Our largest residence hall, Naber Hall is a traditional dormitory facility. This three-story residence hall houses 145 people. Naber Hall is furnished with TV lounges (one on each floor), a reception area and a kitchenette. The entire hall is completely carpeted and also contains, per wing, four private showers in a common bathroom.
Single rooms are available upon request.
The townhouses feature 10 townhouse units of seven guests per unit. Each two-level townhouse unit has three single bedrooms and two double bedrooms. The townhouses are equipped with bathrooms, full kitchen and a spacious living/dining area.
The Courtyards are a unique style of housing. The Courtyards have three different options: Courtyard House, Courtyard Penthouse, and Courtyard Efficiency Suite. The Courtyard House is a two-story unit with an open lounge downstairs and a loft overlooking from above. It is a combination of four clusters of three bedrooms with two students per room. A kitchenette is also included in the House complex, which includes a refrigerator and microwave. The Penthouse and Efficiency Suite complexes are similar in that they both are made up of three-bedroom apartment style living (two guests per room). The difference is that the Efficiency Suite is equipped with refrigerator, microwave and stove.


With its Live Data Hub offer, Orange supports the data needs of cities by offering a simple and enriched sharing platform.
With increasingly accurate measurements of its energy consumption, Orange is building more efficient and less energy-intensive networks.
The Bercenay Teleport is using satellites to provide all forms of telecommunications coverage worldwide: from Brazil to India, but also from the United States to Korea.


text:
Impleiten ist ein Ortsteil der oberbayerischen Gemeinde Eurasburg im Landkreis Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen.

Geographie
Die Einöde liegt circa zweieinhalb Kilometer westlich von Beuerberg und ist über die Staatsstraße 2064 zu erreichen. Sie liegt auf einer aus dem Fürstenwalde sanft aufsteigenden Grasleite.

Geschichte
Der Ortsname geht auf althochdeutsch impi ('Biene') und Leite ('Hang') zurück.

Weblinks

 Gemeinde Eurasburg

Geographie (Eurasburg, Oberbayern)
Ort im Landkreis Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen
Einzelsiedlung

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
233 Duncan Avenue, Unit 1 Jersey City, NJ $ 524,900
$ 524,900 Get more info
233 Duncan Avenue, Unit 1
Jersey City, NJ, 07306
Bedrooms3 Baths3.0
Condo for sale in Jersey City, NJ
for $524,900 with 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths.
Leave the hectic city behind and welcome home to this beautiful and spacious three bedroom / two bath condo located in the desirable Journal Square area. Featuring two floors of living, gleaming hardwood floors, granite counter top, stainless steel appliances and an inviting open floor plan. Convenient commute to Jersey City and NYC. Located off Route 1&9, and a short bus ride to Journal Square PATH or take one bus straight into Port Authority Times Square.
Condo Under Contract
Other / Unknown
Appliances Laundry Hook-Up
Heating Source Gas
Location Near Park Near Public Transportation
Restrictions Pet Restrictions
Re/Max Professionals 1
Condo listings in Jersey City, NJ
About Jersey City, NJ
276,709 Population
15% Since 2002
37.13 Median Age
11/19/2020 $524,900 -4.55% Price Down
10/2/2020 $599,000 -9.23% Price Down
9/21/2020 $659,900 -5.72% Price Down
9/9/2020 $699,900 Listed Price
233 Duncan Avenue, Unit 1, Jersey City, NJ, 07306 is a Condo for sale at $524,900. 233 Duncan Avenue, Unit 1 has 3 bedrooms and 3.0 baths. The property's zip code is 07306 which is in Jersey City, NJ
The data relating to the real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange Program of the NJMLS. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Weichert Realtors are marked with the Internet Data Exchange logo and information about them includes the name of the listing brokers. Some properties listed with the participating brokers do not appear on this website at the request of the seller. Listings of brokers that do not participate in Internet Data Exchange do not appear on this website.
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Last date updated: 1/21/2021.
Source: New Jersey Multiple Listing Service, Inc.
© 2021 New Jersey Multiple Listing Service, Inc. All rights reserved.
I would like more information about 233 Duncan Avenue, Unit 1 Jersey City, NJ 07306. MLS# 20037570

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Unfortunatly **this is deprycated**. RyanAir has implemented throttling on their API and therefore this site cannot build any longer. It was nice as long as it lasted. Good challenge also. Learned a lot for PowerShell.

# Ryan Air Weekends

## Repository in progress
The repository code needs still some improvements. Items remaining

- Add feedback link
- Fix some share buttons

## Introduction

I like short city weekend trips. Often I travel with [Ryan Air](https://www.ryanair.com/). Choosing a destination depends on two important questions:

- Is it possible to visit within a weekend? That means
  - Depart to destination on Friday evening after work or arrive at destination on Saturday morning.
  - Depart from destination on Sunday evening or arrive home on Monday early morning before work.
- Price. A weekend before or after doesn't really matter as long as the price is right.

This repository powers [Ryan Air weekend](https://sarafian.github.io/RyanAirWeekend).

## Dependencies

This repository depends on my two PowerShell modules.

- [MarkdownPS](https://www.powershellgallery.com/packages/MarkdownPS/) which makes easy to render markdown content.
- [RyanAirPS](https://www.powershellgallery.com/packages/RyanAirPS/) which queries the RyanAir API.
It turned out that PowerShell was too slow for my requirements, so the time consuming functionality provided by [RyanAirPS](https://www.powershellgallery.com/packages/RyanAirPS/) was ported to pure .NET.

As with my [blog](https://sarafian.github.io/) the site is also powered by [Hugo](https://gohugo.io/) using a simplified version of [Hugo Future Imperfect](http://themes.gohugo.io/future-imperfect/) theme.
Actually the theme is derived from my already modified version that powers my own [blog](https://sarafian.github.io/).

Badges are powered by [shields.io](http://shields.io/)

## Execution order

1. Build the [ExportJSON](VSS/ExportJson/ExportJson.sln) project.
1. Figure out all airport code that RyanAir flies from and the schedule for each destination. [![RyanAirPS](https://img.shields.io/badge/Powered%20by-RyanAirPS-blue.svg)](https://www.powershellgallery.com/packages/RyanAirPS/)
1. Parse the RyanAir open api and store json files in a temp folder.
1. Process the json files and generate markdown files. Files can be generated in two formats.  [![MarkdownPS](https://img.shields.io/badge/Powered%20by-MarkdownPS-blue.svg)](https://www.powershellgallery.com/packages/MarkdownPS/)
  - Hugo suitable with front matter
  - Node package [MarkServ](https://www.npmjs.com/package/markserv).
1. Generate static html. Powered by
1. Update `gh-pages` with new files

The non Hugo compatible files were the original implementation. They are now used for debugging with my custom MarkServ windows service as explained [here](https://sarafian.github.io/post/simple markdown web server for windows/).

## References

- MarkdownPS
  - [PowerShell Gallery](https://www.powershellgallery.com/packages/MarkdownPS/)
  - [Github](github.com/Sarafian/MarkdownPS)
  - [Relevant articles](https://sarafian.github.io/post/markdownps/markdownps/)
- RyanAirPS
  - [PowerShell Gallery](https://www.powershellgallery.com/packages/RyanAirPS/)
  - [Github](github.com/Sarafian/RyanAirPS)
- Hugo
  - [Hugo](https://gohugo.io/)
  - Original [Hugo Future Imperfect](http://themes.gohugo.io/future-imperfect/) theme
  - [Build and publish Hugo from Visual Studio services](https://sarafian.github.io/post/hugo%20build%20in%20visual%20studio%20services/)
- MarkServ
  - Node package [MarkServ](https://www.npmjs.com/package/markserv)
  - [Simple markdown web server for windows](https://sarafian.github.io/post/simple markdown web server for windows/)
- Badges
  - [shields.io](http://shields.io/)
  - [shields.io badges with PowerShell MarkdownPS](https://sarafian.github.io/post/markdownps/shields.io badges with powershell markdownps/)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Prayer is a priority at Barnabas Fund. We are so grateful that many supporters already pray for the persecuted Church and in this sense are already partnering with us in prayer. However, if you would like to create a dedicated prayer group or join with an existing Barnabas Fund prayer group, we invite you to become a Prayer Partner. Prayer Partners will be provided with a Prayer Group Starter Pack and regular prayer updates.


text:
Environmental Oxymoron: A 'Green' Filling Station In UAE
Posted on January 9, 2011 by Zaufishan in Transportation with 1 Comment
How green can a gas station be? Dubai's Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) launches the first "green station" in the UAE.
We reported on the green gas station in the UAE last week. Featuring solar-powered lights, a waterless car wash system, eco-friendly products, and the vapor recovery system, a new technology that reduces carbon emission and fuel wastage.
It does sound like an environmental oxymoron: an 'eco-friendly' petrol station? But officials at the Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) last week showcased its first green station, with environmental upgrades worth about Dh3.6 million. ENOC has an aim to reduce the ecological footprint of the station's consumers, so they are literally pumping eco-sensibility.
The World's First Green Petrol Station
The new station is located in The Meadows, part of Dubai's Emirates Living residential area, and is fitted with noise reduction barriers and a system that collects the harmful vapours released from fuels, as well as solar lights, water recycling and other "green" features. ENOC's 'green' station is the first of its kind in the region to generate half of its energy requirements from renewable sources.
The world's first 'green' gas station, BP's Helios House in Los Angeles, was built with cutting-edge earth-friendly design, using such materials as farmed wood and less-polluting paint, a rooftop made of 90 solar panels and a rainfall collection system used to irrigate plants nearby. From recycled-glass floors to a living cacti roof, Helios House has been the inspiration behind the Middle East's first 'green' filling station, having received approval from the USGBC: LEED certification system (LEED).
According to ENOC's Chief Executive Officer, Saeed Abdullah Khoory, the 'green' station is one in a series of eco-friendly initiatives the oil company has been supporting for a greener future in the Middle Eastern region. "With the opening of the station, we are setting a trend not only in the UAE but across the Middle East. We are encouraging Dubai residents to reduce their environmental footprints by using the green services we provide," he said.
"There is a mindset that oil companies are polluting companies and are not responsible," said Zaid al Qufaidi, the head of the retail business stream of ENOC/EPPCO. He said he hoped once motorists became aware of the technologies on the site, such perceptions would change for the better.
"As a company with over 30 subsidiaries and more than 6,000 employees, we believe our actions have a direct impact on the community and the environment," said Saeed Abdullah Khoory.
However, one major setback is the financial cost. While it costs about Dh18 million to build a station of this size, the clean technology investment comes with a 20 percent increase.
The Science Bit 'Where Bad Fumes Turn Good'
As a car is refuelled, vapours in the fuel tank escape into the atmosphere. These vapours contain toxic volatile compounds that are harmful to people and the environment.
On calm, sunny days, these compounds react with other pollutants to form smog, known to scientists as ground-level ozone.
Repeated exposure to smog can increase the risk of respiratory infections in healthy people as well as aggravate pre-existing conditions like asthma.
Ground-level ozone also has strong global-warming potential.
According to researchers, about 0.5 percent of pumped fuel evaporates at a temperature of 40°Celsius.
The green filling station takes these vapours back, saving about 99 percent of these emissions. Once it is collected, the vapour goes into a central underground tank, where it is put under intense pressure and liquefied into fuel again.
The Green Bit
The petrol station serves 550 customers and uses an average of 65,000 litres of fuel a day. The renewable system has been under testing for two months at The Meadows petrol station and has already saved 22,000 litres of fuel.
The station is the first in the Gulf to have noise reduction barriers, a feature of particular importance considering its location in a residential area.
The petrol station also has a system that recycles water from its car wash, dubbing it a 'waterless' system that is more efficient than traditional car wash facilities. As vehicles are washed, the water – rather than going in the sewage network – is collected in an underground tank and purified so it can be used again.
To increase energy savings, the station uses light emitting diodes (LED), which are several times more efficient and last longer than traditional lights. Finally, outdoor lights and signs are powered by solar panels. Solar panels have increased usage throughout the Sahara Desert, and Middle East these past 5 years.
More Green features
The ENOC petrol station uses 30 green tactics, including:
A vapour cepollection system to trap toxic fumes that escape when fuel is loaded into the station's main storage tanks, or into the fuel tanks of individual cars.
Sound reduction barriers to prevent noise pollution in the surrounding residential area.
A water recycling system at the car wash that allows waste water to be re-used.
Solar-powered lights and signage to reduce energy usage.
LED lights to reduce energy usage.
Recycling bins for residents.
Part of ENOC's plans include manufacturing furniture made from recycled materials.
Despite all of these state-of-the-art 'Green" technologies, the irony is obvious. The station attendants are armed with green-living brochures in one hand and gas pumps in the other. Critics say the green gas station is "like a vegetarian who eats fish", – Grishaber.
However, this green station is as close to 'environmentally friendly' as an oil company can get in the UAE. Considering the limitations of technology, dependency on fossil fuels and the desert climate, ENOC's effort at creating sustainable eco-friendly practices for an unsustainable resource like petrol is a positive, albeit tiny, step in the green direction.
Images:: flickr & Alrroya
More on greening the UAE:
Party With The UAE's Green Sheikh On 10/10/10
UAE Scholars And Imams Speak Up For The Environment
10 'Hyper-Miling' Techniques For Greener Driving
Previous Previous post: Abu Dhabi Builds Huge Artificial Aquifer to Hide Desalinated Water from Terrorists
Next Next post: Fossil Fuels Skyrocket In The Middle East
One thought on "Environmental Oxymoron: A 'Green' Filling Station In UAE"
Octatron says:
If the roof space was instead filled with algae growth tubes sourcing water from the cities sewage system to grow algae and refine it into petroleum onsite, then it would truly be a renewable fuel station.


Equipo Nizkor - Judgement ratifying that public authorities and, in particular, SEDECA are obliged to comply with constitutional judgements and indigenous rights standards.
In view and in consideration of the following: the APG IG claim that there has been a breach of the terms of the Constitutional Judgement 2003/2010-R; with respect to the same and by way of background, the said Constitutional Judgement dated 25th October 2010 originated in a claim of constitutional relief submitted in the name of the Legal representative of SEDECA against the Assembly of the Guaraní People, represented by Mr Never Barrientos. At first instance in judgement 01/08, the legal protection sought [by SEDECA] was granted but this judgement was appealed to the Constitutional Court, which in turn, first, ruled that it refuses the relief sought [by SEDECA] and, second, it rules that its decision is made on the basis of applicable legal analysis and the recommendations of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and its Report on Captive Communities.
The Court EXHORTS the organs of Public Power and state institutions to comply with international and constitutional norms concerning indigenous peoples; and it should be borne in mind that in its legal analysis the Constitutional Court, in acknowledgement of the norms contained in the ILO Convention nº 169 and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, has affirmed the right of prior consultation. Its rationale is based on the fact that these norms are of obligatory performance and that Art 13 para IV of the Political Constitution of the State provides with respect to conventions ratified by the State, that they are to be complied with and observed. Therefore the Court orders that the said obligations are equally binding on all the organs and institutions of the State. For this reason it will not grant a deadline or any other type of legal constraint to the petitioner to achieve compliance as it considers that these are norms of public order and obligatory performance, nor does it grant protection or special rights in favour of the defendants in this action, ordering simply performance of the relevant norms in the light of the recommendations made by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and its Report on Captive Communities.
THEREFORE: Pursuant to the provisions of the aforementioned laws and in accordance with the decision of the Constitutional Judgement 2003/2010-R, the Court EXHORTS the organs of public power and state institutions to comply with the international and constitutional norms referring to the rights of indigenous peoples and in particular, it so exhorts the Director of the Department Road Service (SEDECA) of Tarija. In the event that it considers that a norm or right has been violated, a party who considers itself affected thereby may appeal this decision to the legally designated authority.
Likewise, for the purposes of this ruling, please record and notify the same to the public institutions and entities of O'Connor Province to ensure their compliance and observance of the said judgement, annexing a copy of the same.
Moreover: Let this be the decision.


The 2007–08 international food price crisis caused hardship on a number of fronts. The steep rise in food prices led to economic difficulties for the poor and generated political turmoil in many countries. The crisis could also result in long-term, irreversible nutritional damage, especially among children. There is a global interest in preventing such events from recurring.
In addition to the supply and demand fundamentals there is substantial evidence that the crisis was made worse by the malfunctioning of world grain markets and by response of countries to protect their own internal consumption. These reactions begin as consequences, not causes, of the price crisis, but they exacerbate the crisis and increase the risks posed by high prices. By creating a positive feedback loop with high food prices, they take on a life of their own, increasing the prices and their volatility even more, with adverse consequences for the poor and for long-term incentives for agricultural production. Because they impede the free flow of food to where it is most needed and the free flow of price signals to farmers, these market failures impose enormous efficiency losses on the global food system, hitting the poorest countries hardest. This paper tries to understand what was behind the price spike and to propose some alternative policy solutions that could prevent this from happening in the future.
Changes in supply and demand fundamentals cannot fully explain the price spike in the first six months of 2008. As a result, a "price spike" above what is explainable by fundamentals occurred during the first six months of 2008 as depicted in Figure 1.
There are two major explanations behind this price spike. First, ad hoc trade policy interventions, such as export bans or high export tariffs or high import subsidies were partly triggered by the price crisis and exacerbated the crisis symptoms. As of April 2008, 15 countries[Argentina, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Russia, Tanzania, Vietnam, and Zambia] including major producers imposed export restrictions on agricultural commodities, thereby narrowing the global market. For instance, China banned rice and maize exports, while India banned exports of rice and pulses. Argentina raised export taxes on soybeans, maize, wheat and beef; and Ethiopia and Tanzania banned exports of major cereals. Export bans ensured greater food availability domestically, but they also reduced the market for agricultural products, increased price volatility, and worsened market conditions for import-dependent countries. In addition, export bans stimulate the formation of cartels, undermine trust in trade, and encourage protectionism. Among the countries imposing new or additional price controls are Benin, China, Malaysia, and Senegal. Other nations, however, have contributed to the expansion of the global food demand. Some net-food importing developing countries reduced import barriers—in principle a welcome move toward more open trade, but one that added to the upward pressure on prices. Morocco cut tariffs on wheat imports from 130 to 2.5%; Nigeria slashed duties on rice imports from 100 to 2.7%; Peru removed import taxes on wheat and maize; and Senegal waived duties on cereal imports.
Policy responses such as export bans or high export tariffs may reduce risks of food shortages in the short-term for the respective country, but they are likely to backfire by making the international market smaller and more volatile. At the country level, price controls reduce farmers' incentives to produce more food and divert resources away from those who need them most.
Export restrictions or policy failures have harmful effects on import-dependent trading partners. For example, export restrictions on rice in India affect Bangladeshi consumers adversely and also dampen the incentives for rice farmers in India to invest in agriculture, which is a long-term driver of growth. IFPRI simulations with the MIRAGE global trade model had shown that these trade restrictions can explain as much as 30%of the increase in prices in the first six months of 2008. These IFPRI modeling results from the MIRAGE model should be taken as a conservative estimate. IFPRI models neither factor in speculation over and above market fundamentals, nor the increased price impacts of any quantity change in the much more narrow international market.
Secondly, the flow of speculative capital from financial investors into agricultural commodity markets was significant. From May 2007 to May 2008, the volume of globally traded grain futures and options increased substantially (Table 2). Another indicator of speculative activity—the ratio of the monthly volume of futures trading to open interest—also increased substantially. Open interest describes the total number of futures contracts of a given commodity that have not yet been offset by an opposite futures contract or fulfilled by delivery of the commodity. A speculator taking opposite positions in the market within days or weeks will generate an increase in monthly registered volumes but little change in monthly open interest. Therefore changes in this ratio should capture changes in speculative activity. In 2008, soybean and rice ratios of futures to open interest were increasing at 27% and 19% respectively, as wheat ratios continued to grow at 19% and maize ratios declined slightly. In contrast, in 2005 and 2006 at least three commodities' ratios were declining on average.
We conducted several statistical tests to determine the role of speculative activity in commodity prices. The results suggest that speculation might have been influential.
Our analysis tested to what extent the selected indicators for speculative activity can help forecast spot price movements (Robles, Torero, and von Braun, 2009). The Granger causality test—which determines whether past movements in one variable can help explain current movements in another one—was applied to each agricultural commodity (Table 3). The results show that the size of trading activity in futures contracts—when measured by volume or open interest separately—do not show evidence of affecting commodity prices. The ratio of monthly volume to open interest in futures contracts, however, has an influence in forecasting price movements for wheat and rice. In other words, past changes in this ratio help to forecast future changes in the prices of wheat and rice. In the case of rice, the ratio of noncommercial long positions to total long positions also has an effect on prices. When the same ratio for short positions was analyzed, there was additional evidence that speculation affects prices, with significant results in the soybean market. Finally, when we tested whether net positions of index traders (since 2006 the Commodity Futures Trading Commission provides information on futures and options trading by a new category of traders in selected agricultural markets, the so- called "index traders") since January 2006 have any influence on commodity prices, we found positive evidence in the case of maize.
There is evidence, therefore, that speculative activity partly explains the price spike since January 2008. Appropriate global institutional arrangements for preventing this kind of market failure are needed.
The price spike episode clearly highlights the need to modify the institutional architecture of international financial and agricultural markets to address their effects on the livelihoods of the poor.
On the export bans there should be no illusion: this problem cannot be addressed country by country, as governments have the legitimate interest to care for their citizens first. The new wave of export restrictions requires urgent international attention. It should not be added on top of the WTO Doha Round. Instead, it should be addressed by an ad hoc forum of a consortium of global players with a code of conduct and mutual trust building in political negotiations. At least, export trade for humanitarian purposes should be re-opened now.
On speculation, there are two traditional options. The first is to build up a significant physical, public, globally managed grain reserve. In a globalized world, however, the scale of reserves required under this option would make storage costs excessive. A physical reserve is thus not appropriate as a major global initiative, but only as a minor one to address the need for smooth emergency operations.
The second option is to change regulation of commodity exchanges to limit the volume of speculation versus hedging, to make delivery on contracts or portions of contracts compulsory, and to impose capital deposit requirements when each futures transaction is made. Difficulties could arise, however, in walking a line between ineffective regulations and overzealous ones. Market regulation also raises political economy concerns: regulatory measures could benefit relatively small groups, elites may capture the regulatory agency, international regulatory agreements might not be completed, and countries may lack the institutional capacity to implement and enforce the regulatory measures. Although some improvement in regulation is called for, regulating commodity exchanges in harmony across the globe appears too complex a collective action problem given very different country circumstances.
The two global collective actions we propose—a small, independent physical emergency reserve to minimize the risk of lack of access to the minimum level of grains required for humanitarian assistance, and a virtual reserve and intervention mechanism backed up by a financial fund—would avoid these problems while ensuring that the world can respond to emergency needs for food and prevent extreme price bubbles.
A modest emergency reserve of around 300,000–500,000 metric tons of basic grains—about 5% of the current food aid flows of 6.7 million wheat-equivalent metric tons—would be supplied by the main grain-producing countries and funded by a group of countries participating in the scheme (the G8+5 plus some other major grain-exporting countries). This decentralized reserve would be located at strategic points near or in major developing-country regions, using existing national storage facilities. The reserve, to be used exclusively for emergency response and humanitarian assistance, would be managed by the World Food Program (WFP). The WFP would have access to the grain at precrisis market prices to reduce the need for short-term ad hoc fundraising. To cover the cost of restoring the reserve to its initial level (that is, the difference between the postcrisis price and the precrisis price times the quantity of reserves used by WFP), an emergency fund should be created and its level maintained by the participating countries. The fund should be accompanied by a financing facility that the WFP could draw upon as needed to cope with potentially increased transport costs, as experienced in the 2008 crisis. This arrangement could also be defined under a newly designed Food Aid Convention.
The virtual reserve would be implemented as a coordinated commitment by the member countries (the G8+5 plus some other major grain-exporting countries). Each country would commit to supplying funds, if needed, for intervention in the futures market. The fund would normally consist not of actual budget expenditures, but of promissory, or virtual, financing by the members. These funds would be drawn upon by the high-level technical commission only when needed for intervention in the futures market (much previous evidence has shown a link between futures and spot markets). The intervention mechanism will be two-pronged. First, and perhaps most important, the global intelligence unit will announce price forecasts and specify the price band. This announcement will be a signal—or a threat—to speculators that intervention is likely if futures prices exceed the defined upper limit of the price band. Moreover, the announcement will specify a confidence interval for the upper limit to increase the risk for potential speculators.
Second, if, despite the signal, there is evidence of an emerging price bubble, an autonomous technical commission will then decide whether to intervene in the futures market. This intervention would consist of executing a number of progressive short sales (that is, selling a firm promise—a futures contract—to deliver the commodity at a later date at the specified price) over a specific period of time in futures markets at market prices at a variety of different future positions until futures prices and spot prices decline to levels within the estimated price bands. This increase in the supply of short sales will reduce spot prices and should make speculators move out of the market—in other words, a backwardation will be created (the situation in which, and the amount by which, the price of a commodity for future delivery is lower than the spot price or a far future delivery price is lower than a nearer future delivery price). Moving speculators out of the market will minimize the potential second-round effects of this intervention given that spot prices will return to being consistent with fundamentals, and therefore the lower spot prices should not result in the accelerated use of available supplies.
All futures contracts are ultimately settled either through liquidation by offsetting purchases or sales (the vast majority of agricultural futures contracts are settled this way) or through delivery of the actual physical commodity. The virtual fund will thus come into play only if there is a need to realize the futures sales, in which case the fund will be used to obtain the necessary grain supply to comply and calm the markets. Usually, this action would not be necessary and the whole operation would stay virtual. The innovative concept behind the virtual reserve is the signal that it gives to markets, including speculators. Its presence alone is likely to divert speculators from entering this market. Nonetheless, the commission must be ready to trade grain when necessary and to assume the costs if in the future it must buy back contracts at a higher price than it sold them for.
Preliminary estimates show that for the virtual reserve to be a credible signal, the fund should be US$12–20 billion. A fund of this size might cover 30 to 50% of normal grain trade volume. Determining the exact size of this fund will require further analysis, however, because commodity futures markets allow for high levels of leverage.
The proposals made here are designed not to stabilize prices generally, but to prevent damaging price spikes. The proposed actions will entail costs, but the modest costs of the required organizational elements must be balanced against the benefits of more effective international financial architecture. These benefits will include prevention of economic hardship, improved market efficiency, stronger incentives for long-term investment in agriculture, and prevention of political instability.
The excess price surges caused by speculation and possible hoarding could have severe effects on confidence in global grain markets, thereby hampering the market's performance in responding to fundamental changes in supply, demand, and costs of production. More important, they could result in unreasonable or unwanted price fluctuations that can harm the poor and result in long-term, irreversible nutritional damage, especially among children.
Appropriate global institutional arrangements for preventing these market failures are missing. A global solution that prevents excessive speculation in food markets may be costly, but given the losses created by food price crises like the one in 2007–08, it will still have large positive net returns. It is clear that the incentives for speculation in food commodities could be reduced by (1) changing regulatory frameworks to limit the volume of speculation versus hedging, (2) making delivery on contracts or portions of contracts compulsory, (3) imposing capital deposit requirements when each futures transaction is made, or all three. These regulatory measures could be implemented case by case or as a platform through an international "alliance of commodity exchanges". Therefore there is a clear need (a) to undertake a policy debate about exchange regulation and the role of speculative traders and (b) that debate is very likely to include the issue of international harmonization.
A new global institutional arrangement encompassing a "virtual reserve" could be an alternative solution (see for implementation details von Braun and Torero, 2009). This virtual reserve would consist of a coordinated commitment by member countries (the Group of Eight Plus Five plus some other major grain-exporting countries such as Argentina, Thailand, and Vietnam). Each country would commit to supplying funds, if needed, for intervention in the futures market. The innovative concept behind the virtual reserve is the signal that it would give to markets, including speculators. Although its presence alone would likely divert speculators from entering this market, the virtual reserve must be ready to trade grain when necessary. This concept could provide the kind of global collective action that is needed to facilitate well-functioning grain markets and to reduce the harm that can result from excessive price spikes.
There are two major concerns that need to be taken into account. The first is the importance of the global intelligence unit and their challenging role in price forecasting. To be a credible basis for market intervention, price forecasts must contain some new knowledge, widely regarded as credible when released, that is not already reflected in the structure of market prices. This new knowledge is the combination of both the fundamentals component (i.e. supply and demand factors) and a midterm/long-term financial model in which stochastic factors are captured. Secondly, a potential caveat of the proposed virtual reserve concept is that it requires cross-country coordinated institutional design which has the risk that one of the country members won't comply with the jointly agreed upon commitment. For example, one of the country members doesn't comply with providing the resources for the "emergency reserve" or with supplying the necessary financial resources for the "virtual reserve". To minimize this caveat, clear rules for the participating countries should be developed and dispute resolution mechanisms should be in place.
Finally, to evaluate these actions, a comprehensive cost/benefit assessment must go beyond agricultural markets (and must include security and poverty considerations). The system should be exposed to evaluation of effectiveness, and to close monitoring while being implemented.
Bakary, S. (2008, April 17). The New Face of Hunger. The Economist.
Brahmbhatt, M., and Christiaensen, L. (2008). Rising Food Prices in East Asia: Challenges and Policy Options. The World Bank. Available online: http://siteresources.worldbank.org/EASTASIAPACIFICEXT/Resources/EA_Rising_Food_Prices050508.pdf.
Calvo, G. (2008, June 20). Exploding Commodity Prices, Lax Monetary Policy, and Sovereign Wealth Funds. VoxEU.
IMF Fiscal Affairs, P. D. a. R. a. R. D. Ter–Minassian, T., M. Allen, and S. Johnson, ed. (2008). Food and Fuel Prices: Recent Developments, Macroeconomic Impact, and Policy Responses.
Lipsky, J. (2008). Commodity Prices and Global Inflation, Remarks At the Council on Foreign Relations, New York City, May 8, 2008.
Rojas–Suarez, L. (2008). The Right Response in Latin America to Oil and Food Price Pressures: Fight Inflation Now! Center For Global Development Essay. Washington DC.
Rosegrant, Mark W., Zhu T., Msangi, S., Sulser, T. (2008). The Impact of Biofuel Production on World Cereal Prices, International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, D.C., unpublished paper quoted with permission July 2008.
Sommer, M., and Gilbert, C. (2006). The Boom in Nonfuel Commodity Prices: Can It Last? In World Economic Outlook 35.
von Braun, J. (2008c). Rising Food Prices: What Should Be Done? (Policy Brief, April 2008).Washington, DC: International Food Policy Research Institute. Available online: http://www.ifpri.org/pubs/bp/bp001.asp.
World Agricultural Outlook Board. (2008). World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates. WASDE–460.
Income growth, population growth, and urbanization Cereal demand has been growing at 2–3 percent per year, thanks to rising incomes in China, India, and, more recently, Sub-Saharan Africa. Meanwhile, yield growth in these cereals has declined from 3 percent in the 1970s to 1–2 percent in the 1990s. This resulted in a significant reduction of cereal reserves to less than 400 million tons in 2007 from 700 million tons in 2000.
Ethanol/Biofuels With oil prices at an all-time high of more than US$120 a barrel in May 2008 and with the United States and the European Union subsidizing agriculture-based energy, farmers have shifted their cultivation toward crops for biofuels. Impacts vary from Lipsky (2008) estimating that the increased demand for biofuels accounted for 70 percent of the increase in maize prices and 40 percent of the increase in soybean prices to Rosegrant et al. (2008) estimates of long-term impact on weighted cereal prices of the acceleration in biofuel production from 2000 to 2007 to be 30 percent in real terms.
Increased oil/fertilizer prices Oil prices increased significantly. Affected directly transportation costs and indirectly price of fertilizers (See IMF Fiscal Affairs, 2008).
Low R&D investments in agriculture The neglect of agriculture in public investment, research, and service policies during the past decade has undermined its key role for economic growth. As a result, agriculture productivity growth has declined and is too low.
Droughts/Climate change Occurring in large grain-producing nations, droughts and climate change have lowered worldwide production. More volatile weather patterns related to climate change increased.
Dollar devaluation The indicator prices of most commodities are quoted in U.S .dollars, and the dollar went through a substantial depreciation. Even though when adjusted for inflation and the dollar's decline (by reporting in Euros, for example), food price increases were smaller but still dramatic.
Large excess of liquidity in non-G7 countries Large excess liquidity in several non-G7 countries, nourished by the low interest rates set by G7 central banks. Commodity prices are the result of portfolio shifts against liquid assets by sovereign investors, sovereign wealth funds, partly triggered by lax monetary policy, especially in the United States (For details, see Calvo 2008 and Rojas Suarez 2008).
Source: Chicago Board of Trade 2008.
Notes: + indicates evidence of causality. * indicates that these data combine futures and options positions; data since January 2006 are available.
Joachim von Braun (j.vonbraun@cgiar.org) is Director General of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), and Maximo Torero (m.torero@cgiar.org) is Director, Markets, Trade and Institutions Division, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Washington, D.C.


Medical centres often show promotional videos in waiting rooms to help spread awareness about a centre's services, vaccinations, medical alerts and health related topics.
When a centre does this, it really needs to ensure that everyone has equal access to the spoken information by using open captions in the videos.
By providing open captions in videos, there is more chance people will understand the messages. Open captions ensures that people who can't hear the TV sound, including those people who are deaf or have reduced hearing, can read along and receive the same information in the video content.
This is an inclusive approach.


The reactor at the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant in Vernon, Vermont.
Unfortunately, when we use steam to generate electricity, only about a third of the energy in the steam is productively used; the rest becomes waste heat that utility companies have to get rid of. This is why, even though we talk about electric baseboard heat being 100% efficient, it isn't really 100% efficient (as was pointed out in a letter to the editor after last week's column). Electric heat is only 100% efficient at it's point of use.
Power plants use cooling towers to dump this heat into the surrounding air, or they draw water from a nearby river or lake to cool the steam and steam condensate directly. Both processes use huge amounts of fresh water; power plants are by far the largest consumer of fresh water in the U.S.—more than irrigation and municipal water use combined. And when surface waters are used for cooling, this waste heat raises the temperature of that water, as occurs in the Connecticut River below Vermont Yankee—a process that can harm fish and other aquatic organisms.
The waste of energy represented by this practice does not make sense. A far better approach is to capture waste heat from power plants and distribute it to heat buildings and carry out heat-intensive industrial processes. This is what combined heat and power (sometimes called co-generation) and district heating are all about.
In a combined heat and power (CHP) plant, after the high-pressure steam spins the steam turbine to generate power, it passes through a heat exchanger where the heat is captured and transferred to water. This hot water (usually at about 200 degrees F) can then be distributed to buildings through a network of buried, insulated pipes. Instead of capturing only about a third of the source energy from the coal, natural gas, or enriched uranium (33% efficiency), total efficiencies with CHP and district heat can be as high as 90%. In warmer months, this heat source can also be used, though absorption cooling, to generate chilled water, which can be distributed for air conditioning.
Most of the CHP systems in the U.S. today are in our largest cities, including Boston, New York, and Philadelphia, and at university and medical campuses. Locally, the Brattleboro Retreat has a CHP plant and district heating system.
One reason that the waste heat from power plants is rarely used in the U.S. is that, since the 1940s, we've built almost all of our power plants away from population centers—where they'll be out of sight and their pollution won't directly bother most residents.
With modern pollution-control equipment and increasing use of natural gas, power plants are increasingly being built in more populated areas where we can more easily use the waste heat.
Another reason we haven't done much with CHP and district heat is that, until recently, other heat sources have been really cheap. Hard as it is to imagine today, until just a few years ago we were paying less than a dollar a gallon for heating oil; at that price, it was hard to justify the expense and hassle of piping hot water to our buildings.
In Europe, especially Scandinavian countries, where fossil fuels have long been more expensive, CHP plants and district heating have been mushrooming in popularity over the past few decades. More than half of all buildings in Denmark, both commercial and residential, are now heated with district energy systems. During a visit to Sweden last winter, I visited three large municipal systems—all of which were fired with wood chips.
Significant improvements in pipe insulation and leak-detection technology have also boosted the use of district heat in Europe. There are now places in Denmark where 30-inch-diameter pipes carry hot water into cities from power plants as far as 30 miles away with heat loss below 10%.
Next week, we'll take a look at using a renewable energy source to power a CHP plant and an effort by the nonprofit Brattleboro Thermal Utility (BTU) organization (of which I am a board member) to create such a system in Brattleboro.


Chong-ji Cash, the "Panda in Black"
Submitted by PandasRpeople2 on Sun, 07/01/2007 - 8:16pm.
Chong-ji Cash, AKA the Panda in Black, is a legend in his own time. Adopted by a wealthy American oil tycoon, he grew up in Dallas and acquired a love of Country Western music. However, he always felt the pull of his native China. (It may have been a largely gastronomical pull; fresh bamboo is very hard to come by in Texas.) Eventually he started writing and recording songs, seeking to reconcile his Chinese-American identity through music that mixed an unmistakably Country Western sound with Asian sensibilities.
After years of playing gigs underground, Chong-ji Cash exploded into the spotlight with his first hit single, "Wok the Line." Suddenly he was famous on both sides of the Pacific. Soon Chinese and Americans alike were singing along to such instant classics as, "Bamboo Don't Come Easy," and, "Egg Foo Young, But I'm Too Old." The sudden fame took its toll, and Cash retreated to a Tibetan monastery to soothe his nerves and gather his thoughts. He returned with a follow up album, "Cowboys and Monk(ey) Business," that went instant platinum.
There are currently 6 users and 639 guests online.


text:
Surprising Zinc
Surprising Zinc !
Rob Putnam , ILZRO and Michael Martin , IZA
With many thousands of patents and literally
millions of products to its credit , zinc played a
supporting role in many of the major inventions
of the 20th Century
When asked to describe how zinc is used, most people name vitamins, or perhaps sun creams. Some may add galvanizing and die casting to the list, but few are aware of the extent to which zinc, and zinc-based technology, contributes to our daily lives. Zinc is integrally involved in transportation, medicine, energy conservation, pollution control, electronics, and space exploration. It has unique properties that allow it to contribute solutions to many problems, now and well into the future.
Zinc in Space
As a protective coating for steel, zinc has no equal. The steel and zinc industries have worked together for many years to perfect galvanized coatings capable of protecting steel from corrosion, regardless of the environment or application. From automobile body panels and underbody parts, appliances, gas pumps, mailboxes, street furniture, vineyard wire and buildings, the life-extension and finishing options made possible by modern zinc coatings are staggering.
But steel is not the only material to benefit from the unique properties of zinc. When the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) scientists needed a coating that could withstand the extreme
Rob Putnam is Communications Manager at the International Lead Zinc Research Organization (ILZRO) in the USA – rputnam@ilzro.org. Michael Martin is a consultant to International Zinc Association (IZA) – 106026.522@compuserve.com.
Zinc oxide is used in the manufacture of paints,
rubber products, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals,
floor coverings, plastics, printing inks, soap,
storage batteries, textiles, electrical equipment,
temperatures of space travel, they turned to zinc oxide. Researchers were able to develop a zinc-based coating capable of withstanding thermal cycling between 180° C and –180° C, and the bombardment of ultraviolet exposure equivalent to 19,000 sun hours. This zinc oxide coating is now routinely used to protect components of spacecraft, which are some of the most technically advanced and complex machines ever made.
The Cassini probe
The Cassini space probe left earth in 1997 on a seven-year voyage to Saturn. Upon arrival at Saturn, the probe will conduct a four-year mission with fifty orbits and numerous satellite encounters. Several parts of the Cassini probe, not least of which its four-meter diameter High Gain Antenna system, are protected by a thermal control paint based on zinc oxide. This zinc-containing thermal coating is of critical importance to the probe because extreme temperatures will be encountered as the probe approaches within 0.61 astronomical units (AU1) of the sun, during Venus flybys, and will be as far as 10 AU from the sun as it orbits Saturn. A number of coatings were evaluated for the project, but the zinc oxide formula best met Mission requirements, including the ability to withstand extreme temperatures and ultraviolet exposure.
Zinc Undersea
As offshore oil production moves to deeper water, conventional production platforms become too costly. The required mass of steel support structures grows disproportionately as the water depth increases. To overcome this problem, an alternative technique is to set wellheads on the seabed and control their operation remotely. A series of electrical and hydraulic lines are used to link the remote wellhead to a production platform located in shallow water closer to shore.
1 Astronomical Unit (AU) is the unit of distance used in the measurement of orbits and trajectories within the solar system. One AU is the average distance between the earth and the sun. Its value has been established as, roughly, 149,600,000 km (92,960,000 miles).
Zinc Entertains
Despite its many essential uses, sometimes zinc
is used purely for entertainment. Have you ever
wondered how things glow in the dark?All glow-in-
the-dark products contain phosphors.A phosphor is
a substance that radiates visible light after being
energized. To make a glow-in-the-dark object, you
want a phosphor that is energized by normal light
and that has a very long persistence. Zinc sulfide
has these properties and is used to create everything
from luminescent watch dials to glow-in-the-dark toys.
Zinc's phosphorescent properties have also made it a
key ingredient in X-ray and TV screens, fluorescent
lights and light emitting diodes
Fireworks often make use of zinc dust to
create bright, shimmering sparks. The zinc
metal flakes heat up until they are incandescent
and shine brightly or, at a high enough temperature,
actually burn. A variety of chemicals can be added
to create the brilliant colors,
Until recently, these umbilical lines were made from high- pressure plastic hose, which proved unsatisfactory over long distances, or from metal alloys, which were cost prohibitive. Southwestern Pipe Inc., a U.S. company, in cooperation with Shell Oil and the International Lead Zinc Research Organization, developed a steel umbilical wrapped in a zinc cladding. The ductile zinc cladding is extruded to a thickness of 750 microns (standard zinc coatings range between 8 and 40 microns) and has a life of 30-40 years undersea. Today, the new zinc-protected umbilicals are commercialized under the name of SeaCAT. SeaCAT is now used on 75% of deepwater projects in the Gulf of Mexico, with over 11 million feet (3.4 million metres) of the tubing in service. SeaCAT is also playing a pivotal role in the largest sub-sea development in the world, the BP Amoco – Shell Na Kika project. This remarkable engineering feat will consist of five sub-sea developments, all tied back to a permanently-moored floating production facility. The wells are in water depths ranging from 5,800 to 7,000 feet (1,800 – 2,100 metres) and, when complete will require more than 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of zinc-clad tubing
BP Amoco – Shell Na Kika project
Zinc in Everyday Technology
Zinc castings are everywhere in today's society, from light fixtures to faucets, from door handles to car parts. Radios, fax machines, computers and printers are but a few of our modern technologies that rely on diecast zinc parts.Recently developed casting techniques are fuelling the race for miniaturization of 'next generation' convenience appliances such as cell phones and laptop computers. As more technology is packed into tighter spaces, the need to remove heat from sensitive electronic components becomes critically important. Researchers have turned to zinc alloys to cast the miniature heat sinks needed to cool these appliances. Zinc oxide varistors are widely used in electrical systems for circuit protection. Commonly known as surge arresters, their primary function is to allow short-term circuit overloads to pass to ground. Most notably, varistors are used in high voltage power transmission lines as protection against lightning strikes and temporary power surges. They are also used in low voltage applications to protect sensitive components such as transistors and integrated circuits. Zinc plays a major role in the manufacture of the varistor. The internal component of the device is constructed almost entirely of zinc oxide. The outer shell or casing is usually a ceramic material or molded rubber.
To manufacture the internal zinc oxide block, zinc oxide is mixed with other metal oxides and a binder. This powder mix is subjected to high pressure and formed into a disc, which is placed in a kiln and baked for several hours. The zinc oxide particles fuse together to form a solid block. After a conductive coating is applied to the disc, multiple discs are stacked together and sealed in a shell. The size of the varistor varies in accordance with the voltage of the circuit to be protected. Zinc oxide in this ceramic form exhibits a unique electrical property – at design voltages, the block acts as a resistor, and at surge conditions, it acts as a conductor. Zinc is also a key ingredient in a new design of high-energy batteries. Researchers have already developed and commercialized a zinc-air battery capable of powering cell phones, hearing aids and laptop computers many hours longer than previously possible with other battery chemistries. Work is now ongoing to scale this and other zinc technology to a size suitable for powering automobiles and even homes. For example, the practice of truck engine idling, to heat or cool sleeper cabs when the truck is parked, may soon be replaced by zinc air fuel cells that provide quiet and clean auxiliary power for truck air-conditioning. America's truckers currently spend as much as $4,000 per year per truck by idling engines to run auxiliary devices.Other uses for the ultra-clean and quiet zinc air fuel cell include forklifts and lawnmowers, scooters and delivery vehicles, back-up generators for the telecommunications industry and auxiliary power for boats, trucks and recreational vehicles, golf carts and industrial cleaning vehicles.
Zinc for Excellence
Each year, the U.S. National Academy of Recording
Arts & Sciences honors achievement in recorded music
with thepresentation of the Grammy® Award.The
Grammy is a peer honor, awarded annually, by and
to artists and technical professionalsfor artistic and
technical excellence.Befitting the recipient's accomplishments,
the awards are hand-crafted from zinc alloysby an artisan
in Colorado.
exhibits a unique electrical property – at design voltages, the block acts as a resistor, and at surge conditions, it acts as a conductor.Zinc is also a key ingredient in a new design of high-energy batteries. Researchers have already developed and commercialized a zinc-air battery capable of powering cell phones, hearing aids and laptop computers many hours longer than previously possible with other battery chemistries. Work is now ongoing to scale this and other zinc technology to a size suitable for powering automobiles and even homes. For example, the practice of truck engine idling, to heat or cool sleeper cabs when the truck is parked, may soon be replaced by zinc air fuel cells that provide quiet and clean auxiliary power for truck air-conditioning. America's truckers currently spend as much as $4,000 per year per truck by idling engines to run auxiliary devices.Other uses for the ultra-clean and quiet zinc air fuel cell include forklifts and lawnmowers, scooters and delivery vehicles, back-up generators for the telecommunications industry and auxiliary power for boats, trucks and recreational vehicles, golf carts and industrial cleaning vehicles.
Despite a long history, zinc is a uniquely modern metal. With its vast array of properties, zinc has few peers in terms of usefulness in the ever-expanding fields of science and technology. Its versatility has made it a basic medium for researchers as they probe new frontiers in physics, chemistry, biology and electrical engineering.With many thousands of patents and literally millions of products to its credit, zinc played a supporting role in many of the major inventions of the 20th Century. From transistors to lasers, satellites to circuit boards, photocopiers to fuel cells, zinc is truly among the most versatile and essential materials known to mankind.


The CW has released some promotional photos for "Somebody That I Used To Know," which is the new episode of The Vampire Diaries scheduled to air on Friday, April 22.
Preview images for the Vampire Diaries episode "Somebody That I Used To Know"
The Vampire Diaries -- "Somebody That I Used To Know" -- Image Number: VD719a_0020.jpg -- Pictured: Paul Wesley as Stefan -- Photo: Bob Mahoney/The CW -- ©2016 The CW Network, LLC. All rights reserved.


Computing has become a part of everything we do. From online shopping to banking and from downloading apps to playing games, the use of computers is diverse. Computer science can be defined as the scientific and practical study of computational systems and computers. The field mostly deals with software systems, design and theory, development, and application.
Many students are preparing for a career in computer science as it offers a variety of growing professional careers. The constantly evolving field of technology reflects a demand for experts in this area. According to the Computing Research Association, from 2011-2012, the increase in the number of undergraduate computer studies major enrollments was 22.8%. Apart from the positive employment outlook, computer science is a suitable academic choice for individuals who enjoy challenges, experimenting, and want to work in a field that offers innovativeness.
There are a number of colleges that are offering computer science degree programs at all levels of post-secondary education. Students who have completed high school can opt for an associate or bachelor degree, while undergrads can opt for master's programs in this discipline. It is also possible to pursue computer science degrees online.
This is a four-year undergraduate program. For most entry-level jobs, you may need this degree. The program prepares students for careers in diverse fields such as software engineering, research and management. In this program, students will acquire advanced knowledge of computer programming, computer networks, and web development.
This is a two-year program that can be pursued after completion of a bachelor's degree. The program is intended to equip students with advanced skills and concepts relevant to the field. Students will gain in-depth knowledge of computer language theory, advanced algorithms, and will also learn about the latest trends and software technologies.
If you don't have the time for a traditional degree, consider pursuing an online computer science degree, instead. This mode of learning is flexible and cost-friendly. Nowadays, employers rarely differentiate between online and on-campus degrees. In fact, the trend of online learning is growing fast as it offers many benefits. Online students will be required to cover the coursework through video tutorials, online lectures, slideshows, and classroom conferencing.
The admission requirements will vary. Students must demonstrate strong academic skills and should meet the minimum criteria for admission. To enroll in an associate or bachelor degree, applicants should have a high school diploma, letters of recommendation, and must have a minimum "C" grade in general high school courses. On the other hand, students applying for enrollment in a master's degree must meet a minimum CGPA requirement, submit a bachelor degree transcript, and letters of recommendation.
A degree in computer science can lead to many career opportunities. You can work in various software and technology firms in the private or public sector. The job position you choose should reflect your specialization, skill set, and interest area. Please remember that the level of qualification you have will determine your career path. Undergraduate degree holders may qualify for entry-level jobs whereas master's degree holders can qualify for more advanced job positions. Here is a list of occupations and their median annual income data provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2012.
The income level will vary from place to place and will also depend upon factors such as location, employer organization, skill, and specialization. You can improve your career prospects by earning additional certifications.


text:
Ukrainian Canadian Congress has issued a statement in which it calls on international community to increase efforts in order to ensure that Russia end its aggressive actions against Ukraine
Warsaw and Bratislava are committed to restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity and its rapprochement with EU and NATO – Polish president Duda
18 agro-industrial investment projects, totaling UAH 477.6 mln, were implemented and 216 new jobs were created in Vinnytsia Region in H1 2019
Ukraine won gold medal in women team highlight in artistic swimming at 18th FINA World Championships 2019 in Gwangju, Republic of Korea
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky changed the composition of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine
Russian-led forces launched 17 attacks on Ukrainian troops in the JFO area, one soldier was killed and two were wounded - the JFO press center


text:
Q: Scala - iterate through specific type I am working with Scala and Avro and in one moment - variable type is:
import scala.reflect.runtime.universe._
def getType[T: TypeTag](value: T) = typeOf[T]
println(getType(schema))

// Output:
org.apache.avro.Schema

and values in it:
println("schema:" + schema)
schema:["null","string"]

How to iterate trough it? (and check if at least one field is defined as 'null' -> in this case first one is null).
Tried:
for(k <- schema) {
        println("k: " + k)
      }

// value foreach is not a member of org.apache.avro.Schema

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


L'Oréal Sparklicious is my second pick from the new Diamond Collection. It would have been part of yesterday's post, but The Bigger, The Better stole the show. It would be unfair to hide such a sparkling beauty under six photos of another polish.
Sparklicious deserves a spotlight of its own!
Sparklicious is a real rival for the title of my new favorite glitter! This is just one coat. I've seen it worn on its own, it's that packed with glitter. Despite all of the glitter, it was still pretty easy to apply and smoothed completely with a coat of Gelous and my usual top coat.
It's just so vibrant! It's somewhere between silver and white gold and ideal for xmas. It's like a metallic blizzard!
The glitter has such an incredible shine to it that it dazzled my camera at some angles.
It's also multiculturally versatile, as perfect for Chanukah as for xmas!
I might wear this combination for latke night with my family. I can't wait for Mom's latkes and sour cream! Mmmm! ...and I will almost definitely be using Sparklicious in some of my xmas manis. It's too perfect. L'Oréal is really wowing me lately!


Offering exclusive hunting packages at the Snake River Ranch, we're proud to offer our hunters a premium hunting experience in the Tetons. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, let our outfitters guide you through your most memorable hunting experience, hunting big game on the Teton Range.
With more than a decade of outfitter experience, and driven by a passion for seeing others experience the thrill of the best hunting in Wyoming!
Curious as to what your trip might look like? Take a look at our sample itinerary, and get an idea for what your experience hunting big game in Wyoming could be like.
Already found what you're looking for? Ready to book your dream hunting trip? We make the process quick and easy for you, so you can get out in the field faster.


We are pleased to announce that Spring Cloud Task 2.0.0.RELEASE is now available on Github and the Pivotal download repository. Many thanks to all of those who contributed to this release.
A failed batch job execution fails a task.
We are pleased to announce that Spring Cloud Task 2.0.0.RC1 is now available on Github and the Pivotal download repository. Many thanks to all of those who contributed to this release.
This release includes upgrades to existing dependencies as well as some nice new features. Let's take a look at what's new in this release.
We are pleased to announce that Spring Cloud Task 2.0.0.M3 is now available on Github and the Pivotal download repository. Many thanks to all of those who contributed to this release.
This release includes upgrades to existing dependencies as well as some exciting new features for users of Spring Cloud Task. From a dependencies perspective, Spring Cloud Task 2.0.0.M3 has been upgraded to use the Spring Boot 2.0.0.RC1 stack as well as Spring Cloud's Finchley M6 dependencies.
Beyond just a dependency upgrade, there are a number of new features within Spring Cloud Task 2.0.0.M3. Let's take a look.
We are pleased to announce that Spring Batch 4.0.0.RELEASE is now available through Github, the Pivotal download repository, and Maven Central. This is the generally available release of the 4.0 line. Many thanks to all that contributed to this release.
Spring Batch 4 is the first major version release of Spring Batch since 3.0 went out in 2014. A lot has changed in the Spring ecosystem since that version went out. This release is intended to bring Spring Batch up to date with those changes. When Spring Batch 3 came out, Java configuration was just beginning to take over XML-based configuration. Spring Boot had not been announced yet. Also, while JDK 8 had just come out, Spring Framework 4 (which Spring Batch 3 was based on) still supported java back to JDK 6. Spring Batch 4 brings upgrades to all of these areas. Let's take a look.
We are pleased to announce that Spring Batch 4.0.0.M5 is now available via Github and the Pivotal download repository. This release represents the fifth milestone for the Spring Batch 4.0 release. Many thanks to all that contributed to this release.
As the dependency graph of Spring Boot 2 evolves, we have been updating our dependencies to be in line with them. This round includes updates to pull in the GA release of Spring Framework 5 as well as Spring Data Kay. Spring Integration 5.0.0.M7 was also pulled in for this release.
We are pleased to announce that Spring Batch 4.0.0.M3 is now available via Github and the Pivotal download repository. This release represents the third milestone for the Spring Batch 4.0 release. Many thanks to all that contributed to this release.
As the dependency graph of Spring Boot 2 evolves, we have been updating our dependencies to be in line with them. This includes the updating of Spring Data Kay and Spring Integraiton 5 dependencies as well as removing support for Log4J 1.x in favor of the newer 2.x line.
We are pleased to announce that Spring Batch 3.0.8.RELEASE is now available via Maven Central, Github, and the Pivotal download repository. This is the 8th maintenance release for the 3.0.x branch of Spring Batch and addresses a number of minor bug fixes and enhancements. One of the new features is that the DefaultDataFieldMaxValueIncrementerFactory has been updated to support InnoDB for the sequence tables used in MySql for the job repository when using Spring Framework 4.3.6+. Many thanks to all of those who submitted the many pull requests that went into this release.


Chris Nichols is the PolitiFact California reporter for Capital Public Radio. For the past dozen years, Chris has worked as a government and politics reporter at newspapers across California. Most recently, he covered the Capitol for the San Diego Union-Tribune. Previously, he worked at the North County Times in Escondido; the Lodi News-Sentinel and the Sonora Union-Democrat.


text:
Abu Dhabi: Parents have key role in preventing drug abuse, says police officer
Negligence at home, bad friends or colleagues cited as reasons leading to addiction among children
Ashwani Kumar
Published: Sat 3 Dec 2022, 3:55 PM
Last updated: Sat 3 Dec 2022, 9:24 PM
Parents can play a major role in protecting their children against drug use, an Abu Dhabi Police officer said during the UAE National Day event.
"Many different dangerous elements have tried to disturb the unity and stability in the country. One of the destabilising factors is substance use," Major Yousef Al Hammadi from the Anti-Narcotics Directorate at Abu Dhabi Police said during an anti-drug initiative by Indian Islahi Centre's Wisdom Abu Dhabi.
He noted that drug use impacts not just the addicts but their families, society and country, and stressed on parents being alert to any suspicious activities.
"One of the main factors that leads to children taking to drugs is because of family negligence, bad friends or colleagues they might have," Al Hammadi told the gathering of parents, youngsters and children.
The officer pointed out social media platforms have been heavily used to promote drug use.
"Nowadays use of social media is part of our daily lives, be it at the workplace or educational institutes. We are using smartphones and smart devices everywhere we go. So, parents have to be cautious about their children using these social media platforms," he said during the event at Indian Islamic Centre, Abu Dhabi.
Al Hammadi spoke about the importance of parent-child communication and awareness on the negative impacts of habits like substance use.
"Some parents are busy with their work and remain disconnected from their children, and this gap can be detrimental. You have to talk and create awareness."
He noted that cigarette smoking increases the likelihood of drug use.
"Smoking could be a trigger for drug use. And nowadays we are seeing different types of tobacco products are available. It could be a cue for drug use," Al Hammadi said, while highlighting that police and the government have been taking several measures to combat the menace of drug abuse, including imprisonment and hefty fines.
Addressing the expat community, Al Hammadi stressed that citizens and residents are treated equally before the law.
"All are equal in front of the law. There is no difference between a resident or a local. And this is what we have been taught by the late Sheikh Zayed. All people in this country are equal."
Al Hammadi urged community members to report any crime or suspicious activities through Aman service on 8002626, or https://abudhabipolice.gov.ae/en/Aman. Also, there is a service called 'Forsat Amal' https://forsa.adpolice.gov.ae/en for rehab of drug addicts, where their identity will remain anonymous.
Also raising awareness on the topic were Salma Al-Shurafa from Abu Dhabi Police, phycologist and counsellor Dr Jouhar Munavvir and Imam Hussain Salafi from Masjid Al Aziz, Sharjah.
UAE: At least Dh50,000 fine, jail time for those who fund drug abuse
Abu Dhabi students learn about the dangers of drugs, how to avoid addiction
Dubai: Man jailed for abusing, possessing and distributing drugs to others
UAE: Over 500 drug addicts received treatment through Abu Dhabi Police's new campaign
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com


text:
FROM mysql:8.0.29

# copying all SQL files to this folder will automatically put them in the default DB
COPY /sql/*.sql /docker-entrypoint-initdb.d/


text:
Podcast trying to send Redskins punter Tress Way to Pro Bowl
The Pro Bowl
Nick Sundberg
In this Oct. 13, 2019, file photo, Washington Redskins' Tress Way (5) punts during the first half at an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, in Miami Gardens, Fla. A popular Redskins podcast is trying to send Washington punter ... more >
By Stephen Whyno - Associated Press - Tuesday, December 10, 2019
ASHBURN, Va. — Tress Way has punted the Washington Redskins out of plenty of trouble this season.
Now, a popular podcast is trying to pave his way to the Pro Bowl.
Way is the central figure of a campaign by the "Redskins Talk" podcast to send one of Washington's most valuable players to the Pro Bowl in January. He leads the NFL in yards per punt and is tops among qualifying NFC punters in net yards this season.
AOC blames racism for lack of 'police in riot gear' at Virginia gun-rights rally
"We're No. 1 in net and No. 1 in gross," said long snapper Nick Sundberg, who inspired the push to get Way to Orlando. "I think he's deserved it for a couple years."
Way has pinned an opponent inside its 20-yard line 50 times the past two years and booted it into the end zone for a touchback just twice in 145 attempts over that time. The Redskins are 3-10, but Way more than anyone is doing his job at an All-Pro level, and the franchise hasn't had a All-Pro selection in two decades.
Whether Way ends that dubious distinction during Dan Snyder's ownership remains to be seen. But Sundberg hoped the podcast's platform could pull in a few votes for the 29-year-old at the top of his game.
"He's easy to root for, and the numbers back up he should go to the Pro Bowl, so it's like, why not try to help?" said J.P. Finlay, one of the hosts of the NBC Sports Washington podcast. "It's kind of just a fun thing. I don't think we would ever advocate for a player to make the Pro Bowl, but being the punter and being such a good-spirited dude, it's just a little different."
Way didn't become one of the Redskins' top players overnight. Former special teams coach Ben Kotwica challenged Way to improve his pooch-punting game, and the result has been plenty of perfectly placed punts.
But Way was quick to credit first-year special teams coach Nate Kaczor and Washington's coverage units for his numbers being so impressive.
"There's been some awesome punts and putting them in the corner and making returners have a tough time, but there has been some times where I have out-kicked the coverage, been right down the middle of the field and our guys just swarm on to these really good returners and have completely flipped the field," Way said. "These guys have bailed me out of some trouble."
Fan voting ends this week and makes up a third of the total for the Pro Bowl. Players and coaches make their selections Friday.
Way referred to Sundberg as his "hype man," but Finlay said part of this is also a nod to the 32-year veteran who could get a Pro Bowl trip out of it.
"If I was fortunate enough to go, I would love to try and lobby so that Nick could come with me," Way said. "Because Nick's played 10 years here with the Redskins alone and obviously is one of the best in the league and never had the chance to go."
Copyright © 2020 The Washington Times, LLC.
Once the source of fan frustration, Ian Mahinmi stepping up for Wizards
LOVERRO: Clemens, Bonds may eventually get in. But they'll have to do it without me
Beal shines in Wizards' win over Pistons
Former Nationals manager Baker to interview with Astros, wants to bring 'integrity'
Stock up and down: What is — and isn't — working for the Wizards at halfway point
Jalen Smith scores career-high 25, No. 17 Maryland rallies to beat Northwestern
Jay Gruden close to becoming next Jaguars offensive coordinator
Acquiring Julian Gressel part of D.C. United's offensive revamp
Kansas, Kansas State end game with wild brawl
NFL draft red carpet to be built in Bellagio fountains; stage accessible by boat
Bill Callahan lands with Browns as former Redskins coaches find new jobs
Defending champion Osaka, runner-up Kvitova move into third round in Australia
Case Keenum doesn't believe he'll return to Redskins in 2020: Report
Unlikely star Mostert fuels 49ers' run game in playoffs
Sharapova can't say what's next after Australian Open loss


We are extremely proud to support The RNLI who will once again be a Fitness Festival Partner in 2019. We're excited at the prospect of working even closer with the RNLI into 2019 to support the incredible work that they do.
Registration for the RNLI Stansted Park Reindeer Run taking place on Sunday 16th December 2018 is now open!
Join RNLI mascots Rookie Reindeer and Stormy Stan for a fantastically festive RNLI Reindeer Run at Stansted Park. There are spaces available in the 10K and 5K fun runs, and there's a 1K Santa Saunter that's perfect for the little ones.


text:
Президентские выборы 1896 года проходили 3 ноября и считаются одними из самых драматических в истории Соединённых Штатов. Кандидат от Республиканской партии Уильям Мак-Кинли одержал победу над демократом Уильямом Дженнингсом Брайаном. Мак-Кинли сформировал коалицию бизнесменов, квалифицированных рабочих и богатых фермеров. На Северо-востоке, верхнем Среднем западе и тихоокеанском побережье он обладал широкой поддержкой. Брайан был номинирован от демократов, популистов и серебряных республиканцев (фракции республиканцев, выступавших за выпуск серебряных денег) с широкой поддержкой на Юге, сельскохозяйственном Среднем западе и в штатах Скалистых гор. Основными предметами предвыборной кампании были экономические вопросы: биметаллизм, золотой стандарт, свободное серебро и тарифы. Глава республиканской кампании Марк Ханна ввёл многие современные выборные технологии, которые поддерживалось существенным избирательным бюджетом в $3,5 миллиона, превышающим демократический в 10 раз.

Выборы

Республиканская партия
Республиканские кандидаты:

Уильям Мак-Кинли, бывший губернатор Огайо.

Томас Брэкетт Рид, спикер Палаты представителей из Мэна.

Мэтью С. Куэй, сенатор из Пенсильвании.

Леви П. Мортон, губернатор Нью-Йорка.

Уильям Б. Эллисон, сенатор из Айовы.

Республиканская национальная конвенция проходила в Сент-Луисе 16—18 июня. Уильям Мак-Кинли был выдвинут на первым голосовании. Банкир Гаррет Хоббарт был выдвинут в вице-президенты. Платформа поддерживала золотой стандарт, получение Гавайи и Датской Вест-Индии, канал через Центральную Америку, расширение флота, исключение всех неграмотных иммигрантов, равную оплату за равный труд и революционеров в Армении и Кубе.

Демократическая партия
Демократические кандидаты:

Уильям Дженнингс Брайан, бывший конгрессмен из Небраски.

Ричард П. Бланд, бывший конгрессмен из Миссури.

Роберт Э. Пэттисон, бывший губернатор Пенсильвании.

Джозеф Блэкберн, сенатор из Кентукки.

Гораций Бойс, губернатор Айовы.

Джон Р. Маклин, издатель из Огайо.

Клод Мэтьюз, губернатор Индианы.

Демократическая конвенция прошла в Чикаго 7—11 июля. Изначально лидером считался бывший конгрессмен Ричард Бланд, который был первым на трёх голосованиях. Уильям Дженнингс Брайан, произнёсший на конвенции свою известную речь «Крест золота», был первым на четвёртом голосовании и был выдвинут на пятом. Артур Сьюлл, кораблестроитель из Мэна, был выдвинут в вице-президенты. Платформа партии поддержала биметаллизм.

Другие
Демократы, поддерживающие золотой стандарт, сформировали Национальную демократическую партию. Партия выдвинула Джона Палмера, 79-летнего сенатора из Иллинойса, и Симона Боливара Бакнера, 73-летнего бывшего губернатора Кентукки. Популистская партия выдвинула Брайана и бывшего конгрессмена Томаса Уотсона из Джорджии. Серебряная республиканская партия поддержала демократов.

Кампания
Мак-Кинли использовал новую стратегию. Его кампания образовывала электорат в вопросах денег и показывала ошибки сторонников биметаллизма. Мак-Кинли был показан как безопасный сторонник рабочих мест и твёрдых денег. Брайан показывался как религиозный фанатик и революционер, который уничтожит экономику. Оба кандидата впервые лично участвовали в кампании: Брайан ездил вокруг страны на поезде, а Мак-Кинли встречал людей на крыльце своего дома.

Результаты
Половина голосов была в 8 штатах: Нью-Йорке, Нью-Джерси, Пенсильвании, Огайо, Индиане, Иллинойсе, Мичигане и Висконсине. Все они были выиграны Мак-Кинли. Мак-Кинли победил с большим отрывом на Северо-востоке, а Брайан — на Юге и горном Западе. Это были последние выборы, в которых демократы побеждали в Южной Дакоте до 1932 года, последние, в которых демократы побеждали в Юте и Вашингтоне до 1916 года, последние, в которых демократы побеждали в Канзасе и Вайоминге до 1912 года, и последние, в которых демократы побеждали в Небраске до 1908 года. Это также единственные выборы, в которых республиканцы победили без Южной Дакоты, Канзаса, Юты и Вайоминга с их становления штатами.

Примечания

Ссылки
 1896 popular vote by counties
 How close was the 1896 election?  — Michael Sheppard, Michigan State University

1896
События 3 ноября
Ноябрь 1896 года
1896 год в США
Президентство Уильяма Мак-Кинли


Serve food courses and alcoholic beverages To guests. Set tables according to type of event and service standards. Answer questions on menu selections. Communicate with the kitchen regarding menu questions, the length of wait, recook orders, and product availability. Communicate additional meal requirements, allergies, dietary needs, and special requests to the kitchen. Record transaction in MICROS system at time of order. Check in with guests to ensure satisfaction with each food course and/or beverages. Maintain cleanliness of work areas, china, glass, etc., throughout the day. Complete closing duties, including restocking items, turning off lights, etc. Present physical and accurate check to guest and process payment.
Follow all company and safety and security policies and procedures; report accidents, injuries, and unsafe work conditions to manager; and complete safety training and certifications. Ensure uniform and personal appearance are clean and professional, maintain confidentiality of proprietary information, and protect company assets. Welcome and acknowledge all guests according to company standards, anticipate and address guests' service needs, assist individuals with disabilities, and thank guests with genuine appreciation. Speak with others using clear and professional language. Develop and maintain positive working relationships with others, support team to reach common goals, and listen and respond appropriately to the concerns of other employees. Ensure adherence to quality expectations and standards. Stand, sit, or walk for an extended period of time. Move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing less than or equal to 10 pounds without assistance. Perform other reasonable job duties as requested by Supervisors.


text:
Essential long-haul travel advice for destinations popular with UK travellers – latest FCO updates
By: Noble HorvathPosted on September 18, 2020
More long-haul destinations are being included on the UK Government list of countries where passengers are required to self-isolate on return from overseas.
The ever-changing situation can cause confusion for travellers and airlines are also lobbying for changes to be made.
Low-cost airline easyJet is hoping the UK Government will relax restrictions on travel to Egypt in a bid to kickstart the winter sun holiday season.
The carrier and tour operator has revealed that nearly half of visitors to its website claim they intended to jet away in the next three months with 60 per cent searching for deals.
Current Foreign Office advice warns against all but essential international travel for the whole of Egypt. The FCO lists the latest updates which could affect travel insurance.
But the Department for Transport exemption list – which runs alongside the transport advice – shows countries that do not require a traveller to enter quarantine on return to the UK.
Here are some favourite long-haul destinations for UK holidaymakers.
The country is exempt from the FCDO advice against all non-essential international travel and passengers do not have to isolate on return to the UK.
Entry restrictions are in place and visas are required for tourists.
All international tourists arriving on charter flights will have their temperature checked and a PCR (antigen) test. Anyone with respiratory problems may be isolated. Anyone who tests positive for coronavirus will be hospitalised immediately. Otherwise, there is no quarantine requirement for all arrivals on these flights.
Tourists can enter Cuba on international charter flights arriving directly into Cayo Coco, Cayo Cruz or Cayo Guillermo (served by Jardines del Rey airport); Cayo Santa Maria (flying into Santa Clara airport); or Cayo Largo del Sur only.
All other charter and commercial flights remain suspended.
Diving in the Red Sea at Sharm El Sheikh.
(Image: PA Photo/iStock)
The FCO advises against all but essential travel to Egypt.
The Egyptian authorities have advised that all arrivals into Egypt will be subject to health measures.
Passengers will be required to complete a monitoring card with personal details, and will need to provide confirmation of valid health insurance policy to airport authorities.
From 1 September, all persons (including those who hold Egyptian nationality) arriving from overseas to any part of Egypt will be required to present a negative PCR test certificate on arrival. The Egyptian authorities have advised that PCR tests must be conducted no more than 72 hours prior to flight departure. Children under the age of 6 are exempt. You should check with your airline to confirm time frames for undertaking PCR tests and what proof of testing needs to be presented before you travel.
Tourists arriving at airports in the coastal governorates of the Red Sea (Hurghada), South Sinai (Sharm El Sheikh), and Marsa Matrouh that are unable to present acceptable evidence of a negative PCR test will need to undergo testing on arrival.
After testing you will be required to self-isolate at your hotel until you receive your test result. The Egyptian authorities will be in touch and will advise whether you need to continue self-isolating. Test results are expected to become available within 12-24 hours.
Travel to USA is subject to entry restrictions
British nationals cannot enter the USA if they have been in the UK, Ireland, Schengen zone, Iran, Brazil or China within the previous 14 days
If you are eligible to enter the USA you must be prepared to self-isolate for up to 14 days after arrival
See entry requirements for more information before you plan to travel.
Return travel to the UK is subject to self-isolation requirements.
(Image: Creative Commons/EDeadPixel/Richard Galang)
Authorities are now barring entry to Canada, including at its border with the US, to most foreign nationals, including British nationals.
Travel to Canada is subject to entry restrictions
Entry to Canada is limited, except for Canadian citizens and permanent residents or their immediate families (exceptions apply), temporary foreign workers, and some international students
If you're eligible to enter Canada, you will need to self-isolate for 14 days after arrival
To help curb the spread of coronavirus, provincial governments have introduced a number of measures. There are some regional variations, but they generally include:
a ban on large social gatherings, where physical distancing is not possible
closure of schools, colleges and many public facilities, museums, cinemas and theatres
closure of bars and restaurants in many cities and regions
some public transport offering only a limited service
There are currently direct flights to the UK from Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal
(Image: shared content unit)
To curb the spread of Covid-19, scheduled international commercial passenger air services are currently suspended.
Availability of options for international transportation remain limited.
More information and detailed guidelines for International Arrivals are available on the Ministry of Health website.
Thermal screening will be carried out by the health officials at arrival. You must comply with all instructions and screening requirements.
All passengers will need to quarantine for 14 days after arrival.
No new restrictions on travel to Mexico but on return to the UK, you will need to:
provide your journey and contact details
self-isolate for 14 days
Thailand is exempt from the FCO advice against all non-essential international travel. This is based on the current assessment of Covid-19 risks.
However, the requirement to self-isolate on return to the UK from Thailand remains in place.
Travel to Thailand is subject to entry restrictions
At present only certain categories of foreign nationals are permitted to enter or transit Thailand.
If you're eligible to enter, you will be subject to a 14-day state quarantine at a Thai government-designated facility at your own expense. If suspected of carrying Covid-19, you may be denied entry into the country.
The stunning Burj Al Arab hotel, Dubai
Travel to the United Arab Emirates is subject to entry restrictions.
Visit and tourist visas are currently being issued by the Dubai authorities only. Tourists and visitors cannot travel to Abu Dhabi by air.
All travellers to the UAE must have carried out a Covid-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test within 96 hours and received a negative result prior to their departure. You may also need to undertake a second test on arrival, and to complete a period of self-isolation. You should check with their airline to confirm what proof of testing they need before travelling.
All travellers departing from the UAE to UK will need to have a negative Covid-19 PCR test result within 96 hours prior to departure.
The country is exempt from UK quarantine rules. However, travellers heading to Barbados are covered by restrictions.
You must complete and submit an online immigration/customs form 24 hours prior to travel
To be considered for fast-track processing upon arrival, you're advised to arrive in Barbados with a Covid-19 negative PCR test result.
If you arrive in Barbados without a negative PCR test that meets Barbados' entry requirements, you will be subjected to a mandatory test on arrival. You will need to quarantine until the test results are provided. This can take up to 48 hours. If at all possible, you are strongly advised to arrive in Barbados with a Covid-19 negative PCR test
Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 will be placed in isolation until they have recovered
Persons may be required to quarantine at any stage of their visit if the Government of Barbados deems that you have come into close contact with a Covid-19 positive individual.
Sandals resorts, Jamaica. Montego bay beach
(Image: Mirrorpix)
The sunshine state is exempt from UK quarantine rules. However, travellers heading to Jamaica are covered by restrictions.
Prior to checking in for a flight to Jamaica, you must get authorisation to enter from the Visit Jamaica website
All travellers arriving in Jamaica will be tested for Covid-19 and screened for symptoms at the airport
Travellers arriving in the UK from Australia are exempt from quarantine rules.
However, travel to Australia is limited at the moment. Only Australian citizens and returning permanent residents and their immediate family members are permitted to enter without an exemption until further notice.
Travellers who meet exemption criteria or have a compassionate or compelling reason to enter Australia can apply to the Australian authorities for an exemption.
For information on the exemption categories, application form and documentation required, see the Department of Home Affairs website
The Department of Home Affairs is experiencing high levels of demand for exemptions and there is no guarantee of either the timing of a decision or the outcome. You should make your application at least four weeks but not more than three months in advance of travel and provide full supporting documentation.
Travel to South Africa is subject to entry restrictions
UK nationals now require a visa to enter South Africa. These will only be issued in exceptional circumstances. You should get your visa from your local South African High Commission before you book travel.
South African nationals and foreign nationals with valid permanent residence permits for South Africa may enter South Africa.
If you are eligible for entry, you will be quarantined for 14 days after arrival.
Return travel to the UK is subject to self-isolation.
It is worth remembering that all information can change at short notice, so it is advisable to monitor the FCO and Department of Transport websites for the latest updates.
adviceDestinationsessentialFCOLatestlonghaulpopulartravelTravellersUpdates
City Of Akron Hosting Neighborhood Census Events To Encourage An Accurate And Complete Count Of Akron Residents In Final Days Of 2020 Census
The Four Seasons at Disney World is offering a 'schoolcation' package