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Categories: News, Places Affordability continues to be a major factor students and families consider when selecting a college to attend as the cost of higher education climbs higher each year. In a newly-published article, The University Network cited eight schools in the U.S. that offer full-tuition scholarships to all admitted students. Given Berea’s long tradition of covering tuition for students, the College made The University Network’s list. See the full article at: https://www.tun.com/blog/8-tuition-free-colleges/ Tags: College Affordability, Economy, The University Network, Tuition-free Berea College, the first interracial and coeducational college in the South, focuses on learning, labor and service. The College only admits academically promising students with limited financial resources—primarily from Kentucky and Appalachia—but welcomes students from 40 states and 70 countries. Every Berea student receives a Tuition Promise Scholarship, which means no Berea student pays for tuition. Berea is one of nine federally recognized Work Colleges, so students work 10 hours or more weekly to earn money for books, housing and meals. The College’s motto, “God has made of one blood all peoples of the earth,” speaks to its inclusive Christian character.
Bible commentaries series come in all shapes and sizes. Series often have specific purposes for specific audiences. Some are written for pastors, others for professors, and still others for lay persons. And some attempt to apply to all of the above. Some series reflect Arminian theology, others reflect Calvinistic or Reformed theology. Still other series reflect denomination emphases, such as Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, and Pentecostal, and many more. In some series, authors comment on the original languages of the bible, while in others they explain the English text. Some devote a lot of space to history, others to theology, and still others to application. Only by learning more about each commentary series can a person determine which will be best for their purposes. Also see the Bible Commentary Comparison Chart, which compares and contrasts 75 different commentary series. It is unlike the index below in that it provides an overview of the English bible translation each commentary series uses, the theological approach taken by authors, the cost of an average volume, as well as other points of interest that will help readers understand the differences between commentary series. The index below will lead the reader to pages that provide in-depth information on each commentary series, including a description of the purpose, the target audience, and an index of volumes.
wird verwaltet von P. Okabe (Hier fehlt bisher der Beschreibungstext.) Impact Ministries, currently works with 710 children who are orphaned by HIV/AIDS and other causes of poverty and homelessness. 325 children are residing in our child care center, while the rest either go back to guardians or just in the streets. We offer meals, school uniforms, stationery, and medical care to all the children. We have established a primary school with 7 classes, and 13 teachers. We have two matrons and a nurse to look after the children. We are inviting you to participate in our fundraising event at betterplace.org . We are embarking on raising 3,500 Euros to help with the chicken, pigs and fish farm. The impact Child Care orphanage will be able to generate income locally as well as provide food and nutrition to the children.
Benton, Samuel Austin Benton, Samuel Austin a Congregational minister, was born at Waterford, Vt., May 3, 1807. He worked upon a farm until twenty-one years of age, but afterwards pursued academical studies and entered Amherst College, and subsequently Middlebury, where he graduated in 1836. After teaching two years in the academy at Randolph, Vt., he supplied the Church in Stafford ten months, and was ordained at Saxton's River, Vt., in 1840. From 1842 to 1855 he labored in Michigan, under the Home Missionary Society, and the eight years following was pastor at Anamosa, Ia. He then received a commission as chaplain of the 31st Iowa regiment, and remained in that service till the close of the war. He died in Barnet, Vt., Nov. 19, 1864. Mr. Benton was "a ready and powerful speaker, and his labors among the Western churches were greatly blessed." See Cong. Quarterly, 1866, p. 208.
Changing the chain on your bike is part of the regular maintenance, but knowing the right chain length is essential for the success of this operation. You can either determine the value manually or use Chain Length Calculator, an app designed specifically for this purpose. But how hard is it to calculate the chain length? Do you really need an app for it? Let’s have a look at the various methods in detail. How To Calculate The Chain Length Manually Calculating the chain length manually is not too complicated. But before describing the sizing process, perhaps we should have a word about the types of chains. Single-speed bicycles usually use a master link chain. Multi-speed bikes can be equipped either with master link or special connecting rivet chains. Master link chains use two removable plates that connect the ends of the chain together whereas rivet chains use a rivet that connects the ends of the chain and require a special tool to mount or dismantle them. To calculate the chain length manually, you can either size the new chain to the original chain or use the largest cog and the largest chain ring method. The first method is the simplest. Just remove the old chain and lay it on a flat surface. Stretch the new chain along the old one to determine the exact length. While this method is simple and accurate, there are situations when the old chain has an improper length. If you’re building a new bike, you may not even have an old chain at all. In this case, you can use the largest cog and the largest chain ring method. This process is also fairly easy. Place the chain over the largest sprocket and over the larger chain ring, then bring the ends together. At this stage, don’t route the chain through the derailleur. Count for more chain links to the length achieved and detach all other links. This method works well on all multi-speed bikes, including recumbent road bikes, mountain bikes or commuter’s vehicles. While both methods above are simple, if you don’t feel like measuring manually, you can use Chain Length Calculator. Here’s everything you need to know about it. Chain Length Calculator App Chain Length Calculator is a simple app for mobile devices that works out the recommended length of the chain based on information provided by the user. The app expresses the chain length in number of links, making it easier to determine the right length if you don’t have a ruler or meter at hand. The app allows users to input the chainstay length either in the metric or in the imperial system; this is useful for bikes manufactured in Europe, where the metric system is more popular. Other data required is the number of teeth on the biggest front gear and the number of teeth on the biggest rear gear. Once all data is input, the app will return the suggested chain length in number of links. Chain Length Calculator – Pros The main advantage of this app is its simplicity. All required data is easy to find either on the bike’s manual, on the manufacturer’s website or by counting the number of teeth on the gears. That beats the similar chain length calculators available either online or as apps. Another great advantage is the size of the app. It occupies almost no space on the device and requires little resources. By introducing accurate data, you’ll also get the ideal chain length for your bike. No misinterpretation and estimations. This is very helpful for those who are not confident enough on measuring the chain manually, making life easier. Chain Length Calculator – Cons I would have loved to say this app has no cons. And it doesn’t. As long as you own an Android device. Sadly, this tool is not available for iPhone users, although there are similar apps for iOS devices. Chain Length Calculator is a simple, easy to use, and awesome app to consider. It helps you determine the chain length without fuss, for a quick and simple chain substitution. What Is A Bike Chain? If you’re new to cycling and just getting accustomed with the terms, a bike chain is the central element for propulsion. It consists of individual inner and outer plates held together by studs or bolds. There are various types of chains and what matters when choosing is the type of derailleur. Multi-speed bikes come with 9, 10, or 11-speed derailleurs; the number indicates how many gears the derailleur can switch and it’s important because chains for 9-speed derailleurs may not fit on a 11-speed derailleur and vice versa. In fact, the chain may be wider or narrower depending on the type of the component. Another thing to consider when choosing the chain is the type of bike. Mountain bike and road bike chains may differ in weight and stability. Some chains are even developed specifically for an improved switching performance on a determined type of bike. Chainstay, Sprocket, Chain Ring – Why Do They Matter? Either manually or with the help of an app, calculating the chain length requires data about these components. But why? To start with the chainstay, this element of a bike has various lengths and it makes sense that a longer chainstay needs a longer chain. The length of the chainstay can be found either in the bike’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website. Alternatively, just measure it. The sprocket and chain ring also matter, but you’ll only have to count the number of teeth on the biggest front and rear components. Their size matters because this is the configuration in which the chain will be pulled the tightest. Once you’ve got these measures, it’s easy to determine the right size of the chain, either in inches or in number of links. Why Do You Have To Change The Chain? If maintained and lubricated correctly, the chain can last for a long time. However, a worn chain can damage the sprocket and chain ring by slowing down gear shifting. Since it’s less expensive to change just the chain, it makes sense to substitute it frequently. When changing the chain, it is essential to determine the right size. A too loose chain will hang on the gears, having a negative impact on gear switching. A too short chain can damage the derailleur but also the largest gears, due to too much tension. That’s why it is important to determine the correct chain length before mounting the new component. When in doubt, just install Chain Length Calculator or a similar app to help you with your measurements.
Every web visit is a conversation and attribution is the transcript. This transcript allows CMOs and marketers to make decisions based on the whole picture/conversation. Gone are the days where anonymous users visit your website without saying hello and leave without saying goodbye. Technology today means that everything is trackable. 1. It's Achievable With attribution, it’s possible for the marketing team to have accurate and detailed information just like the sales team. Having that information helps marketers understand which channels to optimize to grow the company. And, as a marketer, why wouldn’t you be doing absolutely everything possible to grow the business? Attribution accurately shows who came to your website, if they’ve visited before, where they came from, and what they looked at while on the site. In the past, a marketers job was only to focus on lead generation. If a ton of people visit your website, a ton of people will likely buy your product. However. this thinking is incorrect. Or rather, not complete. It doesn’t matter if a ton of people visit your website if they aren’t qualified leads with high potential to turn into customers and grow the business. The marketing and sales teams should both be focused on revenue, and generating leads that don't convert does nothing for the bottom line. 2. It's Transparent Transparency with attribution means that marketers can see the whole funnel. This is extremely important because, according to a survey done by CEB, buyers are at a minimum 57 percent of the way through the buying process before they engage a sales rep. Some even reported being 70 percent complete with their decision-making process before contact with a supplier. What information did they intake to make their decision? Where did it come from and what helped them narrow down their choices? It’s too risky to let a potential customer wander the internet and make up its mind about your company, without having an influence over that decision. To do this, it’s necessary for marketing to reach potential customers as early as possible in their product research. You can control the content that the potential buyer sees by making sure it shows up first in keyword search results. You can place ads in the right places so they are seen and clicked. A CMO knows these choices are influencing buyer decisions because the data from attribution is proof. 3. It's Accountable Attribution allows the marketing team to report on the numbers that matter. It gives a CMO insight into the business-relevant metrics like revenue instead of just focusing on lead generation. Rather than guessing on which marketing efforts are doing well, with attribution, decisions can be made based on actual numbers. Data will tell you how many people read the most-recent blog post, or clicked the link posted on Facebook. It also shows how long a lead spent on your website and what pages they visited in the process. Attribution holds each team accountable and shows the CMO the channels that should be optimized. If the content team is killing it, maybe more money should be spent in that department by ramping up production or hiring another writer. Or, if an ad is placed on a partner site and it’s driving qualified leads, as a CMO you know to to renew your ad contract. On the other hand, if you’re spending marketing dollars in an area that isn’t providing enough qualified leads, you know that funding can be redistributed to other areas to better maximize ROI. 4. It's Productive When a business is first developing, the customer base is small so it’s easy to guess where leads came from-- the one advertisement that ran during the month or the blog article posted on LinkedIn. But, as additional marketing tactics are implemented and the business grows, it continually becomes more difficult to track which marketing campaigns brought in which leads. Also, once the business has an established name, the sheer volume of leads makes it almost impossible to manually track where each originated. This is where automated attribution comes in. Attribution will track all of this data for you and input it nicely into your CRM, saving the marketing team time and money. A CMO can easily see which campaign brought in the most qualified leads and the journey each person took through the funnel. 5. It Enables Growth As Lisa Shephard states, the sales process is like a Pinball machine. With so many touch points the process is becoming more complicated and harder to understand. But with attribution, a marketer can see into the funnel at which channels the visitor hit along their journey and which campaigns pushed them through to the next stage. This visibility is invaluable. Recognizing trends within the market is a great way to drive qualified leads. Maybe you get more people searching for your product in December around the holidays, or in August during the back to school shuffle, or in January when the fiscal year starts fresh. Whatever it is, attribution will make the trend clear and you’re able to optimize it for seasonality. It will also show you what time of the day, or day of the week, is best to post content on your blog and social media channels. If a CMO knows which keyword, advertisement, or blog post is bringing in high volumes of website traffic, they are able to effectively optimize that channel. Receiving more qualified leads to your site creates more opportunities, which translates into more customers, and more revenue for the company. Informed decisions are the best decisions and attribution provides the wealth of knowledge necessary to grow a business.
In The News Included are direct payments to many Americans, an unprecedented expansion in unemployment benefits and $350 billion in small business loans. But while people need help immediately, it will still take time to get everything moving. Here's what you need to know: Direct stimulus payments How much do I get? Individuals would be due up to $1,200 and couples would receive up to $2,400 -- plus $500 per child. But the payments would start phasing out for individuals with adjusted gross incomes of more than $75,000. The amount would then be reduced by $5 for every additional $100 of adjusted gross income, and those making more than $99,000 would not receive anything. The income thresholds would be doubled for couples. Income would generally be based on one's 2019 or 2018 tax returns. Those who made too much to qualify in those years, but see their income fall in 2020 would receive a tax credit when they file their return next year, according to the Senate Finance Committee. And those who make more this year than last would not have to pay back any stimulus money they receive if they end up exceeding the thresholds. The payments would not be subject to tax, and those who owe back taxes would still get a check. When do I receive the money? We don't know how long it would take the IRS to send out all the money, but it would likely take weeks before the first payments start going out. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Wednesday that the IRS would begin issuing payments within three weeks of the legislation being signed into law. The bill simply calls for payments to be made "as rapidly as possible." But experts say it could take longer. In 2001, it took six weeks for the IRS to start sending out rebate checks under a new tax cut, and in 2008, it took three months after a stimulus package was signed into law. How do I get my money? The money would likely be deposited directly into individuals' bank accounts -- as long as they've already authorized the IRS to send their tax refund that way over the past two years. If not, the IRS would send out checks in the mail. For those that haven't filed a 2019 or 2018 tax return, the IRS would rely on information on file at the Social Security Administration, which keeps records on all Americans who have paid payroll taxes. It's still possible that some people may fall through the cracks. On its website, the IRS says no sign-up would be needed to receive the money, but it's possible the agency ends up offering further guidance. The Rev. Joseph Lowery, a leader in America's civil rights movement, died Friday. He was 98.
Editor's Note: This post was originally published on The Future of Publishing. Netflix released its latest quarter earnings report today. In a Letter to Shareholders (PDF), Netflix CEO Reed Hastings described the competitive landscape the company faces. In doing so he framed the challenge faced today by all publishers, certainly all book, newspaper and magazine publishers. I’ll quote directly: If you think about your last 30 days, and analyze the evenings you did not watch Netflix, you can understand how broad our competition really is. Whether you played video games, surfed the web, watched a DVD, TVOD, or linear TV, wandered through YouTube, read a book, streamed Hulu or Amazon, or pirated content (hopefully not), you can see the market for relaxation time and disposable income is huge, and we are but a little boat in a vast sea. Of course Netflix is playing in a different arena than print-first publishers. It’s continuing growth is all-but-assured by two trends. Total hours of video viewing continue to increase (up 16% since 2011). And an ever-increasing portion of that viewing is streaming video. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics American Time Use Survey offers the classic chart that puts reading in perperspective against other leisure-time activities. Watching TV commands nearly 9 times the attention of teens and adults as does reading (and that’s reading of all kinds, not just books, not just newspapers, not just magazines). Endless surveys hammer home the sad news that print readership continues to decline both for newspapers and magazines (and online isn’t making up the difference). What’s been happening to books? Different surveys have used different terminologies and methodologies and the results can be contradictory. But the picture is far from grim. The best source of data is the Pew Research Center 2012 report The Rise of E-reading. Part 2 drills down on the general reading habits of Americans. On the one hand the percentage of adults, overall, who say they haven’t read a book in the last year has climbed noticeably since 1978. On the other hand, the youngest demographic surveyed, ages 16-17, were the most likely to have read a book in the past 12 months. (Interestingly, while seniors are the least likely to have read a book in the last year, they turn out to be the heaviest readers overall.) According to Nielsen, the juvenile books are the driving force in the overall U.S. print book industry. (Although the data might not be revealing about young readers. The same report includes an estimate that 80% of young adult books are bought by adults for themselves!) What to conclude? The news for authors and publishers is very good overall. Book sales are holding their own and the books are reaching a new generation of readers. But as Netflix’s Reed Hastings notes “we are but a little boat in a vast sea.” Thad McIlroy is an electronic publishing consultant, analyst and author, and principal of The Future of Publishing. Since 1988, Thad McIlroy has provided consulting services to publishing and media companies, printers, prepress shops, design and advertising agencies, as well as vendors serving the publishing industry.
The project fitted neatly into the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control) approach, with Bourton’s involvement from Define until part way through Improve. The first step, in Define, was to put some boundaries around what the aims of the project were, and a Quad of Aims was used for this. With no procurement function in the business to state what the issues were, a workshop was held with people from different areas, and a combination of items they identified as issues with procurement went into the definition of what should be solved. In the Measure phase, three main sources of data were gathered: - Process maps were created for the key areas of approval and invoice processing so that the process steps were fully documented - Process observations and interviews were carried out, both to validate and time the steps in the process maps, and to understand the non-standard purchasing methods in each business area - Data on defects (specifically incoming invoices which had to be returned to suppliers) was gathered by the Purchase Ledger Team. In the Analyse phase, data gathered during Measure was applied to a full set of the previous financial year’s purchase ledger, over 430,000 lines of data. This volume information built up a picture of what could be gained by reducing defects and other forms of waste observed in the process. Separately, the Purchase Ledger was also interrogated with regard to the potential to reduce spend, and improvement suggestions were validated with other similar organisations who had a more advanced approach to purchasing. Multiple actions were identified which would enable our client to improve efficiency and significantly reduce costs, but broadly they all supported two overall improvement recommendations. Firstly, they needed to start raising orders in advance to cover all purchases, and secondly, they had to invest in procurement capacity; hire somebody who had a background in reducing procurement spend through consolidation of goods and suppliers who could take a more strategic approach to procurement focussed on the business’ overall needs. Neither of these changes are a radical departure from what might be expected of the procurement process in a company the size of one the UK’s largest professional landlords. However, in a business where back office functions had not previously been an area of focus they represented a new way of thinking. While budgets were managed in some areas of the business, the overall cost of the Purchase Ledger had never been significantly challenged.
Civil Partnerships were introduced by the Civil Partnership Act 2004, allowing same sex couples over the age of 18 years the right to have their relationships legally recognised. Those in a Civil Partnership benefit from the same legal rights as married couples in terms of inheritance and tax benefits on death. Effect for Opposite Sex Couples After years of campaigning, the government accepted that inequality existed in the treatment of same sex and heterosexual couples and as a result the Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Death (Registration etc) Act 2019 came into force on the 31st December 2019 to allow opposite sex couples to enter into a Civil Partnership. What about my Will? When you enter into a Civil Partnership (or marriage) in England or Wales any Will that you already have in place in England or Wales will automatically become void. The only way to prevent this is to make your Will “in contemplation” of your Civil Partnership (or marriage), naming the person you intend to enter into a Civil Partnership (or marriage) with. If your existing Will was made before you had planned to enter into your Civil Partnership (or marriage) and as such it was not made “in contemplation” of your civil partnership (or marriage), then you will need to make a new Will. What is the benefit? Inheritance tax is where Civil Partnerships can have a significant impact and accordingly couples should consider entering into a Civil Partnership in order to gain the potentially significant Inheritance tax benefits. If you would like to discuss making a Will or the tax benefits of a Civil Partnership please contact our solicitors Vicky Bligh on 01752 388910 or Hayley Stevenson on 01752 968461 in our private client team who would be happy to discuss matters with you.
Earthwool is a high performance insulation product with combined energy saving, sound absorbing and fire resistance features. Earthwool insulation doesn’t look or feel like any insulation you have ever experienced. • Softer – virtually itch free • odourless – no added formaldehyde • naturally brown – no artificial colours added The natural brown colour is a result of ECOSE® Technology and represents a level of sustainability, health and safety for glasswool never before achieved: • Manufactured using recycled glass bottles and bonded using a biobased technology with no added formaldehyde, phenols, acrylics, artificial colours, bleaches or dyes • Earthwool with ECOSE Technology is certified by Eurofins Gold as an ‘outstanding material’ according to the VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) Indoor Air Quality emissions regulations • Reduces impact on environment through lower embodied energy • Reduces pollutant manufacturing emissions and workplace exposures • Improves the overall sustainability of buildings where Earthwool® is incorporated. Britestar stocks one of Sydney’s most comprehensive of Earthwool Insulation products including: NRG Greenboard is an insulated wall panel used as an exterior rendered cladding. It combines EPS insulation with a tough render finish. It’s a light weight, cost effective, energy efficient cladding that allows builders to meet the insulation requirements in the Building Code of Australia. NRG Greenboard is sold in sheet form and Britestar stocks all the accessory products required for a quality installation. Weatherwrap is Britestar's own unique range of low cost Heavy Duty Wall Sarking. Manufactured by Thor Building Products exclusively for Britestar Insulation and Cladding and its customers.Available in both Breather and Non Breather forms. Trade Select Sarking is a 97% reflective foil multipurpose building membrane. Trade Select Sarking is an excellent barrier to radiant heat, enhancing the energy performance and thermal comfort of a building, and protects against water and air infiltration. Britestar carries one of the largest range of sizes of Trade Select Extra Heavy Duty wall and roof sarking suitable for both the residential and commercial sectors. Sizes range from 1350mm x 20m rolls to 1500mm x 60m rolls in both Breather and Non Breather forms.
Acts and Ordinances of the Interregnum, 1642-1660. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1911. This free content was digitised by double rekeying. All rights reserved. [23 December, 1643.] Power to Com. of Militia of London send out Forces under Maj. Gen. Browne. It is this day Ordered by the Lords and Commons in Parliament Assembled, That the Committee of the Militia of the City of London shall have power, and is hereby authorized to Command the White and Yellow Regiments of the Trained Bands of the said City, and such other Regiments of Trained Bands and Auxiliaries of Foot, and as many Troops of Horse, or other Forces, under their commands within the Cities of London and Westminster Lines of Communication, and Parishes mentioned in the weekly Bils of Mortality, as to them shall seeme convenient; to March under the conduct of Richard Browne Esquire, Major Generall of this Brigade, who is hereby authorized by the said Lords and Commons, to lead and conduct them for the defence of the Cities of London and Westminster, and parts adjacent, into the Counties of Middlesex and Surrey and elsewhere, as he shall be directed by the Committee of the Militia, or Sir William Waller, with the consent of the said Committee. To cause said Forces to march under their Colours.; To punish by fine or imprisonment all Officers, Soldiers, etc., that shall disobey their commands. And it is further Ordained, That the said Committee of the Militia shall have power, and is hereby authorized, to cause all or any of the said Forces to March with their colours to any places whatsoever, and not to depart from the same without licence of their Captaines, for the defence of the said City, and the publike safety; And to impose reasonable Fines, or to imprison all Collonels, Leivtenant-Collonels, Seargent Majors, Captaines, and other Officers and Souldiers whatsoever, under their Command, whether Masters or Servants, as shall disobey their commands and directions from time to time, as they shall thinke fit, or otherwise to proceed against them according to the course of Warre. To recall such Forces at will.; These Forces to be paid by Parliament.; Indemnity. And it is further Ordained by the said Lords and Commons, that the said Committee of the Militia shall have power, and is hereby authorized, to call backe all such Forces as they shall appoint to march forth by vertue of this Ordinance when they shall thinke fit. And it is further Ordained that such Forces as shall be sent forth by the said Committee for this Expedition shall be paid by the Parliament for the time they shall continue abroad, according to the establishment of the Kingdome: and the said Committee and all other persons acting in the premisses according to the intent of the said Ordinance, shall for so doing, be saved harmlesse by authority of Parliament.
I am a huge fan of Lovecraft’s writing — and horror in general — so imagine my delight in seeing Revan New‘s latest spooky LEGO creation. This crumbling manor hides eldritch secrets that would render the casual viewer mad as a hatter! The building is architecturally beautiful with its front columned entrance and central tower. I really like the builder’s use of sideways building to bridge the area between the main building and the upper tower piece. The multiple roof treatments are quite nice too. The two smaller side roofs have a pleasing shape and the central domed roof is just beautiful. The landscaping serves the scene well by sticking with muted earth tones to continue the theme. The whole scene reminds one of an abandoned mausoleum, which is not a bad comparison when you’re trying to evoke a scary atmosphere. Of course, no tribute to Lovecraft would be complete without an eldritch, tentacled creature. Read on to see what horrifying secrets await inside My first thought upon seeing this LEGO build by Revan New was that it looked inspired by something from Alice in Wonderland, with a teapot on someone’s head like they had just finished a cup with the March Hare and Mad Hatter. But then I read the description the builder gave, and it turns out to be inspired by a different story, Over the Garden Wall. Of course, I have never heard of that show, uncultured swine that I am, but I did just read the Wikipedia entry on it, and it does sound a bit like the Alice stories. It involves a trip through a magical forest that may or may not be part of a delusional state, so on face value my first thought was close enough. The bluebird, named Beatrice, is lovingly depicted in bricks, with especial attention paid to the shaping of the feathers on the wings. Mixel eyes give great expressions to the characters, though in the tall one (Wirt) the pupils look too small and in the short, teapot-wearing one (Greg) they look too large. I suspect that has something to do with the characters rather than the builder, however. The forest is great, with excellent shaping on the trees, nicely dense undergrowth, and large fungi. All it is missing is a frog. When Bob Kane and Bill Finger created Batman 80 years ago, they established rules for what he can be. While still following those same basic guidelines, other artists and writers can reimagine Batman with a myriad of possibilities. There has been a Samurai Batman, Robo-Batman, Viking Batman, even an adorable Fairy Batman thanks to The LEGO Movie 2. In the hands of Revan New, we have a fully posable Plague Doctor Batman. Fantastic details abound from the bat-winged trench coat to the brass buckles to the bit of medieval medical equipment in his hand. The pièce de résistance, however, is his brimmed hat and the arcane bird-like mask worn by actual plague doctors in the 1600s. Revan uses a Harry Potter sorting hat to replicate the bird beak shape, a feature best viewed in this portrait. Inspired by the latest installment of the episodic video game Life is Strange 2, Revan New has built a scene featuring brothers Sean and Daniel (who is learning to control powerful telekinetic abilities) facing off against local law enforcement on a snow-covered rural area. I love the nicely constructed landscaping, including the thick snow covering the roof of the building. It’s also worth pointing out how the structure’s siding consists of plates and grooved tiles mounted sideways. What’s not to love in this epic battle scene by Revan New? From the clone and droid figures, the archway above, or to the sunset lighting, this creation is full of action. My favorite bit is the Jedi figure flying over the gap as he readies to cut down Separatist droids. Using the grey hose part for the jumping special effect truly helped capture the intensity of the moment. Presentation can make all the difference in evaluating a LEGO model. Sometimes the photography is just as impressive as the build itself. Revan New brings us a moody post-apocalyptic scene full of mystery and unique parts usage. The picture is more than just a study on lighting, using a fog machine, or image composition. Instead, it is more about combining multiple camera tricks in order to provide visual context for compelling storytelling. The build uses minifig lantern pieces to form much of the mecha’s structure. It was created as a study in parts for the LEGO blog, New Elementary, but the unique parts usage does not end with lanterns. For example, there is the wheel cover piece used as the ship’s engine and all the fun bits piled atop the roof. However, my favorite aspect of the scene would have to be the realistic rocks. Most of the surfaces are well-textured with angles between larger pieces achieving much of the sculpting. , of course done very carefully and not at all random. There are several other photos of this build on Revan New’s Flickr photostream and his article on New Elementary. With the article, you can see how some parts were done but, for me, this single photo makes the greatest impact.
Updated: Jan 30, 2018 By: Sarah Brown Family. What an odd concept. People assigned to others to keep in contact with one another and to always love each other because of shared DNA. Why is it that America has deemed family as only those of similar blood? Of course, there are people who are extremely close with a family, but when it comes down to it, most aren’t invited to Christmas dinner. Why do we live in such exclusivity? Why don’t we include all instead of few? These are the questions I began to ask myself while in Fiji. Fijian family is vastly different from American ones. Not only does Fiji consider family as those of blood, but they include everyone who walks past their door as family too. In Fijian culture, when a family is inside their house having tea or a meal and they see another person walking by, they will ask that person to come in and have tea or that meal with them. They are so quick to include others. They are so quick to care for those who don’t biologically belong to them. While being on the island for only a few days, I was referred to as a sister by one of the Fijians – Bale. He had claimed me as his. I had been initiated into this Fijian family without even knowing it. From then on, the inclusivity multiplied. We were all considered family to the Fijians, especially to Team Fiji. Misi constantly called me sister, and Wati would always answer me, “Yes, my daughter?” Team Fiji was so quick to extend their hand in bringing together both teams. They wanted us to feel welcome in their home. They wanted us to feel like family. While staying in Ligulevu, my host family immediately accepted me into their home and family. My Fijian mother Paula introduced me to each family member as my sister or nephew or father and then their name. They proved the importance that, above all, I was family – I was accepted. This inclusivity and love that they showed me was beyond anything I’d ever experienced. They genuinely accepted me as their own. When we left Ligulevu, there were many tears; not simply because we were sad to leave our new friends, but because we were heartbroken to leave our new family members. They continually told us that we were welcome back anytime and always had a home in Fiji. Leaving Vorovoro altogether was immensely heartbreaking as well. We had grown so close to the Fijians. I love them dearly, and my heart shattered to see them leave. These people had become closer to my heart than my own family. They loved harder, the cared deeper, and they accepted me. They showed me that family is a choice. A choice to open your heart to another and let them in completely or to stay closed off. I experienced this decision while I was there. Would I close myself off and keep the Fijians at a distance because I know I’ll leave soon and it’ll hurt, or do I open my heart to them and accept them as they have accepted me? Praise the Lord I opened my heart. Through this decision to open my heart, I was able to befriend the most special man I have ever met in my life. At the beginning of the trip, I had no idea who Bogi was. He is extremely quiet and stays out of the way, so he stayed under my radar for a while. Eventually, I heard him say something hilarious, and I knew we had to be best friends – and that’s exactly what happened. Our friendship continually grew while I was in Fiji. We got to know each other; we laughed together; we loved each other dearly. After leaving Fiji, I missed Bogi fiercely. I longed to speak to him again. One day I got a call from a Fijian number. I answered it and heard a familiar voice on the other end say my name as only one knows how to say it. It was Bogi. He went through the trouble of finding my number and calling internationally which can’t be cheap. He did all that to talk to me. We hung up and then proceeded to talk through Facebook video chat for hours. We caught up on life and enjoyed finally speaking to each other again. I’ve continued to keep up with Bogi since being back in the U.S. Honestly, Bogi and I have talked more than my own dad and me. Bogi has continued to show me love that I’ve rarely experienced. He makes me a priority. He continually chooses me to be in his family – even when I’m halfway across the world. All of Fiji and, more specifically, Bogi has shown me what true family looks like. They showed me that family is not simply through blood. It’s not through obligation. Family is a choice, and they chose me.
Even in the best of situations, today's generation of older adults are faced with challenges. They find themselves in a variety of roles. Volunteer, employee, caregiver to parents and grandchildren. In spite of profoundly rich lives, a wealth of life experience, and caring natures, older adults and their caregivers have special needs that cannot be ignored. Because of these special needs, they reach out for help. About Information & Assistance Information and Assistance is a service that helps older adults and their families access services and information designed to meet their needs. One of the roles of the Aging and Caregiver Resource Center is to keep accurate and up-to-date information on a wide variety of services in Buffalo County as well as surrounding counties. The Buffalo County Aging and Caregiver Resource Center has information on many services and is able to help you locate those you are in need of. We can make that link between an organization and the person in need. If you don't know where to turn for that unanswered question call Paul HOch at 608-685-6324 or email him.
Animal welfare in natural disasters Severe weather patterns, including floods, cyclones and bushfires, can have serious impacts on Queensland homes and properties. After human safety, the welfare of your animals should be your most important consideration in the event of a natural disaster. All owners and carers have a duty of care to provide appropriate food, water, shelter and treatment for their animals. There are many actions that you can take before a natural disaster to help ensure the welfare of your animals. There are also simple steps to follow when addressing the needs of animals during, and after, a natural disaster. It's also important to note that the rules of the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) are sufficiently flexible during times of natural disasters so that cattle owners and producers have a number of options for dealing with displaced cattle. This guide will help you protect the safety and welfare of your animals before, during and after a natural disaster in Queensland.
Create a Garden Oasis With a She Shed One of your favorite parts of your home may very well be the garden. It is a location in your home that you have made your own. Plus, you have to put much effort into maintaining it. This space makes you feel accomplished and it's an area you should always enjoy. A way to do this is to create a “she shed.” A she shed is a garden oasis where you can read, do yoga, and relax while being surrounded by the beautiful sights and smells of your plants. C-Bite wants you to know that you can have all your dreams come true when it comes to your garden paradise. Make sure you use our plant supports so that you can have them surrounding your she shed! Let's check out great ideas to utilize your she shed! Creating a reading nook out in nature will take your story time to the next level. You can take your most comfy chair, your favorite reading materials and set them in a small shed-like structure. Decorate it with some feminine touches, and add a battery powered lamp so you can even use your she shed under the stars. Having your favorite things, such as your plants and your books around you will make for a wonderful place. If you like to stay active and centered, creating a personal yoga studio within your garden would be a way to keep the balance in your life. You can make this space very minimal if that is more your aesthetic. Add in your most comfy yoga mat and a motivating picture to hand within the shed itself. Make sure you have your plant supports so you can surround your vine plants all around your home made yoga studio. If you tend to work a lot from home, this is a great way to be happy and working at the same time. Creating an office outdoors will invigorate you and will get you to work in and out of the garden. Make sure you put a sturdy desk and a comfortable chair in your she shed. Bring your plants inside your office by using your plant supports to help direct your plant through the openings of your she shed. If you are creative in other places besides your garden, a studio implemented into your garden will be sure to get your creative juices flowing. A studio space is meant to be open, designed, and have elements of yourself throughout. If you are a painter, sculptor, or any type of artist, having your own studio space will help your creative process. Make sure to use your C-Bite plant supports so you can have your plants within your she shed. Using C-Bite plant supports will put your garden to the next level. Take it further by creating your favorite places within this space. Having creative and productive areas outside will make you more aware to tend to your garden and make sure your plants are being well-taken care. Learn about our C-Bite plant supports and get yours today!
When is a building approval (certification) required? A building development approval (certification), also known as a building permit, is needed before you start construction on most types of domestic or commercial building works. Council does not provide certification services; you will need to engage a registered private certifier. Building approval (certification) is required for most building works, including but not limited to: - new dwellings - alterations and additions to existing buildings (including new roofs) - house removal and relocation - carports and sheds (including the DIY kit type, because Cairns is in a cyclonic region) - roofed patios, gazebos, pergolas and shade sails (including the DIY kit type) - fences over 2 metres in height above the natural ground level - retaining walls over 1 metre in height above natural ground level or within 1.5m of a building or other retaining wall - swimming pools and spas Approval is required if you are doing the building work yourself or employing the services of a licensed builder. You will need a private building certifier who will assess whether the proposed work complies with the Building Act 1975 and associated regulations and building standards. All building certifiers must be registered with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission. Please note Cairns Regional Council does not offer building certification services. Where can I find a private building certifier? Council cannot recommend any particular private certifiers. The Queensland Building and Construction Commission offers a Finding a Licensed Certifier service. Further advice on engaging a certifier can also be found at the Department of Housing and Public Works website. What else should I do? It is important to ensure that you check whether any other types of approvals are required, including planning approvals or plumbing approvals from Council, prior to obtaining a building approval. Your building certifier should be able to give you this information in the initial stage. Check that your building records are given to Council. During the building application and approval process, the private building certifier is required to lodge a copy of approval related documentation with Council. A copy of these documents is held on Council's records in accordance with the legislation.
Over the years, different models have been developed as frameworks for understanding Scripture. Several of these have been helpful to me in my personal studies. For the purposes of today’s message, let’s view the Bible in terms of 3 distinct periods or eras. Each of these is characterized and distinguished by it own covenant. The first era is known as “The Age of the Patriarchs”. It spanned from the creation of man through the giving of the Law at Mt. Sinai. The covenant associated with this period is called “The Redemptive Covenant”, and was God’s promise to redeem or save those who placed their faith in Him. The Redemptive Covenant was widely unknown and often misunderstood during these generations, however there were some to whom it was revealed. These included Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph (among others) - all named as heroes of the faith in the first half of Hebrews chapter 11. The second era is referred to as “The Age of Israel”. It covered the centuries from Moses through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The covenant associated with these years is known as “The Old Covenant” or “The Law”. It was given specifically to the Hebrews and included numerous commands that governed all areas of life. The Old Covenant did not replace or change the workings of the Redemptive Covenant, but rather sought to make God’s plan of salvation more widely known by providing a literal representation of it. Unfortunately, much confusion still remained. Several more heroes of the faith lived during this period, and we will mention some of them in today’s reading through the latter half of Hebrews chapter 11. The third era is called “The Age of the Church”. It began on the morning of Jesus’ resurrection, continues still today, and will end with the Rapture takes place. The covenant associated with this time period is called “The New Covenant”, which states that salvation comes through the repentance of sin and profession of faith in Christ alone. The New Covenant did not replace or change the Redemptive Covenant either. However, unlike the Old Covenant which merely sought to symbolically represent God’s plan, the New Covenant provides a complete and clear revelation of it through the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. Salvation is a work of God’s grace, received through faith. Under the first covenant this truth was largely hidden and remained secret, under the second it was hinted at with physical clues such as the priesthood, animal sacrifices, and the sanctuary, and under the third it was finally and fully revealed by the atoning work of the Lord Jesus. I referred to this process earlier in the series as “progressive revelation”. It is our faith that pleases God and garners His approval. That said, let’s resume our 2-part message titled, “Faith Is Better”. I. FAITH UNDER THE OLD COVENANT (v22-32) By faith, Moses’ mother hid him for 3 months after his birth. When he had grown to adulthood, it was his faith that compelled Moses to identify with and endure the sufferings of His Hebrew brethren. By faith he left the Egyptian palace, instead choosing to live in obscurity on the plains of Midian. By faith Moses boldly confronted Pharaoh and observed the first Passover. By faith he led the Children of God out of captivity and across the Red Sea. By faith, Joshua led the sons of Israel across the Jordan River into the Promised Land and oversaw the conquest of Canaan. Faithfully trusting in the bizarre battle plan that he’d received, Joshua marched around the city of Jericho and its walls fell flat. By faith, Rahab the harlot was spared from the slaughter because she had helped the Hebrew spies. By faith, numerous judges delivered the various tribes of Israel from their enemies. These included faithful men such as Gideon, Barak, Samson, and Jephthah. After becoming a nation, Israel was led most notably by the faithful King David. In addition to these, numerous faithful priests and prophets - such as Samuel - lived and served during the era of the Old Covenant. Though it emphasized obedience to the law , even then faith triumphed. II. FAITH OF UNNAMED HEROES (v33-38) Having already listed several heroes of the faith, the writer says that time simply wouldn’t allow him to name them all. There were numerous godly men and women who had lived during the Old Testament era who exemplified faith in God. The Hebrews to whom this letter was written could find encouragement and strength to stand firm on their convictions by remembering the precedent of faith that was set and demonstrated by these countless unnamed saints. By faith they were able to accomplish many amazing things. They “conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, and put foreign armies to flight.” There are even 2 accounts of faithful prophets raising young children from the dead. All of these remarkable occurrences took place as the result of faith. That said, faith does not always result in earthly success. Sometimes faith leads to severe persecution and even martyrdom. Many of these unnamed champions of the faith were “tortured” or chose to remain imprisoned rather than denying their beliefs. Some experienced “mockings”, “scourgings”, and other forms of punishment. Others were “stoned”, “sawn in two”, “tempted”, and “put to death with the sword”. Some “went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated” and “wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.” Sometimes holding on to one’s faith is difficult, but the promises of God are worth the struggle. III. FAITH GAINS APPROVAL (v39-40) These men and women of old, who practiced sincere and saving faith in God, did not immediately receive that which had been promised. Rather than entering immediately into Heaven when they died, these redeemed people went to a place called Abraham’s Bosom or Paradise. There they waited patiently, separated from those condemned in Hell, until the crucifixion. The Bible teaches that, after His death on the cross, Jesus descended into this place, freed those who were there, and led them to Heaven (Eph. 4:8-10, 1 Pet. 3:18-20). These Hebrews, and all other born-again believers who’ve lived since Jesus’ resurrection, now go directly to Heaven when they die. Abraham’s Bosom has been permanently vacated. This is definitely “something better”, as God’s promised inheritance of rest is now received immediately. The Old Testament saints were not “made perfect” differently or “apart from” the New Testament saints. All reside together in the same Heaven, as recipients of the same inheritance, in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, each having gained God’s approval through faith. To make the point a final time, all people are (and always have been) saved on the basis of faith. We cannot (and never have been able to) earn our salvation through good works or self-righteousness. We cannot (and never have been able to) live in perfect obedience to God’s will or in perfect adherence to His commands. We cannot (and never have been able to) purchase salvation with material wealth or acheive it through fame, popularity, or status. The only way to merit the Lord’s favor, to win His approval, and to attain His saving grace is through faith. And in the light of the New Covenant, we know that our faith is to be placed in Jesus Christ - the Savior who died to pay mankind’s sin debt and give us the hope of eternal life!
The Four Reasons Americans Are Obese In order to find a lasting solution to being overweight, we must do a root-cause analysis to determine what predisposes us to gain weight and what keeps us this way. WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT? If you take a second and think back to your last trip to Disney World, you could, in your mind’s eye, compare the appearance of middle aged Americans with Europeans and elder Asians. Americans are typically overweight; Europeans and Asians are typically not. Genetics play a part. However, it has been reported that when Asians move to the US and adopt a Western lifestyle, their weight increases and so do the illnesses that are associated with a Western lifestyle. If they move back to their native country, their weight drops. Furthermore, as our Western lifestyle is adopted in China, obesity is increasing and so are the illnesses that are associated with it and are endemic to a Western lifestyle. WHAT IS IT ABOUT OUR LIFESTYLE THAT PREDISPOSES US TO ‘BULK UP’ AND ULTIMATELY TO BECOME OBESE? 1. We Are Sedentary Technology, computers, cell phones, cars, boats, trains and planes etc., have helped facilitate us becoming sedentary. In addition, economic demands drive us to be more efficient and productive both professionally and personally. We adults set a poor example for our children who are spending more of their lives online, watching TV and playing video games, as opposed to being physically active. Did you know that some kids take gym online at school? 2. We Don’t Eat Healthy, Balanced Meals Many of us who work are either in single adult households or have a significant other who also works. After a hard day at the office, we often do not have the time or the energy to prepare a well-balanced, healthy meal. In fact, most of us do not know what a well-balanced meal consists of. If you find yourself doubting this assertion, check out the parking lots of the local fast food restaurants around mealtime. You will witness that many people don’t expend a calorie of energy as they use the drive-through to get their dinner. And then there’s the irresistible temptation to “supersize it” for an additional 99 cents! ― filling us up with excess calories which unknowingly take many of us down a path of no-return. 3. Stress, Boredom and Emotional Triggers There are a variety of things that trigger each of us to eat even when we are NOT hungry. Many of us eat to soothe ourselves or because we are bored. Some of us eat to ‘zone out’ and ‘escape’ while others eat to decompress. Stress and how we cope with stress affects what we eat as well as how much we eat. 4. Processed Foods Are Addictive The fourth, and probably the most complicated piece to the puzzle is that certain foods are TRULY addicting. The things that we crave affect us like drugs. I contend that the manner in which we respond to and ingest certain foods substantiates that they are both physiological and psychological addicting. Because of our connection to certain foods, and our desire to ingest them, we are not able to recognize this reality. The foods that we think are our friends are not. About the Author Dr. Barry Schiff, MD is the Medical Director of CardioMender, MD Weight Loss Specialists located in Pembroke Pines, FL. He is board certified in Cardiovascular Diseases and in Internal Medicine and is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology. Dr. Schiff has served as Chief of Medicine and as Chief of Staff of Memorial Hospital Pembroke and has been practicing clinical cardiology in the South Florida community for over 25 years. He has also served as Physician CEO and President of University Heart Institute Cardiovascular Group in Pembroke Pines, FL. Lose Weight. Change Your Diet and Eating Habits. Change your life with the help of CardioMender, MD Weight Loss Specialists Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program in Pembroke Pines, FL
The lack of English is a tremendous barrier for people looking to advance up the economic ladder and become more socially mobile. English has become a prerequisite for access to better jobs and higher education. Looking to address this critical issue, in 2004, CARE started a two-year afterschool accelerated English language programme running out of its adopted government schools and owned schools. This programme has enabled children to become fluent in reading, writing and speaking English, giving them a more marketable education and better opportunities for further education. “Signing up for the Access class literally changed my life. It gave me the confidence and skills that I did not have before.” After seeing the astonishing improvement in students enrolled in the afterschool programme, CARE set about providing high quality English education for all its students. In April 2012, CARE took the major step of incorporating the Access to English Programme into its standard curriculum. The programme had been laid out in 25 schools and has been met with resounding enthusiasm. Since its inception, 2,467 students have passed through the Access to English programme. Presently, there are 10,015 students enrolled, including 3,200 girls, reflecting CARE’s recent growth. Our commitment to empowering girls is unwavering, and the Access to English Language programme has the power to enable that. The programme has given many of our students the opportunity to participate in national Model United Nations programmes, including the prestigious LUMUN at LUMS, ACUMUN at Aitchison, and LGSMUN at Lahore Grammar School. The skills of debate and decorum learnt through these conferences set our students as equals to students of any other private institution in Lahore.
"When you can't change the world, you have to change the decor". So, for every artwork ordered, the frame and the delivery are free* ! See more Beatrice is from the Italian provinces of Modena and has been painting and drawing since childhood. After pursuing advanced studies in graphic design she worked for several years as a copywriter for various companies in the region, while still devoting her free time to her artistic endeavours. It is in 2010 that Beatrice made the decision to disrupt her daily routine and to commit to developing her visual productions full time. She lives in the commune of Casalgrande and now works exclusively on her figurative pieces and on enhancing her technical knowledge by taking private lessons. She is a member of the Organisation Cercle des Artistes de Reggio Emilia and exhibits her pieces during the many regional events. Even though animals have been invited into her compositions over the past few years, Beatrice's main inquiries are focused on the exploration of various aspects of the physiognomy and the anatomy of the human being. Using a mixed technique that combines oil paint and crayons, applied equally onto a canvas, wood or paper, Beatrice's process consists in lending an emotion or sensitivity, that may come from one of the subjects represented, a figurative representation. Her references are taken from the Renaissance, and she is committed to creating a particular atmosphere - one that often finds its inspiration in spirituality - in order to convey the interiority of the imagined characters with the most loyalty possible. Her characters, represented at the heart of her compositions and sketched out with great care using mostly cold modalities, such as icons, seem to represent all the complexity of the human soul.
Whether it is through credit cards, personal loans, business debt or mortgage balances, the use of credit cards is a common occurrence among Australians. How repayment of each of these credit accounts can ultimately affect your credit score, however, can be difficult to understand and to adequately manage over time. For most individuals, paying debt obligations on time is not a day to day challenge. Credit is taken out only when necessary and is paid back in line with the terms and agreements set in place between the lender and the borrower. For others, though, debt can quickly become a burden, especially when a job is lost or other unpredictable circumstances make it difficult to keep up with financial obligations. Nonpayment, multiple delinquencies and numerous new credit applications or accounts in a short period of time can have a drastically negative effect on one’s credit score and will make it difficult to get affordable financing in the future. If repaying debt has become a cause of stress and your credit score has suffered, it is necessary to review the options available to get back on track. Keep Your Credit Score Up The easiest option to deal with a declining credit score due to delinquency or nonpayment is to do nothing, although this is also the most detrimental. Ignoring calls or other correspondence from credit companies and lenders will only further affect your credit score, and may increase the total balance owed due to accrued interest on outstanding totals. Alternative, some borrowers will implore the help of a financial counselor to help them reverse a decline in their credit score; however, most often the advice provided by a financial counselor will be geared toward extreme options, such as debt agreements and bankruptcy. Although these are both viable options for those who have taken on too much credit and are now suffering through a bad credit file, both bankruptcy and debt agreements can be costly in terms of future credit applications and create more black marks on your credit file. Credit Card Debt Resolution If you are seeking help with repairing your credit score in a timely manner without the use of harsh strategies, utilizing a credit card debt resolution program may be the best option. Credit card debt resolution is a debt reduction strategy that is meant to serve as a medium between you and your creditors. Instead of handling the constant calls from collectors or avoiding contact with them altogether, a credit card debt resolution specialist works on your behalf to reduce debts through negotiation. When debt is at a more manageable level, borrowers are then able to make payment in a timely manner and can help remedy a declining credit score quickly. A credit card debt resolution can provide these benefits in an affordable, friendly way, without the same negative impacts of a bankruptcy or debt agreement solution.
By CCN: According to Reuters sources, about 12 banks are investing in a blockchain ledger complete with digital cash. While it’s unclear which banks are currently participating in the $50 million project, a spokesman for Barclays told the news organization that “the Research & Development… By CCN: According to Reuters sources, about 12 banks are investing in a blockchain ledger complete with digital cash. While it’s unclear which banks are currently participating in the $50 million project, a spokesman for Barclays told the news organization that “the Research & Development phase is coming to an end.” The rarely discussed project began in 2015 with little fanfare. It supposedly involves several major banks who aim to use blockchain technology to reduce the cost of settlement and potentially offer new products. Reuters describes a bank-backed stablecoin with a broader scope than existing stablecoins: it would inherently have whatever trust the several banks maintain associated with it. Among the banks mentioned are UBS, Banco Santander, Bank of New York Mellon Corp, State Street Corp, Credit Suisse Group AG, Barclays PLC, HSBC Holdings Plc and Deutsche Bank AG. Reuters was unable to get confirmation from any of them as to whether they were still working on “the project.” Several of these financial institutions have disclosed their own blockchain projects and integrations. Santander is particularly notable for its previous use of Ripple, which opens the door to speculation that Ripple is involved in this project. If that were the case, there’d be no need for secrecy, however. Ripple may see yet another group of potential clients slip away, or it may announce a massive addition of significant banks to its network. Ripple and other bank-oriented crypto projects rely on banks to not merely develop a product themselves. Ripple’s vocal proponents believe that mass adoption of Ripple and XRP by mainstream banks is inevitable and that the price of the asset will eventually reflect this. Erstwhile Ripple Labs plugs away, adding network participants here and there and opening offices around the world. JP Morgan choosing to go their own way instead of directly integrating the existing protocols developed by Ripple Labs exasperated the community so much that CEO Brad Garlinghouse once fumed that he “didn’t understand.” Bank settlement instruments benefit from a network effect in the same way that cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin do. SWIFT is one of the primary ways that money is moved in the modern era, and it would be far less critical if major banks had never chosen to adopt it. Blockchain settlement layers might follow the same curve. Several institutional-grade cryptocurrencies and blockchain projects are in the running, including Ripple’s various products and R3’s Corda platform, which incorporates XRP. At present, the project is dubbed only “utility settlement coin,” and is nearly four years in the making. The recent price boom for Bitcoin and several other crypto assets may be a driving force in releasing news around the subject of blockchain. It may also spur these institutions into finally launching a product. At the same time, it doesn’t sound like any part of this will be consumer-facing, which will come as a disappointment to many enthusiasts. Last modified: May 16, 2019 10:59 PM UTC
Today members of the Community Food Growers Network joined the International Coalition to Protect the Polish Countryside (ICPPC) in delivering a hamper of “Illegal Foods” to the Polish Embassy in London. They protested to highlight the excessively harsh regulations imposed upon small Polish farmers which effectively prohibit them from selling traditional foods processed on the farm. The traditional foods delivered to the embassy included smoked hams, sour cabbage, raw milk, bread, pickles and cheeses. These products do not comply with the current Polish government demand for farmers to carry out processing operations in specially constructed premises. Such infrastructure is not affordable to any but the largest farms supplying the supermarket trade. This forces small scale farmers out of business and restricts consumer choice. Since January 2014, over 200 farmers using tractor convoys have been protesting in Northern Polish towns in order to highlight their demands for a change to laws undermining their traditional way of life. Their major demands are: to end the criminalisation of farmhouse food sales which they claim to be the most repressive in the European Union; to end foreign corporate buy-outs of prime Polish farmland and to enforce the ban of GM crop planting. Joanna Bojczewska, a baker in London, said: “It’s appalling that the small-scale farmers cannot process foods on their farms without going through these arduous regulations. People want access to handmade food, crafted with time and care, not factory-made products. The government should act to support this kind of production and not inhibit it as it seems to be doing.” Adam Payne, a market gardener from London, said: “On-farm processing is essential in maintaining sustainable livelihoods for small-scale farmers. This kind of regulation is about forcing small producers out of the market to create space for agri-business and has nothing to do with real health and safety concerns.” For more information see www.icppc.pl/index.php/en/
The University of Groningen offers a few possibilities for your minor: - Deepening minor: Science for Scientists. This minor consists of courses within the area of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. This minor is meant for students who like to deepen their knowledge of their own study. The courses of this minor can be found on the Ocasys. - Broadening minor: also called University minors. These minors can be followed by all students of the university and are suited for students who look for something completely different in their minor. You can find a list of all University Minors here. Please note that not all of these minors are in English. - Educational minor: this minor is for Dutch students only and allows them to get a ‘beperkte tweedegraads bevoegdheid’ for teaching. More information can be found here. - Put together your own minor: You can assemble your own minor if you want. To do so you will have to request permission from the Board of Examiners. Contact the academic advisor for more information. - Doing you minor abroad. If you want to do your minor abroad, start early! Contact the academic advisor and the International Exchange Office around the start of the second year to see what the possibilities are. More general information about the minors can be found here. If you wish to do courses that are not on the list for any of the specified minors, you will have to request permission from the Board of Examiners. To do so, it is best to first contact the Academic Advisor. As Chemical Engineering has only 5 ECTS free choice. It is very hard for Chemical Engineers to do something outside their programme. If they want to do something else it should be extracurricular. you can contact the Academic Advisor about the possibilities. If you are not entirely sure what minor you should choice. You can check the student experience page to look at how different students experienced their minor.
Surfing with Your Dog – A Guide for Active Dog Owners When you want to catch some waves and have a blast with a friend, consider your furry best friend! Can a dog be taught to surf? Yes, a dog can be taught to surf. However, please note that some dogs do not make good candidates for this activity because of physical characteristics or they simply are not interested. Before your pooch begins this activity with their human companion, they should already be great simmers and love water. Be sure there swimming skills are such that they will be able to handle currents and waves and be sure they have no fear of the ocean. Dog Breeds That are Best for Surfing - Portuguese Water Dog - Irish Water Spaniel - Spanish Water Dogs - American Water Spaniel - Labrador Retriever - Chesapeake Bay Retriever - Golden Retriever - German Shorthaired Pointer While this may appear to be a short list, there are still many other breeds that make great surfers. Unfortunately, older dogs, young pups and a pooch who has a health issue will need to be left out of this activity due to the risk of potential injuries to their overall health. This doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy the water and play time with their favorite human companion. Teaching Your Dog to Surf As with every activity, your dog should have basic commands mastered at this point. While we all slip up from time to time, your dog should have a good grasp of what is expected of them during your adventure outings. To train them to surf, first you will want to have their surfboard in your home. You will want to allow them to explore it thoroughly. Let them lay on it, sit on it, play with toys on it, whatever they want to do. Except eat it of course. You will want to maintain a rule of only giving them a specific treat they really enjoy while on the board. This will reinforce the idea that being on the surfboard is good. After you have done this, take them out in some shallow waters, maybe a pool and let them see that it is safe to stand on. Let your fur baby do this as you push the board around the pool, giving treats for staying on the board and make it fun. After some extensive but repetitive practice with this you can then take your dog and their surfboard out into the ocean whitewash. They can practice balance and falling in these shallow and gentler water. You should support them under the belly and have the other hand on the back of the board. This allows for added security during this learning stage. As they are going over the wave you hand on the back of the board pushes down to help them up over the wave. You will want your dog to be standing on the back of the board while you move the board to keep up speed with the wave, then gently let them coast the wave and have some fun. Some dogs may not enjoy this and may decide they would rather play in the sand, if this is the case then don’t force them. Other dogs will want to get right back on again, some might paddle around a bit and then have another go. Most dogs will want to head to the front of the board which will cause a wave to rush over them. With repeated practice you can get them to stay where they belong. Items That you Will Need to Bring Along on a Surfing Adventure - Lots of fresh drinking water, a bowl - Treats and food - Canine flotation device - A leash and collar - Poop bags - Doggie sunscreen - A dog first aid kit - A comb or brush and towels - Some toys - An umbrella for the beach Helpful Hints for Keeping Your Dog Safe while Surfing - Never let them drink the salty ocean water. - Always have them in their flotation device when in the water - Make sure they are wearing sunscreen - Hydrate often to prevent dehydration - Give frequent rest breaks and time for water and a little snack. - Don’t tie the line to your dog, they should be able to jump off or swim away when they want Before Surfing with Your Pooch Make sure they love the water, are good swimmers and want to participate in this activity. Ensure that they are well rested, hydrated and free of injuries. Check to make sure that their flotation device is working properly. During Your Adventure - Look, Surfing Dog! - Always keep your eyes on your dog. - Reapply sunscreen as needed. - Offer periodic breaks for rest, hydration and snacks. - Keep an eye out for accidents, injuries and other issues. - Ensure there is plenty of space, so they don’t crowd anyone else and cause injuries. After Surfing - Take Care of Your Wet Fury Friend - Rinse the saltwater off their fur. - Dry them off thoroughly and check for injuries and other issues. - Dry and clean ears to prevent infections. - Eat some yummy snack, see below for some great recipes A Word About Selecting a Surfboard for Your Dog Having the right equipment always makes fun adventures easier to enjoy. When your pooch participates this becomes very important since most of the equipment that they need is for safety reasons. There are surfboards that are specially designed just for dogs that work better than a regular surfboard. If you do not use one of these boards another great option is the foam board, which is a soft top board that allows them to grip and balance better. They are also great because if the dog falls and gets hit with it, these boards don’t hurt as bad as a regular surfboard does. You will want to start with a long board at the beginning of their journey to becoming a surfing expert. A Word About Jellyfish The ocean offers both beauty and dangers to humans as well as dogs. When you take your dog along on a surfing adventure in the ocean you will want to remember there can be jellyfish. A jellyfish sting can be a horrible experience for anyone, dogs included. Once jellyfish are dead that isn’t the end of their stinging abilities, they can sting for weeks after. To be safe do not let your dog go near jellyfish. It should also be noted that dogs have been known to eat jellyfish as well, so keeping a watch on what your dog ingests while surfing or playing on the beach is important. Signs that a jellyfish sting or poisoning has happened to your dog include excessive drooling, vomiting, licking the area, swelling, trouble breathing, lethargy, pain and itching. If you should see any of these signs in your dog while visiting the ocean inspect them. If they have been stung, remove the remaining tentacles without touching them, don’t rub the area, then rinse with ocean water and take them to a veterinarian immediately. Bonus – Celebrity Surfing Dogs Dogs play an important role in our everyday lives as companions and helpers that make our lives more enjoyable and easier. These dogs are sponsored and compete in surfing competitions with their owners where they help raise funds for charities. Check them out at Surf Dog Championships when you get a chance. - Ricochet the Golden Retriever - Abbie the Australian Kelpie - Dozer the English Bulldog - Sugar the Surfing Rescue Dog - Kalani the Golden Retriever - Faith the Pitbull - Bono the Brazilian Dog - Kona the German Shepherd Mix Surfing takes water play to the next level for you and your dog. When you’re riding high on the waves with your best friend you won’t want the fun to stop. Who knows, maybe if you and your pooch are awesome, you can join the ranks of celebrity surfers! So, grab that board and head out before the summer is over!
[ Close ] [MUSIC PLAYING] NARRATOR: Inspired by the ancient alchemist's dream to transform lead into gold, Chopard endeavored to create a watch made of a steel so unique it would become a precious material. Chopard asked Voestalpine, its historical metal supplier located in Austria, expert in developing top quality products and systems solutions, to conceive this new type of steel. THEO CHRISTEN CHOPARD MASTER OF METALWORKING: Mr. Karl-Friedrich Scheufele approached the production to analyze the possibility of integrating the new Chopard Lucent steel in the Alpine Eagle collection. He gave us the instruction to develop and to integrate this steel. Mr. Scheufele wanted to create a work of art. JOHANN ZAND VOESTALPINE EXPERT: We sought to improve all the properties presented by standard watchmaking steels to find a very unique steel with extraordinary properties. That meant that our team performed and carried out a lot of tests and trials over nearly four years before we could start to promote the launch of the product. THEO: Its mechanical resistance is very strong, much stronger than normal standard steel. Durability, it has high hardness, it's about 50% higher than usual steel. The steel is anti-allergenic, it's similar to medical and surgical steel in composition and in properties. JOHANN: The durability is improved by changing the molecule structure and also optimizing the macrostructure. The steel has to be melted a second time, and with this process, we can reduce the number of inclusions as well as the size of inclusions and can achieve very high cleanliness. THEO: The steel is more shiny than any other standard steel. This material is very clean and pure.
Think about the last time that you had a headache. The pain was likely quite annoying, and in the worst cases, it was likely almost unbearable for you to deal with. That being said, you have probably been trying to find the best way for you to deal with those headaches quickly so that you can go back to whatever it is that you’re trying to do on a regular basis. In this article, we’re going to explore what headaches are, explain why natural remedies are best for them, and then give you some of the best ways for you to deal with them naturally. What are Headaches? Headaches are pains in your head. They can go from a dull ache to a horrible pain that feels like someone is banging a railroad tie into your ears. These pains can be debilitating at times, and if you don’t get them taken care of, they can end up resulting in even bigger problems for you and your family. The most common type of headache that you may have to deal with is the tension headache. Tension headaches are all about the pressure – you feel that pressure on and around your skull, and you feel the pain all over your head, usually from temple to temple. These headaches are usually related to stress, because those muscles have tightened up and are, essentially, cramped. If you don’t sleep enough, you may also end up dealing with these sorts of headaches. You may also experience what are known as cluster headaches, which are headaches that happen over time – usually related to cold weather. Why Natural Remedies for Headaches? One question that we often get is “why should you use natural remedies for headaches?” Natural remedies are often a lot better than other types of remedies that are out there. You aren’t putting foreign chemicals into your body and you aren’t going to have an issue with possibly getting addicted to said chemicals. On top of that, you can also feel incredibly confident that the things that you’re doing in order to feel healthier are safe, above everything else – and that is something that we all deserve to have, no matter what we’re using in order to feel better. What Natural Remedies Are There For Headaches? This, of course, leads to the biggest question that you are probably considering when it comes to natural remedies for your headaches – what ones are out there for you to choose from and to try for yourself? In this article, we’re going to point you toward some of the best natural remedies that are out there for headaches and why they will end up making a huge difference for you when you start using them for your headaches when they come along. Using Essential Oils Some people think that essential oils are just a trend, but they are actually quite a significant tool that plays a huge role in helping people to feel better in a lot of ways. These essential oils are, in short, the oils that are extracted from different plants and other materials so that they can be used in particular ways. Headaches are some of the most common uses for essential oils, and there are a few that you can try out in order to relieve the stress and aches that you get in and around your head. Let’s take a look at some of the most common forms of treatment when it comes to using essential oils. Peppermint oil is inexpensive and it ends up helping you to relax. Not only does the scent of oil help your body to relax more, but the oil itself seeps into the skin and loosens up the muscles and tendons as well. Many people recommend that you put this right around your hairline. It’s incredibly inexpensive, so it’s a good thing for you to try before you go ahead and try anything else. Peppermint oil also smells good, so you get to enjoy the scent while your body is taking in all of the healing properties. Ginger root and/or ginger tea is known for having a lot of healing properties. Because of that, many people have started to use it in various home remedies that are out there for their headaches. You can drink it in a tea form, or you can make a solution that you can put on the area that hurts in order to help reduce the amount of inflammation that you have going on in a certain area of your head or neck. Ginger can also be ingested safely (it’s often used in recipes), but there isn’t enough evidence available related to whether or not ingesting ginger can help reduce the headache(s) that you’re fighting off. Cayenne pepper extract Cayenne pepper extract is another tool that you can add to your arsenal. Some people recommend getting it in a cream form, which you put inside of your nostril on the side of your head that is hurting (or, in both if it’s your entire head). The capsaicin inside of the cream actually helps your brain to turn off any of the pain receptors that may be causing the pain to be that much worse. Hot foods will often have the same effect, so you may want to try eating something spicy to see if that helps to reduce your headache as well. Lavender oil is the last oil that we’re going to look at here. Lavender has a ton of healing properties, and we’ve even talked about it when we were talking about anxiety and other issues that were going on. That being said, lavender oil can help in one of two ways. You can breathe it in (include it as part of a warm bath for the best effect), or you can apply it topically. Don’t ever ingest it (it is toxic when ingested), but these other methods will help your body to relax and your muscles will let go of the vice grip that they have on your head. Oils are not the only natural treatments out there, however. Let’s take a quick look at some other favorites that are out there when it comes to all natural ways for you to deal with the pain that comes with tension headaches and migraines. Try Ice or Heat The reason that you end up getting headaches is because of the muscles around your skull and the fact that they are contracted and tense. So, the best way to treat those muscles is in the same way that you would treat a sprained ankle or a twisted wrist – put ice or heat on it. Go by the 10 minutes on, 30 minutes off rule. Which one works for you will depend on the pain that you’re in and where that pain is located, so you may have to try both before you start to see some relief. Many people find that ice works better for them than heat. This is because many headaches are due to inflammation, which ice will help to reduce. The less inflammation that you’re dealing with, the better your headache will get and the more comfortable that you will end up being in the long run. Try out ice first, especially because it’s a lot easier (and it takes a lot less work) to throw together an ice pack than to find whatever it is that you may want to use for a heating pad or other heating source for your headache. If you want to do heat, or you find that it works better, then try to take a warm shower or bath in order to sooth those muscles. Some headaches are caused by back pain, so taking a warm bath can help to loosen and adjust those muscles, thus reducing the pain that you’re feeling in and around your head. As we suggested above, a warm bath with lavender oil is probably the best of both worlds – you get the oil, which soothes, and you get the heat, which also soothes, in order to get the best two for one deal that you can. If you have chronic headaches, then you may want to think about including this sort of bath as a part of your regular routine in order to prevent these headaches from being a constant problem for you. Get Some More Sleep Think about the last time that you got a full night of sleep. If you’re like some people, then you are probably dealing with a lot of problems related to it. A lack of sleep leads to a lot of tension in your body as well, so if you aren’t doing anything to help increase the amount of sleep that you’re getting every night, then you’re going to start to notice that you are in a lot of pain when you’re trying to get through your day. You’re also a lot more stressed out if you don’t get sleep, and as we explained above, stress is a big part of whether or not you’re going to end up getting headaches. How can you make sure that you get more sleep? There are a few different things that you can do in order to get a better rest at night. For example, you may want to make sure that you turn all of your screens off way before bedtime. The blue light from those screens makes it more difficult for you to get a restful sleep. Also, if you’re using TV’s, phones, tablets, and other items before bed, it can actually make it a lot more likely for you to end up with a headache – your eyes may be straining, which makes it easier for a headache to come along. Sleep is a huge thing that you want to do in order to make sure that your chances of having a headache are much less than they would have been otherwise. Stretch out, take natural sleeping remedies, and do any other number of things in order to make it easier for you to get a full night’s sleep and you will likely start to notice that your headaches are a lot less frequent. Consider Getting a Back Treatment or Massage As you likely know, your whole body is connected, and your head, neck, and spine often affect each other when it comes to pain and strain. If your back isn’t in the best condition that it can be in, then it’s going to be a lot more likely for you to have headaches because of the pressure that you feel in your neck and back. So, if that’s the problem that you may be dealing with, then it may be time for you to see a natural care professional in order to deal with your back. Chiropractic treatments are all natural and, because of that, we think it’s a good idea for you to consult with one if you have chronic headaches for any reason. They know all sorts of natural treatments that can help you to regain flexibility and reduce the amount of pain that you’re feeling. They rarely, if ever, prescribe medication unless it is absolutely necessary for you to be on it. A chiropractor can help you to adjust your back so that it’s in the right position and that your spine is aligned as it should be – and that alone can make a huge difference when it comes to pain. Another consideration that you can make is that you may want to think about getting a massage. Many chiropractors have a massage therapist that works for them, and that means that you can kill two birds with one stone while you visit there. These therapists can help to rub the “kinks” out of your back and ensure that there isn’t any pressure that will make the pain that you’re experiencing that much worse for you to deal with. So, you may want to think about working with one of these professionals to get the best experience that you can. Do Yoga or Physical Therapy Relaxation is key when it comes to dealing with tension headaches, and yoga can play a huge role in helping your entire body to loosen up and relax, no matter how tense you may be. Yoga is a great way to start your day and, if you work on using it as a regular part of your schedule, you will start to find that your back is much looser and your headaches are much less frequent. Even if you aren’t as flexible as you used to be, you will be able to find a level of yoga that makes it easier for you to move and bend, with as little impact on the rest of your body as possible. Since there are emotional benefits to doing yoga as well, you’re basically knocking a lot of problems out at the same time. Consider joining a class or find one of the many videos or technique training sessions that are out there in order to start incorporating yoga into your regular daily routine. Even if you don’t have time for a full session daily, at least try to do a couple of stretches. Another consideration that is all natural is the use of physical therapy. Physical therapy will help you to find the cause of the pain that you’re dealing with and then, with that information, your physical therapist will be able to help you find the best ways for your body to deal with whatever it is that is causing you headaches on a regular basis. You have to have a referral in order to go physical therapy, so you will want to talk to your doctor and make sure that they think that it is a good choice for you and your particular needs. There are so many different headaches that we deal with on a regular basis that it can be difficult for us to find the right thing to do for a particular situation. That’s why we have given you so many ideas related to natural remedies for headaches – you can explore them all for yourself and see which ones give you the relief and relaxation that you need and deserve after having dealt with a headache for any period of time. Test these out and try them for yourself – you may find a remedy that works perfectly for you and your needs. If you have found that you are dealing with constant chronic headaches on a regular basis, then you may want to consider talking to your doctor about the problem. It could be a sign of a much larger issue that needs to be addressed and taken care of as soon as possible. Always talk to your doctor about treatment plans that you have as well – they can help to point you in the right direction and make you feel comfortable with whatever you decide to do for your headaches.
The Film Museum in Lodz is the only museum in Poland preserving exhibits related to film culture, art and technique. The Museum has been operating as an independent entity since 1 April 1986 although it had already been officially established 10 years earlier as the Film Culture Department (Dział Sztuki Filmowej) of the Museum of the City of Lodz. The founder and the first director of the Museum (until 2000) was Antoni Szram, PhD. The Museum collection includes a rich archive of the Polish film artists – Andrzej Munk, Jan Rybkowski, Aleksander Ford, Jerzy Ziarnik, Jerzy Toeplitz – donated by their heirs. These materials constitute an extensive collection of notes, correspondence, photographs, documents related to the artists’ private and professional lives. Se-ma-for is a Polish animation studio. Founded in Łódź, Poland, in 1947, it has created many animated cartoons and stop motion puppet animations, for young and mature audiences. The name, meaning literally Se-ma-phore, is an acronym of Studio Małych Form Filmowych - Studio of Small Film Forms. Its most famous productions include the children's shows: Miś Uszatek, Przygody misia Colargola, The Moomins (pol. Opowiadania Muminków), Troubles the Cat, Przygody kota Filemona, Przygód kilka wróbla Ćwirka, Zaczarowany ołówek and the film Peter and the Wolf. Józef Skrobiński also did some work there. The Transatlantyk Festival (previously: Transatlantyk - Poznań International Film and Music Festival) is an annual film festival held in Łódź (from 2011 to 2015 in Poznań and Rozbitek, Poland). The founder and director of the festival is polish composer Jan A. P. Kaczmarek. Transatlantyk poster (by Tomasz Opasiński) was among The Hollywood Reporter Key Art Awards finalists (in 2011) and Bronze Winners (in 2012).
Justice system fails special ed kids CALEDONIA – Toney Jennings was illiterate when he was arrested at age 16. In the six months he spent at the Lowndes County Jail in Eastern Mississippi, he says he played basketball, watched TV and "basically just stayed to myself." A special education student, Jennings qualified for extra help in school. Those services should have carried over to the justice system, but Jennings said he never even attended class while in jail. Now 20, he is still unable to read or write. Each year, thousands of Mississippi teens cycle through the justice system, where experts say the quality of education is often low. Incarcerated juveniles have the same educational rights as those outside — five hours of instruction a day that meet their learning needs, including special education. The state does not currently track how many of those juvenile offenders are entitled to those extra education services, but according to a 2010 federal survey, 30 percent of youth in custody of the juvenile justice system have a diagnosed learning disability — six times the amount in the general population. Following several lawsuits, Mississippi has worked to improve the quality of education for all students in the system, with some successes. Still, many of the kids who need help the most, like Toney, aren't getting it, experts say. These students tend already to be academically behind, and encounters with the justice system early on only increase the likelihood they'll drop out of school or end up incarcerated as adults. "Every day they're not getting a real education, then that's a day that we've lost," Sue Burrell, a staff attorney at the San Francisco-based Youth Law Center said. "The kids that are in juvenile justice cannot afford to lose those days." Related stories:For special education students, diplomas, jobs increasingly elusive Once arrested, male and female juveniles in Mississippi first go to detention centers to await trial. They can also be sentenced to these facilities for short periods of time. For longer stays – of several weeks or months – youth go to the Oakley Development Center, 30 minutes west of Jackson. All facilities are expected to provide classes on site with certified teachers. Although centers may monitor the number of special education students that pass through their doors, no state department has collected or analyzed that information. When reporters from The Hechinger Report asked the Mississippi Department of Education and the Office of Public Safety about the number of special education students in detention centers in the state, both agencies said that they believed the other entity was tracking those statistics. The Department of Education said it will track those numbers in the future. To comply with the federal law that requires extra educational services for any student diagnosed with a disability, a school will create a legal document known as an Individual Education Program (IEP). This might include one-on-one time with a teacher or additional time to complete assignments. A student's right to an IEP extends to juvenile justice and adult correction facilities. But experts around the country say that the legally mandated services these students need are rarely provided once they enter the criminal justice system. "Kids with special needs are not being served well," David Domenici, director of the Center for Educational Excellence in Alternative Settings, said. "My take is a lot of facilities don't thoughtfully look at the IEP." Marian Wright Edelman discusses how early childhood education makes a difference. Lawsuits bring change Jennings, now 20, was raised by his grandmother, Cornelia Glenn, in Caledonia, Mississippi, who said he rarely got in trouble as a child. He was diagnosed at age 8 with a learning disability and by the time he was in high school, he was placed in a classroom of only special education students for "behavioral issues" that weren't part of his diagnosis, according to his IEP. Aware of how far behind he was, Glenn agreed to send him to an alternative school that was recommended by school officials who said the smaller class sizes could help him academically. In 2010, Jennings was arrested on a charge of statutory rape. He was convicted as an adult and first sentenced to Lowndes County Jail. Lauderdale County Sheriff William Sollie, who oversees the jail, said that as a primary short-term holding facility, it does not provide education to inmates. For the few who are sentenced to long-term stays, GED classes are offered. Jennings did not take them. After several months at Lowndes, he was sent to the Walnut Grove Youth Correctional Facility. At the time, the prison, a privately-run facility an hour northeast of Jackson, was the only place for youths age 13 to 22 who had been tried as adults. Although the facility did have a school, a 2010 lawsuit by the Southern Poverty Law Center alleged that, among other things, fewer than half of the 1,200 inmates there attended classes. Jennings, who is out of prison on appeal, unemployed and living with his grandmother, said he took GED classes at Walnut Grove, but did not get the extra help he needed. Before going to prison, he read at a kindergartener's level, according to his IEP. His math skills were that of a first grader. "If he hadn't gone to prison, I think he'd be reading by now," Glenn said. "He would have learned more. [Now] he'll always be dependent." As a result of the lawsuit, a new private company took control of the jail and Walnut Grove was converted into an adult facility. Current Walnut Grove warden Lepher Jenkins said he could not speak to the specifics of Jennings' case because he was not in charge at the time. But he said that Walnut Grove has always placed an emphasis on education and that any learning disabilities should be identified as soon as youth are admitted, and addressed in class. Now that Walnut Grove serves adults, minors who are convicted as adults will go to the Youthful Offenders Unit at the Central Mississippi Correction Facility. The unit's school, which was accredited in May, teaches all core subjects and offers vocational programs in lawn care, barbering and custodial services. The Department of Corrections denied a request to visit the school. The Walnut Grove lawsuit was one of many brought against Mississippi facilities. Legal action by the Southern Poverty Law Center and other groups about general conditions and abuse have also forced the closure of two detention centers and one youth development center. The one remaining juvenile correction facility in the state only recently got out of legal trouble. In 2003, the Oakley Youth Development Center was sued by the U.S. Department of Justice for violating youth's civil rights with "staff violence and abusive institutional practices, unreasonable use of isolation and restraints, and inadequate medical, mental health and educational services." In 2005, Oakley entered into an agreement to reform. The facility's school was accredited in 2012 and this fall, the lawsuit was dismissed. At first glance, Shirlinda Robinson's English class at Oakley looks like a typical classroom, save for the guards that occasionally peer through the window. The room is decorated with posters detailing the parts of speech and giving tips on writing a "satisfying paragraph." On a Tuesday morning in September, Robinson walked her students, six high school-aged boys, through the standards they would be expected to meet during her next unit, like being able to analyze the theme of a passage. The students readily volunteered answers to questions and took notes. Several students in Robinson's class have IEPs. At Oakley, at any given time nearly a third of students qualify for special education. The majority of teachers are dual certified in special education and a special education coordinator keeps track of students' IEPs to ensure they're getting the services required, even if it means contracting with outside therapists or psychologists. Robinson said for many of her students Oakley is the first time they've regularly attended school in years. Several students said they enjoyed the classes more than at their former school, and many also said that they were learning more. That was not true, however, of the detention centers where they stayed while awaiting sentencing. General and special education students at Oakley who were interviewed by The Hechinger Report said they learned little while in those facilities. One student said he was given easy worksheets. Another said his classes usually devolved into fights. Several students said they spent their school hours on computers, taking classes online but also surfing the web to play games or check fantasy football scores. "It wasn't really school," one said. A 2006 report found that two centers, in Jones and Lauderdale counties, provided no academic instruction, and one relied only on volunteer tutors. (The Lauderdale County center has since closed.) Just five out of 17 centers provided the legally required five hours of instruction per day with a certified teacher. A subsequent law mandated that state-employed monitors, of which there are currently three, visit each detention center four times a year and make public reports about conditions at each center. According those reports, education is now provided at all centers but one, and 12 of the 15 have a certified special education teacher. But even proponents of the original legislation say that the monitors' reports have been superficial. Head of the monitoring unit, Donald Beard, said criticism of the reports is likely deserved, but that there are legal limits on what they can include. Complaints and other issue investigated by the monitoring unit are confidential. "I probably did not put a lot of effort into it," he said. "Nobody ever read that stuff." Although the Department of Public Safety monitors the centers, school districts are directly responsible for providing education. Mississippi Department of Education spokesperson Jean Cook said that the department supports the districts, adding that those "that don't provide quality educational services are subject to sanctions." While teachers may have the right credentials to teach special education students, it doesn't necessarily mean students are being taught well, said Jody Owens, director of the Southern Poverty Law Center. "What you continue to hear is that people are qualified special education teachers, but we just don't feel the services are being provided," he said. "You go into a classroom and you'll see a computer that looks like it hasn't been used or see students who tell you they play games all day." Related stories:Do 'zero tolerance' school discipline policies go too far? At Rankin County Juvenile Detention Center, teachers make an effort to meet students' individual education plans, which about half of the youths have. But it can be difficult. Teens continually cycle through the facility, and some stay just a week or two. An inmate's previous school is supposed to send over the student's information and work immediately, but it can take several days, or longer, to collect documents from the more than 30 districts that send kids there. And even then, the center often doesn't have the same textbooks or workbooks, meaning students may fall behind peers in their regular school. The center's three teachers use an assessment that students take within 24 hours of arriving to tailor their lessons. Like Jennings, some might be on a kindergarten level, while others will be able to handle high school work. Teachers cater to the majority by teaching lessons at or close to a fifth-grade level, but also spending one-on-one time going over lessons sent from the students' home schools. "We get kids in every day. Every single day is different," said Meggan Freeny, a special education teacher at Rankin. "We can't guarantee that what we do in the classroom today is going to work tomorrow." The center has also invested in non-academic programs, like a reward-based behavior incentive program, where students can earn the right to work in the center's greenhouse or a chance to play musical instruments. Every school day wraps up with an hour of character education. On a recent afternoon the girl's classroom was writing "I am" poems, while the boy's room discussed positive influences. One boy said that his mom "always taught him to do right" and that she was disappointed he'd been arrested. "How are you going to fix that?" his teacher, Daniel Wilburn, asked. "Don't come back," he answered. "That's the part of the day I look forward to the most is trying to mold these kids," Wilburn said. "We're not going to save them all but if we can save a few, it's worth it." This story was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news website focused on inequality and innovation in education, in partnership with the Juvenile Justice Information Exchange, the only national news outlet reporting the juvenile justice issue daily. Read more about efforts to improve education in Mississippi: http://hechingerreport.org/category/special_reports/mississippi_learning/
In Class Central’s end of the year analysis for the MOOC space, we noted that regional MOOC providers were picking up steam. Around 25% of the new MOOC learners added in 2016 were attracted by regional providers that offer courses in languages other than English. It looks like we missed one major regional MOOC provider in our analysis: MéxicoX, which has over one million registered learners. It’s a MOOC platform backed by Mexican government. This is part one of a two-part series, in which we take a deeper look at MéxicoX. The information was provided by the Digital Learning Ecosystem, part of the General Directorate of Educational Television, who manages MéxicoX Platform. When was MéxicoX launched? Why was it created and who is funding it? MéxicoX was launched June 23, 2015, at the Virtual Educa Meeting, in Guadalajara Jalisco, Mexico. At the meetings of Virtual Educa, educational policies and practices from Latin America and the Caribbean are presented in order to highlight how quality and coverage promotes social inclusion and sustainable development. MéxicoX is funded by Mexico’s Ministry of Education, and it is managed by the General Directorate of Educational Television (Dirección General de Televisión Educativa from the Ministry of Education) in coordination with the National Digital Strategy. One of the five objectives of the National Digital Strategy is “Quality Education,” which integrates ICTs into the educational process. A strategy of this objective is to “Expand [the] range of educational services through digital means.” The MéxicoX platform for Massive Open Online Course (MOOCs) has been developed due to this strategy. - XuetangX: A Look at China’s First and Biggest MOOC Platform - EduOpen: a new MOOC Provider Funded by the Italian Government - The MOOC Platform with a Twist: The Emergence of UK-Based FutureLearn How many employees does MéxicoX have? Where are the offices located? MéxicoX has no more than fifteen employees and the offices are located at the General Directorate of Educational Television, in Mexico City. The MéxicoX platform is stored at the Sistema de Información y Gestión Educativa (SIGED), run by the Ministry of Education. This system is in charge of the necessary mechanisms for the platform’s operation, development, strengthening, and continual improvement. It includes statistics, census, and registration information of the platform’s users and courses. This web portal provides, besides broadband service, access to open data. Personal data protection is available to educational authorities, researchers, students, and society in general. How many university partners MéxicoX have? MéxicoX has more than 40 partners (universities and institutions from the Federal Public Administration) and we are still growing. We have a couple of international partners, such as the Universidad Internacional de la Rioja. Our plans are to expand the platform across Central and South America. How many courses are being offered? How do you decide which courses to offer? We have offered more than 140 MOOCs (archived, current, and “starting soon” courses). The completion rate is 73.25% for SPOCs (Small Private Online Courses) and 18.13% for MOOCs. The average is 27.18%. We defined six major strategic lines covering the content of the courses, in accordance with the National Development Plan: 1. Fundamental academic skills. 2. Specialized skills. 3. Teacher training skills. 4. National challenges. 5. Global challenges. 6. Promotion of art, culture and for the enjoyment of knowledge. Which are the most popular courses for MéxicoX? TOP 10 MéxicoX MOOCs - Redacción para todos from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) - Finanzas para emprendedores from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) - Introducción a los Ambientes Virtuales de Aprendizaje from Dirección General de Educación Superior para Profesionales de la Educación (DGESPE) - Algebra Lineal from Teconológico Nacional de México (TecNM) - Piérdele el miedo a las mates from Teconológico Nacional de México (TecNM) - Iniciación al uso de hojas de cálculo en el aula con Microsoft Excel from Microsoft - Álgebra Lineal from Teconológico Nacional de México (TecNM) - Cálculo Diferencial from Teconológico Nacional de México (TecNM) - Informática en la vida moderna from Teconológico Nacional de México (TecNM) - Aritmética y principios de Álgebra from Teconológico Nacional de México (TecNM) How many users does MéxicoX have? At the moment, MéxicoX has 1,083,072 users (February 21st, 2017). Eighty-five percent of that total comes from Mexico. Of the 15% of users not located in Mexico, 10% are in Colombia, Perú, Spain and Argentina; the remaining 5% are in the rest of the world. For many MOOC platforms, they find that most of their users already have a degree. Is that true for MéxicoX too? USERS’ LEVEL OF EDUCATION INFOGRAPHIC (February 21 st, 2017) What other demographic information is available about MéxicoX users — i.e. age and gender? AGE INFOGRAPHIC (February 21st 2017) GENDER INFOGRAPHIC (February 21st, 2017) I understand that MéxicoX is built upon Open edX. Have any modifications been made to the platform? Yes, we have developed: ● a reporting system that gives us better insights on the information in the platform; ● a web service for allied institutions to register and enroll users from their platforms; and ● an independent front end, in order to allow different institutions and/or countries to use the platform with their own branding yet share the available courses. Can you get certificates or earn credits for taking courses on MéxicoX? If you can receive credits, are these credits transferable between universities? No, you can’t get certificates or earn credits for taking courses on MéxicoX. We extend a proof of participation to the users who finish a course with an acceptable average. We are working diligently to align our MOOCs to universities’ curriculum. The platform is still very young.
RICHMOND, Va. (JTA) — Hedy Lapkin’s boyfriend wanted to attend the pro-gun rally in this capital city, but she had reservations. “My boyfriend has a lot of guns,” Lapkin, 79, said of her 83-year-old boyfriend. “He said, ‘You want to go to the rally?’ I said, ‘Are you out of your mind?'” Lapkin was busy anyway: She was volunteering at the annual Richmond Jewish Food Festival at the Jewish community center about five miles up the road from Capitol Square, the site of the rally. Some 20,000 people met there on Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, to protest gun control proposals by Virginia’s newly Democratic legislature. She explained to her boyfriend, a Republican, why it made no sense for her to go: She’s a liberal, she votes Democratic and she’s Jewish. There were reports before the rally that white supremacists would disrupt it, and there were fears the demonstration would turn violent — possibly even deadly, like the far-right rally about an hour away in Charlottesville in 2017. The fears did not materialize. A Jewish Telegraphic Agency reporter at the rally saw just a single poster using a racially charged term, one Confederate flag and a scattering of camouflage-clad militia members armed with assault rifles. Social media turned up a couple of white supremacists. Infowars, the conspiracy-mongering website beloved by the far right, and its armored vehicle turned up, but one of its “reporters” pushing through the crowd talked mostly to himself. The vast majority of protesters were peaceful and armed only with the conventional slogans of activists whose agenda is upholding the Second Amendment, the right to bear arms. Virginia, which already has a Democratic governor in Ralph Northam, flipped its House and Senate in November elections to Democratic. In the first weeks of this year, Northam and the Democratic majorities proposed a number of restrictions on gun purchases and possession, including increased background checks and the ability for localities to enhance restrictions on ownership. “We will not comply” and “Don’t Tread on Me” proliferated among the banners on display. “USA!” was a repeated chant. There was plenty of material lauding President Donald Trump for upholding gun ownership protections. To the degree that there was a race component to the rally, it was in efforts by some of the protesters to co-opt anti-racist rhetoric as compatible with gun rights. A number of banners referred to Alabama’s rejection in 1956 of King’s application for a concealed carry permit after his house was bombed. (King later said that he reconsidered and thought that possessing guns was counter to his message of nonviolent resistance.) The organizer of the rally, the Virginia Citizens Defense League, urged participants ahead of the rally to be peaceful and respectful. “We cannot stress enough that this is a peaceful day to address our Legislature,” a guide for participants said. “IF YOU SEE A BAD ACTOR flag down a police officer and point it out.” “I think the media tried to beef it up to make it look like we’re all that way — and we’re not,” said a protester named Wendy, who was holding up a sign noting King’s troubles with concealed carry. “The Second Amendment is a unifying force whatever your sex, your race.” Wendy, from West Virginia, did not give her last name in order to avoid trouble with her employer. Will Wampler, a Republican lawmaker in the Virginia House of Delegates, urged the crowd to “keep up the energy” and pledged that his party would retake the state’s government in 2021. Concerns were stoked in part because a number of violent white supremacists were arrested ahead of the rally, some of whom had planned to disrupt it. Northam declared a state of emergency and banned weapons from the immediate vicinity of the state Capitol. National Jewish security officials were on alert and coordinated with Richmond Jewish officials to enhance security. Daniel Staffenberg, the Richmond Jewish Federation’s CEO, said the JCC briefly considered whether to cancel its food festival, but decided against — it’s seen as a key annual moment of outreach to the wider community. The majority of the festival’s participants, which numbered some 10,000 this year, are not Jewish. So the food festival went ahead with 1,600 pounds of brisket, 500 pounds of shawarma, 150 gallons of matzah ball soup and a pumpernickel-flavored beer manufactured specially by a local microbrewery. For the first time, said Diane Goldberg, who has organized the festival for 13 years, bomb-detecting dogs patrolled the event — part of the enhanced security triggered by the gun rally. “The dogs did a double-take at the pickles,” she said. “Apparently pickles set them off.” Marge Pritchett, a retired librarian who is not Jewish, was grateful for an opportunity to hang out with her husband and another couple, and not think about the political tensions five miles away. “I loved the latkes!” she said. “It takes my mind off the rally.”
By aligning incentives between shiponwers and charterters, profitable energy-saving measures will be taken to reduce CO2 emissions. Estimates show that existing technologies and operational measures could reduce CO2 emissions from shipping by 300 million metric tonnes (mmt) by 2030 with negative cost (Figure 1). The single biggest barrier to realizing the opportunity of reducing CO2 emissions cost effectively is the financial incentive structure that does not reward investments in energy efficiency technologies. In the shipping industry, the ship owner controls capital spending including energy related investments, while the charterer bears the fuel costs. The EcoShip fund (EcoShip) will break the split incentives by offering financial incentives to both owners and charterers, providing a market-level return and substantial environmental benefits. EcoShip will work with both the ship owner and the charterer when the owner leases a ship to the charterer. Category of the action Building efficiency: Physical Action What actions do you propose? EcoShip will work with the private equity and impact investing industry to make investment that benefits both the environment and the bottom line of investors. EcoShip finances shipowners to retrofit technologies on ships. As an incentive, EcoShip provides owners with a cash flow that guarantees them with a 12% annual return. In exchange, EcoShip has the exclusive right on returns of the retrofit technology on the owner’s ship. To entice charterers into the game, EcoShip agrees to split cash flows with them. The cash flow, generated through projected fuel savings, is calculated based on annual fuel consumption of a ship (as documented on the bunker delivery note of the ship or BDN) and the expected efficiency gains of the retrofitted technology. An independent third party verifies the BDN and approves the annual fuel savings. The structure of EcoShip is characterized in Figure 2. Figure 2: Structure of the EcoShip Fund As an example, I calculated the free cash flow (FCF) and the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of applying the water flow optimization technology to a 150,000 deadweight bulk carrier. The annual fuel consumption of a bulk carrier of that size was obtained from the International Maritime Organization’s 2nd GHG report (source, in pdf); the cost and efficiency improvement potential came from one of my prior analyses (source, in pdf). The fuel cost is $700 per ton, which is quite conservative, even more so after 2015 when the industry will gradually shift to marine fuels with substantially lower sulfur (source). The EcoShip is assumed to take 75% of the free cash flow while the charterers receives the rest. Figure 3 illustrates the cash outlay and inflows. EcoShip yields about 30% IRR, along with a saving of more than 10 thousand tons of CO2 in nine years. A scenario analysis, with different fuel cost forecasts and split ratios between EcoShip and charterers, is assessed to estimate the sensitivity of the fund return to these two key variables. The result is convincing, as a 20% IRR seems to be a floor of the annual return, shown in Figure 4. Figure 3: Free cash flow analysis Figure 4: Sensitivity analysis There are quite a few risks involved. The shipping industry is dramatized by the frequent boom and bust. The Great Recession, coinciding with a record new delivery ordered when international trade were booming, nearly sank the entire industry. Some sectors of the business, such as containerships, has yet recovered to its pre-recession level. Yet, the suppressed new ship prices and the warming world economy seems to sketch a rosier industry prospect. With more mandatory regulations kicking in to improve the energy efficiency of shipping and demand cleaner but pricier fuels used by ships, a business model built on saving fuels and reducing CO2 emissions will become more viable. Who will take these actions? Where will these actions be taken? First domestically (US), then quickly scale up to the international arena How much will emissions be reduced or sequestered vs. business as usual levels? Approximately 150 mmt of CO2 emissions, or 70% of CO2 emissions from fossil fuel consumption in Germany, could be reduced by 2020 if the split incentive structure inhibiting investment in energy efficiency technologies is addressed through this scalable solution. What are other key benefits? About 2.6 mmt of SOx emissions, equivalent to 27% of SOx emissions from the U.S. power generations, could be reduced as well. What are the proposal’s costs? Overcoming the current incentive structure that prevents investment in energy-efficiency would lead to $5 billion of fuel savings for ship owners and charterers by 2020. The term of this fund will be 10 years. The International Maritime Organization, (2009), The Second GHG Report The International Council on Clean Transportation (2011), Reducing GHG from Ships The International Council on Clean Transportation (2011), The Energy Efficiency Design Index from new Ships Carbon War Room and University of College London (2014), Financial Models fro Shipping Retrofits Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (2010), The Marginal Abatement Costs and Cost-effectiveness of Energy-efficiency Measures
Roche's new hemophilia drug Hemlibra dramatically reduced bleeding in a broad population of hemophilia patients, results from two clinical trials showed on Monday, setting it up to take a dominant market position. Hemlibra cut by 96 percent the incidence of treated bleeds in hemophilia A patients who did not get preventive treatment and compared with patients who did get preventive treatment in the form of clotting factors it reduced them by 68 percent. The positive results from the two trials known as HAVEN 3 and 4 included so-called non-inhibitor patients. Hemlibra's initial success was in patients with inhibitors, which are antibodies that cause resistance to replacement clotting factors. Hemlibra's current regulatory approval is only for these inhibitor patients but Roche plans to submit the latest findings to authorities around the world to widen its use. While the drug's latest success had been expected, the positive results seen in a wide range of patients should underpin demand for a medicine that Roche is relying on as several of its blockbuster cancer drugs face cut-price rivals. Jefferies analysts said HAVEN 4 also showed there was a potential to treat both inhibitor and non-inhibitor patients on only a once-monthly basis. Currently, Hemlibra is given as a once-weekly injection. "This sets Hemlibra up to become the new standard of care for hemophilia A, which we view as a $5 billion peak sales opportunity," they said. The current standard of care for people with hemophilia A without inhibitors is replacement factor VIII clotting factor. Hemlibra will shake up the market and pose a threat to established players reliant on factor replacement therapies, notably Shire, which has agreed to be acquired by Takeda Pharmaceutical. New science also promises to bring further changes in the years ahead, with several companies working on hemophilia gene therapy, in which a harmless virus is used to introduce DNA to fix the faulty genes behind the disease, offering a possible one-off cure. Data from the two Roche clinical studies were presented at the World Federation of Hemophilia congress in Glasgow, Scotland. "With this data, we now have positive results from all four of our Phase III trials that reinforce the overall efficacy and safety of Hemlibra and its potential to improve care for all people with hemophilia A," said Roche Chief Medical Officer Sandra Horning.
Entergy Corp, the second-largest U.S. nuclear power generator, said Monday it would spin off five nuclear plants into a new company in a bid to capitalize on the greenhouse-gas-friendly technology. The new company, which would 50 percent owned by Entergy, would have nearly 5,000 megawatts of generating capacity, located largely in the Northeast, which has some of the highest power prices in the country. After the spin-off, Entergy would consist of five electric utility subsidiaries and a 50 percent stake in the new unit. The U.S. nuclear industry is seeing a resurgence in interest, driven largely by expectations that the federal government will create new rules limiting carbon dioxide emissions that are blamed for global warming. At an industry conference in Orlando, Florida, a director at Fitch Ratings said the new company spun off by Entergy would have debt totaling $4.5 billion. That debt would be "not commensurate with investment grade," said the Fitch director, Justin Bowersock. The plants included in the new company would be the Pilgrim station in Plymouth, Massachusetts; the Fitzpatrick and Indian Point plants in Oswego and Buchanan, New York; the Palisade plant in Covert, Michigan; and the Vermont Yankee plant in Vernon, Vermont. Also on Monday, Entergy said its third-quarter earnings rose 19 percent, helped by higher wholesale power prices and recent rate increases. Net income was $461.2 million, or $2.30 per share, up from $388.9 million, or $1.83 per share, a year earlier. The earnings-per-share gain of nearly 26 percent lagged the 27 percent the company forecast on October 17. Entergy shares rose nearly 2 percent in pre-market trade to $121.00.
If the key word in sustainability used to be zero, the next big word will be positive. Up in the arctic circle, future-forward Norwegian firm Snøhetta is designing the world's first energy-positive hotel. The Svart Hotel—due to open on a fjord beneath the Svartisen Glacier in 2021—will generate more solar energy than it uses through photovoltaic cells, as well as enough to cover its construction. The striking circular building will use 85 percent less energy than comparable contemporary hotels. “In the future, zero-energy hotels should be the absolute minimum,” says Snøhetta architect Kristian Edwards. In Denmark's capital, the soon-to-open Villa Copenhagen will be an SDG hotel, meaning it will adhere to the U.N.'s sustainable development goals. That's predictable coming from Denmark, less so from Las Vegas. In August the Waldorf Astoria took over the city's sophisticated Mandarin Oriental, whose LEED Gold status established it as one of the greenest hotels on the Strip—despite competition from MGM Resorts, whose solar farm will power its entire portfolio of hotels in Sin City.
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. Cataracts can affect vision in many ways, including: Blurred, foggy, or hazy vision Sensitivity to glare and bright lights, especially driving at night or towards the sun Difficulty reading or seeing details, especially in dim light Double vision or “ghost” images Eye strain or fatigue Take our Visual Function Assessment questionnaire to see if your cataracts may be affecting your vision. Cataracts develop as part of the normal aging proess, but affect people at different rates and degrees. Risk factors for cataracts include a family history of cataracts, eye injury or disease, smoking, and use of certain medications such as steroids. For people whose vision is affected by cataracts, cataract surgery may be recommended. During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). Advanced cataract surgery Advances in cataract surgery have made surgery safer, more precise, more comfortable, and provided better and faster vision recovery than traditional techniques. Coastal Eye Specialists has long been at the forefront of these advances, and has been recognized as the leader in our community in introducing and popularizing many of the latest surgical techniques, equipment, and lenses that are now considered state-of-the art. Coastal Eye’s Medical Director, W. Lee Wan, MD, is also a respected and popular teacher of modern cataract surgery to colleagues as well as ophthalmologists-in-training at USC and globally. Advanced cataract surgery uses a technique known as phacoemulsification, in which a small ultrasonic probe is used to liquefy and aspirate the cataract. This demanding, technically sophisticated technique allows “minimally-invasive” cataract removal, which provides a greater margin of safety, faster healing, less distortion of the eye, and quicker visual recovery. Today, phacoemulsification has become the standard cataract removal method for most cataract surgeons. Modern foldable intraocular lens (IOL) implants are made of soft, flexible materials (silicone, acrylic, or collagen) that can be inserted through tiny, self sealing incisions. Stitches are usually not required, and these micro-incisions reduce the risk of bleeding, scarring, and irritation, and allow a more rapid return to normal activities and good vision. More recently, expensive, programmable lasers known as femto lasers have been applied to assist in certain steps of cataract surgery. While helpful in certain specific situations, the advantages of femto lasers in cataract surgery remain unproven, and it unclear whether they justify the added expense and complexity they add to advanced cataract surgery. Although Dr. Wan uses the femto laser in selected cases, he does not rely on it for most routine cataract surgeries. Advanced cataract surgery techniques allow most procedures to be performed using topical (eye drop) anesthesia, eliminating the need for injections around the eye. This also allows patients to use the eye immediately after surgery (although vision may still take time to recover), and reduces the need for patching the eye after surgery. The Surgical experience Before surgery, a pre-op exam is needed to obtain measurements that help the surgeon select the optimal IOL for your eye, and review the specifics of your surgery. Drops are often started a day before surgery. Routine pre-op testing and a recent evaluation from your primary care physician is usually needed. Cataract surgery is performed as an outpatient at one of our affiliated Medicare-approved outpatient surgery centers. When you arrive at the center, you will be given drops to prepare the eye. The actual surgery typically takes 10-15 minutes, but you will be at the center for a few hours for pre- and post-operative care. Surgery is usually done with sedation, given intravenously, to help you feel relaxed and comfortable. Most patients are given sedation so they are relaxed and comfortable, but not completely unconscious, during the brief procedure. During the surgery, you may hear noises and feel some touch around the face and eyes, but there is rarely any pain or unpleasant sensation. After surgery, you will relax for 15-30 minutes to allow the sedation to wear off. You will be sent home with sunglasses to help reduce light sensitivity (which is common for the first few days), and a protective shield to cover the eye when you are sleeping. You can bend over and lift things immediately after surgery, as long as you don’t strain excessively or allow blood to rush to your head. Avoid rubbing or bumping the eye, and keep it clean and dry for the first week. You will be on eye drops for several weeks after surgery to speed healing. If your other eye needs surgery, it can as soon as the next week, once we see that the first eye is healing as expected. Glasses, if needed, can be prescribed anytime after surgery, but we usually encourage waiting several weeks to ensure that the prescription is stable Advanced IOl implants Aspheric monofocal iols These advanced lenses have optically-corrected designs to reduce aberrations in vision after cataract surgery. These IOLs compensate for imperfections in the eye’s optics, and provide better vision in low-contrast or low-light situations than traditional non-aspheric designs. Astigmatism-Correcting (Toric) IOLs Toric IOLs, designed to correct astigmatism (uneven, football-shaped curvature of the eye), were introduced in 1998, and Coastal Eye pioneered the use of these specialty IOLs since then. For patients with astigmatism, use of a toric IOL can result in better, sharper vision and less need for glasses than standard IOLs. More recently, Toric IOLs that combined near correction (presbyopia-correcting IOLs) have also become available that can correct both astigmatism and near vision. Presbyopia correcting iols Presbyopia-correcting IOLs can provide close as well as distance vision. Presbyopia is the age-related loss of close focus that affects most people in their 40’s. The first presbyopia-correcting IOL was approved in 1997 and Coastal Eye has had extensive experience with them since that time, with excellent results. Updated designs have been introduced since then, which have significantly improved the results and broadened the applicability of this class of IOLs. Presbyopia-correcting IOLs are an increasingly popular choice among patients who want to reduce their need for glasses after surgery, for close as well as distance. Presbyopia-correcting IOLs come in different designs, including the ReStor IOL, the Tecnis® Multifocal IOL, the Symfony® Extended Depth and Extended Depth Toric IOLs, and the Crystalens and Trulign® Toric IOLs. These implants are designed to provide both distance and close vision, and can also correct for astigmatism. Each design has pros and cons, and may not be suitable for all patients; none of them yet re-create the vision of a perfect 20 year-old eye. But for the right patient, these are the “best” and most advanced IOLs available and can provide the fullest,most natural and useful range of vision possible for many patients. Dr. Wan is one of a rare group of elite surgeons who have experience and expertise with all of these sophisticated and demanding IOLs, making he and Coastal Eye’s team the experts in determining which of these specialty IOLs might be best for you. Which iol is right for me? Advanced astigmatism- and presbyopia- correcting IOLs are an excellent option for patients who wish to reduce their need for glasses or contacts at the same time they have cataract surgery. A complete eye exam and consultation with the surgeon are needed to determine which type of IOL will best meet your needs, lifestyle, and budget. Not everyone is a candidate for these advanced IOLs. Most patients will get satisfactory results with a standard IOL, but for those who are appropriate candidates, these advanced IOLs offer a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to optimize their vision and reduce their need for glasses at the same time they have their cataract removed. Toric and presbyopia-correcting implants are considered specialty IOLs; extra measurements, calculations, planning, and post-op care are essential for optimal results with these lenses. If cataract surgery is considered “medically necessary,” medical insurance will usually approve the costs of the basic surgery and a standard or aspheric monofocal IOL. Patients are then responsible for the difference between the cost of the specialty IOL surgery and standard IOL surgery. The out-of-pocket cost difference will depend on the type of correction desired, and can only be determined after a surgical consultation. When considering costs, remember that the IOL you choose is permanent and lifelong, and you will look through it for every waking minute for the rest of your life. There are very few things that you can invest in that will provide as much benefit as your future vision. Refractive Lens Exchange Refractive lens exchange is a surgical procedure that replaces the natural lens with an intraocular lens (IOL) to correct farsightedness, nearsightedness or astigmatism. Available as an alternative to laser vision correction, this procedure avoids the need for corneal surgery done during laser vision correction, and instead involves the same procedure used in cataract surgery. Generally, it is reserved for patients who may not be candidates for laser vision correction, often with higher degrees of nearsightedness or farsightedness, or for patients who may have early cataracts but do not wish to wait for the cataracts to become disabling. Patients who choose to undergo refractive lens exchange have many options, similar to cataract patients, when it comes to the IOL that will be implanted into the eye, depending on their visual needs.
Fire Suppression Systems Association (FSSA) The Fire Suppression Systems Association (FSSA) is a not-for-profit trade association, drawing members internationally. FSSA is a unique blend of designer/installers, manufacturers and suppliers working together to share ideas and strategies for the benefit of the fire suppression systems industry. FSSA members are dedicated to the highest level of safety, reliability and effectiveness of special hazards fire suppression. The mission of FSSA is to promote the use of, and be the leading recognized authority on, special hazard fire protection systems; employing existing and new technologies to safeguard people, high-value assets and the environment. Certified Fire Safety Company, Monitoring and Firefighting Equipment Supplier National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors (NAFED) The National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors (NAFED) was established in 1963 with the mission of continuously improving the economic environment, business performance, and technical competence in the fire protection industry. The association operates with the mission and the principal objective of gathering and disseminating information and ideas that will improve the world's fire protection and increase the fire protection industry's competence. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) The mission of the international nonprofit NFPA, established in 1896, is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. The world's leading advocate of fire prevention and an authoritative source on public safety, NFPA develops, publishes, and disseminates more than 300 consensus codes and standards intended to minimize the possibility and effects of fire and other risks. NFPA membership totals more than 81,000 individuals around the world and more than 80 national trade and professional organizations. National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Providing universally recognized certification for all individuals in engineering technology and related disciplines is NICET's vision. Their mission is to provide an independent evaluation of technical knowledge and exper- ience, through certification, among those working in the fields of engineering technology; define and support career paths for engi- neering technologists and related disciplines; and ensure recognition and continued professional devel- opment of certified individuals. Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal The Office of State Fire Marshal is a statutory office established in 1904 with the State Fire Marshal being appointed by the governor. The office is charged with the responsibility of protecting the life and property of the citizens of this state from fire explosion and related hazards through the enforcement of legislative mandates and administrative rules or directives by: Reviewing construction plans to ensure compliance with the state’s adopted fire safety, life safety, handicapped accessibility requirements and the state’s energy code. Inspecting new and existing structures to ensure compliance with the state’s adopted fire safety, life safety, handicapped accessibility requirements and the state’s energy code. Investigating suspicious fires in order to suppress arson. Analyzing fire reports and statistics to determine the extent of the state’s fire problems and educating the public about the need to be fire safe. American Fire Sprinkler Association AFSA acts as a liaison with other national associations involved in fire safety. Working together with government agencies, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Fire Protection Association, the Residential Fire Safety Institute, and the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, AFSA helps to create an awareness on the dangers of fire. AFSA was organized in 1981 to provide the merit shop fire sprinkler contractor with training, consulting, communication, representation and many more services, all of which have expanded over its existence. Membership is open to contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, designers and Authorities Having Jurisdiction. Currently, AFSA represents companies and individuals in the United States and throughout the world. AFSA believes that the installation of fire sprinklers could save thousands of lives and billions of dollars lost to fire each year. Increasingly, public officials are realizing this. Louisiana Fire Sprinkler Association, Chapter he Louisiana Fire Sprinkler Association is the voice of the merit shop automatic fire sprinkler contractor. In support of the merit shop objective, the LFSA promotes the development of educational and training programs to maintain the quality and effectiveness of automatic fire sprinklers in protecting lives and property, and provides programs to enhance ethical business practices. We work in cooperation and partnership with statewide AHJ's and support their children's educational activities to reinforce fire safety in homes, workplaces and schools.
The stormwater system is located underground but constructing it required deep trenches to build the twin-stormwater pipes, and large caissons containing gross pollution traps (GPTs). To complete the project on time, and to ensure worker safety, the trenches and pits had to be effectively shored. Scott Fraser, General Manager of Construction for Brefni, says the project was complex: excavations were at some points eight metres deep, and one was 12 metres across; the main trench included a 90-degree corner as well as curves and slopes; and there were problems with ground water and contaminated soil. “We initially used traditional sheet-pile walls to shore the trench walls, but it was taking too long. So we turned to Coates Hire,” says Fraser. “They have a propping system that uses hydraulic rams which can be adapted to the size of the excavations very quickly and effectively.” Fraser says the caisson around the GPT required a pit 12 metres wide. The work area could not be impeded by the I-beams traditionally used in sheet-piling across a wide area.
Equipment for Hire Air & Air Accessories Concrete & Masonry Confined Space Entry Floor & Cleaning Generators & Power Distribution Ladders & Scaffolding Lift & Shift Propping & Structural Support Pumps & Fluid Management Tools & Equipment Trucks, Vehicles & Trailers View all Equipment Temporary Works - Design & Installation Synchronous Hydraulic Jacking Turn Key Solutions Sewer & Water By-Pass Systems & Experience View all Services Construction and Small Equipment Elevated Work Platforms Work at Heights View all Training Courses Find a Branch 13 15 52 13 15 52 Latest from us Legislation reform to improve safety for transport and logistics 24 January 2019 October 2018, amendments to improve safety outcomes for the road transport industry, the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), took effect. Here we take a look at what’s changed, who is impacted and how businesses can remain compliant. The HVNL was introduced in 2014 to provide a single national law for the operation of heavy vehicles and a consistent approach to regulating this industry. Since then, every state and territory in Australia (except Western Australia and the Northern Territory) has introduced the HVNL (or a modified version) as their own heavy vehicle law. Transport safety laws traditionally focused predominantly on the actions of drivers and operators. But as the provision for Chain of Responsibility (CoR) evolves, this legislation increasingly recognises the role that other parties in the supply chain play in keeping people safe. Wider Chain of Responsibility (CoR) Recent reforms to the HVNL focus on making safety a more collective responsibility. Under the amended legislation, anyone with influence over transport activities is considered part of the supply chain and are therefore required to do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure the safe operation of heavy vehicles. According to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) “ any time you or your business sends or receives goods using a heavy vehicle with a gross vehicle mass of more than 4.5 tonnes, you become part of the supply chain ”. This includes: The employers of drivers and operators (where the driver is employed) The prime contractor for a drivers and operators (if self employed) Consignor/consignees of any goods in the vehicle Packers and handlers of any goods in the vehicle Loading managers for, or loaders of any goods in the vehicle Unloaders of any goods in the vehicle. Greater accountability for executives To achieve more of a approach for the NHVL (similar to the approach taken in Occupational Health and Safety law), greater emphasis has been placed on the role of executives in achieving compliance. Executive officers, employers and prime contractors are now required to proactively anticipate, identify and mitigate the risks involved in transport operations across the supply chain. They can also be held liable – and even face jail time – for breaches. Prosecutions are now easier to bring under the HVNL, with the potential for multiple parties to be found liable. Recent legislative changes also feature harsher penalties – from October 1, companies found to be in breach of the HVNL can face fines as great as $3,000,000. Individual penalties are capped at $300,000 with the possibility of prison sentences of up to five years. Having a safety management system in place is the best way to ensure your business understands and can comply with all obligations of the NHVL, including: Identifying, assessing and controlling risk associated with transport activities. Implementing appropriate training practices, processes, reviews and controls. Applying best practice in managing compliance (around speed, fatigue, mass, dimension, loading and vehicle standards). Appropriate documentation and recording of actions taken to manage safety. Regular reporting, including briefings to executive officers. In addition to organisational responsibilities, executive officers are required to: Maintain current knowledge on transport safety. Understand an organisation’s transport activities, associated risks and hazards. Appropriately use safety systems and controls to eliminate or minimise risks and hazards. Ensure business practices do not require or encourage drivers to jeopardise safety (driving whilst fatigued, exceeding maximum driving hours, or failing to meet rest requirements). Lead other parties in the supply chain with appropriate guidance on compliance. Need to know more? Recent reforms to the HVNL serve as a timely reminder. Regardless of whether we drive heavy vehicles or manage and make decisions on behalf of those who do, we have a responsibility to comply with NHVL and above all else to keep people safe. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of resources to educate and support businesses in doing so – we’ve handpicked and shared a few below. Heavy Vehicle National Law and Regulations Chain of Responsibility CoR Gap Assessment Tool National Transport Commission Tell A Mate How do the recent changes and requirements of NHVL impact your business? Will these reforms improve transport safety as anticipated? Please share your thoughts and comments with us via LinkedIn. Alternatively please contact a member of the Coates Hire team by calling 13 15 52 or submitting an enquiry form below. Share This Article See how we can help with your project 13 15 52 13 15 52 By submitting this enquiry you agree to Coates Hire's Communication Terms & Conditions Make an Enquiry Give us a call 13 15 52 Safety Standard Guarantee 24/7 Online Services Same day delivery available Find out how we can help
Complete the form below to receive our brochure with detailed pricing. We will also phone you as soon as possible to chat about your education. Please note that at College SA we do not offer face to face classes at all. We do not have a campus that you attend. You study from home and we courier your material to you. We provide email and phone support to our students. by College SA From R910 per month Number of months: 25 This salon management course will equip you with the skills to manage salon staff, finances, customer complaints and deal with HR issues and admin tasks. Why study a Salon Management programme with College SA? If you are considering opening your own beauty salon, then you will need certain business skills to help you run your business. This salon management course is aimed at students who are already working in the beauty therapy industry or have studied a beauty therapy course and would like to start their own business. This course solely focuses on business skills. You will learn how to run a business, manage your finances and staff and how to provide customer service that will keep your customers coming back. Reasons why you should study a Salon Management course - If you want to open your own business, you will need certain business skills to get your business off the ground. - Salon management skills could help you make a success of your new business. - Once you have completed this course, you can apply for a managerial position at a beauty salon or spa. Natural skills required for this occupation - People skills - Strong managerial skills - Business skills Study the Salon Management Advanced course (College SA certificate confirming course completion) This Salon Management course covers various business skills. You will learn how to perform various managerial tasks of a business, which may include managing the finances, ordering stock, supervising and employing staff, advertising the business and dealing with customer issues. The subjects covered in this course include Financial Management (Advanced), Human Resource Management Essentials, Financial Management Basics, Customer Relationship Management, Introduction to Business English, Personnel Management, Professional Salon Skills, Networking for Success, Entrepreneurship, Business Ethics, Managerial Leadership and Business and Office Administration. Once you have completed this Advanced course, you will receive a College SA certificate of completion. To study this course, you must have a Grade 10 certificate, be at least 16 years of age and able to read and write English.
When Congress convenes on Monday, if the country’s financial system isn’t in a complete free-fall, lawmakers plan to take up a comprehensive energy bill aimed at easing voters’ fears over this summer’s oil shock. Of course, it’s been 30 years since Jimmy Carter warned of a “national catastrophe” and urged America to wean itself off fossil fuel — even before Global Warming was a glint in climatologists’ eyes — but this is America. Why tackle an impending crisis over decades when you can put it off to the very last minute? Within this partisan climate — fresh on the heels of a royal stunt staged by a handful of House Republicans earlier this summer, when they grandstanded in a darkened House chamber after everyone else had gone home — Colorado Sen. Ken Salazar delivered the weekly Democratic radio address on Saturday, calling on Republicans to drop the slogans and solve the problem. Let’s start, Salazar suggested, “with being honest about our energy future. We consume 25 percent of the world’s oil, but we have less than 3 percent of the world’s oil reserves. We simply can’t drill our way to energy independence.” Of course, this won’t sit well with the “Drill, baby, drill!” crowd (was there ever a less catchy chant to emerge from a national convention?). Democrats rightly point to explosive growth in domestic drilling since Bush came to power — Salazar correctly notes 34,000 active natural gas wells pump away in Colorado, a record — but also stand firm: “… drilling alone is not sufficient,” Salazar said. Salazar has joined with Democrats and Republicans in the Senate to break apart a logjam threatened by House Republicans, who saw their poll numbers turn favorable when they hammered Democrats over off-shore drilling as gas passed $4 a gallon. “Replace the oil we import from countries that don’t like us with alternative energy sources that we produce right here at home,” Salazar said. “Biofuels. Wind. Solar. Hydrogen. Geothermal. Clean Coal. American energy, American jobs.” He closed with a political challenge: “Republicans have to decide whether they just want to talk about our energy problems on the campaign trail, or whether they will work with Democrats to actually solve them.” Listen to Salazar’s radio address here. Here’s the complete text of the address Salazar delivered: Good morning, I’m United States Senator Ken Salazar from Colorado. I grew up on a ranch in Colorado’s San Luis Valley. My family has farmed that place now for five generations. Before that, they helped found the city of Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 1598. “Over the last few weeks, I was back home on our ranch and traveling through most of Colorado. Everywhere I went, you see the effects of the last eight years. Jobs are disappearing. Health care is costing too much. And the cost of energy is through the roof. For farmers, diesel is costing more than four dollars a gallon. We simply can’t afford it any more. Enough is enough. “Democrats are working for change, and it starts with being honest about our energy future. We consume 25 percent of the world’s oil, but we have less than 3 percent of the world’s oil reserves. We simply can’t drill our way to energy independence. “In Colorado, we’re doing our part on drilling. We have more than 34,000 active gas wells. And we’re going to drill a whole lot more in the coming years. “But we also know that drilling alone is not sufficient. Yet that was the only idea that John McCain and his friends at the Republican National Convention offered. ‘Drill, baby, drill’ — that’s not enough. We need it all. “We need to replace the oil we import from countries that don’t like us with alternative energy sources that we produce right here at home. Biofuels. Wind. Solar. Hydrogen. Geothermal. Clean Coal. American energy, American jobs. That’s what we need. “With the help of our farmers and ranchers and with Americans’ hard work and ingenuity, we can grow our way to energy independence. To do it, though, we have to pass the tax incentives for renewable energy that Senator McCain and Republicans in the Senate have been blocking and opposing for months and years. We need an Apollo project that retools Detroit so that we can run our cars on the alternative fuels that we develop. And we need to give consumers a choice at the pump. Why not fill up with biofuels, if they’re cheaper than gas? Why not have cars that get 100 miles to a gallon? “Democrats are trying to solve these problems because we believe and know we can. President Bush and John McCain do not. All they want is more of the same. “This week in the Senate, that choice will be clear as day. Democrats will be offering comprehensive energy solutions. “I’m part of a small group of Senators from both parties who are working together to find bipartisan solutions to energy that we can all agree upon. But the thing is this: it’s going to take more than a handful of Republicans who agree that we need a comprehensive energy plan. President Bush and Senator McCain have failed to show any leadership on this issue for the last eight years. “Republicans have to decide whether they just want to talk about our energy problems on the campaign trail, or whether they will work with Democrats to actually solve them. If you’re tired of $4 gasoline, if you’re tired of a whole lot of talk without any action, if you’re saying enough is enough, I hope you will tell President Bush, Senator McCain, and Members of Congress that it is time for honest solutions to our energy problems. “This is United States Senator Ken Salazar from Colorado. Have a wonderful weekend.”
The promise of cinematic computing will get a little closer to reality with the availability of new graphics chips from industry leaders Nvidia and ATI Technologies over the coming weeks. Nvidia's GeForce 6800 chips were formally unveiled this week. They include Microsoft's DirectX 9.0 Shader Model 3.0 feature set, Nvidia said. ATI is expected to release its own chips that will rival Nvidia's later this month. The DirectX 9.0 technology is a collection of APIs (application programming interfaces) that let games and other multimedia programs take advantage of the full capability of advanced graphics chips. Shader Model 3.0 will allow graphics designers to realistically portray human characteristics such as flesh tone to create some of the most compelling video games and movies yet, said Jon Peddie, president of Jon Peddie Research. The new chips are a stepping stone on the path to creating sophisticated images on an everyday PC. Movie developers for projects such as Finding Nemo currently require expensive high-performance graphics workstations to create the images for the movie. Nvidia added graphics double data rate memory and additional floating-point engines to the new generation of graphics chips to reach that level of performance, the company said. It also added an on-chip video processor as a dedicated video engine for encoding and decoding MPeg video. The new generation of graphics processors are powerful enough to be used as supercomputer processors, Peddie said. Some universities and laboratories are using older generations of graphics chips in supercomputing clusters because of their superior number-crunching ability, he said. Most users who do not play PC games have no need for that level of performance, but the PC gaming community is willing to pay top dollar for advances in graphics technology that will improve the performance of their gaming experience. Gamers also tend to influence the purchasing decisions of friends and family members who are less tech-savvy, so companies like Nvidia and ATI compete ferociously for the top spot in the graphics processor market. Nvidia and ATI also compete to have their technology included in the console gaming market. Nvidia had been the supplier for Microsoft's Xbox console, but ATI recently won a contract to supply the chips for the next-generation of that platform. The two companies are jousting to see which chip will wind up in Sony's PlayStation 3. Most of the graphics chips will be used in graphics cards for PCs from mainstream companies, such as Hewlett-Packard and Gateway, as well as from PC companies that cater to gamers, Nvidia said. The cards will also be available for purchase separately, and they are expected to be available in 45 days, Nvidia said. Tom Krazit writes for IDG News Service
Sir Patrick McLoughlin is a former Secretary of State for Transport. He served as a Conservative MP from 1986 to 2019. Last year, after more than 33 years in the House of Commons, I stood down from frontline politics. During my time in Parliament there was one job I enjoyed more than any other – being Transport Secretary. I am proud of the upgrade projects which I was able to sign off on, projects that are already making a real difference for passengers including thousands of new trains carriages, more electrification and modernisation of key lines. But looking back, there is one major change I regret not pursuing: reforming Britain’s labyrinthine system of rail fares. As I outlined last week, in a speech to rail industry leaders, the rules that govern ticket prices were written in the early 1990s, before the advent of the internet, the smartphone and online shopping. They were written for a world where passengers nearly always bought their tickets at a station and travelled at traditional times of the week – the 9-to-5 Monday to Friday commute or the weekend getaway. They have helped create a fares system that is fiendishly complex due to layer upon layer of additional ticketing options and requirements being added over the years, with old ones not taken away. This means that there are now estimated to be over 55 million different fares available. The system is also full of anomalies which baffle and frustrate passengers who have to battle to find the best fare for their journey. The launch of ‘split’ ticketing on Trainline’s website and app in January, which makes the most of these anomalies, is of course good news for a proportion of passengers that make certain types of journeys. But I believe every passenger who travels by train should have confidence that when they buy a ticket, they are getting the best value fare for their journey. To do this, we have to reconfigure the underlying building blocks of the whole system. It’s not just important to make buying fares a less bewildering experience and offer better value for money. It is also vital for the future of the railway. Changing work and travel patterns mean that unless the system is modernised ticket revenue will fall. This would be bad news for passengers who could see less investment in new rolling stock, station improvements and better services. It is also bad news for taxpayers, who would otherwise need to fill that funding gap. It has now come to light that the risk to the public purse posed by ‘split’ ticketing becoming the norm could be up to £1 billion every year. This drop in fare revenue would mark a return to the age of British Rail, when taxpayers had to fork out billions each year just to run the railway, with little or no money left over to invest to improve services. Passengers saw services get worse and stations deteriorate while they were forced to travel on old, out-of-date rolling stock. Privatisation has changed all that – greater efficiency and the decision to ask those who travel by rail to pay more towards the costs of running it, has meant that the majority of taxpayer money going to the railway is now spent on infrastructure investment and other improvements for passengers. But if the fares system remains unreformed and revenue falls as a result, all of that is at risk. It doesn’t have to be like this. Train companies have put forward potentially cost-neutral proposals to the Government to reform the regulations that underpin fares. The changes they are proposing would deliver a far easier-to-use, better value system, more suitable for today’s travellers. Part-time season tickets and automatic price caps for commuters with pay-as-you-go pricing and ‘tap-in tap-out’ payments would be the norm across the country. For business and leisure journeys on long-distance routes, there would be a better range of cheaper, mix-and-match walk-up fares, with less crowding on the busiest trains. And finally, it would mean an end to having to decide at the beginning of the day what time you will be coming back. The proposals would also allow for local areas to be able to set their own fares, reflecting their own priorities and needs. This would deliver on the pledge made by the Prime Minister last September when he set out his aim for local areas to be able to set their own fares. And what’s even better is that these reforms are potentially revenue neutral, depending on how they’re implemented, with the possibility of stimulating over 300 million more journeys on services with capacity for growth. In order to realise this, though, it will be necessary to trial new ticket types to assess the impact on fares revenue and ensure that any reforms are designed to maximise the number of ‘winners’ from any changes. Looking forward to the next four decades, the nation’s economic competitiveness will depend on people being able to travel with flexibility, and not be boxed in by rigid ticketing options which offer no savings for changing travel times. People will expect to move seamlessly between trains, buses, trams and autonomous vehicles on one ticket in the certain knowledge that they have got the best price for their journey. In big cities and other areas, local leaders will want the power to set fares according to priorities of the area. All of this requires the wholesale rewriting of the rules that underpin rail fares. The forthcoming Williams Review and the White Paper that follows provides the chance to deliver all of this. It is an opportunity that must not be squandered. I believe if we grasp the nettle now, by the time of the next general election we will have been able to deliver a simpler, better value and more logical fares system that makes passengers’ lives easier and simpler, encourages hundreds of thousands of more people to travel by rail and helps the UK meet its carbon reduction targets. All this at the same time as protecting the record levels of investment in rail infrastructure, rolling stock and station improvements. So, as my successors in the Department for Transport consider their options, I would urge them to get on with fares reform – because one thing I learned when I was in their shoes is that progress can take time but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth doing.
The Galena Creek Bridge is one of nine bridges included in the I-580 expansion project. The extension of I-580 from the Mt. Rose Highway to Bowers Mansion cutoff will connect Reno and Carson City, effectively completing I-580 in Washoe County. NDOT has been planning for several decades to improve I-580 to freeway standards for its entire length in Nevada. Piece by piece, the long-range plan is taking shape. This new freeway segment covers 8.5 mi. (13.7 km) and is scheduled to officially open to traffic in mid-August 2012. Development of I-580 in Washoe County has been a work in progress since 1957. The first segment of the freeway constructed was from the Carson City/Washoe County line to Lakeview in 1964, followed by the Lakeview to Winters Ranch segment, which opened in 1970. Additional segments faced opposition to the alignment recommendation, and lawsuits were filed in the early ’70’s. One corridor was approved in the late ’70’s, but Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) on further sections were not released until 1983. From 1983 until present, the freeway has progressed southward through a series of construction projects, first from South Virginia Street to Del Monte Lane, then northward from Del Monte Lane to South Virginia Street, and most recently from South Virginia Street to the Mt. Rose Highway. The final link from Winters Ranch to the Mt. Rose Highway will complete the freeway improvements in Washoe County. The I-580 Freeway Extension Project marks the final segment in NDOT’s plan to construct a safe freeway from Carson City in the south through the Reno-Sparks area, to Panther Valley in the north. The existing highway was under great strain because of increased commuter traffic and development in south Truckee Meadows, Pleasant Valley and north Washoe Valley. Anticipated growth will burden the route even further with continuing negative impacts on congestion and traffic safety. The freeway extension will provide a safer and more efficient route to serve growing traffic needs. The project originally went out for bid in June 2003 and Edward Kraemer & Sons Inc. was awarded $79.5 million for what was referred to as “Package A.” Construction on this contract began in November 2003. However, in May 2006, NDOT and Kraemer mutually agreed to terminate their contract due to a disagreement on the constructibility of the pilot truss for the Galena Creek Bridge. Kraemer received $50 million for work completed. Contract termination was approved by the State Transportation Board on June 6, 2006. In an effort to get the project on track and completed, all remaining work was combined into one contract, 3292. An extensive contractor outreach program was put into place to find a qualified contractor — Fisher Sand & Gravel — who then commenced work with a $393 million contract. Fisher subcontracted C.C. Myers of Reno for bridgework. The remaining work included within Contract 3292 includes five bridges; grading and paving for the 8.5 mi. of roadway between the Bowers Mansion interchange and the Mt. Rose interchange; construction of the Bowers Mansion interchange; and the completion of the Mt. Rose/I-580 interchange. Contract 3292 also includes sculpting of the rock cuts, re-vegetating slopes, and construction of retaining walls on the downhill slopes. A now-famous portion of this project is the Galena Creek Bridge. Measuring 1,722 ft. (525 m) long, with a 300-ft. (91.4 m) high arch, this bridge is the longest concrete cathedral arch bridge in the U.S. A tremendous amount of public interest was generated by the project design for this segment of the freeway extension. Communities affected by the freeway extension have historically proven to be highly active and involved from the project start. Recognizing this, NDOT’s multi-faceted public involvement program included the Stakeholder Working Group (SWG) as a mechanism to keep project stakeholders directly involved. On this final segment of I-580, NDOT implemented a design approach different from historic design and construction projects. Through a process referred to as Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) or Context Sensitive Design (CSD), NDOT developed and implemented an integrated public outreach plan to solicit public involvement and communicate openly with stakeholders. During final design, NDOT integrated stakeholder input into the proposed roadway alignments and bridge designs to develop a project that blends with the terrain, minimizes impacts and has community support, while maintaining safety and mobility. The I-580 project was awarded “Notable Practices” by AASHTO for demonstrating the successful application of Context Sensitive Solutions in a freeway application. Many of the aesthetic treatments have taken shape during construction. More than 3 million cubic meters of earth have been hauled from the north end of the project to the south end of the project. When the project is complete, the price tag will be close to $550 million — after totaling the contracts with Kraemer and Fisher, change orders, designs and right-of-ways. The entire project is scheduled to wrap up and open to traffic in late summer 2012.
\|Did you mean to convert\|\|finger\|\|to\|\|league [US statute]\| league [ancient Celtic] How many finger in 1 league [US statute]? The answer is 42240.084864392. We assume you are converting between finger and league [US statute]. You can view more details on each measurement unit: finger or league [US statute] The SI base unit for length is the metre. 1 metre is equal to 8.7489063867017 finger, or 0.00020712331461429 league [US statute]. Note that rounding errors may occur, so always check the results. Use this page to learn how to convert between fingers and leagues. Type in your own numbers in the form to convert the units! You can do the reverse unit conversion from league [US statute] to finger, or enter any two units below: ConvertUnits.com provides an online conversion calculator for all types of measurement units. You can find metric conversion tables for SI units, as well as English units, currency, and other data. Type in unit symbols, abbreviations, or full names for units of length, area, mass, pressure, and other types. Examples include mm, inch, 100 kg, US fluid ounce, 6'3", 10 stone 4, cubic cm, metres squared, grams, moles, feet per second, and many more!
Menopause was once thought to be exclusively experienced by women. However, now researchers are recognizing a “male menopause” that can affect some men. As they age, all women experience menopause along with its significant decline in estrogen. As men age, only some men will experience a “male menopause” marked by low testosterone levels. The male menopause, known also as “andropause” or late onset-hypogonadism, can only be confirmed by a blood workup showing low testosterone levels. The primary symptoms that might alert the patient and physician to test for low testosterone are: sexual dysfunction low libido low energy levels overall weakness or fatigue irritability insomnia & night sweats European researchers have identified three physical symptoms that were prominent in men with low testosterone: difficulty in engaging in vigorous physical activity, inability to walk one kilometer, and inability to bend or stoop. Psychological symptoms can also be associated with male menopause, including feelings of sadness. But overall researchers emphasize that physical and psychological symptoms are not as strongly associated with low testosterone as sexual symptoms. Lesser known symptoms which also can be associated with low testosterone include the following: changes in sleep patterns such as sleep disturbances, insomnia or increased sleepiness physical changes such as increased body fat; reduced muscle bulk, strength and endurance; and decreased bone density swollen or tender breasts (gynecomastia) and loss of body hair hot flashes (rarely) Some young men may experience a few of the above symptoms but do not have low testosterone. Older men also may experience some symptoms typical of low testosterone but are not in “male menopause” with normal testosterone levels. Such patients may be affected by many other medical conditions including cardiac conditions, gastrointestinal complications or even diabetes. Low testosterone may be only one of the contributing factors to a myriad of presenting symptoms and each patient should be thoroughly evaluated on an individual basis. The incidence of “male menopause” is still being assessed by researchers with some suggesting it affects only two percent of elderly men, as reported in The New England Journal of Medicine (June 17, 2010) on the results of the European Male Aging Study. However, experts have long known that subtle changes occur in the testes over time with levels gradually declining throughout adulthood – about 1 percent each year after age 30 on average. By age 70, the decrease in a man’s testosterone level can be as much as 50 percent. Men who do have confirmed low testosterone blood levels can elect to be treated with testosterone replacement therapy. Those men who have been treated with testosterone replacement report higher energy levels, improved mood and better sexual function. Some researchers also believe it can help with improved memory. The treatment can carry some risks, especially for older men, so a thorough analysis of the risks and benefits should be discussed by each patient with his physician. Testosterone replacement should not be confused with erectile dysfunction drugs that are also used to aid men with sexual dysfunction but would not be helpful for non-sexual symptoms associated with “male menopause.” Overall, many experts feel that “male menopause” is a natural part of the aging process that may not require treatment. But for some men with severely reduced levels of testosterone, treatment can bring an improved quality of life and should be an option for them.
- Not enactedThe President has not signed this bill - The senate has not voted Committee on the Judiciary - senate Committees - The house has not voted Committee on the JudiciaryCrime, Terrorism and Homeland SecurityIntroducedJanuary 17th, 2019 - house Committees What is House Bill H.R. 677? Cost of House Bill H.R. 677 In-Depth: Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) introduced this bill to clarify that presidents don’t have to be men and their spouses don’t have to be wives: “In 2016, one of the two major party candidates for President was a woman with a husband and in 2020, for the first time in history, we may have more presidential candidates who are women than men, as well as a potential LGBTQ candidate who is married. The U.S. Code should not assume that Presidents will be men or that they will only marry women, especially when describing which people will or will not be protected by federal law. While this language may have been accepted when the original law was enacted, it does not reflect the America of today and I look forward to ensuring that federal law recognizes this reality.” This bill has 39 Democratic cosponsors. Of Note: Studies have shown that gendered wording in reference to jobs and careers limits discussions, makes male-sounding jobs sound less appealing to women, and affects day-to-day perceptions of who belongs in certain professions. BYU English professor Delys Snyder argues that “in changing the language, [you are probably] changing the way people see who could be in this job.” Summary by Lorelei Yang (Photo Credit: iStockphoto.com / BasSlabbers)
How to Deal With High Conflict Co-parenting By Amanda Marsden, Calgary Family Lawyer Generally, having a child with another person means that you are going to have a relationship with that person for the rest of your life. In some cases, this relationship can be difficult as it may be a high conflict parenting relationship. High conflict relationships can be incredibly difficult to manage and can leave both parents and children feeling stressed and drained. Ideally, parents should work together to decrease family conflict and co-parent effectively, but if you’re caught in a high-conflict parenting situation, the following tips may be helpful. Pickup and Drop off services In some family law cases, the exchange of the children can lead to conflicts between the parties which may turn into he said/she said accusations. There are both informal and more formal pick-up and drop-off services that can be explored in order to avoid this conflict after separation. One option is to meet each other in a public place, with the hope that this will keep any conflict from escalating. Some people chose to make that public place their local police station. In extreme cases, a third party can facilitate the exchange. This third party can be a mutual friend or family member, or if required, a professional agency. Limiting time actually spent with the other parent (even during exchanges) can help alleviate some of the stress associated with dealing with a high conflict parenting situation. Our Family Wizard or other communication tools In most family law cases, limiting communication between parties to text or email decreases accusations and hostility. But in high conflict parenting situations, communicating only in writing may not be enough. Sometimes using technology such as Our Family Wizard can be helpful. Programs such as this have features that can help the parties self-edit their communications to ensure they are appropriate and encourage respectful communication. These types of programs also have features that allow third parties to monitor the communication and suggest ways for the parties to improve their communication skills and work together for the benefit of the Children after separation or divorce. It can be difficult to reach a mediated settlement in family law, but the research shows that parents are usually happier with an agreement they came to themselves, as opposed to one imposed by the Court. Judges are given the power to make decisions, however, they do not know all of the details of the family or Children involved in any given case. Parents are in a much better position to negotiate a settlement that will work in the best interests of their children than a third party decision maker. Therefore, mediation can be a great option, not only for efficient settlement of family law issues, but also because the parties can come to an agreement that works for their particular family circumstances, based on both of their needs and the needs of the children, this can cause a decrease in conflict. Keep the kids out of it The most important thing to remember when dealing with a high conflict co-parent is to keep the children out of the fight. Research shows that involving children in the conflict between their parents leads to long term emotional damage. Children should never be used as the messengers or sounding boards for their parents. The Calgary family lawyers at Crossroads Law have extensive experience in dealing with high conflict parenting cases. If you think you are in a high conflict parenting situation and need advice tailored to your specific circumstances contact us for a free consultation.
Spotlight on California - Our Ultimate global camping guide This month we are kicking off our guide to camping all around the world, a simple 2 minute read to tell you all you need to know. Places we have been to and some of our amazing community members also. We are taking suggestions for the Winter guide now also. Get in touch. At the end of the month, we will share this in a handy to use guide to store wherever you need it. California State encompasses a vast selection of scenery and different terrain to explore. Northern California is home to vast wilderness, wildlife and mountain living. Southern California offers a different environment, this is where you can experience the big cities, sunny weather and magnificent views of the Pacific coastline. California offers those who live there and those who visit a variety of different places to see and explore. Whether you are into the wilderness or exploring the cities. Things to consider before camping in California - Research where you’re heading to camp. There are a number of different camping areas, depending on where you are going. Everything from the beach to National Parks, State land, Private Land. You have options. https://www.reservecalifornia.com/CaliforniaWebHome/ - Knowing the seasons will help you determine when to plan your trip and also what to expect for weather. Peak season is summertime, everyone is out of school and ready to getaway. Peak season in California is in June, July, August and these months are going to be the busiest time for travel. Shoulder season April, May, and October. These months tend to be cooler and less busy. Low season, this season is going to be in the winter months. Finally, the low season is going to be quieter and fewer crowds of people. - Also by knowing what season you will be camping in, will help determine what kind of clothing and gear you will need. Whether you are camping on the beach or in the mountains, layers are always a good idea. Tips for Camping in California - Rules and Regulations - Check out California's rules and regulations for the area you will be visiting. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=21300 - Beach camping - It's not every day you get to experience the sound of ocean waves slapping against the rocks as you sleep. Beach camping is one of a kind experience. Keep in mind beach camping has different rules and regulations. Make sure to reserve your spot and to follow signs put in place by park employees. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=21300 - Dogs - California does offer many different hiking trails and places for your dog to roam and explore. In order to keep your dog safe and to respect the area. Call ahead to the campsite you will be stay or hiking area to ensure dogs are allowed. Due to wildlife habit, revegetation and other projects, the family pet may not be allowed in that area. https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/24317/files/dogloversguidetosp.pdf Places to visit in California - Yosemite National Park-First protected in 1864, known for its amazing waterfalls, ancient sequoias, meadows covered in wildflowers and much more. When visiting the park, make sure to read the regulations for travel and for camping. https://www.yosemite.com/lodging/camping - California Wildflower Super Bloom- Throughout the state, there are gorgeous wildflowers that blanket many meadows. Each year, depending on how the temperatures have been and rainfall, will determine when these super blooms occur. Check out the wildflower hotline for all things wildflower.http://theodorepayne.org/learn/wildflower-hotline/ - California’s Pacific Coast Highway- If you are looking to take a break from hiking. Jump in your car, roll the windows down and enjoy the salty ocean air. California's Pacific Coast Highway is known for its beautiful scenery and could possibly be one of the most beautiful drives you can experience. - San Francisco- Stepping away from the wilderness, San Francisco is a vibrate fun city. Have you ever experienced traveling around town in a cable car? San Francisco has the last remaining cable cars, they continue to run to this day
While most of the time I use my right hand fingers to pluck the strings when playing bass, there are definitely sounds and styles that require using a pick. Especially if you are a rock bass player, I would put becoming familiar with using a pick at least somewhere on your practice list. Being able to play with your fingers as well as a pick is going to give you a wider variety of tonal and technical possibilities. Watch the video lesson below to see me demonstrating the examples as well as some additional insight. Building your Bass Picking Chops (Video Bass Lesson) First a couple of basics about picks if this is a foreign object to you. Picks come is all kinds of shapes, sizes and thickness. You may want to go to your local music store and buy a variety of different picks and do a little experimenting to find what is right for you. To start I might consider using just a standard size and shape pick that looks like the picture below. I would avoid really thin picks. Try and start with a medium to a heavy pick. You will also see different bass players hold the pick in different ways. I hold my pick with the flat part of my thumb, and the side of my index finger. I feel this gives me the most amount of control. Picking 16th Notes with an E minor Pentatonic Scale We are going to get to some real music shortly, but before digging into that I want you to practice a basic E minor pentatonic scale picking down and up 4 times on each note. You are playing 16th notes, and a 16th note is a quarter of a beat, so there will be four 16th notes in every beat. You may want to emphasize the 1st note in every group of 4 to help you keep your place. Practice the notes slow and even, and then increase the speed as you become more comfortable. 16th Note Rock Bass Riff Practicing a scale is great for developing your bass technique, but if you can build your chops and play something that sounds like real music that’s even better. So here is a rock bass riff that uses constant 16th notes to help you improve your picking. Start slow and practice 1 measure at a time. Work on getting a clean sound from your notes. Playing fast and sloppy will only move you further from your goal. You should also make sure that you practice with a metronome or drum machine. Below are a couple of drum grooves below that you can practice with as well. Drum Jam Tracks Here are 2 rock drum tracks that you can use to practice with. One is at 75 beats per minute, and the other is at 100 beats per minute. Rock Drums 75 BPM Rock Drums 100 BPM
Our commitment to preserving the quality of our environment is not just a program at Dairyland. It reflects a deeply held view that good environmental practices reflect sound operations and contribute to the overall economic and social health of the communities we serve. Since we draw upon natural resources to serve our members, we have an obligation to give back to the environment and preserve it for future generations. At Dairyland, this commitment takes many forms—large and small, regulated and voluntary. - Environmental Management and Stewardship Policy - Renewable Energy Resources - Peregrine Falcon Restoration Program - Environmental Data - Using Coal Combustion Byproducts - CCR Rule Compliance Data and Information
Well, before the novelty of blogging wears off, I wanted to share with you my thoughts on eating tasty and healthy food everyday and at parties. Are you bombarded by suggestions on healthy eating? Aren’t we all? I have lived in different cultures and observed what makes people happy despite what is going on around them. Here are some pointers: What to eat? Food that benefits our body needs to be fresh, local when possible, homemade (not from a bag or packet) and using versatile ingredients and colours. The most important element to the food we consume must be enjoyment. It is a pleasure to savour and be grateful for so there is no point to feeling guilty every time we eat a piece of cake as long as that is not all we eat. Make time, share food: Inviting people into your home or workplace and sharing fresh, simple and honest food create a sense of belonging and reduces loneliness and stress thus increasing a sense of wellbeing daily and belonging in times of parties and celebrations. Look at other cultures where homemade food is at the heart of everyday living and celebrations. It is a pleasure and a way to show care, welcoming, abundance, hospitality, generosity and connectivity. I am a believer. Lebanese food is in the spotlight at the moment as the most healthy cuisine because it is so versatile in the way we cook our freshly bought ingredients. We are strong on flavours not heat. I just returned after a month in Lebanon visiting my family and learning new authentic recipes. I was fed by my family and friends I did not have to cook once. Lebanon is a country held together by the power of Lebanese food and it is heartwarming to witness. Intrigued? Allow me to make your celebration an event to remember. For more info: firstname.lastname@example.org
I am trying to build a java program for user login but I am not sure if my MVC design is accurate. I have the following classes: LoginControl - servlet LoginBean - data holder java class with private variables getters and setters LoginDAO - concrete java class where I am running my SQL queries and doing rest of the logical work. Connection class - java class just to connect to the database view - jsp to display the results html - used for form Is this how you design a java program based on MVC design pattern? Please provide some suggestions?
Spine Surgery / Back Pain We work collaboratively with the Center for Pain and Spine to establish an effective and carefully designed diagnosis and treatment plan for patients with spine and back conditions. The Center's specialists treat a wide range of back conditions, such as: - Back injuries - Chronic low-back pain - Herniated discs (slipped disc) - Scoliosis (curvature of the spine) - Spinal stenosis (degenerative spondylolisthesis) To learn more, please refer to the Center for Pain and Spine website. - Our Teams - Specialties and Services - Patient Support and Education - Patient Stories - Research and Clinical Trials - For Health Care Professionals - Appointments and Referrals
Here we will outline how to free yourself from one of the most common compulsions of the mind: judging. We’re talking about that incessant judgement of people, places and things. Here’s what we’ll cover: - Why you’d want to cut down on judgmentalness - How you can live without judgment - The difference between judgment and discernment. - How meditation can help you reduce your judgment load for a happier, less polarized life. Are you in more of a video watching mood or a reading mood? You choose: see the video below or just read on for the full article. What we mean by ‘judgment’ What is happening when you judge a person, place or thing? Judgement is the expression of your opinion on something’s value. Judgment is typically characterized by the following: - Judgment is reactive because it’s based on your pre-existing conditioning: your habituated thinking, biases, likes, dislikes, fears and desires. Judgement tends to happen very quickly, without thinking. - Judgment involves a power differential–the judger often places themselves in a power position over the judgee. Or one object of judgment is placed above or below another object of judgment; - Judgement reinforces the ego, lending it more solidity by establishing it as “better” or “worse than” something else. - Judgment has an air of finality and closed-mindedness: the attitude behind judgment is usually one of righteousness. The ego identifies with the judgment, and interprets any questioning of the judgment as a threat or slight. As a result, when we judge, we tend to be closed off from reconsidering the matter or other points of view. Reasons to judge less Judging is so hardwired that it happens reflexively. It’s pretty hard to undo those types of habits–the ones that are so ingrained, you don’t even see them for what they are. Here is why it’s worth the effort to cut back on judgement: - Judgement is polarizing. It comes from a reactive place, and tends to label something as worse than or better than another thing. Polarizing mental activity is disturbing mental activity– and its mental activity that puts you at odds with people, place and things. - Judgement tends to be inaccurate, or non-clear seeing. Since it’s an opinion that is churned out almost automatically based on your past conditioning, it has no respect for the unknowns of a situation. When judging, your mind searches its repertoire of situations or people that have a similar flavor to the one at hand, and reminds you of how you experienced those situations in the past. As a result, it is easy to misjudge a situation or a person–you are not seeing the situation at hand, but rather, recalling similar past situations. - It saps your mental energy and cultivates negativity: Like any egoic tendency, judgment tends to be a snowballing habit that becomes incessant–as such, it sucks up a lot of your mental energy and disturbs the mind. Judgmental thoughts are not peaceful thoughts. - Here’s a positive way of putting it: less judgment = more relaxation! The next time your face is all screwed up judging the heck out of a situation, relax the tension in your head and shoulders and know that neither you nor the world needs your judgment. Life will go on without it! At ease, soldier. How can I live without judgment? It is completely normal to initially feel like we NEED judgment in our lives. How else will we make good decisions and further what is “good”–good for us and good for the world? Don’t we need to make judgment calls? The surprising answer is no, we don’t. Fortunately, there is a related mental activity that provides what we think of as the benefits of judgement, but without the negatives. That mental activity is discernment. What is discernment? Discernment is when you employ your intellect to, as much as possible, suspend your personal biases in order to see a situation as clearly as possible with the objective of determining the most appropriate action. A knee-jerk judgment may arise (again, it’s hardwired for the most of us), but learn to see it for what it is. Acknowledge your reactive judgment as based on your past experience. This is a present experience, to which you can apply discernment. And yes, your past experience can influence your discernment in the present. But you will also consider what you don’t know about the situation at hand. Whenever possible, favor discernment over judgment. How meditation can help you break the habit of judging Here is how a meditation practice–even just 15 minutes per day–can free you of the compulsion to judge (rather than discern). - Meditation builds awareness of your habit. You can’t break a habit if you’re not even aware that you’re doing it–and that’s often the case with judgment. It happens fast and it’s reactive in nature. By regularly turning inward, meditation helps familiarize you with your “inner” world and patterns of mental-emotional behavior. For more on this, see our video and article on how meditation sensitizes you to the subtle activities and objects of the mind. - Meditation stretches your capacity to accept (rather than condemn) people, places things. A meditation practice cultivates an attitude of acceptance which helps dissipate the tendency to judge or jump to conclusions about things. - Loving-kindness meditation generates feelings that are mutually exclusive to those that facilitate judgment. With loving-kindness meditations (more on that technique here), you cultivate positive feelings of, well, loving kindness. Such feelings are mutually exclusive to feelings of polarization and negativity. So more loving kindness means less room for judgmental thoughts in your mind. A meditation exercise to try Here’s a two-minute meditation that can help train your mind to be less judgmental (and be more discerning): - Find a quiet space and minimize distractions. - Sit in a chair or on a mat, whatever is most comfortable, keeping your back straight (to remain alert). - Set a timer for a chosen amount of time. - Close your eyes. - Spend the allotted time resting your attention on th in-and-out of your breath: either how it feels in your chest/abdomen or at your nostrils. - Don’t try to control your breath, let it happen naturally and just rest your attention on it. - When you get distracted, acknowledge what the distraction is (a thought? An emotion? A worry? A body sensation?) - Briefly note the content of the distraction. For example: “Thought: I need to get tickets to the Nutcracker.” - Gently move your attention back to the exercise. This is a simple training for being more aware of what’s going on in your mind. When you are more aware of what’s going on, and how thoughts arise, you are better able to recognize judgmental thoughts as they arise (or soon thereafter). This is essential for you to: - nip such thoughts in the bud, - choose not to feed them or base your behavior on them, - Opt to practice discernment instead. So many benefits to having a meditation practice Mental clarity is just ONE of the myriad benefits of a regular meditation practice. Explore our videos-articles covering several other benefits below. - Give yourself a daily vacation with a meditation practice More vacation time with a meditation practice - Prime your mind to investigate the BIG questions in life with meditation Develop more mental clarity to advance your truth-seeking and deep-thinking - How to take the ‘problem’ out of your ‘problems’ (meditation to the rescue) Strip the problematic-ness from your problems - How meditation helps you be less judgmental (and more discerning) Judge less, discern more (and how that makes you happier) - Use meditation to generate (and spread) positive feelings Generate positive feelings (and spread them) with loving-kindness meditation - How meditation makes negative feelings more manageable in your day-to-day life Make negative feelings more manageable with this simple technique - How meditation makes you more like Neo from The Matrix - Meditation gets you FOCUSED (and therefore happier, and more productive) Train your mind to be more focused (making you happier and more productive) - Sensitize yourself to the subtleties of experience with meditation Sensitize yourself to the subtle (yet POWERFUL) thoughts and emotions that determine how you interpret the world - Cultivate the World’s Most Useful Attitude with meditation Develop life’s #1 most useful attitude with meditation: that of acceptance (and why practicing acceptance does NOT make you a doormat) Questions or comments about meditation or your meditation practice? We’d love to hear them! Please leave them in the comments below.
Power Savers Program DEMEC and its nine members work with residential and commercial electric customers to voluntarily reduce energy consumption during peak energy usage times. These efforts attempt to reduce customer electric costs. On days that large increases in electric usage are expected, DEMEC will encourage people to voluntarily avoid activities that will increase their use. Simple efforts like changing the thermostat 2-3 degrees, waiting to run the washer/dryer, and turning off unnecessary lights can help DEMEC avoid the extra kilowatts needed that day. This prevents a higher peak for all customers, saving electricity and money. Just think P.E.A.K. Why We Take Action: DEMEC’s program saves the municipal electric utility and most importantly its customers’ money. During peak energy times the cost of power is very expensive, so if steps are taken to reduce energy the result is a Win-Win for everyone. Your utility supports these efforts because purchasing wholesale power at peak times results in the highest prices which costs everyone more money. By cutting back on the amount of wholesale power purchased during these peak, high-priced periods, DEMEC can reduce your utility’s wholesale power costs. Reductions in wholesale power costs can then be passed through to customers in the form of lower electric bills. When We Take Action: Peak periods generally occur when the weather is at its most extreme and many customers are using either their air conditioners or heaters. The demand for electricity in the summer months is highest during extremely hot temperatures; typically, the peak period is from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Demand in the winter months is greatest during extremely cold temperatures, especially between the peak periods of 7 a.m. – 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. How We Take Action: DEMEC monitors the weather daily for extreme events. When the potential for an extreme event is found DEMEC uses sophisticated models to determine when customers should be asked to reduce the electric load. Forecasts are typically given about 24 hours in advance of an upcoming peak and preparations are made to notify customers. DEMEC uses a combination of the municipal notification systems, contractor support, website and social media to notify customers. Contact: Scott Lynch VP Asset Development
STEP 8: WHAT NOT TO DO The following “tricks” can get you banned from search engines, and should NOT be used: - Using hidden text. - Using doorway pages, cloaking and deceptive redirects (poorly made pages designed only for search engine spiders that the user never sees because the user is redirected to a better, more user-friendly page) - Automated submissions.? Do not use automated software to submit to search engines and directories. - Keyword stuffing and excessive keyword density.? Do not repeat keywords over and over in META tags or in the content. - Content repetition.? Some search engines use a “duplicate content filter.”? Do not duplicate your content or copy your content from another website (which would, of course, be immoral anyway). - Joining link farms.? Do not include your site in any “linking schemes” or link farms designed only to generate long lists of incoming links. Directory One will provide your company with a Search Engine Optimization in Houston when you call them at 713-465-0051. Talk to the Houston SEO experts who are prepared to help your business succeed.
Credit: 3 PDH or CE Hours Course Fee: $36.00 The United States is at an historic turning point for the country and its energy policies. But many Americans lack a full understanding of the oil and natural gas industry. API has assembled this oil and gasoline primer to encourage a constructive public policy debate that leads to a new fact-based comprehensive energy policy. Review the quiz before studying the course. Course Author: American Petroleum Institute This course comes with a multiple-choice quiz. You can view the quiz and take the quiz if you are logged in your account. You can take the quiz for this online PDH course as many times until passed. The passing grade is 70% and above. After you pass the quiz simply follow the page, to pay for the course and print your certificate instantly. A copy of the certificate and receipt for this course will always be in your account. This online PDH or CE course can also be used as a continuing education course for the following.
A widely-used 'brain stimulation' tool has no effect on the speed of the brain's responses, according to a new study from Australian neuroscientists Jared Horvath et al. The technique of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) involves attaching electrodes to the scalp and applying a weak electrical current. This current is thought to flow through the brain and alter neural activity in areas close to the electrodes. tDCS is a popular experimental method in neuroscience, and there's also a DIY tDCS community who use the technique at home. It even has its own subreddit. But does tDCS work and, if so, what does it do? One of the main claims in the literature is that stimulation over the motor cortex can affect the excitability of the brain's motor pathways and thus influence reaction times. Yet the evidence is mixed: some studies have found effects of tDCS on motor reaction time, while others showed none. Horvath et al. say that one possible explanation for the messy literature is methodological variability. Previous studies have used different stimulation intensities, electrode locations, and other tDCS parameters. So, in order to find out which (if any) tDCS protocols affect response speed, Horvath et al. recruited 150 healthy volunteers and had them perform a simple reaction time task under different tDCS conditions. One stimulation electrode was always placed over the primary motor cortex (M1), but the location of the other, reference electrode varied, as did the current intensity and polarity. Some volunteers got 'sham' tDCS in which the current was turned off. The various conditions are summarized in this image: It turned out that there were no significant effects of stimulation on reaction time, compared to the sham controls, in any of the twelve tDCS conditions. It's worth noting that the group sizes in these comparisons were pretty small, because the participants were split across so many conditions. However, no effects were seen either when the data were pooled across electrode locations, tripling the sample sizes. The stimulation set-up that seemed closest to giving an effect on reaction time was '2 mA, anodal, contralateral orbit reference'. However, Horvath et al. went on to run a replication study just looking at this variant, with an additional 80 volunteers, and found no effect. The authors conclude that: In this study, we set out to determine if and how the unique tDCS parameters of current density, electrode montage, and stimulation-to-task relationship affected simple motor reaction time. Regardless of how these parameters were varied and combined, we were unable to find a significant impact of tDCS. This paper will add to Horvath and colleagues' reputation as tDCS-skeptics. Recently, they've published not one but two meta-analyses (1, 2) that found no effects of tDCS on various outcomes. In this paper however, they are fairly cautious in their conclusions. Rather than saying that tDCS "doesn't work", they say that: That we were unable to find a significant impact of tDCS over M1 on simple motor reaction time raises interesting questions concerning the mechanisms by which this tool might modulate higher-order motor behaviors. More specifically, our results suggest that an increase in motor activation speed might not be a mechanistic foundation for the modulation of larger, more cognitively demanding motor behaviors. Horvath JC, Carter O, & Forte JD (2016). No significant effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) found on simple motor reaction time comparing 15 different simulation protocols. Neuropsychologia, 91, 544-552 PMID: 27664296
Eye problems in dogs are a common occurrence. Dog eye health issues can be suspected based on observation. Use your thumb to pull the upper eyelid so you can get a better view of the eye. The white area (sclera) should glisten white with very thin red blood vessels. Higher up on the edge of the eye is pink tissue called the conjunctiva. In a healthy dog eye, the dog conjunctiva color should match the color of the dog's gums. Signs of dog eye problems include blood vessels that look engorged, any bruises around the eye or a sclera which is yellow (could be dog jaundice), and discharge such as mucous. Dog eye diseases are classified by being external, affecting the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea and sclera (common) or internal such as canine uveitis, which refers to inflammation of the inner eye (less common). Common External Dog Eye Diseases - Canine Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis in dogs is caused by a bacterial infection of the conjunctiva. Symptoms include swollen eyelids, redness inside of the eyelid, mucous discharge and dog eye redness. - Keratitis: Caused by bacterial infection of the cornea. Symptoms include dog eye redness and mucous discharge. - Dog eye injuries (corneal ulcer, abrasion): Symptoms include excessive watering and pain such as eye squinting and rubbing with a paw. - Dog Dry Eye: Caused by a tear gland problem or malfunction. Dry eye in dogs (also called keratoconjunctivitis sicca) results in an overabundance of thick stringy mucous across the eye. Can also cause a secondary condition where melanin pigment is deposited in the cornea. Less Common Internal Dog Eye Diseases These types of canine eye disorders tend to be more severe and often threaten a dog's vision and eye integrity. - Canine Uveitis: This canine eye condition refers to inflammation of the inner eye. The dog iris or inside of the eye will have a reddish tint. - Canine Glaucoma: Glaucoma in dogs is caused by increased eye pressure inside the eye. May have multiple underlying causes. You'll notice eye enlargement from the pressure. - Dog Retinal Disease: Conditions such as atrophy or a detached retina in dogs can threaten a dog's eyesight and can cause blindness. Symptoms include partial blindness or canine eye removal surgery. resulting in the use of a dog eye prosthetic. Other conditions include: -- Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Dogs -- Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Poodles -- Progressive Retinal Degeneration in Dogs -- Canine Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration (SARD’s) Click on the links below for more information on other canine eye diseases and conditions not mentioned above: The pictures in this section are reprinted with permission by the copyright owner, Hill's Pet Nutrition, from the Atlas of Veterinary Clinical Anatomy. These illustrations should not be downloaded, printed or copied except for personal, non-commercial use. Healthy dog eyes take care of themselves with tears which flush out the eye, and nasolacrimal ducts which help them drain. If your dog's eyes are healthy, owners only need to watch for any problems. During regularly scheduled checkups your vet will check the condition of the eyes, and use an opthalmoscope to examine the retinas. The exam will also help to detect problems early such as canine cataracts, dry eye, and eye cancer. The eye is also a window into other diseases in the body. For example, dog diabetes is one of the causes of cataracts. Source: Washington State University Dog Eye Conditions and Diseases Dog cataracts describes a condition where the lens inside the eye is starting to become cloudy, making vision difficult for your pet. The condition is common in certain breeds or is a result of another condition such as diabetes, eye injury or inflammation that is occurring in the eye. Treatment involves surgical removal of the cloudy lens. The prognosis for achieving better sight is excellent. You will have to administer eye drops for several weeks after the surgery. There is some talk that eye drops can actually cure cataracts. According to the American Academy of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, there is no accepted evidence in the scientific community supporting this claim. Dog's with cataracts are also often checked for dog diabetes, since this is a major cause of the condition. Diabetes, if left untreated, allows sugar to build up inside the eye lens, which causes water to be pulled into the lens. The lens then swells and breaks up the lens fibers, which results in cataracts. Dog Cherry Eye The condition known as dog cherry eye occurs when the tear glands behind your dog's third eyelid moves out of position, which is called prolapsed gland of the third eyelid. Since this gland provides your dog's tear production, it is important to ensure that the condition does not cause tear production to stop. Dog cherry eye is not painful Surgery has a high rate of success and is used to create a pocket for the gland which is then put back into position. If left untreated it can hurt your dog's eye health causing dry eye, irritation and if rubbed, bleeding, irritation and possibly infection. Prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid in a Beagle Source: Washington State University Canine Corneal Ulcer The first line of defense against injury and bacteria is the cornea, which is a transparent outer layer. Because it is the outermost surface, it is more likely to be injured than other parts of the eye from foreign objects, particularly those found outdoors or even eyelashes. Source: Washington State University Dog eye scratches or corneal ulcers or abrasions can cause symptoms such as squinting, pain, watery eyes and red eyes. Minor dog eye scratches will heal on their own. Treatment for deeper abrasions or corneal ulcers are diagnosed in a veterinarian's office using a green stain named flourescein that clings to any abrasion. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. Mild corneal abrasions are treated with topical antibiotics and if needed, pain medications. Severe cases may require surgical grafts in order to save the dog's eye. Canine distichiasis is a condition where glands that do not normally grow eyelashes start to grow them. Since the eyelashes are out of position, they could irritate the eye causing irritation, inflammation and possibly a corneal ulcer (eye wound). Treatment is only necessary if it is bothering your dogs eye and could include trimming the eyelashes, plucking them, electrolysis or surgical removal of the hair follicle. Even with these techniques, new hair follicles and eyelashes could form impacting your dog health eye. Dog entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls back into the eye. It is an inherited condition in younger dogs and or due to weakening muscles in older dogs. Treatment involves a surgical procedure. Dog glaucoma is a condition where fluid in the eye doesn't drain properly causing an increase in pressure. If not corrected it begins to erode cells in the retina causing increasing levels of vision loss. This condition can be painful. Other symptoms include lethargy, redness, enlarged eyes and loss of appetite. Source Dr. Anna Deykin/Washington State University Initial treatment involves medication and topical ointments. If that doesn't control the pressure then surgery is necessary. Severe cases require emergency care to avoid vision loss. See your veterinarian or veterinary ophthalmologist if you even suspect this condition in even one eye. If the condition suddenly appears, consider the problem an emergency that requires immediate treatment in order to avoid eye loss or blindness. Canine Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (dog dry eye) This dog eye condition is also referred to as dog dry eye or KCS. It is commonly caused by the immune system abnormally destroying the tear gland, causing an inadequate amount to be produced. Without a normal amount of tears being produced, the cornea becomes too dry, resulting in irritation and inflammation, which in some cases leads to the appearance of a dark pigment. Other symptoms can induce a string like mucous over the eyes. Diagnosis of dog dry eye involves the use of a Schirmer tear test, where the veterinarian places a thin paper in the eyes for 1 minute to measure the tears absorbed by the paper. Dogs with dry eye are treated with cyclosporine, a medication that can help to increase tear production. Dog dry eye is usually a genetic problem, passed from generation to generation. It is often seen in West Highland white terriers, Cocker Spaniels and the Shih Tsu. Ask a Question or Share a Story Washington State University
The production of polystyrene and polypropylene containers and cups takes place in 3 production stages. So how does your container or cup come into being? ExtrusionIn an extruder, polystyrene or polypropylene granulate is brought to plasticization with the use of heat and shear stress. This material is then extruded as a film by a wide-slot head. It is then cooled by a calender roll system, drawn, cut to the specified width and wound into rolls. For production, we use single-screw machines (extruders) connected to a specially modified extrusion head. One or more extruders may be connected to the head. Depending on the number of extruders, either a single-layer or multi-layer film may form. When processing PS, the temperatures in the extruder reach 180-220°, and when processing PP, they range from 220 to 260° (depending on the film thickness and the type of extruder used). We produce films in thicknesses of 0.35–2.1 mm and widths of 250–850 mm. ThermoformingOn the forming machines, the film is heated until it reaches a rubbery state (PS 130-140°, PP 150-155 °C) and softens. Using pressurized air, a vacuum, reforming machines and a forming tool, the film is shaped to the desired form. On ILLIG, TFT and KIEFEL machines, forming and cutting takes place in one combined tool. On AV and AMUT machines, forming and cutting takes place in two steps. We store the finished products as rolls and package them in cartons. PrintingWe realize high-quality printing with up to 8 colours using dry offset technology on Swiss machines from Polytype. Our own graphics department prepares customized prints according to your wishes. We can thus handle your order much faster than companies that use external suppliers. Our graphic designers work with the latest computer technology, including software. For each project, they either design a unique packaging solution or they process the supplied data into photopolymer printing plates. In the printing machine, the containers are placed on printing cones using compressed air and a screw feeder. Before the actual printing, the surface is treated with an electric discharge (to increase the surface tension) and the adhesion of the UV ink is thus enhanced. Printing is carried out at speeds of up to 600 containers per minute. Finally, the printed containers are UV-cured and automatically stacked into rolls.
Now showing items 21-30 of 88 Fish, J (2015) Westminster Policy Forum (De Montfort University, 2015-03-04) This presentation argued for the inclusion of LGBT people in discourses of health inequalities, human rights and the social determinants of health. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans health inequalities: International perspectives in Social Work. (Policy Press, 2015-03) Inequalities between groups of people are of increasing international concern noted particularly in the work of Michael Marmot. This ground-breaking book is the first to examine inequalities experienced by LGBT people and ... Teaching research in social work education. Improving the cancer for LGB people with cancer poster presentation (De Montfort University, 2015-10-13) Invisible no more? Including lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people in social work and social care. Until recently, lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people were invisible users of social care; this paper provides an overview of the social and political context which led to this neglect. With the introduction of legislation ... Lesbian and bisexual women’s health and health inequalities (Public Health England, 2016-01-14) Getting equal: the implications of new regulations to prohibit sexual orientation discrimination for health and social care (Radcliffe Publishing, 2007-09-01) Time is on the side of the outcast (De Montfort University, 2015-11-11) This lecture draws on a prescient aphorism of Quentin Crisp's: “…time is on the side of the outcast…those who once inhabited the suburbs of human contempt find that without changing their address they eventually live in ...
This young woman worked in a pleasant factory in the rural countryside that CARE Bangladesh was helping to manage. It was very small, not at all like the big garment manufactories in Chittagong or Dhaka. Make no mistake: this is a women’s issue. When news coverage erupts about disasters in Bangladeshi garment factories, no journalist ever mentions the consistent reality that most of the dead will be female. In Dhaka, as well as everywhere in the world that garments are made, the workers are overwhelmingly women. These women are also usually young, often runaways trying to escape the forced marriages and violence in the countryside–and those conditions are very specifically gender issues. Furthermore, the consumers of garments are practically all female. Women buy some 80% of clothing, worldwide, regardless of who finally wears it. So, on one side of the world, the workers are females trying to escape the uncaring and utterly controlling patriarchs of their home communities. And, on the other, the people with the power are also women. Something needs to be done with this potential. The answer is not a bunch of self-flagellation about our desire for cheap clothes. Yes, these women make very little money. But the work gives them the freedom to leave situations they cannot otherwise escape. We all should work toward better wages for them, but in the meantime, we need to focus on making the place they escape to better than the one they left. That means, first and foremost, safety. There are other programs, like literacy training and banking arrangements that NGOs and some retailers have instituted in Bangladesh, that are hugely beneficial as well. None of that matters if you are working in dangerous conditions. Realistically, the retailers are the best pressure point. Two cautions. One is that they often have much less control than we think they do. Not only is the sheer number of Bangladeshi garment factories difficult to audit and the unauthorized subcontracting rampant, but the government is hugely corrupt. It will require a careful assembly of retailers, manufacturers, unions, and, probably, international agencies to get this right. Women’s groups can play an important role, just as groups like the National Consumers League and the Women’s Trade Union League did in response to the garment factory abuses, such as the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911, 100 years ago in the United States. It seems to me it would be good for women’s organizations, especially consumer groups, to start getting involved in the talks about what safety arrangements can be made and enforced in Bangladesh. Apparently, the unions there have come up with an exhaustive plan and retailers aren’t signing it. It is hard to tell from the news reports what features of the plan are causing companies to balk, but there do seem to be some provisions, such as legal liability for damages, that probably are nonstarters, since the retailers don’t have enough ability to directly control the circumstances. Still, these things can be negotiated and international pressure to get these agreements and procedures in place are a must. In the UK, there is pressure mounting for Primark to sign already. Only China and India are bigger manufacturers of garments than Bangladesh. But there are many countries, such as Sri Lanka, for whom garment-making is a major export. These countries also need to be pressured by international groups. I am very familiar with one maker in Sri Lanka, MAS Holdings, which has broad programs designed to achieve women’s empowerment that are quite admirable and successful. The thinking behind the MAS programs, in part, was that, by positioning as an ethical, “woman-friendly” garment maker, they could attract the preferences of consumers in the West and, thus, the business of the retailers. This is a good strategy and I think one that should be rewarded. Perhaps showing a shopping preference to manufacturers that can demonstrate compliance with safety standards would be the more direct and less disruptive way to shift the market in favor of good working conditions for women.
Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) form a substantial chunk of the organized business sector in India, employing a large swathe of the population. In its Annual Report 2017-18, the MSME Ministry revealed that as of 2015-16, an estimated 63.3 million MSMEs were functioning across various sectors in India. Together, these enterprises contributed nearly 29% of India’s GDP, generating approximately 110 million (11 crore jobs) across rural and urban areas of the country. Thus, there can be no doubt about the value of the MSME sector to the Indian economy. However, despite being such key contributors to economic development, MSMEs often suffer incredible difficulties in managing their working capital and finances. Fortunately, recognizing these constraints and difficulties faced by the sector, the Indian government has launched various loan schemes and facilities to enable easy access to finance for MSMEs. From enabling credit guarantees to providing direct loans to entrepreneurs most in need of them, these government loan schemes exist to help small businesses who are otherwise strapped for funds. Accessing these schemes can often be confusing. Hence, below, we list out three of the most well-known government loan schemes to help MSMEs get the working capital they need, and how you can avail of them: The Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) was launched by the Government of India (GoI) on 30th August 2000 to make collateral-free credit available to the MSME sector. Both new and existing enterprises are eligible for this loan coverage. Under the scheme, the MSME Ministry and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) established a trust named the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) to implement the Credit Guarantee Scheme. As of 31st May 2016, 133 institutions have been registered with the CGTMSE as Member Lending Institutions (MLIs), including 26 public sector banks, 21 private sector banks, 73 regional rural banks (RRBs), four foreign banks, and 9 ‘other’ institutions. The loans sanctioned by these MLIs to MSMEs are provided guarantee cover upto a certain percentage under this scheme so that they can lend without collateral or any third party guarantee. Under CGTMSE, MSMEs can avail of term loans and/or working capital loans up to Rs. 1 crore. CGTMSE guarantees a certain percentage of the loan amount in case of default based on the range in which the amount falls. \|Loan Amount Range\|\|% Guarantee Cover\|\|Maximum Guarantee Cover\| \|Upto Rs 5 Lakh\|\|85% of the loan amount\|\|Rs 4.25 Lakh\| \|Above Rs 5 Lakh upto Rs 50 Lakh\|\|75% of the loan amount\|\|Rs 37.5 Lakh\| \|Above Rs 50 Lakh upto Rs 100 Lakh\|\|75% upto 50 Lakh, and 50% of the remaining amount\|\|Rs 62.5 Lakh\| A Member Lending Institution under CGTMSE has to pay a one time guarantee fee and an annual service fee to the trust within a stipulated period of time else it will not be eligible for guarantee cover for that particular loan. The guarantee fee is 1% for loans upto Rs 5 Lakh and 1.5% for loans above Rs 5 Lakh. Besides this, an annual service fee of 0.5% upto Rs 5 Lakh and 0.75% for loans above Rs 5 Lakh is also to be paid to the trust every year. The lending institution can recover this amount from the borrower at its discretion. To apply for a loan under CGTMSE, you should submit your business plan to one of the 133 MLIs covered by the Scheme. The banks will sanction the loan as per their policies and guidelines, and then apply for CGTMSE cover for the sanctioned loan. Once approved, you will be eligible under the CGTMSE scheme and will be required to pay the relevant guarantee and service fee if required by your lending institution. Possibly the most widely-known government loan scheme for small businesses is MUDRA (Micro-Units Development & Refinance Agency Ltd.) launched under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana or PMMY. Launched in April 2015 as a wholly owned subsidiary of SIDBI, MUDRA aims to develop and refinance the MSME sector by supporting the financial institutions lending to micro and small business entities engaged in manufacturing, trading and service activities. For this purpose, the Agency partners with banks, Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs), and other lending institutions at the state and regional levels to provide microfinance support to MSMEs in the country. MUDRA offers loans under three tiers "Shishu", "Kishor" and "Tarun". These categories signify the stage of development of the business entity and accordingly their funding requirements have been defined. \|Category\|\|Loan Amount\|\|Interest Rate\| \|Shishu\|\|Upto Rs 50,000\|\|10-12%\| \|Kishor\|\|Between Rs 50,000 and Rs 5 Lakh\|\|14-17%\| \|Tarun\|\|Between Rs 5 Lakh and Rs 10 Lakh\|\|16%\| More impetus has been given to units which come under Shishu category to promote entrepreneurship among aspiring youth of the country. MUDRA provides MSME Loans in two forms: Under Micro Credit Scheme Mudra offers business loans upto Rs 1 Lakh through Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) to small businesses. These loans are given to self help groups, joint liability groups and individuals for the purpose of developing a micro enterprise and promote small business activities. Different Financial Institutions such as Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Small Finance Banks and Non Banking Financial Institutions (NBFCs) can avail refinance from MUDRA if they are financing MSMEs through business loans or working capital loans upto Rs 10 Lakhs. You can apply for a MUDRA business loan by approaching a financial institution like a leading public or private-sector bank in-person or on their websites. You will need supporting documents like an ID proof, address proof, and proof of business to support your application. Fill in the loan application form for the tier/loan amount you need, furnishing your personal and business details to the bank. Once approved, the sanctioned loan amount will be deposited in your account. You can now also apply for MUDRA Loan online. On the Udyamimitra website applicant has to register, fill in the application form and then apply to their preferred lender. The application shall be viewed by the lenders and they'll approach the applicant for his funding requirement. Aimed at covering as large a chunk of MSMEs as possible, MUDRA loans can cover a variety of requirements, including, but not limited to, business loans for vendors, traders, shopkeepers, and other service sector activities; working capital loans through MUDRA Cards; equipment finance for micro-units; transport vehicle loans, etc. According to the MSME Ministry, 20.4% of all Indian MSMEs are run by women, and 66.2% of Indian MSME businesses are run by people from “socially backward groups”. Given these high numbers, and the marginalization often faced by members of these communities, the Indian government has taken steps to ensure these entrepreneurs receive easy and fair access to finance for their business. One such initiative is the Stand Up India loan scheme. Launched in April 2016 as a sibling scheme to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagship Startup India scheme, Stand Up India offers bank loans of between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 1 crore for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes and women setting up new businesses outside the farm sector. The Scheme offers a composite loan (inclusive of term loans and working capital) for up to 75% of the cost of setting up the business. Collateral-free, the Stand-Up India loan may be secured by the issuing bank by security or guarantee under the Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Stand-Up India Loans (CGFSIL), with a maximum interest rate of Base/MCLR + 3% +Tenure premium. The loan is repayable in seven years, with a maximum moratorium period of 18 months. Any adult Indian woman or SC/ST member above 18 years of age is eligible to apply for this loan. The loan is available to these entrepreneurs to set up a greenfield (first-time) enterprise in the manufacturing, services, and/or trading sectors. In case of entities with more than 1 owner, 51% of the shareholding should be held women or SC/ST members. Eligible entrepreneurs can apply for the Stand-Up India loan online, or directly through a partner-lender. If applying online, the applicant has the option to choose the degree of “handholding support” needed, and the portal will take you through the application step by step. The three schemes mentioned above are the biggest government initiatives to finance the Indian MSME sector. However, apart from these, there are also other smaller initiatives, as listed below: Launched in November 2017, the scheme aims to make disbursal of loans much faster. Under the scheme, loans may be “approved” for an applying MSME in under 59 minutes, but the actual disbursal of the loan can still take up to a week. Loans are available for Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 1 crore, with rates of interest starting from 8% onwards. The NSIC offers assistance to MSMEs for raw material procurement and marketing through the Raw Material Assistance and Marketing Assistance Schemes respectively. Amounts to be disbursed are taken on a case-by-case basis, with rates of interest varying between 9.5-11%. This Scheme, under the aegis of the MSME Ministry, aims to facilitate technology upgradation in MSMEs by providing an upfront capital subsidy of 15% (on institutional finance of up to Rs. 1 crore availed by them) for induction of well-established and improved technology in 51 specified and approved sub-sectors/products. Any business with a valid UAM is eligible to apply for this loan for upto Rs. 15 lakh given at prime lending rate of the lending institution. The above initiatives, while well-intentioned, often fall short of the real-world requirements of the MSME sector on account of bureaucracy and red tape. Financial institutions often take too long to disburse sanctioned loans, rates of interest are frequently exorbitant, and you end up benefiting very little from these schemes. Also, these schemes offer incentives to banks and other financiers to provide credit to MSMEs, rather than offer loans directly to you. This arrangement often fails to address the bureaucratic hurdles faced by you and can do more harm than good. In such a scenario, MSME entrepreneurs -- especially exporters -- need alternative channels of funding to manage their working capital. For example, Drip Capital is a US-based trade finance company, leveraging technology to provide collateral-free post-shipment finance to SME exporters with instant approvals and minimal documentation. By applying through financing options like Drip, MSME exporters and entrepreneurs like yourself can get access to the working capital you need easily, without facing the troubles posed by the abovementioned government schemes. The Indian government is all-too-aware of the problems facing the country’s burgeoning MSME sector, and as the above schemes show, it is taking steps to facilitate access to credit for the sector. However, so long as the country’s financial institutions are embroiled in bureaucracy, it is difficult for these schemes to have their maximum impact. The government needs to take steps to cut down the red tape next -- until then, India’s MSMEs need to rely on alternative financing solutions like bill discounting and invoice factoring to access the working capital they so desperately need.
Map of Albany Here is the location map of Albany. Where is located Albany? City is located in Oregon, United States. Albany is located 10 mi from Oregon State University Historic District and 17 mi from Waterloo County Park Campground. The nearest lake Periwinkle Lake is 1 mi away. The nearest beach Nye Beach is 47 mi away. The nearest museum Bush Art Museum is 21 mi away. The nearest park Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge is 11 mi away. The nearest castle Hatley Castle is 263 mi away. The nearest city Corvallis is 10 mi away. Map of Harney County Map of Lane County Map of Deschutes County Map of Morrow County Map of Coos County Map of Marion County Map of Washington County Map of Multnomah County Map of Bend Map of Altamont Map of Warrenton Map of Newport Map of Grants Pass Map of Three Rivers Map of Mission Map of Tri-City Map of Ashland Map of Florence Map of Milwaukie Map of Ontario Map of Canby Map of Hazelwood Map of Brookings Map of Kenton Map of Oak Grove Map of Bandon Map of Southwest Hills Map of Rainier Map of Veneta Map of Molalla
S-GAP & I-GAP Perforator Flaps WHAT IS A S-GAP FLAP? S-GAP (Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator) Flap is used for women who have very thin abdominal tissues that are inadequate to create a breast mound. This flap is similar to the Superior Gluteal Myocutaneous Flap but without a muscle component. It is based on the superior gluteal artery and consists of the skin and fat from the upper hip and buttocks area, but spares the muscle, and therefore has a longer vascular pedicle. The incision line is designed to be hidden by your undergarments. WHAT IS AN I-GAP FLAP? I-GAP (Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator) Flap that spares the gluteal muscle, but includes an ellipse of skin and subcutaneous tissues from the lower hip and buttock area served by the inferior gluteal artery perforator. There are two Gluteal Artery Perforator flaps. The S-GAP utilizing the superior gluteal artery perforator as its blood supply, and the I-GAP or inferior gluteal artery perforator as its blood supply. These flaps can be used for bilateral breast reconstruction and are often dissected simultaneously by two surgeons. These flaps are less frequently used than DIEP flaps because they are more difficult to dissect, and because the patient must be turned over twice to perform these flaps. The patient begins on her back for the mastectomy surgery. After mastectomy has been completed, the internal mammary arteries and veins are prepared for microvascular anastomosis and the wounds are dressed. Then the patient is turned onto her stomach, the buttocks are prepped and the pre-operatively determined position of the perforators and skin paddle once confirmed with an ultrasound Doppler. Then using microscope loupes, the dissection begins with an incision of the skin paddle down through the skin and subcutaneous (fat) tissue to the muscle. This paddle is elevated from lateral to medial up to the area of the large perforator (or two). Then the gluteal artery perforator is followed through the gluteus muscle by splitting the muscle fibers, dividing and cauterizing small muscle branches until main gluteal artery (superior or inferior depending on the flap chosen) is reached. The gluteal artery is then dissected out and prepped for division. The gluteal artery and vein pedicle is then tied and divided. The S-GAP and I-GAP flap(s) are then put on the side table while the gluteal donor site wounds are closed and dressed. The patient is then placed on her back; the chest is again prepped and draped sterily. The S-GAP (or I-GAP) flap (s) is brought to the mastectomy site and microvascular anastamosis performed to immediately re-establish circulation. The flaps are then tailored and inset to create symmetrical breast mounds.
Mechanical keyboards are made to be durable, but that doesn’t mean they don’t take damage when used or maintained incorrectly. Here are 5 things you definitely shouldn’t do to your mechanical keyboard: 1. Spill Something It’s sort of a no-brainer, but liquids of any kind don’t mix well with electronic devices, and depending on the circumstances, a spilled drink may equal a replacement for your pricy keyboard. The easiest way to avoid spills is to avoid having liquids at your desk. But let’s be honest, if you’re sitting at your desk for long periods of time, you’ll probably end up bringing a snack or drink to your desk, and spills do happen. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do if you have a spill. For starters, unplug your keyboard to prevent electrical damage and clean out as much liquid as possible with rags, towels, or by turning your keyboard upside down on a towel. Depending on your type of keyboard and the type of liquid spilled, you may need to remove keycaps for deeper cleaning. Different keyboards have different steps for taking pieces apart, so you should look up your specific brand and model’s maintenance guide. 2. Forget to Clean You didn’t buy your mechanical keyboard because it was cheap. You bought it because you wanted to invest in better equipment that should last a long time. If you don’t give it the proper maintenance, you may experience some performance issues like sticky keys or reduce the life of your keyboard. Plus, have you ever seen keyboards that haven’t been cleaned in a long time? They can get pretty gross. Make regular cleanings a part of your routine to keep your keyboard from collecting germs, grime, and debris. 3. Clean Incorrectly While you definitely should clean your keyboard once in a while, you should do it the right way or you may accidentally damage your keyboard. Always check what your manufacturer recommends for cleaning, especially when using chemicals, such as isopropyl alcohol, or removing tricky pieces, such as larger keys. What works for one keyboard may break another. 4. Rage Smash It’s super frustrating when your team loses a close game or you die on the last boss battle, but try not to take it out on your keyboard. Repeatedly pounding keys harder than necessary or hitting your keyboard with your fist or other objects can lead to broken keys or switches that can be difficult or costly to fix. Try to relieve stress in other ways that don’t involve raging on your keyboard. 5. Transport Incorrectly Transporting your keyboard incorrectly can lead to similar problems as rage smashing, such as broken switches or keycaps. Next time you have to move your computer, make sure to protect your keyboard from extra damage by using a snug case that will reduce impact. Keyboard slings are great portable options that protect your keyboard and make it easy to carry. Some, even protect your other gaming accessories like your mouse, cables, and headset. Have you accidentally damaged a keyboard? How did you fix it?
How to see who is holding what of your data... Facebook sends you an HTML collection of various items, some useful and some not. You download a ZIP archive. There is a summary of your profile, a collection of your posts to your timeline, a list of all of your friends (including those who have left Facebook) and when you connected with them, and any videos and photos that you have posted. Two items that are worth more inspection are a list of advertisers that have your information: I noticed quite a few entries to more than a dozen different state chapters of Americans for Prosperity PACs that are funded by the Koch brothers. Finally, there is a list of your phone’s contacts that it grabbed if you ran its Messenger application, which it justifiably has been getting a lot of heat for doing. Note that this is different from your friend list. LinkedIn sends you a ZIP collection of CSV files that you can open in separate spreadsheets that contain different lists. There are your contacts (which they call your connections), your messages that you have exchanged with other LinkedIn members, recommendations that you have made and have been sent to you, and other items. Most of the files contained just a single line of data, which made looking at all of them tedious. LinkedIn actually sends you two collections of files: you should ignore the first one (which you get almost immediately) and wait for the “final” archive, which is more complete and arrives several hours later. Most of this data is rather matter-of-fact. One file contains a summary of your profile that is used for ad targeting, but there is no list of advertisers like with the other networks. Another file contains the IP addresses and dates of your last 50 logins, and another contains the dates and names of people that you have searched for on the network. What bothered me the most about my list of LinkedIn connections was the number of them differed by two percent from what is displayed on my LinkedIn home page and in the spreadsheet itself. Why the difference? I have no idea. Google operates somewhat differently and more opaquely than the others mentioned here. First, you go to the link above, which is a separate service that will collect your Google archive. The screen shot shows you just some of the dozens of different Google services that you can select to use in the gathering process. In my experiment this process took the longest: more than three days, whereas the others took minutes to several hours. Even before you get your archive, scanning this list and selecting which services you want included in your report is a depressingly lengthy activity. When I finally got my archive, it spanned three ZIP files and more than 17GB in total, which is more than all the others combined. However, that is just the beginning. When you bring up a web page that shows the various Google services, you have to separately extract the data for each service individually and each service uses it own data format that you then need to view in a particular application: for example, your calendar items are in iCal format, your email data is in MBOX format, and others are extracted in JSON format. Analyzing all this information can probably take a data scientist the better part of a few days, let alone you and I, who don’t have the tools, dedication or time. If you are thinking of de-Googling your life, you will have to do more than just switch to an iPhone and give up Gmail. But wait, there is more: emails that you delete or find their way into your Spam folder are still part of your archive. In the Googleplex, everything is accounted for. Note that if you have uploaded any music to Google Play Music, this data isn’t part of your archive and you’ll have to download that separately. Twitter will send you two files: one that is a PDF attachment that contains a list of all the advertisers that have your information, but the advertisers’ names are shown in their Twitter IDs and thus not very meaningful. The second document is an Html collection of all your tweets, and you can bring up your browser or access the data via in two formats: JSON and CSV exports by month and year. Notice that there is nothing mentioned about downloading all of your Twitter followers: you will have to use a third-party service to do this. One thing I give Twitter props for is that you have a very clear series of settings menus that might be useful to study and change as well, including connected apps and privacy settings. Facebook and LinkedIn constantly are rearranging these menus and make changes to their structure and importance, which makes them more difficult to find when you are concerned about them. But Twitter at least give you more control over your privacy settings and tries to make it more transparent. Hat tip to http://blog.strom.com/wp/?p=6497 Posted: Friday 27 April 2018
Click to enlarge The Seigneurie de Saveilles predates the construction of the castle. The first mention of this name that we know, is found in the founding article of the priory of Our Lady of CHATEAU-LARCHER, near Vivonne, south of Poitiers, by EBBON, qualified Count of Poitou and Duke of Guyenne, son of Adelaide de France, daughter of King Louis le Begue, Ode, his wife, and Achard, his son. The foundation of this priory dates from the year 969 (Cartulary of St Cyprien of Poitiers). Castle in north-Charente, Saveilles combines the characteristics of the castle with those of the plaisance castle, and stands since the 14th century near the village of Paizay-Naudouin (Charente), at the crossroads of Charente, Charente-Maritime and Deux-Sèvres, halfway between Niort and Angoulême, The fourteenth, sixteenth and nineteenth centuries live side by side. You will be able to discover and admire the exteriors, surrounded by moats in water, including two main houses arranged at right angles with a tower at their end. It is a square set, isolated from the mainland by large moats filled with water and supported by walls. It is reached by two fixed stone bridges, which since the Revolution have replaced the south drawbridge and the swing bridge with two arches to the north, formerly defending access to the castle. The entrance courtyard includes a long building of common and corner towers. - To discover and admire the exterior of the chateau and its chapel, free visit or guided tour by the owner himself; - To take note and participate in the program of events that will take place during this year; - To see or review the various events that took place in Saveilles: the media library is open to you; - To enjoy your stay or your visit to Saveilles in discovering the many local activities at your disposal; - To stay several days in one of our three homes near the castle.. - To inform you about the Chateau Saveilles, castle in North Charente, its history, its activities, its appointments, its meetings; - To know how and when to visit; - To exchange with Chateau Saveilles, classified as a historical monument (ISMH); - To share your comments, stories or suggestions and come visit us; - To organize an event within the framework of the Chateau; - To rent one of our three homes for a holiday with friends or family, .., ... For an information, a suggestion, an event organization, a stay for holidays, ... For a guided tour for your group, your association or your family or friends
CHARLOTTETOWN — A look at Peter Bevan-Baker, leader of Prince Edward Island's Green party. Early years: Bevan-Baker grew up in Scotland. He was a member of the Cub Scouts and later the Sea Scouts. He immigrated to Canada in 1985, living in Newfoundland and then Ontario before settling in Prince Edward Island in 2003. He became a Canadian citizen in 1992. Education: He earned a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Career: He ran a dental clinic, cafe and community hall in Hampton, P.E.I. He ran unsuccessfully nine times federally and provincially for the Green party before becoming the first Green member of the P.E.I. legislature in 2015. Family: Married to his wife Ann for 28 years. They have four children. Quote: "On P.E.I. we face lots of problems ranging from mental health to sustainable agriculture to securing predictable long-term economic prosperity. Governing well means recognizing them all and bringing forward a coherent, integrated suite of policies and actions to deal with them in a balanced and cohesive way. But it also means recognizing what things must take precedence; what issues must be placed prior to the others. All issues are critical to some people, but some issues are fundamental to everyone’s well-being." - From a recent blog post. The Canadian Press
The American Chemical Society (ACS) Division of Catalyst Science & Technology and the journal ACS Catalysis have chosen Suljo Linic of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich., as winner of their 2014 Catalysis Lectureship. He will give the lecture at ACS's Fall National Meeting in San Francisco. "Dr. Linic's innovative research into plasmonic metal nanostructures and their photochemical properties has substantially altered our understanding of plasmonic effects in photocatalysis," notes Christopher W. Jones, Ph.D., Editor-in-Chief of ACS Catalysis. "His studies into the surface electronic structures of metal and metal alloy nanomaterials and their implications for catalytic reactivity have greatly advanced the design of catalysts for reactions such as hydrocarbon steam reforming, selective olefin epoxidation, and the oxygen reduction reaction. Few scientists have made such significant contributions to catalysis at such an early stage of their career. This makes him truly deserving of the award." For more information, visit: http://pubs.acs.org/page/accacs/lectureship/index.html
Contaminated land information Contaminated land has the potential to cause harm to people, property, the environment and rivers, lakes and groundwater, because of the presence of particular substances in, on and under the ground. These substances may include heavy metals such as lead or arsenic, organic compounds such as hydrocarbons or solvents and gases, including methane and carbon dioxide. Where to find help - Email: firstname.lastname@example.org - Telephone: 0300 123 7 038 and ask to speak to the Contaminated Land Officer in the Environmental Protection Team - By post: Environmental Protection Team, Regulatory Services, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Ist Floor, East Wing, Wyvern House, The Drumber, Winsford, CW7 1AH - contaminated land issues - contaminated land enquiry service for prospective property purchasers - information relating to records of any contamination issues associated with the site, evidence of potential contamination from historic maps, referring to past land uses and the results of site investigations within close proximity to the property A charge is made for this service.
Die casting is done by introducing molten metal into th […] Die casting is done by introducing molten metal into the mold at high or low pressure. Molds are well designed to give complex products with stunning accuracy and smooth finishing. They are made of high quality steel as steel has higher melting point. You can reuse these molds for almost thousands of times. Casts can be single cavity that produces only a single component, multiple cavity that produces multiple identical parts at a time, unit die that produces different parts and combination die that produces different parts in one go. Usually zinc, copper, aluminium, magnesium, lead, pewter and tin based alloys are used for die casting. Using die casting we can make products with pore-free products that do not allow gas to pass though them and making them strong. Two types of machines are used for die-casting. Cold-chamber and hot-chamber die-casting. Die casting is an economical yet effective process of creating a broad range of shapes. It is better than other manufacturing technique and is durable and aesthetic, merging seamlessly with the other parts of the machinery of which it is a component. Die casting can deliver complex shapes with high levels of tolerance than any other mass production methods. Identical castings can be mass produced in thousands before you are required to add any new casting tools. Having the metals in high pressure is the most common way to cast many other metal alloys, representing about 50% of all production. The low method, on the other hand is used only about 20% of the time for only special products, yet its usefulness increases within time. Other methods are gravity die casting - which amounts to the remaining percentage of production with only a little less left for recently introduced processes - squeeze die casting and vacuum die casting. Die casting provides parts that are durable and dimensionally stable in nature. While providing complex shapes of industrial parts within closer tolerances, it eliminates or reduces secondary machining operations. Die cast parts have greater resistance to temperature extremes. Marked as one of the fastest and most cost effective method for producing a wide range of components, it has become the most commended force of metal industry. Being vital to many manufacturing industries like automotive, whitegoods, hardware, electrical and electronics, computers and many others it provides components in aluminum, zinc and magnesium alloys efficiently, accurately with good mechanical properties and consumer appeal.
India is fast becoming the global hub of clinical research, opening up newer avenues for science graduates in this field. Here is a look at what it takes to enter into this promising sector. Technically speaking clinical research is a systematic study of the effects, risks, efficacy and benefits of a new drug or medicine that is about to enter a market. And these studies are conducted at various stages, both prior to the launch of the drug in the market and after its launch to monitor its safety and the possible side effects of it. And, in India, experts say that the clinical research sector is on a high growth path, with huge spends coming in from developed countries. According to an estimation study by McKinsey, European and US pharmaceutical companies will spend US $1.5 bn per year on clinical trails in India by the year 2010. Many factors make India a popular destination for clinical research. Well trained medical communities that meet the global standards, huge patient base, large and fast growing private healthcare sector, state-of-the-art hospital facilities, lower costs for conducting trials, diversity in gene pool etc are few factors favoring clinical research. According to experts, there are many opportunities waiting to be explored in this field. Important clinical research outsourcing works happening in India are in the field of regulatory services, pre-clinical services, laboratory services, biometric services, drug interaction, proof of concept, conducting phase II – IV clinical trials on new medical interventions in various therapeutic areas etc. So what are the essential requirements to get into this growing sector? A graduate in science or a medical professional can enter into clinical research. A certificate or diploma in clinical research from any recognized institute can add more values. A good knowledge about clinical practices and regulatory issues and good management and communication skills are also important for a clinical research professional. Lack of experience is not a barrier to seek a career in this sector as many organizations absorb freshers and provide them on the job training to make them competent enough. A certificate or diploma in clinical research from any recognized institute can add more value for a science graduate. In terms of the growth rate, the healthcare industry in India is moving ahead neck to neck with the pharmaceutical industry and the software industry. Much has been said and one in the healthcare sector for bringing about improvement. Till date, approximately 12% of the scope offered by the healthcare industry in India has been tapped. The health acre industry in India is reckoned to be the engine of the economy in the years to come. Growing at an enviable rate of 15% every year, the healthcare industry in India is estimated to be a $40 million by 2012. Career that can open up for a person trained in Healthcare Management It is not only hospitals which require management professionals. A whole lot of specializes exist in the following sectors: 1) lifestyle clinics 2) emergency medicine units 3) pharmaceutical firms 4) hospital information systems 5) e-health ventures 6) Credit rating firms 7) NGOs and Health Insurance now required trained manpower 8) Specialized in hospital administration The industry too is upbeat with the availability of efficient manpower to handle managerial tasks in healthcare services. Grading of healthcare institutions is another area with lot of excitement and challenges for healthcare managers and they ca learn newer concepts here. Rating agencies like CRISIL, and ICRA have absorbed many freshers in the recent past as healthcare consultants. Doctors and administrators / managers form a crucial link in Third Party Administrative (TPA) operations. They can be assigned tasks like gate keeping functions, claim audit technical evaluations, claim investigations etc. To bridge the huge demand supply gap in the professional management segment, experts feel that more teaching facilities should be set up.
Stand Against Racism - Evanston - Date: 04/24/2019 1:30 PM - Location: Ridge Avenue Stand Against Racism is a movement of the YWCA that aims to raise awareness of the effects of racism. Schools, businesses, faith groups, civic and community groups, and neighbors are encouraged to turn the discussion on race into action by standing along major streets in Evanston in support of the movement. To get involved: - Register at www.standagainstracism.org for your group to participate in the public Stand Against Racism. - Think of another group or two near you with whom you’d like to participate and reach out to them. Collaborating with others to identify and eliminate the inequities that exist is the most likely way to achieve transformation. - Plan what you’ll do, where you’ll stand, how you’ll support the YWCA mission to eliminate racism.
Dwarka has become notorious for the deadly air pollution levels of late. Especially, the Sector 8 area is causing a lot of damages to the people. As per the data, the Air Quality Index (AQI) often crossed 1000-mark at Sector 8. Seeing the gravity of the issue, DDA, MCD and CPCB have made inspections at the area. A CPCB team under the leadership of its chief Bhure Lal visited the area and penalised the violators of pollution norms. Lal instructed officials to address the issue and make sure that the pollution levels come down. But, no improvement has been seen since then. Ex-president of the RWA, P Bhel said, “The area has never been taken seriously despite the highest level of pollution. Nothing happened despite the visit of administrators earlier. Still, construction norms are being violated and garbage burning continued.” Residents said that the attention of the administration was there when the area was highlighted in the media and the pollution was in an alarming stage. They said that instead of any improvement, the pollution levels increased after that. Vice president of Dwarka Forum and a resident of Sector 8, Arvinder Singh said, “RWAs should also be given the responsibility of monitoring pollution in the area. There must be a constant monitoring by the officials with the help of residents. This is the only model which could help.” It also came to the notice that there were unauthorised small factories operating in the area which was adding to the pollution woes. Officials of South Delhi Municipal Corporation said that they sealed many such factories but the pollution level suggests that the factories are still operating. The residents complained that dust particles are there in the air round the clock. The area also witnesses massive authorised and unauthorised constructions. They said that the authorities must take the matter seriously. A resident of the area, Seema Sharma has developed asthma in a couple of months due to constant dust pollution. She said, “The entire area is not worth living. Nothing was done by either DDA or Corporation. Not a single step was taken by the authority.”TAGS: Pollution at Dwarka / Pollution at Sector-8 in Dwarka / AQI in Dwarka / AQI in Sector 8 in Dwarka / Dwarka news / Delhi news
I began raising chickens over 20 years ago with our first little backyard flock and a desire to feed my own family. Through that time, I’ve found that though I can’t necessarily afford to buy the best food with which to feed my family, I can afford to grow it. That is what we’ve sought to do on our diversified small farm. We currently raise several different breeds of heritage chickens plus guineas. Taking Care of the Poultry One maxim I have continually found to be true is: if we take good care of the birds, they will take care of us. So we’re always seeking to maintain and improve the care of our birds. Proper housing, with excellent ventilation, a watchful eye, clean water and waterers, fresh feed, small flock sizes, and good quality stock from our farm or other reputable sources—these all make a difference in the quality of our birds. Interacting with the Poultry Taking care of chickens is a seven day a week job. Each day while we’re feeding and watering them and gathering the eggs, we’re interacting with and observing them. Our time spent with the birds makes them more used to human interaction and lets us see and fix any problems sooner. We intentionally keep our flock sizes small and avoid unnecessary mechanization, so there’s a lot of hands-on interaction. As we’re walking through the coops, pens and brooder room, we’re talking to the birds, we’re using our noses to assess the air quality, we’re examining the condition of the bedding or pasture that the birds are on, we’re listening for any sounds of distress and our eyes are constantly scanning, looking for any chickens that might need a little extra care or attention. What We Offer At Claborn Farms, we sell started pullets (young female chickens of various ages) and guinea keets. We have started cockerels available in limited supply or by special request. In addition, we offer a variety of classes and consulting services because we want to be sure that our customers, too, will be successful at raising their flocks. Occasionally, we offer tours of our farm. We also offer free guides (in ebook form) on how to get started raising chickens and how to maintain productive flocks and a free email newsletter.
OVERVIEW: What every practitioner needs to know Are you sure your patient has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome? What are the typical findings for this disease? Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited disorders of connective tissue that can affect joints, skin, blood vessels, muscles, ligaments, and visceral organs. Classical EDS: Joint hypermobility, hyperextensible skin, poor wound healing with atrophic scarring, chronic pain, mild aortic dilation, autonomic dysfunction, osteopenia. Hypermobile EDS: Joint hypermobility, chronic pain, mild aortic dilation, autonomic dysfunction. Vascular type of EDS: Joint hypermobility, aneurysms of the medium-sized vessels; rupture of hollow organs such as bowel and uterus. Kyphoscoliotic type: Joint hypermobility, hypotonia, progressive kyphoscoliosis, scleral fragility, hyperextensible skin, fragile medium-sized arteries. Arthrochalasia type: Joint hypermobility, short stature, midface hypoplasia, kyphosis, scoliosis, osteopenia, hyperextensible skin, poor wound healing. Dermatosporaxis type: Joint hypermobility, marked skin fragility, redundant appearance of the skin. Also delayed closure of fontanels, edema of the eyelids, blue sclerae, short stature. What other disease/condition shares some of these symptoms? Joint laxity is a common manifestation of many hereditary disorders of connective tissue, and can be found as well in many skeletal dysplasias. Typically, the aortic dilation of the classical and hypermobile types of EDS is mild and often resolves as the child attains adult body proportions. Arterial aneurysms are also found in Marfan and Loeys-Dietz syndromes, but these most commonly involve the ascending thoracic aorta, whereas the vascular type of EDS typically involves the medium-sized arteries of the abdominal cavity, such as the hepatic, splenic and gastric arteries. What caused this disease to develop at this time? Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a genetic disorder. Complications, including chronic pain, may arise secondary to trauma, such as an automobile accident or injury due to a fall. Hypermobile joints are more susceptible to damage over time due to high-impact activities. Vascular manifestations, including aneurysms of the medium-sized arteries in the vascular type of EDS, develop over time and may be exacerbated by systemic hypertension. In the vascular type of EDS, rupture of hollow organs such as the uterus, may occur as a result of pregnancy; colonic rupture is more likely in the setting of severe constipation. What laboratory studies should you request to help confirm the diagnosis? How should you interpret the results? Classical and hypermobile types of EDS are diagnosed clinically. About half of patients diagnosed with the classical type will have mutations in one of the two genes encoding type V collagen, COL5A1 and COL5A2. The vascular type of EDS is caused by mutations in the gene encoding type III collagen, COL3A1. Would imaging studies be helpful? If so, which ones? Imaging studies are not useful in establishing the diagnosis of the classical and hypermobile types of EDS. If Chiari malformation, cranio-cervical of cervical instability are suspected, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the craniocervical junction and the neck in flexion and extension may be helpful. MR angiography can be helpful in establishing the diagnosis of the vascular type of EDS. If you are able to confirm that the patient has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, what treatment should be initiated? Parents are counseled to avoid high-impact exercise as this may exacerbate joint pain later in life. Lower-impact exercise such as walking, swimming, bicycling are encouraged. There are multiple sources of chronic pain in EDS. Pain may be due to nerve impingement secondary to loose joints, muscle spasm or myofascial trigger points. Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around lax joints can be helpful before the onset of severe pain. Once chronic pain has developed, treatment of muscle spasm and myofascial trigger points should be undertaken before toning and strengthening of the muscles is attempted. Topical analgesia through the use of lidoderm patches and diclofenac gel may avoid complications of systemic therapy. Referral to pain management specialists may be necessary for patients with severe and/or refractory pain. What are the adverse effects associated with each treatment option? Treatment of chronic pain with narcotic medications may result in chronic constipation and dependency. What are the possible outcomes of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome? Many people with classical and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome do not come to medical attention until a family member is diagnosed with the disorder. It is not uncommon for affected persons to remain asymptomatic well into the 5th and 6th decades. This seems to be particularly true of men, because of their increased muscle mass. At the other end of the spectrum, however, are affected persons who become profoundly ill in their teens with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and other manifestations of autonomic dysfunction, sleep disturbances and chronic pain. These people suffer from severe disability as a result of their multiple symptoms. Neurologic complications may include Chiari malformation, cranio-cervical and cervical instability, as well as occult tethered cord leading to cauda equina syndrome. Life expectancy is reduced in the vascular type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, due to aneurysms of the arterial tree (usually the medium sized arteries) and the risk of rupture of hollow organs such as colon and uterus. What causes this disease and how frequent is it? Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a hereditary disorder of connective tissue. The classical, hypermobile and vascular types of EDS are inherited in autosomal dominant manner. The arthrochalasia type may be dominant or recessive. The kyphoscoliotic and dermatosporaxis forms are inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. The classical type is caused by mutations in the type V collagen genes, COL5A1 and COL5A2 in approximately 50% of cases. The gene(s) causing the remaining cases of classical EDS have not yet been identified. The gene(s) causing most cases of the hypermobile type have not yet been found. A small proportion of patients with the hypermobile type of EDS have mutations in the tenascin-X gene. The vascular type of EDS is caused by mutations in COL3A1, which encodes type III collagen, the most prevalent collagen in the arterial wall. The arthrochalsia type of EDS is caused by mutations in type I collagen (COL1A1 or COL1A2) affecting the N-propeptide cleavage site. The dermatosporaxis type of EDS is caused by mutations in ADAMTS2, encoding procollagen-1-N-propeptidase. How can Ehlers-Danos syndrome be prevented? Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a hereditary disorder. Severe musculoskeletal manifestations may be prevented by avoiding high-impact physical exercise. If a mutation in one of the two type V collagen genes or in type III collagen is identified, prenatal genetic diagnosis may be offered to expectant parents. What is the evidence? Beighton, P, Solomon, L, Soskolne, CL. “Articular mobility in an African population”. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. vol. 32. 1972. pp. 413-418. (Contains the original description of the "Beighton scale" for joint hypermobility.) Beighton, P, DePaepe, A, Steinmann, B, Tsipouras, P, Wenstrup, RJ. “Ehlers-Danlos syndromes: revised nosology, Vellefranche, 1997”. Am J Med Genet. vol. 77. 1998. pp. 31-37. (This paper describes the "new" nosology for the various types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, as of 1997. At the time of this writing (2011), the nosology has not yet been revised since 1997.) Levy, HP. “Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Hypermobility Type”. In at GeneTests: Medical Genetics Information Resource (database online). 1997-2011. (GeneReviews provide structured, updated, authoritative information about genetic disorders.) Malfait, F, Wenstrup, RJ, De Paepe, A. “Clinical and genetic aspects of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, classic type”. Genet Med. vol. 12. 2010. pp. 597-605. (An excellent overview of the classical type of EDS.) Milhorat, TH, Bolognese, PA, Nishikawa, M. “Syndrome of occipitoatlantoaxial hypermobility, cranial settling and Chiari malformation type I in patients with hereditary disorders of connective tissue”. J Neurosurg Spine. vol. 7. 2007. pp. 601-9. (Presentation of the clinical and radiographic presentation of cranio-cervical hypermobility, cranial settling and Chiari malformation in the hereditary connective tissue disorders, including EDS.) “Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, OMIM”. 2/8/11. Pepin, M, Schwarze, U, Superti-Furga, A, Byers, PH. “Clinical and genetic features of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV, the vascular type”. New Eng J Med. vol. 342. 2000. pp. 673-680. (An authoritative treatise on the vascular type of EDS.) Pepin, MG, Byers, PH. “Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Type IV.”. In at GeneTests: Medical Genetics Information Resource (database online). 1997-2011. (GeneReviews provide structured, updated, authoritative information about genetic disorders.) Rombaut, L, Malfait, F, Cools, A, De Paepe, A, Calders, P. “Musculoskeletal complaints, physical activity and health-related quality of life among patients with the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome hypermobility type”. Disabil Rehabil. vol. 32. 2010. pp. 1339-1345. (An overview of the effects of hypermobile EDS on quality of life and pain.) Yeowell, HN, Steinmann, B. “Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Kyphoscoliotic Form”. In at GeneTests: Medical Genetics Information Resource (database online). 1997-2011. (GeneReviews provide structured, updated, authoritative information about genetic disorders.) Ongoing controversies regarding etiology, diagnosis, treatment Neurosurgical complications, including Chiari malformation, craniocervical instability and cervical instability, as well as occult tethered cord, have only recently been associated with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and are not widely recognized among neurologists, neurosurgeons, and pediatricians. Copyright © 2017, 2013 Decision Support in Medicine, LLC. All rights reserved. No sponsor or advertiser has participated in, approved or paid for the content provided by Decision Support in Medicine LLC. The Licensed Content is the property of and copyrighted by DSM. - OVERVIEW: What every practitioner needs to know - Are you sure your patient has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome? What are the typical findings for this disease? - What other disease/condition shares some of these symptoms? - What caused this disease to develop at this time? - What laboratory studies should you request to help confirm the diagnosis? How should you interpret the results? - Would imaging studies be helpful? If so, which ones? - If you are able to confirm that the patient has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, what treatment should be initiated? - What are the adverse effects associated with each treatment option? - What are the possible outcomes of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome? - What causes this disease and how frequent is it? - How can Ehlers-Danos syndrome be prevented? - What is the evidence? - Ongoing controversies regarding etiology, diagnosis, treatment
What is the Lean Canvas? The Lean Canvas is a clean model of mapping customer values to business resources. This means creating a clear headspace to make smart decisions from the start, such as determining whether you have a task worth tackling before investing time into it. Learn to weigh cases before deciding to take them on by collecting feedback on certain propositions. This way, you can focus resources to work smarter instead of harder. For example, instead of spending countless hours mastering a subject, why not learn the amounts necessary as needed? While there wouldn’t be a mastery of said subject, this allows for extra time to be more productive and profitable. Contrary to what attorneys may be used to, this approach sets out to find a short-range solution to address a broader problem set. Instead of a deeper, more resource-intensive approach, it’s a much ‘leaner’ way to decisively solve problems. Without all the answers, how is a Lean Canvas beneficial? Based on the ability to work from a short-range solution and build outward, the Lean Canvas model identifies and takes advantage of opportunities as more information becomes available. For example, if you open an employment law practice, but you receive constant referrals for divorce cases which would streamline revenue, would you begin to take them? Taking on cases outside your practice area is an example of growth through “Obliquity,” which is a term used to describe how experimentation and discovery are some of the best methods to handle new or uncertain objectives. These new objectives would most likely be added revenue streams, as well. Problem solving relies more on iteration and adaptation than investing vast amounts of time and resources into efforts that may not be crucial to the tasks at hand. Such a model is becoming necessary in today’s world of uncertainty where long-term objectives may not always be clear, and circumstances are constantly changing. Here’s a brief outline of what the Lean Canvas looks like: The Lean Canvas is made up of nine components: - The Problem: What are you going to address? - The Solution: How you’ll resolve the problem. - Key Metrics: What do users need to do, so that you make money? - Cost Structure: All of your fixed and variable costs. - Unique Value Proposition: What makes your service stand out? - Channels: How are you reaching your clients? - Customer Segments: Break down your users from larger groups into smaller ones. - Revenue Streams: Find out which apply best to your firm. - Unfair Advantage: Your magic weapon; something no one else can find or replicate. Generate new revenue streams, redefine your practice, and work smarter instead of harder. The Lean Canvas is a great way to strategize in a way that benefits you most. Want to delve deeper? See how the Agile methodology can help your firm by reading our post on Five Resources for the Agile Attorney. Get key data insights to drive law firm success Learn what makes today's legal consumer hire and recommend you (and much more) in the 2018 Legal Trends Report.Get Your Free Copy
The federal government paid $11.3 million in taxpayer-funded farm subsidies from 1995 to 2012 to 50 billionaires or businesses in which they have some form of ownership, according to a report released Thursday by the Environmental Working Group, a Washington-based research organization. The billionaires who received the subsidies or owned companies that did include the Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen; the investment titan Charles Schwab; and S. Truett Cathy, owner of Chick-fil-A. The billionaires who got the subsidies have a collective net worth of $316 billion, according to Forbes magazine. The Working Group said its findings were likely to underestimate the total farm subsidies that went to the billionaires on the Forbes 400 list because many of them also received crop insurance subsidies. Federal law prohibits the disclosure of the names of individuals who get crop insurance subsidies, the group said. (Read more: Jim Rogers: Forget financing, think farming)
Migration and the acceptance of asylum seekers has fast become a battleground between the U.K. and European Union, as relations between the two parties deteriorate just days after a general election. Tensions were heightened after the U.K.'s center-right Conservative Party was re-elected to government in a general election last week. The party's leader and U.K. Prime Minister, David Cameron, has promised to hold a referendum on membership of the EU by 2017, making a potential "Brexit" – or British exit from the EU – a sore point in cross-Channel relations. The governor of the Bank of England said on Thursday that the government should act with "appropriate speed" in holding the referendum, according to the Financial Times newspaper, due to concerns about the business uncertainty that the impending vote could cause. (Tweet This) On Wednesday, the EU's executive arm unveiled proposals suggesting that some member states – including the U.K. – will have to take in more migrants looking for asylum in Europe.
All but 13 of the 289 Republicans in the House and Senate have signed a pledge vowing to oppose tax increases. This week, the author of that pledge met with some of them to help them understand exactly what it is they signed. In the process, anti-tax activist Grover Norquist sparked a fresh barrage of criticism from Democrats who accuse him and his pledge of being one of the major impediments to a bipartisan debt-cutting deal. Norquist and Republicans defended the pledge, denied that he is hurting his party because he has become a political target, and said that Washington's gridlock on the issue is not his fault. The pledge has been "extremely helpful" to the Republican Party, Norquist told reporters after meeting privately with Republicans for about an hour, saying it has helped Republicans define a position that is popular with voters. "They're not going to raise taxes to pay for Obama-sized government," Norquist, who heads Americans for Tax Reform, said of Republicans. "They're going to reduce Obama-sized government down to a size the American people will tolerate and are willing to pay for." Thursday's session came at a time when some Republicans in Congress and elsewhere have been distancing themselves from Norquist's pledge, saying all options need to be available if the two parties are to concoct a debt-reduction agreement. It also comes during an election-year fight over whether to extend expiring tax cuts for the rich at the end of this year, as Republicans support and President Barack Obama and Democrats oppose, and whether to overhaul the entire tax code. People in the meeting said around 15 House GOP lawmakers and about 100 aides attended. The session focused on how to respond to questions about the pledge and traced its history and explained its meaning, participants said, adding that no lawmakers gave the impression that they wanted to back away from it. "There was no discussion in there today about amending anything, wiggling around or anything," said Rep. Mick Mulvaney, R-S.C. With some in Congress beginning to concentrate on how the two parties might reach a budget agreement later this year, some Republicans like Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., have expressed a willingness to eliminate tax breaks and use some of the money that would produce to reduce deficits. That would violate a tenet of Norquist's pledge, which says any money raised that way must be used to lower tax rates. Earlier this month, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, a leading national figure in the GOP, said he had never signed the pledge because he does not believe politicians should "outsource your principles and convictions to people." Norquist told reporters that those who have signed the pledge have made a "commitment to the American people" and should "focus on the commitment they made." The bearded Norquist, whose pledge has been around since 1986, has become a favorite whipping boy for Democrats though he is scarcely a household name. With even GOP presidential challenger Mitt Romney having signed the pledge last year, Democrats see it as the symbol — and a cause — of the GOP's refusal to back a deficit-cutting deal last summer as Obama and House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, tried reaching a compromise. "They ought to be sitting down and working things out instead of holding court for him," said Rep. Sander Levin, top Democrat on the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, as he wandered past the committee hearing room where the meeting was being held. "Norquist is here to hold feet to the fire when what we need are open minds." Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., called Norquist on Thursday "the leader of the Republican Party." House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said she believes Norquist and congressional Republicans "are in touch every day" and said Norquist believes his pledge is more important than the oath lawmakers take to uphold the Constitution. Norquist said Democratic criticism is "a matter of desperation" for them. He said Reid is putting some rank-and-file Democrats facing difficult re-election fights under excruciating political pressure because they may be forced to decide whether to oppose continuing tax cuts for the rich. "He's destroying these peoples' political careers," Norquist said.
Polychromos Pastel Sticks can be a great addition to your art set. They work great for touching up Pastel Pencil Pictures, most notably the backgrounds. The have a higher pigment than the pencil and can therefore really make your pictures jump out. Someone asked us then, if they wanted to have a sharper point, could they use Polychromos Pencils? Unfortunately, these are not the same and I’d highly recommend you not use them. Polychromos Pencils are just like normal colouring pencils and aren’t linked to Polychromos Pastel Sticks. The way therefore around the scenario of getting a sharper point would be to use a razor blade or craft knife on the edge of a Polychromos stick. You’ll see on many of my tutorials I use pastel pencils as a base for the background and add in the Polychromos as an option, very often the edges are sharp enough for this kind of work. Learn how to use the Polycrhomos pastel sticks with Pastel Pencils by watching the tutorials on this website, learn about becoming a member here.
PART 1 of this article covered the origin of Issue No. 3 HJR1009 and the proposal’s plan to use ethics reform as the excuse to weaken term limits and get higher salaries for legislators and elected official of the executive branch. (Read Part 1) This Part 2 examines what the legislature would get from the proposal – weaker term limits and a way to get big salary increases. PART 2 – TERM LIMITS & SALARY INCREASES PAYBACK – TERM LIMITS Arkansas’ current term limits law, Amendment 73, was adopted in 1992. The preamble of Amendment 73 reads, “The people of Arkansas find and declare that elected officials who remain in office too long become preoccupied with reelection and ignore their duties as representatives of the people. Entrenched incumbency has reduced voter participation and has led to an electoral system that is less free, less competitive, and less representative than the system established by the Founding Fathers. Therefore, the people of Arkansas, exercising their reserved powers, herein limit the terms of elected officials. Amendment 73 limits a person to serving only 3 terms of 2 years in the House, and 2 terms of 4 years in the Senate. Some legislators can serve longer because a partial term resulting from the filling of a vacancy does not count. Also, in the Senate, reapportionment and the staggering of terms sometimes causes a Senator to only have a term of 2 years terms and 2-year terms in the Senate do not count. Proponents of longer term limits always cite the limits on House service which is only 3 terms of 2 years. This means that every two years, at least 1/3 of the House membership will be freshmen. Even I find the massive turn over a bit concerning, but the system works. Proponents of longer term limits don’t stop at wanting to change House limits. They add longer term limits for Senators as well. Comparing the proposal with current term limits. HJR1009 proposes to allow 16 years of service in the House, Senate or combined service. The current term limits allow a total of 14 years if the person serves both in the House and Senate (6 years in the House and 8 years in the Senate). The difference in total service is not just 2 years. Because of exceptions in the proposal the difference may be more. Both the current law and the proposal have exceptions. Under the proposal, filling of a vacancy for less than 2 years has no effect on term limits and a legislator may continue serving to the end of a term even if the 16-year threshold occurs during the term.[i] Enhancing the power of incumbency. Under current law, if you have served 6 years in the House and you want to keep serving in the legislature, you have to run in a Senate district that is different from your House district and you will no longer be an incumbent. Compare that with a 16-year limit that allows you to be the incumbent in every election after your first race. That is a significant shift in the power of incumbency and is something term limits advocates fought against. Shifting power from the Executive Branch to the Legislative Branch. With a legislator being able to serve 16 years in the same seat and the Governor only being allowed to serve 8 years, the legislature would gain power. (This is a concern for some, but doesn’t bother me, having worked for the legislature for years. So, I still have a bit of a bias for the Legislative Branch in its struggle with the Executive Branch.) Retirement benefits made easier. Members of the General Assembly are covered by the Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System. Regular state employees vest in APERS after 5 years of service, but members of the General Assembly need 10 years of actual legislative service to vest. Because of term limits, many members of the General Assembly never gain the 10 years needed to vest in the retirement system. For example a legislator with 6 years in the House still needs one term of 4 years in the Senate to qualify. A term limit of 16-years benefits legislators by allowing them to vest in APERS without having to serve in both the House and Senate. Having the power of incumbency throughout those 16 years also makes it more likely that the legislator will achieve the 10-years vesting requirement. The significance of retirement benefits should not be overlooked. Retirement benefits may be one of the reasons that it now seems more popular for former legislators to go to work for the Governor or one of his a state agencies than to become a lobbyist. PAYBACK – SALARY RESTRICTIONS REMOVED. The last amendment to the constitution to increase salaries of legislators and officers of the Executive Branch was passed in 1992 as Amendment 70. Although it has been 22 years since the passage of Amendment 70, the amendment was supposed to make future amendments unnecessary because it allowed an annual cost-of-living adjustment using the Consumer Price Index. The adjustments, if any, are made by an appropriation bill Shifting the burden from the legislature. Currently, legislators have to vote to approve their cost-of-living increase. Even though the increases are small, the public watches. This proposal takes the burden and responsibility off of the legislators and shifts it to a politically appointed committee. The sky is the limit. The proposal removes the current restriction that limits increases to only a cost-of-living adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index. Under the proposal there is no limit on the initial salary change! After the change in the first year, future changes are limited to 15% up or down. This still allows a big increase each year. But wait it gets worse. The 15% limit could be changed or eliminated by a 2/3rds vote of the legislature. More about that below. Independent Citizen’s Committee – just a pretty name. The proposal creates an “Independent Citizens Committee” to set salaries. Using the words “independent” and “citizens” makes it sound wonderful but would it sound wonderful if you described it as the “Committee Appointed by the Politicians Whose Salaries Are Being Set”? Yes, the committee is made up of political appointees. The 7 member committee would be made up by: 2 people appointed by the Governor; 2 people appointed by the Speaker of the House; 2 people appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and 1 person appointed by the Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court. Gee, do you suppose the committee members might look favorably on salary requests by the people who appointed them? It is also worth noting that the legislative appointments on the committee make up a majority of the membership. If they voted together, the opinions of the appointees by the Governor and Chief Justice would not matter. This brings me to a theoretical question that I will leave to you to decide: “Could the committee ever be used to punish an officer who ‘doesn’t fall in line,’ by reducing his or her salary by 15%?” Salaries in the Judicial Branch. Judicial Branch salaries are already set by the General Assembly,[ii] but the proposal may make it easier for them to get larger increases than would have been allowed by the legislature. Authority to change the salary provisions. Most constitutional amendments require a vote of the people to change it, but this proposal allows the legislature to change the salary provision by a 2/3rds vote. Want to remove all limits on how much of an increase the committee can give? Yes, that can be done. Want to prohibit the committee from reducing salaries? That can be done too. Want to change the membership of the committee? Go ahead. The proposal says the legislative changes must be, “germane to this section and consistent with its policy and purposes.” Still sounds like you can drive a truck through that restriction. PART 3 of this article looks at: (1) the ethics provisions contained in HJR1009; (2) The proposal’s deceptive title; and (3) Provides a final summary. [i] HJR1009 of 2013, page 16, lines 33 -36. [ii][ii] Amend 80 § 16 (E)
Legislation has been introduced in the House and Senate to pass a ½ percent sales tax for highways.[i] The Governor is going to the ridiculous step of having his tax proposed by a CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT. A few years ago the people approved a TEMPORARY sales tax for highways. The tax will expire in 2023. The Governor doesn’t want to let go of the money. He claims an “extension” of the tax is not a tax increase. Obviously, it is a TAX INCREASE because after the tax expires in 2023 the tax rate would be ZERO. HERE IS HOW RIDICULOUS THE GOVERNOR’S CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT IS. Under the Governor’s plan the legislature would propose a constitutional amendment to “continue” the tax, your money would be used to publish the proposal in newspapers, tons of money would be spent on the campaign supporting and opposing the tax increase, during the campaign you would be inundated with advertisements “for” and “against”, and if the amendment to the constitution passed we would be stuck with a sales tax that would be nearly impossible for the people to change because it is in the constitution. INSTEAD OF DOING ALL THAT CRAZY STUFF, the Governor could propose his tax by a simple bill which would require only a majority vote of the legislature. It could be a simple one sentence bill saying something like “Once the other tax expires in 2023, there is imposed an additional sales tax of ½ percent to be used exclusively for highway funding.” It is that simple. WHY THE RIDICULOUS ACTION OF PUSHING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION INSTEAD OF FILING A SIMPLE BILL? The Governor knows if legislators have to go on the record for a new tax – it will likely fail. Having a simple bill could cut into support for a sales tax. First, a simple bill shows it is a new tax and therefore doesn’t let politicians PRETEND it is merely an extension of a tax. Second, COWARDS who want the tax also want to say, “Don’t blame me. I wasn’t voting FOR the tax. I only wanted to let the people decide.” If you have a Senator or Representative who will vote for the plan and then say “I only wanted the people to have a chance to vote on it” you have our sympathies. You deserve better! You should be MAD. Mad that politicians are using such a RIDICULOUS and TORTURED stunt to avoid blame.
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Gordianus that all the world should be taxed, but especially Britannia. For as Gordianus said unto the Senate: "Things are going really well. We have doubled the number of slaves in the Imperial Household, and for the first time since 345 BC it is easier for a rich man to enter the House of Lords than it is for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle. I need funds to pay for the legions which Antoninus hath sent to do battle in Babylonia – but more importantly I need xxx pieces of silver to give to the Vulcan Institute, who are the only people prepared to employ Sphericus, my useless centurion." But while Joseph thought on these things, behold Gabriel the Accountant appeared unto him saying "Joseph, I have good news, bad news and very bad news." And Joseph replied "Tell me even these things." And Gabriel saith "Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for around the end of December she will become eligible for Working Family Tax Credit by the operation of the Holy Spirit. But unfortunately, you shall have to go to register into Judaea, unto the City of David which is called Bethlehem; because the schools in Nazareth are all in special measures." And Joseph asked what the very bad news was, and thereto Gabriel presented his bill for calculating the annual tax return of Joseph. And Joseph called on the name of JESUS. So it came to pass that Joseph and Mary went unto Bethlehem for the child to be born. And they travelled on a donkey, because, what with all the green taxes and everything they could in no wise afford any other form of transport. And Mary brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, for with the council taxes they could not afford anything better on the property ladder. Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying: "We seek asylum. And we will present unto you gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. But first you must drop the police investigation of Britannicus Aerospace.” Then Herod, when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the People’s Party together, said that it was really nothing to do with him at all, it being in the independent arm’s length hands of Caiaphas the Attorney-General. And Caiaphas said: "No problem. How high wouldst thou likest me to jump?" And then Caiaphas added "By the way, Herod, Lord Hutton has just cleared you of any involvement in the massacre of the first born. Apparently it was all the fault of the children." And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over what was left of their flock by night. And, lo, the Rural Payments Angel came upon them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them "Fear not: for behold, I am from the Government and I am here to help you." At which the shepherds said one to another "Let us make haste and go even now unto Bethlehem and maybe this time we can save some of our flock from utter obliteration at the hands of this idiot." And they did even that, fleeing for their very lives, and that of their flock also, and the Angel did follow them crying out "No, really, I bring you good tidings of great joy. Press the red button now!" And as the Angel followed them, lo, he was caught by a speed camera and fined xxix denarii. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE.
Sometimes we receive consumer complaints about a business and the quality of their service or product. While this isn’t something that we have authority over, we do have some information about what you can do when you encounter a quality of service issue. What is a quality of service issue? A quality of service issue is difficult to define because people have different ideas of what they consider to be good service or good quality. You might feel as though the quality of the good or service that you received did not meet the minimum standards of what you were expecting. If you feel dissatisfied with a product or service that you have paid for, you may be experiencing an issue that falls under this category. The following are some examples of what may be considered to be a quality of service issue: - Jen went to a new salon for a haircut. She didn’t like the haircut and felt as though the stylist did not listen to what she wanted. She wants her money back. - Brett and Chelsea hired a tiling company to tile their kitchen. After the work was completed, they felt that the tiling job was sloppy and poorly done. They want the company to come back and redo the work, but the company owner says that the work is fine and refuses to fix it without proper compensation. - Victoria bought a dog collar online and after only using it one time the buckle cracked in half. The business does not provide refunds or exchanges, as laid out in the terms and conditions. She feels as though this is an unacceptable level of quality and wants her money back. What can you do when you experience a quality of service issue? Due to the subjective nature of these kinds of complaints, it can be a challenge to provide specific options for recourse as these kinds of issues vary in scope and cost. Depending on your issue, there may be laws that address your concerns, but sometimes it becomes a “he said – she said” type of dispute that may have to be resolved in court. Here are some options that you may want to pursue when you are experiencing a quality of service issue: Try to resolve the issue with the business directly. This should be your first step. Depending on what your issue is, you may be able to explain your case and the business may be happy to address your concerns. You may be interested in reading our blog posts about how to write an effective complaint letter, and general tips for resolving complaints. Be aware that retail stores are responsible for setting their own refund and exchange policies. It is important to ask retailers what their policies are before making a purchase. Do some research to see if your issue is captured under any relevant laws. Sometimes the Sale of Goods Act may apply to quality of service issues. If so, your options for recourse would be through the courts. Additionally, the Competition Bureau enforces misleading advertising and labelling provisions that may apply to your situation. Check out the Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT). The CRT can help you try to resolve small claims disputes under $5,000 and strata (condominium) disputes of any amount. We’ve written a blog post that goes over what you can expect from the CRT. If you want a legal opinion, consider trying the Lawyer Referral Service from the Canadian Bar Association. They provide the opportunity for you to have a consultation with a lawyer for up to 30 minutes for a fee of $25 plus taxes. I hope this information is helpful to you and please let me know if you have any other suggestions for ways to positively resolve quality of service issues. About Consumer Protection BC We are responsible for regulating specific industries and certain consumer transactions in British Columbia. If your concern is captured under the laws we enforce, we will use the tools at our disposal to assist you. If we can’t help you directly, we will be happy to provide you with as much information as possible. Depending on your concern, another organization may be the ones to speak to; other times, court or legal assistance may be the best option. Explore our website at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca. Online shopping: tips to receive your refund when your package never arrives Free trial traps: how to identify them and what to do if you’re stuck What would you do? A guide to being a savvy consumer: gym memberships
Quick summary: Each year, thousands people across Australia take part in Schools Tree Day. This activity is designed to helps students learn about how to plant, and care for the seedlings they grow during Schools Tree Day. Schools Tree Day 2016 is on Friday 29th July, although events can be held at any time during the year. To take part you don’t have to be planting trees, you could be growing a vegetable garden, weeding a previously planted area, adding shrubs to the building surrounds or venturing out to the local bush to lend community groups a helping hand. So get growing! Take part in the largest nature-care event in Australian schools. You’ll be joining thousands of amazing educators in making a difference, fostering a child’s love of nature and creating positive environmental change. Don’t forget to register at treeday.planetark.org. - Students understand that trees are living things. - Students understand that seeds have a growth cycle from seed to tree. - Students understand how to plant and care for a tree. - Students take responsibility for their local environment. General capabilities: Critical and creative thinking. Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.2., OI.7. Australian Curriculum content description: As this activity is intended to adapt for a range of year levels, no explicit links have been provided. Topic: Schools Tree Day, Biodiversity. Year levels: Early Learning – Year 4. Time required: 60 mins Level of teacher scaffolding: Facilitate students in sharing their ideas about planting trees. Resources required: Internet access, computers, seeds or seedlings. Digital technology opportunities: Digital sharing capabilities. Homework and extension opportunities: Encourage students to plant a free at home. Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
Our conservation area explains about the importance of biodiversity and the hard work that farmers are undertaking to conserve and promote wildlife in our countryside. It shows you the history of the Farm Park and surrounding area and takes you on a journey through the various ways that farming enhances the local environment and wildlife. We’ve planted a broad range of plants that are beneficial to insects and birds, an area of pollen and nectar rich plants, wild grasses, beetle banks and a pond. You’ll be able to see a bee hive and learn about pollination; view a wormery in the soil zone, and learn about the importance of integrating wildlife and food production in farming systems. Adam Henson explains “It’s a great way to learn how to encourage wildlife in your own garden, whatever size. Butterflies and bees don’t take up much room, but have huge benefits to the environment.” This project is supported by Agrii, suppliers of agronomy and environmental advice to the farming industry. We look forward to welcoming you to Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park and everything we have to offer. If you don’t get a chance to visit, you can keep in touch on our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/CotswoldFarmParkLtd or by following us on Twitter @AdamHenson @CotswoldFarmPrk.
Travel is filled with major choices — like that country to visit, what quantity to spend, and once to prevent waiting and at last create that all-important transportation purchase. but beyond the big image, it is the very little things that maycreate a visit easier and fewer stressful. 1: Patience Is Important Don’t sweat the stuff you can’t control. Life is much too short to be angry & annoyed all the time. Did you miss your bus? No worries, there will be another one. ATMs out of money? Great! Take an unplanned road trip over to the next town and explore. Sometimes freakouts happen regardless. Rise at sunrise to have the best attractions all to yourself while avoiding crowds. It’s also a magical time for photos due to soft diffused light, and usually easier to interact with locals. Sketchy areas are less dangerous in the morning too. Honest hardworking people wake up early; touts, scammers, and criminals sleep in. 3: Stash Extra Cash Cash is king around the world. To cover your ass in an emergency, make sure to stash some in a few different places. I recommend at least a couple hundred dollars worth. If you lose your wallet, your card stops working, or the ATMs run out of money, you’ll be glad you did. 4: Observe Daily Life If you really want to get a feel for the pulse of a place, I recommend spending a few hours sitting in a park or on a busy street corner by yourself just watching day to day life happen in front of you. Slow down your train of thought and pay close attention to the details around you. The smells, the colors, human interactions, and sounds. It’s a kind of meditation — and you’ll see stuff you never noticed before. 5: Know your hotel information. If a) your baggage is lost or delayed; b) you miss your connection and will be late checking in; or c) you are going to a destination you’ve never visited before, you’ll want to have complete contact information for your hotel on your person. Before you leave home, print out the hotel’s name, address and phone number, and program the latter into your cell phone. It’s also a good idea to print out a map of the hotel’s neighborhood, whether for your own use or to show to a confused cab driver. 6: Get your seat assignments ASAP. As I mention above, every minute you pass without a seat assignment is another minute that your aisle or window seat is given to someone else. Your best bet is to check in online, which can typically be done up to 24 hours before your flight. But note that not all flights, airlines or classes of travel permit advance check-in (or seating assignments). 7: Don’t seize up—do your stretches. If you are doing a lot of traveling by plane or car, you may be required to sit for extended periods of time. If driving, stop every two hours for a 10-minute stretching break. If you are on a plane, take a walk to the restroom. You can also do some stretches in your seat. Stretch your arms and neck. Wiggle your toes and ankles. With your feet flat on the floor, lift your heels and tighten your calf muscles. Don’t forget to do your daily routine of stretches in the morning and before bed. 8: Plan for pleasure–and to remember the good time you had. Peruse the travel brochures and decide on what experiences you would enjoy the most. Get pictures and videos of you having fun in nice surroundings. They will be a reminder of the great time you had and can help relax you on those “bad” days that may come after you get home. 9: Sleep is NOT overrated. Enjoy your trip, but get the well-deserved rest and sleep you need. Enjoy the opportunity to rest and put your feet up rather than going all day and all night; if you have a chance for naps, take them. Get your eight hours of sleep and don’t cut yourself short. Come home from your vacation feeling rested, not like you need another vacation just to rest! 10: Build your expertise first A lot of people make the mistake of starting a travel blog before they’ve traveled. Don’t do this. Travel first; write about it later. It doesn’t matter when the story happened, just as long as it happened. For example, I backpacked for 18 months before I started blogging. The more you can establish yourself as an expert on one place or area, the easier it will be for you to rise to the top. Trying to be everything to everyone is not going to work, especially in a crowded field like travel. ALSO CHECK : TRAVEL.
Infliximab (trade name Remicade) is a monoclonal antibody against tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) used to treat autoimmune diseases. Remicade is marketed by Janssen Biotech, Inc. (USA), Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma (Japan), Xian Janssen (China), and Schering-Plough elsewhere. Infliximab was first used for closure of fistulae in Crohn's disease in 1999. It has also been used to induce and maintain remission in inflammatory Crohn's disease. As Infliximab targets TNF, thought to be more related to Th1 cytokines, the drug was initially considered of limited use against ulcerative colitis which was thought to be a Th2 disease. However, patients with ulcerative colitis have begun to be treated with infliximab on the basis of two large clinical trials conducted in 2005. Infliximab can cost $19,000 to $22,000 a year per patient wholesale, according to Centocor. It is typically covered under major medical insurance (rather than prescription drug insurance). Infliximab is administered by intravenous infusion, typically at six- to eight-week intervals, at a clinic or hospital. It cannot be administered orally, as the digestive system would destroy the drug. Information from Wikipedia Next medication people use after Remicade Current Users' Health Compared to people not currently on Remicade The data on this page is from personally submitted user reviews and ratings of treatments, and users who have tracked their health over time while taking these treatments. The data is of a small sample size of users and is subject to biases of side effects of treatments, perceived/expected efficacy, and more. For now, the data should be taken with a grain of salt.
One advice that you'd surely have come across while developing a production grade machine learning model is: Make sure that the training and production dataset have the same distribution Now what does that actually mean? Can you come up with the simplest example of training and production datasets that have different distribution? What exactly do we mean by distribution? Imagine studying for an exam You know before-hand that there will be 10 questions on the paper. There are 5 chapters in total, and there would be 2 questions from each chapter. Well, at least that's what you observed in the large number of mock-tests that you gave while preparing for the finals. Not having the time to learn all 5 chapters, you decided to skip a difficult chapter. You figured that you'd still score 80%. However, to your surprise, the finals actually had 6 questions from the chapter that you skipped. And you could only score 40% to your utter disappointment. In this case, the mock tests and the finals had "different distributions." How would the above example look in a real-world dataset? Imagine that you have a training set and a test set. You get a 95% accuracy on the training set (which you did split for cross-validation too). When we say 95% accuracy, there are 5% of the training set examples that we did not get right. Also, trying to get that last 5% right resulted in over-fitting and lower cross-validation accuracy. So we became content with 95%. However, it is important to investigate the nature of the 5% that we're getting wrong too. The 5% represents data points that the machine learning algorithm deemed okay to get wrong, because it's getting a whole lot of other things right. What if your entire test set comprised of data that looked similar to the 5% that your algorithm got wrong in the training set? Then your test set accuracy would be brutally close to 0%. Now you have a simple conceptual grasp of what it means for the training and test sets to have different distributions. This will also give you incentive to investigate what examples is your algorithm getting wrong, and do those wrong examples change drastically each time you make an optimization. This is one of the reasons its advisable to have a gold-data set that you always test against, apart from your usual training/validation/test set.
Insect pests and beneficials in field crops The presence and damage potential of insect pests in field crops can vary dramatically between seasons. Good management decisions rely on: - correct identification of pests and beneficials present - knowledge of the insects’ biology and likely behaviour - appropriate monitoring - balancing the potential risks of available management options - awareness of environmental conditions that may influence the success of any action taken. Integrated pest management (IPM) is an approach that uses a combination of biological, cultural and chemical control methods to reduce pest populations. A key aim of IPM is to reduce reliance on insecticides as primary means of pest control. IPM can improve growers' profitability while reducing environmental damage and the risk of pesticide resistance. Insect pest management information provided here is relevant to grain and cotton production in the northern grains region of Queensland and New South Wales.
Proposition 65June 22, 2016 Proposition 65, officially known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, requires the state to maintain and update a list of chemicals known to the state. Enacted as a voter initiative in November 1986, Proposition 65 protects the state’s drinking water sources from being contaminated with chemicals that are known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Proposition 65 provides that persons doing business in California may not expose individuals to chemicals known to cause harm without first giving clear and reasonable warning, nor discharge such chemicals into drinking water. All products sold in California must show this warning label on their product. Proposition 65 is administered and regulated by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. Proposition 65 regulates substances in two ways: 2. The second requirement prohibits businesses from knowingly exposing individuals to listed substances without providing a clear and reasonable warning. The list of chemicals under Proposition 65 contains a wide range of naturally occurring and synthetic chemicals that are a part of our everyday use. These chemicals include additives or ingredients in pesticides, common household products, food, drugs, dyes, or solvents. Listed chemicals may also be used in manufacturing, construction, or plumbing. Click for an updated list of chemicals under Proposition 65. For Danco products, the warning is related to products that contain chemicals listed under Proposition 65. Nowhere are we stating that these products are not safe or poses any health concerns, but are simply providing a warning to comply with the California state regulations. These chemicals are commonly present among a wide variety of consumer products used every day. For more information on Proposition 65 click the link below to go to the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, also known as OEHHA. More Information on Proposition 65.
NEW YORK, January 28, 2016 /BUSINESS WIRE/ –The burgeoning service economy is significantly outpacing more traditional industry sectors in its rate of business growth among middle market companies, according to the Middle Market Power Index: Exploring Generational Changes in Middle Market Industries from American Express (NYSE: AXP) and Dun & Bradstreet (NYSE: DNB). While manufacturing and wholesale trade continue to remain key industries for middle market companies, the index shows a gradual shift in the industry composition of the middle market sector, defined as those with revenues between $10 million and $1 billion, with service businesses quickly gaining ground. Service businesses formed in the last 10 years are showing ability to scale into the middle market at a greater rate than more traditional industries. The business services industry consists of a varied list of enterprises such as public relations firms and advertising agencies, management consulting, legal services, landscape/architecture services, and interior design firms. Over half (54%) of middle market enterprises are found in four industry sectors: manufacturing (17%), wholesale trade (13%), retail trade (12%) and business services (12%). Seventeen percent (17%) of middle market firms in business less than 10 years are in business services, indicating this sector plays host to our next generation of businessmen and women, a trend that is likely to continue as the Millennial generation further develops their careers. Alternatively, only 5% of middle market firms in business 50 years or longer are in the business services sector. “The fourth Middle Market Power Index report shows an important evolution for the future of the middle market,” said Susan Sobbott, president, Global Commercial Payments, American Express. “While manufacturing and wholesale trade are still foundational pillars of middle market companies, business services is an industry of choice for the next generation of middle market entrepreneurs.” “The increase in the number of service industry firms moving from small enterprises into the middle market reflects what is happening in the larger economy,” said Jeff Stibel, vice chairman of Dun & Bradstreet. “While manufacturing continues to be a critical piece of our economy, we are moving to a technologically-advanced service economy and these younger middle market firms are both driving growth and, importantly, creating significant numbers of new jobs.” U.S. Geographic Locations for the Next Generation of Middle Market Firms The youngest middle market firms, which potentially represent hotbeds of entrepreneurial growth in the middle market, are more likely to be found in the following four states, and the District of Columbia. Nationwide, middle market firms that have been in business less than a decade represent only 11% of the middle market, while these states (and District) are home to an above-average share. - Texas (16%) - Nevada (16%) - Colorado (15%) - District of Columbia (15%) - Utah (14%) Among states with a higher share of middle market firms that have been in business for 50 years or more, two states stand out – Iowa and Vermont. In Iowa, 49% of middle market firms have been in business for 50 years or more, significantly above the national average of 19%. In Vermont, a disproportionately low number of middle market firms have been in business less than a decade – just 4% compared to the national average of 11%. Tenure in Business is Not Indicator of Middle Market Size While middle market firms are defined as those with revenues between $10 million and $1 billion, most (51%) generate revenues between $10 and $19 million. But crossing the $10 million threshold takes time – those that have been in business less than a decade only make up 11% of the total middle market. On average, middle market firms have been in business for 42 years. Conventional wisdom has dictated that nothing beats experience as a means of guaranteeing success, but the analysis shows that while it takes time to grow into the middle market, more business experience does not necessarily lead to increased firm size. Across generations, the size of middle market firms does not change substantially as businesses gain years of market experience. Middle market firms in business for less than a decade represent 11% of middle market firms, 12% of middle market firm revenues, and provide 11% of middle market jobs. At the other end of the business age spectrum, middle market firms that have been in business for 50 years or more represent 30% of middle market firms, generate 34% of middle market firm revenues, and provide 35% of middle market jobs. Women-Owned and Minority-Owned Middle Market Businesses Overall, women-owned and minority-owned companies are just as likely to be found in the middle market as are all commercially-active business owners. Among firms that have been in business between 10 and 29 years, women-owned and minority-owned companies are even more likely to be prevalent. Overall, 5% of middle market firms are majority-owned by ethnically diverse owners, yet in the 10-29 year range, 8% are majority-owned by women or ethnically diverse owners. These numbers complement the growth into the middle market among women-owned and minority-owned companies, which was identified in the third report of the Middle Market Power Index series. The Middle Market Power Index report is based on an analysis of 19 million (18,950,877) firms from Dun & Bradstreet’s US commercial marketing database between 2008 and 2014: the first a virtual census of all of the commercially-active businesses in the United States (defined as firms that have obtained a D-U-N-S® number and that sell and receive goods and services and utilize credit transactions in their business); the second their credit scoring archive database, which collects and models business commercial activity and business financial strength. All subsidiary and business establishment data are combined; only enterprise-level data (top of the business family tree, or Ultimate D-U-N-S® number firms) are reported. Additionally, public sector entities are excluded. About Dun and Bradstreet Dun & Bradstreet (NYSE: DNB) grows the most valuable relationships in business. By uncovering truth and meaning from data, we connect customers with the prospects, suppliers, clients and partners that matter most, and have since 1841. Nearly ninety percent of the Fortune 500, and companies of every size around the world, rely on our data, insights and analytics. For more about Dun & Bradstreet, visit DNB.com. About American Express Global Corporate Payments Through its Global Corporate Payments division, American Express offers a suite of B2B and T&E payment solutions that help organizations streamline processes and transform them into opportunities for savings, control and efficiency. American Express can help your organization increase working capital flexibility and strengthen relationships with suppliers. For more information, visit us at business.americanexpress.com/us and linkedin.com/company/american-express-global-corporate-payments. About American Express American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, foursquare.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/company/american-express,twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress. Key links to products, services and corporate responsibility information: charge and credit cards, business credit cards, Plenti rewards program, travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services, corporate card, business travel and corporate responsibility.
Safety is the first and most important thing in any situation whether you are working at home or in a factory. There are many different types of automatic equipment or industrial automation devices in the factories which can easily do the work in less time and with high accuracy but on the other side they also higher the risk of the injuries. If you are operating or working with automatic equipment without proper guidance and safety tips then you are putting your life in danger. Here are 5 safety tips you should follow while working with automatic equipment to avoid injuries: 1. Safety Equipment: Do not forget or avoid any safety equipment while operating or working with automatic machinery. Safety equipment plays an important role in keeping you safe from injuries. Some people avoid wearing safety equipment because they think that they are pretty good in their work but no matter how professional you are, you should not avoid the safety equipment because while working with automatic equipment accidents can happen at any time and the safety equipment will keep you safe. 2. Loading & Unloading Zones: In factories loading and unloading the products with the help of automation tools , machinery and other materials are very common but it is also a dangerous task. Loading and unloading is the risky work and you have to do it carefully because while loading or unloading the heavy weighted item can fall on you and you can face serious injuries or even death can occur. It is recommended that only professionals should do this job and if you are not a professional you should not go near the loading and unloading zones, in these zones you are at high risk of injuries. 3. Operating Person: Do not disturb or interfere with the person who is operating or working with the automatic equipment because this act can distract the focus of that person from the equipment and things can go wrong. Try to stay away from moving parts and do not try to interfere in them because they can give you some serious injuries. 4. Machine Guarding: Machine guards are very important because they keep the operator or the worker safe from the injuries. While working with the automatic equipment or automation systems , make sure that the equipment has the guarding that is needed to protect you. Exposed machine or equipment parts can easily hurt you that is why guarding is must on the automatic equipment. Only operate those machines or equipment that you are trained for and also read the full guide of the equipment. Operating the machine about which you don’t know is very dangerous and can result in the worst condition that you have ever seen. Working with that equipment may also hurt you by giving you serious injuries. You should first take the full training of the automatic equipment before starting working with it.
DEA is keen for the electorate to take climate change seriously. It is imperative that the voters consider climate change as a priority when voting. As a result we have created two posters that can be distributed widely. The idea is for your choice of poster to be downloaded and then printed in A3 format. It can then be placed in waiting rooms or other areas where it will be seen. Please be proactive on this. Distribute and share in hospitals, clinic tea rooms, individual practices, or even shopping mall notice boards. Help bring climate change to the forefront in an election. View and download the DEA climate change posters: Election Health Alert: DEA Climate Change Poster Election Health Alert: DEA Climate Change Poster – Children’s Version
From May 22 through June 4, state and local law enforcement agencies across the nation are stepping up enforcement to crack down on motorists who aren’t wearing their seat belts. Locally, a kickoff event was held Thursday at the Orange Township Hall in Lewis Center, with law enforcement and partners in attendance. Amy Bean, a Powell resident, shared the story of losing her husband 13 years ago in a crash. For the past 4 and 1/2 years she has served as a safe driving advocate in the community. “The national seat belt use rate in 2015 was 88.5 percent, which is good but we can do better. The other 11.5 percent an estimated 37 million people still need to be reminded that seat belts save lives,” a news release states. Click It or Ticket isn’t about the citations; it’s about saving lives. In 2015, there were 9,874 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in the United States. To help prevent crash fatalities, we need to step-up enforcement and crack down on those who don’t wear their seat belts. Seat belt use is required by law for a reason: In 2015, seat belts saved an estimated 13,941 people from dying. From 2011 to 2015 seat belts saved nearly 64,000 lives. This year’s Click It or Ticket campaign kick-off included a message from Theresa Tammy Gaser, who is a certified trauma specialist. Gaser owns Trinity Family Counseling and works with a lot of children and adults who have had medical trauma stemming from car crashes. Last year 36 people died and 330 people were seriously injured in Delaware County. If all passenger vehicle occupants 5 and older involved in fatal crashes had worn their seat belts, an additional 2,804 lives could have been saved in 2015 alone. • In 2015, nearly half of the passenger vehicle occupants who died in crashes were unrestrained. Among young adults ages 18 to 34 killed in crashes in 2015, more than half were completely unrestrained — one of the highest percentages for all age groups. In 2015, there were 662 children 12 and younger killed in motor vehicle crashes. Of those deaths, more than a third were unrestrained. • Men make up the majority of those killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes. In 2015, 65 percent of the 22,441 passenger vehicle occupants killed were men. They wear their seat belts at a lower rate than women do 52 percent of men in fatal crashes were unrestrained, compared to 42 percent for women. • Vehicle type. There seems to be a misconception among those who drive and ride in pickup trucks: that their large vehicles will protect them better than other vehicles would in a crash. But the numbers say otherwise. Sixty percent of pickup truck occupants who were killed in 2015 were not buckled up. That’s compared to 42 percent of passenger car occupants who were not wearing seat belts when they were killed. Regardless of vehicle type, seat belt use is the single most effective way to stay alive in a crash. • Seating position. Too many people wrongly believe they are safe in the back seat unrestrained. Forty-seven percent of all front-seat passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in 2015 were unrestrained, but 57 percent of those killed in back seats were unrestrained. • Rural versus urban locations. People who live in rural areas might believe that their crash exposure is lower, but in 2015, there were 12,797 passenger vehicle fatalities in rural locations, compared to 8,262 fatalities in urban locations. Out of those fatalities, 50 percent of those killed in the rural locations were not wearing their seat belts, compared to 46 percent in urban locations. • High-visibility seat belt enforcement is important 24 hours a day, but nighttime is especially deadly for unbuckled occupants. In 2015,57 percent of passenger vehicle occupants killed at night (6p.m.-5:59 a.m.) were not wearing their seat belts. • Safe driving behavior includes wearing a seat belt, decreasing speeds and avoiding alcohol use. Learn more about the Click It or Ticket mobilization at www.nhtsa pov/ciot

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