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Sempra Energy awarded $172 million in Argentine arbitration
Art Larson
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 2, 2007 – The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) in Washington, D.C., has awarded Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), approximately $172 million, including interest, to settle a 2002 dispute involving the company's 43-percent ownership in two Argentine natural gas holding companies, Sodigas Pampeana and Sodigas Sur.
"We are pleased that, after several years, this arbitration case has been decided in our favor," said Javade Chaudhri, executive vice president and general counsel for Sempra Energy. "We hope that the government of Argentina will honor its legal obligations as we seek immediate enforcement of the award."
The dispute involved Sempra Energy's efforts to recover the utilities' diminution in value that occurred as a result of measures taken by the Argentine government in early 2002.
The Sept. 28, 2007 award involved arbitration proceedings under the 1994 Bilateral Investment Treaty between the United States and Argentina.
The Sodigas companies control Camuzzi Gas Pampeana S.A. and Camuzzi Gas del Sur S.A., together the largest natural gas distributor in Argentina servicing about 45 percent of the country. They supply gas to 1.5 million customers through a gas transportation-and-distribution pipeline system.
The ICSID is an autonomous international organization with close links with the World Bank. All of ICSID's members are also members of the bank. The ICSID provides facilities for the conciliation and arbitration of disputes between member countries and its investors. Recourse to ICSID conciliation and arbitration is entirely voluntary. However, once the parties have consented to arbitration under the ICSID Convention, neither can unilaterally withdraw its consent. Moreover, all ICSID Contracting States, whether or not parties to the dispute, are required to recognize and enforce ICSID awards as if it were a final judgment of that country's court.
Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company with 2006 revenues of nearly $12 billion. The Sempra Energy companies' 14,000 employees serve more than 29 million consumers in the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, South America and Asia.
This press release contains statements that are not historical fact and constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When the company uses words like "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "may," "would," "could," "should," or similar expressions, or when the company discusses its strategy or plans, the company is making forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. They involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Future results may differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon various assumptions involving judgments with respect to the future and other risks, including, among others: local, regional, national and international economic, competitive, political, legislative and regulatory conditions and developments; actions by the California Public Utilities Commission, California State Legislature, California Department of Water Resources, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Federal Reserve Board, U.K. Financial Services Authority and other environmental and regulatory bodies in the United States and other countries; capital market conditions, inflation rates, interest rates and exchange rates; energy and trading markets, including the timing and extent of changes in commodity prices; the availability of natural gas and liquefied natural gas; weather conditions and conservation efforts; war and terrorist attacks; business, regulatory, environmental, and legal decisions and requirements; the status of deregulation of retail natural gas and electricity delivery; the timing and success of business development efforts; the resolution of litigation; and other uncertainties, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of the company. These risks and uncertainties are further discussed in the company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission that are available through the EDGAR system without charge at its Web site, www.sec.gov and on the company's Web site, www.sempra.com.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


A week after the Mississippi Supreme Court struck down rezoning that would have accommodated a Costco Wholesale store planned for Ridgeland the status of the project remains in the dark.
Speculation is that the ruling simply would not allow the store on Highland Colony Parkway to have gasoline pumps, but that the 100,000-square-foot store could move forward.
The amended C-2 ordinance would have allowed drive-through retail beyond the retail sale of gasoline.
"I think the Supreme Court ruled correctly on all points we have been making from the beginning," Alston said.
The Supreme Court ruled that the city acted arbitrarily and capriciously to amend the ordinance in favor of Costco.
The amended ordinance would allow such changes "without showing a substantial change in neighborhood character [and so] the amendments constituted an illegal rezoning," the order reads.
Meantime, Mayor Gene McGee said on Wednesday that he had not talked with the Issaquah, Wash.-based chain since the rulingabout its intentions for the site, which has been cleared and graded.
Costco has a policy of not commenting on plans, and did not reveal its thoughts on the matter to the Mississippi Business Journal last week.
Calls by the Mississippi Business Journal to developer Andrew Mattiace of Jackson were not returned.
Not all Costcos have gas stations.
The court reversed a ruling by Judge John Emfinger in Madison County Circuit Court. It ruled that the city of Ridgeland hadn't proved that the rezoning was justified and had illegally tailored its decision to aid Mattiace, who planned for a so-called third phase of Renaissance at Colony Park, an open-air shopping mall.
The court voted 7-0, with two abstentions, in favor of homeowners, who filed suit against the city in 2016.
The homeowners in nearby affluent subdivisions say they're worried about increased traffic because of the wholesale store and possible devaluation of their property.


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Freedom Forum Institute > News & Commentary > News > Workplace Integrity Training at Public Media Stations
Workplace Integrity Training at Public Media Stations
Posted on November 13, 2019 by Power Shift Project
By Christine Paige Diers, Public Media Journalists Association
The Public Media Journalists Association (PMJA) spent two days in October training more than 50 staff members at St. Louis Public Radio using the Power Shift Project's Workplace Integrity curriculum.
"I was skeptical because I've attended too many of these types of seminars that were a waste of time, but they won me over with an interactive and highly practical program, said Fred Ehrlich, St. Louis Public Radio politics editor.
The Workplace Integrity training aims to "create an environment free from harassment, discrimination and incivility and filled with opportunity, especially for those who have traditionally been denied it." It was developed by world-class leadership trainer Jill Geisler of Loyola University Chicago, who is the Freedom Forum fellow in Women's Leadership.
Through critical thinking, creative role playing and group exercises, the training teaches media organizations ways to proactively prevent sexual harassment and misconduct and the behaviors that can lead to them, such as incivility and bullying.
The training was funded by the Freedom Forum Institute in partnership with PMJA as part of a pilot project to work with public media stations to improve their cultures.
PMJA chose member stations St. Louis Public Radio in St. Louis, Mo., and KUNR in Reno, Nev., as pilot stations to receive Workplace Integrity training. Applications were accepted from stations interested in having the training presented free of charge. With Freedom Forum Institute support, PMJA waived the workshop fee (customarily up to $6,000, plus travel) for the two stations. They were chosen based on a number of factors, including the desire to improve workplace culture and commitment to continuous learning for staff.
"We want to offer this important training to public radio stations across the country," said PMJA Executive Director Terry Gildea. "As the organization that serves journalists throughout the system, it is our intent to make sure that public media stations are the kinds of workplaces where people feel safe, comfortable and enjoy going to work."
The training was conducted at St. Louis Public Radio on Oct. 24 and 25. The pilot training at KUNR in Reno is scheduled for early December.
"We are honored to work with PMJA and public media stations striving to create better cultures and to serve their audiences better as truly inclusive news organizations," said Cathy Trost, executive director of the Freedom Forum Institute. "Working together, we can help make a difference in how all of us stand up for creating a culture of respect and dignity in our workplaces while elevating equity and fair treatment for all."
Gildea and PMJA Business Manager Christine Paige Diers are qualified as Workplace Integrity trainers, able to teach the one-day workshops for stations that contract for the service. They completed the Freedom Forum Institute's "Train the Trainers" course at the Newseum in November 2018.
"We were thrilled to hear that both stations were interested in having us train their entire staff, not just the journalists," said Paige Diers. "In St. Louis, we had top leaders, interns and everyone in between participate. The whole group did great work."
Most of the staff of St. Louis Public Radio was trained over the course of two days. The group was engaged and involved in the interactive training.
"Having participated in at least a dozen diversity training sessions in my non-profit career, the Power Shift training offered a new and useful framework," said Jennifer Brake, St. Louis Public Radio development officer. "It provided a good balance of learning, reflection and interaction, prompted me to consider things from perspectives I had not before and allowed us space to address important issues in the larger context of societal expectations while still brainstorming specific, tangible changes we could immediately make in our workspace. And it fostered more openness and empathy among colleagues — bringing us all a bit closer together."
Gildea and Paige Diers plan to follow up with evaluations of the training and post-training surveys.
Since the Workplace Integrity curriculum was launched in June 2017, more than 150 media organizations have participated in "Train the Trainers" workshops, which prepare individuals in the news industry and journalism education groups to deliver the curriculum in their own organizations.
The Workplace Integrity curriculum is available to other public media stations. Gildea and Paige Diers are available to contract with stations to offer this training. PMJA is also actively seeking funding with the hope of providing the Workplace Integrity training at a lower cost to stations. Interested stations should contact Terry Gildea at [email protected] or Christine Paige Diers at [email protected].
This entry was posted in News and tagged Power Shift Project by Power Shift Project. Bookmark the permalink.
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First Five Newsletter: January 16, 2019
First Amendment-ish
Q&A: Kellie Hwang (2007)
First Five Newsletter: January 9, 2019


Come learn about teaching in an elite private school from Andrew Ruoss, PhD '17, Instructor in History and Economics at Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, CT. Ruoss joined the Hotchkiss faculty in 2017 after earning his M.A. and Ph.D. in History at Duke. In addition to teaching, he is a member of the Curriculum Review Committee for Interdisciplinary Teaching and he serves on the Humanities Program Design Team. He also heads the Hotchkiss All-Gender Residential Program and is the assistant coach for varsity & JV cross country.
Ruoss will discuss the process of applying to private secondary schools, his teaching load, and common co-curricular responsibilities at prep schools.


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College is Top of the Class for Health & Wellbeing Good Practice
The Investors in People is a national quality standard which sets a level of good practice for improving an organisation's performance through its people. The Good Practice Award is designed to recognise the work of organisations that have developed effective health and wellbeing strategies, ensuring activities are aligned to corporate objectives.
Speaking about the award, Eimear Rushe, HR manager at South West College said:
"Our overriding objective has been to build and sustain an environment that promotes and protects the wellbeing of all our staff across the college.
"At South West College we firmly believe in creating a culture which empowers staff to maintain their own health and wellbeing whilst also providing them with the opportunity to achieve their full potential, in return benefiting themselves, their colleagues and the college."
Extensive research indicates that effective and proactive management of health and wellbeing can improve business performance by increasing productivity, reducing sickness and absenteeism and enhancing employee retention.
2013 marked the launch of the South West College health and wellbeing programme, which was rolled out across the college campuses in Cookstown, Dungannon, Enniskillen and Omagh and marketed with the strapline 'So worth the care', incorporating the South West College (SWC) prefix.
Activities and awareness raising campaigns within the programme have been based around the thematic areas of mental health, physical health and social health. A number of campus specific health champions were also chosen and a health and wellbeing online portal was launched, providing staff with a wealth of free information and advice on a range of health related topics.
Stephanie McCutcheon, Investors in People Specialist added:
"South West College acknowledges that staff are its most valuable asset and their health and wellbeing are extremely important.
"The approach to health and wellbeing is part of the College's culture and this award is validation of the hard work and innovative thinking that is putting the health, safety and wellbeing of people firmly at a strategic level."
South West College was first accredited as an Investors in People in June 2010, with the first Post Accreditation Review completed in June 2013. In April 2014, South West College was confirmed as a Grade 1 Outstanding College, which ranks it among the Top 4 within the 350 across the UK.


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Winnipeg Events
Oh Just Eat It!
HUNGRY FOR CANADIAN MUSIC! **************************************** CANADIAN Bands | CANADIAN Venues
Review: STACEY JAMES says "I was born ready"
STACEY JAMES is an alternative soul, r&b, pop/rock singer, songwriter and keyboardist. She also uses trumpet, acoustic, electric & bass guitar, tenor sax, and fiddle as tools while songwriting. She sings in about a 4 ocatave range. Her first album 11 11, released in 2017, is available on Spotify and iTunes and she has already released a few song from the second album. You can hear in the new music how she's come along. Her music has become more dynamic.
The Stacey James Band
Notable are the players in James band. She has surrounded herself with talent. Drummer Doug Northcott is her drummer and studio producer. He brings a rock beat to her soulful sound. It gives it a twist that makes it hard to pigeonhole her genre. Northcott has worked with James for about 5 years. Kevin Cote (ROOFTOP STATIC), fills the stage with conga drums, crashes, cowbells, maracas, chimes, shakers, tambourine…he is the percussion section. Jim "Jimmy Bassline" Jolly on bass has 40 years experience and has worked with James for 10 years. He plays rock, blues, jazz and has impeccable finger picking skills. Mark Barron (GRAND MASTER, ATTILAN) on guitar is a multi-instrumentalist. He was going to be James' keybordist, but her guitar player passed away during the recording of 11 11 (album recording continued with Brad Lazer, Joe Curtis and Jessie Ito). Barron has filled the void. Barron is a multi-genre guitar player (rock, jazz, acoustic, metal, and ambient music) and his versatility comes through in the band's sound.
James has a ton of energy. She works with the band, but also does public speaking, is a published author and has social projects on the go. She's a thin pretty lady who talks fast and always has a smile on her face. She says she's always writing lyrics and can't stop making music. She says her talented band collaborate on her songwriting and it comes together fast with their help. She says "they take the sounds from my head and bring them to life".
Stacey James Live
In James recordings, I can hear her words, but on stage I found I was struggling with her dictation. She's playing keys, has great control of her voice, knows how to use a mic (so important) and is working with a full and large band, but yes, I want to hear her words. She wrote them and they are important. In some genres of music, words don't matter. In James' genre, they are important. She seemed to know that she is trying to do too much. She told me she is looking for another keyboard player. I think that's what she needs. Once she is free to just sing and move around freely, I think her singing will be even better and we will better hear her lyrical skill.
Stacey James
Stacey James in Studio
The Stacey James Band are recording a second album at Amplitude Audio Production http://www.amplitudeaudio.ca/ with the sound studio's owner and producer, and The Stacey James Band drummer, Doug Northcott.
Northcott says he has watch James come a long way in the past 5 years that he's worked with her. Largely in part because the members of her band have changed and the quality of the players has gone up dramatically. Northcott joined the band himself out of necessity when James' original drummer left. He stayed.
Photo courtesy: Picture Perfect Photography
The album should be out by summer 2020, then The Stacey James Band plan to tour the music.
You can hear and buy STACEY JAMES' music:
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/artist/stacey-james/id327419378
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5kMjm91NGJ4uF2XgLbaz9v
Join her on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/staceyjameswriter/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StaceyJmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staceyjameswriter/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/staceyjameswriter
Review: Gold Stars to EX ØMERTA as they release debut self-titled album
JUNE 15: BLUES @ PARK THEATRE, WPG
June 21: LOAD CD Release Party @ The Cavern, Wpg
By Angela R. Campbell
THE MACQUEENS RELEASE VERY CANADIANA NEW SINGLE "ORDINARY MAN"
BULLRIDER drops debut album, 'Hidden Gems and the Love of Another'
ALBUM REVIEW: D.B. + THE DEADBEATS – DON'T TELL NOBODY
ALBUM REVIEW – Melissa Plett 'Ghost Town'
Archives Select Month July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 July 2018 October 2017 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 January 2016 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 November 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 June 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011
Artist Review
ARKELLS – Juno Award Winners – Good Canadians
Review: HIGH ROAD feat. Leane Koss
Review: Gwendolyn Smith, FULL CIRCLE
Review: The Fluidity of LOAD
OhJustEatIt! Social


Contemporary Medical Acupuncture can be an effective and simple treatment based on current concepts of neurophysiology (study of the nervous system), neuroanatomy (brain function), and pathophysiology (change of a person's mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions). The foundation of this approach is the insertion of solid needles and use of electrical stimulation. Acupuncture stimulates the body to produce its own pain relieving chemicals called endorphins. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture stimulates the body's natural healing abilities. Acupuncture can be very effective in treating a variety of painful disorders, both acute and chronic. It is very often used as an effective addition to the following treatments: physiotherapy, massage therapy or chiropractic. The use of Medical Acupuncture can help minimize pain in a wide range of problems, which can include: headaches, neck pain, shoulder problems, elbow and wrist pain, arthritis of the hip, knee and low back as well as any type of muscle or joint related injury.


geocaching.com down – what happens afterwards???
geocaching.com is down due to an update. http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=239821. We have some hope that known issues that made life harder are now fixed. e.g.


Here is main clue on make Concrete Edging. We have the resource for make Concrete Edging. Check it out for yourself! You can acquire concrete edging blocks landscaping and see the Concrete Edging: Good Installation in here.


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Q: Usar metodos del formulario A desde el fomulario B( es instanciado por el formulario A) en C# tengo un problema en el desarrollo de una aplicación.
Mi problemática es la siguiente: tengo un formulario principal A en el que listo una serie de registros, pero editar un registro pulso sobre el gridView y aparece otro formulario B en el load del formulario B debo de ejecutar una función del formulario A. He intentado con el patrón singleton, con inyección dependencias pero no he logrado ejecutar la función del formulario A

A: Ya lo he resulto de la siguiente forma.

*

*Cree un interfaz IMensaje y dentro un método void CerrarComonente();

*En el formulario A heredé esta interfaz public partial class ListaPersonal : Form, IMensaje y creé el método de la interfaz dentro A Y a su vez todo el código dentro del componente que deseaba usar dentro del método public void CerrarComonente(){}

*En la formulario B cree la propiedad  public IMensaje MensajeP { get; set; } del tipo de mi interfaz.

*Después dentro de Load de B realice la siguiente instancia al final de toda la carga de objetos MensajeP.CerrarVentana();

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Q: Get thumbnail images from album using fql I'm trying to get all the photos(thumbnail images) from specific album in facebook. I am trying to get it with fql.
But it gives me error code 601. Can anybody put down the query to get through this.
This is my code.
NSString *query=[NSString stringWithFormat:@"SELECT pid FROM photo WHERE aid IN ( SELECT aid FROM album WHERE owner=%@)",appDelegate.userID];
NSString *urlString = [NSString stringWithFormat:@"https://api.facebook.com/method/fql.query?format=json&query=%@&access_token=%@",[query stringByAddingPercentEscapesUsingEncoding:NSUTF8StringEncoding],[appDelegate.access_Token stringByAddingPercentEscapesUsingEncoding:NSUTF8StringEncoding]];

A: You need the user_photos extended permission.


Spiritual Gifts part 346. In discernment, 'we' comes before 'they'.
Spiritual Gifts part 345. How do I Use Discernment?
Spiritual Gifts part 344. John's Letter on Discernment.
Spiritual Gifts part 343. A Checklist for Discernment.


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Home Science Why Saturn's hexagonal pole is now changing color
Why Saturn's hexagonal pole is now changing color
A new model suggests that Saturn's mysterious polar formation is responding to the slowly changing seasons of the planet's 29-year orbit.
The mystery of Saturn's hexagonal storm may finally be solved, thanks to scientists with NASA's Cassini mission.
Since its arrival in 2004, Cassini has gathered data on the strange cloud formation at Saturn's north pole several times, and captured a new twist last month: the usually bluish formation appears to be changing color. A side-by-side comparison of the recent photo and one taken in November 2012 shows that the formation has lightened considerably and now looks more golden.
The hexagon was first spotted during the Voyager flybys of 1980 and 1981, but since those images were taken at a distance, the storm's existence was not confirmed until the Cassini mission. The cloud formation is unique in the known solar system, and has defied scientists' efforts to fully explain it.
In September of last year, more than three decades after the polar formation's discovery, a group of scientists developed a computer simulation that they say explains the phenomenon better than previous attempts.
Previous articleGoing to space is a real pain in the back
Next articleAmerica's Cutest Mammal Pika Is Disappearing
Will Trump echo JFK's moonshot and vow to send humans to Mars?
A Metal Ball the Size of Massachusetts That NASA Wants to Explore


Glass Cleaner, commercial grade degreaser and polishing compound. Required for liquid nanotint to adhere properly.
Water-based cleaner for glass and select microporous surfaces that utilizes aluminum oxide to create a clean surface to promote adhesion of select nano-coatings. The hydrophilic property that is present after cleaning indicates the surface is free of oils and other contaminants, ready for a nano-coating to be applied. This glass cleaner not only degreases, but also slightly abrades the surface, allowing for any light surface stains or watermarks to be removed. Great for clean and prep on glass, ceramics, microporous stone and metal surfaces.
Note: Always test on inconspicuous area first.
Shake before use. Pour cleaning solution onto a buffing pad or microfiber cloth. Using a pump spray bottle, mist water onto the glass in multiple areas and apply cleaner in circular motions (Fig. 1). Use water and clean towels to remove excess glass cleaner (Fig. 2). Then, check to confirm surface is degreased (Fig. 3).


These are the companies that we currently represent. Within this chart you will be able to see their A.M. Best Rating, the Line of Business they are willing to write and if we have binding authority with them.
Company: - All - Atlantic Casualty Century Surety Company Endurance American Specialty Insurance Company Evanston Insurance Company Great American Insurance Company of New York Hallmark National Insurance Company National Fire & Marine Ins Co National Liability and Fire Nautilus Insurance Company Penn America Insurance Co. Underwriters at Lloyds, London United National Ins. Co. Wilshire Insurance Co.


Risk Management is indispensable to our business and to the quality of our services. We analyse the risks of lending. We closely monitor our risk profiles: the risks have to be acceptable and the profiles in line with market conditions. It goes without saying that we do this in accordance with the requirements placed on us by legislation and regulation and regulators. This is how Risk Management makes a positive contribution to the stability of NN and the trust that our customers place in our company.
Are you curious what it is like to work at NN as a Risk Specialist? Which challenging projects are our Risk Experts working on? Watch the video and get inspired by colleagues Jolanda Roos and Lianne Westinga. They will tell you more about Financial Risk Management at Nationale-Nederlanden Non-life.


Chiasso, Switzerland, February 6, 2019 – Arduino, the world's leading open-source hardware and software platform, today announced the introduction of an IoT Cloud as part of its professional IoT strategy. Targeted at developers, system integrators and maker hobbyists, the Arduino IoT Cloud is an easy-to-use Internet of Things application platform that enables users to develop and manage IoT applications that solve real-life problems in a business environment or in everyday life. The introduction of this new platform builds on Arduino's mission of making complex technology simple enough for anyone to use.
Designed for seamless IoT development the MKR form factor delivers embedded connectivity and very low power consumption in a compact size. These features make the boards the most suitable solution for emerging battery-powered IoT edge applications, such as environmental monitoring, tracking, agriculture, energy monitoring, and industrial automation. To highlight how the Arduino IoT Cloud would work in tandem with the MKR family in a real-world solution, Banzi cites an agricultural example, where low power and alternative connectivity options are essential: "Suppose we want to build an IoT greenhouse, the goal is to control this greenhouse remotely, i.e. to be able to turn on and off the lights, start the irrigation system, and read and adjust the temperature inside the greenhouse, all without the need for human intervention. The complete system can be automated and controlled using an Arduino MKR WIFI 1010 board along with the Arduino IoT Cloud.
"Simply attach the relevant sensors (e.g. temperature, light, and humidity sensors), actuators (e.g. irrigation pump), and switches (lights and fan) to the board. Upload the software (Arduino Sketch) and it will be ready in minutes to automatically control the properties of the actuators (e.g. activate the ventilation fans when there is too much humidity in the greenhouse) via a simple web interface.
The Arduino IoT Cloud was designed with security in mind, from product development through its entire lifecycle, enabling users to securely provision, connect and authenticate devices to the IoT Cloud while they are deployed in the wild, and ensuring all data transmitted between the device and Arduino's cloud is confidential and tamper-proof. Client authentication (X.509 certificates) is adopted for asymmetric-key based authentication, while Transport Layer Security (TLS) is used for securing all traffic to and from IoT Cloud.
There is also a way to use webhooks to let the Arduino Things interact with other services like IFTT, Google Spreadsheet, and Zapier.
For more information visit: https://www.arduino.cc/en/IoT/HomePage or https://create.arduino.cc/iot to download.
Arduino is an open-source hardware, software, and content platform with a worldwide community of over 30 million active users. The company offers IoT developers, makers, and educators the ability to build smart, connected and interactive devices using affordable technologies. Arduino has powered millions of projects over the years, from everyday objects to complex scientific instruments. To learn more, please visit arduino.cc.


Over the next eight months alongside former England footballer, Darren Eadie, we'll be providing advice and support both online and in our programmes.
Below, you can find five ways in which you can help improve your mental and physical well-being.
Learning new things has a positive impact on our mental wellbeing. Try something new.
Connect with people around you. With your family, with friends, neighbours and colleagues.
Live in the moment. Embrace the here and now, savour the moment, whether it's enjoying watching a football match, or simply taking in your surrounding.
Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Seeing yourself connect with your community and those around you can be incredibly rewarding.
Step outside, go for a walk or run. Garden. Cycle. Exercise makes us feel good. Find a physical activity you enjoy and one that is suitable to your level of fitness and mobility.
Have you got any ways in which you've improved your physical or mental health? Please do get in contact with us in any of the following ways.


A warm welcome to the 20th issue of iww-ejournal.
As usual we have new writers, who joined our team, this month too. They are Ratnika Singh, Jutismitha Hazarika, Sayanthini Bhattacharya and Saarthi Gangotra. We welcome you all to our team.
IWW is delighted to present you with varieties of our writing for your enjoyment and refreshment. We sincerely hope you will enjoy each one of them. Some are thought provoking, some heart touching and some others are humorous. Since the submissions are increasing each month, this issue comes to you with more number of stories .
The inspiring letters we receive from our writers and readers make us continue our effort in making this possible. Please keep sending your feedback.
Please also remember to recommend your favourite stories for IWW Anthology.
We have also started a new section to help all the authors to promote their book.


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7 Things You Need to Know About the New Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
The federal Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is finally rolling out in January 2020. This electronic database that will track commercial driver's license holders who have tested positive for prohibited drug or alcohol use, as well as refusals to take required drug tests, and other drug and alcohol violations. In addition, when a driver who has been found to be in violation completes the required return-to-duty process, this information will also be recorded in the clearinghouse.
The clearinghouse has long been sought as a way to keep commercial drivers who have violated federal drug and alcohol rules from lying about those results and simply getting a job with another motor carrier. Here's what trucking companies need to know:
1. The Clearinghouse Goes into Effect in January 2020
Registration for motor carriers, drivers and other users is expected to open up in October. When registering, you must use your U.S. DOT number, not your Employee Identification Number (EIN). You must provide list of authorized users, and those must be re-authorized at least annually.
Effective Jan. 6, 2020, the rule requires employers and their service agents to populate the clearinghouse with:
Their employees' DOT drug and alcohol violations under Part 382 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, and
Verification of a CDL driver's completed steps in the DOT return-to-duty process.
At the same time, employers will have to begin querying the clearinghouse for required information for driver hiring and annual requirements.
The database will contain violation information that occurs on or after Jan. 6, 2020. So even if a violation occurs on Jan. 5 and a driver is disqualified, that doesn't go into the clearinghouse, notes David Osiecki, President, Scopelitis Transportation and Consulting.
Read HDT's series on truck drivers and drug use, Trucking Under the Influence.
Those required to register for and use the clearinghouse include most commercial drivers, their employers, consortia/third-party administrators used by carriers, medical review officers, substance abuse professionals, and state driver licensing agencies. The FMCSA recently proposed a three-year delay for state licensing agencies, but everyone else is expected to go forward with implementation on Jan. 6.
2. What Data is Submitted to the Clearinghouse
Motor carriers must report violations of the DOT Part 382 drug-testing regulations, including positive tests, as well as refusals to take drug or alcohol tests. They also must report of "actual knowledge" violations, negative return-to-duty test results, and completion of follow up testing/plans/programs.
Employers will have to submit a report of a drug or alcohol program violation by the close of the third business day following the date on which the employer obtained the information.
The only information allowed to be added to the clearinghouse is DOT drug or alcohol tests. Additional tests, such as hair testing that some fleets are conducting pre-employment, may not be put into the clearinghouse.
Records will remain in the clearinghouse until return-to-duty is complete and five years have passed since the violation. (After that, they won't be in the database, but FMSCA will keep them archived.) Similarly, a fleet (or your third-party service agent) must keep records for a minimum of five years.
3. Understand the Two Types of Clearinghouse Queries
There are two types of queries motor carriers must make: full and limited.
Full queries must be done at the pre-employment stage. The information returned by the clearinghouse will show any violation of the drug-testing regulations in Part 382, as well as return-to-duty status once a driver has completed a treatment program following a violation.
But before the carrier can get the information, the driver has to log into the clearinghouse and give his or her consent – every time there's a full query request for his or her records.
"The industry has asked for this database for a lot of years to close this loophole, but here's an aspect that could create some real operational challenges, or at least slow down the hiring process," said Osiecki. "Let's face it, some drivers will forget their log-in credentials – we've all done that – and it's going to hang up the hiring process."
A limited query must be done at least once a year on each of a carrier's drivers. It essentially is simply asking if there is a record of this driver in the database. If there is, then the carrier must convert that into a full query to find out what that information is (including getting the driver's permission.)
Driver consent is also required for limited queries, but not for every single one like with full queries. Carriers can add that to pre-employment consent paperwork that's already asking for consent to check things like their criminal records and motor vehicle records.
For the first three years after the clearinghouse goes into effect, motor carriers will still be required to check with a driver's previous employers to get their drug-testing information for the past three years.
In addition, Osiecki notes, motor carriers need to update their drug- and alcohol-testing policies to include the clearinghouse requirements – it's part of the regulations.
4. Fleets Can Use Third-Party Services
Employers are allowed to authorize service agents to report violations and to conduct queries of the clearinghouse on their behalf. Employers have to register in the clearinghouse first. Service agent authorizations will be required as part of an employer's registration process. Designated service agents must register before accessing or reporting information to the clearinghouse.
If you change service agents during the year, the carrier has only 10 days to update that in the clearinghouse.
5. How Much Clearinghouse Queries Cost
The "query bundle" an employer purchases from FMCSA will depend on the number of queries that need to be conducted. The flat per-query rate is $1.25, for both limited and full queries.
There are customized "bundles" available to help fit business requirements. Purchased queries never expire, and additional query plans may be purchased as needed.
Osiecki notes that it must be the motor carrier who buys the query plans; a third-party agency cannot buy the query bundle and bill the motor carrier for it.
6. You Need to Get Moving Before January
J.J. Keller recommends that no later than fourth quarter 2019, employers:
Train those involved in obtaining the DOT drug and alcohol background checks on the clearinghouse queries;
Set up a process for dual inquiries (safety performance history and clearinghouse) for CDL driver candidates;
Set up a tickler system for annual clearinghouse inquiries on existing CDL drivers;
Train responsible parties on data the motor carrier must provide the clearinghouse;
Sign up for motor carrier access to the clearinghouse; and
Train appropriate motor carrier personnel on handling of inquiries, including driver authorization, record retention, and what actions are taken when a violation is discovered.
7. Drivers Need to Know Their Rights and Responsibilities
Even as your company or safety department is learning how to use the clearinghouse, it's smart to make sure your drivers know their responsibilities and rights, as well.
If drivers change companies, they will have to register in order to give permission for the motor carrier to make queries of their information.
Osiecki notes that some drivers may never have to access the clearinghouse. He cites as an example a less-than-truckload driver who's been with his company for 25 years, loves his job, is clean and sober, and is planning to retire from the same carrier in another 10 years.
J.J. Keller recommends employers tell drivers what driver data will be put into the clearinghouse, as listed in Section 382.601(b)(12), and also provide drivers the following best-practices training:
An explanation of the inquiries performed by employers (Section 382.701);
Driver procedures on signing up for access to the clearinghouse;
Information on how drivers may obtain a copy of their clearinghouse records (Sections 382.707, 382.709);
Procedures for correcting information in the database (Section 382.717);
An awareness that state licensing authorities will have access to the database (Section 382.725); and
Clarification on a driver's obligation to notify a current employer(s) (in writing) of DOT testing violations occurring under a different employer (Section 382.415).
Instructional Technologies Inc. recently added driver training on the clearinghouse to its Pro-Tread online training.
ITI Vice President Laura McMillan explains that the idea for the short lesson came from customers that "have a culture of getting regulatory and compliance information out to drivers; they want [drivers] to be informed." It's part of a system of transparent and proactive driver communication – plus one consistent message is getting out to drivers, minimizing the potential spread of inaccurate information.
One point the lesson makes clear to drivers is that they have to give permission for people to access the information. "Of course, if they refuse to allow access that will impact their employability," McMillan says. "They have a right to review their information, and if they find a discrepancy or disagree with records, they can write to FMCSA and dispute it and potentially correct that record.
"It's a regulation and a system that's designed to reduce the issue of drivers flipping from one company to another," McMillan says. "It's meant to catch people who are trying to game the system, frankly. But on the flip side, it is meant to keep the motoring public safe, and for drivers who have submitted to drug and alcohol treatment programs, it protects them too."


text:
World Travel15 Most Popular Tourist Attractions In Kyoto
World TravelAsia
15 Most Popular Tourist Attractions In Kyoto
By Sonu Verma
If somebody wants to view the cultural and historical beauty of Japan, then he must visit Kyoto. A beautiful city situated on the island of Honshu. Kyoto is one of the largest cities in Japan. Kyoto was initially listed as a target for the catastrophic U.S. atomic bomb during World War II, but later, the Secretary of War demanded that it should be taken off due to its cultural importance. Besides cultural history, there are many tourist attractions in Kyoto.
Kyoto is widely famous for its historic old-style Buddhist Sects, mesmerizing gardens, traditional royal residences, over 200 Shinto Shrines and markets that make it a favorite among travelers. Kyoto was twice named the best city in the world. Your experience during your trip to Kyoto is going to be unique and memorable.
Let's explore the Most Popular 15 Tourist Attractions In Kyoto.
1. Fushimi Inari – Taisha, Attractions In Kyoto
The Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan and is located in Southern Kyoto on the mountain of Inari-san. It is considered one of the most popular and one of the most important shrines dedicated to the Shinto god of rice, Inari.
Vermillion Torii Gates, Via: Pinterest
It is famous for thousands of vermillion torii gates, which start a network of trails through its building. The trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at the height of 233m. It is believed that foxes are the messengers of Inari. Thus you will find many fox statues across the shrine.
Also Read: Places You Should See When Visiting in India
2. Kiyomizu-Dera Temple
This temple is officially known as Otowasan Kiyomizu-Dera situated in the eastern part of Kyoto. It is one of the most famous temples of Japan and listed at UNESCO World Heritage. The temple gets its name from the waterfall, which can be seen inside the temple.
Kiyomizu- Dera Temple, Via: aroundjapan.com
Kiyomizu-Dera is famous for the wooden stage that projects out from the main hall. The stage is supported by 139 pillars and affords a grandiose view of Kyoto town.
3. Ginkakuji Temple
Ginkakuji is a Zen temple along Kyoto's eastern mountains. Ashika Yoshimasa built this retirement villa in the year 1482 but later converted into a Zen temple after Yoshimasa's death. Ginkakuji consists of the Silver Pavilion, half a dozen other temple buildings, a beautiful moss garden and a unique dry sand garden.
Silver Pavalion, Via: Youtube
Ginkakuji is best known for its contemporary culture, known as the Higashiyama Culture. The arts and culture include the tea ceremony, noh theater, poetry, garden design and architecture.
Also Read: Unforgettable Family Vacation Destinations In Asia
4. Kinkakuji – Attractions In Kyoto
Kinkakuji or Golden Pavilion is a Zen Temple situated in northern Kyoto. The specialty of this temple is that its top two floors are completely covered in Gold leaf. The temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and according to his will, after his death, it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect.
Kinkakuji Temple, Via: flicker.com
Kinkakuji is an impressive architectural building created near a pond that resembles Kitamaya culture. The first floor is built in the Shinden style used for palace buildings and Statues of the Shaka Buddha and Yoshimitsu are stored on that floor. The second floor is built in Bukke Style and third in the style of Chinese Zen Hall.
5. Bamboo Grove
Arashiyama is a pleasant, touristy district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. There present the mesmerizing and breathtaking Bamboo Grove. You can walk or ride your bicycle in the path cutting between the groves.
Panormic View Of Bamboo Forest, Via: flicker.com
The groves are particularly attractive when there are a light wind and the tall bamboo swings gently back and forth. The beautiful bamboo forest itself attracts many tourists due to the natural distinct rustling sound produces by bamboo.
6. Togetsukyo Bridge
Togetsukyo Bridge is the main highlight of Arshiyama. This bridge was originally built during the Heian Period (794-1185) and reconstructed in the 1930s.
Via: frameatrip.com
The bridge looks particularly attractive in combination with the forested mountainside in the background. A riverside park with dozens of cherry trees is located just adjacent to the bridge.
7. Eikando Temple – Attractions In Kyoto
Eikando is formally known as Zenrinji Temple. Eikando temple is very famous for its autumn colors and the illuminations that take place in the fall. In the 11th century, Zenrinji had a popular head priest named Eikan, after whom the temple is popularly named Eikando.
Tourist Enjoying Cherry Blossoms in Autumn, Via: regex.info
Eikando's main building consists of Shakado, which is the hall of the historical buddha with a small rock garden and beautifully designed sliding doors. Eikando's most recognizable building is its Tahoto Pagoda, which is nestled in the trees on the hillside above the temple's other buildings.
Also Read: 11 Popular Travel Destinations In Nepal To Explore
8. Ryoanji Temple
The RyoanJi Temple is one of the most outstanding vacation destinations in Kyoto, yet the entire of Japan. It has a "hiraniwa garden", which is a flat garden without the usual ponds or man-made hills you see in Japan and one of the most well-known of them all.
Tourist at Rock Garden-Ryoanji, Via: livingomads.com
The rock garden is the most famous site in Ryoanji Temple, which attracts visitors the most. An interesting feature of the garden's design is that from any vantage point, at least one of the rocks is always hidden from the viewer.
9. Monkey Park Iwatayama
The entrance of the Monkey Park opens from the Togetsukyo Bridge, which is situated in the Arshiyama mountains. Walk down the scenic streets over the bridge of the Oi River to get to the Monkey Park, which is on the opposite side of the river.
Monkey Park at uphills, Via: flicker.com
After hiking when you reach uphills, you will find thousands of monkeys roaming around. You can also witness the beauty of Kyoto city from the top. It consists of 120 snow monkeys, which are also known as Japanese macaque.
10. Tenryuji Temple
Tenryunji Temple is ranked among the five great Zen Temples. It is the most attractive temple in Arshiyama. This temple was founded in 1339 at the beginning of the Muromachi Period.
Tenryuji Temple, Via: jpwebmagazine.com
It is also listed on the UNESCO World Heritage site. In addition to its temple buildings, there are attractive gardens with walking paths. Tenryuji is the head temple within the Rinzai Zen sect of Japanese Buddhism.
11. Yasaka Pagoda
Yasaka Pagoda is also known as "Gion Shrine" which is one of the best shrines in Kyoto. This shrine is 1350 years old and situated between the popular Gion District and Higashiyama District. In front of the shrine's main mall, a dance stage is present with hundreds of lanterns.
Yasaka Shrine, Via: asahitravelgroup.com
These lanterns get lit in the evening. Each lantern bears the name of local merchandise in return for a donation. Yasaka Shrine is also best known for its summer festival, the Gion Matsuri and its cherry blossom.
12. Maruyama Park
Maruyama Park is an open park alongside Yasaka Shrine in the Higashiyama District. The park becomes most popular in Kyoto when the cherry trees are in full bloom.
Mesmerising View Of Maruyama Park, Via: treksplorer.com
It is the most crowded place for people watching Cherry Blossom. The highlight of this park is a tall weeping cherry tree, which gets lit up in the night.
13. Nijo Castle – Attractions In Kyoto
Nijo Castle was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was the first shogun of the Edo Period. Earlier Nijo Castle was used as a royal palace but later opened for the public as a historic site.
Pontocho dining area, Via: justgola.com
Its palace buildings are the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture of Japan's feudal era. In 1994, the castle was listed in the UNESCO world heritage site.
Also Read: 10 Family Holiday Destinations in Australia
14. Pontocho
Pontocho is one of the best atmospheric dining areas in Kyoto, which is very popular among couples. It is a narrow laneway running from Shijo-Dori to Sanjo-Dori, west of the Kamogawa River. The laneway is packed with restaurants on both sides offering a wide range of dining options from traditional to modern Kyoto cuisine.
This type of dining was developed to try some traditional cuisine along with the cooling effects of the flowing water and the lively summer atmosphere.
15. Nishiki Market – Attractions In Kyoto
Nishiki Market is five blocks long shopping street lined by more than a hundred shops and hotels. Popularly known as Kyoto's Kitchen. This beautiful market specializes in food-related items like fresh seafood, knives and cookware.
Tourist purchasing items at Nishiki Market, Via: youtube.com
It is a great place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto specialities, such as Japanese sweets, dried seafood, pickles and sushi.
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Everything you need to know about the Kansas Jayhawks as they head into the Sweet 16.
The Case For: None of the No. 1 seeds looked better than Kansas did the first weekend. So there is no second-guessing the Jayhawks as the top overall seed in the NCAA tournament field, nor as one of the prohibitive favorites to win the title. While the game results against No. 16 seeds mean next to nothing, Kansas faced the best second-round foe according to kenpom.com's metrics—Connecticut, which ranks 25th nationally in adjusted efficiency—and led that game by as many as 24 points in the first half. That's a sign of a team completely locked in and unfazed by the first-weekend tournament exits of the past two seasons.
Kansas's interior defense and rebounding has become a notable strength with 6'10" junior Landen Lucas and 6'8" senior Jamari Traylor doing most of the work to hold down the paint. They have the best defensive ratings among rotation players (91.3 for Traylor and 91.5 for Lucas) and they powered the Jayhawks to a 44–24 advantage against Connecticut on the glass. If they don't surrender easy buckets or offensive rebounds, they're going to be near-impossible to beat, short of an epic shooting performance from long range. And even then, Kansas has Selden heating up: The junior had 14 points in 19 minutes against Austin Peay in the first round and then 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting against Connecticut.
Of some concern, too, is Frank Mason's shooting touch. In his last three games—the Big 12 tournament final and two NCAA tournament outings—the junior guard is just 5 of 23 from the floor combined. He has missed all seven of his three-point attempts in those two games as well. It's not time to panic, especially if Selden and Ellis continue to score with high efficiency, but the Jayhawks would be less vulnerable if their leading scorer gets back on track.
SI Prediction: Beat Maryland in the Sweet 16; beat Miami in the Elite Eight; beat Oklahoma in the national semifinal; lose to North Carolina in the national championship game.


Cheesecake has always been a favourite of mine, but after removing dairy from my diet almost 2 years ago, I was on the hunt to find a dairy-free alternative. This recipe is a very simple and quick recipe that represents your biscuit base cheesecake. It has a slight hint of chocolate and a subtle coconut flavour for a little difference.
Soak raw cashes required for topping in enough water to cover them. Prepare 18com spring form dish by lining base and sides with parchment paper.
Start making the base by adding all the ingredients into a high-speed blender and blend until it resembles a crumbly texture.
Spread mixture into prepared dish and use your hands to press mixture firmly. Place in the fridge whilst preparing topping.
Drain and rinse the cashews. Place in blender and pulse with 1 tablespoon of the coconut cream. Scrape the sides and pulse again with 1 tablespoon of coconut cream. Repeat this process for a third time to ensure that the cashews are as smooth as possible.
Add the remaining ingredients and blend on medium to high speed for 30-40 seconds until the mixture is all smooth.
Remove the base from the fridge and poor with the topping mixture. Place the cheesecake in the freezer for 4-6 hours to set. Remove cheesecake from freezer 20 minutes prior to eating.