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We are leading the way in the development of low cost, environmentally friendly production methods and flexible materials that could change how and where photovoltaic energy can be generated.
High cost and complex production of solar cells
The high cost of silicon solar cells and their complex production process has generated considerable interest in developing alternative solar cell technologies using organic photovoltaics. The benefits of using organic photovoltaics for the production of solar cells includes its low-cost environmentally friendly production methods, the ability to mass produce and will result in a marked change in how and where energy can be generated.
Cheaper, longer lasting cells
We have committed to making photovoltaic solar cells – a commercialised, readily available solar technology – cheaper, longer lasting and more environmentally sustainable. Photovoltaics (PVs) involve the conversion of light into electricity at the atomic level. Materials are selected or designed to absorb photons of light and release electrons. When these electrons are captured, electricity is created.
The benefits of using organic photovoltaics (OPV's) for the production of solar cells include low cost environmentally friendly production methods and light weight flexible substrate that allows a marked change in how and where energy can be generated.
Challenges facing developers include how to improve conversion efficiency as currently OPV's are considerably less efficient than silicon cells at converting light to energy. Most of today's commercially available solar cells are made from high purity semi-conductor or solar grade silicon, which makes the cells expensive.
We are investigating new organic materials (like plastic, which can be printed) and other technologies that will create the next generation of solar cells – they will be lighter, more flexible, attractive and most importantly, cheaper.
We partner with small and large companies, government and industry in Australia and around the world.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) solar cells are readily available technology, but we are working to make them cheaper, longer lasting and more environmentally sustainable. We have partnered with CHOICE to test household solar PV panels and provide recommendations that can guide decision making.
We are setting the benchmark in Australia for testing and collaboration on breakthrough thin-film solar photovoltaic technologies based on perovskite semi-conductors to reduce production cost, increase solar cell performance and improve energy efficiency.


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Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr. Muhammad Faisal has rejected reports that Aasia Bibi has left Pakistan.
Talking to Radio Pakistan on Thursday, he said Aasia Bib is still in Pakistan.
Befitting Response: Pakistan Army shot dead 6 Indian Military soldiers after five Pakistanis were martyred by Indian CFV
Meanwhile, Information Minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain in a tweet has regretted that it has become a norm to publish fake news for the sake of headlines.
He said Asia Bibi's case is sensitive issue and it was extremely irresponsible to publish news of her leaving the country without confirmation.
He strongly urged the specific section of media to act responsibly.

subset: commoncrawl


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By Mike Jurkovic
Think Globally, Listen Locally
The John Street Jam
"Steve and Terri do what they do, it seems, not for the musicians, the audience, or the church to whom the proceeds go, but for the good of music itself - humbly bowing before the muse then working their tails off to keep it alive." - Jen Clapp, HV singer/songwriter.
So who knew so honorable and grand an idea actually sprang from a night of cosmos at Nashville's legendary Bluebird Cafe? Husband and wife on vacation in Music City, trying to figure out how to raise money for their beloved Dutch Arms Chapel, located, where else, but on John Street in Saugerties.
"Yeah, that was December 2003," co-founder, archivist, host, and sound-man Steve Massardo recalls with a wry smile. "It's all we talked about in the car coming home."
"There are so many open mics, we just had to figure out how to do it differently and we loved the Bluebird's concept," co-conspirator, hostess, and chef extraordinaire Terri Massardo adds. "Whatever we did, we had to distinguish our gig from the rest."
As part of the spice in the Hudson Valley's vibrant musical stew, Steve and Terri know well when they speak of so many open mics. That's why, a little over one month later on January 31, 2004, the John Street Jam was inaugurated, but with an age old concept.
"The first couple jams were your usual open mic," both admit in retrospect. "Your usual coffeehouse thing . . . finger foods, refreshments, folks who showed willing to play for nothing, since all the proceeds went to the Chapel, which is a part of the Reformed Church of Saugerties."
"But we knew immediately we had to build a loyal audience of not just musicians looking to play," Steve quickly interjects. "That's how it goes with an open mic audience. Eighteen musicians arrive wanting to play to six regular people hoping to hear something inspiring. It can become a very long evening for everyone."
"I know it's somewhat subjective, but often the quality was hard to control," Terri adds just as quickly.
"I can't remember a time when the Dutch Arms Chapel wasn't jammed pack for the Jam! At $5 it's the best entertainment value in the Valley. I love it, and I love knowing them. They bust their butts for this, and there's no money involved for anyone. The Food Pantry (and consequently, those in need) are the technical beneficiaries, but all of us come out ahead!"- Cheryl A. Rice, HV poet/free-lance writer.
By March of 2004, they had decided on the concept that has made the John Street Jam the musical event to be at every second Saturday (and fifth Saturday, when the calendar gods bless us with one). Eight invited players from all over the country, some novices who have caught the duo's ear and imagination, others long standing talents, are divided into two rounds of four players each, stir each other and their SRO audience to new heights of musicianship, lyricism, and insight.
"We trawled through every club and open mic for a good while," Terri reflects with a weary and winning laugh. Steve nods in agreement at the late, long nights of finding the talent the audience entrusted them to find.
"Nothing unsettles the mind like the prospect of singing at the Jam. But once I start to play, I become a virtuoso guitarist and a poet for the ages, or at least it feels that way. Because that's what the audience seems to quietly crave; and once I loosen up I'm able to focus, and with gratitude, swim the warm water." - Kurt Henry, guitarist / singer / songwriter, host of Acoustic Thursdays at the High Falls Cafe, High Falls, NY.
"And the audience does trust you," Steve notes. "We see it in the same faces, month after month, coming back. At least 80% of audience returns every month."
"And the players trust us too," Terri reminds us.
"That's the great thing! Steve adds, a hint of deserved pride in his voice. "When I let the players know who they're playing with on what month, if they don't know each other they look each other up. They get pumped to play with their peers. By Saturday night they can't wait to take the stage."
Now that stage is in the Dutch Arms Chapel which is attached to the Reformed Church. Four chairs situated in a circle so the players can face each other. Four vintage floor lamps light up the player's circle. The audience of approximately one hundred are seated around them. No song or lyric is missed. No great lick or riff goes unheard. It could be unnerving, but no one finds it so.
"It's a win/win thing for everybody, and one of my favorite gigs. Audiences have learned to trust Steve & Terri's choices so there is always a great listening crowd."
- Elly Wininger, HV singer/songwriter
"Big applause to Steve and Terri for creating a one of a kind monthly occasion. It's always inspiring, heart warming and great fun! Wonderful audience and musicians, who needs more?" - Helen Avakian, HV guitarist/singer/songwriter
Off to the side is a table with fresh baked goods, hot coffee, soda, tea. It's $5 at the door.
From first hand experience I can tell you no one even goes to the bathroom during the rounds. It makes for long lines at intermission, but it creates a bonding respect between audience and performer. A respect that I can tell you, again from first hand experience, doesn't happen at the big name shows where everyone fiddles with cell phones and talks rudely when their favorite greatest hit isn't being played.
"It is a sacred moment each and every time I have participated in JSJ. That sacredness is a rarity, for audience & performer alike, and we are truly lucky to have it in our backyards." - Sean Schenker, singer/songwriter, member of The Trapps
In JSJ's illuminating eight year history, over 350 truly gifted musicians have brought light and assurance to their respective audiences. Whether he or she is coming from right around the corner on Partition Street, NYC or North Carolina, no one gets paid. But there are the Cornish hens, wine, and home made dessert. . .
"JSJ isn't just another show. The performance is the culmination of Steve & Terri's hospitality and warmth, which is at the heart of the entire experience. Before the show, performers meet at their home and share food, wine and songs. Often, collaborations are born and the musical community is made a little stronger. This is the essence that makes what they do special, and the music reflects that." - Todd Giudice, HV singer/songwriter, Producer @ Roots Cellar Recording
"We felt dinner was a great way for the musicians to meet each other and offer them something special in lieu of money. It's a wonderful way for everyone to get comfortable," chef Terri readily explains. "We invite each musician to bring their spouse, partner, or accompanist." It's here that I threaten the duo to come out of my musical retirement just for dinner!
"We were privileged to perform at JSJ. Besides being very talented artists and musicians, Terri and Steve are great hosts. We loved sipping wine by the pool, talking to fellow musicians. What an amazing evening!" Judith Tulloch & Steve Franchino, Cammy Poeme Music Productions
Being a presenter of poetry readings for eighteen years (the last eight Calling All Poets at The Howland Cultural Center in Beacon) there was one last question to ask. It is an often dark question that lingers in the air. How does the JSJ selection process work and how do they handle the delicate balancing act of who plays and who doesn't?
"At first, we reached out to who we knew and who those people knew to get things started," Steve begins, unafraid to dodge the dark question. "Now we let the musicians contact us. They send us their MP3's and press kits."
"Two people can look at a painting and see two different things," they say simultaneously, then Steve continues. "Art of all disciplines is hugely subjective. You can listen to one poet or musician and it strikes a nerve or it doesn't."
"That's pretty much how we do it. I usually get the yay or nay, but if I'm on the fence about someone, I pass them on to Terri. If we both can't decide, we'll take a chance and invite someone in. We've been burned a couple times, but overall the musicians present themselves as who they are."
"But . . ." I impose.
"Well there are those we don't invite," he admits, "and unfortunately I've had to make it almost like a standard, I hate to say it, rejection letter/email. If the musician responds asking for constructive criticism, I'll go into it as much as I can."
"In the end it's not about Terri and me, it's about what our audience trusts us to do and the respect the players have for the themselves, the music, and the process. Without those things, we might still be doing the usual open mic thing. We've been extremely fortunate in that regard."
"Every month, like magic, Steve and Terri manage to bring together a remarkable community of listeners and performers to enjoy one another in an intimate, joyful space.
It's always a pleasure to play the jam." - Kelleigh McKenzie, HV singer/songwriter
ps: While discussing the future of JSJ, I forgot to mention that Steve and Terri are entertaining the idea of a possible radio show and live performances posted online.
For more info: www.johnstreetjam.net & on facebook


text: Ridge Augmentation/Preservation for Implants: After extractions, there is a resorption of buccal bone. Ridge augmentation/preservation is a procedure performed after a tooth or teeth are extracted either for denture or implants. The goal is to preserve the natural contour of the jaw bone for more predictable prosthetics restoration (Dentures or implants)


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As an event organiser I get a lot of emails some good, some bad and some just junk. Yesterday, however, I clicked on an email from The Running Awards, thinking that it would be asking me to buy tickets for their forthcoming presentation night. Imagine my surprise to discover that they were contacting me to say that we had won an award! Bronze in the category of best 5K in Wales! That got me to thinking, we didn't even know that we'd been nominated so hadn't canvassed for any votes or support. This award was totally unsolicited and, as such even more of an honour and a true tribute to all those that work hard to make our races happen each November.
When we started Betws-y-coed Trail Challenge we had ideas about how it might pan out over the next few years, in fact, we had a plan and now it seems that all the work has paid off. Thank you to everyone that voted for us it means a tremendous amount and congratulations to Nos Galan and Cardiff 5K races for their gold and silver awards, well done guys!
Back to the grindstone for us, we have standards to aspire too - here's to 2018 and even greater things. Diolch yn fawr pawb!
Jayne Lloyd


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NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - September 12, 2017) - Photography News: Boasting a Fast Hybrid AF System capable of acquiring focus in just 0.03 seconds, the Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV from Sony aims to be the fastest and most feature-rich high-zoom point-and-shoot camera available today
B&H Photo would like to share the announcement of the Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV Digital Camera from Sony, with an improved 20.1MP 1" Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor and BIONZ X processor with front-end LSI that enable exceptional speed and performance for stills and video. The calling card of the RX10 series is the zoom capability, and the IV offers a versatile 24-600mm equivalent Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens with a fast f/2.4-4 maximum aperture range. Making things even better here is the introduction of a Fast Hybrid AF system with 315 phase-detect points, enabling the camera to lock onto a subject in just 0.03 of a second. Also, data processing has been boosted, with the ability to shoot continuously at up to 24 fps for 249 JPEG frames with full AF/AE tracking.
Sony DSC-RX10 IV Digital Camera
Other improvements in this model include the implementation of High-Density Tracking AF technology for more accurate tracking of moving subjects. Other focusing functions have been enhanced, as well, including Eye AF and the Focus Range Limiter, while the introduction of a 3" 1.44m-dot tilting LCD touchscreen could bring Touch Focus and Touch Pad capabilities to the series for the first time. Also, UHD 4K video benefits from the improved focus system, with up to 2x faster performance over its predecessor. Video shooters will also enjoy additions of S-Log3, a Gamma Display Assist, proxy recording, and more, as well as a High Frame Rate mode with improved quality and recording times. Operation has not changed much because the dust- and moisture-resistant body offers many of the same controls as before. Bluetooth has been added, however, bringing with it the ability to receive location data from a connected smartphone. Additionally, a revamped menu system has been implemented, including a dedicated Movie Settings menu.
Read and learn all about the Sony DSC-RX10 IV Digital Camera at B&H Explora blog.
B&H Photo Video is an authorized Sony dealer, with the most up-to-date Sony product information, product pricing and promotional offers.
About B&H Photo Video
As the world's largest source of photography, video, audio, and the latest trending technologies, including drones, virtual reality, and 3D Printers, B&H Photo Video is known worldwide for its attentive, knowledgeable sales force, excellent customer service, and fast, reliable shipping. Visitors to the website can access a variety of enlightening articles and educational videos. B&H has been satisfying customers worldwide for over 40 years.
Latest Trending Technologies
Virtual Reality: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/browse/360-spherical-virtual-reality-production/ci/29185/N/3705627361
Drones: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/browse/drones-aerial-photography/ci/27989/N/3765401970
Customers making purchases on the B&H website can now make a split payment with multiple credit cards, a useful feature for those with limited credit on their individual cards. Previously, this method of payment was only available to customers when purchasing by phone or in store.
Many items can now be ordered online and picked up at our NYC Superstore. Add any qualifying items to your shopping cart and select STORE PICKUP. You will then have an opportunity to indicate who will be making the pickup, if it is someone other than yourself. You'll receive an email (up to 45 minutes) after completing your order, indicating that your order is ready for pickup at the B&H SuperStore.
The B & H YouTube Channel has an unmatched wealth of educational photographic content. Our entertaining and informative videos feature product overviews from our in-house specialists, as well as from photography industry experts. You can even view the B&H Event Space presentations from many of the world's foremost photographers, and interviews with some of photography's most dynamic characters. Tap into this exciting resource by subscribing to the B&H YouTube Channel here. In addition to these videos, the B&H Explora blog presents new product announcements, gear reviews, helpful guides, and tech news written by product experts and industry professionals.
When you're in Manhattan, take a tour of the B&H Photo SuperStore, located at 420 Ninth Avenue. The expo continues all year round in the camera kiosks at B&H. Featuring the newest cameras, the kiosks are manned by manufacturer representatives, who are there to guide you and demonstrate the latest photographic technology. With hundreds of products on display, the B&H Photo Camera Store is the place to test-drive and compare all the latest photography gear.
Contact Information:
Shawn C. Steiner
B&H Photo Video


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Venezuela's PDVSA, Oil Unions Reach Deal, Clearing Way for Contract Talks
CARACAS, Venezuela -- State oil company Petroleos de Venezuela SA and the oil unions representing its workers have reached an accord following a suspension in talks and threats of nationwide oil-workers strikes, the company's president said.
"The unions accepted going to the polls," said Hector Ciavaldini. "Immediately after that, we can resume negotiations."


text: It seems as though most of us did not grow up in an Ozzie-and-Harriett-type household. According to recent data collected by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, six out of 10 American adults had difficult childhoods. You may have endured physical, verbal, or sexual abuse or lived through domestic violence, alcohol or drug abuse, or divorce. A family member may have had a mental illness or may have been incarcerated. These adverse experiences know no racial, gender, religious, or ethnic boundaries. We all—even those few who have not experienced these conflicts ourselves--have neighbors, colleagues, and friends who fall into this category. Throughout America, our communities are rife with family problems of every sort. Although most of us live through our childhood and survive into adulthood, a background of adversity or troubling conditions can still affect us in negative ways. The data show that these experiences increase our chances of developing cancer, heart disease, and diabetes; of becoming substance abusers; of suffering from depression; and of dying prematurely. Do you think it makes us more prone to have anger issues? Or to carry on the "family tradition" by repeating in our adult lives and relationships the violence, addiction, or abuse we may have seen and learned from our first family? The CDC research findings certainly make us aware of the implications that a troubled childhood has over an individual's entire lifespan. If you happen to be among the 60% who have experienced a troubled childhood, how do you feel it has affected you? What do you think could be done to help alleviate this problem, either for children going through difficult circumstances or for adults living with the repercussions? http://www.healthscout.com/news/1/647618/main.html


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The Course – Graduation Day!
As you read the previous post about 'the course', you will realized that it has came to the end of the course. On day sixth, we have our test on few methods we learned that few days, can you imagine how we felt on that day? but all of us went though the test andContinue Reading "The Course – Graduation Day!"


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Join us on November 4th as the Northgate Mall is filled with glorious music at brunch with the UL Gospel Choir!
Brunch will feature delicious food prepared by Mrs. Spenzy Benoit and Rusted Rooster. Music will be performed 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Décor by the Designing Women of Acadiana.
Please RSVP by November 1st! Click here to purchase tickets.
Presented by Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation, Inc. and Raise Your Hands, Inc., with help from the Designing Women of Acadiana and Rotary Satellite Club| Lafayette After Hours as well as help from our sponsors, including Companion Sponsor, Home Furniture and Bedding.
(Sponsorship opportunities remain available. Please email email@example.com for more information.)


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Give dishes a lift with this homemade Egyptian spice mix.
Featured in Vegetarian recipes, Spices and rubs
- 40g (1/4 cup) sesame seeds
- 75g (1/2 cup) pistachio kernels, finely chopped
- 3 teaspoons ground coriander
- 3 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Step 1Place the sesame seeds in a medium non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until toasted and golden.
Step 2Add the pistachio, coriander, cumin and pepper and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until aromatic. Stir in the salt and set aside to cool.
Storage tip: Store dukkah in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 1 month.
How to use it: Sprinkle dukkah over salads just before serving.
For an Egyptian-style breakfast, sprinkle dukkah over poached eggs.
To make a simple starter, serve dukkah with olive oil and flatbread. Dip the flatbread in the oil, then in the dukkah.
For dukkah-crusted roast vegetables, toss pumpkin, carrot, zucchini and potato with olive oil and dukkah to coat. Roast until tender.


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in order to get to know you and understand your goals and objectives. This is an important conversation to establish a foundation for our relationship. Any initial questions or concerns will be discussed free of charge.
on important data for analysis such as investment statements, tax returns, insurance policies, etc. In addition, we run through an exercise to determine your own unique level of risk tolerance using the risk number method.
the data to determine if you are on a realistic path to pursuing your goals and objectives. This includes measuring the risk within your current investment portfolio and financial plan, then stress testing them under unexpected financial variables, both positive and negative.
and specific action items regarding your plan and investment portfolio are discussed. We will visually review the stress test results of both the current and recommended plans and portfolios. We work with and provide references to qualified professionals as needed, i.e. CPAs and Estate Planning Attorneys.
of the plan once agreed upon. Our goal is to do all we can to ensure transactions are executed promptly and smoothly. A plan is only as good as its implementation!
your investment portfolio and financial plan, which includes adjusting and rebalancing it to accommodate ever-changing economic and personal circumstances. This involves regular review meetings, critical to the success of the overall plan.
Investment Advisory Services are offered through investment advisor representatives of Wagner Financial, a Federally Registered Investment Advisor.
Office: (805) 339-0760
Fax: (805) 339-0793
196 S Fir St, Suite 140
Ventura, CA 93001


text: May Madham is a 1994 Tamil romance film based on the Hollywood romantic film Roman Holiday, directed by Venus Balu and music by A. R. Rahman. The film features Vineeth and Sonali Kulkarni in the lead roles and has art direction by Thotta Tharani. The film was later remade in Hindi as Love You Hamesha. ... more on Wikipedia


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Binary Tree and Monza Cloud announced a partnership to help clients develop new applications more quickly in Microsoft Azure.
Specifically, Monza Cloud's AzStudio platform will drive Binary Tree's new Innovation Center.
Innovation has always been critical to remain competitive, but today it needs to be delivered at speed, at scale and yield business results rapidly. The Binary Tree Innovation Center will develop tangible proof-of-concepts backed by proven ideation methodology, deep Microsoft Azure Cloud knowledge and expertise while leveraging AzStudio from Monza Cloud to continue powering enterprise transformations.
AzStudio makes it easy to develop new cloud applications based on standards and best practices. Its feature-rich interface lets users quickly build applications on Azure with enhanced integrated security, visual process management, and robust extensibility.
"Monza Cloud accelerates our Azure innovation lifecycles, giving developers the tools they need to bring their ideas to life quickly and consistent," said Vincent Fournier, Chief Innovation Officer of Binary Tree. "The efficiencies gained will ultimately improve business outcomes for our customers and partners alike."
"Technology innovation is at the heart of Binary Tree. We have a robust history of Microsoft solutions that have accelerated digital transformation for thousands of global companies," said Ryan Niemann, President of Microsoft Cloud Solutions, Binary Tree. "We see increasing our ability to rapidly prototype and release secure end products as a critical differentiator."
"Like us, Binary Tree is laser focused on delivering business value to customers across the Microsoft ecosystem," said Scott Rodgers, CEO of Monza Cloud. "Together, we will deliver a unique combination of expertise and tools to make it faster and easier to adopt the cloud, while helping organizations solve complex challenges along their digital transformation journey."


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Building a Brand vs Building a Website
Forming a business from scratch isn't like it was 10-20 years ago, where, to compete at a really high level, all you needed was a beautiful storefront to attract customers and millions of dollars in marketing and advertising to send people clambering through your front door.
All you need is an idea and a decent looking website, and you're in business.
But even though it may seem simple, just because you have a website, doesn't mean you have a brand.
What's the difference?
1. Consistency.
Being consistent isn't easy, especially when it comes to running a business. And if you have anymore than a handful of employees, we all know how hard it can be to maintain any kind of consistency throughout how you handle things between not just your employees. But with your customers as well.
Where building a brand comes in, is that there's always a certain level of consistency across every employee and customer touchpoint. Meaning, whether it's sending someone to your website, in-store event, or social media post, you'll notice that everything matches in color, tone and messaging.
In other words, just by looking at something (without even seeing their logo) you can tell it's X brand. Why is that important?
Consistency builds trust (and recognition). And what does trust build?
2. Trust.
Now more than ever, trust is something that has become one of the most essential elements to building a brand. What does "trust" mean as it refers to branding? It really just comes down to delivering a consistent kind of message and performance time and time again. Plus, being consistent with any and all communication, colors, tone, messaging, etc.
With trust, comes to branding, I look at it this way.
How many clothing stores do you pass by on the way to your favorite one? One? Five? Twenty?
Now why don't you stop into them?
Or, say you Google, "Jeans." How come you don't click or buy any of the dozens or so that pop up? It's easy. You don't trust them.
Have a favorite restaurant? How come you don't go to all the ones you pass, on the way to your favorite one? You don't trust them.
Now, when it comes to the world of branding, there is a certain value to that called, "Brand Equity."
"The commercial value that derives from consumer perception of the brand name of a particular product or service, rather than from the product or service itself."
Websites, don't have brand equity. But brands, do.
That means, when you put the Nike logo on a sneaker, you trust that it'll do what you need it to do. Now put the name of any random website to replace that Nike swoosh, and it means nothing. And not only that, no one trusts it enough to spend money on it until, and unless, you built up that trust, over time.
3. Feeling.
As mentioned in a previous post:
"A brand is a gut feeling about a product or service.
It's not what you say it is. It's what they say it is."
-Marty Neumeier, author of "The Brand Gap."
A brand is a feeling. It's an overall impression someone gets from interacting with it. Whereas, a website, is one of the many pieces your brand has to deliver that vision.
But what happens when a website is used as a vehicle to communicate a feeling (or brand)? Now it becomes something bigger. And something you can easily build more products and services off of.
Otherwise, without a brand, a website is no more than information, words, and pictures.
For instance, look at all the types of cars we have to choose from and buy. Now let's look at what a car is really: a bunch of wires, cables, metal and paint.
Now, put a Mercedes, Hyundai, Toyota, or Porsche logo on it and you now have a varying degree of feelings and emotions – many of which I'm sure, just came to mind, just by mentioning their name. On top of that, try driving down the highway with any one of those cars, and remove any mention of the brand/log and…
Now you won't know what to feel. Will you?
And neither will anyone else.
4. Clarity.
Having a clear message, unlike having just a website, is something vital to the success of many bigger brands. Meaning, for every advertising or marketing agency that works with them, each will get a clear set of brand guidelines to work off of.
What does that do?
It provides everyone with 100% clarity on how to talk (or not talk) about a specific brand they're working with. What colors to use and not use. How the logo should or shouldn't be used. And more.
Without it, neither you or anyone you work with will have a clear understanding of what direction you need to go. Or what can or can't be done to help move your business forward.
And that's not good.
5. Differentiation.
Now more than ever, it's getting harder and harder to be seen as different – a question that most prospective customers will ask themselves in choosing whether or not to buy your product or service over others.
But when it comes to having a brand, it's easier to help differentiate yourself from the competition – and/or change things over time.
Because, similar to a living or breathing organism, brands have their own personality, look, feel and tone and can oftentimes take on a life of their own. Plus, they can even live well beyond their founders – enrolling people in a certain way of living and thinking that can also build an enormous amount of loyalty over the years.
Having just a website?
Not so much.


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Venezuelan Foreign Minister Samuel Moncada informed that Former Mexican President Vicente Fox will not have access to Venezuela and declared him "A Persona Non Grata" or "person not appreciated." The decision was made since, according to him, Fox made negative comments of the government during the poll conducted on Sunday, July 16, in which 95% of Venezuelans voted against Nicolas Maduro's plans to change the Nation's Constitution.
"He will not come here anymore because of his perverse character. As a prophylactic measure, our duty is to protect our people from undesirable agents. That is why we have declared him a person not appreciated," he said according to Excelsior.
"As a foreign minister of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, I declare Mr. Vicente Fox persona non grata. He has abused the hospitality of our people by offending us. Mr. Fox came to Venezuela after being paid to promote violence and interference of foreign states," Moncada wrote on his Twitter account.
"As a preemptive measure for the protection of our people, Mr. Fox will not be able to come back to Venezuela ever," Moncada added.
The Venezuelan minister of foreign affairs added that Fox had already left Venezuela.
Moncada said that the government accepted that five Latin American voters were observers of the plebiscite against the Constituent Assembly, but they simply "set up their circus," exalting that Fox "as a foreigner, has nothing to say here."
Among the presidents who attended along with Fox were the former President of Colombia, Andrés Pastrana; Bolivia's Jorge Quiroga, and Costa Rica's Laura Chinchilla and Miguel Ángel Rodríguez.
With this serious form of censure applied to Fox, he won't be able to go back to Venezuela until the country's government removes the measure. During the poll, Fox tweeted "Giving way to the triumph of freedom in Venezuela," posing nex to voters with a big smile and his thumbs up.
After Moncada anounced Vicente Fox was an unwelcome person, the Mexican took again his Twitter account and wrote: "It's clear, we are NOT a banana republic," referring to Venezuela as a politically unstable country. "Mexico is not for deceit and false prophets. We don't want Castros, Maduros, Chávez."
About 7.2 million Venezuelans participated in the elections organized by the opposition in rejection of the Constituent Assembly. Venezuelans rejection to President Nicolas Maduro's plan to rewrite the Constitution of the country was imminent, and according to Cecilia García Arocha, rector of the Central University of Venezuela, 7,186,170 votes were in favor of the opposition.


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written by Erica Quam
When you're a coach, you are a facilitator every single moment. How you handle the unique blend of personalities that make up your team is a lifelong skill you can always continue to learn more about and improve on. That's what makes coaching so dynamic!
1. When your team has a conflict, the first thing to manage is yourself.
You have to stay differentiated as a leader. Even for a few seconds, check in with yourself to become aware of what's going on with you before you delve into the conflict of your group.
- THOUGHTS: What are you thinking? What story are you making up right now?
- FEELINGS: What are you feeling? Pick from the 4 primary emotions = mad, sad, glad, or afraid
- INTENTIONS: What do you want? Get clear on what your true desire is going in.
- SOMATIC SENSATIONS: What's your body telling you? Heart rate, tingles, flushed, shaky
You can either react to the situation or respond. You react from your own thoughts, feelings, intentions, & sensations. You respond to a situation when you are aware of these things first.
2. Next, get clear on the behavior specifics you are observing from your team.
You walk into practice and hear one of your players yelling. You see that she's pounding her fist on the table and repeatedly pointing her finger at a few of her teammates. They aren't yelling back at her...in fact, they are looking down and shaking their heads.
These are behavior specifics.
You could also make up your own story as you walk up to the scene. Wow - Grace is really pissed. I wonder what the three freshmen are up to that made her so angry.
This is your opinion and your own judgement of what's going on.
It can be really easy to make an assumption and point the finger at someone. If you find yourself blaming - take a step back and keep the big picture in mind. The more you can stick with observable behavior - the less hooked you are emotionally - the better you will manage the situation. This takes practice!
3. Finally, choose an intervention.
There are lots of different ways you can intervene. Letting the situation play out and not doing anything at all is also an intervention. As a coach, you are in a position of power. You could take the situation and blow it up instead of calm it down.
Step 1. Diffuse the intensity
If emotions are high you want to do what you can to de-escalate. Maybe lead with, "Everyone take a deep breath here." "Hey, let's just pause for a second."
Step 2. Lay out some ground rules
"I'm not sure what's going on here. I sense there's a lot of emotion around it. We're going to talk about it. (Let's them know you're the referee). I want to hear from both sides. (Give them space to vent.) I also want to walk away teammates - so we can get back to working on our goals as a team. (Ultimate goal).
Step 3. Facilitate a debrief
A debrief helps you process and gain insight from an experience, event, or activity. Help your athletes move the events from the "there and then" to the "here and now". Their willingness to participate will depend a lot on what kind of culture your team has already established.
Some ways to make debriefs more successful is by doing them more frequently. When you debrief low risk activities on a more regular basis, you've laid the groundwork to discuss an emotionally charged situation.
Here's a simple debrief model:
- What? (stick with just the facts)
- So what? (add in thoughts and/or feelings)
- Now what? (learning that can be applied to future experiences or interactions)
What happened? Your goal as a facilitator is to get people to share a description of the facts and who was involved. Make sure you step in if people try to talk about thoughts and feelings at this stage...this is just the facts.
So What? Now, find out what people think, how they are feeling, and what they've learned. If emotions are still high you may have to give people a couple of turns until everyone feels listened to and heard. Model active listening, "so what I heard you say is that you felt angry...is that right?"
Now what? Get their perspective now that they've talked through things. What are you willing to change or do differently? What changes would you suggest that would make things better? Where do we go from here?
I'm sure every coach can look back on situations you've handled well and others that could have gone better.
Which of these steps can you take into the next charged scenario you face?
Manage yourself, be a keen observer, and step in as a leader.


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Malawi and Namibia tip each other on economic independence
Johannesburg, July 27, 2018: President Arthur Peter Mutharika and his Namibian counterpart, Hage Geingob Friday held a bilateral meeting in Johannesburg during which they tipped each other on how to achieve economic independence.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of 2018 BRICS Summit which the two leaders were attending.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Dr Emmanuel Fabiano told reporters that the two presidents shared notes on how their two countries were managing their economies.
"They shared how they are managing their economies considering that in the case of Malawi development partners have stopped supporting the national budget with regard to the recurrent expenditure," he said.
"They are now just supporting the development aspect of our budget," he added.
Fabiano further said the two leaders then shared a number of approaches and agreed that they should consider the pulling out of budgetary support as a blessing in disguise.
"We have to be economically independent. We have to move in steps, But the first step is to manage the day to day operations and ask development partners to only support development programs," he said.
Later President Mutharika held another bilateral meeting with Mozambican President, Filipe Nyusi.
Fabiano said the two leaders discussed transport infrastructure and power interconnection projects, among other things for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
Macra calls on Malawians to embrace national addressing system
Blantyre, July 28, 2018: The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has underscored the need for Malawians to embrace with speed the implementation of the national addressing system in order to enjoy the social economic developments.
Once fully operational, the project will enhance service delivery in the post and courier industry following introduction of a comprehensive system of property location, numbering, mapping and associated processes.
MACRA Director of Postal Services, Liza Msusa said the pilot phase that has just been completed in Blantyre where some resistance among Malawians was noted like vandalism of the project's property such as streets poles and house numbering.
Msusa was speaking in Blantyre on Friday during an interface meeting on national addressing system with members of the media where among others the regulatory body singled out vandalism as a major setback that has been experienced during the pilot phase.
"Macra completed the pilot phase early this year with almost 90 percent of work done where we targeted Namiwawa, Makata, Chinyonga, Ndirande Safalawo residential areas and three villages in Lilangwe, Blantyre rural. In the targeted areas in the pilot phase, Namiwawa represents low density areas; Makata Industrial Area represents industrial areas; Chinyonga represents medium density areas, Ndirande Safarao represents high density areas whereas Somola, Somba and Masanjala villages in Lirangwe represent rural areas.
"However, vandalism is a major challenge in these areas and Ndirande Township is not exceptional. We are still doing sensitization campaigns so that people should recognise that the exercise is for their own benefit and should refrain from such bad behaviors as it is an enemy to development. All in all commendable progress had been registered on the physical addressing and postcode project which rolled out in December, 2016.
Msusa said once rolled out fully, the regulatory body is planning to make the project legal binding so that the body can have legal mandate to enforce it so that everybody should embrace the goodness of the positive development.
Blantyre City Council director of town planning and estate services, Costly Chanza said the project is designing, developing and rolling out appropriate physical address infrastructure, particularly street, area name signage, and property numbering throughout the country.
"This project has a lot of social and economic benefits to Malawians. It will enhance service delivery as people and their locations will be easily identified and reached," explains Chanza.
"As noted, vandalism has been a big challenge. However, we have to accept that sometimes things that were not planned for and have the potential to affect progress of any project do happen but we are still doing our best," he said.
Meanwhile, MACRA is currently doing sensitizations meetings in Zomba, Lilongwe and Mzuzu where it plans to carry out the exercise before rolling out to the districts.
The National Addressing and Postcode Project is a multi-stakeholder driven national project aimed at establishing a comprehensive national addressing system with the following components, a National Postcode System National Addressing Standards, National Address & Postcode Database, Physical Address Infrastructure, Geographic Information System (GIS) Support for the Addressing Database, Public Awareness & Sensitization.
It is a five-year project with a possibility of extension, the budget of the exercise has been pegged at $25 million.


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I went to the original Brooklyn's at 2644 West Colfax Avenue after the Broncos game yesterday, and ordered a Manhattan. Not only was it served in the smallest plastic cup I have ever seen, it was a whopping $6.25 for well liquor. I guess when you have a captive audience you can charge that, but the drink was a bigger loser than the Broncos' performance against Miami.
We also ordered nachos, which consisted of tortilla chips on top of bland beans and a little cheese. Fortunately, the crowd was more interesting -- and one drunk guy insisted on buying Jager shots for about twenty people.
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Better pay sought for havildar
Patiala, September 27
The Indian Ex-Service League, Punjab and Chandigarh, has demanded better pay scale for havildar and subedar-major.
In a statement issued in this regard today, league president Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal said they had sent a memorandum to defence minister AK Antony requesting the government to change the pay band for havildars and equivalent ranks from PB-I to PB-II and subedar-majors and equivalent ranks from PB-II to PB-III.
While stressing that soldiers of the rank of havildar were the backbone of the defence forces and subedar-majors chief executors of strategy in war, Chhatwal said the two ranks had been crushed by partial recommendations of the sixth pay commission.
The league has also urged the government to issue orders for one rank, one pension for the junior commissioned officers, senior non-commissioned officers and other ranks. — TNS
Gorshkov deal inked in 'haste'
Navy just took a 'cursory' look at the aircraft carrier and 'thought' it could repair it. The force realised its mistake only after signing the multi-million dollar contract.
New Delhi, September 27
India signed the multi-million dollar deal of decommissioned Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov merely on "visual examination in as-is condition" and Navy "thought" ship could be repaired.
After signing the contract in 2004, the opening up the equipment for detailed examination and survey of the state of the hull structure, systems and cabling, it emerged that these could not be repaired and hence would have to be replaced with new ones, says Vice Admiral SPS Cheema.
The contract for the aircraft carrier was signed in January 2004 for which the "work package was drawn up based on visual examination in 'as-is' condition wherein it was thought that the majority of equipment, systems and hull structures could be repaired while the electronic equipment could be renewed," Cheema said in a reply to an RTI application filed by Subhash Chandra Agrwal.
"This has resulted in additional work and in the interest to endure operation efficacy of the ship, these additional works have been accepted for consideration. The extra works have in turn resulted in increase in the project cost," he said.
The deal which was signed for $ 974 million has escalated by about 300 per cent to $ 2.9 billion, according to sources. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India had also slammed the Indian Navy for the deal in which it would be "acquiring, belatedly, a second hand ship with a limited life span by paying significantly more than what it would have paid for a new ship."
The report without naming the ship said that it was not an aircraft carrier but more of a cruiser equipped with a flight deck which had to be configured for a different type of service from that of its original design. "The vendor's shipyard that was to undertake the repair and re-equipping work, had neither repaired ships of this magnitude nor had any work experience on aircraft carriers," the report had said.
Cheema refuted the report saying the "basis on which the report has arrived such a conclusion is not known, as per the data available from internet and other sources, a new carrier of size of Gorshkov, is likely to cost anything between three and four billion US dollars and that too understandably without the spares, training, infrastructure and documentation cost." He said it is not feasible to buy a new aircraft carrier commercially off-the shelf. — PTI
Krishna meets Qureshi; India rejects backchannel talks offer
NDTV Correspondent, Sunday September 27, 2009, New York
A day after talks between the Foreign Secretaries of India and Pakistan, the Foreign Ministers of the two countries met in New York on Sunday. The meeting lasted nearly two hours.
After the meeting, Krishna addressed the media. He described his meeting with Qureshi as 'useful, candid and constructive'.
"We told Pakistan that India still has serious concerns about terror groups there and underlined the need for concrete and effective steps against these entities," Krishna said.
We also told Pakistan that any meaningful dialogue process needs an environment free from violence, Krishna added.
He also said that the issue of Balochistan did not come up during the meeting.
Despite mentioning that Pakistan has taken some steps against those behind 26/11 attacks, Krishna underlined that a case against Hafiz Saeed also concerns India.
India, however, rejected backchannel talks with Pakistan and said that if a front channel is open, what's the need of backchannel.
Later, addressing mediapersons, the Pakistan's Foreign Minister said that the it was a constructive, frank, honest and positive meeting.
"I minced no words, very clearly spelt out Pak objectives," said Qureshi.
He said issues such as J&K, Siachen, Sir Creeks, Wullar and water were raised during the meeting.
"We cannot confine our discussions to just one issue. We should discuss all issues that form part of composite dialogue," he said.
He further said that Pakistan would start the formal trial in the Mumbai attacks on October 3.
Referring to the rejection of backchannel talks by India, Qureshi said, "If India wants front channel talks, that's a good thing."
The Pakistan Foreign Minister said that he has given India a roadmap for the road forward, with a time frame.
On Saturday, Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and her Pakistani counterpart Bashir Malik held one-on-one talks in New York. The two diplomats discussed the role of Jamaat-ud-Dawaa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed's role in the Mumbai attacks.
The Pakistani side said it needs time to probe Saeed's role in the attack. The two secretaries also reviewed the 26/11 probe in detail.
'Many Chinese still see India as their main enemy'
Press Trust of India, Sunday September 27, 2009, London
Nearly 47 years after the two countries fought a war, many Chinese still perceive India as their main enemy, a British newspaper has claimed.
In an article ahead of the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic, The Sunday Times said: "Not everyone in Beijing speaks in the silky language of the foreign ministry. Curiously, the enemy most often spoken of is India."
Interestingly, the censors in China permit alarmingly frank discussion on the Internet of the merits of another war against India to secure the Tibetan plateau, the report said.
However, a retired Chinese officer has claimed that those serving in the People's Liberation Army have no "devotion" to their country.
"Compared with our last war against India in 1962, our equipment is much better but the devotion to country and people of our officers and men is much worse," the paper quoted an unnamed officer as saying.
Even, veterans who know the PLA from the inside say that despite all its shiny new kit, such grandiose ideas mask the reality of a force "that has no recent battle experience and is riddled with corruption".
They describe a system of bribes ranging from 10,000 yuan (909 pounds) to get a good post for a private soldier to 30,000 yuan for a place at military college, the report said.
"If corruption in the army continues, ideology will decay and open the way for religion, while the promotion system risks causing a mutiny," the newspaper quoted General Zhang Shutian, a political commissar, as having said recently.
China at 60: Showing off
Sunday September 27, 2009
Sixty years ago when Chairman Mao and his comrades-in-arms established the Peoples Republic of China, the world did not know how to react. Winston Churchill's description of Russia - A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma - seemed to fit China of 1949 more than Russia.
At that time, China was a desperately poor country which had just come out of a long, bloody and enervating civil war that brought the communists to power. For much of the first thirty years of its existence, New China, as the People's Republic calls itself, the country struggled to come to grips with its enormous problems brought about by a huge population and grinding poverty. It was as if the country and its leaders were following Mao's dictum: Once all struggle is grasped, miracles are possible.
The struggle seemed unending.
But the miracle happened two years after Chairman Mao's death as China opened its economy in 1978.
Ever since then, the world has watched in awe, its rapid economic progress and peaceful rise.
The change is astonishing but not entirely unexpected. Thirty years of sustained economic reforms and consequent prosperity has given a new confidence to the leadership. The Chinese economy is now the third largest in the world. Nothing symbolises this change than Shenzhen, a city on the edge of China's southern tip, closer to Hong Kong than to Beijing. A simple but radical idea by Mao's chosen successor, Deng Xiaoping, not only transformed Shenzhen from a sleepy fishing village to a throbbing commercial centre but also fundamentally altered the Chinese economy. This also set the stage for China's rise as an economic and military superpower
Back in 1978, no one even in China had perhaps heard of Shenzhen. Most of its residents were farmers, barely surviving on less than 5,000 yuans a year. Thirty years later, the decision to set up a special economic zone here has benefitted most residents in this boom town the now have an average annual income of over 40,000 yuans. But if Shenzhen represents the new, brash China, Shanghai, perhaps the most well-known Chinese city across the world continues to retain the importance it had even a century ago. Shanghai is China's 2nd most populous city, and also its most cosmopolitan.
Now, Shanghai is planning to go a step further to transform itself as one of the most technologically advanced cities in the world. The Maglev or magnetic levitation train is an indication of this future trend. Plush, fast, furiously fast, at 301 km an hour, the maglev is not yet the most favourite means of transport in Shanghai but it certainly is the city's pride and like the train, the new development area in Pudong is futuristic.
Perhaps because of this single-minded focus, China's next big event after the Olympics, the World Expo is coming to Shanghai in 2010. Like everything else in China, the scale is grand, indeed intimidating. 150 nations, 5,000 acres of exhibition space, the entire manufacturing world will be in Shanghai for six months trying to impress the Chinese, easily the world's largest consumer base.
But amidst all the hype and hoopla, there are tiny, very tiny cautioning voices about what remains to be done. As a senior Chinese minister says: "Please don't go by what you see in the big cities. We still have a large population that lives in absolute poverty, earning less than two dollars a day and are poorer than many SAARC countries.
Coming from a minister, this admission is all the more remarkable but at another level it also shows why the world should watch China more keenly then ever. Despite monstrous economic progress and an assured place at the top of international order, Beijing continues to remain realistic. Perhaps that's the secret behind China's transformation.
Today China is the fulcrum around which the world revolves, be it in tackling the global economic crisis or in attempts to rein in a rouge nation-state like North Korea.
Every time one visits China, one can't but notice the giant economic strides made by large parts of China. Even in Tibet, China has managed to raise the economic stakes of the new generation of Tibetans to a higher level, blunting in the process much of the pro-Dalai Lama sentiments. Today, the US is forced to accept China as an equal in most international forums. Its military is modernising rapidly, pouring in billions of dollars in building capability that is focused on making China a military super-power within the next decade.
Years ago, Chairman Mao had said: In waking a tiger, use a long stick. The world is still wary of China and keeps a distance.
On the eve of China's 60th anniversary celebrations on October 1, the world perhaps needs to keep this in mind and realize that in the case of New China, political power does not merely flow out of the barrel of the gun but is perhaps determined more by the currency reserve in a country's exchequer.
Cutting AfPak Gordian knot
How the US has become a problem
by B.G. Verghese
EVEN as the United States last week piloted a unanimous resolution through the UN Security Council calling for universal adherence to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and stricter controls over potential proliferation, London's Sunday Times reproduced the letter A.Q Khan sent his Dutch wife for publication in 2005 as insurance against his being harmed by the Pakistani authorities whilst under interrogation in Islamabad. He disclosed that he had on instructions from above both supplied and received nuclear-related material and technology from China and North Korea and supplied nuclear technology to Iran and Libya.
Further, an ISI functionary, Mr Khalid Khwaja, told Islamabad's ARY TV on September 9 that he had arranged at least five meetings for Osama bin Laden with Mr Nawaz Sharif, a former Prime Minister, and had himself held over a hundred meetings with the Al-Qaeda chief before 9/11. All these "revelations" have been well documented and known for years.
In a season of confessions, President Zardari told retired Pakistani officials on July 7 that "militants and extremists were … deliberately created and nurtured (by the Pakistan State) as a policy to achieve some short-term tactical objectives" (obviously against India and within Afghanistan). These "strategic assets" and "heroes of yesteryear until 9/11 … began to haunt us as well". General Musharraf, currently a fugitive from a treason charge at home, next stated that US military aid given it for the war on terror was diverted by Pakistan to bolster its defences against India, a fact well established but persistently denied.
In recent years, Pakistan had emerged as the epicentre of both terror and nuclear proliferation. Most terror trails around the world lead back to Pakistan. But the country remains in denial and pleads that it is possibly a greater victim of terror than anybody else. But pleading innocence and blaming non-state actors will not wash as they are still protected and patronised by Pakistan. This is evident in the manner in which the Jamat-ud-Dawa chief and former head of the now-"banned" LeT has been treated as a state guest even as India has provided evidence of his leading role in the planning and execution of the 26/11 attack on Mumbai. That the mastermind was not caught on the spot with a smoking gun has been used by Islamabad to argue that there is not a scrap of evidence against Hafez Saeed. If so, Osama bin Laden is as blameless.
Despite the most damning evidence of complicity and guilt, Pakistan remains Washington's favourite frontline protégé that can do no wrong. Now General McChrystal, the US Commander in Afghanistan, has reported that "while India activities" ($1.2 bn investment in the country's reconstruction and development) largely benefit the Afghan people, increasing Indian (economic and political) influence is likely to exacerbate regional tensions and encourage Pakistani countermeasures in Afghanistan and India". This is not the first time that the US has advised the world to do more but India to do less in Afghanistan lest this upset Pakistan. The bombing of the Indian Embassy in Kabul by suspected ISI agents was one reminder of Islamabad's strange nervous disorder. It believes that Afghanistan is a privileged backyard that it needs for "strategic depth" against imagined Indian machinations.
This totally sick mindset has seen Pakistan symptomatically tilting at Indian windmills since its very inception to prop up a missing self-identity, a pastime regrettably encouraged by the US and Britain. Thus Pakistan's established invasion of J&K in 1947 and violation of its related UN commitments thereafter has been converted into a "dispute" with India. This has enabled it to practice blackmail through blatant nuclear proliferation and state-sponsored jihadi terror, with the knowledge and financial assistance of the US despite spawning the Taliban and its offspring and the spread of lethal arms and drug trafficking in its wake. When the US mistakenly uses 9/11 as the reference point for global terror, it ignores the preceding decades of vicious and bloody terror unleashed by its protégé on India which has suffered enormous collateral damage that is scarcely ever acknowledged.
This charade cannot go on. Ms Hillary Clinton, in a moment of candour while testifying before the Senate at her confirmation hearings, described US policies towards Pakistan and Afghanistan over the past couple of decades as "incoherent". The nature of the "incoherence" was not spelt out but can be listed as permitting the most flagrant and dangerous nuclear proliferation that has gone unpunished, the siphoning away of US arms and finances to build the Taliban to fight the US and India, using drugs as a currency of control and subversion, and providing an inspirational home for exporting radical Islam and related terror.
The Americans now realise they simply cannot win the botched-up war in Afghanistan. What is planned is another "surge", which could well be followed by a declaration of "victory" and withdrawal while Afghanistan burns and is left under Pakistan-Taliban hegemony. The latter scenario flows from the unrequited $ 7.5bn dollar military assistance promised to Pakistan over the next five years over and above economic aid. This will further entrench the Pakistan military and ISI in what has become a garrison state at the cost of civil-democratic ascendancy. The critic will denounce this thesis as anti-Pakistani. On the contrary, it is the current US-NATO policy that can be so labelled whereas the "demilitarisation" of Pakistan would be a truly pro-Pakistan posture.
The basic fact to understand is that the US is not part of the solution in the AfPak theatre: it is the problem. This does not mean that it should cut and run. On the contrary, it must stay and fund and provide logistical support for a turn-around of the mess it has created, and the reconstruction of Afghanistan to follow. A US-NATO military withdrawal will by itself reduce the military heat while a UN-led regional peace-keeping and enforcement force takes over. The $ 7.5bn military assistance to Pakistan could be drastically cut and civil aid to that country made strictly contingent on a genuine withdrawal of the Pakistan Army to the barracks in its own country except for any legitimate aid-to-civil power role, verifiable disbandment of all jihadi formations and nodal institutions, and an end to state-sponsored cross-border terror.
The military and the ISI must be brought under civilian control and the powers of the National Security Council, that vests the military with civil power, redefined. Equally, a programme for disinvestment or civilianisation of the Fauji Foundation and the other military foundations that dominate economic life must be rolled out. Finally, A.Q Khan must be properly investigated and China's nefarious role fully exposed. Aid could be leveraged to achieve these ends
A regional conference on Afghanistan under UN auspices, that includes Pakistan, Iran, India, Russia, China and Afghanistan's Central Asian neighbors, along with the US-NATO combine, must create a new framework and timetable for peace and reconstruction in Afghanistan with all forces being placed under a UN, not US, command. Both Pakistan and India could play a military role in this peace-enforcement exercise. The entire arrangement should have the backing of Afghanistan's Loya Jirga or supreme tribal assembly. This is the way forward. Otherwise, the latest UN resolution will remain another dead letter.
Defence officer discloses 'sensitive info' to fake caller
Rajat Pandit, TNN 28 September 2009, 03:56am IST
NEW DELHI: Believe it or not, a person apparently managed to extract some ``sensitive information'' from a senior military officer over the
telephone by posing as a joint secretary in the defence ministry.
Thrown into a tizzy by this recent audacious espionage bid, a diktat has now been issued in the defence ministry as well as the Army, Navy and IAF HQs, which forbids all officers from discussing ``top-secret, secret or confidential'' matters on phone.
"All communications are vulnerable to interception. Security of information is, therefore, of paramount importance in the Defence HQ security zone,'' says the ominous security alert, issued by South Block's chief security officer on September 16.
The alert specifies that the person who made the telephone call was ``an official from a foreign embassy'' but does not name the country. Sources, however, said Pakistan was the primary suspect.
The entire episode began with the embassy official calling up the landline of a senior IAF officer at Air HQ here. Identifying himself as the joint secretary (air) in MoD with effortless elan, he sought some specific classified information.
Taken in by the act, the unsuspecting IAF officer revealed the ``sensitive information'' to him. ``He failed to check the identity of the caller,'' says the alert. The cat was let out of the bag when the IAF officer apparently called the joint secretary -- this time the correct one -- to check something later.
IAF, however, was quick to strongly deny any classified information had leaked through any such an incident in the recent past. ``We do get such fake calls quite often but we have procedures in place to prevent leakages,'' claimed a senior officer.
But the MoD security alert, being circulated in the corridors of power now, does indeed mention the ``recent'' espionage episode. It goes on to warn that ``every care'' should be taken to prevent the ``inadvertent leakage of classified information'' while discussing matters over the telephone.
A caller's credentials must be established ``beyond any doubt'', says the alert, adding officers would do well to carefully read the relevant chapter on ``security of communication'' in the Manual of Security Instructions, 2008. ``Follow them in letter and spirit,'' it says.
This, of course, is not the first time such calls have been made to elicit information from officers, juniors and seniors alike. ``Some do get conned. In one incident, an officer's wife was fooled into giving his unit's forward location,'' said an officer.
Incidentally, around 10 armed forces personnel have been convicted and dismissed from service after they were found guilty of espionage in the last three-four years.
``Pakistan-based military intelligence organisations and ISI have been identified for involvement in spying activities against India,'' held defence minister A K Antony, during a recent Parliament session.
``Regular security review is carried out from time to time with a view to sensitise the environment for making the security apparatus foolproof. Awareness programmes are also being conducted to sensitise all members of armed forces and their families regarding the threat perception and modus operandi being adopted by the adversaries,'' he added.
American miliary contractors eye India's $100 bn defence pie
Arun Kumar
September 26th, 2009
WASHINGTON - Eyeing India's estimated $100 billion defence pie, major US arms suppliers are wooing Indian defence agents and officials as New Delhi embarks on a major military shopping spree to modernise its Soviet-era arsenal, a US media report said.
At the US embassy in New Delhi, defence contractors such as Northrop Grumman are sponsoring little league baseball teams, the companies' names stitched onto the uniforms, the Washington Post said in a report from New Delhi.
Almost every weekend, there are cocktails and closed-door presentations in the suites of New Delhi's five-star hotels, hosted by retired admirals and generals from the US armed forces who now work for defence firms, such as Raytheon and Northrop Grumman, it said.
"India will look back-generations down the road-at this period as a defining moment for its new, modern military," the Post cited Roger Rose, chief executive of Lockheed Martin India, which is renting half a wing of New Delhi's Taj Palace Hotel for a 12-person office.
"I think we can all see that there are a lot of threats shared between our two democracies."
With its growing military footprint, India is steering away from traditional ally Russia, its main weapons supplier, and looking toward the United States to help upgrade its weapons systems and troop gear, the Post said
India is also pushing the Obama administration to ease the acquisition of US weapons and technology. Already this year, a high-level US government group cleared the way for Lockheed and Boeing to offer India cutting-edge radar technology for fighter jets.
India now has a shopping list that includes 126 fighter jets, 155mm howitzers, long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft, vast cargo planes used in long-distance conflicts, high-tech helicopters and deep-water submarines. Boeing is vying with Lockheed-along with French, Russian and Swedish companies and a European consortium-for a fighter jet deal worth about $10 billion.
India is holding flight tests for the fighter jets. Lockheed and Boeing have conducted demonstration flights for Indian celebrities and defence experts.
"America's relationship to India is maturing and expanding. India is an important global player now," the Post said citing William S. Cohen, a defence secretary during the Clinton administration who is a member of the US-India Business Council's board of directors.
(Arun Kumar can be contacted at email@example.com)
'Chinese see India as enemy, but army lacks devotion'
September 27th, 2009
LONDON - India is the country that is spoken of most often as an enemy in China, a British newspaper reported Sunday, but quoted a retired Chinese officer as saying the men serving the People's Liberation Army (PLA) have no devotion.
Compared with our last war against India in 1962, our equipment is much better but the devotion to country and people, of our officers and men is much worse, the Sunday Times quoted an unnamed retired officer as saying.
In an article on the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic, the paper said the occasion is set to be marked by the grandest martial parade in the history of modern China, with displays of a new generation of fighters, ballistic missiles, battle tanks and rifles.
Thursday's parade is certain to provoke an outpouring of virulent nationalism. Curiously, the enemy most often spoken of is India, the paper said.
Censors, otherwise draconian in their grip over Chinese netizens, permit alarmingly frank discussion on the internet on going to war against India over Tibet.
However, the paper said veterans who know the PLA from the inside say that despite all its shiny new kit, such grandiose ideas mask the reality of a force that has no recent battle experience and is riddled with corruption.
It said insiders speak of a system of bribes ranging from 10,000 yuan ($1,400, Rs.70,000) for a good post for a private soldier to 30,000 yuan for a place at military college.
The Sunday Times quoted General Zhang Shutian, a political commissar, saying in a recent address: If corruption in the army continues, ideology will decay and open the way for religion, while the promotion system risks causing a mutiny.
China's People's Daily newspaper declared Friday: We must abide by (former Chinese leader) Deng Xiaoping's instructions that China must be under the leadership of the Communist Party.
If this fundamental principle is altered, China will go backwards, split and fall into chaos, it warned.
IAF all-women team to scale Mt Everest
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, September 27
An all-woman IAF mountaineering team of 20 officers will attempt to scale Mount Everest in 2011. The team is currently undertaking several expeditions to prepare them to endure the physical and mental challenges that have to be conquered first before undertaking the ultimate challenge.
Mount Everest is 8,848 meters. About four years ago, an all-women Army team had conquered the peak. The National Cadet Corps is also preparing for a similar expedition.
Seven members of the proposed IAF team have scaled the 6,123-meter-high Mount Stok Kangri in Leh on August 11. Consequently, a 20-member team led by Wg Cdr Bhavana Mehra has launched an expedition to scale Mount Bhagirathi-II (6,512 mts) in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand.
Further expeditions for this core group of women IAF officers will follow with increasing difficulty of climb and height. In the pre-monsoon climbing season of 2010, an expedition to Mount Satopanth (7,075 mts) is planned, while Mount Kamet (7,757 mts) would be scaled during the post-monsoon season next year.


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SLD Teacher
- Company
- St John's School and College
- Location
- Brighton, East Sussex
- Salary
- £28,000- £35,000 depending on experience
- Posted
- 11 Apr 2019
- Closes
- 02 May 2019
- Contract Type
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full Time
SLD Teacher
40 hours per week – Monday to Friday
We are recruiting an experienced and exceptional SLD Teacher for St. John's College in Brighton.
The role of the SLD Teacher is to undertake teaching commitments within a class of learners with sensory and communication need. St. John's aims to work on a 'team approach' but there are specific roles and responsibilities attached to this post:
- To have detailed knowledge and understanding of learners' National Curriculum; of the learner profile and support their needs and learning styles.
- To plan effectively to meet the needs of learners' Special Educational Needs and make an appropriate contribution to the preparation, implementation, monitoring and review of Individual Education Plans.
- Ensure effective teaching and management of whole classes, groups and individuals so that teaching objectives are met, momentum and challenge are maintained, and best use is made of teaching time.
- Use a range of appropriate and effective assessment methods that provide accurate reflections of learners' ability, accounting for specific learning difficulties and the impact of a range of diagnoses.
- Provide oral and written reports on learner progress and achievements against targets.
- Please email your expression of interest on why you wish to apply for the post and detail your relevant skills & experience, if you are interested in applying for this role.
Similar jobs


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The Wallaby and All Blacks rugby teams have been named to play the ninth and final Tri-Nations test of 2010. The match will take place on Saturday the 11th of September at 8pm local time at the Sydney Football Ground in Sydney. In this match Richie McCaw overtakes Sean Fitzpatrick as having captained the All Blacks in the most tests, with 52. The All Blacks have already secured the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup for 2010. However, the Australians will be looking to stop a 9 test losing streak to New Zealand, while New Zealand will be looking to become the first team to win all 6 games in a Tri-Nations series as well as continue their 14 test winning streak. Aaron Cruden will come in for close examination by the Australian, as he takes over the 10 jersey for the injured Dan Carter. It will be the first time 2010 Wallaby revelation Quade Cooper will wear the Australia rugby shirt play against his native New Zealanders.
All Blacks
15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Israel Dagg, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Piri Weepu; 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (capt), 6 Victor Vito, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 John Afoa, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Jerome Kaino, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Colin Slade, 22 Rene Ranger.
15 Kurtley Beale, 14 James O'Connor, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Lachie Turner, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia; 8 Ben McCalman, 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom (capt), 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Mark Chisholm, 3 Salesi Ma'afu, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Benn Robinson.
Reserves: 16 Huia Edmonds, 17 James Slipper, 18 Dean Mumm, 19 Richard Brown, 20 Luke Burgess, 21 Berrick Barnes, 22 Anthony Fainga'a.


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; we merely react according to subconscious factors that add up on either side of the cost-benefit decision tree to incline us one way or the other. Consider that the word rumination refers not only to the alimentary system of certain animals but also to the very human processes of reflection, introspection, and evaluation. What is it about the hoof of an ox, a goat, or a sheep that is qualitatively different from the hoof of a horse, a donkey, or a zebra? Moving forward and advancing towards innovation is a wonderful thing, but we should also learn to respect the wisdom of those who came before. Tragically, too many of us do not want to upset our comfortable but precarious worldviews by entertaining such ruminations, even in the privacy of our own minds. How often do you interact with animals in your daily life? What is more, studies have shown that dog brains produce dopamine in response to signs of approval and affection.
From the tiniest bug on the sidewalk to the mighty lion roaming the African savann ah, animals of all kinds can teach us valuable life lessons.
If we really pay.
Click here now to discover what animals can teach us about being better human bein gs, including life lessons learned from a dog, cat, and pets.
Let the animal kingdom teach you some valuable life lessons. The relationships we foster with our companion animals also teaches us how to be compassionate as it forces to look beyond our needs and.
Western sahara essay, Nrotc scholarship application essay, Compare two vacations essay,
They identify the lowest order of inorganic matter as mute, and the highest stagehumanas speaker. The Talmudic literature anticipates that very presumption when it describes the levels of creation in ascending college level paper for sale order: mineral, vegetable, animal, human. 7, this is not mere religious euphemism. Although animals may appear to make choices, they are guided by pre-programmed and conditioned instincts that are not truly a function of choice. Loyalty, pets are fiercely loyal.
But, anyone who loves animals, like we do, knows that there is much more to the many varied and incredible species on this planet. But if we grapple with the subtle complexities of right and wrong, if we push ourselves beyond our comfort zone to engage new challenges and contemplate new ideas, if we make our decisions by considering not what is best for us as individuals but what. When it comes to cultivating sensitivity for what we ingest from the world in which we live, animals can teach us a great deal as well. This can help children to associate responsibility with positive results, leading to more success in life. The question is whether this is the only way to look at our relationship to other life? In an effort to reorder the way we think about animals, here are 10 important things they can teach.
College essay about card games, Save river save life essay in english,


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Kindle eBooks
Purchase My Poetry eBook
Up the Trellis and Along the Hedge
Recent Posts
What is Advent? I have been a Roman Catholic my entire life. I am now 42 and just learned what Advent is. As a child, I saw the colored candles in church, noticed the priests wore different colored vestments (robes) … Continue reading
Be positive! Be positive! I try to move Exhaustion consumes me I listen to laughter outside of my window. I see branches waving Taunting me I begin to sink Sink into the dark place in my mind This place is … Continue reading
Today As I Lay A Poem Today as I lay In this bed that I've made I review and dissect What I shouldn't engage For sadly it seems As hard as I try I'll wake up tomorrow In the same … Continue reading
Respect is a gift Given and received It is seldom demanded these days You agree? The emphasis On etiquette, human dignity Is Misplaced, dismissed A free pass Not seen I will not sit quietly And be subject to malice I … Continue reading
My work this eve was done As I served and saved my love From the mistress who was spawned from hell, now gone Eagerly I spy as my beloved see's with pride The lengths that one would go to save … Continue reading
Time kept marching on And my beloved appearing none My letters, phone calls, plea's Never returned It dawned on me that waiting Like a lamb anticipating was an error Clearly I should see the clues Of course, my love was baiting. … Continue reading
My ebook is live!!!
Yesterday, I uploaded my first ebook to kindle. It's called "A Poem a Day Keeps Depression Away." It should be available by tonight. It was fairly easy to do since all the poetry was already written. I just had to … Continue reading
I realized today that Spring is almost here. This is a good season in my life. i can go outside. I can do some physical activity, and breath. I am luckier than most people. When I wake up in the … Continue reading
Today is Palm Sunday and I am on my way to church. I sing in the choir. There are two reasons I sing in the choir. The first being that I love to sing and I love the church. The … Continue reading


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Video of Strokkur Geyser Erupting in Slow Motion
Tom A. Warner recently shared a really cool video of Strokkur geyser erupting in slow motion with us on Twitter. I love seeing familiar things being shown in a new light and the three minute video really did that with good old Strokkur geyser which you can see on the Golden Circle route. I looked at Tom´s website and this ex US Air Force pilot has truly created fantastic photographs and videos. He has traveled to many fantastic places in this world. This includes Antarctica, Cuba, Svalbard and different regions of the United States. The beauty and magnificence of nature in these places is in display in Tom´s videos and photographs.
Photographing the beauty of Iceland
Tom´s creations have been featured both on television and in numerous prestigious publications and web sites. He visited Iceland in 2018 and took many impressive photographs in this country. I especially enjoyed his images from the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon the Diamond beach, Fjallsárlón glacial lagoon, lovely northern lights photos and of course Mt. Lómagnúpur which is one my favorite mountains in Iceland.
Hello Tom and thank you for sharing the Video of Strokkur geyser erupting in slow motion with us. Can you please give us a bit more background information about yourself?
I am an atmospheric scientist by education, a pilot by profession and a photographer by hobby. I earned a bachelor's and master's degree in Atmospheric Science and flew as a pilot for the US Air Force. After the Air Force, I got the job of a lifetime and flew a highly modified weather research aircraft capable of penetrating severe thunderstorms. This 1949 T-28 Storm Penetrating Aircraft had armor plating and a bullet proof canopy so we could collect data from the inside of thunderstorms, including hail up to 3 inches in diameter. Now retired from flying and formal atmospheric research, I now travel the world with my family. My favorite places to visit are the polar regions as I have been to Antarctica twice as well as Svalbard and the Arctic Ocean. I have explored Iceland twice and plan to return as soon as I can.
Thanks for sharing the Strokkur video. I am intrigued how you go about creating this kind of video, what are the methods and equipment you use in creating videos like this?
I spent the last 14 years of my atmospheric research career studying lightning and utilized Phantom high-speed cameras to record lightning at up to 100,000 images per second. These cameras allow to see lightning like never before, and we have increased our understanding tremendously as a result. During my travels, I always try to bring one of my high-speed cameras so I can capture the scenery in a unique way. I recorded the Strokkur geysir using a Phantom Miro LC321S recording at 1,500 images per second. Following the Norwegian's lead of "Slow TV" (which I enjoy immensely) I like to create "Really Slow TV." There is so much to see when things are slowed down by high-speed cameras.
What were the main things that struck you about Iceland as being different and unique?
My travels have sparked an interest in geology and glaciology, and I have begun studying these fields. Iceland is a geological, glaciological and atmospheric wonder!! Seeing the many diverse geological features in person was striking, and the ice is what brings me back to the polar regions repeatedly. This combined with the incredible waterfalls, cloud formations and aurora make it the perfect place to explore.
What were the favorite places or experiences in Iceland?
So far my favorite place in Iceland is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, especially with with aurora as a backdrop. My most memorable experience was an aerial photography flight in a helicopter. It was a great way to see the diverseness of Iceland and the unique perspective from above. I recommend it to everyone.
I always ask this question of my interviewees, but what advice would you give to those who are visiting Iceland for the first time?
Although my suggestion may not apply to those who prefer to go where the wind takes them, I did a lot of research and preparation for my trips to Iceland. There are many tools, especially for photographers, that allow you to plan your visit and maximize your time behind the camera or just taking in the sights. Google Maps, Photo Pills and Aurora Pro are some of the apps I use along with TripAdvisor.
Follow the etiquette
I would also like to add that with the ever increasing number of people traveling, it is important to learn the driving rules and follow polite etiquette when visiting the sites. Some of the sites have restrictions on where to walk due to excessive erosion, traveler impact or safety. Don't be those few who disregard the rules and are disrespectful to the people and places that they visit. Most of all, give yourself time to just take it all in with all of your senses. Don't rush, rather return to see Iceland at different times of the year.
Well put! Thank you Tom!


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Dialog Box
The National Oncology Alliance will
champion a health system that keeps up with science to provide all cancer
patients with the treatment, support and care they deserve, and can afford.
SYDNEY, 14 AUGUST 2018: The National
Oncology Alliance (NOA) - a first-of-its kind collaboration - is calling for
new PBAC processes to be adopted that ensure our health system keeps up with
rapid advances in science. NOA is calling for these changes ahead of the
Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) meeting on August 17, in
response to the growing need for Australians to access innovative treatments
for all cancers.
NOA is a collective of more than 100
members, including patients and carers, patient groups, clinicians and the
pharmaceutical industry, determined to ensure patients living with cancer have
access to the care they deserve. Currently, the policies that facilitate access
to treatment, support and care – particularly, how we reimburse medicines for
cancer – have not adapted quickly enough.
NOA Co-Chair Richard Vines said, "We will
work with the PBAC, and all sides of politics, to ensure the reimbursement of
medicines in this country adapts to allow subsidised access to exciting
treatment options for patients, regardless of cancer type, as the days of a one
size fits all approach are behind us.
"Cancer is a community-wide problem that
demands collaboration for real progress to be made. By working together, we're
confident we can find a way to deliver equitable access to medicines, quickly."
A new survey of Australian Oncologists has
found that over 3,500 people are digging deep to find $60,000 per annum to
access potentially lifesaving medication, totalling over $200 million.
Additionally, every year, over 6,000 Australian's are unable to afford
treatments recommended by their clinicians.
"They should not be missing out on
innovative treatments because of the size of their bank balance," states Mr
The Honourable Greg Hunt, Minister for
Health, showed great leadership in asking the PBAC to explore options for new
processes that would enable faster access to subsidised cancer treatments. This
announcement was made at Rare Cancers Australia's CanForum event in August last
year in response to the report Rare Solutions: A Time to Act.
'Whilst August 17 is a great start, and
PD-1/PD-L1 medicines are the first cab off the rank for the PBAC to find new
pathways for, there are many other innovative oncology medicines that have
potential across multiple cancer types. This inquiry should be the beginning of
a more flexible approach to reimbursement, ensuring patients don't miss out,"
explains Mr Vines.
Professor John Zalcberg, NOA Co-Chair said
that 'most Australian's would be shocked to learn the extent to which
Australian cancer patients were either funding their own treatment or left
without what they need when they need it most.'
"As a clinician, the findings of this
survey are confronting" explains Professor Zalcberg "Clearly, the system can't
take it's time to adapt because time is what most Australians living with
cancer don't have.
"Our health system must evolve to a point
where it keeps up with advances in science and empowers clinicians to treat
their patients with what they believe will help their patients beat cancer –
not what our current system limits their access to," said Professor Zalcberg.
Specifically, NOA is calling on the PBAC
Media contacts:
About NOA:
NOA is a cancer advocacy initiative with
more than 100 members, including patients, patient groups, clinicians and the
pharmaceutical industry to make progress a reality. NOA's work is directed by a
steering committee, co-chaired by Professor John Zalcberg and Rare Cancers
Australia CEO Richard Vines. NOA's four pillars – patients, patient groups,
clinicians and the pharmaceutical industry.
About the survey:
To determine the scale of the disadvantage
that the current system brings, a survey of Australian oncologists was
undertaken. 68 oncologists – 15% of all oncologists in Australia2 – responded
to this survey.
1. National Oncology Alliance survey of
Australian oncologists, 2018. Data on file.
2. Australian Institute of Health and
Welfare. Medical Practitioners Workforce 2015. Available online at
Last accessed 03 August 2018.
Stay up to date with the latest news including upcoming events, campaigns and announcements from Rare Cancers Australia.
Rare Cancers Australia Ltd (RCA) is a charity whose purpose is to improve awareness, support and treatment of Australians with rare and less common (RLC) cancers. In Australia in 2017, an estimated 52,000 people will be diagnosed with a RLC cancer and 25,000 will die from them, according to Cancer in Australia 2017 estimates.


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This girl who has gotten on the bus everyday with nary a word of complaint and was barely recognized for it. She is so compliant. We expect that of her now. So we sent her off to a strange school full of strangers on a bus full of strangers and she didn't bat an eye. And there were no Lego minifigures waiting for her at the end of the first week. I honestly didn't think about it. Just knew she'd go. Knew she'd go anywhere we asked her to.
"Here's your new bus honey. Yup, that's your driver in the Viking helmet and holding the mace. I'm sure she's very nice, usually, perhaps she's just having a bad day. I know there are no seat belts, but I swear it's safe. And when it stops, you can get off and that'll be your new school. All you have to do is find your new classroom, you can ask any one of the 700 strangers milling around outside to help you there. Nope, I can't come. You'll have to just go with your brothers and you know what good care they take of you. It'll be great. Now give me a kiss and I'll see you at noon. I love you."
Yes Mudder.
So, yesterday Lulu and I wandered around Meijer and looked for some kind of treat for a kid who would do this brave thing and then stand by while her brothers were rewarded for it and she wasn't. Briefly considering if there should be direct correlation between monetary output and what a crappy mother I felt like, I did ask someone in a blue vest to direct me to the ponies, but landed instead in the aisle of her dreams where I threw $6.95 at making it up to her with these lovely new toys. Meet Squinkies…the newest stupid fad (think silly bands) that will sweep the nation and leave us all regretting not thinking of it ourselves. We now have three and more in my stash waiting distribution into bags for our upcoming trip to San Francisco (more on that later). She has named them Blueprint, Greenprint and Pink/yellow/purpleprint (but you can call it Sally).
There was also this quilt that I finished two years ago but which was just located and returned to me beautifully quilted and finished that I put on her bed to make us both smile. It worked, even though the pattern is called Snake Charmer and I think snakes are, well, not charming. It still is a happy quilt.
And these slippers that were dropped off by a dear friend (you know who you are) who I was maybe too brash with about a certain upcoming fundraiser dinner? If so, I'm sorry. Turns out you actually can get salt water and fresh from the same spring (look it up in your Bibles). They were crafted by another dear person (you know who you are) who is a more talented seamstress than I'll ever be. Ever.
So all these things worked together to make this wonderful, compliant, brave girl feel justly rewarded for her feats of courage these past three weeks. This girl who asks nothing of me but that I stock chocolate in the pantry and enter into her world of imagination a few times a day. This girl whose language melts our hearts even while every speech therapist within miles starts formulating a treatment plan as they listen. This girl who as we speak is dressed like a child prostitute from the Ukraine but can somehow pull it off, spangles and all, and who has been out in the barn checking the mouse traps for the last little bit. She has been rewarded. So have I.


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Author: Daniel Sarnelli
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Daniel Sarnelli is an actor, poet, songwriter and teacher. He currently holds the position of drama instructor at Betsy Ross Arts Magnet School in Connecticut.
The Meaning of Scars
You can feel the choke
Of his parochial tie
His dress shirt hanging
Like half shed skin
A serpent in the garden
Lanky, tight-jawed
And likely to lash out
Fredrick Tisdale disturbed me
A face pursed in perpetual frustration
He was anger without a voice
A reclamation project
For the Sisters of Mercy
Who sought only his salvation
By whatever means necessary
And unlike astronomers
Who map the night's stars
We were left to interpret
The meaning of scars
The blow by blow account of his deliverance
Through childhood
Through poverty, racism, classicism
And ignorance
Where once a bike stood lays a snapped steel chain
Now, gripped tightly and prepped for retribution
"you're gonna pay."
Fredrick's funeral
Offered ceremony
Not sanctity
The stained glass windows of Sacred Heart church
The god-light spectacle of our
Communions and confirmations
Felt hauntingly bereft
Of beauty and brilliance
Like over-soaked watercolor
Washing its intention
And struggling to make sense
Of all this distortion
Amid the mourners and the marble
Stood Father Kadish
His lilting tenor rising like incense
Struggling to evoke eternity
"Forever and ever"
Past Editions
Thank You
Raving Dove, Inc., West Linn, OR 97068 / All writing, photography and art copyrighted to rightful owners.


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Beach Trip for College & Young Adults of CCH
Back to All Events
Earlier Event: June 222016 Holliston VBS "Cave Quest"
Later Event: July 31CCH Luncheon
Beach Trip for College & Young Adults of CCH
Belonging to God. Belonging to One Another. A church in Pasadena seeking to love God and love one another. Biblical sermons, passionate worship, genuine community, and embracing others.
Community Church at Holliston | 1350 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA, 91106, United States