text:
Older men in Gateshead gain new community group thanks to grant from Durham Freemasons
Isolated and vulnerable older men in Gateshead will be able to have fun and make new friends, thanks to a £10,000 grant from Durham Freemasons to Teams and Bensham Community Care
Around 20 local men are already collected by minibus and taken to a lunch club once a week, where they can socialise, take part in quizzes and games, including very popular Wii competitions, and get a home-cooked lunch. Demand is high, and the grant will fund a second weekly lunch club.
Many of those who attend the club are widowers and the club provides an invaluable chance to talk about their loss with others who have gone through the same experience. It is well-established that older men are far less likely to talk about their feelings than women.
Older men are also much more likely to lose their social networks following the death of a spouse, as their wives tended to be the ones who maintained social networks, as well as the ones who usually prepared meals. Club members often tell staff that having a proper home-cooked lunch is something they especially enjoy.
The benefits of regular social interaction on both physical and mental health are well recognised, with major improvements to both.
The grant from Durham Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.
Michelle Scott, Trustee at Teams and Bensham, said: 'I'm very grateful to Durham Freemasons for their generous grant. Older men can be very difficult to reach, and we've found that our lunch club is a really good way to break their isolation and help them to lead more fulfilling lives.'
John Arthur, from Durham Freemasons, said: 'We're very pleased to be able to help Teams and Bensham expand their work with older men in Gateshead. There are far too many who are isolated, lonely and vulnerable, and the opportunity to make new friends, have fun and get a good home-cooked lunch can make a huge difference to their lives.'
How Freemasonry is helping the critical work of blood bike volunteers
Riding Proud
Blood bike volunteers deliver vital medical supplies, whatever the weather, whatever time of day. Steven Short discovers how Freemasonry is helping
Blood bikes, often referred to as the fourth emergency service, act as an out-of-hours courier service for the NHS, delivering not just blood and plasma, but a variety of medical samples and equipment throughout the day and night. And they're operated entirely by volunteers.
'The most urgent thing I've ever delivered was very early on a Sunday morning,' recalls blood bike volunteer John Watts, Assistant Provincial Grand Master for the Province of Durham. 'I got a call to go to a children's ward at one of the hospitals we work with, and as I walked in a doctor came running up to me and put a small vial of liquid in my hand. "Please take this as fast as you can; a child's life depends on it," he told me.'
After delivering the vial, John discovered that it contained a sample from a very young baby with suspected meningitis. Until the sample had been tested, life-saving treatment could not be started. 'It felt amazing to know that what I'm doing is helping save lives,' he says.
Strange as it may seem, the Greek authorities are partly responsible for John becoming a volunteer. 'I'd heard that Greece was about to bring in a law that meant you couldn't even hire a moped there without a bike licence,' he recalls. 'I'd been going on holiday to Greece for years, always hiring a bike while I was there, so I did my motorbike training and really caught the bug.'
When the retired policeman saw a feature in The Gazette (Durham's masonic magazine) about a Freemason who was volunteering for a blood bike charity, he decided to investigate. 'I've always been a keen volunteer, and I thought getting involved with blood bikes would be the perfect way to enjoy my new-found passion of riding motorbikes while doing something positive and useful.'
Digging a little deeper, John learned about the work of Northumbria Blood Bikes and got involved. He has now been riding for them for more than two years and recently earned his silver badge, which volunteers receive after working 50 shifts.
'It's just so rewarding for our work to be appreciated'
Pointing to the increased demand for blood bikes over recent years, Graham Moor, fundraising officer for Northumbria Blood Bikes and a member of Hammurabi Lodge, No. 9606, says there is a need to raise awareness as well as money. 'All our groups need new volunteers so we can keep going. When we first started in my area, we might only get a couple of calls per night. Now, sometimes as soon as one call has been answered, another will come in. We might get 20 or 30 calls during a shift.'
Blood bikes primarily operate between 7pm and 7am on weekdays, and 24 hours on weekends and on bank and national holidays. 'The NHS doesn't have infinite resources, and we can help out logistically with no cost to it. We're like taxis, but we don't charge,' John says.
Volunteers typically do two shifts a month, either collecting and delivering goods or working as controllers to coordinate bikes. Cars are used if conditions are unsafe for bikes, or in winter when the temperature on the back of a bike with wind chill drops below 3°C, at which point blood can crystallise and can't be used. Riders can also be asked to deliver printed medical records as well as breast milk for premature babies or babies whose mothers have died in childbirth.
John once delivered a family photograph that a young man with autism had left behind in hospital so that it would be in its usual place when he woke up. 'I was told he would have been extremely distressed to wake up and find it missing.'
There are more than 30 blood bike groups around the country currently providing this much-needed courier service. As well as delivering blood to and from hospitals, some groups supply air ambulances with their daily supplies of blood and platelets – blood typically has a five-day shelf life – allowing on-board doctors to do blood transfusions wherever they may be needed.
'Motorbikes get stuck in traffic much less than four-wheeled vehicles, meaning they're faster and more efficient at getting to their destination,' explains another volunteer, Neville Owens of Wrexhamian Lodge, No. 6715, and a member of the North Wales Chapter of the Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Association. 'Bikes can better manoeuvre through traffic, we can avoid traffic jams, and because we're liveried, people tend to get out of our way.' Bikes are also cheaper to run, which is important, as funding comes entirely from donations.
Neville volunteers as a controller, coordinating deliveries and pickups. 'It's high-concentration work. You have to calculate how long each journey should take and keep tabs on where all your riders are at any one time,' he says.
'We're like taxis, but we don't charge'
'Like any emergency service, when we're busy, we're really busy,' adds Colin Farrington of Wayford Lodge, No. 8490, who volunteers as a controller at SERV Norfolk. 'Sometimes it can be 4:30am before you get a break.'
Last year, Colin's group saved Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital enough from its transport budget that the hospital was able to replace some of its ageing freezers.
'They were always breaking down, but there was no budget for new ones,' Colin says. 'We saved them so much money on transport that they had free funds. It's great to be able to actually see where your time and volunteering is going.'
While nothing would keep him off his bike, John says that shifts can sometimes be tough. 'The weather can be challenging. No matter what protective clothing you're wearing, when you're doing 70mph in the pouring rain, the water will get in. It'll start going down the back of your neck, then down your back…'
For John, the biggest reward comes when he's sitting at a hospital waiting for a call. Someone will approach him and say that they or a relative needed a transfusion and a blood bike delivered the blood that saved their life. 'They'll shake my hand and say thank you. I'll just well up – it's just so rewarding for our work to be appreciated.'
Changing up a gear
Freemasons around the UK have donated funds, bikes and cars to blood bike groups. 'With their livery and Freemasonry branding, the bikes are a great way to take masonic values into the community. When people see the masonic livery, they can see that we are doing good community work,' says Graham Moor from Northumbria Blood Bikes.
Among the donated vehicles are two BMW police spec bikes from Cumbria Freemasons and two from West Lancashire Freemasons, which will help North West Blood Bikes Lancashire and Lakes to answer more calls. 'We have completed 50,350 runs since we started in 2012,' says trustee and founder Scott Miller, from Bank Terrace with King Oswald Lodge, No. 462, whose blood bike group has 365 volunteers – a mix of riders, controllers and fundraisers.
Local masons supported SERV Norfolk with the purchase of three motorbikes. 'I was invited to various meetings to give talks about blood bikes and was invited to Norwich to pick up a cheque for £250,' says controller Colin Farrington. While there, he was asked how much a bike would cost by the Provincial Charity Steward, who said they would organise a Christmas raffle to try to buy one.
'The Great Yarmouth lodges got together and by early December raised the £15,000 for the bike on their own,' Colin says. 'Then, at the end of January I was told Norfolk had raised enough money to buy another two fully equipped Yamaha FJRs. I was flabbergasted.'
Lifelites spread the word in 2,500-mile challenge
It's the journey that matters
Via Rolls-Royce, camper van, horse and cart, speedboat and tandem bicycle, Lifelites chief executive Simone Enefer-Doy travelled 2,500 miles in two weeks to raise the profile of this hard-working charity
Providing life-changing assistive technology, Lifelites helps the 10,000 children and young people in hospices across the British Isles live their short lives to the full. On 25 May 2018, the charity's chief executive, Simone Enefer-Doy, set off on an epic road, air and river trip to spread the word and raise funds.
The 2,500-mile challenge, called Lift for Lifelites, was to take in 47 famous landmarks in England and Wales in just 14 days. For each leg of the journey, Simone received a lift from Provincial supporters in an eclectic mix of transportation. After setting an initial target of raising £50,000 for Lifelites, the total now stands at over £104,000. Simone says she has been astounded at the support and generosity she encountered as she travelled around the country.
'Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that so many people would come out to meet me on my journey and support my challenge. We have received a terrific welcome wherever we have gone, and it really spurred me on to continue whenever I felt myself flagging. I would like to thank everyone – drivers, donors and venues – for helping to make Lift for Lifelites happen. We couldn't have done it without you.'
Assistant Grand Master a special guest to witness triple second degree ceremony in Durham
The university lodge, the Lodge of Fraternity No. 1418, welcomed Assistant Grand Master Sir David Wootton and Provincial Grand Master of Durham Eric Heaviside as guests to witness a triple second degree ceremony on 24th May 2018
David Chapman, Lodge of Fraternity, Stephen Cullen, Mowbray Lodge No. 5373 and David Squirrell, Universities Lodge No. 2352, were all passed to the second degree.
The candidates were conducted around the lodge by the senior deacon of their respective lodges.
Lifelites Chief Executive completes 2,500 mile challenge
Lifelites Chief Executive Simone Enefer-Doy has left Freemasons' Hall to kick-start her 2,500 mile journey to 47 famous landmarks to raise awareness of Lifelites and £50,000 for the charity
Dubbed 'A Lift for Lifelites', Simone will see Freemasons in nearly every Province in England and Wales and will be stopping at landmarks such as Hadrian's Wall, Angel of the North and Bletchley Park in vehicles including a classic Rolls Royce, a camper van, a four seater plane, an E Type Jaguar and even a zip wire.
Simone said: 'With the help of Freemasons and their vehicles around the country, I'm on a mission to raise the profile of our work and raise more funds to reach more children whose lives could be transformed by the technology we can provide.'
We'll be updating this page regularly, including images, as Simone continues on her epic quest.
Day 14 – Thursday 7 June
That's a wrap! Simone completed her 14 day challenge and finished in style on ThamesJet speedboat with guests including United Grand Lodge of England Chief Executive Dr David Staples. Her fundraising currently stands at over £103,000.
Day 13 – Wednesday 6 June
It's the penultimate day, starting with a trip to Bedfordshire at the Shuttleworth Collection. The next stop was Silverstone racetrack in Northamptonshire, which included completing a lap in a Jaguar, before driving this to Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire. The last trip was to the home, studios and gardens of former artist Henry Moore in Hertfordshire.
Day 12 – Tuesday 5 June
Day 12 took in journeys across Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. The first stop was Gordon Boswell Romany Museum in Lincolnshire before using two vehicles, a Hudson Straight Six Touring Sedan and a Range Rover, to Bressington Steam and Gardens in Norfolk. There was still time to grab lunch at Bury St Edmunds Abbey in Suffolk before a BMW took Simone to her final stop in Cambridgeshire, which included a punt on the River Cam.
Day 11 – Monday 4 June
Simone crammed in four locations to start the week, with a wide variety of vehicles used. The day started in Yorkshire Sculpture Park before driving a 1977 Bentley to the National Tramway Museum in Derbyshire. It was from here that Simone then picked up a DeLorean to take her to Newstead Abbey in Nottinghamshire before completing the day by driving a gold Rolls-Royce to Victoria Park in Leicestershire.
Day 10 – Sunday 3 June
The week concludes with trips to Northumberland, Durham and Yorkshire and East Riding, as well as the news that Simone had already hit her £50,000 target. Trips included the Millennium Bridge in Northumberland, the Angel of the North and a scenic drive across the Yorkshire Moors to Bolton Castle.
Day 9 – Saturday 2 June
Day nine saw visits to the Provinces of West Lancashire and Cumberland and Westmorland, with landmarks including Hadrian's Wall in Cumbria and transport provided by a horse and cart.
Day 8 – Friday 1 June
Two Rolls-Royces helped provide the transport on day nine, with Simone starting at the Avoncroft Museum in Worcestershire, driving down to New Place in Warwickshire and then to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. There was still time to conclude the day by visiting Manchester Cathedral in East Lancashire.
Day 7 – Thursday 31 May
At the halfway point, Simone made trips to Cheshire, Shropshire and Herefordshire – starting out at the Georgian Hall Dunham Massey, then heading to the RAF Museum Cosford in a custom built Rewaco Bike and finally, to Arthur's Stone.
Day 6 – Wednesday 30 May
Day six was solely focused in North Wales where Simone took on the challenge of the fastest zip wire in the world. This was then followed by making the journey to Chester in a six month old blue McLaren Spider and flanked by the Widows' Sons motorcyclists and Blood Bike volunteers.
Day 5 – Tuesday 29 May
Day five was a journey across the borders for Simone as she ventured to Oxfordshire before heading west to Monmouthshire and continued to South Wales and West Wales. Landmarks included Radcliffe Camera in Oxford, Caerleon Amphitheatre in Newport, the Donald Gordon theatre in Cardiff and ending the day in the county town of Carmarthen to meet the Provincial Grand Lodge of West Wales.
Day 4 – Monday 28 May
Simone began day four by driving an Aston Martin DB9 to the Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare with help from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Somerset. A 1928 MG Riley saloon then took Simone to her next port of call, Clifton Suspension Bridge where the Provincial Grand Lodge of Bristol had a 1966 Austin Mini Cooper waiting to take her to Caen Hill Locks. It was here that Simone met representatives from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Wiltshire, before the final stop of the day saw her clock up the miles to Shaw House in Berkshire to be greeted by members of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Berkshire.
Day 3 – Sunday 27 May
Day three involved journeys to Dorset, Devon and Cornwall. It started with a visit to Lulworth Cove in Dorset to be met by members from the Provincial Grand Lodge in a yellow camper van and to receive a donation of £2,000. Simone then ventured to Buckfast Abbey to receive a donation of £5,000 from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Devonshire before departing in a classic Rover to head to Lanhydrock House and Garden in Cornwall, where she received another donation of £1,750.
Day 2 – Saturday 26 May
Simone took to the sky for day two, meeting a representative from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Hampshire and Isle of Wight who drove her to Southampton to board a flight to Jersey, to meet members of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Guernsey and Alderney.
Day 1 – Friday 25 May
Simone has begun her challenge, leaving in a taxi escorted by a fleet of Widows Sons motorcyclists. This is the start of her 14 day road trip with a difference, using a variety of unusual and extraordinary forms of transport.
The next destination for Friday was Richmond Park where Simone was met by representatives from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Middlesex after arriving in a Porsche 550 Spyder. Further destinations included Guildford Cathedral, where Simone was met by a Noddy car, and Brighton Royal Pavilion, where the Provincial Grand Lodge of Sussex made a donation of £5,000.
Lifelites has a package of their magical technology at every children's hospice across the British Isles and their work is entirely funded by donations. Through the journey they are seeking to raise £50,000 – that's the cost of one of their projects for four years.
You can sponsor Simone by clicking here
Durham Freemasons hand out 80,000 teddy bears to children in hospital
Durham Freemasons have handed out a milestone 80,000 teddy bears to children who face emergency treatment in hospital
For more than a decade, Durham Freemasons have been supplying TLC teddies to A&E departments and walk in centres throughout the boundaries of the Province to help alleviate the distress of children attending hospital following what is normally a traumatic experience.
It also acts as a distraction and allows the person treating the child valuable time to carry out what they need to do, sometimes even treating the teddy first to show the child that everything will be OK. Children are also able to take the cuddly teddies home with them after they leave.
At a recent visit to North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust's A&E Paediatric Department, the Provincial Grand Master for Durham, Eric Heaviside, accompanied by local Freemasons, met up with some of the nurses who use these bears on a daily basis. During the visit, they had the honour and privilege of presenting the 80,000th TLC teddy to a young girl admitted to the A&E at the time of the visit.
Freemason Duncan Maw, who has recently taken over the management of the initiative, said: 'All the A&E staff love the teddies as they can really help them carry out their vital work and all kids love teddies. It's a simple and effective way to distract children from their illness and something we as a Province are extremely proud of being part of.'
Debbie Hall, Paediatrics Lead Nurse, Accident and Emergency at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'The children we see in our department are often very distressed and upset – these teddy bears really help us to calm them down and assess their needs as soon as possible.
'We are really grateful to Freemasons of Durham for donating so many of these toys bears over the last decade. It makes a real difference to all of the children who visit us, as well as the staff on the department.'
Interview with the MCF's Head of Strategic Development & Special Projects John McCrohan
Vote of confidence
In celebration of the Freemasons' Tercentenary year, the public was invited by the MCF to vote for their favourite charities. John McCrohan, Head of Strategic Development & Special Projects at the MCF, explains the rationale behind this initiative
Tell us about your role…
I support the CEO and Board to bring together the activities of the four legacy charities that were amalgamated into the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) to ensure they continue to meet the needs of both the masonic community and the wider community through our non-masonic grant-making. In January 2011, I started working for the Masonic Samaritan Fund, one of those four legacy charities, as Grants Director and Deputy CEO. I held the post until the consolidation of the MCF in April 2016, when I took on my current role. As well as respecting the legacy of the four charities, it's also my job to focus on the future and think about how we can do things differently – and better.
What are the Community Awards?
The full name is the MCF Community Awards –Tercentenary Fund. These are 300 grants totalling £3 million that acknowledge the 300-year anniversary of UGLE. The Awards were created in part to raise MCF's profile within the masonic community, but also externally. This initiative was our first large-scale, public-facing activity, and was designed to let the wider public know about the good work that happens as a result of the generosity of the Freemasons. We typically spend up to £5 million a year supporting UK charities and responding to disasters and emergencies, both here and abroad. But to celebrate the Tercentenary, we wanted to do something in addition to that, which is where the idea for the £3 million Community Awards came from. We also wanted to celebrate the formation of the MCF.
How do the grants work?
They were for either £4,000, £6,000, £15,000 or £25,000, depending on how many votes a charity got. The grants were spread across all of our Provinces, and we allocated either four, six or eight grants to each depending on size. London got 26 because of its size. It was important that the charities we supported were operating, and helping people, locally. We wanted the grants to reassure masons that the MCF is pushing money back to their communities, to see that the money they give doesn't get swallowed up in a black hole here in London. And, of course, we wanted to show that we apply good grant-making practice and observe good due diligence.
How did you decide who would qualify for a grant?
Firstly, I went to Provinces and said, 'We've got money for you, we'll be giving grants in your region, but we'd like you to tell us which charities are close to your heart.' We then asked each Province and Metropolitan Grand Lodge to compile a list of their chosen charities, filtered down to their allocated number. The shortlists came to us and we carried out initial due diligence to make sure charities were eligible, that they weren't already an active recipient of a grant, and so on. We then confirmed shortlists with the Provinces and Metropolitan Grand Lodge and began contacting charities, inviting them to formally apply for a grant. They still needed to complete an application, though by this stage they were guaranteed at least £4,000 – but could potentially get as much as £25,000 if they got the most votes.
What types of charities were nominated?
We had charities in every sector – from financial hardship, social exclusion and disadvantage through to health and disability, education and employability. We had community centres, initiatives reducing isolation and loneliness for older people and complementary emergency services – things like blood bikes, for example, which take blood supplies around a county.
And how did the general public phase of the vote work?
People voted primarily online – we promoted the vote on our website, and through our social media and masonic contacts. Having spoken to some charities that had already worked with the public on that kind of scale, however, it became clear that to really make the voting work, we needed the charities themselves to lead the promotion – on their own social-media sites and during public events. To do this, we provided them with materials showing masonic iconography and branding that they could use. And, of course, the competitive element of 'more votes equals a bigger grant' really spurred them on.
What were the responses like?
We ended up with 177,801 votes, which really blew away our expectations. Almost 160,000 of those votes were made online, with another 18,000 cast at local events. After people voted, there was an optional short survey of just two questions. One asked if the initiative had improved the voter's opinion of Freemasonry. Some 57% of those who completed the survey – 36,000 people – said that it had improved their perception of Freemasonry. We believe that's pretty strong evidence that the initiative really worked.
What did you learn from the project?
We'd never done anything like this before so we were all on a massive technological learning curve. We were very exposed, so the pressure was on – we only had six months to develop the project before it went live. We were still testing the voting pages, making sure the images were right and the copy was okay the day before launch. That was a bit stressful. It was all worth it when the charities, and public, told us they didn't realise we operated on this scale or supported so many people in this way. Given that raising this awareness was one of our key drivers, I think we've been really successful. Going forward, we'll be able to do something like this much more easily because all our building blocks are now in place.
What happens next?
We are going to monitor the projects throughout the 12 months that the grants last, and do a full evaluation at the end. We want to make sure that what we have done with this grant fund has made a real impact. In a year's time we'll go back and see what has worked, what hasn't worked so well and what lessons have been learned. We'll see how we can improve, if we do something like it again in future.
Find out more - click here.
Around the world
Four charities that have benefited from the Community Awards
Social Exclusion and Disability: Veterans in Action
Veterans in Action (VIA) helps armed service veterans who have suffered the effects of war or who have found the transition back to civilian life difficult. For the past six years, VIA has been organising walking expeditions that have needed support vehicles – Land Rovers and minibuses – which are now ageing and require maintenance. The funds from the MCF grant will be used to fund a new project called the Veterans Restorations Project, which aims to restore and upgrade the existing vehicles.
Financial Hardship: Centrepoint North East
Centrepoint is the UK's leading charity working with homeless people aged sixteen to twenty-five. It supports more than 9,000 people a year, 800 of whom are from the North East. The grant will be used for its Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme (RDGS), which aims to increase the supply of affordable rented accommodation to disadvantaged sixteen- to twenty-five-year-olds and those at risk of homelessness. As part of their acceptance on to RDGS, the person agrees to save with Centrepoint so they can afford their own cash bond as and when they move tenancy. This will enable them to have a secure base from which to build their future.
East Kent
Education and Employability: Romney Resource Centre
Romney Resource Centre (RRC) was founded in 1999 and has developed a reputation as a centre of excellence, being the only provider of careers and skills advice, training, education and employment support in Romney Marsh for sixteen- to eighteen-year-olds and adults. Due to significant cutbacks in adult skills at the Skills Funding Agency, there is little further-education funding available for Romney Marsh communities – a critical situation if they are not able to upskill or attain updated qualifications. As a consequence, RRC is now seeking grant-funding support in order to continue its mission.
West Wales
Health and Disability: HUTS
Now established for more than two decades, the Help Us To Survive (HUTS) Workshop supports individuals suffering with mental-health issues and learning disabilities across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. The therapeutic arts-based centre currently has more than 100 active members attending its workshop. The MCF award will go towards maintaining a full-time qualified ceramics and silkscreen-printing support worker. They provide support for members to explore creativity, gain confidence and to reduce isolation and deprivation within the rural community.
Catching a smile with the Masonic Fishing Charity
Thanks to a donation from Durham Benevolence, and the support of brethren from all around the Province, the Durham Branch of the Masonic Fishing Charity hosted its very first event at the Aldin Grange fishing lakes, near Bearpark, in Durham, on Saturday 23rd September
On this bright autumnal morning, the Branch Chairman David Grey, along with Graham Snell, Deputy CEO of the Masonic Fishing Charity, greeted 11 pupils, together with three staff from The Oaks, a large, local authority secondary school, based in Spennymoor, which caters for young people with special educational needs from across South West Durham.
The weather conditions were ideal, apart from a slight breeze; however, they all needed some luck to start catching. This came, surprisingly, in the form of the Provincial Grand Master Eric Heaviside who had come along to support the event. Shortly after Eric's arrival, the students were into their first catch which continued at an erratic rate, depending on where Eric was standing. The enthusiastic shouts of 'got a fish!' continued right up until it was time to break for lunch, by which time 10 of the students had caught fish.
After the final cast of the day, all the participants retired to a barn to attend an awards ceremony where David Grey and Eric Heaviside presented special trophies, medals and certificates of achievement to each youngster. In response, Harry Wilkinson, the teacher in charge from The Oaks School, thanked everyone concerned for the time given voluntarily by all those who organised the event to bring an interactive fishing and countryside experience to all of his students who had attended this very memorable day.
The Durham Branch held another event more recently at Aldin Grange fishing lakes, which was a recruitment and training day for participants identified from within the Province. Once again, the venue was kindly provided by Brian Hodgson from Agricola Lodge No. 7741.
To find out more about the Masonic Fishing Charity click here.
Derwent Lodge helps keep Great North Air Ambulance Service flying high
A golden and unique Masonic evening took place on 22nd November, at the always welcoming Derwent Lodge No. 4250 in the village of Chopwell, which saw over £10,000 donated to the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS)
This was achieved through the collective charitable efforts of the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) and Durham Benevolence, as well the efforts of Derwent Lodge itself.
Assistant Provincial Grand Master John Watts was in attendance to firstly recognise the charitable efforts of Derwent Lodge and proudly presented Ken Cook, the Lodge Charity Steward, a well-deserved Gold Award on behalf of the Province for meeting their Durham 2021 festival five-year target in only 22 months.
Durham Freemasons and, in particular, Derwent Lodge have a strong charitable association with the GNAAS and upon closing the Lodge, Ben McWilliams of the GNAA then gave a short presentation in the Lodge room regarding their work. He played a specially recorded video where the Director of Operations at the GNAAS thanked Derwent Lodge and Durham Freemasons for their ongoing support towards this crucial service.
John Watts then had the privilege, on behalf of the MCF, to present Ben McWilliams with a £4,000 grant as well as an additional £1,000 on behalf of Provincial Grand Lodge Durham to contribute towards the next generation of motor vehicles, to assist them with their life-saving work on both land and in the air.
Keith Walker, Derwent Lodge Treasurer, also presented GNASS with an additional £5,300 which had been raised through the support of Lodge members and friends at the annual Derwent Lodge Barbeque. This special event has increased in attendance from 37 to 141 people in the five years that it has been in existence and is now widely supported by the Lodge members, other local Freemasons and the business community.
Durham Freemasons enjoy night of celebration and support at Durham Cathedral
Nearly 1,000 Freemasons and their families gathered for a special evening of thanks and celebration in style in the world heritage site that is Durham Cathedral in September, as the Province of Durham marked the United Grand Lodge of England's Tercentenary
As well as brethren and their families from all corners of the Province, the Provincial Grand Master RW Bro Eric Heaviside was honoured to have as his special guests HM Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham, Mrs Sue Snowdon, His Worship the Mayor of Durham, Councillor Bill Kellett, the Dean of Durham, the Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett and the Assistant Grand Master RW Bro Sir David Wootton.
With the cathedral near to capacity, the service was conducted with precision and splendour; tributes associated with any formal Provincial Masonic occasion and with Durham Cathedral. Looking across the cathedral, the rows of pews were awash with gold and masonic blue. The evening was further enhanced with hymns from both the Cathedral Choir and Durham's very own Masonic Choir, conducted by W Bro Paul Debenham.
In the middle of the service, the Dean of Durham handed over proceedings to the Provincial Grand Master who conducted a special award presentation from Durham Benevolence, distributing £100,000 in community support grants to 10 local charities and organisations who support children or young adults in need.
Award Recipients included:
- Sunderland Minster – £25,800
- Friends of Carlton Camp (Hartlepool) – £10,000
- Enter CIC (Ferryhill) – £10,000
- Cheesy Waffles (Durham) – £10,000
- Home on the Range (Spennymoor) – £10,000
- Heel & Toe Children's Charity (Chester-le-Street) – £10,000
- 2505 Squadron RAF Air Cadets (Bishop Auckland) – £10,000
- Co Durham Young Farmers Clubs (Durham) – £7,000
- Kayaks (South Shields) – £5,000
- Hug In a Bag (Durham and Darlington) – £5,000
After the presentation, the Dean delivered his sermon, in particular paying tribute to the charitable giving of Durham Freemasons and went on to commend the very foundations on which Freemasonry is built – a respect for one another, kindness, honesty and trust.
Once again, the Province of Durham showed that when they do something, they do it in style. A wonderful evening was enjoyed by all who attended, with the Tercentenary celebrated in a fitting manner and local worthy causes supported for the future.


text:
The cocktail food was fabulous, and included both cheese fondue and chocolate fondue. Strawberries dipped in chocolate was my favourite choice of the evening.
As for my outfit, I whipped up a shorts jumpsuit that I had cutout in my sewing cupboard. It's a modern pattern but very much in the style of some 70s outfits. I topped it all off with some massive platform shoes, belt, big hoop earrings and the piece de resistance - a curly afro wig. The wig really threw a couple of my friends - they didn't recognise me. I loved it! And I had a real blast. I kinda want to dress up in 70s disco more often.
And thanks to the lovely ainead for some of the photos.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
A while back we gave the San Francisco Examiner a hard time for its bizarre female-unfriendly practices -- and we stand by it! But it turns out that strained gender relations seem to be a problem even for local newspapers at the other end of the political spectrum.
The San Francisco Bay Guardian's cover today gives us a full-frontal view of nudists at the beach. Great -- who doesn't want to see naked people for free? But the trouble with this picture is that we only get a true eyeful of the bare-assed women, while the fellas have their manparts hidden. (One is figleafed behind Psychology Today. Maybe Reader's Digest wasn't beefy enough?)
So, basket or not, the Guardian isn't brave enough to show us what these guys have packed for the picnic.
Aside from it being a terrible photo, it reminds us of those old Cinemax After Dark movies where women's breasts are overexposed while men's penises are tucked primly away -- even during those endless sex scenes.
So while the Bay Guardian might try to pride itself on being militantly progressive, it appears the newspaper's standards on how to represent women aren't much different than those of the conservative Examiner -- and that's the ultimate insult.
Follow us on Twitter at @SFWeekly and @TheSnitchSF


text:
Welcome to Islamix
Islamix is a unique English based organisation focused on creating deeper understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims, with a view to creating a more harmonious and peaceful society.
The organisation is committed to creating good relations between diverse communities with emphasis on promoting authentic aspects of Islam through a range of services.
There are different levels of engagement with the focus of engaging strategically and promoting locally. Islamix is active at local, national and international levels Our mission simply is to unite as one community working tirelessly for the common good – at time where it is now become critical.
Wycombe Road
Saunderton HP14 4BF
Office: 020 3633 0445
mobile: 07961 368543
Email: email@example.com


text:
About Swiss Re
This is your opportunity to join Swiss Re Group - one of the world's leading wholesale providers of reinsurance, insurance and other innovative forms of insurance-based risk transfer. Our business at Swiss Re is about understanding and analysing the major risks that concern the world - from natural catastrophes to climate change, from ageing populations to cybercrime. We combine experience with expertise and innovative thinking to create new opportunities and solutions for our clients. And we enable the risk-taking essential to enterprise and progress. This is only possible with around 10,000 truly exceptional Swiss Re people across our group worldwide.
About the role
Swiss Re is a leading and highly diversified global reinsurer. The company operates through offices in over 25 countries. Founded in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1863, Swiss Re offers financial services products that enable risk-taking essential to enterprise and progress. The company's traditional reinsurance products and related services for property and casualty, as well as the life and health business are complemented by insurance-based corporate finance solutions and supplementary services for comprehensive risk management. (For more company information, go to www.swissre.com)
Every year, Swiss Re offers internships to a number of bright and highly motivated students, enabling them to benefit from the company's global perspective and to discover the world. A Swiss Re internship can be much more than a temporary job - it can be your first step to a rewarding career. The program is expected to last 10 - 12 weeks, offers competitive salaries, and is offered in various Swiss Re locations.
About the team
The Americas Regulatory Risk Management team is a group with diverse backgrounds and talents including lawyers, actuaries, and government affairs professionals. Our core mission is to identify, influence, and communicate regulatory risks and opportunities in the Americas to enable business success across the enterprise. Our team is responsible for regulatory and legislative issues across all business units in the US, Canada and Latin America, and in coordination with the larger Swiss Re Group. The issues the team handles encompass property/casualty and life/health at the national and state/local levels in the aforementioned jurisdictions.
About You
We are looking for an intern for to support the Americas Regulatory Risk Management team, with a specific focus on technical property/casualty and/or life/health regulatory and legislative issues. The opportunity: The opportunity entails the responsibility to understand, analyze and communicate the impact of technical regulatory and legislative risks on Swiss Re Americas. This work will be done in close coordination with the Americas Regulatory Risk Management team, and other key industry stakeholders including trade associations. The opportunity will require the selected candidate to be an advocate for Swiss Re Americas to internal and external stakeholders.
© 2015 Casualty Actuarial Society. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Statement and Terms of Use
4350 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 250, Arlington, VA 22203 | phone: (703) 276-3100 · fax: (703) 276-3108


text:
Steph Curry won the last two NBA MVPs and one out of the last two NBA Championships. The NBA's various records for 3-point shooting now read like Steph's personal diary: most in a game, most in a season, etc., etc. He owns them all.
And Steph has done it in a body that wouldn't necessarily stand out at a PTA meeting. The Warriors star's unassuming size, his long range proficiency, his wicked handle and his unflappable confidence make him a fan favorite. Here are 5 great gifts for the Steph Curry fan in your life.
Steph Curry is the anchor of the UnderArmour basketball brand with his signature hoops shoes. Finish Line has the Curry 3 for $140 — plus some less expensive versions for kids.
The BOOK: Stephen Curry: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Sharpest Shooters
Steph Curry "Ghost" T-Shirt under $20
Stephen Curry Adidas Gold Hardwood Classics Swingman Climacool jersey — official from the NBA Store $109.99
Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry NBA Replica Jersey — Boys 8-20 at Kohl's


text: tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246013832017-06-06T08:48:41.747-04:00Wee KitchenElizabethhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com http://users.feedblitz.com/4893df62a101cfe5ad88873ea2d02b92/Wee-Kitchen-LOGO-700x140-FI.png http://www.weekitchen.com/2014/06/blog-awards-ireland-2014-nominations.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24601383.post-65190365966966302582014-06-04T20:56:00.000-04:002014-06-04T20:56:07.435-04:00Blog Awards Ireland 2014 | Nominations Open nominations opened for the Blog awards Ireland 2014. Across Ireland—and around the world—Irish blogs are being recognized and celebrated through this process. Last year, there were more than 3,000 nominations and the initial long-list included 800 blogs...amazing! What a testament to Irish blogging. Last year, I really enjoyed perusing the long list and finding so many new-to-me blogs—it really was eye opening! I've already submitted my nominations for this year, and if you read Irish blogs, I encourage you to as well. I'm pleased to write that once again, Wee Kitchen is eligible in the Best Blog of the Irish Diaspora category (along with many other fantastic blogs!). You can check out the entire thirty-two category list here, but be sure to nominate your favorite blogs by July 11th. Lastly, thank you to Lorna Sixsmith and Amanda Webb for their dedication and passion for blogging and to bringing much deserved attention to the Irish blogging community! You are both much appreciated! The awards will take place in the Westgrove Hotel in Clane, Co. Kildare on October 4th, 2014. Get nominating!Stay in touch | blog | facebook | flickr | instacanv.as | twitter ]]> CommentsCommentsRelated StoriesWee Kitchen is a Finalist in Blog Awards Ireland!Why, Thank You! ]]> Elizabethhttp://email@example.com http://www.weekitchen.com/2014/05/garlic-chive-pesto-irish-soda-bread.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24601383.post-13580381741423023282014-05-28T04:30:00.000-04:002014-05-28T04:30:01.209-04:00Garlic Chive Pesto Irish Soda Bread Cinnamon rolls? Nah. Who knew that soda bread could be rolled, filled, sliced and baked like this? Until recently, I didn't. But soda bread makes the perfect foil for a number of fillings. On this particular day there were fresh, piquant garlic chives at the farmer's market begging to be bought. How could I resist? Garlic Chive Pesto 1/2 cup walnuts 1/2 cup parmesan cheese 1 large bunch garlic chives 1/4 teaspoon salt dash pepper olive oil Place the walnuts and cheese into the bowl of a food processor and pulse until the cheese and walnuts are combined and have reached a small crumb size. Add the chives, salt, and pepper and process until combined. With the processor running, add olive oil in a thin stream until the pesto reaches the desired consistency—like a thick paste. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Garlic Chive Pesto Soda Bread 450 g flour 1 scant teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 300 ml buttermilk Preheat the oven to 425°F/220°C/Gas Mark 7. Sift the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the buttermilk. Using your hands, mix the dough until it's combined—the dough will be thick. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead lightly into round. Roll the dough into a large rectangular shape, about 1/2" thick. Spread 3-4 large spoonfuls of chive pesto onto the dough to within about 1/2" of the sides. Beginning on one of the long sides, roll the dough into a cylinder shape. Cut 1/2" rounds and place into a round, greased baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Brush lightly with olive oil when still hot from the oven. These rolls make a wonderful accompaniment to a simple salad but wouldn't it be more fun to share them? Inject a little bit of Ireland at your next potluck and let me know how you like them! Come again! Stay in touch | blog | facebook | flickr | instacanv.as | twitter ]]> CommentsCommentsRelated StoriesIrish Soda Bread with RampsHappy St. Patrick's Day! ]]> Elizabethhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fOzBrzAPQ0A/U4KVI6MclsI/AAAAAAAAE2E/zVxzifeCAQw/s72-c/GarlicChiveBread-0601-copy.png http://www.weekitchen.com/2014/04/irish-soda-bread-with-ramps.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24601383.post-72513918081686961262014-04-23T05:00:00.000-04:002014-04-23T05:00:00.736-04:00Irish Soda Bread with Ramps Here on the east coast of the United States, ramps (allium tricocca, or wild leeks) are in season. Ramps originated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, but they grow from there northward as far as Canada. A ramp is not the same plant as a ramson (allium ursinum, or bear's garlic); ramsons do not grow wild in the United States. Now that we have that out of the way, let's make some soda bread. This recipe was largely inspired by Donal Skehan's recipe for Wild Garlic Irish Soda Bread. Since ramsons are not available to me here in the U.S., I substituted ramps. Although ramps are indeed wild leeks, they have a distinct garlic flavor that I knew would work well in this bread. The garlic flavor is so pronounced in fact that most people say you can "smell ramps before you see them". I've foraged for ramsons in Ireland and have found that to be true of them, too. Clearly, ramps and ramsons are closely related. To make this bread using ramps, simply follow Donal's recipe and substitute the ramsons with about five ramps. I'll be travelling to Ireland soon and am hoping there are a few ramsons left in the wild while I'm there. I'd love do some baking with them. In the meantime, I'm happy with the American counterpart—the ramp—and how it's transformed this bread. It's lovely toasted with some good Irish cheddar melted on top, but I think my next step may be to use it as a base for a savory bread pudding. You'll have to come back for that recipe! Come again! Stay in touch | blog | facebook | flickr | instacanv.as | twitter ]]> CommentsCommentsRelated StoriesGarlic Chive Pesto Irish Soda BreadHappy St. Patrick's Day! ]]> Elizabethhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ovSomNcWnwE/U06aqXFO1SI/AAAAAAAAE1U/lOJ8YZo7ScU/s72-c/RampSodaBread-0296-copy.png


text:
Meghan Diggins, BS, CFSP
Classical Feng Shui Practitioner
firstname.lastname@example.com 707-888-4164
What is Feng Shui?
Ask 100 different practitioners, and you may receive 100 different answers as to how Feng Shui works, or what it is. Whether one chooses to look at it scientifically or ethereally, there is no doubt that there is an energetic force both inside and around objects (including people). Science is finally beginning to confirm what shamans, energy workers, and Feng Shui practitioners have known all along – there is a force beyond the electrons, underlying the molecules, in the space between the spaces, which our bodies intuitively respond to.
To me, Feng Shui is a language hidden deep inside ourselves and in everything around us. In my practice of Feng Shui and to paraphrase John Muir, I adopt the idea that we are all, at our barest beginnings, connected to everything else in the universe. Consider that the same energy that moves the atoms in our bodies moves the atoms in our armchair, and in that tree outside.
If we accept this, then we realize that adjusting to be more in harmony with our surroundings can enhance our physical, emotional, and mental health and also support the physical manifestations of our desires.
Literally translated, Feng Shui means Wind and Water. It is the name given thousands of years ago to the practice of aligning with our surroundings in order to create more harmony for ourselves and in our lives. In ancient China, it was more a science than a belief. It was a necessity of successful living, although it all began with the placement of graves. As it was practiced more and more through the centuries, it was adopted for living spaces. When someone was ill or injured and visited a doctor, they often also had a Feng Shui practitioner visit their homes, the thought being: why get something fixed if it is only going to happen again as the home exerts its influence?


text:
We are beyond thrilled with these lights! They are absolutely beautiful and will look wonderful in our new kitchen. It has been a pleasure dealing with you and I will definitely recommend you to anyone who is looking for primitive decor!
-Diana, Lancaster, PA
Save up to 70% on select items, but hurry, these deals won't last for long!


text:
"We sing the same old song
Just like a vintage car,
You can look, but you won't ever drive it.
We drink the same old wine
From a brand new jar,
We get hung-over, but we always survive it."
– "New Song" by The Who
Some tasks are just… unenviable.
Take, for example, trying to say something new about iconic California producer Ridge that's not already been said. Go ahead, give it a shot; it's not easy, folks. Some people are adept at taking the same few chords or themes and churning out something that sounds totally new; The Kinks, The Who, John Grisham (okay, maybe not Grisham). I am not one of those people. The Ridge story has been told several times in print, and from a wine perspective equates to something like "these are excellent, potentially long-lived reds, go buy some; the end… why are you still here?"
And so in recapping my visit to Ridge Lytton Springs in Sonoma's Dry Creek Valley, I find myself entertaining a sense of dread that I've not felt since I've had to turn in a term paper in undergrad, the kind that you avoid for as long as possible because you know it's going to be a bitch to write. I can offer at least one take on Ridge that is original, though, since it happened to me personally; so I suppose I'll start there.
A couple of years ago, when interviewing the equally iconic California stalwart Kermit Lynch at his Berkley area shop, I noticed a shelf of old empty bottles on a wall in his office. I pointed out to him that only one of those bottles was from an American producer: Ridge. "Yeah!" he exclaimed, "and check this out!" taking the bottle from its display and showing me the back label, pointing to the small text that proclaimed its sub-14% alcohol by volume. I then tried (unsuccessfully, I think) to convince him that Ridge was still making elegant, long-lived, balanced wines that despite an uptick in abv, and that I'd had several aged examples over the years to prove it.
Interestingly, my host at Ridge's DCV winery was winemaker John Olney (onboard at Lytton Springs since the 2003 vintage), who once worked for Lynch… see, I knew if I tried hard enough there'd be something new there…


text:
The Grand Canyon is 1 of the most amazing and unique sights on earth. Every year, hundreds of thousands of individuals go to the canyon to be awed by its immense size and sheer elegance.
When it comes to Rome bangkok tour package, every thing will be in accordance to your choice, and it will by no means be that difficult as you're supplied with lots of them. First of all, you can have the choice of taking pleasure in this historic city all on your own. If you have a car, then you can merely get absent from the usual places of interest of Rome and proceed to the countryside and close by villages. Definitely, these locations are not covered by professional and commercial bangkok tours. This will surely be a welcome split from the hustle and bustle of the city. In addition to, travel doesn't have to be super-expensive as there are trains that you can ride going from one point to an additional.
This is the most notable attraction of this valley and it draws in 1000′s from the country and the about the globe every yr. If you visit this lake in spring then you can enjoy a boat trip or lease a houseboat to reside in. You can also dive in for a swim and enjoy your self. These who will go to this place in winter season can appreciate the pleasure of walking barefoot on the frozen lake. This experience is merely fantastic and it beats most other regular adventure offers. The Bangkok tour package taken by you definitely consist of a visit to this scenic lake.
During the last get in touch with she experienced with Priceline, she was emailed May 11, 2009 a customer services phone quantity and told to contact. She experienced already known as a number of times. She was transferred to Trisha, a Bangkok travel service Advisor and told she could offer our daughter, $150.00 a ticket to alter itinerary, $30.00 for each ticket service cost from Priceline and the new tickets would have to be used by April thirteen, 2010. The alter would cost her $540.00 – the authentic tickets had been $333.40 for a complete of $873.forty..what kind of offer is that?
The excursions are totally narrated, guided and limited to a maximum of 10 riders. It's suggested that you book yours in progress as they tend to promote out quickly. Also be aware that you are needed to wear a helmet, but the tour company will offer 1 if you don't have your own.
This company has always assisted people and admiration is guaranteed due to the exact same. They will provide you with all the best of Rome. An ideal location, a perfect company, tends to make it all perfect. .


text:
A Tale of Two Diasporas: Chinese Control and British IndifferenceAugust 18, 2014
At the Wall Street Journal Blog there's an interview with James Jiann Hua To, about his book Qiaowu: Extra-Territorial Policies for the Overseas Chinese. This discusses the policies adopted by China to monitor, protect and supervise the tens of millions of Chinese citizens who live outside the borders of the PRC
As To puts it
The purpose of qiaowu is to rally support for Beijing amongst ethnic Chinese outside of China through various propaganda and thought-management techniques. For the vast majority of the 48 million overseas Chinese around the world, many will be oblivious to qiaowu and its activity. The main target groups are those who are open to and even welcome receiving qiaowu and closer links to China and its foreign service, such as newer migrants or PRC students abroad.
In contrast last weeks Economist had a piece on the British diaspora. Despite five million Brits living abroad the message is the UK doesn't really care:
Of 193 UN member states, 110 have formal programmes to build links with citizens abroad. Britain is not one of them. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's database of Britons abroad is patchy. Of all the high-flying expats with British passports your correspondent asks, only one—Danny Sriskandarajah, a migration expert based in South Africa—has had any contact with local embassies or with UKTI, Britain's trade-promotion body. And his Indian friend has received much more attention from his consulate.
Indeed, India is a trailblazer in this field. It has an entire ministry for its emigrants. Mr Gamlen says it partly has this to thank for the success of its IT industry, built by Indians lured home from Silicon Valley and Europe. Other countries are similarly welcoming. Italy and France even reserve parliamentary seats for their diasporas.
Just because a country has a programme it doesn't mean that it does anything but it's interesting to note a certain continuity. After the First World War the British government mounted an enquiry into why some expatriate communities didn't seem to have been as helpful to the war effort as those of some other countries. The report recommended programmes to cultivate British identity including subsidies for British schools. In another continuity the Treasury said there wasn't any money (eg Fisher J (2009) A Call to Arms: The Committee on British Communities Abroad, 1919-1920, Canadian Journal of History, 44: 261–86.)
It's tempting to attribute this difference in official attitude to regime type(authoritarian control versus democratic indifference and I'm sure that this is part of it, but France and Germany have always had extensive provision for expatriates regardless of political regime. Part of the difference is can be attributed to differences in how these four countries conceptualize the nation. This is an issue I'll pick up in my next post.


text:
Professor Barbara J. Phipps, Ph.D.School of Education - Curriculum & Teaching
Room 309
Room 110G
Barbara Phipps, Ph.D. is Associate Professor of Curriculum & Teaching and Director of the Center for Economic Education at the University of Kansas. She holds graduate degrees in microeconomics and family economics. She teaches economics concepts and teaching methods to educators and teacher education students. She has worked extensively in economics education in the United States and Eastern Europe, teaching economics and pedagogy to educators and conducting research in both the U.S. and Eastern Europe. She has received several grants for and has developed and conducted economics programs for urban high school youth, on technology development in economic education, and on integrating economics into other social sciences and the humanities. She is an affiliated faculty member of the Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies and the European Studies programs at KU and a member of the Executive Committee of the European Studies Program. Her current research interests include children's learning of economic concepts and economic education in transitional economies. Professor Phipps has been involved in KU Faculty Governance, serving as President of the Faculty Senate and the Board of Regents Council of Faculty Senate Presidents in 2010-11.
Barbara Phipps specializes in economics education.
Teaching Philosophy
My philosophy of college teaching has evolved throughout my years of practical experience. I began my experience doing what college faculty are often criticized for doing, "teaching as I was taught". I was an eager learner and assumed my students would be similar. All that would be required of me would be to organize the course content, assign readings, and lecture the students on the content, and they would understand! The first few exams I gave forced me to begin reformulating this "philosophy". Today, two principles guide my teaching: (1) organize the learning experience to assist students in relating the subject with their prior learning and life events, and (2) require students to be actively involved in the learning process. My teaching philosophy might be summarized as follows:
Learning is primarily the responsibility of the learner. The instructor has four major roles in the educational environment: (1) to assist learners in organizing learning experiences; (2) to work with students to set standards for achievement; (3) to serve as one source of information on the content to be learned; and (4) to guide students in developing and using critical thinking and problem solving strategies to construct meaning from a variety of educational experiences and information sources.
In keeping with my philosophy, I practice a method of teaching based on constructivist learning theory. That is, I provide a framework and background, but expect the student to construct meaning from the course or classroom experience. I view my role as guiding the student toward meaning and understanding through critical thinking and problem solving. I expect that students will seek the answers to their questions. I attempt to start their thinking processes through reflective responses, rather than direct answers, to their questions. The discipline of economics provides an ideal foundation for my teaching philosophy. Economics has been called the science of decision-making. Its conceptual framework develops from the problems involved in allocation of scarce resources. Problem solving is inherent in the discipline. There are many issues of modern society to which students can apply economic principles and concepts to analyze and derive their own answers or potential solutions. As an instructor, I can best embody my teaching philosophy by continuing my own quest for learning and by serving as an enthusiastic mentor in my students' pursuit of learning.
Teaching Interests
- Economics for educators
- Instructional methods and strategies
- Applied research for educators
Research Interests
- Children's learning of economic concepts
- Economic education in transitional economies
Selected Publications
West, S. Banerjee, M. Friedline, T. & Phipps, B. J. (in press). Coming up short: Family composition, income, and household savings. Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research, in press.
Bushati, D. & Phipps, B. J. (2013). Teacher training and economics understanding of Albanian high school students. International Review of Economic Education, 14(September), 46-56.
Phipps, B. J., Strom, R. J., & Baumol, W. J. (2012). Economics without the Prince of Denmark: The entrepreneur in introductory economics. Journal of Economic Education, 43(1), 58-71.
Bushati, D. B., & Phipps, B. J. (2010). Attitudes of economic educators toward markets in Eastern Europe & the former Soviet Union by reform status of the educator's country. Journal of Economics & Economic Education Research, 11(3), 47-60.
Channell, G. Flowers, B. Hopkins, M. Phipps, B. J., & Shearer, D. (2007). Focus: Grades K-2 Economics, New York, NY: National Council on Economic Education.
Phipps, B. J., Vredeveld, G. & Voikova, A. (2002). Economic Education Reform in Bulgaria: Some Positive Steps Toward Expanding the Economic Knowledge of Bulgarian Students. In M. Watts & W. Walstad (Eds.), Reforming Economics and Economics Teaching in the Transition Economies: From Marx to Markets in the Classroom. Northampton, MA: Edward Elgar Publishing.


text:
On November 15th, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission released its 2013 Annual Report to Congress on the Dodd-Frank Whistleblower Program, available in full here. The report contains helpful insight into the operation of the SEC's Office of the Whistleblower (OWB), and details OWB's progress to date, its priorities moving forward, and the payments awarded through the program. This information is relevant for companies looking to improve internal controls and prevent securities misconduct, individuals in a position to become whistleblowers, and business and compliance professionals throughout the securities industry.
From all indicators, fiscal year 2013 was a year of growth for the OWB. We anticipate this trend will continue in 2014 and beyond, especially as the program and its awards are more widely publicized. Some of the program's key metrics from 2013 are as follows:
- OWB received 3,238 tips and complaints in fiscal year 2013, an increase of almost 8% from the previous fiscal year.
- Corporate Disclosures and Financials (17.2%), Offering Fraud (17.1%), and Manipulation (16.2%) remained the most common complaint categories this fiscal year, and all categories saw an increase in the number of complaints (except for Municipal Securities and Public Pensions).
- OWB received tips and complaints from 55 foreign countries, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- California (375), New York (215), and Florida (187) were the three leading sources of tips domestically, while the United Kingdom (66), Canada (62), and China (52) were the three leading sources internationally.
- OWB posted 118 Notices of Covered Actions to its website, meaning that there were 118 award-eligible enforcement actions and orders (i.e. each having sanctions greater than $1,000,000).
- Of the six whistleblower awards since the inception of the program, four were announced during the 2013 fiscal year.
The SEC has recently announced some new priorities and a number of tougher enforcement policies, including: pursing individuals whenever possible, more frequently requiring admissions of wrongdoing in plea agreements, as well as focusing on less frequently policed areas of the market (e.g. hedge funds, private equity funds, mutual funds, microcap securities).[1] As the SEC seeks more enforcement actions arising from more segments of the market, an OWB that takes in more information will certainly advance those efforts. For example, the SEC's co-director of enforcement recently stated that the Commission's emphasis on Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations will likely make it "an increasingly fertile ground for Dodd-Frank whistleblowing," vowing to "remain the vigilant cop on the beat" for an area that saw an almost 30% increase in tips from 2012.[2] To that end, the report described several OWB policies and priorities designed to encourage more tips and complaints.
First, OWB Chief Sean McKessy confirmed that "[o]ne of the most crucial tenants by which OWB operates is the protection of a whistleblower's identifying information." This commitment is evidenced by the most recent award announced October 30th, the recipient of which remains anonymous to the public. Allowing anonymous contact and establishing a successful track record of protecting identities may ease concerns of potential whistleblowers, and subsequently induce more people to report.
Second, the report reiterated that successful whistleblowers have "provided high-quality original information that allowed the Commission to more quickly unearth and investigate the securities law violation, thereby better protecting investors from further injury and helping to conserve limited agency resources." This emphasis on actionable tips about ongoing violations, comports with the SEC's stated goal of protecting the individual investors in jeopardy, while also precipitating quick changes in conduct throughout the market. Indeed, the largest whistleblower award to date was the result of information that allowed the SEC to secure "substantial investor funds" via an enforcement action within six months from the receipt of the tip.
Of the six whistleblower awards announced by the SEC, one occurred in fiscal year 2012, four occurred in fiscal year 2013, and the most recent award was announced on October 30, 2013, which will be counted towards fiscal year 2014.
- Four awards were given to individuals in fiscal year 2013, totaling $14,831,965.64.
- A $14,000,000 award to a single whistleblower is the largest program payment to date.
- The remaining awards from this fiscal year were given to three individuals who provided related information about a sham hedge fund.
The number of awards to date is undeniably small, with only six awards on more than 6,500 tips during two-plus years. There are, however, several indicators that this is just the beginning for the Dodd-Frank Whistleblower Program. With fiscal year 2014 already off to a quick start with one award, the headlines garnered by the $14,000,000 payment, and a renewed commitment within the SEC on enforcement actions, we fully anticipate that the Whistleblower Program will continue to grow in size and significance. This year's increase in the volume of tips, the number of awards, and the size of the awards will likely continue in 2014.
[1] See Mary Jo White, Chair, U.S. Sec. and Exch. Comm'n, Remarks to the fall conference of the Council of Institution Investors (Sept. 26, 2013), available . See also Luis A. Aguilar, Commissioner, U.S. Sec. and Exch. Comm'n, Remarks to the 20th Annual Securities Litigation and Regulatory Enforcement Seminar (Oct. 25, 2013), available here.
[2] Andrew Ceresney, Co-Director of the Division of Enforcement, U.S. Sec. and Exch. Comm'n, Remarks to the International Conference on the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (Nov. 19, 2013), available here.


text:
Directory Listings
Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center, P.A. Visit Website
540 Madison Oak Drive Ste. 220, San Antonio, TX 78258 210-499-4824
Additional Location: 210-494-3393
Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center is a practice that caters to the needs of our patients. We work very hard to provide you with excellent and friendly service. We spend a considerable amount of time explaining your diagnosis, available testing, and treatment plan. Your satisfaction in your medical care is of utmost importance.


text:
Many children start thinking about Santa Claus as soon as the decorations around town go up. Are you, as a parent, able to answer your child's questions about Christmas and Santa Claus appropriately? Answering the questions the wrong way may crush your child's dreams forever. In this article, we will introduce how to explain about Christmas and Santa Claus without crushing their dreams.
Many people think that Jesus Christ's birthday is 12/25. Actually 12/25 is not really Jesus Christ's birthday but the day we celebrate his nativity. We are not sure exactly when Jesus Christ was born and there are many versions of the story.
When your child asks what Christmas is please explain that it is the day that we celebrate when Jesus Christ came to the people's world from the world of gods.
・Where did Christmas begin?
Many people think that Christmas began where Santa Claus is thought to have lived countries like Finland, Greenland or Norway. However, Christmas did not begin in these countries.
Christmas was actually first celebrated in the Roman Empire which is the current location of a small village in Turkey.
・Where does Santa Claus come from?
Santa Claus is thought to have come from "Saint Nicholas". The idea of Santa Claus delivering presents is said to have started in the 4th Century when Saint Nicholas brought presents and money to a poor family who were thinking of selling their daughter. The story spread and Saint Nicholas began to be called "Shinta Claus" in Norway and "Santa Claus" in America.
Teachers at schools and daycare centers explain about the holiday and Santa Claus accordingly but what happens when children ask questions at home? Answering the questions the wrong way may crush your child's dreams so parents have to be careful. Some children even ask who Santa is and what type of person he is. If you are asked these questions please go ahead and explain as written below.
[Once upon a time, Santa was a staff from the church that gave food to poor families. However, nowadays, he gives Christmas presents to children who behave well throughout the year.]
This explanation is easy for children to understand and helps them relate to the holiday.
By understanding about the holiday yourself, it will be easier to explain to your children and their peers. Let's be careful when explaining about Christmas and Santa Claus as to not crush our children's dreams.


text:
The Magdala pilgrimage guesthouse was the primary focus of the vision Christ gave to Father Juan years ago. While we have been beneficiaries of the grace of God by miraculously discovering this Holy Site, the original plan to provide quality accommodations for pilgrims from around the world has remained unchanged.
Architectural blueprints are completed and construction plans are moving forward. The guesthouse is the first priority of Phase Two because of its importance to pilgrims and the pending expiration of the government grant.
The Magdala Guesthouse will feature a warm and welcoming lobby area for pilgrims to meet and interact. Services in the lobby area will include a gift shop and concierge. A state of the art Business Center will enable guests to reach out around the world to friends and family, as well as conduct business.
The guesthouse will also feature conference and meeting rooms, a pool, and fitness facility. It will feature two parallel hallways where guests will find 153 generously sized rooms and suites. It will be centrally located in close proximity to the restaurant, the first century synagogue, the visitors center, Duc In Altum and the archeological park.


text:
In a rare performance in Los Angeles, Birdy (aka: Jasmine Van Den Bogaerde) will perform at the Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever Cemetery on January 21st.. Tickets were not sold to the public but were offered through a contest on her Facebook page by sending in your name via email. Those lucky enough to attend were contacted yesterday. For those who didn't win any tickets, don't worry, Christina Perri just announced that Birdy will be supporting her on her "Head or Heart" 2014 Spring Tour with a Wiltern show on May 17th. Get your tickets on Christina Perri's website right HERE.
Along with the nomination, her album Fire Within was released in October and her song "Wings" is featured on the new trailer for "Winter's Tale" starring Colin Farrell, Jessica Brown Findlay, Jennifery Connelly and Russell Crowe. The movie will hit theaters this Valentines Day.
And this week, Birdy released her new video for "Skinny Love," the Bon Iver song which was featured on Birdy's self-titled 2012 debut album. Since she released this new version, it has been viewed over 45,000 times already.
"Skinny Love"


text: Shop Our Categories Search site: Submit search www.Rubessteaks.com My Account View cart Shop Rube's Uncorked Rube's Signature Experiences Cabin Fever Packages Web Exclusives Beef Filet Mignon Ribeye T-Bone and Porterhouse Steaks New York Strip Top Sirloin Steakhouse Cuts Pork Seasonings & Sauces Business Gifts + VIP Birthday Steaks Our Steakhouses Rube's of Montour Rube's of Waukee Gift Cards Rube's Rewards Rube's Grill Club Recipes & More Find Recipes Know Your Cuts Live the Lifestyle Steakhouse Intelligence Search site Submit search Nav Menu 4 Nav Menu 5 Nav Menu 6 Nav Menu 7 Nav Menu 8 Home > Shop > Birthday Steaks > Birthday New York Strip An 11 ounce New York Strip, shipped fresh to you from the heart of Iowa. Yours FREE with your $99 product purchase and free steak code during your birthday month, for Rube's Grill Club members only! Enter code at checkout to receive discount. Limit one free steak. Price: $39.00 Product Code: BIRTH-STRIP11 Qty: Description Shipping Information FREE - New York Strip Birthday Steak Click here to view shipping options, charges and delivery schedule. Product Features 1 - 11 oz New York Strip Related Items Birthday Sirloin Birthday Ribeye Price: $39.00 Price: $39.00 Share your knowledge of this product. Be the first to write a review »


text:
Center for Bariatric Surgery
A Successful Program
The Center for Bariatric Surgery is one of the most successful weight loss surgery programs in New Jersey. Led by Dr. Karl Strom, the Center provides a range of less-invasive laparoscopic procedures including gastric sleeve, gastric banding and gastric bypass.
A team approach to success
To provide you with the best possible care, we offer access to a panel of dedicated and experienced specialists. Our bariatric surgery team includes cardiologists, gastroenterologists, pulmonologists, endocrinologists, surgeons, dietitians and behavioral health experts, all working together to develop a personalized care plan for you. This care plan includes extensive education and evaluation before surgery, as well as the lifetime follow-up care and support crucial to keeping weight off and staying healthy.
With you every step of the way
Before surgery, we help our patients successfully navigate the insurance approvals process. Knowing the goal is lifelong change, we provide free, ongoing support before and after surgery. This multidisciplinary approach gives our patients and their families the best possible results.
We know what works
According to estimates, less than 5% of individuals who participate in non-surgical weight loss programs will lose a significant amount of weight and maintain that loss for a long period of time. Sustained weight loss for patients who are morbidly obese is even harder to achieve. Worse, people who subject their bodies to a severe and continuing cycle of weight loss and gain known as "yo-yo dieting" are subject to serious health risks.
Contact Us
The Center for Bariatric Surgery
530 New Brunswick Avenue
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
Phone: 732-442-3700


text:
Labor News Up To The Minute
by Samuel Morris Godwin Morris Laurenzi Bloomfield
50 N. Front St., Memphis TN 38103
901 528 1702 901 949 1144
established yesterday - subscriptions good until tomorrow - published as news breaks
The decline of US labor unions over the last 30 years
Big Strikes Decline; Only 12 with Over 1000 Workers in 2015
More Charts
Labor unions, once a key part the American workforce, have been on the decline for decades.
As jobs have moved to "Right-to-work" states, the number of Americans that are a member of a labor union has gone from around 30% of the population in the 1950s to just over 10% in 2010.
Whether or not this is good news, one thing is for sure -- the decline in unions and their ability to force work stoppages has been precipitous.
This point was further emphasized in a chart from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing the drop-off in major work stoppages since 1980.
"In 2015, there were 12 major work stoppages involving 1,000 or more workers," said a post from the BLS' Economics Daily blog.
"From 2010 to 2015, the number of major work stoppages ranged from 11 to 19. In 2009, there were 5 major work stoppages recorded, the lowest of any year since the series began in 1947. In general, the number of major work stoppages has declined over time."
And so as the membership of labor unions has declined so too has the frequency of a major negotiating tactic.
-----all the labor news that's not fit to print anywhere else----
To sign up contact [email protected]
50 N. Front St., Memphis TN 38103
901 528 1702 901 949 1144
established yesterday - subscriptions good until tomorrow - published as news breaks


text:
Genesis Behind The Lines Sheet Music For Voice Piano Or Guitar Better Valuable 6, Sheet Music Lines: InteriorExquisite inside decors. That's what amecdes brings. In addition to, the interior decors here designed superbly using fascinating and alluring ornaments and furniture. Greater than that, it is ingenious show brings in amecdes from the smallest to the good spaces. For extra ingenious inside designs, Check the interior design ideas HERE.
Decorating inside as lovely as fashionable is important. That is why amecdes brings the only ingenious decors. Designed from the basic to the very futuristic, amecdes presents the great thing about furnishings, designs and specific characteristic. Fully explored from the public to personal space, every space designed elegantly. Do you need to see extra Check this out.
Tagged as blurred lines sheet music discussion as well as sheet music lines and spaces topic along with sheet music lindsey stirling shadows object and sheet music line crossword subject also parallel lines sheet music area of interest with dancing lines sheet music object as well as Interior, please don't forget to check out the main article in Sheet Music Lines.
Sheet Music Lines Excerpt:
About Us
Article Index : A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z – 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Gallery Index : A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z – 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
© 2005-2020 www.emersonlilyfreeschool.org. Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.


text:
Pepperoni Ziti Casserole
Total TimePrep: 20 min. Bake: 30 min.
Makes10 servings
- 1 package (1 pound) uncooked ziti or small tube pasta
- 1/2 pound lean ground turkey
- 2 cans (one 29 ounces, one 8 ounces) tomato sauce, divided
- 1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 can (8 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
- 5 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1/2 cup reduced-fat ricotta cheese
- 4 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1-1/2 ounces sliced turkey pepperoni
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, cook turkey over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the 29-oz. can tomato sauce, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, spinach, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic, garlic powder, pepper flakes and pepper. Drain pasta; fold into turkey mixture.
- Transfer to a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Combine the water and remaining tomato sauce; pour over pasta mixture. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and remaining mozzarella cheese. Top with pepperoni.
- Cover and bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly. Uncover; bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.
Nutrition Facts1 cup: 306 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 795mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Recommended Video
Jul 13, 2015
No need for the ground turkey. I doubled spinach. I substituted cottage cheese for the ricotta. Delicious!- Theresa
May 28, 2015
The whole family really enjoyed this and I love casseroles, win-win. A lot of flavor in this simple ingredient recipe. Perfect amount of sauce to noodle ratio. Since shredded mozzarella comes in 2 cup bags I used the 2 cups. Thanks for the recipe.
Jan 24, 2015
Perfect! I must admit when I usually make a baked ziti dish I do not follow a recipe. Not now! This is our new go-to recipe. As a volunteer food editor for Taste of Home I appreciate recipes that are easy to assemble and provide lots of flavor. Not to mention lots of food for a family of five. With or without the pepperoni this is a great dish!
Jun 21, 2014
saving recipe! thanky ou for sharing TOH. J.
Apr 16, 2014
Really please with the way this turned out. Prep took a bit longer than I expected, but overall I was happy with it! Definitely feels healthier than eating a traditional ziti...there is a lot less cheese. If you want more - just add it in!
Mar 20, 2013
I changed it up by not adding the spinach and garlic (since my family wouldn't eat it anyway) and it still came out delicious!! My kids and nieces all had seconds. It was completely devoured. I call that a success! Definitely making this one again!
Jul 23, 2012
This recipe has way too much garlic. The garlic overpowers all the other flavors. For that reason it tasted terrible. I'm still tasting garlic. Won't make this one again even with recipe altered.
Mar 14, 2012
this is a great tasting dish!
Feb 23, 2011
I put in a whole ten ounce package of chopped spinach, and it turned out great! I think if I fix it again, I might add some green onions. It could have used some. Otherwise, it was great.
Jan 2, 2011
I left out the ground meat and just used pepperoni - didn't miss it! I also fudged the sauce requirements and used more spinach, etc. Everything is just in a weird amount that you can't buy at the store - throw it all together with what you can find and it turns out fine.


text:
The Upper Saddle River Municipal Court judge is an outright liar and an unethical douche who clearly engages in numerous ethics violations while acting as a judge.
While impersonating a judge in USR municipal court on 5/22/2018, Harry D. Norton, Jr. was caught on tape lying. Norton told a defendant that discovery evidence had to be presented to the prosecutor regardless of whether a discovery request had been made or not. In this case, the prosecutor did not make a discovery request, and Harry D. Norton, Jr. took that as an opportunity to violate the defendant's rights and orchestrate the defendant's disadvantage.
Court rules clearly state that the prosecutor must make a discovery request in writing.
Harry D. Norton, Jr. was caught on tape willfully lying about the nature of discovery. Listen to the tape and judge for yourself.
The lying scumbag clearly states "you do not have to make a request for discovery."
WRONG, dirty Harry ASSHOLE. Don't you wonder if his son knows what a scumbag he is? Or, is his son a scumbag like dirty Harry Norton is?
This ethics violation and the violation of the defendant's civil rights is clear and willful. We are calling for the removal of Upper Saddle River Municipal Court judge from the bench and for him to be permanently barred from public employment.
The aforementioned documented misconduct by Norton appears consistent with the criminal offense enumerated in N.J.S. 2C:30-2A (Official Misconduct).
(** Please note that judges DO NOT enjoy absolute immunity against criminal prosecution while acting in their official capacities. For example, see Office of Attorney General news release dated 6/4/2010 regarding former chief justice of the New Jersey Municipal Court, Wanda Molina, pleading guilty to fixing parking tickets).


text:
A 56-YEAR-old man was bashed with a plank of wood shortly after he was involved in a traffic crash in South Lake last night.
Police say the man was seen driving erratically about 9.30pm before his white van left the road hitting a tree and then a power pole on Tarndale Way.
As the man was talking to witnesses another man emerged from the darkness and swung a piece of wood at the 56-year-old, hitting him in the face.
The male attacker left the area on foot.
The victim was taken to Fremantle Hospital for treatment.
Anyone who saw the crash or who has any information regarding the incident should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.


text:
Syntax-Highlighted Code in HTML Emails in MailChimp
As many of you know, I've recently launched a new weekly newsletter called Web Tools Weekly. In addition to providing a weekly, categorized list of tools for front-end developers, most issues begin with a brief tip or tutorial that usually includes code examples that have syntax highlighting.
The method I use is based on a suggestion given to me by Joshua Clanton, who writes the very cool A Drip of JavaScript newsletter. When I asked him how he embeds code in his, he directed me to a page on MailChimp's blog along with a GitHub repo.


text:
Nutrition Unit is a Section in the Community Health department whose goal is to contribute to the improvement of the nutritional status of the general population through intensified services to a level that is consistent with good health.
The unit supports implementation through strategy, policy and guideline development, setting standards, capacity building & development, monitoring & evaluation, quality assurance, resource mobilization and technical support in nutrition.
The nutrition unit has the following major areas of focus, which include;
1. Maternal Infant and Young Child Feeding; Government of Uganda recognizes the critical role of nutrition in the health and well-being of women, mothers and children, who are indispensable segments of the population, for socio-economic transformation and development. The Government has therefore created an enabling environment to support Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition programmes through provision of policies, guidelines, regulations, and protocols, as well as service delivery avenues which allow access to nutrition services for such a population. However, the Ministry of Health has evolved from common Infant and Young Child feeding to Maternal Infant and Young Child and Adolescent Nutrition (MIYCAN) due to the focus on the first 1000 days ( that is , from conception until the baby is 2 years old) and the need to include Adolescents. The goal of MIYCAN Road map is to accelerate implementation of key interventions to improve, protect and promote optimal maternal, infant, young child and adolescent nutrition practices in order to achieve improved health, well-being and survival of women, children and adolescents in Uganda. This overall goal will be achieved through the application of various strategic interventions and actions.
2. Micronutrients: this thematic area focuses on supplementation and fortification. Food fortification is one of the strategies being pursued by the Government of Uganda to reduce micronutrient deficiencies.
Food fortification in Uganda is achieved in three main ways which include; Bio fortification, Industrial Fortification and Home Fortification (Point of Use Fortification) .
- Bio fortification; the Ministry of Health in partnership with key stakeholders is promoting the production and consumption of bio-fortified foods like iron rich beans, orange fleshed sweet potatoes and high protein maize.
- Industrial fortification; this is where vitamin and mineral premix is added to a food product. Industrial food fortification started in 1994 with mandatory iodization of all imported salt, and later expanded to other staples with the creation of fortification standards for oil, sugar, wheat and maize flour in 2004. These standards include fortifying edible cooking oils and fats with vitamin A, and wheat and maize flour with vitamin A, iron, zinc, folic acid, and other B-complex vitamins including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, B6, and B12. It is mandatory for all industries producing 10Metric Tonnes(MT) of edible oil and /or fat, 20 MT of wheat flour and 10 MT of maize flour per 24hr hour period to fortify their products with vitamin A and iron. The mandatory food fortification regulations came into effect from July 1, 2013.
- Home fortification ; this is where micronutrients powders (Vitamins and mineral powders) are added to complementary foods of children 6 - 23 months of age to increase their vitamin and mineral intake. The mixture is provided in a single-serving sachet, the contents of which are simply sprinkled over the food before consumption. With this intervention, foods can be fortified either in the home or in any other place where meals are to be consumed. The Home Fortification programme was officially launched on 3rd December 2015.
Supplementation; the main interventions are Vitamin A and Iron Folic Acid (IFA). Vitamin A is administered to children under 5 years of age every 6 months from 1 year as per the Integrated Child Health Days guidelines. Postpartum Vitamin A supplementation was discontinued among in Uganda according to the guild lines released by World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2011. IFA is given to pregnant women to prevent Anaemia.
3. Nutrition and Disease: this includes Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition and Nutrition in HIV/AIDS. Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) is an approach which addresses acute malnutrition and focuses on the integration of the management of acute malnutrition into the on-going routine health services at all levels.
In Uganda IMAM has four components; Community, Supplementary Feeding Programmes (SFP), Outpatient Therapeutic Care (OTC) and Inpatient Therapeutic Care (ITC) programmes.
The Community services involve early identification, referral, and follow-up of the acutely malnourished at community level. SFP manages and treats MAM in children of 6-59 months and other vulnerable groups that include pregnant women, lactating women with infants less than 6 months, those with special needs such as the elderly. OTC provides home-based management and rehabilitation of SAM patients as well as MAM patients with HIV/TB who have an appetite and no medical complications. ITC is for the management of SAM with medical complications.
Nutrition in HIV/AIDS: Deals with patients of chronic diseases, including HIV and tuberculosis (TB). Ministry of Health and development partners have provided targeted nutrition interventions to districts and health facilities using the Nutrition Assessment, Counseling and Support (NACS) approach in services for people living with such people.
4. Monitoring , Evaluation and Surveillance: this focuses on;
- Updating of registers, tally sheets, report forms to capture nutrition indicators through the Health management Information System (HMIS)
- Training of biostatisticians on the up-dated HMIS nutrition component
- Development of nutrition health facility assessment tools (2014- 2015)
5. Operational and formative Research: this focuses on participating in food security and nutrition related surveys, namely;
- Baseline, mid-line and end-line surveys for the introduction of home fortification with micronutrient powders
- Formative research for the development of micronutrient powders
- Worm load Survey 2014
- Dietary survey and knowledge Attitude and Practice survey on IYCF to inform the development of food based complementary feeding recommendations in the East and Western regions
- A national fortification assessment aimed at assessing program coverage of fortified staple foods, as well as the contributions towards daily Reference Nutrient Intakes (RNIs), in partnership with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Makerere University (June 2015).
6. Food Safety: working in partnership with the African Union and East African Community (EAC) and in conjunction with other key stakeholders, the EAC project on Aflatoxin Prevention and Control was conceptualized and launched in March,2014. The overall focus of this project was to mitigate the adverse impacts of Aflatoxin along the food and value chains in the region, which birthed the EAC Regional Strategy and Action Plan on prevention and Control of Aflatoxin for the period.


text:
Thumbnailed image library
Create a thumbnail image library with this simple code.
Create an image library, with thumbnail views for the Web.
For the view to work, you must create a form with a rich text field to hold your thumbnail image. The code that follows can go either into a column in your view for the Web or, more efficiently, into a hidden field on your form.
It will pull the thumbnail image from your form and make it a clickable link in the view, assuming your thumbnail Rich Text Field is called 'Thumbnail'.
"[]"


text:
How to install android on IPhone 4
Installing android on an IPhone 4 may be quite challenging, as the task is daunting enough to even get a good, healthy programmer scratch his/her head but if you practically do the task with care and precision, it quite possible to achieve an IPhone 4 with an android operating system. There are three steps required to successfully convert your IPhone 4 to an Android operating system and they are
- 1. Jailbreak the IOS in your IPhone
- 2. Install a customized boot up application
- 3. Root your Android OS for full functionality
Jail Breaking the IOS
The initial step required is firstly to jailbreak your IPhone 4, jail-breaking does not account for unlocking a phone; through jail-breaking you can install third party applications to you IPhone while unlocking only enables you to change your IPhone carrier and unlocking an IPhone can only be unlocked once it has been jail broken. Benefits of jail breaking include
(a) Jail breaking enables a person to use their IPhone for wireless fidelity hotspots and also to be used for as live video recording device.
(b) Install open source application.
(c) Customize the desktop theme and other default features.
(d) It also enables a person to install boot up applications which would then potentially enable the user a choice of either booting up in the Android OS or the IOS.
(e) Prominent Jail breaking software include iJailbreak tool, Jailbreak unlock and Automatics IPhone unlocker but I personally would recommend iJailbreak tool as it is very user friendly and has a neat UI.
The Transitional Period
The transitional period includes installing a boot up application software that potentially is used to choose between the IOS and Android OS. The most prominent application for this is Boot lace.
(a) Boot lace provides full functionality of controlling the aspects of what to potentially install in the Android OS
(b) The Android OS file may be in the form of a zip archived nature and once run through the boot lace scramble feature your IPhone would probably be enabled in for Android OS application.
(c) The most fundamental step includes rebooting the phone into recovery and installing the appropriate zip files from the green paneled console.
(d) The next reboot will take a lot of time but once this is done your IPhone would establish a dual natured functionality of an Android OS as well as a IOS
Running and Rooting the Android OS
After installing the android OS from bootlace every time your phone boots up the phone would ask whether to run in Android OS or IOS and if you select the Android OS feature then most probably a fresh install would generally be glitch. To counteract this problem all a user need to do is root his OS in the android feature
(a) Z root is one of the most efficient rooting software and hence very handy tool
(b) Without rooting the Android OS you IPhone would generally encounter force close issues or at worse heat up and malfunction.
(c) The phone would use a lot of memory due to incompatibility with the hardware and slow down all other processes.
Related posts
1 Comment
App cheats
It's really a great and helpful piece of info. I'm satisfied that you simply shared this useful info with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.