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Toll Free at800.781.4040
If you think it's impossible to cover all of Indochina in 41 days, well, we'd like to prove you wrong. This epic, fast-paced journey covers five countries in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar), making it the perfect snapshot for first-time visitors. Your days will be packed to the gills with activities like visiting Angkor Wat, trekking with hilltribes in Myanmar (Burma), exploring underground rivers in Phong Nha, and touring temples and markets. And with two overnight homestays, sleeper trains, and three included flights, you can rest easy knowing you're getting the most out of your time in this mind-blowing region.
Arrive at any time.
Travel to Siem Reap. Enjoy a delicious Khmer meal at a G Adventures for Good-supported project.
Cross from Thailand into Cambodia, the home base for exploring incredible Angkor Wat. Arrive in time for our included dinner at a Planeterra-project restaurant or with a local family in a village outside of Siem Reap.
Guided tour of Angkor Wat temple complex. Opt to visit Tonle Sap floating village and Angkor National Museum.
Prefer to plan ahead? Opt to pre-book the "Siem Reap Quad Biking" or "Phare Circus" activities on the checkout page ahead of time, to include one of these optionals on your tour.
Transfer to Cambodia's capital. Take an orientation walk around Phnom Penh.
Opt to learn about Cambodia's sombre history with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Prison and the Killing Fields. Later, head out for a street food crawl with the group and CEO.
Sights you might choose to visit this afternoon include the National Museum and adjacent complex which includes the Silver Pagoda and Royal Palace. To learn about Cambodia's sombre history, visit the Tuol Sleng Prison and the Killing Fields, reminders of the genocide that took place under Pol Pot's reign as leader of the Khmer Rouge.
Transfer to Sihanoukville then take a boat ride to your own private beach on Koh Rong. Check in and go for a swim in the warm waves before relaxing with a drink on the beach.
Travel to Koh Rong and feast on fantastic local seafood, take a day trip to snorkel the coral reefs and explore the islands, or just sit back in a deck chair and let the warm breeze caress you as the waves splash gently at your feet. It doesn't get much better than this.
Swim, relax by the beach or opt to go snorkelling, fishing, hiking or kayaking. On nights without a large moon opt to swim in a sea of blue sparkles caused by phosphorescent plankton.
Travel back to the mainland, then to a village homestay. Enjoy a homecooked meal with the hosts.
Cross the border to Vietnam and continue on to Ho Chi Minh City. Opt to visit the Ben Thahn market before enjoying a night out in town.
This evening, head to one of the rooftop bars such as the Rex Hotel, one of the classic colonial Saigon institutions, where there is often live music.
Discover the energy of Vietnam's biggest city on a CEO-led orientation walk and continue exploring with free time. Overnight train to Nha Trang.
Arrive in Nha Trang in the morning with plenty of time to explore local shops and markets, relax on the beach or visit nearby historical sites.
This evening, go on a street food crawl with the group and CEO to get to know more about the delicious local specialties.
Optional activities in Nha Trang include a boat trip to nearby islands for some snorkelling or, perhaps, a fun-filled all-day beach party.
Free time in Nha Trang. Overnight train to Hoi An.
In the evening, take an overnight train to Da Nang, then transfer to Hoi An.
Get your bearings with an orientation walk before free time in the afternoon. Opt to take a cooking class, cycle to the beach, visit a tailor, or explore the old town.
From Danang, it is only a short drive to the picturesque port town of Hoi An. Once known as Faifo, it was an important trading town with strong south Chinese influence and connections.
Enjoy a noodle-making demonstration and local lunch at the G Adventures-supported Oodles of Noodles Project. Later, opt to take a cooking class, cycle to the beach, visit a tailor, or explore the old town with free time.
Continue the journey north to the city of Hue. Opt to visit the Royal Citadel and tombs, or take a cruise along the Perfume River.
Opt to pre-book the "Hue Motorbike Tour" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Free time in Hue. Overnight train to Hanoi.
Visit Halong Bay for a seafood lunch cruise and cave visit.
Arrive early morning to bustling Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Transfer to a private bus and head to the beautiful and famous Halong Bay.
Get to know Hanoi with an orientation walk through the Old Quarter. Opt to see Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and the Hoa Lo Prison, or shop in the Old Quarter.
Opt to pre-book the "Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Spend time exploring Hanoi.
A short flight brings the group to the capital city of Laos. Opt to visit temples, see the golden stupa of That Luang, or scour the markets.
Explore a bit of Hanoi in the morning before an afternoon flight to Vientiane, the capital of Laos. There is a wealth of cultural delights to discover - on foot, by bicycle or, for the less energetic, by tuk-tuk.
Visit Laos' most important national monument, Phat That Luang, or meander down the dusty riverside tracks to find villages full of friendly children, dogs and chickens. A visit to Vientiane's vibrant, colourful morning market (which incidentally is open all day!) is worthwhile, to find plenty of local treasures. A great way to round off the day is to enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Mekong.
Enjoy the beautiful limestone karsts surrounding Vang Vieng. Free time to hike, bike, swim or go caving.
A picturesque drive north takes us to beautiful Vang Vieng. This quiet town is set along the Nam Song river amidst rice fields and limestone karsts.
Free time to explore Vang Vieng. Opt to explore some of the caves by bicycle or take an invigorating walk. In the evening, soak in the natural beauty of the countryside as the sun sets over the river.
Opt to pre-book the "Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
This morning travel from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang. Get your bearings with a CEO-led orientation walk.
Witness the giving of alms to the Buddhist monks and visit the night market. Opt to take a cooking class, visit temples or cool off at Kuang Si Waterfalls.
Traditional Laotian culture is to give daily alms to monks. Monks are only allowed to eat food which has been donated to them before noon. On one of your mornings here, you may decide to rise with the sun, and watch one of the most important religious ceremonies in Laos. This is simply an unforgettable Southeast Asian experience.
Cruise the Mekong on a long houseboat before arriving at a village homestay for the night.
We board our boat for the two-day journey up the mighty Mekong River making our way to Chiang Khong.
Mekong River travel day. Cross into Thailand.
This morning we re-board our boat and continue our leisurely cruise along the river before arriving at the Laos/Thai border and crossing to Chiang Khong in the late afternoon.
Drive to Chiang Mai. Opt to visit Doi Suthep temple, catch a Thai boxing match or grab a bargain at the famous night market.
Departing Chiang Khong after breakfast, we drive to Chiang Mai where you have the afternoon free to explore this fascinating city, once the capital of the Kingdom of Lan.
Experience the flavours and scents of traditional northern Thai cuisine by pre-booking the Northern Thai Cooking Class.
Enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to visit Doi Suthep temple, catch a Thai boxing match, or grab a bargain at the famous night market.
Cross the border into Myanmar (Burma), then travel inland to the ethnically diverse town of Kengtung.
Enjoy an included trek through rice paddies along a countryside dotted by various hilltribes. Try Shan khao swè, a noodle soup and regional staple—it's delicious.
Opt to soak up the lively atmosphere of Kyaing Tong Market with a free morning. This afternoon, travel in style with a quick flight to serene Inle, home to the Intha people, floating villages, and leg rowers.
Enjoy free time to explore the area. Opt to rent a bike, take a cooking class, or tour the lake by boat, visiting some of its floating villages and gardens.
Continue exploring Inle Lake with another free day. Later this evening, board an overnight bus to Bagan.
Arrive early in the morning and visit the ancient site of Bagan for a sunrise temple tour. Enjoy free time for the rest of the day.
Enjoy a free day to visit nearby villages or further explore the ruins.
This morning, opt to head out before sunrise and embark on an unforgettable hot-air balloon flight over the temples and plains of Bagan. If you're visiting between October to March, pre-book the "Balloons Over Bagan" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Enjoy an included breakfast at Sanon, a G Adventures-supported restaurant and culinary training school. Afterwards, travel to Mandalay and enjoy free time. Opt to climb Mandalay Hill or visit the Golden Monastery.
Enjoy a free day before boarding an overnight bus to Yangon.
Opt to check out Mandalay's ancient temples, visit the nearby ancient royal capital of Amarapura, or traverse the world's longest teak bridge.
Enjoy an orientation walk in the country's largest city, and opt to visit the incredible Shwedagon Pagoda.
Spend a free day exploring the country's former capital.
Fly back to Thailand. Enjoy a final night with the group in the country's capital city.
Depart at any time.
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- County Leadership
- County Administration
- County Manager
- About Maricopa County
About Maricopa County
Most of what is now Maricopa County was included as part of the Territory of New Mexico until 1863, when the Arizona Territory was established. The growth of Phoenix and other settlements along the Salt River resulted in the creation of Maricopa County - officially established on February 14, 1871. It was the first new county of the original four counties of Territorial Arizona. The County was named in honor of the Maricopa Indians, who were known to have inhabited the area as early as 1775. Maricopa County's outer geographical boundaries were set in 1881 and have not changed since.
The County is governed by five elected district supervisors that
form the Board of Supervisors which appoints a county manager. Each supervisor represents a geographic area of the County. Each district divides the County's population into relatively equally sized groups. Some districts appear quite large, but there are fewer people living in those areas.
The Board of Supervisors, other elected county officials, and the county manager oversee more than 13,000 employees who serve the public in areas including public health, flood control, law enforcement, judicial, education, parks, libraries, and much more.
The Board of Supervisors, other elected county officials, and the county manager oversee more than 13,000 employees who serve the public in areas including public health, flood control, law enforcement, judicial, education, parks, libraries, and much more.
- The nation's 4th largest county in terms of population.
- The U. S. Census Bureau estimated the 2015 population to exceed 4.1 million people.
- Established as a county on February 14, 1871. Arizona became the nation's 48th state on February 14, 1912.
- Named in honor of the Maricopa tribes who inhabited the area as early as 1775.
- Land area of 9,224 square miles. Measures 132 miles from the east to the west and 103 miles from north to south.
- 27 cities and towns are within the county's outer boundaries.
- 29% private lands, 52.9% federal lands, 12.7 % state lands, 4.6% tribal lands.
- Includes tribal land of the Ak-Chin Indian Community, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Tribe, and the Tohono O'Odham Nation.
- More than 120,000 acres of open space parks in one of the largest regional parks systems in the nation.
- The county seat is Phoenix - Arizona's most populous city and the state's capital.
A.R.S. 11-251.17. Use of county seal restricted; cease and desist order; violation; classification
- A person may use, display or otherwise employ any facsimile, copy, likeness, imitation or other resemblance of the county seal only after obtaining the approval of the board of supervisors of that county. The board of supervisors may grant a certificate of approval on application by any person showing good cause for the use of the county seal for a proper purpose. No person other than a county department may use the county seal for the purpose of advertising or promoting the sale of any article of merchandise within this state or for promoting any other commercial purpose. The board of supervisors may adopt rules for the use of the county seal or any facsimile, copy, likeness, imitation or other resemblance of the county seal, including rules for the use of the county seal for official county business.
- If the county maintains a website, it shall display on its website the adopted seal and the text of subsection A of this section.
- The board of supervisors shall issue a cease and desist order to any person who is in violation of this section. If the person fails to comply with the cease and desist order, the person is guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.

subset: commoncrawl


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WikiLeaks: Cable says peace group's founder threatened U.S. students in Cuba
WASHINGTON — The founder of a New York-based group that supports the Cuban government threatened to pull the scholarships of U.S. medical students in Havana if they contacted the U.S. diplomatic mission on the island, according to a State Department cable.
Pastor Lucius Walker, then head of Pastors for Peace, allegedly made the threat the day before one of the students attended a 2007 meeting of the mission's warden system — U.S. citizens who volunteer to contact other Americans in case of an emergency, such as a hurricane or earthquake. U.S. embassies throughout the world organize similar arrangements.
The cable, one of hundreds of thousands obtained by WikiLeaks and shared with McClatchy, did not identify the student who made the allegation. Pastors for Peace spokeswoman Lucia Bruno said she did not believe Walker, who died last year, would have made such a threat.
But the dispatch, dated Nov. 30, 2007, showed no such doubts and said Walker's alleged comments "suggest that he would deny all contact between (the U.S. mission) ... and the American citizen students even for basic consular services."
The cable underscores the bitterness of a half-century of division over U.S. relations with Cuba. Pastors for Peace advocates lifting the U.S. trade embargo against the island nation, and the cable hinted, without providing details, that Walker and U.S. diplomats in Cuba had clashed previously. The cable was entitled: "Pastors for Peace serve American medical students threats for Thanksgiving dinner."
An estimated 100 U.S. citizens, most from poor families, currently study at Cuba's Latin American School of Medicine, a showcase on the outskirts of Havana for Cuba's highly touted efforts to assist other countries by training their doctors.
Tuition, room and board are free for all of the estimated 10,000 students from nearly 30 countries, mostly in Latin America and Africa. The Pastors for Peace office in New York processes and approves the applications of U.S. citizens.
Cuban officials have long refused requests from the U.S. diplomatic mission in Havana, officially called the U.S. Interests Section (USINT), to make regular consular visits to the American students at the school.
When one State Department official managed a rare visit in 2009, U.S. students "told us that they were unaware that USINT had been kept from visiting them," according to a second WikiLeaks dispatch from Havana.
The 2007 cable said the Walker warning came on the day before the diplomatic mission was to hold its first organizational meeting of the warden system at the home of the mission's top diplomat, Michael Parmly.
The cable said the complaining student was in his fifth year of study at the school, and said Walker usually "complimented and encouraged the students" during his speech at the annual Thanksgiving dinner.
But this time, the cable said, Walker's speech "took a threatening tone," spending "over an hour warning students against having contact with USINT" and "threatened that Pastors for Peace would consider withdrawing scholarships to students who contacted USINT."
Walker died of natural causes last year at the age of 80. A Baptist minister, he founded the Pastors for Peace group in 1988 and organized 21 annual campaigns to deliver assistance for communist-ruled Cuba, in violation of the U.S. embargo.
The dispatch noted that Walker's reported threat came shortly after USINT officials tried "to increase contacts between the students and the Consular Section" and designated the medical school as a part of a nascent warden system.
But the student believed the threat had been triggered by a letter he had written to five Cuban spies in U.S. prisons after he was repeatedly urged to write letters demanding their release, according to the dispatch.
He urged the five to demand "not only their own freedom but also the freedom of all political prisoners in Cuba" and "within hours many of his classmates ... confronted him with remarks that he made in the supposedly sealed letter," according to the cable.
The student said he feared he and his wife — a citizen of another, unidentified country also studying at the school — would lose their scholarships. But the cable said he agreed to act as warden at the school and "to come to USINT to use the internet and receive newspapers but that he will limit his contact with USINT officials to protect the five years he and his wife have invested in their medical education."
"Given Walker's past relationship with USINT it is not surprising that they would like to limit their student's contacts with USINT," the dispatch added. It gave no details on Walker's previous contacts with the diplomatic mission, and a search through the WikiLeaks cables turned up no other significant mentions of Walker.
Another WikiLeaks cable, written by U.S. diplomats in Venezuela in February of 2006, did mention Pastors for Peace's participation in a "World Social Forum" held in Caracas the previous month by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.
The dispatch reported that the Forum featured a "Poverty in the United States" pavilion and a presentation titled "Locking Horns with the Empire: Challenging the U.S. Blockade Against Cuba," that were "hosted by the pro-Cuba group 'Pastors for Peace.'"
(Tamayo reports for El Nuevo Herald in Miami.)
Cable: Pastors for Peace serve American medical students threats for Thanksgiving dinner.
Cable: Assesment of Chavez speeches at the World Social Forum
WikiLeaks: Cuban cardinal pushed to close critical magazine
Venezuelan prelates defied pope to bash Chavez
WikiLeaks: U.S., Venezuela even fought over McDonald's
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Cameroon Population: 24,360,8031 VISITOR FROM HERE!
« Previous Country | Next Country » Back to Flag Counter Overview
|French Cameroon became independent in 1960 as the Republic of Cameroon. The following year the southern portion of neighboring British Cameroon voted to merge with the new country to form the Federal Republic of Cameroon. In 1972, a new constitution replaced the federation with a unitary state, the United Republic of Cameroon. The country has generally enjoyed stability, which has enabled the development of agriculture, roads, and railways, as well as a petroleum industry. Despite slow movement toward democratic reform, political power remains firmly in the hands of President Paul BIYA.
Sometimes referred to as the hinge of Africa; throughout the country there are areas of thermal springs and indications of current or prior volcanic activity; Mount Cameroon, the highest mountain in Sub-Saharan west Africa, is an active volcano
|Central Africa, bordering the Bight of Biafra, between Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria
|Geographic coordinates:
| total: 475,440 sq km
land: 472,710 sq km
water: 2,730 sq km
Size comparison: slightly larger than California
|Land Boundaries:
|total: 5,018 km border countries (6): Central African Republic 901 km, Chad 1,116 km, Republic of the Congo 494 km, Equatorial Guinea 183 km, Gabon 349 km, Nigeria 1,975 km
|402 km
|Maritime claims:
| territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
|varies with terrain, from tropical along coast to semiarid and hot in north
|diverse, with coastal plain in southwest, dissected plateau in center, mountains in west, plains in north
|Elevation extremes:
|Natural resources:
|petroleum, bauxite, iron ore, timber, hydropower
|Land use:
| agricultural land: 20.6% arable land 13.1%; permanent crops 3.3%; permanent pasture 4.2% forest: 41.7%
other: 37.7% (2011 est.)
|Irrigated land:
|290 sq km (2012)
|Natural hazards:
|volcanic activity with periodic releases of poisonous gases from Lake Nyos and Lake Monoun volcanoes volcanism: Mt. Cameroon (elev. 4,095 m), which last erupted in 2000, is the most frequently active volcano in West Africa; lakes in Oku volcanic field have released fatal levels of gas on occasion, killing some 1,700 people in 1986
|Current Environment Issues:
|waterborne diseases are prevalent; deforestation; overgrazing; desertification; poaching; overfishing
|International Environment Agreements:
| party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
|^Back to Top
| noun: Cameroonian(s)
adjective: Cameroonian
|Ethnic groups:
|Cameroon Highlanders 31%, Equatorial Bantu 19%, Kirdi 11%, Fulani 10%, Northwestern Bantu 8%, Eastern Nigritic 7%, other African 13%, non-African less than 1%
|24 major African language groups, English (official), French (official)
|Catholic 38.4%, Protestant 26.3%, other Christian 4.5%, Muslim 20.9%, animist 5.6%, other 1%, non-believer 3.2% (2005 est.)
|24,360,803 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2016 est.)
|Age structure:
| 0-14 years: 42.6% (male 5,228,047/female 5,149,228)
15-24 years: 19.55% (male 2,393,598/female 2,368,557)
25-54 years: 30.71% (male 3,762,054/female 3,718,266)
55-64 years: 3.97% (male 471,306/female 495,462)
65 years and over: 3.18% (male 360,386/female 413,899) (2016 est.)
|Dependency ratios:
| total dependency ratio: 84.3%
youth dependency ratio: 78.4%
elderly dependency ratio: 5.9%
potential support ratio: 16.9% (2015 est.)
|Median age:
| total: 18.5 years
male: 18.4 years
female: 18.6 years (2016 est.)
|Population growth rate:
|2.58% (2016 est.)
|Birth rate:
|35.8 births/1,000 population (2016 est.)
|Death rate:
|9.8 deaths/1,000 population (2016 est.)
|Net migration rate:
|-0.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2016 est.)
| urban population: 54.4% of total population (2015)
rate of urbanization: 3.6% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
|Major urban areas - population:
|YAOUNDE (capital) 3.066 million; Douala 2.943 million (2015)
|Sex ratio:
| at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-24 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
25-54 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
55-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2016 est.)
|Mother's mean age at first birth:
|19.7 note: median age at first birth among women 25-29 (2011 est.)
|Maternal mortality rate:
|596 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)
|Infant mortality rate:
| total: 52.2 deaths/1,000 live births male: 55.8 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 48.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2016 est.)
|Life expectancy at birth:
| total population: 58.5 years male: 57.1 years
female: 59.9 years (2016 est.)
|Total fertility rate:
|4.7 children born/woman (2016 est.)
|Contraceptive prevalence rate:
|23.4% (2011)
|Health expenditures:
|4.1% of GDP (2014)
|Physicians density:
|0.08 physicians/1,000 population (2009)
|Hospital bed density:
|1.3 beds/1,000 population (2010)
|Drinking water source:
| improved:
urban: 94.8% of population
rural: 52.7% of population
total: 75.6% of population
urban: 5.2% of population
rural: 47.3% of population
total: 24.4% of population (2015 est.)
|Sanitation facility access:
| improved:
urban: 61.8% of population
rural: 26.8% of population
total: 45.8% of population
urban: 38.2% of population
rural: 73.2% of population
total: 54.2% of population (2015 est.)
|HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
|4.46% (2015 est.)
|HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
|619,200 (2015 est.)
|HIV/AIDS - deaths:
|33,100 (2015 est.)
|Obesity - adult prevalence rate:
|9.6% (2014)
|Children under the age of 5 years underweight:
|14.8% (2014)
|Education expenditures:
|3% of GDP (2013)
| definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 75%
male: 81.2%
female: 68.9% (2015 est.)
|School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
| total: 10 years male: 11 years
female: 10 years (2011)
|Unemployment, youth ages 15-24:
| total: 6.4% male: 5.3%
female: 7.5% (2010 est.)
|^Back to Top
|Country name:
| conventional long form: Republic of Cameroon
conventional short form: Cameroon
local long form: Republique du Cameroun/Republic of Cameroon
local short form: Cameroun/Cameroon
former: French Cameroon, British Cameroon, Federal Republic of Cameroon, United Republic of Cameroon
etymology: in the 15th century, Portuguese explorers named the area near the mouth of the Wouri River the Rio dos Camaroes (River of Prawns) after the abundant shrimp in the water; over time the designation became Cameroon in English; this is the only instance where a country is named afer a crustacean
|Government type:
|presidential republic
| name: Yaounde
geographic coordinates: 3 52 N, 11 31 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
|Administrative divisions:
|10 regions (regions, singular - region); Adamaoua, Centre, East (Est), Far North (Extreme-Nord), Littoral, North (Nord), North-West (Nord-Ouest), West (Ouest), South (Sud), South-West (Sud-Ouest)
|1 January 1960 (from French-administered UN trusteeship)
|National holiday:
|State Unification Day (National Day), 20 May (1972)
|several previous; latest effective 18 January 1996; amended 2008 (2016)
|Legal system:
|mixed legal system of English common law, French civil law, and customary law
|20 years of age; universal
|Executive branch:
| chief of state: President Paul BIYA (since 6 November 1982)
head of government: Prime Minister Philemon YANG (since 30 June 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet proposed by the prime minister, appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority popular vote for a 7-year term (no term limits); election last held on 9 October 2011 (next to be held in October 2018); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Paul BIYA reelected president; percent of vote - Paul BIYA (CPDM) 78.0%, John FRU NDI (SDF) 10.7%, Garga Haman ADJI 3.2%, other 8.1%
|Legislative branch:
| description: bicameral Parliament or Parlement consists of the Senate or Senat (100 seats; 70 members indirectly elected by regional councils and 30 appointed by the president; members serve 5-year terms) and the National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (180 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 5-year terms); note - the 100-member Senate was formed at the time of the April 2013 election
elections: Senate last held on 14 April 2013 (next to be held in 2018); National Assembly last held on 30 September 2013 (next to be held in 2018)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CPDM 56, SDF 14; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - CPDM 73.1%, SDF 17.6%, UNDP 6.1%, UDC 2.5%, other 0.7%; seats by party - CPDM 148, SDF 18, UNDP 5, UDC 4, UPC 3, other 2
|Judicial branch:
| highest court(s): Supreme Court of Cameroon (consists of 9 titular and 6 surrogate judges and organized into judicial, administrative, and audit chambers); Constitutional Council (consists of 11 members) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the president with the advice of the Higher Judicial Council of Cameroon, a body chaired by the president and includes the minister of justice, selected magistrates, and representatives of the National Assembly; judge term NA; Constitutional Council members appointed by the president for single 9-year terms
subordinate courts: Parliamentary Court of Justice (jurisdiction limited to cases involving the president and prime minister); appellate and first instance courts; circuit and magistrate's courts
|Political parties and leaders:
|Cameroon People's Democratic Movement or CPDM [Paul BIYA] Cameroon People's Party or CPP [Edith Kah WALLA] Cameroon Renaissance Movement or MRC [Maurice KAMTO] Cameroonian Democratic Union or UDC [Adamou Ndam NJOYA] Movement for the Defense of the Republic or MDR [Dakole DAISSALA] Movement for the Liberation and Development of Cameroon or MLDC [Marcel YONDO] National Union for Democracy and Progress or UNDP [Maigari BELLO BOUBA] Progressive Movement or MP [Jean-Jacques EKINDI] Social Democratic Front or SDF [John FRU NDI] Union of Peoples of Cameroon or UPC [Provisionary Management Bureau]
|Political pressure groups and leaders:
|Network of Human Rights Defenders in Central Africa or REDHAC [Maximilliene Ngo MBE] Tribunal 53 [Patrice NGANANG]
|International organization participation:
|ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, C, CEMAC, EITI (compliant country), FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
|National symbol(s):
|lion; national colors: green, red, yellow
|National anthem:
| name: "O Cameroun, Berceau de nos Ancetres" (O Cameroon, Cradle of Our Forefathers)
lyrics/music: Rene Djam AFAME, Samuel Minkio BAMBA, Moise Nyatte NKO'O [French], Benard Nsokika FONLON [English]/Rene Djam AFAME
note: adopted 1957; Cameroon's anthem, also known as "Chant de Ralliement" (The Rallying Song), has been used unofficially since 1948 and officially adopted in 1957; the anthem has French and English versions whose lyrics differ
|Diplomatic representation in the US:
| chief of mission: Ambassador Essomba ETOUNDI (since 27 June 2016)
chancery: 2349 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; current temporary address - 3400 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 265-8790
|Diplomatic representation from the US:
| chief of mission: Ambassador Michael Stephen HOZA (since 19 September 2014)
embassy: Avenue Rosa Parks, Yaounde
mailing address: P.O. Box 817, Yaounde; pouch: American Embassy, US Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-2520
telephone: [237] 22220 1500; Consular: [237] 22220 1603
FAX: [237] 22220 1500 Ext. 4531; Consular FAX: [237] 22220 1752 branch office(s): Douala
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Modest oil resources and favorable agricultural conditions provide Cameroon with one of the best-endowed primary commodity economies in Sub-Saharan Africa. Oil remains Cameroon's main export commodity, and despite falling global oil prices, still accounts for nearly 40% of export earnings. Cameroon's economy suffers from factors that often impact underdeveloped countries, such as stagnant per capita income, a relatively inequitable distribution of income, a top-heavy civil service, endemic corruption, continuing inefficiencies of a large parastatal system in key sectors, and a generally unfavorable climate for business enterprise. Since 1990, the government has embarked on various IMF and World Bank programs designed to spur business investment, increase efficiency in agriculture, improve trade, and recapitalize the nation's banks. The IMF continues to press for economic reforms, including increased budget transparency, privatization, and poverty reduction programs. The Government of Cameroon provides subsidies for electricity, food, and fuel that have strained the federal budget and diverted funds from education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects, especially in 2015, as low oil prices have led to lower revenues. Cameroon devotes significant resources to several large infrastructure projects currently under construction, including a deep sea port in Kribi and the Lom Pangar Hydropower Project. Cameroon's energy sector continues to diversify, recently opening a natural gas powered electricity generating plant. Cameroon continues to seek foreign investment to improve its inadequate infrastructure, create jobs, and improve its economic footprint, but its unfavorable business environment remains a significant deterrent to foreign investment.
|GDP (purchasing power parity):
| GDP (purchasing power parity): $77.24 billion (2016 est.) $73.7 billion (2015 est.) $69.66 billion (2014 est.)
note: data are in 2016 dollars
|GDP (official exchange rate):
|GDP (official exchange rate): $30.87 billion (2015 est.)
|GDP - real growth rate:
|4.8% (2016 est.) 5.8% (2015 est.) 5.9% (2014 est.)
|GDP - per capita (PPP):
| GDP - per capita (PPP): $3,300 (2016 est.) $3,200 (2015 est.) $3,100 (2014 est.)
note: data are in 2016 dollars
|Gross national saving:
|17.7% of GDP (2016 est.) 17.6% of GDP (2015 est.) 18.6% of GDP (2014 est.)
|GDP - composition, by end use:
| household consumption: 76.8%
government consumption: 12.1%
investment in fixed capital: 22.7%
investment in inventories: 0.2%
exports of goods and services: 20.3%
imports of goods and services: -32.1% (2016 est.)
|GDP - composition, by sector of origin:
| household consumption: 76.8%
government consumption: 12.1%
investment in fixed capital: 22.7%
investment in inventories: 0.2%
exports of goods and services: 20.3%
imports of goods and services: -32.1% (2016 est.)
|Agriculture - products:
|coffee, cocoa, cotton, rubber, bananas, oilseed, grains, cassava (manioc, tapioca); livestock; timber
|petroleum production and refining, aluminum production, food processing, light consumer goods, textiles, lumber, ship repair
|Industrial production growth rate:
|5.2% (2016 est.)
|Labor force:
|9.612 million (2016 est.)
|Labor force - by occupation:
| agriculture: 70%
industry: 13%
services: 17% (2001 est.)
|Unemployment rate:
|30% (2001 est.)
|Population below poverty line:
|48% (2000 est.)
|Household income or consumption by percentage share:
| lowest 10%: 2.3%
highest 10%: 35.4% (2001)
|Distribution of family income - Gini index:
|44.6 (2001) 47.7 (1996)
| revenues: $4.765 billion
expenditures: $6.497 billion (2016 est.)
|Taxes and other revenues:
|15.4% of GDP (2016 est.)
|Public debt:
|31.1% of GDP (2016 est.) 28.6% of GDP (2015 est.)
|Fiscal year:
|1 July - 30 June
|Inflation rate (consumer prices):
|Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.4% (2016 est.) 2.7% (2015 est.)
|Current account balance:
|-$1.297 billion (2016 est.) -$1.192 billion (2015 est.)
|$5.559 billion (2016 est.) $5.756 billion (2015 est.)
|Exports - commodities:
|crude oil and petroleum products, lumber, cocoa beans, aluminum, coffee, cotton
|Exports - partners:
|China 16.7%, India 15.7%, Spain 6.2%, Belgium 6.1%, France 6.1%, Portugal 5.6%, Netherlands 5%, Italy 5% (2015)
|$6.63 billion (2016 est.) $6.5 billion (2015 est.)
|Imports - commodities:
|machinery, electrical equipment, transport equipment, fuel, food
|Imports - partners:
|China 27.9%, Nigeria 13.9%, France 10.9%, Belgium 4.1% (2015)
|Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
|$2.416 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $2.714 billion (31 December 2015 est.)
|Debt - external:
|$7.375 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $6.3 billion (31 December 2015 est.)
|Market value of publicly traded shares:
|$230 million (31 December 2012 est.)
|Exchange rates:
|Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs (XAF) per dollar - 605.7 (2016 est.) 591.45 (2015 est.) 591.45 (2014 est.) 494.42 (2013 est.) 510.53 (2012 est.)
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|Electricity - production:
|6.8 billion kWh (2014 est.)
|Electricity - consumption:
|6.1 billion kWh (2014 est.)
|Electricity - exports:
|0 kWh (2013 est.)
|Electricity - imports:
|0 kWh (2013 est.)
|Electricity - installed generating capacity:
|1.1 million kW (2014 est.)
|Electricity - from fossil fuels:
|28.5% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)
|Electricity - from nuclear fuels:
|0% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)
|Electricity - from hydroelectric plants:
|71.5% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)
|Electricity - from other renewable sources:
|0% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)
|Crude oil - production:
|95,960 bbl/day (2015 est.)
|Crude oil - exports:
|50,830 bbl/day (2013 est.)
|Crude oil - imports:
|37,600 bbl/day (2013 est.)
|Crude oil - proved reserves:
|200 million bbl (1 January 2016 es)
|Refined petroleum products - production:
|51,670 bbl/day (2013 est.)
|Refined petroleum products - consumption:
|43,000 bbl/day (2014 est.)
|Refined petroleum products - exports:
|14,590 bbl/day (2013 est.)
|Refined petroleum products - imports:
|4,134 bbl/day (2013 est.)
|Natural gas - production:
|469 million cu m (2014 est.)
|Natural gas - consumption:
|469 million cu m (2014 est.)
|Natural gas - exports:
|0 cu m (2013 est.)
|Natural gas - imports:
|0 cu m (2013 est.)
|Natural gas - proved reserves:
|135.1 billion cu m (1 January 2016 es)
|Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy:
|6.5 million Mt (2013 est.)
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|Cellular Phones in use:
|total: 16.807 million subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 71 (July 2015 est.)
|Telephone system:
| general assessment: system includes cable, microwave radio relay, and tropospheric scatter; Camtel, the monopoly provider of fixed-line service, provides connections for only about 4 per 100 persons; equipment is old and outdated, and connections with many parts of the count
domestic: mobile-cellular usage, in part a reflection of the poor condition and general inadequacy of the fixed-line network, has increased sharply, reaching a subscribership base of 70 per 100 persons
international: country code - 237; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and Asia; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2015)
|Broadcast media:
|government maintains tight control over broadcast media; state-owned Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV), broadcasting on both a TV and radio network, was the only officially recognized and fully licensed broadcaster until August 2007, when the government fi (2007)
|Internet country code:
|Internet users:
|total: 4.909 million percent of population: 20.7% (July 2015 est.)
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|33 (2013)
|Airports (paved runways):
| total 11
over 3,047 m: 2
2,438 to 3,047 m: 5
1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2013)
|Airports (unpaved runways):
| total 22
1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
914 to 1,523 m: 10
under 914 m: 8 (2013)
|gas 53 km; liquid petroleum gas 5 km; oil 1,107 km; water 35 km (2013)
| total 987 km
narrow gauge: 987 km 1.000-m gauge
note: railway connections generally efficient but limited; rail lines connect major cities of Douala, Yaounde, Ngaoundere, and Garoua; passenger and freight service provided by CAMRAIL (2014)
| total 51,350 km
paved: 4,108 km
unpaved: 47,242 km
note: there are 28,857 km of national roads (2011)
|(major rivers in the south, such as the Wouri and the Sanaga, are largely non-navigable; in the north, the Benue, which connects through Nigeria to the Niger River, is navigable in the rainy season only to the port of Garoua) (2010)
|Ports and terminals:
river port(s): Douala (Wouri); Garoua (Benoue) oil terminal(s): Limboh Terminal
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|Military branches:
|Cameroon Armed Forces (Forces Armees Camerounaises, FAC): Army (L'Armee de Terre), Navy (Marine Nationale Republique (MNR), includes naval infantry), Air Force (Armee de l'Air du Cameroun, AAC), Rapid Intervention Brigade, Fire Fighter Corps, Gendarmerie (2015)
|Military service age and obligation:
|18-23 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; no conscription; high school graduation required; service obligation 4 years; periodic government calls for volunteers (2012)
|Military expenditures:
|1.42% of GDP (2012) 1.37% of GDP (2011) 1.42% of GDP (2010)
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|Transnational Issues
|Disputes - International:
|Joint Border Commission with Nigeria reviewed 2002 ICJ ruling on the entire boundary and bilaterally resolved differences, including June 2006 Greentree Agreement that immediately ceded sovereignty of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon with a full phase-out of Nigerian control and patriation of residents in 2008; Cameroon and Nigeria agreed on maritime delimitation in March 2008; sovereignty dispute between Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon over an island at the mouth of the Ntem River; only Nigeria and Cameroon have heeded the Lake Chad Commission's admonition to ratify the delimitation treaty, which also includes the Chad-Niger and Niger-Nigeria boundaries
|Refugees and internally displaced persons:
|refugees (country of origin): 259,145 (Central African Republic); 87,112 (Nigeria) (2017) IDPs: 198,889 (2016)
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« Previous Country | Next Country » Back to Flag Counter Overview
Source: CIA - The World Factbook


text:
Now even though these days it's possible to run Hackintosh on normal Intel hardware , but still it's not stable and well there are hardware compatibility issues . So well other alternative to using MAC OS is either to purchase MAC hardware(which would be naturally expensive) and run full fledged MAC OS or you could tweak and customize your Ubuntu desktop to look more like MAC OS X .
In this tutorial i describe step by step how to make your ubuntu desktop look more like MAC OS X Leopard :) .
Step 1 :- Downloading LeopardX Icon Theme
First you need to download LeopardX theme (hosted on gnome-looks.org) from the following website : -
or you could download directly from this link :
Gnome - Looks page : http://gnome-look.org/content/show.php/LeopardX?content=64070
It will download a file named
For me to extract the file to $HOME/Leopard directory(already created) command would be : -
tar -xvzf LeopardX-V2.6.tar.gz $HOME/Leopard
2. Downloading Mac4Lin GTK Theme
Now similarly download Mac4Lin GTK theme from the following website and extract it to the folder created above ($HOME/Leopard)
Download : http://rs18.rapidshare.com/files/71511264/Mac4Lin_GTK_Aqua_v0.3.tar.gz
We need to download the cursor set for our new theme , you can download the cursor set from t he following website :
After downloading the cursor set extract cursors to the directory created in the first step.
4. Combining the Downloaded Files into a Single Theme Package
Now after completing the above steps go to the directory( cd $HOME/Leopard for me ) in the Terminal and issue the following command to combine the three theme files into a single .tar.gz archive .
tar cvfz MyTheme.tar.gz LeopardX Mac4Lin_GTK_Aqua_v0.3 Shere_Khan_X/
5. Installing Theme Package
Now to install the theme package we have created in the above step , go to (System -> Preferences -> Appearance) and click Install and point to our newly created MyTheme.tar.gz archive.
This should start installing the theme package (Cursors/Icons/Theme) once installation is completed . Chose Custom in theme and click on Customize .You will find a window like this: In this window in Icons chose LeopardX , in Controls Mac4Lin_GTK_Aqua_v0.3 , in Window Border Mac4Lin_GTK_Aqua_v0.3 and in Pointers White Cursor .
If you have followed the steps properly the theme and icons should have been installed , and you should be able to see the new theme applied to your default desktop .
6. Changing the Log In Screen / GDM Theme
To change the Log In Screen/GDM Theme download the package from website listed below : http://gnome-look.org/content/show.php/OSX+Session+Login?content=68346
After downloading the package , open (System -> Administration -> Log in Window ) and there go to Local and click on Add and point to the downloaded theme package (osx-login.tar.gz) . Now you would find OSX-Login theme listed in the window , select OSX-Login and close the window . Logout and Login again you should find the new theme installed .
7. Enabling Compiz-Fusion
IMPORTANT : - Enabling Compiz-Fusion is essential if you want to use Screenlets , Avant Window Manager Properly .
Unlike previous releases of Ubuntu where one had to manually download and install compiz,beryl etc (Compiz Fusion is composite window manager that provides best features of Compiz and Beryl) from Repositories if one wanted to have glitzy visual effects .
Ubuntu 7.10 comes with Compiz Fusion pre-installed and on supported hardware offers a wide array of Visual Effect . Now depending on graphic hardware of computer one could chose from three level of Visual Effect (From System -> Preferences -> Appearance )
None : - This mode causes Ubuntu to use Metacity instead of Compiz Fusion , with no visual effect
Basic : - Has only simple visual effects like shadows , fading windows-menus etc
Advanced : - Recommended for PC with descent graphic hardware , enables effects like wobbly windows, transparency , animated workspace switching etc
However , compiz-fusion is capable of much more and you can enable more desktop effects /customize compiz by typing the following command in the terminal window : -
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-managerAfter completing above step , you can customize compiz by going to System > Preferences > Advanced Desktop Effects Settings .
After installation is over , open Terminal from (Applications -> Accessories -> Terminal ) and issue the following command to install emerald which is necessary for using themes in compiz .
sudo apt-get install emerald
After installation is over download MacOS X Emerald theme from this link : http://gnome-look.org/content/show.php/Mac4Lin+Leopard+Emerald+Theme?content=68409
Now open (System -> Preferences -> Emerald Theme Manager )
After Emerald theme manager opens click on import and point to the downloaded theme package from withing the Theme Manager , you will find Mac4Lin Theme listed select the theme , click on refresh and quit the application .
8. Installing Avant Windows Navigator
IMPORTANT : - To use AWN Compiz-Fusion should be up and running as mentioned in the step above
Avant Windows Navigator is cool little tool that allows you to have a cute looking dock at the bottom of the screen . Even though AWN is still very buggy, still because it is so feature rich and cool looking you could install it .
Before we begin installing first ensure Software Sources are in order by going to ( System -> Administration -> Software Sources ) go to the Updates and the window should like the image below with in Ubuntu updates box " first , second and fourth option " enabled .
To install add in the following line at the end of file /etc/apt/sources.list by opening the gedit editor with the following command .
gksu gedit /etc/apt/sources.list
and LINE TO ADD : -
deb http://download.tuxfamily.org/syzygy42/ gutsy avant-window-navigatorand after adding the above line issue the following command in the terminal window (Applications -> Accessories -> Terminal )
deb-src http://download.tuxfamily.org/syzygy42/ gutsy avant-window-navigator
wget http://download.tuxfamily.org/syzygy42/reacocard.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -Now we begin installing AWN by issuing the following command in the terminal window :
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade
sudo apt-get install avant-window-navigator-bzr
sudo apt-get install awn-core-applets-bzrNow after completing above mentioned steps AWN should be properly installed , To Launch AWN go to (Applications -> Accessories -> Avant Window Navigator )
Now you could customize AWN by choosing to add more applets , configuring 3D effects for AWN etc by going to AWN Manager ( System -> Preferences -> Awn Manager )
you could install this theme through AWN Manager .
This is how my AWN Dock looks(with the above theme installed) like : -
9. Installing Screenlets
IMPORTANT : - To use Screenlets Compiz-Fusion should be up and running as mentioned in the step above
Screenlets gives user a collection of impressive widgets that can be placed on desktop this is similar to feature available on Windows Vista and Mac OS X Dashboard , it gives impressive look to the desktop.
To install Screenlets type in the following command in the terminal window :
First we need to add repository where the Screenlets binary is located , to do so open gedit with superuser permission by typing the following command in the terminal window :
gksu gedit /etc/apt/sources.list
and add the following line at the bottom of the file :
deb http://download.tuxfamily.org/screenlets gutsy screenletsNow quit the gedit text editor and type in the following command in the terminal window :
sudo apt-get updateNow , After the installation is over you can add Widgets/Screenlets on your desktop by going to (System -> Preferences -> Screenlets ) , you will find a dialog box like this from where you could add Screenlets onto the desktop .
sudo apt-get install screenlets
10. Getting MAC OS X Leopard Wallpaper
Finally this is how my desktop looks after all the tweaking and installing : -
Another screenshot showing Menu in the AWN Dock
Technorati Tags:
Ubuntu, Themes, Ubuntu Themes, Mac OS X, Ubuntu Customization, Linux, Desktop Linux, compiz, beryl
For Desktop on Linux Blog , http://linuxondesktop.blogspot.com
(C) 2007 , Ambuj Varshney


text:
Physical Education
Training Provider Code: 25F
SCITT Course Code: 2MFN
Training Provider Code: 1CD
School Direct Code: 33LF
About the Course
Mode of study: Full time
Start date: September 2019 – July 2020
Gain qualified teacher status (QTS) with subject specialism in secondary Physical Education, qualifying you to teach in secondary schools and post-16 colleges.
Build your knowledge of education and Physical Education through your research. Increase your teaching skills and confidence through two separate placements. Learn about the wider role of teachers in schools and gain knowledge about schools and the education system. Apply your skills and knowledge on school placements in two/three different institutions and develop the skills you need to be a successful teacher of pupils of all abilities. Build your enthusiasm, confidence, knowledge and ability to teach Physical Education.
You will also have the opportunity to gain self-evaluation skills by completing a careers preparation profile. This provides evidence that you meet the QTS standards for self- reflection and personal development.
School placements are central to the course and you will receive ongoing outstanding support from:
School Subject Coach
School Professional Mentor
SCITT School Direct Coordinator
A Subject Expert Practitioner
Your placements are complemented by school-based and university research that includes teaching sessions, seminars, group study, tutorials and assessment. During the course you will complete a PGCE which offers you 60 Master's level credits, which you can use towards a Master's Degree.
Entry Requirements
You should be a graduate with a 1st, 2.1 or 2.2 and you should ideally be able to show that 50% of your degree can be related to your subject. If this is not the case, subject knowledge can be supported by an A level in your subject, work experience and completion of a Subject Knowledge Enhancement Course before beginning your PGCE.
You will need a grade C in GCSE English and Mathematics. In addition prior to starting your course you will need to pass the skills tests in literacy and numeracy. For more information on the Skills Test click here.


text:
Jasper County's top state representative and the schools chief are at odds, with both suggesting that bringing in higher authorities to root out suspected problems might be a good idea.
But even as Rep. Bill Herbkersman and Vashti Washington, the superintendent of the Jasper County School District, square off, they agree on one thing: It's time to get tough to improve the children's education.
Herbkersman has accused Washington of intimidating teachers and board members and obscuring information about district operations. He has suggested the State Law Enforcement Division or the state Department of Education interview members of the schools community, including parents, to get answers about finances and whether a climate of intimidation exists.
"If everything is fine, if SLED investigates, I'll be the first to admit it," said Herbkersman, a Bluffton Republican. "But I am not going to take anybody's word for it."
He described a meeting involving board members, parents and teachers: "The administration showed up, and the teachers went home. In my mind, there's just mass intimidation there."
Washington, who took the helm of the district in 2010, has fired back.
Herbkersman could learn a lot if he would meet with her and tour the district, but he won't, she said. In her view, it is Herbkersman who is trying to intimidate her, and she's considering a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice against him.
"It's a personal vendetta," said Washington, calling the legislator "the lone ranger." She added: "Let's take it to the U.S. Justice Department. It's out of control."
The superintendent said a taped April 29 meeting with the legislative delegation left her stunned.
"I want the justice department to see that tape," Washington said.
"And I want the citizens of the state to know there are people who are wasting time attacking the superintendent of Jasper County School District and her administration, when they should be working with us to bring about change."
Rumors and confusion
The other two House members in the Jasper County delegation have been either entirely in the dark or observing, only.
Bluffton Republican Rep. Weston Newton said he's had no first-hand experience with allegations against the superintendent.
"I heard a rumor that a substantial number of teachers had left, but then it was explained that was normal attrition and (due to) consolidation of the schools," said the first-term lawmaker.
He cited another example involving the S.C. Freedom of Information Act.
Someone had given him a copy of a FOIA request and said the school district had never answered it. But Newton came to learn the district had no record of receiving it, and confusion about when and even if the author had ever submitted the letter to the district was never cleared up.
He was also unaware of specific cases to indicate a hostile atmosphere.
"In the absence of having first-hand discussions, or even second-hand, rather than third, fourth, or fifth-hand, I'm really not in a position (to say)," Newton said.
Rep. Bill Bowers, D-Hampton, is even further removed from the controversy.
"The school board functions independently of the delegation to handle school matters," he said, noting his district was recently redrawn to include Jasper County.
As for constituent concerns, Bowers said: "I've not had anyone in particular contact me."
In contrast, Herbersman said nearly a dozen people associated with the district have brought their complaints to him but didn't want their names revealed, for fear of retribution.
Tom Johnson, an attorney who represented parents who sought an injunction last year against school consolidation, has been in the center of the controversy. He said some believe Washington controls the board, not the other way around, and that the administration is bloated at the expense of the classrooms.
Jasper County's average administrator salary is down 4.2 percent from the previous year. It was $75,880 in 2012, slightly less than the statewide median of $77,744, according to a profile with the state education department. For the last three years, the district's performance has been rated "at-risk."
"I am told that Ms. Washington is a very, very talented educator. And I don't have any reason to doubt that," said Johnson. "But it does sometimes seem that she is disdainful sometimes of the democratic process ... . I think she's absolutely indifferent to the idea of a consensus."
When Washington joined the district, some residents balked at the hires she had made, seeking records about the process and questioning credit card spending and compensation. District spokeswoman Shellie Murdaugh said the administration has posted responses to FOIA requests on its website in an effort to operate transparently.
But sometimes inefficiency trumps all.
Washington noted the district has averaged about one superintendent per year. When a reporter asked for the names of the last five superintendents and the approximate dates of their tenure, however, Murdaugh said it would take nearly a week to provide the information, since a staff person with those records was out.
'Not a bigoted bone'
Washington has her suspicions about what's fueling objections to her leadership.
"It's because I'm an African-American female, as well as just female," said the superintendent, adding that the presence of other blacks in Herbkersman's camp doesn't protect him from her charge.
"If I were a male or a white person, I wouldn't have these problems," she added. "There are some African-Americans who are unhappy with the choices we've had to make, as well, but we are here to do what's right for these children."
As for why Herbkersman hasn't met with Washington?
"I've never had a one-on-one. I think there needs to be transparency. I think the public should be invited," said the lawmaker, who serves as the Jasper County delegation chairman. "I don't need to clear the air. If there's any clearing the air, she needs to clear the air with the parents."
Herbkersman also strongly rejected Washington's racial and gender-based claim.
The lawmaker, whose House district was redrawn to include parts of Jasper County in 2012 election, said the first person to ask him to look into problems with the district was Jasper County Councilwoman Barbara Clark, who is black.
"For (Washington) to even say it's a racial thing is ludicrous. It's trying to divert from the fact of what could be going on," said Herbkersman. "The more eyes looking at things the better."
Herbkersman said he'd welcome any such involvement.
"There is not a bigoted bone in my body," he said.
Clark, a former school board member, defended Herbkersman and agreed with his criticism.
She said Washington has "different rules for different people." The council member accused the superintendent of soft-pedaling her handling of district paraprofessional Sam Gregory, who was arrested for allegedly harming a student. Clark said Gregory, a former county councilman, is an ally of Washington.
"If you come up with something and a certain group is not with it, then it becomes a race issue," said Clark. "Nothing is right or wrong. It's either white or black, and I'm sick and tired of it.
Richie Reed, a fixture in Jasper County's education circles and former district teacher, acknowledged the unrest.
"How widespread? I don't know," she said. "And what the real issue is? Let's just come to grips with, 'What is the real issue?'"


text:
I'll confess I've watched the reaction to the Anton Babchuk signing with a bit of bemusement since the Flames re-upped their free agent defender Monday afternoon. There seems to be a school of thought that accepts the deal as reasonable given the current silly FA market, and people believing his ticket is fair value could well be correct that it might not be out of line for what he brings. My problem, however, isn't so much with the contract per se, but with the inability of the Flames to see the forest for the trees.
First, as Kent and others have repeatedly pointed out, this is a player that has needed significant sheltering to be a functional NHL defenceman 5v5. The Flames were able to achieve that feat most of last season because they could lean on Bouwmeester, Giordano and Regehr to carry the load.
That's not in the cards for 11/12, so someone like Chris Butler is going to be asked to carry a weight he might not be capable of, and because of that, there's every chance that we'll see a trickle down effect on Bouwmeester and Giordano. They'll be asked to do everything at EV and on the PK, and those are pretty heavy minutes to carry on a team with decent, but not great forwards. Absent a quantum leap by a player that's been playing major pro hockey of some sort for half a dozen years, they won't get much help in that department from Babchuk.
Beyond the clear hole that Calgary faces 5v5, the addition of Babchuk does nothing to improve another glaring failure that we've seen from this club over the last few seasons. One of my ongoing complaints about Calgary's defence corps was that despite the significant salaries being spent on a number of them, they possessed a collective inability to win races to pucks, particularly on the PK. I noted with interest that a team that was 4th in shots against overall and 5v5 slid to 13th in shot prevention 4v5, and based on what I witnessed, it was often the case that Calgary featured of a group of defencemen that were too slow to cover the extra ice they faced when down a man.
It's not much of a secret that for most of last year the only decent skaters on the backend were Giordano and Bouwmeester, with a collection of leadfoots making up the rest of the squad. Regehr's other talents allowed him to mostly compensate for his skating deficiencies, but even he was found wanting against the better PPs, with Vancouver and Anaheim being particularly adept at exploiting the Flames' PK units by simply outskating Calgary's defence to every loose puck.
Anton Babchuk, for good reason, averaged about 30 seconds a game on the PK for Calgary last season. He was about the last option that Brent Sutter opted to use in that scenario, and that's about the same type of utilization as we saw from Paul Maurice during Babchuk's last full year in Carolina. His lack of foot speed and agility can be covered 5v5 and on the PP, but on the PK, with the need to retreive pucks in space at a premium, there's virtually no hope that he'll be a major contributor.
That inability to help the club do the work that defencemen are ultimately essential for is really at the heart of my objection to keeping Babchuk. His offense on the PP is certainly nice, and on a team with a solid top EV four he'd be a decent option to have around, operating in the way that allows Marc-Andre Bergeron to continue to have a career in the NHL despite some fairly obvious defensive lapses.
The Flames aren't in that spot. An honest interpretation of their roster reveals two proper top-four defencemen, which by my math is a shortfall of approximately two from the standard requirement, and it's an indefensible postion for a cap team to find itself in, whatever one might think of the potential for a player like Butler or possibly Brodie. Cory Sarich, who should be a top four contributor, has never really looked up to that task in four seasons with the Flames. I'm not expecting that to change.
My overwhelming sense is that the Flames, having failed to accomplish whatever primary goal they had in unloading Regehr beyond keeping Tanguay employed, simply moved to the next option on their list. It's at times like these that I often find myself invoking the Politician's Syllogism. For those unaware, the geniuses behind the British comedy Yes, Prime Minister identified this logical fallcy and laid it bare:
1. We must do something
2. This is something
3. Therefore, we must do this.
My short answer to that approach is no, no you don't. If inking a player for fairly significant dollars doesn't fix a major problem, you're simply filling the roster, and that can be accomplished for a lot less than 2.5M a year. Adding to Calgary's collection of bottom pairing defenders for that amount just seems like a waste of time and money, and even if there wasn't a wide array of terrific options left in free agency, simply spending the money because you can is no way to run a franchise. I know that the Flames haven't operated in this fashion since before the lockout, but being a bit more discerning regarding player expenditure isn't always bad, and signing Anton Babchuk is a case where that approach might well have been the wisest course.
I don't doubt that Babchuk can post some pretty boxcar numbers in the right circumstances, and the market for PP defencemen is a bit inflated at the moment to be sure, so it's entirely possible that his contract isn't a grievous overpay by that standard. I've often called Christian Ehrhoff a faster version of Babchuk on Twitter, and we saw what Terry Pegula's ego lead him to pay Ehrhoff for the next number of seasons, so maybe Babchuk is just getting the going rate.
That said, what I still can't figure out is how he'll make the Flames a markedly better team. If he can't carry top four minutes, the club will need to hope that Butler and someone else can. That's not a bet I feel comfortable with, so there's every chance Calgary has paid real money to a player that will be a peripheral figure in the area where the club needs the most help. I don't hate the guy, and the contract isn't the type that will kill a franchise, but if the Calgary Flames were really interested in fixing what's been ailing them, Anton Babchuk is exactly the sort of player that they should have moved on from.


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Richard Wright and the Library Card
By R. Gregory Christie , William Miller

Many years before author Richard Wright achieved international acclaim for his classic novel, Native Son, he lived in Memphis and worked for an optical company where he swept floors and ran errands for his white employers. It was 1926, and the 18-year-old Wright loved to read; but he could not afford to buy any books and as a black man, he was not allowed into the public library.

Fortunately, Wright worked for a generous man named Jim Falk. Falk cared more about Richard Wright's intelligence and his desire to learn than he did about the color of his skin. Falk lent the young black man his library card and Wright began checking out books for himself, all the while telling the librarian that the books were for Mr. Falk. The world of literature was suddenly opened and in all-night reading sprees Wright devoured the masterworks of Charles Dickens, Leo Tolstoy, Stephan Crane, and other writers. His life would never be the same again.

Richard Wright himself wrote about this episode in his autobiography, Black Boy. Here, Gregory Christie's illustrations of the young man and his life in Memphis are personal and touching, and make Wright's hunger for words almost palpable. William Miller manages to retain all the power of the original story even as he makes it accessible to younger readers. Between the illustrations and the story, what certainly comes through is the injustice of ignorance and the power and hope education can provide.

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On-line version ISSN 2304-8557
Print version ISSN 0023-270X
Koers (Online) vol.75 n.4 Pretoria 2010
Creating intentionally inviting schools through professional development: An appreciative inquiry
Die skepping van doelbewus-uitnodigende skole deur middel van professionele ontwikkeling: 'n waarderende ondersoek
G.M. Steyn
Department of Further Teacher Education, University of South Africa, PRETORIA. E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
The professional development (PD) of teachers plays an important role in schools; it is indispensable for continuous school development. When schools are exposed to new approaches to learning and teaching, teachers are granted the opportunities to change their thinking and behaviour. In 2009, two South African schools with specific inviting characteristics were nominated for the inviting school award given by the International Alliance for Invitational Education (IAIE). However, the inviting characteristics of these schools were not explicitly intentional according to the IE philosophy, therefore they had to follow a professional development programme aimed at raising teachers' awareness of invitational education (IE). Workshops were held to equip staff members with IE knowledge and skills, and to increase their understanding of their current practices with a view of making them more intentionally inviting.
The study focused on the following two questions: What are the positive experiences of teaching staff concerning the current approach to teaching and learning in schools?; and What strategies may be introduced to assist teachers and their schools in becoming intentionally inviting? These two questions are based on appreciative inquiry (AI) and IE. A qualitative research design was most appropriate for the purpose of this study. An analysis of the data revealed two categories (the discovery phase: discovering the best of what exists in the school and the dreaming phase: creating a new future) on which AI is based.
Key concepts: appreciative inquiry, invitational education, primary schools in South Africa, professional development, qualitative research
Die professionele ontwikkeling (PO) van onderwysers is baie belangrik in skole, aangesien dit noodsaaklik is vir voortdurende skoolontwikkeling. Wanneer skole kennis maak met nuwe onderrig- en leerbenaderings, kry onderwysers die geleentheid om hulle denke en gedrag te verander. Twee Suid-Afrikaanse skole met bepaalde uitnodigende kenmerke is aan die einde van 2009 genomineer vir die International Alliance for Invitational Education (IAIE) se toekenning aan uitnodigende skole. Hierdie skole het hulle nie doelbewus daarop toegespits om meer uitnodigend te wees in ooreenstemming met die filosofie van uitnodigende onderwys nie en moes daarom 'n professionele ontwikkelingsprogram volg waartydens onderwysers bewus gemaak is van uitnodigende onderrig ("invitational education" [IE]). Die werkswinkels waaruit die program bestaan het, was daarop gemik om onderwysers toe te rus met IE-kennis en -vaardighede, en om 'n begrip van hulle huidige werkswyses te bewerkstellig, sodat hulle doelbewus meer uitnodigend te werk kon gaan. Die studie het op die volgende twee vrae gefokus: Wat is die onderrigpersoneel se positiewe ervarings van die heersende benadering tot onderrig en leer in die skool?; en Watter strategieë kan onderwysers implementeer sodat hulle en hulle skole meer doelbewus uitnodigend kan word? Hierdie twee vrae vind hulle grondslag in die waarderingsondersoek ("appreciative inquiry" [AI]) en in IE. 'n Kwalitatiewe navorsings-ontwerp was geskik vir die studie. Twee kategorieë wat op AI gegrond is (die ontdekkingsfase: ontdekking van die beste wat in die skool bestaan en die droomfase: skepping van 'n nuwe toekoms) het aan die lig gekom tydens die ontleding van die data.
Kernbegrippe: kwalitatiewe navorsing, laerskole in Suid-Afrika, professionele ontwikkeling, uitnodigende onderwys, waarderingsondersoek
Full text available only in pdf format.
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» EV Electro Voice 270w Professional Power Amplifiers Q Series (Mk II) Q44
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Absolutely stable into 2 ohms
The Q44 II power amp from Electro-Voice provides 2 x 450W @ 4 ohms or 2 x 650W @ 2 ohms. It's an excellent choice for small tops and utility loudspeakers, such as ZX1, SX Series, or EVID Series.
Dynamic Headroom:
Electro-Voice's philosophy is that tonal performance of live music counts most; therefore, Electro-Voice amps are designed for dynamic headroom, meaning that each and every EV ampincluding the Q44 IIhas at least 30% more output capability for short-term signals when compared to a long-term sine wave value. This additional headroom results in an amp that will, for example, allow for short term signal peaks of at least 780W when spec'd 600W. While dynamic headroom is audible when playing music through a sound system, another specification to observe is the increase in output power from an 8-ohm load to 4 ohms, and then down to 2 ohms. Of course, all EV power amplifiers are designed to be absolutely stable into loads of 2 ohms.
Innovative Class-H power
With Q Series' efficient Class-H design, the permanent voltage rail is designed to cover the average music signal, rather than permanently supplying the voltage for maximum output power. If dynamic peaks require a higher output voltage, the voltage rail is switched to the maximum. This process saves up to 50% of the power consumption found in conventional amplifier design, and results in a dramatic reduction in heat output. The EV Q44 II and other power amps from the Q Series combine the sonic excellence and ruggedness of its Precision Series predecessors with Class-H innovation, all in a compact and affordable package.
Transient Response:
When processing dynamic signals, other important criteria are signal speed and dynamic distortion. For example, kick drum signals carry pulses of many frequencies as an overlay spectrum. Therefore, and in contrast to many other manufacturers, Electro-Voice specifies a lot more information on their amplifiers' dynamic behavior than just "slew rate" figures. Important tests referring to the amp's ability regarding multitone signal pulses are expressed by IMD-SMPTE measurements at high power levels. And, while IMD tests show the Intermodulation Distortion behavior (how much "sound" is added by the amplifier), DIM30 is the real spec for speed in an amplifier. All these tests are carried out in EV labs during an amplifier's design phase, to ensure maximum sonic performance. While these technical explanations appear very complex, they are clearly audible. Take a the Q44 II amplifier and crank it upyou'll hear the difference immediately.
Protection Package and Dynamic Limiter
Q Series amplifiers benefit from decades of professional amplifier design, and all the expertise that has made EV amps the concert/touring standard is built into Q Series power amplifiers. This complete protection package includes sophisticated circuits against overheating, short circuit, DC output voltage, HF oscillation, back EMF (Electromotive Force), and destructive peak current. Furthermore, Q Series amps also protect your valuable loudspeakers with built-in dynamic limiters, preventing dangerous output clipping. The limiters immediately reduce amp gain when dynamic headroom is pushed to the limits at maximum output, keeping distortion below 1% in a situation that can otherwise cause a signal to clip, which is often fatal for woofers and drivers.
* Both inputs on the EV Q44 II have a paralleled loop thru XLR output to route signal to other amp inputs
* Besides the usual channel A & B outputs via Speakon connectors (on pin 1+/1-), output A carries the signal of channel B as well (on pin 2+ / 2-), providing an easy drive option for biamped speakers
* Parallel & Bridge Mode option switches provide additional functionality with minimized cabling requirements
* An additional switchable LPN (Low-Pass Notch) filter provides extra tonal fundament and kick, with protective Low-Cut for using smaller passive 12" or 15" cabinets without additional subwoofers.
Q44 II Power Amplifier Specifications:
* Maximum Midband Output Power (THD = 1%, 1 kHz, Dual Channel): 650W @ 2 ohms, 450W @ 4 ohms, 270W @ 8 ohms
* Rated Output Power (THD < 0.1%, 20Hz20kHz): 400W @ 4 ohms, 200W @ 8 ohms
* Maximum Single Channel Output Power (Dynamic-Headroom, IHF-A): 1150W @ 2 ohms, 660W @ 4 ohms, 350W @8 ohms
* Maximum Single Channel Output Power (Continuous, 1kHz) 850W @ 2 ohms, 540W @ 4 ohms, 310W @ 8 ohms
* Maximum Bridged Output Power (THD = 1%, 1kHz): 1300W @ 4 ohms, 900W @ 8 ohms * Maximum RMS Voltage Swing (THD = 1%, 1kHz): 55.3 V
* Power Bandwidth (THD = 1%, ref. 1kHz, half power @ 4 ohms): 10Hz30kHz
* Voltage Gain (ref. 1kHz): 32dB
* Input Sensitivity (rated power @ 8 ohms, 1kHz): +2.2 dBu
* THD at rated output power, MBW = 80kHz, 1kHz: < 0.03%
* IMD-SMPTE (60Hz, 7kHz) < 0.1%
* DIM30 (3.15kHz, 15kHz): < 0.05%
* Maximum Input Level: +21 dBu (8.69 Vrms)
* Crosstalk (ref. 1kHz, at rated output power): < -80 dB
* Frequency Response (ref. 1kHz): 10Hz40kHz (±1 dB)
* Input Impedance, active balanced: 20 kOhm
* Damping Factor, 1 kHz: > 300
* Slew Rate: 25 V/ms
* Signal-to-Noise Ratio Amplifier (A-weighted): > 106 dB
* Output Noise (A-weighted): < -71 dBu
* Output Stage Topology: Class AB
* Power Consumption (1/8 maximum output power @ 4 ohms: 550W
* Power Requirements: 120V, 60Hz
* Protection: Audio limiters, High temperature, DC, HF, Back-EMF, Peak current limiters, Inrush current limiters, Turn-on delay
* Cooling: Front-to-rear, 3-stage fans
* Ambient Temperature Limits: 40°105°F
* Signal Processing: LPN, switchable
* Safety Class: I
* Dimensions: 19" W x 3.47" H x 15.59" D
This product was added to our catalog on Sunday 29 July, 2012.
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It's no secret in the genea-blogging community that Joan Hill, who writes the blog Roots'n'Leaves, is one heckuva writer. She was the featured writer for the 89th Carnival of Genealogy sponsored by Jasia at Creative Gene; her poem, "I Dinna Hear the Voices," struck a chord with all who read it. I started to look through some of her past posts to select a few representative articles, and it was extremely difficult to pick just a few. Even her "About Me" profile on her blog is arresting and captures her feel for the march of time: "A child of the 30's and 40's, 'Betty Crocker' mom of the 50's and 60's, college student of the 70's, businesswoman of the 80's and 90's, and finally retired to my home in the hills south of Ashland, Oregon, to garden, contemplate, and write."
Some of my favorite posts illustrate Joan's gift for seeing the transcendent and the wonderful in the mundane events, the routine, and the little surprises and joys of life ("Sentimental Sunday: A Love Story at Burger King," "Carnival of Genealogy, 92nd Edition: A Night of Dancing at the Crazy Horse"). And, of course, one of my favorite posts has to be a portrait of a beloved animal companion: "Sentimental Sunday: My Sophisticated Rake." Finally, to see "what makes Joan tick, read "Confessions of a Storytelling Family Historian; Part I, The Beginning." Each genea-blogger I read brings out some slightly different aspect of genealogy. For Joan – it is genealogy as creativity in the form of storytelling and poetry.
This Week
Betty at Betty's Boneyard Genealogy Blog writes about how to coax information out of a reluctant relative in "Madness Monday: When Relatives Won't Share."
Taneya at Taneya's Genealogy Blog, in "Genealogical Societies and I," discusses what genealogy societies can do to lure her (and other members) in and keep her (and them) when genealogists have to limit their participation to just a few societies.
Something all genea-bloggers should keep in mind (refraining from copyright infringement) is addressed by Dear Myrtle in "Genea-Bloggers' Code of Conduct."
I loved reading the tribute to two moms and description of a "mixed family" in "They Said It Would Never Last" at The Genealogy Gals.
Lynn at The Armchair Genealogist asks "Who Owns Your Family History Story?" and advises family historians to "let history be kind."
Tina at Gen Wish List presents some very good ideas in "OGS Conference – advice for conference organizers."
I try not to jump the gun on genealogy carnivals, but remember Jasia's unforgettable "ghosted" photos in "Memory Too"? Well, if you want to know how to do that….
Happy 2nd Blogoversary to Sheri at Twig Talk!
This week I started following these blogs:
My Ancestor's Name
Reconnected Roots
Ciccolella Family History
Friday, April 30, 2010
Follow Friday: Roots'n'Leaves
3 comments:
Thanks for the mention!ReplyDelete
I am nearly speechless -- a rarity for me -- your words about my blog took my breath away. When I started the blog, about 6 months ago, I had blogs that I used as standards of excellence to which I wished to attain ----- and you, my friend, were right there at level of excellence.
Thank you again for the kind words.
You are welcome, Tina and Joan. I am so tickled that the two of you commented, because to me you both embody all the best things youth and experience can bring to genealogy. (Or, as my daughters would say, "You rock!")ReplyDelete
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Wellness screenings available in Freehafer and Johnson
Wellness screening appointments with the School of Nursing are available this fall.
* Nov. 8, 16, 18, 28, 29 -- 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m. Johnson Hall of Nursing, Room B-5.
* Nov. 11-- 8:10-11:30 a.m. and 1:10-3:30 p.m. Johnson Hall of Nursing, Room B-5.
* Nov. 14 -- 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:10-3:30 p.m. Freehafer Hall, Rooms 2-1 and 2-2.
* Nov. 15 -- 8:10-11:30 a.m. and 1:10-3:10 p.m. Freehafer Hall, Rooms 2-1 and 2-2.
WorkLife Programs provides these screenings for benefit-eligible faculty and staff and their spouses/same-sex domestic partners. Screenings include the finger stick for blood tests for total cholesterol, HDL, and glucose, height, weight, and blood pressure. Participants must bring their Purdue ID at the time of the screening.
Free screenings are limited to one per calendar year, so participants are encouraged to select the location that works best for them and stay on an annual schedule for screenings. For example, if an individual completed a screening in the spring of 2011, that person will wait until spring 2012 for the next appointment.
Annual screenings are an important part of prevention. Keeping track of health and knowing one's numbers for cholesterol and blood pressure are valuable steps.
Those being seen on a yearly basis by a health care provider who is monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar should continue those annual visits.
To schedule an appointment, visit www.purdue.edu/worklife and click "Register Now," or call 49-45461.
For regional campus screening events, contact your campus program:
* Calumet: 219-989-2709, email@example.com.
* Fort Wayne: 260-481-6647, email@example.com.
* North Central: 219-785-5519, firstname.lastname@example.com.


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August 18, 2013
Please don't amend Reg D and Form D and make life more difficult for startups to raise money. This is contrary to what Congress intended in the JOBS Act. The whole point of the JOBS Act was to make it easier for startups to raise money, not harder.
We don't want new filing requirements. Congress didn't specify any in the JOBS Act. Or request that you add new filing requirements. Why are you?
We don't want penalties for late filings. There are none now. Congress never said in the JOBS Act to impose any. Why are you now?
We don't want to have to complete more paperwork to raise money. Requiring more information on Form D is also something that is specifically contrary to the intentions and spirit of the JOBS Act.
We don't want to have to file forms in advance of generally soliciting. Congress didn't specify this. Why are you?
It is already very difficult for startups to raise funds. Please don't harm us by making it even harder.
James Sposto