Monday, May 24, 2010

Wikipedia and Unprincipled Right

We all know some people on the "right" who we might call "principled." They hold to a value and apply it consistently, regardless of Party politics pressure. Maybe it's you, or a relative, a friend, co-workers or even someone in the corporate media. Ron Paul, a US Congressman, is a classic, if not extreme, example... and there are other less notable examples.

There is Walter B. Jones, a US congress member made famous for coining the phrase "freedom fries" as an insult to the French for not getting on board quickly with the Iraq war. He now regrets saying that.

Joness represents an area of North Carolina that has a sizable military population. His about-face reflects an undercurrent of honest feelings in the military communities. Walter Jones is now a vocal critic of the Iraq war.

The other conservative faction is the "unprincipled" right... they represent a different color in the "conservative" spectrum. We know them too: The Republican water-carriers and self-promoters like Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin, Bill Kristol, and Rush Limbaugh, who admits he carries water for the Republicans:

On the November 8 broadcast of his nationally syndicated radio show, Rush Limbaugh claimed to "feel liberated" by Democratic victories in the House and Senate on November 7 because he is "no longer going to have to carry the water for people who I don't think deserve having their water carried."

But this is all a long-winded way of being able to say that the vocal unprincipled right is misdirecting the conservative base when they tell the base not to use Wikipedia. We all know it can have significant flaws on a particular subject, but the majority of the time, it answers your question or directs you to the answer. Adding "wiki" to your search can be a powerful information tool that gives you an information-access advantage. Conservatives who dismiss Wikipedia might just be giving themselves a handicap.

Oxford Dictionary editors


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Wednesday, May 19, 2010

What do you call it?

"What do you call it,"

asks Miss Petowker

"when lords ... beat policmen, and play at coaches with other people's money, and all that sort of thing?... Ah! aristocratic."

From Charles Dickens's Nicholas Nickleby, originally published as a serial from 1838 to 1839.

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Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Info on pickpocketing in Italy

Here are some links on and about pickpocketing in Italy and anywhere else:

PICKPOCKETING IN ITALY
RELATED
MISCELLANEOUS
* = Blog entry has been updated.

For your specific interest, please search the web for further information using Google .

The above links as of this date are/were current. If anyone has any suggestions for any other additional web sites and/or links for reference, please feel free to post your comment and I'll update this blog entry.

Please note: If you want me to reply to your comment or request any further information by email, please include your email address in a separate comment. I will NOT publish any comments with an email address in it.

NOTE: If you want to leave a comment, please leave it in ENGLISH.

Broken links: Since November, 2005, I have written over 300+ blog entries with 1,000's of corresponding links/URLs for government jobs, covering a varied and wide range of topics. In the event if you come across a broken link or a non-functioning link/URL, please post a comment and report the non-functional link. I wish to thank you in advance for assisting me in the ongoing maintenance and the updating of this successful and informative blog.

Please note: I do NOT represent or endorse any of these links nor do I receive payment for listing them in my blog.

There's a lot of good advice in the links above. No one is immune from being pickpocket, no matter how experienced a traveler you are. You only need to be distracted for a second and then you'll be a victim. Please folks, be careful out on the highways and byways of the world.

That's it for Wednesday, 19 May 2010: mercoledì, 19 maggio 2010

Ciao, Ben

government jobs – #1 source of links About, For or On Italy for those individuals moving, traveling or already living in Italy.

Today’s quote is an Italian proverb, author unknown.

"Le preoccupazioni del domani appartengono al domani."
"The problems of tomorrow belong to tomorrow."

Please read my wife's blog about our life in Italy with photographs:

Friends and Family in Italy


Going to Spain, read my new blog:

Info About, For or On Spain – a source of links About, For or On Spain for those individuals traveling or already living in Spain.

Please note: The time listed below for this posting is Central European Time (CET)/ GMT+1.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Big News: Federal Hiring Process Changing

Heard the news yet? 

Spending your free time writing those pesky KSA's? 

Wondering if the hiring process could just SPEED up a little? 

Click here & here for some exciting updates. 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Using a Humanities Degree to Protect Human Health and the Environment

In the summer of 2007, I was pursuing a degree in anthropology at the University of Washington, and I was also an intern at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Wait. What? The EPA is in Washington D.C., and besides, what could an anthropology major possibly do at that agency? How did that work?

EPA has regional offices in ten cities across the country that employ thousands to do the work of the agency in the states—and there are plenty of opportunities for the humanities.

My internships at EPA have included creating an Injury and Illness Prevention Guide for employees, reviewing and managing grants, and working with local water systems to track progress in drinking water regulations. Nearly three years later, I am in the Student Career Experience Program working in strategic planning. I am able to earn my master’s degree in Policy Studies and work in a field directly related to my academic education.

In my current job, I work with staff in all the national and regional programs to manage and track progress in applying EPA’s mission: Protecting human health and the environment. I see the diversity of EPA work performed right here in Seattle and the agency’s local impact.

I recently toured the Wyckoff Eagle Harbor Superfund Site, a former wood-treating facility and shipyard on Bainbridge Island where over twenty years of extensive cleanup work has significantly reduced harmful contaminants in the soil, water and air. Areas of the beach in formerly contaminated sections are open to the public while daily cleanup occurs at the new groundwater treatment plant.

At Wyckoff, EPA works with local agencies and groups to keep the cleanup going regularly. Scientists measure contaminants, community coordinators field residents’ concerns and project managers direct the cleanup—these are all professionals with skills from a spectrum of backgrounds.

My internships have allowed me to pursue my interests, align work with my education, and build professional networks in the growing field of environmental issues. Whether you are a biologist, a psychologist, an accountant or a public relations coordinator, there is probably somewhere in the EPA for you to apply your skills. For me, it’s been a perfect fit—I use my humanities degree everyday to protect human health and the environment.
 
Andrea Schrock is a program analyst in strategic planning and regulatory development for EPA Region 10. She works in the Seattle EPA office.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Info about finding rental accommodations in Italy

(LAST EDITED/UPDATED: 16 August 2010)

Here are some links about finding rental accommodations in Italy (includes a glossary of terms used in Italian ads for rental housing):

INFORMATION
AGENCIES
  • SHORT AND LONG-TERM
    • Affittasi.com – In Italian Only – "Il Portale degli affitti in Rete"
    • Affitti.it – In Italian Only – "LO SPECIALISTA DEGLI AFFITTI"
    • Affitti Italia – In Italian Only – "annunci di compravendita ed affitti di stanze, appartamenti, monolocali e immobili"
    • AFFITTO – In Italian Only – "se è in affitto è già su ..."
    • casa.it® – In Italian Only – "il portale immobiliare n° 1 in Italia" – "Affitto - Residenziale"
    • eurekasa.it – In Italian Only – "I migliori immobili da privati e agenzie"
    • immobiliare.it – " Find your property on Italy's N.1 real estate website" – In English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish
    • puntoaffitto® – In Italian Only – based in Lucca (LU), Tuscany – "SPECIALISTI IN LOCAZIONI"
    • Rentxpress – "Furnished apartments for rent in Milan Rome Bologna Venice Turin Florence Paris" – In English, French, German, Italian, Spanish
    • Sublet.com – "Apartments & Rooms Direct from Owners"
    • xpat rentals – "The LARGEST selection of Venice apartments and houses in ONE place."
  • SHORT TERM
OTHER RESOURCES
GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN CLASSIFIED ADS FOR ACCOMODATIOND TO RENT OR TO BUY
  • DESCRIPTIONS
    • PROPERTY
      • affitto/affitti = rent/rents
      • affittasi appartamento arredato = rent furnished apartment
      • affittasi appartamento signorile = rent luxury apartment
      • appartamenti = apartment or flat (British)
      • arredata = furnished with some furniture and/or appliances
        • non arredato = unfurnished
      • ascensore = elevator or lift (British)
        • senza ascensore = no elevator or no lift (British)
      • balcone/balconcino/balconi = balcony/balconies
      • bilocale = 1 bedroom (camera) and a living room (soggiorno)
      • casa = house
      • climatizzato/climatizzatore = air-conditioned/air conditioning
      • condominio = condominium
      • disposto su 2 piani = on 2 floors
      • monolocale = studio apartment or flat (British) = no bedroom
      • ottimo stato = excellent condition
      • ottimamente arredato = well furnished
      • quadrilocale = 3 bedrooms (camere) and a living room (soggiorno)
      • recentemente ristrutturato = recently renovated
      • riscaldamento centralizzato = central heating
      • servizio di portineria = concierge service
      • senza spese condominiali = no condo fees
      • stanza = room
      • termoautonomo = central heating/climate control
      • trilocale = 2 bedrooms (camere) and a living room (soggiorno)
      • utenze incluse = utilities included
      • videocitofono = video intercom
    • BATHROOM
      • bagno con doccia = bathroom with shower
      • bagno con vasca = bathroom with bath tub
      • doppi servizi = two bathrooms
      • servizio = bathroom
      • servizio con vasca idromassaggio = bathroom with jacuzzi
    • BEDROOM
      • camera doppia = double room
      • camere matrimoniale = double room
      • camera da letto = bedroom
      • camera singola = single bedroom
      • camera con cabina armadio = bedroom with walk-in closet
    • DINING ROOM
      • pranzo = dining room
      • zona pranzo = dining area
    • KITCHEN
      • cucina/cucinotto = kitchen
      • fornello = stove or cooker (British) and it may be gas or electric
      • forno = oven
      • frigorifero = refrigerator or fridge (British)
      • lavello = sink
      • lavastoviglie = dishwasher
      • lavatrice = washing machine
    • LIVING ROOM
      • lampada = lamp
      • saloni = living room
      • soggiorno = living room
      • soggiorno ampio = spacious living room
      • soggiorno con angolo cottura = living room with kitchen corner
      • stanza di soggiorno = living room
    • OTHER ROOMS/STRUCTURES
      • box auto = garage
      • camera = room
      • cameretta singola = single room that may be used as a small bedroom or study or den or nursery
      • cantina = cellar
      • garage = garage - The garage may be outside or underground
      • ingresso = entrance hall
      • piano mansardato = attic floor space
      • ripostiglio = store room/closet
      • ripostiglio esterno = outside shed/external structure
      • seminterrato = basement
      • stanza = room
      • stanza lavanderia = laundry room
        • lavatrice = washing machine
      • studio = study
      • vano guardaroba = dressing room
    • RELATED
      • ammessi animali = pets allowed
      • caldaia = furnace
      • camino/caminetto = fireplace
      • disponibilità immediata = immediate availability
      • doppi vetri = double glazing
      • giardino = garden and in Italy AKA yard
      • impianto allarme = alarm system
      • ingresso indipendente = independent entrance
      • molto luminoso = very bright
      • pavimenti in cotto = terracotta floors
      • pavimenti in parquet = parquet floors
      • porta blindata = security door
      • posto auto = parking place. The parking space may be covered or open to the elements.
      • riscaldamento autonomo = autonomous heating
      • tapparelle elettriche = electric shutters
      • terrazzo con vista città = terrace with a city view
      • terrazzo con vista mare = terrace with a sea view
      • tutti gli elettrodomestici = all appliances
      • veranda = veranda and in Italy AKA patio or porch
      • vietato fumare = no smoking
      • vista panoramica = panoramic views
      • zanzariere = mosquito nets
  • FURNISHINGS THAT MAY OR MAY NOT BE PROVIDED
    • armadio = wardrobe
      • cabina armadio = wardrobe
    • cassettone = chest of drawers
    • divano - sofa
    • letto = bed
    • poltrona = armchair
    • scaffale = book case
    • sedia = chair
    • tappeto = rug/carpet
    • tavola = table
JARGON USED IN CLASSIFIED ADS FOR HOUSING TO RENT OR TO BUY
NOTES AND THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU RENT
  • HEATING
    • When you see the phrase, "compreso riscaldamento" and it means "includes heating". Please note: Usually, you do NOT have any control of the heating in your apartment unless otherwise stated, for example, when it is turned on for the winter months and/or the duration of the daily heating period.
  • FLOOR LEVELS ARE DIFFERENT IF COMING FROM USA
    • piano seminterrato = basement level = In USA = XX floor = elevator # = "-1"
    • piano terra = ground level = In USA = first floor = elevator # = "0"
    • piano primo = first floor = In USA = second floor = elevator # = "1"
    • piano secondo = second floor = In USA = third floor = elevator # = "2"
    • piano terzo = third floor = In USA = fourth floor = elevator # = "3"
    • and so on ...
  • LACK OF ELEVATORS/LIFTS
    • Depending on where you end up renting in Italy, you will NOT find that many elevators or lifts (British) in apartment buildings that are various stories high. Remember: Everything including your groceries needs to be carried up the flight of stairs and everything including trash, garbage, etc. must be carried back down.
RELATED
MISCELLANEOUS
* = Blog entry has been updated.

For your specific interest, please search the web for further information using Google .

The above links as of this date are/were current. If anyone has any suggestions for any other additional web sites and/or links for reference, please feel free to post your comment and I'll update this blog entry.

Please note: If you want me to reply to your comment or request any further information by email, please include your email address in a separate comment. I will NOT publish any comments with an email address in it.

NOTE: If you want to leave a comment, please leave it in ENGLISH.

Broken links: Since November, 2005, I have written over 300+ blog entries with 1,000's of corresponding links/URLs for government jobs, covering a varied and wide range of topics. In the event if you come across a broken link or a non-functioning link/URL, please post a comment and report the non-functional link. I wish to thank you in advance for assisting me in the ongoing maintenance and the updating of this successful and informative blog.

Please note: I do NOT represent or endorse any of these links nor do I receive payment for listing them in my blog.

That's it for Wednesday, 12 May 2010: mercoledì, 12 maggio 2010

Ciao, Ben

government jobs – #1 source of links About, For or On Italy for those individuals moving, traveling or already living in Italy.

Today’s quote is an Italian proverb, author unknown.

"L'April piovoso, fa il Maggio grazioso."
"A rainy April, makes May grateful."

When you have a free moment or two, please read my wife's interesting and entertaining blog about our life in Italy with photographs:

Friends and Family in Italy


Going to Spain, read my new blog:

Info About, For or On Spain – a source of links About, For or On Spain for those individuals traveling or already living in Spain.

Please note: The time listed below for this posting is Central European Time (CET)/ GMT+1.

(LAST EDITED/UPDATED: 16 August 2010)

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Info about suggested itineraries for the Abruzzo region of Italy

(LAST EDITED/UPDATED: 13 December 2010)

Here are some links about suggested itineraries AKA routes for
the Abruzzo region of Italy:


SUGGESTED ITINERARIES FOR THE REGION OF ABRUZZO
LISTS
RELATED
MISCELLANEOUS
* = Blog entry has been updated.

For your specific interest, please search the web for further information using Google .

The above links as of this date are/were current. If anyone has any suggestions for any other additional web sites and/or links for reference, please feel free to post your comment and I'll update this blog entry.

Please note: If you want me to reply to your comment or request any further information by email, please include your email address in a separate comment. I will NOT publish any comments with an email address in it.

NOTE: If you want to leave a comment, please leave it in ENGLISH.

Broken links: Since November, 2005, I have written over 300+ blog entries with 1,000's of corresponding links/URLs for government jobs, covering a varied and wide range of topics. In the event if you come across a broken link or a non-functioning link/URL, please post a comment and report the non-functional link. I wish to thank you in advance for assisting me in the ongoing maintenance and the updating of this successful and informative blog.

Please note: I do NOT represent or endorse any of these links nor do I receive payment for listing them in my blog.

That's it for Wednesday, 5 May 2010: mercoledì, 5 maggio 2010

Ciao, Ben

government jobs – #1 source of links About, For or On Italy for those individuals moving, traveling or already living in Italy.

Today’s quote is an Italian proverb in dialect from the region of Abruzzo, author unknown.

"Pe' fa cuntend lu' marit la femmen a da ess gne lu vin, chiu' pas lu temb e chiu' devent bon."
"To make her husband happy, a woman must be like wine -- the more time passes, the better she gets."

When you have a free moment or two, please read my wife's interesting and entertaining blog about our life in Italy with photographs:

Friends and Family in Italy


Going to Spain, read my new blog:

Info About, For or On Spain – a source of links About, For or On Spain for those individuals traveling or already living in Spain.

Please note: The time listed below for this posting is Central European Time (CET)/ GMT+1.

(LAST EDITED/UPDATED: 2 September 2010)

© Benjamin H. Licodo, 2005 - 2010, All Rights Reserved.