Budget Meetings Kick Off - Get Budget Smart!
How much more can citizens pay?
We continue to review Theater Proposals and are very excited about possible opportunities ahead. Discussions are just in exploring stage so nothing to report yet! ..Stay Tuned!
63 applications for our City Manager position... Should have someone in the seat late 1st quarter.
Ridge and Lake Cook - No Right Turn law was affirmed by the City Council after a recommendation from our Traffic Commission to allow those movements. This is the 6th time I have participated in these debates and it does not get any easier.... I wish there was a better way!
The City of Highland Park will put a question on March 20th ballot asking voters to give us the power to get the best electricity rates for our power (with resident opt out provision). Municipal Aggregation will be carried a step further with us working in a North Shore Consortium to get even better electric rates.
On the Environmental front we passed a Construction Debris Recycling Ordinance and a Plastic Bag/Film Ordinance that will help collect and recycle these materials.
Please look at the final report of the Lake County's 60% Recycling Task Force Report We just passed approval of report at our Directors meeting and will be asking all of our 42 member communities to vote on this report. SWALCO will be making the rounds presenting the findings to members upon request.
Ice Skating Rink at Port Clinton is worth checking out in our downtown. The Alliance and property owners have done a excellent job promoting our CBD with ice sculptures, reindeer, and the great decorations that frame our primary shopping district.
Our Sustainability Consultants Delta are on track in working on three short term action items that include Zero Waste in our Schools, Electric Vehicle demonstration and programing, and Enhanced Recycling. We will also be calling stakeholders to the table for a global discussion in early February (TBA).
Last night at a SWALCO meeting in Hainesville with colleagues from over 25 of Lake County's communities I felt excitement about the vast opportunities to create positive change. There is strength in numbers and broader consensus building. Local government, including the County, is a place where we can make a difference in peoples lives. The gridlock of Federal and to the lesser extent State government is something I have not seen in most local government.
Highland Park and Lake County are AAA financially rated and have worked together on a broad spectrum of issues. Looking forward to participate in this much broader forum in representing residents in Highland Park, Highwood, and Deerfield.
The primary election date is March 20th with early voting starting February 27th in Lake County. While I am unopposed in the Primary I will be putting together a campaign as the November general election could produce an opponent. I released a Press Release to announce my election for Lake County Board District 11. I want to thank Sen. Garrett, Rep. May, Mayor Rotering, Mayor Pierce, Mayor Geraci, and the entire City Council of Highland Park for their support.
Joyce O'Keefe received the Highland Park Natural Resources Commission's Award for Meritorious Service to the Highland Park Environment.
In large part because of Joyce O'Keefe we have the Lakeshore Preserve at Fort Sheridan. This spectacular public accessible strip of Lake Michigan shoreline is held by Open Lands and has raised millions for its restoration and development. Enjoy the trails along the shoreline and ravine where you can experience the beauty of nature right here in our front yard at Fort Sheridan.
Joyce, has been a strong advocate for Open Lands and Historic Preservation during her public service career. I had the pleasure of sliding into her seat on the City Council when she stepped down in 1993. She will always be one of my Highland Park hero's and was so happy to see her receive this well deserved award. BRAVO JOYCE!!
Alex Gordon, a student at Highland Park High School, has founded a snow-shoveling program in which volunteers can assist Highland Park residents who cannot clear their own sidewalks. Working in conjunction with the City of Highland Park, the program will match volunteers who are able to shovel snow and clear sidewalks with residents who need assistance. Residents interested in volunteering should contact Highland Park resident Alex Gordon at (847) 224-8458 or at Snow@AlexNGordon.com. Residents who are interested in determining if they qualify for assistance with snow removal should contact Don Miner, Manager of Youth and Senior Services, at (847) 926-1861 or at dminer@cityhpil.com. Both the volunteers and the recipients will be required to complete liability waivers. Training will be provided for volunteers.
Each property owner will be responsible for providing shovels and ice melting materials as required. Snow Blowers will not be permitted due to safety issues. The program will only include sidewalks, not driveways.
Efforts will be made to geographically match volunteers with recipients.
In October I blogged about the new development proposal across from the Dunkin Doughnuts and received very little feedback. Following, a few dozen neighbors showed up at the City Council meeting in November concerned about how this development would add additional cars on McCraren, contribute to the worsening of the 41 and Park intersection, and create undue pedestrian conflicts on and around the new proposed development.
The developer first came to the Community several years ago with this proposal at the request of myself and others that want to see the old cement site cleaned up and revitalized. A strong and desirable commercial base is important to promote property tax stabilization and property values. This proposal has seen many public hearings and changes at the Plan Commission and Council that has improved the plan. That being said, the best result of this process would be if the Doughnut business could be incorporated within this new development to alleviate the conflicts that it brings to this intersection.
While this development on its own is a plus for our community, we can't ignore the problems with this intersection and need to proactively cultivate solutions like the one I propose.
The 2nd Annual Post Holiday Highland Park Recycling Extravaganza will be held On SATURDAY JANUARY 7th 8am to 12pm at 1180 Half Day Road (Public Service Campus).... ALL electronics will be BANNED from Landfill January 1st.... Along with Electronics, Styrofoam and Fluorescents Bulbs will be collected. This is open to all Lake County Residents... Pass the word!
A big Thank You to Ravinia Festival for sharing revenues to the tune of $781,000. This money is generated from a voluntary agreement with Highland Park that shares a percentage of revenues coming from ticket sales. $234,200 of this money goes to YEA HP, which provides funding for our Youth, Education, and Arts.
This is the third year of shared revenues that has now totalled $2.25 million for the City of Highland Park. This agreement came out of our recent discussions of a funding mechanism for the purchase of the Highland Park Theater, maintenance of infrastructure, and the guaranteed support of our schools and Arts. We could not be more grateful to the Festival for their commitment to our community, our schools, and bringing the worlds best in performance arts to The City of Highland Park.
UPDATE..I filed on the 28th of November and learned yesterday that no others filed at the closing of yesterday. What this means is that I am unopposed in the March 20th, 2012 Primary election and we move onto the November election. Yippeee!
Since this is a partisan election there can be someone slated to run against me in November but as yet all is clear. Lake County Board District 11 contains almost all of Highland Park, all of Highwood, and a tiny piece of Deerfield. The New Lake County Board will be seated on the 1st meeting in December of 2012.
Recently the Lake County Board has created a new district that includes most of Highland Park, all of Highwood, and a small part of Deerfield. I am currently passing petitions to run for this newly formed district and am excited about extending my political career at the County.
As many of you might know, I originally started my public service working on County issues and have continued that work through today serving as an Executive Board Member, Chair of the Finance Committee, and Chair of the Legislative Committee for the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County. SWALCO is an agency that represents about 41 communities in Lake County. Outside of SWALCO, I have been involved in County open space preservation, discussions on health services, housing, watershed conservation, and land use.
Michelle Feldman and Anne Bassi currently represent areas covered by the newly drawn district. I would be proud to continue the good efforts of both these fine ladies while bringing a renewed enthusiasm in representation of this new district and all of Lake County.
Please give me feedback on this new opportunity as I collect my petitions and prepare to file within this next month. Thank you for all your support..... past and present!
While I stand by my position that I would not use reserves for normal yearly funding of operations and scheduled yearly allocations of capital improvements, we should use the reserves for a one time capital improvement. Infrastructure, streets, and facilities could be improved with reserves as allowed within our financial policy.
As our reserves have approached the 50% mark and our financial policy only suggests a 25-33% reserve, consensus of the City Council has determined a spend down of reserves on one time capital expenditures.
Over the past several years the Library board has asked for improvements and additions that have topped the 10 million dollar mark. Under direction of the past City Council the library board was directed to target infrastructure improvements and limited updating instead of a large addition project.
The City Council has agreed on about .8mil of improvements in 2012 that would start repairing basic facility repairs and update the Library to more fit the needs of data and computer driven services. We have also received assurance from board members to work with us on our government sustainability project to create efficiencies and eliminate redundancies. Stay Tuned!!!
How do we get business to invest in Highland Park to generate additional sales and property taxes....?
Well, Councilman Frank has worked with our staff and the Business and Economic Development Commission to create a new Sales Tax Rebate program that could allow rebates for as little as a 75,000 dollar improvement by business owners. Since the economic down turn we have had a moratorium on tax rebates, but with the new norm of slow growth this moratorium will be ending and a more aggressive stimulus will be forthcoming.
This item should be coming up soon for continued public discussion, is very wide reaching, and could also attract new business to join us in Highland Park.
A proposed Park Ave. development has received a preliminary thumbs up from the City Council. The only real concern shared by the Council and myself was the vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow around the site. With Dunkin Doughnuts across the street, the intersection of 41 and Park is very challenging at times and can be dangerous. Staff will be looking at ways to promote the best safety methodology. We also need to get IDOT to give us more time in crossing and turning onto 41 from Park.
I am excited to know with passage of the development the old ugly cement mixing remnants will be gone.....The new development will be anchored by a CVS, Starbucks, and a Bank. These additions to the NW neighborhood should create a more accessible spot for essentials and create another sales tax generator along our Skokie Corridor.
It is just not good enough to just keep cutting within our current government structure. If we do not change the structure of government we will fail in providing services our citizens need. We must start combining departments, functions, governments, and even multi-community services to get to where we must go. This is not a black and white issue, but rather should be a thoughtful deliberative process that looks at all the possibilities to provide services to citizens in our region.
I kind of look at our current government as an old 1950's auto that gets 10 miles to the gallon, weighs a few tons or more, and is almost as wide as it is long. Now this vehicle has the ability of taking six folks across the country and floats down the road nice and smooth but the problem is that gasoline costs a bundle, were running out of fossil fuels, it is unsafe to drive, and we have no space to park it.
Economics will drive us to the real reality in government. Those that say we can't cut anymore are correct within the four walls that we currently operate. Now is the time to bust down those walls and look at our region, government, and community to eliminate redundancy and promote shared services, shared employees, and shared governance. Roll in the blackboard and invite all governments to start a dialog for successful and sustainable delivery of services to our citizens.......NOW!
Schedule your online appointment below. Limited appointments are available so sign up early!! (appointments are needed). Please click on the link below to go to our scheduling page.
Saturday, September 17, 2011 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
All HCW collection events, sponsored by SWALCO, are FREE and for Illinois residents ONLY. You do not need to be a resident of the community where the collection takes place in order to participate. Please scroll down the page for a general list of items accepted and not accepted at all HCW events.
If you have questions regarding items that are accepted, please check the list below, or contact SWALCO at 847-336-9340. If you need to dispose of something before you can get to one of our events, please consult SWALCO's "Where Should My Stuff Go?" tab on our main page.
Please check back at this site routinely for an updated schedule of year-round collection events and Mobile Collections.
Citizens need to get Budget Smart so they know what is happening with their tax dollars. If you are willing to dive in......... go to our City's Website and click on Know your City's Finances. Tons of information here that will provide a wide range of answers.
Please Join us at City Hall August 29th 6pm-8pm as we continue to discuss the formation of our 2012 City of Highland Park Budget. You can download the agenda packet for this meeting like all others by going to our City Council agenda and packet page.
Check out our city meeting calendar for future budget meetings and keep informed on the developments of our budget process. From the beginning discussions we have had, I promise you this budget process will not be without game changers.
The Cary Avenue Bridge designated a local landmark. Built in 1928 at a cost of $8,500. The bridge spans 136 feet over a ravine and connects two sides Cary Avenue. The bridge has a three-foot decorative steel handrail. There is a bronze plaque commemorating the Mayor in 1928 (Benjamin Lewis), the Corporation Counsel, City Clerk, and the four City Commissioners.
New Senior Living Community approved on old phone company site between toys R us and our police station at 1651 Richfield. It will accomidate 88 residents and focus on memory and Alzheimer's care.
Thorntons gas station and medical building approval was given on the old Lincoln Mercury site adjacent to Crossroads shopping center and the Marriott Courtyard off Lake Cook Road. Construction of the gas station will begin immediately and offer Biodiesel and E85. The new medical building will be constructed in the spring. All demolition and construction will recycle the waste produced during development of this site and Senior living Community.
I asked staff to put it in gear to get plug-in stations for the new electric cars. We have been talking about it way too long and now it is time to get these stations at our train stations, public facilities, and work with business owners to make electrical hookups a reality. I hear that Walgreens has one coming soon. We also need to provide incentives to promote electric autos in Highland Park since mass use of these vehicles will reduce our addiction and dependence on foreign oil.
Tollway board members either are experiencing no pain in this recession or never drive on the tollways. How a governing body can exact an 87% increase in a rate is well beyond my comprehension in these times. Our elected members must be held accountable for these actions and this decision should be reversed. When are these folks going to realize that we have no more money to spend on non-discretionary costs. I personally can make a choice of driving on the tollway because there are plenty of alternatives, but for those folks that need to use the tollways to get to work, shop, or to go anywhere this will be huge.
Has anybody figured out how much more traffic will now come over on route 41 to bypass the tolls? What will be the additional cost for Highland Parker's in dollars and time because of this action? How many minutes will the state have us sit at these intersections waiting for regional traffic that is bypassing the tollway? We currently have to wait way too long to enter or cross route 41. How many more fatalities will occur on route 41 with increased congestion and anxiety of drivers?
Call and write Karen May and Susan Garrett to voice your concern.
We are heading into our new budget cycle and are just talking about finance policy before we get into the presentation of the hard numbers for 2012. Our City Manager David Limardi will be leading us in the discussion for the final time since he will be moving on January 1, 2012. One of David's finest talents was to manage our budget policy and action agenda's. Last year when asked to have revenues meet expenditures, he met the task and then some. The Council was the one in the final analysis that backed off his balanced budget proposal and spent more than he had suggested.
That being said, I have been asking that we understand the financial stress that residents are under in this economic crunch. As our homes and property have lost significant value over the past several years, proposed real estate taxes, sewer, and water fees continue to rise. While social security checks have stayed flat and investments are shrinking, we are presented charts that show the average municipality rates to justify raising fees and taxes. If Northbrook, Willmette, Evanston, and Lake Forest can raise these fees we seemingly are enabled to do the same ourselves. NOT!
I am told well over 30% of mortgages are underwater which means those people owe more money than their home is worth. Since our homes are most of our savings, the dream has taken a quite a hit even if the stock market comes back again.
At least for now we have not been charged in feeding the hungry, providing medical treatment to those without medical insurance, or providing housing to the homeless. For now, this job has fallen on our federal and state governments as well as those whose charity continues to flow though our wonderful not for profits. Our responsibility centers around public safety, roads, sewers, water, land use, and promotion of a vibrant economy and culture.
If staff asks us to increase fees and property taxes we need to know how many people can afford these increases before we raise anything. I have been hearing my colleagues state that we are bare bones, cut too much, and need to better fund city departments and programs. Along with looking for more efficient structures of governmental administrations, we need identify and understand the pain of our residents to see who can afford more money leaving their pockets for government. I'm ready to work and drill down as far as it takes to perform in with the best representation of our citizens. That means asking lots of questions, taking nothing for granted, and looking for brand new solutions and partnerships that might have been unthinkable just a few years ago. Let's Go!
Discussions will be unveiled in the next few weeks to hire a Green Czar Consulting Firm. The firm will examine our staff , our community, and look at the structure and education to implement our plan. Along with that task I will be asking for help real time in moving forward on issues we can currently achieve.
We have put together a work group on construction demolition recycling that will include the help of SWALCO's Walter Willis. Walter has been promoting strategies on reducing landfill waste through reuse and recycling. He has been working with several industries to promote best management strategies statewide and we are privileged to have him on our team.
The final touches are being made on our continued assault on water runoff (storm water) though controlling the amount of land you can seal off to absorption. Otherwise known as the lot coverage ordinance, this legislation will charge fees for overbuilding and credits for green technologies of best storm water practices.
We are also looking to have receptacles for electric (plug in) vehicles in our community and am told we are negotiating a package to implement soon.
Com Ed..... needs to do a better job providing our electric service. We have asked them to come back in 60 days with a detailed remediation plan for all the troubled areas. We have also requested a detailed sheet of their power structure including Main feeders down to the secondary and home lines that go to our homes. They heard us loud and clear that we need more reliable service. Will give full update in two months.
Waste Management presented the City of Highland Park an environmental award for our promotion of the Compressed Natural Gas refuse trucks on our streets. Because of our efforts they have built a multi million dollar CNG facility that will serve their entire future fleet.
Highland Park Theater discussion continues to move forward with the development of a RFQ/RFP. We should get this outreach rolling in August for proposals for private operations or development.
Port Clinton has come up with a sensational plan for a new stage and upgrades to the plaza that will continue to bring vibrancy and beauty to our downtown. I am hopeful we can continue discussions soon. They have also done a sensational job with plantings and seating areas that have enhanced the existing space... Check it out on the Highland Park News website.
Fence over 41 pedestrian overpass was put on hold for a year to see what funding is available. I was very disappointed the Council did not move forward immediately on a fix for what I see is a bad situation.
Dan Kaufman is an official Councilman and the guy is pretty smart and cool. Really glad to see him share a seat with us.
The Council Rejected a $377,265 bid to rebuild the parking lot to the South of City Hall. Councilman Frank brought this item to our attention and got consensus that it was not an immediate priority. Looking for other programs to use this budgeted money that make more sense now.
A few weeks ago it came to my attention that during our 31 million dollar upgrade of our water plant that the staff of the city and park district had decided to close down our Park Ave. beach for the 2012 season to all boaters and most pedestrian access. Along the same time Councilman Kirsch brought forward the issue of the Central Park stairway being in disrepair.
As the Park District Liaison, I was asked to engage the Park District in discussions to facilitate repair or reconstruction of an access point down from Central Park to the beachfront. To basically repair or rebuild the stairs where they currently exist or find another approach to get transverse down the bluff. I also received a consensus from the City Council to investigate ways to provide the most access possible to the beach as we upgrade the water plant.
After encountering a staff solid brick wall over the past week from both the city and park staff, Councilman Kirsch and I spoke at the new park board meeting last night to ask for cooperation and facilitation of these two very important issues. The Park District board was very gracious and welcomed a partnership with the City Council to facilitate a discussion with staff on behalf of our community. We will work toward repair or replacement of the stairs as well as investigating the most safe access on our Park Ave. beaches during the upgrade of the water plant.
Along with our residents enjoying just walking along the lake front at Park Avenue, we have a great sailing facility, a boat launch, sand beaches, fishing, parking, great views of our bluffs, shoreline, and the many miles of open lake waters to enjoy. Lake Michigan is the number one asset we have in Highland Park after our citizens. The interaction between these 2 top assets is something I continue to work on to enhance..... Wish me luck!
The Highland Park Historical Society has requested that we establish a a Local Legends program in recognition of individuals that have had a positive impact on the City of Highland Park. Private entities will fund the installation of a plaque on our sidewalks dedicated to these honorees.
While it is not Grauman's Theater, we expect these plaques will be of interest and conversation within and outside our community, and will give a positive buzz for our downtown. I look forward to the installation and ask people to think of some future honorees. The Highland Park Historical Society will administer the project.
Com Ed and Power Outages... the City Council will be discussing strategies to repair and replace our infrastructure that has failed us. Redundancy and upgrades will go a long way on solving problems we faced during our last storm and power failures. One subject that keeps coming up is can Com Ed bury our lines? Yes, if you pay for them to be buried. The cost to bury lines is about one million per mile. Under current law, the standard residential configuration is overhead lines but there seems to be state discussion on this point. As we must all realize that any improvements Com Ed makes will be put on our utility bills.
Water Plant renovations prepayment for diesel generators and electrical equipment of 2.1 million.
Historical Society Special Event permit for Historical Auto Show on July 23, 2011.
CAFR (Comprehensive Annual Financial Report) was approved and can be seen at our City Website under Know your city finances..... This report shows everything you ever wanted to know about city's finances.
Spending $34,839 for a Tech Master Plan. Client First Consulting group will be getting money to review our technologies for the future. I was not convinced this was well spent money since I want to partner with several other governments and plan our future together. City Manager said this will not be waisted money to go in that direction and refused to wait until we made a deal with other governments, City Council concurred.
Voted again on Western Ave to create an escrow account for Highwoods construction to continue... Looks like it will happen in 2012.
Got an 8k grant from Hospital foundation for technologies to help locate individuals with Alzheimer's, autism or other disabilities..... Thank you!
City Treasurer is finally our wonderful finance director. I have been pushing for this for several years. Elizabeth Holleb has been doing the work for many years and now she wears the statutory title. Congrats!
Park Avenue detours are due to water main replacement that we approved at a tune of $574,218.00.
Deerfield High School, 1959 North Waukegan Road will host our area's Household Chemical Waste drop off again this year on JULY 16th at 8am until 2:30pm. Please check swalco.org website for additional information on collection items as well as learn about our year around drop off facility in Gurnee.
The Highland Park Theater is open for business........ Please come and spend money in our downtown and our theater. Bring your friends and family and enjoy a great movie in this historic theater. While it needs work, the enjoyment is there for your taking.
Thanks to our Mayor Nancy R. Rotering we have begun to move forward on improvement of this entertainment site. We had a very good exchange of ideas at our last City Council Pre-Session meeting where I was comforted from our current City Council vision of entertainment, historic recognition, and MOVEMENT forward on preservation and adaptation. Bottom line was everybody was willing to listen to all ideas and decide on the future of this site within a short term timeline.
If someone wanted to restore the old Highland Park Theater into a digital cinema and restore the inside, I would not be happier. That being said, there are several entertainment options that excite me. In addition to movies in the existing configuration we could add some live entertainment component to the mix. This would probably be the least expensive option and provide a 200-300 seat capacity venue for live theater and movies . One of the major problem with this theater is that as you approach the rear of the theater it dramatically narrows. At the halfway point, where the front theater ends, it could provide sufficient space for live theater if the stage was moved forward a bit. When you add a mix of food and drinks to the venue, you could have a successful operation. It could be set up as in a club style...... I hope we get lots of proposals and am excited about this future.
Other options include using the parking lot to the East and redeveloping the theater and parking lot together. Ideas of a small hotel/theater/event facility have emerged from discussion and are out there. Bottom line on the parking lot is that we need all those spaces and maybe more. Anyone willing to develop that site must realize they would have to make us whole on the public spaces and provide parking for whatever more space they build out.
Anyway, just wanted to give and update on the Theater and seemingly fast track is it on to a hopeful redevelopment proposal. The Council has asked staff to discuss RFP and RFQ alternatives at our next meeting to send out in the near future.
Lake Michigan is the Prime Natural Asset that Highland Park has within its boundaries. There is no doubt of the importance it has to us as well as life itself. Most of us take the fresh body of water for granted.... but we should not. Remember, this lake water compromises 70% of our bodies. Yes, 70% of US is Lake Michigan.
We need to protect the lake and understand the fundamental requirements to do so. The Great Lakes ecosystem has limits of tolerance that can't be ignored. Proactive decisions and policies need to be thought out and enacted to assure its survival and ours. Short sided public policy and industrial decisions must not be allowed to continue for our children, and children's children to be able to survive on this earth.
The Great Lakes Compact, passed into federal law in 2008 and signed onto by the State of Illinois, prohibits water diversions outside of the watershed and ensures that the waters are used sustainably within the watershed. Actions by our Lake County leaders and affirmed by the state do not seem to follow this commitment since they have suggested we pump new Lake Michigan water outside the watershed. Along with breaking the rule on this compact, there is no plans to bring the water back into the watershed to replace its diversion. This proposal by Lake County is morally vacant of any reasonable stewardship of our Great Lakes resource and possibly violates the Compact that we did sign.
On another front we are spending over 30 million dollars at our Highland Park water plant to increase capacity from about 21 MGD (million gal. per day) to 30 MGD. To be fair to my colleague Jim Kirsch, a major promoter of this expansion, this new micro filtration process does remove smaller elements in the process making it marginally safer. The micro filtration process also significantly increases the amount of energy to operate the plant over our current sand filtration system. The plans also make it possible to produce 40 MGD with future modifications. Currently, Highland Park and the western communities we serve use about 11 MGD with peaks in the summer over the 21 MGD. So there are two major reasons proponents have pushed this project forward over the past 5 years. One is increased capacity and the other is cleaner water. My concern and objection to moving forward over the past several years is that we do not need increased capacity (we could enact a conservation policy and reduce consumption significantly, thus fall well within the current operation capacity during peaks) and currently we exceed all the federal and state requirements for clean drinkable water.
At our last City Council meeting Councilman David Naftzger made a motion to postpone two items on our agenda to immediately spend over a million more on this project until we had time to dig into the policy changes this Council has embraced, and its effects on this expansion plan. Only Councilman Naftzger and myself supported that postponement. After urging an pleading from our city manager, the Mayor and 3 others voted to spend the million plus and push forward on the 30+ million spending plan without additional investigation or discussion.
Councilman Naftzger and myself will push forward on clarifying the facts on NEED and the resulting economic impact these decisions will have on our water rates as we borrow the 30+ million dollars future residents will have to pay back. While most might say this horse is way out of the barn, I believe we can reduce the scope of this project and save many millions, move forward with a cutting edge conservation plan, and reduce the economic burden that these costs will impact residents for the next 25 years. My hope is to turn this LEMON into lemonade we can all support.


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About Samsung Telecommunication: As we know that the Samsung telecommunications Network is a South Korean company and founded on Lee Byung-chul in 1938 as a business trading company. After some year in the year of 1977 Samsung telecommunication network came into existence. At present Choi Gee-sung is the president and D. J. Koh is the CEO of Samsung telecommunication Network company and the headquarter is situated at Suwon, South Korea. Now the Samsung group manufacture various products like Mobile phones, Smart phones, Telecommunication Systems, MP3 Players, Laptop and computers.
In very few times Samsung reached at the top when the smart phone has been launched; it defeat every smart phone company with large varieties of mobiles and gadgets. There are many Samsung mobile variants with some specific series like: Galaxy (Galaxy S8; A5 - A7; C Series; S7; J Series; ON Series); Metro, Z series; Guru, Note etc.
If you facing any problems in your Samsung gadgets like Mobile, tablet; Charger, handset; music device, laptop; computer etc like like Heating, display, touch, battery, breaking, software, updating, mic, earphone, sound, speaker, memory, display breaking, battery charging, charger, charging cable, flashing, new software updating, dead mobile, contact copying, cable detecting, to be wet through water, factory reset, problems etc. than you have to resolve these problem for proper functioning of your device. For that purpose every electronics company open their authorized service center for resolve these type of technical problem. Here we give you some list of Samsung authorized Service center in Manglore, Karnataka with name, proper address, Email, contact person name and contact number; Please watch it very carefully an act accordingly.
If you facing any problems in your Samsung gadgets like Mobile, tablet; Charger, handset; music device, laptop; computer etc like like Heating, display, touch, battery, breaking, software, updating, mic, earphone, sound, speaker, memory, display breaking, battery charging, charger, charging cable, flashing, new software updating, dead mobile, contact copying, cable detecting, to be wet through water, factory reset, problems etc. than you have to resolve these problem for proper functioning of your device. For that purpose every electronics company open their authorized service center for resolve these type of technical problem. Here we give you some list of Samsung authorized Service center in Gulbarga, Karnataka with name, proper address, Email, contact person name and contact number; Please watch it very carefully an act accordingly.
If you facing any problems in your Samsung gadgets like Mobile, tablet; Charger, handset; music device, laptop; computer etc like like Heating, display, touch, battery, breaking, software, updating, mic, earphone, sound, speaker, memory, display breaking, battery charging, charger, charging cable, flashing, new software updating, dead mobile, contact copying, cable detecting, to be wet through water, factory reset, problems etc. than you have to resolve these problem for proper functioning of your device. For that purpose every electronics company open their authorized service center for resolve these type of technical problem. Here we give you some list of Samsung authorized Service center in Davanagere, Karnataka with name, proper address, Email, contact person name and contact number; Please watch it very carefully an act accordingly.
If you facing any problems in your Samsung gadgets like Mobile, tablet; Charger, handset; music device, laptop; computer etc like like Heating, display, touch, battery, breaking, software, updating, mic, earphone, sound, speaker, memory, display breaking, battery charging, charger, charging cable, flashing, new software updating, dead mobile, contact copying, cable detecting, to be wet through water, factory reset, problems etc. than you have to resolve these problem for proper functioning of your device. For that purpose every electronics company open their authorized service center for resolve these type of technical problem. Here we give you some list of Samsung authorized Service center in Bellary, Karnataka with name, proper address, Email, contact person name and contact number; Please watch it very carefully an act accordingly.


text:
Suleka « Sue » Mathew est une actrice canadienne, d'origine indienne, elle est surtout connue pour son rôle du  dans la série canadienne Coroner Da Vinci et celui de Bobbie Jackson, une infirmière amputée d'une jambe, dans la série Hawthorne : Infirmière en chef.

Biographie
Née à Kerala, en Inde, elle vit à Vancouver, Canada, depuis l'âge de deux ans.

Filmographie

Cinéma

Court métrage

 2000 : Lift de Scott Weber : Pride

Long métrage

 1991 : Run de  : Casino Cashier
 1991 : L'Arme secrète (The Hitman) d'Aaron Norris : Attendant
 1995 : Dangerous Indiscretion de Richard Kletter : Nancy Coles
 2001 : Lola de Carl Bessai : Coffee Shop Woman
 2002 : 7 jours et une vie (Life or Something Like It) de Stephen Herek : Airline Attendant
 2003 : The Republic of Love de Deepa Mehta : Yasmine
 2004 : Un soupçon de rose (Touch of Pink) d'Ian Iqbal Rashid : Nuru Jahan
 2005 : The Score de Kim Collier et Kim Colwell : Annette
 2005 : Mon amie Masha (Bear with Me) de Paul Ziller : reporter télévisé

Télévision

Téléfilm

 1990 : Always Remember I Love You de Michael Miller : Pam
 1995 : A Family Divided de Donald Wrye : Christine
 1996 : Have You Seen My Son de Paul Schneider : Reader
 2000 : Rencontre avec le passé (The Man Who Used to Be Me) de Jeff Woolnough : lieutenant Betsy Franklin
 2003 : A Crime of Passion de Charles Wilkinson : inspecteur Holloway
 2006 : Les Derniers Jours de la planète Terre (Final Days of Planet Earth) de Robert Lieberman : Marianne
 2011 : Le Visage d'un prédateur (Good Morning, Killer) de Maggie Greenwald : Barbara Sullivan

Série télévisée

 1988 - 1989 : 21 Jump Street :
 (saison 3, épisode 05 : Naître ou ne pas naître) : Valerie
 (saison 3, épisode 19 : La Guerre des gangs, partie 1) : Elena
 1989 : MacGyver : Darlene
 (saison 4, épisode 12 : Défi en noir et blanc)
 (saison 4, épisode 13 : La Fugitive)
 1990 :  () : (saison 1, épisode 08 : The Mighty Quinn) : Jody Dixon
 1993 - 1994 : L'As de la crime (The Commish) :
 (saison 2, épisode 20 : Eastbridge Boulevard) : Sue
 (saison 4, épisode 03 : Working Girls) : Assistant D.A.
 (saison 4, épisode 04 : Born in the USA) : D.A.
 1994 - 1996 : X-Files : Aux frontières du réel (The X-Files) :
 (saison 1, épisode 23 : Roland) : Lisa Dole
 (saison 3, épisode 16 : L'Épave, partie 2) : Agent Caleca
 1990 : Highlander (saison 4, épisode 09 : Pour l'amour de Kali) : Vashti
 1996 : Profit (saison 1, épisode 01 : Pilot)
 1998 : Viper (saison 3, épisode 16 : Ne faites confiance à personne) : Sue Sanchez (as Sue Mathew)
 1998 : Traque sur Internet (The Net) (saison 1, épisode 09 : Panne générale) : Technicien
 1998 - 1999 : The Crow (7 épisodes) : D.A. Cordelia Warren
 1998 - 2003 : Coroner Da Vinci (Da Vinci's Inquest) (66 épisodes) :  Sunita « Sunny » Ramen
 2000 : Secret Agent Man (saison 1, épisode 12 : The Brench) : Ellen
 2000 : Dark Angel : Reporter / News Reporter
 (saison 1, épisode 01 : Un autre monde, partie 1)
 (saison 1, épisode 05 : Les Mains sales)
 2001 - 2002 : Stargate SG-1 :
 (saison 5, épisode 15 : Sans issue, partie 1)
 (saison 5, épisode 16 : Sans issue, partie 2)
 2002 : The Eleventh Hour (saison 1, épisode 01 : Mad as Hatters) : Christina Mehta
 2003 : Battlestar Galactica : Reporter
 2003 - 2006 : Dead Zone (6 épisodes) :  Janet Gibson
 2004 : À la Maison-Blanche (The West Wing) :  Chakrabarty
 (saison 6, épisode 05 : Le Pic de Hubbert)
 (saison 6, épisode 06 : La Réaction Dover)
 2006 - 2008 : Men in Trees : Leçons de séduction (Men in Trees) (28 épisodes) : Sara Jackson
 2009 - 2011 : Hawthorne : Infirmière en chef (Hawthorne) (30 épisodes) : Bobbie Jackson
 2010 : Stargate Universe (saison 1, épisode 14 : Regrets éternels) : Constance
 2012 : Flashpoint (saison 5, épisode 11 : Prise de conscience) :  Bell (Psychologist)
 2012 : NCIS : Enquêtes spéciales (NCIS) (saison 9, épisode 20 : La Position du missionnaire) : Navy Commander Maria Castro
 2013 : Red Widow (8 épisodes) : Dina Tomlin
 2014 : Almost Human (saison 1, épisode 11 : Disrupt) : Kay Stenson

Liens externes

Actrice indienne
Actrice canadienne
Date de naissance non renseignée (XXe siècle)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Time for an SEC pop quiz
Updated: Nov. 10, 2011, 8:15 p.m.
OK class, it's time for an SEC pop quiz. Follow the directions closely. Using your Scantron form and a No. 2 pencil, fill in the bubble that corresponds with your answer. Be sure to press firmly and fill in the bubbles completely.
Kidding about the Scantron form, but give this purely objective, factual quiz a try.
For ease of reference, the answers appear immediately after each question.
No peeking ahead at the answers or I'll sic Auburn's compliance department on you, and we all know how much Auburn values compliance. Here we go:
1. How many punt return yards has LSU allowed all year? (A) Over 100. (B) Between 50 and 100. (C) Seven. Answer: (C). Think about how ridiculous that is. Seven punt return yards in nine games!
2. Now that Isaiah Crowell is back for Georgia, what play will the Dawgs run most often against the porous Auburn rush defense? (A) Crowell left. (B) Crowell right. (C) Crowell up the middle. (D) All of the above.
Answer: (D), as Crowell will be jonesing to run after serving his one-game suspension.
3. Speaking of Crowell, he and some high-profile LSU players failed drug tests this season and were suspended for one game.
These one-game "punishments" are: (A) Entirely appropriate. (B) A complete joke. Answer: (B). Do you think one-game suspensions taught these guys anything?
4. In the 1979 classic, "The Jerk," Steve Martin's Navin R. Johnson character has the following SEC connections: (A) He grew up in Mississippi and moved to St. Louis (now an SEC town given Missouri's admittance into the conference). (B) He has the intelligence of a typical Alabama fan. (C) He briefly worked as a weight guesser at a carnival, a common career choice of LSU grads. Answer: (A).
5. Speaking of Missouri, the Tigers' entrance into the SEC means three conference teams will have Tigers as mascots.
This is: (A) Not enough Tigers. (B) Too many Tigers. (C) Just the right amount of Tigers. Answer: (B). Perhaps the solution is for Auburn to change its mascot to the Fighting Weathermen in honor of Gene Chizik's weatherman hairstyle.
6. Florida visits South Carolina on Saturday with the following at stake: (A) Nothing. (B) Barely nothing. (C) Almost nothing. Answer: (C). This game was rich with storylines, but the Gators' and Gamecocks' disappointing play now serves as CBS' appetizer for the Georgia-Auburn game.
7. Alabama players boasted this week that the Tide remains the best team in the country despite their loss to LSU in Tuscaloosa.
These Bama players are: (A) Delusional. (B) Correct. (C) Young guys expressing their honest opinions. Answer: Probably (C), but you'd think Kaiser Saban would put a muzzle on his players and focus on Mississippi State.
8. Ole Miss announced it will part ways with head coach Houston Nutt after this season.
The Mississippi Black Bears should hire: (A) Former Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach. (B) Former NFL coach Jon Gruden. (C) Doesn't matter; Ole Miss is destined for eternal mediocrity. Answer: quite obviously (C).
9. True or False? Suddenly without a kicker less than an hour before kickoff last Saturday, Tennessee called a fraternity house and told a guy who was dozing on a couch to suit up and kick for the Vols. He ended up drilling a field goal and three PATs. (A) True. (B) False. Answer: (A) You just can't make this stuff up.
10. The best match-up for the SEC Championship Game on Dec. 3 is: (A) Georgia-LSU. (B) South Carolina-LSU. (C) Georgia-Arkansas. (D) This whole pop quiz thing is getting old. Answer: (D).
How'd you fare on the pop quiz? If you answered all questions correctly, congratulations.
You win ... a free oven mitt!
Just like the one Navin R. Johnson tried to give away in "The Jerk."
Best of luck to your SEC team this Saturday.
Meanwhile, Auburn's Compliance Department is on the phone asking if they can help catch any cheaters.
I'll tell them not to worry about it, which is what they're used to hearing anyway.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Aعربي
Hעברית
Women's Organization for Political Prisoners (WOFPP)
There are, at present, about 33 women political prisoners in the Israeli jails: about 21 in Hasharon Prison (Tel Mond), about 11 in Damoon Prison (Carmel Mountain), one woman in Neve Tirza Prison (Ramle).
The conditions in the prisons
The prisons authorities are still preventing the women prisoners' families from handing over handicraft materials and books. Handicraft and reading books are important activities for the women political prisoners, and now they do not have any materials for handicraft and only a few books.
Hasharon Prison (Tel Mond)
Majda Fadda, an administrative detainee, from Nablus, member of the Municipality Council, was arrested on 5 August 2008. On 30 September 2009, the Israeli authorities extended her administrative detention for two additional months.
Rajaa elGhul, an administrative detainee, 39 years old, from Jenin Refugee Camp, was arrested on 31 March 2009. On 30 September 2009, the Israeli authorities extended her administrative detention for six additional months. She suffers from heart disease and hypertension and still does not receive proper care in prison.
Nasreen Abu Zina, 25 years old, from Tulkarem, was arrested on 18 August 2009. In the middle of September she was transferred from Kishon Detention Center (Jalameh) to Hasharon Prison.
New prisoners
Suad Nazal, former prisoner, 24 years old from Qalqilya, was arrested in the night of 23 August 2009 and brought to an Israeli army camp in Tulkarem where soldiers laughed at her and took pictures of her with their mobile phones. In the morning, she was transferred for one night to Hasharon Prison, then transferred to Kishon Detention Center (Jalameh). In September 2009, she was re-transferred to Hasharon Prison.
Ghofran Zamel, 26 years old, graduate of an economic faculty, from el'Ein Refugee Camp, Nablus district, was arrested on 29 August 2009 and brought to Petah Tiqva Detention Center, where she endured interrogations that lasted for long hours. Some interrogators tied her hands to a chair and spoke rudely. Until 9 September 2009 she was forbidden to meet lawyers. On 15 September 2009 at midnight, the occupation forces brought her to her house for the purpose of taking away her computer. The occupation forces forced all her family to sit in her brother's apartment and forbade her from speaking with them. In the beginning of October 2009 she was transferred to Hasharon Prison (Tel Mond).
Hanaa Shalabi, from Burqin, Jenin district, was arrested on 14 September 2009 and brought to Kishon Detention Center (Jalameh). At the beginning of October, she was transferred to Hasharon Prison, and on 6 October 2009, the Israeli authorities issued an administrative detention order of six months against her.
Randa elRub, 27 years old, from Ramallah, who worked in a photography shop, was arrested on 21 September 2009 at the entrance bridge when coming back from Jordan and brought to Moscobiyeh Detention Center (Russian Compound, Jerusalem). She endured interrogations. The interrogators spoke rudely and cursed her. She was held in harsh conditions: a stuffy and very dirty cell, the prison authorities did not supply any soap and towel and brought her disgusting food. She was transferred to Hasharon Prison (Tel Mond) at the beginning of October.
Released prisoners
Sabrin Abu 'Amara, from Nablus, was arrested on 25 November 2003 and released on 25 August 2009.
Falestin Najam, from Nablus, was arrested on 15 February 2006 and released in September 2009.
Ihsan Dababsah, from Hebron district, was arrested on 11 December 2007 and released on 6 September 2009.
Baraa Malaki, 15 years old, from Jelazun Refugee Camp, Ramallah district, was arrested on 2 December 2008 and released on 30 September 2009.
Siham elHih, an administrative detainee, 20 years old, from Surif, in Hebron district, was arrested on 26 March 2009 and released on 23 September 2009.
Released prisoners in exchange for Shalit video
Zuhur Hamdan, from Nablus, was arrested on 13 May 2003 and released on 2 October 2009.
Manal Sbaa'na, from Qabatya, Jenin district, was arrested on 19 November 2003 and released on 2 October 2009.
Hiyam elBayd, from Jelazun Refugee Camp, Ramallah district, was arrested on 6 January 2007 and released on 2 October 2009.
Fatmah elZuk, from Gaza, arrested on 20 May 2007 and released on 2 October 2009 together with her baby Yousef, 21 months old, who stayed with her since he was born. Rauda Habib, from Gaza, was arrested on 20 May 2007 and released on 4 October 2009.
Hiba elNatshah, from Hebron, was arrested on 5 November 2007 and released on 2 October 2009.
Kifah Bahas, from Nablus, was arrested on 3 January 2009 and released on 2 October 2009.
Jihad Abu Turki, from Hebron, was arrested on 25 February 2009 and released on 2 October 2009.
Mimunah Jabreen, from Tuqua, Bethlehem district, was arrested on 22 April 2009 and released on 2 October 2009.
Nahada Ferhat, from Kufur 'Ein, Ramallah district was arrested on 23 May 2009 and released on 2 October 2009.
Damoon Prison (Carmel Mountain)
Released prisoner
Rima 'Aydia, from Shuyukh, Hebron district, was arrest on 11 December 2006 and released on 27 August 2009.
Laila Bukhari, from Nablus, was arrested on 1 July 2002 and released on 2 October 2009.
Linan Abu Gholmeh, from Bet Furiq, Nablus district, was arrested on 9 September 2004 and released on 2 October 2009.
Nivin Daqah, from Bet Sahur, was arrested on 4 July 2006 and released on 2 October 2009.
Shirin Hasan, from Bethlehem, was arrested on 4 July 2006 and released on 2 October 2009.
Iyat elQaysi, from Balata Refugee Camp, Nablus district was arrested on 20 March 2008 and released on 2 October 2009.
Sumoud 'Abdallah, from Bir Zet, Ramallah district, was arrested on 17 April 2008 and released on 2 October 2009.
Rujayna Jnajrah, from Ramallah, was arrested on 10 June 2008 and released on 2 October 2009.
Sanaa Salah, from elHader, Bethlehem district, was arrested on 6 August 2008 and released on 2 October 2009.
Rima Abu 'Ayashah, from Nablus district, was arrested on 12 February 2009 and released on 2 October 2009.
Najua Abed elGhani, from Sida, Tulkarem district, was arrested on 21 July 2009 and released on 2 October 2009.
Neve Tirza Prison (Ramle)
Wafaa elBis, from Jebalya Refugee Camp in the Gaza Strip, was arrested on 20 June 2005. She was transferred from Damoon Prison to separation in the wing of the criminal prisoners in Neve Tirza Prison. In her cell there is lack of air, and she has no ventilator.
Petah Tiqva Detention Center
Leila Taha, 24 years old, from Kafr Kana, Galilee, was arrested on 17 August 2009 and released on 27 August 2009.
Nadia Yunes, Ghofran Zamel's niece, was arrested on 15 September 2009, and until 24 September 2009 she was forbidden to meet lawyers. She was released at the beginning of October 2009.
Kishon Detention Center (Jalameh)
Alaa Sa'abna, from Fahmah, Nablus district, was arrested on 8 September 2009 at the entrance bridge when coming back from Jordan. She endured interrogations. The interrogators tied her hands to a chair and spoke rudely. The prison authorities prohibited her from wearing her dress (Jilbab – a long dress) and her veil. They took her dress and veil away and forced her to wear prison trousers and shirt (they did not take away her headdress). In her cell there was no sun light, and she did not have any means to know the time. She was released at the beginning of October 2009.
'Efaf Sa'abna was arrested on 8 September 2009 together with Alaa Sa'abna and was released after five days.


text:
Q: Windows Installer custom actions: commit action won't get executed I am designing a windows installer project using WIX. Now it fails in the installation, because the Commit custom action won't get executed, which is caused, weirdly, because a scheduled following custom action has one route to return ActionResult.Success. Let me explain in details:
Basically I have two custom actions regarding to installation: one called CommitCA and one called InstallCA. The execution schedule is listed as below:
<CustomAction Id="CommitCA" BinaryKey="CustomActionDll" DllEntry="CommitCA" Execute="commit" Return="check" Impersonate="no"/>
<CustomAction Id="InstallCA" BinaryKey="CustomActionDll" DllEntry="InstallCA" Execute="deferred" Return="check" Impersonate="no"/>

I have verified from ORCA that in the compiled installer, the CommitCA is scheduled before InstallCA. The type of CommitCA is 3585 and InstallCA is 3703 (I can't find the reference to them but I assume one is for commit action and the other is defered action like I declared). The idea is in the CommitCA it will generate some file which will be used by InstallCA.
The structure of my InstallCA looks like this:
Try
    ' Do some work
    ...

Catch ex As Exception
    ' Log the failure into installation log
    Return ActionResult.Failure
End Try
Return ActionResult.Success

Here comes the confusing part: originally I have a working version, where I didn't have the line of returning ActionResult.Failure in the Catch block. In another word, the function still logs the failure, but eventually returns Success even if an exception was thrown. I find it a bit misleading, because sometimes when an exception happens and I check the log, it says the custom action succeeded. That's why I added the line
        Return ActionResult.Failure

However, now it doesn't work anymore! Whenever I install, I find that my CommitCA never gets executed. NOTE: not the InstallCA, which has the only code modification I made, but the CommitCA, which is actually scheduled before the InstallCA. And when I say "never gets executed", I mean I can't find any log  entry which I put inside the function calls, and MMSIBREAK environment variable doesn't even work at all (the window informing me to attach to the rundll32 process never pops up). But the following InstallCA still gets executed.
If I comment out the line Return ActionResult.Failure, everything works again: I can attach to get into CommitCA and InstallCA gets called as well.
There is probably something that I misunderstood about the return result of custom action. Am I not supposed to return ActionResult.Failure in this situation? But actually I return ActionResult.Failure in some other places too. In fact in the CommitCA function itself, I used the same structure: returning ActionResult.Failure in the Catch block. So could anybody tell me what I did wrong?

A: I would start by reading:
Installation Phases and In-Script Execution Options for Custom Actions in Windows Installer
A few things to understand about commit CA's:
Commit custom action are generally not meant to change the state of the machine. They are meant to cleanup rollback temp data.
Commit custom actions do not execute if rollback is disabled (by property or system policy) because that would mean there is no rollback data to clean up.
Occasionally commit custom actions are used to configure the machine when it's not possible to do a rollback and you want to defer the change until as late as possible.  (Changing a user password, installing a DLL to the GAC )  In these scenarios costing should instruct the deferred custom action to do the work since the rollback/commit will never execute.
Rollback custom actions should be scheduled before the deferred custom action and commit actions should get scheduled after the deferred custom action.  This is so that the script generation phase can create the script correctly.
If the deferred phase fails, the script is walked backwards so that the rollbacks are executed.
If all of the deferred phase succeeds, the commit script is executed walked forwards.  This means that all deferred CA's must finish before any of the commits execute.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


This recipe was a result of improvising the night before a staff picnic. I wanted to make a veggie dish for my friends at work. It went down very well.
Prepare all the vegetables. Peel and cut the butternut squash into small chunks, cut the red pepper into thick slices and finely chop the onion.
Place the butternut squash, red pepper, garlic, and mixed herbs into a large roasting tray. Coat all the vegetables in olive oil and roast for 50 minutes.
Whilst the vegetables are roasting you can start the lentils. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan add the onion, mixed herbs, and bay leaf. Cook until the onion has softened. Add the lentils to the saucepan and cook for a few minutes before adding the vegetable stock. Simmer for 30 mins or until the stock has been absorbed and the lentils have softened.
Once the butternut squash and red pepper has been perfectly roasted remove from the oven and set aside. Take out the roasted and softened garlic, remove the skin and add to the lentils (be careful as they will be hot).
Combine the butternut squash and red pepper with the lentils, then crumble over the feta cheese. Season to taste, be careful not to add to much salt as the feta will be salty. Serve with rocket leaves.
Amazing first recipe!! Cannot wait for the next!!


text:
Planning permission granted for massive new housing development in Derry
Creggan development will incorporate 119 properties close to Sean Dolans pitch
An Image of what some of the houses close to the Sean Dolans site will look like.
Ciaran O'Neill
16:33:54 6 Jan 2021
Planning permission was today granted for a major new housing development in the Creggan area of Derry.
The development, which will be located beside the Sean Dolans GAA ground, will incorporate 119 properties.
These will include 50 two-bedroom houses, 37 three-bedroom houses and eight four-bedroom houses.
There will also be 15 one-bedroom apartments and nine two-bedroom apartments.
As well as the new houses, the project will also see the extension and refurbishment of the current facilities of the Sean Dolans club.
The existing clubhouse will be refurbished, while a new community building will also be built on the site.
The plans for the land received unanimous support at a meeting today of Derry City and Strabane District Council's Planning Committee.
The Creggan development is a joint enterprise between Sean Dolans and Radius Housing.
Speaking in 2019 when the plans were first put forward, Anita Conway, Radius Housing''s Director of Development, said the project had 'huge potential' to bring much needed investment into the Creggan area.
"This partnership approach to development brings benefit beyond housing; it adds value to the wider community and supports the efforts of the local schools and community organisations," she said.
Also speaking at the time, Marcus McCrystal, Sean Dolan's Club Chairman, said they recognised the potential for the club to act as a 'key pillar' in the local Creggan community.
"We are extremely proud of our club and our community and in what we have achieved in rebuilding our facilities over the last number of years," he said.
"We are not about to rest on our laurels however and we see the joint venture with Radius Housing as being fundamental to achieving our future growth plans."
Seans Dolans and Radius Housing were praised at today's meeting for how they have worked together on the project.


text:
using System.IO;

namespace RazorDBx
{
	public static class Helper
	{
		// Encodes the bit int.
		public static int Encode7BitInt (byte[] workingArray, int value)
		{
			int size = 0;
			uint num = (uint)value;

			while (num >= 0x80) {
				workingArray [size] = (byte)(num | 0x80);
				size++;
				num = num >> 7;
			}

			workingArray [size] = (byte)num;
			size++;
			return size;
		}
		// Decodes the bit int.
		public static int Decode7BitInt (byte[] workingArray, ref int offset)
		{
			byte b;
			int val = 0;
			int bits = 0;

			do {
				b = workingArray [offset];
				offset++;
				val |= (b & 0x7f) << bits;
				bits += 7;
			} while ((b & 0x80) != 0);

			return val;
		}
		// Reads the bit encoded int.
		public static int Read7BitEncodedInt (this BinaryReader rdr)
		{
			return (int)rdr.Read7BitEncodedUInt ();
		}
		// Reads the bit encoded U int.
		public static uint Read7BitEncodedUInt (this BinaryReader rdr)
		{
			byte b;
			int val = 0;
			int bits = 0;

			do {
				b = rdr.ReadByte ();
				val |= (b & 0x7f) << bits;
				bits += 7;
			} while ((b & 0x80) != 0);

			return (uint)val;
		}
		// Writes the bit encoded int.
		public static void Write7BitEncodedInt (this BinaryWriter wtr, int value)
		{
			if (value < 0)
				throw new InvalidDataException ("Negative numbers are unsupported.");
			wtr.Write7BitEncodedUInt ((uint)value);
		}
		// Writes the bit encoded U int.
		public static void Write7BitEncodedUInt (this BinaryWriter wtr, uint value)
		{
			uint num = value;

			while (num >= 0x80) {
				wtr.Write ((byte)(num | 0x80));
				num = num >> 7;
			}
			wtr.Write ((byte)num);
		}
	}
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Extra soft bristle with unique triple-polished tips ensures gentle care for the delicate gums and enamel of the child.
The handle's comfortable shape is designed to both be safe for the child and comfortable for the parents.
The unique shape of the handle prevents excess pressure from being applied on the teeth and gums of the child during brushing, eliminating the risk of accidental penetration deep into the child's oral cavity and possible injury.
The extra soft triple-polished-tip bristle ensures a gentle care for the child's delicate gums and enamel. The special triangule-cut bristle shape forms 3 cleaning edges, increasing the effectiveness of the cleaning of the tooth surfaces. Helps gently massage the gums, thoroughly and gently removes dental plaque and cleans interdental spaces.
The uniquely-shaped ultrathin bristle significantly improves the effectiveness of brushing and ensures a gentle massage of the gums.


I am very lucky to have three lovely housemates in Victoria Park. However, I am not so lucky with the landlord. Interestingly, it was the same a year ago in Hamilton Hill. In my rental experience for the last 7-8 years since I have been in Australia, and it seems like there is some sort of a pattern.
At my current address, we have just paid another huge water bill for the last six months. Now, 1300 litres of average consumption per day may not seem like a lot to some households, but for a house, which is vacant for 80 % of the time, where hardly anybody cooks and the occupants are using the very basic water needs one have – is a lot. It is even more alarming to somebody, who just graduated with a PhD in sustainability. So, for me, and for all of us in the house it was clear that the reason for the unusually high water bill was the heavily leaking shower and a tap. It has been like this since I moved in – about a year ago – and on my initial request, as well as all the consequence ones, the answer from the landlord was that it was due to "usage", and not due to the plumbing itself. That never made sense, as none of us had any interest in keeping the water running while not using it. It was clearly an excuse not to have to repair and maintain the property at an additional coast.
So, we took initiatives in our own hands and called a plumber to have a look at the leaking shower ad tap. He tried his best to fix the problem, by providing a quick fix and replacing the rubber ring on the tap, but only for the same problems to occur in less than a week. This happened several times. It seemed like everybody got used to it until we received the next bill, which accounted for over $500.
After failing to negotiate with the owner, I decided to call the Water Corporation and to ask what my options are. They were very helpful and even sent us materials on how to save and monitor our water usage. It was then, when I also became aware that the service charges for the water supply to the house (currently about 33 % of the total water bill) should be beared by the owner, not the tenants – something that we have been paying all along. The next step was to call a different licensed plumber to provide a quote and to assess the situation: what a shock it was to also find out that the hot water system has been also leaking and that its protective cover has been inadequately fitted hanging on a single bolt next to a wooden frame tag, which would be ideal to catch up o fire if an accident occurred. So, it wasn't just ignorant, wasteful, expensive and annoying – it was also dangerous. Yet, the owner's assessment of the situation was" there is nothing wrong with a leaking water system".
Thankfully, as a friend, the plumbers provided free of charge service to fix the outside leakage and promised to come in the weekend to replace the shower head, shower and tap. I can only hope that it will not be on our own expenses (if I could have my say).
We now monitor water usage on a daily basis and it is very easy to see how quickly and how expensive a leaking shower can account for.
Well, I seem to disagree slightly.


text:
package tt.controller;

import org.springframework.stereotype.Controller;
import org.springframework.web.bind.annotation.RequestMapping;

/**
 * 数据源控制器
 *
 * @author
 */
@Controller
@RequestMapping("/druidController")
public class DruidController extends BaseController
{

    /**
     * 转向到数据源监控页面
     *
     * @return
     */
    @RequestMapping("/druid")
    public String druid()
    {
        return "redirect:/druid/index.html";
    }

}


text:
package com.raizlabs.android.dbflow.test.sql;

import com.raizlabs.android.dbflow.sql.migration.AlterTableMigration;
import com.raizlabs.android.dbflow.test.TestDatabase;
import com.raizlabs.android.dbflow.test.structure.TestModel1;

@com.raizlabs.android.dbflow.annotation.Migration(version = 1, database = TestDatabase.class, priority = 1)
public class TestMigration extends AlterTableMigration<TestModel1> {

    public TestMigration(Class<TestModel1> table) {
        super(table);
    }

}


The Family Table with Genevieve: Holiday Gift Guide...Gifts for Guys!
p.s. You can read here about the tradition of this box and why Paul gets a gift in it every year!
Paul prefers things to be neat , especially in the garage (his space!). I think this Wall Mount Shop Vac is a perfect addition to our garage. So many great attachments and amazing reviews. If your guy has a workbench area, this would be perfect there too!
We have had one of these in our car forever! This Air Station Inflator is great for checking tires, inflating bike tires, etc. It's one of those things you may not think to get for yourself, but are glad you have it when you need it!
I saw this on Amazon and thought it was such a cool idea. This Magnetic Wristband is a great gift for a guy that does a lot of projects. Trying to hold onto small screws or nails can be frustrating and this helps to solve that issue. They all stick right to your wrist! So cool...right??
So I know this is a pretty basic and obvious gift, but Paul uses his YETI Tumbler all the time. He uses it every morning for coffee, fills it again later with water and it keeps all your favorite Summer drinks cold too! This has always been a favorite, but it recently got even better when they created the magnetic slide tab on the lid. Hands down, best drink tumbler ever.
And then there is this. The YETI Colster keeps cans or bottles unbelievably cold. Another must have for sure!
We have a Wall Mounted Bottle Opener in our garage and it's perfect. We have the good old drink fridge in our garage and when we have parties, it's easy to just pop the top on this. It's mounted right near the fridge and you don't have to fumble around looking for an opener. And this one has a super strong magnet to catch the caps too!
Friends of ours have this beer caddy and they are always bringing it to parties. Throw in a few favorite beers and this makes a great gift idea!
We love listening to music outside or by the fire pit and this JBL Wireless Speaker is the best. It has great sound quality, amazing reviews, and holds the charge for a long time. We have tried a few different wireless speakers and this is the best one!
I mentioned getting the kids something to read each year, and I also like to get Paul a book too. This Nike Book is so good. It was written by the creator of the Nike brand and gives really cool insight into the early days of the company. So if you have a guy that is into sports or business, I think this book would make a great gift!
Now onto a few things to wear. Paul was first to join the Team UGG Slippers and I soon got on board too. While they may seem expensive, they are well worth it. They are cozy, comfy and hold up so well. I have had these on my gift lists for girls and guys the last three years. I cannot say enough how much we love these slippers!
If your guy is not a fan of bundling up in a thick winter coat , then this The NorthFace Vest is right gift to give. This is the Thermoball style which has a sleeker fit (not as puffy) but still provides nice warmth.
These Nike Tee shirts are a favorite here too. They have a slimmer design and are designed to keep you warm and dry. Whether under a sweater or worn to hit the gym, these tees are great quality and fit and come in a ton of colors!
A good pair of Leather Gloves is always a pretty safe and practical gifts. These are a top seller on Amazon with amazing reviews and tech friendly!
Ok... any great gift ideas for guys that you have??? Let me know in the comments!!!
Ha! See you soon, there is always room for one more at our family table.


Fire trucks that are intended to fight petrochemical fires must be equipped with foam proportioning equipment producing foam that extinguishes a burning liquid by blanketing it with foam. InnoVfoam has the technical know-how, and can deliver the required hardware and supplies, to equip a customer specified firetruck with an efficient and reliable foam extinguishing system.
InnoVfoam equipment is applied by truck manufacturers e.g.: Dutch Rescue Vehicles, Lentner, EMPL, Vogt.


LawNewz, a website run by legal correspondent Dan Abrams, agreed that the company acted illegally when it forced the passenger to de-plane. The Department of Transportation's Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings said in a statement Tuesday that it had begun reviewing what happened on the flight.
"The Department remains committed to ensuring that airlines comply with consumer protection regulations and will not speculate during the review process on this matter," it said, explaining that it would determine whether or not the airline complied with the DOT's "oversales rule."
The statement noted that "it is legal for airlines to involuntarily bump passengers when there are not enough volunteers" and that "it is the airline's responsibility to determine its own fair boarding priorities." It also explained that the airline would have to give all passengers who are bumped involuntarily a written statement describing their rights and detailing how the airline decided who was bumped, and that "the Department mandates compensation and other protections for passengers who have confirmed reserved space on a flight." The Department of Justice also said it was reviewing the incident.


Dee One from the ongoing reality TV show, Big Brother Naija recently talked about who he thinks was going to emerge winner of the show.
Dee One who is known for his witty talks also revealed who was being fake in the house and who is real. The comedian also explained his beef with another rising comedian Ebiye.


KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 17: Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) yesterday charged a 67-year-old man for defrauding Koperasi Pelaburan Pekerja-Pekerja Proton Bhd (KOPRO) of its investments of RM350,000 for the purchase of securities between August 2007 and November 2008.
According to a press release, Ismail Basir was also alleged to have represented to KOPRO that he was a remisier, when in fact he was never licensed by the SC.
KOPRO is a cooperative society established for the employees of Proton Holdings Bhd.
Ismail was brought to the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court yesterday morning to face securities fraud charges under Section 87A(b) of the Securities Industry Act 1983 (SIA) and Section 179(b) of the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007 (CMSA).
Section 87B stated that it shall be unlawful for any person directly or indirectly in connection with the purchase or sale of any securities, to use any device, scheme or artifice to defraud and to engage in any act, practice or course of business which operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon any person or to make any untrue statement of a material fact or to omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
Each offence carries a penalty of an imprisonment term of not more than 10 years and a fine not less than RM1 million.
Ismail, who was unrepresented, pleaded not guilty and claimed trial.
Sessions Court Judge Azman Ahmad fixed bail at RM50,000 with one surety and for the accused to report to the SC Investigating Officer every first week of the month until the completion of the trial.


This listing is for one Year Charm of your choice. This can be purchased separately or can be added on to almost all of my listings.
Round laser engraved charms are stainless steel.
Your gift will come in a wrapped kraft box. All items will go into 1 box (or bag if they don't all fit). I will insert a note card with your message.
Great experience with this seller!


text:
Merkel's return as a fallback solution to the crisis in Ukraine
18 2022 June
The recent visit of the leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Romania to Ukraine did not bring obvious breakthroughs in resolving the flaring up conflict. At least the obvious ones, all agreements took place behind the scenes. Only what the Ukrainians feared happened in Kyiv: firstly, it became noticeable that the world began to get tired of requests, complaints and accusations, as well as the maintenance of Ukraine, and, secondly, the EU leaders who visited the "square" demanded to resume negotiations with Russia and, worst of all, be ready for territorial concessions. This is written by the German edition of Die Welt.
For these painful concessions, the Western envoys promised to speed up the European integration processes. In advance, a promise was made to grant the status of a candidate for EU membership, which, as you know, was fulfilled. Kyiv, in turn, requires guarantees, and especially from Russia. At the moment, all parties have taken a strategic pause and are considering options for the development of events.
It is no secret that Ukraine is under external control, but this vector of influence is not monolithic or integral. Kyiv is subject to almost three "decision-making centers" - Washington, London and collective Europe. The European lobby is trying to weaken the disastrous initiatives of the first two owners, pursuing purely personal goals. The hot phase of the conflict is unprofitable for the EU, so a "landing force" was sent to Kyiv from four heads of state at once.
In the event that the US continues to exert negative influence to further escalate the conflict, European leaders have a back-up plan and course of action. According to even the Ukrainian media, they promised to involve ex-Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Angela Merkel, who has maintained good relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, to the cause of inducing Ukraine to peace.
Indirect confirmation of this message is Merkel's recent "self-denunciation" on the air of the German media group RND. The former chancellor admitted that her resignation was one of the reasons for the conflict in Ukraine. Such denunciation and public "surrender" can be a prologue and Merkel's entry point into the Ukrainian case under the guise of a "peacemaker" (redemption). So far, this Western trump card is being held for the most pessimistic case of the development of the situation.
However, the geopolitical situation since Merkel's retirement has changed so much that the ex-chancellor's former skills may not necessarily be useful to her. In addition, the EU is not interested in peace in Ukraine or the security of Russia, but only in obtaining energy resources and the absence of threats to itself. The situation of the Russian Federation or Donetsk, which is being destroyed by the armed forces of Ukraine, is not at all interesting to Brussels, Paris or Berlin.
Photos used: pixabay.com
Offline Indifferent
Indifferent 18 June 2022 08: 22
You might think Putin will listen to Merkel! Some kindergarten. Merkel did nothing for 8 years for the Minsk agreements, along with the rest of the French presidents! And then it dawned. But who will listen to this old worthless grandmother now. At home, the paste in the tube cannot be returned.
Online Colonel Kudasov
Colonel Kudasov (Leopold) 18 June 2022 09: 14
If Germany had some political weight in the world, then maybe Ze listened to Merkel. But since even the current German chancellor is just a "liver sausage" for Bandera, Merkel is generally an empty place for them.
Offline gorenina91
gorenina91 (Irina) 18 June 2022 10: 12
But since even the current German chancellor is just a "liver sausage" for Bandera, Merkel is generally an empty place for them.
- Yes, "liver sausage" - will endure everything !!! - It's just not clear - why is Russia so constantly respectful - even in front of "German sausages"; and "French croissants"; and "English cheeseburgers"; and "American hamburgers" !!! - Direct examples of polite and respectful "polites" can give !!!
- And what a "deep understanding"; "universal respect"; "extraordinary respect" was given to Tokaev !!! - This is "that" Tokayev, who only a few months ago was able - exclusively with the help of Russian paratroopers - to "sit" in the presidential seat; and who today is ready to support "everyone and everything" - and everything that is directed against Russia today !!! - Ah, what "principality"; "political balancing act"; what a demonstration of readiness to take any position, where one would dream that, supposedly, the "vector of force" could change !!!
Do not do GOOD - you will not get EVIL
- Yes, what is there ... here ... there remains to wish Russia ??? - In truth - "Do not do good - you will not get ... - these are such "Tokaevs" as friends"!
- Personally, I am very impressed by N.S. Khrushchev; who, among the "high-ranking persons", in the "great assembly" - could demonstrate with his shoe the will of the great state of the USSR and indicate to these "high-ranking persons" - "their place" and "call things" by their proper names !!!
- And the "names" - here they are: "German sausage"; and "French croissant"; and "English cheeseburger"; and "American hamburger" and so on! - And ethnicity to all these "products" - is "respectively" !!!
Offline Tixiy
Tixiy (Tixiy) 18 June 2022 10: 09
For eight years, Ukraine has been persuaded to resolve the issue amicably. Instead, the Ukrainian elite scoffed, deceived and shed blood.... Who will believe them now?
Offline boriz
boriz (boriz) 18 June 2022 10: 17
The situation of the Russian Federation or Donetsk, which is being destroyed by the armed forces of Ukraine, is not at all interesting to Brussels, Paris or Berlin.
The situation in the Donbass is not very interesting to Berlin. But Merkel (unlike the idiots who are now leading Germany and are ready to set fire to the house in which they live) is interested in the position of Germany. Again, common sense, responsibility and personal courage will not interfere with a politician of this rank at all.
It is worth noting that now the global system of relations is collapsing in the world against the backdrop of the weakening of US influence in the world.
Talk of Merkel's return means the liquidation of the chancellor pact. This agreement, as it were, does not exist, but no one doubts its existence.
The return of Merkel will mean the coming to power of a nationally oriented group. In all likelihood, the European group "Earth and Blood" (or it is also called "Red and Black"). This refers to the ancient European aristocracy of large landowners. Which, despite all the upheavals of recent centuries, has retained its assets. The coordinator (but not the leader) of the group is the Pope.
And the fact that Merkel did not do something a few years ago does not mean that she did not want to do it.
Politics is the art of the possible.
The beginning of the NWO by Putin created a new reality in international relations.
In this new reality, we simply will not recognize Merkel, it will be a different politician. In any case, better than the current inadequate.
Offline Peace Peace.
Peace Peace. (Tumar Tumar) 20 June 2022 03: 49
Quote: indifferent
Thanks to this grandmother, Putin won 8 years and more restored the military-industrial complex.


Center For Advanced Medicine - Boone Hospital Center - PWArchitects, Inc.
PWA worked with the design firm of ACI-Boland on the four-story, 80,000 square foot Center for Advanced Medicine addition to the south of the existing Boone Hospital Center. The Center for Advanced Medicine houses five new operating rooms, an addition to Pre/Post Op, four Cath labs, sixteen short stay rooms, the Harris Breast Center, GI facilities, Central Sterilization and Supply, a conference center and additional offices. Incorporating many of the existing functions of the current hospital required careful coordination to properly connect and reorganize the existing spaces. Corridors and rooms were relocated, elevators were reworked to add openings and structure was planned to span and support the existing building. Another challenging facet to this project was that it is a story taller than the existing building. Flashing, structural supports, and details were selected for their constructability and cohesiveness with the existing structure.


A French drain is an important home improvement project that should be handled by an experienced contractor. The following pointers can help you find the right contractor to improve your yard drainage with a properly directed trench and gravel drain.
Many landscaping companies install French drains, because they have expertise in drainage and yard grading. Basement waterproofing companies and plumbing companies also offer this service. Start by calling local landscaping and general home improvement contractors and asking if they offer this service.
When you call landscaping companies, remember that installing a French drain requires different skills than cutting grass and maintaining shrubs. Companies that have a licensed landscape architect on staff often install French drains, because these professionals have a more advanced level of training. Landscaping contractors who focus primarily on yard maintenance generally don't install French drains.
Once you have a list of names, have the contractors look around the site and offer suggestions. Ask open-ended questions about your overall water issues instead of just asking to have a French drain installed. Look for a contractor who will look at the whole problem and offer various options.
Be leery of any contractor who tries to give you a price over the telephone, without looking at your property. Because each yard is different, you want a contractor who will tailor the solution to your situation. Stay away from contractors who ask for large payments in advance or refuse to get necessary building permits. These can be warning signs of unscrupulous contractors.
As you narrow your list of contractors, ask for references of customers who have had similar work done. Ideally, you want someone who had a French drain installed several years ago, so you can ask how the work has held up over time. Go visit the properties to see how the drainage was changed.
Checking references can be a time consuming process, but one that should pay off in the end. Ask plenty of questions and select the contractor who spends time answering questions and explaining the process. To succeed, this home improvement project requires a thorough search process.


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My reflections on the state of things related to the mainstreaming of EAL learners in the UK, as opposed to the idea of withdrawing them from classes for additional English language teaching. The official policy strongly suggests that EAL students should be mainstreamed. But should this be so at all times?
This was written in April 2014.
Please note: The names of the students in the article below have been changed to protect their anonymity.
I enter the Year 7 Mathematics classroom to find Alfonso, our new English as an Additional Language (EAL) arrival, at the back of the room. In the corner of the room, in fact. Alfonso, our lovely 11-year old from Spain, is still acquiring his English language. As I approach his desk in the classroom, it is easy to see how his peers, sitting at his desk and doing Maths group work, completely ignore him. Without my encouragement, they would probably never speak to him. Alfonso remains silent, shy and chooses to say very little. He observes. The teacher, bless her soul, running between the members of the 25-student class, helping wherever she can, has very little time to attend to Alfonso's linguistic needs. In any case, it's rather difficult to get to him, with him sitting in the corner and all. The teacher has chosen not to place him in the front row of desks closer to the board and herself – despite my prior advice – she needs the class's troublemakers to be there, so she can control them better. Alfonso, quiet, calm and polite boy that he is, never causes any trouble. Having managed to get his group-classmates to engage with him on this occasion and getting him to do some Maths work, I look at him. His expression is almost blank, probably waiting until the incomprehensible English noise of the classroom is over. He appears withdrawn.
Tina is another one of our MPT (middle-phase transfer) EAL students. In December, she arrived from Denmark. I don't have this much knowledge about the Danish educational system, but it doesn't take a genius to figure out that she was a very, very good student there. Here, she is immediately plunged into the deluge of the mainstream schooling. Tina is an amazing student – the organization of her bag puts mine to shame, she asks for homework long before it's actually given to her, she's hardworking and extremely ambitious. And – she's mainstreamed. Again, lots and lots of new language thrown at her where she understands very little, where nobody speaks to her, where she is ashamed to speak. She has the vivid memory of being the top of her Danish class! –Now, it turns out she can't do Maths or Geography, because she can't understand the teacher and getting other children to speak to her with patience is difficult.
Have you ever seen a child cry because they couldn't understand a language? Crying their eyes out because they want to do well, wanted to talk to others, but couldn't as they couldn't understand a word and suddenly all their values and beliefs about their own knowledge have become subverted and torn up? Suddenly, their knowledge ceases to matter and their confidence receives a massive dip. Unattended to by the overwhelmed teacher in the mainstream class, rejected by the other students because of the language barrier, they become withdrawn.
On two separate days in the last term, Tina went into convulsions of crying. On two of them, she had to be withdrawn from the classroom to spend time away from the class – to be taught by myself, the school's EAL teacher. I will never forget her tears.
To me, they were tears of humiliation. Tears of exclusion.
Strange, because the whole idea is supposed to be of inclusion. But too often, here in the UK, EAL learners – known as ELLs in other parts of the world – are only physically included in the classroom. Emotionally – they can be entirely excluded.
So why is this? To help you to understand this, I am going to have to paint a brief picture the history of EAL in England over the last half a century. In the 1960s, when non-English speaking immigrant children started attending English schools, they were usually taught separately in language centres. By the 1970s, however, it was recognized more and more that bilingual needs were more sophisticated, that the language centres were segregating children away from their English-speaking peers, and were often unable to provide for the cultural and social development of the English language learners. In 1985, The Swann Report argued against the withdrawal of EAL students from the mainstream classroom, claiming that this type of separation was socially and educationally unacceptable, pointing to issues concerning equal opportunities and anti-racism within schools. Whilst things did not change straight away, over the years between then and now, EAL learners have been receiving fewer withdrawal sessions and, in my own experience, are automatically assigned to mainstream classrooms. Whilst withdrawals to small group or for individual support of targeted learners are practised – indeed, I teach such small group lessons myself – the pressure remains on the students to be mainstreamed whenever possible.
Just last Friday, a very scared teacher approached me, telling me that the very same Tina and Alfonso are now going to be put in the same set (level) of the Maths group that she teaches. Essentially, she was begging me for EAL support and for the rearranging of my timetable, very worried about the two students in her classroom: concerned that she wouldn't be able to support them. Our current arrangement is that my EAL teacher colleague is going to be teaching them right outside her classroom for 2 hours whilst she teaches the rest of the group. This story is just a tip of the iceberg: mainstream teachers are quite simply overloaded with the responsibility to cater to and differentiate for the needs of a huge amount of students (special educational needs, EAL, gifted and talented, below the poverty line, etc.), with huge accountabilities, student progress monitoring, marking, formative assessment pressures – and that's just for starters. They simply struggle for time to cater to the needs of the EAL learners in their classrooms and feel powerless when dealing with very low English level learner in their classrooms. In my experience, it's not that teachers don't care. They undoubtedly do – too often, though, they just have too much on their plates to be able to attend to them. In addition, too little prior professional EAL training is provided to the mainstream teaching profession for them to feel confident with presence of EAL learners in their classrooms. Frankly, placing EAL learners in the mainstream as a default, irrespective of their English language levels, feels very much like "dumping" them on the teachers. Yangguang Chen at the Goldsmiths University of London actually calls this "treating all the children the same in spite of differences"!
This is not to say that a huge amount of EAL learners do benefit from being socially included with their peers in the mainstream classroom. Many of them do benefit from and enjoy the company of their peers: they are the ones who actually know what's going on – at the very least, they have the functional social communicative English to interact with others. However, the children who are truly lost, unable to ask for directions, unable to ask what the homework is and unable to participate in conversations with their peers – these are the children I feel for. The children, some of whom, in the past, have begged me to teach English language to them. The children who ask for more specialist English language teaching.
In my EAL intervention classes, the students feel safe. They learn the language they know they desperately need. They gain confidence. They learn step by step, provided with well-structured, linguistically-informed activities, building the blocks of English language awareness, so much needed for their new lives in England. But, perhaps most importantly, they smile. They feel relaxed and encounter supportive atmosphere in their withdrawal classes. I've never had an EAL child cry in my class. They know what I say to them. If they don't, I am instantly aware of this and slow down for them. They feel respected, valued. They are included. They are certainly not treated the same despite their differences. The individual focus I can provide them with is what allows them to grow as individuals and builds their confidence up to eventually participate in the mainstream activities further.
How much child trauma, sorrow and tears schools would be able to avoid if they actually listened to such students in the first place! Rather than push them into the "social inclusion" of mainstream classrooms no matter what, the educational policies in the UK should take into consideration the setting up of more intensive English language courses, particularly for those children who want them. Mainstream class inclusion of emergent bilingual learners despite their emotions can all too often lead to their exclusion and suffering. The very inadequate language support in mainstream classrooms coupled with the low numbers of EAL teachers employed in British schools leads to severe exclusion and social alienation of children such as Tina. How can you possibly feel included if you don't understand the language at all? How can you be a part of the school community when you can't even laugh at the jokes that everyone else laughs at? The philosophy of inclusion calls for leaving no child behind: and yet, mainstreaming may result in precisely the opposite.
The policymakers should step away from the comfort of their policy-making desks, look to the expertise of those delivering education to EAL children on the ground and, even more importantly, consider the feelings and voices of children that the state has promised to include.
Let's not make them cry in our schools anymore.
Chen, Y. (2009). Language support for emergent bilinguals in English mainstream schools: an observational study. Language, Culture and Curriculum, 22(1), 57-70.
Swann, L. (1985). Education for all: The report of the Committee of Enquiry into the education of children from ethnic minority groups (The Swann Report).