Background: The concepts of empathy and burnout are critical for practicing paramedics and the profession. While there has been an increasing body of research on the relationship between empathy and burnout with physicians and nurses, surprisingly, no research has been undertaken with paramedics. The aim of this scoping review was to explore the relationship between empathy and burnout.
Method: A scoping review was performed based on Arskey and O'Malley's framework. Five databases were searched: CINAHL plus, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Scopus. Google Scholar was searched for gray literature. Two reviewers independently assessed eligibility and extracted the data.
Results: The initial search produced a yield of 1270 articles after removal of duplicates. All abstracts were screened for relevance, and 30 articles were selected for further screening. Twenty six articles were deemed relevant, of which there were 23 cross-sectional studies, two editorials, and one description article on the multidimensional aspect of burnout and empathy. The studies were conducted in Europe, USA, North America, and Asia. In most studies, there was an inverse correlation between empathy and emotional exhaustion and depersonalization but a positive correlation with personal accomplishment.
Conclusion: Although there seems to be a real relationship between empathy and burnout in physicians and nurses, the strength of the relationship differs to some extent depending on the samples and settings. Due to similarities between health professions, the relationship between empathy and burnout may also be relevant to the paramedic profession. Future paramedic research should focus on longitudinal studies to determine the factors that might influence empathy and burnout levels to provide a better understanding of these two key factors.
Empathy is important in health care settings because it facilitates a positive relationship between health care professionals and patients.8,9 This positive relationship can buffer against professional burnout,10,11 which has become a major concern among health care professionals, including paramedics.
We were unable to locate any peer-reviewed literature examining the relationship between empathy and burnout within the paramedic profession. Therefore, given the paucity of paramedic literature, it is important to gain an understanding of the literature from other related health professions such as medicine and nursing. There are some professional similarities between these professions and paramedicine such as various clinical skills, exposure to unwell patients, emotionally demanding work, and the types of training they undergo. In addition, medicine and nursing have been key contributors to the development of paramedic curricula. As such, it is likely that results from these two professions may be relevant to the paramedic profession. A study found that cognitive empathy might have a protective role in burnout among Canadian primary care general practitioners (GPs).21 Another study on GPs found high empathy to be significantly associated with low burnout in Spain.22 Moreover, a study on Swedish district nurses found the lower the burnout score, the higher the empathy score.23 Another study on nurses in Korea found nurses with lower cognitive empathy were more likely to experience burnout.24 Therefore, the aim of this scoping review was to explore the relationship between empathy and burnout on physicians and nurses. These findings will then be used to inform and guide the next steps in addressing this critical area of health and well-being research for the paramedic profession.
Ethics committee approval was not required due to the nature of a scoping study.
The demands of the job may cause stress, with work overload, and time and resource constraints being predictors of professional burnout.27 Given the prominent issue of empathy and burnout particularly in emergency health care and the evident effects of emotional disconnection, the following research question was chosen to guide the scoping review: Is there a relationship between paramedic empathy and burnout?
Four articles were excluded at this stage due to irrelevance, leaving 26 articles to be included in this review.
The included studies are presented with summary in Table 1.
Twenty six articles that discussed the association between empathy and burnout for physicians and nurses were found. Twenty three were original studies, while two were editorials and one descriptive article. Eleven articles focused on nurses, five were on physicians, and five on both nurses and physicians. Another five were on medical students or residents only.
There is a negative relationship between empathy and burnout, that is, the less empathetic a physician or nurse is, the more likely they are to be burned out, and the more severely burned out they are likely to be. The vast majority of articles identified this correlation.
Three of the studies concluded that lack of empathy could lead to burnout.
Six studies claimed that burnout is a contributing factor to low levels of empathy.
Five studies found that empathy was a protective factor against burnout.
Of the 26 articles reviewed, 22 were original studies.6,21,23,24,28-–36,38–45,47 Although most studies showed a negative correlation between empathy and burnout, it is interesting to note that the strength of the relationships differed depending on the samples and settings. Those studies were conducted in Europe, USA, North America, and Asia. Two were editorials37,48 and one11 was a description paper on the multidimensional features of empathy and burnout and the differences between empathy and sympathy to give a better understanding of the relationship between empathy and burnout.
Astrom et al6 studied 358 different Swedish nursing staff caring for patients with dementia in a nursing home, general long-term care clinic, and psychogeriatric clinic to compare empathy, burnout, and attitude levels among different nursing staff and to examine the relationships between the three concepts. They found a weak negative correlation (r=−0.19) between burnout49 and empathy.50 Baxter29 surveyed 124 American nurses working in an acute care hospital in New Hampshire to determine the empathy and burnout levels. Empathy was measured with the Barrett-Lennard Relationship Inventory (BLRI),51 and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was used to measure burnout in three domains: emotional exhaustion (MBI-EE), depersonalization (MBI-DP), and reduced personal accomplishment (MBI-PA). They found a statistically significant inverse correlation (r=−0.32, p<0.0001) between empathy and DP, but a positive correlation (r=0.20, p=0.021) with PA.
Ferri et al33 evaluated the relationship between empathy and burnout in 97 Italian nursing students and 162 nurses. They found a strong negative correlation between EE and emotional empathy measured by the Balanced Emotional Empathy Scale (BEES)52,53 for both students (r= −0.30, p<0.002) and nurses (r=−0.24, p<0.002). Whereas, MBI-PA showed a strong positive correlation with the BEES mean total scores in students (r=0.31, p<0.002) and nurses (r=−0.26, p<0.001). MBI-DP was not associated with the BEES mean total scores (values not reported). The authors concluded that a high degree of empathy can be "protective against the development of burnout"33 (p. 111).
Fulop et al34 investigated burnout in psychiatry residents and medical specialists and examined the relationship between emotional involvement, communicational skills, and burnout symptoms. MBI was used to measure burnout, and empathy was assessed with the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), the latter evaluating four domains of empathy. They found a statistically significant positive correlation between MBI-EE and the IRI Personal Distress domain54 (r=0.36, p<0.001), but negative correlations between MBI-DP and IRI Perspective Taking domain (r=−0.32, p<0.001) and IRI Empathetic Concern domain (r=−0.38, p<0.001).
The Jefferson Scale of Empathy Health Professional version (JSE-HP) was developed for specific use with health professionals.55 Park et al39 used the Korean edition of this scale along with the MBI to assess the relationship between empathy and burnout in 317 Korean medical residents. There were statistically significant negative correlations with MBI-EE (r=−0.27, p<0.001) and MBI-DP (r=−0.44, p<0.001) but a positive correlation with MBI-PA (r=0.50, p<0.001). A similar pattern was observed in separate analyses of the people-oriented specialties (MBI-EE, r=−0.31; MBI-DP, r=−0.51; MBI-PA, r=0.47) and technology-oriented specialties (MBI-EE, r=−0.22; MBI-DP, r=−0.36; MBI-PA, r=0.56). People-oriented specialties included internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, emergency medicine, and psychiatry. Technology-oriented specialties included anesthesiology, neurosurgery, surgery, and radiology. This was a significant result as it demonstrated that correlation exists even in residents at the beginning of their careers, not just in more experienced practitioners, and that those with less empathic capabilities are more vulnerable to burnout at the start of their careers. Such results and study design would be worthy of replicating with paramedic cohorts and provide opportunities for researchers to undertake such research.
Walocha et al44 assessed the level of empathy and burnout among 71 Polish physicians of different specialization. They found a statistically significant difference between surgical and non-surgical physicians in the level of MBI-EE (p=0.03). Non-surgical specialists had higher BMI-EE. It is interesting to note that they found a statistically significant inverse correlation between MBI-PA and empathy (measured with the Emotional Empathy Scale (EES)56 (r=−0.23, p<0.05). This finding was not supported by other studies.29,39 One possible explanation may be the use of different empathy measures. Walocha et al44 used the EES,56 while Baxter29 used the BLRI57 and Park et al39 used the JSE-HP.55 They also found a negative correlation between the level of empathy (according to the Thematic Apperception Test) and MBI-EE (r=−0.30, p<0.05) and MBI-DP (r=−0.39, p<0.01) and no positive correlation with MBI-PA (r=0.14, p-value was not reported).
Additionally, Yuguero et al47 studied the association between empathy and burnout in 136 Spanish primary care physicians and 131 family nurses. They found a significant association between empathy and burnout in both the groups; for the nurses (p=0.011) and for the physicians (p=0.001). However, they found no significant differences between physicians and nurses in empathy and burnout. Although there is evidence to suggest a negative relationship between empathy and burnout, it remains unclear as to how they interact. Three possibilities are discussed below.
Three studies identified that low empathy could be a contributing factor for high burnout. Lee et al24 examined individual characteristics, job stress, and personal resource to identify significant predictors of burnout of 178 Korean nurses. For MBI-DP, they found 24% variance (adjusted R2=0.19) was explained by individual characteristics, job stress, and personal resources. Among personal resources, cognitive empathy was a significant predictor, accounted for 5% of the variance. For MBI-PA, 35% variance (adjusted R2=0.31) was explained by the proposed predictor variables in the study. Hence, the authors suggested that increasing cognitive empathy levels may be one way to reduce burnout.
Lamothe et al21 studied 294 French GPs. They found when predicting burnout using sympathy, empathy, and their interaction as predictors, each of the predictors was uniquely associated with the outcome; with lower empathy scores predicting higher burnout (model adjusted for marital status). Higher sympathy (ß=−0.17, p<0.05) and higher empathy (ß=−0.21, p<0.001) predicted lower burnout. The interaction term was also significant (ß=0.11, p< 0.05) suggesting that empathy and sympathy may interact to protect against burnout. The total model explained 10% of the variance of burnout (R2=0.08 without controls). Hence, the importance of training health care professionals in techniques of emotion regulation is emphasized. These findings provide important background for future paramedic research.
Six articles implied that high burnout might result in low empathy.6,30,33,37,41,44 Many health care workers are subject to work overload, which Astrom et al6 recognized as a significant cause of burnout. This may lead to irritation and the feeling of being "weighed down" and emotionally exhausted, which can affect a physician's ability and motivation to empathize with their patients. On the other hand, Ferri et al33 found that DP was more related to emotional disconnection from patients, stating "depersonalisation does not permit a therapeutic relationship." Ferri et al33 suggested that the decline in empathy observed in a burnout of nurses may be a defence mechanism against human suffering; subconsciously attempting to protect themselves by feeling less empathic towards the patients. Bradham30 also found that nurses lost the ability to empathize with their patients if they are burnt out. Passalacqua and Segrin41 found that during the latter half of physicians' long shift work, they suffered from burnout due to sleep deprivation and work overload resulting in significant reduction of empathy toward their patents.
Although this scoping review explored the relationship between burnout and empathy on physicians and nurses, it is conceivable that some of the findings may also be relevant to paramedics. Paramedics experience many of the same job stressors as nurses and physicians, and burnout is equally well known to affect paramedics as their in-hospital counterparts.16 Empathy is a central component in effective communication and maintaining therapeutic communication between paramedics and patients.30 Paramedics who are constantly exposed to highly distressing situations (eg, illnesses and deaths) may be particularly vulnerable to develop stress and compassion fatigue or burnout, unless they are effective in controlling their capacity to empathise.59 Melnick and Powsner37 pointed out that to increase physician–patient relationship, a health care system needs to invest more toward health care providers. It will lead to a detailed study to determine if these strategies are applicable to the paramedic profession. Those responsible for research, policy development, and educators of paramedics can use these findings described in other providers in developing future interventions in paramedics.
The review was on the physicians and the nurses and not on paramedics because of lack of peer-reviewed literature on paramedics. Nevertheless, the findings from this review are likely to be applicable to paramedics. Although there is an association between empathy and burnout in many health care professionals, it is unclear as to what degree of burnout needs to occur before it leads to low empathy or degree of empathy that needs to exist to protect against burnout. Due to the lack of paramedic-specific information, it is important to learn lessons from other associated professions. This information may inform and generate new paramedic-orientated research in the area of empathy and burnout. Future areas of research should focus on longitudinal studies in paramedics to determine the factors that might influence empathy and burnout levels to provide a better understanding of the two key factors. Suggestions for mixed methodology designs are also warranted for future research studies to add the component of qualitative insight into the mechanisms and response to burnout in paramedics. Additional studies should examine what levels of educational preparation regarding stress and empathy are provided to student paramedics and paramedics during their studies, as well as review the impact of ambulance service organizational culture in the process of mitigating and/or treating burnout effectively in this population.
Although there seems to be a real relationship between empathy and burnout among nurses and physicians, the characteristics of the relationship differ to some extent depending on the samples and settings. Due to cognitive and clinical similarities between health professions, the relationship between empathy and burnout may also be relevant to the paramedic profession. Future paramedic research should focus on longitudinal studies to determine the factors that might influence empathy and burnout levels to provide a better understanding of these two elements.
Sterud T, Ekeberg Ø, Hem E. Health status in the ambulance services: a systematic review. BMC Health Serv Res. 2006;6:82.
Sterud T, Hem E, Lau B, Ekeberg O. Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in a nationwide sample of operational Norwegian ambulance personnel. J Occup Health. 2008;50(5):406–414.
Johnson S, Cooper C, Cartwright S, Donald I, Taylor P, Millet C. The experience of work-related stress across occupations. J Manag Psychol. 2005;20(2):178–187.
Stanley I, Hom M, Joiner T. A systematic review of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics. Clin Psychol Rev. 2016;44:25–44.
Astrom S, Nilsson M, Norberg A, Winblad B. Empathy, experience of burnout and attitudes towards demented patients among nursing staff in geriatric care. J Adv Nurs. 1990;15(11):1236–1244.
Ambulance Victoria. Mental health and wellbeing strategy 2016-19; 2016. Available from: https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/prod.assets.ambulance.vic.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/ambulance-victoria-mental-health-strategy-2016-19.pdf. Accessed Feb 13, 2017.
McMillan L, Shannon D. Psychometric analysis of the JSPE nursing student version R: comparison of senior BSN students and medical students attitudes toward empathy in patient care. ISRN Nurs. 2011;2011(1–7):1–7.
Clark A. Empathy: an integral model in the counseling process J Counsel Development. 2010;88(3):348–356.
Hojat M, Vergare M, Isenberg G, Cohen M, Spandorfer J. Underlying construct of empathy, optimism, and burnout in medical students. Int J Med Educ. 2015;6:12–16.
Thirioux B, Birault F, Jaafari N. Empathy is a protective factor of burnout in physicians: new neuro-phenomenological hypotheses regarding empathy and sympathy in care relationship. Front Psychol. 2016;7:1–11, Article 763.
Maslach C. What we have learned about burnout and health. Psychol Health. 2001;16:607–611.
Kalicinska M, Chylinska J, Wilczek-Rózyczka E. Professional burnout and social support in the workplace among hospice nurses and midwives in Poland. Int J Nurs Pract. 2012;18:595–603.
Meier D, Beresford L. Preventing burnout. J Palliat Med. 2006;9(5):1045–1050.
Nirel N, Goldwag R, Feigenberg Z, Abadi D, Halpern P. Stress, work overload, burnout, and satisfaction among paramedics in Israel. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2008;23(6):537–546.
Stassen W, Van Nugteren B, Stein C. Burnout among advanced life support paramedics in Johannesburg, South Africa. Emerg Med J. 2013;30:331–333.
Hojat M, Louis D, Markham F, Wender R, Rabinowitz C, Gonnella J. Physicians' empathy and clinical outcomes for diabetic patients. Acad Med. 2011;86(3):359–364.
Derksen F, Bensing J, Lagro-Janssen A. Effectiveness of empathy in general practice: a systematic review. Br J Gen Pract. 2013;63(606):76–84.
Haslam N. Humanizing medical practice: the role of empathy. Med J Aust. 2007;187(7):381–382.
Williams B, Boyle M, Fielder C. Empathetic attitudes of undergraduate paramedic and nursing students towards four medical conditions: a three-year longitudinal study. Nurse Educ Today. 2015;35(2):e14–e18.
Lamothe M, Boujut E, Zenasni F, Sultan S. To be or not to be empathic: the combined role of empathic concern and perspective taking in understanding burnout in general practice. BMC Fam Pract. 2014;15:15.
Yuguero O, Esquerda M, Mora J, Soler-González J. Association between sick leave prescribing practices and physician burnout and empathy. PLoS One. 2015;10:e0133379.
Palsson M, Hallberg I, Norberg A, Bjorvell H. Burnout, empathy and sense of coherence among Swedish district nurses before and after systematic clinical supervision. Scand J Caring Sci. 1996;10(1):19–26.
Lee H, Song R, Cho YS, Lee GZ, Daly B. A comprehensive model for predicting burnout in Korean nurses. J Adv Nurs. 2003;44(5):534–545.
Arksey H, O'Malley L. Scoping studies: towards a methodological framework. Int J Soc Res Methodol. 2005;8:19–32.
Del Canale S, Louis D, Maio V, et al. The relationship between physician empathy and disease complications: an empirical study of primary care physicians and their diabetic patients in Parma, Italy. Acad Med. 2012;87(9):1243–1249.
Schaufeli W, Buunk B. Burnout: an overview of 25 years of research and theorizing. In: Schabracq MJ, Winnubst JAM, Cooper CL, editors. The Handbook of Work and Health Psychology. 2nd ed. West Susses, England: Wiley; 2003:383–429.
Astrom S, Nilsson M, Norberg A, Sandman P, Winblad B. Staff burnout in dementia care: relations to empathy and attitudes. Int J Nurs Stud. 1991;28(1):65–75.
Baxter DE. Empathy: Its role in nursing burnout [dissertation]. Nashville: Peabody College for Teachers of Vanderbilt University; 1992. Available from: http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.liv.ac.uk/login.aspx?direct=true&db=jlh&AN=1994198441&site=ehost-live&scope=site. Accessed February 18, 2017.
Bradham KM. Empathy and Burnout in Nurses [dissertation]. Chicago, IL: Faculty of the Institute for Clinical Social Work; 2008.
Brazeau CMLR, Schroeder R, Rovi S, Boyd L. Relationships between medical student burnout, empathy, and professionalism climate. Acad Med. 2010;85(10 Suppl):S33–S36.
Duarte J, Pinto-Gouveia J, Cruz B. Relationships between nurses' empathy, self-compassion and dimensions of professional quality of life: a cross-sectional study. Int J Nurs Stud. 2016;60:1–11.
Ferri P, Guerra E, Marcheselli L, Cunico L, di Lorenzo R. Empathy and burnout: an analytic cross-sectional study among nurses and nursing students. Acta Biomedica. 2015;86:104–115.
Fulop E, Devecsery A, Hausz K, Kovacs Z, Csabai M. Relationship between empathy and burnout among psychiatric residents. New Med. 2011; 4:143–147.
Garrett C. Stress, Coping, Empathy, Secondary Traumatic Stress and Burnout in Healthcare Providers Working with HIV-Infected Individuals [dissertation]. New York: Ehrenkranz School of Social Work; 1999.
Glidewell R. Burnout, Vicarious Traumatization, Coping Styles, and Empathy in Long-Term Care Nursing Personnel [dissertation]. Southern Mississippi: Graduate School; 2000.
Melnick ER, Powsner SM. Empathy in the time of burnout. Mayo Clin Proc. 2016;91(12):1678–1679.
Miller K, Stiff J, Ellis B. Communication and empathy as precursors to burnout among human service workers. Commun Monogr. 1988;55(3):250–265.
Park C, Lee YJ, Hong M, et al. A multicenter study investigating empathy and burnout characteristics in medical residents with various specialties. J Korean Med Sci. 2016;31(4):590–597.
Passalacqua S. Running on Empty: Examining the Effect of Physician Stress, Burnout, and Empathy on Patient-Centered Communication During the Long-Call Shift [dissertation]. Arizona: The University of Arizona; 2010.
Passalacqua S, Segrin C. The effect of resident physician stress, burnout, and empathy on patient-centered communication during the long-call shift. Health Commun. 2012;27:449–456.
Raiziene S, Endriulaitiene A. The relations among empathy, occupational commitment, and emotional exhaustion of nurses. Medicina (Kaunas). 2007;43(5):425–431.
Tei S, Becker C, Kawada R, et al. Can we predict burnout severity from empathy-related brain activity? Transl Psychiatry. 2014;4(6):e393.
Walocha E, Tomaszewski K, Wilczek-Ruzyczka E, Walocha J. Empathy and burnout among physicians of different specialties. Folia Medica Cracoviensia. 2013;53(2):35–42.
Williams CA. Empathy and burnout in male and female helping professionals. Res Nurs Health. 1989;12(3):169–178.
Yuguero Torres O, Esquerda Areste M, Marsal Mora JR, Soler-Gonzalez J. Association between sick leave prescribing practices and physician burnout and empathy. PLoS One. 2015;10(7):e0133379.
Yuguero O, Marsal J, Esquerda M, Vivanco L, Soler-Gonzalez J. Association between low empathy and high burnout among primary care physicians and nurses in Lleida, Spain. Eur J Gen Pract. 2017;23(1):4–10.
Zenasni F, Boujut E, Woerner A, Sultan S. Burnout and empathy in primary care: three hypotheses. Br J Gen Pract. 2012;62(600):346–347.
Pines A, Aronson E, Kafry D. Burnout from Tedium to Personal Growth. New York: The Free Press; 1981.
LaMonica EL. Construct validity of an empathy instrument. Res Nurs Health. 1981;4:389–400.
Ganley RM. The Barrett-Lennard Relationship Inventory (BLRI): current and potential uses with family systems. Fam Process. 1989;28(1):107–115.
Meneghini A, Sartori R, Cunico L. Adattamento evalidazione su campione italiano della balanced emozionan empathy scale di Albert Mehrabian [Adaptation and validation on the Italian sample of balanced emotional empathy Albert Mehrabian Psychology Research]. Ric Psicol. 2006;29:123–152. Italian.
Balconi M, Canavesio Y. Emotional contagion and trait empathy in prosocial behavior in young people: the contribution of autonomic (facial feedback) and balanced emotional empathy scale (BEES) measures. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 2013;35(1):41–48.
Davis MH. Measuring individual differences in empathy: evidence for a multidimensional approach. J Pers Soc Psychol. 1983;44:113–123.
Hojat M, Gonnella J, Nasca T, Mangione S, Vergare M, Magee M. Physician empathy: definition, components, measurement, and relationship to gender and specialty. Am J Psychiatry. 2002;159:1563–1569.
Mehrabian A, Epstein N. A measure of emotional empathy. J Personal. 1972;40(4):525–543.
Barrett-Lennard G. The relationship inventory now: issues and advances in theory, method, and use. In: Greenberg LS, Pinsof WM, editors. The Psychotherapeutic Process: A Research Handbook. New York: Guildford Press; 1986:439–476.
Gleichgerrcht E, Decety J. Empathy in clinical practice: how individual dispositions, gender, and experience moderate empathic concern, burnout, and emotional distress in physicians. PLoS One. 2013;8(4): e61526.
Decety J, Yang C-Y, Cheng Y. Physicians down-regulate their pain empathy response: an event-related brain potential study. NeuroImage. 2010;50(4):1676–1682.


C o m : now serving over 10 200 active html pages) adb creative suite 3 compare lyberty. Unsere Karriereseite zeigt Ihnen, wie auch Sie Teil des rbb werden können.
Ozark Trail tents sometimes referred to as Walmart tents is a part of Walmart' s brand of camping gear known under the name Ozark Trail. Fz movie free download punjabi. Το Ξενοδοχείο Scorpios Beach, είναι ένα πλήρως ανακαινισμένο συγκρότημα που βρίσκεται σε ιδανική.
This list of linear television stations in the United Kingdom refers to television in the United Kingdom which is available from digital terrestrial satellite, cable . Splash page version: June 28) 選ぶべき道は自由か死だ。 get banner.
Hochwertiges Programm entsteht vor allem durch kompetentes und motiviertes Personal.
50 free movies download sites list : Top Websites To Download Latest Movies Online for Free. Download Full Bollywood, Hollywood, Telugu, Tamil, Punjabi ee Movie Download Websites. you can' t hope to discover there the most recent Hollywood blockbusters.
Notwithstanding, you can appreciate motion pictures that were out a few years back, Free Movie Download Websites unceasing works of art, films ee Movies Download Sites: Top Websites To Download Latest Movies Online for Free. Download Full Bollywood, Hollywood, Telugu, Tamil, Punjabi, Korean lated: Download Latest TV Shows On Your Mobile Phone Here. Movie download sizes on the FZ movies website is also relatively small.


Today I am taking you to my favourite wedding destination, California, for the super fun and eclectic animal filled wedding of Cheryl and Jared. This fun-loving couple were married on 10th November 2017 at Reptacular Ranch in the hills behind Sylmar, California and their day is pure heaven. Together they collected so many amazing trinkets, decorations and lots of pretty goodies all of which adorned their outdoor, vintage loving wedding. My favourite part is the fact that they held the wedding in a petting zoo, so plenty of photo opportunities with zebras, camels and the like. A fabulous day filled with so many amazing details, all captured perfectly by Kaitie Brainerd Photography.
PenWeddings wedding film workshop | We need YOU!


Based on Carl Jung's theory of perception, the widely used MBTI® tool is used to understand peoples' overall personality type and decision making styles.
The FIRO-B® is a personality instrument that maximizes interpersonal effectiveness by assessing how peoples' needs for participation, influence, and closeness form their team's success.
Help your clients identify, understand and expand their career choices using the Strong Interest Inventory® instrument.
With unique insights on job-fit, culture-fit and reliable competency mapping, Saville assessments provide recruitment and performance management solutions at every stage of the talent cycle.
VitualAC from PSI offers simulations that can be used to engage candidates and employees in business focused online simulations. Exercises in VirtualAC have been devised to measure 35 competencies that cover various work-related attributes.
The Dilemmas series provide five role specific situational judgment tests each measuring distinct sets of competencies as relevant to each of the five different roles namely, administrative, customer service, call centre, graduate trainees and managerial roles.
By describing individuals in the way others see them, the CPI260 ™assessment illustrates a range of personal and work-related characteristics as well as different ways people interact.


How does the Morning Banana Diet work? This diet starts with eating as many bananas as you want in the morning. Many believe this will keep you from overeating at lunch and dinner. Some think that bananas accelerate your metabolism and form a protective layer in your large intestines. They believe this will help eliminate all the toxins from your body. It is also believed that bananas will improve your digestion. There are several important rules to this diet. One is to avoid sweets, except for a small dessert in the mid-afternoon. Another is to not eat after 8 o'clock. Finally, try to retire by midnight, and cut out soda, coffee, and juice.
1Do you eat all night until you go to bed?
2Do you consume lots of sweets during the day?
4Do you drink a lot of juice, pop, flavored coffees, and other high calorie drinks throughout the day?
5Are you not getting enough sleep at night?
The Morning Banana Diet promise to you?
The Morning Banana diet was created to help start your day with a healthy breakfast, followed by eating good meals throughout the day to keep your digestive system working properly. By drinking water throughout the day, filling up on healthy food such as rice and fruit, and not eating close to bedtime, you will keep you metabolism working well to increase weight loss. If you follow the plan as outlined, you will lose weight and feel more relaxed.
The Morning Banana diet is based on the idea that if you start your day off by eating two bananas and drinking only water, you will be able to lose weight. This works because bananas supposedly have a certain enzyme that boosts metabolism and improves your digestion. Bananas also contain large amounts resistant starch, which make you feel full and is thought to block some carbohydrates from getting absorbed. By simply eating bananas for breakfast, your body will burn more calories, digest food better and make you feel more full.
Eat as many bananas as you want for breakfast. If you don't feel like eating a banana, eat some other kind of fruit. If you really want to eat something else, wait 15 minutes after eating your bananas. Make sure you chew the bananas or other fruit very well.
Drink room temperature water with your morning banana. Wait 30 minutes and then you can drink anything else youd like. Try to drink water throughout the day.
Eat what youd like for lunch lunch and dinner. Japanese food is preferred, and filling up on extra rice is encouraged.
You can snack during the day, but try to stick with snacking on the same thing. Rice or fruit is recommended, but stay away from dairy products.
Eat dinner sometime between 6 and 8 pm. You want to make sure your stomach is done digesting your dinner food so it won't prevent you from sleeping. If you eat late, your stomach will work late, which will prevent you from getting sleep, and a lack of sleep contributes to weight gain. Don't have sweets after dinner, only as snacks during the day. Make sure you don't eat for at least 4 hours before bed.
If you really want to snack late at night, drink water first, eat fruit and make sure you chew it really well.
Go to bed before midnight. Having a good night's rest will help your body function better and increase weight loss.
If possible, wake up naturally without an alarm clock. Having your body wake up with an alarm clock causes unnecessary stress to the body.
Exercise if you like, but don't do anything hard, or that causes you to be out of breath.
If you eat too much one day, rest the next day to allow your body to recover from the fatigue. Don't do extra exercise because this will cause more fatigue for your body.
Keep a diary of what food you eat, and how it makes you feel. Make this public so that you can get support and advice from other people.
Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD, LD, served for 12 years as the national spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, and is the current director of nutrition for WebMD. She reviewed this diet and found some good things and some bad things about it. Although bananas can aid with digestion, your body already has all the enzymes you need for digestion. Bananas also contain fiber, which can be digested more quickly and decrease your caloric intake, but this small amount of calories saved is not enough to dramatically increase weight loss.
Kathleen criticized the lack of rules regarding what to eat for lunch and dinner. Allowing people to eat whatever they want will likely result in people eating high calorie, fattening items that will prevent them from losing weight. If you really want to lose weight, you need to control your calories, be physically active and eat healthy food.
Inform yourself of the diet choice you want to make by browsing the pros and cons. They will give you a better understanding of what diet will help you reach your goals.
Stable blood glucose levels and reduced appetite.
Avoids dairy products and dessert.
High fiber, vitamins B6 and C and potassium.
Some dieters may not respond well to a pure carbohydrate breakfast particularly those with hypoglycemia.
Easy for dieters to consume excess calories if they eat whatever they like for lunch and dinner.
Does not address psychological factors involved in dieting.
With the Morning Banana Diet you eat as many bananas as you want for breakfast, eat what you'd like for lunch, and eat dinner between 6 & 8 pm. Combine this with regular exercise and good sleep, and the weight will start coming off.
We give the Morning Banana Diet 1 star because there is no online support available for this diet. The information you need to complete this diet is listed online, but there isn't a place to read any expert advice, share stories or get support from other people on the same diet.
We give the Morning Banana Diet 2 stars because it can be effective if followed correctly, but the results probably won't last long. The more well rounded a diet is, the more likely it is to work. This diet also allows too much leeway for lunch and dinner items. Unless you're strict about eating healthy food for these two meals, you will probably not lose any weight.
We give the Morning Banana Diet 2 stars because it lacks variety and creativity. You are encouraged to eat a lot of fruit and rice, which is healthy, but you aren't given very many guidelines for lunch and dinner. You could eat totally unhealthy things and not lose a pound. The monotony of eating the same food items for days on end is likely to get very boring.
We give the Morning Banana Diet 5 stars because this diet doesn't cost you anything besides the food you already buy. You don't have to pay a membership fee or buy a book, you simply follow the guidelines and hope to lose weight.


text:
require 'forwardable'
require 'pp'
require_relative '../squib'
require_relative 'args/unit_conversion'
require_relative 'card'
require_relative 'conf'
require_relative 'constants'
require_relative 'graphics/hand'
require_relative 'graphics/showcase'
require_relative 'layout_parser'
require_relative 'progress'

# The project module
#
# @api public
module Squib

  # The main interface to Squib. Provides a front-end porcelain whereas the Card class interacts with the graphics plumbing.
  #
  # @api public
  class Deck
    include Enumerable
    extend Forwardable

    # Attributes for the width, height (in pixels) and number of cards
    # These are expected to be immuatble for the life of Deck
    # @api private
    attr_reader :width, :height, :cards, :progress_bar

    # Delegate these configuration options to the Squib::Conf object
    def_delegators :conf, :antialias, :backend, :count_format, :custom_colors, :dir,
                          :img_dir, :prefix, :text_hint, :typographer
    # :nodoc:
    # @api private
    attr_reader :layout, :conf, :dpi, :font, :cell_px

    #
    # deck.size is really just @cards.size
    def_delegators :cards, :size

    # Squib's constructor that sets the immutable properties.
    #
    # This is the starting point for Squib. In providing a block to the constructor, you have access to all of Deck's instance methods.
    # The documented methods in Deck are the ones intended for use by most users.
    # If your game requires multiple different sizes or orientations, I recommend using multiple `Squib::Deck`s in your `deck.rb`. You can modify the internals of `Squib::Deck` (e.g. `@cards`), but that's not recommended.
    # @example
    #   require 'squib'
    #   Squib::Deck.new do
    #     text str: 'Hello, World!"
    #   end
    #
    # @param width [Integer] the width of each card in pixels. Supports unit conversion (e.g. '2.5in').
    # @param height [Integer] the height of each card in pixels. Supports unit conversion (e.g. '3.5in').
    # @param cards [Integer] the number of cards in the deck
    # @param dpi [Integer] the pixels per inch when rendering out to PDF or calculating using inches.
    # @param config [String] the file used for global settings of this deck
    # @param layout [String, Array] load a YML file of custom layouts. Multiple files are merged sequentially, redefining collisons. See README and sample for details.
    # @param block [Block] the main body of the script.
    # @api public
    def initialize(width: 825, height: 1125, cards: 1, dpi: 300, config: 'config.yml', layout: nil, &block)
      @dpi           = dpi
      @font          = DEFAULT_FONT
      @cards         = []
      @conf          = Conf.load(config)
      @cell_px       = @conf.cell_px
      @progress_bar  = Progress.new(@conf.progress_bars) # FIXME this is evil. Using something different with @ and non-@
      show_info(config, layout)
      @width         = Args::UnitConversion.parse width, dpi, @cell_px
      @height        = Args::UnitConversion.parse height, dpi, @cell_px
      cards.times{ |i| @cards << Squib::Card.new(self, @width, @height, i) }
      @layout = LayoutParser.new(dpi, @cell_px).load_layout(layout)
      enable_groups_from_env!
      if block_given?
        instance_eval(&block) # here we go. wheeeee!
      end
      @cards.each { |c| c.finish! }
    end

    # Directly accesses the array of cards in the deck
    #
    # @api private
    def [](key)
      @cards[key]
    end

    # Iterates over each card in the deck
    #
    # @api private
    def each(&block)
      @cards.each { |card| block.call(card) }
    end

    # Use Logger to show more detail on the run
    # :nodoc:
    # @api private
    def show_info(config, layout)
      Squib::logger.info "Squib v#{Squib::VERSION}"
      Squib::logger.info "  building #{@cards.size} #{@width}x#{@height} cards"
      Squib::logger.info "  using #{@backend}"
    end

    ##################
    ### PUBLIC API ###
    ##################
    require_relative 'api/settings'

    ###################
    ### DSL METHODS ###
    ###################
    require_relative 'dsl/background'
    require_relative 'dsl/circle'
    require_relative 'dsl/csv'
    require_relative 'dsl/curve'
    require_relative 'dsl/cut_zone'
    require_relative 'dsl/ellipse'
    require_relative 'dsl/grid'
    require_relative 'dsl/groups'
    require_relative 'dsl/hand'
    require_relative 'dsl/line'
    require_relative 'dsl/png'
    require_relative 'dsl/polygon'
    require_relative 'dsl/rect'
    require_relative 'dsl/safe_zone'
    require_relative 'dsl/save_pdf'
    require_relative 'dsl/save_png'
    require_relative 'dsl/save_sheet'
    require_relative 'dsl/save'
    require_relative 'dsl/showcase'
    require_relative 'dsl/star'
    require_relative 'dsl/svg'
    require_relative 'dsl/text'
    require_relative 'dsl/triangle'
    require_relative 'dsl/units'
    require_relative 'dsl/xlsx'
    require_relative 'dsl/yaml'
  end
end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Jordan Candler / June 8, 2015
'Independent' EPA Study Not So Independent After All
In May, a new study commissioned by Harvard and Syracuse University claimed that the EPA's soon-to-be-released Clean Power Plan will eliminate around 3,500 pollution-related deaths annually. The celebratory reaction quickly went mainstream. The EPA, whose proposal it already posited will save lives, suddenly had the benefit of an independent verification. Or did it? Writing in Breitbart, junkscience.com publisher Steve Milloy found that the researchers of said study had personally partaken in various multi-million dollar EPA-funded studies. Furthermore, one author's assertion that the agency "did not participate in the study or interact with its authors" was found to be complete hogwash. Says Milloy, "I submitted a request to EPA under the Freedom of Information Act for email between the study authors and EPA staff. Although subsequent wrangling with agency staff gave me doubt that I would ever get anything, I received, much to my surprise, 99 pages of emails after mere weeks. The emails reveal that [the] study co-authors … were definitely in contact with key EPA staff regarding this research."
"This issue goes deeper than mere truth-telling," he adds. "The EPA's controversial Clean Power Plan hinges on the notion that shuttering coal plants will save lives." In fact, shuttering coal plants may very well cost lives. Yet EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy recently postulated, "We can speak to the science because it's complicated and we do a lot of research and we do a lot of translation of the science into what it means for people so that the decisions can be made on the basis of real science and on the basis of a real technical understanding." In other words, "Trust us." But they keep giving us every reason not to.
regulatory commissars

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


COMPLETE LIST OF NGO IN PARABHANI.
Find complate list of Public and Private Ngo network in Parabhani. Select your Ngo and get in touch to the Ngo staff for any Issue. View complete list of Service and Facilities of Ngo with Address, Contact No. and other Ngo details.
How to check list of Ngo in Parabhani?
To know the list of Ngo in Parabhani - Maharashtra, please select the Parabhani under the Maharashtra from the list. For more information about list of Ngo in Parabhani please submit your question.


text:
Q: How do you pass prompted data as a variable into a google docs bound script? I have a rather large Google Doc (text file) that is divided into many chapters. It's a book that I am writing and from time to time, as I add chapters (often non-sequentially) I need to renumber all of the chapters. I do so in a two-step process: set all chapter numbers to a dummy placeholder, than replace all of those placeholders with the correct sequential numbers. I have been hard-coding the upper limit of the number of chapters, but now I'd like to change the process and take in a number of chapters from the user. I have written a prompt that does that.
What I cannot get to work is passing that number as a variable back into my script that is bound to the document. I tried to hack some code I have used successfully in a web app using Google script. But it doesn't work in this situation (bound script versus web app) and I can't debug where it is failing as it originates in the index html and Google's debugger won't track that (or I don't know how to make it track it). I have been unable to find any questions at stackoverflow that address the issue of how to pass a prompted variable back into a bound script in a Google Doc. I'm sure it will be obvious to any real programmers that I am "painting by the numbers" with Google script, but I do invest a lot of time trying to teach myself how to do this and your help is much appreciated. I really need to get this to work. The idea of having to manually renumber all  these chapters every time I add ten or so is pretty depressing!
My code so far is:
function onOpen() {
  var ui = DocumentApp.getUi();
  ui.createMenu('Custom')
      .addItem('Renumber Chapters', 'showDialog')
      .addToUi();
}

function showDialog() {
  var html = HtmlService.createHtmlOutputFromFile('Index')
      .setWidth(400)
      .setHeight(300);
  DocumentApp.getUi()
      .showModalDialog(html, 'Data Entry');
}
//Finds all numbered chapters and replaces with a placeholder "Chapter_"
function reChapter1(uObj){
  var body = DocumentApp.getActiveDocument().getBody();
  var numChaps = uObj.numChaps;
  var n = numChaps;
  var replaceTerm = "Chapter [0-9]+"
  for (i = 0; i < n; i++) {
    num = i+1
    newText = "Chapter_";
    Logger.log(newText);
    replaceIt(replaceTerm, body);
  }
}
function replaceIt(replaceTerm, body) {
  var found = body.findText(replaceTerm);
  if (found) {
   var start = found.getStartOffset();
    var end = found.getEndOffsetInclusive();
    var text = found.getElement().asText();
  text.deleteText(start, end);
  text.insertText(start, newText);
  }
}
//Finds placeholders and renumbers chapters
function reChapter2(uObj){
  var numChaps = uObj.numChaps;
  var n = numChaps;
  var replaceTerm = "Chapter_"
  var body = DocumentApp.getActiveDocument().getBody();
  for (i = 0; i < n; i++) {
    num = i+1
    Logger.log(i);
    newText = "Chapter "+num+"";
    replaceIt(replaceTerm, body);
  }
}
function replaceIt(replaceTerm, body) {
  var found = body.findText(replaceTerm);
  if (found) {
   var start = found.getStartOffset();
    var end = found.getEndOffsetInclusive();
    var text = found.getElement().asText();
  text.deleteText(start, end);
  text.insertText(start, newText);
  }
}

The html is:
<!DOCTYPE html>

    <base target="_top">

Enter the estimated number of current chapters plus ten*

      <input id="numChaps" type="text" placeholder="##">

      <button onclick="saveUserInput()">Click to Renumber Chapters.</button>

            Click "X" icon on top right hand side of this dialog box to close it.

      <left>*For instance, if your book currently has about 30 chapters that you want to renumber, enter 40. The extra ten are just in case you have a bunch of non-sequential chapter numbers and you are not totally sure how many current chapters you have.</left>

The working scripts, without the attempt to prompt a user entry of the expected number of chapters is as follows:
function onOpen() {
  var ui = DocumentApp.getUi();
  ui.createMenu('Renumber Chapters')
      .addItem('Run First', 'reChapter2')
      .addItem('Run Second', 'reChapter')
      .addToUi();
}
function reChapter(){
  var n = 30;
  var replaceTerm = "Chapter_"
  var body = DocumentApp.getActiveDocument().getBody();
  for (i = 0; i < n; i++) {
    num = i+1
    Logger.log(i);
    newText = "Chapter "+num+"";
    replaceIt(replaceTerm, body);
  }
}
// replaces the occurrences
function replaceIt(replaceTerm, body) {
  var found = body.findText(replaceTerm);
  if (found) {
   var start = found.getStartOffset();
    var end = found.getEndOffsetInclusive();
    var text = found.getElement().asText();
  text.deleteText(start, end);
  text.insertText(start, newText);
  }
}
function reChapter2(){
  var n = 30;
  var replaceTerm = "Chapter [0-9]+"
  var body = DocumentApp.getActiveDocument().getBody();
  for (i = 0; i < n; i++) {
    num = i+1
    newText = "Chapter_";
    Logger.log(newText);
    replaceIt2(replaceTerm, body);
  }
}
// replaces the occurrences
function replaceIt2(replaceTerm, body) {
  var found = body.findText(replaceTerm);
  if (found) {
   var start = found.getStartOffset();
    var end = found.getEndOffsetInclusive();
    var text = found.getElement().asText();
  text.deleteText(start, end);
  text.insertText(start, newText);
  }
}

I run "Run First" from the "Renumber Chapters" menu and then "Run Second" and that approach works fine as long as I have less than the number of chapters (in the case of this code, 30) hardcoded in the GS.

A: I have several scripts which I use when I'm writing and I store most of the data in Properties Service.  You can access the scripts through a menu and prompt for the data and pass it to PS or you can build a dialog or use the sidebar to enter the data and save in PS.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish talks with 3News' Russ Mitchell before leaving office
Budish served two terms as Cuyahoga County Executive, opting not to run again this year.
Author: Dave "Dino" DeNatale
Published: 10:40 PM EST December 8, 2022
Updated: 12:05 AM EST December 9, 2022
CLEVELAND — As he prepares to step down as Cuyahoga County Executive at the end of this year, Armond Budish sat down with 3News anchor and managing editor Russ Mitchell for a one-on-one interview.
The 69-year-old Cleveland native announced in November of 2021 that he would not be seeking a third term in office. At the time, Budish said it was time to "pass the torch to new leadership with fresh ideas" and indicated that he wants to spend more time with his family. His successor in January will be Chris Ronayne, the former president of University Circle Inc., who defeated Lee Weingart in last month's election
Budish told Mitchell that he had "mixed feelings" about his term in office coming to a close. "Because we really have accomplished so much. That's what I'm all about. That's why I took this job in the first place, to improve people's lives all over the county and we've been doing that. I love that part of the job," Budish said. "But it's stressful. It's not an easy job.
During the interview, the subject of the recent firing of MetroHealth CEO Akram Boutros came up. Boutros was let go just over a month before his planned amid allegations that he authorized more than $1.9 million in bonus payments to himself over a four-year period beginning in 2018, without disclosing those payments to MetroHealth's board of trustees.
"I think it's very sad," Budish said. "[Boutros] has done a fabulous job at Metro. He took that institution and turned it around. They've been a great partner to the county. When we needed help in the jail for health care for the prisoners, they stepped up. When we needed help in the community for [COVID-19] vaccines, testing, and tracing, he stepped up. I think it's sad. I don't know inside facts on what happened, but I can tell you he did great things at Metro and I'm sorry to see that this is all going on."
Budish leaves office with Ohio more "red" in the political landscape than it has ever been. The longtime Democrat is disappointed that the Buckeye State has tilted to the Republican side so dramatically in recent years.
"It's sad, because it helps everybody when we have a two-party system with both strong enough to compete with the other," he explained. "Right now, it's not that way. Republicans control all the statewide offices, they have a supermajority in the Ohio House and Ohio Senate. It's not good for Ohio, in my view, that we don't have competitive races."
Might things eventually improve for the Ohio Democratic party? "Things change, they almost change overnight sometimes," Budish answered. "But I don't see that happening anytime soon."
Budish's tenure as Cuyahoga County Executive has not been without controversy, notably in early 2019 when law enforcement officers raided county headquarters as part of an ongoing investigation. Though several files and hard drives were seized, Budish called the events "a publicity stunt" and has faced no charges in the matter.
Later, Budish was caught up in the county jail scandal that saw multiple officials (including former jail director Ken Mills) either lose their jobs or be criminally convicted. A lawsuit filed by a whistleblower accused Budish of retaliating against those who spoke up about conditions at the facility, but the executive has once again not been charged,
"I did nothing wrong," he told Mitchell, adding that the experience of being under scrutiny was horrible. "It's your reputation that's everything. I had, and still believe I have, an excellent reputation for integrity and honesty. and nobody is going to take that away from me. It was very upsetting."
So what's next for Budish? "I'm going to go out and work, probably. It won't be as stressful a job as the one I'm in right now, I can tell you that. I like to do things that are productive and help people, so I'll find something like that."
Watch the entire interview with Russ Mitchell and Armond Budish below:
You can also read Budish's "End of Term" report below:
Cuyahoga County Council votes to limit subsidy payments to MetroHealth amid fallout from former CEO's firing
Cuyahoga County Executive-Elect Chris Ronayne announces transition team
Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish, Council President Pernel Jones step down from Justice Center Steering Committee


text:
National / Politics
LDP leaves opposition leadership in disarray
by Reiji Yoshida
Twenty years after the Liberal Democratic Party was kicked out of power for the first time since it was formed in 1955, the mighty LDP is back again, as if the clock had been turned back to that pivotal event in 1993.
The LDP's landslide victory in Sunday's Upper House election has given the opposition's leaders, Democratic Party of Japan head Banri Kaieda and Secretary-General Goshi Hosono, a tough choice: quit to clear the party's image or stick to their guns, leaving their fate in the hands of the party.
Kaieda, despite the DPJ's biggest loss in the chamber since its inception in 1996, has opted to stay on, while Hosono has hinted he will likely step down.
"The DPJ is still on its way to regain the trust of the people. I'd like to continue efforts toward that goal," Kaieda told a news conference Sunday night.
Usually, a leader who takes his party to defeat like the one the DPJ suffered would step down to take responsibility.
But with no major election expected in the coming three years, few DPJ executives appear willing to take the helm to rebuild the heavily damaged party, one apparent reason why Kaieda is trying to stay on in his current position.
Meanwhile, Seikatsu no To (People's Life Party), led by Ichiro Ozawa, who bolted from the LDP in 1993 and who played a leading role in starting the political turmoil that has continued to this day, came up empty-handed in Sunday's election.
The party even lost a seat in Iwate's prefectural constituency, his stoutly defended home turf, shattering Ozawa's reputation as a top election strategist.
The election results underlined the apparent end of the post-1993 realignment of political parties centered on Ozawa, who once served as DPJ president.
"I think the election results are very severe. But it is the judgment of the people," Ozawa told a news conference Sunday evening. However, despite the poor results, he is expected to remain Seikatsu no To president.
Leaders of Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), which won only eight seats, might face difficult choices, too.
During Sunday's election, party co-leader and Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto said party officials attending an executive meeting set for later this month will decide whether he should step down.
Ishin's other co-leader, former Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara, flatly denied during a Sunday news conference that either he or Hashimoto will resign.
But concerns have been raised over his health. Ishihara had a stroke in February and was unable to stump for other candidates ahead of Sunday's election.
"I'm OK. I'll keep working while consulting with my doctor every day," Ishihara told the news conference.
Meanwhile, whether LDP Secretary-General Shigeru Ishiba will keep his post was another hot topic making the rounds of Nagata-cho, the epicenter of the nation's politics.
Ishiba, who remains popular with voters, has been regarded as a potential rival and successor to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. His next post will greatly affect the post-Abe race among LDP executives.
Asked if he might be willing to accept a Cabinet post, Ishiba declined to comment.
Upper House, election 2013, party leaders


We are proud to offer the latest issue of Rolya, Not only are we one of the largest retail stores and cafe and hire centres in the UK but we avidly support cycling and we think this is also a dam good read.
Over the summer we have worked hard on updating our stock, re-branding the store, and making the layout more customer friendly. Come and see the results at Bike Chain Ricci, 82 Mount Ambrose, Redruth TR15 1QR.


text:
25 injured in Rawalpindi blast
Policemen inspect the blast site in Rawalpindi district of Punjab province, Pakistan, Dec. 13, 2020. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)
At least 25 people were injured after a blast hit a market area in Pakistan's Rawalpindi city, police said.
According to city police officer Mohammad Ahsan Younas, an improvised explosive device (IED) was planted under a cart, which exploded on Sunday in the busy Ganj Mandi market near a police station, roughly 2 km away from the military headquarters, reports Xinhua news agency.
A rescue official told the media that they shifted 22 injured, some in critical condition, to a local hospital while discharged three others after providing them first aid at the blast site.
No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.
Younas further said that it was the second attack near a police station during the last 10 days in the city.
On December 4, one person was killed and seven others were injured in an IED blast near the city's Pir Wadhai police station.
The officer added that police intelligence had already reported some possible terrorist attack in the city and an investigation was underway to nab the culprits.
Global Covid-19 cases top 72.2mn: Johns Hopkins
Azerbaijan, Armenia blame each other breaching ceasefire


text:
Drawing on over 70 years of combined legal and business experience, our attorneys at Jenks & Harvey LLP have the extensive skill set required to resolve complex to general securities issues effectively and efficiently. Our lawyers represent parties in disputes over securities matters before various tribunals across the country.
Our attorneys have a well-earned reputation for providing strategic advocacy and sound counsel on complex matters. Having successfully handled millions of dollars of claims over the years, our results speak for themselves.
Please follow the links below to learn more about our lawyers' qualifications and backgrounds:
Recognized Attorneys In Securities And Financial Services Matters
Our lawyers are actively engaged in the legal and financial organizations that track trends shaping securities arbitration, regulations, and financial services matters. When you retain us, you benefit from the up-to-date knowledge and legal counsel that we provide.
Our attorneys' attendance at events and participation with these associations allows them to remain current on case law, regulations and legal procedures that govern dispute resolution in this nuanced field. Our attorneys regularly serve as panelists and featured speakers live and via webinars broadcasted throughout the U.S.
In addition, our attorneys are actively involved in leadership roles and positions with the Florida Bar, Palm Beach County Bar, State of Florida, and Palm Beach County governance.
Experience matters when you are facing a securities law dispute. We have the experience you require to pursue the outcome you seek.
Reach West Palm Beach office via email or by calling 855-718-5029. We respond to client inquiries promptly because we know your legal concerns are important.
*AV, AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.


What happens when an architect dreams up a boat?
A couple of weeks ago, the weekend "House & Home" section of the Financial Times, which usually features villas in the Crimea or the latest condo development in Barcelona, devoted a whole page to a holiday residence designed by Norman Foster: a $16 million motor yacht. I've heard of architects designing tea kettles and salt shakers, but a boat?
Walter Gropius, who was once commissioned to design a car—the 1931 Adler limousine—proclaimed that an architect should be able to design anything, "from a teacup to a city." (This was before the advent of the industrial-design profession, in the days when architects such as Peter Behrens designed not only factories, but also the electric kettles and fans they manufactured.) Gropius integrated product design into the curriculum of his famous Bauhaus school; even earlier, architects such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Josef Hoffmann were designing a range of domestic objects, especially furniture. The early Modern period produced a number of classic chairs, although I find Mies van der Rohe's Barcelona chair and Le Corbusier's Grand Confort series to be less than satisfactory as seating. Much superior are the later chair designs of Arne Jacobsen, Eero Saarinen, and, of course, the great Charles and Ray Eames.
Contemporary architects have not done as well. Robert Venturi's cartoonish Queen Anne chair only proves that mannerism and ergonomics don't mix; Robert A.M. Stern's Neoclassical furniture is handsome but hardly breaks new ground; Frank Gehry's Hat Trick chair, which resembles a bushel basket, is lightweight, interesting-looking, and comfortable, but at $1,300 it is unclear exactly what problem it's solving. You're better off getting a classic Thonet bentwood chair. Made of beech and woven cane, it's just as light, equally comfortable, and a fraction of the price.
I once asked the architect Marcel Breuer, who designed the widely imitated tubular-steel-and-cane Cesca dining chair in 1928 (when he was 26), why he had not continued to design furniture. "I knew that I could never do anything as good," he answered. It's not easy to innovate with something as tried-and-true as a chair, which may be why most architects today don't even try—the best recent seating and office systems have been the work of industrial designers such as Bill Stumpf (the Aeron chair) and Andrew Morrison (Knoll's Morrison Network). Architects seem to prefer to concentrate on kitchen appliances (Michael Graves), silverware (Richard Meier), and jewelry (Frank Gehry). In most cases, styling—making it look nicer—takes precedence over improved design—making it work better.
Foster & Partners has also designed objects as diverse as airport seating, bathroom fixtures, wind turbines, and an office desk that looks as if a drafting table had mated with a moon-landing module. The originality of these products is a result of the way they address practical problems: minimizing materials, optimizing energy use, reducing weight. So, too, the 131-foot luxury yacht. The mass of the superstructure is moved to the front, there is more outdoor space than you'd find in a traditional design, and the greatly expanded glazing maximizes views and creates a brighter interior. The Italian-built yacht—to be delivered in 2008—will be "fractionally owned" by as many as eight buyers, a sort of floating time-share. "We would produce more radical concepts for commissions from private individuals," Foster told FT, "but here we have to appeal across a wide cross-section of owners with differing tastes, so we are aiming for a contemporary nautical interior with a timeless quality." Now that Foster & Partners has designed a yacht that actually resembles an oversized Prius, maybe it could turn its talents to producing something for the rest of us: a better, cheaper hybrid car.


text:
La ville de De Queen est le siège du comté de Sevier, dans l'Arkansas, aux États-Unis d'Amérique.

Démographie

Source

Notes et références

Ville en Arkansas
Comté de Sevier (Arkansas)
Siège de comté en Arkansas

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


A man living on a shred of hope didn't know what life was until he learned how let go.
The old man sat on the rock near the top of the small hill as he had for many years now and watched the first stars begin to peek out of the deepening purple sky. The boy at his side, watched solemnly, as he had for most of his young life. They sit in silence.
The boy speaks at last. "Grandfather. May I ask you a question?" The old man looks down at the solemn faced boy and smiles and tousles his dark hair. "Of course." "Why do you come up here at night? Mother says you're looking for ghosts, but I've never seen any ghosts up here, and I've been looking." There's a faintly accusatory tone in the boy's' voice. The old man's grin widens. "Your mother is a fiery one. She got that from your Gram. No. I'm not looking for ghosts up here." He gestures at the gentle, grassy slope around them. "There are no ghosts here. The ghosts I look for are up there." He gestures towards the stars above.
The boy considers this for a moment and then speaks. "Well, what are you looking for exactly? Maybe I can help. I can see pretty good, you know. " He is staring into the sky intently. The old man smiles ruefully. "I know you can. But you can't see what's not there. That's why your mom says I'm looking for ghosts." The boy regards him dubiously for a moment and then goes back to looking at the stars, which are now fully visible.
The old man laughs. "No, goofball. On this planet. This world. "He gestures around them. "We're not from here you know." The child is clearly not convinced and regards the old man hesitantly. "What do you mean we're not from here? I'm from here. That's my house right there. And mom's, and dads too. Even yours." The old man shifts on the rock, feeling the hard stone in his lower back. "Well, that's all true. You were born here, as were your mother and father. We've all been here for many, many years now. But I'm not from here. "He looks back up at the sky.
The old man is startled. "Who said I was lost?" The boy looks at him seriously. "Well, you said you were not where your home is. If you weren't lost, why aren't you there?" The old man smiles. "Oh I wasn't lost…Well. Not really. Not at first. We knew where we were going, but other people had other plans. " He stares back up into the sky for a moment. His voice lowers a bit. "There was a great battle, long ago. Up in the sky. "The boy stares into the stars along with him silently. "The people from there." He points to the faint red star. "Didn't like the people from over there. "Points at the three stars he'd indicated earlier. "And so they fought. This was their battlefield." The old man sweeps his hand across the expanse of the sky.
The boy stares into the night sky and whispers. "Who won the fight?" "The old man responds quietly. "No one. We all lost. Us. Them. We all ended up here, on this world together. The war didn't seem to matter so much down here in the dirt. In the cold, wind and the rain. We tried to fight at first, but ended up just fighting to survive. " The boy looks at him silently. "There were many tens of thousands that died on the ships, but many thousands made it into the escape pods and got down to the planet." The boy peers back into the sky as if trying to see the events long past.
The boy falls silent, thinking again. Behind them, they hear footsteps. They turn to see the boy's mother, a stout woman, with long dark hair and a careworn face. The woman smiles fondly at the sight of her son and father sitting on the rock she and her father sat on when she was a child. Without a word she comes up behind the rock and puts her arms around the old man's neck and kisses the top of his head. She speaks to the child. "Blake, go wash up. It's time for supper. " The boy leaps up and races off down the hill towards the small house in the distance. The old and and the woman watch him go, smiling.
The woman looks up into the sky, her hands resting on her father's shoulders. The old man is also looking into the sky. They look in silence for a few moments, then the woman gently squeezes her father's shoulders. "Don't stay out too late, old man. You'll catch cold. " She kisses him on the top of his head again, as he squeezes her hand in return. She turns and heads off down the hill humming as she walks away.
The old man sits on the rock as he had for many years, and stared at the stars and slowly smiled. He laboriously pulls himself to his feet and dusting himself off, slowly heads off towards the house.


The end of ipernity as we know it?
The European Parliament is discussing an upload filter for any user content uploaded to social media. German version below.
Where will/should Ipernity go to?
Having taken operational control of the site it is now time for some strategic considerations and decisions.
How free is a free site?
Why a user owned and operated platform is probably the best organisation model for a social community both in terms of costs and privacy.
Wo werden wir mittelfristig Bilder im Internet zeigen? Where are we going to present our fotos on the net mid term?


text:
Playing time of professional senior rugby players across all levels of South African rugby, 2007 -2012: implications for transformation
A single governing body to govern South African rugby was formed in 1992. This allowed for changes to governmental policies to South African sport, resulting in South African sport being fully representative of the population. The South African Rugby Union (SARU) therefore has a continual challenge to make rugby fully representative at both provincial and national levels. Previously rugby has been dominated by white players at all levels. The SARU has implemented various programmes in order to accelerate the development of players of colour. Previously the success of these programmes has not been evaluated because the players representing different ethnic groups have not been quantified in a systematic way. The aim was to quantify playing time and playing numbers of South African professional rugby players of different ethnic groups from 2007 to 2012 at all professional levels (Springboks, Super Rugby, Currie Cup and Vodacom Cup). Quantifying playing time and playing numbers was done to establish changes in profile of South African rugby players across the given time period. Thus the efficacy of the SARU programmes to accelerate transformation was indirectly evaluated. A further aim was to determine if there had been a change in ethnic profiles between the various rugby unions from 2007 to 2012.
Du Toit, J. 2014. Playing time of professional senior rugby players across all levels of South African rugby, 2007 -2012: implications for transformation. University of Cape Town.
Includes abstract.
Du Toit, Jacques
thesis_hsf_2014_dutoit_j.pdf


text:
"I thought of the three episodes this season, it was the best!" - Billy Kidd On Black Mirror's 'Smithereens'
On This Week's Episode Of JACKFLIX With Angela Chase & Billy Kidd
JACKFLIX
Welcome to JACKFLIX with Angela Chase and Billy Kidd!
This is the space where we'll discuss anything new and trending on any of your streaming devices, whether that be Netflix, Amazon Prime or HBO.
On this week's episode Angela and Billy discuss episode 2 of the latest season of Black Mirror: 'Smithereens' on Netflix.
"Smithereens" is the second episode of the fifth series of the anthology series Black Mirror. It was written by Charlie Brooker and directed by James Hawes. The episode first aired on Netflix, along with the rest of series five, on 5 June 2019.[1] It stars Andrew Scott, Damson Idris, and Topher Grace.
SPOILER ALERT!!
In the episode, a rideshare driver takes an employee of Smithereen, a large social media company, hostage. Unlike most other episodes, Brooker wanted "Smithereens" to not rely on near-future technology as a reminder that Black Mirror is not solely a science fiction show. It is largely a parable on the overactive usage of social media sites like Twitter, and how they distract society from the real world.
Video of Black Mirror: Smithereens | Official Trailer | Netflix


The golf programs offered by Lac de Verde golf Club consists in private golf lessons for beginners, advanced players, players with Handicap Card, programs for groups of both beginners and advanced players ( maximum 6 persons}.
For beginners we recommend a program that includes minimum 10 sessions with the golf instructor, in which they will be familiarized with the basics of the game, playing techniques, the most important golf and etiquette rules.
The golf lessons will take place both outdoor, on the golf course and training areas, and indoor. Each golf program (standard or premium) ends with an exam that will allow the player to be able to play on the golf course. After a golf program of 20 sessions, the player receives a so called license, or Handicap card , based on which the player can play in any golf competition national or international, on his equivalent category, amateur or pro player.
We are keen in promoting healthy behaviors, golf is a sport that can positively contribute to developing the young generation, proving that by far golf is not a boring sport, it a sophisticated one.
Lac de Verde Golf Club offers to the young ones golf lessons on different levels, starting with simple, short lessons (1-2 hours), standard course (minimum 10 sessions), premium course (20 sessions ) and golf camps.
Complimentary golf lessons for children!
Also, the golf club promotes the concept of Open Doors for children, meaning 2 days in the week time, the club is offering free golf lessons to all children willing to try this noble sport. Mostly the children are from the local town, wanting to support, help, and develop the community where the golf club is located.


text:
Banking Information and Scheme of Delegation
Privacy of Information Policy
KIKN's Annual Open Day
KIKN held its annual gathering for its 40 sponsored children and their parents on Saturday 15th September. The rain stayed away and we had a full house of children and parents. Just under 80 turned up for the delicious food and a pack of winter clothing from KIKN. It was an opportunity for KIKN to
Food Celebration at Ishwor School
KIKN celebrated its first year of working with this tiny school of 80 children. The majority of the children come from very poor/ beggars' families. Food parcels consisting of beans, lentils, beaten rice, noodles, biscuits, sugar and cooking oil were handed out to all the children and their families. It was a humbling experience. It
Sponsored Children
The children from Parapokar Orphanage, Lubhoo School and others came today to receive their sponsor's letters. It is also an opportunity for Uma and myself to get to know the mums better. It is giving the sponsored children some focused attention to talk to them about their studies, a pep talk about KIKN expectations etc.
Neel Barahi School
Need Barahi School is very fortunate to have a high achieving Principal and a high performing team of teachers. The Principal, Januka, has made her school to be the BEACON school in the area with great support from KIKN since 2009. The 6th formers ( year 11& 12) now number over 300 from only 8
Ishwor Primary School
Ishwor School is the 4th school that KIKN has supported. It is a small school with approximately 80 pupils, many of whom beg in the streets before and after school to help their families make ends meet. KIKN's breakfast club has helped the poor children to access education. The focus on the nursery children ensures
Kids in Kathmandu Nepal is a registered charity in England and Wales (1142150).
Registered as a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales No. 7517465.
Registered address: 58 Durban Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 4EZ
- Our Children
- Annual Reports
Kids in Kathmandu Nepal
Copyright Kids In Kathmandu © 2019. All Rights Reserved. - Proudly Designed By: Stephen Smith


This image gallery named as Set Of 4 Folding Patio Chairs Salterini Style Mesh Orb Black might be ideal solution for your decoration. As the author has insert this image into Mid Century Modern Hoop Chair post section, would ease you to find the perfect match of you decor desire.
You'll find some benefits to having a set of 4 folding patio chairs salterini style mesh orb black on your bathroom. One is it is resilient. Teak-wood is popularly considered as one of the strongest hardwoods. This really is but one of the most favorite materials in the boating industry. The main reason is that the teak-wood isn't going to splinter or crack easily. If you have a mid century modern hoop chair on your bathroom, you may get it to continue for a daily life.
You will find a number of applications for a set of 4 folding patio chairs salterini style mesh orb black. One of them is that it is able to make your bathroom feel comfortable and safe. Some folks might feel a shower bench is a unique chair that is supposed to be utilized for people who want a bath. In fact, a mid century modern wicker hoop chair is extremely practical for older persons or disabled men and women. For healthy and young men and women, a bathtub seat can nonetheless be useful. It permits you to break when you're feeling weak because of an illness.
Even the evolution of art, sciencetechnology, followed with the development of various ideological moves directly affected that the set of 4 folding patio chairs salterini style mesh orb black particularly, and are even considered like a new creation of industrialized art. This produces the modern-day chairs usually do not only become the tool to support seats, nevertheless they also act as items that reflect your own characteristics, preferences, fashions, and even lessons. But when choosing modern-day chairs on your house, stability also has to be detected, involving your chair and the interior design that you employ, so that it will make a beautiful appearance. In addition, you need to adjust how big this mid century modern hoop chair which you opt for. They will get your room feel more crowded. If you pick the perfect style, dimensions, and coloration of one's modern chairs, the friends who visit your property will surely experience comfortable staying in the space to get quite a lengthy moment. Even the unique and sophisticated design of your new chairs means nothing should they don't provide a comfortable chairs encounter to you and your guests.
set of 4 folding patio chairs salterini style mesh orb black include different designs, colors, and versions. On account of many versions, you may pick the chairs that match the outside environment of one's house but nevertheless fits the decoration of one's own personal home. Outdoor chairs are generally in the shape of unit chairs and lounge chairs that may be inhabited by two different people. The cloth changes, ranging from vinyl, rattan, steel, and wood. The majority of folks will decide on mid century modern wicker hoop chair since the design is usually easy but are able to offer fix the condition of your lawn very nicely. Chairs manufactured of concrete can also be an option for lasting seating on your garden.


Candidate filing is underway for the November 3, 2015 Consolidated Election and will continue through 5 p.m. Friday, August 7.
Citizens who are interested in running for any of the offices up for election may obtain and file the appropriate documents at the San Bernardino County Elections Office, 777 E. Rialto Avenue in San Bernardino from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For more information on this election, please visit the Elections Office website at www.sbcountyelections.com or call (909) 387-8300.


Ready to sound like a human being — like yourself, that is — in your resume?
Ready to use a human voice in your resume Summary, and stand out from the crowd?
This eBook, Put a Human Voice in Your Resume Summary, uses examples to teach you how to humanize your own resume Summary and get hiring managers' attention!


[cs_content][cs_section parallax="false" separator_top_type="none" separator_top_height="50px" separator_top_angle_point="50″ separator_bottom_type="none" separator_bottom_height="50px" separator_bottom_angle_point="50″ style="margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;"][cs_row inner_container="true" marginless_columns="false" style="margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;"][cs_column fade="false" fade_animation="in" fade_animation_offset="45px" fade_duration="750″ type="2/3″ style="padding: 0px;"][cs_text]September is the NEW "New Year" to set your Fitness Goals. As Orange is the new Black , Our 30's are now the new 20's and your 40's are the new 30's . September is now the new month to reset fitness goals.
January might feel like the time for new resolutions and new goals but in the fitness industry the real time for change is in September. Kids go back to school, your regular schedule resumes and the SEASON of change is in the air.
1. Starting in September you have 9 great months to get in shape and make something happen before the next bathing suit season.
By starting fitness & dietary goals in September the pace is in sync with ideal results for summer time bodies. The real change comes over the 9 months without feeling rushed or stressed out. We all know there's nothing worse than that first warm spring day when you have to start stripping down into a t-shirt & tanks, knowing you are not where you want to be in those favorite shorts. It's so important to set yourself up to feel good and in time with the season. The Should've, Could've is the Old way of thinking. To begin in September is less stress on the body and mind. Stepping into that bathing suit will prove positive that the three extra months was worth investing in yourself.
2. You are just coming off the summer season, and even if you got into great summer shape, you need to preserve it! Keep your results and reverse any damage.
NOW to improve our bodies for the next summer season.
3. September, October, November and December are the Festive weight gaining months. Even after Jan 1st we are still nibbling on delicious left over cookies and cakes.
[/cs_text][/cs_column][cs_column fade="false" fade_animation="in" fade_animation_offset="45px" fade_duration="750″ type="1/3″ style="padding: 0px;"][cs_text]Setting the tone with your fitness regime in September helps fight off the damage that can be incurred by football food in September, Halloween Candy and Pumpkin beer in October, looking like a Turkey by November, then giving up and indulging in everything during Christmas and Hanukah, hoping it's all going to just go away with a January New Year's Resolution!
IF ANYTHING, by maintaining a fitness routine NOW, you are less likely to add on additional pounds. You have already formed good workout habits by making that JANUARY resolution IN THE FRESH CRISP FALL SEASON of September. By Spring your fitness goals are so much easier to maintain and the feeling of success is looking back at you in the mirror with a Big Barre-Tique Smile!


text:
Mol's investments in INA
Home / Negotiations / 2008-2009
Spring 2008: The Croatian Government and MOL start negotiations for enhanced co-operation through a share exchange between INA and MOL shares. The negotiations resulted in draft contracts produced in summer 2008.
June-July 2008: After the public announcement of negotiations between MOL and the Croatian Government by the then Prime Ministers of Croatia and Hungary, the price of INA's shares rapidly increased - hitting all the previous records as a result of speculation around MOL's potential public offer for INA's outstanding shares.
July 14, 2008: To end speculation around a public bid for INA's shares, MOL submits a notification to Croatian Financial Supervisory Agency (HANFA) stating its intentions to submit a public offer for INA's outstanding shares.
September 2008: During the public offer period, the global economic crisis spreads throughout Europe causing sharp drops in share prices across sectors, including MOL, but INA's share price was maintained by MOL's public bid. The liquidity crisis intensifies around the world, including Croatia and Hungary limiting the scope to conduct major transactions.
October 2008: MOL closed the process of the public offer which results in the purchasing of more than 22% of INA shares for EUR 870 million, in the largest public offer in Croatia to date. INA's share price was kept at the offer price level until the end of offering period. By the end of the public offer share prices across Europe had fallen dramatically, including MOL's which nullified the possibility of a share swap, meanwhile INA's share price dropped almost 70% within a short period of time.
November 2008: Negotiations are held around two main topics: 1) the Amendment to the Shareholders Agreement, 2) gas issues (including the terms and conditions for the unbundling and sale of INA's gas storage and supply & trading activity).
November 2008: Urgent discussions take place on INA's Management Board and Supervisory Board regarding the company's financial situation. Croatian Government representative hold meetings with MOL to discuss INA's situation and next steps.
December 2008: MOL and the Croatian Government discuss how to save INA. By the end of 2008 it became clear that immediate measures to increase INA's liquidity were needed to keep the company solvent and from breaching its existing contracts and obligations. To avoid such a default with drastic consequences, it was agreed that the following actions were needed: 1) increasing the operating revenue or decreasing the operating loss (the sale of INA's gas storage and trading was designed to support this) immediately to comply with obligations from credit facilities; and 2) inject fresh cash from MOL into the company (as included in the amendment to the Shareholders Agreement which granted management control to MOL as a prerequisite for providing credit facilities to INA).
January 2009: Following intensive negotiations throughout January, the parties reached an agreement and signed three contracts on January 30, 2009: the First Amendment to the Shareholders Agreement, the Gas Master Agreement and the Sale and Purchase Agreement by INA and Plinacro d.o.o. (the 100% state-owned Croatian transmission system operator nominated by the Government as the buyer for INA's gas storage activity).
February-June 2009: Negotiations on the detailed terms of unbundling and sale of INA's gas supply & trading continues.
June 10, 2009: The First Amendment of the Shareholders Agreement is closed through election of new, MOL-nominated INA Supervisory and Management Boards.
July 1, 2009: The first breach of the Gas Master Agreement (GMA) by the Croatian Government due to its failure to take over of INA's gas trading subsidiary. Negotiations continue to remedy the breach.
December 16, 2009: The Croatian Government and MOL sign the First Amendment to the Gas Master Agreement (FAGMA) as an immediate remedy for breaching the GMA.
MOL's contribution to INA
MOL's contribution to Croatia
INA's performance
© 2014 - MOL GROUP


Adding more features to a product cannot be equated to improving a product, in fact if you are not careful, it could be making it worse. If as a product manager, the only thing your team is doing is adding features that are incremental improvements and fixing bugs, it is time to rethink your approach.
There are really a lot of other ways to improve you products.
Are you tracking metrics that will help improve your product?
Are you using these metrics as part of the feedback loop to improve your product?
Are there elements of the user experience that you can improve in your product?
Remember customers will always have feature requests that they feel are very important to add. Listening to customers is very important, but keep in mind the feedback you receive is subjective. Blindly listening to your customers and implementing their feature requests is not going to help you create better products.
As a product manager, are you continuously improving your products by tracking metrics?
Think very carefully before you add a feature, because it becomes a very expensive exercise to remove it at a later stage. Adding a new feature is often compared to adopting a child; it is something you have to nurture, there is no running away from it. It will take lots of energy and will power to change it once it is out there.
So how do you know if you should add a specific feature? I like using the 'Four Quadrant Feature Prioritization Matrix' to give me an indication of whether a feature should be added or not. This should be used in conjunction with other techniques to determine if the feature should be added.
As a product manager, are you adding features too rapidly?
It is very common for customers to suggest enhancements/features and not clearly explain the actual problem they are experiencing. I have experienced this, and more often than not, they are articulating solutions and not problems. There is a natural tendency to quickly into jump into solution mode instead of digging in and investigating what the actual problem is. This is also of course the easiest and quickest route, but could also end up being the most expensive one!
It is a state of mind when you are exploring the 'why' to understand the reason for the feature request. You are aiming to define and frame the problem and not solve it. It is best to have an open mind when you are in this space.
What assumptions are you making? Are they valid assumptions? Challenge these assumptions.
If you have a problem that's too vague, first aim to uncover the facts. Be curious and dig out the facts by asking questions and observing your customers.
Very often a small problem does not happen in isolation, it is part of a bigger problem. In order to understand the greater problem, ask the question : What is this part of? Understanding the context can be very useful.
Consider looking at the problem from different perspectives and roles. This can assist you to discover overlooked directions.
It is interesting to note that innovation and creativity happens when you have a deep understanding of the problem. It is also useful to understand that customers are not good at articulating problems.
What is the solution space?
This is the state of mind where you are considering various solutions to the problem you have defined in the problem space. In this space, we start talking about features and solutions that address the customer problem.
It is worth noting that when considering solutions, more questions arise, and we have to revisit the problem space. There is no clear boundary, but understanding which mode you are operating in is very useful.
Working in the solutions space should be a very iterative mode. Here we aim to come up with various solutions, ask for customer feedback and refine the solutions. Customers are very good at reacting to solutions and use this feedback to refine your solutions.
As a product manager are you framing problems and spending enough time in the problem space before defining features?


Located in sunny Georgetown, Texas, just a short walk from Round Rock and a half-hour's drive from Austin, Southwestern University is often cited as one of the most overlooked liberal arts colleges. A private four-year university with about 1,200 students on a 700-acre campus in the hill country, Southwestern is rigorously academic and refreshingly progressive. The school is known for its vast library (over 300,000 volumes), gorgeous chapel, shady oak trees (including a gnarly old "story tree" on the edge of campus), and sleek yellow bicycles.
The largest religious university in America is owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Brigham Young University, located in Provo, Utah, is famous for its strict honor code, which forbids the drinking of alcohol and what the church considers sexual immorality. In spite of these restrictions, the university has become one of the largest private universities in the U. S., with a student body of approximately 34,000. The school regularly appears on lists of the best schools in America, with special mention going to its liberal arts program and its library, the Harold B. Lee Library, which includes six million volumes and 98 miles of shelving, much of it underground.
Located in the Champlain Valley of Vermont, Middlebury is easily one of New England's most beautiful colleges, offering picturesque views of the Green Mountains and the tree-shrouded Adirondacks. Located on 350 scenic acres in the sleepy town of Middlebury, the school has a student population of 2,495.
It's no secret that some of the best colleges in America, both for academics and aesthetics, are exclusively for women. Sweet Briar College in Virginia, a 3,250-acre campus just north of Lynchburg, is one example among many. The vast majority of the school's 700 students live on campus in one of seven dormitories, and the school has earned a reputation both for architectural distinction (21 of its buildings are listed in the National Register of Historic Places) and academic excellence (appearing on lists compiled by U. S. News and World Report, Forbes, and The Princeton Review).
Washington State does not lack for gorgeous colleges, but Whitman is one of the prettiest and most distinct. Located in Walla Walla, Washington, Whitman contains not only a creek (the aptly named College Creek) but also a geothermal spring. The Whitman Memorial Building, built at the turn of the last century, is a masterpiece of neo-Romanesque architecture, and has earned a place in the National Register of Historic Places.
A private liberal arts college formed from the merging of two Baptist schools in 1932, Alderson Broaddus University is a small school (about 1,100 students) on a 170-acre campus on a hill overlooking the Tygart River Valley. It is known today for its education, science, and music programs.
A research university located in Madison, Wisconsin, UWM (f. 1848) is the oldest university in Wisconsin and the state's official university. The school ranks high on lists of the best public schools in the nation, with programs devoted to engineering, journalism, ecology, and education, among others.
Unusually among the states in the United States, Wyoming only has a single four-year university. Founded in 1886, the University of Wyoming is nestled in between the Laramie and Snowy Range Mountains in Laramie, Wyoming. Today its 790-acre campus is home to over 10,000 students. The school also offers graduate programs in business, engineering, and education.


Did you know that there is a Super Moon tonight? In case you were not aware and were not able to catch it, here are two shots I took with my DSLR camera. What I saw through the lens was incredible– it's one thing to be seeing photos of the moon up close (through files from the internet), but it's another to see the moon up close for oneself.
I hope these photos amazed you as much as they amazed me 🙂 I'm coming down with a cold and have a real sore throat at the moment boo 🙁 So let me rest up early tonight. Back to regular programming tomorrow!
'Hope you'll feel better soon!
Styling and Fashion for Men– a First on my Blog!


Pre Season Testing GP2 2015 Yas Marina UAE Vittorio Ghirelli.
The Italian Champion Vittorio Ghirelli start today the Pre Season GP2 Testing 2015 in Abu Dhabi Yas Marina.
PROJECT " ICARO14 " ROAD SAFETY .
Vittorio Ghirelli – Safe Road – XIVma edition Icarus on road safety.
Vittorio Ghirelli è in pista nel circuito di Al Sakhir in Bahrain in occasione dei test collettivi GP2 Series che anticipano la stagione 2014.
On Autosport, the most prestigious English magazine about Motorsport, the Top Ten of the AutoGP drivers in 2013.
Vittorio Ghirelli, despite his young age, he already had a career full of great achievements and victories, first in karting championships and then in the car.
The 2013 year sees Vittorio engaged in the competitive AutoGP Championship. The Championship is the door for GP2 with cars that are equipped with 3,400 cc V8 engine with a power output of 550 hp.
Observed by the most prestigious team of Motorsport, Ghirelli has acquired a strong experience and has become one of the most well-known and admired Italian drivers.
Ghirelli is World Champion Auto GP 2013, in his first year in the league and only 19 years old.
Watch photo Gallery, championships, racings, the world series, and more gallery important.
Watch all exclusive videos, presentations, Racing, World Series, Championship, and more.
Born on 09.05.1994 in Fasano began racing in karts… Vittorio Ghirelli is one of the most promising driver of the future italian motosport.
Helping Vittorio's career in a tangible way, backing his everyday efforts to grow as a man and as a race driver, celebrating with him when he triumphs and standing by him when times are harder: all of this is possible by becoming one of Vittorio's exclusive sponsors.