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Google is working its way up, becoming user-friendly via delivering services that are convenient for the customers. Google Wallet and Android Pay are the sequences of the same effort. The sequel to this continuing endeavor is Google Pay Send with some great pinups under its belt.
Google Pay Send works with the android system, same as Google Wallet. The main drive behind the app is to merge the services provided by Google Wallet and Android Pay on one platform for the ultimate ease and convenience of the consumer community.
Individuals using Google Wallet will certainly have no glitch in upgrading their status to Google Pay Send, which promises to extend the transaction canvas by including new support partners as banks and retail sites. The app is conveniently applicable, whether you are sending, receiving or requesting money, an everyday task for everyone. The world cannot go on without payments now, can it?
What Makes it Better?
Google Pay Send makes it all easier for you without carrying loads of cash with you, whether you are splitting bills at dinner, paying your landlord or simply gifting money to your loved ones on their special occasions. Carry this digital or virtual format of your wallet with an unmatched ease and security.
Simple to use and smart to keep, Google Pay Send removes the hassle of keeping a wallet, acquiring bank services or keeping a credit card for that matter. The new Google Pay service accommodates it all. They say, "If the other side has an email, you can make a transaction".
Google Pay Send appears to be an upgraded version of Google Wallet with some features that set it apart from the latter. It ensures "a consistent brand experience across Google payment products" with your virtual wallet.
The star feature is that users with Google Wallet will not have to update their settings or risk losing them either. With a new and fresh look, your Google Wallet account remains revived with preservation of your personal information.
Pin-up attributes of Google Pay Send
Some of the characteristics of Google Pay Send that make it a preferable choice over others from consumers' point of view are
No need for another download
Downloading an app can be cumbersome. Already a user of Google Wallet, you do not need to download another app. A simple update of Google Wallet will update your status to Google Pay Send.
Works with both Android and iOS interface
Google Pay Send works with both the Android and iOS systems, so there should be no hassle of managing your money across either of the interfaces.
No loss of information
As already described, a simple updating the Google Wallet is required to activate Google Pay Send. There is no requirement to input data regarding bank accounts and debit card details repeatedly. Switching from Google Wallet will not erase any previous data, thereby preserving and securing your precious details.
No breach of payment security
Google Pay Send is used for sending money to people you are familiar with. However, the same measures of security that covered your Google Wallet account cover the Google Pay Send too. So you can easily manage your money with assured security.
Google Pay Send does not share your actual card numbers, so your information stays secure. It also protects your payment info with multiple layers of security with most renowned security infrastructures.
100% recovery of your balance
Simply called as the 'balance, your previous Google Wallet balance is transferred to your Google Pay Send account.
Retrieval of transaction information
Just as balance is recoverable, your online transaction details get sealed without any loss of data.
The benefits of Google Pay Send
An update or upgrade implies some added benefits. Here are some upshots of Google Pay Send, if you are a newbie to the subject.
- A simple yet fast way of payment around the globe
- Accommodates several other apps both banking and retail sites
- A rapid check out procedure at numerous NFC terminals in addition to in-app purchases as Lyft, Instacart, OpenTable, Etsy, Airbnb, Fandango, HungryHouse, Dice and so on.
- Pay your friends and acquaintances who do not have Google Pay Send
- Accommodates loyalty, gift and reward cards, PayPal with reminders to use them and track of all the purchases. This includes Uber's Payment Reward program and Walgreens.
- An instant checkout at Google products like Google Play, Chrome, and YouTube Red
- Supported in the US; the four major banks in the US support Google pay Send (Chase Bank, Citibank, Bank of America, Wells Fargo). Some more support is expected from prominent names in the banking sector.
- Support for Las Vegas Monorail; a new feature supported by Google Pay Send enabling users to buy tickets online, saving them in Google Pay and using them at the fare gate. This specific feature will be accommodating more of the public transport in near future.
More Benefits!
- Google Pay Send integrates with other banking apps as Bank of America, Discover, Bank of New Zealand, mBank, and USAA to name a few.
- An extended support for Google Pay service on Wear OS so that the app's functionality is available in Canada, Spain, and Australia. More countries like Russia and Taiwan will be added soon.
- A new feature provides a list of supported retailers specific to your shopping patterns.
- Integration with WorldRemit, an international money transfer service working in 125 countries and London-based TranferWise further expands the app's working horizons.
- Unlike PayPal that requires a fee to transfer a balance, Google Pay Send uses the balance but no additional fee.
Take home message
Google Pay Send is the renamed version of Google Wallet with a number of added features. As the world becomes ready to embark on a hassle-free multi-tasking approach, Google Pay Send merits a room on your NFC enabled smartphones running Android 4.4 KitKat and above. Google Pay Send meets the merit of a digital wallet delivering a backup form of payment with foolproof security and insurance via disabled account whenever required.


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Needless to say, I have been busy. Really busy. So busy in fact that my most entertaining readers have been sending my facebook inquiries about when I will write again. Needless to say that literally made my day. I forget sometimes that I am not just writing for myself, I am writing for the people who read what I write as well. So first, thank you to all of my faithful readers. You make it difficult to put down my pen.
The Breakdown: The last two months have been a hot mess, but an amazing hot mess. On May 8th, Nathan and I both graduated from college, receiving our undergraduate degrees, mine in English and Creative Writing, his in Business Marketing. That is a big accomplishment for both of us. Then, on May 10th, I turned 21. It was an eventful day to say the least, and I'll spare you the boring details. The rest of May was spent finalizing the wedding, finishing up showers, writing thank you cards, and preparing for the big day.
Then the wedding came. It was beautiful.
The church was amazing, the people were amazing, the band was amazing. It was the wedding I could never have accomplished without the mounds of support and help that I received.
Next: We decided to move the weekend after we got married, probably because we are crazy. Now we live in a duplex type thing with some of our best friends living right next door. It is a definite step up and we love it. Now that most of everything is back in order, it is time to start writing again. I told one of my closest friends a couple of days ago that I haven't written anything since school was finished. I think I was just creatively burned out because of the massive amounts of stress that I was under for six months straight.
It feels good to blog, and readers, I hope it feels good to read.

subset: commoncrawl


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Do you ever wonder why finishing projects always seems so awful? For every project, it seems like an afterthought. No matter the project though, this chore must be completed.
Perhaps, much like in our projects themselves, we are taught weaving in ends as an afterthought.
Sometimes at knitting classes, especially with time constraints, the whole topic is glossed over.
Even in the best technical books and patterns, it often simply says: "Weave ends away" without ever describing how to execute that procedure.
Or even worse, the crafter wandering about with tails dangling off their newly finished scarf or tails simply cut to the end, a little bump sticking out; just waiting for that loose end to work itself free and unravel the whole thing.
Surely, weaving in ends wouldn't seem like an ordeal, if we all knew how to do it a bit better. If we were able to execute it easily and simply. The best teachers don't gloss over this critical element of success.
The link to the video is here.
I've been knitting for a very long time and I found this video extremely useful. I hope that you do too! Be sure to share it with your knitting friends, we would like for all of Blue Sky's Friends to be pros at weaving in ends.
Just keep knitting, knitting, knitting…


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We will only use your data for invoicing and your repeat orders of print that you would like use to do.
You data will not be given to any third parties or other organisations. Your data will only be stored for 7 years unless you request otherwise. This is just for our records.
If you would like to request any further information about how we store and record your data, request access to your data or get your data removed from our records please contact Gavin by Phone on 01914543262 or email email@example.com
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Learn Transcendental Meditation in South Bay and Palos Verdes
You are invited to a special introductory talk on the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique in South Bay and Palos Verdes. Admission is free. For the schedule, please contact uscontact us, or call (310) 945-2412.
What you'll learn at an intro talk
- Why TM is so effective for stress and anxiety
- How TM improves brain function and memory
- Why TM is easy to practice
- Why TM works from the start
- Why personalized one-on-one instruction is needed
- How to learn TM in South Bay and Palos Verdes
TM instruction requires personal one-on-one instruction from a certified TM teacher, so it won't be taught during this group introduction. However, you'll have the opportunity to meet local TM teachers and sign up to learn the TM technique.
Meet the certified TM teacher
Catherine DziubaWhy certified?
The TM technique can only be taught by certified TM teachers in a course carefully personalized for each individual. All certified TM teachers have successfully completed an intensive 5-month in-residence Teacher Training Course, and they maintain their certification through ongoing professional courses for TM teachers.


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As the old saying goes, less is more. This holds true for certain body types as well. Women and men all around the world generally admire big breast but large breasts can be a major inconvenience and source of discomfort for some women. Having breast reduction surgery is a life-altering decision which helps to free them from numerous issues that come with having a bigger bust.
If you're wondering if a breast reduction surgery is right for you, we can help you make that decision! Here are the 5 key reasons;
Boobs that are too large for one's body type can potentially create a number of physical complications. They add more weight to your body, causing excess strain in the lower back and neck. They will end up sagging as soon as you hit 30. You might be experiencing skin irritation underneath your breasts. You are constantly hunching and bra straps are no less than a death trap for you. All these issues are not worth it especially now when you have an option to undergo breast reduction surgery.
The physical discomfort is one thing, larger breasts can also be a hindrance in your day to day life. You simply cannot exercise due to them which prohibits you from leading a healthy lifestyle. Aerobic exercise, running, yoga are out of the question for you. Finding a sports bra that fits is an even bigger struggle and then comes the constant bounce and spillage. And it isn't just athletics that are impacted by a generous bust size. Simple day to day activities can become an ordeal; running up and down the stairs, wearing a sling bag, using seat belt etc.
Women come in all shapes and sizes. Many clothing manufacturers often forget that. As a result, most big busted women never find clothes that are flattering and more importantly, that fit. Most clothes fit well on the bosom part and are loose in the waist area. You need to tailor almost everything and that certainly costs a lot of money. Breast reduction surgery can help you save on shopping by giving you a more proportionate body.
We all have been judged by our looks at one point or the other. Women often have to deal with the scrutiny and unwanted attention due to her extremely large breasts. The unwanted attention never stops for women with an ample bosom, whether it's at the workplace, at the streets or anywhere else. Having a breast reduction surgery can surely help you in this matter and make you feel beautiful and confident.
Most women experience an increase in the breast size after they give birth to children. You might be perfectly happy with your boob size prior to motherhood but now you have achieved an unnecessary cleavage which you want to get rid of. The ideal way is to wait until you are done with lactating. The boob size reduces to some extent after the breastfeeding phase is over. If you are still not happy with your boob size, by all means, go for breast reduction surgery.
While it is great to have better knowledge and understanding about breast reduction surgery, no amount of research is substantial than getting a professional advice from an experienced surgeon. After all, a consultation with a surgeon will allow for a proper assessment of your condition and recommend the right treatment option for you. To understand the procedure and expected results in detail, you can book a free and no-obligatory consultation by filling in the form below.
Fill in the form to get Consultation100% Financing with 0% Interest


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Banfield Pet Hospital has released "The State of Pet Health 2016," a comprehensive report comprised of medical data from 2.5 million dogs and nearly 500,000 cats.
Created by Banfield's research team, Banfield Applied Research and Knowledge (BARK), the report analyzes data from 3 million total pets cared for in 2015 in Banfield's 925 hospitals spanning 43 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. It documents trends from the past 10 years and highlights the most common diagnoses affecting cats and dogs.
The data are broken down into distinct health sections, covering diabetes mellitus, heartworm disease, dental disease, otitis externa, fleas and ticks and internal parasites.
"Now in its sixth year, this report was created because we wanted to use our knowledge and research to help educate pet owners and raise profession-wide awareness for some of the most common and important diagnoses affecting the health of pets in the United States," said Daniel Aja, DVM, senior vice president and chief medical officer for Banfield Pet Hospital. "It is our hope that the information in this report continues to serve as a catalyst for pet owners to partner with veterinary teams to help pets live better lives through preventive care."...
Read the rest of the article courtesy Pet Age:


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BELLOWS FALLS Vermed, Inc., a manufacturer of quality cardiac monitoring and diagnostic electrodes, was recently purchased by local management for $8 million from its San Diegobased parent firm CardioDynamics, in a deal that will save 85 regional jobs.
We are pleased to reach agreement with CardioDynamics for the purchase of Vermed, said company president Rich Kalich. We have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the CardioDynamics team and believe the close working relationship will continue in the years ahead.
Vermed appreciates every one of our employees. Our role in advancing healthcare is dependent upon the talent, dedication, and commitment of our employees. Vermed is a recognized innovator in the design and production of medical sensors. Those accomplishments are a direct result of the skills and abilities of the Vermed employees. Were happy that the company will build on those accomplishments and remain in this area.
Founded in 1978, Vermed gained a national reputation for innovation and excellence while developing the broadest product assortment in the industry. Building on extensive management strengths, the company is noted for its OEM and manufacturing capabilities including production of both short- and large-run products of the highest quality.
Vermed is working with major medical device developers in the United States and abroad to advance noninvasive diagnostics, said Kalich. We are focused on providing more effective and economical diagnostic alternatives to provide better options for the medical community. We are excited about our companys challenges and opportunities.
As a condition of closing, CardioDynamics entered into a five-year fixed price supplier agreement with Vermed for the former parent firms proprietary ICG sensors. The transaction is contingent upon customary legal and business conditions and is subject to approval by CardioDynamics' shareholders. Once approved, the sale is expected to close in the latter part of the fiscal third quarter ending August 31, 2007.
Michael Perry, CardioDynamics CEO, said, It is important for us to continue the excellent working relationship with Vermed through a long-term supplier agreement. Not only will we receive a stable supply of ICG sensors for five years, but we will continue to partner with Vermed's engineering team to develop enhancements to our proprietary sensors and also explore opportunities to continually lower sensor costs through design improvements.
From its modern 45,000-square-foot facility in Bellows Falls, VT, Vermed has long been a leader in the design, manufacture and packaging of high-quality electrodes and related products for the medical industry.
For details contact National Sales Manager Art Keating at 800-245-4025, ext. 1241 or e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com. Visit Vermed online at www.vermed.com or e-mail the company at email@example.com. You can can also snail mail to Vermed, Inc., 9 Lovell Drive, Bellows Falls, VT 05101.


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Canadian Law Students / Re: a Saskatchewan dilemma« on: November 13, 2008, 08:48:45 AM »
I love Vancouver. I wouldn't imagine it would be that easy. But you're law degree is what will get you in....under the NAFTA TN visa scheme.....
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Two more days.
That's what Judge Kevin Carey told creditors Monday they had to work out the final details and legal language of their reorganization plans and disclosure statements for Tribune. If all that's done by Dec. 8 to the Delaware judge's satisfaction then Carey will issue a formal order to send out the plans for vote to the company's creditors.
Dec. 8th actually marks the second anniversary of the media giant's descent into Chapter 11. That came less than year after embattled chairman Sam Zell took Tribune, owners of the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune and other media properties, private in late 2007 in an $8.2 billion buyout that was cited for "dishonesty" by independent examiner earlier this summer.
The four plans, which will be put on CD-ROM to fit all the pages and pages in them, will be mailed on Dec. 22 with creditors having until Jan. 28 to actually cast their votes. Under the process in place, the four plans will be ranked from one to four.
Carey was adamant that March 7, 2011 will see the beginning of the confirmation hearings, which will begin five days of argument on the merits of the submitted plans and disclosure statements. At the end of that hearing, if all goes ahead, the judge will confirm a plan for Tribune to exit from Chapter 11. That final plan, which won't necessarily be the one with the most creditor votes, could be one of the submitted reorganizations or an amalgamation of two or more.
Of course, the Tribune case being what it is, a lot could happen between now and then or even now and Weds.
Already, creditor Aurelius Capital Management, who submitted one of the four reorg plans, are aiming to widen discovery into company practices. Tribune itself announced Monday an investigation into emails that former CEO Randy Michaels deleted from his laptop. Other company officials, past and present, including Zell, could see their computers, cell phones and other communication devices examined as well.
Michaels resigned from the company in October after a storm of controversy over his leadership style and executive team. A number of creditors, including the large Unsecured Creditors' Committee, have already taken legal action or have sought the right via a trustee to take legal action against Zell and other company officers involved in the 2007 buyout.


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Colorado gains another female head brewer, new Avery and Funkwerks sours, taproom growing pains and more
Kim Collins got a toehold in professional brewing with an apprenticeship – a fancy way of saying she spent three months getting up when it was still dark to clean equipment and pitch in wherever needed without drawing a paycheck.
That experience at Tommyknocker Brewery in Idaho Springs led to paid gigs, first at Boulder Beer Company, then Epic Brewing in Denver, and finally as head brewer at Barrels and Bottles in Golden. She started this week at the seven-month-old brewpub.
Collins, 33, is among a small but growing group of female head brewers in Colorado. Ali Benetka took over at Renegade Brewing in Denver last summer and has it dialed in as the brewery prepares to expand. Linsey Cornish, who formerly worked at Odell Brewing, is head brewer at Horse & Dragon Brewing Company in Fort Collins, which is scheduled to open May 1.
Collins said she started off homebrewing for seven years, then completed a Master Brewers Association of the Americas course in Madison, Wisconsin, before beginning her arduous employment journey.
She started getting to know the Barrels and Bottles crew after meeting then-head brewer Shaun Salyards at Epic's soft opening. Salyards was commuting from Fort Collins and could not relocate as planned, said Barrels and Bottles co-owner Abby George.
"With Kim, we became friends first, and I would ask her a lot of questions, and she's very knowledgeable having worked at three good breweries," George said. "We are looking forward to brewing great, classic beer with a simple twist to it – and one or two that are off the wall."
To start, Collins has a Chinook pale ale that incorporates whole cone hops from Voss Farms in Arvada. The result is a beer that smells "like a citrusy pine forest," she said.
Before Salyards departed, the two brewers collaborated on a beer called Hoppy Peeps, an extra special bitter with 78 of the puffy, neon confections added to the boil.
Yeah, that qualifies as off the wall. The beer was tapped on Easter and will make some festival appearances, Collins said.
So how does Collins feel about the label "female brewer?" She said it isn't the first time she's been a position dominated by men. At Indiana University, she was assistant coordinator for an outdoor adventure program.
"If people want to say that, I am fine with being called a female brewer," Collins said. "I feel like I'm old enough that I just don't mind anymore. I don't feel slighted if someone mentions that I am a woman – because I am."
News and notes from the craft beer scene …
No. 19 from Avery: This weekend marks the release of No. 19 in Boulder-based Avery Brewing's greatly expanded barrel-aging program. The latest is Rufus Corvus, an epic blend of red sour and dark sour beer combining eight different beers from 40 oak barrels. The brewery expects to release nine beers through its barrel program this year. At about 1,500 barrels of barrel-aged beer, that marks a ten-fold increase over last year, the brewery says. The release party is Sunday at the brewery with sales starting at 1 p.m. The 12-ounce bottles are $12 each, limit 12 bottles per person.
Summertime sweetness: Fort Collins-based Funkwerks just released Raspberry Provincial, a seasonal Belgian-style sour ale that is pink, tart and low in alcohol (just 4.2 percent). It's reminiscent of the Bernliner Weisse-style beers coming out of Florida (aka Florida Weisse). Tried this beer at Right Coast Pizza in Wheat Ridge (which has an excellent tap list), and it's already been written with ink onto the First Drafts Best Beers of 2014 list.
Tap room growing pains: In case you missed it, Denver Post reporters Jon Murray and Josie Klemaier had a smart and timely piece this week on Colorado's brewery tap room model running into some resistance over parking, food trucks and other issues.
In short: Aurora's Dry Dock Brewing will begin offering Apricot Blonde in canned 12-packs starting in May. The much-decorated beer won silver in this year's World Beer Cup in the fruit beer category … River North Brewery on Saturday will release its second canned offering, River North IPA, into a crowded market of Colorado IPAs. The twist, as you'd expect from this brewery, is Belgian. The brewery says it crossed pine and citrus American hops with yeast esters of white pepper and clove (6 percent ABV, 55 IBU) … Rio Grande Mexican Restaurants are known for their high-octane margaritas but the six locations are stepping it up in the craft beer category. The group is working with breweries in their respective markets to produce beers specifically for Rio Grande. Participating breweries include Coopersmith, Odell Brewing, Wiley Roots Brewing, Renegade Brewing, Grimm Brothers Brewhouse, Sanitas Brewing, Fate Brewing and Lone Tree Brewing …. Another big, craft-heavy taplist is arriving in LoDo. Portland-based Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill opens its first Denver location on Tuesday, April 29 at 1605 Wynkoop St. in the One Union Station building. The menu includes 52 beers on tap, 28 from Colorado, according to the news release … Fort Collins Brewery is retiring its 1900 Amber Lager, ending production by June 2014. The brewery was pretty vague in the reasoning, noting that it was introduced as a way to remember its old address. A replacement has yet to be named … Boulder's Upslope Brewing is back with its seasonal Belgian Style Pale Ale, which provided the base to the first Ferus Fluxus collaboration with Crooked Stave … Finally, Wynkoop Brewing is canning its Kurt Vonnegut beer. Check out our previous post on this coffee-infused lager.


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Pound-for-pound, it's one of the best entertainment values in the Treasure Valley, yet the Boise Jazz Society's subscription remains one of the most under-trumpeted concert series—and this coming season's lineup is the best we've seen to-date. Melissa Aldana, winner of the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition, opens the BJS season (Oct. 11-12), followed by Monty Alexander (Nov. 18-19), one of the best jazz pianists of all time; Grammy-nominated vocalist Tierney Sutton and her trio (March 6-7, 2016) and jazz organist great Tony Monaco and his trio (April 19-11, 2016).
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Are Gummy Vitamins Good For Kids?
Parents with concerns over their children's nutrition and eating habits have turned to multivitamin supplements for years. But a recent addition to the vitamin market is the gummy vitamin. While these candy-like supplements are definitely more palatable to children than the chewable vitamins of old, some parents wonder if these vitamins are as healthy as the somewhat chalky chewables of the past.
Health Benefits
It's a fact that most children don't actually need a multivitamin supplement, despite the concerns of their well-meaning parents. However, there are some kids, whether they are picky eaters or they have some other type of deficiency, that do need these supplements. But when it comes to multivitamin supplements in general, and gummy vitamins in particular, not all supplements are created equal…not by a long shot.
[Related – Multivitamins For Kids: Do They Need Them?]
There can be a huge variation in the amounts and the nutrients contained in each vitamin. For example, the Centrum brand makes a gummy vitamin for children that contains 23 vitamins and minerals, while some other brands on the market contain as little as 14 nutrients. Some varieties also contain things like omega 3 fatty acids, DHA, or fiber. However one essential nutrient that is conspicuously missing from all gummy vitamins is iron. There are no gummy vitamins on the market currently that contain iron.
Rotten Teeth?
Since the development of the gummy vitamins, dentists and some parents have raised concerns over how good these sugary supplements are for children's teeth. The reason for their concern is the very thing that makes them appealing to children; the flavor and texture.
Gummy vitamins, just like the chewables of the past, have artificial flavors, colors and sugar added to make them more palatable. However, the disadvantage that gummy vitamins have is that their sticky, gummy texture sticks to the surface and between teeth, making them a dental nightmare for children if they don't take proper care of their teeth. And let's face it, many children simply don't know how to care for their teeth, especially if they are very young.
The Candy Problem
While it is a very clever marketing idea to create vitamins that resemble gummy candy, it can pose a very serious safety risk to children. The reason is that children often don't understand that gummy vitamins are not like other candy. In fact, they are should be treated as medicine, not like candy at all.
Since the creation of gummy vitamins, poison control centers have seen an increase in the number of cases of children overdosing on gummy vitamins, mistakenly thinking that they are candy. Parents too often mistakenly think that it's not so much of problem if the child eats too many vitamins, after all these are nutrients that the body needs and are in the foods we eat, right? Wrong! In fact, many of the nutrients found in multivitamin supplements can make a child very sick if taken in too large of a quantity.
[See – Multivitamin Overdose: Too Much Of A Good Thing]
By far, the most serious of these nutrients is iron, but since this isn't found in gummy vitamins, it does make them slightly safer, but only slightly. Other nutrients such as vitamin A, D, niacin and calcium can all have dangerous side effects if taken in large amounts. This includes liver problems, heart problems, problems with nerve function and an increased risk of cancer.
Many vitamins are eliminated from the body through waste, but others, called fat soluble vitamins, are not. They are stored in the fat stores of the body to be released when needed. If a child is chewing too many gummy vitamins over a long period of time, it could lead to a dangerous buildup of these vitamins. And while many parents think that it can't happen to their kids, they should think again. It is not unheard of for a child to sneak a few extra vitamins when using the bathroom, especially if the vitamins are easily accessible.
The other problem is that since gummy vitamins look and taste like candy, they do nothing to encourage good eating habits, but instead enforce the idea that candy is better. With childhood obesity and diabetes on the rise, this is the last thing that should be reinforced to children.
[Related – Preventing Childhood Obesity: Helpful Tips]
The choice to give a child a multivitamin supplement, whether the gummy variety or the regular chewable variety, rests solely with the parents. However, if parents do decide that these supplements are acceptable for their children, there are some precautions that should be followed to ensure the child's safety.
Many dentists say that they see an increase in cavities once a child starts taking gummy vitamins. So to counter this, dentists and vitamin manufacturers recommend that children take vitamins with meals and brush after. This way the sugary, sticky vitamins don't stay stuck to teeth all day, or worse, all night long.
Vitamin supplements should be treated as medication. They should be kept out of the reach of children, preferably in a locked area where older children won't be tempted to help themselves, or their younger siblings, to a few extra.
It is a good idea for only one parent in the family to be handing out all medications and supplements, which prevents overdosing, however if both parents will be doing it, it is essential that they communicate effectively to prevent overdose.
Children's health experts agree that in most cases vitamin and mineral supplements are safe for children. Ultimately it is up to parents to decide whether or not these products are safe and beneficial for their children. However in the end, experts also agree that it is always better for the child to get the nutrients they need from whole sources such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, instead of a sugary gummy bear.


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PD Ports has appointed Frans Calje to the new position of 'key projects director'. Reporting to CEO David Robinson, Calje (a Dutch national) will assume responsibility for leading all the Northern Gateway Container Terminal (NGCT) project teams. He will be charged with overseeing the over £300m investment project in all future planning, construction and commercial aspects of this major new development at Teesport in north-east England. Read More »
Monthly Archives: May 2008
TBA helps APM Virginia to a smooth launch
TBA, the Netherlands-based provider of decision support, operations optimisation and fleet control services, has successfully assisted APM Terminals North America with the design, automation and optimisation of its new terminal at Portsmouth, Virginia. Read More »
Daikin improves reefer control software
Container refrigeration machinery manufacturer Daikin has launched DTMS2, the second-generation version of its intelligent temperature management software. The Japan-based company, which now has over 100,000 of its LXE10E scroll compressor reefer machines operating in the field, says that the new software will provide the lowest power consumption unit on the market today. Read More »
First Liebherr STS crane for Russia
Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd has finalised a contract to supply a new post-Panamax ship-to-shore (STS) container crane to the NUTEP container terminal in Novorossiysk in Russia, a joint venture between NCC and the DELO Group. The contract signing ceremony took place at the TransRussia Exhibition in April. Read More »
Linde unveils hybrid hydrogen vehicles
Linde Material Handling has unveiled its latest alternative drive initiatives at the CeMAT logistics trade fair, which is taking place May 27–31 in Hanover. They include a hydrogen-fuelled forklift truck and a zero emissions fuel-cell tow tractor. Read More »
New South America service from CMA CGM
On June 27, 2008, CMA CGM will launch a new weekly service dedicated to the West Coast of South America, linking Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile and Costa Rica. Read More »
Tideworks updates Terminal View application
Tideworks Technology Inc. has launched the latest version of Terminal View, a dynamic, three-dimensional tool that enables port and intermodal operators to zoom into any area of the terminal and monitor operations in real-time through an intuitive and rich user interface. Read More »
Tesco to build import centre at Teesport
Tesco, the UK's largest retailer, has signed an agreement with PD Ports to develop a 1.2m sq ft (110,562 sq m) import centre within Teesport on the UK's north-east coast. Occupying a 66 acre (26.7 ha) brownfield site adjacent to the proposed Northern Gateway container terminal, the complex will be built to Tesco's own design requirements. Work is due to start in July this year, with the first part of the complex operational by autumn 2009. Read More »
Salalah continues with expansion programme
The Port of Salalah in the Sultanate of Oman is preparing for significant expansion of its capacity with investment in an additional four super post-Panamax gantry cranes for its two new 18 m deep berths. This new investment will increase the port's annual throughput capacity to about 6m teu by mid-2009, an increase of more than 30% on current levels. Read More »


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As a woman of Sičangu Lakota and European American ancestry, I was raised within Native and urban American communities. My work reflects these cross-cultural experiences through the combination of modern abstract painting and abstract Lakota art forms. Some works are executed strictly in paint, weaving conceptual influences and aesthetics from each respective history. Others accomplish the same intermingling of artistic lineages through stories embedded in materials. Mixed-media pieces combine traditional painting mediums— acrylic, oil, and canvas, with beadwork, porcupine quillwork and other materials common to Lakota artistic traditions.
I strive to create honest, inclusive compositions that acknowledge all parts of my history, Native and non-Native, urban, academic and cultural education systems, and at times-conflicting world views. This platform allows me to start from center, deepening my own understanding of the complexities of self and culture, correlations between personal and national history, and indigenous and mainstream art histories.
By highlighting the strength and legacy of indigenous arts within a conceptual painting practice the audience is invited to consider perceived parallel histories as truly intertwined. The complexity of visual and conceptual references encourage conversations that challenge the lack of representation of Native arts and people in the mainstream while highlighting the truth and necessity of equality and intersectionality.


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Suicide bomber causes deadly blast at Russian train station
MOSCOW (CNN) — A massive explosion at a train station in the Russian city of Volgograd killed at least 16 people, including one police officer, the Investigative Committee of Russia said on its website Sunday.
The head of the committee, Vladimir Markin, said 16 people had been killed and 34 people were injured, including a 9-year-old girl.
The female suicide bomber set off the device before she could pass through a metal detector, Markin said, citing available information.
He said the bomber used the equivalent of 10 kilograms of TNT and included shrapnel.
Video taken from an outside security camera shows a huge fireball inside what appears to be the main entrance followed by a steady trail of smoke coming out shattered windows.
The bombing occurred at about 12:45 p.m. local time (3:45 a.m. ET), officials said.
President Vladimir Putin posted a message on the Kremlin's website sending his condolences to the family of those killed and wishing a quick recovery to those hurt.
Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev ordered the emergency and health ministries to provide "all necessary assistance" to the wounded.
It is the second bombing in the southern Russian city in two months and comes less than six weeks ahead of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, located less than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from Volgograd.
No one has claimed responsibility for the attack.
"There can be no justification for such barbarous attacks." said NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. "NATO and Russia stand together in the fight against terrorism., including by working together on technology to prevent attacks on public transport systems."
A White House spokeswoman said, "Our hearts go out to the victims and their families."
In October, a bomber blew up a passenger bus, killing six people and wounding more than 30 others. Russian media reported that a female Islamist suicide bomber from the Russian region of Dagestan was responsible for the attack.
Volgograd, once called Stalingrad, is a major rail hub in the region, and each day thousands of passengers pass through the station, many on their way to Moscow.
The restive region of Chechnya is also located in this southern portion of Russia.
TM & © 2013 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.


text: Thirty becomes thirty-two with the new Strike Industries Enhanced Magazine Plate (E.M.P.) to be used in conjunction with Magpul PMAG Gen M2. The new polymer mag plate can be utilized as a Monopod and has a grooved design for an easy grab on reloads or acquisition from a pouch. The SI EMP is now available in Black and FDE at StrikeIndustries.com


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Three Days of Vegetarian Entrées
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- Summary
Founded in 1979, Elephants Delicatessen in Portland, Oregon, pioneered the gourmet food market with its made-from-scratch entrées prepared with all-natural, local ingredients. This collection includes three of their most popular take-away vegetarian entrées. Just bake until bubbly for a simple, satisfying meal. These dishes are an easy, delicious option for working families and a thoughtful gift for anyone who is too busy to shop and cook.
Polenta Dolcetta: Bob's Red Mill polenta mixed with pungent Gorgonzola dolce, then layered with a pleasantly spicy tomato sauce and gooey fontina cheese. 2 lb. 6 oz.
Zuni Stew: A Southwestern mixture of roasted butternut squash, corn, Blue Lake beans and tomato, in a thick, spicy sauce, coated with locally sourced cheese. 2 lb. 1 oz.
Vegetable Lasagna: Using fresh, local tomatoes, the bright, tangy marinara sauce is layered between tender lasagna noodles and soft herbed cheese, and topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese. 2 lb. 4 oz.
- Contains three entrées.
- 6 lb. 11 oz. total (each serves 2–4).
- Shipped frozen.
- Made in USA.
- Use & Care
Receiving Instructions
- The entrées are shipped frozen with dry ice, which may have evaporated during shipment. This is normal. Please take care not to touch any remaining dry ice with bare hands. Upon receipt, place the entrées in the freezer where they will keep up to 60 days, or store in the refrigerator and consume within 4 days.
- If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Preheat a conventional oven to 375°F. Place the entrée on a sheet pan, remove lid and cook for 40 minutes. If using a convection oven, remove lid, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F, removing foil during the last 5 minutes to brown the top. Allow the entrée 5–10 minutes to rest prior to serving.
- Ingredients
- Polenta Dolcetta: Polenta (polenta cornmeal, garlic, vegetable base [sautéed carrots, onions, celery], salt, sugar, maltodextrin, corn oil, less than 2% of yeast extract, water, potato starch, xanthan gum, natural flavors, carrot juice concentrate), Romano cheese, salted butter, half & half, extra-virgin olive oil, water, white pepper, red chile flake, sea salt, picante tomato sauce (vine-ripened tomatoes, tomato puree, onion, garlic, Italian parsley, water, extra-virgin olive oil, red chile flake, kosher salt), Gorgonzola sauce (whole milk [3.8%], salted butter, Gorgonzola cheese, flour [wheat flour, ascorbic acid, enzyme (added for improved baking), niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid], nutmeg, white pepper, kosher salt), quattro cheese blend (low-moisture mozzarella cheese [pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes], Asiago cheese [pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes], provolone cheese [pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes], Romano cheese [pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes]), Fontana cheese.
- Zuni Stew: Butternut squash, onion, garlic, New Mexico chilies, vine-ripened tomatoes, pinto beans, corn, Blue Lake beans, Muenster cheese, cilantro, extra virgin olive oil, canola oil, chile powder, cumin, coriander, Kosher salt, oregano.
- Vegetable Lasagna: Marinara sauce (vine-ripened tomatoes, tomato puree, carrot, garlic, fresh basil, fresh rosemary, extra virgin olive oil, Kosher salt, ground black pepper), cannelloni filling (whole milk ricotta, scallion, grated parmesan, nutmeg, kosher salt, black pepper, fresh spinach, cream cheese, fresh basil, oregano), Béchamel sauce (salted butter, flour [wheat flour, ascorbic acid, enzyme added for improved baking, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid], whole milk (3.8%), white pepper, celery salt), lasagna sheets (water, enriched durum semolina [durum semolina wheat flour, niacin, ferrous sulfate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid], enriched wheat flour [wheat flour, malted barley flour, niacin, ferrous sulfate, thiamine, mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid], egg whites), quatro cheese (low moisture mozzarella [pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes], Asiago [pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes], provolone [pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes], romano [pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes]), grated parmesan.
- Shipping
Shipping Information
Please allow 2-7 business days for processing and delivery. This gives our artisan partners time to prepare your order with exceptional care and attention to detail. A more accurate delivery date will be quoted on the payment page. Perishable food items are not eligible for rush shipping. Please not that we do not ship perishable food items outside the contiguous 48 states or to P.O. Boxes.
Shipping Rates
The shipping rate varies depending on your order total and shipping destination. View Shipping Options and Charges.
Return Policy
At Williams Sonoma, we take great pride in the quality and craftsmanship of our products. Attention to design, materials, safety and construction are our priority. Upon receipt, please inspect your purchase and notify us of any damage; we will arrange for a prompt replacement.
If within 30 days, you are dissatisfied for any reason, you may return your purchase for a refund of the merchandise value. An original receipt or gift receipt is required for all returns and exchanges. Returns with a gift receipt will be refunded in the form of a Merchandise Credit for the amount indicated on the gift receipt. Returns with original receipt will be refunded in the original form of payment, cash and check refunds over $100 will be issued as a company check (may take 14 business days from time of request).
For all cutlery returns (knife sets, single knives, cutting boards, knife sharpeners and knife storage), please contact us at 888.922.4108 to initiate the return.
We cannot accept returns on monogrammed, personalized, special-order items, custom upholstery, food, items shipped direct from the vendor or on items damaged through normal wear and tear. Final sale items ending in .97 or .99 cannot be returned.
Made to Order and Final Sale Furniture items are non-returnable and cannot be cancelled once the order is placed.
For returns of items purchased from your Williams Sonoma Gift Registry, we will gladly provide a refund or exchange for the merchandise within 90 days of your event or within 90 days of purchase, whichever date is later. View Full Returns Policy.
Pairs Well With
Three Days of Entrées
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Five Days of Entrées
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Rated 5 out of 5 by Suzy from Delicious Just finished the Polenta and it was delicious. A great balance between cheese and spices. I would definitely recommend it. Haven't had the others yetDate published: 2019-10-27Rated 5 out of 5 by SVDJ from Delicious and different The Zuni stew and Polenta were delicious and different. Hearty and savory. The Lasagne was tasty too. The only negative is that these realistically will serve 2, maybe 3 as a meal unto themselves. Add a salad or other accompaniment to extend servings.Date published: 2017-01-15Rated 5 out of 5 by lucas2016 from fantastic and tasty This is so good. My daughter is a vegetarian. I'm not. I was so glad to find this. I saw it's for a limited time. I wish they would continue it.Date published: 2016-03-30Rated 5 out of 5 by sudeme from I stay away from Meat So that means a home run as far as I am concerned. Even my husband who is a huge meat eater loved the Entrees for Meatless Friday. Trying for more days to steer him away from all the meat........Date published: 2015-10-29Rated 4 out of 5 by Anicab from When you work too much... These veggie entrees are a great back up to have on hand. They're really good and satisfying. Thinking about sending them to a friend recovering from surgery.Date published: 2015-10-13
Do these entrees come in the pictured Staub ceramic dishes?Hi Cathy, No, the serveware pictured do not come with the entrees.Date published: 2019-12-13
How many servings in each casserole?Hi Jessica, Each serves 2–4.Date published: 2019-04-28


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more about A. DAVID MacKINNON
The Past Is A Foreign Country() released Apr. 08, 2012
|The 2012 debut solo release from the FemBots' A. David MacKinnon.
"...interesting, beautiful, smart, and often fun. Its appeal may not be universal, but those who like it will probably love it." - Torontoise
Learn more about A. David MacKinnon at http://adavidmackinnon.blogspot.ca.


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Freedom in the World
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2010 Scores
Partly Free
Freedom Rating (1 = best, 7 = worst)
Civil Liberties (1 = best, 7 = worst)
Political Rights (1 = best, 7 = worst)
Political uncertainty increased in 2009 as President Alvaro Uribe's supporters took steps to allow him to seek a third term in 2010. A scandal involving government surveillance of civil society members, opposition politicians, and judges sharpened existing tensions between the president and the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the significant security gains of recent years appeared to level off, as violence rose in some cities and rural zones. Relations with neighboring Venezuela continued to worsen amid recriminations over a U.S.-Colombian military accord and Caracas's alleged toleration of Colombian rebel activity on Venezuelan territory.
Following independence from Spain in 1819, Gran Colombia broke into what became Venezuela, Ecuador, and modern Colombia. The 1903 secession of Panama, engineered by the United States, left Colombia with its present boundaries. A civil war between Liberals and Conservatives, known as La Violencia, erupted in 1948 and resulted in some 200,000 deaths before subsiding after 1953. From 1958 to 1974, the two parties alternated in the presidency under the terms of a 1957 coalition pact (the National Front) aimed at ending civil strife.Colombia has since been marked by corrupt politics as well as by left-wing guerrilla insurgencies, right-wing paramilitary violence, the emergence of vicious drug cartels, and human rights abusescommitted by all sides.
Conservative candidate Andres Pastrana won the 1998 presidential election, and as part of the peace process he arranged for the leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebel group to occupy a so-called demilitarized zone in the south. However, in 2001 it became clear that the FARC was using its territory to coordinate military and criminal operations, and the government began a new offensive.
In the 2002 presidential election, Colombians chose Alvaro Uribe, a former provincial governor who ran as an independent and pledged to crush the rebels by military means. Soon after his inauguration, he decreed a state of emergency and created special combat zones in 27 municipalities in which the military was allowed to restrict civilian movement and conduct searches without a warrant. Right-wing paramilitary death squads, grouped together as the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC), also battled the guerrillas in both rural and urban areas, sometimes with the tolerance or covert complicity of government forces. However, the country continued to be racked by massacres, drug trafficking, and kidnappings. Uribe was praised for his diligent leadership and communications skills, but critics faulted him for his authoritarian bent and apparent lack of concern for human rights. The Constitutional Court in 2003stripped him of the emergency powers he had assumed in 2002, and he triggered protests by proposing an amnesty that would grant paramilitaries reduced prison sentences or allow them to pay reparations in lieu of jail time.
Although by 2005 the leftist guerrillas had largely ceded control of major cities to the paramilitaries, the FARC and the smaller National Liberation Army (ELN) appeared determined to hold out in remote areas, using the narcotics trade and extortion for financial support. Moreover, social and human rights conditions in newly recaptured rural areas sometimes deteriorated further as paramilitaries replaced the guerrillas. In subsequent years, the government attempted to better integrate its military presence with social development in former conflict zones, with limited impact.
Debate continued over the paramilitaries' demobilization. Human rights groups claimed that the Justice and Peace Law, adopted in June 2005, failed to ensure the permanent dismantling of paramilitary organizations and did not allow adequate time for their many crimes to be investigated. The government denied that the law encouraged impunity—combatants could be required to spend between five and eight years in prison—and noted that it did not apply to drug-related offenses. In May 2006, the Constitutional Court struck down certain elements of the law and mandated full confessions, the seizure of illicitly acquired assets, and the provision of reparations to victims.
In the run-up to the March 2006 legislative elections, the FARC and paramilitaries sometimes attacked local politicians and intimidated civilians. However, violence declined prior to the May presidential election, in which Uribe's prospects were bolstered by a growing economy and the perception of improved security. He was reelected with 62 percent of the vote, fully 40 points ahead of his closest rival.
By late 2006, more than 30,000 paramilitaries had formally demobilized. However, human rights groups reported subsequent problems with civilian reintegration, violence against former combatants, a lack of resources for investigations, nonparticipation in the justice and peace process, and delays in reparation payments and physical protection for victims. In some cases the FARC moved into territory vacated by demobilized paramilitaries, while other areas were held by new factions that were at least partly composed of recalcitrant or recidivist members of the disbanded paramilitary groups. These organizations often mimicked the AUC, reportedly engaging in extortion, assassinations, and in some cases collaboration with security forces or guerrillas, although they lacked the AUC's unified command structure. While drug trafficking was their primary focus, they also frequently directed aggression against social and human rights activists, particularly those advocating on behalf of victims of AUC crimes.
Top AUC leaders continued in 2007 and 2008 to testify about their crimes. In certain instances they refused to admit culpability, but others yielded valuable information on paramilitary operations and thousands of unsolved murders. In April 2008, 14 paramilitary chiefs were extradited to the United States, where they faced long prison sentences for drug trafficking. The Colombian government argued that this would break their ongoing control over drug distribution networks, but rights groups feared that the transfers would truncate the confessions process, a concern validated in 2009 as testimony from some of the most important leaders ceased. In August 2009 the Colombian Supreme Court prohibited further extraditions of former paramilitary leaders still involved in the justice and peace process.
Observers also raised concerns that the extraditions effectively removed potential witnesses in the ongoing "parapolitics" scandal, which linked scores of politicians to paramilitaries. By the end of 2009, over 80 congressmen—including the president's cousin, Mario Uribe—had been arrested, convicted, or were under investigation. The case stoked tensions between the president and the Supreme Court, which is tasked with investigating sitting lawmakers. Several dozen congressmen resigned to remove their cases from the court's purview, but in 2009 the court ruled that it would retain jurisdiction over investigations of resigned congressmen.
Meanwhile, in February 2009, evidence emerged of a massive telephone, e-mail, and personal surveillance operation initiated in 2003 by Colombia's intelligence agency, the Administrative Security Department (DAS). Among its targets were journalists, nongovernmental organization (NGO) workers, politicians, and Supreme Court justices. Dozens of DAS employees were dismissed and 10 were charged. Nonetheless, signs of continued wiretapping were revealed in August. In September, Uribe announced that the DAS would be disbanded, with most of its functions absorbed by the police.
The DAS scandal added to the strains in the relationship between the president and the Supreme Court. Among other contributing factors, the administration lodged accusations of corruption within the court, the court rejected all attorney general candidates proposed by Uribe, and a series of court-led investigations focused on supposed exchanges of favors surrounding the passage of a 2004 constitutional amendment that had allowed Uribe's reelection in 2006.
FARC activity appeared to increased somewhat in 2009, although signs of rebel weakness—including desertions, information leaks, and reports of paranoia-induced internal brutality—continued to emerge. The government had made major gains against the FARC in 2008, killing a top commander, Raul Reyes, in a March raid on a rebel camp across the Ecuadorean border and rescuing a group of high-profile FARC hostages in July. Also that year, another FARC leader, Ivan Rios, was killed by one of his own guards, and the group's founder, Manuel Marulanda, died of natural causes. Six additional hostages were released in February 2009.
According to police figures, the country's overall homicide rate declined slightly in 2009, but murders increased in the country's three largest cities, Bogota, Medellin, and Cali. The sharp rise in Medellin reflected competition to fill a criminal power vacuum created by the extradition of paramilitary boss and drug kingpin Diego Murillo Bejarano.
Colombia's relations with its neighbors have been turbulent in recent years. Both Ecuador and Venezuela cut off diplomatic ties after Colombia's 2008 cross-border raid in Ecuador; many, though not all, ties with Ecuador were subsequently reestablished. In October 2009, the United States and Colombia signed a defense pact granting U.S. military personnel and aircraft increased access to seven Colombian bases. The agreement's broad language led Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez to denounce it in bellicose terms, prompting fears of a border conflict.
Political Rights and Civil Liberties:
Colombia is an electoral democracy. The 2006 legislative elections, while an improvement over the 2002 contest, were marred by vote buying, district switching, opaque financing, paramilitary intimidation, and violence. The 2006 presidential election was comparatively peaceful, and the 2007 regional and local elections repeated some of the flaws of the congressional polls but marked an improvement over the last such elections in 2003.
The Congress is comprised of the Senate and the Chamber of Representatives, with all seats up for election every four years. Of the Senate's 102 members, two are chosen by indigenous communities and 100 by the nation at large using a party-list system. The Chamber of Deputies consists of 166 members elected by party-list proportional representation in multimember districts.
President Alvaro Uribe's 2006 reelection came after a drawn-out constitutional amendment campaign to allow a second four-year presidential term. Starting in 2008, Uribe supporters collected enough petition signatures to launch a constitutional amendment referendum for a third term, but the effort was marred by serious doubts about its financing, the wording of the question to voters, and the procedures used to move the measure through Congress. The opposition boycotted the August and September 2009 votes in which progovernment legislators barely secured passage of the referendum law. Meanwhile, Uribe maintained a calculated ambiguity about his electoral intentions, adding to institutional uncertainty.
The traditional Liberal-Conservative partisan duopoly in Congress has in recent years been supplanted by a rough division between anti-Uribe forces on the left and pro-Uribe forces on the right. The shift was partly the result of 2003 reforms designed to open the system and contain the problem of party fragmentation. Further political reform efforts in 2008 and 2009 proved contentious, especially the opposition's argument that seats vacated by lawmakers implicated in the parapolitics scandal should be left empty rather than filled by the next candidate on their party list. A bill passed in June 2009 included the "empty seat" provision for crimes tying politicians to armed groups but did not apply it to the parapolitics-linked legislators in the 2006–10 congressional term. The measure also provided a period during which current legislators could change parties without penalty, leading to a flurry of party-switching between July and September. Late in the year, several new parties formed as vehicles for members of the groups most implicated in the parapolitics scandal to maintain influence, in many cases by using relatives as proxy candidates.
Corruption occurs at multiple levels of public administration. In 2009, public attention focused on an agricultural subsidies program that benefited large landowners and suspected front men at the expense of poor rural farmers. Controversy also raged around the allegation that Uribe's two sons improperly profited from a zoning change affecting recently purchased property. Colombia was ranked 75 out of 180 countries surveyed in Transparency International's 2009 Corruption Perceptions Index.
The constitution guarantees freedom of expression, and opposition viewpoints are commonly expressed. However, crime and conflict make it difficult for journalists to conduct their work. Dozens of journalists have been murdered since the mid-1990s, many for reporting on drug trafficking and corruption. Most of the cases remain unsolved; in 2009, material perpetrators—though not intellectual authors—were convicted in three murders. At least one reporter was killed in 2009 in connection with his work, and self-censorship remained common. The Uribe administration has repeatedly accused journalists of antigovernment bias or links to guerrillas. Journalist Hollman Morris, a target of particular executive opprobrium in 2009, was also among 16 reporters confirmed as subjects of DAS surveillance. Slander and defamation remain criminalized. The government does not limit or block access to the internet or censor websites.
The constitution provides for freedom of religion, and the government generally respects this right in practice. The authorities also uphold academic freedom, and university debates are often vigorous, although armed groups maintain a presence on many campuses to generate political support and intimidate opponents.
Constitutional rights regarding freedoms of assembly and association are restricted in practice by violence. Although the government provides extensive protection to several thousand threatened human rights workers, trust in the program varies widely, and numerous activists have been murdered by all armed groups. Uribe's rhetorical hostility toward NGOs and the sometimes baseless legal cases brought against human rights defenders are on occasion interpreted as a green light to physically attack them, and threats against activists have increased in recent years. From 2006 to 2009, at least 20 victims' rights and land activists were killed; advocates for the displaced face special risk as former paramilitaries seek to smother criticism of their ill-gotten assets.
Colombia is considered the world's most dangerous country for organized labor. More than 2,600 union activists and leaders have been killed over the last two decades, with an impunity rate of over 95 percent. Labor leaders are frequently targeted by paramilitary groups, guerrillas, and narcotics traffickers. Although killings declined from 49 in 2008 to 39 in 2009, the issue continued to hold up ratification of a bilateral free-trade agreement by the U.S. Congress. In response, the government has worked with the International Labour Organization and formed a special unit of prosecutors that, starting in 2007, substantially increased prosecutions for assassinations of union members. More than 180 convictions have been secured since 2007, compared to 50 between 2000 and 2006. Nonetheless, most convictions have involved material rather than intellectual authors, and the impunity rate remains above 90 percent.
The justice system remains compromised by corruption and extortion. The Constitutional Court and Supreme Court have, on multiple occasions, demonstrated independence from the executive. Lower courts are more susceptible to political and criminal influence.
Many soldiers operating in Colombia's complex security environment work under limited civilian oversight. The government has in recent years increased human rights training and investigated a greater number of military personnel for grave human rights abuses. Collaboration between security forces and illegal armed groups declined considerably following AUC demobilization, but rights groups report toleration of the new paramilitary formations in some regions. Primary responsibility for combating them rests with the police, who are underresourced compared with the military and lack a presence in many rural areas where combatants are active.
In 2008, the army chief and several dozen other officers were fired over a scandal involving the systematic killing of civilians to fraudulently inflate guerrilla death tolls. More than 2,000 people may have been killed in this way, although the pace declined substantially in 2009. By year's end the attorney general's office was investigating over 2,000 security force members and had arrested several hundred.
All of the illegal armed groups systematically abuse human rights. FARC guerrillas regularly extort payments from businesspeople and intimidate suspected government informants. The increasing use of landmines has added to casualties among both civilians and the military. Impunity is rampant for all criminals, and victims of human rights abuses often express frustration with the government's level of commitment to obtaining economic reparations and prosecuting perpetrators. In June 2009, a victims' rights bill that would have increased reparations was shelved after congressmen were unable to agree on its terms. The government insisted that the version preferred by victims was too expensive and improperly placed state violations on an equal footing with those of nonstate groups. Meanwhile, victims and rights groups expressed concern that demobilized paramilitaries had returned just a fraction of the millions of acres of land they had seized while ostensibly fighting the guerrillas.
Colombia's more than 1.7 million indigenous inhabitants live on more than 34 million hectares granted to them by the government, often in resource-rich, strategic regions that are contested by the various armed groups. Indigenous people are frequently targeted by all sides. Despite a January 2009 Constitutional Court ruling that extended guarantees of protection, murders of indigenous people increased significantly during the year, including several massacres of members of the Awa group by the FARC and other, unknown actors.
Afro-Colombians, who account for as much as 25 percent of the population, make up the largest sector of Colombia's nearly 4 million displaced people, and 80 percent of Afro-Colombians fall below the poverty line. In March 2009 the Inter-American Human Rights Commission reported ongoing, grievous violations of Afro-Colombians' legal rights. The displaced population as a whole suffers from social stigma, arbitrary arrest, and exploitation, as well as generalized poverty.
Homosexuals face active discrimination, but in 2007 the Constitutional Court ruled that homosexual couples must be made eligible for various benefits, which were expanded in April 2008 and January 2009.
Child labor is a serious problem in Colombia, as are child recruitment into illegal armed groups and related sexual abuse. Sexual harassment, violence against women, and the trafficking of women for sexual exploitation remain major concerns. Almost 60 percent of the displaced population is female. The country's active abortion-rights movement has challenged restrictive laws, and in 2006 a Constitutional Court ruling allowed abortion in cases of rape or incest, or to protect the mother's life.


text: Technology with Ethical & Moral Values Study both scientific and technological critical-thinking while positively influencing both the social and engineering challenges of our times. Mission Preparing the next generation of science & technology leaders to pursue exciting solutions. Degrees & Programs Learn more about exciting programs in computer science, physics and computational physics. Beyond the Classroom Explore the variety of jobs held by our recent graduates. Faculty Meet our the department's dedicated faculty members and contact them.


text:
This section introduces you to news librarianship, including links to some journals by news librarians.
About News Librarianship
|This page contains information about news libraries, resources news librarians use and where to learn more.
|A Day in the Life
|In 1997, for a MidAtlantic News Research Conference, 17 librarians recorded a day in the life of their library.
|News Librarian Job Titles
|Here is a list of some titles news librarians have.
|Learn more about what some news librarians do
Last Update: 08/28/05
Alice Pepper


text:
07 February 2007
Away From The Desk
"Live the values. Live the glue."
After a three hour journey through heavy sleet we arrived at Hotel Aston in Bratislava and had a couple of beers. Very spacious rooms. Claret and blue kit. A conference was going on there - "lubricants committed to move your world". As you can see by the website name, the innuendo didn't start with the slogan. Their business cards were novel too, but not appropriate for a family blog.
Anyway, after a tiring series of morning meetings (yeah right) the working day ended with a spot of hitch-hiking as the mates who drove me the night before were planning on doing a full day's work before returning to Prague. I made it back via four lifts. The first guy had major arm and hand deformities but was a nifty driver. He pointed out that his car was 23 years old and then dropped me in the middle of nowhere. The next chap explained that he took gas from Russians and put it in holes. He drove me a few junctions up the motorway and left me at a quiet junction where a car sped by every 5 minutes. The next chap was an ugly truck driver with no teeth on his way to Peterborough. Bingo. I couldn't figure out what he was delivering, but he was very friendly and showed me pictures of his teenage daughter. He stopped just short of Prague, but I didn't have to wait long for the final lift.
4 comments:
- Damon Lord said...
Did you intentionally go to Bratislava to find out who gives a fuchs? ;) And wouldn't it have been quicker back on the train, or did you hitchhike for the adventure?
- Praguetory said...
I wasn't intending to find out who gave a fuchs, but I did.
It wouldn't have been quicker on a train - firstly because the train takes 5 hours and secondly because my destination was on the Prague side of Bratislava so it would have taken half an hour to get to the train station (and that's before organising the tickets, waiting etc).
- Damon Lord said...
Cool. By the way, only a possibility at the moment, but I might be heading to Praha this summer for a bit, because of my studies. I'm trying to find any excuse to combine a research trip to either Czechia or Germany to do enjoy the beer, and, er, um, do so research for my European culture and identities university course.
Hey. Good news. This is one Czech event I can recommend for this summer. It's west of Prague close to the German border.


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Sunyata Buddhist Centre : Fifth Precept Sangha
This is a wholly Buddhist-oriented Recovery Group
Venue: Sunyata Buddhist Centre
Day: Every Thursday usually from 8.30pm (please arrive 10 minutes early ready for a prompt start, thank you).
Time: Various start times – please email email@example.com
or call Eoin on (+353) 0656829529
Type: Sit-and-Share
Address: Sunyata Buddhist Centre, Snaty, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare, Ireland
For further information please email email@example.com
The Sunyata Fifth Precept Sangha is a peer support group for people who are suffering because of addiction problems, substance abuse, depression, stress, burnout, or other forms of obsessive behaviour. We offer a learning space for those who would like to work on relieving their stresses and anxieties. From the position of recovery, our practice lies in awakening the heart of wisdom and compassion. This heart is our own true heart — the essence of peace, harmony and joy — and it is not separate from the heart of all beings.
Underlying all our practice is truthfulness and honesty. When one is truly honest and on the path, one can begin to fully recover and "awaken" to a rich and boundless serenity.
So whether we are recovering from addiction, living with addicted people, suffering burn out, obsession, or just recovering from life, all are welcome and you don't need to be Buddhist to reap the rewards. All are welcome!
Our mindfulness-based "Sit-and-Share" meditation meetings will be held Thursday evenings in the Meditation Hall at Sunyata Buddhist Centre.
Each 'sit and share' meeting begins with 10-minutes of serenity meditation. This is a simple breathing meditation to calm the breath, relax the body and quiet the mind.
This is followed by a further 10-minute active contemplation of a topic chosen by the group. This meditation involves the examination of the chosen topic in all areas of our life. Individuals are then invited to share on the topic as it relates to their recovery or abstinence. There is no expectation or obligation on any individual to 'share'; they can simply 'pass' if they so wish.
The last meditation of the night may be a guided or a silent 30-minute 'sit'.
No registration needed – just show up.
Meetings operate on an informal drop-in basis and are suitable for all levels of experience.
What does it cost?
No fee – donations only.
There is no charge to attend these meditation meetings, you just need a desire to be free from the suffering of addiction. A donation (Dana) towards the centre's running costs and refreshments would be welcome but is not compulsory (suggested €3 or concessions €2). No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
What to bring?
Seating is on the chairs and meditation cushions provided. Dress comfortably. You are also welcome to bring your own blanket, cushions or meditation stool for comfort.
An international directory of Buddhist Recovery Meetings can be found here.


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The Sage BusinessVision payroll update for 2017 is recommended for all Britec customers.
It is a good time now to start booking your payroll update with Britec to ensure that the update is performed properly and professionally.
Why is this important?
The taxation updates reflect the most recent changes from the CRA and will ensure payroll deductions, T4s, and other critical payroll features are using accurate and up to date information.
Key updates include:
- EI rates and maximums have changed.
- CPP rates and maximums have changed.
- The federal indexation is 1.4%.
- WCB maximums have changed.
- Personal tax credits have changed.
Contact us about the Payroll Update Now, or Call 1.855.274.8321
Answers to common questions
When does the Payroll update need to be installed?
After your last payroll run in December of 2016 and before your first payroll run in January 2017, even
though you may be paying employees for time worked in December 2017.
What does the Payroll Year End accomplish and when should I perform the Payroll Year-end?
A Payroll Year End is necessary in order to finalize year-to-date information, and make that information available for producing T4's. Be sure to perform the Payroll Year End before producing ANY paycheques in 2017. If paycheques are produced for 2017 and then the Payroll Year End is performed, T4's will be incorrect.
What should I do if I didn't get the update installed before the first pay period in January 2017?
Contact Britec to install the update before the second pay period in January or as soon as possible. Take no other action – any discrepancies will be straightened out when your employees file their 2017 tax return.
Only I have access to the payroll module in Sage BusinessVision can I just install the payroll update on my computer?
The payroll update needs to be installed on all computers where Sage BusinessVision is installed. Take the guess work out of the update and contact Britec today to book an appointment for your Sage BusinessVision payroll update.


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Parents in Kentucky and across the country may be shocked to learn that a study from the Nationwide Children's Hospital has revealed that 66,000 infants and toddlers are treated in emergency rooms in the United States each year for injuries caused by nursery product-related accidents.
This figure indicates that a child under the age of 3 is injured by a nursery product about every 8 minutes or so, and the Ohio-based hospital's research team came to this conclusion after scrutinizing emergency room records over a 21-year period of time between 1991 and 2011. The researchers paid particular attention to the cases of infants or toddlers who had been injured by nursery products, and they noticed that the amount of these injuries had increased by a worrying 25 percent during the last 8 years studied.
According to the NCH research, the vast majority of these injuries were caused by falls involving products like walkers, bouncers or changing tables. One of the researchers involved says that manufacturers deserve much of the blame and could improve matters considerably by making simple improvements to cribs and strollers. The study's lead author points out that the business community responded positively in 2001 when similar research exposed vulnerabilities in baby walker designs.
Manufacturers have good reason to be concerned about this kind of safety research. Unsafe or defective products could damage corporate reputations and place hard-won market shares in jeopardy, and the punitive damages often awarded in product liability cases can be quite high. Experienced personal injury attorneys may encourage manufacturers to settle this kind of litigation quickly and quietly to avoid a flood of similar claims.


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Ford is considering moving it's massive vehicle finance operations from the UK to Germany after Brexit.
Sky News reported that Ford Credit Europe (FCE) employees, based in Warley, Essex, have been told that the firm is looking into applying for a German banking license.
The news follows Ford's decision to plan more than 1,000 redundancies by 2021 at the firm's Bridgend plant and the sale of Vauxhall by parent company General Motors to the makers of Peugeot.
FCE provides credit services for car buyers across Europe and the move would allow the company to continue accessing the EU's single market if the UK loses its services passporting rights after Brexit.
Unite general secretary, Len McCluskey, said: "The nervousness of the UK auto-sector is on daily display now. The government cannot continue to ignore what is going on any longer. The industry needs certainty now, not two or more years down the line when we may or may not have a Brexit deal.
"Ford's move is also a reminder that sector by sector trading and market access arrangements, as suggested by the government, are just not appropriate – they could in fact make matters worse. As in the case of Ford and its financial arm, the distinction between manufacturing and services is a grey area at best. The only way around this is for full access to the single market and customs union."
To read Sky News' full report follow the link.


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Making Accessibility a Priority
Imagine participating in a classroom where every attempt at retaining information imperative to your success is thwarted by the medium through which it's delivered. Perhaps the slides on the overhead projector are impossibly blurry, or the instructor's voice is faint, almost mute. What if the color-coded charts and graphs in your textbook could be better understood with an image description, but the publisher failed to take color-blind learners into account? Now picture addressing these issues with your course instructor only to be told the materials could be retrofitted for accessibility, but it would place you behind the already brisk pace of the course.
Problems relating to accessibility pervade both physical and online classrooms. While online courses can make educational access easier for learners who are less physically mobile, many students with disabilities continue to struggle with obtaining the access they need simply because their courses were designed without accessibility in mind. This web page is intended to educate our online and hybrid instructors as to the legalities and institutional policies related to designing accessible online materials, as well as provide resources and practical solutions for common accessibility questions you may encounter during the course design process. At CLEAR, we're dedicated to working with the UNT Office of Disability Accommodation to ensure that all UNT students have equal opportunity to learn.
Laws and Policy
Designing your course for accessibility is not just a recommended best practice, it's also the law. Many well-respected, American educational institutions have faced lawsuits due to what some judges deemed actionable negligence towards the needs of disabled students attempting to access university materials online. Most individual institutional policies related to online accessibility are upheld by sections 508 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which requires federal and federally funded programs to accommodate all individuals with disabilities. Originally enacted in 1973, an amendment (Section 508) to the Rehabilitation Act was passed in 1998 due to the rapid growth of the internet, which takes into account equal individual access to electronic and information technology.
Likewise, at the institutional level, all UNT instructors are required to collaborate with the Office of Disability Accommodation (ODA) to ensure that students have access to materials that are treated to fit their needs. Moreover, both online and face-to-face instructors must include an ADA statement in their syllabi that inform students about UNT's accommodation resources.
Understanding Disabilities
Before tackling accessibility in your course, it's important to understand the types of disabilities for which your students may request accommodations.
Blindness, low vision, color-blindness
Deafness and hard-of-hearing
Inability to use a mouse, slow response time, limited fine motor control
Learning disabilities, distractibility, inability to remember or focus on large amounts of information
Identify Accessibility Gaps
Once you understand the types of disabilities, then you can begin to identify accessibility gaps in your existing content. At this point, you should be thinking about the materials in your course and ask questions such as:
- Does my audio content include transcriptions?
- Are my videos captioned?
- Do all the images used in my course have appropriate text descriptions?
- Can my applications be used with only the keyboard?
- Do my course pages have a consistent look and feel?
- Do text and overall design have enough color contrast?
- Do all my pages include headings and landmarks?
- When the styling and layout of the page are removed, is it still understandable?
These questions address common accessibility issues but you may receive a request that requires special consideration. If you have any accessibility questions, feel free to submit a CLEAR Consultation Request Form.
You are always welcome to join us in the Support and Services Building for our Accessibility Lunch & Learn Series.
Technical Resources
Retrofitting or building your course from the ground up with accessibility in mind requires a bit of technical know-how, and the process can be time-consuming. However, both you and your students will reap the benefits of participating in a course that has implemented the best practices. Below are a few technical resources that can help you take the first steps towards a fully accessible course:
- Creating alt-text for images
- Creating accessible Word documents
- Creating accessible PowerPoint documents
- Creating accessible PDF documents
- Creating accessible tables
- Converting image-based PDF's into text-based Word documents
- Closed-captioning for videos
- Closed-captioning for YouTube videos


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Beth Howland, who made high anxiety an art form as the ditsy, accident-prone waitress Vera Louise Gorman on the 1970s and '80s sitcom "Alice," died on Dec. 31, 2015, in Santa Monica, Calif., her husband said on Tuesday. He had refrained from announcing her death earlier in keeping with her wishes. She was 74.
The cause was lung cancer, her husband, the actor Charles Kimbrough, said, adding that she had not wanted a funeral or a memorial service.
"It was the Boston side of her personality coming out," Mr. Kimbrough said. "She didn't want to make a fuss."
Ms. Howland was a modestly successful television actress, with a handful of Broadway credits on her résumé, when Alan Shayne, the president of Warner Bros. Television, began casting roles for "Alice." The CBS series, based on the 1974 Martin Scorsese film "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore," required three waitresses for Mel's Diner, the locus of the action, one of them the high-strung Vera, played in the film by Valerie Curtin.
Mr. Shayne had seen Ms. Howland on Broadway in the Stephen Sondheim musical "Company," where, as a nervous prospective bride named Amy, she sang a lightning-fast patter song, "Getting Married Today."
"Vera was written as a taut wire, ready to go to pieces at any minute," he wrote in "Double Life: A Love Story From Broadway to Hollywood" (2011), a memoir written with Norman Sunshine. He recalled Ms. Howland, in the musical, "going to pieces in front of the audience's eyes."
Ms. Howland won the role, and for nine seasons, from 1976 to 1985, she kept television audiences amused with her wide-eyed, jumpy performances. Asked to describe her character, she told Knight Newspapers in 1979: "Insecure and vulnerable. Probably works the hardest of anybody in the diner. Very gullible, very innocent."
Elizabeth Howland was born on May 28, 1941, in Boston. She studied dance at the Hazel Boone Studio and, after graduating from high school at 16, headed to New York, where she landed a replacement role as Lady Beth in "Once Upon a Mattress" and a role as a dancer in "Bye Bye Birdie." She also appeared, alongside Valerie Harper and Donna Douglas, the future Elly May Clampett on "The Beverly Hillbillies," as a dancer in the 1959 film "Li'l Abner."
At 19 she married Michael J. Pollard, one of the lead actors in "Bye Bye Birdie." The marriage ended in divorce. In addition to her husband, who played the anchorman Jim Dial on the television series "Murphy Brown," she is survived by a daughter from her first marriage, Holly Howland.
Small parts on Broadway and in the Off Broadway hit "Your Own Thing," a musical version of "Twelfth Night," led to her breakthrough role in "Company" and her tour-de-force rendition of "Getting Married Today."
"It was a perfect song for me," she told The Los Angeles Times in 2004. "I'm not a singer, and it has maybe four notes."
She performed it again when most of the original cast reassembled in 1993 for concert performances at the Terrace Theater in Long Beach, Calif., and the Vivian Beaumont Theater in Lincoln Center.
After being cast as the wife of a character played by Bert Convy on an episode of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," she moved to Los Angeles to work in television. She appeared on "Love, American Style," "Cannon," "The Rookies" and other shows before taking the role of Vera on "Alice."
Unlike many actors, Ms. Howland had never worked as a waitress. "But I just kept sitting around coffee shops and watching how it's done, and now I can carry four dinners," she told Knight Newspapers.
One of Vera's most memorable moments on the show occurred a scant few seconds after the beginning of the first episode. A customer's cheery "Hi, Vera," caused her to throw a boxful of drinking straws into the air. The freak-out became part of the show's opening credit sequence.
For nine years, Vera remained overwrought, but changes did occur. Toward the end of the series, she married a police officer, Elliot Novak, played by Charles Levin. In the final episode, she announced that she was pregnant.
Ms. Howland acted sporadically after "Alice" went off the air. She had small guest roles on "Eight Is Enough," "Little House on the Prairie," "Murder, She Wrote," "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch" and "The Tick."
She and the actress Jennifer Warren were the executive producers of the documentary "You Don't Have to Die," about a 6-year-old boy's successful battle against cancer. It won an Academy Award in 1989 for best short-subject documentary.


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Once raided by someone who sounds like five hundred,
or something that crashed on Armenian highlands,
like luminous city's triumphant landmark,
a 40's gun disjoined by queen saying "aah".
Iberian grapes go through long fermenation,
adapted in order to run on some system,
so take a look north as the ship's sailing east,
divide place in German by one million squared.
A novel cob pebble a famous example,
a punishment giver or crime-fighting writer,
remember: use one hand and start with the king,
a system of status with fifty between.
A paradise minus an Edmonton constant,
a place to escape one's finance obligations,
a shelter for ships made all safe and secure,
a home theater system surrounded by fowl.
What do we have in common?


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Dr Sanjay V. Lanka
- Lecturer in Financial Management
- Tel: +44 (0) 114 222 0980
- Email: email@example.com
Sanjay Lanka's research interests are in the area of Social, Environmental and Supply Chain Accounting. His research is contributing to the development of a new sub-area of accounting which he calls Agroecology Accounting, which focuses on the relationship between Livelihoods and Biodiversity. Specifically this new area of accounting would look at issues related to how the ecosystem services provided by soil and agricultural biodiversity promote the Sustainable Livelihoods of small holder farmers. He looks at this within the context of the International food system with a specific focus on its impact on small holder farmers who produce 70% of the food with only 30% of the land. His work also critiques the practices of the agricultural-industrial food complex by providing an account of the impact that it has on the livelihoods of small holder farmers.
Sanjay's research also looks at Governance and Accountability within Alternate Trade Organizations such as Fairtrade, which have been set up with the implicit goal of mitigating the impact of the commodification of agriculture to alleviate the livelihoods of small farmers. In this regard his recent experience has been working with an Organic and Fairtrade certified coffee co-operative in India consisting of indigenous coffee farmers. In addition he has also worked with coffee co-operatives in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Currently he is undertaking a research project in Brazil working with smallholder farmers. Sanjay is keen to take on new research projects that engage with these issues using an interdisciplinary perspective.
Sanjay's educational background includes a first class with distinction in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA in International Business. Sanjay's PhD in Accounting at the University of Essex focused on accounting for sustainable livelihoods through an engagement with Fairtrade and biodiversity. Sanjay also has over ten years of experience teaching at the university level and has taught various business courses including Accounting, Community economic development, Operations and Supply Chain management and Global marketing to name a few. In addition to Sanjay's experience doing research and teaching, he has worked in the pharmaceutical, food, and educational testing industries besides having around ten years of experience as a small business and start up consultant. Sanjay also has a wide range of international experience having lived and worked in the U.S., India, China, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. At present he is a faculty member in Financial Management at the Sheffield University Management School, which is among the top one percent of business and management schools worldwide.


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What is green finance, and how will innovations in financial technology (FinTech) impact the environment? The United Nations Environmental Program is banking on new financial technologies to address several issues where environmental stewardship and sustainable development align.
Sustainable development through new and innovative FinTech will, hopefully, address several issues that are keeping large groups of the world population living in extreme poverty and excluded from formal financial systems. The World Bank and other global development groups estimate that about half the world's population, between 2 billion and 2.5 billion people, do not have bank accounts or access to formal financial services, such as credit, savings, or insurance. The goal is universal financial inclusion by 2020.
Financial inclusion is challenged by issues of identity, privacy, rural access to services, and cultural challenges such as women's and children's issues. The lack of infrastructure and financial inclusion for half the world's population is seen as one of the primary roadblocks to sustainable global development.
FinTech – the slang name for innovations in financial technology – has, in many parts of the world with large unbanked populations, leap-frogged from a cash economy over credit and debit cards, to mobile money for both point of sale and bill payments. With strong internet use and smartphone technology, for instance, China is spearheading efforts at moving into a cashless economy. Estimates are that 60% of the population has internet access; the current population is 710 million. The developments have addressed issues of rural access, identity, and credit scoring using alternative variables. The majority of access to the mobile money system in China is through WeChat and AliPay.
Mobile money systems such as digital wallets are significantly less costly to run on average compared to traditional financial systems such as brick and mortar banks. There is a carbon footprint saving as well when moving from a paper-based to a digital system. For those in rural areas, transportation savings when accessing financial services can be significant. The significance of these individual small savings, though, needs to be multiplied by the global population who are currently unbanked. The increased access to formal financial services by half the world's population will fuel both human development and a sustainable future.
View the full list of Fern Software Blog posts here or visit our Library to download other useful resources here.
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On SEDAR tonight, you'll get the NR tomorrow morning for sure. Here's a numbery bit:
For the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2015 ("Q4 2015"), net loss amounted to $17.3 million (Q4 2014: income of $0.1 million), resulting in basic loss per share of $0.13 (Q4 2014: $nil). Loss before income tax for Q4 2015 was $21.2 million, compared with income of $3.4 million in Q4 2014.
The Company's Q4 2015 adjusted net loss was $0.1 million (Q4 2014: income of $0.2 million), after adjusting for the non-cash impairment of Caylloma Mine, net of tax, of $17.0 million ($25.0 million before tax) and other minor items.
Or more simply: A miss.


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Can Sophie Solve the Mystery of the Lodestar?
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Book Review: Lodestar by Shannon Messenger (Keeper of the Lost Cities #5)
Can Sophie Solve the Mystery of the Lodestar?
5 comments:
I'm glad you had that chance meeting, because we have you to thank for introducing us to Keeper of the Lost Cities. It's the first series with a girl as a main character that my ten year old boy wanted to read. He's now read it three times (he reread in anticipation of the last two books).ReplyDeleteReplies
Wow, Amy. Thanks for telling me that. I always love it when people find good books view my recommendations and reviews. That's why I do this after all.Delete
Thanks Mark. Enjoyed your review. Am glad you didn't give anything away. I am about half way through LODESTAR and am not disappointed. Reread NEVERSEEN in October because so much happened in that book and I didn't want to forget anything. Also, I reread the first three books before NEVERSEEN was released and it was amazing how much I forgot and clues that I missed. I love this series as much as I love Harry Potter. And give it to many middle graders.ReplyDelete
I haven't heard of this series but it sounds really fun! Thanks for the heads up on starting at the beginning. I'll definitely have to look for the first book in the series!ReplyDelete
Thanks. Yet another reminder that I'd better get this series for Christmas. I can't wait much longer!ReplyDelete


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