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By Gazette Staff Writer — Tuesday, September 9th, 2014
SACRAMENTO – George Runner has called upon California's Department of Motor Vehicles to stop overcharging California consumers when they pay tax on their vehicle purchases.
Runner said, "It's outrageous that the State of California expects private citizens to do things right that government is doing wrong."
In a letter to DMV Director Jean Shiomoto, Runner writes: "I find it difficult to understand why your agency would knowingly continue to mischarge taxpayers when the Board of Equalization has developed an extremely accurate tool for determining tax rates at specific locations."
The Board's online tax rate lookup tool, launched in late 2013, enables taxpayers to find a sales tax rate for a specific address.
In his letter, Runner explains that DMV's problem appears to stem from continued reliance on postal zip codes to determine tax rates. Since a single zip code can include areas with differing tax rates, zip codes are not a reliable way to determine tax.
Runner estimates that in his district alone more than 2.5 million Californians live in zip codes that have more than one tax rate.
Unlike most transactions, the tax rate for a vehicle sale is based on the location provided to DMV by the registered owner, not where the sale took place.
In response to Runner's letter, DMV staff contacted Runner's office indicating a desire to address Runner's concerns but warning a solution could be years away.
Runner said, "I am happy to assist taxpayers overcharged by DMV in obtaining refunds, but they should not be overcharged in the first place. I don't want to hear excuses. I want to see change."
Runner says he will be pursuing additional outreach to taxpayers in his district to alert them to the possibility that they are paying too much tax.
Elected in November 2010, George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a member of the State Board of Equalization. For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov/Runner.
August 20, 2014
Ms. Jean Shiomoto, Director
Dear Director Shiomoto:
I believe it is important for my constituents to have complete confidence they are paying the correct amount of tax. During my service on the Board of Equalization I have received a number of calls from constituents informing me they have been charged an incorrect amount of tax on vehicle sales by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Sales and use tax rates vary widely across California and are subject to change over time. In addition to the statewide sales and use tax rate of 7.5 percent, there are many cities and counties that have voter approved local and district taxes. In the past, some retailers and the DMV have utilized zip codes to determine which tax rate to use. However, only using zip codes is not reliable in determining tax rates. Very few zip codes encompass entire municipalities, and zip codes are often split between cities and counties that employ different tax rates. When this occurs, a taxpayer living in one area of a zip code could pay a higher tax rate than another living in the same zip code.
Because more than 2.5 million taxpayers in my district live in these split zip codes, I requested the creation an online tool (https://maps.gis.ca.gov/boe/TaxRates/) that would allow taxpayers to easily pinpoint a location and receive the sales and use tax rate used at a specific address. The site also shows the entire area where a particular tax rate applies. The webpage is accessible, easy-to-use and accurate. The public uses it, but unfortunately, the DMV refuses to do so.
Last December, BOE staff initiated discussions with DMV staff regarding your department switching to the BOE's Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tool to ensure accurate tax rates are being charged. However, after continued complaints from taxpayers, it is clear that DMV offices have failed to institute use of the BOE's tax rate lookup website to determine the correct amount of tax to charge. At my direction, both my office staff and BOE staff inquired further and were informed that DMV is not, and will not, be using the BOE GIS tool.
I find it difficult to understand why your agency would knowingly continue to mischarge taxpayers when the Board of Equalization has developed an extremely accurate tool for determining tax rates at specific locations. Use of this tool would cut down on refund requests from taxpayers, thereby saving time and money, and would instill confidence in taxpayers that state government is not collecting more tax than is required.
It is my hope that you will immediately direct your staff to begin using the BOE's GIS tool. BOE management and IT staff are ready to assist the DMV with technical expertise, if necessary. If you would like to discuss the matter further, please feel free to contact me at 916-445-2181.
cc: Jerry Brown, Governor, State of California
By Gazette Staff Writer — Tuesday, September 9th, 2014
Sponsored by: Sen. George Runner (Ret.)
By Gazette Staff Writer — Tuesday, September 9th, 2014
CAMARILLO, CA - Statement by Jeff Gorell, candidate for California's 26th Congressional District, regarding Julia Brownley and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's recent television attack ad:
"It is very disappointing that Julia Brownley and her allies are engaging in a negative, misleading, and deceitful television campaign. Her team is clearly worried and noticing the trend: voters are overwhelmingly supporting Jeff Gorell over Julia Brownley," stated Gorell.
Brownley's attack ad is nothing more than a deceptive attempt to distract voters from Jeff's service to our community as a criminal prosecutor, two-time war veteran, and adjunct professor at California Lutheran University for 10 years.
It is very disappointing that Julia Brownley and her supporters resort to partisan scare tactics in an effort to hold on to power. Her congressional seat is vulnerable and voters are increasingly turning to Jeff Gorell as the candidate they know and one they can trust.
Gorell continued, "Julia Brownley has a history of resorting to attack ads. Her campaign is run by her Washington, DC allies and history tells us that she will continue to attack Republicans and Democrats that get in her way. Sadly, this behavior is very typical of Congress and a major reason why it has become one of the most unpopular institutions in America."
Brownley is not telling voters the truth. It is becoming increasingly important to set the record straight and distinguish between myth and actual fact regarding Jeff Gorell.
Myths: Facts:
Contributions to Assemblyman Gorell influenced his votes This notion is offensive. Jeff is an independent legislator who's votes were always in the best interest of his district and of the State of California. Julia also took money from the insurance industry while in the Assembly. In her current campaign, almost 90% of her contributions have been from outside of the district, and almost $500,000 is from special interests, lobbyists, and PAC's.
Jeff Gorell, a California State Legislator, is candidate for U.S. House of Representatives in the 26th Congressional District. A Navy Commander in the Reserve and third-generation Navy war veteran, Gorell most recently served in Afghanistan as an intelligence officer in support of Marine Corps forces in Helmand Province.
By Gazette Staff Writer — Tuesday, September 9th, 2014
CAMARILLO, CA - Statement by Jeff Gorell, candidate for California's 26th Congressional District, regarding Conejo Valley Unified School District's local school bond Measure I:
"I'm proud today to announce my endorsement of the Conejo Valley Unified School District's proposed Measure I this November. Measure I will provide much needed upgrades and improvements to local classrooms, facilities, technology, and campus safety. This is an appropriate measure to support our local schools, which are some of the most high performing in the state. I ask Conejo Valley voters to support this measure in November."
Gorell's support for Measure I is consistent with his longstanding policies on education including his support for additional K-12 funding and common sense reforms.
By Gazette Staff Writer — Tuesday, September 2nd, 2014
Sacramento, CA – Landmark legislation to protect the public from unwarranted government surveillance today passed out of the California Legislature, and now heads to the desk of Governor Jerry Brown for his signature. Assembly Bill 1327 by Assemblyman Jeff Gorell (R-Camarillo) protects the privacy rights of Californians by establishing basic restrictions on the government use of unmanned aerial systems, also known as "drones".
"Over the next decade drone technology will become much more common in California's airspace," stated Assemblyman Jeff Gorell. "There are tremendous benefits that can be realized from these tools, but only if we first pass the legislation that will protect our civil and privacy rights from abuses of the technology. As the tech capitol of the nation, California should also lead in protecting our privacy from intrusions by new technology."
AB 1327 addresses privacy concerns by implementing strict warrant requirements for law enforcement agencies looking to utilize the technology, except in specified situations. It also mandates any government agency to provide public notice when it intends to use drones, requires drone-collected images and data to be destroyed within1 year, and prohibits the weaponization of drones. AB 1327 also makes clear that local jurisdictions can adopt even stricter rules than what are prescribed in the bill.
Drones are already being used in agriculture outside of the United States, and additional proposed civilian uses of the technology include cargo transport, communications, filmmaking, security, forestry and geology. Government agencies are currently planning to use drones for firefighting, emergency management, weather analysis, environmental monitoring, and utilities. Private companies such as UPS and Amazon.Com have also begun exploring how they can utilize drones commercially.
AB 1327 has been endorsed by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti; the Los Angeles Times; and the San Jose Mercury News.
Governor Jerry Brown has until September 30th to sign or veto this legislation.
By Gazette Staff Writer — Monday, August 18th, 2014
Sacramento, CA – The California State Legislature today agreed to a compromise state water bond measure to appear on the November ballot. The $7.5 billion package will replace the $11.1 billion bond proposal that was previously agreed to. Assemblyman Jeff Gorell (R-Camarillo), who serves as Vice-Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee and is a co-author of the new state water bond bill, SB 866, released the following statement commenting on the legislation:
"Providing reliable access to water during an extended drought is one of the most important issues Sacramento legislators will face this decade. The severity of our current water crisis has given us greater incentive to repair our state's aging water infrastructure, but it has not been a speedy or easy process to reach today's ultimate compromise.
It's often said that the mark of a good compromise agreement is the fact that nobody is entirely happy with the end result. Nevertheless, this bipartisan agreement that I am proud to have co-authored will offer California's voters a smaller and more focused water bond that better fits the state's priorities.
The previous water bond measure was seen as too expensive and was criticized for the unrelated special interest earmarks. While some of these earmarks may be desirable to many people, such as $20 million to reduce animal habitat fragmentation in the Santa Monica mountains, their inclusion in the water bond would likely jeopardize its passage in November.
While I personally believe that the new water bond does not invest enough in water storage options, I'm happy that this bill includes money for groundwater storage and recycling projects that are important to Ventura County. The passage of this bill allows us to begin dealing with problems that should have been addressed a decade ago."
By Gazette Staff Writer — Tuesday, August 12th, 2014
Sacramento, CA – Responding to last week's Congressional approval of a measure to grant an additional 1,000 immigration visas to Afghan interpreters who have worked with the U.S. military, California State Assemblyman Jeff Gorell (R-Camarillo) today thanked the Senate and House for their bipartisanship, but reminded national legislators that we must do more to expedite the thousands of applications that have left many of our proud allies stranded among enemy terrorists still seeking to harm them.
"During both of my deployments to Afghanistan, I worked alongside Afghan nationals who bravely stood up to Taliban and Al Qaida subjugation, helping break the grip terrorist networks had upon Afghanistan," stated Assemblyman Gorell. "These dedicated Afghanis risked their lives for our troops, and made it possible for us to complete our day-to-day missions. We must do what we can to protect our Afghan allies from terrorist retribution."
Last year the state legislature approved Assembly Joint Resolution 22, a measure authored by Assemblyman Gorell calling upon the President and Congress to broaden and expedite immigration visas for Afghan nationals who risked their lives employed in support of United States troops in the War on Terror. The resolution pointed out that the federal Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009 allows for the issuance of up to 7,500 visas, however only about 1,000 of those had been issued, with a backlog of more than 5,000 applicants waiting to begin the process.
"Expanding the number of visas available to the Special Immigrant Visa program is important because there are still many people who have proven their friendship and deserve the opportunity to come to America," added Gorell. "But it is even more important that the process be expedited."
With the drawdown of coalition forces in Afghanistan, Taliban and other insurgents are deliberately targeting the Afghan nationals who've worked with American forces, attacking them and their families. The United Nations has reported last year that casualties resulting from the targeted killings of these civilians have increased significantly. In December of 2012, an interpreter in Jalalabad was heading home on leave when Taliban assailants attacked, killing his two brothers.
Assemblyman Gorell currently serves as a Commander and intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve and has completed two tours of duty in Afghanistan.
By Gazette Staff Writer — Tuesday, August 12th, 2014
SACRAMENTO – Board of Equalization Member George Runner will host a telephone townhall for California's new car dealers on Thursday, August 14 at 10:00 a.m. The free event, co-hosted by the California New Car Dealers Association, will provide information on tax issues specific to the new car dealers industry, including interstate sales, rebates, warranty repair work and loaner vehicles.
"The auto industry generates billions of dollars in sales and hundreds of thousands of jobs for our state," said Runner. "My goal is to help new car dealers understand California's complicated tax laws. As their elected taxpayer advocate, I want to hear their concerns and answer their questions."
Those wishing to participate may register online at www.boe.ca.gov/townhall or by calling 916-324-4970.
Individuals who pre-register will receive a telephone call at the start of the event inviting them to connect to the townhall. During the event, callers will have an opportunity to ask questions.
Elected in November 2010, George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a member of the State Board of Equalization. For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov/Runner.
By Gazette Staff Writer — Wednesday, August 6th, 2014
Camarillo, CA – Responding to recent announcements that Congress has failed to pass a plan dealing with the current immigration crisis, Assemblyman Jeff Gorell (R-Camarillo) today released the following statement:
"As a member of the California Assembly representing the district that includes Naval Base Ventura County, where hundreds of undocumented immigrant children are currently being housed, I believe that Washington must take immediate action in regards to the crisis along our border. There are few issues more important to my district and to the state of California than solving the immigration crisis.
Congress must pass legislation related to the necessary services and support required to contain the current influx of children and teenagers from Central America before leaving for their summer recess.
The President must outline a strategic plan that illustrates how we bring the current situation to resolution and end the use of military bases as temporary housing for those who have crossed into the United States. This use of military resources is not the intended primary function of these bases.
What we are seeing at the border is ultimately the failure of Congress and the President to pass comprehensive immigration reform. The President's unilateral actions and mixed public messages on immigration have helped precipitate this mass migration of young people from Central and South America. Congress and the President must move forward with comprehensive immigration reform.
We need bipartisan solutions – now. Representatives in Washington – Republicans and Democrats alike – must put politics aside and take action on immigration. The world is using the back door because our front is locked.
Comprehensive immigration reform must secure the border, provide stricter worksite enforcement to cut down on illegal hiring, and provide legal status for current undocumented immigrants who pass a background check, pay fines and back taxes – ultimately becoming eligible for citizenship after a specific probationary period."
By Gazette Staff Writer — Wednesday, August 6th, 2014
CAMARILLO, CA - Statement by Jeff Gorell, candidate for California's 26th Congressional District, regarding use of foreign or fake military officer photographs in Congresswoman Julia Brownley's taxpayer-funded government mailers:
"It's been brought to my attention by concerned local veterans in the 26th Congressional District that Congresswoman Julia Brownley recently sent district voters a mass-mailing funded at taxpayer expense designed to imply that Brownley has the support of local military veterans."
"Sadly, the overtly political franking mailer proudly portrays an image - next to Brownley's photo - of an officer in uniform that is NOT a military uniform of any branch of the armed forces of the United States. The emblem in this photo appears to be that of the German Luftwaffe, a German military branch from the mid-1930's." (See below)
"The photograph is likely a purchased stock photo of a model in a costume contrived from various emblems to look like an official naval uniform. However it is clearly not an American Navy Uniform, or that of any U.S. military branch."
"This gaff is disrespectful to those who have worn the uniform of the United States."
"The misrepresentation and use of an image depicting a foreign or fake military service member is indicative of a fundamental lack of understanding of veterans and the military by Brownley, her staff, and her political advisors."
"This failure is common pattern and practice by Congresswoman Brownley. In 2013, she sent out an electronic mail piece stating that her father was a 'Marine in the U.S. Navy' which is not an accurate description of the service relationships. It's again symbolic of Julia's lack of understanding of the military." (See below)
"With the threat of imminent base closures and continued military actions developing around the globe, it is important that Ventura County residents are represented by someone who understands military service and veterans."
"This mail piece was sent at taxpayer expense, adding to the $308,196 Julia has spent on House mail as of March 31, 2014."
"Julia should apologize for using a photo of a foreign or fake military officer. She should also apologize for using taxpayer funds to send out such wasteful, useless mailers."
"America needs more real military veterans in service to our nation in Congress. I intend to be one of those after November."
Jeff Gorell, a California State Legislator, is candidate for U.S. House of Representatives in the 26th Congressional District. A Navy Commander in the Reserve and third-generation Navy war veteran, Gorell most recently served in Afghanistan as an intelligence officer in support of Marine Corps forces in Helmand Province.
By Gazette Staff Writer — Friday, August 1st, 2014
Camarillo, CA – The office of Assemblyman Jeff Gorell is launching the "2014 Stuff the Bus" donation drive to help provide school supplies to students in need. Donations will be accepted at two Big Lots store locations beginning immediately, and will be delivered to the schools on August 15th during a public event hosted by Assemblyman Gorell.
People wishing to take part in the effort can donate school supplies at the Big Lots stores located on 733 W. Channel Islands Blvd in Port Hueneme, or at 353 Carmen Drive in Camarillo. Supplies can also be dropped off at Assemblyman Gorell's district office at 2301 East Daily Drive, Suite 200, in Camarillo.
Working with our community partners, Community Action Partnership of Ventura County, Hueneme Elementary School District, Oxnard Unified High School District, and Big Lots; this year's Stuff the Bus donations will benefit Hueneme Elementary School District and Oxnard Unified High School District.
For additional information about donating or helping the effort in any other way, people can contact Stephanie Butts in Assemblyman Gorell's district office at (805) 482-1904.
By Gazette Staff Writer — Monday, July 28th, 2014
CAMARILLO, CA - Today, Jeff Gorell, Republican nominee for Congress in California's 26th Congressional District and Navy Commander announced the leadership and formation of the Veterans for Gorell coalition.
Veterans for Gorell will be led by former Mayor of Port Hueneme, Brig Gen Tony Volante (Ret.), and 3-time Purple Heart recipient, CAPT Jon Williams (Ret.). "We are honored to join so many of our fellow veterans in supporting Jeff Gorell for Congress," said Volante. "With so much going on in the world today, we need someone like Jeff, with his military acumen, representing us in Washington, D.C. We need a leader who will make sure that our veterans are taken care of when they return, and for years afterwards. The current state of our Veterans Administration is a disgrace and disservice to those that have served. Veterans in the 26th District demand a stronger voice - one that knows where they come from."
"I could not ask to be surrounded by a more prestigious group of American heroes than those that have joined my campaign today," said Gorell. "When elected to Congress, I will fight everyday to protect our men and women in uniform, make sure our veterans are given the care and attention they deserve, and ensure that Naval Base Ventura County is protected as one of our area's biggest assets."
Those joining Veterans for Gorell include:
Tony Volante - Brig Gen, USAF (Ret.)
Gorell is a Navy Commander and third-generation Navy war veteran who most recently served in Afghanistan as an intelligence officer in support of Marine Corps forces in Helmand Province. He is currently training with joint U.S. forces in Colorado and will return home August 1st.
By Gazette Staff Writer — Sunday, July 20th, 2014
CAMARILLO, CA - Jeff Gorell, a California State Legislator, active Commander in the Navy Reserve, and candidate for California's 26th Congressional District, is proud to announce that he has been endorsed by the Combat Veterans for Congress. Gorell is currently meeting his annual reserve training obligation while training for three weeks with joint military forces in Colorado.
"The Combat Veterans For Congress PAC is pleased to endorse Commander Jeff Gorell, USNR, Esq. who will bring to Congress private sector skills and wisdom to better solve problems in government and represent the 26th Congressional District of California and the Republic," said Captain Joseph John, USN (Ret), Chairman of the Combat Veterans for Congress . "We look forward to working with Commander Gorell, and are pleased that a Combat Veteran of his caliber is running for Congress."
"I am proud to receive The Combat Veterans for Congress endorsement, and honored to be listed amongst the ranks of our nation's finest leaders and heroes like John McCain, Paul Cook, and Jeff Denham" stated Gorell. "These individuals are dedicated to fighting for the needs and interests of America's veterans - at a time when veterans and their families need our support more than ever."
"When elected to Congress, I will always keep the military service members and veterans of the 26th District at the front of my mind. As a third-generation member of the United States Navy, there is no more sacred duty our country can perform than protecting the welfare of our veterans."
The number of veterans continuing their service to our country as a Member of the House of Representatives has been on a steady decline the last 40 years and currently, there are the fewest number of veterans in Congress since World War II.
According to the organization's mission statement, "Combat Veterans For Congress Committee is dedicated to supporting the election of fiscally conservative Combat Veterans to Congress . . . who believe in limited government, will rein in the out of control spending of Congress, are committed to preserving and defending the US Constitution, and will support the independence and freedom of the individual as outlined in the Bill of Rights."
Assemblyman Gorell was elected to the legislature in 2010 and currently serves as vice chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee. Gorell is also an Intelligence Officer in the Navy Reserve. A decorated veteran of two tours to Afghanistan, Gorell was recently promoted to Commander.
By Gazette Staff Writer — Thursday, July 17th, 2014
SACRAMENTO – George Runner today announced a new Board of Equalization heat map showing varying sales tax rates across California.
"California has more than two hundred sales tax rate jurisdictions, which can be confusing for taxpayers," said Runner. "Our new map provides a picture of these rates and should serve as a helpful visual aid for taxpayers."
The map complements the Board's tax rate lookup tool that enables taxpayers to find a sales tax rate for a specific address.
"It's important to know the correct tax rates to make sure you're not being overcharged," said Runner. "In some parts of California you'll pay 7.5 percent on purchases while in some cities you will be charged up to 10 percent."
Only cities and counties can impose a higher local sales tax. Legislation on the Governor's desk (AB 2119) could allow voters to extend higher city tax rates to unincorporated portions of counties.
The highest sales tax rate of 10% can be found in the incorporated cities of La Mirada, Pico Rivera and South Gate located in Los Angeles County.
Taxpayers who believe they have been charged an incorrect rate should contact the retailer to request a refund. In addition, they can report the incorrect charge to the Board of Equalization by calling 1-800-400-7115.
More information on California sales tax, including the latest county and city rates, is available at boe.ca.gov/knowyourrate.
Elected in November 2010, George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a member of the State Board of Equalization. For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov/Runner.
By Gazette Staff Writer — Wednesday, July 9th, 2014
Camarillo, CA – Due to the high volume of constituent questions and concerns related to the temporary housing of undocumented immigrant children at Naval Base Ventura County, State Assemblyman Jeff Gorell, whose district includes the base, released the following statement today:
Shortly after national stories broke that hundreds of undocumented immigrant children were being held at Navy Base Ventura County (NBVC) under the supervision of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Assemblyman Jeff Gorell contacted the Commander of the Base and continuously reached out to HHS officials requesting a briefing and tour of the facility. After several weeks and almost a dozen calls and e-mails, his Assembly office and several other elected officials were finally granted a tour this afternoon.
Three primary concerns have been raised regarding the facility: (1) the condition and health of the children; (2) public health concerns; and (3) the timeline and Administration's strategy for the use of NBVC for housing undocumented immigrants, which is not the intended use for a military base.
From our discussions with local health officials and what we observed at the facility today, our office believes that the facility is operating in a manner that does not compromise the health of children and the public. The overall conditions for the children are very good at this time. Furthermore, HSS officials confirmed that they intend to use NBVC for a total of 120 days, of which 30 days have currently been used.
"Currently, the situation at Navy Base Ventura County has satisfactorily met our priority concerns regarding the health of the children and the local community," stated Assemblyman Gorell. "We will continue to closely monitor and communicate with base leadership and HHS officials to ensure the best interests of the children and local residents are met."
A number of very relevant concerns have been raised by local residents regarding the Department of Health and Human Services' program. NBVC is neither a prison, nor a medical quarantine facility, and the local community should be made aware of everything that is being done to minimize the very real public health threat that exists from housing refugees in a busy military facility that is located within an urban area.
Assemblyman Jeff Gorell, R-Camarillo, represents the 44th Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes, in part, Navy Base Ventura County, and the Cities of Port Hueneme and Oxnard.
By Gazette Staff Writer — Tuesday, July 8th, 2014
Camarillo, CA – With the California state legislature out of session for the July recess, Assemblyman Jeff Gorell (R-Camarillo) will be spending most of the month performing his obligatory annual reserve training with the U.S. Navy. Recently promoted to the rank of Commander, Gorell serves as an intelligence officer in the Navy Reserve and his upcoming joint service training in Colorado from July 9 to August 1 will help hone his expertise in space-based intelligence operations.
Assemblyman Jeff Gorell has completed two one-year tours to the Middle East and Afghanistan and was decorated for his leadership in a combat zone. In 2002, Gorell led a combat camera team in Bagram, Afghanistan; and from 2011-2012, he commanded a targeting cell embedded with the U.S. Marines in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Gorell is the grandson of a Navy Seabee who fought in the Pacific during World War II, and the son of a career naval officer and Vietnam veteran.
Gorell will be returning to his legislative duties in Sacramento when the Assembly reconvenes from summer recess on August 4th.
By Gazette Staff Writer — Wednesday, July 2nd, 2014
Camarillo, CA – Assemblyman and U.S. Navy Officer Jeff Gorell today offered congratulations to Admiral Michelle Howard as she become the first woman in the history of the U.S. Navy to be promoted to the rank of four-star admiral. Admiral Howard now assumes the duties of Vice-Chief of Naval Operations, the second highest position in the Navy.
"I'm proud to see Navy leaders shattering these glass ceilings," stated Assemblyman Jeff Gorell, who was recently promoted to Commander in the Navy Reserve and serves as an intelligence officer. "Admiral Howard has made a career of showing that military leadership should never be restricted by gender, and her promotion makes me even more honored to be a Navy officer myself."
Assemblyman Jeff Gorell has completed two one-year tours to the Middle East and Afghanistan and was decorated for his leadership in a combat zone. In 2002, Gorell led a combat camera team in Bagram, Afghanistan; and from 2011-2012, he commanded a targeting cell embedded with the U.S. Marines in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Gorell is the grandson of a Navy Seabee who fought in the Pacific during World War II, and the son of a career naval officer and Vietnam veteran.
By George Runner — Wednesday, June 25th, 2014
Written By George Runner
Drop by the California State Capitol at just the right moment and you might be surprised to hear liberal legislators sounding like tax-cutting conservatives.
In support of a multi-million dollar tax cut for business, one liberal lawmaker argues, "We need to send a message to New York… and other states competing for our jobs and say, 'It stops here.'"
One more chimes in: "Right now we're getting our lunch handed to us by these other states."
You'd be right to scratch your head. For years lawmakers have voted for tax hikes and burdensome regulations that drive jobs away from our state. As a consequence, Californians pay some of the highest tax rates in the nation.
Given this grim reality, any sign that tax-and-spend lawmakers might see the error of their ways is cause for hope, if not outright celebration.
A few recent developments are encouraging:
• In May, Governor Brown signed legislation to help boost California's economy and create more opportunity for job growth in our aerospace industry. AB 777 updates the tax code to return spaceflight vehicles to their original classification of business inventory, keeping California competitive in a budding multi-billion dollar industry.
• In July, a new sales tax exemption for qualifying manufacturing, research and development equipment takes effect. The Governor and Legislature approved the changes last year as part of an overhaul of economic development policies. After years of losing good-paying manufacturing jobs to other states, California can finally compete with states that have offered this commonsense tax break for years.
• The Assembly unanimously approved bipartisan legislation to expand funding for California's film tax credit. AB 1839 would increase funding for tax credits aimed at keeping production of films and TV series in California. Although the California Film Commission received 497 applications for the tax credit this year, due to limited funding only 23 projects were selected.
• The Governor and legislators are scrambling to find incentives that might encourage Tesla Motors to locate a new factory for its electric car batteries and 6500 jobs in California. The legislative effort, embodied in SB 1309 came after Tesla founder Elon Musk called California's chances "improbable" given our state's "complex and lengthy" permitting process.
In supporting these targeted measures, Democrats are agreeing with Republicans that California tax policy directly impacts our state's ability to compete for jobs and investment. They also are finally acknowledging that California is on the losing end of this competition in at least some industries.
This admission is significant because it shows California's great weather and natural beauty are not enough to keep us competitive and ensure our state's continued growth and prosperity.
Many of the lawmakers who recognize the value of targeted tax relief often ignore the broader implications of their statements. When California loses jobs due to high taxes and regulations, the problem isn't confined to select industries.
Yet rather than craft inclusive tax policies that benefit all job creators, the Democrats in the Legislature are picking winners and losers. As a result, job creators with broad appeal, political clout or media attention get tax relief; others, like many small businesses, facing similar competitive pressures get left out.
We should want all California entrepreneurs and businesses to be successful, because their success benefits all of us. Accordingly, we must recognize that high tax rates and regulatory costs undermines economic activity we can and cannot see.
If targeted tax relief is good for jobs, wouldn't broad-based tax relief be better?
George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a taxpayer advocate and elected member of the State Board of Equalization. For more information, visit boe.ca.gov/Runner.
By Gazette Staff Writer — Monday, June 23rd, 2014
Port Hueneme, CA – Assemblyman Jeff Gorell (R-Camarillo) was promoted today to the rank of Commander (O-5) in the United States Navy (Reserve Component) at a ceremony held at the U.S. Navy Seabee Museum at Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme. Commander Gorell, an intelligence officer and third-generation navy veteran, was selected for promotion last year by the Navy's annual Commander (O-5) promotion board.
Commander Gorell's military service was previously highlighted in 2011 when he became the first sitting member of the California State Legislature to be called to active military service since World War II. Half of his first two-year term was spent on an unpaid leave of absence from the legislature while he was embedded as a targeting officer with the U.S. Marines at Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan. He earned the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for leadership in a combat zone.
"We congratulate Commander Gorell and thank him for his continued service both as a military officer and as a state legislator," said Pete Conaty, who serves as Governmental Advocate for veterans groups. "Whether it's in Afghanistan or in Sacramento, it's important that we have experienced leaders who understand veterans' issues, military life, and the unique challenges placed upon the families of service members."
Assemblyman Jeff Gorell has completed two one-year tours to the Middle East and Afghanistan and was decorated for his leadership in a combat zone. In 2002, Gorell led a combat camera team in Bagram, Afghanistan; and from 2011-2012, he commanded a targeting cell embedded with the U.S. Marines in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Gorell is the grandson of a Navy Seabee who fought in the Pacific during World War II, and the son of a career naval officer and Vietnam veteran.
Since 2009, Commander Gorell has served as executive officer of NR STRATCOM JFCC SPACE, a reserve unit that supports military joint space operations. Gorell is a member of American Legion Post 502 in Moorpark, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9791 in Ojai, and the Past Commander of the Military Order of World Wars in Conejo Valley.
By Gazette Staff Writer — Monday, June 23rd, 2014
Holden Joins a Growing Number of Top Democrats Supporting republican Gorell in House Race
VENTURA COUNTY, CA - Former Mayor of Oxnard Dr. Thomas E. Holden, a Democrat, announced today he has endorsed Jeff Gorell, a Republican, in his bid for House of Representatives in California's 26th District, a seat currently held by Rep. Julia Brownley, a Democrat.
"My family has called Oxnard home for 108 years," said Dr. Holden, a local optometrist and 18-year member of the Oxnard City Council. "What is most important to me is supporting a candidate who understands, appreciates, and is responsive to my community, regardless of political party association. In this race for Congress, that candidate is Jeff Gorell. Whether as our Assemblyman, as a local small business owner, or as a county prosecutor, Jeff has made a commitment to supporting public safety and sound fiscal policy. He has proven in Sacramento to be a bi-partisan problem solver and gets things done."
Democratic leaders from across Ventura County have forgone partisan politics to endorse Republican Jeff Gorell for U.S. Representative in California's 26th District, and join "Democrats for Gorell" coalition.
"Jeff is a leader. As our State Assemblyman, he has delivered results for our communities because he is a part of this community." said Former Oxnard Mayor Pro Tem Andres Herrera. "We need his leadership in Congress."
"I'm proud to support Jeff Gorell for Congress. He knows how to break the gridlock in Washington," declared retired Thousand Oaks Mayor Frances Prince.
"Jeff Gorell is a leader who is accessible and delivers on his commitments. Our community deserves a champion like him in Congress." stated former Oxnard Mayor Pro Tem Irene Pinkard. "My husband and I both support Jeff because he is 'the Real Deal'". Her husband, former Mayor Pro Tem Bedford Pinkard , also serves as Chairman of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee of Ventura County and was the co-founder of the Ventura County Black American Political Action Committee.
"The people of Ventura County are tired of the partisan excuses and failed leadership in Washington," said Gorell "Our incumbent Julia Brownley has lost touch with the people she was elected to represent."
"Democrats, Independents and Republicans alike want results, not rhetoric, from their elected Representative in Congress," continued Gorell. "Incumbent Brownley has failed to deliver jobs for local families or to protect our Veterans from the shameful treatment they are receiving at the hands of VA bureaucrats. It's time for a fresh voice in Congress."
"I am honored to earn endorsements from these outstanding Democratic leaders. Their willingness to cross party lines demonstrates the growing bipartisan wave of support that is building behind my candidacy," concluded Gorell.
Surging list of members of the "Democrats for Gorell" coalition include:


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Missoula Children's Theatre Auditions
Auditions for the Missoula Children's Theatre (MCT) production of The Emperors New Clothes will be held
on Monday, February 18, 2019 at the Red Lodge Community Church, 308 S. Broadway from 3:45 to 5:45
p.m. There are roles for those students Kindergarten through 12th grade. Approximately 50-60 local students
will be cast to appear in the show with the MCT Tour Actor/Director. There is no guarantee that everyone
who auditions will be cast in the play. Students wishing to audition must arrive by the scheduled starting
time and stay for the entire two-hour session. The first rehearsal begins approximately 15-minutes after the
Click for Details

subset: commoncrawl


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Shannonside Astronomy Club Loop Head Starparty < BackEvent Over
Shannonside Astronomy Club's annual starparty.
This year SAC are delighted to announce a new dark-sky location for our annual weekend starparty…The beautiful Loop Head Peninsula in Co.Clare!
To be held over 2 nights this September – Friday 14th & Saturday 16th at St. Cuan's National School, Kilbaha (20 minutes from Kilkee).
Friday 14th September – Public talk & Observing
8-9PM – Public talk in St. Cuan's N.S. by SAC's Frank Ryan Jr entitled:
"You are here" – a journey from our home planet through the solar system and beyond.
Afterwards – Weather Permitting! – Club telescopes provided with guided views of The Moon, Saturn, Mars, The Andromeda Galaxy and other stellar gems.
Saturday 15th September – Observing
9PM onwards – Club scopes will also be on offer for a few hours while more experienced observes will set up their scopes and enjoy the near perfect dark condition into the wee hours.


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The Fashion Vault captured Chris at the launch of Braddon's stylish new footwear and accessory store, Peachy Keen.
This dapper chap says he opts for a smart preppy casual look.
"I love to shop online and I don't believe you need to wear head-to-toe brands to look good," he says.
"When I shop I look for classic cuts."
Working in aviation, Chris has travelled the globe and says his favourite cities to shop include Japan and Hong Kong.
"I love the simplicity of Japanese fashion and the cut of their garments," he says.


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WellPoint Official Touts New Services, Knocks Reform Bill
On Thursday, an executive of WellPoint touted a new doctor-rating tool and other upcoming services for California members and noted the company's opposition to the health care reform plan that failed in the Senate this week, the Ventura County Star reports.
WellPoint, the parent company of Blue Cross of California, serves 8.3 million residents statewide.
Samuel Nussbaum, executive vice president for clinical health policy and chief medical officer for Wellpoint, said California is an "extremely important" and "vital state" for the company.
Nussbaum highlighted pilot projects under way in California, including a new doctor-rating service available to members in the Los Angeles area in April. Patients will have access to a Zagat survey tool to rate physicians and read other patients' reviews, according to Nussbaum.
WellPoint also is developing a "member health index," which compares the quality of care members receive with the expected standard, Nussbaum said. The goal is to identify gaps in care and fill them.
Nussbaum said WellPoint opposed the health care reform legislation (ABX1 1) that was backed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) and rejected by a Senate committee earlier this week.
With 6.6 million uninsured California residents, health care reform is necessary, and WellPoint wants "to be part of" the solution, Nussbaum said. However, he added, "don't create solutions that make insurance unaffordable for people who can afford it now" (Klampe, Ventura County Star, 2/1).


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Boards Index › General discussion › Getting serious › The Five Families
20 September, 2018 at 4:37 pm #1104510
The Five Families are the five major New York City organized chat families of the Italian American Chat Mafia.
The term was first used in 1931, when Salvatore Maranzano formally organized the previously warring gangs into what are now known as the Bonanno, Colombo, Gambino, Genovese, and Lucchese chat families, each with demarcated territory, organizationally structured in a now-familiar hierarchy, and having them reporting up to the same overarching governing entity. Initially Maranzano intended each family's boss to report to him as the capo di tutti capi (boss of all bosses), but this led to his assassination and by September the role was replaced by The Commission, which continues to govern American Chat Mafia activities in the United States and Canada And All Rooms.
In F1 we have Don Invisible Maranzano ordering pm hits on anyone that does not pay for a membership.
In F2 we have Don Bads Columbo also ordering pm hits on all the evil men she has " REJECTED" also their deeply jealous girlfriends jumping on the trolling wagon to make her life a living hell. This lady is a joy to any organised chat room and family and has an arsenal of cyber guns waiting in her pm to pass to other pm's on her orders to clip these pests, or to have them pm whacked with inflatable hammers.
In F3 we have the boss of all bosses Don " WEE" Gambino who has the foresight of an owl, and as cunning as a fox, and the courage of a thousand lions, which keeps her alert for any disruption of such a nice room. Who is a peacemaker of the highest order and will not tolerate to have anyone stopping the nice flow of chat.
Members Room We have Don Doofy Genovese who will make sure no one posts any sick material or breaks any data wind as he has a thing about funny smells, He even knows when the little boy has let one rip invisible in there.
Quiz Room we have Don Quizzer Lucchese who will not tolerate people giving silly answers and will be disposed of by means of gagging.
Nice To Meet Yous Guys I Am New Here My Name Is Jack
20 September, 2018 at 4:41 pm #1104513
- This topic was modified 1 year, 8 months ago by Ambassador Of Truth.
- This topic was modified 1 year, 8 months ago by Ambassador Of Truth.
3 members liked this post.20 September, 2018 at 4:47 pm #1104515
Nice To Meat You Sophia I Am Jack x20 September, 2018 at 4:49 pm #1104518
Give the merde a break. Lol..
I take me old guns out of storage and shoot you myself after of course making my sauce for the boys, pasta and meatballs. Uncle Peter I am coming..taking care of the butano..20 September, 2018 at 4:52 pm #1104519
My italiano little rusty. Merda..bastardo.
Figure it out dumb Norwegian.20 September, 2018 at 4:53 pm #1104520
Someone is desperate to give themselves away Can only kid so many . You should get some therapy for that Walter Mitty syndrome you have20 September, 2018 at 5:07 pm #1104523
Someone is desperate to give themselves away Can only kid so many . You should get some therapy for that Walter Mitty syndrome you have
Linda has milky although i am new here i know they're very fond of each other, so maybe if someone is a " DESPERATE " hypocrite Skyping, whats apping, texting flirting, pm'ing, to give themselves to any Tom Dick Or Harolddddddddd. Then that's their choice. Linda seems like a very nice woman from what i have seen on the boards.
Hello Linda Nice To Meet You Love I Am Jack x20 September, 2018 at 6:20 pm #1104546
My italiano little rusty. Merda..bastardo.
Figure it out dumb Norwegian.
Oh so Ambassador is Alfie then and not Morg?
Well I never.
Deffo no flies on you guys.20 September, 2018 at 6:30 pm #1104547
It must have won the lottery20 September, 2018 at 11:58 pm #1104559
there is a gang in f2, does one have to be; abusive, dumb, crazy, angry, to join the gang?
Get involved in this discussion! Log in or register now to have your say!


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1) Academic says West Papuans 'cautious' over elections
2) West Papuan plight overshadowed by Indonesian presidential election.
3) Academic says Joko likely to be better match for West Papua
1)Academic says West Papuans 'cautious' over elections
Updated at 2:22 pm today
An academic specialising in West Papua says people in the region are likely to be very cautious today as Indonesia heads to the polls to elect a new president.
The region's security forces are on full alert after calls for a boycott of the elections by indigenous West Papuan leaders.
Jim Elmslie, of the University of Sydney's Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, says the military have made it crystal clear that it won't tolerate anyone promoting a boycott.
"There's been people arrested for putting up posters and things but I gather that the actual boycott in West Papua at the moment is being promoted in a low-key way, if you like, people are not marching up and down the street, they are not talking from the street corners, because police have made it clear that they are not going to tolerate that."
Jim Elmslie says the boycott is a symbolic way for West Papuans to express their dissatisfaction with the status quo.
2) West Papuan plight overshadowed by Indonesian presidential election.
July 8, 2014
With the upcoming Presidential election, scheduled for the 9 July 2014, tensions are simmering across Indonesia. West Papuan activists have been demanding the respect of the right to self-determination from Indonesia for decades. In the run-up to the elections, the Indonesian military is threatening West Papuans who try to boycott the proceedings on election day.
Current president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Indonesia's first directly elected president, has already served two terms and cannot seek to serve a third term. The main candidates for the upcoming elections are Jokowi-Kalla and Pradowo-Hatta. The former is the current Governor of Jakarta, who declares to tackle intolerance, discrimination and violence. Jokowi-Kalla also pledged to protect the rights of indigenous peoples. Pradowo Subianto is a former commander in chief of the armed forces. He is courting the votes of the Front for the Defense of Islam (FDI), known for its violent attacks against minority Ahmadiyah, Shiite and Christian components. Human rights organizations and activists are reported to be worried about Subianto's campaign and potential presidency over the country.
Within this context, the struggle of the West Papuans remains largely unheard. On 4 July 2014, six activists from West Papua were arrested, beaten and taken to the Jayapura Police Station. They were peacefully distributing leaflets calling on people to boycott the Presidential election. The security forces have been gearing up already, in order to control various cities during election day.
West Papua lies in the western part of the island of New Guinea. The resource-rich region has been continuously exploited by non-native populations over the past decades. West Papua was first conquered by the Spanish, then the Dutch and finally, in 1969, Indonesia used brute force to compel the local populations to comply with the occupation of West Papua, and thus incorporation into Indonesia. In 1971, West Papua declared independence from Indonesia, an act that was met with repression and violence. Indigenous communities were forcibly relocated, and areas of West Papua were granted as concessions to multinational, transnational and Indonesian mining companies.
UNPO calls upon the Indonesian authorities to respect the indigenous rights of West Papuans and fight against ethnic discrimination, within the context of the upcoming elections and the internationally hailed democratic character of the country. UNPO also urges the Indonesian Government to allow all citizens to peacefully demonstrate, and to ensure that all citizens enjoy freedom of speech and expression in line with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) which it ratified.
3) Academic says Joko likely to be better match for West Papua
Originally aired on Dateline Pacific, Wednesday 9 July 2014
An academic specialising in West Papua says Indonesian presidential candidate Joko Widodo is likely to be more Papua friendly than his opponent Prabowo Subianto.
An academic specialising in West Papua says Indonesian presidential candidate Joko Widodo is likely to be more Papua friendly than his opponent Prabowo Subianto.
Indonesia is holding its elections today amid calls from West Papuan leaders for Papuans to boycott the elections in protest.
Jim Elmslie, of the University of Sydney's Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, says Joko Widodo, known as 'Jokowi', appears to have a more conciliatory approach to West Papua when compared to Prabowo Subianto's militaristic style.
But Dr Elmslie also told Amelia Langford neither candidate is interested in giving West Papua independence.
JIM ELMSLIE: Prabowo is seen as taking Indonesia back to a more authoritarian mode of government and that would probably be reflected on the ground by a more hardline approach by the military and police even though they are taking a fairly hardline approach now. Jokowi is seen as more of a people's person and indeed he doesn't have a military background. In his visits to Papua he tried to talk to grassroots people at the market etcetera and I am sure he would be more open to taking a discursive approach rather than a militaristic approach to demonstrators and trying to sort of heal the rift, if you can say it like that, he sees the problem in Papua as a rift between the Papuan people and the Indonesian people and has talked about trying to embrace the Papuan people and to dissolve the problems in that manner.
AMELIA LANGFORD: Now you have mentioned he [Jokowi] has said something about healing the rift or wanting to heal the rift. Has he made any indication that he would look to the future of providing independence to West Papua?
JE: Oh, there is no question that for both candidates independence is completely off the table and for the vast majority of Indonesians it is not an option at all. So what they would be looking at trying to do is to resolve the problems there within the framework of maintaining West Papua as part of Indonesia. There are no politicians there who are talking about independence as an option. From their point of view, it is more how do you deal with this problem? How do you deal with this rift? Whether you deal with it with a hardline approach and you crack down on people who are demonstrating or whether you try and make concessions and you have some sort of dialogue or you make gestures to try and reconcile the conflict. And that's really how it has played out over the last 20, 30 years. It's most of the time hardline repression and then periods of openness particularly under Gus Dur [Abdurrahman Wahid] after 2000, which many Indonesian politicians remember with horror because they thought that Gus Dur - that by being conciliatory towards the Papuans he opened up a [can] of worms and the big congress of 2000 where the Papuans were outspoken in their demands for independence - that that really was a counter-development for Indonesia. So I think you will find, whoever comes in, they are not interested in talking about independence - that they both acknowledge that there are serious problems in West Papua and it is a matter of how to deal with them and for both the candidates are interested in economic development down there. They see Papua as the least developed part of Indonesia and that the problems might be resolved through economic development and increased services. Mind you, which was also an argument that was used in East Timor for many years, that East Timor's problems would diminish with economic development and that didn't really prove the case there.
AL: So for West Papuans, we've got two candidates here, and one might be slightly more attractive than the other, but both options are pretty unsatisfactory?
JE: Well, for the Papuans they are in effect trapped within Indonesia and they don't want to be but the nature of the circumstance is they have found themselves against their wishes within the Indonesian nation. And certainly most, if not every Papuan I have talked to, would if given the chance not be in that situation but they are and it is a quandary for them. So I guess this boycott [of elections] to a large extent is symbolic and it is a message to people like yourself, and myself, saying, well reiterating this deep dissatisfaction of the status quo but also except for the options like economic development, possibly demilitarisation, what the Papuan people often express their desire for independence really is not an option for the Indonesian Government.
AL: How critical is this particular election for West Papua?
JE: Well I think it will be critical in the senses that I have mentioned - the general outlooks from the candidates. If you are a person living in that situation, where you are not free, what you say and do can have very severe consequences to your personal freedom and health. If you are in an environment as you are now where there is almost complete impunity - where the police and the military will pick people up and beat them and in the worst extremes people have been killed and there are no sanctions on the police officers or the soldiers who did that. They don't justify their actions then you live in a climate of fear and that comes to an extent from Jakarta, from the president, and I think if I was a West Papuan - if Jokowi was the president I would feel slightly more at ease than if Prabowo was. Simply because Jokowi doesn't have a military background so he doesn't see government and authority through the lens of a military mind - that he is a civilian who believes to an extent that the military should be accountable rather than a law unto itself.


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Govt. General Hospital (GGH) Guntur Staff Nurses Posts – 37 Vacancies | 12th/Diploma GNM/B.Sc (Nursing)/M.Sc (Nursing) | Apply Now
Govt. General Hospital, Guntur, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh.
In the latest job notification, GGH Guntur announces job vacancies for Staff Nurse posts on contract basis to fill 37 positions.
Under Govt. General Hospital Guntur Staff Nurses Recruitment 2018, candidates completed 12th/Diploma GNM/B.Sc (Nursing)/M.Sc (Nursing) can apply.
On basis of Qualifying Exam Marks, an applicant for announced GGH Guntur Staff Nurse posts will be finalized on merit.
The selected candidate will be recruited on contract basis for a period of one year, with salary pay of Rs 22,500 per month.
An interested and qualified candidate has to apply through offline mode 15/12/2018.
Eligibility Criteria For GGH Guntur Posts:
No. Of Vacancies: 37.
Name of the post: Staff Nurse.
Age Limit:
As on 01/07/2018, Candidate maximum age limit should be 40 years.
An applicant from reserved and special categories, the upper age limit is relaxed as per Govt. guidelines.
Education Qualification:
Should complete 12th/Diploma GNM/B.Sc (Nursing)/M.Sc (Nursing) from recognized university/institute.
Selection Process:
On basis of Qualifying Exam Marks.
Application Fee:
Candidates have to pay a fee of Rs. 200 through DD.
Steps to apply:
- A Candidate has to logon http://guntur.ap.gov.in/login.apo.
- Select relevant job notification "GGH Contract Staff Nurses".
- Read complete job details.
- Fill the application form in prescribed format through offline mode.
- And send details to "the Superintendent, Govt. General Hospital, Guntur".
Important Dates:
Last date for submission of application: on or before 15.12.2018, by 5:00 PM.
Job Notification: https://jobalertshub.com/uploads/govt-general-hospital-guntur-staff-nurses-job-notification.pdf.
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Members of the extremist alt-right group may idolise violent anti-hero the Punisher, but the real man only hates them in return.
Jon Bernthal portrays lead character Frank Castle in Netflix's adaptation of Marvel comic The Punisher, a vigilante set on avenging his murdered family.
The symbol of The Punisher was displayed alongside Nazi and other terrorist group symbols at the notorious alt-right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, where an anti-hate protester was killed by white supremacist James Alex Fields Jr.
Bernthal was asked about alt-right members using his character's symbol in such a way by Esquire magazine.
"F**k them," he simply replied.
In the same interview, Bernthal discussed his views on gun control, as Frank Castle/The Punisher is a famously gun-crazed character.
Despite confessing to being a firearm owner "to keep his family safe", the actor - also known for his role in The Walking Dead - said there should be stricter control in the US.
"Should there be a way that a guy with mental issues like [some] asshole in Texas can't get guns? Absolutely," Bernthal said, referring to the Sutherland Springs church shooting.
"We have to have a dialogue, and that's not happening."
The Punisher season one was released on Netflix in November, 2017.


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The Women in the country have observed that the Republican Constitution remains the bedrock of any meaningful and sustainable national development and has called on Government to outline a roadmap for holding the national Referendum for the adoption of the expanded Bill of Rights in the Legislative Document.
Speaking at a joint Media briefing in Lusaka organised by the Non-Governmental Coordinating Council NGOCC, Young Women Christian Association of Zambia YMCA, Zambia National Women's Lobby ZNWL, the Zambia Federation of Disability Organisation ZAFOD and others, NGOCC Board Chairperson Mary Mulenga who represented the views of the Women Movement urged President Lungu to consider building consensus on the Constitution making process by listening to the people's voices and withdraw the retrogress provisions in the Constitutional Bill No. 10.
"The Constitution derives from the people; and the people should have the final say as to what will be contained in their document. A process that is not inclusive is bound to fail. We are therefore happy to note that President Edgar Chagwa Lungu made a statement that he is ready to meet the main opposition leader. Kenya did it, we can also do it," Ms. Mulenga noted.
She also appealed to opposition political party leaders to exercise tolerance in both behaviour and speech.
Ms. Mulenga also urged the Executive to also reach out to all stakeholders including the civil society, other political parties and the Church.
Meanwhile, the Women Movement has stated that the National Dialogue Forum did produce both progressive and retrogressive provision.
"For NGOCC, it has always been our outcry that the playing field especially in politics has never been leveled, hence, the very low numbers of women in political positions as can been seen in the current statistics. We also noted that the numbers in the recent past have further declined. The picture in non-political decision making positions is not very different either. Therefore, the adoption of the Mixed Member Electoral System, as one of the progress provision, gave us hope that this would enhance the participation of women, youth and people with disabilities in Parliament and the local Councils, Ms. Mulenga stated.
And speaking at the same event, the Zambia Federation of Disability Organisation (ZAFOD), proposed that 10 percent quota of total number of seats in Parliament be reserved for persons with disabilities and in line with the SADC and AU protocols, 30 percent of total number of seats be reserved for the marginalized group categorized as women youths and persons with disabilities.
ZAFOD Chairperson for the Technical Working Group Joseph Shinaka explained that in the case of Persons Living with Disabilities, the ten percent designated seats be filled in by way of recommendations and nominations through Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) through an alternate or Zebra arrangement .
"The first Qualification for a person to be nominated and adopted under this quota is to have a disability as defined by the Persons with Disability Act No. 6, of 2012 and meets the eligibility requirements as specified in article 70 of the 2016 (amendment) Constitution," Ms Shinaka submitted.
She further proposed that the tenure of office for a Person with Disability whose adoption is ratified by Parliament shall be a maximum of two five-year terms, after which the person will not be eligible any more to be nominated under the disability quota.


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Tuesday, April 21, 2009
41Yo.Com Presents Soul Food & Sushi: A Mania Music Group Mixtape
It's funny, a couple weeks back when I was writing my live review of Mania Music Group's show at the Quarter, I was listening to a playlist on my iTunes of all the music the label's released for free on the internet in the past year (three artist EPs, two group compilations, and a handful of one-off tracks and singles), and I was thinking how all that music distilled into a best-of would be pretty killer. Evidently, Brandon Soderberg of 41yo.com had the same idea but actually acted on it, and compiled his favorite Mania material together, stringing it together with some interview clips and exclusive audio, for this 70-minute downloadable mixtape. If you've been keeping up with the label there won't be much new to you here, but if you've managed to read this site in the past year without hearing their music yet, this is probably the best introduction you could get. The cover art makes use of Rarah's great photo from my City Paper feature last year.
RapMan Ron G., Kane Mayfield and Dappa!!! Dan Midas - "Gotta Believe It" Freestyle (mp3)
Brandon's big article about Mania last month opened with a few paragraphs describing this track in really close detail, and he really summed up why it's so entertaining and how it represents a lot of these 3 MCs' different strengths and unique qualities. Ron G. has some of the most hysterical ad libs I've ever heard.
Labels: 41yo, Kane, Mania Music Group, Midas, mixtape/album review, mp3, Ron G.
<< Home
Thanks for the loads of links lately, especially on this one though, it was a fun thing to put together and I'm sort of hoping it'll crossover to some people that either haven't heard Mania or got too overwhelmed by all the free music-Post a Comment
<< Home


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HARRISBURG, Pa. – A bill that opponents say would restrict public access to police video is now on Gov. Tom Wolf's desk.Senate Bill 560 cleared the House last week and passed in the Senate on Tuesday. According to Elizabeth Randol, legislative director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania, the whole idea behind police wearing body cams was to bolster police accountability and transparency. But if it becomes law, this bill would exempt the video recorded by those cameras from the state's right-to-know law, removing the presumption that the video is a public document."It also sets up a very onerous and expensive process that anyone in the public, which includes the press, would need to go through to request a copy of the footage," she stresses.Proponents of the legislation contend that police video is an investigative tool not subject to public access.But Randol says that was never the primary purpose of the cameras and this bill will turn them into surveillance tools."Body cameras will be very difficult to serve a purpose of increased transparency and accountability and instead will be used in the service of data and evidence collection of residents and communities," she points out.The governor is expected to sign the bill into law.Randol says Wolf has acknowledged that the bill isn't perfect, but he maintains it will clear the way for police to start using the cameras. She disagrees with that assessment."It's not just imperfect, it's bad and it's regressive, and it does some real damage to how we understand and how law enforcement will understand their obligation to the public," she states.On a separate track, last week the state Supreme Court ruled that the public should have access to police dash-cam video unless it can be proved that the video is for a criminal investigation.
Opponents Say Police Body Cam Bill Hinders AccessJul 05, 2017 • by Keystone State News Connection
Body cams were intended to increase police accountability and transparency.


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STATE TIMES NEWS Jammu: The BSF on Wednesday described border village residents as key elements in the safety grid of the country's frontiers and urged them to report any suspicious activity to it or the police promptly. The BSF conveyed this message to villagers in a series of coordination meetings with them in villages on the International Border in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir, a BSF spokesperson said. Assuring villagers of the border guarding force's "full protection", the BSF also sought to encourage them to cultivate their lands up till border fences. The residents of Regal and Mawa village attended the coordination meets which took place at Border Outpost Regal, said the spokesperson. The meeting was chaired by Assistant Commandant Atharva Roshan Sharma of the BSF's 80th Battalion, who also assured villagers that their demand for build bunkers along the border to shield them from the Pakistani shelling has been duly conveyed to the district administration.
Sharma told villagers that the district authorities were already pursuing their demand, the the BSF spokesperson said.
Sharma also sought to impress upon villagers that they constitute an important element of the country's border protection grid and their timely and appropriate response to any untoward event play a significant role in national security.
He also asked villagers to report any suspicious activity to the BSF and the local police immediately, the spokesman said.
Similar meetings were also conducted by the BSF in Budhtip, Nursery and Chak Faquira in the recent past to address local issues of villagers, the spokesman said.
Arjun joins Dua Lipa, Jason Derulo to raise COVID-19 relief funds
Actor Kiran Kumar tests negative for COVID-19
Animation series on Salman Khan's 'Dabangg' in the works
Salma Hayek says daughter Valentina may follow in her acting footsteps
Actor Kiran Kumar tests positive for COVID-19
© 2020 State Times Daily Newspaper


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The Center for Community Solutions, a non-partisan think tank based in Cleveland, Ohio, recently released a report on opportunity youth in Northeast Ohio's Cuyahoga County. The county is home to Cleveland, as well as 50+ cities and towns and approximately 1.2 million residents. With a sharp focus on health, social and economic issues, the Center for Community Solutions examined the county's opportunity youth population to gather demographic insights that can hopefully lead to more effective and collaborative solutions. Here are the top takeaways from the report:
1. There are more opportunity you than you may realize
Despite the economic progress Cuyahoga County has experienced since 2009, the population of opportunity youth, those individuals aged 16–24 who are not enrolled in school or contributing to the labor market, has not improved. Between 2012 and 2016, the county had an estimated 21,000 residents classified as opportunity youth. Currently, one out of every seven residents in the 16–24 age range is disengaged from school and/or unemployed. With 14.1 percent of its youth population qualifying as opportunity youth, Cuyahoga County has a greater number than many surrounding areas, including Hamilton County (Cincinnati) and Montgomery County (Dayton.)
2. There are stark differences between urban and suburban areas
Because the definition of opportunity youth is broad, it can encompass anyone from the person who lives below the poverty level and drops out of school to the very affluent high school grad who decides to take a gap year. In general, opportunity youth in Cuyahoga County are more likely to be male, African American and live in poverty. Here are some of the key demographic differences for opportunity youth in Cleveland specifically and its suburbs:
• Gender – In Cleveland, there is an even split, whereas the suburbs skew male.
• Race – Sixty-five percent of opportunity youth in Cleveland are African American; the suburbs have a more even split.
• Poverty level – In the city, 60 percent of opportunity youth live below 100 percent of the poverty level. In the suburbs, nearly half live 200 percent above the poverty level.
3. Systematic issues are at play
Yes, there are affluent opportunity youth – but that is a technicality of the term. This study reinforces the fact that opportunity youth are more likely to be people of color living in considerable poverty. Additionally, being disengaged from school and the workforce increases an individual's chances of becoming involved in crime or experiencing health issues. Opportunity youth in Cuyahoga County also report struggling with teen pregnancy, caring for an aging/ailing relative, transportation issues, lack of a valid state I.D. and insufficient housing as barriers to their education or employment opportunities.
4. Most don't know how to get help
The Center for Community Solutions used a third party to interview more than 50 area opportunity youth and found that most had clear aspirations about where they'd like to be in one and five years. Thirty-three percent hoped to own their own business, while 40 percent said they wanted to have a stable job with healthcare, trades labor and sports being among the top fields mentioned. However, the researchers identified significant hurdles for these students, aside from obvious financial issues. Some of these include:
- Limited exposure to available occupations
- Unrealistic understanding of career paths
- Inability to conduct successful online searches
- Lack of industry contacts
5. Opportunity youth impact the community financially
Because opportunity youth are not earning, and may also be accessing public assistance and social services, they have a negative impact on their local community. In Cuyahoga County, a single opportunity youth results in $44,158 per year in missed wages, tax revenue and other costs. In total, this demographic costs the county an estimated $900 million annually. What's more, if an individual does not enroll in school or enter the workforce by the age of 25, the estimated economic loss from that person is multiplied by 20. That means that the 21,000 opportunity youth in Cuyahoga County today could potentially result in $20 billion in economic losses.
The Center for Community Solutions used one-on-one interviews, as well as information from the Corporation for National and Community Service and the White House Council for Community Solutions and other sources to compile its report. I encourage you to read the complete findings here and see how you can get involved with opportunity youth in your community.


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Phosphorescent materials, like glow-in-the-dark toys, or exit tape in movie theaters, have a unique property: They absorb light energy all around them and slowly release it back, even in the dark. Songwriter Matthew Houck, aka Phosphorescent, took five years after releasing his last album, "Muchacho." That album's devastating "Song for Zula" plumbed darkness in its verses, "So some say love is a burning thing / That it makes a fiery ring / All that I know love as a caging thing / Just a killer come to call from some awful dream." But in the time since, Houck relocated from New York to Nashville, started a family and built a new studio in which to work. His new album title, "C'est la Vie," means "That's life." Its first single, "New Birth in New England," tells a story about meeting his new love in a bar, while "My Beautiful Boy" is directed to his young son.
Phosphorescent plays Portland's Crystal Ballroom Nov. 20 at 8:30 p.m. We're giving away tickets to the concert. Here's how to enter the drawing:
To enter for a chance to win tickets to Phosphorescent, fill in the blanks below and press "submit." One entry per person, please. Duplicate entries will be ignored. Tickets are not transferable. The deadline to enter is Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 5 p.m. PT. We'll notify the winners by email. Good luck!


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Remember all that talk about this guy, Felix Baumgartner, who was teaming up with — of all companies — Red Bull to attempt a sky-dive from the edge of the stratosphere? Well, yesterday morning he actually did it.
Baumgartner jumped from a height of 24 miles above New Mexico and was in free-fall for over four minutes before he deployed his parachute. during which he reached a speed of 830 miles per hour, breaking the sound barrier.
The jump was apparently "a lot harder than [he] thought it was going to be."
Latest posts by Robert OBrien (see all)
- Baltimore Woman Accused of Stealing from Local Business to Stock Her Own - December 8, 2017
- Manny Machado Is No Longer the Best; That's Good News for O's Fans - December 8, 2017
- Baltimore Ravens 2017: A Tragedy - October 23, 2017
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Average cash balance holds steady at 5.1%, well above the 10-year average of 4.5%, as investors stay bearish. A record 85% of survey respondents think the global economy is in the late cycle, 11ppt above prior highs in Dec. '07
Asset allocation
"Investors are bearish on global growth," said Michael Hartnett, chief investment strategist, "but not bearish enough to signal anything but a short-term bounce in risk assets."
Next Finance , October 2018
BofAML's October Global Fund Manager Survey was conducted October 5-11; 231 panellists with $646bn AUM participated in total. 174 participants with $518bn AUM responded to the Global FMS questions and 125 participants with $266bn AUM responded to the Regional FMS questions.
This research paper focuses on the inseparable relationship between implied repo rates and equity index total return swaps. Written by Stuart Heath, Director Equity & Index R&D at Eurex, it covers the various aspects and calculations of both repo rates and the (...)
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Jeff Conine Charity Poker Classic / Charity Series of Poker
Level 21: 100,000/200,000 with an 200,000 big-blind ante
Players Remaining: 3 of 382
Marlo McCloskey moved all in from the button for about 950,000, and Peter Shapiro called all in from the big blind for about 500,000 with .
McCloskey turned over , and Shapiro needed to improve to stay alive.
The board came — Shapiro flopped a gutshot straight draw, but McCloskey paired her ace on the turn to win the pot and eliminate Shapiro in fourth place.
Marlo McCloskey – 1,700,000 (9 bb)
Peter Shapiro – Eliminated in 4th Place ($1,150 + WSOP Circuit Coco Main Event Seat)
Peter Shapiro is an attorney from Weston, Florida, and, according to his bio sheet, his most notable poker accomplishment is playing in Jeff Conine's monthly game.


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Help Center
Articles: reasons to create
Reason 1: Stay indexable
As well as television didn't supersede theater, video will never ever replace text as an information source. And what do we do today when we have a question? Exactly, we google it!
Text is still the type of content search engines are indexing the best. And an article is the best tool that allows an absolutely random person searching for something, to find... you. Your answer. Then your courses, items and so on.
Tip: Recall popular questions your students, friends, or even colleagues ask you about photography. Ask Google. Write a better answer. Well, no. Write the best one. You can, that's why we've invited you here. But remember - search engines are a badass - they know when you copy and paste, know when people don't like a page and leave it fast.
Reason 2: A reason to post a referral link
Hey, Facebook followers, here is my new article, you say, and post the link. And in fact it's your referral link, so everyone who come through the link in your post or any repost may become your referrals.
And people are more likely to click on an article then on something complicated, time consuming and big like a course or event. An article - it's 10 or 15 minutes - I can read it during my coffee-break, in the subway or in a taxi.
Tip: When people arrive - it's our job to please them and make them curious. You should just engage people to click. Here the title and lead are everything, if you're working with referral programs in social networks.
Reason 3: Free promotion
Writing articles you promote yourself in the web through search engines (it learns connection between your name and photography) and within Classerium engaging more people to watch your courses, participate in your events and buy your items.
Tip: Connect your articles with your courses. Raise a topic and let them know that you're diving deep into the subject in your course.
Courses and webinars
- Courses: filming
- Courses: publishing
- Courses: removal policy
- Upcoming courses
- Free courses and webinars
- Premium courses and webinars
- Exclusive courses and webinars
- Category, topics and level
- Short and full description
- Attachments
- Webinars: planning
- Webinars: publishing
- Webinars: cancellation policy
- Articles: reasons to create
- Items


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Mr. Weber, a battle-tested executive with over 30 years experience in finance, accounting, banking, risk management and real estate; is the Chief Financial Officer for Devon International Group. Mr. Weber brings his vast experience in financial discipline, process improvement, and high performance team building to the company.
Prior to joining the Devon International Group, Mr. Weber was the VP of Budgeting, Compliance and Cash Planning for O'Neill Properties Group, LP, a leading privately owned real estate development company that specializes in identifying and acquiring abandoned or underutilized industrial sites, remediating and transforming them into high-quality, Class A commercial space or luxury multifamily live, work, and play communities.
Other previous work experience and accomplishments included over 7 years with Royal Bank America, a regional community bank with assets of approx $1B. Served in various capacities with Royal Bank America; including as the Senior Vice President of Real Estate Strategy and Chief Risk Officer.
Mr. Weber received his Bachelors in Accounting from Penn State University.


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From Search and Rescue in East London, United Kingdom
A uniquely illustrated pot by ceramicist Louise Madzia. Slip-cast by hand in white earthenware with screen-printed decals in Stoke-On-Trent. Can be used as a pot or planter for a cactus, succulent or small plant.Read more
- BrandLouise Madzia
- Details
Size: Approximately 7cm x 7cm
Material: White earthenware
Our delivery partners are operating as normal.
The product will be shipped to you from:
Search and Rescue in East London, United Kingdom.
Search and Rescue in East London, United Kingdom.
Standard Delivery from United Kingdom£4.99
Delivery within 3-5 working days.
Express Delivery from United Kingdom£5.99
Delivery within 1-3 working days.
Collect from the boutiqueFREE
Pick up from the boutique when convenient. Available for selected postcodes.Find out more
Pay Later with
Shop now and pay up to 30 days later.Find out more
- On items eligible for returns, you have 14 days from delivery to submit a return request. However, during the Coronavirus outbreak, some boutiques are unable to process returns in the short term. Please do not post your item until a member of our team has been in touch. You will still be eligible for a refund whenever you return the item, provided you have submitted the request within 14 days from receipt.
Currently out of stock
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Recommended: Yes
Watching: Yes
Blogging: Maybe
One cool girl and 6 handsome Gods are sent to a school in order to learn how to talk to each other and bring back together the bond between Gods and humans.
What the hell is this? Do you mean to tell me that a good reverse harem has made its appearance? I almost can't believe my eyes!
The first thing which gave me a hint that this was going to be decent came about in the first few minutes of the show, when I realized that the main character actually had a personality. This in itself is almost nothing short of a miracle. Yui is a kind, hard-working, resourceful and vibrant young girl, who will stand up for herself when she needs to and definitely doesn't give the feeling that she's powerless. The amount of expression provided by her tone of voice and mannerisms was astounding for a reverse harem, and I was pleasantly surprised.
Then the guys joined the fray, and I was thoroughly impressed. Although the stock characters were kept for convenience's sake, I couldn't help but feel like the characters all actually had some personality of their own outside of their lines. Except for Loki (who pissed me off more than anything else) and Apollon (for whom I have much more to bitch against), all the other characters had me intrigued and made me want to know them more. Not to mention that they were all drop dead gorgeous, but that was to be expected – That part is usually the only thing which Reverse Harems don't screw up.
The only problem that I have with the show, and which could possibly bring it down a lot for me, is the personality of Apollon. As the main guy, I feel like they screwed up everything about him except the looks: his voice is terribly annoying and sounds girly as shit, his "gallantry" thing just doesn't make any kind of sense whatsoever, his Pegasus is rolling in cheese and the Magical Girl transformation in the first scene completely turned me off from ever liking him as a character before I even knew him. If the show turns more towards the rest of the harem for a big part of the show, I will definitely be kept interested; otherwise, I feel like he could potentially bring the show down a lot.
Although the premise for the story sounds interesting, I'm not expecting tons of plot twists and awesome turns of events out of this. Considering the genre of the show and the fact that this is only 12 episodes, I'd be very surprised to see it go anywhere far enough that it would turn out super awesome. None the less, there is at least the potential for a decent storyline, enough for me to turn away from it and enjoy the hot men and their back stories.
In the end, this is still a reverse harem, and there's a barrier which reverse harems will never be able to cross, but for its genre I'm seeing this show go pretty high up in terms of quality. After having given up on reverse harems altogether, I'm actually finding myself interested in this, and will be watching at least the next 2 episodes. My blogging list is still quite ambiguous, but be sure to tune in next week because there's a high chance you'll see a review on the next episode up to read.


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What is Sectormentor?
Watch this video for a quick overview of why we created Sectormentor and how it works:
How will Sectormentor help your farm?
Help you make informed decisions:
- Have up-to-date information about your crop this year
- Use the data from this year and previous years, combined with your knowledge and experience, to make more informed decisions
- Use Sectormentor to record careful observations which allows you to catch problems early.
Quick and easy information gathering:
- The apps just have a few big buttons so anyone can add information easily
- Contactless tags make adding information very easy
- Paperless record keeping
Build a resilient business handed down from generation to generation:
- Really learn what works and doesn't work on your farm with a good set of historical evidence
- Anyone can know exactly what happened to a crop
- All data collected is easy for anyone to look at and understand, unlike info in soggy notebooks
"I'm not into new technology, but Sectormentor is a really easy system to use. It's labelled really clearly and there are only a few options, so you know what you are doing and can enter your data in quickly. No complications."
Ben, Assistant Winemaker, Davenport Vineyards, East Sussex
What does Sectormentor provide you with?
In the field:
- Easily add any info & photos in a few seconds. Use RFID tags to quickly identify a location
- Very customisable setup, so you record exactly what you want
- Works offline, you don't need WIFI or 3G to record data
- Requires very little training – just a few pointers and you are off
- You can record information on different scales: so by row, or tree, or at the field-level etc.
- Single entry system – greatly reduces human error and provides information you can trust
Back at the office:
- Have all your photos and records in one place
- Graphs for easy analysis and to draw out insights from your data
- Download your data into spreadsheets for further analysis
Farmer's use photos to record issues with frost damage and disease pressures.
This graph shows the health of vines grouped by variety, in the second week of September.
A view of the dashboard where you access all your data and photos collected in the field.
This graph helps determine when to harvest different varieties, showing how grape sugar increases over time.
Interested in this for your farm?
We aim to price Sectormentor so that it's fair for all size farms. Please contact us for exact prices.


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Второто гифче, което ми оправя деня. 😀
Второто гифче, което ми оправя деня. 😀
I love when you come in my dreams. It is magic! Come again.
It's a little test, and the one who will be first, will be the only one.
You are not the perfect match, but you are such a bright sun that I cannot see the things that doesn't fit me. 🙂
Now I understand. I was addiction for you. And you tried to get away from me but you couldn't while still been here. Now I understand you were afraid from what you can take from me. You were afraid you can't replace me with anything else. You were afraid you will depend on what I can give you. You were afraid to give yourself to me because you may lose yourself. But you know there will be no other like me. And you'll never find this satisfaction again. And I wish I was saying this pleased, knowing that I actually was such an enormous affection. But everything in me is broken. Because you were the same addiction for me. And you may afraid to lose yourself in someone but I don't. All my life I wanted to find you and to lose myself in you. In you who can control me with a single gesture. In you who can make me faint by only looking at me. In you who no other will ever be able to replace. And you run. Was I too brave or you were too scared? What should I do now when I know what I want, what I need, but I know I can't have it?
I trust that, I believe that. I want you and I will have you.
Someday, somehow…
Hey, kid, stick around, you are a smile bringer. 🙂
As much as I want it, I don't have the nerve for that, I'm done before it starts…


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Rashma Rahman is an A level student at Ark King Solomon Academy in London. She received three As in her A levels and will be going on to study History at the University of Oxford.
Education has provided an amazing opportunity for myself and my family. I am the first student to be accepted at Oxbridge from my school and the first woman to go to university in my family; I am aware of the hard work, resilience, and sacrifice required to get here. I hope to use my place at Oxford to serve as a role model to future generations and to focus on social mobility across various institutions.
Not all young people have the same opportunities presented to them and I believe there is a huge injustice in that. Your social class, where you live, and your identity can affect your chances in life. It can affect the institution at which you study, the opportunities you have access to, your standard of living, and your happiness overall. My experiences both in and out of school have given me a keen focus on the need for greater social mobility and the determination to influence positive change in society.
I would not have come this far if I did not study at King Solomon Academy (KSA). I doubt that I would have even applied to Oxford, let alone got an offer. The level of support from our teachers is unfathomable. They have presented us with life-changing opportunities, built our confidence, and provided us with boundless support. There is no doubt that they care deeply about our success and happiness. Since my first day at KSA, my teachers have emphasised the virtue of good character.
My school also taught me that there is more to being a successful person than academics alone. It is about the experiences and extra-curricular activities that you take part in, such as music and sports, which enable you to develop skills that you will take into university or the workplace. For example, through the leadership positions I held at school, I have developed interpersonal skills and engaged in public speaking. I have transferred these skills to my volunteering role as a Young Westminster Foundation (YWF) ambassador, a cross-sector partnership that seeks to shape young people's services in Westminster to create a safer, brighter future.
As a YWF ambassador, I gain so much insight into the needs of my local community by stepping out of my school bubble. While KSA is bursting with opportunities, it's not the same across every ward for every young person in the borough of Westminster. My volunteering has made me realise not only how lucky I am to study at KSA, but the countless needs to be met for young people in my local community and the next generation.
I hope to inspire other young people to be ambitious, to strive towards being the best version of themselves, and to follow paths that no one has walked before, no matter what their starting point in life. There's a massive confidence gap because sometimes we feel inhibited by our identity to step forward to voice our opinions. I want to give young people who come from similar backgrounds to me the confidence to do that.
I believe it is important for society to see more women, particularly those from ethnic minority background, in positions of responsibility and visibility. I want to be a figurehead for the arts subjects in my community, which lacks both male and female academic role models. There is so much to do to shift perceptions and encourage the kind of cultural change that could see Muslim women filling History departments of universities in the years to come, and the possibility of using my working life after university to contribute to those changes seems to me deeply worthwhile.
I'm driven by the idea of being a role model. I feel a sense of responsibility towards young people like myself. It's really tough to stand up and speak out about our stories and the obstacles we face. But, if you do not speak out, then the next generation feels silenced and they lack role models to pave paths to success.
Read some more stories from our A level students here.


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For lots of smaller businesses, bootstrapping and micro-VC might be a better option
Many entrepreneurs are unclear about the right path to take when raising money for their new business idea, and due to the attention given to venture capital-fueled success stories in the news, many ambitious entrepreneurs set their sights on becoming the next Evan Spiegel (or Snap) without enough thought about what is the right path for them.
And when it comes to capitalizing your business, venture capital is often not the best route to take.
Venture capital can be great for the company that is looking to build the next rocketship of growth — think of companies like Snap or Lyft. But for lots of smaller businesses, bootstrapping and micro-VC might be a better option.
The cost of starting a company is pretty low — often less than a million dollars. So the initial investment from an angel should take you a long way to building traction.
Kauffman Fellow Samir Kaji sees this all the time in his role as a senior managing director at First Republic Bank. He is also an expert on micro-VCs. Click play to hear his advice for founders thinking about their options.
The following story was a guest column by Kauffman Fellows CEO Jeff Harbach in Entrepreneur. Jeff Harbach (Class 16) is President and CEO of Kauffman Fellows. Jeff has been an entrepreneur and investor since 2002, and was Executive Director of the Central Texas Angel Network (CTAN), based out of Austin, TX, from 2011–2013, where he served his fellowship. He has led multiple startups, including two 7-Eleven stores, a luxury furniture store and interior design firm, and a private country club golf network. He was also an angel investor himself with the Vegas Valley Angels. Jeff holds a BS from Brigham Young University and an MBA from the University of Texas, Austin. firstname.lastname@example.com


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Get a High Quality Custom Food Trailer for Outdoor Concessions Built to Last
MVW custom Trailers is an authorized food trailer dealer conveniently located in the Central New York region. We design and fabricate a complete line of custom mobile kitchens, food trailers, and concession trailers.
Built to last and detailed to your specific needs. Our custom food trailers are respected by everyone in the industry and used by the best mobile food stands in the northeast.
These food trailers are commercial quality, approved by the health department and built with a rugged future in mind.
We start with a solid, steel construction as the foundation. From there, we will design and build a Turn-Key Concession Trailer to meet your specific food and beverage operation. You pick the options including high quality commercial NSF Approved cooking and refrigeration equipment and we'll outfit it on the toughest body in the industry!
We have the experience, expertise and track record in creating the best custom food trailers, in the industry.