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Lord McIntosh of Haringey: My Lords, the noble and learned Lord the Lord Advocate has fallen straight into my trap. He did not repeat the speech made in another place. Instead he is guilty of what Fowler's Modern English Usage calls elegant variation. He cannot win whatever he does. As with the previous order, we commend the arrangements whereby the independence of the boundary commissions is secure. As I should have done in relation to the previous order, we congratulate the boundary commissions for both Wales and Scotland on the way they have carried out their work which has met with widespread approval from those particularly in another place who are most concerned with the recommendations.
But, again, the position in Scotland is that we have an order which will be shortlived. It will apply for the next election but it is most unlikely to apply without modification for any further election. The noble and learned Lord the Lord Advocate told the House that the Boundary Commission for Scotland had greater freedom with regard to crossing boundaries than the boundary commissions for England and Wales. But although it has taken the opportunity to cross regional boundaries in two cases by combining Lothian and Borders on the one hand and Central and Tayside on the other, it has taken the decisionwhich it need not have takento stick to regional electoral divisions. That may not matter too much in most of Scotland where the electoral divisions are relatively smallsay 3,000 or 4,000but in Strathclyde, for reasons that I do not fully understand (although I am sure my noble friends on the Front Bench understand them very well) these divisions are very large. Often they comprise 17,000 or 18,000. That certainly has led to anomalies. It has led to a particular anomaly as between Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley on the one hand and Ayr on the other hand. The Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley constituency, which is 10 times the size in area of the Ayr constituency, also has a very much larger electorate because the electoral district next to Ayr, which includes Alloway, is so large at 17,000 that if it were transferred to Ayr from the other constituency the imbalance in population would be even
Therefore, there are anomalies still in the way these matters are considered. Of course, as with Wales, the ongoing reformif that is the right wordof local government in Scotland will affect regional boundaries and boundaries of individual districts and will make it necessary to have the interim orders which the noble and learned Lord referred to in his speech. But, again, as regards the principle of these orders and as regards the independence with which the boundary commission has carried out its duties, we have no quarrel.
The Earl of Balfour: My Lords, I hope I may be permitted to ask my noble and learned friend one question. Assuming that this order in respect of Scotland is accepted, will the boundaries be on an Ordnance Survey map of the area? That is quite important to people who are trying to find out exactly where the boundaries lie. I know they appeared in the much older maps. I am perhaps asking an unfair question, not having given my noble and learned friend any notice of this, but I would like to have an answer at some time.
Lord Rodger of Earlsferry: My Lords, I do not think I can say that my noble friend's question is unfair. It is challenging and it is not one I can answer. I just do not know whether it is the intention to put the boundaries on the Ordnance Survey. I shall certainly find out and write to my noble friend while taking this opportunity to say that I am sure all noble Lords are happy to see him back in his place after his recent illness.
The noble Lord, Lord McIntosh, while welcoming the order, made points again about the particular problems which arise. I acknowledge that in particular in Scotland, with its regional electoral divisions, there have been anomalies. Indeed, as he knows, there were two judicial reviews brought, one arising out of Ayr in particular. But in the end the decision of the boundary commission was upheld. I think it recognises that the solutions are not ideal, but they partly arose because the local government boundary commission had not yet finished its work on the district wards. For that reason in future it will be open to the boundary commission to undertake further interim reviews of such scope as it considers appropriate. In the meantime, I commend the order to the House.
On Question, Motion agreed to.
Baroness Carnegy of Lour: My Lords, I beg to move that this Bill be now read a third time.
This is a small Bill with a single, limited purpose. At the same time, in order to scrutinise the Bill properly and to get it right, it has been necessary to take some account of the wider context in which the Bill is set
Because the Bill is important to the success of family mediation and because, sadly, as noble Lords have said, family mediation is increasingly important to many people, and notably to their children, it has been most encouraging that during our discussions the Bill has received support from all sides of this House, including the Cross Benches. The Government have been extremely helpful and supportive by making available the expertise of officials and parliamentary draftsmen, and, of course, in what Ministers themselves have said from the Dispatch Box.
I should like to place on record my appreciation of the contributions made by many people, both inside and outside this House, during the passage of the Bill. I am grateful to the Law Society of Scotland for its advice and support for the Bill; to the Comprehensive Accredited Lawyer Mediators (CALM) for the thoughtful, helpful and co-operative way they have contributed their experience and wise thinking which has led to useful amendments to the Bill; to Dr. Eric Clive of the Scottish Law Commission for his expert help in suggesting amendments; and to the Lord President of the Court of Session for his advice. I am sure that we all look forward to the introduction of the Lord President as a Life Peer in this House tomorrow.
I am also extremely grateful to noble Lords who have spoken so helpfully and constructively in our debates. From the Labour Front Bench the noble Lord, Lord Macaulay, with his usual skill and thoughtfulness, raised important points which have led to significant amendments to the Bill. From the Liberal Democrat Front Bench the noble Earl, Lord Mar and Kellie, has brought his supportive and professional social work experience to bear in a most useful way. The noble and learned Lord, Lord McCluskey, from his long experience as a High Court judge, in commending the Bill, pointed out a desirable improvement that might be made. The noble and learned Lord the Lord Advocate was subsequently able to respond with amendments which the House accepted on Report. The noble and learned Lord, Lord Simon of Glaisdale, who I am delighted to see is again in his place, has taken a close interest in our proceedings and has written to me about one point. My noble friend and neighbour, Lord Lyell, has given support with characteristic enthusiasm, for which I am grateful.
Above all, I am grateful to my noble and learned friends the Lord Advocate and Lord Fraser of Carmyllie for the work they have put in on the Bill, and to the officials of the Scottish Courts Administration and the Scottish Home and Health Department who have given generously of their skill and expertise and shown great patience and tolerance in so doing.
Last but by no means least, I pay tribute to Family Mediation Scotland, and notably to its director Susan Matheson, who is my principal adviser on the Bill and has done her best to assist other noble Lords who have asked for advice. Being a voluntary organisation, Family Mediation Scotland has limited resources at its disposal but its expertise and professionalism are of the highest
During its passage through this House we have amended the Bill in a number of important ways and, I believe, have improved it considerably so that it is now a workable piece of legislation within which mediators, with small adjustments to their present practice, will be able to work more successfully than ever before and with even more fruitful outcomes for their clients in Scotland.
I hope that your Lordships will give the Bill a Third Reading and a fair wind to continuing all-party support in the other place. I commend the Bill to the House.
Moved, That the Bill be now read a third time.(Baroness Carnegy of Lour.)
Lord Simon of Glaisdale: My Lords, the noble Baroness, Lady Carnegy, periodically makes forays over the Border, and the noble and learned Lord the Lord Advocate, to general acclaim, carried through the Local Government (Wales) Bill. Flushed with that success, he has today carried through a measure of Welsh law. Despite that fact I am conscious that any contribution by English lawyers on matters of Scots law are rarely received with enthusiasm. I intervene at this stage to make three short points, and I do so early so that anything that I say which is incorrect may be corrected by the famous Scots lawyers who are present in your Lordships' Chamber.
My first point concerns a matter of general agreement, namely to congratulate the noble Baroness on having carried through this Bill. In England we have the same problem, namely the confidentiality of statements made during the course of marriage conciliation. My predecessor in office set up a small body of welfare officers founded on the probation service to assist in family conciliation, particularly as regards children. During my time that was extended because the various marriage guidance agencies were prepared to help. The National Marriage Guidance Council (now called Relate), the similar Roman Catholic body and the Jewish Marriage Council were all agreed that, if their work was to proceed, it was essential that it should be undertaken under the cover of confidentiality. Otherwise, parties would simply not be prepared to make candid statements to the person engaged in helping them. That is the problem that faced the noble Baroness.
In England we managed to proceed by judge-made law. I believe that in this branch of the law that is generally preferable. The judge-made law made it plain that statements made in the course of marriage conciliation would be privileged and would not be disclosed in subsequent proceedings. Although I have preference for judge-made law in this regard, I wholly agree with the recommendation of the Scottish Law Commission that in this case it was essential to have legislation. That is because judge-made law can proceed only when the suitable case comes up. It was impossible
I wish to mention a matter that I raised with the noble Baroness. She sent my second letter (she having thrown the first into the wastepaper basket) to the noble and learned Lord the Lord Advocate. He promptly answered it, and I am grateful. He will forgive me if I say that I am not sure that I entirely agree, for this reason. It is a question of retrospection. The issue was raised at Committee stage. It seems to me important that this veil of confidentiality should be drawn over conciliation whenever it takes place.
The normal English lawI do not know whether it is the same in Scotland; I believe that it isregarding construing statutes is that where a provision affects substantive law, there is a presumption against it being retrospective; but when it affects procedural law, there is a presumption that it is retrospective. Matters of evidence generally, and certainly in this case, are considered as matters of procedure. I believe that it is desirable that the Bill should be retrospective.
In his letter, the noble and learned Lord the Lord Advocate pointed out a complication. When I wrote to the noble Baroness I suggested that the point should be dealt with expressly on the face of the Bill. I do not now believe that that is desirable. I believe that the Bill should go through the other place on the nod. I apprehend that, if it does not do so, it would have great difficulty in being carried into law this Session. I merely ask the noble and learned Lord the Lord Advocate to keep open the possibility of argument for retrospection if I am right in thinking that that is desirable.
The last point that I wish to make arises from a remark by my noble and learned friend Lord McCluskey at Committee stage. He hoped that the system of mediation would be carried beyond the matrimonial law into the general civil law. I strongly agree with that. It seems to me highly desirable that no one should be embroiled in litigation if mediation, counselling, can avoid the conflict.
As for conciliation in matrimonial affairs, there have been overwhelming arguments in favour of a family court. That was suggested as long ago as the 1950s in evidence to the Morton Royal Commission on Marriage and Divorce. It has been taken up repeatedly ever since by persons of the highest authority. For example, the Law Society Family Law Committee has endorsed it. The only department which I know is opposed to it is the Lord Chancellor's Department. I venture once again to urge the value of a family court. In particular, I envisage that it should have two sides: a welfare side and a judicial side, rather like the Conseil d'Etat in France. The welfare side would have a conciliation department; and only after conciliation and counselling have failed would the matter go for resolution by the judge himself.
With those suggestions, I end as I began by congratulating the noble Baroness on having carried this far what I regard as an important and valuable measure.
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text: In a large bowl sift the gram flour. Into the same bowl, peel and shred potatoes and add all the spices, yogurt and spinach. Add warm water very slowly while mixing the contents in the bowl to a thick semisolid consistency. Place cooking oil in a frying pan and heat, shallow fry tablespoon scoops of the mixture filling up the frying pan at a time and cooking each side for few minutes until golden brown then do the same with a second batch. Remove one at a time and place on kitchen paper towel to absorb excess oil. Serve with a sprinkling of vinegar or lemon juice. Tips: can improvise by adding chopped onions or replacing the potatoes with crushed cooked rice and vegetable left overs. Best served with hot cup of tea or sweet fruit juice. Please note: this recipe has been created and uploaded by a member of the Tesco Real Food online community. Tesco does not test customer recipes so cannot accept responsibility for the content, validate the results or answer queries regarding them.

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On the 3rd and 4th November, 2015 the final event for the second Participatory Video Oscar Award was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Twenty-seven organisations participated in this competition for becoming the best participatory video maker 2015 in the Ethiopian Social Accountability Program. Between May and September, 2015 the Social Accountability Implementing Partners implemented participatory video interventions to initiate dialogues on social accountability. On the 3rd November, 2015 the organizations had an opportunity to exchange experiences with each other. The four best nominated organizations competed for the PV Oscar Award. On the 4th November, 2015 the price winner was awarded. This PV Oscar competition is part of the Ethiopian Social Accountability Program Phase 2. It stimulates dialogue between service users and service providers for improving service delivery in the sectors of education,health, water & sanitation, rural road infrastructure and agriculture. Watch video;
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Participatory Video Oscar Award 2015 Ethiopia
Friday, June 26, 2015
Outcome harvesting – an excellent tool for evaluating projects in complexity!
'Outcome harvesting is an excellent tool for evaluating projects, that operate in a complex environment and that do not have a pre-defined strategy!' This was one of the comments from one of the participants, who participated in a workshop conducted by Ricardo Wilson Grau, one of the founding fathers of the Outcome Harvesting method. The workshop was hosted on the 23rd June, 2015 in The Hague by the Nedworc Association and OXFAM Novib, participants were Nedworc consultants and MEL-officers of OXFAM Novib.
Outcome harvesting is an evaluation approach, involving all stakeholders in a project, in a program context where there are no clear relations between cause and effect. Especially projects that involve lobby and advocacy, fast changing contexts and unpredictable situations can benefit from the Outcome harvesting approach. In 2013, UNDP selected Outcome Harvesting as one of the 11 major Monitoring and Evaluation innovations. There is a toolkit guide and several case studies on how Outcome Harvesting is applied. Read more at: http://betterevaluation.org/plan/approach/outcome_harvesting
Ricardo Wilson - Grau
The method has been developed by Ricardo Wilson Grau and his colleagues. They were inspired by the Outcome Mapping and the Utilization-Focused Evaluation. Outcomes are defined as change in behavior, relationships, actions & activities and policies & practices of a social actor (individual, groups & communities, institutions, organizations). The Outcome Harvesting method collects evidence on what has changed (who, what, when, where and how). then, working backwards, determines whether and how an intervention has contributed to these changes. The evaluation focuses on effectiveness, rather than on efficiency, which is done in projects with casual relationships with activities, results and goals. The approach is composed of 6 steps;
Step 1, Design the harvest; determines the set-up of the evaluation, the data collection methods and the evaluation questions that will be asked;
Step 2, Focuses on review of the documentation and evidence collected. In this phase the most important Outcome is defined and the most crucial activity or event that contributed to this outcome is determined.
In step 3, Engage with informants more detailed questions are asked from the stakeholders in the project (see in the diagram above) in knowing more details about the outcome and the contribution. This can be done in a face-2-face workshop setting with the help of a facilitator having all the stakeholders involved. However, it can also be done by e-mail posing the questions to each of the stakeholders. This is also the phase where significance will be given to the outcome by the informants.
Step 4; Substantiate. This is the phase were external stakeholders, who have not been involved in the project but who are authorities in domains of the project, are consulted. They comment and give input on the data and evidence, that has been collected in step 2 and step 3.
Step 5, Analyse, interpret and step 6, support use of findings complete the Outcome Harvesting Cycle. This is phase where lessons, conclusions and recommendations are drawn. This is where the learning amongst the stakeholders take place and where recommendations for improvement can be formulated.
During the workshop conducted by Ricardo Wilson Grau, the group worked on a case study of a funding agency, promoting the advancement of women's rights. We noticed that often specific information (What, when, where and how?) is lacking and you need to 'dig deeper' to complete the information.
Outcome Harvesting is characterized by the following strengths:
§ Corrects the common failure to search for unintended results.
§ Has verifiable harvested outcomes.
§ Uses a logical, accessible approach that makes it easy to engage informants.
§ Employs various means to collect data: face-to-face interviews or workshops, communication across distances (surveys, telephone, or email), and written documentation.
§ Ties the level of detail provided in the descriptions directly to the questions defined at the outset of the process; these descriptions may be as brief as a single sentence or as detailed as page or more of text, and may or may not include explanations of other variables.
Because of its nature, Outcome Harvesting also has certain limitations and challenges:
§ Skill and time are required to identify and formulate high-quality outcome descriptions.
From: Outcome Harvesting, Ricardo Wilson-Grau and Heather Britt (2012, revised 2013) link http://www.outcomemapping.ca/resource/outcome-harvesting
Outcome Harvesting in practice – the GPPAC case
In the second half of the workshop, Paul Kosterink working with The Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC), explained on how Outcome Harvesting is applied for projects in their organisation. They got assistance and advice from Ricardo Wilson Grau in building their Outcome Harvesting design. GPPAC is a member-led network of civil society organisations (CSOs) active in the field of conflict prevention and peacebuilding across the world, http://www.gppac.net/nl . GPPAC is active in a number of coalitions and networks in preventing armed conflict. Most of their work is focused on lobbying and advocacy through the networks. 'The context in which we work is very complex' explains Paul Kosterink.
Paul Kosterink
When we ask our partners to report, they have difficulty in specifying and writing down their results. Therefore, we ask our partners concrete questions on what changed and on what they achieved, explains Paul Kosterink. In the environment we work, it is difficult to reach big results within a short time. Therefore, we ask our partners to come up with simple and low-key outcomes, which can signify that things are changing. For example a letter from a Ministry of Defense giving compliments for our work specifying on how we prevent conflict, can already be a significant Outcome, says Paul Kosterink.
Lessons learned
Participants expressed that the workshop was useful and helpful. Some of the participants quoted;
· If we would have linked Outcome Harvesting to our reporting system, it would have produced much better reports;· The method is appealing. I am motivated to do more study on how the method works, before I start applying it;
· I will propose the Outcome Harvesting (OH) method as a tool for a developmental evaluation for a proposal, that I am developing;
· The Outcome Harvesting is an excellent method for projects operating in a complex environment, that do not have a pre-defined strategy;
· Outcome Harvesting will save you a lot of resources in time, people and money. The evaluator does not need to collect all the outcomes, but can start working from the evidence that is collected in the reports;
· Outcome Harvesting enables to ask more detailed and interesting questions for doing an evaluation.
· Outcome Harvesting is not easy, but it is very interesting!
Simon Koolwijk and Erica Wortel
June, 2015
Monday, May 11, 2015
Participatory video stories vizualizing the progress on education, Ethiopia
This video shows on how stories are visualized through participatory video stories in one week. From story board development to filming, to editing and then finally presenting and discussing the videos at a community dialogue meeting participants from social accountability partners learn to apply participatory video for dialogue with the community in discussing the progress on educational service delivery in Shashemene, Ethiopia. The training took place from 23 – 27 March, 2015 in Hawassa and Shashemene, Ethiopia. The participants inteviewed and involved 6 stakeholder groups in the discussion on the progress of educational services in Shashemene, Ethiopia. Both user groups, students, and service providers, teachers were involved in this participatory process. As experiment, also control groups from both students and teachers were involved in the PV process. The control groups came from schools, who did not participate in the social accountability process. The training was implemented by a team of participatory video trainers coming from Ethiopia and The Netherlands. Between April and July, 2015 the participants will apply the participatory video in their own workplace and social accountability projects involving their communties. The participatory video training and program is part of the Ethiopian Social Accountability Program Phase 2.
Geplaatst door SimonKoolwijk op 3:56 AM
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Labels: capacity development, evaluation, monitoring, Most significant change, participatory video, participatory video making, training, training of facilitators, videomaking
Advanced Training Participatory Video, Ethiopia, March 2015
From 18th – 20th March, 2015 twenty participatory video facilitators and practitioners attended a three day advanced training in participatory video. The twenty pv facilitators are representing 10 social accountability implementing partners (SAIPs), that are involved in implementing social accountability processes in the sectors of health, education, agriculture, water & sanitation and rural roads in the whole country of Ethiopia. The pv facilitators conducted pv interventions between October 2014 and February, 2015. This training gave them the opportunity to share their experiences and update their knowledge on participatory video, to learn to work with advanced software in video editing and to learn how to use the participatory videos for monitoring and evaluation and to discuss the opportunities and challenges on how to sustain participatory video in their organisation. Between May and July 2015, these SAIPs will continue to implement new participatory video interventions and are planning to participate in a new PV Oscar Reward Competition for the Ethiopian Social Accountability Program Phase 2. Watch video;
Geplaatst door SimonKoolwijk op 3:54 AM
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Labels: capacity development, evaluation, facilitation, monitoring, participatory video, participatory video making, training, training of facilitators
Friday, March 13, 2015
Seven critical factors for a successful Participatory Strategic Planning (PSP)
In early 2015 I conducted a Participatory Strategic Planning for a consultancy business. For this I applied the Participatory Strategic Planning (PSP) approach, which has been developed by the Institute of Cultural Affairs.
The Strategic Planning consists of six key steps,
0. Intake formulation of the focus question
1. Formulation / Review Mission, values/ Trend analysis and environmental scan;
2. Practical Vision;
3. Underlying contradictions;
4. Strategic Directions;
5. Operational planning.
The method
Step 0: Intake and formulating the focus question
Before step 1 takes place in the strategic planning process, an essential step is necessary, to move forward. This is the intake and the formulation of the focus question.
The ownership of the organizational change starts at the intake. Asking the right questions and getting the right people at the table are crucial conditions for enabling a successful strategic planning. The focus question is the starting point of the participatory strategic planning, through which the progress of the planning is monitored. This question is a perfect guide in monitoring the development of the client's and group's ownership during the planning process.
Step 1: Values, Identity, Mission, Trendanalysis and Environmental scan
Shared values and identity build the foundation, why people commit themselves to a group or organization. Increasingly, identity and values are the pillars for an organizational strategic plan. They are part of the mission statement, that explicity answers the question 'Why are we as organisation on earth?'
Shared values and identity build the foundation, why people commit themselves to a group or organization. Increasingly, identity and values are the pillars for an organizational strategic plan. They are part of the mission statement, that explicity answers the question 'Why are we as organisation on earth?'
The trendanalysis is a tool that analyzes the development taking place in the context, which are influencing the organization. During the environmental scan opportunities and threats are mapped in a systematic manner. Both tools will help to answer the question if the existing organizational mission is still relevant or need to be modified.
Step 2: Practical Vision
This phase builds on the dreams and the positive energy of the group. In an associative way, the participants create a new perspective of the future of the organization or group. At the end, participants have defined a vision for a defined period of time.
This phase builds on the dreams and the positive energy of the group. In an associative way, the participants create a new perspective of the future of the organization or group. At the end, participants have defined a vision for a defined period of time.
Step 3: Underlying obstacles
Before participants reflect on the strategic priorities for the future, they look at the underlying obstacles that hinder them in achieving their future goals. During this session, a self-reflective process is facilitated in researching the current situation why the organization is not realizing their future dreams. This phase helps to take a step back and observe from a distance and have a fresh watch at the current reality. This is a crucial phase were the transformation is taking place. Participants can not blame others, but are guided in a thorough process of self reflection.
Before participants reflect on the strategic priorities for the future, they look at the underlying obstacles that hinder them in achieving their future goals. During this session, a self-reflective process is facilitated in researching the current situation why the organization is not realizing their future dreams. This phase helps to take a step back and observe from a distance and have a fresh watch at the current reality. This is a crucial phase were the transformation is taking place. Participants can not blame others, but are guided in a thorough process of self reflection.
Step 4: Strategic Directions
Once the blocks have been mapped, the group starts with the formulation of the strategic priorities. This phase helps the group to formulate a new strategic focus that will deal with the opportunities and the threats. The challenge is to provide a new perspective on the current situation. In this session participants will be challenged to develop new products & services, identify new markets and new modes of working.
Once the blocks have been mapped, the group starts with the formulation of the strategic priorities. This phase helps the group to formulate a new strategic focus that will deal with the opportunities and the threats. The challenge is to provide a new perspective on the current situation. In this session participants will be challenged to develop new products & services, identify new markets and new modes of working.
Step 5: Operational planning
Based on the selected strategies, the group defines a one-year plan including milestones and a three months operational plan. During this phase tasks and responsibilities will be divided. Commitments will be made on the implementation and monitoring the progress of this plan. It is crucial in this stage that the conditions and available resources in time and money are communicated to enable the implementation of the operational plan.
Based on the selected strategies, the group defines a one-year plan including milestones and a three months operational plan. During this phase tasks and responsibilities will be divided. Commitments will be made on the implementation and monitoring the progress of this plan. It is crucial in this stage that the conditions and available resources in time and money are communicated to enable the implementation of the operational plan.
Critical factors for Success
There are 7 critical factors, which determine if a Participatory Strategic Planning will become a success.
1. The Intake, ensuring commitment from the leadership
The intake is a crucial phase in the PSP. From the beginning to the end the senior management has to take ownership of the process. During the whole process of planning up to implementation the senior management has to lead and to monitor the development of the focus question and the implementation of the plan. Will the key question be answered? If the leadership does not take their full responsibility the process is doomed to fail.
2. Quality of participants
The quality of participants will determine the outcome and successful implementation of the plan. Not only senior management should be involved, but also staff from all levels in the organization. Diversity , knowledge and views from different perspectives to bring in as much viewpoints as possible. An adequate selection of participants is needed for a successful outcome of the participatory strategic planning.
3. Quality of facilitation
The quality and experience of the facilitator will be of crucial importance in helping the group to explore new territory. The facilitator not only needs to know about attractive and innovative facilitation methods, but also is required to know how to deal with group dynamics, emotions of fear and anger and moments of unexpected resistance. Resistance and conflict are valuable moments for facilitating change.
4. Conditions for implementing the strategic plan should be clear
The conditions for implementing the change and the strategic plan should be clear from the beginning. Staff from the organization should know from the beginning how much time, resources and support from the senior management is available for implementing the strategic plan. The commitment and seriousness from the management should be clear and therefore, they need to communicate these conditions clearly during the participatory strategic planning event. Especially time for doing for example training, skills development or innovation should be allocated by the senior management. If staff do not get the extra time and the resources to implement changes, a successful implementation is doomed to fail.
5. Follow-up
Plans get adjusted all the time. Most strategic plans get adjusted during the implementation due to unforeseen changes in the contextual environment, changes in the organizaiton or change of staff. Mostly a plan is implemented successful in case an organization is able to adjust the path during the journey. A good plan is more than half of the work, but a successful strategy can only be implemented if the organization is able to deal with the challenges it meets on the road. Therefore, regular follow-up (at least (bi) monthly) is needed ensure a successful implementation.
6. Documentation is done by the organization
It is not the facilitator who is doing the documentation of the participatory strategic plan, but it is required that the organization is documenting and writing the strategic plan themselves. If real commitment comes from the senior management, it is up to them to write, document and disseminate the strategic plan. In most cases when the strategic plan is written by the facilitator, it becomes a paper tiger and ends in a desk drawer. So, it is important during the intake and preparation of the participatory strategic planning to make the client responsible for the documentation and dissemination of the strategic plan.
7. Keep the momentum and ensure that implementation continues straight after the participatory strategic planning event
Due to the participatory process many participatory strategic planning events gain a lot of enthousiasm, joy and energy with the group. Therefore, it is important that the momentum is continued after the strategic planning event. The participants should become the owners of the implementation process and the senior management must have the courage to trust, to facilitate and delegate parts of the implementation to the staff. Every moment of delay in the process, will take away the energy and the momentum with the staff in the organization. So the energy and the momentum should be continued. Therefore it is important that the working groups, that are created at the end of the participatory strategic planning have formulated challenging milestones for the quarters to come. If they have the opportunity to celebrate a victory within considerable time, the energy can be maintained and continued.
A book I can really recommend and is worthwhile reading, is the book 'TransformationalStrategy' written by Bill Staples. It describes the process of participatory strategic planning in detail, it puts the method in today's context and it gives some helpful and useful tips and tools on how to facilitate it effectively. The book contains some valuable case studies from the profit and non-profit sector and it provides some checklist on how you prepare a successful participatory strategic planning. See>>> TransformationalStrategy' written by Bill Staples. The Participatory Strategic is part of the Technology of Participation methods (TOP).
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Introduction training to Knowledge Management (KM) in the Agricultural and Rural Development Sector
From 3 - 7 November, 2014 CTA (Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation ACP-EU) organised a five day pilot training on Knowledge Management for development practitioners working in the agricultural and rural development sector. This pilot training was attended by knowledge management practitioners and development practitioners working on agricultural and rural development projects in the ACP (Africa, Carribean and Pacific) countries. The training was conducted by Lucie Lamoureux, trainer/ facilitator and knowledge management expert working with KM4D Associates. This five day training was held in Ede and was closed with a knowledge fair at the CTA Office in Wageningen, The Netherlands. Watch the video:
The training provides an introduction into Knowledge Management. Key questions which are answered during the training are; What is Knowledge Management? What do I already do with KM in my organization and how do I create the proper conditions for having the appropriate cultural environment to do KM? In addition participants learn a number of tools and methods on how they can initiate and encourage knowledge management in the organisation. The course is very practical and provides a lot of useful tips and hints.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Knowledge Management for Senior Management in the Agricultural and Rural Development Sector
From 10 - 12 November, 2014 CTA (Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation ACP-EU) organised a pilot training in Knowledge Management for Senior Management in the Agricultural and Rural Development Sector. The training was attended by Knowledge Management and project managers and practitioners and experts in knowledge management. The 2 day training was composed of 6 units aiming to expose the participants with the basic concepts and tools of knowledge management. The training was conducted by Jaap Pels and Simon Koolwijk. Watch the video:
The video gives a logical explanation about the theory, the principles and the definition of knowledge management and it explains the process of the two - day training for senior managers. It shows how the senior management gets acquainted with some of the key models in knowledge management and how to relate this to the work in the own organization. During the video the participants comment on how they experienced the exercises and the training as a whole.
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- Iron and Ironing board
- Complimentary crib is available upon request
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- Balcony
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Good Fitness & Rehab Advice On How You Can Approach Your Back Discomfort
Managing lower back pain can seem to be such as an impossible task. It makes many simple tasks feel more difficult and will delay including the fastest projects. By simply following the tips on this page, you will learn ways to deal with your back discomfort and possibly even some ideas for relieving yourself completely.
Use ice to help you alleviate lower back pain, as it might reduce swelling and inflammation from injuries that cause back discomfort. Apply the ice towards the affected area two or three times each day for 10 to twenty minutes, and also this may help you sense better. An ice pack or perhaps a bag of frozen vegetables can be used for this purpose.
Put heat on any back spasms. Produce a warm compress or get yourself a heating pad and simply relax. It could soothe the muscles Medication Aids and relax you. Stress can be a large part of back discomfort, so just laying down and trying to rest can wind up doing wonders for you.
To avoid having back problems, make sure you're lifting properly and safely. A great deal of back problems is due to not lifting heavy objects properly. Ensure you're bending the knees, keeping your abs tight, and keeping the object near your whole body. This helps take the vast majority of strain from your back.
After you're finished exercising, ensure you stretch. This will assist keep the muscles loose and limber and stop them from tightening up. Having muscles which can be overly tight is a very common method to obtain back problems so you want to avoid that. By stretching being a cool off, you'll have the ability to keep those muscles loose.
To help reduce swelling and alleviate back discomfort as a result of muscle Pressure Care strain, try compressing the rear muscles. To compress the injured muscles, think about using an elastic bandage or even a back support. The action of compressing the muscles helps lower the inflammation in the muscles. This, in turn, leads to an easing in back discomfort.
Avoid watching television in bed. Typically people prop themselves up while enjoying some night time television. These postures tend to be very bad and stressful to your back. So to lessen your back discomfort, keep the television activities to the living room and make use of your bedroom for what it can best!
There are many those who experience back discomfort, therefore that means that there is a large great deal of information on how to approach it. This article has gathered among the best recommendations on handling back problems, along with removing it through your life completely.


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J.J. Abrams Wants Star Wars to Be As Delightful As a Twirling Umbrella on a Bright Spring Day
"That was really the only requirement Larry and I imposed on each other."
A newborn puppy. Your nephew's smile. Those inflatable dancing guys that advertise car dealerships. J.J. Abrams's new Star Wars. The smell of cinnamon rolls. Five dollars in your dirty jeans. What do all of these things have in common? If Abrams gets his wish, they're all positively, emphatically, indubitably delightful. As the director tells Wired, one question occupied him above all else during production on Force Awakens: "How do we make this movie delightful?" Abrams recalled many wonderful conversations with Lawrence Kasdan about how to accomplish this charming and amusing and splendid and sublime goal: "It was not about explaining everything away, not about introducing a certain number of toys for a corporation, not about trying to appease anyone. This has only ever been about what gets us excited." And if those enchanting and endearing and appealing things end up as equally adorable toys, well, that's just a delightful coincidence.


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Swing With Us and Kwame Alexander on Sep. 13th
CityLit Announces 2019 Chapbook Contest
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Before you get too upset about that nugget of a revelation -- that Vince Vaughn winds up with the girl in his new Christmas comedy -- rest assured that it really isn't much of a spoiler. From the get-go, it's fairly obvious "Fred Claus" is that kind of film: Shiny, happy but entirely predictable.
Fans of Vaughn's rambling comic delivery will find moments to latch onto, and the film boasts a wonderful cast that includes Kevin Spacey, Kathy Bates, Paul Giamatti and, in a bit role, Rio Hackford, the New Orleans barroom impresario and noted Friend of Vince.
Also, the wee ones will delight in the bright, Bavarian feel of the North Pole, which is all colored lights and gingerbread. (Props to Allen Cameron, the film's production designer, who as a general rule doesn't get enough credit.)
Aside from that, though, "Fred Claus" is stingy with ho-ho-ho's and has so many subplots that the film ends up resembling Santa on Christmas night -- that is to say, it's all over the map.
Bumbling big brother arrives at the North Pole, simmering with sibling rivalry, about the same time that an inspector (the delightfully villainous Spacey) from some unnamed -- and, frankly, unexplainable -- holiday bureaucracy is threatening to shut down Santa's operation due to alleged inefficiencies.
You see where all this is headed.
The problem is, that apparently wasn't enough for director David Dobkin ("Wedding Crashers"), as he and his writers go subplot happy. There's Fred's crumbling relationship with his girlfriend (Weisz) back home. There's a lovelorn elf named Willie. There's the cute orphan who is making all the wrong choices. It all amounts to far too many moving parts, all of them sloppily done.
To make matters worse, this is one of those films where most of the really good laughs are in the trailer -- not counting what is easily the film's best scene, involving a "Siblings Anonymous" meeting that includes a trio of inspired cameos.
To be fair, nobody can accuse "Fred Claus" of not being rich with holiday spirit: Each of its subplots generates a tender message, and Dobkin manages to tie them all up with a nice little bow in a heartwarming closing montage. Still, not even the best wrapping paper can make up for a box's mediocre contents.
2 stars, out of 4
Plot: Sibling rivalry simmers over when Santa's larcenous big brother visits the North Pole.
What works: Vaughn is always fun to watch, and the North Pole set is a delight.
What doesn't: There are too many subplots, and not enough genuine laughs.
Starring: Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti, Kevin Spacey. Director: David Dobkin. Running time: 1 hour 56 minutes. Rating: PG, for mild language and some rude humor. Where: Prytania, Elmwood Palace, Clearview Palace, West Bank Palace, Hammond Palace, Hollywood 9, (Kenner), Hollywood 14 (Kenner), Grand (Slidell).


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Lesson 1 (from Prologue | Chapter 1)
Prologue | Chapter 1
The students will be able to identify the main idea of a section/chapter/novel.
Possible Activities:
• Have the students hold a class discussion to determine what they believe is the main idea of this chapter (family history and life history).
• Have the students work in pairs to develop definitions, similarities and differences between the concepts of main idea, central message and theme.
• Have the students create a pictorial representation of the main idea of this chapter (i.e. create a family tree type picture of his family).
Have the students write a few sentences supporting or denying that the main idea of this chapter revolves the importance of understanding where someone comes from, to be able to understand the person themselves.
Have the students research their own lineage and report on it to the class or just to the teacher...
This section contains 4,717 words
(approx. 16 pages at 300 words per page)


text: In its bid to contribute to a credible, peaceful, free and fair election, the Elections Observation Group (ELOG) deployed observers across the country during the October 26 fresh election. In addition to observing the quality of the process at polling stations, ELOG observers requested copies of the Presidential Results Form (Form 34A). As part of promoting electoral transparency and the values of the open election data movement, ELOG is posting the forms they collected here. ELOG encourages you to be a part of this open election movement by sending your forms via email to email@example.com


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Pennsylvania Federal Judge Grants Injunction In Birth-Control Case
(Order available. Document #93-141029-013R.)
In the order, U.S. Judge Joy Flowers Conti of the Western District of Pennsylvania cited Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. (134 S.Ct. 2751 [2014]).
The order applies to plaintiffs Wayne L. Hepler, individually, and in...
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Developing State-of-the-Art Technology for Drug Discovery:
The BCDD's facilities offer a breadth of capabilities and technologies, which support diverse and collaborative research activities to promote the discovery and development of new therapeutics at TAU. Several novel approaches are being used for biological target identification and compound validation processes such as high throughput image-based screening analysis together with complementary high throughput genomics, metabolomics and proteomics. Additionally, the computational chemistry lab uses the most advanced computational tools to design the optimal compounds for the in-house synthesis of small molecules and peptides is provided by the medicinal chemistry lab.


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Earn money faster in Hanoi
You want to turn your business project to a piece of cake and sell it to the investor? You want to sell your services faster? Together we can turn your idea into case that you can easily sell. I provide a case including project planning, timeline, budgeting and final presentation. Support on the business case presentation is also possible.
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Note: Supplemental materials are not guaranteed with Rental or Used book purchases.
Purchase Benefits
What is included with this book?
|p. xi
|p. xiii
|p. xvi
|About the Authors
|p. xxii
|p. 1
|The Dance Toward Partnership: Using the Dance Metaphor to Understand Parent-Professional Partnerships
|p. 5
|How the Dance Begins
|p. 7
|Phases of the Partnership Dance
|p. 11
|More Resources
|p. 35
|Listening to the Hidden Lyrics: Tuning in to Your Partner
|p. 37
|The Story of Sam
|p. 38
|The Story of Rachel
|p. 64
|More Resources
|p. 93
|The Dance Manual: Essential Steps to Keep on Dancing
|p. 94
|For Parents: Essential Steps
|p. 95
|For Professionals: Essential Steps
|p. 100
|More Resources
|p. 111
|When the Dance Is Complicated
|p. 112
|A Complicated Dance: When Parents Appear Angry
|p. 113
|A Few Other Points to Consider When Parents Seem to be Uninvolved or Are Absent
|p. 123
|Concluding Thoughts: We Are All People First
|p. 125
|More Resources
|p. 126
|Enhancing the Dance: Partnership Notes
|p. 127
|Practical Suggestions for Professionals
|p. 129
|Partnership Notes
|p. 130
|More Resources
|p. 135
|A Dance That Matters
|p. 136
|Resources for Families and Professionals
|p. 138
|References and Selected Readings
|p. 143
|Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.


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The NCSG's Annual Convention to Co-locate with TEAMS '16 in Atlantic CityThe TEAMS Conference & Expo—the world's leading conference and expo for the sports-event industry—has announced a three-year co-location partnership with the National Congress of State Games. Hosted by the Atlantic City Sports Commission and Meet AC, TEAMS '16 will be held in Atlantic City, New Jersey, September 26–29.
"We are thrilled to announce the co-location of the NCSG Symposium with the TEAMS Conference & Expo," said Timothy Schneider, president and CEO of Schneider Publishing, which publishes SportsTravel magazine and organizes the TEAMS Conference. "Members of the National Congress of State Games organize large-scale events that bring together athletes and spectators in states all across the nation. We look forward to this partnership and helping the State Games' movement to continue to grow."
"The National Congress of State Games looks forward to holding our symposium with the TEAMS Conference and appreciates the opportunity to work with TEAMS in the future," said Dan Duffy, president of the National Congress of State Games. "The education and networking opportunities available at TEAMS will be extremely beneficial to our members and help increase awareness of State Games."
Each year, nearly 500,000 athletes of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels participate in State Games competitions nationwide, and an additional 1.2 million spectators attend State Games events. The National Congress of State Games organizes the State Games of America, a biennial amateur multisport event held in North America.
The announcement of the partnership was made at the closing session of TEAMS '15 in Las Vegas, which featured a briefing by the Los Angeles 2024 Olympic Bid Committee, an interview with legendary sports executive Harvey Schiller and a surprise performance from the "Jersey Boys," recently named Las Vegas' longest running Broadway show.


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PAPOOSE LAKE PENINSULA. 745' of sand shoreline and panoramic views! Northwood's rustic contemporary has an inviting great room with wall of windows bringing the beauty of Wisconsin's Last Wilderness indoors. Cathedral ceiling and custom Benson fieldstone FP are the focal points of the great room. Custom chef's kitchen with u-shape island and seating. Main floor laundry/mud room has access to the att.3 car garage. Master bedroom wing features a spacious room, walk-in closet and private bath with 2 person tub, separate shower and double vanities and office. Opposite this area is the guest wing with a bedroom, bathroom and glassed in "tree house" sunroom. A 2 BR, 1 BA sleeping loft overlooks great room and provides ample sleeping space for large families and guests. From the large wrap-around deck you can witness sunrises and sunsets across the shimmering water. At the lakeshore is a 3 BR log cabin which is perfect for even more guests. Make this your peaceful paradise!


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Flinders University government and international relations degrees give you a range of tools to understand and drive economic, social and political change. You will learn how policies are developed and implemented, preparing you for careers in government, non-government and not-for profit organisations in Australia and abroad.
Government policy shapes the world we live in.
For me International Relations is the intersection between politics, history, culture and languages and in this increasingly globalised world that we live in this study is extremely important. At Flinders we have such a large number of internationally recognised experts in different fields as well as opportunities such as the Flinders University Washington Internship Program, where I was lucky enough to intern with the US Congressman Jim McDermott. This really consolidated my learnings.
The thing I enjoy most about Flinders is how my course is shaped by real life. We are taught using real scenarios, and the findings from the latest academic research papers are applied in our workshops. I have developed the skills and knowledge that will help to progress my career.
The skills and insights gained from studying government structures and public management are highly transferable into the ever-evolving Australian work force. The Bachelor of Government and Public Management allows you to focus on both participation and productivity. I feel as though I am prepared to take on any employment opportunity or further study as an aware, informed, flexible and cultured graduate upon entering the increasingly globalised world.
As a mature aged student who graduated over 20 years ago, the Bachelor of Government and Public Management has given me a second chance at a new life. I am now in a high achiever's program gaining invaluable experience in a government department on a real project with the opportunity to conduct myself, much like a consultant. What was once a scary dream is a fantastic university experience on my way to my new career and brand new, educated outlook on life!
The Master of Public Administration has been invaluable to my career. It opened up a whole new world for me, providing just the right mix of theoretical concepts and practical tools that could be directly applied to my work.
My combined degree gave my studies at Flinders a distinct international focus and added depth. I chose international relations because I wanted a way to continue my language studies from High School (Indonesian) while studying Law. This course gave me the flexibility to be able to study abroad and encouraged me to become a globally aware citizen. My studies enabled me to turn my passion for international law and development into a career. I have had great practical experiences as a part of my studies with an internship with AusAid at the UN in New York and at the World Bank in Jakarta.
Adding International Studies to my Law degree was the best decision I made in my university life. It gave me opportunities for exchanges and placements I would never have had in my Law degree, and when the stress and minutiae of Law was too much I always had IS topics to look forward to. Doing a language, an exchange, a placement in an NGO; all these opportunities are available in an IS degree and all have made me a more well rounded and employable graduate. If it's something you will enjoy, picking IS can only be a good thing.
If you do not meet our academic or English entry requirements, you may wish to consider enrolling on one of our English or Academic pathway programs.
Learn more on applying to study at Flinders University.


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Product Summary
Remington tillers feature a cushioned grip handle and instant start and stop by squeezing or releasing the on-off lever. The folding handle and quick flip wheels offer easy transport and storage.
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SOURCE: Sunsweet
February 02, 2016 12:52 ET
MISSION, KS--(Marketwired - Feb 2, 2016) - (Family Features) With the day of love not far away, it's the perfect time to consider all of the ways that you can share sweet indulgences with your nearest and dearest. This Valentine's Day, try some new, delicious ways to give the gift of decadent chocolate.
Whether you make a chocolate treat from scratch or simply make a gift basket filled with an indulgence, such as PlumSweets Dark Chocolate or Greek Yogurt Coated Prunes, you don't have to skimp on good health -- especially as dark chocolate has risen in popularity and become a Valentine's Day favorite. These gift-worthy recipes from Sunsweet feature craveable chocolate to share with those you love most.
Mason Jar Trail Mix -- This energy-boosting snack, a recipe created by registered dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner, has all of the sweet decadence that you'd want in a treat, but with ingredients that you can feel good about putting into your body. The secret ingredient: PlumSweets. Sunsweet's signature diced prunes are nestled inside a layer of rich dark chocolate or creamy Greek yogurt.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Nut Cookies -- Chewy, chocolatey and oh-so-good, these cookies are ideal for someone conscious about keeping gluten at bay. The rich flavor and texture makes it easy to forget there's anything missing.
Slender Blondie Brownies -- At a slim 169 calories per serving, don't worry about feeling guilty when you can't stop at just one. Crunchy peanuts, bittersweet chocolate morsels and chopped prunes lend a uniquely flavorful take on the traditional brownie that your beloved is sure to love.
Berry Chocolate Loaf -- What's better than the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of a freshly baked loaf of bread? Nothing, except the sweetly succulent berries and hints of chocolate that take this recipe from good to great. Served warm with a delicate drizzle of glaze, each slice gives you a reason to fall in love all over again.
Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti -- Cocoa, espresso and hazelnuts join a special unexpected ingredient for an unforgettable taste. The prunes lend moisture, texture and a subtle, unique flavor that makes this treat perfect for sharing over a mug of steaming coffee.
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March 03, 2006
Marketing management changes at Pfizer
Pfizer has handed operational responsibility for US sales and marketing to Peter Brandt, formerly regional head of Latin America, while assigning US Pharmaceuticals head Pat Kelly several new duties. Brandt becomes EVP US Pharmaceuticals, reporting to Kelly, with responsibility for sales, marketing, medical, finance and USP operations. He was previously SVP Human Health finance, planning & business development, information technology, Pfizer Health Solutions, and area president for Latin America. Replacing him as Latin American regional head is Greg Duncan, formerly SVP marketing for US Pharmaceuticals. In a memo to Pfizer Human Health employees, Pfizer vice chairman Karen Katen ascribed the changes to an ongoing streamlining of the company's operations. "Over the past year," Katen wrote, "the Human Health organization has been moving from distinct research, manufacturing and commercial operations to a more seamless way of operating against our shared goals—addressing the market realities for innovative pharmaceuticals, sustaining in-line product growth and speeding the flow of new medicines to meet the needs of patients, today and tomorrow." Brandt will also join Kelly and Katen on a US Pharmaceuticals steering committee that "will meet regularly to review significant matters affecting the US business." Kelly continues to serve as president, US Pharmaceuticals, and adds responsibility for Pfizer Health Solutions (formerly held by Brandt) and US planning and business development to his plate. Kelly will also chair the Human Health New Directions Task Force. The move prompted speculation in The Wall Street Journal that Kelly was being sidelined following poor US performance of several big drugs on his watch. Brandt headed the firm's Florida: A Healthy State and Pfizer for Living Share Card programs, along with Green Ribbon Health, a pilot program under the Medicare Chronic Care Improvement Program. He has headed Pfizer's Latin American operations since 2003 and sits on Pfizer's Pharmaceutical Strategy Group, PGP Leadership Team and Pfizer Leadership Council, as well as on the board of Pfizer partnership Amicore. Other changes at Pfizer Human Health include: • Marie Caroline Sainpy, SVP worldwide marketing & product and opportunity evaluation, to SVP US Pharmaceuticals marketing and worldwide commercial development, including therapeutic area responsibilities, reporting to both Brandt and Katen. • Andreas Fibig, regional president, Latin America, to regional president, Latin America and Africa/Middle East, reporting to Pfizer Global Pharmaceuticals area president, Europe/Canada/Africa/Middle East, Ian Read. His reports will include Greg Duncan. • Ozer Baysal, regional president, Africa/Middle East, to regional president, Northern Europe, reporting to Read. • George Henniger, VP finance, Europe/Canada and Africa/Middle East, to SVP finance, Human Health, reporting to Katen. • Jonathan White, VP strategic planning & business development and IT, Human Health, to SVP, reporting to Katen.


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As of 2015, the starting salary for an LVN in California averages just over $20 per hour. However, depending on location, the pay can start as low as the upper teens.Continue Reading
The majority of salaries overall tend toward the mid-to-upper $20 range, with those in supervisory roles earning upwards of $30 per hour. There is room to expand in the role of an LVN, but there also appears to be a cap on that expansion. As in many health care fields, the commitment required by the company can exceed the value of the pay, and that must be taken into consideration.Learn more about Salaries


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Whether you love to do it yourself or want to customize your ride to your own personal specifications, turn to the Parts Department at Arrowhead Honda! For years, we've been providing customers from Phoenix, Glendale and Sun City with the best OEM Honda parts on the market. You can conveniently order parts and accessories online from the comfort of your home of office. Additionally, we provide special parts and accessories offers each month to save you more!
The Honda parts here reflect our knowledge of the Phoenix economy and its drivers' needs. Glendale car parts specials include late model, pre-owned, vintage and even exotic Honda parts. Phoenix discount auto parts is our principal business, and its residents are our principal customers, so whether you're from Peoria, Glendale, Surprise, Peoria or Sun City, we know what you need. Our service prices and technician care offer you Honda repair specials that you can rely on to fit your budget.
Popular Items Perfect for You
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-Door Edge GuardsIf you have any questions, would like to view our facility in person or, want to purchase parts or accessories, feel free to visit us in person at 8380 W Bell Road, Peoria, AZ 85382! We look forward to serving our customers from Phoenix, Glendale and Sun City soon!


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This patch is the same patch the Champions recieve. Simply iron this
patch onto your clothing.
WBC Champion patch
Ideal for shorts, t-shirts etc.
Iron on
WBC logo
Please feel free to contact us with any questions or queries you may have. We can be contacted by email, by telephone, or in writing at the details below.Unit 5a, The Old Brickworks,Church Road,
Our Store Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 10am til 5.30pm. (Please note that our telephone lines will close at 5.00pm)
Sat: 9.30am - 5.00pm
VAT Number: 872 9200 16
Boxfit UK Ltd is registered in England at the address above with the company registration number: 5615665
This patch is the same patch the Champions recieve. Simply iron this
patch onto your clothing.
UK mainland orders aim to be dispatched in 2-4 working days (ex. Bank Holidays) and International orders in 3-5 working days (ex. Bank Holidays). For next day delivery, please call 01708 320 320.
Delivery costs are priced on each order. If you cancel your order after it has been dispatched, you will be charged for delivery and collection costs.
Items can be returned free of charge if faulty or incorrect (must be in original packaging and condition). Unwanted items can be sent back at the customer's expense. Both must be returned within 14 working days.
Please use the Boxfit UK Returns Form.
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MassDOT routinely prequalifies firms in various A&E work categories and uses that information as a partial basis for selecting firms for new A&E contract services.
Obtain design submission checklists, schedule templates, standard invoicing forms, design guides and other related materials.
This page contains information about the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Transportation Improvement Program.
Obtain information about MassDOT's environmental programs and environmental stewardship, including resource materials for engineers.
Obtain traffic volume counts, crash rates, traffic regulations, road safety audit information, design guidance and other traffic and safety information.
This page contains the MassDOT Highway Division CAD Standards Manual and all support files necessary for creating CAD files for MassDOT highway projects.
Access information for approximately 19,000 horizontal and vertical control points and 30,000 downloadable image files of State Highway Layout Plans and Easement Plans throughout Massachusetts.
This application provides contact information for utility companies in each municipality in Massachusetts for use on MassDOT projects.
From time to time, MassDOT issues formal engineering and policy directives to introduce new design standards or to supplement, clarify or amend existing design standards.
View design guides, standard specifications, submission checklists, engineering directives, and other reference materials.


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This week it's all about cars, clothes and food on our weekly showcase of The Dachis Group's Social Business Index.
Our focus is on three global brands as analyzed by the Dachis Group team.
We've also taken a glimpse at the top twenty brands on the Social Business Index, a real-time ranking of more than 30,000 global brands based on their performance in the social space, to see how the biggest brands in social are faring.
Old Navy
Stephanie Fuller
Old Navy broke away from the pack (exactly 23 spots) to land at No. 112 on the Social Business Index ranking this week due to some successful experimentation with Facebook Offers.
Offers, a tactic for bridging the digital divide between social brand engagement and in-store spending, made waves when more than 4,500 individuals shared the 25% off offer with their friends resulting in over 209,000 claimed offers.
Though it is yet to be seen how many of these 25% off offers will be claimed, the social impact is clear: money-saving incentives that exist in social carry value among Old Navy's customer base. The new fans that claimed the offer will now see Old Navy's updates in their newsfeed, and the legacy fans ultimately may increase their page engagement due to content they're interested in, such as sales.
Kellogg Company
Allison Squires
Last week, Kellogg Company popped up 13 spots on the Social Business Index due to one particularly delicious Facebook page - Pop-Tarts. This playful and colorful page appeals to its younger audience through images, polls and frequent content around music.
Last month, the "Crazy Good Summer Concert" in Chicago, Illinois had Pop-Tart fans going crazy. This month content from the event is appearing in key social channels across the Pop-Tart ecosystem. The high quality, audio, video, and images are re-igniting people around the event and the brand. This is a classic case of using a hugely popular offline activation as a content driver for weeks (if not months) of quality engagement.
Backstage pictures of band members, and videos in particular are triggering expressions of love for particular musicians through comments on the page. Pop-Tarts is successfully engaging their young audience in fun ways that encourage their audience to participate.
Daimler AG
Stephanie Fuller
Mercedes Benz stepped up their tech game this week, rolling out a new smartphone app that highlights their new A-class line of vehicles. The "guide" application, along with Mercedes' new interest in pushing Instagram photos to their communities, has created a spike in conversation on the car brand's Facebook page.
The posts resonate beyond Mercedes own ecosystem in the form of second-level impressions courtesy of share-happy fans. These 'second-level impressions' are key to winning in social because they reach an audience beyond just Mercedes direct followers -- this is a form of advocacy that turns a fan into a brand's content evangelist. Luckily for Mercedes, photos of beautiful cars will always be a big draw in social and Instagram's platform combined with Facebook's audience.
The focus paid off for Diamler, the parent organization to Mercedes Benz, hopping 6 spots this week to No. 79 on the SBI ranking.
Editors note: The Social Business Index, a free ranking compiled by The Dachis Group, is based on the analysis of conversations on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and other social platforms. The index is based on the execution and effectiveness of businesses at driving outcomes such as brand awareness, content sharing, and advocacy.
Comments (5)
Impressive! Great work for Zynga. I really enjoy their apps, especially on Facebook.
Although with high value good like cars, its difficult to see social media commerce become prevalent in this sector, it is good to know that car manufacturers are getting more involved with social media and trying to connect with their customers.
Thats more than snesbile! Thats a great post!
Great blog article about this topic, I have been lately in your blog once or twice now. I just wanted to say my thanks for the information provided here.
Great writeup, Just love to say that your article is excellent . It is informative too. I have found a good site for my Mercedes Benz . Mercedes Benz is continuously making its cars more versatile,stylish,luxury and according to the latest automotive changes. I have bookmarked this site and i will get back to you. Thanks for nice article.


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The most awesome of the many special effects on view in the new "John Carter" is pyrotechnic in nature: How often do you get to watch $250-million (the movie's reported budget) go straight up in flames?
Making his first live-action feature, director Andrew Stanton–the Pixar eminence who directed "WALL*E" and "Finding Nemo" — seems to have been swamped by the picture's sprawling source material. Watching the film is like sinking into a 3D bog of unending — and surprisingly dull — confusion.
The movie began shooting more than two years ago, and has had, as they say, a "troubled" production history. It's largely based on the 1917 sci-fi novel "A Princess of Mars," by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Since Burroughs went on to extend this tale about a 19th century earthling transported to the Red Planet through 10 more books, it seems likely that "John Carter" — originally titled "John Carter of Mars" before some genius decided that was a little too interesting–was envisioned as the first installment of a large and profitable franchise. I'd say we'll be seeing a series of "Cowboys & Aliens" sequels before that happens.
The Burroughs books were eagerly absorbed by any number of famous fantasy writers and filmmakers, from Robert Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke to James Cameron and George Lucas. By now, after much cannibalization, the author's original narrative elements, wheeled out here as though they were fresh, seem musty and drained.
Read the rest of the review at Reason.com


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. The First One
. The Alpha
. The Pre-Existing
. The One who is the first, the beginning, the foremost
. The Prior-Existing One who existed before all of creation
. The One who is the cause of all the worlds
. The One is the beginning of every action, command or thought.
He is the First and the Last, and the Outward and the Inward; and He is Knower of all things. (The Quran 57:3)
And thy Sustainer knows all that their hearts conceal as well as all that they bring into the open: for He is God, save whom there is no deity. Unto Him all praise is due, at the beginning and at the end of time; and with Him rests all judgment; and unto Him shall you all be brought back.
(The Quran 28:69-70)
Practice | Repeat and behold this remembrance as Ya-'Awwalu.
introduction to the post series | Sufism.org | graphics credit


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Mixing and recycling
We serve the asphalt industry with our mixing technology as well as our crushing technology.
Our twin-shaft batch mixers (type DKX) can be specially configured for the hot mixing processes in the asphalt industry. Thanks to our decades of experience in the concrete industry, these mixers have been optimized for demanding applications and deliver outstanding mixing results, batch after batch. They are also characterized by outstanding energy efficiency, minimal wear-related costs and ease of maintenance. Their compact outer dimensions mean they can also be installed in facilities where space is confined.
Our rotor centrifugal crusher (type RSMX) is a proven solution for processing granulated asphalt. It gently separates stone chippings from bituminous bonds so that the aggregates in the mixture can be completely recycled. Purity levels of 98% are possible. The remaining fraction, a bitumen/sand mixture, can be added to the asphalt mix in compliance with industry standards.


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AirTran (airline code FL) is a low cost airline based in Orlando, Florida. It is a subsidiary of Southwest Airlines, the budget carrier that is based in ...
User ReviewsSee all
greyhawkgeoff1 Review
Flight on 09/04/2014
AirTran Business (short haul)
on: B737-700
Las Vegas NV – Atlanta GA, and Atlanta – Tampa FL Business class B737 and B717 I recently travelled AirTran on the above as their schedule and price suited my one way needs. For those that are not aware, AirTran is a subsidiary of Southwest the one class behemoth with 600 737's that until ...read more


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The BullyBox
Report Bullying Incident
Instructions for logging into BullyBox
The BullyBøx The BullyBøx is a mobile application, available on iPhone and Android platforms, designed to allow students to safely and anonymously report acts of bullying or other school-safety concerns. The BullyBøx provides a "voice" to those being victimized, as well as empowering up-standers, while simultaneously allowing reporters to refrain from becoming directly involved in the incident. The application is available for free download on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. You may use the online BullyBox or the app to report an incident. The Ortonville School Password is OPS (Ortonville Public School). Ortonville School administrators will receive the incident report and respond appropriately. Remember this is anonymous reporting.