text:
package samlidp

import (
	"net/http"
	"net/http/httptest"
	"strings"
	"testing"

	"gotest.tools/assert"
	is "gotest.tools/assert/cmp"
)

func TestShortcutsCrud(t *testing.T) {
	test := NewServerTest(t)
	w := httptest.NewRecorder()
	r, _ := http.NewRequest("GET", "https://idp.example.com/shortcuts/", nil)
	test.Server.ServeHTTP(w, r)
	assert.Check(t, is.Equal(http.StatusOK, w.Code))
	assert.Check(t, is.Equal("{\"shortcuts\":[]}\n",
		string(w.Body.Bytes())))

	w = httptest.NewRecorder()
	r, _ = http.NewRequest("PUT", "https://idp.example.com/shortcuts/bob",
		strings.NewReader("{\"url_suffix_as_relay_state\": true, \"service_provider\": \"https://example.com/saml2/metadata\"}"))
	test.Server.ServeHTTP(w, r)
	assert.Check(t, is.Equal(http.StatusNoContent, w.Code))

	w = httptest.NewRecorder()
	r, _ = http.NewRequest("GET", "https://idp.example.com/shortcuts/bob", nil)
	test.Server.ServeHTTP(w, r)
	assert.Check(t, is.Equal(http.StatusOK, w.Code))
	assert.Check(t, is.Equal("{\"name\":\"bob\",\"service_provider\":\"https://example.com/saml2/metadata\",\"url_suffix_as_relay_state\":true}\n",
		string(w.Body.Bytes())))

	w = httptest.NewRecorder()
	r, _ = http.NewRequest("GET", "https://idp.example.com/shortcuts/", nil)
	test.Server.ServeHTTP(w, r)
	assert.Check(t, is.Equal(http.StatusOK, w.Code))
	assert.Check(t, is.Equal("{\"shortcuts\":[\"bob\"]}\n",
		string(w.Body.Bytes())))

	w = httptest.NewRecorder()
	r, _ = http.NewRequest("DELETE", "https://idp.example.com/shortcuts/bob", nil)
	test.Server.ServeHTTP(w, r)
	assert.Check(t, is.Equal(http.StatusNoContent, w.Code))

	w = httptest.NewRecorder()
	r, _ = http.NewRequest("GET", "https://idp.example.com/shortcuts/", nil)
	test.Server.ServeHTTP(w, r)
	assert.Check(t, is.Equal(http.StatusOK, w.Code))
	assert.Check(t, is.Equal("{\"shortcuts\":[]}\n",
		string(w.Body.Bytes())))
}

func TestShortcut(t *testing.T) {
	test := NewServerTest(t)
	w := httptest.NewRecorder()
	r, _ := http.NewRequest("PUT", "https://idp.example.com/shortcuts/bob",
		strings.NewReader("{\"url_suffix_as_relay_state\": true, \"service_provider\": \"https://sp.example.com/saml2/metadata\"}"))
	test.Server.ServeHTTP(w, r)
	assert.Check(t, is.Equal(http.StatusNoContent, w.Code))

	w = httptest.NewRecorder()
	r, _ = http.NewRequest("PUT", "https://idp.example.com/users/alice",
		strings.NewReader(`{"name": "alice", "password": "hunter2"}`+"\n"))
	test.Server.ServeHTTP(w, r)
	assert.Check(t, is.Equal(http.StatusNoContent, w.Code))

	w = httptest.NewRecorder()
	r, _ = http.NewRequest("POST", "https://idp.example.com/login",
		strings.NewReader("user=alice&password=hunter2"))
	r.Header.Set("Content-type", "application/x-www-form-urlencoded")
	test.Server.ServeHTTP(w, r)
	assert.Check(t, is.Equal(http.StatusOK, w.Code))

	w = httptest.NewRecorder()
	r, _ = http.NewRequest("GET", "https://idp.example.com/login/bob/whoami", nil)
	r.Header.Set("Cookie", "session=AAIEBggKDA4QEhQWGBocHiAiJCYoKiwuMDI0Njg6PD4=")
	test.Server.ServeHTTP(w, r)
	assert.Check(t, is.Equal(http.StatusOK, w.Code))
	body := string(w.Body.Bytes())

	assert.Check(t, strings.Contains(body,
		"<input type=\"hidden\" name=\"RelayState\" value=\"/whoami\" />"),
		body)
	assert.Check(t, strings.Contains(body,
		"<script>document.getElementById('SAMLResponseForm').submit();</script>"),
		body)
}


text:
You are here: Home / FOX / Fox Sports1 / FOX Sports 1 to Launch Across All Major Distributors
FOX Sports 1 to Launch Across All Major Distributors
NEW NATIONAL SPORTS CHANNEL DEBUTS SATURDAY, AUGUST 17
Fox's new national sports network, FOX Sports 1, will debut on Saturday, August 17th, with every major distributor on board, making this the biggest sports cable network launch in history, and one of the largest network launches ever. The announcement was made by Mike Hopkins, President, Distribution, Fox Networks.
"We are thrilled that virtually all pay-television customers across America will have access to FOX Sports 1," said Mr. Hopkins. "This network launch is a major milestone for Fox and will alter the sports television landscape. We are grateful to our distribution partners for making this all possible."
At the outset, FOX Sports 1 boasts nearly 5,000 hours of live event, news and original programming annually. A robust schedule of live events forms the backbone of FOX Sports 1's programming from Day 1, with college basketball, college football, NASCAR, soccer, boxing and UFC all on tap between launch and year's end. In fact, the schedule on August 17th features live events morning, noon and night including a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race from Michigan and UFC FIGHT NIGHT: SHOGUN VS. SONNEN in prime time. In 2014, FOX Sport's new rights agreement with MLB takes effect, bringing regular and postseason games to FOX Sports 1.
Viewers can learn where to find FOX Sports 1 on their system by visiting FOXSports1.com.
Filed Under: Fox Sports1

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
package kiwi.test.service.reasoning;

import java.util.List;

import javax.transaction.HeuristicMixedException;
import javax.transaction.HeuristicRollbackException;
import javax.transaction.NotSupportedException;
import javax.transaction.RollbackException;
import javax.transaction.SystemException;

import kiwi.api.reasoning.ReasoningService;
import kiwi.api.transaction.TransactionService;
import kiwi.api.triplestore.TripleStore;
import kiwi.model.kbase.KiWiUriResource;
import kiwi.service.reasoning.CompiledProgram;
import kiwi.service.reasoning.CompiledRule;
import kiwi.service.reasoning.ProgramCompiler;
import kiwi.service.reasoning.ProgramParser;
import kiwi.service.reasoning.RuleBodyProcessor;
import kiwi.service.reasoning.RuleBodyResult;
import kiwi.service.reasoning.StringProgramLoader;
import kiwi.service.reasoning.ast.Conjunction;
import kiwi.service.reasoning.ast.Formula;
import kiwi.service.reasoning.ast.Program;
import kiwi.service.reasoning.ast.Rule;
import kiwi.service.reasoning.ast.Variable;
import kiwi.service.transaction.KiWiSynchronizationImpl;
import kiwi.test.base.KiWiTest;

import org.jboss.seam.Component;
import org.jboss.seam.log.Log;
import org.jboss.seam.log.Logging;
import org.jboss.seam.transaction.Transaction;
import org.testng.Assert;
import org.testng.annotations.Test;

/**
 *
 * Important note: don't use real namespaces (rdf, rdfs, ...) for testing because it could interfere with
 * triples that kiwi creates automatically (for example it creates the triple anonymousUser rdf:type kiwiUser)
 *
 * @author Jakub Kotowski
 *
 */
@Test
public class ProgramTest extends KiWiTest {
	Log log = Logging.getLog(this.getClass());

	private void forcePersistence() {

		// disabled, because it causes troubles when several entity managers are
		// active at the same time

		// entityManager.flush();

		try {
			Transaction.instance().commit();
			Transaction.instance().begin();
			TransactionService transactionService =
				(TransactionService) Component.getInstance("transactionService");
			transactionService.registerSynchronization(
            		KiWiSynchronizationImpl.getInstance(),
            		transactionService.getUserTransaction() );
		} catch (SecurityException e) {
			// TODO Auto-generated catch block
			e.printStackTrace();
		} catch (IllegalStateException e) {
			// TODO Auto-generated catch block
			e.printStackTrace();
		} catch (RollbackException e) {
			// TODO Auto-generated catch block
			e.printStackTrace();
		} catch (HeuristicMixedException e) {
			// TODO Auto-generated catch block
			e.printStackTrace();
		} catch (HeuristicRollbackException e) {
			// TODO Auto-generated catch block
			e.printStackTrace();
		} catch (SystemException e) {
			// TODO Auto-generated catch block
			e.printStackTrace();
		} catch (NotSupportedException e) {
			// TODO Auto-generated catch block
			e.printStackTrace();
		}
	}

	@Test
	public void testProgramParsing() throws Exception {
		/*
		 *
		 */
    	new FacesRequest() {
            @Override
            protected void invokeApplication() {
            	log.info("ProgramTest.testProgramParsing()");
            	ReasoningService reasoningService = (ReasoningService) Component.getInstance("kiwi.core.reasoningService");
            	//we have to switch online reasoning off already here because this test is in the same test suite with ReasoningTest and before ReasoningTest starts running
            	//some tasks may already be scheduled (triples added for the new anonymous user)
            	reasoningService.disableReasoning();
            	TransactionService ts = (TransactionService) Component.getInstance("transactionService");
//            	ts.removeRegisteredSync(KiWiSynchronizationImpl.getInstance());

            	StringProgramLoader programLoader = (StringProgramLoader) Component.getInstance("stringProgramLoader");
            	programLoader.addLine("@prefix rdf : <http://kiwi/rdf#>");
            	programLoader.addLine("@prefix rdfs: <http://kiwi/rdfsss#>");
            	programLoader.addLine("($1 http://kiwi/rdf#type $2) -> ($1 http://kiwi/rdf#type http://kiwi/rdf#Resource)");
            	programLoader.addLine("rdf-subclass: ($1 rdfs:subClassOf $2), ($2 rdfs:subClassOf $3) -> ($1 rdfs:subClassOf $3)");
            	programLoader.addLine("constraint: ($1 rdfs:subClassOf $2), ($2 rdf:type http://kiwi/nothing) -> inconsistency");
            	log.info(" rules loaded");

            	Program parsedProgram = programLoader.loadProgram("");

            	Assert.assertEquals(parsedProgram.getNamespaces().size(), 2,"ERROR");
            	Assert.assertEquals(parsedProgram.getRules().size(), 3,"ERROR");

            	Rule rule = parsedProgram.getRules().get(0);
            	Assert.assertEquals(rule.getBody().getFormula().getFormulaType(), Formula.FormulaType.CONJUNCTION);
            	Assert.assertEquals(rule.getBody().getVariables().size(), 2,"ERROR");
            	Assert.assertEquals(rule.getHead().getVariables().size(), 1,"ERROR");

            	rule = parsedProgram.getRules().get(1);
            	Assert.assertEquals(rule.getBody().getFormula().getFormulaType(), Formula.FormulaType.CONJUNCTION);
            	Assert.assertEquals(((Conjunction)rule.getBody().getFormula()).getFormulas().size(), 2,"ERROR");
            	Assert.assertEquals(rule.getBody().getVariables().size(), 3,"ERROR");
            	Assert.assertEquals(rule.getHead().getVariables().size(), 2,"ERROR");

            	rule = parsedProgram.getRules().get(2);
            	Assert.assertEquals(rule.getBody().getFormula().getFormulaType(), Formula.FormulaType.CONJUNCTION);
            	Assert.assertEquals(((Conjunction)rule.getBody().getFormula()).getFormulas().size(), 2,"ERROR");
            	Assert.assertEquals(rule.getBody().getVariables().size(), 2,"ERROR");
            	Assert.assertEquals(rule.getHead().getVariables().size(), 0,"ERROR");
            	Assert.assertTrue(rule.getHead().isInconsistency(),"ERROR");
            }
    	}.run();
	}

	@Test
	public void testProgramCompilation() throws Exception {
		/*
		 *
		 */
    	new FacesRequest() {
            @Override
            protected void invokeApplication() {
            	System.out.println("ProgramTest.testProgramCompilation()");
            	ReasoningService reasoningService = (ReasoningService) Component.getInstance("kiwi.core.reasoningService");
            	//we have to switch online reasoning off already here because this test is in the same test suite with ReasoningTest and before ReasoningTest starts running
            	//some tasks may already be scheduled (triples added for the new anonymous user)
            	reasoningService.disableReasoning();

            	StringProgramLoader programLoader = (StringProgramLoader) Component.getInstance("stringProgramLoader");
            	programLoader.addLine("@prefix rdf : <http://kiwi/rdf#>");
            	programLoader.addLine("@prefix rdfs: <http://kiwi/rdfsss#>");
            	programLoader.addLine("($1 http://kiwi/rdf#type $2) -> ($1 http://kiwi/rdf#type http://kiwi/rdf#Resource)");
            	programLoader.addLine("rdf-subclass: ($1 rdfs:subClassOf $2), ($2 rdfs:subClassOf $3) -> ($1 rdfs:subClassOf $3)");
            	programLoader.addLine("constraint: ($1 rdfs:subClassOf $2), ($2 rdf:type http://kiwi/nothing) -> inconsistency");
            	System.out.println(" rules loaded");

            	Program parsedProgram = programLoader.loadProgram("");

            	ProgramCompiler programCompiler = (ProgramCompiler) Component.getInstance("programCompiler");

            	CompiledProgram compiledProgram = programCompiler.compileProgram(parsedProgram);

            	Assert.assertNotNull(compiledProgram);

        		List<CompiledRule> compiledRules = compiledProgram.getRules();

        		System.out.println(" rules compiled");

            	Assert.assertEquals(compiledRules.size(), 3);

            	CompiledRule r1 = compiledRules.get(0);
            	System.out.println("r1 = "+r1.getRule().toString());
            	CompiledRule r2 = compiledRules.get(1);
            	System.out.println("r2 = "+r2.getRule().toString());
            	CompiledRule r3 = compiledRules.get(2);
            	System.out.println("r3 = "+r3.getRule().toString());

            	Assert.assertFalse(r1.isGround());
            	Assert.assertFalse(r1.isInstance());
            	Assert.assertFalse(r1.isConstraintRule());
            	Assert.assertEquals(r1.getSelectVariables().size(), 1);
            	Assert.assertFalse(r1.hasNoSharedVariables());

            	Assert.assertFalse(r2.isGround());
            	Assert.assertFalse(r2.isInstance());
            	Assert.assertFalse(r2.isConstraintRule());
            	Assert.assertEquals(r2.getSelectVariables().size(), 2);
            	Assert.assertFalse(r2.hasNoSharedVariables());

            	Assert.assertFalse(r3.isGround());
            	Assert.assertFalse(r3.isInstance());
            	Assert.assertTrue(r3.isConstraintRule());
            	Assert.assertEquals(r3.getSelectVariables().size(), 2);
            	Assert.assertTrue(r3.hasNoSharedVariables());//that's why there are 2 select variables and not 0

            	System.out.println(" rules tested");
            }
    	}.run();
	}

	@Test
	public void testRuleBodyExecution() throws Exception {
		/*
		 *
		 */
    	new FacesRequest() {
            @Override
            protected void invokeApplication() {
            	System.out.println("ProgramTest.testRuleBodyExecution()");
            	ReasoningService reasoningService = (ReasoningService) Component.getInstance("kiwi.core.reasoningService");
            	//we have to switch online reasoning off already here because this test is in the same test suite with ReasoningTest and before ReasoningTest starts running
            	//some tasks may already be scheduled (triples added for the new anonymous user)
            	reasoningService.disableReasoning();

            	TripleStore tripleStore = (TripleStore) Component.getInstance("tripleStore");
            	tripleStore.clear();
            	tripleStore.clearCaches();
            	tripleStore = (TripleStore) Component.getInstance("tripleStore");

            	KiWiUriResource user1 = tripleStore.createUriResource("http://kiwi/test/user1");
            	KiWiUriResource user2 = tripleStore.createUriResource("http://kiwi/test/user2");
            	KiWiUriResource rdftype = tripleStore.createUriResource("http://kiwi/rdf#type");
            	KiWiUriResource rdfssubclass = tripleStore.createUriResource("http://kiwi/rdfsss#subClassOf");
            	KiWiUriResource kiwiUser = tripleStore.createUriResource("http://kiwi/test/usertype");
            	KiWiUriResource kiwiResource = tripleStore.createUriResource("http://kiwi/test/resource");

            	KiWiUriResource class1 = tripleStore.createUriResource("http://kiwi/test/class1");
            	KiWiUriResource class2 = tripleStore.createUriResource("http://kiwi/test/class2");
            	KiWiUriResource class3 = tripleStore.createUriResource("http://kiwi/test/class3");

            	Assert.assertNotNull(tripleStore.createTriple(user1, rdftype, kiwiUser));
            	Assert.assertNotNull(tripleStore.createTriple(user2, rdftype, kiwiUser));

            	Assert.assertNotNull(tripleStore.createTriple(class1, rdfssubclass, class2));
            	Assert.assertNotNull(tripleStore.createTriple(class2, rdfssubclass, class3));
            	//Assert.assertNotNull(tripleStore.createTriple(class1, rdfssubclass, class2));

            	forcePersistence();

            	StringProgramLoader programLoader = (StringProgramLoader) Component.getInstance("stringProgramLoader");;
            	programLoader.addLine("@prefix rdf : <http://kiwi/rdf#>");
            	programLoader.addLine("@prefix rdfs: <http://kiwi/rdfsss#>");
            	programLoader.addLine("($1 http://kiwi/rdf#type $2) -> ($1 http://kiwi/rdf#type http://kiwi/rdf#Resource)");
            	programLoader.addLine("rdf-subclass: ($1 rdfs:subClassOf $2), ($2 rdfs:subClassOf $3) -> ($1 rdfs:subClassOf $3)");
            	programLoader.addLine("constraint: ($1 rdfs:subClassOf $2), ($2 rdf:type http://kiwi/nothing) -> inconsistency");
            	System.out.println(" rules loaded");

            	Program parsedProgram = programLoader.loadProgram("");

            	ProgramCompiler programCompiler = (ProgramCompiler) Component.getInstance("programCompiler");

            	CompiledProgram compiledProgram = programCompiler.compileProgram(parsedProgram);

            	Assert.assertNotNull(compiledProgram);

        		List<CompiledRule> compiledRules = compiledProgram.getRules();

        		System.out.println(" rules compiled");

            	CompiledRule r1 = compiledRules.get(0);
            	System.out.println(r1.getName()+": "+r1.getQuery());
            	CompiledRule r2 = compiledRules.get(1);
            	System.out.println(r2.getName()+": "+r2.getQuery());
            	CompiledRule r3 = compiledRules.get(2);
            	System.out.println(r3.getName()+": "+r3.getQuery());

            	RuleBodyProcessor ruleBodyProcessor = (RuleBodyProcessor) Component.getInstance("ruleBodyProcessor");;

            	List<RuleBodyResult> r1r = ruleBodyProcessor.process(r1);
            	Assert.assertEquals(r1r.size(), 2);

            	List<RuleBodyResult> r2r = ruleBodyProcessor.process(r2);
            	Assert.assertEquals(r2r.size(), 1);
            	Assert.assertEquals(r2r.get(0).getTripleIds().size(), 2);
            	Assert.assertTrue(r2r.get(0).getBinding(new Variable("$1")) instanceof KiWiUriResource);
            	KiWiUriResource uri = (KiWiUriResource) r2r.get(0).getBinding(new Variable("$1"));
            	Assert.assertEquals(uri, class1);
            	uri = (KiWiUriResource) r2r.get(0).getBinding(new Variable("$2"));
            	Assert.assertNull(uri); //null because $2 is not a selectVariable
            	Assert.assertFalse(r2.getSelectVariables().contains(new Variable("$2")));
            	uri = (KiWiUriResource) r2r.get(0).getBinding(new Variable("$3"));
            	Assert.assertEquals(uri, class3);

            	List<RuleBodyResult> r3r = ruleBodyProcessor.process(r3);
            	Assert.assertEquals(r3r.size(), 0);
            }
    	}.run();
	}
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Music Competition
National Vote
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Continue Cookie Policy
Home >> Singing Competition
Online Singing Competition
Open Mic UK is a national online singing competition for singers and solo artists in the UK. The competition attracts over 10,000 acts every year, with the UK's best singers, singer/songwriters, rappers and vocalists competition to be crowned the winner.
Acts can perform either creative covers or original material and it's open to all genres, including Blues, Gospel, Pop, Rap, Rock, R&B and more.
The singing competition offers a fantastic opportunity to not only show off your talent to industry professionals, but also to develop as an act in a highly competitive industry.
Auditions start soon and places are filling fast, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Perform for Record Label A&R
As well as offering great prizes, there are music industry judges are at every stage of the competition, from the initial auditions to the Grand Final.
Last year's competition included judges that work for the three major record labels (Universal, Warner and Sony), as well as national radio DJs, regional press and BBC Introducing.
The judges will be looking for vocal/musical talent, stage performance, image, star quality and originality. They will also be trying to discover an act that has the potential to be successfully launched in the UK as a major recording artist, therefore being self-motivated is essential.
Singing Competition Judges
Get your music heard by the right people by showcasing your music. Open Mic UK gives contestants the chance to perform live for music and entertainment industry judges.
Molly Hocking
The Voice UK Winner
James Ellett
Artist and A&R Manager
Carrie Grant
BAFTA award-winning host
Professional Vocal Coach
Singing Competition Auditions
The Open Mic UK online auditions start soon, and with entries received from all over the UK, audition places are limited.
Our industry judges, along with the online audience, will vote to decide who gets through to the next round of Live Shows, which will be streamed live on the Open Mic UK website, Facebook and YouTube channels, as well as our partner platforms.
View Audition Dates Enter Now
The Live Shows & Grand Final
If you're successful in your audition, you will be given a place in the Live Shows, with the opportunity to perform to thousands online.
The Live Shows will include some of the best unsigned acts in the UK and will allow them to showcase their talents to a music industry judging panel, as well as a huge live audience.
It's here that they'll have the chance to progress towards the Grand Final, for the chance to compete for a prize fund of £5000, plus mentoring and publicly packages.
The Competition Winner
The overall winner will be crowned Open Mic UK champion, receiving a cash prize, mentoring and publicity packages.
Previous competition winners have signed to Capitol Records (Lola Young) and Atlantic Records/Universal (Birdy).
View Prizes
Registered in England & Wales | Future Productions Limited. Registration No: 9582906 Registered Office: Future House, 36 Lumsden Avenue, Southampton SO15 5EL
Website designed by boxChilli


Faced with sluggish domestic demand and the record cost of fattening animals — the result of a steep rise in the prices of corn and soybeans as drought grips the top exporter, the United States — Chinese hog producers are being forced to sell their herds.
China's food price cycle is driven in large part by pork, the country's staple meat. And while it is in abundance now, in about six months, meat stocks are expected to fall as a result of the sell-off, resulting in a surge in prices.
Any increase in food price is expected to push up inflation, which now sits at a comfortable level, having cooled from last year.
But inflation is still one of China's biggest economic concerns given the possibility that rising prices might lead to social unrest.
Xinhua reported on Tuesday that prices for a number of foodstuffs had risen for a sixth consecutive week, but pork remains relatively cheap, increasing the risk of sudden, steep rises next year.
The wholesale prices of 18 types of vegetables monitored by the ministry increased 1.2 percent from one week earlier, with the prices of eggplants, cabbages and celery rising 7.5 percent, 7.1 percent and 5.1 percent, respectively, according to a statement posted on the ministry's website on Tuesday.
The retail price of eggs continued to climb, up 3 percent week on week but still down 2.8 percent from the same period last year.
The wholesale price of pork, a staple meat in the country, rose 0.8 percent from the previous week but was still 22.7 percent lower compared with the same period last year, according to the statement.
Read more about China's food prices and inflation via CDT.


text:
Provision of Services to Travellers
Patricia Niner
School of Public Policy, University of Birmingham
Niner, P. (2005). Provision of Services to Travellers. School of Public Policy, University of Birmingham.
Niner, Patricia. / Provision of Services to Travellers. School of Public Policy, University of Birmingham, 2005.
@book{f03a1a75a20945228b63229084acd857,
title = "Provision of Services to Travellers",
author = "Patricia Niner",
note = "London Borough of Hackney",
volume = "1-98",
publisher = "School of Public Policy, University of Birmingham",
Niner, P 2005, Provision of Services to Travellers. vol. 1-98, School of Public Policy, University of Birmingham.
Provision of Services to Travellers. / Niner, Patricia.
School of Public Policy, University of Birmingham, 2005.
T1 - Provision of Services to Travellers
AU - Niner, Patricia
N1 - London Borough of Hackney
VL - 1-98
BT - Provision of Services to Travellers
PB - School of Public Policy, University of Birmingham
Niner P. Provision of Services to Travellers. School of Public Policy, University of Birmingham, 2005.


text:
Who Is Max on 'Criminal Minds,' Played by Rachael Leigh Cook?
Reid will have a new woman in his life.
By Jenny Hollander
VALERY HACHEGetty Images
Everyone's favorite autodidact on Criminal Minds, the lovable, bumbling Spencer Reid, hasn't had much luck in his romantic life. There was Lila (season one), who gave him his first kiss, and Maeve (season eight), whose sudden death broke his heart. For the show's 15th and final season, his luck may be about to change: Rachel Leigh Cook will play Max, billed as a "love interest" for Matthew Grey Gubler's character.
TV Line broke the news in February that Leigh Cook would play "a quirky, kind-hearted, candid woman who strikes up an unusual relationship" with Reid. Max will guest-star in at least two episodes (which is a lot, considering the final season only has ten episodes)—so you can expect her to play a pretty major role in Reid's life.
You may recognizable Leigh Cook; she played protagonist Laney in She's All That and later appeared in Josie and the Pussycats and Dawson's Creek. Since 2016, she's been focused on Hallmark, both developing and starring in new movies on the network. This past summer, her personal life made headlines when she split from husband and fellow actor Daniel Gillies after more than a decade of marriage.
Here she is in her She's All That era:
Time & Life PicturesGetty Images
And here she is today (Rachael, I would very much like your skincare secrets, thanks):
Gregg DeGuireGetty Images
Her turn in Criminal Minds as a romantic interest for Reid would otherwise be welcome news—but fans were left taken aback by J.J.'s sudden and passionate declaration of love for Reid in the final episode of season 14. "I've always loved you," she said, quite literally at gunpoint, "and I was just too scared to say it before. And now things are just really too complicated to say it now. I'm sorry, but you should know."
J.J. and Reid, of course, have been the very best of friends for years. Also, J.J. is married to Will, and the couple have two kids. So it's already a pretty dramatic situation—and is set to get even more so with the arrival of "Max," essentially making this a love quadrangle.
Showrunner Erica Messer opened up about the J.J. and Reid situation to TV Line, saying: "It's definitely a huge driver for the first handful of episodes that will help add layers to those characters again."
No word on exactly when season 15 will premiere, but it'll be midseason—so, late winter or early spring.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
What We Know About 'Criminal Minds' Season 15
Jenny Hollander deputy editor, MarieClaire.com Jenny is Marie Claire's deputy digital editor, editing and writing about everything from politics to reality television to accessories and celebrity news.
Will JJ and Reid Date In 'Criminal Minds'
Criminal Minds Season 15 Will Be Its Last
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text:
Bruins Exceeding Expectations Early in 2022-23 Season
October 22, 2022 by Brandon Share-Cohen
The Boston Bruins have won five out of their first six games for just the eighth time in franchise history. While this is an impressive feat in and of itself, it should be noted that this was not the way the 2022-23 season was expected to start for a Bruins team riddled with major injuries.
Jim Montgomery has brought the Boston Bruins to one of their best starts in franchise history as the team's new head coach through the first six games of the season. (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
As good as David Pastrnak and Patrice Bergeron are, a case can be made that Brad Marchand, out following offseason double hip surgery, and Charlie McAvoy, out following offseason shoulder surgery, are the Bruins' two best players. Adding Matt Grzelcyk to the list of crucial injuries prior to his season-debut against the Anaheim Ducks and it becomes more apparent that this Bruins team was hoping to be at least average to start the season if they wanted to compete for a good playoff position this season.
Well, fast forward six games into the season and the Bruins have shattered these hopes, even if the result hasn't always come in the easiest of ways. At the end of the day, nobody is going to be remembering how the Bruins won game five or six of the season in May or June. What they will take note of, however, is the team's final record and their performance with an ideally fully healthy lineup.
Newly-hired head coach Jim Montgomery has fit in seamlessly with the Bruins and the team has responded well to him, even if Bruce Cassidy was never the apparent problem in Boston. Adding some new and returning faces to the lineup hasn't hurt the Bruins either as this club has fought hard for each other and performed at a high level through the first seven percent of the season.
Related: 4 Bruins Off to Surprising Strong Starts Early in 2022-23
The Bruins will almost undoubtedly go through highs and lows throughout the season, as every team does. It would be unreasonable to expect the good times to keep on rolling forever, and if they do, that should be appreciated more than demanded. What matters, in the end, is that the Bruins perform well enough to get good seeding in the playoffs to give them the best chance at winning a Stanley Cup for what could be the final time with this core of players. It's unclear how long Bergeron and David Krejci plan on playing beyond this season, or if they plan on doing so at all; as such, the team needs to compete as if this is their last year together.
Brad Marchand is working hard on recovering from a fairly significant injury in the offseason, but his return will be a welcome one for the Boston Bruins who could truly use his talent to bring this team's output even higher. (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
Even when Marchand and McAvoy return to the lineup, there could be growing pains that the team will need to work through as they work on getting these franchise players back into form. While Marchand has stated that he actually feels like he can skate better now than he could pre-injury, this was a noteworthy injury and surgery that shouldn't be taken lightly. Getting back up to speed may take some time, but both players should be able to work their way back into game shape by the time it truly counts. There's also the possibility that both players immediately slot back into their usual roles without a hiccup, but being ready for anything just feels like a better approach.
There are a lot of games remaining in the 2022-23 season and overanalyzing the first six games won't go a long way. Still, starting in such a strong manner and creating some wiggle room for when the eventual slow periods make an appearance is only a plus. When this team is fully healthy, the sky is the limit; that's a fairly significant ask of the Bruins given their recent history, however, so only time will tell how this team ends up looking come playoff time.
Brandon Share-Cohen
Brandon Share-Cohen has covered the NHL and various professional sports for seven years. Working with The Hockey Writers, Brandon works extensively on covering the Boston Bruins in addition to his role as the News Team Lead.
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Nothing will bother you more than a block of ice standing on your driveway. This leaves you with no option but to get rid of it. This will demand that you get an ice melter.
There are a variety of ice melters on the market today. So, when selecting one, ensure that you select a non-toxic melter to avoid effects like commonly seen in poisonous melters.
You should evaluate alternatives carefully so that you select the safest melter. And most preferably, picking a non-toxic and friendly substance can get the job done effectively. It should not pose any dangers to human beings, pets, and our planet.
Safe Paw ice melter perfectly fits this category. Safe Paw is manufactured by Gaia Enterprises. The enterprise is the leading industrial manufacturer of non-toxic and friendly melters. They only manufacture their products after being certain that they do not affect people, pets or our planet negatively.
Why is Safe Paw Ice Melter Safe?
Safe Paw is non-toxic as it makes use of a two-way release action that is timed. The two-way action melts ice rapidly using a non-corrosive property.
Why Use Safe Paw Ice Melter?
There are many ice melters on the market today. However, most of them contain salts that are harmful to your pets, children and even the environment. This is why you should use Safe Paw as it does not have such effects. Remember it is non-toxic and therefore leaves everything as usual after melting the ice. The ice melter prevents you from slipping and hence falling on the surfaces. It also has a higher melting power during day hours when the temperatures are seemingly higher. Interestingly, the same Safe Paw is capable of working at cold days that go to negative two degrees below zero.
Gaia Enterprises has also ensured that the ice melter retains some good amount of solar heat. This ensures that the process of melting ice is continuous and fast even when there is less heat. In addition, Safe Paw does not corrode the concrete areas where you apply it. It does not destroy your driveway or plants. All this is because it is not corrosive.
The non-toxic ice melter is made up of an amide center that is crystalline in nature with some glycol. It also has some agents of traction to make it effective. Once it is applied on the ice, the liquid in the Safe Paw starts breaking the surface tension force holding the ice molecules. The crystals of the melter then get into the ice destabilizing it and causing further melting. The process occurs in a speedy manner.
Gaia Enterprises ensures that the ice melter is effective in its function. They also make it friendly to everything around it. There is no point of just walking into a mall and picking an ice melter without evaluating it. Pick a non-toxic ice melter to protect everything surrounding you and eliminate the ice on your driveway. Avoid ice melters that contain salts as they are corrosive to the concrete. Make the right choice and avoid extra costs in maintenance and repairs. Keep the pet and the children safe with non-toxic ice melter.


Gary Neville has backed Harry Kane to banish his Euro 2016 demons and prove his international pedigree at the World Cup.
The England striker will take career-best scoring form to Russia after netting 30 goals in the Premier League and 41 across all competitions throughout a prolific 2017-18 season.
He looms as a potential captain at what will be his second major international tournament, having been part of the squad that crashed out in the round-of-16 in France two years ago.
Kane failed to score throughout that ill-fated campaign but Neville, who won 85 caps across a 12-year international career, is confident the Tottenham man will not be scarred by the experience.
"Top players get over it. If you think back to David Beckham in '98, he went on to play in many tournaments after and did well, Wayne Rooney in 2006," Neville told the Daily Mail.
"I think Harry Kane mentally is very strong. I've never seen him have a sustained dip. They reckon he's been out of form the past two months - he's still scoring goals.
"He's a dream really. He's a great lad.
"I think he's the one player that England have got that would go into any other team and squad."


text:
Q: highcharts hovering effect issue I want to use  semi circle donuts  Highchart in my project. I want to use multi-rings in this high-chart.
But I am facing hovering issue when I hover over the outer ring it highlights fine but when I hover over the inner ring it is  highlighting both of the rings .
I removed the extra shadow with this -
        states: {
            hover:  {
                halo: false
                    }
               }

  }

but could not make outer-ring non-highlight.
JSFiddle
When I hover over the inner ring only, only the inner ring should highlight.

A: Two pie charts just overlaps. Try to play with:

*

*innerSize - to increase empty center spacing

*center - change slightly position of the chart

*size - increase size of the chart

Finally try to modify the settings of first chart into:
series: [{
     type: 'pie',
     name: 'Browser share',
     innerSize: '92%',
     center: ['50%', '75%'],
     size: '120%',
     ...
}]

Should solve the issue.
Working example

A: You can disable inactive state for the second series:
series: [...,
    {
        ...,
        states: {
            inactive: {
                opacity: 1
            }
        }
    }
]

Live demo: https://jsfiddle.net/BlackLabel/qvyd2urb/
API Reference: https://api.highcharts.com/highcharts/series.pie.states.inactive

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
FIC Statute 2019 English
FIC Statute 2019 Serbian
An initiative of foreign investors in Serbia
Based on Article 17 of the Statute of the Foreign Investors Council association and the Law on Associations (Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia number 51/2009,99/2011– other law and 44/2018 – other law ), and the proposal of the Board of Directors for amendments of Articles 9, 22, 23, 24, 28 and 35 of the Statute, the Assembly of the association Foreign Investors Council, at the regular annual session held on 12th December 2019, adopts the following
OF THE FOREIGN INVESTORS COUNCIL
(clean version)
PART I – GENERAL PROVISIONS
The Foreign Investors Council was founded as an association at the Founding Meeting held on 15th July, 2002 in Belgrade, Serbia, and is registered at the ministry competent for state administration and local self-government with the executive decision of the Commercial Court in Belgrade number 1-88025-00 dated 08/22/2002, tax identification number 102443513, registration number 17411888 (hereinafter: the Council).
This Statute fully replaces the provisions of the Statute of the Foreign Investors Council association dated 09th December, 2015 and is harmonised with the Law on Associations of the Republic of Serbia; the Council continues its activities as a voluntary non-governmental, non-profit organisation based on freedom of association of individuals or legal entities, founded for the purpose of fulfilling and advancing specific mutual and general goals and interests.
3.1. The Council has been founded for an indefinite period of time.
3.2. The Council has the status of a legal entity and is independent of its members. The Council is liable for its obligations with all of its assets.
3.3. The Members of the Council are not liable for financial and other obligations of the Council, except in cases provided by law.
PART II – NAME, HEADQUARTERS AND SYMBOLS OF THE COUNCIL
Name and headquarters of the Council
4.1 The Council has a name in Serbian and in Cyrillic script:
Савет страних инвеститора
4.2 The Council has a name in translation to English, which is entered into the applicable registry: The Foreign Investors Council
4.3 The abbreviated name of the Council is: FIC
4.4 The headquarters of the Council are in the Republic of Serbia, Belgrade, at the address Gospodar Jevremova 47.
Visual identity of the Council
5.1 The Council has a round stamp inscribed with the full name of the Council in Serbian.
5.2 The Council may have its own sign, logo and other symbols.
5.3 Business correspondence and other Council documentation should contain information about the name of the Council, address of its headquarters, logo, telephone and fax numbers, as well as e-mail address.
PART III – GOALS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE COUNCIL
Goals of the Council
The Council has been established to fulfill the following goals:
a) To drive improvement of business climate by making concrete reform proposals
b) To influence more predictable policy framework, developed within EU economic integration process
c) To advocate for further liberalization and endorsement of market economy principles, with a view to sustain existing and stimulate new foreign investments
d) To promote experiences from EU and other foreign markets where members operate, as examples for overcoming barriers to business and increasing market competitiveness
e) To represent, voice and promote shared opinions of its members, in order to advance mutual interests and upgrade doing business conditions
f) To share best practices of FIC companies and promote principles of good business conduct
g) To develop strategic communication, co-operation and permanent dialogue with Serbian authorities on all levels
h) To link with all relevant stakeholders and proactively share views and suggestions of the Council
i) To communicate with other foreign investors' organizations across the region of Southeast Europe, in order (a) for all sides to benefit from shared common practice exchanges and (b) to examine specific methods for the improvement of regional business
j) To the extent possible, to promote Serbia as investment location by sharing knowledge about the business climate in Serbia
Activities of the Council
7.1. In order to fulfil the aforementioned goals, the Council shall engage in the following activities:
a. Publish business and other relevant information that may be of use to its members,
b. Submit proposals in relation to draft laws and other regulations or regulatory documents which may pertain to the goals of the Council,
c. Maintain a registry of its members and issue the list of members to interested parties,
d. Organise meetings, symposiums, seminars, courses etc.
e. Take part in international organisations with similar goals and activities, or co-operate with such organisations,
f. Organise the editing, publishing and distribution of all periodical publications, magazines, and brochures that the Council deems necessary for the fulfilment of its goals,
g. Undertake all other permanent or periodical activities that may be of use for the fulfilment of the goals of the Council.
7.2. In order to fulfil its goals, the Council may enter obligations in accordance with applicable laws, this Statute and the decisions of the Assembly of the Council.
7.3. The Council may establish contacts with other local and international non-profit organisations or associations of such organisations, and become a member thereof, as well as join alliances and other associations in Serbia and abroad.
7.4. The work of the Council is public. The Board of Directors of the Council should regularly inform its members and the public about the work and activities of the Council, directly or through internal publications, public statements, or any other suitable manner.
7.5. Activities of the Council are not considered as services provided to members of the Council.
PART IV – ASSETS AND OPERATION OF THE COUNCIL
8.1. The Council may acquire assets through membership fees, voluntary contributions, donations and gifts (in cash or in kind), financial subventions, legacies, interest from investments, lease, dividends and in other manners permitted by law.
8.2. The assets and income from the Council's activities are to be used exclusively for the fulfilment of the goals described herewith, and no part of such assets or income may be directly or indirectly awarded or paid to the founders and members of the Council, members of the Council's bodies, employees or related persons.
8.3. The provision of Article 8.2 of this Statute does not pertain to awarding appropriate bonuses and compensation of justified expenses arising during fulfilment of the statutory goals of the Council (travel expenses, allowances, accommodation and similar), contracted commercial obligations and payment of salaries to employees of the Council.
PART V – COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP
9.1. The members of the Council are members, institutional members and honorary members.
9.2. A member of the Council may be:
9.2.1. An economic entity organised and operating in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Serbia:
In which one or more economic entities organised in accordance with the laws of a foreign country and/or one or more natural persons have a significant share of the capital of that economic entity, and which submits at least 3 (three) references from Council members or renowned domestic or foreign legal entities,
Which has concluded franchise agreement with economic entity organised in accordance with the laws of foreign country and submits relevant proof thereof and at least 3 (three) references from Council members of renowned domestic or foreign legal entities
Which is registered for consultation activities, has 15 or more employees and has clients consisting predominantly (more than 50%) of foreign legal entities with an interest in investing in the Republic of Serbia and /or economic entities under Article 9.2.1(a), and which submits at least 7 (seven) references from Council members.
Which in significant way represents foreign business interest, if all the following criteria has been cumulatively met:
i. If economic entity submits proof of concluded business and technical and/or other form of strategic cooperation agreement with the economic entity organised in accordance with the laws of a foreign country, as a proof that the named subject represents the foreign legal business interest, whereby Board of Directors shall have discretionary right to decide if the named criteria has been met
ii. if economic entity submits at least 7 (seven) references from Council members or renowned domestic or foreign legal entities, and
iii. if the total number of members of the Council which is accepted under the condition from article 9.2.1.c is not exciding the 3% of all Council members, in the moment of the Decision of the Board of directors.
9.2.2. A natural person performing a registered professional activity on the territory of the Republic of Serbia (registered to perform consulting and legal activities), which has 15 or more employees and clients consisting predominantly (more than 50%) of foreign legal entities with an interest in investing in the Republic of Serbia and /or economic entities under Article 9.2.1(a), and which submits at least 7 (seven) references from Council members.
9.3. An institutional member of the Council may be any foreign association, representative or educational institution that contributes to the development of international economic co-operation and has an understanding of the goals of the Council.
9.4. Honorary members can be natural persons, such as prominent public figures, scientists, diplomats or politicians from Serbia or other countries, who are able to contribute to the development of international economic co-operation and agree with the goals of the Council, selected by the Board of Directors as honorary members based on their distinguished services for the Council.
9.5. A legal entity Member is obliged to appoint a natural person to represent it on the Council (hereinafter: Member Representative) and to submit the pertaining decision to the Board of Directors at the moment of obtaining membership. If there is no such decision, it is understood that the representative of the legal entity provided by law is the Member Representative. In case of a change of the representative provided by law or the appointed natural person individual, the legal entity member is obliged to inform the Council without delay and submit information about the new Member Representative.
9.6. Institutional and honorary members of the Council have no voting rights in the Assembly of the Council and cannot be voted onto other Council's bodies, but may participate in the Activities of the Council.
9.7. Exceptionally from 9.6, international financial institutions can become members of the Board of Directors of the Council.
Membership admission
10.1. New members are admitted into membership by the Board of Directors with a majority vote of its total members. Honorary and institutional members are selected by the Board of Directors in the same manner.
10.2. The membership candidate receives copies of the Statute and all other general acts of the Council.
10.3. The membership candidate submits a written request to the Board of Directors for admission into membership, with a statement that it is informed and agrees with the Statute and all other general acts of the Council and with a note seeking admission as a member of appropriate capacity, i.e. as a member of the Council or as an institutional member. Such requests cannot pertain to honorary membership.
10.4. The Board of Directors examines the request from Article 10.3 and adopts a decision in respect of it no later than at the second session of the Board of Directors convened after receipt of the request. The Board of Directors may postpone the decision in order to request additional information. The decision of the Board of Directors to admit a candidate into membership or reject a request is final.
10.5. The Board of Directors sends an invitation to honorary members to join the work of the Council. The honorary member provides a written statement confirming acceptance of the offer of honorary membership from the Board of Directors. Honorary members do not pay admission and membership fees.
10.6. Upon admittance into membership, the member of the Council receives an invoice for the admittance and annual membership fees, which must be paid within 30 days of receipt of the invoice. Council membership is valid and commences from the moment of payment of the invoice.
Member rights and obligations
11.1. Members have the following rights:
a. To vote at sessions of the Assembly of the Council and propose issues for vote at the Assembly sessions,
b. To vote and be voted on Council bodies,
c. To be informed about the Council's activities and its accounting,
d. To take part in activities of the Council,
e. To freely access internal documents of the Council,
f. To realise other rights based on this Statute and the decisions of the Assembly of the Council.
11.2. Council members have the following obligations:
a. To pay the membership fee stipulated by the Assembly of the Council in accordance with this Statute;
b. To pay all additional or special fees stipulated by the Assembly of the Council, as well as those they assume of their own will;
c. To preserve the reputation of the Council, promote its goals and activities and, within their means, support these activities;
d. To preserve their business reputation; to abide by the laws of the Republic of Serbia and the generally accepted business code of ethics rules (good business practices).
Termination of membership
12.1. Membership of the Council is terminated:
a. In the event of death of a natural person or termination of existence of a legal entity,
b. Through voluntary withdrawal from the Council by submitting a written notice on withdrawal from membership,
c. By exclusion based on a decision of the Board of Directors.
12.2. Members may withdraw from the council by submitting a withdrawal letter. The withdrawal enters into force at the moment of receipt of the withdrawal letter and the withdrawal of a Council member is confirmed at the first subsequent session of the Board of Directors. Membership fees and all other due charges must be paid in full for the year in which the termination of Council membership occurs.
12.3. Expulsion of a member may ensue due to the following reasons:
a. Failure to pay membership fees, in cases when – following a request for payment of due membership fees from the Board of Directors – the fees have not been paid within sixty (60) days of the date of invoice receipt.
b. Breach of the provisions of the Statute or other legal acts or decisions of the Council's bodies,
c. Failure to complete important obligations undertaken voluntarily or based on a decision of the Council's bodies, which undermines the reputation of the Council or considerably impairs the activities of the Council,
d. If the member operated in a manner discrediting it as a reputable economic entity,
e. If a member published incorrect information discrediting the Council or disclosed confidential information obtained from the Council,
f. If a member used Council membership to generate profit,
g. If a member openly used the Council's name to benefit any centre of political power, and
h. If a member acted in any other manner that can be reasonably deemed incompatible with the principles of conduct of a respectable association of businesspeople and professionals.
12.4. Expulsion is decided by the Board of Directors through a majority vote of its total members.
12.5. The President of the Board of Directors is obliged at least 7 (seven) days prior to the session of the Board of Directors from Article 12.4, to send notification to the entity proposed for expulsion stating the grounds for the expulsion proposal. The member proposed for expulsion has the right to attend the Board of Directors meeting and submit a written or oral statement. The member may not attend the voting. The vote is conducted by secret ballot.
12.6. Except in the case from Article 12.3. (a), the decision on expulsion of a member may be revoked with a three-quarter (¾) majority vote of the members attending the first subsequent Assembly session. The President of the Board of Directors is obliged to inform the expulsed member about the Assembly session to be held in a timely manner. The member proposed for expulsion has the right to attend the Assembly session and submit a written or oral statement. The member may not attend the voting. The vote is conducted by secret ballot. The Assembly may impose certain conditions for revoking the decision, depending on the circumstances of the particular situation.
12.7. Expulsed members are obliged to pay all due membership fees and other applicable contributions under this Statute in full for the year of the expulsion and have no right to seek refunds for previous payments of such fees.
13.1. The Council maintains a registry of its members, which can be accessed by interested parties.
13.2. Members of the Council are obliged to provide all information necessary for completion of the registry and to update information about their status, position, headquarters, address, business activity and all other public domain information requested by the Board of Directors.
PART VI – ADMINISTRATION
Bodies of the Council
14.1. The bodies of the Council are: (a) the Assembly of the Council, (b) the Board of Directors, (c) the President of the Board of Directors, and (d) the Executive Director.
14.2. Upon decisions of the Board of Directors, permanent and ad hoc specialised working committees of the Council may be formed.
ASSEMBLY OF THE COUNCIL
Composition of the Assembly of the Council
15.1. The Assembly of the Council is the highest body of the Council and comprises all members of the Council.
15.2. Honorary and institutional members may participate in sessions of the Assembly of the Council, but have no voting rights. They may participate in discussions, submit proposals and questions for discussion.
Convocation of the Assembly of the Council
16.1. The Assembly of the Council is convened on the basis of a decision of the Board of Directors or at the request of at least 15% of the Council members with voting rights, in accordance with the provisions of this Statute.
16.2. The Assembly of the Council is convened by written invitation sent to each member via e-mail, post, telegram, or fax, at least 14 (fourteen) calendar days prior to the date of a regular Assembly of the Council session, or seven (7) calendar days prior to an extraordinary Assembly of the Council session. Information about the session is published on the website of the Council and is made available to all Council members.
16.3. An invitation to the Assembly of the Council session must contain information about the date, time, location and agenda of the session, as well as contain all written documents prepared for that session.
16.4. Within three (3) days of the date of sending the Assembly of the Council session invitation, each member with voting rights may propose to the Board of Directors inclusion on the agenda of no more than two new issues to be discussed at the Assembly of the Council session. If the proposed issues are within the competencies of the Assembly of the Council, the Board of Directors is obliged to include them on the session's agenda, inform all members about the new issues to be discussed within seven (7) days in advance of a regular session, or three (3) days in advance of an extraordinary session, and publish them on the Council website.
16.5. The Assembly of the Council may not adopt decisions on issues that have not been included on the session's agenda. Issues listed in the provisions of Article 18 of this Statute are considered as the agenda of the regular annual Assembly of the Council and do not have to be specifically listed on the agenda included with the invitation and information on the convening of the Assembly.
Competencies of the Assembly of the Council
17.1. The Assembly of the Council has the following competencies:
a. To adopt changes and amendments updates to the Statute,
b. To veto decisions of the Board of Directors which exclude existing members of the Council,
c. To adopt the annual report on Council activities,
d. To appoint and relieve the Board of Directors,
e. To define the general guidelines, adopt other general acts of the Council, long and short-term plans, programmes and concrete goals for Council activities, at the proposal of the Board of Directors,
f. To discuss and adopt the preliminary financial plan and report,
g. To define and adopt decisions on the amount of Council admission and membership fees,
h. To decide on joining alliances,
i. To decide on status changes and termination of the activities of the Council and
j. To decide on other matters.
17.2. The decisions of the Assembly of the Council from Article 17.1.a. and from Article 17.1.i. are legally binding if adopted by at least a three-quarter (¾) majority vote of attending members, while decisions on all other issues are legally binding if adopted by a simple majority of attending members of the Council.
Sessions of the Assembly of the Council
18.1. The Assembly of the Council convenes regularly once per year, no later than the 31st of December of the current year.
18.2. At a regular annual session, the Assembly of the Council:
a. Discusses and evaluates the annual report of the Board of Directors,
b. Discusses and evaluates the preliminary annual financial report,
c. Elects other officials to be elected by the Assembly of the Council under this Statute and
d. Decides on other issues included in the agenda.
18.3. Extraordinary sessions of the Assembly are convened by the Board of Directors. An extraordinary session of the Assembly may also be convened by the members if at least 15% of the Council members with voting rights submit a signed request to convene an extraordinary session to the Board of Directors, upon which the Board of Directors shall send information about the session and the issues to be discussed at latest seven (7) days prior to the holding of the session. If the Board of Directors does not convene an extraordinary session of the Assembly based on such a request of the members, the members may convene a session themselves, with written notification sent to other members. Issues not listed in the information about the session cannot be decided upon at an extraordinary session.
19.1. A regular session of the Assembly of the Council may adopt decisions if it is properly convened and at least 25% of Council members are in attendance.
19.2. An extraordinary session of the Assembly of the Council may adopt decisions if it is properly convened and is attended by at least 15% of Council members. An extraordinary session of the Assembly may adopt decisions via electronic communication if it is properly convened and if at least 25% of Council members submit a response in decision-making process.
President of the Assembly of the Council
20.1. The President of the Board of Directors is the President of the Assembly of the Council. He takes care of the agenda and ensures the legitimacy of proceedings.
20.2. The President of the Board of Directors is present at all sessions. In case the President of the Board of Directors is prevented from attending a session, due to objective and unavoidable circumstances, he issues written authorisation for the Vice President or any other member of the Board of Directors to replace him.
20.3. The President of the Board of Directors appoints the Secretary of the session. The Secretary is responsible for keeping precise records containing statements, announcements, proposals for voting, voting results and adopted decisions. In addition to notes, the session's audio recording may also be used.
21.1. Each member has one vote in the Assembly of the Council, executed by the Member Representative or a person whom the Member Representative has given written authorization to vote at the session of the Assembly. Proxy authorization is only valid for one session of the Assembly.
21.2. Voting rights may not be exercised by any single member who has unresolved debts towards the Council, such as unpaid membership fees. The President of the Board of Directors controls the implementation of this rule and submits a report prior to each session of the Assembly of the Council.
21.3. The President of the Board of Directors has a deciding vote in the Assembly of the Council in case of a hung vote.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
22.1. The Board of Directors is elected by the Assembly of the Council and consists of six (6) to eleven (11) members. The members and the functions of the members elected to the Board of Directors are listed on the Council website.
22.2. Exceptionaly from 22.1, institutional members – international financial institutions become members of the Board of Directors upon accepted invitation of the Board of Directors and without elections by the Assembly of the Council
22.2. The President of the Board of Directors and the Executive Director are representatives of the Council, appointed to those functions in accordance with the provisions of this Statute, being natural persons able to work with residence or permanent residence on the territory of the Republic of Serbia.
23.1. The mandate of the Board of Directors lasts two (2) years and begins on the first day of the calendar month that starts following the month when elections are held. The members of the Board of Directors whose mandate has expired are obliged to perform their duties until the date when the newly-elected members begin their mandate.
23.2. Members of the Board of Directors whose mandate has expired can be re-elected.
23.3. The mandate of the institutional member – international financial organisation is unlimited and expires upon expressed will.
Nomination of candidates
24.1. Seven (7) members of the Board of Directors are elected as a team. Each team nominates candidate for the function of President of the Board of Directors.
24.2. Nominated team should take care of diversity of different industries in the Board of Directors.
24.3. Four (4) members of the Board of Directors are elected individually.
24.4. Each Council member, except Council members nominated within a team, may submit individual nomination for the positions of four (4) members of the Board of Directors.
24.5. A Board member must be represented by a representative of the legal entity provided by law.
24.6. The proposed nominations must be submitted to Executive Director of the Council in writing at the latest eight (8) days prior to the date of the session of the Assembly of the Council and must be submitted to all members of the Council at the latest seven (7) days prior to the date of the session of the Assembly of the Council.
24.7. The proposed team nominations must contain the signatures of all team members. The proposed nominations of individual members also must contain the signature of a Member Representative.
24.8. Elected Board of Directors appoints two Vice Presidents, one as a substitute for the President and other to be authorized to speak on behalf of Council.
25.1. The Assembly of the Council elects the Board of Directors.
25.2. If none of the proposed teams receives more than 50 percent of valid counted votes, the decision is reached in the second round of voting, in which votes are cast for one of the two teams that received the most votes. In the second round the team gaining a majority vote is elected.
25.3. Four (4) individual candidates who have won the largest number of votes will be elected as members of the Board of Directors.
25.4. In case of a hung vote between individual candidates, which would lead to more than four (4) individually elected members of the Board of Directors, voting shall be repeated between candidates with the equal number of votes. In case of a hung vote during repeated voting, the President of the Assembly has a deciding vote.
Vacant seats
26.1. If a member of the Board of Directors ceases to be the Member Representative, the Council member has the right to appoint a new Member Representative to fill the vacant seat on the Board of Directors at the next Board meeting.
26.2. If the President of the Board of Directors leaves the Board, that seat is taken by the current Vice President elected as his substitute. If one of the Vice President of the Board of Directors leaves the Board, the Board of Directors elects a new Vice President for that position.
26.3. If a member of the Board of Directors or his designated substitute is absent from three consecutive meetings, the Board of Directors has the right to decide on the expulsion of that Council member from the Board.
26.4. In case of expulsion or withdrawal of the member from the Board of Directors, the vacant seat can be filled by the new elected member at the next session of the Assembly.
26.5. If the number of members of the Board of Directors drops below six members, an extraordinary session of the Assembly of the Council is convened to elect a new Board of Directors.
26.6. The Board of Directors operates in accordance with its internal Rules of Procedure.
Meetings of the Board of Directors
27.1. The Board of Directors convenes regularly once per month in the timing determined by the decision of the Board of Directors. Meetings under the authority of the President of the Board of Directors are convened by the Executive Director, via post, e-mail, fax or phone, no later than eight (8) days prior to the meeting.
27.2. An extraordinary meeting of the Board of Directors may be convened at the request of one member of the Board of Directors, submitted via post, e-mail, fax, or phone, at least eight (8) days prior to the meeting.
27.3. Meetings of the Board of Directors may also be held by using conference phone calls or other audio-visual communication equipment, provided that all individuals participating at the meeting are able to hear and talk to each other. Individuals participating in a meeting of the Board of Directors in this manner are considered as being in attendance.
Authorisationsof the Board of Directors
28.1. The Board of Directors administers and manages the activities of the Council in accordance with its goals.
28.2. The Board of Directors:
Adopts organisational rules and Rules of procedure for its activities,
Ensures compliance with the Statute and implementation of decisions,
Adopts decisions on opening or closing branches,
Manages the current affairs of the Council, adopts programs, development plans and special tasks, as well as decides on the organization and participation of the Council in important public events, cooperation with other organizations and institutions, in accordance with the Council goals,
Approves the basic structure and functioning principles of specialised working committees of the Council and relieves the presidents and vice presidents of the said Council committees
Adopts decisions on dismissal of the President and Vice President of the Working Committee under following criteria: (i) absence from three consecutive meetings of the Working Committee; (ii) lack of active participation in the formulation of views of the Council by the Working Committee (i.e. position papers); (iii) absence from the meetings with relevant stakeholders; and (iv) in all other cases which the Board of Directors assesses as negligent,
Adopts and submits the annual report on Council activities to the Assembly of the Council for discussion and final adoption – the report should also contain the individual reports of each specialised working committee and reports on other activities, which can be requested by the Assembly of the Council,
Adopts the preliminary financial plan and submits the preliminary report on its implementation to the Assembly of the Council, submitting proposals for partial changes and amendments of the budget, including the introduction of new expenditure items if additional funding sources are acquired following the adoption of the budget,
Adopts the final annual financial report, based on preliminary report adopted by the Assembly of the Council
Approves the Rules of Procedure on balance sheets, salaries and other internal acts of the Council, proposes the amounts and amendments to admission and membership fees, adopts decisions on establishing funds and decides how funds will be raised and spent,
Adopts the membership payment system and decides on similar issues
Manages the assets of the Council, adopts decisions on the use of the assets of the Council in order to protect and increase these assets,
Approves the prices of publications, information and other activities of the Council,
Decides on the membership of the Council in other Serbian or international non-profit organisations
Adopts decisions on other matters envisaged in accordance with this Statute.
28.3. The quorum for operation and decision making consists of six (6) members of the Board of Directors. The decisions of the Board of Directors are adopted by a majority of votes of the attending Board members present. In case of a hung vote, the deciding vote is cast by the President of the Board of Directors.
28.4. The Board of Directors may take a decision via electronic communication.
28.5. The Board of Directors may reach decisions in absentia, provided records are signed by all members of the Board.
28.6. Institutional member – international financial organisation as a member of the Board of Directors has the right to actively participate in the work of the Board of Directors, but without voting right and is not counted into quorum.
President of the Board of Directors
29.1. The President of the Board of Directors is responsible for general management of the Council and Council representation.
29.2. The President of the Board of Directors confirms the appointment and relief of the presidents of all permanent and ad hoc specialised committees, unless they were appointed by the Board of Directors. The President of the Board of Directors is ex officio member of all specialised working committees, unless the Board of Directors decides otherwise.
The Vice President has the rights and authorisations of the President of the Board of Directors in the absence of the President, and has all other rights and authorisations entrusted by the President.
Right of signature
The Board of Directors may delegate the authority to use the account and sign checks, bonds and orders of the Council.
The Board of Directors appoints the Executive Director, who is responsible for the organisation of the daily activities of the Council, its bodies, committees and documentation.
C. SPECIALISEDWORKING COMMITTEES
Creation of Committees
33.1. When members of the Council which operate in a particular sector express interest in the organisation of a specialized working committee (hereinafter: the Working Committee), or at least 10% of the Council members express interest, the Board of Directors shall adopt the decision to create the particular, permanent or ad hoc Working Committee, depending on requirements in the particular case.
33.2. The Board of Directors supervises the work of Working Committees, approves decisions adopted by Working Committees expressing the views of the Council. The Executive Director coordinates the work of all Working Committees.
Membership in a Working Committee
34.1. Each member of the Council has the right to become a member of a committee.
34.2. There are two categories of membership in a Working Committee:
a. Active member of a Working Committee;
b. Observer member of a Working Committee.
34.3. The active member of a Working Committee has the full scope of rights and obligations of Committee member prescribed by this Statute and sub-statutory documents; including but not limited to following rights and obligations: to actively participate in its work, control the activities of the committee and execute other rights in accordance with the decision on establishing the Working Committee.
34.4. The observer member has the right to be informed about the activities of the Working Committee.
34.5. The Member Representative is obliged, when joining a Working Committee, to inform the Executive Director of the Council that Council member wishes to join the Working Committee, inform of the category of membership in the Working Committee, and designate the individual/s who will represent the Council member.
34.6. In case that Council Member wishes to designate new and/ or change current representative/s, the Member Representative or designated individual in the Working Committee will inform the Executive Director.
34.7. In case Council member wishes to change the category of membership in a Working Committee, the Member Representative informs the Executive Director of the Council that the Council member wishes to change the category of membership in the Working Committee.
34.8. If an active member of a Working Committee was inactive in that working committee for a period of one year, at the beginning of the next calendar year, the Executive Director shall inform the Member Representative that membership category in that working committee will be changed from active to observer, unless in the period of 2 weeks the Member Representative expresses interest to keep the active category.
Meetings and operation of a Working Committee
35.1. Regular meetings of permanent Working Committees are HELD at least every three (3) months and, depending on necessity, it is possible to hold extraordinary meetings. Meetings are convened by the Executive Director at the proposal of the President of the Working Committee, via post, e-mail, fax or phone, at least seven (7) days before the meeting. Each member of the Working Committee may propose a committee meeting, as well as the topics to be discussed at a scheduled committee meeting. The President of the Working Committee is obliged to consider said proposal of the member, and, provided there are enough members interested in the meeting, propose the convening of a meeting to the Executive Director. Information about the meeting should contain data on the date, time, location and agenda of the meeting, with all written documents prepared for the meeting attached.
35.2. The quorum for operation and decision making consists of at least 20% of the members of the Working Committee. The decisions of the Working Committee are adopted by a majority vote of the members attending the meeting. The decisions of the Working Committee are binding for all members, including those that did not attend the meeting.
35.3. When voting at the meetings of the Working Committee, each Council member with the status of an active member has one vote.
35.4. The Working Committee may hold meetings and take decisions via electronic communication due to justified reasons and by joint authorisation of the Executive Director and the President of the Working Committee.
Management of Working Committees
36.1. The Working Committee elects the President and the Vice President of the committee, whose election is confirmed by the President of the Board of Directors.
36.2. The mandate of the Committee President and Vice President lasts two years and begins on the first day of the calendar month that starts following the month when elections are held. Committee President and Vice President whose mandate has expired are obliged to perform their duties until the date when the newly‐elected members begin their mandate.
36.3. Committee President and Vice President whose mandate has expired can be re‐elected.
36.4. If Committee President leaves the Working Committee or is dismissed, the Vice President will replace him. If Committee Vice President leaves the Committee or is dismissed, the new Vice President will be elected to serve till the remainder of the mandate.
36.5. If a Working Committee President or Vice President is absent from three consecutive Committee meetings, the Committee has the right to decide to elect new Committee President or Vice President.
36.6. The President of the Working Committee is obliged to inform the Board of Directors about the activities of the Working Committee and to organize the said activities of the Working Committee in co‐operation with the Executive Director. In case he/she is unable, the President is replaced by the Vice President of the Working Committee.
37.1. Records are kept of all sessions of the Assembly of the Council, meetings of the Board of Directors and Working Committees, and contain all statements, announcements, voting proposals, voting results and adopted decisions. Records are signed by the President of the Board of Directors or confirmed by the President of the Working Committee.
37.2. Records are entered into documentation books in chronological order. Records are kept for at least five (5) years, unless a longer period is prescribed by law. The records are destroyed upon expiration of the period of compulsory maintenance.
37.3. Members of the Council and members of the Board of Directors have the right to freely access records. They may request copies and extracts from the records at their own expense.
Payments to the Council
All members of the Council are obliged to pay admittance and annual membership fees. They pay additional contributions only if a decision on such contributions has been adopted by the Assembly of the Council.
Establishing amounts
The amount of admittance and annual membership fees are established by the Assembly of the Council.
Admittance fee
40.1. New members of the Council pay the admittance fee within thirty (30) days of their admittance to membership.
40.2. Honorary members of the Council do not pay the admittance fee.
40.3. In case of re‐admittance into membership of a former member within one year period from the date of membership termination, admission fee shall not be payed.
41.1. Members of the Council should pay their annual membership fee within thirty (30) days of the date of receipt of the invoice.
41.2. The membership fee is valid for a period of one calendar year.
41.3. Honorary members do not pay the membership fee.
Accounting operations
42.1. The Council maintains accounting books in accordance with the corresponding provisions of the laws of the Republic of Serbia. The Board of Directors organises and bears responsibility for maintenance of documentation related to:
a. All cash funds received or spent by the Council and all transactions resulting in gain or expenditure of funds;
b. All sales and purchases performed by the Council;
c. Assets and financial obligations of the Council;
d. Funds entrusted to the Council for management and supervision.
42.2. Accounting documentation is kept in the manner and in a location that the Board of Directors deems adequate and is accessible to all members of the Board of Directors and authorised auditors.
42.3. The Board of Directors adopts the decision on when and under which circumstances the accounting, other documentation and other books of the Council may be placed at the disposal of the members of the Council. No one has the right to perform inspection of the accounts, documents and books of the Council except in cases stipulated by this Statute, based on the decision of the Board of Directors or the Assembly of the Council.
43.1. The Board of Directors submits each year, at the regular annual session of the Assembly of the Council, a precise annual accounting report, containing the balance sheet and a report on income and expenditures for the period since submission of the previous report.
43.2. The decisions of the Assembly of the Council are submitted with the financial reports.
43.3. Financial reports are sent to each member of the Council with voting rights no later than fourteen (14) days before the regular annual session of the Assembly of the Council.
Report on entrusted funds
44.1. The funds of the Council that the Council undertook to manage and supervise are separated from the rest of the assets of the Council and are used in accordance with the will of the entity that entrusted the funds to the Council.
Compensation of elected officials
Members of Council bodies do not have the right to seek compensation for performing their functions, nor the right to be paid officials of the Council.
End of operations and liquidation
46.1. The Council ceases to operate based on a decision of the Assembly, when the conditions for the fulfilment of the Council goals cease to exist, as well as in other cases stipulated by law.
46.2. Should any assets remain after the end of operations of the Council and compensation of all creditors, neither the assets nor their value may be divided between the members of the Council. Those assets shall be transferred to another non-profit organisation representing similar goals.
Changes and amendments to the Statute
The Board of Directors is obliged to examine each proposed amendment to this Statute and to present its recommendations pertaining to it at the next session of the Assembly of the Council. The report of the Board of Directors is presented at least ten (10) calendar days before the session of the Assembly of the Council.
The provisions of the Law on Associations shall apply directly to all matters that are not regulated by this Statute.
With the adoption of this Statute by the Assembly of the Council, the provisions of the Statute dated 21/12/2017 cease to apply.
President of the Assembly


text:
Columnas en HispanicLA English Interviews
Books, Schmooks in Boyle Heights
18/02/2013 12/07/2013 Gabriel Lerner	Ben Franklin Public Library, bohemian, Bookselling, boyle heights, Buenos Aires, david kipen, franklin public library, journalistic career, Libros, Libros Schmibros, literature director, Los Angeles, National Endowment for the Arts, Roosevelt High School, san francisco chronicle
Along Corrientes Avenue in Buenos Aires dozens of bookstores used to offer us knowledge through the printed word. There, I would leaf through controversial volumes of protest and philosophical thought or booklets of poems or famous novels. But many years ago they disappeared from my hometown — and so did I.
I used to feel so proud to be part of the human race — its creative genius and the beauties of the soul that it had produced — when I visited bookstores.
I felt that again as I passed through the glass door of Libros Schmibros in Boyle Heights two weeks ago.
The bookstore is new, small and humble. It opened on a Monday in July, the same day the Ben Franklin Public Library, just two blocks away, reduced its hours to five days a week because of budget cuts.
I did wonder about the bookstore's name.
"Of all the people in the world, you're the last one who should need to ask that," said David Kipen, the owner of the place.
He's right. 'Schmibros' is a humorous, almost self-deprecating, Yiddish interjection. It's familiar in the dialect my grandparents spoke, a linguistic touch that unites many Jews the world over.
Kipen is a writer and translator who spent seven years as the literary critic of the San Francisco Chronicle. He opened Libros Schmibros upon his return to his native Los Angeles after a stint as literature director at the National Endowment for the Arts.
Kipen moved to a building on corner of the Boyle Heights district on the Eastside, a decidedly Spanish-speaking dominion, after he found a storefront that had been empty for years. There's a small community theater and a Bohemian café and a popular taco stand down the block.
Libros Schmibros added seven thousand volumes to the block's offerings, most of them books that Kipen accumulated during his journalistic career. Shelves and racks of varying origins followed. A few desks; a couple of old sofas and chairs soon arrived.
When I arrived for a recent visit, two kids were leafing through books. Jonathan, a student at nearby Roosevelt High School, is interested in photography. David showed him an extraordinary volume and the two of them read, so fascinated that their eyes are as wide as plates.
Kipen wants to work with neighborhood schools and community colleges, offering the volumes required by curriculum. He wants to advertise in their school newspapers to draw kids will come and dive into the endless knowledge and enjoyment of the printed word.
Libros Schmibros is open from 12 noon to 7 p.m. (sometimes 8 p.m.) on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturday. The books are loaned, but can also be purchased at prices starting at $1.
Libros Schmibros is located at 2000 East 1st Street, at Cummings. Come and read — and if you have books to donate share them for culture's sake.
First published in HispanicLA, here, in Spanish. 11/13/2010.
Translated by Patricia Ramos for LABeez.org, published here on 11/11/2010
← Cada uno y la sopa que lo nombra
Libros, shmibros →
El Spanglish de los políticos latinos
15/04/2013 Gabriel Lerner
Arturo De Los Santos, Foreclosure Crisis Victim, Faces Eviction From Re-Occupied Home (VIDEO)
09/02/2013 12/07/2013 Gabriel Lerner
From Yiddish to Spanglish: my life as an immigrant


text:
Government Structures
General Chapter
Viatorian Community
Charter of the VC
L. Querbes
Update on Viatorian Community in Haiti
Aug 19, 2021 | Announcements
Like many of you, I have been following the news from Haiti after the devastating earthquake struck there less than a week ago. The scenes from Haiti are heartbreaking as they describe the loss of life and property that the Haitian people have suffered in this natural disaster. Please join me in especially remembering in prayer those who have suffered and died as well as the thousands who remain homeless.
A few days ago, I sent a message to Father Dudley Pierre, the Superior of the Foundation in Haiti, on behalf of the General Council. I assured him of the prayers and solidarity of all the members of the Congregation and that we held our brothers and sisters close in prayer during these difficult days. I expressed the hope that all Viatorians were safe in Haiti. Today I received the following message from Father Pierre:
"In the name of all my brothers and sisters that form the Viatorian Community, I thank you very much for your words in this moment so difficult for the Haitian people. But as hope is always in or hearts, we are convinced that the day will come when the Lord Almighty will say a word for the recovery of this country that has suffered so much. We give Him thanks because all of us are safe. However, we cannot rejoice because of our Haitian brothers and sisters that are suffering.
Thank you again Father General for your words of comfort, your pastoral proximity and your prayers. My best regards to you…"
Let us continue to keep our brothers and sisters in Haiti in our prayers and good thoughts. May the world community reach out with assistance for all those in need and may the Lord continue to sustain those who remain in the cities of Haiti.
Sincerely in Viator,
Robert M. Egan, CSV
© GENERAL DIRECTION OF THE CLERICS OF ST VIATOR · 2019 – All rights reserved


When we go to a museum, we marvel at the art we see displayed there. It fills our hearts with a sense of amazement. 'How creative was the artist who created this piece we wonder. Then, a little while down the line, we are hit with a steady jolt of reality, when we spot the same art on a random site. Used without credit to the artist and absolutely out of context to the original intent. The art work has been copied via a digital format. With time, its creator shall miss all credit to it.
This also means, the creator gets no profits from their creation. It shall forever be remembered and used as another random creation. Can you just imagine if Vincent Van Gogh, the creator of the iconic 'The Starry Night' didn't get credit for it? The surreal piece of art would probably be lost in time. The inspiration it provides would forever be denied. Credit the artists. They all have potential to be the next Van Gogh or Picasso. This artwork also inspired Don McLean to write the song Vincent which features all of Van Gogh's works.
Blockchain technology has the potential to topple the way every industry manages its information and data. It is not only restricted to financial services. This technology when merged with art and all data of prose/poetry on to its nodes or blocks, brings about a path where registration and acknowledgement of your data or artwork belongs to you and you alone. As opposite as Yin and Yang, the tango of the two, is benefitting industries and creators alike.
'Ownership' and 'Authorship' are no longer mere terms used by a range of companies. With the counterfeit market booming, it has become compulsory for artists and writers alike to claim their work as their own. They are now considering Blockchain Technology for the same. It's quite similar to Mark Twain quoting, "I have never let my schooling interfere with my education." Now can you imagine not knowing who said this quote and how you would judge this orator? That's exactly why we need to credit all creative and original work or art.
There are several platforms where we can load our data and get it registered.
With Ascribe, all you need to upload your work online, is register it with their API (Application Programming Interface) Once a piece is registered in the blockchain upon creation, the number of editions is specified. Each edition is only registered on the blockchain right before any ownership action (transfer, consign, loan) needs to be performed. For consignment purposes, the right to sell the piece can be transferred to a consignee on your behalf. This entire transaction is then recorded on to the Blockchain.
A decentralized platform on which one can prove ownership of certain data without needing a central authority. It certifies all data onto a Blockchain. When proof of a document is uploaded and later re-uploaded, the system will only recognize it, if it is completely and fully the same document. The slightest change and the blockchain shall recognize it is as different, displaying the security error and that certified data can't be changed or altered or tampered with.
Heralding themselves as leaders in Blockchain based data certification, Stampery does win the kudos for bringing unlimited data anchoring on to this technology. They implement the use of unique hashes (Cryptographic identifiers) in order not to reveal original data. Verification of cryptographic proofs are done on a secure M2M (Machine 2 Machine) in which IoT already exists.
There are many reasons due to which technology and art have remained at a distance in the past. Blockchain is uniting the two as well as securing credibility which has long been denied in the creative field. We hope with time, this technology grows and helps upcoming and struggling artists get their dues that they deserve.
Print Spooler Giving Trouble? Here's How You Can Fix It!


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Billy Bragg
'I'm trying to make a case for those people who don't have a sense of belonging that they should have'
Billy Bragg is a legendary singer-songwriter and political activist. From 'Talking With The Taxman' to 'Mermaid Avenue', His trailblazing music blends elements of folk and punk rock, and has helped to inspire the younger generations to engage with social and political causes.
A leading voice within left-wing activism, Billy is a keen advocate of Scottish and Welsh Independence, and has written extensively for broadsheet newspapers on the biggest political issues of our time. Billy joins us following his latest album, 'The Million Things that Never Happened', and will discuss his views on contemporary politics and cancel culture.


It's been a long day. Maybe you had a full schedule at work or have been running to classes all day and now you still have to face chores or more meetings or homework. Naturally, you think, "I need caffeine" and stop into your neighborhood Starbucks. Here is where the internal struggle begins.Youknow you should get a small brewed coffee because of its low caloric value and of course, low price… But the extra-large mocha caramel latte looks sooo much better! And what's a latte without a muffin, right? Now would be the time to use willpower, or as psychologist Roy Baumestier calls it, "the greatest human strength," to make the best decision. An NPR (National Public Radio) story investigated this very issue. It finds that you not only use willpower when resisting something you want (the mega-sized latte and muffin as big as your face), but also when avoiding something you don't want to do like a working on a project, studying for an exam, or job-hunting.
Using self-control leads to two outcomes: one long-term and one short-term. The immediate outcome results in exhaustion, because your brain's energy is a limited resource, but in the long-term, it is like exercising a muscle that becomes stronger. The more you practice, the better you'll be at resisting urges and cravings in the future and the less mental energy it will take. Plus, as it turns out, the decision making process that goes into avoiding something you don't want to do, like a school projector looking for a job, actually drains more mental energy than just going ahead and doing it.
Cool fact: If you are connected to a faith, most religions have prayers and meditations included in their regular services that are designed to increase discipline and self-control. But even if you don't observe a religion, there are other ways to practice these skills, like meditation. One study mentioned in the article even investigated how directing students to focus on maintaining good posture affected other task performance. Over the course of one week, students who consistently practiced good posture performed better than students who didn't—even on tasks unrelated to posture! The reason? They were exercising their self-control to make sure they stood up straight and this strengthened their overall willpower.
So what's the takeaway message here? Making choices is hard and willpower is a limited resource. If you are constantly in situations where you are battling with yourself, it can cause ego depletion. That's psychobabble for exhausting your mental energy. But here's the good news - as you increasingly resist temptations, like eating bad-for-you sweet treats, the stronger your willpower becomes and the less effort it will take to resist in the future. But since you only have so much willpower to spare, you should reserve it for emergencies. The best way to do that? It is the old "out of sight, out of mind" principle. It is easier to resist things that tempt you if they're not staring you in the face. So, to resist that latte and muffin: JUST STAY AWAY!
For more on the NPR report, click here.