Sunday, December 23, 2012

Key events in Egypt's revolution and transition

CAIRO (AP) ? Egyptians are voting Saturday in the second round of a referendum on disputed draft constitution that has polarized the country and plunged it into its worst crisis since the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak in last year's uprising.

The referendum and draft charter have pitted supporters of the Islamist Morsi against liberal parties, youth groups, Christians and a large group of moderate Muslims who fear the new document enshrines too big a role for Islam and undermines freedoms of expression, gender equality and rights of minorities.

The new crisis means that the political instability that followed Mubarak's February 2011 overthrow will likely continue.

Here are some key events from 23 months of turmoil and transition.

Jan. 25, 2011 ? Egyptians hold nationwide demonstrations against the authoritarian rule of Mubarak, who has led the country for nearly three decades, protesting against police brutality and demanding social justice.

Jan. 26 ? A large security force moves into Cairo's Tahrir Square, beating and arresting protesters, using rubber bullets and tear gas. Three protesters are killed in similar protests outside of Cairo ? among the first of what will become about 900 dead from clashes during the uprising.

Jan. 28 ? Protesters burn down the ruling party's headquarters and the military is deployed. Police virtually vanish from Egypt's streets, leading to a wave of looting, robbery and arson. Protesters occupy Tahrir square for a prolonged sit-in.

Feb. 11 ? Mubarak steps down and turns power over to the military. Two days later the body of top generals, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, dissolves parliament and suspends the constitution, meeting two key demands of protesters.

March 19 ? Egyptians cast their first vote on constitutional amendments sponsored by the ruling military which set the timeline for the country's transition to democracy, including the first parliamentary and presidential elections.

Nov. 28 ? Voting begins in Egypt's first parliamentary elections since Mubarak's ouster. The election is held over a period of several weeks and concludes in January with nearly half the seats won by the previously banned Muslim Brotherhood.

April 20, 2012 ? The presidential campaign officially begins. A first round of voting on May 23-24 determines that Morsi and Ahmed Shafiq, the last prime minister under Mubarak, will face each other in a runoff.

June 14 ? The Supreme Constitutional Court rules to dissolve the Islamist-dominated lower house of parliament on grounds that a third of the chamber members were elected illegally. The military swiftly closes down parliament.

June 16-17 ? Egyptians vote in the runoff between Morsi and Shafiq. The generals issue a "constitutional declaration" giving them sweeping authority to maintain their grip on power and limiting the powers of the president.

June 24 ? Election officials declare Morsi the winner of Egypt's first free election, with 51.7 percent of the vote.

June 29 ? Morsi, now president-elect, delivers a rousing speech in Tahrir Square, vowing to fight on behalf of the people and to restore powers the generals have taken away from him.

June 30 ? Morsi takes his formal oath before the Supreme Constitutional Court. A day earlier he had read a symbolic oath in Tahrir Square, the birthplace of the revolution.

July 8 ? Morsi issues a surprise decree overruling the court's dissolution of parliament and challenging the generals.

July 9 ? Parliament convenes in defiance of the court ruling disbanding it. In a short session it approves a new law that effectively places the panel tasked with writing the country's new constitution above judicial review.

Aug. 12 ? In a bold move, Morsi orders the retirement of the head of the ruling military council, longtime defense minister Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi and his chief of staff. He also cancels the military-declared constitutional amendments that gave the top generals wide powers and undermined his authority. The move was seen as way to curb the military's role in political affairs but it also gave Morsi the power to legislate in the absence of parliament.

Nov. 19 ? Several members of liberal parties and representatives of Egypt's churches announce their withdrawal from the 100-member constituent assembly tasked with writing Egypt's constitution, protesting what they said were attempts to impose ultraconservative Islamist content.

Nov. 21- Morsi negotiates a cease-fire deal between Hamas and Israel, after an 8-day conflict that threatened to widen into an Israeli ground operation into the Gaza Strip. It was a major diplomatic triumph for Morsi, establishing his role as a regional player with sway over the militant group Hamas, and influence with Israel and the U.S.

Nov. 22 ? In a surprise move, Morsi unilaterally decreed greater authorities for himself, giving the presidency, the panel writing the constitution and the upper house of parliament, both dominated by Islamists, immunity from judicial oversight. The move came just ahead of court decisions that could have dissolved the bodies.

Nov. 23 ? Days of protests follow Morsi's decrees, which were perceived as a power grab. Clashes between pro- and anti-Morsi supporters also erupted, and the offices of the Muslim Brotherhood were attacked in different governorates.

Nov. 24 ? Judges push back against Morsi's decrees, calling them an "unprecedented assault." Many courts begin an open-ended strike.

Nov. 26 ? Morsi meets with judges to tell them he doesn't intend to infringe on their authority. He does not back down from his decree, however.

Nov. 27 ? The opposition holds the largest rally to date against Islamists in Tahrir square. More than 200,000 people pack the square, chanting that Morsi should "leave." Clashes between the president's supporters and opponents break out in other governorates.

Nov. 30 ? In a marathon session overnight, the Islamist-dominated panel writing the constitution rushes the draft through, seeking to preempt the court ruling that could dissolve the panel. The move renewed mass protests.

Dec. 1 ? Despite the protests, Morsi sets the referendum date for the disputed charter for Dec. 15. Hundreds of Islamist protesters besiege the Supreme Constitutional Court, a day before it is set to rule on the legality of the panel that drafted the constitution.

Dec. 2 ? The Islamist protest outside the Supreme Constitutional Court leads it to cancel its ruling on the legality of the constitutional panel and declare an open-ended strike, calling it the "blackest day" in the history of Egypt's judiciary.

Dec. 4 ? More than 100,000 protesters march on the presidential palace, demanding the cancellation of the referendum on the constitution and the writing of a new one.

Dec. 5 ? Supporters of Morsi attack a sit-in outside the presidential palace in clashes that last through the night. At least 10 die in the fighting.

Dec. 6 ? Morsi refuses to call off the referendum, calling for a national dialogue in an address to the nation. The opposition rejects the call, saying it was not serious since Morsi refused to rescind any of his recent moves.

Dec. 8 ? Morsi cancels the decrees that gave him immunity from judicial oversight but keeps the referendum on time. Opposition vows to continue protests.

Dec. 12 ? Opposition calls on its supporters to vote no in the referendum. Pro- and anti-constitution demonstrations continue.

Dec. 15 ? Around a third of the 25 million voters eligible for the first leg of the constitutional referendum cast ballots, despite the judges' boycott. Unofficial results show that 56 percent voted "yes" for the draft constitution.

Dec. 16 ? Egypt's rights groups say the constitutional referendum was marred by widespread violations.

Dec. 18 ? Prosecutor General Talaat Abdullah submits his resignation just a month after Morsi appointed him, following a sit-in by fellow prosecutors who accused him of pressuring a judge not to release some 130 anti-Morsi protesters from detention.

Dec. 19 ? Top elections official Zaghloul el-Balshi resigns, citing medical problem.

Dec. 20 ? Prosecutor General Talaat Abdaullah withdraws his resignation.

Dec. 21 ? Islamists hold massive rally in the country's second largest city of Alexandria to show solidarity with religious clerics.

Dec. 22 ? More than 25 million Egyptians eligible to vote will head to polling stations in 17 provinces to cast their ballots in the second round.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/key-events-egypts-revolution-transition-082102564.html

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Sneak of the Month: Children, Teens Recruited as Drug Mules in ...

Illegal drugs found taped to the body of a minor caught at the U.S. border. The teen was being used as a ?mule? by the Mexican drug cartels./NBC San Diego 7

NBC7 in San Diego reported that Mexican drug cartels are aggressively recruiting children and teens to smuggle drugs across the border. Federal authorities are alarmed at what appears to be an increase in children as young as 12 being used as drug mules.

Not only are the drug cartels using these children to traffic marijuana, but now increasingly the drug of choice is methamphetamine. Traditionally, drug cartels recruit the kids with tales of easy money and the taunt that as a minor, even if caught, the penalties would be inconsequential. The average mule makes between $75 and $300 for crossing the border with approximately 6 kilograms taped?to their bodies. And, if caught with heavy narcotics, like meth, these minors will end up with felonies on their criminal record, not just a slap on the wrist.

The drug cartels are recruiting children outside schools and malls and reaching teens by using social media. In 2011, records show 190 children (ages 18 and under) were caught smuggling drugs along the?San Diego County-Mexico border.

This border sector includes over 7,000 square miles including 60 linear miles of international boundary with Mexico and 114 coastal border miles along the Pacific Ocean patrolled by the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP). Directly south of San Diego lie the Mexican cities of Tijuana and Tecate, Baja California, which have a combined population of more than four and a half million people.

?The drug cartels? shift to using kids and teens as a high reward, low risk method of trafficking drugs across our nation?s border is something hard for most Americans to imagine, unless you know how violent, ruthless, and amoral the cartels are,? said U.S. Border Security Council National Spokesman Steve LeBlanc. ?Our country?s border security is under fire as never?before with some of our nation?s?most precious resources ? our children ? caught in the crosshairs.?

U.S. Border Security Council is a national grassroots advocacy group, which the IRS has determined to be tax-exempt under the provisions of Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. You can reach organization by mail at P.O. Box 96197, Washington, DC 20090 or by email at info@usbordersecurity.info

Source: http://usbordersecurity.info/sneak-of-the-month-children-teens-recruited-as-drug-mules-in-record-numbers

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Do you Want to be a Software Developer? | Quality Life Resources

wall-ornamentSoftware Developers

Software developers are the reason why you can read this article on the Web. They are the people behind your browser, email client, office suite, mobile apps- basically just about anything that can run on a computer. Without them, these technologies that we enjoy today would not exist.

Computer programmers or software developers perform important roles in the IT industry. Some create software applications that allow end-users to perform tasks on their computers and gadgets, while others would create the fundamental systems that can control computer networks and devices. Their education usually consists of a degree or diploma in computer science, programming, information technology and other related fields. A developer?s responsibilities may vary from company to company, but their usual tasks include:

1. Reviewing and maintaining systems.

2. Writing code for ongoing projects.

3. Testing software in a controlled environment

4. Participating in software developments.

5. Preparing software training manuals and tutorials for users.

Other necessary traits to be a successful software developer are:

1. Excellent programming skills.

A thorough knowledge in at least one or more programming languages (especially modern languages like Ruby or Python) is a must. Most employers look for those with experience in PHP, Java, Oracle, Linux, C++ and Linux. There?s always a high demand for developers who know their way around these languages and programs.

2. Familiarity with industry standard hardware and software.

These are the tools and equipment that a developer needs to do his or her job successfully.

3. Communication skills.

Working on a software development project usually involves communicating with a whole team of people.

4. An eye for the smallest of details.

Software engineers and developers should be able to spot problems as they appear.

What Makes a Good Software Developer/ Programmer?

1. Studying

Companies usually provide training for their junior employees. But developers/ programmers who excel at their chosen fields constantly study new trends in the industry. They always go beyond what they?ve learned during training. Sometimes, they also undergo new software training to keep their minds fresh and up-to-date with the latest developments in IT.

A great way to improve programming skills is to read code written by others. This method allows newbie programmers to familiarize themselves with a programming language fast. They can also pick up new methods and techniques for them to utilize in future assignments.

2. Enjoying the Job

Passion always builds excellence. When people love what they do, the better they become at performing their jobs. The same goes for those who work in the IT industry and other computer-related professions.

Google allows their employees to allocate twenty percent of their work time for personal assignments. This time could be used on projects that they are genuinely interested in. A lot of innovative products have resulted from this system, including the famous Gmail and Google News service.

The same concept can be used for software developers. It pays to do projects that are not company mandated. They could do web or mobile apps on the side for fun and for practice. The important thing is to really immerse and enjoy one?s self with his or her chosen career.

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This is a guest post.? Thank you for reading my article for more information please visit software developers.

Source: http://www.qualityliferesources.com/technology/do-you-want-to-be-a-software-developer/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=do-you-want-to-be-a-software-developer

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Saturday, December 22, 2012

96% Sister

All Critics (51) | Top Critics (15) | Fresh (49) | Rotten (2)

"Sister" avoids sentimental indulgence. There's no room for wallowing in this spare, almost ascetic exercise ...

French-born director and co-screenwriter Ursula Meier balances the scenario's bleak, wrenching aspects with a stirring confidence in the redemptive power of love.

Seydoux perfectly captures the anger and self-defeat of ill-educated, hedonistic, man-chasing young women who live on the fringes.

L?a Seydoux fulfills Louise, and Kacey Mottet Klein, as Simon, is one more to join the pantheon of film's excellent child actors.

Haunting and sad. And absolutely worth seeing.

The chemistry between the two leads is a razor's-edge dance: feral, childish, tender and always complex.

We come away relieved and somehow chastened, the same way we might feel after having our pocket picked by a true artist.

The storytelling is exciting and the characters well-observed.

For the most part a distant film, Sister supplies a full behavioral experience that's riveting at times, with lead performances by Lea Seydoux and Kacey Mottet Klein communicating isolation in bravely vulnerable ways.

Emotionally engaging and impeccably crafted

Klein and Seydoux give such naturalistic performances that they're never overwhelmed by the spectacle.

"Sister" is loose and episodic, but held together with nicely sketched characters.

[A]voids bathos. . .reveals unexpected depth in a heartbreaking bond. . . Different classes conflict [in] adjacent spaces . . .in spare, realistic Dardennes' style.

Meier draws out wonderfully naturalistic performances from her young stars, with Mottet Klein particularly good as the young roustabout Simon ...

It comes over like a subtle short story and is well acted.

Meier's portrait of Simon ... is richly atmospheric and never sentimental.

An enigmatic, heartfelt account of a vulnerable young boy's yearning for a better life.

Most intriguing is how the writers and director have transformed what's essentially a rather dark, bleak story into something involving and emotionally resonant, all without ever turning sentimental.

It is an interesting and well-made movie, though with an uncertain ending.

Sister gradually reveals pattern in its tapestry of everyday life.

An expert piece of storytelling with a host of strong character turns and thematic depth to burn.

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Source: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/lenfant_den_haut/

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Adding Document Images to Book - Family Tree Maker software ...

Hi,

I'm making a book in Family Tree Maker 2012 and I'd like to add census documents and such. However, I am having a lot of trouble getting them to be the right size. I use add media item and insert them, but the image sizing options are too limited. 67% causes the citations to overflow the page (is there a way to get rid of those?) and 50% is way to small to see. Is there a way to make the image somewhere inbetween those sizes or insert them in a different way? Thank you!

Source: http://boards.ancestry.co.uk/topics.software.famtreemaker/9256/mb.ashx

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EU to re-launch aid to Guinea after vote date set

CONAKRY, Guinea (AP) ? The European Union says it has agreed to re-launch ?174.3 million in development funds to Guinea.

The move comes after the West African nation finally set a date for long-delayed legislative elections.

The announcement on Friday said Guinea's government had "presented a credible timetable for the organization of legislative elections."

The head of Guinea's electoral commission announced earlier this month that the vote will go ahead in May, though 10 members of the 25-member body later released a statement criticizing the move.

The West African country has not had a functioning parliament for four years, and only held its first democratic presidential election in 2010.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/eu-launch-aid-guinea-vote-date-set-180259658.html

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