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Millennial Motivation–Why ESG Reporting is an Emerging Standard
In Citizenship and Sustainability, Company Resilience, Corporate Reporting
Maureen Kline is Vice President, Public Affairs and Sustainability for Pirelli Tire North America, responsible for the U.S., Canada and Mexico. She chairs the board of the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada and sits on the advisory board of the Corporate Responsibility Association, where she co-chairs a Thought Leadership Council on Brand and Reputation Management. Previously she managed Pirelli's global public affairs, and before that, international communications from the company's headquarters in Milan, Italy. Prior to her public affairs and communications career, Maureen worked as a journalist. She was a Milan correspondent for the Wall Street Journal Europe and Businessweek, among others, and holds a Bachelor's degree from Yale University and a Master's degree from the London School of Economics.
Christopher P. Skroupa: You represent a European company in the U.S. There is an EU directive requiring sustainability reporting; tell us how you see the future of corporate reporting on environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors developing in Europe and the U.S.
Maureen Kline: Corporate reporting, like anything else developed over 50 years ago, needs to be updated. Today, much of a company's value is determined not by its bricks-and-mortar physical assets, but by intangible assets: the company's patents, its know-how and culture, its reputation. Behind that reputation there are so many factors: a company's commitment to the communities it operates in, the loyalty of millennial consumers based on its ethics, a governance structure that people believe keeps risks under control. We need reporting tools to express and measure those intangibles, and investors need to be able to know that one company's reporting is comparable to another's, so the reporting needs to be standardized.
GRI (the Global Reporting Initiative) has provided a great framework for reporting on intangible environmental, social and governance assets, and is itself not only a framework but a process that helps raise the bar; it helps companies improve their sustainability programs from year to year. The EU directive will keep the momentum up, but I think all multinational companies now feel the need to report on ESG as well as traditional assets and liabilities.
Skroupa: Does shareholder pressure for short-term profits get in the way of corporations focusing on other stakeholders, such as the community, the environment, customers and employees? How can ESG reporting contribute to bringing greater focus to more stakeholders and a longer term approach?
Kline: People mostly recognize the downside of that short-term focus when there is a problem. A short-term vision inevitably means reacting to events rather than preparing for them—managing crisis rather than mitigating risk in advance. We are now in a business environment where it pays to do good proactively, not just to do less harm, or to avoid risk. There are certain sustainability systems in place now.
For instance, in the case of a tire company like Pirelli, our automotive and retail customers expect us to contribute to their sustainability programs by implementing environmental, social and governance improvements, and we, in turn, operate in the same way with our supply chain. These improvements are all initiatives with a longer-term horizon. ESG reporting is useful because it requires a process of evaluating what is material to all the company's stakeholders over a longer term than the next quarter. And looking beyond a quarter to quarter approach is really important, for a company's adaptability to changing markets, and ultimately, its survival. Shareholders are the first to benefit from a longer term approach.
Skroupa: Pirelli has been temporarily de-listed due to an acquisition. When the company was listed on the Milan stock exchange, how did ESG reporting affect your company's shareholder base?
Kline: When I joined Pirelli in 2006, the company was listed on the Milan stock exchange but had a relatively small international profile. It became clear that the best thing for the company would have been a solid base of long-term international institutional investors who trusted and believed in the company. We had a strong investor relations department that worked strategically towards this goal. Part of that process was bringing our sustainability message to European ESG investors, and ultimately, international institutional investors who believed in the long-term benefits of a strong sustainability program. At the time of delisting last year, 25% of Pirelli's shares were held by signatories to the UN's Principles for Responsible Investing (PRI). As it turned out, our strategy was very valuable to our stock price overall, and to achieving low volatility.
Skroupa: Are there too many differing standards and reporting frameworks? What tools do investors have to evaluate companies on ESG factors?
Kline: Everyone says this, but I will disagree here. Multinational companies can use the GRI framework to produce their sustainability reports, and most already do. The overworked professional putting together the sustainability report is required by the GRI framework to involve the Board of Directors in the process; this automatically brings sustainability considerations to the forefront for the whole company. The company can do CDP reporting for environmental indicators, and this streamlines environmental processes. The new sustainability accounting standards board in the U.S., is refining indicators for companies listed in every industry of the U.S.; once these are in place and working properly, they should be an easy upgrade to 10K corporate reporting.
Sustainability is a journey, and corporate reporting is a tool to keep it moving forward. A word on investors: They do complain of a lack of quantifiable, comparable data on ESG factors so that they can easily evaluate companies. But even today, in early stages of ESG reporting, analysts from Bloomberg, Thomson Reuters, MSCI and many others, do a great job pulling data from corporate reports and making it comparable. So we are well on our way to having good reporting and analysis.
Skroupa: What are the main drivers moving sustainability forward today?
Kline: I would say responsibility in supply chain is among the main drivers. Companies today get in a lot of trouble if slave labor is being used anywhere in their supply chain, or dumping toxic chemicals, or mining conflict minerals from somewhere not certified as warlord-free. So you need to know who and what is in your supply chain—transparency is of the utmost importance.
Another driver is millennials, who, by all accounts, care more than previous generations about where they shop, what products they buy, who they work for, and what they invest their money in. Another is investors, particularly activist shareholders with demands for disclosure and action. And finally, the law. You can't hope for a "license to operate" granted by stakeholders if you are not well-positioned in terms of environmental responsibility, business ethics, and respect for human and labor rights.
Customers—such as the automakers in our case—who care about sustainability and think of us as partners are a driver for us. There is a product labeling requirement in Europe to help retail consumers compare tires on certain safety and fuel efficiency ratings. A similar program is coming to the U.S.; this is a driver. The general public has certain expectations of our company, and certainly our stakeholders do. We engage with our stakeholders in a major, international, structured listening and feedback exercise. This impacts our strategy and our focus.
Corporate reporting is a driver too. As I mentioned, it's a process; companies set goals, then they report on their success or failure in achieving them. Then they act to improve. Then they report on their success or failure in improving. They get scrutinized for their reporting transparency, so they improve on that too. Then their competitors get motivated to set even better goals. And so on. The incentives for responsible management and strategy are there, and they're strong. Being a responsible corporate citizen is an ethical matter, and can bring a competitive advantage.
Christopher P. Skroupa is the founder and CEO of Skytop Strategies, a global organizer of conferences.
business, communication, companies, company resilience, competitive advantage, corporate responsibility, csr, environmental, ESG, executives, financial, governance, performance, Skytop Strategies, sustainability
National Security: A Matter for Public CompaniesCitizenship and Sustainability, Company Resilience, Risk Management
How One Fortune 500 Company Built a Women-Led BoardroomCompany Resilience, Corporate Reporting, Institutional Portfolio


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Q: Solving Trig Equation with Unknown Inside and Outside of Function In my physics course, we're covering physical pendulums, and we are to essentially analyze the range of angles within the interval $\left[0, \frac{\pi}{6}\right]$ to show that $\sin\theta \approx \theta$. (I completed my analysis using Desmos.)
After creating our analyses, we are to estimate an angle, in radians, which has an error margin of approximately one percent. The error estimation function I have is
$$ E_1(x) = \frac{x - \sin x}{\sin x} \cdot 100, $$
where values of $x$ are in radians. I then rewrote the RHS as
$$ E_1(x) = (x\csc x - 1) \cdot 100. $$
So if the error threshold is one percent, I let $E_1(x) = 1$. And so I have been trying to figure out how to solve
$$ x \csc x - 1.01 = 0. $$
The best I could do was to graph the function on Desmos to find the roots.
However, I was hoping to get some pointers in the right direction as to how to solve this equation algebraically. While searching the Math Stack Exchange, I happened upon a related question, but the best I could gather is that the approach depends on the type of equation you have.
Is there a purely algebraic approach to solve this equation? Any advice and/or pointers to further reading would be appreciated.

A: Equations which contains polynomial and trigonometric functions do not show analytical solutions (this is the case for the simple $x=\cos(x)$) and, as zabbaz answered, numerical methods are required.
However, for this kind of problems where high accuracy is not required, some nice approximations can be done (may be this and this could be of interest to you).
Considering the equation $$x \csc (x) - 1.01 = 0$$  or more generally $$x=a \sin(x)$$ (with $a >1$) we could use the magnificent approximation given more than $1400$ years ago  by Mahabhaskariya of Bhaskara I, a seventh-century Indian mathematician. $$\sin(x) \simeq \frac{16 (\pi -x) x}{5 \pi ^2-4 (\pi -x) x}\qquad (0\leq x\leq\pi)$$ and then solve for $x$ equation  $$x=a\frac{16 (\pi -x) x}{5 \pi ^2-4 (\pi -x) x}$$ which reduces to the quadratic $$\left(16 \pi  a-5 \pi ^2\right)+(4 \pi -16 a) x-4 x^2=0$$ the solutionto be retained being $$x=-2 a+\frac{\pi }{2}+ \sqrt{4 a^2+2 \pi  a-\pi ^2}$$ For $a=1.01$, this leads to $x\approx 0.297$ while the exact solution (obtained using Newton method) would be $x\approx 0.244097$.
Since the solution is small, we could also have use Taylor series for the sine $$\sin(x)=x-\frac{x^3}{6}+O\left(x^5\right)$$ which would lead to equation $$(a-1)-\frac{a x^2}{6}=0$$ the solution of which being $$x=\frac{\sqrt{6} \sqrt{a-1}}{\sqrt{a}}$$ For $a=1.01$, this would give  $x\approx 0.243733$.
Using one more term in the Taylor series would give $$(a-1)-\frac{a x^2}{6}+\frac{a x^4}{120}=0$$ which is a quadratic in $x^2$ and , for $a=1.01$, the solution would be $x\approx 0.244097$ which is almost the exact solution.

A: Likely, your instructor wants you to find the approximate value where the error is 1%. Your equation is transcendental and won't be solved algebraically.
You could use a numerical method such as Newton's Method to approximate the roots to desired accuracy. That presupposes your familiarity with calculus (or at least with differentiation).
Another alternative - which is what you did - is to solve it graphically, plotting $y_1=1$ and $y_2=\frac{x-\sin x}{\sin x}$ and assessing where they intersect visually. From your visual judgment, you can test (i.e. plug in) nearby values and, via trial and error, estimate where the error converges to 1%.

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This event recurs until 2/7/2019. Click here to see the series dates.
Wednesday @ 6:00p.m."The Man Who Thinks He Can: Mind Over Matter"
Thursday @ 12:30p.m. "Wins & Losses: Empower. Equip. Elevate."
Required Attire: black suite, white shirt, black tie and black dress shoes, or white shirt, black tie, black slacks and black dress shoes.


Nicholas Moore's art incorporates fun colors and found objects such as beads, sequins, buttons, and lego pieces, that while engaging us through its humor, nevertheless treats a very serious and universal problem; the search for home. Whether this is a real destination, or a place in his heart or mind, Moore looks for it as a way of completion and source of pleasure. In creating images such as Womb one of 25 small panels that contain text Moore revisits the familiar mother symbol and all important-source. Moore covers his backgrounds in scratched out text that reference quotes from songs, at times containing the artists' random thoughts, or his musings on home and memory. In the case of the subway travelers Moore conjectures narratives for his subjects' aspirations imagining them traveling from home or work. As if, coming from or going to a place of belonging like Odysseus to whom he obliquely and subtly sometimes refers. Moore's textual backgrounds relate to his subject while having the ability to stand on their own as statements, but also as individual words that carry great impact. Using text as texture, while alluding to the individual within or separate from society, Moore feels release into the great void.
Moore deals with the displaced souls who travel from one root to another, becoming metaphors of transience while seeking a final destination. In Moore's works Odysseus transforms into a guide figure leading travelers through obstacles in the Hades of life. His protagonist holds a sextant, a device used by ancient mariners with which, to find their destination, accordingly his subway riders search through maps.
Ancient and modern, mythology and non-fiction come together in Moore's Between a Rock and a Hard Place, a votive window hanging created out of embossed copper representing everyday objects that act as apotropaic talismen. In his statement Moore likens it to Penelope's tapestry with which she was able to keep the many suitors in abeyance until her beloved came home. So that, this conglomeration of objects that range from a relief of an eye or leg, arm or heart, hang together via thread and seem to be like an immigrant, between a rock and a hard place. Above his head appears a sword that like the one of Damocles suggests the fragility of life. While in these votive nets objects come together to become vessels of memory, it must be remembered that it is usually these very pieces that we abandon when departing the comfort of home.


text:
SAP Africa News Center Feature Article Customer
The Innovative Tech Powering the World's Largest Coca-Cola Bottler
Feature Article by Tricia Manning-Smith Jul 2, 2021
When I pop open a Coke, I'm consumed with the sound of the fizz and the flavor swirling in my mouth. Admittedly, I don't think about how the Coke got into my bottle.
That's Jorge Torres Perez's job. He's the strategic procurement director at the planet's largest Coca-Cola bottler Coca-Cola FEMSA, based in Mexico City. Coca-Cola FEMSA sells Coca-Cola products across Latin America, with over 2,000,000 points of sale.
"I'm truly happy and I really smile when I see somebody drinking one of our products. To be very honest, it's a huge responsibility," says Torres Perez. "Literally thousands of people engage in dozens of processes to deliver your favorite beverage."
Opportunity Creates Challenges
After 16 years with Coca-Cola FEMSA, Torres Perez moved into a strategic procurement role about seven years ago. He noticed Coca-Cola FEMSA invested most of its money in direct materials like bottles, labels, caps, and ingredients. He realized an opportunity. "Indirect spend on things like trucks and transportation, industrial tools, and parts was done locally by many, many people." Torres Perez explains that the process was fragmented and segmented between many suppliers, which did not result in the best prices. "So, I studied how to centralize all those indirect negotiations in a more intelligent way, to really take advantage of the scale that we have as a business," he says.
Torres Perez embarked on a challenging journey to integrate Coca-Cola FEMSA processes; it was a course of action that required leadership, patience, learning, and difficult course correction.
"We needed to change the role of our teams and restructure the procurement employees. But this cannot be done without a technological tool. It was very difficult to convince our management to get the indirect spend all together and change the way we worked in the past. It took us more than a year to start. At first, we chose a competitor of SAP." Torres Perez recalls that the technology was fraught with problems. "The integration of that competitor's solution was not there."
A Lot at Stake
Torres Perez found himself facing both personal and professional dilemmas.
"I'd sold Coca-Cola FEMSA leaders on the idea of managing negotiations centrally, and they bought the idea. But when [the competitor's product] didn't work, it was really… I mean, my own reputation was at stake because I told them, 'We can do this.' But I was not able to deliver," says Torres Perez. "I mean, it was a very difficult situation, because I had to go back to our management and ask them to switch gears again. This time to implement SAP Ariba instead of the other solution."
Coca-Cola FEMSA's leadership ultimately trusted Torres Perez and suggested that he implement SAP Ariba in a limited capacity, in Colombia only. And this time? Success.
"We implemented SAP Ariba on time and on cost, but the most important part: It worked and it worked fantastically. It was a very smooth transition and, once it was working, everybody was amazed." Torres Perez soon got permission for a full rollout of SAP Ariba to all countries where Coca-Cola FEMSA operates. "This is a huge step forward."
Torres shares his technology story with the hope of inspiring his peers. "Let me tell you one thing: No matter how challenging an enterprise can be, if you have the correct partner, you're always flying with a tailwind. That's the most important lesson that I got from this process. And, once we worked with SAP Ariba, things got better and we were able to implement the solution easily."
Listen to Torres Perez's entire interview here.
This story originally appeared on SAP BrandVoice on Forbes.
Tags: intelligent spend, procurement, SAP Ariba, Solutions
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text:
Regi: Maurice Elvey.
Medvirkende: Claude Rains, Fay Wray, Mary Clare og Ben Field.
Rains plays Maximus ("King of the Mind Readers"), who with the help of his wife, Rene (Fay Wray), and their secret code, performs an English music hall mind-reading act. Then, one night, he notices Christine Shawn (Jane Baxter), a beautiful woman in the audience, and his act begins to turn into reality. He is able to tell a man what is in his letter without any assistance.
Maximus doesn't think much of it, but then, by chance, he and Christine run into each other on a train, and he foretells an impending crash. He pulls the emergency cord to stop the train, but nobody believes him. He, his family and Christine get off, and a few minutes later, what he saw comes to pass. Christine tells her father, who happens to own a newspaper. He publishes the story, making Maximus famous.
Eventually, Maximus realises that his power only works when Christine is around; as they spend more time together, Christine falls in love with him, and Rene becomes jealous. Meanwhile, his mother (Mary Clare), reveals that she has seen the same thing before and believes that no good will come of it, but Maximus pays little attention, enjoying his well-paid success.
Another of his well-publicized predictions comes true. A 100-to-1 longshot wins the Epsom Derby. However, when he ignores his own prophesy that his mother will die, rushing to beg him to stop using his power, he is so distraught when it happens that he decides to do as she wanted. Then, he foretells a great mining disaster. However, he is unable to convince the management to allow the workers to stay away from the mine. Hundreds are killed and more are missing and presumed dead.
Looking for a scapegoat, the public blames him and he is brought to trial. The prosecution claims that Maximus himself caused the tragedies, by delaying the train and panicking the miners into making a mistake. However, he is able to correctly predict that the missing miners will be found alive and is released. Maximus decides to give up his gift and he and Rene slip away into anonymity.
Etiketter: 30-tallet


The digital combination transducer VSH (Pirani/hot cathode) measures absolute pressure from atmospheric pressure to ultrahigh vacuum.
Microcontroller intelligence automatically manages the optional interplay of both vacuum sensors.
Smartline represents cutting edge technology providing safe, precise and cost effective process control.
Measurement Range 1000 - 5e-10 mbar (750 - 5e-10 Torr), max. overpressure 4 bar abs.
1x A standard, 5pol., 2x D coded, 4pol.


During my service as bishop in the University Ward, I had many opportunities to help young men and women repent of their violations of the Law of Chastity. To my dismay, this opportunity arose with tragic frequency — and from these interactions I saw a consistent pattern in the ways that Christ and Lucifer flip their positions on sin, before and after it is committed.
Before sin is committed, Christ is unequivocally intolerant of transgression: "For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance" (D&C 1:31).
Always, this is the form of the logic that Satan seems to have used in trapping my ward members into transgressions of any sort. Almost never do any of us consciously decide that although God's law is irrevocably important and applicable to us in that circumstance, we will violate it anyway. There is always a Satan-inspired rationalization that somehow it doesn't apply to us in the particular situation.
I noticed, however, that after these young people transgressed the commandment, Satan and Christ exchanged positions. After the transgression, Satan always tried to magnify the seriousness and unforgivability of the sin, seeding thoughts such as, "What I did was so awful, I can never be forgiven;" "I'm not worthy to pray," "I just feel filthy when I go to church with all those people. I don't fit any more;" or "Do you think anybody who is worth marrying would ever want someone like me, after what I did?" Satan seeks to lure us into sin, and then seeks to trap us there.
The Savior, on the other hand, seeks not to magnify the enormity of the sin in our minds, after we have transgressed, but wants instead to help us wipe it from our souls. Christ has suffered for our sins already. His hand is stretched out to us, ever and always, hoping for the opportunity to forgive and forget our sins — something He will do instantly if we will just repent and commit not to do them again. He said, in fact, that if we will just repent, he will not only forgive us. He won't even remember what we did (D&C 58:42). "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow" (Isaiah 1:18).
Satan's web of entrapment is extraordinarily clever, and it shows what a thorough and determined liar and deceiver he is. I pray that we will not be seduced by Satan's lies either before or after we sin.


Hello, is something like this what you're looking for? I'll need some text of slice 2 just to check they're correctly transcripts. Let me know if you need me to change anything, I can do the 3 slices by today if you need them urgent.


Home to the city's fast-rising grime stars, a new proliferation of upmarket flats and a rapidly increasing number of young families, Brockley is an area in flux. Nowhere is that more embodied than on the central stretch of this south-east London jewel: Brockley Road. A stone's throw from New Cross and a ten-minute train ride to London Bridge (depending on what kind of mood the trains are in), it's a street that's noticeably going through some kind of phase. But for every symbol of gentrification you spot here, there's a much-loved, long-running local favourite too.
Another thing: if you think about it hard and swap the palm trees for night buses, Brockley Road is south-east London's answer to LA's Sunset Boulevard. Famous faces past and present have called this place home: Kate Bush used to live round the corner; a skint Chris Tarrant slept in his car between shifts teaching at a local school; and soul singer Gabrielle's (property) dreams came true when she invested here. The jaw-dropping Rivoli Ballroom is a magnet for Hollywood film shoots: Scarlett Johansson was recently spotted there, filming a scene for the next instalment of the 'Avengers' franchise.
Yep, Brockley isn't just the subject of steaming hot vegetable puns. But like all healthy greens, this fun and culturally thriving patch south of the river is undoubtedly good for you.
The signature pulled pork bap at London Beer Dispensary, whether you're a craft beer know-it-all or not (though they also have an on-trend selection of booze).
The traditional rendang dish at Malaysian Deli, a friendly and cheap rainbow-coloured café.
Jerk in coco bread from Jerk Garden, which fills Crofton Park with the gorgeous, summer scent of Caribbean chicken.
A non-stop, towering supply of cute Portuguese cakes at Fred's. It's also a hotspot for local mums and laptop-hugging freelancers.
Delicious fish and chips, always served fresh, at Brockley's Rock. Definitely worth the admittedly hefty price.
The in-house Volden beer selection at Jam Circus, which also has the best south-of-the-river pub quiz – and art deco decor to die for.
A Brockley Sting cocktail at swanky new bar Brickfields. Don't lose your keys while you're there, though – it's basically pitch black inside.
A pint at Brockley Jack, a Victorian pub-turned-theatre that houses a surprisingly affordable bar.
Two-for-one mojitos at The Gantry: the perfect refuge for knackered commuters – it's situated right outside Brockley station.
Gourmet vegetables and crusty loaves at newly opened deli Jones of Brockley.
Posh scented candles and kids' shoes and clothes at the eminently browsable Gently Elephant.
Vintage designer threads at Paraphernalia. The staff here know their stuff. Dig deep and you might strike gold.
Spend a Saturday sipping on the best of what the popular Brockley Brewery has to offer, while beermakers do their thing in the background. Or pick up some bottles for takeaway.
Experience SE4's creative side every June at the Brockley Street Art Festival, when virtually every shopfront gets its own unique design. Even the launderette ends up looking stylin'.
The '50s-tastic Rivoli Ballroom needs to be seen to be believed. Take your pick from an old-school film screening, '80s disco or big-name gig to experience it for yourself.
This is the biggest pile of dogshit I've ever read.


How Age Concern Croydon became Age UK Croydon.
A small steering group of interested people from the Croydon community started working together to create an information and advice service for older people in Croydon, and in November 1995 opened an office in London Road as Croydon Council on Ageing. This location gave easy access to those living in the densely populated North of the Borough in particular.
The organisation started with two full time staff, part time administration support and two volunteers, and progressed to opening three days a week meeting clients and taking telephone enquiries as a strong volunteer workforce was rapidly built up.
Later renamed Age Concern Croydon, we continued to grow dramatically. In November 2009 a second office was opended in Katharine Street, central Croydon (opposite the Town Hall and Clocktower), and in July 2010 we became Age UK Croydon, in partnership with the national Age UK charity.
Towards the end of 2010 we were approached by the board of the Thornton Heath Darby & Joan Club with a view to merging the two organisations. A formal merger took place in November 2011, and the Darby & Joan Club premises in Brigstock Road became our Thornton Heath office. In May 2012 our London Road office was closed, and most of the services that had been provided from there were moved to Brigstock Road, with the adjoining Scratchley Community Hall which continuing to run a variety of activities and social events.
Age UK Croydon continues to expand and develop. As of 2016, it has been working directly with the NHS as part of the One Croydon.


This had to be one of my best first look experiences. The tears streamed, it was beautiful. What a beautiful day filled with so much love and emotion. I also loved this gem tucked away in Suisun Valley. Between the Blue Victorian and Mankas Gardens there is so much to capture.


The Lakes National Park is a peaceful bushland retreat in the Gippsland Lakes, fringed by the waters of Lake Victoria and Lake Reeve. The park occupies 2,390 hectares of low-lying woodland and coastal heath, consisting of Sperm Whale Head peninsula, Rotamah and Little Rotamah Islands.
Call into the park office in Loch Sport during office hours and view the information displays, exhibits and 'touch table'.
The most popular of several picnic areas is at Point Wilson, the site of the original settlers' homestead.
Camping is permitted at Emu Bight only, close to the shore of Lake Victoria.
A network of walking tracks exists and the gently undulating tracks are suitable for family outings. The self guided Lake Reeve Nature Trail, featuring the Lookout Tower, is a popular short walk through several habitats with many points of interest along the way.
Situated at the beginning of the Nature Trail, the Lookout Tower affords magnificent views of Lake Reeve and the Gippsland Lakes system.
Many bird species can be observed throughout the park or, alternatively, from bird hides situated at Lake Killarney and on Rotamah Island.
Rotamah Island is a naturalists' bushland delight, surrounded by Lake Victoria and Lake Reeve to the north and the dunes of the Ninety Mile Beach to the south. Rotamah Island along with Little Rotamah Island and Sperm Whale Head comprise The Lakes National Park. Rotamah Island is accessible by boat via Paynesville (six kilometres) or Loch Sport (18 kilometres).
Rotamah Island had a number of occupants until 1975 when it was bought by the Victorian Government. In 1978 Rotamah and Little Rotamah Islands were added to The Lakes National Park. In late 1979 the Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union, now called Birds Australia, began leasing the island's homestead to operate as a bird observatory. Currently the observatory is involved in various research programs as well as regularly running weekend natural history courses.
Rotamah Island supports eucalypt and banksia woodland on its sandy soils. Much of the island is open woodland, a reminder of the grazing that occurred. The lower lying areas contain dense stands of melaleuca. The island supports populations of Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Swamp Wallabies, possums, echidnas, wombats, reptiles and bats. Rotamah Island is also renowned for its prolific bird life and more than 190 bird species have been recorded. Commonly sighted birds include Emus, grebes, cormorants, pelicans, rosellas, robins and the graceful White-bellied Sea Eagle.
The picnic area at Point Wilson has barbecues, a day shelter, toilets, water and a jetty.
The camping area at Emu Bight has a communal shelter, fireplaces, toilets and water.
The Gippsland Lakes area was once part of a large bay. Over many thousands of years sands deposited by the sea have formed a series of barriers including the Sperm Whale Head Peninsula, Little Rotamah Island and Rotamah Island. The outer barrier eventually enclosed the bay and formed the Ninety Mile Beach. These barriers are up to 38 metres high and enclose the waters that make the Gippsland Lakes.
Aborigines of the Kurnai nation were numerous in the area at the time of European arrival as can be seen by the many shell middens in the sand dunes along the Ninety Mile Beach. The abundant wildlife and mild climate of the Gippsland Lakes provided plenty of food making it an ideal area to inhabit.
In the summer of 1840 explorer Angus McMillan reached the shores of Lake Victoria and soon after cattle runs were taken up in the district. During this period much of the area now covered by park was cleared and cultivated for grazing.
Through the efforts of Mr F.W.C Barton and the Field Naturalists Club of Victoria, 1,451 hectares on the Sperm Whale Head peninsula was reserved in 1927 for the purposes of a national park and proclaimed The Lakes National Park in 1956. Rotamah Island and Little Rotamah Island were added to the park in 1978. Natural bushland has since regenerated and much of the wildlife has returned to the area.
More than 190 species of birds have been recorded in the park including the rare White Bellied Sea Eagle and the endangered Little Tern.
The park also supports a large population of Eastern Grey Kangaroos and Black Wallabies. Brush-tailed Possums and Ring-tailed Possums are also common. Less common mammals include Sugar Gliders, Pygmy Possums and the endangered New Holland Mouse. The rare Large-footed Myotis is one of eleven bat species also found within the park.
Eucalypt and banksia woodland are widespread on the sandy soils throughout the park. Areas of coastal heath are interspersed with swampy, low-lying areas that support salt marsh vegetation.
From August to November, the park is at its best with a spectacular show of wildflowers and one of the best displays of native orchids in Australia.
Several rare plant species occur including Ribbed Thryptomene (Thryptomene micrantha) which, apart from this area, is found only in Tasmania and the York and Eyre Peninsulas in South Australia.
Fires may only be lit in the fireplaces provided and not at all on days of Total Fire Ban. Fires must be completely extinguished with water before leaving and are not permitted on the Ninety Mile Beach.
Dogs, cats, generators and firearms are not permitted.
All native plants and animals in the park are protected by law.
Many kangaroos and birds frequent the picnic areas but please do not feed them because our processed foods are not part of their normal diet.
The Lakes National Park is in East Gippsland about 300 km east of Melbourne. The park is located at the eastern end of the township of Loch Sport, 63 km east of Sale. Boat access is possible from Paynesville (5 km).


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Photos of decorated interior are of a model home. 2-story home with 1st floor owners' suite and office with private back yard! Large double decker front porch's, screened porch with oversized 3-Panel sliders. 2nd floor has 3 beds, 2 full baths and loft all with walk in closets. Gourmet kitchen with built-in stainless apps & gas stove top. Big master and big master closet. A must see! Move in January 2019 Berkshire residents enjoy resort-style amenities including large clubhouse, pool, hot tub, fitness center, tennis, basketball, and bocce courts, picnic areas, tot lot, walking trail, beach area and more all set on 32-Acre Silver Lake. Oceanfront beach club membership also included as well as full-time lifestyle director. Live like you're on vacation!


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DANOK BAT Club de Fika 4 - 0 REAL SOCIEDAD S.A.D.
AURRERA DE VITORIA C.D. 1 - 3 LEIOA S.D.
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ALAVES S.A.D. 6 - 2 Peña Ath SANTURTZI C.F.
TOLOSA C.F. 1 - 2 ARETXABALETA K.E.
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Peña Ath SANTURTZI C.F. 0 - 5 ROMO F.C.
REAL UNION CLUB SAD 1 - 2 ALAVES S.A.D.
DANOK BAT Club de Fika 3 - 1 LEIOA S.D.
SESTAO RIVER C. 1 - 2 HERNANI C.D.
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HERNANI C.D. 0 - 0 LEIOA S.D.
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ARETXABALETA K.E. 1 - 2 SESTAO RIVER C.
ATHLETIC CLUB 5 - 0 AURRERA DE VITORIA C.D.
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LEIOA S.D. 2 - 1 ARIZNABARRA C.D.
CULTURAL DE DURANGO 3 - 2 Peña Ath SANTURTZI C.F.
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ANTIGUOKO K.E. 0 - 1 ROMO F.C.
Peña Ath SANTURTZI C.F. 1 - 0 LEIOA S.D.
ARETXABALETA K.E. 1 - 1 REAL SOCIEDAD S.A.D.
ALAVES S.A.D. 5 - 3 SESTAO RIVER C.
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CULTURAL DE DURANGO 1 - 2 ALAVES S.A.D.
REAL SOCIEDAD S.A.D. 1 - 0 ROMO F.C.
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ARETXABALETA K.E. 1 - 2 ARIZNABARRA C.D.
ALAVES S.A.D. 2 - 1 LEIOA S.D.
SESTAO RIVER C. 3 - 3 TOLOSA C.F.
REAL UNION CLUB SAD 5 - 0 TOLOSA C.F.
Peña Ath SANTURTZI C.F. 1 - 1 ARETXABALETA K.E.
HERNANI C.D. 0 - 4 ALAVES S.A.D.
LEIOA S.D. 1 - 0 ROMO F.C.
CULTURAL DE DURANGO 1 - 0 ANTIGUOKO K.E.
REAL SOCIEDAD S.A.D. 4 - 1 AURRERA DE VITORIA C.D.
DANOK BAT Club de Fika 0 - 0 SESTAO RIVER C.
ATHLETIC CLUB 3 - 0 Peña Ath SANTURTZI C.F.
ALAVES S.A.D. 3 - 0 ARIZNABARRA C.D.
ROMO F.C. 2 - 1 HERNANI C.D.
ANTIGUOKO K.E. 2 - 3 LEIOA S.D.
SESTAO RIVER C. 3 - 2 REAL SOCIEDAD S.A.D.


text:
Rising cost of energy mobilizes industry
Mike Sheridan | Oct 01, 2001
Faced with surging utility costs, a power shortage and an uncertain outlook, real estate owners, operators and tenants are working harder than ever to manage energy judiciously.
Long taken for granted by tenants as a basic service provided by owners, energy has been transformed from a budget line item to a top management and environmental concern. This past year, the issue reached crisis proportions in California, as brownouts threatened the economic vitality of the region.
"Energy, regardless of the current crisis, represents 20% to 25% of the cost of operating a typical building, so it's always been a serious focus," said Rob Bagguley, president of property and facilities management for Chicago-based Transwestern Commercial Services. "We're not dealing with low energy supply just in California, but across the country. We're looking at conserving energy expenses and curbing use nationwide."
Spurring this effort is a U.S. Department of Energy study that shows as much as 50% of the energy consumed by businesses is wasted through the use of inefficient, obsolete technology. At the same time, a simple amenity such as lighting, which most users take for granted, can account for up to 40% of all electrical expenses for a commercial property.
"Experts predict rising energy rates over the next three to five years," said Joseph Howley, manager of environmental marketing for Cleveland-based GE Lighting. "Once electricity rates increase, they tend to stay there. We really don't see electricity rates going down that much."
For building owners and tenants, energy isn't just the crisis du jour. Experts say energy problems will continue indefinitely. While the strong U.S. economy may be taking a breather now, history shows that it will heat up again. When businesses gear up for the good times, energy use spikes and prices soar. "We're going to have continual energy demand because of the American quality of life and economic development," Bagguley said. "It's going to take awhile for utility companies to ramp up new generating plants."
A future energy partnership
According to Bagguley, the cost of energy is a grave concern to both tenants and landlords. He suggests that the two unite to reduce energy consumption as a benefit to all. "Tenants should be concerned about energy conservation, and work in concert with building owners, because they pay increases in expenses or their net share of the costs," Bagguley advised.
Many investment and management firms already are focusing on energy efficiency to differentiate themselves in the marketplace. Stuart Brodsky, commercial real estate program manager for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program, said owners and managers of more than 2.5 billion sq. ft. of office space participate in Energy Star, the registered name for a free Internet benchmarking tool that provides a national rating system for energy performance of properties.
Buildings receive a score from 1 to 100. A rating of 75 or higher indicates a structure is in the top 25% of energy-efficient buildings nationwide and qualifies the property for the Energy Star label.
Brodsky said the label is a way for owners to show tenants, or investment partners, their commitment to controlling energy costs and to link better management practices with a higher asset value. In addition to benchmarking, Energy Star's QuikScope software tool is being used to forecast the financial returns of energy-efficient improvements in multi-tenant properties, where both owner and tenant share in savings and costs of upgrades, Brodsky said.
Brodsky added that Houston-based Hines, Dallas-based Harwood Management Services and Los Angeles-based Arden Realty Trust have received national recognition for their commitment and success in making properties energy efficient. Many of their properties have received the Energy Star label. "These companies were early leaders, and much of the industry is now aggressively benchmarking their properties and looking at the financial value of energy efficiency," Brodsky said.
Other firms participating in the Energy Star program range from private developers and REITs to pension funds and fund managers such as New York-based Lend Lease Real Estate Investments, Brodsky said. "These companies recognize that the energy performance of an office building can have a significant impact on net operating income, marketability in leasing and sales, funds from operations (FFO) and ultimately asset value," Brodsky added. "Energy Star tools help owners articulate that value."
Controlling costs
When the largest controllable line item in the operating budget for facilities is the cost of energy, owners and operators want to react, noted Bob Moyer, senior vice president of Trammell Crow Global Services in Stamford, Conn. Energy consumption depends on use, he said.
An office facility's energy costs are typically 20% to 25% of all operating costs, while a health care facility's energy costs can reach 35%. At a manufacturing or industrial facility, energy costs could even be as high as 50%. "It depends on the nature of the business, but whatever the use of the building, the fact is that energy costs have not gone down," Moyer said.
Most property managers and building owners want to minimize the amount of energy consumed by customers by shifting the hours they use kilowatts to the periods when rates are the least expensive, Moyer continued. He noted that energy is a commodity that responds to demand. For example, the cost of electricity on an August afternoon is much higher than the cost of electricity at 2 a.m. on that same August day.
"The way to reduce costs is to first look at your operation and maintenance procedures and make changes to those that result in reduced consumption," Moyer said. That might include changing the time the air-conditioning system turns on, or shutting off equipment during peak times.
The goal also is to improve the efficiency of equipment. Of course, an air-conditioning unit from the 1970s is less efficient than a newer model, so upgrading the infrastructure may produce savings, Moyer said. "There is also the possibility of influencing end users and making them aware of practices that waste energy, such as leaving computers turned on overnight or not shutting off lights," Moyer said. "Many say people ought to be responsible and should not have to be reminded, but it doesn't work that way."
Nearly every real estate owner is concerned about rising energy costs and wants to control them, said R. Scott Helm, president of American Powernet, an independent energy management company based in Wyomissing, Pa. "There are two primary ways to control energy costs," explained Helm. "One is to reduce the number of units you use, and the second is to reduce the cost per unit. It's typically easier to address the supply side first because it doesn't involve any capital costs. You want to reduce your cost per unit as much as you can, or structure your unit cost to reflect what the true wholesale market costs are at that time."
Obtaining information about power usage in a building is the first key, Helm believes. "As more states deregulate and more utilities provide pricing that reflects true wholesale costs, it's important that companies become more familiar with their load profiles and their relationship to hourly wholesale prices," he said.
According to Helm, installing a meter to track hourly data could provide suppliers with important information on energy usage. Demand-side strategies, such as installing lighting retrofits and load shedding (temporarily dropping electric demand during peak usage or high-cost periods), or supply-side strategies, such as shopping for power or investing in on-site generators, could be used to manage facilities at maximum efficiency and minimum cost, Helm said.
Alternative measures
There also are other ways operators can boost the bottom line. A utility invoice audit is one of the most important steps a building owner can take to reduce utility costs, said John Maliff, vice president of business development at Boston-based Unicco Service Co., a provider of integrated facility services. "We audit bills from utilities that are frequently incorrect because the billing company simply did not use the appropriate tariff (rates)," Maliff said.
Maliff added that he recently conducted an audit for a logistics company that enabled the firm to relamp an entire warehouse with a credit received from the utility company, which had been inaccurately computing the company's bill.
According to Maliff, companies such as Unicco also can install monitoring devices that inform owners on a real-time basis how electricity is being consumed, whether it is through air-conditioning, lighting or refrigeration, and also when peak demand occurs during the course of a given operating period. In addition, Maliff added, owners should make sure their equipment is properly maintained.
"Dirty filters can raise the amperage draw considerably on compressors, and that can increase energy consumption," Maliff said. Compressors that are not lubricated properly increase consumption because of the friction between rolling elements. More energy is required to generate the same amount of cubic feet of air than in a properly lubricated compressor.
A real-life example
Companies have different ways to cope with rising energy costs. Some hotel chains add an energy surcharge to guests' bills, said Robert Winchester, president and COO of Waterford Hotel Group, Waterford, Conn. "But you can make a case for surcharges on everything. We're of the view that you should build such costs into your rate and still be able to make a profit," he said.
Early on, Waterford, which operates 26 hotels in 10 states, created an energy management plan, or an "audit check list," for general managers and the heads of engineering departments. Winchester said the checklist enables managers to get into the habit of using common sense when it comes to energy conservation. Making sure automatic timers are calibrated properly is but one example.
"Our goal is to keep our hand on every button all the time. We do that by bringing energy conservation to the forefront of what the hotel staff does every day. It produces results," Winchester said.
Owners, managers and investors should press for energy conservation as much as possible because it saves money, said Howley of GE Lighting.
"There is a lot of new technology available today with lighting systems that can produce a good financial payback for building owners or operators," explained Howley. "When electric rates were lower, it may not have made sense to do a building upgrade. But the newer lighting systems can save even more money, and electric rates tend to be higher this year."
Still, building owners and operators shouldn't try to reduce lighting costs without expert guidance.
"The best advice is to get the experts in early," said Chris Forti, market development manager at GE Lighting. "A supermarket that has lots of foot traffic may take out every other light in hopes of saving energy. But is that wise?" Forti asked. "Sometimes people resort to panic-conservation measures. That may have a negative effect on productivity and sales, and could result in increased worker errors, and that ends up costing the company more money."
Considering hybrid gas/electric systems
In hopes of reining in energy costs, some building owners and operators are considering hybrid gas/electric cooling, heat and power for commercial buildings. Such systems can provide operators of commercial buildings increased control over energy costs, said Tony Occhionero, executive director for the American Gas Cooling Center in Washington, D.C. The systems reduce summer peak electrical usage, provide an alternative energy supply and operator flexibility.
"Owners of large buildings might want to put in electric and gas air-conditioning, say half and half at a 40-60 ratio," he said. "It's an opportunity to control energy costs and operate the building more efficiently."
In addition, Occhionero said, some owners might consider installing microturbines to generate a portion of electricity in-house. "The goal is to reduce that peak demand charge, which can range from 50% to 500% higher than the usage rate [at non-peak times]," Occhionero said. Microturbines, or other small generators, make use of waste heat in heating or cooling systems.
"We're not suggesting customers get into the energy business and do it all at the site. We're saying use the best of both worlds — manage costs by diversifying," Occhionero said. He noted that the Federal Regulatory Energy Commission (FERC) building in Washington, D.C., installed an HVAC system that generates energy using half gas, half electricity.
Now that the summer is over and California appears to be enjoying a temporary reprieve from the energy crunch, the concern among experts is that owners, operators and tenants might let their guard down.
"A number of companies are saying, 'Crisis, what energy crisis?' now that we have made it though summer fairly unscathed," said Gary Graham, vice president of energy advisory services at Jones Lang LaSalle in Chicago. "But the real issue they haven't addressed is that the underlying national pinnings that caused the crisis are still there, and it may take three to five years to get it resolved for most marketplaces."
In many markets, demand exceeds supply or is coming close to it, Graham continued. How quickly the economy recovers will affect the future balance of supply and demand. The conventional wisdom is that the current softness in the economy has weakened demand for energy.
Ultimately, the nation's energy infrastructure needs to be expanded and upgraded. Additional gas-fired energy plants will tax the gas distribution network, said Graham.
A grim outlook
So what about the future? Veteran developer Dan Packard, founder and certified property manager of Denver-based PowerSpring, an Internet-based energy information application, is pessimistic. He believes property managers are too passive in seeking solutions for energy costs.
Packard cites California's energy crisis as an example. "The West Coast energy issue has been beaten to death," said Packard. "The expression there by property managers today is that Gov. Gray Davis has stepped in and solved the problem." Many Americans incorrectly believe the energy crisis is over because the issue currently isn't heavily covered by the media, Packard added.
Analysts say property managers across the country have not begun to implement energy solutions for their portfolios to stop the decline in FFO and net operating income attributable to energy costs. "At the present pace, it will be many years before they recognize the needs of their tenants," Packard said.
"Over this period, the best of tenants [those willing to pay the highest rents] will have moved on to other space that offers extensive menus of value-added services, including many energy options," concluded Packard. "The property manager who is slow to react will be out of a job."
Some enlightening energy management tips
Energy costs don't always have to rise. Experts say they actually can decrease, if an efficient energy system is put in place. Here are some suggestions from Rob Bagguley, president of property and facilities management at Chicago-based Transwestern Commercial Services, and others to energize the thinking of a real estate owner, operator or manager:
Chill out. Install energy management systems that better control equipment, add efficiency and save power. Air conditioners, for instance, gobble up huge amounts of electricity.
Most traditional commercial cooling systems, called chillers, operate during the day when rates are highest. Some property managers have sought to cut costs and conserve energy by running chiller systems during off-peak hours.
Think differently. Does cleaning have to be done in the dead of night with different crews on different floors? Bagguley urges building owners to coordinate cleaning staffs. "It's a simple concept," he explained. "Assemble crews on one floor, complete that floor and then have them move on to another. You'll finish a floor in a shorter time frame."
Go back to the basics. For example, if outdoor lighting is automated, use a digital clock that has more accurate timing and reflects changes in daylight-saving time to control the lighting. Turn lights on only when needed and off when they are not in use. Consider motion monitors that trigger the on switch when a person is in the office.
Check out a building's equipment. Retrofit air conditioners with energy-efficient machines. Determine when power peaks. If owners or property managers can lower that peak demand, they will significantly affect their rate structure. Stagger times for equipment start-up and shutdown. Instead of using energy in a bell-shaped curve, where energy use starts out flat and then climbs rapidly before falling again, monitor energy usage.
Consider alternate sources of power. Rather than obtaining 100% of power from a grid, consider using an on-site generator to control peak costs that could provide 25% to 50% of the energy needed at the site. Not only will such a system reduce costs, but it also could help in an emergency. Owners and operators also could opt for a hybrid system that combines electricity and gas.
Take advantage of programs offered by utilities and energy manufacturers. In California and other states, energy companies offer rebate programs to entice owners to replace fluorescent light bulbs with lower-wattage bulbs, thereby creating significant savings.
Lighting manufacturers typically offer financing, and the payback can be realized in less than two years. At the same time, tenants see the benefits of their conservation efforts.
Get everyone involved with the program. The age of tenants is changing. Generation X is more concerned about energy conservation. Seek to make everyone more conservation-conscious not only from an economic viewpoint, but also from an environmental one. Work with tenants. Everybody loves a great view, but educate tenants to use mini-blinds to reflect heat. Ask tenants to be cognizant of energy usage.
— Mike Sheridan


text:
NIGERIAN NOTCH
JUNE 12 ANNIVERSARY: Why we need electoral reforms before 2023
A former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, fielded questions from reporters in Lagos on the 26th anniversary of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the recognition of June 12 as 'Democracy Day' and the imperative of electoral reforms.
*What is the significance of June 12 as Democracy Day and public holiday?*
The significance of June 12 is that the June 12, 1993 election created the current political dispensation we now enjoy. It was the sacrifice made by Basorun MKO Abiola, who refused to compromise and surrender the mandate given to him by the entire country. It is also a celebration of some of our heroes and heroines who lost their lives in the struggle for the creation of sustainable democratic norms in Nigeria. I say this because NADECO that is the father and mother of this democracy was founded, not just to claim the mandate of MKO Abiola, but the original philosophy of NADECO was to fight for respect for democracy in Nigeria. The second reason for NADECO was to sack the military from the politics of Nigeria. These two fundamental objectives of NADECO had been achieved since 1999. MKO Abiola himself was not part of NADECO. Forty nine of us formed NADECO in the residence of the late Major General Adeyinka Adebayo. Abiola came back from the inauguration of Nelson Mandela as president of South Africa to come and join us and he made a pledge when he joined that he will stick to the philosophy of NADECO. He died. He paid the supreme price. That is one of the major reasons that June 12 is of great importance to this country. Is there any comparison between the June 12 election and other general elections? Has any lesson been learnt? There is no comparison whatsoever. The best election so far in this country was the June 12, 1993 election. It is my hope that the Ninth National Assembly will revisit the issue and look at the Electoral Act.
*What is wrong with the current Electoral Act?*
If there is no reform of the current Electoral Act, and there is no major reform of our electoral system, 2023 will be worse and it is dangerous for the country. Why? First of all, the modern electoral system is digital. Nigeria cannot continue to be analogue when Kenya, Ghana and some countries have gone digital. Nigerian banking system is one of the most efficient in the world. The ATM is working efficiently in Nigeria. The alert on phone is working efficiently. If Nigerian banks can operate digital system, I don't see why our election should not be digital. The important thing is that, until we go digital, all these manipulations may continue. If these continue till 2023, it will be the beginning of terrible disruption for Nigeria. I am so passionate about electoral reforms. You have turned everything into the highest bidder now. I am shocked that ordinary Nigerians are openly selling their votes. I am a politician. We should do all those reforms where power is removed from the presiding officers, and the electronic system takes over. Take for example, before now, the reform of the bank was hectic. Now, my drivers goes to the filing station to buy fuel with credit card. The transaction is immediately transferred to my telephone. There is reduction in fraud in banks. The electronic system will virtually wipe out selling of votes by voters.
*The president is celebrating June 12. But, he has not signed the Electoral Act. Is there not a mix up there?*
President Buhari is just beginning his second term. Wait and see. First of all, the Eighth National Assembly did something on the Electoral Act. The Ninth National Assembly should continue from there. There must be accreditation through the electronic system. There should transmission of the accredited voters electronically, transmission of all results from the polling booths direct to the portal of INEC. I am saying this because all those who are talking should go and learn from Nigeria's past. Point of sales have been able to operate successfully. Automatic teller machines are working successfully in Nigeria. Nigerian banks can be point of reference of the electoral act in this country. Is the recognition of June 12 enough? What about the resolution of other critical national questions, including restructuring and devolution of power? The national question will be fully addressed. I am a chieftain of the APC. The second term has just started. Give the government a chance. There are too many issues to be attended to and we will not shy away from our responsibilities as the ruling party to ensure the continuity of the unity of this country.
*What was your reaction when you heard that Abiola had died in incarceration?*
Never let us think about it again. It was devastating. It was total devastation. For days, some of us could not reconcile ourselves to it. Sometimes, I still used to think that I am taking to Abiola because we used to talk regularly. For years, it was traumatic. Some people are still saying that, apart from recognising June 12, Abiola should be declared president… You don't need that again. He has been given GCFR, which is only conferred on presidents. It is automatically a recognition. It is an exercise in futility. The man is gone and he is gone. Are you going to swear him in? Are you going to hang the symbol of the office on one of his children? The award of the GCFR was in recognition of what he passed through and that he was the president of Nigeria.
*Is it not confounding to you that, up to now, the circumstances surrounding his death are still in the realm of conjecture?*
Yes. That is why I told you earlier on that a massive reform of the electoral system must take place. If Abiola had not died and his mandate was restored, what would have happened to Nigeria? I am not a prophet. I don't claim to be an evangelist. I don't claim to be a man of God who can predict. He is gone. I don't want to think about it. There are complaints that Nigeria is lagging behind in all indices of development.
*Would you say the sacrifices made by Abiola have been in vain?*
No. it has not been in vain. You remember that in 2015, we were in a serious economic trouble. If the TSA had not been created, with all monies going into a single account, this country may have even collapsed. We thank God that we are still alive. I believe that this second term, major dividends of the sacrifices Nigerians have made in the last few years will come. Upon reflection, would you say that the Epetedo declaration was a mistake or a right step in the right direction? Don't let us go back into it. Some of us did not support the Epe Declaration. There was an illegal military government in place. The declaration itself, I don't want to go into details. Don't let us do any blame game. Let us thank God that we have had transition, whether perfect or imperfect, from military to civilians. We have heard four governments now from 1999 to 2007, 2007 to 2010, 2010 to 2015, and now 2015 to 2019. It is an achievement for Nigeria, even as imperfect as it is. How can democracy be preserved in Nigeria? We cannot wipe out economic imbalance or poverty. We can reduce poverty. People will continue to resort to religion. People will continue to resort to tribalism. The centre of everything is poverty. The middle class crushes the effects. Once you wipe out the middle class, the economy will collapse. That is the problem.
*What is your message to Nigerians?*
Let us support electoral reforms so that we can have reasonable elections in this country.
High Chief Sir Izuchukwu Nwabueze appointed Nnewi Diocese Bishop's Nominee & Chairman Police Chaplaincy For Zone 13
Communiqué issued By Ndiakwu Otolo Nnewi Community on the incessant Backlash on our dignified son, Senator Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah
Notch Media
Pentecost: Pope Francis decries social media, Prop...
JUNE 12 ANNIVERSARY: Why we need electoral reforms...
1,522 Nigerians, SERAP, BudgIT, EiE ask court to s...
Social Dairy2


Large numbers of Canadians continue to venture abroad to seek medical care, according to a new study released by the Fraser Institute, a Canadian public policy think-tank.
The study, Leaving Canada for Medical Care, 2015, estimates 52,513 Canadians left the country to receive non-emergency medical treatment in 2014, an increase of 26 per cent compared to the previous year.
An alternative view of the study was offered on CTV NEWS channel.


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Avinash Tiwary
He was born on 15 August 1985 in Gopalganj, Bihar, India. he's an Indian actor who works in Hindi films. He rose to prominence in 2018 with the leading role within the romantic movie Laila Majnu by Sajid Ali and Imitiaz Ali. In order to pursue acting he joined Barry John's Acting Studio and later visited New York Film Academy. He started appearing briefly films in 2005.
In theater, he labored with Om Katare, a longtime artist. After his stint at the New York Film Academy, he started his profession with the documentary, Anamika: Her Glorious Past, in 2006. In 2014, he worked alongside Amitabh Bachchan inside the TV series Yudh, where he played the function of the villain, Ajat Shatru. Avinash made his Bollywood debut with Milind Dhaimade's directorial debut, Tu Hai Mera Sunday (2016) co-starring Barun Sobti and Shahana Goswami, which revolves spherical the lives of 5 friends. The movie had its performance at the 60th BFI London pageant and acquired positive important acclaim.
In 2017, Avinash marked Imtiaz Ali's sentimental motion picture, Laila Majnu, in the wake of trying out for it in December 2015. He took on the lead role of Qais/Majnu within the movie which tells the classic romance of Laila and Majnu but set in contemporary times. it's directed by Sajid Ali and bankrolled by Ekta kapoor. He underwent major physical transformation for the role and received critical approval for his natural performance as Majnu. He signed a three-film affect Balaji Motion Pictures in 2019. He are going to be next seen within the Girl on The Train opposite Parineeti Chopra.
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Photo credit: JOSHUA WOO
read Mental Wellbeing
IMPACT 0201: LAWYER AND FITNESS JUNKIE
Joshua Woo, 28, is a lawyer and a coach with F45 Training. He became a trainer seven years ago because he didn't want others to make the same mistakes he did – to spend time, effort, and money, yet not see any results.
Over the years, he has had body image issues, but he has since learnt to accept his body and that everyone has their own journey as well as body type. He enjoys the fulfilment of being able to help others achieve their fitness goals, and hopes to fulfil one of his own – competing in the CrossFit Opens.
converse Health
Mental Wellbeing: Moving Beyond "It's Ok Not to Be Ok"
resources Mental Wellbeing
7 events youths can take part in to support World Mental Health Day 2022
EYEYAH! mental health-themed pop-up museum now at Temasek Shophouse
Copyright © 2023 National Youth Council, Singapore. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. Last updated December 14, 2022


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Famed French Designer Pierre Cardin Dies At 98
Tuesday, December 29th 2020, 6:58 am
PARIS (AP) — France's Academy of Fine Arts says Pierre Cardin, the French designer whose Space Age style was among the iconic looks of 20th-century fashion, has died at 98.
A licensing maverick, Cardin's name embossed myriad products from wristwatches to bedsheets, making his label among the world's most famous. In the brand's heyday in the 1970s and '80s, his products were sold at some 100,000 outlets worldwide, though that number dwindled dramatically in later decades.
A savvy businessman, Cardin used his fabulous wealth to snap up top-notch properties in Paris, including the Belle Epoque restaurant Maxim's. He was inducted into the Fine Arts Academy in 1992.
The academy announced his death in a tweet Tuesday.
Associated Press PARIS (AP) — France's Academy of Fine Arts says Pierre Cardin, the French designer whose Space Age style was among the iconic looks of 20th-century fashion, has died at 98. A licensing maverick, Cardin's name embossed myriad products from wristwatches to bedsheets, making his label among the world's most famous. In the brand's heyday in the 1970s and '80s, his products were sold at some 100,000 outlets worldwide, though that number dwindled dramatically in later decades.
Department Of Justice Sues Walmart Over Opioid Crisis
CBS News The Justice Department is suing Walmart, alleging the country's largest retailer unlawfully dispensed controlled substances through its pharmacies and helped fuel the nation's opioid crisis. In a civil complaint filed Tuesday, the federal government alleges that Walmart pressured its pharmacists to fill opioid prescriptions quickly, denying them the ability to refuse invalid prescriptions. As a result, the complaint alleges, those pharmacists knowingly filled thousands of prescriptions that came
Honda Recalls 1.4M U.S. Vehicles For Software Flaw, Fire Hazard & More
Associated Press Honda is recalling over 1.4 million vehicles in the U.S. to repair drive shafts that can break, window switches that can overheat and a software flaw.
Welling Man Dies After Vehicle Collides With Tree
News On 6 A 58-year-old man died Sunday after he crashed his vehicle into a tree.
Pope Francis Endorses Same-Sex Civil Unions For The First Time As Pontiff
Associated Press Pope Francis endorsed same-sex civil unions for the first time as pope while being interviewed for the feature-length documentary "Francesco," which had its premiere at the Rome Film Festival on Wednesday.
Social Security: Beneficiaries To Receive 1.3% Cost-Of-Living Hike
Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Social Security recipients will get a modest 1.3% cost-of living-increase in 2021, but that might be small comfort amid worries about the coronavirus pandemic and its consequences for older people. The increase amounts to $20 a month for the average retired worker, according to government estimates released Tuesday. The cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, affects the personal finances of about 1 in 5 Americans.
Oklahoma National Guard, OHP Prepared For Possible Protests At State Capitol
News 9 The FBI is warning of armed protests planned at capitol buildings all across the country.


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Q: Laravel where statement and pagination I have an SQL search where I use Eloquent whereRaw, and than paginatate results.
Proplem: the results are paginated and if I navigate to the next page the results will  be gone and it will just "SELECT All " bacause laravel's pagination sends only ?page= GET request.
code:
if (Input::has('city')) {
        $query .= ' and city = '.Input::get('city');
    }
    if (Input::has('area')) {
        $query .= ' and area = '.Input::get('area');
    }
    if (Input::has('sub_location')) {
        $query .= ' and sub_location = '.Input::get('sub_location');
    }
    if (Input::has('rent')) {
        $query .= ' and rent = '.Input::get('rent');
    }
    if (Input::has('price_min') && Input::has('price_max')) {
        $query .= ' and price < '.Input::get('price_max').' and price >'.Input::get('price_min');
    }

    $listings = ListingDB::whereRaw($query)->paginate(5);

    return View::make('page.index')->with('title','Home')->with('listings',$listings);

so when I navigate to the next page all the Input is gone because laravel generates pagination only with ?page= GET variable, how can I solve it?
thank you.

A: you can append you query string to the pagination link
{!! $listings->appends(Input::all())->render() !!}

A: "Appending To Pagination Links
You may add to the query string of pagination links using the appends method. For example, to append &sort=votes to each pagination link, you should make the following call to appends:
{!! $listings->appends(['sort' => 'value'])->links() !!}
So in your case you need to add to pagination links like this if you have city and rent search applied then
{!! $listings->appends(['city' => 'london', 'rent' => 5000])->links() !!}
This will sort out your problem.


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Early 1900s Photographers Used Instagram-Like Tricks to Fix Pics – Nerdist
On October 3, 2021 By admin
We've all experimented with the dark art that is editing selfies. Sometimes you're just not having a great day and a few touch-ups makes that photo of your face really shine. Or, conversely, seem less greasy. But while it may seem like touching up photos is a new phenomenon, people were doing it back in the early 20th century. And, as the newly re-discovered 1909 tome, the Complete Self-Instructing Library of Practical Photography shows vividly, they weren't half bad at it either!
Harold B. Lee Library/Internet Archive
DesignTAXI picked up the above and below images from the 20th century photography book. Reddit user "20toesdown" recently posted an image from the book to the subreddit "Instagram Reality." It has since gone viral.
PetaPixel, which was the first outlet to pick up on the Reddit post, took a look through the Complete Self-Instructing Library. The photography site found that it's essentially an instruction manual for making people look better in photographs. With featured topics including everything from how to blend in highlights and shadows to how to use etching knives to remove "objectionable" parts of photos.
"By the combination of etching and retouching—i.e. by the use of the knife and pencil—you etch and model, and with these two instruments you can make any alteration you desire on the negative," the book states. The book notes that "highlights on the bones in the neck may be cut down and subdued" and that "crooked noses [can be] straightened, shadows accentuated, hair added, backgrounds altered, objectionable portion removed, figures taken from groups, etc."
The images demonstrate the effectiveness of the editing techniques. Wrinkles on the woman's neck in the image at the top, for example, have been removed for the final photograph. In the portrait below that, editors have made a woman's "thick neck" thinner. Apparently early 20th century expert image editors could even "open" a person's closed eyes. Just like this book has opened ours to how particular people have always been about pictures of themselves.
U.Va. Faculty & Staff Salaries 2021 – University of Virginia The Cavalier Daily
PaaS: Photography as a Service – PetaPixel


.Naomi Cullen (left) and Aoife Cogan, pictured here wearing dresses from Avoca Handweavers at the Hidden Ireland 2009 Historic Private Houses brochure launch held at No. 31, Leeson Close, Dublin. Pic. Robbie Reynolds.


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Here's for Meaningful Expat Life Weekends
April 4, 2019, 4:55 am June 4, 2014
Being an expat in the Philippines has lots of advantages, especially for those coming from developed countries. With more than enough money to spare there's no question about a luxurious expat life here, while at the same time keeping with an obligatory remittance back home. But another consideration is how to have a meaningful expat life in the Philippines—particularly, meaningful expat life weekend work breaks.
Charity work is a very worthwhile expat-life pastime option. It can be a very elating hobby or leisure-time activity. It doesn't have to be a hefty amount. The emotional returns of charity giving is enormous, to say the least. A group of expats can form a "hobby club" or something whose goal is to do a weekend Samaritan deed to a select group of locals. They can enlist the assistance of social workers in the locality or barangay. Through social workers they can also request police assistance, if they think it necessary. But best of all expats can remain anonymous while channeling donations (in cash or kind) through social work service.
Expat life can also be meaningful through mini scholarship grants. Two or three public elementary pupils can be anonymously sponsored for 6 months or a whole year. An expat can visit a public or even religious elementary school and get hints on who deserves scholarship that can take the form of daily allowance, fare, school supplies, or books and notebooks. Engrossing expat life weekends in such meaningful hobbies as granting scholarships is a good diet for the soul.
Expat life weekends can also be dedicated to organizing youth activities such as glee clubs, dance troupes, drama or oratory clubs, or sports clubs. Speech clubs are very welcome in lots of schools. Schools can be contacted by expats offering this free service. Expats with relevant skills can offer free lessons to students on weekends.
Later, the students can be organized into clubs to do school or interschool performances. This will be exciting and memorable fun moments with dynamic and very artistic Filipino students who love such thoughtful and liberal gestures from foreigners. And the reward is really on the expatriate. Mingling with Filipino youths in such lessons and trainings will make expat life weekends productive and sought after.
A dormant expat life that consists of a monotonous work and home scenery week after week is boring to death. But expat life weekends can be made very meaningful and vibrant with some considerations for charity work.
Expat Life Tip: Get Used to the Place
A lonely expat life may pose a hard challenge at first, but getting used to it softens eveything. Once secrets to a delightful expat life experience are unlocked, everything becomes natural and relaxingly routine....
Expat food used to be a scarcity in the Philippines, but thanks to the new global outlook in the country. Expat food is no longer the exception but the rule in almost any part of the country. Expat food, in...
Securing an Expat Work Permit in the Philippines
The foreign national who hold an Alien Employment Permit is authorized to work in the Philippines. If you are interested to be employed in the country, learn some of these things--from the requirements to your chances of being approved. ...
Expat Banking
Expat banking is not really a hassle. Knowing what works best for you even makes the process a rather financially rewarding method....
Getting a Job as an Expat
Foreigners may find it difficult to get expat jobs which require taking licensure exams. However, there are some expat jobs that they can easily apply for....
Choosing Expat Health Insurance
Traveling to a foreign country may pose health problems considering the sudden environmental changes. To prepare for this, choose a good expat health insurance coverage....
Your Home Within Home: Expat Networks
Expatriates living in the Philippines would inevitably encounter several difficulties. Expat networks would help in alleviating these roadblocks, onto a relaxing life in the country....
Expat Visa Requirements
Countries vary in their expat visa requirements. In the Philippines, there are several expat visa requirements that are required from foreigners who intend to stay in the country....
The Basics of an Expat Medical Insurance Program
Availing of an expatriate medical insurance program provides a safety net for the expatriate, in case undesired hazardous incidents might happen. Should there be an expatriate who is willing to be covered by an expat medical insurance program, then there...
Folklore on Life Wisdom
A Philippine folklore on life wisdom teaches generations of Filipinos to consider education and wisdom. They must always go together. The folklore says education without the practical applications of wisdom can prove fatal in times of emergencies---in personal, community, national,...
Passi City, Philippines: A Place You Shouldn't Miss
Bohol Hotel Guide
Davao Hotel Guide
What are Rural Philippine Hotels mostly like?
Bohol Hospitals and Health Care
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Some of the Finest Spots in the Philippines
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Fast Travel Links From Manila to Quezon City


The Beverly Hills Unified School District filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Friday to halt Purple Line extension's construction.
The district is concerned that construction could potentially harm Beverly Hills High School and its students' health and safety and is calling on Metro to properly analyze the environmental impacts of the Purple Line extension before construction begins, according to a press release. Metro plans to run the line, which will run through Westwood, under Beverly Hills High School.
The extension is estimated to be completed in 2026 and would have two stations in Westwood: one near UCLA and the other near the Veterans Affairs hospital.
A court decision last February required Metro to complete additional environmental analysis for the Purple Line extension's construction. However, the decision did not impede early construction or design work, according to a court release.
The district is seeking an injunction to halt construction of the Purple Line extension because it thinks the supplemental environmental analysis Metro completed in December was faulty as it did not fairly consider the effects of the line's impact on students' health, according to a press release.
Metro communications manager Dave Sotero said he does not think the lawsuit will cause any delays in construction and said Metro conducted the proper environmental analysis.
Construction of the line's first section, between Koreatown and La Cienega Boulevard, is currently underway and Metro plans to break ground for the second section in Beverly Hills this spring, Sotero added.
Qiao is the 2018-2019 Design director. Qiao was previously a 2017-2018 assistant Design director, and a 2016-2017 Design intern.
Dearlord these people just need to shut up and get out of the way!


text:
Joystick::Joystick() :
	m_initialized(false) {
}

Joystick::~Joystick() {
}

bool Joystick::init() {
	SDL_Init(SDL_INIT_JOYSTICK);
	int num_joysticks = SDL_NumJoysticks();
	if(num_joysticks < 1) {
		return false;
	}

	// take first device that appears to be a joystick
	// and no strange vbox device for example...
	// ...which means more than 2 axes
	for (int i = 0; i < num_joysticks; i++) {
		SDL_Joystick *tmpStick = SDL_JoystickOpen(i);
		if (SDL_JoystickNumAxes(tmpStick) > 2) {
			m_joystick = tmpStick;
			m_name = SDL_JoystickName(i);
			break;
		}
	}

	SDL_JoystickEventState(SDL_ENABLE);
	SDL_JoystickEventState(SDL_QUERY);
	m_initialized = true;
	return true;
}

std::string Joystick::getName() {
	if(!m_initialized) {
		throw std::runtime_error("not initialized!");
	}
	return m_name;
}

JoystickEvent Joystick::getEvent() {
	if(!m_initialized) {
		throw std::runtime_error("not initialized!");
	}

	SDL_Event event;
	std::vector<bool>  buttons;
	std::vector<short> axis;

	SDL_JoystickUpdate();

	// get keys
	for (int i = 0; i < SDL_JoystickNumButtons(m_joystick); i++) {
		unsigned int n = SDL_JoystickGetButton(m_joystick, i);
		buttons.push_back((n == 1) ? true : false);
	}

	// get axis
	for (int i = 0; i < SDL_JoystickNumAxes(m_joystick); i++) {
		signed short a = SDL_JoystickGetAxis (m_joystick, i);
		axis.push_back(a);
	}

	return JoystickEvent(buttons, axis);
}