Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia, Inc.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is searching for adult mentors who can provide friendship and support to a child growing up facing adversity. All that is required is spending time with a child two times a month for a few hours. This is not about counseling, replacing a parent or being a peer. It's about showing a child that there are opportunities in the community they might not have the chance to experience, this is about low cost/ no cost activities that encouraging a child to reach his/her potential. It's about being consistent, supportive and encouraging a child to reach past what they face each day. Please visit www.bigslittles.org for an application and more information.
More opportunities with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia, Inc.


We sometimes have to buy merchandise that we probably would rather not, due to the price or its environmental hazard factor.
One item that usually fails in both categories is trash bags. This is one example of something most would rather not spend money on.
In addition to negative environmental effects, they are normally expensive for an object that is just going to be thrown out. Some varieties also may be thin and inferior, so they have to be doubled up on which adds to the waste.
Even though the evils of the made from plastic bag have been preached for some time, they still seem to accumulate. Some have considered bans on plastic bags due to their high pollution rate, danger to sea life and numerous other concerns. However, over 500 billion of them are still made around the globe each year.
Plastics used to make shopping and garbage bags are generally a cheap option for companies to use since they do not cost a lot for them to make. Other establishments are offering more eco-friendly options including biodegradable and compostable types. There is a difference between the two.
A bag that is only biodegradable, but not compostable, will last longer in the trash can but actually can take up to a 3 year process to biodegrade. Compostable trash bags break down rapidly under the right conditions, for instance when they come into contact with moisture.
Traditional plastic bags are surrounded by uncertainty about how long they take to break down, or if they ever fully do. Some garbage bags, though they may claim to be fully biodegradable in fact contain particles, some toxic, that do not break down and leave minute fragments behind.
Bags that are produced from corn based materials may seem like a preferable alternative to traditional plastics, but just because they are fully compostable does not mean they are the best source for this type of use. Using up portions of the food supply that corn crops offer just so we can have better bags to throw out our stuff does not seem like the smartest option.
There are different ways to make plastics from other food sources like potatoes. Currently there are fully compostable trash bags on the market that are made from a potato with high starch content that is not used for food. Compared to other crops, like corn, it does not use as much water or energy to produce.
A lot of items that end up in the garbage don't need to be there in the first place. Composting, which can be done year round and cutting back on waste around the home in general helps trash bags last longer.
The things we use everyday are a good place to start when looking for ways to be more environmentally conscious.


text:
Larry Pearce
12/22/11 rev. 4/28/13
CHRISTIAN – popular sur and given name from the Latin "Christianus," meaning "follower of Jesus Christ," which originally in Greek was "Christos" and meant "anointed." The Hebrew was translated "mashiyach," which in English means "Messiah." The German masculine is pronounced "kris-TEE-ahn." (BehindtheName.com)
The surname Miller attached to Christian, in this case, is perhaps the most common one in our Somerset County, Pennsylvania. The demographics of this "Roof Garden," as its called, has been primarily German and Swiss-German since the European migrations began in the late 18th century, especially after the signing of the Ft. Stanwix Treaty of 1784 allowing white settlers to legally and safely cross the Allegheny Mountains and begin building homes. First arriving in Philadelphia's Germantown section a century before, they almost immediately began spreading westward toward the Susquehanna River, into neighboring Berks and Lancaster Counties. A religious people, they fell into four primary denominations: Anabaptists (Amish-Mennonite), New Baptists/Brethren (Dunkards), Reformed/Evangelicals (Congregationalists), and Lutherans (high church adherents to Martin Luther). See "German Protestants" and the articles under German Origins.
My wife Susan's maiden name was Miller, and her father's family can be traced back to the German Lutheran Joseph "Yost" Miller (b.1748), who came from Berks County to northern Somerset County (Quemahoning Twp.) in about 1782. Susan's mother's mother was a Swiss-German Amish descendant from the southern part of the county and most of her families likewise began their American experience in Berks County. Historians agree that passenger lists provide confusing clues as to who belonged to what family. Christians, Josephs, etc. abound. See more on the Amish-Mennonite settlements at Hannes "Indian John" Miller. As my research continued, I found the Miller surname the most common in the New World, and the given name Christian is to the point now where more that a dozen can be connected in one way or another within our families. For example, over the stretch of four generations, three different Miller families married into Susan's paternal grandmother Sarah Jane Baer's (b.1891) line, each from a different religious tradition, with possibly two from Susan's maternal grandmother's line, but probably all from the original Christian I.
The purpose of this article is to differentiate Susan's dad's (Richard b.1920) Lutheran, Dunkard, and Reformed families, originating with Joseph "Yost" Miller (b.1748) and Christian Baer (b.1800), from her mother's Anabaptist families, originating with the patriarch who we will refer to as Christian Miller I (b. 1642). See "Our Joseph "Yost" Miller Family Tree" and "Introduction: Baer" for the paternal, and be forewarned that you'll see several Joseph Millers and Christian Millers. So then, this piece is about the many Christian Millers, at least one nearly every generation for over 300 years. One needs a scorecard to keep the families and subsequent religious persuasions straight. Though some genealogists may disagree with our names, dates, and connections, we offer a unified theory, the first in our family anyway. Furthermore, we'll use a coding (I, II, Sr. & Jr.) that will allow the reader to understand and remember our Christian Millers of Switzerland, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Somerset County. The hyperlinks are very important here, so feel free to go off to the various family trees, but then click the return arrow and come back for more discussion. Let's begin with Susan's maternal Christian Miller connection and then trace her paternal connection, with some aside references along the way.
The earliest known Miller from either side was Rosina Mueller (birth and death dates and parents unknown) who married Gilgen Moser (b. 1550) (now spelled Musser) in 1579 in Germany/Switzerland. Rosina was first found on the maternal side of Susan's family but at this time we can't connect her family directly with and of the later Millers. That was 370 years before the birth of Susan's father, Richard Miller (b. 1920). Incidentally, one of Gilgen's probable descendants, Hans "John" Musser (b.1704), appears 150 years later as the grandfather of Susannah Musser (b.1785), who married a Christian Miller (b.1779). Research is ongoing as to him being the son of Christian "Glade," Sr., about who we will hear shortly. A later Musser, Rebecca (b.1829), also appears in Susan's maternal line. But back to the subject at hand.
Swiss-born Christian Miller I (b.1642) on Susan's maternal side, a century after Rosina, produced the famous Hannes "Indian John" Miller (b.1720/30). We refer to old Grandfather Hannes as a family signpost or marker because his story was one of a kind and his nickname is memorable. He's easy to find as a commonpoint, other than Christian, when the later Millers intermarry, as we will see later. It's his three children, Elizabeth, Christian "Glades," Sr., and Peter J. that began the various lines we are considering here. Elizabeth (b.1770) was the grandmother of Laura Catherine Speicher (b.1859), my wife's great-grandmother who married Christian F. Lee (b.1858). Incidentally, this Christian's father was Thomas "Tommy" Lee, Jr., another colorful family signpost whose mentor was Bishop Benedict Miller, another distant relative through Hannes "Indian John." Now, let's look at the Miller connection from Susan's paternal side.
Christian (Daniel) Miller II (b.1700) was the great-grandson of the above mentioned Christian I (b.1642) and father of Hannes "Indian John" Miller. There are historians who refer to Christian II as Christian Daniel and others who belief that he is confused with his brother Jacob as father of Hannes. Nevertheless, son Hannes produced brothers, as we said, to the above mentioned Elizabeth: Christian "Glades" Miller, Sr. (b.1760), and Peter J. Miller (b.1756). Each may have provided parallel lines of Millers, offering two generation of spouses in the 1800's for Susan's paternal Baers, respectively Christian Miller (b.1779), who fathered Elizabeth Miller (b.1809), wife of Christian Baer, Sr.; and Sarah Miller (b.1843), who married Abraham Baer (b.1834). By the way this was not Susan's grandmother Sarah Jane (b.1891) but rather her great-great grandmother. Below is our Christian Miller I tree with possible parallel trunks that eventually unite:
I see from reading Miller genealogies that the "Christian Miller" confusion became so great over the years, before families began using middle names and initials, that nicknames, place names, occupations, and even ancestors' names were often inserted. Now, this is in addition to some use of traditional German naming customs, about which you can read at http://www.kerchner.com/germname.htm. We earlier mentioned Christian "Glades" Miller. This nickname refers to an area in Brothersvalley Twp., Somerset County, where the family first settled. Another example is Samuel Miller, Hannes' brother, with a son also named Christian, whose occupation was that of blacksmith, and he became known as Christian "Schmidt" Miller. We relate his inspiring story in another article. Yet another Christian was referred to as "Keim," a reference to his wife's family. Other generations and lines have Christian Millers with the middle initials of "B," "G," "J," "M," and others. Research is ongoing as to the references and relations here.
In conclusion, the genealogy of Susan's Swiss-German-American ancestors can be difficult because of the duplication of common names such as Christian, but no more difficult than studying my parents' ancestors from the British Isles. See Tradition Naming Patterns in Scotland. I'm sure that all of our religious and patriotic families wished to preserve, remember, and honor biblical and royal names that identified their ancestors. In fact, the duplication of names can actually help the historian place persons accurately in their correct generations, if he knows the naming customs and they have been followed. So, here we find delight and perhaps even pride in the given name "Christian" as it reminds us of our religious heritage and allows us to connect our families over more than a dozen generations and almost 400 years.
See the documentation at the end of each of the various Christian Miller family trees.
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Siasat.com/News/India/India reports 27,553 new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hrs, Omicron tally rises to 1,525
India reports 27,553 new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hrs, Omicron tally rises to 1,525
ANI| Posted by P N Sree Harsha | Updated: 2nd January 2022 12:17 pm IST
New Delhi: India reported 27,553 new COVID-19 cases and 284 deaths in the last 24 hours, informed the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Sunday.
According to the ministry, the number of Omicron infections stands at 1,525 and it has spread to 23 states. Maharashtra is the worst-affected state with 460 cases, followed by Delhi with 351.
As per the ministry, the country also recorded 9,249 recoveries in the past 24 hours.
deatThe country's active caseload currently stands at 1,22,801. This accounts for less than 1 per cent of total cases which is currently at 0.35 per cent.
The country recorded 9,249 recoveries in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of recoveries to 3,42,84,561. India's recovery rate is currently at 98.27 per cent.
Meanwhile, with the administration of 25,75,225 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India's COVID-19 vaccination coverage exceeded 145.44 Crore (1,45,44,13,005) as per provisional reports till 7 am today.
While testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, the weekly positivity rate in the country currently stands at 1.35 per cent and the daily positivity rate stands at 2.55 per cent.
A total of 68 crore COVID-19 tests have been conducted in India so far.
active cases COVID-19 COVID-19 deaths India Ministry of Health Recovery Rate


text:
Bernd Höing (født 4. marts 1955 i Østberlin, Østtyskland) er en tysk tidligere roer, olympisk guldvinder og dobbelt verdensmester.

Ved OL 1980 i Moskva vandt Höing guld for Østtyskland i disciplinen otter, sammen med Bernd Krauß, Hans-Peter Koppe, Ulrich Kons, Jörg Friedrich, Ulrich Karnatz, Jens Doberschütz, Uwe Dühring og styrmand Klaus-Dieter Ludwig. Den østtyske båd var hurtigst i finalen, hvor Storbritannien fik sølv, mens Sovjetunionen tog bronzemedaljerne. I alt deltog ni lande i konkurrencen. Det var det eneste OL han deltog i.

Höing vandt desuden to VM-guldmedaljer i otter, i henholdsvis 1978 og 1979.

OL-medaljer
 1980:  Guld i otter

Referencer

Eksterne henvisninger

Roere fra Tyskland
Personer fra Berlin

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text: Окръг Уебстър () е окръг в щата Небраска, Съединени американски щати. Площта му е 1489 km², а населението - 4061 души (2000). Административен център е град Ред Клауд.


The clean, sleek lines of a newly tiled bathroom are something to behold. But, the process to get there may be obscured by the outdated tile and stained grout staring you in the face every morning as you shuffle in to get your day started. It is indeed time for a change, but where to begin? Let's consider three questions that may arise as you dream about this renovation.
Walk into any big box or tile store and the choices may just bury you in indecision. Material, color, shape, size and price swirl around your dazed expression. A bit of information might just help clarify things.
A variety of tile materials gives remodelers plenty of room to customize their space. Some prefer the warmth of Travertine or the organic feel of slate. Each option has its unique look, feel and function.
Porcelain tile boasts a dense, hard surface that thrives in wet spaces due to its lack of absorbency. Glass tile offers a variety of colors and finishes, but brings shine for a polished look. On the other hand, stone gives a natural feel. Pebble and rock tiles add textural qualities to any space. Ceramic tile works well in wet environments. Plus, if your DIY itch takes effect after a few years, this tile receives paint well.
Today's tile displays host a wide range of color choices from gleaming white to a nearly mirrored black, from natural, earthy tones to bold sea glass blues. And, the variety of shapes rivals the color palette. Octagonal, hexagonal, two-inch smaller mosaic, square and rectangular tiles offer something for everyone.
The size of the shapes extends from pebble and penny tile to 18 by 18-inch floor tiles. Add to this array the pattern options that flow from these choices, and the possibility of a one-of-a-kind bathroom design becomes reality.
You guessed it. Cost varies widely as well. Glass tile promises to be a bit more costly than other options. Though, in a smaller bathroom space or as an accent, this shiny surface may just be affordable. Ceramic tile proves slightly less expensive than glass and porcelain tile reigns king of the price tag. However, it is difficult to argue this royalty's noble qualities for the damp kingdom known as the bathroom.
Two tile qualities help assess which tiles do best in the bathroom: maintenance and traction. Porcelain and ceramic tiles work especially well in the wettest areas such as tubs and showers. Their easy-to-clean, stain resistant characteristics make them nearly maintenance free. And, they resist moisture.
Natural stone requires sealing and careful cleaning as its pores grab dirt. This tile fares best on floors or less wet areas. Finally, glass tile makes a beautiful statement as a border or edging, and wipes brilliantly clean. However, it is especially slippery when wet – definitely off-limits for the floor. But, using glass as an accent tile or on a wall produces the wow factor.
Other traction considerations exist as well. Be aware when shopping: Ceramic floor tiles are purposely designed with texture as opposed to their counterparts intended for walls. Grinding the surface flat rather than polishing makes honed natural stone a particularly good choice for slip resistance. Also, natural stones may be sandblasted for a similar effect.
Keeping you safely on your feet is the goal. Do not be deceived. Tile is slippery when wet. Choosing the right texture for flooring and shower tiles avoids accidents.
Where Would Tile Look Best in My Bathroom?
Where wouldn't tile look good in your bathroom? With the variety of tiling options, there is no bathroom surface this mainstay has not touched. Floors, walls, showers or tub surrounds, countertops and backsplashes have all been graced with the beauty of tile.
How Do I Choose the Right Colors and Patterns?
Scour the Internet for inspiration. Or, talk with the designers at a local tile store. The mix and match of tile sizes, colors and patterns adds interest. Just limit your choices to three and include only one focal point. This action creates a timeless style. Also, combine subtle colors with elements of interest for a serene feel.
Your current decorating scheme affects your choice of colors and pattern. When determining your style, take into account any existing features such as a vanity, sink or light fixtures. Choosing a design and color of the tiles that complement these features guards against a mismatched look. Be sure also to make choices that you will not tire of over time.
The size of the space you are remodeling also comes into play when making your tile decisions. Smaller bathrooms expand with light-colored tiles. For example, powder rooms prove inviting in soft pastels and neutrals. Larger spaces accommodate darker, saturated hues with more grace. Bright colors work well for bathrooms which receive a good deal of light.
Updating your bathroom tile proves to be an exciting project. With all of the options available today, you are sure to create a look that is unique to you.
RWC has relieved home improvement stress since 1959. Call us today or visit us on the web for your free consultation!


text:
Abbas hopes for Arab League approval for proximity talks on May 1.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday declared his willingness to work with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, adding that he hoped to get Arab League approval for indirect proximity talks on May 1."Try me," Abbas told Channel 2. "I say on behalf of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, that we are prepared for an agreement."
He said that US Middle East envoy George Mitchell had put forward "various ideas" on his recent trips to the region, and that the PLO would present its proposal to the Arab League on the first day of next month.
"I hope the response will be a positive one," he said.
The PA president emphasized that the demand for a halt to Jewish construction in east Jerusalem was not a new one, and that the PA had been calling for such a freeze since the Road Map was compiled.
Stressing that Netanyahu was the prime minister "chosen by the Israeli people and elected by the Knesset," Abbas said that on that basis, it was his "duty to work with him."
In response, Netanyahu said he "commends any willingness to resume peace talks."
Regarding the 'Law of Return' for Palestinians refugees, the PA leader hinted that he was not asking for an influx of Palestinians into Israel, merely saying, "The Road Map stipulates a 'just solution,' so let's just say, I want a "just solution.'"
He expressed confidence at being able to "explain" the agreed-upon solution to the refugee issue to the Palestinian people.
Concerning recent calls for renewed Palestinian resistance in the West Bank, Abbas said he did "not want demonstrations that deteriorate into violence."
Abbas played down PA Prime Minister Salaam Fayyad's stated intention to declare a Palestinian state in 2011, saying, "There will be no unilateral moves, we want an agreement."
In a message of reassurance about Hamas rule in Gaza, Abbas said he was confident that the Arab world would solve the issue, and stressed that he was in "constant contact" with the group in a bid for a reconciliation agreement.
The PA president went on to say that he had made an offer to Hamas to take captured IDF soldier Gilad Schalit off the group's hands and allow Abbas to hammer out a swap deal, but to no avail.
"I have said to Hamas 100 times, 'Give Schalit to me and I'll get a deal that will satisfy everyone,'" he said.
He recounted how during talks with the previous Israeli government, the two sides had agreed to negotiate "based on the 1967 borders with land swaps."
"I presented my maps and [former prime minister Ehud Olmert] responded with his maps," he said.


text:
14 October 2014 - Science Daily - New approaches needed for people with serious mental illnesses in criminal justice system
Responding to the large number of people with serious mental illnesses in the criminal justice system will require more than mental health services, according to a new report.
Web URL: Read more on the Science Daily website here
FAB RESEARCH COMMENT:
Please find the underpinning research paper here:
Epperson et al., 2014 - Envisioning the next generation of behavioral health and criminal justice interventions.
The authors of state, that there is "a need to define which risk factors are modifiable as targets for the next generation of interventions". Inadequate nutrition has previously been identified as risk factor for criminal behaviour - and should hence be included in the proposed holistic intervention programmes for "more stable and healthy living situations" - please see:
Crime and Nourishment: Cause for a re-think?
Dr Bernard Gesch is internationally known for his pioneering research into the links between diet and antisocial and criminal behaviour. In the late eighties he established a successful programme combining nutrition and social approaches to offending which Courts used as an alternative to imposing custodial sentences on persistent juvenile offenders.
Gesch et al 2002 - Effects of dietary supplements on antisocial behaviour of prisoners: a controlled trial
23 Feb 2010 - Nutraingredients - Omega-3, vitamins, minerals may reduce aggressive behaviour
01 August 2014 - Health Canal - Study of NSW inmates shows a lack of Omega-3s relates to aggression
In many ways, the criminal justice system is the largest provider of mental health services in the country. Estimates vary, but previous research has found that about 14 percent of persons in the criminal justice system have a serious mental illness, and that number is as high as 31 percent for female inmates. Researchers are defining serious mental illnesses to include such things as schizophrenia, bipolar spectrum disorders and major depressive disorders.
"It has been assumed that untreated symptoms of mental illness caused criminal justice involvement, but now we're seeing that there is little evidence to support that claim," said Matthew Epperson, assistant professor at the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration. Specialized interventions for people with mental illness in the criminal justice system have been developed over the past 20 years, such as mental health courts and jail diversion programs, Epperson said.
"But we need a new generation of interventions for people with serious mental health issues who are involved in the criminal justice system, whether it be interactions with police, jails, probation programs and courts," he said. "Research shows that people with serious mental illnesses, in general, display many of the same risk factors for criminal involvement as persons without these conditions."
More potent interventions are needed, the study's authors report. "First, effective and accessible mental health treatment will be an active component of any intervention for this population," said Epperson. He adds that it is vital to develop a better understanding of the many factors, in addition to mental illness, that place persons with serious mental illness at risk for criminal involvement. There is also a need to define which risk factors are modifiable as targets for the next generation of interventions.
"We need to move our collective thinking away from the uncomplicated notion that mental illness is the sole cause of criminal behavior and criminal justice involvement," Epperson said. The study's authors suggest an intervention program targeting multiple issues, including medication adherence, developing alternatives to criminal thinking patterns, providing supports for more stable and healthy living situations and personal relationships, decreasing substance abuse, helping to build skills to reduce stress and addressing trauma exposure and its negative effects.
< 14 October 2014 - Nutraingredients - Food industry must slash sugar – not just tinker
14 September 2003 - The Observer: 'Diet of Fish 'can prevent' teen violence' >


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text:
Chelaseius floridanus är en spindeldjursart som först beskrevs av Muma 1955.  Chelaseius floridanus ingår i släktet Chelaseius och familjen Phytoseiidae. Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life.

Källor

Spindeldjur
floridanus


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Remarks: Dreaming of custom designing & building your ultimate riverfront home but need the right parcel to build it on.... look no further. This 50x249 deep rectangular waterfront parcel is located steps away from John Hexall Park & Shouldice Bridge, close to all the fantastic restaurants of Bowness and Montgomery, quick commute toAlberta Childrens' & Foothills Hospital and offers abundant water front living. With these gorgeous River front views, waterfront access and coveted location you can enjoy building your customised luxury home with water based living today. Take a drive down this area - you will not be alone in building a luxury waterfront property.All you have to do is decided on what style of home you desire. Seller is open to vendor financing/ vendor take/back mortgage possibilities.
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Remarks: OPEN HOUSE SUN APR 21 FROM 2-4PM. Stunning complete renovation by Serenity Custom Homes in the heart of Braeside Estates. Just steps away from parks & schools, this fully developed bungalow has been completely redone, including new windows, roof, electrical & plumbing. Light neutral tones throughout, with wide-plank hardwood, extra-high baseboards, flat ceilings & plenty of potlights. This home is meant for entertaining, with the home centering on the large kitchen with oversized island, overlooking the expansive dining room with brick-faced fireplace. The main floor provides 3 bedrooms including the master with luxurious 4-pc ensuite and private access to one of two decks! Downstairs is a great open space for movie or games night, plus 2 additional bedrooms & a full bath, not to mention plenty of storage in the furnace room with new high efficacy furnace & new hot water tank. Sitting on a wide lot with plenty of outdoor entertaining space, this home is ready for you to move in & enjoy!


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Illinois Nuclear Plants Operate at Full Power During Record-Breaking Polar Vortex
Despite record cold, all six Exelon Generation Illinois nuclear plants provided around-the-clock, carbon-free electricity for 11 million homes and businesses
WARRENVILLE, Ill. — While arctic winds sent temperatures plunging dangerously and electricity demand soaring this week, Exelon Generation's six Illinois nuclear plants operated at full power, producing enough carbon-free electricity to keep 11 million homes, businesses, schools and hospitals safe and warm.
"Our nuclear facilities are among the safest and most reliable power plants in the country, and we are dedicated to being online when customers need us most, even in the most frigid weather conditions," said Exelon's Chief Nuclear Officer Bryan Hanson. "Thank you to our more than 5,600 full-time Illinois nuclear employees for braving the freezing cold to keep our fleet operating effectively. We are fortunate in Illinois that we don't have to choose between clean energy and reliability -- our six well-run nuclear facilities deliver both."
Exelon Generation's Illinois nuclear fleet recorded a near-perfect reliability rate last winter as well, operating 97.6 percent of the time, one of many indicators that industry experts use to rate efficiency and performance. During the 2014 Polar Vortex, Exelon Generation's nuclear fleet was critical to meeting electricity demand, as coal piles froze, and natural gas supplies were re-routed for home heating.
Winter resiliency and reliability requires year-long planning, preparation and maintenance. Exelon Generation workers spend months ensuring that backup generators and spare equipment is ready for inclement weather. This fall, operators and maintenance personnel inspected freeze protection systems, tested electrical equipment, and properly aligned plant systems to prepare all Exelon Generation facilities for sub-zero temperatures, icy conditions and heavy snowfall. These efforts are in addition to the many equipment upgrades and "winter readiness" maintenance activities performed during refueling outages.
Exelon Generation, a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), is one of the largest, most efficient clean energy producers in the U.S., with a generating capacity of more than 32,000 megawatts.  Exelon Generation operates the largest U.S. fleet of carbon-free nuclear plants with more than 19,600 megawatts of capacity from 22 reactors at 13 facilities in Illinois, Maryland, New York and Pennsylvania.  Exelon Generation also operates a diverse mix of wind, solar, landfill gas, hydroelectric, natural gas and oil facilities in 19 states with more than 12,400 megawatts. Exelon Generation has an industry-leading safety record and is an active partner and economic engine in the communities it serves by providing jobs, charitable contributions and tax payments that help towns and regions grow. Follow Exelon Generation on Twitter @ExelonGen, view the Exelon Generation YouTube channel, and visit http://www.exeloncorp.com/companies/exelon-generation.
Exelon Generation to Begin Negotiations to Acquire Full Ownership of R.E. Ginna, Nine Mile Point and Calvert Cliffs https://www.exeloncorp.com/newsroom/exelon-generation-to-begin-negotiations-to-acquire-full-ownership-of-r-e-ginna-nine-mile-point-and-calvert-cliffs Exelon Generation to Begin Negotiations to Acquire Full Ownership of R.E. Ginna, Nine Mile Point and Calvert Cliffs 11/20/2019 2:00:00 PM
Illinois' Six Nuclear Energy Facilities at Full Power During Record Cold Snap https://www.exeloncorp.com/newsroom/illinois-six-nuclear-energy-facilities-at-full-power-during-record-cold-snap Illinois' Six Nuclear Energy Facilities at Full Power During Record Cold Snap 11/13/2019 9:00:00 PM
Ginna Nuclear Power Plant Celebrates Five Decades of Carbon-Free, Reliable Power and Community Stewardship https://www.exeloncorp.com/newsroom/ginna-nuclear-power-plant-celebrates-50-years Ginna Nuclear Power Plant Celebrates Five Decades of Carbon-Free, Reliable Power and Community Stewardship 11/7/2019 8:00:00 PM
Exelon Generation's Dresden Station Outage Underway, Ensuring Reliability and Powering Local Economy https://www.exeloncorp.com/newsroom/dresden-station-outage-underway Exelon Generation's Dresden Station Outage Underway, Ensuring Reliability and Powering Local Economy 10/28/2019 5:00:00 PM
Linsey Wisniewski
Exelon Generation Communications
Linsey.wisniewski@exeloncorp.com


Adriane Westland is a full-service Associate Broker with Rodeo Realty Fine Estate in Brentwood and Pacific Palisades offices. She is a top selling realtor on the Westside for over 28 years. Born and raised in Santa Monica, Adriane is not only very knowledgeable of the local areas but both her father and grandfather were in the real estate business as well! She is known for her stellar work ethic and thorough grasp of the marketplace. Her in-depth local knowledge, decades of experience and a degree in real estate finance, give Adriane a strong competitive edge over other agents in the area. Her level of service to clients is exceptional and her professionalism is backed by the extensive resources of Rodeo Realty.
For the past 28 years, Adriane has specialized in the sale of Homes, Estates, Condos and Apartments Complexes on the Westside of Los Angeles. These areas include Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Westwood, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Venice and Marina Del Rey. Her continued recognition as a top selling broker has earned her entry into the coveted "Hall of Fame" club. Further, her continued success for over 28 years, and through all different real estate markets, demonstrates she knows what is needed to succeed, year after year.
She also has extensive probate and trust experience, which can be tricky for realtors not familiar with the laws and disclosures necessary. She is well versed in what it takes to sell a property held in a trust and the probate process.
For Sellers, Adriane will lay out a detailed marketing plan, go over the best times to sell, and even help you stage your property by rearranging furniture and de-cluttering to maximize home appeal. All to help you net top dollar.
For Buyers, Adriane will help you decide on the best areas for you, help get you pre-approved with a lender, preview properties for you, and set up private appointments for you to view the properties that best fit your needs. Having in-depth knowledge of the areas around Los Angeles, Adriane's experience will help you minimize valuable time spent looking at "everything," and help you concentrate only on those properties that will work for you. Further, working with Adriane as your Buyer's agent is a free service to Buyers.
In additions to sales, Adriane has given talks on relocation, been interviewed by the BBC over the booming Los Angeles market, has been a market consultant to financial firms, and even taught sales classes to new agents. Adriane is also very involved in local charities and sits on the Board of Directors for a well known local charity. Being a dedicated mother of two, she is also very involved in local schools. Her children are avid sailors and short videos of their escapades is located in the "video section" above.
Let Adriane put her knowledge and experience to work for you. Call today for a Free Market Evaluation of your property, or a free consultation to discover what is available to purchase in your desired price range. If Adriane does not service your area, she can assist you in finding the right agent for you in the area you desire. My sales and marketing experience can help make you next move, a smooth move.
Click to contact me here , or call me at 310 403 5535.
Pacific Palisades commands some of the highest real estate prices in the Westside because of the great community, temperate climate and great ocean views.
Historically, Pacific Palisades homes have seen some of the greatest price appreciation over the past 50 years.
© 2016 Living in the Palisades. All Rights Reserved.


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Kodi is an award-winning on-demand multi-platform theater software, previously known as XMBC. It is an open source service to stream movies, music, pictures, games and even live TV. Kodi has applications for all the primary operating systems. There are multiple benefits of using a Virtual Private Network service. Therefore, in this article, you will find out which are the best VPNs for use with Kodi and what are some of the best VPN benefits you should look out for. Furthermore, for users that are looking at saving a buck, we will mention what some of our recommended top free VPNs.


CAPE TOWN - A public law researcher says South Africa should not view refugees and asylum seekers as a burden.
Kavuro said the country's Refugees Act is vague about which rights refugees and asylum-seekers should enjoy.
He said South Africa should look to other countries and should also ask for assistance and advice from other countries.
Cape Town's Refugee Reception Office, one of only four in the country, remains closed despite a court order instructing the Home Affairs Department to do so. It's been closed for six years.


text:
Proxy Materials
Partner Tax Information
Boston Properties Announces First Quarter 2018 Results
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr. 24, 2018-- Boston Properties, Inc. (NYSE: BXP), a real estate investment trust and one of the largest owners, managers and developers of Class A office properties in the United States, reported results today for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018.
Net income attributable to common shareholders was $176.0 million compared to $97.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. Net income attributable to common shareholders per share (EPS) was $1.14 basic and $1.14 on a diluted basis, compared to $0.63 basic and $0.63 on a diluted basis for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. Net income attributable to common shareholders for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 includes a gain on sale of real estate of approximately $96.4 million, or $0.56 per share basic and $0.56 per share on a diluted basis.
Funds from Operations (FFO) were $230.6 million, or $1.49 per share basic and $1.49 per share diluted. This compares to FFO of $228.4 million, or $1.48 per share basic and $1.48 per share diluted, for the quarter ended March 31, 2017.
FFO of $1.49 per share diluted was greater than the mid-point of the Company's guidance previously provided of $1.47 - $1.49 per share diluted primarily due to:
$0.02 per share due to better than expected portfolio operations, partially offset by
$0.01 per share of greater than projected general and administrative expenses.
The Company updated its guidance for full year 2018 EPS and FFO per share as follows:
Projected EPS (diluted) for 2018 of $3.28 - $3.37 per share; and
Projected FFO per share (diluted) for 2018 of $6.27 - $6.36 per share.
Highlights -
Entered into an agreement to acquire Santa Monica Business Park, a 1.2 million square foot office park located in Santa Monica, California for a net purchase price of $616 million.
Entered into a lease with Leidos for the entirety of 17Fifty Presidents Street, a build-to-suit office project with 276,000 net rentable square feet located in the urban core of Reston Town Center in Reston, Virginia, for which construction has commenced.
Entered into a lease with Fannie Mae for approximately 850,000 net rentable square feet of the Company's 1.1 million square foot Reston Gateway office development in Reston, Virginia, for which construction is expected to commence in the second half of 2018.
Closed construction financing with a total commitment of $180.0 million for The Hub on Causeway - Residential development project located in Boston, Massachusetts.
The reported results are unaudited and there can be no assurance that these reported results will not vary from the final information for the quarter ended March 31, 2018. In the opinion of management, the Company has made all adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of these reported results.
At March 31, 2018, the Company's portfolio consisted of 179 properties aggregating approximately 50.3 million square feet, including thirteen properties under construction/redevelopment totaling approximately 6.5 million square feet. The overall percentage of leased space for the 163 properties in-service (excluding the Company's two residential properties and hotel) as of March 31, 2018 was 90.5%.
Significant events during the first quarter included:
On January 24, 2018, the Company entered into a lease agreement with Leidos for a build-to-suit project with approximately 276,000 net rentable square feet of Class A office space at the Company's 17Fifty Presidents Street development project located in Reston, Virginia. Concurrently with the execution of the lease, the Company commenced development of the project and expects the building to be completed and available for occupancy during the second quarter of 2020.
On January 31, 2018, the Company partially placed in-service its Signature at Reston development project comprised of 508 apartment units and retail space aggregating approximately 515,000 square feet located in Reston, Virginia.
On February 23, 2018, the Company entered into a lease agreement with Fannie Mae to lease approximately 850,000 net rentable square feet of Class A office space at the Company's Reston Gateway development project located in Reston, Virginia. The initial phase of the project will consist of approximately 1.1 million net rentable square feet. The Company expects to begin construction in the second half of 2018 upon receipt of all necessary approvals.
Acquisition and disposition activities
On January 9, 2018, the Company completed the sale of its 500 E Street, S.W. property located in Washington, DC for a net contract sale price of approximately $118.6 million. After adjusting for outstanding lease related costs assumed by the buyer, the gross sale price was approximately $127.6 million. Net cash proceeds totaled approximately $116.1 million, resulting in a gain on sale of real estate totaling approximately $96.4 million. 500 E Street, S.W. is an approximately 262,000 net rentable square foot Class A office property. The property is 100% leased with 21% expecting to vacate in February 2019.
Transactions completed subsequent to March 31, 2018:
On April 19, 2018, a joint venture in which the Company has a 50% interest obtained construction financing with a total commitment of $180.0 million collateralized by its Hub on Causeway - Residential development project. The construction financing bears interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.00% per annum and matures on April 19, 2022, with two, one-year extension options, subject to certain conditions. The joint venture has not yet drawn any funds under the loan. The Hub on Causeway - Residential is an approximately 320,000 square foot project comprised of 440 residential units located in Boston, Massachusetts.
On April 23, 2018, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire Santa Monica Business Park in the Ocean Park neighborhood of Santa Monica, California for a net purchase price of approximately $616.0 million. Santa Monica Business Park is a 47-acre office park that contains 21 buildings and approximately 1.2 million square feet. Approximately 70% of the rentable square footage is subject to a ground lease with 80 years remaining including renewal periods. The ground lease provides the Company with the right to purchase the fee in 2028 with subsequent purchase rights every 15 years. The property is 94% leased. The closing is subject to customary closing conditions and termination rights for transactions of this type. There can be no assurance that the acquisition will be completed on the terms currently contemplated, or at all.
On April 24, 2018, the Company's Operating Partnership exercised its option to draw $500.0 million on its unsecured delayed draw term loan facility. The unsecured term loan totaling $500.0 million bears interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 0.90% per annum based on the Company's Operating Partnership's current credit rating and matures on April 24, 2022.
EPS and FFO per Share Guidance:
The Company's guidance for the second quarter and full year 2018 for EPS (diluted) and FFO per share (diluted) is set forth and reconciled below. Except as described below, the estimates reflect management's view of current and future market conditions, including assumptions with respect to rental rates, occupancy levels and the earnings impact of the events referenced in this release and otherwise referenced during the conference call referred to below. The estimates do not include possible future gains or losses or the impact on operating results from other possible future property acquisitions or dispositions, other possible capital markets activity or possible future impairment charges. EPS estimates may be subject to fluctuations as a result of several factors, including changes in the recognition of depreciation and amortization expense and any gains or losses associated with disposition activity. The Company is not able to assess at this time the potential impact of these factors on projected EPS. By definition, FFO does not include real estate-related depreciation and amortization, impairment losses on depreciable real estate or gains or losses associated with disposition activities. There can be no assurance that the Company's actual results will not differ materially from the estimates set forth below.
As set forth below, the Company has updated its projected EPS (diluted) for the full year 2018 to $3.28 - $3.37 per share from $3.24 - $3.37 per share. This is an increase of $0.02 per share at the mid-point of the Company's guidance consisting of $0.03 per share of better than expected portfolio performance, $0.01 per share of additional development and management service revenue, offset by a ($0.02) per share increase in general and administrative expenses.
In addition, the Company has updated its projected guidance for FFO per share (diluted) for the full year to $6.27 - $6.36 per share from $6.23 - $6.36 per share. This is an increase of $0.02 per share at the mid-point of the Company's guidance consisting of $0.03 per share of better than expected portfolio performance, $0.01 per share of additional development and management service revenue, offset by a ($0.02) per share increase in general and administrative expenses.
Second Quarter 2018 Full Year 2018
Low - High Low - High
Projected EPS (diluted) $
Projected Company Share of Real Estate
0.88 - 0.88 3.55 - 3.55
Projected Company Share of Gains on
Sales of Real Estate
Projected FFO per Share (diluted) $
Boston Properties will host a conference call on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at 10:00 AM Eastern Time, open to the general public, to discuss the first quarter 2018 results, the 2018 projections and related assumptions, and other matters that may be of interest to investors. The number to call for this interactive teleconference is (877) 706-4503 (Domestic) or (281) 913-8731 (International) and entering the passcode 2278079. A replay of the conference call will be available through May 9, 2018, by dialing (855) 859-2056 (Domestic) or (404) 537-3406 (International) and entering the passcode 2278079. There will also be a live audio webcast of the call which may be accessed on the Company's website at www.bostonproperties.com in the Investor Relations section. Shortly after the call a replay of the webcast will be available in the Investor Relations section of the Company's website and archived for up to twelve months following the call.
Additionally, a copy of Boston Properties' first quarter 2018 "Supplemental Operating and Financial Data" and this press release are available in the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at www.bostonproperties.com.
Boston Properties is a fully integrated real estate investment trust that develops, redevelops, acquires, manages, operates and owns a diverse portfolio of primarily Class A office space totaling 50.3 million square feet and consisting of 167 office properties (including nine properties under construction), six residential properties (including four properties under construction), five retail properties and one hotel. The Company is one of the largest owners and developers of Class A office properties in the United States, concentrated in five markets - Boston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Washington, DC.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Federal securities laws. You can identify these statements by our use of the words "assumes," "believes," "budgeted," "estimates," "expects," "guidance," "intends," "plans," "projects" and similar expressions that do not relate to historical matters. You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond Boston Properties' control and could materially affect actual results, performance or achievements. These factors include, without limitation, the Company's ability to satisfy the closing conditions to the pending transactions described above, the Company's ability to enter into new leases or renew leases on favorable terms, dependence on tenants' financial condition, the uncertainties of real estate development, acquisition and disposition activity, the ability to effectively integrate acquisitions, the uncertainties of investing in new markets, the costs and availability of financing, the effectiveness of our interest rate hedging contracts, the ability of our joint venture partners to satisfy their obligations, the effects of local, national and international economic and market conditions, the effects of acquisitions, dispositions and possible impairment charges on our operating results, the impact of newly adopted accounting principles on the Company's accounting policies and on period-to-period comparisons of financial results, regulatory changes and other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Boston Properties does not undertake a duty to update or revise any forward-looking statement, including its guidance for the second quarter and full fiscal year 2018, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
BOSTON PROPERTIES, INC.
(in thousands, except for share
and par value amounts)
Real estate, at cost $ 19,849,252 $ 19,622,379
Construction in progress 1,262,886 1,269,338
Land held for future development 204,506 204,925
Less: accumulated depreciation (4,674,838 ) (4,589,634 )
Total real estate 16,641,806 16,507,008
Cash and cash equivalents 294,571 434,767
Cash held in escrows 160,558 70,602
Investments in securities 29,353 29,161
Tenant and other receivables, net 73,401 92,186
Accrued rental income, net 888,907 861,575
Deferred charges, net 681,369 679,038
Prepaid expenses and other assets 147,256 77,971
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures 666,718 619,925
Total assets $ 19,583,939 $ 19,372,233
Liabilities:
Mortgage notes payable, net $ 2,974,930 $ 2,979,281
Unsecured senior notes, net 7,249,383 7,247,330
Unsecured line of credit 115,000 45,000
Unsecured term loan — —
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 355,002 331,500
Dividends and distributions payable 139,218 139,040
Accrued interest payable 96,176 83,646
Other liabilities 470,140 443,980
Total liabilities 11,399,849 11,269,777
Commitments and contingencies — —
Stockholders' equity attributable to Boston Properties, Inc.:
Excess stock, $0.01 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding — —
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized; 5.25% Series B cumulative redeemable preferred stock, $0.01 par value, liquidation preference $2,500 per share, 92,000 shares authorized, 80,000 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 200,000 200,000
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized, 154,441,203 and 154,404,186 issued and 154,362,303 and 154,325,286 outstanding at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively 1,544 1,543
Additional paid-in capital 6,384,147 6,377,908
Dividends in excess of earnings (654,879 ) (712,343 )
Treasury common stock at cost, 78,900 shares at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (2,722 ) (2,722 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (49,062 ) (50,429 )
Total stockholders' equity attributable to Boston Properties, Inc. 5,879,028 5,813,957
Noncontrolling interests:
Common units of the Operating Partnership 619,347 604,739
Property partnerships 1,685,715 1,683,760
Total equity 8,184,090 8,102,456
Total liabilities and equity $ 19,583,939 $ 19,372,233
(in thousands, except for
per share amounts)
Base rent $ 519,507 $ 503,562
Recoveries from tenants 95,118 89,164
Parking and other 26,134 25,610
Total rental revenue 640,759 618,336
Hotel revenue 9,102 7,420
Development and management services 8,405 6,472
Direct reimbursements of payroll and related costs from management services contracts 2,885 —
Total revenue 661,151 632,228
Rental 240,329 228,287
Hotel 8,073 7,091
General and administrative 35,894 31,386
Payroll and related costs from management services contracts 2,885 —
Transaction costs 21 34
Total expenses 452,999 426,003
Operating income 208,152 206,225
Other income (expense)
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures 461 3,084
Interest and other income 1,648 614
Gains (losses) from investments in securities (126 ) 1,042
Interest expense (90,220 ) (95,534 )
Income before gains on sales of real estate 119,915 115,431
Gains on sales of real estate 96,397 133
Net income 216,312 115,564
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Noncontrolling interests in property partnerships (17,234 ) (4,424 )
Noncontrolling interest—common units of the Operating Partnership (20,432 ) (11,432 )
Net income attributable to Boston Properties, Inc. 178,646 99,708
Preferred dividends (2,625 ) (2,625 )
Net income attributable to Boston Properties, Inc. common shareholders $ 176,021 $ 97,083
Basic earnings per common share attributable to Boston Properties, Inc. common shareholders:
Net income $ 1.14 $ 0.63
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 154,385 153,860
Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Boston Properties, Inc. common shareholders:
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding 154,705 154,214
FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS (1)
Preferred dividends 2,625 2,625
Noncontrolling interest - common units of the Operating Partnership 20,432 11,432
Noncontrolling interests in property partnerships 17,234 4,424
Noncontrolling interests in property partnerships' share of depreciation and amortization (18,221 ) (21,415 )
Company's share of depreciation and amortization from unconsolidated joint ventures 9,444 9,041
Corporate-related depreciation and amortization (405 ) (525 )
Funds from operations (FFO) attributable to the Operating Partnership common unitholders (including Boston Properties, Inc.) 256,671 254,688
Noncontrolling interest - common units of the Operating Partnership's share of funds from operations 26,108 26,305
Funds from operations attributable to Boston Properties, Inc. common shareholders $ 230,563 $ 228,383
Boston Properties, Inc.'s percentage share of funds from operations - basic 89.83 % 89.67 %
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 154,385 153,860
FFO per share basic $ 1.49 $ 1.48
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 154,705 154,214
FFO per share diluted $ 1.49 $ 1.48
(1) Pursuant to the revised definition of Funds from Operations adopted by the Board of Governors of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("Nareit"), we calculate Funds from Operations, or "FFO," by adjusting net income (loss) attributable to Boston Properties, Inc. common shareholders (computed in accordance with GAAP) for gains (or losses) from sales of properties, impairment losses on depreciable real estate consolidated on our balance sheet, impairment losses on our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures driven by a measurable decrease in the fair value of depreciable real estate held by the unconsolidated joint ventures and real estate-related depreciation and amortization. FFO is a non-GAAP financial measure, but we believe the presentation of FFO, combined with the presentation of required GAAP financial measures, has improved the understanding of operating results of REITs among the investing public and has helped make comparisons of REIT operating results more meaningful. Management generally considers FFO and FFO per share to be useful measures for understanding and comparing our operating results because, by excluding gains and losses related to sales of previously depreciated operating real estate assets, impairment losses and real estate asset depreciation and amortization (which can differ across owners of similar assets in similar condition based on historical cost accounting and useful life estimates), FFO and FFO per share can help investors compare the operating performance of a company's real estate across reporting periods and to the operating performance of other companies.
Our computation of FFO may not be comparable to FFO reported by other REITs or real estate companies that do not define the term in accordance with the current Nareit definition or that interpret the current Nareit definition differently.
In order to facilitate a clear understanding of the Company's operating results, FFO should be examined in conjunction with net income attributable to Boston Properties, Inc. common shareholders as presented in the Company's consolidated financial statements. FFO should not be considered as a substitute for net income attributable to Boston Properties, Inc. common shareholders (determined in accordance with GAAP) or any other GAAP financial measures and should only be considered together with and as a supplement to the Company's financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.
PORTFOLIO LEASING PERCENTAGES
% Leased by Location
Boston 94.8 % 94.1 %
Los Angeles and San Francisco 89.0 % 89.3 %
New York 86.3 % 86.9 %
Washington, DC 90.6 % 91.3 %
Total Portfolio 90.5 % 90.7 %
Boston Properties
Michael LaBelle, 617-236-3352
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Arista Joyner, 617-236-3343


From Kechara Oasis' perspective, promoting vegetarianism is equivalent to promoting non-violence through respecting the lives of all living beings. They use fresh ingredients supplied by local producers to make mouth-watering dishes from the Himalayans, infused with local Malaysian flavours and spices, glazed in the influences of the Vietnamese, Chinese and Western fare which would appeal to the health conscious diners. Their auspicious vegetarian wedding menus feature nine courses bearing symbolic meanings and best wishes for the couple as they embark on their journey of wedded bliss together. The wedding food served is good especially the butter mushroom. Those who enjoy lighter meals would find the simple yet stylish dishes very delicious.
With a sleek and calm ambiance, the restaurant is surrounded by Himalayan artifacts and Buddhist ornaments with a rich sandalwood scent, equipped with modern lighting and audio-visual, karaoke system, and a stage. Kechara Oasis can handle intimate wedding reception as well as grand, full scale 50 table celebration. The design of the banquet hall is nice comparable to a hotel ballroom. As there is no alcoholic beverages served here in this restaurant, you can expect a less rowdy and more peaceful wedding celebration.
Walk into Kechara Oasis in Viva Home (Cheras) and be greeted by an atmospheric Tibetan themed décor, shrouded by Buddism-related ornaments and a rich sandalwood scent that promotes serenity and calmness. Kechara Oasis is a modernised vegetarian restaurant inspired by H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche whose life goals include encouraging the art of vegetarianism and making delicious and appealing vegetarian diet readily available to all. The dishes that are simple yet stylish, injected with harmonious flavours and a balance of colours and contrasts as well as textures inspired by Chinese, Tibetan, Vietnamese, Nepali and Western cuisines.
Kechara Oasis's atmosphere is comparable to a hotel or big restaurant. The couple has selected this huge hall for their wedding banquet of 35 tables, the air ventilation was great. I enjoyed the vegetarian lunch dishes. After enjoying a meal, it is time to give my remarks. I think the dishes taste light, this is I guess the basic requirement of healthy vegetarian food now! But for meat lovers, this vegetarian cuisine would not be able to satisfy their taste bud. Also in ethnic Chinese banquets, usually alcoholic beverages will be served but it is not allowed here. Therefore there are no rowdy toasting sessions, it provides a more peaceful environment for the guests to enjoy the food.


Also serving communities of Keizer, Independence.
There are 12 Memory Care Facilities in the Salem area, with 11 in Salem and 1 nearby.
The average cost of memory care in Salem is $4,874 per month. This is higher than the national median of $4,650. Cheaper nearby regions include Woodburn with an average starting cost of $3,450.
To help you with your search, browse the 26 reviews below for memory care facilities in Salem. On average, consumers rate memory care in Salem 4.4 out of 5 stars. Better rated regions include Albany with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Salem, Oregon, is home to nearly 170,000 residents, over 13 percent of whom are 65 years of age or older. Throughout Oregon, an estimate 65,000 seniors have dementia disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease and in a city like Salem, the need for memory care facilities that provide support and care to those who need it is considerable. There are 13 of these facilities, officially known as memory care communities, in the Salem area.
Memory care communities are strictly regulated by the Oregon Department of Human Services and regulations are similar to those in place for assisted living services, with which they often share facilities. Facilities that provide multiple levels of care are required by the state to have a segregated, secure area for memory care residents to reside.
The Salem area is home to world-class medical facilities, including those that specialize in brain health and dementia care such as Salem Health, in the event of medical emergencies or illness.
Some seniors living in Salem may find themselves with more available funds to pay for memory care thanks to the state's tax policies. Social security benefits are fully exempt from income tax, and there is no state sales tax in Oregon.
Above-average crime rates in Salem may be cause for concern for seniors and their loved ones. A total of 40 property crimes and 3.29 violent crimes occur per 1,000 residents each year in Salem. Both of these rates are above state averages.
Salem's annual rainfall is higher than the national average by three inches per year, and the city gets 51 fewer sunny days each year than the average U.S. city. This may be a major deterrent for seniors who enjoy spending time outdoors.
Memory Care costs in Salem start around $4,874 per month on average, while the nationwide average cost of memory care is $4,800 per month.
To see a list of free memory care resources in Salem, please visit our Assisted Living in Oregon page.
Salem-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Oregon are required to follow. Visit our Memory Care in Oregon page for more information about these laws.


With the help of vedic astrology and Indian astrology we make you with future predictions while following your birth ascendant, planet positions and sun & moon sign. With the same horoscope chart including moon chart and birth chart we are able to come over with most accurate and specific calculations about your upcoming lucky charms. We are specialized in finding the disposition of planets in your horoscope in order to explore the good and bad effects of the same. As with rising curiosity of getting rich and fashionable and need of getting a part of glamorous world; the demand of astrology rising at the constant rate. Today, the concept of astrology has reached to each and every corner of the world with universal acceptance.
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Rio de Janeiro (AFP) - Brazilian police on Thursday arrested Jose Yunes, a friend of President Michel Temer, in a graft crackdown connected to suspicions over the awarding of contracts at Sao Paulo's Santos port.
At least three others close to the center-right president were also detained: retired colonel Joao Baptista Lima, former agriculture minister Wagner Rossi, and Antonio Celso Greco, owner of port logistics company Rodrimar.
Prosecutors said the four could be held in preventative detention for an initial five days. The indictments were sealed, but the case appeared linked to an ongoing probe into whether Rodrimar won port contracts in exchange for bribes to Temer.
The arrests were authorized by Supreme Court Justice Luis Roberto Barroso, who is overseeing the Santos investigation.
Yunes' lawyer called his client's detention "unacceptable" and "illegal."
Temer has denied any wrongdoing in the awarding of port contracts and his cabinet secretary, Carlos Marun, told journalists the president would clear his name.
"We have complete confidence that with transparent and impartial investigations... the president's complete innocence will ultimately be clear," Marun said. "This does not weaken the government, because President Temer has nothing to do with it."
For its part, Rodrimar issued a statement saying it was "surprised" at the arrests and that in its 70 years of existence "it never paid a bribe to any public servant and never authorized anyone to do so in its name."
However, the arrests bring Brazil's giant corruption scandal ever closer to Temer. Last year, two criminal corruption charges were filed against him, but he escaped further prosecution because Congress voted against removing his presidential immunity.
Dozens of powerful politicians have fallen into the "Car Wash" anti-graft net following revelations that Brazil's leaders were systematically giving contracts with state-controlled enterprises in exchange for massive bribes.


Freshman Charlie is a loner until he falls under the spell of the free-spirited Sam and her fearless stepbrother, Patrick, in this adaptation of Stephen Chbosky's best-selling novel.
THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER © 2012 Summit Entertainment, LLC. All rights reserved.


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Justice U U Lalit, in line to become next CJI, part of landmark judgements including triple talaq
August 04, 2022 - Updated 11:10 am IST | New Delhi
If appointed, Justice Lalit will be the second CJI directly elevated to the apex court Bench from the Bar
By CUE API
Supreme Court Judge Justice U U Lalit | Photo Credit: MOORTHY RV
Senior-most judge of the Supreme Court Justice U U Lalit, who is in line to become the next Chief Justice of India (CJI), has been part of several landmark judgements. including the one which held the practice of divorce through instant 'triple talaq' among Muslims illegal and unconstitutional.
If appointed, Justice Lalit will become the second CJI who was directly elevated to the apex court Bench from the Bar.
Justice S M Sikri, who became the 13th CJI in January 1971, was the first lawyer to be elevated directly to the top court bench in March 1964.
Justice Lalit is in line to become the 49th CJI of India on August 27, a day after incumbent Justice N V Ramana demits the office.
Justice Lalit, who was a renowned senior advocate, was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court on August 13, 2014.
Landmark judgements
He has since been involved in delivery of several landmark judgements of the apex court.
Triple talaq verdict: One of the path-breaking verdicts was the August 2017 judgement by a five-judge constitution bench which by a 3-2 majority ruled the practice of divorce through instant 'triple talaq' as "void", "illegal" and "unconstitutional".
While then Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice S Abdul Nazeer were in favour of putting on hold the judgement for six months and asking the government to come out with a law to that effect, Justices Kurian Joseph, R F Nariman and U U Lalit held the practice as violative of the Constitution.
Justices Khehar, Joseph and Nariman have since retired.
Management rights of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple: In another important judgement, a bench headed by Justice Lalit had ruled the erstwhile royal family of Travancore has the management right over the historic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala, one of the richest shrines, holding that the rule of "heritability must get attached to a right of Shebait" (servitor) of the temple.
The bench had allowed the appeal of the legal heirs of Uthradam Thirunal Marthanda Varma, the younger brother of the last ruler, Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, setting aside the Kerala High Court's 2011 verdict which directed the state government to set up a trust to take control of the management and assets of the temple.
On POSCO Act A bench headed by Justice U U Lalit had ruled that touching sexual parts of a child's body or any act involving physical contact with 'sexual intent' amounts to 'sexual assault' under section 7 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act as the most important ingredient is sexual intent and not skin-to-skin contact.
Quashing the controversial 'skin-to-skin' judgements of the Bombay High Court in two cases under the POCSO Act, the bench had said the high court erred in holding that there was no offence since there was no direct 'skin-to-skin' contact with sexual intent.
The high court had held that no offence of sexual assault under the POCSO Act was made out if there was no direct skin-to-skin contact between an accused and victim.
Born on November 9, 1957, Justice Lalit had enrolled as an advocate in June 1983 and practised in the Bombay High Court till December 1985.
He shifted his practice to Delhi in January 1986, and in April 2004, he was designated as a senior advocate by the apex court.
He was appointed a special public prosecutor for the CBI to conduct trial in the 2G spectrum allocation case.
Justice Lalit is due to retire on November 8, 2022.
judiciary (system of justice)
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Today was the first buddy event! I had an awesome time with Shamus and my buddy partner Kate. The event took place at Veteran's park. When I first showed up I didnt know what to expect and I was extremely nervous. When Shamus arrived he was a little bit shy. But as the day went on he started to open up alot more. He opened up the most when we got into the splash park. We played a game where Kate and I would pretend to be trapped in this cone of water then Shamus would come and save us. We also karate kicked the water and acted like ninjas. I don't know who was having more fun, me or Shamus. After the splash park we gave Shamus his gift. Even though it was just a few matchbox cars his eyes lit up and a smile as big as Texas came over his face. After that we got snowcones, then sadly it was time to go. I can't wait for our next buddy event!


text:
Schalit recognized as disabled IDF veteran
Until now, soldiers released from captivity needed to request recognition; decision will apply to any future cases of captive soldiers.
By YAAKOV KATZ, RUTH EGLASH
Gilad Schalit in video 311 (R)
(photo credit: Reuters)
The Defense Ministry decided over the weekend to recognize Gilad Schalit as a disabled IDF veteran, even before he returns to Israel.
Schalit is expected to return in a prisoner swap with Hamas on Tuesday.
Hamas planning huge Gaza celebrations for prisoners
What Schalit needs: Peace, quiet, and treatment for PTSD
Until now, soldiers released from captivity needed to submit a request to be recognized as a disabled veteran before receiving the recognition from the ministry, which brings significant tax breaks and other benefits.
The decision was made at the request of Kadima MK Yisrael Hasson and will apply to all soldiers released from captivity in the future.
According to the decision, soldiers released from captivity will automatically be recognized as disabled veterans due to the assumption that they will, at the very least, suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
"This decision will enable us as a country to provide the minimum for soldiers who return from captivity to return as much as possible to a normal life," Hasson said. "It is our moral obligation to help soldiers who the deal, is a Hamas demand that all the female security prisoners in Israeli jails be released, and not just the 27 that Israel has agreed upon. According to press reports, Hamas is claiming there are about another 10 female prisoners, including three Israeli Arabs.
Government officials said on Saturday night that Israel had no intention of re-opening the list of those prisoners to be released.
Meanwhile, the legal department in the president's bureau has begun dealing with pardons for the prisoners to be released.
An announcement issued by the president's spokeswoman on Saturday night said lawyer Emi Palmor, the head of the Pardons Division in the Justice Ministry, would deliver all the files on the prisoners, including recommendations by Justice Minister Yaakov Neeman.
The president's legal department, headed by lawyer Orit Corinaldi Sirkis, would then prepare pardons for President Shimon Peres to sign. He is not expected to do anything to jeopardize the exchange deal.
Outside the President's Residence on Saturday night, about 25 protesters demonstrated against the upcoming prisoner exchange.
The Justice Ministry was expected to publish a list of the 450 male prisoners and 27 female prisoners due for release as part of the first stage of the Schalit deal by Sunday morning at the latest.
The list will be posted for public viewing on the Prisons Service website, and the ministry has also announced plans to operate an information center, which will be available to answer telephone enquiries from the public before the prisoners are freed.
Once the list is formally released, the public has 48 hours to petition to the High Court of Justice against the deal. If previous prisoner releases are any indication, the court will not intervene, maintaining that prisoner exchange deals are within the government's purview.
Joanna Paraszczuk and Jerusalem Post staff contributed to this report.
Click for full JPost coverage
Tags PTSD


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What would the future look like if we could all live to 100? How must housing, retirement, health care, technology and other sectors change to meet new demands?
A new collection from the Milken Institute explores possibilities about the future of aging through the lenses of 20 thought leaders in the field. These pundits, with backgrounds in research, finance, education, urban planning, public policy, public health and non-profits, lay out their individual visions of the longevity revolution's effect on where we live, how we work, how we spend leisure time, who takes care of us and whether we can stave off debilitating conditions through science.
Admittedly, this compilation appeals to my wonky side. Your mileage may vary. However, even if you're not a closet policy geek, it's worth a read. Buried within these narratives are golden nuggets of story ideas to pursue at the local, state and national levels.
He discusses the need for increasing the supply of affordable and aging-friendly homes, noting that in 2013, 1.5 million seniors spent more that half of their income just on housing. Most don't receive any federal housing assistance. And, while many older adults want to age in place, their homes and communities lack the kind of accessibility that seniors needs to remain there.
What housing models exist or are being planned in your community?
Has your city/state funding any pilot programs or have they allocated money towards affordable, accessible, senior-friendly homes?
What community services are available to enable older adults to age in place?
Yves Joanette, scientific director of the Institute of Aging at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research; and a professor on the faculty of medicine at Université de Montréal, addressed the connection between the quality of aging, our early-life experiences and how we care for ourselves during the ensuing years. "The future of aging would be brighter if there were programs to inform the public about the early-life optimal conditions that favor the good sides of our genes and diminish their dark sides," he writes.
This includes avoiding injuries like concussions, which have been linked to Alzheimer's disease, and minimizing risk factors for chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
What types of intergenerational activities, such as grandparent volunteers in schools or other community programs, are in place?
How are public health officials addressing long-term risks of chronic diseases?
If head injury prevention programs exist, are the long term effects discussed?
She hopes to see more towns and cities that are walkable, with good public transit, plenty of public spaces, and offering lots of healthy food choices and elder-appropriate services. Lawrence, Massachusetts, one of RWJF's Culture of Health Prize winners, is such a place. Princeton, New Jersey, is another age-friendly town.
How age-friendly is your town?
How many criteria does it meet on the World Health Organization's checklist?
What public-private partnerships are helping older adults in your community?
How are cities adapting their infrastructure: from lengthening the time to cross busy streets to setting up farmers markets near places where seniors congregate?
The longevity revolution is real, and it's happening now. More people are living longer, and are remaining active, vibrant participants in their communities. Most don't intend to spend 25 or 30 years doing nothing. They want to (and may need to) work. How will employers accommodate an older workforce – and value their experience? What does it mean for financial planning? These issues are also explored in the compendium.
It's an interesting, and optimistic read on the future of aging. Many of the contributors point out that the future is already here – so boomers, Gen X-ers, and even millenials need to be planning now for what life is going to be like at age 80, 90 and beyond.
This entry was posted in Aging and tagged age-friendly cities, longevity on May 25, 2016 by Liz Seegert.
I am soooooooooooooooooo calling the folks at The Milken Institute to get a hard copy of this report.
A great resource! Thanks, Liz!


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Some big cities already suffer from serious urban diseases ranging from air pollution to traffic jams. Their expansion relies primarily on the boom of real estate industry and the explosion of their population. The heavy pressure on transport and public services in the megacities have become increasingly unbearable.
The growth of big cities is partially based on the hollowing-out of smaller towns. Thus the development gaps among cities continues to widen.
To tap cities' potential as economic growth engines over the next 20 years and make the development of the cities more balanced, China needs to ensure that the urbanization over the next 20 years is more rational, so as to put an end to the current extensive style of urbanization.
It is advisable to classify cities into different ranks, stipulating the upmost population density and scale for each rank, which should serve as a bottom line for future urbanization to keep the growth of cities under control. Accordingly, the number of kindergartens, schools, hospitals and residential communities can be calculated to ensure there are sufficient affordable public services.
China should demonstrate more foresight and heed the lessons from its urbanization over the past 40 years in the planning of future urbanization in order to avoid creating environmental and social problems and urban maladies.
Urbanization is the only way for China to move toward modernization. But it needs to be rational for the future development of the nation.


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text:
Building Resilient Communities – International Volunteer Day 2018
With nearly 11,500 volunteers trained around the world, Generations For Peace is committed to and driven by volunteerism to help build peace and transform conflict from the grassroots. Through our volunteers, we have reached over 520,000 children, youth, and adults through our programmes.
Today, on International Volunteer Day, we celebrate volunteerism's ability to build resilient communities by sharing 5 stories of our own volunteers, in their own words.
The Power of Listening – Reflections of a Pakistani Peace Builder
Zahid knows Pakistan has changed since he was growing up and the ways in which volunteering has contributed to peacebuilding in communities with refugees, internally displaced people, and barriers like perception of gender.
"I had to face many challenges in the implementation of our Generations For Peace programmes. From resistant tribal leaders to gender norms posing an obstacle to effectively engaging girls and boys in our peacebuilding activities, we had to adapt and find ways to promote community acceptance and ownership of our programmes."
Read Zahid's story to learn how he uses volunteering to overcome some of the most pressing challenges facing his community in Pakistan.
It's a Woman's World
Sanja is passionate about women's empowerment, especially in peacebuilding. In her home of Tetovo, Republic of Macedonia, she has worked with GFP to implement programmes that reflect this passion, impacting youth and building peace in local communities.
"Women in peacebuilding do the work that is hardly seen at the surface. In my career as a peacebuilder, I've met so many women working in the field, designing and implementing programmes, yet very few of them are where the crucial decisions are being made. In order to have true, sustainable peace, this must change."
Read Sanja's story to learn how she uses volunteering to empower youth and women in her community.
Transforming Gender-Based Violence in Uganda
We have five days left in the 16-Day Campaign to Eradicate Violence against Women, and this story by our Pioneer, James shares how GFP is working in Kampala and Soroti, Uganda, to combat school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV).
"I have learned what I already expected to be true: many of the Participants, especially the girls, have been victims of abuse. Many had dropped out of school because of the social-psychological impact of these abuses. Others were maintaining serious emotional damage."
Read James' story to learn how he and Ugandan volunteers have helped restore the confidence of SRGBV victims, building respect, resilience, and tolerance among the students, staff, and parents.
The Difference between Changing Attitudes and Installing Metal Detectors
Georgia has faced a range of violent conflict in recent years, especially among youth. Tornike is a volunteer who works with young people and uses Sport- and Arts For Peace activities to prevent and transform the conflict he has witnessed in Tbilisi.
"Peace can be taught and learned, as it consists of certain characteristics and skills and is about attitudes and mindsets. I have seen the transformation of difficult children right in front of me through our GFP Programmes. I believe that a change in attitude is what is necessary in the effort to build peace."
Read Tornike's story to learn how volunteering has helped instil in youth a sense of leadership, understanding, and acceptance that is essential to building peace.
Naa Adei Boateng: Turning UNSCR 2250 into Action
Naa can see it everywhere she looks: the need for peace is growing. But how are we to address it?
"I have seen one constant that I believe is true, spanning across all varying factors that impact peacebuilding and transforming conflict: youth must not just be involved. They must be at the forefront, heading the conversation, leading the movements, and passing the peace they build along to future generations."
Read Naa's story to learn about how volunteering has helped her recognise the need for youth to lead sustainable peacebuilding in Ghana and around the world.
Sign up for our e-newsletter to learn more about the impact of GFP on local communities around the globe and donate here to support our programmes in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
www.generationsforpeace.org