Without large private investors like Fidelity, many young health insurance companies are folding every day.
To an everyday bystander, the rise and fall of new health insurance companies may seem irrelevant. However new companies introduce competition and drive the overall cost of premiums down.
In February of 2016 Fidelity invested $400 million into Oscar Health Insurance, a NYC based start-up. The historically conservative investment fund valued Oscar at $2.7 billion. To date, Oscar has raised over $700 million, from big name investors including Google.
In March, however, Oscar disclosed its financials to New York and New Jersey state regulators, revealing heavy losses on its home turf of over $100 million. To understand Oscar's struggle and why it still appeals to investors, one must see the company in the larger context of the health insurance sector.
Oscar's CEO, Mario Schlosser, told Forbes that one chief driver behind their losses were expensive health network contracts. With few members, the new kid on the block had little negotiating power to drive down the medical cost of procedures. Last year, Oscar paid over 75% of its total premiums earned towards hospital costs. UnitedHealthcare, the nation's largest health insurance company, paid just 63%. Going forward, Oscar hopes some of their losses can be mitigated, as contracts expire and they get to re-negotiate from a stronger position.
Without large private investors like Fidelity, many young health insurance companies are folding every day. In New York, Health Republic – the largest Consumer Oriented and Operated Plan (CO-OP) was ordered to shut down last year by state and federal regulators. In 2015, the company ceased operations after losing $130 million in its first year and a half, leaving over 200,000 New Yorkers without health insurance.
Before you think it's just New York that's an unforgiving marketplace for health insurers, co-ops throughout the entire nation have felt the pain. Last fall, 10 of the 23 Consumer Operated and Oriented Plans created by the Affordable Care Act have failed, across the nation – Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nevada, Oregon, and more.
Even large, well-established health insurance companies are finding it difficult to be profitable – particularly on the individual ACA exchanges.
In 2015, President and CFO of UnitedHealth Group, Dave Wichmann, told investors "we observe market-wide data this past spring that suggested the risk pool served by public exchanges would require more medical services than original expectations". United, like many other insurers, underestimated the cost of care for individuals signing up for plans on the exchanges. Premiums often were not high enough to cover the medical costs of customers causing some companies – like Oscar – to operate at a loss.
Oscar is particularly vulnerable to such factors – 48% of their 2015 New York enrollments came from the state exchange.
As Wichmann pointed out, the current risk pool is fairly unhealthy. Many of the healthy individuals do not need to shop for plans on the exchange, because they work full time at firms that provide health insurance benefits. The hope is that as time goes on, the individual exchanges take off and become the de facto choice for a majority of the population – especially due to incentives to middle class families created by the ACA subsidies.
If legislation follows suit, and employer mandated health insurance is phased out over time, the model can turn around as the risk pool shifts. In this scenario, while more individuals will buy plans on individual exchanges, fewer of them will actually need medical services. That would allow insurers to operate at a better loss ratio, and make the business more viable.
The many companies that are currently operating at a loss on the ACA exchanges are vying for time. Companies like United, and even Oscar, are cementing a foothold within a space that has a clear path to becoming profitable.
What Are The Benefits of New Health Insurance Companies To Consumers?
When a company like Oscar enters a state or federal exchange, they are more inclined to price their plans lower to gain a larger market share. The average annual cost of a silver plan for a 21 year old male in 2015 was $2,961, as a point of reference. Over time, it's unlikely they will be able to sustain low prices, but the continuous influx of new companies will force existing companies to also mark down their prices to remain competitive.


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Adopted: Urgency on the human rights situation in the Philippines - and it created quite some reactions in the country
The urgency resolution on the Philippines was adopted by 626 votes in favour, 7 against and 52 abstentions - a broad majority across all political parties.
The human rights situation in the Philippines gets worse by the second. When I spoke to the renown Philippine journalist Maria Ressa in spring, she asked me to shed light on what is happening in the country: President Rodrigo Duterte's "war on drugs" has cost tens of thousands of lives. At the same time, the government continues attacking news organizations: Ressa herself has lost a made-up case against her in court, and she and a number of employees of her news outlet "Rappler" are facing other court cases based on equally arbitrary charges.
Despite this worrying situation, the Philippines continue to benefit from trade privileges for exports to the EU, based on the so-called Generalised System of Preferences (GSP+). These trade privileges are meant to be linked to the advancement of human rights in a country.
For me it is clear: A country where human rights are trampled upon cannot continue benefitting from these privileges!
In adopting the urgency, the European Parliament has followed my assessment. The resolution
asks the European Commission to withdraw the GSP+ privileges
strongly condemns the actions of President Duterte under the guise of leading a so-called "war on drugs" and
demands that all politically motivated charges against Maria Ressa and other journalists be dropped.
Click here for the text of the urgency resolution
The reactions to my speech and the successful urgency came promptly.
First my Facebook page was flooded: with comments telling me about my "ignorance", with demands to leave the Philippines "alone", and of course with insults and abuse. This is probably only a small part of what Maria Ressa has to endure every day - and it clearly shows how bad the situation really is.
In addition, I could now be declared "persona non grata" by the Philippine government. According to Foreign Minister Teodoro Loscin, this is "a political decision" which he will discuss with President Duterte.
However, this is not just my urgency. It is a text adopted by an overwhelming majority ofmembers of the European Parliament.
But whatever may happen: I will continue speaking up for human rights - in the Philippines and elsewhere.
The EP Press release on the urgency
Human rights breaches in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Mozambique and the Philippines

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The very best for the very best. Robert's Fine Jewelry is proud to represent some of today's top engagement ring designers. No matter what your style – from vintage to traditional to contemporary, each designer creates engagement rings that will suit her style and your budget.


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Q: Build ASP.NET 5 to Azure websites from Visual Studio Online ERROR_FILE_IN_USE I created a dummy Hello World ASP.NET 5 (MVC 6) project hosted in Visual Studio Online's Git.
I followed the steps described at this document to build and deploy into my Azure Websites.
It took me several attempts as the build failed with errors such as "Unable to restore NuGet package" or inexisting wwwfolder (which I had to commit to source control to have it working) but I got it working and the app is up and running.
The issue I need help with is with the Continuous Integration configuration. In Visual Studio I have selected a CI trigger to build/deploy whenever there is a check-in in my master branch.
This triggers the attempt properly but it constantly fails with this error.
Error Code: ERROR_FILE_IN_USE
More Information: Web Deploy cannot modify the file 'AspNet.Loader.dll' on the destination because it is locked by an external process. In order to allow the publish operation to succeed, you may need to either restart your application to release the lock, or use the AppOffline rule handler for .Net applications on your next publish attempt.
How to solve this problem?
Thank you.
PS: Also I don't know why in Azure websites under Deployment I cannot see the log. When I was using a GitHub hook it used to display all the failed/successful deployments.
Usually in Azure under the web app > DEPLOYMENTS

A: I ran into the same issue. There are probably more elegant ways of dealing with it if you have multiple deployment slots but for my situation having a minute of downtime during deployment is acceptable.
You can modify the script to use Start-AzureWebsite and Stop-AzureWebsite
Note: I added $hostNameIndex as this needs to change if you add domain names. You could then pass this in the Azure Powershell Script Arguments.

    param($websiteName, $packOutput, $hostNameIndex = 1)
    Stop-AzureWebsite -Name $websiteName
    $website = Get-AzureWebsite -Name $websiteName

    # get the scm url to use with MSDeploy.
    # By default this will be the second in the array. Changes when you add custom domain names.
    # Here I have the default and 2 custom so scm is in 4th position ie. index: 3
    $msdeployurl = $website.EnabledHostNames[$hostNameIndex]

    $publishProperties = @{'WebPublishMethod'='MSDeploy';
                        'MSDeployServiceUrl'=$msdeployurl;
                        'DeployIisAppPath'=$website.Name;
                        'Username'=$website.PublishingUsername;
                        'Password'=$website.PublishingPassword}

    $publishScript = "${env:ProgramFiles(x86)}\Microsoft Visual Studio 14.0\Common7\IDE\Extensions\Microsoft\Web Tools\Publish\Scripts\default-publish.ps1"

    . $publishScript -publishProperties $publishProperties  -packOutput $packOutput
    Start-AzureWebsite -Name $websiteName

Resources:

*

*https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/azure/dn495288.aspx

*https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/azure/dn495185.aspx

*https://msdn.microsoft.com/Library/vs/alm/Build/azure/deploy-aspnet5

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Navigating the digital waters with your business brand can be a challenge. Many of us use social media for our personal use to keep our family, friends and acquaintances apprised of our daily lives. How do we leverage social media to grow our business?
WordPress Essentials has passed. Join us for our next workshop!


During December 2015 GTA delivered a roadshow across the country to update our members of our current Trade & Market Access Initiatives. Click on the header above for a copy of this presentation. Further details about these initiatives are outlined below.
GTA is an active member of this Dept. Agriculture & Water Resources Biosecurity initiative. The Grain and Plant Products Export Industry Consultative Committee (the Committee) is the principal forum for the Department of Agriculture (the department) to consult with grain, fodder, nuts, seed and timber industries on export inspection and certification, export market access and other relevant issues. The Committee aims to provide effective consultation, communication and partnership between the department and industry stakeholders involved in phytosanitary exports by ensuring stakeholders' views are given due consideration.
The Trade and Market Access Committee shall make recommendations to the Board on commercial impacts and requirements; and policy developments that may arise from the introduction of innovative technology into Australia's food and feed production systems,; and to monitor related international and local Government policies. Specifically the Committee will be focused on issues including, but not limited to, food and feed security, bio-safety, bio-security, innovative technology and sustainability.
The Grains NTM Summary Report was released on 03 May 2018. The report was led by Grain Trade Australia, GrainGrowers and Grains Industry Market Access Forum.


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Home News Energy SA Govt says privately owned power plants will help ease loadshedding by...
SA Govt says privately owned power plants will help ease loadshedding by year-end
THE South African government said it expected power outages to ease later this year once a raft of measures it intended to implement took effect, including building 9,000MW worth of privately-owned power plants.
Citing a presentation by the National Energy Crisis Committee, a body run by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Bloomberg News said that other measures included the implementation of emergency legislation to allow the faster approval and development of power plants, while 1,000MW would be imported from neighbouring nations.
Contracts for the construction of plants that will produce 2,800MW of renewable energy for the grid have been signed and construction will soon begin.
"As these measures take effect, the supply of electricity will significantly improve," said the committee known as Necom, said in a presentation sent to Bloomberg.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, South Africa's finance minister, Enoch Godongwana also expressed confidence in government's ability to rein in loadshedding which can see electricity supply cut for up to 12 hours a day currently.
"Eventually in the next 12 to 18 months we will be able to say load-shedding is a thing of the past. That is the target," Godongwana is quoted as saying in an article by BusinessLive.
Asked whether state-owned power utility Eskom could expect to be allocated more cash for diesel to help reduce the level of power cuts, Godongwana said: "I don't think Eskom has a diesel problem, I think Eskom has got a management problem."
Godongwana's comments follow those of mineral resources & energy minister Gwede Mantashe last week. Speaking on eNCA, Mantashe said: "It will take us six to 12 months to sort the issue if we pay attention to the issue."
"In Eskom, we have 48,000MW connected to the grid but Eskom at best can give us 26,000MW. There is 22,000MW that is idling but connected. It is not decommissioned and if there was a focus on servicing and maintaining those megawatts, we would not have load-shedding."
Previous articleMerafe says 5% ferrochrome output decline despite Q4 Eskom loadshedding
Next articleWilliamson to foot repair of broken tailings wall as Petra sees net debt double
Richards Bay coal exports fall to lowest level since 1993 after Transnet's horror fourth quarter
Eskom seeking R5.9bn tax rebate in desperate bid to replenish diesel supplies
De Ruyter says corruption in Eskom "unbelieveable" as he recounts cyanide poisioning
SA coal exporters warn of KZN protests as campaign blames them for Eskom loadshedding
Govex opts to sell Falea project to African Energy Metals for $5.5m in cash and shares


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But what is a 'car movie'? Well, it can be just about anything you want it to be – as long as cars are at the heart of it, then by our book, it's a car movie.
Hopefully that's got you thinking about some of your favourite car movies. Perhaps it was a silver screen icon that inspired you to go out and buy your classic car? If so, we hope you don't drive your classic like they do in the movies… as a classic car insurance provider, you can't blame us for wincing a bit every time a car gets into a scrape on the big screen! Some beautiful cars have gone up in flames or over a cliff over the years.
Right, let's get down to it. This isn't an exhaustive list of the best car movies by any means – it's just some of our favourites here at Lancaster Insurance.
Drive (2011)
We'll start with something of a modern masterpiece. Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, Drive centres on Ryan Gosling's character – simply known as 'Driver' – who is a skilled Hollywood stuntman moonlighting as a getaway driver for the bad guys.
Though he appears inexpressive initially, Driver shows himself to have a heart in his interactions with his neighbour, Irene (Carey Mulligan) and her young son, Benicio (Kaden Leos). However, things take a turn when Irene's husband gets out of jail and he asks Driver to be the getaway driver in a million-dollar heist. To avoid spoiling it, let's just say that not everything goes to plan.
The scenes with Driver in his 1973 Chevy Malibu undoubtedly steal the show, propelled along by an awesome 1980s soundtrack.
What springs to mind when you think of the classic British film, The Italian Job? Michael Caine – of course. The Swinging Sixties – absolutely. And classic cars. More classic cars than you can shake a stick at!
Unsurprisingly, then, the film (which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2019) is a big hit with classic car enthusiasts. Regularly voted one of the greatest car-centric films ever made, some of the greatest performance cars of the time are on show in the film.
If you've not seen the movie for a while, here's a quick reminder of the storyline. Charlie Crocker (played by Caine) devises a plan to steal $4 billion of gold by hiding it in three Mini Coopers. Crocker and his band of hapless cockney crooks make their getaway through the Italian city of Turin.
Fun fact: despite cars being a central feature of the film, Caine didn't know how to drive at the time of filming…
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)
We wanted to include the odd unexpected movie in our list – and Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby certainly ticks that box.
Set in the world of NASCAR, we think it's one of Will Ferrell's best movies. This hilarious racing spoof follows the rise and fall and rise of a self-satisfied champion racer, his complicated friendship with best pal and fellow racer John C. Reilly, and his rivalry with a French racer played by Sacha Baron Cohen bidding for Ricky's crown.
Ricky, with the help of his ruthless father, must find a way of reclaiming glory on the race track. The movie is a lot of fun from start to finish and has plenty of quotable lines in it, too.
Locke (2013)
Can you call Locke a car movie? Well, the entire film is set in a car so why not. Again, it's our attempt to keep this list fairly current – we could have easily filled it with movies from 20 or 30 years ago but we wanted to introduce our readers to a few films they might not have seen yet.
Starring the always watchable Tom Hardy – and directed by Steven Knight – Locke shows the unravelling life of its central character. After leaving work as a construction manager, Ivan Locke (Hardy) gets into his car and races down the M6 towards London. As he drives, we see him make and receive a series of phone calls that reveal a surprising secret.
Made with a budget of only $2 million, it's an impressive feat of film making and keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout – even though the main character never leaves his car seat.
Baby Driver (2017)
Another modern film about a getaway driver, Edgar Wright's Baby Driver is just about as fun as cinema gets, in our opinion. There's no messing around – the film gets straight into the action and gives you a good idea of what to expect from the rest of the film.
In the opening scene we see the film's protagonist, Baby, played by Ansel Elgort, waiting playfully in his red 2006 Subaru WRX – with his iPod headphones in – outside a bank as his three accomplices carry out a heist. What follows is one of the best and most inventive opening car chase sequences of all time – you can hold us to that!
If you've seen any of Wright's previous work (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, etc.) you'll know he has a unique style, and he brings out his whole repertoire here.
Just like Drive (2011), music plays a big part in the movie, and you're sure to come away from it looking for the soundtrack on Spotify.
How could you compile a list of the best car movies of all time and not include a film from the Fast and the Furious franchise? It's not possible. Yes, some of the 13 movies in the franchise are somewhat ludicrous concoctions, but there are some gems in there, too.
Our favourite of the series is the fifth movie – Fast Five – where the producers decided to go all Bond. Described as an "international fantasia of increasingly fantastical set pieces, each one more ludicrous than the last", there was no reason why the film should hold together – but it did.
Hats off to director Justin Lin, who is credited for turning the franchise from a box-office also-ran into a cinema smash. While staying loyal to the light-hearted, cartoonish tone of the films, he added a much-needed bit of cool and swagger.
Our favourite car from the Fast Five? Probably the gorgeous blue and white 1965 Ford GT40, even though it's not on screen for long!
Steven Spielberg's feature-length directorial debut is a TV movie, but as you'd expect from the now renowned director, it could've easily graced the big screen.
Dennis Weaver plays the mild-mannered David Mann who in his Plymouth Valiant finds himself stuck behind a gas tanker. As he attempts to go pass the vehicle, the driver for no discernible reason takes offence. The gas tanker continually passes David and then slows down in an increasingly scary game of cat and mouse.
It's all mind games and the story is seen from David's perspective, with commentary as he thinks to himself. It's exciting as hell, building tension and terror as it goes along.
Holy Motors (2012)
It might be stretching it a little to call Leos Carax's masterpiece a car movie with the protagonist Monsieur Oscar (Denis Lavant) riding through Paris in a limo, inhabiting wildly different characters along the way. But we wanted to include it anyway as it's so mind blowing, it needs to be seen to be believed.
Attempting to describe what Holy Motors is about is nigh on impossible. Here's Vulture's attempt at it: "What in God's name is this? A religious allegory? A metaphor about acting and/or filmmaking? A meditation on the constantly shifting nature of the modern world? A vision of a soul adrift?"
You'll not see another film like it. Isn't that enough?
Michael Mann's thriller is another one that grabs you from the off. After a long day, LA taxi driver Max (Jamie Foxx) is about to call it a night when sharp-suited Vincent makes him a proposition: $600 for five stops. How can he turn that down? However, he soon regrets his choice when Vincent turns out to be a heartless hitman and each one of those stops involves a murder. Inevitably, the pair are hunted by the police and the FBI and Max is left wondering if he'll make it out alive.
There aren't any flashy cars to be found, but Los Angeles cityscapes have never looked more beautiful amid all the action.
Repo Man (1984)
Alex Cox's cult classic centres on Los Angeles slacker and punk rocker Otto (Emilio Estevez) who, after losing his jobs, winds up at a car repossession agency working for the eccentric Bud (Harry Dean Stanton).
Otto isn't exactly overjoyed about landing the gig, but grows to love the fast-paced job. His life changes when he learns of a Chevy Malibu that has been given a $20,000 price tag – not to mention something otherworldly in the trunk – and he decides to go in pursuit of it.
The film doesn't follow any known formula and is all the better for it – it's this punk ethos which gives the movie its cult following.
Mad Max: Fury Road is an exhausting watch, barely coming up for air over its two-hour runtime. Though its post-apocalyptic plot is simple on the surface – road warrior Max (Tom Hardy) and the fierce driver Furiosa (Charlize Theron) must race across the desert to escape baddie Immortan Joe and his fleet of kamikaze War Boys – there is so much going on here.
Creator of the Mad Max series George Miller takes the helm again and ramps everything up for a truly gruelling journey. It was pretty tortuous to film, too, as Theron described to the New York Times:
"Like anything that has some worth to it, it comes with complicated feelings," Theron said. "I feel a mixture of extreme joy that we achieved what we did, and I also get a little bit of a hole in my stomach. There's a level of 'the body remembers' trauma related to the shooting of this film that's still there for me."
For fans of the first films, Max (Hardy) still drives the black 1974 XB Ford Falcon Coupe!
Last, and by no means least, we have Martin Scorsese's masterpiece about insomniac Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro) who takes a job as a New York cab driver who becomes obsessed with saving the world.
What else needs to be said about the movie that hasn't already been said over the years? How about this fun fact: Jodie Foster was just 12 years old at the time of filming, which made things complicated when it came to shooting the more explicit scenes as a prostitute. So, her 19-year-old sister Connie Foster, was hired as a body double.
Protect your investment with classic car insurance
As you can see, the team at Lancaster is passionate about cars – particularly classic motors – and we want to help preserve them for the future.
Did you know that Lancaster Insurance is the broker of choice for owners of 96,000 classic and retro vehicles in the UK?
Benefits of classic car insurance through us can include:
Up to 25% classic car club member discounts
Salvage retention
90 days EU cover
Cover for historic rallies
Catch the team at the Classic Motor Show at the NEC and come and say hello. We love welcoming new owners into the classic car community and sharing our knowledge of these great classic motors.
If you're wondering how much your pride and joy is worth, we can arrange a two-year agreed valuation for your classic. Just ask the team for more details.
Get a quote for classic car insurance today.
Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.


Spanking and yelling don't help kids with ADHD learn better behavior — in fact, harsh punishment can lead them to act out more in the future. Try these calm, collected ways to deal with discipline instead.
When a parent reaches the end of her rope with an unruly child who raises the volume on his bad behavior, she may administer a slap to the child's rear end. Spanking is a no-no in correcting misbehavior, and it is worse for a child with ADHD. Emotional hypersensitivity is a core ADHD trait, so the physical act of spanking can lead to emotional hurt. Besides, says William Dodson, M.D., a Colorado-based psychiatrist who works with families challenged by ADHD, spanking a child sets him up for failure. "He can't make use of that experience and conform his behavior next time," says Dodson. He learns to be afraid of his parent.
As challenging as it sometimes is to do, taking a positive approach can be more effective in teaching your child to act her best. "Work hard on the positive side of discipline first," says Kenny Handelman, Ph.D., a child and adolescent psychiatrist specializing in ADHD and the author of Attention Difference Disorder. This means rewarding good behavior. But more importantly, it means participating in activities you both enjoy to deepen the bond between you and your child. While spanking has been shown to negatively impact bonding with parents, a positive approach ensures that, when it's time to discipline your kids, they'll be more receptive to your authority, not afraid of you.
Just as medication isn't the single answer to treating ADHD, being positive isn't the only avenue to disciplining your child without yelling — and without tears.
Dodson advises parents to plan ahead for possible meltdowns. Pick a time when you're both feeling good and calm, and plan an escape route if things go sour. Become co-conspirators and make it a game: "Let's pretend to be magicians who can disappear." Then, if things start to unravel at a birthday party or a family reunion, take your child aside and say, "It's time for us magicians to become invisible." Then quietly leave.
Discipline isn't a problem in Lisa Aro's home. Author of a popular blog, "Queen of the Distracted," she has her hands full: six of seven kids, plus dad, have been diagnosed with ADHD. Yet discipline isn't a problem for Lisa. The kids get lots of positive interaction with Mom and Dad through ongoing creative family projects. If behavioral correction is necessary, Aro's main strategy is to have the child stand with his or her nose on a blank wall, with nothing to entertain him. She stands a foot behind him and keeps him there. "They hate it," says Aro, "because it's so boring." After the child has calmed down, she says, it's important to explore the situation with the child and strategize together, coming up with better alternatives for the future.
Learn how your child is hardwired, and adjust your discipline strategies. When something is bothering your daughter and causing her to act up, it may be unbearable for her. Recognize and respect your child's hypersensitivities as part of her ADHD nervous system. This will help you distinguish between willful non-compliance and genuine discomfort or misunderstanding on your child's part. Is your child being defiant or feeling overwhelmed? Is she seeking stimulation because she is bored, or is she willfully misbehaving? For example, refusing to wear a particular outfit can be the result of a tactile hypersensitivity that makes that outfit feel uncomfortable.
You've heard the expression, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." If your child wasn't adopted, chances are, one or the other (or both parents) has "gifted" their child with ADHD, a highly heritable condition. If the parent's ADHD isn't diagnosed or treated, following through on disciplinary consequences might be tough. Many adults with ADHD have quick tempers and bouts of impulsivity. Experts believe that this is a recipe for disciplinary disaster. Despite your best intentions, you might spank your child against your better judgment. Make sure that your own ADHD is being treated adequately.
Parents give up on a new discipline approach too soon, says Handelman. "Kids fight hardest when parents start something new," he says. When [a new strategy] becomes a routine and a child realizes he can't argue his way out of it, he will stop fighting you." Two or three weeks isn't enough time to establish new rules.


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Dylan McDermot Film Reviews
Weekly Reviews on what's new to save you time and money on what to watch!
Posted on November 7, 2019 by Dylan McDermot
After 3 failed attempts to reach the high bar set by James Cameron in 1991, the Terminator franchise has stumbled and failed time and time again. However, this is the first time Cameron has returned to the franchise since T2, in both a writing and producing capacity. With his involvement and Tim Miller, director of Deadpool, behind the camera, many fans were curious to see if Dark Fate could live up to its predecessors. Also returning to the franchise for the first time since T2 is Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor. Dark Fate is a direct sequel to T2 and ignores every film since then. Terminator Dark Fate surprised me with its well-directed action, great performances, and an interesting story choice made with Arnold's T-800. That doesn't mean I loved everything about it, there are some big issues with the overall story and the script that will without a doubt angry fans.
I think we've all been mistaken in assuming this franchise belongs to Arnold Swarzenegger because it belongs to Linda Hamilton. I had no idea how much I missed her presence in these films. From the moment she stepped on screen her personality and character brought the film to a whole new level. Hamilton doesn't miss a beat when returning as Connor, she fills the shoes perfectly. Arnold Swarzenegger hasn't been this good since T2. The direction they choose to go with his T-800 character is a bold choice, something we haven't seen in the movies before. I won't spoil it here, but for me, I liked the choice. It provided for some of the funniest moments of the film and killer lines said by Arnold. However, I can see a lot of fans having an issue with this plot point, but in my opinion, it was a risk that paid off.
The new cast in Dark Fate is probably the best newest set of characters we've seen from the sequels. Mackenzie Davis has a commanding screen presence invoking similar drive and determination that Sarah Connor had in the second movie. Gabriel Luna does a fairly good job at presenting himself as this unstoppable machine, although nowhere near as memorable as Arnie's T-800 or Robert Patrick's T-1000. As much as these new characters are well handled and you do grow to care for them, the story these characters are set on feels like a bit of a rehash of material we've already seen. It follows a very similar story beats of pretty much every Terminator movie. A terminator is sent back in time to kill someone who will be an important figure in the future. It's a cat and mouse game with the hero and their protector(s) running away from a terminator. Stop me if you've heard this before. Not much new ground is covered. Aside from the direction they choose to go with Arnie and a bold choice made at the beginning of the film, it's practically the same Terminator movie we've seen before. The script here is also not the strongest. Too many throwaway lines that don't land, and unnecessary exposition.
I had mentioned previously there was a choice made at the beginning of the movie that was a bold choice. This scene that happens at the beginning of the movie (which I won't spoil) will be a breaking point for many fans. The scene disrespects what was concluded at the end of Terminator 2: Judgment Day. This will no doubt upset many fans and will immediately turn them off from the movie. Did I like the choice they made? No, there were better ways to resolve that story than the way they did it and still tell the same story they wanted to tell with Dark Fate. That being said, the choice upset me, but I put it to the side and enjoyed the movie for what it was. And what I got in return was a really good action movie, with great effects, a badass Sarah Connor, a great and different role for Arnold, and finally a fun Terminator movie. Sure the story has been done to death and the script is weak, but I enjoyed my time with Terminator: Dark Fate. If you can get over that opening scene, I think there is a fun movie to be had. If you can't get over that opening scene, however, I completely get it.
Rating: B-
Tags: film, film review, movie, movie review, terminatorCategories: 2019 Reviews
Published by Dylan McDermot
I'm a guy from Winnipeg, Manitoba who probably likes movies a little too much. I believe films have the power to transport us to new worlds and deliver an experience unlike any other. A place where we might just be able to see a little bit of ourselves on screen, and I'm excited to share my experiences and opinions on such things with you.	View all posts by Dylan McDermot
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The Saint Andrew`s War Memorial Window titled "The Crucifixion" commemorates those who died in service or were killed in action during World War One. The window was donated by William Robert Black and dedicated in August 1922 on the occasion of the diamond jubilee of the church.
The impressive diamond jubilee celebrations of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church and the solemn ceremony of unveiling memorials were participated in by congregations which crowded the church yesterday. The national flag of historic interest which draped the memorial windows, and the graceful palms, the ferns, and arum lilies with which the altar was adorned, gave increased beauty to the stately edifice.
Turning then to the central window, covered with two huge Union Jacks, Dr. Merrington said:-"The members of the families of St. Andrew's who in the spirit of the Cross responded to the nation's call, together with their other gallant comrades in arms, and who fell on many a far-flung field with their faces to the golden East, have left behind them a spirit, a memory, and an example which shall never pass away. They have won a deathless name. These have deserved well of this congregation as well as of the Commonwealth, the Empire, and humanity." The Union Jacks were then lowered gracefully from the large three-panelled window. The "Last Post" was sounded by sergeant-buglers, accompanied by a drummer in Highland costume, while the congregation remained standing facing the windows. The dedicatory prayer was then offered.
The Brisbane Courier (Qld), 7 August 1922.


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Moniteau County Library looks into financing options for new facility
Library purchasing lot at 209 S. Oak St. for new facility by Garrett Fuller | January 25, 2023 at 4:00 a.m.
Democrat photo/Garrett Fuller — FILE — Two dilapidated houses are seen Dec. 9, 2022, at 209 S. Oak St., shortly before Gene Haile Excavating Inc., crews started leveling the homes. The Moniteau County Library intends to construct a new library on the lot, which it is currently in the process of closing on.
The possibility of building a new library facility in California is becoming more of a reality.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development representatives discussed options for financing the construction of a new library facility Jan. 17 at the monthly Moniteau County Library Board of Trustees meeting. With USDA Rural Development's Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program, the library could receive a fixed-rate, fixed-term loan with potentially better rates than local lenders to erect the facility. In addition to the loan, the trustees also discussed credit cards and budget amendments at the meeting.
While library administrators are only in the early stages of planning for a new facility, they are in the process of closing on the lot at 209 S. Oak St., where they intend to construct the new facility. The previous owner of the lot demolished two dilapidated homes on the property in December.
Travis Zimmerman, a USDA Rural Development representative, explained that a public body, such as the library, cannot take on long-term obligations. USDA Rural Development could circumvent the need for a bond issue and public approval by working with a nonprofit entity, such as the library's foundation or a new nonprofit, for the loan. The nonprofit would, in turn, lease the property to the public body. He said the nonprofit's board typically interlocks with the public body board to avoid potential conflicts. The public body would need at least 51 percent control over the nonprofit.
Zimmerman said the California Rural Fire Department station behind the feed mill and senior housing are two local examples of projects funded using the community facilities program. Other examples he mentioned include the Saline County Health Department and Saline County E-911 facilities.
The loan would be a fixed-rate, fixed-term loan, Zimmerman said, with the rate locked in when the loan is approved or when the project is completed, whichever is lower. While shorter terms are available, most projects are completed using a 30- or 40-year loan. Unlike with other lenders, there would be no fees -- such as origination fees -- with the process. While the initial loan would be provided by a local lender, which the library would need to find, the USDA would refinance the project after it was completed. Zimmerman said the library would need to contact local lenders anyway to see if any could provide rates comparable to those offered by the USDA, as it is not in competition with local lenders.
The program would require the library to set aside "replacement and extension" funds to make repairs to the new building if needed.
One concern with the program is that pre-payments would not reduce the amount owed by the library each year. Pre-payments would reduce the principal, therefore reducing the time the library would owe on the loan.
"If you have an entity that has a big chunk that they would like to donate, and they have those funds up front, you would want to kind of look at your project costs and your loan amount and all of that," said Whitney Baragary, another USDA Rural Development representative. "Because once you lock it in, your annual payments are not going to change."
To start the process, USDA representatives said they would need to look at historical financial data for the library, creation of the nonprofit (if necessary) and the application for funding the project. From there, the USDA would look at preliminary architectural reports and environmental studies.
Baragary said the USDA typically starts working with the applicant and their architect "pretty early in the process" to establish the expectations and requirements of the project.
Moving forward, Zimmerman suggested the library start the process by creating a new nonprofit to receive the loan, enlist the assistance of an attorney to complete paperwork and assist with formation of the nonprofit, and continue discussions with architects interested in bidding on the project.
"I was thinking about when we bought (the neighboring building) ... and we were talking maybe the potential of building onto this building, and that doesn't seem like very long ago, and all of a sudden now we're, this month, we close on (the 209 S. Oak St.) property," said Mike Staton, board president. "It's kind of getting real all of a sudden, real fast."
There are no estimates for when the library might be able to break ground on the new facility, as there are many variables that can affect how quickly the loan is approved.
"Loan approval and groundbreaking are not 24 hours apart," Baragary said. "There are a lot of things between loan approval and groundbreaking that need to happen."
After an hour-long discussion on an option for financing the construction of a new facility, the board turned its attention to making final amendments to its 2022 and 2023 budgets.
Director Connie Beauchamp said the library owed an unexpected $85 for a technical support fee to its website design firm after someone used the library website's IP address, a numeric identifier for the website's location on the internet, for a separate entity. The incident forced the library to get a new credit card.
After the technical support fee, remaining bills and December payroll, the library closed out 2022 with a balance of $280,546.10.
Several categories were amended in the library's 2022 budget to balance it. In expenses, the library increased the budget for equipment and furnishings, library materials, payroll, bank service charge, and the copier equipment lease. The structural evaluation conducted in spring 2022 was also added to the budget.
In old business, Beauchamp discussed business credit cards used by library staff.
Historically, she said, the library had two $1,000 credit cards for staff to use. One card was held by Beauchamp, while a staff member had the other card. When the previous staff member responsible for the card left, the library transitioned to having a single $2,000 card for Beauchamp.
Since Beauchamp has transitioned to working part time, she felt it was appropriate to return to having two $1,000 cards -- with Jessica George, media and programming specialist, having the second card.
Beauchamp's proposal was approved by the board.
Director's report
During her report to the board, Beauchamp mentioned the transition to a new business-oriented Amazon Prime account. She said the library is still able to pay invoices with a check under the new plan.
For outreach, she said 84 people participated in the Winter Checkout Challenge as of Jan. 13.
Beauchamp said statistics dropped slightly in December due to the library getting rid of TumbleBooks. Tumblebooks is a curated database of chldren's e-books, availabie by subscription to elementary schools and public libraries, according to its website. She said the books were rarely checked out, starting in January with 170 accessed and dwindling down to six in September.
"... (The TumbleBooks are) not worth the cost," Beauchamp said. "So that is a difference we're going to see in our circulation numbers."
The library printed nine new cards in December, bumping the annual statistic to 220 new cards awarded in 2022. There was a slight decline in circulation throughout 2022 due to the TumbleBooks, along with a steady decline in usage of the database. However, the library saw an increase in program attendance for both children and adults.
The Moniteau County Library Board of Trustees will meet next at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 15 with the Friends of the Moniteau County Library and the library foundation for a long-range planning meeting, which will likely include discussion surrounding the USDA loan process for a new building. The meeting will occur on the second floor of the Moniteau County Library at Wood Place, 501 S. Oak St.
Print Headline: Library looks into financing options for new facility


Joshua Ketchmark has finally returned with another series of beautiful and thought-provoking images, in his new soundtrack, 'Her Voice In My Head' from the album "The Misses". This damn good song plays through a country sounding story of love about his life. But why would you care? Because the story that this soundtrack tells may be a resemblance to yours. The soothing sound and tone, Joshua's captivating vocal, are nodding towards the gush of emotions running throughout the song in such a way that only an experienced and talented songwriter can manage to bring out in his song.
Joshua has tried to maintain a country style in this song, accompanied by acoustic guitar and his magical vocal tone. He has chosen the juxtaposition of blooming romance and the lamenting on a failing relationship as the theme of this song, sung with a flux of sentiment and emotion. It appears like the theme is really thoughtful and perfect for a country song like, "Her Voice In My Head". On the other hand, the soft and smooth sounding country style of music plays the role of a great medium to express such emotions and feelings in a comfortable manner. The setting of the song follows a country road that gets intertwined with the country vocal style of Joshua Ketchmark.
"Her Voice In My Head" is a song that depicts a tale of romance and the moaning over the frailty of a failing relationship. Joshua is driving down the country road, folding his mind up to few things. "I've never driven down this road with the radio up," this line tries to focus on how the singer is feeling right now, what his mental situation is at present; he is trying to get something that can distract him from certain feelings or memories. Another line of the song that clearly shows the situation and the singer's mental condition is, "driving through the pines in the dead of night". This scene opens with Joshua driving through the woody areas at night; the nocturnal ambiance, with the trees that seems to be moaning in sorrow, evokes an undercurrent feeling of the obvious sadness.
In the song, the delicacy of Ketchmark's voice showers through the well-written yet simple lyrics. In fact, both the lyrics and the performance style of Joshua has some sort of magical and spellbinding effect that it provokes the mind of the listener to enjoy a refreshing nostalgic encounter with the past. This remarkable song shows the world Joshua Ketchmark's capability of songwriting in a graceful story-telling manner. The lyrics will wrap around the listener in such a way that he will feel like the song is telling his story. "Her Voice In My Head" is a very soft, mellow, ad soothing song, through which Joshua is soothing his heart, comforting his mind.
"Her Voice In My Head" is a very soft, mellow, and soothing song, through which Joshua is soothing his heart, comforting his mind. Joshua's astounding and heart-melting vocal, playful instrumentation, country style, the love-relationship background, are such elements that have made the song outstanding and exceptional among all the other love songs.
I remember Joshua Ketchmark's last single, 17, very well. Firstly because it was the last review I wrote before shutting things down for Christmas. Secondly because it dripped with a real Neil Young vibe. But mainly because it was a cracker of a song, one that understood its place on the singer-songwriter timeline whilst helping to take that style forward into the bright new future. Her Voice in My Head grooves on a more countrified feel, but one invested with a slice of rock muscle sailing it closer to an early Ryan Adams feel. How does this guy keep referencing all my favourite artists but still sound like his own man?
Her Voice In My Head is the perfect follow up to 17, and it proves that Ketchmark really has the acoustic rock, singer-songwriter thing sorted. After all, anyone can sing, anyone can write songs, but the term is more than the sum of its parts. In the case of Joshua Ketchmark much, much more than the sum of its parts.
Do you remember those early days of your relationship when your partner couldn't get enough of you? Almost every night you would spend ours talking over the phone or get busy with texting adding all kinds of emoji's to show how excited you were and truly felt.
As time goes on, things start to get a little bit plain as the spark that once brought the relationship together fades and disappears into oblivion.
But deep down you still have romantic feelings for your loved one, yet have this idea nagging at the back of your mind that he or she no longer wants to deal with all the drama.
Doesn't give much care about the relationship anymore, at least not as much as you do.
On his new single "Her Voice In My Head" singer and songwriter Joshua Ketchmark is able to reveal and point towards a struggling relationship with his appealing lyrics. He manages to take us into a past life where we take our partners for granted neglecting their needs and desires for a better relationship.
The song is filled by tuneful melodies strum on acoustic guitars with Joshua Ketchmark singing along creating bittersweet memories of sadness. The easy-sounding rhythm of the drums with a slow tempo is able to pull you back into your seat making the song captivating and interesting as you listen to every minute of it.
Moving back and forth between Nashville and L.A Joshua Ketchmark makes the best of his opportunities, spending quality time in the studio and performing live. You can hear the richness in his music doubling it with extraordinary songwriting skills able to capture emotion at it's darkest.
Listening to this song makes you doubt a relationship and whether it has a future or not but Joshua Ketchmark makes the song uplifting attempting to drive you in coming up with ways of how one could reignite and get the passion back.
The single "Her Voice In My Head" is powerful with an established rhythm that keeps you engaged until the end featuring well recorded instruments, very clean, enabling the vocals to shine through.
Joshua Ketchmark is a spirited energy showing us the underlying commitment in doing whatever it takes in order to salvage a relationship giving the song the support it needs making it unique and original.
In creating memorable lyrics one has to subdue themselves in their own world and Joshua Ketchmark is able to dig deeper and find the right words to make this song sound melancholic and relatable.
Joshua Ketchmark returns this year to paint yet another clear and captivating series of images in the way that only an experienced songwriter can. Her Voice In My Head sets the scene powerfully for its audience, brightening up the essential backbone of acoustic country or folk-rock with an emotionally driven and intimately open display of lyricism, presented at every step by the artist's notably passionate leading voice – the likes of which offer up a sense of genuine connection between the concept and the current moment.
Her Voice In My Head has the simplistic weight of a well-written, classic alt-pop ballad of sorts. Ketchmark's voice brings together personal delicacy and a certain reach for gravel and grit that arrives as reminiscent of the likes of Bryan Adams or Jon Bon Jovi. It's quite a rare performance style to stumble upon these days, and in the context of this distinctly personal and honest song it creates quite a refreshing and simultaneously nostalgic experience.
As stated here and once before, Joshua Ketchmark knows how to tell a story with his songwriting. This latest release is no exception. The writer manages to take on a subject matter that is undoubtedly very personal and somewhat private, and present it under an accessible light. This has the effect of seeming all at once genuine, real, and something that listeners can connect to in their own unique way. The lyrics become yours as you listen. What first appear as specific details unrelated to anyone else, later become the building blocks of your own version of life experiences or memories. It's a strong way to write and Joshua's performance throughout pays a heartfelt tribute to all of this and helps make that connection even stronger.
Find & follow Joshua Ketchmark on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. Visit his Website for more information.
Hi Joshua, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?
Can you talk to us more about your song "Let It Rain"?
"Let It Rain" was one of those songs that stuck out for me from the other songs I had been writing at that time. And as I continued to write, it was one that even after it was written was still lingering in the back of my mind. It started out as an idea consisting of only the 1st verse and a chorus. It sat that way for a while until I came back and finished it. I had set a goal for myself in 2014 to write 100 songs in the span of the year. "Let It Rain" was #44.
I didn't know what I was writing about in this song until it was done. Probably the simplest way to put it is; it sums up what was going on in my life at the time, but written from an outside perspective, though someone else's eyes.
Peter Lieninger, (who has shot all of my videos), and I were just talking last week about the possibility of shooting a video for "Let It Rain." We will likely shoot in the same style as the 1st video, "17" from "Under Plastic Stars." We haven't set a date to start filming just yet, but it is definitely something we are planning.
The single comes off your new album Under Plastic Stars – what's the story behind the title?
The title "Under Plastic Stars," for me, sums up the narrative that runs through the songs on the record-as well as the record itself. I chose the order of the songs on the album to tell the story; the songs are more like chapters that complete a book and less like a collection of short stories, if that makes sense? The image that comes to mind when I think of the title "Under Plastic Stars" is a bedroom with thousands of glow-in-the-dark plastic stars lighting the ceiling. But, going back to the theme of the record, be careful what you wish for because it might come true, or it might not. It really depends on what the songs mean to the listener.
The writing process for this record was challenging and helped me to reach a little deeper inside myself to get to the heart of what I was trying to say. We had planned to go in and record 10 songs for "Under Plastic Stars" but on the second day of recording, I brought in the song "17" and "Lucky At Leavin'", so 10 became 12. We recorded at Sound Emporium in Nashville, Tennessee. It had been a while since I had recorded to tape and I enjoy that process. My engineer Dave Reiley, did a great job helping out with production ideas and getting the overall vibe for the basic tracks we cut at Sound Emporium. Once we wrapped tracking of the Acoustic, Bass and Drums, I brought the record back to Black Gold Speakeasy, my studio here in Nashville, to finish all of the overdub and some additional production elements.
I think Nashville has played an integral role in the writing of this record. Being surrounded by so many great songwriters and musicians on a daily basis is very inspiring. It definitely helps to keep me on my toes, and makes me want to write the best songs that I can write for the sake of the song.
I really got to explore a lot of personal experiences on this record that I had tried to bury or hide away. Writing as many songs as I did at this time, I noticed every song I wrote brought more of my skeletons to light. I've always gravitated to the idea of taking a universal theme and making it very personal. If you take the time to really listen, the songs develop a much deeper meaning, but the same songs also work just as well if you don't. On previous releases, I don't feel like I've always been as honest to the listener as I am on this record.
Yes! In the last couple years, I've spent a lot of time in the studio working on my own releases and producing albums and songs for other artists. And while I'm still continuing to do that, I am also going to do some shows this year in support of "Under Plastic Stars" and my next release "The Misses." So far, I'll be playing two solo acoustic shows in March, one in Austin, Texas and the following week I'll be in Peoria, Illinois. I'm starting to get the show schedule together now and rehearsals with the band will start shortly. I want to play for as many people this year as I can.
What else is happening next in Joshua Ketchmark´s world?
What else? I have a new record ready for release called "The Misses." It is 10 rockin' songs that were tracked live at Sound Emporium in Nashville. We tracked "The Misses'" two months after "Under Plastic Stars." I also have two additional singles to be on the look-out for this year, as well as a four song EP called "Jilted Lovers," that will be released on Noise Trade for free. And last but not least, I have one more record for you that will be released later this year. My fingers are crossed! Hopefully I will be able to release at least one video per release. 2018 marks 10 years for me of being a solo artist, so I thought, why not make the most of it?
Joshua Ketchmark, de geadopteerde zoon van een conservatieve lerares en een vader die blues liefhebber was, groeide op aan de rand van Peoria, IL. In de kast van zijn moeder vond Joshua een oude akoestische gitaar en het songboek "With The Beatles". Als enig kind "erfde" hij de gitaar, die doorheen zijn jeugd en wanneer hij op oudere leeftijd van Illinois naar Nashville trok, zijn vaste metgezel werd.
In Nashville, waar hij acht jaar verbleef, ontdekte hij ook de elektrische gitaar, bas en piano. Hij trad op in Nashville, maakte er vrienden en leerde er hoe hij een song moest schrijven.
"from falling in love to crashing into heartache, watching friends self destruct to lifting them higher, searching for truth to landing on the rocks of reality… ".
Al deze herkenbare facetten uit het leven hoor je allemaal in twaalf nieuwe nummers die hij schreef, met melodieën en riffs die schreeuwerige luide knallers in je hoofd laten horen en je op tijd doen ontwaken.
Met "We Were Everything" opent Joshua het album al dromend, om daarna te ontwaken in "Let It Rain" en voor de spiegel te staan in "Lucky At Leavin". In "Saturday Night" flirt hij er wat op los en in "Sweet Surrender" is hij op zoek naar antwoorden en de waarheid. "17" is het verhaal over prile liefde die zijn weg niet vond en "The Great Unknown", de afsluiter, is met beide voeten terug op de grond staan en beseffen dat alles niet is wat het moet zijn.
'Under Plastic Stars' is Joshua Ketchmark's nieuwe studio album. Het is een erg persoonlijk en emotioneel album, waarmee hij de gevoelige snaar durft te raken en soms de vinger even in de wonde steekt. 'Under Plastic Stars' is de soundtrack van Joshua's leven, die met momenten ook de onze wordt!
Sometimes a song is so utterly specific and memory-inducing that it leaves you in awe. Joshua Ketchmark's track, "17," from his album, Under Plastic Stars, is one such song. The singer and songwriter is based in LA, with deep ties to Nashville, Tennessee as well. This album came out in the summer and if you've yet to listen to it, I would recommend fixing that.
"17" is a song about young love and how things come to an end. It is… sad. Simple as that. I felt like my gut was punched listening to this song, because the sheer hopelessness that exudes in each lyric. It's beautiful, yes, and Ketchmark proves himself to be a talented lyricist, given how strong the emotions that he evoke are. It's definitely not a song you want to hear when you're looking for something to cheer you up- wallowing in emotions and thinking of the past, however, is perfect for this song.
Ketchmark's voice is soft and smooth, catered perfectly to the music and the context of the song. His guitar work is impressive, to say the least. The song is acoustic and that enhances the sorrow and regret that courses through each verse. There are certain parts of the song where the guitar has a little twang, much like you'd hear in country music. Given how Ketchmark lived and continues to work frequently in Nashville, Tennessee, this is a fun little thing to take note of. It's a part of his sound that enhances the overall genuine, raw nature of his work.
The lyrics are, as mentioned previously, a marvel in their own right. While songs about lost, young love and the pain that accompany it seem like a dime a dozen, what makes "17" special is the way Ketchmark illustrates it. Something can be said a thousand times and still be worth listening to if you use the right words. My favorite lyric comes in at the end- "Some people die before knowing / maybe they were meant for another life." If I wasn't already sold on the song, this would have sealed the deal for me.
Ketchmark has had a hand in so much in the music business- his tale is both fascinating and shows how he and his music has come so far. He's worked and hung out with some big names that, upon reading them, made me realize that this wasn't an up-and-comer or a late bloomer. He's been here, and it's a shame I am just now hearing of him. A few years ago he started to help new musicians realize their dreams and reach their potential, and I have a lot of respect for that. It's easy to only care for yourself, but to think outside of your own little world is something that deserves to be taken note of.
"17" left me more emotional than I'd like to admit, and that is more than enough reason for you to take a listen. It's a great song off of a great album. Ketchmark has a lot of talent and even more to say, and I look forward to embracing every word.
Joshua Ketchmark presents audiences with a powerful meeting of delicacy and grit. 17 is a notably emotional song, offered up acoustically for the most part, introducing the vocal tone and performance style of the artist, as well as his unique songwriting and story telling, in an immediately accessible and compelling way.
Joshua Ketchmark's story telling on this particular release has you gripped with every verse. There are certain moments that connect on a fairly broad level, making it a song that can be appreciated by a wider audience, but also there's an undeniable touch of personal experience and truth to it all, which brings about something that can't be compared – a story that hasn't been told before, a snippet of reality. The lyricism comes with a lot of strength, the lines are laid out in a poetic manner, and Joshua Ketchmark's voice has the sound of a rock star gone mellow – that grit and delicacy combined, almost whispered yet distinctly passionate. It carries the sentiment of this song through really well.
Musically the acoustic guitar sound here is crisp and very intimate, giving off the feeling that this is a live performance, right there in the room with you. The set up is simplistic, minimalist even, and on occasion the voice and the guitar are surrounded and supported by a couple of additional elements that really help brighten up the edges of the verses. The video for the song appears as a relevant accompaniment, the mood matches effectively and the whole project works well in creating a certain mood and capturing your affection. It's a calming yet reflective piece of music and writing.
Find & follow Joshua Ketchmark on Facebook. Visit his Website for more information.
Joshua Ketchmark might not be a name that sends your music radar into overdrive but his story and experiences speak for themselves. Bouncing back and forth between Nashville and Los Angeles for many years, Ketchmark's front row seat to the music industry at the highest levels has given him an advantage and an edge lacking in your average indie muso.
On his latest single and video release, 17, Joshua delivers a minimal but powerfully soulful performance through the power of his acoustic guitar and voice. When layers of harmonized vocals and other sonic textures enter the fold, our emotions are triggered as we are pulled deeper into the song. When the energy picks up with full instrumentation around the 3:02 mark, we are left nodding and swaying to an impactful outro that ends the song leaving listeners wondering what's coming next.
You can watch the official video for 17 below or subscribe on YouTube.
Connect with Joshua Ketchmark on his official website or FB.
You can find more music, including his album Under Plastic Stars, on Bandcamp.


In addition to delivering more than 1,000 hours of live streaming coverage of the upcoming Sochi Games, NBCOlympics.com, America's preeminent digital destination for Olympic content and exclusive online home of Olympic video coverage, will deliver unprecedented digital-only original programming, the vast majority for verified cable, satellite & telco customers.
The video offering, new to Winter Games coverage, will include whip-around competition coverage from Gold Zone; a daily figure skating news and highlights show, Olympic Ice; and regular news updates throughout each day of competition via NBCOlympics.com's Olympic News Desk updates.
Starting February 8, Gold Zone, an exclusive video channel on NBCOlympics.com and the NBC Sports Live Extra app, will offer more than 100 hours of whip-around coverage of the most popular live action from the Sochi Games. The channel will stream 7 a.m. -3 p.m. ET on most days, allows viewers to experience multiple events as they happen.
Gold Zone may take viewers from a freestyle skiing final to the conclusion of an exciting ice hockey game, in real time, enabling them to catch the most exciting Olympic action whenever and wherever it's happening.
Gold Zone hosts Andrew Siciliano and Ryan Burr will provide context to what's being streamed and will keep fans up-to-date as the action switches from event to event. Fans can follow the dedicated twitter handle @NBC_GoldZone to get up-to-the-minute updates on what is being featured on Gold Zone.
Olympic Ice, a studio show available on NBCOlympics.com and NBC Sports Live Extra, will offer a comprehensive review of all the figure skating news and highlights taking place each day during the Sochi Games. It will air at 5:30 p.m. ET on most days, from February 7-21.
Russ Thaler will host the 30-minute show, and will be joined by analyst and 2002 Olympic gold medal-winning figure skater Sarah Hughes.
Hosted by Julie Donaldson, Olympic News Desk updates will stream periodically throughout the day and unauthenticated on NBCOlympics.com. They will feature the most up-to-date news, competition and highlights, from the day's events in Sochi.


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Thursday, November 14, 2013 Edition: #5102
It's Your Daily Constitutional Sheet!
★ Show biz bros Mark & Donnie Wahlberg are bringing a taste of their Wahlburgers fast-food restaurant to TV after signing a reality show deal with A&E. The siblings' brother Paul has run the family-owned diner in their native Massachusetts since it opened in 2011; a 2nd location is set to open in Toronto early next year. "Wahlburgers" will take viewers behind-the-scenes for a look at daily operations in the burger biz. The show is set to premiere January 22nd.
– WENN.com
★ The cult movie "The Princess Bride" is set to be adapted for the stage by Disney Theatrical Productions. The 1987 film starred Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, and Mandy Patinkin. It's just one of several films Disney is developing for the stage, including "Alice in Wonderland", "Dumbo", "Freaky Friday", and "Shakespeare in Love". A stage version of "Aladdin" recently began a preview run in Toronto prior to traveling to Broadway in the Spring. A decision has yet to be reached on whether "The Princess Bride" will become a play or a musical.
– Variety.com
★ "Glee" star Blake Jenner ('Ryder Lynn') has launched a Kickstarter fundraising campaign to finance a movie he has written. The actor is hoping to raise $100,000 by December 11th to make an indie film titled "Billy Boy", in which he'll appear with his fiancée and "Glee" co-star Melissa Benoist ('Marley Rose'). The story revolves around an 18-year-old trying to give up his life of crime after falling in love with a waitress.
– Contactmusic.com
★ The whereabouts of incarcerated Pussy Riot rocker Nadezhda Tolokonnikova has finally been revealed 3 weeks after she was removed from a detention center to an unknown location. After complaints from Amnesty International, Russia's Human Rights Ombudsman, Vladimir Lukin, has announced she's been moved to a prison in Siberia because she was born in the region and is registered as a permanent resident of the state. He also confirms she is currently in the jail's medical unit, but offers no further details. She's due to be released in March 2014.
– LATimes.com
★ Movie studio Paramount launched a new TV division over the Summer from which it hopes to develop new projects as well as turn hit movies into TV series. One of the first resurrections is the romance-from-beyond-the-grave film "Ghost". In the 1990 movie, Patrick Swayze played a murdered man who comes back in ghost form to comfort his distraught girlfriend (Demi Moore). A TV pilot is being developed for the story, which was recently reincarnated as a theater show.
– TheWrap.com
• "Arsenio Hall" (syndicated) – Robert Glasper Experiment f/Anthony Hamilton ("Black Radio 2″).
• Billboard Touring Awards (NYC) – Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, Luke Bryan, One Direction, P!nk, the Rolling Stones, and Taylor Swift are among finalists for the 19th annual awards. They honor the top tours between October 2012-September 2013.
• "Conan" (TBS/CTV) – Malaysian singer-songwriter Yuna, on her 26th birthday ("Nocturnal").
• "Glee" (FOX/Global) – The club learns how to twerk.
• "Jimmy Kimmel Live" (ABC/CityTV) – Charlie Wilson ("Love, Charlie").
• "Last Call With Carson Daly" (NBC) – Two Door Cinema Club ("Changing Of the Seasons").
• "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" (NBC/CTV2) – Sheryl Crow ("Feels Like Home"); Wanz ("Tell Me One More Time").
• "Late Show With David Letterman" (CBS/NTV/Omni1) – Metric ("Live It Out").
• "Tavis Smiley" (PBS) – Mary J Blige ("A Mary Christmas").
• "Tonight Show With Jay Leno" (NBC/CTV2) – J Rand f/Flo Rida & T-Pain ("Ride").
• "The X Factor" (FOX/CTV2) – Contestants face elimination.
• Britney Spears – She's released the tracklisting for her upcoming 8th studio album, "Britney Jean" (out November 29th), which reveals that both rapper TI and Britney's sister Jamie Lynn Spears make guest appearances.
• Bruce Springsteen – New Jersey's Rutgers University is set to offer a course exploring the theological overtones of Springsteen's lyrics and his reinterpretation of biblical stories into the American landscape ("Adam Raised a Cain", "The Promised Land", etc).
• Lady Gaga – Her new album "ARTPOP" is being carried in 175 H&M stores this week As part of the partnership, she'll be on hand for the grand opening of a new H&M mega-store in NYC's Times Square today.
• Lenny Kravitz – He says he's amused by young fans of "The Hunger Games" who have no clue he's an accomplished musician with 2 decades of hits. Pre-teens are more likely to know him as 'Cinna', the role he reprises in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" (November 22nd).
• Miley Cyrus – She's set to embark on her 38-stop "Bangerz Tour" early next year and VIP Nation is spearheading a deal put on by American Express in which concert-goers can nab an individual photo op with Miley … for $1,000. Believe it or not, they're selling out quickly.
• Tim McGraw – Faith Hill first connected with her birth brother Zachary in 1993 and now an insider says Zach has been acting as a mediator between Faith & Tim during a rough spot in their relationship. The snitch tells "National Enquirer" Zach's saved their marriage … for now.
COMING ATTRACTIONS:
A BS selection of movies in the making …
• 'Bourne 5′ – Director Justin Lin, the man behind the last 4 "Fast & Furious" films, has been tapped to take over the 'Jason Bourne' spy franchise, which will see Jeremy Renner reprise his role as 'Aaron Cross'. Renner replaced original star Matt Damon beginning with 2012's "The Bourne Legacy". The 'Untitled Jason Bourne Sequel' is due in 2015.
• "Peter Pan" – British filmmaker Joe Wright is in talks to bring the boy who never grew up back to the bigscreen in a new original movie. The "Anna Karenina" director has become the frontrunner to tackle the latest take on the story, which will focus on the life of 'Peter Pan' before he discovered 'Never Never Land' and took charge of the 'Lost Boys'.
• "The Roman" – Actor Mark Wahlberg has signed on to produce a new movie about Julius Caesar, which will focus on his younger years as an army general. The film tells the story of how Caesar and his men were kidnapped and enslaved by pirates, only to fight their way to freedom. At this point it's unclear if Wahlberg will take on an acting role in the film.
• 'Terminator 5′ – Director Alan Taylor ("Thor: The Dark World") wants Tom Hardy for the role of 'John Connor' in this 2015 reboot. Brie Larson ("21 Jump Street"), Emilia Clarke ("Game of Thrones"), and Margot Robbie ("Wolf of Wall Street") are screen-testing for the role of 'Sarah Connor'. The plot is unknown, but it will mark Arnold Schwarzenegger's return to the franchise.
• "Triplets" – This comedy sequel to the 1988 film "Twins" will see Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito return, joined by a 3rd brother played by Eddie Murphy. While it will pay homage to the original, screenwriter Josh Gad says it will include 'much more modern comedy'. A date for the start of filming on "Triplets" has yet to be decided.
HOW TO BOTOX YOUR CV:
Getting a job has never been more difficult. Sad to say, but age matters. A lot of the time, the younger set are more willing to put in the time and effort to make something happen. Older folks need to be more aggressive, plumping up the highlights of their experience and lopping off the deadwood. A few tips on creating a 'mature' résumé …
• Put the most important information first … your best career achievement. It might have happened 10 years ago, but you want it to be at the top.
• However, make sure your CV doesn't age you by dwelling too much on the past.
• Don't bother with work experience that's more than 15-years-old; it's likely not relevant.
• Forego listing the year you received your degree; focus on current skills.
• Try to make your résumé age anonymous. Many places you don't even have to list your date-of-birth due to age-discrimination laws.
• Stick to no more than 2 pages or you'll give the impression you've had too many jobs.
– BBC Business
ONE REASON WE WANDER:
Smartphone obsession is causing ignored partners to cheat. Fully 45% of participants in a new online survey of 6,000 partnered people admit they have cheated due to 'phubbing' (phone snubbing), being ignored by their partners while they focus on their electronic gadgets. Among the complaints: Phone-dependent partners using their devices constantly during meals and conversations, and sometimes right after sex. The survey, conducted by a dating website, finds that women aged 30-to-50 are the likeliest to cheat because of phone obsession. (A lot of the time, smartphones aren't so smart.)
– Mail Online
MOST EXTRAVAGANT CAR OPTIONS:
Some top-end options are expensive but practical, ie: The $3,270 'Airscarf' on a Mercedes-Benz E350 convertible really is helpful at reducing the wind-battering passengers take at highway speeds. Others are expensive but dumb. Witness …
• Selectable Cabin Fragrance – Mercedes-Benz S550 ($350).
• Illuminated Grille Star – Mercedes-Benz E350 ($550).
• Magic Sky Control – Mercedes-Benz SLK350 ($2,500).
• Massaging Seats – Audi A8 ($4,000).
• Auto-closing Sedan Doors – BMW 740Li ($4,800).
• Stryker Red Paint – SRT Viper ($14,600).
• Reclining Rear Executive Seats – Lexus LS 460 L ($16,400).
– USAToday.com
WHO SOUNDS SEXIEST?
When it comes to North American accents, online daters like a man or woman with a Southern drawl by far, according to a new online survey. Almost half of male respondents (45%) and 28% of females say they find 'Southern' accents the most appealing. 'New York' and 'Western' accents rank 2nd and 3rd, followed by 'New England' accents which are particularly popular among women (thanks in part to Mark Wahlberg and Ben Affleck?). 'Canadian' and 'New Jersey' accents are tied for 5th-sexiest in North America. (Due to sexy Ryan Gosling and … um … Chris Christie?)
– Cupid.com
• An estimated 600,000 bats were killed by wind turbines in 2012 … in the USA alone.
– "Times of London"
• After analyzing 50,000 recipes and 906,539 comments on them, researchers at "Wired Magazine" and The Food Network say the majority of dishes experience a boost in ratings when bacon is added.
– Counselheal.com
1948 [65] Prince Charles (Philip Arthur George of Wales), London UK, heir to the British throne/married Camilla Parker Bowles since 2005/married to Lady Diana Spencer 1981-96)/father of princes William & Harry/grandfather to Prince George
1968 [45] Brian Yale, Woodbridge CT, alt-rock bassist (Matchbox Twenty–"Unwell", "Bent")
1970 [43] Brendan Benson, Royal Oak MI, rock musician-singer-songwriter (The Raconteurs-"Salute Your Solution", "Steady As She Goes")
1972 [41] Josh Duhamel ['due-MEL'], Minot ND, movie actor ("Transformers" films)/TV actor ("Las Vegas" 2003-08)/wed to Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie since 2009
1974 [39] Joe Principe, Chicago IL, punk rock bassist (Rise Against-"Satellite", "Help Is On the Way")
1975 [38] Travis Barker, Fontana CA, rock drummer (Blink 182-"Up All Night", "I Miss You")
1977 [36] Brian Dietzen, Barrington IL, TV actor ('Jimmy Palmer' on "NCIS" since 2004)
1979 [34] Tobin Esperance, Vacaville CA, rock bassist (Papa Roach-"Where Did the Angels Go?", "Lifeline")
BS REASONS TO PARTY . . .
• "International Girls Day", instigated by Kappa Delta Sorority to celebrate all kinds of girls with all kinds of interests and abilities. It's an opportunity to build confidence in girls and help them realize their potential.
NET: http://www.confidencecoalition.org/nationalgirlsday
• "Leftovers Trading Day", a day to swap everything in your refrigerator for everything in a friend's refrigerator. A perfect day for this as it's also "Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day".
NET: http://www.families.com/blog/happy-national-clean-out-your-refrigerator-day
• "Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day", encouraging us to take things a little slower, take a mental step back and find some balance.
NET: http://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/loosen-up-lighten-up-day/
• "Pickle Appreciation Day", a day to gear up for some tangy, spicy and yummy fun.
NET: http://www.freewebs.com/pickleday/
• "World Diabetes Day", recognizing what's becoming an epidemic. Since 2000, the number of people worldwide with diabetes has more than doubled. Diabetes is responsible for 4.6 million deaths a year … 1 every 7 seconds.
NET: http://www.idf.org/worlddiabetesday/news/diabetes-awareness-month-begins
1988 [25] Long-running TV comedy "Murphy Brown", starring Candice Bergen as an aggressive, politically savvy network news correspondent, debuts on CBS
1998 [15] Flaky NBA basketball bad-boy Dennis Rodman weds ex-"Baywatch" babe Carmen Electra in Las Vegas (marriage lasts about 15 minutes)
2008 [05] 1st G-20 Economic Summit opens in Washington DC
1993 [20] Miami Dolphins' Don Shula becomes 'Winningest Coach in NFL History' by beating the Philadelphia Eagles for his 325th victory (finishes career in 1995 with 347 wins and is elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997)
[Fri] "The Best Man Holiday"; "Nebraska" open in movie theaters
[Fri] Sony PlayStation 4 release
[Sat] Fast-Food Day
[Sat] Guinness World Record Day
[Sun] Full 'Beaver' Moon
[Sun] Homemade Bread Day
This Week Is … Geography Awareness Week
This Month Is … Pomegranate Month
Today is "Operating Room Nurse Day", the highlight of "Operating Room Nurse Week". How do you celebrate? Sutcher self.
BS THINGS YOU DON'T WANT TO HEAR IN THE O.R.:
• "Someone call the janitor. We're going to need a mop."
• "Accept this sacrifice, O Great Lord of Darkness."
• "This patient has already had kids, am I correct?"
• "Hand me that … uh … that uh … thingy."
• "Ya know, there's big money in kidneys. Hell, the guy's got two of 'em."
• "What do mean he wasn't in for a sex change?"
☎ The world would be a better place if we could just get rid of …
Where is the thickest skin on your body?
a. Your face.
b. Your feet. [CORRECT. The skin on the soles of your feet is 15 times thicker than facial skin.]
c. Your fingers.
– Wiki.answers.com
It IS as bad as you think, and they ARE out to get you.
Question: An industry expert says THIS is the biggest fashion mistake men make.
Answer: Wearing clothes that are too big.
Anything is possible, but nothing is easy.


Elettrocanali can offer a wide assortment of products for low tension electrical installations: trunking system, distribution boards, industrial plugs and sockets, flush and wall mounting modular distribution enclosures and junction boxes, rigid and pliable conduit systems, fittings for conduits, fixing systems and cable glands.
The product range is constantly widening and branching out thanks to a plan of growth which aims at making the company successful with new products, but always remaining in the same technical field.
All Elettrocanali products are wholly designed and produced in our production facilities; they take therefore advantage of the gained experience and the reliability granted by the products made in Italy. Since 1998 has the production been working in compliance with the Standard ISO 9001.


The grand release of a video titled 'Vibes of ADVIKA 2018′ capturing some of the most memorable moments of the recently concluded ArtsFest 2018 was released before a hilarious crowd of students by VAST Senate on 28.02.2018 at 4.25 p.m. in the main lobby of college.The video was formally released by Dr Sudha Balagopalan, Principal. Mr. Suresh Lal, Finance Director, felicitated the function. Mr. Arun Xavier (AP, EEE Dept) and Staff Coordinator of VID'media introduced VID'media to the students. Vice Principal Dr V N Krishnachandran, Heads of various Departments, Senate Conveners Mr Rajesh N P (Asso. Prof., ME Dept) and Ms Abhilasha P S (Asso. Prof., CE Dept.) were present for the video launch function along with staff and students of of the College.
Mr Athul V H, VID' media secretary delivered the vote of thanks.


The University Libraries and Information Technology Services are committed to providing students a safe and secure environment in which to conduct their academic studies. To achieve this goal and in accordance with Loyola University policy, all Loyola students, faculty and staff are required to present their Loyola IDs* when entering the University Libraries, or be referred to the Office of Student Conduct (this may result in fines or disciplinary service hours). The student handbook is available here, or see pages 32–33 in the handbook.
Students will receive 3 warnings before their names are forwarded to the Office of Student Conduct for further action.
Each day without an ID will count as a single incident.
Each additional incident (after the third) will be forwarded to the Office of Student Conduct.
No additional notice will be given; however patrons may request a list of warning dates from the IC Supervisor.
Official Loyola IDs that are not functioning will not result in a warning.
*The CTA-issued UPASS will not count as a Loyola ID and will be recorded as an incident.


Being a Naval Officer's daughter, I spent most of my time in a close-knit society which earned me some dear friends from all backgrounds the reason why I consider myself rich. I always had a heart for the special children who I attended to regularly where my mother worked. I continue this passion by taking out time every Saturday to teach a nearby school (for the downtrodden) doing my bit by teaching English without remunerations. Over time I started to love animals too and thanks to a Veterinary friend I learnt a few first aid tricks too. I like Neev because of its originality and its uniqueness. My hobbies include listening to music, playing basketball, badminton, tennis, swimming, chess, carom, etc. I enjoy singing and playing instruments such as the piano, xylophone, Banjo, drums and the Harmonium.


text:
Q: iOs Unable to register using remote APNs and ipv6 Using the APNS with ipv4 everything works perfectly, but  when I connect the iphone to a wireless network IPV6 (NAT64) , the device do not receive notification and this methods is never called

*

*didRegisterForRemoteNotificationsWithDeviceToken

*didFailToRegisterForRemoteNotificationsWithError
Our code  :
- (void)applicationDidFinishLaunching:(UIApplication *)app {
    // Configure the user interactions first.
    [self configureUserInteractions];

   // Register for remote notifications.
    [[UIApplication sharedApplication] registerForRemoteNotifications];
}

// Handle remote notification registration.
- (void)application:(UIApplication *)app
        didRegisterForRemoteNotificationsWithDeviceToken:(NSData *)devToken {
    // Forward the token to your provider, using a custom method.
    [self enableRemoteNotificationFeatures];
    [self forwardTokenToServer:devTokenBytes];
}

- (void)application:(UIApplication *)app
        didFailToRegisterForRemoteNotificationsWithError:(NSError *)err {
    // The token is not currently available.
    NSLog(@"Remote notification support is unavailable due to error: %@", err);
    [self disableRemoteNotificationFeatures];
}

Thank you in advance for your help

A: It could be related to Reachibility, have you tested your server for IPV6 compatibility?


"As an educator, I believe passionately in the power of education to transform lives. I have been so fortunate in my own life to have had access to an excellent education, to endless books and other resources to enable me to learn, grow and develop the confidence to be myself. How I would wish that for all children across the globe.
With this trek, I want to support an organisation which seeks to ensure every child has access to education in safe and supportive environments.
Raising money is a challenge in itself. It means having to overcome my inhibitions about promoting the trek, telling others about what I am doing and why I am doing it.
I had to use social media and the JustGiving site to the full and I shared information across all my personal and professional contact networks. I found I could not afford to be too shy or modest about my plans, if I wanted to get people to support this charity and donate to this fantastic organisation.
Such an experience changes you in positive ways and you learn an incredible amount about yourself, the world around you, and other people.
It is this sort of growth and learning that is at the heart of the work that Plan International UK does, which is so vitally important. I only hope I can encourage others to push themselves, in order to benefit the education of others across the globe as well as themselves."
If, like Sarah, you are passionate about giving every child the same chance in life, check out our available challenge events including the exciting London Landmarks Half Marathon.


New Headquarters for McGrath, just outside London.
After 46 years, waste recycling specialists the McGrath Group has moved its head offices from Hackney to a new purpose-built building in Barking, adjacent to its existing material recycling facility already based at this location. The MRF serves clients in Essex and London.
The new address is McGrath House, 62 River Road, Barking, Essex, IG11 0DS.
McGrath's Barking base is also the location of their waste wharf facilities, which are used to transfer waste from boats on the Thames as it leaves London.


text:
Joint Statement Issued by Advocacy Groups Denounces US Airline Restrictions
Published 1 year ago Cuba Business Report Staff 1y ago • Bookmarks: 16
The U.S. government has announced further restrictions - this time against commercial airlines flights to Cuba.
Following the announcement on Friday by the United States' Department of Commerce of the suspension of commercial flights to all destinations in Cuba except Havana, the Center for Democracy in the Americas (CDA), Cuba Study Group (CSG), Engage Cuba, LAWG, OXFAM, and the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) have issued a joint statement in response.
The Center for Democracy in the Americas, Cuba Study Group, Engage Cuba, LAWG, OXFAM, and WOLA denounce the announced halt to commercial airline service to cities outside of Havana and call on Congress to pass the Freedom for Americans to Travel to Cuba Act of 2019.
Marguerite Jiménez, Director for Cuba at WOLA, says, "The Administration's actions are punitive and cruel to the Cuban people. The policy will not accomplish any of the Trump Administration's goals and instead will continue to make life more difficult for Cubans on and off the island. Further, this policy will only serve to exacerbate inequality on the island and economically isolate Cubans living outside of Havana, cutting them off from valuable sources of revenue from foreign travelers as well as connections to family."
Linda Delgado, Director of Government Affairs of Oxfam America, says "This administration is blind to the impact of its cruel policies. It's sickening to be witness to another heartless and counterproductive act that will do nothing but hurt families and good people. We urge Congress to expedite passage of the travel bill."
Mavis Anderson, Senior Associate at the Latin America Working Group, says, "In a string of cruel actions against Cuba, this administration has just announced another restriction to cause harm and hardship to the Cuban people, at the same time professing to act for their benefit. This denial of Cuban Americans' and all US citizens' right to travel to a number of cities throughout Cuba will backfire. These punitive policies will not cause the Cuban people to rise up against their government. It's time for US citizens to make the message to this administration loud and clear by energetically supporting the travel bills currently before the House and Senate by calling our members of Congress and even through taking to the streets."
James Williams, President of Engage Cuba, says, "This backroom move at 5 pm on a Friday is a weak and needlessly cruel blow to Cuban families. How are Cuban-Americans supposed to visit to see their loved ones if there are no flights to most of the country? We understand that the politicians making this policy have likely never been to Cuba, but even they should be able to look up that the vast majority of Cubans don't live in Havana. It's another sad day for the Cuban people who are being deported at record numbers, denied political asylum and now can't visit their families."
Ricardo Herrero, Executive Director of Cuba Study Group, says, "Suspending flight routes from the United States to all Cuban destinations outside of Havana is an inhumane policy that will cause great harm to Cuban families and American travelers. Announcing it at 5:00 pm on a Friday means that Trump administration officials are fully aware of this fact. Ending these commercial flights will compound the hardships already faced by Cubans who don't live in the capital city. Furthermore, this feckless policy will not advance any discernible national security interest of the United States. It will not persuade the Cuban government to end its support for Nicolas Maduro and will further undermine America's ability to credibly champion human rights in the region. We call on President Trump to immediately reverse this misguided policy. If the calculus behind today's announcement is that it will help shore up Cuban-American support for the president's re-election campaign, he would be well-advised to think again."
Emily Mendrala, Executive Director of the Center for Democracy in the Americas, says, "This administration's obsession with Cuba strikes another blow to the interests of the American and Cuban people alike. Think of some of the collateral damage done by today's move: Cuban Americans adding hours – possibly days – to their travel time to see family; private businesses and entrepreneurs losing important streams of revenue; students, scientists, and researchers facing undue hurdles to travel to cities outside of Havana; and uncertain economic consequences that will come with confining U.S. travelers to Cuba's capital city. This arbitrary move seems more intent on scoring political wins and reversing the Obama legacy than achieving any foreign policy goals."
The Freedom for Americans to Travel to Cuba Act of 2019, introduced by Senator Leahy in the Senate (S.2303) and Representatives McGovern and Emmer in the House (H.R.3960), would allow United States citizens and legal residents to travel between the United States and Cuba.
#CDA, CSG, Engage Cuba, LAWG, OXFAM, US airlines restrictions, US sanctions, WOLA
Cuba Reports More Than US $5B in Losses from US Sanctions
Trump Announces Electoral Sanctions Against Cuba
Agriculture Groups Support Farm Bill Cuba Provision that Would Save $690 Million
New Cuban-Spanish JV Wimpera to Produce Waterproofing Products for Construction
A new joint venture WIMPERA S.A. has been formed to produce various types of waterproofing materials and treatments for the construction industry. The new JV will replace the millions of dollars of imports needed by construction industry in Cuba. According to ... More »


AJ Sciutto is a fourth-year film studies and digital arts major.
In your candidate statement you name 'working with housing' as part of your platform. What does that mean specifically?
With housing, I really plan on speeding up the rate that the third section of VDC gets built. With housing's new policy of guarantee housing to all first and second years, the options for upper-classmen have plummeted and housing needs to fix it as soon as possible. I also really plan on establishing a Greek Row within the next five years.
Offer a unique reason why an average UCI student should vote for you over someone else.
How many people do you know personally who are proud that Ocean's 11 was shot partly on the UCI campus? That seems to me to be something students are really proud of. I personally work in film. I've worked with actors such as Nicholas Cage, Jessica Beil, and Julianne Moore on a film called 'Next' coming out this summer. I've also worked on 'Terminator 3,' 'Monster House,' 'Wild Hogs' and other films as a production assistant. This knowledge about film has enlightened me to the fact that if we drastically reduce our location costs that we charge films to shoot on campus with the architecture we have at UCI, and with my connections to various location scouts with various studios, we could get a lot more films to be shot here.


Purpose: Addressing the need for an effective and sustainable long term library service delivery model.
Watch the New Cuyama Library Grand Opening!
The Board of Supervisors has by appointment created a Library Advisory Committee. The term of office of each member of the Advisory Committee shall run concurrently with the term of the Library Agreement, or until discharged at the pleasure of the Board of Supervisors. Each contracting city, namely Santa Barbara, Lompoc, Santa Maria, and Goleta, shall nominate one member for appointment by the Board of Supervisors. In addition, the Cities of Carpinteria, Buellton, Guadalupe, and Solvang, in recognition of their significant contributions to free library service within the County, may nominate one member for appointment by the Board of Supervisors, and the County Supervisor of each supervisorial district shall appoint one member. In recognition of County Service Area 3's significant contributions to free library service, the County Board of Supervisors shall appoint one member from the residents of County Service Area 3. The Supervisors shall further appoint one member of its Board, or a designee, to chair the Library Advisory Committee.
Receive citizen input regarding library-related issues and make recommendations thereon.
Zone 1: Santa Barbara. Services provided to the cities and unincorporated areas located within or in close proximity to Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, Montecito, Solvang, Santa Ynez, Eastside, Los Olivos and Buellton.
Zone 2: Lompoc. Services provided to the cities and unincorporated areas located within or in close proximity to Lompoc, and Vandenberg Village.
Zone 3: Santa Maria. Services provided to the cities and unincorporated areas located within or in close proximity to Cuyama, Guadalupe, Orcutt and Santa Maria.
Zone 4: Goleta. Services provided to the city and unincorporated areas located in close proximity to Goleta.
The County's contribution to library services for each zone is based on the population of the cities and unincorporated areas within the respective zone as certified January 1st of the prior fiscal year (FY 2011-2012) by the California State Library Public Library Fund (PLF).