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Mustard Seed
A society that allocates resources purely on the basis of generating short-term profit is untenable. We are planting a stake in the ground to help divert capital towards purpose.
Mustard Seed is a principal investor in world-class early-stage businesses that generate compelling financial and societal returns. We do so in conjunction with our global member network of business luminaries, an FCA-authorized venture fund, and events at many of the world's leading universities.
We believe solving the greatest of societal ills drives commercial success in the long run. Be in touch to discuss the Impact Framework that drives our approach.
Mustard Seed invests in founders driven to make a difference. Begun with the notion that capital could do a better job of working for the greater good, Mustard Seed started backing founders that shared our vision: business can and should be a force for good.
We often connect with brilliant, inspiring entrepreneurs at our social innovation pitch forums at leading universities. If a fit is established, our FCA-authorised Mustard Seed Venture Fund provides seed investment. Our portfolio companies have the benefit of support from our Member Network of business luminaries ready to open the right doors around the world. Our focus on accelerating your progress and otherwise staying out of your way is core to our mission.
Fit between a team and its investors is critical. What we look for:
- A 'lock-step' business model: Your business's product or service is inherently a benefit to society. No matter who the future stakeholders, positive impact is at the core of your business and can never be stripped away.
- Measurable, outsized positive impact in at least one of our 5 action areas: education, economic inclusion, environmental sustainability, health, or family & community
- High growth potential: As your business grows, so does the the impact it has.
- Tenacious founders: It's hard out there. You'll need grit along the road to success.


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The Kingpin success continues with the Brunswick Kingpin Rule bowling ball. This ball takes the proven Kingpin Ultra Low RG core and wraps it with the successful ECA-XR coverstock that is used on the Quantum Bias. This core and cover pairing make it perfect for heavy oil conditions while giving great hook, backend and pin carry. Rule the lanes and your competition with the Brunswick Kingpin Rule.
Great for Full Rollers, Great for Low Rev Players, Predictable Traction, Strong Ball
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
I just returned to the sport after many years off. This ball is perfect for full rollers and low rev players, as well as higher rev players on heavier conditions. I use it on all levels of lane conditions.
I have it drilled for max hook - full roller configuration. This ball reacts just as I need it too and is playable on most conditions. My average jumped up almost 40 points by using this ball. Don't be afraid to try it if you are currently not getting the hook that you want. It tracks smoothly through the heads and once it hits the dry, pulls around nicely (and predictably) into the pocket. I was worried it would be too strong but for my style it is simply the bomb!
Hook In Heavy Oil
Heavy OIl, Longer Conditions
Pin Length: 3.3"
Starting Top Weight: 2.1 oz
Ball Weight: 15 lbs 3 oz
Ball: 65 x 5 x 35
X Hole (if there is one): none
Rev Rate: 375 rpms
Ball Speed:17.5 mph off hand
PAP/Track: 4 3/4 over 3/4 up
Grit: 500 Grit with Compound
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): Compound
Lengths of patterns: 41 foot house shot
Volume: Moderate to High
Type: House and Sport
Length: Clean through the heads and strong in the midlane
Back End: Hard Arc
Overall Hook: Strong
Midlane Read: Strong
Breakpoint Shape: Semi Angular
Likes: Versatility and backend response for an stronger ball
Dislikes: none
The Kingpin Rule is a bit of an enigma if you will. Usually when you find a ball that hooks soon enough to read on heavier patterns it likes to burn up as the pattern breaks down. The Kingpin Rule continues to come around the corner. This ball is very unusual in that it seems to read the lane correctly most of the time on heavier patterns. I have used it on a longer lighter volume pattern and a longer heavier volume pattern. This ball looked almost equally good on both. The Kingpin Rule has well above average energy retention for a ball in this category. Because of this, it also has gotten some use when our house shot has been a little tight. As far as comparisons go, it reminds me most of the original Mastermind with extra hook. I can see this being the heavier oil ball for most styles. Because of the extra energy retention, it also seems to carry the off hits very well. If you are looking for a great looking heavy oil ball with great potential check out the Kingpin Rule.
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
I've been a fan of the Kingpins and this latest edition to the Kingpin line is different and more dynamic than the original Kingpin and Kingpin Max. First, this ball needs oil. Given the performance rating on this ball at 88 and falling in the Pro > Traction line in the Brunswick family, this ball works best on a heavier volume and longer pattern. I found this ball to be more angular than the Kingpin Max as it provides a much sharper turn on the backend than the previous Kingpins. If you bowl where there is heavier volumes of oil and
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
The king pin rule for myself is a little cleaner than the Max with a lot more pop on the back, this ball really surprised me with the amount of boards it covers but doesn't lose carry. This ball is a must have for any heavy oil pattern that you can just move left and let her rip.
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
The Brunswick Kingpin Rule is the strongest, hard-hitting, and early-rolling high performance ball to date, IMO of course. I really love the performance of this ball and the drilling that I used on this great performing arsenal (40 x 3.75 x 70) keeps me in play in league and tournaments for a great portion of my competitions. This ball rolls forward making pin carry a breeze and consistent for me. The Kingpin Gold SE makes a great companion for this arsenal and a perfect tag team for league play.
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
All HAIL the KING... Then new Kingpin Rule is the king of them all. The the quantum coverstock wrapped around the proven kingpin core this king pin giving it a RG of 2.483 and a diff of .055 asy of .020. This ball will give you more leangth of the previous 2 allowing you to move left and open up your angles. The Kingpin Rule is using Dynamicore the industry-leading technology that is a more durable outer material that yields less compression upon impact increasing hitting power and creating an undeniable difference in sound and pin carry.If you are looking for a ball on those heavier oil patterns or a low rev rate this ball will be perfect for you.
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
The new Kingpin Rule is GREAT for those heavier or longer patterns. Also a great choice for those with a lower rev rate looking to get that extra backend motion. Out of box this ball is strong. It reads the mid lane great yet still retains energy to carry corner pins. The addition of DynamiCore assists with those "off" hits. If you are looking for a ball to combat the heavier or longer conditions, you cant go wrong with the Kingpin Rule.
Will the Kingpin Rule have more hook than the Kingpin Max?1/2/2019 - By Robert
is generic core used in kingpin rule 12 and 13 lb balls?1/20/2019 - By oscar
What is the hook potential out of 250 with this ball?1/24/2019 - By Dave
Brunswick uses a Reaction score on a scale of 1 - 100, with 100 having the most reaction. The Kingpin Rule lands at a score of 88. Here is a detailed flyer on the ball - https://brunswickbowling.com/uploads/downloads/ball-info-sheets/kingpin_rule_info_sheet_1218-02.pdf1/24/2019 - By Bowling.Com Staff
Does this type of material absorb a lot of oil?5/2/2019 - By Io
For kingpin rule which is the RG Of the 14 pound5/3/2019 - By Pr
What are the specs on the ball in a size 14?10/19/2019 - By 14 pound ball
We cannot see the specs for each 14lb ball in stock unfortunately. You may request the specs you want when ordering and when the order goes to our warehouse they will check for a ball that matches your request. If we have it , the ball will ship. If not, we will call you back to go over the options then.10/22/2019 - By Bowling.Com Staff
How does Kingpin Rule compare to Sure Lock?11/20/2019 - By Charles
They are going to be very very comparable. They have similar solid coverstocks with the same out-of-box finish. They also have weight blocks that produce almost the same RG and RG diff numbers so they reactions on the lanes should be very close.11/20/2019 - By Bowling.Com Staff

subset: commoncrawl


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The rise of free and inclusive run crews in Australia (and around the world) has been building for years.
In most cities in Australia there are run crews for nearly every type of runner. If you want to cruise, or if you'd rather run fast, there are crews for that. There are crews that end their runs with beer, all-female crews, crews with coaches, LGBT+ crews, trail running crews, and more.
What's the difference?
Run club or run crew? It turns out, quite a lot.
For a start, modern run crews are free and don't rely on memberships. They typically feature packs of runners who aren't necessarily training for a race, and sometimes they don't have any accredited coaches.
Like run clubs, the athletes have a passion for running, but they're fuelled by something more – the rush of running together through stunning city vistas or the thrill of cruising down empty back streets in the dark, as well as the strong comradery and after parties.
Petar Ceklic, from Perth Urban Runners, started the group three years ago after a stint overseas. "We were living in Belgrade, Serbia, and I was training for my first marathon," says Ceklic.
"I wanted to join a club and I found one that was perfect – Belgrade Urban Running Team. It featured lots of running, but it was still very social."
Join the crew
The positive experience in Belgrade inspired Ceklic to start something similar when we moved to Perth. He says a regular crew of around 40 runners, plus some travellers or people in town for business attend the training sessions.
"We meet at 6pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays at various places around the city," says Ceklic.
"A couple times a month we have guest coaches do a session with us," he adds.
"Last week we were fortunate to have Vlad Ixel, an accomplished trail runner who's won over 40 ultra races, lead our strength a mobility session last week."
If you're keen, here are some of the crews and clubs you can find across Australia:
Sydney Harbour Runners
If you want a run with a view try Sydney Harbour Runners a go. All the six and 11km courses have great views of at least one of Sydney's iconic bridges. The group trains together and races together. Weekly group runs are free and they meet on Tuesdays from 5:45pm at The Bristol Arms, 81 Sussex Street in the CBD.
Kirribilli Runners
This free, non-competitive social running crew attract Kirribilli locals and people from all over Sydney to their Monday 10km and Thursday 6.25km runs. There's no need to register and you can sign up to a weekly newsletter.
The 440
The 440, takes its meaning from the uphill distance members run before reaching the top and trotting or bounding back down. In around 40 minutes, runners sweat out 10 laps of the course, and after catching their breath, they head to a nearby café for a coffee and chat. Run crews meet on Saturday mornings in Bronte, Cronulla, Currumbin Byron Bay and South Yarra.
Hunter Athletics and Recreation
A modern running club, that's unapologetic about the pursuit of performance and the commitment to progress. They run laps of the Olympic Park track on Tuesday mornings, a fast five kilometres on Thursday mornings, and a juicy, long run (15-20km) on Sundays.
605 Running Crew
This growing crew meetings at 6:05am every Tuesday and Thursday in Port Melbourne or the CBD for free and inclusive runs.
AM:PM Run Crew
This crew knows it's hip to be fit. The group consists of likeminded local creatives who run weekly in Melbourne and across the globe. Routes change every week and are organised within the crew.
Brisbane Social Run Club
This social running crew meets at 6:30pm every Tuesday and Thursday for a 5km circuit around the CBD and river boardwalk. The paced runs are followed by dinner at different restaurants.
Adelaide Women's Recreational Running Network
Athletics South Australia and the Adelaide City Council have teamed up to create a new initiative called the Women's Recreational Running Network (WRRN). The run crew is free and aims to activate underutilised city parks and break down barriers for women's participation in physical activity. Women run together under the guidance of a qualified run leader in a non-threatening environment.
Trail Running SA
This friendly crew of runners organises social off-road running activities to help runners of all levels and abilities to enjoy running in natural surroundings.
Speedy Geese
While a bit of a strange name, this super friendly, diverse group of runners take flight at
Parliament House on Mondays, Stromlo Forest Park on Thursdays, and ACT trails on Sundays. All are welcome to join in, it's all free of charge.
Perth Urban Runners
Ceklic's social running crew is open to all levels, completely free and there's no need to register – just rock up. The crew meets centrally with a common goal of running more and staying motivated with a friendly bunch of runners.
Secret Rocky Runners
This Rockingham based social running group's sole purpose is to have fun and encourage and support each other's running. They embrace team spirit while also challenging runners to be stronger individuals. Social runs are free and all levels of fitness, from the beginner athlete to the experienced ultra-marathon runner are welcome.
Launceston Running Buddies
This free, social running group in Launceston hold Tuesday evening runs at 5:30pm. The group runs between nine and 11 kilometres and everyone is welcome.
The Darwin Runners Club meets every Wednesday evening at 6:15pm. Venues vary each week but they are a great group of runners. Anywhere from 60 to 100 runners turn up for the weekly runs, which are usually followed by a BBQ.
The high of crossing the finish line inspires running fanatic Laura Hill to clock up the kilometres each week. Whether you're a newbie to the running scene or a seasoned athlete, Laura brings the latest running trends and gear to readers across Australia. With a day job in the corporate world and a busy toddler, Laura loves nothing more than lacing up her runners and hitting the pavement to sharpen her mind and challenge her body.
Follow Laura Hill on Twitter


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August 21
11:00am Pacific Time
check your local time
Finding your Truth: Resetting your Magnetism
In this powerful one-day event, Steve, Barbara and the group will guide you through a process to locate a new version of who you thought you were. It will conclude with a Spirit Seed Imprint that is designed to speak directly to your physical body as well as your spirit, through the use of sacred symbols. color, movement and sound, all guided by the group in live channel.
Many Lightworkers are noticing that their personal vision for the world and for their own lives doesn't seem to be what the collective is reflecting back to them. They are questioning their manifestation abilities and their clarity.
This class is custom designed to help you discover what you feel your special and unique flavor of the truth is and help you launch it into your future in order to be living it in your now moments. Time in the 5thdimension is spiral and whatever you put into your future today can literally be your reality tomorrow. We will work in this event to intentionally plant seeds in spiral timespace to help you find your truth and set it into motion.
Do you have a special talent for helping others believe in themselves yet secretly you question your own confidence?
Do you love lighting other people up but feel that no one around you can quite do the same for you?
Are you quick to pick up on others feelings and provide relief or guidance but you can't quite accomplish that for yourself?
You may have changed what you believed to be your truth for this incarnation since entering into the 5thdimension and not picked up on it yet.


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Blockchain Revolution Blockchain Revolution Don Tapscott Blockchain Blockchain Don Tapscott Top Quotes from Don Tapscott and Alex Ta
Best Books, Blockchain Revolution By Don Tapscott; Alex Tapscott This is very good and becomes the main topic to read, the readers are very takjup and always take inspiration from the contents of the book Blockchain Revolution, essay by Don Tapscott; Alex Tapscott. Is now on our website and you can download it by register what are you waiting for? Please read and make a refission for you
Blockchain Revolution Blockchain Revolution by Don Tapscott Alex Tapscott Over years, no theorist of the digital age has better explained the next big thing than Don Tapscott For example, in Wikinomics Tapscott was the first to show how the Internet provides the first global platform for mass collaboration Now, he writes about a profound technological shift that will change how the world does business and everything Blockchain Blockchain Blockchain Revolution Global BRG is the first truly worldwide enterprise leadership community for blockchain The inaugural BRG conference will be April , , in Toronto , Blockchain Revolution Don Tapscott Tapscott s latest book, entitled BLOCKCHAIN REVOLUTION How the Technology Behind Bitcoin is Changing Money, Business, and the World is co authored by his son Alex Tapscott. Blockchain Revolution How the Technology Behind Bitcoin Blockchain Revolution is a such a strange juxtaposition of novel insight and academic laziness It s definitely a worthwhile read as an introduction to the business and social implications of blockchain technology, but it is fairly introductory and extremely one sided. Blockchain Revolution Global Blockchain Research Institute Blockchain Revolution Global BRG is the world s premier enterprise blockchain event, taking place April , in Toronto, the city at the core of the revolution BRG is dedicated to preparing leaders and enterprises for the transformation that blockchain technology will bring to business and government. Program Blockchain Revolution Global Blockchain I would like information on sponsoring Blockchain Revolution Global Please contact me acceptance By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from MCI Canada Toronto, Keewatin Ave Toronto, Ontario, CA and BRI Peter St, Unit Toronto, Ontario, CA. Blockchain Revolution for the Enterprise Coursera Blockchain Revolution for the Enterprise from INSEAD Blockchain is poised to transform every industry and managerial function redefining the ways we transact online, share ideas, and manage workflows It s a new technology that every business Is there really a blockchain revolution finance.yahoo Mar , Blockchain is currently one of the biggest buzzwords in fintech There are numerous financial institutions, small start ups, and big brands investing in the blockchain revolution Despite this Blockchain Revolution Table of Contents The Tapscotts have written the book, literally, on how to survive and thrive in this next wave of technology driven disruption Likely to become one of the iconic books of our time A carefully researched and beautifully written book Blockchain Revolution argues that the internet of value will transform our lives. What is Blockchain Technology A Step by Step Guide For Building blocks of a Data Protection Revolution The Uneasy Case for Blockchain
[PDF] Download ✓ Blockchain Revolution | by ✓ Don Tapscott; Alex Tapscott 378 Don Tapscott; Alex Tapscott
Title: [PDF] Download ✓ Blockchain Revolution | by ✓ Don Tapscott; Alex Tapscott
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Published :2018-011-15T23:37:21+00:00


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Brilliant - Photos of Peters at the 2006 Karaka Bloodstock Sales
Thanks to WhaleOil and other pictures have surfaced of Winston Peters at the 2006 Karaka Bloodstock Sales. These are the Sales where Owen Glenn said he shared a table for lunch with Peters. Peters said he wasn't there that year, but may have been a year later.... of course a year later doesn't fit the payment schedule Peters would have us believe.
Now today, Peters tore into OGG and said he had not been at the 2006 Sales (which was only a few months after the 2005 election) ..... these pictures from Getty Images (not photoshop!) reveal all. Winnie was there all right.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Posted by Too Right and Having A Blast at 8:39 PM
Labels: corruption, NZ First, Winston Peters
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Thank you for selecting Mary, Queen of Heaven as the educator of choice for your child(ren). If you have additional family members to add as students to Mary, Queen of Heaven, you will be able to do this while registering your current students.
A non-refundable $125 registration fee per student is required with your registration.
Upon completing the registration, please be sure to provide the school office with any updated documents for your student(s) including:


text: The visual appearance of musicians and DJs is an important part of public perception. Musicians and DJ logos must work in many applications, so they are not too colored – black and red are often used. Unique subjects such as headphones, turntables or boxes are part of many DJ logos, as well as abstract symbols such as waves, crowns or wings. Serif font is seldom used. Fire is usually known to be mysterious and agile, at least for modern DJs. In the end, however, DJ logos can be as diverse as the music they hang up.


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Time management tips for beating stress
Everything comes down to time management. You have to make sure there is enough time for your job, your significant other, your family, your friends, taking the kids to soccer practice and ballet lessons, the dog has to go to the vet, and somewhere in between all of that you are supposed to breathe and have time for yourself. In all this commotion, it can be hard to remain calm and stress free, especially for busy nurse managers struggling to keep track of other staff members and daily tasks. Exhausting!
Here are some helpful tips to remember while trying to manage your time and remain stress free:
- Focus your time and energy: Make a to-do list to keep your day on track, prioritize your tasks and take care of what you need to do, and delegate tasks to others when you see fit.
- Expect the unexpected: Remember that no matter how much planning goes into each day, surprises are bound to happen. But with your to-do list already made up, you will be able to quickly get things back on track.
- Communicate with your staff efficiently and succinctly: Keep a pad of paper handy when making rounds with staff members. Take note of any suggestions, comments, or tasks that need to be taken care of, and designate a specific time to check and respond to emails or phone calls each day.
- Find a daily respite: Take daily breaks so that you can remain alert and efficient as you carry out tasks or duties that day. Consider taking the stairs instead of the elevator or a quick walk outside to help reduce stress that may have developed throughout the day.
- Energize yourself at home: Plan events and outings that you enjoy with friends and family. Try to limit phone, BlackBerry, and computer use. Remember to take some "me" time at the end of the day and relax.
What is it that works best for you to maintain a healthy balance between work and home? Have you developed your own checklist or mantra in your facility? If you found yourself in a stressful situation, do you have a support group or ritual that you use?


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Technology: Sensors seek concrete evidence for why buildings collapse
A medical laboratory being built at the University of Vermont in the
US will be the first building to have fibre-optic sensors embedded in its
concrete structure. Two engineering researchers at the university, Dryver
Huston and Peter Fuhr, have been placing sensors all over the five-storey
building since construction began last month.
The researchers will initially study the use of such sensors in monitoring
stresses on the building during construction. Once the building is complete
they will use the sensors to monitor the stresses the building is subjected
to over a long period.
Contractors want to complete structures as quickly as possible, but
have to allow 28 days for concrete to cure. A better understanding of how
concrete cures and the stresses it experiences during construction could
reduce both costs and the risks of catastrophic failures.
A building can be more highly stressed when under construction than
at any other time, Huston says. Four years ago the collapse of an entire
building under construction in Bridgeport, Connecticut killed over two dozen
construction workers (This Week, 30 April 1987). The researchers say that
more and better measurements during construction will give a more accurate
picture of safety margins.
Fibre sensors measure the force applied to a fibre by detecting the
changes in light transmission. If such fibre sensors are embedded in a structure,
they can measure the forces on the bulk material in it. In the Vermont building
most of the fibres pass through the concrete. Light goes in at one end and
is monitored at the other. Huston says they hope to place fibres in more
than half the load-bearing parts of the building by the time the last concrete
is poured in November.
They are also installing conventional electronic sensors to compare
them with the fibre sensors. There is a growing trend towards installing
electronic sensors for monitoring construction, but fibre sen-sors have
several advantages. Electronic sensors measure force applied at one point,
whereas fibre sensors measure what happens through a large volume. Fibre
sensors are also immune to electromagnetic interference and lightning strikes.
The sensors will monitor the completed building for cracks, wind loading,
and vibrations caused by human activity, passing trucks and minor earthquakes.
Fibre sensors could also be used to measure the effects of sunshine heating
one side of the building when the other side is in shade.


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GNRHS Staff
Greetings from the Directors, Officers and Staff of the Great Northern Railway Historical Society! Listed below are the people who make the GNRHS operate along with their contact info and picture (if available). We want to hear from members of the Society and non-members who are considering joining the GNRHS.
GNRHS Officers and Staff
John E. Langlot
Spokane Valley, WA
Donald W. McGlothlin
Goodyear, AZ
Vice President
Thomas Carr
Maple Ridge, BC, Canada
William C. Sornsin, Jr.
Seattle, WA
Mary McGlothlin
Goodyear, AZ
Membership Secretary
(your contact for address changes, membership/renewal status,
missing/damaged issues, etc.)
Joel Weeks
Appleton, WI
Co-Membership Development Officer
Andy Kern
Hebron, IN
Co-Membership Development Officer
Mary McGlothlin
Goodyear, AZ
National Conventions Officer
Gary R. Nelson
Andover, MN
BNSF Liason
Doug Complin
Minnetonka, MN
Back Issues Officer
Custodian of Records
Jackson St. Office Manager
Stu Holmquist
Apple Valley, MN
Mac McCulloch
Holly Springs, MS
Marketing Officer
Stephen S. Eckman
Wayzata, MN
GNRHS Counsel
Bill Sornsin
Seattle, WA
Richard M. Frauendorfer
Schaumburg, IL
GNRHS Registered Agent for the State of Illinois
Robert E. Kelly
Renton, WA
GNRHS representative on the
Pacific Northwest Railroad Archive Board
"The Great Northern Goat" Publication Staff
Chas Bettendorf
North Branch, MN
Managing Editor
Philip K. Webb
Casa Grande, AZ
Layout & Photo Editor
Rocky's Views
David Evans
Farmington, MN
Modelers' Pages Editor
Fr. Dale Peterka
Cincinnati, OH
Calendar Editor
Norm Priebe
Alexandria, MN
Contributing Editor
Ben Ringnalda
Berkel en Rodenrijs, The Netherlands
Contributing Editor
Rocky Wants to Know
Chuck Hatler
Kansas City, MO
Reference Sheet Coordinator
GNRHS Board of Directors
John E. Langlot
Spokane Valley, WA
Director through 2019
Thomas Carr
Maple Ridge, BC, Canada
Director through 2019
Donald W. McGlothlin
Goodyear, AZ
Director through 2021
Mac McCulloch
Holly Springs, MS
Director through 2023
Bob Showers
Milton, WI


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Voice of Conviction: Violence vs. Nonviolence – Making Your Voice Heard in a Buzzing Society
A tragedy recently hit home for us Bay Area residents on April 3rd when an active shooter took to the YouTube campus in San Bruno.
Her motive? YouTube allegedly restricting her channel's views. The result? Innocent people injured and the shooter's reputation publicly tarnished. In February, Parkland classmates banded together to start the Never Again movement largely on social media. The motive? Seeking justice through gun reform in reaction to Parkland's gruesome shooting. The result? Not only was there local reform in Florida, there was a national movement in solidarity with those students, where children walked out of class to show their support. And it doesn't end there. The Parkland students are continuing their efforts to impact change on the national level and are currently planning their next move. There is power behind every person's voice but how we use it determines its effectiveness. Violence gets attention, but nonviolence creates change. Both parties received attention but only one made headway towards effecting real change. As a leader in non-violent practices, Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal." In fact, it's statistically proven: "nonviolent campaigns combined complete and partial success rate was approximately 73% while the comparable violent rate was about 33%."
Today, there are too many outlets available to us to not take advantage of the voice that we have and these outlets also provide us a variety of opportunity to leverage non-violence. Social media projects our voice far and wide, is available to anyone and can start conversation. Live videos on Facebook and Instagram broadcast our thoughts and feelings while in the moment, capturing both words and action.
Hashtags can build momentum by involving others, starting a movement. By liking, sharing, or retweeting we can show our support for others through these platforms. Outside of social media, we can write letters to our political figures, petitioning and speaking our minds to an authority figure who has the power to create change. Not sure who to contact in your area? Click here to find your local representative and ways to contact them.
In recent events, marches have taken the nation by storm, not only building strength through social media, but having local and national media coverage as well. We have seen great demonstration of non-violence from the recent walk-outs in response to gun reform and the national Women's March. Even though intangible, there is value in forming a movement that unifies people through a common act – it inspires, energizes and sustains the movement, reminding everyone why they are there, why they care, and why they must continue the fight. It is a duty to exercise your right to freedom of speech, but no one has the right to conduct it in a violent way. To be effective, we must stay informed so we can have our voices valued as a force in conversation but with all the avenues available to us today, it's an injustice to stand quiet.
We must value this great power of voice by nurturing it with education, fueling it with passion, and respecting it with responsibility. After all, a voice is only as important as the conversation that it's in, and with violence, there is no conversation.


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Hotels in Swansea
24 Accommodations in Swansea
The Towers Hotel & Spa Swansea BaySwansea 6.3 km from city centre 0 reviews
Our entire staff would like to happily welcome you to the The Towers Hotel and Spa. Spa Hotels are plentiful, but this one is a prime...
Mercure Swansea HotelSwansea 5.1 km from city centre 665 reviews
Swap the urban whirl for tranquil lake views at the Mercure Swansea, gateway to the Brecon Beacons and Gower Penisula. Relax on the...
Hotel Holiday Inn Express Swansea EastSwansea 11.6 km from city centre 447 reviews
This is a modern, functional and well kept hotel, typical of this chain. The hotel offers good value for money, close to Swansea....
Dragon HotelSwansea 675 m from city centre 862 reviews
With a stay at The Dragon Hotel in Swansea, you'll be minutes from Swansea Castle and BT Tower. This 4-star hotel is within close...
Hotel Marriott SwanseaSwansea 363 m from city centre 1072 reviews
With a stay at Swansea Marriott Hotel in Swansea, you'll be minutes from Quadrant Shopping Centre and Grand Theatre. This 4-star hotel is...
Village Hotel SwanseaSwansea 2.2 km from city centre 1295 reviews
With a stay at Village Hotel Swansea, you'll be centrally located in Swansea, convenient to Dylan Thomas Centre and Swansea Beach. This...
Hotel Ibis SwanseaSwansea 2.6 km from city centre 700 reviews
With a stay at ibis Swansea in Swansea, you'll be close to Dylan Thomas Centre and Swansea Beach. This hotel is within close proximity of...
Hotel Windsor LodgeSwansea 694 m from city centre 219 reviews
With a stay at The Windsor Lodge Hotel in Swansea, you'll be minutes from Swansea Castle and close to Dylan Thomas Centre. This hotel is...
The CrescentSwansea 841 m from city centre 0 reviews
The City Centre and popular Grand Theatre are 15-minute walk away, Brangwyn Hall is just 5-minute walk, and Swansea University, Wales...
Hotel Norton HouseSwansea 5.5 km from city centre 0 reviews
With a stay at Norton House Hotel in Swansea, you'll be near the beach and minutes from Oystermouth Castle and close to Swansea...
Hotel The GrandSwansea 1 km from city centre 0 reviews
A stay at The Grand Hotel Swansea places you in the heart of Swansea, walking distance from Plantasia and BT Tower. This hotel is within...
Hotel Dolphin SA1Swansea 504 m from city centre 0 reviews
With a stay at The Dolphin SA1 Hotel, you'll be centrally located in Swansea, steps from Swansea Castle and minutes from BT Tower. This...
Hotel The White HouseSwansea 939 m from city centre 172 reviews
THE WHITE HOUSE is ideally situated in the bustling maritime City of Swansea and for the village of Mumbles and the Gower Peninsula,...
Travelodge Swansea Central HotelSwansea 263 reviews
This non-smoking hotel features a breakfast room and a bar/cafe offering light snacks and beverages throughout the day. The...
Alexander HotelSwansea 1.3 km from city centre 193 reviews
With a stay at Alexander Hotel in Swansea (Uplands), you'll be minutes from Cwmdonkin Park and close to Swansea Beach. This 4-star hotel...
Hotel TafarnyderiSwansea 16.6 km from city centre 0 reviews
When you stay at Tafarn-y-Deri in Swansea, you'll be within the vicinity of Parc y Scarlets. This 4-star inn is within the region of...
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In Swansea we will have moderate rain, warm clothing is recommended. Strong winds, producing a sensation of being much cooler than 10°C. Strong winds - take care on the roads.
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text: "We are just an advanced breed of monkeys on a minor planet of a very average star. But we can understand the Universe. That makes us something very special." – Stephen Hawking What follows is a question from the mail bin. I've reached the point now where I'm forced to choose representative questions in lieu… [More…]


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Article 32 (International Co-Operation)
Global Event: 'Fire Safety for All' in Buildings – Reboot & Reload !
2014-12-09: FireOx International, the Fire Engineering Division of Sustainable Design International Ltd., is very pleased and proud to present the following Global CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Event …
9 & 10 April 2015 – Dublin Castle, Ireland
'Fire Safety for All' in Buildings – Reboot & Reload !
[ www.fire-safety-for-all.eu ]
Co-Sponsored by CIB & RI-ICTA
Kindly supported by Fáilte Ireland
This will not be a polite gathering intended just for an Irish audience, or even for Europeans … this is a Global Event – a catalyst for Substantive Social Transformation everywhere !
Within the professional discipline of Fire Engineering … either a building is Fire Safe or it is not ; the design philosophy of the fire engineer is irrelevant. Similarly, now, we must begin to think and act in the simple terms of a building either being Accessible for All, or not. And if the building is accessible for all, does it tick all of the right accessibility boxes well, i.e. effectively ?
While building fire safety codes and standards exist in almost every country … guidelines relating to the Fire Safety of People with Activity Limitations – IF those guidelines exist at all – are technically inadequate, entirely tokenistic, blatantly discriminatory, and rarely implemented.
This is a very significant obstacle to Effective Building Accessibility everywhere !!
Accessibility is now understood to mean the full cycle of independent building use, in an equitable and dignified manner … and this term includes the approach, entry to and use of a building, egress during normal conditions and removal from the vicinity of the building … and, most importantly, evacuation during a fire incident to a 'place of safety' which is remote from the building. (ISO 21542 : 2011)
Cogently mandated in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) … the CRPD's principal aim is to ensure that the Built, Social, Economic and Virtual Environments are sufficiently 'accessible' to permit a vulnerable and major(!) population group in all of our societies to enjoy the fundamental freedoms and human rights described in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948).
Refer to Preamble Paragraph (g) in the UN Convention …
' Emphasizing the importance of mainstreaming disability issues as an integral part of relevant strategies of sustainable development,'
and to … Article 3 (General Principles), Article 9 (Accessibility), Article 11 (Situations of Risk & Humanitarian Emergencies), Article 19 (Living Independently & Being Included in the Community), Article 20 (Personal Mobility), Article 24 (Education), Article 27 (Work & Employment), Article 31 (Statistics & Data Collection), Article 32 (International Co-Operation), and Article 33 (National Implementation & Monitoring).
The focus of this event, therefore, is Real Accessibility. In other words, Effective Accessibility for People with Activity Limitations (which includes people with disabilities, and children under the age of 5 years, frail older people, women in the later stages of pregnancy, and people with health conditions, etc.) … an accessibility which actually works well for all potential building users. And it is appropriate also, now, to introduce the concept of Monitoring and Targeting this 'real' accessibility … independently, i.e. by 3rd Parties !
It is time to Reboot this ridiculous, professionally negligent and obsolete old system … Reload with innovative and practical building design, construction, management and personal self-protection solutions … and Implement !
EU Ratification of UN Disability Convention – EFC Legal Study
2011-02-05: Further to my post, dated 15 January 2011 …
Many people directly or indirectly involved with Disability-Related Issues in Europe … may not yet know that, a few weeks ago, the European Union ratified the 2006 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD). They may not even know that their own country, as a Member State of the European Union, had perhaps already ratified the UN Convention one or two years earlier.
At this time, the majority of Member States have proceeded, voluntarily, to ratify the Convention … with some of those, inexplicably, declining/refusing to ratify the Convention's Optional Protocol.
Human & Social Rights can be a difficult subject area !
Ireland has not ratified the UN Convention … and, unfortunately, the attitude of many policy-makers and decision-makers within our Irish Institutions of State, large and small, is that it's business as usual … no need to worry or fuss, or give a damn … until this country does actually sign on the Convention's bottom line … an attitude which displays a magnificent ignorance of the changed reality, post Lisbon Treaty, which is the European Union's Current Legal Environment !!
Please examine carefully, for yourselves, the findings of this Legal Study, recently approved for publication by the European Commission …
European Foundation Centre (EFC)
Brussels, October 2010
Study on Challenges and Good Practices in the Implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Click the Link Above to read and/or download PDF File (1.46 Mb)
The following are selected extracts from the EFC Study … my selection (!) … to answer specific issues relating to UN CRPD Implementation within the European Union. Typographical errors in the Study have also been corrected … and, post Lisbon Treaty, references to the EU Treaties have been properly updated …
The legal basis for the conclusion of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) signals the appropriate legal basis for its implementation within the European Union (EU). In this respect, and in line with Article 4 of the UN Convention, implementation implies that instruments may be adopted or modified by the Union in order to comply with the Convention and give effect to its provisions and principles. Although the choice of the legal basis for the decision concluding an international agreement is very important, it is not decisive for implementation. In European Court of Justice Case C-178/0345, which concerned the implementation of the Rotterdam Convention on International Trade in Hazardous Chemicals, the Court stated that " the fact that one or more provisions of the Treaty have been chosen as legal bases for the approval of an international agreement is not sufficient to show that those same provisions must also be used as legal bases for the adoption of measures intended to implement that agreement at Community level ". The latter statement means that EU Treaty provisions other than those mentioned in EU Council Decision 2010/48/EC to conclude the UN CRPD can be used as legal bases to implement UN CRPD obligations in specific fields.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) is an international human rights agreement where both the European Union (EU) and its Member States are contracting parties. The UN Convention is thus a Mixed Agreement. Mixed Agreements involve a Shared Contractual Relationship between the EU, its Member States and one or more third countries and/or international organisations. As a Mixed Agreement, the UN CRPD covers fields that fall in part within the competence of the EU, in part within that of the Member States and in part within the shared competence of the EU and its Member States. It is therefore essential for the EU and the Member States to closely co-operate, in order to implement legislation stemming from the Convention in a coherent manner and ensure unity in the international representation of the Union.
EU Member States, when participating in Mixed Agreements, do not act as entirely autonomous subjects of international law; they are subject to a Duty of Loyal Co-Operation between one another and the EU. This duty extends to each of the negotiation, conclusion and implementation phases. In this sense, there is a collective management of the obligations under international law. The duty of loyal co-operation, deriving from Article 4.3 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), embraces two sets of obligations: first, Member States shall take appropriate measures, whether general or particular, to ensure fulfilment of the obligations arising out of the EC Treaty or resulting from action taken by the EU Institutions; and second: Member States shall facilitate the achievement of the Union's tasks and shall abstain from any measure which could jeopardise the attainment of the Union's objectives … which are set out in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU).
Treaty on European Union (TEU) – Consolidated Version, as Amended by the Treaty of Lisbon
Article 4.3
Pursuant to the principle of sincere mutual co-operation, the Union and the Member States shall, in full mutual respect, assist each other in carrying out tasks which flow from the Treaties.
The Member States shall take any appropriate measure, general or particular, to ensure fulfilment of the obligations arising out of the Treaties or resulting from the acts of the institutions of the Union.
The Member States shall facilitate the achievement of the Union's tasks and refrain from any measure which could jeopardise the attainment of the Union's objectives.
In relation to EU Member States' Compliance with a Mixed Agreement concluded by the EU … the European Court of Justice has inferred that for matters falling within EU competence … the Member States fulfil, within the EU system, an obligation in relation to the Union which has assumed responsibility for due performance of the agreement. In other words, if a Member State fails to take all appropriate measures to implement provisions of the Mixed Agreement that fall within the competence of the EU … it not only fails to fulfil its international obligation, but is also acting in breach of EU Law. The European Commission may thus bring an infringement case against a Member State that has not properly fulfilled its duty. The principle underpinning such mechanisms is the 'duty of loyal co-operation', which provides the foundation for managing shared competence within Mixed Agreements.
The line dividing international responsibility for implementation of the International Mixed Agreement between the EU and its Member States depends on the obligations respectively assumed. The UN CRPD contains a clause setting out 'separate' responsibility. According to Article 44.1, Regional Integration Organisations acceding to the Convention shall declare, in their instruments of formal confirmation or accession, the extent of their competence. This division of responsibility for implementation implies that the European Union only bears responsibility for the breach of those obligations it has assumed.
EU Council Decision 2010/48/EC on the conclusion of the UN CRPD refers to EU competence in respect of those matters governed by the UN CRPD, and lists EU Instruments which demonstrate such competence.
The main objective of the Study was to analyse the obligations set out in the UN CRPD and, in particular, to gather information about the various practices of the EU Member States and the European Union in implementing the UN CRPD.
The work was carried out by the European Foundation Centre (EFC), representing the European Consortium of Foundations on Human Rights and Disability … under Contract No. VC/2008/1214 … for the European Commission's Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion.
Section 1 of this Report sets the appropriate background for the analysis that will follow.
Section 2 of the Report provides an overview and general recommendations on the implementation of the social model of disability, and core obligations deriving from Article 1 and Preamble Paragraph (e) of the UN CRPD.
Section 3 of the Report provides an overview and general recommendations on the implementation of Article 3 (General Principles), Article 4 (General Obligations), Article 5 (Equality and Non-Discrimination), and Article 9 (Accessibility) of the UN CRPD. The section also reviews UN CRPD articles on Inter-Sectionality, namely Articles 6 (Women with Disabilities) and Article 7 (Children with Disabilities). It is worth noting that the articles addressed in this section are articles of general and crosscutting application, and therefore their application is relevant for the implementation of all articles of the Convention.
Section 4 of the Report provides an overview and general recommendations on the implementation of selected substantive provisions of the UN CRPD which apply existing civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights within the context of disability. Specifically, the section considers the implementation of Articles 16 (Freedom from Exploitation, Violence and Abuse) and 17 (Protecting the Integrity of the Person), which are seeking to assert protections that underscore the humanity of all persons with disabilities. The section also considers the implementation of Articles 12 (Equal Recognition before the Law) and 19 (Living Independently and Being Included in the Community), both of which aim at maintaining and safeguarding the autonomy of the person. Furthermore, articles on specific accessibility rights, namely Article 13 (Access to Justice) and Article 29 (Participation in Political and Public Life), are likewise addressed. Finally, the section considers the implementation of Articles 24 (Education) and 27 (Work and Employment).
Section 5 of the Report contains an overview and general recommendations on the implementation of articles which outline steps that are necessary to support reforms. Specifically, the section considers the implementation of Article 31 (Statistics and Data Collection), Article 32 (International Co-Operation), and Article 33 (National Implementation and Monitoring).
Section 6 of the Report suggests good practices for the EU and national policy-makers for the future and overall implementation of the Convention, and the effective achievement of its objectives.
It is worth noting that, while it is hard to be definitive, given that the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is still in its infancy and has yet to pronounce on the obligations of the UN CRPD … it is nevertheless possible on the basis of the general principles of the Convention and interpretative tools, such as the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, to identify illustrative challenges to the implementation of the UN CRPD. For the purposes of this Study, the review of EU and Member States policies and legal instruments is based on the analysis of the UN CRPD and checklists that were produced from this Study to measure progress.
Finally, for the purposes of the Study, a challenge is defined as a 'difficulty' posed by existing national or EU practice which may potentially hamper the full and effective implementation of the UN CRPD by the EU Member States and/or the European Union. In order to meet such challenges, it will be necessary, inter alia, for the EU (as appropriate) and/or its Member States to review legislation and/or policy with a view to full compliance. On the other hand, a practice is defined as good if it fulfils certain requirements of the Convention or mainstreams the general principles, consistent with Article 3 of the UN CRPD, and has an awareness-raising impact.
EU Accessibility & Ratification of UN Disability Rights Convention
2011-01-15: Recently, I was waiting … and waiting … for the first mention of this important news to pop up on any of the European Disability Networks … the Formal Ratification by the European Union (EU) of the 2006 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities … on 23 December 2010 last.
History in the making !!
This U.N. Convention was adopted on 13 December 2006 (2006-12-13), at the United Nations Headquarters in New York … and was opened for signature on 30 March 2007. It entered into force, i.e. became an International Legal Instrument, on 3 May 2008 (2008-05-03). A copy of the Convention can be downloaded, here, on this Site … in my post, dated 31 October 2009.
Finally, on Monday 10 January 2011 … via ICTA-Europe, EDeAN, and the EU Press Release below … it was announced …
EU Press Release IP/11/4 – Brussels, 5 January 2011
EU Ratifies UN Convention on Disability Rights
Click the Link Above to read and/or download PDF File (25kb)
So much for instant communication in our much-vaunted Information / Knowledge / Smart Society !!
Ordinarily, this news would be nothing to get excited about.
BUT … since the Lisbon Treaty entered into force on 1 January 2009 … the European Union now has a legal personality all of its own, separate from those of the individual EU Member States. See Article 47 in Title VI – Final Provisions – of the Treaty on European Union (consolidated version).
This is the first time that the EU has become a party to an international treaty.
The 2006 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is now part of the European Union's Acquis Communautaire, i.e. the extensive body of EU Law.
The consequential impacts flowing, therefore, from the EU's Ratification of the U.N. Convention … at both European and Member State (National) levels … will be very, very interesting to observe during the immediate short term. [A note of caution … be patient, and allow for a short period of 'bedding-in' at the start. See below.]
The European Commission, for example, must now take full account of the Convention in the drafting and implementation of any new legislation, policies and programmes … in fact, all of its activities.
The European Court of Justice must also take full account of the Convention in all of its work.
This will, inevitably, heavily influence what is … or is not … happening with regard to social and other policies at national level in the Member States. Many Member States (16) have already ratified the Convention … and more power to them ! BUT among these 16 … the Czech Republic and Denmark have not yet ratified the UN Convention's Optional Protocol … how strange … and unacceptable !!
Some Member States … and I am thinking specifically of Ireland … will have to be dragged, screaming, to the point of ratification. And even when that position has been reached … proper implementation will always be an issue. Just consider, for a moment, Ireland's uncaring and ham-fisted approach to implementation of the 1989 U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child … which it did actually ratify way back on 28 September 1992 ! See my post, dated 30 November 2009.
Accessibility of the 'Human Environment' – A Harmonized EU Understanding !
As far as the European Union must now be concerned … and all of the EU Member States … Preamble Paragraph (g) and Articles 9, 10 & 11 of the 2006 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – together – form the basis of a harmonized understanding for Accessibility of the 'Human Environment' … which includes the Built Environment, the Social Environment, the Economic Environment, and the Virtual Environment … concepts which I have defined, here, many times before.
Preamble Paragraph (g)
Emphasizing the importance of mainstreaming disability issues as an integral part of relevant strategies of sustainable development,
Article 9 – Accessibility
1. To enable persons with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life, States Parties shall take appropriate measures to ensure to persons with disabilities access, on an equal basis with others, to the physical environment, to transportation, to information and communications, including information and communications technologies and systems, and to other facilities and services open or provided to the public, both in urban and in rural areas. These measures, which shall include the identification and elimination of obstacles and barriers to accessibility, shall apply to, inter alia:
(a) Buildings, roads, transportation and other indoor and outdoor facilities, including schools, housing, medical facilities and workplaces ;
(b) Information, communications and other services, including electronic services and emergency services.
2. States Parties shall also take appropriate measures:
(a) To develop, promulgate and monitor the implementation of minimum standards and guidelines for the accessibility of facilities and services open or provided to the public ;
(b) To ensure that private entities that offer facilities and services which are open or provided to the public take into account all aspects of accessibility for persons with disabilities ;
(c) To provide training for stakeholders on accessibility issues facing persons with disabilities ;
(d) To provide in buildings and other facilities open to the public signage in Braille and in easy to read and understand forms ;
(e) To provide forms of live assistance and intermediaries, including guides, readers and professional sign language interpreters, to facilitate accessibility to buildings and other facilities open to the public ;
(f) To promote other appropriate forms of assistance and support to persons with disabilities to ensure their access to information ;
(g) To promote access for persons with disabilities to new information and communications technologies and systems, including the Internet ;
(h) To promote the design, development, production and distribution of accessible information and communications technologies and systems at an early stage, so that these technologies and systems become accessible at minimum cost.
Article 10 – Right to Life
States Parties reaffirm that every human being has the inherent right to life and shall take all necessary measures to ensure its effective enjoyment by persons with disabilities on an equal basis with others.
Article 11 – Situations of Risk & Humanitarian Emergencies
[My Note: An outbreak of fire in a building would be a situation of serious risk.]
States Parties shall take, in accordance with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, all necessary measures to ensure the protection and safety of persons with disabilities in situations of risk, including situations of armed conflict, humanitarian emergencies and the occurrence of natural disasters.
Accessibility of the 'Human Environment' – Competent & Effective EU Implementation !
Within the European Union as a whole, because it is a party to the Convention in its own right … and also within the individual EU Member States … Articles 31 & 33 of the 2006 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – together – mandate that implementation is taken seriously … that it is competent and effective … and, most importantly, that independent monitoring and verification is a fundamental part of the process.
Article 31 – Statistics & Data Collection
1. States Parties undertake to collect appropriate information, including statistical and research data, to enable them to formulate and implement policies to give effect to the present Convention. The process of collecting and maintaining this information shall:
(a) Comply with legally established safeguards, including legislation on data protection, to ensure confidentiality and respect for the privacy of persons with disabilities ;
(b) Comply with internationally accepted norms to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms and ethical principles in the collection and use of statistics.
2. The information collected in accordance with this article shall be disaggregated, as appropriate, and used to help assess the implementation of States Parties' obligations under the present Convention and to identify and address the barriers faced by persons with disabilities in exercising their rights.
3. States Parties shall assume responsibility for the dissemination of these statistics and ensure their accessibility to persons with disabilities and others.
Article 32 – International Co-Operation
1. States Parties recognize the importance of international co-operation and its promotion, in support of national efforts for the realization of the purpose and objectives of the present Convention, and will undertake appropriate and effective measures in this regard, between and among States and, as appropriate, in partnership with relevant international and regional organizations and civil society, in particular organizations of persons with disabilities. Such measures could include, inter alia:
(a) Ensuring that international co-operation, including international development programmes, is inclusive of and accessible to persons with disabilities ;
(b) Facilitating and supporting capacity-building, including through the exchange and sharing of information, experiences, training programmes and best practices ;
(c) Facilitating co-operation in research and access to scientific and technical knowledge ;
(d) Providing, as appropriate, technical and economic assistance, including by facilitating access to and sharing of accessible and assistive technologies, and through the transfer of technologies.
2. The provisions of this article are without prejudice to the obligations of each State Party to fulfil its obligations under the present Convention.
Article 33 – National Implementation & Monitoring
1. States Parties, in accordance with their system of organization, shall designate one or more focal points within government for matters relating to the implementation of the present Convention, and shall give due consideration to the establishment or designation of a co-ordination mechanism within government to facilitate related action in different sectors and at different levels.
2. States Parties shall, in accordance with their legal and administrative systems, maintain, strengthen, designate or establish within the State Party, a framework, including one or more independent mechanisms, as appropriate, to promote, protect and monitor implementation of the present Convention. When designating or establishing such a mechanism, States Parties shall take into account the principles relating to the status and functioning of national institutions for protection and promotion of human rights.
3. Civil society, in particular persons with disabilities and their representative organizations, shall be involved and participate fully in the monitoring process.
The European Union's Disability Strategy 2010-2020 [COM(2010) 636 final]
The general approach to, and the quality of, Accessibility Implementation in Europe … when compared, for example, with Japan … is pathetically inadequate.
It is quite amazing, therefore, that the texts which deal with Accessibility of the 'Human Environment' in the EU's Disability Strategy Document 2010-2020 … are weak and far too vague … basically, meaningless claptrap drafted by desk jockeys / 'suits who do not know' ! We did not achieve a 'Europe Accessible For All' by 2010 (see below) … do you see it ?? And … at the current rate of progress, neither will we achieve a 'Europe Accessible For All' by 2020 !
The European Union's Accessibility Strategy, related Policies and Programmes … and the monitoring, targeting and independent verification of Accessibility Implementation … all require a radical overhaul !
All those Officials in the European Commission who are involved, in any way, shape or form, with Accessibility of the 'Human Environment' would do well to RE-READ AND MEDITATE DEEPLY on the contents of the 2003 Final Report from the Group of Accessibility Experts, which was established by the European Commission itself …
EU 2003 (EYPD) Expert Group on Accessibility
October 2003
2010: A Europe Accessible For All
Click the Link Above to read and/or download PDF File (294kb)
I was a Member of that Expert Group !
1. The European Union HAS NOT RATIFIED the UN Disability Rights Convention's Optional Protocol. If the Union is so Open and Transparent … and so committed to Human and Social Rights for All EU Citizens … somebody, somewhere, has to scream out loud "Why is the EU Not Ratifying this Optional Protocol ???". And … we demand an honest answer !!!
Optional Protocol – Article 1
1. A State Party to the present Protocol ('State Party') recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities ('the Committee') to receive and consider communications from or on behalf of individuals or groups of individuals subject to its jurisdiction who claim to be victims of a violation by that State Party of the provisions of the Convention.
2. No communication shall be received by the Committee if it concerns a State Party to the Convention that is not a party to the present Protocol.
2. The EU Code of Conduct between the Council, the Member States and the Commission setting out internal arrangements for the implementation by and representation of the European Union relating to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Above, I talked about a short period of 'bedding-in'. BUT … get your teeth into the 'meat' of this document … which indicates that it might be a much longer and more difficult process !?!
Official Journal of the European Union (15 December 2010) – 2010/C 340/08
EU Council – UN Disability Rights Convention – 2010 Internal Code of Conduct
Click the Link Above to read and/or download PDF File (729kb)
3. At EU Council … How Important is this Issue Considered ? In the 37 Page Report on the Justice and Home Affairs Council Meeting, which was held in Brussels from 2-3 December 2010 … the adoption of the above Internal Code of Conduct rated just a very brief mention on the last page. It was not mentioned, at all, among the Main Results of the Meeting !
4. Will Disability Networks, at both European and Member State (National) levels, have the stamina … and be sufficiently competent and focused … to rigorously monitor European Union Implementation of the UN Disability Rights Convention ?? And … will these Networks be courageous in challenging the EU Institutions … if Implementation is found to be Inadequate ??? I'm not so sure !
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Dog Canopy Bed
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Pilot Parking Program Approved for East Village
DES MOINES, Iowa — Changes are coming for the metered parking in the East Village.
City officials have laid out a pilot program to increase the price of parking per hour.
Right now, it's 60 cents per hour to park at a meter in the East Village. The pilot program will double that rate to $1.25 per hour.
In addition to raising the price, the duration will also be cut from 10 hours maximum to 2 hours.
The pilot program won't go into effect until October, but city council member Joe Gatto says they should have done this sooner.
"This will help the businesses not hinder it, and I think we need to be aware of that. It's not an additional revenue source, and I'd choose not to look at that that way. I'd choose that this is going to increase revenues for the folks in the East Village, the business owners," said Gatto.
The pilot program will run for one year and if the city likes the findings, we could see a parking program like this implemented throughout downtown.


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"Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habit. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny." ― Lao Tzu
Author: changelightbulbs
Climate Change
I'm not a fan of the term "climate change", we all know that like the weather, the seasons, the temperature, the cycles of flood and drought, sun and rain, its change.
So with something that elusive how can you pin point it and get a handle on it, to make a decision to do anything about it.
So again I'm not a fan of that term; its a bit of a cop out really. There's no point in really trying to do anything about it, its the climate, its beyond us.
I do know this regardless;
I can make a stand for clean air, clean water and clean soil. I can take responsibility for my own actions, clean up after myself, make better choices, and challenge myself to reduce my own garbage, waste, footprint and drain on this planet!
In my flip For a new world I take personal responsibility and I'm not perfect but I try, all the time; and so does the next person and the next person individually until collectively, wow the whole world has done it, and in my new world of positive change this planet had already been saved when we chose to reduce our destruction and consumption and decided long ago that rather than wait to see what might happen we chose to seal our fate by making a conscious choice to reduce the risk, just in case. There was nothing to debate.
The Journey begins
Thanks for joining me!
Be the Change you wish to see in the World ~ Ghandhi
This Blog was created to publish and share ideas, thoughts and insights on change in this world.
Changelightbulbs is a blog devoted to writing about things we could change for the better, that light bulb moment to turn the lights on to make a difference through spreading the word of everyday things that we could change and share other articles too. A person could make a difference where Collective thoughts gather and so before long as the famous quote says, through our thoughts and actions:- we've become the Change we wanted to see in the world.


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Brighton Beach 'Critters' Swarm For Meat After Feasting on Teen's Leg
Courtesy: Jarrod Kanizay
This video has been uploaded for use by Storyful's subscription clients with the permission of the content owner. To download this video for news use, go to: http://newswire.storyful.com To obtain a Storyful subscription, contact email@example.com.
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Mercy's Walkout and Learnin
Today was an extraordinary learning day at Mercy. In response to student requests for a walkout, and as part of our mission as a Mercy school committed to the Sisters of Mercy's Critical Concern of Nonviolence, students and faculty developed a program to incorporate all perspectives on topics such as the 2nd Amendment, rights of hunters, gun control, causes of violence, and more. These activities are as important as anything the students can learn from classroom instruction or textbooks, and honor the Sisters of Mercy's continued legacy of social and political activism.
Today our opening prayer included the names of the 17 people - students, teachers and coaches - taken too soon at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. We heard speeches about gun violence from two freshmen and two sophomore students, and then we walked. As we walked to the main road and stood for 17 minutes, we were all amazed by the show of support from people driving by. The rain held off throughout our walk - Catherine McAuley was looking out for us.
Learning takes many forms. Today we learned by listening to young women talk about gun violence and sharing their opinions. We learned from the show of solidarity from the Sisters at Marian Oaks who came out to cheer us on. We learned from the hundreds of people who drove by and honked their support. We learned by acting on our beliefs.


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Millworks Brand Wild Bird products are the ideal choice for attracting a full range of wild birds to your feeder. We offer many different formulas and types of products, but no matter which one you have chosen, you will find only the best ingredients, hand selected to attract more of the more desirable birds, such as Blue Jays, Cardinals, Nuthatches, Chickadees, American Goldfinches and Grosbeaks.
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Available in: 8 kg
Black oil sunflower, cracked corn, milo-red, wheat, white millet.


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Sales – My Most Valuable Tips
Protecting Network Systems by Installing Network Monitoring Software Businesses who want to be technologically up to date can invest in a lot of IT products. Companies that have invested in quality IT products have systems that are up and running to continuously protect the integrity of the data they are handling. A network monitoring software is among the most useful IT products that a business can avail. With the best network monitoring software installed, businesses are able to prevent the drastic effects of system crashes. Millions of dollars are lost from companies every time systems fail to operate the way it should. In addition to their financial loss, companies are also at risk of losing the confidence of their clients and business partners. Companies that are constantly experiencing system bog down are taking a step towards destroying their relationship with their clients. The continuous monitoring of system performance is imperative to ensure business continuity. System administrators can easily detect any possible system failure with the help of a network monitoring software. This IT product makes diagnosing of system condition a breeze, thus it also allows a smooth recovery plan to be rolled out, in case the network goes down. By detecting issues early on, system downtime can be lessened and any other impact can be mitigated. Because system downtime is considered as a vital loss to the business, a network monitoring software is deemed as an essential product in modern IT infrastructure. The installation of this program is not that complicated and the monitoring process can be remotely done via a network. The software will continuously monitor the performance of the entire network tirelessly without getting any pauses unless deliberately done by the system administrator.
What Research About Gear Can Teach You
In addition to constantly monitoring system performance, the best network monitoring software is also capable of sweeping the entire network for any malicious data. It will not just tirelessly analyze the performance of the entire network, it will also continue to ward off and quarantine any malicious files and software from damaging system operations. This software is capable of functioning as a solid gatekeeper that would protect the entire venture from any form of hacking activities. As the network monitoring software continues to tirelessly monitor the entire system, it can easily detect and eliminate the presence of malicious entities in the network.
What No One Knows About Technology
There are a lot of functionalities that are included in the best network monitoring software. It can also monitor user activities to ensure that nobody is abusing the system without the right permission from the system administrator. By installing one of these network monitoring software, companies are not only protecting their own IT infrastructure assets, they are also protecting the business and their relationship with their clients. There are several IT businesses that continue to market these network monitoring software and IT professionals are left with a handful of options to choose from.


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2018-2019 SCTCC Cyclones Men's Basketball News
MBB: Region XIII Tournament InformationFebruary 27, 2019Cyclones will open up March 1st at 1pm vs. Rainy River. The tournament is hosted by Anoka Ramsey CC.
Cyclones outlast Riverland in Overtime, claims share of Division TitleFebruary 24, 2019For the first time in program history, the Cyclones have won the MCAC Southern Division title.
Racine named Player of the Week, Men's Basketball clinch regional berthFebruary 19, 2019
Haider named Player of the WeekFebruary 13, 2019Cyclones Guard, Dillon Haider (Melrose, MN) was named MCAC Southern Division player of the week for his efforts in helping the Cyclones to a 2-0 week last week.
Extreme Weather forces schedule changeJanuary 29, 2019Cyclones men will now take on Riverland, Thursday, January 31st at SJU's Sexton Arena at 7:30pm.
Cyclones ranked #9 in latest poll, face key MCAC games this weekJanuary 29, 2019
#6 Cyclones Finish First Week of MCAC PlayJanuary 13, 2019The first week of MCAC Southern Division play saw two games go down to the wire.
Cyclones Sweep At M-State ClassicJanuary 07, 2019The #8 Cyclones competed in the M-State Classic in Fergus Falls, MN over the weekend and came away back-to-back winners.
#8 Cyclones Finish Out 2018 Portion Of Schedule UndefeatedDecember 12, 2018Tuesday's game at St. John's University was the final game of 2018 for the Cyclones. The Cyclone men finished off the SJU Reserve squad 78-73 to move their overall record to 9-0.
Cyclones Freshman Dillon Haider Named MCAC Player of the WeekNovember 27, 2018The MCAC released it's most recent player of the week award winners on Tuesday November 27th.
Racine Earns Early HonorNovember 14, 2018The MCAC released its first pair of Player of the Week honorees this week and Cyclone guard Eric Racine took home the early honor.


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Another day, another dollar...for someone at least. Welcome to Gamer's Source, a daily news segment with the top five news stories in gaming today. As always, there are opinions and speculation, so feel free to share your own in the comments. Without further ado...
NUMBER One!
Nintendo must officially pay out for a patent used in it's 3DS handheld systems. The company was found guilty of the patent infringement in the 3D display technology, which was patented by Tomita Technologies, and now U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff has chosen to let Nintendo pay Tomita a percentage of the handheld sales in order to compensate for the infringement, on top of a fine of $30.2 million in damages.
This is a rough blow for Nintendo. Patent infringement is always a no no, and this is a hefty sum. However, the 2DS is becoming quite a big success, so the gaming company may chose to discontinue the 3DS altogether, or possibly push out a new handheld faster (though the later is very unlikely). Though this could also mean nothing, as the 3DS is outselling it's competition in all territories and is making Nintendo a huge chunk of change (unlike it's console the Wii-U).
Thank you NeoGAF for the info.
NUMBER Two!
Microsoft's Rob Semsey confirmed on Twitter today to a fan that the next iteration of Halo will indeed be released in 2014. This will be great for Xbox One owners who don't have too much to look forward to past Titanfall and great for Microsoft which is in open combat with Sony to obtain the top rank as the greatest new console of the newly launched generation.
Number THREE!
Speaking of Microsoft, the Xbox One has officially sold 3.2 million consoles by the end of 2013. Microsoft released the number through it's official Xbox.com website, thanking consumers for the sales.
Sales numbers are always interesting to hear about, but this back and forth between Microsoft and Sony will get old real fast. Don't be surprised if Sony announces it beat 3 million in PS4 sales tomorrow.
Number FOUR!
The Next-Gen Hitman game is officially cancelled, as a representative from the creative studio IO Interactive told Polygon today. This is slightly unsurprising, as the development studio was shifted last year from AAA console games to phone and tablet games as it's major focus. This is very upsetting, as the last game in the franchise was absolutely amazing and I personally was really looking forward to seeing the stealth action in this new generation.
Speaking to Polygon, 2K Games has decided to not renew the MLB 2K series for 2014. This comes as not surprise to many, as 2K indicated in 2012 that the company was nearing it's final game in the series, and with the newest iteration receiving low scores, it seemed pretty inevitable. There's still the Show for all you baseball fans, but that requires the power of PlayStation.
As always, leave your comments at the bottom and keep the conversation going.


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The garden season is about over, and we've even had a bit of snow. It's a good time to check out the new crop of gardening books. With few outdoor tasks to attend to until spring, not only do you have time to read for your own pleasure, but you can look for books to give the gardeners in your lives for the holidays.
Charlie Nardozzi's "New England: Getting Started Garden Guide" may be one you want to keep for yourself. It's the sort of book you read and then want to keep near at hand to grab whenever you are adding plants or having problems with a plant already in your garden.
Nardozzi, who lives in Vermont and grew up in Connecticut, has been speaking and writing about New England gardens for 20 years. He opens with a description of the region's climate (usually cool and moist) and soil (usually rocky except in river valleys). He moves on to hardiness zones, and then he gets to the good stuff.
A good 90 percent of "New England: Getting Started Garden Guide" is about plants, divided into sections for annuals, bulbs, lawns, perennials, shrubs and trees. For each species, Nardozzi provides full-color photographs, planting and growing tips, ideas for companion plants and design and a list of varieties he likes. (Large-format paperback, Cool Springs Press, 240 pages, $24.99.)
"Coffee for Roses … and 70 Other Misleading Myths about Backyard Gardening" not only debunks fallacies about gardening, but also provides good and humorous advice for gardeners. C.L. Fornari is another New Englander, writing and working at a garden center on Cape Cod, and speaking to garden clubs across New England.
The misconceptions he debunks range from rusty nails turning hydrangeas blue to chewing gum killing woodchucks. "Coffee for Roses" covers composts, mulches, specific plants and more, and includes many color photographs. (Hardcover, St. Lynn's Press, 146 pages, $17.95.)
The heavy hitter of this year's garden books, literally and figuratively, is "The Gardener's Garden," written by a team of experts and introduced by garden designer Madison Cox, whom the Wall Street Journal has called "the most important garden designer you've never heard of."
The book describes more than 250 of the world's great gardens. It's a big book – nearly 500 pages – and while I haven't weighed it, it certainly fits anybody's definition of a coffee-table book. It is well organized, by continent and then country. Each garden gets a column of text that details the garden's history and creator, lists some of the plants and provides a concise description. The book has some 1,200 photographs; major gardens, such as Versailles and Monet's garden at Giverny, get up to four pages of photographs.
I've been to only about 10 of the listed gardens, my wife Nancy a few more, and part of the fun is trying to figure out the selection process. "The Gardener's Garden" includes no bad gardens, but does omit some great ones, in our opinion, such as the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix and the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (the latter is new, admittedly, still…) (Hardcover, Phaidon, 480 pages, $79.95.)
"Saving Vegetable Seeds" by Fern Marshall Bradley is part of the Storey Basics series promoting self-reliance. Saving seeds used to be a commonplace practice, but as huge seed companies came into being and gardeners bought seeds, it nearly died out. Seed saving is just now coming back.
The book gives reasons to save seeds, explains how seeds are formed, and tells which seeds are best to save and which are easiest. It also gives advice on specific plants and on testing seed viability. The text is accompanied by black-and-white drawings. (Paperback, Storey, 92 pages, $8.95.)
For those interested in the thriving permaculture movement, "Integrated Forest Gardening: The Complete Guide to Polycultures and Plant Guilds in Permaculture Systems" by Wayne Weiseman and Daniel Halsey, provides major insights. Plant guilds are when different plants grow together and benefit each other, and are a key element of the permaculture movement.
The book's many color photographs and illustrations will be of interest to both farmers and interested amateurs. (Paperback, Chelsea Green Publishers, 310 pages, $45.)
"Cultivating Garden Style: Inspired Ideas and Practical Advice to Unleash Your Garden Personality" by Rochelle Greayer will take readers through the entire process of designing a garden. She offers several different garden styles, with advice and 1,400 color photos to help gardeners create the look. "Cultivating Garden Style" goes beyond plants. Greayer also writes about furniture, pavers (a gardening term for bricks, tiles, etc. used to pave the outdoors), accessories and containers. (Hardcover, Timber Press, 320 pages, $35.)
Nancy J. Ondra's new garden-design book, "Five-Plant Gardens: 52 Ways to Grow a Perennial Garden with Just Five Plants," offers fairly simple plans, which are grouped into full-sun, part-sun and shade gardens. Ondra also provides garden plans for different types of soil conditions. Five is the perfect number, she contends, because it is enough to provide variety, yet still easy to manage. The book has plenty of color photographs. (Paperback, Storey, 184 pages, $18.95.)
If you want to do your gardening indoors, consider "Air Plants: The Curious World of Tillandsias" by Zenaida Sengo with photographs by Caitlin Atkinson. The book provides information on how to grow air plants and display them, and has six projects for people to try. But if you choose this one, remember you'll be gardening all winter, so you may not have quite as much time to read the other gardening books. (Paperback, Timber Press, 224 pages, $19.95.)
Tom Atwell has been writing the Maine Gardener column since 2004. He is a freelance writer gardening in Cape Elizabeth and can be contacted at 767-2297 or at [email protected]
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Looking Beyond Energy Efficiency: An Applied Review of Water Desalination Technologies and an Introduction to Capillary-Driven Desalination (Water, 2019)Most notable emerging water desalination technologies and related publications, as examined by the authors, investigate opportunities to increase energy efficiency of the process. In this paper, the authors reason that ...
Quantifying the thermal damping effect in underground vertical shafts using the nonlinear autoregressive with external input (NARX) algorithm (International Journal of Mining Science and Technology, 2019)As air descends the intake shaft, its infrastructure, lining and the strata will emit heat during the night when the intake air is cool and, on the contrary, will absorb heat during the day when the temperature of the air ...