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At PwC, diversity and inclusion is a priority because we need the best available talent to create value for our clients, people and communities. We hire and nurture professionals with a variety of approaches to problem-solving, who are willing to challenge the status quo, who think differently from one another, and who come from many different backgrounds and cultures. To solve important problems we need to be inclusive of our diverse talent and use the power of our differences to achieve our goals.
Our strength comes from the diversity of our people
Our leaders champion diversity and help us celebrate it
Our perspective on key diversity and inclusion topics
A movement for global gender equity
The more women and men play an active role in each other's success, the greater the chance we all have to reach our full potential. And when everyone is at their full potential, we all benefit, both as individuals and as an organization. That's why in 2015, we engaged with the United Nations HeForShe solidarity movement for global gender equity as a founding HeForShe corporate IMPACT 10x10x10 partner.
Visit our HeForShe microsite to find out how we're accelerating global momentum toward gender equality in the workplace and how you can help make a lasting difference.
Learn more
PwC Canada is pleased to share our second Inclusion Champion video.
PwC Consulting Director, Kirsten Baker shares her personal "HeForShe" story about sponsorship.
To mark International Women's Day (IWD) 2017, PwC has released a new report – Winning the fight for female talent: How to gain the diversity edge through inclusive recruitment –which looks at what employers can do to attract and retain female talent and underscores the importance of embedding diversity and inclusion into the employer brand.
Read the report here


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GAnt vs. Ant (comparison, advantages and drawbacks GAnt)By neokrates, written on June 4, 2010
Ant is great and stable tool and yet it has many issues and limitations.
GAnt is a newer and yet-not-mature alternative which has no limits. So, is it a time to port your Ant scripts to GAnt?
❓ What is GAnt?
GAnt is an Ant and Groovy based build automation tool.
GAnt is Ant based:
It uses Ant Library directly, so all what is available in Ant is also available in GAnt.
GAnt is Groovy based:
GAnt build scripts are written in Groovy.
👉 Why GAnt?
There are several advantages GAnt has over Ant
No xml
XML can make complex things simple or simple things complex, like here:
<if> <equals arg1="${name}" arg2="Putin" /> <then> <echo message="hello Mr President" /> </then> </if>
Minimal code, simple code
The mission of Groovy is to have the simplest code possible to do what you need.
<?xml version="1.0"?> <project name="Just hello" default="default"> <target name="default" description="Just hello"> <echo>hello</echo> </target> </project>
target ( default: 'Just hello' ) { ant.echo ('hello') }
Logic and flow Control are easy, short, readable
With Ant you need AntContib, GAnt already has it.
<?xml version="1.0"?> <project name="Just hello" default="default"> <taskdef resource="net/sf/antcontrib/antcontrib.properties" classpath="${basedir}/lib/ant-contrib-1.0b3.jar" /> <target name="default" description="Just hello"> <echo>hello</echo> <property name="name" value="Bush"/> <if> <equals arg1="${name}" arg2="Bush" /> <then> <echo message="hello Mr President" /> </then> </if> </target> </project>
target ( default: 'Just hello' ) { def name='Clinton' if (name=='Clinton') print 'hello Mr President' }
Power of Java and Groovy
All Java and Groovy Libraries
Advanced language features like closures and dynamic code
def welcome = { name -> if (name=='Bush') print 'hello Mr President' } target ( default: 'Just hello' ) { welcome 'Bush' }
def otherPresident = 'Obama' def welcome2 = """ if (name=='$otherPresident') print 'hello Mr President' """ target ( default: 'Just hello' ) { new GroovyShell(new Binding(name:'Bush')).evaluate (welcome2) }
👉 Why not GAnt?
Integration with Ant problems
// That may go boom Thread.start { ant.waitfor(maxwait : '45' , maxwaitunit : 'second' , checkevery : '5' , checkeveryunit : 'second') { ant.http(url : "http://$myurl/myapp") } }
Custom target parameters
target('stop-the-server' : 'Stop my server') { }
// Oh wait, can I have a custom parameters? Well yes, no, perhaps, it depends …
In version of GAnt prior to 1.5.0, various tricks could be played using the implicit parameter to GAnt targets —
targets were not nullary functions but single parameter functions. This facility has been withdrawn as of GAant 1.5.0,
targets are nullary functions. So prior to GAnt 1.5.0, you might have seen things like:
target ( example : ) { println ( it ) }target ( callit : ) { example ( 'fred' ) }
or even:
target ( example : ) { parameter -> println ( parameter ) }target ( callit : ) { example ( 'fred' ) }
but these no longer do what they used to. As of Gant 1.5.0 any parameters to the call of a target is ignored:
the parameter to the target always refers to the map containing information about the target.
Vertical compatibility not always there
GAnt is new:
✔ Not much learn material (for now)
http://www.amazon.de/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?__mk_de_DE=%C5M%C5Z%D5%D1&url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=gant+build&x=0&y=0 (Zarro Boocks found)
✔ Community is not that large.
✔ Is GAnt for long?
And yes, a Gradle build of GAant is under development to replace the Ant (and Gant!) builds.
No IDE Support
Ant -> GAnt migration
Will cost time. No automatic way (there is a prototype script though)
GAnt solves most known build scripting problems and has no limits.
But it also has issues, which may overweight the advantages depending on what you want to do with it.
That's it, have fun :-)
LEARN MORE (amazon bookstore)

subset: commoncrawl


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Chocolate Whey Protein Recipes
Looking for chocolate whey protein recipes like a protein cake or chocolate protein bar recipe? These chocolate protein powder recipes and more here!
I usually use unflavored whey protein in my recipes lately, as it's MUCH cheaper, and you have more control over quality, and can avoid the extra fillers and artificial sweeteners that often come in the flavored powders.
However, I do still make chocolate whey protein recipes, because it's often easier and more convenient, and still taste delicious of course! So take a look at the chocolate protein powder recipes I've got here, hope you enjoy!


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After the weekend just gone it feels a bit funny to be blogging today. As I said yesterday after the draw with Liverpool, the Premiership is now gone for Arsenal – a reality made worse by the fact that Manchester United dropped points for the first time in a number of games last night against Middlesbrough. Had Arsenal found a winning goal on Saturday then Arsene Wenger's side would be just four points off the top and right back in it, so it's all a little frustrating at the moment.
But while I have 99.99% given up on Arsenal chances of winning the league it's fairly unsurprising to hear that the manager has not. Speaking in the post-match interview after the Liverpool game, Wenger was clearly frustrated by his side's inability to get the three points but also stressed that he will not be giving up until winning becomes a mathematical impossibility.
"It depends on the results of the other teams. In my brain it's not over because mathematically it's not over."
It's a fair point, but at the same time I think the Champions League now has to be the main focus. Of course, that could be all over as well if Arsenal can't get past Liverpool on Tuesday night, but should they do just that then I think the manager will have to rethink his approach to the rest of the season. Certain players will need to be at 100% physically and mentally for the semi-finals should the club make it that far, and that will mean rotating the squad from game to game a little bit more than the manager has done previously.
As I said though, a lot depends on whether Arsenal can get the result they require to knock out Liverpool and it's far from certain that they will. The Merseyside club will start as favourites after grabbing a 1-1 draw at Emirates Stadium and resting key players like Fernando Torres from the weekend Premiership clash.
Two players who will be key figures for Arsenal – Cesc Fabregas and Manuel Almunia – have been talking about this week's Champions League clash, with the latter hoping that Liverpool show a little less Jekyll and a lot more Hyde and the former expecting Rafa Benitez's side to defend strongly and hit on the break.
"I think it is going to be very difficult because they defend very well. All they'll want to do is defend and catch us on the break. We have to stick to our policy of playing good football, attacking and trying to create chances."
I think the little Spaniard is pretty much spot on; I can't see Liverpool playing any other way then by defending and counter-attacking and the Arsenal boys are going to have to put in an AC Milan-in-the-San-Siro-esque performance to progress to the semi-finals. With the league virtually gone and a decent rest for some of the tireder players surely on the horizon, Wenger will be wanting his team to give absolutely everything they've got to get past Liverpool. Let's hope they can do it.
That's about it for today so take it easy and try and keep a smile on your face. After all, there's still a Champions League to be won.
What do you think?
Have your say on Arsenal's difficult weekend by leaving a comment.


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May Copper is probing again above Fibo 61.8% of 2.7675/2.5580 / daily Kijun-sen barriers at 2.6875/98, in extension of recovery leg from 2.5580 (09 Mar low).
Downside rejection below daily cloud that formed bear trap reversal pattern generated strong bullish signal that was re-confirmed on subsequent bullish acceleration above daily cloud.
Close above Kijun-sen / Fibo barrier is needed for another bullish signal for further extension of bull-leg from 2.5580 trough.
However, bulls may pause here on strongly overbought slow stochastic, with consolidation expected to ideally hold above rising daily cloud that underpins the action in past three days and keep near-term bullish structure intact.
Res: 2.6898; 2.7000; 2.7181; 2.7440
Sup: 2.6697; 2.6570; 2.6492; 2.6273


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bless. that this youngling (because that is the only explanation) thinks that this stuff makes them 'weird' is so sweet.
if i could choose how i die, i'd die ODing on heroin. fact.
the only reason i don't kick pigeons is because i worry that people will look at me like i'm evil if i do
i love this so. i've often wondered what happens to those old abandoned family kiekies – and why anyone would want them.
the golden thread that used to run through the men in my life


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France's beaches are without doubt among the best beaches in the world. Maybe not the most spectacular from the point of view of natural beauty, but the glamor and sophistication that holds the universe French coast, make a visit to the beaches of France is inescapable.
But the key question is, what are the best beaches in France?
The best beach in Corsica: Porto-Pollo.
Corsica is a paradise of beaches. Between Propriano and Bonifacio in southern Corsica sunny beach is Porto-Pollo, a wide arc of white sand in a bay surrounded by green hills. Similar to the Seychelles and Mauritius, but a little less wild. It is ideal for snorkeling, for its crystal clear water full of fish.
The best beach in Britain: Baie d'Audierne, Brittany.
With 2,000 km of coastline is more difficult to avoid the beaches of Brittany to find one. If you want a less crowded beach, go to the Baie d'Audierne, on the west coast of Finisterre. It really looks like the edge of Europe, with 30 kilometers in length, offers calm and relaxation as Pors Carn family beaches.
Best beach for snorkeling French: L'Ile de Riou, Marseille.
Wild, uninhabited and carefully preserved, L'Ile de Riou is accessible only by boat. The beach is the starting point for diving expeditions are conducted throughout the archipelago, and in 2012 will be the heart of Calas National Park (Parc National des Calanques), a submarine forest ideal for swimmers, divers Snorkeling and scuba divers.
The best naturist beach in France: Euronat, Côte d'Argent, Aquitaine.
Surrounded by pine forests and apart from mass tourism, the long golden beach of the Côte d'Argent is a paradise for beach lovers and nature. As expected, this coast there are also some of the best nudist resorts in Europe, a collection of sleepy villages where European families rest and return home with a tan. The stretch of beach has Euronat vigilant on the beaches and cafes and is not overcrowded.
The best French beach for water sports: Plage de l'Almanarre, Hyères, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur.
Best beach for fans of wind is a sandy spit of 4 km that runs from Hyères in the beautiful city of Giens. There is an excellent steady wind on one side, while the other is protected by the islands of Porquerolles and Port-Cros. An area is reserved for windsurfing, kitesurfing and funboard, the winds can be wild in winter. The quieter areas are perfect for paddleboards and kayaks. Behind the beach is a salt marsh where pink flamingos nest.


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Robert "Bob" Kenny
- 87 years old
- Date of birth: July 4th, 1928
- Place of birth:
Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
- Date of passing: December 10th, 2015
- Place of passing:
Walnut Creek, California, United States
This memorial website was created in the memory of our loved one, Robert "Bob" Kenny, 87, born on July 4th, 1928 and passed away on December 10th, 2015. We will remember him forever.
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Traveling Luck for Black Stump Siding, Pennsylvania, United States
Where is Black Stump Siding?What's around Black Stump Siding?
Wikipedia near Black Stump Siding
Where to stay near Black Stump Siding
The timezone in Black Stump Siding is America/Iqaluit
Sunrise at 08:34 and Sunset at 18:10. It's light
Latitude. 41.2122°, Longitude. -77.9644° , Elevation. 231m
Weather near Black Stump Siding; Report from Du Bois, Du Bois-Jefferson County Airport, PA 28km away
Weather : mist
Temperature: -16°C / 3°F
Wind: 9.2km/h West
Cloud: Solid Overcast at 700ft
Weather : mist
Temperature: -16°C / 3°F
Wind: 9.2km/h West
Cloud: Solid Overcast at 700ft
Satellite map around Black Stump Siding
Loading map of Black Stump Siding and it's surroudings
Geographic features & Photographs around Black Stump Siding, in Pennsylvania, United States
- stream;
- a body of running water moving to a lower level in a channel on land.
- Black Stump Run (0.2km)
- Grove Run (0.6km)
- Fields Run (1.6km)
- Shade Fork (1.7km)
- Birch Island Run (2.4km)
- Gaines Run (2.8km)
- Little Birch Island Run (3.2km)
- Sugarcamp Run (3.6km)
- Moores Run (3.8km)
- First Fork (4.2km)
- Leaning Pine Run (4.5km)
- Second Fork (4.7km)
- Burnt Shanty Run (4.8km)
- Horse Fork (5.1km)
- Morris Run (5.9km)
- Bog Ore Run (5.9km)
- Little Bougher Run (6.5km)
- Amos Branch (6.8km)
- Dry Run (6.9km)
- Bougher Run (7.2km)
- South Fork Bougher Run (7.2km)
- Moccasin Run (7.3km)
- Burns Run (7.5km)
- Grass Flats Run (7.6km)
- trail;
- a path, track, or route used by pedestrians, animals, or off-road vehicles.
- Grove Run Trail (2.6km)
- Fields Run Trail (3km)
- Lonely Trail (3.8km)
- Perry Trail (4km)
- Yost Run Trail (4.8km)
- Morris Run Trail (5km)
- Packer Trail (5.6km)
- Kellys Field Trail (5.8km)
- Nelson Trail (6km)
- Dutchmans Trail (6.9km)
- Frenchman Trail (7.2km)
- Log Hollow Trail (7.6km)
- Plantation Trail (7.6km)
- Amos Ridge Trail (7.9km)
- Kyler Trail (7.9km)
- valley;
- an elongated depression usually traversed by a stream.
- Delaney Hollow (1km)
- Log Hollow (6.3km)
- Wrigley Hollow (7.1km)
- Panther Hollow (7.2km)
- Buckshot Hollow (7.3km)
- Frenchman Hollow (7.4km)
- Log Hollow (7.6km)
- Holt Hollow (7.7km)
- Local Feature;
- A Nearby feature worthy of being marked on a map..
- Black Stump Siding (0km)
- Gaines (historical) (1.6km)
- Walnut Bottom Camp (historical) (1.8km)
- Zanmore (historical) (2.7km)
- West View Camp (4.2km)
- Camp Miller (4.7km)
- Coleman Siding (7.8km)
- populated place;
- a city, town, village, or other agglomeration of buildings where people live and work.
- Birch (2.5km)
- Twin Hollows (5.3km)
Accommodation around Black Stump Siding
- mountain;
- an elevation standing high above the surrounding area with small summit area, steep slopes and local relief of 300m or more.
- McCormack Hill (1.7km)
- Grove Hill (4km)
- mine(s);
- a site where mineral ores are extracted from the ground by excavating surface pits and subterranean passages.
- Perry Moshannon Mine (6.6km)
- school;
- building(s) where instruction in one or more branches of knowledge takes place.
- New Garden School (historical) (6.9km)
- cemetery;
- a burial place or ground.
- Nelson Cemetery (4km)
Wikipedia entries close to
Black Stump Siding
- Pine Glen, Pennsylvania city city o
- Clarence, Pennsylvania city city o
- Driftwood, Pennsylvania city city o
- Snow Shoe, Pennsylvania city city o
- Renovo, Pennsylvania city city o
- South Renovo, Pennsylvania city city o
- Mix Run, Pennsylvania city city o
- Monument, Pennsylvania city city o
- Bald Eagle Valley valley
- Black Moshannon Observatory science
- Milesburg, Pennsylvania city city o
- Howard, Pennsylvania city city o
- Blanchard, Centre County, Pennsylvania city city o
- Unionville, Centre County, Pennsylvania city city o
- Beech Creek, Pennsylvania city city o
- Bellefonte, Pennsylvania city city o
Airports close to Black Stump Siding
Williamsport rgnl(IPT), Williamsport, Usa (104.9km)
Altoona blair co(AOO), Altoona, Usa (127.5km)
Muir aaf(MUI), Muir, Usa (175.4km)
Harrisburg international(MDT), Harrisburg, Usa (182.8km)


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We'll get the winning score,
Oh hear our mighty roar.
There is the very specific male fantasy of being "called-up". "Yes Batman, Robin's sick, right". The Japanese refer to it as:
small-boy-chosen-by-scientists-to-defend-nation-kon. When I was a complete bastard schoolboy we'd write notices up on the message board for a Claremont Football Club obsessed target of bile that, "Graham Moss called, you're needed for the match this weekend" or just "Mossy's on the phone". I'd like to apologise for this. Anyway, where was I.. oh yes a French friend asked me to cook the main course for Bastille Day.
She lent me two books for inspiration Culinaria France and the
Roux Brothers Good Tastin' Country Kitchen. The cassoulet I made is based mainly on the former but cross-referenced with the latter. It's quite a process and I often can only get my head around things pictorially so here's the flow chart that I scribbled up and gave to my friend. Have a look for the process, recipe, and a glimpse into what goes on in my head.
The cooking is quite simple, if lengthy – two days. The real task in making this classic French peasant dish is getting everything. The meat was no problem, I called Mondo Di Carne in Inglewood and they admirably got everything for me. The real problem was the Confits de Canard (preserved duck/goose legs). I tried Kitchen Essentials and got the very men's boutiquish – "they are $120 a kg and we don't have them". With that and the $50 a kilo haricot beans, I decided a foodie values utility over extravagance and looked elsewhere. I tracked back to the Pressure Cooker Centre to ask the chatty French lady there if she knew. She pointed me to Herdies Fresh where I settled for a jar of duck fat. This jar has one of the most impressive Nutritional Guides I've ever seen.
Per 100gm serving
Kilojoules – 3724.38
Fat – 99.8gm
Cooking was easy, only danger was of passing out from pork and garlic fumes as I drove to the host's house.
Our host's Roquefort Soufflé served with lettuce with New Zealand dressing was exceptional, as was the chocolate mousse.
As for the cassoulet. It plays a mean trompe l'oiel*. It looks like sausage and bean casserole but tastes otherworldly. Try it. The humble becomes the exalted – revolutionary in fact.
Vive La France!
FootnoteHistory buffs, and I do mean buff, can research further at Angelina Jolie and the French Revolution where "the tedious soup-plate symmetry of artificial enhancement" meets "St Just invoked the "male energie" of the republic".
6 comments
Aaaaarrrrgh!! I haven't been at work for 2 hours yet and I'm already drooling. There's going to be hell to pay when IT has to come and clean my keyboard AGAIN!
I have always wanted to make (or even eat!!) cassoulet, but like Bouillebaisse, it looks like a 5 day match, rather than limited overs – especially when you include the scavenger hunt style shopping that precedes it. But maybe one day… Looks delicious – and I love the authentic French Le Crueset casserole dish. Nice touch, mate!
Oh, and whoever is responsible for the styling of the chocolate mousse deserves an award!
that cassoulet looks wonderful. do you have access to duck rillettes? it's gilding the lily, but some grilled bread spread with the spiced duck rillettes could really take the meal OTT (and diner into the cardiac wing, maybe)
whenever a pregnant boutiki (house gecko–you know, the translucent variety) hangs out on the outside of my kitchen window, i'm reminded that there's a ham bone in the freezer that's just begging for some cannellini beans….so when you speak of trompe l'oiel i'm not thinking of eggcorn|boutiquish
boutiki-sh, more like.
I loves me French Le Crueset casserole dish.
Secret is a kind and understading butcher.Will pass the award on to Jospehine and apologise to Veronique for her souffle photo not coming out. Rob's
Rillettes! Saw them at the shop but for a whopping $18 a jar and that was eating into my booze budget. Might have to reassess my priorities.
Egg cornsHope that cute little feller isn't going in the soup.
What a wonderful cassoulet. Since I'm not a fan of clogged arteries, I rarely indulge in French food. But this looks as good as any that I've tried previously…the last time actually was when I lived in New York about 10 years ago. Went to a wonderful French restaurant called Bernards.
BTW…you do some serious cooking at times. Most of the dishes you make would simply overwhelm me.
As you know, I'm a very serious man. Time, care and preparation are the three easiest things in cooking, I keep well away from anything involving craftsmanship and fine judgement. Best challenge is deciding on a stupidly large range of dishes and having a dozen more people than you should have and going for it. A whole day of manic cooking is the best buzz this side of bike+fast corner.
Yeah serious amounts of fat went into this dish but,when French die of heart disease they die to Edith Piaf.
If you were to venture near Toulouse or anywhere in South France with this recipe you would be shot at dawn, for a week. This is not a Cassoulet but a mutant bastard. For the real deal, and instructions how not to make a mockery of the dish, read Elizabeth David's recipe in 'French Provincial Cooking'
Comments are now closed.


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This episode disappointed me a big time. Episodes like this make me understand why we say drama, a "drama". The story seems far off from reality. When I sit down to watch and review this drama, I try really hard to find something anything that works in its favor, I can't think of anything. Acting has been a good point but even the best actors can not save a poorly written script that has repetitive dialogues and flashback scenes. Maulvi saahb is oblivious to the whole situation cooking at Maddy' place. It was heartbreaking to see Maulvi saahb suffering because of the mess and chaos created by Hammad's mother and Abrina. I don't think I would have anything nice to say about them. Both are extremely selfish, self-centered, and badtameez. Now we have to wait and see what will become of poor Hammad, whose only key was to please Maulvi saahb. Imran Abbas was again superb. His expressions said a thousand words.
Hammad made that big announcement in front of his parents that he's leaving the house. He knew how much he was attached to Imaan and that he would be utterly heart-broken without her. The easy going, carefree, non serious guy is so blinded by love that he decided to their his house. He knew that his parents aren't going to take his rishta to Maulvi's place after this storm so he choses Shakir chacha for help. It showed how far off from reality this drama is. I mean who chooses his driver to take his rishta and what was even funnier that he started working as a coolie. Where on earth does it happen that a guy belonging to an extremely rich family leaves every comfort and becomes a coolie just for the sake of love. Some people may find it cute but for me it was idiotic and it disappointed me. He is living in a fantasy world, where his love will overcome their class difference, social status, different family backgrounds.
Abdullah is still being the helping and supporting hand of Maulvi saahb. It's lovely to see how much he cares Imaan but is hesitant to show. The director has focused on the simple acts that emphasize his love for Imaan, while keeping in mind their personalities. His expressions and dialogue delivery were effortless and so amusing.
Despite being presented unrealistically, I am still hooked to this show because of Imran Abbas. The strongest aspects of this play so far have been the characterisation and casting. His family is full of interesting character. Now the show has grabbed the attention of the viewers, it would be interesting to see how the story progresses. Share your thoughts about it.


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Chile faces row over bid to fund science with mining tax
[SANTIAGO] Chile's president, Ricardo Lagos, has proposed a controversial new law that would create a research fund from royalties paid by the mining industry.
According to a draft bill submitted by Lagos to Chile's congress, mining companies would be required to pay the government three per cent of sales of metallic minerals, and one per cent of sales of non-metallic minerals. Lagos suggests this would compensate the country for the 'loss' of exhaustible natural resources.
The government estimates that at least US$100 million would be collected in this way each year. It is proposing that a portion of this should be invested in a new research fund, the Innovation Fund for Competitiveness.
But the move is running into stiff opposition from government critics, who claim that it would have a negative effect on Chile's economy by distorting the allocation of resources, discriminating against the mining sector, and discouraging new investments by private companies.
Critics include the Production and Commerce Confederation, the business association that represents the country's primary industries, and the Chilean Mining Council, the national organisation representing the mining industry.
Under Chilean law, minerals are the property of the state. Following the restoration of democracy in Chile in 1990, however, the government encouraged private investments in the mining industry by granting extraction rights, creating a boom in mineral production and exports during the 1990s.
"The state does not receive any compensation for the extraction and sale of valuable resources that, according to the constitution, belong to it," says the president's bill.
The government's key argument is that, at present, private mining companies make free use of non-renewable resources. The royalty plan has been conceived as a way to compensate for the eventual exhaustion of mineral resources by turning a portion of the mining companies' profits into investments in science and technology.
In his written message to Congress, Lagos says that such investment is strongly needed, pointing out that only 0.6 per cent of Chile's gross domestic product (GDP) is currently spent on research and development, compared to an average of 2.8 per cent in developed countries.
The distribution of the Innovation Fund would be decided through a competitive process open to both research institutes and private companies. The details still have to be determined, but the main objective would be to boost the role of such companies in research and development, particularly in fields such as mining and agriculture in which Chile has a direct economic interest.
The government has also proposed that at least 80 per cent of the money distributed from the fund should have an identifiable impact on regions outside the Chilean capital of Santiago, particularly mining areas. Furthermore, at least 50 per cent of the funds would be given to institutions and companies based outside the capital.
Before the fund can be created, however, both legislative branches of the National Congress must approve the bill. For it to pass, the Chilean government needs at least partial support from the opposition parties. In the first debate in the lower house (Chamber of Deputies), however, opposition parties rejected the text.
In addition to claims that the government moves would impose an unfair and distorting tax on the mining industry, the Freedom and Development Institute (FDI), a conservative think tank, claims that the royalty bill is unconstitutional, as Chilean law does not in general allow the creation of taxes to cover specified expenditures,
Joaquin Lavin, leader of the opposition and presidential candidate, has proposed an alternative project based on an increase of patentes — the annual fees paid by mining companies for rights to exploit concessions — rather than a tax on sales.
Currently this fee is about US$4.60 per hectare, regardless of whether a mine is exploited or not. Lavin says that increasing it could raise an extra US$30 to 40 million each year, although he admits that in principle he would prefer to see this money spent on social programmes, rather than research.
"I do not like the idea of creating a fund for innovation, because there are many people waiting for social benefits and we must listen to them," said Lavin.
Those who have been closely involved in planning for the new fund say that it is loosely modelled on plans developed by Denmark in recent years, particularly for taxing the exploitation of its gas reserves.


text: Wrong Newsroom 1.12K Nick Denton 04/08/08 12:01PM Filed to: Pic Of The Day Pic Of The Day Pulitzers Washington Post New York Times It's so refreshing to see a happy newsroom, for once. Pictured here, under a headline acknowledging the Washington Post's six Pulitzer prizes, cheering journalists. Except the photo is from the Post's rival, the New York Times, which only won in two categories. Graciousness has its limits.


text:
Thanking Milwaukee Brave Jack Dittmer
Another impressive career has ended.
Jack Dittmer didn't have Hall of Fame stats. He was a hobby hall of famer, however.
In October, Dittmer's wife began sending out the sad news. I saw the update via the ever-insightful www.sportscollectors.net.
The second baseman now lives in a care facility. He can no longer sign autographs or answer questions.
Dittmer was at his best for my 2011 letter. See for yourself via the above link.
On SCN, his success rate was staggering: 175 success responses in 178 attempts.
Just a thought…
A note of thanks to Mrs. Dittmer might bring a bit of brightness during the holidays, considering her husband's health. I'm sure she may have been an unsung hero in getting all those autographs returned.
Saying Goodbye To A 1954 Cub
|Don Robertson missed
out appearing in any
card sets. Trying to
any hopeful facts about
the 7th place Cubs, I
discovered Al Yellon's
fun slugfest recap. Yea
for Bleed Cubbie Blue!
Rich Hanson is a collector role model for me. He seeks out baseball history in all shapes and sizes.
He got Don Robertson, a cup-of-coffee outfielder with the 1954 Chicago Cubs, to sign an index card this month. However, it wasn't the typical autograph.
Rich added:
Pitcher Mike Hedlund's Greatest 1971 Success: The Ultimate Veteran's Day Story
|An all-star patriot
from 1971
His 1972 Topps card doesn't mention it. Oh, the seven complete games and one shutout from 1971 get a sentence, as well as being a 1963 Connie Mack All-Star.
However, I feel that Mike Hedlund's greatest outing that year came off the field.
I wrote, and he responded with an epic memory:
"In 1971, the USO had tours to Vietnam with pro athletes. This tour had me, Bobby Bonds (Giants), Doc Ellis (Pirates), Mike Kilkenny (Tigers), Nick Colosi (National League umpire) and Jim Enright (Chicago Sun-Times reporter). We spent 2 weeks visiting mostly fire support bases in Vietnam.
It was quite an experience and I'm honored to have been able to do that. Our tour was to visit, talk and basically do whatever we could for those guys and morale.
Most of the soldiers we met were very secluded and sometimes we really had to work to get them to interact with us. It made me really appreciate the country and freedom we have in our country, thanks to the sacrifice our military men and women have made."
Mike Hedlund is a joy to salute, too. He's remained devoted to the fans and collectors, more than four decades after his last major league game.
I shared a story with Mike in my letter, too. I said goodbye to a cousin named Dustin Yancey this month in 2005, killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq.
Not just on Veterans Day, I'm grateful to all the Dustins, and all the Mikes.


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Accountant at CRPC
• Update and keep records of accounts in appropriate and expedient manner • Responsible for preparing bills • Keep close track of the funding and spending processes • Maintain a permanent good relationship with foreign donors and funding clients and inform them as needed • Manage all banking operations
· Works under moderate supervision to collect and dispose of garbage and trash; cleans rail car exteriors. · Details railcar windows and car exterior. · Dumps and services sewage holding tanks. · Monitors work assignments and verifies successful completion. · Maintains records of in the appropriate logs. · Performs cleaning duties required by department supervision
• Serve up to 65 tourists on the buffet from the groups arriving with the tour busses and make a small speech about town they are visiting and history of the restaurant. • Responsible for taking guests orders from the menu inform them about our specials and other menu options • Keep close track and timing of all orders • Always insure that my section is maintained at highest level
• Keep the household supplies in the storage and the cart fully stocked • Replenish all the items within the room • Clean assighned rooms • Help in the laundry room • Inform guests about all hotel amenities


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Last long run before The Shamrock Half next week. Three words to describe this run…rough, windy, and GU-less. 🙁
It was one of those days when a jacket is too much, a long sleeve tee is too little. From the inside looking out it looked perfect. Sunny and cool. One problem…the wind. Around here (by the shore) wind can be a big challenge. Think running forward while feeling like your going backward. Jacket on, jacket off, jacket on, well you get the picture.
Also due to poor planning on my part I had none of my usual GU at home this morning. So I brought along the only thing I had a Chomp Shot I got at the Princess half but never used. Lets just say the description "shot" fits this. Now some of you may like Chomp Shots but I did NOT. It definitely felt like a shot of energy all right, but I didn't feel my body used it the same as my usual GU. It was like a shot up and a crash and burn. I also "like" to hit my rough patch at about mile 6. Ok I don't like it at all, in fact it sucks! If I could skip from mile 6 to 7 that would be a dream. (Somebody work on that…thanks) So anyway, after the crash mental games definitely came into play. My mind started wander and all I wanted to do was run (okay walk) home like a whinny little baby. Then I remembered something I had heard. Set up small goals for yourself on a tough run, a point A to point B mini goal if you will. So I did. From here to that tree, from here to the bridge, from here to the Campground, to Boon (my neighbors will know what I mean) and you know what IT WORKED! Thank goodness for small victories that set you on the path to big ones.
So here's to long runs, GU, small victories and finding your happy pace!
P.S. God bless you full marathon runners, I couldn't imagine hitting a wall somewhere between 16 and 20, hats off to you!
2 Responses to "Long Runs, GU and Small Victories"
Good job getting the run in this morning. That wind was brutal! Hoping to get a 5 miler in this week to test out the sprain before making a decision about running Shamrock. Cheering you on either way (and hoping the weather is a little warmer and less windy)!
Thanks Sue, praying for your foot. (are we getting old? nah) Hoping we can all celebrate at the finish next weekend.


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Hello! I'm Tom. I designed a game called Gunpoint, about rewiring things and punching people, and now I'm working on a new one called Heat Signature, about sneaking aboard randomly generated spaceships. Here's some more info on all the games I've worked on, here's the podcast I do, here are the videos I make on YouTube, here are some of the articles I wrote for PC Gamer, and here are two short stories I wrote for the Machine of Death collections.
By me. Uses Adaptive Images by Matt Wilcox.
Ow, this was hard going. If you've seen all of season four, the John Lithgow series and the best yet, you'll know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, don't read any more of this. I'm pretty sure I've already ruined it for both the people adjacent to me on the plane when I watched it. "Whose funeral was that?" "Uh…"
They kind of had to do an episode like this – skipping over it or doing anything fun would have been a betrayal of the emotional punch of the finale. But that didn't make it any easier to watch. The theme of discovering your humanity through a relationship just hit a little hard. That makes this an effective episode, but I can't claim to have enjoyed it over the lump in my throat.
More Brevity Week
Bret: Ever read the books?
Similar theme comes up from a slightly more positive angle in the latest one.
Also cannibals.


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I am trying as hard as I can to think positive thoughts during this pg, but I am still so scared :unsure:
I really need help with positive thinking. Does anyone have any tips or books that helped them? TIA.
I have 3 pregnancy prayers that I found online, printed and hung on my mirrors and refrigerator. I have a book called Expectant Prayers for Expectant Mothers. It is really like a journal but there is a prayer for every day of the week and broken down by week 4, week 5, week 6, etc. I find that when I get anxious if I read certain prayers I feel better. Other than that just taking one day at a time is the only way I've made it this far. :confused:
Yep, just one day at a time. I set little "goals" for myself. The 1st was to make it passed 6w, then see the HB, then hear the HB and so on. Baby steps!
Also St. Anne (Mary's mother) is the parton saint of pregnant women and women in labor. You can always ask her for a little help.
Just try to take each day at a time. never to fast.
I found making crafts or some type of hobby...kept my mind off of things...
We are here for you as well. vent when ever you need to :)
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text: Speakeasy Party Room Our Party Room is available at no extra charge. Enjoy passed Hors d'oeuvres, Buffet Style Dining or a Sit-Down Dinner for your group as well as a private bar. CONTACT our events manager to plan your gathering The Speakeasy Party Room Comfortably accommodates up to 40 Guests


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Welcome to Renewal by Andersen: Detroit, MI Replacement Windows
Many homeowners neglect updating their windows when it could be costing them a fortune in lost energy savings every year. Poorly fitted frames, double paned glass with broken seals, and low quality insulating materials like vinyl can all lead to drafts and unnecessary spending month after month. Renewal by Andersen has a vast product offering of replacement windows that have stood the test of 110 years since the start of our parent company, Andersen Corporation. We take our nationally acclaimed service model and custom make Detroit's best replacement windows right here in town. If you live anywhere near Detroit, Livonia, Dearborn, Sterling Heights, Ann Arbor, or the surrounding areas, we can give your home a fresh new look.
The overwhelming majority of heat that escapes your house does so through the windows. That's why it is of important to know you are getting the best product possible to save you money and keep your family warm during the harsh Michigan winters and cool during the peak summer months. Read through our site for more in depth information on the performance of our Fibrex frames and Low-E4 energy efficient glass. In the meantime, let us share a few highlights that make Renewal by Andersen replacement windows a cut above the rest.
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Detroit has the highest population of any city in the state of Michigan. With a beautiful view of the Detroit River looking over into Canada, just under a quarter million residents call this place home. Often nicknamed for the rich automobile industry that sent the local economy into overdrive in decades past, Motor City has housed many of the nation's finest car manufacturers such as GM, Ford, and even Chrysler. That is not to say there is any lack of the arts here. From the Fillmore and The Fox Theatre to countless museums.
RbA Detroit, MI's Service Areas Include:


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Neromare Group (Neromare) • 13:16 21-01-2017
The icons are super jagged. Bad work.
|Free for commercial use
|Business & finance, Shopping & e-commerce
Neromare Group (Neromare) • 13:16 21-01-2017
The icons are super jagged. Bad work.
Ramy Wafaa Wadee Abdou Bektor (roundicons.com) • 13:39 21-01-2017
Umm, well don't judge by the generated preview, download the FREE SVG and try to use it and see the results. The icons are actually i identical to the original logos just added tints of colors to match our styles and offered for free. But thanks for trying anyway :D
Quentin Gosset • 08:28 30-12-2016
can you had sofort banking ?
Ramy Wafaa Wadee Abdou Bektor (roundicons.com) • 13:37 21-01-2017
Oh we will soon :)
A collection of detailed and textured coloured icons in flat style, including icons such as Bitcoin, Amazon, Diners Club and more. These are the new Flat Icons that come in a fresh and new style, that are unlike any other set made before with pixel perfect colourful icons. These icons are part of Roundicons on www.roundicons.com


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This is an awesome freebie for all of my fellow Disney addicts out there. Yes, it is completely free, even the shipping.
Availability is limited so click on over HERE and create your decal today. You will need your date of birth to get started and then you can continue by customizing your very own decal with your family members, names & even the background color.
These are a must have for any serious Disney fan. They can be placed on your car, planning binder or even a scrapbook. Don't miss out on this fun freebie.
As a fan pointed out to me…. this is only for US Residents.
Thank you for reading. My name is Melissa and I am a serious Disney addict; I'm also a travel agent. You will find me in a Disney park with my family almost every weekend investiagating something new in order to help my clients create an amazing Disney vacation. The best part is that all of my planning services are FREE and it all starts with a no obligation quote. Contact me or visit my website for planning assistance with your next Disney vacation.
Melissa Mathies, Travel Designer & Destination Specialist


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We got the tools
We only use the best material for all our jobs. This ensures our customers peace of mind.
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A&A provides complete foundation & settlement repair solutions. We can construct new foundations and combine the latest repair techniques with time-tested traditional skills for stability durability, offering the right solution for your home.
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A&A MASONRY – Helical Pier Foundation System
Our foundation support systems use end-bearing helical anchors, this is basically a screw anchor that is screwed into the soil until it becomes a stable anchor, then it is attached to an adjustable bracket to the existing foundation, new foundation or even a wall. This is all done per an engineer's plans. The result of using this system is that your floors, walls, and foundation are repositioned to their rightful place and further movement is restrained.
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This system is excellent for limited access areas around homes and does not create the amount of damage other systems end up doing to the area around the home. This then becomes less stressful and easier to put the property back to its original state.
You see cracks in your interior walls and or ceilings
You see cracks in your tiles or other flooring substrates
You see sunken or uneven floors
Your windows and doors are sticky or they don't open properly
You see cracks in your basement walls (foundation)
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We only use the best material for all our jobs. This ensures our customers peace of mind.
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Our support will not let you down, fast quotes, and communication throughout the entire job.


text: Section: Parts Title: A set of urS4 G-60 Brakes... Price: 150.00 Location: Arvada CO Date: December 07, 2006 Contact: Hap Maguire Email: captmagu at aol.com Phone: 303-475-6760 Description: NO PICTURES. These stock brakes are off a very low mileage urS4 they are the G-60 front brakes. You can't feel any sort of lip on the rotors. Pads have about 80% left. I don't know what brand the pads are. Buyer pays shipping. URL: http://www.audifans.com/marketplace/show.php?table=pm_audifans_Parts&id=5526 -- [ This is an automated message ] [ You are receiving this message ] [ because you signed up for the ] [ Marketplace email notification. ]


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If the undeclared understanding crystallises into a quid pro quo agreement, the government is expected to set up a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) to look into the Tehelka expos�.
As part of the pact, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will clarify that the government has no intention to probe the charges levelled against Congress president Sonia Gandhi by Subramanian Swamy.
As an early-summer downpour cooled the capital, the first signs of a respite for Parliament, too, emerged. Test-firing the first part of the deal late tonight, the Congress said it would allow the smooth functioning of the House if the government formed a JPC and took action against those �seen as culpable� in the video evidence.
The Congress� demand marks a somersault as the party had turned down the government�s repeated offers to set up a JPC last month when the Tehelka tremors paralysed Parliament for seven consecutive days.
The Congress, which has been insisting on Vajpayee�s resignation, was forced to climb down as it was isolated in the Opposition camp. The government also put the party on the defensive by referring to the CBI a letter sent by Swamy to the Prime Minister on March 12, detailing a string of charges against Sonia.
The Congress turnaround was announced by Congress spokesperson Jaipal Reddy, who had categorically stated a few hours earlier that the party would stall the House tomorrow and that its position on the government�s resignation remained unchanged. The party said it would not relent unless the government stopped the �naked vendetta�.
However, late in the night, Reddy said: �To break the impasse in Parliament, even at this stage, we call upon the government to set the law in motion against all those seen as culpable on the Tehelka tapes and agree to the setting up of a JPC to look into all aspects of the expos�.�
Asked whether the government�s resignation was no longer a condition, Reddy said that for transacting business in Parliament, �this is our proactive initiative to break the deadlock�. He, however, said the Congress continued to maintain that the government has lost the moral right to continue in office.
The Congress began the day in a pugnacious mood, rejecting a proposal to reschedule the rest of the budget session to let MPs campaign for next month�s Assembly elections. Over 200 MPs are expected to be away electioneering in five states.
The CPM and a few others welcomed the plan as their interest in the Tehelka issue has waned and the BJP is not their main enemy in the states going to the polls. The Congress, however, feared that the reschedule proposal was sprung by the government to buy time to bury the Tehelka issue and allow the CBI to ago ahead with the probe against Sonia.
Sources said NCP leader Sharad Pawar, a restive ally of the Congress in Maharashtra, mooted the proposal for rescheduling the session. The suggestion was to adjourn the House on April 28 and go in for a recess till May 14. Sources said the government was not averse to the idea, provided the House cleared crucial legislative business, like the Finance Bill and the railway budget, before the recess.
Before Parliament was adjourned today as a mark of respect to former Prime Minister Devi Lal, who died last week, Lok Sabha Speaker G.M.C. Balayogi convened an all-party meeting to resolve the standoff, but in vain.
However, most Opposition parties, barring the Rashtriya Janata Dal, were not vociferous in supporting the Congress demands and spoke in favour of the smooth running of the House.
In the evening, a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee was convened, but it, too, failed. Soon after, the political affairs committee of the Congress met.
However, both sides are learnt to have made moves behind the scenes after that and floated the compromise formula.
Before the initiative came, Reddy had lambasted the government for adopting �dubious and diversionary� tactics. He said the government was speaking in different voices.
�We are pained to note that the Prime Minister has chosen to operate at the same level of maturity, responsibility and probity as that of Swamy,� the Congress spokesman said. He added that the party could not be �lured by his (Vajpayee�s) carrots and frightened by his stick�.
The Congress said instead of taking legal action against those against whom �video evidence� was available, the government has launched a �witch-hunt� against the leader of Opposition.
With less than two weeks remaining for CBI chief R.K. Raghavan to retire, Naidu has turned the heat on Vajpayee to appoint his nominee as successor. Raghavan retires on April 30 and the new chief will take charge from May 1.
A few days ago, the Centre had filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking a relaxation in the rule that any appointee should have a maximum tenure of two years.
The Vajpayee government has prepared a list of senior officers, out of whom the new CBI director will be chosen.
Naidu nominee H.G. Dora, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) director-general Trinath Mishra and CBI special director P.C. Sharma figure on the shortlist. Of the three, Dora has a little over two years of service left. The other two have less than two years before retirement.
A high-powered panel, including the Cabinet secretary, the home secretary and the personnel secretary, will soon send its final recommendation to the appointments committee of the Union Cabinet.
Some senior Cabinet colleagues have advised Vajpayee not to give in to pressure from the Andhra ally and appoint a senior police officer who the government thinks is competent enough to handle the job.
They have also asked Vajpayee to take a careful decision while appointing an IPS officer as Intelligence Bureau director. The post will fall vacant on May 31, when present incumbent Shyamal Dutta retires.
But Vajpayee has expressed helplessness and is likely to go along with Naidu for �pragmatic political considerations�.
The Prime Minister has also told his Cabinet colleagues that there are no grounds for denying Dora the top job since he is the senior-most IPS officer in the country and has an outstanding career record.
The National Democratic Alliance government has been under severe pressure from Naidu since the Tehelka expos�.
The Telugu Desam forced the government to drop its plans to move a confidence motion in Parliament, with Naidu making it clear his party will bail out the government only if it faces a no-trust vote. He also refused to address a rally in Hyderabad with the Prime Minister.
After the exit of the PMK and the Trinamul Congress, the Vajpayee coalition is heavily dependent on the 29-strong Telugu Desam team in the Lok Sabha. And the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh is making the most of the situation.
Indian scientists have scored a global first by developing a strain of opium-free poppy, christened Sujata. The new variety is not only the answer to the global fight against opium-linked abuses but also a rich source of cholesterol-free edible oil.
J.R. Sharma, a scientist at the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, said the patenting process of Sujata is almost over and the new variety is all set to hit the market. Sharma had toiled for eight years to genetically convert narcotic opium poppy into a non-narcotic strain.
�It will solve a lot of problems relating to the manufacture and smuggling of opium, especially in places like Uttar Pradesh, which records a large sale of opium,� said Pushpangadan, the institute�s director.
The scientists at the institute are thrilled about a letter of acknowledgement from the United Nations Drug Control Programme, which congratulated them saying that until now there was no such variety in the world and that it will usher in a new chapter in the use of poppy as an edible seed and oil source.
Last year, India imported around 4,484 tonnes of poppy seed, which scientists now say could be a thing of the past. �We can (even) start exporting it,� Sharma said. Demand for edible poppy is high in Germany, the US and the Netherlands.
The opium-less variety developed by the institute not only has a high calorie content but is also rich in proteins.
With 52 per cent oil content � much higher than that of mustard at 42 per cent � Sujata is a better option for making vegetable oil. Sujata has 75 per cent unsaturated fatty acids. Scientists said it drastically reduces the risk of cholesterol-linked diseases.
�We have received applications from Japan and the US to jointly market Sujata, but we will be much wiser this time,� Pushpangadan said. India had lost many a trade war by giving samples to foreign countries before getting a patent themselves.
The only hitch, a scientist said, is the dilly-dallying by the Indian Narcotics Commission. �They are not coming forward to do the registration because that will hamper their business. But once we get the patent they will have to give in.�
Samples have been sent to the International Narcotics Commission where they have been tested. The institute�s scientists are sure they will receive a positive reply. �There are a few techno-legal problems though,� says Sharma. He feels that Sujata should only be grown in non-traditional areas because of the danger of cross-pollination.
Farmers growing it should be registered and a tab kept on them so that they do not grow opium-poppy in Sujata fields. �This is very important because both varieties look the same,� Sharma said.
Scientists are looking into ways of getting around this problem. �We will introduce genetic differences but that will take time, maybe 10 more years,� said a scientist.
As Mamata Banerjee left for the Birbhum campaign, her partymen tried to bring pressure on the Malda strongman who has been unwilling to part with any seats in his district.
Trinamul�s Englishbazar candidate, Krishnendu Chowdhury, and other district leaders said they would even contest Sujapur and Kaliachak, where Ghani Khan�s sister Ruby Noor and brother Abu Hasnat are Congress candidates. Mamata had not fielded nominees for these two seats long before the alliance with the Congress was sealed.
On the Malda developments, Trinamul general secretary Mukul Roy said this was �a local issue�. He iterated that Krishnendu was the candidate for Englishbazar. Krishnendu said Trinamul candidates would file nominations for Ratua, Araidanga, Harishchandrapur and Kharba tomorrow. �Candidates for the remaining seven seats will file nominations on Wednesday,� he said. Krishnendu today campaigned at several areas in Englishbazar.
Taken aback by the Trinamul offensive, Ghani Khan directed his party workers to �be prepared for any eventuality�. He has so far refused to give up Englishbazar, Old Malda and Harishchandrapur to Trinamul as part of the seat-share deal.
Ghani Khan has made it clear he will not compromise on Englishbazar and Old Malda. �There will be Congress candidates in all the Assembly seats under my Lok Sabha constituency,� he said, adding that he has spoken with state unit chief Pranab Mukherjee.
The Malda MP campaigned in Manikchak and Englishbazar today and will visit Harishchandrapur tomorrow. The Congress has not named its candidate for Harishchandrapur. But Mustaq Alam, a close associate of Ghani Khan, today filed his nomination.
A dejected district Congress chief Sabitri Mitra said: �A poll alliance with Trinamul Congress seems to be a far cry in Malda. Pranabda said Gautam Chakraborty would be the party�s candidate for Englishbazar. But we hear that Krishnendu Chowdhury will be given a ticket for the same seat. Trinamul has also threatened to put up its nominees in all the 11 seats. I don�t understand what is going on.�
The district Trinamul leadership is unhappy with Ghani Khan. Debasish Saha, a party leader, said: �Barkatda seems to have lost his mental balance. He cannot remember today what he said yesterday. He said he would offer Harishchandrapur to us in exchange of Old Malda and made a commitment to Pranab Mukherjee. But today he has declared Mustaq Alam as the party�s candidate for Harishchandrapur. This goes against the spirit of the alliance.�
Trinamul leaders have nominated candidates for the 11 Malda seats, including Phani Roy for Old Malda, Rajen Chowdhury for Kaliachak, Kalimuddin Ahmed for Sujapur, Badan Mandal for Manikchak, Nausad Ali for Harishchandrapur, Lukas Hansda for Habibpur and Naba Kumar Hembram for Gajole. The list has been sent to Mamata for her approval.
Rumours have been circulating for some time about Panja�s unhappiness with Mamata pulling out of the Vajpayee government and forging an alliance with the Congress. There have also been reports of his being upset at having been left out of the negotiations with the Congress, which were either handled by Mamata or her appointed aide Sudip Bandopadhyay.
Panja�s absence from the Trinamul-Congress unity rally at Shyambazar yesterday set the tongues wagging faster, even though his brother and MP, Ranjit Panja, was present. Trinamul sources said Panja also skipped the programme where the election manifesto was released in spite of being invited by Mamata.
Sources close to Panja said at tomorrow�s news conference, he might express resentment at the manner in which Trinamul entered into the alliance with the Congress by dumping the BJP, but keep silent on Mamata.
Sudip Bandopadhyay said Panja�s news conference is being held with Mamata�s concurrence. �Ajitda will end all misinformation about him.�
In Delhi, BJP general secretary Narendra Modi, when asked if the party was in touch with disgruntled Trinamul leaders, said: �It is an internal matter of the Trinamul Congress.�
Relative Humidity


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See Kareena Kapoor & Saif Ali Khan Baby Boy Unseen Pictures. Saif Ali Khan is a proud father now as his 2nd wife Kareena Kapoor Khan is a mother of a beautiful boy. Yes, they have been blessed with a boy and the name of their son is Taimur Ali Khan. Here we have the exclusive pictures of Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor with their son Taimur Ali Khan. So, don't miss the Kareena Kapoor & Saif Ali Khan Baby Boy Unseen Pictures.
Kareena Kapoor Baby Pictures with Father Saif Ali Khan
After a long, long wait, Kareena Kapoor Khan finally gave birth to her first child. The name of the child is Taimur Ali Khan and there was a huge fuss going in India whether to name the child Taimur or not. Well, the matter has been sorted out now and the name of the boy is Taimur for sure. So, after the birth of their first child, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan has arranged a conference as well along with their newly born child.
You cannot afford to miss the beautiful pictures of Saif Ali Khan and his wife Kareena Kapoor Khan with their child. So, don't miss the Kareena Kapoor & Saif Ali Khan Baby Boy Unseen Pictures. The child was hit with a controversial statements as well at the twitter as his name was Taimur Ali Khan and some Indians were not loving his name. So, after so much drama and fuss his name was finally the same as it was told by his father. So, what do you think about this newly born baby? Is he cute or not?


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As the owner of a small business, you've probably asked yourself the following questions more than once:
"How can I possibly compete with the big guys? Their resources and staff? Their advertising and marketing budgets?"
For starters, while we've come to think of small as the underdog, small isn't always detrimental in business. In fact, being small often lends itself to being more nimble and more personalized, especially when coming up against lumbering giants (David & Goliath and all that).
To compete with the big guys you need to understand the advantages of being on the small side and how you can make them work for you, instead of against you, in your business.
Advantage: You can react and change quickly.
A great example of small businesses reacting quickly is the recent Pokémon GO craze. Many businesses were able to recognize this trend and react before the big guys even had it on their radar. Without having to go through a major marketing roll out or a significant investment, many small businesses simply printed signs and posted them in their windows or changed the messages on their sidewalk signs to share the Pokémon love. (It's not too late to jump on the Pokémon bandwagon by the way.)
Make it work for you: Don't let fear of a wrong decision keep you paralyzed. When something new comes on the scene that requires little upfront investment on your part, embrace it.
Advantage: You can start small.
If you want to try something, you don't have to go all in from day one. You can take baby steps and get a feel for something before pivoting your whole business in that direction. If you've always wanted to offer green services but aren't sure if your customers will pay premium for them, you can introduce them on a small scale first without changing the whole direction of your business.
Make it work for you: You don't need to make a major investment to try something new. Test it first on a smaller scale to see if the idea has legs before going big.
Advantage: You can try new things.
With the freedom to try new things, you can easily adapt to changes in you business environment. You have the flexibility to launch a new product, take on a different type of client, or change your pricing. so use it. Want to offer a new service to your customers? Rolling out a new offering for your small business won't take months of planning and implementation. If you decide your new offering isn't working the way you planned, you can quickly cut it or alter your approach.
Make it work for you: Don't get too set in your ways. Use your ability to try new things to keep your business fresh and relevant.
Advantage: You can see results quickly.
When you make a change or try something new, you don't have to wait long to see results. You'll know fairly soon whether what you implemented is working for your business. Just make sure you're measuring the results with metrics that make sense for your business.
Make it work for you: In order to analyze results quickly have goals and metrics in place before making a change that impacts your bottom line. Need help? Try these tips.
Advantage: You can get to know your customers and what they value.
Chances are there are fewer layers between you and your customers than there are in a larger business. This direct relationship can give you invaluable insight into what matters to your customer and what they expect when it comes to doing business with you.
Make it work for you: Keep the lines of communication open with your customers. Here are seven ways to get customer feedback.
Advantage: You can provide a personal experience people will talk about.
People value personal relationships, but they also value their dollar. If you can't compete on price, offer something that your customers value like a higher quality product, personalized service, or attention to detail they can't get anywhere else. A great example is walking into a local hardware store with friendly attentive staff versus wandering around a big-box store trying to find an employee to help you. Easily accessible customer service can be enough to get your customers talking.
Make it work for you: Give your customers a reason to come back with a highly personalized experience that they value and will share with their friends and family. Here's plenty of word of mouth statistics to back this up.
Advantage: You can copy what works for bigger businesses.
What do customers like about bigger businesses and chains? They can be perceived as more predictable, more convenient, and sometimes less expensive. Or as research shows, bigger businesses and chains tap into a need for consistency in a world of change. Customers can be uncomfortable with the unknown and default to a more established, familiar brand, because they recognize it and there's less perceived risk involved.
Make it work for you: If customers want predictable, give it to them with regular hours, reliable and responsive customer service, and consistent quality.
Advantage: You can avoid what doesn't work for bigger businesses.
On the flip side, a larger business can also be perceived as impersonal, cookie cutter, lacking character, and only caring about making money. Being an independent business means that you aren't forced into a lockstep of how things should be done. In fact, you can intentionally steer clear of the things that make the big guys undesirable.
Make it work for you: No need to follow the big guy's mold and inherit their bad habits. Create your own unique way of doing things.
Advantage: You can stand out.
It's not enough to be unique, you have to hammer what makes your business different into your customers' heads over and over again. The more comfortable you get talking up your experience and what makes your business unique, the easier it will be to set yourself apart.
Make it work for you: Be able to say what makes your business different, and say it often.
So what if you're small? You have the freedom to do things your own way, so go for it.
Our mission at Swift Capital is to unleash the potential of every small business by providing them with fair and convenient access to working capital. We harness data and technology alongside personalized human expertise to see the true potential in every business. Did you like this post? Tell us what you'd like to see on our blog. Email us at [email protected] or tell us here.


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Emergency Locator Beacon
|[Editor: There was an article in the November 2003 issue of the MRCMC Newsletter that covered the construction of a similar beacon from parts available at Radio Shack etc. That version only worked with FM PPM radio systems. The one listed here works with AM, FM PPM and PCM systems, and costs less than building it yourself. Note that the prices are Canadian $$, but manufacturer will ship to the US if you send them a check for US funds using the same dollar amount.]By John Winstanely
You are flying high and over to far side of the field, practicing those maneuvers. Your engine quits, and you can't make it back. You land in the rough… somewhere over there. You think it's there. You look. It's not there. Several hours and 10 club members later, you find it. Success!! But it took you soooo long. There has got to be a better way.
Enter the Emergency Locator Beacon, by Arrow Manufacturing in Hamilton, Ontario. They have created a line of ELB's (Emergency Locator Beacons) for every model application.
|If the above scenario was repeated, but with the ELB installed, all you would have to do is turn off your transmitter. The ELB will let out a very audible scream, that will guide you to your downed craft.Installation of any one of their ELB's (one is made for small craft, and one is made for giant scale) is simplicity itself. Simply plug the unit into any available channel on your receiver. Mount it in any available space, (Arrow recommends the tail section) and you are done. That's it. The solid state unit weighs less than 2 ounces, and uses negligible battery power…until it's needed that is.
| We tested all available versions of the unit, with a very straightforward test. We mounted the small model version in my trusty Falcon 56. I turned on my transmitter, then my receiver. All was well. I took the plane into the bush, and placed it in a remote but accessible location. I walked back to the pits. Total distance was about 300 feet.I asked some club members, who were watching me at the time place my plane out in the bush, to go out and find my plane. It took them nearly 10 minutes to find the plane, and they saw where I put it!!
I then turned off the transmitter, and you could here the shrill pitch of the peizo buzzer. The buzzer sounds off a about 7000 hz, which is right in the middle of the human hearing range. The buzzer sound was clear, loud, and very apparent. You could even hear them over the sounds of overhead models flying. A new batch of searchers was sent out to hunt for the plane. It took them about 2 minutes to recover my Falcon 56. Awesome!!
|The ELB's are well designed. They are totally solid state for long life and some hard knocking. One of the best part is the price. The small model unit, costs about $16. The large model unit costs $24. The difference of price is not in the electronics, but in the buzzers themselves. The large model unit, has 2 buzzers and runs off its own 9 volt battery supply. It weighs a little more (3 ounces with battery) but in a larger type aircraft, this weight is inconsequential.
|Another benefit of these ELB' is for range checking your transmitter. When you do your usual field range check, simply keep walking until you hear the buzzer. Now you know for certain, if everything is working. One other benefit is if you turn your receiver on before your transmitter, the buzzer should sound. This is good. If it doesn't sound, there is a good chance someone is using your frequency. Time to double check the frequency board and the flight line. You may have saved someone elses model from a rekitting, due to your mistake.These ELB's are bargain basement insurance. They are well constructed, inexpensive, and simply the best units that I have seen from any manufacturer.
Just the Plain Facts
Product – Emergency Locator Beacon
Hits – Every plane should have one. They are cheap and easy to install, and it will save your plane one day.
Misses – none
|Reprinted by permission from the August issue of MODEL Aviation CANADA
[Editor: To order the ELT-P, make a check (from a US bank) for $15.99 per unit, payable to Arrow Manufacturing and mail it to
Arrow Manufacturing
25 Depew St.
Hamilton, Ontario
Canada L8L 7H7
and attach a note containing your name and shipping address and that you want to buy the ELT-P]


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Specializing in Welsh & Hunter Ponies
Daventry Equestrian is a quiet, picturesque private training and breeding facility only 45 minutes west of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. We are located one hour and fifteen minutes from the Edmonton International Airport and only four hours from the world famous Spruce Meadows. Daventry Equestrian specializes in the training and sales of top class Welsh and Hunter Ponies in a positive atmosphere and individually tailored programs. In 2017, we were named the USEF #28 Leading Pony Hunter Breeder.
The farm is equipped with stallion facilities and a fully equipped breeding lab for both fresh and frozen equine semen. Semen is shipped year round throughout North America.
All training and showing of the stallions, sales horses and ponies is done by Tracy Dopko. We have had ponies come in for "finishing" training as far away as Pennsylvania.
180' x 90' outdoor washed sand arena
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equipped with year round water and shelters. All sources of water are
cleaned out on a regular basis and kept heated during the winter months.
Trees surrounding the pens provides addition shelter from the wind. All
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The fencing is made up of 3 plank wood and all sources of water
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Trees at the north end of the pastures provides addition shelter.
all pens are grassed and equipped with water and shelters
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Equine Appraisal Services available
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Daventry Equestrian is managed with the utmost care and highest standards. We provide clients with a unique and professional atmosphere in which to purchase horses & ponies of all levels of experience and success.


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Click here to join the: Save the North Fields Facebook Page!
To learn more & DONATE (tax deductible) to preserve the North Fields, go to UTAH OPEN LANDS website today. _______________________
NEW!!! 6-14-17- Wasatch County Council discusses starting an open space committee, and possible bond options, with Wendy Fisher from Utah Open Lands. Watch the discussion here: Wasatch Taxpayers YouTube page.
6-7-17 Wasatch County takes first steps to a OPEN SPACE bond election in 2017 or 2018! Wasatch County councilman, Danny Goode, asked the rest of the council to discuss the options for putting the issue of open space to the people. The Wasatch Council has been discussing open space for over 12 years, and some council people even ran on the issue, yet so far there's been no organized effort to work towards preserving some key areas of our county. Councilman Goode asked the council to vote that night to either put the bond on the ballot themselves, or then at least let the citizens know if they will need to do it themselves in a form of an initiative petition. The voters last November voted 74% to preserve current zoning in the Northfields, and some citizens on Facebook asked WHY they need to keep voting for saving open space. There was a serious discussion, and a few citizens spoke to encourage them to take the initial steps to put it on the ballot. Watch the discussion here: Wasatch Taxpayers YouTube page.
4-12-17 Wasatch County Council voted 4-1 (Goode, Nelson,Park, Farrell- yea, Petersen -Nay) to donate $25,000 to Park City's Bonanza Flat purchase. Councilman Danny Goode led the conversation and requested that the council consider donating somewhere between $10K- $50K. Also in the conversation was a possible bond election for North Fields (or other open space fund). But for some reason, it was suggested that the citizens of Wasatch County would have to do a initiative petition to get it on the ballot. Why do the citizens have to jump through hoops to get it on the ballot when the county council could decide to put it on the ballot themselves??? An initiative petition would require about 2500 signatures from registered voters. Not necessary if the county council would follow the lead of the last November election, where the voters decided by 75% to not allow more density in the North Fields, and just put it on the ballot themselves. It still would have to get approved by the people anyway. Watch the discussion here: Wasatch Taxpayers YouTube page.
3-1-17 Wasatch County Council had a meeting with Park City's mayor and Utah Open Lands' Executive Director, Wendy Fisher about the progress with Bonanza Flat fund raising. Watch discussion here: Wasatch Taxpayers YouTube page.
2-8-17 Wasatch County Council talked about the possibility of bonding for preserving open space in the future.
Two discussions- one on the upcoming purchase of Bonanza Flats (in WASATCH CO.) by Park City and whether Wasatch County would financially support the effort. See video here: Wasatch Taxpayers YouTube page.
*** Second discussion on a possible bond for the North Fields after 75% of voters in Nov 2016, supported keeping the density the same. Watch discussion here: Wasatch Taxpayers YouTube Transferable Development Rights study mentioned in video- North Fields MAG Report – TDRs
2016 Election Wasatch County results — North Fields was Proposition 12
Wasatch County voters sent a clear message to the County Council on this Nov 2016 ballot, after the County Council passed this 10 acre rezone in 2014 even after listening to the public outcry NOT to do it. Almost 75% voted this Nov. AGAINST the rezone of 2800 sensitive acres to a smaller 10 acre zone. This is a clear mandate on the Northfields, and moving forward on possible future rezone issues in Wasatch County. Wallsburg is also dealing with a big rezone/development issue in the next year. See more info on Wallsburg issues at this facebook page. The public tide is turning, and the county council (and city councils too) should consult the public and really listen to the concerns of the people.
Now the hard work begins. A citizen committee, including Northfields landowners, is being formed to address the Northfields area and prepare a plan for many options for landowners to preserve their land for generations to come, if they so desire. Utah Open Lands has agreed to help us, and will be instrumental in guiding this community to impliment successful proven policies. Stay tuned….
Here's how it read on the ballot:
PROPOSITION 12- North Fields Zoning Change
Shall the minimum building lot size be changed from 20 acres to 10 acres in the area known as the North Fields. The North Fields area is bounded on the west by the Provo river Mitigation property, on the south by U-113, on the east and south by the Heber City boundary, also on the east by US-40 and on the north by River Road excepting those lands within the North Village Special Service Area?
2010 BYU/Heber City survey with citizen comments included:northfields-heber-survey-comments
IMPORTANT!! See info that explain impacts- North Fields- 10 acr zoning and wetland maps (right click mouse to rotate document)
WASATCH CO. FLOOD MAP- NORTHFIELDS IN AFFECTED AREA PICTURE- Northfields-flood-map
WASATCH CO. VOTER INFORMATION PAMPHLET-2016-northfields-local-voter-info-pamphlet
Here's the AGAINST argument submitted to the County Clerk:
Against Northfields Rezone
It is important to understand why the 2800 acres in the Northfields is a ballot item. The public will vote whether the Northfields zoning should be changed from a 1 home per 20 acres zone, to a 1 home per 10 acre zone. The Wasatch County Council voted in November 2014 to rezone this area without proper due process according to Utah and County code, and also without a 10 acre zone even established in the County General Plan. There is still none today.
Some Northfields' landowners, who disagreed with the council's decision, sponsored a referendum petition to possibly retract their vote. The county-wide petition asked for this issue to be put on the ballot, and needed 1847 signatures. More than 2200 signatures were collected from Wasatch County residents who agreed that saving this vital, historic ground was important.
Concerned citizens and Northfields' landowners have been working the past year to develop a preservation plan in concert with the Heber and Wasatch County public officials, Utah Open Lands, and Mountainland Association of Governments. A vote now to rezone the Northfields to 10 acres would increase the value, increase landowners' taxes, and preservation will be even more difficult to achieve.
Wasatch County professionals in 2014 shared their reasoning against the 10 acre rezone. The Wasatch County Planner shared the General Plan where it specifically talks about the 20 acre zone and how it is purposefully meant to preserve agricultural land:
Wasatch County General Plan- Purpose Section of the A-20 code:
- Avoid excessive costs for public services in areas with high physical constraints;
- Provide a location where the cultivation of crops and the raising and keeping of livestock and related uses can be protected and encouraged;
- Prevent the necessity of having to pay excessive taxes on grazing lands;
- Preserve the beauty of the entry corridors of Wasatch County;
- Protect the underground water supply from pollution; and
- Maintain an open rural buffer between Heber and Midway City. (2002 Code § 16.06.01
Our County Director of Tourism and Economic Development actually advised our county council NOT to adopt the rezone in 2014, citing a 6 month survey they conducted with visitors. The #1 reason tourists visit us once, or numerous times, was the "rural feel and open space." He stated that a rezone might have "long term ramifications, and may negatively affect our tourism industry."
Also in 2000, the Heber City Council published their "Declaration of Policy – Northfields" to help preserve the area:
"Preserving the scenic character and open space of the North Fields has been an important part of past master plans' objectives."
"For some thirty years the public has allowed the Northfields to be assessed based on value which the land has for agricultural use, rather than fair market value, for the purpose of making it affordable to preserve as such."
We ask you to vote AGAINST the Northfields rezone to 10 acres on the ballot this election.
To see detailed information mentioned here go to www.WasatchTaxpayersAssociation.com
(There is much more info below, when the County Council tried TWICE to rezone this property. There were citizen concerns about process, and the conflicts of interest on the planning commission, at the time. Scroll down to read more detailed information on this.)
Great research paper on tax savings of open space to communities: cost-benefit-study-of-land-uses-open-space
Excerpt: "American Farmland Trust. Farmland Information Center. Fact Sheet: Cost of Community Services Study. August 2007.
"Communities pay a high price for unplanned growth. Scattered development frequently causes traffic congestion, air and water pollution, loss of open space and increased demand for costly public services. This is why it is important for citizens and local leaders to understand the relationships between residential and commercial growth, agricultural land use, conservation, and their community's bottom line. Cost of Community Services (COCS) studies help address three claims that are commonly made in rural or suburban communities facing growth pressures:
1. Open lands – including productive farms and forests –are an interim land use that should be developed to their "highest and best use."
2. Agricultural land gets an unfair tax break when it is assessed at its current value for farming or ranching instead of at its potential use value for residential or commercial development.
3. Residential development will lower property taxes by increasing the tax base. 20 years of COCS studies – Median Results: for every $ in tax revenue, x Commercial and industrial land use costs $0.29, x Working and open land cost $0.37 , x Residential costs $1.19 LAND USE COST BENEFIT STUDIES
Page 3 The findings of COCS studies are consistent with those of conventional fiscal impact analyses, which document the high cost of residential development and recommend commercial and industrial development to help balance local budgets. What is unique about COCS studies is that they show that agricultural land is similar to other commercial and industrial uses. In every community studies, farmland has generated a fiscal surplus to help offset the shortfall created by residential demand for public services. This is true even when the land is assessed at its current, agricultural use. They can help local leaders discard the notion that natural resources must be converted to other uses to ensure fiscal stability. They also dispel the myths that residential development leads to lower taxes, that differential assessment programs give landowners an "unfair" tax break and that farmland is an interim land use just waiting around for development."
A-20 Wasatch County General Plan website – Northfields' zoning code.
NORTHFIELDS AERIAL VIEW-To the west of Highway 40, north of Midway Lane (Highway 113), to the Provo River Corridor Reclamation property, then to the north at the intersection of River Road and Highway 40 (except for the intersection piece).
Click picture to enlarge.
This was in the WASATCH CO. COURIER in 2000: Click picture to enlarge
2014- Northfields REZONE attempt
THE REFERENDUM PETITION IS SUCCESSFUL! The county clerk certified 2014 signatures, 1847 were required on January 9, 2015. This issue will now be put on the November 2016 ballot for the public to decide whether to allow the 20 acre zoning in this area to become 10 acres.
Another lawsuit was filed on Dec 17th against Wasatch County by a Northfields' landowner who is claiming the County Council did not follow their own General Plan and land use code.
This newest attempt to rezone the Northfields was NOT initiated by a Northfields' landowner in the formal application process. The Wasatch County Council themselves decided to pass a motion to send it to their planning commission for review and then voted to pass the rezone on November 19, 2014. The Wasatch County Council passed, on Nov 19th, 2014, a motion to move 2800 ACRES into an A-10 ZONE that currently DOESN'T EXIST in the Wasatch County General Plan. Now the citizens, and primarily some landowners of the Northfields who are most affected by this decision, have filed a REFERENDUM PETITION at the county clerk's office on Nov. 24th! The citizens will have to get 1850 signatures by the end of December. For more info and to stay in touch with the effort go to Save the Northfields Facebook Page.
This referendum petition simply says:
"We, the undersigned citizens of Wasatch County, Utah, respectfully order that the Wasatch County rezone of the Northfields, A-20 zone to an undetermined A-10 zone passed by the Wasatch County Council, be referred to the voters for their approval or rejection at the regular general election to be held on November 2016."
The County Council passed the Northfields rezone to A-10 (1 home per 10 acres) on Wed, Nov. 19, 2014. The vote was 4-2. 4 Yeas- Price, Capson, McPhie and Bangerter. 2 Nays- Crittenden and Farrell. Kohler was absent. The problem is, there IS NO A-10 zone in the Wasatch County General Plan to put it into. North Fields- Co Council packet 11-19-14 Watch the videos of the meeting- Wasatch Taxpayers YouTube Page
The Planning Commission voted 3-2 and forwarded it to the council WITHOUT a recommend (since they needed 4 votes for that). Planning commissioners' vote: YEA= Spencer Duke, Robert Gappmayer , and Shelly Olsen — NAY= Gerald Hayward and Jon Jacobsmeyer. Paul Probst and Liz Lewis recused themselves because they own property in the Northfields. Spencer Duke does too, but decided NOT to recuse himself even though he ended up passionately lecturing the public who attended that night which showed his constituents of his biased decision without concern for the public. Listen and decide: Wasatch Taxpayers YouTube Page (videos 2, 5, & 6 are key). The fact that some planning commissioners AND county councilmen own property there, or their families do, is of MAJOR concern. Conflicts of interest are discussed on this page towards the bottom, when 2 years ago, the planning commission did not follow their bylaws and ethics requirements and a group of citizens filed a formal complaint to the County Manager and County Attorney. A training for the planning commission on their standards of practice (see below) was conducted afterwards. Hopefully they will improve their conduct this time.
2012- Northfields REZONE attempt
This attempt was by an actual landowner in the Northfields who had tried to sell his property for years, but could not get a price he felt was reasonable in that market. He did fill out a formal application for a rezone with the Wasatch County planning department.
Impact radio programs with county manager, Mike Davis (If you need to sign in, username- heberut/password- heber)
Impact 12-6-2012 Pt 1 Mike Davis,Co Manager Talks about Special Service Districts, Wasatch Co. Fire District tax increase
Impact 12-6-2012 Pt 2 Mike Davis CountyMgr 1/3 of the way into recording talks about planning commission citizen's complaint, conflicts of interest, change in gov't referendum committee.
Impact 12-18-2012 Pt 1MikeDavis, Co Mgr Pay raise, discussion about personnel,the costs of training inexperienced service people.
Impact 12-18-2012 Pt 2 MikeDavis Co Mgr Discusses planning commission applicants and process, and personnel.
*****A FORMAL COMPLAINT FROM CITIZENS WAS SENT TO THE COUNTY COUNCIL AND COUNTY ATTORNEY– PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING WHERE CITIZENS WERE HARRASSED (see recording above on ensuing planning commission re-appointments by county manager, in 2013, of some of the same people to planning commission)
Plan Comm recording 8-9-2012-Northfields– (might take a minute to download) Discussion starts with County Planner at 31 minutes into recording, first citizen starts speaking at 41:30. County Manager received a citizen complaint with 6 names who witnessed this meeting in August, and the county never formally responded. In November, another follow up letter was sent to the county by citizens. The county attorney responded by Jan 2013, see letter: WC- GRAMA denial Jan 2013
The letter sited conflicts of interest with 3 members of the planning commission who own property in the Northfields and openly disclose they do in the August meeting. In the original complaint, included was state code:
UTAH STATE CODE– Conflict of Interest
A planning commissioner to whom some private benefit may be derived as the result of a planning commission action should not be a participant in the action. The following are recommended as guidelines for dealing with conflicts:
The private benefit may be direct or indirect, create a material personal gain or provide an advantage to relatives, friends or groups and associations which hold some share of a person's loyalty.
State law requires that a public official experiencing a conflict of interest declare the conflict publicly.It is strongly recommended, however, that a planning commissioner with a conflict abstain from voting on the action in question and leave the room during consideration of the action.The commissioner should not discuss the matter privately with any other commissioner. The vote cast by a planning commissioner who has a conflict of interest, but who has not excused him or herself, shall be disallowed. (pg 2-16)
By-Laws of the Wasatch County Planning Commission
– Sect XI: (C) No member shall act or vote on any matter which he or she has a direct financial interest, which involve a conflict of interest as found in he Utah Code, or which a member cannot fairly and impartially act or vote on any matter before the Commission.
Any member declaring a conflict of interest shall be disqualified and shall leave the room and not participate in the discussion and vote pertaining to that particular matter.
The Chairperson
The chairperson should endeavor to develop the group's communication networks. The chairperson is the unifying member of the commission. The chairperson's responsibility is to assure that meetings are conducted by the rules and each member is allowed to express opinions. The chairperson should encourage discussion, but discourage arguments. A planning commission is a problem-solving group, and it is the responsibility of the chair to propel the group toward its goals and prevent irrelevant and distracting discussion. An effective chairperson is an organizer who develops and maintains good group interaction to assure a successful and timely conclusion of each item on the meeting agenda.
Planning commission's standard of practice: The Planning Commission (CPPA, U of U)
Included among the most important character traits for an effective planning commissioner are:
- A willingness to serve the long-range interests of the community with sensitivity to the impact that each decision will impose upon the future of the community.
- An ability to avoid politics, or extreme biases, from affecting decisions. The dedicated planning commissioner bases all decisions on the facts, an objective interpretation of the regulations, and the best interest of the total community.
- An ability to clarify the feelings in the community on all sides of an issue. The commissioner's responsibility is to sort out opinions and make recommendations to enable the decision-makers to vote in the best interest of the community. The commission can help prevent an elected official from acting in an arbitrary or capricious manner by clarifying the issues. Many times such clarification can avoid the sacrifice of a long range benefit for short term gratification.
- A desire to expand his/her knowledge of the community. The commissioner should be well informed of the history, development and social and physical needs of the community. The commissioner should review carefully all available facts concerning the community to understand its values, characteristics and dynamics.
- An understanding of the community's regulatory tools, such as the zoning, subdivision, and other pertinent ordinances. These tools are the primary means of implementing the general plan. Like any powerful tools, they must be handled with skill, sensitivity, and care.
Citizen comments that were included in the complaint:
"First off, I'd like to say, I did not speak at the meeting because of how aggressive the committee was with the other speakers. I felt some were more concerned with their own property development than the issue at hand."
"My observation, as to the behavior of those on the planning commission, was far from professional. They demeaned the Commission by attacking those who presented legitimate opposition to the rezoning application."
"The citizens who spoke were aggressively challenged on their beliefs, debated with in public, and berated for not believing in the constitution just because we believe in zoning regulations and adhering to our county master plan."
"In the public meeting the Planning Board totally ignored their obligation to apply the Standard of Review for variances. Reference to the General Plan is required and none was even attempted. The Board primarily made their personal arguments as to the unfairness of the existing zoning law with respect to their ownership rights. Essentially they argued against the existence of the law and failed to enforce the law."
"My first observation was that (certain commissioners) were biased in favor of development and without concern for the impact and aesthetics' a more concentrated development is likely to have on the beautiful Heber Valley. Both visual appearance and likely degradation of air quality etc. (They seemed hostile toward citizens input)
"The members of the planning commission that have significant land holdings in the North Fields should have recused themselves from the vote as it appears as a conflict of interest and biased decision. With the decision to recommend the zone change from A-20 to RA-5 for the 30 acre parcel in the North Fields, the planning commission paid no heed to the 12+ findings that staff posted that were clearly against recommendation for the rezone or of great concern."