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HomeCOVID-19New Covid-19 measures for Portugal
New Covid-19 measures for Portugal
Mainland Portugal will return to a state of calamity from 1 December due to the increase in cases of Covid-19, with new measures to come into force.
By Daisy Sampson, in COVID-19, Portugal · 25 Nov 2021, 18:14 · 29 Comments
"The Council of Ministers approved raising the alert level to the level of calamity as of December 1, so that we are qualified with the necessary legal framework to be able to adopt the appropriate measures that are proportional to the risk", said António Costa at the press conference at the end of the Council of Ministers meeting in which new measures to contain the pandemic were decided.
Mainland Portugal returns to the calamity situation for the second time this year, after having been at this level between May 1 and September 30.
The disaster situation is the highest level of response to disaster situations provided for in the Basic Civil Protection Law, after the alert and contingency situation.
Why the change in rules?
António Costa, explained that new measures are needed due to the pandemic because, despite high levels of the vaccination and being in a better situation better than other countries in general in Europe, the country "is not doing so well".
At a press conference, António Costa stated that the worsening situation has resulted in the increase in hospitalisations and deaths, what he "regretted".
For this reason, António Costa considered that the time had come to adopt "new measures" involving citizens, families, companies and all entities in the public sector.
THE NEW RULES FOR PORTUGAL
Remote work mandatory between 2 and 9 January
Remote working is once again being recommended, however it will be mandatory between January 2nd and 9th, the week after Christmas and the end of the year festivities.
"Whenever possible, telecommuting is recommended to avoid excessive contacts that could aggravate the pandemic situation", said the prime minister.
Entry into bars and clubs subject to negative test
Entrance to nightclubs and bars will be subject to the presentation of a negative Covid-19 test, even for those who have been vaccinated, from December 1, with clubs to be closed between January 2nd and 9th.
Entrance to bars with dance spaces and clubs, which opened on October 1 after closing for about 19 months due to the pandemic, was until now limited to the presentation of the digital certificate, which could be related to vaccination, recovery or performance of negative test.
The closing of the clubs takes place in the so-called "contact contention week", said the prime minister.
Mandatory use of mask in all enclosed spaces
The use of masks will once again be mandatory in all closed spaces as part of the reinforcement of measures to contain the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Masks are now mandatory in all closed spaces that are not excepted by the Directorate-General for health", announced António Costa.
According to the prime minister, the measure is one of the three main instruments to contain the Covid-19 pandemic, along with the reinforcement of testing and the use of digital certificates.
Mandatory test for entry into sporting venues
The presentation of a negative test at entry will become mandatory in sports venues.
Even vaccinated people will have to present a negative test to access sports venues, according to the prime minister.
At the moment, sporting events do not have a limit of spectators and it was only necessary to present a vaccination certificate or a negative test.
Vaccines for children ages 5 to 11 from 20 December
Vaccines against Covid-19 for children between five and 11 years old, if the inoculation has the approval of the technical commission for vaccination, will arrive in Portugal from December 20.
António Costa said that the government already has the supply of pediatric vaccines contracted with the pharmaceutical company Pfizer and that it guarantees coverage for more than 600,000 children in this age group.
"We will be prepared to vaccinate the 637,907 children who are eligible, and the supply schedule has already been contracted with Pfizer, which will begin arriving in Portugal on December 20, with a view to guaranteeing the necessary supply of pediatric vaccines – which are different. On December 20, the arrival of the first batch of 300,000 vaccines is scheduled and during the month of January another 462,000 will arrive", he said.
The prime minister stressed that this measure still needs validation by the Technical Vaccination Commission "next week", although he reiterated the importance of the "necessary conditions" for this process in place, recalling the recommendation of the European Medicines Agency (EMA ).
António Costa also clarified that the eventual vaccination of children must respect "the parents' wishes" and result from an "informed dialogue" between parents and doctors.
Classes to resume on January 10 after Christmas break
Classes will resume on January 10 after the Christmas break to contain the increase in the number of Covid-19 cases.
"We introduced a slight change in the school calendar, postponing the reopening of the beginning of the second period to January 10", said António Costa.
The prime minister added that these five days will be made up for "with the reduction of two days of interruption at Carnival and three days of interruption at Easter".
The head of Government explained that this "week of containment [from 2nd to 9th January] aims to ensure that after a period of intense contact and family life, the mixing of people from different households is avoided".
Digital certificate required for access to restaurants and hotels
The Covid-19 digital vaccine certificate will once again be mandatory for access to restaurants, tourist establishments and local accommodation from December 1.
According to the prime minister, the certificate "is universal today" since 87 percent of the population is vaccinated against Covid-19, contrary to what was previously verified and constitutes a "security" measure and not a "barrier".
"It is essential that people feel safe going to a restaurant, shopping, participating in normal life. The [digital] certificate is not a barrier, on the contrary, it is a guarantee of safety," said António Costa in response to journalists.
The digital certificate is also required at the entrance of gyms and certain events.
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Where do we get the digital certificate? We are tourists here, double vaccinated with proof of vaccine but not from a facility in Portugal.
By Kathleen Allisen from Algarve on 25 Nov 2021, 19:15
It's a well known fact that fully vaccinated people can just as easily contract and transmit COVID. The is NO "guarantee for safety" whatsoever, at best there's a smaller chance of getting hospitalised or death. This man is lying, again.
"The [digital] certificate is not a barrier, on the contrary, it is a guarantee of safety," said António Costa in response to journalists."
By Fred Doe from Algarve on 25 Nov 2021, 22:05
Here comes the bill for the vacation period. From mid May, tourists from outside EU were welcome. Even EU had recommended restrictions. The hotel owners got some profit. And now we have to pay with restrictions/lock down.... Affection regular people's daily life. Limiting our possibilities to do normal activities.
By Gustav from Algarve on 25 Nov 2021, 22:42
I see the Portugal News are getting very selective about which comments they publish now. Censorship is alive and well in a "free" western "democracy" in the 21st century.
By SS from Algarve on 26 Nov 2021, 06:33
Well this didn't work before why will it work now? Most have been vaccinated, so what's the problem? We need to treat this as the flu and move on with our lives. This is getting ridiculous!
By Lucy from UK on 26 Nov 2021, 09:37
"Censorship is alive and well in a "free" western "democracy" in the 21st century."
All publications have always had the right to choose what they publish. If you write a letter to the editor of a print publication you don't have any right to have it printed. The same applies to online publications. Freedom of expression includes the right not to express something.
By Mike from Other on 26 Nov 2021, 12:18
Reply to Kathleen,
If you start complying you need soon monthly injections in exchange for a certificate of vaccination ID 2019 document.
By Magnus from Other on 26 Nov 2021, 12:22
'It's a well known fact that fully vaccinated people can just as easily contract and transmit COVID.'
The above statement is demonstrably false and dangerous.
Yes, there seems to be the same chance of transmitting COVID regardless of vaccination status. BUT, funnily enough, you have a dramatically lower risk of actually catching it if you've been vaccinated.....
By Jack Woodcraft from Lisbon on 26 Nov 2021, 13:06
Contrary to the misinformed opinions stated online, this is not a 'flu'. This is a very deadly virus. The reason why it is so effective is because it is able to mutate-which is the very nature of a virus. As long as the virus can find a host, it will infiltrate the host and mutate. This is a fact. Also a fact, if the host is not vaccinated and if the virus mutates to such a level that the vaccines we have at our disposal no longer work against the mutated virus, then more people will become infected, more people will die. Also, the more people we have who are not vaccinated the greater the chance that an un-vaccinated person will become infected, and there is a greater chance that the virus will mutate into a new and more dangerous virus. If this happens, and it is likely, then even the vaccinated individuals could fall prey to virus. However, another fact, those who are un-vaccinated are more likely to contract the original virus and the new mutated versions and become gravely ill and possibly die, this is what the hospitals are seeing now-more than 90% of people taking up ICU beds in hospital are UN-vaccinated adults. So we as a community must remain vigilant. We must encourage people to get vaccinated. There is a new and potentially very deadly mutation now in Europe........should this spread, and mutate we are all going to have to work together to beat this plague.
By Jean McManus from Lisbon on 26 Nov 2021, 13:43
Only logging on to agree with Lucy. Was in PT last July for the month with my family. I had planned to return this summer (we have family there), but I don't think I will return in 2022
By John Newman from USA on 26 Nov 2021, 14:15
These governments are in their own fantasy world in which we pay the price.
By Marco from Algarve on 26 Nov 2021, 15:26
some more verbal diarrhea from Mr.Costa & Co.
By Do from Lisbon on 26 Nov 2021, 15:30
Could you kindly clarify if a non-vaccinated but tested, using either a lateral flow or PCR test, which ever is mandatory, will be able to stay in an already booked hotel after 1 December? Thank you
By Paul Jarvis from Alentejo on 26 Nov 2021, 16:10
Will our digital certificate issued by the Government of Canada be accepted in Portugal ?
We have 2 Pfizer vaccinations AND a booster shot.
By Ian Adamson from Other on 26 Nov 2021, 16:39
Natural immunity gained from catching this cold will be supressed and mean restrictions never end. The vast majority are vaccinated so have hardly any symptoms worse than a cold. My brother and his wife had it and never used a full box of tissues.
By Ian Chestney from Other on 26 Nov 2021, 18:57
So what was the point of getting vaccinated if you still have to show proof of being virus free to attend any public gathering? Even if we all walked around wearing Haz Mat suits I'm sure that still wouldn't suffice . We need to stop the insanity.
By Tony B from USA on 26 Nov 2021, 20:03
Only like the flu? Try telling that to the families of the 5.2 million dead so far.
By Felix from UK on 26 Nov 2021, 20:08
With so many super fit athletes falling over after the 'Jab', seven in the last week!!, why is this not being investigated?
By JG from Algarve on 27 Nov 2021, 06:47
Me and my daughter is vaccinated…how can i get the digital vaccinated certificate…and can i travel by air and showing the vaccinated card which we got after vaccine.Thanks
By Shadab from Lisbon on 27 Nov 2021, 07:31
Despite the fear mongering comments, yes this is like the flu, and yes people die or used to die from the flu. Now they are all lumped into the CV file. Word of note, those 5.2 million people would have passed regardless of the classification. Statistically, 98% + of the population will have mild symptoms and recover without any intervention or injection. Despite what the overpaid bureaucrats medics say, in the long run natural immunity will trump any injection. Foe any one that is pushing the injection, I would like to see full disclosure of their investment portfolio. Get the injection if you like, stop forcing it on those that don't want it as the stats show it has done little to remedy the situation. It has however made some very rich and vastly increased the public debt. For those fear mongers, start thinking about the collateral damage to your kids lives, grandkids lives and future generations and less about your selfish near future.
By Anthony G from Algarve on 27 Nov 2021, 07:59
I was involved in a dinner party of 15 people. One person had the virus without knowing and found out through symptoms a few days later. Results were that everybody who had been vaccinated got the virus and everyone who didn't was safe. This is a very true story and I have all the evidence to prove this so please no censorship because this is vital to help others make their decision. I am now being targeted as an individual for not wanting the vaccination and my job is being threatened as well this is becoming ridiculous
By Crystal Rose from UK on 27 Nov 2021, 08:04
Felix people who have reached old die anyway with or without flu virus, 5,2 million deaths in 2 years is not abnormal, it is similar to any season flu, look how many die every year from Malaria, Dengue, Zika and TBC and how many die from cancer and heart related illnesses, did media channels report about all of these deaths?
Magnus, you'll need to cite a source for your statement, because actual annual global deaths from flu are usually less than 0.5 million. Covid19 is much more contagious and far more likely to result in death. Fear of the pandemic shouldn't lead you to deny the facts.
There's still no vaccine for stupid. But there is one for covid. Figure it out.
By Howie Rosen from USA on 28 Nov 2021, 00:53
This makes no sense, as many health professionals have stated , vaccinated people are also spreading the virus , and in fact , if 87% are vaccinated, then it's mostly vaccinated people spreading it , not unvaccinated. So stopping tourists using restaurants , gyms etc , just because they are not vaccinated is probably useless , and just takes money away from Portuguese restaurant and club owners.
By Charles Bond from UK on 28 Nov 2021, 11:26
Howie Rosen: indeed. Plus, neither of them work/would work.
By DD from Lisbon on 28 Nov 2021, 17:15
Can the Netherlands "borrow" the Portuguese government and also Henrique Gouveia e Melo to facilitate the booster vaccinating here?
As they say here, the Dutch polder guys are not baking anything at all …
By Patrick Raas from Other on 29 Nov 2021, 08:52
Vaccines only protect the individuals who get them. It protects them from getting so sick that they require hospitalization or worse. It doesn't prevent you from getting the virus., you can still transmit it to others . So whether you're vaccinated or not it makes no difference, you can get it and transmit it. If everyone in the world were vaccinated, the virus will still spread. Some say the more it spreads the less lethal, much like the common cold. Bottom line, get vaccinated and protect yourself.
Reply to Felix: I start to reply saying that year 2020 and 2021 had no higher mortality in Sweden compared with past 20 years, the data is from SCB Swedens Statistical Central Bureau or innStatistiska Centralbyrån, where is the pandemic when no more people died? Remember also Sweden increase every year population with migration from middle east, asia, afghanistan and africa, since 2010 almost 1 million more people live in Sweden. The PCR tests can not show what kind of flu or infection someone has. The horrible manipulation regarding certificate of vaccination ID 2019 flu virus should have been stopped long time ago but instead the show goes on...
Send us your comments or opinion on this article.
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When I took two of the smaller and three of my bigger quilts for the Fagus exhibition to be photographed today, and mentioned that I was going on exhibition next week, my photographer and I started talking about exhibition opportunities. In particular he asked why I never exhibited anywhere closer, and particularly in our town. When I pointed out that there weren't really a whole lot of suited locations to do so, he agreed – and then offered me to have a shop window exhibit in his shop windows early in the New Year.
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So much good news in such a short time. Many congratulations on getting your JAM application approved, you deserve it. I noticed that you were in the star recruiter list too, hope you get the gift that you want.


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Chippy Lane Productions: The benefits of writers' groups
2 Comments / Guest Post / By Kimberley Andrews
Writing can be a lonely business but joining (or setting up!) a writers' group can be a great way to counteract this. In this post, Rebecca Jade Hammond, Artistic Director of Chippy Lane and founder of their Welsh Female Writers Group (WFW), shares her insights; and writers, Faebian Averies and Sophie Warren, talk about the benefits of being part of the WFW group.
Rebecca Jade Hammond, Artistic Director of Chippy Lane Productions
Who run the world….? I think that even Beyoncé would agree that us girls still have a long way to go before we can confidently say that is the truth. Even more specifically in theatre and television. You can probably times that by two again in terms of 'running things'. So, what do we do?
The many funny, talented, skilled, experienced wonderful female writers who have fled the motherland of sweet, gentle Cymru to the harsher urban lands of Llundain in search for our debut at the Royal Court, or residency at the National or God forbid even Arts Council funding? In some ways there still isn't much that a writer CAN do as such… apart from write of course.
It's a very solitary world (even as I write this after eleven hours at my 'day' job listening to 'Bake Off' echoing through the ether of my kitchen above, I know I must lock my door and throw away the key for fear of distraction from the real world), and one in which you can easily introvert yourself into. Well, especially me. It's not a sport that requires a full team of players or a training session once a week, so finding the right sort of group that allows this sort of much needed community and discipline and nourishment – for want of a better word, is such an important thing, and even in a big, bustling hub such as London I am yet to find reams and reams of groups that offer the same thing that there is with Chippy Lane.
Chippy Lane Productions was founded in 2016 by Rebecca Jade Hammond with the mission to promote Welsh and Wales-based theatre and talent, to audiences in and beyond Wales. It is a London based Welsh company which was created in response to research showing a lack of Welsh work being produced beyond Wales.
CLP has achieved a tremendous amount in a short space of time and has continuously championed emerging Welsh artists. One area of this unwavering encouragement has come with the formation of The Welsh Female Writers Group (WFW ), in the summer of 2018,. The group is dedicated to supporting female writers, both established and emerging, within the industry. Run by Rebecca, the group meets monthly for four hours of fun, friendly, supportive and informative discussion.
FAEBIAN'S VIEW:
I was welcomed into Welsh Female Writers in November 2018 after getting in touch when I saw a call out online. Headed by the powerhouse that is Rebecca Jade Hammond we read published scripts by female writers, have workshops, give feedback on each other's work, go on theatre trips and generally just have a big Welsh chat (the word 'lush' being bandied around a delightful amount)!
As mentioned above-writing can be a solitary occupation, so to be able to gather with people who understand how it feels to only be able to write at a certain time of day in a specific coffee shop chain on a certain street is overwhelmingly supportive and actually, vital. When I decided to start writing properly two years ago, like many first timers I was really writing blind. The form and structure from the alarming amount of hours I've spent in front of the tv, or jazz handing my way to the theatre etched onto my brain, meant I was subconsciously writing to something, but nothing that was really that tangible for me. I just plonked some jokes down on paper and hoped for the best!
This is where WFW has proved invaluable for me and many other members of our group. It has given us the clarity and discipline that's needed to bring your work up to the next level. The group mantra has become 'take the what advice you need, but throw away the rest'-it's about our own personal development, not a rule book on playwriting.
Our styles are all completely different and that uniqueness is celebrated. The sessions usually begin with a group discussion of the chosen text, then advice on playwriting-focusing on a different area each time, and then we have individual slots to discuss our work and get feedback from everyone. All members able to bring intelligent and insightful views on one another's projects. We've had women come with only a seed of an idea and then got the encouragement to go away and start growing it. We have a WhatsApp group where the clapping emoji is used vigorously. We've been given, and added to an extensive reading list. Not a week goes by where Bec doesn't email us with a writing opportunity. And many women have come into the group, got the clarity or push they needed in their writing and have gone away to sell out shows and pitch ideas to big production companies. (More than several clap emojis were used in the announcements of these achievements)
In March of this year several of us were involved in 'Who Run the World?', which was an event run by Becca to showcase ten minutes of some the WFW's work. It included 20 actors performing 12 writer's pieces. Each performer and writer wore Era 50:50 badges to campaign for equal gender representation within the arts and the event marked the first public showing of the WFW's work, to coincide with International Women's Day. Chippy Lane's scratch nights have been enormously successful, attended by a great turn out of audience members and industry professionals. Writers from the scratch nights have gone on to work with companies such as Dirty Protest, The National Theatre of Wales and the BBC.
On the surface WFW is a group serving us up tea and biscuits alongside lessons in writing. However, underneath it's a network of people all working together to create and support one another, to ensure we have confidence in the fact we have stories worth telling and to fly the flag for Welsh women coming up in the industry. CLP are wonderful and inclusive, and I feel incredibly lucky to have started my writing career in their very capable hands.
SOPHIE'S VIEW:
I was excited when having moved from Cardiff to be more of a part of all Chippy Lane has to offer and keep close to a sense of home alongside all of my favourite things; Writing and reading and intelligent discussion and AMAZING WOMEN and Welsh tales and, of course, a paned. Lush. What more could you want?
It feels like one struggle managing to get Welsh work to be produced even in Wales but is a whole other one stepping outside of it and trying to get the work out there further afield. This is where Chippy Lane have stepped in as a sort of non physical Severn Bridge to soften that gap between Welsh and Wales- based artists in and out of London. Coming to this group has brought out a confidence in me that I had dramatically lost since leaving drama school as a writer.
I couldn't even bring my own work in for the first three sessions nodding happily and offering feedback to others whilst quietly summoning up the courage to bring in my own-which I thankfully did and do now thanks to Becca's gentle nudge of 'I DARE YOU'… Whenever I feel myself losing the muster I know it's time to book on again and be surrounded by open, creative, funny fab Welsh women.
My writing has also improved too with the goals and structure set to force myself in to getting something down which is something that is so so useful for me as something like this was exactly the sort of 'sports training sessions' equivalent I was craving as a writer. It's given me a sense of hiraeth that I struggle to find sometimes in London since leaving Wales.
If you've got something to share or even if you haven't you can just come along and take what you need from it because I think the sheer importance of its existence alone is key to the future of young and undernourished writers struggling to find outlets for their creativity. As Fae said, in terms of the structure of the sessions too it's perfectly formatted with time to read and discuss a certain play, ask questions rhetorically and to put to the group, discuss specifically and generally writing in this text and of our own. Then the sessions moves along to our own pieces whether they be brand new, still an ember in the back corner of our heads or a full formed draft that we are revisiting in the session too.
It's been great to watch other people's ideas form and develop month after month too let alone my own and its proof that by giving yourself the right frame and restrictions to work under you can really take your script or idea up to where it's workable or even performable.
One thing I learn year after year in this industry is that women really are FOR other women and this is the perfect place to discover that… and occasionally Becca will even bring her dog too so what more could you want from a Sunday?…
Rebecca's tips for setting up a writers' group:
Find a location. Beg, borrow and maybe steal 😉 to find a sensitive central space in London to get your group together.
Work out how long you want your sessions to be and plan your sessions.
We always split our session in half to allow us to discuss the key set text and then give over time to the writers to discuss their work.
We have an extensive reading list that we offer out to all our writers.
Make the group fun, friendly and informative. Writing can be an isolating task.
Publish the details of your group through social media.
Plug, plug, plug to get the word out there.
Ensure you get your participants to spread the word.
Have a laugh in the sessions. Enjoy, learn and grow.
Guest post by Written by Rebecca Hammond, Faebian Averies and Sophie Warren.
2 thoughts on "Chippy Lane Productions: The benefits of writers' groups"
Lorraine Hammond
"Powerhouse"……..that's is you Rebecca
Your dog has a name ….."Biscuit"
Good wishes to all that attend and hope in the future many of your stories get to print……
Sue Richardson Fowkes
We have a playwrighting, group in Liverpool – Lantern Writers. We meet weekly in the wonderful environment of The Hope Street Hotel, who have given us this space for free. We workshop scripts, get visitor writers (Helen Blakeman for example) to come and discuss their work, and we attend workshops and theatre around us together. We also produce showcases of our work with pro actors/directors. It's brilliant to commune and avoid the often confidence-sapping solitude. Don't work in a void people – join a group. Come to ours if in Merseyside – screenwriters are very welcome too.
@lanternwritersliv, @lantern_writers, or find us on Facebook
Email: contact@londonplaywrights.org
London Playwrights' Workshop © 2018.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
ARTISAN GALLERY (article first published : 2007-12-26)
Well-known art curator Sue Greenberg opened the doors to her new gallery at 344 Florida Road, Durban on December 13 with her much-anticipated annual Christmas Exhibition.
"It is a tradition that I established at the Bayside Gallery which I founded at the BAT Centre 12 years ago and which I have maintained every year since," said Sue. "This year I have decided to focus exclusively on work coming out of KwaZulu-Natal and have consequently called the exhibition KZN Collection 2007.
"Our province is often considered a cultural backwater and yet the number of internationally recognized arts and crafts people living and working here is unsurpassed in South Africa", she added.
Featured in KZN Collection 2007 is the selected work of 22 exhibitors ranging from hand-crafted jewellery and blown glass to paintings and fine art prints. The exhibition is housed in a brand-new, light-filled space which Sue has chosen to call Artisan.
"I agonized for weeks about a name which would encapsulate my vision for this gallery", she said. "Artisan acknowledges that artists are skilled people who work with their hands. The name is also an acronym for 'Art in South Africa Now', which is exactly how I want to position my new gallery. In the months ahead I will be showcasing the finest contemporary South African art in all its shapes and forms. Artisan will also provide a platform for the exploration of new ideas and directions."
Providing tangible evidence of this exploration is Artisan's launch of a range of exclusive gift cards under the Africloth Designs label. "Modelled on the Kanga, the designs have been immortalized by a prominent politician hailing from KZN", said Sue.
KZN Collection 2007.runs through to mid-January. Gallery hours are from 09h00 to 16h00 daily. More details on 031 312 4364 or 083 301 5747.


text:
CoSoSys Enters North American Market
Endpoint Security and DLP Solutions now available via new US-based office
BUCHAREST and SAN JOSE, Calif. -- CoSoSys, the leading developer of enterprise Endpoint Security and Policy Management solutions for USB devices, announced today the opening of its office in the United States. Leveraging its strong presence in Asia and Europe, CoSoSys is now uniquely positioned to launch its award winning, cutting edge Endpoint Security and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solutions to customers in the Americas.
"This is an exciting time in the evolution of CoSoSys. We look forward to delivering high-end Security and Policy Management solutions to our enterprise customers, thus helping them secure data and prevent data loss on USB devices, " said Roman Foeckl, Managing Director of CoSoSys. "Also we are committed to developing and delivering world-class enterprise business applications with potential Resellers and Distribution partners who are leaders in their field and who are willing to invest in a successful collaboration targeting mutual future growth."
CoSoSys SRL
MobileApplication Security Cloud
The ROI Story: Identifying & Justifying Disruptive Technology
The Definitive Guide to SASE Security


text:
We are proud to work with
Content Group
for our Distribution
Raul Zurita
Translated by William Rowe
ISBN 10: 1-934851-04-3
ISBN 13: 978-1-934851-04-3
USD $14.95 + Shipping
INRI responds to the need to find a language for an event that was kept hidden and excluded from official records in Chile: the fact that the bodies of the disappeared were thrown out of helicopters into the mouths of volcanoes and into the sea. In order to bring this event, that was neither seen nor heard, into language, Zurita invents a form and language capable of bringing it into the present. The one place where these unspeakable acts might be registered is in the landscape of Chile: the mountains, desert, and sea. There the event might begin to be touched, heard, and finally seen. When there are no places from which to speak, 'the stones cry out'.
INRI is written as poetry without regular lines or metre. In the tradition of Whitman or Ginsberg's Howl, it works with long breaths and large blocks of meaning: intensities that overrun the usual measures of speech and syntax. To read it is to experience a strange force pulsing through the language, breaking apart its usual channels, and opening unseen and unheard zones.
About the Author, Raul Zurita
Zurita, winner of the Chilean National Poetry Prize, is one of the best known poets of Latin America. His work is part of a revolution in poetic language, that began in the 1970s and sought to find new forms of expression, radically different from those of Pablo Neruda. The challenge was to confront the contemporary epoch, with its particular forms of violence, including violence done to language.
INRI is distinctive in that it does not speak out of individual sorrow, though this is not missing from the text, but seeks, rather, a new space, out of which love might be asserted as prime human reality, a space which might give birth to a different type of society.
About the Translator, William Rowe
Essayist, poet and translator, William Rowe is Anniversary Professor of Poetics at Birkbeck College, University of London, and author of several books on Latin American Poetry.


Teaching English as a foreign language is a difficult, but rewarding profession choice. An additional invaluable resource here is the Among the Lions Curriculum Guide It shows teachers and homeschooling parents how they can incorporate the games and interactives into their reading lessons. As a particular person who has devoted myself to education for more than 26 years, I am concerned that this choice will make the public education in the United States fall even further behind and become even more inequitable. Last, we speak with Rhoda Rae Gutierrez, a Chicago parent, and System Director at the Collaborative for Equity and Justice in Education. Starfall Education has produced an engaging group of games and activities that range from the ABCs to fables. Here's what can happen when we bring education on the internet … and open it up to anybody.
From Dewey's educational philosophy came the emphasis on encounter, activity, and problem-solving that helped to reshape our thinking about education and schooling. This year's Education at a Glance shows that only a handful of nations are on track on all targets towards the education SDG but at the same time, it shows that all nations have outstanding results on some of the targets. Education at a Glance 2016 shows that several nations have decreased average class size more than the previous decade or so, responding to political stress and public demand. So when she was 4 years old, I gathered together some appropriate books and games and away we went.
Because it has such a vibrant startup culture in education exactly where educators, entrepreneurs and policy makers aren't afraid of each other but collaborate day following day for a lot more revolutionary and productive educational options. Public cash that is diverted to private schools definitely implies far less funds is going to help the education of public school students. Try items out but in no way be afraid of saying, Sorry, this is not for us." Education is a life-lengthy encounter and must be undertaken with love, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. My son is often playing imaginatively and learns through playing with jigsaws, his building toys like legos, games and arts and crafts.
These like me who strongly oppose the selection think that giving public funds to private and religious schools will entirely destroy the separation of church and state and will entirely destroy the long tradition of non-partisan civic education for K-12 students.
Alan November, a teacher and pioneer in educational technologies, makes a effective case for project-based understanding and the critical role it plays student motivation. Greg Miller, till recently, was Chairman of the Arizona State Board of Education.
← Can The Education Gap Be Closed For Black Boys In America?


text:
Europe on edge: Bomb scare at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport
A bomb scare on Monday forced the closure of a motorway leading to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport.
A man is said to have yelled "Bomb!" aboard a bus on the A4 motorway this morning.
Described as confused, he was held by armed police while a thorough search was carried out.
With no sign of any serious threat, the road was later reopened.
Amsterdam airport terror: Man held at gunpoint in bus bomb threat https://t.co/sULVnfTpxypic.twitter.com/YVHiPgkAKv
— Daily Star (@Daily_Star) August 1, 2016
In recent days, security measures have been stepped up in and around Schiphol, one of Europe's largest airports, with police searching vehicles after intelligence was received about a possible threat.
It has caused traffic jams during the busy summer holiday season.
Following Islamist terror attacks in France, Belgium and Germany, the Netherlands is considered a prominent target, because it supports US-led military operations against ISIL in the Middle East.
The national threat level in the Netherlands remains unchanged at "substantial," or one notch from the highest.
The last major attack in the Netherlands was the killing by a Muslim radical of Theo van Gogh, the outspoken film maker, in 2004.
Cannabis: Amsterdam mulls ban on foreign tourists at its 'coffee shops'
Suspect arrested over 'bomb threat' at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport
Dutch court upholds terror conviction for 2018 Amsterdam station stabbings
Terrorism threat


We have a wide selection of wooden clothes hangers available. With colours and styles to use with every garment and suit every store display, you will be sure to find the coat hanger you are looking for. We have adult hangers and kids hangers, peg hangers and jacket hangers, all made from real wood.


Staff is always very cordial and supportive. — Patricia H.
Staff is always very cordial and supportive.
Great service! Very easy visit. No complaints. ... — Michelle M.
Great service! Very easy visit. No complaints. All the employees were friendly. They also were informed regarding my INS. Thanks!
Very professional, friendly office — Jane D.
Very professional, friendly office. Dr. Saxton is up to date with his services, even makes crowns on site while you wait!
The staff was very friendly and helpful with ma... — Melanie H.
This is the best dentist office EVER!!!! The st... — Veronica C.
Very welcoming and friendly staff. Anita L. is... — Yolanda R.
Very welcoming and friendly staff. Anita L. is AMAZING!
I was highly impressed with the thorough clarif... — Soniya M.
I was highly impressed with the thorough clarification about treatment options, how insurance works and expected cost. Very nice and effective team.
Excellent staff, caring and professional. — Jeremy B.
Excellent staff, caring and professional.
The entire Staff, including Dr Saxon, is the best. They are super professional and shows interest of the patient's teeth.
Great Dentist office! — Anne D.
Great Dentist office!! Dr. Saxson is great, and Anita is THE BEST!
I was so comfortable getting my teeth clean the... — Litoya B.
Friendly staff. Always aware of your comfort du... — Cheryl I.
Friendly staff. Always aware of your comfort during procedures.
Quality Delivery of Dental Health Care — Linda P.
Again, my spouse experienced and enjoyed our dental visit. Who do you know that states, they enjoyed visiting their dental provider? Yet, it is quite true! Much appreciated!
Satisfactory opinion given by dentist. — Ramesh P.
Satisfactory opinion given by dentist.
Always professional and friendly — Sandra F.
As aways received great cleaning from hygienis... — Carol H.
Wonderful and Caring Dental Office — Mary P.
The staff is friendly and does excellent dental work. My teeth are healthy and I am happy.
Best Dentist Ever!! — Tiffany W.
Love Dr. S and his staff!!! He's not just a Dentist, he's a artist! The best dentist I have ever been too! Very professional and makes you feel very comfortable at his practice. He focuses on you and your concerns, it's never about the price ! He genuinely cares about you and making you look the absolute best he can! I'm so thankful for him as well as his staff!
I love the staff!!!!!!!everyone ...they are sim... — Veronica C.
Dental Nirvana. — Peter Y.
Always a pleasure to visit Dr Saxton and his wonderful staff. Never thought I would actually look forward to visiting the dentist! Extremely patient centered practice.
Great office and the staff and Dr Saxton are Aw... — Deborah D.
Love the care, and the family feeling. Will recommend to everyone.
Always friendly and thorough! — Penny L.
There was a misunderstanding about what service... — Michelle M.
There was a misunderstanding about what services were actually being provided & they did everything in their power to make it work for me. Totally happy with the end product as well.
Very friendly staff. Dr. Saxton is very laid ba... — Sandye W.
Very friendly staff. Dr. Saxton is very laid back and down to earth but he DEFINITELY knows what he's doing. I've had TWO root canals and both experiences very well. I highly recommend this dentistry.
Been going here since 2012 as a young girl and ... — Ebony V.
Been going here since 2012 as a young girl and now I own a buisness and I'm 21 years of age I wouldn't trade them.
The best dental office I've ever been to — Kristin M.
Aesthetic Family Dentistry has always done an a... — Naomi P.
Aesthetic Family Dentistry has always done an amazing job with all 5 members of my family. I truly enjoy every visit, believe it or not!
Professional, friendly and sensitive — Sandra F.
As always, Dr. Saxton and his staff are very professional, yet have that friendliness about them where we all can laugh and joke around. They are also all sensitive to any nervousness or anxiety the patient may have and makes every effort to have a comfortable atmosphere.
First class operation smiling is believing — Ron L.
Great service and in and out quickly — Emanuel M.
Awsome service ,staff /Dentist were Great — Deashawn M.
Friendly group of staff — Denise R.
Friendly group of staff who put you at ease and explain well what treatment is needed, ontime treatments and clean spacious office.
Everyone is warm and friendly. My experiences ... — Rebecca F.
Everyone is warm and friendly. My experiences with you all leave me with positive feelings.
Yes they are great. — Darlene F.
Dental work seems to have corrected problem. — Raymond L.
Dental work seems to have corrected problem.
Very kind and knowledgeable! — Ava L.
Dr. Saxton was very kind and talked me through the whole procedure and made sure I was aware of everything that I needed to know. The dental hygienist was also informative and knowledgeable and made sure I knew what to do when I left for recovery.
Dr. Saxton and his team continue being the best... — Linda P.
Dr. Saxton and his team continue being the best dental service providers that my husband and I have ever experienced. We have been going to the dentist for a combined total of 90 years. Treatment is superb!
If you don't like your dentist, try mine! — Somer G.
I always tell people, "if you don't like your dentist, you should go see mine instead!" Dr Saxton and his team are simply amazing! They are friendly, professional, and very accommodating. I truly feel "at home" at this practice and I look forward to checkups at the dentist.
I was very pleased with the overall service dur... — David B.
I was very pleased with the overall service during my visit.
Always the best experience at this practice. — Cindy D.
Always the best experience at this practice. I am so happy with the appearance of my teeth for the first time ever. Staff are always so great as well as Dr. Saxton.
Dr. Saxton and his staff are phenomenal. Their... — Sandra F.
Dr. Saxton and his staff are phenomenal. Their professionalism and friendliness are unmatched. I highly recommend this dental practice.
Excellent service and environment — Jason H.
Everyone in this office is professional, friendly and experts in their field.
I love this staff. The staff is always there an... — Angela K.
I love this staff. The staff is always there any problems.
Extremely courteous and patience making you fee... — Billy F.
Extremely courteous and patience making you feel.comfortable and right at home. .Although I originally apprehensive about the condition of my teeth, soon I felt perfectly comfortable.
Always friendly and cheerful employees. — Raymond L.
Always friendly and cheerful employees. The boss must be doing something right.The employees too or they wouldn't be there. It nice to know that you all care. We will be back!
I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS OFFICE AND THE STA... — Kristin F.
Friendly, welcoming environment. — Jane D.
Friendly, welcoming environment. I have been with Dr. Saxton since the practice started several years ago, and with hygienist Anita and Tammy at the desk before that with the previous dentist. All are first-rate and very caring!
Dr Saxton and staff were all so professional and friendly and made me feel so comfortable. I would recommend anyone in need of a dentist to this practice.


Many artists have made links between ideas surrounding significance of landscape as an artistic thought responding to places that are familiar and beautiful. The mountains, the coastal landscape, the bush have provided imagery that underpins the works. Other artists have explored ideas or thoughts that are connected conceptually into a complete whole.
The works utilise a diverse range of fibre materials and techniques creating works, that while created using cloth and stitch, felting, dyeing and twining, combine with art techniques to make works that cross the boundaries of traditional to contemporary artforms.


PHILADELPHIA – In response to the Trump administration's plan to cut the Environmental Protection Agency's budget by 5 percent next year, American Federation of Government Employees Council 238 rejected the proposal and urged Congress to fully fund the EPA.
The 5 percent in cuts come at a time when the administration has already failed to fully spend down Congress' previous appropriations for EPA – continuing the trend of underfunding the agency for more than 10 years now. Morton cautioned that the EPA is already struggling to fulfill its agency mandate due to the low-funding, and would be extremely limited in its ability to protect human health and the environment in the future.


text:
Q: Read text from xml string in c#? I am trying to read Message value from below xml string. How read it?
        <Messages>
           <Exceptions />
               <ValidationIssues>
                   <ValidationMessage Message="The Customer Communication requires a value for Search Phone or Email." FriendlyMessage="\" />
                </ValidationIssues>
         </Messages>"

tried
 var values = (from element in doc.XPathSelectElements("/Messages/Validationsissues/validationmessage")
                   where element.Attribute("message") != null
                   select (element.Attribute("message").Value));

did

A: XPathSelectElements is case-sensitive.  Change element.Attribute("message") to element.Attribute("Message").

A: Here's how:
XmlDocument doc = new XmlDocument();
doc.LoadXML("<Messages>
           <Exceptions />
               <ValidationIssues>
                   <ValidationMessage Message=\"The Customer Communication requires a value for Search Phone or Email.\" FriendlyMessage=\"\" />
                </ValidationIssues>
         </Messages>"  );

String str = doc.SelectSingleNode("//Messages/ValidationIssues/ValidationMessage").Attributes["Message"].Value;

You can also see my other answer at: How to use XMLNode.SelectSingleNode

A: The easiest thing would be to do this using an XDocument and no XPath but simply selecting the "ValidationIssues" elements as in:
class Program
{
    static string my_xml =
        "<Messages> " +
        "    <Exceptions />" +
        "    <ValidationIssues>" +
        "        <ValidationMessage Message=\"The Customer Communication requires a value for Search Phone or Email.\" FriendlyMessage=\"\\\" />  " +
        "    </ValidationIssues>" +
        "</Messages>";

    public static void Main(params string[] args)
    {
        var doc = XDocument.Parse(my_xml, LoadOptions.PreserveWhitespace);
        var messages = doc
            .Descendants("ValidationMessage")
            .Where(x => x.Attribute("Message") != null)
            .Select(x => x.Attribute("Message").Value);
        Console.WriteLine(string.Join(Environment.NewLine, messages));
        Console.ReadLine();
    }
}

A: Note that XML is case sensitive. XML elements and attributes name need to be mentioned in your XPath using the exact same cases.
If you like XPath, you can also add Message attribute checking in the XPath. For example, this XPath only return ValidationMessage having XML attribute Message :
/Messages/ValidationIssues/ValidationMessage[@Message]

Another tips, you may prefer casting XElement or XAttribute to string -or to some other possible types- instead of accessing Value property. This approach has advantages, for example, you can avoid null reference exception in case the attribute/element not found (never happen in this case because we already validate the attribute existence in the from/where clause), besides you can possibly get the attribute/element value readily in the suitable data type :
var xpath = "/Messages/ValidationIssues/ValidationMessage[@Message]";
var values = (from element in doc.XPathSelectElements(xpath)
              select (string)element.Attribute("message"));

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
John Freely, author
Blue Guide Istanbul ;
Biography: We were saddened to hear of the death of John Freely, in April 2017. John was born in Brooklyn in 1926. He joined the US Navy at the age of 17 and saw active service in WWII. After the war, he received a PhD in Physics from New York University. He first went to Istanbul in 1960 to teach Physics at the old Robert College, now Boğaziçi University. His first book was Strolling Through Istanbul (1972), which he wrote with Hilary Sumner-Boyd. It became the basis for Blue Guide Istanbul, first published in 1983. During his long life, John Freely wrote a total of some 50 books. I first met him in 2010, when the 6th edition of Blue Guide Istanbul was in preparation. He was a person of great enthusiasm, with an elastic energy, perpetually curious about places and people, and he had a great knack for making complete strangers feel at ease in each other's company. I have fond memories of an impromptu evening spent with him and a group of others in his rooms at Boğaziçi University, with his wife Dolores rushing around making beds because more people were expected for the night, seemingly completely unfazed by it all, deftly keeping food, wine and conversation flowing. John was generous with himself and with his books—he lent me two, from a study that overflowed with them—and like many generous people, he expected a similar generosity from others.
Istanbul has had many incarnations in its long history. The city that John Freely first saw in 1960 was very different from the one he left in 2017. If he were in his study now, he would perhaps be writing a book about it.
Photograph: Consulting Blue Guide Istanbul in the early 1980s.


A Florida couple has been deprived of their newborn daughter based on a questionable court order—but the legal system isn't sure how to respond.
Justin Johnson, 36, and Rebecca Sanders, 28, became parents on the morning of Friday, March 17. The baby was delivered via Caesarian section at Baptist Hospital in Kendall, Florida.
Two-day-old Ingrid Ronan Johnson was healthy and happy, lying in her mother's arms, on Sunday, March 18, when a doctor came in and took the newborn girl for what her mother assumed was a normal checkup.
Instead, the doctor handed the baby to two policemen, who said, "Your baby is being taken. She is no longer in your custody. You are not the mother anymore," Sanders told the Miami Herald.
The police officers were from the Miccosukee Indian reservation, where Sanders was a tribal member and where she had been staying with her mother, Betty Osceola.
The tribal police had an order signed by a Miccosukee judge—but that judge's order should not have had jurisdiction outside the grounds of the reservation. And the child, Ingrid Roman, does not have enough Miccosukee blood to be a tribal member.
Yet now, nearly a week later, Johnson and Sanders are still separated from their baby, and no one is saying where that child is.
Baptist Hospital released a statement on March 21.
It is not clear that Miami-Dade police were involved with seizing the baby. According to the Miami Herald, Miccosukee tribal police were the only law officers present, and they took the child from her mother.
Johnson and Sanders have filed complaints in every venue they can find, including with Miami-Dade Police and the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. They have hired a lawyer to try to get their child back.
But no one will admit to knowing where the child is or who might be caring for it.
Miami-Dade Police Director Juan Perez said he would launch an "immediate inquiry" into the matter. "Once we have additional information, we can determine what, if any, additional steps are necessary," he said.
So far, no answers have been forthcoming.
Johnson, 36, was a strength coach when he met Sanders, 28, a former bodybuilder. They met while Johnson was helping Sanders rehabilitate a broken arm.
The pair moved to Arkansas together, and Sanders got pregnant. They returned to Miami recently so Sanders could care for an ill stepfather. They lived on the reservation with Sanders's 11-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter, offspring from an earlier relationship.
Once in Miami, the couple had to cope with Betty Osceola, Sanders's mother, who seemed to dislike Johnson intensely. Johnson and Sanders told the Herald that Osceola couldn't tolerate seeing her daughter with a non-Indian.
Osceola got Johnson thrown off the reservation, and facing the extreme pressure, the couple decided to separate—but decided to stay close enough to co-parent. Johnson moved off the reservation; Sanders remained.
Osceola drove her daughter to the hospital on the morning on March 17. Sanders insisted that Johnson be there for the birth despite her mother's objections, and averred that Johnson would always be part of the baby's life.
Betty Osceola responded with anger. "She threatened to take my kids away. She didn't want him there. She told security he needs to be removed," Sanders told the Herald.
The next day, hospital security did indeed remove Johnson from the room, "They had received phone calls that it would be in their best interest to have me removed," Johnson explained—but the hospital staff would not say who had called.
The next day, tribal police came and took the baby.
In the complaint Betty Osceola filed with the Miccosukee tribal judge, the child's grandmother claimed that both Johnson and Sanders had struck Sander's 11-year-old son, who is autistic. Both deny the claim, and the court order signed by the judge did not accuse either parent of wrongdoing.
Based on that one complaint, the judge signed a court order allowing the child to be seized.
The Herald contacted former Miccosukee Police Chief Dave Ward. Though Ward is not involved with this case, he knows tribal law.
Ward told the Herald that tribal court orders are not valid outside the reservation.
"In my opinion, the Miccosukee officers needed to present the tribal order to a state or federal judge in Dade, who would review it and issue an order allowing Miami-Dade police to follow through with removing the baby," he stated.
The problem here is that while this seems to be a straightforward custody issue, there are complicated politics involved.
The Miccosukee reservation is essentially a foreign nation within the confines of the United States. Custody battles are actually matters of international relations.
If the child was on the reservation, only federal law enforcement officials could go after it. The Miami-Dade Police Department has no jurisdiction on Indian lands.
Everyone is proceeding cautiously—despite the fact that the health and safety of a newborn child could be at stake.
The matter should be simple enough to rectify once it finally gets into a court of law.
In 2014, the Herald reported, Florida's Supreme Court ruled that the Miccosukee court had no jurisdiction in a custody dispute between a mother, who was a tribal member, and the father who was not.
A State court ruled that Miccosukee justice system, which did not allow the father to testify or the father's lawyer to attend, did not meet minimum legal standards. The Florida Supreme Court agreed.
The problem is, it could take unknown amounts of time—months, possibly years—for this case to wend its way through the legal system. And through all that time a child is being denied the love of its parents.
Justin Johnson and Rebecca Saunders are outraged and frustrated—but most of all, heartbroken.
Johnson recalled the last time he saw his daughter.
"I remember kissing her forehead and telling her, 'Daddy will see you soon,' " Johnson said, fighting tears.
The U.S. EPA has given Florida specific measures to restore water quality to protect the Everglades.
New Jersey man celebrates the legal decision to return his 9 year-old son to the U.S.


Korean startup Naran is preparing to launch a crowdfunding campaign for a simplistic gadget that lets you push buttons or flip switches remotely via the Internet.
The device is called the Microbot Push. It's a small mechanical device that, when activated, extends a small arm out that can be used to push a physical button or switch. The Bluetooth-powered button-pusher connects to a hub called Prota and can manually be activated via mobile app or from a computer (there's also a physical button on top of the gadget that you can push to activate it).
The obvious application is wall switches but as shown in the clip above, its usefulness is only limited by your imagination and creativity. You could, for example, use a Microbot to turn on your computer while away from home for remote desktop use or power on your coffee maker when you wake up.
The Prota hub also allows you to automate Microbots using other sensors and services. For example, you could have your Microbots turn on your home's lights when the sun goes down or fire up the coffee pot just by typing a phrase on Slack.
There are plenty of home automation solutions already on the market – even ones that allow you to build your own gadgets like littleBits – but few are as basic and practical as Microbot Push. Perhaps the only complaint is that they aren't all that aesthetically pleasing.
Naran will be launching an Indiegogo campaign to fund Microbot Push starting November 9. The company also plans to show off its nifty gadget at CES early next year ahead of a planned March launch date in North America and Europe.