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By Patrick Simmsgeiger, Founder of DWI
There is nothing more relaxing and beautiful than enjoying a pristine lake or pond on a bright summers day. Early spring is the time to head off unpleasant, summer surprises by investing in the health of your water ecosystem.
During the winter, cold weather slows the natural breakdown of biological materials and nature falls behind in her work. When the warmer months arrive, excess contamination begins to take its toll. Organisms charged with cleaning up this mess now have to compete with fish and plant life for smaller amounts of oxygen. Add to that unbalanced pH, and it's even harder to get the job done.
Winter and fall events can trigger the growth of unwanted algae, weeds, and produce unnatural odors. Rainfall causes runoffs which deposit fertilizers and unwanted elements into the water. The most common fertilizers are forms of nitrates used to encourage plant growth in cooler months, these combined with warmer days, will boost the growth of unwanted algae blooms and aquatic weeds.
What you can't see represents a real threat to the health of your lake or pond. Planning to take a course of action in the spring is essential for the health and enjoyment of this natural gift.
Heading Off Disaster
Before the summer heat arrives and shifts unwanted marine growth into overdrive, plan to address these critical aspects of your water's ecosystem.
- Reduce suspended waste
- Balance the pH level
- Check circulation
- Address depth issues
To reduce suspended waste use filtration or chemical treatment
Filtration sends lake water through a cleansing process that removes unwanted particles. It also offers the important benefit of helping to circulate the water which is vital to proper oxygen levels.
Chemical treatments are best left to professionals trained to accurately determine proper ratios. The right product and amount will get the job done while protecting the health of the ecosystem.
Balancing pH
Checking and restoring the proper pH level is very important. pH represents the Hydrogen measurement present in the water. It is affected by the balance of alkaline and acidity which changes depending on organic materials introduced into the system. Things like tree leaves and rain can be acidic while a limestone deposit nearby can increase the alkaline levels. A proper pH of 7.0 is needed to assure that helpful organisms function at their best.
Circulation requirements are based on the depth and size of the body of water. Keeping the currents moving will evenly distribute oxygen, a key element for a healthy system. Waterfalls, fountains, and systems that inject air into the water are all possible solutions if circulation is lacking.
Lake Depth
Lake depth is primarily determined in the design stage. A lake should be deep enough to prevent sunlight from assisting the growth of bottom rooted weeds. Lakes that are too shallow may require dyes to limit sun penetration. Too deep, and your lake or pond may trap oxygen in the colder, deeper waters. Proper circulation will aid in even distribution of oxygen levels.
Make sure your lake or pond will thrive throughout the summer months and remain a beautiful landscape feature. Follow the simple yet crucial steps above before summer arrives.


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Click on any class title in the calendar below to see details, pricing, or to complete our quick & secure online registration. Please register early to avoid class cancellations – classes must reach minimum enrollment 48 hours prior to their scheduled start time in order to run.
Youth scholarships available to receive 50% off class fees for a child under the age of 18: apply here.
- This event has passed.
Develop Your Drawing
May 15 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
One event on May 15, 2019 at 5:00 pm
This class is intended for anyone who would like to hone their pencil drawing skills. We'll create original drawings while exploring the nuances of line, shading, and texture. Each student will get personalized feedback from the instructor to help you continue developing your practice at home. All experience levels welcome. Please bring preferred drawing supplies. Please enter through the 5th Street door.
(Age 14+)
Dates: May 8 and 15 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Teaching Artist: Damian Garcia
Cost: $40 Member / $45 Non-member
Teaching Artist Bio: Damian Garcia is an emerging artist from Los Angeles, California. Garcia's drawing work consists of ball point pen on wood. Garcia has exhibited his work on the national level throughout states like Alabama, California, Oregon, and Washington. Garcia is currently pursuing his bachelor's degree at Eastern Oregon University and continues to create out of his studio in La Grande, Oregon.
Registration cancellations & transfers must be made through Art Center East at (541) 624-2800 48 hours or more before the class start time. We cannot issue refunds or transfers for cancellations received after the 48-hour cutoff. Exceptions will be considered for medical or family emergencies. ACE will honor a refund, minus a $10 administration fee when the cancellation is made 48 hours or more before class start date. When a class is canceled due to low enrollment, we will issue a refund for all registration fees. ACE will contact you in the event of a cancellation.

subset: commoncrawl


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Aircraft Engine Repair at ACE Aircraft Cylinders & Engines Inc.
Mechanics are skilled professionals who'll fix whatever is troubling your aircraft engines. An aircraft parts are a very complicated technological marvel, and the mechanic has to know it like the back of his or her hand. Fortunately, our qualified auto mechanics are more than up to the task of any of your aircraft engine repair needs.
Mechanics often perform services like checking your aircraft cylinders and other aircraft parts for any major damages as well as perform basic tune ups. They can also do more elaborate jobs, like engine repairs or installing new parts. A self-respecting aircraft repair shop will only hire the best mechanics.
A skilled aircraft mechanic will also be able to detect potential issues before they turn into big problems. As they say in medicine, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and this is also true in the aircraft world.
If you're in Greeley, CO, you can find an honest and reliable aircraft engine repair shop at ACE Aircraft Cylinders & Engines Inc..


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Booty Parlor Kissaholic Aphrodisiac Lip Stain
Best Brush-On Lip Stain
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Expert Review
Booty Parlor Kissaholic Aphrodisiac Lip Stain is a long lasting, water-based formula which strikes the perfect balance between rich bold color and lightweight wear. The ingredients are almost all natural and contain exotic plant extracts like turnera diffusa leaf, liriosma ovate wood, and ginger root extracts. These ingredients are intended spark desire. With this in mind, this fun-to-wear lip stain is ideal for your next date night. Available in three shades that can be applied lightly for a day time look or layered on for a bolder pop of color, making this product a lot of fun to experiment with.
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Have you made the move to making movies?
Now's your chance to show off your directorial dexterity at the upcoming screening roundtable discussion 'Making The Move To Motion.' Send us your 5-minute (max) motion project (on any topic) and join us on Thursday, August 30th with your popcorn bowl for APA San Diego's silver screen event.
The most interesting and accomplished pieces will be selected and shown large, so compress to impress. All levels of photographers and cinematographers are encouraged to join the night's discussions.
To submit, please send a link to email@example.com by August 15th. We will screen as many submissions as possible.
WHEN: Thursday, August 30, 2018
Doors open at 6:30 PM, Event starts at 7 PM
WHERE: Riverdale Studios
6314 Riverdale St., San Diego, CA 92120 | 619-280-9900
SPECS: 1080p HD | Limit 2 submissions per person | Max 5 minutes long, including credits
We are professionals and license our photos, so be sure to license any music, etc., in your video
Photo credit: Gary Allard
Now is the time to set your location, add images, tag your specialties
For best resuts, please carefully read and follow these quick procedures


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Event Fee: $5.00
Course Type: Face to Face
Category: School Age
Credits/Hours: 2.00
Primary Trainer: Pam Sward
Course Description
Learn what School-Aged children need while in your care and how adults can support them. We'll also learn about activities that are more than just Electronic Entertainment, as well as blending routines with younger children.
Pam Sward
Child Care Resources
268 E. Kilgore Road
Portage, MI 49002
Phone (269) 349-3296 ext 224
Fax (269) 349-6822


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Jazz singer-songwriter Ori Dagan is breaking the mold with his recent jazz venture. The Jazz musician just released the video from his Nat King Cole tribute project titled 'Nathaniel: A Tribute To Nat King Cole'.
The project is set to be the first ever jazz visual album and the first visual is the nostalgic filled record "Complexion". Tapping into the spirit of his jazz predecessors, Ori displays his deep knowledge of the genre with his smooth, malleable vocal style but more important his message regarding race in America.As a protest song against prejudice, "Complexion" is inspired by the resilient spirit of Nat King Cole and on the other hand, the engulfing backdrop made up of sparkling piano riffs, rousing horns and warm guitar plucks also help enhance the subject at hand giving it that vintage feel from start to finish.
The Carlos Coronado directed visuals are pretty simple as they capture the artist in a surreal, natural backdrop. Nothing fancy but as simple as possible. "Complexion" is one of 12 Music Videos from Ori Dagan's 'Nathaniel: A Tribute To Nat King Cole'. The visual album pays tribute to Nat King Cole, including 5 originals inspired by Cole's life, music, and legacy. Check here for more info. You can get the audio on iTunes and Spotify .
Connect with Ori Dagan: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram


text: At Homes and Loans, our commitment to our clients is unparalleled. We are always here if you need us and are more than willing to setup an appointment or answer questions whenever is convenient for you. Our relationship with you is our top priority at all times. If you would like to know more about the services we provide or if you are ready to setup an appointment, call us today. We look forward to hearing from you soon.


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Action Door supplies Chamberlain Liftmaster garage door openers. Chamberlain creates innovative designs and essentially the most reliable garage door openers in the trade, distributing merchandise worldwide. Chamberlain's sturdy and long-lasting storage door openers are the proper praise to a customized, residential garage door for convenient house access. Chamberlain storage door openers are able to assist a wide variety of weights, making it relevant for a wide range of customized garage doors. Chamberlain has continued to be an innovator within the storage door opener industry, creating products which can be a wonderful addition to a residential door garage door system.
We also examined the MyQ Garage with the Wink good-home hub, including it as part of a Shortcut" routine that closed/opened the door and turned off/on the lights and thermostat after we pressed the Shortcut button within the Wink app. We were able so as to add the door to a geolocation-triggered automation (a Robot" in Wink), so the door would shut and lights and other Furniture Outlet issues would flip off once we left the home. We could not add opening the door to one of these robots though (for what the app referred to as security reasons").
Houston garage door shoppers have made the Stratford 3000 an exceptionally preferred possibility. It will not be powerful to see why; the Stratford collection offers timeless class at extremely price efficient costs Kitchen Ideas. Not only are these doorways sturdy for all local weather, they might be had in 150 configurations. The panel design, shade, insulation worth (R-Value), as well as dwelling home windows might all be determined to match your sure demands.
Whew, good thing no one was damage Nick. Great suggestion to verify the helps. It's most likely a good idea to verify all the rail helps as well as help brackets. First, obtain the MyQ app. MyQ is suitable with iPhone (3GS, four, 4S & 5), iPod Touch (3rd -5 Gen), Android telephones (2 Gen & later), tablets. There is also cell internet entry. After downloading the app, we advocate watching the set up and setup MyQ video. It's superb and offers a way on what you want for organising your MyQ. Great service prompt, professional. Provided me with recommendation for my gate and I shall be utilizing them to add a mechanical gate opener in the future. I would suggest this company and service to others.


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For current Chapter members, the Membership year is January to December each year. Renewal invoices have been mailed, but you have the option of renewing your membership online! You will need your membership login information - your username is your Chapter ID number on your renewal invoice. Contact the Chapter office if you need assistance.
Membership Dues Renewal
To be responsible for and endeavor to attain within Southern California the objectives of the American College of Surgeons. These include elevating the standards of surgery, establishing a standard of competency and character for practitioners of surgery, providing a method of granting membership in the organization, educating the public and the profession to understand that the practice of surgery calls for special training and that the surgeon elected to Fellowship in this College has had such training and is properly qualified to practice surgery.
To promote the aims, interests, ideals and programs of the American College of Surgeons and to serve as a means of communication between the members of the Chapter and the College. To elevate the standards of practice, training and education in surgery and provide a means through which the Fellows may communicate with other professional and civic groups concerned with the improved delivery of health care.
For more than 100 years, the American College of Surgeons has set the Quality Standard.
Learn more about our progress in raising the quality bar.
The 2020 Annual Scientific Meeting will take place January 10-12, 2020 at the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara.You are invited to submit an abstract on the clinical or laboratory research project of your choice!
Deadline for submissions is Friday, September 6, 2019.
Instructions and Link to Online Submission
April 2019 - Lobby Day in Sacramento
Governor Gavin Newsom gave a rallying speech on his ambitious health care agenda which includes increased funds for residency programs, and loan forgiveness grants for physicians volunteering their time in undeserved areas. The Governor also reported on the progress of his plan to catalyze health reform and prescription pricing changes, and to be remembered as the "Health Care" Governor. Not surprisingly, there is a lot of energy around health care currently in Sacramento.
Members of the three California ACS chapters participated in the Lobby Day activities that included a "Stop the Bleed" training table at the Convention Center. This activity was a great success with special thanks to Drs. Jay Doucet, Laura Godat and Shirin Towfigh. Several registered participants of the CMA Lobby Day completed the "Stop the Bleed" training, and the word about this important ACS program was spread throughout the CMA by attendees.
Our activities in Sacramento include a campaign to support AB 1708. This bill proposes to place Stop the Bleed kits in all California buildings in which there are AED's - schools included. We were able to secure the endorsement of the CMA for AB 1708, and met with the bill's sponsor. Significant progress has been made in advancing this bill.
The Southern California Chapter, the largest and most active in the American College of Surgeons, has become a strong, relevant force representing both surgeons and surgical patients. Be part of the movement and JOIN the Chapter today! Dues are $150/year.
join the Chapter Today!l


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Patrick will sing arias by Wagner and Cavalli.
For the past 500 years, opera has been offering audiences spectacle, drama, astonishing vocal feats, and a marriage of words and music that makes both more powerful. Mezzo-soprano Elizabeth Bishop and pianist Ken Weiss explore the musical and theatrical building blocks of the form in a fascinating day equally suited to those who want an introduction to the art and to fans looking to deepen their understanding of opera's nuts and bolts.
Examine works by composers from Mozart to Verdi and Wagner to Puccini to discover common forms and traditions that underlie all of operatic history, and learn how the influences of singers, librettists, and composers have combined to shape the art's evolution. Look at historical accounts to learn what the creators of classic operas were aiming at with their works, and what audiences throughout opera history expected when they came to the theater.
Performance videos and musical recordings are combined with live performances by singers of the Potomac Vocal Institute.


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Not Sure How To Change Your Home? Use These Interior Design Tips
You may be intimidated by the thought of your first big interior design project. Although your project will involve many details, if you are armed with a set of guidelines, your project will not be that difficult to do. If you need a little guidance you should continue to the article that is found below.
Include several patterns or textures into a room when you are designing it. Patterns and textures attract the eye and add visual interest. They can draw attention to things you want to accentuate. If you are going for a modern look, using textures and patterns is key.
The best preparation for any interior decorating project is de-cluttering. Almost every single home can derive benefits by simply cleaning up the rooms, closets, and drawers, as well as eliminating all the old stuff that is not used. You can donate your extra things to a charity or even have a garage sale!
For the best way to display your art in any room, remember to hang the art at eye level. If you hang the art pieces wrong, it may leave the room looking smaller and unorganized.
When redoing the countertops in your kitchen, get creative. There is always the popular granite to consider, but also think about using non traditional materials such as cork, concrete or wood. They can be less costly than other options and will give the kitchen a unique style of its very own.
Pay close attention to the little details. You can obtain a very unique look using minor decor elements or using small items to create color patterns. Try changing out your cabinet hardware, getting a new set of curtains, or getting a couple of new throw pillows to simply and inexpensively give your room a fresh look.
At times, renovating your kitchen involves simply changing out some cabinets. Glass doors, modern facings or even open shelving will update your design style. Along with staples, place some artistic objects where they are visible through the glass cabinet doors.
Does your home have floors made of concrete, stone, or tile? If so, try using stylish area rugs because they can make your home appear cozier. To prevent too much damage to rugs, move them around often. This will make your rugs last longer.
When planning out the new design of your home, it always best to be practical. Avoid making any permanent changes that are outlandish while you are attempting to add some personality to your space. Consider the impact that this kind of look can have on a potential buyer. Try to limit your design to things that can easily be changed to a more neutral look or feel.
Never be scared to let your creative juices flow when you are painting a room. There are a lot of tutorials out there to show you vibrant designs for using in an interior design project. Being creative with your wall paint designs can transform a room from dull to inspiring in very little time.
One fast way to update a room is concentrating on the accessories. Changing the accent pieces like lamps and fans is a great place to start. Add some new curtains or tea towels. Choosing a series of smaller updates is generally more affordable and can have just as powerful an impact!
In the article above you surely learned that while an interior design project can be difficult, if you have the right knowledge and tools, it is more than attainable. All you need to do now is figure out how exactly you will be putting the information you read to use in your home.


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At the Cabbages and Condoms restaurant in Bangkok, the chandeliers are made out of condoms. The bowl where you expect to find dinner mints is filled with condoms. There is a life-sized Santa Claus made out of – you guessed it – condoms. And it was here that I found myself last summer in the unlikely situation of sharing pad thai with 20 economists in a room full of condoms.
The restaurant is a favorite of behavioral economists. It is the brainchild of Mechai Viravaidya – known as the Condom King of Thailand, or Mr. Condom for short – an economist who changed the course of that country's destiny by affecting behavior change on an unprecedented scale.
In the 1970s, Thailand was plagued by widespread poverty. The average family had 7 children, and the population growth rate was 3.3%. This, against a culturally conservative backdrop where birth control was virtually non-existent. Family planning was a critical, but formidable, behavior change challenge.
Enter Mr. Condom. His mission: make contraception available and acceptable for all.
To reach the 80% of the country without access to doctors, Mechai cobbled together a network of rural distributors that included village shopkeepers, rice farmers, silk weavers, even undertakers, training them to prescribe birth control pills and supply condoms. Monks blessed contraceptives with holy water. Teachers were trained in family planning, and condom-blowing competitions were held in schools. The "Cops and Rubbers" program armed the police force with condoms to distribute in traffic jams. A decade later, the birth rate was plummeting, and Mechai turned his attention to a new crisis: HIV. Free condoms were everywhere – restaurants, night clubs, hotel minibars, schools, taxi cabs.
Mechai's efforts have been extremely effective by any measure. By 2000, the average number of children per family had dropped to 1.5 and the population growth rate to 0.5%. New cases of HIV declined by 90% in the 1990s. In 2007, Mechai was recognized with a $1MM Gates Foundation Award for Global Health. And, in the ultimate homage, condoms are now known in Thailand as "mechais."
The 4 strategies that made it work:
Mechai injected humor into everything. At the foundation was education, but the way he did it, it felt more like entertainment.
He insisted that everyone join in – politicians, the public, religious leaders, schools, the media – and work together toward a common goal.
Financial incentives were woven into the mix. Micro credit programs offered loans only to non-pregnant women. Participating radio stations were given extra airtime in which to earn advertising revenue. To engage business owners in HIV prevention, the message aimed at the bottom line: "Sick staff don't work and dead customers don't buy."
Mechai understood the importance of names, taglines, and mascots. This included a superhero character named Captain Condom who made appearances at high-profile events. "You need a symbol," Mechai explained.
"Captain Condom had a Harvard MBA," Mechai has noted. "And this is probably the best thing he's done with his MBA."
If you'd like to watch Mechai's TED Talk, How Mr. Condom Made Thailand a Better Place for Life and Love, you can view it here.
If you'd like to chat about behavior change strategies, making love better, or the best things to do with your Harvard MBA, drop me a line.
The Condom King of Thailand
At the Cabbages and Condoms restaurant in Bangkok, the chandeliers are made out of condoms. The bowl where you expect to find dinner mints is filled with condoms. There is a life-sized Santa Claus made out of – you guessed it – condoms. And it was here that I found myself last summer in the unlikely situation of sharing pad thai with 20 economists in a room full of condoms.


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Very honored to be a invited guest speaker at the DRT Show Singapore in February 2017. Hope to see many of you there. I will be giving two presentations: "Shooting Wide Angle: A Path to Freedom" and "The Photographer's Friends: Breathing, Buoyancy & Bubbles". Scheduled speaking times will be posted closer to the event.
Back to All Events
Earlier Event: January 24SOCORRO ISLANDS - January 24 - February 3
Later Event: February 24DRT Show Singapore 2017


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Risk Management and ISO 9001 Quality Management
Defining Risk
The term risk can be defined as those factors that companies have little to no control of. Risk can further be described as a situation involving exposure to danger. The danger is the possibility of exposing someone or something of value to harm or loss. This definition also refers to the result of uncertainty in situations that can be avoided through pre-emptive action.
The presence of risk in running a business is not at the absence of opportunity. Although risks are often thought of only as hazards, they can present significant opportunities and possibilities. Some of these possibilities include organisational innovation and an increase in competitive advantages which can lead to short and long-term profitability.
If there are significant measures in place to ensure that the risk doesn't threaten the continuity of the organization, the business can thrive in the long run. In order to successfully do this, businesses need to make sure that they are thinking about operations on a grounds level, which is the foundation of risk-based thinking.
What is risk-based thinking and how does it work?
What is risk-based thinking exactly, and how does it translate to mitigating and monitoring risk efficiently? Risk-based thinking involves using a systematic approach to management towards risk. This means that at every turn, the business already has a built-in system of protocol and a set of processes and systems to combat any risks that it may face. There is a reason why risk-based thinking is an approach revered and used by businesses everywhere, simply because it works. Risk-based thinking means that there's no operating behind potential threats, but rather way ahead of them. It also means that there's a designated unit of personnel dedicated to ensuring that effective quality management systems and protocols are in place, should any risks occur.
When businesses plan, implement and execute their strategic objectives and goals, they need to also account for outcomes and circumstances that can threaten the achievement of these ambitions. Using risk-based thinking methods means that the business protects its overall vision through monitoring potential threats at all levels. It also means that the business has assessed or has a way of assessing their processes, protocols and systems and is well aware of how these work and ultimately how these can potentially fail. Ventures that use risk based thinking have contingency plans and failsafe to these potential failures.
Using ISO 9001 quality management system to further risk-based thinking
ISO 9001 is an international standardised quality management system that helps organisations to analyse, control and improve their internal systems, processes, protocols and policies in preparation for any potential risks that the business may face. ISO 9001 encourages and promotes risk based thinking in six areas, namely leadership, context, operation, planning, performance monitoring, and improvement, all of which have specifically accounted for and discussed in each chapter of the ISO 9001 handbook.
1. Using context to forward risk-based thinking ideologies
Establishing context is the first requirement of risk-based thinking and it is also a concept lauded by ISO 9001 which requires businesses to determine a process of monitoring and quality assuring management systems and the risks and opportunities associated with each of these. ISO requires businesses to separate their organisation and thereafter give various scenarios and contextual situations that may cause risks to occur and then analyse the businesses current processes and protocols towards that scenario. Thereafter, the business is required to further evaluate these processes and protocols to find their faults and weaknesses and then make changes and improvements from a contextual basis.
2. Leadership's role in implementing risk-based thinking
ISO 9001 holds top management responsible as the sole executors and implementers of systems, protocols, policies and processes. ISO 9001 also makes top management accountable for ensuring that these procedures yield the intended results and work in the way they have been designed to do so. By doing this, ISO creates a risk-based thinking leadership initiative as top management is held responsible for any shortcomings and failures in proper and adequate risk management strategies.
3. Planning for risk using risk-based thinking
According to ISO 9001, planning for risk is a form of quality management and doing so contextually ensures that the business' quality management system is able to achieve its intended results by preventing or reducing the risk and also mitigating any of the potential side effects of an undesired outcome. ISO states that the only way to prepare for a risk is to know that it is coming, which is the sole foundation of risk-based thinking.
4. Operation strategies based on risk-based thinking
ISO also requires businesses to approach their operational strategies in a risk-based thinking manner. This means that businesses need to implement processes, systems and protocols that assess the businesses risks and subsequently, its opportunities.
5. Performance Evaluation and Improvements founded on risk-based thinking
In order to ensure that their processes and systems are up to par with risk management initiatives, businesses are required to constantly monitor, measure and evaluate their risks and their opportunities. It means that businesses not only have to implement all these risk mitigation strategies, but also check them regularly to ensure they work then after making amendments and tweaks to further improve their durability, flexibility and elasticity.
Contact us today
What our Clients Say
Many of our clients were involved with ISO, our decision to choose ISO Global was based on their quality product which was fully accredited. ISO Global were very thorough and always open to assisting and supporting our needs.
Faber castell
"From the outset, ISO Global was pragmatic in supporting Approach Solutions through the implementation of our Quality Management System. This pragmatic approach was very welcome given the small size of our startup company. We were able to implement a sustainable system that effectively supports the operational processes and business objectives of the company. As a startup, I believe we've implemented much more than an ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system, but rather the foundation of a business management system built on continuous improvement and customer focus as the underlying core. ISO Global set the right expectations upfront and delivered on those expectations. Through every stage of initial consultation, development, implementation and audit, ISO Global provided excellent support leading to a successful system implementation and certification journey."
The Company
Approach Solutions is a software company specializing in applications targeting workforce scheduling, people development and equipment maintenance.
Our Services
Development and implementation of an ISO 9001 Quality Management System
Approach Solutions
The Company
StellarCare believes in raising the awareness that people with disabilities, achieve what they want to achieve, live the way they choose to live and are recognised as equal and contributing members of the community and society.
Our Services


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Grand Illumination, Love Lights to ignite holiday spirit
Jeremy M. Lazarus | 12/5/2014, 6 a.m.
Light up the city!
Santa is coming to town!
The holiday spirit will envelop Richmond this weekend with two big events — the joint Grand Illumination and Love Lights skyline lighting Friday night, Dec. 5, and the Dominion Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6.
These popular holiday events are expected to attract more than 100,000 people to Richmond.
The Grand Illumination will mark its 30th holiday season of turning on a blazing display of 100 trees and reindeer on the lawn of the James Center at 10th and Cary streets.
The lighting ceremony, set to take place at 6 p.m. at the office center, will kick off three hours of family activities and entertainment in the Shockoe Slip and Shockoe Bottom sections of Downtown.
The ceremony also will be accompanied by the lighting of at least 15 private and public high-rise buildings visible in Richmond's skyline — a seasonal light show called Love Lights.
Love Lights is an initiative of the Free Press to brighten the city during the winter. The newspaper's late founder and publisher, Raymond H. Boone, initiated the idea in 2004 to connect with Richmond's "Easy to Love" and the state's "Virginia is for Lovers" slogans. Some buildings stay lit through Valentine's Day.
Also on tap for Friday evening are horse-drawn carriage rides from the fountain at 13th and Cary streets, canal boat rides from the Turning Basin on 14th Street, and yuletide activities a few blocks away at Main Street Station and the 17th Street Farmers' Market. There also will be the lighting of the state Christmas tree and an open house at the Governor's Mansion on Capitol Square.
The festivities will continue Saturday morning with the big, two-mile parade down Broad Street to officially escort Santa into the city.
The 31st annual parade will begin around 10:15 a.m. at the Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad St., and move east along Broad Street to 7th Street to disband near the Coliseum.
This year's grand marshal: Actor Chad L. Coleman, a Richmond native who stars in the AMC network's popular show, "The Walking Dead." He also has appeared in such TV hits as "The Wire" and "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." His credits also include playing O.J. Simpson in the 2002 TV movie "Monday Night Mayhem."
Parade highlights include at least six high school and college marching bands, huge cartoon-character balloons, festive floats, Masonic groups, dance troupes from near and far, majorettes and more. In all, the parade will feature 88 different units this year, according to parade organizers.
Sampling of other upcoming holiday activities:
• GardenFest Illumination featuring 500,000 lights, Lewis Ginter Botantical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave., 5 to 10 p.m. nightly. Cost: $5 to $12 per person.
• Christmas Concert and Festival in support of World AIDS Day, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, Laurel Street and Floyd Avenue. Cost: No charge.
• Old-Fashioned Christmas, Maymont, includes carriage rides, mansion tours, entertainment, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the park, 1700 Hampton St. in the West End. Cost: $4 to $5 per person for tours and $4 to $5 per person for carriage rides.
• "Home for the Holidays," city-sponsored holiday variety show, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, 1000 Mosby St., 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. Cost: No charge.
• Holiday Pops Concert, James Center, 1051 E. Cary St., 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, featuring the community-based, nonprofit Richmond Philharmonic Orchestra. Cost: No charge.


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I've actually done a Snow Day twice for playgroup now. The first time we made marshmallow snowmen for our craft. We put frosting in between the marshmallows to hold them together but it didn't work that well. I would've used toothpicks but didn't since we have such a young group. I also brought Pull-n-Peels to use as scarves for the snowmen.
Then, we had a marshmallow snowball fight! Always, always, always a success! I've done this at two different playgroups (one with a really small group and one with a large group), at home for a family activity, and once when my son had a friend over for a play date. It doesn't matter how many or how few people you have, it's always fun!
The second time we had a Snow Day playgroup, I skipped the marshmallow snowmen and we made paper plate snowmen instead. I brought tape, little black pom-poms, glue, and big & small paper plates. This was fun and not as messy as the frosting!


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State Police DNA testing under scrutiny
Audit raised questions about methods that have come under fire
ALBANY — The New York State Police crime lab is analyzing DNA evidence using controversial techniques that have been characterized as junk science and led to shakeups at other labs around the country.
A Times Union examination of records documenting the practices of the State Police's Forensic Investigations Center also found the lab may be manipulating DNA analysis to match samples to known suspects in crimes, and that a national accreditation organization removed details of that allegation from an audit that was released in February.
The issue centers on mixtures of human DNA recovered from evidence such as weapons or a victim's clothing. Scientists at some labs, including the State Police's Forensic Investigation Center, use controversial subjective analysis to pinpoint the DNA of individuals who may have left their genetic footprint behind.
Questions about the State Police crime lab's application of the so-called Combined Probability of Inclusion (CPI) were raised in a recent Orange County murder case. Lab records obtained by the Times Union show a State Police scientist changed her initial written findings that concluded the suspect's DNA was not on an ammunition magazine associated with one of the handguns used in the crime.
The records confirm that the scientist, Cheryl L. Strevell, issued a second report three weeks later, on Dec. 8, in which she discarded four of the unique genetic markers that had indicated the DNA belonged to someone other than the suspect, Omarrio H. Morrison.
The adjusted report, initially based on 16 genetic markers, or locations, was sent to the Newburgh City Police Department and used as evidence — along with Strevell's testimony — to help convict Morrison of second-degree murder at his trial, which ended June 1 in Goshen.
After initially finding Morrison's DNA was not included at all 16 genetic locations, Strevell's final report found that he was included using only 12 locations. Strevell reported the chance of a random person being in the mixture — and that it was not Morrison's — was one in 14.33 million.
Her adjusted findings came after she had apparently looked at the suspect's DNA profile, which multiple experts said is improper but may be common practice at the New York State Police crime lab.
"It's like painting the target after you've already shot the arrow," said Tiffany Roy, an attorney and DNA expert who exposed similar problems at the Broward County sheriff's crime lab in Florida.
James W. Winslow, Morrison's attorney, said there was other evidence against his client, but the DNA evidence was damaging.
"There is this concept in DNA called 'suspect-centric analysis,'" Winslow said. "It seems to me, and to the other people that I've talked to, that they really should be doing these things in the blind and not knowing who the suspects are or their DNA. … That's not the way it's done."
Roy, who examined the State Police lab's DNA evidence in the Morrison case for the defense team, said the scientist's report was "a complete misinterpretation of the profile. They pretty much left out information that was questionable … and tried to include information that would meet their guidelines" to match the evidence to the suspect.
In February, ANAB, a non-governmental national accreditation organization, issued an audit that flagged the State Police lab's work in three cases, including the Morrison investigation.
An earlier version of the audit, which was done under the umbrella of the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board, had characterized the State Police lab's CPI methods as inconsistent and improper, and noted its scientists have been "selectively" removing DNA "loci" from samples that did not support their interpretations.
The section removed from the audit also indicated that State Police scientists were comparing evidence samples to the DNA of a suspect during the analysis, according to a person outside the State Police who was familiar with the audit.
That practice, which is akin to looking at an answer before completing the work, is considered improper and may lead to wrongly implicating suspects in crimes.
Similar allegations rocked a crime lab in Austin, Texas, where their outdated and subjective analysis methods came under fire in 2015.
Beau Duffy, a spokesman for the New York State Police, said CPI "is a valid statistical technique."
"In response to the audit, the lab took corrective action to update and clarify procedures, and provided staff with additional training, to the satisfaction of ANAB," Duffy said. "The (state forensic commission's) DNA subcommittee also reviewed the findings and corrective actions, and issued a recommendation to renew the accreditation."
There is no question in the DNA community that serious issues have been found when scientists use "interpretive analysis" to pinpoint the DNA of individuals in samples that are mixtures of multiple people.
In a 2015 report by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, more than 100 crimes labs took part in a study in which they used the interpretive method to analyze DNA mixtures. The study asked the labs to identify DNA samples found on a ski mask.
Although there were four known contributors, more than 70 of the labs — spread across 46 states but not identified in the study — also matched the DNA on the ski mask to a fifth person whose DNA had been provided, even though that person had never touched the mask.
It's unclear why the criticism of the New York State Police lab's interpretive methods was removed from the ANAB audit that was issued four months ago.
Nita Bolz, a manager at the Wausau Crime Lab in Wisconsin who oversaw the audit, did not respond to a request for comment.
Another scientist who took part in the State Police audit said that ANAB requires them to sign a confidentiality agreement that prohibits the auditors from discussing their work.
Problems similar to those described at the New York State Police crime lab led ANSI-ASQ to shut down a lab in Washington, D.C., three years ago after questions were raised by the U.S. attorney's office about the reliability of that lab's DNA work. The lab's DNA analysis was suspended for 10 months and slowly resumed under tighter controls.
Roy, who is from West Palm Beach and was formerly a chemist at the Massachusetts State Police DNA lab, challenged the accuracy of the work at the Broward County crime lab two years ago in a formal complaint that helped spur a broader investigation of the facility's work.
Last week, Roy filed a formal complaint with the New York State Commission on Forensic Science, which oversees the state's crime labs, about the issues raised in the ANAB audit, including the analysis in the Morrison murder case.
Her complaint identified what she said were "serious errors" in the conclusion reached in the Morrison case. She also challenged the explanation that Russell Gettig, an associate director at the State Police lab, gave to the commission at a meeting in March when a commission member questioned the ANAB audit findings.
Gettig said during the meeting that he had examined the three cases flagged in the audit, including the Morrison murder case, and that "there was nothing improper, or incorrect, that went out in the report in those cases."
Roy, in her complaint, said the method used by the State Police in those cases to identify the DNA contributors "is unreliable and unsupported by good science."
"I agree with the ANAB auditors and I disagree with Dr. Gettig," she wrote in the eight-page complaint. "The problems are hardest to address when bad information flows from the top down."
Roy's complaint said the issues cited in the audit of the State Police lab "closely resemble the issues addressed in the audit of the D.C. lab, including several findings of validation deficiencies and improper case handling."
Ray A. Wickenheiser, director of the State Police crime laboratories since 2013, was not available for comment on Wednesday.
It's not the first time the State Police lab has been alleged to use suspect-centric DNA analysis.
In 2016, three forensic scientists who were snared in an alleged cheating scandal at the State Police crime lab filed a federal lawsuit claiming they were wrongly targeted for termination, in part, because they questioned the validity of the lab's traditional DNA-testing program.
The scientists, whose lawsuits are pending in U.S. District Court in Albany, accused the agency of using "suspect-centric" analysis, and alleged an unknown number of criminal convictions may have relied on inaccurate DNA results. They accused State Police leaders of pushing the cheating allegations to justify their sudden abandonment of a plan to implement a computerized DNA program that could have been used to re-test old cases.


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Big Island Death explained
This from the July 9th Minneapolis Star Tribune:
AP) Minneapolis The Wisconsin man whose body was found in Lake Minnetonka was identified Saturday.
The Hennepin County medical examiner said Brent D. Herman, 22, of Chippewa Falls, was pronounced dead on a dock on Big Island in Orono about 12:45 p.m. Friday. An autopsy was scheduled for Sunday to determine the cause of death.
The medical examiner said no further information would be released for now.
That was then, this is now, July 17:
Monday the Hennepin County Coroner said the death was not a drowning, but from a cocaine overdose.


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Hey y'all,
Jolly old England ain't so fuckin' jolly after a 7 hour flight, then getting held up at immigration because Mr. Smartypants (that's me) left the goddamned work permits on the kitchen table, THEN jet-laggin' so hard that
the only way to get some sleep is to hit the bar across the street for
nasty-ass tequila shots (kids....don't drink and drive).....THEN waking up at
4 in the morning with nothing to do but read English music magazines with a
splitting headache, watching the clock, waiting for Tower records to open
up.........ahhh, but then ....there's the English breakfast.....
For all you guys that haven't experienced the culinary delight that is
the English breakfast, let me explain: First of all, they have these things
called "bangers". Now, a banger is a sausage, but it's not your everyday
breakfast sausage.....no,no,no,....it's about the size of a hot dog, with a
wonderful, almost papery skin on the outside. The inside is like the
yummiest, squishiest, most delicious treat you've ever eaten. (I think I just
made it sound disgusting) OK.......so then you've got your eggs (nothing
fancy), and your hashbrowns (no big whoop), and your toast, which, if you
like, they will fry ( I prefer it fried because, hey, anything to line my
arteries with even more filth, GOD BLESS AMERICA....)...and then...here's the
best part....BAKED BEANS. Yes....baked fucking beans....for breakfast. Oh my
God, I could eat that shit all day. If I were president, I would make each
and every school in America serve English breakfasts to the kids every
morning, which, in turn would wipe out every rainforest in Brazil on account
of all the toilet paper we'd have to stock the schools with. Good God, I must
be jet-lagged..........sorry.
OK....all I really wanted to say was that I'm so glad that everyone
had fun at the Troubador show. It was a blast. Schu and Ed should both get
cheese baskets from Pepperidge Farms for their amazing efforts. It was nice
to see all the regulars (yes, we will always love you) and all of the
newcomers, swapping travel stories (which reminds me, all of you guys that
flew from all corners of the planet to see the show, I owe each and every one
of you a hickey) and snapping photos. I hope you all had fun. Let's do it
again sometime. Sorry we pusssed out on playing a bunch of new stuff...but we
rehearsed a lot of it, and we keep changing the arrangements around, so we'll
let them out of their cages when they're ready.
For all of you who didn't get to be there.....it sucked. Don't believe
any of these braggards who were unlucky enough to see it. Nah....I'm just
joshin'.....I hope everyone gets a chance to see us in a room as cool as the
Troubador...we'll do our best to play as many of those as we can, and you all
on the postboard are our favorite people to play to (duh....talk about
preaching to the converted) so keep an eye out for more of these little one
night stands.
The summer Euro festivals are calling.......that means backstage
trailers stocked with stinky cheese (yippee!), kinder eggs ( German chocolate
eggs with a toy inside), and warm beer. Catering tents filled with road crew
after road crew, which looks like something out of a Mad Max movie, and mud
everywhere. Wish you were here!!
I'll write more soon. Just wanted to say thanks. Later......Dave
wow.........I think I'm finally tired enough to
Dave Grohl - Foo Fighters
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The other day I took a funeral for Arthur– one of our WWII vets. He was a sweet, faithful and good Catholic gentleman and a decorated WWII pilot.
At the graveside a couple of Marines were present in their dress uniforms for the flag ceremony. They stood tall with shoes shined and hat brims low. After the Catholic ceremony one soldier stood at attention while the other bugled "Taps". Then he stepped forward, smart and correct. They took the flag and folded it into the famous triangle and handed it to the widow with the set formula of words. It was a powerful and moving ceremony.
I thought afterwards how happy most people are to have the soldiers there in their dress uniform. They are drilled and correct and their personalities are subsumed by the ceremony they offer. Nobody has a problem.
Why then do so many people make a fuss over a Catholic priest wearing the correct uniform, mastering the ceremony and delivering the ritual at Mass. So I hear dull utilitarians say, "Why does that priest have to wear all those fancy clothes? Doesn't he know Jesus was a carpenter?" I've heard some complain about the way I celebrate the liturgy, "Why does he stand so tall all the time? He's so arrogant." or "Why doesn't he be more personal? He makes the Mass so, so, so formal and correct. Yuucch." Really.
What if those comments were to be transferred to the Marines doing the flag ceremony? "Look at that guy over there with his blue jacket and pressed pants. I mean, that's really crazy. That kind of uniform is so impractical! Who can go out and fight dressed like that?" What if people were to say, "What's with all the solemn faces and that music on the bugle? That's so old fashioned and nobody can relate to that!" What if they were to say, "Why do they have to stand at attention like that and have their shoes so shiny? Who do they think they are better than us?"
Take that away and we are an impoverished people. Take that away and we have no vision. Take that away and something dies within us. A part of us that is deeply human–that loves all the deep down things that are not useful or efficient or economical–that part of us dies and we are once again subsumed into that great machine of utilitarianism–the part of society that treats everything as a financial figure and everyone as a worker drone in a vast colony of ants.
Give me the pomp and ceremony for it is in the ridiculously uselessness of it that there is something stranger and deeper that I need.


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We're sorry but this product is currently unavailable.
Rock with us and enjoy our cool t-shirt with Rocktopus!
This t-shirt is made for us in Turkey from 100% top quality cotton. Screen print on the front with Gone Crabbing back neck stamp on the reverse.
Also available in a Purple t-shirt and Snorkel Blue and Purple Hoodie.


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Following the 2016 release of their critically acclaimed debut album 'Divine Love', Swedish/Belgian duo Victoria+Jean will return with the Producer Henrik Alsér (The Hives, Coldplay) produced follow-up 'Underdog' this spring. Taken from 'Underdog', today they release the first single from it 'Free Insult'. Built upon a sinister synthesized baseline, it intermittently …Read More »
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A Global Denomination
by Ty Hardin
There is a tradition here in Ghana that when an elderly person that has lived a full life passes away, they have a procession to honor and celebrate the life of that individual. They march around and shoot off a cannon. A very loud cannon. A shake the windows and walls cannon. No live rounds, mind you, just the powder. But the thunderous noise alone (at 6:35 a.m.) is almost enough to cause the need for a second procession.
Lance and I were having coffee at just after 6:00 a.m. He and Juan and Amy were going with Dr. Solomon (Sumani Sule-Saa) to the rural Yendi district area and were scheduled to depart at 7:00. Just before the aforementioned time, we heard drums and chants. Then there was a loud BANG. We both jumped up to see what was the matter. We walked out just in time to hear another big BOOM and the drums and chants were much closer this time. I decided this was best investigated from inside. Dr. A promptly appeared and explained to us the tradition of celebrating a well-lived life. What an awesome and informative start to the day.
After the three of them left for the Yendi district the rest of us loaded up to go to an English speaking service at Unity Presbyterian Church in Tamale. Jay was chosen to give the message for this service. It was an inspiring and exciting service to start our day of worship.
After that we had an opportunity to briefly meet with their youth group in a separate area before we had to split up to travel to other rural worship services. Myron, Beth and I went with Dr. Adam Harunah to Kotingli. It is a small church in an agricultural district. They worship in their own dialect, and they do it with bravado. The choir was very moving; even if I couldn't understand the words I certainly received their message. Then Myron preached (remember he is one of the seminary students), and sang, and then preached and then sang again. The whole church sang along. Beth and I had the opportunity to share a brief testimonial.
We then shared communion with the church. On our way back to meet the others for lunch we were given a brief tour of the site on which a new building for the church is being built.
We met back up with Jay, Francis and Erin (and Dr. A) to grab lunch. As we climbed into the van we came face to face with a guinea fowl in the back seat of the van. Guinea fowl? Think small turkey with lighter plumage and a bad hair-do. I turned and somewhat calmly asked Jay and Francis if there was supposed to be a bird in the back of the van. They assured me that yes, it was supposed to be there. It was a gift from the rural church they had visited where Jay had preached a second time for the morning.
After lunch we met up with the rest of the team and headed across town for an unexpected treat. We were guests at a Sunni Mosque in Tamale. It turns out that John (Dr. A) has an old friend who is associated with the mosque, and we had been invited to sit down and discuss various topics of interest for Christians and Muslims.
After the mosque visit we grabbed dinner on our way to the student worship service at Tamiha Presbyterian Church. We had communion and a sermon. But most of all there was singing and celebrating and dancing in the local dialects and culture. This was truly awe-inspiring and an eye-opening experience on what it means to be part of a global denomination, or religion for that matter. These are our brothers and sisters in Christ, and it was humbling to see them worship in their own unique culture and language.
Ty Hardin
Germantown Presbyterian Church


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The Don Gnocchi Foundation (Italy) is looking for a
PhD candidate (Cochrane Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine).
The Don Gnocchi Foundation is one of the largest private organizations in Italy for Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM), with 29 centres throughout the country and abroad. It has two research hospitals that receive specific financing from the National Health Service, and relationships with a number of Universities. Specifically this project is developed by the Centre of Rovato, where a very dynamic and fastly developing research group has been established since almost 5 years, and where an Evidence Based Medicine in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine is located. The PhD position will be granted by the University of Brescia, provided a preliminary exam is passed by the candidate.
The successful applicant will work in an international collaborative project which aims to develop the newborn Cochrane Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Field (that is a European Society of PRM initiative ESPRM, with the support of the PRM Section and Board of the European Union of Medical Specialists, and the International Society of PRM – ISPRM). The PhD student will have the opportunity to develop a PhD research plan within this larger project, and will contribute to the launch, organization and maintenance of the Field. The research project will be conducted with a network of PRM specialists and related professionals already including today more than 30 countries from all continents.
- University degree of 5 years
- Knowledge in statistics and epidemiology – possibly specifically in systematic reviews
- Knowledge in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine
- Strong interest in Evidence Based Medicine
- Organizational skills and ability to communicate
- Independence, curiosity and open-mindedness to explore innovative ways to develop the Cochrane PRM Field
- Excellent proficiency in English and ability to learn languages
- Able to work independently as well as in a team
Preferably, the successful candidate has
- Experience with the development or evaluation of systematic reviews
- A clinical background in the PRM field, with epidemiological interest
- Alternatively an epidemiological background, with interest in PRM
Typical tasks include
- Planning and conducting of systematic reviews
- Contacts with peers of other countries to develop specific projects of the Cochrane PRM Field, including knowledge translation, and education
- Writing of scientific papers
- Deal with methodological issues in PRM research
We offer
- A full-time remunerated position until completion of the PhD at the Don Gnocchi Foundation in Rovato (Brescia) in a stimulating and productive working atmosphere
- Possibility to be enrolled as a PhD student at the University of Brescia, provided the preliminary exam is passed
- Encouragement, support and supervision in the publication of scientific papers
- Opportunities to participate in international conferences
The position is maintained until PhD conclusion (3 years), ideally starting in October 2016 or by agreement. The PhD is granted by the University of Brescia, provided a preliminary exam is passed by the candidate.
For further information regarding the project please contact Prof. Stefano Negrini – firstname.lastname@example.com
Preliminary colloquia will be held during these Meetings:
- European Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine: 24-27 May 2016
- International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine: 29 May – 1 June 2016
Interested? Ask by email (email@example.com) for a preliminary colloquium at the previously mentioned two Meetings or via Skype. We are looking forward to your full application, preferably sent by email as a single pdf-file which should include a one-page letter outlining your motivation, a CV, and two references. Closure date for the application is 15 June 2016.
Please address application to: firstname.lastname@example.com
Please refer to "PhD Cochrane PRM" in e-mail correspondence.


text:
Wall Street's major domestic equity indexes rose sharply on Thursday, helped out in large part by earnings-related gains in Wal-Mart and Cisco, while a tax bill expected to boost corporate earnings passed its first, if smallest, hurdle.
Wal-Mart gained as much as 11 percent to a record high of $99.68 after reporting its strongest revenue growth since 2009, in combination with rising online sales. The shares ended the day up 10.9 percent at $99.62.
Cisco hit $36.67, its highest point since February 2001, a day after its quarterly earnings exceeded expectations, driven by gains from its newer businesses such as security, which more than offset declines in its traditional switches and routers. Its forecasted earnings number also came in ahead of expectations.
Cisco shares closed 5.2 percent higher at $35.88.
The House voted largely along party lines to pass a tax overhaul expected to be a boost to stock prices if it becomes law, but the legislative battle now shifts to the Senate, where the Republican majority is much slimmer.
Republicans can lose no more than two Senate votes and at least two GOP senators have already spoken against the Senate version of the bill.
The S&P and the Dow posted their largest daily percentage gains in more than two months.
The CBOE Volatility index, the cost of protection against a sudden drop on the S&P 500, posted its first decline in six days. It dropped 1.4 points to end at 11.76.
Barnes & Noble rose 7.6 percent to $7.10 even after the book seller said a deal proposed by an activist investor to take it private was not "bona fide" and doubted the required funds could be raised.
Folgers coffee maker J M Smucker rose 9.5 percent to $116.65 as its sales and profit exceeded analysts' forecasts.
Viacom fell 3.7 percent to close at $23.69 after the MTV owner said it expected high single-digit declines in revenue from cable TV operators and online distributors in the first half of 2018.
About 6.31 billion shares changed hands in U.S. exchanges, compared with the 6.81 billion daily average over the last 20 sessions. It was among the weakest volume sessions in the past three weeks.


text:
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text: If you ever had doubts about the physical capabilities of an old body, watch this video. I stumbled onto this in my search for tips to help me with my handstand-pushup project. This makes me more determined to master it. And there are many more "old-man feats" videos to match this one.


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Visit Filming Locations from Westeros From Dublin - 14 Hour Coach Tour
This 14-Hour Game of Thrones Coach Tour to Northern Ireland will take your group to a number of filming locations from Westeros: the North, the Stormlands and the Kingsroad. The HBO hit show has been filming there since season 1 and to this date Northern Ireland is the most featured location, ahead of Iceland, Spain, Croatia and other countries.
Beware, for this itinerary is dark and full of spoilers!
The Game of Thrones Tour starts early in Dublin at 6:30 AM, where your group will board the coach and make their way north.
The Dark Hedges
One of the most photographed and scenic places in Northern Ireland, the Dark Hedges are a very popular tourist attraction and filming location. The trees were planted by the Stuart family in around 1775 to decorate the road going up their mansion, Gracehill House.
In Game of Thrones, this avenue was used as a part of the Kingsroad, specifically one Arya, Yoren and the Night's Watch recruits travel on in Season 2 Episode 1: The North Remembers.
Traffic is banned from driving here, so you'll have all the time in world to take some great pictures here! After its appearance in the show, the Dark Hedges made it into the Top 10 Magical Places in the World list on TripAdvisor in 2014.
*Please note: this attraction is subject to availability, as access by coach is limited.
Larrybane Quarry
This limestone quarry served as King Renly Baratheon's camp in Season 2 Episode 3: What is Dead May Never Die – so if you really want to visit the Stormlands, this is the place to be! These days, the pompous tents and the knights of the rainbow guard are long gone, but the quarry is still one of the most scenic locations along the Causeway Coast. You can also visit an unusual cave beneath the cliffs: it was formed just after the last ice age, back when sea levels were a lot higher.
The Giant's Causeway
While this UNESCO World Heritage Site was not a Game of Thrones location, it would be a shame to miss the view while in the area anyway. After all, the over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns are one of Northern Ireland's most popular tourist attractions – and for good reason!
Lunch in Ballintoy
Your group will have lunch at the Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy, where you can admire one of the ten doors spread out over Northern Ireland to promote season 6 of the show – one for each episode. This door features a remarkable woodcarving of Drogon and Daenerys Targaryen. If there's a hound nearby, keep an eye on your chicken! Other doors can be found in pubs in Belfast and Newcaslte, for example.
Dundrum Castle
At this old Norman castle, your group will meet Mark, an expert on antique weapons who served as an advisor for season 1 of Game of Thrones. He will show you some props and give you a weapons demonstration.
*Note: this is subject to availability.
Tollymore Forest
Northern Ireland's 1600 acre first state forest park was used as a location to film the woods near Winterfell, where Eddard Stark, Robb, Bran, Jon Snow and Theon Greyjoy find a dying Direwolf mother and her pups, who would become loyal companions to the Stark Children, in Season 1 Episode 1: Winter is Coming. The Shimna River flows through this serene forest and makes for some excellent picture opportunities.
Return to Dublin at 8:30pm
Outline Itinerary
6.30 - Depart Dublin
10.00 - Dark Hedges
10.50 - Larrybane Quarry
11.30 - Giant's Causeway
13.15 - Lunch at the Fullerton Arms
16.30 - Weapon Demonstration at the Dundrum Castle
17.30 - Tollymore Forest
20.30 - Return to Dublin
Running Times
On request 6.30 AM - 8.30 PM
Notes for Group Leaders
Minimum 20 people for this tour.
Belfast is in Northern Ireland uses the British pound GBP £, Euros € are not accepted. Make note to change some currency before travelling.
Duration of Visit
14 Hours
Meeting Point
Outside of your Celtic Group Hostel in Dublin. Please be ready 10 minutes before pick up time.


text: Harry Callahan (1912 – 1999) Harry Callahan was a self-taught photographer born in Detroit, Michigan in 1912. He began taking pictures in his hometown for fun, opting for an inexpensive point and shoot camera over an expensive 16mm movie camera. In 1941, he joined a camera club where he met celebrated photographers of the previous generation, including Ansel Adams. After studying engineering at Michigan State University, Callahan worked as a photographic technician for General Motors. He was then hired in 1946 by László Moholy-Nagy to teach photography at the Institute of Design (ID), Chicago. Initially, established as the new Bauhaus, the ID was at the forefront of innovative methods of education and teaching photography in America in the mid-20th century. In 1948, Callahan met Edward Steichen, who responded strongly to his work, including it in numerous shows at the Museum of Modern Art, New York. In 1961, Callahan became the head of the photography department at the Rhode Island School of Design, along with his friend and former ID colleague, Aaron Siskind. He stepped down from the chairmanship in 1973, but continued teaching at the school until his retirement in 1977. Callahan often transformed his everday subjects – nature, architecture, city streets, his wife Eleanor and daughter Judy into (barely recognizable) simple forms; a visual essence that still evokes their worldly counterparts. Callahan's goal however, was to describe, not to conceal or distort. For each new subject, he refreshed his photographic vocabulary and used his 8x10 view camera and strong sense of design and composition to create meticulously crafted and elegant images. Callahan produced several monographs of his work including Harry Callahan (1996), Water's Edge (1980), Harry Callahan: Color (1980), Callahan (1976), Photographs: Harry Callahan (1965), The Multiple Image (1961) and On My Eyes (1960). His work is held in the collections of numerous museums, including the Museum of Modern Art, New York; Museum of Contemporary Photography, Chicago; Art Institute of Chicago and the George Eastman House, New York. Harry Callahan Eleanor, Chicago 1948 Halsted Gallery Harry Callahan Multiple Exposure 1965 Halsted Gallery Harry Callahan Eleanor 2 Chicago 1949 Halsted Gallery Harry Callahan Eleanor, Chicago 1949 Halsted Gallery


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I finally (after almost 2 dreadful years) ended my relationship with Honda today. I did it in rather glorious style. The Civic is already a distant, slow, ugly, uncomfortable memory. What did I replace it with? An old friend, in a sense.
Today I came home in a brand new, 2007 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Sedan. I'm leasing it, which makes total sense now that I don't drive nearly as much as I used to. I'm paying a tad less than on the Civic, don't have as long a comitment to the car and don't have to worry about being in debt with the thing when it's time for something new.
Anyway, the car is nice. Much nicer than the old WRX was. It feels like it handles better and is about as fast as a stock WRX as well. The interior is familiar to the two previous Subarus, but there are a few notable changes. The two-tone gray/black mesh seats that come with the current generation cars are a huge improvment over anything in the past. If you haven't seen them, keep in mind the photos below are in terrible light. The flash on the camera makes the seats look almost white, but they are really a darker gray. The shifter is also a softer/nicer feeling leather than before. I swear the dash is the same, but it almost feels like the center (radio/HVAC controls) are aimed slightly toward the driver. Maybe the Civic was just more obtrusive in this sense, but it really does seem different. It's quite nice. I wasn't crazy about the new front end, just like I wasn't with the '04-'05 cars, but it grew on me. I really quite like it now (although I still don't enjoy the current STi look). The car stands out enough to not be mixed up with an every day econo-box, but is certainly not loud and gaudy either. Subaru seems closer to getting it right with the current 2.5i/WRX. The wheels are much nicer looking than what came on the old WRX. The seats feel about as firm as they did in the STi, but the sides offer a little more room for your rib cage to wiggle. I don't know the specs off hand, but the clutch seems very similar to the WRX, that same ambiguous feel to it that I somehow grew to love. Back to looks, I really like the new back end, with the large Subaru logo replacing the big silver letters on the trunk. I'm not sure what else to really add… I have barely put 15 miles on the car so far. In a rather dorky way, I feel kind of proud to say that I've owned all 3 body styles from the bugeye on. I'm also one of probably not a ton of people who have owned a WRX, STi and now a 2.5i (it's really hard not to call it a 2.5RS, but I'm sure I'll get over it).
Here's to less Civic and more AWD!


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Get Happy: Part One
A few months ago, I came across an article articulating 8 things the happiest people on earth do every day. When I saw it, I immediately thought, "I wonder what makes them so happy". The great thing about the article is that it didn't stop with just the 8 things. It actually went through some of the research to back it up.
Here's an interesting fact about happiness: frequency beats intensity. What's that mean? I guess the blog post could end here. You've got your answer. But did you just want trivia? Or do you actually want to get happier?
The internet has become a firehose of ideas we never implement, tricks we forget to use.
8 Things the Happiest People on Earth Do Everyday.
- They devote a great amount of time to their family and friends, nurturing and enjoying those relationships.
- They are comfortable expressing gratitude for all they have.
- They are often the first to offer helping hands to coworkers and passers by.
- They practice optimism when imagining their futures.
- They savor life's pleasures and try to live in the present moment.
- They make physical exercise a weekly and even daily habit.
- They are deeply committed to lifelong goals and ambitions (e.g., fighting fraud, building cabinets, or teaching their children their deeply held values).
- Last but not least, the happiest people do have their share of stresses, crises, and even tragedies. They may become just as distressed and emotional in such circumstances as you or I, but their secret weapon is the poise and strength they show in coping in the face of challenge.
Reading a list of eight things is easy. Implementing them in your life can be hard. Lots of little good things make you happier than a handful of big things.
Research shows that going to church and exercising, both bring people a disproportionate amount of happiness. Why? They give us frequent, regular boosts.
The things that make you happy, do them more often.
We have designated work hours. We schedule doctor appointments. Heck, we even schedule hair appointments. We say happiness is the most important thing but fail to consistently include it in our calendars.
Research shows 40% of happiness is due to intentional activity. You can change your happiness by up to 40% by what you choose to do every day. And much of what you do, you do on autopilot. 40% of what you do every day isn't the result of decisions, it's due to habits. See where I'm going with this?
Happy things need to be a habit. Part of your routine. Part of your schedule. Stop waiting for random happy events, you need a "happiness subscription."
So how do we take this list and make them things we actually do every day instead of more forgotten trivia? Stay tuned all week to the blog as we unpack each Happiness Trigger.


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{plus size style} Reborn Collection long dresses
posted in: plus-size style, wear | 0
Today I'm reviewing three dresses from a line called Reborn Collection. I got these via Zulily, which is a daily deals site here in the U.S. All three dresses actually worked out pretty well, though they're all very thin. This … Continued


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Last week I shared with you the first part of the 3 step series currently on the blog Learning Greek One Step At A Time. This week I'm focusing on Grammar, the most controversial of the 3; Grammar lover or Grammar hater, this post is for you!
Why controversial?
Although this might not be the case for some, personally, I couldn't figure out whether I liked or disliked Grammar, even as a language teacher -for years.
In reality, Grammar itself is nothing more than a system describing how the language works; it is meant to help us learn and understand the language, not to terrify us.
Now, traditional language teaching is probably the one to "blame".
Students were expected to memorize endless lists of rules, conjugations and exceptions. Not very many people like memorizing only to be punished when they make a mistake.
I've come to believe that a balance between all the tools we use to learn a language - including memorizing - adapted to our personal learning style is a better approach. But let's go back to Grammar.
Here's a cool fact you might like: The word comes from the Greek word γράμμα gráma [letter] and used to be an adjective (= a word that describes, very simply put) at the title of a book.
Τέχνη Γραμματική (téchni gramatikí) translated in English as Art of Grammar, was the first Greek Grammar book written in the 2nd or probably the 4th century AD (there's a debate about that).
This Grammar book was meant to help speakers of Koine Greek (more on that in a future post!) understand the ancient poets. It was a course book, so to speak.
Today, coming from so many different education systems, many learners have problems with Grammar; either because we didn't like it when we were schoolchildren or because we never learned Grammar in our native language class.
Of course, it also depends on the language we first spoke as well!
Greek, specifically, was and still is taught with lots of Grammar included.
How to make sure you understand Grammar when you learn Greek, no matter your background?
Here are a few simple ways:
1. In case you are not familiar with the "jargon" (verb, noun, adjectif etc) always ask your tutor to explain. These are words you will repeatedly see and use throughout your learning.
Even if other words are used , e.g. "action words" instead of Active Voice Verbs, make sure you understand their meaning.
2. Don't insist too much on Grammar. This is easier said than done. Because Greek Grammar might seem more complicated with all the Grammar genders, articles, cases etc. it's easy to get absorbed and try to understand every single thing.
Remember that language learning is not about speaking or writing perfectly, is about communicating. Grammar should serve the learner, not enslave them in never ending studying!
Of course, if you come from an even more complex language system, then Greek Grammar might seem familiar or easier for you!
3. Get a nice Grammar book.
If you like having some visual aids such as Grammar tables and examples about what you've been learning in Greek, then a book is indeed nice to have.
There are a few and I've recently posted on the Facebook page about the Triandaphyllidis Modern Greek, which has been translated in many languages as well.
I'm also a fan of this Greek Grammar book as well , which is helpful for English speakers.
I've also found that this is a nice free tool to use when you need a quick conjugation reference. Their tables are nice but I don't recommend the examples, they have mistakes which can be confusing.
Ways to practice Grammar
How do you learn Grammar, however? Here some ideas I like:
- Beginners - read the verb: In the first few classes, take it slow and read just the first and the second person of every new verb. You'll be able to form a conversation about you and the other person while adding lots of new verbs. After a few classes, add more or all the persons.
- Beginners - simple future: This is my favourite writing activity when I teach future simple: write a letter to your friend, inviting them to spend a few days with you in your home town. You'll describe what you'll do, visit, eat, see together etc. This activity connects your experiences and what you know best with a variety of verbs in simple future. Every letter is unique and so interesting to read!
- Intermediate - genitive / possession: Make two lists, one with many object pictures (words you already know, such as σπίτι, καρέκλα, υπολογιστής) and the other with Greek names such as Μαρία, Κώστας etc. Make sure you use Greek names because this is the point! Then, match the object to the name. Add a few neuter words to practice as well.
- Advanced - simple past: When you learn verbs with double σ or τ (πράττω) or verbs with prepositional prefix (αναθέτω) you might notice that Simple Past is taken to another level - literally! Keep using the techniques that work for you at this point. A nice activity you can do is putting together your own speech about a subject you know best. This way you practice both grammar and advanced vocabulary for a subject you're very likely to discuss in an actual conversation in Greek, at an advanced level.
I hope you feel a bit more inspired to use Grammar to learn Greek.
Do you have a favourite activity or tip you 'd like to share? Let me know in the comments.
Stay around for Step #3 in the series Learning Greek One Step At A Time.
This article contains some affiliate links, which means you'll be supporting Alpha Beta Greek at no extra cost to yourself if you buy through the link. I only recommend books and resources of high quality that I trust and love to use myself.
Ready to Express your Greek?
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"…we've got golden fingers
And we're loved everywhere we go
We sing about beauty and we sing about truth
At ten thousand dollars a show
We take all kind of pills to give us all kind of thrills
But the thrill we've never known
Is the thrill that'll get you when you get your picture
On the cover of the Rolling Stone."
I don't know how many of you recognize these lyrics from Dr. Hook's 1973 hit, On the Cover of the Rolling Stone. But if you've ever dreamed about being featured on a magazine cover, these image generators will give you that chance. (Note: Some magazine image generators may not adhere to library collection management.)
- Wired magazine cover
- Time, National Geographic, Business Today, etc.
- Time – Person of the Year
RollingStone, Time, etc.
- Create your own magazine cover - generic
Discovery Exercise: (This one is purely for fun)
- Select an image generator of your choice, upload a photo and create your magazine cover.
- Save your creation by using your mouse's right click and select "save image as"
- Create a blog post and upload your cover to either your blog or ning profile.
Optional: Upload your magazine cover image to Flickr and tag it "LibMagCovers"
Think about how you could use these image generators to create unique signs for your library? Or offer a creative class for library users on magazine cover fun?
In the meantime, why not join me and put yourself "on the cover of the Rolling Stone." :)


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buy bassinet mattress nz What to recognize ahead you buy mattress online? buy bassinet mattress nz
When it comes to acquiring an item like a bed mattress that we are as well made use of to going to the shop and also buy, we tend to be hesitant in some cases. Here are some of the points that you need to recognize prior to you buy mattress online. buy bassinet mattress nz
First off, it is very important that you know the studies of contentment degrees over buying a mattress has actually provided comparable outcomes to those who bought them online as well as offline by seeing a shop.
The result might appear a little surprising, yet that is the fact. Those who mosted likely to the shop did not have a far better satisfaction rating. Lots of things could be considered as the reason for this. Of all, the benefit of actually obtaining to try on the bed mattress that you obtain when you go to a shop is generally covered by thousands of customer reviews one could locate on the internet.
buy bassinet mattress nz If a thousand out of thousand people are stating that a cushion is comfy, the possibilities are it is in fact comfortable.
For an example, the example cushion that you are trying on in the shop has been tried on by numerous people before. You will not obtain that comfortable feeling with your brand new cushion up until after a couple of weeks when it is utilized for a while.
Since you recognize getting a bed mattress online will certainly not make you regret at the end, let's see the important things you could do it make your decision as much better as possible. To start with, it is exceptionally vital that you are plainly knowledgeable about the sort of product you are searching for. Everybody has their very own design of resting. There are mattresses which are much better for back sleepers compared to side sleepers. There are some which would treat someone with a tight back much better. Know specifically just what you are opting for, and also after that begin searching for the mattress that would certainly match all your demands. Otherwise, you are likely to obtain distracted by all the options you will certainly see as well as wind up buying something that clearly does not suit you, your requirements or your way of life.
As pointed out above as well, one of the greatest advantages of on the internet shopping is the access to thousands of customer testimonials. There are rare chances that a product is a great deal much better compared to what it has been explained by the users, yet many of the time if the evaluations are reliable, it would give you a fantastic understanding into the experience of utilizing the cushion that you can not get from anywhere else.
Another problem when you buy mattress online is the cost. Generally, purchasing items on-line come with an additional expense for the shipment. There are several cushion business on the internet which would organize the shipment absolutely free. Take some time to seek them. Otherwise, you would certainly be losing your advantage of purchasing online. There are sales in the shops nearing seasonal times of the year. Attempt to get large products like bed mattress on sale where sometimes they provide to 50% discount rates. Watch on coupon supplies as well. If you have a little persistence to do some good excavating on online, you will most likely be able to get the most effective cushion for the best cost possible.


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In Gelf Magazine's weekly podcast, The Hack and The Flack, journalist Michael Myserthe hackand PR guru Merrill Freundthe flackbreak down the news of the week. From their different perspectives, Michael and Merrill discuss sports, tech, politics, and mediamuch like Gelf.
In this week's episodetheir 150th!Michael and Merrill wonder which major party should be fearful of the Tea Party's rise. Plus: Will anyone remember Reggie Bush had to return the Heisman?; craigslist shifts adult services to other corners of the internet; and Derek Jeter shows what it takes to get to first base. Click here to listen to the podcast.
You can email Michael, Merrill, and Gelf to let us know what you think.
Front-page image of Glenn Beck rally courtesy of meeshypants's Flickr via Creative Commons.


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It's looking more likely that I'll be giving up my rides with Betzi so as not to wear down the new hips to fast. The trailer plus Betzi comes close to 100 pounds. There is also more rubber on the road with the two trailer tires. To be totally honest, I'm also enjoying the longer faster rides on my 700s without Betzi... now that I have hips that work. Don't worry girl we'll still play catch and start taking more walks.
My original post from March 7th, 2010 - Betzi's Trike Ride
Here's the post from a few years ago.
Betzi takes her first trike ride.
My son Byron and yours truly took Betzi on her first ride in her carrier. We went to the local school parking lot and rode about three miles around in circles to see how the ole girl took to her little adventure. All went well. We'll be taking more rides together.


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Natalie Reynolds, Founder and CEO, advantageSPRING
Natalie Reynolds, Founder and CEO, advantageSPRING
Natalie Reynolds is the Founder and CEO of advantageSPRING and is a recognised thought leader on effective negotiation and the benefits it can deliver for individuals and organisations.
Natalie and the advantageSPRING team work with a range of global companies to develop internal negotiation and influencing capability through coaching and training, often generating huge savings, increased revenue or efficiencies for their clients. Natalie also coaches on the topic of salary negotiation, writes regularly in the national press on the role that negotiation can play in tackling the gender pay gap and delivers keynote speeches at conferences worldwide on effective negotiation.
Natalie was recently described by the Guardian newspaper as a 'leading expert in effective negotiation' and contributes articles on negotiation skills to sites including the Huffington Post, the Independent, the Financial Times and Forbes. Prior to founding advantageSPRING, Natalie qualified as Barrister, worked in a number of strategic management and legal advisory roles in both central and local government (including as an advisor to the Mayor of London on tackling domestic violence and sexual assault) and worked as a Commercial Director for both a large national charity and a FTSE 100 company.
Natalie has a passionate interest in the role that gender can play at the negotiation table and has spent a number of years researching the issue, providing coaching for women to boost confidence and challenge stereotypes and delivering challenging, provocative and practical master classes for women's networks (including the BBC, Oracle, Tesco, DLA Piper and Mayer Brown LLP) and at conferences across Europe the US and Asia. Natalie and the advantageSPRING team volunteer their time to support various charities with developing their commercial awareness and negotiation capability and are currently working with the NSPCC, Human Rights Watch, the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and UN Women.


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The much-anticipated decision of the Court of Appeal in Walker v Innospec concerns the legal validity of a legislative exception in the Equality Act 2010 to the requirement for equal treatment as between civil partners and same sex married couples and opposite sex married couples. In its judgment, the Court of Appeal confirmed the validity of the exception.
The much-anticipated decision of the Court of Appeal in Walker v Innospec1 was handed down today. The case concerns the legal validity of a legislative exception in the Equality Act 2010 to the requirement for equal treatment as between civil partners and same sex married couples, on the one hand, and opposite sex married couples on the other. The exception is that equal treatment is not required in respect of pension rights relating to service before 5 December 2005.
In its judgment, the Court of Appeal confirmed the validity of the exception. The incomplete discrimination protection for pension rights (and other benefits related to service) of same sex couples therefore remains under UK legislation.
Both the Employment Appeal Tribunal and the Court of Appeal noted that the UK legislative exception is stated clearly. In the opinions of the Tribunal and of the Court, legislative intervention would be required in order to amend the position. This is a matter of legislative policy; judicial interpretation alone is insufficient.
A number of UK pension schemes have already fully equalised survivors' benefits for same sex and opposite sex couples in respect of all service. However, for those schemes that have provided only the legislative minimum by way of equalisation and retained a difference in treatment between the two groups for service before 5 December 2005, today's decision confirms the legality of the legislative exception meaning that this practice is not contrary to the Equality Act 2010. Nevertheless, there remains a risk that the legislation may be amended in the future in light of continuing Government review of this area.
UK Government Review 2014
The UK Government had reviewed the equalisation of survivor benefits in 2014 (as part of the measures legalising same sex marriage). The review was in response to criticism of the fact that anti-discrimination protection for same sex married couples was aligned with that provided to civil partners, rather than aligned with the position of opposite sex married couples (i.e. that the exception for spouse's benefits relating to service before 5 December 2005 continues to apply).
The Government concluded in March 2015 that, while it believed that there should be equality of treatment between married same sex couples and civil partners on the one hand, and married opposite sex couples on the other, it would need to consider further the complex issues that arise from pension equalisation. This recent decision of the Court of Appeal may provide a further reason for legislative intervention in this area.
Legislative background
UK legislation has, since 1 December 2003, prohibited discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation (but not on grounds of married status). Legislation also introduced civil partnerships with effect from 5 December 2005 and (in England and Wales) same sex marriage from 13 March 2014. But insofar as survivors' benefits under pension schemes are concerned, the Equality Act 2010 includes an exception from the general prohibition on discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation; the relevant legislation requires that registered civil partners and married same sex couples must be treated in the same way as opposite sex spouses in respect of death benefits only in relation to benefits that relate to service post-5 December 2005 (save as to contracted out benefits which must be equalised for service after 6 April 1988).
Mr Walker worked at Innospec Ltd for around 23 years, retiring in 2003. He receives an annual pension in the region of £85,000. The terms of the Innospec pension scheme rules would entitle an opposite sex spouse surviving Mr Walker to a spouse's pension of two-thirds of his pension.
Mr Walker entered into a civil partnership with his male partner on 23 January 2006 at one of the first opportunities available under UK law, and has since married his male partner. The pension scheme does not provide for a right to death benefits for the survivor of a same sex married couple in respect of service before 5 December 2005. In effect the scheme and the employer rely on the exception in the Equality Act 20102. As a result Mr Walker's spouse's pension entitlement, should he outlive Mr Walker, is to a pension of only around £500 per year (presumably this is in relation to post-1988 GMP rights).
Mr Walker challenged the pension scheme rules and the UK legislation that seemingly does not prohibit the differential treatment between same sex and opposite sex couples. While he was successful in the Employment Tribunal, the Employment Appeal Tribunal upheld the company's appeal (see our European Pensions Bulletin 24 March 2014). Mr Walker appealed to the Court of Appeal.
In answering the questions before it, the Court of Appeal placed weight on the guiding principles of legal certainty and "no retroactivity" of legislation, i.e. that conduct which was lawful when it occurred cannot retroactively become unlawful.
The key question before the Court of Appeal was how to interpret the exception from sexual orientation discrimination for survivors' benefits in UK legislation.
The Court of Appeal held that the exception in the Equality Act 2010 is clear, and shows an intention on the part of the legislature to limit the scope of sexual orientation discrimination protection to benefits for service after 5 December 2005. The Court did not consider it possible to interpret the clear words of the provision otherwise, as to do so would stray into the realm of legislating.
The Court also considered whether the exception to the prohibition on sexual orientation discrimination in UK legislation should be disapplied for being in breach of a fundamental principle of EU law. However, the Court of Appeal followed jurisprudence of the European Court of Justice in finding that the right of equal treatment on the ground of sexual orientation did not become a fundamental principle of EU law until the implementation date of the underlying EU Directive (the Equal Treatment Framework3 Directive) had expired (which occurred on 3 December 2003).
The principle of equal treatment between married same sex couples and opposite sex couples with a similar status was then required in the UK following the introduction of civil partnerships from 5 December 2005. The Court of Appeal held that the UK approach of limiting the impact of the prohibition on discrimination by reason of sexual orientation to service after 5 December 2005 was consistent with underlying decisions of the European Court of Justice on restrospective effect4, and is not incompatible with the Framework Directive. In the opinion of the Court of Appeal, to bring benefits in respect of service pre-5 December 2005 into the scope of anti-sexual orientation discrimination legislation would give retroactive effect to the equal treatment legislation.
The Court of Appeal considered that it had sufficient clarity in relation to the points of law in question in the case, and so declined to make a reference to the European Court of Justice.


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Several week ago I was talking to my Dad on the phone and he was telling me about a photograph that my uncle Jeff had of their biological dad when he was 7-8 years old. He couldn't believe how similar they looked and said it even made him do a double take when he first saw the photo. I of course, being skeptical by nature, didn't believe him. I wrote my uncle Jeff a nice message on facebook and a short time later I had a copy of said photograph.
The photo to the right is the portrait of Xander I took, over the christmas holiday 2011, on my 4x5. He was 7.5 at the time. Such a handsome kid, if I do say so myself.
The photo on the left is my paternal grandfather, whom I never met. I'm assuming it was taken on a camera similar to the 4x5 I've been using, but who knows. He was also around 7- 8 in this photo. Probably late 40's. Notice the trendy bottle cap buttons?
At any rate, when I saw the photo I just about fell out of my chair. I know they don't look exactly alike, but wow!! So many striking similarities! What do you think?