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IFH 287: How To Have Your Best Year Ever in 2019!
December 13, 2021 January 1, 2019 by Indie Film Hustle
Welcome to 2019 IFH Tribe! Last year was one hell of a ride for Indie Film Hustle. I shot a feature, On the Corner of Ego and Desire, which is coming out Jan 2020. I launched the world's first streaming service dedicated to filmmakers and screenwriters Indie Film Hustle TV and I also wrote a book called Shooting for the Mob, more on that on the next episode. Needless to say, 2018 was a crazy year for me and the IFH Tribe.
On today's episode, I discuss ideas and tactics to help you reach your goals in 2019. I also go over how goals without a plan are just wishes and how you can change that. I want 2019 to be that best year of your life. I hope this episode can help you start this year's journey off on the right foot. Ask yourself the questions,
"How bad do you want it? What are you willing to do to make your dream come true?"
Once you answer those questions for yourself then you can get down to the business of making your dream come true. Get ready for an inspirational kick in the butt. Happy New Year, now let's get to work!
So today's episode, we're going to talk a little bit about what happened in 2018. But we're also going to talk about how we can help you get to your goals next year. And what you're going to have to do to change that mindset, or to put yourself on the right path to follow that dream that you've been chasing all those years. So first and foremost, I want to review a little bit of what indie film hustle has done over the course of 2018. This was a stellar year for the podcast for the indie film hustle brand in general, we, we were I was able to shoot Personally, I shot my first my second feature at the very beginning of 2018 at the Sundance Film Festival called on the corner of ego and desire. And I know many of you have been asking where and when will I be able to see this film. And the film will be out in the first quarter of 2019. And it's going to be definitely on ifH. tv. But it will also be on iTunes, Amazon all those places as well. So you'll be able to watch it everywhere. Coming up in the first quarter. And I'm very excited to have that movie come out so you guys can see it. And it's really a love letter to to you guys to filmmakers, independent filmmakers, and to the craziness that we do as filmmakers. And also in 2018, I was able to launch indie film, hustle, television or nickel hustle TV. It's the streaming service. And if you guys have not checked that out, please head over to ifH tv.com. It is the first streaming service dedicated to filmmakers. And I'm so excited that it's grown as much as it has, and has provided more and more value to the tribe and to the members of ifH. tv. I have so many amazing things coming out for ifH. tv. In the new year we will be changing over to a weekly release date, meaning that every single week there will be new movies, new content, new courses, new interviews, all this amazing content we'll be continuing to add to the ifH TV library as we continue to grow in 2019. Also in 2018, the podcast has grown exponentially. The downloads and people listening to ifH podcast and also the bulletproof screenplay podcast have grown just in ways that I could not even believe it's gone up probably 25 to 30% this year alone, and I'm very very humbled and blessed that you guys are finding so much value in the podcast. So thank you again so so much for all the support and spreading the word because I know you guys are spreading the word about ifH and the podcast and Everything we're what I'm doing at indie film, hustle. So thank you for that. And I also did something else this year, I wrote a book in 2018. And I'm going to have an episode coming up, either later this week or early next week, and I'm going to be discussing the book. And the book is about the toughest and most brutal time of my life as a filmmaker. And it is a hell of a story, my friends, it is, it's got everything you could ever want in a story. And it is based completely on true events. And I don't want to spoil anything about it. But I will tell you the title of the book, and the title of the book is called shooting for the mob. I'll leave it at that. You guys listen to the episode coming up later this week or next. And I'm going to break everything down about the book it is, it is the toughest thing I've ever had to do. And I really hope it does some good out there in the world. And I did that all in 2018, I'm very, very excited about that book, it's going to be a big launch. And it's going to be everywhere. So I'm going to be hopefully doing book tours and, and workshops and things like that around the country, and hopefully around the world, eventually, but that's coming up. So that happened in 2018. So I'm very excited for it as well. And this was the first year that I was able to finally dedicate 100% of my time to indie film, hustle indie film, hustle TV and everything I'm doing for the tribe, I am so blessed and humbled and honored to be doing this kind of work for you guys. It allows me to go off and shoot a movie at Sundance when I want to. And it allows me to continue to help as many of you the tribe as humanly possible. And I have a lot of things coming up in 2019. That's going to be mind blowing, to say the least. So thank you so much for all the support. Now that's a quick review of everything that I have had happened to me in 2018. And I wanted to talk to you guys about what you guys can do to get to your dreams to get to your goal for 2019. And I've got a few things I want to talk to you about in regards to that. I want you guys to do me a favor. Now. When you review what you've done in 2018, ask yourself this question, what did I do to move myself forward to more to move myself towards my goals, my dream to getting to that mountain top? What did I do in 2018? To do that, and you have to be really honest with yourself. Because if you didn't do everything you possibly could, then you have no one else to blame but yourself. You need to do the work to get to where you want to be. I hate to tell you this, guys, but you have to pay the price for your success. And you have to pay the price in advance. That means you're gonna have to do a lot of work for free. Meaning that you're going to be doing a lot of sweat equity, and writing and learning and educating yourself and reading books and listening to podcast and taking courses and all this stuff and going out and shooting stuff. But you're gonna have to put all that work in at the beginning of this journey to get to the goal. So you're gonna have to pay the price for your success up front with no guarantees. But I do promise you one thing I do guarantee one thing, if you go for it every day, and every day, you move forward a step or two every day, I promise you, at the end of 2019 you will look back and go Holy cow, I was able to do this, I was able to do that. I put these tools in my toolbox. I'm this much smarter. I'm this much more experienced. I made these contacts. I made these films, I wrote those scripts, all of those things will be at the end of 2019. But you have got to put in the work in advance for your success. What is the price you have to pay to achieve the success that you desire? That is a question you have to ask yourself. Okay, that's the question you have to ask yourself, you know, no matter where I'm walking to anywhere in the world, when I'm out there doing errands when I'm at the supermarket, when I'm you know cooking, I have earbuds in my ears and I'm listening to podcasts. I'm listening to audiobooks constantly. I'm constantly educating myself and using the free time that I have while I do other things to listen, to learn to grow. You know while I'm working on my computer all day, I have courses running in the background. I have masterclass dot Calm stuff going on. I've got things from ifH TV that I haven't even gotten a chance to see all through, as well. I'm constantly watching things, documentaries, things in the background, constantly moving me towards the goals that I've set for myself. And you guys have to do that as well. And if you have an iPhone, you're listening to this, obviously. So you either have an iPhone or, or you listen to a podcast somewhere, wherever you listen to a podcast, you can listen to it on your phones, you can put it on your smartphone, and listen to podcast no matter where you walk into. And it's free, podcasts are free. But if you want to take it up a notch, then you get audio books. And you start listening to audio books and start growing every single time you have free time. And I promise you, you will go so much farther, and get so much closer to your goals by doing that, than if you just sat around watching TV or, or did nothing during that time. Use every hour every minute of the day, to move yourself towards something sure you get to relax sometimes and decompress, watch a little TV, watch some movies, you know, play a video game, things like that, but read as much as you can listen to as many audiobooks as you can listen to podcast, take courses, educate yourself, because that is the key to getting you closer to your goal. I also want to talk about the story that we tell ourselves. We all tell ourselves these stories that we believe these illusions sometimes about who we are what we're capable of. And those stories that we tell ourselves are the stories that hold us back. Those that sometimes are if you're if they're negative stories, those are the stories that hold you back. Those are the stories that that create doubt that you become super critical of your work or what you're trying to do. Because you're afraid you're afraid of putting yourself out there. You're afraid of failing. I hear that so much. You know about people who are who are deathly afraid of failure. And like we fail as often as you can, man, that's that's the best teacher failures. The best teacher success teaches you nothing. Failure is what teaches you so fail and fail often is what I always say I failed. So so so many times in my life. I can't even tell you how many times some are epically fail failures. I wrote a whole book about it, about my biggest failure in my life. And it's okay because I learned a lot. It makes me It made me who I am. It'll make you who you are. But you can't be afraid. And you've got to change the narrative in your own head. You've got to change the story that you're telling yourself. Okay, change that story in 2019. You know, you are good enough. You are smart enough. You have the experience. And if you don't, you'll get it. Okay? We're not all going to be David Fincher. Spielberg, Scorsese, Tarantino, we're not. It's just, it's just not going to happen for everybody. At that level, I promise you, but what can happen is you can be the best of who you are. Your goal should be the best person, the best version of yourself. Okay, that's who you should be aiming at. That is who you should be focused on every day is becoming the best version of you. Because I promise you something. When you're on your deathbed, you're not going to be worried about Oh, man, I wasn't, I didn't make it to to be as good or as big as, as Hitchcock. Or as Scorsese, or Spielberg or as Coppola, or any of these big guys, directors. Or I didn't write screenplays like Sorkin or Goldman or Shane Black. It's okay. Because at the end, when you're on that deathbed, the only race that you're running is a race with yourself. At the end, you go out the same way you came in alone, alone. And all you can look back is like I did I give it my best. Can I do the best I could? Honestly ask yourself that question. Am I doing everything I can to get to where I need to be. And I don't want to hear excuses. I don't want to hear like Alex I work. You know, a lot of hours a day. I'm like, do you have a commute? Do you do have an hour commute every day? Well, listen to a book. listen to a podcast during that time. I don't have money to go make a movie. How much can you make? What do you have to do to get the money to make a small movie, but I want to make a movie that costs a million dollars like Dude, you can't Yet, you haven't made a movie that costs $1,000, why would someone give you a million, you need to take baby steps towards things, man, you got to take steps towards the goal, you know, no one's gonna give you a $200 million movie, your first movie out. If this doesn't work that way it doesn't. You've got to earn it, you've got to work your way up that. So as opposed to trying to chase that million dollar dream at the beginning of your journey, then man, why don't you chase that $10,000 movie, or the $5,000 movie first, then graduate to the next level. And the next level, the next level, it's like, I'm gonna be a construction guy, I'm gonna, I'm gonna build houses in the very first day before I even know how to pick up a hammer. You're trying to build a house. And not only a house, but like a half a million to $2 million house. But you've never even built one house that small, you haven't built a shack yet. You've seen other people do it. But that's the mistake that so many of us make, we go after the big goal right up front. And, and that's, it's hard, because you can fail. And you can often feel very badly by doing that. Where you could actually go after smaller goals upfront, and move yourself forward, you inch yourself forward every time you do that. So in 2019, set up goals for yourself that you know, you can achieve today, you know, you can achieve today, and tomorrow. And next week and the week after and the month after. And sooner or later, you're going to get to the point where like, you know what my next goal is going to be the million dollar movie. And the next goal after that's gonna be the $10 million movie, and so on, and so on, and so on. But you've got to work every day, you've got to change the narrative. In your head, you've got to change the story, you're telling yourself for so many years, I told myself the story that I wasn't good enough, or I wasn't smart enough. Or I couldn't make those type of movies because I didn't have the technical skill, or whatever the reasons were, I didn't have the money or whatever, whatever those excuses were, you can't do that to yourself. You've got to tell yourself, you know what, I may not be at the level where I want to be today. But dammit, I'm going to be at that level in a year or two years or five years. And not only am I going to put those goals out there, but I'm going to, I'm going to set up a system, I'm going to set up a way to get those bowls every month, every week, every month and every year. Because goals, without setting up ways to get to those goals are called wishes. They have no power. If you set a goal, like you know, at the end of this year, I'm going to make a movie, well, how are you going to do it? What's the plan, you've got to set up a plan to get to that goal. If not, it is a wish. It's a wish. That's a goal without any power without any gasoline, without any juice, it's useless. If you're going to set up a goal, set up a plan on how to achieve that goal. Okay. And that's when I get you through 2019 that's going to get you to the goals that you're trying to achieve. And the dream that you're trying to achieve. You have to also create new habits, habits that are going to get you to your dream I've done in my own life, I now wake up at 4:30 in the morning, to go workout at five every morning. And ever since I started doing that, my body has changed, I have more energy, I can actually produce more, I can actually create more, because I feel good on the healthy. You know, that's a new habit. I started listening to audio books constantly, and podcasts constantly throughout my day. Because that's a new habit I've created to get me towards the goal I need to get to. You need to create new habits in your life, whatever they might be, whether they be working out eating better dieting, because that's all part of this journey. Guys, you've got to take care of yourself, whether it's meditating every day, 30 minutes, you know, instead of watching or playing that game or watching TV or playing a game, you take 30 minutes out of your day, and you meditate because it's going to help you center yourself. ideas come out of that the grid some of my best ideas have come out of my meditation session, the sessions. most creative stuff because when you go in is where a lot of the good stuff is. When you meditate to create those new habits, create those habits that are going to get you towards your goal. And I promise you at the end of 2019 you will be much farther along than you were when you first listened to this episode. And there's a book I want to recommend to you actually two books I want to recommend you guys listen to or read. At the beginning of 2019. Okay, the first book is called the Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, and is a practical guide to personal freedom. Sounds great, right? In the book, Don Miguel reveals the source of the self limiting beliefs that rob us from joy and create needless suffering in our lives. It's based on ancient toltec wisdom. And the Four Agreements offers a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform your life. And you knew experience of freedom, true happiness, and love in your life. And I've read this book many times in his amazing book, and it's a great book to start your year off with. And if you have to done after you're done with that book, read the fifth agreement. That's one book all about the fifth agreement. And it is a great companion to the Four Agreements. And it's just an amazing book as well. If you read these two books, it might change a lot of things that you have going on in your own mind, and a lot of things that are holding you back, I promise you. So I'll put links to those two books in the show notes at indiefilmhustle.com/287. And of course, I appreciate that you click on those links, because if when you click on those links, it helps support indie film, hustle, and what I'm trying to do for the tribe and for the filmmaking community in general. I really hope this helped you guys out. And I hope 2019 is an amazing year for you guys. I really, really hope that nothing I swear in my in my in my soul, I want nothing but the best to everyone who listens to this podcast, to get to the dreams that you need to get to, that you want to get to. I want you to be the best version of yourself. In 2019. And onward, I need you to figure out what you need to do to get to whatever that dream is. If your dream is to write a screenplay, great, write a page a day. And in 90 days, you'll have a screenplay. Write one page a day, and you'll have night and 90 in 90 days, you'll have in three months, you'll have a screenplay. If you do that four times, you'll have four screenplays by the end of the year. It's doable. It's done many, many times over. You can do it. You see how you, you don't go after the entire screenplay. And one time you go after a page a day, can you do a page a day, two page a day, outline it, plan it out. And then do a page a day. And don't look back. That's that's that's setting up a plan and goals. And there's many other ways that you can move forward after that after you have your first second, third, fourth screenplay. You know, maybe take the year to hone your craft and not try to get yourself out there. Make a short film a month, make a short film every three months. Learn grow. Get as many sets as you can read as many books as you can just make a plan to get to the goal that you want to get to guys because I really want everybody in the tribe to have an amazing 2019 All right, I hope this was of service to you guys. I hope this helps you on your journey. It comes from the deepest parts of my soul. This episode. I've been thinking about it for a long time. And I really want to put something out there like this for you guys to start your year off. Great. Again, I want to wish you nothing but a happy and healthy 2019 Happy New Year. And I wish you nothing but the best in this new year and moving forward on your filmmaking, screenwriting or just your general journey through life. As always, keep that hustle going. Keep that dream alive. And I'll talk to you soon.
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom – (FREE AUDIOBOOK VERSION HERE)
The Fifth Agreement: A Practical Guide to Self-Mastery – (FREE AUDIOBOOK VERSION HERE)
Indie Film Hustle TV (Netflix for Filmmakers and Screenwriters)
Categories Blog, Podcast Tags Alex Ferrari, new Years resolution


Climb inside the 2019 Kia Sedona. Under the hood you'll find a 6 cylinder engine with more than 270 horsepower, providing a smooth and predictable driving experience. Kia infused the interior with top shelf amenities, such as: variably intermittent wipers, a trip computer, an outside temperature display, turn signal indicator mirrors, power windows, remote keyless entry, and cruise control. Storage solutions are integrated throughout the interior, demonstrating thoughtful attention to detail. Third row seats expand the maximum passenger capacity to 8. Audio features include an AM/FM radio, steering wheel mounted audio controls, and 6 speakers, providing excellent sound throughout the cabin. Kia also prioritized safety and security by including: head curtain airbags, front side impact airbags, traction control, brake assist, a security system, and 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS. Electronic stability control ensures solid grip atop the road surface, no matter how challenging the driving conditions. Our sales reps are knowledgeable and professional. We'd be happy to answer any questions that you may have. Come on in and take a test drive!


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Nikolayevskoye Urban Settlement is the name of several municipal formations in Russia.

Nikolayevskoye Urban Settlement, a municipal formation which the settlement of Nikolayevka and two rural localities in Smidovichsky District of the Jewish Autonomous Oblast are incorporated as
Nikolayevskoye Urban Settlement, a municipal formation which Nikolayevsky Settlement Okrug in Nikolayevsky District of Ulyanovsk Oblast is incorporated as

See also
Nikolayevsky (disambiguation)

References

Notes

Sources

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Kim Dotcom's Extradition Hearing To Be Live-Streamed
A New Zealand judge has granted Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom's request to livestream his appeal of a decision ordering him extradited to the U.S. to face criminal copyright charges. The hearing, which starts on Wednesday, will be streamed on YouTube.
Yahoo Email Privacy Settlement Gains Final Approval
Arstechnica
A judge has granted final approval to a privacy settlement that requires Yahoo to pay $4 million to class-action attorneys, but doesn't require the company to stop scanning emails for ad purposes. Instead, Yahoo must make some technical changes to the way it performs the scans. "In the end, we'll add this case to the list of other so-called "privacy lawsuits" that essentially enrich a cottage industry of plaintiffs' lawyers, do little to protect or compensate consumers, and don't change the tech sector's behavior in any real, meaningful way," writes Ars Technica.
FCC Won't Appeal Court Decision To Reinstate Muni-Broadband Restrictions
The FCC won't appeal a recent ruling that reinstated restrictions on muni-broadband in Tennessee and North Carolina. "Sometimes you've got to know when to fold 'em," Harold Feld, senior vice president of advocacy organization Public Knowledge, told Motherboard. "This case was always something of a long-shot, but now it's too much of a long-shot to put money on."
California May Legalize Ballot Selfies
Ballot selfies will be legal in California, if Gov. Jerry Brown signs a measure passed last week by state lawmakers. Currently, California prohibits voters from showing their completed ballots to other people; the new law lifts that prohibition to allow people to voluntarily disclose their votes.
Sprint Charges 'Unlimited' Data Customers $20 A Month To Avoid Video Throttling
Sprint will charge its "unlimited" mobile customers an extra $20 a month to watch video in 1080 lines per screen high-definition. Otherwise, video will be throttled to 480 lines per screen. The move comes one week after T-Mobile rolled out an "unlimited" data plan that throttles video to 480p, unless customers pay an extra $25 per month.
Megaupload Founder Wants Extradition Hearing Streamed
TorrentFreak
Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom, who resides in New Zealand but is under indictment in the U.S. for criminal copyright infringement, wants his extradition hearing live-streamed. A lower court in New Zealand recently found that Dotcom could be extradited, but he is appealing that decision to the High Court in Auckland -- which is capable of streaming the proceedings.
Rural Broadband Providers Seek Exemption From Proposed Privacy Rules
Rural broadband providers say they should be exempt from the Federal Communications Commission's proposed broadband privacy rules. The WTA (formerly Western Telecommunications Alliance) says in an FCC filing that proposed rules would affect their ability to communicate with consumers about service changes and upgrades.
Lawmaker Wants Facebook To Enforce Gun Sales Ban
Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) wrote to Facebook to ask the company to enforce its ban on gun sales. "While I commend the platforms' facilitating the reporting of prohibited content related to gun sales by users, I urge Facebook and Instagram to redouble their efforts to develop and deploy technology that can enforce their gun-sales ban without relying so heavily on user reporting," Markey wrote. "Facebook and Instagram's ban on private firearms sales should have the teeth it needs to be effective, so that it can truly prevent guns from falling into the hands of those who should not have them."
Google Fiber Launches In Salt Lake City
Google Fiber is now signing up customers in Salt Lake City -- the seventh metro area to receive Google's Gigabit Internet service. Gigabit Internet will cost $70 a month, and 100 Mbps service will cost $50 a month.
WikiLeaks Compromised Privacy Of 'Hundreds Of Innocent People'
WikiLeaks has published information that compromised the privacy of "hundreds" of innocent people, The Associated Press reports. In the last year, WikiLeaks has published people's medical files, financial information and named teenage rape victims.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The MP6001 is a monolithic Flyback/Forward DC-DC converter which includes a 150V power switch and is capable of delivering up to 15W output power.
The MP6001 is a monolithic Flyback/Forward DC-DC converter which includes a 150V power switch and is capable of delivering up to 15W output power. It can also be used for boost and SEPIC applications.?The MP6001 uses the fixed-frequency peak current mode primary controller architecture. It has an internal soft-start, auto-retry, and incorporates over current, short circuit, and over voltage protection. The MP6001 can also skip cycles to maintain zero load regulation.?It has a direct optocoupler interface which bypasses the internal error amplifier when an isolated output is desired.?The MP6001 is ideal for telecom applications, and is available in a compact, thermally enhanced SOIC8 package with an exposed pad.


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Ten arrests, two injured at neo-Nazi rally in Sweden
Ten people were arrested Saturday at a rally of neo-Nazis that was met with thousands of counter demonstrators in the Swedish capital of Stockholm
Ten people were arrested and two were injured in Stockholm on Saturday in clashes between police and anti-fascists at a rally by Swedish neo-Nazis, police said.
An AFP photographer said thousands of anti-fascists gathered in central Stockholm to protest against a rally being held by the Nordic Resistance Movement (NMR).
Police placed a protective cordon around the NMR rally, which numbered hundreds of people, the photographer said.
Police said they made five arrests among anti-fascists who tried to break through police lines before the demonstration eventually dispersed in the afternoon.
Spokesman Lars Bystroem told TT news agency that a policeman was hit by a demonstrator, and a second individual was injured in circumstances that were unclear.
The NMR, set up in 1997, promotes an openly racist and anti-Semitic doctrine, and press commentators had questioned the wisdom of authorising Saturday's rally, given the likelihood of violence.
#Sweden,
#neo nazi,
#afp


A contemporary Spanish hacienda, Fortuna's design effortlessly blends classic colonial with a modern edge. From the signature red tile roof and rustic wood awnings of the exterior to the relaxed elegance of the interior appointments, this home is beautiful inside and out.
United under a sky-high ceiling, the bright and airy living and dining area includes a polished wood table with seating for 10, along with several plush sofas positioned around the fireplace. Majestic stone columns and two spectacular wrought-iron chandeliers add elegant structural details to this grand space. The gourmet kitchen is adjacent and features premium stainless steel appliances, striking marble countertops and a visually-stunning vaulted brick ceiling. With its multitude of windows and just the perfect amount of decor, Fortuna's ambience is sun-filled, spacious and uncluttered. Neutral tones in the floors and walls keep things bright and create a refreshing sense of calm throughout the home.
Fortuna's five principal bedroom suites feature luxe linens, spacious ensuite baths and ocean views from every room. Vaulted wood-beamed ceilings reflect the enduring charm of the colonial era, and fans swirling overhead fill each space with cool ocean breezes. Fortuna also has a sixth suite, perfect for families, with 2 Queen beds, an ensuite bath, kitchenette and garden view terrace. An entertainment room with a large flat screen, wet bar and ample seating is the ideal place to gather with friends and family for dinner, drinks and a movie.
Outdoor living at Casa Fortuna is truly stunning. The uniquely-designed pool includes a shallow sunning area and submerged pedestals at the infinity edge, so guests can sit and admire the brilliant blue Sea of Cortez. Flowering Poinciana trees provide shade and palms sway in the breeze, creating a relaxed, tropical vibe on the terrace. Past the elevated Jacuzzi, stairs lead up to the deluxe bar and grill area sheltered under a thatched palapa. In the evenings, Fortuna's two fire pits cast a soft romantic glow, as the stars shine in the sky over Palmilla Bay.
With its beautiful private setting close to town and every possible amenity you need, Casa Fortuna offers each guest an unforgettable vacation experience.
This villa is amazing, the scenery is impeccable and the housekeeping is continuously up to date. Any concerns are handled immediately.
Great house in a great location! Palmilla is very relaxed and a nice distance from both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. There are housekeeping staff and a concierge that take great care of everything. We had a change of plans and went from a set of couples staying into the house to a bunch of guys which the host didn't like, but eventually accommodated after a phone call and an extra security deposit. Regardless, this is an awesome house with great staff.
No questions found for Casa Fortuna, click the button below to ask the first one!


Kwok Tai Motor & Pump Company was established in 1997. It appears to import and sell a wide range of goods including pumps, generators, gardening equipment, agriculture tools…and village vehicles (VVs) of both wheel and crawler type.
The company's address is G/F, Tai Fook Centre, 17 Kin Tak Street, Yuen Long with a retail outlet at G/F, 398 Reclamation Street, Mongkok.
This photo, showing Kwok Tai, was taken by IDJ on Cheung Chau island in November 2015. He'd noticed that many village vehicles there still retain manufacturers or ID plates on their structures riveted on the chassis near or below the battery boxes or on the steering column.
This article was first posted on 10th July 2016.
Related Indhhk articles: Village Vehicles (VVs) – made where?


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Research and resources, Stella's eyes, The Patch, toddler
Free webinar by Susan Barry: How the system lets down children with vision problems
Here we go again. Like tube feeding, vision is an area in which children aren't getting the care and solutions they need and deserve. Stella just started patching, because her brain was starting to favor her right (strong) eye. And it's already become clear (fun with puns!) that without extra effort and research on my part, her outcome, even though we are patching as directed, would be far less than optimal. Thankfully, I have the time and ability and insurance coverage to make it all happen. But I keep wondering, what about the many parents of children with vision and feeding tubes and other health issues who don't?
Luckily for us anyway, three recent and perfectly timed events have made me feel that I'm on the right track in terms of how to approach Stella's treatment…
1.) We recently chose a new eye doctor for Stella (our third opinion became our number one choice!) who emphasizes vision therapy in treating eye issues like Stella's (conditions like strabismus, accommodative esotropia, ambylopia, etc. etc.). She was vastly superior to the others in terms of her attentiveness to Stella as a human being, her ability to do vision therapy with the very young (our second opinion did vision therapy, but said Stella wouldn't be eligible for years), and her support and tips on how to patch successfully. Seattle Children's Hospital? They just handed me some adhesive patches to stick on Stella's almost-two-year-old eyes, with almost no explanation or and certainly no acknowledgement of how big a deal it was, noting only that patching is "not that bad." Bullshit.
2.) I'm currently reading a ray of hope in paperback form, Fixing My Gaze by neuroscientist Susan Barry. She couldn't see in 3D until her late 40's (she had strabismus from early on, like Stella). The ability to see in three dimensions affects life in a myriad of ways, including the abilities to read, drive and play most sports. The book is as much about neuroplasticity as it is about vision, and I have found most of it fascinating (some of it a bit dense and technical and hard to follow). It has opened my eyes (the puns are too easy to resist here, sorry) in so many ways.
3.) Yesterday, I received an email from Stella's new eye doctor telling me (and all her patients) about a free webinar being given by Barry, author of Fixing My Gaze, on Thursday. I was thrilled! The email, besides letting me in on a great opportunity to learn from a true knowledge leader in the field, confirmed that we'd found one of the rare doctors who can help Stella achieve her own personal best in terms of vision.
The meeting's name pretty much says it all: "School Crossings: A Neurobiologist's View of How Our System Fails Children With Vision Problems." I was so thrilled to find out about this, and again, to get assurance that we'd found a wonderful doctor for Stella. One of the rare few who are truly informed about vision therapy, the kind that helped Barry see the world in full, volumous beauty.
I have only a basic understanding at this point, though it's growing all the time. But most opthalmologists (including the one we saw at Seattle Children's) and optometrists seem to heavily rely on patching (often alone) to address situations where the brain is favoring one eye, as is beginning to happen with Stella. When the vision imbalance is left untreated, blindness in the weak eye is likely. However, patching is not a real solution or adequate treatment for many, as upon completion of occlusion, the brain slowly reverts to favoring the same eye. Both eyes are strong after months or years of patching, or have equalized (sometimes the strong eye deteriorates due its suppression) but the brain has not learned to use the eyes together. Vision therapy is needed to get the formerly weak ("lazy" or ambylopic) eye to coordinate with the strong eye and create a complete, stereopic view of the world. Proper therapy often results in a long-term cure, enabling 3D vision and other vast improvements. So many children are having to settle for significant, even quality-of-life-reducing vision impairment when in fact, they could see major improvement or perhaps complete resolution of their issues.
Many doctors still believe that there is a small window in early childhood during which eye problems must be addressed, lest be rendered irreversible. Barry's research and personal experience shatter this falsehood. For the benefit of children like Stella, Barry is shouting her discoveries from the mountaintop, and I am extremely grateful. On the other hand, as we recently embarked on the patching journey, which I was not expecting at all–I was truly blindsided (ugh, another pun?), the book has scared me and made me cry. It's made me realize the full scope of how Stella's vision and life experience could be impacted if she is not properly supported. Seriously, I've been listening to Celine Dion's "That's the Way It Is" and bawling, about once a day. And I'm not a Celine Dion type of person. I'm a Neko Case fanatic. But, "it's an uphill climb and I'm feeling sorry, but I know it will come to you, yeah" kind of hits the nail on the proverbial, three-dimensional head. I'm working hard and it feels like, once again, there's a lot on the line and if I don't stay vigilant and question everything every doctor tells me, Stella will suffer.
Anywho, I've signed up for the webinar and encourage other parents of children facing visual challenges to do the same! Virtual "seating" is limited. I will blog about the talk here, in case you miss it. The details, from the original email announcement from the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD):
School Crossings: A Neurobiologist's View of How Our System Fails Children With Vision Problems
Hear Dr. Susan Barry answer questions about difficult school experiences that resulted from her vision problems; how, for example, she was mislabeled as a low aptitude student and assigned to a special problems class, and what her mother did to help her child succeed. And more….. including what you can do to help your child succeed!
TO REGISTER FOR THE MEETING: Go to www.joinawebinar.com, fill in the meeting ID number 547-423-251 and your email address, click on "CONTINUE," then fill out the brief form that comes up next and at the bottom of that screen be sure to click on "REGISTER."
If you have ANY difficulty registering or any problems during the webinar, contact TECH support for gotowebinar.com at 800-263-6317.
Click here to read the full press release, including more information about Susan Barry (aka "Stereo Sue").
3D vision accommodative esotropia amblyopia eye patch fixing my gaze patching seattle children's hospital stereoscopy strabismus susan barry toddler vision therapy
If you have a daughter, you'll understand
olga · August 24, 2010
hooray for finding someone on the cutting edge of things!!! and alas, it seems that a f-ck up during a crisis siutation just kinda destroys our sense of trust in future medical encounters. *sigh*


text:
Home	Cape Town News	Site preparation for Monwabisi desalination plant kicks off
Cape Town NewsNews
Site preparation for Monwabisi desalination plant kicks off
The site preparation for the Monwabisi desalination plant, one of the City of Cape Town's seven desalination projects, is under way. These projects aim to make additional water available to supplement Cape Town's existing water supply.
The Monwabisi desalination plant is part of the City's dedicated efforts to help see Cape Town through the worst drought ever.
Seven projects have been earmarked as part of the first phase of the City's Additional Water Supply Programme. These are the Monwabisi, Strandfontein, V&A Waterfront, and the Cape Town Harbour desalination plants; the Atlantis and Cape Flats Aquifer projects; and the Zandvliet water recycling project which will collectively produce an additional 196 million litres per day between February and July 2018.
In addition, the City has 12 projects at an advanced planning stage.
'Being mindful of the potential financial impact on water users, the City has worked really hard to see what existing budget it has available by making tough choices and reprioritising spending to boost drought mitigation initiatives. In the first phase, seven projects are being developed using savings and reprioritisation of funds.
'It is anticipated that the Monwabisi plant will produce a total of 7 million litres of drinking water per day which will be fed into the water reticulation system to supplement current supply from the dams and other water sources.
'A nine-week construction period is planned for the completion of the first phase comprising two million litres. The first drinking water generated by the desalination plant is expected to be fed into the reticulation system by March 2018 with the second phase of 5 million litres to follow on after a further nine weeks.
'The plant is intended to operate for a period of two years, based on a service agreement in which the City has agreed to buy water from the service provider, Water Solutions Proxa JV. The value of the tenders for the establishment and operation of the desalination plant at Monwabisi for a period of 24 months is R260 million,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Informal Settlements, Water and Waste Services; and Energy, Councillor Xanthea Limberg.
All plants will comply with national legislation, which also provides for some fast-track measures for disaster relief projects such as the City's emergency projects. Even so, to ensure appropriate controls and governance, the City has established an Emergency Water Augmentation Environmental Monitoring Committee with representatives from all relevant government spheres and departments to oversee the monitoring of the additional supply projects. The committee will also oversee the closure and removal phase at the end of the contracts.
'There will be minimal risks to public health and safety, and work will comply with the applicable national health and safety regulations. All construction areas will be clearly demarcated and will be off-limits to the public. Any pipe work that is not underground will be clearly marked. The plant has been designed to ensure fast-tracked construction and production but with the smallest possible construction footprint.
'The City will monitor the site and regularly test the drinking water that is produced. We are proud that the plant in Monwabisi will be our flagship desalination plant. We are truly grateful for the support of the community leadership and residents in this area. They will be true partners in this exciting and necessary development,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Area East, Councillor Anda Ntsodo.
In addition, the Strandfontein plant site preparation is set to commence which will also produce 7 million litres of water per day when in full production.
The evaluation of a tender for a temporary desalination plant on East Pier Road in the V&A Waterfront is in its final stages. This plant is to be located in an open-air parking lot opposite the heliports, and will produce 2 million litres of water per day.
What is desalination?
Desalination is a process that produces fresh drinking water by removing salt and impurities from salt water. The Monwabisi plant is a Salt Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) plant.
How does an SWRO plant work?
Sea water is abstracted off-shore and conveyed to the SWRO plant via a pipeline
The plant produces high-quality drinking water from the sea water and injects it straight into the City's water reticulation network
The waste product from this desalinisation process is called brine and is simply highly concentrated salt water. This is conveyed back to the sea via a pipeline, and released into the ocean through a diffuser which is designed to ensure that any potential environmental impact is limited
'We all need to stand together, as we have done successfully already by almost halving our water usage, to avoid Day Zero. We will only beat this drought if we continue to reduce our water usage while at the same time doing everything we possibly can to make additional water available,' said Councillor Limberg.
Media enquiries: Councillor Anda Ntsodo, Mayoral Committee Member for Area East, City of Cape Town.
Cell: 083 589 8260, Email: albert.ntsodo@capetown.gov.za (please always copy media.account@capetown.gov.za)
Councillor Xanthea Limberg, Mayoral Committee Member for Informal Settlements, Water and Waste Services; and Energy, City of Cape Town.
Tel: 021 400 1299 or Cell: 073 271 2054, Email: Xanthea.limberg@capetown.gov.za (please always copy media.account@capetown.gov.za)
Cape TownDesalinationDrought crisis
TOP TIPS: Buying a used car this festive season?
Tide Table for January
Being aware and prepared could keep you safe!
Billboard Direct – your online marketing platform
Kommetjie Road Fire Station 'settling in'


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Q: How to call a controller action from another module? I want to call a controller action to send email from my custom module page,
EX : my module template is ->refer.phtml
I want to call a smtp module email controller.
Module path is  HTD/SMTPemail/Smtp/test
My TestController.php
class HTD_SMTPemail_Smtp_TestController extends Mage_Adminhtml_Controller_Action
{
}

How to call this controller action to send emails from refer.phtml file?
Both my phtml file and smtp controllers are in two different module.

A: To answer your question, strictly from the coding point of view, you can do what Magento does:
// @see Mage_Core_Controller_Varien_Router_Standard::match
// instantiate controller class
$controllerInstance = Mage::getControllerInstance($controllerClassName, $request, $front->getResponse());

so you could do something like:
// The action is overwritten in the action controller's constructor; to  make sure
// there are no nasty surprises, we're going to undo this.
$originalAction = Mage::app()->getFrontController()->getAction();

// The action controller's constructor expects request and response objects;
$controllerInstance = Mage::getControllerInstance(
  'TD_SMTPemail_Smtp_TestController',
  new Mage_Core_Controller_Request_Http(), // you can replace this with the actual request
  new Mage_Core_Controller_Response_Http()
);

$controllerInstance->testAction();

// and undo
Mage::app()->getFrontController()->setAction($originalAction);

Now, from the logical point of view, adding this kind of logic in the template is highly not recommended. The templates are only for output; they can use some logic, but the logic has to be contained in their block class, so in the template you can only call $this->??? methods; with the exception of some minor helpers maybe, something like currency formatting for instance.
If the controller action that sends the emails is yours, you could refactor it, move the email sending logic to a model, then you can use that model in both situations, the original controller and the current controller. If the controller is not yours, then you migth wanna take a look at what models it uses and re-use those.
Cheers

A: You can call by using the Controller class name with function name.
For example in your case
TD_SMTPemail_Smtp_TestController::TestAction()

A: you can call as below in your phtml file form action or anywhere you want,
<?php echo $this->getUrl('frontname/controllername/action') ?>

In your case for example,
 frontname = htd_smtpemail // declared as in config.xml
    controllername = test
    action =  sendemail //sendemailAction in Test Controller

<?php echo $this->getUrl('htd_smtpemail/test/sendemail') ?>

A: My suggestion is create a custom module extending module you want to use, then create a helper including send email functionality there.
In send emails action is a good practice to create that functionality in helper so you can call this helper action where ever you want.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Dr. Nasser Saidi: GCC Should Aid-For-Trade
The GCC should tie economic policy conditions to its aid of Arab transition countries, writes the founder and president of Nasser Saidi & Associates.
by Dr. Nasser Saidi
With the ongoing political instability in Egypt, oil-rich UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait generously provided both financial and in-kind aid (oil, LNG) valued in excess of $12 billion to support political transition.
Indeed, Egypt's economy is limping, with growth optimistically expected at 2.3 per cent (whereas six per cent is required), unemployment is at 13.4 per cent, and inflation is running at 11.5 per cent, the budget deficit (including grants) is at 12 per cent and government debt is topping 92 per cent of GDP.
Absent of radical economic reforms, external intervention is necessary to avoid runaway inflation, a further depreciation of the Egyptian Pound and increasing poverty and economic misery.
However, GCC aid to Egypt, Jordan and Morocco is mostly unconditional, missing an opportunity to leverage aid and nudge or condition the aid on governments' undertaking the necessary economic and social policy (safety net) reforms. The risk is that aid will help perpetuate failed and unsustainable policies.
TRADE RATHER THAN AID
The "transition countries" like Egypt, Yemen, Jordan and others need employment creating growth that also generates exports, building international competitiveness.
Rather than unconditional aid, providing Aid-for-Trade would be more effective for macroeconomic stability and job creation.
Aid-for-Trade leads to more rapid growth of exports and imports, raises productivity, creates jobs and income and helps lift people out of poverty.
Across countries, Aid-for-Trade is also strongly correlated with a reduction of trading costs – a doubling of aid for trade facilitation is associated with a decrease in trade costs by five per cent.
Similarly, a doubling of aid for economic infrastructures is found to result in a 3.5 per cent rise in merchandise exports by recipient nations.
Well designed, effective trade agreements supported by Aid-for-Trade are a more potent policy tool for international economic assistance than aid that typically makes countries aid-dependent, fosters corruption, and displaces local production (particularly when the provided aid is in kind).
International evidence shows that the effectiveness of Aid-for-Trade can be boosted if: (a) it is aimed at reducing the cost of trading: focus on easing trade processes including customs clearances, infrastructure & logistics and trade facilitation; (b) it concentrates on skills training and capacity development programmes for the people to be equipped in doing business skills once trade activities increase. Aid-for-Trade investment has to be institutionally embedded to be sustainable. (c) Last but not the least, efficient, effective and realistic monitoring and evaluation of aid for trade programs is necessary for optimal results.
INTRA-REGIONAL TRADE AGREEMENTS HAVE NOT DELIVERED
In a region that is yet to witness the benefits of intra-regional trade in spite of the multiple regional multilateral
trade agreements – Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA), GCC customs union and Agadir Agreement, Aid-for-Trade would brighten the "Arab Winter".
Inter- Arab trade only accounts for 8.6 per cent of their total trade in 2013 (WTO), with the bulk being oil and related products. By contrast, intra-EU trade was 62 per cent of the total and NAFTA was 48.5 per cent.
Despite the establishment of the Arab Maghreb Union over two decades ago, the bulk of Maghreb trade is still with Europe, cemented by Euro-Med association agreements that opened up export markets to the Maghreb but did not attract FDI or create jobs, as evidenced by the continuing waves of migrants from the Maghreb.
Indeed, existing trade agreements tend to link the Arab countries to Europe and the US and divert trade away from the inter- Arab that would otherwise be favoured by geographical proximity, language and cultural recognition. There is little or no trade in inputs or intermediate products, there is no supply chain trade – the fastest growing form of trade, apart from services.
PROVIDE AID-FOR-TRADE NOT AID
The region continues to suffer from insufficient regional and global integration, and harmonising policies
and tariffs would lead to greater trade opportunities, investment and job creation.
Although some countries like Lebanon and the GCC have relatively low tariffs, or have taken steps to lower them (e.g. Morocco and Tunisia), the region's average tariff remains high.
Additionally, the transition towards higher value- added exports has been slow, in part due to low foreign direct investment.
It was to remedy this situation that the first phase of the Aid-for-Trade initiative for the Arab States was initiated in November 2013.
However, the programme has already run into the usual glitches, with lack of common purpose, dissension, lack of political will and commitment from some donors cited as major drawbacks.
This is damaging because trade-enabling measures have far reaching positive effects by raising growth and employment, improving export competitiveness, attracting FDI as a result of lower entry barriers and trade costs, increased regional and international market integration and positive spillover effects across all sectors of the economy by streamlining procedures and cutting wasteful bureaucratic red tape.
The WEF has recently published the 2014 ranking of 138 countries in terms of a Enabling Trade Index, which has four components: market access, infrastructure, operating environment and border administration.
The UAE is highest ranked in our region at 16, but Jordan is at 40, Morocco 43, Egypt at 97 and Yemen at 128.
What would happen if trade enabling reforms were undertaken?
To illustrate: improving border administration and transport and communications infrastructure halfway to global best practice would raise GDP in MENA non-oil countries by 8.5 per cent, exports by 46 per cent and imports by 34 per cent from current levels. The benefits are clear but need reform, limited investment and political courage, drive and will.
TRADE REFORMS CAN CREATE JOBS AND GROWTH
So, what reforms should be implemented to achieve the hidden but within-reach and yet untapped trade potential, especially as many countries in the region are going through a transition phase?
One, targeted investment in trade- related infrastructure, logistics and trade facilitation is imperative.
In particular, GCC governments wanting to provide aid should orient it towards Aid-for- Trade enabling and facilitating reforms and investments.
Two, the GCC should invite the Arab countries in transition (e.g. Egypt, Yemen, Jordan, Tunis and others) to join its free trade area either as full members or through 'economic association agreements' that would provide market access, supply chain integration, and promote trade, investment and labour mobility.
Expanding the foreign trade of the transition countries is the most effective way of raising growth and creating employment, along with massive investment in infrastructure and development projects.
Three, existing trade agreements (GAFTA, GCC customs union, Agadir Agreement) should be deepened and widened to include trade in services and facilitating labour mobility.
Last and most strategic, Arab nations need to 'pivot east' as the global economic geography has shifted towards emerging economies and Asia. Both oil and non- oil countries need to integrate into the New Silk Road supply chain whose growth and trade enabling tendrils are rapidly expanding from China and Asia to emerging economies, including geographically contiguous Africa.
Mary Sophia July 6, 2014


Established in 2003, we are the only independent, locally owned and operated, full service concert production company in the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California. We promote events 52 weeks a year in venues from clubs to stadiums to multi-day festivals and everything in between. APE exclusively operates and promotes concerts at the Greek Theatre at UC Berkeley, San Francisco's Bill Graham Civic Auditorium and The Independent, the Fox Theater in Oakland and Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys. Annual festivals include San Francisco's Outside Lands in Golden Gate Park, Oakland's Treasure Island Music Festival, and Las Vegas' Life is Beautiful. Another Planet also includes Artist Management and Special Events divisions. The founders of Another Planet Entertainment (APE) have a deep and long history in the Bay Area, having previously been with Bill Graham Presents. Named "Top Independent Promoter" in the United States by Billboard Magazine for the past 3 consecutive years, we strive to bring the very best experience to artists and audiences alike!


Fayetta Keys, associate professor (clinical) with the School of Social Work, is one of five inaugural members of Wayne State University's Academy of Teachers.
The academy seeks to create and sustain a culture of teaching excellence based on the diffusion and implementation of evidence-driven, inclusive, and student-centered pedagogical and curricular practices across the university. Among other things, it will support and recognize professional excellence, promote information- and idea-sharing among faculty, and advise the provost on matters related to teaching and learning.
A member of the university's social work faculty since 2006, Keys has demonstrated superlative skill in the creation of sophisticated and innovative learning environments. She serves both as the school's education technology coordinator and as coordinator of the online B.S.W. program (Where Online Works!), in which roles she designs, develops, implements and evaluates new technologies for teaching and learning and conducts onsite professional development seminars, workshops and retreats. At the university level, she has worked to maximize the integration of Blackboard and Canvas across campus and has shared her knowledge of these learning management systems with faculty colleagues in other school and colleges.


O'MALLEY, Lewis Sydney Stewart. 1874 — 10.5.1941. British Civil Servant in India. Son of Bryan O'M., a minister, educated in Norwich and Hertford College, Oxford (B.A.). Entered I.C.S. in 1898, worked as Magistrate and Collector in Bengal, then in General and Revenue Department. Retired 1924. C.I.E.
Publications: Bengal District Gazetteers. 22. Santal Parganas. Calcutta 1910 & 1925, Purnea. Calcutta 1911, editor of the whole series.
– Indian Caste Customs. 9+190 p. Cambridge 1932; India's Social Heritage. 194 p. Cambridge 1934.
– Popular Hinduism. 8+246 p. Cambridge 1935.
– Ed. Modern India and the West. 12+834 p. O.U.P. 1941.
Sources: http://famineanddearth.exeter.ac.uk/displayhtml.html?id=fp_00084_en_bdgazetteerskhulna, photo in http://blog.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/2017/05/making-connections-through-on-line-collections/, more details in https://archive.org/stream/in.ernet.dli.2015.32593/2015.32593.Bankura-District-Gazetteers_djvu.txt.


text:
Q: How to add a ReturnValueHandler to an RxJava Spring Boot Micro service I have written a Spring Boot micro service using RxJava. Currently I am subscribing to the Observables inside the controller class. Now I need to use a HandlerMethodReturnValueHandler as a generic solution to transform between an Observable and Spring DefferredResult. After going through some resources I implemented the HandlerMethodReturnValueHandler interface which is given below.
public class ObservableReturnValueHandler implements AsyncHandlerMethodReturnValueHandler {
    @Override
    public boolean isAsyncReturnValue(Object returnValue, MethodParameter returnType) {
        return returnValue != null && supportsReturnType(returnType);
    }

    @Override
    public boolean supportsReturnType(MethodParameter returnType) {
        return Observable.class.isAssignableFrom(returnType.getParameterType());
    }

    @Override
    public void handleReturnValue(Object returnValue, MethodParameter returnType, ModelAndViewContainer mavContainer,
            NativeWebRequest webRequest) throws Exception {

        if (returnValue == null) {
            mavContainer.setRequestHandled(true);
            return;
        }

        final Observable<?> observable = Observable.class.cast(returnValue);
        WebAsyncUtils.getAsyncManager(webRequest)
                .startDeferredResultProcessing(new ObservableAdapter<>(observable), mavContainer);
    }

    public class ObservableAdapter<T> extends DeferredResult<T> {
        public ObservableAdapter(Observable<T> observable) {
            observable.subscribe(this::setResult, this::setErrorResult);
        }
    }
}

Then I created a WebConfig class where I am adding the ObservableReturnValueHandler to the handler chain as an interceptor. The code is given below.
@Configuration
@ComponentScan(basePackages = { "com.example.*" })
public class WebConfig extends WebMvcConfigurerAdapter {
    @Override
    public void addReturnValueHandlers(List<HandlerMethodReturnValueHandler> returnValueHandlers) {
        returnValueHandlers.add(new ObservableReturnValueHandler());
    }
}

Now my controller class looks like this.
@Controller
@RequestMapping("/api/currencyconverter")
public class CurrencyResource {
    private static final Logger log = LoggerFactory.getLogger(CurrencyConverter.class);

    @Autowired
    private CurrencyConverterService currencyConverterService;

    @RequestMapping(value = "/rates", method = RequestMethod.GET, produces = { MediaType.APPLICATION_JSON_UTF8_VALUE })
    public Observable<CurrencyRatesDTO> getCurrencyRates(
            @RequestParam("symbol") Set<String> currencyRates) {
        log.debug("Retrieving currency rates.");
        return currencyConverterService.getCurrencyRates(currencyRates);
    }
}

But now when I send that GET request I am getting this error:
{ "timestamp": 1485360763263, "status": 404, "error": "Not Found", "message": "No message available", "path": "/api/currencyconverter/rates" }

Then I debugged the code and observed that it reaches the handleReturnValue method in class ObservableReturnValueHandler and the Observable is there. A subscription is made to the Observable successfully at the adapter and it returns after setting the response value to the DeferredResult as expected. There's no any Exception is thrown here neither in the server log, so I have a hard time trouble shooting this. Wonder what is happening afterwards.What is missing here. Any help is appreciated.


text:
May 2, 2018 / Our Future
Should We Have a President?
If we made "America From Scratch" today, would we have a president?
We spend a lot of time thinking, worrying, debating—and, yes, fighting—over who should be our president. But is that the best use of our political energy?
In this episode of "America From Scratch," we explore the idea of eliminating the presidency entirely—and some other alternatives to our current political structure. Experts share how you can make the biggest difference in government today, regardless of how the political pendulum is swinging.
Featuring interviews with:
Larry Jacobs, director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance in the Hubert H. Humphrey School and the Department of Political Science at the University of Minnesota
State Representative Erin Maye Quade, a member of the Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party of Minnesota, representing District 57A, Apple Valley, Minnesota
State Representative Abigail Whelan, a member of the Republican Party of Minnesota, representing District 35A, Anoka.
Please SUBSCRIBE! ►► http://bit.ly/amscratch_sub
Share your thoughts in the YouTube comments. Be sure to subscribe to the "America From Scratch" YouTube channel while you're there!
Want to dig even deeper on these topics? Listen to our podcast!
"America From Scratch" is produced by Rewire for PBS Digital Studios as part of the Twin Cities PBS initiative "In It Together." Made possible with funding from The Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Should we have more than 2 major political parties?
Should our government have a 50/50 gender split?
Should we make voting mandatory?
What if there were no states?
Should we have mandatory military service?
September 7, 2018 / Our Future
Should we police the police?


text:
Politics of Spain
Community of Madrid
Partido Popular (PP)
Partido Socialista Obrero Español (PSOE)
Izquierda Unida (IU)
Unión Progreso y Democracia (UPyD)
Partit dels Socialistes de Catalunya (PSC-PSOE)
Convergència Democràtica de Catalunya (CDC)
Partido Nacionalista Vasco (PNV)
Unió Democràtica de Catalunya (UDC)
Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC)
Coalición Canaria (CC)
Unión del Pueblo Navarro (UPN)
Bloque Nacionalista Galego (BNG)
Iniciativa per Catalunya Verds (ICV)
Geroa Bai
Foro Asturias
Coalició Compromís
Opposition Parties
Regional Presidents
Other Key Figures
Parliament – Cortes Generales
Congress of Deputies
Regional Government
By politicabritanica	Ana Mato, Budget 2012, Economy, Health, José Ignacio Echániz, Trinidad Jiménez
PP and PSOE square up for battle over health reforms
The Next Battleground: Ministry of Health (photo by Miolo)
Undeterred by the blips and wobbles of the markets last week, the Spanish Government is pressing ahead with their economic reforms – today outlining their plans for reform of the health service.
The spokesman for health issues within the Partido Popular, José Ignacio Echániz, went to great lengths to insist that "there will not be cuts" to the health budget. The Government are conscious that being seen to mess with the highly valued state-supported health system would cost them dearly in electoral terms.
Instead, Echániz insisted that spending "adjustments" will have to be made to recover some of health service's €15 billion debt built up by the last Government, but that "the Spanish people will continue to have the service they have known up until now".
The Ministry of Health, headed up by Ana Mato, has revealed that it is "already doing its homework to maintain the essence of the Spanish Health Service: that it is in universal, fair and free for all Spaniards."
"For this reason," added Echániz, "we need to make some reforms, which will be set out for the Autonomous Communities in the next weeks".
To be certain to express his party's support for the health system, Echániz continued, saying that the intention behind the reforms is that the health service remains "the crown jewel of the Welfare State".
However, Echániz was less than candid about whether the reforms would attempt to include the controversial issue of copayment – whereby patients would be required to contribute a fee to received medical treatment.
The opposition PSOE seized on this point to issue a "head-on rejection" of any reforms which include the idea of copayment. Trinidad Jiménez, the Socialist spokesman on Health and Social Security issues, gave a press conference at PSOE headquarters today in which she warned that the issue of copayment was not off the table.
Any inclusion of copayment in the health reforms, she argued, would be "unfair" becacuase citizens "already pay with their taxes and would have to pay again on top of that". Furthermore, it would mean patients would be forced to choose "whether to go or not" depending on their ability to pay.
She had one further warning: "When we look at what other EU countries have done, we see that with copayment the cost of health services have risen, whereas in Spain it is relatively cheap – two points under the average".
Over coming weeks, as the Government begin to set out their reforms to the health service and social security, the skirmishes between the two main parties will undoubtedly escalate over such emotive, and electorally sensitive, issues.
King's return signals fightback
PSOE add pressure on Rajoy over Sarkozy
Debate rages over sentences for pyromaniacs
Sarkozy strikes again
De Guindos insists bailout not an option
Alonso invokes Thatcher's "bitter medicine"
Sarkozy stokes the flames
Onwards and Downwards
Unemployment in Spain – Reuters
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Category: Harassment
Does Colorado have anti discrimination laws?
by Denver Employment Lawyer 12 Oct 2019 7 Sep 2022 Leave a comment
Colorado employees enjoy protections from unlawful forms of discrimination under federal and Colorado anti discrimination laws. These employment discrimination laws prohibit employers from treating employees less favorably than other employees on the basis of one or more protected classes. Employees who suffer unlawful forms of discrimination have remedies under federal law and the Colorado Anti Discrimination Act.
If you believe an employer discriminated against you as an employee or applicant then you should contact a Denver employment lawyer to discuss your case right away. Many employment discrimination claims require you to take specific acts within a short period of time to pursue a lawsuit or other remedy.
Federal employment discrimination laws in Colorado
Federal employment laws prohibit several forms of discrimination against employees and job applicants in Colorado. These laws often overlap with the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act but provide separate rights and remedies from the state law. Federal employment laws prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of:
Age (over forty)
Other employment laws prohibit Colorado employers from discriminating against employees who exercise certain labor and employment law rights, like joining a union or taking FMLA leave, but these are often not thought of as explicitly anti-discrimination laws.
The patchwork of federal anti-discrimination laws (such as Title VII and the Americans with Disabilities Act) give Colorado employees remedies for discrimination on the basis of the protected classes above from acts such as:
failure to hire
failure to promote
harassment/hostile work environment
pay disparity
demotions
Unfortunately these federal employment laws create a confusing mix of rights, remedies and procedures. For example, a Colorado employee who believes he or she suffers pay discrimination on the basis of sex could pursue claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Pay Act. Under Title VII an employee must file an administrative charge with the EEOC within 180 days and follow an administrative procedure before a lawsuit filing a lawsuit. Under the Equal Pay Act a Colorado employee can directly file suit but must do so within two years. If you believe you have a claim for employment discrimination under federal law then you should talk to Denver employment lawyers right away.
Colorado anti-discrimination laws
Like most states, Colorado has its own anti-discrimination laws that apply within its borders. These anti-discrimination laws apply to employment as well as other areas such as housing and public accommodations. Colorado prohibits employment discrimination under a single statute, rather than a patchwork design of federal discrimination law. Colorado enacted the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act to create a uniform structure of anti-discrimination protections for employees and applicants.
What is the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act?
The Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act is the state statute prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of protected classes. The protected classes under the Colorado statute today include all of the same classes protected by federal law but also include explicit protections for gender identity and sexual orientation.
Like federal law, the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act establishes an administrative procedure to enforce the law's protections and provide a forum for employees to pursue remedies. At one time employees could only pursue relief under the Colorado law through the Colorado Civil Rights Division and only limited types of relief. Today the statute allows Colorado employees to pursue claims either through the administrative process or by filing suit in Colorado state courts.
Unlike federal law, the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act covers all employers in the state. Federal laws only apply to employers, depending upon the statute, with as few as two employees or as much as a minimum of twenty employees. For some types of employment discrimination in small businesses, the Colorado statute is the only available remedy for employees and applicants.
In many ways the federal and state employment discrimination laws overlap in remedies, rights and protections but it is important to be aware of the distinctions when pursuing a claim. Often employees and applicants will simultaneously pursue claims under both federal and state law which adds an additional layer of complexity to ensure compliance with both federal and state procedures. Hiring an employment lawyer in Denver can make it easier to ensure your claims are not defeated by failing to comply with statutory requirements.
When was the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act passed?
The original anti-discrimination statute in Colorado was named the Colorado Fair Employment Practices Law enacted in 1957. This law prohibited discrimination only on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin and religion. It created a rudimentary administrative agency and procedure to enforce its anti-discrimination protections in Colorado. A series of amendments added age (over forty), disability, gender identity and sexual orientation.
Colorado was a prominent battleground for LGBT discrimination protections in the 1990s. For as far back as the 1970s several cities had battled over creating municipal protections against various LGBT-related forms of discrimination. In 1992 a state ballot initiative succeeded to prohibit cities from enacting their own anti-discrimination ordinances barring LGBT-related employment discrimination.
This led to Romer v. Evans which went to the Supreme Court who ruled the amendment violated the federal Equal Protections Clause and struck it down. In 2007 the governor signed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act which amended the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act to prohibit gender identity and sexual orientation in employment.
The Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act continues to evolve to improve protections for employees. As recently as 2015 the statute changed to allow employees to file suit in state court and to recover compensatory and punitive damages. Today the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act continues to provide employees in the state with strong employment discrimination protections.
Hiring Denver employment lawyers for Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act claims
When pursuing an employment discrimination claim in Colorado there are many immediate issues to consider. The employee or applicant must determine if federal law also applies to the situation or just the Colorado statute. If federal law may apply then one must assess which laws apply and what procedures are required to pursue claims under them.
Those procedures, plus Colorado procedures must be satisfied–often with technical, precise compliance. The Colorado person pursuing claims must also consider the precise explanation of the discriminatory practices to ensure the description matches prohibited acts under the applicable statutes. There are then later decisions about valuing the claims, when and where to file suit and how to proceed in court or an administrative hearing.
Employees and applicants in Colorado typically are not experienced or familiar with these issues. Failing to follow the right procedures can result in completely losing the right to pursue a valid discrimination claim. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to hire Denver employment lawyers as soon as you believe you may have a claim to give your lawyers an opportunity to investigate your claims and follow the process that presents the strongest case.
Employment Discrimination, Harassment Colorado, Denver discrimination lawyer, Employment law, Harassment
Bill O'Reilly sexual harassment settlements to be revealed
by Denver Employment Lawyer 11 Apr 2018 7 Sep 2022 1 Comment
Bill O'Reilly was once at the top of the food chain at Fox News until the focus on President Trump's sexual harassment crashed into allegations of O'Reilly's own harassment and the cable network cut ties. In the course of litigating O'Reilly's current sexual harassment allegations it has become public that he settled several prior sexual harassment claims with other female co-workers although until now the terms of those settlement agreements remained concealed beneath confidentiality provisions.
The terms of these settlement agreements are unusual and potentially unethical to the employment lawyers representing the plaintiffs.
One such settlement agreement resolved a harassment claim by Andrea Mackris, a former Fox News producer, who settled a 2004 lawsuit. Among the terms of the settlement agreement entered into the court record in the current lawsuit are two unusual provisions:
Mackris must deny the validity of the allegations and insist they are false, even under oath; and
Her attorney would represent O'Reilly and Fox News regarding sexual harassment allegations.
Deny, deny, deny the sexual harassment allegations
It's not unusual for employment lawyers to agree to resolve sexual harassment and other employment discrimination lawsuits with agreements that contain various confidentiality provisions.
Often employers require plaintiffs to not only maintain confidentiality of the underlying allegations but also to alert the employer if a reason ever arises in which the employee must discuss the allegations or settlement agreement in a legal proceeding or investigation. An employee might be called to participate in an EEOC investigation of another allegation of discrimination or subpoenaed by an attorney to testify in a lawsuit about his or her experiences with the company.
In these situations, attorneys for the employer want the opportunity to try to prevent the plaintiff from providing testimony.
However, it is unusual for an agreement to require Mackris to give false testimony under oath or in any other situation which might expose the plaintiff to criminal or civil liability. There are several problems that could exist with this settlement agreement. The agreement may be void under its state law because it is an agreement to commit a future crime. If Mackris gives false testimony in an EEOC or judicial proceeding that exposes her to liability for perjury then it might also expose O'Reilly or Fox News as conspirators in the perjury.
The liability might not fall solely on the parties. The employment lawyers on both sides may share liability as co-conspirators and certainly there could be ethical issues raised by advising their respective clients to enter into this agreement. Mackris's former attorney may be more at risk because he likely advised his client to accept the terms of the settlement agreement and at least implicitly advised her to commit future perjury.
Switch hitting lawyers
The settlement agreement also strangely requires Mackris's then lawyer to become O'Reilly's and Fox News's lawyer to advise them on sexual harassment matters. This is one wacky settlement term not just for a sexual harassment lawsuit but for any lawsuit.
It's clear why O'Reilly and Fox News would want this provision but it's less clear how Mackris's lawyer thought this would be a good idea. The settlement agreement read into the court record states:
"As an inducement to O'Reilly and Fox News to enter into this Agreement, and as a material condition thereof, the Morelli Firm (i) agrees to provide legal advice to O'Reilly regarding sexual harassment matters, and (ii) warrants and represents to O'Reilly and Fox News that it will not, and will not knowingly permit any of its employees, agents or representatives to represent, assist or cooperate with any other parties or attorneys in any action against O'Reilly, Fox News or the Companies arising out of actual or alleged sexual harassment issues, nor will they encourage any other parties or attorneys to commence any such action or proceeding."
Here's why I believe the defendants wanted this provision:
If Mackris's lawyer represents the defendants in related matters then his firm cannot represent any other plaintiff against them;
Which means his law firm cannot use prior knowledge of the settlement agreements or past plaintiffs in future suits against defendants;
And cannot provide that information to any other prospective plaintiff or investigator in subsequent proceedings; and
Cannot advise Mackris about whether the settlement agreement's seeming requirement to perjure herself is an enforceable provision.
O'Reilly or Fox News likely worried that Mackris's lawyer might try to find other co-workers with similar allegations and pursue multiple other lawsuits knowing some of the facts behind the case and how much the defendants would be willing to settle. This is not an unreasonable fear, lawyers do this all the time.
However, while the fear may be reasonable, the way they chose to deal with the problem is not as reasonable. It's not entirely clear from the court record or the settlement agreement why the plaintiff's lawyer thought this term was a good idea but it raises eyebrows to see lawyers agree to become an opposing party's lawyer before the current lawsuit is resolved.
The lawyers for the plaintiffs in the current lawsuit described this as switching sides in the middle of the case which Morelli disagrees as an inaccurate description of what happened. At a minimum it raises serious ethical questions about whether a lawyer can even agree to represent an adverse party before representation of the current party concludes.
What to do if you are sexually harassed at work
Unfortunately sexual harassment is all too common at work in Colorado. If you believe you are the victim of sexual harassment at work then you should find an employment lawyer right away to discuss your situation. Sexual harassment claims generally require you to take specific acts with your employer and then with government agencies before you can proceed with a lawsuit.
Your employment lawyer can advise you how to maneuver these steps to hopefully resolve the conflict or pursue remedies for the harm caused by the harassment. Sexual harassment lawsuits are rarely simple cases so hire a Colorado employment lawyer to give yourself the best chance for justice.
Civil Litigation, Employment Discrimination, Harassment, Sex Discrimination
Colorado legislators hit with sexual harassment claims by staff and interns
by Denver Employment Lawyer 18 Jan 2018 7 Sep 2022 2 Comments
This week Colorado state representative Steve Lebsock met his third sexual harassment allegation by workers for the legislature. He is among the four Colorado legislators currently facing sexual harassment allegations by legislative staff.
As the #metoo movement has given employees the space to bring forward sexual harassment allegations against people in position of power, we are likely to see a continuing flow of allegations against politicians and their circles of power.
As these public cases of workplace harassment continue to appear they will continue to create space for employees of private business to come forward with allegations of sex discrimination in the workplace and raise both internal and external complaints.
Colorado employees who believe they suffered sexual harassment should contact Colorado employment lawyers right away.
Colorado workplace harassment laws
Sexual harassment, like other forms of workplace harassment, is unlawful under federal and Colorado employment law. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits sex discrimination at work, including harassment. The Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act similarly prohibits sex discrimination in the workplace. (Colorado Revised Statutes C.R.S. 24-34-401 et seq.)
Sexual harassment occurs when an employer creates an environment involving severe or pervasive unwelcome and offensive conduct. People often consider sexual harassment to include sexual contact or advances; however, sexual harassment can occur by making sexual or romantic comments without any touching, requests, or offers.
Colorado employees may suffer two types of sexual harassment: quid pro quo and hostile work environment. Quid pro quo harassment occurs when an employer requires an employee to submit to a sexual or romantic request in exchange for work condition. That might include gaining a promotion or raise or avoiding a demotion or termination.
A hostile work environment occurs when the workplace is made toxic by unwelcome and offensive sexual content, such as sexual advances, touching, comments, gestures and other sexual content in the workplace.
Sexual harassment complaints in the workplace
Employees suffering sexual harassment in the workplace may raise internal or external complaints. Which path an employee takes and when the employee complains may be extremely important to a later sexual harassment lawsuit in Colorado.
Most Colorado employers have an internal process for filing discrimination complaints to human resources or an open door policy that makes any supervisor a recipient of a complaint.
Employees may feel uncomfortable with these complaints because it requires publicizing an uncomfortable experience to parts of the company that may be more aligned with the perpetrator than the victim.
However, due to Supreme Court cases in the late nineties, it is sometimes necessary to raise an internal complaint.
Employees may also file external complaints with federal and Colorado anti-discrimination agencies. These complaints may go to the EEOC Colorado office in Denver or the Colorado Civil Rights Division. (Complaints will cross-file between the agencies in most cases.) The EEOC and CCRD can investigate complaints of sexual harassment in Colorado and help employees resolve workplace harassment.
Workplace harassment lawyers in Colorado
Employees suffering sexual harassment in the workplace should contact Colorado employment lawyers immediately. There are several reasons why employees should contact an employment attorney right away. These include:
Your employment lawyer can advise you how to deal with a bad situation before it gets worse
You may be in a position where a hostile work environment is emerging but has not become so severe or pervasive that it is time to move towards a lawsuit. Your Colorado employment discrimination lawyer can advise you on how to handle the situation to try to deescalate the situation and when it is the right time to take action. Scheduling a consultation with an employment law attorney early in the process gives you an opportunity for professional help at every step of the process.
Internal discrimination complaints may be necessary
Although it is often difficult to expose a coworker or manager's harassment, a legal claim against the employer may require an internal complaint. Your employment lawyer can review whether the complaint is necessary and if so, make sure you make the request to the right part of the company.
Complaints to the EEOC and CCRD must occur within a specific timeframe
A major problem with harassment and other discrimination lawsuits arises when employees fail to file timely complaints with the EEOC or CCRD. Failure to file a timely complaint bars a later lawsuit on the same disgusting conduct.
EEOC and CCRD complaints must include the right details about the harassment
Colorado employment lawyers also find problems in harassment lawsuits when the EEOC and CCRD complaints lack the necessary details. These complaints form the beginning of the litigation process. Missing information may impair a later lawsuit even if the employee timely files a complaint.
Employment lawyers can build your case through the entire process
Hiring a Denver employment lawyer late in the process means the lawyer must deal with the situation as it is rather than working with you to build a strong position. The employer or its attorneys may have taken steps to weaken your case.
Often employees enter into mediation or informal settlement discussions without knowledge of the real value of the harm suffered by the harassment. Your Colorado employment discrimination lawyer can help you understand and pursue what you deserve.
Harassment, Sex Discrimination Harassment


Film (1954; 1955 US). Danziger Productions Ltd/British Lion Film Corporation (UK)/Spartan Films (US). Produced by Edward J Danziger and Harry Lee Danziger. Directed by David MacDonald. Written by James Eastwood from the play by Eastwood and John C Mather. Cast includes Adrienne Corri, Hazel Court, Patricia Laffan, Hugh McDermott and Peter Reynolds. 77 minutes. Black and white.
A flying saucer (see UFOs) with a rotating upper section lands in the Scottish highlands to make repairs after being struck by a meteor. Nyah (Laffan), a warrior-woman from a matriarchal society on Mars, emerges with her fifteen-foot tall Robot. She surrounds the Bonnie Charlie Inn with a Force Field and announces to its varied guests that she has come to Earth to collect human males for breeding purposes back home. Long ago, it seems, Mars has a literal war of the sexes with women victorious; over time, the Martian males have all become feeble and apparently sterile. Nyah's robot has an impressive Death Ray which vaporizes anything it strikes. She explains that her Spaceship is made of organic metal, and repairs itself if given time; it is powered by a "reverse atomic fusion" reactor as well, far superior to any vehicle humanity could build. Michael Carter (McDermott), a reporter at the Inn, hopes to get this story as the scoop of a lifetime, presuming Earth's male population can be saved. Doris (Corri) is a maid at the Inn currently being visited by her boyfriend, escaped murderer Robert Justin alias Albert Simpson. After a number of lectures about the superiority of Mars, Albert volunteers to go with Nyah, and causes her ship to explode after take-off by somehow making the reactor malfunction.


For the last decade, employers have been busy adapting to the first digitally savvy employee group – millennials. There is no time to breathe a sigh of relief because Gen Z is entering the workforce, bringing their own ideas and perspectives.
The oldest millennials are now 35, assuming leadership positions and vigorously changing the way work is created, managed, and learned. The challenge of adapting to multiple generations is now getting even more complex as Gen Z enters the workforce. Millennials and Gen Z have some similarities, but there are also differences in how they view work, learning, and the role of their employers.
The next decade will find more millennials managing Gen Z, so employers today must consider how they can develop millennial leaders who understand Gen Z members, reminiscent of the challenge of developing baby boomers who had to learn to lead millennials.


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Norwegian mediators tackle political crisis in Venezuela
Self proclaimed Venezuelan president Juan Guaido speaks at a press conference. Photo: Federico Parra/AFP
Norwegian mediators are trying to help negotiate talks between the government and opposition to end Venezuela's political crisis.
Negotiations to end the political crisis sparked when opposition leader Guaido pronounced himself acting president in January, began in Oslo in May.
President Nicolas Maduro called off the talks a week ago in response to new United States sanctions against his government.
"There's no programmed date" to restart the talks, "but yes, representatives of… Norway are here," said Guaido.
They are "persisting with the negotiation mechanism," he said. The US is one of more than 50 countries to have recognized Guaido as interim president.
Guaido made his claim after the opposition-controlled legislature branded Maduro a "usurper" over his re-election last year in a poll widely viewed as rigged.
Guaido wants Maduro to step down so new elections can be held, but the socialist leader has dismissed that demand out of hand.Last week, Maduro did leave room for the talks to recommence, and Guaido says the government delegates will come back to the negotiating table "sooner or later."
Talks began in Oslo in May before being moved to Barbados where several rounds have been held since the start of July. In addition to the political standoff, Venezuela is suffering one of the worst economic crises in its history with a quarter of its 30 million population in need of aid, according to the United Nations.
Norway to host new talks between Venezuela opposition and Maduro envoys
Nicolas Maduro pledges 'good faith' ahead of meeting in Norway
Venezuela's Maduro hails start of Norway-brokered talks with opposition


Chances are, one of the first things you did as you were planning your business is to draft your Mission, Vision, and Values. These are the guiding principles of your company, right? But, did you take time to create a formal compensation plan which aligns with your guiding principles?
Having a formal compensation plan can help with recruitment, organization, retention, and overall financial planning. It is an integral and important part of your business strategy. But, if it doesn't align with your Mission, Vision, and Values (MVV), then it may not work for you. Here are a few things to consider.
ARE YOU THE INDUSTRY COMPETITIOR? If your MVV brands your company as an industry competitor, this may imply that you are seeking a good range of talent to support the organization. You'll have flexibility to develop a compensation plan with salaries within the median range of the market, and to selectively search for top talent in niche roles.
ARE YOU THE INDUSTRY VALUE? If your company has positioned itself to provide a good value or affordable product within its industry, it does not necessarily mean that the talent will be at the lower range of market compensation. As with each of these categories, the MVV may have other values to consider. For example, you may need to invest in top quality customer service or a nurturing employee environment. Be mindful that, based on the MVV, you may seek to pay the upper range of compensation for certain demonstrated abilities that tie into how you position and promote yourself to others.
When developing a formal compensation plan, there are a number of considerations. Not all employees are looking for the highest salaries. Instead, they may be looking at company culture or the opportunity to grow. Being clear about your Mission, Vision, and Values- and having a compensation plan to match- gives prospective employees the chance to seek out the best company for their needs.
The team at The Resource Squad is available to assist companies with developing an appropriate compensation plan for now, and for the foreseeable future. Let us help you create a plan to attract the best employees while living true to your mission. Call us today for more information.


I am doing it again. Blogging via phone and free wifi while getting my calf and hamstring pampered. Huhu.. Di mana dan bila masa (wherever and whenever) I feel like writing I will ! I haven't been getting enough of rest lately; body mind and soul are screaming for a vacation. 8 hours was granted last night and I woke up feeling as if it was the longest sleep I had for a while. I need more rest but work and expectations keep piling up.
Training – currently increasing mileage for my event end of next month and in June. Oh yes, not forgetting Kenyir. It will be my first Kenyir outing. I hope I won't bump into any weird looking fish in the lake ! I can still recall my solo open water swim in Tioman.. Bumped into this HUGE fish — light blue colored body with yellow circular dots,, Apa lagi, I swam a.s.a.p back to shore !! (as if d fish can't catch up!! LOL).
I am happy to be getting more and more feedback from the readers and followers of this blog– especially those of you taking part in the KL Towerthon. To Zila, nice to chat with u tadi. FYI (in case you haven't noticed) there is a chatbox app on the right column of the blog. Look for the Meebo chatbox. The button on the box will indicate my presence online. Green means that I am online and you can always type in the box to chat with me.
P.s. I'm thinking of getting a pair of rollerblades.. Dah lama gila tak main. Jom ?!
salam. thanks Ijam. will look into it !


Very nice first floor condo for rent! This unit is perfect for students looking to rent their own room in a 4 bedroom. The bathrooms will be shared with one other occupant. It is within walking distance to The University of Florida, Shands Hospital, and the VA. This rental is also within close proximity to Archer Road, which offers tons of shopping and restaurants. The rental comes with ceramic tile floors, carpet in the bedrooms, and is furnished! Electric and internet are separate from rent and are the tenants responsibility. The bedrooms offer mirrored closet doors. Rooms D is still available.


From the Regret-To-Inform-You Department, Eureka's losing a bit of its sparkle with the pending closure of Nocturnum night club. Among other shows, the venue has hosted a monthly LGBTQ night for the past three-and-a-half years. Appropriately, Where's Queerbill is throwing a final big bash on Saturday, Jan. 4.
Sad to report that Nocturnum Nightclub will be closing. We'll be having a LGBTQ Closing Party on Saturday January 4th. Mark up your calendar and come out one last time. Be sure to thank Gil and Nocturnum staff for hosting our monthly LGBTQ events for the past 3 1/2 years. Let's close it BIG!