US Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Executive Summary. Overview This report adds new insights to an ongoing debate about the extent of social isolation in America. A widely-reported 2006 study argued that since 1985 Americans have become more socially isolated, the size of their discussion networks has declined, and the diversity of those people with whom they discuss important matters has decreased. In particular, the study found that Americans have fewer close ties to those from their neighborhoods and from voluntary associations. Sociologists Miller McPherson, Lynn Smith-Lovin and Matthew Brashears suggest that new technologies, such as the internet and mobile phone, may play a role in advancing this trend. Specifically, they argue that the type of social ties supported by these technologies are relatively weak and geographically dispersed, not the strong, often locally-based ties that tend to be a part of peoples’ core discussion network.
A word about our methodology and findings Are Americans more socially isolated? TEDTalks as of 10.26.09. Obama CTO - Help set the priorities for the Obama administration. LII: U.S. Code: Home. Ibrahim Abd El Al. Cyber Jihadis' Lord of the Rings Obsession. Ayman al-Zawahiri, the Witch-King of Egypt In my research on Islamist artwork and visual media, I have surprisingly discovered that some cyber jihadi dorks are just as obsessed with J.R.R. Tolkien's classic series The Lord of the Rings as some non-jihadi dorks. They view themselves, with one exception, not as the forces of the dark lord Sauron and his wizard ally Saruman, but as the Fellowship and its allies in Gondor, Rohan, and the Elven kingdoms.
Well, at least they're not Star Wars dorks... The latest hilarious example of this obsession is found in the completely ridiculous and laughable work of Reality Media Center, a Lahore, Pakistan-based anti-Shi'i takfiri media outlet. Brachman embedded a video from the extended edition of The Two Towers, and the center's takfiris have responded by using horribly funny (in an embarrassing way) voice-overs with a scene taken from the extended edition of The Return of the King. The actual scene is: The Mouth of Sauron____________ Dr. Qimny's Arabian Affairs Blog. Project Vote Smart - American Government, Elections, Candidates. The Obameter: Tracking Barack Obama's Campaign Promises. Promises we’ve rated recently Develop a comprehensive cyber security and response strategy The Promise: "Barack Obama and Joe Biden will ensure that his administration develops a Cyber Security Strategy that ensures that we have the ability to identify our attackers and a plan for how to respond that will be measured but effective.
" Update March 21st, 2014: Progress on a framework, but trust shattered by Snowden revelations >> More Double American exports over the next five years "President Obama set a goal to create 1 million new manufacturing jobs by the end of 2016 and is working to double American exports over the next five years by promoting U.S. goods and removing trade barriers, expanding access to credit, and promoting strong growth. " Update March 6th, 2014: Since he made this promise in 2012, exports aren't on a pace to double >> More Create a new trade enforcement unit that will address China's trade practices The unit has been created, but we're waiting on its results >> More >> More. Map of the Israeli security Fence - Updated Status and Evolution. Viewpoints Map of Israel Security Barrier ("Wall")- Current Status (2006) June 2006 Israel is building a security fence in the West Bank.
The fence was originally supposed to follow the green line 1948 border more or less and protect Israeli towns and villages from incursions by terrorists (click here for original proposed path). After the re-election of Ariel Sharon, the path of the fence changed. The information on this page reflects the latest changes in the route of the Israeli Security Barrier (or Separation Fence or Wall), as of April 2006. Note - Ma'ariv published the supposed "final route" of the security barrier on October 24 2003.
The fence aroused opposition from right-wing Israelis and settlers, because it would "define" the route of the fence as the approximate border, and leave most of the settlements outside. . * It encloses Palestinian territory on the Israeli side, de - facto annexing it to Israel. * It cuts people off from work, medical services and their fields Copyright. The Israel Lobby and the Prospects for Middle East Peace « P U L. Special Tribunal for Lebanon.