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What is a Seller of Travel Surety Bond?Seller of Travel Bonds must be obtained by travel agents in order to guarantee that any funds they collect through travel bookings are properly transferred to the appropriate individuals or entities. These bonds exist to provide protection to consumers from fraud, misrepresentation, financial failure or any breach of contract by a bonded travel agent. Bond claims can arise in the event that funds are not sent by the seller of travel in accordance with state regulations.
Also known as "Travel Agency Bonds", these bonds are required by many states in order to legally operate as a licensed seller of travel.
Questions about Seller of Travel Bonds
How much does a Seller of Travel Bond cost?
Bond quotes for seller of travel bonds are offered as a percentage of the total bond amount. They are paid for upfront on an annual basis, with an option to renew bond coverage each year. Due to the fact that these bonds are a form of financial guarantee, many bonding companies approach them more cautiously than other compliance bonds.
Applicants with industry experience and strong personal credit can be approved at standard market rates ranging between 1 to 3% of the bond amount.
For customers with no experience or bad credit, rates are usually a little higher to account for the risk. Fortunately, Lance Surety offers exclusive bad credit programs that allow us to offer very aggressive rates, which at times can be roughly half of what most other bond agencies are able to offer.
How do I get a Travel Agency Bond?
First, simply apply for one. You can receive a free quote in just minutes by applying on our 100% secure website application. Once you've been approved, you'll just need to pay your bond premium and provide a signed copy of the surety's indemnity agreement, which will be emailed to you with your quote. When the original bond is mailed to you, you'll just need to sign it and then submit it to the state department requiring you to be bonded. It's that simple!
Can I get a Seller of Travel Bond with bad credit?
With our agency, Yes! While our standard market rates are very low, our competitive advantage is being able to bond almost any travel agent, with very few exceptions. While bad credit rates are naturally higher than for those with stellar credit, Lance Surety has exclusive high risk programs that will help save you money.
To learn more about our about how we can save you money, view our section on Bad Credit Bond Programs.
How do travel agents avoid bond claims?
As a bonded seller of travel, you are responsible for correctly distributing any funds received in the process of booking vacation packages and other forms of travel. To avoid bond claims, take action to ensure booking funds are paid to the appropriate entities in a timely fashion. Additionally, you're responsible for understanding state statutes and regulations governing the sale of travel, and must avoid misrepresentation or other fraudulent practices.
How can I lower my Seller of Travel Bond rate?
Seller of Travel Bonds are typically underwritten based solely on the personal credit of the owner. However, if you have bad credit, it may be possible for you to help lower your bond rate by providing additional information. One method would be to demonstrate your industry experience by submitting a professional resume. Another would be to demonstrate financial strength and liquidity by providing personal and business financial statements, or proof of cash on hand.
What states require travel agents to get bonded?
Seller of Travel Bonds are not currently required by all 50 states. The most common travel agency bond applications we see are for California, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Virginia and Washington State. The federal Airline Reporting Commission (ARC) also has a bond requirement for travel agents, however ARC Bonds have a much higher loss ratio and are underwritten more strictly than traditional seller of travel bonds.
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Posts Tagged 'Manitoba'
Seeking the magic ingredient
Along with a cultural history favouring chosen families, GLBT* people hold an openness to creating new family forms. Some of this comes with biology, and some comes from social-political pressures. For many queer parents-to-be, finding sperm is a key part of planning a pregnancy.
Lesbian cis partners and single queer uterus-possessing parents are some of the most likely queer families to seek sperm when they decide to have kids. Trans parents of any gender, depending on hormones and biology, may find themselves looking as well.
So how do queer parents who need sperm get started? There are legal issues, relationships and roles to define, costs, and preferences to consider. The two basic routes to acquiring sperm are through either a sperm bank or a known donor.
"Unknown donor sperm is often seen as desirable because it allows lesbians to parent with autonomy and security," writes Joanna Radbord in her 2010 paper GLBT Familes and Assisted Reproductive Technologies. Radbord is a Toronto-based lawyer who has won awards for her focus on GLBT* legal equality. The issues can be expanded to include queer parents of other genders too. She says unknown donor sperm is the route most lesbian partners take.
While it does protect the parents legally, unknown donor sperm is costly and sometimes ineffective. There's also a shortage of ethnically-diverse donors in the Canadian sperm pool because of how it's set up.
Known donors
Sperm from known donors provides less legal security, but is a do-it-yourself route many prospective queer parents are choosing. Although some believe there is a legal risk of prosecution with self-insemination, Health Canada has stated the intention of the Assisted Human Reproduction Act, which governs these activities, does not intend government involvement in the private matter of home insemination.
"If it's a classic turkey baster at-home insemination, no one's ever been prosecuted for that and I don't imagine that anybody would be," says Karen Busby, professor in the faculty of law at the University of Manitoba. Busby's work focuses on GLBT* legal issues and she's been key in shaping Manitoba's laws on same-sex relationships, which are the most comprehensive in North America.
Her advice to people using known donors is, "Make sure you talk as much as possible with the known donor about what expectations are and then see a lawyer to write up an agreement."
She refers to such agreements as "arrangements," and is clear that what they do is express the intentions of the parties involved. Without consulting a lawyer, she says, people are unlikely to cover all of the issues they need to. But if push comes to shove and there's a legal dispute, this contract is not what's going to determine a judge's decision. In family law, a court will never ask the question, 'What were the contractual arrangements?' The court will always ask the question instead, 'What's in the best interest of the child?' says Busby.
A Montréal donor, who wishes to remain anonymous for the sake of the couple he's helping, did just this and drew up an agreement in consultation with lawyers and the couple.
"The idea was for me to give up all rights and responsibilities to the extent that the law makes that possible," he says. "The parents, i.e. not me, will have full freedom—they'll be considered the legal parents, they'll have custody, they'll be allowed to move with the child if they want to. They'll cover all the costs."
Interestingly, a known donor is technically unable to give up child support rights because it falls under the rights of the child.
And although technically issues could arise, Busby points out many people using known donors don't have agreements drawn up, and most of the time things work out just fine.
It gets more complicated if those using known donors also have problems conceiving. "The law around sperm donation is absurdly restrictive in my view, because if you're not in a sexual relationship with the person, the sperm must be held in quarantine for six months before it can be used," says the Montréal donor.
After the tainted blood scandal in the '80s, the Canadian government became extremely risk-averse to the possibility of HIV, and so fertility clinics operate under a law that says they have to hold sperm for six months and re-test donors. The law also ends up being homophobic, because straight couples are allowed treatment right away, since they're considered to be in contact with each other's fluids anyhow. Even if someone has been previously trying with a donor's sperm for months, the clinic must quarantine it if they're not in a sexual relationship.
In the Montréal donor's case, the couple had hoped to have his sperm frozen and shipped to another part of the country, but barriers became excessive. He discovered his sperm dies when frozen, something that happens to some sperm and not other, and researchers are unsure why. "The [quarantine] law is self-defeating in a way," he says. "It probably drives people to… bypass the clinic system entirely."
…talk as much as possible with the known donor about what expectations are and then see a lawyer to write up an agreement."
This is particularly the case if someone wants to use a gay man's sperm for conception. Sperm donation for gay men is only allowed with special doctor's permission, a relic of homophobic policies from the '80s. This means it can only easily be used if someone has no trouble conceiving and does not have to go through fertility clinics.
Unknown donor sperm – issues to consider
Another reason people use fertility clinics is to access sperm from an unknown donor. The process usually begins at a doctor's office with a referral.Importantly, human rights legislation prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or marital status for those seeking reproductive assistance. As of August 2012, trans rights are protected in Manitoba as well.
Because most fertility clinics were set up to treat infertile heterosexual couples, there are varying levels of awareness when dealing with GLBT* clients.
The Toronto-based LGBTQ Parenting Network has some tips for queer people navigating the clinics. The network's guidebook on assisted human reproduction notes the "norm" for clinics is heterosexual, cisgender clients who are partnered or married with access to two incomes.
This can mean intake forms lack appropriate places to record gender identity, sexual orientation, relationship status or family configuration. The counsellors at the clinic may not understand realities specific to GLBT* reproductive choices and parenting plans. This will vary widely by clinic.
Know that fertility clinics are privately-operated and most of their services are not covered under Manitoba Health.
Also know that the technology exists for HIV-positive people to conceive and give birth to children without transmission. As of August 2012, the guidebook notes, there were six clinics in Canada offering pregnancy support services to HIV-positive people.
Family law is presently receiving an update in Manitoba to recognize that some children have more than two legal parents. This will open the way for queer families to include more people on a child's birth certificate. While some people reproduce as couples, others wish to have their donor and maybe his husband or partner involved in the child's life. Still others have family forms as unique as the relationships they negotiate. While family law across Canada is uneven and unprepared to deal with this reality, it's evolving and beginning to catch up.
First published in Winnipeg's OutWords Magazine, Aug 2015
–Larkin Schmiedl is a freelance writer living and working in Vancouver, B.C. He loves to write about social and environmental justice, especially when it comes to other queers.
Questionable Sex Ed: What's being taught in Manitoba's schools
Promoting abstinence in sex education is what Candace Maxymowich, a Winnipeg public school board trustee candidate, did during her campaign, before she lost by a wide margin in October's election. But her discussion on infusing the value of Christian-style abstinence into education begs the question: what are kids learning in sex ed in Winnipeg's schools, and are they learning anything about same-sex and trans issues?
Among all of Winnipeg's school divisions—some more progressive when it comes to sex ed than others—curriculum is mandated by the province. The physical education and health curriculum are the sections that apply to sex ed. The province's website details a framework on how schools are to deal with "potentially sensitive content," of which sex ed is a part.
Requiring a planning process that includes parental involvement, school divisions make independent decisions about sex ed, including content, how it is taught, how it's graded and what resources are used to teach it. Not teaching it at all is an option, as the framework gives school divisions the power to decide how much depth and breadth to give the topic. There is also an opt-out for parents who'd like their children to learn the subject by another means if they disagree with what the school's doing.
Winnipeg's schools are many, and range from Dakota Collegiate, which is hosting an upcoming national gay-straight alliance conference in May, to others that have faced controversies over Bill 18 and over transgender students.
When it comes to sex education, what is being taught varies widely as well.
"It's division-to-division on what kind of language they use," says Roselle Paulsen, program director at Winnipeg's Sexuality Education Resource Centre (SERC). She was consulted on the health curriculum when it was created and published in 2000. "There are different approaches to how people interpret the student learning outcomes. So if you see a word like 'diversity,' or those kinds of things, people are going to interpret them differently."
Paulsen points to a couple of examples in the curriculum. The first, a learning outcome for Grade 7, tells teachers to "identify effects of social influences on sexuality and gender roles." Topics like violence against women, media ads, gender equity and culture are generally covered under this topic, Paulsen says. But "Somebody who wants to take more latitude could say that when we talk about gender roles we could delve much more deeply into things like gender identity and social morays."
It's up to the interpretation of the school divisions. Another example is in grade five where the curriculum talks about celebrating all kinds of families—again open to interpretation. By Grade 9, sexual orientation is named explicitly. Since it's included, Paulsen says there should be no reason for schools not to talk about same-sex issues within the context of sex ed, although some don't. "The frustration with this sort of document, is on the one hand, sexuality education within the health curriculum is mandated. On the other hand, the department says, but each division in the province can determine, based on their own community needs, the depth and breadth of what they provide. That's the problem."
Vycki Atallah has also seen a wide variation between what is taught in sex ed. As co-ordinator of Klinic Community Health Centre's Teen Talk program, she's invited into schools to give sex ed talks when schools want more. "It can really look a lot different in different schools and communities. For some schools and communities, we're really welcome, and come in, and some classes get multiple workshops from us; and other schools and school divisions simply don't book us; don't extend an invitation for us to come into their school."
Teen Talk approaches sex ed in line with the provincial curriculum, but from an anti-oppressive standpoint, which includes education about healthy relationships, and the range of genders and sexuality. Their workshops make it clear that all types of couples are valued on an equal level and that body parts can belong to people of any gender, says Atallah.
She says Seven Oaks School Division and Winnipeg One are among the most progressive on these fronts she's worked with.
Anastasia Chipelski, who works with service providers who talk to teens about sex in her capacity as health educator at Nine Circles Community Health Centre, says she doesn't think the majority of teens are learning their sex education in schools anyway. The teens her clients are in contact with are way ahead of any adults who are teaching them about sex. "Who knows where the teens are learning it from?" she says. "They're not learning it in schools." One guess she has is they're getting information from well-informed peers.
Perhaps one piece of the puzzle is that the curriculum schools are teaching needs updating, says Paulsen. "Everybody agrees that it [does]," she says. "Things have changed a lot."
"We have a spectrum of how people identify and their attractions, and all of those kinds of things.
If we're going to be inclusive and comprehensive and provide a safe space for all students, then it is time to be realistic and pragmatic, and let's not pretend that this isn't an issue."
Published in OutWords Magazine, Dec 2014
–Larkin Schmiedl is a freelance writer living and working in Vancouver, B.C. He loves to write about social and environmental justice.
Transgender and Incarcerated: How do our jails treat some of the most vulnerable prisoners?
http://issuu.com/outwords/docs/outwords_210_may-june_2014 – pages 8-10
Transgender prisoners – particularly women – often face harsh situations in Canada's jails. Without documentation or not having medically transitioned, offenders may face difficult questions when entering the prison system, not the least of which is what their gender is. Those who are non-operative or pre-operative are, by standard practice, sent to the prison that matches their sexed genitalia, said a spokesperson for Manitoba Justice. This is done regardless of how long they have lived as their identified gender.
A famous 2001 Canadian case saw Synthia Kavanagh, a 41-year-old trans woman who had begun hormone therapy and lived as female since she was a teen, placed in a men's prison and given restricted hormone therapy. This resulted in a reversal of the physical changes hormones had provided her. After her requests for gender-reassignment surgery (GRS) were repeatedly denied, Kavanagh attempted to slice off her genitalia out of desperation.
Kavanagh filed a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission and eventually won her case in 2001. She received surgery at a cost of $14,000 and was then moved to a women's prison. This followed several years in segregation after alleged sexual assault and harassment at the hands of male inmates. Kavanagh's case illustrates all too well some of the hardships trans women face in Canada's prison system.
"They're mixed in with the general population, and they're assigned based on whatever sex organs they still have."
The case in Manitoba
In Manitoba, the Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity in the provision of services. The Commission's website states, "Systemic discrimination is a form of discrimination that is often not intended. It takes place when a policy or practice that seems neutral has a greater negative effect on some people based on their protected characteristic."
Failure to reasonably accommodate a special need that is based on a protected characteristic is also prohibited in Manitoba. The Code has special status over all other laws in the Province of Manitoba.
Factors like self-identification, gender on official ID and any file history about past placements is taken into consideration before placing a transgendered prisoner, said the spokesperson for Manitoba Justice. "Placements also consider the individual's health and safety and any security concerns that could result. As I understand it, a transgender inmate in a correctional facility would likely be placed in an area with either a smaller population of inmates (i.e. not a dorm-style arrangement), or in other areas better suited to protect his or her safety."
The spokesperson said Manitoba Corrections has effectively managed trans offenders in the past and isn't aware of any significant incidents. Of a total inmate population of around 2,600, they estimate that there may be four to six transgender inmates in the provincial system at any time. The spokesperson said trans inmates have access to hormones if they have been taking them before coming in. The official was unable to say whether any pre-operative/non-operative trans women have ever been placed in a women's prison in Manitoba.
Manitoba Corrections does not have policies specific to transgender inmates.
The case for transgender inmates the same across Canada
In addition to provincial facilities, there are three federal penitentiaries in Manitoba. Correctional Service Canada's regional communications manager for the Prairies, Jeff Campbell said in an e-mail interview, "Pre-operative male to female offenders with gender identity disorder shall be held in men's institutions and pre-operative female to male offenders with gender identity disorder shall be held in women's institutions." For all placement decisions, individual assessments are done to ensure those offenders diagnosed with gender identity disorder (GID) have their needs for safety and privacy accommodated, Campbell said. This means that without genital surgery, an offender would be placed in a prison that corresponds with their physical sex, but possibly not with their emotional and psychological well-being.
In order for an inmate to be diagnosed with GID and access trans-specific medical care, they must see a psychiatrist who is a recognized expert in the area. This mirrors the process many trans people outside prison must follow to access healthcare. The process for inmates happens if and when such a psychiatrist is available, according to Correctional Service Canada policy. The policy states inmates with GID diagnosis are the ones who can initiate or continue hormone therapy.
The policy also says, "Sex reassignment surgery shall be considered during incarceration only when: a recognized gender identity specialist has confirmed that the offender has satisfied the real-life test." The real-life test refers to living full-time as one's identified gender for a year in order to qualify for surgery. For inmates, the real-life test must have been completed prior to incarceration. If they are eligible for surgery, Correctional Service Canada foots the bill. This policy amendment was enacted following Kavanagh's human rights victory.
Dealing with misidentification
One source OutWords spoke to has seen some of the effects of these policies on the ground. In a telephone interview, an employee of federal corrections described some of the ways trans women are treated in male penitentiaries and how some of them cope. "They're mixed in with the general population, and they're assigned based on whatever sex organs they still have," the source said. "Even if they've had breast augmentation and have been living fully as female and on hormones." Others could care less if they're in with the males, and "[those ones] only live as female part-time or by choice."
"But there are a couple in particular who live fully as female and identify as female and we call them by their female names… Most of them are forced to work the streets when they're out, and then they come in, and if they really want to affect change it's pretty hard, because they're kind of used as females within the prison," said the source. "In some ways for some of them it gives them a lot of power in the prison, because they have something to barter with. But for others who are sincerely wanting to change, and [who] live their lives as females socially, it's an added struggle for them. I think it's kind of shameful." The source described the situation as psychologically damaging and quite bad. "But I don't know what the other solution is either."
Prisonjustice.ca, an activist organization for trans prisoners, notes the connection between criminal activity, poverty and the isolation and stigmatization many trans people face. Incarceration rates within trans communities are disproportionate, and this is linked to the vulnerability of the trans population.
Moving forward
The federal employee said Manitoba Corrections is looking at work done by the Winnipeg police to help plan an expansion for its own diversity programs. "We're also doing it [federally], because we work with a diversity committee, and we're looking to bring in speakers and stuff from related organizations that have been successful in doing diversity training with their staff."
A guide put together by Joshua Mira Goldberg for the Justice Institute of British Columbia aims to provide criminal justice personnel with the information necessary to respond appropriately to trans people in the criminal justice system. It suggests a case-by-case approach to placing trans prisoners. "In some cases, it may be appropriate to place a prisoner according to their identity (e.g., placing a trans woman in a women's facility). In some locations, it may be possible for trans prisoners to be housed together in a special unit. In some instances, a trans prisoner may request placement in general population or protective custody… There needs to be a framework to guide the assessment."
Australia's model is a three-tiered policy that prioritizes prisoner safety. First, it is asked which facility would be safest for the prisoner. Then, the prisoner's general appearance and what gender they live as are considered. The last consideration is physiology and genital status.
An international academic study that looked at transsexuals within prison systems in North America, Europe and Australia found that only 29 of 64 correctional institutions said they would maintain existing hormone therapy if it had been prescribed prior to imprisonment. Sixty-two of 64 facilities said all inmates must wear the clothing appropriate to the institution regardless of the inmate's gender identity. And only 40 per cent of correctional services had policies addressing issues like hormone treatment.
Published in OutWords Magazine, May/June 2014
–Larkin Schmiedl is a freelance journalist living in Vancouver, B.C. He loves to write about social and environmental justice.
Magical camp transforms lives
Annual Camp Aurora in the Whiteshell builds self-esteem of queer youth
Imagine a space where queer youth could go to feel safe. Imagine GLBT* teens openly being themselves and spending time with others like them—perhaps for the first time. Manitoba youth get this opportunity every August with Camp Aurora. "Camp is the most amazing, loving, safe place I have ever been in my life," reads a participant quote from the camp's website.
The sentiment is a common one, experienced by GLBT* youth at a small handful of queer camps throughout Canada, such as Alberta's Camp fYrefly, British Columbia's CampOUT! and Ontario's camps Rainbow, Ten Oaks and Project Acorn.
From August 26 to 29, young GLBT* Manitobans will head to Camp Brereton, in the Whiteshell Provincial Park on the Ontario border. "Being an LGBTTQ* youth or ally can be tough," reads the website. "At Camp Aurora, that part of your day-to-day is forgotten." The camp aims to build the self-esteem and resiliency of queer youth, and builds important relationships that get some teens through the whole year.
It's organized by volunteer community leaders and has a nurse, social worker, lifeguard and counsellor on staff. Peer youth leaders between the ages of 20 to 26 apply to act in mentorship roles within the camp, to campers from the ages of 14 to 19. There is space for 43 campers in all, and the deadline to register is July 15. Canoeing, swimming, crafts, talent shows, obstacle courses, campfires, bunk beds and hotdogs are all on the agenda.
The cost is $250 to attend, but campers who cannot pay that can apply to have part or all of the fee waived. The camp welcomes donations so it can continue offering opportunities to youth regardless of their finances. Transportation is provided from and return to Winnipeg, and all meals are included at camp. Visit campaurora.ca for more information.
Published in OutWords Magazine, July 2014
–Larkin Schmiedl is a freelance journalist living in Vancouver, B.C. He loves to write about queer things.
Violence: Domestic abuse in the queer community
An issue beginning to come to light, domestic violence in queer relationships, is misunderstood by many. With rates comparable to violence in straight relationships, yet mired in a homophobic culture, queer people of all stripes who are living with abuse find themselves with fewer resources to draw upon, and fewer people on their side.
Services available for cisgender women are typically well-known, though not always welcoming to queer women. And services for men and trans people are less well-known and sometimes just don't exist. The issues facing the queer community revolve around police misunderstanding and minimizing same-sex relationship violence, making it difficult for queer people to get help.
Providing the only shelter of its kind in Canada, Winnipeg's Men's Resource Centre caters to all men regardless of orientation or gender history. According to Steve Sutherland, therapist and administrator at the centre, it can house men as they leave an abusive relationship and help them get back on their feet.
Dan, who will be identified by his first name only, was a client of the centre earlier this year. After being closeted in an abusive relationship for a number of years, married to a wife he was financially controlled by due to his immigrant status and who he felt he had to marry, Dan made his escape. "I would not have been able to do it without the Men's Resource Centre." The centre signed Dan up for unemployment insurance. It also helped him find low-income housing and spruce up his resumé.
"I didn't have a place to go because of how isolated I had been," he said. "I didn't really know anyone well enough that I could ask them to crash on their couch. The biggest help was [that] they provided shelter." While waiting for his first cheque to arrive, the centre provided meals. And Dan found emotional support. "They made it very easy," he said. "Even as I was dealing emotionally with what I was going through and wasn't able to think straight."
Though resources available for women are more common, they aren't available to all women. The situation for trans women seeking shelter in Winnipeg could be described as dire. Bradley Tyler-West, LGBT* program facilitator at Winnipeg's Sexuality Education Resource Centre (SERC), said, "I have heard of individual experiences of trans women who have gone into shelter and some have had a good experience there getting access to support and services, and some did not – and I think that's really based on their ability to pass or be stealth." He's heard the problems have come from residents at shelters rather than staff. And the trans women he knows of who have gotten help have been in mixed-gender relationships, with violence coming at the hands of male partners. He noted that falls into the heteronormative pattern assumed of domestic violence.
Sutherland refers trans women to Sage House. "They're very LGBT friendly," he said. "But that would be the only shelter I know in Winnipeg that would be providing services to that segment of the population."
Sage House could not be reached for confirmation.
There are resources available for women in lesbian relationships. Yet if shelter is needed, sometimes a lack of sensitivity can limit access. Glenda Dean, executive director of Winnipeg's Alpha House, said she sees a "real gap" in lesbian and bisexual women utilizing shelters. Although she said she doesn't know why that gap exists, she said perhaps shelters have not reached out enough to the community.
According to a workshop for service providers presented by Saskatoon's The Avenue Community Centre for Gender & Sexual Diversity Inc., lesbians often experience a lack of understanding about the seriousness of abuse when violent incidents are reported to therapists, police or doctors. Because of homophobia, queer relationships are sometimes seen to be inherently unstable or unhealthy.
When abuse happens, police will sometimes be called to domestic violence scenes. Both Tyler-West and Sutherland have heard in their work with men about police incidents where violence was minimized or male victims of abuse were even mocked. Myths such as that abuse doesn't happen to men, or for men in relationships with women that it can't happen because the man is bigger or women aren't aggressive, lead police to sometimes misunderstand abusive situations, said Sutherland. He said discrimination can be especially bad in First Nations communities.
But he added that police are making steps, and so is the Province of Manitoba. A GLBTQ* domestic violence working group was launched in November 2012 and began distributing posters and brochures addressing the issue of queer domestic violence last month. Part of the group's mandate is to provide GLBTQ*-sensitivity training to staff at service organizations. According to Beth Ulrich, executive director of Manitoba's Status of Women, who the group is hosted by, shelters are working on some of their issues.
"That's a commitment where I think some shelters are probably more ahead of others perhaps. I think that there's a willingness and an awareness now that 'OK, we need to make sure we're being respectful'," she said.
The Rainbow Resource Centre is another place victims of abuse can receive counselling and support. Located at 170 Scott St., the centre has pamphlets for those who are wondering if their relationship might be abusive and has counsellors trained in helping fill out protection orders. Tyler-West said, "We are hearing more conversations… so that is encouraging—a small light at the end of the very dark tunnel. It's nowhere near where it needs to be, but it is definitely better than it was, say, four or five years ago."
– Larkin Schmiedl is a freelance journalist from Vancouver, B.C. He's an LGBTI contributing editor with rabble.ca, the former host of a queer-issues radio show called Gaydio, and loves to write about social and environmental justice.

subset: commoncrawl


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Can a Uniform Company Charge Sales Tax on Its Service Fee?
When you're considering the cost of renting uniforms for yourself or your employees, sales taxes will likely be part of your bill. Texas and most other states impose a sales and use tax on the rental of tangible property, including uniforms used in your business. The sales tax on rentals in Texas is the same as the regular sales tax rate, 6.25 percent plus the local sales tax rate, up to a maximum of 8.25 percent, as of the time of publication.
Laundering and Cleaning Services
If you buy your own uniforms and send them out to a uniform service for cleaning or repair, you are likely to owe sales taxes on this service. Most states impose a sales tax on at least some types of services. Texas law, for example, specifically lists dry cleaning, laundering, pressing and garment mending as a taxable service. The laws may vary in other states, but laundering services are often specifically included as a taxable service. Check with your state tax office for details.
Photo Credits
- IT Stock Free/Polka Dot/Getty Images


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How Industry Leading Brands Use Content to Drive Lead Generation
Did you know that only 44% of B2B content marketers know what successful or effective content marketing looks like? That means that 56% of content marketers are aimlessly creating content without any direction or end goal. This content is not generating traffic, leads, or sales.
Join Bree & Kelly as they discuss what effective content marketing looks like.
For businesses that rely on quality leads, effective content marketing is a massive opportunity for growth. The right strategies and tactics can have your content working overtime for you.


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Brain Lounge
Spin around, think around, reload your brain … The CeMM Brain Lounge is more than a room: It is an art installation and open-end experiment dedicated to the power of thinking.
The CeMM Brain Lounge was created by Walking Chair (Karl Emilio Pircher and Fidel Peugeot) in close cooperation with the CeMM Directors Giulio Superti-Furga and Anita Ender. The central piece of the Brain Lounge is a carousel with 14 leather chairs and a "lazy susan" with an art piece of Peter Kogler. Their reverse side is detachable and meant to be designed by various artists. Currently they present work by Eva Schlegel, Thomas Feuerstein, Martin Walde, Alois Moosbacher, Titanilla Eisenhart, Zenita Komad, and Dorothee Golz. The walls display artworks of Esther Stocker and Brigitte Kowanz, and the ceiling is full of "sister blister" lamps by Walking Chair, which look like clouds. The fashion designer Daniel Kroh, working in Berlin, is responsible for the design of the special Brain Lounge costumes.
On November 19, 2012 the opening of the CeMM Brain Lounge took place as part of Vienna Art Week, which is an art event with international resonance. The scientific community and many art lovers were invited to interact with the designers and artists that developed the Brain Lounge, which is situated on the eighth floor of the CeMM building, overlooking Vienna's skyline. Many brain lounge rides with different groups of people took place since where the brain lounge could give proof of its purpose and definition: to be a source of inspiration and generator of ideas.
Every Brain Lounge journey begins with a ritual meant to abandon the daily routine and professional habitus and encourage the participant to assume a new identity. Then, by being exposed to an environment of changing art and a science fictional ambience, riders of the Brain Lounge can be induced into a different, playful state of mind. The slow turning of the sitting carousel provides a constant change of views and evokes a sense of communality amongst fellow travelers. A logbook is available to record the intellectual journeys. With its synergy of art, science, medicine and design, the Brain Lounge should act as a breeding ground for new ideas. The Brain Lounge is a lively, developing place. We thank all artists, donors and sponsors who have helped us to realize the project this far.


text: An absolutely extraordinary day!An absolutely extraordinary day, the biggest strike ever organized by Cobas and grassroots Trade Unions (Cobas, Cub, Sdl) with a maximum peak of participation in schools, where, in the main cities, we had the 60%-70% strikers, with half of the schools closed. Very good results also in the public sector, transports and many private sectors. A massive demonstration in Rome, with 500.000 people marching for 4 hours an more, from Piazza della Repubblica to Piazza San Giovanni, the historical place of trade-unionist gathering, now full of strikers. Wide presence of the school sector, with students from all school grades, teachers and all school workers, parents and simple citizens against the distruction of Public School , against the massive cuts of 200.000 work places in schools,against the cuts of schooltime, against the restoration of the anachronistic "maestra unica" ( only one teacher in primary schools ) against the infamy of the segregation of migrants in separate classrooms and against the restoration of the school of the '800: a school that discriminates, threaths and divides. The square was full of workers who believe unacceptable that after decades of triumphant liberalism our state admits it has no money and, at the same time, declares that is going to invest money in financing and defendings banks and fraudulent bankers. Let's invest this money- workers say- for raising the wages, for adequate pensions; let's invest it and cancel the plague of precarious work, giving stable work places; let's reestabilish the wage indexation system ; let's reinvest in Public School and in Public Health Service. This is the message of struggle and hope coming from the enormous demonstration in Rome. Starting from tomorrow we, Cobas, Cub, Sdl, will together restate this message through Italy.


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- This event has passed.
Two Hours of Quiet – First Spiritual Exercises Tasters
September 28, 2019 at 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Bardon, Queensland 4065 Australia + Google Map
On the last Saturday of each month take some time out to refresh and restore yourself and join us at Faber Centre for these First Spiritual Exercises Tasters.
- 29 June – Ignatian Mindfulness facilitated by Chris Webb – This Spiritual Exercise is about sharpening our awareness and expressing love in action as we remember the gifts we have received and benefited from.
- 27 July – Ignatian Indwelling facilitated Sr Angela Botti – We contemplate how the Trinity dwells within us as a source of nourishment and inspiration. Join us for this two hour mini-retreat and take time out to refresh and restore yourself.
- 31 August – Ignatian Encouragement facilitated by Chris Kennedy – We consider how God looks at us with encouragement to take heart.
- 28 September – Ignatian Wellness facilitated by Meredith Nicholls – In today's Spiritual Exercise I ponder Jesus as healer surrendering my vunerabilities and need for healing to the Lord so that he may better work through me.
- 26 October – Ignatian Action facilitated by Chris Webb – We contemplate the reality of service seeking to understand my gift revealed in service and how service enhances life and happiness.
- 30 November – Ignatian Listening facilitated by Chris Kennedy – In the last retreat in this series we ponder Jesus as one who listens to me and enhances my capacity for listening to others.
The suggested donation for each two-hour mini-retreat is $10.
All are welcome on the day, however, please make a booking if you can.


text: The Colorado Springs Tesla/EV Club will have their monthly meeting/luncheon on Saturday, Feb. 6th at 11:30 AM at Old Chicago, Northwest corner of Austin Bluffs Parkway and North Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs. We have made some printed club cards which we will give out to any member wanting some. These cards have a blank line on the back which is perfect for writing in your name. We have been giving these cards to prospective EV owners in the area. They tell a little about our club and show how to contact us through our website, csevc.com. Everyone is welcome, including non-EV owners. Mac


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Why introduce 3D printing to schools?
- 3D printing is an established industrial technology, which is now becoming more main stream and accessible
- Equipping students to understand and be able to use this technology will not only stimulate and engage them, but will also prepare them for a world where new opportunities using 3D printing are opening up all the time.
- Prepare students for the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
- A 3D printer is a fantastic attraction to have on display at your school opendays and events
- A great fundraising tool: print lithographs of your school or the students, personalised tags, personalised sports days medals… your students will have many more fantastic ideas about what they can print for raising funds
Let your students build a 3D printer for the school. printer kits are the ideal project for STEM club students.
- Students enjoy building the printer (& learn a lot in the process)
- Your school acquires a high quality printer for continuing use across the curriculum.
"This is a fantastic project for the students to get some real hands-on engineering experience. With everything included, we could get on with making straight away, rather than hunting for tools and the correct size bolts."
Matt Fradley, Head of Physics, St. Francis' College
A Level Physics Students from St Francis' College built a THREEDY 3D Printer from kit and then used in in their Talent 2030 National Engineering Competition for Girls competition entry. They used THREEDY to print a prosthetic hand. Much more information is available on their website here.
Fantastic project! Well done to you all. Congratulations for your achievement in the competition!
Integrating 3D printing into the curriculum
The 3D Printer is available in kit form, or assembled and ready to use 'out of the box'. We offer leasing options and full support services. We are happy to discuss your individual requirements.


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Aug 20, 2007
Welcome to my blog!
Hi there! Just thought I would try to put my ideas and images out there in the world in a different format. You can find out more about me and my projects at my website, uniqueasyou.com Thank you for visiting me and I hope to have more for you later!
Posted by renne emiko at 9:57 PM No comments:
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Employee self-service provides a dashboard for the employees to provide information which is relevant for the employees and helps to act on the go. Employee self-service is a tile based dashboard which can be customized as per company's requirements.
- Employee Profile
- Attendance Dashboard
- Leave Application
- Graphical Attendance Display
- Attendance regularization
- Graphical Leave Display
- Payslip view
- Timesheet
- Announcements within the Organization Unit
- Holidays List
- Work Anniversaries
- Birthdays Reminders
- Employee Directory
- Employee Tax Investment Declarations
- Peer Calendar
- Goal setting
- Self Performance Appraisal


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Recently-completed upgrades to the Highway 9 thoroughfare through Springdale, Utah feature major sidewalk improvements and wider bike lanes, which means biking Zion National Park just got a whole lot better—not that it wasn't already great to start with!
Zion National Park is one of the few "bike-friendly" National Parks in the United States. Located less than a 5-hour drive from Salt Lake City and 2.5-hour drive from Las Vegas by car, this nature preserve in southwest Utah is within a comfortable driving range for many, and its many bike-able roadways make it ideal for experiencing Mother Nature from the seat of a bicycle.
Zion is a massive collection of numerous canyons and coulees that range from widths too narrow for a person to fit through, to depths of more than 2,000 feet.
People flock to Zion from all around the world to catch glimpses of its thousand-foot vertical cliffs of multi-colored sandstone; and many rock climbers go there to scale its dizzying heights and angles.
Experience It With OYAMA
Exploring the many nooks and crannies of Zion National Park by bicycle allows you to move at your own pace and enjoy many of the sights, sounds, and smells that would go otherwise unnoticed from behind the wheel of your automobile.
A folding bike from OYAMA is the perfect take-along companion for your getaway to Zion: just fold up your OYAMA, load it into the trunk of your car, the bed of your pickup, or the back of your SUV, then unfold it once you arrive at Zion to begin exploring the park's scenic beauty free of the hassles of traffic snarls and finding and paying for parking.
Biking Zion
You can either drive your car into the park and pay $30, which is good for a week, or park in nearby Springdale or at the park Visitor's Center and obtain a walk-in pass for $15. From there, you can simply bike into the park.
The best place for biking in the park is along the Pa'rus Trail, which is at about 4,000 feet in elevation. This 1.7-mile stretch (3.4 miles roundtrip) gets its name from Pa'rus, a Paiute word meaning "bubbling, tumbling water," so named because the trail runs along the Virgin River and is crisscrossed by both Oak Creek and Pine Creek.
The trail is well-maintained and paved, with several bridges along the way made of planks. It's car-free, and with only gradual inclines its degree of difficulty is considered "easy," which makes it ideal for bikers of all abilities, as well as pedestrians, families with strollers, and even wheelchair-bound guests.
The chances for seeing wildlife along the trail, especially early in the morning, is high, and more than likely you will encounter dogs, which are allowed on the trail as long as they are leashed.
The trail is considered year-round, so long as it is free of ice and snow. At 4,000 feet, the trail can get hot in the summertime, so cyclists will want to stay well-hydrated.
Biking is allowed on most other park roadways, too. But be aware that these other roadways are NOT car-free. They tend to have considerable traffic, so you will want to exercise caution. Should you venture out onto the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, consider cycling earlier or later in the day, when the shuttles are running less often and there is not as much traffic.
Also note that the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, which runs through the park and is steep and narrow in places, has a one-mile tunnel in which bicycles are NOT permitted (cyclists often hitchhike through the tunnel). This highway runs along a 10-mile stretch from the Zion entrance to Mt. Carmel. It offers sweeping views of the canyons and seasonal waterfalls. While the views alone are well worth the effort, biking this stretch can be a challenge, even for more experienced cyclists.
All other park hiking trails are off-limits to cycling.
Biking Dos and Don'ts
The park requires that cyclists:
- Under the age of 18 wear helmets (recommended for all)
- Always ride on the right side of the road and in single file
- Stop out of the roadway to let shuttle buses pass
- Never pass moving shuttles
- Be mindful of the many areas that have limited sightlines
- Warn pedestrians when passing
- Remember that pedestrians always have the right of way.
Make More of the Experience with OYAMA
If you're looking for a truly relaxing yet invigorating way to enjoy one of the USA's scenic wonders, biking Zion National Park is difficult to beat . . . and taking your OYAMA folder along for the ride can truly enhance the experience.
OYAMA folding bikes are compact utility bikes. They fold up small enough to go wherever you want to go and are big enough to offer the kind of safe and comfortable ride you'd expect from a bigger bike. They're also easy to fold and unfold, getting you from the curb and onto the trail (and back again) in just minutes.
All models come with a set of rear racks, so you can bike that special memento back to where you're staying, plus handle-bar-mounted courtesy bells, which are perfect for alerting others when on narrow bike trails.
Models range from electric ones (such as the OYAMA CX E8D and CX E8D Version II) that provide a pedal assist for spanning that extra mile and/or for going up hills, to people-powered models (such as OYAMA Skyline 1, Skyline 7, and LX7) that cost about the same as full-sized road bicycles.
Check an OYAMA bike out today . . . and let your dreams unfold!


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South Harting Bazaar
Many thanks to Carol Martin for the massive amount of hard work that she put in to organising the Autumn Bazaar, South Harting. Our thanks too, to the many people who came along to support the event.
Carol is shown here (right) presenting Voluntary Fundraising Co-ordinator, Allison Price, with a cheque for £460 which she raised on Saturday 25th October.


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What to Look for When Choosing an Online Data Storage Service
By Dave Roberts on Wednesday, December 10th, 2014
The days of keeping confidential business information in a locked filing cabinet are gone. Most businesses have everything from personnel files to client and financial information stored on their computers or computer network. What happens when your company runs out of storage space? Or, worse yet, what if your computer information is attacked by a virus, stolen, or damaged by a flood? Would you be able to quickly recover all of your important information and keep your company running smoothly?
Many companies find that keeping their own network running and up-to-date is expensive. In this economy, most companies are looking for ways to cut expenses in order to survive. There are many online data storage companies currently available, so if your business is looking for an online storage company, here are some questions that you need to ask:
What Features Does This Service Offer?
Most online services offer online file storage, backup services, remote access that allows you to access your data from anywhere in the world, the ability to file share with other employees in your office, and the ability to upload and download files.
How Secure is This Service?
Businesses will want a service that offers file encryption, authentication, and password protection in order to keep your information secure. You may also want to know if they offer any type of tracking in the event of a security breach, as well as the ability to lock out former employees after they have left or been terminated. Ask what type of backup plan the service offers in case of any unforeseen disasters such as a virus attack or fire.
Is the Service User-Friendly?
The service should be easy to learn, easy to use and easy to access for the average employee. If the service is too difficult or complicated to use, look for another service.
How Much Does This Service Cost?
Is the service reasonably priced? How does it fit into your company's budget? How much storage do you get for the price?
Does the Service Offer Technical Support?
Even with the easiest to use service, you may one day have a question or a problem that you may not be able to resolve on your own. Does the service offer a customer service hotline, or chat support? Is it available 24/7, if needed?


text: SemperParatus 0 Posted May 29, 2018 (edited) Hey everyone, I managed to pick up this interesting little group at a local antique market in Toronto this past weekend. It is a group to named to Wing Commander C.M.E.(sic) Smelt RAF (the Defence Medal is unnamed as issued, and the GSM with Radfan Clasp is named). It is paired with miniatures. This is a couple of firsts for me - my first British GSM, my first RAF medals, and my first medals to an officer. Officers, thankfully, are much easier to research. I'd be happy to learn how he earned his Defence Medal and of more details related to his service during the Radfan Campaign (role, unit, location, etc). Here are some photos (click to enlarge): What I have so far: Charles Michael Casterton Smelt was born around 1923. Son of Captain William Anthony Casterton Smelt O.B.E., a first war pilot of the Royal Naval Air Service, Royal Air Force and late Captain of the Essex Regiment. While Charles was growing up, his father William served in high level financial positions with the British North Borneo Company in British Borneo. During the Second World War, Charles attended medical school at the University of Edinburgh, and qualified for the Defence Medal. His father William, interned by the Japanese Occupation of British Borneo, survived and was awarded the Order of the British Empire for services during internment. Charles Smelt graduated in 1946 with a Bachelor in Medicine (M.B.). Smelt was granted an emergency commission into the Royal Army Medical Corps, and on 26 May 1949, was made a Lieutenant on a short service commission. On 8 May 1950 Smelt was promoted Captain. Smelt retired on 28 July 1953, but remained on strength of the Regular Army Reserve of Officers. On 25 Sept 1954, Smelt was appointed to the Royal Air Force Medical Branch, and made a Flight Lieutenant. Smelt by now was also a Bachelor of Surgery (Ch.B.). Smelt was again promoted on 5 July 1955 to Squadron Leader. Seven years later, Smelt, now alson a Doctor of Public Health (D.P.H.) was promoted to Wing Commander on 5 July 1962. In 1964, Smelt served in the Radfan Campaign and the beginning of the Aden Emergency. Upon leaving the military in the late 70's, Smelt emigrated to Ontario, Canada, where he became a staff doctor in the Emergency Department of the Cornwall General Hospital. Smelt also worked as a Civilian Medical Officer in the Canadian Forces and as a physician for a company named Modern Industries. Smelt died in 1999. From to the London Gazette: Appointments to Short Service Commissions. R.A.M.C. From Emerg. Commn. to be Lts: C.M.C. Smelt, M.B. 26 May 1949. - L.G. 1949.06.09 Extract from the RAMC Journal. Royal Army Medical Corps. Promotions. To be Capts. (Short Serv. Commns.): Lt. CMC Smelt M.B. 8 May 1950. - L.G. Extract from the RAMC Journal. Royal Army Medical Corps. Short Service Commission. Capt. CMC SMELT, M.B (402282), retires with a gratuity, 28th July 1953. - L.G.4114 1953.07.28 Royal Army Medical Corps. Regular Army Reserve of Officers. Capt. CMC SMELT, M.B. (402282), ceases to belong to Reg. Army Res. of Offrs., 25th Sept 1954, on appt. to RAF (Medical Branch). - L.G. 696 1955.02.04 Royal Air Force. Medical Branch. Notification amended. 14th Dec 194 (p. 7063, col 2) concerning Charles Michael Casterton SMELT, M.B., Ch. B. (503951) for (Seniority 1st May 1948) read (seniority 5th Apr 1948). - L.G. 1533 1955.03.15 Royal Air Force. Medical Branch. Promotion. Flight Lieutenant to Squadron Leader. CMC SMELT, M.B., Ch.B. (503951). 5th July 1955. - L.G. 4114 1955.07.26 Royal Air Force. Medical Branch. Appointment to commission (Permanent). As Squadron Leader: - Charles Michael Casteron SMELT, M.B, Ch. B. (503951) 5th Apr 1957. - L.G. 3170 1957.05.28 Royal Air Force. Medical Branch. Promotion. Squadron Leader to Wing Commander. CMC SMELT, M.B., Ch.B. (503951). 5th July 1962. - L.G. 5478 1962.07.10 Royal Air Force. Medical Branch. The seniority of Wing Commander C.M.C. SMELT, M.B, Ch.B., D.P.H. (503951), is adjusted to 1st Apr 1962. - L.G. 8809 1962.11.13 And the below information is from the "Deaths" section of the Canadian Medical Association Journal dated 22 February 2000: Smelt, Charles M., Cornwall, Ont.; University of Edinburgh (Scotland), 1946; DPH; Royal Air Force; former staff, Emergency Department, Cornwall General Hospital; civilian medical officer, Canadian Forces; physician, Modern Industries. Died Sept. 23, 1999, aged 76. His obituary, quoting an earlier interview, explained his reasons for moving to Canada: "After retiring from the air force at age 55, I was facing a life of genteel poverty and I thought, 'To heck with that.'" Edited May 29, 2018 by SemperParatus 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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Enquire now
Testimonial from Lucia Gasser Hidalgo, Under 18's Volunteer and Adventure Experience in Nepal
These two weeks have truly been an amazing experience! I loved going to Pame to play wth the kids and to help out. I feel like I made so many great friends I would never meet at home and I had a blast with them. The trek was a challenge and not easy but I'm happy I did it every single morning when I woke up to incredible landscapes. I am very sad to be leaving but I don't feel like I'm going to regret not doing something because we had the chance to volunteer, go on a trek and visited Pokhara and a bit of Kathmandu. I really enjoyed the day when we visited Pokhara, the Peace Pagoda and the suspension bridge etc and went to the Tibetan refugee camp and to the outdoor cinema. Overall it has been an amazing and unique experience I will always remember.
- Lucia Gasser Hidalgo, Under 18's Volunteer and Adventure Experience in Nepal


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It was Mugabe's first major speech since last month's disputed election, which opposition party Movement for Democratic Change claims to have won.
"Down with the British. Down with thieves who want to steal our country," Mugabe said, according to Reuters.
"Today they are like thieves fronting their lackeys among us, which they give money to confuse our people."
Mugabe's heated remarks were made at an Independence Day celebration, in front of 15,000 people at a Harare stadium, reported The New York Times. He was given a rousing reception by his supporters, many of whom wore shirts with his image on them.
Results from the March 29 presidential election still have not been released.
The MDC candidate Morgan Tsvangirai is believed to have won, but possibly by a small enough margin that a runoff would be necessary.
Two top members of Mugabe's party said Friday that he has deployed the army and police to intimidate voters in rural areas to make sure he would win a potential runoff, Bloomberg reported.
The MDC has accused Mugabe, who has been in power since 1980, of delaying the results to orchestrate a way to remain president. The party has refused to participate in a runoff and tried to challenge a bid for a partial election recount.
The Harare High Court on Friday rejected the request to block the recount, which could overturn the MDC's parliamentary vote win. Mugabe's party lost control of the parliament for the first time in March's elections.
For several days after the election there was speculation that Mugabe would leave the country, but his Friday remarks reinforced that he will not turn over power.
Zimbabwe has been under mounting international pressure to release the election results.
U.S. President Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called for more action from neighboring African nations to end the crisis in Zimbabwe on Thursday.
Rice described Mugabe's last few years of rule as an "abomination."
The government of South Africa, which tried to distance itself from the election deadlock, called the situation in Zimbabwe "dire" on Thursday.
"When elections are held and results are not released two weeks after, it is obviously of great concern," said government spokesman Themba Maseko, according to the International Herald Tribune.
"South Africa, like the rest of the world, is concerned about the delay in the release of the results and the anxiety that this is generating."
The British Embassy in Harare released a statement on Friday expressing concern "at reports of beatings and violence being unleashed against electoral officials and opposition supporters."
Meanwhile, South African port and truck workers are refusing to move Zimbabwe-bound weapons from a Chinese ship, union officials told the Associated Press Friday.
The An Yue Jiang ship was anchored just outside Durban harbor after receiving permission late Wednesday to dock.
"This vessel must return to China with the arms on board, as South Africa cannot be seen to be facilitating the flow of weapons into Zimbabwe at a time where there is a political dispute and a volatile situation," the Congress of South African Trade Unions said in a statement.
The Southern Africa Litigation Center, an independent human rights group, said it has asked a court to stop the arms from being transported to Zimbabwe.
Mary Robinson, the former U.N. human rights chief, applauded the unions for taking a stand.
"How positive it is that ordinary dockers have refused to allow that boat to go further," Robinson said during a conference in Senegal on governance in Africa. "They as individuals have taken the responsibility. Because they believe it's not right."


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Kendra's Chronicles - A Meaford Teacher shares her travel stories
I really looked like an experienced hiker in my Dri-FIT clothing, running shoes and 2-litre hydra-pack as I pretended to stretch my hamstrings at the base of Mt. Hwangnyung. In reality I wasn't even close to being one, and was really just stalling climbing the breathtaking and iconic mountain that stood 1,390 feet overlooking Gwangali Beach (my new place of residence for the next eight months). I stretched for another five minutes before I heard a group of ajummas (the Korean word for older women close to a grandmother's age) approaching me.
The four ladies smiled and waved before they began to hike up Mt. Hwangnyung without the slightest bit of hesitation. I looked down at my intense workout outfit before looking back at the ajummas as they ascended higher up the mountain in their pants, long-sleeved shirts, and nice dress shoes.
"Well, alright then," I said to myself, suddenly determined to hike the mountain.
Within minutes I was sweating profusely, my legs were burning, and I was gasping for breath. I knew it was going to be a difficult hike, but this was just embarrassing! Thankfully the paths were well worn and there were proper steps in the extremely steep areas. After twenty minutes of my turtle-paced hiking, I reached an opening that had benches and workout equipment scattered throughout it. I walked over to the leg press machine that was closest to me and glanced at its instructional sticker of a person using their own body weight as their lifting weight. I walked around and saw that there was also a leg extension machine, a peck deck machine, two bench presses, a torso twist machine, hula hoops, and a makeshift treadmill with a turning wheel underneath it to act as the treadbelt. I decided to try it and hoisted myself above the wheel. Almost instantly my arms began to tire from the awkward position of trying to hold my body up as a parallel bar gymnast does, and it wasn't long after I started moving my legs that I lost my footing and almost fell off.
"And that's enough of that!" I said as I jumped down and headed towards the trail. Just as I was about to continue hiking up, I noticed a different path leading down the mountain and around a corner. Curious to see where it went, I followed it to the bend and saw that it led to a full sized badminton court!
Workout equipment and a badminton court all on the side of a mountain? This is unbelievable! I thought and turned around to continue my hike to the top.
The next portion of Mt. Hwangnyung was much steeper than the first, and after a grueling fifteen minutes of more turtle-paced hiking I reached a larger clearing that had more benches and workout equipment throughout it. I saw the group of ajummas that had passed me at the base of the mountain using some of the workout machines. The ajumma that was closest to me stopped and pointed while saying something in Korean to her friends, laughed and made a charades gesture to the abundance of sweat on my face and the lack of on theirs. I smiled, laughed as well and made a charades gesture for strong, because there was no denying that they were kicking my butt! Just past the machines the opening became even larger and I saw a lot of young families having picnics and small groups of seniors playing cards in front of the various lookout points. I wandered around taking pictures and after a few minutes the same group of ajummas smiled and waved to me as they continued their way up the mountain. Now more determined than ever, I put my camera away and followed them.
I thought the steepest parts of the hike were already over, but they weren't and it got steeper: a lot steeper. My hiking had now turned to a snail's pace, and as I was clearly suffering, huffing and puffing away, I could hear the ajummas talking and laughing and not the least bit short of breath in front of me. I vowed to not only get better at hiking Mt. Hwangnyung throughout the duration of my stay in Busan, but also to be able to hike mountains similar to it when I got to be their age.
After another twenty minutes went by, I reached a very large opening that had a helicopter pad in the middle of it. From there I could see where I needed to get to (the first summit block) and further past it where my final destination was (the second summit block). After getting my picture taken with the 415 meter (1,361 foot) marker, I followed the trail down the mountain to a road where a lot of food and drink vans were parked on its wide shoulders. Patio furniture was set up behind each van and all were occupied with customers sipping Soju or Makgeolli. I found out later that when the locals hiked they would bring either of those drinks rather than water; Soju is a very strong and very smooth vodka-like alcoholic drink and Makgeolli is also very strong, but a not so smooth type of alcoholic drink.
I followed the road for 100 meters until the trail began again towards the second summit. This section was nowhere near as grueling as the entire first summit hike had been and mainly just traversed back and forth on a slight incline, until forty meters before the second summit block where it became a straight up climb. Once I had made it to the top of Mt. Hwangnyung there were no words to describe its absolutely stunning view or the elation I felt for how I got there. It was a clear, blue-bird day and I had a 360 degree view of a city that had 3.5 million people and was now my home. Looking toward where my apartment and the school I was teaching at were located, I could also see the famous Gwangali Bridge and the ocean stretch for miles. The second summit location was much more built up than the first had been, and after I took several photos of the view I also took pictures of the observatory lookout and the historic and informative plaques that were written in Korean and English about the mountain. One of them read:
"Mt. Hwangnyung was a beacon stand from 1425-1896 and was used for communication signals by burning manure for the port of Busan, as well as to relay messages to Seoul, Haeundae, Pomosa, and Chorang. Throughout the day smoke signals were used, and at night fire. One beacon meant the situation was normal, two beacons meant that an enemy was in sight, three meant the enemy was approaching Busan, four meant the enemy had infiltrated Korean territory and five meant there was an ongoing battle with invaders. Each beacon was operated by a Tobyoulijang (the head of the beacon), a Pyulijang (the supervisor of the beacon), Kamgos (beacon watchmen), and Ponggoons (soldiers.) The Mt. Hwangnyung Beacon Stand, which protected Busan from invasions was restored to inspire the spirit of local and national defense in contemporary society in October 1976, and cleaned up in June 2000."
With a smile spread across my face, I sat down on a bench to enjoy the fresh air, the warm sunlight and the breathtaking view (I really just needed to sit down or else I was going to fall over!) I sat there until I felt I had rehydrated and given my legs a long enough break before I headed towards the trail that led down the mountain. As I approached the path I saw that the group of ajummas I had followed up were sitting on a bench adjacent to it. I smiled and waved goodbye to them while making another charades gesture for strong and saying 'Thank you' in Korean. Little did I know then that as I made my descent down Mt. Hwangnyung that by the end of my eight months living in Busan, South Korea that I would be running up and down it.
What an unforgettable experience.


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Learning Needs Assessment Services
A well-designed course starts with the student at the center of the planning. Do you know the students you're teaching and the elements that are crucial to their learning needs? What outcomes are you looking to achieve?
Our learning designers want to understand your students and your course objectives so that we can recommend the best possible approach. We advise on:
- Aligning instruction with learning outcomes
- Best uses of educational technology
- Developing assessment strategies
- Pedagogical best practices to increase student engagement


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Hickman Family History
14-Day Free Trial
Hickman Name Meaning
English (chiefly West Midlands): occupational name denoting the servant (Middle English man) of a man called Hick. According to Reaney and Wilson, Hickman was also used as a medieval personal name. This surname has long been established in Ireland, notably in County Clare. In the U.S., it could be an altered spelling of German Hickmann, a variant of Hick 4.
Source: Dictionary of American Family Names ©2013, Oxford University Press
Similar surnames: Hackman, Dickman, Hillman, Wickman, Heckman, Rickman, Backman


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Harmonized sales tax will create jobs
TheStar.com – Opinion/Comment – Harmonized sales tax will create jobs: By doing the right thing now, Queen's Park will help the Ontario economy recover faster
August 21, 2009. Jayson Myers, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE CANADIAN MANUFACTURERS & EXPORTERS, and Robert Hattin, PRESIDENT OF EDSON PACKAGING MACHINERY AND CHAIR OF CME ONTARIO
Sometimes governments have to do the right thing even in the face of political opposition. That is what leadership is all about. It is what the Ontario government has done in its initiative to harmonize the provincial sales tax with the GST.
It is the right thing for the economy. It will preserve jobs in Ontario's beleaguered manufacturing sector. And it is the right thing for Ontarians.
We should learn some lessons from the recession that has battered Ontario and the Canadian economy over the past year. Perhaps one of the most important is that you have to create real value in order to sustain employment and generate income growth.
The financial market crash shows that no one can create lasting wealth simply by spinning other people's money around and around.
Eventually that money needs to go into producing goods and services that people want to buy. Otherwise it leads to financial bubbles and major trouble for the economy. Another lesson of the recession is that, like it or not, our economy is affected by global market conditions.
We must compete around the world for customers and suppliers, skills and intellectual property, credit and investment.
Our companies have to be world class. And so, too, does the business environment in which they operate. Competitive pressures have only become more acute as a result of the recession.
Budget measures introduced by our governments also serve as a healthy reminder that taxpayers must eventually pay the bill for the stimulus and income support programs we rely on to soften the blow of recession.
As demand for public services (education, health care and social services) continues to grow, we should be keenly aware that the way taxes are raised has a significant impact on investment, innovation and job growth – all of the elements necessary to sustain a healthy economy.
And we must realize that all taxes are ultimately paid by consumers, either in the form of higher prices or lost productivity and lost jobs.
These lessons are becoming more obvious as the economy slowly begins to recover. Business as usual is not an option for governments, or for the enterprises upon whose success the recovery ultimately depends.
Sales tax harmonization is exactly the kind of forward-looking policy reform that will be critical in strengthening the provincial economy and speeding along recovery. In fact, it is the single most important step that can be taken to boost the provincial economy and create job opportunities in the future.
Harmonization will save businesses money, lowering the cost of investments in innovation and new technologies, productivity and environmental improvements and the development of new markets – all of which are extremely important in rebooting the economy, securing jobs and helping Ontario businesses make the changes they require to compete and grow in global markets.
Ontario businesses now pay $5 billion every year in provincial sales tax when they purchase inputs like construction materials, office supplies, energy, legal services, furniture, business vehicles and equipment they need to produce goods and services.
That money will be saved under a fully harmonized sales tax. There will be additional savings for businesses, as well as the government, as a result of lowering the costs of tax administration.
Tax experts agree about the benefits of the harmonized sales tax.
The introduction of a 13 per cent value-added tax, combined with recently announced corporate tax cuts and the elimination of the capital tax, will give Ontario one of the most favourable tax systems in the world for business investment.
That is extremely important for Ontario companies that are competing to attract and retain the investment the province needs to develop the advanced manufacturing, knowledge-intensive and high-value economy of the future.
But it is Ontarians who ultimately stand to benefit from tax harmonization. Business savings will be directed to supporting employment in more competitive industries as well as to reducing consumer prices. That was certainly the experience of the Atlantic provinces where business investment in new products, technologies and markets rose 12 per cent while consumer prices fell in the aftermath of tax harmonization.
The tax rebates proposed by the Ontario government will further reduce costs for consumers.
The bottom line is this. Sales tax harmonization will help build a more competitive business sector in Ontario capable of creating jobs in the future because it is investing today in new products, new technologies, new skills and new markets.
By doing the right thing now, we will help the Ontario economy recover faster.
We will be in a stronger position to pay off the debts we have rung up on the way in and out of recession.
Above all, we will continue to generate the job and income growth that is so important in maintaining the quality of life that Ontarians enjoy both today and in the future.
< http://thestar.com/printArticle/684230 >.
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House C
Client | Owner: Private
Location: Portland, Oregon
Building Type: Residential
The design challenge for this 3500 sq. ft. project was how to take the traditional, four-square typology, expand it, and give it a modern sensibility with open spaces, perceptual sight lines and abundant light in a tight urban setting. Since the original four-square house was lost to a fire, the owners decided to rebuild the new house on the former site, a narrow, deep lot in close-in Southeast Portland. After considering many options, it was decided to begin with the diagram of the four-square and extend the plan by two additional squares in the east-west direction for more space for the family. Consideration of solar exposure, public and private relationships, and the interplay between interior and exterior space influenced the form of the house. On the ground floor, we created a large living/dining/kitchen space with large windows to take advantage of views. Aligned on one side with the center of the house, we carved out an elongated circulation space called the LightSpace, which vertically unites the three levels with light that perceptually changes the ambience of the space throughout the day.


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This lightened-up creamy chicken noodle soup is not only easy to make but it's just as comforting as the classic and only 200 calories!
Since it's now soup season and all, it only makes sense to share a soup recipe with you.
I haven't been able to get this creamy chicken noodle soup out of my head for weeks. As the season started to change, the weather did not but that didn't stop my mind from reminiscing of this recipe that I made at least 15 times last year.
If you're looking for a comforting yet lightened-up meal to add to your dinner rotation, this is it. One bowl of this soup left me satisfied for hours without feeling like my stomach was going to explode. And if you have a smaller family, it's just the 2 of us, there's plenty of leftovers for the week.
What Makes This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup So Good?
Hello flavor! It's from all the goodies inside: a mix of vegetables (celery, carrots + onion), loads of chicken, savory spices like thyme, parsley + garlic, noodles throughout all together in a slightly thick broth. I call it lightened-up because there's no heavy cream, rather, a low fat % of milk or unsweetened almond milk mixed with a little cornstarch.
This soup is a favorite in our household (even my non-soup loving husband loves it!) It's not only incredibly delicious but it's one of those simple meals where there's not much "work" that you have to do— especially if you opt for the slow cooker option (see my note in the recipe below.) Pair it with a salad, crusty bread or the classic grilled cheese sandwich <— because that's always the way to go.
And the best part, outside of the soup itself of course, the calories. For a 1 cup serving it's only 199.5 calories and a whopping 18 grams of protein.
This comforting creamy chicken noodle soup will have you craving those chilly nights. It's basically the most delicious, hearty, thick-and-creamy, comforting yet lightened-up soup that you could ask for.
Lightened-Up Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter*
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium)
- 1 and 1/2 cup sliced or chopped carrots (2-3 large carrots)
- 1 cup sliced or chopped celery (3-4 stalks)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 10 cups low-sodium chicken broth*
- 2 and 1/2 cups shredded chicken*
- 1 cup milk*
- 3 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 (8 ounce) bag wide egg noodles (about 4 cups)*
Equipment Needed
- Heat the butter in a 5 quart or larger pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes to allow the vegetables to soften. Add the oregano, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir together and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Next, add the broth. Give everything a stir and scrape the bits up from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a boil, without stirring, for 2-3 minutes. Add the noodles and shredded chicken. Cook the noodles until tender— about 6-8 minutes.
- Combine the milk and cornstarch by stirring together until no lumps remain. The best way to do this: add the cornstarch to a large measuring cup or bowl, then add the milk slowly while stirring. Add the milk/cornstarch mixture to the soup. Allow the soup to cook for 3-5 minutes until the milk incorporates into the soup and it thickens slightly. Take the soup to see if it needs more seasoning.
- Serve the soup warm. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
PIN IT for later!


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Chief Judge Gregory M. Sleet recently granted defendant's motion to stay pending reexamination. Celorio v. On Demand Books LLC, C.A. No. 12-821-GMS (D. Del. Aug. 21, 2013). In doing so, Judge Sleet examined the following factors: "(1) whether a stay would unduly prejudice or present a clear tactical disadvantage to the non-moving party; (2) whether a stay will simplify the issues in question and trial of the case; and (3) whether discovery is complete and a trial date has been set." Id. at 2 n.1 (quotations omitted). Regarding the first factor, Judge Sleet noted that any stay pending reexamination will delay final resolution of the case. Therefore, that fact alone is insufficient to establish that any prejudice from the delay is "undue." Id. As such, the court must look at "sub-factors," such as "the timing of the stay request"; "the relationship between the parties"; "the related question of whether the plaintiff may be compensated through future money damages": and "the status of the reexamination proceedings." Id. Judge Sleet determined that any delay will not result in undue prejudice or present a tactical disadvantage to plaintiff. In particular, Judge Sleet found that because the petition for reexamination and the motion to stay were filed early in the case, the Court could not conclude that defendant was attempting to gain an unfair tactical advantage. Id. Further, plaintiff's five-year delay of filing the case after it became aware of defendant's alleged infringement demonstrated that plaintiff did not consider "this to be a 'time of the essence matter' or that, absent expeditious litigation, he [would] suffer undue prejudice." Id. In addition, plaintiff could be compensated for any delay through money damages. Id.
Regarding simplification of issues, Judge Sleet determined that this factor favored a stay. "[R]egardless of the PTO's conclusion, the results of the reexamination proceeding will aid in simplifying or eliminating the overlapping issues before the court. Indeed, even if the PTO were to ultimately confirm all of the claims, the court would likely benefit from the expert analysis the PTO conducts, thus further simplifying issues before the court." Id. at 3 n.1. Judge Sleet determined that the early stage of the case also favored a stay, as no scheduling order had been entered and no trial date had been set. Id.
Judge Sleet also specifically rejected plaintiff's argument that defendant was "estopped from seeking a stay because it filed a counterclaim for declaratory relief pursuant to the Declaratory Judgment Act ('DJA')." Id. Judge Sleet noted:
Celorio [did] not cite any case law supporting his argument and instead provide[d] citations to cases detailing the parameters of the DJA and rules regarding binding admissions in responsive pleadings. None of the cases Celorio cite[d] suggested that once a party has filed a claim under the DJA, it should be barred from requesting a stay and the court [had] not uncovered such precedent.
Celorio v. On Demand Books LLC, C.A. No. 12-821-GMS (D. Del. Aug. 21, 2013)


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In 1994, when the movie Philadelphia hit cinemas, it was the first big-budget Hollywood film about AIDS. Now, over two decades later, the film is often cited as a trailblazer in the fight against that horrible – but now largely manageable – disease. But this take on Philadelphia's role in the history of AIDS isn't quite accurate.
Before Philadelphia wooed moviegoers and won two Oscars, the human costs of AIDS were explored on both screen and stage. As one example, there was As Is by William Hoffmann in 1985, which ran for nearly 300 performances on Broadway and was nominated for a Tony Award. In Roger Ebert's 1994 review of Philadelphia, Ebert claimed as much, noting that Philadelphia "breaks no new dramatic ground," and suggesting that while Hollywood may have upped the ante, other brave and pioneering artists came first.
This is something like what we are seeing now with caregiving and Alzheimer's disease. Sure, Still Alice brought the horrors of Alzheimer's to popcorn-loving audiences, but the movie glided over the brutal day-in, day-out demands of family caregiving. It failed to show how overwhelming and all-consuming it is to be a caregiver. This is not to criticize Still Alice, but to emphasize that elder caregiving remains in the dark.
Related: The American Retirement Crisis in 5 Charts
Enter Mourning the Living, a full-length play by Mickele Hogan that premiered this August in New York. The story revolves around Kay, a woman whose husband has early onset Alzheimer's, as she struggles to provide him with the care he needs while also maintaining a life for herself. As the story unfolds, the audience can sense that it won't end well. We anticipate that the struggles of Alzheimer's caregiving will overcome the family, as well as friends and even the neighborly help.
We sense, almost inevitably, that Kay will find it impossible to balance doing what's right for both her husband and herself. Indeed, Mourning the Living captures perfectly the tensions in one of the toughest choices in a caregiver's life: how to choose between one's own basic human needs and the higher, moral pull of caring for a loved one.
The story ends on an eerie, prophetic note: Kay and her husband stand alone, in a dark and cold room, with Kay noting, with loss and devastation across her face, "It's winter."
Will Mourning the Living be the next Philadelphia? While it may not be cited as a turning point in either the fight against Alzheimer's or the work for elder caregiving support and better caregiving methods, it should be.
Related: The Retirement Cost That 80% of Americans Aren't Ready For
Bravely and fiercely, Mourning the Living gives voice to previously unspoken horrors that are sweeping America and much of the world. The caregiving burden is the underside, the black cloud, the unspoken nightmare of longevity. Our miraculously long lives brought about through the innovations of sanitation and modern medicine are often taken for granted. Having pretty much conquered the diseases of earlier centuries – an infection was once a death sentence – we are now too often afflicted with diseases like Alzheimer's that render elder caregiving one of the growth industries of our time. We cannot afford – socially or economically – to ignore caregiving any longer, and let's hope that this profoundly compassionate, articulate and beautifully acted production shines the light on the elder caregiving that 21st century life is demanding.
Our longevity transforms Alzheimer's from a rare disease to the public health crisis of our time. This is what makes Ms. Hogan's play so poignant and important. Alzheimer's now costs over 1 percent of global GDP, far exceeding the $604 billion measured just five years ago.
But perhaps what makes Mourning the Living even more remarkable is the playwright, a 23-year-old from Omaha, Nebraska, who grew up in a family that founded Home Instead Senior Care, the world's largest provider of non-medical in-home caregiving. For her summer job, Mickele worked as a caregiver for seniors, experiencing first-hand the tensions, troubles and demands of the position. Mourning the Living surely draws from these experiences and insights. And it is clear from the brilliance and remarkably smooth dynamic of the dialogue she created that it comes not just from an intelligent and well-organized mind, but from a heart and soul that feels it, too.
As we write the history of the 21st century, one of the defining themes will be the miracle of longevity. By mid-century, there will be two billion of us over 60, and lifespans will routinely stretch into the 90s, 100s and beyond. Ms. Hogan teaches that this achievement has its dark side. Quite rightly, she exposes the underbelly of longevity and points to a new need across society to understand, expand and also honor elder caregiving.
You might have missed Mourning the Living at the off-Broadway Hudson Guild Theater in New York City. But my prediction is you will have another chance as the worlds of theater, social commentary and 21st-century life collide. Hooray for Mickele Hogan, who made us think and feel by crafting a truly wonderful story informed by excellent writing, deep compassion and the eye-opening experience of elder caregiving.


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The Nissan Versa and its hatchback variant, the Versa Note, have effectively performed from the subcompact world as of delayed, because of their combo of great looks fantastic cargo area, lots of alternatives, and excellent fuel economy. Unhappy with making good enough alone, we count on Nissan to fully redesign the flexible Versa Note for 2019.
Nissan has always been instead restricted-lipped about the Versa Note's redesign, so there is no information on what it'll look like. Offered its good outcomes, do not count on a completely clean-sheet redesign, but we expect Nissan was creating everything causes it profitable. Look for the Versa Note to keep its high roofline and stop selecting the swoopy appear with a tendency to consume up freight area. We are ready to probably seem into the brand new Maxima and the Sentra to get a sense of the layout cues it can tackle.
The existing 2019 Nissan Versa Note uses a 1.6-liter engine to inject 109 horsepower to this little hatchback. While the particulars enclosing the remodeled automobile's engine keep under wraps, Nissan's relocate to turbo around the Sentra could standing towards a more compact-displacement, search engine at the Versa. This will not only inject a whole lot more power to the hatchback, but it really would likewise diminish its body weight and enhance fuel economy. The IIHS has not assessed completely the Versa Note, but its god, the Versa sedan, has gone through a few of the IIHS' exams. From the average-overlap, unwanted, along with roof-energy checks, the Versa sedan obtained "great" reviews. By now that the remodeled Versa Note strikes shop surfaces, it can have sufficient complex features to create a Top Safety Pick designation in the IIHS.
Using its introduction nonetheless more than a year aside, we surely have no prices particulars on the re-designed Versa Note. Having said this, most of us don't expect a significant price surge from the present model's cost selection of $15,065 to $19,545 (vacation place fees incorporated). In this variety, the Versa Note will probably take warmth from the Honda Fit ($16,825 to $21,100), the Ford Fiesta Hatchback ($15,265 to $21,845), along with the Hyundai Emphasize ($15,830 to $17,330). We anticipate visiting with the remodeled Versa Note in showrooms finally in 2019.


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adidas has just unveiled its new ClimaCool Seduction running shoe with a TV commercial entitled "We all Run," featuring Derrick Rose, David Beckham and Lionel Messi with a remixed version of Katy Perry's latest single, "Part of Me." Better than ever, the ClimaCool Seduction is designed to reduce foot temperature and evaporate sweat within the shoe so that your ride is as dry and comfortable as possible.
With 360-degree ventilation via "wind-like channels" along the shoe's outsole and midsole, mesh lining, perforated sockliners and lightweight cushioning, adidas's Clima Cool technology guarantees that you'll "Sweat Nothing." According to Mike Peveto, director of running for adidas U.S., "75 percent of the body's energy is used to keep from overheating." With cooler feet, more energy can be expended in the actual running.
The ClimaCool Seduction is available in 10 colorways at adidas.com and at retailers nationwide for $100.
Photo Credit: Getty Images // Thinkstock


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This 2-day Certified IT 1, 2, and 3 Line Support Technician course, delivered by our knowledgeable and experienced trainers, is designed to give delegates a basic understanding of how IT Support functions on multiple levels. The course covers the core elements of each level, aiming to help delegates understand how each level works and to which level they might be best suited.
Undertaking this 2-day course from The Knowledge Academy will allow you to understand the different lines of IT support, which can broadly be broken down into the following three sections: first-line, which is usually a phone and internet-based position and involves tackling password resets, troubleshooting, and other basic user problems; second-line support, which handles more advanced problems such as desktop issues and enabling or disabling user accounts; and third-line support, which manages servers and oversees an organisation's IT infrastructure.
Gaining Certified IT 1, 2, and 3 Line Support Technician status, by successfully finishing this course and receiving our certificate of completion, will prove to employers that delegates are competent not just of basic first-line IT support but can also tackle the more advanced tasks of second- or third-line support. This course will, therefore, equip delegates to undertake a wide range of IT support tasks, which is especially useful for organisations wherein the line system is not used or there is significant overlap between the different lines of IT support.
This Certified IT 1, 2, and 2 Line Support Technician course explains the basic concepts of each of the three levels of support, giving delegates a full overview of how IT Support functions within an organisation. The topics covered include:
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This IT Support course is suitable for all delegates with an interest in technology, those who currently work in internal or external IT-related roles, or those who want to increase their knowledge and capability in regards to the IT sector.
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We are running volunteer days at Deneholme Wood and we need your help! Join us to learn new skills, meet new people and help protect a beautiful local woodland.
When: 10am, Tuesday 21st March 2017
Where: Allendale Village Hall
What: Tree and shrub planting. Help us create brand new habitat for wildlife and to protect Deneholme Wood for years to come.
Bring a packed lunch and snacks. Wear warm, waterproof clothes and sturdy waterproof boots or wellies. Tools will be provided. No experience necessary, just plenty of enthusiasm and a willingness to get messy!
For more information, contact Simon Fawcett, North Pennines AONB Partnership Conservation Trainee:
firstname.lastname@example.com / 01434683517