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'Fire Safety for All' Update: Dublin Declaration & Press Release
2015-02-01: This important Event is still a few months away, but the following update will be of interest …. a mixture of some good news and some bad news …
To Register / To Attend … please go to the Event WebSite: www.fire-safety-for-all.eu … places are limited in the New Conference Venue.
1. 2015 Dublin 'Fire Safety for All' Declaration – A Call to Action & Successful Implementation !
From the beginning, we promised that this would not be a polite gathering in Dublin. It will, instead, be a time for hard work and straight talking by everybody attending … and a good opportunity to have some fun also. Dublin is a very 'sociable' city !
As an indication of our serious intent … please now download and examine the Proposed 2015 Dublin Declaration on 'Fire Safety for All' in Buildings (PDF File, 153 Kb) …
If you would like to comment on this document, or if you have any questions … please send an e-mail message to: email@example.com
Drafting of the CIB W14 Research Working Group V Reflection Document has already commenced.
2. Dublin Fire Safety for All Event's First Press Release
A strong message from and about the Dublin Event must be widely disseminated at international and national levels … download and read / forward / circulate / publish FireOx International's First Event Press Release (PDF File, 49 Kb), dated 1 February 2015 …
Please help us to spread the word !
3. Embarrassment about Original Conference Venue
Accessibility of a Building … encompasses the complete cycle of independent use, in a dignified manner and on an equal basis with others … and includes the approach, entry and use of a building and its facilities, egress during normal conditions and removal from its vicinity … and, most importantly, safe evacuation during a fire incident to a place of safety which is remote from the building and reached by way of an accessible route.
As I write … Ireland has a truck load of accessibility-related National Building Regulations and EU Safety at Work Law (transposed at national level a long, long time ago). We have strong Equality Law. We have ease of access to accessibility-related International Standards (such as ISO 21542: 2011) and National Standards from other European Countries, North & South America, and Asia. We have accessibility-related National Guidance Documents coming out of our ears, and easy access to all sorts of other guidance from around the world. Lots and lots and lots and lots of paperwork, in digital and hardcopy formats !
Ireland today … is still one of only a few remaining countries which have yet to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the principal aim of which is to ensure that the Human Environment (including the built, social, economic, virtual and institutional environments) is sufficiently accessible for people with activity limitations to participate positively in all aspects of their local communities … a basic human right, which every able-bodied person takes for granted !
" This is not just a national disgrace, it is a huge embarrassment for our country when you consider that the European Union itself and most of the EU's Member States have already ratified this UN Convention."
AND … as I look around Dublin … the City is NOT accessible for its many vulnerable residents and foreign visitors !
Are you sitting comfortably ? Then I will tell you a short story … a 'real' story, not a fairy tale … about the Original Conference Venue …
Mr. Sean Sherlock, T.D., Minister of State at Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs with responsibility for Overseas Development Aid, has agreed to open the Event on the evening of Thursday, 9 April 2015. All of Irish Aid's Partner Countries in Africa have ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Given the serious, socially transformative topic of this Conference … the Minister had also kindly offered to waive the fee for the hire of the Printworks Building in Dublin Castle – a very prestigious location in the City, and a building which was been extensively refurbished in time for Ireland's recent Presidency of the European Union. The audio-visual fit-out for this building is magnificently elaborate. Most unfortunately, the building's accessibility is entirely inadequate ('ATROCIOUS' would be a better word to describe it) !
However, with the right attitude and positive co-operation from the Venue Management Team, many improvements to the building's accessibility could have been made for the Conference. From the beginning, however, the Management Team's response to this issue was negative.
" It is entirely unacceptable that this State's New and Heritage Building Stock is designed, constructed, and/or managed without a full and proper consideration … and successful implementation … of Accessibility for All and Fire Safety for All ! "
The Venue Management Team has refused to honour the Minister's waiver.
We have had no other option but to move the Conference and Workshop to a far better Venue just around the corner … the Radisson Blu Hotel in Golden Lane, Dublin.
A Building which is NOT Accessible is difficult, if not impossible, for everybody to evacuate during a real fire incident …
'Rigorous enforcement of building codes and standards by state and local agencies, well trained and managed, is critical in order for standards and codes to ensure the expected level of safety. Unless they are complied with, the best codes and standards cannot protect occupants, emergency responders, or buildings.'
(2005 U.S. NIST NCSTAR 1: Final Report on the Collapse of the World Trade Center Towers … Page 202, Chapter 9: Recommendations)
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
UN CRPD Article 33 – National Implementation & Monitoring
1. States Parties, in accordance with their system of organization, shall designate one or more focal points within government for matters relating to the implementation of the present Convention, and shall give due consideration to the establishment or designation of a co-ordination mechanism within government to facilitate related action in different sectors and at different levels.
2. States Parties shall, in accordance with their legal and administrative systems, maintain, strengthen, designate or establish within the State Party, a framework, including one or more independent mechanisms, as appropriate, to promote, protect and monitor implementation of the present Convention. When designating or establishing such a mechanism, States Parties shall take into account the principles relating to the status and functioning of national institutions for protection and promotion of human rights.
3. Civil society, in particular persons with disabilities and their representative organizations, shall be involved and participate fully in the monitoring process.
The Access Consultants for Dublin Castle were O'Herlihy Access Consultancy.
Global Event: 'Fire Safety for All' in Buildings – Reboot & Reload !
2014-12-09: FireOx International, the Fire Engineering Division of Sustainable Design International Ltd., is very pleased and proud to present the following Global CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Event …
9 & 10 April 2015 – Dublin Castle, Ireland
'Fire Safety for All' in Buildings – Reboot & Reload !
[ www.fire-safety-for-all.eu ]
Co-Sponsored by CIB & RI-ICTA
Kindly supported by Fáilte Ireland
This will not be a polite gathering intended just for an Irish audience, or even for Europeans … this is a Global Event – a catalyst for Substantive Social Transformation everywhere !
Within the professional discipline of Fire Engineering … either a building is Fire Safe or it is not ; the design philosophy of the fire engineer is irrelevant. Similarly, now, we must begin to think and act in the simple terms of a building either being Accessible for All, or not. And if the building is accessible for all, does it tick all of the right accessibility boxes well, i.e. effectively ?
While building fire safety codes and standards exist in almost every country … guidelines relating to the Fire Safety of People with Activity Limitations – IF those guidelines exist at all – are technically inadequate, entirely tokenistic, blatantly discriminatory, and rarely implemented.
This is a very significant obstacle to Effective Building Accessibility everywhere !!
Accessibility is now understood to mean the full cycle of independent building use, in an equitable and dignified manner … and this term includes the approach, entry to and use of a building, egress during normal conditions and removal from the vicinity of the building … and, most importantly, evacuation during a fire incident to a 'place of safety' which is remote from the building. (ISO 21542 : 2011)
Cogently mandated in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) … the CRPD's principal aim is to ensure that the Built, Social, Economic and Virtual Environments are sufficiently 'accessible' to permit a vulnerable and major(!) population group in all of our societies to enjoy the fundamental freedoms and human rights described in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948).
Refer to Preamble Paragraph (g) in the UN Convention …
' Emphasizing the importance of mainstreaming disability issues as an integral part of relevant strategies of sustainable development,'
and to … Article 3 (General Principles), Article 9 (Accessibility), Article 11 (Situations of Risk & Humanitarian Emergencies), Article 19 (Living Independently & Being Included in the Community), Article 20 (Personal Mobility), Article 24 (Education), Article 27 (Work & Employment), Article 31 (Statistics & Data Collection), Article 32 (International Co-Operation), and Article 33 (National Implementation & Monitoring).
The focus of this event, therefore, is Real Accessibility. In other words, Effective Accessibility for People with Activity Limitations (which includes people with disabilities, and children under the age of 5 years, frail older people, women in the later stages of pregnancy, and people with health conditions, etc.) … an accessibility which actually works well for all potential building users. And it is appropriate also, now, to introduce the concept of Monitoring and Targeting this 'real' accessibility … independently, i.e. by 3rd Parties !
It is time to Reboot this ridiculous, professionally negligent and obsolete old system … Reload with innovative and practical building design, construction, management and personal self-protection solutions … and Implement !
FireOx 'Fire Safety for All' Matrix – Revised & Updated
2014-10-17: Within the professional discipline of Fire Engineering … either a building is 'fire safe', or it is not. The Design Philosophy of the Fire Engineer is irrelevant. In fact, nearly everybody involved with fire safety in buildings would collapse in a fit of laughter at the delusional notion that a design philosophy was relevant. People's lives are at stake !
Similarly, now, we must begin to think and act in the simple terms of a building either being 'accessible', or not. At stake, this time, is the quality of life and living for very many vulnerable people in all of our societies.
Accessibility for All, according to International Standard ISO 21542 (2011) … includes the approach, entry to and use of a building, egress during normal conditions and removal from the vicinity of the building … and, most importantly, evacuation during a fire incident to a 'place of safety' which is remote from the building.
Concerning that All above … FireOx International's 'Fire Safety for All' Matrix shows who exactly we are talking about … and who must be considered in the development of a Fire Safety Strategy for every building … not just some buildings !
This is not just good design practice … it is also mandated in International Human Rights Law.
FireOx International's 'Fire Safety for All' Matrix (2014) – PDF File, 25 Kb
Building Fire Safety Codes and Standards exist in almost every country. However – IF they exist at all – those guidelines relating to the Fire Safety of People with Activity Limitations are technically inadequate, entirely tokenistic and/or blatantly discriminatory.
Refer to my previous post … BS 9999:2008 & BS 8300:2009 – Sleepwalking into Problems ?
It is time to Reboot this ridiculous, professionally negligent and obsolete old system … Reload with innovative and practical building design, construction, management and personal self-protection solutions … and Implement !
2015 'Fire Safety for All' Global CSR Event – Dublin, 9 & 10 April
Register Now !
'Sustainability' – New Part 11 in India's National Building Code !
2013-03-17: Happy Saint Patrick's Day !!
Submissions on India's Draft Amendment No.1 to the 2005 National Building Code (SP 7:2005) concerning the Proposed Incorporation of a New Part 11: 'Approach to Sustainability' had to arrive at the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), in Dilli … by e-mail … no later than Friday last, 15 March 2013 …
Indian NBC, Proposed Part 11 on 'Sustainability' – December 2012 Consultation
Extract From Foreword (Page 7):
' Developed nations' approach to sustainability generally concentrates on energy conservation through high technology innovations, and use of products, materials and designs with lower embodied energy. Their green ratings are based on intent, which implies expert inputs and simulation. The Indian construction industry will do better using our traditional wisdom and practices, building in harmony with nature through regional common knowledge, consuming as little as necessary, applying low cost technology innovations, using recycled materials, and recognizing performance (not intent) through easily measurable parameters wherever feasible.'
How Right They Are About Prioritizing 'Real' Performance !!
And Just Before That Extract Above:
' The authentic (my insert !) Indian way of life is aparigraha (minimum possessions), conservation (minimum consumption), and recycling (minimum waste). These three attributes are the guiding principles for sustainable buildings as well. With these attributes and its rich heritage, India can make a substantial contribution in this field and eventually lead the world on the path of sustainability.'
An Overly Ambitious Target ? Perhaps Not.
SDI Supporting India's National Sustainable Buildings Strategy …
We very much welcome this opportunity to make a Submission on India's Draft Amendment No.1 to the 2005 National Building Code (SP 7:2005) concerning the Proposed Inclusion of a New Part 11 'Approach to Sustainability'.
This IS an important development for India … and it DOES mark a substantial contribution to this field, at international level. We wish that other countries would follow your example … particularly China, the other mushrooming economies in South-East Asia, and the Arab Gulf States.
You may not be aware that Sustainable Design International (SDI) has been specializing in the theory and implementation of a Sustainable Human Environment (social, built, virtual, and economic) since the mid-1990's.
And, for example … in September 2007, we were invited to make a series of Keynote Presentations to 20 Senior National Decision-Makers, from both the public and private sectors, at a 2-Day Workshop which was organized for us in Lisboa, Portugal. If invited, we would be delighted to repeat this valuable exercise in Dilli, Bengaluru, and other suitable venues in India.
IF India is to lead the world on this particular track, i.e. Sustainable Buildings, a coherent philosophy must be outlined in the Proposed New Part 11 of the National Building Code, and a clear direction must also be given there to decision-makers, e.g. clients/client organizations, and designers.
Certain essential content must be included in Part 11. With regard to an improved layout of Part 11, please review the attached SDI Document: 'SEED Building Life Cycle' (PDF File, 55 Kb) .
Because you have prioritized 'real' building performance over pre-construction design 'intent', it is appropriate to begin our comments here …
1. Sustainability Performance Indicators
In order to prioritize 'real' performance, the monitoring of actual sustainability performance in completed and occupied buildings must be comprehensive, accurate and reliable. Indicators of sustainability performance must, therefore, be included in all sections of the Proposed New Part 11.
Sustainability Performance Indicators provide important signposts for decision-making and design in many ways. They can translate physical and social science knowledge into manageable units of information which facilitate the decision-making and design processes. They can help to measure and calibrate progress towards sustainable development goals, and sectoral sustainability targets. They can provide an early warning to prevent economic, social and environmental damage and harm. They are also important tools to communicate ideas, thoughts and values because, as statisticians say: "We measure what we value, and value what we measure".
Performance Indicators may be both quantitative and qualitative … but must cover all stages of the building process, i.e. project feasibility and performance specification, spatial planning, design, construction, management, operation, maintenance and servicing, de-construction, disposal, final site clean-up and sustainable repair.
While many, though not all, types of building performance can be successfully monitored using lightweight portable equipment … a certain number of monitoring devices must also be permanently installed in the building during construction. A facility to reliably feed the output from these devices back to data collection points, on site and remote, must also be incorporated in the Building's Intelligent Management System.
Management and collation of sustainability performance data must be reliable. Uncertainty is always present. Therefore, Statements of Uncertainty should always be attached to 'reliable' data.
Safety Factors should always be included when targeting critical 'health and safety' related types of performance.
Sustainability Performance Indicators must be directly comparable across different Global Regions … within Asia, across different countries … and within India, across different States. A Balanced, Harmonized Core Set of Indian Performance Indicators should be quickly developed. A Balanced 'Local' Set of Performance Indicators will always be necessary.
People tasked with monitoring sustainable building performance must be competent … and independent, i.e. be unconnected to client, design and construction organizations.
Specifically in relation to Energy Performance, the targets to be achieved in new buildings must be far more ambitious. Please review the attached SDI Document: 'SEED Positive Energy Buildings' (PDF File, 29 Kb) .
2. Properly Defining 'Sustainable Development'
As currently drafted … Definition 2.26 Sustainable Development, on Page 13 of the Proposed New Part 11, is not only ambiguous, it is inadequate for India's needs … and it is barely the first half of the full, correct definition …
Sustainable Development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It contains within it two key concepts:
- the concept of 'needs', in particular the essential needs of the world's poor, to which overriding priority should be given ; and
- the idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the environment's ability to meet present and future needs.
[ Please refer to the 1987 Report of the World Commission on Environment & Development (WCED): 'Our Common Future' – Chapter 2, Paragraph 1.]
This original definition in the 1987 WCED Report IS appropriate for India … and it must become the core definition at the heart of India's National Sustainable Buildings Strategy !
A careful reading of the full definition makes it clear that there are Many Aspects to this intricate, open, dynamic and still evolving concept … the most important of which are: Social, Economic, Environmental, Institutional, Political, and Legal.
It is a Fundamental Principle of Sustainability, and one of its Primary Values … that Implementation must be Synchronous, Balanced and Equitable across All Aspects of Sustainability.
The 'Green Agenda' merely considers Environmental Aspects of Sustainability … in isolation from all of the other Aspects ! This is a fatal flaw which must be avoided in the Proposed New Part 11 !!
[ I made many references to this issue during the FSAI Conferences in India ! ]
3. Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) for India !
Rather than Environmental Impact Assessment … surely the Proposed New Part 11: 'Approach to Sustainability' must now use, explain and discuss Sustainability Impact Assessment instead !?!
Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA)
A continual evaluation and optimization assessment – informing initial decision-making, or design, and shaping activity/product/service realization, useful life and termination, or final disposal – of the interrelated positive and negative social, economic, environmental, institutional, political and legal impacts on the synchronous, balanced and equitable implementation of Sustainable Human & Social Development.
4. A Robust Legal Foundation for 'Sustainable Human & Social Development'
Paragraph 4 (Chapter 2, 1987 WCED Report) states …
' The satisfaction of human needs and aspirations is the major objective of development. The essential needs of vast numbers of people in developing countries – for food, clothing, shelter, jobs – are not being met, and beyond their basic needs these people have legitimate aspirations for an improved quality of life. A world in which poverty and inequity are endemic will always be prone to ecological and other crises. Sustainable development requires meeting the basic needs of all and extending to all the opportunity to satisfy their aspirations for a better life.'
Trying to list the essential needs of people / the basic needs of all is a very difficult task … but it is work which has been on-going, at international level, since just after the Second World War.
The essential needs of people / the basic needs of all … are specified as being Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and are already fully described within the extensive framework of International Legal Rights Instruments.
Which is why, many years ago, SDI developed this definition for Sustainable Human & Social Development … in order:
- to give this concept a robust legal foundation ; and
- (because of widespread confusion in media, political and academic circles) … to clearly establish that we are talking about sustainable human and social development, and not sustainable economic development, or any other type of development !
Sustainable Human & Social Development
Development which meets the responsible needs, i.e. the Human & Social Rights*, of this generation – without stealing the life and living resources from future generations … especially our children, and their children … and the next five generations of children.
*As defined in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
5. Climate Change Adaptation & Resilient Buildings in India ?
Atmospheric Ozone Depletion and Climate Change are mentioned, here and there, in the Proposed New Part 11. The important implications of these phenomena for Sustainable Building Design in India are not explained … at all. Why not ?
To properly respond to these phenomena, both must be integrated into India's National Sustainability Strategies & Policies.
At the very least … we strongly recommend that Design Guidance on Climate Resilient Buildings be immediately drafted. This guidance must be appropriate for implementation in each of the different climatic regions of India.
6. A Sustainable Indian Built Environment which is Accessible for All !
Barrier Free is mentioned, here and there, in the Proposed New Part 11. This is to be warmly welcomed and congratulated. Under Social Aspects of Sustainable Human & Social Development … this is an essential attribute of a Sustainable Built Environment ! However, no guidance on this subject is given to decision-makers or designers. Why not ?
However, you should be aware that India ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) on 1 October 2007. For your convenience, I have attached copies of the Convention in English, Hindi and Tamil.
You should also be aware that, in December 2011, the International Standards Organization (ISO) published ISO 21542: 'Building Construction – Accessibility & Usability of the Built Environment'. In its Introduction, ISO 21542 is directly linked to the U.N. Convention … almost like an umbilical cord. The scope of this Standard currently covers public buildings. As the Accessibility Agenda in the U.N. Convention is very broad … much standardization work remains to be finished at international level.
The correct term … Accessibility for All … has been defined in ISO 21542 as including … 'access to buildings, circulation within buildings and their use, egress from buildings in the normal course of events, and evacuation in the event of an emergency'.
A note at the beginning of the standard also clarifies that Accessibility is an independent activity, i.e. assistance from another person should not be necessary … and that there should be an assurance of individual health, safety and welfare during the course of those (accessibility-related) activities.
In order to fulfil India's legal obligations as a State Party to the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities … adequate Design Guidance on Accessibility must be included in the Proposed New Part 11, supported by ISO 21542.
In addition, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) should immediately adopt ISO 21542 as the Indian National Standard on Accessibility for All … IS / ISO 21542.
[ I made many references to this issue during the FSAI Conferences in India ! ]
7. Fire Safety & Protection for All in Sustainable Indian Buildings ?
Yes … there is 1 mention of 'fire safety' and 40 other references to 'fire' in the Proposed New Part 11 … but no design guidance. Why not ?
You should be aware that there is a fundamental conflict between Sustainable Building Design Strategies and the current state-of-the-art in Fire Engineering Design. As a good example … for cooling, heating and/or ventilation purposes in a sustainable building, it is necessary to take advantage of natural patterns of air movement in that building. On the other hand, fire engineers in private practice, and fire prevention officers in Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ's), will demand that building spaces be strictly compartmented in order to limit the spread of fire and smoke … thereby dramatically interfering with those natural patterns of air movement.
In everyday practice, there is a vast chasm in understanding and communication between these two very different design disciplines. As a result, serious compromises are being enforced on Sustainability Building Performance. If, on the other hand, adequate independent technical control is absent on the site of a Sustainable Building … it is the fire safety and protection which is being seriously compromised.
A range of critical fire safety issues (fatal, in the case of firefighters) are also arising with the Innovative Building Products and Systems being installed in Sustainable Buildings.
Because the emphasis is on pre-construction design 'intent' rather than the 'real' performance of the completed and occupied building … all of these problems are being conveniently ignored, and they remain hidden from everybody's view.
This must be addressed in the Proposed New Part 11.
[ I made many references to this issue during the FSAI Conferences in India ! ]
C. J. Walsh – Consultant Architect, Fire Engineer & Technical Controller – Managing Director, Sustainable Design International Ltd. – Ireland, Italy & Turkey.
'Sustainable Accessibility for All' – An SDI Professional Service
2012-11-30: Related specifically to my 2 Previous Posts on 27 November 2012 & 28 November 2012 … this is how we would like to help you … whether you are an individual, or an organization … whether you are located in Ireland, Italy or Turkey … some other part of Europe, the Arab Gulf Region, India, Japan, China … or wherever !
And … we can, if requested or necessary, work in collaboration with local partners in those different geographical regions.
For many Weak and Vulnerable People, today's Complex Human Environment is inaccessible and unsafe … a hostile 'reality' which prevents independent functioning and participation in a local community; it is a blatant denial of their human rights.
Restrictions on Social Participation, e.g. physical barriers, sloppy user-unfriendly management procedures, discrimination, stigma, etc … also limit the Use Potential of buildings, transportation systems, public spaces and other facilities … shortening product life cycles.
These factors impose a large, negative cost burden on society generally … and on you, as an individual … or as an organization, whether private or public. It is bad business !
SDI's Commitment to You
As a necessary response to the New Paradigm of 'Accessibility' mandated by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), and elaborated in greater detail by International Standard ISO 21542 : 2011 –
WE are committed to … the implementation of a Sustainable Human Environment which is Effectively Accessible for All … through the use of innovative, person-centred and reliability-based sustainable design practices and procedures.
SDI's Accessibility Services
- WE will advise you on Accessibility Policy, Accessibility Strategy Development, Accessibility Implementation … and, whether you are within or from outside the European Union, on CE Marking of Accessibility Related Construction Products ;
- WE understand the process of Design, particularly the new language of Sustainable Design … and we will produce Creative Accessibility Solutions for Your Project ;
- WE are thoroughly familiar with the intricacies of Building Sites … and we will verify and/or validate Design Compliance during construction, and at project completion … and, if requested or necessary, as a completely Independent Technical Controller ;
- WE communicate easily and effectively with other Professional Design Disciplines, including fire engineers … and we will act as fully participating members of Your Project Design & Construction Team ;
- WE practice in accordance with a comprehensive Professional Code of Ethics.
Sustainable Accessibility Solutions ?
- Are adapted to Local Geography, Climate/Climate Change, Social Need, Culture, Economy … and Severe Events (e.g. earthquakes and flooding) ;
- Are 'Person-Centred', i.e. that design process which places 'real' people at the centre of creative endeavours and gives due consideration to their responsible needs, and their health, safety, welfare and security in the Human Environment ;
- Are 'Reliability-Based', i.e. that design process based on practical experience, competence and an examination of real extreme events, e.g. 2001 WTC 9-11 & 2008 Mumbai Attacks, and 2011 Fukushima Nuclear Incident … rather than theory alone.
SDI's Contact Information
E-Mail: email@example.com
International Phone: +353 1 8386078 / National Phone: (01) 8386078
Important Note: This Post should be read in conjunction with an earlier Post …
Sustainable Design International Ltd. – Our Practice Philosophy
It is there, not here, that we define Sustainable Human & Social Development … and describe how our Practice is responding to this open, intricate, dynamic, and still evolving concept. The resulting transformation in how frontline services are provided to our Clients/Client Organizations ensures a much more comfortable 'fit' to their needs … and a greater level of protection, safety and security for society !
FCCC COP-15: Historical Responsibility & Poverty Reduction ?
2009-12-16: 'Chaotic' is not the only word to describe what is happening right now in Copenhagen ! A few additional parliamentary expletives are required. Is it just me … or is it obvious to everyone … that the Danes could not organize an orgy at an International Golf Tournament ?
What the world urgently needed was an ambitious, legally binding agreement … a Kyoto II Protocol, for want of a better title … to slot into place when the 1st Commitment Period ends in 2012. What we may end up with is an ambiguous 'political' agreement … which will be worth approximately 1 cent more than the paper on which it will be scrawled.
There is something definitely rotten in the State of Denmark ! Multiple drafts of the same working document circulating at the same time … backroom meetings away from public scrutiny … greedy developed countries trying to avoid responsibility and action … strutting, self-important NGO's thinking that they know all the answers … etc., etc … kill any confidence in the process stone dead. These are not the ways of Sustainable Social Partnership.
However … at a far distance from the hustle and bustle … it can be observed that Interesting Side Events are taking place … and Thought Provoking Reports are being presented … before, during and after the main gatherings between the 7th and 18th December 2009:
- 15th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP-15) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) ;
- 5th Meeting of the Parties (MOP-5) to the Kyoto Protocol.
African Countries are not the only Group having difficulty with what is/is not happening in Copenhagen …
Two recent Discussion Papers from The Energy & Resources Institute (TERI), in India, are worth bringing to your attention. Both raise issues which are not very popular in this part of the world. And … it so happens that Dr. Rajendra K Pachauri – Director-General of TERI … is also Chairman of the WMO-UNEP Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) !
- Right to Sustainable Development: An Ethical Approach to Climate Change (December 2009), by Leena Srivastava, Neha Pahuja, Manish Shrivastava & Prabhat Upadhyay. PDF File, 228 Kb. Click link to read and/or download. Discusses ideas such as: 'equity', 'fairness', 'historical responsibility' (of UNFCCC Annex I Countries), 'climate justice', etc.
- Linking Climate Action & Poverty Alleviation – An Approach to Informed Decision-Making (December 2009), by Atul Kumar. PDF File, 488 Kb. Click link to read and/or download.
To gain worldwide acceptance – across developed, developing and least developed regions of the world – and to have a reasonable chance of reliable implementation in those disparate regions … mitigation of, and adaptation to, climate change, including variability and extremes, must be fully compatible with the concept of Sustainable Human & Social Development. This is clearly elaborated in both the 1992 UNFCCC and the 1997 Kyoto Protocol.
To be clear among ourselves on this island … Ireland is specifically named (without any qualification), among other Developed Countries … in Annex I and Annex II of the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) … and in Annex B of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, which is legally binding. The European Union is not mentioned, at all, in either document.
It is of concern to note that although India ratified the 2006 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in October 2007 – TERI (India) has very recently placed a Document (No.1 above) in the public domain, at Copenhagen, which actively forbids content extraction by people with activity limitations for the purposes of equitable accessibility ! Joined-up thinking !?!?
Disability Access Certificates & Accessible Toilet Facilities ? (III)
2009-10-31: Missing so far in Ireland … but an essential starting point for any discussion about Disability & Accessibility of the Built Environment in many other countries … is the 2006 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which entered into force, i.e. became an International Legal Instrument, on 3rd May 2008.
This Convention is important because it facilitates access, for a large group of people in all of our communities, to the Rights, i.e. basic needs, of all human beings … which were first elaborated in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Until now, access to Universal Rights has effectively been denied to people with disabilities.
How is Ireland responding to the UN Convention ?
Ireland signed the Convention on 30th March 2007 … but has still not signed the Convention's Optional Protocol. Furthermore … even though other European Union Member States have proceeded to ratify both the Convention and the Optional Protocol on their own, without waiting for all Member States to act in unison … Ireland has not ratified either. Why is that ???
On the positive side … and at the time of writing …
- 143 countries, including Ireland, have signed the Convention ;
- 87 other countries have signed the Optional Protocol ;
- 71 other countries have ratified the Convention ;
- 45 other countries have ratified the Optional Protocol.
2006 UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
Click the Link above to read/download PDF File (215 Kb)
With regard to Accessibility … refer, initially and directly, to Preamble Paragraph (g) and Articles 9 & 11 of the Convention.
[As a matter of routine in all of our work, I prefer to go beyond the scope of the 2006 Disability Rights Convention … and to consider Accessibility for All, i.e. including People with Activity Limitations (2001 WHO ICF), to the Human Environment.]
Accessibility Implementation in Ireland, and Toilet Facilities
How more basic can you get in every day life and living ?
The WC Cubicle shown in Diagram 13 of the existing Technical Guidance Document M does not work … a black and white / open and shut case. It has not worked for a long, long time. It is not 'accessible'. Should this come as a sudden surprise to anybody ? No.
That toilet arrangement dates back to guidance documentation published by the Irish National Rehabilitation Board (NRB) in the early 1980's. And since that guidance took a long time to produce … we are talking about well before the end of the 1970's as its true date of origin. I know, because I was there … and I have the T-Shirt !
I am not going to show that Diagram here, because I don't want to encourage anybody to reproduce it again in a 'real' building … for any reason whatsoever !
Nearly 30 years later (!) … the Wheelchair Accessible Unisex WC shown in Diagram 12 of Draft Technical Guidance Document M (2009) is not a significant improvement on the earlier version. In fact, it is a miserable effort ! And … I am not going to show that Diagram here either … for the same reason.
What I would like to present, however, are Figures 43 & 44 from the Draft International Accessibility-for-All Standard ISO 21542. This is the level of accessibility performance which we should all be striving to achieve … as a minimum !
N.B. A standard, large Wash Hand Basin must no longer be considered as an optional extra in a properly fitted out Accessible Toilet Facility.
Please also note the independent water supply, on the wall side of the corner WC, feeding a shower head type outlet which can be turned on or off at the outlet head … or within easy reach of the WC. This is Accessibility-for-All in action !
Many building owners/managers wish to combine an Accessible WC Cubicle with a Baby Change Facility. More space is required, therefore, above and beyond that shown in the Figures above for the Baby Change fittings and associated 'equipment'.
Without Proper Accessibility Management … Accessibility Performance will rapidly deteriorate … as shown in the above photograph.
Once we have mastered the minimum building accessibility performance required to meet the needs of a single person with an activity limitation … our next priority must be the Social Dimension of Accessibility. Existing Building & Fire Regulations, Standards and Design Guidance are still geared very much towards the single building user. However, for example, if 5 or 6 or 8 wheelchair users decide to use a building's facilities … not a concept which is off-the-wall (!) … there is almost a complete breakdown and failure in accessibility. This is no longer acceptable !!
Human Rights Must Have 'Real' Meaning in a Civilized Society !
2009-10-07: As previously discussed … but deserving much repetition … the 2006 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) became an International Legal Instrument, i.e. entered into force, on 3rd May 2008.
This UN Convention simply aims to ensure that persons with disabilities are able to access human rights on the same basis as everyone else in society. And rights are no more than an elaboration of the responsible basic needs of all human beings.
It is worth recalling that the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights was directly born out of the large-scale death, human misery and environmental destruction of the Second World War in Europe, North Africa, the Middle-East … and throughout Asia and the Pacific.
Human Rights must have – do have – 'real' meaning in a civilized society !
Israel signed the UN Disability Rights Convention on 30th March 2007. At the time of writing, it has not yet signed the Convention's Optional Protocol. Israel has definitely not ratified the Convention or the Optional Protocol.
[To be fair, Ireland is in exactly the same position as Israel. Why am I not surprised ?!?]
With regard to Situations of Risk, e.g. a fire emergency in a building … or Humanitarian Emergencies, e.g. the Gaza Conflict from December 2008 to January 2009 … the language of Article 11 in the UN Convention is very clear and straightforward:
" States Parties shall take, in accordance with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, all necessary measures to ensure the protection and safety of persons with disabilities in situations of risk, including situations of armed conflict, humanitarian emergencies and the occurrence of natural disasters."
On 3rd April 2009, the President of the UN Human Rights Council established the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict with the mandate "to investigate all violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law that might have been committed at any time in the context of the military operations that were conducted in Gaza during the period from 27 December 2008 and 18 January 2009, whether before, during or after."
The President appointed Justice Richard Goldstone, former judge of the Constitutional Court of South Africa and former Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, to head the Mission. The other three appointed members were:
- Professor Christine Chinkin, Professor of International Law at the London School of Economics and Political Science, who was a member of the high-level fact finding mission to Beit Hanoun (2008) ;
- Ms. Hina Jilani, Advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and former Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders, who was a member of the International Commission of Inquiry on Darfur (2004) ; and
- Colonel Desmond Travers, a former Officer in Ireland's Defence Forces and member of the Board of Directors of the Institute for International Criminal Investigations.
The Report of the Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict was presented to the Human Rights Council, in Geneva (Switzerland), on 29th September 2009.
The following is a short extract from that Report …
Section A – XVII The Impact of the Blockade and of the Military Operations on the People of Gaza and their Human Rights
I Persons with Disabilities (Paragraphs 1283-1291)
1283 Information provided to the Mission showed that many of those who were injured during the Israeli military operations sustained permanent disabilities owing to the severity of their injuries and/or the lack of adequate and timely medical attention and rehabilitation. Gaza hospitals reportedly had to discharge patients too early so as to handle incoming emergencies. Other cases resulted in amputations or disfigurement. About 30 per cent of patients were expected to have long-term disabilities.
1284 WHO reported that by mid-April 2009 the number of people with different types of permanent disability (e.g. brain injuries, amputations, spinal injuries, hearing deficiencies, mental health problems) as a result of the military operations was not yet known. It reported speculations that there might be some 1000 amputees; but information provided by the WHO office in Gaza and based on estimates by Handicap International indicated that around 200 persons underwent amputations.
1285 While the exact number of people who will suffer permanent disabilities is still unknown, the Mission understands that many persons who sustained traumatic injuries during the conflict still face the risk of permanent disability owing to complications and inadequate follow-up and physical rehabilitation.
1286 The Mission also heard moving accounts of families with disabled relatives whose disability had slowed their evacuation from a dangerous area or who lived with a constant fear that, in an emergency, their families would have to leave them behind because it would be too difficult to evacuate them.
1287 One testimony concerned a person whose electric wheelchair was lost after his house was targeted and destroyed. Since the residents were given very short notice of the impending attack, the wheelchair could not be salvaged and the person had to be taken to safety on a plastic chair carried by four people.
1288 The Mission also heard a testimony concerning a pregnant woman who was instructed by an Israeli soldier to evacuate her home with her children, but to leave behind a mentally disabled child, which she refused to do.
1289 Even in the relative safety of shelters, people with disabilities continued to be exposed to additional hardship, as these shelters were not equipped for their special needs. The Mission heard of the case of a person with a hearing disability who was sheltering in an UNRWA school, but was unable to communicate in sign language or understand what was happening and experienced sheer fear.
1290 Frequent disruptions in the power supply had a severe impact on the medical equipment needed by many people with disabilities. People using wheelchairs had to face additional hurdles when streets started piling up with the rubble from destroyed buildings and infrastructure.
1291 In addition, programmes for people with disabilities had to be closed down during the military operations and rehabilitation services stopped (for instance, organizations providing assistance were unable to access stocks of wheelchairs and other aids). Many social, educational, medical and psychological programmes have not yet fully resumed.
'112' – A Single European Emergency Phone Number ??
2009-03-16: Wherever you are in the European Union (EU) … and whatever you are doing … there is just one phone number that you need to remember for emergency services – '112'.
Now that Bulgaria has set up its own 112 Hotline, the single EU Emergency Phone Number works in All EU Member States, without exception …
Check out your country … here !
When you call '112', – from a land line, a public pay phone or a mobile/cell/handy phone – a local operator will either deal with your call directly, or redirect you to the emergency service you need – ambulance, police, or the fire services.
There is no charge for a '112' Phone Call.
The single EU Emergency Phone Number does not replace existing national emergency phone numbers – it works alongside them.
Did you know that this number has been around for almost 20 years … and still only 22% of Europeans know about it ?
However, one small little problem remains … you can only call this number … that is, if you are physically capable of making a call and having a phone conversation !
Article 9 of the 2006 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (text quoted in an earlier post !), which became an International Legal Instrument on 3rd May 2008, requires that the …
EU '112' Emergency Phone Number System SHALL be ACCESSIBLE !
Get your fingers out Brussels !!!
UPDATE 2013-04-06: In the interim … there has been no dramatic improvement …
Flash EuroBarometer 368 – February 2013 – Summary Report
The European Emergency Number '112'
Click the Link above to read/download PDF File (1.4 MB)
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Our recent blog series has covered the importance of connection and clarity to influencing those around us. These two pillars of influence help us build strong personal connections, with clarity around our objectives. The next step is...
Have you ever tried to influence someone, only to fail?
My health insurance agent recently recommended that I change my healthcare policy. I asked him, "If you were me, would you switch to this new policy?" He replied, "I already switched to the same policy myself."
Do you know anyone who is a Master Influencer?
My great-grandmother was a runner. Before her 10th birthday my great-grandmother was a child-spy, tasked with running between villages to warn that "The Cossacks are coming."
The Republican National Convention offered a chance to examine our ability to influence others in the workplace.
Whether our office (and title) resides on the C level or not, influencing is an integral part of our daily lives and perhaps more importantly, our careers.
A recent participant in a BRODY training program contacted me last week via e-mail.
A colleague once told me, "I never negotiate." If you're communicating with other people, you probably negotiate on some level. Whether or not your position calls for negotiating contracts or deals, you'll find strong negotiation skills very...
In my last post, I mentioned three of the main foundational building blocks of influence: competence, clarity, and relationships.

subset: commoncrawl


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My CD, "mello cello", is a collection of soothing classical and traditional cello music. I am joined on it by my cellist daughter, Amelia Bierly, and pianist David Ingram. All the pieces on the CD are ones that I love to play and to listen to: they all make me feel peaceful and connected with everything that I love about the world.
My hope is that every person who listens to my music will feel a little more peaceful and treat others a little more gently, and that a sense
of peace and kindness will quietly ripple out a little
farther into this troubled world.
Click here to listen to samples.


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Reptile Birthday Parties for Kids – Serving All of Artesia!
Sometimes also called a reptile show Artesia, reptile party Artesia, or reptile birthday party Artesia, we are a birthday party company with reptiles Artesia that will perform a reptile birthday party Artesia at your home, local park or other venue.
Check out the discounted prices on Kids Reptile Parties website for a cheap reptile birthday party Artesia. A kids birthday party with snakes Artesia will include a variety of different colors and patterns. Kids Reptile Parties specializes in affordable animal birthday parties for kids. Reptile entertainment for a kids birthday party Artesia is also called reptile parties Artesia or reptile birthday parties Artesia. Our reptile birthday parties Artesia include getting to touch and hold the animalms, learn about the animals at the reptile party Artesia , and take pictures with the reptiles at the reptile parties Artesia. Contact Kids Reptile Parties today for more information about our reptile birthday party Artesia!


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Live Action Ninja Turtle Show
May 29, 2015
* Promoting Anti Bullying Awareness *
May 29, 2015
* Promoting Anti Bullying Awareness *
Duncan Housing Median April 2013
Come out to Duncan Simmons Center November 5th, 2012 to see a Taste of Home Cooking School. There will be a vendor expo starting at 3:30, and a cooking show starting at 6:30. Tickets are available now and VIP is limited to less than 100. For more information stop by the Duncan Chamber of Commerce, or call 580-255-1350
David Parmley &Continental Divide
Jerry Butler & the Blu J's
Triple L Band
Go to this link for more info.
Stitching Memories Quilt Guild will present their 2012 quilt show, "Quilting on the Trail", Friday, September 14th and Saturday, September 15th, at the Stephens County Fair & Expo Center, 2002 South 13th Street, Duncan, OK. The hours of the show will be Friday 9 AM – 5 PM, and Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM with a $5.00 admission for one day or $8.00 for two days. There will be approximately 150 beautiful quilts to view. with a Vendors' Mall and a Quilters' Look at our beautiful Wildflowers on the Trail raffle quilt (80″ x106″)! Our "Wildflowers on the Trail" raffle quilt (tickets are available from any guild member) will be awarded at the close of the show on Saturday, September 15, 2012. You do not need to be present for the drawing. The raffle quilt has been appraised by a certified AQS appraiser at a value of $1,900. Mercantile with many handmade items for sale.
The "Wildflowers on the Trail" quilt pattern is a wonderful design from Julia Hale called "On Point". This is a wonderful block of the month pattern and has an optional pieced center medallion or the hand-appliquéd chosen for our raffle quilt.
The raffle quilt committee consisted of Colleen Pollock, Sharon Pulis, Kay Gray, Oley Alsobrook, Nonie Evans, and Gayle Schwartz. Additional helpers were Jackie Neely, Judy Irey, and Caroline McCarley. The center medalion was hand appliquéd by Nonie Evans. Longarm machine quilting was by Quilts by Gail, Chickasha, OK.
Special activities of the show will include a silent auction where some of our members' best work will be showcased. Items will be changed every four hours throughout the quilt show.
The Chuckwagon Tearoom will be serving brisket, potato chips, baked beans, pickle, and a drink for $6.00 from 11:00 am-2:00 pm each day. OHCE members will provide the desserts.
More raffles will be done at this event. For more information regarding the quilt show, e-mail SMQG or call 580-656-3007.


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Nylon 6 Piece Utensil Set with Wooden Handles
Full Description
Nylon 6pc Utensil Set with Wooden Handles
The stylish, durable 6pc Nylon Utensil Set is an essential for any kitchen, with stunning wooden handles and a quality build.
Made from heat-resistant nylon and ideal for non-stick pots and pans, this set provides supreme comfort and control to make light work of cooking and serving your favourite dishes. It's also super easy to clean; simply hand wash, dry and pop on display to brighten any kitchen!
- Slotted Spoon - 36.3x9x7.2cm
- Spaghetti Spoon - 36.4x6.3x4cm
- Slotted Turner - 36.6x8.4x4.1cm
- Solid Spoon - 35.9x6.1x3cm
- Skimmer Spoon - 35.9x11x8.4cm
- Ladle - 36.3x9x7.2cm
- Nylon & Wood
- BW07276 Serving Slotted Spoon
- BW07277 Serving Pasta Spaghetti Spoon
- BW07278 Slotted Fish Slice Turner
- BW07279 Serving Solid Spoon
- BW07280 Skimmer Spoon
- BW07275 Soup Sauce Ladle
Delivery and Returns
Your order will be dispatched within 3-5 working days. Most deliveries require someone to accept and sign for the delivery to ensure the goods are received correctly. To help you we can arrange for delivery to be made elsewhere. Click here for more information.
We hope you like your purchase, however, if you are not entirely satisfied with any item, it can be sent back to us for a refund, provided it is returned within 14 days after delivery has been made (unless otherwise specified). Please click here for more information.
ASDA toyou Service: Where you see the ASDA logo, we offer a Click & Collect service from over 600 ASDA stores. Please Note: This service is only available when ALL the items in your basket are eligible for ASDA toyou. Click here for more information.


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Mr Morrison considering a new visa program for the new immigrants forcing them to stay in the regional area for a period of five years.
The Australian reports the plan is part of the Morrison government's landmark population policy that aims to ease congestion.
New prime minister Scott Morrison is yet to comment on the visas, but his recent cabinet reshuffle suggests the policy could be tweaked or integrated into broader population policy.
We are still not sure when it will be integrated, but with all the changes, we believe it can happen soon.
More than 90 per cent of permanent arrivals chooses to settle in the big cities on Australia's east coast.
In the visa world, the "regions" include smaller cities like Adelaide, Darwin, Canberra and Hobart.
Questions remain over how the government can force migrants to stay in the regions without running into legal disputes by restricting freedom of movement.


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Becky Morris finds change exciting. The native Houstonian has moved nineteen times, her relocations taking her around the world: from Venezuela, Colombia, Norway and Argentina to England, Scotland, Egypt, Lebanon, China and Indonesia. She and her husband recently returned from a 3 year assignment to Norway.
Now her top priority is to utilize her extensive knowledge to help make clients' relocations as smooth and stress-free as possible, whether internationally or just across the street.
Becky says, "It is important my clients know that I am there for them - not only during the sale of their home, but also in the transition into their new life." She listens and supports her clients through all aspects of the buying or selling process.
This dedication to fulfilling her clients' needs has repeatedly earned her Top Producer status with Heritage Texas Properties. In 2005, she was acknowledged as a Rising Star, won Star Achiever Awards in 2006 and 2008, and was a Company-Wide Top 20 Producer in 2007 - a particularly grand achievement in a company of 300 licensed agents. Since returning from 3 years in Norway and resuming her career, Becky has been again awarded Top Producer for 2015 and 2016.
Honest and forthright, she enjoys working with people. Becky sells and markets new and resale homes in all areas of greater Houston, especially in Northwest and Northeast Houston, The Woodlands, Spring, Kingwood, Conroe/Lake Conroe, and the Galleria area.


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Hohm Tech Hohm Grown 26650 Cell
Hohm Grown
Regular price
- Based off the BBC 26650 chemistry foundation, manganese inert compound replaced with additional proprietary levels of cobalt & nickel to achieve unprecedented levels of CC & mAh combination. Adjusting NMC ratios was key to achieving recorded levels.
- Enhanced PTC ring
- Updated poly seal (enhances security of seal & proper operation)
- Mn and Mn inert replaced by an additional 2.5% Cobalt (Co) & Nicket (Ni) proprietary levels
- Cathode Tag made from UH (Ultra-High) Purity Aluminum
- Battery capacity: 4500mah
- Discharge cut-off voltage: 2.5V
- Voltage: 3.6V
- Full charge voltage: 5.2V
- Max continuous discharge current: 35A
- Can be charged at a tested/proven 4.3A rating
NOTE: Descriptions, specifications, and claims are based on manufacturer information. Information listed and provided are to be used at the sole discretion of the consumer and are not representative of analysis, testing, and verification by High-Voltage Vapes. There is an inherent risk with the use of any and all rechargeable batteries in any circumstance. High-Voltage Vapes is not responsible for damage if there is any modification of the batteries/chargers in any form or shape (including pack making). High-Voltage Vapes is not responsible for any damage caused by the misuse and/or mishandling of Li-ion (Lithium-ion), LiPo (Lithium-ion Polymer) and any rechargeable batteries and chargers.
Use special caution when working with Li-ion (Lithium-ion), LiPo (Lithium-ion Polymer) and any rechargeable cells, as they are very sensitive to charging characteristics and may explode or burn if mishandled. Make sure the user has enough knowledge of Li-Ion (Lithium-ion), LiPo (Lithium-ion Polymer) and any rechargeable cells in charging, discharging, assembly and storage before use. Always charge in/on a fire-proof surface. Never leave charging batteries unattended. Do not use any rechargeable battery as well as any battery charger if any visible damage is present, as well as if the cell or charger has been stressed through mishandling, accidental or otherwise, even if damage may not be visible. Always store and transport rechargeable cells in a safe, non-conductive container in a controlled environment. Dispose of all battery cells and chargers in accordance to local laws and mandates.
High-Voltage Vapes will not be held responsible or liable for any injury, damage, or defect, permanent or temporary that may be caused by the improper use of a Li-ion (Lithium-ion), LiPo (Lithium-ion Polymer) and any rechargeable battery/batteries. Please have a basic understanding of the batteries you are using and how to care for them properly.


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chi+medmaking medical devices safer
Category Archives: CHI+MED people
Making medical devices safer – insights from the CHI+MED project (funded by @EPSRC)
CHI+MED (Computer-Human Interaction for Medical Devices, grant number EP/G059063/1) was a six-year, £5.8m EPSRC-funded multi-site project to look at ways of improving the safety of interactive (programmable) medical devices, such as infusion pumps. We did this by considering medical devices … Continue reading
[Free, London] The magic of {Christmas} Computer Science – magic show for secondary schools
Thanks to support from the IET, CHI+MEDics Profs Paul Curzon and Peter McOwan will be hosting a magic show for secondary school-aged children and teenagers (and their brothers & sisters, parents & grandparents, guardians, friends, teachers etc) in the Great … Continue reading
Posted in CHI+MED people, events - public Tagged children, computing, free, kids, London, magic show Leave a comment
Computing and magic – Paul Curzon's workshops for children at the Royal Institution, London, 18 August
CHI+MED's Prof Paul Curzon (QMUL) is running two computing and magic workshops, which cover some CHI+MED themes, for children aged 7-12, on the morning and afternoon of Tuesday 18th August at the Royal Institution (Ri, 21 Albemarle St, London W1S … Continue reading
Can Standards and Regulations Keep Up With Health Technologies? – new Viewpoint article in JMIR mHealth uHealth
Following the publication of their Viewpoint article (Open Access) in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, JMIR mHealth uHealth, CHI+MED researchers Chris Vincent and Katarzyna Stawarz from UCL's Interaction Centre have written the blog post below to introduce it. The … Continue reading
Posted in CHI+MED, CHI+MED people, CHI+MED research, EPSRC, health / medical, interesting papers, medical devices, patient safety Tagged Aisling O'Kane, Chris Vincent, Gerrit Niezen, JMIR - Journal of Medical Internet Research, Kathy Stawarz, medical device regulation, medical technologies Leave a comment
Dr Sarah Wiseman (@oopsohno) is giving a public talk tomorrow on human error @Ri_Science, 6pm, £12/8
I work with Sarah, who's based at the UCL Interaction Centre, on the CHI+MED project and have enjoyed her talks and videos so I can promise you an entertaining time at the Royal Institution (Ri) in London for her talk … Continue reading
Posted in CHI+MED, CHI+MED people, CHI+MED public engagement, Events, events - public Tagged human error, London, public talks, Ri, Royal Institution, Sarah Wiseman Leave a comment
CHI+MED's at the @QMEECS Research Showcase on Wednesday 22 April 2015 @QMUL
CHI+MED (Computer Human Interaction for Medical Devices) is a multi-site research project taking place at UCL, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), Swansea University and City University. We're looking at ways of making medical devices safer. Researchers at the QMUL … Continue reading


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Dancebox When: April 16, 8.30pm Where: Pentas 2, KLpac Tickets: Minimum donation of RM15. Walk in!
It's a one-night only showcase of dances in progress, where the audience's thoughts are sought after in making the newbie choreographers' visions come alive. Check out MyDance Alliance/The Actors Studio series called Dancebox, with eight short showcases up on stage.
"It's an event for local dancers and choreographers to express their feelings, hone their craft and to test the relevance of their works," says Leng Poh Gee, MyDance Alliance vice-president and dance lecturer at Tanjung Malim's Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI).
The showcase has been revived after a four-year hiatus. MyDance Alliance, founded in 2001, is a network organisation with local and international links, and is a member of the World Dance Alliance. Those who perform in Dancebox must be members.
A Kelantan native, Leng, after 12 years with the Dance Department at University Malaya (UM), is juggling teaching in Perak with rehearsals for Dancebox and other dance activities, plus a school-going child at home and a baby on the way.
But with MyDance Alliance president Bilqis Hijjas is in New York furthering her studies, Leng says: "The show must go on."
Leng says that all kinds of dances are accepted for Dancebox- – East and West, classical, contemporary and experimental — because "we want to celebrate dance".
With an eye on diversity in dance making that is related to dance institutions – be they private (Danceart Studio), tertiary dance education institutions (UM, UPSI and Aswara) and emerging young choreographers who are alumni/current students of these institutions, Leng hopes the event will represent different facets of the Malaysian dance community and introduce public tertiary dance studies institutions to the public.
The dances include a work that mixes classical and modern ballet, a Dusun traditional dance of Sabah, a contemporary dance that attempts to raise awareness on the decline of tattoo tradition of the Ibans in Sarawak, and a new contemporary creation that is deconstructed from Malay classical dance, Terinai.
Leng says the emerging artistes — Rithaudin Abd Kadir, Fauzi Amirudin, Adeline Chew Kai Min and Dalila Binti Abdul Samad — are now trying to get more exposure though their creations.
All the performers are going out on a limb with their creations on stage to gain audience feedback for improvement.
One such solo performer is 26-year-old Adeline Chew, who will be presenting a mix of contemporary and Latin ballroom dances.
Says the UM performing arts graduate and current teacher with a dance academy: "I've come to learn the different intricate values in each dance form and this is the first time I am mixing various dances of different characters, forms and techniques. It'll be an interesting experience for everyone and myself. "
Trained from young in ballroom dancing, the Johor Baru native has emerged champion in international championships. At UM, she says she studied various dance genres took part in World Dance Conference with the Petronas Dance Group.
She says she was first exposed to dance when at pre-school. Bitten by the dance bug from then on, her mother did not allow her to attend dance classes.
"Instead, she sent me and my sister to learn to play the organ from our aunt, all because it was 'trendy' at that time. Well, because every Chinese parent thinks it's better to send their kids for piano or organ classes. This went on for only a year, as my aunt then migrated to Singapore, and our mum didn't trust any other teacher with her kids' musical future."
Chew learnt dance steps through television shows, with her elder sister. "We even danced right in the centre of our living room and 'performed' for our parents, hoping that one day mum will see my passion and send me for proper dance classes. It worked eventually!"
Chew had to wait till she was 16 before that happened. "I stumbled across a TV programme that was showing a Latin & Ballroom dance competition; I immediately fell in love with the beautiful costumes the dancers were wearing. I went around JB looking for a dance school with my high school senior, Judy Goh; coincidentally we were introduced to Ms Cindy Tan, who was teaching at a school near my house."
Chew is a competitive dancer, as well as teacher. She found a long-term dance partner just last year, and has won a few local Latin & Ballroom championships thus far as a couple.
For Dancebox, Chew hopes to inspire her fellow performing arts peers that "dance does not come in a single form".
"Dance is an art; an art that deserves to be recognised and appreciated from all sides."
** Most of this story appeared in the New Sunday Times, april 16, 2017.


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Fantasy Foundations
Geraldine Mccaughrean The Odyssey
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The epic journey of Odysseus, the hero of Ancient Greece... After ten years of war, Odysseus turns his back on Troy and sets sail for home. But his voyage takes another ten years and he must face many dangers - Polyphemus the greedy one-eyed giant, Scylla the six-headed sea monster and even the wrath of the gods themselves - before he is reunited with his wife and son. Brilliantly retold by award-winning author, Geraldine McCaughrean.
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Grade 5 - Pre Band 6 Student Information
Links and articles containing information on how to select a band instrument for your student, how to buy a band instrument, and reputable brand names to consider when shopping. * Newsletters sent to Grade 5 students regarding screening, instrument selection, and September start-up clinic.
- How to Choose a Beginner Band Instrument
- Long & McQuade link
- St. John's Music link
- Instrument Costs and Maintenance Information
- Choosing the right instrument - helpful articles!
- Links to helpful articles about choosing the right instrument for your child, and how to shop for it once you've chosen it.


text: The Hungary's forint fell against the euro, ending a three-day winning streak, after police in riot gear sealed off parliament and used tear gas against protesters.Rioters cause damage to economy. Forint fell against euro again after some rioters turned against police forces during ceremonies and commemorations of Hungary's uprising 50th anniversary. Streets were closed off in Budapest as authorities sought to bring to an end weeks of demonstrations that last month turned violent. The forint also led East European currencies lower after a technical chart some traders use to predict currency movements suggested its gain to a four-month high last week was excessive. "The local political situation is still very uncertain," said Lars Christensen, a senior strategist at Danske Bank S/A in Copenhagen. "The gains in the forint were clearly excessive." Against the euro, the forint declined 0.20% to 263.20 per euro as of 4:00 p.m. in Budapest. It strengthened as far as 261.47 on October 20, the highest since June 2. The currency may fall to 270 per euro this week, Christensen said. The forint's 14-day relative strength index against the euro was 70.3 today after rising to 73.2 on October 20. A level above 70 or below 30 signals a reversal in the direction of the currency. Today the dollar rose against all 16 of the most-traded currencies Bloomberg tracks on speculation the Federal Reserve will resume interest-rate increases, helping to buoy the yields investors can get from US assets. "Sentiment towards emerging markets has deteriorated," Christensen said. (Bloomberg)


text: / Thesaurus Find synonyms for: Verb1. trouble-shoot, troubleshoot, repair, mend, fix, bushel, doctor, furbish up, restore, touch onusage: solve problems; "He is known to be good at trouble-shooting"WordNet 3.0 Copyright © 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved. Related Content Daily Word Quiz: magnanimous Analogy of the Day: Today's Analogy Spelling Bee: Today's Spelling Bee Frequently Misspelled Words Frequently Mispronounced Words Easily Confused Words Writing & Language Synonyms Index


text: Bridge Support WorkerSalary £20,344.00 (pro rata): actual salary £12,096.0022 hours week Fixed term contract funded until September 2021Closing Date: Monday 6th April 2020Interviews: Friday 17th April 2020Bridge is an exciting employability project operating throughout Northumberland, funded by The European Social Fund and the National Lottery, through the National Lottery Community Fund as part of the Building Better Opportunities Programme. Northumberland County Council and six voluntary and community sector delivery partners are working in partnership, in delivering the programme and supporting long term unemployed and economically inactive people.We are seeking a Bridge Support Worker for this exciting project.The Bridge Support Worker will work as part of the Bridge team, located with Northumberland Community & Voluntary Action. The role will provide Bridge staff with high quality support that will include general administration, event management and data co-ordination. We are looking for a hard-working experienced administrator, to provide an exceptional administrative service. The successful candidate will have great attention to detail, be able to work under pressure and be empathic to the needs of the project.Candidates who have not heard by the interview date have been unsuccessful.Application documents can be downloaded from our website: www.northumberlandcva.org.uk/news/job-trustee-vacancies/773-bridge-support-worker-northumberland-cva


text: The spire is located in the south Transept, at the intersection with the central body of the Cathedral. On the top of the spire is a neoclassical sculpture representing a young semi-nude saint with rich flowing hair. He is partially covered by a drapery which falls from his right shoulder, and seems to be taking a step forward. His right hand is raised to support an object which has been lost. In the first half of the 19th century, several spires were decorated, including this one. The style of the sculpture shows that, at the time, the sculptors who worked on the Cathedral were influenced by national historic-artistic trends, in particular by the current of neoclassical thought.


text:
Sony PMW-300K1 XDCAM HD Camcorder
- 1/2" Exmor Full HD 3CMOS Sensor
- MPEG HD422 at 50Mbps
- Fujinon Lens with 14x Zoom
- Interchangeable Lens Mount System
- 3.5" 960 x 540 Color LCD Viewfinder
- Dual ExpressCard/34 SxS Memory Slots
- SD/HD-SDI & HDMI Outputs
- Four Channels of 24-bit 48kHz Audio
The PMW-300K1 XDCAM camcorder is equipped with three 1/2-inch Exmor™ full-HD CMOS sensors, capable of delivering high-quality images even in low-light environments. Ample support for interchangeable lensand a robust metal body further ensure that PMW-300K1 is suitable for a wide range of applications. Additionally, the PMW-300K1 offers a convenient remote-control and multi-camera operation capability, which allows use with high-end camera systems.
HD 422 50 Mbps recordings ideal for a wide range of shooting conditions with XAVC future-proofing
An evolution of Sony's industry leading PMW-EX3, the PMW-300K1 is able to record 50Mbps HD material in MPEG-2 HD422, meeting broadcast standards around the world, including the European Broadcasting Union's (EBU) requirements on HD broadcast acquisition for long form programme making. The high bit rate ensures excellent capture of fast moving objects, while its chroma subsampling feature is perfect for a wide range of video encoding areas such as VFX and green screen applications.
|Video Format
|Imaging device
|3-chip 1/2" Exmor Full HD CMOS
|Effective picture elements (H x V)
|1920 x 1080 (HxV)
|2000 lx, 89.9° reflectance: f/11 (typical), 1920 x 1080/59.94i mode
|S/N ratio
|60 dB (Y) (typical)
|Shutter speed
|1/32 to 1/2000 second
|Slow and Quick Motion function
|720p: 1 to 60 fps 1080p: 1 to 30 fps
|White Balance
|Preset (3,200 K), Memory A, Memory B/ATW
Focal Length: 5.8 to 81.2 mm
35mm equivalent: 31.4 to 439 mm
Zoom Ratio: Optical 14x
Aperture: f/1.9 to f/16 and close
Lens Mount: 1/2-type EX mount
Filter Diameter: 77 mm, pitch 0.75 mm
|Video Recording System
MPEG-2 Long GOP
|Maximum Recording Time
HD 420 HQ mode:
SD DVCAM mode:
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SD DVCAM mode:


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Arrivals of international tourists in community based tourism villages of Nyaungshwe and Kyauktalone townships in southern Shan State are on the increase, according to the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism.
The Nyaungshwe and Kyauktalone townships received winner awards at a tourism fair held in Berlin, Germany. Now, more foreign tourists are coming to Pao ethnic villages in these townships where community based tourism project is being implemented.
Pao Region Community Based Tourism (CBT) Committee started implementing the project in Inni and Hteene villages in 2015 and accepted arrivals of tourists in 2016. Moreover, Leigaung Village was also regarded as CBT village in 2017 and foreign tourists were accepted at the beginning of this year.
Read full article at Eleven Myanmar: http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/tourism/13751


text:
Try this rub on chicken or pork, or stir it into mayonnaise or yogurt for a sandwich spread. One recipe makes enough for Mediterranean Grilled Chicken and the Chicken-Arugula Focaccia Sandwiches.
How to Make It
Step 1
Combine all ingredients.
Step 2
Note: Store the rub in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.


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Rebekah Rosa, 31 Gifts and Jayme Janel Salon
Invite you….DROP & SHOP
Let the women in your life get out for an evening of shopping & girl time! Girl time – ALONE – is one of the BEST GIFTS you can give to the busy lady in our life! I promise you will score major points!
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text:
ENUK editor Dom Sacco looks back on the EU Masters so far and how UK League of Legends is taking positive steps forward.
The UK might not have reached the final stages of the new European Masters League of Legends tournament, but we gave a damn good go of it.
In fact, this is the best European performance from teams with UK scene experience in some time: two teams with UK scene experience made it to the quarter finals.
A few years ago, when it was first announced that the winners of the ESL UK & Ireland Premiership would progress to the EU Challenger Series qualifiers, Misfits (back then playing as the Renegades Banditos) took full advantage of this path to pro, moving from the UK scene to the Challenger Series and straight into the LCS in one fell swoop.
Since then, however, teams from the UK Prem haven't performed as well. MnM Gaming won two back-to-back ESL Prems, but failed to progress from the Challenger Series Qualifiers group stages.
"The EU Masters tournament has been a brilliant tweak by Riot Games. It's the change the Challenger Series has needed for some time."
With the introduction of the European Masters, a new 'champions league' style format replacing the old Challenger Series, it has given the UK more than one opportunity to progress further.
The top four teams from the UK League of Legends ESL esports season took part in the tournament: excel Esports, who won the Autumn 2017 ESL Prem), Wind and Rain (WAR, from the 2017 Challenger Series), plus Enclave Gaming and Misfits Academy (who won the Spring 2018 ESL Prem).
As well as this, Ninjas with Pyjamas signed part of Diabolus' recent UK scene roster: Larssen, Smiley and British mid-laner Caedrel.
The European Masters started earlier this month and we are now down to the final four teams:
That concludes the #EUMasters Quarterfinals! ?
Next time you see us we'll be LIVE from the Haymarket Theatre in Leicester for the Semi-Finals on the 28th of April!
Tickets are still available here: https://t.co/kTpLkcdGc0 pic.twitter.com/dMGmUdEr4o
— ESL LoL (@ESLLoL) April 22, 2018
Of course, this means all those aforementioned UK teams are no longer involved. But that doesn't tell the full story.
How did UK scene teams perform?
Firstly, it was great to see the teams banding around the #TeamUK hashtag, with different orgs supporting one another with the overall goal to try and represent the UK as a whole.
This probably wouldn't have happened when I started following the UK scene two to three years ago, and it was fantastic for the community to back #TeamUK.
First up, Enclave Gaming beat Team Ascent but lost to K1ck Esports, however while this was enough to reach the next stage, they were sadly beaten by LDLC and didn't make it through to the group stages proper.
Next, Wind and Rain progressed to groups, but were placed into the tricky group B, facing Millenium, Team Atlantis and current ESL Prem winners Misfits Academy.
WAR never really got out of second gear, going 0-3 in the group stages. However, their fellow UK scene compatriots, Misfits Gaming (pictured), went 2-1.
Misfits lost 2-0 to Kliktech, sending them out before the quarter finals.
exceL Esports, the current UK Masters champions, did very well in groups, going 2-1 and losing only to Origen.
They then brushed aside Team Atlantis 2-0, but were defeated 2-0 by GamersOrigin in the quarter final.
Finally, Ninjas in Pyjamas also made it to the quarter finals, where they would face Origen. It was a very close game but Origen won 2-1, knocking NiP out of the tournament.
There is just one link left with the EU Masters semi-finals and the UK scene: experienced ADC Augustas "Toaster" Ruplys (above, who previously played for Origen) is playing for GamersOrigin, and will face Illuminar Gaming.
The other semi will see Origen face-off with Mad Lions.
Reaction & analysis
For me, the EU Masters tournament has been a brilliant tweak by Riot Games. It's the change the Challenger Series has needed for some time.
The stream has regularly reached more than 40,000 viewers, the casting talent has been a nice mix of seasoned Riot pros like Quickshot and UK talent such as Excoundrel and now Foxdrop, who brought their own slice of UK humour and love to the table:
'Objectivity' – a definition by @Foxdroplol pic.twitter.com/LgFHjxe6Z2
— Esports News UK (@Esports_News_UK) April 16, 2018
I love how it's become regional, so Spain is represented by Origen, the UK by exceL etc, and that has been highlighted as part of the production.
It's also, of course, great to see the talented production team at ESL UK providing the backbone to this tournament, and I can't wait to see the EU Masters finals take place at the revamped Leicester Haymarket Theatre next weekend – the first esports event of its kind at that venue.
"It was great to see rosters banding around #TeamUK, with orgs supporting one another to represent the UK as a whole."
For me, it's still a shame that the winner of the EU Masters will not progress to the LCS. I'm disappointed that promotion and relegation has been removed from the EU LCS, like it has been in the NA LCS for a while now.
However, it's good to see Riot supporting the grassroots, whether it's at a university (NUEL), school and college (British Esports Championships) level, and giving the UK its own tournament, Forge of Champions, this summer.
So much has changed in two years in the UK LoL scene, and I can't wait to see what the next two years hold for it.
Related posts:
Dom is an award-winning writer who graduated from Bournemouth University with a 2:1 degree in Multi-Media Journalism in 2007.
A keen League of Legends and World of Warcraft player, he has written for a range of publications including GamesTM, Nintendo Official Magazine, industry publication MCV as well as Riot Games and others. He works as full-time content director for the British Esports Association and runs ENUK in his spare time.


text:
In 2012, the most important development in Czech politics was a number of high-profile corruption scandals which included the arrest of a very influential and controversial opposition politician.
In March, a Czech newspaper published wiretap records of phone calls from 2007 between then-Prague mayor Pavel Bem (ODS) and Roman Janousek, an influential lobbyist. The story immediately became a major political scandal, as it revealed the high degree of the lobbyist's informal influence over the Prague City Council's decision making, and it was quite uncomfortable for the ruling Civic Democratic Party (ODS).
In April, Czech police brought charges against ten people over an overpriced public contract awarded to the ProMoPro company in 2008. The scandal directly implicated Defense Minister Alexandr Vondra, who had been the deputy prime minister for European affairs in 2008, and thus directly responsible for awarding the lucrative contract to ProMoPro.
Police: ProMoPro fraud was carefully prepared scheme
Vondra stepped down as minister later this year.
Rath, Parkanová, Dalík..
In May, Central Bohemia Governor and Social Democratic (CSSD) deputy David Rath was arrested by the anti-corruption police unit, in what was probably the most high-profile arrest in the history of the Czech Republic. Rath was eventually charged with accepting a CZK 7 million (EUR 280,000) bribe over the contract to reconstruct the Bustehrad Chateau near Kladno.
Regional governor Rath arrested over EU funding
The following month, the Chamber of Deputies stripped Rath of his political immunity in order to allow his criminal prosecution.
Police also started to prosecute former Defense Minister Vlasta Parkanova over a suspicious purchase of four CASA transport aircraft by the Czech military that took place when she was defense minister between 2007 and 2009.
In October, Labor Minister Drabek (TOP 09) stepped down over a corruption scandal of his subordinate.
Labor Minister Drabek steps down over corruption affair
In the same month, Marek Dalik, a former adviser to PM Mirek Topolanek (2006-2010), was arrested and charged with fraud in relation to the purchase of Pandur armored personnel carriers by the Czech military in 2009.
Timeline: Key developments in Pandur corruption case
These and other corruption scandals created public outrage over the informal influence of various lobbyists, entrepreneurs, "godfathers" and other unelected figures on the Czech Republic's decision making.
Erik Best: Five families that rule Czech Republic
Also, the European Commission (EC) cut a large part of EU funds awarded to the Czech Republic's development projects as a sanction for numerous cases of corruption and fund abuse.
Turbulences in ruling coalition
In April, the junior government Public Affairs party left the ruling coalition and went to the opposition, shortly after its founder Vit Barta was convicted on corruption charges. A group of Public Affairs deputies split from the party, founded their own parliamentary faction called LIDEM, and joined the ruling coalition, which effectively allowed the government of PM Petr Necas (ODS) to continue.
However, when LIDEM chairwoman Karolina Peake was sacked as defense minister in December, the party announced it will leave the coalition by January 10, 2013. So the government's future still remains uncertain.
LIDEM quits coalition after minister dismissed
Presidential campaign
This year was also marked by the campaign for the first-ever direct presidential election, scheduled to take place in January 2013. The leading candidates are former prime ministers Jan Fisher and Milos Zeman.
All candidates were required to collect signatures of at least 50,000 legitimate voters, which led to controversies, lawsuits, and the exclusion of some candidates.
Fraud suspected ahead of January presidential election
Israel and Middle East
On the international front, the Czech Republic proved to be Israel's key ally in Europe and in the world. Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu visited Prague in May for the second time in two years. Also, Zeman and Fisher, the two leading presidential candidates, have a hardline stance on the issue of Iran's nuclear program.
Czech President Vaclav Klaus canceled his planned visit to Israel in November, due to hostilities in the Gaza Strip and southern Israel.
Czech president cancels Israel visit due to Gaza crisis
Methanol crisis
A wave of bootleg alcohol poisonings that started at the beginning of September prompted Health Minister Leos Heger to introduce a temporary ban on all sale of liquor with more than 20 percent of alcohol at restaurants and stores. The ban lasted nearly two weeks.
Between September and December, 38 people died in the Czech Republic from methanol poisoning. According to a report, the boom of illegal alcohol production in the Czech Republic has been permitted by the negligence of the authorities.
Methanol deaths result of state's negligence: Report
Also, Slovakia criticized the Czech Republic's handling of the methanol crisis.


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Open Enrollment for health insurance coverage for 2020 is quickly approaching! Open Enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace begins on November 1, 2019 and continues through December 15, 2019. Enroll or re‐enroll by December 15 for new coverage to start January 1, 2020. CCCHC has Certified Application Counselors to assist you with finding quality coverage at a price you can afford. Please call Kara at 7018737486 for more information!
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