Have you ever hankered to spend time with alpacas? It might not be your first thought for a relaxing day out, but it's fast becoming a sought-after experience across the UK. Campsites and farms are cashing in on the craze, setting up their own 'meet the alpacas' and 'walking with alpacas' experiences.
More recently, Nick and Lucy Aylett of Rosebud Alpacas in South Molton, Devon are pioneering 'alpaca yoga', where you can undertake a yoga class in an alpaca field! The classes even offer guests the chance to meditate and picnic with the herds.
So, why alpacas? Apart from their adorably comical appearance, (I'd call it a cross between a baby giraffe and a teddy-bear), their naturally calm, gentle nature makes them the perfect companions when you want to unwind.
If I learned one thing from my recent alpaca walking experience in Suffolk, it's that it's not a pursuit for adrenaline junkies. Alpacas like to take things slow, and you have no choice but to take it slow with them! Being around them is a tranquil experience, and I can absolutely see how alpaca yoga could work wonders in helping you de-stress.
Perhaps it's because everyday life, generally, is so busy, that more relaxing activities are becoming the go-to thing for couples, families and groups alike. We crave a bit of quiet time, something that soothes the soul.
If it's something you've never tried, I recommend you leave your watch in the car and just chill with these incredible creatures for a while. There's a host of places up and down the country that allow you to join a group walk experience, or book an exclusive walk for you or your family.
Gift vouchers for alpaca experiences are available at all of them, if you think this would make the perfect present for an animal-loving friend.
The average price for an alpaca walking experience is around £25 per person. Some offer additional extras such as afternoon tea.
Church Farm is a truly magical place where you can meet not only their herd of friendly alpacas, but also goats, chickens, donkeys and Ralph the pig. Their Unicorn Alpaca Walks include a wander around the hobby farm, where you can meet and feed their various animals. If you're looking for somewhere to stay with the kids, this is a perfect setting with unique accommodation. Go glamping in a traditional yurt, book a night in their hand-crafted treehouse or cosy up in their woodland cabin or railway carriage!
Lucky Tails Alpacas is a small, friendly farm run by Sarah and Stuart. It's situated in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside on the borders of Birmingham, Staffordshire and Leicestershire. It is home to some of the very best alpacas in the country with genetics from all around the world including show-winning black, grey and fawn studs.
Lucky Tails also has a collection of Valais Blacknose Sheep, described as the cutest sheep in the world. These rare sheep are imported from Switzerland and there are only a few thousand left worldwide!
Charnwood Forest has a breeding herd of alpacas and offer a range of experiences for visitors including a 90-minute alpaca walk, a sparkling afternoon tea with 60-minute alpaca walk, or a 'Cria watch' (baby alpacas) experience which is particularly suitable for younger visitors or those who are unsure if an alpaca walk is right for them.
Spring Farm has around 125 alpacas and five llamas. Their two-hour experience includes an introduction to Spring Farm and a 50-minute walk, where you can learn more about the alpacas as well as Spring Farm's wildlife-friendly farming methods. Hopefully, you'll be able to spot some of the wildlife they have encouraged to thrive here as you go.
Spring Farm also has a small shop selling handmade gifts and 100% Spring Farm alpaca goods. A perfect memento to take home.
When former solider, Terry, and his children's author and crafter wife, Emma, moved from Manchester to Keswick, they decided to make good use of the land around them by rearing alpacas. They now have a herd of more than 80 and offer inclusive alpaca walking experiences, adapting their walks to accommodate visitors with mobility issues or disabilities. Terry and his Woolly Army have appeared on Salvage Hunters and ITV and BBC News, and have featured in The Telegraph, Diply and Love Travel.
They also sell hand-knitted alpaca wool goodies and kits to knit your very own alpaca!
Beacon Alpacas are experts in the care and breeding of alpacas. They offer training courses in how to look after these unique animals – so, if you want to give alpaca farming a go yourself, this could be just the place for you! Their two-hour alpaca walking experiences offer fantastic views of the White Horse at Kilburn and the Vale of York on clear days. They also cater for special occasions and can provide alpaca gifts, flowers, cakes or champagne to make someone's day even more special.
Hammonds Farm is a luxury Bed and Breakfast in the Stroud valleys, the perfect place to make more of your alpaca walking experience by turning it into a weekend break.
Located near the pretty Cotswold market town of Stroud, Hammonds Farm is nestled in 100 acres of grassy farmland, resident to a large herd of alpacas, small flocks of Cotswold and Zwartbles sheep and two much-loved horses, Betty and her foal Waffle. Their alpaca walking experiences run from June through to October, with exclusive walks available for groups of five or more.
Wyld Court Alpacas is a small alpaca farm, breeding Huacaya alpacas. Their alpaca treks are around an hour and a half long, walking along local paths and wooded byways in the beautiful Berkshire countryside. The trek includes a bag of alpaca snacks, so you can stop and give your furry friend a treat (and take some selfies) along the way.
Yew Tree Alpacas offers a range of alpaca experiences, which can include a full lunch, afternoon tea or just refreshments. The walks are out and about in the lovely East Hertfordshire countryside on local footpaths and tracks and last around 45 minutes. For groups of eight to 20, you can book an exclusive package with lunch or afternoon tea in a marquee, overlooking the alpacas' grazing field. There's also an opportunity to buy alpaca yarns and handmade products through Yew Tree Alpacas' gift shop.
Hemscott Hill Farm has various accommodation space available, should you want to prolong your stay and include your alpaca walk as part of a longer break. You can book a cottage, a bunkbarn or cabin, or bring your own tent or camper van and pitch up in the dunes! Alpaca walks can be booked for a minimum of two people to walk with one of their eight beautiful boys. There's also the option here to add on afternoon tea to the experience.
Bobcat Alpacas' experiences are hugely popular, so it's best to book well in advance. You can choose from their farm experience, where you can spend time with the alpacas without taking them trekking, or a 90-minute alpaca walk in the Pentland Regional Park. If you're local, or organising a local event, you could even have Bobcat Alpacas as your special 'celebrity' guests. They can be booked for private parties, community events, or even as ring-bearers at your wedding!
Steve and Sally Baker started Stoke Wood Alpacas in 2013. They breed and keep alpacas, and also sell to caring homes, offering advice and guidance on animal welfare and upkeep. They have their own yarn and sell a limited selection of alpaca-based items. Their two-hour alpaca experience includes a talk, visit to see the babies, walk around the paddocks and tea and cakes to finish.
Pembrokeshire Alpaca Trekking offers the opportunity for you to meet the alpacas, walk approximately one mile with them with a halter, feed them in their natural habitat and interact with them, all whilst enjoying the amazing views from their 60-acre farm in the beautiful Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Their glamping site also offers luxury camping accommodation for up to 47 guests, with five family sized bell tents, two Luna bell tents and three Geodomes with hot tubs. Alpaca experiences can be booked from February to October.


text:
This course allows you to study History as a single honours degree, giving you an in-depth knowledge of the subject.
UCAS Code: V10A
This course offers fascinating and relevant visits, due to its long-established contacts with sites and locations across the region and beyond.
Concentrating on employability benefits this course develops your skills of analysis, evidencing, constructing arguments, writing and much more.
This course is subject to revalidation.
You will be taught in a variety of ways, from lectures, tutorials and seminars, to practical workshops, coursework, work-based placements or even field visits. Small group seminars and workshops will provide you with an opportunity to review issues raised in lectures, and you will be expected to carry out independent study.
British Libraries, Museums and Archives: A History of Collecting, 1600-2000
This module provides a general history of British libraries, museums and archives from the collections of wealthy individuals in the early modern period to more middle and working-class collections and the ultimate establishment of state-supported national and public institutions from the mid-18th century to the present day. The establishment of the British Museum (and Library) in 1753 will act as a chronological focal point of the module as students will consider its historical significance and legacy.
The Long Weekend: Britain in the Interwar Years
Students taking this module engage in a survey approach to the history of interwar Britain. The module will consider various political, social, cultural and economic perspectives, as well as different interpretations in the historical literature. A particular focus will be the varied experiences of everyday life contrasting unemployment, poverty and depression with higher living standards and the growth of leisure activities.
At War with Itself: The United States from Civil Rights to Vietnam
This module will introduce you to the key events, themes and characters of the US Civil Rights Movement and Vietnam War. You will explore different elements of the Civil Rights Movement, including the black, women's and gay rights movements, how these overlapped with the workers' rights struggle and ultimately affected the national political landscape. This module will also enable you to appreciate the impact the war in Vietnam had on American society, culture and politics.
History of Identity: Sexuality, Class, Race and Gender
Through examining a variety of key theoretical texts and biographically-focused case studies, largely but not exclusively centred on British history, you will learn about different approaches to the history of identity and its utility for modern historical studies. At its core, the module will consist of a series of introductions to the principle sources for, and main theoretical approaches taken to, the study of a number of key identities within the disciplinary area of history such as, for example: sexuality, class, race, gender and disability.
The Dark Arts: A History of Magic Witchcraft and Folklore
This module will encourage students to take the long view of the history of magic. The module will begin with a review of the complex relationship between religion, health, miracles and magic during the later medieval period. The subsequent development across early modern Europe of a culture of witchcraft persecution and prosecution will be considered through the lenses of fear, xenophobia and misogyny.
Light in the Dark Ages: Understanding Early Medieval Europe
In this module students will study the development of western European society during the early medieval period. Students will be encouraged to critically review the evidence for social, cultural, urban and economic change during this period and consider the varied and contested interpretations placed upon such evidence.
Crime, Justice and Punishment: 1750-1950
This module will take students on a journey through the history of crime in Britain from 18th century highwaymen to 20th century gangsters, from the role of the parish constable through to a modern police force, and from transportation to the modern prison.
In this module, students are required to undertake a research-based project, drawing on academic advice as well as their own interests and intellectual skills, to produce a substantial written dissertation. Students conduct their research by addressing self-formulated questions, supported by the critical selection, evaluation and analysis of primary and secondary source material. By these means they devise and sustain a core argument, and/or solve relevant historical problems, to support the premise of their research question. The relatively modest guiding role of the supervisor means that students will be empowered to develop their intellectual and transferable skills of initiative and responsibility.
Special Subject
During this module, you will investigate a historical theme or topic by taking an in-depth, critical and complex approach at an advanced level. By way of example such Special Subjects might include: 'The French Revolution: Liberty, terror, warfare and the origins of modernity', 'Vitals of the Commonwealth: Early Modern London' or 'The Secret War: Intelligence during the Second World War'.
Dr W. Jack Rhoden
In my role as Lecturer I am responsible for designing and delivering a wid
Dr Claire Hubbard-Hall
Dr Claire Hubbard-Hall is a historian with interests in Nazi Germany, The Second World War and Intelligence
Dr Hazel C Kent
hazel.kent@bishopg.ac.uk
Hazel Kent is a historian wit
Dr Robert von Friedeburg is Reader in History in the School of Humanities, focusing on early modern and mod
Dr Andrew Jackson
Dr Andrew Jackson is a Historian and Geographer and is the Head of Research at BGU. Andrew's current rese
Studying at BGU is a student-centred experience. Staff and students work together in a friendly and supportive atmosphere as part of an intimate campus community. You will know every member of staff personally and feel confident approaching them for help and advice, and staff members will recognise you, not just by sight, but as an individual with unique talents and interests. We will be there to support you, personally and academically, from induction to graduation.
History Related Courses
History and Theology, Philosophy & Ethics
UCAS: V2V6
History Related Area
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Students and Staff travel through time and see the Pope on Rome trip
Students and staff from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) jetted off to Rome to delve into historical, cultural and religious sites......
Lecture to explore the historiography of religious wars at European Conference
Robert von Friedeburg, Reader in History at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), has been invited to give a plenary lecture at......
Commemorating 100 years since a remarkable escape from Lincoln Prison
Dr Erik Grigg and Dr Hazel Kent, History tutors at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), presented a special talk at Lincoln......
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Friday 14th December marks the centenary of the 1918 General Election. Throughout the day, BBC Radio Lincolnshire will be featuring......
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Bishop Grosseteste University's (BGU) 'Votes for Women' touring exhibition will be on public show at the historic Stonebow, Lincoln, on......
History Related Contents
We have found a link for BA (Hons) History, please enter your details below.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Q: Respond to apple tv controls during video playback I have an app with a AVPlayer to play video. I would like to be able to detect when the user has pressed a button on the remote control. I have tried implementing the following methods, however the remoteControlReceivedWithEvent() doesn't respond to any control events.
- (void)remoteControlReceivedWithEvent:(UIEvent *)event {
    //if it is a remote control event handle it correctly
    if (event.type == UIEventTypeRemoteControl) {
        if (event.subtype == UIEventSubtypeRemoteControlPlay) {
            NSLog(@"play");
        } else if (event.subtype == UIEventSubtypeRemoteControlPause) {
            NSLog(@"pause");
        } else if (event.subtype == UIEventSubtypeRemoteControlTogglePlayPause) {
            NSLog(@"toggle");
        }
    }
}

- (BOOL)canBecomeFirstResponder {
    return YES;
}

- (void)viewDidAppear:(BOOL)animated {
    // Setup Apple TV control events
    [super viewDidAppear:animated];
    [[UIApplication sharedApplication] beginReceivingRemoteControlEvents];
    [self becomeFirstResponder];
}

- (void)viewWillDisappear:(BOOL)animated {
    // Remove Apple TV control events
    [super viewWillDisappear:animated];
    [[UIApplication sharedApplication] endReceivingRemoteControlEvents];
    [self resignFirstResponder];
}

Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

A: This seems to be an issue with projects built using Xcode 7/iOS 9 SDK. Tried the same thing using Xcode 6, works perfectly.
I have raised it with Apple bug reporter.

A: While you cannot detect this via remote control events, the events listed in your code can be detected by monitoring the playback rate of the player.
If using AVPlayer, add a KVO listener for 'rate'. When this changes to 0.0 the playback has been paused, and when it changes to 1.0, it is playing again.
I've used this successfully to update my UI controls to reflect the current state.

A: You use UITapGestureRecognizer to detect button clicks on tvOS. Set the allowedPressType property (e.g. to @[@(UIPressTypePlayPause)]).
However, you should not implement custom interactive playback UIs on tvOS. Instead, use AVPlayerViewController (AVKit). Your custom player will fall substantially short of user expectations (Siri commands won't work, some remotes won't work, your gestures will be slightly different, etc).
If you found AVPlayerViewController too limiting on other platforms, take another look—there are a number of new APIs on tvOS for enhanced playback, including external metadata and interstitials.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


What is the alternative for Geometric Network in ArcGIS Pro?
What is the alternative for Geometric Network in ArcGIS Pro? I'd like to deal with water courses (river kilometers, segments and events based on measurement values on polyline, some topology for connectivity, upstream & downstream selection). I'd like to work on a local machine, in File Geodatabase. I have 3D, Spatial and Geostatistical lic. on Advenced level.
How can I query the measurement value along a polyline by clicking (like in ArcMap)?
If I have an M-aware polyline feature class, how can I define the start & end M value during the (always existing) edit session? (In ArcMap there was a right click --> Measurement --> From/To option).
There are a few different things going on in the question. The title is asking about geometric networks, but the description really seems to be focused on linear referencing.
As you've already mentioned, the Utility Network is the next generation of the geometric network for ArcGIS Pro. But based on your description of working with M values and clicking to identify M, that isn't currently available in Pro. There are a few different ideas around linear referencing functionality in Pro.
That last one has a link to help explaining how to set up hatching with the measure value. It doesn't give you the click to identify M functionality, but might be a workaround until the functionality is built in Pro.
Geometric networks are a read-only dataset in ArcGIS Pro. The capability to manage, model, and analyze network systems for water, gas, electric, telecom, sewer, storm water, and other utilities has been replaced by the Utility Network.
Utility Network is designed for Enterprise environments only. ArcGIS Pipeline Referencing looks more promising -- if there is no better option.
I can't miss the route identify function, so I tried to write my own. Is this code OK, or there is a better/shorter option?
Will Set Flow Direction be included in 2.3?


text:
The Earth Patriot
Saving the only living Planet from Climate Change.
← 2021 AD: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi wins the Noble Prize on Climate Change!
Who Eats Food Anyway? →
Kerala – Gods own Country ?
The 11th Kerala Environment Congress (KEC 2015) will be held at Kottayam, from 6th to 8th May, 2015.
The focal theme of this year's Congress is "Climate Change and Sustainable Development"
Climate change has now emerged as the biggest developmental challenge for the planet. The IPCC 5th Assessment Report, has clearly mentioned that the warming trends and increasing temperature extremes have been observed across most of the world over the past century. The report has provided compelling evidence that climate change is advancing rapidly as a global risk with impacts far beyond just the environment. Even though the climate change is affecting various development sectors, there is also scope for reducing emissions and deliver jobs and economic opportunity through wise use of resources. The KEC 2015 will be a thought provoking process in this direction, with the participation of people from all walks of life like scientists, researchers, policy makers, development managers, NGOs, media etc. The Congress will also identify the research and policy needs for developing viable programs to address climate change issues in the ongoing development process in India with particular reference to the State of Kerala.
Climate Smart Agriculture and Food Security
Climate Change and Water Security
Climate Change, Ecosystems and Biodiversity
Climate Change, Habitat and Urbanization
Climate Change and Coastal and Marine Resources
Climate Change and Transport
Climate Change and Disaster Management
Climate Change and Buildings
Climate Change and Tourism
Climate Change and Plantations
Climate Change and Industries
Climate Change and Weather extremes
Climate Change, Legal and Policy Aspects
Among the various topics on which Scientist would be presenting their papers the following above topics would be covered.
It's estimated that in Kerala, forest is cleared at a rate of 60 to 100 sq km per year. Several hundred species of trees, herbs and climbers are either endangered or vulnerable to extinction.
Deforestation inevitably leads to loss in rainfall and attempts at reforestation have largely been ineffective due to the introduction of inappropriate species such as eucalyptus and acacia, which hinder rather than restore ecological balance. The famous backwaters are not immune to environmental damage. The degradation in the mountains has resulted in rivers polluted by silt and industrial effluent also takes its toll; killing fish and presenting significant health risks. Many wells have become waste tips, causing serious ground water pollution and leading to an inadequate supply of clean drinking water. The assessment of river such as Chalakudy, Periyar, Muvattupuzha, Meenachil, Pamba and Achenkovil indicates that the major quality problem is due to bacteriological pollution. The ground water quality problems in the coastal areas are mainly because of the presence of excess chloride.The chloride concentration >250mb/l was detected in the well water samples of Azhicode, Kakkathuruthy, Edathinjil, Kadalundi, Chellanum, Nallalam, Mankombu and Haripad. in Alappuzha district, flouride concentration in the pumbing wells was observed to be high.Open well of Kerala are under threat of bacteriological contamination.In Kerala about 60% of the population relies on ground water for drinking.At the same time studies have shown that faecal contamination is present in 90% of drinking water wells.
Coastal erosion is altering the seashore landscape and putting populations at risk. Over fishing, with the introduction of trawler fishing in the 1950s, is affecting the economy and health of the local fishing community. Kerala is one among the most thickly populated region in the world and the population is increasing at a rate of 14% per decade.As a result of the measures to satisfy the needs of the huge population,the rivers of Kerala have been increasingly polluted from the industrial and domestic waste and from the pesticides and fertilizer in agriculture.Industries discharge hazardous pollutants like phosphates, sulphides, ammonia, fluorides, heavy metals and insecticides into the downstream reaches of the river.The river periyar and chaliyar are very good examples for the pollution due to industrial effluents. it is estimated that nearly 260 million litres of trade effluents reach the Periyar estuary daily from the Kochi industrial belt
[Courtesy: Centre for Environment & Development; ENVIS-Kerala;Viswadarsanam;]
As one can read on the start of the article. We are having the 11th Kerala Environment Congress. That means the problems and issues which have been raise in the above paragraphs have been flagged as many as 11 times over!
How many chances would a boss give to his employee. A Father to his Son, to correct an error? Yet we keep mum on the abuses we have been meting to our Mother Earth.
The many of the problems and issues which Kerala is facing today would perhaps be very soon taking away the title of – God's Own Country and make it..
God's Forsaken Country ! Unless we make the changes Now !
And the changes must reflect in the life-style of the people of Kerala. Unless the Civic changes happen in the physiological level of the populace mere reports and laws would just not be adequate to improve the disasters which are soon to manifest in a much larger scale than presently perceived.
Water, Energy, Ecosystems and Biodiversity are affected directly by the way we create our Habitat.
Haphazard Urbanization of sleepy villages, with copy-cat Buildings as designed in the West and Middle East which are not Climate Responsive in the vernacular context, compounded by setting up of Industries; in hereto Agricultural and Forest lands makes Disaster Management during Weather Extremes a severe challenge. Due to weak implementation of Education & Communication skills there lack of understanding of Legal and Policy Aspects. The continued failings of which would impact the Tourism Industry, Marine and Coastal Ecosystem and most importantly on Agriculture and Food Production!
Food is the primary source of Energy for Human. Without Energy life can't exist. So let us probe into the ways we can tap into creating of Energy – Electrical & Mechanical; which is the primary driver of civil development while maintaining the ecological balance to have the perennial source of food with is a life source !
Kerala is blessed with a few unique backwater system, which makes it a prime area to use the latent energy this has. That is micro-hydle systems. But we shall come to this later as there would be challenges to this. Moreover we need to stitch together a basket of solution to arrive at an optimum solution by inclusion of Wind and Solar!
Let us therefore explore through data that is available from various sources and start with the least used one –Geothermal
Estimation of geothermal gradients and heat flow from Bottom Simulating Reflector along the Kerala–Konkan basin of Western Continental Margin of India ( by Uma Shankar, N. K. Thakur* and S. I. Reddi of National Geophysical Research Institute, can be read here).
Geothermal power plants operated in at least 24 countries in 2010, and geothermal energy was used directly for heat in at least 78 countries. These countries currently have geothermal power plants with a total capacity of 10.7 GW, but 88% of it is generated in just seven countries: the United States, the Philippines, Indonesia, Mexico, Italy, New Zealand, and Iceland. The most significant capacity increases since 2004 were seen in Iceland and Turkey. Both countries doubled their capacity. Iceland has the largest share of geothermal power contributing to electricity supply (25%), followed by the Philippines (18%). ….
India has reasonably good potential for geothermal; the potential geothermal provinces can produce 10,600 MW of power (but experts are confident only to the extent of 100 MW). But yet geothermal power projects has not been exploited at all, owing to a variety of reasons, the chief being the availability of plentiful coal at cheap costs. However, with increasing environmental problems with coal based projects, India will need to start depending on clean and eco-friendly energy sources in future; one of which could be geothermal. – (See more at: http://www.eai.in/ref/ae/geo/geo.html#sthash.8nD3nsKp.dpuf )
The Costs of a geothermal plant are heavily weighted toward early expenses, rather than fuel to keep them running. Well drilling and pipeline construction occur first, followed by resource analysis of the drilling information. Next is design of the actual plant. Power plant construction is usually completed concurrent with final field development. The initial cost for the field and power plant is around $2500 per installed kW in the U.S., probably $3000 to $5000/kWe for a small (<1Mwe) power plant. Operating and maintenance costs range from $0.01 to $0.03 per kWh. Most geothermal power plants can run at greater than 90% availability (i.e., producing more than 90% of the time), but running at 97% or 98% can increase maintenance costs. Higher-priced electricity justifies running the plant 98% of the time because the resulting higher maintenance costs are recovered. – (See more at: http://www.eai.in/club/users/shankar/blogs/649#sthash.D6y8VkTr.dpuf)
Next, let's look at Micro-Hydle-
A study sponsored by the Science, Technology and Environment Department (STED) and conducted by the Centre for Rural Management (CRM) has found that a whopping 870 households in the district are served by micro-hydel projects. The study also brings out some interesting features of this unique initiative as also underscores the need to develop a support base to improve the efficiency and efficacy of these units. A typical micro-hydel project consists of a source of water, often a stream, or a storage tank or a check-dam made of either jungle stone or concrete, a plastic or PVC flexible hosepipe and a rewound bike or cycle dynamo which acts as the generating system. The average installed capacity of the large majority of them remains below 150 Watts an hour. This is enough to meet the lighting needs and also for operating a radio, tape recorder or television set. Nearly half of these units provide power to the consumers for 12 hours a day and one-fourth of them ensure round-the-clock power supply. Moreover, 52 per cent of these units provide round-the-year power supply. (read more)
While Solar and Wind have already stabilized in the state, what is required is that the Building industry adopts Renewable Energy in toto. The method should governed by sound scientific advice which should be the guiding principle of framing the Development Control Rules of each zone in the Urban planning.
What is true for the Goose may not be for the Gander. Thus when market forces especially the copy cats with baser understanding solicit business within the RE basket; in their enthusiasm, they spoil the market for serious players either by under delivery or corruption in methods. The problem is further compounded when "hobby builders" {a one-time player, usually with lot of disposable money and zero discipline; usually plays a spoiler for developers} with zero scientific understanding opt for L1 (lowest one) all products. As the specifications of such products do not and can't match the originals; they fail.
This not only leaves Kerala with badly designed buildings, with ugly façade completely in contrast to its serene backwater surrounding; but also energy intensive with falling products over-time. The common man, un-schooled in the methods and confused with the constant pull of identifying more to an imported Western Culture than the sound vernacular life-style are ending up as the final looser in the game.
And the biggest loss is to Sustainable Energy methods. Which could be very well possible if laws are legislated to utilize hybrid RE solutions with sound building materials and design.
New frontiers in development finance
Fact of the day: Water is our most vital resource, yet access is not a given
Sustainable Development Environment
Would You Really Call Frankfurt The World's Most Sustainable City?
Biological Hazard – Asia – India
Earth calling the financial sector
Posted by Oyeta936 on February 23, 2015 in Energy Efficient Buildings, Susutainable Buildings & Climate Initiatives
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Managing the Risks of Extreme Events and Disasters to Advance Climate Change Adaptation (SREX)
The National Action Plan for Climate Change
UNFCCC's Latest Webcasts & Videos
United Nations Environment Program
Climate Risk : How 2011 Became a 'Mind-Boggling' Year of Extreme Weather in USA
CNN's Eco Solutions
CNN's Green Business Ideas
CNN: Environment Channel
Dilma: save the Amazon, veto the new Forest Code
Energy Island
Environmental Migration: Climate Change Could Spawn Mass Migrations, Study Says
Green Economy -Road to Rio+20
Hydronic Under Floor Heating
India and Climate Change
James Hansen: Why I must speak out about climate change
NASA Video Illustrates 130 Years of Global Warming: Hansen Expects New Global Temperature Record Within 3 Years
New C40 Cities
NLV Solar Panel Plant Lays Off 200 Workers
Pakistan Economy suffers $14 billion loss due to climate change annually
Piezo Electric Tiles
RE from waves
Solar Power Ship
Sustainable Travel Initatives Around the World
Top 50 inventions of the World
U.S. intelligence sees global water conflict risks rising
Construction of a LEED Gold Building
Godrej Bhawan- First Green EB
Green Building Design Principles.
Griha is India's green building code
GRIHA Vedio
LEED – tutorial sample 1
LEED Vedio
Smart Mini-Grid: An intelligent electricity distribution system based on clean energy
Biomimetics: A strong light organic material that promises a ton of eco features
Coldest, Deepest Ocean Water Mysteriously Disappears : Can cause disruption in regulating the Earth's climate.
Effects of Urbanisatation
Effects of Urbanisatation on Stream Ecosystem
Go Water<Less
NASA – Visual Tour of Every Fire on Earth 2002 onwards
Piezoelectric Tiles
Sustainability explained through animation
Thinking Cities
World Water Day: How much water do you use in a day?
Must Watch Videos
A Must Watch for Earth Lovers : Vu du Ciel, La Sierra Gorda
Animation: Climate change, energy & action
Bicycle Generator
Bladeless Wind Turbine
Britain's First Solar Powered Town
Cities of the future: Towards Sustainable Progress
Climate Change TV
CSR – Is India Inc socially responsible?
Delhi Sustainable Development Summit
Drowning world
Folding Bike 2
Future Food Farms
Garbage Island
Global Food Crisis 2012
How the oceans can clean themselves: Boyan Slat at TEDxDelft
How to grow Food without Soil
Hurrican Sandy
Impacts of new Forest Code on Amazon rainforest
Living Earth: It's the only one worth saving
Making coal clean: what's being done?
Monsanto Corporation gets owned by 11 year old boy
New York Times – Energy For Tomorrow Conference
OX Driven Generator
Recycling, waste and its impact on the environment (part 1)
Recyle your Phone
Reduce-Reuse-Recycle
Rio+20 summit asks our children: what environmental future do you want?
Sinking Tuvalu
Taking Action on Climate Change
The Story of Stuff – Big Ideas
The World Bank – Climate Change
There Is No Energy Crisis, There is a Crisis of Ignorance
UNEP Green Economy – The Future We Want
Urban Wheels of the Future: Why Fight Over Parking?
Will the Next War be Fought Over Water?
Read Articles in Energitica India


How can I verify that your company is legitimate?
I received a letter, what do I do now?
Why do I have to send a photocopy of my identification?
I do not have a valid driver's license, what do I do?
Do I have to write my social security number on the contract?
What if there is another person listed on my contract and he/she is deceased?
I received a letter regarding money owed to a deceased relative, what do I do?
What happens to my money if I do not claim it?
I have moved since I submitted my claim, what do I do?
Can I fax or e-mail my documents?
Can I download my forms instead of having them faxed or e-mailed?
I believe I have more money than what is listed on my contract, what do I do?
We understand your need to feel secure. You can verify our agency license through the State of Florida's Department of Agriculture. You can also verify our corporate status at www.sunbiz.org. HEA is also a member of the Better Business Bureau of North Florida.
Sign and date the contract and make a photocopy of your current identification. Mail all documentation in the return envelope provided.
Florida law requires each claimant to produce proof of their identity.
The ID provided must have your photo and a valid expiration date. Some forms of acceptable ID are: driver's license, State ID card, passport, or other state/government issued ID.
NOTE: If you choose to provide a passport or other ID that does not include your current address, you may be asked for additional documentation.
If you do not have a valid ID or your ID is expired, you can use a Notarized Sworn Statement. If you are a power of attorney or a legal guardian trying to assist someone in claiming funds, you can use an Affidavit Attesting to Claimants Identity.
NOTE: Either document must be notarized by a Notary. A photo ID must be presented to the notary. If the notary states that you are "personally known", your claim will be denied. If you are unsure of which documentation to send, please call our customer service department at (800) 763-9006.
Generally, it takes between 60 and 90 days.
No, you are not required to list your social security number.
You would still sign and date your portion of the contract and make a photocopy of your current driver's license. However, in order to receive the entire refund, you must provide an original certified death certificate for the other individual. A photocopy will not suffice. If you are unable to send an original certified death certificate, please contact our customer service department at (800) 763-9006.
Each case is different based on the circumstances of the decedent, and the events following his/her death. If you believe you may be a beneficiary or you know the whereabouts of a beneficiary, please contact our customer service department at (800) 763-9006. One of our customer services specialists will assist you with determining what documentation is needed.
There are no statutes of limitation. The amount reported can be claimed by the original owner and/or heirs at any time.
To save time, you can e-mail us. Please include your case number, phone number, and the address you would like your check to be mailed. If any additional information is needed, one of our customer service specialists will contact you.
No. We cannot accept a photocopy of your signature on any documentation. We apologize for this inconvenience.
There are some forms available for download. However, if you need a new contract, please contact our customer service department via e-mail or toll free at (800) 763-9006.
Either e-mail us or contact our customer service department at (800) 763-9006. We will be happy to research your information. If you have additional accounts, we will send you an updated contact.


SARASOTA COUNTY -- A fire tore through Sarasota Christian School's maintenance shed Thursday morning, but never got close to the main building or students.
No one was injured in the blaze, which destroyed school vehicles -- three buses, three vans and lawn mowers -- and created a plume of dark-brown smoke that could be seen for miles.
Parents came to the school, at 5415 Bahia Vista St., only to find their children were already back in classes about 45 minutes after a passing fire truck first spotted the smoke.
The fire is a "minor crisis" for the private school of 491 students, Superintendent Eugene Miller said. The buses were used to transport its sports teams to events, he said.
A nearby art building was also damaged in the fire.
"Kids were not even close," Miller said.
School and fire officials did not immediately know what caused the fire. The state fire marshal's office will conduct an investigation.
About 45 firefighters worked to douse the flames that shot out of the side of the building and engulfed the vehicles.
A special call went out for a second ladder truck to hose down the roof of the large building. The hazardous materials team was also on site to prevent runoff in case gasoline and fertilizer was stored in a shed.


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← Killing Time
SATURDAY POETRY SERIES PRESENTS: JANET R. KIRCHHEIMER →
Standing on Z: An Interview with and Three Poems by Stuart Dischell
Posted on August 21, 2016	by Okla Elliott
Okla Elliott: I notice that several poems in Standing on Z make use of repetition and that the repetition is often of a word that is generally considered negative—e.g., "forget" in "Questions for the Mariner" and "dead" in "Threnody." Would you mind speaking to the repetition of these particular (types of) words and repetition in poetry more generally?
Stuart Dischell: Repetition is at the heart of poetry. It is its heartbeat. I'm talking about sound the repetition of sound and syntax–whether the metrics of formal verse or the breath-lines of free verse. The obvious difficulty in working with repetition is that it can be repetitious in the sense of boring, in the sense of a parent saying the same things in the same way over and over again or a child banging a spoon on the table. In a good poem that employs repetitions, the words, lines, or phrases take on nuanced meanings and repercussions. I have never been one to write villanelles or sestinas—those obsessive forms of which there are few really fine examples—but lately I find myself working with the pantoum and triolet. Repetition is memory. Or maybe I am just getting older and find myself repeating myself. What?
OE: Authors are often asked to give advice to beginning writers, which makes a lot of sense, but I want to take a different approach. What advice would you give to an early-career writer with, say, one book out and a decent first job? Which sorts of problems do you think are peculiar to writers at that point on the writing path?
SD: To start, I would say, "congratulations." Publishing a book of poems is not easy nor is getting a decent job. That said, I would advise keeping to first principles, the things that "bid you to write poetry" as Rilke wrote in Letters to a Young Poet. Keep your totemic books around you, the writers that first got you going, and newer books too. Stay curious. Remember there is the imagination. Don't understand your own poems so well. Don't get too cozy with only poets of your generation. Remember there is always the imagination. Be playful but never forget that the writing of poetry is not a game. People have died for it.
OE: If you could change one thing in the literary/publishing world today, what would it be? I mean a-genie-just-gave-you-a-wish kind of scenario. Anything goes.
SD: Gee whiz, Genie, I don't know what I would change. Poetry appears to be published everywhere online and in print. Although there may be perceived centers of power (mostly perceived by those dwelling in those centers) American poetry has become the most democratic of the arts. Journals and presses represent every perspective, aesthetic, and region—many within the same publications. Poems in "start-up" online journals are frequently read more than work in established literary journals. Gorgeous books are being printed by small presses, and as poetry becomes more frequently read online, there seems to be greater interest in the artisanal.
Standing on Z
The end of the jetty is like the end of our language.
Nothing is ahead but the open sea.
Who said there should not be more letters in the alphabet?
The jetty would be longer if we spoke Chinese—
But our characters are not as pretty and it takes
Perspective to see how the m in man and the w in woman
Suggest the graphics of their respective anatomies.
(Yet in my handwriting one looks like the other).
I am thinking of the romance of m and w by the sea.
What do you think they said in the hot sand of creation?
What would their last words be?
After a Late Show
A gob on the sidewalk
Refracts the lights
Of cars and bar signs
And theatre marquees.
The locked hands
Of couples pass over it,
A dog sniffs, and a child
Running in pink shoes
Ahead of her folks
Calls it a jellyfish
And squashes it.
The Passages
Some brightly decorated passages
Lively and fluorescent until dawn
Like stars are hidden in the daylight—
No signs, no numbers, no names.
Mostly, we live indoors.
I have a favorite pair of shoes
Manufactured in Argentina.
There is nowhere I wish to walk
In them but down those passages.
Stuart Dischell was born in Atlantic City, NJ. He is the author of Good Hope Road, a National Poetry Series Selection, Evenings & Avenues, Dig Safe, Backwards Days, and the chapbooks Animate Earth and Touch Monkey. Dischell's poems have been published in The Atlantic, Agni, The New Republic, Slate, Kenyon Review, Ploughshares, and anthologies including Essential Poems, Hammer and Blaze, Pushcart Prize, and Garrison Keillor's Good Poems. A recipient of awards from the nea, the North Carolina Arts Council, and the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation. He teaches in the MFA Program in Creative Writing at the University of North Carolina Greensboro.
About Okla Elliott
I am currently an assistant professor at Misericordia University in northeast Pennsylvania. I hold a PhD in comparative literature from the University of Illinois, an MFA in creative writing from Ohio State University, and a legal studies certificate from Purdue University. My work has appeared in Cincinnati Review, Harvard Review, The Hill, Huffington Post, Indiana Review, The Literary Review, New Letters, Prairie Schooner, A Public Space, and Subtropics, as well as being listed as a "notable essay" in Best American Essays 2015. My books include From the Crooked Timber (short fiction), The Cartographer's Ink (poetry), The Doors You Mark Are Your Own (a coauthored novel), Blackbirds in September: Selected Shorter Poems of Jürgen Becker (translation), and Bernie Sanders: The Essential Guide (nonfiction).
View all posts by Okla Elliott →


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Category / Data Model
April 17, 2018 by Mike Poverello
SARS Customs to introduce 24-hour Advance Rule and other Supply Chain reporting
Cargo carrier, Cargo Reporting, Containerization, Customs, Customs Statutory Requirements, Data Model, Digital Customs, e-commerce, Freight Forwarders, Information Technology, International Shipping, Logistics, Manifests, Revised Kyoto Convention, Risk Management, SAFE Framework, SARS, shipping container, South African Customs, Supply Chain Security, Trade Facilitation, Transport, WCO
24 hour advance reporting, Cargo Manifest, Cargo Reporting, NCAP, New Customs Act Programme, Revised Kyoto Convention, Risk management, SA Revenue Service, SAFE, Supply Chain Management, WCO, WCO Data Model
Enter SARS RCG Webpage here!
This Friday, 20 April 2018, SARS Customs will implement its new Cargo, Conveyance and Goods Accounting solution – otherwise known as the Cargo Processing System (CPS). In recent years SARS has introduced several e-initiatives to bolster cargo reporting in support its electronic Customs Clearance Processing System (iCBS), introduced in August 2013.
Followers of SARS' New Customs Acts Programme (NCAP) will recognise that the CPS forms part of one of the three core pillars of the new legislative programme, better known as Reporting of Conveyances and Goods (RCG). The other two pillars are, Registration, Licensing and Accreditation (RLA) and Declaration Processing (DPR). More about these in future articles. In order to expedite the implementation of the new Acts, SARS deemed it necessary to introduce elements of the new functionality via a transitional manner under the current Customs and Excise (1964) Act.
Proper revenue accounting and goods statistical reporting, can only be adequately achieved if Customs knows what goods 'actually' arrive, transit and exit it's borders. Many countries, since the era of heightened security (post 9/11), have invested heavily in the re-engineering of policies and systems to address the threat of terrorism. This lead to a re-focus of resources and energies to develop risk management systems based on 'advanced information'. SARS has invested significantly in automated systems in the last decade. Shortly, SARS it will also introduce a new automated risk engine with enhanced capabilities to include post clearance audit activities.
It should also not come as a surprise to anyone conversant with Customs practice, that international Customs standards such as the WCO's SAFE Framework of Standards, the RKC and the Data Model are prevalent in the new Customs legal dispensation and its operational business systems.
South Africa will now follow several of its trading partners with the introduction of 'advance reporting of containerised cargo' destined for South African sea ports. This reporting requires carriers and forwarders to submit 'advance loading notices' to SARS Customs at both master and house bill of lading levels, 24 hours prior to vessel departure.
The implementation of CPS is significant in terms of its scope. It comprises some 30 odd electronic cargo notices and reports across the sea, air, rail and road modalities. These reports form the 'pipeline' of information deemed necessary to ensure that the 'chain of custody' is visible and secure from point of departure to final destination. For the first time, South Africa will also require cargo reporting in the export domain.
Download a high resolution map of SARS Cargo Report Messages here!
It is no understatement that the CPS initiative is a challenge in particular to new supply chain entities who have not been required in the past to submit electronic reports. In order to meet these reporting requirements, a significant investment in systems development and training is required on the part of SARS and external trade participants. To this end, SARS intends to focus on ramping up compliance amongst all cargo reporters across all transport modalities. The first modality will be road, which is the most significantly developed and supported modality by trade since the inception of manifest reporting under the Customs Modernisation Programme. The remaining transport modalities will receive attention once road is stabilised.
February 25, 2018 by Mike Poverello
WCO News – February 2018
Africa, Cross Border Trade, Cross-Border E-Commerce, Customs, Customs Declaration, Customs Union, Data Model, Globally Networked Customs, Information Exchange, Information Technology, IT Inter Connectivity, Risk Management, SACU, SARS, South African Customs, UCR, Utility Block, WCO
C-2-C data exchange, SACU, South Africa, Swaziland, UCR, WCO Magazine
This edition of WCO News features a special dossier on the theme chosen by the WCO for 2018, namely "A secure business environment for economic development", with articles presenting initiatives and related projects that contribute to creating such an environment. The articles touch on authorized economic operators, national committees on trade facilitation, coordinated border management, performance measurement, e-commerce, data analysis, and partnerships with the private sector.
For sub-Saharan African readers, look out for the write up of the Customs systems interconnectivity and the challenges and opportunities for Customs administrations in the SACU region.
Other highlights include articles on Customs systems interconnectivity in the Southern African Customs Union, on the experience of a young Nigerian Customs officer who participated in the Strategic Management and Intellectual Property Rights Programme at Tokyo's Aoyama Gakuin University, on how the WCO West and Central Africa region is using data to monitor Customs modernization in the region, and on the benefits that can be derived by facilitating transit procedures.
Source: WCO, February 2018
June 18, 2017 June 18, 2017 by Mike Poverello
WCO Data Model – speaking the 'Global Customs Language' in the Maluti's
CITES, Cross Border Trade, Customs, Customs Declaration, Data Analysis, Data Model, Globally Networked Customs, Information Exchange, Information Technology, IT Inter Connectivity, Single Window, UCR, WCO
B-2-B, C-2-C, Capacity building, G-2-G, GEFEG, GEFEG.FX, Lesotho, Maseru, SACU, WCO Data Model
At least 30 representatives of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) recently met in Maseru – capital of the 'Mountain Kingdom' – Lesotho, to undertake a 5-day training workshop on the WCO Data Model, between 29 May to 2 June.
The training formed part of capacity building support to Member States to implement IT connectivity and information exchange between SACU Customs Administration. The training was facilitated by WCO Data Model Expert, Mr Carl Wilbers from South African Revenue Service (SARS) and GEFEG.FX software tool Expert, Mr. Martin Krusch from GEFEG, Germany.
The recent ratification of Annex E to the SACU agreement – on the use of Customs-2-Customs (C-2-C) Data Exchange between member states – paves the way for participating countries to exchange data within the terms of the agreement on the basis of the GNC Utility Block, also greed to by the respective member states. It also coincides with recent work on the establishment of a SACU Unique Consignment Reference (UCR) which must be implemented by the SACU countries in all export and transit data exchanges between themselves, respectively.
Just recently, in May 2017, the heads of SACU Customs administrations were presented a prototype demonstration of data exchange between the respective systems of the South African Revenue Service and the Swaziland Revenue Authority.
The WCO Data Model provides a maximum framework of standardized and harmonized sets of data and standard electronic messages (XML and EDIFACT) to be submitted by Trade for Cross-Border Regulatory Agencies such as Customs to accomplish formalities for the arrival, departure, transit and release of goods, means of transport and persons in international cross border trade.
The course was extremely comprehensive, providing SACU customs users the full spectrum of the power and capability which the GEFEG.FX software tool brings to the WCO's Data Model. GEFEG is also the de facto Customs data modelling and data mapping tool for several customs and border authorities worldwide. It significantly enhances what was once very tedious work and simplifies the process of mapping data, ensuring that the user maintains alignment and consistency with the most up-to-date version of WCO data model. One of the more significant capabilities of the GEFEG.FX software is its reporting and publishing capability. For examples of this please visit the CITES electronic permitting toolkit and the EU Customs Data Model webpages, respectively. Pretty awesome indeed!
Users had the opportunity of mapping the SACU agreed data fields both manually as well as using the tool. The SACU group was able to add additional enhancements to its agreed data model, providing an added benefit of the work session.
December 9, 2016 by Mike Poverello
WCO – the opportunities and challenges of E-commerce
Customs, Data Model, Digital Customs, Information Exchange, Information Technology, IT Inter Connectivity, Risk Management, WCO
Data Analysis, E-commerce working group, illicit financial flows, Russian Federation, WCO
The WCO Policy Commission, held in Moscow, Russian Federation, from 5 to 7 December 2016 under the chairmanship of Mr. R. Davydov, brought to the fore the key role of Customs in creating a sustainable and efficient e-commerce ecosystem, reviving-up the exchange of data between stakeholders and enhancing risk-management through electronic interface. The other main topics discussed during the Commission pertained to trade facilitation, security, the enhancement of the Customs/Tax cooperation and the modernization of Customs administrations.
The newly established WCO Working Group on E-Commerce will work to tackle the different dimensions of e-commerce by collecting and exchanging best practices in the field, stocktaking and leveraging some of the ongoing work being carried out by other entities and drawing up proposals geared towards the development of practical solutions for the clearance of e-commerce shipments, including appropriate duty/tax collection mechanisms and control procedures.
Concerning the in-depth discussions on Custom /Tax cooperation, the WCO issued this year "Guidelines for strengthening cooperation and the exchange of information between Customs and Tax authorities at the national level" and will continue working on topics of common interest for Customs and Tax experts such as transfer pricing, drawback and Illicit Financial Flows (IFF).
During the Commission, WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya, confirmed the WCO Theme for 2017 "Data Analysis for Effective Border Management" and stressed the impact of the digital revolution and the need to address promptly the challenges posed to the global economy. The Secretary General invited all the WCO Members to promote and share information in the coming months on how they are leveraging the potential of data to advance and achieve their objectives and respond to the expectations of traders, transport and logistic operators, and governments.
As data analysis will be emphasized in 2017 as a force multiplier for Customs administrations, it is relevant to highlight that the WCO is carrying out a Study to collect best practices among its members to assess and promote initiatives in the area of e-commerce. A previous analysis of preliminary data underscored the need for digitalization of processes, better sharing of information between e-commerce stakeholders and customs for improved risk management and the necessity for harmonization in the low-value shipment processes. Source: WCO
October 27, 2016 by Mike Poverello
SARS publishes updated EDI User Manual
Cargo Reporting, Customs, Customs compliance, Customs Declaration, Customs Modernisation, Data Model, Digital Customs, DTI, Globally Networked Customs, Information Exchange, Information Technology, Manifests, SARS, South African Customs, Trade and Industry, Trade Facilitation, UCR
CUSCAR, CUSDEC, EDI, EDI Manual, Electronic Data Interchange, SARS, South African Customs, UCR, UN EDIFACT
SARS has been operating Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) with its external stakeholders since 2001. More than 98% of all customs declaration (CUSDEC) transactions are today submitted electronically to Customs and the electronic submission of multimodal cargo reports (CUSCAR) is steadily increasing. Today, declaration processing is fully electronic end-to-end thanks to the availability of highly established EDI and Customs software service providers supporting the local customs and logistics community. SARS has also recently introduced a benefit for compliant cargo reporters who will be absolved of certain manual (paper) submission requirements once they attain an acceptable level of electronic submission compliance and data accuracy.
The ultimate objective is to ensure that all Customs-to-Business (C2B) transactions are electronic to enable full supply chain connectivity between the South African business community and Customs. This in turn enables the possibility of SARS accrediting or approving 'supply chains' as opposed to just individual trader segments (importers and exporters). The extent of electronic compliance is also a pivotal requirement for traders operating under the new Customs Control Act, to be enacted in the future.
SARS overall EDI capability extends further than declarations and cargo reports. In recent years Customs-to-Government (C2G) messaging has also been successfully established between SARS and the Department of Trade and Industry (dti) as well as the South African Reserve Bank (SARB). SARS is also engaging other government stakeholders concerning IT connectivity and data exchange.
Moreover, developments for cross-border Customs-to-Customs (C2C) data exchange are also in the pipeline and could come to fruition with the partner administrations in Mozambique and Swaziland in the foreseeable future. These initiatives will usher in increased supply chain connectivity through active use of the Unique Consignment Reference (UCR) between participating customs administrations. The ultimate objective here is the creation of mutual recognition benefits for local and cross-border traders based on their accreditation status agreed between the participating customs administrations.
The SARS Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Manual (which can be downloaded from the SARS EDI webpage) has been updated with the latest versions of SARS Edifact Data Mapping Guides as well as improved diagrams explaining the functional composition of the various electronic messages specified for Customs processing. Also included are the requirements for registering as an EDI user with SARS.
The manual includes recent updates relating to cargo reporting (manifests) as well as the updated customs declaration message incorporating recent inclusion of customs surety, penalty and forfeiture requirements. The latter enhancement removes another document based requirement (the Form DA70 Provisional Payment) for Customs Brokers with the view streamlining data requirements, enhancing customs billing and customs status reporting with the trade and logistics community. This EDI Manual will be an important document over the coming months and years in that it will feature updated electronic requirements in support of the new Customs Control Act. Watch this space!
April 9, 2016 by Mike Poverello
WCO Regional Workshop on Coordinated Border Management, Single Window and the Data Model
Border Control, Capacity Building, Co-operative border management, Customs, Data Model, Single Window, Trade Facilitation, WCO
Coordinated Border Management, SARS, Saudi Arabia, Single Window, South Africa, WCO Data Model, World Customs Organization
The World Customs Organization (WCO), with the financial support of the Customs Administration of Saudi Arabia, successfully held a Regional Workshop on Coordinated Border Management (CBM), Single Window and the WCO Data Model in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 27 to 31 March 2016. Thirty seven middle management officials of the Customs Administrations from the MENA Region, namely Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, Sudan, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates participated in the Workshop. In addition, twelve officials of Customs' Partner Agencies and two representatives from the private sector attended the event.
Mr. Abdulah AlMogehem, the Deputy Director General of the Customs Administration of Saudi Arabia in his opening remarks highlighted the importance of Single Window development by governments to simplify cross-border trade regulatory procedures which will reduce inefficiency and redundancy of border management processes.
The event highlighted the importance of CBM principles as the basis for the development of a Single Window Environment to enable coordination and cooperation between all relevant government agencies involved in border management. The Workshop also focused on the importance of strategic planning and formal governance structures in establishing a Single Window Environment. SA Revenue Service's Intikhab Shaik incidentally facilitated the session and discussion on Single Window.
Other important topics included Business Process Re-engineering as well as Data Harmonization, using the WCO Data Model as the inter-operability framework to lay the foundation for CBM and Single Window. Source: WCO
WCO News – New Edition February 2016
Customs, Data Model, Information Exchange, Information Technology, WCO, WTO
Digital Customs, WCO
Another bumper edition of customs news, views and success stories (click here to view!). Several countries showcase their modernization and digital developments under the theme "Digital Customs" from declaration management systems, carnet systems to paperless procedures for AEO's. Nice to see an article featuring South African Customs once again.
There's also a section featuring articles on 'big data'. Learn about Canada's approach to private sector stakeholder engagement. You'll also find some interesting points of view regarding use and misuse of valuation databases and a whole lot more. Source WCO
December 19, 2015 January 30, 2016 by Mike Poverello
WCO facilitates Data Model training for SARS
Border Management Agency, Customs core competency, Customs Modernisation, Data Model, Digital Customs, Globally Networked Customs, GNC, Information Exchange, Information Technology, International Trade, IT Inter Connectivity, SAFE Framework, SARS, Single Window, South African Customs, Trade Facilitation, WCO
Capacity building, China, Customs, Customs Act, e-commerce, EDI, GEFEG, GOVCBR, SARS, South Africa, UN/Edifact, WCO, XML
SARS' EDI and Customs Business Systems representatives with WCO Data Model facilitators Mr. Giandeo Mungroo (2nd from the left) and Ms. Sue Probert (2nd from the right) [Photo – SARS]
Officials of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) last week attended a WCO workshop on the Data Model facilitated by Ms. Sue Probert and Mr. Giandeo Mungroo. The event, held in Pretoria, South Africa was sponsored by the CCF of China as part of the WCO's Capacity Building endeavours to promote the adoption and use of customs standards and best practice amongst it's member states.
The workshop was requested by SARS ahead of new technical and systems developments and requirements informed by SARS' new Customs Control and Duty Acts. Moreover, there are also political ambition to institute a Border Management Agency for the Republic of South Africa. All of this requires that SARS Customs has a robust electronic tool to assist the organisation in mapping national data requirements according to specific needs.
Besides the use of a value added Data Model tool – GEFEG, it is imperative for the organisation to develop capacity in the knowledge and understanding of the WCO Data Model. SARS has successfully EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) for the last 15 years with various local supply chain trading partners and government agencies. Over the last few years SARS has been actively pursuing and promoting IT connectivity with regional trading partners with the express purpose to extend the benefits of eCommerce across borders.
GEFEG.FX software is used to model data formats and develop implementation guidelines for data interchange standards such as UN/EDIFACT. It is a software tool that brings together modelling, XML schema development, and editing of classic EDI standards under a unified user interface, and supports the development of multilingual implementation guidelines.
Version 3 of the WCO Data Model brought about a distinct shift towards an 'all-of-government' approach at international borders with the introduction of the GOVCBR (Government Cross Border Regulatory) message. The message and underlying data requirements facilitate the exchange of customs and other government regulatory information to support a Single Window environment.
WCO Data Model not only includes data sets for different customs procedures but also information needed by other Cross-border Regulatory Agencies for the cross-border release and clearance at the border. The WCO Data Model supports the implementation of a Single Window as it allows the reporting of information to all government agency through the unique way it organizes regulatory information. This instrument is already 10 years old and is seeing increased use by WCO members.
Amongst the benefits derived from the workshop, SARS staff acquired the following competencies that will not only aid their work but business user support as well –
Competence in operating the tool to build a source control collaborative environment to support national and regional harmonization;
Competence to build a base to conduct national/ regional data harmonization based on the WCO Data Model to support national Single Window implementation as well as Regional Integration;
Competence to build systems/ electronic interfaces between Customs and its partner government agencies including a Border Management Agency; and
Provide needed competence to develop, maintain and publish national and regional information packages based on the WCO Data Model.
SA – Hub for computerised Regional Integration?
Authorised Economic Operator, Automated Cargo Management, Cross Border Trade, Customs, Customs compliance, Customs Modernisation, Data Model, Freight Forwarders, Information Exchange, International Shipping, International Trade, SARS, Trade Corridors, Trade Facilitation, Warehousing
carriers, Compu-Clearing, Core Freight, Customs brokers, Customs Modernisation, customs software, exporters, freight forwarders, importers, SARS, South Africa
From time to time it is nice to reflect on a good news story within the local customs and logistics industry. Freight & Trade Weekly's (2015.11.06, page 4) article – "SA will be base for development of single customs platform" provides such a basis for reflection. The article reports on the recent merger of freight industry IT service providers Compu-Clearing and Core Freight and their plans to establish a robust and agile IT solution for trade on the African sub-continent.
In recent years local software development companies have facilitated most of the IT changes emerging from the Customs Modernisation Programme. Service Providers also known as computer bureaus have been in existence as far back as the early 1980's when Customs introduced its first automated system 'CAPE'. They have followed and influenced Customs developments that have resulted in the modern computerised and electronic communication platforms we have today. For those who do not know there are today at least 20 such service providers bringing a variety of software solutions to the market. Several of these provide a whole lot more than just customs software, offering solutions for warehousing, logistics and more. As the FTW article suggests, ongoing demands by trade customers and the ever-evolving technology space means that these software solutions will offer even greater customization, functionality, integration and ease of use for customers.
What is also clear is that these companies are no longer pure software development houses. While compliance with Customs law applies to specific parties required to registered and/or licensed for Customs purposes, the terrain on which the software company plays has become vital to enable these licensees or registrants the 'ability to comply' within the modern digital environment. This means that Service Providers need to have more than just IT skills, most importantly a better understanding of the laws affecting their customers – the importers, exporters, Customs brokers, freight forwarders, warehouse operators, etc.
Under the new Customs Control Act, for instance, the sheer level of compliance – subject to punitive measures in the fullness of time – will compel Service Providers to have a keen understanding of both the 'letter of the law' as well as the ability to translate this into user-friendly solutions that will provide comfort to their customers. Comfort to the extent that Customs registrants and licensees will have confidence that their preferred software solutions not only provide the tools for trading, but also the means for compliance of the law. Then, there is also the matter of scalability of these solutions to keep pace with ongoing local, regional and global supply chain demands.
The recent Customs Modernisation Programme realised significant technological advances with associated benefits for both SARS and trade alike. For the customs and shipping industry quantification of these benefits probably lies more in 'improved convenience' and 'speed' of the customer's interaction with SARS than cost-savings itself. My next installment on this subject will consider the question of cross-border trade and how modern customs systems can influence and lead to increased regional trade.
October 31, 2015 October 31, 2015 by Mike Poverello
WCO supported Sub – Saharan Africa Customs Modernization Programmes – 3rd Newsletter
Cross Border Trade, Customs Modernisation, Data Model, GNC, Information Exchange, Information Technology, IT Inter Connectivity, SACU, SADC, WCO
Africa, EAC, newsletter, SACU, SADC, WCO
The WCO – Sub – Saharan African Customs Modernization Programme funded by the government of Sweden comprises four projects, namely the WCO- EAC CREATe , the WCO– SACU Connect, the WCO– WACAM and the WCO– INAMA Projects. In their totality, the projects support regional Customs Unions in Africa in their mission to facilitate trade without compromising the security of their country and the safety of their citizens. The newsletter will appear quarterly and will inform on ongoing tasks as well as give an overview of future activities. Source: WCO
August 17, 2015 by Mike Poverello
Pakistan and China Customs to accelerate establishment EDI
Customs, Data Model, EDI, Information Exchange, Information Technology, IT Inter Connectivity
certificate of origin, China, Customs agreements, customs clearance, customs officers, EDI, import value, imports, mis-declaration, Pakistan, Tariff
Pakistan Customs' experts are in China to make further progress on the establishment of direct Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) with the trusted and neighbouring country to reduce the incidences of revenue losses.
The sources told Customs Today that Chief Customs Automation Abdul Qadir, Director Majid Yousfani, Riaz Chaudhary and Azeem from PRAL flew to China on August 9 to hold series of meetings with the Chinese counterparts to make further progress on the EDI.
The sources said, that the EDI will help access trade documents on real time basis from computers of cross-border customs stations. The directorate had exchanged the technical documents with China for EDI, the sources said, adding that the Chinese Customs had given feedback and counter proposal on the technical documents.
In order to expedite finalisation of the EDI arrangement, earlier a meeting with the Chinese Customs for exchange of data relating to the certificate of origin between the two countries was held on February 2 to 4, 2015 in Beijing. And, this is the second meeting of Pakistan Customs officers with the Chinese Customs, sources added.
It is recalled here, that Federal Board of Revenue had issued an alert regarding mis-declaration in imports from China under 50 HS Codes. The Board also showed concerns on the un-warranted concessions granted under various SROs covering preferential or free trade agreements.
The Board had advised verification of suspected Certificates of Origin directly through the commercial missions of Pakistan abroad, discouraging mis-classification of goods to obtain concessions and extending benefits only to goods which strictly matched the description provided in respective SROs.
It may be mentioned, that the export data of China customs for CY 2013 was cross matched with the import data of Pakistan Customs for same period and it transpired that in respect of 376 tariff lines the import value declared before Pakistan Customs was short by $2.437 billion recorded by China Customs as export value to Pakistan.
Moreover, in respect of 13 tariff lines the import value declared before Pakistan Customs was in excess of $829 million that that recorded by China Customs as export value to Pakistan. This is indicative of possible mis-classification of those goods which attract higher rates of duty but are cleared as goods attracting lower rates. Source: CustomsToday
August 10, 2015 August 10, 2015 by Mike Poverello
The SACU Utility Block – My Export is Your Entry
ASYCUDA, Border posts, Capacity Building, Customs, Data Model, IT Inter Connectivity, Regional Integration, SACU, UCR, WCO
Agreement, ASYCUDA, Botswana, Customs Union, Data model, GNC, Lesotho, MAA, Namibia, SACU, South Africa, Swaziland, Swedish Government, UCR, Utility Block, WCO
Representatives from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) gathered in Johannesburg, South Africa recently to refine requirements towards the development IT connectivity and electronic data exchange to facilitate cross-border customs clearance in the region. The workshop was convened by the SACU Secretariat under the sponsorship of the Swedish government and technical support from the World Customs Organisation.
Work already commenced way back in 2012 on this initiative. Progress in the main has been hampered by the legal agreement which to date not all members of the Customs Union have ratified. One of the features of this initiative, however, has been the continuity of support rendered by the WCO.
This event was indeed fortunate to secure – once again – the services of S.P. Sahu, former head of Information Technology at the WCO. After his secondment to the WCO he is now back in his home country where he is the Commissioner for Single Window based in Delhi, India.
S.P's years of experience in both the technical and operational spheres of customs and the international supply chain enable him to articulate concepts and solutions in a manner which are practical and simple to understand. The workshop recognised the need to accelerate border processes and to this end the border process should be limited to physical examination, inspection, release; declaration processes should be done away from borders.
While simple enough in theory, the notion of clearance away from borders could pose challenges. Many of Africa's borders – including those of a 'One Stop' kind – have not fully embraced the need to integrate processing and synchronize Customs activities. The challenge posed by 'regional integration' is one of surrendering national imperatives for a common regional good. It imposes a co-ordination of and development towards 'regional objectives' with the same level of purpose as national states do for their domestic agenda's. In the case of SACU, it challenges member state's stance on what real benefits the customs union should aspire to, beyond the mere sharing of the common revenue pool.
The outcome of the workshop resulted in a more refined, do-able scope and objective. With Mr. Sahu's experience and guidance, the revised Utility Block (UB) speaks to all facets (legal, operational and technical) of the 'regional agreement' to the extent it specifies in the required detail the programme of action required on the part of the member stats as well as the SACU Secretariat. Refinement of the UB includes the removal from scope of the Release Message, Manifest Information and bond/guarantee message for the purpose of simplification of customs processes.
What remains are –
An Export & Transit Message – which includes the Unique Consignment Reference (UCR) validated and approved by the Export/Exit country.
An Arrival Confirmation/Notification Message – where the arrival date time would be when the import country recognises goods as received and places the goods under its customs procedure.
A Control Results Message – which includes the results of data matching, inspection and risk assessment based on agreed business rules.
In support of the above, SACU recently agreed on a framework of a UCR which must be further discussed and agreed upon by the respective member states. The UCR is a structured reference number which will be used by customs administrations of the respective member states to 'link up' import declaration data with the corresponding 'export declaration' data electronically exchanged by the export country.
Regional traders who have electronic clearance and forwarding capability will also play a role in the exchange of data through the exchange of the UCR on export and transit information with their counterparts or clients in the destination country. Once the exchange of data is operational between member states, it will be imperative for the importer to receive/obtain the UCR from the exporting country and apply it to his/her import declaration when making clearance with Customs.
The SACU Utility block will be tabled at a future Permanent Technical Committee meeting of the WCO for consideration and approval. A Utility Block is a concept structure which is proposed under the WCO's Globally Networked Customs (GNC) initiative which seeks to aid and assist its members in the operationalisation of Mutual Administrative Assistance agreements.
May 31, 2013 May 31, 2013 by Mike Poverello
Mozambique Customs gets a new DG
Customs, Data Model, Information Exchange, Information Technology, IT Inter Connectivity, SADC, SAFE Framework, Single Window, Trade Facilitation
Africa, Customs, data exchange, IT connectivity, Mambo, Mozambique, SEW, Single Window, South African Revenue Service
Guilherma Mambo presenting the Mozambique Single Electronic Window at the SADC ICT Conference, in Mauritius, 2012.
Guilherme Mambo has just been appointed Director General Mozambique Customs on the 10th May 2013. Until then he was Board Director of MCNet – Mozambique Community Network the PPP responsibly for implementation of Electronic Single Window for customs clearance in Mozambique where he were responsible for implementation and operations. In recent months he has lead Mozambique's bi-lateral engagement on IT-Connectivity and Data Exchange with his counterparts at the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
For the past 10 years Mambo served as director IT Mozambique Customs and then for Mozambique Revenue Authority. On this role he participated in various modernization projects aimed at improving the business environment in Mozambique through improvement of public services particularly the complete organizational transformation of customs and internal tax areas.
Prior to working with customs and MRA, he worked in aviation industry and a UN lead project in Chechnya, Liberia, Angola were he was exposed multifaceted international experience.
As Director General – Mozambique Customs his responsibility is to manage the General Directorate of Customs (DGA) a paramilitary organization with around 2000 staff, one of the two major collectors of government revenue derived from external trade largely from customs duty, excise duty and the Value Added Tax (IVA). DGA is also a law enforcement agency that undertakes the control of imports and exports for the protection of revenue to prevent evasion of duties and taxes and assists in the promotion of the community's well-being to prevent the smuggling of controlled, prohibited and restricted goods (such as illicit narcotic drugs and firearms). The Director General heads the DGA and his assisted by three Deputy Director General each of one have a specific area of responsibility.
February 17, 2013 February 17, 2013 by Mike Poverello
AU considers continental Customs Connectivity
Cross Border Trade, Customs Union, Data Model, Information Exchange, Information Technology, IT Inter Connectivity, Revised Kyoto Convention, SACU, SADC, SAFE Framework, Trade Corridors, Trade Facilitation, Transit
Africa, African Union, African Union Commission, Business and Economy, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, Customs connectivity, Customs Union, Economic Community of Central African States, Economic Community of West African States, Globally Networked Customs, GNC, Regional Economic Communities, Southern African Customs Union
The African Union (AU) Technical Working Group on Interconnectivity has developed a 'draft' Strategy and Roadmap for Customs-2-Customs IT Connectivity on the continent. This strategy will effectively guide the process of the continental Interconnectivity of Computerized Customs Clearance and Information Systems in Africa. The 'draft' Roadmap envisages that the process of interconnectivity will take a period of 11 years with a total of four stages.
Stage 1 – by 2014, National states should have engaged one another (within their respective regions) on the matter of Customs connectivity.
Stage 2 – between 2013 and 2017, the AU has an extremely ambitious expectation that national Customs Administrations would have (at least commenced) if not completed Customs 'connectivity' within the various Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in Africa.
Stage 3 – between 2017 and 2020, the suggestion that Customs interconnectivity will be occurring between RECs across the African continent – North Africa: AMU; West Africa: ECOWAS and UEMOA; Central Africa: ECCAS and CEMAC; East Africa: COMESA, EAC, IGAD; and South Africa: SADC and SACU.
Stage 4 – between 2020 and 2025, consolidation of Customs IT-Connectivity across the RECs.
The 'draft' Strategy spells out the strategic objectives and activities at the national, regional and continental level that will need to be taken for this to be realized. The strategy also indicates the roles of all the major stake holders in the process. This comes in the wake of several regional and bi-lateral initiatives to bridge the 'cross-border divide' through electronic exchange of structured customs information.
All in all an ambitious plan structured to meet the equally ambitious deadlines of the coming into being of an African Union. The real challenge in all of this lies with the Member States in being able to set aside and commit to regional and continental ambitions, over and above the already pressing and complex national agenda's of their respective sovereign countries. In context of the African Union, the multiplicity of RECs in themselves add a layer of duplication…..is an "integrated Customs Union" in Africa going to continue to permit the existence of the respective RECs or will they be absorbed into the African Union? Member states need to begin speaking up on this issue otherwise accept being swamped by onerous commitments. No doubt the 'international donor agencies' wait eagerly in the wings to capitalise on Africa's deficiencies.
Comesa adopts IT system to boost trade in the region (mpoverello.com)
Launching of 'THE AFRICAN UNION WE WANT!' Booklet (appablog.wordpress.com)
Success of free trade zone in Africa will add $1trillion to global economy – Karingi (ghanabusinessnews.com)
January 25, 2013 January 25, 2013 by Mike Poverello
WCO announces the passing of Bill Nolle – proponent of the WCO Data Model
Customs, Data Model, EDI, Information Exchange, Information Technology, Single Window, WCO
Bill Nolle, Jordan, Single Window, United States, US Customs and Border Protection, WCO, WCO data model expert, World Customs Organization
Australian Customs hosted visits from three international experts on trade data harmonisation – Bill Nolle, flanked by Dietmar Jost and Eric Sunstrum of the WCO.
It is with sadness we [WCO] learnt that our former colleague, the former Chairperson of the DMPT passed away on 29 December 2012 after a brief period of illness. He was fighting a very aggressive cancer.
Bill Nolle was a fabulous contributor to our [WCO] area of work and he has left his imprint in many aspects of our work at the Data Model Project Team and the Information Management Sub Committee. Version 3.0 of the WCO Data Model owes its richness and quality thanks to Bill's splendid contribution. Bill authored the WCO Single Window Data Harmonization Guidelines/ UN/CEFACT Recommendation 34. We [WCO] owe it to Bill the methodology of Gather-Define-Analyze-Reconcile for data simplification and harmonization. Bill brought passion to his work. His speeches and interventions were always intense and engaging and he will be missed in his professional environment.
His legacy includes an eLearning module in which you can hear him explain how data harmonization was carried out in Jordan. The module remains a favorite for the professional users and trainers alike.
Bill retired from US Customs and Border Protection where he worked for 30 years. He and his wife moved to the Outer Banks from Frederick, MD in 2009, to be near the beach that he loved. At the time of his death he was employed by Nathan Associates Incorporated and Crown Agents as a consultant. Bill travelled extensively during his tenures with US Customs and Border Protection, Nathan Incorporated, and Crown Agents, making friends on each continent in the world.
The following obituary was posted by a colleague in Jordan –
Bill has been a breath of fresh air that visited our country (Jordan), every once in a while as Customs Consultant. He was an inspiration and a driving force to all, giving advice when needed, and always willing to help. A proud husband, father and (Opa), that we felt his family was our own, Not to forget, a professional Pita Bread baker, we were hoping to someday try. One would think, God loved him so, and wanted him closer more. Bill will always be in our hearts, a father figure, a teacher, and a colleague holding one of the greatest hearts I've known. My deepest condolences to his loving family, and may he rest in peace. Posted by: Juliette Najjar – Amman – Jordan – Friend / Colleague Jan 17, 2013.
Sources: WCO, Gallup Funeral Services, and www.tributes.com