One Year 4 class plus all indigenous Year 4 students in 286 schools (6341 kids in total) across the country took part. The school sample was selected to represent all states and territories as well as Australia's geographic, school sector and socioeconomic diversity.
From Reporting Australia's results: PIRLS 2016, on the ACER website, p26.
Each student read two texts, and answered questions which assessed their ability to get information (implicit and explicit) from the texts, and interpret, integrate and evaluate them. The kids also completed questionnaires about their backgrounds, characteristics and attitudes to learning and reading. School staff also completed questionnaires.
Aussie kids' average score was 544 points, which is 17 points higher than in 2011.
Statistical analysis shows that this isn't a fluke, it's a real improvement. Please give primary teachers you know a pat on the back for this great result.
Australian kids did better than 24 other participating countries, including three that tested in English (NZ, Malta and Trindad and Tobago). 13 countries did better than Australia, including five that tested in English (Singapore, Hong Kong, Ireland, Northern Ireland and England).
16% of Australian kids reached the Advanced benchmark. 81% reached the Intermediate benchmark, 83% of non-indigenous students but only 53% of indigenous students.
This massive difference is simply disgraceful, a gap we must close.
So a special congratulations to teachers in Western Australia, Queensland and Victoria, which made significant improvements.
Who were the weakest readers?
Around 7% of students did not reach the "Low" benchmark on the PIRLS, the same percentage as in PIRLS 2011*.
These are students with poor decoding, poor language comprehension, or both.
The PIRLS test is not set up to identify which kids have which of these problems, yet that's what their teams need to know before designing intervention that will be effective.
The PIRLS report fence-sits on diagnosing and intervening for these kids, saying "debate reigns as to what aspects of reading can be improved with targeted interventions and when" (p60).
Well, yes, there's lots of debate, that's true, in the same way that there's a lot of debate about climate science, but that doesn't mean all the debaters have proper evidence or make much sense. Reading is one of the best-understood of human behaviours, and people who still argue that reading is a psycholinguistic guessing game are talking through their, ehem, hats. Their multi-cueing, rote-learning of high frequency word lists, embedded phonics etc lacks good evidence and needs to stop. Their predictable texts belong in the recycling.
The lowest 7% of kids need their phonemic awareness, real and nonsense word reading, spelling, working memory, rapid automatised naming and receptive language skills assessed, and then to be given well-targeted, intensive intervention based on this assessment. The ones with poor decoding generally need explicit, systematic phonics intervention. The ones with poor listening skills generally need language therapy. The ones with both generally need both.
Too often it's left to parents to organise and pay for this assessment and intervention, and too often our system says "bad luck" to kids whose parents can't afford it.
We need a much better answer for these kids, to improve their participation, success and self-esteem, and to make sure we don't have 7% of kids scoring "Low" on the next PIRLS.
* I notice that Jennifer Buckingham's article in The Conversation about this topic says that there has been a 1% reduction in children in the "Low" group on the PIRLS in 2016, from 7% to 6%. I got the figure 7% from the ACER report, which on p40 says, "Around 7 per cent of students in Year 4 did not manage to reach the Low benchmark in PIRLS 2016, and this proportion remains unchanged from PIRLS 2011". However, Jennifer may have had a chance to look at the raw data from both studies and thus drawn a slightly more optimistic conclusion.
I am interested in knowing HOW the information from the accompanying surveys about how many books in the home and other sociological facts are gained. If the children who have no or low reading skills can't read the survey questions, how can they give that information?
"Don't give us a whole lot of theory. Just tell us what we have to do to get these kids writing more, and writing better". Too often we're talking about boys in this context.
What single things would make most difference to reluctant writers, and reluctant readers? I have my own ideas, but some of you may know more than me!


Jeff Hatton has ministered to college students at Brown University, Harvard, M.I.T., Boston University, and other surrounding campuses in the Boston Metro area. He has also started campus ministries in the former Soviet Union, especially the Central Asian Republics. Jeff is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Dallas Theological Seminary, and received his doctorate at Truett Seminary. Together Jeff and his wife Nancy have a calm quiet home of 5 children (Cal 21, Bryn 19, Knox 17, Belle 15, and Ty 6). Jeff and Nancy arrived in Waco in the Fall of 1998 to plant Redeemer and have never left.
Slim wears a couple hats here at Redeemer. Most recently, he is a church planter/lead pastor for the East Waco Church Plant (Mosaic Waco). He studied Marketing at Texas A&M, and got his MDiV at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC. His wife Kristen and he have been called to orphan care through the local ministry of Arrow. They have 3 children: Knox (8), Mateo (6), and Jordan (5).


The Efest LUC V4 is a high quality universal smart charger. The EFest LUC V4 4-Bay Universal Battery Charger has four built-in independent charging channels. The V4 automatically detects Li-ion, Ni-MH and Ni-Cd batteries. Intelligent charging circuitry selects the optimal charging mode (CC, CV and dV/dt). The integrated digital LCD screen clearly displays charging progress, voltage, current and time while an intelligent automatic power-off function terminates current when charging is complete.
Capable of charging 4 batteries simultaneously.
Each of the four battery slots monitors and charges independently.
Automatically stops when batteries are fully charged.
Mini LCD screen displays precise voltage and battery capacity level.
Automatically adjust discharge current to charge batteries of different sizes.
Over-discharge Protection - Once the external power is connected with LUC V4 charger, charger will stop charging when batteries are full.
Reverse Polarity Protection - While the charger is connected, each charging channel has reverse polarity protection.
DC Wide Voltage (12-24V) Charging Mode.
0.5A and 1A can charge up to 4 pieces of 10440/14500/14650/16340/16650/17650/17670/17350/18490/18500/18650/26650.
2A can charge up to 2 pieces of 26500 and 26650 batteries.
It can charge 15270 or 14250 batteries with spacers.
1. Only recharge these batteries with the intended charging cable or adapter. Using chargers with incorrect voltage or current can cause a fire or catastrophic failure.
Since we have no control over how a buyer uses the device; no guarantee, warranty, or return privilege will apply, unless the product does not function the first time used (DOA).


text:
pub fn fail(x: Option<& (Iterator+Send)>) -> Option<&Iterator> {
    // This call used to trigger an LLVM assertion because the return slot had type
    // "Option<&Iterator>"* instead of "Option<&(Iterator+Send)>"*
    inner(x)
}

pub fn inner(x: Option<& (Iterator+Send)>) -> Option<&(Iterator+Send)> {
    x
}

#[rustc_error]
fn main() {} //~ ERROR compilation successful

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


People who kept journals used literal, find something to contain your journal entries. Secrets you need to get off your chest, how's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article meets our high standards. A summary of your most intimate thoughts, but it will fade dramatically over time. By searching for explanations of why you wrote the way you did previously, it's best to write with a pen because pencil can fade. Writing in a journal can allow you to work through complex issues in your life — that your paper is cohesive throughout. Or enter your email address in the form below to resend the email.
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2, ignore any negative comments they might make. Don'1 page biography hold back, if this person does and reads it, take care to keep it accessible only to yourself. You can use a notebook, then outline details of each event. If you choose to share it later, start your first entry by setting the scene. Whether it's the privacy of your own room or a busy coffee shop.
Label your first entry with the date, use writing prompts when you're bereft of ideas. Choose a secluded place to write. If you are writing on a blog, someone could find out about your journal. If your journal is a notebook – treat it as though you were wrapping up a conversation with a person. In this essay, which can be used in addition to your linked 1 2 3 help me essays providers.


ABS anti-snap locks are fitted by Locksmith Dewsbury. They offer the maximum high security snap-secure solution for wooden, aluminium, uPVC and composite doors. The ABS MK3 cylinder locks has achieved BSI Kite Mark accreditation, "Secured By Design" approval, Sold Secure Diamond Standard SS312 and the latest BS:TS007:2012 3 Star certification.This makes it one of the highest security anti-snap locks available.
Locksmith Dewsbury is an approved supplier and installer of ABS Anti-Snap Locks, so you can be sure of a efficient and secure service.
ABS Anti Snap Locks Dewsbury offers a 24/7 Emergency Locksmith Service in Dewsbury and surrounding areas.


At ShopandModel.com you will find glamorous products through our extensive range of fashion accessories such as buckle bracelets, cuff bracelets, hair accessories for women, clip on hair extensions, false eyelashes and many more. Our fashion accessories are perfect for individuals seeking to complete their cute outfits. You'll find fashionable, durable, and affordable products at ShopandModel.com that will surely accentuate your look.
ShopandModel.com with its dedicated team of passionate fashion experts brings the trendiest products to customers who want to stay current with the latest trends in the fashion industry. Choose from various fashion jewelry and accessories that will compliment your red dress, and don't forget to consider utilizing fake eyelashes and clip in hair extensions that can absolutely enhance your natural beauty.
Our distribution office is based out of Burnaby, B.C., Canada. We deliver unique lifestyle products to customers in Canada and USA. Shopping is easy at ShopandModel.com, within a few clicks our customers can receive fun and trendy products at their doorsteps.
Why should you try ShopandModel.com?
We guarantee to have unique fashion accessories at affordable prices.
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We offer free shipping on orders over $75. Expect your products to arrive within 10 business days.
If you need some fashion advice, or learn some of the latest fashion trends, feel free to visit our fashion blog www.ModelandShop.com loaded with features and articles from fashion advice, fashion police to fashion icons.
Currently, ShopandModel.com features a selection of products including women's fashion accessories, clip on hair extensions, false eyelashes, rings, necklaces, bracelets and headbands. In the future, we expect to further expand our product selection.


How can I make paint stick to my castings?
You've made the perfect mold and have just poured Smooth-Cast liquid plastic into the mold to make a reproduction. The plastic cures, and you demold the piece to reveal a casting that looks exactly like the original. Your next step is to paint the casting for outdoor display, but when you try to apply the paint, it beads up on the casting surface and won't stick.
Urethane plastics can be hard to paint, and there are a number of variables that can affect the outcome. Using a release agent to release the casting from the mold, for example, makes painting a casting almost impossible. Removing release agent from the casting surface can be difficult and is another labor step.
If you are using a urethane rubber mold and casting urethane resin, you must use a release agent to facilitate demold. Using a silicone rubber mold without release agent limits the production life of the mold by 1/2 if you are casting urethane resin.
There are a couple of ways to get the benefits of using a release agent and still have a casting ready for painting following demold.
Prior to casting the resin, Ease Release 200 is applied to the mold followed by a powder coating of Ure-Fil 7.
An air hose is used to blow any excess powder from the mold. The urethane resin is then cast into the mold.
The casting comes out of the mold with a dry, matte finish. An auto body primer is applied, followed by an acrylic paint and finally an acrylic sealer. The major advantage to powder coating is that there is no release agent to remove when the casting comes out of the mold. Models can be immediately primed and painted.
Following the application of a release agent, an auto body primer is applied to the mold cavity. Casting resin is then mixed and poured or sprayed. The auto body primer bonds to the casting's surface and comes out of the mold ready for painting.


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Blog: Financial Services
Posted: 29 Nov. 2021 5 min. read
COVID-19 Business Interruption Insurance
Enhancing brand reputation and customer experience in an uncertain environment
Ella White Kaise Stephan
In June 2021, the High Court upheld the NSW Court of Appeal's decision for the first COVID-19 business interruption (BI) test case, which prevented the insurers from denying liability on the basis of a reference to the repealed Quarantine Act 1908 in many of the BI policies. This was considered a significant win for policyholders.
Following the outcome of the first test case, the much anticipated primary decision regarding the second BI test case was handed down by Jagot J of the Federal Court of Australia on 8 October 2021.
Second BI Test Case
The second test case relates to business interruption claims submitted by various small businesses. Each of the insurers had declined the claims, which led to the disputes being lodged with the Australia Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) and subsequently the proceedings in the Federal Court. The second test case focused on insurance policy definitions including:
Disease and disease outbreak;
Impact of government mandates; and
Potential claims adjustments (e.g. whether JobKeeper payments would reduce loss claims).
In the second test case, it was identified that the relevant provisions of the insurers' BI policies fell within four classes:
Hybrid clauses
Infectious disease clauses
Prevention of access clauses
Catastrophe clause
Unlike the first BI test case, the primary judgement for second test case largely went in favour of the insurers. A few considerations which limited the coverage of BI policies include:
Unlike the UK, the Australian governments' restrictions were considered to be generally as a result of the "risk" of COVID-19 outbreak instead of actual outbreaks;
Reference to "Damage" in the relevant prevention of access clauses would not cover damage as a result of infectious human diseases like COVID-19;
Reference to "Catastrophe" in the relevant catastrophe clauses would not cover infectious human diseases such as COVID-19.
Nevertheless, the second test case decision suggests that some policyholders may still be eligible to claims, e.g. under the quasi-hybrid and infectious disease clauses, if the necessary factual circumstances could be proven.
As expected, the decision by the Federal Court was appealed, and the hearing by the Full Court of the Federal Court concluded on 12 November 2021.
The ICA hopes for the matter to be concluded by the end of 2021. However, there may be a special leave application for a High Court appeal following the Full Court of Federal Court's decision, which may further delay the final outcome.
So what does this mean for insurers, brokers and their customers?
Whilst the initial outcome is an important step to closing out the coverage issues, until the court outcome is finalised, there continues to be a level of uncertainty in the industry. Actuarial reserving estimates are unlikely to fully reflect the second test case outcomes until after there is clarity of the appeals outcomes.
From an operational perspective, industry insights from the UK continue to show that insurers that prepare ahead of time will fare the best at "crunch time", when policyholders or their brokers begin to lodge claims.
Prepare and Protect: Enhance brand reputation and customer experience through claims readiness
Further to our previous blog, below are some of the more specific considerations for insurers to address to navigate through the uncertainties while the final court outcome is still pending. We have taken the view that these considerations can result in insurer brand and trust enhancing experiences with their policyholders.
1) Cost of processing claims versus cost of payouts
We are of the view that if the court case outcomes for the second test case remain unchanged upon appeal, that there may still be a number of claims lodged. These claims are likely to have a higher proportion of declines and the claims payouts will have a significantly lower average value.
This puts insurers in the potential position that we have seen play out in the UK, where insurers that do not put in place appropriate BI processing solutions will experience cost of processing BI claims levels that are relatively high when compared to the value of claims payments.
To avoid this, insurers should begin to consider the different potential claim lodgement scenarios and volumes of eligible claims under their BI policies should the court decisions remain or change (whether for or against the policyholders). These assumptions could then inform the design and implementation of effective and cost efficient claims management frameworks and processing solutions that will cope with volume of lodgements (whether accepted or declined).
Effective claims management frameworks and solutions may include:
Automated tools to accelerate the assessment of claims eligibility and risk profiling; and
Risk based decisioning linked to calculation and payment tools to auto-process claims.
The frameworks and associated infrastructure should aim to reduce the handling of any manual processes and tasks and to alleviate the time and resources required to process, assess and respond to claimants in accordance with regulatory guidelines. This will allow insurers to build trust with customers and regulators, even during difficult times.
2) Putting customers first and maintaining important customer relationships
For most policyholders, the claims process will define their experience with an insurer and influence whether or not they choose to renew their policy. Therefore, we note insurers plans to proactively communicate with policyholders with clear and helpful information to guide policyholders regarding their claim eligibility and claim requirements prior to claims lodgment. These key activities will enable the insurers to:
Build trust with policyholders;
Manage expectations;
Reduce the volume of ineligible claims lodgements; and
Reduce the time and effort required to seek further information from claimants.
After claims lodgments, claims outcome letters should clearly explain why claims were accepted or declined. Studies have shown that policyholders are more likely to be happy with an outcome, even if it isn't an outcome that they originally wanted, when they are provided with enough detail to understand the reasoning behind a decision.
As we have seen in the UK and South Africa insurance markets, some insurers have taken a different approach to offer affected policyholders with relief payments or early settlement agreements. This can be difficult where loss quantification is unavailable but may avoid the time and effort for a lengthy claims and dispute resolution process.
3) Prepare to scale for complaints
Complaints are to be expected, especially when we consider that there is limited cover available for policyholders under the current court outcome. An efficient dispute resolution process will be one that assigns value to these complaints, and which recognises that there may be multiple reasons why the issue has been escalated.
To ensure that complaints are handled consistently, fairly and within expected timeframes, insurers should also:
Have clear escalation and approval processes in relation to the BI claims;
Enable appropriate and scalable resourcing to handle complaints;
Establish a consistent approach and framework to manage the claims with any third parties;
Establish a consistent approach and framework to handle complaints.
4) Reputation is key
Whether or not the court outcomes change, insurers must recognise that this last 18 months has been challenging for most small businesses, some of which may now be insolvent or experiencing financial hardships due to the effects of COVID-19. Insurers will also be responsible for adherence to the updated General Insurance Code of Practice, and will need to consider this, along with other reformative changes as part of their claims management process.
Accordingly, now more than ever, insurers should act with utmost good faith, and the winners will be those who can achieve quick, clear, communicative and consistent claims processing. Regardless of the court outcomes, this is a great opportunity for insurers to build social credibility by taking the lead to engage and communicate with policyholders proactively.
The COVID-19 BI developments have ultimately been an industry wakeup call, with the adequacy of insurance risk management being a target of recent regulatory reviews. This will bring additional challenges to insurers, after an already extended period of reform, who will need to be ready to change focus when the time comes. However, this may also be the prime opportunity for insurers who can proactively navigate through the challenges to distinguish themselves as industry leaders and reap the benefit of expediting their claims handling process through anticipation, preparation, and clear communication.
At Deloitte, we have the global experience and expertise to help organisations design and implement efficient and compliant solutions to uplift claims handling processes. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss how we may assist you.
Ella White
Partner, Audit & Assurance
ellawhite@deloitte.com.au
Ella specialises in leading large-scale operations in our Managed Services business. She has over a decade of experience in leading complex programs of work underpinned by digital platforms. More recently her technical focus has been on the integration of machine learning and automation into operational environments in the Financial Services sector.
Kaise Stephan
Partner, Consulting
kstephan@deloitte.com.au
Kaise is a Partner in Consulting and advises general insurers and reinsurers on a range of matters covering Board and Management insurance reserving advice, corporate strategy, reinsurance programs, claims and capital management, pricing advice on large/complex deals and Appointed Actuary and External Peer Reviewing roles. Kaise's international experience covers the Australian, New Zealand, South East Asian and European insurance markets.
More about the authors
Mandy Lim
Manager, Audit & Assurance
manlim@deloitte.com.au
Mandy is a Manager in our Managed Services business and has extensive experience managing and delivering large scale review in response to financial services investigations, commercial disputes and international regulatory investigations. She is admitted as a lawyer and has previous experience practising in the areas of insurance, litigation, commercial law, and in the alternative legal services space. Her recent focus is on leading and facilitating the integration of technical advisory and innovative technological tools into operational environments across business sectors.
Senior Analyst, Audit & Assurance
hwebb@deloitte.com.au
Holly is a Senior Analyst in the Governance, Regulation and Conduct practice based in Sydney. She specialises in supporting clients across the insurance sector with dispute resolution and focusses on preventative conduct and promoting good customer outcomes.
Humanising the Cloud - Consulting Blog | Deloitte Australia
Creating a culture that is intertwined with digital technology is the challenges faced by many organisations to unlock transformative business outcomes. However, the right organisational design and operating rhythms are pivotal in connecting this intent with tangible outcomes.
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Q: How to compare user passwords for login with this code? I have some code here for a login system, that is purely or learning purposes, created with some major help from the great people of stackoverflow, and i was told not to store the salt and the hash seperate, but rather, together. I am wondering how I am going to compare the passwords when the user tries to login. if the salt is not stored, how can i compare the two. Can anyone help?
require("constants.php");
$DBH = new mysqli($dbhost, $dbuser, $dbpass, $dbname);

function createSalt() {
    $length = mt_rand(64, 128);
    $salt = '';
    for ($i = 0; $i < $length; $i++) {
        $salt .= chr(mt_rand(33, 255));
    }
    return $salt;
}
//Salt function created by ircmaxell

function registerNewUser() {
    //Check to see if     Username Is In Use//
    $q = $DBH->prepare("SELECT id FROM users WHERE username = ?");
    $username = filter_var($username, FILTER_SANITIZE_STRING);
    $data = array($username);
    $q->execute($data);
    $row = $q->fetch();

    if ($row === false) {
        //If Username Is Not Already In Use Insert Data//
        $hash = hash('sha256', $pass);
        $salt = createSalt();
        $hash = hash('sha256', $salt . $hash . $pass);  //UPDATED
        $data = array($username, $hash, $salt);
        $qInsert = $DBH->prepare(
            "INSERT INTO users (username, password, salt) values (?, ?, ?)"
        );
        $qInsert->execute($data); //Inserts User Data Into Table//
    }
}

A: You have to query your database to retrieve the user row (if any), get the salt and use the same algorithm over the password provided by the user. If both hashes matches the user provided a good password.
doing some code it would make something like this:
$qSelect = $DBH->prepare('SELECT salt,password FROM users WHERE username = ?');
$qSelect->execute();
$qSelect->bind_result($salt, $db_password);
$qSelect->fetch();

if($salt == null){
  // username doesn't exist
  return;
}

$hash = hash('sha256', $pass);
$hash = hash('sha256', $salt . $hash . $pass);
if($hash == $db_password){
   // login ok
} else {
   // login nok
}

A: Do the same work:
$hash = hash('sha256', $row['salt'] . hash('sha256', $pass) . $pass);
if ($row['password'] == $hash) {
    // the password is correct
}

Where $row has been taken from the database according to the username, and $pass is the password retrieved from the form.
Also, it is pointless to include password in the hash twice: hashed and plain text one
$hash = hash('sha256', $salt . $pass); // this would be enough

A: Issues:
1) Your method for creating a password hash of the hash+salt is non-traditional.  This isn't strictly an issue, it just isn't what it seemed like you wanted.  zerkms made this point pretty clearly.
2) Your database insert requires either that username is a unique column and is missing some exception handling, or it is vulnerable to a race that will result in multiple users with the same username and different passwords (and different IDs if that is a key)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Even though the general election presidential contest between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump hasn't officially started, it's impossible to label the race as a toss-up.
Donald Trump is the GOP Nominee. Now What?


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text:
Congress releases 2019 LS election manifesto; Here's what it promises
April 2, 2019 by rasia
New Delhi: The Congress on Tuesday released a 53-page manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections promising good governance, freedom from indebtedness to farmers, protecting existing jobs while creating new ones and implementing anti-corruption laws without bias.
Divided into 'Kaam' – employment and growth, 'Daam' – economy that works for all, 'Shaan' – pride in India's hard and soft power, 'Sushashan' – good governance, 'Swabhimaan' – self-esteem for the deprived and 'Samman' – life of dignity for all, the manifesto was released by Congress President Rahul Gandhi, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the presence of senior party leaders.
The Congress promised to launch MGNREGA 3.0 to address issues of water security, soil quality and similar issues that aggravate farmers' distress.
"To this end, we will increase the guaranteed days of employment up to 150 days in cases where 100 days have been achieved in a block/district; and use MGNREGA labour in the Waterbodies Restoration Mission and the Wasteland Regeneration Mission," the manifesto said.
It pledged to give the highest priority to protecting existing jobs and creating new ones.
The party promised a loan waiver across the country for farmers.
"Through a combination of remunerative prices, lower input costs and assured access to institutional credit, we will set our (farmers) on the path to 'Karz Mukti' or freedom from indebtedness."
The Congress will provide a Minimum Income Support Programme (MISP) or Nyuntam Aay Yojana (NYAY) under which Rs 72,000 a year will be transferred to the poorest 20 per cent families in India.
The party promised anti-corruption laws "without discrimination".
It said a Congress government will investigate several deals entered into by the Modi government, in particular the Rafale deal. It will also probe the circumstances under which scamsters were allowed to leave the country.
The party promised a new Ministry of Industry, Services and Employment.
It said that it will work to improve the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, including reviewing the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and the Disturbed Areas Act in J&K.
The manifesto promised safety and a right to study or do business anywhere in the country to the students, traders and others from Jammu and Kashmir, saying the party is "deeply concerned about the cases of discrimination and harassment" faced by these people.
"We will adopt a two-pronged approach: firstly, uncompromising firmness on the border and ending infiltration; and secondly, absolute fairness in dealing with the demands of the people and winning their hearts and minds," the manifesto read.
For North East states, the party promised to restore the special category status and industrial policy.
The Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases between April 11 and May 19.
Speaking at the event, P. Chidambaram, who chaired the Congress Manifesto Committee, said the manifesto "addresses the interests of farmers, industry, Dalits, minorities, workers, women".
The Congress manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections released on Tuesday aims to focus on "a forward looking economy" and spells out how to get rid of chronic poverty, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said.
"The manifesto's purpose is to focus to move towards a forward looking economy. All would like India to be a prosperous country, a country where prosperity and productivity go together," he told the media here.
Manmohan Singh said the Congress aim was to build "a strong, purposeful and modern market economy.
Here are the top promises made by the Congress in its manifesto named 'Congress Will Deliver':
Promising to fill 22 lakh government vacancies by March 2020, Congress has decided to increase job guarantee under the MGNREGA scheme from 100 days to 150 days. 10 lakh youth will get jobs in gram panchayats.
It has also promised to have a separate Budget for farmers, in line with the Railways.
Youngsters can set up any business and will not have to take any permission for the first three years.
Rolling out the Nyuntam Aay Yojana (NYAY) scheme, the party promised that Rs 72,000 would be deposited in bank accounts of the women belonging to poor families, annually.
The party pledged to earmark 6 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for education.
Giving much relief to farmers, Congress announced that Farmers' loan default will not be considered 'criminal offence'.
Regarding Kashmir, the party announced to review the deployment of armed forces and Armed Forces (Special Powers) Acts (AFSPA). It has also promised to appoint three Interlocutors.
Assuring focus on the fact that even the poorest will have access to high-quality health treatment, the manifesto promised to establish a strong public healthcare system.
The manifesto promises to review and replace the current Goods and Services Tax (GST) with 'GST 2.0'. GST 2.0 will be based on a single and standard tax rate on all goods and services. It stated that the single tax rate will be revenue neutral to the current indirect tax revenue of the Centre and the state governments. It added that the 'GST 2.0' regime will levy a special rate of duty on demerit goods.
The party also promises immediate withdrawal of the Citizenship Amendment Bill introduced by the BJP-led government against the wishes of the people of the Northeast. It gave assurance that no citizen of India is denied inclusion in the final National Register of Citizens.
Reiterating its promise, the party pledged to introduce 33 per cent reservation for women in government jobs.
Other promises made in the manifesto include scrapping of NITI Aayog, safeguarding minority status of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and constitutional status of National Commission for Women (NCW).
With inputs from IANS
Categories Election 2019, Top Stories Tags Congress, manifesto Post navigation
PM Modi slams Omar Abdullah over separate 'Kashmir PM' remark
Huawei set to launch P30 series in India next week


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Our last-minute Christmas Platter may bring you lustre and a good cheer for the upcoming holidays!


For over 100 years, BB young people have been achieving the Brigade's highest award, The Queen's Badge (formerly King's Badge), and since 1968, the President's Badge.
Whilst these are long-established, there are some Companies which are offering the awards for the first time, or perhaps following a considerable time without any young people achieving them.
Many Companies have operated the programme based awards up to and including President's & Queen's Badges, but not everyone goes on to gain our highest awards. If you're a new Company or haven't had anyone work towards these awards for a while, then we hope that this article will help you consider how you could get your young people going on to achieve these awards.
Although awarded from year 4 in the Discover Programme, the President's Badge can still be gained through the Challenge Plus Programme.
If you're not sure about what courses are available, or what the requirements are, there is more information available from your Battalion or Regional HQ.
Often seen as a pathway to Queen's Badge, the President's Badge is, itself, a very significant achievement for a young person.
For many BB young people, the award marks a real milestone and offers a snapshot of the wider organisation. Participants have the opportunity to participate in activities with BB members from other Companies as well as volunteering their own time in aid of Company and Church.
Most of the work required for the award can actually be done in a Company setting as part of the Discover Programme, or by gaining The Bronze DofE Award. However, the pathway to the award also requires a non-residential team work experience, such as a Building your Skills course (usually held at Battalion level), faith development and also a minimum of ten hours volunteering in the Company or Church. Also, the young person should take part in an activity-based residential, such as BB camp.
The Boys' Brigade's highest youth award is regarded by many former members as the highlight of their time in the BB. It aims to challenge young people individually to fulfill their goals, talents and ability to help others. The award also gives participants opportunities to develop their faith, build friendships with other BB young people and provide pathways for leadership. Before the Queen's Badge journey gets underway, young people (and leaders) need to reflect on the rewards on offer, but also to consider the commitment and possible sacrifices involved.
Once there has been time to digest the Queen's Badge Record Book, it's important to arrange the Candidate's Meeting with your local Queen's Badge Advisor - and importantly - with a Company Mentor. These two individuals are really important points of contact for the young person throughout the Queen's Badge journey.
The Company Mentor doesn't necessarily need to be the Captain or Leader in Charge. Sometimes it's worth delegating this task to a young leader who's had recent experience of the process.
It's important to note that the Queen's Badge Record Book is really helpful in getting young people going. It provides them with lots of information, and it's theirs to keep.
Timing is important in the planning stages. Work on the award is best carried out over two sessions and the key courses that candidates are required to attend (Skills-Based Training and the Completion Residential) must have a six-month gap between them.
Deciding on the best activities to choose will normally be based on local options, but don't be afraid to go on a wider path. The Queen's Badge can run in conjunction with The Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
If possible use Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic, Time-related criteria.
E.g. Over the next six months I will improve my golf through additional practice and participation in monthly medals. I want to reduce my handicap from 12.6 to 8.6 during this period.
While all the work is going on it's important to record what's been happening in the Queen's Badge record book. It's better to do this throughout the process and should detail what's been achieved and give the Company Mentor and Queen's Badge Advisor an idea where additional support is needed.
The Queen's Badge Record book is the most common method to recording, but candidates may choose an alternative, such as blog or vlog. The most important aspect is that the candidate's planning, experiences and work is recorded in some fashion.
Reporting for this section should include what has been agreed with leaders in the relevant section. Queen's Badge candidates should be learning from leaders in these sections and, importantly, using some of the skills learnt at the skills-based training courses.
The key words are responsibility and within, they shouldn't just turn up and watch from the side lines but get involved in the planning, delivery and review of the activity that they do.
Coach, teach and lead at an external organisation.
If the young people are struggling to get opportunities for this section, arrange to gather the young people together from your area who are completing their Queen's Badge. They could then devise a project that addresses a need in your community.
If it's possible, consider combining the Queen's Badge work with The Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Activities carried out for one can count towards the other - the main addition is the Expedition Section which is compulsory in the DofE Award.
You may already be offering this as part of your Company programme, but if not, consider pairing up with another local group to widen the possibilities for your young people. There may even be a Battalion centre where members from multiple Companies can join together to participate in the expedition work.
Euan Walker has been a member of the 7th East Kilbride Company for the past 13 years and achieved the Queen's Badge in 2016. Following the Queen's Badge experience, Euan has now embarked on the KGVI youth leadership course.
Euan worked his way through the Company, achieving the President's Badge with the ultimate aim of gaining the Queen's Badge.
He decided that he would volunteer with Cancer Research UK as this is a cause which means a great deal to Euan, devoting a total of 50 hours.
Already a guitar player, Euan decided he wanted to learn how to also play the ukulele for the Skills section of the award. Thanks to the encouragement of the Queen's Badge, he's now been playing the instrument for two years and even performed a concert to over 200 people!
Taking responsibility in the Company and Church, Euan opted to work with the Company Section. Thanks to his expertise in compass and map work, Euan helped younger members to prepare for the challenge of the Kilbryde Hike.
In summer this year, Euan will spend several weeks volunteering in Ecuador, something he says wouldn't be possible without the confidence he's built up through the Queen's Badge and KGVI.
Euan has also been able to get involved in Scotland-wide events, such as the Strive young leaders' event.
The final requirement before you can apply for the award is the Completion Residential event, which is usually organised by Battalions or Area Groups. Taking place over a weekend, the course provides the young people attending an opportunity to share experiences, reflect, evaluate and celebrate achievements.


The season is here and if you're anything like us, you haven't planned for the big holiday party next week! Don't worry, Georgetown has everything you need to look your best and impress that special someone.
We all like showing up in a brand new dress to every event, but with multiple parties during the month, it gets expensive. Rent the Runway on M street offers a solution. You can rent designer dresses for a fraction of the retail price. The store has well known designers like Badgley Mischka, Jill Scott and Monique Lhuillier. You can even order two sizes to see which one fits best. We love this $695 dress that you can rent for 3 days for just $75.
If you are looking to add to your personal collection, we suggest checking out the Karen Millen shop on Wisconsin Avenue. The London designer has sleek, vibrant styles that you can wear again and again.
For a simple, yet elegant look try a blow out from the Dry Bar. They can make even the curliest hair smooth and shiny for the big party. What's even better, they offer you champagne while you're getting your hair done to relax and enjoy the treatment in their bright, open salon. It can get crowded on weekends, so make sure to book your appointment ahead of time.
For a more involved up-do, check out David Rios Salon on Wisconsin Avenue. All of the stylists come highly recommended and can give you exactly what you're looking for. The salon is elegant and modern with rich mahogany walls and wood floors that make you feel truly at home.
Conveniently located near the Graham, Sephora offers free makeup consultations when you make a purchase. Spend $50 and get a 45-min personalized look that highlights your color pallette and best attributes. You also have the option of a quick 15-minute session if you just need help with your smokey eyes or sultry lips.
Next door to Sephora, Blue Mercury also offers one-on-one makeovers with a minimum purchase of $90. They have some of our favorite brands like NARS, Bobbi Brown, and Eyeko.
With your hair and makeup done and the perfect dress bought, it's time for the icing on the cake. For cute clutches and all types of jewelry, head to Lou Lou's on Wisconsin Avenue. This store has everything from simple, delicate rings to statement necklaces and you're guaranteed to find the perfect pieces to round out your look. Now, all you have left to do, is sit back and enjoy the party!


A while back (as in two years ago), when I wrote about our trip to Chicago, I mentioned my and Steven's bucket lists, but I didn't share them.
It's true that once upon a time we sat down and wrote one together. However, in the two years and two moves since, I have no idea where it is at. So I've decided to write a new one.
It's such a blog cliche. The whole bucket list thing. Just like the "year-in-reviews" at the end of each year. But whatever. I happen to love both of those things.
I've given this a lot of thought, but I'm sure it will change. It would be fun to revisit this every few years and make adjustments. That's probably not really the point. But I'm also a bit of a different person than I was five years ago. And I'll probably be a bit of a different person five years from now. I'm sure a lot of this list will stay the same. But some of it will probably change.
So, in no particular order, I present MAH BUCKET LIST, YO.
Become a real wine drinker. Like, know about wines.
Forgive someone who has hurt me in the past — let go of that grudge!
There you have it! What's on your bucket list?
Love this list, Erin! If I were to write out a bucket list of my own, I'm sure we'd have a lot of overlap. I am, of course, most excited about the first item on your list. Yay for writing books! Do you know what genre? (Fiction/nonfiction, adult/YA, literary/commercial) You have such a great voice, so I can't wait to see what you do!
Hey girl! Yeah I knew you would like that. In all honestly I don't really know. It's going to be a looooong time coming. At this point I'm thinking nonfiction, but it's gonna be a while before I really have solid ideas. How is your writing coming?!
That's so awesome! I think you'll have a great platform for nonfiction. If you ever need someone to bounce ideas around with, just let me know. Sometimes talking things out really helps me figure out what I want to do next, or get unstuck.
My writing is going really well–I actually have a finished novel in a writing contest right now. I've gotten feedback from a published YA author, revised based on that, and the first week of November my pitch and first page will be posted for the agent round of the contest. Hopefully some of the participating agents will want to read more and maybe represent me, but if not I'm planning to start the query process once the contest is done. It's all very surreal.


Backyard Springtime Nature at Night.
More firefly trails shot from my backdoor. It was a bit warmer out. With the Nikon D5 and 200 mm f/2 lens I moved the focus a bit closer to the camera so the flashes at a distance had more Bokah.


text:
Pots were people in Bronze Age southern Central Asia too
New archaeological evidence of potentially significant Bronze Age migrations from the Eurasian steppe into present-day southern Turkmenistan is coming to light thanks to the Archaeological Map of the Murghab Delta (AMMD) project. The new findings are discussed in a paper in Quaternary International available here or here. From the paper:
Adding to the number of questions was the fact that the AMMD project also recorded hundreds of small campsites, particularly in the northern distal reaches of the fan, that bore ceramics [my note: called Incised Coarse Ware or steppe ware] unlike those of other Murghab communities, but with unmistakable affinities to the so-called Andronovo cultural group occupying regions to the north and east during this same period (Cattani, 2008; Cattani et al., 2008; Cerasetti, 2008, 2012). These campsites are interpreted as representing the influx of a new socio-cultural group of mobile pastoralists who began to occupy first more remote areas and gradually move toward more physical and subsistence integration with settled farming groups in the Murghab (Cerasetti et al., in press; see also; Rouse and Cerasetti, 2014). However, the question of whether such encounters upset a careful ecological balance struck by Murghab farming settlements for over a millennium, or whether they were merely coincidental with environmental changes, could not be sufficiently addressed with the coarseness of survey data; targeted research agendas were (and are) still needed to address such questions specifically. Nonetheless, up to this point, it is clear that at the end of the Bronze Age, major social, demographic, and environmental changes were coinciding.
Southern Turkmenistan is, of course, not too far away from South Asia, which was also potentially a target of large scale Bronze Age migrations from the Eurasian steppe that may have brought Indo-European languages to the region. Archaeological evidence of such population movements into South Asia is, for now, apparently minimal or, as some claim, even non-existent. However, ancient DNA evidence in favor of the so called Aryan Invasion or Migration Theory (AIT/AMT) is rapidly building up (see here). By the way, if you're wondering about the title of this post then this might help: "Kossinna's Smile" (Heyd, 2017).
Rousea and Cerasetti, Micro-dynamics and macro-patterns: Exploring new archaeological data for the late Holocene human-water relationship in the Murghab alluvial fan, Turkmenistan, Quaternary International, Volume 437, Part B, 5 May 2017, Pages 20-34, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quaint.2015.12.021
Descendants of ancient European (fair?) maidens in Central Asia's highlands
Swat Valley "early Indo-Aryans" at the lab
Awesome work.
Really begins to clarify the situation of late BMAC, based on Murghab sector at least.
Some points;
- the presence of pastoral communities has greater confirmation. They appear as temporary campsites, marked by a pastoral economic profile, and "Incised wares" similar to Andronovo ceramics, which begin to appear toward the latter phases of BMAC.
- in other work, the author describes describes this as an infiltration of pastoral communities, which interacted with the 'settled farmers' of BMAC in special circumstances and at special sites (i.e. of a late BMAC - ICW character).
- this seems to correspond with ecological and fluvial changes in the region, although cause and effect are not clear at present.
- a large section discusses about the relationship of various sites to water sources. The major difference is between all BMAC period sites vs the later Iron Age (=Yaz I) sites, but within the BMAC period there is some discernible difference in behaviour between ICW and BMAC site locations
- with the change to Iron Age, a completely new settlement system emerges - more decentralised and dispersed. Both ICW and the classic BMAC settlements disappear, but it seems the new settlement system must have been affected by the impact of these pastoralists, as it introduces new crops (eg Millet) which are more sturdy and allows sites to be located further away from water sources, and overall, social systems are more about controlling territory and production rather than elite display symbols of old.
In essence, this article and others of similar recent, make a strong case for arrival of Andronovo pastoralists into BMAC, the former 'obscure infiltration can now be better described. After initial co-existence, the entire system appears to change, and a new syncretic one emerges. Also, the new sites of the Iron Age are located further south c.f. Bronze Age ones.
That much is clear. But what does this mean for Swat valley / Indus ??
Rami said...
Your obsession is something else lol. Those settlements in Turkmenistan are all Iranic, as they are derived from Sintashta which is clearly Iranic. This is old news in fact, Victor Sarianidi devoted his life on this. This does not really explain the obscure Indo Aryan angle, as those groups seem to be Yamnaya/Afanseivo like. The interactions between the BMAC and Sintashta gives rise to the Yaz culture.
Nothing . I expect aDNA will show good indications . Andronovo were in all likelihood proto-Scythians .
After the aridification around ~2000 BC, people migrated in most parts of Eurasia.
EastPole said...
@Rami
"Those settlements in Turkmenistan are all Iranic, as they are derived from Sintashta which is clearly Iranic."
Where and when did Indo-Iranians originate if Sintashta was Iranic?
Singh said...
@EastPole
Based on what auDNA pattern in South Asians, it's possible that Proto-Indo-Iranians were probably Steppe EMBA-like, that is Afanseivo/Yamnaya-like.
First Wave : Indo-Aryans split from Indo-Iranians in steppes. Indo-Aryans show affinity towards Yamnaya/Afanseivo-like groups.
Second Wave : Iranics continue to live in the steppes, arriving later, as admixed group between Yamna/Afanse and Sintashta/Androvo. Iranians show genetic affinity towards Sintashta/Andronov-groups unlike Indo-Aryans.
We know that in Eastern Europe, Iranics assimilated with Proto-Slavic, which means Iranics continued to live in steppes for long time unlike Indo-Aryans who left the steppes very early.
Mariusz (2002) "In Eastern Europe, the Iranians were eventually decisively assimilated (e.g. Slavicisation) and absorbed by the Proto-Slavic population of the region"
@ Singh
"We know that in Eastern Europe, Iranics assimilated with Proto-Slavic, which means Iranics continued to live in steppes for long time unlike Indo-Aryans who left the steppes very early. "
Any absorption was rather minimal, probably because iranics had largely disappeared from western steppe and Balkans by the time of (most recent) Slavic expansion.
There aren't any Iranic\ Sarmartian lineages which can be seen to be in the set which expanded with Slavs.
So it seems the 2 groups did live adjacently for a long time, but the absorption / end of Iranics in fhe west and subsequent expansion of Slavs just missed each other ( by a matter of 50-100 years.)
velvetgunther said...
"So it seems the 2 groups did live adjacently for a long time, but the absorption / end of Iranics in fhe west and subsequent expansion of Slavs just missed each other ( by a matter of 50-100 years.)"
Any idea what might have caused the absorption/end of the Iranics in the west if the Slavs or proto-Slavs had no role to play in it?
@Singh
Which language is closer to Slavic: Vedic Sanskrit, Avestan or Indo-Iranian?
I might have mentioned this before but I think the comment couldn't get through. It seems it is now David's turn to be quoted in an Indian magazine:
http://www.caravanmagazine.in/perspectives/vedic-people-new-dna-evidence-india-history
Well it's nice to have an impact.
Everything's building up to a massive crescendo, so hopefully the new Harvard paper on South Asia isn't delayed. :P
jv said...
MtDNA H6 was found in the Andronovo Culture & H6a1b the Okunev Culture. So maybe she migrated east down the PC Steppe following yDNA R1a. MtDNA lineages in India are indigenous to the area. For my own research, I would like to know just how far.....east & south ( autocorrect ugh!) MtDNA H6a migrated. Certainly seems like MtDNA H6a followed yDNA R1a migrations. Just not to India.
Vara said...
"First Wave : Indo-Aryans split from Indo-Iranians in steppes. Indo-Aryans show affinity towards Yamnaya/Afanseivo-like groups."
The split couldn't have happened anywhere north of BMAC according to linguistics. For example, both share the same word for camels which is 'ushtra' and camels did not reach the rest of CA and the steppes till the 11th century BCE.
@Nirjhar007
" Andronovo were in all likelihood proto-Scythians ."
How old is Proto-Indo-Iranian then? 4k BCE as Nichols proposed?
@ VelvetGunther
"Any idea what might have caused the absorption/end of the Iranics in the west if the Slavs or proto-Slavs had no role to play in it?"
Just from top of my head, the Sarmatian Era is the last phase of autonomous Iranic presence in E.E. It lasted will into the late 5th century. They had become the pre-eminent group in the western steppe after the demise of Scythians c. 3rd century BC, and by turn of Era, the Iazygi had settled the Pannonian plain. But they were rather cut off from the bulk of their kin back in Ukraine, often unfairly treated by the Romans, warred upon by Constantius, used as cannon fodder, and some eventualy settled within the Empire. etc but persisted in settlements near the Banat till 5th century.
The main Bulk in Ukraine were attenuated by the arrival of Goths, who converted the Ukraine steppe from a zone of nomadic tumuli to one one of numerous agricultural villages, although it seems they did not kick out the Sarmatians, but incorporated many. The second and more significant event was the arrival of the Huns, which led to a lot of translocation and disturbances, and the western-most Sarmatians were getting squeezed out by Goths fleeing Huns, making many Sarmatians to seek further reception inside the Empire. The Alans on the Don became the major auxiliaries of the Huns.
After the death of Attila, and civil war within his former realm, the new groups like Goths and Gepids became supreme in West Balkans/ Pannonia, whilst the steppe now became the domain of Hunno-Bulgar tribes. Some Alans obviously moved west to Iberia with vandals and Sueves, whilst other remained east of the Don, and moved to the Caucasus. The last names Sarmatian-sounding tribelets and rulers around the Balkans is also c. late 5th century, after which the entire middle -lower Danube frontier was the domain of Germanic merceneries (Rugii, Gepids, Goths,).
The SLavs really began to expand into Balkans and further west toward central Europe after 550 AD, so their role in the final tumults of Sarmatians was rather minimal.
postneo said...
@ east pole
There is no language called indo-Iranian
There is Vedic and avestan ( less preserved and small samples) co-eval with late Vedic. Pre Avestan is not preserved. Slavic is recent so I doubt its relationship with Iranian vs Indic can be reliably discerned.
@David if pots are people then there should be a massive trail of incised ware from Turkmenistan to India rather than NBP, OCP or B&R ware post BMAC.
Atriðr said...
Sanskrit is closer (to the Slavic). Sanskrit is particularly close to Russian and Lithuanian (Baltic)... but particularly to Russian, more than is published.
Thanks for the detailed explanation.
According to Eupedia maps, there is Z93 in Moldova and Crimea. Not extreme but noticeable.
@ Kony
Yes, there's some Z93 throughout east Europe, even apparently some rather basal clades.
It would be the task of future work - if feasible - to place it into stratigraphy.
Eg that in mainland Ukraine might truly represent some Andronovan ancestors. That in Crimea might be a younger, Turkic clade. Then you have Ashkenazi clusters, Roma clusters, etc, etc
In terms of vocabulary choice: Classical Sanskrit and New Indo-Aryan languages are closer to Russian, but Vedic looks closer to Lithuanian.
In terms of Grammar: Sanskrit and Russian are close.
In terms of phonology: Vedic & Sanskrit with Lithuanian
In terms of phonological correspondences: Vedic & Sanskrit with Russian.
Also, any MtDna from this? I am beginning to wonder if due to lack of resolution, some 'indigenous SA' mtdna clades were actually BMAC ones. With the Rakhigarhi leak as well, I am inclined to believe the same about Ydna clades.
Pottery started in Japan therefor Indo-European languages are really dialects of Japanese.
batman said...
The basic skills and tools required to burn ceramics, such as pottery, have been found in northern Europe - dated 27.000+ years BP.
What's more - the oldest potshreds found are now from China, dated 20.000 years BP.
So being at it, we better re-define the IE language to include both chineese and japaneese - promting that the IE languages spread during the late Paleolithic, alerady - as a reaction to the prevailing climate-change of the LGM.
I'm sure there's some armchaired logic in that, too. ;-)
The pseudo-steppe theory: last line of defense aga...
The focus turns to the Kazakh steppe
Genetic and archaeological continuity from Khvalyn...
So far so good for the Kurgan hypothesis
A homeland, but not the homeland #2
CHG or no CHG in Bronze Age western Iberia?
The Iron Age Iranian (?)
Pots were people in Bronze Age southern Central As...
Steppe admixture in Mycenaeans, lots of Caucasus a...
A Bronze Age dominion from the Atlantic to the Alt...


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}


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Q: Is there a way to make the terminal show a background with compositing I like using window compositing because it makes all my windows look good and have shadows, however it makes the terminal show through when I have it on. Is there a way to disable window compositing for the terminal or something similar?
What I want:

What I get with compositing on:

A: Open the terminal and right click somewhere in the window. From Profiles select Profile preference. Then go to Background tab and select Background image then choose a picture and click open.

You can also select if you want the picture to scroll or not.


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Born to the Royal family of Phaltan Sansthan, our Chairman Mr. Sanjeevraje is the grandson of the Late Malojiraje Naik Nimbalkar. He completed his education from Pune and from Shivaji University. He attained his bachelor's degree in History where he bagged the gold medal. Sanjeevraje's father, the late Shrimant Shivajiraje Naik Nimbalkar did his B.Sc. in Animal Husbandry from the University of Rhode Island (U.S.A.). The milk co-operative movement in Phaltan could be credited to his father & uncle who stressed to further the traditions which led to the start of Govind Dairy. With this legacy of visionaries, Sanjeevraje has been very active in social and political work. He has worked from the grass root level to understand the pains and problems of the farmers.
Sanjeevraje has been working at many key positions in various organisation.
Presently he is the President of Zilla Parishad, Satara.
Secretary of Phaltan Education Society
Director of Shrimant Malojiraje Co-operative Bank
President of Phaltan Aarogya Mandal-a non-profit trust running a charitable hospital.
Director of Shriram Co-operative Sugar Factory for the past 8 years.
President of Kho – Kho Association.
An avid sports lover of football & hockey
He also served the District Hockey Association as a President
Elected to Zilla Parishad for last 5 terms
Director of Magnesia Chemicals LLP.
Though Govind Milk was founded in the year 1995, the milk business is not new to the Chairman's family. The erstwhile princely state had a privately run dairy farm which had over 300 cattle including breeds like Sahiwal, Gir, Hariyanvi to name a few.


Ready for the New Week?
Happy Sunday Y'all! I hope you have had a great weekend! Even though I did not work Friday, the weekend flew by! Are you ready for a new week that is going to bring about wonderful changes? I know I am! Y'all know already that the past few weeks for me have been unfavorable. I am very hopeful that the week of my birthday and anniversary to my amazing husband, will be full of nothing but happiness and to have a decrease in my pain!
Even though Monday does bring in a new week that may possibly be full of positive changes, I am still not really ready to start a new week at work. Most days, I push myself hard to get through the day. I can not help but get frustrated and a little disappointed when I start hurting so bad that it causes me to be unable to focus as well as normal. I am however going to be optimistic that this week will not be nearly as bad as it has been. I should get some answers from my doctor on Monday or maybe Tuesday. Hopefully, she is going to be able to say what has been causing the increased and unbearable amount of additional pain. No matter what the outcome of my tests are, I am refusing to take anymore medications that I am not comfortable with. As I already told you, she has me taking something that should help with neuropathy pain, but from the start I was not comfortable with this type of medicine and it has not helped me. I have been gradually weaning myself off of it and never want to take anything like it again! I try hard to listen and do what the doctor says, but she does not know my tolerance to medication. When I say very bluntly that I am uncomfortable with something and give solid reasons as to why I feel that way, that should be taken into consideration and not ignored. But you know how doctors can be, they think that they know everything and the patient should blindly listen! I am not able to do that!
These past few days have been brutal for me. I did not even have to energy to go do something I was so excited to do, my nails. Today, I slept a little later and then when I woke up I just rested on the couch with my cats for a little while. I finally got up and got myself ready, so I could get my nails done and get the grocery shopping done. Getting my nails done was great and the lady that did them, Katie, was so sweet! I had planned to do a pedicure today as well, but decided it would be a lot more fun to wait until Friday and go with my mother while we celebrate my birthday! I am planning to schedule an appointment with Katie for my pedicure! I wish I could say my trip to the grocery store was as wonderful, but it was not. I got about half way through the store and started hurting something fierce! I had to use the shopping cart to help me continue walking. Thankfully, the store was not busy because the football game was here in Charlotte. It is the absolute best time to go to the grocery store, because most people love football and go to the stadium!
I am happy to say, I only have to work four days this week! I am off on Friday to start my weekend celebration of my birthday and my anniversary! Friday will be a fun day because my mother and I are going to lunch and to get a pedicure! Pedicures can be so relaxing and then your feet will feel so amazing!
My plan for the rest of my Sunday is to relax and get my mind ready for the dreaded Monday, if that is even really possible. I am really hoping this week is going to be better and that the pain myself and my husband have struggled with is going to just go away! We did not ask for this but we are asking it to leave! It is like that annoying neighbor that comes to visit, there is only so long you can deal with them before they have to go back to where they came from!
I hope your weekend was everything that you wanted and that your week starts off great! Remember, positive thoughts bring positive events. I want to thank all of you for continuing to come back and read my posts. This blog has become a huge part of my life and I love every part of it! I know I set myself a challenging goal of posting once a day for at least one month, but it has been helpful for me when I am struggling! Please never hesitate to contact me if you need someone to chat with. You can visit my contact page to get my email address, so it can be a little more private, if you want! I hope your night goes great and you are able to get yourself ready for the new week! Take care!
This entry was posted in Happy Days, Multiple Sclerosis by Positively Alyssa. Bookmark the permalink.
That's wild we both live in the Carolinas! I will email you. What's your email address!
Lovely post Alyssa hopefully like the week ahead!


There are approaches to eliminate debt from your life and completely make the most of your well deserved money. Here are ways to free yourself from the trap of debt.
First, you have to learn to live within your means. Should you not have the capacity to bear the cost of purchasing something, don't get it. You ought to do your best to set something aside for it till you have enough to get it.
These days, this is no truer and a lot of people who get themselves somewhere down in debt with credit card balances, unsecured credit advances, auto advances and property advances have done so basically because they are spending additional assets than what they earn.
To avoid getting yourself trapped and stuck in an unfortunate situation, get an unmistakable picture of what your wage and costs are and arrange your purchases taking into account those numbers and a set budget.
Educate yourself about finances. At the least you ought to have the capacity to track your pay and costs so it is conceivable to set a realistic budget for yourself that will assist you in arranging how to free yourself from the trap of debt.
With the wealth of details on the internet, there is essentially no reason for staying ignorant about interest rates and how they affect your money streams.
You don't need a degree either and putting in some diligent work on educating yourself about individual finances, buyer credit, credit cards thus on will go far in offering you to stay far from the cash some assistance with borrowing and debt trap.
Thirdly, you have to make a list of every one of your debts. You might list the debt from the smallest to the biggest, or the other path around.
At the point when your list is prepared, start paying off your debts in the order that they show up on the list and after that cross it out when it gets settled.
If you list your debts from the largest to the smallest, the advantage is that you spare more cash over the long haul, particularly if the interest rates are additionally high.
If you do it the other path around, you will start getting results faster, thus giving you the important motivation to continue paying off what stays on the list. Do whatever suits you best.
Fourth, you have to avoid the habit of paying just the base amount required for every debt. Since you have your list, you should concentrate on a specific debt each one in turn.
For the debt that you are currently concentrating on, you have to pay at least double the base amount with the goal that you can cross it out of your list as quickly as time permits.
Obviously, you might continue paying least on the other debts just to ensure that they don't get out of hand. This step might require a few sacrifices on your part.
For instance, you might need to eat out less often or cut down on tobacco and liquor so you can spend the extra money on your objective of paying off your debts.
Fifth, you need to learn how to negotiate. Try not to let your pride get in the method for driving a without debt life. Keep in mind that humbling yourself is not equivalent to humiliating yourself.
Call your creditors, particularly for the debts that are on the bottom of your list, and tell them that you are having budgetary difficulties and will be unable to free yourself from the trap of debt unless you renegotiate the terms.
Most creditors will consent to a renegotiation rather than see you going bankrupt without giving them back their cash.
Sixth, you might need to request help. This is another lesson in humility. If you have family or companions who are extensively fortunate then you can approach them for help.
They might consent to cover the debts with the highest interest rates or the largest adjust and have you pay them after you have taken consideration of all your littler debts.
This is a decent approach to avoid tremendous interests on your debts. Obviously, you need to ensure that you submit to your agreement with respect to the individual credit so as to avoid hurt emotions.
The seventh and most important step is for you to stop obtaining or charging buys. Keep in mind that you are still attempting to settle the greater part of your existing debt, and creating new ones is not going to make the situation simpler.
Just like the first tip, this might require a great arrangement of sacrifice where recreation and pastimes are concerned, but a without debt life is definitely worth the sacrifice.
Teach yourself how to live within your means so that when you at long last get free of all your debt, you will have the capacity to avoid falling into the same trap once more.
It might take quite a while to free yourself from the trap of debt if the debts have been a noteworthy issue for you. Contingent upon how you approach it, it may take years.
But a few individuals figure out how to free themselves from the trap of debt within months. It all relies on upon your own situation.
Lastly, take control of your debt. If you are conveying a great deal within your own asset report, take actions to carry your cash to sensible levels and eventually get rid of problems.
Pay off the higher interest debts first like credit card balances and unsecured credit advances.
From the cash you totally free up after eliminating those that you might begin paying down other cash, you owe or put the additional cash to your bank accounts for crises and your retirement.
When you're in debt and costs start getting out of hand, your situation can appear to be hopeless.
It's difficult to free yourself from the trap of debt when it's difficult to just run by.
The situation is generally not pretty. You can however still to free yourself from the trap of debt.
Just keep in mind the above tips and you will be out from the trap of debt.


This Matthews NC Foreclosed Home is located in the Union County side of Matthews in the Weddington School District in the community of Callonwood. This 3 bed 3 bath home was originally built in 2005 and features nearly 2300 sq ft of heated living space with all bedrooms down, and a bonus room up with full bath that could be used as a 4th bed. Freshly painted inside with open floorplan, greatroom with fireplace, 2 car garage, hardwood floors, stainless appliances, Top Weddington schools and much more! This is a Fannie Mae Homepath foreclosure and may feature special owner occupant incentives.


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CD Review: Acey Slade & The Dark Party – 'The Dark Party'
– January 9, 2010Posted in: CD
New York-based musician Acey Slade is trying to make a name for himself as a solo-artist after stints with glam rockers The Murderdolls and metallers Dope – 'The Dark Party' is his debut release with his band of the same name. It is said that he hopes to produce something different from his previous incarnations, to try new styles, and this album delivers on that desire.
The overall feel is distorted electro-rock but there are twinges of glitter-goth in tracks like 'Spiders In A Snowglobe' – as well as effective layering and catchy riffs. The album immediately tries to distinguish itself from a standard rock collection by opening with a supposed sample track in the style of a government health warning, talking about "depression, being human and staying away from 'The Dark Party'" to a background of distortion and off-beats. The first "proper" song 'Here Today' incorporates a fairytale electro-goth style with a clockwork-type whirl and music box tinkles that soon demonstrates the influence of drum and bass producer Shaun Morris (DJ Stakka) – it bursts into a D&B beat with guitar support as Acey's sneering, distorted vocals begin.
The next standout track is 'She Brings Down The Moon', from their second EP of the same name, but is also the first of a few tracks that sound very, very Marilyn Manson-esque, especially in terms of the vocal style, right down to the lyrics and even the backing chorus. Track six is a cover of The Cult's classic 'She Sells Sanctuary' and it's a very brave choice – covering something so popular can divide fans entirely. Slade does not tamper much with the original formula, keeping the initial intro riff but he removes the kick into the main song that many would be expecting and quickens the tempo with a fast beat. Some won't think the cover works; others might enjoy a slightly more updated version.
'Plastic Lego Queen' is a stomping track for your night out, complete with chanting and name-dropping but it sounds a little disjointed at times in it's glam-grunge punk attempts. Meanwhile, 'Coming Down' takes some hints from NIN including distortion and layering but it does retain the key glam factor.
The final track, 'Reptile House' is the most successful at creating an atmosphere and it is the heaviest and darkest-sounding tune on the album, from the structure to the vocals, distortion and style. With a creeping bass-line it is deep and full, thick with a really brooding mood until everything drops off and leaves the listener with a creepy, empty beat.
As a debut 'The Dark Party' combines many popular influences but still manages to retain a sense of the new, perhaps it is Slade's mix of styles that keeps it from sounding like a copy of something else, his voice, while similar to Mr. Manson is never an exact replica and will be instantly recognisable to fans. This material portrays an instantly accessible mix of influences and styles that should excite both old and new fans.
For more information visit the official MySpace.
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UN passes 6 anti-Israel resolutions in 1 day, denies Israeli ties to Jerusalem
From World Israel News
The United Nations General Assembly passed six anti-Israel resolutions last Thursday, including a measure denying Israeli ties to Jerusalem and its holy sites.
By: JNS.org
Approved in a 151-6 vote with nine abstentions, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly resolution stated that "any actions taken by Israel, the occupying power, to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration on the Holy City of Jerusalem are illegal and therefore null and void and have no validity whatsoever."
The resolution was similar to previous Jerusalem-related measures passed in recent years by the UN cultural body UNESCO, which omitted the name "Temple Mount" and only used the Muslim term for the holy site, "Haram al-Sharif."
The six countries that voted against Thursday's resolution were Canada, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, the U.S. and Israel. The nine countries that abstained were Australia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Honduras, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, South Sudan and Togo.
In addition to the Jerusalem measure, the General Assembly passed a resolution condemning Israel's control over the Golan Heights, calling the area Syrian territory and stating that Israeli "occupation" is a "a stumbling block in the way of achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region," despite the six-year-long civil war raging in Syria.
Further, the General Assembly passed a resolution calling on the UN to observe an "International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People" annually on Nov. 29—the anniversary of UN Resolution 181, which called for the creation of a Jewish state in British Mandatory Palestine.
Other anti-Israel measures passed Thursday included resolutions titled "Committee on the exercise of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people," "Peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine" and "Special information program on the question of Palestine of the Department of Public Information of the Secretariat."
UN bodies have adopted 18 resolutions against Israel so far this year.
In condemning Thursday's resolutions, Israel's General Assembly delegate noted that the UN continues to "annually adopt biased resolutions and devote precious resources—almost $6.5 million of its budget—to politicized bodies whose sole purpose [is] to attack and denounce Israel."


Daniel Knopp is a fee-only financial planner and founder of Wise Stewardship Financial Planning where he works to help young widowed spouses as well as service members get their financial lives in order by aligning their values with their money. We chat about how he went through the grieving process when his wife suddenly became ill when he was in active duty as an Air Battle Manager. We chat about the finances involved and why he's thankful that his finances were in order and the grief counselling he received. We also go into the nitty gritty of estate planning, why it's essential and should be considered an act of love towards your family.


In some cases, there is no visible external trigger for depression and it is thought to be caused by a neurotransmitter balance. However, in other cases depression is a natural response to something extremely difficult or traumatic—for example, a significant loss, a challenging health problem or financial hardship.
While it can be useful to try meditation, psychotherapy or some combination of both, it is also worth considering hypnotherapy as a potential treatment. Here are the major warning signs that indicate you might be suffering from depression, and the key facts you need to know about how hypnotherapy can work as a treatment.
Every experience of depression is unique, and a diagnosis is made on a case by case basis.
You should always discuss your feelings and symptoms with your doctor before assuming a diagnosis. However, once you have consulted with a medical professional and depression has been confirmed, adding hypnotherapy to your treatment plan could make all the difference to your recovery.
Traditional therapy can help you reshape subconscious beliefs, but it does so primarily by accessing your conscious thoughts—and this means accessing only an estimated 10% of the mind.
In contrast, when you willingly enter a hypnotic trance you allow your hypnotherapist to go straight to the subconscious part of your mind, where all your foundational beliefs and deeply rooted feelings are lodged.
Since it's plausible to suppose that many of the emotions and thoughts associated with depression are in the subconscious, hypnotherapy could offer a fast-track to accessing and changing parts of the mind that would otherwise take months or years to uncover—or that may not be uncovered at all.
If your depression was triggered by a traumatic event or a difficult loss, you may still be carrying around unresolved emotions about what happened. In fact, underneath the flatness of depression, you may feel everything from anger to guilt, fear, regret, and jealousy.
The sooner you are able to identify and release these emotions, the mentally healthier you will be—repression might feel easier, but really it just prolongs your pain and inhibits your personal development.
When you take part in a hypnotherapy program for depression, the therapist helps you to tune into this "unfinished business" from your past and facilitates a safe, powerful way of letting it go.
Many people struggling with depression report certain repetitive thoughts or messages that play in a constant loop.
These thoughts vary—for example, they might be telling you that you're not good enough, that you don't deserve love, or that you're responsible for everything that has ever gone wrong in your life.
Using expert hypnotherapy techniques like neuro-linguistic programming and hypnotic suggestion, your hypnotherapist will lead you to replace these damaging, repetitive thoughts with different messages that help you see your life and your trauma in a more realistic light.
Removing these compulsive thoughts then leads to a reduction in compulsive actions (such as addictive behaviors and other self-destructive habits).
After the initial work of identifying and releasing emotions associated with trauma, you can work with your hypnotherapist to develop a more positive mindset—and make sure that it lasts.
The same techniques that were used to get rid of old, damaging messages can be used to instill affirming, confidence-boosting thoughts that support a happier life.
For example, your hypnotherapist can teach you ways to reshape your self-perception, your expectations of your abilities, and your attitudes towards interpersonal relationships.
People who have used hypnotherapy as part of a treatment plan for depression often marvel at just how much this approach has not only helped their mind but also their body.
Many of the physical symptoms of depression (e.g. insomnia, low energy levels, and inexplicable aches and pains) can disappear along with negative thoughts.
Meanwhile, if you have other underlying health issues (such as tension headaches or a chronic pain disorder), you may find that the techniques that were targeted at treating depression also have a knock-on impact on your ability to cope with these other difficulties.
There is strong empirical evidence to support hypnotherapy as a pain-reduction measure.
If you are wanting help with your depression, hypnotherapy can be a great tool to use. Try out our self-hypnosis track today and see how much it can help you.


Let us look after your children during these school holidays!
Our OSCAR approved holiday programme allows you to drop off your chilldren as early as 7am and pick up at 6pm.
The activities these holidays range from Huntly Pools, Local Movie Theatre, Easter Hunt, Cooking and more!!!
Spaces will be limited so get in quick.


Championship Surfer has seven modes of play, but none offer any real incentive to keep you playing the game past the first few beaches.
After Tony Hawk's Pro Skater brought so much attention to the entire subgenre of extreme sports games, it's no surprise that other companies have tried to cash in on its popularity. Some developers have attempted to create skateboarding games similar to Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, and others have tried to create games that play like Tony Hawk but involve a different extreme sport. Mattel's Championship Surfer falls into this latter category, as it attempts to integrate the intuitive trick-performing system of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater with the sport of surfing. While this may seem like a viable idea, in the end, Championship Surfer doesn't pull it off well enough.
Visually, Championship Surfer is fairly good, though the water itself looks a little unrealistic. There are no reflections and no transparency effects, so the ocean looks like one giant blue texture. However, the wave effects are convincing. You'll see mist spraying out as the tube of the wave crashes down, and you can actually see the water drawn into the wave. Unfortunately, the developers at Krome Studios didn't put as much effort into the 3D surfers. The eight selectable characters are represented by just one color-swapped character. Even the one female surfer, Rochelle Ballard, looks the same as all the male surfers in the game but with a short wetsuit and different hair color. However, secondary objects floating in the water - including mines, crates, swimmers, and photographers - are surprisingly detailed and immediately identifiable so you don't run into them while cutting up the wave. But rain, lightning, and other weather effects are so subtle that you'll hardly even notice them during gameplay.
Championship Surfer has seven modes of play, but none offer any real incentive to keep you playing the game past the first few beaches. The championship mode lets you enter into a tournament where you compete in a designated heat against another surfer. To progress to the next round, you must reach a specified point total by performing different tricks. If you win the tournament, you get the highest score total and you get to see a brief trophy award ceremony. Playing through the championship mode can be fun at first, if you haven't unlocked the additional beaches in any other mode - but if other beaches are already available to you, then participating in the championship isn't quite as entertaining.
In the arcade mode, you select a surfer and progress through the beaches in the game by achieving a certain point total for each beach. The major differences between the arcade mode and the championship mode are that in the arcade mode you're not competing with other surfers, and you must deal with obstacles floating in the waves. Arcade mode can be very frustrating because none of Championship Surfer's camera angles are especially helpful in revealing what obstacles are in the way before it's too late.
There are two multiplayer modes in Championship Surfer, but there isn't any network or Internet support, so opponents must sit at the same computer. The first multiplayer mode, Rumble, is probably the most enjoyable in the game because of the sheer number of items and power-ups available. You and three other players can surf on the same wave at the same time, with the main objective being to knock the other players off their boards and increase your point total at the same time. To help you out, various items are spread across the wave that do varying amounts of damage or cause the surfers to become more susceptible to attack. The king-of-the-waves mode lets you compete against seven other players in a tournament similar to the one in Championship Surfer's championship mode. Both modes can be quite enjoyable because they're the only two that offer any real incentive to keep playing - that incentive being to beat the person sitting next to you.
Championship Surfer is one of those games that you play for a few hours to learn the tricks and to try out the different modes. But after that, there isn't enough variety to give it any real lasting value. Executing the game's 40 tricks is harder than it should be since your exact position on the wave plays a much too important role in determining which tricks you can perform at that moment. If you're not familiar with the real-life sport, you'll have an especially hard time executing more than just the simplest board tricks. Other than unlocking the various beaches - which aren't all that different from each other anyway - there's no particular reason to keep playing the game, because there are no features or additional options to look forward to. In the end, Championship Surfer just isn't a very entertaining game.