2008 Taipei International Book Exhibition Preview: An exposition with different cultures

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2008 Taipei International Book Exhibition Preview: An exposition with different cultures

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

The 2008 Taipei International Book Exhibition (TIBE 2008), organized by the Taipei Book Fair Foundation (TBFF), will start tomorrow and end next Monday (Feb. 18) at the Taipei World Trade Center in Hall 1 & 3 and in the Taipei Show (TWTC Hall 2). Before the opening of the main show, the TIBE changed significantly.

Since the Preview Exhibition was held in 1992 in Jhonghe City, Taipei County with the “History of books in China” theme, the preview exhibition wasn’t eventually held before the main show every year.

This pre-main-show exhibition style was replaced by a consuming battle between bookstores from actual to virtual (via Internet) and reading festivals from municipal libraries in Taiwan that the Ministry of Education of the Republic of China promoted. But in 2008, after the TBFF was regrouped last year, the preview exhibition finally returned on Feb 2 & 3 with the “Book Market” and “Arts and Crafts” in the Huashan Culture Park, Taipei. With the preview exhibition, the reading population is expected to expand rapidly and widely in Taiwan.

To gather on different cultures, the TBFF not only arranged a variety of seminars from book-cover designing, changes of publishing industry, publishing style, and strategies from global publishing industry, but also invited executives from the publishing industry worldwide such as Michel Le Bris, Gilles Lapouge, Shaun Tan, Markus Zusak, Tony Wheeler, and Maruen Wheeler and executives from the Frankfurt Book Fair.

Apart from seminars and executives, the Stiftung Buchkunst (Book Art Foundation) will showcase several awarded books from “Giant of Japanese Design” and some book design awards in the “Most Beautiful Book Designing” pavilion. Two book design awards by TBEE named the “2008 TIBE Prize” and “2008 Golden Butterfly Award” will be successively announced on Feb 13 & 14.

Not only on book-designing and pavilions, even though Australia was named as the main international pavilion, the TBFF chose the opening movie “What My Eyes Have Seen” from France and a closing movie named The Edge of Heaven from Germany, those selected movies including the opening and closing ones will be screened at the movie pavilion. The Travel Literature Pavilion will show a different style varied from the 2007 Taipei International Travel Fair, not only just about traveling but also mixed with cultures and literature.

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Report urges Kenya to ban plastic bags

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Report urges Kenya to ban plastic bags

Wednesday, March 9, 2005File:Plastic bag stock sized.jpg

They are cheap, useful, and very plentiful, and that is exactly the problem, according to researchers. A report issued on Feb. 23 by a cadre of environment and economics researchers suggested that Kenya should ban the common plastic bag that one gets at the checkout counter of grocery stores, and place a levy on other plastic bags, all to combat the country’s environmental problems stemming from the bags’ popularity.

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IRA disbands military structure

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IRA disbands military structure

Thursday, October 5, 2006

The Independent Monitoring Commission has reported that the Provisional Irish Republican Army has undergone major changes within their military structure and shows that the IRA Army Council wants to put its military campaign behind it. The Commission consists of John Alderdice, a former Alliance Party leader; Joe Brosnan, former Secretary General of the Department of Justice, Republic of Ireland; John Grieve, former Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and former head of the Metropolitan Police Anti-Terror Branch; and Dick Kerr, former Deputy Director of Central Intelligence Agency.

The report states the IRA no longer has the capacity to mount a military campaign anymore or return to one. The units that have been shut down were responsible for weapons-making, arms smuggling and training. The IRA decommissioned their arms last year.

The report also mentions that the IRA has also put its criminality beyond use and is “clamping down” on criminals within the organization, said Lord Alderdice, as he presented the report. He also added, “That doesn’t mean that criminal activity by all members has stopped but the leadership has made public statements and internal directions, investigated incidents of breach of the policy, even expelled some members and has emphasised the importance of ensuring that business affairs are conducted in a legitimate way.”

Finally, the report added that there is not enough evidence or intelligence to identify who killed Denis Donaldson, a British spy who infiltrated the IRA and Sinn Fein, before revealing his status as a spy.

However, the report added that splinter groups like the Real IRA (RIRA) and Continuity IRA (CIRA) are still threats and are still continuing their activity. The Real IRA was the group behind the deadly 1998 Omagh bombing. The Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) “was not capable of undertaking a sustained campaign [against the British State], nor does it aspire to” according to the report.

It is also noted the creation of two new organizations, Oglaigh na hEireann (Irish Gaelic for “Volunteers of Ireland” and is used by the Irish Defence Forces and the various IRAs.) and the Republican Defence Army. However, the groups are small dissident factions according to the report.

The report also added that the two loyalist paramilitaries, the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) and the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) are also beginning to move from violence but at slower pace and not at a grassroots level like the IRA. Another loyalist paramilitary, the Loyalist Volunteer Force

The report was received warmly by Irish Toaiseach Bertie Ahern and British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Ahern, said “These positive and clear-cut findings are of the utmost importance and significance. It is time to make decisions and for Northern Ireland to look to the future.”

“The IRA has done what we asked it to do, and while issues like policing remain to be solved, the door is now open to a final settlement, which is why the talks next week in Scotland are going to be so important.” said Tony Blair in a live statement.

In a surprising reaction, the notoriously hardline leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, Ian Paisley, also welcomed the report. He believes that his party’s pressure is working and if Sinn Fein signs up to policing there could be a deal. Paisley said, “If the police question is settled absolutely on a democratic basis and principle we would have come a long way along the road.”

Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams said “The DUP don’t have anything other than very limited options. They will or will not participate in power-sharing arrangements. If they don’t participate they are condemning people here, but particularly their own constituents, to second class public services, run by second class fly-in, fly-out British ministers. All the DUP can do is to delay, is to attempt to slow down, but they can’t stop the process of changing.”

Posted: November 10th, 2018 by

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Vodafone New Zealand buys Internet provider ihug

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Vodafone New Zealand buys Internet provider ihug

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

In an NZ$41 million deal announced Monday night, the New Zealand telecommunications company, Vodafone has bought Internet service provider (ISP) ihug New Zealand Ltd. Ihug will remain a separate company however.

Vodafone said that one of the reasons that they bought ihug was because of their strength in fixed line broadband. Vodafone say that this purchase will give them a much better access to broadband technology.

However when ihug was put up for sale by Australian owner, iiNet, Vodafone denied in July that they were interested in buying ihug.

Paul Budde, telecommunication analyst, said that the buy was excellent. “The unique combination of a mobile and fixed based operator makes sense considering both their futures lie in broadband. The deal is writing new history and will be watched around the world. It really sets the direction Vodafone wants to go for services, new applications and new content.”

Russell Stanners, CEO for Vodafone, said they are “looking to consolidate their broadband plans as they increase their 3G output. Over the next two years Vodafone is looking to double their 3G output and will double it again. On top of that there is 4G technology and there is growing confidence in the wireless network to deliver real broadband.”

Stanners is very confident that their company will be able to exceed their customers expectations and needs. And that this purchase is an important step in evolving Vodafone.

“It’s a perfect fit. Right now, we are the leaders in mobile, however we only have 20% share of the telecommunications market. When combined with ihug’s strength in fixed line broadband and calling, we can develop and deliver even more compelling propositions for our customers. It’s a very exciting time, with two strong challengers coming together to take on the competition,” he said.

CEO for ihug, Mark Rushworth said: “We’re thrilled with this news. A strong and dynamic parent company like Vodafone is just what we need at this stage of our growth.”

Posted: November 9th, 2018 by

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Find Your Entertainment Center Plan In Manhattan

byphineasgray

When you first move into your home, your mind envisions your furniture in the rooms and where you’re going to put your TV. Okay, the couch goes here and the lamps will be on these tables in these corners, which means the TV will go on that wall. Don’t you want the TV to be surrounded by a beautiful piece of furniture with room to store your movies, though? What you need to find is an Entertainment Center Plan In Manhattan, so you look online at the furniture stores in the area, and you find Manhattan Cabinetry. If you take the time to call and talk to the staff, they’ll ask you what kind of a plan you have for your entertainment center. They’ll want to know how big the TV is, how many movies you want to store, if you have a stereo you want to store on the entertainment center, and other relevant aspects. They also need to know how big the wall is where the entertainment center will be placed.

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If you actually don’t have enough room on any one wall for an entertainment center, you may find it handy to find a corner entertainment center, so it will fit and still cover your needs. It’s a smart idea to fill up a corner that would otherwise be empty. You also may need an Entertainment Center Plan In Manhattan that includes a hidden lighting system. This will illuminate your shelves and give your room a dramatic look. If you want to place a few collectibles, you can find one with shelves for them as well.

Finding the perfect entertainment center can make the style of your room light up. It can be the conversation piece of the room, and your friends who you entertain will be impressed. Just the right style of furniture can make the scheme of your room, and all of the other furniture in the room will coincide with your entertainment center. You’ll find that when you start using your entertainment center, it takes care of organizing your movies, music and collectibles, and it looks good at the same time. It’s the perfect piece of furniture that makes the room special.

Posted: November 9th, 2018 by

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400 pound python seized by wildlife officials in Florida

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400 pound python seized by wildlife officials in Florida

Sunday, September 13, 2009

A “monster” Burmese python, weighing in at 400 pounds and stretching 18 feet long, was seized by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials on Friday after it was deemed unsafe in its cage near Lake Apopka, Florida.

The snake, named “Delilah”, is at least 16 years old. Melvin Cheever was caring for Delilah after his brother moved to West Virginia and left the snake behind temporarily. Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission visited the home after a complaint arose questioning the security of the snake’s chain-link cage.

“I fed her this morning, gave her seven rabbits. She is as docile as can be. She’s as happy as can be,” said Cheever.

Officials called it the largest snake they had ever witnessed. Lt. Rick Brown with the organization’s investigations section said, “To me it’s a Goliath. It’s a monster of a snake.”

The incident occurs amid fears of snakes following the death of a 2-year-old Sumter County girl who was killed by her family’s pet python earlier this summer.

Delilah was transported to a properly licensed caregiver, but is expected to remain there only temporarily.

Posted: November 8th, 2018 by

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Apple to hold media event on September 1, may update iPods and Apple TV

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Apple to hold media event on September 1, may update iPods and Apple TV

Friday, August 27, 2010

Apple Inc. will hold a music-centered event in San Francisco, California on September 1. It has been widely speculated that the company will introduce an updated line of iPod portable music players and a new Apple TV.

The company e-mailed invitations for the event to various media organizations on Wednesday. The message included a picture of a guitar and the time of the event. Apple did not release any information about what products would be involved.

Apple has released new iPods through previous similar events in September in anticipation of the holiday shopping season. This year, Apple may unveil a new iPod Touch with two cameras, similar to their recent iPhone 4 design. It will likely also update the iTunes music store and software.

Speculation about a new Apple TV is mixed. While many blogs are reporting that a refresh of the device will be announced, analysts say that it is unlikely to happen during next Wednesday’s event. According to Reuters, sources are saying that Apple is negotiating with major television networks, including ABC and NBC, in order to provide shows for purchase on iTunes. However, they also reported that the deal has not been completed, and none of the companies involved have commented on the rumors.

It has also been rumored that Apple will introduce a new online music service. In 2009, Apple took over a company that allowed users to stream music online rather than download individual songs. Apple has not confirmed the rumors.

Last September’s media event saw the return of Apple CEO Steve Jobs after he took a break to undergo a liver transplant. This year, the event will be held in San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, previously used by Apple in April for the unveiling of the iPad.

Posted: November 8th, 2018 by

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Choose The Best Pediatric Dentistry Office For You And Your Family

byphineasgray

Taking care of your child’s teeth is important. Without proper dental care and regular checkups with a reputable Pediatric Dentistry practice, you run the risk of your child’s teeth decaying sooner than they normally should. It is very important for a child to understand the dangers of tooth decay, and the benefits of better dental hygiene at home. Without this knowledge, they could suffer from cavities, tooth or gum decay, gum disease, or worse dental problems when they get older. Unfortunately for many parents, however, many children have a hard time going to the dentist.

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When it comes to children, anxiety can be a dangerous factor when it comes to doctors and dentists. Even a small amount of anxiety can make it difficult to get your child to the dentist when they need to go. With the help of a skilled Pediatric Dentistry practice, you can not only encourage your child to go to the dentist, but also ensure they will have a relatively calm time there. Many pediatric dental offices go to great lengths to ensure their young patients are comfortable, calm, and relaxed while in their care.

Most dentists have ways of distracting their patients when they visit for a root canal or cavity filling. In many cases, sitting in a chair for over an hour for a root canal procedure can be exhausting even on an adult. Having the dentist drill into your tooth, extract the nerves from the roots, and then fill and crown the tooth can take a lot of time. This is why many dentists offer music to listen to, or a television to watch during the procedure. When it comes to a pediatric dentist, however, there are other options that are available for your child to keep them relaxed.

One of the best methods when it comes to a child that has a high anxiety for visiting the dentist is sedation therapy. For milder cases, video games are a popular choice among many pediatric dental offices. Gentle dentistry for your entire family can help ensure your family’s dental health remains healthy and strong, regardless of any worry you may have over anxiety becoming a problem.

Click here for more information.

Posted: November 7th, 2018 by

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Scottish Midlothian car crash kills three

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Scottish Midlothian car crash kills three

Monday, December 24, 2012

Two cars have been involved in a road traffic accident in the Scottish Lothian and Borders region, causing three fatalities and sending three to hospital. The incident occurred on the A68 road approximately 1.5 miles south of the Midlothian village of Pathhead when a Škoda Octavia and a Nissan Note travelling in opposite directions collided at approximately 0730 UTC today.

The Nissan, which was carrying five occupants, overturned and came to rest on its roof. Three male Buddhist monks who sat in the back of the car died at the site of the crash. The female driver of the vehicle managed to get out of the vehicle herself but another male passenger in the front of the car had to be cut free by fire service members. The two front-seat passengers as well as the male driver of the Škoda were hospitalised at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, although none of their injuries are considered likely to be fatal.

“This is a tragic incident,” Inspector Simon Bradshaw of Lothian and Borders Police said, “and we are currently in the process of carrying out inquiries in order to establish the full circumstances of the collision.” The A68 road close to the location of the accident was temporarily closed to allow police to investigate the incident, with traffic redirected to the B6370 road via the town of Gorebridge. The road has since reopened.

Posted: November 6th, 2018 by

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Florida man charged with stealing Wi-Fi

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Florida man charged with stealing Wi-Fi

Update since publication

This article mentions that Wi-Fi stands for “Wireless Fidelity”, although this is disputed.

Thursday, July 7, 2005

A Florida man is being charged with 3rd degree felony for logging into a private Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) Internet access point without permission. Benjamin Smith III, 41, is set for a pre-trial hearing this month in the first case of its kind in the United States.

This kind of activity occurs frequently, but often goes undetected by the owners of these wireless access points (WAPs). Unauthorized users range from casual Web browsers, to users sending e-mails, to users involved in pornography or even illegal endeavours.

According to Richard Dinon, owner of the WAP Smith allegedly broke into, Smith was using a laptop in an automobile while parked outside Dinon’s residence.

There are many steps an owner of one of these access points can take to secure them from outside users. Dinon reportedly knew how to take these steps, but had not bothered because his “neighbors are older.”

Posted: November 6th, 2018 by

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