Author's name, "Title of the essay", in Name of one of the book's authors et al., Title of the book, city where the book was published: publisher's name, year of publication, page number (where the reference can be found; "p." if the information is on a single page and "pp." if the information continues on more than a page).
Robert Radford, "The Moon and the Sun", in Tim Thomas et al., Planets and Stars, Montreal: Horizon Publishing, 2009, pp. 43-44.


text:
A Comparative Analysis of the Historical Accuracy of the Point Precipitation Frequency Estimates of Four Data Sets and Their Projections for the Northeastern United States
Shu Wu, Momcilo Markus, David Lorenz, James R. Angel, Kevin Grady
Illinois State Water Survey
Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences
Many studies have projected that as the climate changes, the magnitudes of extreme precipitation events in the Northeastern United States are likely to continue increasing, regardless of the emission scenario. To examine this issue, we analyzed observed and modeled daily precipitation frequency (PF) estimates in the Northeastern US on the rain gauge station scale based on both annual maximum series (AMS) and partial duration series (PDS) methods. We employed four Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) downscaled data sets, including a probabilistic statistically downscaled data set developed specifically for this study. The ability of these four data sets to reproduce the observed features of historical point PF estimates was compared, and the two with the best historical accuracy, including the newly developed probabilistic data set, were selected to produce projected PF estimates under two CMIP5-based emission scenarios, namely Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5 (RCP4.5) and Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5). These projections indeed demonstrate a likely increase in PF estimates in the Northeastern US with noted differences in magnitudes and spatial distributions between the two data sets and between the two scenarios. We also quantified how the exceedance probabilities of the historical PF estimate values are likely to increase under each scenario using the two best performing data sets. Notably, an event with a current exceedance probability of 0.01 (a 100-year event) may have an exceedance probability for the second half of the 21st century of ≈0.04 (a 27-year event) under the RCP4.5 scenario and ≈0.05 (a 19-year event) under RCP8.5. Knowledge about the projected changes to the magnitude and frequency of heavy precipitation in this region will be relevant for the socio-economic and environmental evaluation of future infrastructure projects and will allow for better management and planning decisions.
https://doi.org/10.3390/w11061279
Published - Jun 19 2019
partial duration series
twenty first century
spatial distribution
CMIP
frequency estimates
downscaling
future projections
RCP4.5
changing of exceedance
Wu, S., Markus, M., Lorenz, D., Angel, J. R., & Grady, K. (2019). A Comparative Analysis of the Historical Accuracy of the Point Precipitation Frequency Estimates of Four Data Sets and Their Projections for the Northeastern United States. Water, 11(6), [1279]. https://doi.org/10.3390/w11061279
A Comparative Analysis of the Historical Accuracy of the Point Precipitation Frequency Estimates of Four Data Sets and Their Projections for the Northeastern United States. / Wu, Shu; Markus, Momcilo; Lorenz, David; Angel, James R.; Grady, Kevin.
In: Water, Vol. 11, No. 6, 1279, 19.06.2019.
Wu, S, Markus, M, Lorenz, D, Angel, JR & Grady, K 2019, 'A Comparative Analysis of the Historical Accuracy of the Point Precipitation Frequency Estimates of Four Data Sets and Their Projections for the Northeastern United States' Water, vol. 11, no. 6, 1279. https://doi.org/10.3390/w11061279
Wu S, Markus M, Lorenz D, Angel JR, Grady K. A Comparative Analysis of the Historical Accuracy of the Point Precipitation Frequency Estimates of Four Data Sets and Their Projections for the Northeastern United States. Water. 2019 Jun 19;11(6). 1279. https://doi.org/10.3390/w11061279
Wu, Shu ; Markus, Momcilo ; Lorenz, David ; Angel, James R. ; Grady, Kevin. / A Comparative Analysis of the Historical Accuracy of the Point Precipitation Frequency Estimates of Four Data Sets and Their Projections for the Northeastern United States. In: Water. 2019 ; Vol. 11, No. 6.
@article{532b9874f43f4ee2ab4a2886e1ed2b6f,
title = "A Comparative Analysis of the Historical Accuracy of the Point Precipitation Frequency Estimates of Four Data Sets and Their Projections for the Northeastern United States",
abstract = "Many studies have projected that as the climate changes, the magnitudes of extreme precipitation events in the Northeastern United States are likely to continue increasing, regardless of the emission scenario. To examine this issue, we analyzed observed and modeled daily precipitation frequency (PF) estimates in the Northeastern US on the rain gauge station scale based on both annual maximum series (AMS) and partial duration series (PDS) methods. We employed four Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) downscaled data sets, including a probabilistic statistically downscaled data set developed specifically for this study. The ability of these four data sets to reproduce the observed features of historical point PF estimates was compared, and the two with the best historical accuracy, including the newly developed probabilistic data set, were selected to produce projected PF estimates under two CMIP5-based emission scenarios, namely Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5 (RCP4.5) and Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5). These projections indeed demonstrate a likely increase in PF estimates in the Northeastern US with noted differences in magnitudes and spatial distributions between the two data sets and between the two scenarios. We also quantified how the exceedance probabilities of the historical PF estimate values are likely to increase under each scenario using the two best performing data sets. Notably, an event with a current exceedance probability of 0.01 (a 100-year event) may have an exceedance probability for the second half of the 21st century of ≈0.04 (a 27-year event) under the RCP4.5 scenario and ≈0.05 (a 19-year event) under RCP8.5. Knowledge about the projected changes to the magnitude and frequency of heavy precipitation in this region will be relevant for the socio-economic and environmental evaluation of future infrastructure projects and will allow for better management and planning decisions.",
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author = "Shu Wu and Momcilo Markus and David Lorenz and Angel, {James R.} and Kevin Grady",
doi = "10.3390/w11061279",
journal = "Water",
T1 - A Comparative Analysis of the Historical Accuracy of the Point Precipitation Frequency Estimates of Four Data Sets and Their Projections for the Northeastern United States
AU - Wu, Shu
AU - Markus, Momcilo
AU - Lorenz, David
AU - Angel, James R.
AU - Grady, Kevin
N2 - Many studies have projected that as the climate changes, the magnitudes of extreme precipitation events in the Northeastern United States are likely to continue increasing, regardless of the emission scenario. To examine this issue, we analyzed observed and modeled daily precipitation frequency (PF) estimates in the Northeastern US on the rain gauge station scale based on both annual maximum series (AMS) and partial duration series (PDS) methods. We employed four Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) downscaled data sets, including a probabilistic statistically downscaled data set developed specifically for this study. The ability of these four data sets to reproduce the observed features of historical point PF estimates was compared, and the two with the best historical accuracy, including the newly developed probabilistic data set, were selected to produce projected PF estimates under two CMIP5-based emission scenarios, namely Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5 (RCP4.5) and Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5). These projections indeed demonstrate a likely increase in PF estimates in the Northeastern US with noted differences in magnitudes and spatial distributions between the two data sets and between the two scenarios. We also quantified how the exceedance probabilities of the historical PF estimate values are likely to increase under each scenario using the two best performing data sets. Notably, an event with a current exceedance probability of 0.01 (a 100-year event) may have an exceedance probability for the second half of the 21st century of ≈0.04 (a 27-year event) under the RCP4.5 scenario and ≈0.05 (a 19-year event) under RCP8.5. Knowledge about the projected changes to the magnitude and frequency of heavy precipitation in this region will be relevant for the socio-economic and environmental evaluation of future infrastructure projects and will allow for better management and planning decisions.
AB - Many studies have projected that as the climate changes, the magnitudes of extreme precipitation events in the Northeastern United States are likely to continue increasing, regardless of the emission scenario. To examine this issue, we analyzed observed and modeled daily precipitation frequency (PF) estimates in the Northeastern US on the rain gauge station scale based on both annual maximum series (AMS) and partial duration series (PDS) methods. We employed four Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) downscaled data sets, including a probabilistic statistically downscaled data set developed specifically for this study. The ability of these four data sets to reproduce the observed features of historical point PF estimates was compared, and the two with the best historical accuracy, including the newly developed probabilistic data set, were selected to produce projected PF estimates under two CMIP5-based emission scenarios, namely Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5 (RCP4.5) and Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5). These projections indeed demonstrate a likely increase in PF estimates in the Northeastern US with noted differences in magnitudes and spatial distributions between the two data sets and between the two scenarios. We also quantified how the exceedance probabilities of the historical PF estimate values are likely to increase under each scenario using the two best performing data sets. Notably, an event with a current exceedance probability of 0.01 (a 100-year event) may have an exceedance probability for the second half of the 21st century of ≈0.04 (a 27-year event) under the RCP4.5 scenario and ≈0.05 (a 19-year event) under RCP8.5. Knowledge about the projected changes to the magnitude and frequency of heavy precipitation in this region will be relevant for the socio-economic and environmental evaluation of future infrastructure projects and will allow for better management and planning decisions.
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KW - downscaling
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KW - changing of exceedance
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U2 - 10.3390/w11061279
DO - 10.3390/w11061279
JO - Water
JF - Water
M1 - 1279
10.3390/w11061279License: CC BY

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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text:
Nisbet ist der Familienname folgender Personen:

 Eugenius Aristides Nisbet (1803–1871), US-amerikanischer Politiker
 Harold Adair Nisbet (1873–1937), britischer Tennisspieler
 Hugh Barr Nisbet (1940–2021), britischer Germanist
 Jim Nisbet (1947–2022), US-amerikanischer Schriftsteller
 Kevin Nisbet (* 1997), schottischer Fußballspieler

 Robin G. M. Nisbet (1925–2013), britischer Klassischer Philologe

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


The Seismic collection is derived from the waves of energy that travel through the Earth's layers as a result of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and magma movements. These mid-calf socks feature dark blue, brown and blue rocky blocks. They are crafted in Italy from long staple Combed Cotton yarns giving them a soft velvety touch and modern elegant look.


text:
Child custody issues with respect to same-sex couples
| May 2, 2013 | Child Custody |
Unmarried couples have their own issues with child support and child custody. It can be surmised that same-sex couples also have problems when it comes to child support and child custody. Arguably, it is even more difficult dealing with these two issues when involved in a same-sex couple because they do not necessarily receive the same rights and privileges from the courts as traditional married couples. This can definitely throw a wrench into how same-sex couples are permitted to handle issues of child custody and child support.
A case in Suffolk County highlighted this very concern endured by same-sex couples. A same-sex couple decided to end their relationship and the biological mother fought for child support for their child. At the same time, the biological mother wanted to stop the non-biological mother from being allowed to seek custody of the child. The court stated that the biological mother couldn't have it both ways and allowed the non-biological mother to seek custody.
The state of New York recognizes same-sex marriages, so the court had the law on its side in making the determination in the abovementioned case. However, in states like Michigan where same-sex couples run into this issue, the courts cannot be as flexible because Michigan does not recognize same-sex couples or their marriages. The struggle for same-sex couples to appropriately deal with issues of custody and the like are hindered in situations like these.
Whether married or unmarried, determining child custody can be complex. The courts will always look at the best interest of the child in all situations regardless of the adult parties involved and their circumstance.
Source: JDJournal, "Same-Sex Parent Bearing Child Support Can Seek Custody of Child," April 26, 2013


text:
Home State/National IRS Collins delivers Annual Report to Congress
Collins delivers Annual Report to Congress
Focus on taxpayer impact of processing and refund delays
Washington – National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins today released her 2022 Annual Report to Congress, saying taxpayers and tax professionals "experienced more misery in 2022" due to paper processing delays and poor customer service. But the report also says the Internal Revenue Service made considerable progress in reducing the volume of unprocessed tax returns and correspondence and is poised to start the 2023 filing season in a stronger position.
The Advocate's report assesses taxpayer service during 2022, identifies the ten most serious problems taxpayers are experiencing in their dealings with the IRS, and makes administrative and legislative recommendations to address those problems. This year's report recommends specific initiatives that Collins is urging the IRS to include in its plan showing how the additional funding it received in the Inflation Reduction Act will be spent. It also contains two research studies – one on ways to restructure the Earned Income Tax Credit to increase participation among eligible taxpayers while reducing improper payments, and the other designed to help the IRS improve its online operations by studying the functionality of online operations offered by over 40 states and several foreign countries.
Taxpayer service challenges
For most taxpayers, the most important function the IRS performs each year is issuing timely tax refunds. In 2022, about two-thirds of individual taxpayers were entitled to refunds, and the average refund amount was nearly $3,200. The report says the IRS failed to meet its responsibility to pay timely refunds to millions of taxpayers for the third year in a row. About 13 million individual taxpayers filed paper returns. Because of paper processing delays, refunds for these taxpayers were delayed, generally by six months or longer. Millions of e-filed individual returns were "suspended" because they tripped IRS processing filters and required manual review by IRS employees before refunds could be released. Hundreds of thousands of business returns claiming the Employee Retention Tax Credit were delayed.
However, the report says the IRS will be starting the 2023 filing season in much better shape than the last two years. The IRS began 2022 with an unprocessed paper backlog of 4.7 million original individual returns (Forms 1040), 3.2 million original business returns, and 3.6 million amended returns (individual and business combined). When the Advocate's report went to press in mid-December 2022, the IRS had reduced those backlogs to 1 million original individual returns, 1.5 million original business returns, and 1.5 million amended returns. By Dec. 23, the IRS had further reduced its unprocessed paper backlog of original individual returns to about 400,000 and original business returns to about 1 million. This significant reduction in the paper return inventory will enable the IRS to begin processing paper-filed tax year 2022 returns during the upcoming filing season. That contrasts with the previous two years, when the IRS was not able to process current-year returns until months after the filing season had ended.
The number of returns suspended during processing is the only significant return category in which inventories increased. The IRS entered 2022 with an inventory of 4.2 million suspended returns. The inventory grew to 5.9 million suspended returns by mid-December.
Cases involving suspected identity theft account for about half the inventory of suspended returns. In mid-December, the IRS reported 2.9 million identity theft cases in its inventory.
While some will turn out to be fraudulent claims, the IRS website as of January 9 states, "[D]ue to extenuating circumstances caused by the pandemic, our identity theft inventories have increased and on average it is taking about 360 days to resolve identity theft cases."
The report calls a year-long delay "unacceptable" and urges the IRS to assign additional employees to process these cases.
The IRS sent millions of notices to taxpayers during 2022. These included 17 million math error notices, Automated Underreporter notices (where an amount reported on a tax return did not match the corresponding amount reported to the IRS on a Form 1099 or other information reporting document), notices requesting a taxpayer authenticate identity where IRS filters flagged a return as potentially fraudulent, correspondence examination notices, and some collection notices. Notices often require written taxpayer responses. If the IRS did not process a taxpayer response, it may have taken adverse action against the taxpayer or not released the refund claimed on the tax return. During fiscal year (FY) 2022, it took the IRS an average of 193 days to process taxpayer responses to proposed tax adjustments – about six months. That compares with 89 days in FY 2019, the most recent pre-pandemic year. The report also calls the delays in resolving these cases unacceptable.
The IRS received 173 million calls during FY 2022. Only 22 million (13%, or roughly one out of eight calls) got through to an IRS employee. As a result, most callers could not get answers to their tax-law questions, receive help with their account problems, or speak with an employee about compliance notices. Those who got through waited an average of 29 minutes on hold before the call began.
Telephone service for tax professionals was worse than the prior year and hit an all-time low. Because tax professionals prepare the majority of tax returns and often call with complex account-specific questions, the IRS has established a Practitioner Priority Service (PPS) telephone line to handle their calls. In FY 2022, IRS employees answered only 16% of PPS calls (fewer than one out of six), and the average hold time for those who got through was 25 minutes. Telephone delays place tax professionals in the difficult position of billing clients for the time spent trying to reach the IRS or writing off that time. "Tax professionals are key to a successful tax administration," Collins wrote. "The challenges of the past three filing seasons have pushed tax professionals to their limits, raising client doubts in their abilities and creating a loss of trust in the system."
In the report's preface, Collins predicted that taxpayer service will improve in 2023. "We have begun to see the light at the end of the tunnel," she wrote. "I am just not sure how much further we have to travel before we see sunlight."
The report cites three reasons for optimism: (1) the IRS has largely worked through its backlog of unprocessed tax returns, even though it remains challenged with a high volume of suspended returns and correspondence; (2) Congress has provided the IRS with significant additional funding to increase its customer service staffing; and (3) with the benefit of Direct Hire Authority, the IRS has recently hired 4,000 new customer service representatives, and it is seeking to hire 700 additional employees to provide in-person help at its Taxpayer Assistance Centers. Direct Hire Authority has enabled the IRS to reduce the number of days from the time it posts an announcement on USAJobs.gov until it onboards a new employee by more than half.
But Collins warned the improvements will not be immediate. "Staff increases come with growing pains," she wrote. "As new employees are added, they must be trained. For most jobs, the IRS does not maintain a separate cadre of instructors. Instead, experienced employees must be pulled off their regular caseloads to provide the initial training and act as on-the-job instructors. In the short run, that may mean that fewer employees are assisting taxpayers, particularly experienced employees who are likely to be the most effective trainers."
She also pointed out that until additional fully-trained employees are on board, taxpayer service will continue to be a zero-sum game. For example, customer service representatives in the Accounts Management function split their time between answering the phones and processing taxpayer correspondence. If the IRS assigns more employees to answer the phones, correspondence processing will be slower. If the IRS assigns more employees to process correspondence, phone service will decline.
"The IRS will have to perform a difficult balancing act with its current resources and will need to ensure it does not create a new paper backlog in 2023 by reassigning too many Accounts Management employees from processing case inventories to answering the phones," Collins wrote. "The IRS needs to end the vicious cycle of paper backlogs. As employees are trained and report for duty, I expect we will start to see improvements in service, probably by the middle of 2023."
Taxpayer Advocate Service administrative recommendations to the IRS
In August 2022, Congress enacted the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which provided the IRS with funding of nearly $80 billion over the next ten years to supplement its annual appropriations. While the funding earmarked for tax law enforcement has been controversial, the legislation included supplemental funding of $3.2 billion for taxpayer services, including pre-filing assistance and education, filing and account services, and taxpayer advocacy services; $4.8 billion to enable the IRS to continue modernizing its information technology (IT) systems, including advancement of customer callback and other technology to provide a more personalized customer experience; and $25.3 billion to support taxpayer services and other operations. The report said that this additional funding could be a gamechanger for taxpayers and tax professionals.
"If spent wisely, this funding will give IRS management the tools it needs to bring U.S. tax administration into the 21st century by enabling it to hire and train the workforce of the future, replace antiquated IT systems, and generally revamp the taxpayer experience based on principles of fair and equitable tax administration," Collins wrote.
In an August 17, 2022 memorandum, the Secretary of the Treasury directed the IRS Commissioner to produce an operational plan within six months that details how the additional IRA funding will be spent. In the report's preface and in discussing the 10 most serious taxpayer problems, Collins recommends numerous initiatives for inclusion in the plan, including the following:
1. Hire and train more human resources employees to manage hiring all IRS employees. The report says that staffing shortages in the IRS's Human Capital Office (HCO) are, ironically, one of the biggest obstacles to hiring and onboarding more employees. HCO, which coordinates all IRS hiring, does not have enough staff to review and approve new position descriptions, post job announcements, and screen incoming applications and can become a bottleneck. Without HCO involvement, other IRS divisions cannot hire employees even when they have funding. TAS recommends the IRS use some of its IRA funding to quickly bolster its HCO staff and, in the interim, provide creative alternatives, including enabling the business units to do their own hiring so new employees can be selected, while also working to expedite security checks and the onboarding of new employees.
2. Ensure all IRS employees – particularly customer-facing employees – are well-trained to do their jobs. From a taxpayer perspective, getting through to a live IRS telephone assistor or having taxpayer correspondence processed quickly are important, the report says, but it is even more important that the responding IRS employee have enough knowledge to handle the question or issue properly. The combination of budget cuts beginning in FY 2011 and continuing until the last few years and the COVID-19 pandemic has limited the IRS's ability to provide adequate training to new employees and to provide regular updates and refresher training to its existing workforce. "Training must go hand-in-hand with hiring, and it must continue throughout employees' careers with the IRS, with a continuing focus on taxpayer rights," the report says. "Doing work incorrectly can be worse than not doing it at all."
3. Create robust and accessible online accounts with functionality comparable to that of private financial institutions and through which taxpayers and practitioners can access, download, and upload material information. Of all the steps the IRS can take to improve the taxpayer experience, the report says that creating robust online accounts should be the highest priority and will be the most transformational. Most Americans have been conducting business with financial institutions digitally for two decades or more – paying bills, transferring funds, depositing checks, applying for loans, trading stocks and mutual funds, etc. TAS recommends that the IRS prioritize developing online accounts with comparable functionality – the ability to file tax returns, make payments, view transactions, receive or view tax adjustments or other notices, respond to tax adjustments or other notices, upload and download documents, and submit questions or live chat with an IRS employee – which often will eliminate the need for visiting, calling, or sending correspondence.
4. Temporarily expand uses of the Documentation Upload Tool (DUT) or similar technology. The IRS has made it possible for taxpayers in some circumstances to provide requested information online rather than by snail mail. For example, an auditor requesting documentation to support a taxpayer's business deductions or charitable contributions may provide the taxpayer with a link and passcode so the taxpayer can upload the documentation and not have to mail it in. Eventually, this functionality should be rolled into IRS online accounts. Until that happens, TAS recommends broader use of the DUT to reduce the burden on taxpayers and allow the IRS to resolve issues more quickly.
5. Improve the readability of tax transcripts. The IRS utilizes codes for various transactions, and these codes are included on the transcripts provided to taxpayers and their representatives. However, the codes are incomprehensible to the non-tax professional, and even tax professionals often struggle to decipher them. TAS recommends the IRS revamp the presentation of tax transcripts to substitute descriptions for the codes or at least include a glossary on a separate piece of paper that explains – in plain language – what each code on the transcript means.
6. Enable all taxpayers to e-file their tax returns. Over 90% of individual taxpayers now e-file their income tax returns, but the IRS still receives millions of paper tax returns each year (about 13 million individual returns and millions of additional business returns last year). Some taxpayers would prefer to e-file but cannot do so. This can happen if the taxpayer must file a form or schedule that IRS systems are not yet programmed to accept electronically, if a return is rejected by IRS's systems for violating a programming rule, or if a taxpayer must attach documentation to the return (e.g., an appraisal or disclosure) and the tax return software the taxpayer is using does not allow for the transmission of attachments.
There are steps the IRS can take to address all three of these limitations. It can modernize its e-filing platform to accept all IRS forms and schedules and taxpayer attachments. It can accept and review returns that violate some IRS systems' programming rules; otherwise, the taxpayer whose return is rejected must file it on paper, requiring the IRS to transcribe it. And if some software packages allow taxpayers to submit attachments and others do not, the IRS can post a list of software packages that allow attachments online. That way, taxpayers with attachments will know which packages they can use to e-file their returns. "If the IRS makes it possible for all taxpayers to e-file their returns," the report says, "the number of paper-filed returns is likely to drop dramatically."
National Taxpayer Advocate "Purple Book": Legislative recommendations to strengthen taxpayer rights and improve tax administration
The National Taxpayer Advocate's 2023 Purple Book proposes 65 legislative recommendations for consideration by Congress. Among them are the following:
1. Amend the "Lookback Period" to allow tax refunds for certain taxpayers who took advantage of the postponed filing deadlines due to COVID-19. To be eligible to receive a tax refund, any tax payments at issue must have been paid within a "lookback period" of three years, plus the period of any extension of time to file. Absent an extension, refunds generally may not be paid more than three years beyond the tax return filing due date of April 15. Because of the pandemic, the IRS postponed the tax return filing deadline to July 15 in 2020 and to May 17 in 2021. Unlike an extension, a postponement does not extend the lookback period. Therefore, some taxpayers who took advantage of the postponement and filed their returns up to July 15, 2020, may assume that they have three years – up to July 15, 2023 – to file refund claims. But if they do not file their claims by April 18 (extended three days because of a weekend and holiday), the claims generally cannot be paid. A similar issue will arise in 2024 because the IRS postponed the 2021 filing deadline to May 17. This result was not anticipated and will prevent some taxpayers from receiving the full refunds to which they are otherwise entitled. TAS recommends Congress extend the lookback period for receiving refunds to align with any postponements of the filing deadline.
2. Authorize the IRS to establish minimum standards for paid tax return preparers. Most taxpayers hire tax return preparers to complete their returns, and visits to preparers by Government Accountability Office and Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration auditors posing as taxpayers, as well as IRS compliance studies, have found paid preparers make significant errors that both harm taxpayers and reduce tax compliance. Ten years ago, the IRS sought to implement minimum preparer standards, including requiring otherwise non-credentialed preparers to pass a basic competency test, but a federal court concluded the IRS could not do so without statutory authorization. TAS recommends Congress provide that authorization.
3. Expand the U.S. Tax Court's jurisdiction to adjudicate refund cases and assessable penalties. Under current law, taxpayers who owe tax and wish to litigate a dispute with the IRS must go to the U.S. Tax Court, while taxpayers who have paid their tax liability and are seeking a refund must sue in a U.S. district court or the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. Although this dichotomy between deficiency cases and refund cases has existed for decades, TAS recommends Congress give taxpayers the option to litigate both deficiency and refund disputes in the U.S. Tax Court. Due to the tax expertise of its judges, the Tax Court is often better equipped to consider tax controversies than other courts. It is also more accessible to unsophisticated and unrepresented taxpayers than other courts because it uses informal procedures, particularly in disputes that do not exceed $50,000 for one tax year or period.
4. Modify the requirement that written receipts acknowledging charitable contributions must pre-date the filing of a tax return. To claim a charitable contribution, a taxpayer must receive a written acknowledgement from the donee organization before filing a tax return. For example, if a taxpayer contributes $5,000 to a church, synagogue, or mosque, files a tax return claiming the deduction on February 1, and receives a written acknowledgement on February 2, the deduction is not allowed – even if the taxpayer had credit card receipts and other documentation that fully substantiates the deduction. This requirement is inconsistent with congressional policy to encourage charitable giving. TAS recommends that Congress modify the substantiation rules to require reliable – but not necessarily advance – acknowledgement from the donee organization.
5. Restructure the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to make it simpler for taxpayers and reduce improper payments. TAS has long advocated for dividing the EITC into two credits: (i) a refundable worker credit based on each individual worker's earned income unrelated to the presence of qualifying children and (ii) a refundable child credit. For wage earners, claims for the worker credit could be verified with nearly 100% accuracy by matching claims on tax returns against Forms W-2, reducing the improper payments rate on those claims to nearly zero. The portion of the EITC that currently varies based on family size would be combined with a child credit into a larger family credit. The National Taxpayer Advocate published a report making this recommendation in 2019, and TAS continues to advocate for it. This report contains a research study assessing alternative structures for implementing TAS's recommendation.
6. Expand the protection of taxpayer rights by strengthening the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) program. The LITC program effectively assists low-income taxpayers and taxpayers who speak English as a second language. When the LITC grant program was established in 1998, the law limited annual grants to no more than $100,000 per clinic. The law also imposed a 100% "match" requirement (meaning a clinic cannot receive more in LITC grant funds than it is able to match on its own). The nature and scope of the LITC program has evolved considerably since 1998, and those requirements are preventing the program from providing high quality assistance to eligible taxpayers. While the recently enacted Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, raised the per-clinic cap to $200,000 for the current year, TAS recommends that Congress remove or substantially increase the per-clinic cap permanently and allow the IRS to reduce the match requirement to 25% where doing so would facilitate coverage for additional taxpayers.
Other sections in the report
The report contains a taxpayer rights assessment that presents performance measures and other relevant data, a description of TAS's case advocacy operations during FY 2022, a summary of key TAS systemic advocacy accomplishments, and a discussion of the 10 federal tax issues most frequently litigated during the preceding year. For the second year, the section on most litigated tax issues contains an analysis of substantially all cases petitioned in the Tax Court rather than simply decided cases, providing a much broader view of issues taxpayers bring to court. Also, for the second time, the report includes a section titled "At a Glance," which provides concise summaries of the 10 "most serious problems." It is intended to give readers a quick overview of each issue so they can decide which ones they want to read about in depth.
Please visit https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/AnnualReport2022 for more information.
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How To Keep Your Sheltie Fit And Healthy " "
Just like humans, your sheltie can become overweight and lethargic. An inactive lifestyle is very unhealthy and can have many negative effects on your dog's physical and mental wellbeing. An obese dog is at a greater risk for skeletal stress, heart disease, cancer, canine diabetes and fatty liver disease to name a few.
1. You can't feel his ribs.
2. They have a sagging belly or there is no longer a slightly defined tuck in their tummy region.
3. Your companion has difficulty breathing after minimal exercise.
The good news is if your shetland sheepdog has excessive pounds or even if he is a good weight, you can make/keep him physically fit by implementing a few diet and exercise changes.
To start, you need to carefully think about how much food you feed your pet. This doesn't only include their meals, but also any other morsels you provide throughout the day (I.E. dog cookies, human food scraps, etc.). First, you need to find out what your dog's ideal body weight should be for his size and age and then feed him the recommended sheltie amount of chow. If you are feeding him too much, slowly decrease it to the right amount.
Secondly, cut down on the treats. Canine biscuits and other goodies are high in calories and fat. You should also be aware that certain food-brands are higher in calories than others. Thus, you might want to consider talking to your vet for weight control recommendations if this is a problem. Note: If your dog is very active he may require a little more to eat than the recommended amount because he is burning more energy.
• Daily walks – Take a few 15-20 minute brisk walks per day (weather permitting).
• Dog trials – Herding, agility training, etc.
Getting and keeping sheltie pooches in shape is not difficult, it simply takes dedication to achieve. Have fun with it.


Loan agreement that generally requires payments of interest only over the term of the note. At the end of the term, the entire debt balance becomes payable in a single balloon payment.
What do I need to know about Managed Care Insurance: HMO, PPO, & and POS plans? Are Basements Included in Square Footage? Who Pays the Real Estate Agent? Can I Use Two Realtors® to Sell My House? How to stop a lien on your property?


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text:
package s3provider

import (
	"bytes"
	"context"
	"fmt"
	"io"
	"os"
	"testing"

	"github.com/aws/aws-sdk-go-v2/service/s3"
	"github.com/stretchr/testify/assert"
	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
	"go.opentelemetry.io/collector/confmap"
)

// A s3 client mocking s3provider works in normal cases
type testClient struct{}

// Implement GetObject() for testClient in normal cases
func (client *testClient) GetObject(context.Context, *s3.GetObjectInput, ...func(*s3.Options)) (*s3.GetObjectOutput, error) {
	// read local config file and return
	f, err := os.ReadFile("./testdata/otel-config.yaml")
	if err != nil {
		return &s3.GetObjectOutput{}, err
	}
	return &s3.GetObjectOutput{Body: io.NopCloser(bytes.NewReader(f)), ContentLength: (int64)(len(f))}, nil
}

// Create a provider mocking s3provider works in normal cases
func NewTestProvider() confmap.Provider {
	return &provider{client: &testClient{}}
}

// A s3 client mocking s3provider works when there is no corresponding config file according to the given s3-uri
type testNonExistClient struct{}

// Create a provider mocking s3provider works when there is no corresponding config file according to the given s3-uri
func NewTestNonExistProvider() confmap.Provider {
	return &provider{client: &testNonExistClient{}}
}

// Implement GetObject() for testClient when there is no corresponding config file according to the given s3-uri
func (client *testNonExistClient) GetObject(context.Context, *s3.GetObjectInput, ...func(*s3.Options)) (*s3.GetObjectOutput, error) {
	// read local config file and return
	f, err := os.ReadFile("./testdata/nonexist-otel-config.yaml")
	if err != nil {
		return &s3.GetObjectOutput{}, err
	}
	return &s3.GetObjectOutput{Body: io.NopCloser(bytes.NewReader(f)), ContentLength: (int64)(len(f))}, nil
}

// A s3 client mocking s3provider works when the returned config file is invalid
type testInvalidClient struct{}

// Create a provider mocking s3provider works when the returned config file is invalid
func NewTestInvalidProvider() confmap.Provider {
	return &provider{client: &testInvalidClient{}}
}

// Implement GetObject() for testClient when the returned config file is invalid
func (client *testInvalidClient) GetObject(context.Context, *s3.GetObjectInput, ...func(*s3.Options)) (*s3.GetObjectOutput, error) {
	// read local config file and return
	return &s3.GetObjectOutput{}, fmt.Errorf("the downloaded config file")
}

func TestFunctionalityDownloadFileS3(t *testing.T) {
	fp := NewTestProvider()
	_, err := fp.Retrieve(context.Background(), "s3://bucket.s3.region.amazonaws.com/key", nil)
	assert.NoError(t, err)
	assert.NoError(t, fp.Shutdown(context.Background()))
}

func TestFunctionalityS3URISplit(t *testing.T) {
	fp := NewTestProvider()
	bucket, region, key, err := s3URISplit("s3://bucket.s3.region.amazonaws.com/key")
	assert.NoError(t, err)
	assert.Equal(t, "bucket", bucket)
	assert.Equal(t, "region", region)
	assert.Equal(t, "key", key)
	assert.NoError(t, fp.Shutdown(context.Background()))
}

func TestInvalidS3URISplit(t *testing.T) {
	fp := NewTestProvider()
	_, err := fp.Retrieve(context.Background(), "s3://bucket.s3.region.amazonaws", nil)
	assert.Error(t, err)
	_, err = fp.Retrieve(context.Background(), "s3://bucket.s3.region.aws.com/key", nil)
	assert.Error(t, err)
	require.NoError(t, fp.Shutdown(context.Background()))
}

func TestUnsupportedScheme(t *testing.T) {
	fp := NewTestProvider()
	_, err := fp.Retrieve(context.Background(), "https://google.com", nil)
	assert.Error(t, err)
	assert.NoError(t, fp.Shutdown(context.Background()))
}

func TestEmptyBucket(t *testing.T) {
	fp := NewTestProvider()
	_, err := fp.Retrieve(context.Background(), "s3://.s3.region.amazonaws.com/key", nil)
	require.Error(t, err)
	require.NoError(t, fp.Shutdown(context.Background()))
}

func TestEmptyKey(t *testing.T) {
	fp := NewTestProvider()
	_, err := fp.Retrieve(context.Background(), "s3://bucket.s3.region.amazonaws.com/", nil)
	require.Error(t, err)
	require.NoError(t, fp.Shutdown(context.Background()))
}

func TestNonExistent(t *testing.T) {
	fp := NewTestNonExistProvider()
	_, err := fp.Retrieve(context.Background(), "s3://non-exist-bucket.s3.region.amazonaws.com/key", nil)
	assert.Error(t, err)
	_, err = fp.Retrieve(context.Background(), "s3://bucket.s3.region.amazonaws.com/non-exist-key.yaml", nil)
	assert.Error(t, err)
	_, err = fp.Retrieve(context.Background(), "s3://bucket.s3.non-exist-region.amazonaws.com/key", nil)
	assert.Error(t, err)
	require.NoError(t, fp.Shutdown(context.Background()))
}

func TestInvalidYAML(t *testing.T) {
	fp := NewTestInvalidProvider()
	_, err := fp.Retrieve(context.Background(), "s3://bucket.s3.region.amazonaws.com/key", nil)
	assert.Error(t, err)
	require.NoError(t, fp.Shutdown(context.Background()))
}

func TestScheme(t *testing.T) {
	fp := NewTestProvider()
	assert.Equal(t, "s3", fp.Scheme())
	require.NoError(t, fp.Shutdown(context.Background()))
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Q: Jar file won't run after Build artifact - JavaFX I have a JavaFx Project which contain FXML files with their controllers and the main class
Project Scource
the program works perfectly on the IDE " IntelliJ "
but when i try to make an artifact and build it , the jar file just won't run " JRE installed of course "
I tried many ways to build the artifact so is there a specific way to build jar files that contain FXML files ?
Building the artifact
StackTrace Exception
 Exception in Application start method
java.lang.reflect.InvocationTargetException
        at sun.reflect.NativeMethodAccessorImpl.invoke0(Native Method)
        at sun.reflect.NativeMethodAccessorImpl.invoke(Unknown Source)
        at sun.reflect.DelegatingMethodAccessorImpl.invoke(Unknown Source)
        at java.lang.reflect.Method.invoke(Unknown Source)
        at com.sun.javafx.application.LauncherImpl.launchApplicationWithArgs(LauncherImpl.java:389)
        at com.sun.javafx.application.LauncherImpl.launchApplication(LauncherImpl.java:328)
        at sun.reflect.NativeMethodAccessorImpl.invoke0(Native Method)
        at sun.reflect.NativeMethodAccessorImpl.invoke(Unknown Source)
        at sun.reflect.DelegatingMethodAccessorImpl.invoke(Unknown Source)
        at java.lang.reflect.Method.invoke(Unknown Source)
        at sun.launcher.LauncherHelper$FXHelper.main(Unknown Source)
Caused by: java.lang.RuntimeException: Exception in Application start method
        at com.sun.javafx.application.LauncherImpl.launchApplication1(LauncherImpl.java:917)
        at com.sun.javafx.application.LauncherImpl.lambda$launchApplication$155(LauncherImpl.java:182)
        at java.lang.Thread.run(Unknown Source)
Caused by: java.lang.NullPointerException: Location is required.
        at javafx.fxml.FXMLLoader.loadImpl(FXMLLoader.java:3207)
        at javafx.fxml.FXMLLoader.loadImpl(FXMLLoader.java:3175)
        at javafx.fxml.FXMLLoader.loadImpl(FXMLLoader.java:3148)
        at javafx.fxml.FXMLLoader.loadImpl(FXMLLoader.java:3124)
        at javafx.fxml.FXMLLoader.loadImpl(FXMLLoader.java:3104)
        at javafx.fxml.FXMLLoader.load(FXMLLoader.java:3097)
        at sample.Main.start(Main.java:20)
        at com.sun.javafx.application.LauncherImpl.lambda$launchApplication1$162(LauncherImpl.java:863)
        at com.sun.javafx.application.PlatformImpl.lambda$runAndWait$175(PlatformImpl.java:326)
        at com.sun.javafx.application.PlatformImpl.lambda$null$173(PlatformImpl.java:295)
        at java.security.AccessController.doPrivileged(Native Method)
        at com.sun.javafx.application.PlatformImpl.lambda$runLater$174(PlatformImpl.java:294)
        at com.sun.glass.ui.InvokeLaterDispatcher$Future.run(InvokeLaterDispatcher.java:95)
        at com.sun.glass.ui.win.WinApplication._runLoop(Native Method)
        at com.sun.glass.ui.win.WinApplication.lambda$null$148(WinApplication.java:191)
        ... 1 more
Exception running application sample.Main

The Main Class contain this " FXML Loader "
public class Main extends Application {

    @Override
    public void start(Stage primaryStage) {

        Parent root = null;
        try {
            root = FXMLLoader.load(getClass().getResource("/Sample/MainLayout.fxml"));

            primaryStage.setTitle("Estimated Download Time");
            primaryStage.setScene(new Scene(root, 764, 600));
            primaryStage.getIcons().add(new Image(getClass().getResourceAsStream("Logo.png")));
            primaryStage.resizableProperty().setValue(Boolean.FALSE);
            primaryStage.show();

        } catch (IOException e) {
            e.printStackTrace();
        }
    }
    public static void main(String[] args) {launch(args);}
}

A: I Solved the problem by just deleting the Package name from the FXML loader
instead of
root = FXMLLoader.load(getClass().getResource("/Sample/MainLayout.fxml"));

I deleted the package name "Sample" so it became this
 root = FXMLLoader.load(getClass().getResource("MainLayout.fxml"));

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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The MC9S08FL16RM(.PDF) rev 3 says FL16 has 12channel 8-bit A/D (but not 10-bit or 12-bit).
The A/D module used, however, is the S08ADC12V1 which is the same used in QE128/QE32 etc, and certainly has 10-bit and 12-bit capability in the QE's.
The same reference manual says that ADCCFG mode bits can be configured for 8, 10, or 12-bit operation (with no note about the 10 and 12 options being unavailable for the FL16), implying that all configurations are possible.
The register summary, however, shows ADCRH location ($0002) in the memory map as reserved (as well as the remaining higher than 8 bit A/D related registers).
But the mc9s08fl16.inc for CW has ADCRH (and the rest of the registers) defined in the reserved location ($0002).
So, which is it, my dear Freescale people? Make up your mind: Does the FL16 support only 8-bit A/D, or more?
What happens if the mode bits are set for 10-bit or 12-bit operation. Will I get 8-bit result, or undefined operation?
Please note that the packages of the S08FL sub-family were designed for are smaller pin count.
They lack dedicated VDDA, VSSA, VREH and VREFL pins. The design was done to make it less costly but still offer the ADC input.
Also notice that generally parts with higher resolution have these pins in some combination. These pins are required for better resolution to reduce the digital noise on the ADC.
I assume the module will work if you set it with different resolutions, but Freescale does not guaranty the best accuracy due to the situations mentioned above.
I recommend set this device as the documentations suggest.


text:
Ras Al Khaimah - Landslides in Ras Al Khaimah blamed on road structure
UAE Tuesday 10th December 2019 07:00 AM REPORT
Thank you for reading the news about Landslides in Ras Al Khaimah blamed on road structure and now with the details
Aden - Yasmine El Tohamy - The level of roads, where most landslides were reported, is higher than the lands along them.
With landslides becoming a problem in Ras Al Khaimah during recent heavy rains, authorities have looked into the matter and found that these were caused by some roads' elevation.
"The level of roads, where most landslides were reported, is higher than the lands along them," said engineer Ahmad Ban, general manager of Works Institution at the Department of Public Works. "So, when rain hits the emirate, the water on roads goes straight seeping into the sand and gravel stones, he explained, citing their findings from a recent field survey. The sides of the roads are then eroded, eventually leading to landslides. "We have reached efficient solutions to be implemented from 2020," Ban said.
Most of the reported landslides were in Al Dheit, Al Shuhada road, and the area extending between the Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Road and Al Saedi road.
Ahmed Shaaban
Originally from Egypt, I am a sound professional with a 23-year diverse experience as a researcher, lecturer, instructor, reporter, journalist, copy writer, translator, interpreter, proofreader, correspondent, and voice-over specialist with so many public and private entities in USA, UAE and Egypt. I have full command of all English and Arabic languages skills. I have a "Doctorate of Business Administration" degree, Swiss Business School. I have two Master's degrees; one in Media Sciences, Mass Communication College, Cairo University, 2014, and one in Applied Business Research, Swiss Business School, 2018. I have a bachelor's degree in English Language and Translation, Al-Alsun College for Languages & Translation, Ain Shams University, Egypt, 1996. I have three post graduate diplomas in Education, Curricula and Instruction, and Islamic Studies. I enjoy reading, writing and adventuring.
These were the details of the news Ras Al Khaimah - Landslides in Ras Al Khaimah blamed on road structure for this day. We hope that we have succeeded by giving you the full details and information. To follow all our news, you can subscribe to the alerts system or to one of our different systems to provide you with all that is new.


The Japanese investment banking unit of UBS of Switzerland had its second surprise regulatory inspection in three months, this time by government agents whose usual assignment is to look for evidence of specific infractions. Japanese securities regulators started an investigation of UBS Warburg on Nov. 21, government officials said, joining a team from the country's Financial Services Agency, which has been examining UBS since late August as part of a two-year sweep of the industry. The investigations are expected to take several months, and analysts said they were very likely to end in a finding of violations.


All of the boys performed well in their matches, but eventually the teams were whittled down to the final four: Lady Barn House, St Bede's College, Bury Grammar School and Bolton School Junior Boys.
Bolton School defeated Lady Barn House in the semi-final, while Bury Grammar School beat St Bede's College. Bolton School versus Bury Grammar School therefore became the last match of the day – as well as the first for both teams! Both teams played extremely well, with Bolton's boys defending their goal right down to the final seconds of the game.
However, by the final whistle, the score was exactly the same as the morning: one nil to Bury Grammar School.
Despite their defeat in the final, the Bolton School Junior Boys are not out of the competition yet. As runners up, they will go forward to the National Finals at the FA National Football Centre at St George's Park on Monday 28th April.


Following a £16.6 million major renovation in 2016-17 by architect Richard Murphy, Perth Theatre has a restored and listed auditorium, reinstated upper tiers and the addition of an orchestra pit. The project also created a 200-seat studio theatre. Lifts now offer improved access to all levels.
It is the home of Perth Youth Theatre.
Parking is available on Mill Street with daytime charges and a car park on Kinnoull Street.
Looking for events in Perth?


Jeremiah Williams has been tending the gardens of the Tennessee governor's mansion for over twenty-five years. And like most first families who have come and gone, this one has stolen his heart.
Mackenzie and her husband, Governor Gray London, have struggled for ten years to have a child and are now enjoying a sweet season of life—anticipating the coming reelection and sending their precious daughter, Maddie, off to kindergarten—when a tragedy tears their world apart. As the entire state mourns, Mackenzie falls into a grief that threatens to swallow her whole.
When was the last time you thought about holiness?
God's specific command for holiness: "Be holy, for I am holy," (in Leviticus 11, 19, and in 1st Peter 1) is an idea rephrased and repeated throughout the Bible.
So when a handsome young executive dashes into the bakery to pick up his high profile company's special order for an important meeting–an order Lexi has flubbed–she loses her compulsion to please. Ssomething inside Lexi clicks. Laissez la révolution commencer! Let the revolution begin! Instead of trying to fulfill everyone else's expectations for her life, Lexi embarks on an adventure in trusting herself and her God with her future–très bon!
Simple Steps for Real Life is that gentle nudge you need to move past your past, learn to trust your own instincts or break out of a rut. Sometimes the smallest action can make a huge difference-and Simple Steps for Real Life will show you how! It's up to you to decide if you are ready to move forward. This is about you, your real life and your choice.
Everyone needs love. Anne Peterson is a storyteller who shares how she found real love. Using transparency and anecdotes she shares some of her struggles and how in the midst of it she found real love. You will find this book uplifting and encouraging. Reading her stories and poetry will touch you as you recognize the love she's talking about, guaranteed to last.
"If you are unhappy, you can be happy. If you have a problem, there is a solution. If you are unfulfilled and need motivation, you too can live your dreams. Jesus, Take The Wheel - 101 Inspirations for Your Daily Christian Walk provides you with a daily blueprint for living your God ordained success. This little Christian book is your guide.


Select the repair service that fits your needs. We offer flat rate repairs for many gadgets.
Send it in for repair to our repair center. Local walk-ins are always welcome!
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The services above are for only the most common devices and issues. If your device is not listed here or if you have a Computer or Laptop issue, please give us a call at (219) 262-9007 with the problem you are having with your computer or mobile phone so we may give you an accurate quote for repairing your device.


text:
For The WORST WEED in WHEAT Fields
KJ Staff Updated 13 July, 2019 11:02 AM IST
Leading agrochemical company, Crystal Crop Protection Pvt. Ltd. organised a mega field training for farmers at Badal village in Panipat district of Haryana. More than 100 progressive farmers participated in this day-long training session conducted to educate them on the management of Phalaris Minor, a big menace for wheat crop in this area.
ACM-9 is a weedicide developed by Crystal's own R&D. A patent applied product, ACM-9 gives much better result on weed management compared to exiting products in the market. Among monocot weeds, Phalaris Minor (Mandusi/GulliDanda in local parlance) is the most notorious weed seen in wheat fields. In certain localities, the profusion of this weed is so great that it becomes almost impossible to grow wheat. The weed belongs to family Gramineae. On average, each plant of this weed produces 10,000 to 30,000 seeds. It merges with the germination of wheat and resembles wheat seedlings to a very large extent, causing 30-70 % reduction in wheat yield.
Bringing out the severity of this weed infestation, Mr. C.S Shukla, Crystal's Senior Vice President Marketing, said, "Phalaris Minor menace is choking the wheat crop in the area. ACM-9 controls weed at the most critical growth stage of growth, enhancing wheat productivity and profit for farmers".
Mr. D. K Sharma, Crystal's Regional Marketing Manager, Haryana explained usage techniques to farmers and Mr. Sajjan Rathi, Regional Marketing Manager briefed them about other wheat problems and their control. Dr. Saurabh Tripathi, Crystal's Herbicide Portfolio Head informed farmers that in addition to Mandusi, ACM-9also controls Wild Oat (Jangli Jai) and many broadleaf weeds.
Talking about this live field training, Mr. C.S. Shukla, Senior Vice President - Marketing, Crystal Crop Protection Pvt. Ltd. said, "It's always a pleasure to organize such training programme for farmers. Through such programmes, farmers are equipped with the latest information on crop management. ACM -9 is a wheat crop saviour and we would like to educate farmers to make the best use of it."
Welcoming farmers earlier in the day, Mr. Sanjay Singh, RSM-Haryana, gave participants a brief introduction to Crop Protection Pvt. Ltd. He informed farmers how Crystal Protection Pvt. Ltd. was founded with the vision of transforming the agricultural industry through promotion and adoption of scientific farming practices from seed to harvest. Today this 35-year- the old group is one of the fastest-growing agrochemical companies in India with insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, plant growth regulators, and micronutrients as part of its portfolio. Through its research and development, product range expansion, innovative technology, and extension services, the 1400 crore company introduces farmers to the latest chemical technologies at affordable prices. The focus of this farmer-centric company has been to maximise their yield and profitability and to improve the rural landscape.
At the event, last year's (2016-17) Farmers' Lucky Draw winner Mr. Ashok Kumar of village Gorakhpur, district Fatehabad was honoured and given his lucky draw prize -- a Bullet motorcycle by Mr. AjitShankhdhar, Vice President, Sales and Mr. Bijender Balyan, State Sales Manager Haryana.
The Crystal team in Punjab and Haryana has done commendable field activities -- over 340 live field training and 563 village meetings. It has reached out to more than 12,000 farmers in November and December alone and trained them on Phalaris Minor management for profitable wheat cultivation.
Wheat crystal crop care crystal crop company profile
Hey! I am KJ Staff. Did you liked this article and have suggestions to improve this article? Mail me your suggestions and feedback.
Bayer-Monsanto merger will have adverse impact on INDIA ?
International Conference : Agribusiness in Emerging Economies


Fr Stephanos over at Me Monk. Me Meander. has been kind enough to do a graphic display relating to my comment on my "favourite" bad translation in the old ICEL.
Supra quae propitio ac sereno vultu respicere digneris: et accepta habere, sicuti accepta habere dignatus es munera pueri tui iusti Abel, et sacrificium Patriarchae nostri Abrahae, et quod tibi obtulit summus sacerdos tuus Melchisedech, sanctum sacrificium, immaculatam hostiam.
Which deign to regard with a propitious and serene countenance, and to hold acceptable as You held acceptable the gifts of Your just servant Abel, and the sacrifice of our Patriarch Abraham, and that which Your High Priest Melchisedech offered You, a holy sacrifice, a spotless victim.
The serene and propitious countenance (or "serene and kindly gaze") is reduced to "Look with favour" and Melchisedek is denied the "high" of high priest. The most glaring error, however, is that the words "sanctum sacrificium, immaculatam hostiam" are simply not included in the translation.
The addition of these words to the canon is found as early as the Gelasian Sacramentary. The Liber Pontificalis ascribed the phrase to Pope Leo the Great; Duchesne argued that it was directed against the Manichees who denied the holiness of matter and therefore of any material sacrifice. Presumably the new ICEL will restore these words so that the people are allowed to hear the prayer as it was provided in the Roman Rite for centuries and preserved in the Missal of Paul VI.


text:
World Investment Outlook 2021: Chapter Five – Asia
Home Shares and markets Investment Articles World Investment Outlook 2021: Chapter Five – Asia
AJ Bell Contact us and help Charges and rates
AJ Bell Youinvest is an easy to use, award-winning platform Open an account
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The Chinese Communist Party's removal from its constitution of limits to Presidential terms back in 2018 tightened Xi Jinping's grip on power. His drives to enforce party and public discipline on the domestic front and reassert his country's position on the world stage have both continued at full speed. A military spat with India in the Himalayas, frequent naval exercises near the Taiwan Strait and ongoing trade tensions with both USA and Australia mean that China's foreign policy was as assertive as ever, and while the imposition of a new security law inflamed both local and global opinion, the jailing of pro-democracy protester Joshua Wong showed that Beijing was unlikely to deflect from its core aims in in Hong Kong.
Thailand is still led by a military junta, six years after 2014's coup, although local elections in December 2020 offer the prospect of a return to democracy at some stage. Meanwhile Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to dominate the political scene in India, with an election not due until 2024 and construction of a new Parliament building in New Delhi underway. The edifice itself is one symbol of Mr Modi's intent, but the increased number of representatives in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha seems tilted toward the north of the country – where the ruling Prime Minister's Bharatiya Janata Party is so much stronger.
Elsewhere, Jacinda Ardern's victory over the National Party's Judith 'Crusher' Collins won Labour re-election and the first parliamentary majority for either side since 1996, thanks to the Prime Minister's handling of both 2019's Christchurch shootings, 2020's pandemic and her programme that focused on renewable energy, racial diversity and increased taxes on the wealthiest.
Scheduled polls for 2021 are few and far between in the region, with Hong Kong's Legislative Council election in September the one to watch. Postponed by a year owing to covid-19, the ballot will be a key test for both the Pro-Beijing Alliance and momentum generated by the pro-democracy movement.
Otherwise, the biggest political event in the region may be the World Economic Forum, whose 'Build Back Better' slogan appears to form the basis of its 'Great Reset' platform. This meeting of the great and the good has been moved from Switzerland in January to Singapore in May.
The covid-19 virus reportedly had its origins in Wuhan, China and the region was thus first into the pandemic and the first out of it, although Hong Kong, South Korea and Australia have had to confront second- and third-round clusters, despite the widespread perception that they dealt with the challenge head on in a swift and effective fashion.
IMF predicts a cyclical upswing across the Asia Pacific region in 2021
GDP growth (%, year-on-year)
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020E 2021E
Australia 2.5% 2.2% 2.7% 1.8% (4.2%) 2.0%
China 6.7% 6.9% 6.6% 6.1% 1.9% 8.2%
Hong Kong 2.0% 3.8% 3.0% (1.2%) (7.5%) 3.7%
India 7.1% 6.7% 6.8% 4.2% (10.3%) 8.8%
New Zealand 3.6% 3.0% 2.8% 2.2% (6.1%) 4.4%
Singapore 2.0% 3.6% 3.1% 0.7% (6.0%) 5.0%
Taiwan 1.5% 2.9% 2.6% 2.7% 0.0% 3.2%
Thailand 3.2% 3.9% 4.1% 2.4% (7.1%) 4.0%
Asia 5.6% 5.7% 5.5% 4.6% (2.2%) 6.9%
Source: International Monetary Fund
As in the West, governments and central banks responded with fiscal and monetary support for their respective economies. China, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and New Zealand, to name just five, all unveiled new Government spending programmes while Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Indonesia and Vietnam were among those to cut interest rates. The Reserve Bank of Australia and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand also initiated Quantitative Easing (QE) schemes for the first time to also try and put a lid on borrowing costs and keep credit flowing to where it was needed most.
The trend in interest rates across Asia was, as elsewhere, resolutely lower
Source: Refinitiv data
Despite such efforts, the after-effects of the pandemic could easily linger through 2021, although there are some hopeful signs. While not everyone may take the numbers completely at face value, the official statistics suggest that China is bouncing back. Even if the Middle Kingdom was forced to scrap its GDP growth target for the first time since 1990, China has begun to show some traction. The country avoided a recession and has already grown for two straight quarters.
China's economy looks to be bouncing back
Indicators such as retail sales, industrial production and tangible fixed asset investment suggest there should be more to come, although President Xi's rumoured intervention to delay the initial public offering of Ant Financial suggests that Beijing is still finding it hard to juggle free market economics with central control and indebted SOEs with a desire to offer fiscal support to the economy and managing its currency with loosening monetary policy as and when it wants to do so.
The renminbi wobbled badly during the early stages of the year, as it stumbled to RMB 7.17 to the dollar, very near to its 2008 trough, but rallied as China began to recapture some economic momentum and America, by contrast, saw its recovery slow as its efforts to contain the virus faltered in late 2020. While this could be as much a case of dollar weakness as renminbi strength, it may take a little pressure of Beijing as it looks to maintain the economic momentum which ultimately provides the Communist Party with its legitimacy with its public.
China's currency has had a volatile year
As with many of the major geographic regions, there appeared to be a disconnect between what was happening in the 'real' world and the 'financial' world – Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan) stocks hit a new lifetime high in late 2020, buoyed by new all-time highs for benchmark stock indices in India and Malaysia and a strong showing from China, where the headline CSI 300 indicator rose by more than a fifth to its highest mark since 2015 and the technology-laden ChiNext surged 43%. The latter was actually helped by American economic sanctions, as investors snapped up local technology specialists in the view they would need to fill the void and provide the supply now denied them by President Trump's trade manoeuvres as he tried to close the US trade deficit and tackle the vexed issue of intellectual property misuse.
Chinese equities roared higher in 2020, despite the pandemic
A rebound in the Aussie market was fuelled by a similar comeback in commodity prices, notably iron ore, despite a Chinese ban on coal produced Down Under, as well as agricultural crops. Even a major cyber-attack could not dampen enthusiasm in New Zealand where the NZ-50 index set a series of all-time peaks, helped by the limited reach of the pandemic and equally limited damage done to the local economy, as well as interest rate cut and QE.
The Aussie and New Zealand equity markets also marched higher
As a result, Asian markets had started to look and feel well and truly bullish, despite the occasional (big) blip, such as the Luckin Coffee fraud which saw the US-traded Chinese company fined by the Securities and Exchange Commission and delisted; ten defaults among Chinese SOEs, notably Yongcheng Coal and Electricity; and the intriguing decision by certain Hong Kong entrepreneurs to take their companies private, notably Li & Fung, Hopewell and Wheelock. The final trend raised the nagging question of whether Hong Kong would again ever be seen as a truly safe port of call for entrepreneurs and capital.
To counter these cross-currents, bulls of Asian markets will point to record dollar-denominated bond sales, for an average yield of 3.5% compared to a five-year average of 4.2% according to Bloomberg; record-high equity issuance in India; a bumper year for new listings in South Korea; and China cracking the $10 trillion market capitalisation barrier for the first time in five years.
These developments, coupled with the cheap liquidity provided by interest rate cuts and monetary stimulus, helped to stoke a feel-good factor which would have seemed inconceivable in the dark days of January, February and March. Overall, Asia-Pacific was the second-best performing region out of eight, in total-return, sterling terms in 2020 as it trailed only Japan.
Asia ranked third out of eight regions in 2020
Source: Refinitiv data. Total returns in sterling terms from 1 Jan 2011 to 9 Dec 2020
The region performed consistently strongly through the year as it ranked third during the second half, when optimism was rising that 2021 would be a more normal year, thanks to what looked like successful containment of the virus in several countries across the region, as well as the development of vaccines in the US, UK, China and possibly Russia.
Asia was relatively strong throughout the year. It ranked third in the second half, behind only Latin America and the Africa/Middle East region, as risk appetite returned and investors' confidence grew.
Source: Refinitiv data. Total returns in sterling terms from 1 Jul to 9 Dec 2020
It will be interesting to see if Asia can keep it up in 2021 as and when global economic activity and risk appetite pick up again – it has enough prime exporters and companies who would be plugged into an upturn, be they silicon chip makers, shipping firms, car and steel makers or electronics manufacturers.
Perhaps its outperformance reflects nothing more than a view that the region was first in and first out when it comes to the viral outbreak. Perhaps it is due to the region's much lower reliance on commodity prices, relative to Eastern Europe (where Russia dominates) and Latin America (where Brazil's fortunes exercise great influence). Asia may have also received a boost from the weaker dollar, especially given 2020's surge in dollar-priced debt issuance.
But, given the experience of SARS in 2002-03, Asia may have been better prepared and equipped to deal with the challenge posed by covid-19. It may be that such readiness could serve the region – and investors in it – well over the longer term, too.
Read more from our World Investment Outlook 2020 series:
World Investment Outlook – Chapter one: UK
World Investment Outlook – Chapter two: USA
World Investment Outlook – Chapter three: Europe
World Investment Outlook – Chapter four: Emerging Markets
World Investment Outlook – Chapter five: Asia
World Investment Outlook – Chapter six: Japan
These articles are for information purposes only and are not a personal recommendation or advice. Past performance is not a guide to future performance and some investment need to be held for the long term. Forecasts are not a reliable indicator of future performance.
Russ Mould
Russ Mould has 28 years' experience of the capital markets. He started at Scottish Equitable in 1991 as a fund manager and in 1993 he joined SG Warburg, now part of UBS investment bank, where he worked as equity analyst covering the technology sector for 12 years. Russ joined Shares in November 2005 as technology correspondent and became Editor of the magazine in July 2008. Following the acquisition of Shares' parent company, MSM Media by AJ Bell Group, he was appointed AJ Bell's Investment Director in summer 2013.
More investment articles
The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you originally invested. We don't offer advice, so it's important you understand the risks, if you're unsure please consult a suitably qualified financial adviser. Tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and rules may change. Past performance is not a guide to future performance and some investments need to be held for the long term. AJ Bell Youinvest registered office: AJ Bell Youinvest, 4 Exchange Quay, Salford Quays, Manchester, M5 3EE.
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Zuma Hotline – Who ya gonna call?
Zuma's presidential hotline is declared a success after a few calls as Pravin Gordhan looks set to clean up the SA procurement system. Zille continues to pursue the NPA's pre-election decision.
After Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk, South Africa has continued the momentum of leading the world in progressive political thought and behaviour – not!
What Mrs Zille is doing with her choice of team is not a good political move by any stretch. In fact she's made a host of political faux pas recently – she has an opportunity to make a significant impact now in South Africa so WHAT is she thinking?
Wonkie believes the only solution for the Helen Zille-ANCYL Julius Malema conflict is to hold a political celebrity fight to the death on live TV. Sneak preview on weapons used in this cartoon post.
Thanks again for checking out the latest Helen Zille cartoon posts. Feel free to visit some of Wonkie's related articles, or if you're into online gambling then Wonkie's recently updated best online casinos directory might be worth a browse. Readers based in India can click here instead for some interesting developments about local gambling news, or they can now buy international lotto tickets online anywhere in India from Kerala to Assam. Wonkie has also just updated its gamble online PayPal page so be sure to visit if PayPal is your preferred online casino funding solution.
Freshly updated Helen Zille news, other articles similar to the current Julius Malema left speechless by current affairs post and many of the latest cartoons appear on this page as new articles are posted on Wonkie frequently with this tag. Visit regularly for more on the best Helen Zille cartoons here!


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     * Returns Azure locations for given subscription
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Getting poked by a needle is not one of life's most enjoyable experiences. Whether it's a flu shot, a blood draw, or even an accidental prick while sewing, most people experience anxiety whenever needles are involved. This innate anxiety helps us to avoid getting accidentally poked, but it can also be troublesome when injections are necessary for administering medication.
In this day and age of medical progress, self-injecting medications are become more and more common. On one hand, self-injections can be celebrated as a solution of convenience. You can give yourself your medication on your own schedule without having to stay in a hospital or go to your doctor's office every week. On the other hand, the idea of administering self-injections can be enough to prevent some from trying a medication that could make their life better. This obstacle of self-injection anxiety is understandable and can be hard to conquer. The best way to break through this barrier is to arm yourself with information on how to give yourself injections in the safest and most effective way possible.
Being honest with your healthcare provider and yourself about anxiety for self-injections is an extremely important first step to making this process doable. Most patients feel anxious, and expressing that anxiety can help both you and your healthcare provider understand what the best course of action is for your physical and mental health. Remember that healthcare providers, while observant, are not mind readers. If you feel uneasy about self-injections, speak up! There may be other, non-injectable options available or your provider may have other tips for making the shots bearable.
Your pharmacist is a great resource! They will be more than happy to help you get oriented and more comfortable with the equipment you are given. Ask your pharmacist to walk through each step/watch you give an injection. This way you can get used to using the equipment that you will be using and will ensure that you are injecting the correct amount of medication. Plus, you can work out some first-time jitters before being on your own.
Talk to your pharmacist about the correct length and gauge of needles to accurately and safely administer your injection. Some medications may require different sizes of needles for drawing up medication and for administering it. Keep an inventory of the supplies you have at home and give your pharmacist a heads up when you have a week's supply of medication or equipment left. Remember that needles manufactured for injections are meant to be used once and should be immediately placed into a sharps container after use. When a needle is used to poke through a thick barrier like skin, it immediately becomes more blunt. Using blunt needles makes injections far more painful and can also cause damage to the skin and muscle.
Each time you prepare to give yourself an injection make sure to arrange all the supplies you will need within arm's reach. This will not only ensure that you don't forget a step but will also make the process more streamlined and less chaotic. Play some relaxing music. Light a candle. Make your environment a place where you feel comfortable while still ensuring that you have all the equipment at the ready to give your injection safely, accurately, and quickly.
Being familiar with the technique for your specific injection is essential to make self-injections effective and as painless as possible. First, find out if your injection is meant to be injected into the muscle (intramuscular or IM) or under the skin (subcutaneous or SC). Intramuscular injections go into a large muscle such as the deltoid or thigh muscle. Whereas subcutaneous injections go into the layer of fat under the skin. Most of the steps are similar for both IM and SC injections. Listed below are general steps for injections.
2. Clean the top of the vial with an alcohol swab and wait until dry before inserting a needle.
3. Attach the needle to the syringe. Prepare the syringe by pulling the plunger back and filling the syringe with air. The amount of air drawn into the syringe should be the same amount of medication you are planning to inject.
4. Keeping the vial on a flat surface, insert the needle through the rubber top of the vial. Press the plunger down so all the air injected into the syringe goes into the vial.
7. Insert the needle into your skin at a 90-degree angle.
8. Push down on the plunger of the syringe to inject the medication.
9. Remove the needle at the same angle it was inserted into your skin.
11. If you are bleeding after your injection, press the injection site with a cotton ball for 30 seconds until the bleeding has stopped. Then place a band aid over the injection site.
13. Give yourself a high five: you're done!
* The thigh muscle is the easiest large muscle to inject IM testosterone. After you clean the injection area with an alcohol swab, spread the skin between your thumb and index finger to make the skin taught.
* Before pressing the plunger on the syringe to inject the testosterone, pull back gently on the plunger and check for blood in the syringe. If you see blood, pull the needle out of your thigh. Switch needles to a new thin gauge needle and try injecting into another area on your thigh. If there is no blood when you pull back the plunger, you can inject your medication. Talk to your doctor to find out if this step is required!
* The skin on the belly is the easiest place to inject SC insulin. Select a location on your belly that is at least 2 inches from your belly button. After you clean the skin, pinch an inch of skin and fatty tissue between your fingers.
* Keeping your skin pinched, insert the needle into the skin. Press down on the plunger to inject the insulin into the pinched skin. Keep the needle in your skin for 10 seconds after the medication has injected. Then release your pinched skin and pull out the needle.
* The next time you inject, rotate sites of injection. Trying using the opposite side of your belly or rotating around your belly button like a clock. Rotating injection sites helps to ensure your medication is absorbed into your body and to reduce skin damage.
Giving yourself an injection may never be something you look forward to. But with the right supplies and a solid understanding of correct technique, you can have the confidence and independence to administer your own medication.
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center: Department of Urology. How to Give Yourself a Testosterone Intramuscular (IM) Injection. https://osuwmcdigital.osu.edu/sitetool/sites/urologypublic/documents/PatientEducation/TestosteroneIMInjectionEducation.pdf . Accessed 15 Oct 2018.
American Association of Diabetes Educators: Insulin Injection Know-How: Learning how to Inject Insulin. https://www.diabeteseducator.org/docs/default-source/legacy-docs/_resources/pdf/general/Insulin_Injection_How_To_AADE.pdf. Accessed 19 Oct 2018.
University of Michigan Health System. How to give yourself a testosterone IM injection. 8 June 2016. https://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/SpinalCordInjuryProgram/IMselfInjectionTesto.pdf. Accessed 25 Oct 2018.


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Turkey: PKK terrorist involved in 2016 bombing arrested
Terrorist supplied explosives used in attack on Adana governor's office that killed 2 people, injured 33, say sources
Halil Ibrahim Sincar | 31.03.2021
MARDIN, Tukey
A PKK terrorist involved in the 2016 bombing of a government office in Turkey's southern Adana city has been arrested, security sources said on Wednesday.
At least two people were killed and 33 more injured when a vehicle rigged with explosives detonated in the parking lot of the governor's office in Adana on Nov. 24, 2016.
The terrorist, identified only by the initials H.O., was apprehended by gendarmerie teams in Omerli district of the southeastern Mardin province, said the sources, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.
The PKK member was the person who supplied the explosives to the terrorists who carried out the 2016 attack, the sources said.
He was wanted by police in two previous cases pertaining to "membership of an armed terrorist organization," the sources added.
* Writing by Jeyhun Aliyev from Ankara
Adana Governorship parking lot bomb attack governor's office terror attack Turkish security forces
3 Turkish soldiers killed in terrorist attack in SE Turkiye


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College Basketball Picks & Best Bets: Tuesday, February 9, 2021
The NFL still kind of dominated the sports betting headlines yesterday as we got early Super Bowl odds for 2022. First time I wrote those numbers. It is kind of scary how fast we move.
On Tuesday, we have a solid schedule with what should be a fun game between West Virginia and Texas Tech. The last time they hooked up the Mountaineers won by a point in Morgantown. Since then the Red Raiders have leaped them in the national rankings and will be looking to prove a point tonight.
Here is a quick look at the key games on the slate for Tuesday, February 9, 2021.
All odds in this article are via FanDuel Sportsbook.
Alabama vs South Carolina, SEC Network, 6:30 PM ET
Spread: Alabama -7.5 (-105), South Carolina +7.5 (-115)
Total: Over 155.5 (-105), Under 155.5 (-115)
Moneyline: Alabama -330, South Carolina +265
Alabama finally took an SEC loss over the weekend at Mizzou. The Tigers are a good team but I thought we would see more from Alabama. The Crimson Tide dug themselves too big a hole and just couldn't get out of it. They have now lost two of three and it definitely appears to be a strategy to try and frustrate the Tide by playing slow.
South Carolina should adopt that strategy but they are not very good this season and don't really have the players to compete. Their results are wild too, losing to Vanderbilt one game and beating Florida the next. Stick with the team you know, and sort of trust, here.
Betting Advice: Take Alabama (best bet)
Texas vs Kansas State, ESPN+, 8:00 PM ET
Spread: Texas -14.5 (-108), Kansas State +14.5 (-112)
Moneyline: Texas -1800, Kansas State +980
Texas needs an easy win tonight. They have lost four of their last five including twice as a favorite. None of those qualify as bad losses, but this team was Top 5 just a couple of weeks ago. Health was a factor in some of their recent results, but they look ready to go for this one. That lone win in that five-game stretch was against K-State, a program that has yet to win a game in 2021.
Most of the time they are not even close either, they are just 3-7 ATS during that stretch. The Wildcats are a younger, less talented team than the Longhorns so even though you are giving up a lot of points with the home side fading them is the way to go.
Betting Advice: Take Texas
West Virginia vs Texas Tech, ESPN, 9:00 PM ET
Spread: West Virginia +5.5 (-104), Texas Tech -5.5 (-118)
Moneyline: West Virginia +220, Texas Tech -270
We got this game a couple of weeks ago and it was an exciting 88-87 win for the Mountaineers. West Virginia was able to speed up Texas Tech in their own gym but the Red Raiders will be looking to do the opposite at home in this one. Texas Tech only gives up 61 points per game and those 88 points they allowed the last time were a season-high. I am sure that has the full attention of coach Chris Beard and I am looking for a stingier defensive game this time around.
One thing to be aware of is that the Red Raiders' second-leading scorer, Terrence Shannon, is questionable. If he can't go the need to keep the game lower scoring is even greater. I am leaning Texas Tech but whichever way this one moves before game time might be the best value.
Betting Advice: Take Texas Tech.
Creighton vs Georgetown, CBS Sports Network, 9:00 PM ET
Spread: Creighton -7.5 (-110), Georgetown +7.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Creighton -350, Georgetown +280
Big East teams have had difficulty keeping their schedules this season, except for Creighton. They may be in second place behind Villanova but no team has more conference wins than the Blue Jays, who are 10-4 in league play.
Georgetown is second from the bottom at 3-6 but last week they beat Creighton on the road so you can bet the Blue Jays are not going to be taking them too lightly. Georgetown is not back but they are playing some pretty good basketball right now, they have covered in four straight and five of six. Even though they just beat the Blue Jays and are playing better I am still not sold on the Hoyas. Georgetown might have played their best game of the season to bet Creighton the last time around.
The Blue Jays are very reliant on deep shooting and when it isn't there sometimes they fail to find their offense. That is what happened in the loss and I am expecting a rebound.
Betting Advice: Take Creighton.
Categorized as NCAAB Betting News
By Matt Wiesenfeld
Matt has been an active sports betting content contributor on the web for more than a decade, though new to the Betting News team. His favorite sports to bet are college hoops, college football, and MLB.
View all of Matt Wiesenfeld's posts.
Patrick Cantlay Sits Atop The Odds List to Win the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
Super Bowl Extra: A streaker, Props and Porn Sites


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How property prices can drop 4pc (and almost everyone wins)
UFO simulator looking for South Island landing pad
House sales drop to 10-year low
13 Aug, 2010 11:10am
Photo / NZ Herald
Herald online
The number of homes sold in New Zealand has plummeted to a 10-year low for July, with the housing market 'stuck in neutral' at best.
The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand's Housing Price Index fell 1.2 per cent in July when compared with the month prior, but rose 1.8 per cent from July last year.
Nationwide sales slipped from 4575 transactions in June to 4411 last month, the lowest July total in 10 years.
Goldman Sachs JB Were economist Philip Borkin said the property market was "stuck in netural at best".
"We expect this theme to continue for the foreseeable future, which also portends a sluggish residential investment and consumer spending backdrop," he said.
Auckland was the only major centre to record an increase in prices from June, up $5000 to $450,000.
Prices were down from $405,000 to $385,000 in Wellington and in Christchurch city the median residential property price fell from $340,000 to $328,250 during the same period.
Prices also fell in the Central Otago Lakes region, Canterbury/Westland, Waikato Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay and Nelson/Marlborough, but were up in Otago, Taranaki, Manawatu/Wanganui and Southland.
However property prices in the main centres were holding up well when compared to a year ago, REINZ says.
Christchurch recorded a 7.4 per cent rise in property prices, while prices in Auckland were up 1.7 per cent and in Wellington prices rose 1.1 per cent.
REINZ spokesperson Peter Thompson said he expects to see a lift in sales in the coming months as home owners prepare their properties for the spring market.
"We are seeing a similar pattern to last month with sales volumes down, but prices remaining stable in contradiction of predictions of a falling market."
"Good sales are still being made and properties priced right are attracting a lot of attention and are selling."
The national median number of days to sell stayed at 45 for July which is longer than the 37 days of July last year, but an improvement on the median of 58 days two years ago.
ANZ economist Mark Smith said the low number of sales and rising days to sell suggested there was not a lot of optimism in the housing market.
"The June and July hikes by the Reserve Bank would be one factor encouraging increasing caution by buyers."
"Offsetting this, however, have been recent cuts to fixed mortgage rates, which may start to entice more buyers into the market," he said.
The total value of residential sales, including sections, in July declined to $1.83 billion, a further decrease on the June total of $1.96 billion.
- NZ HERALD ONLINE
National house prices: How you fare
9 Aug, 2010 5:30am
Are house prices declining?
9 Aug, 2010 10:11am