Until recently, military clothing was really only worn by soldiers. Its primary purpose was to be a uniform denoting which country a soldier was fighting for, as well as offering functional benefits. Today things have changed and military clothing is worn by civilians and army personnel alike.

Most military clothing manufacturers stress function above fashion to ensure that their clothes offer excellent performance and durability.

In designing their clothes, they consider the different types of stressful situations that a soldier might be exposed to.

Well placed pockets and pouches on jackets and smocks, for instance, help the wearer to access easily daily essentials like navigation tools, food and medical supplies. Windproof and waterproof jackets are another example of how manufacturers consider the conditions clothes might be worn in when they design them.

One of the UK’s leading military clothing brands has even designed an item of base layer clothing that aims to be the best second skin a person could have. It both insulates the wearer and transfers moisture away from his or her body to the next layer of clothing, thus keeping him or her dry. The fabric used in this product is also fast drying and has a natural resistance to smells and microbial growth.

This sort of attention to detail is typical of military clothing design. It is also why so many non-army personnel choose to wear military garments. Many outdoor enthusiasts in particular love the practical benefits offered by these clothes. Since these people are often exposed to extreme weather conditions, wearing clothes which have been specially designed to protect against the cold for example, has a clear appeal.

The base layer clothing described above is a good example of an item of military clothing that has particularly caught on with those who engage in high intensity activities such as mountain biking and climbing.

Today the broad appeal of military clothing is a direct result of its emphasis on practicality over appearance or substance over style.

Dear friends,

The Asian Human Rights Commission has learned that twenty days after the abduction of a high profile scientist in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP), no official investigation has been held into his disappearance. Political agents in the federally administered tribal area have told the man’s family not to lodge a criminal complaint, and his abduction is not being dealt with within the law. The area is under tight military control and no insurgents have claimed responsibility for the crime or issued demands. A government enquiry is immediately necessary and if the professor has been arrested his safety must be accounted for, his case made available for legal scrutiny, and those responsible for the events must be held accountable.

CASE DETAILS: According to information we have received from the victim’s family, Dr. Lutfullah Kakakhel was kidnapped on 6 November 2009 along with his driver and another employee. Dr. Kakakhel is the Vice-Chancellor of the Kohat University of Sciences and Technology (KUST) and former advisor to the NWFP governor. On the day of his abduction the professor was traveling from Peshawar through Darra Adam Khel, a known militant stronghold, at around 6pm. The car was near a graveyard, a madrassa and an Islamic machinery school when it was stopped by seven armed men, who took the passengers’ cell phones. Ten other people reportedly joined the armed group and demanded to know the identity of the professor. He and the two men were driven away in their car by the armed men shortly after, though the two employees were released 30 minutes later along the road. The whereabouts of Dr. Kakakhel remain unknown. The family wanted to register a case with the police, but have been repeatedly advised not to by both the area’s federal government’s representative (the political agent of Orakzai) and the governor of the NWFP. Both have claimed that efforts are being made to find the doctor outside of the legal mechanism. No progress has been seen by the family and the political interference in the complaints procedure is illegal. The family must be allowed to exercise their right to file a case of disappearance through the courts and the authorities must be seen to be doing their utmost to locate the doctor and secure his safe release from detention, according to the law.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The area from which the Vice Chancellor was abducted has recently undergone severe military operations; many of its buildings have been demolished by artillery, soldiers patrol the streets and security checkpoints are frequent. Two months ago the government and army agencies announced that Darra Adam Khel had been cleared of militants. Dr. Kakakhel is a renowned professor who has helped establish universities of science and technology across the province, particularly during his former role as advisor to the provincial government. Students and professors from various universities have held numerous protests against the clear lack of official action being taken in the case.

SUGGESTED ACTION: Please write to the authorities below demanding that a lawful investigation be immediately launched into the professor’s abduction, and urging his safe recovery. The AHRC has written a separate letter to the Chairperson of the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances. To support this appeal please visit this link.

SAMPLE LETTER:

Dear ___________,

Re: PAKISTAN: A university vice chancellor is abducted; authorities prevent an official investigation

Name of the victim: Dr. Lutfullah Kakakhel, Vice Chancellor, Kohat University of Science and Technology, 4- Shaheen Towm, House # 5, P.O. Tehkal Bala, Peshawar, North West Frontier Province (NWFP).

Date of incident: November 6, 2009

Place of incident: Darra Adam Khel, NWFP

I am writing to voice my deep concern regarding the lack of open investigation into the abduction and disappearance of Dr. Lutfullah Kakakhel, Vice Chancellor of the Kohat University of Science and Technology. I am told that Dr. Kakakhel was abducted on November 6, 2009 and that no case has been lodged regarding his disappearance.

I am shocked to hear that the NWFP authorities have not taken decisive action to search for him, or investigated the area from which he was abducted, though they claim that the perpetrators are unidentifiable. The area, Darra Adam Khel, remains under the tight control of security forces since operations there two months ago.

Furthermore I am told that the area’s federal government’s representative and the governor of the NWFP have both advised the family not to register a case with the police. Both have claimed that efforts are being made to locate the doctor outside of the law.

I consider the response of the authorities, and the political interference with the legal process highly questionable. Please intervene to bring this case into the open and to launch a lawful investigation that will ensure the safe recovery of Dr. Lutfullah Kakakhel, and criminal sanctions against those responsible for his abduction.

Yours sincerely,

—————-

PLEASE SEND YOUR LETTERS TO:

1. Mr. Asif Ali Zardari
President
President’s Secretariat
Islamabad
PAKISTAN
Fax: +92 51 9922 1422, 4768/ 9920 1893 or 1835
E-mail: (please see: http://www.presidentofpakistan.gov.pk/WTPresidentMessage.aspx)

2. Mr. Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani
Prime Minister
Prime Minister House
Islamabad
PAKISTAN
Fax: +92 51 9922 1596
Tel: +92 51 9920 6111

3. Mr. Rehman Malik
Minister of Interior
Room No. 404, 4th Floor, R Block,
Pak Secretariat
Islamabad
PAKISTAN
Fax: +92 51 920 2624
Tel: +92 51 9921 2026
E-mail: minister@interior.gov.pk

4. Minister of Law, Justice and Human Rights
S Block Pakistan Secretariat
Islamabad -PAKISTAN
Fax: +92 51 9920 2628
E-mail: minister@molaw.gov.pk or naelaw786@hotmail.com

5. Mr. Amir Haider Khan
Chief Minister
Government of North West Frontier Province
Peshawar –PAKISTAN
FAX: +92-91-9210707

6. Mr. Basheer Ahmed Bilor
Senior minister
Government of North West Frontier Province
Peshawar
Pakistan
Fax: +92 91 921 2533
______________________

Thank you.

Seems that Orly was too late to file the civil appeal statement and her motion to file for stay was also late.

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals has docketed the $20,000 sanction…

09-15418-BB
Connie Rhodes v. Thomas D. MacDonald

District Information

Secondary Case Information

Case Relationships

Pending Motions

United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit 56 Forsyth Street, N.W. Atlanta, GA 30303-2289 (404) 335-6100

09-15418-BB
Connie Rhodes v. Thomas D. MacDonald

CONNIE RHODES,

Captain, M.D., F.S.,

Plaintiff,

versus

THOMAS D. MACDONALD, Colonel,

Garrison Commander, Fort Benning,

GEORGE STEUBER, Deputy

Commander, Fort Benning,

ROBERT M. GATES,

Secretary of Defense,

BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA,

Defendants-Appellees,

DR. ORLY TAITZ,

Movant-Appellant.

United States Court OF Appeals FOR the Eleventh Circuit 56 Forsyth Street, N.W. Atlanta, GA 30303-2289 (404) 335-6100

09-15418-BB
Connie Rhodes v. Thomas D. MacDonald

United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit 56 Forsyth Street, N.W. Atlanta, GA 30303-2289 (404) 335-6100

09-15418-BB
Connie Rhodes v. Thomas D. MacDonald

Oops.. Orly dropped another one… So far unconfirmed

The docket was confirmed by the 11th Circuit Court clerk. Yeah…. Pacer for the 11th Circuit is also online but requires IE, otherwise you get stuck in an eternal logon cycle.

09-14698-CC Stefan Frederick Cook v. Wanda L. Good

09-14698-CC
Stefan Frederick Cook v. Wanda L. Good

District Information

Secondary Case Information

Case Relationships

Pending Motions

No Pending Motions

United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit 56 Forsyth Street, N.W. Atlanta, GA 30303-2289 (404) 335-6100

09-14698-CC
Stefan Frederick Cook v. Wanda L. Good

STEFAN FREDERICK COOK,Major, Plaintiff-Appellant,CAROL DEAN CHILDERS,Major General,DAVID EARL GRAEF,Lieutenant Colonel,Plaintiffs,versusWANDA L. GOOD, Colonel,THOMAS D. MACDONALD,Colonel,DR. ROBERT M. GATES,United States Secretary of Defense,BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA,LOUIS B. WINGATE, Colonel,Defendants-Appellees.

United States Court OF Appeals FOR the Eleventh Circuit 56 Forsyth Street, N.W. Atlanta, GA 30303-2289 (404) 335-6100

09-14698-CC
Stefan Frederick Cook v. Wanda L. Good

United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit 56 Forsyth Street, N.W. Atlanta, GA 30303-2289 (404) 335-6100

09-14698-CC
Stefan Frederick Cook v. Wanda L. Good

Until recently, military clothing was really only worn by soldiers. Its primary purpose was to be a uniform denoting which country a soldier was fighting for, as well as offering functional benefits. Today things have changed and military clothing is worn by civilians and army personnel alike.

Most military clothing manufacturers stress function above fashion to ensure that their clothes offer excellent performance and durability.

In designing their clothes, they consider the different types of stressful situations that a soldier might be exposed to.

Well placed pockets and pouches on jackets and smocks, for instance, help the wearer to access easily daily essentials like navigation tools, food and medical supplies. Windproof and waterproof jackets are another example of how manufacturers consider the conditions clothes might be worn in when they design them.

One of the UK’s leading military clothing brands has even designed an item of base layer clothing that aims to be the best second skin a person could have. It both insulates the wearer and transfers moisture away from his or her body to the next layer of clothing, thus keeping him or her dry. The fabric used in this product is also fast drying and has a natural resistance to smells and microbial growth.

This sort of attention to detail is typical of military clothing design. It is also why so many non-army personnel choose to wear military garments. Many outdoor enthusiasts in particular love the practical benefits offered by these clothes. Since these people are often exposed to extreme weather conditions, wearing clothes which have been specially designed to protect against the cold for example, has a clear appeal.

The base layer clothing described above is a good example of an item of military clothing that has particularly caught on with those who engage in high intensity activities such as mountain biking and climbing.

Today the broad appeal of military clothing is a direct result of its emphasis on practicality over appearance or substance over style.

Gold is a metal that never loses its appeal. Jewelry made out of gold continues to lure people to its charm. The great California gold rush that saw millions migrate to the Californian region is a testimony of the lucrative demand of the yellow metal.

Different varieties that are available

As the metal is soft and malleable, it can be molded into any shape. Due to this property, gold is mixed with other metals like copper or bronze. Jewelry made of this metal is marked by a specific number such as 14 K, 18K or 24K. The letter K, in this case stands for karat which denotes the percentage of pure gold in the jewelry. The higher content of pure metal in jewelry is characterized by a higher karat number. 24 K is the highest and purest form of the metal. Therefore, it is more expensive than other qualities.

Sometimes additional metals are mixed to give a different hue to the metal. To obtain white gold, nickel or palladium is used. On the other hand, copper would give pinkish shade to the jewelry.

14K gold jewelry has 14 parts of yellow metal and 10 parts of additional metal. As there is less concentration of the precious metal in the alloy (a mixture of two or more metals), it can loose its sheen more quickly than superior quality metals. So, great care has to be taken to preserve its luster.

If you plan to buy jewelry based on this metal, it is recommended to go in for pieces that have a higher concentration of gold. This is more durable even if more expensive. The pieces would last a lifetime and can be passed on for generations. If you intend to purchase jewelry online, make sure that you purchase from a notable jeweler. Prices of different sets will vary. It will depend on the concentration of the metal and its quality.

Simple plain gold jewelry without any ornamentation is considered classy. However, you can go in for intricately carved jewelry studded with gemstones. This metal is a very valuable asset. People buy it as they are guaranteed of high returns. The price of the yellow metal has rocketed in the market. If you are planning to sell some of your family heirlooms, you can be assured that you would get a high price for this metal. It has a long lasting value. This is the reason why people like to invest in buying gold.

Sales of striped socks are to raise funds to help Scottish-based conservationists to protect some of Britain’s rarest insects…. From BBC News. Full story

This site may contain information about: last minute flight. The blog is also related to: flight trip.

This is really amazing no fair trial, no justice, baseless allegations on an innocent mother of 3 children two of which are still missing (if alive) and still they call their selves civilized fighting a so-called war against terror. The imperialists are real terrorists and hypocrites ruling the world with their power,brutal killings,economic exploitation and lies.

They Zionists/Neo-Cons don’t consider others as human beings , they are real fascists and modern face of Nazism.

Can Aafia get the share of civilization and system of justice she deserves? Is there any conscience left in our government which is busy in licking feet of their imperialist masters? Is there any Kerry-Lugar bill for Aafia? Is there any humanity left for an innocent lady who has suffered a lot for being a muslim women who loves her religion?

————————————————————————————————————————

Source: http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/Politics/21-Nov-2009/Dr-Aafia-to-boycott-trial

Dr Aafia to boycott trial

The Nation
NEW YORK – While a defiant Aafia Siddiqui declared that she would boycott her trial in January, a federal judge Thursday rejected her lawyers’ plea that she could not be tried in the United States as they pointed out that the Pakistani neuroscientist’s alleged crime took place outside the country. Ms Siddiqui, who was brought to New York in August 2008 from Afghanistan where prosecutors say she allegedly fired at US interrogators. No American was hit but she was shot in the abdomen and was charged with attempted murder and assault.
In a pre-trial hearing on Thursday, her lawyers, led by Charles Swift, argued that Dr Siddiqui could only be tried on terrorism charges in the US, and not on murder charges. In this regard, he quoted various international regulations.
But US District Judge Richard Berman ruled out the motion, saying that the US courts have jurisdiction if American citizens were subjected to attacks abroad, citing some precedents.
But Ms Siddiqui, who is languishing in a maximum security jail, interrupted her lawyers in US District Court in Manhattan to announce that she did not plan to participate in her trial, scheduled for Jan 19.
“I am boycotting this trial,” she declared. “I am innocent of all the charges and I can prove it, but I will not do it in this court.”
Since the very beginning, Ms Siddiqui has said that she has no confidence in the American judicial system or the lawyers appointed for her by the court – even those retained by the government of Pakistan – and that she wants to make peace and knows how to do it.
She has vigorously protested against what she called humiliating strip searches before she is brought to the court.
Judge Berman said that her trial would proceed after her lawyers and prosecutors visit Afghanistan to interview eyewitnesses to finalise their case.
Lawyers for Ms Siddiqui tried to convince the court that she was mentally incompetent to stand trial, citing in part her refusal to cooperate with lawyers and the reports of a psychologist who said she suffers from delusional disorder and depression.
Judge Berman rejected that argument after prosecutors pointed to psychological reports that concluded she was faking mental illness.
Berman on Thursday rejected defence arguments aimed at tossing out charges against Ms Siddiqui that carry a potential minimum prison sentence of 30 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Before he ruled on the request, Dr Siddiqui said visits by her lawyers were “torture for me” and it was a waste of money for lawyers to go to Afghanistan to interview witnesses because she was not participating in the trial.
“I’m not dealing with them anymore,” Dr Siddiqui said of her lawyers. “They’re just people coming to my door and talking, talking, talking.”
During a break, Dr Siddiqui was led out of the courtroom by US marshals when she would not stop talking loudly. “Take me out,” she said. “I’m not coming back.”
She was not present when the judge made his decision.

Love this wear. Especially this way around:))

This is an appeal to help find wee Poppy, one of Gracehounds‘ foster dogs. She has been missing in the West Calder area of West Lothian, Scotland since Monday 16th November.

Poppy

Poppy, who I blogged about just one month ago (see this post) lived in her foster home for several months, but remained an extremely anxious dog & was fearful of most people & other dogs. After being assessed by a professional dog behaviourist, she was transported to the Dogs Trust centre at West Calder on Monday evening, where she was to receive expert help with rehabilitation. However, upon arrival at the centre, Poppy managed to escape from her harness & run away.

Both Gracehounds volunteers & Dogs Trust staff have been searching for her since & she was sighted in the area on Tuesday evening. However, being so fearful, Poppy will run from anyone who tries to approach her. Therefore, if she is sighted we are asking that Gracehounds or Dogs Trust are contacted immediately by telephone on the numbers above. It has been appalling weather this past few days (wet, windy & cold) but it is hoped that Poppy has found a safe haven to keep herself warm & dry. She has a high prey drive, so may have been able to sustain herself.

Tomorrow, along with other Gracehounds volunteers & their dogs, I am travelling to West Calder to help search for Poppy & distribute posters & fliers in the local area. If you or anyone you know lives or works nearby, please please keep an eye out for Poppy & pass the word on so that this beautiful but troubled dog can be saved.

Poppy

The family of a British couple seized by pirates appeals for their release after seeing footage of them with gunmen…. From BBC News. Full story

This site may contain information about: fast boat. The blog is also related to: sailboat.

The family of a British couple seized by pirates appeals for their release after seeing footage of them with gunmen…. From BBC News. Full story

This site may contain information about: ski boat. For a different topic see recipes for cabbage. The blog is also related to: boat lake.

Well, I guess most people you talk to will tell you that stereotypes are bad.  Then again, I’m always reminded of a Dilbert comic by Scott Adams where he introduced a new female character.  Scott Adams wrote a note in one of his books that he was later inundated with emails telling him she was too stereotypical.  Now this is a female character who was extremely insecure, cracked under pressure and was personally insulted by anything a male said to her.  I find it odd that people found this character ‘too’ stereotypical.  I don’t know any women like this.  Certainly some share a little of one of her traits, but any person who acts like this character would be nearly impossible to deal with.

It was on reading about this situation Scott Adams found himself in that I realised there was no point in worrying if a character is a stereotype or not.  What one person sees as stereotypical, or ‘generalising’, or type casting, or whatever, can be taken an entirely different way by another.  You’re never going to please everyone so trying to create a totally new character that has no stereotypical attributes is a waste of time and next to impossible.

Instead of worrying about whether my characters are stereotypical I focus on whether they are believable.  I look at whether they are consistent.  I decide whether they are interesting.  These things matter far more than whatever label someone will later smear across them.

That said, stereotypes are good in that they allow you to create a diverse cast.  By creating simple labels (for much more complex and interesting characters) you can ensure that you have diversity and within the characters and that they will interact well (or at least in interesting ways).  Doing this also allows you to see the lack of realism in some of your choices.  A tom-boyish girl is not going to be best friends with the ballerina (unless there is a lot of history that is nicely explained as to the why).

3 things I try to remember:

1.  Stereotypes can give you a good starting point or an easy guide to work with.

2.  If your character never advances beyond a two-dimensional stereotype they are probably going to be boring anyway.

3.  Stereotypes exist for a reason, but they also need to be reimagined to keep originality and interest in a story.

What are your thoughts about stereotypes?

Appeal of Twilight in relation to age of girl.

Graph by: EliCarro via Graph Jam Builder

Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of the Philippines deliver family food packs to aid communities affected by Tropical Storm Ketsana in Manila. A UMNS photo by Lance Cpl. Marie Matarlo, U.S. Marine Corps.

By United Methodist News Service
Nov. 19, 2009

The United Methodist Council of Bishops has issued a Churchwide Appeal for Philippines Disasters in response to the multiple typhoons that have struck the country.

Families receive relief supplies by boat. A web-only photo by Ciony Eduarte, UMCOR.

The appeal, which was announced Nov. 19, will provide humanitarian relief and support for the ministries of The United Methodist Church in the Philippines.

In late September and October, four typhoons—Ketsana, Parma, Lupit and Mirinae—hit the Philippines, leaving more than a thousand dead and an estimated 1.3 million people displaced. Causing drowning, landslides and electrocutions, the storms also had a disastrous impact on farmlands, houses and infrastructure. The country faces a public health emergency and is struggling to fight outbreaks of infection.

“Can you imagine all the small villages near a mountainside being buried and thousands of lives lost?” said Bishop Leo A. Soriano, episcopal leader of the Davao Area. “Our people are so very sad because they have lost their wives and husbands, their children, their loved ones. Their homes are gone. Crops and livestock have disappeared. They have no livelihood.”

In addition, the storms and flooding affected more than 200,000 United Methodists in 1,372 local churches.

Bishop Leo A. Soriano

“The greatest needs facing the Filipino people are rehabilitation programs for their destroyed houses, livelihood, rice and vegetable farms,” said Bishop Lito Cabacungan Tangonan of the Manila Episcopal Area. “For The United Methodist Church, there is also a need for repairs and renovation of the churches affected by the typhoon and floods.”

The United Methodist Committee on Relief has started distributing relief supplies to displaced families, working with other organizations as well as local volunteers through its UMCOR Philippines Office.

With support from several Asian American bishops and the National Association of Filipino American United Methodists , Bishop Rodolfo A. Juan of the Baguio Area showed a moving presentation to fellow bishops during the council’s Nov. 2-5 meeting at Lake Junaluska, N.C., displaying the graphic devastation in the Philippines. The bishops then voted on a special appeal.

“Everybody was silent,” Soriano said. “No discussions. No questions. They simply approved it immediately.”

The bishops of The United Methodist Church are launching an appeal to help the people of the Philippines.

The bishops are developing the appeal with support from the General Council on Finance and Administration, the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries and United Methodist Communications, in partnership with the Philippines Central Conference College of Bishops.

Bishops are asking the denomination’s annual (regional) conferences and local churches to designate a Sunday to give congregations an opportunity to participate in the churchwide appeal.

Donations can be made directly through local churches. Conference treasurers will forward contributions to the General Council on Finance and Administration No. 818-002-PHP. In addition, givers can donate online at umcappeal.org.

News media contact: Linda Bloom, New York, (646) 369-3759 or newsdesk@umcom.org.

Video Interview with Bishop Leo Soriano

“This probably will be the worst Christmas they will ever experience.”

“People are still having trauma about it.”

Related Articles

Typhoons leave Philippines ‘reeling,’ bishop says

Philippines emerges from flood-inducing typhoons

ACT workers preparing for fourth storm

UMCOR distributes relief supplies in the Philippines

Relief Office in Philippines offers help, hope

Resources

The Churchwide Appeal for Philippines Disasters

UMCOR

ACT International

UMC-Manila Episcopal Area.

The Lori Drew case, which I blogged about a few weeks ago should be over very soon.  According to Professor Orin Kerr, the Justice Department will file a motion to dismiss in the case either tomorrow or the following day.

Professor Kerr represented Drew, taking her case pro bono.  In the words of a Volokh Conspiracy commenter, “If I ever need an example of a case taken to establish an important principle on behalf of a client who is scum of the earth, this case will fit the bill.”  I agree.  This woman is disgusting, but the government’s charges against her are even worse.  I am reminded of one of my favorite Supreme Court cases, National Socialist Party of America v. Village of Skokie, where reportedly Jewish ACLU attorneys reportedly defended the neo-Nazi group’s right to assemble and march, even in a predominantly Jewish community.

Congratulations to Professor Kerr, who is an expert in criminal law, criminal procedure, and computer crime.

Congratulations to Kerr for this much-needed victory for every Internet user.  The fact that a Professor of Law from Washington, D.C. was able to not only brief a case, but actually argue it in court in California simply for the good of the public is an absolutely outstanding life accomplishment.

Professor Kerr and I have had some very insightful and interesting email correspondence in the past, and I am happy to celebrate this job well done.

Thank you, Professor!

Apparently I have enough time to update my post tag list, nothing new in the land of N yet, trying to figure out how I’m going to interlink all of my story’s into movuies and stuff.