text:
And Then What?
I don't know how many people reading this reflection – perhaps intrigued by the question posed in the title and unsure what sort of answer it anticipates – have seen the film St Philip Neri: I Prefer Heaven (2010) in which the Saint is played by the peerless Italian actor Gigi Proietti. Myself, I have watched it in various languages at least thirty times, and I'm not ashamed to say that every time I was deeply touched and so moved that I would recommend it to everyone to watch, and especially to those who have received the gift of a call from God to the consecrated life or to holy orders. This might be a bit over the top, but I am convinced it contains enough points for reflection and meditation for a whole course of Spiritual Exercises. The figure of this Saint has always been present in some way in my life and my Dominican vocation. As a young man, he used to go to the Priory of San Marco in Florence, where only a few decades earlier Fra Girolamo Savonarola had lived and worked; I did my novitiate in the same Priory, during which I read several lives of St Philip, who always seemed close to me, not least through a common sense of humour. The film puts on Philip's lips the words of a very beautiful and very moving prayer which sums up his hopes and desires, his difficulties and struggles: "O Lord, how can I make them understand that you are the only source of joy and beauty? Without you, I am nothing: why have you chosen me to do all these things? I am not worthy. Even though I do love the people, the greatest joy is to be with you, but I end up having time for everyone except you!".
In any case, I will venture here to present a few scenes from the film. The first is the scene which opens the second part of the film. Father Philip had rescued children from the street and brought them together in the Oratory to feed them materially and spiritually. These children, now grown up, have come together to celebrate their "Father's" birthday; jokingly, he reminds them that he's only one year older than the year before and that's all! As they sit round the table, each of them shares their memories and also their plans for the future. Alessandro has reformed his life and is about to leave for the Indies with the Jesuits (a dream of St Philip himself, which in his case remained only a dream); Camillo will take his place caring for the sick, because he has realised that is how he is to serve the Lord; Pierotto is about to graduate. Last of all, Aurelio tells everyone that, though he knows it will be difficult, he has decided to pursue a career in the Church: "I want to become a bishop!".
Philip recognises the tone of pride in his voice, and the questionable motivation behind this plan. Sounding serious and attentive, he asks him, "And then what?"
Aurelio answers, slightly embarrassed, that after that first step, he might be able to get an appointment to some Nunciature or other. In a fatherly way, Philip continues to press him: "Of course! And then what?".
The young man, thinking he has his support, answers, "… and then I might become a Cardinal …".
"A Cardinal! And then what? And then Pope?" Philip asks him bluntly.
Sheepishly, Aurelio answers, "… yes, maybe …".
Philip looks at him with pity and repeats his initial question, "And then what? And then what?".
"Then that'll be it, Philip! My life will come to an end …", Aurelio answers, his eyes downcast.
Then Philip, like a gentle father, encourages him to turn his mind to the point of life as he poses the question, "… so what will you have gained?".
Sadly, Aurelio didn't take up St Philip's invitation to think again about the point of life and so avoid wasting it on ephemeral, transient things (cf Mt 6:19-23; 2 Cor 4:18); on the contrary, he betrayed Philip's trust by spying on him and his pastoral methods (which were rather daring for the times) and reporting them to the ecclesiastical authorities; as a "reward" they give him what he had always wanted: a bishopric, in France! Towards the end of the film Aurelio reappears, dressed in splendid episcopal attire in the grand park of his palace, surrounded by Monsignori and officials who inform him of the ever-growing wealth of his diocese. Thoughtful and sad, he writes a letter to Philip in which he admits that although he has attained everything he had always desired, he feels like he has nothing. Looking back over his life, he recognises in the end that Philip was right: the best things he has ever had have been a hug from a gypsy (whom Philip had asked him to wash from head to foot: especially the feet!) and the smile of Philip himself, who despite knowing his intentions and his betrayal had always loved him like all his other children.
This intimate scene in which we see Aurelio recognising that he has thrown his life away is particularly interesting in the light of Father Philip's meeting with Clement VIII, which the film presents a little earlier. The Pope asks him to present the rules and mission of his young community. Nervously, but with a quiet firmness, Philip points out that, to be obeyed, it's better to have fewer rules (if only governments kept this truth in mind a bit more … !) and he's chosen just one: charity! Deeply struck by Father Philip's integrity and holiness, the Pope wants to make him a Cardinal ("No one deserves it more than you", the Pope tells him with some feeling). The "second apostle of Rome", though, as he will come to be called, takes the Cardinal's galero from the hands of the Holy Father as he is about to place it on his head, and with a holy levity asks, "Me, a Cardinal, your Holiness? I prefer heaven!" and throws the galero up in the air.
All right. "And then what?".
In our day too, this very realistic, simple question addresses itself to each one of us without exception. What is the point of our life, the only one we have, which was given to us by God for us to live as stewards not as masters of it (cf 1 Cor 4:7). Today as in the past, blind ambition, selfishness, and self-centredness take many different forms in different situations, but they need to be recognised for what they are if we are to avoid wasting the life that has been given to us. We should never forget that we only have one, and in the game of life there's no extra time!
People obsessed with power and building a career at all costs, even if they're not capable of it; people who refuse to recognise reality and effect a pathological separation from it; people who aspire to positions of authority so they can then exercise that authority with arrogant impunity: all these are familiar figures from the everyday experience of each one of us, from getting on a bus to seeking medical treatment. There are times when we request a service we're entitled to, or simply ask a question, of some public authority, and are met without even the simple courtesy of a response (I don't know what excuse people imagine there might be for dispensing with such a basic requirement of courtesy; I fear there can be no explanation but rudeness). When we come across half measures, dishonesty, corruption, rudeness, lack of the respect due to every person, systematic lying if not outright slander, impossible promises and assurance of favours in the run-up to elections or shameless cheating during them in order to get elected, all these seem "normal" behaviour that can be "taken for granted" in all the various spheres of people's social interaction, without exception (and this is the worst, most serious thing today). As Pope Francis observed astutely in his address after the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum this year, people have lost any '… shame at having no shame' (30-III-2018). I will leave it to the memory and intelligence of the reader to put faces and contexts to this admittedly sad, but honest truth.
All right. "And then what?".
However, it would be a mistake to think, like King David, that this only concerns other people: "You are the man!" (2 Sam 12:7). How many people have we met, who like Aurelio would do anything to advance their career? People become blinded by power and success, and sometimes fall prey to a real obsession with unlimited power, forgetting that they are finite creatures and that life is not fulfilled by being served by others or taking advantage of institutions, but by discovering the true joy of putting oneself at the service of others and of the good of institutions, and thus of the human person. They forget that one day we will be judged on the love with which we lived or didn't live: in the end this, and nothing else, will matter (cf Mt 5:1-12; Lk 6:20-23; Mt 25:31-46).
All right. "And then what?".
My hope and prayer is that this question present itself sooner rather than later to the conscience of each and every person, so that like St Philip we may respond with generosity, discovering that everything is a gift which God asks us to give in turn (cf Mt 10:8), rather than discovering too late, like Aurelio, that we have got hold of everything we wanted but thrown away the most important thing – the call to be a child of God and brother or sister to our fellow human beings. However, even though it came too late, the fact that Aurelio recognised he had concentrated too much on visible, earthly things and so run the risk of failing to obtain that which is eternal (cf 2 Cor 4:18) means there is hope for everyone. This recognition is nothing other than conversion! Thus in the end, as long as life remains, it is never too late! The beautiful episode recounted by St Luke of Christ's dialogue with the "Good Thief" reminds us of this in words full of loving mercy: " … 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' He replied, 'Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise'" (Lk 23:42-43).
Quite a few people reading these lines will, I'm sure, be thinking that these are nice ideas, the sort of thing a priest "ought to say", but that the reality, even in the Church, is very different. I quite agree, but that's precisely why it's essential to take note of the danger, and above all to be aware that this way of spending our life (the only we have, as I said) isn't worth it. In the end comes failure, but worse than that, in the name of power and success and wanting to be "omnipotent" people in fact condemn themselves to slavery: "for people are slaves to whatever masters them" (2 Pt 2:19).
So, especially if we have choices to make, let's ask ourselves honestly at this present moment which is the only one that, unlike the past and the future, fully belongs to us: "And then what?".
Fr Bruno, O. P. (many thanks to Fr. Gregory Pearson, O. P. for the English translation).


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Massive downed tree blocks morning midtown traffic
Crews work to clear J Street after tree breaks and blocks all lanes
A massive tree has fallen across the intersection of J and 16th streets, blocking traffic early Monday morning.
The cause of the tree fall is unknown.
Sacramento police officers are at the scene to direct traffic, said police spokesman Sgt. Bryce Heinlein. No injuries have been reported.
Sacramento city crews are handling clean-up, but officials don't know when the street will be cleared, Heinlein said.
As of 9:45 a.m., two city crews were still working to clear the area and evaluate the situation, according to city spokeswoman Marycon Young. By 11 a.m., the area had been cleared, Young said.
Alexandra Yoon-Hendricks: 916-321-1418, @ayoonhendricks

subset: commoncrawl


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Dear U.S. District Judge Kenneth Marra:
I am writing this letter on behalf of my close personal friend Donald Trump, who is too busy these days saving America to ask you to step down from presiding over the civil trial against him at his Jupiter golf club.
You clearly are one of those Trump haters who populate the judiciary, as evidenced by the fact that you haven't already dismissed the class-action lawsuit filed by these golf club losers. Some 60 former club members are upset because they lost their deposits when Trump bought the former Ritz Carlton Golf Club, turned it into the Trump National Golf Club, and changed the membership rules.
Whatever happened there was fine. Nothing wrong. Everybody was treated fairly, even the ones who want their money back.
We're talking about peanuts here. A total of $6 million in deposits. Imagine bothering Trump for that kind of pocket change!
But Judge Marra, you set a possible trial date in August for this breach-of-contract lawsuit, a clear sign that you are letting your multiple biases against Trump get in the way.
It appears that you may be even more unsuitable to hear a Trump case than the average Mexican-American judge from Indiana.
Allow me to explain.
First of all, you are a George W. Bush appointee. He's the brother of the very low-energy Jeb, who is still angry that Trump kept reminding him of his brother's war — that disaster. And Jeb has publicly said he won't be voting for Donald Trump in November, even though he pledged to vote for the party's nominee months earlier.
So you're a Bush guy. And therefore a Trump hater.
To paraphrase Trump's words on another matter: When it comes to hearing lawsuits against Trump, there needs to be a complete and total shutdown of federal judges who were appointed by Bush until we can figure out what the heck is going on.
Now, let's move onto your work with Native Americans.
Before becoming a judge you were a Justice Department attorney in the Indian Resources Section, handling cases involved Native American treaties and special rights.
As you know, Trump is no fan of Native American special rights, especially when it comes to casinos. Trump has been on record opposing the federal government granting Native Americans the right to run casinos on their lands. He sued the federal government over it in 1993 and a year later he said this about Native Americans running casinos:
"You're going to have the biggest organized crime problem in the history of this country. Al Capone is going to look like a baby."
So Judge Marra, as a former government lawyer working with Native Americans, Mr. Trump can't count on you to be fair to him.
Recuse yourself. Without reservation (pun intended).
Then there's your Catholic religion.
Don't get me wrong. Trump loves the Catholics. He hires Catholics, even the Mexican ones. But as you know, he's been in a Twitter war with Pope Francis, who is essentially Bernie Sanders in white vestments.
The Pope's been very unfair to Mr. Trump by doubting he would be the greatest president. He even said Trump was "not Christian" for calling for the deportations of undocumented residents and building an immense border wall.
The concern is that devout Catholics, such as yourself, Judge Marra, tend to believe that the Pope is, as the church teaches, infallible.
So no Catholic judges can be presumed to be fair to Trump.
Then there's the fact that you're Italian. OK, you were born in Queens, but that's close enough. Your family history leads to Italy.
And Italians tend to be Trump haters too. They see him as reincarnation of their reviled former bunga-bunga expert and national disgrace, Silvio Berlusconi — a man Trump has praised and admired.
So step aside, Judge Marra. Or better yet, just dismiss the case against Mr. Trump.
Florida already has a system for handling monetary issues Floridians have against Mr. Trump.
Florida residents simply complain to Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. Bondi then asks Trump for a sizable campaign donation. Trump writes the check to Bondi, and the complaint vanishes.
It worked for Trump University. It can work for the golf club in Jupiter.
I hope you will consider this letter, Judge Marra, and do your part to make America great again.


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How To Implement The SegMetrics Tracking Code
The SegMetrics tracking code is a short snippet of Javascript that allows us to report on your UTM values and Referring URLs (and more coming soon).
If you didn't set this up while integrating your account during the onboarding process, don't sweat it. We got you covered.
Navigate to the Site Setup page.
Copy the Site Tracking Javascript Snippet.
Paste this code immediately before the closing </body> tag on all pages of your website.
You should include this code even on pages where you don't have any optin forms so that we can accurately track your lead sources, including your thankyou page.
Also be sure the code gets on all pages that are hosted on third party domains (e.g., LeadPages, ClickFunnels, etc.).
Once the code is on your site SegMetrics will capture all UTM values (campaign, medium, source, content, term) and Referring URL data.
Special Options
In addition to the standard tracking features, you can add a number of different features if you're having issues with your lead data showing up in SegMetrics:
1) Track Leads Whenever There is an Email Address In the URL
This is useful for sites that don't redirect through standard Infusionsoft forms, or when you're opting in leads through the Infusionsoft API.
When this option is turned on, any time an email address is found in the URL it will send the lead to SegMetrics. This will not overwrite any information about the lead already in SegMetrics.
2) Populate UTM fields on your existing Infusionsoft forms
This is a handy way to let SegMetrics automatically populate the UTM and tracking information back into your Infusionsoft account. Follow the steps here to set up your Custom Fields in Infusionsoft and SegMetrics, and then turn on this option to start attaching UTM values to your Infusionsoft contacts.
3) Support LeadPages, ClickFunnel and other Landing Page Systems
Lead Pages, ClickFunnel and other landing page systems often have special issues that make it hard to track leads submitted through their landing pages. SegMetrics has a number of ways to solve the issue, including real-time tracking of leads as they type in their email address. If you're using LeadPages or ClickFunnel, check out our integration guides.
If you're not using LeadPages or ClickFunnel, but are not getting the UTM values correctly, try turning this option on to solve most tagging issues.


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Jabong is a one stop fashion app for fashion lovers as well as their loved ones. The huge collection of dresses from biggest brands, faster checkouts & easy payment modes with a customer service 24×7, it is the best fashion app for Men & Women.


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Making a seven segment digital wall clock/
Analog clocks are not as popular as the whole world seems to be switching to digital options. There's no doubt that various types of timing devices have undergone changes over the last few years and with the rise of mobile devices, which are totally digital, there are fewer analog clocks.
This project of a digital clock utilizing discrete electronic parts is worth making as its far better than the commercial module type of use-and-throw digital clocks, which are though cheap, can be very unreliable in their operation. Moreover the components used in this project are all easily available and easily replaceable in case a fault arises.
The circuit has been equipped with all facilities normally associated with digital clocks and features one would expect from it. Along with the hour and minutes, it has a blinking colon to separate the two. At the moment, the clock can be operated through DC power but with an adapter can run with an AC power source.
The current consumption in the "sleep mode" is around 4mA, in this mode the LED display remains switched OFF but the clock keeps the timing updated correctly so that when the displays are switched ON again, it provides the current timings accurately.
This LED or LCD light display is called a "7-segment display." This is because there are seven segments that can light up to display a number. For instance, the number 8 uses all 7 lights. But the light segments are designed to be able to light up in any array to display the numbers 0 to 9. These lights are situated on the display so that they display two sets of two digit numbers.
The electric components in a digital clock are designed so that they have a built-in processor (ATMEGA 328) which basically looks for a "13" in the hours display (24 hour system). Users can also reset the time using digital buttons that are installed on the clock in some accessible location. These buttons allow increased frequencies so that the numbers more much faster.


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We pride ourselves on being one of the Industries leaders when it comes to everything Bridal. Our Bridal team are constantly updating their skills with both hair and beauty. We offer the bride the chance to relax in her own home or hotel on the morning of her wedding while we look after those special occasion hair and make up creations for the complete bridal party.
Prior to the big day, we also provide an extensive range of treatments including hair colouring and styling, Skinician Luxurious Facials, including our signature Skinician Age Delay Glycolic Peel Facial to unveil smoother, more luminous skin before the big day. Then to enhance your bridal look we offer He Shi Professional Tanning, NSI Gel / Acrylic Nails and Hollywood Semi Permanent Lashes.
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Some fabulous weddings we had the joy of working on...lots of happiness and laughter


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Day two of NeoCon East 2017 is here and I was finally able to sneak away from our ASSA ABLOY Mobile Showroom to cruise the show floor. I blogged previously about the importance of NeoCon East as a means for collaborating and sharing ideas with our architectural and interior design "inspirers." But there are LOTS of ways to be inspired at this show, and that includes by other manufacturers. Great as it is to be ASSA ABLOY, it's not all about us!
There are so many great companies, products, themes and ideas presented at NeoCon East this year; here are a few products that impressed us:
Collaborative workspaces: Framery and Emagispace both presented their takes on sound controlled, in-office collaborative meeting spaces. These "quiet pods" cocoon occupants and block sound, permitting private meetings and discussions in the midst of open floor plan workspaces. Genius! So well done, and so necessary. And, note to self, our Rockwood door pulls and decorative door levers would look amazing on these pods! Global displayed some incredibly creative, upholstered chairs that form a privacy barrier around their occupants, and are hard wired to provide power. Loved these chairs aesthetically, and they sat well, too.
Glass boards: I love the idea of getting away from the white board and using more stylized and well-designed glass products as creative drawing spaces. They're mobile! It's a simple and smart upgrade that really changes the look, feel and functionality of our working spaces. Clever and beautiful!
Colors: Several companies displayed unique color options in office furnishings, demountable wall systems, acoustic panels and lighting fixtures. But for all the depth and richness of these offerings, I found myself enamored of the bold primary colors I saw in desks and office fixtures. Primaries are always at home in K-12 and pediatric "kid" spaces, but there's no doubt about the fact that they enhance the experience of adults in professional work spaces, too!


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Positive conclusions in the geological research program
2016. October 4, Tuesday | Téma: News
PURAM and the West-Mecsek Social Information and Regional Development Association (NYMTIT) organized their annual common public event, the so called "Tájoló Nap", which means the "Compass Day" on the 24th of September 2016.
As in the previous years, Mr. Ferenc Kereki, Managing Director of PURAM gave an account on the press conference about the geological research program, carried out for the final disposal of the high level radioactive waste and spent fuel. Local people and the media could hear about the positive results of the exploration trench that had been excavated in 2015-2016. "We were curious about what kind of changes and movements have occurred during the past thousands of years and geologically how stable is the Boda Claystone Formation that we explore. Measurements showed that the planned host rock is extremely stable and there were not any movements during the last several hundred thousands of years. It is an important outcome of the investigation work." – said Mr. Ferenc Kereki.
After the press conference, the audience heard some interesting presentations by Hungarian experts, and as before, the event had a foreign guest speaker, Ms. Lucie Steinerová (SURAÓ) from the Czech Republic in this year. The communication expert spoke about experiences and projects in the Czech radioactive waste management and disposal programme for the audience.


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Ben and Ginny Eckblad have done something most couples would hesitate to do — they've started a business together. The Eckblads have been married for 17 years, and are the parents of two children. They're also the co-founders of GorillaSpace, a platform for companies to find the ideal office space.
Most people go home to escape from work, but what's it like when you both work and live with your co-founder? What should you do when you argue with your partner then? How can a relationship survive the rollercoaster ride of running a business? Here's what the Eckblads have to say.
Were there people who warned you about going into business with your spouse?
We didn't ask for anybody's opinion on whether we should do it together. Rather, we asked if the business idea held water. Because you can have a good idea, but does the market also think it's a good idea?
We took time off and did market studies. We asked about a hundred people, from the smallest co-working operators to institutional landlords. Almost everybody said yes, which was unusual. When you're starting something new, you usually get some pushback. But the experience we had in property helped us understand the market's key pain points.
So we decided we had to do it.
Since you work and live together, how do you separate your work and personal lives?
There really is no clear separation of between work or personal time. To us, the whole thing is life. But we do set clear boundaries for family time. For example, at meal times there are no devices and we don't talk about work.
What makes a couple-business relationship work?
We're able to work together because each of us has skills and experiences we bring to the table. We're not sure it would have worked out so well if we had tried to work together when we first met. We wouldn't have had the weight to throw behind our opinions. Now each person brings an equal weight to the table.
How do you handle conflict gracefully?
We practice something called 'nonviolent communication' by Dr. Marshall Rosenberg. Dr. Rosenberg developed this method for war conflicts. The workplace isn't war, but conflicts do happen because everybody has their own goals and sometimes things don't go well.
It's important to state facts and say how we feel. And talk about what we need as well as how people can help us get what we need. Work and charting a start-up is very emotional. There are lots of things at stake so talking about feelings is very important.
What have you learned about working together as a couple?
A strong couple working together makes the business stronger. Talk about conflict resolution and founder disagreements! We have to work things out, because we still have to see each other when we get home. Having children around to see how we work things out is very rewarding and gives us more clarity. Your understanding needs to be very clear when you explain things to a child.
What are some key habits that keep your relationship strong?
We're clear about family and 'me' time, so we have time for ourselves. We're very disciplined about that. Also, we over-communicate with each other. Share when things are good, share when things are not good. Share how you think, share how you feel. Because all this only makes sense if we're stronger in the process.
Any advice for other couples who want to go into business together?
We've had conversations with investors who say they don't invest in companies where the co-founders are partners. Our advice is not to listen. There are plenty of successful companies run by couples. If you believe in it, just do it.


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A light fir bell
sprung green,
a tree full-grown,
green, green as ever
its coat ever green
in this forest of hope.
A special worshipful tree,
its needles, its cunning cones
with stiff prickled scales
welcoming, bristling,
in the morning breeze.
This one tree waiting
in the forest's heart
for the consequence of
our arrival; the forest
parting itself only
to fold itself
over and over;
the traveler's footsteps,
the hunter's hut,
the remains of seasons
leave no trace.
The wood creaks in the cold
and we wonder why we came
on a cold day to this forest,
the two of us, all this way,
wandering far from home,
wondering how we found
this special tree.
The tree, that light
fir bell sprung green,
a shield, a queen, an upright
altar, growing towards heaven,
taking us, two among many,
opening our hearts,
making us one,
making us see
in exaltation and terror
its standing transient splendor,
its sacred stance and place,
then changing us
to one certain form,
making us open to all,
making us sound no separation,
no sound at all,
silent and joyous
in the open air,
like bells made of water.


text:
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text:
It can never be understated the impact of manufacturing on the environment, whether it be the intense production for the coffee industry or any other industry. Sustainable practices is the key for ensuring we meet both the needs of our present generation and for those future generations. The simple coffee bean is one of the most important and actively traded commodities in the world. A recent study found that, from seed to mug, each cup of coffee uses about 140 liters of "virtual water," for irrigation, processing, shipping and as well as for consumption. This is a concern as to what as a consumer or as a coffee pod provider, how can we help reduce the negative impact we leave on this earth.
Fair trade certification is the most important certification requirement for the coffee industry, this helps ensure economic stability for farmers by providing them a base price for their coffee and encouraging them to adopt more sustainable farming practices. Jacob Pod, being one of the last processes in the coffee supply chain, is continually looking to further push the coffee pod industry into a state of zero environmental impact.
All of Jacob Pod's coffee pods and manufactured, blended and roasted in Sydney, shipped using biodegradable packaging with a 100% carbon neutral freight carrier. We are taking our own steps in our journey to ensure we leave only footprints, take only memories.


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Last Monday evening, Voice cartoonist Lesole Ntshole was at the Gaborone bus rank, standing in a queue to board a bus to Mochudi when he overheard a conversation amongst passengers about poor transport service and the recent police crackdown on illegal transport operators.
LADY IN WHITE BLOUSE: I'm trying to figure how I'll get to work tomorrow. I hate traveling to Gaborone by bus as it means being late for work.
MAN IN DARK-BLUE SHIRT: Private cars are the best because buses frequently breakdown as they not roadworthy and seats are torn. I wonder how operators with such buses get permits.
LADY WITH SHORT HAIR: The last time I travelled by bus in the morning was when it had a breakdown just after Sebele.
The conductor had to walk to Botswana College of Agriculture to fetch water to cool the radiator.
It was embarrassing. We waited for more than 30 minutes before we could be on our way again.
LADY IN WHITE BLOUSE: The sad thing is police are now all over bus stops.
They want us to board buses and would charge drivers that offer anyone going to Gaborone a lift.
MAN IN DARK-BLUE SHIRT: Those drivers have been operating under their nose for a very long time and they didn't find any wrongdoing. Why the sudden charge?
LADY IN WHITE BLOUSE: It all started recently, after a mini bus that operated illegally overturned with passengers on board.
LADY IN SHORT HAIR: They have enough manpower to guard all the bus stops, yet when you report a crime, they only arrive at a crime scene the following day.
Their priorities are clearly misplaced?
LADY IN WHITE BLOUSE: They would defend themselves and claim to be doing that to save lives.
MAN IN DARK-BLUE SHIRT: What lives? If they cared enough about people's lives, they would make sure all skorokoros are off the roads.
If the mini bus accident had not happened, they wouldn't be harassing private drivers who give us lifts.
The conversation ends as the bus arrives. Everyone boards on.


text:
Timothy Blair is a Hollywood talent agent. He falls in love with Julie Renfield, a British actress who is visiting the United States to do a movie. After the movie is finished, she returns to England. To help his brother Gene complete a photography assignment, Timothy dresses as a hippie and poses for a photo shoot. The photos are sent to a modeling agent in England who assumes they are of a woman. He offers "her" a job.
Knowing this would be the only chance to go to Great Britain and be with Julie, Timothy accepts and dubs himself "Timmie". Timothy has two weeks of vacation to spend as much time with Julie as he can, but when he is about to leave with his brother, Gene loses £11,000 gambling. This, coupled with the fact that the talent agent discovers the brothers' ruse and demands to recoup his investment, means Timothy has to continue being Timmie for a while longer.


text:
I am a wife, mother, dog lover, coffee and sushi addict, Harry
Potter nerd and lover off all things Disney! I always have my
camera in hand and love to go on new adventures!
I absolutely love love. I love capturing the excitement and
emotions of a couple on their wedding day, the love between a
mother/father and their new baby, the passion of a newly
engaged couple, the sweetness of an expecting mother, and the
playful smiles and sweet kisses of precious littles and their
I want to capture your raw, authentic, moments and emotion.
My style is a mix of documentary/fine art photography with rich
greens, and creamy skin tones. My goal is to ensure that you
have an amazing experience from beginning to end! Nothing
makes me happier than creating beautiful, authentic images and
capturing once in a lifetime memories for you and your family to
cherish forever!
Lets chat!
- I'm originally from Louisiana but moved to Orlando, FL in 2012, to complete an internship with The Walt Disney Company!
- Some of my favorite TV shows right now are Outlander (obsessed), Stranger Things, and The Walking Dead.
- I have a one year old daughter named Amelia and two golden retrievers named Maggie and Sandy.
- My husband and I love going to concerts. Our most recent was John Mayer and it was amazing!
- I love hosting friends at our house for football on Sundays and game nights. (My husband is a huge Broncos fan)
- I am obsessed with Vietnemese iced coffee. It's addicting!
- Give me anything chocolate and I'll be your best friend.
- Singing and dancing around the house is pretty much a daily occurence for me.
- I am slowly teaching myself to play guitar!
- I love the work I do as a photographer, and feel truly blessed and honored to be able to capture such precious moments and memories for my clients.


text:
We have found some new trademarks filed with the USPTO by Hasbro Inc. The trademarks are:
You can view all of the details of these and other trademarks within our exclusive Trademark Application area of the website which features trademark applications from 1984 through until the present day.
The application, which can be viewed here, includes a direct reference to the Titans Returns Toy with a packaging image included within the application. The application also references two prior registered marks, serial numbers 1327229 and 3619722


text:
By Hannah Bennett
Ralph Waldo Emerson wisely stated that money often costs too much, and it seems that horse racing profits are no longer justifying the cost to horses, which are being harmed by the rampant abuse of drugs, used both to numb and to enhance a horse's performance. Prevention of such abuse has historically taken the form of urine and blood testing after races, but recently, more and more governing bodies are adopting regulations allowing off-track drug testing at private facilities, raising privacy issues for those affected by the regulations.[i]
The rampancy of drug use in the racing industry is no secret, and privacy concerns raised by increased testing are constantly being balanced with the goal of protecting horse welfare. A former Churchill Downs public relations director has been quoted by the Horse Fund as saying, "There are trainers pumping horses full of illegal drugs every day. With so much money on the line, people will do anything to make their horses run faster."[ii] Some substances are used to increase a horse's speed, while others mask pain in order to keep an injured horse racing and continuing to earn a profit for its owners.[iii] A particularly poignant example of such inappropriate drug use is that of Be My Royal, which was suspected to have been given morphine based on the obvious limp he exhibited while winning a race.[iv] Which drugs are legal varies from state to state, with Kentucky having the reputation for being most lenient.[v]
New York's regulations allowing off-track testing permit a member or representative of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board to enter a private farm in New York without probable cause or a search warrant and test a horse that may or may not actually race at a New York Race Track.[vi] The rule allows for testing of any horse stabled within a 100-mile radius of any New York racetrack, incidentally encompassing other states.[vii] If an out-of-state horse is selected for testing, the owner must ship the horse to the New York track at the owner's expense.[viii] The penalty for the first violation is a mandatory ten year suspension.[ix] Trainers and owners who do not comply with an order to produce a horse for testing are subject to a 120-day suspension of the horse, absent mitigating circumstances, which are not well defined.[x] Horses to be tested are selected from those anticipated to compete at New York tracks within 180 days, but determining whether or not a horse may race in New York and therefore fall under the rule is not an exact science.[xi]
Out-of-competition testing represents the interest of industry professionals in guarding against both drug abuse and cheating the systems already in place.[xii] Unlike post-race tests that look for stimulants, painkillers, tranquilizers, and other drugs that can directly impact performance in the race, out-of-competition tests look for "designer drugs" like the blood-doper EPO that offers long term boosts to physiological processes, or toxins that can deaden pain for weeks at a time.[xiii] Stuart S. Janney III, vice chairman of the Jockey Club, was quoted by the Daily Racing Form, stating that, "It can be a powerful deterrent, and in our sport, it is a perfect bookend to post-race sampling."
Legally, such potential invasions of privacy raise concerns that citizens' constitutional Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable searches and seizures will be violated. The Fourth Amendment provides that, "the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated."[xiv] This right of personal security "belongs as much to a citizen on the streets of our cities as to the homeowner closeted in his study to dispose of his secret affairs."[xv] This right protects from restraint or interference of others, unless by clear and unquestionable authority of law.[xvi] The Fourth Amendment protects people, not places, and wherever an individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy, they are entitled to be free from unreasonable governmental intrusion.[xvii] This right is shaped by the context in which it is asserted, as only unreasonable searches and seizures are forbidden.[xviii]
Additionally, regulations like the one at issue must be a valid exercise of agency power. It is well-settled that a state regulation should be upheld if it has a rational basis and is not unreasonable, arbitrary, capricious or contrary to the statute under which it was promulgated.[xix] If a regulation is to be nullified, the challenger must establish that "it is so lacking in reason for its promulgation that it is essentially arbitrary."[xx] An agency has no authority to create rules and regulations without a statutory predicate, either express or implied.[xxi]
In 2014, a group of professionals in the Standardbred racing industry filed suit against the New York State Racing & Wagering Board, and the court was forced to address the Fourth Amendment and administrative issues involved in out-of-competition testing.[xxii]
The court evaluated the Fourth Amendment claims under the reasonableness standard expressed in Elkins.[xxiii] The court held that, due to the fact that horse trainers, owners, and horse farms leasing property to such owners and trainers, have "voluntarily entered a pervasively regulated field… in which suspicionless equine testing has for decades been used as a routine, legally mandated prophylactic," such racing professionals can claim no privacy expectation that would prevent the testing of horses for illicit substances in accordance with a prescribed testing regimen that meaningfully limits the scope of any intrusion to the sampling procedure.[xxiv]
As to the attack on the regulation itself, the court first outlined the statutory basis for the regulation. Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law § 301(2) provides the state wagering board, without limit, the authority to prescribe rules and regulations preventing administration of drugs or stimulants to affect the speed of horses in races in which they are about to participate. The court reasoned that, while it is true an administrative agency may not engage in policy determinations (such as the protection of racehorse welfare) reserved for the legislature under the guise of rulemaking, it is also true that the legislature has considerable latitude in delegating a reasonable amount of discretion to administrative officials.[xxv]
The court, in reading §301, found that the statute was not intended to limit the respondent's powers to supervise all harness race meetings and to adopt rules and, in fact, the statute itself provided for the promulgation of regulations to adopt its purposes and to prevent circumvention or evasion thereof.[xxvi] The court held that the respondent's power effectively to reach off-track activity, such as horse doping, bearing directly on the safety and integrity of pari-mutuel racing, was inarguable.[xxvii]
Although issues of privacy and administrative authority are foundationally interwoven in this new method of testing, the court in Ford made it clear that such testing is both constitutional and a valid exercise of administrative power. Based on Ford, it seems the racing industry can expect, with increasing frequency, that state racing boards will implement regulations requiring out-of-competition testing. In fact, as of January 23, 2017, New York's regulations were actually in the process of expanding.[xxviii] West Virginia launched an out-of-competition testing program in 2016.[xxix] Kentucky has also adopted a similar regulation allowing for out-of-competition testing, utilizing the process during the 2016 Kentucky Derby.[xxx] Kentucky recently enforced its regulation by administering the mandatory penalty to a Kentucky trainer.[xxxi] Otabek Umarov refused to allow one of his horses to be tested and thus received the proscribed ten-year suspension.[xxxii] Testing officials found Umarov to be in possession of hypodermic needles, syringes, and injectable medications.[xxxiii] It seems the system, despite initial privacy and administrative authority concerns, is working effectively to expand protection of horses from harmful substances.
[i] Steve Kallas, More Court Scrutiny for NY Out-Of-Competition Testing Rule, Harnessracing.com (Jan. 11, 2010), http://www.harnessracing.com/news/morecourtscrutinyfornyout-of-competitiontestingrule.html.
[ii] Fact Sheet, The Horse Fund, http://horsefund.org/horse-racing-fact-sheet.php.
[iii] Id.
[iv] Id.
[v] Id.
[vi] Kallas, supra note i..
[vii] Id.
[viii] Id.
[ix] Id.
[x] Id.
[xi] Kallas, supra note i.
[xii] Matt Hegarty, Racing Symposium: Out-of-competition Testing Faces Hurdles, DailyRacingForm.com (Dec. 11, 2013), http://www.drf.com/news/racing-symposium-out-competition-testing-faces-hurdles.
[xiii] Id.
[xiv] Terry v. Ohio, 392 U.S. 1, 9 (1968).
[xv] Id.
[xvi] Union Pac. R. Co. v. Botsford, 141 U.S. 250, 251 (1891) (holding that a court may not order a party to submit to a surgical examination to ascertain the extent of the injury for which he is suing).
[xvii] Katz v. United States, 389 U.S. 347, 351, 361 (1967) (Harlan, J., concurring).
[xviii] Elkins v. United States, 364 U.S. 202, 222 (1960).
[xix] New York State Assn. of Counties v. Axelrod, 78 N.Y.2d 158, 166 (1991); Bates v. Toia, 45 N.Y.2d 460, 464 (1978); Ostrer v. Schenck, 41 N.Y.2d 782, 786 (1977).
[xx] Marburg v. Cole, 286 N.Y. 202, 212 (1941).
[xxi] Bates, 45 N.Y.2d at 464 (1978).
[xxii] See generally Matter of Ford v. N.Y. State Racing & Wagering Bd., 24 N.E.3d 1090.
[xxiii] Matter of Ford, 24 N.E.3d at 1096; Elkins v. United States, 364 U.S. 202, 222 (1960).
[xxiv] Matter of Ford, 24 N.E.3d at 1096
[xxv] See generally Rent Stabilization Assn. of N.Y. City v. Higgins, 630 N.E.2d 626 (1993); Brightonian Nursing Home v. Daines, 999 N.E.2d 510 (2013).
[xxvi] Matter of Ford, 24 N.E.3d at 1095.
[xxvii] Id.
[xxviii] Tom Precious, New York Regulators Act on Drug Testing, Records Rules, BloodHorse.com (Jan. 23, 2017), http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/219325/new-york-regulators-act-on-drug-testing-records-rules.
[xxix] Frank Angst, Umarov No Longer Seeking Stay of Suspension, BloodHorse.com (Aug. 1, 2016), http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/213812/umarov-no-longer-seeking-stay-of-suspension.
[xxx] Tom LaMarra, KHRC, Churchill Outline Testing, Security, BloodHorse.com (April 30, 2016), http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/211213/khrc-churchill-outline-testing-security.
[xxxi] Angst, supra note xxix.
[xxxii] Id.
[xxxiii] Frank Angst, Kentucky Suspends Umarov for 10 Years, BloodHorse.com (May 27, 2016), http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/211986/kentucky-suspends-umarov-for-10-years.


text:
What's scarier than a Scorpion-Bear? How about Porcupine-Monkey things? The woman who saved our trio at the very end of the last issue has taken them into her home while Orchid's brother heals. Simon writes in his journal about the old woman named Opal and her horse Radius. Probably the last normal animal on the planet, the horse is actually unfamiliar to Simon since it's not trying to kill him. He describes the events that lead them there; mostly that Opal put on the mask and wasn't killed by it. Now she mumbles only to the horse or sings as the rest of them feel like hostages rather than guests. Finally Orchid can't take it any longer and decides to take her brother and leave, but Opal stops her by finally speaking to them. She tells them the story of her life. Opal was a survivor of one of the cannibal barges thanks in part to a younger General China (the masks original owner), then only known as China. After several years the boat finally found land and Opal, China and his father came to shore and were some of the few to survive the animal attack that waited for them. After running for as long as they could they were captured by what posed as the "civilization" of the time. They brought forth the mask with the red star on the front and placed it on China's father, which killed him. But when they put it on China he was transformed and made more powerful.
At the end of the story, Opal tells them that they need to leave; confused Orchid and the two guys head out into the wild to fend for themselves. Opal meanwhile loads up all of her guns and swords and then plants a bomb to blow up her home with the Porcupine-Monkey's inside. Why they were inside when no one was there to eat or kill didn't make much sense, but whatever. Also I'm not sure why Opal pushed them all away just to join them a few minutes later.
This continues to be a good book, but I feel like each issue spends a lot of time explain the world they live in rather than showing me how the world is. I still really like it and enjoy the story and art, but I'm hoping that with the fourth issue we'll kick off something new and stop living in the past that created the world. All-in-all though, this is a good damn book that you should check out. Again this book is available in print and digital today as Dark Horse goes "day and date" with all of their releases. If you missed the first two they're worth picking up as well.
Score: 3/5
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics


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Landscape shifts: Democrats could take control of Senate
There's another pivotal election next year besides the White House. The Senate is up for grabs, and the landscape a year out suggests the Democrats could win control away from the Republicans.
The party needs a net gain of four seats to gain control if a Democrat wins the White House, five if a Republican wins. That's better odds than gaining a majority in the House of Representatives, which is expected to remain under Republican control, and winning the presidency, which right now is impossible to predict.
But the Senate has a special allure. Republicans have to defend 24 Senate seats next year, offices they won in 2010, when so much went right for them. Democrats only have to retain 10, and virtually all seem sure bets.
Not on the Republican side. The party swept to big 2010 victories as the tea party movement mobilized grass-roots conservative voters. Republican fury over Obamacare, which had become law eight months before the election, was peaking. The economy was officially coming out of the Great Recession, but barely.
Now Democrats could get even.
Seven Republican-held seats will be contested next year in states President Barack Obama won in 2012; all but Iowa have potential to be Democratic gains. The party's also due for a boost because Democratic voters tend to turn out in bigger numbers in presidential years.
"Coattails will be a gigantic factor," said Geoffrey Skelley, associate editor at Sabato's Crystal Ball, a respected Virginia-based political analysis group. If the Democratic presidential nominee wins by more than 5 percentage points in a particular state, that usually sweeps others into office.
Republicans control 54 of the Senate's 100 seats.
The only Democratic-held seat in jeopardy is Nevada, where Minority Leader Harry Reid is retiring.
States Obama carried where Republican incumbents face challenges are Florida, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania. Democrats have a unifying theme. Obama also carried Iowa, but Republican Sen. Charles Grassley is a strong favorite to win re-election.
"All you've got to do is look how they (Republicans) fouled this whole government system up and how they take responsibility for nothing that they do," said Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, the campaign operation for Democratic Senate candidates.
Bring it on, counter Republicans.
"We can't predict the future, but at this point last cycle a lot of folks were only talking about gasoline prices. On Election Day, the conversation was entirely different," said Kevin McLaughlin, deputy executive director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
"Democrats have a record of terrible leadership that has made the economy and national security the top two issues with voters. We'll take that," he said.
Republicans have more to lose in 2016 Senate races
The GOP finds itself more vulnerable to next year's elections despite its 8-seat advantage in the Senate. Of 34 seats up for election, 24 of those are currently held by Republicans – including the only seat tilted to flip.
Toggle the ratings for 2016 races below to show or hide seats ranked from safe to toss-up.
Key battlegrounds:
Sen. Ron Johnson, Republican.
Johnson upset veteran incumbent Russ Feingold in 2010, and they're due for a rematch next year. Johnson, a political unknown at the time, "hit the race at just the right moment," said Charles Franklin, director of the Marquette Law School poll.
"He was a guy who had never run for office who cared about the deficit and was against Obamacare," Franklin said. The state's electorate is highly polarized, but turnout usually jumps sharply during presidential years.
50-36Russ Feingold's lead over Sen. Ron Johnson among registered voters in last month's Marquette Law School poll.
Sen. Pat Toomey, Republican.
Toomey had a well-developed reputation in the House as a hard-liner against wasteful spending before his election to the Senate. And he's been a reliable conservative vote in the Senate.
That might be a problem in Pennsylvania, which has voted Democrat for president every election since 1992. But recent polls have shown Toomey comfortably ahead of potential Democratic challengers.
"Toomey's going to be tougher to beat that people think," said Terry Madonna, director of the Franklin and Marshall College Poll. "He's conservative but not hot-blooded or provocative." And he has been pushing stronger background checks for gun purchasers.
Sen. Mark Kirk, Republican.
Democratic presidential candidates have rolled up double-digit victories in Illinois every four years beginning in 1992. Every Illinois Democrat who's run for Senate in one of those years won. The likely nominee is Rep. Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq veteran and a savvy campaigner.
Kirk was first elected to the Senate in the tea party year – winning the seat Obama had held – but is regarded as more of a center-right senator. Kirk was one of the first Republican senators to back same-sex marriage and has been an advocate for strong gun control measures.
The most vulnerable senator in the country.
Sadie Weiner, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spokeswoman, discussing Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill.
Sen. Kelly Ayotte, Republican.
The race between Ayotte and Gov. Maggie Hassan, a Democrat, is likely to come down to who voters like best. People get to know the candidates well, and thanks to New Hampshire's status as the first presidential primary state, voters are tuning in early and campaigning already is fiercely under way.
It's a tough race to call. Both candidates are personable and neither is seen as extreme. Ayotte got 60 percent of the 2010 vote. Hassan won a tough race in a tough year in 2014 by 6 percentage points. Polls show the race is a virtual tie.
Open Republican seat.
Sen. Mario Rubio is running for president, leaving the nation's premier swing state with a wide-open race. Democratic regulars are pushing Rep. Patrick Murphy, but outspoken Rep. Alan Grayson is challenging him. Among Republicans, candidates include businessman Todd Wilcox, Reps. Ron DeSantis and David Jolly and Lt. Gov. Carlos López-Cantera.
Thanks to the anticipated big presidential turnout, "Democrats have a better chance of taking back some of the statewide offices," said Lance deHaven-Smith, a professor of public administration and policy at Florida State University. Florida's such an ever-changing, diverse state, its Senate races are historically hard to predict.
Pure tossup.
The nonpartisan Rothenberg & Gonzales Report's assessment of the 2016 Florida Senate race
Sen. Rob Portman, Republican.
The genial Portman has long been a stalwart of the party establishment, which maintains considerable clout in Ohio. He has maintained a center-right image but could face stiff competition if former Gov. Ted Strickland is the Democratic nominee. A Sept. 25-Oct. 5 Quinnipiac poll had Strickland up by 3 percentage points.
Presidential coattails will matter here, but just how is uncertain. Gov. John Kasich, a Republican, is making a bid for the White House, and his presence on the ticket could swing the race toward Portman. Portman also could do well because "he's not rough around the edges. He's a low-key guy," said Stuart Rothenberg, a political analyst who follows Senate races.
Open Democratic seat.
Reid had to fight hard to retain his seat in 2010 and got a break when Sharron Angle, boasting "I am the tea party," won a bitterly contested Republican primary and was a weak general election opponent. The GOP is expected to go more mainstream this time, with Rep. Joe Heck the favorite to become the nominee.
Democrats are buoyed by the prospect of former state Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto as their nominee. If elected, she'd be the first Latina U.S. senator, a prospect that could spur a big turnout from the increasingly influential Hispanic community.
David Lightman: 202-383-6101, @lightmandavid


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Your online store and ad campaigns should not consist entirely of product photos. They should tell the who, what, and why of your brand. We can help tell that story and convert that story to sales.
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Since we've developed relationships with a number of the biggest names in music, we're able leverage their audiences and social influence to convert new fans for new clients.


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New research published this week by The Climate Institute, WWF-Australia and ACF shows that scrapping or reducing Australia's mandatory Renewable Energy Target (RET) would do nothing to reduce household energy costs.
The Federal Government is currently reviewing the target, and there are reports that they may scrap it entirely.
Such a move could see coal-fired power generators make an extra $8 billion in profits.
Households would not be better off. In fact, prices are just a likely to rise if the RET is scrapped.
Worse still, cutting the renewable energy target could see an extra 150 million tonnes of carbon pollution pumped into the atmosphere between now and 2030 (the equivalent to adding nearly 4 million cars to the road).
As much as $8 billion in investment in new renewable energy projects is also being jeopardised by changes tot RET. According to this report "New South Wales and South Australia each stand to lose over $2 billion in foregone investment."
John Connor, CEO of The Climate Institute, said "this modelling highlights the cynical self-interest behind power companies' calls to weaken the Renewable Energy Target. Companies like Origin and EnergyAustralia are pushing to weaken the target not, as they like to claim, because that would be good for customers, but because a weaker target is better for their bottom line."
At a time when the rest of the world is taking action on climate change, it is disturbing that the Australian Government continues to push us backwards.
I am determined that the City of Sydney will continue to take serious action to reduce our contribution to climate change, including supporting renewable energy.
To find out more about the effects of scrapping or reducing the RET, visit http://www.climateinstitute.org.au/who-really-benefits-from-reducing-the-renewable-energy-target.html


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In the hours and minutes before the opening of our class exhibition, many of us started to feel a little nervous! Sharing individual projects for the first time, some of us began to wonder what people might think, ask or comment on.
Our fears soon passed and turned to excitement as our room filled with parents and children from across the school community. Many of us found ourselves talking to people we wouldn't usually talk to and felt especially heartened and encouraged by the compliments and positive feedback we were given by people we didn't know that well. The audience was very responsive and keen to explore the varied work on display.
I was so impressed by the openness of the children and their ability to communicate the experience. Many thanks to all who attended and supported us!


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This revising thing has been quite an experience, I tell you what.
First, I was happy upon reading the notes and seeing how easy it was going to be. Then I re-read and became terrified it would be too hard.
I was in the groove. Then I wasn't.
I was having a revision high and loving it. Then I was having a set back and hating it.
The revision was the best thing to ever happen to this manuscript!!!! Then it was the worst because I destroyed everything that was good with my ineptitude.
I'm done now. Kind of. I know that it was a worthwhile revision and that it is a stronger manuscript as a result. For sure.
But of the ten things that needed attention, I'm still not feeling entirely great about two of them (including the bowling alley scene). I don't know how to get to great, either. I don't want to send it back to Agent until I can be confident that I pulled off everything he was looking for.
At least I can turn off the Staind until I've figured out my next move!
Edit: Interesting. After cutting scenes, adding scenes, and changing scenes, my current draft is 36 words shorter than the previous one.


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Believe it or not, upon reading the BBC's latest underhand remark aimed at Rangers, a childhood scenario played out in my mind. You know - that one where the parent walks out the room, the kids start messing about and a vase gets smashed?
As the angry parent returns, the big eyes and the straight face appear - followed by the well rehearsed, "It wasn't me".
These remarks have flown out of the children's section at Pacific Quay since they took a stern telling off by their big brother for the factually incorrect statements about the "new club" Rangers.
Today's insinuation that Rangers are now a different club to the one that played in the 2011 Cup Final against Celtic (not 2010, as was incorrectly stated in the article) will likely fall into the same category as Jim Spence's "giving the views of others". The same category that it's all a bit of an ado about nothing.
"Nah, don't be silly, that's not what you heard."
The fact is Rangers fans do not pay their licensing fees for childish, snide remarks. Certain employees just appear to keep picking away at the situation in an underhand manner, and yet stand back with their hands in the air when they get a reaction?
It's well-publicised that there is no love lost between Rangers and BBC Scotland, but as long as 'Gers fans continue to help pay the wages of these employees, it is their duty to give the facts back in a straight and coherent manner.
If BBC Scotland want to take a hard-line on Rangers being a new club, they can expect to enter a different sort of war. But until then, these infantile digs fall so far short of what is expected of a national broadcaster. Just about every other outlet manages to stick to the one line on the subject - why do Pacific Quay completely fail at this?
No more smashed vases, please; time to grow up.


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29 January 2009
The Royal New Zealand Navy's Diving Support Ship, HMNZS MANAWANUI will arrive in Wellington on Friday 30 January 2009 and depart Monday 2 February at 10.00am.
HMNZS MANAWANUI is undertaking Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) patrols on the east coast of the North Island and prior to departing Wellington harbour on Monday 2 February, will host the Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral David Ledson and the Warrant Officer of the Navy, Warrant Officer Neil Roberts.
The ship will not be open to the public, however Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Phil Rowe and his ship's company warmly invite members of the public to view the ship from Queens Wharf and take photographs.
For further information, please contact Elizabeth Lincoln, Senior Communications Adviser (Navy) on 021 888 649.
HMNZS MANAWANUI was originally the STAR PERSEUS, built as a diving support vessel for North Sea oil rig operations. She was renamed and commissioned into the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) in 1988.
The Operational Dive Team (ODT) frequently work onboard MANAWANUI. The ODT are the premier divers of the RNZN, trained for deep diving with mixed gases, underwater demolition and unexploded ordnance disposal.
Standard Displacement: 911 tonnesLength Overall: 43 metresBeam: 9.5 metresDraught: 3.2 metresSpeed: 11 knotsRange: 5,000 nautical miles Complement: 24 Officers and ratings Propulsion: Two Caterpillar marine diesels (565 hp)
Two shaftsBow thrusters Diesel with CPP (Controllable Pitch Propeller)
MANAWANUI has a triple lock recompression chamber, a crane with 13 tonne lifting capacity, wet diving bell and a small engineering workshop. She also has limited deck cargo carrying capacity.


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Presented by the New View Campaign: http://newviewcampaign.org/default.asp
Since 2008, we in the New View Campaign have challenged the growth of a dangerous new industry, female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS), wherein amputations of parts of the vulva ("labiaplasty" "clitoral hood reduction") are marketed as "enhancement" and "beautification" procedures. On their websites, many FGCS surgeons post before and after photographs that misinform the public about genital diversity, suggesting that all vulvas should look alike and that there is something wrong with full labia. Check some of them out for yourself here and here. There are dozens of such surgeons' websites.
Part 1 of the New View FGCS VULVANOMICS activism for November, 2011 is an online petition directed to the American College of OB-Gyn and the Federal Trade Commission Division of Consumer Affairs calling for oversight, research, monitoring.
I hope you ALL take the time to sign the petition NOW, post it on your FB page, send it to your colleagues, friends, and family. As of today, we have 289 signatures, and we are aiming much higher!!
Part 2 of VULVANOMICS is an international day of FLASH ACTIVISM
On Saturday, November 19th, 2011, activists all over the US and Canada will converge on the offices of surgeons who perform FGCS. We will specifically target surgeons who have these appalling websites with before and after photos. We believe that surgeons' informed consent process for these procedures must include information about the range of genital diversity. On November 19 we will target surgeons who make false claims and create self-consciousness and anxiety.
On November 19th, we will be taking (and then uploading) photos of ourselves holding up protest signs in front of these surgeons' offices that send a very specific message: we support genital diversity!
For more information about the event, how to participate, and a list of FGCS surgeons near you, please e-mail vulvanomicsactivism(at)gmail.com and indicate that you want information about provider locations, options for signs, and instructions for Flash Activism Day.
I urge you to forward and share this announcement with individuals and lists of people who might like to join us, and stay tuned to hear our plans for the many photos we expect to collect.
Leonore Tiefer and the Vulvanomics team in US, Canada and New Zealand.


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I have had the ultimate pleasure of not only working with but also learning from Samantha. She is a dynamic educator whose passion and energy is apparent when she is in action. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a highly skilled professional with a fresh and exciting approach.
I highly recommend working with and learning from Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath. She is adept at teaching teens and adults, as well as groups of students with diverse learning styles. She facilitates classes with a calm confidence that puts everyone at ease and draws them in from the start. Her icebreakers and lesson plans are creative and stimulating for both experienced learners and students new to the subject matter at hand. Samantha teaches with clarity and with an expertise in effortlessly weaving together experiential educational modalities with traditional Jewish learning techniques.


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Geneva, 13 October 2004
Statement by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) at the Committee on Trade and Environment, Special Session of 12-13 October 2004. Paragraph 31 (i). Committee on Trade and Environment. Document TN/TE/INF/9 12 October 2004 (04-4264). Full text [Links may may not display the document on the first try. If this happens, leave your browser open and click the link again]
The following communication, dated 11 October 2004, is being circulated at the request of the CBD Secretariat.
Mr. Chairman,
Distinguished delegates,
1. I wish to thank you for the invitation to attend this meeting on behalf of the CBD Secretariat, and for your continuing interest in the Convention on Biological Diversity and its Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety.
2. At the April meeting of this Committee, I briefed you on the decisions of the seventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the CBD as well as of the first meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (COP-MOP 1) that are of relevance to the work of the Special Session of the CTE.
3. As requested at the last meeting of this Committee, on 22 June 2004, I would like to take this opportunity to provide additional information on some recent developments under the Protocol that are relevant to your work.
4. As you know, the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety entered into force in September 2003. As of 5 October 2004, there were 108 Parties to the Protocol. The first meeting of the Parties to the Protocol (COP-MOP 1) took place on 23 to February 2004, in Kuala Lumpur. The second and third meetings of COP-MOP will take place on an annual basis, with a decision on subsequent periodicity of meetings to be taken at a later stage. The second meeting of COP-MOP will take place in June 2005, in Montreal, Canada, and the third meeting will take place in May 2006, in Brazil, in conjunction with COP-8. Decisions of COP-MOP are taken by consensus.
5. The Protocol aims to ensure an adequate level of protection in the field of the safe transfer, handling and use of living modified organisms (LMOs). In general, the Protocol applies to all LMOs that may have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. However, certain types of LMOs are excluded either from the entire Protocol or from specific provisions. There are different categories of LMOs referred to in the Protocol, which are subject to different requirements. Let me address some of these requirements in more detail and update you on the pertinent decisions taken by COP-MOP 1, as well as on some recent figures on decisions taken by Parties with regard to the procedural requirements.
Identification requirements
6. The Protocol requires each Party to take measures to identify LMOs subject to transboundary movement in accompanying documentation. For the purpose of identification requirements the Protocol distinguishes three different categories of LMOs on the basis of their intended use: (i) LMOs for direct use as food or feed or for processing (LMOs-FFP); (ii) LMOs destined for contained use; and (iii) LMOs for intentional introduction into the environment.
7. In the case of the last two categories of LMOs, the Protocol requires clear identification of the organisms as LMOs in accompanying documentation. In the case of LMOs for intentional introduction into the environment, additional information specifying the identity and relevant traits and characteristics of the LMOs is also required.
8. With regard to LMOs-FFP, the Protocol requires that documentation accompanying such LMOs clearly identifies that they "may contain" LMOs and are not intended for intentional introduction, as well as a contact point for further information. The documentation requirements for LMO-FFP were not fully resolved during the negotiations of the Protocol, which is why the Protocol also envisaged the need for taking a decision on the detailed requirements for identification of LMOs-FFP by COP-MOP no later than two years after the entry into force of the Protocol. With a view to fulfilling this call by the Protocol, COP-MOP 1 established an Open-ended Technical Expert Group, which would examine the issues relevant to identification of LMOs-FFP, including unique identification, and to come up with a proposed draft decision on these detailed requirements for the consideration of COP-MOP at its second meeting. The expert group is scheduled to meet in March 2005, in Montreal, Canada.
9. In the same decision, COP-MOP 1 also requested the Executive Secretary to convene a workshop on capacity building and exchange of experiences as related to the identification requirements, to be convened prior to the meeting of the expert group in order to facilitate its work. The workshop will convene 1-3 November 2004, in Bonn, Germany.
Procedural requirements
10. Unlike the Conventions that were discussed at the June meeting of this Committee,1 the Biosafety Protocol does not use the listing or de-listing of items (that is, in the case of these Conventions, substances or species) in annexes as a mechanism to assign trade restrictions or regulations to these items. Instead, it sets out specific procedural requirements in accordance with the different categories of LMOs, while allowing, under certain conditions, for the exemption of individual LMO from these requirements.
11. As you may know, in the case of LMOs for intentional introduction into the environment, the Protocol sets out an advance informed agreement procedure (AIA) prior to the first intentional transboundary movement of such LMOs, under which the Party of import is notified of the proposed transboundary movement and given the opportunity to decide whether or not the import shall be approved and under what conditions (Articles 7 to 10 and 12). Decisions of the Party of import shall be in accordance with risk assessments carried out in a scientifically sound way and taking into account recognized risk assessment techniques.
12. COP-MOP 2 will further operationalize these requirements by considering options for implementing the Protocol with respect to requirements, by a Party of export, to ensure notification and the accuracy of information contained in the notification by the exporter, and by considering the development of guidance and a framework for a common approach in risk assessment and risk management.
13. Provided adequate safety measures are in place, there is also a possibility for a Party of import to apply a simplified procedure. In that regard, Parties of import may specify in advance, by notification to the Biosafety Clearing House, (a) cases in which intentional transboundary movement may take place at the same time as the movement is notified to the Party of import; and (b) imports of LMO to be exempted from the advance informed agreement procedure.
14. As of 5 October 2004, no Party had reported a decision taken under the advance informed agreement procedure to the Biosafety Clearing House, and two Parties had notified the Biosafety Clearing House that they would exempt a total of nine LMOs from the advance informed agreement procedure.
15. Furthermore, COP-MOP may also decide that some LMOs are not likely to have adverse effects, in which case the advance informed agreement procedure shall not be applicable (paragraph 4 of Article 7). No such decision was taken so far.
16. For LMOs for direct use as food, feed, or for processing (LMO-FFP), the Protocol sets out another procedure, which essentially consists in a multilateral information exchange mechanism on final decisions by Parties regarding domestic use, including placing on the market, of LMO-FFP. As of 5 October 2004, the Biosafety Clearing House registered, under this procedure, a total of 340 LMO-FFP.
17. As required by the Protocol in the provisions on the advance informed agreement procedure (see paragraph 7 of Article), COP-MOP 1 adopted procedures and mechanisms to facilitate decision-making by Parties of import under the advance informed agreement procedure, under which priority will be given to capacity building of developing country Parties.
18. With regard to capacity building, the meeting of the Parties to the Protocol adopted an action plan for building capacities for the effective implementation of the Protocol. The meeting also established a coordination mechanism for the implementation of the action plan, including inter alia a liaison group as well as coordination meetings and workshops. The first meeting of the liaison group will take place in January 2005, in Montreal, Canada, back-to-back with a coordination meeting for governments, organizations and donors implementing or funding biosafety-related capacity-building activities.
19. We will be pleased to update you on further developments under the Biosafety Protocol in due course.
Thank you for your attention.
(1) CITES, the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), and the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade (PIC).
World Trade Organisation
World Trade Organisation
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BOCA MMXII STRAPS - 15 Colors
BOCA MMXII STRAPS - 15 Colors
BOCA MMXII make an excellent watch. Part of what makes it great is the hand-made leather woven (or Perlon) strap.
At a 20mm width at the lugs, these are extremely versatile, not only change the look of your BOCA Riviera watch, but on any watch that has a 19mm-20mm lug width.
There are a total of 15 color variants offering maximum options.
sold out


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What is a design sprint?
A Design Sprint is a 4-day process to accelerate your product strategy, improve existing ones or solve any big problem.
It compresses, potentially months of work into a few days.
Are Design Sprints the right thing for my company?
The answer is yes. A Design Sprint is a great process is you want to:
Quickly develop, test and validate the best ideas
Speed up timelines and shrink costs dramatically
Empower a cross-functional teams to be change-makers and owners of the product
Expand mindsets by removing barriers to innovation
Turn innovation into action with immediate solutions to important challenges
Uncover new customer insights through the user testing model
What teams like about the Design Sprints?
This is based on data collected at the end of Design Sprints ran by me.
What you get from my Design Sprint?
Pre-flight Research
Design Sprint & Iteration Sprint
Functional Prototypes
Targeted user validation
User test video highlights
Sprint Report
Project handover
Sandro achieved tangible results in just one week. Everyone was super excited about this new way of working.
— Ricardo Abreu, (CPO) Chief Product Officer at Babb Bank


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Venues…venues…and more venues! Finding a home for DC Web Fest 7 is INDEED one of the most important tasks at the moment. We've checked out some really amazing places like Eaton House and Decades; however, we have yet to lock in with anyone officially.
For DC Web Fest 6, we were super fortunate enough to use the AT&T Forum for Technology, Entertainment & Policy which was the PERFECT match, considering we are a digital media and technology festival. There were more than enough screens (which enabled us to implement simultaneous programming), the space was flexible- allowing us to divide and open for multiple use, and the venue offered convenient catering that kept our guests fed.
The seek continues for the perfect place for next year's web fest. We're really scaling up for next year, so the place MUST BE fire! The city is filled with amazing spots, soon enough we will land one!
Drop a comment of any venues you think would be a great match :)
Peace & Love


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When you run Perfmon.exe with the Active Directory Diagnostics template to generate a report on a Windows Server 2008-based domain controller, the process may stop responding.
This issue occurs because the Reliability and Performance Monitor (Perfmon.exe) console that is running the TraceRpt.exe tool consumes too much memory and CPU resources during the report generation process. If the Windows Server 2008-based server is really busy and lacks resources, the report generation process will stop responding.
To resolve this issue, copy your files to a different computer that has same server role and that has enough hardware resources. Then, run TraceRpt.exe with the files. To do this, follow these steps:
- In the Reliability and Performance Monitor (Perfmon.exe) console, click Data Collector Sets, and then click
- Right-click Active Directory Diagnostics, and then click Start. The file collection process starts on the Windows Server 2008-based domain controller.
- After the report status changes to generating report from collecting data for
<time>, copy the files to the second Windows Server 2008-based domain controller.
Note You can find the files at the following location:%systemdrive%\Perflogs\ADDS\date report generation run\*Note Ths "-df" switch is to specify the Microsoft specific counting/reporting schema file that is generated with the Perfmon. This file name is named report.xsl
- Locate the files, and then run the following command at the command line on the second Windows Server 2008-based domain controller:
tracerpt *.blg *.etl -df PerfmonSchemaFileName.xsl -report your_report.html -f html
- Use Windows Internet Explorer to view the .html file that is generated.
More Information
To review the Performance and Reliability Monitoring Step-by-Step guide for Windows Server 2008, visit the following Microsoft Web site:


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At queens hospital, we understand that the needs of women and children are unique. That is why we are dedicated to improving the health and wellness of women and children across their lifespan.We strive to achieve this goal through co-ordinated, multi-disciplinary care provided by a network of highly-trained physicians and staff, offering the latest diagnostic and treatment options.We are very proud to have a skillful, enthusiastic team of staff working in our centre.In addition to the team based in our hospital, we also contract a number of clinical, technical, scientific and administrative experts.We provide uniform patient treatment & care with evidence based medicine in compliance with statutory regulations.
11/B, 19th Main, 25th Cross, 2nd Sector.
Landmark: Near Poorva Apartments & Behind Indian Oil Petrol Bunk
HSR Layout, Bangalore
Get Directions
Open 24 x 7
Credit Card | Cash | Cheque | Online Payment | Debit Card | Insurance
Consulted Dr. Preeti Patil Dr. Preeti Patil (Psychiatrist) for OCD TreatmentAnxiety And Depression
Happy with: Doctor friendlinessExplanation of the health issueTreatment satisfactionValue for moneyWait time
She is very friendly doctor. I approached her regarding my OCD. She explained me very well about the disorder. The treatment went very well and I could see the positive changes in myself through the therapy. I really recommend consulting her. *** ** * **** **** ******!!
Consulted Dr. M. Gowri Dr. M. Gowri (Gynecologist) for PCOD/PCOS Treatment
Happy with: Doctor friendliness
As it is covered under prime ., but we waited more than 1.5 hours waiting time to much and too much time consuming
Consulted Dr. M. Gowri Dr. M. Gowri (Gynecologist) for Pregnancy Check Up
Hoped for better: Treatment satisfactionValue for moneyWait time
Had to wait for long for the doctor. Her assistant consulted us first. By the time doctor came there were already a lot of patients waiting, so tried to finish each less then 5min. ** *** *** ******** ********* *** she also did not mention about the tests and all which her assistant written on prescription.
Consulted Dr. M. Gowri Dr. M. Gowri (Gynecologist) for ultrasound obg
Happy with: Doctor friendlinessExplanation of the health issueTreatment satisfaction
The doctor is friendly and helps patient understand about their health and well being and clarifies their concerns. a bit costlier compared to other hospitals.
Q: What are the Visiting hours for IPD Patients?
A: 10am - 12pm & 4pm - 7pm
Answered by Monica Jul 31, 2019
Q: Does the Hospital have a Cafeteria?
A: Yes
Answered by Monica Jul 31, 2019
Q: Visiting Guidelines for ICU?
A: One person can go to see the patient in ICU during the Visiting Hours and need to wear mask and use santizier availabe at the hospital.
Answered by Monica Jul 31, 2019
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Launchpad Awards salute start-ups - enter now!
Have you got what it takes to be a Launchpad Champion?
New and aspiring entrepreneurs from Sheffield City Region are being given the chance to take part in the 2019 Launchpad Awards, which are returning in September.
With seven award categories up for grabs, there is plenty to celebrate – but you need to act quickly, as the closing date is fast approaching.
The awards celebrate the important role new and aspiring business owners play in shaping and contributing to the local economy.
The seven awards are:
Aspiring Entrepreneur Growth Business Inspiring Achiever Made in the Sheffield City Region Rising Star Start-Up Business Young Entrepreneur
Each category winner will also be given a chance to be crowned the overall 2019 Launchpad Champion, with a live audience vote at the ceremony.
It will give them a chance to follow in the footsteps of last year's top winner, Andrew Ashworth, founder of Conisborough-based IGO Pets.
Since winning the overall title at the Launchpad Awards 2018, Andrew's business has gone from strength-to-strength.
He went on to win a highly coveted regional and national entrepreneurship award.
At the same time, he used his business skills to support others taking the first step on their business journey.
Launchpad programme manager Anna Smith said: "The Launchpad Awards are a celebration of entrepreneurship in the Sheffield City Region.
"From entrepreneurs who are taking the very steps on their business journey to growing businesses who have enjoyed success over the past three years, there are plenty of different opportunities to get involved with this year's event.
"Since the ERDF-funded programme began in 2016 it has helped more than 5,000 would-be entrepreneurs take the first steps on their business journey.
"The Launchpad Awards recognise the genuinely unique and innovative businesses which are driven by a passion to do things differently."
The Launchpad Awards also offer established businesses the chance to get involved.
This year's sponsors include headline sponsor Hallam FM as well as Finance For Enterprise and the Federation of Small Businesses.
There are limited sponsorship opportunities currently available.
For more information, email: firstname.lastname@example.com
The closing date for applications is Friday, July 19, with the awards ceremony taking place on Friday, September 27 at 92 Burton Road, Sheffield. It will be far removed from the usual black tie event in a characterful warehouse which bears the marks and impressions of Sheffield's great industrial heritage.
For more information and to apply, visit the Launchpad website


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Tips on Helping the Whole Family Sleep Better/
Americans are not sleeping well. First of all, we aren't getting enough zzz's in general. The average American sleeps a mere 6.8 hours a night, which is less than the doctor-recommended seven to nine we are should get. Furthermore, the sleep we are getting isn't high quality. The artificial light we surround ourselves with in the home makes it so our brains don't completely turn off. We are also over-caffeinated and overworked, both of which disrupt our brain chemistry and make it more difficult to get quality rest.Read More


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Recertification is an important indicator to data centre professionals and their employers, ensuring that the certification holder has kept up with current trends and technologies in the data centre industry. To keep certifications current, individuals should recertify before the certificate expiry date.
These are the options to recertify your expiring certificates:
*For certification schemes with multiple levels, a student need to recertify at the highest certification level only.
Click here for the Recertification FAQ.
For further assistance, please contact EPI.
Contact EPI
Training Partners - DC
Training Partners - IT
Audit Partners
Become a Partner
Data Centre Training Roadmap
Data Centre Career Planning Tool (DCPT)
IT Career Planning Tool (ITCPT)


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PARIS (CBS.MW) -- Vivendi Universal said Tuesday it will exercise its rights to buy British Telecom's 26 percent interest in Cegetel for $4 billion, thus taking control of the French telecom firm.
Vivendi will get a 70 percent stake in Cegetel, which would thwart an attempt by Vodafone VOD, +2.59% to get control of the company. Vodafone had offered Vivendi, BT and SBC Communications $13 billion for their stakes in the company.
But the deal comes as Vivendi V, +0.46% is trying to get a handle on its debt load. Vivendi is seeking to dispose of a total of $19 billion in debt. The company had said it would have that figure down to $12 billion by year's end but this latest deal could change that.
Jean-Rene Fourtou, Vivendi's chairman and chief executive, said in a statement that the company's debt is being reduced.
"The cash position is now well under control. The asset disposal program is ahead of schedule," Fourtou said.
Vivendi is able to make the buy through exercising pre-emptive rights on BT's stake. Vivendi's board unanimously approved the deal.
The purchase, however, leaves open the question of where Vivendi will turn next for cash. The company has said a partial disposal of some entertainment assets is possible; Vivendi has received at least one offer for all its entertainment businesses, from oil tycoon Marvin Davis.
Fourtou did not address the issue in a conference Tuesday. The company is expected to develop a strategy for its entertainment assets shortly after the first of the year, officials said.
Vivendi wants to get its debt load down to $8 billion by the end of 2004. It also hopes to raise $16 billion through an asset disposal program in that time.
Vivendi shares lost $1.11, or 6.8 percent, to $15.17.


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Three long weekends outside of London
London is an incredible place to visit, yet there are plenty of places a couple of hours away that offer the perfect opportunity to escape the crowds - and pollution.
These are just three of our favourites...
Nº 1 - Bath
Georgian terraces, the Roman Baths and a rejuvenating modern bathing resort at Thermae Bath Spa make this South West city one of the most visited in the UK. The Abbey is compelling and the boutiques are enough to tempt many passersby. There's the Jane Austen Centre for those interested in finding out more about her haunts and an overall congenial atmosphere about the place.
STAY: There are plenty of lovely (read: expensive) hotels in and around Bath, but we opted for a gracious apartment (found on Air B&B) in the city centre at a bargain price of £65 per night.
EAT: Circus Cafe & Bar. Although relatively small, this restaurant offers big flavours and a nice atmosphere.
Clayton's Kitchen. We went here for our Valentines Day meal, and each course was divine. A cut above the rest in our book.
The Bath Bun Tea Shoppe. Often busy so you may have to queue for a table, but the cream teas are worth waiting for.
Nº 2 - Stratford-upon-Avon
As literature students and theatre-goers, visiting the birthplace of Shakespeare is something we could do over and over again. The Royal Shakespeare Company puts on professional and brilliant productions year-round in The Swan theatre, quality restaurants with excellent pre-theatre menus line the surrounding streets and the main attractions include visiting period properties and farms (related to Shakespeare) of course.
STAY: Faviere Guest House (£75/night). The rooms are pleasant and they offer a yummy English breakfast. Owners Juan and Louise are very helpful and welcoming.
EAT: The Four Teas. A fun, 1940s-themed cafe with music and staff uniforms to match. Great for sandwiches, cake and hot drinks.
Lambs Restaurant. They offer a well-executed variety of dishes, namely the lamb, of course, but also other gourmet dishes. The service is impeccable.
Loxley's Restaurant & Wine Bar. A lovely ambiance paired with a reasonably priced menu makes this place a winner. Their wine selection ain't half bad either.
Nº 3 - Newquay and the surrounds
The grassy headlands, stunning beaches and hidden coves of Cornwall almost make you forget that you're in England (when it's sunny, at least). The best way to get around is by car, to allow yourself to see the best that the area has to offer. The National Trust beach at Crantock is a must-see, with the River Gannel flowing inland, whilst surfing beaches further up the coast are packed during summer. For gastronomy, head to Padstow for cooking schools and excellent restaurants. There's a number of interesting galleries too.
STAY: At one of the many hotels, B&Bs, apartments or caravan parks in the area. Those closer to Crantock are more peaceful and offer great views over the Atlantic.
EAT: Lewinnick Lodge, Newquay. At Pentire headland, this restaurant-with-rooms offers meals and drinks with a view.
Smuggler's Den Inn, Cubert. An idyllic thatched-roof pub serving local ales and hearty roast dinners. Enjoy the log fire if you're visiting in the colder months.
Cosy Nook Cafe, Crantock. This place is exactly as its name suggests!
Rick Stein's Seafood Restaurant, Padstow. Local celebrity-chef now has four restaurants in Padstow; if you're going to try just one, make this your choice.


text: The squad made the short trip to Maidstone, in welcome sunshine for a change! The squad certainly warmed up quickly and hit some hot form from the kick off, scoring within a couple of minutes. Good team play continued which was rewarded with several tries. Credit to the hosts who stuck to the task and nabbed a try at the end but Sevenoaks were worthy 50-5 winners