National Geographic veranstaltete auch dieses Jahr den International Photography Contest. Die besten 25 Photos findet ihr auf bosten.com. Die Photographien sind atemberaubend!

A Russian Proton / Breeze M launch vehicle lifted off from Baikonur at 7:19 AM Phoenix time 24 November. 9 hours and 12 minutes later, the Breeze M released the Eutelsat W7 communications satellite in a Geo Stationary Orbit. International Launch Services (ILS) was responsible for the mission. The 5,627 kg W7 satellite was built by Thales Alenia Space and has a 15 year life expectancy.

Ignition. Credit: www.zenite.nu

Liftoff. Credit: www.zenite.nu

GM lança Kits de personalização para estes modelos (Fotos: Divulgação)

Quando não dá para lançar uma versão nova ou mesmo recauchutar uma antiga, o negócio é apelar para os kits de personalização. É o que o GM fez com as suas já defasadas linhas Meriva, Corsa e Celta. A fabricante lançou dois novos kits de personalização.

São os pacotes Energy e Geo. Os dois podem ser customizados nas próprias concessionárias da marca. No caso dos hatches, o pacote é o Energy e adiciona spoileres, adesivos e calotas pintadas. No caso do Celta, o valor é de R$ 1.526 para a versão de duas portas e R$ 1.586 para a versão quatro portas.

No caso do Corsa, o valor sobe para R$ 1.973. Pois além dos equipamentos do Celta, há ainda aerofólio pintado em grafite e faróis de neblina com lâmpadas Blue Vision.

Já o kit para a Meriva, o Geo, agrega itens semelhantes aos do Energy e custa R$ 2.990. Além das modificações dos hatches, a minivan traz para-choques pintados em cinza e faróis com máscara negra.

Segundo a GM, a minivan conta com desenho voltado para o “off-road”, enquanto os hatches focam na esportividade. Todos seguem equipados com os motores 1.0 Flexpower (Celta), 1.4 Econo.Flex (Corsa) e 1.8 Flexpower (Meriva).

The so called democratically elected government of PPP, which claim to be the champions of democracy and freedom of speech have committed something quite contrary to their usual claims. Yes, we have all heard how the same people came to the rescue when Musharraf had imposed an emergency in the country, banning all private news channels.

But it seems that the PPP government doesn’t want to be left behind, thus they have decide to ban the popular talk show ‘Meray Mutabiq’, hosted by Dr. Shahid Masood, one of the most senior political analysts of Pakistan.

A ban has been imposed on airing of Geo News’ program ‘Meray Mutabiq’ from Dubai.
According to sources, the high government officials of Pakistan exerting pressure on the Dubai government had the airing of the program stopped.

Geo’s administration has said that this step of the government is tantamount to targeting the freedom of expression.

It is worth mentioning here that here Dr. Shahid Masood was the ’special advisor’ to the Prime Minister until last year, until he resigned from the post.

One doubts the government’s intentions and what it plans to do but the media should carry on its unbiased reporting as it is now, although Javed Chaudhry, Kamran Khan and others should watch out, they could be next on the hit list.

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It seems that Pakistan Feudal Party (also known as PPP) government in full swing

to confront independent media using all their internal resources and their external

links to put curbs on genuine journalism and news analysis.

It reminds us of Musharraf’s emergency days when similar was done to stop the voices against their mistakes and crimes.

Recent victim of this PPP government’s feudal martial law is “Meray Mutabiq” of Dr. Shahid Masood which has been banned by the Dubai government to go on air from Dubai.

Recently government, agencies, government sponsored media and journalists have started a massive campaign against independent media and the elements and methods used were pretty much same as of Musharraf times even the allegations are similar like being paid by opposition or serving the foreign agenda (We all know our governments have been serving the foreign agenda not the independent media).

We condemn this action of Pakistan and UAE governments and show our full solidarity with independent media.

We expect the genuine journalists and analysts to continue their role which they have played against dictatorship, against emergency,against innocent killings and illegal abductions, against imperialist takeover of our country ,against NRO and corruption and the role to restore the independent judiciary of Pakistan.

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

Geo’s program ‘Meray Mutabiq’ banned from Dubai

Source: http://www.thenews.com.pk/updates.asp?id=92070

KARACHI: A ban has been imposed on airing of Geo News’ program ‘Meray Mutabiq’ from Dubai.

According to sources, the high government officials of Pakistan exerting pressure on the Dubai government had the airing of the program stopped.

Geo’s administration has said that this step of the government is tantamount to targeting the freedom of expression.

It may be mentioned here that the senior analyst Dr. Shahid Masood was the anchor of ‘Meray Mutabiq’.

Nat Geo Eco Rescue – Rivers (70 MB download)
As an elite volunteer for National Geographic’s Eco Rescue team, visit over 20 river rescue sites across the world as you save species large and small while providing for humanity’s future – all by cleaning up the environment. Clean-up with CleanClaw, a 1 man eco-friendly crane that picks up even the heaviest bit of garbage.

203456     วิศวกรรมปฐพีสิ่งแวดล้อม     Geo-environmental Engineering

แนวคิดและหลักการของวิศวกรรมปฐพีสิ่งแวดล้อม การอนุรักษ์และฟื้นฟูสภาพสิ่งแวดล้อม การป้องกันภัยพิบัติทั้งจากธรรมชาติและจากการก่อสร้างโดยประยุกต์ความรู้พื้นฐานทางสาขาวิศวกรรมปฐพี เทคโนโลยีคอนกรีตและวิศวกรรมสิ่งแวดล้อม หลักการเบื้องต้นในการใช้ประโยชน์ของกากของเสียสํ าหรับเป็นวัสดุก่อสร้าง วิศวกรรมปฐพีในการฝังกลบมูลฝอย การปรับปรุงฐานรากเพื่อป้องกันการปนเปื้อนของนํ้ าบาดาล

(Concepts and principles of geo-environmental engineering; environmental conservation and rehabilitation; disaster prevention from nature and construction by applying knowledge in geotechnical engineering, concrete technology and environmental engineering; basic principles of waste utilization as construction materials; geotechnical engineering of solid waste landfill; foundation improvement to prevent groundwater contamination.)

(203456 มหาวิทยาลัยเกษตรศาสตร์)

Posted: November 19th, 2009 – 10:30 PM

I would like to address the situation regarding Teaching Assistants, the Graduate Employees’ Organization (GEO), the strike, and more specifically, how this entire situation is being handled.

I am not a graduate student on campus, and so I believe that I can offer a perspective that is often overlooked. I am a second-year undergraduate in mechanical engineering. Unlike most students, I am not from Illinois, but rather the great state of Maine. As an engineering undergraduate, I am removed from both the body of graduate students and the humanities departments that are more inclined to strike. Yet, as a member of the UIUC community, and more importantly, a human being who values equality, honesty and transparency, I have become simultaneously intrigued and appalled by the conduct of the University — my university — in its treatment of the GEO and its members who are crucial to the health of the University community.

Every large University, public or private, relies heavily on the use of TAs to facilitate or even lead classes, and our University is no exception. Nearly every class that I have taken, and for almost every class offered, there is at least one TA. Often times there are two TAs in the case of courses with labs. They hold office hours, grade labs, tests, quizzes and papers, and get few accolades in return. Many times, the only reasons TAs receive mention is if they have an accent, or made a mistake grading. But the work of TAs is some of the most important work done on campus. Just as it takes a deep understanding of the material to give a lecture, explaining concepts in depth and answering specific questions regarding topics covered in lecture also takes a great deal of knowledge on the material. A course is a dichotomy between broad topics and detailed explanations of those topics. Leading a discussion section is an interesting balancing act between pre-meditated lessons and impromptu explanations that answer students’ questions. Alienating a group that is so intrinsic to the operation of the University is a move the University should avoid at all costs.

Now let me be very clear here: I don’t have a doctorate, I don’t run nationally recognized research programs, I haven’t launched humanitarian aid efforts, I haven’t run multimillion-dollar corporations and I am not on the board of important organizations. It is very clear to me, however, that the University is utterly butchering the situation with the GEO. Most notably, the letters to the faculty and students from the Office of the Provost were written in poor taste and without regard for the basic dignity of the TAs. Attempting to force a wedge first between the GEO and the faculty, and then between the GEO and the students, are moves that are tragic in intentions and futile in practice. Find guidance from the actions of historical figures such as Tsar Alexander II and Abraham Lincoln who pioneered revolutions from above. By freeing the Serfs, Alexander avoided mass revolt while solidifying his position in the annals of history as a benevolent leader. Lincoln launched himself into the pantheon of great American Presidents with his Emancipation Proclamation and Gettysburg Address. What both of these historical figures also have in common was a great understanding of the circumstances troubling their nation and people and the potential consequences of changing the status quo. Expecting faculty to cross picket lines shows a fundamental flaw in the understanding of this situation. Expecting students to bite on the bait of “Our highest priority is to ensure that students’ academic progress will not be impeded” is almost foolish. Veiling intentions with language laced with cute (but hollow) phrases and clever sentences only makes the University look like a culprit. Actions like moving the bargaining meeting to a remote location such as Willard Airport indicates to anyone remotely familiar with the situation that the University is trying to obfuscate the actions of the University and wreak of “strike busting.” Calling out the GEO through mass e-mails for disrupting the harmony of the University is eerily suggestive of the Mohawk Valley Formula. Evoking such nefarious practices will only drive a wedge into the University community, and in the long run,Illinois will be worse off for it.

What it comes down to is that every worker deserves a living wage, along with dignity and the respect of their employer. By giving the GEO a fair wage and contract, the University will show the community that we are taking steps in the right direction and trying to improve our recently tarnished image. Together we can eliminate our weaknesses and improve our strengths. May the Administration of the University be guided by truth and honesty, and may the entire UIUC community ­— undergraduates, graduates, faculty, staff, administration and friends — be able to move forward in harmony.

Anando Naqui
sophomore

So, I went to the mall with Miss D yesterday to check out the new H&M store. The women’s stuff was all fine and good, some cute things I guess although nothing unmissable, but I struck awesome gold in the little boys’ department: scored two totally pimp Star Wars sweatshirts. One is a zip-up hoodie and the other is a purple pullover with Yoda on it. Freaking sweet as heck!

There were fantastic Star Wars t-shirts, too, but I was already over the spending limit I’d mentally set for myself. Still, looking at the sweatshirts? Totally worth it, and Miss D got this pretty necklace that looks like cranberries at the store next door to H&M, while kidlet snagged a hot pink headband with a bow that is pure Madonna circa 1985. So a great haul was yielded by all!

I was right about the first Diana roll sucking. The pictures came out horribly. I mean, just the absolute Suck. Only like three even printed. It’s my fault because I am so heedlessly impatient and thoughtless that I didn’t take the time to get it right before snapping away in the heat of the moment. I need to work on this, but I will not let it get me down. Hopefully my next roll will come out better.

In the evening, we had a small pre-Friend Thanksgiving with Christo since he will be gone on real Friend Thanksgiving. It was really great; we went around the table saying what we were thankful for. I was thankful to be home, and put the period right there. Then I jetted to Panda’s and whisked her off to the pub cause she had had a motherfucker of a day, like with dead pets and everything, it was horrible. We met up with Jonohs (who had new guylights — between him and Panda going blonde, I am beginning to feel totally untransformed!) and sort of did trivia, but mainly Panda and I focused on beer and chat.

All in all, it was a surprisingly full day, and I did a lot more driving on city streets than I normally care to, but a really excellent day. What I said at dinner, I meant. Days like yesterday, both the good and bad, can take my breath away with how fortunate I am to be in a place I think of as home, to be with my friends and family. I’m ridiculously lucky.

It appears the GEO has come to a tentative agreement with the University.  In return for giving up some of their health benefits, they have secured a small increase in the stipend for the lowest paid graduate students, and, they believe, full protection for their tuition waivers.

The union must approve the contract by democratic vote.  If you ask me, they would be fools to approve this.  The University was offering 100% health coverage and they have no reason to compromise on that issue.  Most of their stipend demands have been dismissed (the increase in pay is nowhere near what they demanded, and most of the TAs will get nothing).  If this is victory for them, it is a hollow victory.

I am not going to make any predictions, but my intuition suggests that this will be unsatisfactory.  The union has no incentive to give up so much ground for so little.  It remains to be seen.

I have just received word from Champaign-Urbana that the demands of the GEO (Graduate Employees Organization) have been met following two days of a strike. These demands include the return of tuition waivers for graduate employees.

Picketing will continue until a general membership meeting is held this evening to ratify the settlement.

Nat Geo Eco Rescue – Rivers (70 MB download)
As an elite volunteer for National Geographic’s Eco Rescue team, visit over 20 river rescue sites across the world as you save species large and small while providing for humanity’s future – all by cleaning up the environment. Clean-up with CleanClaw, a 1 man eco-friendly crane that picks up even the heaviest bit of garbage.

very nearly ready now….