text:
Bob Olodort is the brains behind the amazing folding keyboard for Palm handhelds.
The full-size Palm Foldable keyboard, which magically folds up into a neat portable package, looks set to be a smash. But for years Olodort struggled as an independent inventor.
In an interview with Wired News, Olodort describes how he got started in the inventing game. He discusses how the keyboard allowed him to launch his own design company, Think Outside, and the amazing risk he took with an earlier model. And Olodort hints at the work he is doing on much smaller designs for cell phones and the next generation of wireless handheld computers.
Wired News: Where did you get the idea for the folding keyboard?
Bob Olodort: It was the realization six or seven years ago that computers would become commodities. That they would be very small, very powerful and very low-cost. But as a touch typist I realized the input technology would be sorely lacking.
So I started looking into all kinds of input technology. I rejected pen-recognition and I rejected voice-recognition.... So I came back to the keyboard and I started working on all kinds of designs. I realized it had to be very small and open up to full size. So I started looking at things with no moving parts: virtual keyboards with light beams that look at your fingertips and other types of digitizers that could tell pressure. None of these worked well because they all required new learning or unnatural movements.
WN: How much time did you spend on these early prototypes?
Olodort: Years. I worked on a number of things at once. But I would say four years.
WN: And you built these things?
Olodort: Yeah. Some were thought projects. Some were breadboard models. Some were working electrical models.
WN: How many do you think you built?
Olodort: Say 10. I looked at chordal keyboards that would be very small and had 10 keys or five keys that were like chords, like when you play the piano.
WN: Like a stenographer's keyboard?
Olodort: Kind of. Again, they're small but they require learning. I rejected that. The last thing I was hopeful about but I rejected was thin membrane keyboards which could be rolled up or folded up.
WN: With bubble-type keys?
Olodort: Yeah. There are a couple out there but they're awful. It's like typing on your microwave oven. You can't type quickly.
WN: So you spent four years and you finally came back to this – the traditional keyboard?
Olodort: Yeah. I finally came up with a design. It was purely mechanical and it had 3 millimeter movement, just like the current design, and it was 100 percent full-size. But it folded up on scissors linkages. It was really magical. Like an accordion, you pull it open and you close it.
WN: How many links did it have?
Olodort: Hundreds. I forget. Maybe 600.
WN: How big a package did it fold into?
Olodort: Bigger than we have now. The same footprint but maybe two or three times as thick. The tricky part is that it has the same layout as a keyboard, which has staggered keys and some keys are bigger than others. So it took a lot of cleverness to figure out. And I hand-made it. I had several schemes, but basically it measured resistance to establish which key is being pushed.
WN: What did you make it out of?
Olodort: Aluminum. I have a machine shop.
WN: And this is the product that launched Think Outside?
Olodort: Yeah, it was good enough to start the whole company. I had always licensed things up to that point but this was an opportunity to create a company, which I had always wanted to do.
We started to make it out of plastic and figured out this complicated assembly but it was really making me nervous. We had all these parts and it was too big when it was folded up and was probably going to be too expensive, $150 or so.
And I guess it was in February, a year ago, I just pulled the rug on it. Well, I came up with another design, basically, that was going to be much simpler. Which is the current design. So all that I threw away.
WN: How was the new idea better?
Olodort: It can be made out of conventional manufacturing tooling. The other thing would have required really clever, complicated manufacturing tooling. It will be more reliable and cheaper and lower profile.
It was funny. John Tang, our head engineer, had put a lot of time and great ideas into the original design but he loved this because it was simpler. The marketing people went crazy. They said, 'You can't do this because I've shown this to IBM' and so on."
WN: How big was the company when you pulled the rug?
Olodort: We had four people and raised about a million-and-a-half.
WN: What happened then?
Olodort: We had this new design and based on that we got another round of funding, and then more funding, and we turned away a lot of funding. Then we made a partnership deal with Palm (which is marketing the keyboard as the Palm Foldable keyboard).
WN: OK. What's next?
Olodort: We have the right to this for everything except for Palm products. It will come out for Handspring this month. And new Windows CE devices and the new Pocket PC. And we're talking to Sony and working on models for cell phones, for smart phones.
WN: For phones, really? Will it be the same size?
Olodort: Yeah. I wish I could tell you more but I've got some new designs that are, I think, are going to be really exciting. Basically, they fold up much, much smaller but are still full-size. Imagine what you could do with that, with something that can fold up real small. It could be incorporated into various things.
WN: Can you elaborate?
Olodort: No (laughing). We're not a keyboard company. We're not an accessory company.... People have suggested making an Internet keyboard and putting a pizza key on it but we're not going to do that. This is our first product but we're really a handheld wireless company.
WN: I showed the foldable keyboard to one of the editors here. She hadn't seen it but has a Palm and she went right to the phone and ordered one. Do you get that reaction a lot?
Olodort: Yeah. The Wow Factor. We get lots and lots of wows. We got it for the original one and we're getting it for this one and we're getting it for a lot of these concept models. It's really important, I think.
WN: How did you get into this?
Olodort: I'm self-taught. I never studied engineering but I was always interested in science. I was at Berkeley as an undergraduate, mostly doing photography.
WN: So you've got a liberal arts degree?
Olodort: Yeah. Then I went to film school as a graduate, UCLA. I was making documentary films, ethnographic films. But throughout all that time I was inventing because I always did it.
WN: What sort of stuff?
Olodort: Always stuff I was involved with. So at film school it was making special effects equipment, optical printers and time-lapse cameras, projectors. They were always much too ambitious, much too complicated.
Then gradually they would get simpler and I'd realize there's an easier way to do this. And I started to learn about tools instead of going on faith and passion. Then finally a friend of mine introduced me to a guy that had a machine shop in Hollywood that built like IMAX cameras, very sophisticated equipment that had to work very well. And I went into a kind of partnership with him.
WN: A partnership?
Olodort: Well, in film school I came up with an idea to build a simpler film-editing machine, something a filmmaker could afford. I saw an opportunity there and I blundered into it. I eventually licensed it – it was my first license – and it was very successful. So, I came to the realization I could make a living off of it and from then on one project has basically flowed into the next.
WN: How old were you then?
Olodort: I was in my late twenties.
WN: And it's sometimes been a struggle?
Olodort: Oh yeah. It's always been a struggle because I always take on projects I know almost nothing about. Five years on this, five years on that and no money. My own time and everybody looking at me like I'm crazy. But somehow ... I just enjoyed it.
WN: Did you think about quitting in the early days?
Olodort: Oh, every day. I give talks and I try to encourage people but it takes a certain kind of personality. You have to withstand lots of failures.
WN: And lots of rejection?
Olodort: Right. But on the other hand you have to be real sensitive to what's needed and intuitive and all that and that's kind of a recipe for frustration. I don't recommend it to everybody.
WN: Was the folding keyboard your first success?
Olodort: It's my second big success. My first was the label printer. I licensed it to Seiko. It's 12 years now and every year it sells more. It's a $35 million business.
WN: Do you get royalties?
Olodort: I did for 10 years and then the contract ran out. But it allowed me to be more independent and a lot of investors on that came in on this. It gave me a foothold.
WN: Do you go to inventor conventions?
Olodort: I've been to a couple for my own amusement and they're kind of bittersweet. You always see a couple of really clever things but the very fact that they are there tells you they haven't taken the time to understand the market, which you have to do from the very beginning.
WN: So everyone that goes to these things is by definition doomed to failure?
Olodort: Yeah. They're kind of lost. There are a couple of successful things but they're so rare. There aren't a lot of successful independent inventors because it's so risky and time-consuming.


text:
MEEKER I Once again, the scene at Ute Park west of Meeker has been transformed as the 28th annual Meeker Classic Sheepdog Trials began Wednesday and continues through the championship rounds on Sunday.
The Meeker Classic Sheepdog Trials is known as the trial "to go to" by handlers around the world. Why the prestige?
Handlers cite the friendly atmosphere, enthusiastic spectators, wealth of ancillary activities and, most of all, the sheep.
Seven hundred and sixty yearling merino ewes have been separated from their summer home and flock in the high country north of Vail and Wolcott. These sheep are known in the dog trialing world as tough and independent ones that challenge even the best dog and handler teams as they work together to maneuver the group through obstacles common to ranching operations.
The sheep and the rough 600-yard high-altitude course have led many a competitor whose dog was perplexed to exclaim, "I've been Meekered!" The phrase is now standard usage worldwide.
To help you better understand and enjoy the competition, there is an educational DVD available and written materials in the program. Announcer Ray Crabtree of Kuna, Idaho, himself a rancher and trialer, will provide insightful commentary as each run proceeds. The handlers, too, are always happy to chat about the course and their dogs.
Elvin Kopp, of Westerose, Alberta, Canada, is returning to Meeker as the 2014 event judge. Kopp has a rich history with the Meeker Classic. He won the first Meeker Classic with his dog, Jeff, in 1987 and in 2006 he came back to judge the 20th anniversary event. Kopp brings a wealth of knowledge with him as a rancher and competitive trialer. He is tirelessly dedicated to all aspects of raising, training and handling border collies.
The events and attractions associated with the Meeker Classic continue to expand year after year. New this year to the trials is the museum art exhibit "Portraits of Pastoralism" by Cat Urbigkit. The exhibit will be on display in the Wilber Art Barn. This traveling exhibit highlights the challenges of pastoralism around the globe.
On Saturday, Sheepcamp Wool Mill has organized a special demonstration that will show the complete process of turning sheep's wool into a finished product. The first step, shearing the sheep, will start at 9 a.m., and the demonstration will continue throughout the day.
The Meeker Classic will feature the traditional favorites as well — artisan craft and food fair, art contest and auction, flyball and agility dogs, a petting farm, pancake breakfast, barbecues, educational seminars and demonstrations.
This years' educational demonstrations will focus on range and predator management, sheep breeds and their uses, training working dog, historic and modern sheep camps, Navajo weaving, felting, wool waulking, kilt making, leather working and so much more.
For the second year, the Art Reception will serve double duty as the art awards and lamb cook-off competition. Samples from various chefs and cooking enthusiasts will tantalize your taste buds while everyone will find a favorite among the variety of art displayed.
After an overwhelming response last year, and an unfortunate rain cancellation, there will once again be a free screening of the sheepdog trialing documentary "Away To Me." The Meeker Classic is excited to have two of the principal subjects, Amanda Milliken and Bill Berhow, in its field of competitors as well. Also welcomed back will be director and filmmaker Andrew "Drew" Hadra.
On Saturday evening, during the Lions Club barbecue and into the night, the crowd-pleasing Rocky Mountain Scots, a pipe and drum band, and the Crowlin Ferlies are sure to provide great musical entertainment for the entire family.
For those who can't get enough of dogs, there's the Jackpot Trial at the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds in Meeker.
Attendees are urged to take the shuttle or carriage from town to the trial site. It is also suggested to bring sunscreen, a hat and probably a rain jacket or umbrella to Ute Park. Maybe a lawn chair, too, especially for the movie and concert. But please, leave your pets at home.
For more details, see the schedule on page 4A in this issue of the Herald Times. Find that and much more at www.meekersheepdog.com.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Got chatting with one of the neighbours today. He mentioned his son's 1991 Subaru Brumby (AKA Scat) was on the market. I don't need more utes.
I first spotted it and showed it to Oppo back in April.
It's one of the AgQuip specials and has done just 280,000 km. Basically original and very straight. Mechanically okay it seems apart from a leak around the oil pump. Not much rego and I could probably get it for four grand but I have two utes already...
Any Oz Oppos need a project?


text:
Enter your zip code to search used XT5 listings in your area.$23,580 - $32,242
The 2017 Cadillac XT5 pampers its occupants in an upscale interior that features adult-friendly rear seats. However, it ranks in the bottom half of the luxury midsize SUV class because many of its rivals have sportier driving dynamics and peppier engines.
The 2017 Cadillac XT5's #12 ranking is based on its score within the 2017 Luxury Midsize SUVs category. Currently the Cadillac XT5 has a score of 7.6 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 24 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
The 2017 Cadillac XT5 is a decent SUV for shoppers who want luxury on a budget. Its average list price and estimated five-year ownership costs are some of the lowest in the luxury midsize SUV class.
Despite this affordability, the XT5 has a rich cabin outfitted with first-rate materials. Its sliding and reclining back seats offer plenty of legroom for adults. The engine also provides adequate power in most situations, but you'll wish for more power when attempting to pass cars on the highway. The XT5 has fairly confident handling and can hold its own on winding roads, but some classmates have more engaging driving dynamics.
All in all, the Cadillac XT5 is a decent SUV for the price, but it doesn't quite earn a place among its top rivals.
Our used car rankings and reviews are based on our analysis of professional automotive reviews, as well as data like crash test scores, reliability ratings, and ownership expenses. We researched 24 Cadillac XT5 reviews to help you decide if it's the right used car for you.
The U.S. News Best Cars team has been ranking cars, trucks, and SUVs since 2007, and our staff has a combined 75 years of automotive industry experience. To ensure our impartiality, our staff never takes expensive gifts or trips from car companies, and an outside team handles the advertising on our site.
Our site has 900 listings for the 2017 Cadillac XT5, and the average price is $39,100. This makes it one of the most affordable cars in the class by a long shot. However, its price can range from $32,200 to $49,800, depending on the model you choose and its condition, mileage, location, and features. Rivals like the BMW X5 and Audi Q7 have average prices of more than $50,000.
The 2017 Cadillac XT5's five-year estimated costs for gas, insurance, maintenance, and repairs are about $28,000. That's close to the five-year estimated costs for classmates like the Lincoln MKX ($27,100) and Acura MDX ($29,150).
A new 2018 Cadillac XT5 starts at $40,595 – nearly $1,500 more than the 2017 XT5's average price. The XT5 was a new model for 2017, and it saw no major changes for the 2018 model year. Save yourself some cash by purchasing a used XT5 instead of buying new.
Read about the new Cadillac XT5 »
The 2017 Cadillac XT5 is one of the least expensive cars in the segment. You'd have to spend a lot more to get an appealing 2018 SUV in this class.
See the Best New Car Lease Deals »
The Cadillac XT5 was an all-new model for 2017, replacing the Cadillac SRX.
J.D. Power gave the 2017 XT5 a predicted reliability rating of three out of five, which is about average.
Read more about XT5 reliability »
As of this writing, the 2017 Cadillac XT5 has one reported recall. The brake fluid may leak, which can increase the risk of a crash. If this recall applies to the used model you are considering, be sure the problem is addressed before you buy.
See more information on Cadillac XT5 safety recalls »
The 2017 Cadillac XT5 comes in four trims: XT5, Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Platinum. While the base model has one of the most attractive prices in the class, it lacks many of the standard features found in rivals. For example, most competitors have standard leather upholstery, while the XT5 has standard leatherette upholstery. Further, the base model isn't available with as many optional features as upper trims are. The base XT5 only comes with two standard safety features: a rearview camera and rear parking sensors. The Cadillac XT5 Luxury trim adds front and rear park assist and blind spot monitoring, along with niceties such as leather upholstery and a heated steering wheel. It's also the lowest trim level available with all-wheel drive.
If you want the most for your money, the Cadillac XT5 Premium Luxury is the trim to buy. It adds navigation, an upgraded Bose stereo, an adjustable suspension, and the Driver Awareness package, which includes forward collision alert, lane keep assist, and more. It's also available with adaptive cruise control and automatic park assist. The Cadillac XT5 Platinum comes with all-wheel drive, a hands-free power liftgate, a rear camera mirror system, and heated rear seats.
See 2017 Cadillac XT5 trims and specs »
Cadillac offers a certified pre-owned program for vehicles four years old or less and with fewer than 50,000 miles. Eligibility is determined by the vehicle's initial sale date. Qualifying vehicles see the original new-car limited warranty extended to six years or 100,000 miles. Cadillac CPO models must pass a 172-point inspection. Additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance may be available, so read Cadillac's warranty page carefully.
Cadillac's CPO program is OK, according to our analysis, but several luxury carmakers offer better programs. These include Lexus, Infiniti, Audi, and Acura.
The 2017 Cadillac XT5 received a Good rating (the highest possible) in all five crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It was also awarded an IIHS Top Safety Pick designation. The XT5 did well in tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as well. Front-wheel-drive models received five out of five stars for overall safety and in the side crash evaluation, and four stars in frontal and rollover crash testing. All-wheel-drive models received a five-star rating for overall safety, as well as five stars in side crash testing and four stars in the frontal and rollover crash tests.
A rearview camera and rear parking sensors are standard in the XT5. There is an abundance of available driver assistance features, including a head-up display, a following distance indicator that warns if you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, front pedestrian detection, automatic braking for front and rear low-speed collisions, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, a rear camera mirror system, and automatic park assist.
The BMW X5 is more athletic and fun to drive than the modest-handling XT5. It comes with a potent turbocharged six-cylinder engine, and there are a few more engine options for power-hungry shoppers. You'll find the most powerful engine – a twin-turbocharged V8 – in the high-performance X5 M model. Fuel-conscious shoppers will appreciate turbodiesel and plug-in hybrid powertrain options. The cabin is composed of first-class materials, and the seats are comfortable for all. Unlike the XT5, the X5 is available with a third row of seats, offering space for seven occupants. Additionally, the X5 has a better predicted reliability rating and more cargo space than the XT5. The BMW is a pricier alternative to the Cadillac, but it's worth the money.
The Lincoln MKX is not only a better SUV, it's also one of the only vehicles in the class that has a lower average list price than XT5. These SUVs have similar cabin dimensions, but the MKX has an extra 5 cubic feet of overall cargo space. When it comes to performance, the Lincoln comes out ahead again. The MKX offers a zippier base V6 engine and an available twin-turbo V6, while the XT5 only offers an underpowered V6. The MKX also won our 2017 Best Luxury 2-Row SUV for Families award.
Compare the XT5, X5, and MKX »
The Cadillac XT5 is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 310 horsepower. While it has sufficient power for getting up to highway speeds, the XT5 isn't quite as energetic as rivals. When you hit the gas pedal from a stop or attempt to pass a car on the highway, acceleration can be underwhelming. The XT5's eight-speed automatic transmission works well overall, but it can occasionally hesitate to downshift.
The front-wheel-drive Cadillac XT5 feels composed around corners. However, it doesn't handle as nimbly as some rear-wheel-drive competitors, like the BMW X5 and Infiniti QX70. The XT5 is available with all-wheel drive and an adjustable suspension that has three driving modes (Touring, Snow/Ice, and Sport).
According to the EPA, the 2017 XT5 returns 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, which are pretty good numbers for a V6-powered midsize SUV. The XT5 comes standard with engine stop-start technology, which helps you save fuel by shutting down the engine while the vehicle is stopped at a traffic light or street sign. Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation also conserves fuel by automatically switching the engine to four-cylinder mode when the V6's maximum power isn't needed.
Read more about XT5 performance »
The XT5 seats up to five in two rows. The front seats are supportive, but they could be a little wider to improve comfort. The rear seats have ample legroom for average-height adults, but taller folks might wish for more headroom. Standard sliding and reclining rear seats can help those in the back find the ideal position.
Leatherette upholstery comes standard. Leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, and a heated steering wheel are available.
The 2017 Cadillac XT5 has two full sets of LATCH car-seat connectors on its rear outboard seats. The rear middle seat features an upper tether anchor. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the XT5's LATCH system an Acceptable rating (the second best) for ease of use.
Standard features in the XT5 include dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, wireless charging for mobile devices, 4G LTE with a built-in Wi-Fi hot spot, and the CUE infotainment system with voice recognition, an 8-inch touch screen, four USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Available features include tri-zone automatic climate control, a sunroof, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, a 14-speaker Bose audio system, and an upgraded CUE system with navigation.
Audiophiles will enjoy the excellent sound quality from either the standard or upgraded Bose stereos. The CUE infotainment system, which controls most in-vehicle functions, is user-friendly, easily accessible, and responsive. However, the touch-sensitive volume control slider can be difficult to operate while driving.
Read more about XT5 interior »
The XT5 has 30 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 63 cubic feet with them folded. This cargo capacity is below the class average, but it's a decent amount of space for a 2-row SUV. A power liftgate is standard; a hands-free power liftgate is available. The hatch also has a memory height function that can help you avoid vehicle damage in spaces with low ceilings.
The 2017 Cadillac XT5 is about 15.8 feet long. It has a curb weight of 3,985 pounds for front-wheel-drive models and 4,257 pounds for all-wheel-drive models.
Cadillac manufactured the 2017 XT5 in Tennessee.
Use our tools to calculate monthly payments or figure out which cars you can afford.Calculate 2017 Cadillac XT5 Monthly Payment Calculate 2017 Cadillac XT5 Monthly Lease Payment Which Cars You Can Afford?
Find the Best Price
Enter your zip code to get local pricing.
#1 in 2017 Luxury Midsize SUVs
#2 in 2017 Luxury Midsize SUVs
#3 in 2017 Luxury Midsize SUVs
#4 in 2017 Luxury Midsize SUVs
Best Price Program
Interested in a New?
Use the U.S. News Best Price Program to find great deals and get upfront pricing on the.


text:
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (PRESS RELEASE) - The following information was sent to us from the Director of Communications for Bay District Schools on Thursday, April 11, 2019:
Late yesterday afternoon, we received an anonymous tip that a weapon was on campus in a Bay High School student's backpack. Law enforcement officials were immediately notified, the student was located and the weapon found. The weapon was not loaded and no ammunition was found. The student was turned over to law enforcement officials who arrested him.
We know that this situation is every parent's nightmare these days and we do not underestimate the stress that parental notification brings in cases like this. However, we believe that parents have a right to know and we strive to operate as transparently as possible. Therefore, as soon as we were notified about this event, we made an IRIS alert to parents and posted the information to our various social media accounts.
We commend the person who made the anonymous report. We are all only as safe as our students and other stakeholders help us to be. In this case, "see something, say something" played an integral role in alerting us to a potentially dangerous situation. We encourage all parents to use this opportunity to talk to their children about the importance of "see something, say something" and about the serious consequences of bringing a weapon to school.
We'd also like to reassure parents that we know of no credible threat for any of our schools. There are some rumors that seem to be associated with yesterday's arrest and law enforcement officers and school officials spent the better part of today interviewing students regarding those unsubstantiated rumors. At this point, there is no credible threat for Bay High School or any other school.
Student safety is our number one priority and we will continue to fully investigate, with law enforcement's assistance as needed, every single threat related to the safety of our students. These situations are alarming to our students, our parents and our employees and we continue to beseech students NOT to make threats, bring weapons to school or involve themselves in any situations that can have drastic short- and long-term consequences.


text:
Tropical Wings Zoo | Days Out In EssexHome » Travel »
2018 Update – It saddens me to let you know that Tropical Wings closed on 4th December 2017. I wish they could have saved it, but it was not to be. The animals are being homed at other zoos.
Back in number 3 of My Week That Was, I mentioned that we visited Tropical Wings Zoo, a local-ish zoo to us, in South Woodham Ferrers. We have been here in the past, but I don't think I wrote about it on my blog, or maybe, it was pre-blog! But I'm going to tell you all about it now!
With Liam at his dad's for the weekend, Steve and I decided to go out for a drive, late Sunday morning, and see where the road would take us. On this occasion, it was down the A130 to Tropical Wings Zoo, of course – that's what I'm writing about here!
As with all of my posts, you can click on the photos in the mosaic galleries to bring up a larger image.
Tropical Wings isn't a big zoo, but I kinda like that – it means you can see a lot in one visit, and don't feel like you have to rush around. That said, there are lots of birds and animals to see here, so in terms of species, it's big – reading through the list of animals at the zoo, I realise we missed quite a few of them.
Whilst this was a "grown up" visit – just hubs, and I, it's the perfect day out for families, with lots of events going on during the day including watching the animals being fed, as well the chance to get up close with some of the animals. The full programme of events is on the back of the map that you are given when you enter the zoo. The Discovery Sessions have been designed to support the school curriculum, from Reception through to KS2. There is also some sessions available for children with special educational needs.
We paid a very reasonable £10.95 each for entry to the zoo, and it is definitely value for money. You enter via the gift shop, and then can go through the Tropical House, or if you're not a fan of fluttering things, and humidity, you can walk down the corridor which takes you outside into the zoo. We didn't spend much time in the gift shop (other than to buy a snack, and a fridge magnet on the way out) but there is a good range of things on offer.
There are several playzones – Jungle Juniors for children 5+ and Jungle Tots Soft Play for 0-5, as well as Tractorland, and Mini Diggers which require a £1 coin to operate. There is also an Activity Room, where some of the animal encounters and activities occur.
There are picnic areas, so you can bring your own picnic with you (which we have done in the past), and there is Macawber's Cafe with hot and cold food, as well as a Snack Shack by the outdoor play area.
Tropical House
This is a lush, tropical house, full of plants and flowers, with free-flying butterflies, and birds – the Red-Crested Turaco stole my heart! There is a pond with Koi Carp, and several aviaries with a pair of Red-flanked Lorikeets, Green Iguana, and Red-foot Tortoises.
Just off the Tropical House is Rainforest Corner, a room dedicated to life in the rainforests of the world. Here you can see Pygmy Marmosets, Dumeril's Boa, Caiman Lizard, Giant Day Geckos and African Bullfrog. We must have completely missed this, because I do not have any photos or video of these creatures!
Birds of the World
I guess a zoo called Tropical Wings wouldn't be complete without tropical birds, and there are lots of them to see here. I didn't capture all of them with my lens, and looking the list of animals on the Tropical Wings Zoo website, I am pretty sure we didn't see all of them.
But what I do have photos of are: Double Yellow-Headed Amazon, Green-Winged Macaw, Long-Billed Corella, Blue And Gold Macaw, Citron-Crested Cockatoo, Zebra Finch (who made the cutest little noises!), Silvery-Cheeked Hornbill, Pied Crow, Black-Cheeked Lovebird, Red-legged s=Seriema, Blue-Winged Kookaburra, Laughing Kookaburra, Harris Hawk, Eurasian Eagle Owl, Barn Owl, and Burrowing Owl.
There is a display lawn, where there is a daily show – where you will see some of Tropical Wings' birds in flight. We didn't catch this show sadly – next time?
We didn't venture out to the Farmyard section of zoo, but there were some goats in a pen near the birds. Additionally, as you wander through the various aviaries, we also saw Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs, and a pair of Striped Skunk.
Wild Amazon
Here we saw lots of little Squirrel Monkeys, which were the cutest little creatures. My mum loves monkeys, I know she would love this exhibit!
Lemur Land
In addition to the Ring-Tailed Lemurs, this pen also house as a pair of Sulcata Tortoise – one of which had hiccups! You can see that event, and more from our day at Tropical Wings Zoo in the video at the end of this post! In a pen next door were Ring-Tailed Coati, and next to that was Wallaby Walk. I didn't venture into this section, as I had to sit down for a bit, but hubs went in there and the footage is the aforementioned video. There were Helmeted Guineafowl, Mara, Red-Necked Wallaby, and Capybara.
Kalahari Kats
The Meerkat mob at Tropical Wings is one of the largest in the UK, and they are always a visitor favourite! While we were there, a young boy with his family was having a zoo keeper experience, and it looked like he was having a great time. I do remember thinking about that for Liam's birthday when he was younger, I never did book it – a shame, he would have loved it!
You can see the meerkats being fed, which is a really fun thing to watch. We didn't see that this time, as we had left by the time on the programme, but have seen it on a previous visit. It's so sweet how the meerkats know it's feeding time, and the scurry to the edges to wait for the keeper. They bury eggs into the sand, for the meerkats to dig out, as it mimics their natural behaviours.
I haven't included all of my photographs, just a select few of the ones I took whilst we visited (and even that select few is a lot!). You can see all my photos from our day in my album on Flickr. You can also watch my vlog from our day at Tropical Wings below, or over on my YouTube channel (don't forget to subscribe!)
And that is pretty much it for our day out! I hope you've enjoyed looking at my photos and video, and reading about the zoo – well worth a visit if you live in Essex, or nearby! I'll leave you with a final photo of a robin, that seemed to be following us around all day – so sweet.


text:
08-07-2007 | Movies & Musics
HOW CAN YOU MEND A BROKEN HEART_Notting Hill_Al Green
I can think of younger days
when living for my life
Was everything a man could want to do
I could never see tomorrow,
but I was never told about the sorrow
And how can you mend a broken heart?
07-30-2007 | Movies & Musics
Love_John Lennon
Love is real, real is love
Love is feeling, feeling love
Love is wanting to be loved
Love is touch, touch is love
Love is reaching, reaching love
Love is asking to be loved
Love is you
You and me
Love is knowing
We can be
Love is free, free is love
Love is living, living love
07-28-2007 | Movies & Musics
今儿推荐Smooth Jazz乐手中的佼佼者Paul Taylor的音乐作品,不得不承认萨克斯确实是最能营造浪漫气氛的乐器了,那么好吧,那就贴来一些甜
1) I love you not because of who you are, but because of who I am when I am with you.
2) No man or woman is worth your ...


text:
England rugby team officially established in 1871 and played their first test match against Scotland. The English team is the most triumphant international rugby team nowadays. They've won the Grand Slam (13 times), the Triple Crown (25 times) and proved them as a successful team. England is set 5 Six Nations matches in the 2019 tournament.
England National Team at a glance
|Dylan Hartley
|Rugby Football Union
|Head coach
|Eddie Jones
|Home Ground
|Twickenham Stadium
|Red Rose
|1st international
|vs Scotland
|Record win
|England 134 – 0 Romania (November 17, 2001)
|Biggest lost
|Australia 76 – 0 England (June 6, 1998)
England Six Nations Matches
Round 1
Ireland vs England – Feb 2, 4:45 pm at Dublin
Round 2
England vs. France – Feb 10, 3:00 pm at Twickenham
Round 3
Italy vs. Ireland – Feb 24, 3:00 pm at Rome
Round 4
England vs. Italy – Mar 9, 4:45 pm at Twickenham
Round 5
England vs. Scotland – Mar 16, 5:00 pm at Twickenham
England Full Team Squads
Take a look 35-man squad of the England rugby union team:
|Tom Dunn (Hooker)
|Sam Underhill (Flanker)
|Jamie George (Hooker)
|Sam Simmonds (Number)
|Dylan Hartley (Hooker)
|Danny Care (Scrum-half)
|Lewis Boyce (Prop)
|Ben Youngs (Scrum-half)
|Dan Cole (Prop)
|George Ford (Fly-half)
|Alec Hepburn (Prop)
|Alex Lozowski (Fly-half)
|Kyle Sinckler (Prop)
|Marcus Smith (Fly-half)
|Mako Vunipola (Prop)
|Owen Farrell (Centre)
|Harry Williams (Prop)
|Jonathan Joseph (Centre)
|Nick Isiekwe (Lock)
|Henry Slade (Centre)
|Maro Itoje (Lock)
|Ben Te'o (Centre)
|George Kruis (Lock)
|Nathan Earle (Wing)
|Joe Launchbury (Lock)
|Jack Nowell (Wing)
|Courtney Lawes (Lock)
|Jonny May (Wing)
|Gary Graham (Flanker)
|Denny Solomona (Wing)
|Zach Mercer (Flanker)
|Anthony Watson (Wing)
|Chris Robshaw (Flanker)
|Mike Brown (Fullback)
|Harry Mallinder (Fullback)


text:
The bar: Allen Burger Venture (ABV)
The breakdown: Of all the bars to pop up across Buffalo over the past 12 months, there might not be one more indicative of the city's trending vibe than Allen Burger Venture (ABV).
From the outside, the alcohol-by-volume-inspired Allen Street addition to owner Mike Shatzel's impressive dossier of craft beer bastions appears as a nondescript address among its neighborhood's eclectic composition.
Inside, its beer, bourbon and burgers have simply raised the district's standards for eating and ambiance.
What was once a bakery is now a must-stop on any bar-related adventure through Buffalo, with hard-to-find drafts and high-end Texas spirits, as well as the city's only bar wall boasting album artwork from both Springsteen and Loverboy.
Throw it all in a cocktail shaker and you'll find a locale that's emblematic of the Queen City's ongoing metamorphosis.
The beer: Ommegang Lovely, Dark and Deep Stout
The breakdown: The dark beers of winter aren't for everyone. Coffee notes swimming in froth and malts are not the ideal order for every drinker, and that's fine. Ommegang seems to have suspected as much with its seasonal stout. Though it looks like its heady brethren, it's actually void of an overabundance of the aforementioned flavors typically found in comparable stylemates.
But for those who pledge allegiance to the Cooperstown brewery's fleet of Belgian selections, there's lots to like, whether its combo of Bravo and Styrian Golding hops, signature Ommegang yeast or relatively low booze thrust (at 5.3 percent).
Dive into Five: There are plenty of reasons to stop at ABV, but any visit could seem incomplete without a face full of the bar's Jiffy-accented burger.
Ordered by simply asking for "Five," customers can team their beer or bourbon order with some grass-fed Angus beef, pickled jalapenos, bacon and white cheddar, all congealed together with jelly's usual bedfellow. Sound disgusting? It's not. Is "transcendent" too strong a description? Possibly — but not by much.
Wallpaper is a wasted opportunity: Sure, Shatzel and Co. could have decorated its Allentown walls with simple wallpaper or more of the colorful artwork that dons some of the bar's blank space.
Instead, they dug through some bins at yard sales, Record Theatre or their own attics and unleashed a better motif: album covers, both prominent and obscure. U2's "October" hangs with the Beatles' "Help," James Brown's "Live at the Garden" and multiple Steve Martin comedy efforts. You'll enjoy scanning the variety and, with at least a few selections, remembering pieces of your past rotation.
When to go: Opens every day at 11:30 a.m. Its full menu is available until 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Stop in for time inside one of the city's best beer and bourbon bars; to feast on burgers slathered with peanut butter; or to simply scan mounted vinyl sleeves until you find Huey Lewis and the News's iconic "Sports."
Info: Allen Burger Venture, 175 Allen St. (768-0386)
Story topics: abv/ Allen Burger Venture/ Allentown bars/ Michael Farrell/ Mike Shatzel/ Ommegang/ One Beer


text:
The way into the futureSubmitted by Alan Maki on Fri, 06/04/2010 - 10:21.
There is a way into the future.
The "red" Finns of the Iron Range took up the struggle for this future many years ago as they successfully took on the mining and forestry bosses to organize unions and establish the network of "red" Finn Co-operatives and Mesaba Co-operative Park while bringing forward an alternative to the two parties of big-business with the pro-people, environmentally friendly, pro-peace, anti-racist, anti-capitalist, socialist Minnesota Farmer-Labor Party.
The "red" Finns and their friends were instrumental in electing two socialist governors, Floyd Olson and Elmer Benson, along with the Communist Congressman from Eveleth, John Bernard.
It was a terrible mistake to merge the Minnesota Farmer-Labor Party with the Democratic Party because, today, the Minnesota Democratic Farmer-Labor Party is a very corrupt, anti-labor, anti-environmental political party controlled from top to bottom by the very mining and forestry bosses along with the power generating and banking industries that the socialist Minnesota Farmer-Labor Party fought for so many years.
Socialism, not capitalism, is the way into the future.
Our country and specifically our state and most especially the Iron Range was plunged into political darkness as first the very corrupt Harold Stassen, and then Joe McCarthy plied their dirty brand of anti-communist politics which hit Minnesota especially hard. If we are going to move into a future where there is a respect for labor and Mother Nature we are going to have to once and for all break free from the darkness of anti-communist politics in Minnesota and get back on track from where Floyd Olson, Elmer Benson and John Bernard left off with democracy being suffocated by the corporations and the politicians they hire to protect their profits.
The Iron Range has been one big "money pit" for the Wall Street coupon clippers and this must end.
Also, no one wants to talk about the fact that a very large portion of the iron ore mined and the taconite being processed has gone, and continues to go, into building up this insane military-financial-industrial complex in militarizing our country and fighting these dirty wars. We need to ask: How much has been taken from these iron ore pits for this senseless killing and destruction which kills and destroys so much as the wealthy few profit? The "red" Finns of the Iron Range had the moral and political courage to ask these questions and so should we.
Alan L. Maki
58891 County Road 13
Warroad, Minnesota 56763
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Phone: 218-386-2432


text:
Hey all, So if i type, metcheck!, and enter it opens in the metcheck site, but if i type, metcheck waterford, it opens in google with the waterford page for metcheck, first. Would extending the i'm feeling lucky functionality be possible to cope with the space?
Cheers, Tom. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Open Source Business Conference (OSBC), March 24-25, 2009, San Francisco, CA -OSBC tackles the biggest issue in open source: Open Sourcing the Enterprise -Strategies to boost innovation and cut costs with open source participation -Receive a $600 discount off the registration fee with the source code: SFAD http://p.sf.net/sfu/XcvMzF8H _______________________________________________ To unsubscribe visit: https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/dqsd-users email@example.com http://sourceforge.net/mailarchive/forum.php?forum_id=8601


text:
Q3.How can rights holders take advantage of these increased damages?
【Celia Y. Li】
In order to obtain more compensation in an infringement lawsuit, the rights holder should pay attention to collecting the day-to-day profits records ,which can be valuable proof of actual loss due to the infringement. Proof of the infringer's profit obtained through infringing activities is also important, which could be revealed through a well organized investigation, even it can be extremely difficult sometimes.
In addition, because to the new Trademark Law adds "non-use for three consecutive years" as a defense against compensation claims, it is crucial to collect and retain proof of use of your mark in the Chinese Market.
Furthermore, in trademark proceedings, the Warning Letter will be take very important in the determination of "bad-faith", which could provide the rights holder significant help in claiming punitive damages pursuant to Article 63.
Q4.Does the trade mark law make it easier to get evidence to support damages claims? If so, what are they and how can rights holders use these provisions?
【Celia Y. Li】
No law can make it easier to get supporting evidence in any proceedings in China. Instead, Instead, Article 63(3) of the new Trademark Law rearranges the burden of proof when determining compensation, which lessens the burden on the plaintiff and transfer them partially to the defendant's side if certain specified requirements are satisfied.
The Chinese civil law system does not have a discovery process. Therefore, it can be difficult for claimants to obtain proof of the extent or scope of the defendant's sales, the amount of its profit and the plaintiff's loss.
This issue is addressed to a certain extent in the New Trademark Law by allowing for the courts to order infringers to produce books of account and records in situations where the claimants are unable to obtain sufficient evidence by its own efforts under Article 63(2) .In addition, if the defendant refuses to provide books of account or provides falsified records, the court may make a decision in reference to the evidence submitted by the Plaintiff.
In this case, pre-litigation investigation will be much more important in proving both the defendant's profit and plaintiff's efforts at obtaining such evidence.
【Brandy Baker】
Getting evidence can be incredibly difficult given that the burden of proof is largely placed on the plaintiff, however, with the new amendments, the court will be able to play a larger role in requiring production of evidence by the defendant in order to determine damages. Where a defendant refuses to comply, the courts are given a chance to even the playing field by giving more weight to the plaintiff's claimed damages. Further, the courts will continue to assist in pre-litigation evidence preservation, which also helps relieve the extreme difficulties plaintiffs often face in evidence production.
Q5.Are there any provisions in the new Trademark Law that deal with repeat offenders? How can rights holders take advantage of these provisions?
【Celia Y. Li】
Under the old trademark law, the Administration of Industry and Commerce (AIC) could only impose fines of no more than three times the illegal operation amount. In cases where the amount cannot be determined, the fine could not be over RMB100,000 ($16,000).
The new Trademark Law grants the AIC a right to issue a more severe punishment against infringers. Article 60 stipulates that the AIC has the right to impose fines of no more than five times the illegal operation amount where the amount is over RMB50,000. In cases where the amount is less than RMB50,000 or cannot be determined, the fine is capped at RMB250,000.
More significantly, an infringer who has been punished by the relevant AIC twice within 5 years will receive heavier punishment.
Even though the right holder cannot obtain any compensation from an AIC action, the favorable administrative decision issued by AIC will be considered as very solid evidence in the related judicial proceedings. Furthermore, decisions against repeat offenders may act as a nuclear weapon in proving the infringer's bad faith, which may lead to a punitive damages judgement.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.


text:
Items to Note
The Metro Rotary Board has been very busy. Two important items have resulted from their work that needs your attention. First, during the Board's annual retreat in September, the Metro Bylaws were updated. Action from the full membership will be needed to adopt these new bylaws, so please take time to review the document within the next two weeks. Secondly, the Board adopted a club Political Policy during their October meeting. Please click here to review this document.
* * * * * * * * * *
October Rotary Social
Fellow Rotarians, family members and friends are all invited to the Metro Rotary social event planned for Sunday, October 21. Our Fellowship Committee has been hard at work planning regular events, and you will not be disappointed by this one!
We will meet at 2:00 p.m. at Shryock's Corn Maze east of Columbia (2927 County Road 253). This is approximately 10 miles past the Lake of the Woods exit, and you will see the large red barn on the north side of I-70. Tickets are only $7 per person, and children under 4 will be admitted free of charge.
If you have any questions about this event, please contact Shatenita Horton. We hope to see you there!
* * * * * * * * * *
Youth Exchange Student Reminder: You can track the activities of our outbound Youth Exchange Student to Turkey, Bess Goodfellow, on her blog. She plans to track her activities throughout the year, and you will see that her site is quite entertaining.


text: Retro style Retro style Retro style £28.00 Fixings: [Choose]Gold Coloured HandsSilver Hands Quantity: at £28.00 each Add To Basket Contemporary design with a retro twist, this solid oak clock has an engraved face with painted stripes. Measuring approx 20cm x 15cm x 1.5cm this clock can be wall mounted or freestanding. Designed for indoor use and available with silver or gold coloured hands


text:
Wow. So it's been a while. Like, three months. I've been busy, but that's no excuse. Lots of change afoot, writing for the awesome online magazine Bad Mum Magazine, getting my own @the_parlour_hackney off the ground (slowly but surely . . . but slowly) as well as embarking on a career change I have been fantasising about … Continue reading Anyone Still Out There? or, On the Recent Neglect of This Blog.
In Praise of . . . The Ordinary
Every so often I will be subjecting you, dear readers, to a bit of fan-girling about products I really love. A few weeks ago I regaled you with the wonders of Glossier (I am shortly to receive cloud paint, if my sister-in-law made it to Glossier HQ yesterday, so, fair warning: you may have a post … Continue reading In Praise of . . . The Ordinary
Your Post-Apocalyptic Beauty Routine Sorted.
Recently, I cut my hair from shoulder length to just above the ear. I go through cycles with my (mousy brown, quite coarse, wavy/curly) hair which are roughly characterised thus: long natural colour -> long, gentle golden balayage -> long, high lift blonde balayage -> just above shoulder length full head platinum, maybe with some pastel fun in … Continue reading Your Post-Apocalyptic Beauty Routine Sorted.


text:
Future Episodes / Re: UFOs and Aliens« on: August 22, 2009, 05:09:08 PM »
Once again.. i'm wondering what KIND of helicopter you guys are talking about? Are there any other pictures of it that show the same properties as the 2 famous pictures of the triangle? Or were these 2 pictures a fluke?
btw.. eyewitnesses state that the blurryness of the edges of the triangle was actually a property of the triangle.
None of the people who analyzed the pictures seems to think it's a helicopter.
Leclet doesn't mention the Petit Rechain nor the Henrardi pictures in his study for a good reason: they don't support his helicopter hypothesis.
I don't see how occams razor would dictate how something that doesn't look like a helicopter would be a helicopter.. lol.. then again, maybe it makes sense to you guys. It'd make more sense if you thought it was a stealth bomber/fighter.. but then again, why would they fly those over urban areas for everyone to see?
Here's a video of a blackhawk flying and landing at night: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=56710748
One thing that's immediately apparent is that they're NOISY, and the lights hardly show up on video.. nothing like the lights in the pictures of the triangle. Maybe you guys can find something more convincing though.


text:
Shop by Artist or Brand Guy Harvey Men's Clothing Short Sleeve T-Shirts Cruisin' T Shirt
Cruisin' T Shirt
Please note that this T-Shirt design is no longer available from the manufacturer so our in stock quanitites are extremely limited. Sizes still available: Aqua Blue - S, M; White - S, XL
Artist: Guy Harvey Manufacturer: Aftco Bluewater
Description: Front pocket, short sleeve, mens crew neck T-shirts made of 100% cotton jersey fabric. They are roomy and cut for comfort. The front of this tee features Guy Harvey's "signature" on the front, left chest pocket and the design silk-screened on the back.
Delivery: In stock items usually ship in 3 to 5 business days. Call the store at 252-453-2383, between the hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, to arrange for faster delivery options.
Store Item Numbers:
Aquatic Blue: S (#13596), M (#13597), L (Sold Out), XL (Sold Out), 2X (Sold Out)
White: S (#13590), M (Sold Out), L (Sold Out), XL (#13593), 2X (Sold Out)


text:
For content prior to 9/19/2008, use ourold search engine or browse older editions.
See also past "Seeing with Jesus' Eyes" columns.
Mother's day is a special holy day when we honor the gift of our mother. This year we celebrate Mother's Day on May 13.
Attempts to start an American Mother's Day began after the Civil War as a protest to that war's carnage by mothers who had lost their sons in that war. This early Mother's Day for Peace movement was led by Julia Ward Howe, author of "Battle Hymn of the Republic."
Anna Jarvis (1864-1948) is recognized as the "mother of Mother's Day." She never married or had children, but as a child she heard her mother wish that there was a day to honor all mothers, living and dead.
In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed the proclamation creating Mother's Day, the second Sunday in May, as a national holiday to honor mothers.
Cardinal József Mindszenty, a heroic Cold War Communist prisoner, wrote, "The most important person on earth is a mother. She cannot claim the honor of building Notre Dame Cathedral. She need not! She has built something more magnificent than any cathedral, a dwelling for the immortal soul, the tiny perfection of her baby."
In The Power of a Mother's Love, Jill Savage wrote, "A mother's love needs to be given unconditionally to establish trust and a firm foundation of emotional intimacy in a child's life. If love is withheld, a child will look for it in a million other ways, sometimes throughout their lifetime unless they come to some sort of peace with their past. The emotional foundation mothers give their children is foundational to their life.''
Mothers often need a sense of humor. Mary Jane Kurtz tells of how difficult it was to get her four children to go to church on time. One Sunday, the children began to squabble and complain. It looked like they would be late to church again when the only seats left were up front where everyone could see you were late. Mary Jane decided to take matters into her hands. She stomped from one room to another, shouting loudly why it was important that they go to church as a family. Suddenly, she noticed all four children huddled together and laughing hilariously.
"What's so funny?" Mary Jane asked.
Abby, the ring leader replied, "Mom, every time you stomp your foot, smoke comes out of it. It must be the wrath of God. We will get ready!"
Later, Mary Jane discovered that in her anxiety she had put an overload of foot powder in her shoes. Every time she stomped her foot, it looked like smoke coming out of her shoes." It seemed to work because they weren't late again!
Mothers add meaning and beauty to our lives. They cook, clean, and teach values. They become nurses when family members get sick. They offer advice on relationships at school or work.
I marvel at the energy of young children and wonder how parents get the energy to raise them. One day, I remarked to the checkout lady of a discount store that it must take much energy to raise children. She smiled and replied," Yes. it does, but they are worth it."
Abigail Van Buren, who wrote the popular column "Dear Abby," was once asked what letter was requested the most for reprinting.
It was, "Dear Abby, I am the most heartbroken person on earth. I always found time to go everywhere except to see my old gray haired mom and dad. They sat at home loving me just the same. Now when I visit their graves, I wonder if God will ever forgive me for the heartaches I must have caused them.''
This letter can inspire us to thank our mom by writing, calling, or inviting her to dinner. If she has died, we can pray for her or visit her grave. We can pray that God will forgive any sins she has committed and welcome her into Heaven. If she is in Heaven, we can ask her to hold us in prayer during our personal storms.
Fr. Donald Lange is a pastor emeritus in the Diocese of Madison.
Diocese of Madison, Catholic Herald 702 S. High Point Rd., Suite 121, Madison, WI 53719Phone: 608-821-3070 Fax: 608-709-7612 E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com Web site created by Leemark Communications and Catholic Herald staff.


text:
Dear Jeanne,
Do you have a message for today?
Absent the self now from all turmoil. Remove yourself from that which holds no promise of growth. Become aware of the realities in your life and do not bother with that which seeks to draw your attention from your focused path. Growth of the self, deep inner growth, is all that truly matters in that life. Even though I stress this at all times, must you also live significant lives upon that earth, so do not take my words to mean that you must dismiss all engagements as meaningless. Quite the contrary. All engagements are most meaningful aids in your growth process. But learning which to engage and which to bypass are steps of learning along the way.
Your path may not yet be clear, but your focus on the urgings of your spirit self will serve you well as you proceed, and as you seek clarity. Your path will be further revealed as you climb upon your trusty horse, your life upon that earth, and ride onward every day, seeking, seeking your truth. Mount upon your truth seeking self; allow your energetic spirit to lead you properly so that your choices may be correct.
Clothe yourself in the knowledge that the most important factor in life is to seek always truth of the self, and in this adventure will you be confronted with decisions regarding use of your energy. Stay focused on reserving your energy for the greatest feat of all, the work on the self. If this remains your focus at all times, then will your choices in life be the right ones. Navigate your path with eyes wide open, heart wide open, and your inner knowing keenly aware. Be kind, be gracious, be loving, be helpful, and be generous with your energy. Even as you turn your attention inward so must you also turn it outward in order to lead a truly balanced life, in the outer world and in your own inner world.
Disregard that which seeks to pull you from this path of true spirit and true growth, that which is mere distraction, and that which carries little meaning for you. As you progress and learn the facts of life, of spirit-oriented life, so will your decisions be easier to make and your way clearer. The choices you make are up to you of course. How do you choose to live your life today? The energy is available to aid you in your growth. Your spirit seeks growth. Put those two facts together and see what that feels like. Feel your calmness, and feel the vigor of life's energy, inside you and outside you, and allow them to meet, in harmony. Walk in calm energetic delight today. Tune in to the energy that is there to aid you. You are all doing well, my fine traveling companions. You are doing very well.


text:
You probably know that for laying roads to specialized construction equipment, which will facilitate and expedite the construction process. Can not be avoided in the process of laying floors without such equipment as concrete pumps, truck for topping, vacuum pumps, hand-held vibratory rollers. Today want to analyze more in detail such techniques as pumps. Concrete – construction machine for pumping concrete to the site of its placement on the betonovodu. By their construction pumps one-and two-cylinder, by the nature of the drive – crank and hydraulic. In both types of concrete pump piston sucks in the concrete mix from the hopper pump with closed discharge valve (valve) and open the suction and return stroke pushes the mixture into betonovod.
Concrete pump with hydraulic drive, compared with crank, have a greater length of the stroke in the working cylinder and a constant piston speed, thus ensuring the uniform motion of the concrete mix, reduced resistance to movement of the mixture in betonovode and motor power. Pumps are used to quality concrete placement. With its high performance and safety in use, concrete saves time and effort when performing heavy work with liquid concrete. Concrete vary in type installed pumping systems: a C-shaped dampers (BSF) and S-shaped dampers (BRF). Large selection of concrete pumps company offers "Build-Equipment" companies such as Mayco (USA), Mecbo (Italy), pneumatic pumps firms Strojstav (Slovenia) and as concrete for the steel industry. Just a great selection of road and other construction equipment. The company "Story-Equipment is engaged in delivery of construction machinery and equipment in the Urals region.
Area of influence – in Sverdlovsk, Chelyabinsk, Tyumen, Perm, Kurgan, Novosibirsk region, as well as the -Mansi and Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District. There is a large fleet of rental. Market for construction machinery rapidly developed, offering an increasing number of species and types of construction equipment. To make the right choice, consider conditions under which the work scope, power, safety in use and sizes. All of these factors, with proper analysis, greatly help in the selection of construction equipment. Hardware-based solution of specific problems, greatly accelerates the pace of works and saves the human and financial resources.


text: Stand out from crowded fashion by choosing something that very few people choose; Antique Bronze Metal charm. This metal bee charm is one of its kind, suitable for DIY bracelet, earrings or necklaces. The 35 pieces of charm are made of zinc alloy and coated with antique bronze. The pendant is fully safe on the skin. If you have a woman who does not like conforming to fashion norms, then this is the gift to get her.


text:
Current Research Interests:
· Symplectic Geometry
· Poisson Geometry
· Integrable systems and group actions
· Foliation theory
· Geometric quantization
· Groupoids and Algebroids
· Hamiltonian Dynamics
· Fluid Dynamics and Contact Geometry
· and Differential
Geometry/Mathematical Physics in the large....
I am particularly interested in understanding connections between different areas such as Geometry, Dynamical Systems, Mathematical Physics and, more recently, Fluid Dynamics.
My research deals with geometrical and dynamical aspects of singularities. In particular, I am interested in Hamiltonian systems, their singularities and the so-called realm of Hamiltonian Dynamics. I study normal forms and equivariant geometric problems arising in Symplectic, Contact, and Poisson manifolds. I am also interested in rigidity problems for group actions on these manifolds. I also work in geometric quantization of real polarizations.
Some years ago, I started to consider geometrical
problems on b-manifolds (inspired by
Many of the problems that I study are connected to Celestial mechanics in one way or another
The Weinstein conjecture on periodic orbits asserts that the Reeb vector field of a compact contact manifold always have periodic orbits. With my student Cédric Oms we have understood how to construct a counterexample to the Weinstein Conjecture if we allow singularities in the contact form. Those singularities on contact structures model some problems of Beltrami flows on manifolds with boundary (see my recent preprint with my student Robert Cardona and Daniel Peralta Salas).
This counterexample to the Weinstein conjecture is achieved via plugs and is very revealing: The orbits that give the counterexample are indeed periodic orbits which are no longer smooth but have points as marked singularities. This opens a door to a new world.
What's next? ....maybe this.
My research is financed by the Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies via an ICREA Academia 2016 Prize and partially supported by several research projects. I am the principal investigator of the AGAUR SGR research project GEOMVAP with code 2017SGR932 (26 members) and the MTM research project MTM2015-69135-P/FEDER, Geometría y Topología de variedades, álgebra y aplicaciones (together with Marta Casanellas).
From September 2017 until February 2018, I have been a Chaire d'Excellence de la Fondation Sciences Mathématiques de Paris and my work has been supported by a public grant overseen by the French National Research Agency (ANR) as part of the "Investissements d'Avenir" program (reference: ANR-10-LABX-0098). I am also a member of the research project EXPLORA ciencia MTM2015-72876-EXP based at ICMAT-CSIC (Members: Alberto Ibort, Eva Miranda and Francisco Presas(IP)). I am a collaborator of the National Science Foundation project New Avenues in Symplectic Geometry DMS 12/11819 (PI: Jonathan Weitsman).
Since December 2016 I am in the head of the Laboratory of Geometry and Dynamical Systems which I created together with Amadeu Delshams.
Since May 2018 I am the group leader of the UPC research group GEOMVAP (Geometry of varieties and applications).
My academical trajectory in a glimpse:
Ph.D thesis "On symplectic linearization of singular Lagrangian foliations" at the University of Barcelona in September 2003.
October 2004-May 31, 2007, Marie Curie EIF postdoc at Laboratoire Émile Picard, Université Paul Sabatier.
June 1st, 2007 – August 31, 2009, Juan de la Cierva Fellow at the Departament de Matemàtiques at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.
September 2009-August 2013- Professor Lector (Lecturer) at the Department of Applied Mathematics I, UPC.
September 2013-September 2015- Professor Agregat Interí/Interim Associate Professor at Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya.
Currently (since October 2015), Associate Professor (Professor Agregat) at UPC.
Since January 2016, I am principal investigator of the MTM Research project MTM2015-69135-P, Geometría y Topología de variedades, álgebra y aplicaciones with 24 members.
Since December 2016, I am in charge of the Laboratory of Geometry and Dynamical Systems at EPSEB.
Since January 2017 and for 5 years I am an ICREA Academia Professor.
From September 2017 until February 2018, I have been a Chaire d'Excellence de la Fondation Sciences Mathématiques de Paris and my work has been supported by a public grant overseen by the French National Research Agency (ANR) as part of the "Investissements d'Avenir" program (reference: ANR-10-LABX-0098).
I have been selected under the Programa Càtedres-UPC 2017 for promotion to Full Professor.
I am the principal investigator of the AGAUR SGR research project 2017SGR932 (21 members).
Since May 2018 I am the group leader of the UPC research group GEOMVAP (Geometry of varieties and applications).
Since November 2018, Full Professor (Professor Catedrático) at UPC.
Affiliations and memberships:
1. Full Professor at UPC, Chercheur Affilié at Observatoire de Paris, Honorary Doctor Vinculado at ICMAT and member of Barcelona Graduate School of Mathematics BGSMath.
2. I am a member of the European Mathematical Society and a member of Societat Catalana de Matemàtiques.
3. During the period 2011-2018 I was the corresponding member for the SCM and EMS.
I am qualified as Full Professor in the area of Geometry and Topology by AQU since October 2016.
Since February 2010, I am qualified as Professeur des Universités en Section 25 (Mathématiques) by the French CNU (Conseil des Universités). I was qualified as MCF in February 2008.
I am qualified as Professor agregat by AQU since 2010.
I am qualified as Profesor Titular de Universidad since April 2015
Chaire d'Excellence 2017 de la Fondation Sciences Mathématiques de Paris.
Giovanni Prodi Chair at Würzburg 2017-2018 (declined).
Curriculum Vitae
Complete cv in English (last update May 2018)
· My thesis:
Eva Miranda, "On symplectic linearization of
singular Lagrangian foliations" , June, 2003, edicions de
· My research papers (the versions posted here might differ slightly from the final published versions):
Publications (as author):
Universality of Euler flows and flexibility of Reeb embeddings (with R. Cardona, D. Peralta-Salas and F. Presas), preprint, 2019, https://arxiv.org/abs/1911.01963.
Geometric Quantization of almost toric manifolds (with F. Presas and R. Solha), arXiv:1705.06572, Journal of Symplectic Geometry, to appear, J. Symplectic Geom (2019).
Euler flows and singular geometric structures (with R. Cardona and D. Peralta-Salas), https://arxiv.org/abs/1902.00039, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A 2019, DOI 10.1098/rsta.2019.0034.
On the volume elements of a manifold with transverse zeroes (with R. Cardona), https://arxiv.org/abs/1812.03800 accepted for publication in Regular and Chaotic Dynamics, scheduled for Volume 24, Issue 2 of 2019.
models for group actions on
Contact structures with singularities (with C. Oms), https://arxiv.org/abs/1806.05638 (new version available on arxiv containing a study of the singular Reeb dynamics and realization of $b^m$-contact structures. For a talk announcing some of the results this november Look here.).
Open Problems, Questions, and Challenges in Finite-Dimensional integrable systems, (with A. Bolsinov, V. Matveev and S. Tabachnikov), arXiv:1804.03737, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A, 2018.
On geometric quantization of b-symplectic manifolds (with V. Guillemin and J. Weitsman), arXiv:1608.08667, Adv. Math. 331 (2018), 941–951.
Equivariant classification of $b^m$-symplectic surfaces(with A. Planas), https://arxiv.org/abs/1607.01748, to appear at Regular and Chaotic Dynamics, Volume 23, Issue 4 of 2018.
Convexity of the moment map image for torus actions on b^m-symplectic manifolds (with V. Guillemin and J. Weitsman), https://arxiv.org/abs/1801.01097, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A, 2018.
Integrable systems and closed one forms (with R. Cardona), arXiv:1712.08156, J. Geom. Phys. 131 (2018), 204–209.
Singular fibers of the Gelfand--Cetlin system on u(n)* (with D. Bouloc and N.T Zung), arXiv:1803.08332, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A, 2018.
The geometry of E-manifolds, (with G. Scott), arXiv:1802.02959, preprint 2018, submitted.
On geometric quantization of $b^m$-symplectic manifolds, (with V. Guillemin and J. Weitsman), arXiv:1801.03762 preprint, 2018, submitted.
Classification of b^m-Nambu structures of top degree (with A. Planas), C. R. Math. Acad. Sci. Paris 356 (2018), no. 1, 92–96.
Zeroth Poisson homology, foliated cohomology and perfect Poisson manifolds (with D. Martínez-Torres), Regul. Chaotic Dyn. 23 (2018), no. 1, 47–53.
An invitation to Singular Symplectic Geometry (with R. Braddell, A. Delshams, C. Oms and A. Planas), arXiv:1705.03846, Int. J. Geom. Methods Mod. Phys. 16 (2019), suppl. 1, 1940008, 16 pp.
Desingularizing b^m-symplectic structures (with V. Guillemin and J. Weitsman), arXiv:1512.05303, IMRN, International Mathematics Research Notices
Rigidity of infinitesimal momentum maps (with C. Esposito), arXiv:1410.5202, Israel J. Math. 219 (2017), no. 2, 757–781.
Cotangent models for integrable systems (with A. Kiesenhofer), http://arxiv.org/abs/1601.05041 Communications in Mathematical Physics,10.1007/s00220-016-2720-x Comm. Math. Phys. 350 (2017), no. 3, 1123–1145.
Weakly Hamiltonian actions (with D. Martínez-Torres),http://arxiv.org/abs/1602.03542, J. Geom. Phys. 115 (2017), 131–138.
Non-commutative integrable systems on b-symplectic manifolds (with A. Kiesenhofer), https://arxiv.org/abs/1606.02605, Regul. Chaotic Dyn. 21 (2016), no. 6, 643–659.
Convexity for Hamiltonian torus actions on b-symplectic manifolds (with V. Guillemin, A.Pires, G. Scott) arXiv:1412.2488, Math. Res. Lett. 24 (2017), no. 2, 363–377.
Book (New!):
I am currently working on a book project entitled "Geometry and Dynamics of singular symplectic manifolds" (by invitation of the Societé Mathématique de France jointly with Fondation Sciences Mathématiques de Paris) for the collection Cours Spécialisées of the SMF. By special agreement with FSMP the publication will be made available in open access.
This book aims to be an enhanced and (hopefully) comprehensive version of the course I delivered in October-November-December 2017 at Institut Henri Poincaré during my Chaire d'Excellence de la Fondation Sciences Mathématiques de Paris. The webpages of the course are available here: https://www.sciencesmaths-paris.fr/fr/le-cours-deva-miranda-933.htm https://mat-web.upc.edu/people/eva.miranda/coursIHP.htm
Stay tuned!
Interview at the Newsletter of the EMS, September 2019.
A video promoting the bid ICM2022 for Paris
Publications (as editor):
Book reports:
Carlos Curras-Bosch i Eva Miranda, Report sobre el llibre "Symplectic geometry of integrable Hamiltonian systems" ,Notícies de la Societat Catalana de Matemàtiques, 19, 43-44, 2003.
"La sombra de mi alma
huye por un ocaso de alfabetos,
niebla de libros
y palabras."
Federico García Lorca, excerpt from La Sombra de mi Alma, Libro de Poemas.


text:
Cornwall Council Fails Again on Garbage Contract by Jamie Gilcig 012919
11 Responses to "Cornwall Council Fails Again on Garbage Contract by Jamie Gilcig 012919"
Tail wagging the dog AGAIN!! Saying they don't have options is BS. Council needs to be the ones who decide who gets the contract, not city managers, etc. Even if it is an RFP, there are options. This time they had 2 options. City managers wanted the shiny new toy and set it up so council had no choice. All I can say is BS to city management!!
It's time that when RFP's are used, not bids, that council be presented with all options available. Then they make the decision, not city management. This clusterf**k process has been used far too often by city management backing council and the city into corners we cant get out off. DRAIN THE SWAMP OF CITY MANAGEMENT!!
Agreed. Recommendations are okay, as long as all the options are presented. The RFP should not be set up in such a way that council has no option than to go with managements "choice." The RFP process used in Cornwall, it appears, is flawed in a major way. Council should be making the final decisions, not city management.
It's time for city council to drain the swamp of those responsible in city management for this and other boondoggles. This continually happens and there is no excuse for it to continue.
Those as mayor of Cornwall and council are not even qualified to pick up garbage let alone run a town. The swamp has to be drained from top to bottom. Hey that is a good place put them all in the back of the garbage truck and send them all over to the landfill site. What a waste of money and time to have that insane bunch of nothings running a town but they are running into the hole.
Tail wagging the dog AGAIN!!
"The waste department stood by its recommendations so, instead of making changes now, council seems ready to leave the rules as they are and come back after six months…"
Council needs to be the ones who decide the rules, not city managers, etc. Managers wanted a shiny new toy and set it up so council had no choice. All I can say is BS to city management!!


text:
New York, Sep 23, 2009
S. Joe Bhatia, president and CEO of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and head of the ANSI delegation to the ISO GA, provided thought-provoking remarks on the economic benefits of International Standards at the GA.
"For more than a century, standardization activities in the United States, just like in other parts of the world, have bridged gaps across industries and saved money for organizations in both the private and public sectors," said Mr. Bhatia. "Despite this long history of success, decision makers in business and industry know very little about standards and conformance. This has led to corporate decisions to downsize or eliminate standards-related sections and programs within companies.
"What we need is a call to action. Corporate America must devote its resources – time, money, and human resources – to the standardization system and its activities," Mr. Bhatia continued. "That is why we are working to develop targeted, executive-level messaging that will show how the voluntary consensus standards system and its activities can boost business performance." [Click here to read Mr. Bhatia's speech.]
Following presentations by Mr. Bhatia and the other panelists, attendees discussed the ongoing ISO project, Methodology to Assess and Communicate the Economic Benefits of Consensus-based Standards. This effort will provide decision-makers with clear and manageable criteria to assess the value associated with using standards and offer guidance to ISO member bodies and other groups who wish to develop studies that assess the benefits of standards within a particular industry sector.
Another issue discussed at the GA was energy and the importance of related International Standards. A full-day Open Session devoted to the topic featured presentations from a number of speakers, including Wayne Perry, technical director of Kaeser Compressors. Mr. Perry spoke from an industry perspective on why energy management in companies requires a systems approach. The ISO GA noted the contribution that ISO standards can make to energy efficiency and renewable energy, both high points of interest on the world agenda.
A proposal raised at the meeting called for an ISO GA resolution positing that there is no conflict when standards and conformity assessment activities reside in the same organization. The proposal resulted in considerable and lively discussion on compatibility between standardization and conformity assessment activities carried out by ISO members. It was recalled that the ISO Council had previously taken a resolution in 1998 stating this same sentiment. As a result of this discussion, the ISO Secretary-General will review all existing documents relating to the matter, and will report on the outcome of this review at the March 2010 ISO Council meeting.
Several changes in ISO leadership were also addressed at the GA:
Additionally, George Arnold, Ph.D., of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, completed his term of office as the ISO vice president of policy. The GA saluted his strong commitment to ISO and his support of its initiatives during his term from 2006 to 2009. Dr. Arnold, a former chairman of ANSI's Board of Directors, was cited for his valuable contributions to the implementation of the ISO Strategic Plan 2005-2010 and the preparation for the development of ISO's strategy for 2011-2015. [see related news item]
Dr. Arnold was also lauded for his involvement in ISO's innovative fields of work through his chairmanships of the ISO Council Task Forces on energy and on biotechnology, and of the ISO/IEC/ITU-T Advisory Group on Security (SAG-S). His efficient management and fairness in hearing all points of view and in facilitating the emergence of consensus was noted with appreciation, and he was wished continued success in his professional activities and international undertakings.
For more information on the 32nd ISO General Assembly, read the related ISO news item.


text:
Country Spain Region: La Mancha
Colour: Rosé Style: Sangria
Producer: Bodegas Lolea
A refreshing sparking wine with an attractive pale pink colour and a hint of hibiscus and ginger. Providing a delicate and surprising floral touch.
Serve well chilled, or as a base for delicious cocktails.
Tasting Note:
Flowers, fruit and spices are all in harmony in this sophisticated blend with its delicate aroma and attractive pale pink colour, in the côtes de provence style. These wines have a low tannin content, are typically pale in colour and fresh and slightly citrus on the palette, offering a frity and warm sensation. With a intricuing flavour you will want to try.
The perfect way to serve this wines is well chilled in a fine crystal frute glass, decorated with a hibiscus flower as the finel touch.
Food Matches: Aperitif / Shellfish / Chicken / Oriental


text:
Planning Profession Bill: deliberations
Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
26 February 2002
Meeting Summary
A summary of this committee meeting is not yet available.
Meeting report
26 February 2002
Chairperson: Adv P.S. Holomisa
Documents Handed Out:
Planning Profession Bill
Planning Profession Bill Amendments [available on 4 March]
The Department drafters continued from Clause 5 of the Planning Profession Bill presenting the proposed amendments to certain clauses. The day-long deliberations ended at Clause 18.
A new clause, Clause 10, that is deemed controversial is, "The Minister may suspend or revoke a decision of the Council if it is in public interest to do so and there exists good grounds therefore". However as the aim of the Bill is to transform the profession, it was explained that the Minister needs some leeway to override Council decisions and recommendations.
Planning Profession Bill
Dr Makgalemele of the Department took the Committee through Clauses 5 to 17, pointing out where certain amendments had been proposed:
Clause 5 Disqualification as member of Council, and vacation of office
The Chairperson asked if the Committee is satisfied with the stated grounds for disqualification. Should people convicted of racism be allowed to be members of the South African Council of Planners? The Committee agreed to this:
- Mr Farrow (DP) felt that such people should not be allowed to be members of the Committee.
- Mr Baloyi (IFP) suggested the need for a time frame as a person should not be condemned forever if the offence happened five or ten years ago.
- Mr Radebe (ANC) said that they have to build a united nation. Such a clause would signal that if person makes racist remarks, the person would be out.
- The Chairperson stated that the issue of transformation should be emphasised. Now that people have seen that things have changed after 1994, they have to stop making racist remarks.
- Mr Farrow (DP) noted that this is post-1994 and such a clause should be applied. If one is convicted of racism, it shows that the person not going to change. Anyone convicted of this should be disqualified.
The Chairperson asked the Committee if they wanted to include permanent residents as members of the Council or keep it to citizens of South Africa.
Mr Maluleke (DP) agreed to include permanent residents as anyone who wants permanent residence, would want to contribute to the country. Mr Radebe (ANC) agreed that permanent residents who are educated and skilled could contribute to the development of the country.
Clause 6: Committees of Council / Clause 7: Functions of Council
Dr Makgalemele pointed out that Clause 6(2) had been rephrased (see Amendments document).
Mr Radebe (ANC) commented that he believed that the planning profession is 97 to 98% white. He wondered if something could be done to make it in line with the demographics of the country.
Mr Maphalala (ANC) asked why 6(4)(a) did not provide for more committees.
Mr Maluleke (DP) said that they need to make quite sure that there is a committee stipulated to deal with issues of education. This is non-negotiable.
The Chair suggested that they could add a clause to explain what the purpose of the committees would be.
Mr Mogoba (PAC) He said that there is no need to overstate it. The committee has to enhance the standard of education and make sure that the status quo is even.
In answer to Dr. Baloyi (IFP) asking whether it is important to stipulate education in the planning profession, the Chair said that education is important in this profession.
Mr Maphalala (ANC) believed that there should be good reasons to specify other committees. The clause does not say what purpose the committees have. The Bill is centered on the enhancement of the profession and what is material is the purpose of the committee: why does one want to have the committee?
Mr Farrow (DP) agreed. The advancement of the profession is about education, but does that include training matters?
The Chairperson felt that education and training matters should be included in Clause 7
It was suggested that 'Function of Council' should be replaced by 'Objectives of Council'. The drafters however argued that the word should be left as is as this is the usual way for it to be headed. There might be complications of interpretation later. They suggested that they should rather define these two terms in the definitions clause.
Clause 8: Powers and duties of Council
The typographical error in Clause 8(6)(i)(ii) "debt" instead of "death" was noted by Mr Gerber (ANC). Mr Radebe (ANC) noted the typographical error in Clause 8(4)(b) where "the faculty of learning" was omitted after "has".
There was some discussion about insurance in Clause 8(6)(i) and whether it should stipulate that the insurance be provided by registered/reputable insurance companies.
The drafters suggested that the Minister should have some control over the Council's financial management. It was suggested that 'may' should replace 'must' where relevant. The Council is going to derive income from its own revenue and from selling its publications. The Council can also loan money. If the Council makes the debt payable within twelve months, it would not need the Minister's consent.
Clause 9: Meetings of Council
The drafters noted the insertion of new subclauses 9(8) and 9(9) which stipulates that minutes of Council meetings should be given to the Minister within thirty days. The clause would be read with Clause 8.
Clause 10: Decisions of Council
Dr. Magalemele noted that the department has inserted a new clause which is open for discussion, as it is controversial: "The Minister may suspend or revoke a decision of the Council if it is in public interest to do so and there exists good grounds therefore"
Mr Schoeman (NNP) said that they should be careful as the Council then does not have much power.
Mr Radebe (ANC) said that the clause is meant for transformation. The Minister must have power to interfere when necessary. The Chairperson agreed as they are meant to ensure transformation.
Dr. Makgalemele noted that the Minister would be required to state that there are good grounds to intervene.
Mr Baloyi (IFP) asked what would be the function of the Council, if the Minister has to interfere.
The Chairperson said that the Council is an independent body. But because it does some work that is connected to government, there should be some link with government. The Minister should act in the public interest.
Mr Ditshetelo (UCDP) said that the powers of the Minister should take precedence over the Council.
Clause 11: Remuneration of members of the Council and Committees
In answer to Mr Farrow asking about travelling costs, the department responded that those costs would be borne by the state. If there is a provision for the Council to pay, it would pay. If not, the department would pay.
Clause 12: Funds of Council and keeping and auditing of accounts
The Committee decided to leave the clause as is.
Clause 13: Registration of persons
Dr. Makgalemele pointed out the amendments.
Mr Farrow (DP) asked whether those agencies that are a product of apartheid are going to be subjected to the Bill.
Dr. Schoeman (NP) said that the Committee cannot say that such persons or agencies cannot practice. The Constitution guarantees everyone the right to practice as a planner.
Mr Radebe (ANC) said that the Constitution is against racism, and if one still use racist remarks, such a person has to know that he/she is not welcome to live in South Africa.
The Chairperson said that the amendment would remain as it is.
Mr Gerber (ANC) noted that the Bill specifies three categories of planners. There is no recognition of planners who are studying or working for municipalities or state. What is the reason for not giving recognition for people who are planners in training?
Dr. Makgalemele said that such a person can work for any institution stated in the Bill. It cannot state that they can reserve the work for a person still studying.
Mr Radebe (ANC) said that 'candidate planner' should be explained more. There are students in technicons and universities who might be de-motivated if not recognized.
The department official said that they should try to distinguish between a student planner and a person who has already passed the planning exams.
Clause 14: Cancellation of registration
Mr Gerber (ANC) noted that the language of 14(4) is clumsy. The chairperson agreed that 14(4) needs to be unpacked and simplified. The department said that they would restructure it
Clause 15: Return of registration certificates
The Committee agreed to leave the clause as is.
Clause 16: Identification of planning profession work
Mr Farrow (DP) commented that the word 'reserved' has an apartheid connotation. He suggested it should be omitted or that it rather come in the definition clause.
Clause 17: Recognition of voluntary associations.
The changes to 17(1) were accepted by the Committee.
The meeting was adjourned until the 1 March when the Department will present further changes.
No related
No related documents
- We don't have attendance info for this committee meeting
Download as PDF
You can download this page as a PDF using your browser's print functionality. Click on the "Print" button below and select the "PDF" option under destinations/printers.
See detailed instructions for your browser here.


text:
Check Yelp and you'll easily find a multitude of Ocean Beach restaurants to match your mood. In our free Beyond the Zoo Guide to Ocean Beach & Point Loma we recommend two classic OB spots, Newbreak Coffee & Cafe and Hodad's.
Newbreak Coffee & Cafe (1959 Abbott St) is directly across the street from the beach. Sit outside for the view or grab a snack to-go and wander. If you have to work before you can play, Newbreak also offers free wifi.
Hodad's (5010 Newport Ave) is a family owned business that started out in 1969 by selling burgers on the beach. Search for the best burger in San Diego, and Hodad's is sure to be on the list. For a classic Hodad's experience, try the bacon cheeseburger with a side of onion rings. Eat-in, or carry your order back to the beach.


text:
• Emma Stone teaming up with Ryan Gosling again in The Gangster Squad? (Huffington Post)
• Ashanti shows off cover art for her new album! (Celebuzz)
• Britney Spears asks fans to show their heart and help a family. (Just Jared)
• George Clooney looks sexy in Paris. (PopSugar)
• See Renee Zellweger impressively carry eight coffees in Santa Monica. (Radar Online)
• Producer Salaam Remi says Amy Winehouse "had a huge heart." (MTV News)
For access to all our exclusive celebrity videos and interviews – Subscribe on YouTube!
Sound off in the comments below!
Join the conversation


text:
STANDARD Flying 8Classic Car
Standard's small car offering was surprisingly lively considering its one-litre sidevalve engine. Built either side of WW2, the later cars lost the 'Flying' part of their name and are visually distinguished by a lack of bonnet louvres. Perhaps more significantly, they all gained a four-speed gearbox in place of the old three-speed unit. All used Bendix cable brakes, which are fine as long as they are set up correctly. Tourer and drophead coupé models were also offered, but these are even harder to find. When you do, expect to pay at least 50% more than for a saloon.
We will only notify you about the most important info & release updates
Notify me when STANDARD Flying 8 is available.Already a member ? Login Here
Release DatesReport Date / Submit Product
Report Date / Submit Product
The STANDARD Flying 8 release date is to be announced on Convertible.


text:
Just a few more days until I see my boys, BTS, live in concert. They had two successful sold-out shows in Newark, NJ last week, will perform tomorrow night in Chicago, and then they'll be on their way to me in Anaheim, CA for two nights. I'm so excited to see my seven special men.… Continue reading 2! 3! Better Days with Bangtan
Tag: Rainbow
Quick Appreciation Post: Christmas songs
Christmas. Ugh!!!! Don't get me wrong. I love the idea of Christmas: winter wonderland, festive lights, beautiful tree, glad tidings and good will toward mankind and all that. But the reality of Christmas leaves a whole lot to be desired! Stressful shopping, angry drivers, spending way more than you want to on gifts, people being… Continue reading Quick Appreciation Post: Christmas songs


text:
Anna Schwartz Gallery and 35 Years of contemporary Australian Art
Gallerist's role in the history of Australian contemporary art has been set out in a new book.
Art critic Doug Hall has written an account of the past 35 years of Australian art focusing on the role played by gallerist Anna Schwartz.
The book covers Schwartz's life, interwoven with a history of Melbourne and Australian art history.
In particular it focuses on Schwartz's representation of artists through her galleries: United Artists (where she was co-director), City Gallery and Anna Schwartz Gallery, and covers the relationships she formed with artists and important cultural figures throughout this period and up to the present day.
Present Tense reveals a story that arcs from the journeys of immigrants who make up Australia's rich cultural life to the local artistic scenes of Melbourne to the global stage of the art world.
Among the characters featured in the book are Wendy Whiteley, who is one of Schwartz's closest friends; Stieg Persson, who was the first artist to show with Schwartz; writer Paul Taylor, painter Peter Tyndall, modernist artist Clement Meadmore and sculptor Akio Makigawa, who died at just 51 on Christmas Eve in 1999, just weeks after installing an exhibition at Schwartz's gallery.
Present Tense: Anna Schwartz Gallery and Thirty-Five Years of Contemporary Australian Art by Doug Hall (Black Inc)
Read More
Most Viewed In Life and luxury
Rejoice, luxury hotels across Australia are beginning to reopen
- Fiona Carruthers and Nina Karnikowski


text:
NOW in its 55th year, Brownsea Open Air Theatre (BOAT) has returned to the National Trust's Brownsea Island this week for the start of a new summer run of Shakespearean drama.
This July and August, one of the biggest theatrical projects in the south, brings you Richard III, a tragic tale of malice, envy and greed.
Visitors are invited to "pack a picnic and hop on board a boat to enjoy an evening of entertainment under the stars". A spokesman for BOAT said: "Brownsea Island is the largest island in Poole Harbour and one of the south west's last strongholds for the rare red squirrel.
"These beautiful surroundings make for a wonderful setting for a fantastic evening of traditional Shakespeare.
"The evening promises to have you sitting on the edge of your seat as you await Richard's next act of cruelty as he bids for the crown."
After a long civil war between the royal family of York and the royal family of Lancaster; England enjoys a period of peace under King Edward IV and the victorious Yorks. However, Edward's younger brother, Richard, resents Edward's power and the happiness of those around him. Malicious, power-hungry, and bitter about his physical deformity, Richard begins to aspire secretly to the throne and decides to kill anyone in his way in order to realise his ambition of becoming king.
A new set is designed and handmade each year by the company's devoted volunteers and the play performed within an impressive auditorium.
"It's always a treat to experience the tranquillity of the island after opening hours,' says Olivia Gruitt Visitor experience and volunteering manager.
"It's a great chance to gather with friends and family, raise a glass, and even spot some wildlife that emerges as the sun goes down."
* Brownsea open air theatre performances will take place over the next three weeks on July 26, 29, 31 and August 2, 5, 7, 9. Tickets are £25 per person. Not recommended for children under the age of 14. For more information or to book tickets, visit website brownsea-theatre.co.uk or call 07845782924.