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News|NATO
US to NATO: Pay more or we will reduce support
Defence Secretary tells NATO that US will moderate its commitment, if fellow members do not increase military spending.
Published On 15 Feb 201715 Feb 2017
US Defence Secretary James Mattis has told fellow NATO members to increase military spending by the end of the year, or risk seeing the US curtail its defence support.
The ultimatum came on Wednesday during Mattis' first visit to the NATO headquarters in Brussels, since he was sworn in last month.
"If your nations do not want to see America moderate its commitment to this alliance, each of your capitals needs to show support for our common defence," Mattis said.
He told the alliance's 27 other defence ministers to adopt a plan that sets dates for governments to meet a military funding goal of 2 percent of gross domestic product.
Mattis's message to his counterparts in Brussels follows years of demands by the US for allies to spend at least 2 percent of their GDP on defence, a goal that only a handful meet despite agreeing to it at a summit in 2014.
Currently, only the United States, Britain, Estonia, Greece and Poland have hit or surpassed the 2 percent figure.
READ MORE: EU nations react to Donald Trump\'s remarks
Asked about Mattis' ultimatum, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said that allies needed time to develop plans. Many are already talking about increasing commitments, he added.
Stoltenberg denied that Mattis's words amounted to a threat, saying it was a "firm message" and that his colleagues agreed that they would do more to contribute.
"That message is about the importance of fair burden-sharing. It reflects a political reality in the United States," Stoltenberg told a press conference.
Despite lambasting some NATO partners' spending, Mattis hailed NATO as the "fundamental bedrock" of transatlantic security as he sought to reassure allies about President Donald Trump's commitment to the alliance.
Even though, Trump had previously said the alliance was "obsolete" and that US help to NATO might depend on how much they have paid, since his inauguration, he has taken a more orthodox stance and reaffirmed the long-standing US commitment to the alliance.
Source: News Agencies


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Keynes' General Theory, the ISLM and Roy Harrod's 'Dynamics'
by Philip Pilkington
Artice of the Week from Fixing the Econmists
Too often discussions of the relationship between Keynes' General Theory and the ISLM model focus on John Hicks' 1937 paper 'Mr. Keynes and the Classics'.
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That paper appeared in the April edition of Econometrica, Volume 5, Issue 2. But Roy Harrod had already formulated the ISLM — in half-mathematical, half-verbal form — in the January edition of the same journal, Volume 5, Issue 1. I think that an appraisal of the relationship between the General Theory and the ISLM is far better done taking leave from Harrod's paper 'Mr. Keynes and Traditional Theory' as it will allow us to clearly highlight the differences and why Harrod glossed over them.
In his paper Harrod claims that Keynes argues that investment is determined by equating the marginal productivity of capital with the rate of interest. He writes:
Of course, this is not in fact the case. Rather for Keynes investment is determined by the interest rate and the marginal efficiency of capital. The difference in the two concepts is absolutely key to understanding Keynesian economics proper. The marginal productivity of capital is a simple concept: it is the amount of output that is produced by an additional increment of capital. The standard theory says that investors will invest up to the point that the marginal productivity of capital is equal to the rate of interest. This makes sense on its own terms (that is, assuming perfectly rational, competitive etc. actors). If the rate of interest is, say, 2% and invested capital is throwing off profits of 3%, rational investors will step in and borrow at 2% to obtain the profits. Eventually the 'spread' between the two rates will become equalised.
Keynes' theory of the marginal efficiency of capital is entirely different. In the General Theory he thinks this an important enough concept that he devotes an entire chapter to it in which he writes:
I define the marginal efficiency of capital as being equal to that rate of discount which would make the present value of the series of annuities given by the returns expected from the capital-asset during its life just equal to its supply price… The reader should note that the marginal efficiency of capital is here defined in terms of the expectation of yield and of the current supply price of the capital-asset. It depends on the rate of return expected to be obtainable on money if it were invested in a newly produced asset; not on the historical result of what an investment has yielded on its original cost if we look back on its record after its life is over… The schedule of the marginal efficiency of capital is of fundamental importance because it is mainly through this factor (much more than through the rate of interest) that the expectation of the future influences the present. The mistake of regarding the marginal efficiency of capital primarily in terms of the current yield of capital equipment, which would be correct only in the static state where there is no changing future to influence the present, has had the result of breaking the theoretical link between to-day and to-morrow… The fact that the assumptions of the static state often underlie present-day economic theory, imports into it a large element of unreality. But the introduction of the concepts of user cost and of the marginal efficiency of capital, as defined above, will have the effect, I think, of bringing it back to reality, whilst reducing to a minimum the necessary degree of adaptation. (Emphasis Original)
The reader will appreciate the enormous difference here. Investment becomes wholly subject to expectations — what Keynes will elsewhere call 'animal spirits'. He thinks that if this is not taken into account the theory of investment "imports into it a large element of unreality" and will thus, presumably, not be commensurate with the real world.
Harrod actually recognises this while he is expounding the ISLM view of Keynes' work. But he then glosses over it.
Harrod seems to recognise to some extent the difference here and praises Keynes' incorporation of expectations. But he then moves to gloss over this difference. In order to do this he introduces an interesting trope: that of the 'working economist'. The 'working economist' appears to be, for Harrod, the dupe or the idiot who cannot properly understand the nuances of high theory and needs some simplistic explanation such as the ISLM.
"Oh, we clever economists know that the rate of investment is not really determined by the equalising of the rate of interest and the marginal productivity of capital," Harrod says, "But there are lesser mortals out there who need a simple theory and we shall tell these folks that this is the actual theory."
This seems a rather strange maneuver on Harrod's part. It is clear that there are a lot of 'working economists' who do appear to require such constructions in that they insist on closed, deterministic models. But I would argue that they are just bad economists. I do not see why it is so problematic to tell students (or whoever) quite clearly that investment is determined through expectational formation. Those students who cannot get their heads around this and insist that they must 'close' the model and make investment 'determined' by the marginal productivity can simply pack up and take their bags elsewhere. If you can't deal with this aspect you will not be good at applying economic theory to the real world and your pronouncements on the economy will be suspect. End of story.
But Harrod isn't just fobbing off his ISLM on the dupes. There is another motive for glossing over what appears to be the most important component of Keynes' theory of investment. Harrod does want to integrate expectations but he wants to do it in a way that he insists is different from Keynes. He writes:
Harrod had been working on his 'dynamic economics' the whole time that Keynes had been working on his General Theory. There was thus a certain amount of rivalry between the two. So, Harrod thinks that expectations should only be brought in when dynamics are being discussed.
But this is just a miscommunication between the two men. Keynes is clearly interested in dynamics. That is why he writes that determining the rate of investment by equating the marginal productivity of capital and the rate of interest "has had the result of breaking the theoretical link between to-day and to-morrow". What Harrod will try to develop in the ensuing years will be perfectly in keeping with what Keynes was doing. But Harrod felt the need to distinguish his work from Keynes'. That is why he suppressed the dynamic element in Keynes' General Theory: so that he could claim that he was the first to introduce this aspect of economics. This is a narcissism of small differences if ever you may come across one.
Today, however, the men Harrod rather derogatorily called 'working economists' have won the day. Students are simply not taught the real-world truth: investment is determined by expectations about the future that are not subject to mathematical formalisation or reduction. One month after Harrod's review appeared Keynes published a summary of his work in which he noted the danger inherent in the interpretation that Harrod was putting forward.
Keynes clearly saw the modern development that Harrod's 'working economists' would begin to use probability theorems to determine investment decisions. He saw that this was already somewhat implicit in the theory yet never expressed. But he also knew that this would only produce unrealistic rubbish.
How then are investment decisions determined. In his article Keynes gives us some pointers. He writes:
Basically, people pretend 'as if' they know what is going on. But they do not and cannot. Keynes opened the way for work to be done on how people actually cope when faced with an uncertain future. GLS Shackle paved the way for work to be done in this area but it went largely ignored (except by a few obscure psychologists). Today, however, this black box has been opened once more by a team of researchers at University College London.
Using a mixture of empirical techniques, psychoanalytical theory and economic analysis these researchers have opened up a box that has been sealed for a very long time indeed. Their findings so far, some of which I believe are being taken quite seriously by the Bank of England, are extremely promising. Frankly, I think they might change the way that good economics is done. The 'working economists', however, will probably not be very happy about this at all.
Looking Back At 2017 – A Year Of Relatively Strong Growth
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Looking Back At 2017 - A Year Of Relatively Strong Growth
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Conscious mind creates doubts. It also creates fear of the unknown. It is the inherent characteristic of the conscious mind to create doubts and subsequent insecurity. Doubts are based on the level of consciousness. On a sunny morning, when basking in the warm rays, the conscious mind is sure that its morning and there is sunshine. But, a person who sleeps inside a blanket with curtains blocking rays from entering the room can never be sure of the situation outside his windows. His mind speculates. So, the available data and the level of consciousness creates the doubt.
Doubts block progress. Doubt about anything is a hindrance. Those who dare has always found some result. Sometimes it is just a mediocre experience. Sometimes its blinding truths. It is certainly good to be brave. The roots of doubts rest in inertia (Tamas). The more tamasic a person is, the more doubts he will have.
Reasonable risks always helps progress and self esteem. Foolish risks often ruin the man. Reasonable risks are stemmed out of the intellect. Foolish risks are offsprings of emotions. What ever gets born out of intellect has longivity while every action born out of emotion usually carries the seeds of catastrophes.
All doubts will vanish with higher awareness. When we have doubts about the weather outside, just open the curtains and look outside. Likewise, whenever doubts arise, do the action and do not resort to speculation. The best way to beat doubts and even inertia is by resorting to ACT.
Does this imply that I must Act? That would mean it's more an emotional response than driven by intellect. Using my intellect would mean weighing the pros and cons sort of speculating on the positive or negative outcome. Emotional would mean jump in and I'll deal with the consequences later. Confused!
Yes, Sandy. Intellectual approach is balanced and unemotional. For example, someone scolds you and your emotional reaction almost always brings forth regrets in the future. Doubts are also part of the insecurities that we carry. Some are rooted in past experiences – or the impressions of the past experiences that we carry. By using intellect more for tackling situations, we maintain our poise and balance always. Postponement is Tamas (inertia). Not having the energy to act on what we believe is also tamas. Even when emotions overflow, if we can observe it as an outside entity, it is intellect at work. We could call it witness state. This helps us to be away from the emotional baggage of any situation.
Beautifully expressed, Mohanji!! Indeed , man becomes so small when he doubts and the opportunities just expand when we just let it be and accept..
Science is experimenting first then believing, Spirituality is believing first, everything else follows later. Doubts are the seeds of man's and eveuntually a nation's non progress..
Wish there was spirituality at all levels so that the level of consciousness rises and we live better within the community.
Awaiting More to be added!!!
That is a wonderful message. Postponement generally means disinterest and sloth. Taking action and doing it NOW is the effective way to get out of self spun web of inertia. Having the courage to take action is also an indication of one's intent.
As they say in sanskrit – "Dhairye Sahase Lakshmi", You invite fullness (prosperity) when you take the courage to act on your intention.
Thank you Mohanji for your wise words … beyond acting out of emotions it's important to know the difference between ego-driven "intellect" and conscious-driven intellect … how do we discern where the motivation to act originates?
what happens when we are balanced and something or the other comes and disbalances us. we lose our focus, angry, become egoistic and retaliate, burn ourselves up. it takes some time to calm down and regain balance.
the residual anger remains and probably can be channelised into action.
but why, even when one is aware, can one not handle oneself better in these disturbing circumstances? why the see saw.. still?
When we shift our operating platform to spine, we will still express our emotions, but will not be participating. You are free to express ego, anger or frustration. But, do not be involved in it. Just express for the sake of conveying a message. When you involve, you become weak and helpless. When you express objectively, you are in control. This can happen by practice. So, your inside will remain calm and cool like the deep blue sea. You will never be affected by the waves of emotions. You will not own them or judge them. They will come and go. You will remain tranquil eternally. This loosens up your karma as well as attachment.
A good way to guage whether we are quiet inside, is to check one's heartbeat – is it slow and even? If so, that is a good indication that we are acting from a point of inner stillness. Uneven heartbeat and breath indicates that our actions are emotionally driven.


text:
module C where
import A
import B

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
BORUTO: EXTRA
Read Boruto Manga Chapter 44 Online Free
by Borutomanga
There have been many theories surrounding Koji Kashin's real identity. Half of his face is also covered all the time as if mocking manga fans that something big will be revealed about him. It is highly likely to happen this month, as her fight with Jigen becomes the main event in chapter 44 of "Boruto".
SCROLL DOWN TO THE END OF THE ARTICLE FOR BORUTO MANGA CHAPTER 44 LINKS
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Spoilers for chapter 44 of 'Boruto'
Release date of chapter 44 of 'Boruto'
Link to Boruto: Naruto Next Generation Chapter 44
The mission to rescue Naruto has been successful, although fans have yet to see them return to Konohagakure. The final panels of Chapter 43 focused on Koji returning to Kara's hideout, reminding fans that he wants to kill Jigen.
Chapter 44 of "Boruto" will likely pick up from this sequence, and that means another fight will take place in the manga after the new Team 7 fight with Boro. Jigen and Koji's fight is exciting, mainly due to the latter's mysterious personality.
It is still unclear why he is hell-bent on killing Jigen, who is allegedly his leader. Even more interesting was the revelation that Amado appears to approve of the plan to kill Jigen in chapter 44 of "Boruto".
The group scientist didn't explicitly say so, he seemed very indifferent when Koji returned to his hiding place to kill Jigen . Apparently Amado gave him some advice when he told Koji that Code, another fierce-looking Kara member, is far away protecting the Ten Tails. Amado also told Koji that Jigen has only regained 10 percent of his overall strength.
A long-standing theory suggests that Koji could be Jiraiya , but nothing concrete seems to have proved it. But there are certainly too many mysteries surrounding the character now that he intends to kill his supposed leader. Hopefully, chapter 44 of "Boruto" will unmask Koji, literally and figuratively, so that fans can understand what role he will play in this arc focused on the seals of karma.
Chapter 44 of "Boruto" will not be released until March 20.
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WHAT HAPPENS IN BORUTO MANGA?
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations " tells the adventures and training of Boruto Uzumaki, the son of Naruto Uzumaki and Hinata Hyūga, and of his friends and rivals, the new generation of ninjas from the Hidden Village. of the Blade, whose seventh Hokage is Naruto. " Boruto " has also been adapted into the anime, directed by Hiroyuki Yamashita and produced by the Pierrot studio. Since April 5, 2017, the series is broadcast on TV Tokyo in Japan. Years after the Fourth Great Ninja War, Naruto Uzumaki has fulfilled his dream of becoming the Seventh Hokage, a position from which he oversees a new generation of ninjas. In addition, the hero of Konoha has married Hinata Hyūga, with whom he has two children: Boruto and Himawari. Boruto is part of the ninja team, led by Konohamaru Sarutobi, and complemented by Sarada Uchiha, the daughter of Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno, and by Orochimaru's artificial son, Mitsuki.
Chapter 53 | Read Boruto Chapter 53 Online Free
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These delicious pancakes make a terrific dinner when served with a bottled salsa for topping. I use chipotle chili peppers that are canned in adobo sauce, but you can also use dried chipotles. Let the dried peppers soak in warm water for several minutes before you dice them. Mix whole wheat flour with salt and baking powder. In a separate bowl, mix corn, chipotles, garlic, scallions, and soy milk. Gently blend wet ingredients with dry until well mixed. Spray skillet with vegetable cooking spray and preheat until it is moderately hot. For each pancake, use about 1/4 cup batter. Cook 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
Total Calories Per Serving: 302 Fat: 2 grams This article originally appeared in the March/April, 1994 issue of the _Vegetarian_Journal_, published by the Vegetarian Resource Group, PO Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203.


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Why Rural America Matters: Part II
By Paige Brann / June 2, 2019, 7:16 p.m.
Carol M. Highsmith
Part I of this series addresses the lack of mainstream coverage for the problems that urban and rural places share. Part II proposes solutions to compelling policy issues for rural communities that have not been discussed at a larger scale.
Neither Democrats nor Republicans have adequately addressed the problems facing rural communities. They disagree on minutiae instead of focusing on larger issues. Democrats tend to refuse to address agriculture, education, and the brain drain in rural areas that has been occurring for years, while Republicans have offered very few effective solutions for their constituents, besides less regulation and less taxation. Policy proposals that can be simplified to "you can keep more of your money" are well received in struggling communities. Without a bipartisan effort that uplifts rural concerns alongside urban discussions, the quagmire will continue. As the rural vote begins to grow in significance, though, better prospects for productive conversation will emerge.
In 2016, the Trump campaign made rural Americans feel like they were being heard again. People could look at their communities and believe that "Make America Great Again" meant that their family businesses would reopen or that larger scale development predicated on rural needs would begin in earnest. However, the administration has failed to deliver on many of its promises. Even accomplishments like the new tax plan hurt rural families, for example, by eliminating farm safety nets. President Donald Trump's international trade war, which is one of his personal favorite talking points, has also damaged rural vitality.
Within rural communities there are disappearing hospitals, increasing opioid addiction and suicide rates, crumbling schools, declining job opportunities, and an attitude of overall hopelessness among residents. These are national problems, not simply niche rural ones, and they deserve to be included in broader conversations about topics like healthcare and education reform. However, these issues are often articulated through a purely urban lens, a fact that reveals the core of problem: digital access. While the divide between urban and rural problems might be exaggerated, the digital divide cannot be emphasized enough.
Rural residents cannot gain access to many of the utilities that urban dwellers can (at least, not to the same extent). The lack of accessibility is usually the underlying reason for the more specific problems rural areas face, despite larger similarities with urban areas. First off, rural America needs a higher degree of access to broadband. The ability to be 'plugged in', socially and economically, is predicated on access to technology. After studies began to link economic prosperity and broadband together, the United Nations declared internet access to be a human right. The internet can increase business productivity while reducing transactionary and labor costs, which are big concerns for smaller enterprises. Building power lines and increasing variation in local businesses through broadband access would help reverse the rural job drain.
Rural education often underpins lack of broadband access. Education is a starting point, where children are nudged onto a particular path to either escape their communities for so-called greener pastures or stay in a place that caps their potential. Roughly half the school districts and one-fifth of the students in America are in rural areas, yet rural America does not manifest in discussions about teacher incentives. Popularly espoused reform strategies, such as charter schools or internet learning, are not even applicable in rural areas because the public system is grossly under-resourced.
States fund rural schools at low rates, mostly because of Title I legislation that focuses on the number of impoverished students rather than the proportion of those students to the total number of enrolled. Once again, rural students of color attend schools with higher rates of poverty. Small schools in rural areas where populations are largely low income students of color are not getting funding because funding formulas do not consider the whole picture or proportion of those students who live in poverty. Students of color in this area are also graduating at a staggeringly lower rate than their white peers, and are even less likely to go to a community college or university. More rural students are in "deep poverty" than students in cities are; poverty is even worse in rural areas when factoring in racial differences.
Further, there is a huge gap in class availability: only 62 percent of rural schools offer at least one STEM course and half the rural students in America attend a school that only offers one to three advanced math classes. Around 87 percent of rural students finish high school—higher than the national average of 83 percent—but there is a steep drop off in the number of students who then finish college. The lack of preparation in high school impacts rural students' abilities to succeed in college.
Rural people of color are hit harder by poverty in other ways. The overall poverty rate in small towns in 2010 was 16.3 percent; for people of color in the same areas, the rate was 28.7 percent. Statistics on people of color also include indigenous peoples, as reservations and indigenous lands are often grouped into the rural category by the census and are referred to as "statistical areas." Those areas' populations are usually undercounted, which affects everything from school districts to voting abilities. As some states are attempting to count "citizens only" there is yet another attempt to discount Native Americans as participants of American society.
Over half the population of Native Alaskans and Americans live in rural towns. To prefer a definition of 'rural' that disregards those communities' unique identities and their relationship to the small town community would be to discount the true nature of American rurality. The lack of focus on the education of Native Alaskans, where transportation and technology are some of the largest concerns, contributes to the cycle of poverty that many indigenous people are stuck in. Rural policies should be made with respect for all residents of color and to empower them to fulfill their own potential.
There is also a dire health crisis in rural America. Lack of access to hospitals, medical facilities, healthcare and rehabilitation is in large part why the opioid epidemic hit small towns at such a large scale in comparison to urban localities. The combination of a high proportion of manual labor jobs, which have greater likelihoods of physical injury or disability, and social despair, which is common among non-Hispanic whites in small towns, is a deadly pairing for residents. Fewer than half of all rural areas and fewer than a quarter of remote rural areas have a waivered physician. Over a third of rural counties are at risk of losing their physicians. Without investment in Medicaid funding, the quality of healthcare and health for rural residents will continue to drop.
With over 80 percent of addicted rural residents left untreated, the crisis has continued to sweep communities in a way that remains unaddressed by policies. In terms of the broader availability of medical care, hospitals are very much on the decline in rural places. Over 100 hospitals have closed in rural areas since 2010 (about ten per year up to 2019). There also seems to be a total disregard among Republican leaders of the fact that Medicaid helps to fund these struggling hospitals. Maternity wards are the first to go: increasing numbers of women must travel for hours to get to a delivery room. The dangerous combination of high addiction rates and fewer hospitals, especially with regard to maternal care, is mostly lost in the urban-driven conversation about healthcare.
Bringing residents to back to their rural roots may be the most important part of reversing the brain drain and ultimately empowering rural communities. Young adults with skills acquired in other places returning home would start a shift in rural populations to mitigate the effect of the brain drain. A youthful workforce reinvigorates local markets and decreases unemployment, which together can set the stage for a revitalized rural America. Increasing the social value of a town will inevitably allow it to retain more of its own residents, and developing a town that can appeal to its youth will strengthen rural vitality.
Acknowledging that the issues facing rural America are incredibly nuanced is the first step towards policies that can follow through on promises to improve working class lives. Investing in education so that students do not feel forced to leave is crucial. Incentivizing teaching programs to send employees to small towns and providing tuition benefits to those studying education while working with rural schools are also necessary to improve schools in rural areas. With educational and economic improvements come infrastructural improvements as well. Hospitals regain funding as population returns bring greater demand. A growth in social value also increases the likelihood that rural-trained physicians will remain in their areas. The increased availability of medical care through a more expansive broadband network and more doctors present can begin to combat the lack of care throughout rural America.
Expanding the conversation about policy to address the very real issues faced by both rural areas and cities—though in different ways—is a first step to solving some of the effects of population out-migration. Part III of this series will address broader cultural issues between rural and urban America.
The image featured with this article is used under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International License. The original was taken by Carol M. Highsmith and can be found here.
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Groundwater is essential for economic growth and can contribute to human development if resources are used sustainably to benefit the poor. New approaches need to be found to balances growth and development goals.
To develop Groundwater Risk Management Tool that will help government and groundwater users balance the demands of human development and better health, economic growth and groundwater sustainability so that the poorest benefit.
Africa's groundwater systems are a critical but poorly understood socio-ecological system. Central to accelerating and sustaining Africa's development is improved understanding of groundwater risks and institutional responses to competing growth and development goals is needed. Explosive urban growth, irrigated agricultural expansion, industrial pollution, untapped mineral wealth, rural neglect and environmental risks converge to increase the complexity and urgency of groundwater governance across Africa.
How can risks to groundwater quality and quantity for drinking water security be identified and reduced?
How can groundwater governance be designed to balance growth and development?
What are the most significant and uncertain future scenarios affecting sustainable groundwater use for the poor?
The study will focus on the Kwale County area of South East Kenya where the poverty rate is high (7th most deprived out of 47 Counties in Kenya) and there is intensive use of groundwater for urban water supply, sugar cane irrigation and mining. Tackling the three questions above will involve detailed data collection, including the use of innovative 'Smart Handpumps' developed by University of Oxford that measure handpump use. The research brings together rigorous analysis and modelling of environmental, social, economic and governance systems and processes. A risk management tool will be developed and then tested. While sensitive to context of Kwale, the Groundwater Risk Management Tool will be designed to be flexible so that it can be scaled-up across Kenya and can be adapted to other countries and contexts.
JKUAT: Prof Bancy Mati, Prof John Gathenya.
Ferrer, N., Folch, A., Lane, M., Olago, D., Odida, J., and Custodio, E., (2019). Groundwater hydrodynamics of an Eastern Africa coastal aquifer, including La Niña 2016-17 drought. Science of the Total Environment, 661: 575-597.
Thomson, P.. Bradley, D., Katilu, A., Katuva, J., Lanzoni, M., Koehler, J., and Hope, R. (2019). Rainfall and groundwater use in rural Kenya. Science of the Total Environment. 649: 722-730.
Nowicki, S., Lapworth, D., Ward, J., Thomson, P., and Charles, K. (2019). Tryptophan-like fluorescence as a measure of microbial contamination risk in groundwater. Science of The Total Environment 646: 782-791.
Policy Briefing for Kwale County Government: Delivering Water Security and Welfare – 22nd November, 2018.
Koehler, J., Rayner, S., Katuva, J., Thomson, P. and Hope, R. (2018). A cultural theory of drinking water risks, values and institutional change. Global Environmental Change, 50, pp.268-277.
Foster, T., J. Willets, M. Lane, P. Thomson, J. Katuva, R. Hope (2018) Risk factors associated with rural water supply failure: A 30-year retrospective study of handpumps on the south coast of Kenya, Science of the Total Environment 626 (2018) 156-154.
Foster, T. (2017). A critical mass analysis of community-based financing of water services in rural Kenya. Water Resources and Rural Development, 10, 1-13.
Foster, T., and Hope, R. (2017). Evaluating waterpoint sustainability and access implications of revenue collection approaches in rural Kenya. Water Resources Research, 53(2), 1473-1490.
GRo for GooD Inception Workshop Report | June 2015 | Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment.
Colchester, F.E., Greeff, H., Thomson, P., Hope, R., and Clifton, D.A. (2014). Smart Handpumps: A Preliminary Data Analysis. IET Appropriate Healthcare Technologies (AHT), London, 2014, pp. 1-4.
Foster, T., & Hope, R. (2016). A multi-decadal and social-ecological systems analysis of community waterpoint payment behaviours in rural Kenya. Journal of Rural Studies, 47, 85-96.
Koehler, J., Thomson, P. & Hope, R. (2016). Mobilizing Payments for Water Service Sustainability. In E. Thomas, ed., Broken Pumps and Promises: Incentivizing Impact in Environmental Health. Springer International Publishing, Switzerland, pp. 57-76.
Hope, R.A. (2015). Is Community Water Management the Community's Choice? Implications for Water and Development Policy in Africa. Water Policy.
From Rights to Results in Rural Water Services – Evidence from Kyuso, Kenya | March 2014 | Dr Rob Hope, Patrick Thomson, Johanna Koehler, Tim Foster and Mike Thomas.
Pingback: Peering over the fence – how water security can bring business and rural communities together?
(2) average breakdowns per year per pump.
As long as policymakers do not have any idea about these figures, it is impossible to make right decisions on how to improve Community Water Supply and to achieve the SDGs.
The trap is that the donor community may be just fooling itself with excellent reports, while not realizing that most if not all of these results have been made with substantial (hidden) subsidies, which is of course not sustainable. You even don't know how much subsidies went in. Even worse, the REAL cost is therefore not exposed, which makes planning even more difficult.


Teaching Writing and Learning in the Process!
Yesterday I began teaching a short-term university course on plots and storylines in short stories and novels. This course is called a "special topic"—not one listed in the regular catalogue, but developed to augment and enrich the regular curriculum. Focusing on plotting fiction is every writer's dream—and that's what we do for the next month. I never teach anything that I don't also learn something from by preparing and presenting the lectures. Thus, every course I teach is an adventure for me—I add new material and I have an opportunity to review materials I've developed in the past. This course is part lecture, part discussion, and part workshop—which means that the students submit their manuscripts for critique. It's one of those terribly crammed courses—taught four-and-a-half hours each session, twice a week, for a month. I'm most impressed with my students!
Some of my colleagues complain about the quality of today's students. Not me! I'm impressed with my students. Yes, they do things differently than many of us did when we were students—one example is that they get most of their news off the internet rather than from a newspaper. They make relationships via the computer. Sometimes they take class notes on their computers. They check facts (in class) via the internet—sometimes on their cell phones. Okay—they're different, but they are sharp!
On the first day of class, I allow each student to introduce himself/herself. Yesterday I added a couple of little twists—tell something that makes you unique, and tell something that has surprised you about yourself. (Something new you've learned about yourself within the last year or two.) Prior to having the students introduce themselves, I explained that each student sitting in front of me was the only person who could write his/her story. Every person is unique—no one else in the world has been raised in exactly the same way; no one has had the very same experiences; no one else has interpreted their life experiences in exactly the same way. In short, we all walk in our own shoes that have been molded by wear—that wear being our daily lives.
Listening to the students talk about themselves was a great joy! One young woman works at an old-fashioned record store. Yep—a store where they sell vinyls and record players that play the old vinyls! She's worked there for 8 years. Another woman sells silver jewelry—she loves jewelry and operated three shops in Miami. One young man is an accountant. He's taking a little time off after working 80 hour weeks during tax season. One young woman has six children. Another student is a grants writer for a major hospital. Indeed every writer in the class is unique. Never, ever discount the person sitting beside you—that person has an interesting story to tell!! Over the years, I've learned that again and again—EVERY PERSON HAS A STORY TO TELL!
Here's something else interesting. Many students who come into writing programs are older than the traditional students. At least half of my class (probably more) already has one or more degrees. They've returned to the university because they wanted this particular course. I think students gain their first degree to earn a living and then decide they want to explore creative writing. I love having these students in my classes. They bring the riches of their life experiences!!
Now, we're also seeing more culturally diverse students than we saw in by-gone days. Examples: one of my students was born in India, raised partially in Saudi Arabia and the U.S. Another was raised partially in Jamaica, the Bahamas, and the U.S. Another is a Cuban-American. Last semester I had a student who had traveled in thirteen countries—a young man too! He was an English major with a double major in international studies. Teaching is an opportunity for me to learn—and I'm grateful for that opportunity!
We're off and running and I feel like I've got the best group any professor could have! We're reading four novels, discussing concepts associated with plotting fiction, and producing our own manuscripts. That should keep us busy. Weather in Mobile is miserable in July—this course keeps us out of the heat and rain and allows us to challenge our minds and our creative energies. July will fly!
This summer, I also have the opportunity to mentor several private students. It's wonderful to have a mentor! A writing mentor helps the writer envision the project as a whole—yet focus on each step of the project. The mentor suggests readings that might be useful to the writer and discusses those readings with the writer. The mentor helps structure the manuscript, critiques, proofs, and listens. The mentor also helps the writer set realistic goals and personal deadlines. Those personal deadlines are hugely important! I often try to be my own mentor. I try to pull back and envision my projects as a whole—yet see the individual parts. I try to evaluate the quality of my ideas and the quality of the words I've put down on paper. It's difficult to serve as our own mentors because we are much too close to ourselves and to our work. I think the closest we can come to mentoring ourselves is by maintaining a journal—it's at least a step in the right direction.
This morning I woke at 4 a.m. So many things on my mind. Delighted with a new day to read, think, work, write, prepare for teaching.
I'm wishing each of you a wonderful day to read and write!!
Today I'm thinking of the power of art. We were in La Louvre on our recent trip to Paris, and were in the French painters section near Jacques-Louis David's painting of the Coronation of Empress Josephine. I entered a very large room and suddenly looked up. Above me was—how can I describe it—a rendering of heaven. Intricate drawings of cherubs, seraphim's, archangels, and all manner of other heavenly creatures flying about in celestial colors so pure they nearly took my breath away. But . . . that wasn't all. Interspersed with all this two-dimensional art were gold-carved creatures that actually came out of the ceiling and looked down upon me. Suddenly, without any warning, my eyes filled with tears. The beauty of it all overwhelmed me! How could someone thousands of years ago create something so beautiful that it brought tears? I slid my sunglasses over my eyes so others would not see how I was overtaken by the wonder of it all!
David's painting of the Coronation of Empress Josephine was also overwhelming, but in a different way. The artist had taken such care to get every small detail accurate—shoes, toes, fingers, expressions, textures in fabrics, the angle of sunlight. Every single detail—PERFECT! I must have stood in front of that painting ten or twelve minutes simply admiring the time, effort, imagination, and perfection demanded of the artist. I had the distinct feeling that God had touched some of these artists with a power that rises above other mere mortals. These artists had been blessed with a vision—a vision for the art before a stroke is ever put on canvas. They saw the whole from the void of nothingness and created extraordinary beauty that will last from that moment of conception until eternity. I can't put it any other way—some of the art is amazing and for anyone who sees it, it will stay forever in the head and heart.
The bookstore in La Louvre is also amazing—books on nearly every great artist (and in multiple languages!). After touring La Louvre twice, I finally purchased a 500 page guide to the museum (the largest in the world) and to the collections. I'm slowly reading it. The pictures, of course, do not begin to do justice to the collections, but I'm enjoying the read. I noticed that the director of La Louvre is Henri Loyrette. How does one rise to the heights of Director of La Louvre? Most of us go through college and envision simple jobs—or at least more common jobs such as school teacher, nurse, physician, engineer. Never, never do we envision such exotic jobs as geological expert on a tiny region of Turkey or North Egypt, for example. Somehow, the exotic jobs passed by most of us! But, we can read about these exotic jobs and these exotic people—and WE CAN WRITE ABOUT THEM! I think Dan Brown made a brilliant choice in setting the opening scene of THE DA VINCI CODE in the La Louvre after dark.
Sundays are always times of reflection for me. Yesterday, I thought of Alexander McCall Smith's character Precious Ramotswe. I'd love to have tea with her on a Saturday morning at the President's Hotel. I'm not sure if I'd prefer regular tea or her red bush tea. But, I know I'd enjoy her wisdom, her grace, and her charm. She's like a good friend! Yesterday, I also went out and purchased a copy of Olive Ann Burns COLD SASSY TREE. Some years back, I owned a copy, but don't know what happened to it—so, I purchased another copy. Olive Ann Burns is an interesting story. She worked for the Sunday magazine of the ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION until she was diagnosed with cancer. During her cancer treatment, she wrote COLD SASSY TREE—the writing was a way of occupying her mind, diverting her attention from the cancer and the treatment. COLD SASSY TREE was published when Olive Ann Burns was sixty—her debut novel was a best-seller and can be found in nearly every major book store across the U.S.A. When she died, she had completed a partial manuscript for a sequel to COLD SASSY TREE, but she left us all a gift—this beautiful novel of the south, its interesting people and their slightly different ways.
Yesterday I also thought of Barbara Robinette Moss. She died this past year, but she left us two wonderful books—CHANGE ME INTO ZEUS'S DAUGHTER and FIERCE. Barbara was also an artist and her work was represented by two galleries in New York. I'll be re-reading her books this summer.
I'm grateful for art—graphic art and writing that leaves a lasting impression on us, art that changes our lives! I'm humbled by it all!
GOOD READING AND GOOD WRITING TO ALL ON THIS MONDAY!
I love reporting good news--and here is some more! Sharman Ramsey, an author from Dothan, Alabama, will soon have a debut novel under her belt--PARTYIN' ON THE PLANTATION. This is definitely not a tough read--it's an easy-breezy read something like the novels by the late Alabama writer, Anne George. George wrote The Southern Sisters Mystery Series that were about two older sisters (but definitely not over-the-hill) who entertained elegantly, married well (and often) and backed themselves into murder mysteries. Sharman's characters are somewhat similar--two older sisters who back themselves into trouble. Also, like George's sisters, Sharman's sisters are full of action, surprises, and interesting observations (somewhat risqué) about male suitors! This is not to suggest that Sharman Ramsey's books are copies of Anne George's books--NOT AT ALL! Sharman Ramsey has her own unique voice, her own style, her own sisters, and her own stories--set partially in Alabama and partially in Louisiana.
PARTYIN' ON THE PLANTATION is projected to release on October 9, 2010. The release will be at the Wakefield Plantation and will be hosted by the Historical Society of Wilcox County. Sharman told me to report that EVERYONE IS INVITED!
Sharman is a Southern Lady of the old school who can charm the hide off an alligator and then make stylish alligator shoes. One of my favorite Sharman stories is when I met her for lunch at a lovely restaurant in little DeFuniak Springs, Alabama (about halfway between Mobile and Dothan). I was a few minutes late and by the time I arrived, Sharman had already struck-up a conversation with the restaurant owner. She'd told the owner that when her book was published, she'd return to the restaurant (in a historic hotel in DeFuniak Springs) and do a cooking exhibition--Sharman's book is also full of recipes. The restaurant owner--like the hapless alligator--was charmed. We no sooner sat down to eat than the waitress came to our table to report that the restaurant owner said our lunch was on-the-house! She was delighted to have such distinguished guests in her establishment! I asked Sharman if the waitress had the wrong table and Sharman reported that she and the owner had enjoyed a lovely chat and had become friends--all in a few minutes!! I have not one doubt that when the book is release, Sharman will indeed return to that hotel and conduct a cooking exhibition! I just want to be invited!
On the personal side: I detest summers in Mobile—hot and sticky with frequent storms. This summer (after a little travel), I'm entertaining my way through our hot season. Already have three dinner parties lined-up. I'll either survive the summer or drop from exhaustion. Next week classes begin at the University of South Alabama where I'll be teaching a course on plots in fiction. One of those jam-packed, short-term courses that whiz by, wiping out students and professors. But, actually, I'm looking forward to it!!!! So plenty to do—despite the heat and humidity! I'm cooking, writing, reading, exercising, and trying to stay on top of things—not doing well there!
GOOD READING AND WRITING TO ALL ON THIS FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2010!!
I love announcing good news about fellow writers—and here's some good news!! Jennie Helderman (Atlanta) has a book that's about to be released. The book is titled AS THE SYCAMORE GROWS. It's the story of Ginger McNeal, a woman both physically and emotionally abused by her husband who took her deep into the beautiful woods of Tennessee just beyond Huntsville, Alabama—some of the most lush and gracious land anywhere! In those rolling hills and green valleys, you think only of peace and contentment—definitely not of abject poverty, isolation, and abuse. Now this sounds like a depressing book, but it's not. It's actually a story that unfolds quickly and is so fascinating that it's difficult to put the book down. It's the story of Ginger's confusion, strength, common sense, and compassion. Confusion about the role women should assume in a marriage; strength because she endured as much as any pioneer woman ever endured; common sense because she could make a meal from nearly nothing; compassion because she never lost her good heart and her love for others. It's also a story of triumph!! Ginger walked away from her abusive situation—no she RAN AWAY from her abuse and had the courage to confront her abuser!
What is so interesting about AS THE SYCAMORE GROWS is that Jennie Helderman has taken such pains to interview EVERYONE involved. She not only spent hours upon hours interviewing Ginger, she also interviewed Mike, Ginger's husband, Ginger's siblings, her parents and many others. This is a well investigated book and the result is a textbook case of what leads to domestic abuse—an understanding from both the abused and the abuser's perspective. From AS THE SYCAMORE GROWS the reader understands how the environment in which a child is raised leads to the environment created and sustained in a marriage. When we read newspaper accounts of domestic abuse, we wonder how such abuse can occur. Why did the woman stay? After reading AS THE SYCAMORE GROWS I now have a much better understanding—and you will too. Oh, one important fact I forgot to mention is that Ginger went on to earn her B.A. and now works as a counselor for abused woman. A success story indeed!
AS THE SYCAMORE GROWS is not yet on Amazon, but will be soon. (I was fortunate enough to receive a review copy). I'll let you know as soon as it goes on sale. So, keep looking for more news about this book on this blog. I'm also proud that we ran an early chapter that's still on the blog (lower right on the screen).
Here's more good news about another writer—Tatjana Soli (California). My friend and fellow writer has done it!! Her novel THE LOTUS EATERS is like a meteor streaking across the literary sky. THE LOTUS EATERS is being reviewed by every major newspaper and every major review service. It's getting rave reviews!! This is her break-out novel. You might as well remember that name—Tatjana Soli. You're going to be seeing it more often. Congratulations Tatjana—this is success so well earned!
Can't release any more details on this just yet, but a friend and fellow writer out west has had some good news from an agent at a big agent house. She knows who she is and when the time is right, I'll get this news out. I love announcing the success of fellow writers!! It can be done and they are doing it!!
What are you reading? I'd like to know. I just finished reading THE DOUBLE COMFORT SAFARI CLUB by Alexander McCall Smith. I love these little books about the Botswana's lady detective, Precious Ramotswe—she's so wise, so perceptive, and so comforting. That's one reason I decided to read DOUBLE COMFORT—I'm a nervous flyer and it was an airplane read. It' worked!! Mira (Precious) Ramotswe kept me calm and entertained!
I'm also reading POOR BUT PROUD: ALABAMA'S POOR WHITES by Wayne Flynt (university historian). The book was published some years back by the University of Alabama Press. It's beautifully researched and truly a fascinating read. This is not an easy read, but a rewarding read.
Also reading some selected essays in THE ART OF THE PERSONAL ESSAY by Phillip Lopate. This is definitely not an easy read—graduate level reading for sure! But it's a fine history of the personal essay.
My book on tape is THE RAINMAKER BY JOHN GRISHAM. That's my book when I'm on the elliptical exercise machine. Makes the exercise go faster. I read this book years ago, but am enjoying it again!
Still jet-lagged. Just a few pictures from Venice and Paris. More writing news tomorrow!
Back in the states and the writing life continues. We arrived back home on Friday night and made it to bed by 5 A.M. Paris time. Saturday morning I was up early for an event at the Mobile Public Library—Book Buzz. This was a creative and thoughtful event that brought writers and book club members together. The Mobile Public Library has a number of book clubs that specialize in all kinds of interests—there's a Mystery Book Club, a Classics Book Club, an African American Writers Book Club, An Over Fifties Book Club, An Eclectic Book Club, A Not Your Ordinary Book Club—and I've probably missed a few. Representatives were there from all the book clubs. First, the writers talked about whatever they wanted to talk about. Writers included: Carolyn Haines, Dee Jordan, Joyce Scarbrough, Elizabeth Parker, Margaret Cunningham, Suzanne Hudson, Joe Formachello, and me—I hope I didn't miss anyone. After the writers spoke, the book club presidents took the stage and discussed procedures of their various book clubs. The procedures were really interesting—how books are selected; how discussion proceeds during club meetings; how to get everyone to participate; the kinds of books members like and the kinds of books members don't like. It was all well done thanks to Nancy Anlage and Phyllis Jeffery, staff members of Mobile Public Library.
For me, it was a bit surreal—an experience out of time and space. My mind was still in Paris and my body was in Mobile—but, overall, I think I did okay. I gave away a couple of Eudora Welty funeral fans—all readers and all writers like those! You just can't go wrong with Miss Eudora. If you are a writers in the Christmas 2008 or 2009 books—CHRISTMAS IS A SEASON 2008 and CHRISTMAS IS A SEASON 2009— (a short story writer and/or a memoir writer), I put in a plug for those book. I love all you writers in those books—you did a fabulous job and we're still getting good readership! Those books make great reading in November and December and it's not too early to be getting book picks ready for November/December. If you know local book clubs make a suggestion to read those books. Several book clubs in Mobile selected those books last November/December. I think I personally attended three local book clubs. If book clubs want to order the books directly from me, I'll give them a great deal—so, just let me know. AGAIN, THANKS TO ALL YOU GREAT WRITERS IN THOSE ANTHOLOGIES! This is a June thank you for December work, but it comes from my heart!
Yesterday was surreal indeed! Not only was there an early event (10-noon) at the Mobile Public Library, but oldest daughter left for the University of Iowa where she will complete a couple of final courses and graduate in mid-July. A friend flew into Mobile to drive with her. She was home less than 24 hours before hitting the road—this last twelve months has been travel upon travel upon travel for oldest daughter. We lunched with the grandparents before she left, and generally caught up on things that needed to be done here. One friend stopped by and said we all looked "very Euro." I took that as a fine compliment! Still on Paris time—jet lag! This morning I was up before 6 a.m. but didn't go to bed until nearly 1 last night. I've had an over-abundance of energy!! Today I'm thinking of reading, writing, watching movies—getting back into the writing life full swing. All of this with new vision!
I'll be posting more pictures from Paris later today and I have many more ideas about the writing life. All in due time!!
For now, I want to post another guest blog from Mary Popham (Kentucky). In this piece titled "Hold Me Over," Mary writes about things close to the heart—deepest meanings in kindness of friends. Also, a reevaluation of religion—a great piece for a Sunday. Enjoy!
During Easter week, two days before Mama died, Aunt Ruth came to see her only sister for one last visit. Mama had already slipped into the coma, which Hospice said signified her last days. Father Hamilton told us there would be no Mass said on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday or Easter Sunday, therefore, Mama could have a Catholic funeral, but no Mass.
Aunt Ruth, 87, seven years younger than Mama, was appalled to find out that we were opting to go ahead with the funeral during Easter time, without the Mass.
"I've already told my kids to hold me over if I die during Easter!" The passion in Aunt Ruth's voice vibrated the room. Her daughter, who works at the Jos. L. Greenwell Funeral Home with the owners, Sonny and Carolyn Greenwell, also our kin, rolled her eyes. Like many of our generation, she, as well as most of my siblings and I no longer follow the Catholic religion.
I am not a fallen-away Catholic. I ran away as fast as I could. Especially, when I became a divorcee at age 25 and was told to never date again, to avoid an "occasion of sin." The breach widened, as over the years there arose many issues that separated me permanently from the rule of the Roman Church.
That was long ago and I am happy with no religion but plenty of spirituality. I believe in God with my whole heart and soul; I believe in the efficacy of prayer; I believe in kindness to one another. That is the basis of what I've felt since I studied catechism in grade school. What was our purpose on earth but to help each other get through this life? That makes as much sense to me as anything I've ever heard from Catholics or any other religion.
However, one thing's for sure--Mama's Catholic neighborhood, where we grew up, gave her a grand goodbye. Day after day, our family was astounded by the delivery of huge pots of soup, chili, plates of deli meats, grilled meat and vegetables. Families of our kin brought chicken and dumplings and vegetable casseroles to our house. They came with arms full of homemade chocolate pies, a cake decorated with flowers and a rosary, plus gallons of iced tea--delivered quickly, unobtrusively with sympathy and kindness. These are dear people, the rural friends and cousins that we only see at reunions, but for these past four years of Mama's illness, quite often.
I am glib about my Catholic roots, even scornful at times, but the reality is this: if the traits of family and friends joining together with you in dark times is a Catholic trait, then I thank the church for this part of her teaching. I don't see a time when I would ever request, "Hold me over," so I could have a funeral Mass said for my soul, but I do heartily extend my thanks and return the love shown by the actions by my cousins and extended family. There was kindness in every aspect of what they gave us and I felt once again, part of that religious community.
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!! GOOD READING AND GOOD WRITING TO ALL!!
Today is our last full day in Paris and then it's home for work and reestablishment of the daily routine—although in our household the daily routine generally gets a kick in the teeth and a bit of chaos reigns. Yesterday we went to Versailles with its massive gardens (more than 200,000 trees and flowers everywhere), ponds, statuary (everywhere), and the main residence with more than 700 rooms! Versailles was designed by Louis XIV (the Sun King) and was the seat of French power from 1682 until 1789. Versailles represents absolute power and absolute opulence. Unbelievable! Louie XIV wanted to say: France is the most important nation on the globe; I have been appointed by God to run France; my power and riches are beyond abundant. (Today we'd say "unbelievably deep pockets".) From the gold edged gates around Versailles to the gold trimmed main building, everything says power, riches beyond the imagination (truly, I couldn't even imagine how to design such a place), opulence, and lush! At Versailles one can truly see the beginnings of the French Revolution because this kind of unimaginable wealth (and the open display of it) had to eventually become intolerable to the common folk. And indeed it did!
We also visited the much smaller private residence of Marie Antoinette—kind of a small country estate on the main property. This is where Marie went to escape all the whoop-la of The Court. There's a lovely sheep pasture beside Marie Antoinette's little estate.
All in all, it was a great day—a grand visit. It's wonderful to see our two younger daughters absorbing history and asking questions. They also recall history for us and have explained more than a few things we've seen. They've taken pictures galore! Our oldest daughter had been to Versailles twice, both times with her aunt. While Don and I have been to Paris several times, we'd never made the trip out to Versailles—so, it was an amazing day for all of us!
Today we're going back to La Louvre and then to another shopping area recommended by one of our daughter's friends. Two days ago we had the best time at Bon Marché and at some smaller shops in the area (Don stayed in the room, rested and worked while the girls and I went on this outing). Other favorite shopping places are in the Ile de la Cité and Ile Saint-Louis.
Today I'll try to post some pictures from Versailles. Still haven't had time to label pictures from Italy—but will. Also, later today I hope to post another guest piece by Mary Popham (it's a lovely piece).
HAPPY READING AND HAPPY WRITING TODAY—THURSDAY, JUNE 17 2010!!!!!!!
Finally I did get an album on the blog--left on screen titled Italy and Paris. Haven't had time to label each one but will. Last night we heard Bach's Magnificate performed in Notre Dame--yes Notre Dame at night for a performance. Our schedule has been very late here--going to bed at 2 a.m. off to Versailles. More later!
Thinking a little about writing today--just thinking, not writing. Envisioning my next project. Travel does that--allows us an opportunity to think beyond where we are and to envision new projects. I'm posting a few pictures in the post and am also putting an album in the pictures category--lefthand side of the screen. Title: On Holiday in Italy and France Summer 2010. I won't label them all now, but they are all in Asolo, Venice or Cinque Terre, Italy or in Paris. They are all me, my husband, and our three daughters--in Asolo, there are also some of Amanda's friends. Our oldest daughter is completing a course of study here (Italy) through the University of Iowa--so there was much celebration in Asolo.
Guest blogger today is Mahala Church (Mobile). Mahala is a writer of all trades--freelance writer, writer of short stories, a writing critic, and has a novel in the final stages of revision. She's won more than her share of competitions too! She's interested in all things WRITING. Here are the comments from Mahala--actually, it's a little bit from Mahala's novel, A FEW DEGREES OFF CENTER.
Having just finished the first major revision of my novel, A Few Degrees Off Center, I decided to share a little about the families that make up my fifties retrospective. Growing up in the Deep South post World War II, the story's protagonist, twelve year old Caroline Faith Nolan, gives us an inside view of her functional (as opposed to dysfunctional) family. Her story is crammed with great loss and profound discovery, and it all begins with a trip to Uncle Shane's pig farm in north Alabama.
Acres of bright green cornstalks stand at attention on each side of the red clay road and wave their shaggy, brown tassels at the immense, blue, summer sky as our car speeds by. Lifted towards the blazing sun, Momma's head hangs out her car window, her eyes shut against the rushing wind. Tendrils of her thick, blonde hair have broken free from her bun and whip around her head while huge clouds of red dust billow up behind us. Daddy hurries the car down the road, twisting and turning the steering wheel to keep the tires out of the deep ruts.
"Ruth, you need to tell your brother to get out here and grade this road," he shouts across to Momma.
"There it is! I see Uncle Shane's house!" I yell over the roar of the car engine and bouncing wind.
At the end of the narrow country road, between the fields of ripening corn, I can just see Uncle Shane's humongous, white house shimmering in the firecracker red, Alabama sun. Green funeral tents dot the yard. My cousin, Denver, who's an undertaker, brings tents to our family reunion every year, and we set up the picnic tables under them to give us some shade. Granny Mac says our family covers life from bloom to doom with my Great Uncle Clemson, who's a doctor, bringing in new folks, and Denver ushering out the old ones.
"Hail, hail, the gang's all here," Daddy sings as we get closer. He turns into Uncle Shane's yard and carefully maneuvers between the rows of station wagons and trucks parked every which-a-way. "Why can't they just line the cars up in some kind of order? Belvedere's doors are going to get all banged up." Belvedere's our new 1958 Plymouth and Daddy's real particular about it.
"Quit complaining, Tic," Momma grins. "We're on vacation!" She sticks her nose up in the air. "Um, um. Smell those pigs!" And she throws the door of the car open wide.
"For God's sake, Ruth, wait till the car's stopped! You're gonna get yourself killed!" Daddy slams on the brakes, but Momma is long gone. She's off the find all the Mahaffey clan and talk forever. Daddy's people are the Nolans, and they couldn't be more different than the Mahaffeys if they wanted to be. When I had to do a genealogy report at school, this is what I wrote. Momma says it pretty much said everything there was to say.
The Nolans are like a big pot of vegetable soup, mostly odds and ends, leftovers that go perfectly with some sweet cornbread and a hunk of butter. Nolan soup is a lively mess crammed with big chunks of smoked ham, the odd dried beans, oodles of root vegetables, way too many tart onions, some sweet peas, a few saucy tomatoes, and lots of salt and pepper to keep things interesting.
The Mahaffeys are like a fancy cream soup, anything but ordinary and should be eaten with those buttery Waverly crackers. Mahaffey soup is made with rich cream and just the right amount of salt, a little too much pepper, a sprinkle of garlic powder, some finely chopped Vidalia onions, and a few herbs to give it a little zing.
In Paris this morning. The girls are excited and have a full day planned for all of us. The hotel is terrific (a lucky choice) in the heart of the city very close to the Eiffel Tower. Youngest daughter, Kiran, takes pictures of everythiing! We flew into Paris last night from the Italian Mediterranean and went out for 11 p.m. omelets after arriving. Oldest daughter, Amanda, (after spending a year in Europe) takes charge of arrangements much of the time--flights, trains, taxis. This is a totally new experience for Don and me, but not bad. In the past, we've had to make all decisions, now we have intelligent and capable daughters fully equipped to take the reins in many regards. Even youngest, Kiran, checks train schedules and platform numbers at the train stations. It's a bit odd-especially for Don who is always the "take charge" person. I think he is actually enjoying seeing the girls so much in charge. But, I must admit, it's strange when the girls say "Mom and Dad, we'll make the reservations," or "here's what we're going to do." Good news is: we've raised highly capable daughters!!! Everyone is still full of laughter and good cheer. Yesterday, we took a taxi through hairpin turns in the mountains above the Mediterranean. Italian men are mucho-macho and taxi driver seems the worst. They drive exceedingly fast, pass on curves, honk at everyone, talk on their cells while navigating 180 degree curves a thosuand feet above the sea. All I can say is breathtaking!! Actually--more holding your breath in deep prayer!! We laughed so hard we nearly choked when the train we drove through the mountains to take reversed it's path and went back to Monterosa to collect more passengers. But, with that taxi racing through the mountains, we'd had a rollercoaster ride!! My observation of Italian men: Plenty of macho! I hope the brains (for such things as navigating mountain passes) are as large as the you know whats!
Today I'm running a guest blogger--my dear friend and fellow writer, Charlotte Rains Dixon (Oregon). Charlotte is a writer with many talents. She has one of the best blogs on the net--Word Strumpet. www.wordstrumpet.com She's a book critic, a ghost writer, a writing coach, a newsletter editor, a freelance writer, and she has a novel completed that's making the rounds with agents. Charlotte is like a sister--we might not see each other for a long while, but we know we can count on each other! So--enjoy. Here are some comments from Charlotte Rains Dixon.
We're nearly halfway through this year. I know, amazing, huh? This approaching midpoint is an excellent time to take stock and look at how you're doing on your writing goals.
It isn't always easy to accomplish your goals and create the writing life you dream about. Perhaps you desire to be a bestselling novelist, or even just a published novelist. Maybe you want to be a big-name blogger, or the author of a tantalizing memoir. Or perhaps you simply want to write in your journal every day!
No matter what our goals, there are certain aspects of a writing career that none of us have any control over. We can't control the reception our work will receive out in the world, for instance. We can't control how many people will buy copies of our book, or how many people will read our blog posts. We cannot control whether an agent chooses to represent us.
Accomplishing our writing goals is hard work, and it takes action. But before we take action, we also need to make sure our beliefs are in line with our ultimate goal. If, for instance, you desire to be a best-selling novelist, but you have deeply ingrained beliefs that you're not a good enough writer to accomplish this, guess what's going to happen?
A whole lot of failure.
It is not that difficult to see why. If you believe you're a lousy writer, it is going to be a challenge to get yourself to the page. If you don't think you have what it takes to be a novelist, it is going to be a whole lot easier to go watch TV than sit down at the computer over the course of the months (or years) it takes to write a novel. Belief drives action. So take stock. Take a good look at your beliefs. Do you need help clearing some of the old baggage and bad dreck out? Try writing about it in your journal. Often shining light on a problem and recognizing it is enough to begin changing it. Gently observe, without judgment, what you see yourself doing to avoid writing. As a physicist will tell you, the mere act of observation changes what is being observed. And even if you're certain you don't have any limiting beliefs about your writing, it's a good idea to write about it a bit and see what comes up. You may be surprised with some of the stuff that is buried deep within.
But, whatever you do, don't get so mired in looking at your beliefs and trying to change them that you fail to take action. You've probably met people who are stuck in belief work. They are the ones who spend all day in meditation, or swing from guru to guru, looking for ways to change their beliefs about themselves. If they aren't meditating or looking for a new spiritual leader to follow, they are visualizing how they want their life to be. Now, don't get me wrong, all of these things can be important and helpful and I use them myself on a regular basis (well, all except for the guru part—anybody have one I can borrow?). It is when we get so engrossed in trying to change ourselves without action towards goals that it becomes a problem.
Yes, it is important to have a positive outlook, to clear limiting beliefs, and to visualize our success, but it is even more important to work as hard as we can to get where we want to be.
Because, here's the deal: what you put into work, you get out of it. I know, duh. But in this age of self-help and personal development sometimes the hard work gets lost. When I ignore my blog, for instance, my traffic goes down. Way down. And then I start to think that it's no use, nobody reads the thing anyway, so why should I bother? But, because I love writing my blog, I always go back to it. And when I get a good run of daily or near-daily posting in, my traffic shoots up. The result I'm looking for is based on action: I started blogging more. It was the inaction, the not blogging, that got me into the negative frame of mind in the first place. And any work I did on cheering myself up or trying to think positive was not going to do a damn thing until I wrote more blog posts.
So, while belief can precede action, it can also come after action. Establishing the habit of writing every day can lead to a strong belief that you can, actually, write that novel. And the converse is true as well. The thought and belief often comes after the action—or more to the point, the inaction. You set yourself a time to write and don't keep it, for instance, and then tell yourself you can't write when it truth it is not that you can't but that you didn't. But when you do actually commit words to paper, you start a trend in motion that will only grow more powerful with every writing session. And remember, that writing session can be as short as 15 minutes. Just take some time and do something toward your goal every day and you'll be amazed at how this consistent action adds up to success—and how it contributes to more positive beliefs about yourself.
Writer, mentor, and coach Charlotte Rains Dixon is passionate about helping writers, coaches, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals succeed, achieve, and profit in their careers and lives through writing. Visit her for more tips and techniques on writing—and living—at www.wordstrumpet.com.
HAPPY READING AND HAPPY WRITING TODAY--SUNDAY, JUNE 13!!!!


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Herb Oruni – w latach 1924–1933 symbol gminy, a obecnie nieoficjalny symbol gdańskiej dzielnicy Orunia.

Wygląd
W albumie gdańskich herbów państwowych, kościelnych i prywatnych "Danziger Wappenwerk" został umieszczony następujący opis:

Prof. Marian Gumowski, opierając się na powyższym źródle, tłumaczył to w następujący sposób:

Historia
26 stycznia 1924 Senat Wolnego Miasta Gdańska specjalną uchwałą nadał gminie oruńskiej herb. Swoją formą nawiązywał on do pieczęci komturów gdańskich z XIV wieku, jednym z nich był Albert von Oer, który, zgodnie z niemieckimi legendami, dał nazwę Oruni. 15 sierpnia 1933, po przyłączeniu miejscowości do Gdańska, herb przestał pełnić rolę znaku urzędowego. Dziś dzielnica Orunia-Św. Wojciech-Lipce nie używa herbu jako swojego symbolu (z racji przynależności Lipiec i Św. Wojciecha do jednej dzielnicy z Orunią), jest on jednak umieszczany na budynkach użyteczności publicznej.

Zobacz też

 Herb Oliwy

Przypisy

Herby dzielnic polskich miast
Orunia

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Action for change: How leaders from BASF, Emirates, Henkel, and more are taking responsibility for D&I
Asking questions to combat unconscious biases, creating a culture that lets each individual thrive by being their best selves, and setting an example for people to follow – these are just some things leaders are doing to build a gender inclusive environment in all aspects of their life.
In this 11th part of our 16-part series, see what leaders such as Anna Di Silverio of Avanade, Lina Marican of Mutant Communications, Sandie Overtveld of Zendesk, and many more are doing.
Anna Di Silverio, Area President, Growth Markets (Asia Pacific and Brazil), Avanade
"Am I saying or doing this because of who I think he or she is?" I ask myself this question as often as I can – whether at work, at home or at my favorite restaurant with friends.
More often than not, our unconscious biases and the assumptions that we make can slip through our language, our actions and reactions. This is an aspect which I am always conscious of – in professional and personal settings – to ensure all of us, starting from myself, start playing an active role to challenge societal 'norms' and stereotypes.
Coming to terms with our biases and taking the steps to see past them can empower not only yourself but the people around you as well.
Andy Postlethwaite, Chairman & Director on the Board of Directors of BASF South East Asia
At BASF, everyone has the opportunity to develop and contribute in the best way they can, regardless of ethnicity, gender or age. There are equal opportunities for all based on talent and potential. Having said that, women employees may still require some extra push in realising their potential, and this can be tied to personal, organisational or societal reasons. For this reason, I make it a point to encourage female leaders to pursue leadership and development courses and giving them opportunities to shine. We commemorated International Women's Day by holding a panel discussion with employees on the topic of the impact of gender on career.
On a more personal note, I have daughters myself and it is my goal to empower them to take charge of their lives and not let gender get in the way at all. Whether it is pursuing a "masculine" sport like football or rugby, or choosing a "male-dominated" discipline like science and engineering, I am all for being consciously unbiased towards gender.
Andrew Bunn, Emirates Area Manager for Singapore, Brunei and Malaysia
At Emirates, we help empower our female employees by creating a flexible, inclusive and fair work environment that supports and enables them to realise their full potential. We also offer learning and development opportunities through a suite of programmes. Globally, female employees constitute over 40% of the workforce at Emirates, and while many are cabin crew, women also occupy over 20% of all supervisorial and managerial roles within Emirates, including in roles as diverse as aircraft engineers, mechanics, and technicians for aircraft maintenance and repairs. In Singapore, over 60% of our staff are females, with most of our departments here headed by women.
As a father of two daughters, I fully understand the importance of setting a good example at work and supporting an inclusive, diverse team. This year, we aim to attract and develop more female talent in the business, starting with our pilot roadshows and cabin crew open days to spread awareness about aviation as a viable career option for women.
Sisca Margaretta, Chief Marketing Officer, Experian Asia Pacific
Building equal opportunities for inclusion, across genders, is key to developing thriving economies and communities. In Asia, many women (and men) lack financial knowledge and access. Enabling fairer access to financing creates greater opportunities for personal growth, leadership and entrepreneurship.
In my personal capacity, I am building a diverse team that is dedicated to financially empowering more communities. We have worked with 1,000 women in Vietnam to improve financial education levels and daily earnings, supported thousands of female foreign domestic workers in Asia with financial literacy programmes and educated 30,000 low-income individuals in India, especially women, on digital financial services. We aim to improve levels of financial inclusion, and as a result, economic inclusion, for societies in the region.
Tan Siok Peng, Senior Vice President Finance, Exyte Asia-Pacific
Building a balanced and inclusive environment is essential for economies and communities to thrive, and it is not a numbers' game. Balance to me, is an amalgamation of various factors.
Whether at home or at work, I consciously ensure that I harness the best potential in the people around me. Regardless of the differences that may exist within societies, at the workplace or at home, I believe that by adopting a combination of "best person for the best job" mantra, showing encouragement and walking the talk, that to me will help towards building a more balanced and inclusive environment.
Thomas Holenia, President of Henkel Singapore and Managing Director of Global Supply Chain Hub in Singapore
At Henkel, Diversity & Inclusion is deeply embedded in our corporate culture and is the responsibility of every leader. When hiring for my team, for example, we strive for a balanced mix of female and male candidates where possible. That said, we don't follow a quota but hire the best suited person.
Additionally, I believe in taking all necessary steps to allow our employees – regardless of gender - to accommodate their private and professional life. This includes flexible work arrangements, such as home office. Another aspect is providing equal opportunities in terms of assignments and exposure for career development.
With these efforts, I am pleased that we have achieved an equal mix of male and female employees in our Asia-Pacific Purchasing department and leadership team.
Helen McGuire, Co-Founder & MD, Hopscotch.work
Equality starts at home. It is truly impossible for men and women to be on an equal footing if there isn't an understanding of that within a family.
For us, we're lucky that we each have our own businesses, meaning we can easily build the flexibility we need to make life balance with our young children (we have three under five). In essence, this has meant that not only do we share the load of daycare pick ups and drop offs, bedtimes and allowing each of us to travel for work when needed; but also that we can implement flexible working policies for our staff and those around us.
For my business, Hopscotch.work, which is a women's careers platform that actively promotes flexible work, we employ staff on part time and flexible hours. For my husband's company, it's meant ensuring flexible start and end times for all employees - not just the mums - so that the responsibilities can be shared by dads, uncles, aunties or even friends!
This all means a fairer approach and is a small change that can make a huge difference to a work life balance and career.
Evonne Chung, Managing Director, Landor Singapore
I think about inclusivity in an overarching manner, where gender is one tenet of a larger conversation about equality, embracing diversity and enabling empowerment. The starting point should be about engaging as individuals, and not along gender lines.
At Landor, for example, we focus on one's person and capability, rather than make assumptions based on gender. Do they have the right skills and aptitude to drive shared ambition? Where are they on their personal journey, and how can we, as an organisation, add value so we engender mutual growth? Do they possess characteristics that will shape culture? How can we remove barriers and not get in the way of talent? These are foundational blocks that in turn, foster the right environment to create equal opportunities and keep unconscious bias at bay.
I try to be objective about what I first see, then look keenly for the sparks of 'all things bright and beautiful' and figure out how to amplify it a thousandfold.
David Hickey, VP Sales APAC, Meltwater
At Meltwater, it is my responsibility to help grow and align our teams so that we're set up for success and growth. One key factor in achieving that goal is to create an environment where everyone - regardless of gender - feels that they can speak up and voice their opinions.
I'm fortunate enough to work in a diverse organisation, but being an ally and creating a safe space does require a certain degree of mindfulness, especially towards unconscious biases and even language. Ultimately, I realise that this is not something I can achieve on my own, and I'm thankful to the colleagues I work closely with that help me build this ecosystem where everyone can thrive.
Lina Marican, Managing Director, Mutant Communications
Agencies are notorious for long, inflexible hours - and I've seen many talented women leave because of that. My biggest priority is to create a culture that lets each individual thrive by being their best selves.
By empowering each employee to take ownership of their own schedules, I've seen them grow by leaps and bounds as they enjoy the flexibility to shape when and where they want to work. From choosing their own schedules to start their day earlier, to a staggered approach to ease them back into work after maternity leave, we help each employee create an ideal situation that helps them manage both work and life.
We trust each of our Mutants to make adult decisions, and this is why we have a happy, loyal and engaged team where everyone brings their A game to the table.
Jay Huang, CEO and co-founder of Pulsifi
As a person who strives to be objective in all my life evaluations, I would like to think that gender inclusion is a fundamental part of my value system, and something I don't have to consciously think of anymore. This is reflected in Pulsifi, where we are blind to gender identity and expression when we hire and groom our team members. Right now, we have women in key leadership positions, even in technical areas like software engineering, and 40% of our team members are female, which is more than double the global average proportion in young technology companies.
At home, I share the usual household responsibilities that need to be done, such as sweeping, mopping and cleaning. When it comes to cooking, however, I get the brunt of the load as I enjoy it more than anyone else.
Anneliese Schulz, Regional President for Software AG Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ)
Diversity is a key enabler for organisations to excel in performance and creativity. As such I have personally driven the Software AG Asia mission to realise a balanced mix of male and female talent across the sales function. Internally, I have supported diverse activities such as an internal "faces" campaign, women network calls, #beyourbestyou campaign, etc to support with my contribution and presence the realisation that Software AG has female talent in sales functions, too.
Externally, I have worked with Petersen&Petersen and various other female leadership networks to support awareness of female in senior leadership positions and discuss how to further support a conscious build of a gender diverse organisation.
Last but not least, I am a proud godmother of a young girl, who one day asked me to explain what I do for work. After a while, she asked summarising if I am a boss, and confirmed her understanding with a smile, saying that this is what she wants to be one day, too. It is has been humbling to see that I am able to impact such a young girl's life.
Larissa Tan, CEO of Vanda Electric
A gender-balanced society affects both men and women for the better. There are many different skills that both genders bring to the table that the other may not have. We have to be aware that when certain situations arise, our unconscious bias kicks in. This could be because the other person is of a different gender, ethnicity or background.
But to build a truly diverse workforce, we need to focus on the results. Future successes will not all be based on know-how and experience, but judgement, resilience, empathy and different thought ideas will be valued equally.
If we can accept that men and women are inherently different, we are not equal, we can start to see the good and the different values and skills that each bring to the table that will set our society for balance and businesses up for success. What we strive for is not equality of the genders, but equality in opportunity for all.
Sandie Overtveld, VP APAC, Zendesk
Zendesk is very proud of its commitment to gender inclusiveness, which has been a cornerstone of our corporate culture for the past 12 years.
My role is to be an ally: to try to set an example for our people to follow; to be an active participant in initiatives that help us break down barriers to encouraging women to take on a variety of roles in our business; and to constantly be open to listening, learning about and understanding the challenges our colleagues face.
I encourage our teams to foster a culture where open, honest and respectful communications are the norm - even if it means sometimes having uncomfortable conversations that highlight areas we still need to learn and improve. Our ultimate aim is to empower everyone - regardless of gender, sexual orientation or race - the ability to speak up and be heard.
We still have five more parts to our series focusing on women leadership, and bridging the gap in gender diversity in organisations. Stay tuned for more!
Part 1: Pearls of wisdom: Career advice from women leaders to their younger selves
Part 2: IWD2019 special: How CDL, Mars Inc, Standard Chartered Bank, and more are building balanced workplaces
Part 3: How leaders across Asia are taking responsibility to advocate a gender-balanced society
Part 4: Advice from 12 women leaders on overcoming career challenges
Part 5: 10 D&I initiatives that some of Asia's most successful employers do
Part 6: If you could meet your younger self, what career advice would you give?
Part 7: 'Don't be afraid to be different': Career advice from leaders across Asia
Part 8: 13 ways leaders like yourself can make an impact on gender equality
Part 9: How-To: 10 ideas you can adopt to help #BalanceForBetter
Part 10: Take a leaf out of these 10 women leaders' career diary
Part 12: Interviews with AXA Insurance, Cisco, HP, Roland Berger, and more on D&I issues
Part 13: #BalanceForBetter: Equal pay for equal work, meritocracy approach, and more
Part 14: Building diversity isn't an HR role: How leaders across the board invest time into it
Part 15: [Watch] Nuggets of wisdom: 10 women leaders share career advice to their younger selves
Part 16: Be fearless and fight for your right: Tips for overcoming career challenges


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