text:
Iran's Presidential Election Puts Populism to the Test
May 15, 2013 Djavad Salehi-Isfahani
by Djavad Salehi-Isfahani
Economic issues are paramount on the minds of Iranian voters as they ponder the long list of candidates registered for president: who among them is likely to survive the vetting by the Guardian Council, and, of those, who offers the best plan to get Iran's economy out of the rut it has been in for the last several years?
Since the last election in 2009, the economy has stopped growing, more people are unemployed, prices have skyrocketed, and the currency has lost more than half of its value. Not all of these are the fault of outgoing President Ahmadinejad — sanctions have tightened considerably since he started his second term in 2009. But for the last several months the economic debate in Iran has been dominated by both his conservative and reformist critics who charge that his populist policies have brought economic ruin.
Three large programs define this populist legacy of redistribution. The first was a large $40 billion lending program for small enterprises, known as the "quick-returns projects", which started in 2006 and was already widely considered a colossal failure before the 2009 election. The 2011 census revealed zero net jobs added to the economy since the program's inception. Meanwhile, the public banks that were forced to lend to these projects have been left with huge unpaid loans. This large expansion of credit that failed to bring much additional output spurred the inflationary spiral that would later define the Ahmadinejad presidency.
The low-cost housing scheme, known as Maskan Mehr, also turned out to be highly inflationary because it relied on public lending to low-income people, forcing the banks to increase their borrowing from the Central Bank by about $40 billion and adding even more to liquidity.
The third, and most controversial, is the subsidy reform program, which redistributed some $70 billion worth of energy subsidies — most of which benefited people in middle- and upper-income groups — more equitably by replacing them with cash transfers. It also proved inflationary because the amount of cash distributed exceeded the cost of the energy subsidies that had been removed by an estimated $15 billion per year. The last two programs are still ongoing and have come under sharp attack, from both reformists and conservatives.
There seems to be a widespread perception among Iranian voters that Mr. Ahmadinejad has failed to deliver on his promise, first made in the 2005 elections, to "bring the oil money to the dinner table." But this does not mean that the public is ready to give up on redistribution. If there is a program that promises them what they are looking for – redistribution without inflation – they will support it. But such a program is not currently to be found among the plans of any of the declared candidates.
Mr. Rafsanjani's dramatic entrance into the election fray last Saturday is in part motivated by the hope that after eight years of redistributive policies, a majority of voters are now ready to view the type of pro-growth and pro-market policies that he spearheaded as president from 1989 to 1997 with more sympathy. He has certainly already won the support of the left-leaning reformers who, ironically, heavily criticized his structural-adjustment policies then.
Mr. Mashai's equally dramatic registration on Saturday (with President Ahmadinejad at his side) is to convince voters that with more time populists will deliver on their promises. They should be assured of sizeable support from lower-income people, especially those who have benefited from his cash transfers.
The subsidy reform has been putting 450,000 rials per person per month in individual bank accounts since January 2011. While the value of this transfer has declined due to inflation – when it started it was worth about $45 but is now worth less than half as much — it amounted to about 50% of the per capita expenditures of the poorest 10% of the population in 2011. With unemployment at record levels, they would find themselves in extreme poverty if this transfer is substantially reduced or eliminated. As much as half of the country's total population are net beneficiaries of the cash transfer program because the energy subsidies they replaced were highly regressive.
Mr. Rafsanjani's put-down of cash transfers in 2008 as "fostering beggars" is unlikely to endear him to the poor and the jobless. Convincing them that they would do better with real economic growth makes economic sense but will be a hard sell politically to this group. He may not need them, however, because the middle- and upper-income classes for whom the cash transfer matters little — for the top decile, it makes up only 5% of their expenditures — account for some 40% of the electorate.
Candidates from conservative factions, known as "Principlists", have so far gotten away with simply pointing out what they are against – inflation, unemployment, and bad implementation of good policies by the current administration. They have been careful to stress their commitment to continue the two remaining programs – subsidy reform and low-cost housing – but manage them better.
But the arrival of Mssrs. Rafsanjani and Mashai on the electoral scene will force them to define more precisely how they plan to bring about economic growth while continuing the most important policies of the Ahmadinejad administration. If the Guardian Council, which has the final say on who can run, allows this election to become a three-way race between populist, pro-growth, and Principlist philosophies, the conservative candidates will have to say more clearly what they are for, not just what they are against. Without it, they are likely to find themselves squeezed between the two better-defined alternatives.
Analysis, Economy, Iran, Message, Sanctions Ahmadinejad, economy, election, Mashai, Mashaie, Rafsanjani, rials
Djavad Salehi-Isfahani
Djavad Salehi-Isfahani conducts research on the economics of the Middle East and is currently a professor of economics at Virginia Tech. He is a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and research associate of the Iran Project, at Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.
Previous Article← Benghazi, Domestic Politics and Foreign Policy: America's Broken System
Next ArticleFraming Iran: Media Coverage Echoes Some Iraq Problems →
Iran's Protests: All About the Economy?
Rentierism and Rivalry Between Riyadh and Tehran
Rouhani's Challenges to Form His New Cabinet
YOLO Economics


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Please make sure to also mail in a signed copy of the Waiver of Liability and Emergency Authorization along with 2 copies of the photo/information page of your passport and your $150 deposit to hold your place on the trip.
After you submit your application, make sure to mail in a signed copy of the Waiver of Liability and Emergency Authorization along with 2 copies of the photo/information page of your passport and your $150 deposit to hold your place on the trip.


text:
LuCI - Lua Configuration Interface

Copyright 2013 Steven Barth <steven@midlink.org>

Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
You may obtain a copy of the License at

	http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
]]--

local map, section, net = ...

local mode = section:taboption("general", ListValue, "mode", translate("Category"))
mode:value("auto", translate("Automatic"))
mode:value("external", translate("External"))
mode:value("guest", translate("Guest"))
mode:value("adhoc", translate("Ad-Hoc"))
mode.default = "auto"

local plen = section:taboption("advanced", Value, "ip6assign", translate("IPv6 assignment length"),
	translate("Assign a part of given length of every public IPv6-prefix to this interface"))
plen.datatype = "max(128)"
plen.default = "64"

section:taboption("advanced", Value, "link_id", translate("IPv6 assignment hint"),
	translate("Assign prefix parts using this hexadecimal subprefix ID for this interface."))

plen = section:taboption("advanced", Value, "ip4assign", translate("IPv4 assignment length"))
plen.datatype = "max(32)"
plen.default = "24"

local o = section:taboption("advanced", Value, "dnsname", translate("DNS-Label / FQDN"))
o.default = map.name

luci.tools.proto.opt_macaddr(section, ifc, translate("Override MAC address"))

o = section:taboption("advanced", Value, "mtu", translate("Override MTU"))
o.placeholder = "1500"
o.datatype    = "max(9200)"

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Q: Decode XML string into struct I've the following xml:
<DOC>
<SubGroup1>
    <Value1>ABC123</Value1>
    <Value2>ABC123</Value2>
    <Value3>ABC123</Value3>
    <Value4>ABC123</Value4>
</SubGroup1>
<SubGroup2>
    <TheTag MyTagAttr="ABC123">
        <Value1>ABC123</Value1>
        <Value2>ABC123</Value2>
        <Value3>ABC123</Value3>
        <Value4 MyTagAttr="ABC123">ABC123</Value4>
        <Value5>ABC123</Value5>
        <Value6>ABC123</Value6>
        <Value7>ABC123</Value7>
        <Value8>ABC123</Value8>
        <Value9>ABC123</Value9>
    </TheTag>
</SubGroup2>
</DOC>

And I need to decode into this struct:
type TheTag struct {
    XMLName xml.Name `xml:"SubGroup2>TheTag"`

    Value1  string  `xml:"Value1"`
    Value2  string  `xml:"Value2"`
}

But I'm not able to decode properly this subelement into the struct.
I'm getting the following error:
error decoding message content: %!w(xml.UnmarshalError=expected element type <SubGroup2>TheTag> but have <DOC>)

My code is available here on Go Playgroud: https://go.dev/play/p/O688qTBARJm
Thanks in advance!

A: You should probably move the tags.
type TheTag struct {
  XMLName xml.Name `xml:"DOC"`

  Value1 string `xml:"SubGroup2>TheTag>Value1"`
  Value2 string `xml:"SubGroup2>TheTag>Value2"`
}

A: You can use the library github.com/clbanning/mxj
xmlBytes = []byte("<DOC>...</DOC>")
xmlStruct, err := mxj.NewMapXml(xmlBytes)
if err != nil {
  // handle error
}
theTag, err := xmlStruct.ValuesForPath("DOC.SubGroup2.TheTag")
if err != nil {
  // Do not exist "TheTag"
}
theTagInterface := theTag.(map[string]interface{})
myTagAttr := theTagInterface["-MyTagAttr"].(string)

val4, err := xmlStruct.ValuesForPath("DOC.SubGroup2.TheTag.Value4")
if err != nil {
  // Do not exist "Value4"
}
theVal4Interface := val4.(map[string]interface{})
myVal4Attr := theVal4Interface["-MyTagAttr"].(string)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


NARISA IS ON HOLIDAY UNTIL 8TH OF MAY.
At Ban Chang Thai Massage and Wellbeing, Solihull. We provide a variety of Thai massage treatments to suit you for the utmost rejuvenating experience. We are home based venue established in 2015. There are 2 treatment rooms are decorated in a Zen contemporary style, with a friendly and relaxing environment.
Our therapists are fully qualified and certified from institutions in Thailand, UK and overseas. We select only the highest quality beneficial oils, essential oil, herbal oil, face and body treatment products on the market both from Thailand, UK and worldwide.
Our passion in massage, spa, and well being make our services different from other venues. We care in every detail from fresh clean towels offered to every client, scents in treatment room, light, decoration, and most importantly is we do regular research and development of our treatment by attending training courses or researching popular massage and spa venues in the UK and Thailand so we can bring the goodness to develop our services to you.
We are located a few minutes away from Birmingham Airport and NEC (National Exhibition Centre), so if you are catching an afternoon flight, come to visit us to make sure you are more relaxed upon your journey.
We DO NOT provide sensual or sexual massage. Please respect us by not asking by phone or in person.
Great home based massage venue. Wouldn't hesitate in recommending to others and will use again. Very clean and professional treatment room with everything you'd expect. Massage was thoroughly relaxing and tailored to my needs. Thank you!
I booked in a Thai massage last minute and I was so glad I did. I had my massage with Narisa and she was really lovely. And the message was amazing! she asked me before hand what I wanted her to focus on and she accommodated it to my needs and the pressure was perfect. I will definitely be returning!
The venue was beautiful, Narisa was so polite and the whole treatment was 100/100 will be going there every month.
Probably the best massage I've ever had. Will definitely be returning.
I really enjoyed the massage, it was professional and heavenly. This was my first foot massage and it was just right, I wish I had booked the appointment for a longer time. I would definitely recommend anyone to try this.
I really enjoyed my 1st visit to Ban Chang, I had an excellent facial and back massage. Narisa was a very courteous host and her skill as a masseuse was evident. The whole experience was lovely, I came away thoroughly relaxed and serene. I highly recommend Ban Chang and will be booking again.
The facial was wonderful as is Narissa. The room was equipped with everything to guarantee comfort and relaxation. I will certainly visit again.
Love every minute. I visit Narisa regularly and cannot recommend her enough. She gives a full hour and tailors the massage for your personal needs. She is the friendliest massage therapist I have come across and she is very warm and welcoming each time I go. There is nothing I can complain of, she offers everything you would want from a massage experience.
Foot massage was performed by a man but I didn't mind this at all. He was very good. I then had a back massage to complete the treatment which was very good and left feeling very relaxed. All round great treatment.


text:
package Manages;

import java.util.ArrayList;

import Util.Goods;
import Util.IOStream;

public class ManageGoodsMethod {
	private IOStream stream = new IOStream();

	public int addGoodMethod(Goods ngood) {
		ArrayList<Goods> list = new ArrayList<Goods>();
		list = stream.getGoods();
		for (Goods good : list) {
			if (good.getName().equals(ngood.getName()))
				return 1;
			if (good.getNum().equals(ngood.getNum()))
				return 2;
		}
		list.add(ngood);
		stream.addGoods(list);
		return 0;
	}

	public Goods updGoodMethod(Goods good) {
		ArrayList<Goods> list = new ArrayList<Goods>();
		list = stream.getGoods();
		int i;
		for (i = 0; i < list.size(); i++) {
			if (list.get(i).getName().equals(good.getName())) {
				if (!good.getNum().equals(""))
					list.get(i).setNum(good.getNum());
				if (!good.getSum().equals(""))
					list.get(i).setSum(good.getSum());
				if (!good.getPrice().equals(""))
					list.get(i).setPrice(good.getPrice());
				break;
			}
		}
		stream.addGoods(list);
		return list.get(i);
	}

	public Goods delGoodMethid(String name) {
		ArrayList<Goods> list = new ArrayList<>();
		list = stream.getGoods();
		int i;
		for (i = 0; i < list.size(); i++) {
			if (list.get(i).getName().equals(name)) {
				list.remove(i);
				break;
			}
		}
		stream.addGoods(list);
		return list.get(i);
	}

	public Goods selGoodMethod(String name) {
		Goods good = null;
		for (Goods get_good : stream.getGoods()) {
			if (get_good.getName().equals(name)) {
				return get_good;
			}
		}
		return good;
	}

}


text:
On a calculus of partition functions
George E. Andrews
The main object in this paper is to show that many partition theorems which have been deduced from identities in basic hypergeometric series and infinite products may in fact be given purely combinatorial proofs. We show that the manipulations performed on the generating functions have combinatorial interpretations, and thus we obtain a "calculus of partition functions" which translates a sizable portion of the techniques of the elementary theory of basic hypergeometric series into arithmetic terms.
Pacific Journal of Mathematics
https://doi.org/10.2140/pjm.1969.31.555
Published - Dec 1969
Basic Hypergeometric Series
Partition Function
Infinite product
Generating Function
Theorem
Mathematics(all)
Andrews, G. E. (1969). On a calculus of partition functions. Pacific Journal of Mathematics, 31(3), 555-562. https://doi.org/10.2140/pjm.1969.31.555
Andrews, George E. / On a calculus of partition functions. In: Pacific Journal of Mathematics. 1969 ; Vol. 31, No. 3. pp. 555-562.
@article{69ac312e6268472cb50298be8d699af1,
title = "On a calculus of partition functions",
abstract = "The main object in this paper is to show that many partition theorems which have been deduced from identities in basic hypergeometric series and infinite products may in fact be given purely combinatorial proofs. We show that the manipulations performed on the generating functions have combinatorial interpretations, and thus we obtain a "calculus of partition functions" which translates a sizable portion of the techniques of the elementary theory of basic hypergeometric series into arithmetic terms.",
author = "Andrews, {George E.}",
doi = "10.2140/pjm.1969.31.555",
journal = "Pacific Journal of Mathematics",
publisher = "University of California, Berkeley",
Andrews, GE 1969, 'On a calculus of partition functions', Pacific Journal of Mathematics, vol. 31, no. 3, pp. 555-562. https://doi.org/10.2140/pjm.1969.31.555
On a calculus of partition functions. / Andrews, George E.
In: Pacific Journal of Mathematics, Vol. 31, No. 3, 12.1969, p. 555-562.
T1 - On a calculus of partition functions
AU - Andrews, George E.
N2 - The main object in this paper is to show that many partition theorems which have been deduced from identities in basic hypergeometric series and infinite products may in fact be given purely combinatorial proofs. We show that the manipulations performed on the generating functions have combinatorial interpretations, and thus we obtain a "calculus of partition functions" which translates a sizable portion of the techniques of the elementary theory of basic hypergeometric series into arithmetic terms.
AB - The main object in this paper is to show that many partition theorems which have been deduced from identities in basic hypergeometric series and infinite products may in fact be given purely combinatorial proofs. We show that the manipulations performed on the generating functions have combinatorial interpretations, and thus we obtain a "calculus of partition functions" which translates a sizable portion of the techniques of the elementary theory of basic hypergeometric series into arithmetic terms.
U2 - 10.2140/pjm.1969.31.555
DO - 10.2140/pjm.1969.31.555
JO - Pacific Journal of Mathematics
JF - Pacific Journal of Mathematics
Andrews GE. On a calculus of partition functions. Pacific Journal of Mathematics. 1969 Dec;31(3):555-562. https://doi.org/10.2140/pjm.1969.31.555
10.2140/pjm.1969.31.555

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


In spring 2019, White Coat Waste Project, a Fund partner since 2017, successfully ended cruel and wasteful kitten experiments at the US Department of Agriculture.
In spring 2019, PETA's Campaign to End Racehorse Cruelty -- which Greg long supported -- prompted national attention and policy reforms after numerous fatalities at Santa Anita Park.
In spring 2019, PETA's Community Animal Project -- which Greg long supported -- celebrated passage of Virginia legislation, three years in the making, to protect backyard dogs.
Since 2016, the Greg Fund has partnered with PETA to present an annual animal rescue award of $1,000 to an organization or individual doing exceptional work for horses, dogs, cats, and other animals.
Since 2016, the Greg Fund has partnered with Animal Place's Food for Thought program to expand its wildlife and environmental outreach, and now offers grants up to $1,000 per organization.
In 2018, the Greg Fund partnered with White Coat Waste Project to rescue monkeys from cruel and wasteful experiments at the US Food and Drug Administration, and release them to sanctuary in Florida.
Carry forward Greg's commitment to animals.


The Macleay Valley features excellent sporting facilities for all the family.
If you play sport, then we have many sporting facilities, these include four gold courses, swimming pool complexes, tennis courts, netball courts, soccer fields, baseball, hockey fields, rugby union and rugby league and more.
Venues are of a high standard with lights available for night competition and practice with on site facilities. The Macleay attracts state and regional competitions on a regular basis.
The Macleay Valley is home to many different sporting groups and organisations, including athletics, clay shooting, hockey, fishing, sailing, lawn bowling, archery, surfing, soccer and go cart racing.
The Macleay Valley is very serious about its sport. Facilities are improving and developing. The diversity of our sporting life also encompasses equestrian pursuits through to camp drafting and World Champion Bull Riders Jarrod Farley and Australian Bull Riding Champion Denny Farley.


The brainchild of Vic and Diana Bernardini, Lucca is located next to The Mill in Roswell. It still smells like a new building when you walk in. Our first impression is that the Bernardinis should have fired their restaurant designer/architect. The parking lot is miniscule. Expect to have to park on the street on Bulloch Avenue. Practice your parallel parking skills before you go. Bad design flaw #1.
When we walked in, we encountered a line. Good news for Lucca. Bad news for the customers in line.
As soon as the line forms, nobody can get in and nobody can get out. There's no place to go to stand in line. Although the line isn't that long, there are people waiting outside who can't get in the building. Bad design flaw #2.
The menu is on a blackboard, or you can get the printed version. You can order one of their creations, or make your own. You can't do that at Antico.
Tip: if you want dessert, it's best to order it now.
If you come back for it later, you may have to wait in a line all over again. Our guess is that they lose a lot of dessert business, like ours. We had fro-yo down the street after our pizza.
The beer is all bottled. No taps for us tonight. The wine is expensive ($11 a glass!) and is poured into plastic cups.
We do find a beer of interest from Northern Italy that has not previously passed our palates. Menabrea tastes like a good German lager, and at 4.5% ABV, you can drink this stuff all day. Not us…we only have one each.
It's tough choosing a pizza. There are two sizes, individual and large, which they say will serve at least two people. Go for the large. It's a better value. Whatever pie you pick, it comes out of one of these three behemoths.
Those are gen-u-ine I-talian wood-fired pizza ovens imported from Naples. (The hyphens are getting out of control!) Remind anyone of Antico? They get really hot, and pizzas cook quickly.
Owner Vic doesn't just oversee the place. He tosses the pizza dough.
Date Night loves to see owner involvement.
We order and go find a picnic table.
Hmmmm…picnic tables…don't they have those at you-know-where?
We amuse ourselves with a Caesar salad while we wait for our food.
It's fresh and the big chunks of pecorino cheese are nice.
Although they are busy, the pizza comes out fairly fast.
Behold, the fig bianco. It's a white pizza with fig preserves, mozzarella, pecorino and ricotta.
The preserves make this a sweet pizza. The crust is soft and chewy. I really like the way the cheese tastes with the fig preserves. However, Neapolitan pies should be crispy on the bottom and this one was not. My date prefers a more savory pie and feels like this one is too sweet. Next time, she gets to pick the pizza.
The bottom line on Pizzeria Lucca: This is not the place you want to go for a quiet date. The families of Roswell come, so expect a lot of kids running around. You will experience a lot of noise. If you want quiet, sit outside or get it to go. Our pizza was $21, which makes it more expensive (and unfortunately not as good) than you-know-where. We can only hope that the Bernardinis will buy some sound-proofing with their profits.
I don't care how good a place is, excessively LOUD is too much. On top of that, the cluster f*%k of the line and ordering would turn me off and away for sure! Thanks for all the good/bad reviews – helps me decide where to go next.
The pizza looks tasty. Never had a pizza from a brick oven before. A must on my list!


So Midsummer (to me, at least) is a celebration of the sun god at his zenith, a crowned king on his throne. He is at the height of his power and still 1/4 of a year away from his ritual death at the hands of his rival. However, at the very moment of his greatest strength, his dark twin, the seed of his destruction, is born - just as the days begin to shorten. The spear and the cauldron have often been used as symbols for this holiday and it should now be easy to see why. Sun gods are virtually always associated with spears (even Jesus is pierced by one), and the midsummer cauldron of Cancer is a symbol of the Goddess in her fullness. If we have learned anything from this story from the fourth branch of the 'Mabinogion', it is about the power of myth - how it may still instruct and guide us, many centuries after it has passed from oral to written tradition. And in studying it, we have barely scratched the surface.


or just don't want to do! "
"I'm Jim, the handyman man! when you need an extra hand!"
To get to the point Jim took a mangled jungle, and created a beautiful garden setting for us!! Stump and weed removal, garden fence enclosure with gate, complete edging and decorative stone installation, what a transformation! Thank you, Jim, I need to get on your schedule for more projects!
I've had several things done by Jim and couldn't be more pleased, had by front deck and 2 side decks "pressure washed" and OMG, they look like new, and in his spare time, didn't ask him to do it, but he also pressure washed one of my white patio chairs, I noticed something definitely different about it, IT WAS Cleaner, WOW, Thanks Jim, I also just had him clean my carpets and with 2 big dogs, they needed the cleaning, way over due, won't be waiting so long in between anymore, quite reasonable, I"d recommend Jim to anyone for. If you need a "handy Man", Jim is definitely your guy.
Jim was on time did a great job and went above and beyond. He cleans the corners he doesn't cut them.
I can help you with most of your home challenges and if I can't , I'll refer you to a competent company who can!
Jim does beyond excellent work (and with a sense of humor too!) There has not been any task/errand/service he hasn't been able to handle - cleaning, laundry, smoke detector/light bulbs, carpet cleaning, car detailing, yard work, snow removal, picks up dog food when he notices you are out and if there is a chance he can not fix it - he knows the guy who can and even arranges it for you! I highly recommend him...he even brings treats for your pets!
Did some carpet cleaning for my sister and cleaned a dryer vent excellent job done! Thank you Jim.
Great professional work and very friendly! Highly recommended!
Copyright © Jim Griffith. All rights reserved.


text:
EntertainmentMusicShareSubscribe
Pandora Unveils the Top 100 Songs of 2016
Drake cleaned house.
By James Grebey
Filed Under Drake & Streaming
Man, 2016 has really been a hellish year, hasn't it? There has, however, been some pretty good music, and now that December is fast approaching, folks are starting to produce their "Best of" lists. The music streaming service Pandora revealed its top 100 songs for the year on Wednesday morning, and it's not a bad bunch of tracks.
It is not, importantly, a list of the 100 best songs of 2016. Pandora's "Top Thumb Hundred" is a ranking of the 100 most "thumbed-up" songs of the year. So, it's less of a holistic examination of the year in music so much as it's the tastes and base preferences for one streaming site's user base. Still — there are worse lists (even if Chance the Rapper's Coloring Book got shafted by the good people who listen to Pandora).
Drake dominated the list, making 14 appearances, while Future took the No. 2 slot with eight appearances on the list. Almost half of the list (42 tracks) were hip hop, while 29 songs were pop.
Check out the list below, although it's disgusting that it excludes the True Number One Song Of The Year 2016: "Store," off of Carly Rae Jepsen's extras album E•MO•TION: Side B. Don't @ me.
Anyway, here's the list:
100. "No Limit" (Feat. Young Thug), Usher
99. "H.O.L.Y.," Florida Georgia Line
98. "Just Like Fire" (From Alice Through The Looking Glass), Pink
97. "Child's Play," Drake
96. "My Beyoncé" (Feat. DeJ Loaf), Lil Durk
95. "R.I.C.O." (Feat. Drake), Meek Mill
94. "Sorry Not Sorry," Bryson Tiller
93. "Trap Niggas," Future
92. "Moolah," Young Greatness
91. "Come Get Her," Rae Sremmurd
90. "Me Too," Meghan Trainor
89. "When We Were Young," Adele
88. "Law" (Feat. E-40), Yo Gotti
87. "All The Way Up" (Feat. French Montana), Fat Joe & Remy Ma
86. "Body" (Feat. Jeremih), Dreezy
85. "Cold Water" (Feat. Justin Bieber & MØ), Major Lazer
84. "Jimmy Choo," Fetty Wap
83. "Cheap Thrills," Sia
82. "I Know What You Did Last Summer," Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello
81. "Treat You Better," Shawn Mendes
80. "Sex With Me," Rihanna
79. "Roses" (Feat. ROZES), The Chainsmokers
78. "Middle" (Feat. Bipolar Sunshine), DJ Snake
77. "Cake By The Ocean," DNCE
76. "Renegades," X Ambassadors
75. "Close" (Feat. Tove Lo), Nick Jonas
74. "Gold," Kiiara
73. "Promise" (Feat. Fetty Wap), Kid Ink
72. "Locked Away" (Feat. Adam Levine), R. City
71. "Send My Love" (To Your New Lover), Adele
70. "Hide Away," Daya
69. "Antidote," Travis Scott
68. "Still Here," Drake
67. "Come And See Me" (Feat. Drake), PARTYNEXTDOOR
66. "Broccoli" (Feat. Lil Yachty), D.R.A.M.
65. "Acquainted," The Weeknd
64. "Purple Reign," Future
63. "Cut It" (Feat. Young Dolph), O.T. Genasis
62. "Stick Talk," Future
61. "Here," Alessia Cara
60. "NO," Meghan Trainor
59. "What Do You Mean," Justin Bieber
58. "RGF Island," Fetty Wap
57. "One Call Away," Charlie Puth
56. "679" (Feat. Remy Boyz), Fetty Wap
55. "CAN'T STOP THE FEELING!" (Original Song From DreamWorks Animation's Trolls), — Justin Timberlake
54. "Where Ya At" (Feat. Drake), Future
53. "Back To Sleep," Chris Brown
52. "For Free" (Feat. Drake), DJ Khaled
51. "Heathens," Twenty One Pilots
50. "Same Old Love," Selena Gomez
49. "March Madness," Future
48. "Wicked," Future
47. "Sucker For Pain" (Feat. Logic, Ty Dolla $ign & X Ambassadors), Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa & Imagine Dragons
46. "Like I'm Gonna Lose You" (Feat. John Legend), Meghan Trainor
45. "Ride," Twenty One Pilots
44. "Dangerous Woman," Ariana Grande
43. "Lost Boy," Ruth B.
42. "Closer" (Feat. Halsey), The Chainsmokers
41. "Hands To Myself," Selena Gomez
40. "Hold Up," Beyonc
39. "Say It," Tory Lanez
38. "Summer Sixteen," Drake
37. "Best Friend," Young Thug
36. "Die A Happy Man," Thomas Rhett
35. "Don't Mind," Kent Jones
34. "Right Hand," Drake
33. "This Is What You Came For" (Feat. Rihanna), Calvin Harris
32. "White Iverson," Post Malone
31. "I Took A Pill In Ibiza" (SeeB Remix), Mike Posner
30. "I Hate U, I Love U" (Feat. Olivia O'Brien), Gnash
29. "Never Forget You," Zara Larsson & MNEK
28. "Down In The DM," Yo Gotti
27. "Don't Let Me Down" (Feat. Daya), The Chainsmokers
26. "Earned It," The Weeknd
25. "Sorry," Beyoncé
24. "Too Good" (Feat. Rihanna), Drake
23. "PILLOWTALK," ZAYN
22. "Stressed Out," Twenty One Pilots
21. "Formation," Beyoncé
20. "Sorry," Justin Bieber
19. "Really Really," Kevin Gates
18. "Work From Home" (Feat. Ty Dolla $ign), Fifth Harmony
17. "2 Phones," Kevin Gates
16. "Don't," Bryson Tiller
15. "Controlla," Drake
14. "My House," Flo Rida
13. "Low Life" (Feat. The Weeknd), Future
12. "7 Years," Lukas Graham
11. "Exchange," Bryson Tiller
10. "Jumpman," Drake & Future
9. "Panda," Desiigner
8. "Oui," Jeremih
7. "Pop Style" (Feat. The Throne), Drake
6. "Me, Myself & I," G-Eazy & Bebe Rexha
5. "Hello," Adele
4. "Love Yourself," Justin Bieber
3. "Needed Me," Rihanna
2. "One Dance" (Feat. Wizkid & Kyla), Drake
1. "Work" (Feat. Drake), Rihanna
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What do May flowers bring? More food!
It's National Hamburger Month but we're celebrating different foods each day -- from raspberry tarts to escargot to grape popsicles and mint juleps, we're ready to eat every day in May!
Sweet or savory is the question today. If you're in favor of chocolate truffles, pick some up at Francois Payard or try our step-by-step recipe to create them yourself! If you're up for savory truffles, try the truffle and foie gras chicken at The Nomad, Umami Burger's truffle burger or freshly shaved truffles on Cafe Fiorello's scallops.
Celebrate sweet spring fruits from New York's great pastry shops. Pick up a raspberry tart from Mille Feuille, Bouchon Bakery or even the bakery counter at Dean & Deluca.
Celebrate OJ on its special day! Pick up a cup of freshly squeezed juice from Juicy Lucy Juice Bar, Melvin's Juice Box, Liquiteria or Juice Generation.
Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Celebrate with a plate of hot enchiladas. Grab the stuffed tortillas at your local Mexican joint or seek out the dish at Tulcingo del Valle, Rosa Mexicano and Añejo in Manhattan or head to Queens for Taqueria Coatzingo in Elmhurst and Tortilleria Nixtamal in Corona.
Today's the day to go off your diet -- any diet! Make today the ultimate cheat day with some of our favorite munchies in NYC. Nugget nachos, birthday bagels, mac and cheese with sloppy Joes... you can have it all.
You can celebrate all day at Empanada Mama! This 24-hour-restaurant serves dozens of flavors of empanadas from cheeseburger to tuna jalapeño to chicken and broccoli teriyaki to Greek spinach pie! We bet even if you celebrate all day you won't be able to taste them all!
Celebrate all that is shrimpy today! Enjoy some crisp coconut shrimp from LoLo's Seafood Shack, jumbo shrimp cocktail from a steakhouse like Mastro's or seafood spot like The Wayfarer. If you want to cook some shrimp at home, pick up a pound from one of NYC's best fish markets.
See: National No Diet Day (May 6). Eat everything you want today! Perhaps try some of NYC's weirdest ice cream flavors? It's also National Mocha Torte Day, so eat that too if you want.
Celebrate with a biscuit sandwich at biscuit-themed restaurants Beehive Oven or Empire Biscuit. You could also make your own with our recipe from Egg in Williamsburg.
Celebrate today with New York's best quarter-pounder: a hefty chocolate chip and walnut cookie from Levain Bakery. Another good way to celebrate: a scoop of chocolate chip peppermint at Davey's Ice Cream.
There are so many French foods to celebrate this month! Enjoy the traditional ham and cheese quiche at French restaurants like Cafe Henri, Maison Kayser or Le Gamin.
If you're eating out, be especially nice to your server today! We're talking manners, a little bit of an extra tip and as much friendliness as you can offer to the people who make restaurants what they are in NYC.
Celebrate this sticky day with the only saltwater taffy made in NYC: The Salty Road. This Brooklyn-based candy can be found at specialty food markets around the city or ordered online. In flavors like salted caramel, peppermint and mango lassi, you're going to want to stock up.
Celebrate the day of edible snail! If you've never had escargot before, the ravioles de royan, or "royal ravioli", at Bistro Chat Noir are topped with imported escargot doused in a rich pesto, coating the snail meat in a delectable disguise of creamy sauce. More seasoned escargot afficionados may enjoy the escargot in puff pastry at new French spot La Gauloise.
If you haven't yet, or just can't stop, head to Breads Bakery to celebrate their Cheesecake Month! You could also grab cheesecake at the Brooklyn favorite, Junior's!
Cool down with a sweet treat from People's Pops today.
May is actually National Hamburger Month, so hopefully you've been celebrating for 28 days already. Use today to try a new style of burger, be it a a rice burger from Yonekichi, a ramen burger or just one of our top NYC burgers.
The Kentucky Derby has galloped past but there's no reason not to celebrate this refreshing drink today! Visit Maison Premiere, Pounds and Ounces or Moonlight Mile for their stellar juleps or make your own with our recipes.


Mushroom risotto is probably one of my favorite things to make. It is easy and satisfying, plus it features mushrooms which are always available and delicious. This version is pretty simple, however sometimes I change it up a bit and add a few more steps to elevate it to another level! For starters, give this delicious risotto a try, you will love it!
1) Bring a big pot of water to a boil.
2) In a heavy bottom pot (I use a ceramic dutch oven) cook onions in olive oil until translucent; add arborio rice and rosemary and cook another minute.
3) Pour in the wine and a chicken stock cube and stir until the wine has absorbed; add the mushrooms; cook another minute.
4) Add another chicken stock cube and a soup ladle of boiling water; stir until water has been absorbed.
5) Add the 3rd chicken stock cube with another ladle of boiling water and stir until absorbed.
6) Continue adding more water and stirring, for about 20 minutes.
7) Stir the butter into the risotto and add the grated Parmesan; check the seasoning.
8) Add a squeeze of lemon and the parsley, stir. Remove from heat, cover with a lid and let stand for 2 minutes.
9) Grate on some extra Parmesan and serve!
As much as I love fall, I am having a little trouble giving up my summer clothing; shorts and dresses especially. I usually wear summer clothes right up until the first snow fall. I basically swap out my sandals for boots, add some chunky sweaters, warm scarves and fun tights to my closet which helps me transition into the colder weather without giving up my favorite summer pieces before I'm ready.
Below is one of the easiest ways to hold on to summer without looking "summery". Simply add a cute pair of booties and a warm cardigan to your favorite shorts and tank!
Two ways to style your classic flannel top! Wear it unbuttoned or half buttoned or try tying it around your waist for a casual "thrown together" look!
Not sure if you can pull off plaid pants or a plaid shirt? If you want to try it out for fall/winter but not 100 percent on it, then buy a smaller piece to add to your wardrobe, like a bag, scarf or some shoes!
Sorry about my crappy camera skills, framing, lighting etc...I do plan to get a better camera soon!
I am in love with this blazer, it is so versatile! I really enjoy suede and the blue is one of my favorite colors. I also love the little zippers on the sleeves, they add something extra which makes it that much better. These patterned pants are not as versatile and I often struggle finding something to pair them with, so I usually go with a solid black or white top with some funky jewelry. I often wear these pants to work, and I work in a professional office. They are a busy pattern but they are still a dress pant, and when styled in the right context they can definitely be appropriate for a work setting. (For work I pair them with a black blazer and a simple colored camisole).
I'm a huge fan of soup, especially during this time of year. It is even better when I get to incorporate pumpkin (which I love) and bacon! Cause, well bacon. I found this recipe in the October issue of Food Network Magazine which I adapted slightly. It is smooth and flavorful with the perfect mix of salty and sweet. Even my husband gobbled it up and he is not at all a pumpkin person! Any who, give it a try, you will not be disappointed!
1) Simmer the can of pumpkin, chicken broth, cream and pumpkin pie spice, whisking, 10 minutes.
3) Taste, then add salt to your liking.
4) Top with apples and bacon.
Apolaustic Soul is a fusion of fashion, food, photography and lifestyle.


Communication is key to success, and the Robertson & Olson team welcomes any inquiries you may have. Whether you're a prospective client, an architect, a subcontractor or simply an interested party, don't hesitate to give us a call to talk to one of our team members directly about your questions and concerns. It's also easy and efficient to reach us by fax or email. If you'd like to send us a message, one of our friendly team members will get back to you in a timely manner.
Robertson & Olson Construction, Inc.


text:
New California Law Recognizes Cheerleaders as Employees
The law, which will take effect in 2016, is believed to be the first of its kind in the nation.
Published July 16, 2015 • Updated on July 17, 2015 at 6:27 am
Gov. Jerry Brown has approved legislation recognizing California's professional cheerleaders as employees who are entitled to minimum wage and overtime.
The Democratic governor announced Wednesday that he signed AB202, requiring that sports teams employ cheerleaders as workers instead of contractors. It provides them with sick leave and overtime pay, as well as other labor protections available to team staff.
The law, which will take effect in 2016, is believed to be the first of its kind in the nation. A similar bill in New York is pending.
Democratic Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez introduced the bill after Oakland Raiderette cheerleaders filed a wage-theft lawsuit. Gonzalez, who cheered at Stanford, said many professional cheerleaders are treated like glorified volunteers.
"We would never tolerate shortchanging of women workers at any other workplace. An NFL game should be no different," Gonzalez said in a statement.
Raiders cheerleaders were ultimately paid less than $5 per hour through a contract that did not include pay for hours of rehearsals and public appearances, Raiderettes attorney Sharon Vinick said.
Dozens of Raiderettes who worked for the team from 2010 to 2013 received a $1.25 million settlement last year as part of the lawsuit. Cheerleaders for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers also received a settlement.
Attorneys for NFL cheerleaders have said that in addition to receiving sub-standard wages and little to no overtime pay, they have also been forced to foot the bill for thousands of dollars of travel and personal appearance costs.
Vinick said in a telephone interview Wednesday that though Raiders cheerleaders testified on behalf of AB202, they have always maintained that under the law they should already be considered employees and were never independent contractors.
"This is just icing on the cake," Vinick said.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league does not manage cheerleaders' employment.
"Teams are advised to follow state and federal employment laws," he said in an email.
AB202 received bipartisan support in both the Assembly and the Senate.
CaliforniaNew YorkNFLStanford


Tinopolis-owned UK production outfit Mentorn Media has appointed an executive from rival ITN Productions as its new head of factual.
Bernie Kay is joining the London-based firm in the newly created role, charged with bolstering the its slate of talent-led projects, factual entertainment formats and documentaries.
Kay joins from ITN Productions, where she was appointed as an executive producer in 2015 to help grow the popular factual slate, spearheading the company's move into daytime formats, celebrity travelogues and docuseries fronted by young presenters.
She won commissions and executive produced programmes including BBC1 returning daytime format Going Back, Giving Back, Channel 4 feature series Big Ben: World's Most Famous Clock and BBC2 travelogue series Frankie Goes to Russia, presented by comedian Frankie Boyle.
Prior to joining ITN, Kay had senior roles at some of the UK's biggest production companies including Endemol Shine and RDF Television.
The appointment follows the arrival of Simon McKeown from Argonon as head of unscripted in October last year.


text:
Wolfenstein RPG – Review
By BradT
App Type: Uncategorized
By: Wolfenstein RPG
Version #: 1.0.0
Date Released: 2009-05-11
Developer: Electronic Arts
With a name like Wolfenstein, you'd think the plotline would match closely to the original series that was released back in the 80's. Even though the game carries the Wolfenstein name, this version is much different. It involves werewolves, elite soldiers, and zombies. It involves pseudo-Nazis performing scientific experiments on captives. In the story, the lead character is a soldier assigned to stop the experiments going on in the castle. He uses a variety of weapons including flamethrower, rocket launcher, and a Tesla to take down the games 'monsters'. Along the way, he discovers various levels, even one that lets him create his own monster drink.
Due to the complexity of the game, it does take time to sit and go through the tutorial in order to learn the exact rules and gameplay. The game isn't as exciting as other first-person games, the primary reason being that since it's an RPG, the fights involve taking turns as if the characters were opposing soldiers on a Revolutionary War battlefield.
The game looks somewhat old school and the graphics and motion are somewhat choppy. That's likely intentional. The game does have a pretty sophisticated options menu that allows for control of many aspects of the game. The user can save and continue the game at any point during play. If one is bored with continuous play, there are some mini-games as well called "War" and "Chicken Kicking".
Castle Wolfenstein RPG isn't a bad game, but it isn't particularly thrilling either. It's a first-person shooter combined with a virtual mystery that must be solved. If you like a game that combines the two, then this game is for you. If you prefer one or the other, then perhaps you should look for something else.
Quick Take
Value:Medium.
Would I Buy Again:Possibly, but not likely.
Learning Curve:Medium to High.
Who Is It For:Those that like both first person RPG's and first person shooters.
What I Like:Sophisticated game play. Quite addicting once you learn it.
What I Don't Like:Kind of choppy in terms of motion. Don't like the back-and-forth of shootouts.
Final Statement:Have fun storming the castle.
Read the Developer's Notes:
You are Sergeant B.J. Blazkowicz, leader of an elite U.S. fighting unit on a Special Ops assignment. Your call to duty is to save the world from the grip of the evil Axis Army that dwells in Castle Wolfenstein. Fight your way through a freakish bestiary of zombies, mutations, elite soldiers and more. Use your boots, fists and toilets to kick, punch, and pummel your enemies to a pulp. Inflict serious damage with weapons like a flamethrower, rocket launcher, and a Tesla! Use your iPhone® and iPod touch® to activate an arsenal of 16 weapons including Spiked Brass Knuckles, a Submachine Gun, and Dynamite. Tap and swipe to punch, kick, and shoot. Use the accelerometer to take down the Axis Agents from a distance with a powerful sniper rifle. Tap your screen to search for hidden secrets that reveal stolen treasures and more. Fight your way through 9 levels and 8+ hours of Wolfenstein action! Face 32 enemies you'll love to vanquish! Battle elite soldiers, zombies, flaming skeletons, and other bizarre Id creations. Sneak your way into the Mixing Stations and dip into their performance enhancing concoctions for your OWN benefit! High-res graphics suspended in a 3D world immerse you in the mayhem Listen to your iTunes® music library during gameplay and battle to your own music! Need a break from all that ACTION? Play 2 classic mini-games:"Kick the Chicken" and "War"!
O U R T A K E ...
Article By BradT
bradt	has written 504 awesome app reviews.


text:
package org.switchyard.component.soap.endpoint;

import java.net.MalformedURLException;
import java.util.HashMap;
import java.util.Map;

import javax.xml.ws.WebServiceFeature;
import javax.xml.ws.handler.MessageContext;

import org.switchyard.ServiceDomain;
import org.switchyard.component.common.Endpoint;
import org.switchyard.component.soap.AddressingInterceptor;
import org.switchyard.component.soap.InboundHandler;
import org.switchyard.component.soap.WebServicePublishException;
import org.switchyard.component.soap.config.model.SOAPBindingModel;

/**
 * Handles publishing of Webservice Endpoints on CXF JAX-WS implementations.
 *
 * @author Magesh Kumar B <mageshbk@jboss.com> (C) 2012 Red Hat Inc.
 */
public class CXFJettyEndpointPublisher extends AbstractEndpointPublisher {

    private static final String HTTP_SCHEME = "http";

    /**
     * {@inheritDoc}
     */
    public synchronized Endpoint publish(ServiceDomain domain, final SOAPBindingModel config, final String bindingId, final InboundHandler handler, WebServiceFeature... features) {
        CXFJettyEndpoint wsEndpoint = null;
        try {
            initialize(config);
            Map<String, Object> properties = new HashMap<String, Object>();
            properties.put(javax.xml.ws.Endpoint.WSDL_SERVICE, config.getPort().getServiceQName());
            properties.put(javax.xml.ws.Endpoint.WSDL_PORT, config.getPort().getPortQName());
            properties.put(MessageContext.WSDL_DESCRIPTION, getWsdlLocation());

            String publishUrl = HTTP_SCHEME + "://" + config.getSocketAddr().getHost() + ":" + config.getSocketAddr().getPort() + "/" + getContextPath();

            wsEndpoint = new CXFJettyEndpoint(bindingId, config, handler, new AddressingInterceptor(), features);
            //wsEndpoint.getEndpoint().setProperties(properties);
            wsEndpoint.getEndpoint().setWsdlURL(getWsdlLocation());
            wsEndpoint.getEndpoint().setServiceName(config.getPort().getServiceQName());
            wsEndpoint.publish(publishUrl);
        } catch (MalformedURLException e) {
            throw new WebServicePublishException(e);
        }
        return wsEndpoint;
    }
}


SolarPower Europe is calling on EU member states to set concrete policy on solar storage technologies in order to unlock huge clean energy potential in the electricity, heating and cooling as well as transport sectors.
In a new policy paper, "Solar and Storage", SolarPower Europe (former European Photovoltaic Industries Association), along with partners the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) and the Association of European Automotive and Industrial Battery Manufacturers (EUROBAT), argues that storage of solar energy provides the cheapest and most effective use of electricity from PV systems.
The European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) predicts that by 2025, 22 EU member states will have a renewable energy capacity of 50 percent or more, with solar power providing a substantial proportion of this figure.
In Italy, Germany and the UK, increased use of solar energy has already proven to shave electricity loads during the day, lowering demand on national grids.
The paper argues that As renewable capacity ramps up across Europe in coming decades, new forms of flexibility in the form of enhanced storage solutions can ensure a more cost-effective use of electricity by saving excess solar power during peak times and releasing it during periods of lower production.
"Storage allows for households to consume more of the solar power they produce. But solar and storage together also provide wider system benefits as storage technologies allow for the best use of cheap solar electricity when it is available," said Policy Director of SolarPower Europe Alexandre Roesch.
Hampering the market for storage solutions across the EU is the absence of an agreed legal definition of storage among member states. Setting a common legal definition is therefore vital to establishing a regulatory framework for storage on an industrial scale and allowing space for new innovations to find their way to market.
The paper also recommends removing barriers (i.e. taxes or levies) to self-consumption of energy from storage, along with ensuring all services provided by solar and storage to Distributed Network Operators (DSO) and Transmission System Operators (TSOs) are recognised and valuated.
Further measures include integrating storage into Europe's complex Heating and Cooling regulations for buildings, and examining the role solar and storage can play in driving e-mobility (electric cars, trucks and buses).
With the cost of solar power systems continuing to fall, the paper foresees exponential growth in new energy storage technologies, driving a jobs boom in the sector. Public efforts to support R&D of storage, along with temporary market programs to drive down costs are among measures recommended by experts.
The policy paper can be downloaded here (PDF).


Missing your time abroad? Or feel like you need to share your experience with others so they can experience the joys of study abroad themselves? All USAC alumni are eligible for a grant of up to $500 to offset the cost of food, supplies, event space, transportation, etc. associated with a presentation, event, or project that allows more students to learn about study abroad and USAC programs, the resources available, and the lessons gained.
What's possible with the $500?
If you are interested in applying for an Alumni Grant, you may do so here.
Daniel Lang studied abroad in Shanghai, China in summer 2017. He recently used the alumni grant to host an educational dinner at a local Chinese restaurant to share his experience with other alumni and students interested in studying abroad in China.
For a dinner reunion and experience sharing culture, 34 student guests came together at 2-D Wok, a popular Taiwanese restaurant in Reno, Nev. Daniel Lang, senior in the Honors Program at the University of Nevada, Reno, organized and funded the dinner on the night of Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, through the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) Alumni Grant. Daniel is an alumnus of the Shanghai, China program, summer 2017.
Zhang Zhu, a Chinese graduate student, worked with USAC engineering students such as Daniel's roommate in Shanghai. Dinner attendees John Hammill and Dan Barnes, who experienced the Shanghai program this past summer, met many of Daniel's close friends.
Guests ranged from both alumni of USAC China study abroad programs and students interested in China to exchange students from China. Daniel created this event after participating this past summer with the U.S. Department of State Critical Language Scholarship Program in Xi'an, China. After spending a year sharing his experiences, he sought to create a space for others to share theirs. At the dinner, USAC alumni included those from both Chengdu and Shanghai programs within the last two years.
"It was nice to meet people from China and other people who have studied in China," said Jennette Cozad, a junior minoring in Chinese studies and alumnus to the Shanghai program, fall 2017. "I thought it was fun!" Jessica Wu, a senior who experienced the Chengdu program, summer 2017, says friends she brought to the dinner are excited to go to China thanks to the event.
At the dinner, guests enjoyed a variety of dishes, served in traditional Chinese family-style. Afterward followed a trivia game. Whether they were exchange students or first-years just beginning to study Chinese, all were welcome to participate! Winners brought home water bottles, luggage tags, stickers and pens, as gifts from USAC. Finally, guests took a commemorative photo.
"I met some nice friends and had a delicious meal," said Gawing Chen, an exchange student from the Chinese Students and Scholars Association. "We shared about our exchange programs and cultures, which broadened my horizons and let me think about the meaning of studying abroad." Daniel's sister Vana Lang, an Honors freshman, asked about options in China, where she hopes to study international business.
Daniel feels grateful for the experience USAC provides through its alumni grant and hopes others take advantage of its opportunities. In December, Daniel traveled to Taipei, Taiwan, to conduct research in Chinese for his Honors undergraduate thesis. After graduating this May, Daniel has accepted an invitation to teach English as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mongolia. He hopes afterward to travel to Jilin, China and serve with the Maryknoll China Teachers Program. Connecting people and learning Chinese, Daniel aspires to continue through graduate school in China.
USAC alumni can apply for an Alumni Grant of up to $500 to fund presentations, events, or projects that spread the word about study abroad and the lessons learned! Potential uses of the grant include attending a Lessons from Abroad returnee conference, hosting a USAC alumni reflection event to share your stories and experiences with prospective students while enjoying international food, or expanding on a Benjamin A. Gilman follow-on service project.
You can learn more about the Alumni Grant and access the application here.


I have mentioned (several times) one of my mistakes in naming characters. In the Tower of Bones Series, I have a main character named Marya. She is central to the series. Also, in the first book, a side character was important enough to have a name. My mind was in a rut when I thought that one up because I named her Marta.
You can see why this is bad—the two names are nearly identical.
To really confuse things, halfway through the first draft of the second book in the series, Marta suddenly was a protagonist with a major storyline. She actually becomes Marya's mother-in-law in the third book. Fortunately, I was in the final stage of editing book one, Tower of Bones, for publication, and immediately realized I had to make a major correction: Marta was renamed Halee.
In my family, "Robert" is a name with a great deal of repetition. My father was named Robert, my two brothers are both named Robert (with different middle names), and my mother's younger brother is named Robert. My younger brother's son is named Robert, as is his son. We have a Bob, a Little Bob, a Rob, a Bobby, a Robby, and a Quatro.
I took this absurdity to an extreme in Billy Ninefingers. In Waldeyn, every third boy is named William, which is why Billy MacNess embraces the name his mercenaries give him after the injury. In that novel, "Williams" generally go by their last names.
Other than Billy Ninefingers where it was intentional and integral to the story, my personal rule is to NEVER name two characters in such a way that the first and last letters of their names are the same. To avoid that circumstance, I try to never have two that even begin with the same letter.
But who should go and who should stay? What is the optimal number of characters for a book? Some say only four, others fifteen.
I feel an author should introduce however many characters it takes to tell the story but should also use common sense.
A name implies a character is an important part of the story. Ask yourself if the character is an example of "Chekhov's Gun." Does the person return later in the story or does he or she act as part of the setting, showing the scenery of, say, a coffee shop, or a store? Is it someone the reader should remember? Even if this character offers information the protagonist and reader must know, it doesn't necessarily mean they need to be named.
Some throw-away characters will give us clues to help our protagonist complete his/her quest or show us something about the protagonist. Their comments could offer us a clue into the protagonist's personality or past. Other random people are in the scene purely for the ambiance, part of the world-building. A woman smoking in an alley outside the back door to an office needs no name, but she serves as a visible clue about the world the main character is walking in.
Even if they do speak a few lines, if they are just part of the scenery, they don't need a name.
While she is speaking of screenplays, this is true of a novel or short story.
We want the reader to stay focused on the protagonist(s) and their story. The desire to make every character a memorable person must be ignored. When we begin revising second draft of our manuscript, we must find and resolve the distractions we inadvertently introduced in our first draft.
My current work in progress has a passage that takes place in an inn and involves a conversation overheard from a table adjacent to my two protagonists and their sidekicks. Despite the fact the merchant and his sons give my protagonists information they needed, they are in that scene for only one purpose. They are to be overheard and don't appear again. For this reason, only my main characters are named in the full transcript of this scene.
Finding that we have too many named characters is an easy one to fix, once we decide how important that character is to the story. If they don't appear again, the reader will move on and forget about them. The information they imparted will remain.
I have found that a great use for my extra walk-on characters is the short story. The world is already built, and they have a story, albeit a short one. Use them to your advantage.
I now keep in mind simplicity of spelling and ease of pronunciation when I name my characters. How will that name be pronounced when it is read out loud? You may not want to get too fancy with the spelling, so that the narrator can easily read that name aloud. You may not think this is important, but it is.
My advice is to keep it simple. Don't confuse your readers by giving unimportant walk-on characters names. Be vigilant when choosing names—don't give two characters names that are nearly identical.
Do make your spellings of names and places easily pronounceable. You may decide to have your book made into an audio book, and the process will go more smoothly if you've considered this in advance. I only have one book that is an Audio book and the experience of making that book taught me to spell names simply.
Great advice, Connie. I've read books, usually Sci-Fi or Fantasy, that used unpronounceable names. I ignore the screwy names and use substitutes in my mind. Tharakaia might be Thar or Thara in my mind depending on the character's gender. Which brings up another point; be careful of using gender-neutral names.
Your point about look-alike names is on point, too. In Lord of the Rings, Tolkien used Sauron and Saruman for names of evil wizards. I struggled to keep them straight when I read the book in high school. Quick: which one wore a white robe?
I made a lot of these naming mistakes in the beginning… To my horror I realized that most of the names in my first book started with either A, C or S, so now I pick a letter to use before I start brainstorming names, so the rest of the alphabet doesn't get left behind!
I have a penchant for "D" and "M" names.
I make an effort to spread the alphabetical joy for people and place names, too. I love baby naming sites for that reason.
Thank you for the reblog, Chris!
I tend to use names that I like the sounds of but I mix up the number of syllables with one, two, three and four syllable names. I also change up the beginning of their names, for example, Noelle Harrison and Clark Johnson.
For one of my rough drafts, I was drafting quickly and decided to use placeholder names: Alice, Bob, Carol — intending to edit and replace those with real names later. Well… two years later, I'm still stalling. And it doesn't help that I went through the entire alphabet, and THEN some.
Did I mention this was a sequel and those were all secondary or lesser characters?
I can sympathize. Sometimes a character gets renamed three times, and even then it feels wrong. But when that happens, it's because I can't articulate what it is that I want.
When I write historical fiction, I compile a list of common names for that time and place. That way I don't have to stop to search for an appropriate name every time I need one.
An excellent idea. Thank you for sharing it!
Sure! I love names so it's a fun part of pre-writing for me. I can also make sure that the names are distinct.


How to start composting, is a question for many of us with a rising interest in urban gardening and living a more environmentally friendly life.
Vani Murthy from Bangalore is among this growing tribe of urban gardeners, and an involved 'ordinary citizen' who has motivated the residents of her community to practice better waste management.
Many of us do want to do our bit for the environment by reducing waste, and composting is an excellent way to do that, by using the readily accessible kitchen waste and turning it into compost. Yet, we hesitate because of many doubts and misconceptions. Isn't composting a lot of hard work? Doesn't it stink? Do I really have enough material to start my own compost pile?
In this 6 minute video from the chaiwithlakshmi show, Vani Murthy gives a demonstration of how easy it is to start making compost from your kitchen waste, and answers many of the common doubts people have.
Hope you enjoyed watching that and may your garden grow greener than ever!


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Zemey Rinpoche, ook bekend als Kyabje Zemey Dorje Chang (1927-1996) was een Tibetaans geestelijke. Hij dankt zijn bekendheid voornamelijk aan de publicatie van het Gele boek (Yellow Book) in 1973, waardoor de verering van Dorje Shugden onderdeel werd van een controverse.

Het Gele boek
In 1973 publiceerde Zemey het Gele boek. Hij had de tekst ontvangen van zijn leermeester, de derde Trijang rinpoche Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso. De tekst verhaalt in detail de rampen die bij naam genoemde lama's, monniken en leken van de gelug waren overkomen. De reden die Zemey hieraan verbond, was dat ze rituelen hadden uitgeoefend of toegelaten uit de nyingmatraditie in het Tibetaans boeddhisme. In ieder van die gevallen schrijft de tekst de marteling, ziekte of de dood van betrokkenen toe aan het feit dat door hun handelen de gramschap van Dorje Shugden had opgewekt.

Weerzin tegen Dorje Shugden-verering

Tot de publicatie van het Gele boek was de verering van Dorje Shugden niet in tegenspraak geweest met de institutie van de dalai lama, omdat ze slechts de voorrang van de leer van de gelugtraditie bevestigde.

Daarnaast had de veertiende dalai lama kort voor de publicatie van het Gele boek de verering van Padmasambhava, de oprichter van de nyingmatraditie, nog bevestigd in alle gelugkloosters. Hiermee had hij zich ten doel gesteld, alle religieuze tradities onder te brengen in één nationale identiteit van het Tibetaanse volk. Het Gele boek werd daardoor niet alleen een concrete bedreiging voor de dalai lama, maar ook een beschadiging van de kwetsbare oprichting van een gezamenlijke Tibetaanse identiteit.

In 1977 werd Zemey Rinpoche uitgesloten van bijeenkomsten waar de dalai lama sprak. De kloosters in Indiase ballingschap kregen het bevel om Dorje Shugden niet meer te vereren. Afbeeldingen en standbeelden van Dorje Shugden moesten worden verwijderd.

Dit bracht een scheuring teweeg in de Tibetaanse gemeenschap die onder meer in 1997 leidde tot de oprichting van een nieuwe traditie in het Tibetaans boeddhisme in het Verenigd Koninkrijk, de nieuwe kadampa (NKT), die zich later ook naar andere delen van de wereld verspreidde.

Tibetaans geestelijke

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Puraqua Pool Service is a commercial and residential in ground swimming pool sales and service company, which is based in Waltham MA and continues to serve the New England area. Puraqua was founded in 1968, and employs over 40 sales, service and construction personnel. Through determined leadership qualities and unsurpassed work ethic, the company has been able to grow and prosper through the years. We pride ourselves in customer service and strive for excellence in building customer relationships. Puraqua works with numerous universities, health clubs and hotels in the New England area and has also become an industry leader in remodeling services. With over 35 years of residential and commercial experience our extensive offerings range from bulk chemical delivery service, to large scale commercial renovation work. Our team of technicians and construction personnel operate year round providing professional workmanship and craftsmanship. We are a valuable resource to our customers as well as providing a friendly, comfortable place of work, where our employees can grow within a focused and driven environment.
Our objective is to operate the highest quality service and sales company in the swimming pool industry. We are committed to excellence in our field of both residential and commercial swimming pool sales and service. We will continue to bring our customers cutting edge style along with state of the art products and techniques to maximize the efficiency and help in fostering an inviting pool experience. Above all we expect to be a credit to the community in which we serve and will continue to act as a valuable resource to our customers.


Donald Trump, the US president, has warned Russia's Vladimir Putin that there would be a "big price to pay" for a suspected Syrian chemical weapons attack that killed 70 people, including children.
In his harshest criticism of the Russian leader since taking office, Mr Trump said Mr Putin was partly "responsible" for the attack on rebels in Douma, a town in Eastern Ghouta. The US president also criticised Barack Obama's failure to police a "red line" over chemical weapons, while a senior White House official said no form of response was "off the table".
The comments raise the possibility of a US airstrike against Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian dictator. Mr Trump approved a strike a year ago after a similar chemical attack.


More detail on this person: Orall Ray 'Gus'Gustafson OCTOBER 26, 2011 SENECA, S. C. - Orall Ray "Gus" Gustafson, 87, of 2000 Ridgeview Lane, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at Hospice of the Foothills in Seneca. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30 at the Hospice of the Foothills. Memorial donations may be made in his name to Samaritan's Purse, P. O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607. He was born in Winthrop, Minn. on Nov. 12, 1923, to Roy and Ruth Gustafson, eldest of seven children. He entered the military on Dec. 6, 1941, and flew 35 missions over Germany as top turret gunner and navigator on a B-17. He also proudly served his country in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. After retiring from the Marine Corps as a CWO-2, he started a landscaping business in Irvine, Calif., which he operated for over 20 years. Gus loved being outdoors, loved his customers and enjoyed creating beautiful landscapes. Relocating to Seneca in 2003 to be close to his children, he was a member of Foothills Community Church and an avid gardener. He married Joyce Aklestad on Dec. 3, 1948, and is survived by daughters, Leanne Settles and husband, Ray, of Seneca, and Lonni Gustafson and Carol Gustafson of Seneca; and son David Gustafson and wife, Margie, of Pendleton, S. C.; two granddaughters, Chrissy Bailey, and Hannah Gustafson, both of Seneca; sister, Marion Frazier of Oak Brook, Ill.; brother, Bert Gustafson of Winthrop; and sister, Joan Gustafson of Hutchinson, Minn.; and six greatgrandchildren, Kyle, Caleb and Amanda Morton and Zachary, Chelsey and Emily Bailey. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Sandra Morton; and brothers, Donald and Wayne Gustafson; and sister, Marilyn Ruud. Gus was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother and will be missed deeply by his family and friends. He was a soldier in three wars defending our great nation, but more importantly he was a soldier for Christ. He ran the good race and is now at home with his Lord.


This provides web-based visual data-mining tools by adding interactive functions to 'ggplot2' graphics. Brushing and linking between the multiple plots is one of the main feature of this package. Currently scatter plots, histograms, parallel coordinate plots and choropleth maps are supported.


Set over eight weeks (or work at your own pace).
PDF booklets & MP3 meditations for each of the gods packed full of history, myths, correspondences, crafts, recipes, spells, offerings and daily devotions. You will also receive access to a private facebook group.
Order via our main website www.kitchenwitchhearth.net (click on 'courses').
Free to current Kitchen Witch students within your first year (email us for details).


Omni-Channel Retailing: The Future of Retail!
Retail industry has been an ever-changing one owing to numerous technological advances. Never before have customers been endowed with such choices as to not only who should they purchase from but also via what channel. In this hiatus, where retailers are on their toes to win business, opting for omni-channel approach seems to be the key to customer retention and consequently growth.
After the success and acceptance of e-commerce as a channel, there arose the need to maintain consistency across all channels, making way for multi-channel retailing. Further, as smartphones and tablets have also come to be counted as separate channels, multi-channel has now evolved to be known as omni-channel,where there exists a seamless integration between every customer touch point may it be internet, tablet, smartphone (mobile app), social commerce stores, or outlets.
Such integration needs to be further reflected via advertising or through partner communication. This compels retailers to take a leap from disparate management of data and technology to unified systems. The aim of such a concept is to let the customer buy the same product, with a particular packaging, at a particular price, irrespective of the channel.
Preceding this, there existed different price points for purchases happening online than at an outlet. This resulted in what is known as showrooming, a phenomenon where customers checked and handled the products at a store, but went about buying it online due to better deals offered therein.
As many as 43% of smartphone users were found to be engaged in such a practice, mandating it for marketers to put brands above channels. Now, retailers are attempting to pull customers into buying online but picking it up at the store. With their "Site to Store" option, Wal-Mart is already on the go.
Research has shown that omni-channel shoppers spend up to 15%-30% more than multi-channel shoppers and exhibit strong brand loyalty, often influencing others to patronize a brand.
However, of the many dimensions to omni-channel retailing, the one that talks about seamless communication across channels is deemed to be the most challenging, as it calls for total value chain management and also makes security of data a pre-requisite.
If a customer "likes" a product on Facebook, he/she can be asked about it in a future visit to the retailer's web site or store.
With in-store check-in, a potential customer who has browsed the web site multiple times without making purchases can be identified and given extra attention.
Quite soon, this all sophisticated Omni-Channel journey of shopping would be like customers browsing on their smartphones, adding stuff to their carts via the browser, buying these contents on their tablet, and finally collecting them in-store, to receive personalized after-sales care.
So, which Indian Retail House do you think is adopting Omni-Channel retailing more than anyone else?
Pooja Mishra has had a taste of consultancy, script-writing, marketing communications and identity solutions in her professional life so far. But, writing is what keeps her going and Blogging is her latest love. You can follow her on http://pjscribbles.wordpress.com.
Youtube – Creating a new breed of Artists!


Parents / carers and East London Science School (ELSS) are partners in Education. The support and cooperation of parents / carers is vital if we are to establish and maintain high standards of work, behaviour and dress. Staff seek to provide a service to parents / carers in which there is a high quality of teaching, learning and pastoral care.
Dialogue between the School staff and parents / carers is encouraged and it is expected that parents / carers will have normal and legitimate concerns about the progress, achievement, behaviour or welfare of their son or daughter. Parents / carers are encouraged to make those concerns known to staff at ELSS so that they can be addressed in partnership.
All staff are encouraged to differentiate between a concern and a complaint. Taking informal concerns seriously at the earliest stage will reduce the numbers that develop into formal complaints. There will, however, be occasions when, despite all stages of the procedures having been followed, the complainant remains dissatisfied and the complaint engages in persistent correspondence and complaints.
This policy sets out the principles and procedures adopted by ELSS in dealing with complaints.
The School Standards and Framework Act 1998 provided an additional function of the Governing Body to establish and publicise procedures for dealing with complaints relating to the School, other than those that are covered by legislation and formal procedures elsewhere. Section 157 of the Education Act 2002 requires, in terms of independent school standards, that regulations shall prescribe standards about the manner in which independent schools handle complaints.
The Education (Independent School Standards) (England) Regulations 2003 which came into force on 1st September 2003 require that: 'A school shall provide to parents of pupils and prospective pupils and on request to others, including the Chief Inspector and the Secretary of State, details of the complaints procedure set out in accordance with paragraph 7 of the regulations, and the number of complaints registered under the formal procedure during the preceding school year'.
There is an established distinction between a 'concern and a complaint'. A 'concern' may be defined as 'an expression of worry or doubt over an issue considered to be important for which reassurances are sought'. A complaint may be generally defined as 'an expression of dissatisfaction however made, about actions taken or a lack of action'. Concerns ought to be handled, if at all possible, without the need for formal procedures. The requirement to have a complaints procedure need not in any way undermine efforts to resolve the concern informally. In most cases the class teacher or the individual delivering the service in the case of extended School provision, will receive the first approach. It would be helpful if staff were able to resolve issues on the spot, including apologising where necessary.
Provides information to the School' senior staff so that services can be improved.
All staff have a responsibility to ensure that concerns and complaints are dealt with under the terms of this policy. Their first aim in responding to the complaint should be to use informal means to resolve the matter. Members of staff may be called upon to hear a complaint under stage one of the formal complaints policy.
the Vice Principal (Dr Taylor) is the Complaints Coordinator with responsibility for the coordination and management of issues under the formal complaints procedure. The Complaints Coordinator is normally the person who would investigate a complaint. The Coordinator will be required to report annually to the Governing Body.
The Complaints Coordinator will ensure that all staff are familiar with the complaints policy and procedures. He is responsible for maintaining records and holding them centrally.
The Complaints Coordinator will prepare a brief annual report for senior staff and the Governing Body stating the number of complaints dealt with under the formal complaints procedure with the brief analysis of the nature and outcome of those complaints and whether or not they were resolved at the preliminary stages or went to an appeal hearing.
The Principal has an overall responsibility for the management of complaints. He is also responsible for hearing a complaint if it reaches the second stage.
The Principal will ensure that appropriate training is provided for staff for the effective implementation of this policy.
The Governing Body is responsible with the Principal for creating and publishing and implementing a formal complaints procedure.
In the event of a complaint the procedure outlined below should be adhered to. This is available from the Administration office for parents / carers and students.
At each stage of the procedure it is helpful to clarify exactly who will be involved, what will happen, and how long it will take. There may, on occasion, be the need for some flexibility in the application of the procedure; for example, the possibility of further meetings between the complainant and the member of staff directly involved and further investigations may be required by the Principal after a meeting with the complainant.
Set out clear timetables for the management of the complaint.
The complaints process and timetable can be found at Appendix A of this document.
The procedure specifies how a complaint will be dealt with if it concerns the conduct of the Principal or a governor. In these instances the complaint will be heard by the Principal in relation to a governor and if it is in relation to the Principal it will be immediately referred to the Chair of Governors.
An undertaking to review The School policies in light of the complaint.
Complaints need to be considered, and resolved, as quickly and effectively as possible. The formal complaints procedure will set realistic time limits for each action within each stage. However, where further investigations are necessary, new time limits can be set and the complainant sent details of the new deadline and an explanation for the delay.
There is a legal requirement for the formal complaints procedure to be publicised. The School complies with this requirement in the following ways.
The School will keep record of the progress of each complaint and the final outcome. A complaint may be made in person, by telephone, or in writing. An example of "Managing a Complaint" form can be found at Appendix 3. At the end of the meeting or telephone, it is helpful if the member of staff and the complainant and The School have the same understanding of what was discussed and agreed. A brief note of meeting and telephone calls should be kept and a copy of any written response added to the record.
The appeals process is stage three of the formal complaints procedure. The decision of the Appeals Panel is final.
The Appeals Panel must consist of at least three people who have not been involved in the complaint and who have no prior knowledge of the circumstances. At least one member must be independent of the running of the School.
The complainant may attend the hearing in person and may be accompanied if they so wish.
There may be occasions when, despite all stages of the procedures having been followed, the complainant remains dissatisfied. If the complainant tries to reopen the same issue, the Chair of the Governing Body should inform them in writing that the procedure has been exhausted and that the matter is now closed.
If properly followed, a good complaints procedure will limit the number of complaints that become protracted. However, there will be occasions when, despite all stages of the procedures having been followed, the complainant remains dissatisfied. If the complainant tries to reopen the same issue, the chair of the Governing Body is able to inform them in writing that the procedure has been exhausted and that the matter is now closed.
The School is committed to achieving high standards of integrity and accountability and expects the same commitment from its employees and others working in or for the School. As such, the School wish to promote an open environment that enables staff to raise issues in a constructive way, and with confidence that they will be acted upon appropriately without fear of recrimination, in accordance with the Whistle-blowing Act 1998.
It is, however, important to state that in the event of any allegation being proved to be malicious, this could result in disciplinary action being taken against the complainant in accordance with the School disciplinary procedures.
The Complaints Coordinator will report to the Principal annually and more frequently if required through systematic monitoring. The policy and procedures will be reviewed every two years to ensure that the operation meets the aims of the policy. The Principal will report to the Governing Body.
The Governing Body will monitor the level and nature of complaints and review the outcomes on a regular basis to ensure the effectiveness of the procedure and make changes where necessary. Complaints information shared with the whole Governing Body should not name individuals.
As well as addressing an individual's complaints, the process of listening to and resolving complaints should contribute to School improvement. When individual complaints are heard, School may identify underlying issues that need to be addressed. The monitoring and review of complaints by the School and the Governing Body can be a useful tool in evaluating an School' performance.
The Governing Body will regularly review this policy and associated procedures to ensure their continuing appropriateness and effectiveness.
It is recognised that parents / carers will, from time to time have normal and legitimate concerns about the progress, achievement, behaviour or welfare of their son or daughter. Parents are encouraged to make those concerns known to staff in the School so that they can be addressed in partnership with the School. Almost invariably, the sooner such concerns are raised the easier it is for an appropriate resolution to be found.
A concern or complaint may be raised with any member of staff. At The School this would normally be the child's teacher. That person will try and resolve the matter or will refer you to the appropriate person.
The member of staff will make a written record of all concerns and complaints and the date on which they were received. If the matter cannot be resolved within 5 working days or in the event that you are not satisfied, you will be advised to proceed to make a formal complaint to the Complaints Coordinator within 5 working days. If the complaint concerns the Principal, the Vice Principal Complaints Coordinator would normally refer you to the Chair of the Governing Body (Stage 2).
If you need to make a formal complaint it should be in writing and sent to the Vice Principal (Dr Taylor) who is the Complaints Coordinator. If you have difficulty in putting your complaint in writing, you are asked to make an appointment with the Complaints Coordinator who will help you do that. The Complaints Coordinator may appoint a member of staff to deal with the paperwork but not the decisions taken.
The Complaints Coordinator will decide the best person to hear the complaint. It would be helpful if you could indicate if there is someone with whom you might have difficulty discussing the complaint so that your views can be respected. Similarly, if the member of staff directly involved feels too compromised to deal with the complaint, the Complaints Coordinator may consider referring you to another staff member. The member of staff may be more senior but does not have to be. In most instances, there will need to be an investigation in order to understand the circumstances surrounding the complaint. That investigation will normally be undertaken by the Complaints Coordinator.
If the matter cannot be resolved within 5 working days following receipt of the written complaint or in the event that you are not satisfied, you will be advised to take your complaint to the second stage of this procedure.
The Complaints Coordinator will make a written record of the complaint, the date on which it was received, the date on which the matter was dealt with and the outcome of the procedure. You will receive a copy of this written record within a reasonable time following this process. This written record will be held on file.
If the complaint is against the Principal the procedure commences at Stage 2.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of stage one, if you feel that your complaint is sufficiently serious or if you are dissatisfied with the way in which your complaint has been handled, you may take your complaint to the second stage of this procedure.
You should put your complaint in writing to the Principal (or if the complaint is against the Principal, to the Chair of the Governing Body) within 5 working days. Again, if you have difficulty in doing that, you are asked to seek assistance from the Complaints Coordinator. The Principal (or Chair of the Governing Body) may delegate the task of collating the information to another staff member / Governor but not the decision on the action to be taken. The decision in respect of this complaint will normally be made within 5 working days of the Principal receiving the complaint. If the Principal (or Chair of the Governing Body) feels that it is necessary, within reason, to ask for additional time, you will be informed. Again, a written record will be made of the decision and this will be held on file.
The third stage of the formal complaints procedure is the Governing Body's Appeals Panel.
The appeals procedure is invoked when a complainant is not satisfied with the outcome of the second stage of the procedure or with the handling of a complaint by the Principal.
The complainant is required to put their complaint in writing within 5 working days to the Chair of the Governing Body or the Complaints Coordinator marked 'For the Chair'. It is important that the complainant should set the matter out in sufficient detail.
On receiving a written complaint under the appeals procedure, a hearing by an Appeals Panel will be arranged within 15 working days.
The complainant may attend the hearing in person and may be accompanied if they so wish, in which case, they are required to notify the clerk of the name and occupation of such a person.
Care must be taken not to involve the whole Governing Body as they could compromise the impartiality of any panel set up for a disciplinary hearing against a member of staff following a serious complaint.
The panel would normally consist of three people at least one of whom will be independent of the Governing Body and running of the School. The panel may choose their own chair.
It is important that the appeal hearing is as independent and impartial as possible and that it is seen to be so. No governor may sit on the panel if they have had a prior involvement in the complaint or in circumstances surrounding it. In deciding the composition of the panel, governors need to try and ensure that it is a cross-section of the categories of governor and sensitive to the issues of race, gender and religious affiliation.
An effective panel will acknowledge that many complainants feel nervous and inhibited in a formal setting. The panel chair will ensure that the proceedings are as welcoming as possible. Care is needed to ensure the setting is informal and not adversarial. Extra care needs to be taken when the complainant is a child.
recommend changes to the School systems or procedures to ensure that problems of a similar nature do not recur.
Notify all parties of the panel's decision normally within 3 working days.
The Chair of the Panel needs to ensure that the Governing Body, the Principal and the complainant are notified of the panel's findings and recommendations, in writing, with the panel's response within 3 working days of the hearing.


American Gods Season 2 release date? American Gods TV show cancelled or renewed for Season 2 on Starz? When is Starz American Gods Season 2 next on? Stop looking and start watching! We have the latest American Gods Season 2 cancellation and renewal status — and American Gods Season 2 premiere date news.


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RTÉ Investigates
Fitzgerald extends charity registration deadline by 12 months
Updated / Friday, 17 Apr 2015 21:28
Frances Fitzgerald has announced a 12-month extension of the deadline for charities to register with the CRA
Only around 200 of more than 4,000 charities required to register with the Charities Regulatory Authority have done so, despite the threat of stiff fines for non-compliance.
The widespread failure was revealed by Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald as she announced a 12-month extension of the deadline.
It risks undermining confidence in a sector that has been working to regain public trust after the Central Remedial Clinic scandal of 18 months ago.
The Irish Charities Tax Reform group (ICTR) today expressed concern that the announcement of an extension of the registration deadline for certain charities risks undermining confidence in the sector which has been trying to regain public trust since the CRC scandal.
A spokesperson for the ICTR group told RTÉ News it was "over-ambitious" of the 2009 Charities Act to set a deadline of six months for charities which were not already registered with the Revenue Commissioners to register with the new Charities Regulatory Authority.
Minister Fitzgerald said the move does not affect 8,500 other charities that have been automatically registered with the CRA by virtue of the charitable tax status granted to them by the Revenue Commissioners before the establishment of the authority.
The CRA was established by the Government last October.
It came almost a year after a series of financial scandals at the CRC involving a gold-plated pension for its retired chief executive Paul Kiely, top-up payments to some executives and cross-directorships with a related company.
This and subsequent revelations about finances at the Rehab organisation led to a significant decline in public donations to most Irish charities.
In her statement this morning, Minister Fitzgerald emphasised that she had extended the deadline after consulting the CRA.
It was established last year under the Charities Act 2009 after a five-year delay spanning the terms of both the current and previous coalition governments.
The act says the first function of the CRA is to "increase public trust and confidence in the management and administration of charitable trusts and charitable organisations".
Minister Fitzgerald said: "It is important that all charities operating here meet their obligation to register on the new public Register of Charities.
"This register is intended to provide much needed additional transparency about our charity sector.
"I encourage any charity that was established before last October and that has not yet begun the registration process to do so now."
Greater support and awareness needed for CRA registration' - The Wheel
Ivan Cooper, Director of Advocacy at The Wheel, said many of the mostly smaller organisations concerned seem to be unaware of their obligation to register with the Charities Regulatory Authority
The Wheel also called on Ms Fitzgerald's Department of Justice and Equality to ensure that the Charities Regulatory Authority (CRA) is sufficiently resourced to communicate with, educate and support charitable organisations that have yet to apply to it for registration.
Mr Cooper also called on the Department to ensure that the CRA is given enough resources to support the other nine thousand or so registered charities that are currently completing their entry in the CRA's Register.
The Wheel is a national umbrella body that represents 1,100 charities here.
Mr Cooper said it will be working closely with the CRA and other partners in the charity sector to raise awareness of the requirements facing unregistered charities.
Applications for inclusion on the Register of Charities can be made through the website of the Charities Regulatory Authority at www.charitiesregulatoryauthority.ie
New voluntary code of practice for charities


Video is making its way into the world of marketing as one of the most effective ways for businesses to maximize audience reach, and that includes the real estate business. Real estate is a very visual centered business, being that when it comes to real estate, people aren't going to buy anything that they can't see! Video can be used in many different ways for real estate agents to stay ahead of the game and that is exactly what we are here to talk about today.
Real estate is all about showcasing properties and what better way to do that than by incorporating video production into your marketing strategy? The visual experience that you can get from a video of a real estate listing can far outweigh simply taking photos.
Social media has the potential to take your real estate business to the next level and video is among the most shareable content on the web – that sounds like a recipe for success to us! With the help of the right creative professionals, you can create quality video content that people will not only watch, but also share and this can significantly increase your audience reach as well as set you apart from your competition.
Ok, so we can't say that this is the case for ALL marketing because the recipe for success truly is the perfect mixture of the right marketing methods, but video is beginning to prove itself as being a necessity in order to stay ahead of the game. Video takes your marketing efforts to a higher and unique level that can't be reached with any other outlet, so in many ways it actually does trump the other methods.
When it comes to a home's listing, you can take as many pictures as your camera will hold, but you still can't bring life to a home in the way that video can.
For instance, which sounds more appealing – a picture of the spacious backyard area or a video that provides a panoramic view of the backyard, complete with footage of the family dog's afternoon romp? Yeah, we kind of figured you would choose the video. I could keep going with the examples, but chances are you are going to choose the video every time.