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Nan Croney
Nan received a Bachelor of Music in Piano Pedagogy from Utah State University. Since 1990, she has taught music and theory classes in her private studio and at the Utah State University Youth Conservatory. While at the conservatory she served on the Board of Directors and received both the Teaching Assistant of the Year and Teacher of the Year awards. Nan served on the Board of Directors for the Lincoln Youth Symphony in Brigham City, Utah for two years.
Nan completed every level of early childhood music training with Musikgarten. She served as a company elite Teacher Trainers for several years teaching workshops. Nan is a current member of the Early Childhood Music and Movement Association and is level II certified. She is also a member of the Music Teacher's National Association.
She loves to teach, develop curriculum, play the piano, sing, play ukulele, read, go camping, waterskiing & snowmobiling with her family, and enjoys cooking and eating out. Her favorite thing to do is take road trips with her family across the United States and go on dates with her awesome husband, Ronnie.
Tara Stander
Tara is a Utah State University graduate. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education with an Emphasis in Band and an Elementary Music Endorsement. She has taught band, choir and elementary music in Box Elder School District and at Promontory School. Tara has taught private flute, piano and voice lessons beginning in 2002.
Tara enjoys teaching private flute and piano lessons here at Harmony Arts Academy/CMG. She also has experience teaching Preschool, Years 1 & 2 in the Musikgarten Keyboard Program, as well as directing and accompanying our Children's Choir She is currently working on developing a wind program, starting with early flutes, for Harmony Arts Academy/CMG. Tara loves being part of the "aha" moments that students experience and loves brainstorming about how to make those happen!
You can usually find her cooking, eating, reading, keeping her husband company on the farm, playing with her furry friends and laughing with her two sons and daughter.
Our students love Tara's spontaneous sense of humor and have benefited greatly from her outstanding musicianship and creativity.
Erin Black
Erin spent two years at Snow College before transferring to Utah State University where she received a bachelor's degree in Social Work. She loved working with children and teens then, and still does now. Erin is very perceptive of student needs and has a gift of adapting to meet them in the moment.
Erin has been teaching piano for over 10 years and continues to teach private piano and voice from her home. She teaches Musikgarten Classes and has directed the Children's Choir at Harmony Arts Academy. Our students love her enthusiasm and positive energy.
Erin has four rowdy boys and one sweet little girl. She loves the positive influence that Musikgarten has on her family. Her favorite things usually involve her children, the outdoors, music, caramel or chocolate, and her very best friend (and husband), Trevor.
Marlene Black
Growing up, my mother taught me the basics of piano. She loved piano and had her first experience as a Primary pianist as a teen. She took piano lessons in college and spent many hours in the practice rooms. She received an associate degree in Music from BYU Hawaii.
She transferred to Brigham Young University in Provo and studied Human Behavior. She taught at the preschool on campus, and then developed her own preschool curriculum and taught preschool for two years.
She has taught children in many ways over the years both in her church community and in the public schools. For the past eleven years, she has hosted children's summer camps with music, stories, games, science, arts and crafts, and other activities.
Marlene and her husband have three sons, one daughter and a daughter-in-law. She is fascinated with the world, especially the clouds and the ocean. She loves to be in nature (unless it's cold outside. She loves to help children discover the beauty around them. She loves to travel and meet new people and cultures. She collects instruments from around the world and one day hopes to be able to play them.
Corinne studied two years as a piano major at the University of Utah and recently transferred to Utah State University to complete her Music BA degree. She studied privately with Professor Lenora Brown and currently studies Brody Craney. She loves playing piano, especially romantic and jazz styles. She also loves improvisation and composing.
She is very adventurous and energetic! She loves hiking, swimming, biking, sports, ice skating, long boarding, camping, skiing, and kayaking. She is always on the go and up for an adventure. She worked at a daycare for three years and taught piano for eight years. She loves working with kids and helping them develop a love for music.
Jacob Kropf
Jacob Kropf is a senior at Bear River High School. He plays with the drumline in the Marching Band and drums in the Jazz Band. He also competes with the Bear River High robotics team. He has been teaching at Harmony Arts since June of 2018.
Jacob teaches Drum and Ukulele classes. He started drumming in sixth grade, and has been playing the drums ever since. He started learning the ukulele when he was in eighth grade, and has played ever since. Jacob loves to learn new things, and is always ready for an adventure! He likes to go skiing, rock climbing, play music, solve problems, and spend time with his family.
Meet Lindsey Richards! Lindsey has studied piano since she was seven years old. She loves to play the piano, take pictures and spend time with her family.
Lindsey teaches Private Piano Lessons here at Harmony Arts Academy/CMG. Her students enjoy her sweet personality. She loves to get to know her students and teach them how to enjoy music. Her experience also includes assisting in Keyboard Classes and our Preschool of the Arts.
Becca Richardson
Becca is the youngest in a family of five children that are all musicians. Her entire family values the power of music as an integral part of life-long learning. She is in 9th grade and plays the violin in the orchestra. She also takes piano lessons. She would like to take formal dance training.
She loves music in all forms and finds joy in incorporating it into various tasks throughout the day. She truly has the ability to "whistle while [she] works!" Besides her love of music, Becca also loves children. She is so grateful for the opportunity to work for Miss Nan and share her happy heart and love of music with others.
Nathan Bodrero
Nathan is currently 13 years old (and wise beyond his years!), and has graduated from the Musikgarten Program. He has studied piano for 6 years, with more on the way! He is the oldest of seven children, five of which are boys. He loves to play soccer, as well as playing the piano and ukulele. He is good with kids, and is friendly, charismatic, and ready to help you have fun!
Nathan works at Harmony Arts Academy as a Lab Assistant and as a Teaching Assistant in Keyboard Classes.
Tabitha Hanson
Tabitah is new this year to CMG. Tabitha works as Lab Assistant and Office Aid. Tabitha has studied piano for ___ years... (more coming)
Kierste Carter
Kierste Carter keeps the books running smoothly for us here at Harmony Arts. It is her friendly voice on the other end of the phone when you have billing questions.
Kierste earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Utah State University, majoring in Family, Consumer and Human Development with and emphasis in Family Finance (financial counseling and education). Prior to working for CMG, Kierste worked for Intermountain Healthcare as a Patient Service Representative, where she also did billing, coding, audits, and processed financial assistance applications.
Kierste is married to Trent Carter and they are the parents of three boys.
Brooke Hirst
Brooke Hirst joins us this year in an administrative capacity. Brooke Reynolds Hirst holds Bachelor and Master's degrees from Utah State University in Piano Pedagogy and Performance, where she has also served as an adjunct faculty instructor since 2001. Brooke is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music through the Music Teacher's National Association, of which she has been a member for 23 years. Brooke also earned the distinction "Founding Teacher" from the Carnegie Hall Royal Conservatory Achievement Program, now known as The Royal Conservatory of Music Assessment Program.
Brooke is an active teacher and adjudicator, teaching students of all ages and abilities. Brooke also holds certification in Early Childhood Music courses through the Musikgarten program, and has taught music to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. When she isn't teaching or playing piano, Brooke spends time with her husband, Dennis and their 4-year-old daughter, Elle. She enjoys hiking, camping, sewing, and photo journaling.
Courtney Decker
Courtney graduated from BYU-Idaho with a degree in Theatre. She loves to create and any hand crafts are her cup of tea! Currently she teaches the Crochet Camp and assists in Giggle Gourmet class.
Courtney believes there is harmony and unity in life through music and creation; that we can spread happiness and light in any corner of the world if we create and learn, love and serve. She is a big fan of musicals and often sings them while she's at work. Some of her hobbies include: crochet, quilting and cross-stitch.
Shelby Hansen
Shelby has been playing the piano for over 6 years. Shelby recently though, grew to love piano again through the Harmony Arts program. She hopes to help her students find a love for music as she did. Shelby works as a Classroom Assistant and as a member of the Harmony Arts/CMG office staff.
Shelby loves to have fun! Camping, paddle boarding, and tennis are what she fills her days with.
Kim Hunsaker
Kim Hunsaker works as the fabulous Head of Social Media for Harmony Arts Academy/CMG. She says, "This has been a wonderfully fun, and sometimes a deep learning curve for me...but with Nan's support and faith in me; I have pushed forward and accomplished much, doing more than I thought I could. I finally feel useful, and am proud to achieve something outside of my comfort zone and family."
Kim was born in Payson, Utah, but raised in Rupert, Idaho. She grew up around music, joining her dad in church choir, taking voice lessons, and even choir in Junior High. Her uncle is an amazing pianist whom she's always admired for his extreme talent and skill! She never had a great opportunity to play piano, but when the opportunity came for her daughter, she was beyond excited to have her learn from Nan and her amazing teachers. Kim has always loved musicals, the original classic Rogers and Hammerstein kind, along with so many others of that era.
Kim is married to Robby Hunsaker. They have two daughters together. She home schools them and has since they were in Kindergarten…so 8 years and counting. She too was homeschooled for a good portion of her school life and enjoyed all of the possibilities to learning that she wasn't receiving in the traditional form of schooling. She loves that she can learn with them and explore so many things, so many ways. Kim shares, "There is learning in all we do and all around us, we just have to look for it. I love sharing that excitement with them!! In turn they are loving learning more!"
Emma Green
Emma went to school at Bear River and was a member of the Bear River Madrigals. She took part in many performances and was invited to State Solo and Ensemble. She has grown up loving music and has chosen to make it an important part of her life. Along with music she also loves running, dancing, swimming, diving, horseback riding, hiking, baseball, and just about anything outdoors. She loves working around little kids, especially when you add music.
Emma is a Classroom Assistant and is part of the Office Staff at Harmony Arts Academy/CMG.
© 2018 Harmony Arts Academy and Abrial Marroquin.


If you think our sponsors are going to leave quietly and just ride off into the sunset, well...think again.
"A cigarette is the perfect type of a perfect pleasure.
It is exquisite and leaves one dissatisfied.
What more can one want?"
Lord Henry, in "Dorian Grey", by Oscar Wilde.
Establish a declared mental and emotional position concerning the truth of cigarette smoking.
Be a tender of help to other 'smokerpersons' wishing to escape from the trap.
Exist as a warning to not smoke cigarettes, a vital resource for those who would come later.
Become part of a research into discovering quicker and better ways to get rid of cigarettes.
Be a useful record of a successful attempt in getting rid of cigarettes.
To find out whether or not creativity is dependant upon smoking.
The thought to name it "The Smokers' Home Companion" came after the first draft had been written when it became apparent as to what kind of a book it had to be.
Timing is crucial when it comes to writing a book like this. Who a person is, what they are feeling, what they know, everything about them gets transferred to the page. Had this book been written too soon, the author would not have had sufficent understanding of the problem to be of any real assistance: It might have had the reverse effect and driven the reader back to smoking! Much later and the author would have been too far removed from the problem and too remote for the book to hold a real and immediate enough currency, diluting its usefulness to the smokerperson needing help.
Because of a unique weather pattern a monster of a storm is spawned, everything has to be in the right place at the right time.
History is full of such events, where what went before set the stage for the phenomena that came next. But in all of history there is nothing quite like the astonishing rise of the cigarette. In the 1850's when cigarettes first appeared the time was ripe; they made a perfect fit with the industrial revolution and the growth of nascent consummerism. (This is not a sociological thesis, if it were it would need a book to do the subject justice - try Ashes to Ashes by Richard Kluger). A time when world manufacture, marketing and consumption was able to grow unchecked, like the cancers cigarette smoking foreshadowed. Everything, every aspect of human so called 'progress' from the mechanization of the military, advances in agriculture to the suffragette movement...etc got sucked into this 'perfect storm' of a perfect pleasure. It has temporarily(?) redefined humanity into 'Smoking' and 'Non-Smoking', 100 years after cigarettes were invented perhaps 50% of the industrialised world's population was smoking. What a staggering success for a single product! - PLEASE DON'T MISS THIS POINT.
It has been discovered that cigarette advertising has the greatest impact upon smokerpersons who have just stopped smoking. Upon viewing the advertisement, the still addicted inner worlds of the ex-smokerperson's body try and get through, like a child screaming to its mother in a Toyz-R-Us shop, with the message "Cigarettes! I want some Cigarettes!". The tobacco industry has honed its techniques through decades of research, backed up with very deep pockets; if cigarette advertising didn't work then the tobacco companies would not squander their profits on it. It works by being there at all times, like a spiders web, an alluring danger evoking wonder and at the same time appearing as part of the natural order. Sooner or later it must compel the response "try me". The tobacco companies say that the advertising is only there to persuade smokers to switch brands - and that is utter rubbish.
What the world awaits is 'A Time to No Longer Advertise Cigarettes'. Cigarette advertising reached its nadir with this Kool ad (from 1936) shown here on the left . Clearly the penguin taking the snapshot is meant to represent an adult and comparing the sizes makes the small penguin either a dwarf (unlikely!) or an eight year old child smoking a cigarette, presumably a Kool. The implication is that they are so mild even children can happily smoke them! The actual ad is a little longer and for completeness the copy is included and begins, "Watch a fellow light his first KOOL. See the mild surprise turn to the good old grin that shows he's found something. The smoke feels refreshingly cool. The throat relaxes. And best of all, the coolness of KOOLS doesn't interfere with the fine tobacco flavor - it's fully preserved. So try KOOLS for your throat and for pleasure's sake. And save the B&W coupon in each pack for handsome nationally advertised merchandise...and so on."
How to successfully Advertise 'Not Smoking' remains elusive. Most anti-smoking ads have little 'Impact' (Impact is also a term used by the cigarette companies to describe the effect of their cigarettes upon the unfortunate smokerperson!) suffering from little real research and even less financial backing. They will probably only work when they become a permanent part of the landscape and are as consistent, varied and appealing as those they have superceded. Its a tough proposition, there is no apparent 'immediate pleasure' in stopping. 'Don't Die Too Soon', is hard to get across to young adults who think they are immortal. 'Impotence', however, seems to strike a sympathetic chord. The shennanigans of the tobaccco companies are impossible to expose to people lacking in wisdom. Addiction is meaningless until a person discovers the fact.
Even more difficult to transfer is the knowledge that getting rid of cigarettes in a thorough manner requires the smokerperson to first address the issue of being their own person and not to rely upon 'others' or 'medical science' to solve the problem.
The cigarette companies have an easy time of it, since the idea of smoking is already deeply ingrained in our culture - cigarettes made their first modern appearance in the 1840's and slipped into the 20th century under the cover of modern militarism and fashion.
Imagine the problems Philip Morris would have had if Marlboro was the first cigarette ever to be made. How would they have gone about selling the idea of Cigarettes to a 1950's public? (If the FDA would have let them). Probably by an all out publicity blitz using every conceivable medium. Print ads may have used the fake news bulletin method - similar to the 1970's Merit roll out.
To explain a bit more about the product... "Recently perfected by a team of Philip Morris scientists, working secretly for seven years in our Virginia laboratories, a paper tube filled with the dried leaves of the tobacco plant has been designed as the modern way to relax. We call it 'Cigarette Smoking' and you're going to love it.
To give your ego a reason to smoke..."Think of being the first on the block to walk around all day blowing smoke..."
To explain what the smoke does... "You'll cough a bit and go dizzy and green at first, but later you'll find they taste great!"
Statement of truth in advertising... "We don't know what it does to humans or even whether or not it is dangerous, but at 30 cents a pack who's worrying."
Essential catch phrase..."The little white tube that will change the world...".
Folksy appeal section... "We chose the name "Cigarette" on the recommendation of the wife of our C.E.O in honor of her pet cat who is called "Cigarette" meaning little cigar. We have no idea what a 'Cigar' is but we are currently working on inventing one..."
To explain away the perplexing brand name... "We have named them 'Marlboro' in honor of the little town in upper New York where a local gardener accidentally invented cigarette smoking when trying to fumigate his Dahlias. Instead of making a spray, he put some dried tobacco leaves in a paper tube and lit them, the idea was to blow the insecticidal smoke over the infested plants. However he accidentally sucked some into his lungs, and ever since he has felt strangely compelled to repeat the process. A process which he finds to be relaxing and very enjoyable...".
A car does not stop all at once. One moment it is travelling at 65 mph, if in the next instance it has stopped then it hit a brick wall and has become a piece of crumpled metal. One moment a person is up and running at 50 cigarettes per day and if in the next instance they have stopped, then they will have become a piece of crumpled humanity... you may have experienced this...Or maybe others, who having experienced you in this state, urged you immediately to go back to smoking!
Does a person chose a date to start dating? No, it mostly just happens. Does a person choose a date to start smoking? No, mostly one day it just happens. Then what is all this fuss about supposed 'Quit Dates'? Nervous anticipation does not make for a successful outcome to any venture. Getting rid of cigarettes is like a divorce, so its important to write a good settlement beforehand. A lawyer friend could make one up - Philip Morris gets the ash trays, the lighters and the stink, the smoker gets to keep his or her health and the house! Like all divorces there will naturally be some bitter wrangling over visitation rights. Then, when its all sorted and agreed to, go to the cigarette divorce court and get the judge to confirm it all and make it final. By getting the preparations right, the crucial timings will on-goingly present themselves.
Dramtically throwing away those cigarettes should be avoided. It may have been a thirty year affair that now has to end and deserves to be properly finished. Taking the time to harvest those years will be rewarding and help effect a cleaner separation.


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IIE Announces Third Round of Qualcomm Global Scholars Program
Catherine Morris
202.326.7765 cmorris@iie.org
SAN FRANCISCO, February 16, 2018 – The Institute of International Education (IIE) has selected 48 award recipients of the Women Enhancing Technology (WeTech®) Qualcomm Global Scholars Program. The awardees are all female students pursuing engineering, computer science, information and communication technology (ICT), or other science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) related field at eligible universities in India, South Korea, and Taiwan.
"At IIE, we are committed to removing the barriers that women face in the STEM fields globally," said Maxmillian Angerholzer III, executive vice president at IIE. "Through critical initiatives like the WeTech Qualcomm Global Scholars program, we can take significant strides towards that goal."
Designed by IIE and wireless technology leader Qualcomm, the Global Scholars Program combines financial scholarship support with virtual mentorship to give women access to role models in the tech industry and to enhance their global competencies as well as their interpersonal and intercultural skills. The program aims to close the gender gap in STEM industries.
"Qualcomm is committed to providing STEM exposure and empowerment to students of all ages and backgrounds," said Erin Gavin, director of government affairs at Qualcomm. "Through our Global Scholars Program, we link women to scholarships, mentorships and technical-skills training so they are ready to enter the workforce and contribute to a more diverse industry, which will benefit society as a whole."
Last year, our @WeTech_Global program with @IIEWomen provided scholarships for 65 female college students in China, India, South Korea & Taiwan, pairing them w/ @Qualcomm employee mentors.
Learn more in the 2017 Qualcomm #sustainability report: https://t.co/WAdM7MJ1gD pic.twitter.com/uxWsZR2cqD
— QC Sustainability (@Qsustainability) January 25, 2018
Scholars will be matched with individual Qualcomm mentors over a six-month period in order to support and encourage the young women to succeed in their chosen fields. Piloted in 2015 in China and India and expanded to South Korea and Taiwan in 2016, the Global Scholars program has awarded scholarships to 65 women attending 14 universities in participating countries. Students in the third round of the scholarship attend 23 universities, including APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University, Soongsil University, and National Taiwan University.
Over 90 percent of past scholars report that their mentorships were effective in helping them reach their goals. A computer science scholar from China's EWHA Woman's University best encapsulates the impact of the WeTech program by saying, "I have grown exponentially in the past six months thanks to this program. Seeking advice from my mentor helped me realize what I want to specialize in going forward. I am so grateful to my mentor and the WeTech Qualcomm Global Scholar Program."
The Global Scholars Program is a part of IIE's and Qualcomm's long-term efforts to advance educational and professional opportunities for women and girls on a global scale.
About WeTech®
IIE's Women Enhancing Technology (WeTech®) is a consortium of dedicated partners led by IIE to design and support a series of innovative activities to provide training, build networks and offer professional opportunities. WeTech® helps women and girls enter and succeed in technology careers, with the goal of enhancing women's talent and skills needed to fuel technological and economic growth.
About the Institute of International Education (IIE)
IIE has been a world leader in international education since 1919. IIE works to build more peaceful and equitable societies by advancing scholarship, building economies and promoting access to opportunity. As a not-for-profit with 18 offices and affiliates worldwide, IIE collaborates with a range of corporate, government and foundation partners across the globe to design and manage scholarship, study abroad, workforce training and leadership development programs.
Through its Center for Women's Leadership Initiatives, IIE provides opportunities for women worldwide to participate in cutting-edge training, professional development and exchange programs and pursue higher education. Our programs help women to develop and join networks of peers, mentors and experts and serve as effective leaders in the public and private sectors around the world.
About Qualcomm
Qualcomm invents breakthrough technologies that transform how the world connects and communicates. When we connected the phone to the Internet, the mobile revolution was born. Today, our inventions are the foundation for life-changing products, experiences, and industries. As we lead the world to 5G, we envision this next big change in cellular technology spurring a new era of intelligent, connected devices and enabling new opportunities in connected cars, remote delivery of health care services, and the IoT — including smart cities, smart homes, and wearables. Qualcomm Incorporated includes our licensing business, QTL, and the vast majority of our patent portfolio. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, operates, along with its subsidiaries, all of our engineering, research and development functions, and all of our products and services businesses, including, the QCT semiconductor business. For more information, visit Qualcomm's website, OnQ blog, Twitter and Facebook pages.
WeTech Qualcomm Team, WeTechQualcomm@iie.org
Catherine Morris, cmorris@iie.org, +1 (202) 326-7765

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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10 Things Foreigners Should Know About the Philippines
As a local, we all have those moments wherein we want to offload TONS of fun and interesting facts about our country to foreigners who might have misconceptions — or who might simply have no idea at all about certain facets of our history and society.
That's why starting today, I am launching a series on this blog in which I will regularly feature 10 interesting facts for every country worldwide. The best part…? These articles will be written by the locals themselves; so needless to say, it will absolutely be authentic and legit.
As a monthly post, I will continue to invite various locals from all over the globe to talk about their home country! Surely there will be times that certain countries will have multiple contributors, but every writer will only talk about 10 things each and I will even ensure that the 10 points in each article will not be the same.
Now, I'm very excited about this because not only will it be an informational piece for you guys, but it will also be an informational piece for me! I just LOVE learning about other countries; so what better way than to ask the locals themselves, right?
To start off this series, I will of course start with myself as I talk about the Philippines — my beloved home country!
What to Do in the Philippines?
Come and check out this list of the top things to do in the Philippines which features the best activities and tours to do in places like Boracay, Manila and more!
#1 – Geography & Safety
Officially known as the Republic of the Philippines, we are an archipelago in Southeast Asia located east of Vietnam and north of Malaysia. We have around 7,107 islands — of which only 2,000 are inhabited and these are categorized broadly under 3 divisions: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao (with Manila as the capital that is located in Luzon).
Speaking of Mindanao, past incidents made by radical groups in these southern islands have given foreigners the false impression that it is not safe to travel to the Philippines; but such is NOT true! Those were isolated and special cases, and are definitely not the norm. In fact, one of the cities in Mindanao called as Davao has a very low crime rate and is even claimed to be one of the safest cities in Asia.
But okay, there is still crime in the country but much like any Asian destination, it's not so serious nor threatening as long as you stay street smart.
TRIVIA ABOUT SAFETY: We love Manny Pacquiao with a passion. We are fiercely proud and supportive of him that during his fights, most (if not ALL) of us will be at home or in public places watching the TV and cheering him on. Because of this, you will see two dominant 'miracles' happening across the country: non-existent traffic and ridiculously low crime rate (dropping to below 1%).
Trust me, it's true. To illustrate: back in 2011 rebels and government soldiers had a ceasefire as they came together and watch Manny's fight.
As for weather and natural occurrences, the Philippines mainly has two seasons: dry and wet. Dry season starts in late November and ends in May, and the wet season primarily starts in June until October. If you're in one of the big cities like Manila, be wary when it rains too hard since floods primarily happen due to poor irrigation and sewage infrastructure. Additionally, given how we're close to the equator, the Philippines is also prone to earthquakes and typhoons — rest assured, they don't happen that often to make you get all anxious about traveling here.
#2 – The People & Our Pride
With a population of about 100 million, we are the 7th-most populated country in Asia and the 12th most populated country in the world (with an additional 12 million of Filipinos who live and work overseas — these workers are commonly called 'OFWs' or Overseas Filipino Workers).
For the record, we're called Filipinos — NOT 'Philipinos'. (Females can be specifically called as Filipinas).
We also call ourselves Pinoys which you should pronounce as P-noy (with a short 'P') and not 'Pee-noy'. In connection with this word, we often like to say this phrase: "Proud to be Pinoy" or "Pinoy Pride" especially when we see any international celebrity or rising star who even has the slightest hint of Filipino blood in their body… Okay maybe not often: always. This is why there is this running joke on the internet that whenever someone popular worldwide has a quarter or a tiny hint of Filipino ancestry, people will start saying things like: "Brace yourselves, the proud Filipinos are coming." Haha! But of course, it helps to note that some of us are also tired whenever our fellowmen keep claiming just about anyone who might be related to our ancestry.
On the other hand, though we are very proud of ourselves and our country, we are VERY sensitive as well. We got no chill especially when it's something bad about us — this means that if you ever have anything bad to say about the Philippines or our fellow countrymen, HELL WILL BREAK LOOSE ON YOU. Guaranteed. Examples:
Teri Hatcher, an actress from the show Desperate Housewives, who made a comment about Filipino nurses on the show had enraged Filipinos, and our government even demanded an apology from her. (Yes, even if it was just a fictional show and that the screenwriters were the ones who have made her say that).
Actress Claire Danes was declared as a persona-non grata in 1998 when she made 'bad' comments about Manila after shooting a movie there called as Breakdown Palace. I'm not sure if up till today she's still declared as so.
In 2012, Justin Bieber who is not a Pacquiao-belieber ridiculed Manny Pacquiao in 2012 after he lost a fight to Juan Manuel Marquez by posting a series of photos that mocked his knockout loss. Naturally, a huge number of Filipinos went mad about that and some lawmakers even filed for a request to demand an apology from the singer or else he'll be declared as a persona-non grata too. Pacquiao on the other hand, just didn't care and said that he'll pray for Bieber.
(Seemingly though, we mostly only get mad if the comments are made by foreigners since if it's a fellow Filipino that's joking or making a comment, we normally just brush it off.)
By the way, if I may add, even in the blogging scene, people are saying that some bloggers make intentional bad comments and articles online about the Philippines just to enrage the Filipinos and get more traffic or worldwide attention. (Now guys, don't take advantage of us, okay?)
NOTE: Rest assured, not everyone in the country is this touchy, but yeah… generally, as you can see, the majority are.
#3 – Happiness & Mentality
On the other end of the spectrum however, we are VERY friendly and happy people. No matter if most of us Filipinos are poor, we are recognized as one of the world's happiest nations and it's mainly because… we just are. We always try to look for the silver lining behind any dire situation. We make the best out of things! No matter what misfortunes we may have — lack of money, floods, crazy typhoones, etc. — our positivity shines through. I guess we know full well the phrase: "Sh*t just happens." so we move on and continue to persevere.
Sounds too good to be true? You'll know what I mean when you get here.
Moreover, we also LOVE foreigners and we love it even more if you visit our country and fall in love with it. We absolutely have colonial mentality and that's because we were colonized by white people for a very long time (Spaniards for 377 years and Americans for 48 years) yet in the end, it's the Americans that we have developed a really soft spot for.
I say this because if you're an American or white person who visits the country, you will notice a LOT of things:
You will be treated like a KING. You'll experience prime service and friendliness (but this is not to say that Filipinos are not warm and friendly to each other and to any other race, because we are — it just so happens that most people go to the extreme when dealing with white people).
You can become an instant celebrity (mostly in the more rural areas) as people flock to you, ogle, take pictures, or try their English.
Strangers calling you: "Joe" in a friendly way is a common thing even if you might not in fact be, American. We also use the term "Kano" for Americans which derives from the word 'Amerikano'.
One example of a drawback to this though is that since they know that you're a foreigner, you'll sometimes be charged way over the normal price or even be scammed; so it's best to be informed about the typical prices beforehand.
Nevertheless, despite all this special treatment, remember: DON'T let it get to your head. I've met and seen a lot of white people who become too arrogant after knowing this fact, but please don't be one of those people because we do NOT worship just about every white individual — a large portion of the population just simply admire them. Besides, like I mentioned in the previous number, if you 'wrong' us we will not hesitate to go against you.
NOTE: This favoritism can also be observed with Filipinos' intense desire for whiter skin. You will even notice that most of our celebrities have mixed native Filipino and white ancestry, or have fair white skin.
#4 – Catholicism
We are a secular state but Christianity is the dominant faith. As of 2011, about 80% of the population are Catholics (with Islam as the 2nd largest) and we are also the 3rd largest Catholic country in the world in terms of numbers. (This is why sometimes, foreigners that I've met are very surprised when they meet Filipinos like me who are atheists).
Given these facts, it's no news that our church (or our faith — since as you can see, most Filipinos are Catholics) has an EXTREME influence not only in the political scene but even in the social and personal lives of everyone.
EXAMPLES: Most of the citizens are still very conservative, divorce is still not allowed, abortion is still viewed as immoral, and even the Reproductive Health Law that guarantees free access to contraceptives for all citizens was fiercely opposed by the church for over 14 YEARS until it was finally passed as a bill in 2012 and approved in 2014. Naturally, up until today, the church still opposes it.
I guess the only irony about this is that even if we are fiercely religious, the majority have no problems with gays or transexuals in the country — which we have a LOT of. Certainly, being 'pro-gay' hints that we are also progressive and I find this as a good thing, but of course there are still people who look down on it or could not tolerate it.
#5 – Language
There are approximately 180 languages and dialects in the Philippines but there are two official languages: English and Filipino (standardized version of Tagalog).
This means that the country is very tourist-friendly — well, provided that you, as a tourist, knows how to speak English. But of course, there are some parts of the Philippines that can't speak fluent English (or even Filipino/Tagalog) but almost everyone can understand and utter simple English no matter if they have little to no education.
Besides, as connected to the colonial mentality that we have, we are proud of how we can speak English (some people even go as far as forcing, if not learning, a U.S. accent).
TRIVIA: We have a really competent English-speaking workforce that's why we have a LOT of call centers in the country. Koreans normally flock to our country to learn English as well! Moreover, because of how almost everyone in the country speaks English, most expats don't bother learning Filipino/Tagalog.
#6 – Transportation
Photo by Jeff Jacinto via Flickr / CC
We have nice expressways but relatively, our overall transportation infrastructure is underdeveloped. We also have the worst traffic. (We, of course, blame the government for that).
Anyhow, one of the most popular modes of public transportation in the Philippines are the jeepneys which we also often use as a symbol for the country. These were originally made or inspired out from US military jeeps that were left behind after World War II. Today, they are decorated flamboyantly in various colors! Though they act like buses, they are not air-conditioned and they can stop just about ANYWHERE for as long as you say "Para!" ("Stop!").
The next most common public transport vehicle are tricycles which are motorcycles that have an attached side car for passengers — these are basically like taxis that can take you to anywhere you want. There are also the pedicabs which are similar to rickshaws given how they operate by cycling.
FYI: For a jeepney ride, Php 8.00 (pesos or $0.18) is the minimum fare; more is added after 4 kms. As for tricycles, it's usually at Php 12.00 — less if you share with other persons whereas pedicabs are more costly. For taxis, the flag-down base rate should be Php 40.00 ($0.85) so it's really cheap especially if you come from a developed country.
#7 – Concept of Family
Below photo by Mommysaurus75 via Flickr / CC
Another thing that you should know about the Philippines is that, family is VERY important and almost every family is close. But this 'closeness' is not just limited between the parents and the children because it also includes the relatives!
Some other facts:
You will often see extended families in Filipino homes and every celebration can be really festive since almost all the members under the family tree can be present! (Christmas, New Year, birthdays, etc. with the ever present karaoke spree.) You'll best see this if you can manage to stay in with a Filipino family; so maybe try couchsurfing or a homestay? Then again, once you befriend a Filipino, you'll most likely be invited to one of their happenings.
It's normal for sons and daughters to stay at home with their parents even after they are 18, and most of the time, parents have a strong 'say' about their children's future. It's not surprising to see people following a university course or doing a job that's dictated by their parents.
Once the children are married, they are free to choose to stay in with their parents or separate. Anyhow, there is this saying that, "When you marry a Filipino, you marry the whole family." and that's so true!
We respect our parents a lot so even the idea of sending them to a nursing home is unthinkable. Most of the time it's the eldest of the family or the child who is the most 'well-off' who takes the parents in until they pass.
More about respect, we usually attach an appropriate title for those who are older than us, like "Ate" or "Tita" for girls or "Kuya" and "Tito" for guys (example: "Ate Aileen" or "Kuya Jonas"). We also add the word "po" at the end of our sentences when we are talking to elders.
Plus, every time we meet our elders we do a "mano" gesture which is a sign of respect and an acceptance of their 'blessing' (we put the hand of the elder to our forehead — see photo on the side to see how it's done).
#8 – A Social Media Capital
There was a time that the Philippines was dubbed as the "Text Capital of the World" as 35 million people send about 450 million text messages daily. Today, we are being dubbed as the "Social Media Capital of the World" or the "Most Social Nation" as well given how we have the most active users on social networks like Facebook and Twitter. (Time magazine had even previously titled us as the "Selfie Capital of the World".)
This claim fully supports the incidences previously mentioned in point #2 because we can easily make our voices heard all over the world if we ever feel the need to say something about some people or some issues. What does this mean for you? Nothing much really, but it's a nice fact to know. I guess the things you'll just have to prepare for are frequent instances of picture-taking and Filipinos adding you up in their Facebook accounts — "accounts" because some people have a Facebook account for home, another one for work, another for friends, etc.
To even better display our power in social media, just look up on the "AlDub" social media phenomenon that's still currently going on in the country. Over the past months, the hashtag #ALDUB had a record-breaking performance on Twitter as it trended with over 25.6 million tweets in just one day! Today, it continues to trend over at Twitter that programs like BBC and Bloomberg have taken notice.
#9 – It's More Fun Here! (+ Inexpensive)
You've probably heard of the phrase "It's more fun in the Philippines!", a successful campaign of our Department of Tourism as it promotes the beauty of the country — and you should totally believe this claim. We have TONS of amazing things to offer you such as white sand beaches, pristine islands, exotic locations, turquoise waters and more! Simply put: we are an underrated South East Asian destination and you must know that we are the epitome of your tropical dreams! ;)
Remember: there's more to the Philippines than the widely-known Boracay and the urban Manila. And don't worry about traveling inter-island because almost all of the islands are well connected (the only problem you'll probably encounter is that it may take time to get from point A to point B since boat or bus rides can take a while).
As for costs, we have budget airlines that regularly hold promos thereby giving you rock-bottom prices that can be as low as $10 for a one-way flight. Cost of living can cost around $700 per month in the big cities and can go lower if you go to the more rural areas. (Our currency is the Philippine Peso [Php] and your $1 can already amount to around Php 45.00 which can already buy you a meal).
#10 – Early Christmas Celebration
Since it's the holiday season at the time of this post, why not expose you to a Christmas-related fun fact about the Philippines? You see, apart from the 'Holy Week', Christmas is another event that we LOVE to do and we usually start celebrating it as early as September and ends sometime in January. Yes, you read it right: September!
People will start saying stuff like "-Ber months are here!" claiming that the weather is slowly getting 'chillier' (when it fact it's not) and then public + private establishments will start setting up Christmas decorations. You will also start to hear Christmas songs being played in the malls or on the radio! Yes, it is that festive.
Things we do during this season:
Simbang Gabi (Night Mass) where Catholics attend masses from December 16 to 24 and these occur at various times (as early as 03:00 AM!!). This is a way of honoring the Virgin Mary and also a way of anticipating the coming Christmas Day.
On the last day of the Night Masses (Misa de Gallo), Filipino families will get together to celebrate Noche Buena as they eat a BIG feast — 'lechon' or roasted suckling pig is almost always the center of this occasion.
The whole Christmas celebration ends on the 1st Sunday of January as we celebrate the Feast of the Three Kings.
There's a lot MORE interesting facts about the Philippines that I can further discuss — but! I'll leave it to the future Filipino guest posters to discuss those other things. For now, let's just end it with these 10 things.
Now remember, this series will happen monthly so keep an eye out for the next country that I'll be featuring. Also, to keep an eye out for this series, you can click the banner below and take note of its link:
Are you excited for this series?
If you're a Filipino, do you agree with the points that I made above? What else can you add?
If you're a foreigner, what items above do you find interesting or intriguing?
Categories: Asia, Facts From Locals Worldwide, Philippines, Travel & Adventure Tags: Customs & Habits
« Older Comments 1 … 3 4 5
Great article.Thank you. Planning our trip until December this year.
Silly question maybe, but i need to know :)
How is it with the amount of insects in the Philippines? Me, personally has a fobia for crawling insects, and if i can avoid them i'm glad.
I know of course, there is a lot of cockroach and spiders for example , in most asian and warmer countries. I guess locals are used to them and dont make a big deal if they cross the floor or the sink etc.?, but how can i as a tourist avoid (most of) them? Even heard of flying cockroaches that can end up in your face at night while walking in the streets. Is that true? :D
Where will you be traveling to? Of course it depends on the sanitation of the place you're staying in. Most hotels and accommodations are clean if you pick well, so you won't encounter much cockroaches or spiders. What you'll probably worry about in matter of insects is when you go outdoors in the nature — ensure you have mosquito repellant to avoid getting bitten.
Fantastic article... Now I understand why I have so many Filipino friends in America!


The Amsterdam-based company operates in fifty countries. Up until now primarily in the northern hemisphere, but if it is up to founder Rudolf Booker and Operational Director Gijs op de Weegh, there will be a global network. That is why they are setting their sights on the major economies to the south of the equator.
Service providers such as Payvision are referred to as Payment Service Providers (PSP). But even in this category, the company is the odd one out. Where other PSPs constitute the connecting link between the different banks and the credit card company, Payvision itself performs the tasks of the web shop's bank, also referred to as the acquirer.
Payvision is the only company in the world with a network like this that allows banks to join up. In 2013, the company won an award for this idea during the international Card Not Present Expo, a trade fair for online payments in the United States.


iStreet's FASTER Managed IT Service Level monitors and manages your cloud-hosted IT services for consistent and reliable performance.
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Customized Options: We can develop a customized cloud IT service package to meet the unique needs of your business. If your company has existing IT staff, a variety of business units and diverse technologies to support, a customized managed hosting solution will improve company-wide communication and collaboration.
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text:
Varisoft war die Produktbezeichnung für ein spezielles Porträtobjektiv der Firma Minolta.

Das Minolta Varisoft 2,8/85 mm wurde für die Minolta-Spiegelreflexkameras mit manueller Scharfeinstellung für das Minolta SR-Bajonett mit MD-Kupplung hergestellt.

Gegenüber üblichen Objektiven weist es einen zusätzlichen Einstellring auf, mit dessen Hilfe ein veränderlicher Weichzeichnereffekt erzielt wird. Im Gegensatz zu älteren Weichzeichner-Objektiven ist dieser Objektivtyp in "Nullstellung" vollständig auskorrigiert und damit auch für alle anderen Gebiete der Fotografie einsetzbar.

Bei der Varisoft-Konstruktion handelt es sich um ein Objektiv mit sechs Linsen in fünf Gruppen. Das Gewicht des metallgefassten Objektivs beträgt 430 g, der Durchmesser ca. 70 mm, das Filtergewinde 55 mm. Von dem Objektiv gab es drei Varianten, die sich allerdings lediglich in der Beschriftung unterschieden. Die ersten beiden Varianten, die von 1977 bis 1981 produziert wurden, hießen Minolta Varisoft Rokkor für den außer-amerikanischen Markt bzw. Minolta Varisoft Rokkor-X für den amerikanischen Markt. Nachdem Minolta die allgemeine Objektivbezeichnung Rokkor aufgegeben hatte, wurde die Beschriftung ab ca. 1981 auf Minolta Varisoft gekürzt.

Andere Kamerahersteller griffen das Konzept der variablen Weichzeichnung später auf, und auch für Minolta-Autofokuskameras mit A-Bajonett gab es eine vergleichbare Objektivkonstruktion, das Minolta AF 2,8/100 mm Soft Focus, ebenfalls mit kontinuierlich verstellbarer Weichzeichnung. Auch dieses Objektiv ist in Stellung "0" normal scharf zeichnend. Das Soft-Focus-Objektiv lässt sich auch noch an DSLR-Gehäusen von Konica Minolta (Dynax, Maxxum, Alpha) und Sony (Alpha)  mit A-Bajonett verwenden.

Einzelnachweise

Minolta-Objektiv

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Justerini & Brooks 20 Yr old Malt scotch whisky 1970's
Justerini & Brooks 20 Yr old Malt scotch whisky 1970's
A unique product produced by Justerini & Brooks Ltd of James Street London who are the Queens Wine Merchants.
A 20 Year old malt Scotch presented in a square decanter with the glass stopper included seperately.
In Very Good condition. We estimate this to be from the 1970's
75 proof 26 2/3 Fl Ozs
Guide Price : €80-€120
The Lowlands
The region has five currently producing whisky distilleries: Ailsa Bay,in Girvan owned by William Grant & Sons, Glenkinchie distillery, near Edinburgh; Auchentoshan, near Clydebank; and Bladnoch in Galloway and Annandale Distillery in Annan. Another distillery Daftmill in Fife has started distilling but have not yet brought a single malt to market. Three further new distilleries have opened in recent years: The Glasgow Distillery Company in Glasgow, Kingsbarns distillery and InchDairnie distillery both in Fife. Distilleries are also planned at Lindores Abbey at Ardgowan. At least six other lowland single malts are still available, but are no longer distilled: Rosebank, Kinclaith, St. Magdalene, Ladyburn, Inverleven, and Littlemill. Traditionally Lowland single malts are triple distilled (though this has not been true of all of them), often giving them a lighter taste.


text:
Monster Map of Clan Hunt in Heavensward!

http://tenderfeel.github.io/MobMap/

# For developers

## Library

* jQuery
* jQueryMobile
* Underscore
* Backbone
* Handlebars

## Need Modules
* node.js
* npm
* gulp

## Install

```
npm install
```

## gulp commands

* watch
* image
* webpack
* serve(:dist)

## karma

```
karma start
```

## gh-pages

It makes the dist directory to gh-pages branch.

```
git push origin `git subtree split --prefix dist master`:gh-pages --force
```

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Pinterest kitchen backsplash glass tile is one images from 43 beautiful glass tile kitchen backsplash of Dolinskiy Design photos gallery. This image has dimension 722x964 Pixel and File Size 1090 KB, you can click the image above to see the large or full size photo. Previous photo in the gallery is ocean glass tile linear backsplash subway outlet. For next photo in the gallery is glass tile backplash ideas backsplash tiles kitchen. You are viewing image #16 of 43, you can see the complete gallery at the bottom below.


Depending upon the species, the hosts for parasitic nematodes can be insects, plants, and animals. Approximately 60 species of nematodes (roundworms) are parasites in humans. Here is some information on the human and plant parasitic nematodes.
Nematodes are a group of pseudocoelomate animals, classified under the separate phylum Nematoda. Their digestive tract is a tube-like structure with openings at both ends, thus they are often described as organisms with a tube within a tube. Although there are beneficial species, the number of parasitic organisms is relatively more.
Of the total 28,000 scientifically known pseudocoelomate animals, it is estimated that nearly 16,000 are harmful in some way or the other. Scientists are of the opinion that there might be around one hundred thousand pseudocoelomate animals.
Both parasitic (leech-like organism) and beneficial nematodes are characterized by the presence of pseudocoe (a false body cavity), which is why the term pseudocoelomate is used to define these invertebrates.
The body encloses a false body cavity that is lined by three distinct layers. It is believed that the body cavity is lost as a result of mutation in successive generations. These invertebrates may attack insects, plants, or animals.
These parasites can attack the muscles, intestines, and other bodily tissues in humans. The modes of entry include bite by an infected vector, unintentional ingestion of eggs through consumables, and penetrative entry via skin. Examples are as follows.
Represented scientifically as Ascaris lumbricoides, this is a pink-colored, large leech-like species (35 cm in length). Infection by roundworms occurs after ingesting contaminated food or through soil.
The whip-like species is known as whipworm (Trichuris trichiura). It is transmitted from contaminated soil. In case of mild intestinal infections, it might be asymptomatic.
Of the several parasitic species, pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) causes the highest number of infections in the United States. This parasite is small in size (about 13 mm in length), and this infection occurs after ingestion of the eggs.
Under hookworm, there are two species called Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus. As per medical data, they are the second leading intestinal parasites found in humans. At the time of infection, the larvae penetrate human skin.
Infection of trichina (Trichinella spiralis) is called trichinosis. This parasite might be present in pork, and the person is infected by the consumption of undercooked pork. The larvae from the stomach later migrate to the muscular tissues.
A scoop of garden soil contains hundreds of nematodes. Thus, the damage to the plants usually occurs in the underground root system, as the roots are in direct contact with the parasitic organisms in the soil. They may make their way to the upper portion and feed on different plant parts. Common nematodes for plants are as follows.
This is the most destructive invertebrate genus (Meloidogyne), in which some species are capable of infecting more than 1,000 plants. After infection in lawn grass and other plants, they feed in specific root areas and cause formation of root galls.
Unlike the root-knot, this group affects the upper plant parts such as leaves, bulbs, and stems. They are classified under the genus Ditylenchus, and the name of the species vary according to the strain.
In comparison to the root-knot, this invertebrate is parasitic in a narrow range of host plants. A commonly identified cyst invertebrate is Globodera pallida that exclusively attacks potato plants.
Classified under the taxonomic genus Pratylenchus, this parasitic organism causes necrotic lesions in various part of ornamental plants, fruits, coffee, corn, and other crops.
Identified by the scientific name, Tylenchulus semipenetrans, this parasitic organism affects citrus fruit plants. In severe cases, its symptoms mimic nutritional deficiency, and it causes a slow decline in the fruit yield.
The life cycle of nematodes differs according to the species. In general, the life cycle of the beneficial and the parasitic organism encompasses six stages. Starting with the egg stage, it hatches into larva, followed by three other immature stages, before entering the matured adult stage.


LA VISTA, Neb. – Sept. 26, 2013 – Jim Lammers of Lammers & Peters Wealth Plan in Omaha, Neb., has been named national president of the Society of Financial Service Professionals (FSP). Lammers is a registered representative of Securities America and an investment advisor representative of Securities America Advisors, wholly owned subsidiaries of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. (NYSE MKT: LTS).
Founded in 1928, the Society of Financial Service Professionals is the standard bearer for excellence in professionalism, advanced continuing education, and ethical guidance for the nation's top financial advisers. The society has approximately 14,000 members, each of whom holds one or more of the following recognized financial service credentials: AEP®,CASL®, CEBS®, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®,CIMA®,CLF®,CLU®, CPA,CPC, CPCU, CTFA, Enrolled Actuary, JD, MSFS/MSM, Masters/PhD in Financial Services,REBC®, RHU®.
Lammers, a 25-year member of FSP, served on the society's national board of directors and as a past president of the society's Omaha Chapter. He was a 2003 winner of the Paul S. Mills Scholarship, awarded annually to society members who have demonstrated a strong commitment to ethical business practices, professional education, and volunteerism.
In 1995, Lammers formed his own independent financial practice and selected Securities America as his broker-dealer. His wife, Beatrice, has worked in the firm as a sales assistant since 1997.
Lammers earned the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation in 1984 through the College of Financial Planning and the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designations in 1988 from the American College. His roles in professional and community organizations have included past president of the Nebraska Institute of Certified Financial Planners; past president of the Financial Planning Association of Nebraska; past Chapter Leadership Resource Council for the Financial Planning Association (national); past president of the Nebraska General Agents & Managers Association; past board president of Community Alliance Inc.; current board of directors of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors; and past member of the Metro Area Transit Board committee for hourly employees' pension plan.
Lammers received the 2002-2003 Quality of Life Award and the 2007 Agent of the Year Award from the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and the 2000 Nebraska CFP® Licensee of the Year Award from the Financial Planning Association.
Advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc., an SEC Registered Investment Advisory Firm. Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Lammers and Peters Wealth Plan is not affiliated with Securities America.


Welcome to Metro South East inc Affiliated to Swimming NSW Metro South East Area (MetSEA) was formed in March 2008 from the amalgamation of Eastern Suburbs, City of Sydney, St George and parts of Western Suburbs districts. The Area has over 35 clubs and covers a large area of south eastern Sydney. The area takes in clubs from Vaucluse in the east to Burwood in the west and down to the Sutherland Shire and Engadine in the south. MetSEA was established with the objective to conduct, encourage, promote, advance and administer swimming and development activities with the area.


Transient-items-with-pointers (from the analogy with computer software in the last piece) would be a blatant straw-man if it misrepresented existing theories. But no theory really explains how sentence structure is implemented and, in this piece, knocking down the idea is perfectly legitimate.
Mental architecture is being emphasised because, together with the sensorimotor channels available for phonological sending and receiving, it determines how language operates. Human language is contingent on these characteristics, not vice versa. The characteristics started evolving to meet other needs in precursor species, not specifically to meet universal needs of language.
Homo sapiens has in effect a single, half-duplex send/receive channel. This leads to phenomena such as canonical sequencing of predicate and arguments, for example Subject then Verb then Object in English. An extra-terrestrial might have multiple channels working in parallel. ET could send or receive S+V+O all at the same instant (assuming S, V and O are universal).
The vocal/auditory or signing/visual channels humans use are well understood and the resulting constraints are obvious. But mental architecture is still the subject of speculation amongst neuroscientists, and its effect on human language has been largely ignored by linguists.
These thoughts are based on zero knowledge and therefore need some other justification. The alternative view would be that the physiological infrastructure supporting language evolved specifically for the purpose. But that leads to a chicken-and-egg paradox and would also fail to constrain speculation about mental architecture.
Theories of human language processing start neatly with the brain as a sort of computing device. But a theory rarely specifies which of the possible definitions of 'computing' it uses. In most theories the tacit assumption seems to be a device that performs like a stored-program computer. This is understandable because every academic is now familiar – as user or programmer – with electronic devices. Understandable, but are they misled by their experience of unlimited richness and variety of function and data? Is that why there is a rich variety of theories and no clear winner 57 years on from Chomsky (1957)?
A location may accommodate a data value on which the operation is performed; or it may be a point within the program itself holding the instruction to be performed next (instead of defaulting to the next in sequence). This is the underlying architecture enabling electronic computing to be applied in so many ways.
If the brain worked in a similar way, human language processing could be as described in LS3 and 4 – including the pointers needed for efficiency. A pointer in one item would point to the location of another item, permanent or transient.
For that to be possible the brain's storage must be addressable but neuroscience provides no evidence of addressability.
Could the issue of addressability be avoided? An alternative architecture might execute instructions in a small number of special locations, perhaps with particular ones dedicated to particular operations. These locations would be somewhat like a computer's 'registers' (which are distinct from its much larger RAM). Perhaps one instruction could involve more than two registers, thus enriching the functionality that can be achieved.
But each language user stores a large number of words. Somehow the connection between a vocabulary of 105 stored words and sentence structures has to be explained. A program cannot operate on items selected from large-volume data without addressability.
Could the assumptions here about how the items in a structure are stored be wrong? Meaning might be localised rather than distributed. It might be copied to transient items. And items in a structure might be gathered into a set of registers.
But there would still be a need for addressability to allow the program to vary the sequence in which its instructions are executed in order to deal with particular situations. For example in John kissed Lucy, it becomes necessary to delete the junction between John and kissed when Lucy is encountered; but such deletion doesn't occur following every incoming word.
Alert readers will realise that we could be on the verge of iconoclasm. Is anyone alert enough to find a flaw in the argumentation thus far? If no one shouts, the next piece will take you into unfamiliar territory.


Public Engagement: Site hasn't been updated in 2 years?
Public EDI doesn't seem to include any non-public datasets: http://catalog.data.gov/dataset/data-json PDL: Public Engagement: Site hasn't been updated in 2 years?
Suggestions from key users on additional agency data resources to release include: • Post departmental business and program award data from reports and tables in reports, also as Comma-Separated Values (CSV) or APIs for easier access • Make program competition and award data more open and syndicated • Provide more granular, school-level data whenever possible within guidelines to protect student privacy The Department's Data Strategy Team has representatives from every program office Department-wide. The group continues to post more data in downloadable formats, and to explore a department-wide solution to make it easier to warehouse large datasets and create APIs. The Office of Communications and Outreach is working on a Program Information Publishing System, which is currently in a business process reengineering phase to plan for a new ED.gov customer experience with open program data, more intuitive discovery and search tools, and potential for user customization and automated updates. The Department continues to work to release school-level data whenever possible while still protecting student privacy, and being mindful of mosaic-effect risks. The most recent Civil Rights Data Collection release in March 2014 provided school-level data (http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/expansive-survey-americas-public-schools-reveals-troubling-racial-disparities). This is the first time since 2000 that the Department has compiled data from all 97,000 of the nation's public schools, and its 16,500 school districts—representing 49 million students. And for the first time ever, state-, district- and school-level information is accessible to the public in a searchable online database at http://crdc.ed.gov.


text:
This California Town Is A Perfectly Preserved Victorian Village
Many of its well-maintained landmarks date back to the 1850s.
By Maria Carter
The entire community of Ferndale is a state-designated historical landmark.
Settled in 1852 and incorporated in 1893, Ferndale is known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture. Some of its more lavish residences, built by wealthy families who made their money in dairy in the 1880s, are known as Butterfat Palaces.
Original Storefronts
Ring's Pharmacy, below the vintage Rexall sign, is purportedly the oldest continually operated drug store in the state.
European Influence
Scandinavian, Swiss-Italian, and Portuguese immigrants flocked to Ferndale in the late 1800s. Today, the entire town is designated as California Historical Landmark No. 883.
Golden Gait Mercantile
One of America's most charming general stores, the Golden Gait sells a little bit of everything, from old-fashioned candy and speciality pickles, to housewares and antiques.
Ferndale's historic Main Street is roughly five miles from the Lost Coast, an undeveloped section of beach in Northern California.
Gingerbread Mansion
This High Victorian inn is a beloved spot for weddings and anniversary getaways.
The steeple of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, built in 1899 by Danish settlers, is visible behind the Gingerbread Mansion's turret.
Wikimedia Commons/Ellin Betz
Shaw House
One of Ferndale's original settlers, Seth Shaw, built this home in 1854. It served as the town's first polling place, post office and courthouse.
Wikimedia Commons/Ellin Beltz
Built in 1866 for a prominent cattle-ranching family, this sprawling farmhouse is open to the public for tours and as a wedding venue.
Victorian Inn
This boutique hotel was constructed from local redwood in the 1890s. Its property includes a building that once housed the Catholic Church rectory, a shining specimen of Eastlake Stick Victorian architecture.
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Kotak Mahindra Bank posts 17 pc growth in profit after tax to Rs 3,995 crore in third quarter
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 21 (ANI) Kotak Mahindra Bank on Saturday posted a 17.43 per cent increase in its profit after tax to Rs 3,995 crore for the quarter ended December 2022, against Rs 3,402 crore in the corresponding period the previous year.The Bank's total income went up 30.43 per cent to Rs 18,481.46 crore in the reviewed quarter, against Rs 14,169.14 in the year-ago period.
The Bank's operating expenses rose 25.33 per cent to Rs 5,371.32 crore in the reviewed quarter (October-December) from Rs 4,285.57 crore in the corresponding period during the previous year.
The bank's gross net performing assets (NPA) was Rs 6,730 crore, against 7,993.34, which is a decline of 15 per cent while net NPA was Rs 1667.71, against Rs 2,496.75 crore, a drop of 33.18 per cent.
The Bank posted an increase of 27 per cent growth in its profit after tax to Rs 2,581 crore for the quarter ended September 30, against Rs 2,071 crore in the corresponding period in the previous year.
During the second quarter, the Bank's operating profit was Rs 3,567 crore against 3,120 crore in the year-ago period. Its advances increased over 25 per cent to Rs 2,94,023 crore during the second quarter, against Rs 2,34,947 crore in the year-ago period. Current account savings account (CASA) ratio as on September 30, 2022, stood at 56.2 per cent.
During the quarter ended September, gross non-performing assets (GNPA) was 2.08 per cent. Credit cost on advances for the second quarter was 26 basis points (bps). The Bank also said its provision coverage ratio stood at 73.7 per cent.
Recently at a CII event, Kotak Mahindra Bank MD and CEO Uday Kotak said, "The Indian economy today, with a size of about USD 3.2 trillion and the fifth largest in the world, presents significant potential and opportunities to move up the ladder to be top among three in the world. Its realisation would depend essentially on four metrics -- our economic performance in terms of absolute GDP, absolute per capita income instead of the PPP comparison, getting better on the two profit and loss accounts namely current account and fiscal management." (ANI)
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Rising dengue, HFMD cases reported in 30 Iloilo LGUs


text:
describe('regex', function () {

  beforeEach(module('regex.filter'));

  describe('regex filter', function () {
    var regex;
    beforeEach(inject(function ($filter) {
      regex = $filter('regex');
    }));

    it('should filter any kind of object by specified regex', function () {
      var items = ['hook', {name: 'peter', surname: 'pan', address: {country: 'neverland', number: '12'}}, ['wendy'], 121242];

      expect(regex(items, '').length).toBe(4);
      expect(regex(items, undefined).length).toBe(4);

      expect(regex(items, '.*oo.*').length).toBe(1);
      expect(regex(items, '.*oo.*')[0]).toBe('hook');

      expect(regex(items, '.*pa.*').length).toBe(1);
      expect(regex(items, '.*pa.*')[0]).toEqual(items[1]);

      expect(regex(items, '.*nd.*').length).toBe(2);
      expect(regex(items, '.*nd.*')).toEqual([items[1], items[2]]);

      expect(regex(items, '.*12.*').length).toBe(2);
      expect(regex(items, '.*12.*')).toEqual([items[1], 121242]);

      expect(regex(items, '.*land$').length).toBe(1);
      expect(regex(items, '.*land$')[0]).toEqual(items[1]);

      expect(regex(items, "I don't exist").length).toBe(0);
    });
    it('should filter on specific property', function () {
      var items = ['hook', {name: 'peter', surname: 'pan', address: {country: 'neverland', number: '12'}}, ['wendy'], 121242];
      expect(regex(items, {}).length).toBe(4);

      expect(regex(items, {name: '.*a.*'}).length).toBe(0);

      expect(regex(items, {surname: '.*a.*'}).length).toBe(1);

      expect(regex(items, {name: '.*r$'}).length).toBe(1);

      expect(regex(items, {name: 'pe.*r$'})[0].name).toBe('peter');
    });
  });

});


text:
THE X-FILES Recap: Season 10, Ep. 1 ~ "My Struggle"
A Horror TV Honey Recap with Jennica
Fourteen years ago, we thought that the search for the truth had ceased. When the x-files were cleaned out and special agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully went into hiding in the final episode of the ninth season of The X-Files, it was the end of an era for those of us who grew up whistling to the tune of that hair-raising theme late at night. According to the presumed series finale, it was predicted that the Earth would be ultimately taken over by extraterrestrials on December 22, 2012. And this alien colonization would mean no more humanity, no more Mulder and Scully, and no hope for a return of The X-Files on TV.
Then came the less-than-stellar feature film The X-Files: I Want to Believe in 2008. Although this installment gave sci-fi fanatics everywhere a silver screen visual to go along with their longstanding Mulder-Scully erotic fan fiction, it still didn't provide any sort of promise or hint at a possible TV series revival. Mulder and Scully returned to assist the FBI only to escape civilization again. Plus, at this point, there were still four more years until the predicted alien colonization was expected to take place. So, if we were going to get our beloved exiled investigators back on the air, time was running out, right?
Wrong. On January 24th, The X-Files writer and director Chris Carter in line with the Fox network graced us with the premiere of Season 10, Episode 1. We wanted to believe that the truth was still out there and, as it turns out, it is. Agents Mulder and Scully (or "Mully and Sculder," as Gillian Anderson jokingly referred to the duo on Facebook recently) have reunited to continue their investigations and give us the answers we seek. And this first episode titled "My Struggle" proves that over a decade later, we can still trust no one.
"Where have you been!?"
Maintaining a low profile, the episode begins with a voiceover narration by former agent Fox Mulder who takes us for a pictorial stroll down memory lane. From a first person POV shot, we see Mulder flip through dozens of photos from classic X-Files cases such as the deranged Peacock family and Mulder's missing sister, the very reason that he initially joined the X-Files FBI unit. As Mulder brings us back up to speed on the past series of events, we also witness the crash of a UFO and armed forces securing the area. Within this brief opening scene, not only do we get a sense of Mulder's undying desperation for answers regarding the paranormal but we are also faced with the unsettling situation of continued paranormal activity on Earth.
Perhaps the hardest pill to swallow in this comeback episode is the distance between former partners and former lovers Mulder and Scully. Post-exile, Mulder clung to his desire to believe that evidence of alien conspiracies was still waiting to be found. Meanwhile, Scully became eager to wash her hands of the X-Files unit and the possibility of life on other planets. Scully had God and that was enough for her, as she grew concerned for Mulder's psychological state. Putting her past career behind her, Scully has reinvented herself as a surgical assistant in a specialized hospital unit for children born without ears… because they don't look anything like aliens. Of course, with a major life change also comes a major hair change.
"Relax, Mulder. I'm blonde now. The aliens won't find me."
The real intrigue of this episode comes from the radical conservative and "true believer" talk show sensation Tad O'Malley. Having knowledge of the X-Files unit, Tad reaches out to the former head of the unit Walter Skinner and boasts about a news story he has in his lap that could reveal the truth about the proposed 2012 alien colonization and alien conspiracies altogether. Naturally, when presented with a paranormal predicament, Skinner immediately contacts Scully, the only person with a direct line to Mulder.
Upon meeting Tad, Mulder remains skeptical of his genuine knowledge and belief in paranormal activity, at first engaging in a battle of wits. But as Tad earns merit, Mulder begins to sense that Tad might be just like him and that Tad may in fact lead him to the truth. Tad reintroduces Mulder and Scully to Sveta who they had not seen since she was a young girl believed to have been abducted multiple times by alien life forms. Sveta concocts yet another story of being abducted by aliens and this time claims that she was impregnated and that the aliens removed her unborn child from her body.
The details of Sveta's story hitting too close to home, Scully takes advantage of her new work environment by running a couple blood tests on Sveta's blood and her own. Both samples revealing traces of alien DNA, Sveta's story seems plausible. However, when Sveta retracts her story, telling Mulder that it was actually human men who stole her from her home and experimented on her, we are left to yet again question who to trust.
"You want to know how I got these scars?"
Further encouraging us to question our fellow man—mainly the government—the story cuts away to continue the events of the half destroyed UFO. As an alien being crawls through the grass to safety, dragging its legs behind it, military officials are quick to set their guns blazing before the creature shows any signs of a threat. Because in most of America, it is a knee-jerk reaction to shoot first and talk later when in contact with the unknown. Sigh.
Say what??
Cutting back to the mysterious Tad and our former special agents, the truth—or what we were led to believe to be the truth—gets turned on its head when Tad suggests that aliens are not exactly responsible for the thousands of abductions. He goes on to explain that the government has been collecting chemical agents such as DNA from aliens ever since Roswell in 1947 and the government—not aliens—have been injecting their own kind with such chemical agents. So, the man might be responsible for the ongoing alien colonization that started in 2012. You might need to give your brain a minute to recover from that information before moving forward.
Just when we are ready to point our blasters at the government, however, we see Sveta in her car, presumably on the run. Her car battery conveniently dies as a space craft hovers overhead with a neon green light beaming down on her. Seconds away from an escape, Sveta manages to wriggle out of her car but not soon enough as the car explodes in flames. Before the credits roll, we enter a cozy room of a house inhabited by a very familiar dark-eyed chain-smoking elderly face, a face that seems to be plotting something.
An event that many never dreamed would ever occur, the Season 10 premiere of The X-Files picked up in overall ton, performance, and twists and turns as if the series never left our television sets. The reunion of characters that we have followed for nine years of our lives is bittersweet. After all of the trials—literally and figuratively—and tribulations undergone throughout Mulder and Scully's professional and personal relationship, it should have come to no surprise that their previous closeness is now somewhat tarnished. But aliens brought them together in the first place, so perhaps this will be their last fighting chance to rekindle their love.
Love her already!
In addition to the resurfacing of familiar faces, there were also many references to the last film and the last season. After hearing the news of a new season of The X-Files, some likely broke free from Cloud Nine to question the possibility of a tenth season in 2016 after the supposed alien colonization in 2012. However, this first new episode patches up that potential plot hole so intelligently that it might be accused of being the work of aliens. All technicalities aside, the icing on this delicious cake of X-Files references is the split-second shot of Mulder kicking an I Want to Believe poster on the floor of his old office. We concur, Mulder. We concur.
If you are a longtime fan of the series, Season 10 of The X-Files looks to be a promising wild goose chase in which, just like before, we are just as anxious to find out the truth behind Earth's paranormal activity as our admired protagonists. Until next time, trust no one…
Can Mulder and Scully really trust a Tad? Did aliens really probe Sveta or is there a different kind of green men at work? And what is up Old Smokey's sleeve?
Let's discuss conspiracy theories on Twitter: @PrmQueenFrmMars


text:
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PalmettoPride: Creating the LitterBusters Mobile App
PalmettoPride is a non-profit organization that promotes a beautiful and litter-free South Carolina. Much more than a beautification effort, the multi-faceted organization is a true public/private partnership comprised of state agencies, concerned citizens, corporate sponsors, and community and civic organizations who all work together to raise awareness and educate communities about the full impact of littering.
The organization runs numerous programs, seminars, and events throughout the year. For example, PalmettoPride oversees the popular Adopt-A-Highway program and the Keep South Carolina Beautiful initiative. Educational programs they sponsor include a SCDOE certified litter curriculum, the PalmettoPride Art Contest, and Litter-Free Games.The organization also works with the state legislature to revise litter laws and provides free courses for law enforcement and community leaders, teaching about the economic impact of littering, and preventing crime through environmental design.
Clearly, PalmettoPride is a powerhouse organization that does a lot for our state. So, when they approached Kopis to help them update their Litter Busters Hotline, we were excited to help out.
"When we started working with Dave and Rob and the rest of the Kopis Smart Government team it was during the process of creating an entirely new application for the LitterBusters Hotline," said Sarah Lyles, Executive Director of PalmettoPride. "In the course of our conversations, we began discussing a custom mobile app because we are too sophisticated of an organization to not have one."
Originally, the LitterBusters program used a third-party application called Trash Tracker that was difficult for the organization to use, and they were ready to upgrade to a customized solution that truly fit their needs, "The Trash Tracker app was more involved than what we really needed," said Lyles. "For a short time, we moved to an application called See Click Fix, which is a great tool for municipalities to use. Initially, this program seemed like exactly what we needed. However, the reporting features caused a challenge for us by creating false expectations. Reporters were looking for us to come do pick-ups or remedy their complaints, which is not what the LitterBusters Hotline is about."
The LitterBusters Hotline is an awareness campaign that needed a simple, straightforward mobile solution. The goal of the Hotline is to encourage residents of South Carolina to take pride in their state by reporting litterers and trash hotspots. Residents can visit the website, call the 24/7 Hotline, or use the mobile app to report littering, unsecured loads, illegal dumping, and more.
"The LitterBusters Hotline is a fantastic awareness campaign for our organization," said Nicole Meares, Communication and Marketing Manager for PalmettoPride. "Studies show that the majority of people who litter do so on purpose, and that awareness campaigns are effective in reducing littering. Our program works directly with the SCDMV to generate a courtesy letter that is populated with information from the caller and mailed directly to the offender. Even a small reminder like this can help people understand the bigger impact and make them less likely to litter in the future."
The Smart Government team at Kopis created a streamlined mobile solution for PalmettoPride that fully integrates with the automated system that the DMV uses to produce the courtesy letters.
"We sat down and talked with the Kopis team about our wants and needs, and they really listened to us," said Meares. "They simplified the app to give us what we needed and only what we needed, and they even advised us on branding and how to incorporate our logo. The final product has been so intuitive and easy-to-use."
So far, the team that spearheaded the LitterBusters project at PalmettoPride has been pleased with the results.
"Working with Kopis has been refreshing for us for many reasons, but for me to be able to explain what we need this app to do having limited knowledge of how any of it works and have Kopis deliver exactly what we wanted is probably the best reason," said Lyles. "Our previous websites and mobile app were cumbersome in both the development and maintenance. They also relied on packaged software that we had to adapt to. With Kopis, the team created what we wanted and adapted the product to our needs. I have already recommended the company to a few people who have asked who we used."
In addition to simplifying the look and feel of the LitterBusters mobile app, the Kopis team was able to use the technology to automate some of the internal processes at PalmettoPride, reducing the administrative burden for the busy organization.
"One of the most exciting results of this project has been the automation," said Meares. "We used to have to maintain two separate databases. One for the mobile app and one for the website. Anytime anyone reported something through either method, we'd get an email notification. Then, someone had to forward the notification to an enforcement program manager. Kopis took a campaign we offered that required a multi-step process and made it completely automatic. There's now one database that integrates with the DMV system without us having to do anything."
Finally, PalmettoPride has been impressed with the ROI that they've already experienced with the release of their new mobile app.
"As the marketing manager, I've been most pleased with how this app has helped us further our number one mission, which is awareness, and to get our name out there," said Meares. " When we launched, we didn't realize that our app would generate so much buzz. We were surprised by how many media outlets picked up the story and how many people downloaded the app within the first week. This project also brought us to more millenials, which is a relatively new market for us. The budget for this project was reasonable compared to what we were paying before, and considering how the app has already brought us more name recognition and broadened our audience, the ROI has been great."
Sarah Lyles concurred.
"Annually, the custom LitterBusters app will cost us about the same to create and host as our previous apps. As a non-profit, public organization, it feels great to make a nearly cost-neutral decision and have results like this," said Lyles. "Of course, even if it cost more, it would be worth every penny because we got exactly what we wanted and needed. No more adapting our processes to fit a third-party application, no more administrative headaches because of false expectations. This is a prime example of getting what you pay for."
"Working with Kopis has been refreshing for us for many reasons, but for me to be able to explain what we need this app to do having limited knowledge of how any of it works and have Kopis deliver exactly what we wanted is probably the best reason."
– Sarah Lyles, Executive Director of PalmettoPride
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Home Public Involvement Conferences & Symposia
35th Regulatory Information Conference
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See you at the 2023 RIC!
Dear Colleagues:
Welcome to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's 35th Annual Regulatory Information Conference. This conference remains the largest annual meeting hosted by the NRC with numerous participants from the United States and dozens of other countries. Every year we look forward to a busy and productive few days where participants from international bodies, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, industry and other stakeholders join with the NRC to discuss topics of interest in the nuclear field.
Accordingly, the technical sessions at this year's conference address a broad range of topics relevant both domestically and internationally. The panels and speakers will aim to stimulate substantive discussions on emerging issues and inspire future innovation in the field. As always, we encourage your feedback at the end of the event so the NRC can continue to make the Regulatory Information Conference better each year.
My Commission colleagues and I look forward to sharing our perspectives on nuclear regulation with you. On the behalf of the Commission and the NRC staff, I thank you for taking the time to attend and wish you an engaging and enjoyable conference.
Christopher T. Hanson
Please bookmark this page or check back with us frequently as new and updated conference information will be posted as it becomes available.
Things You Should Know for RIC 2023:
NEW! Registration is NOW OPEN!
NEW! The NRC is pleased to announce that the 2023 RIC will feature special guest speaker Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and a fireside chat between NRC Chair Christopher Hanson and Laura S.H. Holgate, U.S. Ambassador to the Vienna Office of the United Nations and to the IAEA. Register now to be part of this exciting program!
The NRC has been transforming for several years. The NRC's transformation goal is to achieve mission excellence as a modern, risk-informed regulator so the agency is in the best position to continue to meet its safety and security mission. The NRC staff would love your feedback on how we're doing. Take the External Stakeholder Feedback Survey on Transformation and provide us your feedback!
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Future RIC Dates:
36th RIC – March 12-14, 2024
Page Last Reviewed/Updated Monday, January 30, 2023