Construction — 85 Eastern Parkway Tenants Association Inc.
As many of you know, the owner of 85 Eastern Parkway, Mr. Mordechai Nagel, has engaged in a long-running attempt to subdivide rent-stabilized apartments in the building, expecting to then rent them out at market value. You also know that the 85 Eastern Parkway Tenants Association has opposed these plans as illegal under current city and state regulations.
So, the owner can continue to dump money into this project and continue to apply to the DOB to raise the objections (or start completely new ones), but at this point, it is virtually impossible that he will succeed.
for their involvement in all this. Without their participation and support, and the truly extraordinary efforts of their staff, this initial success in defending rent stabilization would not have been possible.
And make no mistake: this is all about rent stabilization. Though this particular battle was fought at the DOB level, it was only through necessity. The goal of the owner .. and many other owners .. is to find ways to subvert the letter and intent of the rent stabilization laws of New York City and State. Far bigger legal and regulatory issues are involved, and need addressing.
The first and foremost duty of the 85 EPTA is to protect the welfare of the residents of the building. As such, we stood firmly with the above-mentioned officials at the first line of defense: the obvious violations of DOB codes and procedures.
There are, however, far deeper and far more important principles involved here, issues that go to the core of the entire rent-stabilization structure. Though we are happy with the DOB's recent ruling, we stand ready to support the elected officials who represent us in finding more permanent rulings to prevent this sort of thing from happening again.
Latest attempt by the owner, Mordichai Nagel, to circumvent New York City codes and regulations in trying to eliminate rent stabilization in the building. Photos show quickie fire escape being installed to try to circumvent Partial Vacate Order. Mr. Nagel's action is timed to take advantage of slow response by the Department of Buildings to other code violations. Note construction techniques used to anchor the fire escape in the facade of our 94 year-old building.
November 4, 2015 - The Department of Buildings posted on the front door of 85 Eastern Parkway two stop work orders, one for apartment 1D and one for apartment 2C. In addition the DOB also issued a "partial" vacate do not enter for Apartment 2C. The flyer states that "the Department of Buildings has determined that conditions in this premises are imminently perilous to life". Reentry is prohibited into that specific apartment.
November 2015 - The miniaturization of apartments at 85 Eastern Parkway has continued and the owner wants " to add 7 additional units to existing residential building unit 1D, 1C, 2C, 3C, 4C, 5C, & 6C" as he indicated in the permit submitted to the Department of Buildings.
Following an audit, the DOB has placed an Notice to Revoke on the job. The audit was based on false data submitted on the job application by the owner.
Back at the beginning of 2014, long-time tenants moved out of rent-stabilized apartment 1D. Rather than rent it out again, advisors talked the owner into turning it into two miniature apartments. The concept they touted: claim rent stabilization was ended because the apartments are new, and charge a fortune in rent. That the kitchens are in the living room, and some of the bedrooms are barely eight feet wide was apparently not considered relevant.
That was the idea, and so the owner spent a very tidy sum to gut the apartment, frame out two miniaturized apartments, and redo the plumbing.
Then reality appeared: the architect didn't think out the plans, and a number of features won't pass inspection by the DOB [Department of Buildings]. At all. Six months later the apartment stands unfinished [and unrented]. The prospects for its future are equally dim, as some of the problems in the design [i.e. proper egress et al] have no obvious solution. And sitting in the wings are all the violations of the Multiple Dwelling Law that have yet to be cited.
Hanging over everything is the basic legality of claiming that the space has been destabilized, an unresolved legal issue that begs years of litigation.
To add insult to injury, the architect and his contractor tried to cut corners with the DOB [permits and such], and as a result, have incurred two separate Stop Work orders, resulting in fines of $5000 each.
In the meantime, 1D sits empty, the rent disappearing, month by month.
The owner of The Martha Washington located at 85 Eastern Parkway, Mr. Mordichai Nagel, filed for a permit to build an additional 7 stories to the existing building. The architect for the project is Mr. Sandor Weiss from Gelu Durus Musica and the general contractor is David Mandel from Triple J&R Inc.
On July 25, 2014, our landlord officially withdrew his previously submitted plan to the NY Department of Buildings for the building of an additional seven floors of luxury apartments on top of our roof.
This does not prevent him from filing a different proposal in the future, but it is good news for now for the residents of 85 Eastern Parkway and for our neighbors on the block too.
The 85 Eastern Parkway Tenants Association wishes to thank all of those folks in the building who so far have rallied together to help protect where we live. It just goes to show that organizing around such a serious issue is worth the effort.
The office of Laurie Cumbo, Council woman for the 35th district, for listening and writing to the NYC Department of Buildings about our concerns.
Soil boring by Independent Testing Laboratories Inc.
Please find more on the NYC Building Department website.
Boring testing done in the front of the building by Independent Testing Labs Inc. for the construction project at 85 Eastern Parkway. Four permits were approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for testing between 13 February and 12 March 2014.


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Malaysia changes dates of Sipadan Closure
Rated one of the best diving areas in the world, Sipadan will be closed this year during November – a change from the previously flagged December closure.
In August 1919 the Sabah Parks authority announced that Sipadan would be closed to diving and snorkelling throughout the month of December starting in 2020. This was to allow the reef to recover and remain healthy.
Now though they have now announced that diving will cease during November and recommence on 1 December.
It is not clear why the date has changed, although it will come as a blow to divers who have already booked for November.
More details of for the clousure are at https://www.sipadan.com/. Read more about diving Sipadan.
Sipadan
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Malaysia to extend marine protected areas around Sabah
47% More Diver Permits for Sipadan Island
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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General News of Saturday, 24 August 2019
'I never expected to lose' – Oye Lithur reflects on heavy defeat
"I didn't expect to lose, I know I did my best." These were the words of Nana Oye Lithur who lost her bid to contest on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the forthcoming 2020 Parliamentary elections.
The former Gender Minister lost in the Adentan constituency primaries after she polled 559 votes while Mohammed Adamu Ramadan polled 730 votes out of a total of 1290 votes cast.
Only one rejected ballot was recorded.
"I feel strengthened, I didn't expect to lose. We covered all the tracks and carried a very strong campaign. The delegates have spoken and I congratulate Mr Ramadan. Democracy has won". She established.
Madam Lithur added, she intends calling and congratulating her contender, Mohammed Adamu Ramadan and also throw her weight behind him, so the party can wrestle the seat from NPP's Yaw Buabeng Asamoah.
watch and listen to her speech below


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Rajini's blog that he wrote after meeting Radhika Vemula: "a universal mother without a nation"
More in Caste:
Selling Tickets to Killing People: A Quick Dissection of The Great Indian "Love Tragedies" October 7, 2018
Full Text: Joint Memorandum from Dalit diaspora in UK to Modi April 21, 2018
Modi avoids Dalit Diaspora in London, Cancels Visit to Ambedkar House: Read Protest Letter April 21, 2018
In June last year, Rajini Krish (real name Muthu Krishnan) met Radhika Vemula, mother of Rohith Vemula and inspiration for all of us in the struggle for social justice and inclusive campuses. He recalls his meeting with Rohith Vemula and highlights the relentless struggle. We are reproducing his writing from his personal blog: DALITerature
It was 2 p.m in the afternoon, and, as usual, I was in the library. That day I was fasting with my brothers Mir and John. I was thinking of participating in a relay hunger strike with our professors at the velivada. Arpita had told me that Radhika amma is coming to support the relay hunger strike of Professors Rathnam and Tathagata. I do not know why, I strongly felt that I should meet Radhika amma that day. For the past six months she has been besieged with all kinds of challenges. Problems with health and the opposition from the government and the party in power. It was the 153rd day and I have been sleeping less and less. I have been disturbed with the memories of our beloved, "special guy" like Sudipto says, Mr. Rohith Vemula Chakravarthy. I try to spend all the time reading and learning to write in English. And sometimes work to implement the decisions of the JAC – UOH.
On June 17. The same date (January) Rohith went to the stars. I stepped out of the HCU main gate and parked my cycle at the bus stop. The site for the relay hunger strike was situated right in front of the substitute main gate. As far as I remember, the gate was never opened. Slowly I walked towards velivada. To the left there was a tiny platform on which the people supporting the hunger strike sat. Professor Ramudu, who had just resigned from an administrative post, was among them. First, I wished all of them with a smile. Then I looked at the unopened main gate, it was surrounded by unwanted plants, and went inside the tent. Along with the relay hunger strike banner, a blue coloured poster was hanging with slogans "Arrest Apparao Podile" and "Revoke Illegal Suspension" and "Apply SC/ST PoA Act" etc. Everybody sat on a jute mat. There was no power for audio facilities, so the organizers managed to take it from Prof. Joby's Wagon R battery. The cable from the car went above the jute mat.
Radhika amma, mother of Rohith anna, was sitting there, but there was no space next to her. I awaited for five minutes and chatted with Ramji and Raja anna. Ratnam sir and Tathagat sir were engaged in a discussion with some social organization leaders from outside, about the future plan of action. Both the professors were wearing a blue coloured T-shirt, Ambedkar's face sketched on it in white color, which amma offered them to wear. Ratnam sir was explaining everything in English, and in Telugu for Radhika amma. By that time I found a place near Radhika amma, I sat along with her.
For few minutes I was admiring amma. What if she was my mother. Amma was sitting sideways, with her right hand on the chin. She was keenly listening to Ratnam sir's speech. She was wearing a saree with a mix of black, light green and white colours, with black dots and a design of white flowers. Her hair had a lot of newly grown white hair. She was wearing red color bangles on her hands. In front of her there was a garland, which they offered for hunger strike participants. It was the fourth day of relay hunger strike after the suspension of two faculties. While looking at her tired tailoring foot, I asked amma, "How is your health amma? Did you come from Guntur?". She said "yes babu". Then she asked me "Have you met Rohith?"
I said "Yes amma, I met him one day before his demise." It was around 8.PM. Rohith was sitting on the cement bench that is now on the left side of the velivada. One of the tent ropes is tied to the corner of that bench. He was looking at his mobile phone. We used to call each other Anna. We both asked each other, "Anna, have you had dinner?" Rohith said, "I will have it later anna". He was wearing a blue and grey coloured jerkin. After that we spoke about the movement and he said "Our first stage of democratic protest is vellivada, later we will go for hunger strike etc." I said, "Then I will also join with you anna, and he said "Thank you, anna". I said goodnight and left.
The next day I was sitting at the shop com and from there I saw the Health Centre ambulance entering into the C hostel road. I thought somebody might have had some serious health problem. Thereafter I have seen two Innova police cars. Then I thought may be there was a clash. But suddenly a mob rushed towards the C hostel road and towards the NRS hostel. Then our friends thought that somebody might have attempted suicide. Two of my friends went on the bike to check out. They came with the sad news that Rohith killed himself. Then we all went to the NRS hostel, where we saw Rohith's body on the freezer.
I did not want to hurt her by recalling Rohith's memories. I remembered myself with Rohith. I met Rohith six times. First time, I met Rohith at the south-campus shop com during a protest rally from the north campus. He was wearing a light gray color shirt, while me and prashanth was in a black shirt. He was enthusiastically raising slogans. That time I wondered why I never raised slogans. May be the language barrier, I told myself. But I was amazed with his leadership skills.
Second time I met Rohith was near the NRS mess on the way to Dickens room. Rohith was coming from opposite side. "Anna, very soon we are going to organize a GBM, so please do come and bring our friends. And take some responsible post this time," he told me. I said, "Anna, our people are working hard but why are we not winning?". I remembered the 2013 Students Union elections. Rohith said, "No anna, this time surely we are going to win. We will continue our hard work, and our life is always a struggle. People are watching who is really helping the student community." That was the time the ASA fought for early entrance examination and had debated with the VC to bring out the waiting list candidates for admission. It was exactly three months before the victory of Vincent Benny as the President of the Students Union in 2014.
The third time I met Rohith was at the Masjid Banda roundabout with brother Ramji. Rohith and I smiled at each other. He said, "Anna, tomorrow we have a GBM, so please come. The last time you did not come". I said, "It is ok anna, you seniors decide, I will accept and agree whatever the decision". Rohith said, "No, no anna, this time we have changed the approach. Everybody should participate and we will democratically elect our association body, please come". But there was a rumour I heard from people that many of them and me too,wanted brother Ramji as the ASA president. I simply congratulated brother Ramji and left from there.
After that for quite a long time I did not meet Rohith. I was busy with my course work and semester exams. I was not even aware of their suspension. Meanwhile I met brother Seshu at the SSB canteen while he was having breakfast. I asked seshu anna, "Why are you having breakfast here anna? Is the mess card closed or you got up late?" Then Seshu Anna told me, "Arey, we got suspended, you don't know?" He told me the names of the other four suspended brothers. After a week, one day before the "Occupy HCU admin", I was going to the library via shop com. From velivada, Prasanth called me first. Sunkanna and Vijay anna were sitting on the bench nearby. Rohith was sitting inside the vellivada. Munna was standing next to him. Munna gave me a bunch of pamphlets to distribute in the library. First time I had seen the name in black bold letters: "Joint Action Committee For Social Justice". I told Munna that we don't need so many for the library. I took some pamphlets and I was not really interested. Suddenly Rohith said, "Anna, we have to struggle wholeheartedly, otherwise we cannot revoke this illegal suspension." Immediately I took some more pamphlets and on the way I read it and distributed those in the library and the reading room. That was the fourth time I met Rohith.
After a fortnight, I was coming to my room from the library, around 11.45 pm. On the way to my hostel, I crossed shopcom, and from the road I saw two guys sleeping inside the velivada. There was no light at the shopcom. But there was a ray of light coming from the ATM that covered the shop com. I went to the velivada and found Seshu anna and Rohith sleeping. Those two were struggling with mosquitoes. Seshu anna was fully covered with bed sheet, while Rohith was not. Rohith slightly moved his body, and slapped the mosquito on his left face and arms. Rohith was trying to find who I am, three time he looked at me and the last time he silently whispered, "goodnight", and I too wished the same and went away.
The sixth time was also the last time I had met him. At least once everyday I remember this. And I can feel the pain of an innocent mother. Because my mother used to say, "For our community, boys are the wealth. They are going to study and earn and help, not only their family but our community as a whole."Dear anti-nationals, this country killed the son of an innocent mother. They said "Bharat Mata has lost her son". But they hurt the mother by questioning her caste and identity. Can she really support their nationalism after this injustice?
Dear anti-nationals, let me tell you, one day this nation's leader is going to sell all. Just for a selfie and for a standing ovation from the outsiders. Hundreds and hundreds of Dappa Rao's are going to kill thousands of Rohiths and they are going to say, "He/She was a gifted student". All the intellectuals from the marginalised communities will get arrested just for mocking fictional characters. At the same time, all the leading national institutes will be headed by people who cannot even clear the 10th standard exam. These people claim dissenters as anti-nationals and seditious. They are going to kill many Rohiths, like us, just for eating beef, for being rational, for being intellectually productive for the country. But we are the real sons of this land and after we are all killed, there will be no nation.
What are you waiting for to support an innocent mother?
Let us all, students from all over the world, become Radhika amma's Rohith by supporting this anti-caste movement. Let us fight together to help the helpless mother. The mother of this universe.
PC: JAC-UOH, Arpita, Munna.
Caste Descrimination
Radhika Vemula
Rajini Krish
Rohith Vemula
Painful experiences lucidly written . The post is an epitome of sufferings faced by dalits and backward castes in educational institutes. Like his ' Anna' Rohith, Rajini was also a great writer in the making who was severely victimised by upper – caste hegemony


Sometime around 10:30 AM today, I went outside to check on what winter storm "Thor" might be bringing to the driving conditions. At that time there was a slick coating of sleet starting to form on the ground that made walking precarious, and the weather radar & forecast suggested that the freezing rain would continue until about 2:30 as temperatures continued to drop.
I have seen weather conditions like this make driving conditions very dangerous. Keeping the safety of staff and students in mind I decided to go ahead and close the Academy for the day, send Misha home, and reschedule today's lessons. Currently (about 1:00 PM), the trees are covered in light ice, but the precipitation has stopped, and the roads look like they will be mostly clear.
It is unfortunate that we will have to reschedule today's lessons. However I am not sorry that I put the safety of staff & students first. We are fortunate that "Thor" has decided to mostly look past our community. Our office managers will be making calls today to arrange reschedules. If you miss their call make arrangements on your next regular visit.


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Op-ed Articles
Sotomayor Testilies* Before Senate
Written by John Lott Published: 16 July 2009
(*Testilying is a term developed to describe government officials who lie while testifying)
Did Sotomayor Lie?
Did Judge Sonia Sotomayor twist the truth when she met with Senators before her confirmation hearings began? Does anyone on the Judiciary Committee have the guts to call her on it?
"Is there anything the Senate or Congress can do if a nominee says one thing seated at that table and does something exactly the opposite once they [are on the Supreme Court]?" Senator Arlen Specter asked Judge Sonia Sotomayor on Wednesday. When Sotomayor promises her "fidelity" to the rule of law the Senators simply have to trust that she is telling them the truth. Unfortunately, there is significant evidence that Sotomayor has been less than honest in private meetings with the Senators.
This past Saturday, The Wall Street Journal reported on a series of interviews it had done with Senators about their private meetings with Sotomayor. Incredibly, every one of Sotomayor's private statements to the Senators, as reported by The Journal, were not only false, but she should also have known that they were false when she made them. Each inaccurate statement to the Senators involved speeches the judge had given numerous times and that she had clearly reviewed before meeting with the members of the Judiciary Committee.
For instance, shortly after Sotomayor's nomination, her now infamous Berkeley law school speech began to receive public scrutiny. Understandably, many Senators asked her about her statement that: "a wise Latina woman with the richness of his experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white man."
Sotomayor apparently told Republican Senators in private meetings that those words were "inadvertent" and "inartful," — implying that her statement was an accident. President Obama himself tried to explain this statement as just a one-time utterance that she would have worded differently if she had the chance to do it all over again.
But after these private meetings with Senators it was revealed that Sotomayor had used the equivalent phrases during at least seven different speeches over a period of a decade. It is one thing for Obama to explain this as an accidental, single occurrence; it is something quite different for Sotomayor, especially now that we know that she repeatedly made such statements.
But have her statements to Democrats been any more accurate than those to Republicans?
— Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D., N.Y.) claims: "[Sotomayor] just said, [Latina identity] is something that informs my experience, but I'm always going to look to judicial precedent, I'm always going to follow the rule of law.'"
Yet, Sotomayor's Berkeley Law School speech where she makes the "wise Latina woman" claim contradicts this claim. Consider the rest of the paragraph from the speech as it relates to this now-famous phrase:
"Justice O'Connor has often been cited as saying that a wise old man and wise old woman will reach the same conclusion in deciding cases. I am not so sure Justice O'Connor is the author of that line since Professor Resnik attributes that line to Supreme Court Justice Coyle. I am also not so sure that I agree with the statement. First, as Professor Martha Minnow has noted, there can never be a universal definition of wise. Second, I would hope that 'a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life.'"
The Rule of Law states that it is the law, not the judge's personal history, that should determine the verdict. Yet, Sotomayor disagrees with Justice O'Connor's statement and believes that women and men or Latinos and whites will come to different conclusions, and that Latina women generally come to better conclusions than white men.
— Sen. Charles Schumer (D., NY.) notes that, in the same speech at Berkeley, she acknowledged that white men can make the right decisions, such as in Brown v. Board of Education — the 1954 Supreme Court decision outlawing segregation in public schools. Indeed, Schumer claims that Sotomayor is the one who pointed this out to him in private conversations
But that does not change anything since she never alleged that white men could never reach the right decision. Her claim in the Berkeley speech was that Latina women "would more often than not reach a better conclusion." In the various versions of her statement she was saying simply that most women or Latinos or Latina women would make better decisions than men or white men or whites. The same paragraph from Sotomayor's Berkeley speech where she says that white men can make the right decision also warns: "Let us not forget that wise men like Oliver Wendell Holmes and Justice Cardozo voted on cases which upheld both sex and race discrimination in our society. Until 1972, no Supreme Court case ever upheld the claim of a woman in a gender discrimination case."
— Schumer makes a second argument in favor of Sotomayor's nomination, that her judicial record shows no evidence of unfairness or tilting the scales in favor of minority groups. — This claim of "no evidence" is easy to disprove. Sotomayor would not only tilt the scales in favor of minority groups, she would tilt them much farther than any of the liberal justices currently on the Supreme Court. Take the recently decided Ricci v. DeStefano case where the Supreme Court reversed Sotomayor's Circuit Court decision. As Stuart Taylor at The National Journal put it:
"[The Supreme Court] was unanimous in rejecting the Sotomayor panel's specific holding. Her holding was that New Haven's decision to spurn the test results must be upheld based solely on the fact that highly disproportionate numbers of blacks had done badly on the exam and might file a "disparate-impact" lawsuit — regardless of whether the exam was valid or the lawsuit could succeed…
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's 39-page dissent for the four more liberal justices unmistakably rejected the Sotomayor-endorsed position that disparate racial results alone justified New Haven's decision to dump the promotional exam without inquiring into whether it was fair and job-related."
Democrats seem desperate to defend Sotomayor. In fact, some of her supporters have even been urging reporters to investigate New Haven firefighter Frank Ricci, the lead firefighter in the lawsuit. Ricci, a man with learning and reading disabilities, went to great lengths and expense to study for the test — spending his own money to pay someone to read books on to tapes for him so that he could study them.
There are also Sotomayor's self serving statements regarding her membership in an all-female club. Whatever one thinks of all-female or all-male clubs, the club certainly would have been viewed as discriminatory if she used her standards in the New Haven case.
If Gillibrand, Schumer, and various Republican Senators are quoting Sotomayor accurately, she should have much bigger trouble on her hands than her extreme racial and gender statements — she may have been dishonest with the Senators. To mislead Senators when there is a written record disproving her claims is a dangerous game. For a lifetime appointment, they can only take her at her word when she promises what she will do in the future. If she has lied to them in person, what can they trust?
The Senators have one more chance to raise these issues on Thursday. Accusing a Supreme Court nominee of being disingenous is an explosive claim. Could the Senators be reluctant to call Sotomayor on her false statements? Is it possible that Republicans are just too mild mannered? Let's hope not because these are issues that should be raised.
John Lott is an economist and author of "Freedomnomics".
Vote on Right to Carry Coming Soon


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Community focus: Former Sheffield pit village's mining past leading to bright future
Like many villages around Sheffield and South Yorkshire, Beighton was left rocked when its pit shut.
Friday, 31 August, 2018, 14:20
Lisa Burgin and Amanda Webster of Bizzy Bee Family Childcare Centre
Brookhouse Colliery, which lied between the village and neighbouring Swallownest, closed in 1985.
But, the other similarity the village has with others acorss the Steel City is a real sense of community and togetherness '"Â something which probably stems from the pit closures itself
At a time of tragedy and despair, residents united and pulled together to help each other and the village recover from the countless job losses.
Fast forward 30 years and that sense of community was tested again '"Â when a nursery was left gutted by an arson attack.
Staff and parents of children at Bizzy Bee Family Childcare Centre looked on in horror on November 1, 2015 as flames tore through the School Road site.
But, just as they did when the colliery was capped off, the people of Beighton - and further afield '"Â pulled out all the stops to help.
Lee Greenwood, centre manager at Crystal Peaks
Lisa Burgin, nursery manager, said: 'It's all a bit of a blur that night. One of our staff text me saying there were firefighters on the site and that's when I knew something was wrong.
'The building is an L-shape and the fire was in the middle of the '˜L'. It started in the playground and spread.
'As time went on the roof fell in within a few weeks. One classroom was completely destroyed and everything was water damaged.
'The next day we came in and got some paper work and in the first week I thought that was it because we had to close and once parents have gone and moved their children you've got to build everything back up.'
High Street, Beighton.
With the nursery forced to close, parents of around 165 children had to find alternative provision and 29 hard-working members of staff lost their jobs.
But people living in the area did what they do best '"Â they came together and helped their neighbours at their time of need.
Staff posted regular updates on the nursery's Facebook page, which then sparked a mass fundraising effort.
Lisa said: 'All the way through we had a Facebook page and we did our best to keep parents involved.
The Lifestyle Centre, Beighton.
'Then we started fundraising because we weren't sure if the insurance would cover us and in case we didn't get the payout we wished.
'We had so many donations '"Â brand new toys, teddies, businesses offered us prizes for raffles '"Â the response was just amazing.
'People were so supportive and everyone wanted to help us.'
That support and a real determindation from nursery staff led to it reopening on August, 30 2016 and Lisa said they were now busier than ever.
She added: 'I am notglad that it happened and I wish it never did but it's made us all stronger and showed what a fantastic place Beighton is.'
Pits also acted as focal points for communities '"Â everyone knew everyone and would share a chat.
And while the colliery has now been replaced with Rother Valley Country Park and the former Royal Oak pub is now a Tesco Express, there are still places in the village that act as that '˜hub'.
Beighton Miners' Welfare still exisits, complete with sports pitches and a clubhouse.
And the Lifestyle Community Centre also ensures people in the village are kept busy.
Operating from a dilapidated former church hall, the centre acts as a community hub for all kinds of projects.
More than 1,000 people of all ages come through its doors every week. for everything from a dementia-friendly tea dance to baby ballet.
Amanda Finbow-Froggat, operations assistant, was busy setting up the hall for a tea dance.
She said: 'We pride ourselves on offering something for the nought to 99 age group. The aim is there is something for everyone and there are lots of free activities too.
'The sessions are a great social thing for a lot of people. The place is a community centre but it's not run as a traditional community centre '"Â it's a hub.'
The centre's main hall is used for different sessions Monday to Saturday - ranging from baby classes to martial arts.
Upstairs, business '"Â including a physiotherapist, counsellor and tattoist -Â occupy 11 units.
Amanda said: 'We are a not-for-profit organisation so all the money we raise goes back to providing all of the free events.
'The day the centre opened was they day the recession was announced so the fact that it's still going is testament to those who use it.
'If it was to go it would be a huge shame because it's such a lifeline to people.'
Another of the village's '˜hubs' is Crystal Peaks Shopping Centre, which opened in 1988.
Stuntman Eddie the Eagle officially opened it and returned earlier this year to celebrate its 30th birthday.
Centre manager Lee Greenwood said the sense of community can be felt and seen in the centre.
He said: 'We are customer friendly and offer an alternative to shopping online. People come here as a leisure shopping trip and meet their friends and a lot of people come here to see each other and we have to facilitate that.
'The last time we did research we found our customers come around 70 times a year on average, which is more than once a week so we have got high frequency low spend.
"That's a positive thing for us and I think we are inextricably linked with the aeas around us.
'They are our core customer base and without them we wouldn't have as much of a purpose. But likewise, without us Beighton wouldn't have a library and a vets so we fufil those core services as well.'
The centre itself employs 58 members of staff, with a further 1,600 working in its stores '"Â most of whom are from Beighton and its surrounding townships, Lee said.
He added: 'It's like looking after a small town in many ways rather than running a fashion-led shopping centre.
'It's about mkaing sure we understand we're part of the community as a lot of our customers come to meet friends and have a chat.'


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On Wildflower Wednesday, the fourth Wednesday of each month, we join with Gail to celebrate and share the love of native plants and wildflowers across the blogosphere. Wildflowers are beautiful, easy-care additions to any garden, and there are wildflowers suited to any challenging combination of climate, soil, moisture, critter, and sun conditions you might have.
Allium cernuum, or nodding onions, came to live here last year, divisions shared with us by Monica. Tough, easy-care, and seldom bothered by animal or insect pests, their delicate blooms are a welcome addition. Nodding onions are attractive to pollinators and will thrive in full to part sun.
Eupatorium purpureum - Joe Pye weed is a tall plant excellent for the back of the border, with showy flower heads that last a long time. After the flowers fade, the seed heads can remain attractive well into the winter. Joe Pye weed is equal to the challenge of growing in a very dry area of our garden where the roots of the maples mingle with the roots of an old, mature arborvitae hedge.
Monarda fistulosa, a native bee balm, is doing well in its third year here. Although monardas are often plagued with powdery mildew, this one has shown no sign of it so far. Bee balm is a good name for it, considering how many bees visit this plant every day. We have lots of bunnies here, but bee balm is equal to the challenge they present, since our bunnies don't seem to like the taste of it's wonderfully fragrant foliage.
Phlox paniculata cultivars are abundant here. This seedling of unknown parentage turned up last year. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees don't care about its pedigree, and enjoy it just as much, if not more, than the cultivars. Phlox blooms well even in some of the challenging shadier spots in our garden.
Now that the main garden area in back is fully planted, in the last three years, we've expanded into the swale way in back. It's a mostly shady area where moisture conditions vary from a shallow area that never dries out to the deep end that goes from constantly flooded in winter and spring to bone dry in summer. We're still working out what, if anything we can plant in the deep end. The shallow area is perfect for moisture-loving, beautiful natives that don't mind the challenge of wet feet, like Lobelia cardinalis, or cardinal flower. Hummingbird magnets, cardinal flowers are hands-down their favorite blooms here.
Helenium autumnale, also called sneezeweed, was started from seeds last year. They bloomed their first year, and are budding again now. They're thriving in the shallow end of the swale too. They too like moist soil and don't mind wet feet. This one was pinched in early July as an experiment, while the others were left to grow as tall as they wanted. Next year they'll all be pinched. All but this one flopped, and it has more buds than the ones that weren't pinched.
Late last winter I ordered seeds for Lobelia siphilitica. Blue lobelia, cardinal flower's cousin, seemed a nice addition to the shallow end of the swale. From an entire packet of seeds, only two germinated, and only one survived the seedling stage. The little lobelia was carefully nurtured until, during it's first week outdoors, in a pot on the edge of the west veggie bed, some critter bit off its little crown. In the bed, wilted but intact, the severed section was found. After re-hydrating it in a cup of water, it was planted in fresh potting soil in a small nursery pot in hopes it might root itself in case the original plant didn't re-grow.
The original plant grew new leaves and survived, and the decapitated portion grew roots, so now we have two! Both are budding in their first season, despite their early trauma. Now they live in the shallow end of the swale, where they were transplanted back in June. I expect they'll be equal to the challenge of wet feet. Hopefully they'll survive the challenge of the bunnies. Maybe in September we'll see some blooms.
We added two little prairie smoke (Geum triflorum) plants three springs ago. One disappeared last fall, and the remaining one bloomed for the first time this spring. One of the blooms set seeds. A few seeds were collected, and started under the light in the basement. In the next few weeks they'll find homes in the garden near their parent that has so far proven itself equal to the challenges of dry soil and and not much sun.
Every garden presents challenges. Through research, trial and error, and experience, native plants can be found which will not only survive, but thrive in nearly any challenging garden conditions we may have.
For more Wildflower Wednesday posts, please visit sweet Gail at Clay and Limestone.
August has brought blessed temperature relief with highs mostly in the seventies and eighties, and refreshingly cool mornings and evenings. August is undoubtedly the bloomingest month of the year here.
Stepping out onto the patio with a cup of coffee early each morning is a olfactory delight with the scent of sambac jasmine filling the air. Even with only some morning sun, the jasmine, typically considered a plant for full sun, blooms prolifically, if sporadically, throughout the summer. Hummingbirds in twos and threes enjoy jasmine nectar several times a day.
This hanging basket seems the perfect spot for these Nonstop begonias, gifts from the Lawn Man back in late May. I haven't always had great luck with Nonstops. Some years they've rotted from too much rain. Other years their blooms have been more like Nonstart. The hanging basket is a moss-lined wire basket. They drain exceptionally well even after a few days in a row of torrential rain. This basket seems to be in a perfect spot for the perfect amount of sun. For the first time here, Nonstops are living up to their name.
Surprise lilies just started blooming a few days ago. The hosta camouflages the yellowing foliage as it dies back in late spring.
The hanging basket fuchsia is a delight to the hummingbirds and to me.
All of our coneflowers except one 'Magnus' were started from seeds. They are all unique, varying in plant size, bloom size and color. This is one of the taller ones. It has the palest of pale pink blooms that appear white in photos. Some of them have petals that stay like this, and others have the more characteristic drooping petals of most species coneflowers.
Red Dragonwing begonias bloom nonstop too. This one, along with two pink ones have overwintered indoors for three years, where they continue to bloom without ever taking a break.
The petite Crossandra was a gift from the Lawn Man when we were dating. It has overwintered indoors for eight years. It never gets taller than about eight inches. Each year it gets fuller and has more of these bright yellow-orange blooms. Back in July I was squashing mealybugs on it for the first time. Fortunately they seem to be gone now.
Nodding onions (Thank you Monica!) are blooming in shades of the palest pink.
Impatiens started from seeds indoors back in March are everywhere in urns, pots, and hanging baskets, bringing welcome color to our woodland garden and nectar for hummingbirds, hummingbird moths, and butterflies. I save seeds, and never know what colors I'll get. Last year they all turned out bright, and this year there are pastels in the mix. I like the color surprises. Since most of them aren't blooming yet when they go outside, we never know what color combinations we'll end up with.
Diamond Frost euphorbias perform admirably here in pots, hanging baskets, and even in the ground. Both drought and shade-tolerant, over a dozen of them are overwintered in the basement each year. Bigger and fuller each year, thanks to their drought tolerance they're easy to overwinter and eminently neglectable even outdoors.
Cardinal flowers, the most favorite blooms of hummingbirds in our garden, are blooming a month later than usual, probably due to our chilly spring. They were worth waiting for.
Joe Pye weed, and the tall, stately Herbstsonne rudbeckias in the background attract butterflies and other pollinators in droves.
Hummingbirds seem to prefer the red bee balm cultivars here, but every bee in the neighborhood loves these natives.
Agastache 'Blue Fortune' is the palest of gray-blues. I was disappointed in their pale color their first year here. They've been allowed to stay anyway. Bees love them, they don't seed all over the place, they're very drought-tolerant, very fragrant, and they bloom like crazy with only about three hours of dappled sun each day.
Another gift from the Lawn Man when we were dating, this mini-rose blooms a few times each season.
Black-eyed Susans bloom wonderfully here even with just a couple hours of dappled sunlight.
. . . more impatiens!
Hosta rectifolia 'Fujibotan's foliage is ordinary. The double blooms are, however anything but ordinary! Our hummingbirds love them too.
Phlox 'David' seen with pink phlox, black-eyed susans, and tall bellflowers. The bellflowers, from Mom's, have been blooming non-stop since May.
Agastache 'Golden Jubilee' is a prolific self-seeder. New to our garden, this seedling is blooming sparsely in its first year. I'm looking forward to more seedlings, and watching them mature to show what they can really do. With bright chartreuse foliage, prolific blooms adored by pollinators and much brighter than 'Blue Fortune,' 'Golden Jubilee,' is still fragrant, drought-tolerant, and blooms beautifully even with very little sun. Though marginally hardy in zone five, the seedlings will help insure against any winter losses.
I love everything about calamint - the glossy, clean, fine textured, shiny, fragrant, dark-green foliage, the intricate, delicate, ornate, airy blooms, its shade and drought tolerance, and its value to our pollinators.
The showiest blooms in the east-side vegetable bed belong to this oregano. It draws an incredible number of pollinators to the vegetables and provides fresh and dried oregano all year.
Most of the gardening here happens in back and in the vegetable beds in our sunny side yards. There are some blooms in the full, blazing sun in front too, including the drought-tolerant, long-blooming 'Blue Hill' salvia. Hummingbird moths, hummingbirds, butterflies, and many kinds of bees visit these every day.
'Happy Returns' daylilies bloom all summer long in front.
Borage from Renee's Garden blooms in front too. Renee says pollinators love borage. It's true. She says the flowers are edible and make beautiful garnishes - true, and true!
Finally, like every other blooming thing here, the zinnias have a story. The Lawn Man brought them home from a big box store late in May, where they were displayed with the store's shade annuals. They stayed in pots in back in the sunniest spot on the patio until they started looking raggedy and stopped budding. Each successive generation of blooms got smaller and smaller. We enjoyed them in back for as long as possible, and now they're really showing their stuff after moving the pots to the front and into the blazing sun they need to thrive.
There are lots of stories I could tell you about our human babies. Each plant baby here has a story of its own too. That's one of the things I love about Bloom Day. Visiting other Bloom Day posts, I enjoy reading the stories of the blooms in your gardens as much as seeing the photos. Do your flowers tell stories too?
For links to other Bloom Day posts, please visit our host, Carol at May Dreams Gardens.
Come along with me for a tour of our veggie beds.
Many of our vegetables this year are courtesy of Renee's Garden. Renee sells a fantastic variety of vegetable and flower seeds. All of our lettuce came from Renee's Garden. Growing right now are 'Renee's Caesar Duo (red and green romaine mix,) 'Wine Country Mesclun,' and 'Renee's Stirfry Mix (Pan-Pacific Greens, which I've been enjoying raw in salads.) We're also growing Renee's 'Bright Lights' rainbow chard. The cherry tomatoes are from Renee too. We're growing her 'Garden Candy' mix. Each seed packet contains three varieties of cherry tomatoes - yellow, red, and orange - 'Sun Gold,' 'Supersweet,' and 'Sweet Gold' The seeds are color-coded with food-grade stain so the gardener can tell which seeds are which. They're all delicious!
Also from Renee's Garden we're growing fennel, blue borage, flat-leaf and curly parsley, 'Sweet Armenian' and Japanese 'Tasty Green' cucumbers, and 'Romeo' round baby carrots. Seedlings started in the basement for our fall vegetable garden include Renee's 'Crispy Winter Greens,' 'Green Fortune' baby pak choi, and 'Super Rapini' broccoli raab.
In this age of Monsanto buying out small seed suppliers, I'm very grateful for seed companies like Renee's Garden. Visit the link above for more information on how her seeds are selected and sustainably grown. Thank you Renee for the love you devote to what you do, for providing such an awesome selection of seeds, for your outreach to garden bloggers, and thanks so much for filling my vegetable beds with such wonderful, delicious food!


It was just over a year ago that my dad took me to the ROM to see the Terracotta Warriors. I decided I should pick up something small to remember the day by, and when I went to the shop I saw some keychain ornaments of insects in amber.
It came down to choosing between a scorpion and a shiny beetle, and after long and careful deliberation I went with the shiny beetle. It could easily have gone either way, but one item was just slightly more intriguing to me.
This entry was posted in Bite-Sized and tagged Insects, ROM, Scorpion. Bookmark the permalink.
Yes, it's all about the bling!


text:
A MECHANICAL MODEL OF VOCALIZATION
12/04/2009 03:41:00 PM Publicado por Jorge Franchín
Etiquetas: Biology
When people speak, sing, or shout, they produce sound by pushing air over their vocal folds -- bits of muscle and tissue that manipulate the air flow and vibrate within it. When someone has polyps or some other problem with their vocal folds, the airflow can be altered, affecting the sound production.
"Voice disorders affect 30 percent of the general population and up to 60 percent of educators," says Plesniak. "The objective of our work is to develop a detailed understanding of the phonation process, which will enable the development of computational models."
Wanting to better characterize the physics of this process, George Washington University professor Michael Plesniak and his doctoral student Byron Erath teamed up with speech pathologists a few years ago, while Plesniak was at Purdue University, to investigate the velocity field and flow structures in the airflow that occur when a person speaks.
Plesniak and his students constructed a mechanical model of the vocal folds that had motorized, programmable components that can alter their shape and motion in various ways to mimic vocal folds. By placing this model in a wind tunnel, they examine normal vocalization and common pathologies like the formation of polyps and cysts.
An important feature of the model, says Plesniak, is that it is seven-and-a-half times larger than the actual physiology, which allows the dynamics to be studied in greater detail. The ultimate goal, he adds, is to create tools to help surgeons make preoperative assessments of how a vocal tract surgery will affect an individual's voice.
AUDITORY ILLUSION: HOW OUR BRAINS CAN FILL IN THE ...
THE CAUSE BEHIND THE CHARACTERISTIC SHAPE OF A LON...
MYSTERIOUSLY WARM TIMES IN ANTARCTICA
PEOPLE WORK HARDER WHEN EXPECTING A FUTURE CHALLEN...
IS 80-YEAR-OLD MISTAKE LEADING TO FIRST SPECIES TO...
NEW HYDROGEN-STORAGE METHOD DISCOVERED
BIOENGINEERS SUCCEED IN PRODUCING PLASTIC WITHOUT ...
GENERATING ELECTRICITY FROM AIR FLOW


MILWAUKEE—Nets forward Yi Jianlian will miss three to four weeks after breaking the pinkie finger on his right hand late in the third quarter in New Jersey's 104-102 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night.
Yi said he hurt himself playing defense when he reached for the ball and got his finger caught. He said he heard it pop after trying to take the ball from Michael Redd.
Yi tried to stay in the game immediately after he heard the pop on his hand, but when he came back down and attempted a jumper with 4:36 to play he missed it and said he felt tremendous pain.
"The last shot it felt like I shot my finger," said Yi, who already had a splint and a heavy tape job on the finger after the game.
He signaled to Nets coach Lawrence Frank that he needed to come out and went immediately to the locker room. He was replaced by Eduardo Najera.
Yi had been playing his best basketball recently, recording back-to-back games with at least 20 points before finishing Friday's game 6-of-12 from the field for 16 points.
He has averaged 10.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, a marked improvement from his rookie season in Milwaukee where he played 66 games, but injuries and fatigue set in late in the season.
In the offseason, he was traded to New Jersey along with Bobby Simmons for Richard Jefferson.


Over the past century, aviation technology has evolved exponentially, from the nimble biplanes that contested the skies over France and Flanders in World War I to the modern multi-role stealth fighters coming into service that will define air power for the next half century. World War II demonstrated the tactical and strategic importance of the air arms, where they formed an integral part of the Blitzkrieg and the Allied offensives. The destructive power of modern air forces was nowhere more evident than in the strategic bomber offensives against Germany and Japan where entire cities were laid to waste through aerial bombardment alone, culminating in the dropping of the atomic bombs. Despite its fearsome potential, however, it was only until the 1991 Gulf War when air power could claim to have become a war winning weapon in itself, thanks to advances in technology such as precision weaponry and stealth that gave NATO a considerable lead over its Warsaw Pact adversaries in the final years of the Cold War. These technologies will continue to define airpower into the 21st century where the role of warplanes and helicopters in the modern battlefield will remain undiminished, and as aspiring superpowers like China continue to chip away at the West's current lead in aerial warfare.
There are currently 557 entries and data on 874 combat aircraft and helicopters.
The dominance of mass infantry armies reached its apex in World War I, but the massive casualties incurred in fruitless assaults against enemy trenches spurred the development of more maneuverable weapons such as tanks. Although these came too late to influence the outcome of the war, by the outbreak of World War II they had established themselves as leading weapon of land warfare as evidenced by the German Blitzkrieg offensives during 1939-41. But despite the proficiency of the German panzer forces, it was the Allies that led the way in establishing fully motorized armies by the end of the war and into the Cold War. Over the past half century, the armies of the world have increasingly relied on armored vehicles to provide their troops with the mobility needed to excel in the modern battlefield. Meanwhile, the primacy of the tank has remained undiminished, as evidenced by the tank battles fought during the numerous conflicts between Israelis and Arabs in the Middle East and culminating in the 1991 Gulf War. Luckily, the clash of armored titans between NATO and the Warsaw Pact in Central Europe never came to be, but the legacy of the Cold War between East and West has continued to influence armored warfare to this day.
There are currently 243 entries and data on 405 combat vehicles.
The development of the all-big gun battleship in the early part of the 20th Century triggered an arms race that was to shape the development of sea warfare for the next generation. The climax came during the Battle of Jutland in 1916 where the great British and German battlefleets met head on in what remains to this day as the largest surface battle in history. Fears of a resumption of naval building in the aftermath of the war resulted in the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922 that limited the size of the world's great navies as well as the size of their ships. By the outbreak of World War II, developments in naval aviation resulted in the aircraft carrier replacing the battleship as the queen of the seas and nowhere was this more evident than in the Pacific, where the U.S. and Japanese fleets waged the most intense naval campaign of all time. With its massive fleet of carriers, the U.S. emerged from the war replacing the Royal Navy as the most powerful naval force in the world even though its dominance over the seas became increasingly challenged by the Soviet Union in the latter part of the Cold War. However, the dissolution of the U.S.S.R. left the U.S. as the sole naval superpower, though it is now facing a new challenge in the nascent Chinese navy, now the world's second largest.
There are currently 1,138 entries, data on 215 warship types, and 16,935 individual warships in the registry.


text:
Q: location of an object is not a function I'm trying to go to another page using this function
function MButton1Click(event) {
alert("teste2");
window.location("teste.php");
}

but i'm getting

location of an object is not a function

A: Use this:
window.location = "teste.php";

Your syntax is for functions.. location() however location is an object.
Take a look at the window.location documentations

A: location is an object. You can use its assign or replace functions to change pages:
// Use this if you want the back button to take you to the current page
window.location.assign("teste.php");

// Use this if you want to remove the current page from the browser's history
window.location.replace("teste.php");

You can also use the assignment shorthand for assign:
window.location = "teste.php";

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
These are the key highlights and changes that have shaped and defined the development of Singapore's energy landscape.
EMA was established to ensure a reliable and secure energy supply, promote effective competition in the energy market and develop a dynamic energy sector in Singapore.
Singapore Power Ltd's electricity generation business was divested to level the playing field in the electricity industry.
Companies with electricity demand of 2MW and above can buy electricity from a retailer of their choice. This marked the start of liberalising the electricity market.
PowerGas Ltd's gas import and retail business was divested to level the playing field in the gas industry.
Trading in the National Electricity Market of Singapore (NEMS) began, thus enhancing competition in electricity generation.
Electricity consumption threshold was lowered to allow companies supplied at High Tension to be eligible to switch to a retailer of their choice.
Start of gas imports from South Sumatra, Indonesia
Vesting contracts were introduced to curb the exercise of market power by power generation companies.
Large consumers whose average monthly electricity consumption was 10,000 kWh and above became eligible to switch to a retailer of their choice. They formed 75% of Singapore's total electricity demand.
Government decided to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) to enhance energy security through diversifying supply sources.
BG Asia Pacific Pte Limited (now a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc) was appointed as the exclusive supplier and LNG Aggregator for up to 3 million tonnes per annum of LNG or until the year 2023, whichever is earlier.
Opening of gas market to promote competition in the gas industry.
EMA organised its inaugural Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW).
Government announced decision to build and own Singapore's first LNG import terminal so as to import LNG from all over the world for supply diversification.
EMA's mandate was broadened to take on industry development and promotional functions, in addition to its regulatory and operational responsibilities.
Ground-breaking ceremony for Singapore's first LNG terminal took place at Jurong Island.
The Union of Power and Gas Employees (UPAGE) secured the commitment of seven unionised companies - Singapore Power Group, City Gas, Senoko Energy, PowerSeraya, Tuas Power, Sembcorp Industries and Keppel Merlimau Cogen - to roll out the Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) for energy utilities industry.
The inter-agency Electric Vehicle (EV) Taskforce, co-led by EMA and the Land Transport Authority (LTA), announced the launch of the EV test-bed in Singapore to test the feasibility of EV prototypes and technologies in Singapore's urbanised environment.
The Singapore Energy Statistics report was launched to provide an integrated one-stop compilation of Singapore's key energy statistics and trends in the electricity and gas sectors.
EMA formed an industry-led Power Sector Manpower taskforce, to identify and recommend strategies to build up manpower capabilities for Singapore's power sector.
The Singapore Energy Award, a biennial award, was launched to recognise organisations and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Singapore's energy sector through achievements in areas of capability development or innovations.
The LNG Terminal received its first commercial cargo and started commercial operations.
A micro-grid incorporating solar photovoltaic technology was launched to provide residents on Pulau Ubin with lower cost, cleaner and more reliable electricity supply.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong officiated the opening of the LNG Terminal.
Electricity consumption threshold was lowered from 10,000 kWh to 8,000 kWh to allow more non-residential consumers to be eligible to switch to a retailer.
Electricity consumption threshold was further lowered to 4,000 kWh, with 76,000 Consumer & Industrial accounts becoming eligible to switch to a retailer.
Apr 2015 EMA, in partnership with the Singapore Exchange and the electricity industry, launched the Electricity Futures Market. This initiative aims to enhance market competition which will ultimately benefit consumers in the form of competitive prices and greater retail choices.
EMA launched the National Energy Competency Framework to strengthen the power sector's manpower capabilities. Developed in collaboration with the Union of Power and Gas Employees and the Workforce Development Agency, the framework charts the career progression pathways for electricity and gas job families within the Power sector.
Consumption threshold was lowered from 4,000 kWh to 2,000 kWh which allowed an additional 13,500 accounts (10,000 consumers) to buy electricity from a retailer of their choice.
EMA launched a Request for Proposal to implement a utility-scale Energy Storage System (ESS) test-bed.
EMA appointed Pavilion Gas Pte Ltd and Shell Eastern Trading Pte Ltd to import the second tranche of LNG for Singapore.
EMA launched its first Regulatory Sandbox to enable the energy sector to test new products and services.
Soft launch of the Open Electricity Market in Jurong, allowing 120,000 household and small business consumer accounts to buy electricity from a retailer of their choice.
Nationwide launch of the Open Electricity Market was rolled out by zones to about 1.4 million household and small business consumer accounts.


text:
Roundtable on the role of frontline healthcare workforce in India
The George Institute for Global Health convened a roundtable on the role of frontline workers in India in Delhi on 19th November 2018.
Participants from the health sector, government, academic institutions and civil society organizations attended the roundtable, the aim of which was to bring the frontline health workers to the forefront of the conversation on primary health care, especially in the context of epidemiological transition and focus on life-course approach to health.
The focus was also on how to understand how the workforce is trained, remunerated, motivated and retained to deliver Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC). The meeting was held with the backdrop of the Astana conference on primary care, 40 years after the Alma Ata Declaration, nearly one decade of the ASHA program, and the beginning of the CPHC initiative.
India's newly established Comprehensive Primary Health Care program aims to provide access to essential health care at the community level. Health and Wellness Centres at the village level are being resourced with Community Health workers, Multipurpose Health Workers and a Mid-Level Health Provider.
The round table began with a presentation on the CPHC organisation, rollout and the role of the different frontline health workers in the provision of health care. This was followed by a moderated panel discussion involving community health workers, multipurpose health workers, mid-level health providers and a primary care physician.
The participants explored the key challenges particularly in relation to the interactions of the frontline health workforce team for the delivery of CPHC. Questions raised included: What is the role of community health workers for the prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases? What is the optimum support/supervision structure for health care teams which promotes integrated care? How does the Government motivate the health workers to perform as a team?
This was followed by presentations on different methods used to assess health worker motivation, perspectives and performance. The role of regulation and policy framework was discussed in the context of labour laws and human rights to chart the course ahead. Some of the questions raised during this session included: What are the lessons that can be learned and what changes might be appropriate for improvement? Are specific policy models (e.g. the payment of ASHAs in some jurisdictions) performing better than others? How can frontline health workers participate in the formulation and implementation of law and policy relating to their work? How do gaps in the law or the law's reach impact the health of marginalised populations served by frontline health workers?
The final session was about a global community of practice for community health, the role, functioning and activities of the CoP. There was a discussion about the need for collaborative research and implementation projects.
Professor Vivekanand Jha
Executive Director, The George Institute for Global Health, India
Associate Prof Rohina Joshi
Dr Devaki Nambiar
Program Head – Health Systems and Equity
Janani Shanthosh
Research Fellow (Health, Economics and Law)
Media release: 21/11/2018
Media contact/s
K Krishnaswamy
kkrishnaswamy@georgeinstitute.org.in


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Our client is pioneering the consumer experience with the convergence of digital and physical environments and they are looking for a Desktop Architect to be part of a growing global IT department who is a collaborative and experienced management systems professional. As a Desktop Architect, you will be an essential member of the company' s IT Technology Operations Team. You will be responsible for deploying and administering technology solutions for their employees.
You will provide the tools for your peers to support our customers. You will test and recommend the technologies for our customers and find creative ways to deploy and manage these technologies.
You will orchestrate efforts across our multi-disciplinary team of business leaders, technology experts, and vendors. We will expect you to bring your skills and intuition to deliver compelling technical solutions, superior execution, and visible results.
Determine what needs to be done. Secure alignment with the Customer Experience Manager to understand the needs of the company' s employees to provide a superior customer experience.
Test and implement tools to efficiently deploy and support technology for our customers.
Track the work effort. Self-prioritize ongoing tasks and proactively communicate roadblocks (external dependencies, approvals, scope creep, etc.) to the Customer Experience Manager.
Coordinate with members of the Global Service Desk to identify problems and troubleshoot escalated issues.
Provide ownership of assigned products or service areas.
Deploy technology to employees. Deploy software, updates, and tools to employees to continually improve performance and to resolve persistent issues.
Work with the Customer Experience Manager to update metrics and performance indicators. Create documents to be used by the Global Service Desk' s support team to facilitate customer support.
Train customers on best practices for technology usage.
You should be familiar with one or more configuration management tools such as SCCM, Chef, Jamf Pro, etc. with an expert knowledge on the Mac and PC platforms.
You should be able to identify, research, and solve any software or hardware issue. You should have experience with maintaining tasks using web-based software tools such as ServiceNow, Jira, or similar.
You should have some knowledge with agile methods and the concepts behind continuous delivery. While we do not strictly adhere to specific agile frameworks, you should understand the basics of use cases, user stories, sprints, and milestones.
You should have some familiarity and experience with established design research methods.
We expect you to have a passion and some experience in a customer service environment. You must have a strong verbal, written and visual presentation skills.
We are most interested in candidates exhibiting a passion for details, solving problems, simplicity, quality, and moving quickly.


text:
Q: How do I loop through the same range for all worksheets? I have Excel VBA code which will look at a process (on a worksheet labeled as "Process A") and will produce a flowchart on a worksheet labeled as Flowchart. The problem is that I may have up to 15 different processes (on 15 different worksheets, labeled from "Process A" to "Process O"). What I'd like to do is to have VBA act on "Process A" and then move on to each consecutive process and do the same. I have given part of the coding below.  Essentially, the code uses "Case" to determine if an object is a Connector, a Decision, or a Process. Then, it places a shape corresponding to each of these at a designated location and formats according to the code. I have tried various ways to loop through all worksheets and ranges, but each of them has resulted in a failure. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide!
Sub ProcessA()

Line1:     Dim ws As Worksheets
Dim ws2 As Worksheet: Set ws2 = Worksheets("Flowchart")
Dim wb As Workbook
Dim shp As Shape
Dim Left As Variant, Top As Variant, Width As Variant, Height As Variant
Dim BegX As Variant, BegY As Variant, EndX As Variant, EndY As Variant
Dim arw As Shape
Dim Vrb As String
Dim rng As Range

For Each ws In ThisWorkbook.Worksheets
If IsNumeric(Range("CK2:CK23")) = True Then

    Left = rng.Value
    Top = rng.Offset(, 1).Value
    Width = rng.Offset(, 2).Value
    Height = rng.Offset(, 3).Value
    BegX = rng.Offset(, 4).Value
    BegY = rng.Offset(, 5).Value
    EndX = rng.Offset(, 6).Value
    EndY = rng.Offset(, 7).Value
    Vrb = rng.Offset(, -87).Value

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            Set shp = ws2.Shapes.AddShape(msoShapeFlowchartConnector, Left, Top, Width, Height)
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text:
Home This Irish America Before Oscar came Wilde
Before Oscar came Wilde
This Irish America February 29, 2016 by Irish Echo Staff
Sunday's Oscars were a big night for the Irish, but before the awards came the big Irish night. J. J. Abrams' Bad Robot Productions Company in Santa Monica was the setting for the US-Ireland's Alliance's 11th annual Oscar Wilde Awards. The honorees included Irish actress Sarah Greene, North band Snow Patrol, Star Wars Daisy Ridley, who enjoys Irish ancestry, Ireland's Oscar-nominated director, Lenny Abrahamson, and comedian James Corden who was this year's "honorary" Irishman. Roisin O performed and Corden joined Snow Patrol onstage to sing their hit song, "Set The Fire To The Third Bar." At the subsequent academy Awards, Brie Larson won Best Actress for "Room," directed by Dublin-born Abrahamson and based on the novel and screenplay by Emma Donoghue. Photo courtesy US-Ireland Alliance.


The clue is in the name: the new Mercedes-Benz GLS, revealed at the 2019 New York Auto Show, aims to take S-Class luxury and refinement into the large SUV segment. It's a market currently defined by the Range Rover, and challenged by the new BMW X7.
One thing is for certain: the GLS is a damn sight prettier than the brutish BMW. Whether it is as luxurious as the Range Rover remains to be seen. But Mercedes-Benz has been nothing if not exhaustive in its efforts to justify that 'S-Class of SUVs' tag.
There is more space for those in the middle row of seats, comfier accommodation in the third row and, if you fold all the seats down (at the press of a single button), a 2,400-litre luggage compartment. That's on par with vans, and way in excess of any estate car. Mercedes-Benz is even offering a six-seat version alongside the regular seven-seater, with middle-row chairs almost as decadent as those in the front.
Every seat is electric, seat-heaters extend to the third row and the sixth and seventh seats are 'fully fledged' chairs good for people over 6 feet 3 inches tall. Third-row passengers also get USB charging ports and Mercedes-Benz is offering five-zone climate control. So there need never be any argument that it's too hot or cold, no matter how many people are on board.
The design follows the Mercedes-Benz 'Sensual Purity' idiom: sculpted surfaces replace individual edges and beading. The aerodynamic drag factor bears this out: a Cd of 0.32 is superb for this segment, despite the upright radiator grille and chrome-plated front underguard. Being so slippery also helps reduce wind noise at speed.
The GLS' lights are its jewellery. Multibeam LED headlights are standard; each side packs a staggering 112 LEDs and is as bright as legally permissible. Only beyond 0.4 miles' distance does the brightness dip below the 1 lux reference value. By day, three LED running light segments mimic the S-Class sedan.
Mercedes-Benz is pleased with the muscular shoulder line on the GLS, which extends from the rear doors into the tail lights. These are two-piece LED units with a 3D look. The mandatory reflectors are located lower down, so the tail lamps can be flatter and more sculptural. Like an expensive piece of jewellery, they are surrounded by a thin chrome strip.
Inside, it's amazing. Leather-lined and tech-packed, the GLS is like an S-Class on steroids, with a similarly breathtaking appearance (and, at night, ambient light show). Up front, it's all built around the MBUX infotainment system, with twin 12.3-inch high-res screens, but the detailing is just as noteworthy – from the raised centre console to the chunky SUV-style grab handles.
It's high-tech in the rear, too. Order the Rear Comfort Plus Package and a 7-inch Android tablet linked to MBUX is included, with its own docking station in the middle-row armrest. Use it to control radio, TV, media, telephone and a web browser, and also the rear seats themselves and every zone of the climate control system. You'll also find second-row wireless smartphone charging and a plethora of USB ports.
Want to spoil those in the back? They already have 'luxury' head restraints with additional cushions, but they can also have lumbar massage, climate-controlled seats and a further-upgraded MBUX Rear Seat Entertainment System. This has dual 11.6-inch touchscreens that link to the smartphones of each person in the back.
Diesel engines comprise the six-cylinder 286 horsepower GLS 350d 4Matic and the 330 horsepower GLS 400d 4Matic. Markets outside of the EU will get a GLS 450 4Matic, with a 367 horsepower six-cylinder gasoline engine boosted by 48V mild hybrid tech.
The most interesting model is the GLS 580 4Matic. This arrives shortly after market launch. Another gasoline motor, it produces 489 horsepower from a beefy V8, again boosted by a 48V system. All GLS have a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic, and off-road fans can option a transfer case for a low-range gearset.
Airmatic air suspension is standard. E-Active Body Control, a 48-volt active anti-roll system is optional to help keep passengers settled and comfortable. It's the world's only tech that individually controls springs and dampers at each corner. 'The world's most intelligent SUV suspension' scans the road for bumps and even 'leans into corners', like a motorcycle, to counteract roll. It has a similarly extensive repertoire of tricks off-road, too.
Oh, and check this: there is an official 'Carwash function'. Select this and the suspension jacks up to the highest position, which means the carwash can blast out any dirt underneath the wheelarches from off-roading. It also folds in the door mirrors, deactivates the rain sensor, switches the climate control to air recirculation and turns on the 360-degree front camera to help the driver guide the GLS in and out. It's all automatically deactivated when your speed rises above 12 mph.
The Mercedes-Benz SUV range now comprises, wait for it: GLA, GLC, GLC Coupe, GLE, GLE Coupe, GLS and G-Class. More than five million have been sold since the first Merc SUV, the M-Class, was introduced in 1997.
The new Mercedes-Benz GLS, which is built in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, goes on sale in the USA from July 2019, then from Q3 2019 in Europe. Prices will be announced nearer to its market launch.
Introducing the Mercedes-Benz baby carriage Avantgarde. That's right, Mercedes will now sell you a pram.
The company is teaming up with veteran German pram manufacturer Hartan, which has been building baby buggies since the 1950s.
So, what distinguishes it as a Merc? Well, you'll be hard-pressed to mistake it for anything else, thanks to the AMG-style five-spoke wheels. They are much smaller than the 18-inch fare on many Mercedes cars, but the style is a dead ringer for those available on certain specifications of C-Class.
With an aluminium frame and seat unit, the baby carriage Avantgarde is 'characterised by a very low weight' (13kg all-in). The 'handling dynamics' should be notable, too, given it comes with adjustable suspension and air-chamber tyres. It moves 'effortlessly on any surface', says Mercedes.
There are three colour specifications available. Dessin Sport combines black, anthracite, grey and silver with red seams and red piping on the hood. The Dolce Vita is beige, sand and brown with an 'Arenisca' carrier. Dessin Deep Sea blends anthracite and blue with a 'Seaskin' carrier.
The Mercedes pram will be available from certain baby outlets from this month. Will you be buying the 'Mercedes of baby carriages' for your little one?
More power isn't exactly the top of the list of changes we'd make but hey ho. Welcome to the Brabus 700 Widestar.
The standard G63 is already the Kardashian/mob boss/Middle East oil baron daily hack of choice, but the Widestar takes it to the next level. And where better to debut such an outlandish machine than in Monaco at the exotic 2018 Yacht Show?
You won't need to even fire up your 700hp Brabus Widestar to get noticed. 100mm-wider wheelarches can harbour enormous 23-inch Monoblock "Platinum Edition" wheels if you so desire. Measly 20s come as standard.
Brabus badging all around the car lets everyone know this is no (ahem) pauper-spec AMG. Roof-mounted LEDs are perfect for lighting up the next sand dune to be conquered.
It should come as no surprise that the sky is the limit when it comes to speccing out the cabin of your new Brabus Widestar. The finest leathers, Alcantara, carbon fibre highlights and wood are all available.
The car on display in Monaco features a literally tasty-sounding vanilla and black leather cabin, with orange piping and vanilla seams.
The power was perhaps the easiest thing to eek out for the Brabus Widestar. The B40 700 package is already available for other models that come with the 4.0-litre V8.
The changes include a new control module and a new engine map that up the boost and fuel flow, as well as an optional sports exhaust to really make it sing. There's even a subtle "Coming Home" exhaust mode; an uncharacteristic consideration of others who might not want to hear your booming 700hp V8 truck as you leave of a morning.
That said, neighbours aren't something we imagine Brabus Widestar buyers are blighted by.


Textile low-top sneakers with glossy patch detail. Textile upper. Round toe. Lace-up vamp. Textile lining. Rubber sole. Imported.
Textile low-top sneakers with logo patch detail. Textile upper. Round toe. Lace-up vamp. Textile lining. Rubber sole. Imported.
This shoe features a phantom liner for your comfort.
A unique and versatile NB lifestyle shoe designed for your 247 life.
The X-90 takes on '90s style with a contemporary vibe.
Chic athletic sneakers with patterned look. Synthetic upper. Round toe. Lace-up vamp. Fabric lining. Rubber sole. Imported.


text:
'Stay vigilant:' Doctors discuss importance of vaccination, safety measures as new variant spreads
Updated: 11:17 PM EST Nov 30, 2021
Helena Battipaglia
VIGILANT.>> THE VIRUS STILL HAS A WAY OF OUTSMARTING US. >> PEOPLE PANIC AND WHAT WE NEED TO DO IS FOCUS ON ANOTHER P WORD, AND THAT IS PREPARATION. REPORTER: PREPARATIONS I EVERYTHING ACCORDING TO HETHAL EXPERTS TONIGHT AS A NEW VARIANT CONTINUES TO SPREAD ACROSS THE GLOBE. THE TOOLS WE DO HAVE, MASKING, SOCIAL DISTANCING, AND GETTING VACCINATED. >> JUST FOLLOWING GUIDELINES, RECOMMENDATIS.ON REPORTER: WHAT PEOPLE LIKE KARL HOSTERMAN ARE RELYING ON TSTO AY SAFE. HE GOT HIS BOOSTER SHOT LATE THIS AFTERNOON. >> I GUESS THE JURY IS STILL OUT ABOUT WHETHER THE CCVAINE IS GOING TO WORK AGAINST THE VARIANTS. REPORTER: THAT'S TRUE WHEN IT MECOS TO THIS OMICRON VARIANT, ACCORDING TO DR. LOU EDJE WITH UC'COS LLEGE OF MEDICINE. AS FOR THE DELTA VARIANT WHICH IS STILL MOST WIDESPREAD IN THE U.S., SHE SAYS THAT THIRD OTSH IS PROVEN TO HELP. >> WE DO KNOW THAT THE BOOSTERS THAT WE HAVE GIVE YOU A THTYIR TO FORTY-FOLD INCREA ISEN VIRUS NEUTRALIZING ANTIBODIES. THAT IS HUGE. REPORTER: GETTING YOUR 5 TO 11-YEAR-OLDS VACCINATED ALSO CRUCIAL AS WE WAIT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OMICRON. >> WHAT WE HAVE HEARD THIS ENTI PREANDEMIC IS THE WAY TO GET OUT OF THIS THING IS BY GETTING EVERYBODY VACCINATED, SO AS SOON AS THE VACCINE BECAM AVAILABLE FOR OUR KIDS, WE SIGNED UP. REPORTER: PEDIATRICIAN CHRIS PELTIER WITH PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES OF MT. CARMEL AGRS.EE >> I STILL HAVE PROBAB ALY QUARTER TO MAYBE A THIRD OF MY PRACTICE THAT'S INELIGIBLE AND C'N'T GET VACCINATED, SO WE NEED TO PROTECT OUR YOUNGEST PATIEN.TS REPORTER: NOW DR. EDJE SAYS PFIZER HAS ALREADY STARTED WORKING ON A NEW VACCINE TO USE IF NECESSA.RY THAT PROCESS IS IN THE V
Preparation is everything according to health experts as the new variant, omicron, continues to spread across the globe.The tools we do have, masking, social distancing and getting vaccinated, are what health experts are recommending as we wait to find out more information about omicron and its transmissibility, how sick it makes us and if our current vaccines work effectively against it. "People panic and what we need to do is focus on another p-word and that is preparation," UC Health's College of Medicine Dr. Lou Edje said.Karl Hosterman got his booster shot with the Hamilton County Health Department Tuesday afternoon."I guess the jury is still out about whether the vaccine is going to work against the variants," Hosterman said.That's true when it comes to this omicron variant, according to Edje.As for the delta variant, which is still most widespread in the U.S., she said that the third shot is proven to help."We do know that the boosters that we have give you a thirty to 40-fold increase in virus-neutralizing antibodies that is huge," Edje said.Getting your 5 to 11-year-old's vaccinated is also crucial as we wait to learn more about omicron.What we have heard this entire pandemic is the way to get out of this thing is by getting everybody vaccinated so as soon as the vaccine became available for our kids we signed up," Alex Linser of Mt. Washington said. Pediatrician Chris Peltier with Pediatric Associates of Mt Carmel agrees."I still have probably a quarter to maybe a third of my practice that's ineligible and can't get vaccinated so we need to protect our youngest patients," Peltier said. "We see less severity of disease in kids so hopefully that would continue with this new variant although we just don't have experience to say that."
Preparation is everything according to health experts as the new variant, omicron, continues to spread across the globe.
The tools we do have, masking, social distancing and getting vaccinated, are what health experts are recommending as we wait to find out more information about omicron and its transmissibility, how sick it makes us and if our current vaccines work effectively against it.
"People panic and what we need to do is focus on another p-word and that is preparation," UC Health's College of Medicine Dr. Lou Edje said.
Karl Hosterman got his booster shot with the Hamilton County Health Department Tuesday afternoon.
"I guess the jury is still out about whether the vaccine is going to work against the variants," Hosterman said.
That's true when it comes to this omicron variant, according to Edje.
As for the delta variant, which is still most widespread in the U.S., she said that the third shot is proven to help.
"We do know that the boosters that we have give you a thirty to 40-fold increase in virus-neutralizing antibodies that is huge," Edje said.
Getting your 5 to 11-year-old's vaccinated is also crucial as we wait to learn more about omicron.
What we have heard this entire pandemic is the way to get out of this thing is by getting everybody vaccinated so as soon as the vaccine became available for our kids we signed up," Alex Linser of Mt. Washington said.
Pediatrician Chris Peltier with Pediatric Associates of Mt Carmel agrees.
"I still have probably a quarter to maybe a third of my practice that's ineligible and can't get vaccinated so we need to protect our youngest patients," Peltier said. "We see less severity of disease in kids so hopefully that would continue with this new variant although we just don't have experience to say that."


text:
BLAST Premier Announces Broadcast Reach for 2023
GamingLyfe.com January 16, 2023 Esports, Esports featured, Financial News, Inside Stories
BLAST Premier has revealed its media rights distribution footprint for 2023 and will see the esports tournament organizer's upcoming season broadcast in over 150 TV territories and available in 25 languages.
Ahead of the 2023 season, BLAST has secured a number of media rights partnerships along with renewing existing global media rights deals. Broadcast partners include TV2 (Denmark), RTP (Portugal), Webedia (France), Pelajaat (Finland), StarTimes (Africa), Maincast (Ukraine), Viettel (Vietnam), and Relog (CIS and Balkans) among others.
The Counter-Strike tournament series will be broadcast by more than 40 leading TV networks and online platforms in all major esports regions around the world ranging from North Africa, LATAM, Asia, the Nordics, and the CIS region among others.
Alexander Lewin, VP of Distribution and Programming at BLAST, said: "BLAST Premier continues to be highly sought after by broadcasters from all around the world, offering unparalleled production quality and game-changing fan-first moments. We are delighted to reveal a truly global and expansive network of new and existing media rights partners, which will allow fans to watch and enjoy BLAST in 150+ territories. We are delighted to see broadcasters return year-after-year to partner with BLAST, which is a testament to the huge following and global appeal our events have built up over the years."
Last September, the esports entertainment company revealed plans to host and produce this year's Counter-Strike Major in France. The BLAST.tv Paris Major will take place at the Accor Arena, making it the first CS:GO Major to take place in France. The event will be BLAST's first time hosting one of the most watched and loved esports events in the world.
BLAST.tv will be the home of the 2023 France Major, where fans can get closer to the action than ever before. Innovative and fan-first viewing features will allow fans to tailor their viewing experience, relive key and exciting moments and impact the action unfolding before their eyes.
BLAST Premier is the world's leading Counter-Strike tournament series, hosting the best players and teams, offering opportunities to regions across the globe, and crowning the world champions of CS:GO. Up to 32 of the world's best teams take part in the seven BLAST Premier events across the year with a combined prize pool of $2,475,000 on the line.
Tags: BLAST Premier, Esports Organization, Esports Tournament
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Some employers take advantage of their employees and do not pay them everything they are entitled to. For example, some employers do not pay overtime when they should, while others may ignore the minimum wage law or fail to pay every employee equally. When an employer does not pay a worker fairly, the employer has violated the Fair Labor Standards Act, a federal law designed to protect every worker. At the Law Offices of Thomas More Holland, we work tirelessly to make certain that every client has been paid fairly and completely.
Over the past few years, numerous lawsuits and hundreds of class actions have been filed under the FLSA, each seeking damages against an employer for alleged violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Among the employers who have been sued under the FLSA are Walmart, SunRise Healthcare Corp., Longs Drug Stores, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. At the Law Offices of Thomas More Holland, we regularly represent workers with FLSA claims.
Whether a worker is entitled to overtime depends on the worker's actual job duties and not on the worker's job title. For years, employers have tried to evade their responsibilities under the Wage and Hours Law by classifying workers as salaried employees because they might have management or administrative job duties. That isn't enough, and each worker's claim must be evaluated separately to determine whether the FLSA applies. That's why workers who are denied should contact our office so that we can evaluate whether they have an FLSA claim.
Some businesses require their employees to perform certain job-related tasks "off the clock" in an effort to avoid paying them for their work. Or, their timekeeping systems do not cover all of the time the employees are actually working. It is very important for workers to understand how easy it is to be shortchanged, and to make sure that they are paid for all the work they do. That's why workers who regularly do work "off the clock" should contact our office so that we can evaluate whether they have an FLSA claim.
"Tipped employees" must be paid a cash wage of at least $2.13 per hour if their employers want to claim a tip credit against their minimum wage obligation. If an employee's tips and the employer's cash wage of at least $2.13 per hour do not equal the minimum hourly wage, the employer must make up the difference. Certain other conditions must also be met. That's why workers who receive tips and are not paid at least minimum wage should contact our office so that we can evaluate whether they have an FLSA claim.
The overtime pay provisions of the Act apply on a workweek basis, and an employee's workweek is a fixed and regularly recurring period of 168 hours – seven consecutive 24-hour periods. A workweek does not have to coincide with the calendar week, but may begin on any day and at any hour of the day. The practice of paying overtime only after 80 hours in a bi-weekly pay period is illegal because each workweek must stand alone. Normally, overtime pay earned in a particular workweek must be paid on the regular pay day for the pay period in which the wages were earned. That's why workers who regularly work more than 40 hours per workweek and are denied overtime should contact our office so that we can evaluate whether they have an FLSA claim.
Some employers try to evade their responsibilities under the Fair Labor Standards Act by claiming that some or all of their employees are independent contractors, a particularly common problem with construction workers. The employer-employee relationship under the FLSA is tested by "economic reality" rather than by "technical concepts" and is not determined unilaterally or by common law standards relating to master and servant.
The U.S. Supreme Court has stated that there is no single rule or test for determining whether an individual is an independent contractor or an employee for purposes of the FLSA. The Court has ruled that it is the total activity or situation which controls. That's why workers who regularly work more than 40 hours per workweek and are denied overtime because their bosses say they are "independent contractors" should contact our office so that we can evaluate whether they have an FLSA claim.
Most workers who are not employed by the government are entitled to be paid for overtime work – at least at 1-1/2 times their regular hourly rate. It is generally an FLSA violation for an employer to refuse to pay overtime and to instead offer employees compensatory time (or "comp time") instead of paying them with money. That's why workers who receive compensatory time should contact our office so that we can evaluate whether they have an FLSA claim.
If you have a claim under the Fair Labor Standards Act, your employer may not retaliate against you for filing a complaint or instituting a proceeding based on the Wage and Hours Law. In fact, an employer that retaliates (including terminating an employee, disrupting the workplace, making threats, or using physical violence) may be liable under Section 216(b) of the FLSA. Wronged employees may be entitled to have their jobs reinstated or be promoted; the employer may also have to pay lost wages and liquidated damages. That's why workers who believe they have an FLSA claim should contact our office as soon as possible.
When Should I Consult An Attorney?
You should see an attorney as soon as possible for a free evaluation of your FLSA claim. Do not assume what your rights are, and do not believe everything your employer says. At the Law Offices of Thomas More Holland, we will investigate your claim, determine whether your rights have been violated, and will explain your options. We understand how important these matters are to you, and will keep you informed every step of the way. Remember, Fair Labor Standards Act cases are complicated, and you need an attorney who has handled these cases and understands the laws and regulations that apply. Attorney Thomas More Holland has represented workers for more than 20 years, and the attorneys and staff of the Law Offices of Thomas More Holland have the knowledge to handle your case.
Attorney Thomas More Holland and his staff give every client personal attention, investigate and analyze the facts of every case, and provide zealous legal representation. If you, a loved one or a friend has an FLSA claim, contact the Law Offices of Thomas More Holland for help. Our staff of attorneys and paralegal will help you understand your rights and do everything they can to get you the best possible results. Please contact The Law Offices of Thomas More Holland by filling out a simple form, by sending an email or by calling (215) 592-8080.


"Beijing-based Arc 9 Computer Inc last week announced plans to launch an industrial computer joint venture in Canada.
The venture will produce industrial computers equipped with IBM PowerPC's central processing units and Mai Logic P's Articia chips for industrial control systems of industrial and manufacturing companies in Canada.
The venture, to be officially launched soon, is expected to be listed on Canada's capital market.
Previously, the company forged a strategic alliance with US-based high-tech firm Inguard Incorporated to produce its Teron-type personal computers for Chinese and overseas markets."


Granite is known for its durability. It is no wonder then that it is the natural stone of choice for floors and counter tops. Granite comes in beautiful hues of oranges, browns, yellows, blues and reds. Some granite counter tops and floors are exquisitely unique with splashes of vibrant colors seldom seen in other stones.
Stone Care of Arizona, LLC understands the unique nature of Granite and how to professionally care for this natural stone. We realize that even though Granite is of the toughest and strongest of natural stones, Granite is quite porous and is not damage proof. Like other natural stones it can etch and it can also lose its luster if not properly cared for.
At Stone Care of Arizona, LLC, we use neutral cleaners that will not etch or dull surfaces. Are cleaning process has been proven to be effective. We also provide consulting to our customers so that their Granite floors and counter tops can be beautifully maintained in between professional cleaning.
Sealing Granite is critical to the "health" of this natural stone. Due to the porosity of Granite, spilled wine or acid based beverages can be adsorbed and create permanent staining. Stone Care of Arizona, LLC uses impregnating sealants that provide an invisible barrier that protect Granite stone.
Oh the brilliance of beautifully polished Granite stone! Stone Care of Arizona, polishes Granite to a nice shine that you will adore. We give you the flexibility to determine how much of a shine you would like your Granite to have. Our demonstrations help our customers choose what's best.
If Granite honing of floors or countertops is ever needed, you can be assured that Stone Care of Arizona, LLC will provide the care your Granite stone deserves. As natural stone care experts, we provide honing services that will take your Granite as close as possible to its original condition.
If by chance a topcoat was applied to your Granite or if sealant should be removed, Stone Care of Arizona, LLC can initiate a plan to safely strip your Granite. We utilize only processes that are recognized by our industry to strip topcoats or sealants from Granite.
Stone Care of Arizona LLC can provide expert services in Granite natural stone repair. Cracks, chips and fissures can be expertly repaired by our highly skilled team. We take pride in our workmanship and will professionally repair your natural stone Granite floors or counter tops.
As our neighbor, you deserve the best natural stone restoration and tile and grout cleaning services. We are dedicated to providing awesome cleaning, sealing and polishing services. We treat you like our neighbor because you are a special member of our Stone Care of Arizona family.
Our clients love us because we settle for nothing less than their complete satisfaction. We guarantee the services we provide and work diligently to ensure that you have an awesome cleaning experience. We call it our, "Make You Smile Guarantee." Call us for a comprehensive estimate of your project and let us demonstrate our commitment to you.