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Literary giant Prof. Chinua Achebe has stirred the hornets' nest, with his claim that war-time Head of State General Yakubu Gowon and the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo formulated policies that promoted genocide against the Igbo.
In his newly released civil war memoirs, There was a country, Achebe said: "Almost 30 years before Rwanda, before Darfur, more than 2 million people-mothers, children, babies, civilians-lost their lives as a result of the blatantly callous and unnecessary policies enacted by the leaders of the federal government of Nigeria."
Quoting the Oxford Dictionary, the celebrated writer said genocide is "the deliberate and systematic extermination of an ethnic or national group …The UN General Assembly defined it in 1946 as …a denial of the right of existence of entire human groups."
He said: "Throughout the conflict, the Biafrans consistently charged that the Nigerians had a design to exterminate the Igbo people from the face of the earth. This calculation, the Biafrans insisted, was predicated on a holy jihad proclaimed by mainly Islamic extremists in the Nigerian Army and supported by the policies of economic blockade that prevented shipments of humanitarian aid, food and supplies to the needy in Biafra ."
On Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who was the Vice Chairman of the Federal Executive Council and Minister of Defence, Achebe said: "The wartime cabinet of General Gowon, the military ruler, it should also be remembered, was full of intellectuals, like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, among others, who came up with a boatload of infamous and regrettable policies. A statement credited to Awolowo and echoed by his cohorts is the most callous and unfortunate: all is fair in war, and starvation is one of the weapons of war. I don't see why we should feed our enemies fat in order for them to fight harder'.
"It is my impression that Awolowo was driven by an overriding ambition for power, for himself and for his Yoruba people. There is, on the surface at least, nothing wrong with those aspirations. However, Awolowo saw the dominant Igbo at the time as the obstacles to that goal, and when the opportunity arose with the Nigeria-Biafra war, his ambition drove him into a frenzy to go to every length to achieve his dreams. In the Biafran case, it meant hatching up a diabolical policy to reduce the numbers of his enemies significantly through starvation eliminating over two million people, mainly members of future generations."
Achebe's views provoked anger yesterday.
Reacting yesterday, Mr. Ayo Opadokun who was Assistant Director of Organisation of the late Chief Awolowo's Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and later Secretary of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), described the Achebe assertion as "typical".
"It is a reharsh of the perverted intellectual laziness which he had exhibited in the past in matters related to Chief Obafemi Awolowo. When Achebe described Awo as a Yoruba irredentist, what he expected was that Awo should fold his arms to allow the Igbo race led by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, to preside over the affairs of the Yoruba nation," Opadokun said.
Opadokun pointed out that some of his colleagues who played prominent roles in liberating Nigeria from the clutches of military rule, such as Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (rtd), Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (rtd), Dr. Arthur Nwankwo, Alhaji Abulaziz Ude and others who he described as "men of honour and integrity", are Igbo. But he found it difficult to believe that a scholar of Achebe's stature could be so unforgiving.
He said, "Let our Igbo brothers be reminded that about three-quarters of their assets not in the eastern Region are in Lagos and we have been very liberal and accommodating. We have allowed them to live undisturbed."
Senator Biyi Durojaiye shares Opadokun's view. He said: "My view is that you don't expect somebody on the receiving end of a war to say something pleasant about the winners.
"I don't share Achebe's view that Awolowo did all he did for personal political aggarandisement. It was all in the process of keeping Nigeria one. What he and General Gowon did was in the process of preserving the integrity of Nigeria ."
He urged the Igbo to be more charitable, seeing that both sides of the war are now benefiting from its outcome. He enjoined all to join hands in facing the challenges of the moment, insisting that the way to go is for all Nigerians to support a Sovereign National Conference and restructuring of the polity.
Mr. Jacob Omosanya who participated actively in Action Group politics as a member of the Action Group Youth Association AGYA), said Achebe and many of his kinsmen in public life are tribalistic and "that is what he has exhibited in this new book."
"It is not new. He canvassed similar views in The trouble with Nigeria. Dr. Azikiwe and his people should be grateful to the Yoruba who have always been liberal. When Zik was on his way back home from the United States, he ran into trouble in the Gold Coast. It was a team of lawyers led by the late H. O. Davies that saved him. This is a fact of history that should not be lost on the Igbo."
Mr. Omosanya said he had expected that people intellectuals such as Achebe, would be bridge builders and avoid inflaming passions.


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Orange Police Reports Oct. 30-Nov.1
Officers from the Orange Police apartment responded to the following calls between Oct. 30-Nov. 1:
Follow-up investigation, 201 8th St.
Traffic accident, 2400 16th St.
Traffic accident, Allie Payne at Meek Dr.
Extra patrol, Carter St.
Cruelty toward child, 201 8th St.
Public intoxication, IH-10 W.
Burglary, 100 College St.
Theft, 573 Gardenia
Traffic accident, 1600 16th St.
Warrant service, 16th and Hart
Aggravated assault, 2043 4th St.
Traffic accident, IH-10
Damaged property, 38 Bruce Ln.
Warrant service, Hwy. 62
Public intoxication, 3709 N. 16th St.
Theft, 4775 N. Hwy. 87
Miscellaneous incidents, 1700 Lutcher Dr.
Assault, S. Hwy. 87
Robbery, 1012 Park Ave.
Traffic accident, 7241 IH-10
Larceny from vehicle, 1604 Cherry Ave.
Theft, 517 Knox Ave.

subset: commoncrawl


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Over at Danger Room, Noah Shachtman has a great post on how activists both inside and outside of Iran have taken what is now being dubbed the "Green Revolution" online, and the various ways that these cyberattacks could potentially backfire.
Pro-democracy activists on the web are asking supporters to use relatively simple hacking tools to flood the regime's propaganda sites with junk traffic. "NOTE to HACKERS – attack www.farhang.gov.ir – pls try to hack all iran gov wesites [sic]. very difficult for us," Tweets one activist. The impact of these distributed denial of service (DDOS) attacks isn't clear. But official online outlets like leader.ir, ahmadinejad.ir, and iribnews.ir are currently inaccessible. "There are calls to use an even more sophisticated tool called BWraep, which seems to exhaust the target website out of bandwidth by creating bogus requests for serving images," notes Open Society Institute fellow Evgeny Morozov.
In both Iran and abroad, the cyberstrikes are being praised as a way to hit back against a regime that so blatantly engaged in voter fraud. But some observers warn that the network strikes could backfire – hurting the very protesters they're meant to assist. Michael Roston is concerned that "it helps to excuse the Iranian regime's own cyberwarfare." Text-messaging networks and key opposition websites mysteriously went dark just before the election. Morozov worries that it "gives [the] hard-line government another reason to suspect 'foreign intervention' – albeit via computer networks – into Iranian politics."
Iran has one of the world's most vibrant social media communities. That's helping those of us outside Iran follow along as this revolution is being YouTubed, blogged, and Tweeted. But Iran's network infrastructure there is relatively centralized. Which makes Internet access there inherently unstable. Programmer Robert Synott worries that if outside protesters pour too much DDOS traffic into Iran, carriers there "will simply pull the plug to protect the rest of their network."
For the moment, however, those connections are still live. And activists are using them to mobilize mass protests in Tehran.
And if you're simply interested in following the protests real-time on Twitter, rather than actually participating, Boing Boing's Xeni Jardin writes:
Link to Twitter search for hashtag "IranElection." Some Twitterers I'm following on this issue: @persiankiwi, @ johnperrybarlow , IranRiggedElect, @Pouyan.
The military is currently putting the breaks on the drive to war in Iran, says a former colonel and diplomat, but concerned citizens need to step up.
Two Iraqi peace activists discuss their commitment to peace and undoing the violence wrought by the last two U.S. wars in their country.
Waging Nonviolence is a leading publication on social movements around the world, and we're looking to expand our coverage and work with new writers.


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TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - April 16, 2014) - On April 16, 2014, through a reverse triangular merger (the "Merger") involving Northern Power Systems Corp. (formerly Mira III Acquisition Corp.) (the "Issuer"), Wind Power Holdings, Inc. ("Wind Power") and Mira Subco Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Issuer), Baker Investments LLC (the "Offeror") acquired ownership and control of 365,004 voting common shares of the Issuer ("Voting Common Shares") and 974,094 class B restricted voting shares of the Issuer ("Restricted Voting Shares"), representing 3.19% of the 11,447,610 issued and outstanding Voting Common Shares and 8.65% of the 11,261,707 issued and outstanding Restricted Voting Common Shares of the Issuer.
The Restricted Voting Shares are convertible into Voting Common Shares. In the event that the Offeror converted the Restricted Voting Shares it holds, then the Offeror would hold an aggregate of 1,339,098 Voting Common Shares, which would represent, on a converted basis, 10.78% of the issued and outstanding Voting Common Shares.
The Merger formed part of the qualifying transaction of the Issuer under Policy 2.4 of the TSX Venture Exchange Corporate Finance Manual, all as set out in the filing statement of the Issuer dated March 31, 2014 and filed on SEDAR on March 31, 2014. The 365,004 Voting Common Shares and 974,094 Restricted Voting Shares were issued from treasury to the Offeror in consideration for 1,645,454 shares of common stock of Wind Power and US$983,517 principal amount of convertible notes of Wind Power, in accordance with the Merger.
The Voting Common Shares and Restricted Voting Shares are held by the Offeror for investment purposes. Depending on market and other conditions, the Offeror may, directly or indirectly, acquire ownership or control over additional Voting Common Shares or Restricted Voting Shares, through market transactions, private agreements or otherwise, in accordance with applicable securities legislation. Depending on market and other conditions (and subject to any escrow and/or lock-up agreements), the Offeror may sell any of its Voting Common Shares or Restricted Voting Shares.
A copy of the early warning report to be filed by the Offeror in connection with the transactions referred to in this press release may be obtained from Baker Investments by contacting Marc Baker at mdbaker@the bakercompanies.com.
The address of the Offeror is:
|Baker Investments LLC
|c/o Baker Properties
|One West Red Oak Lane
|White Plains, NY 10604
Contact Information:


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According to Newstalk ZB's Rachel Smalley, there's absolutely no problem with the rich getting richer at the expense of everyone else.
A NEW OXFAM REPORT, released ahead of the Davos Economic Forum, has revealed that richest 62 people on the planet now own as much wealth as half of the world's population. I've been at football matches at my local park where there have been more people.
It's the latest 'milestone' in the relentless accumulation of the world's wealth in fewer and fewer hands. In 2010, 368 people of these had the same wealth as the bottom 50% of the world's population. So, since, 2010, 306 people have been bumped off the list.
Meanwhile the rest of us are heading to serfdom - or have already arrived.
It takes someone of unique intelligence and insight to rejoice in the new figures. Newstalk ZB's Rachel Smalley is one of those special people. Last seen complaining about a 'male dominated media' she thinks the fact that just 62 people own more wealth the fifty percent of the global population, isn't actually a sign of inequality. So its nothing to worry about. Nothing to see here, folks - move on.
My immediate reaction was to suspect that Rachel has been spending too much time in the company of another 'special person', namely her Newstalk ZB colleague Mike Hosking. Certainly this comment from Smalley could have come straight out of the mouth of Hosking:
"To envy their wealth or to try and reduce it or restrict the income of the super rich is not how you will lift the masses out of poverty.'
How did Smalley arrive at this startling conclusion? Here it is:
"I don't think you should limit the wealth of the super rich and the entrepreneurs who have created industries, who've fuelled innovation and created hundreds of thousands of jobs – if not millions – and who've poured billions into the world's economies."
Smalley doesn't know her basic Marx. Surplus wealth is not created out of thin air by her 'super rich and entrepreneurs' but by the world's working class. That surplus value is expropriated by the capitalist class. And in the drive to accumulate more and more capital, vast poverty is created also.
That is the world today.
The solution can only be the replacement the capitalist mode of production through the expropriation of the owners of capital and the establishment of a planned economy based on common ownership.
Smalley, of course, would not agree to this. She prefers to defend the super rich. She wants us to know about all the 'good work' that they do. Like gods, they walk among us mere mortals, blessing us with their favours. We should be grateful! Smalley makes special mention of Bill Gates:
"Bill Gates is in the top 2 or 3 in terms of the world's wealthiest people -- and he's committed two billion dollars to trying to rid the world of malaria. It's the single biggest killer in Africa and the most important issue facing not just sub-Saharan Africa but some 100 countries too. 3.2 billion people are at risk of contracting it."
Susan Rosenthal has written an excellent article on capitalist philanthropy, which I re-posted on this blog last year. She writes of Gates:
"In 2003, the world's richest man went to Botswana to meet with some of the world's poorest prostitutes to promote safe sex. The media praised Gates for his compassion. No one questioned why Gates' fortune is four times larger than the entire GDP of Botswana. The $2 billion (USD) that the Gates Foundation distributes every year is a measly 2.5 percent of Gates' fortune and provides him with hefty tax deductions."
She points out that the money doled out by the rich to philanthropic causes is dwarfed by the amount of money extracted by capitalism from poor countries:
"Every year corporations extract more than £616 billion from poor countries. An additional £411 billion is taken as debt payment. In total more than £1.37 trillion per year is siphoned from poor countries to rich ones."
In the end, the true philanthropist is the working class. Writes Rosenthal:
"The working class gives to the capitalist class in three ways: producing a surplus that is taken by the employers instead of being used to meet human needs; paying taxes that support the wealthy instead of meeting human needs; and donating to charity, so the rich and powerful do not have to pay for the misery they create. While workers give more to charities than corporations, our giving does not make life better. The more we give to charity, the more governments cut social services and transfer the money to businesses."


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> View all
INVITATION Eco Expo Asia 2018 - European Pavilion AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong 25 - 28th October 2018 Deadline for Registration: 31st August 2018 (First-Come, First-Served)
Eco Expo Asia is the #1 international trade fair in Asia for environmental protection, held once a year at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong. Following last year´s successful European Pavilion at the Eco Expo Asia, German Industry and Commerce is pleased to joint force with EuroCham to take part in this year´s event on 25-28 October at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong. You are invited to join us in the European Pavilion, which will be open to companies with exhibiting EU products only Our corporate exhibitors will enjoy an extremely competitive participation package: HK$10,500 for a fully equipped kiosk booth of 3 sqm or HK$25,000 for a standard booth of 9 sqm Please note that both options include a shared space of 9 sqm to be used as common area for meetings and relaxation in the European Pavilion! To download European Pavilion application form click HERE
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 31st August, 2018 This year´s event features environmental protection solutions, technologies and products including Water Treatment and Quality Management, Green Buildings and Energy Efficiency, Green Transportation, Waste Management and Recycling, Air Quality, Eco-friendly products as well as Testing, Analysis and Certification. The event offers a unique platform for manufacturers and suppliers of environmental goods and services. The fair is accompanied by the Eco Asia Conference with lectures, panel discussions and seminars on current topics, trends and best practices. More information on the EcoExpo Asia: www.ecoexpoasia.com or review the EEA brochure. Should you have any enquiries, you are most welcome to contact Michelle Chan at Tel.+852 2532 1226 or by email: email@example.com. Looking forward to receiving your booking form before 31st August.


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Group Study Room Use GuidelinesPage address: http://lib.mnsu.edu/services/circ/grouprm.html
Eleven group study rooms, located on the 2nd and 3rd floors of Memorial Library, are available to Minnesota State University, Mankato (MSU,M) students, graduate students, faculty and staff. Second floor study rooms hold up to six people, third floor study rooms hold seven to nine people. MSUM students are given priority use of the group study rooms.
The following provisions apply to room use:
- Rooms must be occupied by at least two (2) people.
- Rooms may be reserved in person up to seven days in advance at Memorial Library Circulation desk or by telephone (507-389-5931). Room reservations are held for 15 minutes past the reserved time, and then are void.
- Room keys are checked out for three (3) hours and cannot be renewed. At least two persons from the group must be present when the key is checked out.
- Groups must vacate the room and return room keys on time to avoid overdue fines. (When floors close, keys are due at 11:30pm Sunday-Thursday, 6:45pm Friday, and 5:45pm Saturday.)
- Late return of keys and/or not vacating a group study room at the end of the 3 hour period will result in immediate assessment of an overdue fee of $15.00 plus $.50 per hour to a maximum of $30.00. Overdue keys not returned within three days will be assessed a non-refundable replacement charge of $10.00.
- Library food and drink policies apply.
Be considerate of other room users--leave the room in as good or better condition than you found it. Turn off the lights and close the door when leaving.


text: Find this wine Find this wine Selbach Riesling Spatlese 2007 Start of my four day weekend! The wine was nice and sweet - perfect for a Riesing Pin It Tweet 7 years ago by Javawine More posts 2012 Selbach Riesling Spatlese Delicious! Very refreshing and not too sweet. Recommended from k&l wines 5 years ago by Connie Y. Selbach Oster Riesling Spatlese 2009 From Disney wine fest.2012 6 years ago by Mbags


text: Turnout is expected to exceed the 50 per cent of elections four years ago [AFP] Ali Reza Afshar, deputy interior minister, described the turnout as "glorious". Related links Iran's elections explainedEconomy votePolls had opened at 8am (0430 GMT), with state radio announcing that "today, the Iranian nation once again will show its political maturity". Al Jazeera's Teymoor Nabili in Tehran said that the government had been very keen to ensure a high turnout."They were making it as easy as they possibly could for people to get to the voting booths and cast their ballots," he said."The opinion of the public in Iran has been very wideranging, some refusing to vote because of what they see as irregularities, others coming out to vote and hoping that they can make a difference."Disqualifications Ahead of the vote, the Guardian Council, an unelected body of clerics and jurists, disqualified around 1,700 candidates, mostly reformists.Those barred from running were judged "insufficiently loyal to Islam or the revolution". Your Views How will the outcome of Iran's parliamentary elections affect its relations with the world?Send us your views The Reformists acknowledged ahead of the vote that that the disqualifications meant that they could contest just half the available seats, leaving a clear run for conservatives to retain control of the 290-seat chamber.However, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran's president, dismissed complaints that the system was stacked against the Reformists."Parliament belongs to the people and it should be a reflection of what they want," he said after voting.Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, effectively pledged his support for the conservatives on Wednesday. In a speech, he called on voters to back candidates who are opposed to the US and "whose loyalties are to Islam and justice".Results 'cooked'The United States, which has been at odds with Iran since the Islamic revolution in 1979, criticised the electoral process. "In essence the results are cooked ... in the sense that the Iranian people were not able to vote for a full range of people," Sean McCormack, US state department spokesman, said. The elections was seen by many as a test of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's popularity [AFP] The election had been seen by many as a test of the Ahmadinejad's popularity ahead of presidential elections in 2009.The president has been accused of failing to control inflation, which has risen by 20 per cent, and increasing tensions over Iran's nuclear ambitions.Sanctions imposed by the United Nations over the country's nuclear programme have weakened Iran's social structure and many are finding it hard to earn a living. "The economy is the issue. I will vote for those who can sew up the hole in my pocket," Ali Mashallahi, a government employee with three children, said before voting. But despite Ahmadinejad's problems several politicians opposed to him told the Reuters news agency that their informal exit polls suggested the United Front, the most pro-government group of candidates, was doing well in Tehran. Conservatives held 26 of the capital's 30 seats in the outgoing assembly. The Iranian parliament wields a good deal of power but its capacities are limited by the Guardian Council, which must approve all of the parliament's legislation. SOURCE: Al Jazeera and agencies


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Water/Sleep Tracker
Keep track of glasses of water and number of hours of sleep with this Hipster PDA template.
Use this template to keep track of your water intake and sleep! Each card conveniently holds a week of data. Mark glasses of water as you drink them, and hours slept when you wake up. Connect daily columns with lines in order to see trends over a week, and lay several cards side-by-side to see trends over longer periods of time.
(As you can see, I've not been getting enough sleep or water lately... Meep!)
8 or more hours of sleep?
What about people who regularly sleep 8 or more hours?
Another suggestion: glasses
Another suggestion: glasses might be large or small, so either a metric and or imperial index would be nice. I usually drink more than 3 bottles of mineral water a day - each bottle containing 0.75 litres - so I'd opt for a bottle symbol (which can conveniently used for beer as well... ;) )
And: I usually sleep between 4.5 and 9 hours a day... so that wouldn't fit either...
BUT: Still a nice template for a tracker!
Imagination is intelligence having fun!
< straight-faced > Get less
< straight-faced >
Get less sleep.
< / straight-faced >
Seriously though? I don't know. I guess you could use OpenOffice Draw to edit the PDF file? Or if you really do get 8 hrs. of sleep every night, it might not be worth recording. Or you could write at the top or something "9 hrs." and pray you'll remember later that it referred to sleep.


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"Protecting Tomorrow by Taking Action Today"
Get Involved!
Volunteer your Time:
- As an Adviser
- On a Focus Group
- Work with Vets
- Work with Students
- Advise Incubators
Donate Money!
- As an Individual
- As an Organization
Protecting Tomorrow is a 501(c)3!
Protect What You Love
Though sometimes we can't see the danger lurking on our cyber world, we know it's there and can change people's lives in an instant. By donating today, we can continue to fight for the safety and health of our communities, schools, and tomorrow's technologies.
How does my donation help?
We have a variety of ways we give back to our communities, thanks to your donations. Here are some examples:
We help students develop technical and cyber skills to be cyber safer and cyber strong
Protecting Tomorrow addresses the need to inform, train and educate small and medium sized businesses in America on how to protect themselves from cyber attack and cyber crime and leverage available related products and services
Emergency Services are open to cyber attacks that affect us all and can result in the loss of life – we need to help protect those who protect us
We support programs that reward the early implementation of security in technology development and programs that help to protect our companies from IP theft
For more examples of activities we coordinate, as well as examples of how the money is spent, please click here.
Our operation truly depends on your support. Please donate today!


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Perfect Reflection
by Jordan Alexander Simpson
Lifestyle blog of London-based designer Jordan Alexander Simpson. A Londoner with a penchant for international travel and a vivid interest in design. Jordan's style is known for being clean, modern and minimalistic.
Armed only with his trusty MacBook and iPhone, Jordan seeks inspiration from everything always allowing his creativity to run free.


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148 pages
Learn how racial and political bias often contribute to the misuse of funding and affect low income and minority communities!
Share an insider's view of how race and politics impact the distribution of city services and how the promises of elected African Americans and liberal whites to poor communities are often broken. Authored by a noted expert in urban studies, Race, Politics, and Community Development Funding: The Discolor of Money follows federal money designated to alleviate urban poverty and blight at the local level. Using a variety of research methods, the author shows how key actors (mayor, council members, public bureaucrats) often contribute to the misuse of funds.
Race, Politics, and Community Development Funding follows the trail of over $247 million allocated to the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from 1975 to 1997. You'll learn where money designated to address problems of urban blight and poverty really went. Through interviews, participant observation, trace analysis, and a careful review of public records, this illuminating book follows that money and reveals the errors of those who argued that an increase in the number of black elected officials and community activists would result in more resources for low-income areas. Helpful charts, tables, and graphs illustrate the flow of federal dollars.
With Race, Politics, and Community Development Funding you'll gain a better understanding of:


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Can I give any amount?
Yes. You can give a regular gift from just £1 a week. A regular donation like this helps ensure we can make long term change for the world's poorest women and children.
- £15 a month could help provide literacy classes for women to earn an independent income
- £10 a month could help a woman set up and sustain a chicken-breeding business to help her earn a living
- £3 a month could help provide hygiene kits for girls to help them manage their periods with dignity
Why donate to ActionAid
For Rosa, going to school in Mozambique was a huge problem because of the lack of facilities available.
Through supporting school council meetings with advice and funding, ActionAid helped to build a toilet block and a kitchen to provide school meals. Now all 155 pupils can go to the loo safely and get the nutritious food they need in order to concentrate and learn.
Rosa said: "I can now say proudly to anybody where I study, because we now have a true and genuine school".
By making a donation to ActionAid you can help us continue supporting communities to change the lives of girls like Rosa.


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Russian Offroad trucks and trailers pack for ATS
3 Offroad Trucks and Offroad Trailers pack
– Trailers Offroad for ATS
– Kamaz-4310 for ATS
– MZKT-742910 VOLAT for ATS 1.31 updated(my edit)
– Ural NEXT for ATS
Unpack rar archive with WinRAR or 7-zip(freeware) to your computer(desktop). Read included README file for further instructions.
vita1980(Kamaz 4310), Igor Shvagerus(MZKT Volat), Russian_Dalnoboy(Ural Next), EKUALIZER(Offroad tires), Koral,_69_mf_(Offroad trailers); adapted/compiled for ATS by vasja555.


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For my first visit at Rex Robot Reviews, I had to write a bio using only lines from my YA novel, Kings & Queens.This would have been so much easier with a First Person narrative because that gives you so much commentary to draw from, but mine's in close Third.
Well, the first bio I had written, consisted of mainly thoughts, since they're in First. But all the posts I had written weeks ago for my blog tour are on my zapped computer, so I had to redo them.
For my next go around, I decided to do something completely different: a Q&A. It's much, much better than what I originally had. A mock Q&A allowed my to use more chunks of dialogue to make the bio more quirky and weird like me.
I Love it!
Well, here it is, in case you missed my links all over cyberspace.
Barbie? Well, Totally Toxic. Not Malibu.
Another dreamer? Yep. I always fight for my deepest desires.
Excited? Getting more colorful by the hour.
Peculiar? Totally. And hot as fire and a bundle of laughs too.
Clothes? I don't have the best fashion sense, but I've been so blinded by gorgeous face in the mirror, I didn't stop to look. Bask in my awesomeness.
What about shoes, boots? Running shoes. Oldies. Though retired due to high mileage, they're the comfiest things to beat around in.
Haven't been in much trouble? Obviously.
Ever been prone to violence? I've thought about bashing a few brains in—today even. Never actually done it.
Where's your sense of adventure? Ha. I'll go half-naked…or skinny dipping in a Hawaiian lagoon.
Can I get tickets for the show, princess? Don't count on it.
Got a secret lover or somethin'? Yeah, sure. Last night. We slept together.
You're a sick freak, ya know that? Indeed. So weird. Gotta have a sports nut. Baseball, friendship and love…Little delights me more...Oh, and maybe one cookie. Yum.
Ya on drugs or somethin'? You're not acting right. No. What's right? That's way lame.
What do you want? Everyone to love me.
Favorite thing? A lingering kiss, so amazing, so enrapturing, so perfect. The sudden closeness, the hardness of his chest and arms, the sexy scent of his skin and the taste of his mouth, all cinnamon from recently chewed Big Red or something. Mmmm.
Biggest regret? Life is so short, we never know what's going to happen and I've been an idiot, wasted opportunities, didn't take chances..I'm tired of being pitiful and listless. I wanna have fun for once. It must be freeing to be so uninhibited…so that's what I plan to do.
See? You were nervous for nothing. You did great. Am I supposed to clap now? I forgot to bring flowers. My bad.
* * *Yay!!! And today I got my first online review for Kings & Queens. I'm nervous because it's do or die time and the only feedback I've really gotten is from my way-awesome critters. I know my quirky writing style isn't for everyone and some negative reviews will likely come out, as they do for any book, but I did get a recommendation from Reagan Star at Star Shadow blog.. You can follow the hyperlink to her blog if you'd like to read it.
~ Signing off and sending out cyber hugs.


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Robert Hass - April 30, 2007
United States Poet Laureate (1995-1997); Professor of English, University of California, Berkeley
"Study War No More: Violence and the Literary Imagination"
8:00 PM Monday, April 30, 2007
University Center Ballroom
One of the most widely read and honored poets in the country, Robert Hass will read some of his poems and comment on the theme of war in literature. He will put forward an answer to the question of what is the role of the poet in wartime.
The Speer lecture honors the memory of Lucile Speer, one of the University's most passionate advocates for a vibrant and fearless life of the mind.


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Week number three has started, and I still don't really feel any different. I mean, I'm a vet student now. Illustrious, much sought after, with all the rights and responsibilities that go with. And yet, here I am, just me, still confused and a procrastinator and not nearly as confident as I thought I would be. Impostor Syndrome is definitely rearing its ugly head more often than not. I am having fun in all of my classes, but somehow it still feels like I have no idea what's going on. Part of that is probably because most of the things we have covered have been review and so I haven't actually studied much, but that is only part of it.
At VLE the vets who were the staff told us that they STILL struggle with impostor syndrome, so I shouldn't be too surprised that I have these feelings, but some days I do wonder if I'm cut out for it. Knowing that my third year friends feel the same way helps. Knowing that there are others with pain issues and physical limitations helps. Knowing that one of my flatmates has the same fainting problem that I have (standing for too long, yay poor circulation) helps a little, but not much. I'm reasonably sure that I'm the only one with as many problems as I have. Does that mean that I'm not cut out to be a vet? Only time will tell I guess.
We have a 5th year vet student from Germany staying with us for a month. He is here doing his internship (externship?) before going back and finishing his program. He has been here since Friday night, and I still don't remember his name. I wonder if he ever feels like an impostor. He says he isn't going straight into practice when he graduates, that he is going to apply for a post-grad position or something, so maybe he is confident and secure and Germans are just better at stuff than we are. Or not.
My weekend was ok, I didn't study much and didn't really go do anything. I went to the farmer's market on Sunday, but only got a couple apples to hopefully put in my oatmeal. I was going to get a drying rack for inside the house, but I wasn't feeling well so I didn't make it to the store.
Classes today were good, uneventful. There was a new lecturer in anatomy to teach us about radiography. There was also a new lecturer in biochemistry, to teach us about metabolism. Everything else was pretty basic. I got the info that I need to renew my visa, and I signed my loan check so that my tuition can be paid.
Now it's time for me to go to bed because tomorrow is my longest day and I don't want to add poor night's sleep to the list of reasons why I feel terrible after lab.


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Tom Gaglardi bids for Dallas Stars; new owner expected before 2012
The Dallas Stars will have new ownership before Christmas.
The slow and laborious sale of the Stars sprang to life on Friday when Vancouver businessman Tom Gaglardi submitted a bid for the franchise, according to two individuals familiar with the situation. Gaglardi's offer triggered a process that should have a new owner in within three months.
The details of Gaglardi's offer could not be determined, and he did not respond to requests for comment. Stars president Tony Tavares declined to comment.
The next step is for Monarch Alternative Capital, which took control when Hicks Sports Group defaulted on $525 million in loans in 2009, to submit a prepackaged bankruptcy plan to a court. The current plan calls for a filing on Sept. 14 in Delaware district court. In July, the Los Angeles Dodgers voluntarily filed for bankruptcy in Delaware.
A large number of large bankruptcies take place in Delaware because of its business-friendly climate and the efficiency of its courts in these matters.
Prepackaged bankruptcy is considered to be a quick and smooth process because new financing, the Gaglardi bid, is already in place and management has reached agreement with creditors on the major details. In a prepackaged-bankruptcy proceeding, the court sets a date for the completion of the sale.
Hicks took this step in last year's sale of the Rangers but went to court in Fort Worth. He ran into opposition from creditors who thought the Rangers could bring a higher price than the bankruptcy plan called for, forcing a courtroom auction.
In the auction, a group headed by Nolan Ryan out-bid Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and Houston businessman Jim Crane. From filing date to auction-driven sale, the process took 74 days.
Monarch was HSG's largest creditor. The New York-based hedge fund fought the prepackaged bankruptcy of the Rangers, but Gaglardi found a common ground with Monarch during spring negotiations when he had exclusive rights to purchase the club. A secondary group of lenders must now be satisfied.
The bankruptcy court will allow any interested parties one last chance at the Stars. If at least one bidder is willing to beat Gaglardi's offer by a minimum of $10 million, the Stars will go into auction. That would prolong the process, but it would still likely end within three months of the filing.
In November, 2010, Forbes magazine valued the Stars at $227 million. That was the 10-highest among the 30 NHL clubs. Hicks paid $84 million to acquire the Stars in December, 1995, from Norm Green.
Gaglardi, 43, is involved in hotels and restaurants in Canada through his family's Northland Properties. Gaglardi recently purchased the Sutton Place hotels in Edmonton and Vancouver for $198 million.
Gaglardi has a hockey background. He tried to purchase the Vancouver Canucks in 2004 and currently is majority owner of the Kamloops Blazers, of the juniors-level Western Hockey League.
Gaglardi's father, Bob, studied mechanical engineering at LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas. The magazine Canadian Business listed Bob Gaglardi as No. 39 on its list of richest Canadians, with an estimated worth of $1.47 billion. His son did not crack the top 100.
The NHL must approve whomever emerges from the bankruptcy court as the owner. That is considered a formality and would not keep the new owner from putting his stamp on the day. Hicks approved a deal for forward Joe Nieuwendyk days after reaching agreement to buy the Stars but before the NHL had approved him.
The NHL previously approved Gaglardi and four others to bid on the Stars. The other interested parties, who could surface in bankruptcy court, are:
* William, J. "Billy" Quinn. Managing partner of Natural Gas Partners, based in Irving, and a Stars' season-ticket holder.
* Douglas H. Miller. CEO of EXCO Resources, Inc. and owner of the Allen franchise in the Central Hockey League.
* Christopher T. Charlton. Detroit businessman and founder of the Charlton Group, which matches companies that manufacture and purchase auto parts.
* Chuck Greenberg. Relocated to Westlake after briefly team with Ryan to purchase the Rangers.


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How quite a few of you are weary of attending a toddler shower and playing the identical old games? How quite a few of you are sick of guessing the sizing of mommy's stomach or tasting melted chocolate in napkins formed like diapers? You are likely wondering, in particular if you are having all set to toss a shower, that there has got to be a little something improved out there! Undoubtedly there are games that exist that not all people has performed and is sick of. Perfectly, you happen to be in luck we would like to give you a number of suggestions for some actually exclusive games.
1.) What is in the bag? This is a excellent game, in particular if weary of attempting to don't forget what was on the diaper cake. You play by having quite a few brown paper luggage and putting 1 toddler product (rattle, disposable diaper, pacifier, and many others.) in just about every bag. Following you place an product in the bag, possibly tape it or staple it closed and number the luggage. At the shower, all people receives a piece of paper and a pen, and then they try to guess what is in the bag by experience it by way of the bag. The human being with the most right is the winner.
two.) Under no circumstances Say Under no circumstances. For this game you will need to have to purchase a piggy lender. You can usually order 1 offline that are exclusively for babies. You may also discover 1 that goes with whatsoever the mother's theme is for the baby's area. When you get it to the shower, have all of your attendees take out some or all of their pocket improve. Be guaranteed to have some additional in case somebody won't have any on them. Then go all around the area and have just about every guest title a little something they have by no means accomplished ahead of (I have by no means been out of the state, I by no means learned to trip a bike, and many others.) As just about every human being says what they have by no means accomplished, all people who has accomplished that spots a coin within the piggy lender. You can possibly move the piggy lender all around the area, or have just about every guest come forward. Following all people has had a convert, you give the piggy lender to the mom-to-be.
three.) Who's time is it? Get an egg timer and established it for 5 to 10 minutes at a time whilst the mommy-to-be is opening her toddler presents. When the timer goes off, whoever's present she is opening receives a door prize.
4.) Give just about every guest a piece of paper and pencil and give them 5 to 10 minutes to come up with as quite a few words and phrases as possible utilizing only the letters from the baby's title. The human being with the most words and phrases wins.
5.) The Value Is Correct. Obtain quite a few toddler items (bottles, pacifier, a can of system, jar of toddler food items, and many others.) and established them out on a table, be guaranteed to remove rate tags if they are obvious on your buys. Then give just about every guest a paper exactly where you have typed up three possible selling prices for just about every product. They need to have to be correct ($three.thirty, $4.50, $1.24, and many others.), and give the rate that is ahead of tax, so have your receipt handy when you are typing them up. Just about every guest data files by the table and circles the rate for just about every product that the imagine is accurate. The guest with the most accurate wins the door prize.
six.) Make a Time Capsule. This is a excellent point to do if there will be tons of relatives and near good friends attending the toddler shower. Before the toddler shower, ask just about every guest to convey a little something that represents them or period the toddler is becoming born into. Get a great sized, major responsibility card board box. At the shower hand out 3×5 playing cards and have just about every guest compose what they introduced and why their product represents them or the period. You may also have the compose a phrase of advice for the toddler. Following the attendees are finished, have just about every guest come up, explain to about what they introduced, and area it within the box with their card. When all people is finished, tape the box up definitely great with packaging tape and instruct the mom to save it and give it to the toddler on his or hers eighteenth birthday and a birthday present.
As you can see, there are tons of games out there that are absolutely out the standard, but continue to as significantly enjoyable. A number of additional guidelines would be:
1.) When paying for toddler items for the toddler games, be guaranteed to purchase new items and then give them to the mommy-to-be after the shower.
two.) When paying for prizes for the games it is up to you no matter whether you purchase toddler form points, that way the winner has the alternative to give it to the mommy-to-be, or you can purchase points each and every female enjoys like hand lotions, journals, photo albums, and many others. That way they can maintain it for on their own.
three.) Be guaranteed to purchase additional prizes in case you have two winners for 1 game.
As with any shower the purpose is to make your honoree really feel comfy and make guaranteed your attendees are getting a great time. Do not ask any person to do nearly anything you imagine may make them unpleasant. Feel about the group of individuals you've got invited and their personalities, and try not to play tremendous fingers-on games if you never imagine the individuals you invited will delight in them. Keep in mind, just since you are internet hosting it, won't necessarily mean its about you and only what you imagine would be enjoyable.


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So after finishing my first year at Uni I thought i'd write a post on it.
Not only is Uni one of the most if not the most nerve-racking life experiences I have gone through it has also been one of the best. I know i'm in first year so my view on uni might be slightly optimistic compared to the next 2 years. However, it hasn't been easy I have had 4 presentations, 6 essays and 2 exams from very contrasting modules. Despite this I would reassure a lot of people that (first year anyway) has been less stressful than A levels – i'm not sure if thats because I am now more prepared or the work load is easier or even if my environment impacted this.
Even when I was 15 I didn't plan on doing A levels let alone Uni but I believe it has been one of the best decisions i've ever made. I understand the financial side can be daunting but I personally think it is quiet a smart scheme and you only pay if you reep the benefits of uni (which despite what some people say it will aid your career) – well thats how I see it anyway.
I live away from home and surprisingly the biggest benefit for me this year has not necessarily been educational (so far) but, maturity – how to be independent and responsible, it really has helped me to grow up (and appreciate all my parents do for me).
Of course it isn't for everyone but only you will know if it is or not. If it is don't let anything hold you back and do it, it will be the best decision you make and be some of the best years of your life. Even if you don't get the grades, don't get the course or accommodation you want (like me) don't let it stop you after all, everything happens for a reason.


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This is the second post in video contributor Kelley Ferro's three-part video series on the Philippines. Part one is here.
In the Philippines, everywhere you look will take your breath away. The overwhelmingly beautiful nature is the identity of this nation. Obviously, when you're visiting the islands, you'll want to be outside as much as possible. That's why Abercrombie & Kent's Louise has the important job of finding all the best activities that let travelers immerse themselves in the outdoors.
See how Louise personally visits and profiles each nature experience for Abercrombie & Kent as the Modern Day Explorer.
In part 3: Luxury in the Philippines.
For more on the Philippines with Abercrombie & Kent, visit .
The comments on this page are not provided, reviewed, or otherwise approved by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.


text: Am Donnerstag 23 März 2006 16:22 schrieb Knut Yrvin: > -- Yes, the system admins also ask for a command line tools for > handling users. Indeed, this reminds me that I am still looking for the command line / script rendering this task: 1. I have 100 teachers, all in group "teachers". 2. I have a new students group "B2006" which has its own common subfolder in home0/Transfer/B2006. Write access is set to group "B2006". Now, in order to give all teachers write access to this shared folder, I need to join them to group "B2006". With WLUS, I can do so for a single teacher. This takes to long time for 100 teachers. What I need is a command line or script that joins a set of users (I can provide a list of teachers to start with) into a given group (B2006). The minimum help I ask for is a command line joining user $U into group $G. The maximum I hope for is a command that includes Group $G1 into $G2 (all users in G1 will join G2). Thanks a million Regards Ralf


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Flapping wind turbine mimics hummingbirds to produce clean energy
Posted by Big Gav in biomimicry, renewable energy, wind power
Inhabitat has a post on a a new Tunisian wind power company using biomimicry to develop new wind turbine designs - Revolutionary flapping wind turbine mimics hummingbirds to produce clean energy.How well these things avoid metal fatigue will be interesting to watch.
A new flapping wind turbine from Tunisia marks a revolutionary breakthrough in the field of mechanics. Until recently, scientists have been limited in their ability to apply new understandings of animal and human motion to machines, according to Tyer Wind. In the wind energy sector, this limitation has resulted in fairly simple and relatively inefficient turbines. Using 3D Aouinian kinematics that he pioneered, Anis Aouini is disrupting that space with a unique wind turbine modeled on articulations of the only bird capable of sustained hovering–the hummingbird.


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"The mind is the limit. As long as the mind can envision the fact that you can do something, you can do it, as long as you really believe 100 percent." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger noted the importance of confidence and mind-set in bodybuilding, and it is this positive mind-set and confidence which have helped to revolutionise my training and given me gains, which at the start of my bodybuilding, I believed to be unattainable.
Looking back at my training, I believe the point where I really began to train more seriously was when I believed I actually could. As cheesy and cliché as it may sound, it is amazing how many people, me included, don't believe in their own ability to increase the number of reps in a set, or the weight, even though they are perfectly cable of dong so – and I found I wasn't growing because I wasn't pushing myself those extra few reps, or those extra few kilograms.
Confidence is important in most sports, but in particular confidence plays a huge role in bodybuilding. When I first started lifting weights, I fell foul of the same stereotype I set out to prove wrong; I didn't believe I was strong enough to increase a weight, and I was scared of failing. This lack of self-belief really hindered my growth and training, and I found that I was never leaving my comfort zone, and I was losing intensity. Over the years, however, as my confidence grew, I began to believe in myself more and more – toe-in-toe with that, I found myself pushing on and training with weights and rep-ranges that were actually working the body, and I then began to see noticeable gains, and the importance of this positive mind-set.
It is clear that you can't gain confidence with a flick of the switch, but finding the right mix of mental strength and confidence can see amazing increases in gains and transformations. There are a few ways to develop this, for example, the use of a spotter or a training partner offers 'security', so to speak, when pushing on to heavier weights, or if that is not available to you, a technique which I have found to work extremely well is trying to increase your 1 rep max as often as you can at the end of an exercise, for example with deadlifts, even by just 2.5kg or 5kg – in doing so, I am able to physically see improvements, which is a nice feeling to accompany the usual pain and fatigue! Yes, there will be times when you won't be able to increase a rep range, or a weight, but if you keep pushing yourself, and keep believing that you will be able to, then the chances are you will.


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We're 85% of the way to our goal!
Help us reach it by donating Today!
Ever noticed that Tiburon Boulevard medians are all nicely planted except the stretch by Blackfield Drive from Cecilia Drive to Bay Vista? This portion, which actually lies in the unincorporated County, is a concrete wasteland. It has a hard, neglected, urban look that constitutes an eyesore on our otherwise lovely peninsula.
The Tiburon Peninsula Foundation is partnering with the Town of Tiburon and others to do something about this – together we hope to find funding partners to make green medians a reality this year.
What would the project entail? The complete make-over of the medians involves removing the concrete from curb to curb, working around utilities to excavate the under-layers of rubble and dirt, replacing them with appropriate sub-base and soil, installing an irrigation system and of course installing plants. The cost of the project is estimated at $417,000. This is lower than previous estimates (which pre-dated detailed engineering), but still a significant sum. Why so high? Because the medians are so long! 1,770 linear feet! That means removing and importing a lot of material. Because it is in the Caltrans right of way and on a busy section of road, there is also the need for careful staging, traffic control and trenching for water supply in some locations.
The Town already put $65,000 to this task for engineering, and has earmarked another $235,000 in next year's budget for a total contribution of $300,000 or 72% of the project. Because the medians are in the unincorporated County, the Board of Supervisors, with Kate Sears' assistance, is contributing $25,000. The City of Belvedere has been asked to consider participation, for this is its entryway, too. Terrific local volunteers, many of them veterans of the effort to create and maintain the existing planted medians, are involved as well to help fundraise to close the $92,000 gap. We are so close – success is within our reach!
Optimism is running high for this community effort to beautify this neglected area once and for all. Because, really, are there any of us who would not prefer driving by beautiful flowering plants than a long stretch of lifeless concrete? Is that the front door we want for ourselves and our visitors for our otherwise beautiful corner of the earth? We think this is one of those simple but significant improvements that will benefit the quality of life for everyone who passes this way now and long into the future.
Consider making a generous contribution today to make this a reality! Let's make 2013 the last year of concrete medians on our beautiful peninsula.
Or make check payable to the Tiburon Peninsula Foundation
and mail it to:
Tiburon Peninsula Foundation
P.O. Box 210
Belvedere Tiburon, CA 94920


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Since 1978, The Law Offices of David P. Beeson & Associates has helped thousands of clients facing difficult challenges during divorce or following a serious personal injury such as a car accident, dog bite or other serious injury. We offer sound legal help when clients are in need.
The Law Offices of David P. Beeson & Associates offers a high level of personal service and attention to each client, no matter what the legal issue. When you walk into our law firm, we treat you like our most important client, because you are.
Contact us to schedule an appointment with an experienced San Diego attorney to discuss your personal injury case.
The Law Offices of David P. Beeson & Associates, a Personal Injury Law Firm in San Diego
Our law firm has attorneys who specifically focus on the practice areas of personal injury and divorce .
Our San Diego personal injury lawyers provide aggressive representation to help victims of negligence recover physically, financially and emotionally. We handle personal injury lawsuits arising from car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, dog bites, child injuries from dog bites, dog maulings while at work, slip-and-fall accidents, birth injuries, brain injuries, worker accidents, rear-end car accidents, car accident rollovers and a full range of other San Diego accidents. We work to find the best resolution, whether by carefully developing the record for a strong settlement negotiation or by vigorously pursuing your claim in court.
Our San Diego dog bite attorneys provide experienced representation to victims of dog bites. Whether you or a loved one is attacked by a neighborhood dog, while performing your job, we can help you aggressively and effectively protect your rights and pursue a claim in court. Children are especially vulnerable to dog bites and owners and insurance companies may attempt to claim the child was negligent or responsible in the attack by trespassing or being aggressive with the dog. We will fight for your child injured by dog bite to seek compensation for physical and emotional trauma.
For a free initial consultation with a personal injury law firm in San Diego, The Law Offices of David P. Beeson & Associates, call 619-618-2983 or 866-706-2015, or contact us online.


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Blagdon Hall (RP)
- Topic:
- Viscount Ridley talks about his responsibilities as Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland and Lord Steward and reflects on the rule of the monarchy.
- Speaker:
- Matthew White Ridley (b.1925/07/29; male, Peer Of The Realm)
- Date:
- 1998
- Duration:
- 3'55"
- Shelfmark:
- Virtue: Now then, y, you've represented the, the county in other ways as well.
Viscount: Yes, I've been Lord Lieutenant since nineteen-eighty-four after the last Duke of Northumberland died, uh, and that's been very interesting and very enjoyable and, and I've enjoyed it very much.
- Virtue: Hmm. What does it involve?
Viscount Ridley: You have to represent The Queen in the county for anything that, uh, may be happening, for instance, visits from members of The Royal Family, you have to arrange that, uh, they used to present odd medals on behalf of The Queen and so forth, quite a lot of detailed, detailed, uhm, things we have to do involving the appointment of magistrates and this and that. It's not a tremendous lot of work, but it's quite fun, very interesting.
- Virtue: And you serve The Queen in, in another way as well?
Viscount Ridley: Yes, I do a job called The Lord Steward at the moment, which is great fun; again not very much involved, but it's interesting.
- Virtue: What does that involve?
Viscount Ridley: Uh, principle purpose of it is the st, s, formal state visits from the Heads of State of another country. There are two or three a year and you get involved in the, uh, formal part of that in the palace.
- Virtue: You enjoy it?
Viscount Ridley: Very much so.
- Virtue: Yes. How, how do you become Steward of the Household?
Viscount Ridley: Well, I was asked if I'd do it. Again the late Lord, Duke of Northumberland was my predecessor. Uh, I was asked if I'd take his place when he died, which I was happy to do, very honoured to do.
- Virtue: Do you think the monarchy is going to survive?
Viscount Ridley: I have no doubt about that. It may change of course, everything changes, but, uh, I'm pretty certain in my own mind that, that the, uh, the nation wants the monarchy to survive in one way or another. And if you, if it came to the crunch I don't think there would be any doubt about that.
- Virtue: What do you think we'd loss [sic], we'd lose without one?
Viscount Ridley: I think people like the continuity provided by it; they like the feeling that we have, uh, the pageantry if you like, the, uhm, the ceremonies and the, the fact that we all know who's going to be the next, we hope, we can gen, generally know who's going to be the next sovereign. And the other thing I think that republics don't have is the enormous contribution which are made by the, the other members of The Royal Family, the, the, the cousins, younger sons, Dukes, Dukes of Kent, Gloucester etcetera etcetera, all of whom play a very active part and take an interest in what's going on and, uhm, I, I think that's an immense asset; it's a family affair, not just a single person like a President is.
- Virtue: Hmm. So you're getting a whole team?
Viscount Ridley: Exactly! Uh, and, and uh, I think that's good.
- Virtue: Hmm. What does it mean to you to be a Northumbrian?
Viscount Ridley: Oh, it's just we're jolly lucky, that's really, it's a marvellous part of the world, I'm very lucky to, to live here and continue to do so and, uh, enjoyed it hu, hugely.
- Virtue: Are you a religious man?
Viscount Ridley: Not openly, I suppose I go to church, uhm, less often than most people, but on any, you know, Christmas, Easter, and so forth; I don't pretend to take it too seriously, I'm afraid.
- Virtue: Hmm. What do you believe in?
- Viscount Ridley: Oh Lord, that's a terribly difficult question! I'm not sure I can really answer that; conventional Christ, you know, the, the sermon, the, the Christian values in life that people should respect their neighbours and so forth and obey the, obey the rules.
Commentary for Blagdon Hall (RP)
Viscount Ridley speaks with a very distinctive accent. It sounds rather old-fashioned, with features we still hear among older RP speakers, perhaps particularly in the upper classes and aristocracy. We have, therefore, chosen to categorise it as conservative RP. This is an accent characterised by a number of very traditional pronunciations no longer widely used among younger RP speakers.
Listen, for instance, to the vowel sounds he uses for words in the following two sets:
- that, happening, Royal Family, magistrates, palace, happy, pageantry, fact, active, asset, exactly and values
- very, county, Royal Family, country, happy, pretty, monarchy, any, continuity, pageantry, ceremonies, generally, exactly, jolly lucky, hugely, openly, seriously and terribly
Differences between old and young
In the first set, Viscount Ridley uses a vowel sound halfway between an <e> sound and an <a> sound. In fact the phonetic symbol for this sound is /æ/. Younger RP speakers use an <a> sound for these words, a rare example of RP speech moving closer to northern English pronunciation. Viscount Ridley's pronunciation of words in the second set - nouns and adjectives ending with the suffix <y> - is, however, an older pronunciation, retained in many northern accents but not in RP nor in most southern England and Midlands accents. For words in this set, older RP speakers and many speakers in the north use a vowel sound similar to the <i> sound in bit, while younger RP speakers use a briefer version of the <ee> sound in beat.
Distinctive features
Viscount Ridley uses two distinctive features associated with conservative RP. Listen to the way he says affair in the phrase it's a family affair. He pronounces the final syllable with a diphthong - two vowel sounds. He starts with an <e> sound - as in bed - before drifting into a weak vowel similar to the initial sound in about. This type of pronunciation, also used in words such as square, hair, bear and there, was until relatively recently common in many English accents. The use of a diphthong emerged once speakers began to omit the <r> sound at the end of these words. Although the <r> was once pronounced throughout the UK, it is now increasingly restricted to speakers in the West Country and far South West of England, a small area of Lancashire and most of Scotland and Ireland. It is also present in most US English accents. The <r> sound was initially replaced by the weak vowel sound at the end of the diphthong. Today most younger RP speakers omit this final part of the diphthong and simply use a long <e> sound - thus shared is pronounced with exactly the same vowel as in shed, only the vowel is noticeably longer. This demonstrates perfectly how successive sound changes can radically alter the pronunciation of a set of words. Most RP speakers now only distinguish between pairs such as fairs and fez or flared and fled simply by vowel length, while older speakers, such as Viscount Ridley, tend to use a diphthong for the first word in each pair.
Old-fashioned vowels
Listen to the initial vowel sound Viscount Ridley uses in often: he rhymes the first syllable oft with dwarfed, where most of us would pronounce it to rhyme with doffed. Also used in words like off, lost, gone, cloth and Australia this is a fascinating example of a vowel change that took place in an earlier period, but did not quite establish itself completely and has ultimately been reversed. Speakers in the seventeenth century began to use it, but it did not spread into many regional accents, and thus after only 300 years the original pronunciation has been restored - at least in RP. Interestingly, many speakers in Ireland and parts of South East England still use a pronunciation based on the seventeenth-century innovation.


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Is Your Basement Wet, Damp, or Flooding When It Rains?
Spring rain storms are bringing some water problems to the basements of the Greater Philadelphia area. In Willow Grove PA we recently had to help out a great couple who were having a near-constant water issue in the basement.
Every time it rained, even a little, the basement would flood.
- Sometimes it was just a little water, but, if the rain was heavy or rain followed a snow day, then the water could reach 2 – 4″ in their cellar.
Obviously, this is not good.
- Water can damage the walls, the foundation, your furniture, anything you have stored in the basement, cause mold growth, and, if you use the basement as a living space, can get into wall sockets and destroy your home's electrical system, even causing fire.
In towns like Willow Grove and many other suburbs of Philadelphia, the problem is compounded by new housing developments which cause the drainage systems of the town to become overwhelmed.
- Plus, the excess snow from this brutal winter combined with spring rain and backed-up drainage, can cause the water table to rise. This is bad news for all home owners.
How We Helped Fix the Problem: Basement Waterproofing Willow Grove PA
Their home was being over run with water. The basement was leaking and their foundation was starting to weaken.
The problem is that as these issues continue, the foundation continues to weaken and more water will get in (this is why it's important to fix any water problems early)
Since they had problems with the walls leaking (which means they also had water inside the basement walls), we:
- Dug out the area around the outside of the basement, waterproofed the walls and fixed any cracks that were on the outside of the walls (This is key! Simply treating the cracks on the inside is putting a band aid on the problem)
- Replaced the dirt around the foundation, this time tamping it down ever two feet so that no air pockets would form (air pockets fill with water, expand, and then push into the foundation, causing cracks and water problems)
- We installed a footer drain in the bottom of the walls so that if any water did get in, it would be taken out of the wall and away from the home
- Finally, we were able to fix the cracks on the inside of the basement, and made sure that no water could get into the basement anymore


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The Company
Firmly focused on the future this fantastic company enjoys an enviable reputation for the quality of its products and customer service. Priding itself on being a market leader in their field, this company can provide you with a giant leap in the right direction to build a successful career in customer service.
The Role
Having experienced rapid growth over the past year, an urgent need for a Customer Service star has arisen within their Customer Service team. Working within the close knit team, you will take responsibility for order management and will ensure that distribution to customers is seamless.
Key Responsibilities
- Receiving, processing, checking and confirming all orders
- Assist both internal and external customers with product enquiries
- Handle customer complaints and issues and resolve to the satisfaction of the customer
- Work in a collaborative manner with the team and internal and external stakeholders to achieve customer service goals
- Take initiative and focus on developing new and improved strategies for the customer service team
If you enjoy a challenge and would like to step into a role where you can think outside the box while developing new strategies to streamline the processes - please don't hesitate to contact me today!
To apply please click on the appropriate link on this page, alternatively for more information or a confidential conversation please contact Roche Dreyer on 02 8270 9740 or firstname.lastname@example.com


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Ham & Eggs This may be a weird title for an article on a health & fitness website but...
Fitness Questions? Want a Custom Workout? Ask the Trainer
Author Archive for: johnmulry
John Mulry
John Mulry is a Fitness Trainer, Writer, Speaker and the owner of Expect Success Fitness Galway Personal Training. Originally from Galway, John has combined his two passions in life – helping others and fitness to start Expect Success Fitness.
Upon returning home from 11 months of Volunteering and travelling in South America, Expect Success Fitness was born. Having seen first hand the negative effects of not taking care of oneself has driven John to not only change his own lifestyle for the better but also he has it made it his mission to tackle Ireland's growing obesity problem head on. With a core philosophy built around "Success Oriented Training" & his three pillars of success – training, nutrition and mindset – you won't just dream about success – you'll expect it.
John Mulry
Expect Success Fitness
[email protected]
Ready Fire Aim – Achieve Fitness Success! John Mulry from Expect Success Fitness Galway – Ireland here with some...
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Playoff rematch as Blues, Blackhawks renew rivalryby Louie Korac
BLACKHAWKS (4-1-1) at BLUES (2-3-1)
ST. LOUIS -- As much as players and coaches won't admit it, all is not forgotten from the Western Conference First Round series between the St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks from the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Blackhawks won the series in six games after falling behind the Blues 2-0, and the teams have developed a healthy rivalry ripe with animosity.
They resume acquaintances Saturday when the Blues host the Blackhawks at Scottrade Center.
"I think there's a healthy respect," Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said. "There's players on their team we don't like; they don't like guys on our team. But at the end of the day I think both teams play such an honest game. Every game is like a playoff game."
The Blues have gotten off to a rocky start at 2-3-1, but have been dealing with a bacterial infection that's affected players in the locker room.
It started with center Jori Lehtera, who felt sick after a 6-1 victory against the Arizona Coyotes last Saturday that caused him to miss a 3-0 loss against the Anaheim Ducks the following night.
Lehtera missed practice Tuesday but was back Wednesday and played in a 4-1 loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday, a game in which multiple Blues players played after contracting the infection.
But Hitchcock said Saturday things are looking up.
"We're better. [Saturday] is the best we've been since [last] Saturday," Hitchcock said. "We're better [Saturday]. This is a lot better."
Blues right wing Ryan Reaves, one of the players affected, said it's been a rough time.
"I think it's more just frustrating; you've got a bunch of guys getting sick but it's not really an excuse," Reaves said. "I think a lot of teams go through it. One team gets it, a couple guys are going to get it. You've just got to find a way to play smarter and conserve your energy when you can, take short shifts and leave your teammates in a good spot."
The Blackhawks (4-1-1) come in off their first regulation loss of the season, Thursday against the Nashville Predators. They won't look at the Blues as a team struggling to stay healthy but one that's a formidable opponent.
"They have a good team," defenseman Duncan Keith said of the Blues. "They have a good organization with great coaching and good players. They're a tough team to play against. They play hard, they compete hard and they play their system well. It just makes for a challenging game playing those guys. It's fun at the same time."
Teammate Brent Seabrook, who stirred the pot between the teams during the playoff series last season with a hit on Blues captain David Backes in Game 2, agreed.
"They're a hard, big, physical team," Seabrook said of the Blues. "They do a good job of playing tight defensively so it's tough for our forwards. It makes it more of a grinding, physical-type game and you're trying to get to the net and trying to get shots through."
Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said goalie Corey Crawford (upper-body injury) was scheduled to skate Saturday in Chicago. Antti Raanta will start his third consecutive game in goal. Brian Elliott will start in goal for the Blues.
The Blues recalled left wing Dmitrij Jaskin from the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League on Friday after the team placed center Paul Stastny (shoulder) on injured reserve.
"I'm going to try and do my best and do everything I can to stay here," Jaskin said. "I don't want to be that guy traveling back and forth. I'm going to do everything I can.
"It's a huge game, big opportunity for me."
Here are the projected lineups:
Patrick Sharp - Jonathan Toews - Marian Hossa
Kris Versteeg - Andrew Shaw - Patrick Kane
Bryan Bickell - Brad Richards - Brandon Saad
Daniel Carcillo - Marcus Kruger - Ben Smith
Johnny Oduya - Niklas Hjalmarsson
Trevor van Riemsdyk - Michal Rozsival
Scratched: Jeremy Morin, David Rundblad
Injured: Corey Crawford (upper body)
Jaden Schwartz - David Backes - T.J. Oshie
Alexander Steen - Jori Lehtera - Vladimir Tarasenko
Dmitrij Jaskin - Patrik Berglund - Joakim Lindstrom
Steve Ott - Maxim Lapierre - Ryan Reaves
Jay Bouwmeester - Alex Pietrangelo
Barret Jackman - Jordan Leopold
Scratched: Chris Porter, Magnus Paajarvi
Injured: Paul Stastny (shoulder), Carl Gunnarsson (hip)
Status report: The Blues switched Schwartz and Steen on their top two lines, but Hitchcock said the left wings will alternate at times during the game. ... Gunnarsson was cleared to play nearly two weeks ago but still has yet to make his Blues debut. … Darling, recalled from the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL after Crawford was injured, could make his NHL debut when the Blackhawks host the Ottawa Senators on Sunday.
Who's hot: Toews has 32 points in 36 games against the Blues, Hossa has 34 points in 42 games, Kane has 37 points in 40 games and Richards has 22 points in 20 games. … Oshie has 22 points in 28 games against the Blackhawks and Tarasenko has five points in the past four games against the Blackhawks.


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Fresh green beans( chopped)- 1/2 cup
Carrot( chopped)- 1/2 cup
Cabbage( chopped)- 1/4 cup
Ginger( minced)- 1"
Oats( finely ground to powder)- 1 cup
Vegetable stock/ Chicken stock- 5 cups
Light soy sauce- 1/2 tsp
Salt and White Pepper powder to taste
In a large cooking pot add green beans, carrot, cabbage, ginger, light soy sauce, pepper powder, vegetable stock and required salt. Bring the soup mixture to boil, check the seasoning and cook on medium heat for 5 mins. In a small bowl add powdered oats and couple of tbsp of water, mix well to make smooth paste. Add the diluted oats paste to the simmering soup and stir well. Serve hot Vegetable oats soup as starter or as snack.


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With her impossible-to-please grandmother on her back about college and her disapproving step-dad watching her every move, Tessa would do anything to escape the pressure-cooker she calls home. So she finds a shot of much-needed power and confidence by hooking up with boys, even though it means cheating on her boyfriend. But when she's finally caught red-handed, she'll do anything she can to cover up what she's done.
Jack is a prankster who bucks the system every chance he gets—each transgression getting riskier and riskier. He loves the thrill, and each adventure allows a little release because his smug smile and suave demeanor in the face of authority doesn't make life at home with his mom any less tough. He tries to take care of her, but the truth is he's powerless in the face of her fragile mental health. So he copes in his own way, by defacing public property and pulling elaborate pranks, though he knows in the end this'll only screw up his life even more.
As they both try not to let their self-destructive patterns get the best of them, Tessa and Jack gravitate toward one another, discovering the best parts of themselves in the process. An honest portrayal of the urges that drive us and finding the strength to overcome them.
Heather Smith Meloche has had the honor of winning the Katherine Paterson Prize and the Writer's Digest national competition for her children's and young adult writing. She studied video production and poetry at Michigan State University, and then earned her master's in teaching English as a second language at Bowling Green State University. She spends her days with her family in her home in Michigan, sampling a wide variety of chocolate, letting her dogs in and out constantly, and writing and reading as much as she can. Ripple is her debut novel.
This is a very dark story meant for older teens. From sexual encounters the MC has to some very dangerous situations this is not meant for the faint of heart.
That being said it was so good!! Much darker than your normal romance Ripple as Meloche's debut is a def. hit! Family dynamics after a loss are the forefront of this amazing novel!
Its was hard to read at times. But still amazing. Everything blended so well together and I loved reading about the interactions on how each person copes with their issues. Don't miss out on this one!
"All opinions are 100% honest and my own."
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Crop Quest Inc.: Ensuring Room to Grow for Farmers across the Midwest
Crop Quest Inc. (Crop Quest) is the largest employee-owned crop consulting company in the world, offering precision agriculture services and consulting. The Kansas-based company services more than 1.4 million acres of farmland in eight states across the U.S.
Crop Quest's extensive reach is due to the company's skilled agronomists who develop custom-fit solutions for each individual client, including soil sampling, fertilizer and chemical recommendations, field checks, irrigation scheduling, nutrient management, equipment calibration and a wide array of other valuable services.
The company was founded in 1992 by the late Rollie Stukenholtz, former CEO of Crop Quest, and Ron O'Hanlon, current CEO of Crop Quest. Stukenholtz envisioned a company that would provide producers with unbiased recommendations to help maximize the efficiency of their operations; and he was not alone. Stukenholtz and O'Hanlon were quickly joined by 65 agronomists from a former consulting company to begin the success now known as Crop Quest.
Today Crop Quest reaches a wide area throughout the U.S., from Nebraska to Texas, Wyoming to New Mexico and even into Wisconsin. Crop Quest's agronomists consult on a variety of crops, including traditional row grain crops such as corn, wheat and sorghum. There is also a growing interest in specialty crops within Crop Quest's clients, such as fruits and vegetables that are grown in some of the warmer climates.
Employee-owned and Customer-driven
Crop Quest has remained 100-percent employee-owned and -operated for more than 21 years. "Each individual qualifies to participate in the employee stock ownership plan [ESOP] after their first six months of employment," details Matt Tuxhorn, accountant and ESOP administrator at Crop Quest. "Financial statements are open and explained to all employee-owners as part of the Crop Quest open communication initiative."
According to Tuxhorn, the company has 91 full-time employee-owners that benefit from 100-percent coverage of health insurance premiums, annual company trips, competitive wages, flexible work schedules, company vehicles and excellent retirement plans. "In addition to the ESOP we also have a profit-sharing plan," details Tuxhorn. "Each year, Crop Quest contributes between 14 and 16 percent of one's total compensation between the ESOP and the profit-sharing plan. We also have a 401(k) plan that the employee-owners can contribute to."
That is not all that Crop Quest does to show its appreciation. "Every year Crop Quest takes us on a company trip to make up for all of the time the agronomists spend away from their spouses during the busy crop growing seasons," shares Tuxhorn. "Last year, we went to Jamaica and in 2014 we're going to Mexico. This past January, we went skiing for five days, with a group of nearly 70 people. It's a way of saying thank you to the employee-owners who've put in many long hours over the year."
With Crop Quest's benefits, it is no surprise the average employee retention rate averages 10 years or longer. "We still have 21 of the original employee-owners on staff," remarks Tuxhorn. Tuxhorn is proud to note that Crop Quest recruits potential employee-owners by offering a summer internship program, attending career fairs and supporting local 4-H, National FFA Organization, Little League teams and other youth leadership programs. "In our promotional practices we really try to market the Crop Quest motto of being employee-owned and customer-driven."
Supporting Agricultural Producers into the Future
Crop Quest understands owning and operating a farm is not the easiest way to make a living; however, the team's niche is providing agricultural producers with the right recommendations to help produce a crop through whatever conditions Mother Nature may present. However, the team does not stop there. Crop Quest also tries to maximize the performance of whatever products the farmers are using. The company covers nearly every aspect of a farmer's needs, from seed varieties to disease scouting, detailed field reports to crop rotation planning, computerized crop budgets to precision ag services.
Additionally, Crop Quest has recently invested in new cutting-edge equipment and technology. The team has an implement called the Veris EC, which is pulled behind a tractor. "As the Veris EC is pulled through the field, it records the electro-conductivity as it moves through the soil giving an indication of soil texture and potential crop productivity," Tuxhorn explains. "They are able to generate accurate soil texture maps that can be used in multiple ways by our agronomists and their producers."
Crop Quest is also experimenting with small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) or drones, which will be used to fly over a producer's field to help identify problem areas caused by pest, fertilizer or irrigation issues. Crop Quest hopes to have its sUAS program fully operational once the Federal Aviation Administration (FFA) finishes developing its commercial sUAS regulations. The team at Crop Quest is currently obtaining training and education in the sUAS technology and gaining the licensing needed to operate the drones in U.S. airspace.
Tuxhorn projects continual growth for the 21-year-old company. "The past 10 years, financially, have been record years for us," he admits. "But, we still have to be concerned with the drought and economic downturn affecting our clients. It's about managing the resources we have and helping producers profit, because when they grow we grow." Crop Quest Inc. continues to provide expert agronomic assistance to agricultural producers throughout the Midwest with a wealth of knowledge and invested employees.
For more information about Crop Quest Inc., please visit: www.cropquest.com.


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How to be a better manager? Look at your role from the point of view of the employee
Julian Birkinshaw, December 12, 2011
There are many books written on management and leadership, but most are from the perspective of the manager – the one doing the managing. Such books are typically based on interviews with managers, in which they talk about the things they do and the approach they use; they typically offer advice to help today's and tomorrow's managers do their jobs better.
While there is value in such books, it is noteworthy how little attention is paid to the fears, doubts, aspirations or needs of the employee - the person being managed. And this focus on the person doing the managing, rather than the one being managed, serves to perpetuate a lot of our traditional assumptions about management being a top-down and control-oriented activity.
Our recent study focused instead on an employee- centred approach to management - from the view that management is about "seeing the world through the eyes of the employee". We interviewed more than 50 employees across a dozen companies and we collected questionnaire data from more than 200 staff. We wanted to get their views on the aspects of their work they found motivating and engaging, as well as the concerns, fears or frustrations that got in the way of them delivering their best work. We then asked them more narrowly about their relationship with their immediate boss and the things he or she did to shape the working environment for individual employees (in a positive or negative way).
What did we discover? Employees have a pretty clear sense of what makes their work engaging: they want responsibility for doing something worthwhile; they want a high level of freedom in how they achieve their results; they crave the opportunity to extend themselves and to develop expertise and to work with good colleagues; and they want recognition from those around them for doing a good job.
None of this is surprising - they are all things we can instantly recognise as important and valuable. The surprise, rather, is so many people, in very different working environments, find themselves doing work that does not have these attributes.
The list of employee fears, concerns and frustrations we identified was extremely long. But we quickly realised that it could be mapped against Maslow's widely recognised hierarchy of needs, as shown above. So the basic fear of losing your job is analogous to the need for food and shelter. Once this fear has been allayed, other concerns, such as not fitting in as well as you might like, or not getting the personal development opportunities you crave, start to surface.
This way of framing staff interests has clear value to employers. For example, if your employees express concerns about their personal development and their worries about not delivering against expectations, it is likely that they are not worried about job security and fitting in, the lower rungs of the hierarchy of fears. Equally, for employees that express concern about job security and fitting in, it is unlikely the higher rungs on the hierarchy are even on their radar screens. In which case, any initiatives directed at higher level concerns that don't first address lower level concerns are likely to be a waste of time.
Finally, we asked people about their bosses, and what made them effective or ineffective. Again, answers were remarkably consistent - and predictable. Good bosses, they said, give their employees challenging work to do, they create space, they provide support as needed, they give recognition and praise and they are not afraid to make tough decisions when necessary. Interestingly, Google did a big data-driven exercise to define "good management" earlier this year and it came to a similar set of conclusions. Its top tips were: be a good coach, empower your team and don't micromanage, and express interest in team members' success and personal wellbeing.
The fact that our and Google's lists are so similar caused us to take our research in a slightly different direction.
If it is so easy to draw up a list of what makes an effective manager, why are there so many bad managers out there? Why do so many people fail to walk the talk? And, given that this gap exists and has existed for a long time, what can we do about it?
Why don't people better manage their staff?
We asked many of our interviewees about the inability of smart, well-intentioned managers to do what they know to be right. There seem to be three broad sets of answers:
Managing well is harder than it seems
For most aspects of management, it is possible to get it wrong in both directions. So, while giving employees space to act is a good thing, it is also possible to give them too much space; and challenging tasks are good, but impossible tasks are not. Balance is the key in all these areas. What makes this difficult is that each employee has his/her own unique set of skills and motivations. So the right balance for one person is likely to be the wrong balance for the next. One employee might praise you for giving her an exciting project to do; the next is cursing you for leaving him stranded.
Managers have competing priorities and limited time
If you only had a single direct report, it would be fairly straightforward to structure her work to make it suitably challenging. But many managers have five or six people reporting to them, each with different needs, as well as their own work to do and calls on their time from dozens of other people across the organisation. Throw all these things into the mix, and then add whatever economic or corporate crisis has just hit, and it is no surprise that even the most well-intentioned and skilled executives fail to do the managerial part of their jobs well on a consistent basis. There just aren't enough hours in the day.
Managing well requires non-intuitive behaviour
Being a good manager requires us to act in non-intuitive or 'unnatural' ways. Academic research has shown most people are (innately) fairly selfish, control-oriented and risk-averse. There is nothing wrong with these traits - they are inherited things our forebears passed on to us and they have helped us to survive. But a good manager is more focused on her people than his or herself; he or she is prepared to delegate rather than stay on top of everything; and is open to taking a few risks and allowing mistakes to occur as a way of helping others to learn and develop. For most of us, doing these things goes against our "gut" instinct. And the more unpredictable or uncertain the business environment, the harder this becomes. At times of crisis, for example, our immediate reaction is to try and bring control back to the centre, so that we are on top of everything. But in many cases this is exactly the wrong thing to do, because it is the people on the front line who are best positioned to respond quickly, and correctly, to a fast-changing set of circumstances.
How can you become a better manager?
1 See the world through the employee's eyes - on a regular basis.
One of the hallmarks of effective managers is the ability to put themselves in their employee's shoes. This isn't just a thought experiment: it is about creating simple changes in practice or behaviour that force you to take the employee's perspective. Vehicles for doing this include: 'skip level' meetings where you talk with people two or three levels below you; web-enabled discussion forums where people many levels below you have a chance to pose direct questions to you; frontline work, where you spend a couple of days stacking shelves or working on the checkout (as Tesco executives do); and 'reverse mentoring', where a Gen-Y employee briefs a senior person on the latest technology trends, while also keeping them informed of a broader range of issues on an informal basis.
2 Package the work into projects
Most people find project work more interesting than routine work, for the simple reasons that a project tends to have a distinct objective, a deadline and a clear person in charge. It doesn't take a lot of imagination to see how much of the day-to-day work we do could be repackaged in such a way. For example, fundraising is a never-ending activity in a university, but to make it more motivating for fundraisers and donors alike, it gets packaged around a series of campaigns. Once one campaign is over, the fundraising team celebrates and starts all over again. It is worth considering whether you can do something similar in your organisation, by segmenting routine work into a series of projects.
Work yourself out of a job
In theory, each level of management adds value to the one below. In reality, there are overlapping roles, leading to disagreement and frustration. So one useful way of approaching a management job is to imagine the role won't exist in, say, two years' time, and that your job is to train everyone up so they can do your job as well as their own.
As authors, we have personal experience of this as a way of working and it has enormous benefits. For example, it encourages you to hire and promote the best people, it forces you to question why you do certain things at all and it inspires you to delegate many of your tasks.
We realise this approach has its risks. If your enlightened approach to management is not shared by your boss, it is possible the goal of 'working yourself out of a job' may end up with you having no job. But in our experience, this discipline of pushing down the structure as much work as possible has the effect of changing the nature of the work you do as a manager - it forces you to spend more time on the mentoring and supporting activities and it results in better performance all round.
There are no shortcuts to becoming an effective manager. We all intuitively know what 'good management' looks like, but most of us don't follow through on this in our day-to-day actions. So what is needed is not additional advice on what to do, but instead some insight into how we might do it.
Our research suggests the best managers are the ones who adopt the discipline of looking at the world through the eyes of employees. This provides the right mindset to structure work carefully, to communicate more effectively and to push decision-making down to the appropriate level.
At London Business School, Julian Birkinshaw is professor of strategy and entrepreneurship, Vyla Rollins is strategic organisational effectiveness consultant and executive coach Stefano Turconi is strategy research associate