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Home › News › Regulatory Reform News › Experts Propose Standard Valuation Method to Determine Benefits and Costs of Distributed Solar Generation
Experts Propose Standard Valuation Method to Determine Benefits and Costs of Distributed Solar Generation
Posted on October 4, 2013 by IREC Editors
There is an acute need for a standardized approach to determining the benefits and costs associated with distributed solar generation (DSG), say the authors of a report released today by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC).
A Regulator's Guidebook: Calculating the Benefits and Costs of Distributed Solar Generation offers lessons learned from 16 regional and utility-specific DSG studies summarized in a recent review by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), and then proposes a standardized valuation methodology for public utility commissions to consider implementing in future studies.
Throughout 2013, a steady flow of reports, news stories, workshops and conference panels have discussed whether to reform or repeal net energy metering (NEM), the bill credit arrangement that allows solar customers to receive full credit on their energy bills for any power they deliver to the grid.
The calls for change are founded on the claim that NEM customers who "zero out" their utility bill must not be paying their fair share for the utility infrastructure that they are using, and that those costs must have shifted to other, non-solar customers. Only a thorough benefit and cost analysis can provide regulators with an answer to whether this claim is valid in a given utility service area, suggest report authors Jason Keyes and Karl R. Rábago.
"As the simplicity and certainty of NEM have made it the vehicle for nearly all of the 400,000+ customer-sited solar arrays installed in the United States, changes to such a successful policy should only be made based on careful analysis," says Keyes, who represents IREC before state utility commissions. "This is especially so in light of a body of studies finding that solar customers may actually be subsidizing utilities and other customers," adds Rábago, who sits on IREC's Board of Directors.
As DSG system prices continue to fall and this energy resource becomes more accessible, regulators, utilities and other stakeholders are increasingly interested in investigating its benefits and costs. "Understandably, regulators seek to understand whether policies, such as net energy metering, put in place to encourage adoption of DSG are appropriate and cost-effective," says Keyes.
As RMI's meta-study shows, recent DSG studies have varied widely due to differences in study assumptions, key parameters, and methodologies. A stark example came to light in early 2013 in Arizona, where two DSG benefit and cost studies were released in consecutive order by the state's largest utility and then by the solar industry. The utility-funded study showed a net solar value of less than four cents, while the industry-funded study found a value in excess of 21 cents.
"Valuations vary by utility," says Rábago, "but valuation methodologies should not. "The authors contend that standard methodology would be helpful as legislators, regulators and the public attempt to determine whether to curtail or expand DSG policies.
The report suggests standardized approaches for the various benefits and costs, and explains how to calculate them regardless of the structure of the program or rate in which this valuation is used. Whether considering net energy metering, value of solar tariffs, fixed-rate feed- in tariffs, or incentive programs, parties will always want to determine the value provided by DSG. The authors seek to fill that need, without endorsing any particular DSG policy in this report.
"With solar becoming a widespread, affordable option for more and more Americans, regulators and utilities are increasingly focused on assessing the impacts of this dynamic and growing energy resource," says Annie Lappé, solar policy director, Vote Solar. "Correctly assessing the net impact of rooftop solar is imperative, as cornerstone polices encouraging the deployment of this resource, such as net metering, face increasing scrutiny from utilities. This report offers our country a standardized approach to evaluation that Vote Solar fully endorses," she adds.
"Without question, distributed generation provides significant benefits to consumers nationwide. IREC's guidebook offers critically important new tools for regulators, allowing them to make informed, effective decisions for their constituencies and ratepayers," says Carrie Cullen Hitt, senior vice president of state affairs for the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). "Most importantly, SEIA is supportive of recommendations by IREC for a more standardized and thorough approach for valuing DG," she adds. "This is something sorely needed and long overdue."
Download A Regulator's Guidebook: Calculating the Benefits and Costs of Distributed Solar Generation
Word cloud image credit: kgtoh / 123RF Stock Photo
Tagged with: DG, distributed generation, fixed-rate feed-in tariffs, NEM, net energy metering, net solar value, standard valuation methodology, value of solar, value of solar tariffs


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» Kits adapt to new cage roles in summer school
Kits adapt to new cage roles in summer school
By Dennis Mahoney on June 30, 2019 - 8:10pm
Evanston's basketball players spent most of the month of June in a state of shock.
Thirty days later, head coach Mike Ellis has seen significant signs of improvement after the Wildkits concluded the summer school development session by winning 3 of 4 games at the Ridgewood Live Event shootout this weekend.
Losing senior guards Lance Jones, Ryan Bost and Jaheim Holden to graduation after the trio led Evanston to a runnerup finish at the Illinois High School Association Class 4A state tournament last March --- as part of a record 32-win campaign --- wasn't a shock. High school basketball teams, even at the elite level, must regroup in every off-season.
But for ETHS, the summer of 2019 meant old players like returning starters Jaylin Gibson and Blake Peters must adapt to new roles. New players must find out where they fit, too, and there's still a question of just who will assume the leadership mantle for the 2019-20 season since only one senior, guard Jerome Smith, was a regular participant in the approximately 30 games the Kits played in June.
Plenty of question marks still remain for Ellis and his staff, who have created a championship culture within the program and won't ease off when it comes to keeping players accountable on and off the court even if a third straight run to the Final Four doesn't seem likely right now.
"We did begin the summer in a state of shock, with new teammates and new roles for people to play," Ellis said. "But I really did see improvement throughout the month of June. Now we want to be able to build on that. We got good looks at a lot of kids and we wanted to give them all as much of an opportunity as we could. We saw their weaknesses and we saw their strengths.
"Your won-loss record in the summer (around .500) is irrelevant. It's all about what you've learned. With only one senior, we didn't really have a lot of leadership this summer and I think it showed. By default, that may fall to the junior class. We do have two (potential) Division I players back in Jaylin and Blake and it may fall to them."
Gibson, who averaged 8 points per game as a sophomore, and Peters (12.7 ppg) did most of the heavy lifting this summer and will have to up their respective games until help arrives from some of the newbies.
Six-foot-six junior-to-be Logan Talmage, sophomore guard Rashawn Bost, junior Itchy Holden and junior transfer Ashton Laude saw most of the action at the Ridgewood event on the final weekend as the Wildkits bounced back from a flat performance in the second half of a 47-40 loss to Galesburg to rack up consecutive wins over Lincoln Park (48-47), Oak Lawn (62-28) and Marist (42-30).
ETHS actually tied for first in pool play at Ridgewood but settled for third once tiebreaker rules were put in place. That denied the Kits a chance to play in the championship bracket of the whopping 72-team event that was played a three different high school sites to allow college coaches (like Northwestern's Chris Collins and Michigan State's Tom Izzo, who were in attendance Saturday) a chance to make "live" contacts with potential recruits under new NCAA guidelines.
"Spots have opened up now on the roster and spots have opened up for starters," Ellis pointed out. "A lot of these kids are coming in with the mindset of grabbing those spots and taking advantage of their opportunities.
"Jaylin had a great, great summer --- I think he's playing the best basketball of his life --- and Blake has continued to evolve, even without the guards (Jones, Bost, Holden) who could create openings for him. We'll need him to get more shots this year and as a staff, we'll need to find ways to get him open, because other teams we play know by now not to leave him open.
"In my opinion, though, Rashawn Bost had the best summer for us. He was the most consistent player we had. He has a lot of good, natural instincts and really plays with a lot of poise. I'd like to see him play more aggressive at both ends of the court, but he's always out there making positive plays and taking what the defense gives him. He reads the defense well and really has great court awareness, especially for a sophomore. And even though he led the sophomores in scoring as a freshman, he's not out there trying to be our go-to guy and counting his shots. He just goes out and plays."
Laude played his first two seasons at Hope Academy in Chicago but is an Evanston product who came up through the ranks with Evanston's current players at Haven Junior High. He showed the ability to knock down 3-point shots and seemed to grow more comfortable with his role in the final two weeks of June.
"I think he's got the talent to help us on a nightly basis," Ellis praised. "He's another guy who won't make negative plays, like Bost.
"We still have two Divison I type players, and typically if you have that, you're going to be a good team. We just need to round out the complimentary component to this team because everyone is shifting into a new role. Our level of success will come down to how good they are in those new roles."
More Sports news
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


love, ink: Did I do this right?
I got a lovely butterflee from my friend Sandra.
Now, I can't seem to figure out how to put it here, so I'll just post that its a lovely "gift" from a great friend!
Copy and save the butterfly pic from Sandra's blog and then add the pic to this post.
Like Catherine said :) Just as if you were posting a card you created.
Hahhhahaha!! You're soooo cooorny! :D LOve ya!


Gypsy Mermaid Jewellery is designed for the love of the ocean, the lust for the mermaid life and the appreciation for fine jewels. Combining these three loves to bring you a micro collection of ocean jewels.
The current Aztec Mermaid micro-collection captures the heart of the mermaid in the struggle between land and sea. The beauty in finding the balance in life – the earth, the sun, the stars, the ocean.
Designed and based in Queensland Australia – by the beach – where mermaids live.


I was contacted by Peak Inc. and asked if I would try and review their products for my readers. I gladly accepted! They kindly sent me 6 products to use.
Overall, I liked all these products very much! These are full sizes and I will have plenty of product to keep using for months! Try them out for yourself. They don't disappoint!


Dum Dum Girls, Australia's The Crocodiles and Boston's Colleen Green played Neumos on October 9th. You can grab a whole load of Dum Dum Girls MP3 by heading right over here. Thank you to photographers Simon Krane and Kirk Stauffer for taking some gorgeous shots of these bands!
Written by: BBS on 11/19/2011.
This entry was tagged colleen green, Kirk Stauffer, simon krane, the crocodiles, the dum dum girls. Bookmark the permalink.


"Sunshine Consultants make learning fun!" Diane B.
"If you come to one of Ernie's workshops you will be entertained, but more importantly you will learn skills to help with your classroom." Margaret L.
"Ernie and Mary bring a unique combination of energy, enthusiasm, and expertise to everything they do!"
"It's always nice to have a workshop where you can laugh and have fun."
"I love your workshops and would recommend to all."


Just when I think I've exhausted my continuous search for the quirkiest, secret gems in London, I stumble upon somewhere I haven't discovered, and it fills me with the same thrill and excitement that inspired me to start this blog in the first place. It happened last week when those lovely folk at The Disappearing Dining Club invited me to a private dinner to preview their latest venue - The Townhouse in the heart of historical Spitalfields.
By day, The Townhouse is a fantastic antiques shop, art gallery and tea room, which has now expanded its repertoire by collaborating with the Disappearing Dining Club to offer a stunning 18th Century dining room. Situated at 5 Fournier Street (opposite Hawksmoor's beautiful Christ Church), this old weavers building has been home to a manner of all kinds of businesses including a furrier; a doctor's surgery and a coffee store. Since World War II until 2000, it was a market cafe and was then bought by its current owner, Fiona Atkins, an antiques collector, who has restored and renovated it into the magical and tasteful establishment it is today.
Despite it supposedly being spring, it was actually far more fitting to arrive at 5 Fournier Street on a dark, chilly evening. The glow of candlelight through the window was so welcoming as I stepped through the old wooden door into what felt like The Old Curiosity Shop. A gorgeous room, brimming with antiques, ambience, warm log fires and a long dining table beautifully set, ready for its lucky, unsuspecting diners. Welcome drinks were served from an old wooden wagon and introductions made as I met Fiona, the owner of The Townhouse and Stuart, our Host Extraordinaire from the Disappearing Dining Club. After a little tour of this exquisite building, it was soon time to take our places for dinner.
We started with a small glass of creamy artichoke veloute, followed by a delicious crab salad with homemade crostini. Then along came one of the best duck confits I've ever had. The food was absolutely superb. It was a struggle, but we managed to find a little bit of room left to devour the most amazing pudding - chocolate tart served with popcorn parfait and thick salted caramel. Such a fabulous combination of flavours. The Reserve St Vincent Merlot went perfectly with dinner. And what a great bunch of guests too, all sorts of fun and interesting people, all clearly loving this new Disappearing Dining Club venture as much as I was.
And if you feel like stepping back in time and want an unusual place to stay in London for a few days (or even weeks), there is a wonderful antique-laden two double bedroom self-catering apartment to rent in this old Georgian building, complete with a four-poster bedroom; a dining room for hosting your own intimate dinners; a fully-equipped kitchen and a bathroom with a roll-top bath. Even as a London resident, I'm very tempted to find an excuse to stay at this heavenly home-from-home. Check out Stay In Spitalfields for more information.
I can't tell you how glad I am to have been introduced to The Townhouse and think everyone should book a Disappearing Dining Club dinner here. It is without a doubt, the best dining room in London!


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Leader of the Opposition in Parlliament, Betty Aol Ocan hosts a thanksgiving ceremony in Gulu town, March 2019
Read more about Leader of the Opposition in Parlliament, Betty Aol Ocan hosts a thanksgiving ceremony in Gulu town, March 2019
The Leader of the Opposition, Betty Aol Ocan in a live tweet chat on her first days in office
Read more about The Leader of the Opposition, Betty Aol Ocan in a live tweet chat on her first days in office
The Leader of the Opposition, Betty Aol Ocan visits Democratic Party offices October 3rd, 2018
Read more about The Leader of the Opposition, Betty Aol Ocan visits Democratic Party offices October 3rd, 2018
The Leader of the Opposition, Betty Aol Ocan pays a courtesy call to Uganda People's Congress (UPC) party headquarters
Read more about The Leader of the Opposition, Betty Aol Ocan pays a courtesy call to Uganda People's Congress (UPC) party headquarters
The Leader of the Opposition, Betty Aol Ocan visits Hon Betty Namboze at her home in Mukono, August 31st 2018
Read more about The Leader of the Opposition, Betty Aol Ocan visits Hon Betty Namboze at her home in Mukono, August 31st 2018
Leader of the Opposition, Betty Aol Ocan addressing the press about MPs arrested in relation to the election violence in Arua
Read more about Leader of the Opposition, Betty Aol Ocan addressing the press about MPs arrested in relation to the election violence in Arua
The outgoing LoP Winfred Kiiza hands over office to the new LoP Betty Aol Ocan on 14th August 2018
Read more about The outgoing LoP Winfred Kiiza hands over office to the new LoP Betty Aol Ocan on 14th August 2018
Hon Winfred Kiiza participates in the Corporate League at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds June 2018
Read more about Hon Winfred Kiiza participates in the Corporate League at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds June 2018
Hon Winfred Kiiza, Leader of the Opposition meets Commonwealth Secretary General, Patricia Baroness Scotland
Read more about Hon Winfred Kiiza, Leader of the Opposition meets Commonwealth Secretary General, Patricia Baroness Scotland
Hon Winfred Kiiza and opposition MPs at a press briefing
Read more about Hon Winfred Kiiza and opposition MPs at a press briefing
The Uganda Convention, Dubai 2017
Parliament Pays tribute to the late Hon Ibrahim Abiriga (Arua Municipality, 9th June 2018)
Hon Winfred Kiiza meets Japan's Ambassodor to Uganda, H.E Kazuaki Kameda


WASHINGTON (NYTIMES) - President Donald Trump rejected, for now at least, a fresh round of sanctions set to be imposed against Russia on Monday (April 16), a course change that underscored the schism between the president and his national security team.
The president's ambassador to the United Nations, Ms Nikki Haley, had announced on Sunday that the administration would place sanctions on Russian companies found to be assisting Syria's chemical weapons programme.
The sanctions were listed on a menu of further government options after a US-led airstrike on Syria, retaliating against a suspected gas attack that killed dozens a week earlier.
"We are considering additional sanctions on Russia and a decision will be made in the near future," Ms Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the White House press secretary, said in a statement.
Speaking later with reporters aboard Air Force One as Mr Trump headed to Florida, Ms Sanders added that "the president has been clear that he's going to be tough on Russia, but at the same time he'd still like to have a good relationship with them".
Another White House official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe internal deliberations, said Mr Trump had decided not to go forward with the sanctions. Mr Trump concluded that they were unnecessary because Moscow's response to the airstrike was mainly bluster, the official said.
Russia analysts said the whipsaw policy shift once again highlighted an administration struggling to find a coherent and consistent voice in dealing with Russia, which in the past four years has annexed Crimea, intervened in eastern Ukraine, sought to influence the US election in 2016, allegedly poisoned a former Russian spy living in Britain and propped up the murderous government of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria.
Mr Trump has mostly spoken hopefully of his efforts to forge a friendship with President Vladimir Putin of Russia, including congratulating him on a re-election widely denounced as a sham and even suggesting a White House meeting.
At the same time, the Trump administration has imposed two rounds of sanctions against Russia in the last month, expelled 60 of Moscow's diplomats and closed a consulate in retaliation for the poisoning attack in Britain.
Administration officials said new sanctions could be imposed at some point if Russia takes further action justifying them.


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IMedia Brands, Inc. Forecasted to Post Q1 2025 Earnings of ($0.02) Per Share (NASDAQ:IMBI)
Defense World · 11/25/2022 15:52
iMedia Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ:IMBI – Get Rating) – Research analysts at B. Riley issued their Q1 2025 earnings estimates for shares of iMedia Brands in a report released on Wednesday, November 23rd. B. Riley analyst E. Wold forecasts that the company will post earnings per share of ($0.02) for the quarter. B. Riley currently has a "Buy" rating and a $5.00 target price on the stock. The consensus estimate for iMedia Brands' current full-year earnings is ($1.06) per share. B. Riley also issued estimates for iMedia Brands' Q2 2025 earnings at $0.01 EPS, Q3 2025 earnings at $0.00 EPS and FY2025 earnings at $0.35 EPS.
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iMedia Brands (NASDAQ:IMBI – Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 24th. The company reported ($0.41) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts' consensus estimates of ($0.35) by ($0.06). The firm had revenue of $133.23 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $156.65 million. iMedia Brands had a negative net margin of 8.16% and a negative return on equity of 75.94%. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted ($0.22) earnings per share.
IMBI has been the subject of a number of other reports. Lake Street Capital lowered their price target on shares of iMedia Brands from $3.00 to $2.00 in a report on Wednesday. Craig Hallum lowered their price target on shares of iMedia Brands from $20.00 to $7.00 in a report on Thursday, August 25th.
iMedia Brands Price Performance
IMBI opened at $0.61 on Thursday. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $0.59 and a 200 day simple moving average of $1.17. The firm has a market cap of $14.07 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.32 and a beta of 2.02. iMedia Brands has a twelve month low of $0.44 and a twelve month high of $7.74. The company has a current ratio of 1.36, a quick ratio of 0.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.53.
Institutional Inflows and Outflows
Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. International Assets Investment Management LLC grew its holdings in iMedia Brands by 54.3% during the 2nd quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 61,756 shares of the company's stock worth $75,000 after acquiring an additional 21,741 shares in the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC acquired a new position in iMedia Brands during the 1st quarter worth $96,000. D.A. Davidson & CO. grew its holdings in iMedia Brands by 44.5% during the 3rd quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 157,699 shares of the company's stock worth $101,000 after acquiring an additional 48,588 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its holdings in iMedia Brands by 15.1% during the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 96,688 shares of the company's stock worth $583,000 after acquiring an additional 12,663 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Boston Partners boosted its holdings in shares of iMedia Brands by 27.4% in the 1st quarter. Boston Partners now owns 105,220 shares of the company's stock valued at $634,000 after buying an additional 22,654 shares during the period. 39.68% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.
iMedia Brands Company Profile
iMedia Brands, Inc operates as an interactive media company in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Entertainment, Consumer Brands, and Media Commerce Services. The company operates television networks, including ShopHQ that offers jewelry and watches, home, beauty and health, and fashion and accessories; ShopBulldogTV, which provides male-oriented products and services; ShopHQHealth that offers women and men products and services focused on health and wellness categories, such as physical, mental and spiritual health, financial and motivational wellness, weight management, and telehealth medical services; ShopJewelryHQ for jewelry products and services; and 1-2-3.tv, a retailing marketplace for live and automated auctions.
Get a free copy of the StockNews.com research report on iMedia Brands (IMBI)
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The School of Science and Technology at Morrisville State College awarded the following scholarships to several area students and/or graduates.
The School of Science and Technology Award, based on academic excellence and campus involvement, was presented to Joshua Young and Daniel Cleveland, both of Sherburne.
Cleveland, a liberal arts and science-math and science graduate, and Jedidiah Lamont, Waterville, received the Malcolm B. Galbreath Scholarship. The award is in honor of the third president of Morrisville College, under whose leadership the engineering departments were started.
Receiving Follett Foundation Scholarships were Penny Kuhn, Sherburne, a recent nursing graduate, and Karlie Burns, Smyrna; April Wakefield, Norwich; and Jennifer Manley, Norwich, all nursing students.
The New York State Federation of Home Bureaus, Inc. Scholarship was presented to Cora Ashcraft, Norwich. Recipients of this award are evaluated based on need, leadership, and residence in a county where the Federation of Home Bureaus, Inc. has an organized chapter.
The Distinguished Nursing Student Award, presented to a graduating senior nursing student who has demonstrated professional attributes and leadership abilities and a commitment to lifelong learning, was awarded to Stephanie Tabolt, Waterville.
The Automotive Faculty Award, given to a first-year automotive student(s) and based on academic achievement and good character, was presented to Michael Brown, DeRuyter, an automotive technology student.
The Albany Rodz and Kustoms Award, given to an outstanding automotive bachelor of technology student, was presented to Daniel Mirocco, Morrisville.
The William Morehouse/Mohawk Valley Home Builders and Remodelers Scholarship was presented to Jeremiah Brown, New Woodstock The award is presented to residential construction students based on academic achievement and leadership.


Thinking of heading to the USA or Canada for your skiing or snowboarding holiday this year? Whether you're a complete newbie or a seasoned expert, we've got you covered with the best resort recommendations for all abilities.
Learning to ski or snowboard can be tough enough, let alone if you are battling the slopes in a blizzard! Kimberley Alpine Resort is perfect for all those 'fair-weather' skiers and boarders out there - you know who you are! Located in the Purcell Mountains in the East Kootenays of Southeast British Columbia, it is a ski resort known for having the sunniest slopes in British Columbia. Falling over every five minutes seems a little bit more bearable when you are doing it in sunshine!
Kimberley's lesser known status leaves the slopes gloriously crowd-free, providing you with all the space you need to perfect those parallel turns or ollies.
Getting there: The Canadian Rockies Airport (formerly the Cranbrook airport) is just 20 minutes from the resort, with flights originating from Calgary or Vancouver. Kimberley is 252 miles by road southwest of Calgary International Airport, from where there are shuttle transport options, or you can hire a car. The other gateway airport is Kalispell Montana, 2.5 hours drive south.
Big White ski resort situated on Big White Mountain in British Columbia, Canada definitely lives up to its reputation of being 'big'. Absolute newbies should head to Happy Valley, below the main resort, where two Magic Carpets take away the pain of getting on and off ski lifts. One of the best things about the resort is that it's possible to ski from summit to base all on easy and wide green runs – so no one feels left behind.
Big White Ski Resort Canada is ideal for families because it's so easy to get around, and there are lots of family friendly activities and facilities such as the award-winning Kid's Centre.
Getting there: The nearest airport is Kelowna, 35 miles from the resort. For drivers, it's 280 miles east of Vancouver (5.5 hour drive) and 404 miles west of Calgary (8.5 hour drive). ABTA's Travel Trends Report 2018 confirms that flights to British Columbia will not break the bank either as from the UK they are surprisingly cost-effective.
Beaver Creek, located ten miles west of Vail in Eagle County, Colorado, is a great resort for all types of new skiers. Beaver Creek is known for being one of the most luxurious winter sports resorts, and its tagline 'not exactly roughing it' certainly delivers. There are heated walkways, escalators travelling from the slopes to the plaza and bus area. Not to mention the free cookies handed out every afternoon!
Beginner terrain is plentiful in Beaver Creek; a fifth of the trails are green circle which range from first time learning zones with magic carpets to fun, meandering trails with great views. It's the perfect introduction to tree skiing terrain.
As a beginner skier or snowboarder, safety is probably high on the wish list, and Beaver Creek offers ultimate peace of mind, holding National Ski Area Association's Best Overall Safety Awards.
Getting there: Beaver Creek is 133 miles from Denver International Airport. You can rent a car for the two hour plus drive, or there are loads of transport operators that will shuttle you to your accommodation. Alternatively, if money is no object, Eagle County Airport is just a 25-minute drive from Beaver Creek.
Breckenridge in Colorado boasts 187 trails covering nearly 3,000 acres, a third of which are designated for intermediates, with runs that are perfect for those who have found their ski legs but aren't quite ready for vertical drops. The piste ratings at Breckenridge are a lot easier than at many other resorts, meaning that intermediate skiers and boarders are able to tackle some of the black runs, giving a confidence boost.
From the top of Peak 7, served by the super quick 'SuperChair' lift, there are blue runs in every downward direction, offering flexibility for all intermediate skiers and boarders.
Between December and February, temperatures are a lot more consistent than other resorts in Colorado, and the snow is cold, dry and grippy – great for those wanting to step out of their comfort zone in terms of speed and style but to do so in safe and reliable conditions.
Getting there: Breckenridge Ski Resort USA is located 80 miles west of Denver and 104 miles from Denver International Airport.
Vail, Colorado is North America's fourth largest ski area. It's great for intermediate skiers and snowboarders, particularly in groups because it really does have something for everyone. Massive and varied terrain, extensive and efficient lift networks, vibrant après and restaurants and accommodation for all tastes - and budgets. However, the limitless options come at a cost. With lift ticket prices some of the most expensive in the world, the chances of you coming home with an empty pocket are fairly high.
However, the terrain is hugely varied, from moguls to smooth pistes to tree lined trails and with super quick chair lifts to take you from one terrain to another.
Getting there: Denver International Airport, a major airline hub, is 120 miles away from Vail. Eagle, a small municipal airfield (Vail/Eagle County Airport) is a closer alternative and is 30 minutes from Vail. Flights into Eagle are less regular than to Denver and they tend to cost more.
We could hardly write a blog about ski resorts in the USA and Canada without mentioning Whistler! A household name in the skiing and snowboarding fraternity, Whistler is in a league of its own and justifiably one of the hottest ski destinations on the planet.
In reality, the resort caters for all ability levels, but for intermediates no other resort can offer the same variety. A whopping 55 percent of Whistler Blackcomb's 8,171 acres is intermediate terrain meaning you can experience every breath-taking angle of the looming Whistler mountain.
Go figure, instead of a trail map, Whistler provides its visitors with an atlas! A training regime of wall squats is essential before any holiday to Whistler, as it is renowned for its super long, leg burning runs.
Getting there: The main gateway airport is Vancouver International Airport, which is located 87 miles south of Whistler Village.
Fernie Alpine Resort is a lesser known resort, making it a hidden gem for advanced skiers and snowboarders. For those in the know, its reputation for deep powder and vertical terrain results in ultimate respect from the ski community.
Here you can enjoy 500 acres of backcountry routes such as Tunnel Creek and Mongolia Ridge which have acquired legendary status among those who just can't resist returning year on year.
For those who still aren't satisfied, there are a number of independent operators offering guided ski tours. These explore the Canadian hinterland using snow-cats and other specialist equipment to access remote bowls and glades, offering a genuine challenge to get your heart racing.
Getting there: The closest international airport to Fernie Alpine Resort is the Calgary International Airport, a 3.5 hour drive away.
Alpental is a resort located in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and offers both day and night time skiing.
The resort is an adrenaline fuelled play area for adventurers, and not for the faint hearted. It offers terrain comprised of steep expert runs, to huge off piste bowls and glades. There's just 14% beginner terrain in Fernie. This means you won't be tripping over beginner skiers and boarders as you would in more popular resorts.
Intermediate terrain totals 45% of the resort with the rest perfect for advanced skiers and snowboarders – plenty of difficult terrain to get your heart racing.
Getting there: The nearest international airport is Seattle, 52 miles away from the resort.
This is the resort that Ski Instructors fight to work at and the selection criteria here is the toughest in the USA. Nicknamed 'The Big One', Jackson Hole is a resort that attracts the best of the best. The steep, often ungroomed terrain is a paradise for ski and snowboard pros such as Travis Rice, who grew up there.
Jackson Hole is made up of Rendevous Mountain and Apres Vous Mountain. The latter is where the experts head, featuring steep chutes, bowls, glades and the legendary Corbet's Colouir. Will you be the one to conquer its 20-foot drop in?
For the shredders out there, the whole mountain is a big natural terrain park. Otherwise, there is the usual bone shattering and tendon snapping fun available in the terrain park near the Après Vous Chair.
Getting there: There are no direct flights to Jackson from outside the USA but connections are available from Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Denver and Chicago O'Hare.
Utah resorts have a reputation for getting huge dumps of dry, light, powder snow and Snowbird is no exception. Snowbird, and neighbouring resort Alta, boast an average of 12.7 metres of the stuff a year – over twice the amount as top Alpine resorts such as Tignes and Chamonix.
Snowbird Ski Resort USA is an amazing playground for advanced riders. With steep, challenging and interesting terrain, Snowbird is a "must do" experience (at least for skiers, boarders are still banned from Alta).
The piste breakdown is 27% beginner, 38% intermediate and 35% advanced/expert. However, these stats simply don't give justice to describe how good the terrain is for expert riders. With a bit of imagination (aka guts), everywhere in this resort is a potential line, including the many small cliffs for hucking.
The double black diamond runs Silver Fox, Great Scott and Upper Cirque, often neck deep in powder, can leave the most adept powderhounds quaking in their boots. Do you dare?
Getting there: Snowbird UT is an incredibly accessible ski resort, being only 29 miles (47km - 45 minute drive) from the Salt Lake City International Airport. What are you waiting for?!
Lonely Planet names Silverton Mountain as one of the most innovative ski mountains in the USA It is a pure mountain experience that's for experts only. There are no clear-cut runs and no groomed pistes, just 10.16 metres of snow a year and a whole lot of (challenging) fun!
For what Silverton Mountain lacks in frills, it certainly makes up for in thrills. It's really only suited to those with an adventurous spirit. For most of the year, the only way to access the resort is by guided tour with a capped number of guests per day. Later on in the season is the time to go if you are looking for unguided skiing. Heli accessed ski touring is also available.
There is no lodging at the Silverton Mountain ski area, but there is inexpensive Silverton hotel and motel accommodation in the nearby historic town.
Getting there: The Montrose airport (40 miles from Silverton) has direct flights from Los Angeles, Chicago, Newark, Houston and Atlanta.
Wherever you decide to go this ski season, remember that as soon as you book your holiday you should take out travel insurance, as this will cover you if you need to cancel the trip due to specified reasons as well as providing peace of mind when on and off piste*.
Before travelling to the USA and Canada, make sure you meet the VISA entry requirements. The rules may have changed since you last visited. You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.
← Where are the best Costa del Sol resorts for summer 2018?


text:
============================
django-form-utils-bootstrap3
============================

.. image:: https://badge.fury.io/py/django-form-utils-bootstrap3.svg
    :target: https://badge.fury.io/py/django-form-utils-bootstrap3
    :alt: Latest PyPI version

.. image:: https://travis-ci.org/federicobond/django-form-utils-bootstrap3.svg
   :target: https://travis-ci.org/federicobond/django-form-utils-bootstrap3
   :alt: Latest Travis CI build status

Render forms with fieldsets using Bootstrap markup via django-form-utils and django-bootstrap3

Configuration
-------------

Modify your Django project settings to include::

    BOOTSTRAP3 = {
        'form_renderers': {
            'default': 'form_utils_bootstrap3.renderers.BetterFormRenderer'
        }
    }

You can continue using the same ``{% bootstrap_form form %}`` tags, but they now take into account the existence of fieldsets in ``BetterForm`` instances.

Installation
------------

::

    pip install django-form-utils-bootstrap3

Requirements
------------

A Django project using:

- ``django-form-utils``
- ``django-bootstrap3``

Licence
-------

MIT

Authors
-------

``django-form-utils-bootstrap3`` was written by `Federico Bond <federicobond@gmail.com>`_.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
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Sep 24, 2018 4:58 PMPublication: The Southampton Press
Talks Continue Regarding Erosion Control District In Quogue
> Quogue Homeowners Call For Removal Of Geotextiles Along Village Beach Jun 19, 2019 11:07 AM
> Quogue Holds Final Public Hearing On Erosion Control Taxing District On Saturday May 29, 2019 10:27 AM
> Quogue Sets Final Public Hearing To Discuss Erosion Control District For April Jan 23, 2019 11:10 AM
> Quogue Homeowners Pitch New Beach Reconstruction Plan, On Their Own Dime Aug 24, 2018 10:42 AM
> Quogue Village Officials Revive Coastal Erosion District Talks Aug 3, 2018 10:32 AM
> Five Options On Table To Pay For Beach Nourishment Work In Quogue Aug 20, 2014 1:20 PM
> Communication Still An Issue With Quogue Beach Rebuilding Effort Aug 12, 2014 5:31 PM
> Final Quogue Beach Nourishment Forum Will Focus On Funding Aug 12, 2014 4:53 PM
> Questions Remain After First Of Three Forums Focusing On Proposed Quogue Beach Project Jun 25, 2014 8:37 AM
> First Beach Nourishment Informational Meeting Scheduled For Saturday In Quogue Jun 16, 2014 4:24 PM
> Quogue Beach Nourishment Proposal Inches Forward May 21, 2014 11:25 AM
> Sagaponack Beaches Rebuilt; Dredging Crews Turn Attention To Hampton Bays Feb 26, 2014 10:51 AM
> Beach Rebuilding Effort Expected To Wrap Up This Weekend Feb 5, 2014 9:54 AM
> Beaches Will Get $21 Million Facelift In Hampton Bays, West Hampton Dunes Dec 18, 2013 11:55 AM
> Southampton Town Beach Nourishment Work Will Continue Into Early January Dec 11, 2013 10:39 AM
> Quogue Group Pushing For Nourishment On Village Beaches Oct 16, 2013 2:35 PM
> Beach Reconstruction Finally Begins After Weather Delays Oct 15, 2013 3:51 PM
> Start Of Beach Rebuilding Delayed Again By Bad Weather Oct 11, 2013 1:47 PM
> Landmark Beach Rebuilding Project Begins In Bridgehampton Oct 9, 2013 10:04 AM
> Start Of Beach Rebuilding Work Pushed Back In Eastern Southampton Town Sep 4, 2013 11:26 AM
> Quogue Residents Discuss Strategies For Protecting Beaches Aug 20, 2013 5:30 PM
> Massive Beach Reconstruction To Begin In Early September Jun 19, 2013 10:42 AM
> Oceanfront Residents Approve $25 Million Beach Rebuild Feb 6, 2013 11:10 AM
> Residents To Vote Today On $25 Million Beach Rebuilding Proposal Jan 30, 2013 11:38 AM
> Southampton Beach Rebuilding Work Delayed Until Next Fall Oct 10, 2012 11:52 AM
> Town Will Seek Tax Exemption For Family And Club From Beach Project Burden Sep 26, 2012 10:56 AM
> Oceanfront Homeowners In Wainscott Are Also Exploring Beach Rebuilding Sep 18, 2012 3:41 PM
> Beach Rebuilding Project Will Go To Voters In Affected Areas Of Oceanfront Southampton Town Sep 5, 2012 11:04 AM
> Public Hearing Slated On Beach Nourishment Plan Aug 15, 2012 10:48 AM
> Sagaponack, Bridgehampton Residents Propose $24 Million Beach Nourishment Project Aug 3, 2012 2:22 PM
> Sagaponack and Bridgehampton residents consider an erosion control district Jun 2, 2010 9:29 AM
Oct 1, 2018 1:14 PM
By Valerie Gordon
The Quogue Village Board continued discussions on Friday about whether to implement a special erosion control taxing district to fund a $10 million project to rebuild the eastern portion of the village's public beach.
The proposed taxing district would include 46 beachfront properties, each of which would be assessed approximately $25,000 to $30,000 on their property tax bills each year for 10 years. The district would mimic that of the Bridgehampton and Sagaponack coastal erosion districts, which collect on average $1.3 million per year in real property taxes to pay for beach nourishment.
The plan, outlined by Aram Terchunian, a Westhampton-based coastal geologist who has helped design several large beach nourishment projects, is to dump nearly 526,000 cubic yards of sand along a 1.1-mile stretch of beach spanning from the Quogue Beach Club to the village's eastern boundary.
Homeowners could be charged either based on total assessed value, linear footage of ocean frontage, or a combination of both, Quogue Village Mayor Peter Sartorius said.
An earlier $15 million proposal, which would have rebuilt the entire 2.7 miles of beach, widening the beach by between 50 and 127 feet, was shot down in 2013 after village officials decided the job was too expensive. The earlier proposal would have included all of the village's taxpayers in sharing the cost, although Mr. Terchunian explained that the oceanfront homeowners would have been responsible for the bulk of the expense.
The revised proposal will piggyback on a larger sand nourishment project, planned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, that will reconstruct 4.5 miles of beach between Hampton Bays and East Quogue. Currently, the Army Corps restoration efforts halt at the Quogue Village border.
Earlier this month, village officials sent letters to the owners of each of the 46 properties, asking them to vote on the proposal. As of Monday, 20 people had voted in favor of the project, 11 were opposed, and 15 had yet to reply, according to Mr. Sartorius.
At the Village Board meeting on Friday, homeowners Karen and Andrew Cirincione, who would pay between $17,000 and $25,000 per year, said they were reluctant to accept the terms of the 10-year commitment, arguing that the entire village benefits from the public beach and therefore should be taxed accordingly.
Mr. Cirincione pointed to the state's Town Law 209-E, which pertains to the creation of special taxing districts. It states "that all of the property and property owners … as are benefited shall be included within such proposed district or extension."
"A lot of people, including myself, feel it's very unfair just to tax a certain amount of people when it's going to benefit the whole village," Mr. Cirincione said.
"I would not interpret the law that way," State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr. said of Mr. Cirincione's argument.
To clarify, he explained that benefit assessment districts such as the overlay district are required to be based on rationale. "The village has discretion on who benefits," he said. "In districts such as this, frontage has been found to be a rational basis for determining benefit."
Mr. Sartorius pointed out that the Bridgehampton erosion control district includes only those properties with beach frontage. "I sympathize with people who get dragged into this because of where they are," he said.
In addition to her husband's argument, Ms. Cirincione noted that she was concerned that the 526,000 cubic yards of sand would not last the 10-year period. "We're paying whether it gets washed out or not," she said.
To ease her concern, Mr. Terchunian explained that, on average, the millions of tons of sand that will be deposited on beaches will slowly drift westward at a rate of about 500 feet per year. If the beaches in eastern Quogue are restored to a "healthy" condition, that sand will help maintain them. If they are not, it will do little to bolster beaches there as it will be washed away at a faster rate, he said.
Still, Mr. Sartorius acknowledged that "there's no guarantee it's going to last."
He added that the five-member board has not yet determined when they might make a resolution to either approve or deny the proposal.
When it does come time to vote, Village Trustee Ted Necarsulmer said that his vote would likely support the majority of homeowners. "If there is a significant desire to do this, I'll say yes. If there isn't, I'll say no."
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> County Executive Bellone Announces Tick Talks For Awarness and Prevention Of Tick Bourne Illnesses Jul 16, 2019 5:20 PM
> Southampton Village Passes Balloon Release Ban Jul 16, 2019 4:25 PM
> Electrical Issues That Disrupted WPPB's Live Shows Now Resolved Jul 16, 2019 3:47 PM
1. Hampton Bays Woman Identified As One Of Three Victims Of Fatal Car Accident In Mount Sinai On Monday
2. Person Struck, Killed By LIRR Train Near Southampton Station Early Sunday Morning
3. Manorville Brush Fire Results In Road Closures On Busy Holiday Weekend 5 comments
4. Mother Admitted Killing Twin Toddlers To Police, Will Turn To Insanity Defense
5. OLA Hosts Gathering In Sag Harbor To Support Local Immigrants 229 comments
6. Police Identify Woman Killed In Boating Accident East Of Cupsogue Beach In Westhampton
7. Constitution Will Be Invoked To Fight East Hampton Village Parking Ticket, And The Use Of Chalk
8. Southampton Village Announces Reopening Of Picnic Area--Before It Is Prohibited Again Hours Later 9 comments
2. Sag Harbor Interdependence Walk Takes Place Sunday 30 comments
3. Southampton Town Looks To Prevent The Dumping Of Household Garbage At Beach Trash Cans 25 comments
4. Road Work At Montauk Highway Intersections In Hampton Bays Raises Safety Concerns Among Some Residents 24 comments
5. UPDATE: Whale Escapes Net Entanglement 16 comments
6. Southampton Town Board Approves $3.3 Million CPF Purchase In North Sea 10 comments
7. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club Demands Southampton Town Remove St. Andrews Road Sign On Private Road, Accusing Highway Superintendent Of 'Fraud' 9 comments
Aram Terchunian is a snake oil salesman,
By bigfresh (4420), north sea on Sep 24, 18 5:46 PM
Like Reply Report as inappropriate
Buying properties is a better use of tax money. Let the beach return to its natural state and make it a public beach. We all win.
By Baymen87 (128), Lugoff, SC on Sep 25, 18 2:18 PM
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An investment in the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce is an efficient, cost effective way for every business to increase their local visibility, enhance marketing dynamics and develop business relationships that result in new opportunities and sales.
Business Presence. Out of sight, out of mind! You want to remain in the public's eye, especially when times are good. Smart businesses leverage their resources through the Chamber, giving them cutting-edge visibility by standing out from the competition. Members are added to the chamber website and included in the printed membership directory.
Networking & Sharing. There are endless opportunities to meet new contacts, receive qualified referrals and form partnerships that will help you grow your business. The Petoskey Regional Chamber of Chamber provides niche programming for your business to make these connections such as Business After Hours, Speed Networking, Making the Most of Your Membership and other programs.
Access. When you join the Chamber and get actively involved, you'll discover that meeting prospects and building relationships is a huge benefit of membership. You'll find yourself in situations where you can identify and meet decision-makers face-to-face.
Sponsorships & Promotion Opportunities. The Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce offers a wide variety of affordable promotion options and sponsorship packages that fit every businesses budget. Being a sponsor provides you with additional exposure.
Save Money. There are several cost savings programs and member benefits your business can take advantage of.
Training & Personal Development. The Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce provides timely programs at affordable prices by spreading the costs among fellow member. Members stay updated, informed and educated at prices drastically lower than they could obtain through other means.
Advocacy. Your business is impacted by decisions made outside the community. To represent the business community's views and to keep the membership informed on local, state and national issues and legislation, the Chamber is part of the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance which provides in-depth information on a variety of legislative issues that affect the business community. The Alliance represents over 6500 businesses in northern Michigan.
Sense of Community. Stay connected and be a part of developing our local economy and future by participating in a variety of Chamber community programs like Breakfast for Champions, State of the Community Luncheon, Leadership Little Traverse and more. A strong business community means a strong overall community.
Relationships. People do not do business with a sign on the outside of a building; they do business with real people. When they need something for business or personal use, they turn to the people they developed a personal relationship with.
Get Noticed! – Let people know you're in business even if you don't have time to attend events. Your Chamber membership is working for you 24/7 in our powerful online directory. Members enjoy the benefits of getting found 24/7, increase SEO, connected to social media sites. 162,614 people visited www.petoskey.com looking for information in 2014.


text:
See Zac Brown Band's Pet-Filled 'Leaving Love Behind' Video
Ryan Reichard
The Zac Brown Band has officially dropped the video for their current single "Leaving Love Behind," and it is full of furry friends! The clip depicts various critters in hilarious, adorable and touching situations.
The video opens with a cat playing the piano, and moves on to showcase various other animals; including two dogs hugging each other, a raccoon sitting in a pink inflatable flamingo and another cat leaping from a kitchen countertop into its owner's arms.
While the video is certainly cute, it is also solidly devoted to a good cause. It encourages viewers to donate to Best Friends Animal Society's Disaster Relief Fund, which helps the many animals that were displaced by Hurricane Dorian.
Zac Brown spoke about his decision to include four-legged friends in the video, saying, "Whether it's funny things they do or the fact that they comfort us when we need them, we wanted to highlight how pets can make us smile even when we think we can't," said Brown in a statement according to People. "In the wake of Hurricane Dorian, thousands of pets are without homes. We hope you'll help by donating to Best Friends Animal Society who is doing incredible work taking care of the animals that need love too."
The group's next album will serve as the follow up to 2017's Welcome Home and will be titled The Owl. The album is poised to showcase a more personal side to the Zac Brown Band following the frontman's separation from his wife and jewelry designer Shelly Brown in 2018. "Leaving Love Behind" was preceded by the single "Someone That I Used to Know," both of which are available to download and stream. To support Best Friends Animal Society's Disaster Relief Fund, click here.
Zac Brown Band Have Given Us Some of the Best Country Songs This Century:
Source: See Zac Brown Band's Pet-Filled 'Leaving Love Behind' Video


Ancient greeks used to sweat in that. Temperature is 45 °C degree, humidity is 100%. Steam baths help to relax the body, clean the respiratory tract, has a good effect for rheumatism and cardiovascular diseases. Eucaliptus flavor has a refreshing and stimulating effect for the body. Referenced time is 10-20 minutes in this cabin Our Saunapark is an area without swimming suit, allowed from 18 years and sauna towel required.


text:
Homepage First View Archive I Archive II Archive III
Sipho Gumede - From Me To You
It's not easy to write about Sipho Gumede's new album "From Me To You". A simple reason: You just want to dance or to play listening to his album. I am just sitting in front of my HandSonic and just accompany the songs with great pleasure. I have already reviewed his previous album "The Best Of - Part I" and I am absolutely confident that he'll soon have a second Best-Of-album. Sipho's music is very hooking and if you love South African music, you will certainly find it on this album. What you can await: "The contemporary of KZN fused with the African heartbeat as old as music itself". Heartbeat means percussion and melody pure. This isn't sophisticated jazz but joy of living in the original sense.
The album starts with Trust No One. Sipho plays the bass as a melodious instrument. Xoli Nkosi (piano) and Sifiso Mavuso (synthesizer solo) are accompanying him. This track is absolutely flabbergasting. A very hooking melody based on a drum programmed rhythm. If one listens to such positive music, one is asking: "Why this title?" The answer of a critic: "Sipho`s a hard man, he's seen all the bad times and now as a musician he wants to celebrate the good times but he's not convinced that it's all good now."
Nontuthuzelo is a dreamy slow tempo piece featuring the gifted Bearney Bophela on acoustic piano. This piece is named in honor of his daughter.
Down South is the already mentioned South African flavored music inviting to extensive dances with its infectious hooks. Remember Paul Simon's "Graceland" to get an imagination what I mean. That this music is infecting may be illustrated by Spyro Gyra's "Cape Town Love".
The title Herdman is reminding to Sipho's past, when he went to stay on a farm some 30 kms from Umlazi. After school each day, he'd pass the time watching cattle practicing on a borrowed guitar.
Emkhumbane is the name of part of SA in Zulu language. If you are interested to know more about it, visit http://my.cybersoup.com/vusezakithi/izilimi.html. The title is obviously chosen to symbolize the closed connectivity between Sipho's music and his native country. Cato Manor, eMkhumbane, is where thousands of people were victims of ruthless forced removals by the apartheid regime. Today a nice place to visit by tourists.
Oops is a further example that Sipho's music is positive and laid-back. You will not find a sad song on his album. Sipho plays on this tune his bass more in higher octaves.
Phumula is featuring Shaluza Max, singing a ballade in Zulu language. The slow part is followed by a mid tempo swinging one in the typical South African style. "Phumula" means good rest.
Thunder Showers is a propulsive piece with a lot of synthesizers played by Sifiso Mavuso and Nelson Gumede.
Sithethelele is anew a slow tempo ballade. It features Shaluza Max on lead vocals. The song is a prayer appealing to the Creator, to find an answer to the AIDS virus, for we have tried everything else.
More synthesizer is to listen on Cedara. Melvin Peters plays a long and breathtaking solo.
Bass and synthesizer are communicating on Afternoon Breeze. Sipho's bass playing is uplifting and happy minded.
A turn around to a serenade is the title song From Me To You. Strings soften Sipho's smooth bass play which is floating in dreamy fields. Before it gets too shallow, percussion and organ hits are providing ground contact.
I Thought I Knew You Well is the contemplative finish of an interesting album.
Sheer Sound is a label of passionate people and Sipho Gumede is one of their leading artist. We can be jealous about such a richness of great artists united on this South African roster.
Buy the album at
For further information on the artists and albums contact:
Leemor Daniel
International Division - Sheer Sound
leemor@sheer.co.za
www.sheer.co.za


The Showcase Gallery shows my most RECENT IMAGES first.
A selection of recent BOOK COVERS is on a separate page.
To see more images, please link to the photo libraries listed under LINKS.
You will find a very short photo biography on the ABOUT ME page.
I can supply them in sizes from 30 x 20 cm to 75 x 50 cm (12 x 8 inches to 30 x 20 inches).


text:
Unique graphene oxide formation for soft robotics applications
The concept of quantum confined superfluid (QSF) has been proposed for ultrafast mass transport and is mainly related to the orderly flow of fluids in nano-confined spaces. Although QSF channel-containing graphene oxide films are emerging as smart materials for soft robots and actuators, QSF nanochannels have been modified to regulate graphene oxide deformation.
Stady: Reconfigurable, reversible and redefinable deformation of GO based on quantum confined superfluid effect. Image Credit: Ambelrip / Shutterstock.com
Article published in nano messages Introduced an adjustable, reversible and reversible graphene oxide deformation method under moisture operation by modulating QSF nanochannels via moisture-supported stress (MSW)-induced wrinkling.
After the MSW process, the shape stability of the standard graphene oxide film was 84%, and the shape recovery ratio was 83% under the influence of moisture at ambient temperature. It was conceivable to make robots out of graphene oxide due to its deformation, elastic forming capabilities, and self-healing properties.
Additionally, as a proof of concept, soft robots and passive electronics that can crawl, spin, switch circuits and somersault automatically were demonstrated. Thus, future soft robots may greatly benefit from the unique shape and deformation capabilities of graphene oxide.
graphene oxide based smart materials
Innovative uses of smart materials include soft robotics, biomedical devices, aerospace engineering, and the ability to control deformation in response to external stimuli, such as heat, humidity, magnetic fields, and chemicals.
Hydrogels and azobenzene derivatives with swelling, torsion and contraction properties have been extensively studied as intrinsically smart materials. However, its mechanistic applicability is limited by isotropic shape change or reconfiguration.
Smart materials can be mixed with other inert materials to create a stimuli-sensitive bilayer motor that can provide better control of deformation. As a consequence, the stimuli-induced stress mismatch at the interface of the two materials results in a predictable deformation and makes orderly operation possible.
Graphene oxide is a useful and promising material for graphene-based applications in electronics, optics, chemistry, energy storage, and biology. Recently, graphene oxide has emerged as a flexible smart material for bilayer actuators such as metals, polymers, metal oxides, biomaterials and carbon.
Previous studies described the fabrication of moisture-sensitive actuators based on graphene/graphene bilayer fibers using femtosecond selective laser reduction. Next, a self-organized photoextraction of a graphene oxide film was developed to create a light gradient in the typical direction of moisture running to build graphene oxide actuators with a larger area.
Moreover, the bending direction can be regulated by designing fine patterns. The self-controlled optical suction of graphene oxide films can induce an optical gradient along the direction of operation of the moisture.
While a previous study validated rapid water transport in stacked graphene oxide, another study reported QSF, which indicates the ultrafast water flow in the restricted two-dimensional (2D) nanochannel.
Deformation of graphene oxide based on the effect of quantum confined superfluids
In this study, the elastic sewing of graphene oxide QSF nanochannels was demonstrated by the MSW effect, allowing reversible, reconfigurable and redefinable deformations under moisture operation.
QSF-based graphene oxide actuators showed a faster moisture response than moisture-responsive graphene oxide with integrated inert materials. Moreover, QSF-based graphene oxide actuators can effectively prevent the instability of interlayer adhesion.
Implementation of the mechanical deformation of the graphene oxide film under high humidity conditions helped to program the orientation of the nanocrinkle, which resulted in the formation of QSF nanochannels due to strain mismatch and reassembly of the graphene oxide nanosheet.
Thus, the operation of internally oriented QSF channels enabled the temporary shaping of the graphene oxide film into the desired geometries. However, despite the shape, the graphene oxide film was flattened under the influence of moisture due to the rapid transport of water through the QSF channels, which resulted in a swelling effect.
Graphene oxide films can be used in robotics due to their arbitrarily specified deformation capacity. Here, the potential of graphene oxide actuators in robotics is demonstrated by the design and fabrication of three proof-of-concept soft robots, including a crawling robot that can crawl about one centimeter in 15 seconds, a robot that can rotate 210 degrees in 56 seconds, and a robotic Somersault He can complete a somersault within 20 seconds.
In summary, the MSW effect of the graphene oxide nanosheets modulated the QSF nanochannels, facilitating the flexible, resizable and reversible deformation of graphene oxide under moisture operation.
The deformation mechanism has been studied experimentally and theoretically to the inverse deformation ability of QSF nanochannels and water absorption/absorption. The graphene oxide film can be defined as any temporary form via a four-step process (wetting, fixation, dehydration, and releasing) and restored to its original shape under the influence of moisture.
Due to the flexible deformation and deformation capabilities of graphene oxide, moisture-responsive robots were fabricated using pure graphene oxide as a smart material. Furthermore, passive electromechanical devices and soft robots have been developed as proof of concept, indicating the potential of graphene oxide-based devices.
Ma, JN, Zhang, YL, Han, DD, & Sun, HB (2022). Reconfigurable, reversible and redefinable deformation of GO based on the effect of quantum confined superfluids. nano messages. Available at: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c02212
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are those of the author expressed in his personal capacity and do not necessarily represent the opinions of AZoM.com Limited T/A AZoNetwork is the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the terms and conditions of use of this website.
#Unique #graphene #oxide #formation #soft #robotics #applications


text:
Second Circuit Criminal Law Blog
Covering Second
Appellate Procedure
Bail Proceedings
Conviction Error
Cybercrimes/Technology
DOJ Policy
Evidentiary Rulings
Forfeiture
Guilty Plea
Honest Services Fraud
Ineffective Assistance
Jurisdiction and Procedure
Juror Misconduct
Procedural Reasonableness
Qualified Immunity
Reasonableness Review
Ripeness
Scienter
Sentencing and Eighth Amendment
Sixth Amendment
Speedy Trial
Trials and Evidentiary Rulings
Financial Institution Fraud
Conviction reversed by summary order for improper rebuttal summation
Categories: Conviction Error, Trials and Evidentiary Rulings
by Jane Metcalf and Harry Sandick on March 22, 2018
In United States v. Ballard, 17-427-cr, the Second Circuit reversed a sex trafficking conviction by summary order (JAC, RR, Villardo, J. by designation) due to improper argument by the government during rebuttal summation.
The Court rejected the defendant's arguments that some of the rhetoric in the government's main summation amounted to error. Defense counsel did not object to these comments, which included calling the defendant a "dead beat," a "pimp," and similar to "Genghis Khan or some other Wall Street person."
However, the defense did object to several arguments made during rebuttal summation, and the government conceded on appeal that these arguments were improper. These included its characterization of the defense theory as a government "frame-up," and its insinuation that the government had more incriminating evidence than it offered at trial. Although the district court appeared to sustain an objection to the first line of argument, the government continued to press this. There was no curative instruction. One the second issue—the assertion that there was additional incriminating evidence not presented at trial—the district court gave an "equivocal[]" direction to the jury discouraging reliance on this concept. The district court did not, however, tell that the jury that it should not assume that such evidence existed, nor did it remind the jury that the burden of proof rested with the government.
The Court held that this was the "rare" case in which the defendant "demonstrated that prosecution error resulted in a conviction violative of due process." The Court briefly evaluated the trial evidence—without providing much context—and stated that the victims who testified had "disputed" credibility and "presented occasional irreconcilable differences on material matters." Therefore, the Court could not "conclude that Ballard's conviction was certain even absent the prosecution's admitted misconduct in its rebuttal summation."
In one sentence, the Court also stated that on remand, the district court should "charge the jury as to the victim age element" of the sex trafficking of minors count in the indictment.
The facts of this case were not presented in the summary order, but one can imagine given the nature of the charges that they were lurid and tragic for the victims. It is also very unfortunate that due to a trial error, the victims will likely need to give stressful and emotionally difficult trial testimony for a second time. At the same time, the government's summation arguments were improper, especially the suggestion that there is more evidence than the jury saw. How can a defense lawyer defend against innuendo like this? Rebuttal summation is unique to criminal cases. It is highly improvised and delivered on adrenaline. Overstatement can occur. But this was too much invective for the Circuit to allow. Given the Circuit's acknowledgment that a reversal on these grounds is "rare," it would have been useful for the development of the law for the Circuit to have written a short published per curiam decision rather than a summary order.
-By Jane Metcalf and Harry Sandick
Jane Metcalf


First impressions count, and C‑Quip's boarding stairs have all the qualities you expect: elegance to impress arriving guests, and strength and practicality to please crew. Quick and easy to deploy, these self-levelling boarding stairs automatically adjust with the tide for safe and steady dock boarding at all times. Longer length models can be split into two parts, giving you the added advantage of also having a shorter set of stairs, which is perfect for changing between marinas and ports with high or low docks.
Some seriously smart thinking has gone into C‑Quip's ergonomic boarding stairs. They self level to adjust to dock heights and can be re-configured to different lengths and arrangements to suit multiple locations.
Guests and crew will be wowed by these sleek, curved elegant boarding stairs, which can be tailored to match your yacht's colour and incorporate its logo. And being made of lightweight non-corroding materials, it will last a lifetime.
The stair's sturdy one-piece monocoque design with removable secure handrails ensures safe boarding and disembarking. It's also easy to store because it folds flat, with no pinch points on the side rail when handling.


Me and my cousin went for the first time to Ramstein Air Base on September 23rd and 24th, 2016. The weather was very good and we managed to see quite a lot of military aircraft. Highlight was the very last Lockheed C5B Galaxy.
We located a very quiet spotters location from where we could see the aircraft nicely in the sun. As we stayed for the whole weekend we had booked into a great hotel very close to the base, the drive to the hotel only took us about 10 minutes. Overall it was a very good weekend for me, especially because of the C5s. Already on the Friday morning one of the first aircraft we saw was a 'mighty' Galaxy that arrived at Ramstein. The noise is something that I will remember for a very long time..
Over the two days we also saw the arrival of several tankers, but unfortunately no KC10s. On the Saturday morning it was quite busy, with about 7 Lockheed C130 Hercules transports that arrived in about 30 minutes. On that day we also saw a few Boeing C17 Globemaster IIIs taking off, but in the afternoon it went very quiet. Only from 4 o'clock onwards we saw a number of new arrivals. Last aircraft we saw, just before we left, was a modernized Lockheed C5M Galaxy. We ended the trip just like we started, with a 'mighty' Galaxy.


I once read in a spiritual book that having chronic dark circles under your eyes means you're a great old soul who's seen a lot happen on this earth. Did that make you feel any better about having major raccoonage? Me neither. Since I was 11 years old I've been wearing concealer to cover up dark circles (using my moms concealer who has very fair skin so you can imagine how funny and clueless I looked). It doesn't matter how much sleep I get or how much I moisturize nothing seems to make any difference, which is why I was pretty impressed by the new and innovative Oxygen Eye Masks by VIIcode.
VIIcode is different than other sheet masks because it is an 8 hour overnight treatment. The eye masks are made with a jelly material that feels very cool and refreshing once applied to your under eye area. They stick right onto your face easily so you don't have to be laying down to use them, I found it a great excuse to put my feet up and read or meditate before bed and really make it special.
This photo above was taken after only one treatment. So you can imagine what the full results would look like after the full course treatment of 3 boxes (with 6 treatments per box). You can use them 2-3 times per week and I am definitely going to continue using mine, as I have never been able to get even the slightest results from any other method or treatment I've tried.
Click here to check out the VIIcode Oxygen Eye Mask for Dark Circles!
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I have never heard that about dark circles. I have fought with them since I was a teenager. Thanks for the positive outlook on my dark circles.
Amazing! I am really excited to try under eye Concealers for my dark circle because I've heard some really positive feedback for this. Thanks for this.


Our residency programme is a way for artsdepot to engage with emerging and established individuals and companies from different art form backgrounds, allowing them access to resources and expertise within a professional working multi art form venue.
We invite applications from new and established artists and companies from performing art based practises with exciting new ideas to undertake a residency in our Creation Space.
Read about past residencies here.


Adventist HealthCare Home Health is a CHAP accredited home health agency, licensed by the state of Maryland and Medicare certified to provide short-term intermittent skilled services.
Adventist HealthCare Home Health offers a variety of home health programs and services to assist you while you recuperate from an illness, injury or surgical procedure.
Adventist Home Health proudly serves the Maryland Suburban area, including Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's and St. Mary's counties.
We are available to offer support for any concerns you may have about your care. For complaints and grievances, please call 301-592-4400.
Home Care Right for Me?


Arkansas designated hitter Luke Bonfield is tagged out by Charlotte infielder Tommy Bullock during a game Wednesday, March 21, 2018, at Hayes Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.
FAYETTEVILLE -- Last March, the University of Arkansas was coming off a three-game weekend sweep at home and was riding high heading into a two-game road series at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte.
Game One of that set, scheduled for BB&T Park in downtown Charlotte, N.C., was rained out before the 49ers prevailed 6-3 the next day at their home park.
SHORT HOPS Arkansas is No. 4 in SEC hitting (.296), No. 9 in pitching (3.47 ERA) and No. 10 in fielding (.971). … The 49ers are No. 7 in Conference USA hitting (.270), No. 3 in pitching (3.28) and No. 1 in fielding (.979).
FRIDAY Louisiana Tech, 6 p.m.
SATURDAY Louisiana Tech, 1 p.m.
SUNDAY Louisiana Tech 1 p.m.
TUESDAY Western Illinois, 6:30 p.m.
Today, the No. 10 Razorbacks (9-1), riding a weekend sweep at home and a four-game winning streak overall, will get a single shot at revenge against UNC-Charlotte (6-5) after a frigid forecast canceled Tuesday's game.
First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. today at Baum-Walker Stadium.
The Razorbacks have announced freshman left-hander Patrick Wicklander (0-1, 5.40) as their starting pitcher, while the 49ers have not announced a starter.
Arkansas catcher Casey Opitz recalled last year's loss in Charlotte.
"I remember us not playing good and them playing well and them beating us," he said.
Arkansas Coach Dave Van Horn is hoping to get his designated hitter position on a roll after early struggles. Matt Goodheart (.238, 2 RBI), Jordan McFarland (.200, 4 RBI) and Trey Harris (.143, 3 runs) have all gotten shots at the spot.
"We're trying to figure it out," Van Horn said. "Do we platoon with a right-handed hitter against a lefty or vice versa, or just go with a guy? We've given Goodheart a pretty good shot at it, and it hasn't gone great. Harris has had a couple of games and has been on base a lot, finally got a hit the other day. McFarland's had a shot at it. It hasn't gone great.
"We need to find somebody that can maybe grab that spot."
UNC-Charlotte Coach Loren Hibbs said his club has yet to play a game at its scheduled time.
"We've been dealing with rain," Hibbs said. "We're still trying to find ourselves and find a rhythm. We play pretty well for stretches, then we don't play well. Then we miss a little practice time.
"It's almost like when the sun's out or it's dry we get our games in, so very limited practice time."
Hibbs said he would likely piece together the game from a pitching standpoint.
"I thought they were the best team we played last year," he said. "I thought they should have won a national championship. That didn't happen.
"They're so athletic. Talent isn't an issue. Just a great job of recruiting here, and just athletic kids who can move around. They've got a lot of quick-twitch guys, then they've got arms. They've got arm after arm after arm."


text:
Home Business Big Buses are back! But are they here to stay?
Big Buses are back! But are they here to stay?
One of the minibuses contracted by the Ministry of Public Works. [GINA Photo]
[www.inewsguyana.com] –While the reintroduction of the big bus service by the government continues to be opposed by many minibus operators and owners, commuters along the East Coast, West Coast, East Bank and West Bank of Demerara are rejoicing.
The joy has no doubt been caused too by the fact that the service is absolutely free; bringing relief to the commuting public who had up to last week been forced to pay exorbitant fares, especially at peak hours to get to work and home.
But there is no guarantee that this "free" service will be enjoyed by the public beyond the next two weeks.
Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon explained that the administration has agreed that over the next two weeks, discussions will be held with minibus owners and operators and a review of the situation will be done.
He said at the end of this process, Cabinet will make a determination on the continuation of program.
The decision to reintroduce the big bus service was made after minibus operators plying the number 44, East Coast Demerara route threatened massive strike action over a proposed 100 percent fare increase.
While commuters will have to wait and see if a continuation of the program is possible, they have been given the assurance by the administration that they will be protected from paying unauthorized increased fares and in some cases being made to pay full fares for half way journeys.
Government has made it clear that a situation where commuters are suffering as a result of a one sided action by minibus operators will not be encouraged.
"Minibus operators and owners have thrown down the gantlet to the government," Luncheon said; adding that "the golden yard stick of $100 per gallon for fuel has not been breached. Therein lays no basis for an increase. It simply does not exist."
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CAR September 17, 2014 at 6:59 pm
I understand and appreciate the hardship the mini-bus owners may be feeling. However, they have continuously disregarded the safety of passengers, it has become a "game of hustle." I personally had to exit a Bus before my destination, simply because the driver insisted on driving erratically, in addition to having the volume on the radio to the highest. Then there are the frequent accidents, with loss of life. The government has encouraged this lawlessness for far too long, and if you are expecting tourists to visit Guyana, their safety is important. I am of the opinion that this matter should be taken seriously.


text:
Central West End
Martin Cinerama
4218 Lindell Boulevard,
1 screen
Previously operated by: Martin Theatres, Trans-Lux Movies Corp.
Firms: Finch, Alexander, Barnes, Rothschild & Paschel
Styles: Streamline Moderne
Previous Names: Trans-Lux Cinerama
Arcade Airdome
Congress Theatre
Moolah Temple Cinema
Lyric Skydome
Comet Theatre
News About This Theater
Apr 1, 2013 — "2001: A Space Odyssey" 45th Anniversary – The Cinerama Engagements
Aug 14, 2009 — Remembering Cinerama (Part 38: St. Louis)
The Martin Cinerama, the first theatre built in St. Louis since the Fox Theatre in 1928, opened January 10, 1963 with Laurence Harvey in "The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm" as part of a chain of Martin Theatres of Georgia.
It claimed to have the world's largest indoor screen, which measured 100 feet on a curve. The two story building attempted to be a "modern movie palace". The entire theatre was dressed in all burnt orange with gold trim. It was carpeted wall to wall, with the seats even set on carpet.
Opened as a Cinerama format theatre, with the original three projector equipment and later 70mm. It was an established road show house until its last few years of operation.
The theatre seated 1,120 total between the two floors. Trans Lux Theatres took over operation of the theatre in 1968 and the last 3-strip Cinerama film to be screened was a re-issue of "The Is Cinerama" in June 1973. It was still capable of screening 70mm films and was closed in 1988. It was demolished in 1997.
Contributed by Charles Van Bibber
Mike Rogers on January 4, 2011 at 7:15 pm
Yes,Plez do if you can.Movie ads anything we eat them up.
Ret. AKC (NAC) CCC Bob Jensen, Manteno, Illinois on January 5, 2011 at 11:01 am
Martin Theaters of Georgia, Inc. & Martin Theaters of Alabama, Inc. in the Martin Bldg., Columbus, Ga., Roy E. Martin Jr. Chairman of the Board had 159 theaters in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Martin CINERAMA, New Orleans, Louisiana, Martin CINERAMA, St. Louis, Missouri, Tennessee, Virginia and Seattle, Martin CINERAMA, Seattle, Washington.
Cinerama on February 18, 2015 at 3:43 pm
I have pictures of the theatre on my web site.
http://incinerama.com/ctmartinstl.htm
Joe Vogel on February 18, 2015 at 7:43 pm
The J. Evan Miller collection of Cinerama Theater Plans lists the Martin Cinerama Theatre in St. Louis as having been designed by the architectural firm of Finch, Alexander, Barnes, Rothschild, & Paschal.
rivest266 on February 27, 2016 at 3:06 pm
January 10th,1963 grand opening ad in photo section.
Coate on May 24, 2017 at 12:33 pm
New Showcase Presentations in St. Louis article includes mention of the Cinerama and 70mm engagements here (and other St. Louis area cinemas).
Ralph Daniel on October 27, 2018 at 6:14 pm
The Martin Cinerama in St. Louis was an identical twin to the Martin Cinerama in New Orleans. Both are gone now.
MSC77 on December 26, 2021 at 2:43 pm
Here's a new 4-page 50th anniversary FIDDLER ON THE ROOF retrospective featuring a roadshow playdate chronology and historian Q&A. The Cinerama's lengthy run is mentioned in the piece.
Mikeoaklandpark on December 29, 2021 at 3:48 pm
MSC77 Fiddler opened June 27th at the Virginia Theater in Atlantic City NJ.It was Reserved performances. Can you add the above information to that page too.
Mikeoaklandpark: I can add the Atlantic City detail if it was a reserved seat run. I would prefer not to add it, however, if it was a reserved performance since the focus of my article's Roadshow Engagements segment was specifically on the film's reserved-seat bookings (i.e. phase one of its release cycle). Reserved performances (i.e. modified roadshow) were phase two.


Global digital payments company PayPal Holdings, Inc. has shortlisted five fin-tech startups for the fifth edition of its India Incubator Challenge, it said in a media statement.
PayPal will be picking up an undisclosed amount of stake in each of the selected startups this year.
Launched in 2013 in partnership with The Indus Entrepreneurs, the PayPal Incubator focuses on startups in financial technology and adjacencies like loyalty, machine learning, big data and logistics. The Chennai-based incubator provides startups with technology counsel and mentorship, infrastructure support, and networking opportunities with both investors and customers.
"In its fifth year, the PayPal Incubator has received... over 250 applications from early-stage fin-tech startups – 150% growth from last year, reflecting both the need for an incubation programme as well as the fin-tech industry's potential," said Guru Bhat, technology and engineering head at PayPal.
Here are short synopses of the shortlisted startups.
FinBox is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) lending platform that enables lenders to digitise the user's journey and underwrite. The startup's application programming interface enables lenders to validate identity, underwrite using data from traditional and non-traditional sources, and cross-sell financial products to their customers. Launched in December 2016, FinBox is operated by Gurgaon-based Moshpit Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
NeoEYED Inc. is a US-headquartered startup that helps businesses simplify the login and registration processes on mobile applications, enabling them to generate more revenues and improve user security. NeoEYED can recognise users by collecting information about human behaviour.
Paymatrix is an analytics-driven property rental management platform that streamlines rent payments and collections. The platform's dashboard provides solutions for end-to-end rent management including tenant screening, credit facilitation for rent deposits, rent documentation, rent automation, renters and landlords insurance, and also facilitates interaction between tenants and landlords. The platform is owned and operated by Hyderabad-based Speckle Internet Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
Scalend offers a ready-to-use, artificial intelligence-enabled customer insights platform for financial services companies. The platform combines proprietary AI models with big data Hadoop's unlimited storage and computes power to help BFSI and fin-tech companies generate actionable insights around omni-channel customer journeys and back-office optimisation. Bangalore-based Scalend Technologies Pvt Ltd was incorporated in 2015.
TYBO is a cloud-based omni-channel e-commerce platform designed for home-based and small-sized businesses. It provides the merchant with a single view of their evolving business across multiple sales channels. The platform also enables end-to-end integration with the supplier system and saves time by importing products directly into their store.
Last month, PayPal had set up two new innovation labs at its Chennai and Bangalore tech centres, its first such facilities in India and third globally after the US and Singapore.
These labs will support projects in machine learning, AI, data science, Internet of Things, software-defined radios, virtual and artificial reality, and basic robotics, among other fields. The company had then said that these labs will be integrated with the PayPal Incubator to develop and nurture fin-tech startups.
PayPal has shown its interest in India's fin-tech space, which has grown by leaps and bounds following the government's decision to scrap high-value banknotes in November last year. To strengthen its position, PayPal has reportedly sought a wallet (prepaid payment instrument) licence from the Reserve Bank of India.


The Houston Independent School District has created a #FixSchoolFinance toolkit to equip public education supporters with the necessary information to effectively advocate for school finance reform.
This educational tool provides an overview of the challenges with the current system, outlines proposed solutions, and serves as a platform for direct communication with key lawmakers during the 2019 Texas Legislative Session.
For the past year, HISD has been part of a statewide coalition of school districts, nonprofit organizations, and business leaders educating the public and emphasizing the need for meaningful changes to the state's school finance system. Reforming school finance and reducing recapture are top priorities for HISD during the 86th Texas Legislature.
Growing recapture payments have forced HISD to make difficult reductions in staff and supports for students. Due to property value growth in the Houston area and other factors, HISD's recapture payment is estimated to be $274 million this year and $312 million for the 2019-2020 school year.
You can visit the #FixSchoolFinance Toolkit at www.houstonisd.org/fixschoolfinance.
Texas lawmakers convened for legislative session on Jan. 8, and the session will adjourn on May 27.
This entry was posted in Governmental Relations, News, Parents on February 13, 2019 by HISD Communications.


Presenting Elementals #1 The Prophecy of Shadows by Michelle Madow.
Witches are real. They're descendants of the Olympian gods. And now, five teen witches gifted with elemental powers must fight to stop a war against the Titans.
Mix Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Greek Mythology and your modern American public schools and you get Michelle Madow's latest offering the Elementals series with the first book, 'The Prophecy of Shadows'. After transcendent romance and nuances of LA high society. Madow next looks towards Greek Mythology in the modern era. From what I understand she began this story way before but only now publishing it.
So the Greek Gods are real. Witches are real as well and they are the descendants of the Gods. And Nicole Cassidy just happens to find herself smack-dab in the middle of all this madness. She was a pretty likeable protagonist. Moving to a new place and making all those connections are hard enough but Nicole finds out about a supposedly hidden part of herself there. That she has magic in her blood ..... Totally a whole new angle to get used to.
She had a good head on her shoulder. Brave and kind. And very very powerful. She knows how to deal with those around her. She catches the interest of the smoldering hot Blake and there were instant attraction there but she knows he has a girlfriend, Danielle so she backs off. She also finds a friend in Kate and Chris. Through coincidence or providence them 5 come together under the passing Olympian Comet unlocking powers that sets destiny in motion, throwing their thought controlled magic out of wack.
Really liked how the author implemented the color spectrum and meditation as the basics of her story. Earth, Fir, Water, Air and Aether (or Spirit) are the ethical building blocks of life and the group unlocking such abilities and going on a scavenger hunt for a prophecy that is precursor to events of the future was an exciting endeavor. I didn't really like how the prophecy is worded. It felt too generic when all the other examples in other much more famous ones for the poetic way. Maybe filled with cliches and the writing may seem too simple at times but it was a fun and a very quick read. More than excited for the sequel The Blood of Hydra which comes out in April.
"Magical and Mythical. With the promise of a grand adventure"
You had me at Greek gods and witches. :D I think I can handle the prophesies not being so great if the rest of the worldbuilding is good. At least you want to read the next one!
Ooh, I do really love the sound of a HP/PJ mix, with some elemental magic through in! Seriously, some of my favourite things. I can't believe this is the first I'm hearing of this one!


Dogs are such important members of the family, and it is great to see them being included in engagement photos like these ones from Fuller Photography.
Follow Fuller Photography on Instagram.
About Fuller Photography: Based in the Philadelphia area, Tom Fuller specializes in wedding photography.
I love Boxers. Jasmine's best friend was a boxer. She loved him so much.