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Facebook and YouTube say they removed Zelensky deepfake
By Rachel Metz, CNN Business
Updated 7:43 PM EDT, Wed March 16, 2022
These videos about the invasion have gone viral, but they are completely fabricated
Facebook and YouTube said Wednesday that they removed uploads of a deepfake video of Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky that purported to show him yielding to Russia.
The deepfake spread widely online Wednesday, as noticed earlier by Vice's Motherboard. In the video, which CNN Business has reviewed, Zelensky appears to stand behind a presidential podium and in front of a backdrop, both of which feature the Ukranian coat of arms. Wearing a green shirt, Zelensky speaks in Ukranian, appearing to tell Ukranians to put down their weapons in the weeks-old war against Russia.
Deepfakes — which combine the terms "deep learning" and "fake" — are persuasive-looking but false video and audio files. Made using cutting-edge and relatively accessible AI technology, they aim to show a real person doing or saying something they did not. Experts have long been concerned that, as they improve, they would be used to spread misinformation.
In a series of posts on Twitter Wednesday afternoon, Meta's head of security policy, Nathaniel Gleicher, wrote that the company spotted and removed the video earlier that day. "We've quickly reviewed and removed this video for violating our policy against misleading manipulated media, and notified our peers at other platforms," he wrote.
YouTube spokesperson Ivy Choi said the video and reuploads of it have been removed from the platform because it violates the company's misinformation policies. "We do allow this video if it provides sufficient education, documentary, scientific or artistic context," Choi said in a statement.
A Twitter spokesperson said the company is tracking how the video is shared across the social network, and has taken "enforcement action" in cases where it violates company rules (such as its synthetic and manipulated media policy, which forbids users from sharing altered content that may confuse people or lead to harm; in some cases, Twitter may label tweets containing misleading media to give users more context).
This might look like Tom Cruise showing off a coin trick, but it's actually an AI-generated deepfake of the actor.
From TikTok
How a deepfake Tom Cruise on TikTok turned into a very real AI company
While the video doesn't look tremendously doctored, there are some telltale signs that the video is not what it appears to be. And Zelensky himself appeared in a video posted to an official Ukraine defense account on Twitter, saying he is continuing to defend Ukraine and refusing to lay down weapons against Russia.
Hany Farid, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and digital forensics expert, pointed out several of the obvious signs that the video is a deepfake. First, it's a low-quality, low-resolution recording; this is a common trick to hide the distortions created when making a deepfake, as our brains tend to be more forgiving of glitches in low-quality videos. Second, the Zelensky in the video looks straight ahead without moving his arms throughout the clip — it's very tricky to make a convincing deepfake that includes head motions and hands moving in front of the face. Third, there are little visual inconsistencies in the video, he pointed out, that occur during the process of making a deepfake, which is created a single frame at a time. Though Zelensky's voice is harder for Farid to comment on, in part because he doesn't speak Ukranian, he said it sounds a bit off to him.
The video comes weeks after the official Facebook account for Ukraine Land Forces posted a warning that such videos of Zelensky may appear. "Be aware - this is a fake!" the account wrote, soon adding, "Rest assured - Ukraine will not capitulate!" That warning was accompanied by an image that appeared to show Zelensky in a similar shirt as what appeared in the deepfake video, in front of the same backdrop and behind the same podium.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the video could still be found online, such as in some posts CNN Business spotted on Twitter and YouTube in which users made clear that it was a deepfake.
While Farid doesn't think the video fooled people, he thinks it "muddies the information waters," making it harder for anyone to trust what they see.
"Casting doubt on what you see and hear and read is a very powerful weapon in the information war and deepfakes are now playing a role in that," Farid said.


Mars senior Andrew Pierre stands atop the medal stand shortly after winning the WPIAL Class AA boys 200-yard freestyle Thursday at the University of Pittsburgh's Trees Pool.
Pierre, whose father, Joseph, died unexpectedly in September, won the WPIAL Class AA boys 200-yard freestyle for the second straight year at the University of Pittsburgh's Trees Pool.
Pierre said his father was dedicated to supporting his athletic endeavors.
People deal with loss in different ways, but Mars coach Todd Slobodnyak said he wasn't surprised that Pierre stuck with swimming in this, his senior year.
Pierre's time of one minute, 42.19 seconds was also good enough to break the school record of 1:43.89, set by Francis Folz. The former said he was able to see where he was during Thursday's event.
Morrison finished runner-up, .33 seconds behind Pierre.
On Friday, Pierre broke his own school record in the 500 freestyle with a second-place time of 4:40.99.
Owen Blazer did not bring home a gold medal from the WPIAL Swimming Championships, but you wouldn't have guessed it from the look of satisfaction he exuded at the end of Class AAA action on Friday.
The Seneca Valley junior was part of five school records during the two-day meet, the last coming as a member of the Raiders' 400-yard freestyle relay team.
Blazer and teammates Max Bredl, Daniel Simoes and Kevin Donaldson swam a third-place time of three minutes, 10.08 seconds.
Freshman Donaldson swam the anchor leg of the relay and capped the record-breaking effort.
Blazer had swam the first leg of the relay in 46.42, breaking SV's 100 freestyle record in the process.
His day began with a time of 49.38 in the 100 backstroke, breaking another school record, his own, while placing second behind Upper St. Clair's Jack Fitzpatrick.
Most notably, the time in the backstroke earned for Blazer All-American status in the event.
Blazer had already broken the school's butterfly record with a finish of 49.88 on Thursday and joined with Max Skeen, Simoes and Donaldson to topple the school standard in the 200 freestyle relay (1:27.17).


Only one week until Australia's biggest SharePoint event in 2012! Have you registered?
Another packed agenda with over 50 sessions to choose from over two days of great learning and networking. As with previous years, there is a dual focus on both the business and technical aspects of SharePoint, and the line-up of expert speakers and case study presentations is better than ever. This year there is additional focus on the key topics of "Cloud" and "Mobility", and a new track on the post-GFC hot topic of Business Intelligence.
Come and see some SharePoint Workflow Magic at our booth!!


The answer to what laptop should I buy is going to be different for everyone. Some people want a small screen, some what a large screen. Some don't care what it costs, some are on a budget. Some have to have a CD/DVD player, others don't care. Because we get this question so often, we though we would put out regular updates on what computers are good right now. If you do want us to custom pick a computer for you, please contact us. There is a small charge for helping you find the right laptop for you.


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Q: Non-ajax GET/POST using jQuery (plugin?) This is one of those situations where I feel like I'm missing a crucial keyword to find the answer on Google...
I have a bag of parameters and I want to make the browser navigate to a GET URL with the parameters. Being a jQuery user, I know that if I wanted to make an ajax request, I would simply do:
$.getJSON(url, params, fn_handle_result);

But sometimes I don't want to use ajax. I just want to submit the parameters and get a page back.
Now, I know I can loop the parameters and manually construct a GET URL. For POST, I can dynamically create a form, populate it with fields and submit. But I'm sure somebody has written a plugin that does this already. Or maybe I missed something and you can do it with core jQuery.
So, does anybody know of such a plugin?
EDIT: Basically, what I want is to write:
$.goTo(url, params);

And optionally
$.goTo(url, params, "POST");

A: jQuery Plugin seemed to work great until I tried it on IE8. I had to make this slight modification to get it to work on IE:
(function($) {
    $.extend({
        getGo: function(url, params) {
            document.location = url + '?' + $.param(params);
        },
        postGo: function(url, params) {
            var $form = $("<form>")
                .attr("method", "post")
                .attr("action", url);
            $.each(params, function(name, value) {
                $("<input type='hidden'>")
                    .attr("name", name)
                    .attr("value", value)
                    .appendTo($form);
            });
            $form.appendTo("body");
            $form.submit();
        }
    });
})(jQuery);

A: FYI for anyone doing the doPost for rails 3, you need to add in the CSRF token, Adding the following to the answer should do that...
var token = $('meta[name="csrf-token"]').attr('content');
$("<input name='authenticity_token' type='hidden' value='" + token + "'/>").appendTo($form);

A: Here's what I ended up doing, using the tip from redsquare:
(function($) {
    $.extend({
        doGet: function(url, params) {
            document.location = url + '?' + $.param(params);
        },
        doPost: function(url, params) {
            var $form = $("<form method='POST'>").attr("action", url);
            $.each(params, function(name, value) {
                $("<input type='hidden'>")
                    .attr("name", name)
                    .attr("value", value)
                    .appendTo($form);
            });
            $form.appendTo("body");
            $form.submit();
        }
    });
})(jQuery);

Usage:
$.doPost("/mail/send.php", {
    subject: "test email",
    body: "This is a test email sent with $.doPost"
});

Any feedback would be welcome.
Update: see dustin's answer for a version that works in IE8

A: It is not clear from the question if you have a random bunch of values you want to pass on the querystring or is it form values.
For form values just use the .serialize function to construct the querystring.
e.g
var qString = $('#formid').serialize();
document.location = 'someUrl' + '?' + serializedForm

If you have a random bunch of values you can construct an object and use the .param utility method.
e.g
 var params = { width:1680, height:1050 };
 var str = jQuery.param( params );
 console.log( str )
 // prints width=1680&height=1050
 // document.location = 'someUrl' + '?' + str

A: This is similar to the above except it will handle Array parameters being passed to MVC
(function($) {
    $.extend({
        getGo: function(url, params, traditional) {
            /// <summary>
            ///     Perform a GET at url with specified params passed as part of the query string.
            /// </summary>
            /// <param name="url"></param>
            /// <param name="params"></param>
            /// <param name="traditional">Boolean:  Specify true for traditional serialization.</param>
            document.location = url + '?' + $.param(params, traditional);
        },
        postGo: function (url, params) {
            /// <summary>
            ///     Perform a POST at url with the specified params as part of a form object.
            ///     If a parameter is an array then it will submit it as multiple attributes so MVC will see it as an array
            /// </summary>
            /// <param name="url" type="string"></param>
            /// <param name="params" type="Object"></param>
            var $form = $("<form>").attr("method", "post").attr("action", url);
            $.each(params, function (name, value) {
                if (value.length != null && value.length > 0) {
                    for (var i = 0; i < value.length; i++) {
                        $("<input type='hidden'>").attr("name", name + '[' + i + ']').attr("value", value[i]).appendTo($form);
                    }
                }
                else {
                    $("<input type='hidden'>").attr("name", name).attr("value", value).appendTo($form);
                }
            });
            $form.appendTo("body");
            $form.submit();
        }
    });
})(jQuery);

A: Good job itsadok! If you want a invisible form put it into hidden DIV:
(function($) {
    $.extend({
        doGet: function(url, params) {
            document.location = url + '?' + $.param(params);
        },
        doPost: function(url, params) {
            var $div = $("<div>").css("display", "none");
            var $form = $("<form method='POST'>").attr("action", url);
            $.each(params, function(name, value) {
                $("<input type='hidden'>")
                    .attr("name", name)
                    .attr("value", value)
                    .appendTo($form);
            });
            $form.appendTo($div);
            $div.appendTo("body");
            $form.submit();
        }
    });
})(jQuery);

A: The accepted answer doesn't seem to cover your POST requirement, as setting document.location will always result in a GET request. Here's a possible solution, although I'm not sure jQuery permits loading the entire contents of the page like this:
$.post(url, params, function(data) {
  $(document).html(data);
}, "html");

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Business News›News›Politics and Nation›Kartarpur corridor's opening to 'enormously improve' Indo-Pak ties, says Manmohan Singh
Kartarpur corridor's opening to 'enormously improve' Indo-Pak ties, says Manmohan Singh
Former prime minister Manmohan Singh went to the Pakistan side of Kartarpur corridor as part of the first batch which also included Akal Takht Jathedar Harpreet Singh, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal, Sukhbir Singh Badal, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu and BJP MP Sunny Deol.
Nov 09, 2019, 06.59 PM IST
Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh along with former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Vice President Hamid Ansari, former Union Minister of External Affairs Natwar Singh, and former Lok Sabha MP Murli Manohar Joshi ahead of the inauguration of Kartapur Sahib Corridor, in Amritsar on Friday.
KARTARPUR (PAKISTAN): The opening of the Kartarpur corridor will "enormously improve" relations between India and Pakistan, former prime minister Manmohan Singh said on Saturday after he arrived here as part of the first batch of the Indian pilgrims through the cross-border pathway.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan formally inaugurated the historic corridor to facilitate the visa-free entry of Indian Sikh pilgrims.
He welcomed the first batch of the Indian Sikh pilgrims who entered Pakistan through the corridor which links Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev, to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab's Gurdaspur.
Singh arrived here as part of the first batch which also included Akal Takht Jathedar Harpreet Singh, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal, Sukhbir Singh Badal, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu and BJP MP Sunny Deol.
Speaking to Pakistani reporters, the former prime minister termed the opening of the corridor as a "big moment".
"India and Pakistan relations will improve enormously as a result of this beginning," he said.
The 87-year-old two-time prime minister and his wife paid obeisance at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib.
Chief Minister Amarinder said the Sikh community has been waiting for a free passage for 70 years, and maintained that it is a good beginning, The Nation newspaper reported.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee members and all the 117 MLAs and MPs from Punjab including ministers are also part of the first 'jatha'.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the first batch of over 500 pilgrims, saying it will be easy to pay obeisance at the Darbar Sahib gurdwara after the opening of the Kartarpur corridor.
Asserting that he is fortunate to be able to dedicate the Kartarpur corridor to the country, Modi said the opening of the corridor and the integrated check post will bring double happiness to the people.
India and Pakistan relations touched a new low after the Indian government on August 5 abrogated the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and its bifurcation into two Union Territories.
Notwithstanding a chill in bilateral ties over Kashmir, India and Pakistan after tough negotiations signed an agreement last month, paving the way for the inauguration of the Kartarpur corridor on November 9.
According to the agreement between Pakistan and India, 5,000 pilgrims from India can visit the shrine daily and the number can be increased in future.
The requirement of passport and the USD 20 service fee have been waived for Saturday and for November 12 by Pakistan.
Separate events have been organised on both the sides of the border to launch the much-awaited corridor ahead of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak's 550th birth anniversary on November 12.
Guru Nanak Dev spent last 18 years of his life at Kartarpur Sahib, which has now become the world's largest Sikh Gurdawara.
Dera Sacha Sauda
Sukhbir Singh Badal
India, Pakistan sign agreement to operationalise Kartarpur Corridor
BSF to secure immigration checkpoints on Kartarpur corridor
PM Modi to inaugurate Kartarpur corridor on Nov 8
First batch of Indian pilgrims enters Pakistan through Kartarpur corridor
Kartarpur corridor opens today; India, Pakistan still sparring over details
PM to inaugurate Kartarpur corridor checkpost Saturday, participate in public programme
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


A Minnesota Congresswoman is looking to put an end to the military's sponsorship spend in Nascar. Rep. Betty McCollum has introduced an amendment that, if passed, would ban the military from spending money to sponsor NASCAR race cars through Sept. 30, the end of this fiscal year. Ms. McCollum's office estimates the Pentagon has spent more than $100 million on its own NASCAR teams.
Read more about McCollum's proposed amendment from the Wall Street Journal.


Whoever said virtue is its own reward wasn't a preacher's kid or they'd know being virtuous was like being jailed with no possibility of parole. That's why–after thirty years of living up to other people's expectations–Olivia Jacobsen needs some release. And why a police charity calendar's Mr. August might be the man to provide it.
Following his calendar appearance, Detective Garrett Krause finds himself drowning in a sea of indecent proposals, and his libido and opinion of women hit an all-time low. Olivia's down-to-earth sweetness almost persuades him not to give up hope…until he discovers he's been had, and her nice-girl come-on is a hoax. Isn't it?


From his days on the gridiron to founding Profit Investments, Eugene Profit is no stranger to overcoming adversity. One of a family of five children growing up in Los Angeles, Eugene wanted to see more, do more and be more. His mother, who worked as a surgical assistant, emphasized education. As a result, Eugene not only attended college, but graduated from one of the top schools, Yale University. This experience, together with his time spent in the NFL, contributed to his strong personal commitment to ensuring more African American students are on the path to college.
In 2006, Eugene donated $200,000 to establish the Profit Charitable Foundation. This foundation was established with the goal of generating financial support for organizations that foster educational opportunities, cultural awareness and the overall well-being of minority youth. Built on the mission of "Investing in Achievement," the Profit Charitable Foundation has been a positive influence in the lives of youth who have shown an aptitude and a commitment to education. The Foundation exposes youth to experiences they may not otherwise have — allowing them to see the many possibilities available to them.
Each year, from 2011-2015 the Profit Charitable Foundation sponsored a golf tournament that raised close to $300,000 for children's charities. The golf tournament supported these charities: Blessings in a Backpack, Horizons Greater Washington, Kids in Need Distributors and Take Stock in Children. Proceeds generated from the golf tournament helped these charities provide summer enrichment programs, scholarships and meals to children in need.
In addition to the charities supported by the golf tournament, Eugene provides donations to many other nonprofit organizations. For a list of the charities Eugene supports, please see the Lending Support page.
"Helping kids see more, do more and be more — if you have the exposure to see what's out there, that will enable you to do more with your life — and inspire you to be more!"


A belt is an important fashion accessory to help keep your pants or trousers in place. Women belts come in many different variation, as opposed to men's belts. You can find the standard buckled belts, which also can come as waist belts for when you're wearing high-waist jeans or pants. You can also find wide belts that are suitable for dresses, to give a better shape to your body buy hugging your waist.
Shop online at Jumia Egypt for the best branded belts in the market for women. Whether it's a Hermes belt or an Aldo one, for example, shop for a leather belt or jeans belt at low and affordable prices. Our collection has many different colors of belts to choose from, such as red belt, rose gold waist belt or gold belts for ladies.
You can buy women's wide waist belts from various different sizes and shapes to best suit your body. Shop for a waist belt with a gold leather belt buckle or thin fabric belt with silver buckles. We offer amazing deals and discounts on all women belts, so whatever products you choose, you will get the best offer in the market. Get womens wide black belt or gold belt today from the best brands in the market, such as AE, Fashion or Shein, for example and enjoy fast delivery to your doorstep.


How many products do you need to fix to break a world record? The repair café held in Cambridge earlier this month has set the new magic number: 232.
Today, Ugo and Jon talk to Nicole Barton from Cambridge Carbon Footprint, who helped to organise the 'World's Biggest Repair Café' on Saturday the 11th of November. The event was held with the intention of surpassing the 150 repairs that took place in Vauréal, France – previously the largest community repair event to date. Out of the 375 items brought in, the 232 items repaired in Cambridge – which included gadgets, clothing, bicycles and furniture – shows a success rate that adheres more or less to what Nicole estimates is the average success rate for community repair events in Cambridge: around 65%.
Nicole helped put together the Cambridgeshire Repair Café network, which is a collaboration between various organizations including Cambridge Carbon Footprint and Circular Cambridge. She sees repair as playing an important role in tackling climate change. But there are other important benefits, too. She talks to us about what she calls the 'kindness' element: the warmth that emerges in a room where people volunteer their time to help others to learn new skills. In Cambridge, where the 'Town vs. Gown' divide can sometimes be keenly felt, this serves as a way to unite the community.
This is equally the case in London, where small communities within the metropolis are incredibly important. Our own community lead, Jon Stricklin-Coutinho, talks about his experience working with our community of volunteers both in London and beyond. He talks through some of the ways that its possible to get involved, either by attending a Restart Party in your local area (whether that means volunteering, learning to repair, or just having a look around) or by starting up one yourself.
The key to successful community repair is forging connections. People are often more than willing to help, and often all it takes is a bit of asking around in order to find a usable space and some willing co-hosts and volunteers.
Organising a repair event does take some amount of admin work, like anything else. But issues with safety and liability are easily navigable, and should not put people off. The joy that comes out of a successful repair event makes it more than worth it, even if no records are broken.
Our mission is not just fixing, but connecting the dots between the way we use (and discard!) electronics, and the way they are produced. It is understanding – and intervening to reduce – their social and environmental impacts.


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Harapkan Pagar, Pagar Makan Padi: Say goodbye to your EPF.
Thread: Harapkan Pagar, Pagar Makan Padi: Say goodbye to your EPF.
30th November 2011, 10:30 AM #1
No high-risk lending by EPF, says Finance Ministry
The Dewan Rakyat was informed in Kuala Lumpur today that the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) only provided loans to asset-rich government linked companies and not to high-risk corporations.
Deputy Finance Minister Dr Awang Adek Hussin said EPF's investment panel carried out risk assessments and monitored all its investments, in the form of loans, to ensure they were safe.
"The Finance Ministry screens and approves the panel's decisions. I'm confident high-risk investments would not be made," he said in response to a supplementary question from Ismail Kasim (BN-Arau).
Ismail had wanted to know if EPF was actually monitoring all its investments, especially the high-risk ones.
Awang Adek said there were several experts on EPF's investment panel including Bank Negara deputy governor and Treasury deputy secretary-general.
Answering Azan Ismail's (PKR-Indera Mahkota) initial question on EPF's total loans to corporate institutions, Awang Adek said it came up to RM83.7 billion as of June 2011.
He said RM79.41 billion or 95 percent of these loans were guaranteed as it was to the government, while the balance of RM4.31 billion went to corporate institutions.
He added that EPF was constantly striving to pay its members higher dividends by ensuring its investments yielded higher returns and did not just depend on government guarantees.
- Bernama
2nd December 2011, 01:55 PM #2
Husam: More to it in EPF's loan to Federal govt
Written by -
PAS vice president Husam Musa has queried the Employees Provident Fund's loan of RM79.4 billion to the Federal government, as revealed by deputy finance minister Awang Adek Hussin.
"Has this figure taken into account the other security and federal government bonds purchased by EPF? As far as I know, if the security and bonds are totalled, EPF's loan to the government debt will be a whopping RM240 billion!" Husam said in a statement.
He pointed out that the figure of RM240 million had yet to include EPF's loan to government-linked companies.
Based on RM240 million, Husam said 52.6 percent of the Federal government's debt amounting RM456 billion in 2011 was actually from EPF.
"If the Federal government's debt continues to rise, then it should, without statistical manipulation, breach 55 percent allowed by law which will mean the loans are to be taken seriously.
RM456 billion of debt in 2011 represents 54.3 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), only 0.7 percent more to breach 55 percent," Husam added.
With budget deficit of RM45 billion for the 15th consecutive year, the 55 percent would have been breached, he said.
In order to cover this up, Husam, who is also the Kelantan state exco, claimed that two statistical manipulations could be carried out, either by making the GDP higher at 6 percent or increasing the 2012 GDP by including inflation rate.
"That is why there is noticeable difference between the total GDP recorded in budget book and the statistics report," said Husam .
Although with the statistical manipulation the ratio of debt to GDP has yet to breach 55 percent, he explained, in reality it has already soared beyond the figure.
"There is no sign that the national economy will grow by 6 percent next year. Any drop in the country's economy will increase the ratio of debt to GDP.
"The Federal government's expenditure is not helping either," he stressed, referring to high operational and maintenance costs involving defence purchases and residences of the prime minister and his deputy.
Husam said the Federal government's debt could be lowered with prudent spending.
"If not, EPF will only become a cheap piggy bank for the Federal government to squander public funds," he warned.
-Harakahdaily
7th January 2012, 08:52 AM #3
Finance: Is the EPF in Trouble?
EPF in Trouble
EPF IN BIG TROUBLE
SEE FOR YOURSELVES
AND LET ALL EPF CONTRIBUTORS KNOW.
Will you get back your EPF money?
· One of the largest funds in the world – RM 440.52 billion
· Represents the life savings of 12 million Malaysians
· BN govt already spent 60% of the people's savings
23 June 2011, EPF said that 60% of its funds have been borrowed by the Malaysian govt.
Dec 2010, the govt still owes EPF about RM 240 billion.
This means the BN govt has already spent 60% of all your savings.
DO YOU THINK you will get your money back?
See the chart (attached). 2012 will mark the 15th year of budget deficit with no sign of financial smarts.
The Constitution of Malaysia caps govt debt at 55% of GDP. As of 30 June 2011, govt debt stands at 53%. When it touches 55%, the BN govt will officially be in crisis and the Constitution may need to be changed to increase borrowing and possibly require a bailout.
What happened to Greece recently? They had to write off 50% of outstanding govt loans. Just imagine if EPF is asked to take a 50% cut of outstanding debt owed by BN. More than half your EPF money will be lost, and you just have to accept it, after 40 years of working.
Most Malaysians know that the government has been using EPF money. However, not many know that the majority of EPF's investments are actually loan to the Malaysian government. It would be okay if the government use money for productive purposes that give good returns. Unfortunately, that's not the case. Read the article & find out for yourself.
EPF annual report 2010
MGS 27%
Loans/Bonds 33%
Equities 35%
Money Market 5%
Is the EPF being looted?
On the 23rd of June 2011, the EPF (KWSP) tabled its annual report to the parliament, declaring a 5.8% dividend and explained that 27% of its investments were in Malaysian Government Securities (MGS) and 32% were in loans and bonds to Govt agencies. A simple chart below summarises the report. At RM 440.52 billion, the EPF is one of the largest funds in the world and represents the life time savings of 12 million private sector employees.
The question is why is it that over 60% of EPF funds are in loans to the Govt and Govt bodies?
Is the Malaysian Government a good borrower?
Let's look at the BN Govt's financial record….
Below is a summary of the Govt's annual deficits. The 2012 budget will mark the 15th year of budget deficit with no signal of financial prudence. And as you can see below, there have been supplementary budgets on top of the annual budgets every single year.
Govt debt as at Dec 2010 stands at 407 Billion ringgit. 60% of this or 240 Billion is owed to the EPF.
This means the BN Govt of Malaysia has already spent 60% of all your savings in the EPF!
After running deficit budgets for 14 consecutive years, and funding those deficits by borrowing, Malaysian Govt Securities (MGS) are rated at CC(-)ve. At CC minus, what is the annual yield? Folks, it's an unbelievable 3% and below!! Why? Because MGS are not auctioned!! There is a ready buyer for MGS and apart from the endless new PNB funds like the 1Malaysia bond, the main buyer of Malaysian debt papers is the EPF.
"Fair Value" rate for lower grade papers of single A and below is an annual yield of 5% and above. Greek Govt bonds for example are being traded at yields exceeding 21% per annum
The constitution of Malaysia caps Govt debt at 55% of GDP. As at 30th June 2011, Govt debt stands at 433 billion, which is 53% of GDP. At 55% the Govt will be officially in crisis and the constitution will need to be changed to increase borrowing and possibly even require a bail out.
Recently the EU central bank agreed to extend financial aid to the Govt of Greece on the condition they adopt massive austerity measures and that the lenders take a haircut of 50% of all outstanding loans. After all, they continually lent to a borrower who showed absolutely NO commitment to cut expenses and begin to service their debts.
Just imagine if the EPF is asked to take a 50% haircut of their debts from the Malaysian Govt!
An even worse scenario was painted recently by Pakatan Rakyat when they reported that much of govt debt was unreported as it is largely hidden from public eye in the form of debt owing by Govt agencies.
Budget 2012 where it goes
Subsidies 22B
Corporate Subsidies 10B
Civil Service pay 64B
Development 51B
Operating Expenses 88B
As you can see above, the 433 billion owed by the Govt is represented by the red and Orange bars. On top of official figures, an additional 184 billion is owed by various Govt agencies.
Take a look here at another explanation,
So…. Is the EPF being looted?
I say yes it is. Let me explain how.
A summary on the 2012 budget is below,
Of the total 233 billion, total operating expenses is at 162 billion and over 64 billion is allocated for the civil service in pensions and wages. Of the massive 233 billion, only 51 billion is going to development, of which over 80% is to construction projects, designed to specifically benefit a few lucky fellows. And talking about lucky fellows, over 10 billion in subsidies paid for by us, are being paid directly to corporate bodies!
And how pray tell will they pay for all this? By borrowing of course! Do they even bother that it is we who will be paying for the debt servicing including interests? Najib even announced that employee's contribution to the EPF will increase to 12% of salary. Which means even more will be tied up in the EPF
in order to enable more borrowing! And if you earn less than RM 5,000, your contribution will increase to 13%.
These are indeed hard times for us, the people. And the Govt has done fabulously well to recognise this by granting pay increments of 7 to 13% to all Govt employees while carefully avoiding the minimum wage issue for private sector employees.
The Govt currently collects about 4 billion from the GST already in place. A one time payment of RM 500 to civil sector employees will cost the Govt over 2.6 billion.
Civil service remuneration cost 20 billion in 2004. This year it will cost 64 billion.
So the bottom line conclusion, again and again is the same. They are looting the EPF to please their vote bank of 1.3 million civil servants.
Hard times indeed… And yet DRB Hicom is buying 237 armoured personnel carriers from Turkey for RM 1.7 billion and selling it to the ministry of defence for RM 7.55 billion. The Malaysian Govt is buying 6 Littoral Combatant Vessels to enhance our Navy. These are the most advanced naval vessels in the world, able to shoot aircraft, ships and submarines… The ONLY other country that has such ships is the US navy. They have 2. We are buying 6 at a cost of 10 billion ringgit. The MRT can be built for 19 billion. But Idris Jala recently indicated that MMC Gamuda may incur more that the originally estimated cost of 54 billion to build it.
The Govt can reduce its subsidies for rice and sugar by opening up the market for other players, but no, both commodities are controlled by the same Govt crony. Syed Mokhtar Al Bukhary is the owner of all the companies mentioned above. Since this person took over the exclusive supply of these commodities in 2008, prices have doubled. This is despite the Govt's subsidy of 60 cents per kilo of rice and 20 cents per kilo of sugar.
The Govt can easily buy the LDP highway for 1.5 billion ringgit, but no, it's probably better that they continue to collect toll from us and receive 1.5 billion in subsidy from the govt. Our IPPs buy gas at 10 ringgit cheaper than companies in Thailand and 15 ringgit cheaper than Singapore (Per CuM) but the Govt still needs to feed them billions in subsidy.
Year after year after year, the Auditor General's annual report details all the financial mismanagement in Govt depts. But nothing is done. Take this year's AGs report for example. The MACC went into high gear and opened 36 investigation files to investigate all the rubbish. And the cases are now closed. They found no element of corruption or deceit. Another thing the AG highlighted is the treasury's contingency fund of 1.5 billion is now only 79 million ringgit. 1.4 billion is missing…..
The tolled highways were built at a cost of 26.4 billion and the operators have already raked in 37.7 billion and received another 2.1 billion in subsidies from the Govt. And they are planning to raise the rates again soon.
The Govt machinery of Barisan National is a system that benefits and enriches cronies with massively one sided contracts. It also ensures loyalty from a vote bank of 1.3 million civil servants who enjoy all kinds of benefits at the expense of the tax payer. The tax system is designed to exclude the majority of civil servants from actually paying any tax. And Govt debt is going through the roof. In 2004, the total Govt debt was 217. As at 30th June 2011, it stands at 433 billion. Najib's administration is milking us dry. And they are using our funds in the EPF to run all these excesses, to enrich themselves, and to bribe the civil service into loyalty.
We EPF investors are 12 million. Vote against Corruption, vote against poverty, and vote against the looting of your EPF savings.
2nd February 2012, 06:08 AM #4
This will be the same story for the EPF money loaned to the urban poor. It will go up in smoke when loans are made to people who cannot afford to buy houses.
US housing still weak. In other news, the sky is blue
by Simon Black
The latest Case-Shiller numbers released yesterday showed that the US residential housing market is still very weak. After three straight months of declines, home prices are now at 2003 levels. Duh.
To some, it was a shocking revelation. The pundits I saw discussing it yesterday practically had a seizure they were in such disbelief. CNBC even ran an article on their website in response, extolling the strong fundamentals of US housing.
Let's look at those fundamentals:
1) Most people cannot afford to write a check for $200,000 or more (roughly the median home price), which means they'll require bank financing. Consequently, speculators and investors aside, home prices must be a function of income– do buyers make enough money to be able to afford the monthly mortgage payment?
2) Mortgage affordability is tied directly to income levels, and where there's no job, there's no income. When you aggregate that notion across an entire economy with high unemployment, it restrains housing affordability.
3) Millions of people have been taken out of the housing market as potential end-user owners. These are the 'former' homeowners who have lost their jobs and/or been foreclosed on. They can no longer qualify for a mortgage, particularly at the ultra-low rates we're seeing now.
4) There's a lot of talk about how low interest rates are making homes affordable. Maybe so, at least to the people who qualify for a mortgage. And while it's possible that interest rates could go lower, there's a lot of potential for rates to rise. And when rates rise, homes become more UNaffordable.
Example: if you can afford $1,500 per month to spend on a home, you would be able to afford a $300,000 home at today's low rates. If rates go up to 6%, $1,500 per month only buys you a $250,000 home. If that's what the average guy can afford, that's where home prices will converge.
5) Many local governments are completely bankrupt; we've read about looming municipal defaults and laying off cops and fire fighters. Property taxes will likely rise as a result, adding an additional cost in buyers' monthly payments.
Again, if a buyer can only afford $1,500/month, and his property tax rises by $600/year, that takes about $10,000 off the price of the home s/he would be able to afford.
6) Ditto for homeowners' insurance rates, which are rising rapidly.
7) There are currently 15 million vacant homes in the US according to the latest census figures, and every day, more people are being foreclosed and getting kicked out of their homes. Housing prices can't have any meaningful rise as long as there's such excess supply in the market.
In bad economies, people double up in homes. Roomates. Live-in relatives. The number of households is contracting, and this is a demographic issue– too many homes, not enough families to fill them.
9) Even if every unemployed American were simply given a home to live in, it would still leave millions of vacant homes on the market.
10) Given how US Homeland Security treats everyone like a criminal terrorist, foreigners aren't exactly lining up to tighten the slack.
Ultimately, while there are bright spots in any market, the fundamentals for US housing remain poor.
It can be tempting to jump into the market as an investor with prices so low. But gobbling up a low-grade track house simply because it's cheap is not a sound investment strategy. There are a lot of things in this world that are cheap. That doesn't mean the price will go up. It just means that they're cheap.
A great investment is one that is both cheap, -and- has a catalyst for growth. Median housing in the US has few, if any, catalysts to growth. If you want to invest, stick to the highest quality assets you can find– premium homes in the best locations. They'll be the first to recover.
Pua: Don't abuse hard-earned EPF funds
1:26PM Feb 1, 2012
While supporting government initiatives to put in place low-cost and affordable housing schemes, the DAP has warned against the use of contributions to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) for these projects.
"Such programmes must not be financed by the EPF, as its mission is to protect the hard-earned retirement income of 11 million working Malaysians by maximising returns with the lowest possible investment risks," DAP national publicity secretary Tony Pua said today. Pua pointed out that EPF's key role was to ensure financial security after retirement as it was committed to preserving and growing the savings in a "prudent manner in accordance with best practices in investments and corporate conduct".
"We call upon the government to source its own funds for the housing programmes and not direct EPF to fund its social welfare schemes," he said.
On Monday, The Sun reported that EPF would be contributing RM1.5 billion for an "easy financing scheme" for the sale of houses under the National Economic Action Council's People Housing Programme (PPR) and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) public housing.
Prior to that, the newspaper quoted Federal Territories and Urban Well-being Minister Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin as saying the funds would be given to the Federal Territories Foundation (FTF) to help some 20,000 eligible tenants and the loans would be repaid over a period of 15 to 25 years.
"The EPF is not a lender of the last resort for the poor and neither is it a social welfare organisation," retorted Pua, who is also the Petaling Jaya Utara MP.
Banks should use the houses as collateral
He said the money would be loaned to house buyers who were unable to "secure financing from commercial banks" and therefore, it would be jeopardising their retirement funds. "This is clearly an abuse by the government. Raja Nong Chik tried to allay fears that EPF could be at a losing end if the buyers default on their loans, by giving assurance that the loan is secure as it is guaranteed against the housing unit itself.
"However, if the housing unit is indeed a credit-worthy collateral, why can't commercial banks take it as a collateral? Why are EPF funds being mobilised to give housing loans?" he asked.
Instead of using the EPF, Pua suggested that the government makes full use of existing institutions such as Bank Rakyat or Malaysia Building Society Bhd (MBSB) by channelling a special allocation to the banks through the social welfare and housing funds approved in the annual budget to provide soft loans to those in need.
"By setting a precedent for EPF to be used for social welfare, the EPF could in future be further abused to finance political programmes to win votes under the guise of the same. It is a slippery slope which will jeopardise the future savings of Malaysian EPF members," Pua said.He also urged EPF's Board and Investment Panel to thoroughly re
view the scheme to ensure that the interests of workers are prioritised and to reject proposals that might harm their financial returns.
People Housing Programme: simple math don't look right
By Lee Wee Tak at 2/01/2012 05:33:00 PM
As an EPF contributor and tax payer, I am most perplexed and worried by this latest pre- general election allocation of our statutory life savings.
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http://www.thesundaily.my/news/281184
EPF loan guaranteed: FT Foundation
Last updated on 31 January 2012 - 12:18pm
Pauline Wong
newsdesk@thesundaily.com
KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 31, 2012): The RM1.5 billion loan from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) to be used for a special funding scheme for public housing is in safe hands, the Federal Territories Foundation said yesterday.
Foundation executive director Datuk Mohd Idris Mohd Isa said the money will be guaranteed by the foundation for repayment within 25 years.
The money is to be channelled for an "easy financing scheme" for the sale of houses in National Economic Action Council's People Housing Programme (PPR) and KL City Hall (DBKL) public housing.
Raja Nong Chik had yesterday told theSun that the funds will be given to the foundation to help some 20,000 eligible tenants and interested buyers living in the urban PPR and KL City Hall public housing units.
A typical unit in a public housing programme in Kuala Lumpur costs below RM35,000.
Take a look at the numbers below. It seems that the abovementioned allocation is meant for more than 20,000 households. If typically a public house only cost RM35,000 then the fund can cater for more than double the 20,000 number of household announced by the minister
The minister should clarify himself because the numbers do not look right. Unless, of course another minister got misquoted yet again.
Numbers aside, why do the entire nations' contributors have to fork out for people in Kuala Lumpur only? Why do retirement fund of a Negeri Sembilan, Sarawak and Kelantan contributor have to do with the housing woe of a person in Kuala Lumpur?
We have already paid income taxes, service tax stamp duties, assessments and custom duties. When companies pay taxes, they collect from tax payers via their selling price so how come we tax and EPF contributors have to pay again?
Public Housing programmes should be financed from various taxes collected. It has been like this for so long, why the sudden need to get extra money from EPF?
Port Klang Free Trade Zone scandal was reported to cost tax payers RM12.5billion and that foul up could pay for more than 8 rounds of this seemingly inflated project.
If the Barisan Nasional administration exercise commonsense and discipline with our money, the above mentioned expenditure would be nicely taken care of by taxes collected.
4th February 2012, 05:04 PM #7
MTUC: EPF should build, not finance homes
By Shannon Teoh
File photo shows a row of low-cost houses. MTUC today slammed Putrajaya's plans to use RM1.5 billion from the EPF to give home loans to unqualified buyers.
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 4 – The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) slammed today Putrajaya's plans to use RM1.5 billion from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) to give home loans to unqualified buyers, insisting the "giant institution" was capable of developing housing projects on its own.The umbrella body, which represents 802,323 workers from 390 labour unions, pointed to EPF's RM10 billion development of 1,085 hectares of Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) land in Sungai Buloh as an example of projects the retirement fund should be pursuing.
"Instead of just being a financer or partner, EPF should lead and develop projects on its own to gain better returns for its 5.7 million active members," said MTUC secretary general Abdul Halim Mansor told The Malaysian Insider.
He added that EPF could develop housing projects to provide homes for workers, estimating that half of EPF's active contributors still did not own a home.
The government was forced yesterday to allay fears that the housing loan scheme for those who cannot qualify for commercial financing would result in losses for EPF.
Federal Territories and Urban Well-being Minister Raja Datuk Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said the loan was secure as it is guaranteed by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), a government agency.
Under the scheme, applicants will receive a 100 per cent loan, with a repayment period of up to 25 years to allow loan borrowers to make "smaller" monthly repayments.
But the opposition has raised doubts over the minister's assurances, stating that with such a guarantee, banks would be rushing to provide the loans instead of shying away.
Under the deal, the EPF earns 5.5 per cent interest per annum in repayments made by every home owner.
But Abdul Halim pointed out today that 5.5 per cent was below the normal rate of return for EPF, which dished out 5.65 and 5.8 per cent dividends in the last two years.
"You can even deposit in a bank and get maybe less 1 per cent but it is far less risky than giving it out as loans to underqualified homeowners.
"EPF should be seeking out better returns with more aggressive investments rather than just playing a secondary role," he said.
Pua tells EPF employee reps to reject loan scheme
By Yow Hong Chieh
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 5 — DAP MP Tony Pua today urged employee representatives on the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) board to reject the proposed RM1.5 billion low-cost housing loan, saying it would open up the fund for further "political abuse" in future.
The DAP publicity secretary said Putrajaya's bid to use the retirement fund's monies to extend easy home loans to those with "extremely poor credit rating" would set a bad precedent and turn EPF into a lender of last resort for social welfare programmes, in breach of the EPF Act.
"While the prime minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, has tried to play down the scheme by claiming that the RM1.5 billion loan is only a fraction of EPF fund size, if approved, the scheme could well be expanded and extended to other states in the country," he said in a statement.
The EPF board employee representatives comprise Malaysian Trade Unions Congress (MTUC) president Mohd Khalid Atan, National Union of Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretary-general Loke Yim Pheng, Sarawak Bank Employees Union (SBEU) president Hadiah Leen and Sabah Commercial Employees Union (SCEU) general secretary Azlin Awang Chee.
Pua (picture) also called on the three professional representatives who sit on the board — Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, Heng Hock Cheng and Halim Din — to call for a review of the easy home loan scheme to uphold public interest.
The EPF board of directors must also exercise their powers in the interest of contributors above any other interested parties, including the government, the Petaling Jaya Utara MP added.
"The directors must insist that any loans in this case, must be extended directly to the federal government and not to the individual low-cost house purchasers," he said.
"It is for the federal government to bear the responsibility of social welfare by providing a roof over the head of all Malaysians, and not the responsibility of the EPF."
Pakatan: EPF loan scheme masked to hide federal debt
By Clara Chooi February 06, 2012KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 6 — Pakatan Rakyat (PR) lawmakers accused Putrajaya today of abusing monies from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) to hide its current debt levels under the guise of offering a purportedly "noble" housing scheme for lower-income earners.
Slamming the move, DAP publicity secretary Tony Pua and PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwarwarned in a joint statement here that the scheme could throw Malaysia into a "debt-induced financial crisis" should borrowers default on their loans.
Pua (left) and Nurul Izzah said workers should not bear the burden of the BN government's follies. — File pic"
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) and the Federal Territories Ministry must hence come clean on why it has chosen to risk workers' retirement savings and the real reason why the government can't fund the housing for the poor directly."
MoF must solve its own financial problems and not for the Malaysian workers to bear the burden of the BN (Barisan Nasional) government's follies," they said.
Pua and Nurul Izzah, who are the MPs for Petaling Jaya Utara and Lembah Pantai respectively, explained that under normal circumstances, any welfare programme to assist the poor would be funded by the federal government through its tax revenue.
Should the monies prove insufficient, they added, the government may issue bonds to raise money to finance its deficit expenditure.
As such, the duo pointed out that Putrajaya could have issued such bonds to the EPF and still achieve its objective of helping lower-income earners secure home loans."
It is hence extremely odd that the Federal Territories and Urban Well-Being Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Nong Raja Zainal Abidin announced that the EPF would be extending RM1.5 billion in loans directly to those who failed to secure commercial loans to purchase their houses."
The fact that the government could have easily circumvented the entire controversy... arouses suspicion that something is amiss," Pua and Nurul Izzah said.
The only explanation, they said, was that the MoF was attempting to hide its debt exposure by asking EPF to directly lend the RM1.5 billion to borrowers and issuing government guarantees for the loans."
This way, the RM1.5 billion will not be reflected as an increase in federal government debt," they said.
The country's federal debt level reached RM456 billion at the end of 2011, they pointed out, which is a marked 88.4 per cent increase from the RM242 billion in 2006.
Multibillion ringgit infrastructure projects approved by the government like the Klang Valley MRT and the West Coast Expressway would only see the level increase significantly in the following years, they added.
"Unfortunately, to be constantly perceived by the rakyat as the champion for the poor, the government is now coming up with a new and ill-thought scheme — utilising EPF monies to hide its current debt levels," Pua and Nurul Izzah said
7th February 2012, 09:29 AM #10
Union reps say clueless over EPF loan scheme
By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 7 — The government did not consult the Employees Provident Fund's (EPF) board of employee representatives when it decided to use RM1.5 billion from the EPF to give home loans to unqualified buyers, union officials have said.
Former Sabah Commercial Employees Union (SCEU) general secretary Rebecca Chin, who sat on the EPF board from 2007 to January 31 this year, charged that she was not informed of the new loan scheme during any of the EPF board meetings.
"By convention, we should have been informed. I was a representative of SCEU until January 31, but I was not even aware of this. We were not aware of it until the announcement was made and we had to read it in the newspapers," she told The Malaysian Insider.
Asked whether it was unusual that she was not informed about the new scheme, Chin responded by saying "we know the government system, and how it works... I've yet to be briefed or notified about this."
Her remarks come after Federal Territories and Urban Well-being Minister Raja Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said last week the government had approached a few potential funders before announcing the project, and that it was the EPF's management that "came forward" to offer to fund the home loan scheme.
But he did not explain why the government did not use its own funds for the loan scheme, saying that the RM1.5 billion would be drawn out from the EPF "in stages".
"What do we know about this scheme? So many questions come to mind... if I am not part of EPF, am I allowed to take out money from EPF?
"Also, if you are talking about a fund that is supposed to be on a national scale, why is the loan only for people in Kuala Lumpur? What about Sabahans? What is the minimum wage here? We have no money too," Chin said.
"As a representative for Sabah, is this fair for Sabah people?" she said, adding that she wanted to know which stakeholders were consulted before the government announced this loan scheme.
Those on the EPF's board of employee representatives include the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) president Mohd Khalid Atan, National Union of Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretary-general Lok Yim Pheng, Sarawak Bank Employees Union (SBEU) president Hadiah Leen and newly-appointed SCEU general secretary Azlin Awang Chee.
Mohd Khalid (picture) told The Malaysian Insider that the MTUC was not made aware of the loan scheme, and that he "could not recall" the matter being discussed in any of the board meetings with the union representatives.
"It is difficult to comment on this. I was unwell for the better part of last year, and only attended the meetings in June or July. But since then I cannot remember or recall being informed of this plan during any of the meetings.
"It was not deliberated to us... I found out about this when it came out in the newspapers, along with the announcement made by the prime minister," said the MTUC president.
He said the MTUC, which represents 802,323 workers from 390 labour unions, was not invited for a special briefing on the new home loan scheme organised by Raja Nong Chik at the KL City Hall (DBKL) last Friday, and that MTUC was concerned with the sketchy details surrounding the terms of the scheme.
"If this is a loan to the government, there will be some security. But it is not, we do not know the details... EPF has to clarify. We need security.
"Generally, I don't think anyone will be happy without a guarantee of security," Mohd Khalid added.
He said MTUC has scheduled a meeting with the EPF board on February 16.
"We have arranged a meeting to discuss the matter. We want clarification so that we, being employee representatives of EPF, know what is going on."
MTUC had over the weekend slammed the proposed loan scheme, saying that the government was capable of developing housing projects on its own.
The NUTP's Lok however was tight-lipped when asked to comment on the matter, and told The Malaysian Insider she would only speak once she met up with the rest of the EPF board.
Attempts by The Malaysian Insider to contact other EPF board representatives have been unsuccessful so far.
Pakatan Rakyat (PR) lawmakers have accused Putrajaya of abusing monies from the EPFto hide its current debt levels under the guise of offering a purportedly "noble" housing scheme for lower-income earners.
But PM Datuk Seri Najib Razak said on Friday the use of RM1.5 billion of EPF funds in the home loan scheme will not be detrimental to EPF contributors.
This, he said, was because the amount needed to finance the loan scheme was not big compared to EPF's funds.
Najib said that Raja Nong Chik would be asked to further explain the scheme to the public, adding that it was designed to help the lower-income group who failed to obtain loans from financial institutions to own houses.
Raja Nong Chik himself gave a guarantee earlier that the government would safeguard EPF's interests, saying the deal ensured secure financial returns for the EPF.
He had recently said EPF funds will be used to help some 20,000 people who are still renting in the city to buy homes under the Federal Territories Foundation.
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text:
oilband » Rock » Savalas - Today
Savalas - Today album download
Savalas 2007
Savalas
VOX AIFF MP4 AHX AU MMF VOC
Torn by doubt to shed this difficult task Losing my grip on the cliffs of love But first I'm ecstatic the second I'm tough Is it wise to go on? Today, I'm comfortably sailing away Cherishing all that's okay So I don't need a council Don't need the lecture I don't need the attitude Today, I'm comfortably sailing away Listening to all that you say So I don't need a shoulder I don't need the blame And I don't need the alphabet Losing my. grip on the cliffs of love How long can I still hold on?
Album · 2006 · 11 Songs. 2005 Savalas Music/EMI Music Publishing Belgium . See All. Don't Have the Time - Single.
Savalas, Glasgow, United Kingdom. Audio Post Production, Sound Design and Music.
Telly Savalas was an American actor best known for his role as a tough, New York City detective in the 1970s television series, Kojak. He was born on January 21, 1922 in Garden City, New York as a son of Greek immigrants, Savalas and his brother Gus sold newspapers and shined shoes to help support the family. In 1941, he joined the army and served in World War II, from which he was discharged with a Purple Heart disability. After his release, Savalas attended the Armed Forces Institute where he studied radio and television production.
Savalas (2) – Savalas. Label: LC Music – LCM100098. Grand Piano recorded @ Jet Studio.
Scott Herren's Savath + Savalas project has inked a new deal with Anti-, which will release the group's next album in early 2007. Scott Herren's Savath + Savalas project has inked a new deal with Anti-, which will release the group's next album in early 2007. Aproppa't," and a subsequent EP, "Manana," were released by Warp; Savath + Savalas' 2000 debut, "Folk Songs for Train, Trees and Honey," was issued by Symbiotic. Other upcoming projects include a soundtrack album featuring Herren's music for the Roger Gual film "Remake," due "whenever the time comes" via Cold Sweat Records, as well as contributions to "A Cloud Mireya" from vocalist Claudia Deheza.
Dance Hall Days, 04:29.
Started in 1998, Savath & Savalas was created as a way for left-field producer Scott Herren (best known for his work as Prefuse 73) to explore his more instrumental and acoustic tendencies. His firs. ead Full Biography.
1 Today (Single Version) 4:00
2 Today (Extended Play) 4:29
Licensed To – V2 records
Phonographic Copyright (p) – V2 records
Copyright (c) – V2 records
CD comes in a cardboard sleeve
LC Music / V2 records (VVR5044883)
Albums related at Savalas - Today:
Gordon Dee - Beam Me Up, Scotty / You'll Never Know How Much (I Needed You Today) album mp3
New Today - Astray album mp3
David Dundas - When I Saw You Today album mp3
P.J. Proby - It's Your Day Today album mp3
Otis Matthews - Today I Still Love You album mp3
Merle Haggard And The Strangers - A Working Man Can't Get Nowhere Today album mp3
She She - Mother How Are You Today album mp3
Alexia Pillepich - Never Till Today album mp3
Psycho Beat - Do It Today album mp3
Extreme - Mutha (Don't Wanna Go To School Today) album mp3


As the final day of the DIBBcast Advent Calendar opens. We bring you the amazing man, Ron Schneider, who is best known to many of us Epcot visitors as the Dreamfinder, companion of that wonderful dragon, Figment ,who both hung out at the Imagination pavilion.
Rachel is hosting an evening in and seasonal offerings are doing the rounds. To share the food and drink, she is joined by Auntie Mel and Darth Jezza. They undo each little parcel in turn - news and rumours, the delights of Disneyland Paris at Christmas, Advent Calendar surprises and Fun Day frolics. Lots of party elements to enjoy. A very Merry Christmas to all our listeners.
DIBBcast #182 - 1st December 2017 - We need a Disney Christmas now!
It's December and it's starting to feel like Christmas. The Grand Hall at DIBBcast Towers is sparkling with a festive tree and is festooned with garlands. Jeremy is the party leader accompanied by a bubbly Anna and a not so wide awake Geoff. There is loads in the Christmas stocking from Tron Cycle rides to new lands at Star Wars, new drinking facilities to discounts via Magic Bands and a whole heap more. Geoff solves a listener's music query and Anna flirts witha nre Marvel character. We also have an exciting item coming up on the DIBBcast Advent calendar which starts today. Another sherry anyone?


text:
Kanton Nevele was tot 2019 een kieskanton in de Belgische provincie Oost-Vlaanderen en het Arrondissement Gent. Tot 1970 was er ook een gerechtelijk kanton met een vredegerecht in het gemeentehuis van Nevele.

Kieskanton Nevele
Het kieskanton Nevele besloeg de gemeenten Nevele en Aalter. Het maakte sinds 2012 deel uit van het provinciedistrict Deinze, het kiesarrondissement Gent en de kieskring Oost-Vlaanderen.

Structuur

Oost-Vlaams kieskanton
Politiek in Nevele

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With an elegant high curved headboard, stylish bun feet and four matching posts, the Richmond Carlton white double bed by Steens would fit effortlessly into any traditional or modern bedroom.
Made from wood responsibly sourced from FSC approved areas of Sweden and Finland, this MDF bedstead is both high quality and fantastic value for money. The engineered wood ensures a durable end product whilst the white high gloss paint coat gives both a smooth pine effect that could sit within any colour scheme or décor and adds an extra layer of protection from everyday wear and tear.
The curved headboard has been finished with a traditionally carved style pattern which is both simplistic and delicate and a low end leaves room for you to complete the look with bedding and throws. A solid slatted base is the perfect space to fit a 4ft 6" standard UK double sized mattress, offering maximum stability and ventilation to keep your mattress fresh for longer whilst a generous clearance space offers room for storage in a smaller home.
Fully constructed by production workers in Denmark, Steens have over fifty years of experience in designing and creating beautiful wooden furniture which is both affordable and long lasting. Arriving to your home flat-packed, the bed can be easily manoeuvred around your home before being assembled by one or two people with minimal effort. Part of the Richmond white range, Steens offer a wide variety of matching furniture to complete the look in your bedroom or through your home.


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Home / 2010 / May / Botanist Jean Langenheim recounts...
Botanist Jean Langenheim recounts her life and times in The Odyssey of a Woman Field Scientist
By Tim Stephens, Staff Writer 459-2495
Jean Langenheim
Jean Langenheim, professor emerita of ecology and evolutionary biology at UC Santa Cruz, has published a memoir about her life as a woman field scientist. Langenheim broke new ground for women in science, conducted field research on five continents, and crossed the disciplinary boundaries of botany, geology, and chemistry.
Her memoir, The Odyssey of a Woman Field Scientist: A Story of Passion, Persistence, and Patience, is published by Xlibris (www.xlibris.com). All royalties from sales of the book will be donated to the Jean H. Langenheim Graduate Fellowship in Plant Ecology and Evolution at UC Santa Cruz.
"Anyone who reads this rich and wonderfully interesting memoir will be inspired by what Jean Langenheim has accomplished scientifically and personally during her long and distinguished career," said John Thompson, distinguished professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at UCSC. "This is more than a personal memoir by a leading scientist. It is a deeply insightful reflection on how major scientific disciplines have developed over the past half century and how the culture of scientific research itself has changed."
Now an eminent plant ecologist widely respected for her achievements, Langenheim began her career at a time when professional opportunities for women in science were limited. "I lived through the period of being the token woman in numerous situations," she writes in the introduction to the new book. "I was not an activist fighting on the front lines, so to speak, but tried to demonstrate the capability of women through my own hard work and accomplishments."
At UC Santa Cruz, Langenheim was the campus's first female faculty member in the natural sciences and the first woman to be promoted to full professor. She later became the first woman to serve as president of the Association for Tropical Biology and the International Society of Chemical Ecology, as well as the second woman president of the Ecological Society of America and the Society of Economic Botany.
Langenheim traveled throughout the world in the course of field research that ranged from tropical to arctic and alpine environments. These research expeditions led to many adventures recounted in the book--including a forced landing in the Amazon basin and encounters with guerillas during a coup d'etat in Colombia. Her journeys also enriched her life through interactions with people from many diverse cultures.
Despite the inevitable cultural misunderstandings (such as the time Langenheim was horrified to see a rare Amazonian turtle killed for a feast in her honor), her stories express a deep fascination with different cultures and genuine appreciation and enjoyment of people from all walks of life whom she encountered in her travels.
Ultimately, the memoir tells the story of a rich life of learning and discovery. Full of entertaining anecdotes, it also describes an intellectual adventure, as Langenheim's career developed during a period of rapid change in the field of ecology. A timeline in the front of the book puts the chronology of her life in context with milestones in ecology, changes in the status of women in society, and relevant historical events.
Langenheim has received many awards and honors for her work in plant ecology and related fields. She studied plant resins and amber (fossilized resin) for more than 40 years, and her 2003 book Plant Resins (Timber Press) is the only authoritative reference book on the subject.
A UCSC faculty member since 1966, Langenheim has remained engaged in campus activities since her retirement in 1994. In 2004, she endowed the Graduate Fellowship in Ecology and Evolution. In 2006, she established the Jean H. Langenheim Endowed Chair in Plant Ecology and Evolution at UCSC, currently held by Ingrid Parker, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology.
In addition to donating royalties from the new book to the graduate fellowship endowment, Langenheim has donated copies of the book to Norrie's Gift Shop at the UCSC Arboretum, where proceeds from sales will support the Arboretum.
The Odyssey of a Woman Field Scientist can be ordered from Xlibris by calling 888-795-4274 ext. 7876, or online at www.xlibris.com and other online book sellers. It is also available at local bookstores. A web site for the book (www.jeansodyssey.com) provides additional information, photos, and excerpts.
Last modified: August 20, 2010 128.114.113.73


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Q: Is it accurate to call Webpack and/or Babel a compiler? I'm curious about the terminology for compilers with JavaScript.
When you're writing about or describing technologies like Webpack (bundles multiple files into one, and performs optimization) and Babel (converts ES6 to an older version of JavaScript), would compiler be the best word to describe these?

A: Yes, I think so.
A compiler parses input (text) in one language and outputs code in another language.  It generally requires a parser, some intermediate representation, and a (code) generator.  There may be optimization phases that analyze the intermediate representation for possible efficiency improvements.  In some sense a compiler is a big de-serializer and serializer coupled together by an intermediate data structure.
A transpiler aka source-to-source compiler is a compiler.

(Please note that source-to-source is a 100% misnomer, it really should be text-to-text, as not all text is source — especially compiler output that is text!  Source is only that which must be protected because it cannot be regenerated.)


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8 Popular Ashrams in India and What They Offer
Sharell Cook
Sharell Cook lives in Mumbai full-time and has been writing about India travel for TripSavvy since 2008.
John Moore / Staff/Getty Images
India has always been a popular destination with spiritual seekers who flock to the country's many ashrams. Every ashram is different though, so which one to choose? This guide to popular ashrams in India will give you some ideas as to what's on offer.
Art of Living Ashram
Suyog Gaidhani/Getty Images
Founded in 1982 by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Art of Living is renowned world-wide for its stress-elimination and self-development programs based mainly on breathing techniques, meditation and yoga. The Art of Living as a voluntary organization also undertakes various initiatives aimed at uplifting humanity and enhancing the quality of life. The foundation course at the ashram is the three day Art of Living Part I residential workshop. You'll learn revitalizing breathing techniques to restore the natural rhythms of body and mind.
Where: In the Panchagiri hills, 36 kilometers southwest of Bangalore, near Udipalya village.
Courses: Art of Living I & II, yoga, meditation, Vaastu Shastra, Vedic math, and youth training courses.
Osho International Meditation Resort
Courtesy of Osho Ashram
Osho was perhaps India's most controversial spiritual leaders due to his views about sex. The Osho ashram no longer holds workshops calling for undressing, and free love isn't encouraged. Yet, unlike many ashrams, there's no gender segregation anywhere at the Osho ashram. The ashram, which is more like a resort, aims to provide a luxurious environment where people can be at ease with themselves. Despite the compulsory wearing of maroon robes, it's commercial and far removed from Indian culture. Courses are mostly directed at healing from traumatic experiences, rather than personal development.
Where: Pune, Maharashtra (4 hours from Mumbai).
Courses: Active meditations (including jumping and screaming), Tantra workshops, plus a huge range of multi-diversity courses.
Isha Foundation Ashram
Courtesy of Isha Yoga Center
The Isha Foundation is a non-profit organization, founded by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev in 1992. Its purpose is to foster people's spiritual and physical wellbeing through yoga and outreach programs, such as environmental rejuvenation. The core of the Foundation's activities is a customized system of yoga called Isha Yoga. The 3-7 day introductory program, known as Inner Engineering, introduces guided meditations and a powerful inner energy process for deep inner transformation.
Where: Isha Yoga Center, at the base of the Velliangiri Mountains in Tamil Nadu.
Courses: Inner Engineering, Hatha yoga, yoga for children, advanced meditation programs, sacred treks, mind and body rejuvenation retreats based on Ayurvedic principles.
Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram
Adam Berry/Getty Images News
Fondly known as the "Hugging Mother" or "Amma, the Mother of All", Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi envelopes devotees with her love. She focuses her attention on trying to overcome the lack of love and compassion in the world, and devotees are particularly attracted to her for her comforting embraces. Free public darshans (audiences) are held with Amma at around 10 a.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Where: The Amritapuri Ashram is in Kollam, Kerala. 110 kilometers north of Trivandrum.
Courses: Integrated Amrita Meditation Technique (a 20 minute combination of yoga, pranayama, and meditation). Morning and evening mediation, prayers, and service are all part of the ashram life.
Continue to 5 of 8 below.
Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram
The teachings of modern sage Ramana Maharshi are based on a process of self inquiry, which he initiated at the age of 16 in 1886. After realizing that his real nature was "formless, immanent consciousness", he left his family home and traveled to holy Mount Arunachala, where he remained for the rest of his life. The core of his teachings can be found in a booklet called, "Who Am I?" It contains instructions that come from his direct experience of self-realization. Free accommodations and food are provided to devotees who wish to practice his teachings at the ashram.
Where: Tiruvannamalai, 200 kilometers southwest of Chennai, in Tamil Nadu.
Courses: The ashram has a daily schedule of activities including puja (worship), Vedic chanting, and group readings.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
jayk7/Getty Images
Founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo and a French woman known as The Mother, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram has grown into a diversified community with thousands of members. The ashram sees itself as working towards the creation of a new world, a new humanity. If you're looking for a quiet haven of retreat, this isn't the right ashram for you. It's "a vibrant center of life in a modern urban setting". There's no renunciation of the world there. Everyone spends time each day in one or another of the Ashram's 80 departments.
Where: Pondicherry, 160 kilometers south of Chennai.
Courses: Collective meditations are held, but there are no prescribed practices, rituals, compulsory meditations, or systematic instructions.
Ankur Dauneria/Getty Images
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is commonly known as the Hare Krishna movement. It's based on the teachings of Lord Krisha and is a branch of Hinduism known as Gaudiya Vaishnavism, which was started in the 16th century by spiritual leader Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. ISKCON was not founded until much later, by Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, in 1966. The Bhagavad Gita is one of the main texts used. Devotees practice bhakti yoga, which involves dedicating all thoughts and actions towards pleasing God (Lord Krishna).
Where: There are centers all over India. The world headquarters are in Mayapur, West Bengal. Other popular centers are in Delhi, Mumbai (Maharashtra), Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh), Bangalore (Karnataka). Do note that although both sexes are welcome, ashram facilities are mostly provided for men, as women are not encouraged to live an ascetic lifestyle in the temples. Guesthouses are available though, for short-term stays.
Courses: Daily activities include worship, classes on the Bhagavat Gita, celebration of religious festivals, and lectures on spiritual topics.
Ramakrishna Mission
Archive Photos / Stringer/Getty Images
Ramakrishna Mission is a religious movement that's based on the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna. It was founded by his chief apostle, Swami Vivekananda, in 1897. The teachings follow the system of Vedanta, which combines both Hindu religion and philosophy. The belief is that every soul is potentially divine, and this divinity can be manifested through work, meditation, knowledge and devotion to God (the four Yogas). All religions are recognized and honored, as they are considered to be different paths to the same reality.
Where: There are branches all over India. The headquarters are at Belur Math near Kolkata.
Courses: Depends on the branch. Activities include daily worship and bhajans (singing religions songs), celebration of major Hindu festivals, religious classes, discourses, and spiritual talks and retreats.
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To enhance customer engagement, it's important that your pre recorded voicemail messages get heard quickly, be it for an emergency call broadcast, a political campaign voice alert, or a voice advertising promotion for your business. Using Voice Broadcasting systems to send a voice message is the fastest and easiest way to communicate with the crowd.
http://charlotteskitchendiary.com/2014/01/07/day-three-into-the-kitchens/ Our telephone broadcast software is ideal for those who want to reach the most amounts of contacts in the shortest amount of time. Voice broadcasts are an efficient and cost-effective way to deliver appointment reminders, promote events, and automate customer alerts, conduct surveys, re-requests and much more. Our solution is a website based, machine based voice messaging system that initiates voice calls to deliver pre recorded phone messages of time.
IVR significantly increases first contact resolution because callers are always directed to the agent who is most capable of meeting their needs.
IVR systems will replace a receptionist or a customer service agent who answers calls and directs calls to agents.
The benefits to using an IVR are clear and the associated costs are relatively low.
Relatively compared to others, IVR have more customer service efficiency.


The couple met on a 'snow day' when they both were working and living in Dallas, Texas.
The groom went to Thomas Johnson High School in Frederick, graduated with a B.S. degree from Elon University, worked for State Farm Insurance, and is currently attending the Emory University School of Law in Atlanta. The bride grew up in Little Rock, graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, and is a digital marketing supervisor with 360i in Atlanta.
The wedding ceremony took place at First United Methodist Church of Little Rock, Arkansas and the reception was held at the Country Club of Little Rock.
Parents of the bride are Susan and David Smith of Little Rock, Arkansas. Parents of the groom are Kathleen and Tom Igo of Frederick, Maryland.
The bridal party included the couple's family and friends. The groomsmen, dressed in classic black tuxedos, were: John Igo (best man, brother of the groom), Brian Igo (brother of the groom), Matthew Smith (brother of the bride), Ben Brooks, Dan Foit, Michael McNulty, Zach Gillis, and Gary Wilson. The bridesmaids wore ivory satin gowns and included: Kristie Flynn (maid of honor), Kelsey Igo (sister of the groom), Lindsey Jordan, Rachel Petty, Maria McKiege, Loring Knott, Caitlin McCaslin, and Sara Harris.
After a honeymoon in Mexico, the couple returned to their home in Atlanta, Georgia.


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*Verificação
Venomous Loxosceles Species (Araneae, Haplogynae, Sicariidae) from Brazil: 2nâ™ = 23 and X1X2Y Sex Chromosome System as Shared Characteristics
Araujo, Douglas
Schneider, Marielle Cristina
Zacaro, Adilson Ariza
De Oliveira, Edson Gabriel
Martins, Rosana
Brescovit, Antonio Domingos
Knysak, Irene
Cella, Doralice Maria
http://dx.doi.org/10.2108/zs190128
The family Sicariidae comprises the genera Hexophthalma, Sicarius and Loxosceles. This latter is subdivided in eight monophyletic groups based on genitalia morphology and molecular analyses: amazonica, gaucho, laeta, and spadicea (South America); reclusa (North America); rufescens (Mediterranean); spinulosa and vonwredei (Africa). In Brazil, the genus Loxosceles is represented by 50 species. The mitotic and meiotic characteristics of eight Loxosceles species were analyzed in order to discuss the chromosome evolution, as well as the correspondence between cytogenetic data and morphological/molecular data for the delimitation of the South American groups of species belonging to this genus. All species studied in this work showed 2nâ™ = 23, including a X1X2Y sex chromosome system (SCS). Despite the similarity of diploid number and SCS, the species studied here differed regarding the chromosome morphology of some autosomal pairs, presence of secondary constrictions, size of X chromosomes and localization of Ag-NOR/rDNA sites. Based on all these chromosomal data, we verified a close relationship between Loxosceles species belonging to the amazonica and gaucho groups. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of spread pachytene cells of L. gaucho showed regular synapsis between homologous autosomal chromosomes, but asynaptic behavior of the sex chromosomes. The axial elements of the sex chromosomes undergo conspicuous morphological modifications resulting in shortening of their length.
Araujo, Douglas et al. Venomous Loxosceles Species (Araneae, Haplogynae, Sicariidae) from Brazil: 2nâ™ = 23 and X1X2Y Sex Chromosome System as Shared Characteristics. Zoological Science, v. 37, n. 2, p. 128-139, 2020. Available at: <http://hdl.handle.net/11449/198738>.
brown spider
chromosome evolution
fluorescence in situ hybridization
synaptonemal complex


Written by Jason Kohler – Headstockman/Manager, Abingdon Downs.
Jason has been employed with us for nearly 11 years.
"Bush, Bush, Bush, Heifer, BLOCK UP – fat cow!". There's never a dull moment when drafting cattle so it pays to stay alert. It all starts with a muster the day before where we put a paddock or area together and walk the cattle back to the yards and into the "cooler" overnight. Then it's up bright and early the next morning to yard up 1200 odd breeders and spray them for flies (depending on the season). Normally we have two people in the back yards to keep cattle coming to be drafted. The beast goes into the pound – a smaller round pen with an additional five gates where they are drafted off into. There's a Bush gate where all the breeding cows, young heifers, and bulls go. These cattle will be walked away back out to pasture. There's a Weaner gate where all the previous year's calves go to get weaned from mum. Another gate is for calves to get processed then they get put back out with their mothers in the bush cow mob. There's also a Poddy gate for all the little guys that have lost their mum or smaller weaners that need a little extra help. They get a free truck ride back to the homestead yards where they live it up on weaner feed and hay for a good few months, the little fighters they are. There's also a Spey gate where anything with a crooked nose or a bad attitude for example goes to get spayed so they can't breed this trait back into the mob, these will eventually go to the meatworks as fat cows. Speying is just another term for cow hysterectomy! (Speying doesn't involve removal of the uterus like in a human hysterectomy, but it does leave the cow infertile).
Cattle in the pen just before being drafted off in the round pen.
Sending cattle into the pound to be drafted off.
There's often a few leaps over rails and sprints down the lane to the cooler to shut gates when a weaner or calf has escaped out the bush gate or a race to catch a calf that has got through the branding cradle. The branding crew normally have sore shin bones come beer o'clock from being kicked by the calves trying to put them up the race, and the speyer is normally covered in poo from head to toe! Back yarders generally have a few tales to tell about that one old cow the just wouldn't go up or a bush cow that put them up the rails more than once! Then the person in the yard before the pound yard, well he's got to have eyes in the back of his head, there's no noise quite as bad as a snort just behind your back. It sends a shiver up your spine and you're looking for the quickest escape route you can find! Cattle generally don't appreciate a gate being shut in their face either so sometimes the gate openers in the pound often do a few rounds with a beast up their backside until a gate is opened and they are on their way again. SO many stories could be told from over the years, of the tea pots, rail shiners, the ones that just got a little too much courage, it could go on for ever, these stories are best told around a camp fire while having a cold beer and a laugh!
A snooty cow in the "pound" giving it to the workers.
You always have to be quick on your feet, hey Jason!
Our main aim is to work our cattle quietly and low stress, no yelling and yarring, just simple pressure and release. It's all about being able to read the cattle, a lot like raising young children, too much pressure and boundaries will be pushed and tempers will rise! So by giving the cattle room to move around you we don't run into too many problems. For example if a beast that won't go up the race into the head bale so she can be tagged we will annoy her while she isn't looking where she should be but as soon as she turns and looks the right way (up the race) we stop and 9 times out of 10 she will go up. This may take a while but the end result is better cow to handle. You will get the odd cow that has too much madness is them, hence the reason they will be sent to meatworks.
I really enjoy drafting and watching the mob as a whole improve over the years, my wife and I have been with Keough Cattle Co for quite a few years now and the general improvement of stock is unbelievable. This is achieved by spaying and culling cows and heifers with bad conformation, scaly necks, crooked noses, and bad attitudes and culling temperamental bulls with not the best line.
A mob of drafted weaners.
< Fire-fighting Ringer style	> How do you blow off steam on a cattle station?


FEATURE: Xbox One X - The world's greatest console?
Home Play the Scene FEATURE: Xbox One X – The world's greatest console?
FEATURE: Xbox One X – The world's greatest console?
According to gamesindustry.biz, the Xbox One X hit 80,000 sales in its first week in the UK.
'There's no power greater than X'. That's one of the many slogans for Xbox's latest console release, the Xbox One X. From the initial E3 announcement running up to release date, the Xbox team have been claiming that the X really is the pinnacle of console gaming. But is it really everything that it's made out to be?
To start with, this isn't your average console. If you're interested in purchasing an Xbox One X, it's not as simple as buying the console itself. And just like that, you're getting the best experience. You also have to consider the network of hardware attached to it. To fully experience the 4K capabilities for example, a 4K TV isn't a particularly cheap purchase on top of the already £450 you'll be spending. Then if you factor in the games, media and additional hardware that you may wish to purchase, the price stacks up considerably.
However, with a premium price comes premium quality, and if you're willing to spend the money, the benefits are quite clearly there. In terms of specifications, the performance on the X is phenomenal. The 4K visuals are stunning with an attention to detail that is incomparable to any other console on the market. Not only the visuals, but the smooth consistency of 60fps playback means the games are fluid and crisp which really enhances the gaming experience. In comparison to the price you'd be paying for a gaming PC to reach these specifications, the X price is reasonable.
There are currently 140 games that are 'enhanced for Xbox One X' but the list continues to grow.
It is also worth noting that even without the additional hardware, there are still benefits to be seen. Regardless of a 4K TV, frame rates are still steady and game visuals are still enhanced on a usual HD 1080p TV screen. Gamers are therefore still able to experience a better quality of gaming by purchasing the console without upgrading other hardware. Although, it's the new upcoming games that are being enhanced for the X which will be the ones to watch.
Currently, there are only a few 4K launch titles for the X. Forza Motorsport 7 is one of them, and it is already being praised for its immersion and realism. Games such as Anthem, which we have only been teased about in press conferences, are looking to be titles that will stretch the console's potential and be the literal game-changers.
Remarkably, this is also the smallest console that Microsoft have ever created. Not only have the company been able to create a console exceeding the power of all others, it's also managed to pack it into the most practical box. Xbox were originally criticised for the bulk of the original Xbox One and there's no doubt that they have taken the comments on board. The compactness of the console makes it the easier to move around, but also with the power brick now inside the console, a lack of additional cables keeps everything simple and more practical.
The Xbox One X is the peak of quality console gaming. With a steep price, comes a quality set of hardware and compared to the equivalent gaming PC, it's very good value for money. Inevitably the X won't be for everyone, but it is without a doubt the best to date in console innovation.


When learning how to play poker, a player should incorporate certain elements that could decide whether they end victorious or not. Here we offer you a fullhouse of poker recommendations and tricks, so you can step up in your game.
The first advice we are going to is incredibly important: playing passively while having a good hand is usually wrong strategy. Our hand will almost always be vulnerable to other (read poker rules for more information), which means that, while it may be best hand at any given time, you run the risk of a subsequent rival getting a better hand.
If you have a nice bet and a great hand, be aggressive, don't wait for the others to catch up.
The poker is a game of perseverance and the golden rule of poker is self-control. A streak can happen almost anytime and it could give you a "bet thirst", getting you excited and starting to raise the stakes unchecked (works the other way round). Anyone can have a good or bad day, the key is to keep calm and being objective. As a player, you should never try to level up your losses, as it will surely lead you to your demise.
Playing more does not always mean winning more: there is no need to play every hand. When learning how to play poker, some novice players believe they should play every hand. This is not so, take your time and study your cards carefully. If you think the odds of winning are not in your favor, do not hesitate to fold. Do not think of the profits, if your only goal is to play well every hand the results will come alone.
Pay attention to the position of the table where you are. In poker, the way you play your hand should be determined by the position on the table where you are in relation to the dealer. Count the number of seats between your seat and the dealer, starting from your clutching see counting clockwise (as clockwise). If the number is higher, you're sitting in what is called "Late Position", this means you'll get to see the moves of your opponents before yours. If there are fewer seats, you're in the so-called "Early Position" which means that you will be forced to act before most of your opponents. Depending on your play style and your cards on certain hand, both positions can be advantageous.