text:
Title of statistical activity: Manufactured goods and industrial services
Code of statistical activity: 22203
- Contact
- Metadata update
- Statistical presentation
- Unit of measure
- Reference period
- Institutional mandate
- Confidentiality
- Release policy
- Frequency of dissemination
- Accessibility and clarity
- Quality management
- Relevance
- Accuracy and reliability
- Timeliness and punctuality
- Coherence and comparability
- Cost and burden
- Data revision
- Statistical processing
- Comments
1. Contact Individual or organisational contact points for the data or metadata, including information on how to reach the contact points.
1.1. Contact organisation The name of the organisation of the contact points for the data or metadata.
Statistics Estonia
1.2. Contact organisation unit An addressable subdivision of an organisation.
Enterprise and Agricultural Statistics Department
1.3. Contact name The name of the contact points for the data or metadata.
Helle Bunder
1.4. Contact person function The area of technical responsibility of the contact, such as "methodology", "database management" or "dissemination".
1.5. Contact mail address The postal address of the contact points for the data or metadata.
51 Tatari Str, 10134 Tallinn, Estonia
1.6. Contact email address E-mail address of the contact points for the data or metadata.
1.7. Contact phone number The telephone number of the contact points for the data or metadata.
+372 625 9290
2. Metadata update The date on which the metadata element was inserted or modified in the database.
2.1. Metadata last certified Date of the latest certification provided by the domain manager to confirm that the metadata posted are still up-to-date, even if the content has not been amended.
2.2. Metadata last update Date of last update of the content of the metadata.
3. Statistical presentation
3.1. Data description Main characteristics of the data set described in an easily understandable manner, referring to the data and indicators disseminated.
Volume of production; volume and value of sold production
3.2. Classification system Arrangement or division of objects into groups based on characteristics which the objects have in common.
List of Products of the European Community (PRODCOM List)
Estonian Classification of Economic Activities (EMTAK 2008) based on NACE Rev. 2
Combined Nomenclature (CN)
3.3. Sector coverage Main economic or other sectors covered by the statistics.
Mining and quarrying, manufacturing
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions Statistical characteristics of statistical observations.
Enterprise – an enterprise consists of one or more companies (public limited company, private limited company, limited partnership, general partnership, commercial association) or branches of foreign companies or sole proprietors. Statistical unit is an enterprise.
Manufactured goods – produced products (including into the warehouse) from own material or by sub-contracting on the territory of Estonia during a calendar year.
Sub-contracting – production of goods on the basis of an order from the material supplied by the contracting entity.
Unit – unit according to the PRODCOM list. If the unit is monetary, the produced and sold production is represented in commercial value without turnover tax and excise.
Conventional brick – 250 x 120 x 65 mm (0.002 m³)
Conventional plate – 40 x 40 x 0.4 cm
dal – decalitre (10 litres)
hl – hectolitre (100 litres)
3.5. Statistical unit Entity for which information is sought and for which statistics are ultimately compiled.
3.6. Statistical population The total membership or population or "universe" of a defined class of people, objects or events.
Enterprises with 10 and more persons employed whose main or secondary activity is industry; enterprises with 5–9 persons employed whose main or secondary activity is industry if coverage of the activity is less than 90%; enterprises producing milk and ice-cream regardless of the number of persons employed
A list of active economic units which match the description of the statistical population, compiled based on the Statistical Register of Economic Units
3.7. Reference area The country or geographic area to which the measured statistical phenomenon relates.
Estonia as a whole
3.8. Time coverage The length of time for which data are available.
3.9. Base period The period of time used as the base of an index number, or to which a constant series refers.
Not applicable
4. Unit of measure The unit in which the data values are measured.
Units of measure according to the list of industrial products
5. Reference period The period of time or point in time to which the measured observation is intended to refer.
6. Institutional mandate
6.1. Legal acts and other agreements Legal acts or other formal or informal agreements that assign responsibility as well as the authority to an agency for the collection, processing, and dissemination of statistics.
Council Regulation (EEC) No 3924/91 of 19 December 1991 on the establishment of a Community survey of industrial production
Commission Regulation (EC) No 912/2004 of 29 April 2004 implementing Council Regulation (EEC) No 3924/91 on the establishment of a Community survey of industrial production
Not available
Not available
7. Confidentiality A property of data indicating the extent to which their unauthorised disclosure could be prejudicial or harmful to the interest of the source or other relevant parties.
7.1. Confidentiality - policy Legislative measures or other formal procedures which prevent unauthorised disclosure of data that identify a person or economic entity either directly or indirectly.
The dissemination of data collected for the purpose of producing official statistics is guided by the requirements provided for in § 32, § 34, § 35, § 38 of the Official Statistics Act.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment Rules applied for treating the data set to ensure statistical confidentiality and prevent unauthorised disclosure.
The treatment of confidential data is regulated by the Procedure for Protection of Data Collected and Processed by Statistics Estonia: https://www.stat.ee/66485.
8. Release policy Rules for disseminating statistical data to interested parties.
8.1. Release calendar The schedule of statistical release dates.
Notifications about the dissemination of statistics are published in the release calendar, which is available on the website. Every year on 1 October, the release times of the statistical database, news releases, main indicators by IMF SDDS and publications for the following year are announced in the release calendar (in the case of publications – the release month).
8.2. Release calendar access Access to the release calendar information.
8.3. User access The policy for release of the data to users, the scope of dissemination (e.g. to the public, to selected users), how users are informed that the data are being released, and whether the policy determines the dissemination of statistical data to all users.
All users have been granted equal access to official statistics: dissemination dates of official statistics are announced in advance and no user category (incl. Eurostat, state authorities and mass media) is provided access to official statistics before other users. Official statistics are first published in the statistical database. If there is also a news release, it is published simultaneously with data in the statistical database. Official statistics are available on the website at 8:00 a.m. on the date announced in the release calendar.
9. Frequency of dissemination The time interval at which the statistics are disseminated over a given time period.
10. Accessibility and clarity
10.1. News release Regular or ad-hoc press releases linked to the data.
Not published
10.2. Publications Regular or ad-hoc publications in which the data are made available to the public.
Not published
10.3. Online database Information about on-line databases in which the disseminated data can be accessed.
Data are published under the subject area "Economy / Industry" in the statistical database at http://pub.stat.ee.
10.4. Microdata access Information on whether micro-data are also disseminated.
The dissemination of data collected for the purpose of producing official statistics is guided by the requirements provided for in § 33, § 34, § 35, § 36, § 38 of the Official Statistics Act. Access to microdata and anonymisation of microdata are regulated by Statistics Estonia's procedure for dissemination of confidential data for scientific purposes: https://www.stat.ee/dokumendid/51669.
10.5. Other References to the most important other data dissemination done.
Data serve as input for statistical activities 10401 "Waste management", 20407 "Consumer price index", 20408 "Producer price index of industrial output" and 21408 "Supply and use tables".
10.6. Documentation on methodology Descriptive text and references to methodological documents available.
Council Regulation (EEC) No 3924/91 of 19 December 1991 on the establishment of a Community survey of industrial production
10.7. Quality documentation Documentation on procedures applied for quality management and quality assessment.
A quality report sent to Eurostat
11. Quality management Systems and frameworks in place within an organisation to manage the quality of statistical products and processes.
11.1. Quality assurance All systematic activities implemented that can be demonstrated to provide confidence that the processes will fulfil the requirements for the statistical output.
To assure the quality of processes and products, Statistics Estonia applies the EFQM Excellence Model, the European Statistics Code of Practice and the Quality Assurance Framework of the European Statistical System (ESS QAF). Statistics Estonia is also guided by the requirements in § 7. "Principles and quality criteria of producing official statistics" of the Official Statistics Act.
11.2. Quality assessment Overall assessment of data quality, based on standard quality criteria.
Statistics Estonia performs all statistical activities according to an international model (Generic Statistical Business Process Model – GSBPM). According to the GSBPM, the final phase of statistical activities is overall evaluation using information gathered in each phase or sub-process; this information can take many forms, including feedback from users, process metadata, system metrics and suggestions from employees. This information is used to prepare the evaluation report which outlines all the quality problems related to the specific statistical activity and serves as input for improvement actions.
12. Relevance The degree to which statistical information meet current and potential needs of the users.
12.1. User needs Description of users and their respective needs with respect to the statistical data.
Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications
Government Office
Users' suggestions and information about taking these into account are available on the website of Statistics Estonia at https://www.stat.ee/statistikatood.
12.2. User satisfaction Measures to determine user satisfaction.
Since 1996, Statistics Estonia has conducted reputation and user satisfaction surveys.
All results are available on the website at https://www.stat.ee/user-surveys.
12.3. Completeness The extent to which all statistics that are needed are available.
In compliance with the rules (regulations)
13. Accuracy and reliability Accuracy: closeness of computations or estimates to the exact or true values that the statistics were intended to measure.
13.1. Overall accuracy Assessment of accuracy, linked to a certain data set or domain, which is summarising the various components.
The type of survey and the data collection methods ensure sufficient coverage and timeliness.
13.2. Sampling error That part of the difference between a population value and an estimate thereof, derived from a random sample, which is due to the fact that only a subset of the population is enumerated.
Not applicable
13.3. Non-sampling error Error in survey estimates which cannot be attributed to sampling fluctuations.
Not measured
14. Timeliness and punctuality
14.1. Timeliness Length of time between data availability and the event or phenomenon they describe.
Preliminary data are published 180 days after the end of the reference year (T + 180) and final data are published 360 days after the end of the reference year (T + 360).
14.2. Punctuality Time lag between the actual delivery of the data and the target date when it should have been delivered.
The data have been published at the time announced in the release calendar.
15. Coherence and comparability
15.1. Comparability - geographical The extent to which statistics are comparable between geographical areas.
The data are comparable with the data of other European Union (EU) countries, because a common methodology is used for data collection and release. All EU countries produce PRODCOM statistics, which is the system for the collection and dissemination of statistics of industrial goods based on the PRODCOM List (8-digit codes). In Estonia, the List of Estonian Products (TTL) is used, which is based on the PRODCOM List and has 11-digit codes, with Estonian codes added according to the interest of users (oil shale).
Eurostat database includes sold production volume and value and total production volume. Statistics Estonia's database includes only sold production volume and value; total production is not published.
15.2. Comparability - over time The extent to which statistics are comparable or reconcilable over time.
The data are comparable since 2000.
The data for 2000–2007 have been recalculated according to the new version of the Statistical Classification of Economic Activities NACE Rev. 2 (Estonian Classification of Economic Activities 2008 (EMTAK 2008)).
Due to changes resulting from the revision of the international product classification of the Harmonized System (HS) every five years, there are significant changes also in the Combined Nomenclature (CN) and PRODCOM List. The classification PRODCOM List is updated each year, and accordingly also the List of Estonian Products (TTL). Due to annual changes and updates, the time series are not comparable for all codes.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain The extent to which statistics are reconcilable with those obtained through other data sources or statistical domains.
The data are comparable with: 1) the data for turnover of industrial production collected with the annual EKOMAR questionnaire (SBS, structural business statistics); 2) data collected for product categories oil shale, peat and wood processing products using the short-term business statistics (STS) questionnaires (industry (monthly), energy and fuel); 3) the data of total exports by enterprise and country collected with the foreign trade in goods monthly questionnaire. To ensure data accuracy, comparability checks are run against SBS and STS data.
15.4. Coherence - internal The extent to which statistics are consistent within a given data set.
Not applicable
16. Cost and burden Cost associated with the collection and production of a statistical product and burden on respondents.
Cost of statistical activity 47.1 thousand euros (data for 2018)
Total time of filling in reports of the statistical activity, working days: 423
Average time of filling in the reports, hours per report:
Tööstustooted 2.1
(data for 2017)
17. Data revision Any change in a value of a statistic released to the public.
17.1. Data revision - policy Policy aimed at ensuring the transparency of disseminated data, whereby preliminary data are compiled that are later revised.
The data revision policy and notification of corrections are described in the dissemination policy of Statistics Estonia at https://www.stat.ee/dissemination-policy.
17.2. Data revision - practice Information on the data revision practice.
The published data may be revised if the methodology is modified, errors are discovered, new or better data become available.
18. Statistical processing
18.1. Source data Characteristics and components of the raw statistical data used for compiling statistical aggregates.
The population is 2,600 statistical units. Census is used.
Not used
Data from statistical activity 20003 "Financial statistics of agricultural, forestry and fishing enterprises (annual)" are used.
18.2. Frequency of data collection Frequency with which the source data are collected.
18.3. Data collection Systematic process of gathering data for official statistics.
Data are collected and the submission of questionnaires is monitored through eSTAT (the web channel for electronic data submission). The questionnaires have been designed for independent completion in eSTAT and include instructions and controls. The questionnaires and information about data submission are available on Statistics Estonia's website at https://www.stat.ee/andmete-esitamine (in Estonian).
Data are collected with the official statistics annual questionnaires "Manufactured goods" and "Milk products".
18.4. Data validation Process of monitoring the results of data compilation and ensuring the quality of statistical results.
The validation process consists of arithmetic and quality checks, incl. comparison with other data. Before data dissemination their internal coherence is checked.
18.5. Data compilation Operations performed on data to derive new information according to a given set of rules.
Data is collected according to the list of industrial products based on the international classification List of Products of the European Community (Prodcom list). In the case of missing or unreliable data, imputation is used, for example by using administrative sources.
18.6. Adjustment The set of procedures employed to modify statistical data to enable it to conform to national or international standards or to address data quality differences when compiling specific data sets.
Not applicable
19. Comments Supplementary descriptive text which can be attached to data or metadata.
Not available


text: When The Borderline is full, you really know it and it's full tonight and even in its new and shiny configuration it's as hot and sweaty as it ever was. Even the support, the psych-rock three piece The Good Water, had a good crowd as they rattled through a set of cryptically worded songs and extended jams – powerhouse drumming, lively keyboards and blistering guitar through a thousand pedals and boxes. Ear shatteringly loud they were an excellent opener for The Sheepdogs. Continue reading "The Sheepdogs, The Borderline, London, November 5th 2018"

subset: commoncrawl


text:
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text:
2016-2017 Dorothy Borg Postdoctoral Fellowship in Southeast Asian Studies
The Weatherhead East Asian Institute (WEAI) invites applications for its 2016-2017 Dorothy Borg Postdoctoral Fellowship in Southeast Asian Studies through the Dorothy Borg Research Program on "The United States and Southeast Asia: Past Legacies, Present Issues and Future Prospects." The Fellow will devote half of his/her time to teaching one course per semester (one on United States and Southeast Asia relations, the other on a topic to be agreed with the Director of the Institute), and the remainder to his/her research. The Fellow will help support the ongoing Dorothy Borg Southeast Asia Research Program, participate in the INTERACT teaching collaborative, which seeks to place regional and comparative studies in global perspective, and will also be an active participant in day-to-day WEAI programs and events.
Candidates from all social science disciplines, including history and political science, whose research involves using Southeast Asian languages are welcome to apply. The fellowship will cover a 10-month period beginning August 1, 2016, and comes with a stipend of $43,000 plus $5,000 for each taught course (Total compensation is $53,000).
About The Dorothy Borg research program on "The United States and Southeast Asia: Past Legacies, Present Issues and Future Prospects"
"The United States and Southeast Asia: Past Legacies, Present Issues and Future Prospects" is a three-year initiative to support teaching, research, and public outreach on issues relating to the United States and Southeast Asia, funded by the Dorothy Borg endowment. The program is named in honor of Dorothy Borg, an historian of United States-East Asia relations whose influence on political scientists like Gerald L. Curtis, Andrew Nathan, Robert Jervis, historians like Carol Gluck, and many others helped to bridge the work of history and contemporary analysis. The goal is to relate past experience to present issues in the areas of U.S.-Southeast Asia relations, comparisons, and transnational commonalities and conflicts.
This program is designed to strengthen the profile of the Institute by contributing to the understanding of current issues and challenges in the United States-Southeast Asian relationship through an interdisciplinary approach in the areas of developing curriculum; generating new knowledge through research through collaboration across Columbia and with other universities; and hosting several high-profile public events based on this research.
• Applicants must have completed all Ph.D. degree requirements (completed and filed the dissertation) between May 2014 and July 2016.
• Applicants must have completed their Ph.D. in a social science discipline, including history and political science, with a focus on modern or contemporary Southeast Asia.
• Applications from individuals who hold or have held teaching appointments will not be considered.
Application Procedure
The following list of materials is required for all applicants:
• Borg Southeast Asian Studies Application 2016-2017
• Updated Curriculum vitae, including a list of classes taught (if any)
• Course evaluations for classes taught (if any)
• A statement not exceeding 300 words that conveys your personal outlook on trans-regional and global approaches and their role in the graduate-level curriculum
• Two graduate-level course proposals to be offered at Columbia University
• 3 letters of reference (signed and sealed) that include an evaluation of your research, proposed courses and prior teaching experience
All application materials (including letters of reference) must be received by the Institute on or before February 25, 2016. Faxed or emailed applications will not be accepted. Candidates may be invited for a phone interview or interview in person at AAS. All evaluations made in connection with applications received are confidential.
Awards will be announced no later than April 29, 2016.
Return completed applications to:
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Southeast Asian Studies
ATTN: Lucy March
Weatherhead East Asian Institute
Columbia University
420 West 118th Street, Room 934
New York, NY 10027
For more information about the Dorothy Borg Postdoctoral Fellowship in Southeast Asian Studies, please contact Lucy March, Student Affairs Coordinator, at firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
This weekend will be a relatively dry one with a minimal chance of showers and maximum temperatures of 32C across both days.
We've listed some new and exciting events in this week's Tropic Weekender, such as the Official Beer Launch at Hemingway's Brewery, Chinese New Year celebrations at The Pier and a wide range of performances across the region.
Whatever you do, make it an awesome tropical Aussie weekend!
1. Creedence: the John Fogarty Show at The Edge Hill Tavern: Info
2. Official Beer Launch at Hemingway's Brewery Cairns Wharf: Info
3. Boteco Do Vas at the Salt House: Info
4. Lano & Woodley at Cairns Performing Arts Centre: Info
5. David Hockney Prints Curator talk at Cairns Art Gallery: Info
6. Chinatown Heritage Walk at Cairns Museum: Info
7. Bryce's Arcade markets at Gordonvale: Info
8. Unity at Three Wolves: Info
9. Murder at The Speakeasy at Cairns Dinner Theatre: Info
10. Linda Jackson Tropical Design Artist talk at Cairns Art Gallery: Info
11. Malanda Markets: Info
12. Free Kids Creative Space at Cairns Art Gallery: Info
13. Bobby Maguire at The Cotton Club: Info
14. Connor Reid live at Hemingway's Brewery Cairns Wharf: Info
15. Cairns Rock Explosion with guest artists at Portsmith Club: Info
16. Shunichiro Kamiya and Drum Infinity at Elixir Music Bar: Info
17. DJ Moose live at Hemingway's Brewery Cairns Wharf: Info


text:
The final NightShade solo tale has a kool "Easter Egg"...
...let's see if you can pick it out!
(Note: Unlike Marvel or DC, Charlton didn't tend to use footnotes referring to other issues.)
Jewelee (also a Kaler/Steve Ditko creation) was part of a duo who faced NightShade and Captain Atom in an earlier issue.
Charlton's Captain Atom #89 (1967) was the final issue of the series.
While a Captain Atom book-length tale had been penciled and plotted (and finally saw publication in the 1970s), no further NightShade stories were prepared beyond a few story notes continuing this arc.
BTW, while the main stories (starring Captain Atom) from these issues of Captain Atom were reprinted in DC Action Hero Archive hardcovers, the NightShade backup tales were not!


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Austria presently has 17 specified winegrowing regions:
- 8 in the generic winegrowing region Niederösterreich: Wachau, Kremstal, Kamptal, Traisental, Wagram, Weinviertel, Carnuntum, Thermenregion
- 5 in the generic winegrowing region Burgenland: Neusiedlersee, Leithaberg, Rosalia, Mittelburgenland, Eisenberg
- 3 in the generic winegrowing region Steiermark: Vulkanland Steiermark, Südsteiermark, Weststeiermark
- Vienna is a special case, as it is both a generic winegrowing region, and a specified winegrowing area. The recent introduction of the Wiener Gemischter Satz DAC is now joined by a wide diversity of "Qualitätswein Wien" – Quality wine from Vienna. Effective as of 2011, Landwein is marketed as "Weinland".
All specific winegrowing regions strive toward demonstrating robust and distinctive flavour profiles with their regionally typical wines of origin. In the first step, focal varieties and regionally typical styles are defined. This accomplished, the region can – via the Regional and National Wine Committee and finally the Agricultural Ministry – apply for DAC status, which then becomes law by means of a minesterial directive.
2 Specified Regions with Focal Varieties


text:
O'Neill makes case for Brexit alternative for North
Sinn Féin Leader in the North Michelle O'Neill has told the EU Parliament's top Brexit official that it would be disastrous for the island of Ireland if the North is excluded from the single market and customs union.
During talks with the EU Parliament's chief Brexit coordinator Guy Verhofstadt in Stormont today, Michelle O'Neill also warned against any return to the borders of the past and the potential of Brexit to undermine the Good Friday Agreement and deny citizens access to the protections of the European Courts.
"I want to thank Guy Verhofstadt for coming here today to listen to our concerns directly and I believe it was a constructive discussion," she commented.
"Guy Verhofstadt is very aware of Sinn Féin's concerns about the impact Brexit will have on the island of Ireland.
"We simply cannot withstand any exclusion from the single market and customs union, allow the return of borders of the past or deny citizens access to the European Courts of Justice.
"So there is an urgent need for new thinking and that isn't likely to come from the Tories who are clearly in disarray and simply see Ireland as collateral damage in their reckless Brexit agenda.
"Thankfully, the European side is listening to our concerns. That is evidenced by the fact they have made Ireland a priority in their negotiations with the British Government. We greatly welcome that and will continue our intensive engagement right across Europe in the weeks and months ahead.
"Today's meeting was part of that ongoing process to press the case for the North to be granted special status to remain in the EU because that is the only credible way to prevent the catastrophe that Brexit will visit upon Ireland." ENDS/CRÍOCH


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Come one come all. Friday night, September 22nd U.S. Outdoor will be hosting Arbor Snowboards first feature length film, "Cosa Nostra." The Arbor team has spent two years making this movie. This event is for all ages, so bring the family. Everything is free. D.J. Klavical will be spinning, beginning at 5:30 till the start of the film; and then after the film till the party ends. Three riders from Arbor will be here; Frank April, Mark Carter, and Erik Leon. Hang out and talk snowboarding. There will also be a photo gallery up on the wall that coincides with the movie. This free event is sponsored by Rainer. And don't forget the giveaways. There is an Arbor/Rainier snowboard collaboration and a surfboard by Catch Surf that will be raffled off, just to name a few. Also, we will have happy hour deals throughout the store between 5:30 and 7:30, so feel free to check out the whole shop.
A word to the wise, get here early to reserve your camp chair with a Rainier beer in the convenient cup holder.
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« Go back a post || Return to G-A-Y homepage || Haul tail to next post »
#March4Marriage musician says it's his responsibility to promote discrimination
Unfortunate choice:
If you find it your responsibility to join an organization that has vowed to "drive a wedge between gays and blacks" in order to foster discrimination in America, then yes, Alex—you might get some backlash. At least you seem to realize that.
Just wait until someone photographs your band performing behind one of the undoubtedly terrible signs that will be on site (because they *always* are). That will be a real keepsake for the group's archives!


text:
Calypso Bottom - Comet
$75.00 was $100.00
This variant is currently sold out
The high-waisted Calypso Bottom is inspired by the vintage style. It's an elegant piece that offers more coverage for your body while enhancing your curves. It features a tie cinched side detail with sea shell beads. Complete the look with our Aurora bandeau top and you are good to go.
- 85% polyester and 15% elastane.
- 24K Gold plated hardware.
- Washing Instructions: hand wash with a mild detergent and dry in shade.
- Lotion, sunscreen, oil and chlorine can cause discoloration of the item.
- Prints may vary in tone.
- Note: The model is wearing a size Small.
- Made in Brazil


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Kris Hanahan is known for her level head and positive attitude. As a problem solver and someone who brings the temperature down in a stressful situation, she's a natural fit for real estate! Keep reading to hear her story about how she got into real estate, her unique perspective, and the hobbies that make it all worth it!
Q: How did you get into real estate?
"My buddy, Greg Copenhaver. It is all his fault. He approached me and thought this would be a good fit. I thought he was crazy. Here I am almost 13 years later! I consider Greg my mentor - a large part of the way that I run my business is a direct reflection of what I learned from him. This office is full of people that helped me along the way as well. I feel like I "grew up" here as a professional at RE/MAX Centre Realty. This profession is full of adversities, obstacles and challenges - it is dynamic and stressful and comes with a large amount of responsibility. My husband and kids have been the biggest support through the emotional ups and downs that come with this business."
Q: What makes you unique as a Realtor? How do you get most of your business?
"I have a wealth of knowledge about the residential real estate market and the process of buying and selling a home or residential investment property. I continue to educate myself in all areas of this profession. I have a good working relationship with other Realtors throughout the area which I have developed over years of serving our local Realtor association (CCAR) on committees and the Board, and as President. I also feel that all the knowledge in the world will not make a difference unless you can understand that the sale or purchase of a home is not just about the paperwork. There are people on both sides of that contract that are going through a transition in their lives and need to know that they have someone in their corner that sees and can consider their unique situation. My clients appreciate that I know what I am doing professionally, but they refer others to me because they know that I care about them and take the time needed to make sure that they understand what is happening throughout the process."
Q: Do you have any hobbies or are you involved in any philanthropy?
"Children's Miracle Network is close to my heart, of course! I am theater nerd - at this time I am involved with fundraising for FUSE Productions, a local, semi-professional theater company with an emphasis on education. I am a supporter of high school and middle school drama departments and community theater groups. I also love to help women entrepreneurs and have participated in many presentations, meetings, (and cups of coffee!) to share information and encourage women to explore the possibilities of turning their interests or ideas into a business, or to take their business to the next level. I am Italian, so I love feeding people - especially out on our deck when the weather is nice! We fill our house as much as possible with family and friends."
During her time with RE/MAX Centre Realty, Kris has received the following recognition:
RE/MAX 100% Club
For more information about Kris Hanahan, or to find out how to contact her, visit statecollegehomes.com/agents/profile/kris-hanahan.


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GANADERÍA REVUELTA produces a unique Dry Beef in Mexico. Coming from the same young beef cattle from our livestock it is always natural and healthy. Typically used as a snack or appetizer, our Dry Beef is presented in two different ways: "machaca" (little stripes of beef) and "sheet" (beef slices). It is important to note that Dry Beef is similar but not the same product as the Beef Jerky known in the United States.
All images are property of REVUELTA®.


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Normally, this blogger does not view fan films. This is not because she has a particular animus against fan films in general or in particular; for the most part, these stories simply are not my thing. Same for fan fiction – although I occasionally stumble upon some pieces that I enjoy, this blogger does not seek them out. Fan stories find me, not the other way around.
So when a friend recommended The Old Republic: Rescue Mission to this author, she agreed to take a look at it out of respect for and trust in her compadre. The fact that the film's story is set in the time of Knights of the Old Republic made settling in to watch it easier, since I was already familiar with two of the main characters and some of the storyline.
Rescue Mission is a fan fiction piece set in the years following the events of the first Knights of the Old Republic video game. Mission, the young Twi'lek street thief, has been captured by Mandalorian bounty hunters on Alderaan. The three hope to use her to draw Revan, the Prodigal Knight, out into the open. Pursuing the Mandos are a group of Alderaanian special forces, who are joined by a pair of Jedi who were already in the system and sensed their need for help.
Some might think the inclusion of Alderaanian warriors is odd. Wasn't Alderaan a pacifist world? By the time of the Battle of Yavin, it was. Four thousand years earlier, however, Alderaanians still had weapons, as well as standing army and navy. Three hundred years after this story takes place, the Sith tried to take Alderaan, only to be repulsed by Republic and Alderaanian forces.
Three members of one of Australia's Mandalorain Mercs, a group of fans who make their own Mandalorian armor, play the bounty hunters in this film. Having learned about the Mercs a little while ago, this blogger was able to easily identify them by the high quality of their armor and their fluency with Mando'a. I would almost recommend this video based on their performances alone.
Luckily, there are other reasons to suggest giving it a watch. The film's director does a stunning job portraying Revan, and the voice actor who speaks the Prodigal Knight's lines also deserves major kudos. He really captures the charismatic power of the former Sith Lord turned Jedi Knight, delivering his lines without the slightest hitch. I can also say that the fan film is well-choreographed. The effects aren't bad, despite the fact that the production is definitely low budget, and the lightsaber work is very believable.
Oh, before I forget, there is a mild content warning for this film. The production crew does not shy away from blood and death in this video. While it isn't particularly graphic, younger viewers might have a bit of a problem with the scenes where characters cough up gobs of blood. Since this is Star Wars and there are lightsabers, we do watch someone get decapitated, too. It isn't an explicit scene, but a particularly youthful audience may want to be aware of it all the same.
Other than these minor items, I highly recommend giving Rescue Mission a viewing. The story is good, the acting is great, and the Star Wars vibe is strong. What more could a fan ask for?
May the Force be with you, readers!
The Mithril Guardian
The Old Republic: Rescue Mission – (2015) Short Film


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SIMMS 2013's Warranty Tracking allows for easy access to warranteed items and the immediate access to warranty information so that replacement and repair processes can be begun and their progress can be tracked. Warranties are assignable on the manufacture of an item or when it is received into the SIMMS system.
Using SIMMS' extensive Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) and Return to Vendor (RTV) features, your customers should never have to wait long for their replacement or repair of items under warranty. Drop-ships of items directly from an item's vendors is yet another feature to streamline this process. Settings in SIMMS allow for easy access to items that may have passed their warranty dates so that users can avoid beginning the replacement or repair process as any RMAs come into the system.
Stock count precision and tracking of items in the blink of an eye are two of the advantages of SIMMS, as new users can immediately add warranty information to goods that are received on invoices in combination with other stock. Once received with assigned data, stock in the system carries that data permanently, which allows for your customer's satisfaction and provides valuable data about those items that may have a consistent record of required repairs and/or replacements. All these features add to SIMMS strength in supplying its users with all pertinent data at the click of a mouse.
Visit www.simmssoftware.com or email firstname.lastname@example.com to learn more today.


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POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. -- After four hours of intense study, the
POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. -- After four hours of intense study, the
60 students stood, raised their right hands, faced West and recited a pledge to uphold truth, justice and the American way.
"I do solemnly swear to objectively and subjectively evaluate each barbecue meat that is presented to my eyes, my nose, my hands and my palate," the students chanted with their instructor as they looked in the direction of Kansas City, Mo.
And thus were minted another batch of Kansas City Barbecue Society certified judges, part of the growing army of backyard connoisseurs needed to administer justice in the hugely popular world of competitive barbecue.
"To become a wine judge takes two years. To become an orchid judge takes seven years," said Rob Greene a retired environmental analyst from New Paltz, N.Y., who recently attended the class. "I haven't aspired to either, but this takes four hours. This is serious, but it's fun."
It's also a big business. Fueled in part by attention from food media, interest in barbecue competitions has skyrocketed.
Since 2000, the number of competitions sponsored by the Kansas City group has jumped from 94 to more than 250 this year. The number of events by the International Barbecue Cookers Association, based in Arlington, Texas, grew from 75 to 130 during the same period.
"When I started in the mid-'80s, if you had 20 cooks, you considered that a huge venue," said Jeff Shivers, executive director of the International Barbecue group. "Now, if you have 50, that's considered small."
But more competitions means more judges are needed, spotlighting the previously obscure world of barbecue judging schools, most of which are run by the regional and national barbecue associations that sponsor competitions.
Ten years ago, the Kansas City association ran about five one-day schools a year. Today, classes -- which cost about $75 -- are held throughout the country virtually every weekend. The group has certified more than 8,000 judges.
Toni Holbrook, a founding member of the Florida Barbecue Association and an associate dean at Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla., is one of them. She got hooked a decade ago after attending a competition in which her brother participated.
Now, she, her husband and son travel the country in a vintage motor home judging competitions.
"It's a whole subculture and has a whole vocabulary of its own," said Holbrook, 47. Judging barbecue isn't always as glamorous as it sounds. Judges don't get paid and generally spend the day sitting in tents while consuming several pounds of meat.
"It's great fun if you get great food," said Diane Hampton, the executive vice president of the
Memphis in May festival, a pork-only organization boasting 6,000 judges. "I must admit, as a judge, I learned more about a hog than I ever really wanted to know."
It's not uncommon for members of one organization to be part of another, but they all have subtle differences. Memphis in May has both blind judging (in which judges don't know whose barbecue they're eating) and on-site judging (teams of judges who visit each competitor). The Kansas City group uses only blind judging, while Florida uses blind judging but a more intricate scoring system.
Getting certified to judge competitions involves more than developing an appreciation for fine barbecue.
Judges must learn to navigate the increasingly complex rules that govern everything from garnishes (parsley and cilantro are fine, kale and endive are not) to how sauces are applied to the meat (sauces that pool or puddle incur penalties).
The recent class in Poughkeepsie opened with master instructor Jerry Mullane playing the short audio recording of the rules to which all judges must listen before each competition. And, of course, it is read in a monotone to avoid biased inflections.
Mullane then launched into a list of critical judging faux pas to be avoided: No scented wipes. No smoking. No photography. No cell phones. No alcoholic beverages. No carbonated beverages.
"The worst thing you can drink is a diet soda," he warned. "It affects your taste immediately."
There's no sitting next to your spouse, either, even if she's a judge. No one wants a spousal voting bloc or one trying to influence the other.
And while it might seem obvious, no vegetarians are allowed.
"A woman at a competition scored everything a two," Mullane said of the incident at a Massachusetts competition that prompted this rule. "We went over and asked her what gives?"
She explained that she didn't eat meat, but she and her husband do everything together.
"That's the only person I ever removed from a contest," Mullane said.
The final hour of the class focused on the big three -- appearance, taste and tenderness -- as the trainee judges were presented with plate upon plate of chicken, brisket, pulled pork and ribs. Entries are scored from 1 to 9 (the higher, the better).
There's no test at the end, but the lessons nevertheless can be tough to master, said Mike Lake, chairman of the Kansas City Barbecue Society's certified judges program.
"We do not compare one entry to another," he said. "That is probably the hardest thing that a KCBS judge has to keep in mind: to forget how Grandma used to make ribs so tender they just fell off the bone. Just keep that out of the mind."
Siblings Rebecca Shahar, Jonathan Rosenstreich and Peter Rosenstreich drove in from New York for the class.
"We are all BBQ fans, and what can be better for siblings to do together?" Shahar said. "I missed a bridal shower to be here. You wouldn't want to be the only sibling in the family without a diploma."


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Sau 1 vài mùa thì các newgen sẽ trở nên bị buff quá đà về chỉ số, dùng mod này sẽ chỉnh sửa lại cho hợp lý, tránh tình trạng quá nhiều wonderkid.
The Newgen Fix / More Realistic Regens for Football Manager 2019
This is a FM2019 conversion of Dr. Gonzo's amazingly researched, detailed, and tested Newgen Fix.
The Newgen Fix reduces the many overpowered newgens to a much more realistic level, by nation.
Dr. Gonzo's Premise: The game clearly produces too many highly talented Newgens. Of course, not all players fully exploit their potential, especially as the CPU teams seldom support these players optimally. The very big outliers on the top also take the CPU teams properly. For a good human manager, the search for talent is clearly too simple.
Dr. Gonzo's original FM17 thread has plenty of information on the effort he went to determine the best rating numbers, the many factors involved besides just Youth Rating, and the hours of testing done.
How to get more realistic newgens on FM 2019
Move the downloaded .fmf file to your editor data folder. By default this is located at:
/Documents/Sports Interactive/Football Manager 2019/editor data
If that folder doesn't exist, you need to create it yourself.
Start a new career game with this file enabled.


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These are delicious little rolls that you can have as a side dish or as part of a buffet. Ideally, the Greek cheese anthotiro is used, but if this is unavailable, riccota can be used. Likewise, the Greek hard cheese kefalograviera is used ideally, but if this is unavailable, parmesan can be used (the Italians have a few nice cheeses as well :) ) As stated in the recipe, you should get sun-dried tomatoes that have been preserved in olive oil.
1 kg long eggplants
500g anthotiro (soft cheese like ricotta)
4 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped, that have been preserved in a jar of olive oil.
2 tablespoons of the olive oil that the tomatoes were preserved in
250g kefalograviera cheese (or parmesan) grated
250 ml sunflower oil
1 tablespoon chopped basil leaves
For the sauce
1 fresh, long green chilli pepper, chopped
1 litre puree from fresh, ripe tomatoes
1 whole garlic (small) chopped
1 tablespoon basil leaves, chopped
5 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper
Saute the garlic for 2 minutes in the olive oil.
Add the chilli pepper and sauté for another minute, stirring with a wooden spoon.
Add the tomato puree, salt and pepper and simmer for approximately 30 minutes until the sauce is ready.
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of chopped basil on top and stir well.
Remove strips of the eggplant skin, so that the eggplants have alternate 'stripes' of skin and no-skin.
Slice the eggplants lengthwise into strips of approx. ½ cm thickness.
Place them in salty water for 1 hour.
After 1 hour, remove from the water and drain well.
Fry the eggplant strips in the sunflower oil in a heavy bottomed pan.
Remove and place them on kitchen paper to drain the oil.
Mix together the anthotiro, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, half of the grated cheese, 1 tablespoon basil and the 2 tablespoons of olive oil from the tomatoes.
Mix them together well with your hands.
Place 1 teaspoonful of the mixture on top of the narrow end of one of the eggplant strips.
Roll up the eggplant strip, starting at the narrow end with the mixture.
Repeat this for all the eggplant strips.
Cover the bottom of a shallow oven dish with some of the sauce you prepared earlier and place the eggplant rolls in the dish next to each other.
Spread the remaining sauce on top.
Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese on top.
Bake in a pre-heated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes.
If you've tried this recipe please rate it!
If you've tried this recipe please rate it!
Eat and Enjoy!


text: Here are great choices for frosted crystal singing bowl sets. Frosted sets are easy to play and have great power. They are wonderful for group settings. Please check out each set to learn the difference between them and to make the right selection for your needs. If you have any questions please Contact Us!


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Waiting in the market – Not the Quality Spa Resort Hotel, Norefjell.
Thought for the day…." If you cannot be thankful for what you achieve, then be thankful for what you escape".
" The more that you live, the less that you die".
There are good airports in the world, and there are bad airports. Singapore (Changi) must rate as the best airport in the world, and changing aircraft there or just waiting is actually a pleasant experience. Well managed, clean and also lots of good facilities for travellers, such as free cinemas, gardens and even a swimming pool. And plenty of comfortable seats. Compare that to the Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) airport. They have taken away most of the seats in the terminal now, so that often the only option (apart from sitting in an expensive restaurant (which may be closed at night/early morning) is to sit on the floor. Their reply to my complaint was that it was due to pressure of space, so their answer is to take seats out. But it will be reviewed again in 2017 (yes, you read correctly, 2017!!). What are travellers supposed to do if they have to wait before they are able to check in? I sometimes wonder about the people managing airports such as Oslo Gardermoen. Not only is the lack of seats bad, but if you arrive off a long flight, then try getting a shower in the airport. Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) airport has facilities more like a 3rd world country, instead of a Scandinavian capital.
Staying in El Salvador again for the photo today, and a photo from the market in the town of Naza. Again, a very expressive face. The photo also makes a good crop as well, have a look at the small photo below and see if you like it better.
http://www.qualitysparesort.com http://www.qualityresortnorefjell.com http://www.norefjellspa.com


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Maverick Kandel, an East Meadow student studying culinary arts at Nassau BOCES Barry Tech, took third place in the Commercial Banking category of the New York State SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Championships. The Nassau BOCES board recently honored Kandel for his accomplishment.
Maverick participated in a series of timed events related to his course of study at Barry Tech, as well as in contests in leadership and professional development. The state competition is one in a national series of events SkillsUSA sponsors as part of its mission to provide our country with a competitive, skilled workforce.
The competition fits in with the SkillsUSA mission to provide the country with a competitive, skilled workforce. A partnership of students, teachers and industry leaders, SkillsUSA prepares high school and college students to become leaders in the business world. Its program helps establish industry standards for job-skill training and instills a respect for community service in its participants. The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes SkillsUSA as a "successful model of an employer-driven youth development program."
A vital regional resource, Nassau BOCES offers state-of-the-art programs for learners of all ages and abilities as well as cost-effective services for school districts and municipalities. It empowers students to achieve their maximum potential in alternative, artistic, outdoor, special education, virtual, and career and technical environments. It offers adult education programs aimed at improving the Long Island regional economy. In addition, technology services form the backbone of many school districts' infrastructures.
—Brian Stieglitz


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Mechille wanted a light to shine on the repulsive depravity of Mack Ford's lust for power and control of girls with whom he embarrassed, frightened, and controlled through a ritual sexual abuse more depraved than imaginable. Trip-girls (New Bethany girls, who traveled and sang for donations), who talk, validated Mechille's below description of what Ford did to the children entrusted into his care. Mechille was 12-years-old
The death of our precious Mechille lit a fire that refuses to dim in Survivors of New Bethany (SoNB). Using her words (clips of public postings), Mechille speaks from the grave as she spoke truth in life.
Mechille slipped into unconsciousness while writing on Facebook about sexual abuse at New Bethany; engaged in a thread with those she considered sisters. These are her last words:
The trip girls' silence is deafening.
In 1991, Shannon, a 20-year-old Jr. Staff, traveled with the trip-girls as second-in-command to Mack W. Ford. Shannon had absolute supervisory authority and meted out whippings as any other staff. One girl alleges Shannon broke her tailbone, beating the teenager on the altar. Shannon wrote that she was a victim of Mack Ford [Click Here]; however, we do not know when she was a victim because as an adult, she has not filed charges or corroborated victims' claims. Refusing to speak for the girls under her tutelage at New Bethany in 1991 leaves too many without answers. Most Survivors want to forget trauma but that is not how trauma heals. Others express a fragility preventing them from facing down the hornet's nest, known as BPSO and BPDA. Mack Ford's depravity does not define who we were, who we are, or who we will become. Child Sexual Abuse defines the perpetrator's lack of character, morals, and conscience.
Since Shannon works with children and is against child sexual abuse, why leave her former students, now grown women, with a burden too heavy for anyone to carry without serious consequences? Why does she refuse to speak up in support of the women under her supervision and provide encouragement for others to come forward?
On the Multiply site, Mechille wrote a letter to Mack Ford. An excerpt reads: "Shannon overheard me singing in the kitchen one day. She asked if I would want to try singing in the choir, and then she asked me to sing in the quartet. My time at NB leading up to that point was full of torture. By this time I had been brainwashed by you and Ms. Nora and Ms. Savoy, I had been beaten on numerous occasions, I had been broken down… quite frankly I was a shell"
When Shannon heard Mechille's angelic voice, did she know that she was inviting Mechille to join a sexual predator's fantasy? Shannon was SIX years older than Mechille. Only Shannon knows the answer because Mechille is dead.
Mechille was one of those women, who made everyone feel that she loved them most. Her heart was bigger than Texas. Taken from her birth parents, blamed for the adoptive parents' inability to communicate, sent to New Bethany at 12, beaten by staff, molested by Mack Ford at the confusing ages of 12-14, returned to adoptive parent when NB was shuttered over sexual abuse allegations, and shortly afterward, in 1992, the adoptive parent returned her to New Bethany to live with her molester and abusers. At 14, the adoptive mother returned Mechille to her biological mother.
In an open letter to Mack W. Ford, our molester, Mechille wrote:
Why do "the other girls" [trip girls] "not want to talk about it?"
Mechille tried to keep the trip-girls' secrets until they were strong enough. She asked her "sisters" to be strong.
Mechille was not a Keeper of the Secrets. She was a warrior, who stood alone.
On a trip to raise donations in Rhode Island, Mechille walked in on Mack Ford, "engaged in a sexual act with another girl." "Rather than shame and being scared shitless that you [Mack W. Ford] had been caught… you manipulated me and demanded and reeled me in."
Shannon Scott was the "adult staff member" who had the courage to come forward in 1991.
Mack W. Ford, another Preacher preying from the pulpit
"Ran away and told the cops what had happened with you [Mack Ford] that led to the home closing temporarily months earlier [Shannon gave a recording of Ford sexually abusing a girl], …. you said were false allegations?
"With not only myself but with a few others."
What was Mack Ford doing to these children?
What happened that was so horrible women have died, lived in silence and shame for decades, felt continual regret, and held tight to the secrets that eat at the fabric of humanity.
Ultimately, Mack Ford's disgusting, degrading, embarrassing, shaming, sexual desires, forced on children, was more than Mechille could live with. Where is the recording, the tape, where did it go? Who has a copy?
Times Picayune | Nola.com
"In late December of 1991 , a 20-year-old woman sat down in a room with a cassette recorder and two other women more than twice her age.
Tell us everything that happened, one of the older women [Nora Carter] said. Then she pressed a button to record.
Shannon Scott says she did as she was told. In five years living at New Bethany Home for Girls in Arcadia, La., that was one thing she knew to do.
The Associated Press reported a few days later, on Jan. 8, 1992, that New Bethany had closed. After years of legal entanglement with state and local authorities, the school had decided to send all the residents home.
Three days later, she says, one of the women handed Scott a plane ticket, directed her to a car with keys in it and instructed her to drive herself to the airport where she would board a plane back home — far away from this place where she had lived since she was 15 years old.
But New Bethany did not stay closed. By the mid-1990s, documents show, residents at the home were once again trying to draw attention to what they described to police and politicians as abusive and inhumane conditions at the compound.
These days, Scott says she doesn't want to talk about what she told the women with the tape recorder 23 years ago. She has a new name and asks that it not be used.
She says she has never spoken to police."
"Three days later, she says, one of the women handed Scott a plane ticket, directed her to a car with keys in it and instructed her to drive herself to the airport where she would board a plane back home"
How does that scenario play out? We are to believe that Robbie Ford handed Shannon a plane ticket to WA, told Shannon to drive herself to the airport in Shreveport, and board the plane home, leaving the car in Shreveport.
Roberta Ford told this author that she took Shannon to the airport in the wee hours of the morning.
"Shannon Scott says the other person who was in the room at the time she gave her report was Nora Carter. She's 72 now, goes by Nora Carter Shepherd, lives in Indiana and said she can't figure out why women who were residents at New Bethany can't stop dwelling on what happened to them there.
"That's so long ago, a person should have been able to go on with their life," she said in a phone interview.
Shepherd won't discuss Scott's memory of the tape-recorded conversation. "I did what was needed to be done. That's all I'm going to say."
Several of the former residents who talked to NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune and others who commented online over the years say they remember Shepherd for her wide and forceful swing with a paddle. Asked about the reports of physical abuse at the home — and the memories some of these women have of her — Shepherd said the standards for abuse back then were not the same as today. She said adults today could get in trouble for "looking crooked" at a child.
"No punishment was ever administered unless Mack Ford sent down a directive to do it," she said. "I don't know about physical abuse. I know some of the kids there had never had any correction in their lives and that's why their lives were out of control."
Asked if she ever knew of sexual abuse there, Shepherd says she was unaware.
Then, she qualifies it.
"Not with any children," she said.
She paused and then declined to go into detail."
Where is Justice? Where are the women who know what happened to one another and who remain in denial?
The silenced will be shouting from the roof tops!
Teach children to stand against evil and to stand for what is right and good. You are stronger than you know and no one has to go through this alone.


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Mehr über die Mitgliedschaft bei Scribd erfahren
Entdecken, was Scribd alles zu bieten hat, inklusive Bücher und Hörbücher von großen Verlagen.
to financial services, enhancing competition and diversification of the financial sector. There are different types of institutions involved in financial services in India. These include commercial banks, financial institutions (FIs) and non-banking finance companies (NBFCs). Due to the financial sector reforms, NBFCs have been emerged as an integral part of the Indian financial system. Non-banking finance companies frequently act as suppliers of loans & credit facilities and accept deposits, operating mutual funds and similar other functions. They are competitive and complimentary to banks and financial institutions. Many steps were taken in 1995-96 to reduce controls and remove operational constraints in the banking system. These include interest rate decontrol, liberalization and selective removal of Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) stipulation, enhanced refinance facilities against government and other approved securities. Key words: NBFC, Hire Purchase, Leasing, Housing Finance services, MBFCs INTRODUCTION: Non-Banking Financial Companies play an important and crucial role in broadening access to financial services, enhancing competition and diversification of the financial sector. There are different types of institutions involved in financial services in India. These include commercial banks, financial institutions (FIs) and non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) (Fig.1). Due to the financial sector reforms, NBFCs have been emerged as an integral part of the Indian financial system. Non-banking finance companies frequently act as suppliers of loans & credit facilities and accept deposits, operating mutual funds and similar other functions. They are competitive and complimentary to banks and financial institutions. There are 13261 registered NBFCs in India as of June 2005 engaged in the financial services.
NBFCs have registered significant growth in recent years both in terms of number and volume of business transactions (Table-2). The equipment leasing and hire purchase finance companies finance productive assets. NBFCs role in financing consumer durables and automobiles are very aggressive. The rapid growth in the business of NBFCs urged for effective regulatory action to protect the interests of investors. The Reserve Bank has started regulating the activities of NBFCs with the twin objectives of ensuring that they subserve the financial system efficiently and do not jeopardise the interest of depositors.
RBI has identified as many as 12 categories of NBFCs. Five of them are regulated by the RBI, Chit funds jointly by the RBI and the Registrar of Chits and two (mutual benefit funds including nidhis and micro finance companies) by the Department of Company Affairs, Government of India. The National Housing Bank (NHB) regulates housing finance companies. Stock Broking and Merchant Banking Companies are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India and insurance companies come under the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority.
Definition of Non-banking Finance Company: A Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) is a company registered under the Companies Act, 1956 and is engaged in the business of loans and advances, acquisition of shares, securities, leasing, hire-purchase, insurance business, and chit business.
Difference between banks & NBFCs: NBFCs are doing functions similar to that of banks, however there are a few differences: 1) A NBFC cannot accept demand deposits, 2) It is not a part of the payment and settlement system and as such cannot issue cheques to its customers, and 3) Deposit insurance facility of DICGC is not available for NBFC depositors unlike in case of banks.
Different types of NBFCs: There are different categories of NBFC's operating in India under the supervisory control of RBI. They are:
1. Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) 2. Residuary Non-banking Finance companies(RNBCs). 3. Miscellaneous Non-Banking Finance Companies (MNBCs) and
Residuary Non-Banking Company is a class of NBFC, which is a company and has as its principal business the receiving of deposits, under any scheme or arrangement or in any other manner and not being Investment, Leasing, Hire-Purchase, Loan Company. These companies are required to maintain investments as per directions of RBI, in addition to liquid assets. The functioning of these companies is different from those of NBFCs in terms of method of mobilization of deposits and requirement of deployment of depositors' funds. Peerless Financial Company is the example of RNBCs.
Miscellaneous Non-Banking Financial Companies are another type of NBFCs and MNBC means a company carrying on all or any of the types of business as collecting, managing, conducting or supervising as a promoter or in any other capacity, conducting any other form of chit or kuri which is different from the type of business mentioned above and any other business similar to the business as referred above.
NBFCs provide range of financial services to their clients. Types of services under non-banking finance services include the following:
4. Asset Management Services 5. Venture Capital Services 6. Mutual Benefit Finance Services (Nidhi) banks.
The above type of companies may be further classified into those accepting deposits or those not accepting deposits. Now we take a look at each type of service that an NBFC could undertake.
Hire Purchase Services Hire purchase the legal term for a conditional sale contract with an intention to finance consumers towards vehicles, white goods etc. If a buyer cannot afford to pay the price as a lump sum but can afford to pay a percentage as a deposit, the contract allows the buyer to hire the goods for a monthly rent. If the buyer defaults in paying the installments, the owner can repossess the goods. HP is a different form of credit system among other unsecured consumer credit systems and benefits. Hero Honda Motor Finance Co., Bajaj Auto Finance Company is some of the HP financing companies.
Leasing Services A lease or tenancy is a contract that transfers the right to possess specific property. Leasing service includes the leasing of assets to other companies either on operating lease or finance lease. An NBFC may obtain license to commence leasing services subject to , they shall not hold, deal or trade in real estate business and shall not fix the period of lease for less than 3 years in the case of any finance lease agreement except in case of computers and other IT accessories. First Century Leasing Company Ltd., Sundaram Finance Ltd. is some of the Leasing companies in India.
Housing Finance Services Housing Finance Services means financial services related to development and construction of residential and commercial properties. An Housing Finance Company approved by the National Housing Bank may undertake the services /activities such as Providing long term finance for the
purpose of constructing, purchasing or renovating any property, Managing public or private sector projects in the housing and urban development sector and Financing against existing property by way of mortgage. ICICI Home Finance Ltd., LIC Housing Finance Co. Ltd., HDFC is some of the housing finance companies in our country.
Asset Management Company Asset Management Company is managing and investing the pooled funds of retail investors in securities in line with the stated investment objectives and provides more diversification, liquidity, and professional management service to the individual investors. Mutual Funds are comes under this category. Most of the financial institutions having their subsidiaries as Asset Management Company like SBI, BOB, UTI and many others.
Venture Capital Companies Venture capital Finance is a unique form of financing activity that is undertaken on the belief of high-risk-high-return. Venture capitalists invest in those risky projects or companies (ventures) that have success potential and could promise sufficient return to justify such gamble. Venture capitalist not only provides finance but also often provides managerial or technical expertise to venture projects. In India, venture capital concentrate on seed capital finance for high technology and for research & development. ICICI ventures and Gujarat Venture are one of the first venture capital organizations in India and SIDBI, IDBI and others also promoting venture capital finance activities.
Mutual Benefit Finance Companies (MBFC's), A mutual fund is a financial intermediary that allows a group of investors to pool their money together with a predetermined investment objective. The mutual fund will have a fund manager who is responsible for investing the pooled money into specific securities/bonds. Mutual funds are one of the best investments ever
created because they are very cost efficient and very easy to invest in. By pooling money together in a mutual fund, investors can purchase stocks or bonds with much lower trading costs than if they tried to do it on their own. But the biggest advantage to mutual funds is diversification.
There are two main types of such funds, open-ended fund and close-ended mutual funds. In case of open-ended fund, the fund manager continuously allows investors to join or leave the fund. The fund is set up as a trust, with an independent trustee, who keeps custody over the assets of the trust. Each share of the trust is called a Unit and the fund itself is called a Mutual Fund. The portfolio of investments of the Mutual Fund is normally evaluated daily by the fund manager on the basis of prevailing market prices of the securities in the portfolio and this will be divided by the number of units issued to determine the Net Asset Value (NAV) per unit. An investor can join or leave the fund on the basis of the NAV per unit.
In contrast, a close-end fund is similar to a listed company with respect to its share capital. These shares are not redeemable and are traded in the stock exchange like any other listed securities. Value of units of close-end funds is determined by market forces and is available at 20-30% discount to their NAV.
Financial Sector Reforms & Liberalization measures for NBFCs During the period from 1992-93 to 1995-96 Indian Government took many steps to reform the financial sector like liberalized bank norms, higher ceiling on term loans, allowed to set their own interest rates, freed to fix their own foreign exchange open position subject of RBI approval and guidelines issued to ensure qualitative improvement in their customer service.
Foreign equity investments in NBFCs are permitted in more than17 categories of NBFC activities approved for foreign equity investments such as merchant banking, stock broking, venture capital, housing finance, forex broking, leasing and finance, financial consultancy etc. Guidelines for foreign investment in NBFC sector have been amended so as to provide for a minimum capitalization norm for the activities, which are not fund based and only advisory, or consultancy in nature, irrespective of the foreign equity participation level.
The objectives behind the reforms in the financial sector are to improve the efficiency and competitiveness in the systems.
Recent trends in Non-Banking Financial Companies Sector NBFCs initially cater to the needs of individual and small savings investors and later developed into financial institutions, providing services similar to those of banks. NBFCs have many tailor made services for their clients with lesser degree of regulation. They have offered high rate of interest to their investors and atrracted many small size investors. In 1998, Reserve Bank of India implemented unprecedented regulatory measures to safeguard the public deposits. The Bank has issued detailed directions on prudential norms, vide Non-Banking Financial Companies Prudential Norms (Reserve Bank) Directions, 1998. The directions interalia, prescribe guidelines on income recognition, asset classification and provisioning requirements applicable to NBFCs, exposure norms, constitution of audit committee, disclosures in the balance sheet, requirement of capital adequacy, restrictions on investments in land and building and unquoted shares.
The RBI has issued guidelines for entry of NBFCs into insurance sector in June 2000 . Accordingly no NBFC registered with RBI having owned fund of Rs.2 Crore as per the last audited Balance Sheet would be permitted to undertake insurance business as agent of insurance companies on fee basis, without any risk participation.
The focus of regulatory initiatives in respect of financial institutions (FIs) during 2004-05 was to strengthen the prudential guidelines relating to asset classification, provisioning, exposure to a single/group borrower and governance norms. Business operations of FIs expanded during 200405. Their financial performance also improved, resulting from an increase in net interest income. Significant improvement was also observed in the asset quality of FIs, in general. The capital adequacy ratio of FIs continued to remain at a high level, notwithstanding some decline during the year.
Regulatory initiatives in respect of NBFCs during the year related to issuance of guidelines on credit/debit cards, reporting arrangements for large sized NBFCs not accepting/holding public
deposits, norms for premature withdrawal of deposits, cover for public deposits and know your customer (KYC) guidelines. Profitability of NBFCs improved in 2003-04 and 2004-05 mainly on account of containment of expenditure. While gross NPAs of NBFCs, as a group, declined during 2003-04 and 2004-05, net NPAs after declining marginally during 2003-04, increased significantly during 2004-05.References 1. V.Avadhani, Indian capital market, First Edition, Himalaya publishing Home. 2. H.R.Machiraju, Merchant banking, third Edition, New age international publishers. 3. Ruddar Datt & K.P.M.Sundharam, Indian Economy, Fortieth Revised Edition, S.Chand & Co.Ltd., 4. M.Y.Khan, Indian financial system, Fourth Edition, Tata mcgraw Hill.


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I normally run testing on both my machines, but I have been having some
issues and wanted to try to go back down to stable or woody, when I
upgraded to testing it took about 45 mins to download and install all
the packages, via apt-get dist-upgrade, I changed my sources.list file
back to woody and did an apt-get clean and when I did the dist-upgrade
again it took literally 3 seconds and didn't download anything and said
it had completed, I know there is no way that it could be done that
quick, so im sure im not running stable, is there a way to tell? Do I
have to reinstall to get back to stable? What do I need to do?


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Old Twitter, the information network's interface from a simpler time, has passed away after nearly a year of being on its death bed.
In its place, the multimedia-enhanced and fresh-faced New Twitteroffspring will reign supreme for all.
"New Twitter rollout: complete! All users now have the same Twitter.com experience & can access our latest features.http://t.co/8dfSGdV," the company tweeted Monday.
Twitter has been preparing the holdouts for several months now, warning them that Old Twitter was not long for this world. Still, the loss of Old Twitter will be mourned by those who appreciated its uncomplicated nature and single-column style.


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Because The Guianas tend to be fairly underdeveloped for tourism, many tourists choose to travel with a tour group or cruise when visiting these three small South American countries. Following are the main highlights of each of the three countries and tours available in each:
Guyana travel requires a truly adventurous spirit. There are excellent birdwatchers tours in the rainforest and along the banks of Guyana's maze of rivers. Other Guyana tours include eco-tourism, boating, fishing and hiking. Kaieteur Falls, with a drop of 228 m (748 ft) and a width of almost 100 m (330 ft), are among the highest waterfalls in the world and are considered by some to be the only reason to visit Guyana. Tours are pletiful and well worth the trip.
Suriname tours, are perfect for adventurous, nature-loving travelers who don't mind sacrificing a few comforts. Suriname tours include city tours capital city of Paramaribo, which features some nice colonial architecture, markets and decent nightlife. Brownsberg Nature Park is a rich forest easily accessible for all budgets with great hiking tours, three impressive waterfalls and an excellent variety of wildlife like howler monkeys, spider monkeys, deer, agouti and birdslike woodpeckers, macaws and parrots. The 500 m(1,640 ft)– high Mazaroni Plateau can be visited by tour. There are numerous lodges in the park that can help with transportation and tours.
The only non-independent portion of South America, French Guiana, or as it is locally known, Guyane, is also the only French-speaking nation in South America. City tours of the capital, Cayenne (population: 60,050), focus on the main attractions centered around the Place des Palmistes, museums, the city hall, the main cathedral and more. The French formerly used French Guiana as a dumping grounds for prisoners. The ruins of some of the prisons can still be visited today, although there really isn't much to see. Devil's Island and the Iles du Salut are often visited by cruise ships and other French Guiana tours and feature nice beaches.
Other Tour Operator pages in The Guianas that may be of interest: Paramaribo Tours, Suriname Tours and Paramaribo Tours.
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