to what I'm telling you, not just what you think we're doing. ;)

    I'm still fairly shaky on the shed, but when practicing shedding at home, (read, at my friends' places) my focus is on helping my dogs understand and become eager about the shed, so I am doing a fair bit of helping. I'll step in more, use my crook more, stamp my feet, etc., to make that opening happen. (In practice/training, I'm dealing with fairly doggy farm-flock sheep.) But in a trial, I think judges prefer to see minimal human input, in the shed. We get to pick the place to make the cut, but I would expect the judge to nick me pretty hard, if I step in to make the gap.

    That said, though, being as I'm still starting out, I'll do what I think it takes to make the shed happen. Someday when I'm better at this, I'll worry about making my shedding more judge-approved. ;)

    Respectfully submitted,

    Gloria

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    #19 User is offline ? DeltaBluez Tess?

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    Posted Yesterday, 09:31 PM

    View PostDonald McCaig, on 27 November 2012 - 04:39 PM, said:

    Dear Wouldbe Sheepdoggers,

    Donald McCaig

    Don,

    Who are you referring to "Wouldbe Sheepdoggers".....this kinda implies none of us are sheepdog folks but wannabes....which is not true for me as well as some of others who have sheep and/or are Open trial folks...or you just only addressing those who are not folks who do not have sheep and/or do not trial?

    Diane


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    Posted Yesterday, 10:12 PM

    Well, as for myself, I'm a would-like-to-be-but-probably-never-will-be-sheepdogger asking academic questions. There are probably lots of us here. And lots of the-real-deal-sheepdoggers and a number of people with zero interest in sheepdogging. And I'm sure we all know which category we fit into. I don't think any disrespect was intended.

    I started this thread because I really do care about Border Collies - the real ones that work sheep. Despite the fact that money, mobility issues and agoraphobia will likely conspire to keep me and sheep in very different environments, I want to know as much as I can about these dogs and their work - in the paddock or on the trial field.

    I want to hear more about how these dogs and their handlers do things. I want to hear Julie explain why she thinks dogs don't have WTF moments, because my dogs all seemed to me to have them, like the time my Collie saw me in a gorilla suit. (Don't ask) And the time my Doberman went to guard dog evaluation and one of the testers came out banging a bamboo cane on the ground, wearing a burlap bag over his head, singing "Camptown Races" and walking like a drunk. Her mouth snapped shut, she watched him with amazement for a moment and then gave me a look that said, plain as day, "Are you seeing this? WTF?!"

    ETA: My Doberman flunked the guard dog evaluation - "Smart, a great dog, but not at all protective." The following week she caught a guy trying to pry a screen off one of the back windows of the house. She went for him, chased him to the 6-foot back yard fence, which he tried to clamber over, and held him by the calf of his leg until the police arrived to rescue him. He required sixty-some stitches.


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