text:
State Fiscal Service (Ukraine)
State Fiscal Service
Державна фіскальна служба
Preceding agency
Ministry of Revenues
& Duties of Ukraine
8, Lvivska Square,
Kiev, Ukraine, 04053[1]
Agency executive
Oleksandr Vlasov[2], Head of State Fiscal Service
Ministry of Finance of Ukraine
Logo of the Tax Militsiya
State Fiscal Service (Ukrainian: Державна фіскальна служба) or SFS (Ukrainian: ДФС) is a government agency of Ukraine that in 2014 replaced the Ministry of Revenues and Duties. The former ministry was created back in 2012 by the Second Azarov Government through merging the State Tax Service and the State Customs Service.
1 The SFS logo
2 History of SFS
3 Establishing of SFS
4 Human resource
4.1 Senior Executives
5 Main duties
6 International Relations
7 Deliverables
8 Chair persons
8.1 State Tax Service
8.2 State Customs Service
8.3 Ministry of Revenues and Duties
8.4 State Fiscal Service
9 Reorganization
The SFS logo
The emblem of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine is an image of a silver hryvnia (UAH) with cut off part, which rests on the bowl lever scales, symbolizing a fair, measured levying taxes. In the middle of the logo is small State Emblem of Ukraine, placed on the scales integrated - the symbol of trade and economy. The emblem is in the middle of a round blue shield with gold border, symbolizing the protection of state interests.
History of SFS
Ministry of Revenues and Duties of Ukraine was established by the Azarov Government 24 December 2012 bringing together the State Tax Service of Ukraine and State Customs Service of Ukraine.
The head of the Ministry was Oleksandr Klymenko, who left Ukraine (escaped) after Yanukovych team lost its power in the beginning of 2014. Now, he's put on the wanted list on charges of corruption.
After winning Eurorevolutuion and Euromaidan new government declared a desire to destroy the old corruption schemes. March 1, 2014 Ministry of income and charges was abolished. The State Tax Ministry and the State Customs Service were renewed and subordinated to the Ministry of Finance (Ukraine).
May 27, 2014 at the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine the decision was taken: Ministry of Revenues and Duties is to be renamed into the State Fiscal Service and be subordinated the Ministry of Finance. 21 May 2014 the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine was formed.
Establishing of SFS
On May 21, 2014 there was adopted a statement about the State Fiscal Service. The State Fiscal Service of Ukraine was determined as the central body of executive power with activity directed and coordinated by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and implements:
state tax policy,
State policy in the sphere of state customs,
State policy on administration of united contribution to the obligatory state social insurance (united social contribution),
State policy in a sphere of fighting violations while implementing tax and customs legislation.
SFS has the authority directly and through the created regional offices. There are units of the tax police in the SFS and its regional bodies.
To agree to resolve issues within the competence of SFS and discussing areas of activity the SFS-board can be formed.
SFS is a legal entity, has a seal with the State Emblem of Ukraine, custom forms, accounts in the Treasury. State Fiscal Service, as expected, combining the powers of tax authorities, customs and financial police. It entered into conflict with previous intentions of the Prime Minister Yatsenyuk, under whose leadership a political decision to restore the function separated by tax and customs services was taken.
The SFS is headed by the Head of State Fiscal Service. There are two deputies of the Head of State Fiscal Service. Both Head of SFS and deputies are appointed and dismissed by the Prime Minister of Ukraine with the consent of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.
According to the decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Nº178 from June 11, 2014 boundary number of employees was 56,640 people. The central office consisted of 2,186 employees. At the end of the 2015 year 345 employees of the administrative board were dismissed according to the Law of Ukraine "On cleaning power". Within the framework of human resources reform the staff of the SFS was reduced by 30% pursuant to the Order of the Cabinet of Ministers. Boundary number of employees was reduced to 41,178 people. The central office consists of the 1,530 employees.
Main duties
The key responsibilities: the state tax policy, the customs policy, the public policy of the administration of the single social payment, the fight against tax and customs crimes.
In 2014 SFS signed the Memorandum of Understanding with the EBA and the American Chamber of Commerce. 2015-2016 SFS intensified the exchange of pre-arrival information with the customs bodies of other states within the framework of projects as the Twinning and the PRINEX.
SFS signed the Memorandum of Understanding with the World Customs Organization regarding the establishment of the World Customs Organization[3] Regional Dog Training Centre in Khmelnitskyi city.[4]
SFS and the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan signed the Protocol on interaction between the agencies in the fight against customs offenses related to the movement of goods by air. At the 20th General Assembly of the Intra-European Organisation of Tax Administrations (IOTA), which was held in Romania, the Head of SFS of Ukraine Roman Nasirov was elected as President of IOTA for 2016/2017.[5] Thus the 21st General Assembly of IOTA will take place in Ukraine.
Establishment of Tax ombudsman Office. Implementation of wide range of e-services:[6] taxpayer's cabinet, e-VAT administration, e-excise on petrol administration, e-queue for customs clearance, automatic system of customs risk management, etc. Unification all regulatory authorities and customs offices into the electronic system "Single Window".[7]
Results of the SFS's work in 2016: revenues to the budgets of all levels increased by $6 billion in 2016 [8]
Chair persons
State Tax Service
Logo of the State Tax Service
Chief of State Tax Inspection (Deputy Minister of Finance of Ukraine)
1990 - 1992 Vitaliy Ilyin
1992 - 1993 Viktor Tenyuk
Chair person of State Tax Administration
1996 - 2002 Mykola Azarov
2002 - 2004 Yuriy Kravchenko
2004 - 2005 Fedir Yaroshenko
2005 - 2006 Oleksandr Kireyev
2006 - 2007 Anatoliy Brezvin
2007 - 2010 Serhiy Buryak
2010 - 2010 Viktor Sheibut (acting)
2010 - 2010 Oleksandr Papayika
Chair person of State Tax Service
2010 - 2011 Vitaliy Zakharchenko
2011 - 2012 Oleksandr Klymenko
State Customs Service
Logo of the State Customs Service
Logo of the Ministry of Revenues and Duties
Chairperson of State Custom Committee
1991 - 1993 Oleksiy Koval
1993 - 1994 Anatoliy Kolos
1994 - 1994 Eduard Miroshnichenko (acting)
1995 - 1996 Leonid Derkach
Chairperson of State Customs Service
1998 - 2001 Yuriy Solovkov
2001 - 2005 Mykola Kalensky
2005 - 2005 Volodymyr Skomarovsky
2005 - 2007 Oleksandr Yehorov
2007 - 2009 Valeriy Khoroshkovsky
2009 - 2010 Anatoliy Makarenko
2010 - 2012 Ihor Kalietnik
Ministry of Revenues and Duties
2014 - 2016 Ihor Bilous
2016–present Roman Nasirov (Nasirov was suspend on 3 March 2017 pending an embezzlement investigation[9])
2017 - 2018 Myroslav Prodan (acting)[9]
2018 - 2019 Oleksandr Vlasov[2]
2019–present Sergiy Verlanov
Although a court decision reinstated Nasirov in his function, Vlasov remained the head of the organisation.[2][10]
In December 2018, Ukraine pledged to [the IMF] to consolidate the State fiscal service into two separate legal entities by the end of April 2019: the Tax service and the Customs service, both of which should report to the Minister of Finance.[11]
On December 18, 2018, the Cabinet of Ministers adopted a resolution on the reorganization of the State fiscal service by dividing it into the State tax and State customs services. The draft resolution provides for the division of the DFS into'State tax service '(which will include the tax police units) and' State customs service ' as separate Central Executive bodies. The Cabinet of Ministers will direct and coordinate the activities of these services through the Minister of Finance of Ukraine.[12]
On March 6, 2019, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the regulation on tax and customs service[13]
^ "Official CMU website. Contact Us". Mar 2017.
^ a b c (in Ukrainian) The DFS says Nasiriyah came, but he did not become a leader, Ukrayinska Pravda (27 December 2018)
^ Regional Office for Capacity Building for the World Customs Organization Europe Region
^ The Opening Of The Regional Dog Training Centre Of The World Customs Organization In Khmelnytskyi
^ Intra-European Organisation of Tax Administrations (IOTA)
^ Electronic services is a top priority for State Fiscal Service of Ukraine
^ Roman Nasirov: The 'single window' in Ukrainian realities
^ Implementation of the Budget 2017 will be Difficult, but I Look to the Future with Confidence
^ a b [1]
^ (in Ukrainian) Nasyrov brought documents to the CEC - he also wants the presidency, Ukrayinska Pravda (16 January 2019)
^ "The Memorandum of the IMF: the obligations assumed by Ukraine". epravda.com.ua. 20 December 2018. Retrieved 20 December 2018.
^ "The Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution on the establishment Of the state tax and state customs services". Ministry of Finance of Ukraine. 18 December 2018. Retrieved 20 December 2018.
^ "The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine divided the DFS into two structures". epravda.com.ua. 6 March 2019. Retrieved 6 March 2019.
Ukraine portal
Official website (in Ukrainian and English)
This article relating to Ukraine is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.


1.3. sample education programmes conforming to the requirements of the State general secondary education standard according to the directions of education programmes, the forms of acquiring education and the types of education programmes (including minority and special education programmes).
2.4. to develop the skill of the student to learn and improve independently, to motivate him or her for lifelong learning and an informed career.
3.5. to promote the competitiveness of the student in the acquisition of further education.
4.3. to promote the development of emotional and creative abilities by improving experience of creative activity.
5.5. to improve understanding regarding the socio-economic regularities of society formation and the diversity of its structure.
6.3. to create a motivation for the selection of a career.
7. Not less than five subjects shall be acquired in the Latvian language in minority education programmes in each school year. This number shall not include the Latvian language and literature.
8. The acquisition of educational content in the minority language may be ensured up to two fifths of the total study load in a school year.
10.4.3. educational institutions shall include subjects with practical direction in a programme of the vocational direction.
11. The subjects referred to in Sub-paragraphs 10.1.1.3, 10.1.1.6, 10.1.2.6, 10.2.1.4, 10.2.1.7, 10.2.2.4, 10.2.2.7, 10.3.1.3, 10.3.1.6, 10.3.2.6, 10.4.1.3, 10.4.1.6 and 10.4.2.6 of this Regulation need not be included in the evening (shift) and extramural education programmes (for youth and adults) in conformity with the direction of education programmes selected by the educational institution.
12. The subjects referred to in Sub-paragraph 10.1.1, 10.1.2, 10.2.1, 10.2.2, 10.3.1, 10.3.2, 10.4.1 or 10.4.2 of this Regulation shall form the content of general secondary education catch-up programme in conformity with the direction of education programmes selected by the educational institution.
13. The subjects referred to in Paragraph 9 of this Regulation, which extend the education fields characteristic to the direction of education programme, as well as amateur art activity classes may be included in the education programme of the educational institution.
14. An educational institution may include the subjects not referred in Paragraph 9 of this Regulation in the education programme, not exceeding the load and number of lessons per day laid down in the General Education Law for education programmes. Educational institutions shall draw up such subject standards independently and co-ordinate with the National Centre for Education.
15.25. Visual Arts. General Secondary Education Subject Standard (Annex 25).
16.6. the principle of mandatory evaluation - it is necessary to obtain an evaluation in all subjects of an education programme and in State examinations, except those subjects and State examinations, from which a student has been released.
17.4.2. in a subject, the amount of which in an education programme is not less than 105 teaching hours and in which the examination is organised by an education specialist of the local government, education administration institution or educational institution.
18.3. the National Centre for Education.
19. The content of materials of State examinations shall be in the Latvian language (except examinations of foreign languages and examination in a minority language and literature).
20. The National Centre for Education may consider the results of examinations organised by other institutions as equivalent to the levels of centralised examinations, if there is an agreement with an institution which is the implementer of the particular examination. The algorithm for comparison shall be determined by an expert opinion that the programme and the content of examination to be considered equivalent conforms to the requirements laid down in the general secondary education standard in the particular subject.
21. Achievements of a student shall be evaluated in conformity with the basic principles and procedures for the evaluation of the State general secondary education acquired.
22. Evaluation of educational achievements may be organised in oral, written, practical or combined form.
23. Evaluation shall be an integrative component of the educational process for the determination of knowledge, skills, attitudes, as well as improvement of educational process.
24.3. final evaluation, determining the level of acquisition of the knowledge and skills of students at the end of the theme or logical part of the theme, semester, school year, course or education level.
25.3. in the final evaluation - a written or combined examination, laboratory work, research work, composition, individual or group project, portfolio, test, examination or similar methodological technique.
26. The achievements of a student shall be evaluated according to the scale of 10 points (Annex 26).
27. In centralised examinations achievements of students shall be expressed in evaluation in the form of percentage. The evaluation obtained shall be entered in the general secondary education certificate, indicating the total percentage evaluation and percentage evaluation for each part of the examination. The students whose performance in a foreign language centralised examination conforms to the language skill level B1, B2 or C1 laid down in Paragraph 10 of Annex 2 to this Regulation, the acquired level of language skills shall be recorded in the certificate.
28. The types, forms, methodological techniques for evaluating educational achievements, the amount, number, performance time and evaluation criteria of examinations shall be determined by the performer of the evaluation of educational achievements in accordance with the procedures laid down in this Regulation, taking into account the content of the relevant subject and the education programme implemented in the educational institution.
29. If in accordance with Paragraph 26 of this Regulation it is not possible to evaluate the study achievements of a student, the evaluator of study achievements shall use the designation "n/e" (no evaluation) in the mandatory documentation of the educational institution. The cases in which the evaluator of study achievements is entitled to use the designation "n/e" shall be determined by the educational institution in internal regulations.
30.2. for an external student, taking into account evaluations of the examinations passed.
31.4.12. for the General Secondary Special Education Minority Programme for Students with Learning Disabilities (code of the education programme 31015621).
32.8. for the Minority Distance Learning Programme of Vocational Direction of General Secondary Education (code of the education programme 31014023).
33.2. Minority Catch-up Programme of General Secondary Education (code of the education programme 36011012).
34. Cabinet Regulation No. 715 of 2 September 2008, Regulations Regarding the State General Secondary Education Standard and General Secondary Education Subject Standards (Latvijas Vēstnesis, 2008, No. 145; 2009, No. 99, 187; 2012, No. 3), is repealed.
35. Educational institutions are entitled to implement general secondary education programmes, which are implemented on the basis of a licence issued until the day of coming into force of this Regulation and which conform to the requirements laid down in this Regulation, until the end of the term of validity of the licence.
36. Educational institutions shall re-licence general secondary education programmes, which are implemented on the basis of a licence issued until the day of coming into force of this Regulation, but which do not conform to the requirements laid down in this Regulation, until 1 September 2014.
1. The objective of the subject "Economics" is to promote the understanding of a student regarding economic processes in the society and to develop skills for involvement and practical participation therein, forming a career according to the skills and interests of each person and the development tendencies of the society.
2.5. to develop the skill to obtain information regarding economic processes occurring in the society, to compile, analyse and take efficient and justified decision.
4.20. economics of Latvia in the European Union.
5.10. objectives and functions of the central bank, monetary policy.
6.2. use of charts, schemes and diagrams in the forming and analysis of economic processes.
7.18. recognises the significance of ethics in different forms of competition in economics.
8.28. is able to see the opportunities for the development of economics of Latvia and the problems in the European Union.
9.13. knows the role of the central bank and its possibilities in governing economic activity.
10.6. is aware of the necessity to inquiring regarding economics in lifelong education.
11. The attitudes of a student shall be characterised by the requirements referred to in Sub-paragraphs 7.17, 7.18, 10.5 and 10.6 of this Annex.


Robert De Niro has continued his criticism of Republican candidate Donald Trump, who last week he said he would like to punch in the face.
De Niro was criticised for his comments by Jon Voight, who starred alongside De Niro in 1995 film Heat. "I am so ashamed of my fellow actor Bobby DeNiro's rant against Donald Trump," Voight wrote on Twitter. "What foul words he used against a presidential nominee who has worked harder than any other man I know in the past year and a half to get a good message to the American people".
Responding to the criticism, De Niro said: "Voight is a nice guy but he's delusional. The Republican party has rationalised that his guy is sane, that this guy should be President. It's awful, they will self-destruct".
Earlier today, it was reported that Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher had accused Donald Trump of taking cocaine. Trump has not yet responded to the allegations.


text:
Education/News/February 2020/Wikipedia in Mayan Language
< Education | News
Wikipedia in Mayan Language
Author: Claudia Muñoz (WMMX) & José Reyes (WMMX)
Summary: On January 21 and 22, Wikimedia México participated with a "Wikipedia in Mayan language" workshop, in the Oriente University in the city of Valladolid, Yucatán, with Linguistic and Mayan Culture students. The Mayan language, or Maayat'aan, is the second most spoken indigenous language in Mexico.
Taller Wikipedia en Maya en la UNO Valladolid, Yucatán 07
We presented the Wikipedia Maya project in the Wikimedia Incubator. The students created more than 20 articles and edited another 20; then, they donated photographies to illustrate their articles in Maya and Spanish. All the time, they were discussing about the different forms to write, because the maya is a primarily oral language, and there are different opinions, among the communities, about how to write it. Some of the articles topics were about traditional food (for example, a Panucho), literature, yucatec culture and communities (like X-Cohuo, in Valladolid).
In the sessions, some interesting topics were the future of Mayan language and its linguistics variants. The questions that guided the workshop and the discussions were: Why do we want a Wikipedia in Mayan language? Which challenges we faced to edit and read its contents in our own language? What is the future of the project? In order to build a collaborative program, we carry out an exercise to elaborate a "recipe": what "ingredients" does the Wikipedia in Mayan language need to be published? Some of the answers emphasized the importance of access to Internet and equipment, and the time dedicated to research and write. Another topic was the dissemination of the project, because they did not know about it. However, they that Maya is a language that must continue to be written, even with the various linguistic variants; that is one reason why they consider that is very important to continue writing and disseminating the project.
We thank the Oriente University and the Young Researchers Colloquium for the invitation, for their hospitality and for their enthusiasm to spread and encourage the publication of Wikipedia in Maya language.
Social Media channels or hashtags: @Wikimedia_mx @UNOdifusion #WikipediaEnElAula
Retrieved from "https://outreach.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Education/News/February_2020/Wikipedia_in_Mayan_Language&oldid=211856"

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


CHILLED YAK SILK LACE YARN - Expression Fiber Arts, Inc.
There are no words to describe both this yarn base and the color. I have no idea yet what I am going to knit up but I purchased 2 skeins so have plenty of options.
Nice yarn but it's white - no blue.


Don't let these disease carrying rodents take over your home; call our experts!
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Rodents are good at hiding where humans don't typically look or go. Some people choose to try to capture the rats and mice themselves. Unfortunately, that can be a waste of money, and can lead to frustration. You get so close to catching the rodents and then suddenly fail and become irritated and frustrated all over again; we can help you avoid this!
One of our Homestead rodent exterminators is going to be able to get rid of your rodent problem without inconveniencing your family. Our Homestead rodent exterminator will assess the facts and select the best course of action. Call (305) 767-2297 and we can schedule your appointment.


My parents love Cibo. I don't know why because I find it expensive. Anyway, we have tried almost all the restaurants in Robinsons Magnolia so we ended up in Cibo one afternoon for a coffee break.
I love my cafe mocha but not the attitude of one of the waiters. I was not able to take his name but he is one jejemon.
On a side note, I am glad to be back home. I spent the last two days in Sofitel Philippine Plaza for the first ever #DoveSummit. I will blog about it as soon as I have all the materials needed for my entry. I don't want you to be bitin with the news. I want to share the blow-by-blow account of what happened during my entire stay.


A few days ago I attended a conference in Klagenfurt, which focussed on language learning strategies. Strategies are not really my field of expertise, so the conference was a good opportunity for me to learn more about the topic, and what I will try to do in this post is to summarise and synthesise what I learnt from the presentations that I attended.
This is, by necessity, a very partial report on the conference. Firstly, there is the perennial conference problem, that one cannot attend every presentation (is it just my impression, or are the presentations you want to attend always scheduled in the same time-slot?). And secondly, some very interesting presentations did not fit in well with the focus of this post, and probably deserve posts of their own (e.g., Stephen Brewer's talk on the parallels between mastering linguistic and musical communication, or Zarina Markova's reflexive account about doing strategy-related research).
In the paragraphs that follow, I will begin by defining language learning strategies; following that, I will discuss why they are important for language learning; and finally, I will present some implications for language education and research, which were brought up in the conference.
What are language learning strategies?
Language learning strategies were defined by Carol Griffiths in her plenary as "actions chosen (either deliberately or automatically) for the purpose of learning or regulating the learning of language".
Function: This heading was used to classify strategies under sub-headings such as cognitive, affective, meta-affective, social, and more.
Skill: This heading referred to whether the strategies focussed on listening, speaking, reading or writing.
An important point that was iterated several times in the conference was that the use of strategies is a situated experience. That is to say, both the choice of strategies, and their effect depend on a number of factors pertaining to the user and the communicative situation. Yu Tina Yang, who reported on a study with Native Speakers of English learning Chinese, concluded that the use of strategies was affected by the nature of the task, the learner's background knowledge and individual differences (e.g. different needs and priorities). In similar vein, Griffiths suggested that the use of strategies depends on the task and on individual characteristics, such as motivation, beliefs about oneself and about the language learnt, and on the learner's ability to work autonomously. On the other hand, she suggested that research on the effects of age, gender and learning style differences has been inconclusive. The comments made by Griffiths seem to be consistent with a study reported by Vee Harris and Michael Grenfell, who compared 120 students from inner-city and suburban schools in the UK, and found that gender did not seem to have any effect into the frequency of strategy use, but motivation did.
One final observation about strategies, which was raised by Sarah Mercer, is that they seem to have a recursive effect on shaping the context out of which they emerged. What this means is that it is perhaps counterproductive to think of strategies and context as being conceptually distinct. Rather, the context appears to be in a constant state of flux, and this dynamism seems to be sustained, among others, by the learners' use of strategies. This is important to bear in mind when thinking about how to research strategies, as we need to be sensitive both to the ways in which each language learning situation is unique, and to the ways in which the situation constantly changes in response to the use of strategies.
Most talks in the conference were premised on the belief that the use of language learning strategies is associated, in one way or another, with successful language learning and use.
For instance, Carol Griffiths pointed out that the frequency of strategy use was associated with successful learning; that successful learners tend to use strategies more frequently than less successful ones; and that successful learners often know how to orchestrate their strategy repertoires to address specific language problems.
Christina Gkonou used empirical data to show that highly anxious learners were able to deploy strategies such as positive thinking, relaxation techniques and actively seeking support from their peers in order to regulate their anxiety in language learning situations.
Harris and Grenfell also showed evidence that learners who exhibited persistence were prepared to take risks and tolerated ambiguity in communication tended to make stronger gains in language learning, compared to those who gave up easily, were risk averse and for whom ambiguity triggered self-doubt.
What are the implications for language teaching?
Several speakers suggested ways in which the findings from strategy research could be used to inform language teaching practice. The most important implication, raised by Griffiths, is that strategies are teachable; therefore if we make an effort to teach strategies, and if we encourage their use in a classroom context, this could make language learning more effective.
Cohen also discussed this point at some length in his plenary, where he suggested making students more aware of the strategies that are available to them, conducting strategy-based instruction, and even formally assessing strategies in language learning settings. He also suggested that teachers can help learners select appropriate strategies, by making themselves aware of their learners' preferred strategies, linguistic proficiency, cultural background, motivation and more – although that raises the question of how feasible such demands might be.
Perhaps more pragmatically, Harris and Grenfell noted that bilingual students seem to use language learning strategies more effectively, and suggested capitalising on their expertise, particularly in large multi-ethnic schools. They also noted that, according to their research, motivation among UK students seems to plummet at the age of 12-13, so it would be sensible for strategy-based interventions to focus on that age group.
Another concrete suggestion was made by Gkonou, who recommended that interventions inspired by cognitive psychology could be used to increase self-regulation and enhance the students' emotional intelligence.
What are the implications for research?
Some of the most important points raised in the conference pertained to questions such as what research should be done on strategies, as well as 'how' and 'why' to research the topic. Perhaps the most frustrating of these was made by Peter Gu, who reported on a large-scale literature review of studies conducted in China, to conclude that while a large repertoire of strategies had been identified, the real world impact of this research has been limited, and researchers are a fault for this unfortunate situation. Among the problematic aspects of research that he identified was the fact that research is often published in journals that are inaccessible to teachers, and there has been little effort to connect such research to training materials and procedures. Although Gu was discussing Chinese educational research, his remarks were met with knowing nods among the audience. I, for one, was frustrated by a number of studies in the conference, including nation-wide surveys involving thousands of students, the cost and effort of which seemed to be quite disproportionate to their social utility.
I left the conference in Klagenfurt knowing much more about strategies than I did before I went there, and with a sense of respect for all the good work that is being done in the field. However, I could not help fighting back the impression that arguing too strongly for Strategy-Based Instruction could be placing one demand too many on teachers, who are already being held accountable for more aspects of learning than is reasonable. At minimum, it seems to me, teachers should not be expected to tease out the relevance and implications of studies that do not make an effort to critically examine how they might influence practice. To argue that there is a need for more, and better, use of language learning strategies in the language classroom is perhaps useful, but what we really need to be doing is exploring is which strategies work where, and why. These were questions that have not been consistently addressed in the literature or in the conference, but it seems that the language learning strategy research community is reorienting itself towards this direction, and I think that it is a very useful redefinition of focus.


Review for the film " Milan Talkies"
Milan Talkies is scripted and directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia. Ali Fazal, Shraddha Srinath, Sanjay Mishra, Ashutosh Rana, Yashpal Sharma, Deep Raj Rana, Sikander Kher, Pankaj Tripathi and Reecha Sinha are in the star cast. Akriti Kakkar and Rana Mazumder composed the music.
Anirudh is an aspiring filmmaker. He makes local films and also helps the students illegally to clear their exams. Mythili is a student, who wants to clear her exams. Her father pays Anirudh and asks him to help Mythili. After meeting Mythili, Anirudh's life started traveling on a different path. Did he become a director? Watch the film in theaters!
Shraddha Srinath, the south actress makes her debut in Milan Talkies. Her outstanding performance will definitely gain her in getting good offers in Bollywood. Ali Fazal played the normal commercial hero and his performance is good. Ashutosh Rana did a decent job.
Milan Talkies doesn't have a unique story, but some of the elements in this film are new. Casting is good and the stars played their roles perfectly. However, some of the stars including Deep Raj Rana and Sanjay Mishra didn't have significant roles. The screenplay is not much impressive and the film seems to be boring and draggy in particular sequence. The music composition is excellent. Production and technical values didn't have anything to complain about.
If the screenplay is strong, the film would have got a huge response. Although it seems draggy, commercial movie lovers might like Milan Talkies.
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It offers a higher vantage point, more perspective and a more complete view of the surrounding landscape which offers understanding about one's surroundings and that satisfies the mind.
A higher perspective also offers a beautiful view, which can empty the mind, offer peace, and soften the defenses, which is satisfying to the heart.
It can harmonize and unify the heart with the mind to make a person feel more complete.
It's like an outward expression of the inner journey towards spiritual growth and wholeness - the inner place of the most complete perspective, where you're free to love everything including the self.
I don't want to be rigidly attached to ideals and confused about where the highest perspective is - the place of the most beauty and value in life - the true pinnacle of life - always already lives in the heart. Not necessarily at the top of a mountain or anywhere else out there.


You got an iPad … Now what?
You just picked up an iPad and now you're ready to rush head first into the tablet revolution. You cannot wait to hit the App Store and download those great productivity applications (aka Angry Birds). But first, consider protecting your investment. Plenty of choices to keep that iPad looking brand new.
Get a case. Think of a case as floor mats for your iPad. Without one, your iPad's good looks and charm will be short-lived. Chose a case based on two criteria; a) How often will you use your iPad for presentations? b) What positions will you be viewing the device from?
If you're a presentation maven, consider the Targus Truss. This is a thicker, plusher case than most on the market but its level of iPad protection is excellent. The Truss opens like a book in portrait mode and in landscape mode, supports two angles – one for typing and one for viewing. The extended edges of the Truss will also help in the event your iPad takes a tumble and lands edge first.
If you need a gazillion viewing angles along with the ability to strap your iPad to the back of your car headrest (turning your iPad into an in-vehicle video system), then consider the ZooGue Case Genius. Loaded with Velcro to allow adjustable viewing at any angle, the ZooGue is the Swiss army knife of cases.
Before you insert your iPad into a case, however, you need to make a decision – do I put a screen cover on it or let the iPad's Gorilla Glass go native and enjoy it's unique clarity? If you go with a screen cover, you are faced with another decision – wet or dry?
Wet or dry refers to the application method used when adhering the protective film to your iPad. Unlike the small screen of a phone, the large iPad screen is a challenging installation. The screen has to be absolutely lint- and dirt-free before the application to prevent "bubbles" from forming during the application process. It took me four tries to put a dry film on the first time and I still had a few small bubbles. The wet film application process makes it easier to squeegee out the bubbles but the dry process has fewer steps.
If you want to go "dry" then give ScreenGuardz or PowerSupport a try. If you are a bit more "mad scientist" then try a wet screen from Wrapsol. I currently have the HD Anti-Glare Film from PowerSupport on my iPad and have been very happy to date.
Purists believe that the iPad glass should not be messed with. Designed for optimal clarity, it should remain unfettered by a plastic screen cover. Cleaning the glass, however, becomes a regular ritual as the number of screen touches equals the number of smudges. The simple swipe gesture of turning the pages of an e-book can leave your iPad looking like the backseat windows of your Dad's old Dodge Dart. Not a pretty picture.
To solve this, LensPen took old technology … your grandmother cleaning the windows with newspapers … and applied it to the tablet screen cleaning dilemma. Using a custom formulated carbon compound (similar to what was found in newsprint), LensPen introduced a compact tablet cleaner that literally "soaks up" the smudges by absorbing the oil. LensPen has been developing cleaners for the photography and optics markets for years, so their Sidekick iPad Cleaner is a natural extension of their product line.
I'm a big believer in AppleCare for any mobile Apple product, but that only protects you from technical problems. For real world issues, such as drops, theft, submersion or just plain bad luck – you need additional coverage. If you're the dangerous type, consider some iPad insurance from Worth Ave Group. A $50 deductible and a yearly premium will keep you safe.
With all of your protective gear in place, you're now ready to rumble. Next week … it's Apps review time and I'll review "What's on my iPad" (and more importantly, what did I delete after the first week of use).
Good iPad,with delicate case,high-technology lenspen and proper insurance.If I have one,I will surely value it very much.


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Posts Tagged As: It Gets Better
His California Reparative Therapist Said He'd Be Straight in Six Weeks
Mathew Shurka's parents flew him to California for "treatment" when he came out to his father at sixteen.
"To see that the government is really taking action to put a stop to this, especially for minors who are usually put into this therapy because of their parents, is a great thing. I'm really happy to see that those kinds of actions are being taken."
Tags: It Gets Better
COMMENTS (3) • LINK
An "I'm A Mormon" Campaign You're Not Likely To See On Television
It's an "It Gets Better" video, featuring several Brigham Young University students who proclaim "I'm a Mormon" and "I'm gay/lesbian/bisexual." But as you can see, it was only after a great deal of struggle and shame before they could come to that place of being able to accept themselves.
If you're a BYU student, you can find out more about the campus gay-straight alliance here.
Tags: Brigham Young University, It Gets Better, Mormons
COMMENTS (27) • LINK
"It Gets Better" Needs Some Muscle Behind It
Canadian comedian and commentator Rick Mercer responds to Jamie Hubley's suicide:
Dan Savage agrees:
So: yes to that assembly, yes to confronting the kids who abused Jamie Hubley. Since the beginning of the project I've called for bullies to be arrested and prosecuted. If it's a crime for a 16-year-old kid to beat up a little old lady in a shopping mall, it's a crime for for a 16-year-old kid to beat up queer kid in a high school. Parents whose kids are being assaulted need to go to the police first, school administrators second.
Tags: Bullying, Dan Savage, It Gets Better, Suicide
GOP Pols Appear In "It Gets Better" Video
Last July when the entire Massachusetts congressional delegation — with the exception of lone Republican Sen. Scott Brown — released an "It Gets Better" video, Dan Savage noticed the conspicuous omission. "Not a single GOP elected official can bring himself or herself to make a video, or participate in the creation of one," he wrote at the time. I thought that couldn't be true, and I challenged our readers to find that GOP elected official. You couldn't.
Now, happily, that is corrected. Ten our of the fifteen-members New Jersey congressional delegation, including three Republicans, have issued a video for the "It Gets Better" campaign. Zach Ford reminds us that the three Republicans, Reps. Leonard Lance, Frank LoBiondo, and Jon Runyan, are not pro-gay by any means — two of them voted against DADT repeal, all three support DOMA, and none have supported legislation that might actually make things better for gay people — this nevertheless is clearly a step in the right direction, and the three Congressmen are to be commended for finally making the right move.
Tags: Frank LoBiondo, It Gets Better, Jon Runyan, Leonard Lance, New Jersey
Iowa Man Describes the Horrors of Home-Grown Ex-Gay Therapy
Samuel Brinton, a student at Kansas State University, describes growing up under his Southern Baptist missionary father, who beat him, burned him and shocked him with electricity to try to change him from being gay after Samuel came out at the age of twelve. The video is compelling.
We first heard from Samuel about a year ago when he first talked about his experiences for an "It Gets Better" video for the web site I'm From Driftwood.
Update (10/10): Wayen Besen at Truth Wins Out posted this comment yesterday on Towleroad:
Truth Wins Out has tried verify this story for more than a month. Our phone calls have gone unanswered. We hope that the full range of facts can come to light. For example, who was the specific therapist who performed these abusive actions?
We are always pleased when "ex-gay" survivors are brave enough to come foward and share their experiences. We look forward to Samuel providing further information in the very near future.
Tags: Beyond Ex-Gay, Conversion Therapy, Ex-Gay Movement, Ex-Gay Survivors, Iowa, It Gets Better, Perry IA
Plane To Fly "It Gets Better" Banner for Ex-Gay Conference, but Ex-Gays Won't See It
Exodus International is scheduled to conduct one of its Love Won Out ex-gay infomercial's tomorrow at a Houston-area church. According to The Advocate, the It Gets Better Project will hire an airplane to fly overhead for an ex-gay conference near Houston tomorrow with a message saying that you can't simply "pray the gay away." I think that sounds like a great idea, except:
Exodus International's Love Won Out conference is taking place this Saturday at the Sugar Creek Baptist Church, located near Houston. The plane is scheduled to fly around downtown Houston at noon Saturday …
Get a map and an alarm clock, fellas. The plane may be headed for downtown Houston, but Sugar Creek Baptist is nearly 25 miles away in Sugar Land. And everyone will already be safely ensconced inside the church at that hour, while nobody will be anywhere close to downtown Houston on a Saturday at noon (the weekend forecast: a "pleasant" 95 degrees and probably 195% humidity, with an air quality alert due to high ozone). If a plane flies a banner over a deserted downtown and nobody sees it, does it still send a message?
Why can't anyone fly the plane over Sugar Land at 7:30 a.m. as people are pulling into the parking lot?
Tags: Houston TX, It Gets Better, Love Won Out, Texas
Ever Wonder Whether Those "It Gets Better" Videos Have Ever Helped Anyone?
This video and this video helped the young man you see below, who says thanks:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2iORfZ4wV4
No GOP IGB Videos?
Dan Savage reacted to personal attacks from the National Republican Senatorial Committee over the "It Gets Better" campaign by saying that "not a single GOP elected official can bring himself or herself to make a video." I actually found that to be very shocking. Sure, we know that things are very bleak on the national level. I can't think of any GOP member of Congress who has participated in or made a video. But what about at the state level? Any elected GOP officials in a state legislature or executive branch? What about the county level? Mayor of a major city? Township trustee? Village council person?
Dogcatcher?
I'm sure there's some out there. I can't believe that there is "not a single GOP elected official" in a video. So here's a crowd-sourcing challenge: go find them. Just three rules: 1) they have to be identified by name in the video, 2) they must have a speaking part, and 3) those holding office as a result of a nonpartisan election (i.e. their party affiliation did not appear on the ballot, as is sometimes the rule for local positions) do not qualify.
Tags: Dan Savage, It Gets Better, Republicans
GOP Group Attacks "It Gets Better" Campaign
Last Friday, the entire Massachusetts — minus one — posted this YouTube video for the "It Gets Better" campaign against LGBT bullying and suicide. Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA) was conspicuously missing. According to Marie Diamond at Think Progress:
Sen. Brown (R-MA) was invited to be in the video, but declined. When asked about the decision, Brown spokesman Colin Reed said it was because Brown's "main focus right now is on creating jobs."
The LGBT leaders, including two Massachusetts lawmakers, agreed that Sen. Brown's refusal to participate in the video sends a disturbing message to the staggering number of LGBT youth who are being bullied and harassed every day. They also said the snub was simply the latest in Brown's long record of "being anti-LGBT friendly," in the words of Jennifer Chrisler.
LGBT activists and political leaders in the state recalled instances in which Brown worked against marriage equality and anti-discrimination efforts. That criticism has gotten under the skin of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, whose communcations director Brian Walsh went on the attack personally against Dan Savage:
If, as the old saying goes, you're known by the company you keep, than the voters of Massachusetts deserve to know who Democrat Party operatives are teaming up with to spread outrageous attacks on Scott Brown's character.
It's truly reached a new level of desperation in their efforts to tear down Scott Brown, but we look forward to hearing whether state and national Democrat leaders agree with Dan Savage's long history of lewd, violent and anti-Christian rhetoric. Given their press conference call today, one has to presume at this point that they do.
Savage responded:
I am not the IGB project. The project has had the reach and impact that it's had thanks to tens of thousands of people from all over the world who've participated. [A]nd no one who participates is required to crawl into bed with me. ..:
Savage notes that among those who have participated from all walks of life from all over the world, "not a single GOP elected official can bring himself or herself to make a video, or participate in the creation of one. No GOP elected official can risk being seen letting bullied LGBT kids know that life isn't high school and that it will get better for them."
Colbert Reports "It Gets Better"
Steven Colbert slowly sheds his character to tell teens that "it gets better":
Tags: Bullying, It Gets Better, Stephen Colbert, Suicide
COMMENT (1) • LINK
Red Sox Releases "It Gets Better" Video
As promised, the Red Sox video was released this morning:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOkWfueTNjk
Tags: Boston MA, It Gets Better, Massachusetts, Sports
Chicago Cubs: It Gets Better
It's worth noting that Cubs' co-owner Laura Ricketts is an out Lesbian. Your Chicago Cubs are now the second major league baseball team (and, I believe, the second major league sports team overall) to produce a video. San Francisco Giants released theirs three weeks ago. Boston Red Sox have also announced that they will release a video soon.
Tags: Chicago IL, Illinois, It Gets Better, Sports
Red Sox To Produce "It Gets Better" Video
Sam Maden
The Boston Red Sox have announced that they will become the third Major League Baseball team to produce a video for the "It Gets Better" anti-bullying campaign:
We are proud of dedicated Red Sox fans like 12-year-old Sam Maden who have taken the courageous step of publicly standing up against bullying of LGBT youth," said Susan Goodenow, Senior Vice President/Public Affairs and Marketing for the Red Sox, in a statement. "The Red Sox have frequently done PSA videos, or public service announcement videos, on important social issues. We are currently producing an "It Gets Better" video to support the It Gets Better campaign to stop bullying of LGBT youth and teen suicides. We hope that when it is released it will both reflect our continued commitment to be active participants in the community and help advance the efforts of Sam and others to stop bullying. Our team stands for respect and inclusion – there is no place for discrimination or acts of hatred in Red Sox Nation."
The announcement came after 12-year-old Sam Maden started an online petition asking the ball club to produce a video. Maden began the campaign after his seventh-grade teacher asked him to come up with a project that could "make a difference" in the world. More than 9,000 fans signed the petition.
This announcement not only demonstrates the power of one person to make a difference, but it also shows that the BoSox can still beat the Yankees.
Chicago Cubs To Produce "It Gets Better" Video
How about this announcement?
The Chicago Cubs will produce an "It Gets Better" video, which takes a stand against anti-gay bullying and homophobia. The project has been in the works for more than a week and is set to be filmed after the team returns to Wrigley Field from its current 10-game road trip.
…"The Cubs applaud the Giants for their stand against anti-LGBT bullying. Bullying of anyone for any reason is unacceptable," said Laura Ricketts, Cubs owner and board member. "We are proud to join the Giants in taking a stand against bullying and encourage other professional sports organizations to do the same."
Wrigly Field is located just a few blocks away from Chicago's Boys Town neighborhood, and has been a financial supporter of many LGBT organizations and charities in the Chicago area. In 2010, Laura Ricketts, an openly gay member of the Ricketts family who owns the Cubs, and retired shortstop and first baseman Ernie "Mr. Cub" Banks rode on the team's float in Chicago's Pride Parade. The Cubs will host "OUT at Wrigly" on July 17 when the Cubs take on the Florida Marlins. Maybe the Marlins can have a video out by then.
Earlier this week, the San Francisco Giants released their video for "It Gets Better," the anti-bullying campaign begun by Dan Savage and Terry Miller. A Boston Red Sox fan, twelve-year-old Sam Maden, has launched a campaign to get his favorite team to make a video as well.
San Francisco Giants: "It Gets Better"
There's hardly a gay male alive who wasn't tormented by jocks while in school, which is why this video by the San Francisco Giants so incredibly moving. The video features four current players — pitchers Matt Cain and Sergio Romo, outfielder Andres Torres and Cy Young Award winning pitcher Barry Zito — and Giants hitting coach Hensley "Bam Bam" Muelens.
Tags: California, It Gets Better, San Francisco CA, Sports