text:
News | N. Korea says 4th new test-firing was anti-aircraft missile
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea said Friday it had test-fired a newly developed anti-aircraft missile in the fourth round of weapons firings in recent weeks, even as it pushes to reopen dormant communication channels with South Korea in a small reconciliation step.
In September, North Korea resumed its first missile tests in six months but still offered conditional talks with Seoul in what some experts say is an attempt to extract concessions in its nuclear diplomacy with the U.S. Earlier this week, North Korea leader Kim Jong Un expressed his willingness to restore communication hotlines with South Korea in coming days to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula.
The Korean Central News Agency said the anti-aircraft missile test is "of very practical significance in studying and developing various prospective anti-aircraft missile system."
It said the test was aimed at confirming the practicality of operation of the launcher, radar and battle command vehicle as well as the combat performance of the missile.
South Korea, Japan and the United States typically publicly confirm North Korean missile launches soon after they occur, but did not do so for Thursday's test, indicating it may not have been a major weapons test.
While Kim said he intended to reopen inter-Korean hotlines during his speech at parliament, he also shrugged off U.S. offers for dialogue as a "cunning" concealment of its hostility against the North. He also reiterated the North's demands that South Korea abandon a "double-dealing attitude" over the North's missile tests if Seoul wants to see the resumption of talks and major cooperation steps.
South Korea has said it would prepare for the restoration of the hotlines, which it called necessary to discuss and resolve many pending issues. The cross-border phone and fax lines have been largely dormant for more than a year.
Some experts say North Korea wants South Korea to persuade the United States to ease punishing economic international sanctions on it. Other say North Korea is pressuring South Korea not to criticize its ballistic missile tests, which are banned by U.N. Security Council resolutions, as part of its quest to be recognized internationally as a nuclear power.
North Korea also recently has test-fired a new hypersonic missile, a newly developed cruise missile and a ballistic missile launched from a train. South Korea's military assessed the hypersonic missile to be at an early stage of development, but experts say the two previous missile tests displayed the North's ability to attack targets in South Korea and Japan, both key U.S. allies that host U.S. troops.
The North's recent tests were in line with Kim Jong Un's earlier vows to introduce sophisticated weapons and enlarge his nuclear arsenal to defend itself against U.S. hostility — a reference to U.S.-led sanctions on the North and regular military drills between Washington and Seoul that North Korea believes are an invasion rehearsal.
Nuclear diplomacy between Pyongyang and Washington has been largely deadlocked since early 2019.
North Korea hasn't tested a long-range missile capable of reaching the U.S. mainland for about four years, an indication it wants to keep alive its chances for diplomacy. – AP
by Hyung-Jin Kim
credit photo: Reuters
Category: Dunia
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A Dune Buggy in GTA V.
The Bürgerfahrzeug Dune Buggy is a sand-driving buggy in Grand Theft Auto V.
Used in ground Arms Trafficking missions by Trevor Philips.
Found at the start of both of Cletus' Strangers and Freaks encounters.
Frequently spawns being driven in and around Sandy Shores.
Sometimes spawns on a hilltop just west of the Yellow Jack Inn.
Trevor Philips (after purchasing McKenzie Airfield in Grapeseed.
Bandito, a similar vehicle appearing in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
BF Injection, another dune buggy.
Dune, an off-road truck appearing in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
This page was last modified on 21 July 2014, at 19:36.


text:
(English) ***ARTICLE*** "The Court of Arbitration for Sport is an Impartial and Independent Body", Dott.ssa Axelle Tigani Sava
Ci spiace, ma questo articolo è disponibile soltanto in Inglese Americano. Per ragioni di convenienza del visitatore, il contenuto è mostrato sotto nella lingua alternativa. Puoi cliccare sul link per cambiare la lingua attiva.
(By Dott.ssa Axelle Tigani Sava. Important note: The opinions expressed are presented by the Author as a personal opinion and do not necessarily reflect the point of view of IgiTo on the addressed matters. The information provided is general, has divulgative purpose and does not substitute the assistance of a professional. Information at info@igito.it)
The European Court of Human Rights has issued on the 2nd of October 2018 a Chamber judgment regarding the case of Mutu and Pechstein v. Switzerland that drags the European Convention into the sports arbitration context.
As the acquainted with sports jurisdiction know, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (also known as CAS) is an international body and independent institution that provides settlements of sports – related disagreements and controversies through arbitration or mediation. The base of these operations takes place in Switzerland, more specifically in Lausanne, and its awards have the same enforceability as the judgments of ordinary courts.
Starting from the facts that have brought us to the commenting this judgment, the two applicants. Mr. Mutu ( a footballer accused of unilateral breach of contract without reasonable cause) and Ms. Pechstein (a professional speed skater suspended for two years due to anti – doping test failure) submitted to the European Court of Human Rights that CAS could not be considered as an independent and impartial tribunal.
Both the applicants had already been judged by the CAS regarding their cases, but they decided to file a petition to the European Court of Human Rights relying on Article 6 of the Convention, believing that the CAS could not be regarded as an independent and impartial court: more precisely, Ms. Pechstein complained that, in spite of her request on having a public hearing, she had had a private hearing before the CAS.
With reference to the Court's decision, the members explained that the CAS had full jurisdiction to examine any matter submitted to it in the context of disputes, and, above all, its decision provide a judicial – type of solution. As the proceedings rules specify, an appeal could have been lodged before the Swiss Federal Court, and, lastly, the Federal Supreme Court have always considered the CAS judgements "similar to those of a State Court".
Regarding Ms. Pechstein's case, the Court considered her complaints toward the President of the Arbitration Court hypothetical and vague.
Considering the existing imbalance between the federations and the athletes during the selection of the arbitrators, the Court observed that the three arbitrators who were actually chosen had been listed on a register drafted by the International Council of Arbitration for Sport (also known as ICAS) and had obviously been subjected to the applicant's power to dismiss them.
As for the complaint concerning the absence of a public hearing as requested by the applicant before the CAS, the Court clarifies that the principles in relation to the public nature of hearings in civil cases are valid for ordinary courts and equally for the professional disciplinary bodies. In detail, the Court considered that due to the particular subject and context of the CAS proceedings ( the merits of the sanction imposed on Ms. Pechstein for doping) had reasonably required a hearing that had to be subject to public scrutiny. Therefore, as to this specific complaint, there has been indeed a violation of Article 6 regarding the non public nature of the proceedings before the CAS.
Instead, regarding Mr. Mutu's case, the applicant had criticised the fact that one of the arbitrators had sat on the panel that had issued the decision on December and had then taken part in a second panel that had adopted a second decision on July 2009. The Courts explains that the partiality could have existed only under the circumstances that the arbitrator had examined progressively identical facts and had replied to a similar questions. In this specific case this did not occur since, even if the facts were indeed the same, the legal issues were very different , given that the first judgment had concerned the applicant's contractual liability and the second the amount of damages that had to be paid to the injured party.
In brief, the European Court of Human Rights has determined that the CAS has an impartial and independent nature and it rules out the possibility to consider that devolution to the CAS itself of sport – disciplinary disputes constitutes a violation of Article 6 of the European Convention. The hearings must be always under public scrutiny, with the only exception of cases that need to be heard privately due to reasons of public order or privacy.
Autore IgiToPubblicato il 27 maggio 2019 24 maggio 2019 Categorie Articoli, Notizie ed eventi
Precedente Articolo precedente: (Español) III Café Jurídico – Universidad de Cartagena
Successivo Articolo successivo: ***ARTICOLO*** "La Riforma del Giudizio Abbreviato: possibili profili di incostituzionalità", Avv. Mirco Consorte

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


HangulPhonics™ is a computer-based Korean language study program.
A free additional language for your ABBYY FineReader 8.0 Professional Edition.
The ReadWrite Korean allows you to learn to read and write this language.


The celebration of the 40th anniversary of the canonization of St. Herman of Alaska began Friday evening, August 6, 2010, with the praying of the Akathist at Holy Resurrection Cathedral. Seminarians and families joined their voices in prayer with the hierarchs, clergy, and laity. The reliquary of St. Herman was opened so all could venerate St. Herman's relics before being anointed with oil from the lampada that hangs above his reliquary.
On Saturday evening, August 7, we gathered again at Holy Resurrection Cathedral for Great Vespers, followed by a soup dinner.
On Sunday, His Beatitude Metropolitan JONAH celebrated the Divine Liturgy with His Eminence JUSTINIAN, Archbishop of Naro-Fominsk, Administrator of the Moscow Patriarchal Churches in the USA; His Grace MAXIM, Bishop of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Western America; and His Grace BENJAMIN, Bishop of San Francisco and the West, locum tenens of the Diocese of Alaska. A host of clergy and faithful joined together for this joyful and grace-filled Divine Liturgy.


Are you destined to be a Leader or a Follower?
See if you are the type who is destined to lead others, or if you'll always be known as one in a herd of billions of sheep!
Huddle in a corner and start weeping loudly while peeing in your pants.
Be the first to come up with a plan of action and save everyone!
Sit back and see how things unfold while keeping your cool, even though your scared to death.
2 You wrote an essay that was so well liked, your teacher asks you to recite it out loud at the assembly. What do you say?
Cower at the thought, run to the restroom and throw up, then return and decline the offer.
Jump at the opportunity! You love a good chance to be in the spotlight and lecture others.
Tell them you'll do it, if you can have a buddy next to you. So you don't feel awkward!
3 Do you get nervous is public situations?
No way, I love being around people! The more the merrier!
It depends on exactly how many people are around.
Duh, I get nervous even with myself in the room. Crowds of people? Not for me!
4 What's your "talk" style?
I love to talk, most of the time you can't shut me up! In fact it scares people away.
I'm usually the quiet one.
I sometimes get a talkative streak, but normally I am quiet. Quiet but sociable.
5 How many friends do you have?
Friends? I wish, don't know the meaning of the word. I'm lonely.
A few close personal friends.
Lots of em'. I am very popular but, I only hang out with certain cliques!
I have many friends, from all over, all types of groups. You name it, who isn't my friend?
Brutally honest, even if it means hurting someone's feelings!
It depends on who I am talking to, how strong they are, and whether or not they have a bad temper!
No, I usually lie. It's for the better. No one's feelings get hurt and your body stays unbruised.
7 You are driving down the highway when you see a car ahead of you spin out of control and flip over the median. What do you do?
Stop my car and run to them with my cell phone. I wanna help him in any way I can!
I'd help, but I wouldn't get out of my car. I'd call 911 from my cell while passing by.
Do nothing while being nosy and stairing. Someone else will call 911 eventually. It's not my place.
8 Do you enjoy being photographed?
Yes, I never miss a photo opportunity!
Only during holidays and family events. Don't wanna forget good times.
No, I'm usually the one who covers my face.
9 Do you like being the center of attention?
Yes! Every time I'm around a big group of people, I always am.
No! I get nervous when more than 3 people are stairing at me all at once!
10 Do people ever come to you for advice or help?
Sometimes. Usually only close friends or younger siblings on the verge of getting in trouble.
No, hardly ever. I'm either not social enough or don't give good advice so, they think I don't care.
Talk with them and maturely take blame for my actions, then offer to fix the problem.


text:
Five of the best airbag safety systems for motorcyclists
By Kirsty MacLeod - May 6, 2014
Serious motorcyclists have always sworn by a good set of leathers as the best way to save their skin in the event of an accident.
And while that still holds true today, a new generation of protective clothing using airbag systems similar to that found in cars is finding favour among safety-conscious bikers.
Here, specialist insurance broker Bikesure takes a look at five of the best airbag systems on the market from those costing a few hundred pounds to race suits for the fatter wallet.
Bikesure offers cover for helmets, leathers and protective clothing for as little as £32 a year.
Spidi Neck DPS Airbag Vest
An over-vest with a DPS airbag system, this sleeveless jacket is designed to be worn over your normal protective clothing, with numerous Velcro fasteners to ensure it fits over any type of clothing (including race suits).
A double cushion wraps around the rider's neck, with the airbags activating within 0.2 seconds when its connection with the bike, via Kevlar wires, is broken.
The airbags help to reduce potentially damaging neck movements and should also help prevent rolling.
A good quality, affordable item, but the sizing may be a little on the small side, so it may be worth buying a size or two larger than you think you will need.
Price: From £290 to £315
Hit-Air MLV-Y High Viz Air Bag Vest
This over-vest provides inflatable protection for the neck, back, ribs and coccyx, and also comes in a highly visible yellow with reflective strips.
Attached to the bike with a key system, it inflates within 0.25 seconds and protects the entire torso, not just the neck.
Hit-Air were early pioneers of airbag jackets, having been in the market way back in 1995, and is used by police forces around the world.
It should be used over a normal motorcycle jacket, and can be re-used after inflation just be replacing the CO2 cartridge.
It's also suitable for equestrian use, if you also happen to ride a horse!
Price: About £450
Moto-Air Wairbag jackets
Wairbag offers a range of vests and jackets as UK distributors of the Moto-Air brand, from lightweight summer jackets to winter wear.
The partially reflective jackets' airbag system protects the whole torso from front to back, with adjustable sleeves, waist and cuff.
Sizes range from small to a well-fed (or muscular) XXXXL, and the airbags should inflate when the ripcord is activated in about 0.2 seconds.
An added reason for making our list is this incredible promotional video.
Prices: From £298 to £398
Dainese D-Air One Piece Suit
One for the racers, or at least for those who love a track day. The Dainese one-piece suit has been 10 years in the making, and claims to reduce the effects of impact by as much as 92 per cent.
It was worn by none other than Valentino Rossi, who survived a high-speed crash in 2010 with no bruising at all to his shoulders.
As well as providing airbag protection, a GPS unit located in the hump of the suit allows riders to download lap times, speed, angles of lean, track position, acceleration and deceleration.
Unlike the cheaper systems, the D-Air inflates without any connection to the motorcycle, instead of using three accelerometers and three gyroscopes in a "brain" that can distinguish normal riding conditions from a crash situation.
As you'd expect, it's pricier than the more low-tech solutions.
Price: From £2,400 to £3,240
Alpinestars Tech Air Race airbag one-piece suit
Another high-quality one-piece airbag race suit, the Alpinestars suit provides shoulder and back airbag protection, and inflates from trigger to full deployment in an astonishing 0.05 seconds.
As with the Dainese suit, it provides race data and a crash-identification algorithm, removing the need for ripcords.
Worn on the track by the likes of Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa, the suit won a Best of What's New award from Popular Science magazine on its launch to the public in 2011.
Inflation uses a nitrogen-based gas mix and a dual action system allows the rider to remount after a crash, ready to go again.
Earlier this year (2013), Marc Marquez survived a 210mph crash in practice for the Italian GP when his airbags deployed 30 milliseconds before his impact with the tarmac.
Price: About $5,000 for the full Tech Air system
Airbags for Bikers
Essential Safety Checks before you ride this Summer
Helmet, Leathers and Kit, Insurance


Ask fellow campers about "Woodlands Camping Resort" and nearby attractions.
The site is mostly park homes and permanent trailers. Some of the sites are nice but many are incredibly trashy. I wouldn't call it a resort, it's just a camp ground. There is no laundry facility and they don't allow washing machines to be used. There is no Wi-Fi, no cable, no satellite reception. The campground web site says there is a camp store, however there isn't anything to it. We planed to stay long term but have decided differently after one month. Electric is metered for long term campers, however the rate they charge per KW is double of what the average is for the area. The price is way too high for what you get. We will not be staying again and wouldn't recommend the campground. We camped at Woodlands Camping Resort in a Fifth Wheel.
A lot of full timers, friendly staff, men's room clean and recently painted, many off season construction projects going on, my site was within a traffic circle and I only had 20 or 50A service available. We camped at Woodlands Camping Resort in a Motorhome.
Hike the Mason-Dixon Trail, boat the Northeast River and Chesapeake Bay, fish.
This is not a resort. Rather, a campground with 90% permanent residents. There are 2 sites in the campground with reasonably level gravel and FHU 30/50 amp service. We had to move to the 'overflow' on uneven grass with 30 amp and water only mid stay. Had to use leveling pads on one side of the coach get level. If this wasn't the closest to an event we were attending in New Castle, DE, we would have made other arrangements. There is a pool which we closed for the season. The price is way too high and we won't stay here again. We camped at Woodlands Camping Resort in a Motorhome.
For fresh seafood, Woody's in North East, MD is a must stop.
This place is mostly for permanent residents. There are a few sites for transients. The site we got was a back in. With trees on both sides of the road I attempted to back in, and after many tries I eventually pulled into a large site opposite mine to finally get straightened enough to back into the site. There is no TV cable hookup so you better have a satellite antenna because I was able to get maybe 3 channels and they were popping in and out on the rv antenna. There is a lot to do if you have a boat and the northeast river is not far away. That said there is not much to do if you don't. They did have bingo one night on the weekend. The store was open from 10 to 2 usually. Walking the dog around was not much fun with some large flies that would constantly buzz and try to bite you. We were travelling north to visit family and friends in Delaware and this was the closest camp we could find that was open. I would not stay again. We camped at Woodlands Camping Resort in a Fifth Wheel.
We went to Woody's Crab Shack to get some blue crabs for dinner. But we found out they didn't have any that day, but settled for a crab cake instead. Sure would have liked those crabs.
This is a CG set up for 99% permanents. We were in a pull through that required wood blocks to level. Gravel sites. Utilities worked okay until there was a heat wave and that caused low voltage. Nice quit place with friendly owners. Okay for a few days. Lots a speed bumps throughout. We camped at Woodlands Camping Resort in a Motorhome.
I am only giving this a four because this is not a park for transient guests. There is no camp store, no wood for sale, the office is only open 9-5. There were only three other campers that spent the weekend - everyone else is seasonal or permanent. Some of the sites are nice - some are incredibly trash (think scary trailer park). Some of the people were nice, but most kept to themselves. Almost no kids at this campground. Very nice pond and playground, we didn't get to swim but the pool looked great. I won't be staying here again - we checked out Elk Neck State Park and that is were we will go next time, awesome campground for kids and the amenities were great not to mention some of the views! We camped at Woodlands Camping Resort in a Travel Trailer.
We stopped for an overnight enroute south. The price,$42, is pretty heavy to stop for an overnight in January. The place is full of permanent and seasonal campers. The office people were very nice, but cannot see paying that money for a few hours. We camped at Woodlands Camping Resort in a Motorhome.
This park is run by the seasonal campers. They are very welcoming and keep the place well maintained. The sites here are huge with a lot of trees and shade. The seasonal sites are well established with stone work and displays. The pool is great for the kids- there are three sections one at 1.5 feet, 3 feet, and a 5 foot section. There are no life guards, but the seasonal people keep a good eye on you. There is a great pond for fishing and make sure you check out bingo night. Watch out for the golf carts and make sure you have time to talk to the locals ( they want to know who you are, because "you ain't usually here" was the most common conservation starters). We camped at Woodlands Camping Resort in a Travel Trailer.
Campground is actually one of a few in this area. Many park homes and permanent trailers. Very cliquish, no laundry and no Wi-Fi reception, limited cell service and no cable. We were here for a family gathering and would not return. We camped at Woodlands Camping Resort in a Motorhome.
Very friendly mgmt. Campground is clean and convenient. Paved roads but our site was gravel and not quite level. Large swimming pool and stocked fishing pond. Very poor TV reception We camped at Woodlands Camping Resort in a Fifth Wheel.
Nice campground that is located near I-95 and a Flying J fuel station. The locals were great and very friendly. I am surprised they do not have a website and do not advertise more. It was a great find and we will return. We camped at Woodlands Camping Resort in a Travel Trailer.
Are you affiliated with Woodlands Camping Resort ?


text:
Online gaming does a good job on responsible gambling
18 November 2009 by CasinoListings
Geoffrey Godbold, the chief executive officer of The GREaT Foundation - successor to the Responsibility in Gambling Trust in the UK - has only kind words for the gambling industry's contribution in the fight against problem gambling.
Speaking at the annual general meeting of the Remote Gambling Association last week, Godbold said that the UK gambling industry's support for problem gamblers is unique and in social responsibility terms eclipses that of both the alcohol and retail industries.
The responsible gambling executive urged the industry to 'blow it's own trumpet more' in publicising the contribution that operators have made of their own volition to counter problem gambling over the last 10 years.
"This is one area where the gambling industry is unique," said Godbold. "The drinks industry doesn't look after its problem drinkers and the retail industry doesn't look after problem shoppers.The gambling industry has funded, set-up and run the whole operation for problem gamblers."
The GREaT Foundation was established as a charity in 2002 as Britain's largest funding body responsible for tackling problem gambling through the funding of research, education and treatment from voluntary donations. The organisation is funded by donations from gambling companies.
The news comes in a week in which player protection and standards body eCOGRA completed its fifth annual Responsible Gambling training course for 70 online gambling staffers working in four different countries.


Component alignment is an important consideration in total hip arthroplasty. The impact of changes in alignment on muscle forces and joint contact forces during dynamic tasks are not well understood, and have the potential to influence surgical decision making. The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of femoral head/stem and cup component placement on hip muscle and joint contact forces during tasks of daily living and to identify which alignment parameters have the greatest impact on joint loading.


At Midstate Dodge of Barre we'll help make your Dodge buying experience one you will always remember. We are proud to serve the Barre, Vermont region. At Midstate Dodge you are not merely another face, you become a member of our family. With many vehicles to pick from, we will find the right Dodge to match your spending budget. All of your new car needs will be handled at Midstate Dodge. Midstate Dodge will find you the car you are seeking. Visit Midstate Dodge at 1365 US Route 302, Barre, Vermont 05641 and allow us to demonstrate our commitment to making you 100 % satisfied in buying a new car or truck.


Latest figures show the Authority has cut its carbon emissions by a staggering two-thirds (66 per cent) in the last nine years.
And in the last financial year alone there was a reduction of nearly 15 per cent on 2013/14.
On a grander scale, the Authority has been working hard with partners to help local people and businesses to reduce their carbon emissions and increase carbon capture.
"These latest figures are a fantastic piece of news. We won the national Low Carbon Council of the Year award in 2012 and these results clearly show that we are not resting on our laurels.
"Over the nine-year period, the reduction works out at a drop in carbon dioxide emissions for the Authority from 906 tonnes to 310 tonnes. It also represents a saving of £145,000 a year, which, in the current climate of cuts to our budget, is very good news.
"The biggest single change we have made the last financial year has been the installation of a biomass (wood chip) boiler in the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes to replace an oil-based heating system.
Since 2006, the Authority and its partners the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust and the Forestry Commission have funded the planting of 750,000 native broadleaf trees – equivalent to planting roughly nine trees an hour, 24 hours a day, for the past nine years!
The YDNPA was also one of the founding partners and funders of the Yorkshire Peat Partnership, one of the largest environmental recovery schemes in Europe to restore peatbogs, which capture carbon dioxide. So far, restoration work has been completed on more than 13,000 hectares of eroded peatbog – equivalent to 95 times the size of London's Hyde Park.
introducing smarter travel – greener fleet of leased vehicles, car sharing, planning multiple meetings for journeys, holding meetings in one place.


If you are just starting your business, this conference will give you a head start in the right direction, help you avoid costly mistakes and time-wasters AND allow you to reach your goals faster and with less headache. If you are already in business, this conference will provide tools to revitalize, refocus and/or rekey your business and assist you in getting more out of your business by working smarter.
Join us online or by phone, Sunday, October 13, 2013, for this exciting and informative event. Nandi, founder of Nandi's Naturals, will be one of the guest panelists. Register Now!


"The Opel Vivaro is a minivan produced by German motor manufacturer Opel. It has 9 seats and generous luggage space. So, it's aimed at large families wanting space and at people wishing to travel as a group. The Opel Vivaro benefits from a daring, modern design and is innovative in the minivans segment. Very different from the traditional lines, it blends, with great panache, soft and pleasing lines, while at the same time allowing for load capacity and ease of loading."


Sakura Sakura is a traditional Japanese folk song based on a poem about Cherry Blossoms in the springtime.
The melody uses a scale called Hirajoshi. While this scale is attainable on a flutes tuned to the Pentatonic Minor scale (the common scale for present-day Native American flutes), the range of the melody is not well-suited to these instruments. However, flutes made with Anasazi tuning and Anasazi-7 tuning as well as diatonic flutes can easily play this melody.
The transcriptions on this page are based on the earliest English-language publication that provides this melody ([Izawa 1888] ).


text:
Q: soft tabs showing up as hard tabs, spaces converted to hard tabs I have soft tabs enabled, but not only is the editor putting actual tabs in instead of spaces, if I type [space][space], it converts it to a tab. I've read that the editor tries to read existing files to guess your settings (I have Autodetect turned off if that matters), so I tried with a new file. Here is the relevant section of my settings file (which I edited through the GUI):
"ace": {
    "@guessTabSize": false,
    "@newLineMode": "unix",
    "@tabSize": 2,
    "@useSoftTabs": true
},

When I turn off soft tabs, it stops converting spaces into tabs, but either way, when I hit enter at the end of a line, autoindent uses a tab instead of spaces.

A: Cloud9 doesn't have any code that can convert two spaces into a tab.
When soft tabs is enabled it moves cursor as if two spaces is a tab, but that doesn't change characters in the file.
Enter at the end of line copies indentation from that line, and doesn't depend on tab settings.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
After the election: Reflections from Khin Khin Mra
BY BETHIA BURGESS
In the days after Myanmar's 2020 election, I spoke to ethnic women around Myanmar about their perspectives on the results and the issues that are important to them as a new government is formed. This is the first of a short series where I share their reflections.
In an uncertain year, the NLD proved a safe choice at the ballot. Five years ago, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) claimed a commanding victory in Myanmar's first democratic election since the military began stepping back in government. Like many others, Khin Khin Mra, an ethnic Rakhine woman working on governance and gender equality in Myanmar, had anticipated an NLD victory, saying they were "the only viable choice" for voters in the political context.
"With the 25% guaranteed military representation, the majority of people think the NLD is the only major party that can deter military dominance by a USDP-military alliance," says Khin Khin.
"As such, this choice has also impacted on ethnic political parties' voting results which are not as high as was expected. The same applies to other small democratic parties, leaving brilliant candidates out of the race."
This is partly a result of Myanmar's first-past-the-post electoral system, which exaggerates electoral majorities and makes it more difficult for small parties to gain seats. In a country like Myanmar where small ethnic parties abound, proportional representation electoral systems are often recommended.
If the streets of Yangon are any indication, there is an abundance of enthusiasm about the election results. Celebrations have drawn thousands of revellers to the streets in the nights following the election, 'painting the town red' with a sea of NLD flags and attire. The crowds are even larger than those after the NLD's first victory in 2015, but it will take significant effort by the government to translate this euphoria into a lasting, nationwide satisfaction.
Khin Khin believes that the success of the NLD at the ballot box comes with a responsibility to improve on their record for ethnic rights.
"While people chose the NLD party as an alternative to possible 'strong men' rule, the question is how an NLD government will incorporate ethnic voters' interests and ensure diversity and inclusion in the formation of government."
Khin Khin believes that the NLD needs to reflect on how their past decisions have been viewed in the past.
"For example, in Rakhine State [in the 2015 elections], the Arakan National Party's election was considered a rare success of the ethnic movement at the polls.
"But the victory was undermined by the appointment of an NLD member as the Chief Minister of the state, and the national government's subsequent lack of engagement with Rakhine political leaders." In order to improve on this past performance, she adds, "it is essential to support and work with all ethnic parties and other democratic parties to encourage dialogue between them, as well as creating opportunities to give smaller parties and ethnic people a voice."
The country's struggles to find a political solution for peace continue.
Despite their electoral victory, there is little argument that the NLD failed to impress many supporters with its progress towards a stable peace in its first term in office. Rather than reflecting their endorsement, many ethnic nationalities who voted for the NLD have described their choice as "a lesser of two evils". Needless to say, the NLD has a great deal ahead of them if they are to turn this image around.
"The NLD should prioritise the peace process to make it meaningful and achieve positive changes. With the ongoing armed conflicts in ethnic areas, I think it is important for the NLD to find solutions to the conflict and a way for civilian government oversight over armed conflicts," says Khin Khin.
"The NLD is in the position and has the power to prevent history repeating itself in terms of the political grievances in ethnic areas."
Khin Khin also commended the successes of Arakan and Shan ethnic parties in the election, being wary of the country's history of one-power rule.
"It is not ideal when a political landscape is dominated by one party," she notes.
"Power concentrated in the hands of one party can lead to state capture. The NLD government needs to consider principles of diversity and inclusion when forming the new government. It's important for the NLD government to build democratic checks and balances by appointing more roles and amplifying the voices of members of ethnic political parties. To strengthen democratic norms, they need to improve on women's participation. This can also provide hope and encouragement for positive outcomes in Myanmar's peace process."
This text is originally posted at PK Forum: www.pkforum.org/single-post/after-the-election-reflections-from-khin-khin-mra.
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Testimony at House Subcommittee Hearing on GSEs Run For and Against Tighter Regulation
WASHINGTON - The sides were clearly discernable at the hearing called by Rep. Richard Baker (R-La.), chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance and Government-Sponsored Enterprises in the wake of Freddie Mac's accounting irregularities and management shakeup, to decide whether and how to tighten the regulatory...
By Staff Writer | July 15, 2003 at 08:00 PM | The original version of this story was published on Credit Union Times Magazine
WASHINGTON – The sides were clearly discernable at the hearing called by Rep. Richard Baker (R-La.), chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance and Government-Sponsored Enterprises in the wake of Freddie Mac's accounting irregularities and management shakeup, to decide whether and how to tighten the regulatory structure of government sponsored enterprises Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. On one side were legislators and others who testified that tighter regulation would result in diminished mortgage funds for low-income and minority-home buyers. On the other side were those who argued that bank-like regulatory requirements for Freddie and Fannie will ultimately result in lower home mortgage costs. Baker set the tone for the hearing in his opening statement at "GSE Oversight: The Need for Reform and Modernization" when, in referencing Freddie Mac's twice restated income announcement from $1 or $3 billion to $4 billion, he said that "this revelation underscores the importance of what has been previously observed by many – that current regulatory oversight is not adequate." Baker introduced a bill, H.R. 2575, on June 24 that would shift regulatory oversight of the GSEs from the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight to the U.S. Treasury department. His measure, he said, has three goals – to insure an independent regulator of the GSEs; to insure there is reasonable funding for the supervision, and to provide the regulator with the same tools other financial regulators use. "There should be no controversy over this legislation at all, in light of the revelations over accounting irregularity," said Baker. Congressman Ed Royce (R-Calif.) echoed Baker, saying that the OFHEO should be "folded in to a new agency under the umbrella of the Treasury Department", and he added the Federal Housing Finance Board, which regulates the Federal Home Loan Bank System in to the mix. "In my view, such a regulatory institution will have better direction through its association with the Treasury and its sister regulators the OCC and the OTS. The new regulator will also have the ability to achieve `best practices' of regulation because it will have a broader scope than either OFHEO or the FHFB has today, and it will be focused on protecting the taxpaper from like types of systemic risk," Baker stated at the hearing. Rep. Paul Gillmor (R-Ohio) pointed the finger of blame at OFHEO for the situation Freddie Mac found itself it. "Clearly, OFHEO was not doing its job," he said. Gillmor is one of the original co-sponsors of Baker's measure. He announced at the hearing that he intends to offer an amendment to the legislation that would repeal the GSEs' special exemption from the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. "The result will be a bill that provides for a strong safety and soundness regulator and equally strong securities disclosure," said the Ohio congressman. Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-Pa.), the ranking Democratic member of the subcommittee suggested the subcommittee pursue a "three-prong supervisory approach" that includes regular congressional oversight of the GSEs, sustained effective government regulation over then, and increased market discipline for Freddie and Fannie. But it was Subcommittee Member Rep. William Lacy Clay (D-Mo.) who voiced his support of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and cautioned the subcommittee not to throw the baby out with the bath water. He reminded the subcommittee that "Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are a big part of the solution to our housing problems. Also they are taking leadership in the attack on predatory lending." In addition, Freddie Mac leads the market with lending to African-American and Hispanic families. "[Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae] have done their jobs well and exceeded all expectations. Today, they are the dominant institutions in the secondary mortgage market," said Clay. He also took exceptions to lumping Fannie Mae with Freddie Mac. "Fannie Mae did not commit any violations or have mismanagement gaffes. Freddie Mac did. Fannie Mae has already been maligned as if it were a partner in this situation. Punish Fannie Mae if and when it does something improper.," he said. ".Congress must not hamstring the affordable housing mission of these GSEs with unnecessary regulatory burdens," Clay concluded. Testifying at the hearing, Karen Shaw Petrou, a managing partner with Federal Financial Analytics took the position that tighter regulation of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae would not negatively impact homeownership. She recommended Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac adopt the same standards as U.S. banks. By doing that, she said, it would strengthen the GSEs and improve their ability to promote homeownership while reducing their funding costs. She argued that "the standards used to regulate banks haven't impeded their ability to promote homeownership and that their capacity to originate mortgages is just as important as the GSEs' ability to purchase them." Meanwhile, Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.), chairman. Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee announced the committee plans to hold its own hearing of Freddie Mac's accounting restatement in July. -


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Posts published in "Day: May 17, 2007"
A meal fit for a queen
Had our first tomato samiches of the year this weekend, 'Twas good too.
Read with interest about Queen Elizabeth II visiting President Bush in Washington and having dinner. It was one of those hoity toity events where you would never find my presence.
Not high on the social scale and the menu was not one to my choosing should she come to the little house on Goose Creek. The menu included: Spring pea soup with fernleaf lavender. Bet she hasn't been served pot liquor with cornbread.
Chive pizzelle with American caviar; yuck! I'd do some chicken livers with a sliver of jalapeno and wrapped in bacon with Kraft BBQ sauce. Some would say yuck to that.
A bottle of Chardonnay Unfiltered 2004; that's wine for those of you who don't take a snort.
Dover sole almodine. Wonder if she has ever had crappie filets (fried)?
Roasted artichokes, pequillo peppers and olives. That's something I'd try just to see how tis.
Saddle of spring lamb Chanterelle sauce. Don't like lamb or anything to do with it. Nasty stuff indeed.
Fricassee of baby vegetables which is a fancy name for cutting something in pieces and stewing it in gravy.
Peter Michael Les Pavots 2003, that's a $200 bottle of wine which the President didn't touch.
Argula, Savanna mustard & mint romaine. Had to Google that and it's a lettuce type product that in Roman times was considered an aphrodisiac.
Champagne dressing, trio of farmhouse cheeses; wonder who cut the cheese?
Rose Blossoms; wonder if you are supposed to eat them or look at them?
Schrambert Trute Rose 2004; Ahh another snort before heading back to the house.
The dinner was a white tie event with guests seated at 13 tables.
I'm sure they all enjoyed the dinner and wondered what was for desert as none was mentioned on the menu; maybe it was that last sip of wine.
Somebody once told me, you take the boy out of the country but you can't take the country out of him.
When do you need a trust?
None of us can predict the future – so if you want to make sure your family and other heirs receive what you want them to have, it's not too soon to do your estate planning. Trusts can be a key part of those plans. But under what circumstances might you need to establish a trust?
Before you choose a specific trust, you'll need to know how trusts work. Usually, a trust is a legal arrangement in which you, as grantor, set up the rules and appoint a trustee, who manages the trust and its assets. You (and possibly others) then fund the trust with assets. The trustee collects these assets and invests the money according to the rules of the trust, which will also determine the trust's beneficiary – the recipient of the trust's proceeds.
Beyond these common traits, trusts can be very different in their intended purpose. Your individual situation will dictate the type of trust, or trusts, you choose. Here are a few of the most common scenarios:
*If you want to give something to charity…You may want to consider a charitable remainder trust (CRT). In a CRT, you donate an appreciated asset, such as shares of stock or a piece of real estate, to the trust. The trustee may then sell the asset and use the proceeds to purchase a portfolio of securities. From these investments, you can receive an income stream for life; upon your death, the charitable organization receives the remainder of the principal. By setting up such a trust, you defer capital gains taxes, and you can claim a limited deduction on your income taxes.
*If you want to reduce estate taxes … Explore an irrevocable life insurance trust. If you own an insurance policy, the proceeds are a part of your taxable estate. To help reduce the possibility of your heirs having to pay estate taxes, you may want to establish an irrevocable life insurance trust. As long as the trust owns the insurance policies, the proceeds won't be included in your estate. You might also be able to use an irrevocable life insurance trust to provide your family with assets they might not otherwise have received, especially if you've given away a sizable amount to a charitable organization through a charitable remainder trust.
*If you have remarried… You may want to think about a QTIP (Qualified Terminable Interest Property) Trust if you're married for a second time, but want to make sure your children from your first marriage are protected. A QTIP trust enables you, as grantor to provide for your surviving spouse and also maintain control of how the trust's assets are distributed once he or she also dies.
*If you want to protect children/grandchildren from spending their inheritance too quickly – If you think your children or grandchildren might "burn through" the money you leave them, you might want to explore a discretionary trust, which gives an independent trustee full authority to make decisions on how the trust funds may be spent for the benefit of the beneficiary.
One final word: Trusts are complex instruments, so you will need to work with an attorney and CPA to make sure your strategy can help you work towards the goals you want.
Highlands Rotary awards record number of scholarships
HIGHLANDS– Each year the Highlands Rotary Club awards college scholarships ranging from $1000 up to worthy students in the local high schools.
This year, under the direction of Rotarian Dr. Larry Smith, a committee of ten Rotarians screened 36 applications, and made the difficult decision as to recipients.
These scholarships are one of the major benefits of money the club raises from its annual Chili Feast. Due to a strong community response, the club gave a record number of 16 scholarships, totaling $20,000 to the candidates.
The scholarships were presented last Monday night, at a dinner held at the San Jacinto Community Center in Highlands. The keynote speaker was the retiring superintendent of Crosby schools, who recounted in his talk about his days growing up in Highlands, and later Deer Park.
He thoroughly entertained the crowd, with his tales of local anticks in his childhood. But the message of his talk revolved around a paper he wrote years ago, entitled "A person who made a difference". It recalls the little league coach Hendrix had, Hap Marshal, who chose his team with fairness over politics, and the impression this made on the young Hendrix. His message to the scholars, "Each of you is a potential Hap Marshal, and you can make a difference in someone's life."
After the presentations, and a short talk by each recipient, chairman White opened the floor for informal comments. He also told the history of the scholarship program, starting in the 70's with only one scholarship that the club could afford, and growing to what it is today. He invited the community to join the club and it's efforts to give back to the town.
Scholarship recipients were as follows, with their high school, college, and major noted:
Lauren Adams, Sterling, Baylor, Speech Pathology
Cassie Edwards, Sterling, Lee College, Pharmacy
Jenna Fontenot, Sterling, Rice Univ., English/Political Science
Ryan Gregory, Sterling, Baylor, Neuroscience
Stephen Guillory, Sterling, Air Force Academy, Civil Eng.
Jessica Ivy, Sterling, San Jacinto Central, Cosmetology, Marines
Kari Whatley, Sterling, Baylor, Biology, PreMed
Jessica Collins, Crosby, UT Austin, Political Science
Blair Foster, Crosby, Baylor, Architecture
Holly Kallies, Crosby, Texas A&M, Marketing
Jenna Petitt, Crosby, Baylor, Marketing
Whitney Bell, Sam Houston State Univ, Interior Design
Jonathon Rosenkranz, Culbreath Award, presented by Charlie Ward, Valedictorian Crosby, Texas A&M, Aerospace Engineering
Griselda Gallardo, JE Bird Award, presented by Marie Stasney, Chinquapin, St. Edwards Univ., Social Work
Daniel Grunden, Pat McPhee Award, presented by Barbara McPhee and Robert Woodall, Crosby, Baylor, Medical Research
Jake Brewer, Dr. Herndon Award, presented by his daughter Patricia Scott, Sterling, UT Austin, Geosciences.
Emcee for the evening was club president Johnny Gaeke, who also introduced the club's exchange student from Germany, Goran Peterson.
Huffman voters OK $20.5M in bonds
By BOBBY HORN JR.
HUFFMAN—Riding a wave of heavy support during the early voting period, proponents of Huffman ISD $20.5M bond referendum coasted to an easy victory Saturday.
The bonds passed 708 to 260. During the early voting period there were 240 "yes" votes cast to 106 "no" votes. On Election Day the votes went 288 "for" and 154 "against."
Like many school districts, Huffman used a strategy during the early voting period which has proved successful in other districts time and time again.
Polling locations were held at each campus. Voters were able to cast votes on April 30 at Copeland, May 1 at Bower, May 2,7, and 8 at Hargrave, May 3 at Huffman Middle and on May 4 at the May Community Center. The polling places were open during school assemblies such as band concerts, the high school athletic banquet or in the case of the May Center during Little League games. Political analysts say that parents who attend these types of events are more likely to vote for a bond package. This proved true in Huffman, where there were 251 "yes" votes cast at these events compared to 169 "yes" votes cast at the administration building during the entire time of the early voting period.
With voter approval secured, Huffman can now proceed with their largest bond package since 2002, when they build a new high school.
According to Superintendent Dr. Doug Killian, the largest chunk of the bonds will go toward athletic improvements. The district has set aside $10M of the funds for these projects. The centerpiece of the project will be a new multi-use stadium. The new stadium, Killian said, will feature an eight-lane track, field house, weight room and artificial turf. The current stadium has a seven-lane track, which does not meet UIL specifications for hosting track meets. Killian said that it is likely the new stadium will be built on land the district owns adjacent to the high school.
The district also plans to build new tennis courts.
"We currently have only one, in disrepair. On the elementary side of the district, " Killian said.
Academic upgrades
The bond referendum is not just about sports. Killian said that they have set money aside to improve technology district-wide.
"We are envisioning projectors in all the rooms, high speed connections to the classes for virtual field trips, smart boards that students can tough and move images on a screen, a parent portal where they can look at attendance and grades in real time and a fiber ring that connects the extra district, sharing resources and servers in a cost effective manner," he added.
Killian said there is also a need for a new administration building. Currently administrative staff occupies four portable buildings adjacent to the administration building. Those are the lucky ones. The others, for lack of room, have offices at various campuses. Killian said that the district needs one central facility for administration. Since the district owns land around the current building, Killian said it just makes sense to build on the same site.
How much it will cost
Even with the new bond package, taxpayers will see their taxes go down, not up.
The current tax rate is $1.60 per $100 valuation. This is broken down into $1.37 for Maintenance and Operations (M&O) and $.23 for Interest & Sinking (I&S). The district uses the M&O budget for its daily operations while the I&S part can only be spent on debt service.
With the passage of House Bill 1 last year, the district will see its M&O go down to $1.04 next year. The I&S, if the bonds pass, is estimated at $.3439 for a total tax rate of $1.3839, almost 22 cents less than this year.
In 2008-2009, if there are no changes to state funding, the district said that the highest estimated tax rate would be $1.4851 per $100 valuation, although Killian said it would likely not be that high as the district retires old debt over couple of years.
Grand Parkway to relieve FM 2100, Hwy 90 congestion
EAST HARRIS COUNTY—Officials with the Grand Parkway Association say that completion of SH 99 segments in Harris, Chambers and Liberty County is expected to relieve congestion on existing highways while promoting economic development in the area.
Last week The Grand Parkway Association (GPA) held a scoping meeting in Mont Belvieu to discuss and gather input from residents concerning Segments H and I-1. Attending the meeting were representatives from the GPA and Texas Department of Transportation as well as design consultants.
Segments H and I-1 are planned to be a 4-lane limited access toll facility with a 400' right of way that will extend from IH 10 to SH 59 North, passing between FM 2100 and SH 146. The most popular design scenario has the road traveling about eight miles east of FM 2100 and passing through Eastgate before connecting near New Caney.
Purpose of SH 99
David Gornet, executive director of the GPA, said that there is a four-fold purpose to the highway project. The first is system linkage or improving mobility by linking major highways together at multiple points.
The second is to expand capacity. Gornet pointed to the evacuation prior to Hurricane Rita as a perfect example of the area's need to provide additional routes away from the coast. H and I-1, specifically, will take some of the pressure off FM 2100 and SH 90. The expanded capacity, he said, works hand in hand with the third purpose: to improve safety. With a high crash rate on the other highways, relieving the congestion will make for safer roadways.
The final purpose is economic development. Gornet said that studies show that when a new highway is open businesses tend to flock to the area. He pointed to the Katy area, which saw increased development after the completion of Segment D.
The purpose of last week's meeting was to solicit input from residents so designers can begin drawing proposed routes. This is the second meeting in Mont Belvieu. In 2006, the GPA held a scoping meeting where they first introduced the project.
With the input from last week's meeting, as well as a third scoping meeting in 2008, the GAP will begin writing a Final Environmental Impact Study (FEIS). In 2009, the GPA will publish the FEIS, begin design work on the segments and preparation of the right of way.
Plans are to complete the right of way and award construction contracts for the roadway in 2011. With this schedule the roads will be open for use in November 2013.
To date, the GPA has completed only one section. Section H was began in 1983 and completed in August 1994. In 1991, the process began for Section I-2, which extends from SH 146 near the Fred Hartman Bridge to IH 10 in Chambers County. Completion of this segment is expected next month.
GPA: New parkway will promote business, relieve congestion
y BOBBY HORN JR.
CHAMBERS/ LIBERTY—Officials with the Grand Parkway Association say that completion of SH 99 segments in Harris, Chambers and Liberty County is expected to relieve congestion on existing highways while promoting economic development in the area.
David Gornet, executive director of the GPA, said that there is a four-fold purpose to the highway project. The first, he said, is system linkage or improving mobility by linking major highways together at multiple points.
The second, he said, is to expand capacity. Gornet pointed to the evacuation prior to Hurricane Rita as a perfect example of the area's need to provide additional routes away from the coast. H and I-1 specifically, he said, will take some of the pressure off FM 2100 and SH 90. The expanded capacity, he said, works hand in hand with the third purpose: to improve safety. With a high crash rate on the other highways, relieving the congestion will make for safer roadways.


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The CIC Joins in Supporting the New Definition of "One Health"
The CIC joins in supporting the new operational definition of "One Health," which was recently welcomed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The new definition, which was put forward by the One Health High Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP), states that:
"One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems. It recognizes the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and inter-dependent. The approach mobilizes multiple sectors, disciplines and communities at varying levels of society to work together to foster well-being and tackle threats to health and ecosystems, while addressing the collective need for clean water, energy and air, safe and nutritious food, taking action on climate change, and contributing to sustainable development."
The four aforementioned organisations will be working together "to mainstream One Health so that they are better prepared to prevent, predict, detect, and respond to global health threats and promote sustainable development."
We would like to congratulate the OHHLEP, FAO, OIE, UNEP and the WHO for coming together on this new initiative. Hunters and others that sustainably use natural resources recognise that human, animal, plant and ecosystem health are deeply intertwined, which means that supporting these issues requires a unified, multi-faceted approach.


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Home NEWS Construction and technology Covid-19 news bulletin from UAE: 277 new cases reported; drive-through testing centre...
Covid-19 news bulletin from UAE: 277 new cases reported; drive-through testing centre in Dubai; permit needed for pedestrians, cyclists; Emirates flies special flights
A round-up of major developments related to Covid-19 across the country.
Here's a round-up of all the latest developments you need to be aware of:
UAE to intensify coronavirus screenings
The UAE will intensify screenings across the country as the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) reported 277 new cases of Covid-19 on Monday. With 23 recoveries announced on Monday, the total number of recoveries is 167. An Asian resident was declared dead, taking the death toll to 11. Speaking at a Press conference, Dr Farida Al Hosani, spokeswoman for MoHAP, said authorities are intensifying screening procedures and extending the testing scope to include all UAE nationals and residents. "This will give a big boost to our successful efforts to contain all infected cases, significantly reduce infections, and curb the virus."
277 new cases confirmed
The UAE has confirmed 277 new cases of Covid-19, taking the total to 2,076 cases, according to Dr Farida Al Hosani, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap).
During a media briefing on Monday, Dr Al Hosani said with 23 new recoveries, the total number of recoveries stood at 167, while an Asian patient was declared dead, taking the total number of deaths to 11.
Drive-through coronavirus testing centre opens in Dubai; 5 more to open soon
Al Futtaim Health has opened a drive-through Covid-19 testing station in Dubai, with five more set to open soon. The first station at Festival City does between 100 and 200 tests for Al Futtaim Group employees and eligible residents. Once all six centres are launched, they can do close to 1,000 tests a day. Dr Haidar Al Yousuf, managing director of Al Futtaim Health, said: "The other five centres at our Health Hub clinics in Al Qusais, Discovery Garden, Silicon Oasis, Al Warqa and International City will be functional very soon." Residents wanting to take a test must complete an online self-assessment on the HealthHub website "to assess their eligibility so that these critical health services are prioritised to those who need them the most", Dr. Yousuf said.
Radars in Dubai will use AI to check if you should be fined
Motorists violating precautionary measures during national sterilisation program are being caught using Artificial Intelligence (AI). Brigadier Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, Director of The General Department of Traffic in Dubai, has revealed that not all vehicles detected by the radars will receive fines, as the radars in Dubai use AI, and will not penalise those motorists with permits or employees working in vital sectors. Talking to Noor Dubai radio station, Al Mazroui said that if a radar has flashed a car, it doesn't mean the motorist will be fined – stressing that cars that take different routes from home to work could face fines, same as people with permits.
Dubai move permit needed even for pedestrians, cyclists
Cyclists and pedestrians in Dubai will also need move permits before stepping out to buy essentials. According to the permit website, residents will now also have to enter details of the purpose of travel as well as the mode of transport they will be using. Residents can apply for a permit at https://dxbpermit.gov.ae/permits The move permit website was launched yesterday by the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, which said that individuals seeking permission to leave their homes during the period of expanded sterilisation operations should register themselves on the website.
Abu Dhabi announces national sterilisation programme timings
In line with the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and the Ministry of Interior's decision to continue the 'National Disinfection Programme' to stop the coronavirus spread, Abu Dhabi has announced timings for the sanitisation drive. According to a statement issued by the Abu Dhabi Media Office on Monday, the national sterilisation programme in the Capital will be from 8pm to 6am in residential areas, and 6pm to 6am in industrial zones and workers accommodations. Authorities have asked residents to stay home as a responsibility towards you, your family and the community.
How to get transport permits for workers? Dubai Municipality clarifies
Vehicles, including buses transporting construction workers, are authorized to carry only 50 per cent of the total capacity of the bus, said Dubai Municipality. Furthermore, in order to transport construction workers from job sites to their accommodation and back, contractors must fill a special permit form and submit it to the authorities when asked, tweeted Dubai Municipality. The form filled out must contain workers' data, bus number, contractor's name, project area, accommodation area, Makani number, and driver mobile number. A copy of this form has been made available on the Dubai Municipality website.
Isolators in Dubai cabs to prevent Covid-19 infection
Dubai Taxi Corporation has launched an initiative to install isolators in its fleet of taxis as part of further preventive measures against the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19). The isolators are in the form of a protection transparent partition screen that will ensure a full separation between taxi drivers and passenger, which will provide an additional level of protection during journeys. The isolators have already been installed in many taxis and work is ongoing to install them in the rest of the Dubai Taxi fleet. The initiative is another step by RTA to safeguard the health and safety of the community.\Will private schools in UAE offer discounts on term fees?
With the remote learning continuing across all schools in the country till the end of the academic year, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) has confirmed the readiness of private schools in the emirate to carry on with the distance learning programme to ensure continuity of education during this Covid-19 crisis. The education regulators said private schools across the emirate have been working diligently on their distance learning plans. Most schools have systems in place to support students when they require assistance with their assigned learning tasks.
Emirates resumes some passenger flights
Dubai's flagship airline Emirates resumed select passenger flights after suspension, with the first flight taking off from Dubai International on Monday morning and landing in Frankfurt in the afternoon.
Flights to the other two scheduled destinations – Heathrow London and Zurich – were cancelled. The flights are operating from Dubai International's Terminal 2.
42 Emiratis stranded in the UK flown back home for free
An Emirates flight on Monday brought back to Dubai the first batch of UAE citizens stranded abroad due to the coronavirus crisis. The 42 passengers – who were in the United Kingdom for medical and educational purposes – boarded the flight from London's Heathrow Airport.
Pakistani consular services suspended
The Pakistan Consulate in Dubai has suspended consular services for two weeks in the wake of restrictions imposed by the Dubai government on the movement of people to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Issuance and renewals of passport and National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis remain suspended. Only emergency cases will be handled, the consulate said. Welfare work by the consulate will go ahead as planned to help the needy.
Dubai drive to sterilise over 800 mosques
The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai has launched a campaign to sterilise 800 mosques in the emirate. This is part of the emirate's preventive and precautionary measures against the spread of Covid-19.
The move is part of the disinfection operations the department is conducting from April 1-11 using best in-class products. The programme has already covered 200 mosques. He praised the cooperation between various entities for the scheme.
Tele-consult your doctor even as you #StayHome
Telemedicine or telehealth is playing a critical role in the UAE's fight against Covid-19.
In support of the continuing "stay home" national campaign, UAE residents are communicating with doctors through telehealth services and online platforms.
This means, hospital and clinic call centres are receiving a flood of patient queries as they strategise and update their telemedicine services.
While some queries can be resolved through phone calls and video conferencing, other cases warrant more serious clinical intervention.
DHA's WhatsApp hotline to clear residents' doubts
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has launched a hotline service on WhatsApp to respond to questions related to Covid-19. The service utilises artificial intelligence to strengthen communication with the public and give them fast and easy access to accurate and trusted information from official sources. It will help correct false information and debunk rumours by providing the public with the necessary knowledge to take preventive and precautionary measures.
It also provides answers to FAQs related to symptoms, prevention, procedures and many more topics, based on information approved by the DHA and the World Health Organisation. The new service also includes a live chat option with a DHA employee, who will provide official information. In the first few hours of its launch, the hotline received over 1,700 queries. To access the 24/7 service, simply add 800342 to your contacts and send "Hi" on WhatsApp.
Robots, drones aid UAE's war on Covid
Unprecedented measures are taken by UAE authorities to curb the spread of Covid-19. A chopper flew over Abu Dhabi City on Monday morning with the message of 'Stay Home' while robots and drones empower the National disinfection Programme across the country.
The Abu Dhabi Civil Defence has rolled out TAF35 firefighting robot – an asset added to the force this February- for the sterilisation drive. A video shared by the Abu Dhabi Police shows TAF35 in action outside Mushrif Mall in the city.
The robot – a turbine mounted on a caterpillar vehicle and operated by remote control – is usually used for firefighting but is very efficient in places where there are infecting particles. The nozzle ring blasted disinfectant to cover vast areas.
Meanwhile, the Dubai Municipality is deploying drones for the sterlisation project. Also, the Dubai Police are using drones during patrols to spread word of awareness among the public. 'Nawras' drone patrol project is held in cooperation with the Drone Centre of the Dubai Police. The drones are equipped with cameras to capture images and loudspeakers to broadcast police's messages and announcements for the public to stay home.
Khalifa Foundation, Roche support publishing of first international medical recommendations
A team of cancer treatment specialists from around the world published the first international medical recommendations for treating cancer patients during the coronavirus pandemic. These recommendations are based on a study entitled: "A Practical Approach to the Management of Cancer Patients during the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic." Emirati physician Humaid Al-Shamsi, Consultant of Oncology and Cancer Diseases, Associate Professor at the University of Sharjah and President of the Emirates Cancer Society, led the study, which was funded by the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation and Roche.
25% discount on Term 3 school fees announced by education group
A UAE education group has announced a support package for parents, including a 25 per cent discount on term three fees. An official statement from the Taaleem group of schools said the discounts on term three fees were announced in response to the urgent needs of their parents suffering severe hardships and to provide immediate relief. Term three fees will be discounted across the entire Taaleem portfolio of schools in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, said Alan Williamson, CEO of Taaleem. The school group is also making provisions for individual parent payment plans and re-enrolment packages.
Abu Dhabi civil defence use robot during sanitisation drive
The Abu Dhabi civil defence has used a robot during the ongoing national sterilisation programme being carried out to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus.The Abu Dhabi Police have posted a video in which the civil defence teams, teaming up with Tadweer, can be seen handling the robot which sprays disinfectants and cleaning substances on the roads and public areas. The police patrols provide support to the civil defence teams during the operation. The Abu Dhabi Police and civil defence called on the public to stay in their homes and not to venture out unless it is necessary or an emergency.
Etihad Airways to identify at-risk travellers
Etihad Airways will partner with Australian company Elenium Automation to trial new technology which allows self-service devices at airports to be used to help identify travellers with medical conditions, potentially including the early stages of Covid-19. The UAE national airline will be the first airline to trial the technology, which can monitor the temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate of any person using an airport touchpoint such as a check-in or information kiosk, a bag drop facility, a security point or immigration gate."The Elenium system will automatically suspend the self-service check-in or bag drop process if a passenger's vital signs indicate potential symptoms of illness," the company said.
Salons closed in Ras Al Khaimah
The Economic Development department in Ras Al Khaimah has ordered all salons, for men and women, to shut down – as part of the coronavirus precautionary measures in the UAE. The decision will come into effect from Monday, April 6, 2020 until further notice, according to a statement issued today. "The move is in line with the ongoing precautionary measures to ensure public health and reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection and transmission."
3,000 low-income students receive learning devices
A total of 3,000 students from low-income families received learning devices, thanks to the subscribers of Al Hamd Dirham Service who donated Dh300,000 to the distance learning initiative. The service – deducting Dh1 daily from the phone balance – is one of the donation schemes of the Sharjah Charity International (SCI) and has 30,000 subscribers, mostly philanthropists and kind-hearted people. "Al Hamd Dirham Service is one of the easily accessible donation services that are usually allocated to support those in need, and now helping families fighting the current coronavirus pandemic," said Abdullah Mubarak AlDukhan, secretary-general of the SCI. More
By Ismail Sebugwaawo khaleejtimes.com
covid-19 dubai
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There are no guarantees with parenting, but over time doing simple and important things intentionally will make a big impact. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither was a great family. Join us as we talk about a few small things that can make a big difference.


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The A's – " Fruit "
Posted: January 8, 2023 in MUSIC
Alexandra Sauser-Monnig and Amelia Meath have been yodeling together for upwards of fifteen years – in the backseat of a Prius while on their first cross-country tour, on back porches and backstages. It's what led them to "Fruit", their debut release as The A's – a joyous ten-song collection spanning genre and decades, with interpretations of traditionals, lullabies, and an original song, it weaves between the weird and the wonderful.
"Why I'm Grieving," originally recorded by the DeZurik Sisters, was the inspiration for the A's existence. The A's reach into the past to hold hands with the DeZurik Sisters, two farm girls from rural Minnesota who taught themselves to yodel amongst all their animals, in a continuing celebration of the tradition of folk eccentricity and whimsy.
The A's played their first show together in 2013 after Sauser-Monnig first moved to North Carolina, where Meath had been living at the time, but it wasn't until summer 2021 that they thought seriously about making "Fruit". They decamped to Sylvan Esso's Chapel Hill studio, Betty's, for two weeks in the midst of a balmy and blooming Carolinian summer. They rehearsed during the day, deconstructing yodeling parts phonetically and staring absurdly into each other's eyes as they practiced tongue twisting harmonies – and recorded in the nighttime, candles lit, a flickering glow against the windows framing the violet twilight outside.
Across the record, the A's employ a bizarre-o ghost orchestra of strange noises that are percussive and melodic. The credits include nylon shorts, string (singular), hair, shoes, ice chunk, gravel, frog sample, and shoelace, among other unexpected makeshift instrumentation. The backing band is built out by a more traditional group of players: saxophone from Sam Gendel on "Copper Kettle," backing vocals from Jenn Wasner (Flock of Dimes, Wye Oak) on "When I Die," string arrangements from Gabriel Kahane on "He Needs Me," and more.
Fruit is made up simply of songs the A's love to sing – there are lullabies and love songs; "He Needs Me," written by Harry Nilsson and first released by Shelley Duvall in the 1980 Popeye film; traditional ballads like "Swing and Turn Jubilee," "Copper Kettle" and closer "Buckeye Jim," a multiplying song about frogs and nature.
The sole original track to appear on the album is the penultimate "When I Die," written by Meath. It contains both wishes and instructions for the celebration of her death, a low synth bubbling beneath Sauser-Monnig and Meath's voices.
It's a collection of ten seemingly incongruous songs, but with the throughline of Sauser-Monnig and Meath's vocals and sense of humor working in tandem, they fit together into a cosmic yodeling-folk masterpiece. "Fruit "feels like blowing the dust off a precious artifact of decades past, but also winking and modern. Sauser-Monnig sums up their ethos on the project succinctly: "If it doesn't make you cackle or cry, it doesn't belong."
released July 15th, 2022
Produced by Amelia Meath, Nick Sanborn and Alexandra Sauser-Monnig
GHOST OF THE MACHINE – " Scissors "
A.O.GERBER – " Meet Me at the Gloaming "


What do pro-football players and movie stars like Leonardo DiCaprio have in common with the USW? Why are environmentalists and labor activists working together? How does the USW help sportsmen while also fighting for worker justice in Colombia, China, Africa and elsewhere? The answers can be found in a variety of partnerships and alliances such as the Blue-Green Alliance, the first truly global union and the National College Players Association.
Click below to get information about the Steelworkers working hand-in-hand with partners and allies around the world.
The AFL-CIO union movement represents 10.5 million members, including 2 million members in Working America, its new community affiliate. We are teachers and truck drivers, musicians and miners, firefighters and farm workers, bakers and bottlers, engineers and editors, pilots and public employees, doctors and nurses, painters and laborers—and more.
The Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) is a unique non-partisan, non-profit partnership forged to strengthen manufacturing in the U.S. AAM brings together a select group of America's leading manufacturers and the United Steelworkers. Our mission is to promote creative policy solutions on priorities such as international trade, energy security, health care, retirement security, currency manipulation, and other issues of mutual concern.
The Blue Green Alliance is a national, strategic partnership between labor unions and environmental organizations dedicated to expanding the number and quality of jobs in the green economy.
Launched in 2006 by the United Steelworkers and the Sierra Club, this unique labor-environmental collaboration has grown to include the Communications Workers of America (CWA), Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA), Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) and the Sheet Metal Workers' International Association. The Blue Green Alliance unites more than eight and a half million people in pursuit of good jobs, a clean environment and a green economy.
Create an informed 21st century policy on toxic chemicals that protects workers and communities from dangerous chemicals, enhances public health and promotes safer alternatives.
Comprehensive Climate Change and Energy Legislation. BGA advocates for its recent global warming legislative principles, which expresses support for an economy-wide cap-and-trade system.
Renewable Electricity and Energy Efficiency Standards' Campaigns. In partnership with dozens of other advocacy organizations and businesses, BGA promotes the passage of state and federal legislation mandating the production of renewable electricity.
Employee Free Choice Campaign. BGA advocates for the expansion of workers' rights in the United States through passage of the Employee Free Choice Act.
Transportation Act Reauthorization. BGA advocates for transportation investments that create green jobs in freight rail, high-speed rail and other infrastructure projects that contribute to solving global warming.
The annual Good Jobs, Green Jobs National Conference, which took place in Washington, D.C. in 2009, brought together labor, environmental, business, academic, political and social justice leaders to share research and ideas for achieving a refashioned, green economy.
Labor Climate Project. In partnership with former Vice President Al Gore's Alliance for Climate Protection, the Blue Green Alliance Foundation is working with union members across the country to educate blue-collar constituencies about the urgency and solvability of global warming and how its solutions can revitalize our economy and create good, union jobs.
State-based Blue Green Alliance Chapters. The Blue Green Alliance Foundation and the local chapters of its national partners are working in states around the country on climate change, workers' rights, clean energy job creation, fair trade and green chemistry. For more information on chapter work go to our State Pages.
Economic Development Programs. The Blue Green Alliance Foundation works with cities and states on implementing green-jobs strategies, such as the Twin Cities' Mayors Green Manufacturing Initiative.
The Interfaith Worker Justice (IWJ) network of more than 60 affiliated groups includes both local interfaith committees and worker centers. Interfaith committees typically bring local religious and labor leaders together to educate and advocate for workers' issues. Worker centers organize and serve low-wage, non-union workers in a local community.
We are on the ground in D.C., working with partners and allies to influence the national conversation on our core issues: Wage theft, Jobs, Paid Sick Days and Workplace Standards, and protecting the right of workers to stick together in Labor Unions. But we are also at work, with and through our affiliates, to pass pro-worker legislation at the local and state level. And, with a growing network of E-Advocates, working to influence both government and corporate policies, our voice just keeps getting stronger.
The National College Players Association (NCPA) is a group started by UCLA football players that serves as a powerful advocacy group for college athletes across the nation. Since its first press conference on Jan. 18, 2001, the NCPA has established itself as the voice for college athletes. The NCPA mission is to provide the means for college athletes to voice their concerns and change NCAA rules.
The Transportation Trades Department (TTD), founded in April 1990, is an umbrella organization of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO). TTD represents the interests of several million aviation, rail, transit, trucking, highway and longshore workers before Congress, the Executive Branch and independent government agencies. Through TTD, the working men and women who are represented by the Department's 32 member unions have a strong, united voice in Washington, D.C.
Union Sportsmen's Alliance (USA) is North America's premier hunting and fishing association of conservation-minded union members who hunt, fish and enjoy the outdoors. The USA gives you the opportunity to join with fellow union sportsmen to create a better future for hunting and fishing, while providing money-saving deals and other great benefits that are sure to get your heart pumping.
Planning a hunting or fishing trip? Interested to know if the weather will be good or how long it will take to travel there. We have all the information you'll need to make this a great outing.
From the Union Sportsmen's Alliance Web site you can map-out trips, get state-by-state regulations, visit state DNR websites, and buy your license right over the internet.
The AFL-CIO launched its first-ever Union Veterans Council in July 2008 to bring together union veterans on the issues that matter most to veterans, their families and working men and women.
The purpose of the Union Veterans Council is to bring together union leaders and union members who are veterans to speak out on veterans' issues and influence public policy to improve the quality of life for U.S. veterans and their families. The two primary areas of focus for veterans are access to good jobs and access to quality health care.
United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS) is a grass roots student run organization, and has been a close ally of the Steelworkers in the past six years. Steelworkers and USAS students have worked together to win campaigns on universities and fight destructive policy in Washington DC.
In the summer of 1998 USAS was founded based on the idea that universities play a role in propping up the global sweatshop system. In the summer of 1998, USAS had it's first summer conference with 30 schools represented. Students knew that their universities had the power to demand that apparel bearing their logo be made in a factory where workers rights are protected.
Students demanded that their universities adopt codes of conduct for licensees—the people who rent out university logos for apparel production (Nike, Champion, etc.) In the following school year students fought with administration to make their universities adopt codes of conduct. Administration was, naturally, non-responsive a wave of sit-ins ensued ensuring that some of the most important universities in the country adopted codes of conduct. Students at University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin: Madison, Georgetown, and Duke all occupied presidents' offices.
In July of 1999, over 200 students gathered in Washington, DC for the second Sweat-Free Campus Conference. Here, students decided to develop a code of conduct monitoring system, since codes of conduct are worthless if they are not monitored and enforced. It was at this conference that students drafted a proposal for an independent monitoring system that was paid for by universities and governed by students. The Workers Rights Consortium, as it was later called, developed out of this idea and commitment to workers rights and university accountability.
Another wave of direct action came about next year to push universities to join the new independent monitoring body. Once again, student power and solidarity prevailed. Students at Purdue University in West Lafayette Indiana went on hunger strike for eleven days, and eventually the university administration gave in to their demands. The students at Purdue worked closely with the Steelworkers, and on the tenth day of the hunger strike, hundreds of Steelworkers called the president of Purdue demanding an end to the hunger strike.


Our district leaders each shared their favorite children's book. Some of these were read to them as children. Some of these are the books they read to their children or students. All come with cherished memories. We would like to share these with you, and encourage you to read to a child.