Orange calcite is a great stone for creativity, specially when one is feeling deadlocked, it helps to look at the same situation in a new light and overcome it with an equally creative solution. It is also a very strong sexual stone, bringing vibrancy and confidence. It helps in healing wounds related to one's sexuality, especially of childhood sexual abuse traumas, mentally and physically.


2016 was a year of huge change and impressive impact. It was a year where Surfers Against Sewage brought together 20,000 volunteers to protect our coastline, delivering 110,000 hours of volunteering time, with a value of over £1 million to the health of our beaches. The year also saw our network of Regional Reps grow, creating 125 local chapters to lead grassroots community conservation efforts across the whole of the UK, organising over 1,000 significant beach cleans and 700 education talks. We were also thrilled to see the results of the single-use plastic bag charge, which has already eliminated 6 billion plastic bags, demonstrating the dramatic impact of campaigning for legislative change. Our work on water quality continued to provide some of the most sophisticated real-time water quality information in the world, issuing almost 250,000 free messages to keep people safe in the sea.
The world also saw seismic shifts in the political establishment in 2016, some of which may threaten the very fabric of the UK's environmental policy and legislation. Some of these changes may slow or reverse progress on issues impacting our oceans from plastic pollution to water quality, so there has never been a more important time for us to build an even more powerful movement for cleaner, protected oceans.
Surfers Against Sewage is uniquely placed to inspire, equip and connect local communities in response to the changing issues damaging our coastlines, creating a new popular environmental movement to safeguard our seas and beaches for everyone. This unique position allows SAS to bring together communities, government, fellow NGOs and corporate stakeholders working to protect oceans everywhere.
We want to share some of our priority projects for this year, and invite you to be part of our movement.
Marine plastic pollution has sadly become synonymous with any coastal activity, from surfing to swimming, beach holidays to wildlife watching – it is simply an expected part of our experience. This is why marine plastic pollution, and specifically tackling society's throwaway, excessive or unnecessary plastics, is now Surfers Against Sewage's top priority. Plastic pollution is an issue that connects the environment with all parts of society, and is something that we can take action on at every level. Indeed, it will only be through concerted collective action that we will be able to create the paradigm shift that is needed to stop the flood of plastic pollution washing over our world. It's time that we re-wild our tidelines, restoring the natural mix of driftwood, cuttlefish bones and seashells rather than plastic bags, drinks bottles and wet wipes. A plastic free coastline will need a radical and progressive plastics industry, which rewards design innovation to eliminate throwaway plastic packaging and components, and one that supports new systems to trap plastic in the economy rather than the environment.
Marine plastic pollution is a symptom of ever-increasing corporate expansion and profit, which is yet to be fully accountable for the entire lifecycle of the products and packaging it manufactures. This year we will urge businesses to dramatically reduce their plastic footprint by rethinking and innovating sustainable design, reuse, recycling and delivery systems. We will also be supporting and connecting communities in reducing their own plastic footprint, eliminating throwaway plastics. After all, we can't tackle the plastic pollution problem with end of pipe solutions alone. Whilst we will continue to redouble our community efforts through initiatives such as the #BeachCleanBox and our increasingly popular community beach clean movement (Big Spring Beach Clean, Autumn Beach Clean and #MiniBeachClean), we will focus even more energy on preventing plastics from getting into the ocean in the first place. This will be done through a new SAS project called Plastic Free Coastlines; a campaign and grassroots movement to engage and connect individuals, communities and businesses in the collective effort to reduce the flow of single use plastics into the marine environment. Plastic Free Coastlines is a positive vision that our whole community can share and work towards together.
We will continue to advocate and deliver strong and progressive plastics policies and projects. Campaigning to eliminate unnecessary, throwaway plastic products. Calling for financial incentives to increase reuse and recycling. Urging business to design out waste. Collaborating with progressive businesses and NGOs brave enough to challenge plastic pollution and develop innovative new solutions. We will also continue to inspire, mobilise and connect a movement of tens of thousands of volunteers taking direct action to remove plastic from our beaches.
We already have our next campaign target – plastics drinks bottle and containers. Our Message In A Bottle campaign calls for a comprehensive one-way deposit return system in the UK. This will see a small deposit added to the purchase cost of various products, which can be redeemed on the return of the container. It is a system that is proven to work in a number of countries, and one that places only a relatively small cost to business to introduce. Studies show that one-way deposit return systems not only reduce littering but they also dramatically increase recycling rates, create high-value jobs and save local authorities money through reduced cleansing and refuse collection costs. A deposit return system for the UK is the logical, effective and powerful next step in turning the tide on the marine plastic pollution crisis. With 38.5 million plastic bottles and 59 million cans being consumed every day in the UK, the need and urgency for more radical recycling and reuse action is growing by the day.
We are delighted to be a founding member of the global #BreakFreeFromPlastic movement and Plastics Movement Alignment Process, which bring together hundreds of NGOs creating solutions to plastic pollution around the world. It's encouraging to see this movement gaining such pace and profile.
Perhaps, most importantly we can use our Waves All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) to bring together fellow NGOs, charities, campaigners and experts to urge politicians to explore and introduce the strongest possible policies to stop 'plastic emissions' into the environment. It's crucial that governments adopt new policies and legislation to accelerate this process at the necessary pace to stop our oceans succumbing to plastics. The chair of the Waves APPG, Steve Double MP, recently raised the important issue of deposit return systems with the Secretary of State for the Environment and we welcome the government's proposal to set up an innovation fund to explore the development of a UK deposit systems to dramatically increase plastic bottle recycling rates and prevent this 'throwaway' plastic from polluting the marine and terrestrial environments.
Plastic Free Coastlines, Message In A Bottle, The Big Spring Beach Clean, The Autumn Beach Clean, The #MiniBeachClean, Plastic Free Schools, The Waves All Party Parliamentary Group, The Ocean Plastic Bottle Project.
In 2017 we will continue to build an inclusive movement to protect our coastline including our beach clean volunteer network, now the largest in the UK, the Regional Reps programme and our new education programme – Plastic Free Schools. We aim to mobilise over 20,000 beach clean volunteers and reach hundreds of schools with our new education resources. We will continue to grow and resource our passionate network of regional leaders through the SAS Regional Reps programme, environmental training weekends and the Beach Clean Box.
The last 25 years has seen a dramatic improvement in coastal water quality thanks to strong EU legislation and committed campaigning from SAS and other environmental organisations. In 2016, 98.5% of England's bathing waters passed the EU Bathing Water Directive's standards, compared to only 27% achieving this standard in 1990, when SAS was launched in the face of the woeful water quality.
Widespread 'Excellent' water quality results last year pointed to the success of Surfers Against Sewage campaigns over the past decade, calling for cleaner bathing waters through an enhanced and improved Bathing Water Directive designed to better protect surfers, beachgoers and recreational water users. These higher standards mean that the 625 designated bathing waters around the UK are now scrutinised weekly on improved bacterial levels during the bathing season for the benefit of surfers, swimmers and holidaymakers alike. The Sewage Free Seas campaign also highlighted the need and mechanism to monitor and investigate any residual water quality impacts from the emergency sewer overflow system.
Surfers Against Sewage has been at the forefront of real-time water quality information provision since 2008, which coupled with the EU Bathing Water Directive testing programme, now provides some of the strongest public health protection for water users in the world. As part of our commitment to providing the best possible water quality protection and information, Surfers Against Sewage also continues to promote sophisticated real-time water quality alerts through the Safer Seas Service to safeguard water users from reductions in water quality between weekly Environment Agency tests, driven by rainfall, sewer overflow discharges and diffuse pollution from farm and urban environments. The Safer Seas Service provides free real-time water quality information for 330 beaches across England and Wales. Our vision is to provide real-time and predictive water quality information for all beaches in the UK.
Water quality priority projects: The Safer Seas Service, Human Health & Wellbeing, Cleaner Coastal Catchments, The SAS Documentary.
We are working closely with Save The Waves and the Surfrider Foundation on the 5th Global Wave Conference, which will be held in Santa Cruz, California in October. The Global Wave Conference provides an unprecedented platform to promote the international efforts of the surfing, conservation and tech communities to better protect our priceless marine, surf and ocean heritage. Please visit www.globalwaveconference.org for more in on tickets and participation.
We'd love you to be part of these exciting and important community initiatives, and invite you to join us in our shared vision for Plastic Free Coastlines and cleaner beaches for everyone.
Join the movement at www.sas.org.uk/join, join us at a beach clean or connect with your local Regional Rep today.
Plastic pollution in our oceans is the 'new sewage' - it is Surfers Against Sewage's priority issue. We have a vision of plastic free coastlines and we invite to be part of the movement to clean up our beaches. Together we can make a big difference.
« Surfers Against Sewage – our work in 2016!


I have never met a houseplant I couldn't kill. Seriously. If you visit my home, you will see lovely yards, expertly cared for by my wonderful gardener who trims, fertilizes, transplants, and adjusts the timing of the automatic sprinkler system. Inside? There are no plants because I have the world's brownest thumb. I prefer to live in a house with plenty of windows from I enjoy the beautiful flowers and trees in my yard.
So I wasn't at all sure that I wanted to read, much less review Margot Berwin's debut novel, Hothouse Flower and the Nine Plants of Desire, because I really don't have any knowledge of or interest in horticulture. But after some urging by the folks at TLC Book Tours, I relented. And I'm glad I did!
Lila Nova is a 32-year-old divorced, childless advertising executive. After four years of marriage, her alcoholic husband left her and, in short order, left the next woman with whom he became involved, as well, which gave her some degree of satisfaction. Her newly renovated New York City studio apartment has absolutely no character. It's a box with white walls, parquet floor, and low ceilings. She decides that some foliage will "spruce the place up, no pun intended," so she stops at the Union Square Green Market. There she encounters a vendor named David Exley who convinces her to purchase a bird of paradise plant because it can thrive in her new apartment with its ample light and southern exposure.
Shortly thereafter, Lila happens upon a laundromat with lush, moist moss on the floor, tropical plants hanging from the ceilings, and green grass atop the washers and dryers. Bees, butterflies, and other creatures abound. It is a most unusual establishment where patrons line up outside the door in order to experience the tropical wonderland the eccentric proprietor, Armand, has created right in the middle of Manhattan. They also seek Armand's advice and counsel.
Hanging in the front window of the laundromat is a rare fire fern, from which Armand gives Lila a cutting. He instructs her to put it in water and keep it in a completely dark room — and let him know if she manages to get the clipping to take root. When she succeeds, Armand tells her about the myth of the nine plants of desire which, to Lila's surprise, he has managed to collect and keeps in the back room of the laundromat. The nine exotic species are so powerful that when one person amasses one of each of them, he or she will have everything that he or she desires, and eternal luck and happiness. But Armand will not let Lila see the plants yet and warns her not to tell anyone else that he has them.
Naturally, Lila does not heed Armand's warning . . . and the adventure begins. Before it is over, Lila will have braved the Mexican rain forest and learned the truth not only about Armand and the nine plants of desire, but also . . . about herself.
It's "Romancing the Stone" meets "Raiders of the Lost Ark," complete with mystery, intrigue, romance, a devilish villain, shamans, spirit animals, and the most exotic location imaginable full of dangerous, wild creatures like scorpions, rattle snakes, and panthers. Hothouse Flower and the Nine Plants of Desire is a fast-paced, unforgettable and genuinely mythic adventure. It is also incredibly funny, thanks to Lila's observations of the outlandish circumstances in which she finds herself and her tendency toward outbursts that reveal Lila and the reader are thinking the same thing at the same moment!
And then there's the plant mythology, all made up by Berwin. Armand DiMele was her real-life psychotherapist from whom she sought advice and counsel following her 2005 divorce. "He turned me on to plants," according to Berwin, a native New Yorker. "Whenever he would take this little scissor and start cutting them, I would get very focused on the plants and I was able to retain whatever he was telling me. The plants held my attention in a way nothing ever had." Walking through Manhattan one day, Berwin happened upon a laundromat in which there were a lot of plants. The Columbian owner told her that they thrived because of the mist from the washers and dryers, and gave her a cutting from one. That's how she got the idea for the character of Armand and the story of Hothouse Flower and the Nine Plants of Desire.
From there, she began researching exotic plants and actually cared for a bird of paradise. "It got so big I used to sit underneath it when I was writing the book," she said.
There is one additional plant that figures prominently in the story, but to tell you what plant it is or how it figures into the tale would spoil part of the fun of reading the book.
And fun is the best way to describe Hothouse Flower and the Nine Plants of Desire. It is pure escapism that will keep you guessing — and squirming as Lila encounters various creepy crawling creatures and even creepier humans, and gets herself into all sorts of awkward, terrifying situations and places.
Nonetheless, Lila's journey is epic. She learns the importance of knowing whom you can trust and, above all else, learning to trust your own instincts in order to discover who you really are and what will make you truly happy.
The movie version of Hothouse Flower and the Nine Plants of Desire is already in development with Julia Roberts scheduled to play Lila. And Berwin is planning to write a sequel to her dazzling, unusual, and thoroughly entertaining debut novel.
Fun is meant to be shared! So the author has graciously provided one (1) copy of the book for me to award to a lucky winner whose name will be selected at random!
Books can only be shipped to United States or Canadian addresses (no P.O. boxes).
The winner will be selected at random and announced soon thereafter.
I read Hothouse Flower and the Nine Plants of Desire in conjunction with the 2010 Read 'n' Review Challenge.
This book sounds like a fun read! Please include me in your giveaway. I am a GFC follower (Colleen Turner).
I am an email subscriber of Colloquium.
I am a Networked Blogs (Facebook follower) of Colloquium.
I'm a new GFC follower as sunshine9. This sounds like a fun book. I took some classes in floral design and horticulture and enjoy my yard.
I would love to read this book. Please count me in. I follow on GFC as Melanie L.
I'm the author of Hothouse Flower and I loved reading this review and the entire blog, really. I'm a new fan!
When I started the book I didn't know much about plants either. A lot of people will tell you to write about what you know, but I'm a big believer in writing about things you know nothing about. That's where all the fun is-in the learning process!
I had a blast writing this book and hope the people who commented here will enjoy it as well.
Thank you so much for your review. I just got home and read it and I'm thrilled!
If anyone here wants to connect with me, I'm on facebook and I really enjoy reader contact.
Margot: Thanks so much for stopping by & your kind remarks. I could have written much more about your book — and actually did, but deleted it — but it is such a unique story, and I felt that by saying more I would begin giving away critical story points. It was such a thrill ride for me, reading and being constantly surprised, that I want other readers to have the same experience!! I can't wait for the sequel and the movie sounds fabulous. Julia Roberts has never done a role that is so physical. Should be very interesting!
Hothouse Flowers and the 9 Plants of Desire. . . . . great title.
I am a new follower. Your book sounds really good.
J L Jackson recently posted..1200 Words-Day Challenge!
Sounds like a great book, and I'm in the brown thumb category too!
I'd like to win this book. It sounds like it would be fun to read.
Crazy Cat Lady recently posted..BLOGMANIA EXTRA ENTRY OPPORTUNITY AND FREE SHIPPING OFFER! SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT- GLITTER TART DESIGNS!
I entered your Blogfest giveaway also!
I'm on GFC as headlessfowl.
wow sounds awesome; great post.
Betty – Reflections with Coffee recently posted..Blogfest 2010 Giveaway!
entered your IF YOU LIVED HERE.. giveaway. Thanks.
Please enter me to your contest.
I'd love the chance to win this book!
I follow via Google. Please count me in. Thank you!
Thanks for this chance to enter.
I'm not entering the contest ;because I don't do the Friend connect thing. However, I did want to thank you for contributing to the Saturday Review at Semicolon. And I think the book sounds intriguing, although I agree that it may be a bit too botanical for my tastes. You have a gardener? Really? I want one.
Sherry: At first, I thought it sounded too botanical for my tastes, too. But I ended up really enjoying the book. And yes, I have a gardener. I have a very lovely yard, but I do not garden, mow, etc. I work very hard all week and there are certain things I gladly pay for, including my wonderful gardener and housekeeper.
I am an e-mail subscriber to this blog.
I am a FB fan of this blog.
Like you, my touch seems to be the kiss of death to formerly thriving, happy house and garden plants! Thanks for the review, because this sounds like a fun, cool read! I came over from Cym's party. I now follow (I thought I already did, but apparently not) on GFC as jewelknits.
This book sounds very interesting. I follow you as a GFC friend.


text:
By: Matthew Lee
If a Soccer Goalie Has His Hand on the Ball Can a Player Kick It?
Basketball Inbounding Rules
Fifa Soccer Rules for Handball
The Five Penalties of Soccer
Volleyball Rules for High School Girls
The Penalty for Passing the Ball to Your Soccer Goalie
In soccer, goalkeepers are the only players allowed to deliberately use their hands to play the ball while it is in bounds. To help ensure that such privileges are not used unfairly, a number of penalties limit the keeper's ability to handle the ball. Although keepers are allowed to receive passes from their own players, handling the ball immediately after a pass can result in different penalties depending on the circumstances.
What the Rule States
In both the U.S. Soccer Federation, or USSF, and FIFA's Laws of the Game, the pass-back rule states that a goalie cannot handle the ball within the penalty area after a deliberate pass from a teammate. While this may seem clear, the rule requires that the pass is deliberate, the ball does not touch any other player before reaching the keeper and the ball must be kicked, not played with other parts of the body. If the referee determines that all of these conditions are met, the opposing team is awarded with an indirect free kick, or one that cannot result in a goal, from where the ball was handled.
Penalties on Throw-Ins
Similar to the pass-back rule, the throw-in rule in USSF and FIFA Laws of the Game prohibits the keeper from handling the ball within the penalty area after a throw-in by a teammate. Provided the ball does not touch another player and the pass is determined to be intentional, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team from where the keeper handles the ball.
Trickery
Although it is permissible for a keeper to use her foot to play the ball after a direct pass, punishments may follow a play deemed to be an attempt at circumventing the Laws of the Game. Examples include deliberately heading, kneeing or using other parts of your body to pass the ball back to your keeper, as the pass-back rule states that the ball must be kicked. Known as "trickery," any attempt to deliberately avoid penalties for the pass-back rule can result in an indirect free kick being awarded to the opposing team from where the ball was last played. In addition, the offending player is given a yellow card, or caution, regardless of whether or not the keeper handles the ball -- the punishment applies to the attempt to circumvent the Laws, not its outcome.
Referee Interpretation
While the pass-back and throw-in rules state that the ball must be deliberately passed to the keeper, the pass does not need to go directly to the keeper for a free kick to be awarded. Throwing or kicking the ball through the penalty area, for example, may be viewed as indirect attempts at passing the ball back to the keeper, with punishments varying depending on whether or not this is viewed as an attempt to circumvent the laws. Although such indirect passes may be punished, the referee may determine that an apparently direct pass is an acceptable play depending on the circumstances. For example, if the referee determines that the ball went to the keeper due to an accidental deflection, poorly aimed throw-in, funny bounce or miskick, no penalty may be awarded.
FIFA: Laws of the Game 2013/2014
Ask a Soccer Referee: Pass-Back Rule
Matthew Lee has been writing professionally since 2007. Past and current research projects have explored the effect of a diagnosis of breast cancer on lifestyle and mental health and adherence to lifestyle-based (i.e. nutrition and exercise) and drug therapy treatment programs. He holds a Master of Arts in psychology from Carleton University and is working toward his doctorate in health psychology.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
How Sanctions Actually Help the Regime
dan dreznereuropean unionICANIranIran Sanctions News and AnalysisIranian Womenmiddle classprogressivismregimeRegime ChangeUnited Statesurban middle class
Although Iran has been under some form of sanctions since 1979, today it faces indiscriminate sanctions so severe that ordinary Iranian citizens are being hurt the most. Reports have already indicated that sanctions are adversely affecting public health, personal finance, public education, and progressive social movements in Iran. Still, Western lawmakers claim that this is the unfortunate price that must be paid in order for regime change in Iran to be possible. Their argument is simple and unproven: economic pressure will trigger popular unrest that eventually overthrows the regime. However, the demonstrated reality is quite different: sanctions are lending power to the regime, and in turn crippling the people who are crying for change.
In the past, the government's of sanctioned countries have been able to manipulate the effects of sanctions to reward supporters and disproportionally weaken opposition. Political scientist Dan Drezner explains: "In authoritarian regimes, leaders had an incentive to create private and excludable goods for supporters, as opposed to public goods for the mass citizenry." Robert Worth, a journalist for the New York Times, notes: "Ordinary Iranians complain that the sanctions are hurting them, while those at the top are unscathed, or even benefit. Many wealthy Iranians made huge profits in recent weeks by buying dollars at the government rate (available to insiders) and then selling them for almost twice as many rials on the soaring black market."
In addition to the regime's ability to manipulate sanctions to their benefit, women and the middle class have emerged as the two groups most severely affected by sanctions. Both groups are fundamental in Iran's quest for progressive social and political change, and the regime consistently fights to repress these efforts. Sanctions help the regime's efforts by impeding, and often reversing, the progress that these groups have struggled to make.
According to a recent report by the International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN), "Women are bearing the brunt of the economic and social impact of sanctions." In a deeply patriarchal society like Iran, opportunities for women are already limited. Although there has been recent progress, the economic hardship induced by sanctions has allowed the conservative government to push forward agendas that limit women's access to education and jobs, and encourage women to solely play the role of wife or mother. Less than ten years ago, before indiscriminate sanctions took effect, women regularly pushed back against this conservative agenda and were even effective in removing the quota system that limited women's access to higher education. However, today this system has been enacted, and many conservatives continue to argue that women should not receive higher education and do not belong in the work force. Even school age girls are suffering from sanctions, as they are increasingly at risk of not receiving an education: when faced with financial limitations, families are more inclined to choose boys when forced to decide which child will attend school.
By inhibiting women's role in the public sphere, the regime is effective in maintaining the male dominated society they desire, and silencing the demands of women. Educated women in all countries, classes, and races are key for effective social and political change. This holds true in Iran, as the ICAN report observes: "Educated women from middle and traditional working classes across rural and urban areas, among the rich and the poor, have been the primary engine of socio-political change in Iran. The demand for equal rights and equal socio-political, economic and cultural rights permeates every level of society." Thus, as sanctions disproportionally hurt women, hope for meaningful political, economic and social change in Iran diminishes.
URBAN MIDDLE CLASS:
The second group hurt most by indiscriminate sanctions is Iran's urban middle class. These are the same people that flooded the streets after the contested election in 2009, and were the base of the grassroots Green Movement. However, increasing economic hardship and the prospect of war has placed social activism on the backburner, as job security and safety have become more pressing concerns. The regime feels less threatened by middle class dissent; the economic hardship brought on by sanctions stifles this dissent even more effectively.
Sanctions aimed at weakening Iran through isolation are clearly succeeding if the intent was to keep middle class Iranians from traveling outside of Iran. While this may seem like a small price to pay, the reality is that sanctions are limiting access to international forums and conferences that could assist progressive change in Iran. The Iranian government already restricts many citizens from attending such conferences, but due to sanctions and new limitations on Iranian travel enacted by other countries, the middle class is increasingly unable to afford such luxuries.
Also, as we saw in 2009, the Internet and other communication tools are key for activists in Iran to increase awareness and build solidarity. However, by limiting access to secure and safe online communication tools, sanctions are aiding the regime in silencing the voices of activists who are pushing for social and political change.
The argument that sanctions help facilitate regime change is clearly not the case in Iran. Instead, sanctions are helping the regime solidify its power, while weakening the very groups that are fighting for change. The U.S. and EU should be holding the regime accountable for its repression, not weakening those who the regime fears most through indiscriminate sanctions.
Why is Venmo Targeting Norooz?
Iran Sanctions News and Analysisvenmo
An Ideological Echo-Chamber in the House of Representatives
CongressHearingsIran Sanctions News and Analysisnegotiations
WASHINGTON, DC — The final round of the Iran nuclear negotiations is underway, and public opinion across the United States is emphatically favorable—with the latest polling, from NBC, showing that Americans support a deal by a 2 to 1 margin. But sooner or later, it's Congress that will have to decide whether to approve the […]


text:
International Expert Visit
Media Release: CLI leading the way with international Smart Cities expert
The Cities Leadership Institute is leading the way in building smart cities knowledge and capability with Australian urban leaders.
From 23 – 27 July the Cities Leadership Institute will be hosting international smart cities expert Kip Harkness, Deputy City Manager of San Jose, California.
Mr Harkness has been instrumental in driving and delivering innovative technologies for the San Jose community. The city-wide approach and achievements to integrate technology to improve traffic safety, build the digital skills of residents, improve delivery and accessibility of city services and manage energy and water use have enhanced the lives and liveability of the city.
Mr Harkness serves as Deputy City Manager of San Jose and previously served as the Director of Technology Engagement at PayPal. Throughout his career, Mr Harkness has been instrumental in adopting innovative technologies into communities.
Faced with growing local populations, shifts in jobs types, and increased pressures on local roads, parks, schools and service, City leaders across Australia and the world can leverage technology and innovation to improve the way people travel, work, and live.
Mr Harkness will be holding immersive workshops, roundtables discussion and public talks with city leaders to develop and design solutions that meet the expectations and experiences of their communities.
"Technology and data driven decision making can be a real game changer for a city, but the solutions need to be solving real problems for real people in the community" Mr Harkness said.
"I am looking forward to working with Mayors, Councillors, officers from local and state government as well as industry leaders to tailor innovative solutions to deliver concrete benefits in economic opportunity and quality of life of life of their constituents"
Katherine O'Regan, Executive Director, Cities Leadership Institute said "City leadership is pivotal in shaping our cities and communities and it is a critical that these leaders know how technology and innovation can make a difference.
To hear from such an expert on smart cities is a ground-breaking opportunity for Australian urban leaders"
Media Contact: Evie Maguire 0447 089 546
About Cities Leadership Institute
The Cities Leadership Institute is an Australian not-for-profit dedicated to building the capacity of urban leaders to make cities, towns and communities great places.
Using its global reach and international networks, the Institute conducts a range of professional development programs, international exchanges and public forums for individuals and organisations across the public and private sector.
The Cities Leadership Institute partners with organisations and academic institutions around
Australia with shared values and objectives.
citiesleadership.com
Level 23, 45 Clarence Street
Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
info@citiesleadership.com


This is a placeholder page for David Kruithof, which means this person is not currently on this site. We do suggest using the tools below to find David Kruithof.
You are visiting the placeholder page for David Kruithof. This page is here because someone used our placeholder utility to look for David Kruithof. We created this page automatically in hopes David Kruithof would find it. If you are not David Kruithof, but are an alumni of Hunters Lane High School, register on this site for free now.


Well, my stern light has gone kaput. Turns out the interior contacts got corroded and broken. Anybody know if the guts of these lights are still sold somewhere?
I would like to keep the old fitting instead of buying a new stainless steel Perko (which would probably be the sensible thing to do). I need to replace that old wire too.
While I was procrastinating, I ran out and bought a portable stern light made by Aqua Signal. I only get about 4 hours of light for 4 batteries. But man, this light is bright.
I always wondered if the running lights on our old boats are as powerful as they should be. It seems alot of power boats out there have real bright running lights.
Maybe the working part of a new light will fit inside the old housing?
The internal electrical parts are standard. I picked up a bulb socket fitting from the local chandlery that fit fine. You do, however, have to break the solder fastening used to attach the socket to the light fixture.
My recollection is that the fitting (the entire assembly) is a standard Perko light, the same as you have. Only the insides have been changed to accept the new style light bulbs. You can replace it, if I recall without new screw holes. double check that for I may be wrong but don't think so.
A question came up on another thread about fixing navigation lights.
There could be a number of reasons why the the light doesn't work. The source of the problem is often corroded terminal ends or the socket.
You can try cutting back the wire a bit and making fresh connections, but its probably better just to run new wire.
The socket can be replaced with a standard brass "double contact bayonet socket". Often the old brass socket will have fused into the bronze housing, making removal difficult. If it really won't come out, you can punch the bottom out of the old socket and shove a plastic double contact bayonet socket in there. Its a little smaller than the brass one.
On old Commander 80 there is a fishing float sticking out of a hole in the cabin just forward of the cockpit to Starboard. In a corresponding hole on Port there is a nifty little red light.
I am going to go out on a limb here and guess that berfore I'm done I'll need a nifty little green light.
We are trying to do stay as close to original as possible. Does anyone have a source?
Original hardware for Ariels, Commanders, Triton's and etc., is no longer available. We do have a lead on the original patterns and a navel architecture school that may get possession. (Search on "Ronstand" for more info.) But, this is turning out to be like going through probate . . .
Is this the 'stuff' you guys are refering to?
Yes, that's the original Pearson hardware.
Make me an offer. I can't refuse.
I'll try to find the lower half of the stern light. It must be somewhere around here in one of these boxes. When we picked up 113 she had nav lights on the pushpit and pulpit so the original equipment wasn't in use anymore. The pevious owner was pretty good about not throwing anything away. Meaning she was fully loaded with stuff. I hesitate to call any of it junk.
and they say the only stupid question is the one you don't ask so, when do i need to turn on nav. lights, and which ones.... also, if i'm anchored somewhere, is a lantern in the backstay ok?
Is the one about 10' up on front of the mast called the steaming light? I've only been out after dark one time, came in with flashlight, sweeps, sheets...by myself. Learned to head back sooner!
Anyway, if i need that light when i'm out past curfew, i need a new one. Last one had been pieced together a few too many times, so i just took it off and retired it.
I thought that since Santa brought me a new Minn Kota to try out for marina maneuvers i better get the lights working. I guess you can call it being under power.(attn. cmdrpete) Will be interesting to see how it works. The sweeps are fine, but sure would be a lot simplier to have that thing in the well. Getting old and lazy. I need something for locking through the dams too on our summer river cruise. Can't wait! Happy new year.
The light on the front of the mast is the "steaming light." Its used when the boat is propelled by "machinery." A boat under oars shows the same lights as a boat under sail.
There is no required place for an anchor light. Its supposed to be an all-around white light, visible for two miles and displayed "where it can best be seen."
A good addition to anyone's sailing library is Chapman Piloting, Seamanship & Small Boat Handling. Very complete discussion of lights in chapter 6, "Navigation Lights and Day Shapes." Elbert S. Maloney is the editor. Publisher is Hearst Marine Books.
I have some good news for all of you, unless something has changed in the last year or two, and I don't think it has.
Those are all Perko fittings, and when I rehabed my little puppy, I replaced the port and starboard lights with the Perko - they are the same as the originals except for the type of light bulb - and I may have replaced the stern light as well. Even if Perko no longer carries them (which I think they do), they might have some that are bright and shiny lying around.
If you can't find them, let me know and I'll look up their catalog number.


text:
Q: PHP connection to remote MySQL database acces denied, but it does work in Java When I try to connect to a remote database using PHP I get an error saying: 'Access denied for user: ...'
I am new to PHP and I don't know if my code is correct, here is the code I am using.
<?php
$host = 'adress:port';
$username = 'username';
$password = 'password';
$dbname = 'name'

$con = new mysqli($host, $username, $password, $dbname);

if($con->connect_errno){
    die('Error ' . $this->con->connect_error);
}
echo 'Connected successfully!';
?>

All the variables are correct.
When I try the following code in Java I do have acces to said database.
import java.sql.*;
import java.util.Properties;

class MySQLConnect {
    private final String DATABASE_URL = "jdbc:mysql://adress:port/name";
    private final String USERNAME = "username";
    private final String PASSWORD = "password";

    private Connection connection;
    private Properties properties;

    public MySQLConnect() {
    }

    private Properties getProperties() {
        if (properties == null) {
            properties = new Properties();
            properties.setProperty("user", USERNAME);
            properties.setProperty("password", PASSWORD);
        }
        return properties;
    }

    public Connection connect() {
        if (connection == null) {
            try {
                connection = DriverManager.getConnection(DATABASE_URL, getProperties());
            } catch (SQLException e) {
                e.printStackTrace();
            }
        }
        return connection;
    }

}

public class Main {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Connection mySQLConnect = new MySQLConnect().connect();
        System.out.println(mySQLConnect);
    }
}

I know I have access to the database and I have permissions to login, but I can't seem to figure out how to connect with it in PHP. I have written the password and username correct, and I have tried alot of combinations for the $host variable but all of them do not work. Am I doing something wrong?

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Huge jump in GCSE results for TTA
Best year in school's history, with more students than ever achieving top grades
Students and staff at The Totteridge Academy are celebrating following the release of today's GCSE results, which have seen another sharp increase in performance for the third year running.
76% of students achieved a 'good pass' (Grade 4 or higher) in both English and maths, which is significantly above the national average. An impressive 86% of students achieved a Grade 4 or higher in English. Results in maths were particularly strong across the year group, where two out of every five students gained the highest grades of 9-7, equivalent to the old A* or A grade.
There were some particularly impressive individual achievements from students, including:
· Oscar Collins, who achieved seven grade 9s.
· Maddie Griffiths, Head Girl, achieved four grade 9s and three grade 7s.
· Julian Walker, who achieved four grade 9s and two grade 8s.
"These exceptional grades are a reflection of the relentless hard work of the students and staff at The Totteridge Academy and I am incredibly proud of our results today. In 2016, we committed to making The Totteridge Academy the most improved school in London within five years; to have a third successive increase in exam results is testament to the determination of the students and staff in making that happen. It is a privilege to be here celebrating their success with them today."
In addition to these stellar exam results, the school received a 'Good' rating from its Ofsted report in March 2019, where inspectors praised the 'harmonious and peaceful learning environment' and recognised both school leadership and student behaviour as 'Outstanding'. This year's new intake looks set to be its largest ever, as the academy continues to grow in popularity amongst local families.
Maddie Griffiths, who achieved four 9s and three grade 7s, said of her results:
"I am shocked and I am really happy with what I got. It has 100% been worth all the hard work this year. I have had an amazing time at TTA and thank you to all the teachers."
Her mother added:
"She couldn't have done any better anywhere else. Everyone has got to send their kids here – it is such a wonderful school. Thank you to all the staff for all of their support throughout."
Julian Walker, who achieved four grade 9s and two grade 8s, said:
"There are no words to describe this feeling, I can't believe it. All of us worked our socks off and it has all been worth it. There is nothing that beats this feeling!"


Culligan Whole House Water Filters can make a dramatic difference in your home. Nothing transforms your home's water quite like Culligan Whole House Water Filter Systems. With a simple filtration installation by your Culligan Man, you'll see and taste the difference throughout your whole house right away!
Culligan offers numerous water filters designed to target the specific challenges of your home's water. Whether that is smelly water due to sulfur or rust stains in your bathtub caused by iron, Culligan has the tools and experience required to solve the toughest water problems.
Culligan is experienced with all types of problem water so you can rest assured that your family's water is in good hands with your local Culligan Man.


text:
Rugby Union Safety Tips
Preparation and safety during the game
Facts and safety tips for rugby union players
Rugby union is a popular football code, with approximately 120,000 Australians participating. There are five main groups of players at varying risk of sustaining an injury.
The International Rugby Board (IRB) administers the sport and its laws in over 100 countries. In Australia, the game is governed by the Australian Rugby Union (ARU).
Competitions are played across junior to adult community, from recreational to elite levels such as the national team, the Wallabies.
Most players are male (90%), and people of most ages participate.
A game involves two opposing teams, of either 15 players (8 forwards and 7 backs) plus reserves or Sevens (7 a side) and Tens (10 a side).
Rugby union is a contact sport with repeated anaerobic bursts interspersed with short recovery periods.
Players require strength, speed, agility, ball handling/kicking skills, and mental skills. Some playing positions require specific skills (e.g. jumping, precision kicking).
Carrying, passing, kicking and grounding the ball over the opposing team's try-line are the game's attacking features. Tackling is the main defensive feature.
Facts about rugby union injuries
Players at risk of injury
There are five main groups of players at varying risk of sustaining an injury. Injury risk decreases through the following groups of players:
Professional/elite
Men's grades
Women's grades
Schoolboy/schoolgirl grades and children/adolescents involved in organised competitions
Recreational/social or non-competitive
Injury also varies according to player position.
Common injuries in rugby union
Most injuries are classified as "mild/minor" or "severe".
In men's rugby, the lower limb is the most commonly injured site (34-48% of all injuries).
The upper limb is also frequently injured (15-29% of all injuries).
The head/face accounts for 14-27% of all injuries.
Schoolboy rugby and women's rugby have a higher incidence of injury to the head and face, including concussion, than do other levels of rugby union.
A high proportion (33-56%) of injuries occurs during the tackle phase of the game.
Preventing rugby union injuries
Effective injury prevention involves a host of measures such as physical preparation (e.g. conditioning, warming-up, stretching and cooling-down); skill and technique development; use of protective equipment; enforcement of game laws; rule/law changes; and the management of general safety issues by administrators, coaches, referees and other personnel.
The following safety tips apply to all players, irrespective of the level of play.
Physical preparation
Players should undertake physical pre-season preparation during the off-season, and obtain advice on their conditioning program from either a coach or fitness advisor.
Players should develop their individual and team skills, with guidance from their coach, before playing in competitive situations.
Pre-participation screening
Children, new players and those older than 35 years, should consider undergoing preparticipation medical screening, with a qualified and experienced practitioner (e.g. sports physician or a general practitioner with sports medicine interest).
Players should be prepared to accept the advice of a sports medicine professional that they should not play if they have a condition that places them at risk of injury.
Warm-up and cool-down procedures
A standard warm-up (15-30min) should consist of aerobic activity, stretching and skills practice immediately before a game.
Players should follow a regular stretching programme to increase and maintain flexibility.
Players should use correct techniques for regular stretching. Regular checking by a coach or trainer is advised.
Safety during the game
Tackling should be the focus of regular skill straining and be progressively introduced to players.
At the breakdown, players should try to remain on their feet. Training of team play for the breakdown is important, as is the prevention of foul play.
Correct techniques for de-powering the scrum as specified by the ARU must be followed at all times.
Mouthguards should be worn at all times during games and practices in which impacts to the teeth and jaw are possible. Players, especially those in more vulnerable positions and higher grades, should choose custom-fabricated mouthguards.
Mouthguards should be checked every two years. Mouthguards should be replaced if damaged or broken. Replacement should be more frequent for growing children.
Players should recognise that injuries to either themselves or other players can still occur with the use of protective equipment.
Injured players should return to play only after appropriate rehabilitation to regain their strength, fitness and mobility.
Players should only wear correct footwear, as specified by Law 4, which is maintained to allow for optimal training and the rehabilitation of injuries.
Players with a previous severe injury should consult their sports medicine practitioner about the value of using protective equipment in their individual case.
To make an enquiry about rugby union injuries - phone (02) 9764 3131 or fill out our contact form.
View all our fact sheets


This report examines the Indian education system from kindergarten to college and highlights opportunities for vendor strategists. It is now an acknowledged fact in India that emerging technologies are providing new ways to supplement and complement educational resources to meet the challenges of the 21st century, and every aspect of introducing information and communication technologies to schools is given serious consideration by various state governments. The report offers an overview of IT solutions, deployment trends, and primary suppliers within Indian educational institutions. Additionally, software, services, and hardware are discussed. Microsoft, IBM, NIIT, and Oracle are profiled.


Recently we had a little family outing in San Antonio, which included seeing my mother who lives there, in our same house in the same old neighborhood. It's fun to return to your old stomping grounds, so to speak, and see things in a new way (that is, through a camera). You certainly do look at things differently once you become addicted to camera work. After a wonderful dinner, I started noticing the soft, warm colors in the sky and got the itch to snap a few pictures. The spots I had in mind were either too far away to make it before dark, or closed in the case of one place in particular that we tried. So, I asked my mother if that old neighborhood pond is still around, and of course it is. We cruised up there and she took a little walk while I did a little photography. It was a quiet evening, and the air was still, but it was comfortably cool outside which is just how I like it. It's rare that I shoot in a neighborhood, but in this case I liked the light while the sun was fading and the reflections of the various lights in the water.
This is a 6 exposure HDR taken at f/5, with exposures ranging from +1 to -4. They were merged into an HDR in Photomatix, and then I did some of my typical adjustments in PSE around Curves and Contrast. Final touch up occurred in Aperture.
By the way, have you heard about the IOSafe Solo? It is an external hard drive that is both waterproof and fireproof. It is awesome! I recently got one and wrote a little review of it, which you can find here. Check it out!


Should have a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering from a recognised University or deemed university or an institution recognised by UGC/AICTE.
Minimum 5 Years Post Qualification Work Experience.
Applications will be entertained only on prescribed form, which may be downloaded from the website (www.siidcul,com) of the company. The application shall be submitted online in the prescribed manner after duly filling in all the details. A printout (hard copy) of the application submitted online would also mandatorily have to be submitted duly signed along with self attested copies of testimonials of academic qualifications, experience etc. In case the printout (hard copy) is not received within the due date and time such online application would not be considered as valid. In case of difficulty in submitting application online, the applicant may also submit the application in the prescribed format by speed post or registered post or personally by hand. The selection of the candidates will be provisional till they submit their original documents in proof of their qualification, experience etc. for verification. The last date for submission of duly completed application before the Managing Director, State Infrastructure and Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited (SIIDCUL), 29, IIE Sahastradhara Road (IT Park), Dehradun-248001 is 2nd May, 2016 by 4.30 P.M. Applications received after the last date shall be rejected summarily. The envelope containing application should be superscripted, "Application for Recruitment of (Name of Post) – 2016". Applicants who would be called for interview shall be intimated about the date, time and place of interview by post and/or e-mail as per the address/e-mail given in the application. Therefore please ensure that address and e-mail given in the application is complete and valid.
A hand on working experience in a computerized environment is essential. The candidate must possess fair knowledge of usages of spoken and written Hindi and English. All the qualifications should have been obtained from some recognised Institution/Board/University otherwise it would not be considered. No person shall be recruited unless he/ she is in good mental and bodily health and free from any physical defect likely to interfere with the efficient performance of official duties. Before a candidate is finally approved for appointment he/ she shall be required to produce a medical certificate of physical fitness. A male candidate who has more than one wife living or a female candidate who has married a person already having a wife living shall not be eligible for the recruitment. Applicant who is claiming to be from a or related to any specific category must submit the relevant certificate to this effect in the prescribed format issued by the competent officer/authority of the Uttarakhand State along with the application form otherwise he or she would be considered as a candidate from general category and no application subsequently submitted for change in category shall be entertained. Just because applicant fulfils the eligibility criteria may not be sufficient for being called for written test and/or interview. In case the number of applicants is high applicants may be shortlisted based on qualifications and experience etc. of the individual applicant and keeping in mind the number of posts to be filled. Condition regarding upper age limit may be relaxed in case of eligible departmental candidates. Unless otherwise mentioned elsewhere applicants called for written test and/or interview shall have to bear travel expenses and other expenses for appearing in written test and/or interview themselves and shall not be reimbursable. Any legal proceeding for any dispute or claim regarding this advertisement and/or regarding application(s) received on the basis of this advertisement can only be initiated in a court /tribunal /forum situated in Dehradun and having jurisdiction over the matter. Applicant found indulging in any sort of lobbying or attempting to take any undue advantage of whatsoever manner shall be considered ineligible for recruitment. For one post applicant shall submit only one application. In case where applicant submits more than one application for one and same post all his applications may be considered as ineligible. Application found incomplete, wrongly filled, in any way giving confusion or unsigned or received late may not be considered. If due to incomplete/wrong/unclear present address or e-mail address submitted by the applicant any information is not received by the applicant, SIIDCUL shall not be responsible for that. Only those applications which have been received in prescribed manner and form shall be considered. SIIDCUL shall not be responsible for not considering any application received late or those lost in transit. Application by Government servant should be forwarded only through proper channel. Along with application a certificate to the effect that no disciplinary proceeding or vigilance matter is pending against the applicant shall be submitted. Where for some reason application could not be forwarded through proper channel at the time of applying, at the time of interview "No Objection Certificate of the Department" shall have to be submitted by the applicant. SIIDCUL shall always have the right to cancel the recruitment process completely or partially at any time or stage without assigning any reason.
Should have a Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Electrical Engineering from a recognised University or deemed university or an institution recognised by UGC/AICTE. "OR" should have a MBA or Post Graduate Diploma in Management(PGDM) or equivalent degree with major specialization in Marketing from a University/Deemed University or from any other institution recognised for this purpose by the UGC/ AICTE of minimum 2 years duration "OR" should be a Graduate from any recognised University/Deemed University with minimum 50% marks.
Minimum 5 years Post Qualification Work Experience for Management or Engineering Graduates and minimum 10 Years post qualification work experience for other Graduates.
Should have minimum M.Com (Master of Commerce) degree from any University/Deemed University.
Minimum 03 Years Post Qualification Work Experience.
Should be a Graduate from any recognised University/Deemed University with minimum 50% marks.
Minimum 1 Year Post Qualification Experience.
Should be Minimum 10th Pass with valid Driving License for driving Personal/Commercial Vehicles.
Minimum 5 Years Work Experience as Driver.
State Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand recruits Driver, Receptionist, Assistant Manager (Accounts), Regional Manager, Manager (Electrical) Posts. Candidates with Graduate, M.Com can apply.
SIIDCUL, a Government of Uttarakhand Enterprise, was incorporated as a Limited Company in the year 2002 with an authorised share capital of Rs. 50 Crores and Rs. 28.50 Crores paid up capital through Government of Uttarakhand in order to promote Industrial development in the State, provide financial assistance in the shape of debt, equity, venture capital, develop infrastructure and assist private initiative in Industry and Infrastructure and implement, manage projects and provide specialized financial, consultancy and construction and all such other activities to promote industries and develop Industrial Infrastructure in the State of Uttarakhand directly or through Special Purpose Vehicles, Joint Ventures, assisted companies etc. SIIDCUL Office Besides the State Government, SIIDCUL has equity participation from UBI, OBC and SIDBI.


Rain Bird 1800 1804 Pop Up sprinkler -10cm - Stock Prices!
Rain Bird 1800 - Pop-up Spray Heads - N°1 Selling Spray Head for 25 years! Co-molded wiper seal is molded into the cap and features an encased plastic "cage" to provide unmatched resistance to grit, pressure, and the environment. Additionally, the pressure-activated, multi-function seal design assures a positive seal without excess "flow-by" which enables more heads to be installed on the same valve.
Strong stainless steel spring provides reliable stem retraction. Two-piece ratchet mechanism on all models allows easy nozzle pattern alignment and provides added durability.


Beckel often gets a lot of heat for his politics, even dislocating his finger recently in an altercation with a viewer outside of the Fox News building. He said he gets a lot of angry emails, but he also hears from a lot of Fox's conservative viewers that he is their favorite liberal.
"I think what makes 'The Five' work is that we've got good chemistry and we don't carry it off the set […]I think people wanna hear people differ but they don't wanna hear people scream about it," Beckel told Howard Kurtz.
Beckel, who is often defending President Barack Obama, said he believes the White House has a messaging problem.
"I'm surprised that a guy [who's] as articulate as that can't express himself or besides that, get behind the message, that's the real problem," he said.
Beckel said one of the problems with ObamaCare is that the White House set expectations high and couldn't meet them.
Kurtz and Beckel also discussed Beckel's role as Walter Mondale's campaign manager in 1984. Mondale lost 49 states in a presidential race against Ronald Reagan.
"Only in America can you manage the largest loss in the history of politics and get on air as a political analyst," Beckel said.


On Wednesday, 9 May, 2012, netizens who flock to various citizen-run news websites such as Zambian Watchdog and Tumfweko were met with "page not available" or messages to similar effect. As frustrating at not accessing the websites that have come to be known for their expose stories as it was, the non-technical readers dismissed it as one of those things the internet threw at you once in a while.
PF government agents last Wednesday carried out their most ambitious attack on the Zambian Watchdog website with view of destroying it.
The attackers have used Optima/Darkness DDoS botnet that is popular in the Russian-speaking cybercrime black market.
The Attack caused inaccessibility to the news for close to 8 hours.
Other websites like http://www.tumfweko.com were also brought down that day.
President Sata looking at the Facebook page of opposition MMD MP Dora Siliya. Picture courtesy of McLan Mkuni on the Bemba vs Nyanja: Miponto Sha Ci Mbuya group page.
Although difficult to prove that the attack was carried out by the PF government, the relationship between the Zambian Watchdog and the PF has not been all rosy even as an opposition party before the 2011 elections. President Michael Sata's statement when he swore in Attorney General Mumba Malila shortly after he took up the president did not help matters.
Chilling though, was a story that was reported earlier this year that the government had released K5 billion or US$1 million to send police and security staff around the world to train them to hack the targeted websites.
Watchdog comment: The Watchdog is aware of the hackers sponsored by the PF government to wipe out all Independent news websites in Zambia.
About K5 billion tax payers money has been released to government agents and some have been sent to China and other countries to learn how to hack websites. Even though we hear that most of this money has been used on beer and prostitutes.
Graph of the distribution of DDoS attacks on Zambian Watchdog. Image source: zambianwatchdog.com.
A Wikipedia entry claiming that President Sata had been assassinated did not help matters in the relationship between citizen news websites and the government. It was shortly after that incident that the reported K5 billion was released for the war against recalcitrant news websites.
The PF will soon run out of cash in their quest to close critical online publications.Even if ZWD is brought down today, another one will immediately be setup by the same owners. The PF will have to subcontract the Vietnamese and Russians at what cost? Because we all know that PF has no capacity to even learn how to go about this whole process.Its a party of thick heards. I mean the president is a grade ZERO ZERO ZERO. Please hear this: ONLINE NEWS IS HERE TO STAY. FINITO!!! This is just a tip of the iceberg, ZWD and the rest of these online newspapers has'nt even reached their optimum. Its too early to press the panic button ba kaponya imwe [you louts].
DoS attacks don't come cheap and are difficult to sustain.
If the PF really is behind this then some great use of our tax money, huh? No price too high to pay for suppressing freedom of speech? Guess I missed that line in the PF Manifesto.
I DONT THINK A SERIOUS GOVT. CAN LOSE SLEEP OVER A SMALL,BIASED,TRIBAL AND UNETHICAL WEBSITE. THESE ALLEGATIONS ARE TOTALLY BASELESS.
The PF government has heightened its internet crack down on citizens who use to discuss matters that affect them.
But the crackdown on the Internet may land the Zambian government in trouble as it risks being listed as one of the Internet enemies.
The government through its secret service is now monitoring and gathering Internet Protocol (IP) addresses of people who regularly comment on political matters on popular news websites or social media like Facebook and Twitter.
As example, the Zambia Media Forum, a private discussion group has been invaded by state agents who are passing on details of group members to the state.
Zambia Medium Forum is a discussion group whose members are mostly Zambian journalists and Civil Society activists. Some of the members work for government and parastatal companies.
Last week, at least three members of the Forum were interrogated by OP [Office of the Predisent] agents from their respective offices.


One day Intra Departmental Seminar Competition organised by ECE Dept. on 14th Aug, 2015 in AIEM Campus.
One day Seminar on "Advanced Semiconductor Device Modeling & Fabrication Competition" organised by ECE Dept. in collaboration with IEEE EDS CALCUTTA CHAPTER on 15th Nov, 2014 in AIEM Campus.


Hello and Happy Sunday West Main Followers!
In today's post I am sharing a step by step tutorial for creating a grid gallery wall at home. The gallery wall trend has been popular for some time now and for good reason– it's a great way to give you home personality and character without cluttering your coffee table and mantle with picture frames!
The variety and style of gallery wall options is endless, but in today's tutorial I am focusing on the grid style. At first glance the grid gallery wall looks super intimidating– how in the heck am I going to get 12 picture frames perfectly aligned and spaced evenly?! The trick is in the prep work– as you will see in the tutorial below, there are several steps to complete before hanging the first photo. But I promise, all that prep work cut my time in half when it came to installing this wall of photos!
Choose a frame size and amount that is proportional with the wall space you plan to fill. I centered my gallery on the wall so that as people take a look they are not stretching to see the top photos, but also don't have to bend down to see the bottom row.
Decide on a theme or specific event to plan the wall around. This will help give your wall a cohesive well collected look. In my case, we just returned from a trip to Patagonia and I wanted a place to share all the beautiful photos we captured while there.
Be sure all the photos are in the same layout– I went with a landscape layout because we did not have enough vertical photos to fill the wall space.
This wall is a place to highlight your photos or artwork so choose a simple frame. I went with this Ribba frame from Ikea because it came pre-matted, and the white really allows the color photos to pop. Also these frames are only $5 which means I completed this entire project for less than $100!
Now that you have a space chosen and a theme for your wall, it's time to learn how to hang it! Below are your 11 simple steps to creating your own grid gallery wall!
1. Trace the frame size onto a piece of poster board. This will be your master template. Make templates for the number of frames you plan to use, then cut them all out. This will allow you to get a really good visual for what the finished product will look like.
2. Measure the placement of the picture hanger on the back of the picture frame. Take that measurement, then mark it with a small dot on each of your templates. This detali will save you lots of time in future steps.
3. Before hanging templates, decide where the gallery wall will start. Make a couple of small dots on the wall to mark the starting spot. An extra set of hands on this step is super helpful! My husband held the level to make sure my dots were straight, then I used painter's tape to mark my line. (For reference, the bottom edge of the tape is my starting point for hanging the frames).
4. Time to start taping up the templates. Once again, you will need to establish your starting point for the first template. Next, decide the space you want between each frame. Be sure to measure at top and bottom, ensuring everything is level and evenly spaced.
5. As you start adding rows, you will need to measure the spacing between each frame, as well as between each row. For reference, I used 1″ spacing between the frames and each row to keep it uniform.
6. Remember those nail holes we marked earlier on the templates? These will serve as a way to double-check that all your measurements and spacing are level.
Once the first row is up, grab your level and double-check that things are lining up.
7. Take a step back and check out your work! This is the time to ensure you like the spacing and layout of your grid wall. It is much easier to make changes now with the poster board, rather than removing nails and frames later on.
8. Once you are happy with your layout, grab a hammer and a nail. Hammer your nail into that marking hole we made on each template. Once you have made a small hole, pull the nail out.
Once each nail hole has been made, pull off all of the templates and starting tape line.
9. Instead of hanging my frames with basic nails, I chose these picture hangers from Monkey Hook. If you have never used these before, run out to Home Depot right now! My husband discovered these when we started hanging pictures in our home, and not only are they super easy, but they secure your frames much better than a single nail.
10. Insert your Monkey Hook into the pre-made nail hole. Push straight in until only the hook portion is exposed.
11. Final step is to hang your frames and admire your work!
Below are a couple of Before & After shots where I placed our gallery wall. It is the main hall that leads from our front door and as you can see in the photo, it is not a very wide space. The gallery wall provides color and visual interest without taking away any space for foot traffic in the narrow hall.
So that's it! Around $70 for all my supplies and about 3 hours of work to get this project up and complete. I would love to hear your thoughts on the tutorial– please share in the comments below!


Doulas have a lasting effect on their clients–on the way they remember their births, on how they nurture their babies, how they perceive themselves and their partners, and on how they portray the image of what birth can and should be to to others. As a doula, you can make a difference.
Many women who become doulas have a shared set of characteristics, and if you've answered "yes" to a majority of these questions, you are one of us! We are "birth junkies" and we can't get enough of this wonderful, exciting time of life.
The following questionnaire contains scenarios that a doula must be prepared for, if she is truly committed to providing her clients with continuous, loving care. This is not intended to frighten potential doulas; rather it is one tool for a doula or potential doula to use while setting up her practice. If after consideration of these points, you are feeling overwhelmed, Don't Panic! Everyone–every new doula and midwife–experiences some misgivings when she realizes just how much commitment comes with supporting birthing women.
There are answers to your concerns, but first we have to identify them….. after that, it's time to really work through the areas that you feel need improvement. Ideally, your doula trainer would serve as a source of this kind of information. This is why your choice of trainers is so important. At Working Woman we strive to provide you with the most unique, professional and nurturing experience possible. We will provide you with continuing support, mentor and birth networking, and a invitation to an established doula community.
____ 1. I am healthy and able to stay awake for long periods of time, conceivably much more than 24 hours.
____ 2. I am healthy and able to physically support a woman throughout her labor, using massage, and helping to support her physically in a variety of positions.
____ 3. I have support for my own children during my absence.
____ 4. My spouse/partner/family is supportive of my work as a doula.
____ 5. I have support for my children if I am gone overnight.
____ 6. My nursing baby will accept pumped milk from a bottle during my absence, or some other feeding arrangement is worked out.
____ 7. I have support for my children when the working day starts, and throughout the working day.
____ 8. I have support for my children if they are sick while I am working.
____ 9. I have backup for my work as a doula.
____ 10. I have back-up for my childcare/support if needed.
____ 11. I have backup for my back-up for my childcare/support if needed (I'm not joking here).
____ 12. I have reliable transportation.
____ 13. I am comfortable being alone at night, walking into and out of hospitals, birth centers, or people's homes.
____ 14. I have identified areas (locations) which I am comfortable traveling to.
____ 15. I recognize that every pregnant woman has a "due month", expecting her baby on average two weeks on either side of her "due date". I realize, then, that I am on call for that entire month.
____ 16. I have identified how life "on call" will impact family birthdays, holidays, and events.
Thank you to the very talented Jackie Kelleher for allowing us to use her wonderfully designed questionnaire. Please check out www.idoula.com to find out about what doulas in the PA and MA areas are up too.


text:
Home >> Blogs >> Editor's blog >> Funny....You Don't Look Jewish
Funny....You Don't Look Jewish
With the explosion of film festivals over the past two decades, no specialized genre has been more potent, and had more loyal audiences, than the Jewish film festival, which has become a cultural staple in communities across North America, Europe and South America. In all, there may be almost 300 of these events in a given year.....each a mix of film appreciation and something more fundamental, an opportunity for the Jewish community (and those involved with them) to sample an international mix of fiction, documentaries, short subject and even animation that speak to and of the Jewish soul.
One of the oldest, and certainly the most prestigious, of these film events has launched this past week in New York City, home to the largest population of Jews outside of Israel. The New York Jewish Film Festival (NYJFF) is a bellweather showcase for world cinema that investigates, records, and celebrates the Jewish experience. Founded in 1992, the annual Festival is a collaboration between The Jewish Museum and the Film Society of Lincoln Center. This year, a total of 32 shorts, dramas, and documentaries from Germany, Hungary, France, Argentina, Russia, the US, Mexico, Canada, Israel, the United Kingdom, and Austria add up to an exhilarating worldwide journey. To mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel, this year's festival showcases ten new Israeli films. And finally, there is the festival-within-the-festival, a four ftitle mini-retrospective of the films by the late Austrian stage, television, and film director Axel Corti.
Among this year's highlights:
--The US Premiere of A SECRET, the semi-autobiographical film by French auteur Claude Miller, which shared the Grand Prix des Ameriques at the Montreal World Film Festival this year. In postwar Paris, a young boy discovers the tragic consequences of his parents' mutual attraction during the Nazi occupation. Claude Miller portrays a family consumed with guilt, jealousy, fear and loss in seemingly idyllic rural and urban landscapes. The cast features some of today's most celebrated French actors including Cécile de France, Mathieu Amalric, Patrick Bruel, Julie Depardieu and Ludivine Sagnier.
--The NY Premiere of TEHILIM by Israeli director Raphael Nadjari. In this riveting and enigmatic drama selected for competition at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival, a father inexplicably vanishes in Jerusalem. Unable to mourn, his secular wife retreats into silence while the Orthodox family members gather to recite Psalms (tehilim). With the best of intentions, the sons try to bring their father back through an improvised ritual.
--The NY Premiere of ORTHODOX STANCE from American director Jason Hutt. In this inspirational story, a 20-something Russian immigrant is improbably equally devoted to the seemingly disparate worlds of professional boxing and Orthodox Judaism. The film follows the boxer from a dilapidated Orthodox synagogue to an amateur gym and to boxing rings in Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
--The NY Premiere of BEAUFORT by Israeli director Joseph Cedar. In this absorbing military story, a brash, young commander must defend Beaufort Castle, the last outpost in southern Lebanon that Israel held before the army's withdrawal in 2000. Hiding in underground tunnels and bunkers, the lieutenant tries in vain to protect his troops from Hezbollah missiles and low morale. This powerful and heartbreaking drama is Israel's official submission to the Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Film category.
--A retrospective screening of LOVE ONE ANOTHER, a silent classic from 1922 by the Danish auteur Carl Dreyer. In a rare film screening, the world of the shtetl (the Jewish village) in Czarist Russia is reproduced with astonishing emotional depth in this rarely seen and unsung classic. A young Jewish girl moves to St. Petersburg, falls in love with a revolutionary, flees the police, and returns to her village just as a pogrom breaks out. Featuring a cast from the Moscow Art Theater—the film is not only Dr. Zhivago-like epic entertainment but also a grand protest against the anti-Semitism that was to sweep over Europe one decade later. The screening, with piano accompaniment by Ben Model, will be introduced by J. Hoberman, senior film critic of the Village Voice.
For a complete description of all the films in the series, schedule information, and how to purchase advanced tickets (most of these films do sell out), log on to the websites of the Film Society of Lincoln Center: www.filmlinc.com or The Jewish Museum: http://www.thejewishmuseum.org/NYJFF2008
Sandy Mandelberger, Film New York Editor on fest21.com
Cat. : A Secret Argentina army Atlantic City Austria Axel Corti Ben Model Canada Cannes Film Festival Carl Dreyer Cinema of France Cinema of Israel Claude Miller Entertainment Entertainment Europe Film New York Films France Germany Hizballah Hungary Israel Jason Hutt JÉRUSALEM Jewish Museum Joseph Cedar Joseph Cedar Julie Depardieu Las Vegas Lincoln Ludivine Sagnier Ludivine Sagnier Mathieu Amalric Mexico Montréal Moscow New York New York City New York Jewish Film Festival North America Paris Patrick Bruel Raphael Nadjari Raphael Nadjari Religion Religion Russia Sandy Mandelberger South America Sports Sports St. Petersburg Technology Technology Tehilim the 2007 Cannes Film Festival the Academy Awards the Film Society of Lincoln Center the Jewish Film Festival the Montreal World Film Festival the New York Jewish Film Festival The Village Voice United Kingdom


The Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course will help you prepare for the unexpected. This fast-paced, hands-on training is designed to meet the needs of trip leaders, camp staff, outdoor enthusiasts, and individuals working in remote locations. It will introduce you to caring for people who become ill or injured far from definitive medical care. Classroom lectures and demonstrations are combined with realistic scenarios where mock patients will challenge you to integrate your learning. At the end of the course, you'll have the knowledge, skills and ability to make sound decisions in emergency situations.
This course may also be used to recertify NOLS Wilderness Medicine Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and NOLS Wilderness Medicine WEMT (wilderness portion only) certifications.


text:
What Does Sports Do With a Problem Like Iran?
Despite global outcry, Navid Afkari has been executed. A national-level wrestler in Iran, his case drew attention from the sporting community, including athletes, the International Olympic Committee (I.O.C.), Global Athlete, the World Players Association, and even the MMA, and beyond, as the murky circumstances of his trial and sentencing have all the earmarks of a sham trial and punishment-as-an-example.
Unfortunately, the world's sports leaders' opinions didn't matter much. Accused of the murder of a security guard during protests against the government, Afkari's alleged crime was not directly connected to his athletics or competition — although his sentencing was certainly due to his high national profile as an athlete.
Afkari's death may hopefully serve a purpose in sport, as it now brings more attention to the broader complications of Iran on the global sports stage. The country has long made sports a platform for political expression, a provocation against the ideals of pure competition, outlined in places such as the Olympic Charter.
At the Athens 2004 Olympics, Iranian judoka Arash Miresmaeili no-showed for his first round 66-kilogram match and was promptly disqualified. For an athlete who was his nation's flag-bearer at the Opening Ceremony, and already a two-time Asian Champion and two-time World Champion in that weight class, and maybe the favorite for the gold medal, such carelessness was surprising, at minimum.
Officially, Miresmaeili was reported as having failed a pre-match weigh-in. But surely something more nefarious than a reckless diet was afoot; his opponent in that first match was Ehud Vaks, an Israeli. Ahead of the competition, Miresmaeili lobbied a personal boycott of the tournament, in objection to Team Israel's presence, and in support of Iran's official antagonism against Israel. Had his official withdrawal been recorded as politically motivated — as he had threatened earlier — Iran's judo federation would have faced discipline. Luckily for him, and for Team Iran, Games authorities and judo record books accepted his excuse and a deeper political scandal was avoided.
But this was surely at the expense of Team Israel's dignity and a breach of the Olympic Charter, which prohibits politicization of competition and fair access. Most outrageously, Miresmaeili was congratulated back home and awarded the same governmental prize as gold medalists. He also was elected later as the president of Iran's judo federation.
It was not the first time Israel has faced such protests on the athletic field. It wasn't even the first in judo. In 2001, Hamed Malekmohammadi defaulted his match against Yoel Razvozov at the World Championships. And the list goes on — not just in judo, but swimming, taekwondo, fencing, badminton, and more. Other nationalities have been culprits as well, but Iranians far outpace others in these self-appointed boycotts.
Fast forward to 2019, when Iranian Saied Mollaei defected to Germany after not agreeing to withdraw from the Judo World Championships to avoid a potential matchup against Israeli Sagi Muki in the final. Other high-profile defections have occurred since as well.
Notably, Mollaei's allegations of withdrawal pressure came after Iran reportedly agreed — directly to the International Judo Federation — to allow free competition against Israelis.
If that is true, a subsequent reassurance to the I.O.C. surely cannot be trusted by I.O.C. president Thomas Bach, can it? It would be convenient for Bach to believe it so. Chances are he'll be tested on this in short order.
The refreshing chink in Iran's boycott armor provided by Mollaei was buoyed by the subsequent indefinite suspension of Iran's judo federation. (Note: the Iranians are appealing.)
Back to the present. As Afkari's death shows, the Iranian government still does see sports figures as political pawns, and the temptation to do so again on the Olympic and world stage may be too much.
Currently, soccer World Cup organizers are under pressure to ensure Iran eases restrictions on women watching soccer live. This comes on the heels of Sahar Khodayari committing suicide after arrest when attempting to watch a men's soccer match. Her crime? Just that — trying to watch a soccer game live. That this has prompted much belated scrutiny on upcoming World Cup qualifiers to be held in Iran is welcome.
Between backlash from Afkari's and Khodayari's deaths and the rising defections, perhaps momentum may be here to challenge Iranian status quo in abusing sports. Its sports must remain free of politicization, and the world's sporting bodies must take advantage of this momentum. Organizations such as Global Athlete are trying to keep pressure on United World Wrestling and the I.O.C. following the Afkari tragedy, and the other groups must follow.
Iranian athletes excel internationally in judo, wrestling, weightlifting, volleyball, and more. They provide quality, passionate competition when allowed to do so. Its athletes should be free to compete and prove their mettle. They need the sporting community to hold Iran to the ideals of sport. As Joel Bouzou of the World Olympians Association says of athletes, "They possess the power to transcend sport to promote diversity, tolerance and positive values that make a difference everywhere."
Let's hope the time is now.
Navid Afkari's execution should be catalyst for change


Get outdoors and explore Everglades National Park for free Saturday and Sunday to celebrate opening day weekend.
The park service is offering free entrances at more than 100 U.S. national parks to commemorate the holiday.
Nike Missile Base: Explore the historic Cold War U.S. Army Nike Missile Site HM-69. Guided tours are at 11 a.m. Call 305-242-7700 for more info.
Other parks on the Florida offering free entry include Dry Tortugas National Park, Canaveral National Seashore, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and Gulf Islands National Seashore.