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Vitamin B12 deficiency with combined hematological and neuropsychiatric derangements: a case report
Luke Rannelli1,
Rita Watterson2,
Rupang Pandya3 &
Alexander A Leung4
Although vitamin B12 deficiency is a well-known cause of hematological and neuropsychiatric illness, the presentation of combined severe pancytopenia, demyelination and prominent psychiatric impairment is rare.
We present a case of a previously healthy 55-year-old East African man with severe vitamin B12 deficiency (serum vitamin B12 22pmol/L) secondary to pernicious anemia. He had a severe hypoproliferative megaloblastic anemia with hemolysis (hemoglobin 61g/L, mean corpuscular volume 99fL, reticulocytes 0.8%, haptoglobin undetectable), leukopenia (2.7×109/L), thrombocytopenia (96×109/L), ataxia with central demyelination, and megaloblastic madness. The patient's anemia, myelopathy and psychiatric condition responded well to parenteral vitamin B12 replacement therapy, with significant improvement seen within weeks.
Hematological manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency are typically inversely correlated with the presence and severity of neuropsychiatric impairment. Although uncommon, a presentation with severe hematological and neuropsychiatric disease can occur, as illustrated by this case. Its presence may help guide diagnosis as well as provide clinically important prognostic information.
Vitamin B12 is essential for normal blood synthesis and neurological function. Vitamin B12 deficiency may cause megaloblastic anemia, subacute combined degeneration of the cord and psychiatric illness ("megaloblastic madness"). Notably, the degree of bone marrow suppression is typically inversely related to both the presence and severity of neurological involvement. As such, the coexistence of significant anemia and neurological deficits is thought to be rare. We describe an unusual case of a patient with severe vitamin B12 deficiency together with profound hematological derangements and florid neuropsychiatric impairment.
A 55-year-old man of East African descent presented to our community hospital with a history of repeated falls, postural dizziness, progressive fatigue, generalized weakness and 30-lb weight loss over the course of three to six months. He is a vegetarian. His collateral history obtained from family members confirmed a significant behavioral change over the past year, during which they observed irritability and emotional lability, as well as difficulty with self-care, grooming and personal hygiene. He was high-functioning before the onset of his present illness. During a review of systems, he denied any sensory deficits, visual impairment or taste perversion, and he also denied any history of bleeding, bruising or recent infection. His past medical history was unremarkable. He was not taking any medications at the time of presentation. The patient denied smoking, alcohol consumption or illicit drug use. He had no significant family history of any illness.
The initial examination in the emergency department revealed a poorly groomed, disheveled thin man who appeared older than his stated age. He was irritable, paranoid, delusional and highly circumstantial and had grandiose thoughts and impaired insight. He denied any hallucinations. The patient's blood pressure was 96/50mmHg without postural change, his pulse was 92 beats/min and his respiratory rate was 16 breaths/min. He was afebrile. His neurological examination was limited because he was uncooperative, but he was observed to have an unstable, wide-based, ataxic gait as well as difficulty in performing rapid, alternating hand movements. His proprioception, vibration sense and light-touch sensory modalities appeared grossly preserved. His reflexes were symmetric and normal. His cardiovascular, respiratory, abdominal and dermatological examination results were unremarkable. Of note, he did not have evidence of splenomegaly, oral ulcers, nail changes or vitiligo. The patient was subsequently admitted to the hospital for further evaluation.
A complete blood count revealed hemoglobin 61g/L (mean corpuscular volume 99fL), thrombocytopenia 96×109 and leukopenia 2.7×109. The patient's reticulocytes were decreased at 14×109/L (0.8%). A peripheral blood smear demonstrated hypersegmented neutrophils and schistocytes. His serum vitamin B12 level was decreased at 22pmol/L (reference range 155pmol/L to 700pmol/L), his serum haptoglobin was undetectable and his serum lactate dehydrogenase was elevated at 1135U/L. The patient's iron studies, folate, thyroid-stimulating hormone, liver enzymes, fibrinogen, serum protein electrophoresis, anti–tissue transglutaminase antibodies, hemoglobin A1c, coagulation panel, electrolytes and serum creatinine were all within normal limits. Viral studies for parvovirus B19, cytomegalovirus and human immunodeficiency virus were unremarkable. However, anti–intrinsic factor antibodies were detected. His blood type was B+. Of note, all blood work was performed prior to commencing any medical treatment or blood transfusions.
Computed tomography of the head revealed mild cerebral atrophy. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the presence of mild cerebral atrophy with increased signal intensity throughout the dorsal aspect of the cervical and thoracic spine, consistent with vitamin B12 myelopathy (Figure 1). Chest radiography and computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis were unremarkable. The patient did not consent to undergo diagnostic endoscopy. The patient was also unwilling to undergo electromyography with nerve conduction studies.
Magnetic resonance imaging scan of the patient's spine. This sagittal view of the patient's cervical and thoracic spine shows an area of hyperintensity (indicated by the arrow) along the dorsal column, consistent with demyelination due to vitamin B12 deficiency.
The diagnosis of severe vitamin B12 deficiency secondary to pernicious anemia was established on the basis of an unequivocally low serum vitamin B12 level and the presence of anti–intrinsic factor antibodies. The patient's long-standing vegetarian diet may also have been a contributor to his vitamin B12 deficiency. Other causes of pancytopenia which may be characterized by a hypoproliferative, megaloblastic, macrocytic anemia—such as folate deficiency, hypothyroidism, viral illness and exposure to potential offending medications—were ruled out. The patient's formal neurological and psychiatric evaluations were also consistent with central demyelinating disease and megaloblastic madness with prominent depressive features, after potential confounding metabolic and anatomical causes were excluded.
Because of the profound symptomatic anemia at presentation, the patient was initially given a transfusion of 2U of packed red blood cells upon admission. He was then initiated on daily subcutaneous injections of vitamin B12 at 1000μg for one week, followed by weekly injections for the next four weeks, and he was subsequently prescribed monthly injections to be continued indefinitely. Within the first week of treatment, the patient's pancytopenia had nearly resolved. His neuropsychiatric symptoms and cognition had also improved significantly by the time of hospital discharge. At follow-up three months later, the patient's neuropsychiatric impairment had completely resolved. He denied any psychiatric disturbance, demonstrated a normal gait and had normal reflexes upon follow-up.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is common, with an estimated prevalence of 15% in patients >60 years of age. Although most cases are clinically subtle, vitamin B12 deficiency may sometimes present with florid disease [1, 2]. When present, symptoms and signs can be broadly classified into hematological and neurological categories. Classically, vitamin B12 deficiency may give rise to megaloblastic anemia and sub-acute combined degeneration of the spinal cord with demyelination of the dorsal column, resulting in both motor and sensory deficits. Less commonly, hemolysis and pancytopenia may be detected in the blood work, and neurological sequelae of optic nerve atrophy, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy, as well as psychiatric complications of emotional lability, mania, paranoia, delusions, amnesia and psychosis, may also be present [3].
Notably, the degree of megaloblastic anemia in a patient with vitamin B12 deficiency is inversely correlated with the presence and severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms at the time of presentation [3–6]. Severe anemia is rarely accompanied by any neurological symptoms or signs [5]. Likewise, hematocrit and mean corpuscular volume are commonly normal in patients with neuropsychiatric abnormalities [3, 5]. The underlying reason for this relationship remains unclear. However, it is postulated that the mechanism responsible for the neurological dysfunction associated with vitamin B12 deficiency is altogether different from those responsible for the hematological sequelae. Vitamin B12 acts as a coenzyme for L-methylmalonyl-coenzyme A mutase and methionine synthetase. Accordingly, enzymatic defects resulting from vitamin B12 deficiency lead to accumulation of methylmalonic acid and homocysteine, which appear to be proportionally related to the severity of the associated neurological and psychiatric abnormalities [4]. In contrast, inadequate vitamin B12 results in ineffective DNA synthesis and impaired erythropoiesis, which account for the majority of the associated hematological derangements [3]. The underlying mechanisms responsible for the resulting megaloblastic anemia appear to be altogether different from the processes that produce the neurological sequelae of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Myelopathy and peripheral neuropathy collectively account for the vast majority of neurological dysfunction [6], with mental impairment representing approximately 15% of cases [4, 6]. Among patients with neurological disease, anemia and macrocytosis are the most common hematological derangements detected, and, when they are present, anemia and macrocytosis are typically minor and subtle [4, 6]. In contrast, pancytopenia, severe anemia (that is, <60g/L), hemolysis, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia are all documented to be rare [2, 3, 5].
The presence of anemia also carries important prognostic significance. Anemia detected at baseline is inversely related to the severity of neurological impairment at diagnosis. Even after adjusting for differences in age, sex, mean corpuscular volume, serum vitamin B12 level and disease duration, a lower hematocrit level remains an independent predictor of worse neurological disease [5]. It appears that the presence of anemia at baseline also favors a better neurological response to treatment and a more favorable long-term recovery [5].
Pernicious anemia can present with severe hematologic and neuropsychiatric conditions concurrently, contrary to stated dogma. Transient, self-limited neurological exacerbations may sometimes occur during the first few weeks of treatment. However, appropriate therapy can lead to complete recovery in up to two-thirds of patients treated [2, 3].
Andrès E, Loukili NH, Noel E, Kaltenbach G, Ben Abdelgheni M, Perrin AE, Noblet-Dick M, Maloisel F, Schlienger JL, Blicklé JF: Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency in elderly patients. CMAJ. 2004, 171: 251-259. 10.1503/cmaj.1031155.
Andrès E, Affenberger S, Zimmer J, Vinzio S, Grosu D, Pistol G, Maloisel F, Weitten T, Kaltenbach G, Blicklé JF: Current hematological findings in cobalamin deficiency: a study of 201 consecutive patients with documented cobalamin deficiency. Clin Lab Haematol. 2006, 28: 50-56. 10.1111/j.1365-2257.2006.00755.x.
Stabler SP: Vitamin B12 deficiency. N Engl J Med. 2013, 368: 149-160. 10.1056/NEJMcp1113996.
Lindenbaum J, Healton EB, Savage DG, Brust JCM, Garrett TJ, Podell ER, Marcell PD, Stabler SP, Allen RH: Neuropsychiatric disorders caused by cobalamin deficiency in the absence of anemia or macrocytosis. N Engl J Med. 1988, 318: 1720-1728. 10.1056/NEJM198806303182604.
Lindenbaum J, Rosenberg IH, Wilson PWF, Stabler SP, Allen RH: Prevalence of cobalamin deficiency in the Framingham elderly population. Am J Clin Nutr. 1994, 60: 2-11.
Healton EB, Savage DG, Brust JCM, Garrett TJ, Lindenbaum J: Neurologic aspects of cobalamin deficiency. Medicine. 1991, 70: 229-245.
We would like to thank Dr Hasiba Imam and Dr Rosalyn McAuley, residents in internal medicine and psychiatry, who were involved quite closely with the patient's care and documentation of his course in the hospital.
Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Room 933, 9th Floor, North Tower, 1403 29 Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 2T9, Canada
Luke Rannelli
Department of Psychiatry, Foothills Medical Centre, University of Calgary, Special Services Building, 1403 29 Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 2T9, Canada
Rita Watterson
Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, 1926-3500 26 Avenue NE, Calgary, AB, T1Y 6J4, Canada
Rupang Pandya
Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, 313-4935 40 Avenue NW, Calgary, AB, T3A 2N1, Canada
Alexander A Leung
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Correspondence to Alexander A Leung.
LR, RW and AL were involved in drafting, writing and editing the manuscript. RP contributed to the writing and editing of the manuscript. All authors were directly involved in the care of the patient. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Rannelli, L., Watterson, R., Pandya, R. et al. Vitamin B12 deficiency with combined hematological and neuropsychiatric derangements: a case report. J Med Case Reports 8, 277 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-8-277
Megaloblastic mania
Neuropsychiatric
Pancytopenia
Pernicious anemia


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Flip-It! Cap Update | Shark Tank Season 10
September 2, 2022 September 4, 2022 Ray Ian Ampoloquio Flip-It! Cap, Season 10
Steven Epstein came onto Shark Tank to try and get an investment of $500,000 from one of the five sharks for his bottle-emptying product, Flip-It! Cap. While he was willing to sell 10% of his company in exchange for the investment, he would certainly have to convince the sharks that his company was worth an imputed valuation of $5 million. Let's see if Steve was able to secure a deal before we take a look at our Flip-It! Cap update.
Shark Tank Flip-It! Cap Update
Entrepreneurs: Steven Epstein
Business: Bottle Emptiers
The sharks wanted to hear about the company's sales numbers. Steven told the sharks that his company has $2.5 million in lifetime sales over the course of four years. His company's first year did just under $200,000 dollars.
Flip-It! Bottle Emptying Kit (2 Pack, Pastel Color Edition)
Get every drop out of lotions, shampoos, conditioners, condiments and more!
Save time, money and frustration as seen on Shark Tank
The second year was much better, generating $650,000, followed by the third year where Flip-It! Cap managed to generate $740,000 dollars in gross revenue sales. He reluctantly told the sharks that his product had already been featured on QVC on 65 different occasions.
Manufacturing a single unit costs just under $1, according to Steven. A single unit can be purchased on the official website for $6 dollars. The real problems began when Steven suggested that margins were his company's problem, while the sharks believed that stagnant sales numbers were a bigger concern.
As the sharks began to understand the full story of Steven's company, Kevin O'Leary decided that he was going to be the first shark to drop out. It didn't take long for other sharks to follow his lead. Mark Cuban dropped out and so did guest shark, Rohan Oza. The remaining sharks also believed the product was in decline and decided not to make an offer.
While Steven wasn't able to earn an investment from any of the five sharks, let's get a Flip-It! Cap update to see how the company has been doing since it showed up on Shark Tank.
It turns out that Steven's product has continued to show up on QVC and it can still be purchased online on Amazon. Estimates suggest that the company is generating just under $1 million in revenue per year.
Pricetitution Update
← Hydroviv Water Filter Update | Shark Tank Season 10
Luma Soda Update | Shark Tank Season 10 →
InchBug Orbit Labels Update | Shark Tank Season 7
December 28, 2022 January 31, 2023 Jennifer Shelan
Innovation Pet Update | Shark Tank Season 7
Sticky Note Holder Update | Shark Tank Season 1
September 11, 2022 September 11, 2022 Jeremy Davis

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement
Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement Careers and Employment
HR & Admin Executive Ofc boy in Dharwad, Karnataka
No clarity of job role and responsibilities
The work culture is very good but lack of knowledge in leaders whom they call as program Coordinators, and their most of the suggestions which comes from Top level management will change according to the need of the Coordinators perspectives. That's why only buckets can survive in North Karnataka regional office.
Physiotherapist in Yes
stressful work
I am not recommended anyone to this institution, they sent to field work upto 100 km ,(even female staff also) , lots of pressure n they're still maintaining use n through policy, so think once before joining ur professional life n family life .....................
Subject Matter Expert in Bengaluru, Karnataka
Stage for learning new things
Typical days I went through is when I was successful in completing the project. I learnt new things like animation, got a little knowledge on some software like Adobe audition, photoshop, PPT presentation and animation, camtasia and most importantly I got to know people who are in struggle and helping them without expecting anything from them as I am working in NGO which works in the field of education, health, community empowerment etc.... There is no hardest part in the job. open environment in the workplace.
Technical Expert in Bangalore, KA
The co-working are really awesome in character and good management. It is a wonderful service by the company to the raising stars from a poor family
Program Director - Premavidya Project in Bangalore, KA
My days were long even for a six day week. Day ended quickly with races between meetings, pouring over data and struggling with trying to keep with austerity measures. Field trips were fun. I had good colleagues. Everybody wanted to do a lot of good but ONLY in their own way- that was the hardest part ! I enjoyed all my visits to schools. I learned a lot of things, but the best lesson was that negativity at work is definitely not my cup of tea. This job also gave me ample scope for introspection. It has helped me refine the role I would like to play to enhance my career.
People have asked 3 questions about working at Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement. See the answers, explore popular topics and discover unique insights from Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement employees.
Company Future
What questions did they ask during your interview at Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement?
Related to accounts and General knowledge
What is interview process like at Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement?
Telecal screening Interview Presentation
How do you feel about the future of Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement?
Insights from 7 Indeed users who have interviewed with Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement within the last 5 years.
Favorable experience
Interview is average
Process takes about a week
Shared on November 17, 2020
Regarding disabilities condition
Shared on October 13, 2020


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package fr.simonlebras.weatherstation.model;

import com.google.gson.annotations.SerializedName;

public class SensorsModel extends Model {

    public static final int TEMPERATURE = 1;
    public static final int HUMIDITY    = 2;
    public static final int AIR_QUALITY = 3;

    public static final String LAST_DATE = "lastDate";

    @SerializedName("status")
    private String mStatus;
    @SerializedName("date")
    private String mDate;
    @SerializedName("temperature")
    private String mTemperature;
    @SerializedName("humidity")
    private String mHumidity;
    @SerializedName("airQuality")
    private String mAirQuality;

    public SensorsModel() {
    }

    public SensorsModel(String status, String airQuality, String humidity, String temperature, String date) {
        mStatus = status;
        mAirQuality = airQuality;
        mHumidity = humidity;
        mTemperature = temperature;
        mDate = date;
    }

    public String getStatus() {
        return mStatus;
    }

    public void setStatus(String status) {
        mStatus = status;
    }

    public String getDate() {
        return mDate;
    }

    public void setDate(String date) {
        mDate = date;
    }

    public String getTemperature() {
        return mTemperature;
    }

    public void setTemperature(String temperature) {
        mTemperature = temperature;
    }

    public String getHumidity() {
        return mHumidity;
    }

    public void setHumidity(String humidity) {
        mHumidity = humidity;
    }

    public String getAirQuality() {
        return mAirQuality;
    }

    public void setAirQuality(String airQuality) {
        mAirQuality = airQuality;
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
var sendMessage = require('../lib/sendMessage');
sendMessage('1 ' + process.argv.slice(2).join(' '));


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UNLV, UNR to hold in-person graduations
Both the University of Nevada Las Vegas and the University of Reno will hold in-person graduation ceremonies this spring.
Special to the Pahrump Valley Times In-person graduation ceremonies will be held at UNLV and UNR this spring, according to the presidents of both colleges. Those attending must adhere to mask wearing and social distancing guidelines during the multi-day commencement ceremonies.
As stated in a letter, UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield, PhD., wrote that after reviewing the latest data and public health guidelines for COVID-19, Whitfield asked university staff to begin preparing for two traditional in-person commencement ceremonies later this spring.
"There's a lot of work to do between now and then, but our intent is to move forward with ceremonies at Sam Boyd Stadium on the third weekend of May," Whitfield stated. "We are planning two ceremonies for the Spring 2021 graduates, as is tradition, though they will be held over two consecutive days. The ceremonies are scheduled for 8 a.m. on both Friday, May 14, and Saturday, May 15. As is customary, the university will determine what colleges and schools and their respective graduates attend which ceremony. Additionally, we plan to offer a ceremony for all 2020 graduates at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 14."
Discussions and considerations
Whitfield also said his decision to hold in-person commencement ceremonies came after much thought and deliberation.
"I absolutely believe we can offer a traditional commencement while adhering to public health guidelines," he noted. "Graduation is the culmination of a student's educational journey and is a significant milestone in their UNLV career. We need to make every effort to provide an experience our graduates so richly deserve."
The change in venues from the Thomas &Mack Center to the larger and outdoor Sam Boyd Stadium, combined with recent changes to capacity guidelines for public gatherings, according to Whitfield, made the plan feasible.
"The in-person commencement will replace the May 15 university-wide virtual event previously announced," he said. "The safety of our students, faculty, and staff remains our top priority. We are working closely with local authorities and public health experts, and are coordinating with the state, to request approval to hold these ceremonies. Please be aware that any sustained setback in the fight against COVID-19 will require us to make necessary adjustments, and we would alert you as soon as possible."
Tickets please
Additionally, Whitfield noted that both ceremonies will be "ticketed events" where each graduate may have up to four guests.
"Everyone will be required to follow social distancing guidelines and wear face coverings with no exceptions," Whitfield stated. "All ceremonies will be streamed live at UNLV.edu for those who cannot or choose not to attend. The Registrar's Office will be reaching out to 2020 graduates and prospective 2021 graduates with more information soon."
Wolf Pack graduation ceremonies
In reference to UNR's commencement ceremonies, Brian Sandoval, former Nevada governor and current president of the college, sent a university-wide message to students, faculty and staff Monday, March 29, announcing the approval from the State of Nevada and Washoe County, to hold an in-person commencement ceremony in May at Mackay Stadium.
In the announcement, Sandoval said a number of people in student services and across the university have worked diligently over the past several weeks to explore and develop a new plan for an in-person commencement.
Safety regulations to be enforced
He said the plan contains a number of health and safety precautions based on the latest guidelines from the county and state.
"This plan will require cooperation, patience and understanding," he said. "It will be a different kind of ceremony, more socially distanced and more controlled, but it gives us the one thing we have needed for a long time, which is an opportunity to gather safely to celebrate our newest graduates. In this time of pandemic uncertainty and the many sacrifices you've made, I hope that this welcome news provides you with the chance to smile, to anticipate the excitement of commencement, and to feel optimistic about the possibilities of our future. After a year unlike any other, we are thrilled that our graduates in both our 2020 and 2021 classes will now have an opportunity to experience an in-person commencement."
Commencement schedules
Commencement ceremonies for 2021 graduates will be held Thursday, May 13; Friday, May 14 and Saturday, May 15.
"Ceremony times will be 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day, while specific college times will be announced shortly," Sandoval noted. "Commencement for 2020 graduates will be held at Mackay Stadium on Wednesday, May 12. Ceremony times will be 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Specific college times will also be announced shortly. Graduates will be allowed up to four guests to attend the ceremony."
Additionally, all ceremonies will be live-streamed, according to Sandoval.
"More information regarding ticketing procedures will be available shortly," he noted. "The 2021 Virtual Commencement Ceremony will still be available on Friday, May 14. This will serve as the inclement weather alternative. If ceremonies must be canceled due to extreme weather or emergency conditions, they will not be rescheduled. The only approved option for a large gathering as a result of current COVID-19 public health guidelines is Mackay Stadium. Lawlor Events Center, given the socially distanced space limitations, is not an option. The ceremonies will be held as scheduled even in challenging weather such as rain or snow."
Graduation al fresco
Sandoval also noted that Mackay Stadium was approved as the venue not only because it will allow ticketing for graduates and their guests, but it's also an open-air site.
"The University is not able to use the historical quad because it does not meet the standards required for large gatherings which would provide a controlled and safe environment," he said. "More commencement details will be forthcoming. The University will communicate additional details as soon as they are confirmed via its Commencement web page. Please know that we are doing everything possible to produce an experience that balances both the challenges brought on by the pandemic, as well as the achievements of our incredible graduates, which deserve to be celebrated to the fullest extent possible. We know the past year has presented incredible challenges for all of you. You've persevered, shown resiliency and succeeded against great odds. Soon it will be time to celebrate. I wish you all continued success as we move through the remainder of the spring semester and we arrive together at an in-person commencement in May."
Contact reporter Selwyn Harris at sharris@pvtimes.com. On Twitter: @pvtimes


Ethnic and sectarian violence has hit western Myanmar leading to violent riots among Muslims and Buddhists.
Reports say Burmese army troops were deployed to Rakhine State to halt the escalation of violence.
The situation in Rakhine State is reportedly very critical and unstable.
Unrest raged after security forces reportedly opened fire on Rohingyas and several of them were killed.
Rakhine State is home to large numbers of Rohingya, a Muslim group known as the world's most persecuted minorities.
The United States today expressed deep concern about reports of ongoing ethnic and sectarian violence. US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton urged all parties to exercise restraint and immediately halt all attacks.
The Burmese Government announced a State of Emergency and curfews in Rakhine State, but reports of violence continue.
The international community has called on authorities to work with local leaders, together with Muslim, Buddhist, and ethnic representatives, including Rohingya, to halt the on-going violence.
Secretary Clinton asked the warring parties to begin a dialogue toward a peaceful resolution, and ensure an expeditious and transparent investigation into these incidents that respects due process and the rule of law.
The United States has welcomed Burma's recent reform efforts and the important steps President Thein Sein, Aung San Suu Kyi, and other leaders inside and outside of government have taken.
The situation in Rakhine State underscores the critical need for mutual respect among all ethnic and religious groups and for serious efforts to achieve national reconciliation in Burma.
In April this year, following the formation of a new government in March 2011, Burma made remarkable progress in political, economic, and social development, and national reconciliation.
In his remarks in Washington DC, Kurt M. Campbell, Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, said remarkable developments have been unfolding in the country.
Positive changes have emerged, ranging from the release of political prisoners, to new legislation expanding the rights of political and civic association, and a nascent process toward ceasefires with several ethnic armed groups.
Although the US assesses this nascent opening as real and significant, the US government also believes it is fragile and reversible. The impact of Burma's reform efforts has not extended far beyond the capital and major cities. This is particularly true in ethnic minority areas: Fighting continues in Kachin State, coupled with reports of severe human rights violations, according to the US government.
In Rakhine State, systematic discrimination and denial of human rights against ethnic Rohingya remains deplorable, Mrs Clinton said.
The election of Aung San Suu Kyi and 42 other NLD members is the most recent and dramatic example of the political opening underway in Burma.
Recently, the Burmese government released over 500 political prisoners in October 2011 and January 2012 amnesties.
The Burmese government has also made progress toward preliminary ceasefire agreements with several ethnic armed groups including the Chin National Front (January 2012), the New Mon State Party (February 2012), the United Wa State Army (September 2011), and the Shan State Army-North (January 2012), Mr. Campbell reported.
For the first time in 63 years, the Burmese government and the Karen National Union (KNU) entered into a preliminary ceasefire agreement in January 2012, and began follow-up peace discussions the week of April 4 on a host of political issues at the heart of Burma's longest running internal conflict.
The Burmese government is proceeding with a strong program of economic reforms. After decades of mismanagement, Burma has become the poorest country in Southeast Asia, with approximately one-third of its population living in poverty.
The United States plans to engage the Burmese government to apply non-discrimination principles and to create a "level playing field" for foreign investors.
In 2011, the United States carefully responded to evidence of change in Burma with increased outreach and concrete actions. Important steps were taken on the assistance front, with recent announcements of new activities for microfinance and health, particularly in ethnic minority areas, based on US consultations with civil society in Burma.
The United States has serious and continuing concerns with respect to human rights, democracy, and nonproliferation, and the policy continues to blend both pressure and engagement to encourage progress in all areas. They are especially concerned by serious human rights violations against the ethnic minority Rohingya people, who are denied citizenship and human rights, such as freedom of movement and freedom to marry, among other rights all people should be able to exercise.
As Burma pursues the road for reform, development and democracy, the United States of America expressed commitment to support Burma's democratic reforms.
In DC, US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said from the beginning of the Obama Administration, the US government has pursued a policy of engagement to support human rights and reform in Burma.
The United States maintains extensive, targeted sanctions against the Burmese regime. Sanctions is also targeted against senior leaders of the Burmese government and military, their immediate family members, their key supporters, and others who abuse human rights.
The Obama Administration continues to show commitment to promote democracy and human rights in Burma and on key recent developments in Burma, including the release of Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest, the 2010 elections, and the formation of a government headed by former top regime general and now President Thein Sein.
The United States is currently pursuing parallel and complementary tracks in a full-scale effort to advance progress on core concerns of the international community, including the unconditional release of all political prisoners, respect for human rights, and an inclusive dialogue with the political opposition and ethnic groups that would lead to national reconciliation.


text:
Home Beer Why big breweries want to go local
Why big breweries want to go local
What's driving the proliferation of satellite taprooms and brewpubs?
Kate Bernot , / 0
CATEGORIES: Beer
Brewdog's Columbus, Ohio brewpub
We don't have to travel far back in our beer time machine to revisit the year when Goose Island Beer Co. still had only one brewpub, its venerable but not exactly cutting-edge Clybourn Street location. That was 2014, three years after Goose Island's sale to Anheuser-Busch InBev. Just a few years later, the brewery has seven locations including pubs and taphouses in London, Sao Paolo, Toronto, Shanghai, Seoul and one on the way for Philadelphia, with more future openings likely. Right now in Shanghai, a pub visitor could be snacking on Sofie-battered baby squid washed down Wujiang Porter while the Clybourn brewpub sits shuttered, waiting for a remodel that's slated to be complete in the coming months.
According to Goose Island International president Ken Stout, the biggest fan of all these new outposts is brewery founder John Hall himself.
"He was out in Shanghai and Seoul this year and he came back positively stoked about the quality of the beer and food, the design, the service. He was like, 'The new Clybourn has to be as good as Soeul.'"
Wrap your head around that. Also wrap your head around Stone Brewing's campus in Berlin, BrewDog's dozens of global pubs and breweries, a coming-soon brewpub in Lincoln, Nebraska from West Coast stalwart Green Flash Brewing Co.; a forthcoming Chicago brewpub from Ballast Point Brewery; and an in-planning Maryland brewery and taproom for Guinness; a joint Victory/Southern Tier brewery/taphouse in Charlotte, North Carolina; not to mention 10 Barrel's six spots including Denver and San Diego.
In the past five years, breweries have been playing at a giant Risk board, pushing brewpubs to corners of the country and world that seem to drift further and further from their original territories.
In 2017, taprooms rule. More breweries are opting to focus on taproom sales, which usually increase profits by removing the distributor's cut. As a bonus, drinkers who visit a brewery are more likely to buy that brewery's beer on shelves or from a bar, too. Larger, nationally distributed breweries are realizing that it's crucial to foster regional and local connections to drinkers, who are presented with ever more competition for their beer bucks. A brewery, even if it's owned by a larger company, can become your neighborhood hangout, complete with a regular bartender who knows your name and remembers that you always order the chicken pizza.
Goose Island's location in Shanghai, China
"I see the larger [breweries] expanding into these spaces to make them relevant in those markets and say 'We employ here, we're part of the community, we give back and we're local,'" says Kimberly Clements, a beer-industry consultant and partner at Pints LLC. "They can finally say all those things, which does make them local to that community."
Taprooms have a dual function in 2017: They're a source of revenue, but they're also a marketing tool, a way to sample new customers on a beer that they might not have picked up off the shelf or ordered at a bar with 25 other options.
"The taproom is more and more becoming the focal point of craft operations, creating the 'face' for the brewery. Neighborhood taproom volume grew 27 percent last year and this has not been lost on the larger craft brewers," says Joel Hueston, director of commercial strategy at brewing industry consulting firm First Key. "Taprooms are where today's growth is in craft and a lot of players will want to jump on this train while it's rolling."
Goose Island's Ken Stout calls it "making friends for the brewery." 10 Barrel co-founder Garrett Wales calls it "localizing the brand." BrewDog USA managing director Tanisha Robinson says the idea is to "create beacons for craft beer lovers and disseminate our spirit out into the world." They're all getting at the same goal: To get drinkers in a city or region to connect with their beer on a face-to-face level, setting it apart from the dozens of other options bombarding customers.
That was much of the reasoning behind Green Flash's recently announced acquisition of the defunct Ploughshare brewery in Lincoln, Nebraska, which will be transformed into a 10,000-square-foot production brewery and brewpub by the end of the year. Previously, Green Flash didn't have much of a Midwest presence at all; the brewery's sales rep serving Nebraska was actually based in Denver and visited that state maybe two to three times a year.
"We sell very little beer in the middle of the country and this brewhouse will give us a nice start. We'll be able to grow sales there," says Green Flash co-founder Mike Hinckley. "We don't use TV commercials or sponsor major sports teams. The way we build our brand is one pint at a time."
He says this Nebraska expansion, which is the fifth location for the company that owns both Green Flash and Alpine beer brands, "reframed" the search for new markets.
"I'm looking specifically into places where craft is not already fully developed, looking into younger markets even if they're smaller markets. The Mississippis, Alabamas, Louisianas, Arkansases, Oklahomas, these are now going to become my primary focus," he says. "The long-term plan for Green Flash is to be local or at least regional in as many places as possible."
10 Barrel's brewpub in San Diego, California
That's one strategy. As some breweries inevitably go out of business (the rates of which have recently seen an uptick), better-established breweries like Green Flash are well positioned to acquire their assets and real estate at a discount, says Pints LLC's Clements.
"Breweries are closing. They need buyers; and I think it's a good model that somebody bigger comes in and buys them for pennies on the dollar. I think that you'll see this more and more," says Clements. "I'm sure there will be interest out there for breweries that want to expand and get their foothold in downtowns."
But not everyone's looking to smaller, developing markets. 10 Barrel (also a part of Anheuser-Busch InBev's The High End division) last year built a flashy, 300-seats-with-a-rooftop brewpub from the ground up in Denver's popular River North district and also has pubs in beer-heavy cities including Portland, Oregon and San Diego. Co-founder Garrett Wales says the idea is to offer 10 Barrel's beers alongside the best in the country, be a part of beer-centric communities and see what savvy consumers think.
10 Barrel and Goose Island have the resources to be able to do this. So does Ballast Point, which is owned by Constellation Brands, and is planning a 12,000 square foot brewpub with rooftop bar in Chicago's Fulton Market District, a meatpacking-turned-nightlife corridor home to the city's hottest restaurants and bars. It's the eighth locations for Ballast Point, which also has a presence in San Diego, Temecula and Long Beach in California; and a production facility with a brewpub outside Roanoke, Virginia.
"There's no other specific expansion plans on the horizon but we're looking for opportunities to do more with this model," says Hilary Cocalis, Ballast Point's VP of marketing. "It just always goes back to how can we best reach our customers, give them the best Ballast Point experience and get them familiar with the brand. So far our tasting room experience has proven to be successful in that."
Fulton Market is already a beer-soaked corner of Chicago, home to Haymarket Brewery, Cruz Blanca Brewery & Taqueria, Great Central Brewing Co., Goose Island's Fulton Street brewery and taproom, On Tour Brewing Co., All Rise Brewing, as well as scores of bars with decent tap lists. Ditto with the area surrounding 10 Barrel's new Denver location. Obviously the new kids on the block think they can thrive despite the competition, but how do the existing neighbors feel about the arrivals?
"It really varies. For the most part, it's 60-40 in favor of people being positive, people that know the brand and know we make a great product," says 10 Barrel's Wales. "Those that are younger to the industry or don't have a good understanding of the bigger picture feel a little threatened and challenged. But we make a point to go in and get to know those folks."
"When you try to force it, you're nothing but a chain that's trying to be fake."
Ballast Point said their neighbors' reactions had been positive; likewise with BrewDog's new Columbus, Ohio digs.
"Density creates a lot of energy in neighborhoods that's great for everyone. A big challenge for us is just finding the right place and finding the right neighbors that feel the same way about proximity as we do; which is that it's not a zero sum game," says BrewDog's Tanisha Robinson. "We also really, we want it to matter that we're here. Half of our beers on tap are guest beers. Our mission is not to make people passionate about BrewDog but to make people passionate about craft beer."
And consumer response? As multilocation brewpubs and taprooms pop up like dandelions through American cities, do they risk becoming stale and chainlike? Or will they become blandly ubiquitous mainstays like Rock Bottoms, BJs and Gordon Biersches?
"I definitely think this is wave two. The breweries doing this now, they're very beer-forward whereas others kept with that restaurant model," says Clements. "They offer consistency while still bringing something new and being a clean, friendly place to go. As long as they keep it fresh, they'll be successful."
Breweries cite different methods for keeping it fresh, from allowing local brewers freedom to make pub-exclusive beers or switching the food menu up in different markets. The tight-rope walk between consistency and cool becomes more challenging with every location, but with these pubs spread across the country and world, it's unlikely that most drinkers have been to more than one or two. They still feels special, especially when the brewery is new to town.
"We don't have an employee playbook that says 'Here's what you say.' That would ruin it all," says 10 Barrel's Wales. "When you try to force it, you're nothing but a chain that's trying to be fake."
Is there a day when we could see 10 Barrels across the world like Applebee's?
Tags: 10 Barrel, Ballast Point, Brewdog, brewery expansion, Goose Island, Green Flash, satellite brewpubs, satellite taprooms
Kate Bernot
Kate Bernot is DRAFT's beer editor. Reach her at kate.bernot[at]draftmag.com.
draftmag.com
In my ongoing quest to visit breweries all across this great land, I have now surpassed the 400 mark, and they've been spread across 37 states and 175+ cities. To celebrate this landmark, I've put together a 'Special Edition' of Brewery Travels: A rundown of my favorites in each of the states visited so far.
CATEGORIES: Beer Feature Midwest Breweries Midwest Feature Northeast Breweries South Breweries Travel West Breweries
I've worked in craft beer for nearly five years now. I've had the fortune to try some truly amazing brews: Pliny the Elder, Heady Topper, Bourbon Barrel Aged Expedition Stout. Supplication? I've got one in my mini-fridge. The reason I'm telling you this is because I want to frame my statements here properly. I've had good beer, trust me. The best beer I've ever had, though, was a Miller Lite.
CATEGORIES: Beer MIDWEST Midwest Feature
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text:
The New York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance, Division of Disability Determinations (the "State agency) needs to fire Lourdes T. Marasigan. I have spent years having to overturn decisions that denied Social Security Disability ("SSD") benefits based on irresponsible reports by Marasigan.
According to both the American Board of Medical Specialties and New York State Department of Health, Marasigan is not board certified in any specialty, went to medical school in the Philippines, and was trained as an anesthesiologist. Nonetheless, the State agency has Marasigan review every type of medical problem under the sun, including hearing loss, lumbar radiculopathy, brain injuries, vision impairments. As a result, in those rare instances where a consultative examination ("CE") by Industrial Medicine Associates actually supports an SSD claim, Marasigan comes to the opposite conclusion.
I represent a 53 year old former truck loader who had seven heart attacks, five stent surgeries, a triple cardiac bypass surgery, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, polycythemia, sleep apnea, and diabetes, that caused weakness, fatigue, vertigo, shortness of breath, and a grand mal seizure. The CE noted the claimant even needed to hold onto the table in the exam room. The CE concluded that the claimant was markedly limited in the ability to walk, stand, climb, or lift anything.
It is very unusual for a CE to assert that a claimant has any marked limitation, which essentially means precluded for that activity. There is no possibly rational way to interpret the CE to conclude the claimant could stand and walk for even 2 out of 8 hours, or lift any weight for up to a third of the day. Nonetheless, Marasigan opined that the claimant could stand and walk for 6 out of 8 hours and could lift and carry 20 pounds for up to a third of the day, and could lift and carry 10 pounds for about 6 hours a day.
The State agency denied the SSD claim based on Marasigan's opinion, even though she never examined or even saw the claimant, and even though the claimant's cardiologist limited the claimant to sitting for 1 out of 8 hours, standing/walking for less than 1 out of 8 hours, and lifting and carrying somewhere between 0 and 5 pounds for up to a third of the day. The claimant's internist provided similar restrictions. The bad news was that even though every doctor who examined the claimant, included the CE, provided restrictions that precluded the claimant from any full time activity, the State agency denied the claimant SSD benefits.
The even worse news was that the case was reconsidered by the State agency quality control, which is fairly rare, yet the claim still was denied. The average wait for a hearing is now well over 600 days. The good news is that rather than remaining idle all that time, the hearing office reviewed the claim about a month later, and reversed the decision.
There simply is no excuse to continue to spend the State agency's limited resources by employing non-examining doctors, with inapt medical qualifications or backgrounds, to review SSD claims. That injudicious expenditure of resources then wastes the hearing office's resources too.


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text:
Kiss – En La Casa Del Diablo (The Godfatherecords G.R. 905/906)
By relayer67on August 16, 2013
En La Casa Del Diablo (The Godfatherecords G.R. 905/906)
Obras Sanitarias Stadium, Buenos Aires, Argentina – September 5, 1994
Disc 1 (77:27) Intro, Creatures Of The Night, Deuce, Parasite, Unholy, I Stole Your Love, Cold Gin, Watchin' You, Firehouse, I Want You, Calling Dr. Love, Makin' Love, Got To Choose, War Machine, I Was Made For Loving You, Domino, Love Gun
Disc 2 (78:51) Lick It Up, God Of Thunder, I Love It Loud, Detroit Rock City, Black Diamond, Heaven's On Fire, Rock And Roll All Nite. Concrete Foundations Forum, Hilton and Convention Center, Burbank, Ca. USA – September 11, 1993; King Of The Night Time World, Take Me, Goin' Blind, Got To Choose, Rock Bottom, She, Makin' Love, Let Me Go Rock And Roll, Parasite
While KISS was able to reinvent themselves in the 80's, by the early 1990's the band was in the same situation of a changing musical landscape. Gone was the glam influenced bands of the previous decade and here was the bleak and stripped down attitude of bands like Pearl Jam, Nirvana and Soundgarden. While the band had ditched the old look in favor of black leather for the Revenge record it failed to keep them relevant in the eyes of the young music consumer. Thankfully the KISS Army is a tremendously loyal group and the band found that there were areas of the world that would embrace them without questions; one of these places was South America. The passionate rock and metal fans would greet the band as conquering heroes and in the late summer of 1994 the band would play an 8 date tour of the country. The band would also strip away much of the music from the past decade save for a select few songs and begin to delve into their deep back catalog making for a fan friendly set list.
All of the 8 dates were documented on either video or audio and in the case of the Buenos Aires show, both audience and a soundboard recording is in existence. The audience tape was released as Alive V (Obras Revenge JLD0004/0005), for this release Godfather utilizes the FM broadcast version of the tape. The soundboard is very good quality, well balanced recording and the audience is well represented in the mix. There is some broadcast style noise / interference from time to time as the recording is from a radio broadcast but is not distracting and the band turn in a power and tight performance.
The band hits the stage full speed utilizing "Creatures Of There Night" as an opening followed by a strong version of the classic "Deuce". Almost instantly the band dig deep into their vast musical archive by playing "Parasite", Gene delivers some powerful bass lines that really give this song its punky backbone. Bruce's solo is very reminiscent of the original Ace one and the song really delivers. The band continue to deliver and after a crowd pleasing "Cold Gin" Paul asks the crowd what they want to hear, someone shouts "Watchin' You" and the band play the mid 70's concert staple. The tempo is slightly slower than those versions but Eric Singer's drumming is superlative during this song, with the slower tempo and more emphasis on riff gives the song a refreshed feel. By the time the band finish "Firehouse" the audience is completely bonkers, they start their style soccer chants and Paul, doing most of raps in Spanish, commends them for really knowing the music and gets them to sing the opening lyrics of "I Want You" and they really deliver the goods. Paul, certainly one of the best front man in rock, works the audience like no one else and really engages the crowd as only he can.
The focus on the 70's continues with "Dr. Love" (of course) and "Makin Love" but it is a tune from the Hotter Than Hell record that makes this show special. The band whip out "Got To Choose", they had played it a few times on this tour and for me, is a most welcome addition to any set. It has lost none of its charm, the harmonizing by Gene and Paul is spot on and is hard to believe that the song was close to being 20 years old when this concert was performed. Another strong song on the first disc is undoubtedly "I Was Made For Loving You", Paul gets the audience to interact with him for the beginning and when the full band break into the song it really heats up. Much more heavy when played live, makes you appreciate the material on Dynasty that much more and if I could have the band re record any one record from their back catalog it would be that one, stripped down and raw, the music works.
The second disc begins with Paul again enticing the crowd to sing along, all he has to say is "Lick It Up" and they take it from there and sing the song stadium chant style. From out of the depths of that song and with the drum beat from Eric Singer the band play a rather sublime "God Of Thunder", sounds sluggish and un inspired but thankfully Eric is driving the band for this song and is really laying down some great fills. The band has some trouble at the beginning of "I Love It Loud" as if there was a bit of miscommunication and makes for a flat start but they quickly recover for a strong finish. From there the rest of the set is extremely strong, "Black Diamond" features Eric Singer on vocals and some nice guitar improvisation at the beginning thanks to Paul, as soon as he sings the opening line the audience are there to back him up. Eric's vocals are great, he even has a slight raspiness to his singing that is somewhat reminiscent of Peter Criss, and Gene is also playing some mega fat bass lines during the guitar solo to great effect.
For the encores Paul uses his Jedi mind trick to get the audience to demand "Heaven's On Fire" and when they demand it the band is happy to oblige. His opening falsetto howl is superb and he leads the band through a real strong version of the song. The final song is of course "Rock And Roll All Nite", this version has an extended drum intro before the band break into the song. Of course being the last song of the set Paul does the routine sing along to raise the party atmosphere up a notch making for another great version of the song.
The real gem of this release is the Foundations Forum gig from September of the same year. The recording is a good but thin stealth styled audience recording that sounds like it was recorded through a drainage pipe but thankfully all the music and vocals are clear and after your ears adjust the explosive performance can really be enjoyed. What makes the recording special is the set list, they band dug way deep and play songs they had not played for some time. "King Of The Night Time World" and "Take Me" are good but from here on out the set list is phenomenal. Beginning with the Hotter Than Hell classic "Going Blind", Paul tells the audience that it has not been performed live, they would play it acoustically on MTV later in the year (see Vengeance Is Ours – Apocalypse Sound AS 206, the perfect DVD to accompany this set) and of course it would be played during their convention tour the next year. The song hits on all marks and the band play an incredible version of the song. It starts flowing from here as the band play "Got To Choose", obviously the vibes from Argentina were great and the band leave it in the set. Paul tells the audience what a treat it is for them to playing this gig as they do not play such deep tracks regularly; thankfully someone is recording the event for posterity. Bruce Kulick does his best Ace imitation for a white hot "Rock Bottom" and I am blessed with a heavy version of "She", one of my most favorite KISS songs. "Let Me Go, Rock And Roll" is great to hear as it had not been in a regular rotation for some time and "Parasite" finishes the extremely strong set. Perhaps the band could see that their future was actually to be seen by looking into their past.
The packaging is typical tri fold sleeve adorned with pictures from the tour, what made this tour special was the lack of a real stage set up, just KISS and the music. There are some great pictures of Paul with his classic Icemand guitar and there are some liner notes written by Guillermo Coppola that give a brief background of the set. I love the sense of humor interjected with the KISS liner notes, always bring a smile to ones face. Another strong KISS release from The Don, one that is welcome as I have precious few boots from this "lost" era of the band and the bonus of having the Foundations Forum gig is too good to be true.
PreviousNews & new releasesNextThe Beatles – Candlestick Park 1966 (Masterpiece FAB4-82966)
pinballwizard	 September 12, 2013, 10:59 pm
Thanks for the review relayer67, very informative. I too picked this one up. It arrived yesterday and so I had a good listen – I'm sure the neighbours got a listen as well. Tight lineup this. Paul is in fine voice, big phat bass from Gene, good performances from Bruce and Eric and a very happy and vocal crowd. The bonus tracks in the form of the complete Foundations Forum 9/11/93 gig are especially enjoyable. The vocals are nice and clear in this short set. I can highly recommend this release.
kads	 September 7, 2013, 6:24 am
Indeed another excellent release from Godfather! Great set with appropriate artwork and photos of the actual show and bonus material from the same era in KISSTORY! The monthly flow of KISSfather releases is bringing a lot of joy to people's lifes!
Rainbow – Soundboard Archives 1976 (Darker Than Blue 077/078)
Led Zeppelin – No Firecrackers (Electric Magic EMC-009A/B)
Led Zeppelin – Let's Have A Party (Graf Zeppelin LZSC-013A/B/C)
Cream – Springtime Of Your Love (Eat A Peach EAT 172)
new Godfather releases!
Black Sabbath – Definitive Boston 1992 (Zodiac 045)
Paul McCartney – On The Run In Moscow (no label)
New releases from Bowie, Hendrix, Zeppelin, & Queen!
George Harrison with Eric Clapton – Run For The Roses (Tricone 003/004)


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Ireland's Guide To Money And Living
Tel: 353 (01) 4322200
— Main Menu —Making It - Employment - Investing Saving It - Debt - Money Saving Tips - Tax Spending It - Family - Fun - Property - Travel Money tools - Currency Convertor - Budget Calculators - Net Worth Calculator - Mortgage Loan Calculator Consumer Watch
Saving It
by Conor
Arrears, Consumer watch, Debt, Irish Mortgage Holders' Organisation, Mortgage, Repayments, Repossession, Ulster Bank
Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Ulster Bank has said that it won't write off debt for those who remain in their homes.
Chief risk officer Stephen Bell said that it would be unfair to current customers who are meeting their repayments if those who cannot meet such commitments have their mortgage debt written off.
The bank has also announced measures to engage with 2,000 customers over mortgage arrears, and has said it will provide such customers with the assurance that their homes will not be repossessed if revised repayment terms can be agreed. The bank did warn that legal proceedings could be initiated if such customers don't engage.
The Irish Mortgage Holders Organisation (IMHO), however, has been critical of the banks' stance towards mortgage holders, and has proposed several alternatives, including a Government-sponsored industry split mortgage that would see individuals, facing voluntary sale, surrender or repossession, receive rent supplement to allow them to rent privately and remain in their own communities rather than enter social housing; a mortgage-to-lease scheme in place of the current mortgage-to-rent scheme; and insolvency reforms.
In other news, Irish consumer sentiment remains positive, according to the latest index published this week by KBC/ESRI.
Respondents to the survey noted improvement in their own financial situation, as well as a more positive outlook for the months ahead.
According to KBC's chief economist Austin Hughes: "The details of the sentiment survey for April suggest… consumers are becoming a little more focussed on the prospect of an improvement in their personal finances in the next twelve months."
When not writing about all things personal finance, You & Your Money's editor Conor Forrest enjoys reading, football and getting lost in an ocean of Wikipedia articles.
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Benjamin Dunlap is the Former President and Chapman Family Professor in the Humanities at Wofford College. He holds degrees from Sewanee: The University of the South and Oxford University, which he attended as a Rhodes Scholar. His first full-time faculty appointment was at Harvard University, from which he had received a PhD in 1967. He also has held appointments as Carolina Professor at the University of South Carolina, Fulbright Senior Lecturer in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and U.S.-Japan Leadership Fellow in Tokyo. Since 1985, Dunlap has been a frequent moderator for the Aspen Institute in this country and abroad. His 2007 presentation as one of "Fifty Remarkable People" at the annual TED Conference is posted on their website. In addition to many publications, he has served as writer-producer for more than 200 Public Television programs, winning numerous national and international awards. For four and a half years, he performed as soloist and principal dancer for the Columbia City Ballet. In 2006 Dunlap was awarded an honorary doctorate by his alma mater, and in 2010 he was honored with the South Carolina Governor's Award in the Humanities. He is a co-founder of Liberty Fellowship and lives in Spartanburg.
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These little beauties were carefully cut out by hand by me out of brass. They were then textured, tarnished, and polished for extra flare. The post detail of the earring is solid sterling silver for sensitive skin, and they come with a sterling silver backing as well.


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text:
Q: Row Alignment in Grid I've been working on creating tables of differences in MAA similar to the image below, but with a bit more detail:

I've written a function that will take an anonymous function, a range of values and some optional arguments to create the table:
differenceTable[f_: Function[{g}, g], range_List, n_: 3, diff_: 3, p_: 2] :=
Module[
{a = N[f /@ range, n]},
Grid[
{{"x"} ~ Join ~ {"f[x]"} ~ Join ~ (Table[Superscript[\[CapitalDelta], k], {k, 1, diff}]),
{Column[range, Center, 1]} ~ Join ~ (Column[#, Center, 1] & /@ (SetPrecision[#, p] & /@ diffList[a, diff + 1]))},
Spacings -> 2,
Dividers -> {{False, True}, {False, True}}
]
]

with,
diffList[x_List, n_] :=
  Module[{d = Differences[x]}, {x} ~ Join ~diffList[d, n - 1]];
diffList[x_List, 1] := {x}

For example:
differenceTable[Sin[#] &, Range[10, 90, 10] Degree]

gives

Which is great.  The problem I run into is that when the function values and the x values take on non-standard formatting (fractional notation and exponentials specifially) the spacing between rows is thrown off.
For example:
differenceTable[Sin[#] &, Range[Pi/18, Pi/2, Pi/18]]

gives:

I'm not sure how to fix this without eliminating the taper in the table, which I would like to keep.  Does anyone know of a fix for this?

A: I've started from the beginning, but with Grid with number of rows equal to 2*Length[range] and SpanFromAbove inside:
     diffT[f_, range_, columns_] :=
      Module[{n = Length@range, RF, dif, grid, form},
      RF = Append[Evaluate@Riffle[#, SpanFromAbove], SpanFromAbove] &;
      form = NumberForm[N@#, {5, 4}] &;
      dif = NestList[Differences, f@# & /@ range, columns];
      grid = PadRight[#, 2 n, ""] & /@ (PadLeft[#, n + Length@#/2,""] & /@ (RF /@ (Map[form, dif, {2}])));
      Grid[
      Transpose[{RF@range, ##} & @@ grid]
      , ItemSize -> 4]
       ]

You can easily add all Your arguments or Headings.
It defenitely need to be optimized. Thanks in advance for remarks.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Biografia
Figlio di Gherardo VII da Camino ed Elisabetta da Lorenzaga, .

Ercole cercò di ricucire lo strappo con Venezia e, per questo, il Senato Veneto lo fece conte di Valmareno all'inizio del XV secolo.

In occasione della guerra tra Repubblica di Venezia e Regno d'Ungheria (1411) i cugini di Ercole si schierarono con questi ultimi, sperando che l'invasore avrebbe ripristinato gli antichi privilegi feudali della famiglia.

A seguito della sconfitta ungherese nel 1420, Gherardo VIII da Camino, cugino di Ercole, fu punito con l'intero esproprio dei propri beni; a Ercole fu concesso di mantenere la contea di Valmareno costringendolo tuttavia a nominare la Repubblica come sua unica erede universale, non avendo avuto figli.

Quello del castello di Cison e delle sue pertinenze fu quindi l'ultimo territorio su cui la famiglia poté governare: alla morte di Ercole, avvenuta nel 1422, la famiglia sopravvisse grazie ai discendenti di Gherardo VIII, ma da allora non ebbe più alcun ruolo rilevante nelle vicende politiche italiane.

Il fatto che il nome di battesimo di Ercole non appartenesse alla tradizione di famiglia, ha fatto sorgere l'ipotesi che egli fosse un figlio naturale di Gherardo VII e che quindi l'ultimo ramo rilevante della famiglia si fosse già estinto in precedenza.

Note

Bibliografia

Voci correlate
 Da Camino
 Gherardo VII da Camino
 Gherardo VIII da Camino

Ercole

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


A reminder that submissions close for our fundraising marathon, Tactical Fundraising Action in a few days, On November 1st at 23:59 EDT.
The purpose of this marathon is to support our runners heading to AGDQ 2019! That would be Tyler2022, MiniOmegaKing and Eriphram. The guidelines for submission are straightforward enough, please only submit a game you are familiar with and can reasonably complete a no reset run of. For our regular runners you may submit a game that falls outside of the Metal Gear series. Any runners attending GDQ to run another Konami game may also submit their game. We want this to be a fun and enjoyable experience for all involved so the more we have the better. And if you're not a speedrunner but you just love to watch, share our twitch channel; https://www.twitch.tv/metalgearspeedrunners and join our discord! The marathon is slated for December 7th. Plans to run through the weekend! We hope to see you there as a runner or loyal supporter!


text:
Science writing: Fascist Central kicks on the ol' jack boots
Culture Intellectual freedom Intelligent Design Media Science
Posted on January 13, 2017 January 13, 2017 Author NewsComments(11)
Well, that didn't take long. They're not stunned any more, they're mad. Mad as stink. From Phillip Williamson at New Scientist:
Ocean acidification is an inevitable consequence of increasing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. That's a matter of fact. We don't know exactly what will happen to complex marine ecosystems when faced with the additional stress of falling pH, but we do know those changes are happening and that they won't be good news.
UK journalist James Delingpole disagrees. In an article for The Spectator in April 2016, he took the sceptical position that all concerns over ocean acidification are unjustified "alarmism" and that the scientific study of this non-problem is a waste of money. He concluded that the only reason that the study of ocean acidification was ever funded at all was because there was insufficient (and decreasing) evidence for global warming and it acted as a "fallback position".
As a boffin, Williamson decided to shut the guy down.
Having first gone to The Spectator with my concerns, in late August I submitted a formal complaint to the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). The key issues were whether or not due care had been taken to avoid publication of inaccurate information, and whether comment and conjecture had been clearly distinguished from fact.
At the end of a long and frustrating process IPSO's final ruling was published on 5 January and it doesn't seem we are much further forward. My complaint was rejected on the basis that the article was "clearly a comment piece" and that it was not IPSO's role to resolve conflicting evidence for contentious issues. More.
In the United States, that would be called the First Amendment to the Constitution. And there is a reason why it was the first amendment. Can anyone guess the reason, just from reading this story?
To the extent that Western media can repair their dignity after certain recent forays into misleading people for a cause, they won't be institutions that zealous snitches and bullies can just run to, demanding that people be fixed good.
Delingpole may be mistaken but the public has the right to hear him. If media don't want to carry him but a lot of people think that what he has to say is important, that could become part of a pattern as to why those media are just not so mainstream anymore.
Is there a law of information theory that underlies this pattern?
See also: Nature: Scientists stunned by Trump victory Really? What does that say about the scientific method? What good did it do those scientists to listen to "correct" media who misled them about the U.S. election – doubtless, for the very best of politically correct reasons?
Part I: What is fake news? Do we believe it?
Does fake news make a difference in politics?
Part III: What can we do about fake news that would not diminish real news? Critics of 'fake news' should go to China — only the government has the right to post fake news there.
Older than thought: Endogenous retroviruses spotted from 450 mya
Refutation of a "Classic Case of Molecular Adaptation"
11 Replies to "Science writing: Fascist Central kicks on the ol' jack boots"
asauber says:
Delingpole may be mistaken
He's not. Ocean Acidification is just a scare story.
asauber at 2, maybe so. But as an old newsie, I take my stand on his right to be heard, free of harassment by 'crats.
I took the same attitude years ago when a similar sort of person attempted to shut down Lomborg in front of hundreds of journalists from around the world (Montreal, 2004).
bornagain77 says:
– Stephen Meyer & Doug Axe – 5 Royal Problems with Macro-Evolution – January 7, 2017
http://player.subsplash.com/xfn4kbl
Frank Turek interviews Stephen Meyer & Doug Axe –
The Royal Society called for a meeting to revise the standard theory of evolution because of the many issues with such theory. Our two guests who are experts in the field went there and are here to talk about the top 5 problems with the Neo-Darwinian, Macro-Evolution, theory.
5 Royal Problems with Macro-Evolution
– 11:30 minute mark –
1. Fossil Record
2. Origin of Information
3. Necessity for Early Mutations (in embryological development)
4. Epigenetic or Structural Information
5. Universal Design Intuition we all have
Bob O'H says:
Hm, are you arguing that it's OK for the press to mislead the public? Williamson is clearly concerned about the factual content of Delingpole's piece, and he complained to IPSO on this basis.
IPSO is one way to try to avoid fake news, by providing a mechanism for complaints to be heard. Publications don't have to sign up to it (several national newspapers haven't, for a variety of reasons), but if it's working well then it will provide some level of assurance that the publications signed up to IPSO are reliable.
BO'H:
Do you appreciate that "FAKE news" is directly, instantly an accusation of fraud? One, that as a rule is not backed up, other than by the presumed superiority and credibility of the accusers and those who pile on?
Thus, that it can become used to polarise even before censoring?
(And, do you realise what happens when there is increasingly the stance that if you disagree with the establishment or favoured institutions and voices, you are and must be ignorant, stupid, insane or wicked? If the words, smug bigotry and hate do not come to mind, they should. It is time to pause and stand back from the brink.)
Now, if Delingpole was spectacularly and patently wrong, it would have been child's play to shred his claims in a suitable article in the Spectator under right of reply, or in another similar forum, with the additional remark that Spectator did not accept the below.
Then, after the matter had been suitably settled, there could be a call for Mr Delingpole to explain himself. If he failed or refused to, that would have been telling.
After all, the evolutionary materialistic establishment holds the high cards in the media message dominance and spin game.
Delingpole's credibility and that of the Spectator would have been dead in the water.
All this is obvious.
That this was not the resort but instead, try to get Delingpole "fixed," speaks volumes and not in Mr Williamson's favour.
I trust you further realise that there are some people who are people of principle who if falsely accused and smeared may take it as not just a game at all, and will act with escalated force on their sense of unfairly besmirched honour.
If you are lucky, such people will only sue.
Only a fool makes enemies he does not need to have, especially out of people whose only crime is to disagree.
I suggest that good sense will back away from trotting out loaded accusations (as the "Fake News" phrase was form its inception, meant to skewer those who do not toe the line of the progressivist establishment . . .), for the sake of responsible community.
If you do have real evidence of malicious intent to defraud the public of truth, I would expect that such can be brought out and laid on the table, card by card.
In the meanwhile, let us address the actual facts on the merits.
kf –
Indeed (I'm not sure it happens "as a rule", but certainly it does happen). This is why an organisation like IPSO is a good idea, as it provides a mechanism to investigate accusations like this.
BO'H: There has been entirely too much use of this phrase from its sudden rise to prominence as a propagandistic weapon of projecting hatefulness, primarily to those of conservative bent; too often with little or no good warrant. It is secondarily that some have taken it up to return the favour. I find this pattern is utterly dangerous, especially when we have on the table things like the Canadian tribunals with was it a 98% conviction rate and a want of proper procedure. Moreover, this tactic serves to polarise and is a provocation. I warn, there are enough people out there who will take strong and even aggressive exception and will go after false accusers and those who pile on with a ferocity that will have to be seen to be believed; do we really want to go back to the days of feuds, vendettas and worse? Meanwhile, with erosion of standards in public discourse civil society is visibly breaking down. As for the media . . . KF
PS: My straight vs spin framework.
rvb8 says:
In general the idea that someone can write anything and have that right protected by the US's First Ammendment, is not sustainable. 'Hate speech' is barred, and rightly so. Now, this article is far from hate speech and the right of the writer to publish it should be protected.
The best response of course is to publish a refutation of the ignorant poorly researched information, and simply put forward the studies by NASA, Universities, Inter-governmental Organisations, and independent NGOs. If this is not enough for the public and they still wish to get their science from poor reporting, and crank web sites, then there really is no hope for humanity; perhaps we deserve our current cataclism.
rvb8 – why would the US fifth amendment be relevant here? Aren't IPSO's Code of Practice the relevant standard?
jerry In this post an hour ago, I argue that Darwinian evolution is self refuting. It cannot possibly have happened or... – Are Mutations Really Random?


The Offer in Compromise is considered the Holy Grail of Tax Relief. The IRS settles a back-tax debt for less than the total amount owed. How much less? Well, that depends on your specific set of circumstances. Each Offer in Compromise is different, depending on the taxpayer.
One thing that's consistent about all OICs is the list of prerequisites.
Last month, January 2018, the IRS started reporting taxpayers with "Seriously Delinquent Tax Debt" to the State Department. In this case, seriously delinquent means $50,000+ adjusted yearly for inflation. So, if you fit the criteria below, your passport could be denied, revoked or limited.
Current tax compliance is the first step to resolving a back tax liability. Part of gaining compliance is filing missing tax returns.
If you have a paper tax return to send to the IRS, check the IRS Where to File site to find the correct address.


One of the goals of the Charter Challenge for Fair Voting is to have the Supreme Court of Canada order the government to develop a voting system that is compliant with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
This post introduces the types of voting systems that exist around the world, including the systems that would be strong candidates to replace the first-past-the-post voting system, if the Court were to call for its replacement.
There are nearly as many voting systems as there are countries in the world, all with their own strengths and weaknesses. In this post, I'll share some of the basics about what each system looks like in one spot.
Voting systems are the foundation of our public institutions. We use our voting system to elect members of our Parliament who craft the laws of the land. The composition of Parliament determines the quality and brand of executive government (Prime Minister and Cabinet) that we have. The executive is responsible for hiring and firing the senior civil servants who oversee critical public services offered to Canadians.
A structure is only as strong as the foundation on which it rests. Finding the best voting system to serve the public interest improves the likelihood that everything derived from it - Parliament, executive, public services, laws and budgets - also serves the public interest.
While citizens interact in many different ways with government, elections are the only direct opportunity available to every Canadian to shape our government and hold our elected officials accountable. Therefore, it is important to consider which system ensures not only that every vote is counted, but that every vote counts.
There are two main families of voting systems used throughout the world: winner-take-all systems, and proportional representation (PR) systems. Let's start with unpacking winner-take-all systems.
Most winner-take-all systems are characterized by single-member districts (one MP per riding) where the winner is the candidate who receives the most votes. In the case of the first-past-the-post system, the winner just needs to receive a plurality, or more votes than anybody else. In the case of the alternative vote (AV) system, a candidate needs a majority of votes to win.
Case Note: The name 'winner-take-all' indicates the majoritarian nature of the system. In neither system is there any means to account for voters who voted for losing candidates. As such, if the court finds that the first-past-the-post voting system is in violation of the charter, and each Canadians right to 'effective representation' then it stands to reason that an AV system would also violate those rights.
The only practical difference between the two systems is the ballot, and how the ballots are counted to determine who the winner in each riding is. The riding boundaries and the number of MPs can stay the same.
In FPTP, voters mark their ballots for one candidate only, and the candidate with more votes than any other candidate wins, regardless of whether or not they have a majority.
In the alternative vote (AV) system voters rank the candidates on the ballot in order of preference.
If one candidate receives a majority of first choice votes, they are elected. If no candidate receives a majority of first preference votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and a second round of counting occurs, where the lowest ranking candidate's votes are redistributed to the second choice marked on each ballot. The process repeats itself until one candidate receives a majority of votes.
The AV system is often simply called the ranked-ballot, or preferential ballot, and was system Prime Minister Justin Trudeau favoured (although few other parties did). It's worth noting that ranked-ballots can be used in proportional systems like the Single Transferable Vote, where the counting works differently in order to deliver a proportional result.
The second family of voting systems used around the world is Proportional Representation.
All of these systems use some kind of large multi-member district(s) to achieve proportionality. There are however, proposed systems that use single-member-districts to achieve proportionality.
We begin with list proportional representation (list-PR). For the record, while List-PR is a system used in many countries around the world, that is advocated for by practically nobody in Canada. Explaining it first, however, makes the mixed-member-proportional system easier to understand later on.
The voters in List PR systems have one vote. If the system is a closed list system, like those in Spain, Israel or Argentina, the parties determine the ranking of candidates from their party and voters simply cast their ballot for their preferred party. The ranking of the candidates on the list determine the order in which the candidates are elected.
If the system is an open list system like Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Fiji, voters select their preferred candidate within the list provided by each party, and the vote for that candidate counts toward the popular vote for that party, and improves the ranking of that candidate on the party's list.
There are no single-member districts in most List PR systems. States that use List PR either divide the state into several large multi- member regional districts, like Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, or treat the entire state as one single district, like Fiji, Israel or the Netherlands.
In Canada, the largest possible district for a federal electoral district would be a single province. In the List PR model shown here, the district borders follow naturally distinct communities and regions, and the number of MPs is based on the population within the borders.
The size of the multi-member district can vary. For example, in densely populated areas like Montreal and Vancouver, a district could have a large number of voters and many MPs, unified by a common geography. On the other hand, a low-density region of northern Quebec or rural New Brunswick could be represented by only two MPs, where the ratio of voters to elected representatives is the same as elsewhere in the country, while not merging a rural community with a distinct urban community for political reasons.
Adjustment seats are often used in List-PR systems to improve proportionality of the statewide results, where seats are not assigned to a particular district, but their addition makes the results more proportional.
In closed and open list systems elections officials count the votes and award a share of seats to each party that roughly corresponds to the share of the votes that party (or its candidates) received. In a closed list system, the candidates who the party placed highest on it's list are awarded seats in Parliament until the number of seats held by candidates from that party roughly match the share of the popular vote the party received.
In an open list system, the same process applies, but the party list candidates who received the most votes become the first awarded seats in Parliament for their party. Many open list systems are not completely open, so each party's ranking of their own candidates has some influence on which candidates get elected first. Candidates at the top of the list still require support, but require a lower threshold to win than candidates lower on their party's list.
List PR systems often employ minimum thresholds that each party must meet to receive seats in Parliament.
- a party must earn a minimum percentage of votes across the province in question - typically set at between three and five per cent.
- a party must earn a minimum percentage of votes in a multi-member district - typically set between 10 and 12 per cent.
Thresholds are generally used to limit the prevalence of extremist views, and the proliferation of an unruly number of small parties.
Mixed-member proportional representation (MMP) is the voting system combines elements of FPTP and List PR. It originated in Germany and is still used there, along with New Zealand, Scotland, Wales, and other countries.
The MMP system has several proponents in Canada, including the federal NDP and the Green Party. Voters in PEI recently selected this system in a plebiscite on electoral reform held in 2016.
In an MMP system, voters typically cast two votes: one for their preferred local candidate and another for their preferred party. As with List PR, open or closed lists can be used to determine the rank of candidates on the party list.
There are two types of districts in all MMP systems. The local single-member district is standard across all systems. Then, as in List PR, a province can be divided into several large multi-member regional districts as Scotland does, or treat the entire state as one large multi-member district, as New Zealand does. In the MMP map modeled below, we model each province as one large multi-member district.
There are a few ways to move from the present system to an MMP system. The number of single-member-districts could be reduced, and the size of those districts expanded. Or, additional list seats for each province could be added in addition to the existing MPs in parliament. In the electoral map modeled below, we assume the number of single-member-districts would be reduced by half, and half of each province's MPs would come from a list (New Brunswick would have five list and five district MPs, BC would have 21 list and 21 district MPs, and Quebec would have 39 of each type of MP).
First: the votes cast for all local, single-member districts are counted to determine the winners using the FPTP method. The candidate with more votes than any other candidate is elected.
Next: the party votes are counted and list seats are awarded to 'top-up' parties that earned a larger share of party votes than their share of local seats won. This ensures that the total seat count for each party is as proportional as possible to their share of the party vote.
As in List PR, an MMP system may employ a minimum threshold of the popular vote that each party must earn in order to receive seats in parliament. An additional threshold that may be used in MMP systems is reached when a party wins a pre-set number of local district elections. For instance, if the popular vote threshold were set to ve per cent, and the district threshold were set to one district seat, a party that had earned one district seat, but only four per cent of the popular vote across a province, would be awarded roughly four per cent of that province's seats in parliament for having reached one of the thresholds.
The single transferable vote (STV) is a system for electing representatives to multi-member districts using a preferential ballot. This system is used in Ireland, Malta, the Australian Senate, and in many municipal and organizational elections (for governing boards and councils) worldwide.
The STV system has not had strong political support within mainstream politics, but remains a popular choice amongst fair-voting advocates across the country. In 2004, the Citizens Assembly on Electoral Reform in British Columbia recommended a type of STV to BC voters.
The STV system is unique compared to the other proportional systems presented here as it is not dependent on the presence of political parties in order to function.
In an STV voting system the voters rank candidates in order of preference. Because the election is for a multi-member district, the number of candidates is typically quite large, with each party running multiple candidates in each district.
Districts: In the STV system, a state is divided into several multi-member districts. For example, in Australia, each of the country's six states is its own district, with 12 senators elected from each.
The first step in determining the winners in an STV election is to calculate the winning threshold, known as a quota, which is the number of votes a candidate must receive in order to win.
The quota is calculated based on the number of seats available and the number of valid votes cast. It is typically the lowest number of votes that only the winning number of candidates can receive.
Once a quota is established, the first preference on each ballot is counted and all candidates who meet the quota are declared elected. Then, if the total number of seats available is not filled on a first count, counting proceeds to a second round. The surplus votes received by winning candidates in the previous round (votes in excess of the quota) are then 'transferred' to the next preference choice marked on the ballots added to the totals of the remaining candidates.
If no candidates exceed the quota using the surplus votes in a single round, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and the second preference on those ballots are added to the tallies of each of the remaining candidates. This process continues until all seats are filled.
Here's a video from the Scottish electoral commission explaining how the quota and counting process works for their council elections, which run using STV.
There are two families of voting systems. Winner-take-all systems include first-past-the-post and the alternative vote, where each district has a single MP. The three proportional voting systems modeled here use some form of multi-member district to ensure more proportional results, where the share of votes cast for each party's candidates closely matches the share of seats that party's MPs hold in parliament. In proportional systems, thresholds come into play. In MMP and List PR, those thresholds are decided in advance, and determine how much overall support a party needs before it's candidates are awarded seats in parliament. In STV, the threshold is determined by a calculation based on the number of seats available and the number of votes cast.
The Charter Challenge for Fair Voting will argue that only a proportional representation voting system can adequately the right to 'effective representation' that is guaranteed by section three of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The ballots and models in this post are based on the paper published by Springtide in the fall of 2016 "Better Choices: Voting System Alternatives for Canada"


As more and more salon-goers express concern over UVA nail lamps and their possible link to skin cancer, Allure quelled the misconception in its November 2012 issue.
Brian Diffey, an emeritus professor at Newcastle University in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, used a mathematical model to prove risks are extremely small, reports Allure.
If about 44,000 women used nail lamps once every three weeks for 40 years, starting at age 20, only one would develop squamous-cell skin cancer as a result.
Nail lamps deliver a small dose of UV light to the hands; in contract, tanning beds deliver a high dose to the whole body and thus are much more dangerous.