text:
The Covid Carousel
ByDarshan Maharaja
Jan 3, 2022 ontario covid restrictions
(Image Credit: Author 'Draconichiaro' at Wikimedia commons; the image is at this link. Used without modification under Creative Commons Licence).
Today's announcement of re-imposition of various restrictions by the Ontario government feels like a carousel ride – no matter how much you 'move forward', you end up in the same places again and again.
DÉJÀ VU ALL OVER AGAIN
As was being rumored / anticipated, the Ontario government today announced the re-imposition of various restrictions in order (ostensibly) to deal with the threat of the Omicron variant.
As could also be anticipated, the reaction to this announcement fell along predictable lines.
The crucial factor for me is that, given the reports about Omicron from various countries, there is cause for cautious optimism that we could finally be reaching the end of the Covid tunnel. I see some people opining that Omicron means Covid is over (one variation of this being 'Omicron is our ticket out of Covid'), but in fairness, policy makers need to be a little circumspect about abandoning all caution so soon.
But even with that necessary circumspection factored in, I find it difficult to understand the official approach that treats Omicron as being potentially equally dangerous as the earlier variants, notably the Delta variant.
The crucial aspect here is that this latest announcement gives us zero guidance as to what is the way out of the quagmire that we have been faced with for the past two years. By now, there is the unmistakable pattern of official panic, followed by restrictions, then the abatement of panic to some degree, leading to easing of some of the restrictions, only to be faced with the next wave of panic.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record here, I would offer that the main issues at stake are, yet again, being ignored in our officialdom and commentariat. Instead of having those crucial discussions, we have senior journalists like Andrew Coyne calling people 'innumerate', 'bots' and 'from the same troll farms' for daring to propose that we should look for other ways to deal with the virus this time around. As I wrote in January 2021 (which seems like ages ago, and yet no time seems to have passed since then, in light of the lack of newness to anything) in my article 'Structural Dysfunction':
"… instead of having a marketplace for competing ideas, what we have in Canada is an ongoing battle between ideologies …"
I might add here that one of the two sides in this battle has what we might call power, both political and that of a monopoly on the podium.
In that article, I also observed that "We are no longer a nation of people sharing a sense of destiny, but rather different groups that seek to subjugate each other."
Again, the imbalance in the two sides' respective capacity to subjugate the other must be noted.
In short, the latest announcement merely serves to bring us back to where we have already been – several times. But now, the people are exhausted. Something will have to give.
The question is exactly what it will be that gives. And the answer depends on the kind of society we are.
ICONIC FIGURES
From a very young age, I was impressed by Western movies, and among them, the classic spaghetti Western 'The Good, The Bad and The Ugly' was my favorite. As a result, I became a fan of Clint Eastwood.
Many years later, I happened to read an anecdote about him (which I cannot vouch for as being genuine, but the point that he was said to have made is instructive in our current circumstances).
The anecdote went that Clint was acting in a movie being directed by someone else, and after they finished a shot, the director said that he wanted Clint to do the same shot again. Clint asked him how the director wanted him to do it differently the second time around. The director replied that he didn't want anything to be different; he just wanted the same thing done again. Clint refused outright, saying:
"If it isn't going to be any different than the last time we did this, I am not doing it."
Of course, Clint Eastwood had the heft required to take such a stance and then stick to it. Ordinary Canadians don't.
IT IS DIFFERENT THIS TIME (REALLY)
In contrast to the gloomy view taken by the government, some doctors are comparatively less worried. For example, Dr. David Jacobs of Toronto tweeted:
"I share (the) opinion that the system will be stressed by volume, but our kids and vaccinated adults are at extremely low risk from Omicron."
Elsewhere, CTV quoted Dr. Adalsteinn Brown, who is Dean of University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School of Public Health, as saying that:
"Ontario does not need to close businesses or schools during a circuit breaker… while public health measures are needed to slow the spread of Omicron, they are not 'not sustainable in the long run'".
The definition of 'long run' is, of course, subjective – but one can objectively say that for a lot of people, that definition has been met.
It is also noteworthy here that Dr. Brown made the above comments while maintaining that "This will likely be the hardest wave of the pandemic."
I think this bears emphasis: The Dean of a school of Public Health, who believes that Omicron will cause the hardest wave of the pandemic, also believes that closing businesses and schools is not necessary to deal with that wave.
There are, of course, other doctors proposing the exact opposite. Whom to believe is, yet again, a matter of one's opinion.
I suggest that this is the nub of the matter: Expert opinion is almost necessarily divided, offering the decision maker to pick and choose based on their own priorities. Quoting from the Book of Murphology:
"If you consult enough experts, you can confirm any opinion."
To put it in different (and possibly conspiratorial) terms, these policy decisions are arrived at first, and then later 'pointed to' by the chosen expert advice.
What goes into making these a priori decisions?
THE POWER BEHIND THE THRONE
It is common to refer to governments as 'administration', but often their main function is politics (as in self-survival) rather than providing services to the population. This is as true in a democracy as in other forms of governance, and truer in an election year – when various vested interests can play their cards to maximum effect.
In order to arrive at an understanding of a government's decision, therefore, it is fruitful to try to look for the entities that either stand to gain or are sought to be appeased via the decision. Thankfully, the list of the usual suspects is short: corporate interests, workers' unions (especially those in the public sector), and people whose votes are expected to be swayed by the policy announcement.
The machinations of corporate interest are usually behind a curtain, so barring a journalistic scoop, we are left guessing / speculating about them. Conversely, policies aimed at swaying votes are trumpeted loudly, so there is nothing left to guess. That leaves the unions, whose push for the policy will usually be couched in far nobler terms than many would like.
It was, therefore, in the order of things that CTV reported about a letter from Ottawa teachers' unions to the city's Medical Officer of Health Dr. Vera Etches, asking that schools be closed 'until additional safety measures are put in place to protect staff and students from the Omicron variant of Covid-19.'
Let us recall that the Dean of the University of Toronto's School of Public Health has opined that schools do not need to be closed, and Dr. David Jacobs (among many other doctors) is of the view that 'kids are at extremely low risk from Omicron'.
The government has a choice to make:
Follow the opinion / advice of the medical professionals expressing cautious optimism (which is corroborated by evidence from other countries where Omicron arrived earlier than it did in Canada) and risk the wrath of an important electoral constituency, or
Follow the advice of those medical professionals who have mostly been saying the same thing for nearly two years (= 'we need restrictions') and avoid landing in political hot water with an election on the horizon.
In an election year, it is not hard to guess which way the government's choice will go. And unlike Clint Eastwood, Ontarians lack the capacity to refuse that choice. For them, it's one dead-end after another.
In the eminently enjoyable Netflix Western 'The Ballad of Buster Scruggs', there is a famous bar scene where the main character (Buster Scruggs) arrives at a poker table and ends up inheriting a hand of cards that is known as 'Dead Man's Hand' (you can see the cards at the 0:54 mark in the clip). Having taken a look at the cards, Buster is under pressure to play the hand even when he doesn't want to, and after a brief exchange, someone pulls a revolver on him.
In a word, it's a hopeless situation with no escape seemingly possible. And yet, aided by his presence of mind (and a friendly set design) Buster manages to extricate himself from it. I encourage you to watch the clip, and then decide for yourself as to what we Ontarians will need to do – comparable to what Buster did, but in a more peaceful manner – to get ourselves off this Covid Carousel of successive phases of restrictions and closures.
Transition Troubles
Pushing Ahead On Grassy Narrows
By Darshan Maharaja


A new kind of message in a bottle was recently discovered in Southwestern France: a real estate sign that was posted on a house in Brielle, New Jersey and washed away by Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
The New Jersey-based agency Diane Turton, Realtors is now proud to be a "truly global" company. One of its signs, which was posted on a beachfront residence and torn off by Hurricane Sandy in October 2012, traveled 3,500 miles across the Atlantic Ocean. It touched land five years later at Pin Sec beach, near Bordeaux, where it was found by a passer-by.
Alerted of the discovery, the American real estate agency immediately shared the news on its Facebook page.


text:
namespace singleton {
namespace systeminfo {

class SystemInfo {
  private:
    // s_instance is the static variable that will hold the instance
    // for this singleton class. Note how it is declared private and
    // static.
    static SystemInfo* s_instance;
    bool out_of_date;
    int registers[NUM_REG];

    SystemInfo(const SystemInfo&); //Don't allow copy constructor.
    void operator=(const SystemInfo&); //Don't allow the assignment operator.

    SystemInfo() {
        std::fill_n(registers, NUM_REG, 0);
        out_of_date = true;
    }

    ~SystemInfo() {
        s_instance = NULL;
    }

  public:
    // It will only return the instance to singleton class. No new instance is
    // created.
    static SystemInfo* GetInstance() {
        if (!s_instance) {
            std::cout << "Creating the UNIQUE instance of SystemInfo." << std::endl;
            s_instance = new SystemInfo();
        }
        std::cout << "Instance of SystemInfo returned" << std::endl;
        return s_instance;
    }

    void UpdateRegisters(int *regs) {
        if (out_of_date) {
            //Generate random data simulating that are values provided by cpu.
            for (int i = 0; i < NUM_REG; i++) {
                registers[i] = regs[i];
            }
            std::cout << "Registers updated." << std::endl;
        } else {
            std::cout << "Registers already up to date." << std::endl;
        }
    }

    void PrintRegisters() {
        for (int i = 0; i < NUM_REG; i++)
            std::cout << "Reg[" << i << "]: " << registers[i] << std::endl;
    }

    void SetUpdate() {
        out_of_date = true; //The registers need to be updated.
    }
};

}
}
#endif

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Mulnard named fellow of American Academy of Nursing
Ruth Mulnard, former associate director of the UC Irvine Institute for Brain Aging & Dementia, has been named a fellow…
Ruth Mulnard, former associate director of the UC Irvine Institute for Brain Aging & Dementia, has been named a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. Fellows are nursing leaders in education, management, practice and research, and they are invited on the basis of leadership and accomplishment. Mulnard, an associate professor in UCI's nursing science program, has been active in the National Institute of Aging, the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study Clinical Trials Consortium, and UCI's Institutional Review Board.
Making memories last
Orange County residents should expect, prepare for indefinite covid waves
'You are here to do great and important things'
Stem cells restore cognitive abilities impaired by brain cancer treatment

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Attleboro is a relatively young program that is looking to build on a talented group of returning players, particularly in the attacking end of the field. New head coach Chrissy Quinn has a dynamic group of attackers that she is hoping will build on last season's 113 goals, which was the second-lowest goals tally in the league.
The key player in the midfield and attack is senior Kyra Lyons, who accounted for nearly half of the team's goals last spring despite drawing the attention of opposing defenders. Lyons will be joined by senior midfielder Rylee Fontes, a Worcester State-commit, who adds a secondary playmaker around the opponent's goal. Junior attackers Sydney DiLiddo, Kelly Johnson, Rylee Turnes, and Ashley Piazza will get helped by sophomore Hannah Webster, Campbell Compton, and Isabella Salviati.
On the defensive side of the ball, seniors Sam Fasoldt and Sydney Viera will be the leaders of the back line, trying to protect sophomore Maggie Porreca and junior Dee Graham, who will both see time in goal this season. Juniors Julia Willis, C.J. Westwater, and Lynn McDonald will also be jumping into the defensive unit to add depth at the back for the Bombardiers.
Like many of the teams in the Davenport division, Canton comes into the spring eyeing a return to the state tournament. The Bulldogs last made it in 2016 after finishing in a three-way tie for second behind Foxboro in the Davenport division. With a mix of new faces and experienced returning players, second-year coach Laurie Chabot is hopeful that this season with see Canton make a run up the standings.
Canton will have a lot of experience in the defensive unit even after graduating a few key pieces. Senior Molly Cummings will be the leader at the back and will be joined by classmate Devyn McGrann and freshman Sydney Gallery, whose twin sister Fay will jump into the midfield this season. Junior Alexa Maffeo and seniors Maggie Connolly and Leah McLellan will also be critical for the Bulldogs to take control of the middle of the field and transition from defense into attack. Communication at the back will be key. There are several new faces in the attacking unit but Chabot is already seeing that chemistry is building. She was pleased with results in the preseason and is hoping that confidence will carry over into the games that count.
Expectations may be as high for this year's Foxboro team as any under head coach Brittany Sherry because the Warriors have a roster filled with talent and experience (14 returning seniors). Foxboro will be looking to clinch an eighth straight league title but also will have its sights set on bringing home the program's first sectional title as well. With the weapons at the Warriors disposal, there is the potential for plenty of silverware to come their way this spring.
It all starts with two-time reigning Hockomock League MVP (and reigning HockomockSports.com Player of the Year) Sophia DiCenso. The senior midfielder has spent the off-season playing with the youth national team and will be the cog on which the Warriors build their attacks. She is joined in the midfield by classmate Molly Murphy, who is closing in on 100 goals in her career, juniors Abby Hassman and Jamie Notarangelo and sophomore Ella Waryas, who each provide Foxboro with solid two-way play. In attack, seniors Meghan Curran and Caroline McGeary have consistently provided goals in big games and sophomore Lilly Vey is a newcomer to watch this spring. The loss of Alex Stamatos to injury will be tough on defense, but senior Carlie Stern will provide the leadership for an experienced group that includes seniors Mary Spillane and Jenna Stamatov and junior Grace Boudreau. Of course, if anyone gets through then University of Louisville-commit Sara Addeche will be waiting in goal.
It is a sign of just how far the Franklin program has come that being knocked out in last season's East semifinal could almost be considered a disappointment. After winning the East title in 2016 and 2017, the Panthers come into the spring with another roster loaded with talent and experience and a schedule loaded with the top teams in the state to prep for a deep tournament run as well as trying to make it eight straight league titles.
Senior Annie Walsh will be the focal point for the Panthers again this year and the player that the offense typically runs through. Her sister Erin, a junior attacker, is one of the best finishers in the league and gives Franklin a dynamic one-two punch on offense. Junior Kelsey MacCallum adds another talented attacker to the forward line, while senior Hailey Toolin adds versatility as either a midfielder or defender and junior Alex Field will be a key piece of a defensive unit that was by far the best in the Hock last season. Junior goalie Gianna Cameron is another reason for the Panthers having such a strong defensive record after two straight seasons on the HockomockSports.com First Team. The Panthers haven't lost a league game since 2012 (more than 70 straight wins) and have added an exciting freshman class with loads of potential, including six players making the instant jump to varsity.
Under first-year head coach Kourtnie Wilder, King Philip built on the momentum of its run to the 2017 East semifinal to put together a 14-win season and finish comfortably in second place in the Kelley-Rex division. The Warriors took Franklin to triple-overtime, coming as close as anyone has in recent years to ending the Panthers' long league win streak, and battled with Lincoln-Sudbury in the East quarterfinal. Now, KP is hoping to use that experience to make a run at ending Franklin's dominance in the division.
The key for KP may be the attack, which returns a lot of goals from last season. Senior Caroline Klim is back and will be a player that opposing defenses will have to watch out for after leading the league with 73 goals last season, including nine against Sharon in the playoffs. Klim will be joined up top by classmate Dana Truini and junior Jessica Sullivan. Defensively, Wilder points to the team's aggressiveness and communications as being the keys to building on a season in which the Warriors only allowed 153 goals, which was second-best in the Hock. Senior Victoria Tormey, a HockomockSports.com First Team defender last season and Boston University-commit, will be the leader at the back and will have classmate Caroline Watson back in goal behind her to make a formidable group for opponents to break down.
New coach Lauryn Wilkie takes over the program this spring, looking to push an experienced Mansfield roster up the league standings, challenge Franklin at the top of the division, and make another run at a state tournament berth. The Hornets will be counting on its 11 returning seniors to keep things heading in the right direction this spring.
Senior attacker Katie Garvin will lead the forward line again this season after being among the league's top scorers in 2018. Seniors Lauren Whitman and Maggie Danehy bring verve, energy, and experience to the Mansfield midfield, covering on draw controls and the transition game. Seniors Emily Vigeant and Kylie Tryder will cover the back line just in front of senior goalie Katie McCarthy, all of whom have multiple years of experience on varsity and should be a strength of the team. There are some underclassmen who will contribute right away for the Hornets, including sophomore midfielders Annemarie McCoy, Abby Varricchione, and Grace Fernandez and sophomore defender Melissa Shanteler.
Milford has a number of players back and a new head coach, Nicole Serra, looking to make a quick turnaround from last season in which the Hawks won only twice overall. With an athletic group back, Serra is working on building chemistry and putting the players in position to take advantage of their speed in transition. After scoring a league-low 82 goals last season, the attack will be a primary area of focus this spring.
Seniors Emily Haley, Katie Drysdale, and Sophia Bucal will give the Hawks leadership on the field, with Bucal providing a vocal presence in the attack. Senior Briana Maietta will join Bucal up front and they will be helped by junior midfielders Annie Flanagan and Elena Bon Tempo, who add athleticism whether in the attack or tracking back to help out on defense. Junior Hannah Bangert will be the leader at the back, controlling the defensive zone, along with sophomores Katie Maietta, Jillian Michelson, and Eva Parson.
While North Attleboro finished below .500 last season, the Rocketeers only missed a postseason berth by a single game, ending up one game behind Sharon and in third-place in the Davenport division. Second-year coach Colleen Carchedi, who came over from Sharon last spring, is counting on the team's young core (and the new turf at Beaupre Field) to help North get back into the postseason hunt and even challenge Foxboro's reign at the top of the division.
Senior attacker Alexa Sinacola and senior defender Lauren Pezzi will be leaders on either end of the field, but North also has a strong junior class that will be counted on to produce this season, especially after the graduation of perennial all-star Kenzi Rosenberg. Junior Katie Lindstrom will be the focus of attention in the midfield after committing to UMass Lowell in the off-season, but she will have help from classmates Kathryn Kayata, Regan Fein, Lily Cameron, and Lindsay Spratt. Junior Faith Graveline will step into goal to try and help Pezzi lock down the defense along with sophomore starters Camryn Gonrdell and Aimee Baiungo. Sophomore Maggie O'Brien will add a spark to the attack.
Oliver Ames continues to build the depth within its program to try and get that elusive berth in the state tournament. The Tigers have won eight games in each of the past three seasons, making the postseason in 2016 and narrowly missing out by two wins each of the last two years. This spring, OA will send out a relatively young squad that will look to get the Tigers over the hump and into the playoffs.
While there is plenty of youth on the roster, OA has leadership from a core of experienced players, including senior midfielder Olivia Piazza, who was on the HockomockSports.com Second Team last year and is committed to Merrimack College. She scored 91 points last season and will be the engine at the heart of the OA midfield. Senior Maddie Kullen will be in goal this season for the Tigers and classmate Grace McCallum returns to lead the defensive unit.
Sharon has made the playoffs each of the past three seasons and has gone 7-3 in league play for the past two years. It has been an unprecedented run of success for the program and the challenge for the Eagles is to keep that momentum going even with the loss of key players to graduation. Second-year coach Shara Ginthwain will hope that new players can step in and that the team's chemistry and effort will allow Sharon to continue battling at the top of the Davenport division standings.
Senior midfielder Emma Eberhardt is the key to the Eagles staying on track. The Lehigh University-commit scored 69 goals last year, including five against KP in the playoffs, and has been one of the top playmakers in the league the past three seasons. Eberhardt's normal running mate in midfield, Sabrina Robbins, is now playing at the University of Colorado, so it will be important for her to build a rapport with sophomore Jenna Goldstein, who had an impressive rookie campaign, and senior Maeve Barbera. Senior goalie Rose Wald will be back between the pipes and classmate Bridget McManus is back to guide the defensive unit after being a HockomockSports.com Second Team performer last spring. Sophomore Molly McAlevey is a newcomer in defense to keep an eye on.
Taunton has been on the verge of getting into the postseason in each of the past two seasons, missing out by just two wins last year, including a one-goal loss to Canton and a pair of non-league losses to New Bedford. With a young crew coming into this spring, the Tigers will be looking to improve their performance in the league (2-8 in the Hock in 2018) to push themselves into the postseason conversation.
The key for the Tigers is sophomore Alana Tavares. The three-year starter has been one of the league's most dynamic attacking threats since jumping onto the varsity scene as an eighth grader and so much of the Taunton attack runs through her. Junior Kamryn Li is also back for the Tigers after scoring 23 goals last season. The only seniors on this year's team are Emma Sheehan and Mabel Smith, but Taunton will have 10 sophomores, eight freshmen and an eighth-grader on this year's roster, so the underclassmen are going to have roles to play right away this spring.


text:
Q: Why can I write the curve shortening flow system as.. Consider the family of curves $$\gamma:S^1\times [0, T)\rightarrow \mathbb R^2, \gamma(u, t)=(x(u, t), y(u, t)),$$ where $u$ parametrizes the trace of the curve and $t$ parametrizes which curve is being considered. Can anyone explain me why I can write the system $$\frac{\partial\gamma}{\partial t}(u, t)=k(u, t)N(u, t),$$ as $$\frac{\partial}{\partial t}\left[\begin{array}{c} x\\ y\end{array}\right]=\frac{1}{\sqrt{x_u^2+y_u^2}}\left[\begin{array}{cc}y_u^2&-x_uy_u\\ -x_uy_u&x_u^2 \end{array}\right]\left[\begin{array}{c} x_{uu}\\ y_{uu}\end{array}\right].$$ Here $k(u, t)$ is the curvature and $N(u, t)$ is the unit inner normal vector.
A curve $\gamma$ satisfying the considered equation with an additional initial value is said to be evoluting by the curve shortening flow.
I need to write that equation in the matrix form for discussing the parabolic nature of the flow so that I could apply the parabolic theory of PDE for assuring short time existence for it..

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Scanning through Facebook posts and reading your Twitter feed, you'd realize that the political chit-chat around social media are predominately overwhelmed by the frequently online, emotionally-driven and annoying Liberal women. Sexism and biases aside, a recent study on American netizens suggests that the ratio of liberals to republicans, who unfriended or blocked a friend of a different political stand, is 3:1.
The problem here lies with how liberals, democrats and radicals engage in debates or discussions that counters their own beliefs. Majority of these left-wingers counter-attack with intense emotion, leaving logic behind.
The Philippines mirrors this problem in the United States, where female social media influencers tend to flame in order to defend themselves or block people who challenges their ideas objectively rather than let their emotions go out of control in return.
Sadly, through all the emotional difficulties that the Opposition (which is made up of both liberal and democratic individuals) goes through, the feminist concepts that were supposed to bring equality to both men and women, are now being used to fuel the rage against President Rodrigo Duterte.
Arguments fueled by emotional backlash from people who have isolated themselves in their own social media bubble of political biases.
With all these being said, the trust towards people who only entertain their own ideas is hard to give, and even harder to the loud, pointless and emotionally-driven females of the Philippine Opposition.


text:
Game Day Preview #48, Los Angeles Kings @ Dallas Stars
Hey look! They don't score goals either!
By Sarah Avampato@WriteSaidSarah Jan 17, 2019, 2:00pm PST
Share All sharing options for: Game Day Preview #48, Los Angeles Kings @ Dallas Stars
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The Opposition: Defending Big D
For all of the hand wringing over the Dallas Stars and who is or is not contributing to the team, they're still holding down the third spot in the Central Division right now.
Okay, okay, yes, the gap between two (Nashville) and three is enormous — 10 points separate the teams — while three through six are separated by a five-point spread (sixth place St. Louis has 45 points, to Dallas' 50). Even the Blackhawks, in last place in the Central with 41 points, have less separation between them and Dallas as Dallas does with Nashville.
So yes, Dallas is a flawed team that isn't getting much production outside of the top of its roster. But they're still not out of the mix entirely, and they have the speed to make life hard on the Kings, even if they may not have the skill outside of their top players.
For a team known frequently for their skill on offense, the Stars have been struggling to score lately; in their last 10 games, they scored three or more goals only three times. Their 121 goals overall this season put them at 29th in the league, just 14 ahead of the Kings. Again, their top players are producing, but that's about it. The Stars have lost three straight games, one to a real team (Tampa Bay) and two to fake teams (St. Louis and Philadelphia, which are surely made up). And while the loss to Tampa Bay gets put in the moral victory category for the Stars, who came up against a strong performance from Andrei Vasilevskiy, a loss is a loss.
A loss is a loss for the Kings, too, who advanced to the skills competition portion of their game against the Wild, but came up short in the shootout. That they even got that far is a testament to Jonathan Quick, who kept them in the game long enough for them to figure out how to get on the scoreboard.
There was some progress in the Kings' game against the Wild, particularly in the bodies-to-the-net category. The team has struggled to clear opposing players out from in front of their netminder all season long, and Tuesday's game was no different. But for the first time in a while, the Kings had the right bodies in place at the front of the net to cash in. There's going to need to be more of that tonight, as the Stars are a fairly stingy team when it comes to goals against (124 over the season, third-least in the league, tied with Nashville).
The last time these teams met, it was depth scoring that got the job done for the Stars: Blake Comeau, Jason Spezza, John Klingberg, and Tyler Pitlick all scored for Dallas back in October. As usual, the Kings do a solid job of shutting down opposing top talent, but have struggled to contain lower lines. In a season of struggle and turmoil for Dallas, they need players like that to step up, now more than ever. The Kings need to do their jobs and shut them down.


Recording: Deeds, mortgages, other real estate documents, discharges, death certificates. Any legal document can be filed in the Clerk's Office. Certified copies of documents may be purchased.
Plat & Survey Recording: The Clerk's Office files and records Real Estate Subdivision maps and plats and is custodian of the records. Copies of plats and surveys may be purchased.
Marriage License: By law, the County Clerk's Office is the only agency permitted to issue marriage licenses. All marriage license applications are permanently filed, as are marriage records.
Business Registration: The Clerk's Office issues Business Registrations to businesses that fall within the unincorporated areas of Grant County, outside city limits. Business Registrations are $25.00 annually and you must complete an application and have a New Mexico Tax ID number. The County's business registration fee and policies are set forth in Ordinance 87-03-11. Read it here.
Liquor License: The Clerk's Office issues Certificates to all Liquor Licenses that fall within the unincorporated areas of Grant County, outside city limits. Liquor Licenses are to be renewed before July 1 of each year.
The Grant County Clerk's Office can be reached at 575-574-0042.


text:
Home Jobs
Finance Associate Job
in Jobs
Organization: UNOPS
Background Information – Job-specific
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is the operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations. With over 8,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.
The Project will fall under the purview of the UNOPS KEMC (Kenya Multi Country Office) Located in Nairobi, Kenya, the Kenya Multi Country Office manages a growing portfolio of engagements, including associated strategic and operational risks. The KEMC sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in Nairobi/Kenya which manages a portfolio of engagements in multiple countries in East and Southern Africa. This includes a large portfolio of Infrastructure, procurement and project management service projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and several Island states.
Following devastation caused to life, livelihoods and property by tropical storm Idai in March 2019, the WB has allocated up to US$ 75 million to finance a recovery project for Zimbabwe. The project addresses both early and mid-term recovery needs in multiple sectors (livelihoods, health, education, agriculture). UNOPS has been requested to establish a multiple projects in Zimbabwe to assist with the recovery of the selected areas in Zimbabwe that were most affected by the storm. There are multiple project and sections that require Finance Associates, including a Project Implementation Unit based in Harare and a Community infrastructure project in Mutare.
Under the direct supervision of the functional supervisor who reports to the Project Manager the Finance Associate will provide financial and administrative support to the timely processing, recording, monitoring, and maintaining if financial transactions and accounts relating to payments and receipts in accordance with UNOPS' financial rules, regulations, policies, and processes.
Functional Responsibilities
Summary of Key Functions:
Administration of budgets and cost-recovery system
Accounting. Payments, Payroll
Office cash management
Knowledge building and Knowledge sharing
Ensures administration of budgets and functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results:
Preparation and modifications of budgets for projects,
Presentation of researched information for planning and status of office's financial resources
Provision of inputs for implementation of cost-saving and reduction strategies in consultation with the office management.
Preparation of cost sharing and trust fund agreements, follow up on contributions within the office's resource mobilization efforts
Accounting, Payments, Payroll functions focusing on achievement of the following results:
Proper control of the supporting documents for payments and financial reports for projects; preparation of all types of vouchers; Pay Cycle and payments execution.
Proper receipting of goods, services, and establishment of accruals.
Approval of vendors in Enterprise system (if a senior member of the Finance team).
Global payrolls processing in Enterprise system.
Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, timely corrective actions on unposted voucher taken, including those with budget check errors, match exceptions and unapproved vouchers; transactions are correctly recorded and posted; payrolls are duly prepared and processed; travel claims, MPOs and other entitlements are duly processed
Review of payment requests including supporting documents against the annual work plan.
Timely accounts closure
Timely response to HQ requests to resolve financial data issues.
Timely corrective actions on erroneous data in Enterprise system. Preparation of financial reports as required.
Maintenance of the Accounts Receivables for projects and follow-up with partners on contributions, deposits creation in Enterprise system and their application to pending items.
Timely reimbursements, payments of costs by the Government
Preparation of vouchers for projects.
For Roving Positions outside ERP systems:
Administer project advances, reconciliations, and replenishments, under authorized approvals as follows
Liaise with programme officers and conduct necessary project visits to obtain all certified documents evidencing the completion of an activity, incurring of expenditure and identity of the party/vendor;
Verify and monitor the accuracy of the statements and work plan compliance to provide replenishment of seed funds
Collect all certified supporting documents, signatures, names and other particulars of the beneficiaries in receipt claims / reimbursements;
Undertake required recording of transactions
Reconcile the available balance of funds with the balance shown in the register;
Where authorized, replenish funds upon receipt of relevant original documents and other evidence, and performing a reconciliation of the figures, beneficiaries, work plan and budget;
Ensure settlement of the balance of cash in hand.
Alternate to the supervising Finance Associate/Senior Finance Associate for timely review of cash position for local accounts to ensure sufficient funds on hand for disbursements. Timely identification and recording of receipts for income application.
Alternate to the supervising Finance Associate/Senior Finance Associate for daily review of zero-balance account bank statements in Enterprise system to monitor imprest level; identification and recording of contributions.
Timely and accurate preparation of bank reconciliations.
Alternate to the supervising Finance Associate/Senior Finance Associate for timely preparation of monthly cash flow forecast for use by Operations Manager/ Finance Analyst. Liaison with clients to obtain estimate of their cash requirement.
Initiation of bank transfers and deals in Enterprise system.
Creation of bank transfers (replenishment), deals and bank reconciliation processing.
Effecting of operational Advances after submission of the reconciliation and settlement of the previous advances
Knowledge building and knowledge sharing**
Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for personnel on finance-related topics.
Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice by synthesizing of lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in human resources.
Contribute feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively.
As Key Business User provide financial management support in the financial management module of Enterprise system to internal clients.
Impact of Results
The effective and successful achievement of results by the Finance Associate directly impacts the efficient and effective management of financial resources in projects and programmes, demonstrating UNOPS' effective stewardship of donor and partner funds. These promote the credibility of the organization as an effective service provider in project services and management.
Completion of secondary school certificate is required.
CPA (Certified Public Accountant), first University Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or equivalent disciplines is desirable but not required.
Relevant certification in financial management or accounting a distinct advantage.
Minimum of 6 years of relevant working experience within the areas of finance, accounting, business administration or related field is required;
Knowledge of UNOPS financial rules and regulations is desired;
Working knowledge of ERP is desired;
At least 3 years in cash management, Account reconciliation and accounting skills are required:
Experience with MS Office 2003/or newer versions and financial management, using electronic systems, environment are desired;
Some experience in UN system organizations is desirable.
Full knowledge of the English language is essential
Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset.
Integrity and Inclusion: Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Partnering: Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Results Orientation: Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Agility: Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Solution focused: Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Effective communication: Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Additional Considerations
Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement
Contract level: LICA 6
Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – 'Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.'
**This position is based in a family duty station
Candidates are requested to state their preferred location when applying (Harare or Mutare)
UNOPS will consider individual preference, however candidates can be assigned to any duty station **For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-of…
Background Information – UNOPS
UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.
UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.
UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.
With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners' needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.
Work life harmonization
UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.
Background Information – Kenya Multi Country Office (KEMC)
Located in Nairobi, Kenya, the Kenya Multi Country Office manages a growing portfolio of engagements, including associated strategic and operational risks. The KMCO sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in Nairobi/Kenya which manages a portfolio of engagements in multiple countries in East and South Africa. This includes primarily transactional projects in partnership with the Nairobi based UN Agencies, UN-Habitat and UNEP, and multiple 'operational' projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and several island states.
Click below link to apply for this position
https://jobs.unops.org/pages/viewvacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=18222
TAAT Maize Compact Coordinator Job
General Support-Protection Monitor( Somali National) Job


I REFUSE to turn around and acknowledge you. I don't care, I won't turn around and look at you. Others might, but not me. Your sighs are getting louder and closer together like you're having contractions. I WON'T look back. Eyes on my work. But, I'm wondering now if you're sleeping and dreaming sweet dreams. Don't make me turn around to check! If you're just sighing because your work is hard that's just gonna make me mad because now I'm not doing my work because I'm distracted by your HEAVING!!!! My work is hard too. Now I'm sighing….now I'm tired. Fine, I'll just leave the library and watch TV at home instead.


While not everyone who enters recovery embraces a life of faith, it almost goes without saying that faith and recovery have long been connected. If you need any evidence of this, look no further than to the third step in the 12-Step program—which is, essentially, to affirm a Higher Power (or God) and turn over control of your life to it/him/however you conceive of this higher power.
Have you ever stopped to wonder why faith has come to play such an integral role in the recovery process, though? The simple answer is that faith is an important element in attaining lasting recovery. That has not to say that everyone needs faith to facilitate recovery—but for many individuals who are in recovery, faith is helpful.
To understand why this is, first remember that addiction is a disease—specifically, a form of mental illness, just as surely as depression and anxiety are. (In fact, addiction is often accompanied by other, co-occurring mental health disorders.) It is illogical to think that you might use your mind alone—the same one ravaged by the disease of addiction—to "cure" yourself. Thus, a turn to a Higher Power makes sense: It is a daily reminder that for true recovery you must look outside of yourself.
There are other reasons why faith is helpful, as well. It can provide a sense of perspective—a cosmic perspective, encouraging you to meditate on things bigger than yourself. It can provide incentive to help other people, an excellent way of developing your own mental health. Faith can even provide a sense of structure that many in recovery crave.
Faith must be arrived at authentically, but for those who are willing to embrace it, it can be a powerful comfort during a season of recovery.
Do you find faith to help with your recovery journey? Tell us how!


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Highlight In the News Slider
Quintain receives planning permission for 245 homes in Lucan
Quintain has received planning permission to construct 245 new homes at Tandy's Lane in Lucan. The site is around 20 acres in size and includes a large linear park running through the neighbourhood providing high visual and social amenity value.
The site has a gross development value of c.€82 million and construction will begin at the end of the year, with the first homes coming to market in the middle of 2021. The development will include 213 houses, 16 duplexes and 15 apartments. The range of unit types provided will allow for lifetime living whereby people can trade up or down within the scheme should the need arise. This in turn lends itself to the creation of a diverse community.
Tandy's Lane Village is close to Quintain's Somerton development where the first phase is complete. Both developments are near the amenities of Lucan town centre, as well as transport links offered by the M4 and N4 and Adamstown rail station.
A standout feature of this new Quintain neighbourhood is the crescent of houses facing the attractive linear Serpentine Park, which in turns connects to the bigger 20-acre Tandy's Lane Village Park, ensuring the development contains meaningful open spaces.
Michael Hynes, Joint Managing Partner of Quintain Ireland, said: "We are delighted to be making further progress on our residential pipeline in the Lucan area with this planning approval for Tandy's Lane Village. These 245 homes will form part of a growing community with access to green space and school facilities, and the wider amenities of Lucan on the doorstep with easy access to Dublin city centre.
"These homes will be completed to the high building standards and leading environmental specifications that Quintain guarantees to its buyers. They represent the latest stage in Quintain's plans to deliver 9,000 homes across four sites in the Greater Dublin area."
Quintain have also reached agreement in principle for the delivery of a new primary school at Tandy's Lane with the Department of Education. They are targeting a 2023 opening for this new primary school. Delivering new schools in tandem with new housing is a vital part of Quintain's development philosophy which is to create sustainable new communities with amenities and open space placemaking an essential component.
Quintain is developing 220 acres in the Adamstown/Lucan area, where it plans to develop over 4,000 new homes and 600,000 sq.ft. of commercial space. The company's broader land portfolio covers 460 acres of prime assets in Ireland at Adamstown, Clonburris, Portmarnock, and Cherrywood, and when developed will make Quintain the third largest residential developer in the country.
Quintain Ireland's parent company Quintain Limited is a vertically integrated developer, operator and owner of residential and mixed-use assets; best known for the ongoing transformation of Wembley Park in north London.
← Cairn awarded London Stock Exchange's Green Economy Mark accreditation
Planning permission granted for the Church Fields Link Road and Cycle Network Project →


The Department of Biology offers a minor, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in biology. At the graduate level, the department offers a Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in biology.


Any other ones from customers etc? Seen this yellow one but thats about it..
So these are not out yet, just preorders?
There was a pre-order, they were suppose to ship out weeks ago...but there was some issue with the casting by the manufacturers. Delayed now. You might be able to get in on the pre-order still.
What's the new ETA for the pre-orders? Thanks!
Interested in these wheels also.
I'm interested in buying these too.
The fronts are one the water i.e. in a boat and have been for a couple weeks. Should be in port in the next week or 2. As soon as they come in, we will check and get them going!
When pre-order will be opened? Which offsets on front and rears?
Last edited by SL1DE; 07-27-2018 at 12:13 PM.
Will there be a second preorder or date for general availability?
Even the Cobbler's child gets new shoes on special occasions!
We will have a few sets available after the 1st of the year!


Are you running paid, targeted ads online just to have people click them and quickly leave your landing page? Does your bounce rate reflect this? If done correctly, landing pages can be your most effective salesman. The best thing about it, you can track the costs, benefits and conversion rate. While creating an effective landing page can be a difficult task, we have put together an easy guide to help you improve the effectiveness of your landing page.
You only have about three seconds to grab the attention of your visitor, wherein your visitor will form an impression and make a decision. Your design and layout have to make a strong first impression. It is important to have a unique value proposition; this is a clearly crafted, simple message that communicates why you are different and worth buying from or contacting. It is important to have a page that is free of clutter and draws the attention of the user to a specific element on the page. Give your important and compelling content the most space. Give users just one task, not fifty. Simplifying the page will decrease bounce rates and increase conversions.
All effective landing pages invite users to act or have a CTA (call to action). The call to action should not be hard to find or ambiguous, rather easy to identify and clearly communicated. The best CTAs have just one objective, stand out on the page, usually start with a verb (e.g. sign up, download), and make it clear what you get when you click. Provide all the relevant information that visitors need to make a smart, logical decision. If possible try to create a sense of urgency, this can be done by running limited time promotions.
You know just as well as everyone else that the internet is full of scams. The way you filter your decisions with caution and skepticism is likely how your audience will filter their decisions. A professional layout and design will do wonders in building trust. Content marketing tends to help build trust. Including something like a testimonial on your landing page can build trust. Try to reduce the anxiety of your audience and be proactive in addressing objections they may have such as price, compatibility, competition, and time.
Often, landing pages are not seeking to convert visitors into buyers, rather convert them to leads. They will offer visitors bribes such as a free webinar or provide some sort of free content, just like this email. In return, they will require the visitor to provide an email or contact information. Usually, the webinar or information will also build trust. Nothing is free! Visitors understand you are seeking a win/win relationship.
While credibility and trust are crucial elements when making a landing page, it also has to be inviting and enticing. Who likes to look at less than appealing images? The appearance of your website will greatly influence the first impression of a visitor. Beauty sells!
Landing pages are usually the first impression a new visitor has to your website or business and have a single primary objective. By using these tips, you will be able to create a balance between all of these important elements, and soon you will be an online marketing ninja!


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Legal Marketplace
(321) 953-5998 Free call
2815 W. New Haven, Ste 304 Melbourne, FL 32904
Eve Travis
Attorney Eve Travis graduated with honors from the University of Florida College of Law. Ms. Travis focused her studies in the areas of estate planning, probate, and taxation. While in law school, Ms. Travis interned for Florida's 11th Judicial Circuit-Probate Division and worked as a Certified Legal Intern for the Office of the Public Defender- 18th Judicial Circuit. Ms. Travis also worked with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program helping low-income residents prepare their tax returns. Ms. Travis graduated with honors from Florida State University with a bachelor's degree in biology. As an undergraduate student, Ms. Travis taught biology lab for Florida State University.
Before joining Arcadier, Biggie & Wood, PLLC, Ms. Travis was employed by the law firm of Avery, Whigham & Winesett, P.A. in Fort Myers, Florida. Ms. Travis concentrates her law practice in the areas of wills, trusts, probate, real property titles, title insurance, 1031 tax-free exchanges, and other real estate transactions.
2815 W. New Haven, Suite 304, Melbourne, Florida 32904
Maurice Arcadier
Stephen J. Biggie
Joseph C. Wood
Ethan B. Babb
©2018 Law Offices of Arcadier, Biggie & Wood and its licensors. All Rights Reserved. Powered by: BusinessHelp.com


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Catholic Community Foundation > About The Foundation > Investment Performance > Gift Acceptance Policy
I. PURPOSE OF GIFT ACCEPTANCE POLICIES
The Foundation solicits gifts to advance its broad charitable purposes. These gift acceptance policies define the considerations and processes through which The Foundation assesses the desirability of accepting a potential gift and determines whether to accept a gift as offered. In addition, these policies specify how particular types of gifts may be made. These policies are intended to be a resource to The Foundation Trustees, officers, committee members and staff, as well as prospective donors and their advisors.
II. AUTHORITY TO ACCEPT GIFTS
Except as otherwise noted herein, the Executive Director of The Foundation shall have the authority to accept gifts on behalf of The Foundation. When appropriate, the Executive Director shall consult with the Executive Committee on matters of gift acceptance and shall make regular reports to the Board of Trustees concerning accepted gifts. The Executive Director, on behalf of The Foundation, shall seek the advice of legal counsel when appropriate.
The Foundation reserves the right to refuse any gift, including gifts that are inconsistent with The Foundation's stated mission, purposes and priorities or that would impose an unreasonable burden on or risk to The Foundation.
III. CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The Foundation will urge all prospective donors to seek the assistance of personal legal and financial advisors in matters relating to gifts to The Foundation and the resulting tax consequences. In all cases, The Foundation representatives shall emphasize that they do not represent the donor.
The Foundation will comply with the Model Standards of Practice for the Charitable Gift Planner promulgated by the National Committee on Planned Giving, shown as an appendix to this document.
IV. TYPES OF ASSETS
1. Cash
Cash is acceptable in any form. Checks shall be made payable to the Catholic Community Foundation of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Inc., and shall be delivered to The Foundation at 320 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.
2. Publicly-Traded Securities
The Foundation can accept securities that are traded on the New York and American Stock Exchanges, as well as other major U.S. and foreign exchanges and the NASDAQ, corporate bonds, government issues, and agency securities. In general, all marketable securities shall be sold as soon as possible after their receipt unless otherwise determined by the Executive Committee, after consultation with the Investment Committee. The Foundation may not agree to hold, sell through a specific broker or trade on instruction of the donor a particular publicly-traded security without the approval of the Executive Committee.
Securities may be physically delivered to The Foundation in person or by mail or may be wired to a designated The Foundation brokerage account. If the donor mails securities, certificates should be sent unsigned and by registered mail. Signed stock/bond powers should be sent separately to The Foundation by registered mail. It is imperative that the signature on the stock/bond power exactly match the name on the certificate.
3. Closely-Held Securities
Interests in closely-held or non-publicly traded entities, including, without limitation, sole proprietorships, general and limited partnerships, corporations, real estate investment trusts (REITs), and limited liability companies, may be accepted only after prior review and approval by the Executive Committee, after consultation with the Investment Committee and legal counsel, if appropriate. Such review shall consider the marketability of the interest, any restrictions on its sale, any potential liability associated with the holding of such interest, and any tax consequences for The Foundation related to the holding and/or disposing of such interest. In general, such securities shall be sold as soon as possible following their receipt.
4. Registered Securities
The Foundation may accept restricted securities (also known as unregistered securities, investment-letter stock, control stock or private placement stock). Because of the complexity in transferring ownership and determining the fair market value of restricted stock, such gifts may be accepted only after review and approval by the Executive Committee, after consultation with the Investment Committee and legal counsel, if appropriate.
5. Tangible Personal Property
Gifts of tangible personal property, including but not limited to art, antiques, collections, manuscripts, books, vehicles, marine vessels, and computer hardware may be accepted only after review and approval by the Executive Committee.
A gift of tangible personal property should be accepted only when a review indicates that the property is readily marketable. No personal property shall be accepted under conditions that obligate The Foundation to continue to own the property in perpetuity. In addition, no perishable property or property that would require special facilities or security to be properly safeguarded shall be accepted.
Tangible personal property given to The Foundation shall be sold as soon as possible following receipt. The Foundation's intention to sell the property shall be communicated to the donor when The Foundation receives notification of the donor's intent to make a gift of personal property.
6. Real Estate
Gifts of real estate, both improved and unimproved, may be accepted only after review and approval by the Executive Committee after consultation with legal counsel, if appropriate. Due to the expenses associated with gifts of real property, only gifts with a current fair market value in excess of $50,000 will generally be considered. No gift of real estate may be accepted until all mortgages, deeds of trust, liens and/or other encumbrances have been discharged.
It is The Foundation's general policy to dispose of all gifts of real estate as expeditiously as possible. This policy will be communicated to a donor when The Foundation receives notification of the donor's intent to make a gift of real estate.
Before accepting a gift of real estate, The Foundation shall obtain:
a. a title insurance commitment showing marketable title in the donor, free and clear of unacceptable encumbrances, issued by a reputable title insurance company;
b. an MAI appraisal by a qualified appraiser (not older than 60 days);
c. a Phase I environmental audit by a qualified engineer indicating that ownership will not expose The Foundation to environmental liability;
d. a market feasibility study for purposes of liquidation (when appropriate);
e. an on-site evaluation by the Executive Director or his designee (or if the property is located in a geographically isolated area, a local real estate broker acceptable by the Exec. Dir.);
f. a structural engineering report (when appropriate);
g. a review of leases (for commercial property);
h. evidence of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (when applicable);
i. a disclosure statement from the donor reflecting any and all carrying costs, including but not limited to taxes, insurance, association dues, membership fees and transfer charges.
All costs related to the environmental impact study, title search, appraisal, marketability study and any other related study shall be borne by the donor.
7. Life Insurance
The Foundation will accept gifts of life insurance policies of which it is named the irrevocable owner and beneficiary. The Foundation may accept a "paid-up" policy (i.e., no additional premiums will be required, regardless of changing rates or dividends) or a new or existing policy for which the donor intends to continue to make payments so that the policy does not lapse. The Foundation will not accept a policy with any term insurance component.
The Foundation will make premium payments on a donated policy if the donor makes annual gifts at least equivalent to the amount of the premium. The Foundation may, but is under no obligation to continue to pay the premiums if the donor elects not to continue to make gifts to cover premium payments. In that instance, The Foundation may allow the policy to lapse, convert the policy to paid-up insurance or surrender the policy for its current cash value.
8. Other Property
Other property of any description (e.g., mortgages, notes, copyrights, royalties, etc.) may be accepted only with the approval of the Executive Committee. The difficulty inherent in establishing the acceptability of this class of assets places additional importance on a thorough review of such gift proposals. In particular, the Executive Committee shall review the marketability of the gift, the carrying costs associated with it and the potential exposure of The Foundation to tax and other liabilities. Depending on the value of the proposed gift, consideration should be given to encouraging the donor to dispose of the property and donate the proceeds to The Foundation.
V. GIFT VEHICLES
1. Outright Gifts
The Foundation accepts current, outright gifts of property that are consistent with these policies.
2. Bequests
A bequest to The Foundation is made in the donor's Will or Revocable Trust. The donor can direct that a specific dollar amount, specific assets, a percentage of the donor's estate or trust, or the remainder of the donor's estate or trust be distributed to The Foundation While all bequests are contingent, in that the donor can change his/her Will or Revocable Trust prior to the donor's death, the donor can further condition a bequest to The Foundation upon the occurrence or non-occurrence of a particular event (e.g., survival of a named person, birth of a child, etc.). Accordingly, a bequest to The Foundation is not "complete" until the death of the donor and, where applicable, the satisfaction of the condition.
Donors may also establish by will a charitable remainder trust or charitable lead trust (see below).
Bequests may be made to The Foundation through the execution of a new Will or Revocable Trust or by a Codicil or Amendment, respectively, thereto.
3. Beneficiary Designations
The Foundation may accept amounts it receives as a designated beneficiary (primary or contingent) of a life insurance policy, deferred annuity contract, IRA, defined benefit plan, 401(k) plan, profit-sharing plan or other qualified plan. If The Foundation is anything other than an outright beneficiary of such assets, the prior review and approval of the Executive Committee shall be required.
4. Charitable Gift Annuities
The Foundation is not currently registered to issue charitable gift annuities in any jurisdiction. However, the Archdiocese of Baltimore has agreed to issue charitable gift annuities, the remaining principal of which shall be distributed to The Foundation upon the death of the last surviving annuitant. Minimum funding amounts, age(s) of annuitant(s), rates, and other terms of such charitable gift annuities shall be determined by the Archdiocese.
5. Charitable Remainder Trusts
A charitable remainder trust is established by an irrevocable gift to a trustee made during the donor's lifetime or upon the donor's death. The primary feature of a charitable remainder trust is that it provides for periodic payments of a fixed percentage (not less than 5%) of the value of the trust assets to the donor and/or another person specified by the donor, for life or a specified term of years (not to exceed 20), after which the trust assets pass to The Foundation. The most common forms of charitable remainder trusts are Charitable Remainder Annuity Trusts (CRATs) and Charitable Remainder Unitrusts (CRUTs). The significant difference between a CRAT and a CRUT is that the annual payment from a CRAT is a fixed percentage of the initial value of the trust, while the payout from a CRUT is calculated by applying the fixed percentage to the value of trust, valued annually. Additional contributions may be made to a CRUT, but no additional contributions may be made to a CRAT.
The Foundation may accept a designation as remainder beneficiary of a charitable remainder trust, provided that the gift does not violate any other provision of these policies as they relate to the types of assets or restrictions that may be accepted.
In general, The Foundation will not serve as the Trustee or as a co-Trustee of a charitable remainder trust. Exception may be made with the prior approval of the Executive Committee. Factors to be considered in determining whether The Foundation shall serve as the trustee of a charitable remainder trust shall include: the value of the initial contribution to the trust, the number of non-charitable beneficiaries, the ages of the non-charitable beneficiaries if the trust term is based on one or more lives, the present value of The Foundation's remainder interest, and whether the designation of The Foundation as the sole remainderman is irrevocable. In the event The Foundation agrees to serve as Trustee or co-Trustee of a charitable remainder trust, gifts of any asset other than cash or unrestricted publicly-traded securities, or a combination of both, will not be accepted as funding for such trust. Any agreement pursuant to which The Foundation consents to serve as Trustee or co-Trustee of a charitable remainder trust shall be reviewed and approved on behalf of The Foundation by its legal counsel.
6. Charitable Lead Trusts
A charitable lead trust is a trust from which the income or "lead" interest is paid to The Foundation for a set number of years (not to exceed 20), after which the remaining trust assets pass to one or more non-charitable beneficiaries designated by the donor. The amount paid to The Foundation may be either a fixed sum (an "annuity" interest) or a percentage of the trust assets valued each year (a "unitrust" interest). Moreover, charitable lead trusts may be established during the donor's lifetime or upon the donor's death pursuant to a Will or Revocable Trust.
The Foundation may accept a designation as remainder beneficiary of a charitable remainder trust with the approval of the Executive Director, provided that the gift does not violate any other provision of these Gift Acceptance Policies as they relate to the types or purposes of gifts that may be accepted.
The Foundation will not serve as the Trustee of a charitable lead trust.
7. Retained Life Estates
The Foundation may accept a gift of a personal residence or farm where the donor (and/or another person) retains the right to use the property for a term of years or for the life or lives of the donor and/or another person. Upon the expiration of the retained interest, The Foundation may use or sell the property as it sees fit.
Such gifts are subject to the conditions and guidelines applicable to gifts of real estate. The gift is accomplished by the execution of a Deed to The Foundation, pursuant to which the retained interest is expressly reserved. In addition, the donor must enter into a Retained Life Estate Agreement (RLEA) which provides that the donor and/or the life tenant shall remain responsible for maintenance, taxes, utilities, insurance and other costs associated with the property, unless other arrangements, approved by The Foundation, are made for the payment of these expenses. The Deed and the RLEA shall be reviewed and approved by The Foundation's legal counsel.
8. Bargain Sales
The Foundation may enter into a bargain sale arrangement with respect to an unrestricted gift (i.e., not to a particular fund) only with the consent of the Executive Committee. Such arrangements are subject to the conditions and guidelines applicable to gifts of real estate.
VI. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
1. Appraisals and Legal Fees
It is the responsibility of the donor to secure and pay for an appraisal (when required) and independent legal counsel for all gifts made to The Foundation.
The Foundation and its Board of Trustees and committees shall hold all information concerning (prospective) donors and their proposed gifts in the strictest confidence. A donor may grant permission to The Foundation to publicly announce any gift or feature of a gift to the public.
3. Acknowledgement
The Foundation shall follow Internal Revenue Service regulations with respect to the acknowledgement of gifts. The donor retains sole responsibility for determining the date and value of a gift to The Foundation.
4. IRS Filings Upon Sale of Donated Property
If The Foundation sells, exchanges or otherwise disposes of any property (other than unrestricted publicly-traded securities) with a claimed charitable deduction value in excess of $5,000 within three years of the date The Foundation originally received the property, or such amount or within such time as may be hereinafter required by the Internal Revenue Service, The Foundation shall file IRS Form 8282, or its successor, and provide a copy to the donor.
5. Amendments to Gift Acceptance Policies
These policies have been reviewed and accepted by the Board of Trustees of the Foundation. The policies shall be subject to periodic review and may be amended by the Board of Trustees from time to time.
NCPG MODEL STANDARDS OF PRACTICE
National Committee on Planned Giving®
FOR THE CHARITABLE GIFT PLANNER
The purpose of this statement is to encourage responsible gift planning by urging the adoption of the following Standards of Practice by all individuals who work in the charitable gift planning process, gift planning officers, fund raising consultants, attorneys, accountants, financial planners, life insurance agents and other financial services professionals (collectively referred to hereafter as "Gift Planners"), and by the institutions that these persons represent.
This statement recognizes that the solicitation, planning and administration of a charitable gift is a complex process involving philanthropic, personal, financial, and tax considerations, and often involves professionals from various disciplines whose goals should include working together to structure a gift that achieves a fair and proper balance between the interests of the donor and the purposes of the charitable institution.
I. Primacy of Philanthropic Motivation
The principal basis for making a charitable gift should be a desire on the part of the donor to support the work of charitable institutions.
II. Explanation of Tax Implications
Congress has provided tax incentives for charitable giving, and the emphasis in this statement on philanthropic motivation in no way minimizes the necessity and appropriateness of a full and accurate explanation by the Gift Planner of those incentives and their implications.
III. Full Disclosure
It is essential to the gift planning process that the role and relationships of all parties involved, including how and by whom each is compensated, be fully disclosed to the donor. A Gift Planner shall not act or purport to act as a representative of any charity without the express knowledge and approval of the charity, and shall not, while employed by the charity, act or purport to act as a representative of the donor, without the express consent of both the charity and the donor.
IV. Compensation
Compensation paid to Gift Planners shall be reasonable and proportionate to the services provided. Payment of finder's fees, commissions or other fees by a donee organization to an independent Gift Planner as a condition for the delivery of a gift is never appropriate. Such payments lead to abusive practices and may violate certain state and federal regulations. Likewise, commission-based compensation for Gift Planners who are employed by a charitable institution is never appropriate.
V. Competence and Professionalism
The Gift Planner should strive to achieve and maintain a high degree of competence in his or her chosen area, and shall advise donors only in areas in which he or she is professionally qualified. It is a hallmark of professionalism for Gift Planners that they realize when they have reached the limits of their knowledge and expertise, and as a result, should include other professionals in the process. Such relationships should be characterized by courtesy, tact and mutual respect.
VI. Consultation with Independent Advisers
A Gift Planner acting on behalf of a charity shall in all cases strongly encourage the donor to discuss the proposed gift with competent independent legal and tax advisers of the donor's choice.
VII. Consultation with Charities
Although Gift Planners frequently and properly counsel donors concerning specific charitable gifts without the prior knowledge or approval of the donee organization, the Gift Planner, in order to insure that the gift will accomplish the donor's objectives, should encourage the donor early in the gift planning process, to discuss the proposed gift with the charity to whom the gift is to be made. In cases where the donor desires anonymity, the Gift Planner shall endeavor, on behalf of the undisclosed donor, to obtain the charity's input in the gift planning process.
VIII. Description and Representation of Gift
The Gift Planner shall make every effort to assure that the donor receives a full description and an accurate representation of all aspects of any proposed charitable gift plan. The consequences for the charity, the donor and, where applicable, the donor's family, should be apparent, and the assumptions underlying any financial illustrations should be realistic.
IX. Full Compliance
A Gift Planner shall fully comply with and shall encourage other parties in the gift planning process to fully comply with both the letter and spirit of all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
X. Public Trust
Gift Planners shall, in all dealings with donors, institutions and other professionals, act with fairness, honesty, integrity and openness. Except for compensation received for services, the terms of which have been disclosed to the donor, they shall have no vested interest that could result in personal gain.
Adopted and subscribed to by the National Committee on Planned Giving and the American Council on Gift Annuities, May 7, 1991. Revised April 1999.


Can you add transaction fees to invoices for things like stripe?
Using invoiceninja you can choose to add on fees to use stripe and other services.
Can you do this with quickfile.
Do you mean like passing on the fees to your client?
Even if it's possible, it's not recommended as it is now prohibited by law to add a surcharge for consumer card payments or PayPal.


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Greeting From the Director
Visit/Audition for CSU Theatre
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Degree Program and Concentrations
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When you fill out Class Notes, you get the word out about your business, catch up with old friends, and reconnect with the University. We will publish this information in our newsletter and online.
We are excited to hear about where you have been, what you are currently doing, and where you are headed in life. Please don't forget to include a link to a professional headshot photo (i.e. LinkedIn), or email it to Jennifer.Clary@colostate.edu.
We have had some fantastic class notes in the past! Here is a great example of what we are looking for:
Richard Muller, 2013, B.A. Theatre; B.F.A. Graphic Design, has been living in Los Angeles for a year and a half now. His main pursuit in the arts is acting. He has performed in some short films, commercials, indie films, music videos, and this past Dec., he starred in his first Hollywood staged performance as the role of Jason in the musical Bare. He has been keeping up with his graphic design and art by doing it for fun and freelance work when it fits in his busy schedule. He has also taken advantage of being in a city full of artistic opportunity by getting into improv, modeling, photography, and cinematography! Most recently, Richard had the opportunity to be the cinematographer for a short film his friend Joseph Marquez produced and directed called "My Way". This project was worked on by a very talented group of individuals in association with the Screen Actors Guild.
Degree*
Graduation Date (MM/YYYY)*
Current Employer / Position*
Website or Link to Headshot
If your headshot is not available online, please email it to Brandon.Adams@colostate.edu.
Recent Activities / Updates / Comments*
Deidre Raph '11
Works for Disney Cruise Lines as an electrician upon one of their cruise ships
Judd Farner '10
Is pursuing a Master's Degree in Theatre Education and Teacher Licensure at University of Northern Colorado. Currently he is a Bas Bleu Theatre Company Development Associate and a member of the Music, Theatre, and Dance Alumni Relations Advisory Committee at Colorado State University
Janelle Sutton '08, '11
Received a Master of Science in Apparel and Merchandising in 2011 from Colorado State University. She is employed in the CSU Music, Theatre, and Dance Department as the Costume Shop Supervisor and Adjunct Instructor.
Meghan Gray '10
Is enrolled at University of California, Irvine in the graduate Lighting Design program on full scholarship.
Liz Droge-Young '05
Is pursuing a Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology at Syracuse University, received a Rosemary Grant Award from the Society for the Study of Evolution to support her dissertation research.
Christine Tawfik '07
Lives in Chicago and performs with Second City
Matthew Block '08
Is enrolled in the graduate program at Central School in London for Screen Acting.
Tait Zach '07
Is the SM for the Off-Broadway production of Sleep No More. He has been living in and around New York for over three years working in theater.
Elliot Cooper '06
Was a member of the Peace Corps in South America.
Gemma Aguayo- Murphy '05
Is an educator in Denver public schools. She married Matt Murphy '05 in the summer of 2011.
Candice Andrews '05
Received her MFA at the University of California in Davis. She teaches in Colorado public schools.
Jennifer Chan '05
Is currently a professional computer consultant.
Matt Murphy '05
Won the 9Teachers Who Care award from Denver 9News in December 2011.
Rachel Singer '05
Works for the Hillel Foundation at the University of Chicago.
Jessie Anna Wilton '05
Is pursuing her MFA at the California Institute of the Arts.
Ronnie Chamberlain '04
Is pursuing his MFA at Mississippi State University.
Kerrie Lovercheck '04
Is pursuing her MFA at the University of Miami in Ohio.
Sara Sheafor '04
Is currently a freelance costume designer for film and television.
Sandra Kroll '03
Is pursuing her MFA at the University of California in San Diego.
Caroline Freedman '02
Works with Teach for America in New York City.
John McKellar '02
Is the lighting designer and master electrician for the Kings of Leon (opening act for Pearl Jam and Bob Dylan).
Shannon Maguire Walsh '02
Is pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. She earned a doctorate in Theatre Historiography from the University of Minnesota in September 2011.
Erica Walthall '02
Marie Davis Green '00
Teaches at University of Northern Colorado and received her MFA from The Yale School of Drama
Jennifer Hunt '00
Is currently a member of the Alabama Shakespeare Company.
Cody Lyman '00
Is currently on a national tour of a one man show entitled, Defending the Caveman.
Suzanne Scott '00
Richard Sonnen '99
Jade Winters '99
Teaches costume design and construction at the University of California, Santa Monica.
Meridith Crosley '98
Is one of the producers of the Wrecking Ball Theatre Lab in Boulder.
Dana Hughes '98
Was the recipient of the CSU Alumni Association's GOLD award (Graduate of the Last Decade) in 2004. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, Dana is an ABC News Digital Reporter for Africa.
Laura Tessman '98
Teaches acting and directing at the University of Colorado.
Lee Tomjack '98
Teaches bilingual theatre education at Teikyo University in Denver.
Holly Harrison Kerkes '96
Is pursuing her Ph.D at the University of Colorado in Boulder.
Kevin Linehan '96
Is working as a national commercial actor.
Matt Renoux '96
Currently works for Channel 9 News-Denver/ Northern Bureau. In 2007 he was awarded 2nd place for the Best of TV Photojournalism.
Tresa Waggoner '96
Works for the Children's Outreach Program at the Tulsa Opera Company.
Frank Caeti '95
An alumnus of the Second City Comedy Club in Chicago, he is currently working as a writer/ comedian for MADtv Network.
Ric Lantz '95
Received his MFA at Carnegie Mellon. He is the producer of The Bricks Theatre in Madison, WI. He is also the Technical Director of the Children's Theatre of Madison.
Crystal Martinez '95
Received her MFA at Carnegie Mellon. She is a painter for Epic Systems in Madison, WI.
Jeremy Holm '93
Is currently acting in New York City. In 2006 he returned to CSU as a guest artist to perform a title role in the CSU production of Cyrano.
Nick Stabile '92
Performs regularly on a number of television series including, Sunset Beach, Boston Common, CSI: Miami, and Saints and Sinners. He also performed in the film The Beach Boys: An American Family and is currently working on Sheltered.
Kurt Muensterman '90
Teaches in the Colorado public schools.
Wende Curtis '87
Owns Comedy Works in Denver.
Lesli (Pushkin) Kay '87
Currently plays Felicia on CBS's The Bold and the Beautiful. She recently appeared as a guest star on episodes of CSI: New York, Law and Order and Dancing with the Stars. She was the winner of the Daytime Emmy award for As the World Turns. Her film appearances include, Guarded Secrets and just completed, The Shadow People.
Mark Liermann '87
Is the head of the directing program at the University of Western Michigan.
Scott Shattuck '83
Director of the School of Theatre at Stephen F. Austin State University.
Warren Sherril '82
is currently employed by Paragon Theatre in Denver. He was awarded the Denver Post Ovation Award in 2006 for the Best Supporting Actor in Drama.
Cynthia Stokes '81
Is a Director of Opera in Los Angeles and Minneapolis. She also teaches acting and directing at the University of California in San Diego.
Walter Olkewicz '71
Is a sitcom and film actor. His work includes The Last Resort and Steven Spielberg's 1941
Skip Greer '81
Serves as Artist in Residence and Director of Education at Geva Theatre Center. His directing credits at Geva include On Golden Pond, Over the Tavern, Almost, Maine; the world premiere of The House in Hydesville; Doubt; American Buffalo; Inherit the Wind; Key West; Death of a Salesman; Lobby Hero; Below the Belt; The Weir; Women Who Steal; Beast on the Moon; Triumph of Love and Geometric Digression of the Species.
University Center for the Arts
Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival
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Email: mtdinfo@colostate.edu