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Nordson systems are ideal for applications in glass bottle manufacturing, helping to reduce costs, ensure consistency, and create new market opportunities for glass bottle makers.
Nordson systems are used to apply decorative or functional coatings to finished bottles and containers as well as for the automatic application of lubricants during production. Our systems provide significant costs savings for glass container manufacturers who produce bottles with clear non-pigmented or colored glass, coating the containers to meet their brand specifications.
Coatings can be done on a "batch" or as-needed basis, which greatly improves operating efficiency and reduces production and inventory costs.
Lubricants can be sprayed on glass bottle molds, replacing labor-intensive manual processes.


Quad Server™ by EyeTracking, Inc. simplifies the task of integrating data from multiple sources into a unified database. By coordinating all inputs within a single platform, this innovative software tool significantly reduces development time and costs. It is compatible with EyeWorks™ out-of-the-box and can be easily applied to most other data types using the included SDK. We developed Quad Server™ for use on a US Department of Defense research program. Now, for the first time, it is available to the public.
Quad Server™ was designed to simplify the common problem of managing data collected simultaneously from multiple physiological sensors (e.g. eye tracking, EEG, fNIR, EKG, GSR). Data rates and formats for each sensor can be processed independently as Quad Server™ organizes the data from each source. This software is also capable of incorporating non-physiological task data. For example in a simulator environment you may wish to record throttle movements and vehicle sensor data in addition to physiological data.
Whether you are monitoring a team or a group of individuals, Quad Server™ allows you to integrate data from multiple participants running simultaneously. For example, in a Command and Control task you may wish to collect eye tracking data on several members of the group at the same time. This can be easily accomplished. Connect EyeWorks to the Quad Server™, start recording and the data will be automatically sent to the database.
In addition to receiving data, the Quad Server™ allows access to other networked software applications. This capability is beneficial to those interested in developing additional functionality. One possible application is linking physiological classifiers (neural nets, etc.) to synchronized real-time data. You may also integrate automation agents that are designed to adapt user interfaces in response to physiological changes. Adaptability is one of Quad Server™'s most impressive features.


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Horse is left behind, survives 6 weeks in wilderness
Pic: AP
Published Thursday, January 26, 2017
A horse named Valentine was left behind in the Wyoming wilderness by an excursion company after getting sick and survived for six weeks, a case that has raised debate and prompted a criminal investigation.
The domesticated animal had to find food and survive the harsh winter conditions, on top of avoiding grizzly bears.
While the mare is safely back home, her owner is getting angry phone calls from around the country from those he says don't know the whole story.
Residents in the horse-loving resort region of Jackson Hole are debating whether the company did the right thing in leaving the horse, did all it could to find her or should have put her down to spare her suffering.
The state Board of Livestock is investigating and will forward its review to prosecutors.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
<?php

namespace Magento\Payment\Api\Data;

/**
 * Payment method interface.
 */
interface PaymentMethodInterface
{
    /**
     * Get code.
     *
     * @return string
     */
    public function getCode();

    /**
     * Get title.
     *
     * @return string
     */
    public function getTitle();

    /**
     * Get store id.
     *
     * @return int
     */
    public function getStoreId();

    /**
     * Get is active.
     *
     * @return bool
     * @SuppressWarnings(PHPMD.BooleanGetMethodName)
     */
    public function getIsActive();
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Nagasaki Private Tour Highlights
Explore Nagasaki with a nationally-licensed and experienced multilingual guide! Your guide will help you efficiently enjoy a full-day walking tour of Nagasaki and introduce both modern and traditional sides of this dynamic and ancient Japanese city.
A guided tour ensures you see all of the important Nagasaki
A top choice for first-time visitors to Nagasaki
Nagasaki Private Tours
Most popular places to visit in this tour!
Nagasaki Peace Park
Dejima
Urakami Cathedral
Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture
Catholic Oura Church
Twenty-Six Christian Martyrs Monument
Suggested 6-hours itinerary in Nagasaki
9:00 am Meet up with your guide at your hotel in Nagasaki
9:30 am Nagasaki Peace Park
In atomic bomb-scarred Nagasaki, there is a park on a hill which is close to the center of the bomb blast. The 9.7m-high Peace Statue which was built for world peace is known as a symbol of Nagasaki.
10:00 am Nagasaki Hypocenter Park
Walk over to the ground zero area where the atomic bomb had fallen over Nagasaki. It is now a park where a cenotaph has been erected. You can see the ground and the wall of Urakami Cathedral that had been left behind in the bombing.
10:30 Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum
You can learn about Nagasaki and its history of the atomic bombing through the years along with materials that had actually been irradiated in the blast. Also available is the history of Nagasaki, before and after the bombing, along with changes in the current development of nuclear weapons and the aspirations for peace.
12:00 pm Lunch at Nagasaki Chinatown
This is a popular area where you can fully enjoy dishes that are particular to Nagasaki which has thrived since ancient times as an international port. Within this hub of exchange between the cultures of East and West, a unique food culture was born. Including dishes such as chanpon and sara udon, you can sample the famous dishes of Nagasaki.
13:30 pm Oura Church
After the opening of the country when the port of Nagasaki was opened and foreign settlements were built, this was a church which had been completed in 1864 for the residing foreigners. It has been designated as a National Treasure as Japan's oldest surviving church.
14:00 pm Glover Garden
The residence of Thomas Glover, a trade merchant who had contributed to the modern development of Japan, it is known as Japan's oldest wooden Western building.


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By Maura O'Shea
Posted: 17 December, 2019
The Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh T.D. and the Minister of State for Higher Education Mary Mitchell O'Connor T.D. today announced an €18.75 million investment in Cork institute of technology.
The funding is being allocated under Project Ireland 2040, which commits to exchequer investments of €2.2 billion in Ireland's higher education infrastructure over the coming decade.
The Department's approval in principle for the €18.75 capital allocation will go towards significant building upgrades and refurbishment for CIT's Bishopstown campus, built in 1974.
The funding represents a key investment for Cork city and will further boost the role played by CIT, part of the Munster Technological University (MTU) consortium along with IT Tralee, as a driver of economic development in the southern region.
The refurbishment project is to be phased in over five years to minimise disruption to students and staff. It includes the replacement of windows, roof and building facade, as well as the upgrading of the mechanical and electrical services. It will also allow for a number of sustainable technologies including a combined heat and power plant, solar photovoltaic system, LED lighting and upgraded building management system.
Minister McHugh said: "I am delighted to announce €18.75m in funding for Cork Institute of Technology. This funding under Project Ireland 2040 recognises the role of higher education institutions in driving regional growth. CIT plays a hugely important role in providing talented graduates to industry in the southern region. The investment will further strengthen its capacity to meet industry needs and will directly support its ambitions to develop a new Munster Technological University, together with IT Tralee."
Minister Mitchell O'Connor said: "The capital investment announced today will provide upgraded facilities that improve the overall student experience, significantly improve the building's energy performance, and allow CIT to continue to expand its student numbers.
"As part of Budget 2020, we have also announced that we are dedicating €90 million over the next three years to support our higher education institutions to achieve TU designation and to support the further advancement of established technological universities.
"The establishment of the MTU is a key Government priority to deliver on regional development objectives for the southern region under Project Ireland 2040."
The funding under Project Ireland 2040 will be provided through the Higher Education Authority (HEA).
CIT's main building in Bishopstown caters for a large proportion of the college's students, with approximately 85% of the Faculty of Engineering and Science accommodated there.
The upgrade will facilitate the continued growth of CIT's STEM provision, in line with the objectives of the National Skills Strategy 2025, demographic growth projections and industry needs in the region and nationally.
The investment is taking place alongside a new Learning Resource Centre planned for CIT as part of the Higher Education PPP Programme. Together with a new STEM building planned for IT Tralee, the investments will greatly strengthen the capacity of both institutions to deliver on the ambitions of a future Munster Technological University (MTU).
Funding to UCC for the Cork University Business School in the city centre was also recently announced as part of the Higher Education Strategic Investment Fund.


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iStock.com/z_wei
Yes, it is getting harder to publish in prestigious journals if you haven't already
By Viviane Callier Dec. 10, 2018 , 3:00 PM
Can you publish in Nature if you haven't already published in Nature? It may sound like a riddle—but according to a new study, it is in fact getting harder to publish in prestigious multidisciplinary journals such as Nature, Science, and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences if you haven't previously done so. So-called "chaperoned" researchers who first publish in these journals as nonsenior authors have a leg up when it comes to publishing in these journals as principal investigators (PIs), the study found—and the trend has gotten stronger in recent years. In Nature, for example, the share of papers authored by chaperoned senior authors grew from 16% to 22% between 1990 and 2012, while new senior authors dropped from 39% to 31%.
"The take-home point really is that it's getting harder to break into one of these journals if you haven't been chaperoned into it," says study co-author Roberta Sinatra, a network scientist at Central European University in Budapest. And although the benefit of being chaperoned is strongest in prestigious multidisciplinary journals and in the life sciences, "it is an effect that you can see for almost any journal," says study co-author Sune Lehmann, a mathematician and computer scientist at the Technical University of Denmark in Kongens Lyngby.
There are a number of possible underlying reasons, including mentoring, better skill development, and factors related to building reputation and connections. Regardless, early-career researchers may want to keep the results in mind when choosing which labs to join and otherwise strategizing for their careers. "Having the opportunity to be an understudy on a paper as you are developing your own individual skills and your own reputation as a scientist produces a big return when you become senior author," says Brian Uzzi, a network scientist at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, who was not involved in the study.
The researchers generated a "chaperone index" for 386 scientific journals across all disciplines by comparing the number of senior authors—defined as the last author—who had first published in the journal as nonsenior author with the number who hadn't. The analysis was based on the author lists of 6.1 million papers published between 1960 and 2012, using modeling to account for variability in ordering conventions and author number. The extent that researchers benefit from being chaperoned tracks with the so-called purity of the field: The effect is strongest in multidisciplinary journals, then—in decreasing order—biology, medicine, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, with significant variation among individual journals.
One possible explanation for the overall effect, Sinatra says, is that "chaperoned" scientists learn to frame their results in a way that is attractive to high-impact journals, to navigate the review process, and to work with the editor to give them the paper they are looking for.
Other explanations, however, include various ways that reputation and elitism manifest in academia. For example, says Daniel Larremore, a computer scientist at the University of Colorado in Boulder who was not involved in the study, a chaperoned scientist could become a "known quantity" to the editor, which could make the editor more likely to look favorably upon future submissions. "It could be due to that person's skills or it could be due to the fact that they're already in the editor's Rolodex," says Larremore, who has studied the role of prestige in faculty hiring decisions. More broadly, it could also come down to visibility, both to editors and to the scientific community as a whole, Larremore says.
Yet another element is the cumulative advantage that a young scientist gains from having a Science or Nature paper on their CV. The researchers who have high-profile publications will get consideration for jobs at the most prestigious places and have access to more resources—funding, good grad students, smart colleagues—when they become PIs. "But it is different from learning the skills of how to do high-impact work and instead more about resources," Larremore says.
To dig into the differences between papers by chaperoned and nonchaperoned authors, the researchers also looked at relative impact factors and citations for work published in the prestigious multidisciplinary journals. Sinatra and Lehmann expected that papers from authors who were not chaperoned had to be truly exceptional to be accepted without the advantages that come with prior experience. Instead, they found that papers by authors who have been chaperoned or who have repeatedly published in these journals have, on average, higher impact factors and more citations than those by authors who were not chaperoned. "It was quite shocking to see that," Lehmann said.
But this could have more to do with visibility than quality, Larremore says. If someone has already written one or two Nature papers, they are already highly visible, so their next paper makes a bigger splash than it would if they were a first-time author.
As Uzzi puts it, scientists are a bit like politicians: They develop a base, a group of other scientists that follow their work. When a junior author publishes in these prestigious journals, they probably expand their base. "If you then publish as a senior author, you've got a great base already in place," he says.
Career-related Policy
doi:10.1126/science.caredit.aaw3380
Viviane Callier


text:
The Chaos Engine
Home Forums > The Games Industry > I wanna be a Game Programmer >
Game Programming Tests
Discussion in 'I wanna be a Game Programmer' started by kettiby, Mar 26, 2008.
kettiby Lurker Not From Round Here
I am currently in the process of looking for jobs after I graduate from university. And (luckily) I have managed to secure an interview with a games developer.
But I'm really worried about the test! All the stuff likely to be tested, e.g. C/C++, OpenGL and DirectX, wasn't taught on the Computer Science course I was on. Despite having dabbled in the aforementioned languages and technologies, I don't quite feel up to speed.
Could anyone give me any pointers as the best way to prepare? I'm currently brushing up on my C and C++ knowledge but get a feeling that that alone won't be enough.
Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom.
kettiby, Mar 26, 2008
Xajin Codebastard One Of Us
kettiby said: ↑
Write a simple game in C++ using Microsoft Visual Studio Express.
This will give you two things:
1. Experience in C++ game development.
2. A demo to show your prospective employers.
Xajin, Mar 26, 2008
Thank x 3
PeterM (name subject to change) One Of Us
Oh, and make the explosions look good.
Worked for me!
PeterM, Mar 26, 2008
Mathematix Banned
What the other guys said. How are you at generally reading other people's code? You should have a sound enough knowledge from your computer science course to show that you can understand what a program is doing, as well as the syntax.
A games programming test does not have to specifically test you on code only used in games - it is pretty likely to test you on your understanding of algorithms, including algorithm efficiency like Big-O and NP-Completeness (in the worse case scenario).
Mathematix, Mar 26, 2008
oh... and
HARDEN THE F*CK UP!
Bitterman Not From Round Here One Of Us
Xajin's original suggestion was right on the mark. If you've only dabbled in C/C++/etc, it's likely (depending on exactly who you're interviewing with, and the role you're going for) that you probably won't have the skills they're after. The only way you can gain these skills before the interview is by making a game. Preferably more than one, of increasing complexity.
Don't get me wrong - you're in a better situation than some, because your course will have given you a background in which you can pick up the requisite skills relatively quickly. You just need to do it before the interview. (Don't be tempted to say in the interview "I don't know this stuff yet, but I'm a quick learner." The interviewer will only hear "I don't know this stuff, blag blag blag blag.")
However you shouldn't underestimate the challenge. If the interviewers are after a certain level of knowledge, and you haven't got it, you will struggle - there's no way around that. Happily, as you're a graduate, the level of knowledge they expect shouldn't be that unreasonable; but I would be pretty certain that their expectations will only be met if you've made some games. Learning C++ out of a textbook won't help, you just won't absorb it.
If it's any encouragement - my University course taught me sod all C/C++ and literally zero DirectX/OpenGL, in fact in practical terms it was rubbish, the people doing Physics did more programming than I did in CompSci. But I was able to combine the theory that I did get taught with the practicalities of doing stuff for myself (IMO both are essential), and got a games job straight out of Uni. So you're probably in a pretty similar place now to where I was then.
General words of encouragement: if they've invited you for an interview, it's because they think they might want to hire you. You just need to prove them right - they're on your side already, you're not struggling against them.
Best of luck, and if you don't get it, chalk it up to experience and try again. You may also consider subscribing to Develop and Games Developer magazines, visiting GameDev.net and Gamasutra.com regularly, and the fact you're on here is a good sign too; also grab yourself a couple of games programming books and work through them. But above all, get making games.
Bitterman, Mar 26, 2008
Nokill Troll Not From Round Here
yea go to Gamasutra and listen the first podcast they made its about getting a job and how to do this.
And on the programming bit you can read tons of articles on the subject how to do it.
Nokill, Mar 27, 2008
Thank you everyone, for some really good, useful advice! I've got a couple of game programming books that I working my way through, which should also help me in terms of C and C++.
Worst comes to worst, at least I'll gain some useful experience from it all!
PS: Loving that Youtube link...
yaustar Gaming God One Of Us
There was a mock programming test on IGDA forums that you may want to try to get a feel on what they will asking you: http://www.pixietouch.com/blog/?p=47
yaustar, Mar 27, 2008
MaciejS Industry Legend One Of Us
I've recently read interesting note on this subject. It's tongue-in-cheek, so take with grain of salt, but some good tips can be found there. Of course interview at Google is a little bit different than in gamedev (I dare to say, it's much harder).
MaciejS, Mar 27, 2008
Thanks for the links guys
sp3c1al1st Literate Troll One Of Us
If you're looking to be a games programmer, then you really ought to have more computer science courses than one. From your comments I'm guessing you didn't major in CS? If you haven't written games or demos on your own then, you may have a difficult time securing a game programming job. The other bits of advice on this thread are valid: try writing some of your own games, and/or get a CS degree. Alternately, you could consider doing something other than programming games -- art, production, sound, etc.
sp3c1al1st, Mar 27, 2008
trave Muppet One Of Us
sp3c1al1st said: ↑
I read his message quite differently - i.e. by "Computer Science course" he means his degree. Unless a degree is biased towards games programming, you wouldn't get any DirectX, OpenGL or even C/C++ these days!
trave, Mar 27, 2008
trave said: ↑
Yes, this is correct.
The course I'm on is quite prestigious one (or so they say!) from a red brick university in England. So while we learn the theory behind many of the new and emerging technologies, we don't necessarily learn programming languages in great detail. The idea is, is that we learn enough at university to then go ahead and pick up job skills in our own time.
It has its pros and cons.
The course I'm on is quite prestigious one (or so they say!) from a red brick university in England. So while we learn the theory behind many of the new and emerging technologies, we don't necessarily learn programming languages in great detail.
Truly? It has been a while since my red brick experience, but even then we had two and a half years of moderately strenuous C work. Lots of operating system stuff, low-level rendering stuff (Gouraud and Phong shading and the like), plus some theory of computation and some required calculus. (There weren't no C++ in those days, you whippersnapper.) What's it like nowadays over there?
randomnine Internet Robot One Of Us
I graduated a few years back and my course was much like you described, but with a smattering of "web technology" and Java thrown in. One of the more technical projects was, in the second year: programming an emulator for a multi-core system that implements a given machine code, writing an assembler, writing a compiler to compile from a simple language to that assembly, writing an OS kernel in that language that supports multi-threaded programs and I/O. Half of that was just for extra credit, though.
My university was part of the Russell Group, and even so the CS course was reportedly more technical than others at that level. I've heard that many universities now run softer courses, using Java as the primary language, so the applicants they get won't drop out - and most universities that can attract capable applicants treat CS as a mathematical, not engineering, discipline. CS hasn't necessarily gone downhill as such but has certainly shifted away from training competent programmers for industry.
Since you mention it, I don't think there's a CS course in the land that seriously teaches C++ or the large scale software engineering that goes with it. I can understand that, though. They've only got three years: they wouldn't get anything else done
randomnine, Mar 29, 2008
Awesomely said. I'm one of those 'mathematical' comp sci graduates and grateful that my old institution taught in that manner.
Replace C with Java and we've got the same course. My only concern is that there is very little hands on stuff. For example, I've learnt quite a lot about graphics theory - the basics like Phong, Goraud etc. and then more advanced stuff like classical ray tracing and Monte Carlo. Heck, we've even been lectured on the latest methods to extract geometry from real-life models. Yet our OpenGL exposure has been very limited. A bit odd that.
Thanks all for the update on current CS courses.
In reply to the original poster who was concerned about being quizzed about specific technologies: this is a difficulty you will frequently encounter when being interviewed for any engineering position. And it is frequently the case that you as a programmer will get asked, "do you know technology X", where X is a ponderous bit of tech that no one human being really understands completely. In these cases, if you have some relevant experience, it is best to explain that honestly without inflating it, and if you have no experience, it is best to explain how your experience on a comparable tech (say writing your own renderer as opposed to knowing how to transform and light in OpenGL) would be applicable to your new job. Good luck and keep on interviewing!
Maj Gamer One Of Us
For example, I've learnt quite a lot about graphics theory - the basics like Phong, Goraud etc. and then more advanced stuff like classical ray tracing and Monte Carlo. Heck, we've even been lectured on the latest methods to extract geometry from real-life models. Yet our OpenGL exposure has been very limited. A bit odd that.
For what it's worth, I look back on my uni days and wish I'd spent a bit less time learning OpenGL and a lot more time learning linear algebra. As it is, I'm fairly proficient in an obsolete API*, but when it comes to stuff that's important to me now - BRDF's, spherical harmonics, quaternions - I'm left floundering.
* obsolete as in glBegin(GL_TRIANGLES) is obsolete.
Maj, Mar 31, 2008
Ignore Threads by Nobita


Fennim is a Legendary [5-star] crew member.
Fennim is a version of Fennim (Character) from the Star Trek: Voyager episode "Think Tank" (5x20).
These items are required by Fennim in order to advance through groups of levels.
Fennim has the skills of Diplomacy , Science , and Medicine . Starbase and Cryostasis Vault Collection bonuses are not being displayed. All stats are showing at their base level.
Fennim was added date as a featured character in the portal packs Distant Species and Delta Quadrant.
This page was last edited on 9 February 2019, at 11:01.


text:
People working together around the world to generate ideas and action for social change
About PMs
Plan, Monitor and Evaluate
Learn and Empower
Research and Analyse
Methods & Ideas
Home » Resources » Show downloadable documents only » Resources
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A ladder of citizen participation
Arnstein, Sherry R
This article begins by asking what is citizen participation and what is its relationship to the social imperatives of our time? A politically contentious issue, citizenship participation is seen as a categorical term for citizen power. It is the redistribution of power that enables excluded citizens to be deliberately included. Given that there is a critical difference between going through the motions of participation and having real power, this article analyses eight levels of participation to clarify how a participatory process can have significant effects. These levels are: Manipulation - for instance, placing people on committees or advisory boards for the purpose of engineering their support; Therapy - the assumption is that powerlessness is synonymous with mental illness. Both manipulation and therapy describe levels of non-participation that have been contrived by some substitute for genuine participation; Informing citizens of their rights, is important, but can place too much emphasis on one-way information flows; Consultation - similarly, inviting citizens opinions can be a legitimate step towards participation, but offers no assurances that citizens concerns will be taken into account; Placation - for instance, placing worthy poor on boards of public bodies; Partnership - at this rung of the ladder, power is redistributed through negotiation between citizens and powerholders; Delegated power - when citizens achieve dominant decision-making authority over a particular plan or programme; Citizen control a situation in which people demand a degree of power which guarantees that participants can govern a programme.
Direct Matrix Ranking (DMR) in Kenya and West Bengal
This article introduces direct matrix ranking methods as they developed out of pairwise comparison. Direct matrix ranking moves quickly from discussion and questioning to recording respondents' views onto a matrix or table. Seven steps involved are outlined, and experiences and reflections are discussed. Weaknesses (it does not handle weightings, it is limited to classes of objects, it is subject to usual biases of interviews) and strengths (speed, interest, reversals) are noted.
The rural rides of William Cobbett: RRA and sustainable agriculture in 1820s
Pretty, J.
Far from being a new approach, RRA can be seen at work in 19th century England. During the last century, William Cobbett, journalist, politician and farmer, set out on a series of 'rural rides' across the counties of southern England, in order to "find out the real state of the countryside". His objective was to write articles based on his findings in order to further the cause of political and financial reform. The paper reports on some of his findings, highlighting the political issues of the day that Cobbett drew attention to.
RRA has a role to play in 'Northern' countries
Ampt, P.
Ison, R.
The first RRA was carried out in Australia in 1988 with the aim of "forging closer links between researchers and farmers, utilising farmers' expertise and determining possibilities for future agronomic research in the area". It was also hoped to evaluate RRA as a "problem identification method in a developed country context". The RRA was carried out in two phases (exploratory and topical) with two teams of researchers from agricultural and social science backgrounds. The six most frequent problems, identified by producers and research team separately, are listed and a summary of the "action strategies" that were decided upon. Advantages of RRA over conventional survey methodologies included raising the profile of the School of Crop Sciences (who initiated the RRA exercise) in the Shire. The findings also supported the original assumption that "many of the problems that have been evident in developing countries are also evident in developed countries".
The "fertilizer bush" game : a participatory means of communication
Cashman, K.
The author describes problems encountered while supervising an on-farm research project in S.W. Nigeria. Her task of "testing" alley farming under field conditions was made particularly difficult as there was no word to describe "alley" in the local language. She devised solutions to these communication problems by involving a primary school in a drama production called the "fertiliser bush". Dialogue is given to show how concepts, such as poor production related to soil quality, could be put across easily through theatre.
Using rapid rural appraisal for project identification: report on a training exercise in Jama' are Local Government Area, Bauchi State, Northern Nigeria
Hubbard, M.
Leurs, R.
Nickson, A.
This training course in RRA techniques was held for heads of local government departments of several states in Northern Nigeria. The report does not describe the training sessions, but evaluates how various RRA techniques were carried out in the village context. Many of the problems identified relate to the idea of government officials using RRA : they were viewed with suspicion by the villagers (as tax collectors), and had a different perspective from NGO workers (one official asked, "Why are we trying to identify the poorest?") The report includes the visual results of activities and suggests how the training could link to project identification in local government.
Rapid Food Security Assessment: A Pilot Exercise in Sudan
Maxwell, S.
This paper examines the application of Rapid Rural Appraisal techniques to assess the causes, dimensions and characteristics of food insecurity. A procedure referred to as a Rapid Food Security Assessment (RFSA) was carried out during November 1989 in nine communities in North Sudan using a methodology based on the 'Sondeo' approach to RRA. Interviews were carried out with representative households in the various communities using a checklist as the basis for an unstructured conversation. Although the surveys did not use wealth ranking, an effort was made to understand social stratification by asking villagers to estimate what proportion of different types of households made up the villages. More conventional data from markets was also used. The RFSA confirmed that in years with poor rainfall, the landless are doubly affected as wages fall and food prices rise. This has led to recommendations about income support through public works and grain price stabilisation.
The use of community theatre in project evaluation: an experimental example from Zimbabwe
Cornwall, A.
Discusses an ENDA project working on community woodlands, where community theatre was used to stimulate discussion on the local forest resource. Group discussions focused on the woodlands, trees and changes in the forest over time. There was agreement that there were few trees, and that they were declining in number, due to drought, overpopulation and mismanagement. Constraints and potential solutions were identified. There were few gender differences in awareness. The play was created from the key issues identified by these small group discussions by improvisation of scenes in the home, field and forest. It was felt that these plays were interesting and constructive, and that the momentum came from within the community with little external direction needed, and community "ownership" of the theatre.
Wealth ranking in a caste area of India
Grosvenor - Alsop, R.
This paper is particularly interesting because of its context and because it describes the first time that wealth ranking has been used in this type of society. Income was ranked on the basis of data collected from 38 households in a rural Indian village in one cropping year. Assets included in the ranking were: livestock, poultry, land, and number of people in the household in paid employment. The paper concludes that this is a useful way of analysing community wealth differentials in the area where it was tested and assumes therefore that the method could be translated to other areas of India.
The use of community theatre in project evaluation: an experiment from Zimbabwe
Chakavanda, M.
Makumbirofa, S.
Shumba, G.
Mawere, A.
Report from a community woodland resource management project run by ENDA (Environment and Development Activities), Zimbabwe. A workshop was held to identify key concerns, their solutions and any constraints which were then all worked into a piece of theatre which would expose conflict over trees. The play was then used to stimulate discussion in a community workshop. Community members were given questions to discuss and dramatise as short sketches. Through this process, participants identified more closely with the issues raised and were more motivated to tackle them. Minimal external direction was needed for this workshop.
Special issue of proceedings of Second Joint IDS/IIED RRA Review Workshop
Section seven of this workshop report focuses specifically on M&E and Project Benefit M&E (PBME). The introduction to this section lists some of the shortcomings, or 'weaknesses', of a "conventional" M&E program and then highlights some of the main 'potential contributions' from RRA methodologies for M&E activities. These include; increasing the cost effectiveness of data collection in areas such as cropping calendars, labour profiles, and crop and input prices; helping in determining cropping parameters and; improving the effectiveness monitoring through the use of diagnostic surveys. In the second section, Mick Howes explores the uses of RRA methodologies to evaluate NGO projects. Using the example of the preliminary study of an irrigation tank renovation project in Sri Lanka, the author provides a useful account of an evaluation approach which employs some RRA methods in determining 'the context', 'the impact, 'project the system' of the NGO's intervention. Methods included mapping techniques, group interviews and household case studies. In the concluding discussion, the author suggests points in which RRA methods may be further employed to improve both the case study evaluation and other participatory forms of evaluation of NGO projects.
The "fertilizer bush" game: a participatory means of communication
The author had to field test alley cropping in Nigeria with limited-resource farmers. There was much resistance to a concept which did not translate well into any local language, thereby creating confusion. Alley cropping also promoted tree planting when local practice required clearing them; women were especially reluctant to plant trees on their land as it could lead to repatriation of their land by their men. Together with several villagers and teachers, the author came up with a play about the 'Fertiliser Bush' which could be performed by community members. The fertilizer idea was locally well- understood and the use of drama was traditionally respected and enjoyed.
Aerial photography and household studies in Kenya
Dewees, P.
Aerial photographs were used as the focus for discussions about land use practices in an area of Kenya. Details are given of how the photographs were taken. The photographs helped to reduce spatial biases, such as the tendency for field workers to walk along the contours and along ridges. They also seemed to "confirm what made sense intuitively" in terms of land use options. During household interviews, people seemed happy interpreting the photographs though they were mostly literate and had seen aerial photographs before.
Aerial photographs in rapid land resource appraisal, Papua New Guinea
Mearns, R.
A formal "FAO-type land evaluation" had been carried out by Southern Highlands Rural Development project in Papua New Guinea. The objective was next to "identify the social overlay" on this physical inventory - ie "who governs who has access to what land". The team of three used aerial photographs as one of several RRA tools. The photographs were used as aids for mapping clan boundaries and as a focus for discussion in interviews, proving an immediate way "for both interviewees and interviewers to use as a reference in distinguishing between land types".
A note on the use of aerial photographs for land use planning on a settlement site in Ethiopia
Sandford, Dick
Aerial photographs were used as a communication tool to discuss land use with farmers in Ethiopia. The farmers had no problems interpreting the photographs and could even "take one to any spot on their land shown to them on the mosaic". Each village used the photographs to present their proposals for land use allocation. The author concludes that whilst aerial photography helps technical staff "to visualise development options", its main function for the farmers was not as a planning tool (they already know their land well) but to help illustrate and demonstrate their ideas to others.
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Bargain Book Board
Contain fantasy, magical elements, and are speculative fiction.
Click the Images to visit other pages in the bookstore
Click the Images to visit the author profiles.
Rosinanti
(The Rosinanti Series Book 1)
by Kevin J. Kessler
The Rosinanti Dragons are no more - or are they?
Since their extinction nearly one thousand years ago these primal powerhouses have fallen into the obscurity of history's forgotten lore. In that time, humans have come to dominate the world of Terra, peacefully ignorant to one horrifying truth: ancient evil stirs around them, waiting to reclaim its lost world.
For Valentean Burai, animus warrior of the kingdom of Kackritta, the details surrounding humanity's victory over the Rosinanti are more than just a history lesson. The long-buried mysteries of this archaic conflict may hold the answers that he has so desperately sought regarding his own past. (New Adult, clean read)
#Fantasy #Magic #Dragons #Series #EpicAdventure #YoungAdult #NewAdult
The Decimation of Casid
(The Rosinanti Series Book 1.5)
While an entire world away, men turn into dragons and ancient magic ignites the air, Casid lived on in peaceful ignorance. This tiny village and its people existed outside of the conflict which threatened to swallow Terra, until the day chaos itself landed upon its shores.
Now, one lone warrior seeks to protect his family, his friends, and the woman he loves as demons rise from the flames to burn everything he has ever loved to ash. This man is no god, no fundamental force of nature. He is simply a man, alone against the fury of chaos.
Casid will be decimated, consumed by the same blaze which threatens to overtake all of Terra. But what will rise from the ashes of this once perfect haven, forged in the fires of tragedy and loss, might become the most fearsome opponent the darkness has ever known.
Wrath of the Faithful
Valentean Burai and Seraphina Kackritta barely escaped the grip of chaos. Only by working together were these two life long soul mates able to combat the greatest threat the world of Terra has ever known.
But when they find themselves separated, with the entire world turned against them, both princess and animus warrior must battle not only the forces of chaos and darkness that seek to end their world, but their own crippling doubts and fears.
Valentean must also face the horrifying truth of himself. He is one of the last surviving members of the Rosinanti race, and holds within him world-destroying power, and the unwanted uncontrollable ability to transform into a fearsome dragon.
The struggle of man vs beast is not limited to the battlefield. Valentean will wage that war internally, within the confines of his own conflicted heart.
But, in the end, who is stronger? The man, or the dragon?
Rise of the Dragon Lord
Valentean Burai, White Dragon of the Rosinanti, suffered a stunning defeat within the shadow of a desolate ancient city. Beaten and burned to the point of near death, he recovers among his closest friends and allies, while harboring a dark secret. The flames of chaos have latched onto his soul, granting him the power of his ancient enemy, but at the cost of his compassion, his kindness, and everything that makes him who he is.
Word of Valentean's newfound ferocity and unnatural ability to transform into a vicious dragon has spread to all corners of Terra, earning him the moniker of "Dragon-Lord".
Meanwhile, a world away, Princess Seraphina Kackritta, The Ice Queen, continues to fight against the forces of chaos that have claimed her homeland. Far from the man she loves, Seraphina must focus her magical abilities and lead an armed resistance to reclaim her kingdom from the shadowy evil that has enveloped her people.
As the flames of chaos spread out to envelop all of Terra, the Dragon-Lord and Ice Queen must find their way back to one another, and stand together with their allies to beat back the chaotic inferno that threatens to swallow everything they've ever known.
Rosinanti: The Complete Collection
Get the whole story in one BIG BOOK!
The Rosinanti Dragons are no more. Since their extinction nearly one thousand years ago these primal powerhouses have fallen into the obscurity of history's forgotten lore. In that time, humans have come to dominate the world of Terra, peacefully ignorant to one horrifying truth: ancient evil stirs around them, waiting to reclaim its lost world.
For Valentean Burai, animus warrior of the kingdom of Kackritta, the details surrounding humanity's victory over the Rosinanti are more than just a history lesson. The long-buried mysteries of this archaic conflict may hold the answers that he has so desperately sought regarding his own past.
As the awful truth of the Rosinanti's supposed demise comes to light, Valentean must stand together with Seraphina, a magically gifted princess, to embark upon a mission to maintain order and light throughout Terra. Only together can these two lifelong friends face down the resurgence of the Rosinanti legacy, and combat the greatest threat their world has ever known.
Where Tyndra Turns to Ardnyt
(The Norn Novella Series Book 1)
This adult fairy tale can be read as a stand alone story!
In the center of a magical world there grows a beautiful and terrible chasm of climbing plants. On one side of the Ivy Wall we find the hell-of-Tyndra, on the other, the heaven-of-Ardnyt. But legend has it that in the middle…lives a preternatural beast that imprisons and tortures the children from both sides.
When the war against time begins, Azza will have to cross over the Ivy Wall, something that has never been done before by a living being. But if she does make it through, she just might discover who she really is and how she became trapped in this alternate reality.
#Paranormal #Fantasy #Palindrome #Fairytale #OtherWorld #CleanRead
Where Ebon Sounds Like Ivory
Norse legend has it that the arms of the Yggdrasil tree—a sacred instrument of Odin—are ever-reaching, and its survival is necessary for life itself to continue.
During Winter's Solstice, when the search for her mortal mother begins, Za will have to cross over the Ebon Branch of the Dead—a feat that has supposedly never been survived intact. But if she does make it across and back home, she just might discover why she and the other three Norn Sisters of Fate came to be.
A fairytale at heart, this is the second chapter in the epic saga of the youngest and most fickle of the four Norn Sisters. The same feisty immortal creature who must discover her true origins to understand her inherent inner darkness. Only this way can she learn the meaning of unconditional sacrifice in the name of impenetrable love…when, as her destiny would have it, all the branches of such a powerful tree tremble treacherously in her tiny little hands.
A veritable unraveling of Snow White, the narrative of Where Ebon Sounds Like Ivory journeys through the most horrible of realms where shocking truths emerge. Here where death mimics life, obsession masquerades as devotion, and the most unexpected endings become the most surprising beginnings of a classic tale. One…you thought you knew so well.
Welcome to a place where the darkest of melodies births a miraculous tune of surrenderance. Here Where Ebon Sounds Like Ivory and Christmas, as we know it, begins.
#Paranormal #Fantasy #Fairytale #OtherWorld #CleanRead
Winters of Alnora: Rise of the Dark Angel
Alnora's childhood was plagued with poverty, desperation, and unmentionable atrocities. That all changed on the day she encountered The Dark Angel, a sorcerer who is the living embodiment of the world's darkness.
After witnessing a display of her potential for the magical arts and the darkness within her heart, this shadowy figure offers Alnora an opportunity, learn the ways of the dark arts and succeed him as the next Dark Angel. With a hunger for power and a quest to leave her traumatizing life behind, Alnora begins an apprenticeship that will change the course of her life.
Emboldened by the awesome magic she gains through the teachings of The Dark Angel, this one-time beggar orphan embraces her destiny, harnessing the power of her hatred to strike back upon a world that defiled her innocence.
Behold the account of four winters that shaped a traumatized young girl into the most powerful magical force to ever exist. A new Dark Angel shall be born in Azulia, and the heavens themselves will tremble at her feet.
Dragon of Eriden (Book 1): Whisper of Suffering
King Ziradon… Supreme Dragon of Eriden, he is overthrown; imprisoned in a stone fortress to watch as his kingdom is plundered by his once trusted advisor, Gwirwen.
Princess Kaliwyn… Dragoness and heir to the throne of Eriden, she is cursed to human form, stripped of her memory and cast out of the magical kingdom.
And so, the Dragon of Eriden begins…
Amicia Spicer led a simple life, until she discovered it had all been a lie…
On her deathbed, Arely Spicer confessed to her only daughter that she had been found by, not born to her mother and father. Sad news to be certain, the idea of having a family of flesh and blood waiting to be reunited sent the young, independent woman on the adventure of a lifetime. Little did she know, a dragon's heart beat within her chest and her journey would be more perilous than she could have imagined...
Dragon of Eriden (Book 2): Journey of Darkness
Within Amicia's chest beats the heart of a dragon, if she can discover it in time...
In her deathbed confession, Arely Spicer opened Amicia's eyes to the truth about her past, sending the young woman running for her life. Fleeing the port town of Nalen, Ami quickly fell into a surreal nightmare, where dragons hunted her and her new friends to exhaustion, giving them little option but to hide in fear.
Refusing to simply accept their circumstances, first mate Piers Massheby leads the group out of their refuge at Esterbrook, home of the nymphs and satyrs. Crossing the wilderness and vast desert of Peaswan, they are shadowed by their hunter, the great dragon who seeks to destroy them.
Meeting friend and foe along the way, they question the wisdom of leaving the safety of the glen as they encounter new discoveries and dangers on their march to the north. In search of a way out of Eriden and back to their home in the Rim of Mortals, peril looms in the shadows, and they fear with each battle they face that it will be their last.
Amicia's magical powers grow, but will they be enough to hold off the trolls that yearn to tear them to shreds?
Dragon of Eriden (Book 3): Betrayal of Honor
The princess has yet to hear her dragon heart, but many have seen the truth within her…
Deeply disturbed by the deathbed confession of the woman who raised her, Amicia Spicer left her home far behind. She has crossed an impossible ocean and landed upon a magical shore, but a fierce dragon hunts her, putting all those who dare to walk by her side in mortal danger...
The group has made a home in the north and formed an unlikely alliance with the trolls, but their peace is short lived. An evil has settled across the kingdom, one that must be faced if the group will have the means to survive, much less return to their families across the sea. Friends and enemies are difficult to discern, and the intentions of all they encounter are in doubt.
On the move again, they are taken in by the dwarves, but King Baeweth has his own agenda. Forced to flee in the dead of night, no haven is safe as the battle between the dragons grows, engulfing all the kingdom and setting each against his own in every corner of the land.
Will any take their side in the end, or will they be left to stand alone against the enemies of the realm?
Amicia has discovered the secret of her line, and the heart of Kaliwyn beats within her chest…Ami could not have faced the truth without the support of her dearest friends. Her plans for the future irrevocably altered, she must take on the dragons and stand for what is right over what is easy. Forgiving her mother and father for their deceit, she has made the choice to move against the dragons; but the price has already been high, and the battle has hardly begun…Only through the help of her comrades can the civil war be brought to an end and the shadows that threaten all of Eriden be removed. The finale is near, but the danger will be greater than the group has ever faced. Her power matched by her resolve, Kaliwyn gathers her forces and prepares for the bloody stand they must make by enlisting unlikely supporters wherever she can.Elves, trolls, dwarves and daemons all take sides in the battle that threatens to rip their kingdom in two. Friends turn and allies fall, but the will of the group to prevail remains strong, even in the darkness of all they have lost.Can they survive the great war that threatens to leave both Eriden and the Rim of Mortals in ruins?
Dragon of Eriden: The Complete Collection
King Ziradon… Supreme Dragon of Eriden. He is overthrown; imprisoned in a stone fortress to watch as his kingdom is plundered by his once trusted adviser, Gwirwen.
Princess Kaliwyn… Dragoness and heir to the throne of Eriden. She is cursed to human form, stripped of her memory and cast out of the magical kingdom. But her dragon heart is strong, and it is her destiny to return and set right the grievances her people have suffered.
n her deathbed, Arely Spicer confessed to her only daughter that she had been found by, not born to her mother and father. Sad news to be certain, the idea of having a family of flesh and blood waiting to be reunited sent the young, independent woman on the adventure of a lifetime. Little did she know, a dragon's heart beat within her chest and her journey would be more perilous than she could have imagined...
Click the Images to visit other pages in the bookstore or author profiles.


text:
Africa & Middle East South Africa
The 8 Best Things to Do in Muizenberg, Cape Town
Jessica Macdonald
Jessica Macdonald lives in South Africa's Eastern Cape province and has been TripSavvy's Africa Expert since 2016. She also covers travel products and has written about everything from camping knives to climbing chalk.
TripSavvy / Faye Strassle
Although it's essentially a suburb of Cape Town, Muizenberg still feels like an independent seaside town with its own unique atmosphere and attractions. It's located 18 miles (30 kilometers) from the city center and has been a popular vacation destination for wealthy South Africans since the late 19th century. Today, Muizenberg is probably most famous for its long, white sand beach, reliable surf breaks, and colorful beach huts. It's also a bohemian sanctuary with more than its fair share of independent art galleries and boutiques. Head to this idyllic spot on the False Bay on a day trip from central Cape Town or make Muizenberg the primary destination for your next South African adventure.
Grab a Board and Go Surfing
TripSavvy / Chris VR
Muizenberg is known as one of the best surf spots in South Africa for beginners thanks to the consistent waves and gently sloping sand bottom of the beach at Surfer's Corner. The spot offers both left and right-hand breaks and if you don't already know how to surf, there are plenty of shops offering lessons. Of these, Gary's Surf School is one of the oldest in the country. You can also rent boards and wetsuits—which you will need, despite the fact that the waters of False Bay are noticeably warmer than those off of Cape Town's Atlantic coast. Muizenberg is also particularly popular with longboarders and in winter the prevailing northwest wind brings bigger waves for more advanced surfers. False Bay is notoriously sharky, so make sure to keep an eye on the Shark Spotters' color-coded warning flags.
Try a Wealth of Other Watersports
Surfing is not the only way to get your adrenaline fix on Muizenberg's beaches. Surfstore Africa also offers kitesurfing and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) lessons while Sunrise Beach is a popular spot for blokarting. For those that don't know, blokarts are wind-powered land yachts that you can use to "sail" up and down the beach at breakneck speeds. The Imperial Yacht Club hires out small sailboats for public use and anglers can fish for local species such as shad, kob and Cape stumpnose from the beach's rocky areas. If you'd rather be under the water than on top of it, Cape Town Freediving offers a variety of freediving courses that teach you the art of breathhold diving whether you want to dive for fun or you want to be prepared for a wipeout while surfing. If you can freedive already, sign up for fun dives with the area's native Cape fur seals or prehistoric seven-gill sharks.
Spend a Day on the Beach
Blue Flag-awarded Muizenberg Beach is also a great place to simply kick back, relax and enjoy the view. The shallow waters offer safe swimming for the entire family and are protected by trained lifeguards in season. Rows of brightly painted beach huts make the town one of the most Instagrammable places in South Africa; while Muizenberg Water Slides is situated right next to the beach. If you feel in the mood for a little exercise, stroll along the beachfront to the suburb of St. James. This 3-mile (5-kilometer) route takes you to another scenic beach and a popular tidal pool. However you choose to spend your time, keep an eye out for Southern right whales if you're visiting between June and November. These majestic animals come into the Cape's bays to calve and are often spotted close to shore.
Learn About Muizenberg's History
THEGIFT777/Getty Images
Established as a Dutch military post in 1743, Muizenberg was the site of a battle that led to the British takeover of the Cape Colony. In the late 19th century the town became a popular vacation spot for prospectors who made their fortune in the Witwatersrand Gold Rush. Today, Muizenberg's Historical Mile sheds light on the past with a series of important landmarks including Het Posthuys and the Rhodes Cottage Museum. The former is the oldest surviving building on the False Bay coastline. Built by the Dutch East India Company in 1742, it served as a toll-house, police station, stables, and brothel but is now a public museum full of photographs and artifacts relating to the town's colonial past. The latter was the home of infamous imperialist Cecil Rhodes and now houses interesting exhibits about his life and legacy.
Explore Nearby Nature Areas
shaun/Getty Images
Muizenberg is surrounded by beautiful nature reserves. At the head of the estuary that runs through town is the Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve, a 494-acre wetland system with an environmental education center and a mile-long (1.5-kilometer-long) walkway with bird hides and picnic tables. On your wanderings, look out for otters, mongeese, and the endemic Cape grysbok antelope.
Rondevlei Nature Reserve is slightly further away but is well worth a visit for its resident hippo population. These are the only wild hippos in the Cape Town area and they can be seen on a chartered boat safari that also offers excellent bird watching opportunities. Hikers will love the nearby Silvermine Nature Reserve. Its challenging trails, peaks, and caves can be accessed from Boyes Drive, the astonishingly beautiful mountain pass that connects Muizenberg to Kalk Bay.
Enjoy Some Homegrown Culture
Lennon001/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0
Artistic talent is nurtured in Muizenberg and there are several excellent entertainment venues to explore. Built by an Italian Count in flamboyant 18th-century Venetian style, Casa Labia is now a cultural center with a seasonal program of art classes, concerts, lectures, and poetry readings. It also hosts monthly series such as the Summer Sunday Jazz Concerts and the Classical Morning Concerts (held on Thursdays). Alternatively, Muizenberg's Masque Theatre is the venue of choice for community and professional plays. Its event calendar also includes everything from dance showcases to film screenings.
Indulge in Some Retail Therapy
tirc83/Getty Images
The town's artistic community is also represented in many of Muizenberg's independent boutiques. Palmer Road in particular is renowned as the place to go if you're looking for a unique gift or souvenir. Head to MM Galleries for fine art and sculptures from across the wider Cape Town area. Other favorite shops include collectors' emporium Rattlesnake Books and Rolling Wood, a boutique surf store that specializes in wooden surfboards and skateboards. The latter is also a great place to hang out, with regular music events and surf film screenings on Sundays. If you love markets, don't miss the Blue Bird Garage Market, held every Friday night in an old plane hangar. Think artisan crafts, gourmet food stalls, craft beer, and live music.
Discover the Local Culinary Scene
Muizenberg's eateries are just as diverse. Start your day at Hang Ten Café, a classic surfer's hangout known for its signature crépes. This is the kind of place that has Jack Johnson on the sound system, vegan items on the menu, and cracking ocean views. Also located in Surfer's Corner, Tiger's Milk serves handcrafted pizzas, burgers, and Tex Mex alongside locally brewed own-label lager. Predictably, seafood is a special highlight of many Muizenberg restaurants. Head to Mozambique-style Carla's to try enormous peri-peri prawns or opt for a sophisticated meal overlooking the beach at Live Bait. Here, beach house-chic decor complements a menu of freshly prepared sushi and line-caught fish.
20 Best Things to Do in South Africa
The Garden Route, South Africa: The Complete Guide
48 Hours in Cape Town: The Ultimate Itinerary
Best Backpacker Destinations in Africa
10 of the Best Small Towns in South Africa
The Top 10 Things to Do in Port Elizabeth, South Africa
The Top 18 Things to Do in the Western Cape, South Africa
South Africa's 10 Best Surf Spots
18 Best Beach Towns in the US
8 Things to Do in Camps Bay, South Africa
The Top 10 Beaches in Wales
Hermanus, South Africa: The Complete Guide
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How to Swim with Penguins at Boulders Beach, Cape Town
Gansbaai, South Africa: The Complete Guide


Published on April 19, 2019,	by greg in Hardware, Mikrotik, Networking.
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Published on April 14, 2019,	by greg in Hardware, Mikrotik, Networking.
Published on April 7, 2019,	by greg in Hardware, Mikrotik.
 This is recorded from a random conference room at the US MUM, which we get kicked out of after 10 minutes…LOL. Enjoy what's there 🙂 This cast we talk about: Stuff at the MUM, duh. Help support us by becoming a patron!
Published on April 1, 2019,	by greg in Hardware, Mikrotik, Networking.
Published on March 17, 2019,	by greg in Hardware, Mikrotik, Networking, Ubiquiti.
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Guruvayoor Temple Wiki Temple information. Guruvayoor, also written as Guruvayoor or Gurupavanapuri, is a municipal town in Thrissur District, of Kerala State in India. It houses the Guruvayur Sree Vishnu Temple, the fourth largest temple in India in terms of the number of devotees visiting per day.


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Transforming infrastructure for a better tomorrow
Home » Sustainable Investing » Transforming infrastructure for a better tomorrow
iStock / Getty Images Plus
Shami Nissan
Head of Sustainability, Actis
Sustainability is increasingly mission critical for investors- how does this translate into action?
COP26 was an important milestone, in a way that previous conferences did not quite manage. It highlighted the need for urgent action from businesses on the climate crisis, particularly when it comes to energy transition.
Of course, this entails costs and so businesses are now turning their mind to how to finance this: leading the field is Actis, a leading global investor in sustainable infrastructure, which recently raised USD 6 billion of investable capital for energy transition opportunities.
Investing in energy transition
"We are really delighted that we have mobilised that capital," says Shami Nissan, Head of Sustainability at Actis. "It's about investing behind the need for energy transition. This means building long term businesses that will make power generation and electricity distribution more efficient and accessible, especially in growing economies in South America, Africa and India. COP has offered an unprecedented level of understanding behind climate crisis."
Sustainable investing is mission critical which is why it is at the forefront of our investee companies' strategies. So, what does the next generation of action look like? "Sustainability is woven through strategies in a more fundamental way than before," says Shami. "There will be more transparency and accountability as there has been an explosion of net zero commitments. The era of self-certified achievements is coming to an end. From now on there will be much more credible third party valuations, involving disclosure, scrutiny and monitoring."
Our approach means we will attract and keep the best talent and there will be a lower cost of capital.
Thinking holistically about goals
The focus is even wider than the environment. "It is not just about decarbonisation," says Shami. "We also have to think about the people aspect of it. When it comes to ESG [environmental, social and corporate governance] we have to focus on the S and the G. We need to connect all the areas and think holistically. For example, when we're making decisions about land use, we have to think about commitments to the local communities, which involves a broader appreciation of sustainability."
The entire global economy will have to sit up to take notice, Actis' sector focus is on energy, real estate and digital. "For energy, we will invest in renewables and transition technology," says Shami. "In real estate we are looking at green buildings and increasing efficiency measures from the planning stage onwards."
An example of this approach is in Latin America, where the company has trained 800 women in local communities to work on solar panel installations. "Their job prospects are improved and it gives them an opportunity to connect with the wider picture," says Shami.
Monitoring and measuring investments
To monitor its work in this area, in 2019 the company established AIS – Action Impact ScoreTM. "We apply it to every investment we make," says Shami. "We set a benchmark at the beginning of an investment and define and measure the impact. The difference is the impact multiple. It is not just qualitative; it is a specific measurement which sits alongside the financial performance when we report to investors.
"The key is intentionality: what can we do to deliberately increase our impact? It could be job creation or associated key performance indicators such as the number of women employed, the ratio of expats to locals, or whether these are permanent or temporary jobs. We measure them as we go along. There may be other frameworks. It is an open-source methodology: there is no black box or smoke and mirrors."
A key principle is that value drives value. "We are marrying our sustainable investment to financial value," says Shami. "Our approach means we will attract and keep the best talent and there will be a lower cost of capital. It is a more strategic relationship: our mission is that each company becomes the sustainability leader in its own market."
Virginia Blackburn
Sustainable Investing 2021
Do you want to read more? Click here


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Solihull's Mell Square once had fountains in a pool - and you could drive past
The Queen outside Woolworths, motorists driving next to the central fountains in Mell Square... it's all happened down the years in Solihull's flagship open space
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For today's young 'millennial' generation, these historic pictures and the above video of modern Solihull will be like looking at scenes from another planet.
They'll be familiar with the mature trees currently flanking the former Costa Coffee shop at the centre of the pedestrianised Mell Square.
But in its early days the central area was much more open - there was a vast pool with fountains and a road you could even drive all the way round.
At first glance today, it would be easy to believe that the heart of the Midland's most affluent borough has always looked the same since the town centre's redevelopment in the late 1960s.
That idea that it was designed purely for pedestrians' benefit could not be further from the truth.
Mell Square looking pristine in 1967 (Image: Solihull News)
More than 50 years after it was officially opened on May 19, 1967 at a cost of £3 million, work has just begin to effect the biggest change for a generation.
Today, the central Costa cafe has closed down and been surrounded by a vast wooden hoarding while the square undergoes its latest transformation.
The owners of gastropub Tap and Tandoor in Solihull and Indian tapas restaurant Zindiya in Moseley are behind the scheme to launch Taste Collective inside the former Costa cafe in Mell Square
Mell Square in Solihull through the years
Work is progressing quickly so the square's central garden has already been ripped up ready for the creation of an adjacent outdoor dining area.
In the meantime, while we wait for this scheme to finish, join us on a journey back in time to see just how the square has changed over the years.
And, in some key instances, how it has not changed at all - proof that if one generation creates a timeless look, there's no reason why it shouldn't stay there forever as an illustration of how things where.
Fountains in Mell Square (Image: Solihull News)
Our main picture above shows the fine brickwork and concrete lattice effect of the flagship building at the Mill Lane end of the square.
Looking at that in isolation, it's incredible how the design still looks relatively clean and contemporary - not to mention more visually interesting than the nationwide, modern trend to create near-identical buildings covered in cladding.
Woolworths used to be at this end of the square, today there are shops like New Look.
Oh, and Costa Coffee has relocated from its position at the centre of the square into a comparatively dark little unit in the corner next to M&S.
Mell Square, Solihull 1984 looking towards Drury Lane (Image: B'ham Post and Mail)
The original square
Pictures from the early days of Mell Square paint a different picture from the concrete paving you can walk across in the early autumn of 2019.
Today, it could be argued that the square's trees have outgrown their space despite providing the area with a wonderful arboreal atmosphere in keeping with the typical description of the borough as 'leafy Solihull'.
The modern centre of Solihull was the work of the town clerk W Maurice Mell LL.M Town Clerk 1946-65.
He is now remembered with a plaque on the wall at the side of Moss Bros next to the former Post Office (relocated in late spring this year into the first floor sales area of WHSmith).
Mell Square 1975 looking towards Mill Lane (Image: B'ham Post and Mail)
Like the Brutalist architect John Madin and the designers of the original Bull Ring Shopping Centre in Birmingham, new geometric shapes fashioned in concrete were seen as the way forward in Solihull, too.
When it first opened, the centre of Mell Square had a pool-sized rectangular water feature with fountains.
In a curious way, it echoes this year's completion of the fountain-inspired water feature at the heart of the redesigned Centenary Square in Birmingham city centre.
Mell Square in the 1960s when J Sainsbury was next to Dorothy Perkins and in the spot where WHSmith is today
Given that the city's neighbouring Floozie in the Jacuzzi water feature in Victoria Square has been a garden for years, the disappearance of Mell Square's fountains suggests that Centenary Square's new centrepiece might not last as long as architects would hope.
Even more remarkably, perhaps, is the fact that the motorists could drive round the perimeter of Mell Square.
Our archive pictures and video illustrate how shoppers were able to park just yards from the shops of their choice.
In between the road (featuring double yellow lines on their inside edge) and the fountains, were beds of shrubs and a relatively narrow footpath.
Queen Elizabeth II pictured in front of Woolworths during her Silver Jubilee visit to Solihull's Mell Square in 1977 (Image: Mirrorpix)
The Queen in Mell Square
Queen Elizabeth II was pictured outside of Woolworths in 1977.
That was the year of her Silver Jubilee tour to commemorate her 25 years on the throne.
Not only was she photographed with the town's mayor, Cllr Norman Green.
But to her left you can clearly see part of the old Woolworths sign... suggesting she might have been looking forward to the prospect of visiting the pick and mix.
The Queen also went on a walkabout where she was surrounded by a sea of union flags being waved by children.
Queen Elizabeth II meets a young girl during her 1977 Silver Jubilee tour visit to Mell Square, Solihull (Image: Mirrorpix)
Mell Square down the years
Take a look into our picture gallery (above) to see how Mell Square has been at the heart of Solihull down the years.
By 1971, the Chamber of Trade was already fighting for a permanent pedestrian scheme.
This is when we can see bicycles with wicker baskets parked in one corner. How futuristic given the emphasis on trying to make people cycle today.
A 1975 picture shows a mixture of bicycle and cars at the High Street end of Drury Lane, but also the young blossom trees next to where Castle Galleries is today.
Bikes left parked in Mell Square in 1971 - view toward Drury Lane
Another picture from that year looking towards Boots shows that cars included a Morris Minor, Austin Maxi, Jaguar saloon, Citroen 2CV, Triumph Stag and Triumph Dolomite.
By 1984, cars were parked at an angle towards the current WHSmith site - they included Minis, a Metro, a Ford Fiesta and a Mercedes Benz saloon.
The Family Outing sculpture (1985) by John Ravera FRBS followed.
And you can see by looking at that how a mother and father swinging a child in the air would have inspired the creation of Gillian Wearing's more controversial Real Birmingham Family statue which was commissioned for Centenary Square in front of the Library of Birmingham
In our 2002 picture looking towards the square's clock, you can see children peering over the cleverly curved cobbled walls of the smaller, circular fountain.
August 3, 2002: The fountain in Solihull's Mell Square (Image: Marcus Queenborough / BirminghamLive)
The design of this shape made it impossible for younger children to climb into the fountains if their parents weren't looking.
There are posts with copious hanging baskets full of flowers to soften the harsh surfaces of the square's walls and floor.
On December 18, 2010 every child's dream came true - when the square was covered in inches-deep snow on the last Saturday shopping day before Christmas.
A snowbound Mell Square, Solihull on 'super snow Saturday', December 18, 2010 (Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
By 2013, the former smaller round fountain at the Poplar Road end of the square had already disappeared from its spot next to the Costa.
A picture from May, 2015 shows people enjoying the square's sunshine by sitting out on the kind of benches which are missing from many parts of Birmingham city centre.
The chairs and tables that Costa Coffee used to put out were the square's best feature and so popular with families that they were a good way of policing an urban space.
The leafy trees above also meant that children could sit out with their parents in summer without the risk of being sunburned.
The biggest danger to anyone's health would be people smoking outdoors after the smoking ban was introduced on July 1, 2007.
In 2015, an ice rink was installed at the Moss Bros and Post Office end of the square.
(Image: BirminghamLive)
But it was a warm winter and as well as issues with keeping the ice frozen it just wasn't as big at the annual rink in Birmingham.
Other features we've noticed from the above video - J Sainsbury used to be next to Dorothy Perkins where WHSmith is today, while WHSmith was on the opposite side of the square.
The shop where Castle Galleries is now used to be Oliver Shoes and the MEB (remember they had big stores across the Midlands?) was selling white goods in the unit where Cotswold is now.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Mell Square today
With the great wall of Solihull now surrounding the redevelopment site, the square has temporarily lost its sense of the great outdoors.
The disappearance of the main Post Office (now on the first floor of WHSmith) and HMV cast their own shadows.
The Taste Collective project should reinvigorate the centre - at least until the next time someone in authority has a bright idea for the square's redevelopment.
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In the meantime, the great wooden hoarding all the round the centre is like a barrier to freedom of expression under the blanket of the now falling leaves on the trees.
And the large clock on the wall above Boots needs fixing.
Everyone might carry phones these days and know the time.
But not having hands on the big clock is a different sign of the times, too - because it just makes the square look sloppy.
October 7, 2019: Mell Square on a late Saturday afternoon... as work begins to transform the central courtyard area again thanks to a new street food venture (Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
History of Solihull
The nearby St Alphege Church was founded around 1220 and a weekly market followed some 22 years later in 1242.
The timber-framed Manor House in Solihull High Street was built around 1495.
The borough's council website says the town grew slowly with farming and the manufacture of hunting weapons and tools for agriculture its main driving forces.
Wooded areas were cleared for blacksmiths to ply their trade.
How the area looks today: St Alphege Parish Church at the end of High Street, Solihull on super snow Saturday, December 18, 2010 (Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Unplanned urban developments began to change the area from the 1880s and, as industries grew, it became a desirable place to live for those who could afford it.
Rover had a factory on Lode Lane at the beginning of the Second World War.
Built in 1712, Touchwood Hall was demolished after 250 years to make way for the Mell Square development.
The name was reborn in September, 2001 when the Touchwood Shopping Centre and its major John Lewis store were opened exactly two years before the Bullring in Birmingham city centre.
Waitrose opened next door to John Lewis on the day of the Brexit vote in June 2016 - the next big construction project to complete in the town centre will be the new Aldi on other side of John Lewis on the site of the former Solihull Magistrates' court.


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Tag: fallow
Fertile Soil Gone From Midwestern Farms
February 26, 2021 April 25, 2021 5 Comments
Evan Thaler/NPR
Farming has destroyed a lot of the rich soil of America's Midwestern prairie. A team of scientists just came up with a staggering new estimate for just how much has disappeared…
The new study emerged from a simple observation, one that people flying over Midwestern farms can confirm for themselves. The color of bare soil varies, and that variation is related to soil quality.
The soil that's darkest in color is widely known as topsoil. Soil scientists call this layer the "A-horizon." It's the "black, organic, rich soil that's really good for growing crops," says Evan Thaler, a Ph.D. student at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
It's full of living microorganisms and decaying plant roots, also called organic carbon. When settlers first arrived in the Midwest, it was everywhere, created from centuries of accumulated prairie grass. Plowing, though, released much of the trapped carbon, and topsoil was also lost to wind and water erosion. The soil that remains is often much lighter in color.
RTFA. The history isn't unknown. The effects are still (sometimes) debated. It takes many tons of additives annually to keep productivity and profitability close to each other. Healthy? That's another question.
Abandoned farmlands are another key to sustainable bioenergy
June 24, 2008 July 2, 2008 1 Comment
Pongamia plantation photo from Tree Oils India Limited
Biofuels can be a sustainable part of the world's energy future, especially if bioenergy agriculture is developed on currently abandoned or degraded agricultural lands. Using these lands for energy crops, instead of converting existing croplands or clearing new land, avoids competition with food production and preserves carbon-storing forests needed to mitigate climate change. Sustainable bioenergy is likely to satisfy no more than 10% of the demand in the energy-intensive economies of North America, Europe, and Asia. But for some developing countries, notably in Sub-Saharan Africa, the potential exists to supply many times their current energy needs without compromising food supply or destroying forests.
Researchers…estimated the global extent of abandoned crop and pastureland and calculated their potential for sustainable bioenergy production from historical land-use data, satellite imaging, and ecosystem models. Agricultural areas that have been converted to urban areas or have reverted to forests were not included in the assessment…
"At the national scale, the bioenergy potential is largest in the United States, Brazil, and Australia," says lead author Campbell. "These countries have the most extensive areas of abandoned crop and pasture lands. Eastern North America has the largest area of abandoned croplands, and the Midwest has the biggest expanse of abandoned pastureland. Even so, if 100% of these lands were used for bioenergy, they would still only yield enough for about 6% of our national energy needs."
The study revealed larger opportunities in other parts of the world. In some African countries, where grassland ecosystems are very productive and current fossil fuel demand is low, biomass could provide up to 37 times the energy currently used.
No reasonable researcher is looking for a single answer to our energy questions. But, here's another piece of the puzzle identified and offered to a world seeking economic sense.