text:
Nextwave #1
Warren Ellis (writer), Stuart Immonen (penciler), Wade von Grawbadger (inker), Dave McCaig (colors), Chris Eliopoulos (letterer), Sean Ryan (assistant editor), Mike Marts (consulting editor), Nick Lowe (editor), Joe Quesada (editor in chief), Dan Buckley (publisher)
Nextwave is an elite team of heroes consisting of Elsa Bloodstone, Tabitha Smith, Monica Rambeau, Aaron Stack and the Captain. He and Elsa are having a drink in Abcess, North Dakota, which is in the shadow of a huge construction development, taking place in the hillside above them. The Beyond Corporation© is behind the building work. They have discovered a buried biological weapon of mass destruction (WMD) underground, and are planning on utilizing it for their own needs. Aboard the Aeromarine, General Dirk Anger, the director of H.A.T.E. (Highest Anti-Terrorism Effort) is checking out some new recruits when he is informed that the stolen Shockwave Rider has been located. This smaller craft is being piloted by Aaron Stack, but also on board are Monica and Tabitha. Dirk asks Monica to bring the Shockwave Rider back. She's stolen it after discovering that a former terrorist cell called S.I.L.E.N.T. morphed into the Beyond Corporation©. She explains that they've found the corporation's marketing plan, and it involves using H.A.T.E. and their own resources to product-test unusual WMD's on the American public. She and her team clearly have issues with this. During drilling at the construction site, the biological weapon is revealed to be Fin Fang Foom, a giant lizard which clambers from underground and proceeds to wreck the building site. As Elsa and the Captain prepare to head off the monster, Elsa is attacked by several robots owned by the Beyond Corporation©. She manages to destroy them, whilst Tabitha Smith puts on a flight harness and goes on the offensive against Fing Fang Foom. As she approaches it, she realizes that it's wearing underpants!
(Abcess, North Dakota)
It's a pleasant day in small-town America. The fiery-haired Elsa Bloodstone is sat outside a coffee house with a man known as the Captain. She asks him why he wanted to be a super hero. Was it the clothes? she wonders. He replies that it was probably the mask. He could hit people in the face really, really hard and run away. No one would know it was him. Elsa asks what his super hero name was. "Captain ****," he replies with a grin.
She asks why, for God's sake. He replies that he's from Brooklyn. He's hardly going to call himself Captain Friendly. He adds that he met Captain America once. He asked what his name was, too. This resulted in Captain America beating seven shades of it out of him and leaving him in a dumpster with a bar of soap shoved in his mouth.
He relaxes into his seat and admits he was a bad super hero. He wonders what he's doing there, really. Elsa pours another cup of tea, and reminds him that they're supposed to be checking out the site. The Captain tells her that he asked around, and the locals think that a mall is being built. Above the town, stretching into the hillside, large-scale building work is being carried out. The Captain reckons that maybe the Beyond Corporation© will build a mall there, once they've dug up whatever they think is under there.
Elsa asks if they know what's under there. The Captain replies that Monica and Aaron say the document is unclear; just that it's a buried biological weapon of mass destruction. Elsa can't believe they're excavating it and turning it into a working product. With an empty pot in her hand, she informs the Captain that, if she has to beat up a lot of terrible little American proles today, she's absolutely going to need more tea.
(H.A.T.E.'s flying headquarters - the Aeromarine)
Aboard the strange-looking flying headquarters of H.A.T.E (Highest Anti-Terrorism Effort), its director, General Dirk Anger, is checking out the organization's fresh talent. They're nervous, and stand to attention as Dirk strolls around smoking a cigar. He picks up on the fact that one man looks a little older than the rest. The guy says he's thirty. Dirk tells him he looks like a bag of dried buttskin. He claims he's ninety years-old, so how does he look so pretty? He takes drugs; special H.A.T.E. life-extending drugs. H.A.T.E. has the best drugs because H.A.T.E. loves him and he loves H.A.T.E., every day of his horrible drug-extended terrorist-fighting life.
He continues to point out to the sweating recruits, that every day he smokes two hundred cigarettes and one hundred cigars. He drinks a bottle of whisky and three bottles of wine with dinner. Dinner is meat… raw meat! Through gritted teeth, he tells them that the cook serves him an entire animal and he fights it barehanded, tearing off what he wants and having the rest buried… in New Jersey… for H.A.T.E. Someone informs him that they've located the Shockwave Rider again. As he departs for the Communications Room, the recruits look at each other in bewilderment, and not a little confusion.
(Communications Room)
Dirk Anger asks for the Etheric Loop Recall Televocometer to be deployed. He is seated inside what appears to be a large telephone receiver, and is connected to the Shockwave Rider. This is another strange-looking craft that is inexhaustibly powered by the classified Zero Point Squirt Drive, containing five tesseract zones. It's also stolen.
On board the ship are Monica Rambeau, a former Avenger, and Aaron Stack, also known as X-51 or Machine Man. He is piloting the craft as Monica converses with Dirk. He asks Monica to please return to the Aeromarine with the highly classified experimental aircraft that she and her team saw fit to steal while abandoning their posts. Monica reminds him that he hired them as his elite anti-terrorism team: the Nextwave Squad. But, he's getting his funding and technology from the Beyond Corporation©. Dirk replies that it was an open bidding process. Monica tells him that the Beyond Corporation is what S.I.L.E.N.T. turned into. "Faith-based funding!" says Dirk.
Monica asks rhetorically if he remembers S.I.L.E.N.T. It was a terrorist cell. Dirk thinks that's an oversimplification of the actual situation, but Monica then informs him that they've found the Beyond Corporation©'s marketing plan. It's a blueprint for using H.A.T.E. and their own resources to product-test unusual weapons of mass destruction on the American public. And get payment and political power for doing it. They're not supporting that, and this is why they've left. "Please come back," asks Dirk, unconvincingly. Monica asks Aaron to kill the line. "Yes. Silence fleshy one," he replies. Monica understands the whole robot pride thing, but asks him not to call humans 'fleshy ones.' Aaron understands, and apologizes.
Monica Rambeau's mother always wanted her to get a proper job, so she joined H.A.T.E. When her mother died, she went to hell, and is used as a bucket by giant weasels dressed as cheerleaders. That's what happens when you tell your kids to get a proper job!
Over at the building site, construction workers wearing body-covering protective suits amble around while a colleague operates a massive drill. He plunges it into the ground and starts churning the rock away. It soon reaches a strange patch of green with a dark slit down the middle. The slit opens, and a massive eye appears. The ground shakes and rocks begin to tumble down the hillside. A volcanic-like explosion tears the hillside apart, and a green liquid erupts from the ground and flows toward the town, taking much of the building work with it. Suddenly, the massive lizard known as Fin Fang Foom emerges from the ooze and begins to wreck the building work. Fing Fang Foom has been burning with the need to mate since 1956. He has absolutely no genitals whatsoever. You cannot imagine how annoyed he is.
Outside the coffee house, the Captain and Elsa Bloodstone look up and see the lizard creating havoc on the hillside. "Oh ****," says the Captain. "Abso****lutely, darling," replies Elsa. On board the Shockwave Rider, Monica also sees the lizard tearing towards town leaving a trail of destruction behind it. Aaron already knows all about it, having been hooked into the hull cameras. He's called Tabby.
Monica wonders if they should be using codenames. Aaron thinks his own name is fine, but Monica remarks that when she was in the Avengers, they all had codenames. Maybe they should keep them. Aaron asks what the point is. Does she really want to keep her super hero name? Photon, he mutters. It doesn't exactly strike fear into the hearts of men, surely. "Hello. I'm a tiny insignificant particle. Put down your guns or I'll bounce off you undetectably," he adds, almost with a hint of sarcasm.
Monica snatches a flight harness off him and reminds him that the Captain kept his codename. Aaron replies that the Captain can't remember his real name. Ellie Bloodstone never had a codename and Tabitha has about nine. "And they all sucked," says Tabitha, as she wanders into the hold, hands on hips. She was on the phone when Aaron called, and she asks what the problem is.
Monica tosses her the harness and tells her they're going live. Tabitha is surprised that there actually is something there. The marketing plan she stole appears to have been right. Monica informs her that, whatever it is, it's a hundred and fifty feet tall and is probably going to eat the town. Tabitha asks why she needs to fly. Monica says she'll get trodden on if she doesn't. "Isn't that English girl fighting on the ground?" asks Tabitha. Monica says that she is, but she annoys her.
In Abcess, the Captain and Elsa, carrying a guitar case, are crossing the road when Elsa is hit by a Jeep with four odd-looking individuals in it. They are wearing orange suits but their heads make them look like robots. Elsa is knocked flying through a music shop window and the Captain turns, concerned. Elsa calls to him to go take care of the lizard. She can handle this. She warns him not to argue with her, or it's the Kenyan nipple torture for him again. The Captain takes to the air under his own steam.
Elsa stands up inside the shop as one of her assailant's approaches, telling her he will fire her with bullets now. She smashes him with a guitar, and proceeds to attack the others in a similar manner. Her super strength allows her to snatch a gun off one and crush it in her fingers. He runs to their Jeep, but Elsa destroys it, ripping out the engine bay. This last remaining assailant aims his weapon at her, but knows it won't do much good. Elsa punches the guitar through his stomach and also his seat, before opening his jacket to find him sporting a badge. 'Beyond Corporation© Human Resources Department.'
Elsa returns to pick up her guitar case and gets on the phone to the Shockwave Rider. She informs Monica and Aaron, and anyone else who is listening, that Beyond© know that they are there. She's been attacked by some freaks badged as their Human Resources Department of all things. They're fighting a war on two fronts. It's lucky that she brought her sweets. She kicks open her case to reveal two rifles. Monica asks Elsa if she killed the men. When she ran the Avengers they didn't kill people.
(flashback)
Did Monica always hold life so sacred? As a young girl, she is at her window daydreaming. Outside is a small yappy dog, doing what yappy dogs do best. This irritates the hell out of Monica. Without even moving, she uses her powers to zap the dog, which sits there, blackened and smoking. "Bad dog go sizzle pop," she smiles.
(present)
Elsa replies that they're not people. Monica tells her that they have two arms, two legs and bad suits. They might be crappy people, but they're people. Elsa reminds Monica that she comes from a line of near-immortal monster hunters, and she knows a non-human when she sees it. Aaron scans her victims remotely, and agrees that these humanoids were probably grown on slabs of genetically modified kelp. They move like people, but they're missing a bunch of organs and most of their brains. In fact, he adds, they're wearing software: Beyond Corporation© Fightpersona XP™ in fact.
So, they're plant-based robots driven by a computer operating system, he surmises. They might not even be alive. They have more in common with Broccoli than they do with Monica, or him. Monica hates broccoli. "Let's kill 'em." she says. First, however, there is the small matter of the giant lizard that the Beyond Corporation© has awoken. She asks Tabitha to go tame it.
Tabitha, wearing the flight harness, jumps into a pool of red fluid that seems leads to an exit under the craft. Some kind of forcefield keeps it from spilling out, but allows Tabitha egress. She flies towards Abcess, and as she approaches Fin Fang Foom, she realizes that it's wearing purple underpants!
Elsa Bloodstone, The Captain, Monica Rambeau, Tabitha Smith, Aaron Stack (Nextwave)
Dirk Anger
H.A.T.E. recruits
Beyond Corporation© employees
Fin Fang Foom
Residents of Abcess, North Dakota
Four robots
Restaurant customer
(in flashback)
Monica Rambeau
Small annoying yappy dog
The title's subheading is, 'Healing America by beating people up.'
Tabitha Smith hasn't been seen since X-Force (2nd series). She has gone by the names of Boom Boom, Boomer and Meltdown, but it looks like she has dropped all those names now.
Aaron Stack, formerly called Machine Man or X-51, was last seen in the final issue of his own series, X-51 #12.
Elsa Bloodstone has only ever appeared in her own four-issue limited series back in 2001. She is the daughter of Ulysses Bloodstone.
The Captain makes his first appearance here.
Monica Rambeau first appeared in Amazing Spider-Man Annual #16, and is a former lieutenant in the New Orleans Harbor Patrol. She called herself Captain Marvel, but changed her name to Photon in Avengers Unplugged #5. When Genis-Vell took over the name she relinquished the title, calling herself Pulsar instead.
There is no such place as Abcess, North Dakota.
All the swear word asterisks in the book are small skull and crossbones.
The Shockwave Rider has nothing to do with the Shockwave Riders that first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #381.
This Issue has been reprinted in:
Nextwave Agents of H.A.T.E. Vol. 1: This Is What They Want
Fantomex.
Nextwave #2 »
New Mutants: Dead Souls #1
Rogue has had the psyches of two Avengers stuck in her head, Wonder Man and Carol Danvers.
Nextwave #1 (Director's Cut)


And back with part two! WordPress was acting up last night and I kept getting an error when I tried to post this, so sorry for the delay! I won't bore you all with the long intro like I did last time.
Once I was finished with the collar (which I talk about making in part one) I moved on to the skirt. I cut my skirt to be thirty eight inches long, and one hundred thirty inches wide.
I spent and hour folding and pressing a perfect double half inch hem and pinning it in place.
later on that night I spent three hours hand sewing the hem with a slip stitch. I went very slowly and sewed carefully to avoid creating pulls, or puckering the fabric.
Once that was done I pressed it, again, and then began gathering. Each forty five inch wide panel was gathered down to thirteen inches. I pinned the giant gathered rectangles onto the bodice lining and sewed it in place.
I set that aside and moved on to the next step – sleeves!
I started by making the cuffs, since they were the most "difficult" and detailed part of the whole thing. Each cuff is made from three (well four if you count the lining) rectangles of varying sizes. One rectangle makes up the wristband, and the other two are ruffles.
I started by cutting the wristbands out (twice) once from silk, and again from muslin. Since I planned on embroidering eyelets on these I decided to reinforce the silk with a lightweight fusible interfacing.
For the first layer of ruffles I cut a single eight inch wide strip of silk. Then I cut it in half so I had two twenty three inch lengths – one for each cuff.
I folded these in half and sewed across the tops so they had seamless hems. For the second ruffle I used some leftover bits of the folded four inch strips, which were originally used to make ruffles on the collar.
I gathered both strips by hand and sewed them together. Then they were sewn onto the wristband, creating these!
I folded the top edge over so the wrist band was an inch and a half wide. As you can see here, the edges are all raw and messy.
But before I could fix that by sewing in the lining, I had to make the sleeves. The sleeves weren't very difficult at all, due to limited amounts of fabric I didn't really have a choice with how they were shaped which actually made it easier.
I drew out the shape I wanted on muslin, folded it in half, cut it out, and that was my pattern. Super technical.
I cut the sleeves from both silk and muslin, then sewed them right sides together. I left the edge that would be attached to the cuff completely open so I could turn the sleeve right side out.
Once the sleeve was ironed it looked like this!
I hand gathered the edge that would be attached to the cuff, and stitched them together.
Then I stitched in the eyelets and prepared to sew the side seam up.
This is the interior of the cuff, and as you can see it's finished quite nicely! One of my goals for this year was to really improve on my craftsmanship and finishing skills, and I think in this that shows in this garment.
Once the side seams were done up I pressed them open – I was overly excited by this, since it was my first chance to make use of the seam roll, which I bought myself for Christmas.
I sewed the sleeves onto the bodice lining. Then I sewed the collar on, and lastly I did up the back seam. Much to my annoyance my memory card corrupted without me realizing it, and I continued to use it which ruined my ability to retrieve the files. So you will have to use your imagination for those final steps!
My dressform was decked out with pinned petticoats in progress that would have been difficult to remove,so I placed the dress on top of them and used a scrap of silk to make a waist tie, without it the garment doesn't have much shape to it.
So please ignore the slightly uneven hem – it has to do with the petticoat, not the dress itself!
I really enjoyed working on this project – it was ruffly, and simple,but so satisfying to make. I'm really pleased with how it came out, both appearance and construction wise. I would say it's easily the best finished garment i've ever made!
Since a few people have asked me how long things take, and how much they cost, I kept track this time!
I just now tuned in; I am going to have to look back and see if you made any other posts about this! At first I thought you were making a chemise la reine, and then I saw the top and thought mid- 19th century, and now I see it's a modern dress with historical references! It is very beautiful! 🙂 The fabric you chose is also very lovely.
The end result is really lovely! And reffering to your Tumblr page, I'd LOVE to see workspace wednesday videos. I'm a real hoarder myself and I love seeing another sewer's process and workspace. Keep up the good work!
All of these costumes are beyond amazing! I wish I was just half as good! Kudos to you!!


"A widow should be long-suffering until death, self-restrained and chaste"
Although officially submitted by Canada, 'Water' becomes only the fifth Indian movie to be nominated for an Academy Award. The first winner of that group (in the Best Documentary category) was 'Born Into Brothels' last year and I hope 'Water' will continue that tradition. It combines a controversial story, tremendous acting performances and beautifully shot scenes making it one of my two favorite Indian movies of the year (my favorite one will be reviewed in the next few weeks). 'Water' is one of those rare movies that captures you from the first scene and doesn't let you go until the final one. Each line of dialogue is perfectly written and every actor delivers a stunning performance. The simplicity of the sets adds to the grace and power of the film's message.
The shooting of 'Water' was interrupted by Hindu fanatics for 5 years as they objected to the subject matter of how widows are treated in Indian society. A crowd of 2000 rioters burned down the sets in Benares and issued death threats against all those involved in the making of the movie. The production eventually was moved to Sri Lanka where filming resumed under a fake movie title and the film was finally finished 5 years after it was begun. The three female leads all provide memorable performances but none more than Sarala, the eight year old child who plays Chuihya. Sarala had never acted before making this movie nor did she speak a word of Hindi - astonishing considering how naturally she disappears into her role.
My favorite song from the movie is the haunting Piya with music composed by A.R. Rahman (who has said this is the most artistically complete album he has ever created). So tune in on Sunday night to see if the most successful Indian movie to be released in the US (and still unreleased in India) can become the second one to take home the Oscar gold.
I saw Fire and thought it was ok, then Earth and absolutely adored it (Rahul Khanna...i love him :)) and so now with great anticipation am waiting to see Water! And i love A.R. Rahman's music. It's actually already on the shelf at my local DVD store but i haven't had the time to go down and rent it. But i can't wait though :) Beautiful pictures!
Too Bad, Water didn't win at the Oscars....that was kinda disappointing.
Water is just such a special movie. I think if more Oscar voters would have actually seen it then maybe... It is the movie that I loan out to my friends who have never seen Bollywood (and those who have of course too) - they give it back to me and always thank me for the experience.
I totally agree with you--Sarala as Chuihya was fabulous! I had no idea she didn't speak Hindi, or that this was her first acting experience. She was so "real" to me in this film, that I just wanted to gather her up and take her away from that place!
I agree with both of your points Nida - I too wanted to scoop her up and take her away from all the sadness. John Abraham played his character with the understated presence he needed but at times it was too much so. His ideas were pretty grand but could have used some more fire in the delivery in certain scenes.


Amazon non-Prime members can now receive free shipping on orders priced $25 or more, online price tracker BestBlackFriday has discovered.
The free-shipping threshold was previously at $35.
This news comes after Wal-Mart lowered its free-shipping requirement to $35 earlier this year.
Adding to the e-commerce battle among retailers to woo customers over with special deals, Amazon is now making it even easier for shoppers to qualify for free shipping — and $10 cheaper.
Amazon wasn't immediately available to comment.
The company hasn't formally announced these latest price changes, as Amazon has traditionally kept quiet when adjusting free-shipping minimums. The drop to $25 marks the second time in three months that Amazon has lowered its minimum requirement.


Today's the kind of day where anything could happen - and that might include meeting 'The One' from DateWhoYouWant's list of good looking White men in Sierra Leone! When you sign up for free at DateWhoYouWant, you can create a profile and check out all of the information from other member's profiles. From this, you'll be able to ascertain whether you'd like to take the next step and interact with some of the members located within your area. At DateWhoYouWant, you'll always be able to move at your own pace from a comfortable environment.
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Our Health Enhance assessment provides an in-depth view of your health with male or female health checks and up to one hour with a doctor.
You'll receive a set of health tests and measures relevant to your personal needs that will help you to get a clear picture of your current health and a view of any future health risks.
You'll get up to 60 minutes with a Bupa doctor who will provide a targeted physical examination and any additional relevant tests. These tests include male and female specific cancer checks. With up to an hour devoted to your needs you can discuss any health concerns you have.
A comprehensive set of tests aimed at giving a clear picture of current health and identifying any future health risks, directing you towards a healthier lifestyle through access to Bupa Boost and lifestyle support after the assessment. It also includes male or female health checks and a consultation with a Bupa doctor for up to 60 minutes.
Age range - Designed with those over 40 in mind, but available to everyone over 18.
Our health assessment has been designed to help you start engaging with your health before the day of the assessment and beyond.
Before you have your assessment we'll ask you to complete an online questionnaire covering current physical activity, nutrition, medical and family history, sleep and mental health. We'll email you a link to the online questionnaire, or you can download and print a copy to bring with you on the day if you prefer. You can find the appropriate questionnaire for your assessment here. You'll also have access to Bupa Boost, our mobile health and wellbeing app, to help you track and measure your health and fitness goals.
Each assessment will involve a core set of tests and measures which aim to identify key health risks, focusing on cardiovascular, diabetes and chronic kidney disease risks, musculoskeletal issues and lifestyles issues. We will then review test results and discuss what they mean for you, including steps towards minimising health risks and improving your long term health.
As part of the assessment you will have a lifestyle consultation and a review of the pre-assessment questionnaire, with guidance and coaching to encourage healthier lifestyle choices. An action plan of practical goals will also aim to help improve your long-term wellbeing, with the chance to review the results of your assessment in detail online.
One of our lifestyle coaches will provide two follow-up calls to support you after the assessment. You will also have continued access to the Bupa Boost app, so you can track your goals and monitor your progress, as well as 24/7 access to Bupa nurses via the Bupa Anytime HealthLine.
My Bupa allows you to view and download the results of your health assessment. You'll also be able to compare prior year's results and view your personalised report, as well as access health information, useful videos and online coaching programmes.
It's never been easier to be proactive about your health with our health and wellbeing app – Boost. With Boost you can set personal goals for different aspects of your life, such as fitness, relaxation, nutrition and mindfulness. It's the fun and sociable way to help you stay healthy.


Hyssop is a hardy perennial (Zones 4-9) that prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Plants will tolerate poor soils and once established, thrive in dry conditions.
Hyssop should be started indoors in early spring and transplanted outside when plants are 18" tall and the danger of frost has passed. Seed can also be direct sown outdoors once the danger of frost has passed. Optimal soil temperatures for germination are 65-80°F. Sow seeds 1/8" deep and 8-12" apart. Seeds will germinate in 10-20 days. Thin seedlings so mature plants are 24-36" apart.
Harvest above ground parts, with or without flowers, once plants become established. Use fresh or dried in tinctures, syrups, etc. Flowers are also edible and make a nice addition to cakes and salads.


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Steering Platform
Steering Platform Member Area
Western Balkan Countries
Kosovo*
*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
Supported by Danube-INCO.NET.
[Event Review] 4th Research and Innovation Meeting, Vienna 9-10 June 2019
A credible enlargement perspective for and enhanced EU engagement with the Western Balkans
Access4SMEs guide: to assist and support SME's in applying for Horizon 2020 projects
Booklet: H2020 focus areas for 2018-2020
2017 Roadmap for EU – Enlargement Countries S&T cooperation
Providing researchers with the skills and competencies they need to practise Open Science
News archive - Progress made in Science, Research and Education: Report 2016 - the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Chapter 25: Science and research. The EU provides significant support to research and innovation. All Member States can benefit from the EU's research programmes, the more so where there is scientific excellence and solid investment in research.
There is a good level of preparation in the area of science and research. Some progress, although limited, was made on research activities, while support for innovation in companies was further developed. In the following year, the country should:
continue increasing the level of investment in research, in particular in the private sector
promote participation in the EU's Horizon 2020 research programme;
adopt a 2016-2020 programme for higher education and scientific research and take actions to strengthen research capacity in line with the European Research Area priorities.
In the area of research and innovation policy, no action was taken to strengthen research capacity. The strategy on research, which expired in 2010, has not been updated. Due to lack of funding there were no calls for support of science and research and the national programme on higher education and scientific activity has not been updated. The level of investment in research improved slightly to 0.52% of GDP, which is significantly below the EU average.
With respect to innovation union, an Action plan for implementing the innovation strategy 2016-2018 was adopted. However, the grants available under the Innovation Fund were not fully disseminated due to the companies' lack of capacity.
The first results on the country's participation in the Horizon 2020 were mixed: there was successful participation on societal challenges but the participation of SMEs and grants for individual researchers (Marie Sklodowska Curie) was weak. The overall country rate of success in Horizon 2020 is about 10.31% (as of March 2016)with a value of EUR 2 million, which is less than the national contribution.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Research drew up an action plan to stimulate participation in H2020.
In support to the European Research Area, the country provided public funding for 115 researchers to participate in international scientific meetings and ratified the International Agreement establishing a Centre for Research and Innovation of the Western Balkans to implement the Regional Strategy on Research for Innovation. The Ministry of Education, Science and Research has limited capacity to prepare a new European Research Area roadmap.
Scientifc field / Thematic focus
Cross-thematic/Interdisciplinary
News: Key findings of the 2016 Report on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
News: 2016 Enlargement Package: credible enlargement process key to driving transformation and anchoring stability in Southeast Europe
News: 2016 - Progress made in Science, Research and Innovation in WB | Towards 2017
Document: The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 2016 Report
Entry created by Anna Sirocco on November 16, 2016
Modified on November 16, 2016
Western Balkan Countries Information Platform on Research Technology and Innovation is currently funded by the European Commission through the INT Service Facility for the Support of the Steering Platform on Research and Innovation for Western Balkan Countries (Specific Contract No. 30-CE-0864059/00-47). It builds upon the original platform WBC-INCO.NET.
Kosovo* (This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Polga Basics introduces you to Polga. The Polga DVD increases balance and co-ordination, adds strength and flexibility, and is so much fun!
Polga increases the range of motion for more effective body training. Combining pole fitness with yoga is a truly universal workout covering a whole range of aerobic, stretch and core muscles.
When yoga is combined with the pole a whole spectrum of moves can be incorporated and included into a fitness routine.
Designed for very beginning polers with low fitness and flexibility level. Might be okay to adapt stretches from. Bounces in stretches and doesn't hold long enough, teaches the monkey climb. Like the pigeon/quad/back stretch using the pole. Not a bad DVD for beginners, but I think most people would advance past this quickly.


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Home/Prints/Irish City & Country Scenes/Munster/Kerry
A Boat Trip from Portmagee to the Skelligs, Co Kerry
The spectacular Skellig Michael island is the site of an early Christian monastic settlement 12 km off the coast of county Kerry, and is a Unesco World Heritage Site, made famous by the filming of Star Wars. Boat trips leave from the colourful town of Portmagee and Valentia Island can be reached
Scroll down for further information. Growing up in Ireland, we all enjoyed a day in town for a bit of shopping and tea and an iced cake in the local cafe!
Scroll down for further information. Who doesn't love a day out in the beautiful Irish countryside? All that lovely fresh air gives your sandwiches an extra deliciousness! Enjoy working on the farm and caring for the animals! It's great being close to nature in our wonderful countryside!
Ireland; Those Were the Days!"
Limited Edition Print. Scroll down for further information. Remember jumping onto the moving back of the bus? Queuing for the telephone box? The hum of the electric milk float at 6am? Ah yes, those were the days!
Scroll down for further information.
Out & About in Killarney, Co. Kerry
Limited edition print. Scroll down for further information. We are all very proud of this vibrant little town and the incredibly beautiful surrounding countryside which makes Killarney a very special place indeed. Overflowing with history, heritage, activities, wildlife and world class hospitality; Killarney is populated with enthusiastic and welcoming people, and
The Wild Atlantic way
Limited edition print. Scroll down for further information. In this vivid print, you can explore the untamed west coast of Ireland from Donegal to West Cork. Discover one of the wildest, most enchanting and culturally rich coastal touring routes in the world. Wherever you travel along the Wild Atlantic Way you'll
A Day Out in Dingle, Co. Kerry
Limited Edition Print. Scroll down for further information. Framed by its fishing port, the peninsula's charming little 'capital' manages to be quaint without even trying. Many pubs double as shops, so you can enjoy Guinness and a singalong among pots and nails, wellies and horseshoes. It is a colourful, creative place.
Mighty Munster!
Limited edition Giclee Print. Further information below. Munster play in Thomond Park in Limerick, while Munster fans celebrate in Cork City!
Memories of an Irish Summer
Limited edition giclee print. Further information below. A typical Irish beach scene with wind breaks and deck chairs adding colour! Children building sand castles and playing football, others catching crabs in the rock pools!
Mighty Munster! (Portrait)
Limited Edition Giclee Print. Further information below. Munster fans celebrate in Cork City, past the Rock of Cashel to Thomond Park in Limerick.


AMCOLLECT is quick to assess new technology and implement it on a regular basis.
Our state of the art call center utilizes a sophisticated and analytical software package known as RMEx (Receivable Management Expert) which operates on an IBM Power 8 server. RMEx is an Expert System which utilizes Artificial Intelligence thus providing us with extreme flexibility, total control as to how the software should run and an increased level of automation in order to meet the needs of an ever changing debt collection industry and client expectations. It is designed to help control account flow, comply with Federal and State regulations, ensure that client requirements are met and those company policies are followed. This software allows us to implement rules that are to be followed by the collection agent and those rules cannot be overwritten. It also allows us to maintain state and local compliance policies.
The RMEx software is coupled with a fully integrated iTel dialer to maximize collector contact with consumers. This dialer will abandon fewer calls than a regular stand-alone dialer thereby increasing contacts and reducing potential complaint calls. It will not dial more calls than there are available agents to handle them. Like RMEx, it allows us a lot of flexibility and control that cannot be overwritten at the staff level. Calls can also be controlled/routed to specific agents. Federal and State Regulations are also met. All calls are recorded for quality assurance, compliance and training purposes.
In order to enhance collector productivity and modernize their "experience" on the system, a stand-alone GUI interface rounds out our infrastructure. The RMEx collection software and ITEL dialer, designed and fully supported by the Quantrax Corporation, is probably the most sophisticated product combination available to our industry. Like most dialers, iTel can determine the difference between a live voice and a recording, passing the live calls to our agents and relying on its IVR technology to leave an automated message for the consumer. This increases the chances of coming in direct contact with the consumer which improves collection rates.
We understand that the most vital component in any collection and recovery effort is the human element. Our objective is to provide collectors and managers with the tools they need to make their collection efforts as effective as possible.


Many students continue to study the same way they have for years, even with advances in technology. Students read and reread text, highlight text and information, and read again. While these strategies can help someone learn new knowledge, they may not allow students to learn and retain information in a way that can be applied long term.
Reading and rereading takes time and, in most cases, doesn't result in retention of the information. Students are comfortable with this form of study though, as it instills in them a familiarity with the content that leads them to believe they are learning.
Retrieval learning — most simply defined as pulling information from memory to respond to questions — helps make the memory stronger. As faculty, we encourage students to practice test questions as part of their study routine without realizing this might be the most valuable study technique of all.
A new study by Uner and Roediger (2017) illustrates the key principles of retrieval learning. They studied students reading biology chapters and compared groups of students. One group read the chapter, another group reread the chapter, and a group read the chapter and responded to practice questions. The questions occurred after sections, at the end, or both. Practicing retrieval (responding to questions) resulted in greater recall in an exam administered two days later, more so than reading. Responding to questions while reading the chapter and after reading led to even better recall.
Think about the difference in responding to a question versus reading. Taking information from memory and responding to a high-level, well written question that encourages critical thinking is essentially helping to cement that information into knowledge that is readily retrievable in the future. It is easier to read and reread text, while it is more difficult and time consuming to ponder a high-level question, review all the potential responses (all of them seem plausible in a well written question), and then decipher the best response. In responding to a question, a student needs to pull multiple pieces of information or knowledge together, analyze the data, identify what the stem/question is really focusing on, and then select the best response.
This brain work is helping to cement a level of thinking beyond memorization and understanding — think of it as using all the tools in the tool box to create something new and special that is not easily forgotten.
The principles of retrieval learning described in the cognitive science literature is intriguing and something we should consider more frequently in nursing education. Instead of focusing on "how many NCLEX® examination-style questions should my students practice" to be ready for the NCLEX exam, let's think about how we can encourage practice in retrieval learning and use questions in a variety of formats and activities. One of my favorite illustrations of this practice is the use of HESI Case Studies as homework, followed by faculty using item analysis to identify cohort weak areas, and then opening the HESI Case Studies up in class to debrief. Ask students about various responses and why they were selected — what is the rationale? Have students join in the discussion and share their rationales and thought process on their conclusions. Students can learn from each other. Lastly, try changing some of the content in the Case Studies with a twist using "what if" questions. Change the scenario or patient symptom or lab value to illustrate an important concept.
Using questions in a variety of activities and formats helps students retrieve and use the information and content they are learning, and gets them thinking more like a nurse in a clinical setting who needs to make a decision.
My last point on retrieval learning is that students, in general, are not interested in this type of learning. Ideally, many students want to be told in class what they need to know and be passive, not realizing that the effort yields benefits in retrieval learning. I don't blame them. Responding to high-level questions is not an easy way to get through a course. But it is a good way to learn to think like a nurse and to retain key content and concepts. It takes more time and energy, but in the long run, students rate classes with low-stakes quizzing more favorably. Consider working as a faculty team on using the principles of retrieval learning more systematically and consistently in your program, so that retrieval learning becomes a method of learning that students embrace and value.
Agarwal, P.K., Roediger, H.L., McDaniel, M.A., and McDermott, K.B. (2017). How to Use Retrieval Practice to Improve Learning. Washington University in St. Louis. http://pdf.retrievalpractice.org/RetrievalPracticeGuide.pdf Last accessed October 12, 2017.
Brown, P.C., Roediger, H.L., and McDaniel, M.A. Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning. The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 2014.
Uner, O. and Roediger, H.L. (2017). The Effect of Question Placement on Learning from Textbook Chapters. Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jarmac.2017.09.002.


In life and love we find ourselves.
Two jade eyes gazing up at me, releasing all the doubt and insecurity. No room for such negativity now that I'm finally free. Brown hair a tangled mess, barely more than peach fuzz but nothing less. Tiny fingers and toes wiggling in excitement, struggling to escape her fuzzy and warm confinement. These are the days when the worst thing is a pink colored blanket and food approaching on a flying spoon. These are the days her moms are nothing more than ridiculous loons. But these are also the days of rocking chairs, baby cribs, dirty diapers, Disney movies, and learning all about child care. Nothing more beautiful than the beginning days of mother hood. Nothing more important than raising a child to be good.
Nothing more desirable than loving her with you.


I like Greggs Sausage Rolls too!
Tonight's quiz was a wonderful friendly quiz with all the players rallying together and having a wonderful time. There were dogs abound and children everywhere and it was a lovely atmosphere. Nice to see the Quilter Quizzes back with some guests and thank you very much to the wonderfully named Greggs Sausage Rolls who came last and vanished early but did tell me of their love for the aforementioned rolls because of their Northern roots. In the end, a Little Bit of a Sl*g were my winners- congratulations to them!


Latest > Drone downed by 8 year old!
Ruby Kavanagh is Australia's best 8 year old golfer. She's played in the US Kids Golf World Championships where she placed 32nd out of 92 players. And now she can be forever known as the destroyer of drones.
Practicing at the Magenta Shores Golf course in New South Wales, Ruby Sent a tee ball soaring into a drone being operated by her uncle, Alex Kavanagh.
Now we're not entirely convinced this isn't a set up. Kavanagh does run a website called Dronegear.TV, although Ruby does sound so upset and sincere with her apology.