text:
Birmingham is wet. Really wet. I was splashed by a bus an hour or two ago and my jeans are still soaked; my girlfriend's umbrella is offering no shelter whatsoever. And, to add insult to injury (for 'injury' read 'dampness'), I've been stood in the wrong queue for something like 20 minutes. And I can hear Monarch rendering those inside the Medicine Bar temporarily deaf, their rumbling screams rolling from the Custard Factory's innards into the Digbeth air outside, carving a path through the droplets that fall incessantly like that end scene in Hero with the arrows. No? Oh, something about Moses, then…
Friday night at the fifth Supersonic is, really, a mere prelude to the main event 24 hours later, but that doesn't stop the line-up from shimmering with otherworldly talent. The aforementioned slow-motion metallers kick proceedings off in brutal style, but it's London pair Fuck Buttons who deliver the first lodges-in-the-memory set. Their blissful drone-scapes are punctured by alarming levels of static and fuzz, with garbled and distorted vocals drizzled atop the chaotic canvas liberally. Yet in the Kitchen – one of the festival's four stages – their sound feels muddied into a clarity-stripped moan. Perhaps it's where I'm stood, as the band later remark in their MySpace blog (click here) that the "sound men were extremely helpful and knew their shit". At times, though, the duo's beautiful intricacies are lost beneath a churning electro cacophony.
Friday's biggest attraction is almost certainly Wolf Eyes, the Michigan trio taking to the Medicine Bar stage around the 1am mark; immediately before them, Kling Klang mix Krautrock sensibilities with disco-funk to great effect and have these feet tapping furiously. The noise-core three-piece that follow them, though, grind out a standard set of brain-blistering assault-rock that spreads gore across the walls and stabs at the senses with spears of human bone. It's all very impressive, but what made Wolf Eyes so exciting a few years ago is starting to become their failing: they're becoming very predictable. Fatigue is playing a part in such an opinion, but tonight the trio's fist-pumping performance leaves me less than enthralled; my attention wanders and suddenly my feet have only one desire: to tread the streets back to the hotel. Kid 606 and Otto Von Schirach see the night to a close, but I'm saving myself for the following day's festivities.
An afternoon of shopping and pint consumption runs late (well, the sun is out, and there to be enjoyed!), meaning that Shit & Shine are sadly missed – the noisy Londoners open the festival's main outside stage at 4.30pm. Instead, I make a beeline for the new Arches stage and Crippled Black Phoenix, a band whose material a day earlier dominated my daily MySpace browsing. On record, the eight-piece (more were involved in the making of their debut album, A Shared Love Of Disasters) are special; live, they live up to all expectations I have from hearing such delights as 'Burnt Reynolds' and 'I'm Almost Home', and as they flow from bouts of boisterous cosmic rock into sweet passages of folk-tinged epic pop – like Pink Floyd drinking from the cup of Comets On Fire, while a folksy foursome plays in a dimly lit corner – I find myself pulled to the very front of the assembled onlookers. They're loud like Part Chimp are loud: when they choose to they can turn your insides upside down with the flick of a switch. Unlike the Chimp, though, there are layers here that require considered attention, melodies that drift between waves of excess amplification and settle upon the brow like a soft, soothing dew. Inspirational on first impressions, Crippled Black Phoenix are certainly a personal discovery worth indefinite revisitations.
Strings Of Consciousness make a mighty racket on the main stage, but there's something about their enveloping squall that falls short of excellence today. The instrumental collective – vocals are fleeting enough to necessitate such an adjective – tickle brass and bludgeon skins with great commitment, but their set never quite clicks. Perhaps it's because of the impression left by the act seen but moments before them, but they don't leave the impact I'd been expecting. Better, and on the same main outdoor stage, are Shady Bard, whose morose indie-folk scales fresh heights in such an environment. With audience members sat before them, engrossed, the local quintet deliver debut album highlights 'Fires', 'Treeology' and – in particular – the spine-tingling 'Penguins' with great precision, rendering a great many hairs erect and hearts swelled to burst. Said album, From The Ground Up, is reviewed here and is well worth a few of those pennies in your pocket.
And now for something completely different: Miasma and the Carousel of Headless Horses are made-up for the breakdown, and when the split hits it's gonna be bloody. Many hands may well make light work, but while there are a good few men on the Arches stage, this music is anything but easy-going. It's old-world of feel and gothic of look, eleven parts Tim Burton and a dose of future folk, progressive yet entirely rooted in convention, albeit a convention that lurks only at the edges of squinted eyes. Truly unique, in a malformed nutshell. They're followed by the more routine – and more aurally punishing – Pharaoh Overlord, Finnish men with riffs the size of ocean-cruising liners. Problem is that their locked-in and deep-grooved ways are a little one-dimensional after a series of acts pushing at the boundaries of styles yet to be defined. The same can be said of the David Yow-fronted Qui, although the Californian punk trio are a lot more fun than the Finns. Blasting through a series of scratchy, acerbic selections from their forthcoming Love's Miracle LP, the band keep the Arches crowd on their toes ahead of a massive comedown, looming in the shadows.
But not yet.
Chrome Hoof are bonkers on the main stage, Oxbow terrifying and Bee Stung Lips tumultuous in the Medicine Bar, and OM enjoyably decibellic over at the Arches, but none can placate the bubbling anticipation for the festival's perceived headliners: Mogwai. The Scots arrive on the main stage a little later than advertised, but attract the event's biggest crowd of the day (so far). Ripples of applause greet the opening few sourced from Mr Beast, the five-piece's latest and not-quite-greatest long-player, but things really start moving with the commencement of 'Hunted By A Freak'. I find myself swaying, head down, absorbed by strangers; my girlfriend's lost to me, somewhere else amongst these people, all of whom have their faces locked forwards (turns out she went looking for cake and found only crumbs). Soon song titles become irrelevant – it's all one long celebration of a band whose star might be descending gradually, but who can still craft the most epic of rock songs from the most rudimentary of instruments. I open my eyes just in time to see an arm stretch out and pull me away to something else, something very else.
Sunn O))) are the point at which words stop making sense of music, for they themselves attempt to make no sense of the music they make; they make because, seemingly, it is all they know; if they stopped, so too would the music dominating popular charts worldwide. After all, you can't go upsetting the balance or we're all in the shit: disrupt the darkness and the light can't possibly not be affected. The comedown takes hold hard, loosens its grip long enough for yours truly to take in some Duracell, and then returns to see its mission through to its end. Its end beguiles, its myriad chapters dripping from pages torn from a book that never belonged to a man of woman born. Shit, just listen. Mould your own senselessness into a ball and lob it at the pension queue.
And that's that: shivering kings and corrupted queens wander homewards. Another year's Supersonic over, another one almost certainly being planned as you read these very words. See you the same time next year for more music from the fraying fringes of popular (or not so) culture, for more decaying sounds from dimensions unexplored. Click here to visit Supersonic organisers Capsule's website.
All photography by Toby Price. From top: Chrome Hoof (main), Crippled Black Phoenix, Shady Bard, Miasma
and the Carousel of Headless Horses, Oxbow, Mogwai, Sunn O)))


text: Job Discussion Forums :: View topic - "Bogaziçi Koleji" Scam Alert Get TEFL Certified & Start Your Adventure Today! Job Discussion Forums"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Students and Teachers from Around the World!" FAQ Search Memberlist Usergroups Register Profile Log in to check your private messages Log in "Bogaziçi Koleji" Scam Alert Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Turkey View previous topic :: View next topic Author Message El GordoJoined: 22 Apr 2003Posts: 35Location: Turkey Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2003 11:31 am Post subject: "Bogaziçi Koleji" Scam Alert I would like to warn readers that the advertisement from "Bogaziçi Koleji" which recently appeared on another TEFL site has all the hallmarks of a scam, probably perpetrated by the same con-artists as were responsible for the Cent Koleji scam a few weeks ago. The give-aways are: Number of Positions: 15. Why would any school suddenly need 15 foreign English teachers? Salary: USD 1900 - 2100. This is very high by Istanbul standards. Address: The postcode is wrong. Postcodes in that part of Istanbul start with 80, not 34. (I presume the 30400 in the advertisement is a typing error for 34000.) Also, as far as I know Bogaziçi Koleji is on Büyükdere Caddesi, not Cumhuriyet Caddesi (again spelt wrongly in the advertisement) Telephone / Fax: As with "Cent Koleji", they give the same number for fax and phone. A large school such as this would have a separate fax number. Furthermore, a search on the online Türk Telekom directory reveals that the number in the advertisement is allocated to Enkesörlü Telefon Müdürlügü, Taksim. The number of the real Bogaziçi Koleji is listed as 212 285 2360. I wouldn't mind betting that anyone who applies will be immediately offered a position and then asked for a few hundred dollars as a "visa processing fee". Of course, I could be wrong... Back to top gelinJoined: 09 Mar 2003Posts: 144Location: Istanbul, Turkey Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2003 1:22 am Post subject: I must agree with you. Cumhuriyet Cad. is in Harbiye, not Maslak. Steer clear of this place. Thanks ElGordo for bringing that to people's attention. Back to top double agentJoined: 18 Jun 2003Posts: 152Location: In the wild wild west Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2003 8:17 pm Post subject: more info on the scam how does it WORK what i dont get it...do they ask you to send moola or sumting... how is it a scam please explain Back to top El GordoJoined: 22 Apr 2003Posts: 35Location: Turkey Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2003 10:13 pm Post subject: Hello, Double Agent. Read the threads "Paying for Work Permit", "Cent Koleji - Update" and "Beware!!! a Scam" on this board. It appears that the scam-artists post job advertisements using the name of a real school in Istanbul, but fake phone/fax numbers and addresses - in the case of Cent Koleji they even set up a fake website. When you phone the number given they offer you a job and then ask for USD 500 as a visa processing fee. Back to top gelinJoined: 09 Mar 2003Posts: 144Location: Istanbul, Turkey Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2003 10:41 pm Post subject: Perhaps double agent would like to contact the place and tell us what he learns? I'd be interested. Back to top double agentJoined: 18 Jun 2003Posts: 152Location: In the wild wild west Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2003 2:40 pm Post subject: Bogazici College SCAM OR REAL Do you mean..this school ... Back to top gelinJoined: 09 Mar 2003Posts: 144Location: Istanbul, Turkey Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2003 4:52 pm Post subject: Yes, isn't this the school we're talking about? Back to top double agentJoined: 18 Jun 2003Posts: 152Location: In the wild wild west Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2003 8:56 pm Post subject: Bogazici College Bogazici College This college_ ya i have seen their advertisement on tefl.com Whats up if this is a SCAM why can´t they be stopped here and now. NEVER PAY FOR ANYTHING. If they are recruiting you, they pay. That is it. Back to top El GordoJoined: 22 Apr 2003Posts: 35Location: Turkey Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2003 10:36 pm Post subject: I should point out, Double Agent, that Bogaziçi Koleji and Özel Cent Koleji are both reputable schools and it is not being suggested that they are in any way involved in the scam. The matter has already been reported to the authorities and I agree it should be fairly easy for them to do something - particularly since the con-artists give you a bank account number into which to pay the USD 500 - but then again, this is Turkey! Back to top gelinJoined: 09 Mar 2003Posts: 144Location: Istanbul, Turkey Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2003 12:18 am Post subject: It also means all job applicants should really be wary about any school that gets to post its recruitment ads for free. www.tefl.com is a freebie for schools. Back to top double agentJoined: 18 Jun 2003Posts: 152Location: In the wild wild west Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2003 12:00 pm Post subject: Are the LEGIT colleges mentioned here any good? Does anyone have any info on the colleges mentioned here, the LEGITIMATE ones_ ? How much do they pay, do they offer TEFL or English teaching jobs _? Wonder why they have been targeted? Interesting. Back to top double agentJoined: 18 Jun 2003Posts: 152Location: In the wild wild west Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2003 7:11 pm Post subject: any one heard from this college lately any news of the scamdal ? Anyone have this school try to hire them for the new semester... Inquiry Minds need to know Back to top fatgirlJoined: 22 May 2003Posts: 12 Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2003 5:10 pm Post subject: well, i actually applied to the school. I saw the ad and thought hmmmm 1900 to 2100?? why not. They do have a website, which looks somewhat professional. Anyway, i sent only my CV, and a few days latter I recieved a letter saying I was accepted. A bit strange since I only recieved this email, and never spoke with anyone let alone had an interview. My suspicions were confirmed at the bottom of the crudely written ¨acceptance form¨they sent me with loads of typos, they asked to have 500 USD sent to them for processing fees. It seems they are not really trying anymore. Its is quite transparent and poorly done, but then again, I had already read the ´BEWARE a scam´ threads. Everyone, steer clear of this school! Back to top double agentJoined: 18 Jun 2003Posts: 152Location: In the wild wild west Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2003 5:47 pm Post subject: Congradulations you have been accepted * NOTE: Completed acceptance form should be sent to the Recruitment Officer along with a processing fee of US$500 which will cover the processing of working permit/papers, courier services, administrative cost e.t.c. Processing fees should be sent through Western Union Money Transfer to the Recruitment Officer, WESTHEAD LEO ANTHONY. All inquiries in respect of the processing of your application/working permit and other issues should be directed to the Registrar, BOGAZICI COLLEGE, Dr. Mrs. Pembe Baslar, Tel: + 90 212 253 14 03 or e-mail to [email protected], [email protected] Or Mr. Westhead Leo Anthony: 90 537 219 98 03. This was in letter part 2 of the acceptance letters they SENT me..... *beep*. Back to top Display posts from previous: All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Turkey All times are GMT Page 1 of 1 Jump to: Select a forum Where to Begin----------------General DiscussionNewbie ForumCurrent Events ForumTechnology ForumOnline Teaching Forum Africa Forums----------------General Africa Forum Asia Forums----------------CambodiaChina (Job-related Posts Only)China (Off-Topic)Hong KongIndiaIndonesiaJapanMalaysiaPhilippinesSingaporeTaiwanThailandGeneral Asia ForumVietnam Caribbean Forums----------------General Caribbean Forum Europe Forums----------------Czech RepublicFranceGermanyGreeceItalyMacedonia and the BalkansPolandRomaniaRussia & C.I.S.SpainTurkeyUkraineUnited KingdomGeneral Europe Forum Latin America Forums----------------ArgentinaBrazilChileColombiaCosta RicaMexicoMexico (off-topic)PeruGeneral Latin America Forum The Middle East Forums----------------BahrainEgyptIsraelKuwaitOmanQatarSaudi ArabiaUnited Arab EmiratesGeneral Middle East Forum North America Forums----------------General North America Forum Oceania----------------Australia/New Zealand You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot vote in polls in this forum This page is maintained by the one and only Dave Sperling. 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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Friday, September 09, 2011
Vanilla Cupcakes for A decade has passed we bake to remember 11-09-2001
10 yrs back i didnt realise what happened
on 11th September 2001
when twin towers were attacked by two planes in Newyork
first i thought that it was an accident
then later heard that it was deliberate attempt
10 yrs back i was in first year of my college
i had my own problems ,my own inhibition
i was to busy to realise what was happening
i was occupied with so many other things
10 yrs back internet was just used to exchange mail
or to connect with friends
but now things have changed
i am glad with time i have become more aware
and more mature
Marla of Family Fresh Cooking
has asked us to Bake a Cake
in rememberance of 9/11
I baked simple Vanilla Cupcakes
baking temperature 100 degree centigrade
baking time 5 to 7 mins
yield 12 mini cupcakes
all purpose flour one cup
salt pinch
sugar half cup
baking powder one tsp
butter one fourth cup
vanilla essence half tsp
milk one fourth cup
egg one
Line a muffin tray with liners ,keep aside
In a mixing bowl mix all purpose flour,salt ,sugar and baking powder
add butter,vanilla essence and milk and mix everything together for a minute
add egg and mix with hand blender to a smooth mix,
scrape the sides of the bowl with spatula
spoon the mixture into the cupcake liners
bake for five to seven minutes
remove the cupcakes and place on wire rack to cool
once completely cooled ,ice or decorate.
For decoration
Royal icing
red colour
tea recipe blogger here
take care and Happy Blogging .
25 comments:
- Swathi said...
vanilla cupcakes looks delicious.
- September 9, 2011 at 11:49 PM
- marla {Family Fresh Cooking} said...
Simple vanilla cupcakes with so much sweetness. Thanks so much for being a vibrant baker & sharing love at this important time. I am so happy to now know you. xo
- September 10, 2011 at 9:39 AM
- Jayanthy Kumaran said...
truly irresistable..perfect version..
Tasty Appetite
- September 10, 2011 at 11:37 AM
- Priya Suresh said...
Looks damn pretty, fantastic cupcakes..
- September 10, 2011 at 5:23 PM
- Kalyan Panja said...
nice tribute and the recipe...vanilla cupcakes are one of my favourites anytime.
- September 10, 2011 at 10:21 PM
- pallavi said...
arre ye to mera sponge cake receipe hai.. waise lookin so yum that i got up to make my old spongy cake at 10:30 pm hehehe
- September 11, 2011 at 1:11 AM
- SpicyTasty said...
The feeling was mutual of what u have said about 9/11. Cupcake looks fabulous.
- September 11, 2011 at 3:38 AM
- Rumana Rawat said...
- September 11, 2011 at 7:34 PM
- pallavi said...
wow.. very impressive words... this is one of the most meaningful posts u hav written babes :)
- September 11, 2011 at 9:05 PM
- Lakshmi said...
Vanilla Cake looks yummy Priyanka and that poem feels good to read too
- September 12, 2011 at 9:29 AM
- Sayantani Mahapatra Mudi said...
wow the cuppies look yummy. so cute looking.
- September 12, 2011 at 12:19 PM
- Vijitha said...
Gorgeous looking cupcakes.Nice tribute!!!
- September 12, 2011 at 1:22 PM
- Sobha Shyam said...
vanilla cupcakes look cute n yummy..great tribute..thanx for visiting my space..
- September 13, 2011 at 4:24 AM
- Cham said...
Pretty vanilla cupcakes, lovely write-up!
- September 13, 2011 at 12:04 PM
- Raks said...
Always wanted to try out vanilla cup cakes!Nice bake!
- September 13, 2011 at 10:17 PM
- Saraswathy Balakrishnan said...
A perfect tea-time snacks for the kids..yummyyyy:)
- September 14, 2011 at 2:06 PM
- Unknown said...
Your cupcakes look fantastic.
- September 15, 2011 at 8:04 AM
- Laavanya said...
Very sweet gesture indeed...
- September 16, 2011 at 11:09 PM
- Unknown said...
Lovely soft cakes..perfect indeed:)
- September 19, 2011 at 2:53 PM
- My Kitchen Antics said...
vanilla cupcakes are my absolute favs...
- September 20, 2011 at 5:03 AM
- Prathima Rao said...
Thats a lovely write up dear..Very touching...
The cup cakes look soft & irresistible!!!
Prathima Rao
Prats Corner
- September 20, 2011 at 5:58 PM
- Unknown said...
Yummy cupcakes...
- September 21, 2011 at 12:25 PM
Classic simple vanilla cup cakes.. They look delicious.
9/11 changed so many perceptions about life, war and enemies. A decade has passed since, and the tragic scenes of that day are still hard to be forgotten.
- September 21, 2011 at 5:16 PM
- Indrani said...
I've shared few well-deserved awards with you..pl. collect
- September 22, 2011 at 3:31 PM
- Bindu said...
- September 23, 2011 at 1:46 AM


text:
Efficacy and Safety of Alirocumab (SAR236553/REGN727) Versus Placebo on Top of Lipid-Modifying Therapy in Patients With Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (ODYSSEY HIGH FH)
|The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details.
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01617655
Recruitment Status : Completed
First Posted : June 12, 2012
Results First Posted : November 6, 2015
Last Update Posted : October 4, 2016
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
Information provided by (Responsible Party):
- Study Details
- Tabular View
- Study Results
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
|Tracking Information
|First Submitted Date ICMJE
|June 8, 2012
|First Posted Date ICMJE
|June 12, 2012
|Results First Submitted Date ICMJE
|August 20, 2015
|Results First Posted Date ICMJE
|November 6, 2015
|Last Update Posted Date
|October 4, 2016
|Study Start Date ICMJE
|June 2012
|Actual Primary Completion Date
|May 2014 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)
|Current Primary Outcome Measures ICMJE
|Percent Change From Baseline in Calculated LDL-C at Week 24 - ITT Analysis [ Time Frame: From Baseline to Week 52 ]
Adjusted Least-squares (LS) means and standard errors at Week 24 were obtained from a mixed-effect model with repeated measures (MMRM) to account for missing data. All available post-baseline data from Week 4 to Week 52 regardless of status on- or off-treatment were used in the model (ITT analysis).
|Original Primary Outcome Measures ICMJE
|Percent change in LDL-C [ Time Frame: From baseline to week 24 ]
|Change History
|Current Secondary Outcome Measures ICMJE
|Original Secondary Outcome Measures ICMJE
|Current Other Pre-specified Outcome Measures
|Original Other Pre-specified Outcome Measures
|Not Provided
|Descriptive Information
|Brief Title ICMJE
|Efficacy and Safety of Alirocumab (SAR236553/REGN727) Versus Placebo on Top of Lipid-Modifying Therapy in Patients With Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (ODYSSEY HIGH FH)
|Official Title ICMJE
|A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Group Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of SAR236553/REGN727 in Patients With Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia and LDL-C Higher or Equal to 160mg/dL With Their Lipid-Modifying Therapy
|Brief Summary
Alirocumab (SAR236553/REGN727) is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9).
Primary Objective of the study:
To evaluate the effect of alirocumab on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels after 24 weeks of treatment in comparison with placebo.
Secondary Objectives:
|Detailed Description
|The maximum study duration was planned to be 89 weeks per participant including participants who successfully completed the 78-week treatment period had the possibility to join an open-label extension study (LTS13463, NCT01954394) at the end of the treatment period.
|Study Type ICMJE
|Study Phase ICMJE
|Phase 3
|Study Design ICMJE
|Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Quadruple (Participant, Care Provider, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Primary Purpose: Treatment
|Condition ICMJE
|Intervention ICMJE
|Study Arms ICMJE
|Publications *
* Includes publications given by the data provider as well as publications identified by ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier (NCT Number) in Medline.
|Recruitment Information
|Recruitment Status ICMJE
|Actual Enrollment ICMJE
|Original Estimated Enrollment ICMJE
|Actual Study Completion Date ICMJE
|January 2015
|Actual Primary Completion Date
|May 2014 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)
|Eligibility Criteria ICMJE
Inclusion criteria:
Exclusion criteria:
The above information is not intended to contain all considerations relevant to a participant's potential participation in a clinical trial.
|Sex/Gender ICMJE
|Ages ICMJE
|18 Years and older (Adult, Older Adult)
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers ICMJE
|Contacts ICMJE
|Contact information is only displayed when the study is recruiting subjects
|Listed Location Countries ICMJE
|Canada, Netherlands, Russian Federation, South Africa, United States
|Removed Location Countries
|Administrative Information
|NCT Number ICMJE
|Other Study ID Numbers ICMJE
U1111-1128-5459 ( Other Identifier: UTN )
2012-001096-37 ( EudraCT Number )
|Has Data Monitoring Committee
|U.S. FDA-regulated Product
|Not Provided
|IPD Sharing Statement ICMJE
|Not Provided
|Responsible Party
|Study Sponsor ICMJE
|Collaborators ICMJE
|Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
|Investigators ICMJE
|PRS Account
|Verification Date
|September 2016
ICMJE Data element required by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors and the World Health Organization ICTRP


text:
(Nairobi) – The Kenyan government should ensure a speedy and transparent investigation of alleged police attacks on villagers in Kenya's North Eastern province.
Numerous witnesses have told Human Rights Watch that the police beat and mistreated villagers following attacks by suspected al-Shabaab supporters on Kenyan security officers. Officials implicated in abusing villagers should be brought to justice.
"Kenyan police officers are apparently responding to attacks on their forces with abuses against entire villages," said Leslie Lefkow, deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "Kenyan police need to investigate attacks on their forces carefully, and arrest and prosecute the people responsible instead of attacking everyone in sight."
Human Rights Watch research in North Eastern province shows that on at least three occasions in September and October 2012, security forces in Garissa and Mandera responded to attacks on their forces with abusive operations against residents of nearby towns and villages.
Four witnesses interviewed separately described an incident on the night of October 19 in which police officers beat and assaulted at least 40 people in the Garissa town center following an armed attack on officers patrolling near an administration police station on Miraa road near the Garissa Provincial Library.
A government official described the incident as an attack on the police by common criminals, but witnesses told Human Rights Watch that after they heard a loud explosion in the town of Garissa at around 7:30 p.m., police carried out a night-long operation, shooting and beating residents, and destroying property.
One witness told Human Rights Watch that he saw at least four people admitted to the Garissa Provincial Hospital with severe injuries on their backs, chests, and heads. A 25-year-old man was treated for multiple gunshot wounds, while a doctor in Garissa had severe injuries from a police beating, the witnesses said.
"Many people were still on the streets when it happened," a 30-year-old man who lives in the town told Human Rights Watch. "Police then started kicking and beating people with gun butts and wooden sticks. On a few occasions they fired live ammunitions at individuals,"
In an October 1 incident, 12 witnesses told Human Rights Watch that a combined force of regular police, administration police, and the riot police (General Service Unit) carried out a two-hour-long operation in the village of Bulla Iftin on the outskirts of Garissa in response to a 9:30 p.m. grenade attack on the Iftin police post. The witnesses told Human Rights Watch that within 20 minutes of the grenade attack a large contingent of police officers arrived in the village, kicking doors open, beating women and children, and threatening villagers. "We shall make sure we have killed all of you terrorists before you kill us," one witness said he heard an officer say.
Dozens of villagers suffered serious injuries and most of the residents Human Rights Watch interviewed said that the police stole their money and possessions, or destroyed their homes. All 12 witnesses separately told Human Rights Watch they were beaten severely, and three people said they had been beaten unconscious and have since been unable to work. A 37-year-old father of three said he had not reported to work three weeks after the beatings as he was still nursing wounds on his back and a swollen eye. Many victims of the October 1 beatings say they have not been able to afford medical care.
Some of the victims of the beatings said they could identify some of the attackers and had lodged formal complaints with the police. "We know that it is going to be difficult since we saw some of the officers who assaulted us when we went to record statements at the police station," one beating victim told Human Rights Watch. "The most important thing is that we have made a formal complaint and have all the relevant medical and legal documents that show the extent of the injuries."
Despite pledges from senior police officers to investigate the incidents, Human Rights Watch has not been able to get any information indicating investigations have begun. Kenyan authorities should immediately open investigations and prosecute officers responsible for abuses.
"Senior police officials should immediately follow up on the many complaints of police abuse in Bulla Iftin," Lefkow said. "The victims have shown courage in coming forward and lodging complaints. Now we need to see accountability for these crimes."
In yet another incident, on September 15 in Mandera district, witnesses told Human Rights Watch that a group of police officers from various police units led by a well-known officer attached to the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit beat residents of the village of Bulla Power, near the town of Mandera. The beatings immediately followed the 10 a.m. explosion of a remote-controlled improvised explosive device (IED) targeting a vehicle used by police officers. Two officers in the back of a pickup truck had minor injuries. After the explosion the four police officers who were in the vehicle called for reinforcements and then descended on the nearby village beating everyone in sight, seven witnesses told Human Rights Watch.
A mother in her 30s who was preparing food for her one-year-old child said police kicked open the door of her home, violently kicked the food off the fire, and started beating her with wooden sticks. In another incident, a woman who was six months pregnant told Human Rights Watch that police, who were operating in groups of five, kicked open the door of her house and then attacked her. One officer kicked her to the ground and kicked and whipped her until she lost consciousness, she said. She told Human Rights Watch that she has since felt sharp pain in her hip and abdomen, but is not able to afford a medical checkup.
The seven victims Human Rights Watch interviewed were all able to identify at least one or two of the officers who attacked them. Wounded villagers went to Mandera police station to make a formal complaint and recognized some of the officers as among those who had beaten them. The officers, who included those identified by victims, refused to allow them into the station, the villagers told Human Rights Watch, accusing the villagers of responsibility for the attacks on police. The villagers said that they were turned away again the next day and police officers threatened them with "severe consequences" if they persisted.
After local political leaders and human rights organizations intervened on September 18, three days after the incident, the district commissioner directed the police to accept statements. One woman told Human Rights Watch that she had said in her statement of complaint that the police had robbed her of 30,000 Kenyan shillings (US$362) during the operation while another woman said she was robbed of 5,000 Kenyan shillings (US$61).
Although the commissioner promised to investigate the complaints and arrest the culprits, resident told Human Rights Watch, they are not aware of any follow-up action. Instead, residents told Human Rights Watch, police increased the harassment. A civic leader in Mandera told Human Rights Watch that the police continue to rob local residents, and the authorities have not been willing to take action, heightening tensions.
Both Garissa and Mandera districts in North Eastern province have been the site of increasing grenade and gun attacks targeting both the Kenyan security forces and civilians since October 2011, when Kenyan military entered Somalia in pursuit of the militant Somali armed group, al-Shabaab. The Kenyan government has publicly attributed the attacks to al-Shabaab, which declared last year that it had joined the al Qaeda network.
Kenyan security forces have repeatedly accused residents in North Eastern province of either harboring members of al-Shabaab or participating in the attacks, and have repeatedly carried out abusive operations against local residents. In late January the Defense Ministry established an inquiry into abuses by the Kenyan military, but the police force has failed to respond appropriately to the serious, mounting allegations of crimes by police.
"The government has repeatedly promised to investigate the pattern of abuses in northern Kenya," Lefkow said. "So far there is no sign of serious action, and the security forces continue to operate outside the law."


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Saturday, July 4 2020
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INSURRECTION: Pallets of bricks are being pre-staged in flashpoint cities across the country
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text: Lyndel & Company's magical presentations have been enjoyed by festivals, colleges, resorts, and corporations all over the United States and the Caribbean. His success is due in part to his unique ability to communicate and entertain. His genuine enthusiasm has become a trademark of his magic. Observing Lyndel in action allows you to experience the wonder and enchantment of believing in the impossible.


text:
Except…it didn't happen. Those in attendance crept closer to the television and the silence leading up to David Stern's announcement grew more anticipatory with every post-lottery pick, and the groans grew louder and more desperate every time a team took someone else. By the 27th pick, Jenkins was the best player remaining on the board, according to Jay Bilas (grrr), but he went unselected by the Nets, Chicago Bulls, the San Antonio Spurs and the Bulls again—even though he worked out for the latter two teams and both were enamored with him—as the first round ended.
The crowd began thinning out in a hurry once the first round ended. The impromptu draft pool—in which attendees picked Jenkins to go anywhere from 15th to 42nd—was abandoned. The picks began arriving at a faster pace, announced by Stern lackey Adam Silver, at least if a team submitted its pick while ESPN wasn't in a commercial.
Jenkins remained the best player on the board for the first 13 picks of the second round. And once the Indiana Pacers—whom some mocks had selecting Jenkins as early as 15th overall—and Bulls passed on him again at 42 and 43, even Cassara seemed to begin losing optimism as he arched his eyes and glanced downward at his cell phone.
Another staff member got up disgustedly and declared he was leaving. "This is [expletive] unbelievable," he said.
Charles Jenkins, the best player not to be drafted in 2011. The Flying Dutchmen, the best team to not go to the NCAA Tournament in 2006. It all made awful, perverse, we-are-doomed-just-like-the-ship-we-are-named-after sense.
Until Speedy saved us.
Finally, at 11:07 p.m.—64 minutes and 17 picks after Jenkins became the top player on the board—what remained of the crowd at Bar Social broke into loud applause as soon as the Stern lackey said "Charles…" signifying Jenkins had landed with the Golden State Warriors.
You know, the same Golden State Warriors for whom Speedy Claxton serves as a scout. You know, Speedy Claxton, the last Hofstra player to be drafted 11 years ago. The same Speedy Claxton who took in several games this season from a courtside seat and spoke at the year-end barbeque Apr. 30.
22 goes 44th to a team that employs Speedy Claxton. The night went from sour to serendipitous, just like that. As Jenkins highlights and footage of Hofstra fans celebrating in Newark aired on the flat-screen televisions, a small but spirited chant of "Charles Jenkins!" began. The staffer who got up to leave after the Bulls' pick smiled broadly from the front of the bar, glad he stuck around for one more selection.
Rants about the Curse of Jay Bilas—oh sure, look what happens when he actually pretends to respect the CAA—as well as the paralysis by analysis that passes for draft day behavior by general managers in every sport and the possibility that Tom O'Connor was pulling the strings on this draft would have to wait. Thankfully. (Though our good friend Mike Litos properly hammered the dopes who passed on Jenkins and other CAA stars)
"I was a little concerned—I knew how much [the Bulls] loved Charles and when they didn't pick him in the second round, it's a little bit of a crapshoot," Cassara said. "But I think it worked out really well. [The Warriors] need a point guard and you have a guy there, Speedy Claxton, in their war room who really knows Charles well and was able to speak to his abilities. I think he's going to a great opportunity."
Cassara said while the draft is always unpredictable, players such as Jenkins were particularly vulnerable this year because of the anticipated lockout in the NBA. Thirteen of the 60 selections were from outside the United States, including five of the last seven, and many of those players won't be signed to contracts as teams spend next year scouting them and saving money.
"I've been through this with a handful of different players at different schools and I know how precarious it is," Cassara said. "It's not an American draft, it's a global draft and [there are] players from all over the world that may not be on an NBA roster that get drafted and there are some guys who are not predicted to get picked that get picked. Different guys are left on the board and you never know what's going to happen."
That uncertainty has created a far different draft than even 11 years ago, and made it as big an accomplishment for Jenkins to get drafted at all as it was for Claxton to go 20th overall to the Philadelphia 76ers.
"I really believe if you were to take some of the players in the CAA this year—from [Denzel] Bowles to Jamie Skeen to Cam Long to Charles Jenkins to a Chase Allen—I think the way the draft operated 10 years ago, I think four or five of those guys get drafted," Cassara said. "That's just the nature of the beast, so to speak. I think it's an even greater accomplishment for Charles. The draft today is a very different draft than when Speedy was drafted. Very different game, it's become a much different focus. So I think it's a real credit to Charles Jenkins and what he's been able to do."
Cassara's phone began ringing as soon as Jenkins was drafted—one of the first calls he received was from Warriors assistant coach Mike Malone, a good friend of Cassara's who is also a former coach at Worcester Academy in Massachusetts—and he fielded every call with equal parts relief and, pardon the pun, pride.
"I was thrilled for Charles—I'm thrilled for his family and I'm thrilled for our program, I'm thrilled for Hofstra," Cassara said. "I think it's a great day for everybody involved. It's really the pinnacle of a lot of hard work over the last five years by everybody involved and he deserves a lot of credit. To be picked among the top 50 players in the NBA Draft is really an unbelievable thrill and I'm really, really happy for Charles."
Email Jerry at firstname.lastname@example.com or follow Defiantly Dutch at http://twitter.com/defiantlydutch.


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Starving the Exam Stress Gremlin
A Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Workbook on Managing Exam Stress for Young People
Kate Collins-DonnellyWhen exam time comes around, the exam stress gremlin is in his element, feeding off your exam fears and anxieties. This workbook teaches you how to starve your gremlin by learning to cope with exam stress. Full of fun activities based on cognitive behavioural therapy, it is the ideal resource for supporting young people aged 10+. Learn More2017, Paperback / softback, 9.69in x 6.93in / 246mm x 176mm, 160pp, £12.99ISBN: 978-1-84905-698-42017, Ebook, ePUB, 160pp, £12.99ISBN: 978-1-78450-214-0


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Richard Cordray, the director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, is expected to announce the issuance of a pioneering federal rule Thursday that is intended to help prevent a repeat of the risky mortgage lending that led to the recent housing boom and bust.
He is scheduled to declare the adoption of the final "ability-to-repay" rule in remarks prior to a town hall meeting about mortgage policy at Westminster Hall in downtown Baltimore. The rule is set to take effect one year from Thursday.
The rule is "designed to ensure that lenders are offering mortgages that consumers can actually afford to pay back," said Cordray in prepared remarks. "This is a simple, obvious principle that needs to be re-established in the housing market. It is nothing more than the true essence of 'responsible lending.'"
The rule is similar to one adopted by the Federal Reserve Board that went into effect in 2009 but applied only to mortgages with high interest rates. The new rule covers the entire mortgage market and implements portions of the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which also created the bureau.
The Dodd-Frank act aims to eliminate so-called "no doc" or "low doc" loans that were common during the housing boom. When credit flowed freely several years ago, lenders routinely offered mortgages without verifying applicants' financial information.
The new rule requires mortgage lenders to determine, using documentation and third-party verification, that the borrower will be able to repay the loan. Records of compliance with the ability-to-repay review must be kept by the lender for three years, according to the bureau.
Lenders must review several factors when underwriting a home loan, including the borrower's employment status, credit history, and income or assets. The bank also is obliged to compare the monthly payment on the mortgage, combined with other loans or debts held by the borrower, with the borrower's income.
The rule prevents lenders from using "teaser" rates — low initial interest rates that end up jumping — as a basis for evaluating whether a borrower qualifies for the loans.
"The rapid spread of introductory teaser rates made a bad situation worse," Cordray said. "Low initial teaser rates led many consumers to believe they could afford to take out loans. … That led inevitably to home foreclosures."
The rule also sets up a category of low-risk mortgages, called "qualified mortgages." A lender who follows the standards for a qualified mortgage will be presumed to have complied with the ability-to-repay requirements, limiting the borrowers' ability to challenge the lender in court.
Qualified mortgages cannot exceed 30 years or have interest-only payments, among other limitations. A borrower of a qualified mortgage will be required to have a total debt-to-income ratio (total monthly debt payments divided by monthly gross income) of not more than 43 percent.
"If you are a borrower getting a qualified mortgage … barring some unexpected turn of events, you should be able to make your house payments," Cordray said.
On Thursday, the bureau also is planning to release proposed amendments to the new rule, including exemptions from the ability-to-repay criteria for some community-based lenders, housing stabilization programs, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac refinancing programs, federal agencies and creditors with small portfolios.
The bureau is seeking comments about whether these lenders should be exempt because they are subject to more stringent underwriting criteria. The bureau expects those amendments to be finalized this spring.


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HELLFIGHTER, the band formed by ex-members of cult U.K. thrashers XENTRIX, has completed work on its debut album, "Damnation's Wings". According to a press release, the CD was recorded at Viscon Studios in Northwest England and at Backstage Studios in Derbyshire, U.K. and it "showcases ten new songs [that see] HELLFIGHTER sticking to their thrash and metal roots whilst introducing a strong, modern, melodic edge."
HELLFIGHTER's current lineup consists of Simon Gordon (vocals, ex-XENTRIX), Kristian Havard (guitar, ex-XENTRIX), Den Gasser (drums, ex-XENTRIX), Pete Smith (guitar, ex-KILL II THIS) and Mel Gasser (bass).
In a recent interview, Havard talked about the making of "Damnation's Wings": "In some ways we have revisited the bands and sounds that we loved as kids — bands like MAIDEN, PRIEST, FORBIDDEN, TESTAMENT, ANTHRAX — but really we've just made the sort of record that we want to hear today.
"Everyone in the band and at the record label is very excited about 'Damnation's Wings'. It's taken a little while longer than we had hoped to complete the writing and recording process but we didn't want to compromise on anything. The end result is something we're extremely proud of. Most of all, we're looking forward to getting out on the road to promote the album."
"Damnation's Wings" track listing:
01. Tower Of Sin
02. A Lesser God
03. Legacy Of Hate
04. Faith In Lies
05. Damnation's Wings
06. Revolution Within
07. Epitaph
08. Bring Only Pain
09. Descent
10. Firewalker
The album artwork can be seen below.
"The painting is by a guy called Steve Smith who's based here in the north of England," says Gordon. "We didn't want to go totally down the digital-art route because there was a definite vibe when we were writing and recording where we looked to a lot of the bands we grew up with for inspiration. We carried that through to the artwork.
"I remember that buzz we used to get from looking at all the detail on the new MAIDEN album cover or whatever. So we gave Steve the album title and asked him to come up with something that suggested the nastier side of modern life and technology as a bit of a nod to all those great bands."
"Damnation's Wings" will be released worldwide before the end of 2010 on Heavy Metal Records. Distribution for the CD will be handled by Plastic Head in Europe, and MVD in the U.S. and South America.
For more information, visit www.hellfighter.co.uk.


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Paul Schroeder, Aira Director of Public Policy & Strategic Alliances, discusses how emerging technologies are shaping the landscape of employment for people with vision loss, and other disabilities.
This webinar is focused on strategies to improve coordination between the public workforce system and employers to help businesses overcome barriers to recruiting, hiring, and training individuals with disabilities.
In recent years Facebook has become a tool for professional networking and on-the-job workplace productivity through its enterprise collaboration software, Workplace. In this webinar, Director of Accessibility Jeff Wieland and Director of Policy Monica Desai discuss why and how Facebook has made accessibility a priority.
Larry Goldberg of Oath and and Jeff Wieland of Facebook discuss how Teach Access is working with industry, academia, and advocacy groups to expand the quality and quantity of undergraduate programs that teach the fundamentals of accessibility.
Jessica Miller-Merrell is a technologist who focuses her efforts in human resources, healthcare, and the workplace. In this webinar, she discussed how recruiters and HR leaders can prioritize their digital recruiting options and move these efforts forward by developing smaller initiatives designed to drive change and establish buy-in.
Mark Penicook explores Capital One's efforts to integrate accessibility awareness across their internal brand and to establish enterprise-wide accessibility standards and best practices.
Accessibility experts Ted Gies and Jay Nemchik discussed the business significance of VPATs, and their best practices for handling requests.
EvoXLabs founder Ather Sharif discusses his experiences in making tech-focused workplaces more inclusive, from building technology solutions to how and why EvoXLabs developed a partnership with AccessComputing at UW that connects students with disabilities with mentors and internships in tech.
Today, eRecruiting dominates all aspects of hiring & recruiting, and a successful job search starts by investing in a digital brand. For students with disabilities in particular, strategically shaping an online persona can open many career doors. In this webinar, Intuit's Ted Drake profiles how several people with disabilities leveraged social media to start successful careers.
Shea Tanis, Associate Director of the Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disabilities, led a discussion of why technology and information access is a critical right for everyone, and how technology solutions are changing employment opportunities for people with cognitive disabilities.
Taleo is the leading talent management system used by HR professionals worldwide. In this webinar, Senior Director of Oracle's Accessibility Program Peter Wallack, Product Management Director of Taleo Development Ali Moosvi, and Accessibility Test Engineer Priyanka Jampana will discuss the challenges and successes that their team has experienced, as well as the accessibility features currently in production.
In celebration of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), W4A Conference Chair Vivienne Conway recounts the top trends emerging from the global conference Web For All 2017: The Future of Accessible Work.
AccessibilityOz CEO Gian Wild and Rob Haverty, Senior Program Manager at Adobe explore the accessibility challenges related to PDFs. Topics include how to handle issues such as an existing archive of untagged PDFs on a website.
In this webinar, Jennifer Ravalli of ADP and Dan Sullivan of AudioEye discuss how they have worked to make ADP's human capital management (HCM) software more accessible for employees with disabilities.
Video accessibility requires more than simply providing transcripts, captions and audio descriptions. Join AccessibilityOz CEO Gian Wild for a detailed demonstration, discussion, and Q&A about how to make videos accessible to people with disabilities.
Rachel Kerrigan discusses how Perkins School for the Blind and Harvard Extension School have partnered to provide a free online course titled "Introduction to Inclusive Talent Acquisition" for hiring managers and recruiters.
Images are used on websites for many different functions, and each require a different approach for accessibility. In this webinar Gian Wild discusses how to ensure your images are both accessible and usable for people with disabilities.
Jenny Lay-Flurrie, the Chief Accessibility Officer of Microsoft, shares valuable guidance on creating a workplace culture focused on access and inclusion.
In order to ensure that your eRecruiting materials and other website content is accessible, it's essential that your website include properly formatted tables. In this webinar, Gian Wild of Accessibility Oz provides a hands-on demonstration of coding and sequence requirements for both data tables and layout tables, and the easy way to determine the difference between table types
Maria Town, Senior Associate Director for the White House Office of Public Engagement, discusses the important work that the current Administration has done to promote the use of accessible technology in workplaces nationwide.
Could your company's social media recruitment practices be inadvertently screening out qualified candidates with disabilities? In our June PEAT Talk, digital marketer Eliza Greenwood discussed the simple steps you can take to ensure that your messaging is reaching a full audience.
What if users could invoke and use the ICT accessibility features they need anywhere, anytime, on any device? In this webinar, Raising the Floor's Gregg Vanderheiden discusses how and why they are building this new global infrastructure, and the potential it has to impact the employment of people with disabilities.
In this webinar Rob Sinclair, President of the IAAP Global Leadership Team, discusses the mission of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) and how its recently announced merger with G3ict will help encourage the growth of a worldwide accessibility profession.
Must employers make web-based employment information and services accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities? Bobby Silverstein discusses how the ADA applies to accessible workplace technology.
Do you post job openings on Twitter and Instagram, or use LinkedIn to vet candidates? Today, 79% of job seekers use social media to locate job opportunities. In this webinar, digital marketer Eliza Greenwood will discuss steps to ensure that your social media recruiting efforts for active and passive talent can successfully reach candidates with disabilities.
In honor of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), the organizers and winners of the international WWW+W4A Accessibility Hackathon met to discuss the innovations that resulted from the event.
Join Denis Boudreau, senior web accessibility consultant for Deque, to learn the simple steps that web developers and designers can take to ensure that job seekers with disabilities are not excluded from employment opportunities.
Sharron Rush, co-founder and Executive Director of Knowbility, explains the importance of user testing to ensure that workplace technologies are truly accessible.
Dan Sullivan, Vice President of Sales at AudioEye, talks about the return-on-investment for employers who embrace accessible technology that benefits all users.
Universal design allows us to develop content and experiences that are inclusive of the widest possible audience. In this recorded webinar, Sina Bahram discusses how Prime Access Consulting (PAC) has worked with museums, universities, and corporations to successfully apply universal design principles to help advance digital accessibility for a variety of clients.
BizAbility founders Ted Drake, Principal Engineer at Intuit, and JJ Meddaugh, President of AT Guys, introduce this new, community-driven resource for business owners with disabilities and entrepreneurs to find the accessible tools they need to build and run their business effectively.
Project Director Josh Christianson and Lead Strategic Consultant Joiwind Ronen demonstrate TalentWorks, PEAT's free online tool for employers and human resources professionals. Originally recorded April 5, 2016.
View a discussion with state accessibility CIOs Jeff Kline, Sarah Bourne, and Jay Wyant regarding Policy-Driven Adoption for Accessibility (PDAA). This new approach can help achieve higher levels of accessibility in vendor-provided products and services over the long term.
Live recording of a discussion with Adam Streets about GettingHired's accessible platform for job seekers, and the feedback the company has received from job seekers on the application process.
"Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD) is an increasingly popular policy and practice in workplaces today. In this recorded webinar, Dana Marlowe, Accessibility Partners LLC (link is external), discusses the accessibility advantages BYOD can offer for both employers and technology users.
Social media is a key tool for employers today to attract talent and promote their brand. In this live recording, founder Dennis Lembree discusses the inclusive Twitter application Easy Chirp, which provides the ability to "tweet" accessible images. This innovation has won several awards, including the 2014 FCC Chairman's Award for the Advancement in Accessibility.
Live recording of the PEAT Talk with Neil Giacobbi, Executive Director of Public Affairs at AT&T held on June 18, 2015. Giacobbi spoke about the AT&T NYU Connect Ability Challenge, a three-month global software development competition designed to create new innovations that improve the lives of people living with disabilities.
View an archived walkthrough of TechCheck. Geared toward employers, this free, interactive tool helps organizations evaluate their accessible workplace technology efforts and find tools to develop them further.
Live recording of the webinar "Expanding What it Means to Be Accessible: Addressing the Workplace Technology Needs of Users with Cognitive Disabilities." The webinar was recorded on Thursday, December 11, 2014.
Live recording of the webinar "Powering Up Your Employment Potential Through Accessible Technology" originally recorded on Friday, September 26, 2014.


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CONTACT: Richard Penny, (425) 352-3395, email@example.com
BOTHELL, Wash. – Eight UW Bothell undergraduate students have been selected to present at the University of Washington Undergraduate Research Symposium. The symposium, held Friday, May 20, in Mary Gates Hall at UW Seattle, showcases the top research work from UW undergraduates.
Presentations from the UW Bothell students include such diverse topics as the effects of privatization in military operations, the cultural politics of autistic activism and the impacts of bats upon coffee plantations.
The presenters are: Kevin Link, senior; Tamar Libicki, senior; Karon Thibault, junior; Jessica Lusk, senior; Brian Lund, senior; Morgan Ness, senior; Megan Couch, senior; and Shahin Mortazavi, junior.
In addition to the eight students participating in the symposium, UW Bothell is home to four Mary Gates Scholars. Mary Gates Leadership Scholarships encourage undergraduate students to develop their leadership abilities through practical experience, personal reflection and in community with mentors and peers.
UW Bothell's Mary Gates Scholars, and their project titles, are: Ignace Hounwanou, Mentoring African Students; Maximilian Dixon, Promotion of Alternative Transportation to UW Bothell & Cascadia Community College; Christa Lilly, Title IX, Athletic Equity and Increasing Girls' High School Sports Participation; and Nick Steen, Watch DOGS.
About UW Bothell: The University of Washington Bothell combines the benefits of a small campus with the resources and prestige of a world-renowned university. Offering over 30 degrees, options, certificates and concentrations, its curriculum emphasizes close student-faculty interaction, collaboration among students, and hands-on learning.For more information, visit www.uwb.edu.


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Andrew Gore
28th July 2019
28th July 2019
NorthInvest is a not-for-profit organisation connecting tech and digital start-ups with mentors and investors in the North of England.
Our community includes angel investors, business leaders, and forward-thinking stakeholders who are all passionate about fuelling the tech innovation revolution and seeing the region and its startups thrive.
North Invest Ltd
Company Number: 09708493
Registered Address:
North Invest Ltd
11-15 Hunslet Road
Copyright 2020. All Rights Reserved


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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. aerospace and arms companies are poised for 2.8 percent overall sales growth next year to about $224 billion, which would mark their 10th straight year of growth, barring steep Pentagon budget cuts, the industry's chief trade group said on Wednesday.
The forecast does not factor in so-called sequestration, a process that would lop about 10 percent off Pentagon arms purchases starting next month if Republicans and Democrats fail to agree on a new plan to pare federal deficits.
Exports of civil aircraft, engines and parts - which represent about 88 percent of all aerospace exports - are expected to account for most of the industry's sales growth in 2013.
The U.S. military aircraft sector, on the other hand, continues to shrink even as foreign sales of U.S. warplanes are booming.
Aerospace and arms companies, one of the economy's perennial bright spots, continued to lead the United States in the net export of manufactured goods, buoyed by strong civil aircraft sales, the Aerospace Industries Association said in its annual year-end review and forecast.
Exports rose 12 percent to an estimated $95.5 billion this year from $85.3 billion last year and are likely to grow during "at least the next several years" based on order backlogs, the AIA said.
Order books for civil aircraft makers such as Boeing Co (BA.N), the world's largest maker of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined, now contain a six- to seven-year backlog, the report said.
U.S. military purchases of hardware may decline slowly or be hit with indiscriminate, sequester-related cuts that could cause major disruptions in the supply chain, especially for smaller manufacturers, the AIA said.
Sequestration clouded the outlook for 2013 and was hard to factor in because of unknowns about how mandated cuts would be carried out, Marion Blakey, AIA's president and chief executive, told an industry luncheon.
"It's an industry that remains healthy despite the obstacles," she said.
For 2013, overall sales are projected to rise 2.6 percent to $223.6 billion from an estimated $217.9 billion this year. In 2012, the estimated total was up 3.4 percent from $210.8 billion the year before.
Leading U.S. aerospace companies and top Pentagon suppliers include Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N), Boeing, Northrop Grumman Corp (NOC.N), BAE Systems Plc (BAES.L), Raytheon Co (RTN.N) and General Dynamics Corp (GD.N).
Roughly $600 billion in combined U.S. tax increases and spending cuts are to take effect in January for fiscal 2013 alone - the so-called fiscal cliff - unless President Barack Obama and Republicans in Congress strike an alternative debt-reduction deal.
The across-the board spending cut, known as sequestration, would cull about $54 billion from U.S. national security spending with purchases of weapons nipped, the trade group said, an estimated 10.3 percent.
Demand for U.S. military exports is anticipated to remain strong for the new years, AIA said, citing concerns about Iran's disputed nuclear program as contributing to large purchases by oil-rich Gulf states, among other factors.
Similarly, growing Chinese defense budgets have led to significant new U.S. sales in Asia - deals that should more than offset ebbing sales to European countries that are trimming military spending, the report said.
The U.S. military aircraft sector continues to contract, falling 2.4 percent over the past year. It is projected to sink more than 10 percent in 2013.
Closure of Lockheed Martin Corp's F-22 fighter production line and decisions not to fund additional Boeing Co C-17 military transport plane purchases or development of a future strategic lifter, each took a toll.
As of 2012, no fewer than three key military production lines - for Boeing's C-17 military transport aircraft, its F-15 tactical fighter and Lockheed's F-16 multi-role fighter - are being sustained largely by international export demand.
Reporting By Jim Wolf; Editing by Alden Bentley and Steve Orlofsky


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Welcoming Jerome to the team at PME!
Jerome is a mechanic by trade and loves working on and around anything with an engine. He sustained a T11 spinal cord injury in 2009 but continues to live a life many of us are envious of.
Jerome and his wife Jess went on a 9 month driving holiday in 2014 in his modified Landcruiser with hand controls travelling from the UK across Europe into Russia and down along the Pamir Highway that borders Afghanistan and Tajikistan. He was in and out of hospitals in some pretty questionable places but that didn't stop him crossing deserts, mountain passes and jungles to visit 30 countries In total.
Jerome also rides a Ural motorcycle with hand operated gears and brake. The side-car provides a third wheel for balance and a place to store his wheelchair and for his dog Mungo to sit. On top of all that he is also learning to fly planes.
Jerome says;
"I'm very privileged to be given the opportunity to work at PME with such a great team, products and knowledge. As a Paraplegic it's not always easy finding work in your field of expertise; I've been lucky enough to be able to use my experience gained as a mechanic, studying Mechanical Engineering and working with people with disabilities. And all to help people realise their dreams and regain their independence through getting back behind the wheel. I really look forward to learning the ropes and helping new clients discover their goals."
We think that Jerome is a spot on fit for the PME culture! What do you think?
Check out his website for his travels: https://www.lostabound.com/
- PME at the ATSA Independent Living Expo 2017
- Welcoming Jerome to the team at PME!
- End of year closure times 2016
- Visit us at Central West Disability Expo Dec 2016!
- SCIA Independence Expo
- PME and Spinal Cord Injuries Australia
- SCIA Expo 2016 Sponsors
- Check Us Out in Link Disability Magazine's June Issue
- Recent Exhibitions We Attended
- A Cluster bomb in Afghanistan claims both legs for Soraj
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Paravan Wheelchair
The new standard in Electric Wheelchairs
The Paravan Wheelchair features unique capabilities including huge motorised elevation and tilt ranges and other adjustments that make the Paravan wheelchair extremely versatile. Among other uses, it assists in reaching a high shelf, allows you to travel at standing head height at a concert or bar or to travel reasonably off road, can relieve pressure points and assists in standing/transfers.
This versatility makes the Paravan Wheelchair perfect for wheelchair self-drive. Our solutions can be fully tailored when using this wheelchair and so PME specifically recommends use of the Paravan Electric wheelchair in these conversions.
- Designed with self-drive operations in mind, the Paravan Wheelchair has its own integrated robust docking station for self-drive available.
- It also features a crash tested vehicle seat with an integrated 3 point seat belt (optional 4 point available) and scope to accommodate pressure relieving cushions.
- Seat elevation has a massive range from a Low of 340mm to a Max Height of 800mm measured from the ground to the base of the seat. Despite this huge range however, the mechanism has been robustly engineered by Paravan's German design team, to minimise any rock or movement, even when at full elevation.
- The Paravan Wheelchair features fore and aft seat movement on the seat base tracks of 200mm, providing fantastic versatility for driving, by making minor seat adjustments for comfort easy, and for a range of other activities such as tucking yourself in at the table so that you can comfortably reach.
- The Paravan Wheelchair is incredibly flexible with almost any possible adjustment available and motorised. The backrest angle can be adjusted up to 20 degrees forwards and 90 degrees backwards. It is possible for the entire seat to undergo a weight-shifting rearward tilt of 50 degrees which can be used to provide pressure relief. It can also perform an anterior tilt up to 20 degrees which, in conjunction with powered footplates and elevation, has enabled clients with motor-neuron disabilities to enter chair without difficulty.
- All powered adjustments are driven my Swiss made, powerful, efficient motors and are controlled with the highly popular New Zealand made Dynamic DX2 control system
- The Paravan Wheelchair can reach a top speed of 6 km/h or 10 km/h depending on the model and has a range of 35km.
- Use of the latest technology has enabled maximum safety and stability. This wheelchair has undergone extensive crash testing to ensure safe performance. It is TÜV-CERTIFIED and has received several prestigious prizes.
- Seats may be adapted for the individual and come in a wide range of colours.
Many of these measurements can be customised and so please use them as a rough guide only
Standard Seat width – 350-550 adjusted via armrest regulation
Standard seat backrest height – standard 650mm optional 450 or 550
Standard seat depth – 480 mm standard optional 380 or 430
A range of seating options are available
Folding armrests
Lower leg length allowance – 350-420mm
Knee angle – 87-170 degrees
Total width – 640mm
Total length without footplates – 930mm
Chassis ground clearance – 75mm
Turning circle – 1.15m
Range – 35km
Max user weight – 160kg
View the Paravan Wheelchair Brochure
Straight off the shelf, most vehicles aren't appropriately set-up for people of short stature. Fortunately, PME has a whole suite of solutions to tailor-fit vehicles to make them easy and safe to drive. These include everything from access, seating and securing, to driving control and accessory function modifications.
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We have years of experience doing short stature conversions and we understand the differing requirements that each situation presents. We know that your challenges are individual and we treat them that way. Each individual will differ in height, mobility and range of motion, as well as in associated disabilities, length of torso, legs and arms etc, so each conversion is tailor made.
A short stature conversion can involve any of the following;
Foldaway pedal extensions
Removable pedal extension systems
Removable false floors
Modified seating
Steering modifications
Steering column modifications
Airbag disabling systems
Steering wheel modifications
- Other driving controls and accessory functions.
We do what we need to, in order to give you the optimal driving experience.
Give PME a call on (02) 9482 2808 to discuss what we can do for you
Mechanical linkages to allow for hand control of the brake and accelerator
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High Quality, Professional Looking and Comfortable to Use
PME Hand Controls use mechanical linkages to allow for left or right handed control of the brake and accelerator. Our design offers a simple intuitive operation which incorporates the least fatiguing and most natural motion to apply the accelerator. They are comfortable and responsive to use.
At PME we achieve the best possible result with no, or minimal, modification to the vehicle's interior to retain the factory look. Quality is assured; PME hand controls are certified to Australian Standard 3954.2 for your safety.
There are two standard types available with different methods of operation;
The Push-Pull system operates with a push for the brake and a pull towards the driver for acceleration.
The Radial system operates with a push for the brake and a pat (downward push) for acceleration.
Hand Controls will generally be installed with a spinner knob for steering and accessory controls on the hand controls or on the spinner so that blinkers, head lights and other functions can be operated without removing hands from the wheel or hand control.
And Now Available: PME Knee Intrusion Air-bag Compatible Hand Controls
Previously, vehicle modifiers have been unable to install hand controls into vehicles with a Knee Intrusion Airbag. This is because it is necessary for the hand controls to run below the dash, and right across the air-bag, making them a hazard should the air-bag deploy.
Electronic Accelerators such as the Accelerator Rings and Electronic Radial do not have this problem as the mechanical brake bar can be routed around the airbag. This is the preferred option as all safety systems are maintained.
However, for the case where electronic controls are not preferable, PME have developed an exclusive Hand Control system that is compatible with Knee Intrusion Air-bags and satisfies current RTA requirements.This system features a removable connecting rod that temporarily disables the Knee Intrusion Air-bag ONLY while installed. This rod is removed with 30 seconds when an able-bodied driver takes the wheel and the Knee Intrusion Air-bag is re-enabled.
As increasing numbers of vehicles are incorporating this safety feature, PME are continually working on new developments in this area. However,we still advise that customers avoid vehicles fitted with Knee Intrusion Airbags as unfortunately this system comes at an extra cost. Please discuss your intentions with us before purchasing a vehicle with these Air-bags.
PME Hand Control Options and Features
- The device can be fitted with orthopaedic grips for higher level quadriplegia or PME also offers Custom Hand Controls if a unique solution is required.
- Hand Control modifications can optionally include flip-up pedals to improve the users safety. Flip-up pedals avoid the risk of the pedals being accidentally depressed when the vehicle is in use by the disabled driver.
- Indicators are generally located on the Hand Control unit to reduce the movement and so the risk involved in indicating. The indicators are self-cancelling so that they turn off after a manoeuvre has been made. Windscreen wiper, horn and high beam functions are also available from the Hand Control unit.
Designed for natural, low fatigue operation
- Designed to meet Australian Standards for your safety
Minimal modification to vehicle interior
Can be installed for right or left handed operation
Radial or Push-Pull systems available
Knee Intrusion Air-Bag Compatible Hand Controls Available
PME Spinmaster
- Paravan Wheelchair
- Short Stature Solutions
- PME Hand Controls
- PME Spinmaster
- Easyspin
Short Stature Solutions
Thank you very much Bill and everyone else at PME who worked on my Honda Jazz.
I found your web site an invaluable source of information and the trip to Sydney was definitely worth the e... Read More
Not a problem
I recently purchased a Chrysler Grand Voyager which was modified by the staff at PME to suit my needs as a C-5 quadriplegic. It involved the guys at PME having the floor lowered, installing a side ... Read More
Help and Support
I would like to thank Bill at PME and all their employees for all their help and support in the modification of my vehicle. PME were very efficient, helpful and supportive through out the process... Read More
BMW quality
I was originally referred to Problem Management Engineering (PME) by a couple of Melbourne businesses, which specialise in converting vehicles for disabled drivers. These Melbourne businesses were ... Read More
Promise fulfilled
My Jeep was the first vehicle in New Zealand installed with mini wheel technology. Only one of the people I had talked to had ever seen one in use before. On December 14 I passed my full license te... Read More
Happy Grandpa
My Wife's Father's Multivan is about to have it's first birthday and I thought it timely to say thanks, once again for the great job you and your staff did with the conversion. Since overcoming the... Read More
Pain Free
When I became aware of the Self-Drive van conversions that PME were carrying out, I contacted Bill Georgas and instantly saw that this would be a solution for me.
I can now say that after hav... Read More
A Revelation
It's a revelation to find someone so competent after all these years, but even more of a revelation to find someone who cares.
PME went beyond the call of duty fixing both of our cars to suit... Read More
A pleasure to drive
Bill and his crew at PME just did the most excellent job, fitting a hoist and hand-controls for our Kia Sportage.
Their attention to detail was amazing, they really listened to us and develop... Read More
Amazing service
Bill and the team at PME were simply amazing. Nothing was too much trouble for them, they modified our Pajero beautifully and even dropped us off and picked us up from the local shopping centre.Read More
PME has made it possible for me to continue to have adventure in my life. They dealt with me professionally and courteously and their work is faultless.
Hand controls are another world, requi... Read More
Incredible value
To reinforce my appreciation for everything you have done for me. I am so appreciative of you getting me back on the road asap.
I appreciated much more how much time it takes to design, probl... Read More
Great service
Very impressed. We had extremely good service. Picked up our car one day and had it back the following day. Once again many thanks.
AilsaRead More
A grateful OT
A BIG THANKYOU :) for your generosity in completing the alterations to the Shoalhaven modified car. I am very happy and excited to now be able to improve the options to Shoalhaven residents needing... Read More
10 years of daily use
Thank you for designing and making the Easyspin... It has truly made my life easier and made me more independent... You truly make a robust unit as I never expected it to still be going strong afte... Read More
Loving the freedom
Kye is really enjoying the freedom of his car. Thanks for all your help. Thanks to all your workers too :)Read More
Thanks for your help, understanding and compassion. The look on my wife's face whenever we go driving is worth every penny spent. Keep up the good work, the disabled community needs more people lik... Read More
Driving pain free
My name is John Mullins and I became an incomplete quadriplegic in 1975. After rehab I was fullly employed for more than 27 years and during this time I drove my self to and from work every day in ... Read More
Confidence booster
The humble Spinmaster from PME has made my life so much better. Much better than I ever realised, until I lost the use of it for a couple of weeks.
The Spinmaster simply makes it possible for... Read More


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We have just released updated desktop fonts for the Lato family (version 2.015). You can download them here:
- Beta support for mark attachment (for Latin, Cyrillic and, to some extent, Greek).
- Improved screen quality: autohinted using ttfautohint 1.3.
Please test these fonts extensively and contact us if you find any problems!
We have also released updated web font kits for the Lato family (version 2.015). You can download them here:
These fonts have the same improvements as the desktop fonts. In addition, they come in two flavors: "Lato" with full character set (160−640 KB per font) and "LatoLatin" with just the Latin characters (40−150 KB per font). The web font kits now include WOFF2, WOFF, EOT and TTF. We believe that the "random disappearing characters" problem has been resolved as well!


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Japanese nuclear consortium hoping to expand in Vietnam
Olivier LeCourt and Lee Jay Walker
Modern Tokyo Times
In the last few weeks it appears that the nuclear reality is gaining momentum in Japan. This applies to Prime Minister Noda insisting that the nuclear reality will exist in Japan for the next few decades at the very least. This was followed by a pro-Nuclear mayor winning a local election at the expense of an anti-nuclear campaigner. Then to top it off a nuclear consortium from Japan just signed a feasibility study with Vietnam with regards to two new reactors.
The Tokyo-based utility consortium played on the strengths of the nuclear sector in Japan which is amongst the best in the world. Also, Japan and Vietnam have very strong relations and both nations share similar geopolitical concerns in relation to China. Therefore, with a powerful political and trade angle between Japan and Vietnam, it is not surprising that Vietnam listened carefully because nuclear power gave a fresh momentum to Japan's economic rise and stabilized the energy supply.
Japan's recently maligned nuclear industry appears to be gaining momentum and with China, India and South Korea expanding their nuclear industry, it would be travesty if Japan gave up on a sector which is powerful.
The Fukushima Daiichi crisis was clearly based on human failing but the reaction in some media outlets and in Germany was over-the-top because powerful lobby groups have vested interests. Also, where will Germany get its new power supply from and will it rely on "dirty energy" in order to eradicate nuclear power?
In an in-depth article related to Germany by the New York Times which was written by Elisabeth Rosenthal (Germany Dims Nuclear Plants, but Hopes to Keep Lights On), the author raises important questions.
Elisabeth Rosenthal comments "As a result, electricity producers are scrambling to ensure an adequate supply. Customers and companies are nervous about whether their lights and assembly lines will stay up and running this winter. Economists and politicians argue over how much prices will rise."
"It's easy to say, 'Let's just go for renewables,' and I'm quite sure we can someday do without nuclear, but this is too abrupt," said . He characterized the government's shutdown decision as "emotional" and pointed out that on most days, Germany has survived this experiment only by importing electricity from neighboring France and the Czech Republic, which generate much of their power with nuclear reactors."
"Then there are real concerns that the plan will jettison efforts to rein in manmade global warming, since whatever nuclear energy's shortcomings, it is low in emissions. If Germany, the world's fourth-largest economy, falls back on dirty coal-burning plants or uncertain supplies of natural gas from Russia, isn't it trading a potential risk for a real one?"
Ironically, it would appear that Japan is enacting a more realistic approach and this applies to maintaining nuclear power plants until a genuine alternative is found. Japan also may be biding its time until the Fukushima Daiichi crisis loses its potency and the nuclear issue gradually loses its power within Japan.
Alternatively, Japan may be sincere and actually reduce its dependence on nuclear power at home but maintain a powerful lobby for exporting its nuclear industry abroad. In other words, nuclear energy is ok but "not in our backyard" and given the fact that Germany will import electricity from nuclear energy France, and from other nations, then it is difficult to see a moral principle emerging.
Vietnam, noticing how the nuclear sector helped Japan in the past is following the same route in order to maintain rapid economic growth. Therefore, Vietnam is planning to build eight new nuclear plants which will hold thirteen nuclear reactors by 2030.
Japan, the Russian Federation, and other nations, see a chance to expand the nuclear sector in Vietnam and in other nations. Yasuo Hamada, the President of Japan Atomic Power Co., comments that "We pledge to work hard to ensure the nuclear power development of Vietnam."
In an article written by Chester Dawson and Vu Trong Khanh (Vietnam, Japan Sign Deal for Nuclear-Plant Study) in The Wall Street Journal. They comment that "On Thursday, a larger consortium of 13 Japanese companies, including the nine electric utilities, along with Hitachi and Toshiba, plan to sign another memorandum with Vietnam Electricity to start talks on reactor bids. Called the International Nuclear Energy Development of Japan Co., it was set up last year under the trade ministry to promote reactor exports."
"The Japanese government is expected to foot most of the bill for the plant through development aid and export-promotion programs run by state-owned Japan Bank for International Cooperation and Nippon Export and Investment Insurance. The government will cover the entire ¥2 billion ($26 million) cost of the 18-month feasibility study."
"The planned Japanese reactors will each have a 1,000-megawatt capacity and are slated to begin operation in 2021 and 2022, immediately after two Russian reactors planned for nearby. The sites of the two twin-reactor plants are about 20 kilometers apart along the coast of southern Vietnam, about 400 kilometers northeast of Ho Chi Minh City."
Irrespective of the final outcome, the most likely being that it will be favorable towards Japan and the Russian Federation, it is clear that other nations like Turkey are interested in Japanese nuclear technology. Also, the government of Japan will continue to support the export side of the nuclear industry.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/30/science/earth/30germany.html?pagewanted=all – NEW YORK TIMES
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204138204576598164235317774.html?mod=googlenews_wsj -THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
http://moderntokyotimes.com/2011/09/27/pro-nuclear-mayor-wins-despite-anti-nuclear-lobby-in-japan/ Pro-nuclear Mayor wins despite anti-Nuclear lobby in Japan – MODERN TOKYO TIMES


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Patchwork and Quilting Shop
Browse through our eclectic mix of high quality modern fabrics, traditional quilting fabrics & patchwork fabrics from well loved brands, as well as a variety of jelly rolls and quilting supplies.
View and browse through our extensive range of quilting fabric and precuts for quilting at The Quilt Room. Here you can choose from our selection of fabric for patchwork, shop basics, see the latest additions and future additions to our online shop, buy quilting pre-cuts and fabric bundles.


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Samsung Electronics Co Ltd is expected to report its second straight quarter of profit decline as its high-end smartphone business loses steam, a trend likely to sharpen the firm's focus on costs and the cheaper phone market.
The world's biggest smartphone maker is counting on the fifth version of its flagship Galaxy S smartphone, which goes on sale globally from Friday, to right the ship and prove the technology giant's staying power as a mobile innovator.
But the Galaxy S5 has already got off to a weak start at home, with its South Korean debut marred by a temporary ban on mobile carriers selling handsets and criticism that it lacks eye-catching new features.
Underscoring the challenges, Samsung priced the S5 about 10 percent cheaper than the S4 even though main rival Apple Inc is not widely expected to update its line-up until September. The firm also dialed back on marketing glitz to keep margins stable.
"This strategy gives them price competitiveness that can be leveraged to drive sales volume and defend overall profits," IM Investment analyst Lee Min-hee said.
"The Galaxy S5 isn't something that will awe investors ... and that's mostly the same with high-end phones at this point. Smartphones no longer offer much groundbreaking innovation and are equalising to a certain degree."
In this respect the Galaxy S5 marks a major shift for Samsung, dropping the emphasis on hardware innovation and instead highlighting features such as fitness aids and sleek design.
JK Shin, co-chief executive and head of Samsung's mobile business, has called it a "back-to-basics" strategy that will help the world's biggest technology company by revenue rein in component costs and make products of wider appeal.
Samsung is likely to estimate a 3 percent year-on-year decline in January-March operating profit to 8.5 trillion won on Tuesday, according to a mean consensus of 40 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. StarMine's SmartEstimate, which gives greater weighting to the more accurate analysts, suggests further downside risk with profit of 8.35 trillion won.
This would mark the second consecutive quarter of decline - the first negative streak since a four-quarter slip in 2010-2011 - and analysts polled by Reuters expect the trend to continue through the July-September period. The company's full quarterly results are likely to be announced by April 25.
"The S5's boost to Samsung's bottom line will be weaker than the S4, as it will have fewer shipments in the crucial early launch period and then sales will taper off gradually," said Seo Won-seok, an analyst at Korea Investment and Securities.
"To offset that, Samsung is likely to focus more on cheaper models and broadening lineups."
Seo said he expected the Galaxy S and Note series' share of Samsung's total mobile profits to plunge to 59 percent this year, from almost three quarters last year. The mobile division accounted for about 68 percent of the company's operating profit last year.
Shares Languish
Samsung's share price is nearly 12 percent off from the record high hit in January last year, weighed by worries over slowing smartphone growth as it faces growing competition from cheap Chinese rivals.
In January the South Korean firm said it aimed to boost dividend payouts after hiking them by 79 percent to a record 2.1 trillion won for 2013. It has the money to pay more, given the 54.5 trillion won of cash and equivalents it held at end-2013.
Warren Lau, an analyst at Maybank Kim Eng brokerage, said in a report that as Samsung generated about $24 billion in free cash flow each year, it could allocate $5.2 billion in funds to repurchase shares and another $2.8 billion for dividends.
But the company's conservative management style means it has shied away from big acquisitions for the most part, and executives have not publicly commented on any buyback programme.
"High dividends give the impression that the company is no longer growing, and the most important thing for technology companies is growth; Samsung has repeated this message," IM's Lee said. "Given that fact, I don't think there will be a major share buyback or a dramatic increase in dividend payout."
Analysts believe Samsung's earnings bottomed in the January-March period, with handset sales for the current quarter expected to improve as the S5 rolls out worldwide.
Stronger returns from the memory chip business and television sales ahead of the 2014 soccer World Cup will also boost the company's bottom line.
© Thomson Reuters 2014
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