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Live Holiday Music! 2017 Schedule
Festive music performances set the scene as part of the Arboretum's "Making Spirits Bright"!
Saturdays and Sundays in November and December, Oswald Visitor Center. All performances are free with gate admission.
Saturday, Nov. 25
Minnesota Chorale1-2:30 p.m.Great Hall, Oswald Visitor Center
The Minnesota Chorale celebrates the human voice and its power to educate, enrich, unite and inspire by performing an ever-widening repertory of choral music, at the highest artistic leve, for a broad community of audiences. Enjoy a program of lighter holiday classics with this premiere Twin Cities musical organization.
Sunday, Nov. 26
Westwind Big Band1-2:30 p.m.MacMillan Auditorium
The Westwind Big Band is a group of 18 musicians including trumpets, trombones, woodwinds, rhythm and percussion. The repertoire is big band music from yesterday and today featuring mainly jazz and swing ensemble, solo and improvisational music for listening and dancing. Holiday selections will also be performed. This band was founded by Don Bates who is now the conductor emeritus and a pillar of the Hopkins music community. In its over 30 years, the Westwind Big Band has performed numerous venues in the Twin Cities such as the Burwell House Festival in Minnetonka, Hopkins Raspberry Festival of Bands, Edinborough Park, Minnehaha Park, Shalom Home, The Glen, Staring Lake Amphitheatre, Ridgepointe, Docktoberfest in Excelsior and private parties.
Saturday, Dec. 2
Festive Flute Loops1-2:30 p.m.Visitor Center Balcony
The Festive Flute Loops are a flute quartet that has been playing together for about 10 years. Musicians are Mary Renz of Chanhassen,, Diane Markovich of Eden Prairie, Laurie Strand of Chanhassen and Jeanne Roudabush of Eden Prairie. They enjoy playing a variety of music, for a variety of audiences. With backgrounds in classical, spiritual, and jazz music, their repertoire is very diverse. The Flute Loops often play for special occasions such as weddings, dinner events, church services and music in the parks, including on the Arboretum terrace a few summers ago.
Sunday, Dec. 3
The Silverwinds Flutes1:30-3 p.m.MacMillan Auditorium
The Silverwinds Flutes were formed in the Fall of 2004 by members of the Hopkins Westwind Concert Band Flute Section. Performance venues over the past thirteen years have included community gatherings, private functions, and special events, as well as before and during Westwind Band Concerts.
Saturday, Dec. 9
Minnetonka Youth Choir1:30-2:30 p.m.Oswald Visitor Center BalconyUnder the direction of Cynthia Bayt Bradford and Rachel Hansell, the Minnetonka Youth Choir focuses on increasingly complex music, community involvement and partnerships with other choral and instrumental ensembles. The Choir provides learning and performance opportunities for children in grades 2-12.
37th Annual Messiah Sing-Along2:30-4 p.m.MacMillan AuditoriumThe Music Association of Minnetonka will perform for the Arboretum once again. All singers welcome! Please join the fun and spread the holiday cheer!
The Holiday Singers5-6 p.m.Visitor Center BalconyA special performance of holiday favorites during the evening hours of the Outdoor Lights Displays.
Sunday, Dec. 10
Waconia Suzuki Ensemble1-2 p.m.MacMillan AuditoriumThe Waconia Suzuki Ensemble fosters an early enjoyment and appreciation of music in children.The idea behind Suzuki is to have fun while learning how to play music, to serve the community at large and to belong to a musical group community.
Sarah Martin and Gigi Hickey2-2:45 p.m.Location TBD
Martin (violin) and Hickey (keyboard) play selections of Irish Christmas music.
Saturday, Dec. 16
The Prairie Brass Quintet1:30-3 p.m.McQuinn Great Hall
The Prairie Brass Quintet has been performing in the Eden Prairie and southwest Twin Cities metro area for many years. They specialize in many types of music, such as wedding processionals, hymns, religious music, dixieland jazz, Broadway, marches, classical and a variety of other styles.
Sunday, Dec. 17
Partners in Praise Girl's Choir1:30-3 p.m.MacMillan Auditorium
Partners in Praise Girls Choir is performing its 23rd season. The choir consists of auditioned members, grades 8 through 12, from the Twin Cities and surrounding communities. Their repertoire consists of all styles of music in different languages, and they perform selections that empower both the singers and their audiences with songs of hope with a powerful message. Partners in Praise will be performing mostly Holiday music, world music, some sacred and folk songs.
Saturday, Dec. 23
Jazz on the Prairie Big Band1:30-3 p.m.MacMillan Auditorium
Jazz on the Prairie Big Band is a 20-piece big band based in Eden Prairie, MN. Made up entirely of volunteer musicians, the band performs about 10-15 times per year around the greater Twin Cities area providing free concerts to the general public. Repertoire includes all styles of jazz and big band music ranging from the roaring 20's to the big band era of the 40's and the later compositions that made muscians like Stan Kenton and Maynard Ferguson famous.
Saturday, Dec. 30
Just One More! and Swype1:30-3 p.m.McQuinn Great Hall
Both these quartets perform as part of the Minneapolis Commodores. Just One More! has been singing their whole lives, singing barbershop for many years, and singing together as a quartet for about 10 months. Swype if the 2015 10,000 Lakes Division Novice Champions. All live around the Minneapolis area, and get together to practice, perform and compete. Barbershop singing is a unique style of a cappella music, but it has a long and proud tradition which has been carried on by countless talented musicians.
The groups will be performing some holiday music, and some "contemporary" music ranging from the 1930s to the 2010s sung in the classic barbershop style, but will also feature some a cappella arrangements throughout the show.
Many thanks to Live Holiday Music sponsor Ovation Orthodonics!


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Daily Northern Argus (Rockhampton, Qld.), Tuesday 5 March 1895, page 3Stamps and Their Origin. The New Penny Adhesive
A correspondent writes: The close of the last month has seen more changes in Queensland stamps than any time since 1880, when something similar occurred. At the beginning of February this year the Government having apparently ran out of the usual paper, or, from motives of economy, wishing to use up any old paper they had remaining in the office, printed the 1d and 2d stamps on the thick paper used formerly for the 2s to £1 duty postage stamps, the issue of which has been discontinued on the appearance of a new set of stamps to be used as duty only. The same thing occurred in 1872, when the duty stamps were printed on a paper with a moiré on the back, which being discontinued left some of the paper which was used in 1880 on 1d and 2d postage stamps, which are now respectively valued at 10s and 14s each. Now the same paper has again appeared on the 1d stamp, the background of the head having been removed. It was about time the issue was changed, as it has been running continuously without a change for the last 13 years.

subset: commoncrawl


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Across the euro area as a whole banks have relaxed lending standards for the first time since the second quarter of 2007, though the effects have yet to feed through to Irish lenders.
Banks here did not loosen credit standards in the period from the start of April to the end of June, but did see increasing demand for mortgages, consumer loans and business loans.
The European Central Bank's quarterly bank lending survey showed that across the entire euro area banks made it easier for households and companies to obtain credit in the three months to the end of June.
Loan standards remained "relatively tight", however.
The report also showed that loan demand from households and companies continued to grow across the region, with a particularly pronounced increase in demand for consumer credit.
In Ireland, the Central Bank said credit standards were unchanged in relation to lending to business and households during the same period.
Demand for business loans, home loans and consumer lending – including to buy cars – all increased in Ireland over the period, the survey found.
Across the euro area lending to households and companies is still in decline when compared to a year earlier.
Policy-makers including the European Central Bank (ECB) have highlighted tight credit conditions as one of the factors squeezing the euro area's faltering recovery, as banks try to repair their crisis-battered balance sheets and face increased scrutiny in the ECB's comprehensive assessment.
In June, the ECB announced a program of targeted long-term loans to banks as part of a package of measures that also included a record-low benchmark rate and a negative deposit rate.
"It's another step in the right direction," said Christian Schulz, senior European economist at Berenberg Bank in London.
"Even though all of this is happening at levels that are not normal, ECB policy is impacting banks, and the announcement of the targeted LTROs will have improved sentiment. Low rates are also feeding through to demand."
Article Source: http://tinyurl.com/ovpuwcg


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A Collaboration made in chocolate heaven
Three iconic Australian family-owned businesses
Media release
Today three iconic Australian multi-generational family-owned businesses unveil a unique 'collaboration'. Haigh's Chocolates, Australia's oldest family owned chocolate maker, Yalumba, Australia's oldest family owned winery and Coopers, Australia's oldest family owned brewery introduce "The Collaboration", a handmade box containing three very special chocolates.
- 70% Dark Chocolate Truffle – featuring a special blend of chocolate made with South American, Pacific and African cocoa beans. The richly flavoured truffle centre has been hand rolled in layers of 70% Dark Chocolate and decorated with shimmering gold fleck.
- Antique Tawny Fig Liqueur – plump Australia dried figs are steeped in Yalumba Antique Tawny for two weeks. The fruit is then dipped into a tawny infused fondant, enrobed in two layers of milk chocolate and hand decorated before being carefully cellared prior to release.
- Stout Ganache - a rich, dark chocolate ganache centre is flavoured with Coopers' award winning Stout. A top layer of smooth malt frappe completes the centre which is enrobed in premium dark chocolate and decorated with bronze pearls.
The distinctive box, made by Adelaide company Box Biz, features a large ornate 'C' that incorporates cocoa pods, grape vines and hops, an illustrative representation of the three businesses.
"We thought it was fitting to launch this special project during our centenary year a milestone we now share with both companies, the new truffle is in fact also our Centenary chocolate and this is its first release" said Haigh's Chocolates Chief Executive Officer Alister Haigh.
"The three chocolates were developed over a twelve month time period with our product development team working in close collaboration with key people from Coopers and Yalumba with one of the final chocolates also featuring figs from Adelaide Hills producer Willabrand and the box being made in Woodville North at Box Biz. It is a true South Australian product!"
Melanie Cooper, Director of Finance and Corporate Affairs said "Coopers are incredibly proud to be a part of such a unique collaboration alongside two iconic Australian family owned businesses like Haigh's and Yalumba. The result has been a true reflection of passion, dedication and commitment to quality, something all three companies undoubtedly value within their respective businesses".
Robert Hill-Smith, Proprietor said about the collaboration "It has been our pleasure to join together with Haigh's and Coopers to celebrate the Haigh family's centenary and the pleasure is even greater knowing that our families have been friends for many generations. We are proud of all that we have achieved in our 166 years of family winemaking and we continue to look at new ways to collaborate with those around us. Combined, there is more than 400 years of history, hard work and success at Yalumba, Haigh's and Coopers - something of which we should all be extremely proud."
The Collaboration will be available to purchase from Tuesday 18th August at Haigh's Chocolates in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne and online www.haighschocolates.com.
- Adelaide (SA)
Our Recommendations
To see our recommendations, ratings and reviews you must be a logged-in subscriber.
To subscribe please enter your email address in the "Subscribe Now - it's Free" box on the right and click the "Join" button, or fill in this form >


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Saturday, May 17, 2014
Russia is dirt Cheap right Now
"I made some investments more than a year ago in Iraq, because it's very cheap. There's lots of problems but the market is very, very inexpensive," Faber explains. "Russia is dirt cheap, but I don't think there is a hurry to buy Russian stocks." - in CNBC
Posted by Nicole Bourbaki
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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|Cloud: I couldn't finish 'em. Looks like this's gonna get complicated.
|The following table or tables are incomplete for one or more reasons. If you wish, please examine the table and add anything missing. Remove this notice upon completion.
|Final Fantasy III Enemy
|Greater Demon
|NES Name
|DS Name
|Greater Demon
The Greater Demon is an enemy from Final Fantasy III. It can be found in the Ancients' Maze. It is very vulnerable to Light, thus casting Holy is the best way to go. They can summon Iron Claws.
Since the Greater Demon will continue to summon Iron Claws until it is defeated, the player can power-level their party by only killing off the Iron Claws as they are summoned, since the party receives Experience points for every Iron Claws that is killed. This is especially helpful at this point in the game, when leveling characters requires tens of thousands of Experience points.
|Release date
|Unknown edit
|Combat level
|Slayer level
|Level 1
|Slayer XP
|Members only?
|Immune to poison?
|Attack style
|Max hit
|Magic, Silverlight, Darklight, Holy water, Slash Attacks
|Always drops
|Examine text
|Big, red and incredibly evil. (or) Big, purple and incredibly evil.
Greater demons are strong demonic beings often found in remote places. They follow the god Zamorak. They are the second highest-levelled, third most accurate, and third strongest maximum damage causers free-to-play monster that is neither revenant-, quest and since there is no more evil chicken random events greater demons are the third strongest. In attack accuracy and maximum damage per hit they were surpassed by lvl 85 skeleton when stronghold of security came out in 2006, and then all these three records went to the hellhound with the update on 16 June 2009. Greater demons are stronger than lesser demons, with highly accurate melee attacks that hit up to 9. Physically, their only difference in addition to simply being bigger in size is that greater demons have larger horns than lesser demons and have wings that lesser demons do not. With the release of Summoning many players kill greater demons for crimson charms. They also drop better items than their lesser counterparts.
The hardest part about fighting greater demons is getting to them, as they are found in rather remote or dangerous locations. However, the Wilderness Volcano just north of Edgeville is usually uncrowded and has four or five greater demons in the area closest to the entrance into the crater, with a bank very close nearby for restocking on food. Though revenants neither spawn nor patrol here, it is possible for a fellow player to lure them into the area. You should be able to run through the entrance in plenty of time in the extremely unlikely event of this happening. They can be maged or ranged fairly easily in most of their locations, with safespots in the crater limited to over volcanic spots or from behind rocks.
Since they are demons, Silverlight, Darklight and Holy water will work effectively when fighting these monsters. Bring good food, however, because their melee attacks are very accurate and can hit frequently even against a character with high defensive bonuses, this problem with constant damage is far more dominant in free-to-play. Because of that it's recommended you are either a member, have 80+ defence with best possible armour and food healing at least 10, use safespot tactics, or use the wilderness volcano so you can resupply quickly. Otherwise, you will be spending much of your time for resupplying.
Greater demons are very susceptible to magic attacks.
For those desiring to stay a long trip, there is a nearby lobster fishing spot, ideal for players with level 40 and over fishing, providing they have the means to cook the lobsters. However, care is essential, as revenants patrol here very frequently, most notably the Revenant Hobgoblin, and the Revenant Ork, the biggest threat a low-leveled player can encounter. In addition, it is very far from a bank and the Wilderness obelisks (the fastest way to reach the location) can be unreliable. It is definitely not the best place for members, as there are safer and less remote locations, such as the Brimhaven Dungeon for members and the Wilderness Volcano for free players. More information on strategies for fighting these may be found in the tactics section below.
The main problem with this area is that it is rather far from the nearest bank; however, there is a good number of greater demons here to kill. This is a decent spot for melee users, but not the absolute best for rangers and mages due to the lack of a large amount of safe spots. Mages and rangers can still get by here, though. It is recommended to only go here if you have a reasonable combat (90+). The aggressive Wild dogs can be irritating as well, for players under combat level 127 (where they stop being aggressive). It is possible to make them tolerant by killing a few of them. A hatchet is required to navigate the obstacles in the dungeon, as is an entrance fee to access the dungeon.
This is not a recommended spot for training. It is almost completely unusable for meleers, and mages will be stuck with a very low magic bonus due to weapons and armour being banned on Entrana, despite runes being allowed. If you wish to use ranged, bring the unfinished bows, crossbows, and bolts and fletch them in the dungeon. Arrows are allowed even if finished. Making weapons or armour on the island itself will result in you being forced out.
Decent spot for Mages and Rangers, It's advised that, anyone who decides to train here, should bring an Anti-dragon Shield as Blue Dragons are located here. Be aware though that ammunition may not be retrieved, other than with Telekinetic Grab.
This location is in debate as one of the worst locations out of all spots due to the fact it's deep into the Wilderness (Lvl 44). You can also find the lever to the King Black Dragon here.
This is a very useful free-to-play training area. Lower levels can safespot the Greater Demons from behind the piles of bones. The main disadvantage to this area are the Ankous. They can wander into the safespot and interrupt players. On the flip side, there is a banker right outside the volcano, and you can teleport from the majority of the volcano, should you be injured. As this area can be used for all three combat types, it's perfect for quick training.
When ranging and you have less than level 61, you should use a Zanik's crossbow or Adamant crossbow, even a Magic shortbow. Less than that level is not suggested.
Although it is located in the Wilderness, revenants don't patrol this area, though they can be led into it (see Wilderness volcano article for more information).
This location may only be used by those with a Greater Demon task assigned by Kuradal (requires 110 combat and 75 slayer), but is a very good location to fight them if this is the case.
Sail to the island carrying some food, along with some of the supplies listed, based on the combat style you wish to use:
Players should not assemble their weapons or armour until after they have arrived on the island, or else they will be barred from entry until they get rid of all their worn and carried weapons and armour. Once ready players should then proceed to the North-west to the dungeon from Lost City and navigate through it, were they will find the demons. There are some stalagmites which can be used for cover as the player ranges the demon.
A strategy for players without Guthan's armour is to bring a Super defence potion. Also with Bones to Peaches, it is possible to fight per normal but kill the usually aggressive wild dogs for their bones whenever needed to heal oneself, if combined with the Regen Bracelet players would not need much food at all.
There's a semi-safe spot at the very end of the Greater Demon area in Brimhaven dungeon, where attacked demons will mostly position themselves in a spot where they are unable to attack the player. However, Range and mage are not really recommended in this location.
It is better to kill Greater Demons when 127 Combat or greater, as the Wild Dogs, which are extremely annoying when training slayer, are unaggressive at that point.
The Ogre Enclave is a good place to range/mage or even melee them with a Halberd without fear of being attacked. Most of the greater demons here are caged. Bring telegrab runes to retrieve drops.
The major downside to this location is that all arrows/bolts are unable to be retrieved by an accumulator making it quite costly to kill them here.
A free-to-play strategy is to wear full rune or green dragonhide armour (to defend against Revenants' attacks) and to bring decent food (preferably tuna or better). Optionally, bring Strength potions to deal more damage and get drops faster. Fight as normal. If a revenant appears, do this:
Regardless of your combat level, it's advised to hide, and not fight revenants (Especially higher level ones) as just a 1-3 fights will use a large portion of your food.
Fishing spots (Lobsters and harpooning) are available on the eastern coast of the wilderness, which isn't very far from the ruins. However, the stretch here is highly prone to Revenants, especially of the Knight and Ork species, which means escape won't be easy especially when you meet a patrol group.
Compared to the Demonic Ruins, the wilderness volcano is a better choice. Safe spots are plenty for rangers, plus a bank is just outside the crater, making banking very convenient. However, the cluster of Greater Demons is surrounded by level 82 Ankous and Lesser Demons and level 122 Hellhounds, which are located near some safe spots, hence making things troublesome for rangers until their aggressiveness wanes. Spawn times are quick being from 90 seconds to less than 1 second.
Warning: Players can only enter this area if they are assigned by Kuradal to kill them. It is recommended to wear a slayer helm, ferocious ring, and a fast, slashing weapon like the abyssal whip. Another option is to bring Darklight. Darklight is slightly stronger on demons then the abyssal whip. But also a little bit slower. The special attack of darklight is able to weaken the demon, making it very vulnerable. In Kuradals Dungeon there are also a few safe spots. Greater demons are very weak to magic attacks. So killing them with magic in these spots is recommended. It is possible to range them too, they do not have many hitpoints making them easy to kill.
|No Charm
7 - 9%
20 - 22%
Represents 90% confidence range, based on a sample of 6,505 kills.
1 charm is dropped at once.
Please add to the log (only if fifty or more creatures killed)
Since the graphic update on demons, greater demons now appear in at least four different variants. Because of this, some new players think one "species" of Greater demon appears stronger and tougher due to it looking more intimidating than others. However this is not true, as Jagex affirms that they are equally strong and tough and all have the same stats as one another.
Before demons were updated they had heads which resembled that of a horse, or the old head of all the dragons, as well as long thin limbs, fangs, and a solid red skin tone.
In RuneScape Classic, they had reddish-orange skin with horns, and did not have wings.
|Preceded by
|Succeeded by
|Lesser demon
|Strongest monster in RuneScape


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Complaints & Disputes
Complaints & Disputes Policy & Procedure
Open communication and feedback are regarded as essential elements of a satisfying and productive work environment. Volunteering Gold Coast Inc. encourages all staff and external clients to resolve any issues, concerns or conflicts that they may have at the earliest opportunity.
The purpose of this document is to provide an avenue through which complaints or disputes can be resolved as they arise.
Volunteering Gold Coast Inc. encourages a culture where all complaints are dealt with in confidence, respectfully, in a supportive environment and responded to in a timely manner.
Complaints are of concern to Volunteering Gold Coast Inc. whether internal or from an external client source, the discussion will be undertaken with all parties to reach a solution. There will be no discrimination against or towards any person/s or organisation/s for their part in presenting reliable and accurate information to Volunteering Gold Coast Inc.
Under this policy a complaint is defined as an event, condition, rule or practice which the person lodging believes violates their civil rights, treats them unfairly, or causes them any degree of unpleasantness or unhappiness in their association with Volunteering Gold Coast Inc.
- A minor (informal) complaint is an issue or occurrence that is resolved at the first point of contact, with all parties being in agreement and satisfied with the outcome.
- A major (formal) complaint is an issue or occurrence that is not resolved at the first point of contact and needs further investigation.
Under this policy a dispute is defined as a situation where two or more individuals or parties cannot agree on a particular matter or issue and have been unable to resolve their positions by communication and discussion. Under this policy where the causal factor of a complaint is found to be a staff member's behaviour or performance the matter will be managed by either the disciplinary or performance management process.
- To ensure that all staff and clients have the right to make a complaint where they believe that their rights have not been respected or they have not received appropriate service or service standards.
- To ensure all staff and clients are informed of their rights including the right to complain without affecting access to services and the right to an advocate of their choice.
- To ensure that all who make a valid complaint receive a timely and equable response and every endeavour is made to resolve the matter reasonably and fairly.
- To resolve all complaints in a manner that arrives at a resolution, accepting that it may not be the 'preferred' outcome for everyone and, where applicable, to use the experience as an opportunity for the organisation's continuous improvement.
Policy statements
Volunteering Gold Coast Inc. welcomes and encourages valid verbal and/or written complaints and recognises that it is through this process that improvements in service delivery may be achieved.
Volunteering Gold Coast Inc. is committed to resolving complaints as quickly as possible and undertakes to handle each in confidence. The expectation of Volunteering Gold Coast Inc. is to acknowledge receipt of written complaints to the author, within five (5) working days. FORM024 Complaint Form is available to ensure that any matters are documented, recorded and receive prompt attention.
Volunteering Gold Coast Inc. emphasises the importance of clear and professional communication at all times with staff and clients. This involves listening to all, understanding their requirements, clearly explaining the services offered and keeping them well informed.
Volunteering Gold Coast Inc. will establish mechanisms to promote fast, efficient and transparent resolution of workplace issues. Staff and clients should feel comfortable discussing issues with their supervisor/contact person in accordance with the procedures outlined below.
All formal avenues for handling of complaints and disputes will be fully documented and the staff member's / client's wishes will be taken into account in determining the appropriate steps and actions.
No complainant will be intimidated or unfairly treated in any respect if they utilise this Policy to resolve an issue.
It is the responsibility of supervising staff/ contact persons to ensure that:
- They identify, prevent and address potential problems before they become formal complaints and/or disputes.
- They are aware of, and are committed to, the principles of communicating and information sharing with their staff/clients.
- All decisions relating to employment practices are made with consideration given to the ramifications for the individual, as well as the organisation in general.
- Any complaints and disputes are handled in the most appropriate manner and at the earliest opportunity.
- All staff and clients are treated fairly and without fear of intimidation.
It is the responsibility of all staff / clients to ensure that:
- They attempt to resolve any issues themselves in the first instance, through their immediate supervisor/contact person and/or through internal processes at the earliest opportunity.
It is the responsibility of HR to ensure that:
- All staff are aware of their obligations and responsibilities in relation to communication and sharing information.
- Ongoing support and guidance is provided to all staff in relation to communication issues especially in regard to managing complaints and disputes.
- All staff are aware of their obligations and responsibilities in relation to handling complaints and disputes.
- Any complaints and disputes that come to the attention of a supervisor/contact person are handled in the most appropriate manner at the earliest opportunity.
- Where a complaint is made by an external client, that client will be supported and provided guidance regarding the application of this policy and associated procedures.
Supervising staff should be aware of the possible ramifications of their actions when dealing with complaints and ensure that all staff members/clients are treated with fairness, equality and respect.
Complaints and Dispute Resolution
A staff member/client who considers that they have a complaint or dispute should raise the matter with their immediate supervisor/contact person as the first step towards resolution. The two parties should discuss the matter openly and work together to achieve a desired outcome.
Supervising staff should check for clarification of the issue to ensure they fully understand the complainant's concern/s and follow the standard procedure of offering the staff member/client the opportunity to have an independent witness at the discussion, ensuring they follow the steps outlined below:
- If more than one person is present, establish the role of each person.
- Outline the process that is to be followed.
- Inform the parties that any information obtained in the conduct of the review is confidential.
- Listen to the complainant and diagnose the problem.
- Take accurate and detailed notes of all conversations (including dates, people involved, location) and attach any supporting documentation.
- If deemed necessary, provide the complainant with a written summary of the meeting and clarification of the next steps to be taken.
The supervisor/contact person must ensure that the manner in which the meeting is conducted will be conducive to maintaining positive working relationships and will provide a fair, objective and independent analysis of the situation. All parties are to maintain complete confidentiality at all times.
If the matter is not resolved and the staff member/client wishes to pursue it, the issue should be discussed with HR then, if necessary, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Again, the matter is to be discussed openly and objectively with management to ensure it is fully understood.
Complaints Handling Process:
- In the first instance if a complaint, dispute or conflict can be resolved by discussion with the other party this course of action should be adopted, the matter documented in the Complaint Register and the matter considered as resolved.
- All the documentation and information relating to the complaint should be given to HR to register with a complaints file number and enter the details into the confidential Complaints Register.
- Where a discussion is either not appropriate or does not resolve the matter the complainant should fill in a Complaint Form and give it to their supervisor/contact person, in the situation where neither of these persons is the appropriate (i.e. complaint is about them) then the form should be passed to HR or the CEO.
- On the day the Complaint Form is received by HR the details should be entered into the Complaint Register.
- The supervisor, contact person, HR or CEO will then open discussions with all parties to resolve the matter.
- Where the matter is resolved at this stage each party should be informed of the resolution in writing and documentation forwarded to HR to update the Complaint Register updated with the outcome.
- Where the matter is not resolved through this intervention it should be referred to the President of the Board of Directors who should respond to all parties within five (5) working days in writing. All parties should be notified of this action accordingly and the Complaint Register updated by HR.
- Where the matter is not resolved through this action and it is in relation to Volunteering Gold Coast Inc.'s staff delivering a project or service or a client in receipt of the service that is funded by an external body the complaint will be referred to that body with a request that they respond within ten (10) working days. The Complaint Register should be updated and all parties should be notified in writing.
- Once the matter has been resolved the parties will be advised in writing, the Complaints Register updated by HR and the matter closed out.
Organisational Position
- A Complaint Form must be completed for all major complaints.
- On receipt of a more serious complaint, the CEO and Board of Directors' representative are to be made aware of the complaint immediately, the nature of the complaint is to be documented and forwarded to HR and entered in Complaints Register.
- The complainant is notified within three (3) working days in writing to provide feedback on progress, actions taken and outcomes achieved.
- Volunteering Gold Coast Inc. will endeavour to fully resolve all complaints within twenty-one (21) working days from receipt.
- In the event of an unresolved complaint, information on conflict resolution, mediation, counselling and / or advocacy services will be considered.
- Staff members will be notified of any complaints made against them to give them an opportunity to state their case regarding the allegations and be provided with a right of response.
- Volunteering Gold Coast Inc. may recommend the use of an advocate and is able to supply a qualified staff member or recommend a suitable mediator in an endeavour to resolve the situation.
- The Complaints Register should be updated by HR at all stages of the process and all documented evidence or information is to be kept in a locked cabinet.
- Volunteering Gold Coast Inc. will use relevant information to identify recurring issues, make improvements to systems and processes and all such changes will be entered in the Continuous Improvement Register.
- Volunteering Gold Coast Inc. values complaints about its services from the public. These provide direct information about how the community views our services. Complaints will be used to improve services and documented in the Continuous Improvement Register.
- Volunteering Gold Coast Inc. will integrate this information into its daily business, by ensuring that staff throughout the organisation are trained and, where appropriate, involved in the complaint handling process.
Complaints Register
The Complaints Register is a confidential document only accessible by HR and the CEO. It is used to record dates and information about how the complaint is handled, by whom, on what dates and the resolution.
To make a complaint please download and complete our Complaint Form.
External Complaints Agencies
You are welcome to raise a complaint about Volunteering Gold Coast Inc. services and/or staff through our complaints management process. If you are not satisfied with the response you may approach the appropriate external agency.


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Public Health England has published Surgical site infections in NHS hospitals in England 2014/15. This annual report covers surgical site infection (SSI) data collected by NHS hospitals and independent sector NHS treatment centres. Data includes information on the number of operations performed, data quality, benchmarks, trends and risk factors. SSIs are also recorded by surgical category for each NHS Trusts in England.
Category: Vol. 02 (2015)
How Hospitals Can Manage the Next Pandemic
Falcone, R. et al. Emergency Medicine Reports. December 13, 2015
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Significant decrease in the incidence of orthopedic MRSA SSIs
- A prevention bundle was implemented for orthopedic MRSA SSIs.
- The bundle reinforced contact precaution and AMP stewardship.
- The MRSA SSI rate correlated negatively with cefazolin AUD.
- Prolonged AMP may increase the risk of MRSA SSI.
- The bundle was associated with the decrease in the incidence of MRSA SSIs.
Full reference:Kawamura, H et al.A bundle that includes active surveillance, contact precaution for carriers, and cefazolin-based antimicrobial prophylaxis prevents methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in clean orthopedic surgery. American Journal of Infection Control. Available online 30 October 2015
Reducing health care-associated Clostridium difficile infection.
Clostridium difficile is the most frequent cause of health care–associated diarrhea and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.
A multidisciplinary task force, with the goal of reduction of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) rates was formed; they instituted multiple, comprehensive interventions, including education of health care providers, proper environmental cleaning of rooms with CDI patients, and reduction in the use of fluoroquinolones.
These interventions were successful in reducing rates of health care–associated Clostridium difficile infection in the hospital.
Full reference: Waqar, S et al. Multidisciplinary performance improvement team for reducing health care–associated Clostridium difficile infection. American Journal of Infection Control 2015 Nov 3 [Epub ahead of print]
Infection prevention and central venous catheters: evidence round-up
By Sarah Chapman // November 27, 2015//Evidently Cochrane Blog
Image source: evidentlycochrane.net
After the fascinating discussion we had, over 60 of us in a #WeNurses tweetchat, about the latest evidence on when to re-site peripheral venous catheters and whether it is reflected in current practice (catch up on it in this blog if you missed it), I'm turning my attention to central venous catheters (CVCs).
Infection prevention is of huge importance when it comes to vascular access devices. Micro-organisms can get into the bloodstream through the point where the skin has been penetrated and along the outer surface of the catheter, or internally through the catheter and its connectors. Minor infections at the entry site or in device connectors can lead to more serious bloodstream infections. The possible consequences include the whole gamut of infection-related miseries for the patient, including pain, anxiety, delayed treatments and a longer stay in hospital as well as greater demands on resources.
In the UK, the epic3 National Evidence-Based Guidelines for Preventing Healthcare-Associated Infections should be informing practice, though I know from our tweetchat that some Trusts have policies that deviate from the recommendations. These guidelines draw on several Cochrane reviews and we also have some new and updated evidence since their publication in 2013. Here's a round-up of Cochrane evidence. Does your practice reflect it?
Carry on reading via the Evidently Cochrane Blog
Infection prevention and control: lessons from acute care in England
November 2015 | The Health Foundation
Infection control has been high on the political agenda and on the agenda of the NHS in England in recent years. There have been many successes, not least the reduction in MRSA bloodstream infections and cases of Clostridium difficile infection. However, other health care associated infections that have not been monitored as rigorously are growing in incidence. New infections, including the growing number of more resistant strains of bacteria, are in danger of spreading. As a result, infection control needs to remain central to the work of the NHS.
This learning report is based on the findings of a large research study that identified and consolidated published evidence about infection prevention and control initiatives. The researchers synthesised this with findings from qualitative case studies in two large NHS hospitals, including the perspectives of service users.
via Infection prevention and control: lessons from acute care in England | The…
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Antibiotic prescribing is higher in deprived areas of England | The BMJ
BMJ 2015;351:h6117
Prescribing of antibiotics has fallen steadily over the past five years in England, but the gap in prescribing levels between the least and most deprived areas is widening, a new analysis indicates.
The charity Antibiotic Research UK and the data analysis company EXASOL used prescribing data released by the government's Health and Social Care Information Centre on the number of antibiotic prescriptions written by GPs and subsequently dispensed between August 2010 and July 2015. From the data they produced a "heat map" showing the hotspots of antibiotic prescribing in England:
via Antibiotic prescribing is higher in deprived areas of England | The BMJ.


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Apply your highlighter of choice with the ZOEVA 105 Luxe Highlight to any areas of your face that light would naturally hit: the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, the Cupid's bow and the décolleté
The ZOEVA 106 Powder is ideally shaped to apply loose and pressed powder.
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Netanyahu to give speech today
March 3, 2015
Purim begins in the evening of Wednesday, March 4, 2015. Today Netanyahu will be giving a speech which will be ignored by President Obama.
For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:14
Netanyahu set to give 'historic' speech to Congress
Tickets on high demand for controversial address; US warns prime minister against revealing confidential information on talks
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu geared up to give a much-anticipated speech to Congress on the Iranian nuclear deal Tuesday, a day after US President Barack Obama disparaged his judgment . . .
More here:
[The Times of Israel is now liveblogging events as they unfold at above link.]
Report: Obama threatened to fire on Israeli jets attacking Iran
March 1, 2015


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Seahawks fans are so loud President Barack Obama thinks that some cheating is going on.
As customary for teams that win the Super Bowl, the world champion Seattle Seahawks visited the White House Wednesday to meet with Obama, who congratulated the Hawks for their historic 2013-14 season.
During his short speech, he mentioned the record-setting, ear-splitting noise at Century Link Field.
"Y'all have that stadium that is kind of cheating because it's so loud," Obama said today. "You hired some physicists."
Then, Obama referenced Microsoft.
"You know, there are a lot of really smart people at Microsoft and up in those places that can design these things," he said.
Obama is right — sort of. When CenturyLink Field was built back in 2002, Seahawks owner and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen wanted to recreate the feeling he had as a kid attending college games at the University of Washington's Husky Stadium, which has also set noise records of its own.
So architects designed CenturyLink with a roof that covers about 70 percent of the attendees — protecting most fans from rain, but perhaps more importantly, bouncing a ton of crowd noise back to the field. They also installed hard surface materials that did not absorb sound. In addition, CenturyLink was built on a smaller site than other NFL stadiums, which forced architects to push seats closer together.
Anyways, it's pretty funny that Obama brought up Microsoft. I guess all you Microsofties have bragging rights over those at Amazon and Boeing — after all, even Mr. Obama thinks you're really smart.
.@Seahawks skip tradition, have President @BarackObama pose with fan flag instead of team jersey. #SuperBowlChamps pic.twitter.com/GtwLNuDFov
— NFL (@NFL) May 21, 2014
Obama also referenced the contributions that the Seahawks make off the field and mentioned owner Paul Allen's funding to help support brain trauma research. Obama actually asked Allen if he wanted to say a few words during today's ceremony after head coach Pete Carroll spoke, but the Microsoft co-founder politely declined.
Obama also brought up the post-Super Bowl celebration in Seattle.
"There's actually video of a huge group of Seahawks fans interrupting their celebration to wait for the walk sign before crossing the intersection," he said. "That's Seattle for you."
Check out the Seahawks Twitter feed for more from today's ceremony, and see Obama's full speech at the bottom of this post.
The President of the United States of America. #POTUS #SuperBowlChamps pic.twitter.com/RZwatTT0BT
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) May 21, 2014
Obama: "I appreciate Marshawn Lynch's approach to the press. I could take some tips. He's jus about that action." #SuperBowlChamps
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) May 21, 2014
The Vince Lombardi Trophy is poised to meet the President. #superbowlchamps http://t.co/6z00g7Msf8 pic.twitter.com/PWjp2Y5bny
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) May 21, 2014


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January has proved to be a good start for Apple, with around 10 percent of Web users running the operating system, according to Web metrics company Net Applications.
Microsoft's new Windows 7 OS – currently in its first public beta – also enjoyed a surge of popularity. The company first made the beta available for download on January 10, although it suffered an inauspicious debut, with servers crumbling under the demand.
The OS swiftly registered at 0.04 percent of web users, and the fluctuated between 0.12 percent and 0.15 percent for the rest of the month before an end-of-month leap to 0.23, a result of Microsoft's original decision end the download period on Jan 31st (it now runs to Feb 10th).
Apple's continuing success was reflected in an operating system market share report of 9.93 percent for January, up from 9.63 percent in December.
The iPhone continues to grow, registering 0.48 percent – up from 0.44 percent in December – while the iPod touch, enjoyed "explosive" growth to hit 0.11% Internet share. That may not sound a lot, but it works out that more than one out of every 1,000 Web hits were made from iPod touches last month, according to Net Applications figures.
After the less than impressive performance of Vista, Microsoft are hoping that the new Windows 7 OS will help reverse a slump which saw their operating system share slide to 88.26 percent, from 88.68 percent in December.
Of course, they're still miles ahead of the pack, with poor old Linux a tiny blob on the horizon by comparison, scoring just 0.83 percent, a wee wobble down of 0.02 percent from December.


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The National Poetry Slam is in Saint Paul this year. It's going to be big. The OFFICIAL SITE is now live, and you can also follow NPS on Twitter.
Aside from the tournament, there will be dozens of open mics, themed readings, workshops, panels and other events related to slam and spoken-word in general. If you volunteer (see site for details), you can get in to everything for free. Lots of updates and information coming soon.
And yeah, if you didn't know, I'm on the Saint Paul team again this year. We took first place at NPS last year (held in West Palm Beach), so we're both defending our title and competing on our home turf. It's going to be a wild week.


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Published in the Royal Gazette last Thursday was the rename of one administrative village (Muban) in Nakhon Ratchasima province. Village 1 of Tum subdistrict, Pak Thong Chai district was renamed from Ban Non Tak Daet (บ้านโนนตากแดด) to Ban Khlong Wat (บ้านคลองวัด).
As the rationale for the name change, the history of the village is quoted. Phra Thammawonnayok (พระธรรมวรนายก), chief monk of Nakhon Ratchasima province, established the temple in the village. The place was already named Khlong Wat (canal at temple) due to an ancient temple there at that time. The canal Khlong Lai (คลองไหล) passes next to the temple and is like a blood vessel for village till today. The old name had no special relation with the village and was not considered auspicious, and the new name is in fact the traditional name used by the villagers.
The name change was approved on November 10 2009 in meeting 3/2552 of the committee on name changes of province, district, subdistrict and villages (คณะกรรมการพิจารณาเรื่องการขอเปลี่ยนแปลงชื่อจังหวัด อำเภอ และตำบล หมู่บ้าน).
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Rename of Muban in Nakhon Ratchasima
3 comments:
- sanpet1412 said...
I very nice to meet you
I'm thai student in faculty of LAW in Kasetsart Univ.
I think your blog will give knowlegde to me ^ ^
nice to meet you again
- January 19, 2010 at 3:13:00 PM GMT+1
- sanpet1412 said...
Dear Mr.Adny
It amazing that Germany know about my thailad nice to meet you and I will follow your blog ^ ^
- January 19, 2010 at 3:19:00 PM GMT+1
- Andy said...
You are welcome. I always need more Thai readers interested in these topics, so they can help me when I misunderstand something due to my limited knowledge of the language. So don't be shy to use the comment function whenever there's anything in my posts which needs correction, or also in case I did explain something not well enough.
- January 19, 2010 at 5:08:00 PM GMT+1
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