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by Infocus
Most share markets were very strong in October so it was no big surprise to see markets take a breather in November. This was particularly the case as the big trigger for the next major economic trend is due in mid-December (16th) – the US Fed's decision on its first rate hike in seven years.
Jobs data in the US were a bit weak as released in September and October. In contrast, November's release was very, very strong. Markets expected a below recent average 185,000 new jobs but the data revealed a rather large 271,000 jobs! Unemployment was steady at 5.0% and there, at last, was some moderate wage growth at 2.5%. It would now take a lot on the 4th December in the next jobs' release for the Fed not to hike at its next meeting.
On top of jobs, the US economic growth in Q3, measured by GDP, was revised up from +1.7% to +2.1%, and the market has priced in more than a 70% chance of a rate hike. Since a hike means the Fed's rate will still only be in the range 0.25% to 0.50% there can be no material effect on the real economy. Markets could react but it has been so well telegraphed – and tested a few times before – that volatility should be reasonably well contained – unless, of course, the Fed does not hike! That would be big, bad and ugly for markets.
No matter on which side of politics you belong, Turnbull has turned around the fate of the current government immeasurably. The Westpac – Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index is up a massive +8.1% in the two months since the leadership spill.
The level of economic argument is now clear and inclusive of all Australians. It will take a while for our economy to return to higher levels of growth but it seems the process has, at last, begun.
Our jobs data surprised many as unemployment fell to below 6% and +58,600 new jobs were created. As we often report here, much of the month-to-month variation is due to statistical sampling error. There is almost no way these numbers can have a bad spin but a return to trend unemployment of 6.1% in December is quite likely.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) although not cutting rates on the 1 December stated that the next change will be down if any change is made soon. However, the current consensus view of economists is that the next change will be up – but not for 12 months of so. These views are consistent.
As the China economy rebalances from mining to consumer-driven activity, Retail Sales data is becoming more important than manufacturing data. The sales data is strong and the latest government statement is for economic growth to be around 6.5% for the next five years – only just below the current 7% target.
The biggest issue in China is the South China Seas confrontation. China has built some man-made islands and is claiming new stretches of international waters, and the US is flexing its muscles with its navy patrolling in the area.
Russia and Turkey are also in confrontation – about Syria. Interestingly, sanctions against Russia are not being talked about – as they were with the Ukraine issue.
The migration issue is still growing in its magnitude and now the European Union is offering Turkey money in exchange for Turkey holding onto the refugees crossing the border from Syria into Turkey.
By Christmas, so much economic uncertainty will have evaporated, and 2016 is much more likely to be better than the current year.
Asset Classes
Australian Equities
The ASX 200 was down ???1.4% in November but volatility and 'fear' are subsiding. The Materials sector was down ???12.6% in the month and the Healthcare sector was up strongly by +5.3%.
We have seen no evidence that the fundamentals have changed so our long-run view of our market is fine. We just suffered recently from panic selling around the US Fed's comments.
Foreign Equities
The German DAX was up strongly in November (+4.1%) but other major indexes were relatively flat.
The China Shanghai Composite stock market index had a really bad day (-5.5%) near the end of the month but the next day was flat.
The US and Australian fear indexes are both at below average levels.
Bonds and Interest Rates
The RBA has kept rates on hold at 2.0%. The next meeting is in February but most are expecting rates to be on hold for the best part of a year – and then up.
Everyone is waiting for the statement following the December 15 and 16 meeting of the Federal Reserve. Almost everyone is saying that the first hike since 2008 is virtually a given for December.
The Bank of England was positioning itself for a rate hike earlier this year but now they are saying that there is no rush.
Other Assets
Iron ore prices continued to languish. But BHP's share price falls are as much to do with the Brazil dam disaster as ore prices. Oil prices did rebound somewhat at the end of the month, but were still down sharply over the month. OPEC is due to meet to consider reducing supply to support prices, and Gold prices hit a five-year low in November.
The jobs data showed that +40,000 full-time jobs were created in October as well as +18,600 part-time jobs. Unemployment fell from 6.2% to 5.9% over the month. However, the official trend unemployment rate has been steady at 6.1% for months.
The proper interpretation is that unemployment is stable at a reasonable rate, and employment growth has been averaging a solid +20,000 new jobs per month over the last year. The economy is stuck in reasonable but not good territory. If the spell of consumer confidence grows further the economy could soon return to full employment.
While the Westpac confidence index has shot up by +8.1% in two months, it is still only just above the 100 level that separates optimism from pessimism.
Access Economics – Deloittes – a very well regarded group of analysts – is now saying that at current settings, the budget deficit will never close! Indeed forecast deficits are starting to blow out and action must be taken.
The Hockey budget of two years ago was on the right track but the government failed to sell the policy initiatives, and Morrison appears to be taking stakeholders with him. The budget situation is certainly not yet dire but it will become so if solutions are not passed through parliament.
China's Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for Manufacturing started October at 49.8 – the same as in the previous month – which beat expectations. Today, it came in at 49.6 which was slightly below expectations. So manufacturing is more or less holding its current growth levels.
Retail sales stood at +10.9%, so the consumer side of the economy is working very well. As consumerism grows, the relative performance of Retail Sales will grow.
The 'fifth plenum' – or meeting of the major government players emerged with a strong statement for future growth. They are targeting +6.5% pa or the next five years.
In the first month following each quarter, the government releases a preliminary estimate of economic growth and then revises it in each of the next two months. It is often the case that the first number is revised upwards. This month was no exception. The moderate +1.5% (annual) estimate for the September quarter was revised upwards to a quite reasonable +2.1%.
All in all, the US economy is fine but the Fed needs to confirm that view with a rate rise at its December meeting. More hikes will follow but at a much slower rate than is usual.
The European Central Bank (ECB) is positioning itself to bring in more stimulus and the markets like that. The German economy is doing quite well and the debt disruptions are becoming a thing of the past.
Migration issues are, of course, worsening but the terror attacks in Paris – and thwarted attacks elsewhere in Europe – seem to have focused attention on finding a solution that does not simply mean free movement across the borders.
Rest of the World
Japan's economy continues to disappoint. It just shows how hard it is for an economy to get out of a deflationary spiral which is why everyone else is pumping money into their economies to avoid deflation.
Russia is involved in Syria but more in propping up the government rather than fighting IS. The shooting down of a Russian jet fighter has obviously heightened tensions in that part of the world. Although there are reports that Putin is ready to mobilise troops, the matter seems to have been contained – so far. The US and Russia need to join forces to solve the IS problem.
*Ron Bewley(PhD, FASSA)– Director, Woodhall Investment Research
** Australian Bureau of Statistics
Important information
This information is general information only. You should consider the appropriateness of this information with regards to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd ABN 47 097 797 049 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523 trading as Infocus Wealth Management.


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Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Flowers for Amadou
13 comments:
Another big city tragedy, altho Hyde Park can seem like a small city within a city. Senseless killing is really larger than a tragedy, and I hope the culprits are caught and receive their punishment.ReplyDelete
Amadou is in a better place now, but his family... I can only imagine what they are going through right now.ReplyDelete
So sad. Your tribute is touching.ReplyDelete
Denton stole my comment. That is so sad indeed: a young man who had such a promising future.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousNovember 20, 2007 at 7:18 PM
I really feel strongly about gun usage, there should be an alternative to them. There are more casualties and useless deaths caused by gun fires than there should be.ReplyDelete
It's amazing that he's given his well deserved sympathy flowers
Discover little known elements of Chicago's built environment.ReplyDelete
Forgotten Chicago is a new website dedicated to documenting little known elements of Chicago's infrastructure, architecture, neighborhoods and general cityscape, whether existing or historical.
It's so sad to read about another senseless death. Too much all over the world. Where are we going?ReplyDelete
Oh how sad and how tragic. Too many senseless deaths like this. Your photograph and words are beautiful.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousNovember 21, 2007 at 10:17 AM
Thank you Kate, Fenix, Denton, Eliane, Fabizio and Jilly, for your consoling comments.ReplyDelete
Thank you theysay and serhill for stopping by.
May his soul rest in peace.ReplyDelete
I was so sorry to read this and hear it on the news...unbelievable...ReplyDelete
- AnonymousNovember 27, 2007 at 11:59 PM
Thank you, Weboj and Neva.ReplyDelete
Amadou is in a better place now, I really feel strongly about gun usage, there should be an alternative to them. I love all the pics of the Flowers Of amadou.ReplyDelete

subset: commoncrawl


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When selecting a business coach for your small business, the options are endless. While there are many coaches that focus on branding, marketing, and other related fundamentals to help your business grow, Jesse Johnson, Los Angeles founder and CEO of Jesse Johnson Coaching, a coaching and consulting business, believes sales is a spiritual practice. Johnson's ideal clients are healers, leaders, and spiritual teachers who want to take their business, and their bank accounts, to the next level.
Johnson shares tips that have helped her clients meet their financial goals and find what they truly desire.
What's the concept behind your coaching practice?
I teach spiritual teachers, healers, and coaches how to integrate money. When I started my own business, sales demanded more of me than anything in the last seven years of my spiritual life. Sales are the best tool I've ever used. Sales increase self-mastery, dismantles codependency, and is necessary for any business to succeed.
Explain why your coaching practice focuses on spirituality?
Before my business, I coached math teachers and principals in New York City public high schools. I loved the work, but became frustrated by the fundamental lack of belief that permeates school cultures. It became difficult to make a dent in improving education. My work was being undermined by the cultural mindset. I started my own business focused on starting with the principles that could have what we want. Our deep desires are guiding us toward our purpose — on a soul level and why we are alive. And, bringing more consciousness into people's lives is a tool to help them be, do and have whatever they want to create.
So, how can small business owners transform sales into a spiritual practice?
Sales create the opportunity to get unconditional about what we're offering. We will expose ourselves, be visible, risk looking like a fool, and feel rejected. This is a concern for anyone in sales, but it's especially true for people who are selling their own services since it's not a product someone says 'yes' or 'no' to, but they're actually saying it to you.
My clients learn to use every 'yes' to celebrate another person choosing to grow, and use every 'no' to get more unconditional about their own purpose, mission, and service. I teach them to get out of their own way and surrender their ego throughout the sales process. As well, how to get relentless in their devotion and dedication to their big vision. This is a prerequisite for success in any business, especially in the realm of transformation.
What are some common blocks you see your clients encounter?
Most people aren't willing to put themselves out there in the first place and go for their big vision. Our subconscious minds keep us safe and secure in what's familiar. Growth, change and expansion will always oppose that value system. Anyone who is doing radical self-transformation, especially around money, will experience inner conflict. My clients choose their vision, rather than what's familiar, terrifying, or comfortable. It's not for everyone
What has been the biggest challenge for your coaching and what's the biggest success?
I used to take every 'no' personally, as well as every one of my clients' successes. I used the no's and the yes's to feed my ego, and lost myself and my service in the process. This is why I call sales a spiritual practice — it's ongoing. My ego still likes to take things personally. That hasn't changed, but I'm very fast at moving through it.
What's next for your coaching practice?
More programs, more publicity, more impact. Bigger platforms, bigger stages, bigger audiences.
This article was written by Marie Flounoy for Small Business Pulse


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The Create Curate Collaborate! project team were delighted to have an abstract accepted for the University for the Creative Arts Learning and Teaching conference, held at the British Library on Wednesday 25th January 2012. This conference is always really inspiring and a great opportunity to catch up with colleagues across the University; this year's opening keynote was even given in Prezi!
Our session titled 'Considering blended communication- creative thinking, writing and image making- through initial explorations of Prezi non-linear, digital presentation tools.' comprised of three very different Prezis:
The audience arrived to the sounds of 'Walk the Line' on vinyl, and white grapes; Curtis Tappenden, artist, author and poet, presented a 'Prezi Poem' titled 'Prezi Hesi Tate':
I provided some background to our project and how the use of Prezi has changed my thinking from a linear example using a screencast of PowerPoint slides, to the Prezi non-linear; 'Create Curate Collaborate!':
Two of the students from Curtis' Creative Writing Group at Rochester: Annabel Giraud-Telme and Benjamin Viney gave an outstanding presentation on their own personal experience of using Prezi; 'We walk the line':
I have learnt so much from my colleagues Jac and Curtis, and also from the students. Unfortunately Jac Cattaneo wasn't able to attend but her contribution was very much evident in terms of the paper we co-wrote together in Google Docs, and also particularly in the cross-over between Curtis and Jac's creative writing groups.
Next step, an interactive poster Prezi for University of Brighton!


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Product Description
This large red gingham round storage bag from Kiddiewinkles is made from 100% cotton and is absolutely perfect for storing toys and teddies. The red gingham quilted storage bag has a plain red lining and two carry handles.
Size: 50cm diameter x 40cm height.
For £18 this storage bag can now be personalised with your child's name on the bag, e.g. Austin's Toys! Please allow 7 - 10 days for UK delivery as our personalised storage bags are embroidered to order.
Please note that personalised items cannot be cancelled, returned or refunded so please double check the spelling before ordering.


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How Ability to Repay Guidelines Will Affect Potential Buyers
Purchasing a home is still part and parcel of the American Dream. In the wake of the lending crisis, though, the steps you must take to achieve that dream have changed a bit.
In August 2013, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released their second update to new mortgage regulations. While many of the ability to repay guidelines ostensibly change the way that lenders do business on their end, these changes will also affect you as a buyer.
Understanding the ability to repay rule
One of the changes that will have the biggest impact on buyers as a result of the CFPB rules pertains to the way that lenders determine a buyer's default risk. Mortgage originators can no longer use teaser rates as a basis for determining ability to repay a mortgage. Instead, they must consider all of a buyer's financial information, along with the buyer's potential to repay both the interest and principal over the life of the mortgage. Before, lower introductory rates could be used as a determining factor. This made it easier for buyers to become qualified for a mortgage, but it was not an accurate reflection of their ability to manage costs effectively. Lenders will now have to consider the entire life of the loan, which may change the amount someone is qualified to borrow.
Lending restrictions: Getting tighter all the time
The CFPB regulations are intended to prevent the sort of lending that caused so many homeowners to go through foreclosures during the housing collapse. Lending regulations have been getting progressively tighter, and the debt-limit caps put in place by the new regulations make them even more complicated. Because overall household borrowing is restricted from totaling more than 43 percent of household income, many buyers are finding themselves priced out of the market. Prospective buyers with outstanding student loans or other debt may be forced to pay off those loans before they're able to purchase an affordable home.
The CFPB estimates that up to 10 percent of borrowers could now be turned down for home loans. Acquiring a loan will require both buyers and lenders to be more creative, but that doesn't necessarily mean buyers will be priced out of the market.
Image source: freeimages.com
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In June and November of 2013, Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne announced information and resolutions about his ongoing auto repair "stings" in the Valley. NARPRO wanted to reach out to him to offer ways our organization could help him, the consumer and the community and sent this letter that you can read below. We are still interested in discussing our assistance if he is open to it.
From: Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals (NARPRO)
June 20, 2013
To: Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne
1275 West Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007-2926
Dear Attorney General Horne,
As the Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals (NARPRO), we'd like to extend our congratulations on the recent success of your campaign against auto repair shops defrauding customers. To help you continue your success, we're offering our assistance to you and your team in overhauling dishonest auto repair shops.
Because of our organization's expertise in helping customers find independent and honest auto repair shops in the Valley and beyond, we're an expert source to partner with in your efforts. How can NARPRO help? In several ways:
- We can partner with your office to disseminate info to the general public about what to look for in a quality auto repair shop.
- We welcome you and your staff to one or more of our shops for a tour and to see how an honest shop operates.
- We can educate your staff on the ins and outs of quality auto service.
- We are more than happy to help your constituents who have been taken advantage of by dishonest shops.
Representing 26 independent auto shops in the Valley that have each passed a rigid quality inspection, we believe that honesty truly is the best policy when it comes to the services and prices we offer consumers. If an auto repair shop is seen as fraudulent, it taints the industry for all of us, doing a disservice to the consumers as well as the business owners.
Because of this, we'd appreciate the opportunity to talk with you about how our expertise in the industry combined with your evidently successful campaign can be nothing but beneficial for what matters most—our consumers and your constituents.
Please contact us at your earliest convenience. We look forward to hearing from you.
The shops of NARPRO (Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals).


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PRESSURE: Technological growth has reduced the time that companies now
have to respond to crises
SIMULATION: Staging 'real-life' situations to train staff how to manage
the media under extreme pressure
MANAGEMENT: Changing attitudes have encouraged training to develop to
handle most worst case scenarios
When disaster strikes so do the press, but crisis training can ensure
that the PR team are ready to face the barrage of reporters swiftly and
effectively. Kate Nicholas reports
Sunday 8am: the chief executive of a leading petrochemical company
receives a frantic call from his deputy to say that a tanker has gone
aground off the South coast. By 8.30am, the hapless CEO is fielding
calls at the company HQ while international camera crews film crowds of
protesters on the not-so-white cliffs of Dover who have been alerted by
one of the many pressure groups on the Internet.
This kind of hypothetical scenario - so beloved of crisis training
experts - is increasingly likely to become a reality with the growth of
instantaneous communication and the sophistication of the media.
Even the tree-dwelling protesters at Newbury use mobile phones to co-
ordinate their 'personnel' while a Friends of the Earth page on the Web
provides constantly updated campaign information. When Greenpeace staged
its high-profile stand against the sinking of the Brent Spar oil
platform, it not only posted information on the Web, but was reported to
have airlifted sophisticated filming equipment and a satellite down
station on to the rig, so that they could provide their own VNRs direct
to news outlets.
Corporate crises, ranging from product failure to consumer terrorism,
can quickly pick up momentum in cyberspace - a prospect which Walborough
Media Relations head John Stonborough describes as 'terrifying'. 'The
problem is that there is no way of stopping it and the volume is
relentless. In one case we have seen up to 700 messages appear in day,'
he says. 'There is also no way of assessing the validity of information
on the Internet.'
PR and training agencies are gradually waking up to this new techno-
threat. Countrywide has just launched SafetyNet, a crisis management and
training programme
designed to help companies at risk from a hitherto unknown phenomenon -
the cyber-terrorist. The agency can now train clients on planning and
response techniques including technical tracking mechanisms and the
practical use of Websites as a means of responding to potentially
damaging criticisms.
Countrywide Communications deputy managing director Chris Woodcock says:
'By its nature, rumours grow quickly on the Net, can be taken as fact,
and can cause untold damage to a company's reputation and share value,
as Intel discovered in 1994, when it failed to respond adequately to
Internet users' concerns about the new Pentium chip.'
The Intel scenario - where Internet users created a 'virtual' pressure
group, and forced Intel into a costly product recall - is seen as
something of a landmark in the development of crisis training.
Michael Bland, communications consultant and author of 'The Crisis
Checklist', says: 'It taught people for the first time that you had an
uncontrolled medium. When you look at developments like Intel or a hi-
tech Greenpeace you can see that crisis is always one step ahead - there
is always a new threat to keep your eye open for.'
Independent consultant Simon Taylor, who chairs Hawskmere's crisis
management seminars, experienced the speed of the on-line pressure group
network at first hand when one of his clients was alerted to a problem
at a factory in Indonesia.
According to Taylor, a local human rights activist got on the case and
within 48 hours pickets had gathered outside a retail store in Aberdeen.
'The Internet is one of the ways in which pressure groups mobilise
public opinion providing briefing materials and updates on campaigns to
activists all over the world instantaneously.' says Taylor. 'To maintain
an effective early warning system it is no longer enough to look at the
So as the Internet turns lead times from hours to minutes, companies are
having to master monitoring of the Internet while also learning how to
use it to their own advantage. At the same time added pressure has been
applied by the plethora of local radio stations, cable and satellite
channels, including 24-hour rolling news channels clamouring for
The media spotlight on high-profile cases such as Brent Spar and the
unfortunately timed sailing of the re-fitted QE2 has undoubtedly led to
an overall growth in reputation risk management. Independent research
commissioned by Regester Larkin partner Michael Regester has revealed
that 70 per cent of top UK companies now have crisis management and
training programmes in place, compared to 30 per cent five years ago.
'People are less resistant to spending money on preparing for a crisis
which they hope will never happen,' says Sheldon Communications managing
director Peter Sheldon Green. And Taylor, who has traditionally been
called upon to train major public companies and big brand producers,
says that seminars for government bodies, local authorities, government
executive agencies and newly-privatised associations now account for
around half of his company's turnover.
Significantly, Taylor has also been called in to train lawyers in PR
crisis management skills, while Stonborough has noted an increasing co-
operation between the two traditionally antagonistic camps. 'Lawyers are
beginning to recognise the importance of PR in any crisis,' says
Stonborough. 'In the past clients used to listen to their PR people but
do what the lawyers said.'
Countrywide has also reported an increase in the breadth of
understanding that clients want to buy. 'In the last three years, we
have offered training in the UK, Europe and Asia Pacific, ranging from
environmental hazards to insight into the protocol of emergency
services,' says Woodcock.
This increase in the diversity of training demands led Countryside to
establish its Reflex crisis network of experts including ex-Scotland
Yard assistant chief constable Brian Worth who has worked with the
agency training clients such as Texaco.
The media explosion surrounding 'mad cow disease' has also alerted many
companies to the importance of spotting perceived threats. As Colin
Doeg, author of the recently published Crisis Management in the Food and
Drinks Industry points out: 'In the case of BSE, the fact that there is
no sound scientific evidence of a link is unacceptable to consumers but
organisations are often not in a position to give a simple black and
white answer to a question and it looks as if they are being evasive
when all they are doing is being honest.'
As a result of such seemingly intangible threats, Hill & Knowlton
director, issues and crisis management David Brotzen, is currently
training his staff in 'vulnerability management' skills.
While media training remains at the core of crisis preparation, this
discipline too is changing. To prepare clients for the intensity of the
media onslaught, agencies such as H&K and The Communicators not only
handle face-to-face interviews but provide training on press conference
techniques and down-the-line radio interviews. Peter Geraghty, director
of The Communicators, has installed ISDN links for several of his
clients: 'ISDN introduces the real person to the broadcaster rather than
just a syndicated tape,' he says. 'You don't want to be sending a chief
executive out to a radio station when he needs to be monitoring response
to an incident.' The company is also now arranging for clients to use a
video contribution point to enable them to conduct remote interviews
with TV stations.
But no matter how fast the technological goalposts keep moving, the real
challenge of crisis training boils down to changing management
attitudes. As Bland points out: ' you have to be a professional trainer
and something of a psychologist. People such as chief executives and
lawyers will never say or do the right thing in a crisis until they
understand how it feels to be an angry customer, a journalist under
pressure or a mildly unhinged campaigner.'
Technology: Software to restore a level playing field
David Brotzen director, issues and crisis management at Hill & Knowlton,
has taken to fighting fire with fire and developed a crisis management
software programme designed to help companies deal with, and train for,
a broad range of potential crises. The agency has already supplied
bespoke versions of the software to several of its clients and is
actively employing the system in its training programmes.
Brotzen describes the programme as 'a crisis manual stored in
interactive format.' The entire programme and relevant company data is
stored on an easily portable disc which can be cheaply and easily
distributed to manufacturing sites or distribution outlets worldwide.
'A number of clients have it in place at the moment. It is an
inexpensive medium, it also a lot easier to use than a massive crisis
manual,' says Brotzen. 'Almost all of our clients are multi-operational
often in different continents and something like this enables them all
to sing from the same song sheet.'
The software leads participants through all the major elements of a
crisis management campaign from key principles and objectives through to
pre-prepared contact lists and approved holding statements all accessed
through a series of hotspots. Lists and holding statements can also be
printed out and dovetailed with existing databases to create standard
letters to be sent out to distributors or customers likely to feel the
knock-on effect of the crisis. The system also allows clients to store
maps and video footage. At present the programme is available in two
formats; a graphic format for training, and the more 'incident-friendly'
quick response format which allows a crisis team to instantly pull up
the required checklists, contact information and prepared statements.
'The disc contains the basic information you need to solve the crisis
from a communications point of view,' says Brotzen. 'It is not
sufficient to say it is okay our corporate headquarters is dealing with
it - it is just as likely that media in a remote location could drive
the issue. That's why a system like this,where a manager has the basic
skills in place, can provide an initial reaction that has been approved,
while more sophisticated reactions come racing down the line.'
Case study: Texaco prepares managers for the front line
When Texaco briefed Countrywide to prepare its front line site managers
to handle a refinery fire or criminal attack, the consultancy went to
the top floor of Scotland Yard for assistance.
An audit of depot managers highlighted their concern about how to handle
the potentially conflicting roles and priorities of the emergency
services - the fire brigade, police and ambulance - as they arrive on
the scene of an incident. Texaco has a central press office situated in
London so if an incident took place many local depot managers would find
themselves fielding press and emergency service enquires for up to four
hours before the company's crisis management specialists could appear on
the scene.
Countrywide drafted in Brian Worth, former assistant chief constable of
Scotland Yard and a founder member of the consultancy's Reflex crisis
network to help to develop a training programme. He used his experience
as a co-ordinator of emergency services to help train Texaco's managers
to understand the different concerns of the various emergency services,
and to anticipate the potential heat of a crisis.
More than 50 managers were put through the two-day training course,
which included a media relations element. Radio and TV newsman John
Humphrys was brought in to apply appropriate media pressure as the
managers developed techniques for assembling, communicating and managing
information in a crisis. They were subjected to direct doorstepping,
filmed and then shown how judicious editing could take their comments
out of context and alter the flavour of the story.
'We trained the managers to help them through the three or four hours
when they might be the only face of Texaco,' says Countrywide director
John Orme. 'If they are the only person available to stand in front of
the camera they have to be credible'
Other crisis training projects undertaken by the agency for the
petrochemical sector include the organisation of Europe's largest
simulated motorway crash. Paul Davidson, head of Countrywide's
environmental communications unit designed the simulation with the aim
of linking communications planning and management with hazardous
operations training and crisis management within the oil industry.
The event was staged at the Fire Service College at Moreton-in-Marsh,
Gloucestershire and involved more than 35 vehicles including a petrol
tanker, commercial vehicles and a number of cars provided by the
college. Actors were recruited to play crash victims to add urgency to
the simulation, which was staged on a stretch of motorway used by the
college for the training of emergency services.
'We took the kind of exercise that the Fire Service College runs and
then added the impact of media attention,' says Orme.
The programme attracted around 50 oil and petrochemical company
delegates, many of whom returned the following year when Countrywide
devised a simulation to help the college launch its latest training
facility - a full-size mock-up of an oil platform on to which the
Countrywide team arranged for a helicopter to crash, creating a crisis
training incident around a formal programme.
According to Orme: 'Normally talks on hazardous planning take place in
lecture rooms. This was the first time that many delegates had been able
to combine the benefits of dealing with the shock of a live incident
with planning and communications.'
Case study: London City Airport plays crash test dummy
The world's airlines and air transport operations are among the most
enlightened industry sectors in terms of crisis management preparation
and training. With direct responsibility for not only their own
reputation, but customers' lives on a daily basis, airports such as
London City have invested in complex crisis management systems and
undertake regular trials and testing in order to meet Civil Aviation
Authority regulations.
In spring 1995, London City Airport's head of airport operations Jon
Horne staged a full disaster scenario with the co-operation of the local
authority, police force and fire brigade. The airport's retained agency
GCI advised on media relations, and with three of the Airport's
marketing team acted as representatives of the media in the role-playing
One Sunday morning at 10am, the 'media' at GCI were alerted by 'Reuters'
to the hypothetical accident at the London City Airport in which a plane
had overshot the runway and crashed into a Docklands Light Railway
train. The team then rushed to the airport and began their real time
'role playing' as news-thirsty media hounds, attending half-hourly press
briefings and gaining access to administrative areas of the airport
normally out of bounds but likely to be breached by investigative
reporters. GCI staff, with access to in-house direct lines, busied
themselves ringing through to senior directors on their private lines
'testing how people react to phone calls when they least want them. With
the sophistication of the media, there is no privacy these days and the
lines are having to be drawn further back,' says GCI director and role-
playing 'journo' Nicholas Walters. 'Camera and sound equipment is now so
As part of the training scenario, the GCI team flagged up the speed with
which information can be accessed and relayed by journalists. 'The
amount of database information which journalists can now tap into via
information services worldwide gives them access to information about
aircraft so quickly,' says Walters, who used crisis manuals and in-depth
knowledge of the airport to recreate the informed level of investigative
reporting that the airport authorities would be likely to face in a
real-life accident scenario.
'You can easily be wrong-footed by going to the first press conference
with sketchy details as you haven't yet got information back from the
site, only to be faced by a technical journalist asking detailed
questions about accident ratios world-wide.' adds Walters.
The crisis team received a drip-feed of information throughout the day,
to duplicate the frustrations of a real accident scenario, in which a
real picture of the event would be built up gradually.
'Although they know that it is a training exercise, they are
frighteningly ignorant in the first few hours,' says Walters who adds
that training days can often prove almost as stressful as a real-life
At the same time, the media was provided with access to telephone lines,
the police and airport staff. 'By the time they attend the second press
conference, the journalists were well-informed, and the airport
crisis team's efforts to field their enquiries were captured on video
for later analysis.
'24-hour media has changed things enormously, ' says Walters. ' Seven or
eight years ago, you would have been writing plans where the kind of
time lag between an accident taking place and the media being at the
airport was anything up to an hour. Now in the case of an accident, the
first stringer will be in the area within about seven minutes.'
Simulations: Creating a sense of team spirit
Despite the expense of running full scale simulation training and
testing sessions, an increasing number of companies are willing to put
themselves through the stress of real-time mock-up crises to prepare
themselves for the speed of a modern media onslaught. At the same time
companies also see simulations as a team building exercise and a means
of ensuring that a future crisis won't be handled by a group of
comparative strangers.
However, in practice, most staff find training simulations almost as
terrifying as a real-life crisis, and in the relatively rare situation
where the staff are led to believe that the nightmare unfolding in front
of them is for real, the reaction can be one of anger.
As Sheldon Green points out, handling such 'real-life' simulations
requires not only superb interpersonal skills, but also stringent damage
limitation to prevent the 'crisis' spreading from the fictional into the
factual arena, as worried staff seek to reassure friends and relatives.
Media handling also requires a rather different training perspective.
'It is a kind of negative training,' says Sheldon Green. 'The vast
majority of people who work in our business spend a lot of the time
looking to gain coverage. It is quite an unusual experience for people
in this business to be managing press coverage instead of just trying to
obtain it. It is a major shift of attitude and position and unless they
are trained, they are not competent to do it.'
Hill & Knowlton director David Brotzen, who was responsible for setting
up H&K's European crisis management network, now plans to use simulation
as a means of bringing his own crisis management staff up to a common
European standard. He has already run a series of workshops bringing
together crisis management specialists from 19 H&K offices to share
their experiences, while also analysing past crises such as the Estonia
ferry disaster. But he says that talking about theissues involved can
only take operatives to a certain level of readiness and it is through
real-time simulations that staff really learn how to prepare for a
crisis scenario. 'The time to start learning about a crisis management
is not at the client's expense' he says.


text:
St. Joseph's Technology Website
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I'm Sorry
This weekend's posting has been pre-empted for the Twins playoffs. I know, I should be ashamed of myself. I have been so excited for the start of the Bulldogs' season that I should have been on top of things, but that's the problem with the two sports with which I live and die overlapping in their seasons.
Alas, the overlapping has ended. I follow the BoSox, of course, but not with the zeal with which I follow the Twins.
Thus ends my babbling about baseball.


text:
The prepared text for this morning's sermon at MacAlpine Presbyterian Church in Buffalo, New York, is below. If you're looking for the sermon audio, it is available from this link. It is Baptism of the Lord Sunday, but instead of skipping all the way to Jesus' baptism at about thirty years old we're looking at a story of Jesus at age twelve. After all, Jesus' baptism by John tells us what Jesus did in our place that points forward to His death and resurrection but this story of Jesus at age twelve tells us a lot about the life of baptized children today. I didn't point it out in the sermon, but it is interesting to reflect on the timing of three days. That is, Mary found Jesus on the third day in this story just as the women would find the tomb empty on the third day. To Mary, Jesus was lost until the third day. However, Jesus was with God those three days. This highlights a difference in the way that Luke tells the story of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus compared to Matthew. That is, Matthew stresses the event of Christ's crucifixion in terms of God forsaking His Christ. However, Luke portrays Christ as with God through it all. The plan for next Sunday's sermon is to explore Romans 1:18-32 in its context. If you are ambitious, you might read this post that discusses the reasons Paul wrote that letter.
The television public service announcement, "Do you know where your children are?" always comes across to me as rather annoying. But every parent has experienced that moment of panic when you realize that your child is not where you thought they were and you do not know where they are. Our story today is about a twelve year old boy named Jesus. No doubt many of you are familiar with his parents Mary and Joseph and everything you know about them suggests that they are excellent parents, especially to have a son who is so very well behaved. So it might come as quite a shock when you hear how long it was before these excellent parents noticed the young Jesus was missing. Actually "missing" is not quite the right word for it. They were in quite a panic because they could not find Him, but He was exactly where they should have expected Him to be. Our passage today is about that incident. So hear now the word of the Lord from the Gospel of Luke:
Luke 2:41-52
- The twelve-year-old Jesus was exactly where He was supposed to be.
- When we hear the PSA on the television at 11 p.m. the thought is that our children should be at home, and that is precisely where Jesus was and where He had to be. He was in His Father's house. He said to his mother, "Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" He had to be there. It was necessary that He stay behind in Jerusalem to go spend time in His Father's house. He meant no disrespect to his earthly parents, to Mary and Joseph, He was surprised that they did not know where He would be. And He did go back to Nazareth with them to live for several more years and Luke tells us that he was submissive to them. (That is a topic or theme worthy of its own sermon.) But He was already aware that He was no ordinary boy. He knew that He was the Son of God. Not everyone went around calling the Temple, "My Father's House." This was a saying that Mary did not fully understand when He first said it, but one that she would ponder what it meant throughout His life. But there was no more fitting place for them to find Jesus than in the Temple.
- And the main reason that Jesus was in the Temple was to continue His training in the Scriptures. We often forget that Jesus is fully human, including having a human mind. God cannot grow in wisdom, but the text tells us that Jesus grew in wisdom. Most people when they read this passage seem to think that Jesus was doing all the teaching, but the text says that He was learning. It tells us that He was listening to the teachers and asking them questions. They would, in turn, ask him questions. This was the style of learning in those days. And Jesus was twelve-years-old, which is significant because normally it is at age thirteen when a boy would become a son of the law, that is the Aramaic phrase is "bar mitzvah." At the age of twelve was a natural time to sit down and explore theology with experts in the Scriptures. The unusual thing was how advanced this young boy was in his understanding of Scripture, when Mary and Joseph saw this even they were astonished. Jesus was exactly where He was supposed to be, continuing to prepare for His ministry.
- And your children also belong in their Heavenly Father's house.
- Their Father's house is here among the people of God in worship. Young children already are discovering that their family is larger than their parents and siblings living in their home. Indeed, God the Father is their Father, Jesus is their elder brother, believers in this congregation are their family and those who believe in Jesus in other congregations are also part of their family. If you go looking for them at 11 a.m. on a Sunday morning, the first place you should look is here. If you manage to get home without them, the first place you should look is here. It should not be all that surprising if they stick around afterwards because they have questions. But the reason that they belong among the people of God is that they have been adopted into the family of God through baptism in Jesus' name. We gathered together are their Father's house. (And we who believe in Jesus are all children of God).
- And the main reason that twelve-year-old girls and boys would come here is to continue their training in the Scriptures that they began with their parents during the week. They have many questions. They are preparing for the ministry that God is calling them to do as adults. They are learning and growing in wisdom. Many of them will astound you as to what they already know at their age, but they are continuing to grow in knowledge and wisdom in order to fulfill the purpose that God has for them in life. Whenever children are here in worship they are exactly where they are supposed to be. To be sure, there will be times when we as parents will be thrown into a panic wondering where they are and there will be things that they will say that will lay bare our hearts for all to see. These are lessons that we as parents need to learn about trusting God. But the whole church together has the opportunity to teach them about this Jesus who stayed behind in Jerusalem to be in His Father's house and to help them to discover what it is that God is calling them to do and to help them to prepare for it – all by opening the Scriptures together. As they grow in stature, may they grow in wisdom and favor with God and man because they are growing in their relationship with Jesus. And may God do the same in you as you find that you learn more by teaching others than you ever did when being taught. And may blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever. Amen.


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Tuesday, October 6, 2009
While at the pumpkin patch with friends we rarely see, we noticed them laughing after watching us attempt to take a pic of Eliot. They made jokes about how after seeing all the cute pics of him we have, they thought he walked around posing perfectly for pics. Then after I posted some of our patch pics on facebook, one of my friends even commented this: "It must be so fun to photograph such a good-looking kid! So stinkin' cute in all of these!!"
Well, let's see...
Take 347? Nope.
And take 2931. Nope.
So, yeah...let's just set the record straight. Eliot is just like every other 3 year old. We take hundreds of pics hoping for 2-4 good ones. The digital camera was created by a parent, I'm sure of it.
We certainly don't have everything figured out as parents, and for sure not in marriage. Everyday life can get pretty stressful around here with all we have on our plates and I'm not even talking about how often Russ wrestles a block of cheese out of my hands. But I rarely post about that stuff. I should more often, even just for myself, but also for you. While some unhealthy part of me really wants you to think I have it all together, the reality is pretty much the opposite.
Some blog examples? 90% of gymnastics so far has looked like this:
But that's not what I led you to think, and the five minutes he actually participated I bossed Lisa around making her take a million pics.
And that cute little chocolate chip? Believe it or not, he spends a good amount of time like this:
That's a time-out. At the pumpkin patch. The place of utopia-like paradise for a 3 year old. And don't fall for the brown face of innocence, he deserved it and more, frankly.
So, don't be deceived. Things are not all sunflowers and bubbles around here. More like bubblewrap. (As usual, I'm not sure what that means.) We're pretty much making up this parenthood thing as we go, I fail daily at wife-hood, I consistently drop the ball in friendships, I can't stop drinking soda and I would like to take this opportunity to admit publicly that I don't know the last time I mopped the floor. (Let me think...how long have we lived in this new place?)
And while I'm admitting stuff, if you were in the stack that didn't receive a thank you card from our wedding 11 years ago, please know that we really were thankful for those _____ that you gave us.
In conclusion, know that we're not as polished this here blog may suggest and may need to throw in a few more 'keepin it real' posts. Oh, and, don't eat anything off my floors.
7 comments:
- Jacob, Lisa and Charlie said...
maybe someday you will be able to have it together like we do... well got to go clean up the dog pee I keep stepping over that has puddled in the middle of Charlie's play room.
- October 6, 2009 at 8:35 PM
- amy said...
:) I was just telling my sister-in-law (as I watched her son throw a tantrum in Bandanas) it always makes me feel better when I see mothers with their children in-the-raw. I like the reminder that I am not alone...
- October 6, 2009 at 8:50 PM
- karen said...
Oh that makes me feel better. I read a really old post of yours and you were talking about "windexing" everything. I couldn't keep my house clean before baby, and now good luck.
And the picture thing, we took Malcolm for a passport picture and they took about 40 before we got one that would work.
We all have our moments:)
- October 7, 2009 at 7:47 AM
- Amanda said...
So, I guess that we should not give in to that sweet little face while he is here next week??? You know that will be especially hard for Nana!!!
- October 7, 2009 at 8:05 AM
- Laura said...
The way you write cracks me up! Maybe because I can relate! So could have wrote this post and more. Yes there is so much more behind the blog photos than we all see :) An for sure no perfect parent. Thanks for sharing, always love to hear about real life!
- October 7, 2009 at 11:11 AM
- The Busters said...
What a great post. Thank you! Your brutal honesty makes your blog one of my favorites.
- October 7, 2009 at 5:14 PM
- Blessed Mommy said...
love you girl, you literally make me lol! Thank goodness, none of us has it TOTALLY together - life would be so boring, right?
- October 7, 2009 at 8:25 PM


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Horror Brides Tourney, Round Two: The Rocky Horror Picture Show (No. 2) vs. So I Married an Axe Murderer (No. 7)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (No. 2) vs. So I Married an Axe Murderer (No. 7)" width="560″/>
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
is an absolute classic, with a monster cult following of folks
who seem to have a lot of free time on their hands. So it's no
surprise the Rocky Horror fans showed up in droves to drive
their second-seeded-yet-misguided young heroine to victory. But is she
ready for her second-round fight?
No, wait a second, Janet. You have to fight
your foe, not sleep with her. Yes, I know you slept with everything
that moved in your movie, but kissy time won't work against the vicious
Mrs. X from So I Married an Axe Murderer.
This girl is seeded seventh, she plays in the beat poet culture and she
will poetically beat your ass. So for crying out loud, put your clothes
back on for a change and step into the ring.
Janet, are you ready? Mrs. X, are you ready? Let's get it on!Read More


text:
My first extended play (EP) is out and you can hear a total of five records overseeing production by 14kt, Octavators, Buscrates, Saux and Madlib. The premiere is taking place over at http://preliminarymusiq.blogspot.com/ on 01/25/12 The Grammy nominated J.Cole instills a specific direction and the rest is history. The cover model is Isabelle Lavallée
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There is a lot of negativity against carpets these days as they are considered to have bacteria in them quite often. This may be true but this is not the fault of the carpet but it is because of bad cleaning services. Carpets are not bad but they are hard to clean and this leads to the accumulation of bacteria in them. Bacteria gather in them and they are hard to wash and ultimately they are left in that condition. This leads to serious allergies as we pick those bacteria through breathing.
Great North Steam


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Solar tariffs can rise as quickly as they dropped: Sanjay Aggarwal, Fortum India
Fortum India MD Sanjay Aggarwal shares his views on India's renewable energy sector and the company's growth plans.
Finland-based energy utility Fortumis busy expanding operations in India across the renewable energy and electric vehicles space. In an exclusive interview with ETEnergyworld, Fortum IndiaManaging Director Sanjay Aggawal says the regulatory regime for renewables has improved but solar tariffs may go up as quickly as they had dropped and shares the company's growth plans. Edited excerpts..
Fortum is a key player in the solar space where the industry had been complaining of uncertainty regarding duties. With the recent announcements on safeguard duty and Anti-Dumping Duty, do you think the environment is now improved?
While there is certainty with respect to safeguard duty, there is still some bit of uncertainty regarding time frame of compensation and how the duty will be compensated, whether it would be compensated lump sum or through tariff hike.
The government claims India has emerged as a success story of tariff reduction in renewable energy. Do you agree with that analysis?
The India success story is more to do with the regulatory framework and the different business models that have come up – creation of solar parks etc. The reduction in tariff is more a combination of module prices coming down and the presence of enough liquidity in the market. There are very clear market situations which have led to reduction in tariffs. India's renewables journey has been great, but I think chasing tariffs is not good. Tariffs can go up just as quickly as they have come down. The module prices are very fickle-minded. It all depends upon the demand and supply situation. If China says tomorrow it will put up more solar power plants, prices will go up suddenly. Tariffs can also change if the interest rates go up or the Rupee depreciates. Even within the country, people keep on comparing tariffs between different states whereas tariffs are bound to be lower in a state like Rajasthan because of higher irradiation. So, it is very difficult to compare two places.
In terms of business segments, Fortum has been present mostly in the solar parks space. Has that started changing now as the market expands?
It will depend entirely upon how we are expanding. For example, within solar parks, we were earlier focusing on projects where the counter-party is either NTPC or SECI. We have now found that we could have different counter-parties too. For example, we have bid for a project in Gujarat and we are currently focusing on Pavagada in Karnataka. Also, there are some discoms we feel comfortable working with. We are looking to develop projects outside solar parks also. But we will do it when we get the confidence in the project. We have a certain amount of bandwidth in terms of the size of the capacity that we can take up and we do not want to go beyond that. Our bandwidth is typically around 250-300 MW of solar plants annually. We keep on putting up plants where we find good opportunities. So, currently, we are setting up close to 500 MW capacity plants in India. This includes 250 MW in Pavagada in Karnataka which is inside a solar park under construction and is expected to be commissioned by August-end this year and 250 MW in Rajasthan which will be commissioned by Oct-Nov next year.
In 2016, the company announced an India investment plan of 200-400 million Euros. What is its status?
As long as there are opportunities, we will keep on investing to recycle the capital. Our appetite will remain in the 250-300 MW range annually. It is difficult to specify a figure for investment because module prices have come down and cost structures have changed.
The government has started strengthening the policy and regulatory framework for electric mobility. What is you view on the business opportunity that exists there?
We have a separate group in the company that looks at electric mobility and we have been seriously discussing it. It has moved a lot since last year. Today, everybody clearly understands what public charging is. There has been a lot of debate in the last one year and the discoms have come forward and adopted it. Now the government has also clarified that charging would be considered the same as any other service and a separate distribution license is not required. So, I think issues are coming up one by one and they are being addressed too. Despite the development it has witnessed in the past few years, electric mobility did not have a home and different government departments were handling it. Now that has changed.
A couple of things are very clear now. One of them is that electric mobility is here to stay. Over the next few years a lot of changes will happen. The government has also addressed the issue of taxation around EVs. That is clearly a big fillip for electric mobility. A lot of companies are coming in with their own plans to manufacture electric vehicles. Also, a lot of cab aggregators are thinking of getting electric. So, I think it may take some time but now at least the regulations are in place and you have manufacturers who realise that electric mobility is here to stay. The government has also given a vision statement that says that 30 per cent electric mobility must be achieved before 2030. We have seen it happening in a similar way outside India also.
Can you share the details of Fortum's plans on EVs?
We continue to set up charging stations and we have also done a pilot. We would not get into manufacturing. We are a utility and we are technology agnostic. A lot of things will change on electric mobility front in the coming years and our pillars are clear. Within the mobility space, we are looking at charging infrastructure which could be white-labelled or could be our own where we would invest in setting up the charging station or we have somebody else invest in it and we maintain it. We would own the cloud service network which supports this infrastructure. The second part of the strategy is that we have already done a pilot on battery swapping for e-rickshaws. We have found it feasible and now we would like to replicate it at a number of places. Also, we are setting up a bioethanol refinery in Numaligarh. That, in a way, also fits into our mobility strategy. We know that many ICE engines going forward will have to blend ethanol with petrol. Our ultimate aim is that both the charging stations and battery swapping should be charged with renewables. If conventional power continues to charge the infrastructure, then there is no point in replacing petrol or diesel with coal. The next step in this revolution is wireless charging of batteries but India is still far away from that.
Any plans to enter the storage market too?
We would not get into manufacturing even in storage. We think in the next couple of years, the battery costs will come down. That is when it would become economical.
Is there any target for setting up charging stations?
We would be flexible here. It would depend upon how soon adoption of EVs would happen in India. We do not want to land in a situation where we have charging stations but no EVs. What we know for sure at the moment is the trend. What we do not know is the pace at which it is set to grow. So, we need to keep on calibrating the expansion of EVs for the next two years. If EV adoption is faster, we would rollout charging stations quickly. But clearly, at the end of the next four years, we will reach a substantial scale.
Outside India the company is also present in hydro in a big way across countries. Any plans to get into the Indian hydro space too?
We had looked at that possibility 5 years back and we had decided not to do it. We think that was a good decision. Neither the regulations nor the tariffs are remunerative.
Where does Fortum stand today in terms of manpower globally and in India? How do you see the key numbers growing?
Globally, we have around 8,000-9,000 employees. In India, we would remain pretty lean going forward. We have done a lot of outsourcing as far as solar plants are concerned. The expansion is going to be need-based.


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LOVE Island fans celebrated after finding out Dr Alex George got lucky in the villa.
His co-star Jack Fincham accidentally dropped the massive spoiler when he appeared live on the ITV2 spin-off show Aftersun tonight.
Jack appeared alongside his partner Dani Dyer and were happily filling in Caroline Flack and the audience on how everything was going since newbies Zara McDermott and Ellie Brown arrived.
Without hesitation, Jack said: "Alex has gone on a date and everything…and he's gone for a kiss!"
Dani laughs and interrupts him, saying: "Don't give away too much!"
The pair then smirked at the camera before Dani waved her arms in the air and shouted: "Nothing! Nothing!"
Click here to play our Love Island games - and win a £10,000 holiday for you and three friends
Although he'd dropped a clanger, Jack was careful not to name who Dr Alex had got lucky with.
Both Ellie and Zara have admitted to having a soft spot for the hunky medic.
Before they went into the villa, the girls admitted they fancied Alex and would be keen to spend time with him.
Ellie, 20, said: "I'm in love with Alex! I absolutely love him.
"I don't have a type. My two ex boyfriends are so polar opposite, it's unreal.
"I'm not looking for anything specific. If they make me happy, they're for me, and if they don't, they're not for me."
Meanwhile Zara, 21, also named the dishy doctor as one of the guys she's set her sights on.
She said: "I want to meet someone I can vibe and connect with. Someone who can keep me on my toes.
"I really like Adam, he's very attractive.
"In terms of longevity though, Alex has a lot of potential.
"But I need to get know him more though – I don't think we've seen how fun he can be. Maybe I can bring that out in him!"
Got a story? email firstname.lastname@example.com or call us direct on 02077824220.
We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.


text:
There is a principle in quantum physics whereby it is understood that the act of observing a thing changes the thing. (It makes it awfully hard to learn what's going on in there.)
In music I have worked with a number of artists who started from nothing more than an idea, a vision, and then became successful. Success means there is more at stake because there is now something to lose. There are more opinions to contend with as the artist is pressured to consider her audience. That's usually death to the art. It may be lucrative in some cases, but once the vision gets tainted in this way it's often a matter of time before the success diminishes. I've seen artists completely lose their way trying to interpret what they think they need to be. The visionary ones can forge ahead in spite of the audience, but it's hard not to be influenced by it to some extent.
Writers have the same problem. Once one has a successful book, he is tempted, encouraged, perhaps even coerced (by the publisher) to do more of what they perceive made it successful. It can be lucrative, but usually not inspiring. You can't listen too much. You have to follow your vision.
As I have become aware of some of the people who read my pontifications here I, too, have been forced to think a little bit about the content I put out. Those who read it with any regularity have no doubt surmised that it's pretty deeply personal at times. Why? There are three big reasons:
- I find it somewhat cathartic
- It makes me think through things a little more carefully
- I hope it is helpful, or at least interesting, and perhaps even…entertaining…
In my 'band days' I learned to be a closed book, for reasons beyond the scope of this. Suffice to say it's a necessary part of being in that kind of role, especially with lots of sycophants around. You learn to be slow to trust, to keep things protected. People had to work their way in — a challenge not everyone is up for. Safe, but limiting. Recently I have been influenced to open up more. It's dangerous and risky, and heaven knows I have done some serious damage flailing around, but ultimately it seems necessary because….what we (think we) want from people is to really know them, not some concocted facade of who they think we want them to be…at least up to a point. A friend once said, "If you're intimidated by transparency it means you aren't transparent enough." It requires trust in people, and therein lies the risk. It has proven to be costly on occasion, which naturally makes one question the wisdom of it.
I have been taking more risks, although in these writings I admittedly have to be somewhat guarded because I could do some real harm if I threw all caution to the wind. So yes, unfortunately, this blog is tainted (restrained) to some degree because there are readers — an audience. But it's pretty bold (for me) in some ways, and I think that's what makes it interesting, and potentially helpful.
One person asked, "How do you think it could impact your career to be writing things like this?" (There are valid reasons why it could.) It's a calculated risk. At this point I'm not sure how much I care. Again, it requires some trust, which is difficult for me. But it's also just the backbone to stand up and say what I think. Because any other way is too contrived, and therefore useless. Why bother?
A person I know once asked if I was torturing her. The idea seemed so preposterous to me I couldn't hear the question as anything other than a light hearted jab to be sloughed off. What if it was a serious question? "Torturing" certainly isn't how I'd want it to be put, but if you're in my life then to some extent it's possible for your views or interactions to (anonymously) leak into this forum. I try to do it in a helpful and constructive way, but…all I can say is that if the shoe fits, you can decide whether or not you want to own it. When you hear a song, and it seems to resonate with you, then…well…you have to listen to that, eh? If it came from someone you know then obviously there is a chance it's about you specifically, but that really shouldn't change anything if you think about it.
I really do appreciate all the feedback I get, most of which has been off line. Send me more or comment here. Dare to speak up and speak out. Challenge or encourage. I really want to know what you think. Yes, this means you. I'm learning and muddling through like everyone else.


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Times change and my website needed to change too. To see the 2020 update of this page click this link
To see what normal blood and urine values are for your pet, go here
For an explanation of causes of most abnormal blood and urine tests go here
To see how tests are often grouped, go here
|What To Do When My Dog Or Cat's Liver Tests Are High ?
|Idexx Report with Notes
Bile acids are formed in your cat or dog 's liver. As a portion of your pet's bile, these acids pass through your pet's gall bladder and bile ducts in the form of bile salts. They then move on into the pet's upper intestine to aid in the digestion of fats.
A large portion of those bile acids are eventually reabsorbed into your pet's body and returned to its liver through the blood stream. They are then re-secreted into the bile in an endless cycle. When your pet's liver cells (hepatocytes) are injured, the level of bile acids in its blood tend to increase.(ref)
So a bile acid determination on your dog or cat's blood can be a very good way for your veterinarian to detect liver problems, particularly when your pet's ALT and bilirubin tests are only borderline elevated and difficult to interpret. Two tests are often run, one after your pet has fasted and another two hours after a light meal.
Many forms of liver disease, abnormal liver blood flow (portosystemic shunts), impaired gall bladder and bile duct function (cholestasis, biliary obstruction), gallstones, liver cancer, Cushing's disease, pancreatitis, hepatic encephalopathy (the liver can no longer render your pet's blood ammonia non-toxic) can all cause your pet to have abnormally high bile acid levels.
Cats that have developed hepatic lipidosis because they are not eating often have abnormally high bile acid values due to a taurine deficiency. (ref) The same situation can occur when they are fed unbalanced taurine-deficient vegetarian diets.
Lipemic blood samples can falsely increase bile acid readings.
An abnormal bile acid test is not unusual in toy breeds experiencing hepatic microvascular dysplasia.
Long-standing intestinal disease (such as IBD when the upper portions of your pet's remain inflamed) , poor nutrient absorption (mal- absorption/maldigestion), persistent diarrhea and starvation can all lower blood bile acid readings.
Serum bile acids can also be falsely reported as low if the blood sample was hemolized or lipemic. Low bile acid levels can also result in a fat-soluble vitamin deficiency (A,D,E & K).
Dogs less than 16 weeks old may naturally have lower levels. I do not know if the is also the case in kittens.
AP, GGT, Albumin, BUN, AST, ALT, GLDH, bilirubin, Liver biopsy, after-eating bile acid results compared to fasting test results (dynamic bile acid test), liver ultrasound, blood ammonia level


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Songwriter/producer Butch Walker recently released a fantastic new solo record, Stay Gold. On Friday, November 25, he will release a special LP of demos and 4-track recordings from the sessions for that album as part of Record Store Day's Black Friday event.
An annual happening at music shops around the country, RSD Black Friday is technically different from the annual Record Store Day event that takes place in mid-April, though both are geared around limited edition vinyl releases, reissues and other noteworthy titles from acts spanning genres and styles.
As for Walker's, his is called Cassette Backs and will feature eight songs, some of them early versions of recordings that made the final album and some of them unreleased material:
Cassette Backs compiles stripped-down early versions of standout songs from Stay Gold, including a stunningly sparse version of the album's title track, alongside previously unreleased songs about hoodlum friends, exasperating kids, old times and lost loves with hints of doo wop, folk, pop, rock and everything in between. Cassette Backs is an unvarnished look at a prolific artist in full control, liberated from pretense and dedicated to the noble pursuit of Rock and Roll.
And the track listing:
1) It's Gotta Get Easier
2) Jamie
3) Wilder In The Heart
4) Bad Friends
5) Stay Gold
6) Smoke and Mirrors
7) Did We Ever Really Fall In Love?
8) Roll Me Out
If you haven't yet listened to Stay Gold, do so below via Spotify — it's another fine addition to Walker's catalog of music.


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Stripes in Texas
My all-time favorite pattern has to be stripes… I have to constantly remind myself to limit the amount of items with stripes in my closet. But, knowing me and my love for patterns, I believe a stroll in Houston, Texas requires a little more pattern than just stripes. Welcome to Stripes in Texas. This site may contain affiliated links. Necklace…View Post


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PSY 420 Seminar in Social Psychology (3)
Intensive study of a major topic in the general area of social psychology. Topic may be from among the following areas: socialization, social cognition, person perception, attributions, attitudes and stereotyping, small group, intergroup and organizational process, prejudice and victimization.
Prerequisite: PSY 221 and 294.


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OM or AUM
The sound of creation and the universe combined. The symbol itself represents the different states of consciousness and their relation to the divine. The sound itself is broken down in to four parts:
Aaahh: represents the beginning of sound and the aspect of the creation of the universe. (remember universe is a compound word of two words Uni, meaning one and Verse meaning spoken word of phrase) this sound stimulates and resonates with the Throat Chakra which controls your spiritual drive.
OOO: this sound signifies the maintaining energy of the universe and connects the self to a higher state of being. The sound stimulates the Naval Chakra which is the seat of power and drive.
MMMMM: Represents the trans-formative energy of the universe and the thoughts and beliefs of your being or self. The sound allows you to slow down and feel the connection with all that is in existence. The Mmmm sound when prolonged has a looping effect first it stimulates the root chakra which controls fear and helps root oneself to the here and now, then moves itself back up to the crown chakra which is your spiritual centre and your connection to the divine.
Silence: the space between each chant that represents a vibration beyond that of verbal pronunciation. It is pure consciousness of the self (I exist, I know, I am blissful)
Created vs Made
One of the arguments I have heard about the Divine being a part of everything has been "That is ridiculous, when I build a house I am not really a part of it, I may feel like I am but I am not!" I always have the follow up "Did you create the seed that grows the trees that becomes the wood you use to build the house?"
There is a fine line but a finite line between something that is made and something that is created. When the consciousness that exists in the universe created and manifested the universe in its glory it became a part of the universe, in as much as the same way as I, a father created my children, and a part of me exists in them as a whole.
You are unique, but you are also a part of the whole the same atoms that make up the stars and planets, the animals and plants, also make up you.
Pantheism vs Polytheism
This came up as a discussion today, and because there was a missconception, I wondered if perhaps there were more people out there who might not understand the differences between the two.
Polytheism is the belief that there is more than one deity. In practice, polytheism is not just the belief that there are multiple gods; it usually includes belief in the existence of a specific pantheon of distinct deities.
Within polytheism there are hard and soft varieties:
- Hard polytheism views the gods as being distinct and separate beings; an example of this would be certain schools of Hinduism as well as Hellenismos.
- Soft polytheism views the gods as being subsumed into a greater whole. Some other forms of Hinduism such as Smartism/Advaita Vedanta serve as examples of soft polytheism.
Polytheism is also divided according to how the individual deities are regarded:
- Henotheism: The viewpoint/belief that there may be more than one deity, but only one of them is worshiped.
- Kathenotheism: The viewpoint/belief that there is more than one deity, but only one deity is worshiped at a time or ever, and another may be worthy of worship at another time or place. If they are worshiped one at a time, then each is supreme in turn.
- Monolatrism: The belief that there may be more than one deity, but that only one is worthy of being worshiped. Most of the modern monotheistic religions may have begun as monolatric ones, although this is disputed.
Pantheism and panentheism
- Pantheism: The belief that the physical universe is equivalent to a god or gods, and that there is no division between a Creator and the substance of its creation. Examples include many forms of Saivism.
- Panentheism: Like Pantheism, the belief that the physical universe is joined to a god or gods. However, it also believes that a god or gods are greater than the material universe. Examples include most forms of Vaishnavism.
Some people find the distinction between these two beliefs as ambiguous and unhelpful, while others see it as a significant point of division.
I think my beliefs tend to fall towards the Buddhist Agnostic Pantheism
Blessing for protection and peace.
By his victory over Mara and his three daughters, Attraction, Aversion and Delusion, under the bodhi tree. To the realization of Omniscience, turning of the wheel of the truth and the nine supramundane states. By the three modes of practice for the welfare of the world, for the welfare of relatives, and for the benefit of Buddhahood. Under the peaceful shield of the Sangha, we are protected. May the spirits of miss fortune and ill intent be at peace, Om shanti shanti shanti. May the spirits of the divine guide us and keep us safe. Om paritta paritta paritta, subhaga metta, paritta. May those who are afflicted with pain be free from pain, may those who are in fear (agony and insecure) be free from fear, agony and insecurity. May those who are afflicted with grief be free from grief. May all beings be free from misery, fear and grief. Shelter us, give us strength!
Is Buddhism Theistic?
I believe that Buddhism is not theistic, nor is it atheistic, rather it is Agnostic. Let's look at the definition of Agnosticism:
Agnosticism is the view that the truth values of certain claims—especially claims about the existence or non-existence of any deity, as well as other religious and metaphysical claims—are unknown or unknowable. According to the philosopher William L. Rowe, in the popular sense, an agnostic is someone who neither believes nor disbelieves in the existence of a deity or deities, whereas a theist and an atheist believe and disbelieve, respectively.
For me personally this is how I see the middle way. I do not wish to limit the divine to my own understanding, nor do I wish to limit myself be believing I can know what is or is not. The divine, in which ever form it takes, does not require you to believe in it for it to exist, but it is when you try to define it as a creator, or being, giving it properties of he or she, you being to limit what is truly limitless. Instead it is more important to understand and focus on the causality and acts of the individual, finding the peace you seek in good works. It is better for form a relationship with the universe itself than it is to understand the divine. It is when you form a close relationship with the universe that you realize that the divine is in fact everything.
Again this is but my truth, and yours may differ from mine. so with the spirit of Satya I say Namaste
Oh, a wise guide eh?
Two people have been living in you all your life. One is the ego, garrulous, demanding, hysterical, calculating; the other is the hidden spiritual being, whose still voice of wisdom you have only rarely heard or attended to. As you listen more and more to the teachings, contemplate them, and integrate them into your life, your inner voice, your innate wisdom of discernment, what we call in Buddhism "discriminating awareness," is awakened and strengthened, and you begin to distinguish between its guidance and the various clamorous and enthralling voices of ego. The memory of your real nature, with all its splendor and confidence, begins to return to you.
You will find, in fact, that you have uncovered in yourself your own wise guide, and as the voice of your wise guide, or discriminating awareness, grows stronger and clearer, you will start to distinguish between its truth and the various deceptions of the ego, and you will be able to listen to it with discernment and confidence.
-Sogyal Rinpoche.
An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. "A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy.
"It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego." He continued, "The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."
-Cherokee Legend
True Dharma is Universal in nature!
Great Heart of Transcendent Wisdom Sutra (Heart Sutra)
Kuan Yin Bodhisattva, while practicing deep Prajna-Paramita, clearly saw that all five Skandhas are empty and crossed over all suffering. Shariputra, form is emptiness, emptiness is form. Form does not differ from emptiness; emptiness does not differ from form. Sensation, perception, volition, and consciousness are also like this.
Shariputra, all dharmas are marked with emptiness: Not beginning, not ending, not stained and not pure, not increasing and not decreasing. Within emptiness there is no eye, ear, nose, tongue, body or mind; no seeing, no hearing, no smelling, no tasting, no touching, and no thinking; no realms from sight to mind; no ignorance and no ending of ignorance, no old age and death and no ending of old age and death; no suffering and no beginning and no ending of suffering, no path; no wisdom and no attainment with nothing to attain.
Therefore, the Bodhisattvas rely on Prajna-Paramita, the most excellent wisdom, and with no hindrance of mind, no fears and no illusions, they enter into Nirvana. All Buddhas from the past present and future practice in this way and awake to complete and perfect enlightenment.
Therefore, know that the Prajna-Paramita is the great bright mantra, the great transcendent mantra that relieves all suffering. Know this as truth and declare:
Gone, Gone, Gone Beyond, Gone Far Beyond, Be Set Upon Awakening!
Great Heart of Transcendent Wisdom Sutra
Torei Zenji: The Bodhisattva Vow
When I (a student of the Dharma) look at the real form of the universe,
all is the never-failing manifestation of the mysterious truth of Tathagata.
In any event, in any moment, and in any place,
none can be other than the marvelous revelation of its glorious light.
This realization made our founding teachers and virtuous Zen leaders extend tender care, with the heart of worshiping, to animals and birds, and indeed to all beings.
This realization teaches us that our daily food, drink, clothes, and protections of life
are the warm flesh and blood, the merciful incarnation of Buddha.
Who can be ungrateful or not respectful to each and every thing, as well as to human beings!
Even though someone may be a fool,
be warm and compassionate.
If by any chance such a person should turn against us,
become a sworn enemy and abuse and persecute us,
we should sincerely bow down with humble language,
in reverent belief that he or she is the merciful avatar of Buddha,
who uses devices to emancipate us from sinful karma
that has been produced and accumulated upon ourselves
by our own egoistic delusion and attachment
through countless cycles of kalpas.
Then on each moment's flash of our thought there will grow a lotus flower,
and on each lotus flower will be revealed a Buddha.
These Buddhas will glorify Sukhavati, the Pure Land, every moment and everywhere.
May we extend this mind over all beings
so that we and the world together
may attain maturity in Buddha's wisdom.
Letting go of Internal Attachments (Ideas).
From the Tao Te Ching: to me this speaks on attachment to things that are internal.
The Tao is (like) the emptiness of a vessel; and in our employment of it we must be on our guard against all fullness. How deep and unfathomable it is, as if it were the honored Ancestor of all things! We should blunt our sharp points, and unravel the complications of things; we should attemper our brightness and bring ourselves into agreement with the obscurity of others. How pure and still the Tao is, and if it would ever so continue!
Often we need to attemper our brightness, or make less zealous our messages, temper them with compassionate thought instead of assuming our truth is the only truth for everyone. As we empty our vessels of our attachments, both to the material and immaterial, we then can fill it once more with good deeds, and good Dharmas.
Drop by drop is the water pot filled. Likewise, the wise man, gathering it little by little, fills himself with good. Buddha
I am a Man
Sadly, a fact that I must admit, in this existence I am a man *chuckles* being so there are life views that come from my own unique perspective.
Here are but a few, enjoy!
I am a man, I do not wear pants down past my belt line, I am not in a prison yard expressing my willingness to find a mate. If I found a mate, I would hope that it would be for my mind and spirit not my bare buttock.
I am a man, I do not ware tight pants, instead I prefer a relaxed fit for the ample cargo pants carry do not need any more crushing or busting that life doesn't already give .
I am a humble man, I do not need to drive an ego extension, I drive a simple quite humble car that is smooth and comfortable to ride in.
I am a poor man, I do not afford the luxuries, nor do I wish to waste my parents money on revving my engine needlessly or rapidly accelerating down the road, for all cargo in all vehicles is precious and so is the joy my family gets for being able to afford family outings.
I am a straight man, I know I apologize that fact, for like you, I was born the way I am, I will not try to convert you, I will not put down your gender or orientation, I will not force my body, or my views on anyone, for we all deserve to find our own happiness in this life.
I am a man, I know it is ok to feel, to find passions, to love, and to sometimes cry.
I am an adequate man, I do not feel the need to bring you down to build myself up.
I am a wise man, I know that my truths are not your truths, and so I say Namaste!


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When trying to stay on a diet times when you have a special occasion such as a Religious Holiday, a Birthday or any other time that friends and/ families celebrate can be very difficult.
If you are on a special diet due to a medical condition make sure that the Host knows what foods you can't eat. For instance, if you are allergic to mushrooms, letting your host know this will make it easier to avoid an embarrassing situation if the gravy and dressing have mushrooms in them.
Are you on a gluten-free diet? Offer to provide a dessert that everyone can enjoy.
If you are trying to eat healthily or lose weight you could cut back on the amount of food you eat for your other two meals that day so you can allow yourself to enjoy the meal with your family and friends.
For the next meal go right back on to your diet. Be sure to follow it very strictly for the next few days. This will help you regain your momentum. Dieting does not mean you have to totally deprive yourself of all the pleasures of eating.
If your eating with the family and friends includes going out to a restaurant, find out which one you are going to in advance. Then check to see if the can accommodate your requirements – such as gluten-free, vegan or food allergies.
Give the server with a card with your name and any special food requirements on it to hand to the chef with your order can be very helpful.


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North Dakota Supreme Court Upholds Abortion-Pill Ban, Ending Medication Abortions Completely
Once the dust settles on admitting privileges, ambulatory surgical centers and waiting period laws, the next frontier for anti-abortion legislators may be the abortion pill. The North Dakota Supreme Court upheld a ban on medication abortion — a non-surgical procedure using the abortion pill — on Tuesday, effectively halting the use of the medication in the state. According to The Associated Press, North Dakota's lone clinic stopped providing medication abortions on Wednesday, and the clinic doesn't plan on taking further legal action.
Enacted in 2011, the law bans the "off-label" use of misoprostol, a common abortion-inducing drug, and prohibits the use of mifepristone under non-FDA guidelines. However, most abortion clinics in America, including North Dakota's Red River Clinic, follow evidence-based guidelines, which is backed by medical research.
Although mifepristone, which is sometimes known as RU-486, was approved by the FDA in 2000, the drug agency has yet to recognize misoprostol. Currently, misoprostol is recognized as just a stomach ulcer-preventing drug, even though it's commonly used during medication abortions. In fact, reproductive rights advocates have said in the past that misoprostol is preferred because it allows women to have a medication abortion up to the ninth week of pregnancy; without misoprostol, medication abortions may only be done through the seventh week.
The Red River Clinic, which has served as the state's sole abortion clinic since 1998, uses the mifepristone-misoprostol combination in all there medication abortions. With this law upheld by the North Dakota Supreme Court, Clinic director Tammi Kromenaker told The AP that no medication abortions can take place at the clinic from now on. "I've directed staff to not offer (medication abortions) effective today," she told the news source, adding that she didn't want to put any of her employees "in jeopardy."
The AP reports that roughly 20 percent of the clinic's 1,300 abortions each year are drug-induced. Kromenaker said eight women had scheduled medication abortions for this week, but had to make new arrangements as of Wednesday.
The North Dakota Supreme Court ruling is yet another blow for reproductive rights activists trying to block state legislators from further impeding abortion access in swaths of the South and Midwest. Just last week, an Oklahoma district court judge upheld a law similar to North Dakota's, effectively banning the use of telemedicine abortion in the state and limiting the overall use of the abortion pill.
Abortion-inducing drugs have been beneficial for many women who live in rural or remote areas, and was once viewed as a way to increase abortion access in the wake of clinic closures. However, states have slowly but surely restricted the use of these drugs, whether through blocking telemedicine abortion or, like North Dakota, banning medication abortions altogether.
Images: Getty Images (2)


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High school football Week 1 highlights from teams in the York-Adams league Friday, Aug. 24, 2018. York Daily Record
It's still August, but fall sports are back. That means the return of our annual Athlete of the Week poll.
Of course, most sports still haven't started. That means we'll keep this week's poll strictly to boys' performances — where golf and football have started — before moving to separate polls for boys, girls and football starting next week.
More: Dallastown comes up short to Hempfield in new coach's first game
More: High school football Week 1: Check out standout performances in the YAIAA
The poll opens 6 a.m. Sunday and runs until 5 p.m. Wednesday.
Vote early and often.
Trouble viewing the polls? Please refresh your browser.
Viewing from a mobile device? Find a direct link here.


text: What an amazing place. This ancient city has so much fascinating architecture; the ancient melds with the contemporary. We walked all over city central and enjoyed the beautiful art and architecture there.Enjoying an outdoor garden breakfast at our lovely hotel, at the top of the Spanish Steps, not far from the Piazza Navonna, where Bernini's masterpiece fountain is.We got quite good at navigating the subway system.The Vatican Museum was of course, a highlight!


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Add Comment
Am I the only who feels that these third world country pranks are always staged?
Post Reply
@MetalHeadTony, yeah of course. Third world countries don't exist, there's only one planet lol.
@K1l, All countries on earth are third world countries. We're the third world in the solar system.
@MetalHeadTony, normally I'd completely agree, but the guy in the grey looks genuinely scared shvit-less...
@MetalHeadTony, they usually are massively staged
@MetalHeadTony, better acting than 1st world
@K1l, that actually raises an interesting question. Would third world even mean the same thing if we colonize other planets?
@MetalHeadTony, that was all the flour for the rest of the month
@K1l, Man you joke but I had an employee say this to me. With 100% seriousness.
Does anyone else feel bad for the poor innocent middle guy in the grey ?
I like this gif so much, I'm gonna upvote it a second time!
Triple kill.
Triple kill
Staged or not. This was funny as Hell.
Guy pulling prank and actual prankster
A 3 for 1. That's pretty rare now a days.
Aaaaaaand boom goes the dynamite.


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BHUBANESWAR: The state government has asked collectors of five districts – Bargarh, Balangir, Kalahandi, Mayurbhanj and Nuapada – to set up seasonal schools for children of migrant labourers. Generally people from these districts migrate for work after Nuakhai festival in September.
Seasonal school is one of the focus areas under Sarva Sikhya Abhiyan in order to check child labour and dropout rate, director, Odisha Primary Education Programme Authority (OPEPA), Mahendra Kumar Mallick told TOI. The district authorities have also been asked to conduct awareness campaign in the migration-prone villages and identify genuine migrant children.
The awareness programmes using various media would begin before the festive season in various habitations, villages and blocks in collaboration with the labour department to check migration of children, official sources said.
All the identified children will be admitted into the seasonal schools so that they can continue their studies when their parents are away, said Mallick.
Children will be kept in existing residential hostels and provided with all the facilities like food, uniform and textbook and return to their parents after they come back.
"We have already made arrangements for 300 children of migrant labourers in some migration-prone areas. New schools will be opened after the Durga Puja vacation when tribals start migrating for work," said Sapan Prusty, SSA planning coordinator in Mayurbhanj district.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/Seasonal-schools-for-migrants-wards/articleshow/54305658.cms


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**1/18/19 UPDATE: The concerts remain as scheduled. In the event of aweather emergency please check this page or www.bowiecenter.org.Feb. 16th, 2019 is the snow date for thise concert in the event of a cancellation.The Howard Gospel Choir returns to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King!
A great and moving concert for all ages. Tell your friends and family. Group Rates available: Order 12 or more tickets and prices are:Adults $10 per ticket & Seniors & Children $7 per ticketEnter HOWARD1 for adult ticket group discount at checkoutEnter HOWARD2 for senior & child group discount at checkout.