'Counter-Terror' Policy Targets Uyghurs

2011-04-07
A new report says China uses the threat of terrorism to crack down on Uyghurs in Xinjiang.

AFP
Uyghur men and women chat outside a mosque in Urumqi, July 17, 2009.

China's anti-terrorism policy deliberately targets ethnic minority communities such as Uyghurs and Tibetans struggling for greater autonomy, according to a white paper by a rights group.

The policy equates terrorism with groups pushing for more self-governing rights, is too broad in scope, and shirks international human rights commitments, said the Hong Kong and New York-based Human Rights in China (HRIC).

The paper looked into human rights concerns within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a regional intergovernmental organization which includes China and five other member states-Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan-with a total population of 1.5 billion people.

It said the SCO approach to counter-terrorism, modeled on China'sThree Evils doctrine, and highlighting principles of territorial integrity, noninterference in internal affairs, and social stability, contributes to supporting repressive regimes at the expense of human rights.

A failure to demand accountability from the SCO undermines the effectiveness and integrity of the international system in countering terrorism and advancing rule of law, peace, and security, HRIC said.

"China's approach to counter-terrorism is the Three Evils doctrine, and it links terrorism with separatism and extremism," HRIC director Sharon Hom said in an interview.

"This Three Evils approach is overbroad, highly politicized, and while not exclusively applied only to ethnic minority groups, it is regularly applied to Uyghurs and Tibetans in its practice."

Hom said other SCO member states follow China's lead by recognizing Xinjiang and Tibet as inalienable territories of China and repatriating its ethnic minorities who seek asylum within their borders.

"China has enormous clout in the SCO, and you can also see it in the ways in which the other SCO member states and the SCO will completely parrot China's line and China's policy on these two so-called autonomous regions."

Treatment of Uyghurs

The HRIC white paper said it found "serious issues" concerning China's treatment of Uyghurs, including the principle of non-refoulement and potential use of torture during interrogations.

Regulations specific to Xinjiang became part of China's domestic counter-terrorism legal framework in December 2009 when provincial-level lawmakers revised the region's Comprehensive Management of Social Order.

Through the revisions, Chinese authorities were ordered to specifically crack down on the three threats of "terrorism, separatism, and extremism" in the aftermath of the July 2009 ethnic violence in Urumqi which left hundreds dead, according to official media reports.

HRIC called the amendments "unique" to Xinjiang, adding that "such singular focus by the Chinese government ... suggests that the concept of terrorism has been applied in a biased fashion, with the Uyghur community the subject of intense scrutiny and suspicion."

It noted that while China does face real threats of terrorism, "the limited involvement of Uyghurs in terrorist acts cannot serve as justification of widespread repression throughout [Xinjiang] or the labeling of peaceful Uyghur activists under the rubric of the Three Evils."

Adherence to rules

But despite its reliance on the Three Evils doctrine, HRIC wrote, China continues to claim that it is acting to "firmly uphold and fulfill the resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council," according to a statement by the Chinese Ministry of Public Security (MPS).

Under U.N. rules, China pledged to oppose the "arbitrary widening" of the scope of fighting terrorism and identifying terrorism with any specific ethnic group or religion.

"The Three Evils doctrine undermines this principled approach and, in doing so, compromises human rights guaranteed under international law, and international counter-terrorism efforts as a whole," HRIC said.

HRIC recommended that Beijing narrow its "Three Evils"-based approach to national security and reformulate its definition of terrorism.

On June 24 last year, Chinese authorities announced they had broken up a "terrorist" ring of a Uyghur separatist group, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), after arresting more than ten of its members involved in an alleged major plot against China.

The announcement said that information leading to the arrest had been obtained through the investigation of 20 "individuals of Chinese citizenship" who had been deported to China on December 20, 2009-the exact date that Cambodia deported 20 Uyghurs seeking asylum following the July 5 ethnic unrest in Urumqi.

The statement also indicated that several of the alleged ETIM members had confessed to participating in a wide array of terrorist activities during interrogation.

Human Rights Watch said in February that the Cambodian government has a "dismal track record" of deporting refugees granted asylum status by the UNHCR, particularly those from neighboring countries such as China and Vietnam.

Ethnic tensions

Millions of Uyghurs-a distinct, Turkic minority who are predominantly Muslim-populate Central Asia and the Xinjiang region.

Ethnic tensions between Uyghurs and majority Han Chinese settlers have simmered for years, and erupted in riots in July 2009 that left some 200 people dead, according to the Chinese government's tally.

Uyghurs say they have long suffered ethnic discrimination, oppressive religious controls, and continued poverty and joblessness despite China's ambitious plans to develop its vast northwestern frontier.

Chinese authorities blame Uyghur separatists for a series of deadly attacks in recent years and accuse one group in particular of maintaining links to the al-Qaeda terrorist network.

Reported by Mamatjan Juma for RFA Uyghur service. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
Copyright © 1998-2011 Radio Free Asia. All rights reserved.

 

Roofing West Vancouver Issues

Roofing Vancouver

In Vancouver special care is needed whenever obtaining a estimation for a home. The roofing contractor in Vancouver needs to know exactly what they are dealing with whenever getting your homes roof away. Unforeseen costs are a common scenario within Vancouver and every owner ought to be ready

Heritage- becoming one of the oldest areas within the GVRD you can realize that there are some fairly aged homes. With a steep pitch roofing, most likely near 12/12 message that basically indicates Forty five diploma angle roofing. The initial roofing had been cedar shake looking at taping. I don't know if it had been lazy or the tradition, if people were trying to cut costs but if you've this particular roofing you most likely obtained several layer on the top. The initial continues to be upon and a pair of additional levels sit down above the actual cedar shake. I have come across house where five levels sitting along with the house. Based on creating code now days a Vancouver Roofing contractor should eliminate just about all layers if your brand new roofing will be positioned above. You folks tend to pay more because of the steepness, the few levels of roofing, the plyboard deck and also the difficulty. You may be two feet from your neighbours

Roofing Vancouver

Low Slope -- Vancouver special homes operate throughout East Vancouver. The actual slight trouble with these homes in regards to roofing is the fact that dwindling roof covering businesses out there perform tar and gravel. The choice you have is actually flashlight upon or steel. Asphalt tiles can't continue these types of houses. Your message would be to low as well as asphalt most likely wouldn't final 10 years. Vancouver Roofing contractors which have been in the business associated with torch upon for more than 10 years are most likely reliable. Ice and snow build up on these types of roofs cause small swimming pools to build up in your roofing and cause major seeping, always keep the actual gutters as well as downpipes clear.

Low Downward slope or even High Downward slope cedar shake -- In Vancouver this really is common about the Western side. There is not a lot to say about Cedar in Vancouver. There was an extended period through the 60's, 70's as well as 80's whenever Vancouver Roofing businesses weren't setting up cedar. The majority of Cedar rooftops are brand new building. cedar is the 1 product that the majority of issues can be determined prior to the work starts

Low Slope or even High Slope Asphalt roofing - For those who have asphalt roofing also it hasn't been changed within the last ten years then you have a solid outdoor patio. Because the 70's asphalt arrived to the market. Along with brand new building shiplap or even also called tongue as well as groove had been the only option of a strong deck. Shiplap moves a lot during the cold months as well as in summer time therefore plyboard should be layered lower by the roofer

 

Roofing in Burnaby

Roofing within Burnaby might have its problems and also the best way to undergo all of them would be to work through North in order to Southern beginning towards the top associated with Burnaby. Within Northern Burnaby the actual hillsides begin to incline and decline with a fairly powerful perspectives. The large challenges I find listed here are front yard steepness as well as use of the home, even though this might not seem like the problem for you it's a really major problem for any roofing company who has at hand have your own aged roofing upward a slope as well as hand have your brand-new roof down the hill.

The hard, a slope area in this area kept building companies aside and for that reason you've houses that were just about all built by separately hired construction companies. There are several portions of North Burnaby that have little groups houses all built collectively however as far as which Central Burnaby has. North Burnaby offers much more fascinating built designs as well as roofs making a ball park determine estimation in this region pretty difficult.

Roofing Burnaby

Central Burnaby is where large building companies with a standard architectural way of creating the house had been pretty busy throughout the 70`s and earlier 80`s. With a shiplap deck becoming the only option and asphalt tiles being the choice and placed on a house. Today shiplap is the roofers enemy because of the fact that the tiles of today are not made to use shiplap. Attempting to persuade main Burnaby they need to re-deck the rooftop along with plyboard has frequently been overlooked and for good cause.

The quality of shiplap is high in this area with most of it that I know of becoming between 6 and Eight inches which is perfect. Other than that this particular part of Burnaby is pretty simple to roof in with access not an issue all that frequently and a obvious design in sloped roofing that's easy to understand. A lot of Vancouver special offers centered right here in order to along with torch upon becoming the number one choice from the original tar residue and tiny rocks option. Cedar rooftops often sprinkle the actual eastern side of the area with most transforming to asphalt

Southern Burnaby tends to possess much larger rooftops that are scattered with asphalt and cedar tremble. Cedar tremble rooftops in this area are usually through houses close to Two decades aged. This house has a tendency to transform into a asphalt roofing and most possess okay access however, many don't and the roofs aren't everything in order to steep. Some asphalt rooftops down right here have plyboard decks which is usually a big saving idea for any home owner

 

Roofing West Vancouver

West Vancouver is a area of valley's as well as side rails, steep driveways as well as hidden roofs. This is often a roofing contractors nightmare but there are roof covering businesses that work in the region and understand what these people most likely might be dealing with. Unlike additional metropolitan areas in the Metro Vancouver area, large building businesses didn't purchase big tracks associated with property and develop designed suburban cul-de-sacs. They do exist but to a smaller diploma than other cities. As a result you'll find in a single street 20 homes all constructed in a different way. I suppose because of the property scenery it was the only way to get homes built in a few regions.

There was certainly a growth during the 70's by the shear quantity of shiplap patio's out there. The majority of rooftops within West Vancouver that require an upgraded are asphalt roofs that sit on the shiplap deck. They shingle is normally a interlock shingle which was designed for shiplap but no longer obtainable in the Greater Vancouver region. Most home owners within West Vancouver are understanding that they now need a plyboard outdoor patio to pay for the actual shiplap.

Several Cedar rooftops exist in West Vancouver although not a lot that needs changing. Most twenty year old cedar shake rooftops in West Vancouver have been changed which means you look for a cedar roof in some places. Changing cedar with cedar isn't a all in order to typical practise and most Cedar rooftops have been in new construction.

Roofing West Vancouver

Vancouver specials are not just about all to typical within West Vancouver. Torch on as well as tar as well as gravel can be obtained although not suggested. The rainfall and blowing wind tends to be a little more severe within West Vancouver, using the high amount of trees and the chance of huge snow fall metal is really a higher recommendation.

Getting a roof estimation within West Vancouver can be very different than the individual living right next door. for those who have a steep front yard, possess a roofing that is higher than Thirty degrees and also over Two thousand sq ft than you are able to pay more than $ 2000 compared to your own neighbor. The kind of roofing and amount of flashing can make a big difference. Within West Vancouver it is very hard to golf ball recreation area a price for this very cause. I suppose you can say in line with the small property you reside upon and the design from the roof can make all the difference from a high estimation along with a reduced estimation. Roofing entry is a huge problem with some roofing contractors having to hands have the old roofing over hundred ft than hands carrying the brand new roof one hundred ft towards the home.

Get three estimates to check celery along with apples but for the exact same item, gives you a chance to educate yourself and ask the right questions. Most roofs in West Vancouver is actually under ventilated therefore make sure when you are getting your roof estimation you can see in the event that each and every estimation you receive may upgrade your ventilation or your brand-new roofing will not final. The extra ventilation is not the add-on cost therefore the much more the actual better, you can't possess a limit on ventilation. Tree debris is a problem so maintain your roofing with no damage the roof item. leak blower has become the greatest type of maintenance.

 

Victoria roofing Contractors - Changing Multiple rooftops

Victoria roofing Contractors can help to save a little bit of cash whenever working on your roofing in addition to a number of your neighbors. There are many cul-de-sac's available within Victoria in which the houses were constructed at the same time and all with a cedar or asphalt roof with similar warranty as well as environmental conditions. The house are generally constructed with the same design and have the same air flow problems then when it's time to replace your neighbors then its time for you to substitute yours..

Brand new building roofing Victoria two decades ago included in regards to a 20 year warranty. The majority of rooftops begin to leak soon after the 20 year tag and all of a sudden the entire street gets their roofs replaced. Whenever a Victoria roofing estimator comes to your home and you are upon great conditions with your neighbors maybe you might persuade your neighbours to obtain a roofing estimate as well. Most Victoria roofing companies will offer two estimations. The first is the estimation if perhaps you had been to replace a person home alone on the street. Another estimation is perfect for you and also the neighbours which have opted for a estimate as well, for those who have convinced your neighbors to do this.

Victoria roofing Contractors can save profit 2 major areas when several roofing. One in the actual shipping cost of the types of materials is greatly reduced when a roof covering organization could possibly get three homes in one delivery. The second reason is the actual wastage, motion associated with wastage is what costs money as well as making sure that the actual waste is all moved together allows the actual Victoria Roofing Company to reduce the price of your new roofing. When neighbors get a new roofing task carried out together this gives long term home owners to complete exactly the same in thirty years when your new roofs obtain aged.

Find a very good Victoria Roofing Company

My home is Victoria and understand how hard it's to find a good service provider to operate in your house. All of them appear real first and they all guarantee you the globe. Regrettably there are a few that actually deliver on these types of promises.

Roofing contractors are no exclusion and need to do your own research in order to discount the great ones from the poor ones.

The roof is a vital element of any house. Here's your primary hurdle of many from the components found outside. For those who have the leaky roofing you could find your self placing plenty of pans and pots throughout your home to catch water. In case your roof gets really poor you also danger it caving in from some point.

Fortunately if your roof is built the proper way it will last for several years. There are even some roofs that are both so great they are able to are fifty years.

Getting a reliable roof covering organization within Victoria and also you require this kind of function carried out is actually of the utmost importance. You want somebody who is going to provide you with a reasonable bid, get the job done on time, and use standard or above average supplies.

This is actually the objective you just have to fine the roof for an area who's ready to do it.

Here are a few things that Personally, i would look for and can apply for not just Victoria, but every area in the country:

When i first like to start with recommendations. I know I am not the only one that has a house and that i want to request others their viewpoint however had roof covering work carried out before me personally. Buddies, family members, coworkers, associates, and folks you know will usually not really drive you incorrect. They can make use of a direct you to an individual who has done a fantastic job for them. Unless a person isn't keen on you these were usually not recommend the roofing organization within Victoria who has carried out substandard work.

Next, you want to reach least 3 estimations. Roofing work is costly by nature and also you desire a service provider who's going to provide you with a fair as well as reasonable cost. Keep in mind even a reasonable and sensible quote is going to be high. Comprehend as well that roof covering companies spend a few of the highest insurance costs out of any kind of business in the nation. Since the work carried out roofing companies workers compensation prices are regarding 5 times higher than additional such as Contractors. It is not out of the ordinary with this kind of company to pay for $30 in workers compensation premiums for each hundred dollars they pay out within payroll. These types of costs need to be forwarded to the consumer. So, when you are getting a bid from the roofer understand that at least Thirty in order to 40% of exactly what he is getting a person is just to cover admin and insurance costs. An individual who submits for you and very low bet is most likely uninsured were not covered whatsoever.

Every thing should be written on the agreement. Including the materials for use in your home and the time that it will take to set up them. Don't leave something as a spoken contract. You need to be able to precisely evaluate that which you were obtaining for that cost you're having to pay making an informed choice. Once the estimators come they'll attempt to lure you in to putting your signature on something immediately. Do not do it. You'll need three estimations, side by side on your table, and you have to take time to see all of them every very carefully such as the fine print.

Lastly, check on a Victoria's roofing companies experience and reputation. You would like them to possess sufficient encounter in order to get the job done. Optimally, you'll need a business that has been around the block and absolutely nothing may surprise all of them. If they have existed for at least 5 years they will have a trustworthiness of either performing great function are now being con artists. Some of the best people to ask the local companies. Even when it is their own competitor a business proprietor had been usually not speak bad about another organization unless of course he really seems he does care terrible function. You can also ask roofing suppliers that believe that is the greatest. These people use hundreds the roofer's every month and therefore are in a excellent placement to provide you with inside information.

Fundamental essentials three products I'd search for when selecting my roofer. I'm fussy about the people I select to work along with and you ought to be fussy as well. You can't rely on a Contractors yellow-colored page ad to tell a person what they are regarding. Each and every organization says of the the best. Roofing Contractors aren't any exception and often accompany what the largest phone book ad of the most popular crooks.

Research your options and you should manage to find a decent Victoria roofing business. Spend some time and do not allow anybody hurry you. Go with your own gut and do not spend your money with anybody you feel uncomfortable with

The right roofing contractor Victoria is right at the doorway step should you choose your own due diligence and completely examine a company's history and reputation. This will be sure you do not get in love with something you don't need or even using the services of the disadvantage designer.

Please get more information at more information regarding Victoria roofing companies.

 

Roofing Vancouver analysis, price estimates and prices

Roof covering can be described as one of the most essential stage of building whilst creating any kind of creating or even home. From the previous many years different roof covering techniques and materials happen to be used based on the climatic conditions and requirements from the dwellers. With the remarkable development as well as enhancement in the field of construction there are numerous roofing vancouver choices accessible today. You will find different roofing companies Vancouver as well as roofing companies Vancouver, that offer Vancouver roof covering providers. Roofing Vancouver options offered right now fulfill the needs from the dweller, function nicely for the purpose of roof covering and look appealing additionally.

The initial step in direction associated with replacing associated with roofing vancouver must include a considerable research produced on the web or even by going to numerous roofing vancouver providers. With this One may gain information on distinct aspects of changing the roof and get probably the most economical estimations. Roofing Vancouver service providers provide essential abilities and engineering strategies for the actual replacing an existing roof. For that replacement of roofing select a contractor or perhaps a business which is nicely respected within Vancouver and it is licensed to offer providers. Obtain different estimates to compare the expense supplied because there may be a difference within roofing vancouver expenses and estimations of numerous businesses. You will find numerous elements that determine the actual price of replacing a roofing, so having some precisely hands could be genuinely useful.
If the roofing of the framework continues to be carried out appropriately keeping in mind the most recent techniques as well as elements a roof works well for dealing with:


Air flow

Drinking water ingress

Drinking water vapour diffusion

Surface area safety

Heat blood circulation


Roofing insulation essentially works well for creating a hurdle, that doesn't allow the outer atmosphere to combine with the atmosphere of inside. For this function there are many kinds of energy insulations being utilized today along the way of roof covering.

To obtain one of the most appropriate as well as useful roofing vancouver material, you need to carry out a comprehensive study and gaze after in mind your preferences and financial spending budget.

Roofing Vancouver shapes obtainable

There are lots of roofing vancouver shapes accessible within the marketplace nowadays, some being pricey and although some being common or inexpensive. One of the most well-known roofing vancouver shapes contain:

Gabled- This specific shape is given by creating a triangle about the front side and providing inclines upon each side of the form.

Aspect Gabled- Within this make up the no gabled attributes face the leading usually as well as retain the front doorway.

Front Gabled- In this situation the actual gabled sides usually encounter the leading and can include the leading entrance.

Mix Gabled- In this specific condition the verticle with respect wings are usually put into the main portion which types 2 individual components getting their own gabled façade.


Best addresses are basically installed for the defense associated with under roofing supplies from various Ultra violet rays and bodily damage. Best addresses come in different forms for example: fluid covering, factory mineral, metal surface area, pavers and gravels.

Learn more about Vancouver roofing on roofing companies Vancouver website

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Source: Detroit Red Wings' Todd Bertuzzi won't face further league discipline for hit on Ryan Johnson of Chicago Blackhawks

Red Wings forward Todd Bertuzzi won't face any further league discipline after his elbowing penalty and game misconduct against Chicago Blackhawks forward Ryan Johnson, a source told ESPN.com Tuesday morning.

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<b>News</b> Effects | HiLobrow

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With few surprises, techies were underwhelmed with Apple’s iPad 2 announcement, but I’m confident that consumers will be thrilled with the product. Apple already had a massive lead in the consumer tablet market it created, and these “underwhelming” upgrades should keep the company comfortably ahead. Apple has given competitors an opening by sticking to 3G, and it did not further pressure them with a lower entry price point or higher-resolution display. However, Apple has three critical advantages.

1. Brand: When consumers are thinking about tablets, they say they are buying an “iPad,” not a “tablet.” The iPad was already the category and volume leader, and the iPad 2 builds on that. In this respect, Apple actually benefits from the crowd of new tablets hitting the market. If there were only one or two strong competitors, consumers would be able to weigh the pros and cons of each offering, but with dozens and dozens of options hitting the market over the next few months, decision paralysis can set in and many consumers will throw up their hands and make the “safe” choice: the iPad.

2. iTunes: The iPad is still the only tablet on the market with a huge digital marketplace for movies, TV shows, and music. Some competitors are taking steps in this direction (e.g., Samsung’s Hub), but iTunes remains a significant competitive advantage.

3. App Store: If all you want to do is browse the Web and check e-mail, any tablet will probably suffice. However, Apple has an enormous lead in purpose-built apps. The Android ecosystem is strong and app availability should improve significantly over time, but the iPad 2 is considerably more versatile than any of its competitors right now, and it appears unlikely to lose its lead any time in the near future.

So if you are competing with Apple, what should you do? Rather than copying Apple’s products, copy its old advertising tag line and Think Different.

Apple’s brand is focused on creative types (or those who aspire to be), which is why it spends so much effort creating things like GarageBand. Competitors should target IT managers, knowledge workers, outdoorsy people, or some other group and build software and hardware combinations better suited to those use cases. Of course, this will take imagination and the ability to tie hardware, software, and services together to build unique experiences. There are some companies thinking outside the box (HTC and RIM have clearly differentiated products on their roadmaps), but for the vendors who are trying to out-Apple Apple… good luck. Here are some pointers, you’re going to need them:

• Based on Apple’s financials, it is clear that the iPad with WiFi is Apple’s volume product and 3G versions are merely gravy. Why is the competition only targeting the gravy?

• iTunes remains a significant competitive advantage for Apple – I cannot easily explain to novices how to get a movie onto the XOOM. Rivals need an “iTunes” of their own, but having one just achieves parity with Apple, so partnering is an acceptable approach. However, half measures are not enough; digital media stores must include movies (including rentals) and TV shows and music. If multiple partners are used, the tablet vendor still needs to provide a common interface and single account/billing relationship.

• Nintendo has a significant base of game developers targeting the 3DS; if you cannot muster equivalent resources (for gaming, media playback, or some other use), adding 3D to your tablet is just a gimmick.

• Apple’s rivals can compete on 4G, higher-resolution displays, or a lower price. Even speed is a potential differentiator from a technical perspective; NVIDIA has quad-core processors sampling this month, so rivals could build even faster tablets for this holiday season. However, I must still caution vendors that all of these factors are irrelevant if consumers do not want your product.

I read an interesting article this morning that suggested Apple would change its mind and put Adobe’s Flash technology on its iOS devices within a year. I don’t think that’s going to happen.

In an open letter to users, Apple CEO Steve Jobs gave several reasons why he didn’t want Flash on the iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. They are: Flash isn’t open; the full web; reliability, security and performance; battery life; and touch.

Adobe began shipping Flash Player 10.1 for Mobile last June, but even Laptop magazine admitted that “Steve Jobs was right,” and that “Adobe’s offering seems like it’s too little, too late.” Granted, that report was from six months ago, but it still doesn’t bode well for the technology.

There is no doubt that Adobe is making advances with Flash on mobile devices, but I don’t believe future changes will be enough to get Apple to adopt the technology.

Jobs has been very clear that Apple supports HTML5, an open technology that is controlled by a standards committee, not one company. By building support for that technology into Webkit, Apple is ensuring that mobile Web browsers will be able to access what we’ve come to know as the “full web.”

Webkit is used by Google, Palm, Nokia and RIM, so it has a pretty solid base.

One of the arguments often bantered about when the discussion of the “full Web” comes up is video. There is no doubt that Flash made huge strides over the years in having sites like YouTube encode their videos in Flash. But that’s for the desktop.

As Jobs points out, almost all of this video is also available in H.264 format (a format Flash also supports), so it’s viewable on the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

“Add to this video from Vimeo, Netflix, Facebook, ABC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, ESPN, NPR, Time, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Sports Illustrated, People, National Geographic, and many, many others. iPhone, iPod and iPad users aren’t missing much video,” wrote Jobs.

You may ask why other companies adopted Flash for their mobile devices when Apple won’t. That’s easy, they are looking for something they have that Apple doesn’t. Considering how hard it is for tablet makers to compete with Apple, any perceived advantage will work.

I’m not an Adobe hater—I know quite a few people that work at Adobe and I think they’ve done some amazing things over the years. Flash for mobile devices isn’t one of them.

Chris Dawson said he gives “Apple a year until they cave [and adopt Flash]. Android tablets will just be too cool and too useful for both entertainment and enterprise applications if they don’t.”

I have been using my iPhone for years and my iPad for one year. I honestly can’t remember the last time I went to a Web site that wouldn’t load because I didn’t have Flash installed. I can load videos from YouTube and a host of other sites too, no problem.

Apple has sold more than 160 million iOS devices and there are no screaming, angry hordes of users breaking down the doors at 1 Infinite Loop demanding Flash on their devices.

In order for Apple to change its mind and adopt Flash, the technology has to be proven to be indispensable and that it will benefit its users. Apple has proven just the opposite is true.

Editor’s Note: Jim Dalrymple has been writing about Apple for more than 15 years. You can follow him on Twitter @jdalrymple and on his Web site at The Loop.

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The major legislative item on the agenda in the Senate this week will be The Small Business Reauthorization Act (S. 493).  Republicans plan to use this bill as a platform to promote critical pieces of legislation through the process of non-germane amendments to the bill.  Here are some vital amendments that will be debated and voted on throughout the week:

• Senator Mitch McConnell is offering an amendment (S. AMDT 183) to prohibit the EPA from promulgating any regulations on greenhouse gas emissions.  There is perhaps no force that is more destructive to our prosperity, consumer freedom of choice, and job creation than onerous cap and trade schemes.  There are many red state Democrats who are up for reelection in 2012 and will be hard pressed to go on record as supporting policies that are an imprecation to the interests of their states.  Make sure to call Senators Claire McCaskill, Joe Manchin, Ben Nelson, Bill Nelson, and Jon Tester in particular.

• Senator David Vitter is offering an amendment (S.AMDT. 178) forcing the federal government to sell off unused and underused property.  This is a serious issue.  The federal government owns over half of the land in some western states and has been using it to stifle energy development.  Selling unused federal lands would also serve as a prudent means of generating revenue without raising taxes.

• Senator Rand Paul is using the SBA bill as a platform to offer his signature budget bill (S.AMDT 199) which would slash $200 billion in spending for fiscal 2011.  Paul’s plan slashes funding by 50% to the Departments of Energy, Education, and HUD.  This amendment represents real limited government and budget austerity and will separate the men among the boys in the ranks of the Republican Conference.

• Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison is forcing a vote (S. AMDT 197) to delay the implementation of ObamaCare until a final resolution is reached in pending lawsuits.  Unlike other bills that are designed to merely ameliorate ObamaCare, this amendment would completely halt it during the ensuing legal battles.

• Senator Tom Coburn has filed an amendment (S.AMDT.184) to force federal agencies to compile comprehensive lists of all of their programs

Make sure that all of your Republican senators are on record supporting these amendments, especially Rand Paul’s budget proposal.  Also, let’s see which faux moderate Democrats will commit to supporting anyone of these commonsense initiatives.  Needless to say, I didn’t waste time calling my senators; Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin!

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Being Right or Making Money

The U.S. military is getting serious about energy change

Maggie Koerth-Baker at 9:02 AM Tuesday, Mar 8, 2011 

One thing the military is getting right these days: Making the connection between fossil fuel dependence and insecurity. I did a lot of research in the past year on efforts throughout the Department of Defense as a whole, and especially within the Navy and Air Force, to improve energy efficiency on military bases in the United States. For instance, Jacksonville Naval Air Station, in Jacksonville, Florida, has put young officers in charge of changing the culture of energy use from within their own units. They've convinced their fellow soldiers to make small changes, like turning off lights that aren't being used or sharing a single coffeemaker among several people. More importantly, they've got soldiers thinking in broad ways about energy, waste, and future security—What else could be done with the money spent on unnecessary energy use? What happens in a fuel-related crisis if this base can't be more self-sufficient?

These changes in culture and ways of thinking are making a difference. Last summer, officers at Jacksonville Naval Air Station told me that, thanks to several different energy efficiency campaigns and improvements, they've watch activity on the base increase over the last three years while energy use on the base has fallen.

There are some interesting and important changes afoot in the way the military handles energy. And not just at home. David Biello of Scientific American has a really fascinating story about the Department of Defense getting involved with ARPA-e—a Department of Energy program for developing cutting-edge energy technology. Among the collaborations: Energy storage systems for the front lines of war.

That's why the U.S. Defense (DoD) and Energy (DoE) departments are partnering on initiatives to further develop and test energy-storage technologies first developed by ARPA-e. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced two such development and deployment partnerships on March 2 for power electronics modules and batteries capable of storing megawatts of power--both to be funded by a requested $25 million each from DoD and ARPA-e in the fiscal year 2012 budget.

"Twenty-five million dollars is the cost of one H-1 helicopter," Mabus said. "The change that $25 million from DoD and ARPA-e can generate, can multiply that one helicopter hundreds and thousands of times."

Mabus was referring to saving both lives--for every 24 fuel convoys in Afghanistan and Iraq, one soldier or Marine is killed or wounded, according to a U.S. Army study--and money. The DoD fuel bill came to some $14 billion in 2010. "For every dollar the price of a barrel of oil goes up, the Navy spends $31 million more for fuel," Mabus noted. "Our dependence on fossil fuels creates strategic, operational and tactical vulnerabilities for our forces."

The Navy has taken a lead in attempting to change that, setting a goal of deriving half its energy needs from non-fossil fuel sources by 2020 as well as making half of its bases energy self-sufficient.

Scientific American: U.S. Military links energy research to lives and dollars saved

Once again investors came out in full force to buy the fucking dip on Friday after learning that Qaddafi's men opened fire
on protesters in Tripoli in Moammar's shoot first, shoot later
negotiations policy, GDP was revised down to "QE3 is coming," gold rose
to over $1,400 an ounce once again making Flavor Flav's teeth the most expensive commodity in the world, and the US government threatens to shut down while individual states bust unions (and if it is this Union's bust, then Money McBags approves) and teachers across the country get pinkslipped (while others slip pink).  So once again cognitive dissonance reigns like Peter the Great in 18th century Russia or like Ms. San Antonio (only without eating so many tacos).

 

With Saudi Arabia promising to pump out enough oil to support both lost Libyan production and an even better Oil Rumble,
and with consumer sentiment rising in everything but how the consumer
sentiment number is calculated (Money McBags will guess lovingly and
with a fuckload of goal seeking and hard coding), investors ignored
every other bit of common sense, toggled away from Kate Upton's twitter pics, and jumped back in to the market faster than Charlie Sheen jumps back in to a bottle of vodka (or Capri Anderson's rectum).

 

Anyway, Money McBags thought he would try a gimmick for Friday's
wrap-up because all writers need to find new tricks (especially ones
like Money McBags as he writes as if he is trying to put his round peg
through Karissa Shannon's
spare hole).  So in honor of Sunday's Oscars, Money McBags thought he
would equate each news item of the day to a best picture nominee simply
because he needs a challenge.

 

Inception goes to consumer sentiment hitting its highest level in 3 years
because clearly consumers must be dreaming of something other than the
declining buying power of the dollar and the shitawful ponzeconomy™ if
they really feel confident about anything other than their savings being
fucked (and see, that's funny because most of them have no savings). 
The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan/Vivid Video survey on
consumer sentiment came in at 77.5 which was up from 74.2 in January
and the highest since January 2008 which was right when the last guy on
the Street knew that bank balance sheets were more fictitious than a Dr. Boris Sachakov hemorrhoid removal,
so um, look out below.  The number was above the median forecast of
75.3, above the early February reading of 75.1, and above Money McBags'
sentiment of "you have to be kidding me" because the only times Money
McBags has been less confident in the consumer was during the Beanie
Baby phase and when Garth Brooks went platinum.  Consumers reported
"significant" labor market improvements, judged their personal
finances more favorably than at any other time in the past three years,
and insisted that redneck is a religion.

 

True Grit goes to GDP which keeps trying to tough it out despite being more fucked than David Wu's political career. GDP for Q4 was revised down to 2.8% annual growth,
below 3.2% guesses, and well below the 5% needed to lower the 9%
unemployment rate without just clerically adjusting the labor force
participation rate down again (Money McBags' "Fuck Off" strategy), but
hey, just buy the fucking dip.  The slower growth was driven by deeper
spending cuts by state and local governments who continue to suffer
from lower tax revenues and reality.

 

Toy Story 3 goes to the Ben Bernanke who is treating M2 as if it is Monopoly money as the money supply not only grows faster than Cameron Diaz on the awesomeness scale but is more correlated to the rise in the S&P
than tinnitus is correlated to attending a Black Eyed Peas concert. 
But hey, Money McBags guesses we will learn the hard way that Zimbabwe isn't just for lovers (lovers of AIDS that is).

 

The Kids Are Alright goes to the state of Wisconsin whose teachers have missed work to protest cuts to their health care benefits and collective bargaining rights as a union which has caused senate Democrats to flee the state
to avoid voting as it is always best to run from bullies.  Teacher
protests give kids more time to stay at home, fire up the playstation,
and plan the next rainbow party, which is alright with Money McBags.

 

The King's Speech goes to Libyan dictator Moammar Qaddafi who got up in the center of Tripoli on Friday and threatened to make his country a living hell
and kill those who oppose him.  When protesters heard this, they
rejoiced, claiming a living hell would be three steps up from Libya's
current living situation which is so bad it has been compared to having
to french kiss Kathy Griffin's sphincter.

 

Winter's Bone goes to Winter Pierzina
as who wouldn't want to giver her a bone?  And, yes, that has nothing
to do with the economy or the market, but it is very important to
confirm.

 

The Fighter goes to all of the protesters in the Middle
East and Northern Africa who are tired of some asshole despotic ruler
continually oppressing them and are now striving to become that asshole
ruler to be able to oppress the factions they hate.  How these Middle
East protests have not spooked the market more is a question for which
Money McBags is seeking an answer (though he is pretty sure the answer
isn't pussy furry).

 

Black Swan goes to AIG who in a black swan event shit
on the global economy a few short years ago as their derivatives book of
credit default swaps (which had a one in bazillion chance of blowing up
according to the douchenozzles who were writing that shit and whose
bonuses relied on writing it, but nothing to see there) found itself in
the Gaussian curve's fat tail
and blew the fuck up as insuring something without actually putting
aside the money in case that thing you are insuring gets fucked is as
dumb of a business as ZAGG or a Wilford Brimley
tongue kissing booth.  But it gets even better because in an even
bigger black swan event, this fucking company is still in business
somehow (because apparently criminal actions don't get punished in the
US if you have a good lawyer and are on the government's payroll) and on Friday they put up a big Q but sold off
as investors raised concerns over AIG's huge property insurance
business, its aircraft leasing unit, and how the fuck they can actually
trust a company that came within a Verne Troyer
nut hair of blowing up the world.  Money McBags isn't saying AIG is a
shitty company, he's saying they are a fucking shitty company.

 

127 Hours goes to every company that had earnings or
analyst ratings changes on Friday because in 127 hours (or 3 to be more
precise) no one will remember and the stocks will trade on new
speculation (and by new speculation, Money McBags means the Fed's
continued capital injection).  In earnings on Friday, Salesforce.com
apparently sold the fuck out of some forces beating earnings guesses and raising full year guidance as cloud computing remains hotter than Tulip sales in the Netherlands in the 1600s or two lip sales in Eliot Spitzer's hotel rooms in the 2000s.  In other earnings news, ADSK saw profits rise
23% on a 16% increase in revenues and the company is now up 45% for the
year as more people use their autocad software to design the cardboard
boxes in to which they have moved.

 

In other company news, FSLR was down 6%
despite higher profits as the solar panel maker burned investors by
forecasting weaker sales this year and warned it would cut prices to
compensate for the end of solar subsidies in Europe.  That said, a
flurry of analysts raised their price targets on the stock because
lowered sales forecasts didn't effect their hardcoded models.  Finally
WFC climbed after Goldman raised its rating on the stock to "buy" from
"neutral" after the analyst was told he hadn't published anything on
WFC in a while and needed to drum up some trading flow.

 

If you want to read which small cap company Money McBags gave The Social Network to, click over to the award winning When Genius Prevailed where Money McBags has fundamental analysis, more dick jokes, and plenty of Lucy Pinder.  And if you're really bored, Money McBags is known to frequent the twitter from time to time.

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