text:
CUBA SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN
May Day in Havana plus visit to Pinar del Rio's rural communities and Viñales countryside
If you want to join Havana's legendary May Day march in Revolution Square this year you'll need to book quickly as there's just six spaces left on our popular May Day Study Tour.
This fantastic tour offers participants a special invitation to attend the May Day Rally in Plaza de la Revolución, joining over one million Cubans to mark this important day in the Cuban political calendar.
The tour includes a 3 night stay in Pinar del Río province, with visits to rural health and educational services and to an agricultural cooperative in the fascinating landscapes of Viñales. You'll also meet with Cuban trade union organisations and visit workplaces, schools and local health care centres. Plus there's plenty of time to relax and enjoy Cuban history, culture and music.
Participants can also take part in the International Solidarity Conference, sharing ideas and values with our Cuban hosts and participants from around the world.
No other country celebrates May Day quite like Cuba. The colour, music and joyous atmosphere of hundreds of thousands of Cuban's celebrating together is a once in a lifetime experience. Find out how you can join this year's celebrations in Havana.
Full details, itinerary and price here
Download the booking form
The May Day Study Tour runs from 26 April – 8 May 2018. Alongside the spectacular May Day parade, you will also have the chance to:
• Explore Pinar del Río and the dramatic landscapes of Viñales
• Try out your salsa steps in the exciting capital Havana
• Meet with workers in their workspaces and community organisations
• Support Cuba and help the campaign to end the US blockade
There will be wonderful opportunities to share experiences with the Cuban people in their local neighbourhoods and plenty of time to relax and enjoy the vibrant Cuban culture both in the city and countryside.
Be more than just a tourist!
Escape the usual tourist trail and discover the revolutionary island and its people. To book or find out more visit the links above, email tours@cuba-solidarity.org.uk or call the office Monday – Friday 9.30am-5.30pm on 0207 490 5715.
The May Day Study Tour is exclusive to the Cuba Solidarity Campaign's Cuba Travel shop and cannot be booked through any other travel operator.
We hope to welcome you to Cuba in May.
The Cuba Solidarity Campaign Team
Cuba Solidarity Campaign c/o Unite, 33-37 Moreland Street, London EC1V 8BB, UK
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7490 5715 | Fax: +44 (0)20 7490 3556 | Email | www.cuba-solidarity.org.uk
Posted by Kev on March 2nd, 2018 in National News
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – 21st MARCH 2018
The North West Probation and CAFCASS Branch AGM is to be held on WEDNESDAY, 21st March 2018 at 5.30 p.m. – Unison Regional Centre, Arena Point, 1 Hunts Bank, Manchester M3 1UN
Pay bargaining, NPS/CRC/CAFCASS terms & conditions and other members issues will be on the agenda – come and have your say.
Guest Speaker: UNISON ORGANISING STAFF WILL PRESENT UNISON STRATEGY IN RESPECT OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND PROBATION
Members present will be entered into a cash draw, prizes agreed £200 (x1) £100 (x3) £50 (x4) £25 (x12)
REFRESHMENTS/FOOD PROVIDED/TRAVEL COST COVERED
Posted by Kev on February 27th, 2018 in National News
Justice 4 Grenfell 14th February
#GMSolidarityGrenfell
Feb 14 – Manchester to host Grenfell solidarity march led by Grenfell community members
A commemorative march in Manchester on the seven month anniversary of the Grenfell disaster, led by Grenfell Community members.
14th February, 6.15 pm
From Market St Manchester to Piccadilly gardens
Organised by Manchester Association of Trades Councils and community groups, and Manchester residents who wish to express solidarity.
Silent marches led by Grenfell community members have taken place on the 14th of every month in London to commemorate the lives of those who killed in the Grenfell Towers disaster. In February the first such march will take place in Manchester.
Our event will consist of a silent march led by people walking in single file, carrying placard size photos of those Grenfell Tower residents who died in the tragedy.
We will assemble at 6:15 to distribute placards and the march will proceed at 6.30pm (prompt to coincide with the March in Grenfell itself) from the covered area outside Boots, Market St along Market Street to the statue in Piccadilly Gardens where there will be a minute's silence, followed by a few short speeches by two Grenfell residents, The Bishop of Manchester, the Fire Brigades Union, North West UNISON & TUC, and Greater Manchester Housing activists.
Kev Allsop, one of the organisers of the march said:
"On February 14th, the people of Greater Manchester will stand in love and solidarity with the 71 people of Grenfell who lost their lives, and those that are left behind to grieve without their loved ones; their possessions or anywhere to call home. We will welcome Grenfell activists Jacqui Haynes and Joe Delaney to Manchester to march with us in that hope that they can take back a message to the Grenfell community that they are not alone, that the people of the northwest will honour the working class principle of standing side by side with those that have been betrayed by the state."
If you would like to carry a placard, contact:
Kev Allsop / 07752 213514 / kevallsop@gmail.com
Posted by Kev on February 5th, 2018 in National News
NORTH WEST PROBATION & CAFCASS UNISON ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Guest Speaker: tbc
*MEMBERS PRESENT WILL BE ENTERED INTO A RAFFLE FOR SEVERAL CASH PRIZES
REFRESHMENTS/FOOD PROVIDED
Posted by Kev on January 31st, 2018 in National News
Cuba Update 31 January 2018
Blockade is obsolete and illegal says European Commission vice president
Europe has told the US many times that "the blockade is not the solution," said Federica Mogherini during a conference in Havana on 3 January.
The vice-president of the European Commission, who was in Cuba for a series of high level meetings, said: "We know well that the sole effect of the blockade is to worsen the quality of life of women, men and children", "the blockade is obsolete, it is illegal."
She confirmed that the EU would keep working to end the blockade, and that the union wants to "open doors and build bridges", in contrast to others that "build walls and close doors".
Read the full article from TeleSur
Over 50% of parliament candidates are women
Cuba may become the second highest country for female participation in parliament following its general elections in March.
Of the 605 candidates to the 2018 National Assembly, 53.2 per cent are women. If all the nominees are ratified, only Rwanda with 61.3 per cent would have a great number said president of the National Candidacy Commission, Gisela Duarte.
According to Duarte, the number of young people between 18 and 35 years old would also grow, reaching 13.2 per cent of the candidates.
Read the full news story
Find out more about Cuba's electoral system:
Download the CSC Democracy fact sheet
Spotlight on the 2018 Elections
Raffle winners announced
The CSC 2017 Blockade Buster national raffle was drawn at the CSC Executive Committee meeting on Saturday 6 January by CSC Chair and AGS of Unite the Union, Diana Holland. The raffle raised more than £10,000 for CSC campaigns and we would like to thank everyone who bought and sold tickets this year.
The winner was CSC member Matthew Bailey, from East Sussex. When he received news of his win he said:
"I am chuffed to bits and a little bit gobsmacked as I never normally win anything! I really didn't expect a prize and brought a ticket to help support CSC and its work. I visited Cuba quite a while ago and unfortunately we couldn't get to Havana that time. I am now really looking forward to going back to enjoy the country and the people, and definitely visiting the capital this time around"
View the full list of prize winners
Washington creates Internet Task Force to promote subversion
The US government has created a new Internet Task Force which aims to promote internal subversion according to a report by the Cuban newspaper Granma.
On 23 January the US Department of State convened a meeting of the task force which would look at "opportunities for expanding internet access and independent media in Cuba."
The US government has a history of attempting to destabilise countries using new technologies. Most recently, they funded ZunZuneo, a messaging platform similar to Twitter aimed at Cuban youth, but intended to build opposition to the government, as exposed by an Associated Press report in 2014.
Read the Granma report
Cycle Cuba Challenge 2018
Cycle to the salsa beat and raise money for CSC at the same time
Great Cuba gifts
Choose from our range of books, t-shirts, coffee, chocolate, music and more
Cuba on your doorstep
What's on near you in this winter, events in London and Leicester.
CSC local group events
Justice4Grenfell
The Association of Greater Manchester Trades Councils is to organise a solidarity action with the people of Grenfell at 6:30 pm on 14th February, to coincide with the march that the people of Grenfell undertake on the 14th of each and every month.
The objective of the action is to show our support for those affected by the fire; offer them our solidarity and to show our commitment to ensuring that this tragedy will not be forgotten.
One of the wider objectives is to prompt similar actions in many cities and towns on the 1stanniversary of the tragedy, the 14th June 2018, though this is for others to organise.
It was agreed that that action at 6:30 pm on 14th February would consist of 71 people (it would be great if they represented 71 organisations) carrying placards of those who died and marching silently in single file from Boots, Market St to Piccadilly gardens where a PA system will be set up.
Kevan Nelson has confirmed he will attend; along with 2 Grenfell residents Joe Delaney and Jacqui Haynes and we are seeking a prominent member of the FBU to speak along with a celebrity
I write to ask you if you or a member of your group are able to carry a placard?
If you can think of any other suitable groups let me know
Posted by Kev on January 23rd, 2018 in National News
UNISON Submission to Justice Select Committee
UNISON Response to TR Inquiry
Posted by Kev on January 10th, 2018 in National News
National Audit Office (NAO) Report on CRC Bail Out
JTU 01-18
In August last year, UNISON, Napo and GMB/SCOOP wrote to the National Audit Office to draw attention to the lack of transparency in the MOJ's multi-million pound bail out of the CRC contracts which had taken place at the end of July 2017.
As a result of the joint union letter, the NAO undertook a detailed investigation into the bail out. The NAO report of the findings of the investigation can be found here: https://www.nao.org.uk/report/investigation-into-changes-to-community-rehabilitation-company-contracts/
The report is detailed, but in summary reveals that:
CRCs are paid for the volume of rehabilitation activity which they provide, not the number of clients supervised
The MOJ claimed originally that it would transfer the commercial risk of future volumes of rehabilitation activity going down, as well as up, to the CRCs
The MOJ obtained parent company guarantees that financial protection would be provided for the taxpayer should the CRCs seriously underperform
The volume of rehabilitation activity actually went down, but the commercial risk attached to this was not transferred as promised to the CRCs, but was handed back to the taxpayer
The MOJ ended up paying the CRCs more in 2016/17 than was contractually required in order to keep them afloat
The CRCs under-estimated their fixed costs when bidding for the contracts, but the MOJ agreed that the taxpayer, not the private companies, should shoulder these costs as well
So far this has all cost the taxpayer an additional £342 million
By the end of June 2017, CRCs had, on average, met just 8 of the 24 targets set for them under their contracts. The worst performing CRC, met only 4 of its 24 targets.
Although it is entitled to fine the CRCs for poor performance, the MOJ has either waived, or allowed CRCs to 're-invest, 71% of the total of the fines which were due to the taxpayer
One of the options which the MOJ considered in respect of the poor performance of the CRCs was to terminate some, or all, of the CRC contracts, but decided instead to let the taxpayer take the strain of the failing contracts by amending the contract payment mechanisms to give the CRCs more money.
UNISON, Napo and GMB/SCOOP call upon the government to take the failing CRC contracts back into public ownership to protect the UK taxpayer from further expense in propping up unsustainable private companies.
The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee is due to hold a session on the NAO Report on 17 January.
Ian Lawrence Ben Priestley George Georgiou
General Secretary National Officer National Officer
Napo UNISON GMB/SCOOP
APPENDIX JTU16-17—BELOW
Lord Michael Bichard KCB, Chairman
157-197 Buckingham Palace Road
London SW1W 9SP
Dear Lord Bichard,
Transforming Rehabilitation: announcement of additional tax-payer spending
We are writing as the three recognised trade unions in the National Probation Service (NPS) and the 21 Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs). We wish to draw your Committee's attention to our concerns about the recent announcement by the Secretary of State for Justice of new spending on the MOJ's Community Rehabilitation Company contracts.
When you published your report into the government's Transforming Rehabilitation Reforms in April 2016 you concluded by saying:
'While NOMS' oversight of CRCs is robust, significantly lower levels of business than the Ministry projected will affect some CRCs' ability to deliver the level of innovation they proposed in their bids. Furthermore, the NPS is not yet operating as a truly national, sustainable service. Achieving value for money from the new probation system will require resolving these fundamental issues, and ensuring the right incentives for all participants in the system.'
You also indicated in the report that:
'The Ministry put prudent protections in place to help mitigate the risks to the taxpayer and to critical services where providers seriously underperform or fail outright.'
Whatever promises the MOJ made to your Committee last year in relation to its 'prudent protections', on the last day of Parliament on 19 July, the Justice Secretary issued a low key statement to staff in the NPS and the CRCs to the effect that the government had bailed out the failing CRC contracts with an unspecified amount.
In his written ministerial statement of the same date, Sam Gyimah, the Prisons and Probation Minister, referred confusingly to '…additional investment…' in the contracts, but cryptically placed a caveat over the issue by stating that this additional money will see '…projected payments to CRCs still being no higher than originally budgeted for at the time of the reforms…' Given the implications for the public purse of these apparently contradictory statements and the seeming lack of scrutiny that has occurred we consider the matter should be investigated by your committee the NAO in order to ensure taxpayers' money has been well used and parliament has not been circumvented.
We are not alone in our criticism of the timing of these two announcements, nor are we alone in extolling the view that the government is so ideologically committed to probation privatisation that it will do all it can to hide that it has failed at the expense of the taxpayer.
We are also concerned as to why the Secretary of State has not yet answered why he had not published the outcome of his department's Probation System Review which was initiated, at least in part, to '…address the observations and recommendations within the National Audit Office report on TR.'
We have written to the Secretary of State to ask him why the Probation System Review findings were not made public and to ask him to explain exactly what he meant when he told staff that he had '…adjusted the CRCs' contracts to reflect more accurately the cost of providing critical front line services..' We did so as we are very keen, and we consider you ought to be, to find out whether additional tax-payers money has been given to the CRCs over and above what they are entitled to under their contracts. There seems to be no transparency on this which is obviously totally unacceptable.
We enclose a copy of our letter to the Justice Secretary and would be grateful if you could bring this correspondence to the attention of your Committee with a view to the Committee calling in the MOJ to account for the justification for the apparent additional spend on the failing private probation contracts.
CC Oliver Lodge, Director Justice VFM
Hands off our holidays: Don't let Boris and Gove scrap our working time rights
This is worrying. The Prime Minister has repeatedly promised that working people won't lose important rights when we leave the EU, but we've always known there are many in her party who see Brexit as an opportunity to cut regulations as far as they can.
Now we're seeing the proof of it. The Sunday Times and Sun have today reported plans by ministers – including Michael Gove and Boris Johnson – to scrap the Working Time Directive.
Sign the petition to Theresa May now
This is the piece of EU legislation that underpins lots of our rights to hours, breaks and holidays. It's long been a target of the hard right, who want to give bosses even more power over workers.
When the directive came in, millions got paid holiday rights for the first time. Losing it would risk holidays for 7 million workers (4.7 million of them women, and many on zero-hours or part-time contracts).
Even more could be forced by bosses to work more than 48 hours a week. Others could lose guaranteed lunch and rest breaks, or night working protections.
This is a straight-up attack on our rights at work, and the PM needs to face down this plot in her own cabinet. No-one voted for Brexit to lose out on holidays, or to hand power over to bad bosses.
We're calling her out on this. If she won't stick to her promises now, it'll open the floodgates for the hard-brexiteers to cut back even more of our rights at work.
Can you help us add to the pressure on the PM?
Thanks for all your help,
John and the Going To Work team
Source: The Times (registration needed) https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/boris-johnson-brexit-mustnt-leave-us-a-vassal-state-p9zrf9n6s
http://www.goingtowork.org.uk | Unsubscribe | Contact Us
Posted by Kev on December 28th, 2017 in National News
Unison There for You
Newsletter Dec 2017 (1)
7 reasons to join UNISON
Each of our 1.3 million members has their own reasons for joining UNISON. But everyone receives our help and support. JOIN TODAY and you can too.
Advice, support and help when you need it at work
We have a network of trained local advisors and negotiators who will provide you with help at work when you need it most, as well as professional legal advisors and experts when appropriate.
Legal services for you at work and your family at home
Our legal support includes free help with most work problems that you may have. This can either be from our specialist in-house lawyers and a team of trade union solicitors that are on hand to help, or by local union reps, branches and officers in the UK. But our help doesn't just stop when you leave work. We offer free initial legal advice on any matter not related to work, plus a range of other legal help for you and your family. To be eligible for our legal assistance scheme you must have been a member for at least four weeks prior to the incident that led you to seek this help. You must also be up to date with your subscriptions. Legal help is provided at the discretion of the union's national executive council.
Financial assistance and debt advice in times of need
We're here for you when you need us most. Our confidential service (and registered charity) There for You, is your safety net when times get tough. We can help with sorting out finances and advise on benefits. We offer grants to help with household bills, ease debts or help with the cost of a much needed break.
Helpline open until midnight
In these uncertain times it's easy to lose sleep over job security. But don't lie awake worrying, our helpline is open from 6am to midnight Monday to Friday, and 9am to 4pm on Saturdays closed on Sunday. Your call will be dealt with by a professional who will ensure that the person who can best help will ring you back at a time that is convenient for you.
Compensation for accidents and injuries at work
If the unexpected happens you can count on our support. If you have an accident or are injured at work our specialist lawyers are there to help when appropriate. You are covered for things like assault, accidents, industrial diseases and accidents on your way to or from work. Our experts have got you covered and will do their best to get compensation for you.
Member discounts – including up to 50% off holidays
Join today and you'll have access to a wide range of exclusive member discounts and offers which could save you up to £250 – more than the cost of your membership. Savings on holidays through the UNISON travel club, plus discounts on home, car, pet and travel insurance, dental and health plans, cashback on mortgages all add up to a great deal for UNISON members.
Education, training and support
Whatever work you do, we are here to help you learn more – whether you are facing change at work, want to develop your career or want to learn something new for your own benefit. UNISON offers a range of courses and short workshops that are free to members, so whether it's brushing up on computer skills, professional development or finding out more about the union, learning through UNISON can help you develop your confidence, skills and knowledge.
Join UNISON and get essential cover
https://join.unison.org.uk/
We're the UK's largest public service union, with over 1.3 million members. Join today and you'll receive our support – with membership costing less than you might think. Before you get to work, get essential cover.
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Winter fuel grant application 2017-2018 (North West Region) – DEADLINE 16TH FEBRUARY!
We are delighted to forward details of the 2017-2018 Winter Fuel Grant Programme. Anything you can do that will ensure members on the lowest of income receive all the information that they need to apply would be very much appreciated.
Included with this e mail is the application form and survey (applicants must complete both please) and a Question & Answer leaflet which we hope will provide the answer to any questions members may have.
Please note the following important information:
· Due to the growing number of incomplete applications that we now receive, this year we will be returning any form that has information missing. A letter setting out what information is needed along with a Freepost Envelope that can be used to resubmit their form will be included.
· This programme officially launches on 4th December and closes on 16 February 2018.
WFG poster WFG 2017-18 QA WFG 2017-18 form and survey
Posted by Kev on November 30th, 2017 in National News
The Manchester Martyrs
The Manchester Martyrs were three innocent Irishmen hanged in public outside the New Bailey prison in Salford on 23 November 1867. They had been convicted of murdering a police sergeant, killed in the course of a successful raid on Hyde Road, Manchester to free two leading Fenians.
Posted by Kev on November 23rd, 2017 in National News
YOUNG WORKERS – ARE YOU WORTH LESS?
CCF21112017_0002
Posted by Kev on November 21st, 2017 in National News
Victory for campaign against Open University ban
Cuba Update Special 8 November 2017
Thanks to the persistent campaigning of CSC members, affiliates and supporters the Open University has reversed its discriminatory policy of barring Cuban students from studying at the institution.
This campaign victory comes as a direct result of the actions taken by thousands of CSC supporters writing to the OU and to their MPs; the public statements and letters sent by trade unions with links to the OU, (the NUT, UCU, Unite and Unison); and the MPs who raised the issue with government ministers and in parliament. Without the constant pressure to expose OU policy, the bar would have continued without challenge.
While we welcome the statement issued by the OU on Wednesday 8 November announcing that they would now accept Cuban students, we believe that the bar should never have been enforced in the first place.
When faced with the choice of breaking the UK's Equality Act, or risk of legal action from the United States Treasury Department, the OU chose to opt for a discriminatory policy against Cuban students. By default, they helped to implement US blockade policy in the UK.
It took a vigorous campaign from CSC, which drew national press coverage and saw questions raised in the Houses of Parliament, to shame the OU to take action to reverse their prejudiced policy.
But it should have been the British government, not the Cuba Solidarity Campaign, who challenged the Open University's blatant disregard for British laws.
By barring a student's application based on their Cuban nationality, the OU broke anti-discrimination legislation laid down by the 2010 Equality Act. By complying with the extraterritorial aspects of the US blockade, it contravened legislation which prohibits British companies and organisations ignoring UK laws in favour of US regulations.
Just a few days ago, on 1 November 2017, the British government voted with 190 other nations to condemn the US blockade of Cuba at the United Nations General Assembly. Yet, in reality they do nothing to back up this vote.
CSC believes that the government needs to follow through on their vote at the United Nations and decide whether this vote, and British laws, are worth the paper they are printed on. The only way to stop other companies and organisations capitulating to US Treasury threats is if the government sends a clear message that UK laws are sovereign. CSC calls on the government to make a public statement it will take swift and robust action against any future breaches of British law linked to extraterritorial US blockage legislation.
Once again, we thank all the friends and supporters for being part of this campaign victory by taking action to pressure to Open University to reverse its bar against Cuban students. It is a testament to the power of campaigning and international solidarity.
If you are not already a member of CSC
please consider joining here
If you would like to support our work,
please donate here
Yours in solidarity
JUSTICE SELECT COMMITTEE INQUIRY INTO TRANSFORMING REHABILITATION – HAVE YOUR SAY URGENT!
Please find a link below to an online survey asking UNISON members working for the NPS and the CRCs to provide input into UNISON's response to the Justice Select Committee Inquiry into Transforming Rehabilitation. The call for evidence closes on 17 November and UNISON aims to put in one collective response on behalf of NPS and CRC members.
The Justice Select Committee wants to find out:
Whether the attempts by the MOJ at the end of July 2017 to improve CRC performance by giving them more money, and by making suggested changes to the probation inspection regime, are having any effect?
What impact Transforming Rehabilitation has had on sentencing, recalls, Serious Further Offences and Through the Gate?
What should be done to improve/reform Transforming Rehabilitation?
Your views as probation staff are vital to the outcome of the Committee's Inquiry, so please do respond in any way you can. You do not need to answer every question and your comments are totally anonymous. Thank you in advance for your participation.
Responses must be made by no later than 12 midnight on 15 November.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/TR-Inquiry
CUBA – US isolated as UN votes 191-2 for end to blockade
At the United Nations General Assembly today, the world voted with Cuba in support of a resolution calling for an end to the 55 year old US blockade of the island.
The final vote, 191 to 2, saw the United States isolated, as only it and Israel voted against all 191 other member states. Although the vote is non-binding it sends a clear message to the United States government that it stands alone when it comes to its policy of blockade.
In 2016, the US historically abstained for the first time after 24 years of voting against the resolution. In her speech to the UN, Nikki Haley, the US ambassador told the organisation said that they were reversing this decision since the US people had spoken by electing a new president (Trump) who supported the blockade.
She described the debate on the blockade at the United Nations as "political theatre" and said the US delegation was voting to continue the blockade out of solidarity with the Cuban people. Josefina Vidal, Cuba's chief negotiator in talks with the US, branded these comments as disrespectful to the United Nations and an insult to Cuba.
Nikki Haley's comments also contradict US public opinion which is in favour of normalising relations with Cuba and ending the blockade. On Tuesday 31 October a group of democratic senators urged Trump by letter to abstain from the vote again. "Our failed embargo against Cuba has been repeatedly and publicly condemned by the international community as ineffective and harmful to the people of Cuba," the senators wrote. "The longer we maintain this outdated Cold War policy the more our international regional credibility suffers."
Opening his speech to the UN, Bruno Rodriguez, Cuban Foreign Secretary, condemned the "offensive and interfering" statement made by Nikki Haley.
He described the blockade as "a flagrant, systematic and massive violation of the human rights of all Cubans." "It can be described as an act of genocide", and "an obstacle to the humanitarian support that Cuba offers to 81 countries of the global South," he said.
Country representatives from across the globe spoke in support of the Cuban resolution, praising the country for the international solidarity that it provided to many poor nations in the form of medical brigades and training, despite the effects of the blockade on its own economy. They also lamented the deteriorating relations between the US and Cuba following the election of Donald Trump and called on the US to return to the path of respectful relations with the island.
In response to the vote, CSC director, Rob Miller said:
"This is a cynical move by the US government. The Trump administration, in its desperation to appease right-wing politicians, is systematically destroying the last two years of progress in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
"At a time when the island needs materials and equipment to aid its recovery from Hurricane Irma, the US policy appears more vicious than ever. It is vitally important to maintain the international campaign against the US blockade so that the US government receives a clear message that the rest of the world supports the Cuban people in their call to end this cruel and archaic policy."
Only US and Israel vote against lifting blockade on Cuba at UN – TeleSur report on UN blockade debate
Cuba's 2017 report to the UN on the affects of the blockade
Under siege Cuba deserves our support – CSC reports on 26 years of United Nations votes against the blockade
SUPPORT CUBA, JOIN THE CAMPAIGN TO END THE BLOCKADE TODAY
Find out more about Cuba's resistance to US aggression and its achievements in the face of the longest economic blockade in history by coming to one of our forthcoming events including the Che Guevara Anniversary Tour with Che's daughter, Aleida, and a special parliamentary meeting with Cuban MPs in November, plus the 12th annual Latin America Conference in December.
Posted by Kev on November 2nd, 2017 in National News
Stress is the UK's top health and safety concern, say union workplace reps
The 11th biennial TUC survey of union health and safety representatives, published today (Friday) during European Health and Safety at Work Week, finds the top-five cited hazards were stress, bullying and harassment, overwork, back strains and slips, and trips and falls on a level.
In top place was stress. Over two-thirds of safety reps (67 per cent) taking part in the survey said that stress, and the effect it is having on their colleagues, is one of the main concerns they have to deal with at work.
One in six of the workplace reps who completed the survey say their employers are failing to conduct risk assessments, which is a breach of health and safety law, says the TUC.
TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady said: "It's shocking that so many employers are breaking the law and putting their staff at risk of illness and accidents by their sheer negligence. Not only does this put people in danger while doing their jobs, the consequences also carry a high cost for British businesses and public services because it results in lower productivity and more staff spending time off sick.
"Stress remains the top concern for health and safety workplace reps. It's a particular problem in parts of the public sector like the NHS and local government that have been hit by cuts and top-down reorganisations. Sickness and absence from stress is one of the false economies of public sector austerity."
Posted by Kev on October 28th, 2017 in National News
PANORAMA TONIGHT (25/10/17)
Cuba Update 19 October 2017
Cuba reports on blockade damages in advance of UN vote
Cuba has published a report outlining the extensive damages caused by the US blockade during the last year in advance of the annual United Nations General Assembly vote on 1 November.
Education, health, sports, culture, industrial development, tourism, food and information and communications technology continue to be some of the sectors most affected by the aggressive US policy which has cost the island $US1.3 trillion since it was imposed 55 years ago.
This Report, presented by Cuba every year as a prelude to the UN vote on the resolution, also exposes the widespread condemnation of the blockade within US society and the international community, and the Cuban people's demand for an immediate end to the failed policy.
Read the full story from Granma here.
Download a copy of the report here.
Cuba Solidarity Campaign slams Trump decision to expel diplomats
Cuba solidarity campaigners have accused US President Donald Trump of pandering to hard-line Republicans by expelling Cuban diplomats from its Washington embassy.
Britain's Cuba Solidarity Campaign (CSC) spoke out after the US government ordered Havana to cut staff at the embassy by 60 per cent.
Trump's drastic move follows bizarre claims that at least 21 US embassy staff in Havana — mainly spies operating under diplomatic cover — were made ill by "sonic attacks" starting in November last year, days after US President Donald Trump's election.
CSC Director Rob Miller stressed that Cuba had denied involvement in the alleged attacks — and the US had not yet explicitly blamed Havana for the mysterious high-pitched noises reported.
Read the full story from the Morning Star.
Cuba responds to US expulsion of diplomats: MINREX Statement.
TeleSUR: 'Cuba denounces US Move to Expel Embassy Officials.
Watch: CSC's Rob Miller responds to Trump's Cuban diplomat expulsions on TRT.
Fifty years gone but Che's legacy lives on
Half a century ago, on October 9 1967, Ernesto "Che" Guevara, was assassinated by Mario Terán, a Bolivian army officer, following orders from the CIA. The Argentinian-born Cuban revolutionary hero died leading a guerrilla struggle against the US-backed Bolivian military regime of Rene Barrientos, eight years after playing a leading role in the Cuban revolution.
The enduring legacy of the Cuban revolution has been at the heart of the longevity of Che's legend.
It has delivered sovereignty, dignity and independence to the Cuban people, with achievements including free and universal healthcare, education and social care, despite all the difficulties imposed by the US blockade.
Read the full Morning Star feature.
Dates for your diary :– Aleida Guevara Tour, Cuban MPs meeting and Latin America 2017
We have a packed winter schedule with the nationwide Che Guevara Anniversary Tour with Che's daughter, Aleida, and a special parliamentary meeting with Cuban MPs in November, plus the 12th annual Latin America Conference in December.
Please check event details to ensure you register for tickets with plenty of time.
Che Guevara Anniversary Tour with Che's daughter, Aleida Guevara
Monday 6 November – Belfast – 7.00pm
First Presbyterian Church in Rosemary Street, BT1 1QB.
Contact lyndaernest@btinternet.com for more information.
Tuesday 7 November – Denbigh – 7.30pm
Denbigh Town Hall, Denbigh, North Wales, LL16 3TB.
Reserve places in advance by writing to gales2007-compras@yahoo.co.uk
Wednesday 8 November – Manchester – 6.30pm
The Mechanics Institute, 103 Princess Street, M1 6DD.
Thursday 9 November – Sheffield – Doors 6.30pm/7pm start
The Quaker Meeting House, 10 St James Street, S1 2EW.
Friday 10 November – London – 6pm
UCL Medical Sciences Building,
Room 131 AV Hill Lecture Theatre, Malet Place, WC1E 7JG
Register in advance at >http://bit.ly/CheUCL
Saturday 11 November – Glasgow – 4pm – 6.30pm
Scottish Cuba Solidarity Campaign Rally
Contact scottishcuba@yahoo.co.uk
STUC, 333 Woodlands Road, G3 6NG
Click here for full tour details.
Elections and the role of MPs in Cuba
Tuesday 28 November – House of Commons – 6.30pm
A high level Cuban parliamentary delegation will visit their counterparts in the British parliament in November as part of an exchange visit co-ordinated by the Inter Parliamentary Union. The six National Assembly members make up the largest ever delegation from the Cuban parliament to the UK, and the visit falls just before important general elections are due to take place in Cuba in early 2018.
CSC in association with the All Party Parliamentary Group on Cuba will host a public meeting with the MPs about their work and elections in Cuba.
Place are limited so please register in advance to attend by emailing campaigns@cuba-solidarity.org.uk or call Ollie Hopkins on 0207 490 5715.
Latin America Conference 2017
Saturday 2 December – 10am-5pm Registration from 9.15am
Congress House, London
With countries across Latin America facing a resurgent right and the threat of external intervention from Trump, this year's Latin America Conference will be the most crucial yet. More than 50 speakers representing progressive movements and governments from across Latin America, and politicians, journalists, trade unionists and campaigners from Britain and around the world will take part in plenary and workshop sessions throughout the day.
Find out more and book your tickets here today.
Volunteer for the Revolution
Be more than just a tourist. Experience the real
Cuba on our Winter Solidarity Brigade
Choose from our range
of books, t-shirts,
coffee, chocolate, music
What's on near you in this summer, events in Glasgow, Whitstable, Norwich, Coventry and London.


Large, child friendly, comfortable villa "Villathis property", built in 2006.
House Equipment: whirlpool, air conditioning, washing machine (private use).
Access & Parking: on the road. All-season motor access to the house. Car recommended. Situation: in the centre of Palm Mar, quiet, sunny position in a residential area, by the sea. View from the apartment of the sea and the resort.
Surroundings of the house: grounds (private use, 200 m2, fenced), swimming pool (private use, length 5 m x width 3 m), outside shower (private use), barbecue (private use).
Facilities and distances: shop 20 m, grocers 20 m, supermarket 20 m, restaurant 10 m, shingle beach 200 m, golf course 2 km, children's playground 200 m, m bus stop 10 m.
4-room house for 8 people, 100 m2 on 3 levels, comfortable furnishings.
Living/dining room with satellite TV, DVD, hi-fi system and dining-table. Smoking allowed. Internet (Wireless LAN [WLAN]). 1 double sofa bed.
Terrace 20 m2, patio 50 m2, terrace furniture, 4 deck chairs.
Other equipment: safe, children's high chair, iron, washing machine, whirlpool. own private pool. Jacuzzi for 6 people on the terrace.


To save a picture on your computer, it might be necessary that you press "ctrl" and click your mouse or touchpad while your curser is over the picture. That opens the menue, where you can choose the according option.
Lean back and have a glass of wine.
If you have saved a picture on your computer, you can easily drag it into an opened email with the typical drag-and-drop function.
I am able to print cards of good quality, although the resolution is limited to about 1280x840 pixels, in that I use inkjet paper (e.g. Photo Rag) and long lasting Ultrachrome type ink on an inkjet printer and set high-quality printing in the printing dialog. But you also may get the card printed in a shop.
The resolution is a test. I might change it, if it is not sufficient.
How to set a picture as wallpaper depends on your browser. For instance with Firefox right-click on the picture and "Set as Wallpaper". Downloading (using "Save") would be an alternative. You have to try with your computer.


Cooking for the holidays can be stressful. Sometimes, people may need a little help cooking a big holiday meal. Luckily, there are many food company hotlines that offer help with holiday cooking and baking.
Provides information on food safety concerns. Hotline is open Monday through Friday and on Christmas Day.
With this hotline, home economists and nutritionists answer questions and offer assistance on turkey cooking. For the 2018 holiday season the hotline hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday from Nov. 30 through Dec. 21; and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 22 through Dec. 4. You also can find assistance online at www.butterball.com.
This is an automated assistance hotline that answers questions about turkey. It is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. There also is an online option that provides help on how to select, prepare and cook a Honeysuckle White Whole Turkey.
This hotline helps with baked good and pies and is open weekdays. Online chats are available weekdays at www.crisco.com.
This hotline offers pie tips, weekdays 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST. You can tweet your questions on Twitter to @saraleedesserts using the hashtag #PerfectPie during hotline hours.
Home economists answer questions online at www.landolakes.com.
If you have questions on working with any type of frozen dough, this hotline can answer them. Call 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, or visit www.rhodesbread.com.
This website has several tips and recipes that people can use for the holidays.
And as always, feel free to call the Etowah County Extension Office with questions.
• The 2018 Alabama Row Crops Short Course is Dec. 13 and 14 at the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center. The free course is an excellent opportunity for producers to expand their knowledge with researchers on the cutting edge of agricultural technology. For more information, contact Brenda Ortiz at bvo0001@auburn.edu, Audrey Gamble at avg0001@aces.edu or the Etowah County Extension Office.


On this date in 1888, the "Austerlitz Murderer" — not a Napoleonic figure but an irascible septuagenarian woodsman — hanged in New York.
was the killing of Simon A. Vandercook at Austerlitz, Columbia county, in January, 1882. Both men were wood-choppers and quarrelled over a supposed gold mine near the town. The victim's body was found in Beckwith's hut, portions of it having been burned.* Beckwith fled to Canada and eluded capture until February, 1885. He was extradited, and while in custody admitted the killing, but claimed that it was done in self-defence.
* More specifically, after suspicions were aroused by the awful smell belched by Beckwith's stovepipe, the body was found hacked up and stashed under Beckwith's bed, save that "the head, one hand and a foot were gone. The teeth were found in the ashes of the stove." (Troy Weekly Times, March 1, 1888) This grisly pile spurred (likely baseless) rumors of cannibalism; he's also sometimes tagged the "Austerlitz Cannibal".


Aurora Knights were born from the marriage of Kev Hewitt's infectuous, stick-in-your-head-like-glue anthems and the thunder of Dominik Gurske's powerhouse drumming. Throw in Michael Grohs' razor-sharp lead guitar lines, the driving growl of Stefan Ehrhardt's bass and this group will have you floored. With a rock-scream that will make your teeth shatter, these songs will grab you and not let you go, your ears ringing with the chorus until long after the show's over. Based in Ruesselsheim/Germany, but these guys don't care where they are. Fronted by an Englishman and driven by a rhythm section with German precision.


text:
Mega Icon Magazine
Oyo N3,000 school fees debacle: Makinde is hasty, ex-Governor Ajimobi's aide explodes
Heart2Heart
Following the abolishment of N3000 school fees in Oyo State public schools by the new governor of Oyo State, the ex- commissioner for Education under the administration of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Prof. Adeniyi Olowofela has rather advised Governor Makinde that he shouldn't be hasty with such decision.
According to him, for the governor to abolish the payment as one of the instruments that strengthen the policy of School Governing Board (SGB), it is either he was not properly briefed or lacked information concerning the issue at stake.
Prof. Olowofela maintained that the funds generated from the abolished school fees are being used to tackle some of the challenges in the public schools in the state. He noted that this decision by the immediate past government has led to laudable developments in these schools saying the current government should go to secondary schools in the state and make enquiries as regard the development of the School Governing Board (SGB) and would be marveled with the drastic developments.
In this interview with our reporter, the University don cum politician revealed other details on why the policy of SGB and N3000 school fees payment should be sustained.
"I listened to the inaugural speech of His Excellency, the governor of the state, Engr. Seyi Makinde on the cancellation of N3,000 Education Development Levy and I realised that is either he was not properly briefed or he lacked adequate information concerning the issue as stake. Abini tio, I have made up my mind not to comment on anything pertaining to this administration. I have read several issues, both pros and cons as affect the Education Development Levy. I belief that I need to shed lights on the matter as a major stakeholder and the implementor of the project which is called ' the School Governing Board' (SGB).
I want to state to give some background information that Oyo State Government carried out Education Summit in the year 2012 to look at how to solve the perennial issues facing education in the state and shortly early 2016 when government wanted to start the implementation of some of the recommendations of the Education Summit, some members of the public misconstrued the idea and that was the time they mobilized pupils against the government, when the students demonstrate against the government's intention to make sure that we reposition the education sector in Oyo state.
"However, the government was not deterred under the leadership of the courageous leader, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi who said that we were not where we are supposed to be and that all hands must be on deck. So, on the basis of that, a 31 man committee under the chairmanship of Prof. Gbadegesin, former Vice Chancellor of LAUTECH was set up to look at the education once again and all major stakeholders were invited including religious bodies, the old students' association, people that are very vast on issues of education, the private sectors, public sectors. It was on account of that that they came up with a policy in order to solve these perennial problems. This was done to ensure all hands be on deck so as to reinvigorate and reposition the education in the state.
"The major highlight of that policy is that the Parent Teacher's Association (PTA) must participate in the programme, the old students must participate in the programme, major stakeholders must participate in the programme. And we equally recognised that some schools were established by faith base organizations, the Moslem and Christian communities. We brought everybody into this programme and that is why it was called School Governing Board (SGB) system. I need to reiterate that the recommendation of the committee was that 50% from the Education Development Levy should be with the government and other 50% should be with the boards.
"However, at the Executive Council Meeting, government decided that let the 100% be with the School Governing Board (SGB) so that they can use the money as 'Baseline Fund' to solve problems that are peculiar to each institution. And I must say that during my time as Commissioner for Education, there was hardly any week in which I was not invited to come and commission one project or the other for the government. I need to state that with this policy, a lot of funds were injected into the school system which were used to tackle the infrastructural decay. Part of the funds was used to reconstruct and built about 100 schools in the state.
ALSO READ Ibadan Mesiogo Movement throws irreversible weight behind Tegbe's candidature
"But, as I'm talking today, there is no school in the entire state in which monumental projects are not ongoing. I equally need to state that the principals of the schools are the secretary of the boards and they all commended unequivocally with popular acclamation that this is the best thing that could happen in the policy of education in Oyo state. I want to say also that our historical position as far as education is concern being the centre of the Western region. Oyo state, if you recall, especially Ibadan, is the capital city of the western region and there were so many schools that were built, even during the time of late sage Obafemi Awolowo, most of them had suffered structural and infrastructural decay.
"These funds are being used to tackle some of the challenges in these schools. I made bold to state that the current government can go to any secondary school in the state and make enquiries as regard the development of the School Governing Board (SGB). I equally want to state that ability and capability defer. There are schools that are well endowed with very strong old students, some of them include: Government College, Ibadan; Ibadan Boys High School; Ibadan Grammar School; Lagelu Grammar School. And there are some that are relatively speaking are 'younger' than the other ones. But, whether 'young ones' or 'old ones' there is no school that is not positively affected.
"I have also read the argument of Dr. Festus Adedayo as relates to Awolowo's policy as far as education was concerned. Awolowo had to raise special tax to solve the issue of primary education (basic education) as at that time. And that was one of the things that gave the western region a edge in the entire country in which they gave it to the region as the hot bed or Potpourri of education in Nigeria. I equally need to state that there are deficiencies in previous policies, but the School Governing Board (SGB) as it is presently constituted has tackled so many of the problems of the time past.
"But, when you look at what has been achieved in the last two years, because the implementation of the policy started two years ago, is so massive and the fund injected into the system too, is also massive because everybody believes that you must give back to the system that made you. I equally need to state that the current governor has also supported his alma mater which is Bishop Philip Academy under the School Governing Board (SGB) policy. The composition is such that you have 9 members for each school as at the time of implementation and we have 628 public secondary schools in Oyo state. When you multiply that one by 9, these are people that are working free of charge for their various schools.
"So, it makes management of public secondary schools easier for government and the commitment of the Board is unparalleled. So, when you remove the 'Baseline Fund' by fiat is like insulting those who invested their time and energy without being given a penny to the various institutions. I want to say that even private organisations also participated. In fact, I have also said this just before this time that if we are able to sustain this programme for the next seven years nobody will be able to distinguish between public schools and the best private schools in the state.
ALSO READ Makinde to Shut Illegal Schools in Oyo
"I believe that the step taken by the current government should be revisited and that the governor should look at all the documents that back up this policy. Let us also say that we also belief that there are some parents that are poor, there is no doubt about that. We know that there are some people that are rich as well. The rich people are not sending their children and wards to public schools, they are sending them to private schools. However, with the advent of this School Governing Board (SGB) policy, the story is changing fast. The configuration of School Governing Board (SGB) is apolitical. I was the one that wrote letters to all the chairmen of the board. Some chairmen are PDP, Accord members but we are less bothered about those ones. What we were concern about is that, what can you do to support and improve education in the state.
"It is commendable that the government of Oyo state has said it will increase the budget of education to 10%, but I can guarantee this administration that if they annulled either directly or indirectly, the School Governing Board (SGB) System and they inject even 30% of the budget into the education sector, concerning what will have on ground today, it won't solve the problem in the next 4 years. I want to say that the records are there for people to see. When this democratic dispensation started in the year 1999 , the time of late Alhaji Lam Adesina who happens to be the leader of the progressives in the state, the percentage pass in WAEC was 4%, later it moved to the era of Governor Ladoja.
"In fact Governor Ladoja also made some efforts to change the paradigm. In fact, honestly speaking, I thought that we are going to have the best result, but we find out that Ladoja/Akala era we only had 8% pass rate. At the advent of Governor Ajimobi's administration in the year 2011, the percentage pass rate was 11%. So, when you consider 4% of Lam Adesina era, 8% of Ladoja, Akala era, even the commencement of Ajimobi era, there was really no remarkable difference.
"However, shortly after the commencement of the policy (SGB) and the fact that we also cancelled automatic promotion in the state, we moved from 23% pass rate to 54.4% which happens to be the best result in the last 24 years, even prior to democratic dispensation. I equally listened to His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde when he said that Oyo state WAEC position is 26, I want to say that people are just pushing around figure that is not backed by facts.
"When Oyo state had 8%, they said we were 26th position, when we also had 23%, they said it was 26th and when we also recorded 54.4%, they said it was the same 26th position. I can tell this current governor that they will equally say that next year is 26th position, even the following year. WAEC doesn't do any rating, but done by people who think they have facts and they don't. I just want to say that people should participate in the development of their children and the development of their wards. I know that government is not spending anything less than N40,000 per child annually. While the 2018 result was 56.7% . Though, still an improvement but our target is beyond this.
"But, if a parent should contribute N3,000 per annum is that too much for having quality education? I wanted to do what Uncle Bola Ige called 'Sitdown look' for this matter, but since I find out that the argument was to and fro, I think I have the responsibility to provide some of this information. I know that there is no policy that cannot be improved upon, I have no doubt about that, however, I want to appeal to this government to revisit the issue once again because this state belongs to all of us, it was on the basis of this that I feel that I need to provide some simple explanation. I still have my fact and figure as far as this policy is concern.
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"But, I belief that it is parody, a clear case of short circuiting a beautiful, laudable and workable programme. Frankly speaking, if the government should set up a committee to look at the matter critically, I am of the opinion that the government may revise its earlier decision and encourage people, including the parent to participate in the development of their wards. We have successfully halted the poor ratings of position as far as education is concern. I just belief that this government will also mean well and will not take us back to the era in which we have nothing to show for education in the state.
"I do not want to create an impression that we know it all, I belief that policies can be look into, sustain those one that are good, improve upon those one that are necessary, but not just waking up one day by fiat. Rhetorics is not governance, government is different from rhetorics. Education certainly requires injection of funds from the government and people that have issues of education at heart. I want to state too that we have a commission that is assisting primary education which is called Universal Basic Education, for tertiary education we have a commission that is assisting them, TETFUND, the midway is the issue of secondary education , more or less there is no commission.
"I know that federal government is creating one , but it will be a disaster if we sabotage inadvertently a working policy and a programme that is working for all. Come to think of it, N3,000 per annum, what does that translate to per day, N3,000 divided by 360? Certainly, it is less than N100, per day. Though, ability defers, but I know that those parents, especially in this Southwestern part of the country will be willing to do what is require to make sure that their children have quality education. The records are there in terms of structure, content, however, despite these achievements, there are still many grounds to be covered. Anybody that give birth to a child must know that he or she has a responsibility towards that child.
"I am not making empty boast, this government cannot solve the problem of education within the next 48 months, but I wish them the best. We cannot play partisanship with the issue of education. I want to admonish this government seriously that they should revisit the issue of Education Development Levy, revisit the policies that are on ground and give credit to where credit is due and not to be hasty in taking decision. Let them take decision from informed position not from hearsay that I met one man or woman, they said that they cannot pay N1,000 for 3 months.
"I believe strongly that if we have managed the resources of this country very well, then we may be in the position to provide free education at all level to the children in Nigeria, but the reality is that the resources of this country has been badly managed. With the current economy of the state, it is impossible, impracticable for the government to solely shoulder the education in totality. There must be a way by which fund would be injected".
Related Topics:Abiola AjimobiOyo state governmentProf Adeniyi OlowofelaSchool Governing BoardSeyi MakindeSGB
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Executive Chairman, OyoSUBEB addressing community leaders at Ayepe Community Primary School, Egbeda LGA
Oyo State Government has ordered an immediate stop of work by some unknown contractors found on the premises of Community Primary School, Ayepe, Egbeda Local Government Area and Methodist Primary School, Gangansi, Ona-Ara Local Government Area.
The order was made today, following an inspection by the Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Nureni Adeniran to schools in Egbeda and Ona-Ara Local Government Universal Basic Education Authorities.
Dr. Adeniran asserted that the state Government was not averse to any philanthropist contributing his quota to the development of education in the state.
He however, warned that the Governor Seyi Makinde led government would not condone any act of illegality and lawlessness or shunning laid down procedures in the State, no matter how highly placed,.
He frowned at the destruction of Government's properties located in each school, situated within Egbeda and Ona-Ara LGUBEAs, without the knowledge of Oyo State Government.
The Chairman, who was accompanied by a team of management staff from the board therefore enjoined the contractors to pursue the right channel by making their intentions known to Government.
"We are not happy with what we observed here today. There is a government in Oyo State and it is expected that anyone who would pull down Government's properties or build on Government's land, should first inform Government".
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Thereafter, the Chairman revealed that the affected projects, could be rehabilitated, noting that, the essence of the projects are to serve the public.
"Therefore, we have ordered the contractors handling the two projects to stop work immediately. The order is to enable them to follow the right procedure, then after that, they may continue", he said.
Adeniran continued, "Oyo state Government is not averse to anybody supporting government but due process must be followed. Oyo state is not a lawless society".
He therefore appealed to politicians and philanthropists not to politicize Education service delivery in Oyo state.
"I appeal to all and sundry not play politics with the education of our children. Let us take every right and genuine step in the development of our children's lives and education", he said.
Oyo State government has declared that public school teachers would henceforth be promoted and honoured according to their diligence and efficiency , as reflected in the overall performance of their students in external examinations.
The declaration was on Wednesday made by the Chairman, Oyo State Post-primary Schools Teaching Service Commission {TESCOM} at an Interactive session he had with School Managers, Saki zone, Oke Ogun, that was held at main hall of Ansaru Deen High School, Saki, as he hinted that a committee has been set up by the Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde to have data and measurement of individual teacher across the State after which he would personally award the most efficient among them.
He said promotion of teachers would no more be 'business as usual' as the State administration has concluded plans to award excellency, based on measures of efficient and productive input by teachers to make their students excel in external examinations, adding that workers' remuneration that have always been a major cause of worry before the Seyi Makinde administration came to office has been overcome.
"You can see that our government is a listening one, we are here today to have some feedback, tell us which area we need to improve as government and I can assure you that era of unpaid salary has gone forever as this administration will continue to make prompt payment of salary its priority.
"In the last promotion that we did where over eight hundred (800) teachers got promoted, there were no report on the beneficiaries, everybody was just moved together at the same time, though we believe our teachers are noble, good and hard-working but we may have some bad eggs, who are lazy and might have might have scaled through without been qualified and the hard-working ones will be feeling cheated.
"This is why we are contemplating that at the end of every year, there must be reports on our teachers' conducts and activities, teachers that are sanctified to be good and efficient need not wait for general promotion, they will be promoted and honoured as at when due."
According to the Chairman, the interactive session which had started with Saki Zone is to be held across the Six Zones in the State and was meant to maintain a good rapport between the Commission and its teachers.
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Earlier in her welcome address, Saki zonal head, Deaconess Aderonke Oladoyinbo appreciated the giant stride taken by the present government under the leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde towards improvement of the educational sector.
"This government is playing a great role to ameliorate the plights of teachers and even students by regular payment of monthly salaries, 13 month even paid, issuance of car loan to teachers, mass promotion of teachers that have stagnated on GL 15, provision of almost 23% of State Budget on Education, free distribution of note and textbooks, intervention classes and many more."
Oladoyinbo then called on teachers to reciprocate the good gesture of the present administration and cooperate with the government by being efficient at their duty posts.
Ibadan Poly Rector Charges SUG Executives To Eschew Political Vendetta , Internal Wrangling
By Idowu AYODELE
The Rector of The Polytechnic,Ibadan, Professor Kazeem Adekunle ADEBIYI on Friday charged the newly elected Students' Union Executives in the institution to eschew political vendetta , internal wrangling and destructive youthful exuberance, which can tarnish the image of the institution.
Professor Adebiyi gave the charge while speaking during the swearing in ceremony of the Students' Union Executives and Students' Representative Council held at the North Campus Assembly Hall.
"It is imperative to note that Students'Union is not a vehicle for intimidating members of the public and fellow students.
"Under no circumstances must student leaders take laws Into their hands in the guise of "ALUTA"
"Note that every member of the Student's Union Executive and the Senate had signed a matriculation oath which must be abided with.
"You are therefore subject to the authority of the Management and Board of Studies,"Professor Adebiyi further charged, urging them to also ensure that their academic programme does not suffer at the expense of engaging in Union activities.
He assured the Students Union Executives that the management would always welcome constructive contributions to growth and development of the institution as partners in progress,but will not condone any act of lawlessness,gangsterism or dictation on the part of the students' leaders.
ALSO READ AJIMOBI TASKS MUSLIMS FAITHFUL ON TOLERANCE, HARD WORK.
Professor Adebiyi also used the occasion to thank the State Government under Governor (Engr) Seyi Makinde for his tremendous assistance to the institution and promised the loyalty of members of staff as well as their devotion to duty.
Earlier,the newly elected president of the Students' Union, Mr Blessing Fiyinfoluwa FADARE had promised to mobilize the students to support the management efforts towards uplifting the institution.
He equally promised a peaceful administration based on constructive approach to issues.
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↑ Kozinn, Allen. "John Cage, 79, a Minimalist Enchanted With Sound, Dies", ngày 13 tháng 8 năm 1992. Truy cập ngày 11 tháng 9 năm 2012.
↑ Nattiez, Jean-Jacques (1990). Music and discourse: toward a semiology of music. Carolyn Abbate, translator. Princeton University Press. 48, 55. ISBN 0-691-02714-5.
↑ Music of Ancient Egypt. Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
↑ Hickmann, Hans (1957). "Un Zikr Dans le Mastaba de Debhen, Guîzah (IVème Dynastie)". Journal of the International Folk Music Council 9: 59–62. doi:10.2307/834982.
↑ ______. "Rythme, mètre et mesure de la musique instrumentale et vocale des anciens Egyptiens." Acta Musicologica, Vol. 32, Fasc. 1. (Jan. - Mar., 1960), pp. 11-22.
↑ Rajagopal, Geetha (2009). Music rituals in the temples of South India, Volume 1. D. K. Printworld. 111–112. ISBN 978-81-246-0538-7. http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=SgVPAQAAIAAJ&q=pannisai&dq=pannisai&hl=en&sa=X&ei=fG2NUamsAaWX1AXg2YEg&ved=0CDUQ6AEwAQ.
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What do music teachers do when they're not teaching? A lot of students probably never think about it, but if you are trumpet teacher Ryan Thielman, you are busy playing music of many different genres. One of Ryan's recent gigs was playing in the horn section on rap artist Tech N9ne's newest album, which will be released in September. He also played on a new album called "G.O." for rap artist Krizz Kaliko, which is coming out in April.
If you usually associate a horn section with jazz or big band music more than with rap, you're not alone. Ryan Thielman happens to be a very versatile musician. Articles in "The Pitch" by Larry Kopitnik describe Ryan as "a dynamic young trumpet player", and an artist "whose tight solos are marked by imagination and invention."
When he's not recording with famous rap artists, Ryan can be seen around Kansas City, and the Midwest, playing in one of his many bands. He might be playing jazz with the Prohibition Hall Jazz Quartet, a high energy band that puts a modern twist on jazz standards. Or you might find him playing with "Funk Syndicate", which plays funk, R&B, soul and disco. On other nights he's playing swing music with the Foundation 627 Big Band, or salsa music with the " KC Latin Jazz Collective". After that, he's running a late night jam at the Mutual Musicians Foundation.
At Music House, we know Ryan as a fantastic trumpet teacher who really connects with his students and encourages them to excel.
Interested in taking trumpet lessons in Overland Park or Lenexa with Ryan? Give us a call at 913-562-4112, or click the button.


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How to Implement a Change at Work Without Irritating Everybody
It's not the change that's critical. It's how you activate your plan.
By Wanda ThibodeauxCopywriter, TakingDictation.com@WandaThibodeaux
A few weeks ago, one of my girlfriends stood in my living room, venting about her company's launch of a new wellness initiative. The business apparently had decided to give a dramatic makeover to the cafeteria, removing "unhealthy" options (e.g., swapping fried for grilled). This included removing pop vending machines and bringing in some outside vendors.
The move wasn't surprising, given that the business in question is a health company, and that millennials in particular consider health and fitness to be big priorities. Plus, they've got math on their side--healthy employees are more productive and cost less in terms of absenteeism, accommodations and insurance.
But the workers, who were used to specific fare, didn't buy as expected. They either went out for lunch or skipped eating altogether. And with choices now more limited, the company neglected to consider factors outside of food preparation, such as sodium and sugar content. My friend, a diabetic, couldn't eat most of the offerings. And prices, which the company had promised would be budget friendly, weren't so great, either.
The company's situation stands as a perfect example of how not to implement a new initiative or program. Here's how they could have done better, and what you should do when your faced with bringing change to the table yourself.
1. Go gradually.
Part of the reason bad habits are hard to shake cold turkey is that behaviors get tied to the reward system in the brain. If something doesn't give you the dopamine boost you're expecting, then you're not going to be as motivated to do it, and you'll walk away. And some habits can involve substances that are physically difficult to break from in other ways, as anyone who's felt a caffeine withdrawal headache knows.
Familiarity also has a psychological comfort to it, meaning that too much change all at once can create anxiety.
And finally, no one likes to be told they have to do something in the first place--it messes with our sense of authority and status, and the perception of being out of control can create stress, too.
Implementing an initiative over time if possible is, to use a familiar analogy, like boiling the frog. It's less of a psychological and physical shock, so people have time to acclimate without feeling overwhelmed. Lay out the entire plan well ahead of time and present a clear schedule for when each step is going to take effect.
2. See the big picture.
My friend's company made some assumptions about what makes food healthy or unhealthy and subsequently failed to take many employees' needs into account. Consciously looking for biases and examining a full breadth of recommendations, research and feedback can give you the larger perspective you need to keep workers safe, respected and happy.
3. Keep your promises.
My friend's business promised that new meal options would be affordable. But in reality, there was no financial benefit to the menu changes, and in fact, many options required more money than before. This kind of situation can feel like a bait-and-switch and is disrespectful.
Deliver on what you said you'd deliver, or you'll make your team feel powerless and erode the precious trust necessary to keep your team strong. If you can't give what was originally promised, be immediately transparent about it, give a clear why, and involve the employees in finding a solution.
4. Give some encouragement.
When there's some kind of positive reward to associate with a change, your brain learns to give more dopamine for that activity--that is, your brain gets trained to prefer the behavior. In my friend's business, the reward might have been a free meal for every x purchased, for example.
But research has shown that monetary or material rewards are less motivating than simple words of affirmation. People want to know they belong, that they have purpose and are doing something worth lauding. So go ahead and offer goodies or cash if you want, but the most important thing is that you personally let every individual know you see and approve of what they're doing.
Quite often, it's not the particular initiative or change that's the problem. It's how you implement it. To get the best results, always work cooperatively and collaborate, and think about how to manage reactions before you start.


These days, it's not enough to have security built into a wireless LoRa system. Microchip and The Things Industries cooperated to deliver a secure deployment solution.
Knee-jerk reactions to issues based on minimal facts can lead to incorrect conclusions and obscure the real problems. Such a situation just occurred with ThreadX.
More and more medical and personal electronics companies are embracing wearables to improve patient outcomes and higher quality of service during both the in- and outpatient treatment stages.
A simple, wearable, wireless, multi-parameter, patient monitor operated using coin-cell battery and supporting raw data over Bluetooth® 5.
Semiconductor technology advancements enable new portable and wearable devices for biosensing and monitoring, helping to enhance medical treatment, aid in health maintenance, and promote fitness.
The wearable monitor market is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by an increase in health awareness and the advent of improved monitoring services.


I'm starting this blog with the intention of sharing any helpful knowledge that I have as it pertains to coding 1. I've always found writing to be a helpful exercise in both teaching and learning. By spending time writing, I get to share my thoughts and ideas with you on a given subject, but I also get to spend time re-evaluating my thoughts and ideas. This cycle of re-evaluation helps me think of things that I might otherwise have missed initially. It also gives me the space to think of alternatives and ensure that I'm providing you, the reader, my best thoughts at any given time on a subject.
I'm lucky enough to work on different projects on a daily basis, always solving challenges that arise. If it takes me more than an hour to solve a single problem, then it's deserving of a blog post. Additionally, my solutions are almost guaranteed to be sub-optimal, which is why I have a comments box for each post. I would love nothing more than to engage in civil discourse with other developers in an effort to hear new opinions and learn how other developers might solve a given problem.
Outside of my daily work, I'm also sporadically involved in different open source projects. These include tools for developers (i.e., Concise), or what I believe to be useful websites (coming soon - 😮). These projects grant me the opportunity to work with new technologies, and to take a stab at making the life of my fellow developers easier.
As I start to work on new projects, I think that this blog would be a perfect outlet for outlining the work that I'm doing, how I'm doing it, and why.
I'm looking forward to getting the chance to write more and share what I can with you. I hope you follow along with this blog and share your thoughts as you find appropriate.
Did you like this? You can hire me!


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BRIEF: Windsor's UCHealth Family Medicine offers new provider
Published: Thu, September 8, 2016 8:41 PM Updated: Thu, September 8, 2016 8:46 PM
UCHealth now offers more options for patients in primary and specialty care throughout northern Colorado, a news release stated.
UCHealth added 14 new providers in August, including Dr. Brandon Stilson, who joined UCHealth Family Medicine, 1455 Main St. in Windsor.
He is a family medicine physician, caring for patients of all ages. He hopes to provide each patient with complete, comprehensive, evidence-based care that will be coordinated with the entire health system to optimize all aspects of each patient's health and well-being, according to the release.
Stilson's research interests include pediatrics, addiction and obesity.
He earned a medical degree from Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara School of Medicine's international program. He also completed a residency in emergency medicine, urgent care and women's health through The Institute for Family Health in New York.
Stilson is now a part of UCHealth's provider group, Colorado Health Medical Group, the release stated.
To schedule an appointment or for more information about UCHealth Family Medicine in Windsor, call (970) 686-3950.
©2016 the Greeley Tribune (Greeley, Colo.)
Visit the Greeley Tribune (Greeley, Colo.) at www.greeleytribune.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Topics: t000002827,t000003813,t000412858,t000410546
CommentsBRIEF: Windsor's UCHealth Family Medicine offers new provider


This morning we drove to Phoenix, dropped off the car – we have driven 1,506 miles, through mountains and deserts, through small towns and farmland and have flown to Atlanta, Georgia to spend the next four days with my lovely Brother and Sister-in-law. It will be good to stop moving for a few days!
My Dear SIL planned a treat for us for today – a trip to Atlanta's beautiful Botanical Gardens and an evening performance of Midsummer Night's Dream in the Gardens and what a treat that turned out to be! The garden was a story book delight! All the characters are made out of plants and are exquisite.
We didn't manage to see everything on this visit as we had to have dinner and make our way to the Theatre space which was on the 63ft wide pond! It was still very hot – it had been a very humid 29C earlier and so, along with the ticket, each member of the audience was given a fan, a lovely gesture.
The play was an absolute delight, sparkling from start to finish with just six actors taking all the parts and clearly loving every minute as we did.
My nephew is in Atlanta. I'm sending him a link to this. Stunning!
Wow! Those sculptures in the garden are most impressive.
What an amazing garden, you had a dream trip to remember!
Thank you for sharing the botanical garden pictures – they were awesome!


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Taillon, Hicks Lead Yankees to 9th Straight Win, Beat Jays | Sports News
By IAN HARRISON, Associated Press
TORONTO (AP) — Jameson Taillon and two relievers combined on a five-hitter, Aaron Hicks lined a three-run double and the New York Yankees extended their winning streak to nine by beating the Toronto Blue Jays 4-0 Saturday.
Taillon (8-1) allowed four hits and struck out eight in 5 2-3 innings to win his eighth straight decision.
Michael King worked two innings and Clay Holmes got the final four outs. The Yankees pitched their 11th shutout of the season and improved to a major league-best 49-16.
Toronto put runners at second and third with one out in the second inning, but Taillon retired the next eight batters in a row.
Alek Manoah (8-2) lost for the first time in 16 career home starts, disappointing a sellout crowd of 45,055. Manoah came in 2-0 with a 1.52 ERA in four career starts against New York, but allowed four runs and six hits in 5 1/3 innings. He walked one and struck out five.
Anthony Rizzo drew a one-out walk in the Yankees fourth, Gleyber Torres followed with a single and, after Joey Gallo struck out, Isiah Kiner-Falefa beat out an infield hit to load the bases for Hicks, who doubled to right.
For Hicks, it was his first extra-base hit in a bases-loaded situation in more than five years, and the Blue Jays were the opponent the previous time he did it. Hicks had a career-best six RBIs as the Yankees won 12-2 in Toronto on June 1, 2017.
After a mound visit, Manoah hit Jose Trevino with a pitch and the Yankees catcher was awarded first base. Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo came out to argue that Trevino had swung at the pitch and was ejected for the fourth time this season.
The Yankees had an 11-game winning streak from April 22 to May 3. That run ended with a loss to left-hander Yusei Kikuchi in the finale of a three-game series in Toronto. Kikuchi starts for the Blue Jays on Sunday.
Yankees: LHP Aroldis Chapman (left Achilles tendinitis) was scheduled to throw live BP at New York's spring training complex in Tampa, Florida, on Saturday, manager Aaron Boone said. If he feels good, Chapman will throw another live BP session while the Yankees are in the Tampa area visiting the Rays next week.
Blue Jays: Toronto said LHP Hyun Jun Ryu had Tommy John surgery. He is signed through 2023 but will need 12-18 months to recover. … The Blue Jays put RHP Trevor Richards (strained neck) on the 15-day IL and recalled LHP Matt Gage from Triple-A Buffalo. … SS Bo Bichette (right foot) returned to the lineup after sitting out Friday. Bichette left Thursday's game one inning after fouling a pitch off his foot.
When Judge's bat broke on an infield grounder in the fourth, the barrel sailed out of the infield and landed in shallow left.
New York signed INF Chris Owings to a minor league contract and assigned him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The Orioles released Owings on Monday.
Taillon walked more than one batter for the first time in 13 starts this season. … George Springer walked twice against Taillon and finished with three walks.
Saturday marked the 45th anniversary of the 1977 Fenway Park clash between late Yankees manager Billy Martin and star right fielder Reggie Jackson. After Martin substituted Jackson for not hustling in the outfield in a nationally televised game, the two nearly came to blows in the visitor's dugout.
RHP Luis Severino (4-1, 2.80) returns to the mound for New York Sunday after being scratched from Thursday's start due to illness. Kikuchi (2-3, 4.80) starts for the Blue Jays. The left-hander is winless in five starts.
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Sony Pictures Imageworks Celebrates Grand Opening in Vancouver
VANCOUVER - Today, downtown Vancouver's tech scene is welcoming an industry giant to their neighbourhood with the official opening of Sony Pictures Imageworks new global headquarters.
Imageworks is the Academy Award-winning...
Imageworks is the Academy Award-winning visual effects and animation unit of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, known for live-action visual effects and dynamic character animation.
Founded over 20 years ago, Imageworks has worked on over 75 productions to date, including the $4-billion Spider-Man franchise, Disney's Alice in Wonderland, the Warner Bros sci-fi thriller Edge of Tomorrow and Sony Pictures Animation's Hotel Transylvania. Upcoming projects include Columbia Pictures' live-action film Pixels, Hotel Transylvania 2 for Sony Pictures Animation, Disney's Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass and many more.
"B.C. is thriving because we have a diverse economy and diverse markets - and tech is leading the way," said Premier Christy Clark. "With a highly skilled talent base, attractive lifestyle and business climate, B.C. is increasingly a global destination for digital media giants."
"Imageworks' move from California to British Columbia is a clear, strong message that the right ecosystem for a technology industry to grow and thrive is right here," said Amrik Virk, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services. "For small start-ups to global giants, we have access to talent, venture capital, creative workspace and quality connectivity."
This addition to the province's technology landscape strengthens its reputation globally as Imageworks joins the list of major players, like Amazon and Microsoft, choosing to call B.C. their home.
"Imageworks is proud to call Vancouver home. The opening of this facility is the culmination of a five-year plan designed to ensure that we continue to bring the highest quality visual effects and animation to the big screen," said Randy Lake, executive vice president and general manager, Sony Pictures Imageworks.
To keep B.C.'s economy diverse, strong and growing, since Sept 2011 the BC Jobs Plan has been building on the strengths of the province's most competitive sectors utilizing our educated and skilled workforce.
Imageworks first opened a production office in Vancouver in 2010, with a staff of 80 artists - they now currently employ over 700 artists in Vancouver.
90% of their initial hires were local talent, and they continue to recruit the best Canadian talent.
They are currently working on seven different projects with Vancouver crews doing over 90% of the visual effects and animation work on each film.
British Columbia's tech sector employs approximately 4.4% of B.C.'s work force.
B.C. is among top provincial performers in terms of growth in technology revenues - outpacing overall Canadian tech revenue growth.
The Digital Media and Wireless sector in B.C. accounts for 16,500 jobs at 1,150 companies, providing $3 billion in revenues.
imageworks
Vancouver Has Established Itself as a Digital Media Mecca
Vancouver is quickly establishing itself as a digital media mecca in Canada.
The bustling West Coast city contains most of the province's digital media industry, which is home to more than 22,000 workers in BC, according to industry association data. This industry accounts for a quarter of all tech jobs in the province.
Specifically in Vancouver, over 1,000 jobs have been created and roughly a dozen companies have moved into the city in just the past four years, according to the Vancouver Economic Commission. And up to 700 more jobs are expected within the next year alone.
KPMG estimates that there are approximately 900 digital media companies in BC and that they generate roughly $1.2 billion (and growing) in revenue per year.
SOURCE: http://www.techvibes.com/blog/vancouver-has-established-itself-as-a-digital-media-mecca-2012-06-22
Minister Bell Unveils Technology Sector Strategy
BURNABY - Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Minister Pat Bell launched the B.C. government's strategy to create and support jobs in the province's fast-growing technology sector today.
"Technology is one of eight key sectors we identified in 'Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan', but it's doubly important in that technology supports all of the other sectors through product and service innovations that allow them to grow and create jobs," Bell said. "Technology enables growth in all sectors and growth means jobs for B.C. families."
As jobs in the technology sector continue to grow twice as fast as any other, B.C.'s Technology Strategy predicts by 2014 there will be over 100,000 high-tech jobs supporting British Columbian families.
In order to build on that momentum and support the sector, the strategy focuses on four key action items:
Accelerate technology commercialization and adoption.
Build on regional strengths to create new opportunities.
Develop talent for a knowledge-based economy.
Expand markets for British Columbia's technology
The strategy builds on the competitive advantages and investments in B.C.'s main technology subsectors, which include clean technology; information and communication technologies; wireless, digital and screen-based media; and health and life sciences.
"Building a knowledge-based society is key to the future of British Columbia - and British Columbians, " said Greg Peet, chair of Premier's Technology Council. "This strategy will strengthen and diversify the province's economy by encouraging the formation and growth of companies in B.C.'s vibrant technology sector."
The new $7-million BC Commercialization Voucher Program will connect small and medium-sized companies from a variety of key sectors and regions throughout the province with cutting-edge researchers in B.C.'s post-secondary system. Those collaborations will help get the most innovative products to market faster.
"The development and commercialization of technology is crucial for communities throughout this province," said Minister of State for Multiculturalism John Yap. "The sector provides innovative solutions that make B.C. competitive and bring jobs to communities both big and small."
"To compete globally, it's more important than ever that we continue to strengthen the network of resources that support innovation, the development of highly skilled talent and the commercialization of technology products and services right here in B.C.," said Jill Leversage, board chair of the British Columbia Innovation Council. "BCIC and initiatives such as the BC Commercialization Voucher Program help technology entrepreneurs accelerate their ideas from concept to the marketplace."
The B.C. government also plans to develop a second program, Productivity BC, to help companies increase cost efficiencies, production scalability and business sustainability.
In addition, a new government procurement program will help businesses commercialize their ideas and get new products into the marketplace quickly and efficiently.
B.C.'s Technology Strategy: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/technology
Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan: www.bcjobsplan.ca
We want to hear from you. Please share your ideas at:BCJobsPlan.ca
Two backgrounders follow.
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
BC Commercialization Voucher Program
The BC Commercialization Voucher program will provide vouchers in amounts of $15,000 or $50,000 to support the commercialization of technology products, services and processes.
This new program is targeted toward technology and knowledge-driven businesses in British Columbia in provincial priority areas identified under 'Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan', including Technology, Forestry, Mining, Natural Gas, Agrifoods, Tourism, Transportation and International Education.
The program provides companies that operate from a British Columbia base with access to the unique knowledge and expertise available at the province's post-secondary institutions.
Details about the program will be posted on the BC Jobs Plan website in late September.
Qualified B.C. enterprises with an applied research and development question can apply to work with a qualified graduate student expert that is registered in a B.C. post-secondary research institution.
When does the program start?
The first program intake is expected in early October.
Key B.C. technology subsectors
Clean technology includes power generation, energy efficiency, transportation and industrial processes. This subsector includes more than 200 young companies, generates $2.5 billion in revenue and provided 8,400 jobs in 2011, with $650 million in combined payroll. B.C. has the third-largest clean energy sector in the world, behind California and Germany, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Information and communication technologies and wireless comprises more than 6,000 companies undertaking software publishing, computer manufacturing and systems design, engineering services, and wired and wireless communications. B.C. has more than 500 wireless technology businesses alone, which generate revenues of more than $1 billion. The subsector provides 46,000 B.C. jobs.
Digital and screen-based media companies include more than 600 firms involved in areas such as interactive design; digital entertainment and games; digital film, animation and special effects; mobile content and applications; and e-learning. The sector employs about 16,000 people and has $2.3 billion in annual sales. The global video game market alone is projected to grow to $76 billion by 2013.
Health and life sciences companies produce medical devices, biopharmaceuticals, bio-products and process innovations. B.C.'s biopharmaceutical cluster alone comprises more than 90 companies and is the seventh largest in North America. Bioproducts are created using renewable resources and biological processes, and include biofuels, bioenergy, biomaterials, and everyday household or industrial products, with an estimated global market of $200 billion.
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DigiBC announces appointment of Loc Dao as new Executive Director
DigiBC is pleased to announce that Loc Dao has been appointed as full-time Executive Director. Read More
DigiBC announces 2020/21 Board of Directors
DigiBC announces the appointment of the 2020/21 Board of Directors Read More
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Webinar with SPI's David Smith, Sacha Kipijimpanga & Clara Chan. Read More
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MTS has announced it has launched its 4G LTE network in Steinbach, Manitoba's third largest city. The company says this launch marks the fifth city to receive LTE in 2013, with one more to come.
Just last week Rogers announced it had launched LTE in Steinbach, and since the former has both a 4G HSPA+ and LTE network sharing agreement with MTS, this latest launch comes as a natural move. Let us know how those LTE speeds are!


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POLICE NEWS: Rollover on Tatlow Road due to distracted driving, say police
Please remember to secure your belongings and don't leave garage door openers in your vehicles.
Sidney & North Saanich
• On Aug 17 at 11 a.m. police attended a single vehicle roll-over on Tatlow Road at West Saanich Road.
The driver was distracted and had reached down to retrieve something off the floor.
A violation ticket was issued for distracted driving. The driver only sustained minor injuries.
• On Aug 17, police attended a residential break and enter in the 9700 block of West Saanich Road. Entry was gained through an unlocked garage door (the vehicle in the driveway had been left unlocked, the thieves accessed the garage by using the garage door opener).
Also, ensure you lock the door that leads from your garage to your house. In this case, thieves made away with a bicycle, car keys and some change.
• On Aug 18, police responded to a collision between a cyclist and a vehicle on McDonald Park Road. The vehicle was stopped and the cyclist struck the vehicle. It is believed alcohol was a factor in this crash.
The cyclist, according to witnesses, was travelling fast and disobeyed a yield sign. The cyclist was taken to hospital and was discharged with only minor injuries.
Couple return to the spot in Sidney where they met 54 years ago
Torque Masters car show in Sidney was a classic