text:
Q: I want to decouple my SpringBoot application from the database it uses. Application fails to start without connection I'm using a SpringBoot application that serves the purpose of interacting with a thirdparty API for the endusers. As a secondary objective this application should also log certain requests going through the application - this is only secondary though, and the application should be able to run even if the database is unavailable.
The problem we face is that by using the default spring-boot-starter-data-jpa dependency, the application is unable to start if the database is unavailable..
We want these to be decoupled, so that the application will still run even if the database is unavailable, so that it can serve it's primary purpose, and retry to establish the database connection..
Here is some further technical details:
Spring version: 2.2.1
Dependencies:
        <dependency>
            <groupId>org.springframework.boot</groupId>
            <artifactId>spring-boot-starter-data-jpa</artifactId>
        </dependency>

        <groupId>org.springframework.boot</groupId>
            <artifactId>spring-boot-starter-parent</artifactId>
            <version>2.2.1.RELEASE</version>
        <relativePath/>

Controller class:
@RestController
public class RekvisisjonRESTController {

    @Autowired
    RekvisisjonService rekvisisjonService;

    @Autowired
    LoggingService loggingService;

    @GetMapping("/api/v1/rekvisisjoner/{reknr}")
    public Rekvisisjon getRekvisisjon(@PathVariable String reknr, @RequestParam String type,
        @RequestParam String personId) throws GatewayException {
        var rekvisisjon = rekvisisjonService.getRekvisisjon(reknr, type, personId);
        loggingService.logDetalj(Long.parseLong(reknr));
        return rekvisisjon;
    }
    // Other methods
}

application.properties:
# MYSQL CONFIGURATION
spring.datasource.url=jdbc:mysql://qx-henny-db0001.q.no:3306/requis
spring.datasource.username=rekvisys_user
spring.datasource.password=${docker-secret-rek_db_password}
spring.datasource.driver-class-name=com.mysql.cj.jdbc.Driver
spring.jpa.database-platform=org.hibernate.dialect.MySQL5InnoDBDialect
spring.jpa.hibernate.ddl-auto=update

Error message:
The password is set wrong to illustrate that the application wont run if the connection cant be established
rekv.1.3lsi20xbkn6f@t-atom-srv0002.test.ld.nhn.no    | {"@timestamp":"2021-02-01T21:22:45.407Z","@version":"1","level":"INFO","message":"HikariPool-1 - Starting...","logger_name":"com.zaxxer.hikari.HikariDataSource","thread_name":"main","application_name":"Rekvisisjon"}
rekv.1.3lsi20xbkn6f@t-atom-srv0002.test.ld.nhn.no    | {"@timestamp":"2021-02-01T21:22:45.489Z","@version":"1","level":"ERROR","message":"HikariPool-1 - Exception during pool initialization.","logger_name":"com.zaxxer.hikari.pool.HikariPool","thread_name":"main","application_name":"Rekvisisjon","stack_trace":"java.sql.SQLException: Access denied for user 'rekvisys_user'@'t-atom-srv0002.test.ld.nhn.no' (using password: YES)\n\tat com.mysql.cj.jdbc.exceptions.SQLError.createSQLException(SQLError.java:129)\n\tat com.mysql.cj.jdbc.exceptions.SQLError.createSQLException(SQLError.java:97)\n\tat com.mysql.cj.jdbc.exceptions.SQLExceptionsMapping.translateException(SQLExceptionsMapping.java:122)\n\tat com.mysql.cj.jdbc.ConnectionImpl.createNewIO(ConnectionImpl.java:836)\n\tat com.mysql.cj.jdbc.ConnectionImpl.<init>(ConnectionImpl.java:456)\n\tat com.mysql.cj.jdbc.ConnectionImpl.getInstance(ConnectionImpl.java:246)\n\tat com.mysql.cj.jdbc.NonRegisteringDriver.connect(NonRegisteringDriver.java:197)\n\tat com.zaxxer.hikari.util.DriverDataSource.getConnection(DriverDataSource.java:138)\n\tat com.zaxxer.hikari.pool.PoolBase.newConnection(PoolBase.java:353)\n\tat com.zaxxer.hikari.pool.PoolBase.newPoolEntry(PoolBase.java:201)\n\tat com.zaxxer.hikari.pool.HikariPool.createPoolEntry(HikariPool.java:473)\n\tat com.zaxxer.hikari.pool.HikariPool.checkFailFast(HikariPool.java:562)\n\tat com.zaxxer.hikari.pool.HikariPool.<init>(HikariPool.java:115)\n\tat com.zaxxer.hikari.HikariDataSource.getConnection(HikariDataSource.java:112)\n\tat com.zaxxer.hikari.HikariDataSource$$FastClassBySpringCGLIB$$eeb1ae86.invoke(<generated>)\n\tat org.springframework.cglib.proxy.MethodProxy.invoke(MethodProxy.java:218)\n\tat org.springframework.aop.framework.CglibAopProxy$CglibMethodInvocation.invokeJoinpoint(CglibAopProxy.java:769)\n\tat org.springframework.aop.framework.ReflectiveMethodInvocation.proceed(ReflectiveMethodInvocation.java:163)\n\tat org.springframework.aop.framework.CglibAopProxy$CglibMethodInvocation.proceed(CglibAopProxy.java:747)\n\tat org.springframework.aop.support.DelegatingIntroductionInterceptor.doProceed(DelegatingIntroductionInterceptor.java:136)\n\tat org.springframework.aop.support.DelegatingIntroductionInterceptor.invoke(DelegatingIntroductionInterceptor.java:124)\n\tat org.springframework.aop.framework.ReflectiveMethodInvocation.proceed(ReflectiveMethodInvocation.java:186)\n\tat org.springframework.aop.framework.CglibAopProxy$CglibMethodInvocation.proceed(CglibAopProxy.java:747)\n\tat org.springframework.aop.framework.CglibAopProxy$DynamicAdvisedInterceptor.intercept(CglibAopProxy.java:689)\n\tat com.zaxxer.hikari.HikariDataSource$$EnhancerBySpringCGLIB$$f2b3a156.getConnection(<generated>)\n\tat org.hibernate.engine.jdbc.connections.internal.DatasourceConnectionProviderImpl.getConnection(DatasourceConnectionProviderImpl.java:122)\n\tat org.hibernate.engine.jdbc.env.internal.JdbcEnvironmentInitiator$ConnectionProviderJdbcConnectionAccess.obtainConnection(JdbcEnvironmentInitiator.java:180)\n\tat org.hibernate.engine.jdbc.env.internal.JdbcEnvironmentInitiator.initiateService(JdbcEnvironmentInitiator.java:68)\n\tat org.hibernate.engine.jdbc.env.internal.JdbcEnvironmentInitiator.initiateService(JdbcEnvironmentInitiator.java:35)\n\tat org.hibernate.boot.registry.internal.StandardServiceRegistryImpl.initiateService(StandardServiceRegistryImpl.java:101)\n\tat org.hibernate.service.internal.AbstractServiceRegistryImpl.createService(AbstractServiceRegistryImpl.java:263)\n\tat org.hibernate.service.internal.AbstractServiceRegistryImpl.initializeService(AbstractServiceRegistryImpl.java:237)\n\tat org.hibernate.service.internal.AbstractServiceRegistryImpl.getService(AbstractServiceRegistryImpl.java:214)\n\tat org.hibernate.id.factory.internal.DefaultIdentifierGeneratorFactory.injectServices(DefaultIdentifierGeneratorFactory.java:152)\n\tat org.hibernate.service.internal.AbstractServiceRegistryImpl.injectDependencies(AbstractServiceRegistryImpl.java:286)\n\tat org.hibernate.service.internal.AbstractServiceRegistryImpl.initializeService(AbstractServiceRegistryImpl.java:243)\n\tat org.hibernate.service.internal.AbstractServiceRegistryImpl.getService(AbstractServiceRegistryImpl.java:214)\n\tat org.hibernate.boot.internal.InFlightMetadataCollectorImpl.<init>(InFlightMetadataCollectorImpl.java:175)\n\tat org.hibernate.boot.model.process.spi.MetadataBuildingProcess.complete(MetadataBuildingProcess.java:118)\n\tat org.hibernate.jpa.boot.internal.EntityManagerFactoryBuilderImpl.metadata(EntityManagerFactoryBuilderImpl.java:1214)\n\tat org.hibernate.jpa.boot.internal.EntityManagerFactoryBuilderImpl.build(EntityManagerFactoryBuilderImpl.java:1245)\n\tat org.springframework.orm.jpa.vendor.SpringHibernateJpaPersistenceProvider.createContainerEntityManagerFactory(SpringHibernateJpaPersistenceProvider.java:58)\n\tat org.springframework.orm.jpa.LocalContainerEntityManagerFactoryBean.createNativeEntityManagerFactory(LocalContainerEntityManagerFactoryBean.java:365)\n\tat org.springframework.orm.jpa.AbstractEntityManagerFactoryBean.buildNativeEntityManagerFactory(AbstractEntityManagerFactoryBean.java:391)\n\tat org.springframework.orm.jpa.AbstractEntityManagerFactoryBean.afterPropertiesSet(AbstractEntityManagerFactoryBean.java:378)\n\tat org.springframework.orm.jpa.LocalContainerEntityManagerFactoryBean.afterPropertiesSet(LocalContainerEntityManagerFactoryBean.java:341)\n\tat org.springframework.beans.factory.support.AbstractAutowireCapableBeanFactory.invokeInitMethods(AbstractAutowireCapableBeanFactory.java:1862)\n\tat org.springframework.beans.factory.support.AbstractAutowireCapableBeanFactory.initializeBean(AbstractAutowireCapableBeanFactory.java:1799)\n\tat org.springframework.beans.factory.support.AbstractAutowireCapableBeanFactory.doCreateBean(AbstractAutowireCapableBeanFactory.java:595)\n\tat org.springframework.beans.factory.support.AbstractAutowireCapableBeanFactory.createBean(AbstractAutowireCapableBeanFactory.java:517)\n\tat no.pasientreiser.atom.rekvisisjon.RekvisisjonApplication.main(RekvisisjonApplication.java:14)\n\tat java.base/jdk.internal.reflect.NativeMethodAccessorImpl.invoke0(Native Method)\n\tat java.base/jdk.internal.reflect.NativeMethodAccessorImpl.invoke(NativeMethodAccessorImpl.java:62)\n\tat java.base/jdk.internal.reflect.DelegatingMethodAccessorImpl.invoke(DelegatingMethodAccessorImpl.java:43)\n\tat java.base/java.lang.reflect.Method.invoke(Method.java:566)\n\tat org.springframework.boot.loader.MainMethodRunner.run(MainMethodRunner.java:48)\n\tat org.springframework.boot.loader.Launcher.launch(Launcher.java:87)\n\tat org.springframework.boot.loader.Launcher.launch(Launcher.java:51)\n\tat org.springframework.boot.loader.JarLauncher.main(JarLauncher.java:52)\n"}
rekv.1.3lsi20xbkn6f@t-atom-srv0002.test.ld.nhn.no    | {"@timestamp":"2021-02-01T21:22:45.490Z","@version":"1","level":"WARN","message":"HHH000342: Could not obtain connection to query metadata : Access denied for user 'rekvisys_user'@'t-atom-srv0002.test.ld.nhn.no' (using password: YES)","logger_name":"org.hibernate.engine.jdbc.env.internal.JdbcEnvironmentInitiator","thread_name":"main","application_name":"Rekvisisjon"}
rekv.1.3lsi20xbkn6f@t-atom-srv0002.test.ld.nhn.no    | {"@timestamp":"2021-02-01T21:22:45.507Z","@version":"1","level":"INFO","message":"HHH000400: Using dialect: org.hibernate.dialect.MySQL5InnoDBDialect","logger_name":"org.hibernate.dialect.Dialect","thread_name":"main","application_name":"Rekvisisjon"}
rekv.1.3lsi20xbkn6f@t-atom-srv0002.test.ld.nhn.no    | {"@timestamp":"2021-02-01T21:22:46.789Z","@version":"1","level":"INFO","message":"HV000001: Hibernate Validator 6.0.18.Final","logger_name":"org.hibernate.validator.internal.util.Version","thread_name":"main","application_name":"Rekvisisjon"}
rekv.1.3lsi20xbkn6f@t-atom-srv0002.test.ld.nhn.no    | {"@timestamp":"2021-02-01T21:22:49.121Z","@version":"1","level":"INFO","message":"HikariPool-1 - Starting...","logger_name":"com.zaxxer.hikari.HikariDataSource","thread_name":"main","application_name":"Rekvisisjon"}
rekv.1.3lsi20xbkn6f@t-atom-srv0002.test.ld.nhn.no    | {"@timestamp":"2021-02-01T21:22:49.123Z","@version":"1","level":"ERROR","message":"HikariPool-1 - Exception during pool initialization.","logger_name":"com.zaxxer.hikari.pool.HikariPool","thread_name":"main","application_name":"Rekvisisjon","stack_trace":"java.sql.SQLException: Access denied for user 'rekvisys_user'@'t-atom-srv0002.test.ld.nhn.no' (using password: YES)\n\tat com.mysql.cj.jdbc.exceptions.SQLError.createSQLException(SQLError.java:129)\n\tat com.mysql.cj.jdbc.exceptions.SQLError.createSQLException(SQLError.java:97)\n\tat com.mysql.cj.jdbc.exceptions.SQLExceptionsMapping.translateException(SQLExceptionsMapping.java:122)\n\tat com.mysql.cj.jdbc.ConnectionImpl.createNewIO(ConnectionImpl.java:836)\n\tat com.mysql.cj.jdbc.ConnectionImpl.<init>(ConnectionImpl.java:456)\n\tat com.mysql.cj.jdbc.ConnectionImpl.getInstance(ConnectionImpl.java:246)\n\tat com.mysql.cj.jdbc.NonRegisteringDriver.connect(NonRegisteringDriver.java:197)\n\tat com.zaxxer.hikari.util.DriverDataSource.getConnection(DriverDataSource.java:138)\n\tat com.zaxxer.hikari.pool.PoolBase.newConnection(PoolBase.java:353)\n\tat com.zaxxer.hikari.pool.PoolBase.newPoolEntry(PoolBase.java:201)\n\tat com.zaxxer.hikari.pool.HikariPool.createPoolEntry(HikariPool.java:473)\n\tat com.zaxxer.hikari.pool.HikariPool.checkFailFast(HikariPool.java:562)\n\tat com.zaxxer.hikari.pool.HikariPool.<init>(HikariPool.java:115)\n\tat com.zaxxer.hikari.HikariDataSource.getConnection(HikariDataSource.java:112)\n\tat com.zaxxer.hikari.HikariDataSource$$FastClassBySpringCGLIB$$eeb1ae86.invoke(<generated>)\n\tat org.springframework.cglib.proxy.MethodProxy.invoke(MethodProxy.java:218)\n\tat org.springframework.aop.framework.CglibAopProxy$CglibMethodInvocation.invokeJoinpoint(CglibAopProxy.java:769)\n\tat org.springframework.aop.framework.ReflectiveMethodInvocation.proceed(ReflectiveMethodInvocation.java:163)\n\tat org.springframework.aop.framework.CglibAopProxy$CglibMethodInvocation.proceed(CglibAopProxy.java:747)\n\tat org.springframework.aop.support.DelegatingIntroductionInterceptor.doProceed(DelegatingIntroductionInterceptor.java:136)\n\tatorg.springframework.aop.framework.CglibAopProxy$CglibMethodInvocation.proceed(CglibAopProxy.java:747)\n\tat org.springframework.aop.framework.CglibAopProxy$DynamicAdvisedInterceptor.intercept(CglibAopProxy.java:689)\n\tat com.zaxxer.hikari.HikariDataSource$$EnhancerBySpringCGLIB$$f2b3a156.getConnection(<generated>)\n\tat org.hibernate.engine.jdbc.connections.internal.DatasourceConnectionProviderImpl.getConnection(DatasourceConnectionProviderImpl.java:122)\n\tat org.hibernate.engine.jdbc.env.internal.JdbcEnvironmentInitiator$ConnectionProviderJdbcConnectionAccess.obtainConnection(JdbcEnvironmentInitiator.java:180)\n\tat org.hibernate.resource.transaction.backend.jdbc.internal.DdlTransactionIsolatorNonJtaImpl.getIsolatedConnection(DdlTransactionIsolatorNonJtaImpl.java:43)\n\tat org.hibernate.tool.schema.internal.exec.ImprovedExtractionContextImpl.getJdbcConnection(ImprovedExtractionContextImpl.java:60)\n\tat org.hibernate.tool.schema.internal.exec.ImprovedExtractionContextImpl.getJdbcDatabaseMetaData(ImprovedExtractionContextImpl.java:67)\n\tat org.hibernate.tool.schema.extract.internal.InformationExtractorJdbcDatabaseMetaDataImpl.getTables(InformationExtractorJdbcDatabaseMetaDataImpl.java:333)\n\tat org.hibernate.tool.schema.extract.internal.DatabaseInformationImpl.getTablesInformation(DatabaseInformationImpl.java:120)\n\tat org.hibernate.tool.schema.internal.GroupedSchemaMigratorImpl.performTablesMigration(GroupedSchemaMigratororg.hibernate.tool.schema.spi.SchemaManagementToolCoordinator.process(SchemaManagementToolCoordinator.java:73)\n\tat org.hibernate.internal.SessionFactoryImpl.<init>(SessionFactoryImpl.java:320)\n\tat org.hibernate.boot.internal.SessionFactoryBuilderImpl.build(SessionFactoryBuilderImpl.java:462)\n\tat org.hibernate.jpa.boot.internal.EntityManagerFactoryBuilderImpl.build(EntityManagerFactoryBuilderImpl.java:1249)\n\tat org.springframework.orm.jpa.vendor.SpringHibernateJpaPersistenceProvider.createContainerEntityManagerFactory(SpringHibernateJpaPersistenceProvider.java:58)\n\tat org.springframework.orm.jpa.LocalContainerEntityManagerFactoryBean.createNativeEntityManagerFactory(LocalContainerEntityManagerFactoryBean.java:365)\n\tat org.springframework.orm.jpa.AbstractEntityManagerFactoryBean.buildNativeEntityManagerFactory(AbstractEntityManagerFactoryBean.java:391)\n\tat org.springframework.orm.jpa.AbstractEntityManagerFactoryBean.afterPropertiesSet(AbstractEntityManagerFactoryBean.java:378)\n\tat org.springframework.orm.jpa.LocalContainerEntityManagerFactoryBean.afterPropertiesSet(LocalContainerEntityManagerFactoryBean.java:341)\n\tat org.springframework.beans.factory.support.AbstractAutowireCapableBeanFactory.invokeInitMethods(AbstractAutowireCapableBeanFactory.java:1862)\n\tat org.springframework.beans.factory.support.AbstractAutowireCapableBeanFactory.initializeBean(AbstractAutowireCapableBeanFactory.java:1799)\n\tat org.springframework.beans.factory.support.AbstractAutowireCapableBeanFactory.doCreateBean(AbstractAutowireCapableBeanFactory.java:595)\n\tat org.springframework.beans.factory.support.AbstractAutowireCapableBeanFactory.createBean(AbstractAutowireCapableBeanFactory.java:517)\n\tat org.springframework.beans.factory.support.AbstractBeanFactory.lambda$doGetBean$0(AbstractBeanFactory.java:323)\n\tat org.springframework.beans.factory.support.DefaultSingletonBeanRegistry.getSingleton(DefaultSingletonBeanRegistry.java:222)\n\tat org.springframework.beans.factory.support.AbstractBeanFactory.doGetBean(AbstractBeanFactory.java:321)\n\tat org.springframework.beans.factory.support.AbstractBeanFactory.getBean(AbstractBeanFactory.java:202)\n\tat org.springframework.context.support.AbstractApplicationContext.getBean(AbstractApplicationContext.java:1108)\n\tat org.springframework.context.support.AbstractApplicationContext.finishBeanFactoryInitialization(AbstractApplicationContext.java:868)\n\tat org.springframework.context.support.AbstractApplicationContext.refresh(AbstractApplicationContext.java:550)\n\tat org.springframework.boot.web.servlet.context.ServletWebServerApplicationContext.refresh(ServletWebServerApplicationContext.java:141)\n\tat org.springframework.boot.SpringApplication.refresh(SpringApplication.java:747)\n\tat org.springframework.boot.SpringApplication.refreshContext(SpringApplication.java:397)\n\tat org.springframework.boot.SpringApplication.run(SpringApplication.java:315)\n\tat org.springframework.boot.SpringApplication.run(SpringApplication.java:1226)\n\tat org.springframework.boot.SpringApplication.run(SpringApplication.java:1215)\n\tat no.pasientreiser.atom.rekvisisjon.RekvisisjonApplication.main(RekvisisjonApplication.java:14)\n\tat java.base/jdk.internal.reflect.NativeMethodAccessorImpl.invoke0(Native Method)\n\tat java.base/jdk.internal.reflect.NativeMethodAccessorImpl.invoke(NativeMethodAccessorImpl.java:62)\n\tat java.base/jdk.internal.reflect.DelegatingMethodAccessorImpl.invoke(DelegatingMethodAccessorImpl.java:43)\n\tat java.base/java.lang.reflect.Method.invoke(Method.java:566)\n\tat org.springframework.boot.loader.MainMethodRunner.run(MainMethodRunner.java:48)\n\tat org.springframework.boot.loader.Launcher.launch(Launcher.java:87)\n\tat org.springframework.boot.loader.Launcher.launch(Launcher.java:51)\n\tat org.springframework.boot.loader.JarLauncher.main(JarLauncher.java:52)\n"}
rekv.1.3lsi20xbkn6f@t-atom-srv0002.test.ld.nhn.no    | {"@timestamp":"2021-02-01T21:22:49.188Z","@version":"1","level":"WARN","message":"SQL Error: 1045, SQLState: 28000","logger_name":"org.hibernate.engine.jdbc.spi.SqlExceptionHelper","thread_name":"main","application_name":"Rekvisisjon"}
rekv.1.3lsi20xbkn6f@t-atom-srv0002.test.ld.nhn.no    | {"@timestamp":"2021-02-01T21:22:49.189Z","@version":"1","level":"ERROR","message":"Access denied for user 'rekvisys_user'@'t-atom-srv0002.test.ld.nhn.no' (using password: YES)","logger_name":"org.hibernate.engine.jdbc.spi.SqlExceptionHelper","thread_name":"main","application_name":"Rekvisisjon"}
rekv.1.3lsi20xbkn6f@t-atom-srv0002.test.ld.nhn.no    | {"@timestamp":"2021-02-01T21:22:49.194Z","@version":"1","level":"WARN","message":"Exception encountered during context initialization - cancelling refresh attempt: org.springframework.beans.factory.BeanCreationException: Error creating bean with name 'entityManagerFactory' defined in class path resource [org/springframework/boot/autoconfigure/orm/jpa/HibernateJpaConfiguration.class]: Invocation of init method failed; nested exception is javax.persistence.PersistenceException: [PersistenceUnit: default] Unable to build Hibernate SessionFactory; nested exception is org.hibernate.exception.GenericJDBCException: Unable to open JDBC Connection for DDL execution","logger_name":"org.springframework.boot.web.servlet.context.AnnotationConfigServletWebServerApplicationContext","thread_name":"main","application_name":"Rekvisisjon"}
rekv.1.3lsi20xbkn6f@t-atom-srv0002.test.ld.nhn.no    | {"@timestamp":"2021-02-01T21:22:49.196Z","@version":"1","level":"INFO","message":"Stopping service [Tomcat]","logger_name":"org.apache.catalina.core.StandardService","thread_name":"main","application_name":"Rekvisisjon"}
rekv.1.3lsi20xbkn6f@t-atom-srv0002.test.ld.nhn.no    | {"@timestamp":"2021-02-01T21:22:49.292Z","@version":"1","level":"INFO","message":"\n\nError starting ApplicationContext. To display the conditions report re-run your application with 'debug' enabled.","logger_name":"org.springframework.boot.autoconfigure.logging.ConditionEvaluationReportLoggingListener","thread_name":"main","application_name":"Rekvisisjon"}
failed","logger_name":"org.springframework.boot.SpringApplication","thread_name":"main","application_name":"Rekvisisjon","stack_trace":"org.springframework.beans.factory.BeanCreationException: Error creating bean with name 'entityManagerFactory' defined in class path resource [org/springframework/boot/autoconfigure/orm/jpa/HibernateJpaConfiguration.class]: Invocation of init method failed; nested exception is javax.persistence.PersistenceException: [PersistenceUnit: default] Unable to build Hibernate SessionFactory; nested exception is org.hibernate.exception.GenericJDBCException: Unable to open JDBC Connection for DDL execution\n\tat org.springframework.beans.factory.support.AbstractAutowireCapableBeanFactory.initializeBean(AbstractAutowireCapableBeanFactory.java:1803)\n\tat org.springframework.beans.factory.support.AbstractAutowireCapableBeanFactory.doCreateBean(AbstractAutowireCapableBeanFactory.java:595)\n\tat org.springframework.beans.factory.support.AbstractAutowireCapableBeanFactory.createBean(AbstractAutowireCapableBeanFactory.java:517)\n\tat org.springframework.beans.factory.support.AbstractBeanFactory.lambda$doGetBean$0(AbstractBeanFactory.java:323)\n\tat org.springframework.beans.factory.support.DefaultSingletonBeanRegistry.getSingleton(DefaultSingletonBeanRegistry.java:222)\n\tat org.springframework.beans.factory.support.AbstractBeanFactory.doGetBean(AbstractBeanFactory.java:321)\n\tat org.springframework.beans.factory.support.AbstractBeanFactory.getBean(AbstractBeanFactory.java:202)\n\tat org.springframework.context.support.AbstractApplicationContext.getBean(AbstractApplicationContext.java:1108)\n\tat org.springframework.context.support.AbstractApplicationContext.finishBeanFactoryInitialization(AbstractApplicationContext.java:868)\n\tat org.springframework.context.support.AbstractApplicationContext.refresh(AbstractApplicationContext.java:550)\n\tat org.springframework.boot.web.servlet.context.ServletWebServerApplicationContext.refresh(ServletWebServerApplicationContext.java:141)\n\tat org.springframework.boot.SpringApplication.refresh(SpringApplication.java:747)\n\tat org.springframework.boot.SpringApplication.refreshContext(SpringApplication.java:397)\n\tat org.springframework.boot.SpringApplication.run(SpringApplication.java:315)\n\tat org.springframework.boot.SpringApplication.run(SpringApplication.java:1226)\n\tat org.springframework.boot.SpringApplication.run(SpringApplication.java:1215)\n\tat no.pasientreiser.atom.rekvisisjon.RekvisisjonApplication.main(RekvisisjonApplication.java:14)\n\tat java.base/jdk.internal.reflect.NativeMethodAccessorImpl.invoke0(Native Method)\n\tat java.base/jdk.internal.reflect.NativeMethodAccessorImpl.invoke(NativeMethodAccessorImpl.java:62)\n\tat java.base/jdk.internal.reflect.DelegatingMethodAccessorImpl.invoke(DelegatingMethodAccessorImpl.java:43)\n\tat java.base/java.lang.reflect.Method.invoke(Method.java:566)\n\tat org.springframework.boot.loader.MainMethodRunner.run(MainMethodRunner.java:48)\n\tat org.springframework.boot.loader.Launcher.launch(Launcher.java:87)\n\tat org.springframework.boot.loader.Launcher.launch(Launcher.java:51)\n\tat org.springframework.boot.loader.JarLauncher.main(JarLauncher.java:52)\nCaused by: javax.persistence.PersistenceException: [PersistenceUnit: default] Unable to build Hibernate SessionFactory; nested exception is org.hibernate.exception.GenericJDBCException: Unable to open JDBC Connection for DDL execution\n\tat org.springframework.orm.jpa.AbstractEntityManagerFactoryBean.buildNativeEntityManagerFactory(AbstractEntityManagerFactoryBean.java:403)\n\tat org.springframework.orm.jpa.AbstractEntityManagerFactoryBean.afterPropertiesSet(AbstractEntityManagerFactoryBean.java:378)\n\tat org.springframework.orm.jpa.LocalContainerEntityManagerFactoryBean.afterPropertiesSet(LocalContainerEntityManagerFactoryBean.java:341)\n\tat org.springframework.beans.factory.support.AbstractAutowireCapableBeanFactory.invokeInitMethods(AbstractAutowireCapableBeanFactory.java:1862)\n\tat org.springframework.beans.factory.support.AbstractAutowireCapableBeanFactory.initializeBean(AbstractAutowireCapableBeanFactory.java:1799)\n\t... 24 common frames omitted\nCaused by: org.hibernate.exception.GenericJDBCException: Unable to open JDBC Connection for DDL execution\n\tat org.hibernate.exception.internal.StandardSQLExceptionConverter.convert(StandardSQLExceptionConverter.java:47)\n\tat org.hibernate.engine.jdbc.spi.SqlExceptionHelper.convert(SqlExceptionHelper.java:113)\n\tat org.hibernate.engine.jdbc.spi.SqlExceptionHelper.convert(SqlExceptionHelper.java:99)\n\tat org.hibernate.resource.transaction.backend.jdbc.internal.DdlTransactionIsolatorNonJtaImpl.getIsolatedConnection(DdlTransactionIsolatorNonJtaImpl.java:69)\n\tat org.hibernate.tool.schema.internal.exec.ImprovedExtractionContextImpl.getJdbcConnection(ImprovedExtractionContextImpl.java:60)\n\tat org.hibernate.tool.schema.internal.exec.ImprovedExtractionContextImpl.getJdbcDatabaseMetaData(ImprovedExtractionContextImpl.java:67)\n\tat org.hibernate.tool.schema.extract.internal.InformationExtractorJdbcDatabaseMetaDataImpl.getTables(InformationExtractorJdbcDatabaseMetaDataImpl.java:333)\n\tat org.hibernate.tool.schema.extract.internal.DatabaseInformationImpl.getTablesInformation(DatabaseInformationImpl.java:120)\n\tat org.hibernate.tool.schema.internal.GroupedSchemaMigratorImpl.performTablesMigration(GroupedSchemaMigratorImpl.java:65)\n\tat org.hibernate.tool.schema.internal.AbstractSchemaMigrator.performMigration(AbstractSchemaMigrator.java:207)\n\tat org.hibernate.tool.schema.internal.AbstractSchemaMigrator.doMigration(AbstractSchemaMigrator.java:114)\n\tat org.hibernate.tool.schema.spi.SchemaManagementToolCoordinator.performDatabaseAction(SchemaManagementToolCoordinator.java:184)\n\tat org.hibernate.tool.schema.spi.SchemaManagementToolCoordinator.process(SchemaManagementToolCoordinator.java:73)\n\tat org.hibernate.internal.SessionFactoryImpl.<init>(SessionFactoryImpl.java:320)\n\tat org.hibernate.boot.internal.SessionFactoryBuilderImpl.build(SessionFactoryBuilderImpl.java:462)\n\tat org.hibernate.jpa.boot.internal.EntityManagerFactoryBuilderImpl.build(EntityManagerFactoryBuilderImpl.java:1249)\n\tat org.springframework.orm.jpa.vendor.SpringHibernateJpaPersistenceProvider.createContainerEntityManagerFactory(SpringHibernateJpaPersistenceProvider.java:58)\n\tat org.springframework.orm.jpa.LocalContainerEntityManagerFactoryBean.createNativeEntityManagerFactory(LocalContainerEntityManagerFactoryBean.java:365)\n\tat org.springframework.orm.jpa.AbstractEntityManagerFactoryBean.buildNativeEntityManagerFactory(AbstractEntityManagerFactoryBean.java:391)\n\t... 28 common frames omitted\nCaused by: java.sql.SQLException: Access denied for user 'rekvisys_user'@'t-atom-srv0002.test.ld.nhn.no' (using password: YES)\n\tat com.mysql.cj.jdbc.exceptions.SQLError.createSQLException(SQLError.java:129)\n\tat com.mysql.cj.jdbc.exceptions.SQLError.createSQLException(SQLError.java:97)\n\tat com.mysql.cj.jdbc.exceptions.SQLExceptionsMapping.translateException(SQLExceptionsMapping.java:122)\n\tat com.mysql.cj.jdbc.ConnectionImpl.createNewIO(ConnectionImpl.java:836)\n\tat com.mysql.cj.jdbc.ConnectionImpl.<init>(ConnectionImpl.java:456)\n\tat com.mysql.cj.jdbc.ConnectionImpl.getInstance(ConnectionImpl.java:246)\n\tat com.mysql.cj.jdbc.NonRegisteringDriver.connect(NonRegisteringDriver.java:197)\n\tat com.zaxxer.hikari.util.DriverDataSource.getConnection(DriverDataSource.java:138)\n\tat com.zaxxer.hikari.pool.PoolBase.newConnection(PoolBase.java:353)\n\tat com.zaxxer.hikari.pool.PoolBase.newPoolEntry(PoolBase.java:201)\n\tat com.zaxxer.hikari.pool.HikariPool.createPoolEntry(HikariPool.java:473)\n\tat com.zaxxer.hikari.pool.HikariPool.checkFailFast(HikariPool.java:562)\n\tat com.zaxxer.hikari.pool.HikariPool.<init>(HikariPool.java:115)\n\tat com.zaxxer.hikari.HikariDataSource.getConnection(HikariDataSource.java:112)\n\tat com.zaxxer.hikari.HikariDataSource$$FastClassBySpringCGLIB$$eeb1ae86.invoke(<generated>)\n\tat org.springframework.cglib.proxy.MethodProxy.invoke(MethodProxy.java:218)\n\tat org.springframework.aop.framework.CglibAopProxy$CglibMethodInvocation.invokeJoinpoint(CglibAopProxy.java:769)\n\tat org.springframework.aop.framework.ReflectiveMethodInvocation.proceed(ReflectiveMethodInvocation.java:163)\n\tat org.springframework.aop.framework.CglibAopProxy$CglibMethodInvocation.proceed(CglibAopProxy.java:747)\n\tat org.springframework.aop.support.DelegatingIntroductionInterceptor.doProceed(DelegatingIntroductionInterceptor.java:136)\n\tat org.springframework.aop.support.DelegatingIntroductionInterceptor.invoke(DelegatingIntroductionInterceptor.java:124)\n\tat org.springframework.aop.framework.ReflectiveMethodInvocation.proceed(ReflectiveMethodInvocation.java:186)\n\tat org.springframework.aop.framework.CglibAopProxy$CglibMethodInvocation.proceed(CglibAopProxy.java:747)\n\tat org.springframework.aop.framework.CglibAopProxy$DynamicAdvisedInterceptor.intercept(CglibAopProxy.java:689)\n\tat com.zaxxer.hikari.HikariDataSource$$EnhancerBySpringCGLIB$$f2b3a156.getConnection(<generated>)\n\tat org.hibernate.engine.jdbc.connections.internal.DatasourceConnectionProviderImpl.getConnection(DatasourceConnectionProviderImpl.java:122)\n\tat org.hibernate.engine.jdbc.env.internal.JdbcEnvironmentInitiator$ConnectionProviderJdbcConnectionAccess.obtainConnection(JdbcEnvironmentInitiator.java:180)\n\tat org.hibernate.resource.transaction.backend.jdbc.internal.DdlTransactionIsolatorNonJtaImpl.getIsolatedConnection(DdlTransactionIsolatorNonJtaImpl.java:43)\n\t... 43 common frames omitted\n"}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Online Reader
Dickinson County News
Symbiosis and invasive species (7/16/19)
I recently found myself plucking an interesting juxtaposition out of the waters of another famous Iowa lake. My family returned to roost in Clear Lake this past Fourth of July. From tourist traffic, to fireworks to zebra mussels, Clear Lake is very similar to the Lakes Area in this corner of the state. So, with all that in mind, it's possible I should have predicted said juxtaposition waiting for me in the waters of my former hometown...
Mental Health Funding: The True Story (7/16/19)
By John Will - State Representative
Over the last two years, the legislature has passed bipartisan mental health reform and created the state's first ever children's mental health system. These bills have been consistently regarded by mental health advocates as the most significant steps forward Iowa has ever taken to increase access to mental health services statewide...
A look at crop planting (7/16/19)
By Megan Jones - State Representative
On Tuesday, July 9, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) issued a press release in which the state agency noted that unfavorable planting conditions this spring commonly delayed, and in some cases, prevented crop planting...
Dazed and confused over hemp and CBD laws? (7/16/19)
By Tom Miller - Iowa Attorney General
Consumers, farmers and businesses should watch out for fraud Whenever the public is confused about the law, the potential for fraud is high. That maxim applies to hemp and cannabidiol (CBD) products. The 2019 Iowa Hemp Act and recent changes in federal law have led to questions about what is legal and safe in Iowa. ...
Revenue updates (7/9/19)
The Legislative Services Agency issued their monthly revenue memo for June 2019, closing up a strong year for state revenue as collections grew 6.6%. Through June's report, the state has taken in $7.7312 billion in net receipts in Fiscal Year 2019. That is a $478.9 million increase over the same figure at the end of June 2018. ...
Defending freedom is American way (7/9/19)
By Chuck Grassley - U.S. Senator
As the United States celebrated its 243rd birthday, I was reminded of moments in American history that distinguish our nation as the land of the free and home of the brave. These moments have shown how America's quest for independence paved the way for freedom from tyranny at home and abroad...
Suffer the little children (7/2/19)
I'll tell you a story. Take it for what it's worth. I don't think it's any secret that some of my opinions aren't widely supported in this corner of the state, particularly on immigration. The issue almost always circles back to potential violence and crime among those crossing the border illegally, and my critics have asked me in the past how my opinion might change if my own child were harmed because of it. They're on the right track. We do need to consider the children...
Join the Okoboji Foundation non-profit challenge (7/2/19)
By Erin Reed - Dickinson County Trails Board Executive Director
The Okoboji Foundation is inviting everyone to participate in the $5,000 July Nonprofit Challenge at GiveOkoboji.com. The fund with the highest giving total over $5,000 in July receives an additional $5,000 from the Okoboji Foundation. Please consider giving to the Dickinson County Trails Endowment Fund during July to help the trails win. ...
Iowa fares well in latest 'Kids Count' report (7/2/19)
By John Wills - State Representative
The 2019 Kids Count report was released by the Annie E. Casey Foundation last week and it showed good news for Iowa. In this 30th anniversary report, Iowa was ranked 3rd in overall Child Well-Being Support, which is comprised of indicators in four separate domains: Economic Well-Being (Iowa ranked 2nd), Education (7th), Health (8th), and Family and Community (8th)...
Cannabidiol laws unchanged for now (6/25/19)
Governor Reynolds vetoed House File 732, which would have altered Iowa's cannabidiol program. The veto leaves Iowa's current cannabidiol law in place. HF 732 would have made several changes to 2016 law. The largest of which would be removing the 3% THC cap and allowing a person with a medical cannabidiol card to receive up to 25 grams of THC in 90 days. Patients would be responsible for managing their dosage in those 90 days and would be prohibited from receiving more in that time...
Celebrating the anniversary of women gaining the right to vote (6/25/19)
By Paul Pate - Iowa Secretary of State
Throughout its history, Iowa has been a place where women break barriers. Time after time, Iowa women have shown if they set their minds to something, work hard and believe in themselves, they can accomplish anything. On July 2, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Iowans ratifying the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It granted women the right to vote...
Good numbers from May (6/18/19)
Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth. May was another strong month for state revenue, as tax collections were 28.1 percent higher than what was collected in May 2018. The $145 million increase in monthly collections raised the year to date growth in state revenue to 7.8 percent in Fiscal Year 2019, putting the state well ahead of the Revenue Estimating Conference's projection of 4.8 percent growth. ...
Managed care provider update (6/18/19)
Starting July 1, Iowa Total Care will be joining the Iowa Medicaid program and UnitedHealthcare will be leaving the program. All Medicaid members that have UnitedHealthcare have been notified with their initial assignment to either Amerigroup Iowa or Iowa Total Care. Those Medicaid members will have until June 18 to switch to the other managed care organization to be effective July 1...
Trail Talk (6/11/19)
DCTB received two grant awards in May for trail development in the Iowa Great Lakes. The first is a Wellmark Large match grant in the amount of $100,000 for construction of the Jones Pasture Trail that will be completed this summer. Wellmark offers these grant opportunities to communities in Iowa and South Dakota for projects that can help individuals, families and communities achieve better health though built environment initiatives that encourage physical activity...
Hunting licenses, farm tax credits (6/11/19)
Senate File 86 is a bill (now law) that places an organ donation symbol on hunting, fishing, or fur harvester licenses, similar to what is done with Iowa driver licenses. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed this bill on May 6. Under this new law, there is an option to request that a donor symbol is added to your hunting, fishing, or fur harvester license will be added to the application for license, and future hunter education courses will include information on being an organ, tissue, or eye donor...
Foster parents need support (6/11/19)
People who open up their homes and their hearts to children in need are truly special. They provide a stability, comfort and safety to kids who otherwise wouldn't have it. They offer support, guidance and most of all, love. The time and effort they willingly give is not only a blessing to the children they care for, but also their communities...
A mouse, an elephant and a job (6/4/19)
I'm going to go ahead and tell you. "Mental Health in the Heartland" has taken a good chunk of time and energy for every one of the authors in this series. It's a really complex subject, with a lot of background and a lot of faces in a lot of different fields. Just like everyone's least favorite Facebook relationship status — it's complicated...
Governor signs Iowa Hemp Act (6/4/19)
On Monday, May 13, Iowa Gov. Reynolds signed Senate File 599, the Iowa Hemp Act, which starts the federal-state partnership to redevelop the industrial hemp industry. Governor Reynolds in her signing letter noted that this legislation will "… allow Iowa to begin the process of entering a new agricultural marketplace for hemp. ...
Series tackles crisis in mental health and substance abuse treatment (5/28/19)
By Paula Buenger - Publisher
Word of Compass Pointe's closure last month was a stark reminder of the crisis rural America is facing in meeting the needs of those facing mental health and substance abuse issues. As awareness and openness regarding mental health conditions has increased in recent years, local, state and federal officials struggle to keep up with the demand for services, leaving those in need and their families struggling to find help...
The jackets in our closet (5/21/19)
By Seth Boyes - Staff Writer
A maroon Members Only jacket hangs in the back of my closet. It is neither warm, nor comfortable nor stylish. It simply exists as continued proof of a plethora of fashion choices society wishes it hadn't made. Of course, May is a month known for decisions being made by the young as they graduate — where they will go, what they will do, who they will become. It's a time when the community watches with great interest as the quasi-adults answer those questions for themselves...
State budget by the numbers (5/21/19)
Now that the 2019 session has ended, I thought it might be interesting to share a deeper dive into the state's budget. At the end of session, supplemental appropriations for Fiscal Year 2019 totaled $168.6 million. This amount is driven by an $150.3 million increase for Medicaid and the $15 million one-time appropriation to help communities in western Iowa recover from this spring's flooding...
Healthcare and the budget (5/21/19)
This past legislative session we worked hard to ensure high quality and affordable health care in the state of Iowa. The things we did to ensure that include $4.4 million for rural hospitals, $7.7 million for child care affordability, $2.8 million for additional mental health treatment, $5.9 million for additional Department of Human Services field employees, $400,000 for rural psychiatric residencies, and $3.1 million dollars for children's mental health...
Hemp legislation (5/15/19)
On Tuesday, April 23, the House passed Senate File 599 by a bi-partisan 95 "aye" to 3 "nay" vote. It had previously passed the Senate 49-1. SF 599 provides the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) with the primary role of implementing operating the Iowa Hemp program. I've received a lot of questions about this program...
The days before adjournment (5/7/19)
By Zach Whiting - State Senator
During the 15th week of the legislative session, we continued our work toward adjournment for the year. We spent much of our time waiting for bills to come to us from the other chamber, waiting on amendments and debating some of the last proposals we will discuss this year. ...
End of the session (5/7/19)
As you read this message the 2019 session of the Iowa Legislature has ended. There were many things that were done this year to "move Iowa forward" and we were able to have a very successful session. This last session, we were able to put taxpayers first, ensure a world class education, ensure affordable and accessible health care, revitalize rural Iowa, enhance Iowa's workforce and economy and protect public safety...
Steer clear of auto repair problems (5/7/19)
Has the winter been rough on your car? Does it need repair caused by an accident on icy roads? Is it out of alignment or does it need new shocks due to all the potholes? Taking the time to find the right repair shop will save you money and future headaches...
A once-in-a-lifetime learning experience (5/7/19)
As you prepare for finals and look ahead to summer jobs, don't miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Have you ever considered working on Capitol Hill? My U.S. Senate office offers internship opportunities that will give you hands-on work experience in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment. Internships are open to all college-age students of any academic major...
The danger of the little, red X and free comic books (4/30/19)
Come Saturday, the spheres of pop-culture geekdom will come into alignment. The first Saturday in May is traditionally held as Free Comic Book Day across the country. It's a day in which comic retailers of all types open their doors and promote literacy through — you guessed it — free comic books. ...
Historic taxpayer protection passed (4/30/19)
I have talked about property tax reform a few times this year and Thursday morning at 3 a.m., the Iowa House passed a historic bill that simply requires communication on how property taxes are calculated and explained to the common taxpayer. The bill that was passed out of the House and sent to the governor has several main points to it that will protect and keep taxpayers informed. The bill deals with several topics including:...
Property tax transparency (4/30/19)
Senate File 634 is a bill about property tax transparency. I have heard from many of you lately who were concerned about your property tax assessments. It was time to take action. You deserve to know what is going on with your taxes. It should be clear and not buried deep within the depths of a government...
New property tax assessments are out (4/23/19)
By the Dickinson County Taxpayers Association
Recently Dickinson County property taxpayers — along with Iowans across the state — were either shocked by the increase of their assessed property tax value or mildly pleased by their escape. Iowa law requires the city or county assessor to review all property in their jurisdiction in odd number years (2019) to be sure assessments are proper. In our case the assessor is the Dickinson County Assessor located at the Spirit Lake courthouse...
Session nears an end (4/23/19)
We are within a week or two of being done with our business at the Iowa State Capitol this year. We have had a successful legislative session and have begun the process of ending our actions for the year. Our official last day in Session is May 3. However, I don't think we will be in Des Moines until then. We have agreed on a budget dollar amount which only spends 97.43 percent of the available dollars next fiscal year. This is not a cut in the state budget, rather a slowdown...
Two weeks left (4/23/19)
We are 14 weeks into the legislative session, leaving us with only two weeks until the scheduled end of session. This deadline prompted discussion on a number of substantive topics this week and many hours debating on the Senate floor. On Tuesday, April 16, the Senate passed a bill creating a children's behavioral health system in Iowa. ...
A big o'l bag of well-being (4/16/19)
In less than a week's time, the public in northwest Iowa went from being surprised by the sudden closing of addiction treatment center Compass Pointe, to wondering what society will do with the hundreds of clients who were suddenly dumped, to a twinge of relief as Seasons Center for Behavioral Health took steps to pick up the slack. ...
Keeping Iowa children safe (4/16/19)
By Nancy Krause - Lutheran Services in Iowa
Every parent wants the best for their child. But not every parent has the resources or support network most of us may take for granted. New parents face many stressors as they welcome a child into their lives – lack of sleep, additional expenses and balancing other responsibilities with the needs of a newborn. Without the support of family and friends, all of these things become even more difficult...
Finding relief in the tax code (4/16/19)
This week, the House Ways and Means Committee unanimously passed House File 227. This bill doubles the income limitation for the Iowa child and dependent care tax credit. This is a credit that supports working Iowa families who spend large portions of their paychecks on childcare...
Week 13 includes floor debate (4/16/19)
After last week's legislative deadline for bills, week 13 included more floor debate. We remain focused on our budget work, while we continue to pass bills out of the Senate. While we have no agreement yet with the House or the governor on what the budget will look like for the next fiscal year, we continue to move forward with our budget bills. We do this because we believe we have a budget that is responsible and sustainable...
The Biden paradox (4/9/19)
Despite my strong desire to address the ludicrous nature of supposed cancer-causing sound waves emanating from wind turbines, I can't get the situation surrounding former Vice President Joe Biden out of my mind. It's not simply because he's now been labeled "Creepy Uncle Joe." Rather, it's because I believe our response to the accusations surrounding the last administration's VP will have some wide-spread implications for political discourse moving forward...
End of United Healthcare agreement (4/9/19)
Last week, Governor Reynolds and the Department of Human Services announced that negotiations with United Healthcare have ceased. Governor Reynolds cited UnitedHealthcare's demand for more money for less accountability as the reason for the breakdown...
National Volunteer Week arrives (4/9/19)
Guest commentary by The Voluntary Action Center
The Voluntary Action Center and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program's Angela Kofoot and Patricia Donovan are lucky women. Because of the work they do in helping to shape and support individual and corporate volunteer programs, they get to see inspiring stories that underscore the power of volunteering...
Governor's bill on contraceptives (4/2/19)
Governor's bill on contraceptives creates a statewide standing order with the medical director of the Iowa Department of Public Health and allows pharmacists to dispense initially three months of an oral contraceptive, hormonal vaginal ring or hormonal contraceptive patch, and then subsequent year supplies. This bill only applies to patients 18 years and older...
Stop grandstanding and lower drug costs (4/2/19)
It's not every day an Iowan has the opportunity to wake up and ask top executives of seven major pharmaceutical companies the question that's on the minds of most Americans: Why do prescription drug prices keep rising in America? That's exactly what I did when I chaired a congressional hearing of the Senate Finance Committee. It's the second in a series of hearings I have called to examine drug pricing in the United States...
A day in the life of a legislator (4/2/19)
Week 11 of the legislative session is in the books. The bulk of my newsletters go heavy and deep on particular policy issues we're considering in the legislature. This week I wanted to try something different to give you a peek behind the curtain and a more personal flavor of life in the week of a legislator...
Community-focused cash drawers (3/26/19)
If the lines at the hardware stores were any indication, this most recent batch of rainy weather hit us all pretty equally. Each of us tried our best to keep the rain at bay as it fell on frozen ground before winding its way down the path of least resistance — ending in the basement for many of us. ...
Looking ahead to 2019 projects (3/26/19)
By Erin Reed - Dickinton County Trail Board Executive Director
DCTB has two new trail segments planned for this summer. First is the Jones Pasture Trail, which will extend the Spine Trail one mile north along the east side of Big Spirit Lake. This project has been a development priority for several years and DCTB has now secured $250,000 from the Region 3 Transportation Alternatives Program. The grant provides the additional funding needed along with $50,000 from the Okoboji Foundation and $50,000 from REAP grant funding to move forward with construction...
In the Legislature (3/26/19)
Floor debate took up most of our time as we finished week 10 of the 2019 legislative session. We are already over halfway through the session and while we've been busy, there is still much we hope to accomplish in the next few weeks. As we continue to consider major issues like the budget and property tax reform, I welcome your questions, comments, and concerns...
Cutting back unnecessary licensing (3/26/19)
The House Labor Committee passed HF 666 requiring the State Government Efficiency Committee to review every occupational license in the state over a six year period of time and send a report to the General Assembly on which it must vote. This bill also requires licensing boards to inform individuals with a criminal record whether or not they would be eligible for an a license...
Abolishing the Electoral College would be devastating to Iowa (3/26/19)
When I hear politicians talk about abolishing the Electoral College, it immediately makes me think about the impact on the state of Iowa. It would be devastating. The ripple effects would render Iowans' voices moot in the general election and bring an end to Iowa's first-in-the-nation caucus status...
Iowa social workers are needed now more than ever (3/26/19)
By Steve Quirk - Guest Commentary
March is National Social Work Month. It's a time to recognize and celebrate the workers who have dedicated their lives to lifting up Iowa families with nowhere else to turn. They work long hours. They see children and parents at the most difficult moments in their lives. But they get up every day, committed to strengthening Iowa families...
Look back at funnel week (3/19/19)
Last week was "funnel week." This is where the legislature's focus is narrowed to bills that have passed out of at least one committee in one chamber and are eligible to be debated on the floor and signed into law. If a bill fails to advance through a committee, it is considered "dead" for the session and is tabled. Oftentimes, a bill is not moved forward because it lacks support or needs improvement over the interim. The funnel does not apply to Appropriations or Ways & Means bills...
Zach Whiting - State Senator
Whiting's Writings
State Representatives John Wills and Megan Jones
From the Iowa House
Russ Mitchell
The Mitchell Report
Matt Heinrichs
The Hot Corner
Paula Buenger
Seth Boyes
Ready Seth Go
© 2019 Dickinson County News · Spirit Lake, Iowa
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text:
Teach Your Children About God
Your MARRIAGE Can Be Happy
Crime Can Be Stopped... Here's How!
The Bible Answers Short Questions From Our Readers
Plain Truth Staff
You said in a broadcast recently that Jacob wrestled all night with the One who later became Jesus Christ. Since God is all powerful, and certainly stronger than any man, why didn't He overpower Jacob immediately?
C.D.D.
True — Jacob did wrestle with the Eternal God of the Old Testament — the One who later became Jesus Christ!
But notice this. Earlier in the account, your Bible clearly states that "Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a MAN with him until the breaking of the day" (v. 24). God, then — while manifested AS A MAN — the God whom Jacob recognized and acknowledged later — had met and wrestled with Jacob. After wrestling all night, Jacob named the place of his wrestling "Peniel" because he recognized he had "seen GOD face to face" (Genesis 32:30).
It was this same God, or LORD, of the Old Testament who had previously appeared to humans as a man (Genesis 18). And He later was to BECOME the man Jesus Christ of the New Testament! (For additional and absolute proof, write for our free article "Who Or What Was Jesus Before His Human Birth?")
But why, then, didn't God prevail immediately against Jacob? The answer is quite revealing —
Let's understand — the Eternal of the Old Testament could have won the match with Jacob at any time. Even while manifesting Himself as a man He still possessed the great power of God, for He was not then born of the virgin Mary and limited to human strength. But God was putting Jacob to the test! He purposed to see if Jacob — unlike his brother Esau, who was a quitter — would be steadfast in character, if he would "stick to it" and be faithful, if he would "prevail with God."
Finally, after the all-night test, God saw that Jacob would not give up, that Jacob had passed the test and proved he would never quit. Jacob, by wrestling, proved he valued the blessings of God.
After the trial was over, the One who became Jesus Christ changed Jacob's name from Jacob (or "supplanter") to Israel — meaning "he who strives, or prevails, with God."
God could have beaten Jacob immediately — yet He didn't for the definite purpose of testing Jacob's character. It was Jacob's, not God's character that was being tested.
How much more meaningful this account becomes when we understand the full truth!
"How was it possible for Noah to make a ship large enough to carry the many species of animals safely through the Flood?"
Mrs. J. S.
This is an often-asked question!
Think for a moment. Would God assign a job to a man-like building an ark — without being sure the man could get the job done?
Many people assume that the account of the building of the Ark is a myth. They conceive of Noah as a sort of bearded hermit who had little or no education, and certainly must not have had proper tools to build a ship as large as the Ark. He may not have had gasoline-powered saws, hydraulic lifts, rivet guns and micrometers. But to assume that Noah had no nails, bolts, saws, axes and hammers is simply naive.
Most fail to grasp the tremendous size of Noah's Ark because they have never figured out its capacity based on the measurements given in your Bible!
Bible commentators do not all agree as to the specific size of the cubit used in building the Ark. Some suggest the 18-inch cubit, others a 21-inch cubit.
On the basis of a 21-inch cubit, Peloubet's Bible Dictionary states; "The ark would be 525 feet in length, 87 feet 6 inches in breadth and 52 feet 6 inches in height" (page 463). Some have calculated the displacement of the Ark would have been between 40,000 and 50,000 tons! It would have been the height of a 45-story building if it stood on end.
Comparing this to the largest, most modern luxury liners of today, the Ark may well have been LARGER than P&O Orient Line's Canberra, which has a displacement of only 45,000 tons gross!
But there was an older Hebrew cubit about 25" long. The Hebrew cubit used here would have made the Ark over 600 feet long, 100 feet wide, and 60 feet high! No small size! Its three decks (Gen. 6:16) would have contained an area of about 38 standard college basketball courts! Its volume would have been 3,600,000 cubic feet! This is the carrying capacity equal to 25 trains — each one 52 freight cars long! The Ark had this tremendous carrying capacity. Many think of the Ark as a small vessel — not realizing how LARGE it really was.
And now, how many animals were on the Ark! Notice that God told Noah there would be one male and one female of each unclean "kind" of animal and seven pairs of each clean "kind" of animal on the Ark (Gen. 7:2, 14). We need to understand that when the Bible speaks of a "kind" of animal, it is not speaking of what a scientist calls a "species."
For a Biblical proof of this fact, turn to Genesis 2:19-20. Notice a very important point: "And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field..." The number of Genesis "kinds" were so few that Adam was able to easily give them each a name that day! This, in itself, tells us that the original Genesis "kinds" were relatively few in number.
With regard to the animals — the Bible definition of "Genesis kind" is much broader than the clever evolutionary concept of "species." The "Genesis kind" more nearly equates with the biological definition of a "genus." Notice the facts presented in The Genesis Flood, pages 67, 69: "It is unwarranted to insist that all the present species, not to mention all the varieties and subvarieties, were represented in the Ark...."
Remember, God is a practical God! God's instructions to Noah (Gen. 6:14-16), were very simple and left a lot of planning on Noah's shoulders. Noah apparently already had some experience in building large ocean-going ships.
With regard to adequate supplies of food and potable water (Gen. 6:21), Noah had received instructions from God. Eggs, for example, may have been obtained from many birds, milk from the cattle and goats, fresh meat from a variety of sources. And Noah could easily have stored fresh water in advance.
Remember also that God indicated that plant life was re-established quickly after the Flood (Gen. 8:11), and that Noah himself planted a vineyard (Gen. 9:20-21), indicating he had taken on the Ark grains and cuttings which could germinate with cultivation.
Most of those who scoff at the record of the Flood have never bothered to approach the problem as the Bereans did, willing to prove with an open mind "whether those things were so."
Had Noah ever assumed the task was impossible, and had not worked for 120 years to accomplish it — where would you be today?
The simple facts PROVE the task was not impossible, and that Noah succeeded as the Bible records. If you would like more information on how to prove the Bible is God's inspired Word for mankind, write in immediately for the free booklet, The Proof of the Bible.
Plain Truth Magazine June 1966 Vol XXXI, No.6


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Girl With Rare Disease Receives New Backpack And MacBook From Good Samaritan After Hers Was Stolen In Car Theft
March 14, 2022 by FaithPot Categories Positive Stories
While there is so much suffering in the world today, there is still so much hope left in it too. An incident has left many people moved in Oakland, Calif. when a Good Samaritan answered the call and stepped up to help a young girl he had never met.
Life has not been so good for 13-year-old Jazz Hardrict who has been in the Children's Hospital in Oakland prepping for upcoming bone-marrow transplant surgery. The young girl has been diagnosed with sickle-cell disease which is a deadly blood disorder.
Recently Jazz had her backpack stolen out of her grandmother's parked car when they stopped on the way during a visit to the hospital for surgery. Her backpack had a laptop and tablet and essential school-related items that Jazz needed to complete her school work.
Her grandmother was upset about the incident and spoke out about how difficult it has been for Jazz with surgery and illness and now this robbery to add to it. Meanwhile, a Good Samaritan who heard about this incident decided to do something about it and donated a MacBook and new backpack to the girl.
The news about the incident spread like wildfire and Jazz's grandmother affirmed after she received a lot of support after it aired Tuesday night. Somebody donated a newly-refurbished MacBook laptop and signed it 'Mike', along with a card and a donation in a new backpack that was dropped off for Jazz at the hospital lobby.
The Good Samaritan turned out to be Oakland resident, Mike Panico, who sent an email to the news station writing that he hoped the girl would make a quick recovery and would enjoy her childhood. The father-of-three including a 12-year-old girl wrote that he empathized with her condition and responded as he was in a position to help her out.
Mike was reminded by this incident of his own experience when he stayed at the same hospital for 2 weeks. It happened when he was in 5th grade and had a paper route with Oakland Tribune. Mike got a cut on his hand that resulted in a terrible staph infection from the paper's ink that was a hard situation for his mom who was a single mother at the time.
Mike is now the owner of a local computer company called Northbay Network, where he would give new backpacks to employees at Christmas parties and affirmed that he also had a computer to give away as well. When he saw the story on the news, he said, "'Wow, that's terrible.'" And said that Jazz seemed like a sweet girl and decided to make the donation to her.
Due to Mike's kind act, Jazz can stay connected to her studies and teachers as she continues to stay at the hospital due to her poor immune system. She has not been able to attend school since January and is scheduled for surgery a week from Friday. After that, she will continue to stay in the hospital for another two months.
Luke 10:27 And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself."
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God has blessed you Jazz! May your health blossom as God will use you in a special way.
Brighten Your Day :)
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Supreme Court's first Sarbanes-Oxley decision promises expansion of coverage to most privately held businesses
Littler Mendelson PC
USA March 6 2014
In Lawson v. FMR LLC,1 the Supreme Court massively expanded the scope of the anti-retaliation provision of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), from 4,500 publicly held companies to millions of private companies that are "contractors," "subcontractors" or "agents" of a publicly held company. Going forward, privately held employers should be aware that SOX provides a remedy for almost all U.S. employees who suffer adverse employment actions for reporting fraud. Employers should train their management and human resources personnel to identify potential employment issues of this type and remedy them before they become costly litigation.
Background for the Lawson Decision
Congress enacted SOX in response to the massive scandals at public companies like Enron in the early 2000s. SOX imposed comprehensive new standards for public companies and their boards, managers and accountants. SOX also contained an anti-retaliation provision that prohibits a public company or an "officer, employee, contractor, subcontractor, or agent of such company" from "discharging, demoting, suspending, threatening, harassing, or in any other manner discriminating" against "an employee," because that employee blew the whistle on mail fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, securities fraud, shareholder fraud, or any SEC rule or regulation.
Until Lawson, no court had addressed the meaning of the term "an employee." In Lawson, the plaintiffs worked for private companies that provided services for Fidelity mutual funds. The plaintiffs' actual employers were privately held companies, but served as contractors to the publicly-held mutual funds, which have no employees of their own.
The plaintiffs filed civil actions in the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts under SOX. The first plaintiff claimed that she was forced to resign because she internally raised concerns about cost accounting methodologies related to the mutual funds, while the second plaintiff alleged that his employer terminated him for pointing out inaccuracies in a mutual fund SEC filing. The defendants moved to dismiss, arguing that SOX applies only to employees of public companies, not employees of privately-owned entities (like many mutual funds' investment advisers).
The district court denied the defendants' motion, but sent the question to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit for immediate review. The First Circuit disagreed with the district court and held in favor of the defendants. It read "an employee" to refer only to an employee of a publicly held company, not employees of private businesses like the plaintiffs. The First Circuit noted that if employees of contractors and subcontractors were included within the scope of SOX, then so too would employees of a publicly held company's "officers," "employees" and "agents," a conclusion the court of appeals declined to reach.
A few months later, the Department of Labor's Administrative Review Board (ARB) reached a different finding. In Spinner v. David Landau & Associates LLC, the ARB held that an auditor who was fired by a privately held firm could bring a SOX claim, because the privately held firm had provided compliance services to a public company. The ARB found that the term "an employee" referred not only to employees of the publicly held company, but also employees of its contractors and subcontractors – though not the employees of "officers," "employees" and "agents" of a public company.
The Supreme Court Decision
With this split between a court of appeals and the Department of Labor, the Supreme Court agreed to hear the plaintiffs' appeal in Lawson. The Court rejected both the First Circuit's view and that of the ARB, instead reaching the broadest possible interpretation of statutory coverage: that SOX applies to employees of publicly held companies, employees of contractors and subcontractors, and even employees of a public company's "officers," "employees" and "agents."
In reaching this conclusion, the Court started with the anti-retaliation language of SOX. The Court "boiled it down," reducing the anti-retaliation provision to say only that "no contractor may discharge an employee" for blowing the whistle. Simplified in that way, the Court concluded that the "employee" referenced had to be the employee of the contractor, not the employee of the publicly traded company. As further support for this conclusion, the Court noted that SOX says one cannot "discharge, demote, suspend, threaten, harass, or in any other manner discriminate against an employee," and these are all actions that an employer takes against its own employee, not against the employee of another company. SOX also provides for reinstatement, a remedy that a contractor could not grant to another company's employee.
The Court also noted that Congress enacted SOX in the wake of the Enron debacle. In debating that law, Congress observed that Enron's contractors were "complicit in, if not integral to, the shareholder fraud and subsequent cover-up." Enron's fraud continued for so long in part because these contractors were able to retaliate against and even discharge employees who tried to report corporate misconduct, without any legal consequences. Turning to the plaintiffs' situation, the Court also observed that limiting SOX to employees of publicly held companies would essentially exempt the mutual fund industry from the SOX anti-retaliation provisions since publicly held mutual funds do not have any employees and instead are managed by privately held investment advisers. Putting this all together, the Court found that "employee" must include employees of contractors.
One issue of interest to practitioners in this area was whether the Court would grant deference to the ARB's interpretation of SOX. The majority opinion did not issue a ruling on this point, though it was skeptical of the argument that it is the SEC that should interpret SOX rather than the ARB. The three dissenting Justices did say that the ARB's interpretations would not be entitled to deference, thus leaving the question open for another day.
While the Lawson case presented a "mainstream application" of SOX – finance professionals allegedly blowing the whistle on fraud at a mutual fund – the Court's decision sweeps far, far wider. First, the Court did not adopt any limitation to the word "contractor." Thus, SOX could reach not only employees of law firms, accounting firms or investment advisers, but also employees of companies that have nothing to do with compliance or fraud, such as cleaning or construction companies. Second, SOX references "subcontractors" of publicly held companies. Even if a company only did business with other private companies, its employees could still file claims under SOX if the company contracted with a company that contracted with a public company. In short, virtually every business in the United States could face liability under SOX's anti-retaliation section. Even more broadly, SOX also prohibits "officers," "employees" and "agents" of publicly held companies from retaliating against their employees. Thus, if a parent who works at a publicly held company hires a babysitter, that babysitter could have a federal cause of action against that parent under SOX. Similarly, a housekeeper or gardener working for an officer of a publicly held company would be eligible to file a SOX claim for retaliation.
These somewhat remarkable outcomes were pointed out by a vigorous dissent in Lawson. The majority opinion acknowledged that "housekeepers or gardeners" would fall within SOX's protections, but dismissed these concerns as "more theoretical than real." As for the massive number of privately held companies that could now face SOX litigation, the Court found that those concerns "are [no] more than hypothetical." The Court concluded, "if we are wrong," then "Congress can easily fix the problem by amending [SOX]."
Impact of the Lawson Decision on Privately Held Businesses
Unfortunately for millions of privately held companies, the costs of defending against a SOX claim and the potential damages available are neither "theoretical" nor "hypothetical." SOX has a particularly lengthy and complicated procedure, which allows claimants to have multiple bites at the apple. A case is first investigated by OSHA, which determines whether there is probable cause to support the allegations. If the claimant loses at this phase, s/he can then seek further review after discovery, through a de novo hearing before an administrative law judge. If the claimant loses again, the case can be appealed to the ARB for another review. Further, before a final decision is reached by the ARB, the claimant can at any time remove the case to federal district court for de novo review at trial, even if the case has already been decided either by OSHA itself or a Department of Labor administrative law judge. The cost of defending against even a meritless claim at these multiple levels can be daunting. Furthermore, if the claimant prevails, then s/he can recover "all relief necessary to make the employee whole," which can include back pay, compensatory damages, attorneys' fees, and possibly even reinstatement.
To minimize the risk, privately held businesses in America must immediately take action to revise and, in some cases, implement new strategies to foster a culture of compliance and guard against the prospect of retaliation. Fortunately, the past decade has seen a revolution in the evolution of new products, services and technologies designed to assist businesses in strengthening their compliance programs. Because SOX now applies broadly to millions more companies in America, many of those will have to at least consider implementing a more robust and structured compliance program. These measures include adopting compliance policies and creating systems whereby employees can make good faith reports of concerns regarding financial misconduct and the company can promptly investigate those complaints and take any necessary corrective action. Further, human resources departments and front-line managers in privately held businesses should be trained on identification of financial misconduct, how to marshal the resources necessary to investigate financial misconduct, and how to protect legitimate whistleblowers from retaliation at the hands of dishonest managers.
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Littler Mendelson PC - Edward T. Ellis, Gregory Keating and Stephen T. Melnick
Privately held company
Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002 (USA)
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Join Navy Band Northeast this year for a musical program featuring Top-40 hits, patriotic classics, and traditional military music, as they celebrate our veterans and represent the professionalism of the men and women of our United States Navy serving around the world.
Please visit Navy Band Northeast Facebook page for more information about Rock Band at Providence Waterfire Salute to Veterans, to see pictures of past performances please visit Navy Band Northeast gallery.
For more information about Navy Band Northeast, visit Navy Band Northeast page.


Duped investors are the obvious victims of the corporate scam allegedly devised by Theranos CEO, Elizabeth Holmes – a story now told in a new HBO documentary – but they're not the only ones. While investors spent millions of dollars on claims of revolutionized blood-testing technology, Theranos employees were being unknowingly stigmatized by association with the scandal.
This was recently reported in news media: ex-employees are running into obstacles in their job hunt. Many companies are disqualifying these candidates due to their closeness to Holmes' alleged deceptions.
When the Enron scandal hit, [executives in my company] said that we should disregard all candidates from Enron. One of the reasons they gave was that the scale and scope of the scandal meant you must have known about it and you must be complicit somehow.
This reasoning seems flawed from the get-go. You can't be sure what someone knew or not, especially if they were low-level employees. "If you were the janitor or the receptionist, you weren't fixing prices, were you?" says Matt.
Also, there's the element of empathy. We need to empathize with people who didn't do anything wrong but still found themselves tied to a scandal. This could potentially happen to some of us, too.
Beyond the madness and the media hype is a very mundane story of an everyday guy coming in and doing a job, says Matt.
This might be an attempt to avoid a costly hiring process for someone who will be rejected at the end. In this case, periods of unemployment are used as proxies for the ability to work diligently and effectively. This may originate from an unspoken rule many of us follow unconsciously: you need to always be working to be considered talented and motivated, and employed workers (or passive talent) are definitely better professionals.
Employment gaps don't say anything about a candidate's skills or suitability for the job. You can ask about those gaps during a screening call, but don't treat them as major criteria during your hiring process. If the subject is sensitive, candidates might not want to reveal their reasons during a screening call; be prepared to accept "I wasn't working for personal reasons" as an answer. Even the most talented professionals among us may have been unemployed at some point, but they might not feel comfortable explaining why to a potential employer.
Favoring job candidates who went to specific schools is one of the most arbitrary and ineffective hiring criteria. In the wake of bribery scandals regarding admissions to Ivy League colleges in the U.S., we may have more cause to distrust the value of educational backgrounds. In fact, according to an article in the Washington Post, the game of admission to elite schools has always been rigged in favor of the wealthier kids — not the smartest or hardest working.
That's not to say that an Ivy League school graduate can't be the most qualified candidate for the job. But, there's an equal chance they might not be. Looking into those candidates seriously limits your applicant pool and makes it less likely you'll find the best possible candidate.
So consider not paying attention to where a candidate studied. Look at more specific elements of their educational background, like what courses they took, the study groups they may have been part of, or the topic of their dissertation or graduate thesis.
Depending on the job, you may not have to look much at education credentials at all. You probably need someone to have a degree in biology or chemistry if you're hiring for a lab scientist, but is it equally important for a salesperson to have a degree in business or even an MBA? Probably not. There's value in hiring non-traditional candidates. We find similar insight in Stack Overflow's 2018 developer survey where about 20% of professional developers who responded don't have a college degree. So, be open-minded and focus on the actual skills the candidate brings to the table.
To clarify, we're not talking about anything extreme. If you're hiring for an accounting role, and you passed on a candidate who handled the finances of a drug trafficking ring, I wouldn't blame you. But, in other cases, the (legal) industries featured in a candidate's resume shouldn't be a reason to reject them.
For example, think about someone who was the sales manager at a marijuana company. There's no real reason to disqualify them based on this. A job in the legal cannabis industry is a job like any other. This sales manager may even have an advantage against other candidates because they have a successful track record of selling products that are heavily stigmatized or regulated by law.
But, there's something to be said for the necessity of rehabilitating convicted criminals who have paid their dues. "In UK law," says Matt, "you have the notion of spent and unspent convictions. If I was a drunk driver and I had gone five years with no further incidents, this conviction is spent." Also, laws in countries like the U.S. may have legal restrictions on how much you can use criminal records to make employment decisions.
When the candidate has a niche skill set the company wants, people can disregard loads of stuff this person is personally guilty of. For example, I know of a trader who was convicted of fraud – and the company knew that – but was hired anyway. Did they hire him out of some altruistic motive, because he deserves a second chance? Or did they hire him because he's a great trader and he's gonna make them big money? I'd like to think it was the first, but it was probably the second.
The reality is, sometimes, a convicted criminal actually has the skills you need and they do deserve a second chance. If you talk to them and you're satisfied they can be valuable employees, you can take a risk. Although, Matt warns, don't forget to take risks in other ways, too. Combating unconscious bias is a difficult process that will demand attention and, maybe, getting out of your comfort zone.
You might be tempted to take a risk on a convicted trader because they could make you a billion dollars. Well, taking a so-called 'risk' on someone who's in an underrepresented group, like a black woman or a first-generation immigrant, can also make you money by helping you take advantage of diverse perspectives.
Be as objective as possible when determining what to look for in a resume and discuss with the candidate. It helps if they're upfront about their convictions and how their crime came about. In the end, if you're not confident about the candidate's repentance, you could reject them.
The main problem with all these arbitrary criteria, though, is that they usually come from hiring managers or executives. Recruiters are often unable to navigate these perceptions.
Even when hiring managers don't tell you directly what to look for in a resume, they might introduce bias in the process through their reactions. "If, for example, you give a hiring manager a resume of a great candidate who worked at Enron, you might see the hiring manager go 'ugh, Enron.' Then, you're probably not going to show them any more of these candidates," observes Matt.
So, hiring managers should also be careful not to subtly introduce such biases into the hiring process. But, it's also a wake-up call for recruiters who should learn to push back to these reactions and, occasionally, to blatant orders.
Matt emphasizes the importance of giving candidates the benefit of the doubt before considering their candidacy based on potential bias-triggering elements in their CV or resume.
Open communication with the candidate during the process is absolutely key here.


With over 25 years of professional experience conducting business for multinational and personal companies, Cesar is responsible to provide vision for multiple businesses, review P&L's, Budgets, and plan executions. Its commitment to achieve results and to make wealth of the opportunities for clients, partners and colleagues has resulted in well established models and favorable negotiations.
Cesar has been involved in energy, aerospace, automotive and many other industrial projects. He is recognized for being an overall well respected professional and entrepreneur with a strong presence as a leader in the community.
Cesar possesses a top management MBA from Cetys University and advanced business training AD2 from the PanAmerican Institute for High Business Direction, alone with a mechanical engineering profile from the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC).
Cesar is the CEO and proud owner of WDF Services, and as the main representative for PIMSA's tenants association, and it is in his agenda to promote a new industrial intelligence model that impulses the sector forward, by incrementing innovation and the city's generation knowledge.


text:
Meetings>
Social Justice Advocates of the Sapphire Coast
Minutes of General Meeting held 10 Feb 2022
Mtg commenced at 7pm.
Present: Kylie Furnell, Karen Gillespie, Pam Skelton, Jane Adam, Mahlia Smith McPherson, Jan Midena, David Gallan, Ray Tynan, Barbara Toner, John Liston, Loretta Fella, Wendy Wait, Zoe Penton, Patrick Harris, Bob Grasby, Gavin Bell, Dianne Beckett, Mick Brosnan. Guest speaker: Caycee Hill
Apologies: Chris Tynan, Jo Fitzer-Riley, Ian McLiesh, Peter Reid, Peter Skelton, Ross Williams, Denise Perry.
Gavin opened the meeting with a welcome and commenced by inviting attendees to briefly introduce themselves.
Mick acknowledged the Traditional Custodians of the land we meet on, the Yuin people and shared statements from the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
GUEST SPEAKER – CAYCEE HILL
Gavin welcomed Caycee, Manager of the Bega Multicultural Centre.
Caycee commenced by telling us that she is a migrant and that initially people in the Bega Valley were reluctant to believe that she was American. She described a big spread of nationalities in the Bega Valley's population with women from South East Asia being a big proportion of the migrant community and mostly vulnerable. Many are brought to Australia and then abandoned. Caycee is working to create stronger networks.
Caycee outlined the challenges of working with many nationalities and the discrimination they face, together with the difficulties of coping in an unknown environment. Isolation is a big issue.
She is employed three days a week. Caycee is looking forward to Harmony Day on 19th March. This led to a discussion of how SJA might help.
Minutes: The minutes were circulated prior to the meeting. Moved that the minutes be accepted by Gavin Bell, seconded Dianne and carried.
Mick read a letter of thanks from a bushfire-impacted person SJA has assisted.
Treasurer's Report:
Mick explained to the meeting that SJA will now pay Robyn Morales, book-keeper for the Disaster Relief Fund, to take over the book-keeping for SJA generally as the task has become too complex and time-consuming for our treasurer, Celi to complete on a voluntary basis.
The Treasurer's reports relating to Social Justice Advocates of the Sapphire Coast and the Bega Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund were also circulated prior to the meeting. It was moved by Mick, seconded by Dianne that the reports be accepted. Carried.
Asylum Seekers/Refugees
Karen told the meeting there has been one meeting this year. We are associated with national group CRSI. While we would like to have families settle in the Bega Valley the lack of specialist services is a barrier.
There were five participants involved in mentoring training. The group aims to take up advocacy work on behalf of people on temporary visas and to form associations with Afghan networks.
In Search of Safety (ISOS) ran successfully some years ago and a new course will commence on 1 March 2022. This Red Cross course enables participants to go into schools and educate school children on issues facing refugees and asylum seekers.
Youth Climate Action
Zoe would like to strengthen the youth aspect of SJA. They share the climate anxiety highlighted by Forces for Nature. They are working on growing the group, participating in working bees at Potoroo Palace and flying box counts.
Forces for Nature
Wendy told the meeting that the third round of solar installations is at 22. In conjunction with Lakeside Electrical this program sees the installation of a solar system on a community building for every 30 households who sign up for a home solar system.
They are informing people on climate action in the lead up to the Bega State by-election (12 February 2022) and the Federal election widely expected in May this year.
Other action involves campaigning against the commercialisation of National Parks, particularly the Light to Light walk; reducing single use plastics in Merimbula and a Film Night to be held as a fund-raiser for Potoroo Palace to be held there on 17 Feb 2022.
Lobbying continues around support for the aims of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the raising of the age of criminal responsibility. They are waiting for a response to their submission regarding the number of indigenous children in state and foster care.
Bega Valley Advocates for Timor Leste
A report had been circulated prior to the meeting. Possibly the most significant achievement of this group is that there are 20 Timorese teachers who are now assisting others to follow in their footsteps. The group sees education as the most effective way to assist the people of Timor Leste.
Homeless/Housing
It's Up to Us has been a massive success with $195,000 raised in just over six months. Congratulations to Kate and Sam Mills who raised $20,000 with Go Fund Me.
The following motion was circulated prior to the meeting and was put by Mick and seconded by Karen:
" That this general meeting of the SJA supports the purchase of two transportable housing units as the first stage of implementation of our SJA crisis / transitional housing strategy .
These two units will cost approx $ 55,000 plus transportation. "
Carried unanimously
Mick also outlined additional support for the campaign – three philanthropists are keen to help. This is in addition to ongoing contributions from Greg and Judy O'Halloran and Za's Coffee.
The group is lobbying councillors and also in discussion with Dr Alice Howe in requesting Council to make available one block of land in Eden and one in Bega so that there is somewhere to place our units.
Dave outlined efforts by the Uniting Church to have land subdivided for housing. This land is part of the large block on the corner of Gipps and High Street, diagonally across from the Fire Station.
Southern Cross Housing (SCH): Paddy Harris explained his role with SCH as Community Engagement Officer. He covers an area from Wollongong to Eden, including Cooma, Nowra and Jindabyne. The service has 100 properties in the Bega Valley.
Sleep On It: Mahlia is publicising the event on Facebook.
Young Advocates at Lumen Christi: John talked about the many topics that come up among this group. He talked about the power of young people experiencing the joy of giving and the difference that can make.
COMING EVENTS:
Potoroo Palace Working Bee: Saturday 12 March, a couple of hours work in this beautiful place and then a shared meal.
Australian Made: A brilliant concert on 23 April, featuring the Black Sorrows, the Figmentz, etc, etc…
Giyong: 9 April at Jigamy Farm.
International Women's Day: 8 March.
Kate talked about the need to have a platform for community events – watch this space.
Mick lamented the continuing devastation caused by the war machine and concluded the meeting by finishing his reading of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
Meeting concluded about 9.00.
(Next meeting: Thursday, 14 April, 2022)
Note: Prior to the meeting ABC Reporter Keira Proust interviewed Mick regarding the homeless/housing crisis. She also interviewed two young men, thankful to now have a roof over their heads, and Kylie Furnell of SEWACS. Kylie related that the only help the service is able to give the homeless is a camping kit, as there is simply no shelter available in the area.
The report aired on ABC TV News on Friday, 11 February 2022.


232 Complex is what's new on Lumley Beach. The bar hopes to be an all in one hang out spot with a restaurant, a club, and a VVIP club co-located.
232 Complex is co-owned by Dereque Davies and Tarek Rahme, in partnership with Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) the Heineken subsidiary.
The Heineken influence is evident and as they are one of the major sponsors -under Brewery, 232 Complex have the advantage to sell one bottle for Le 15,000. They also sell other SLBL products such as Star Beer, Mützig among others -these will be sold at the same prices as smaller distribution stores in the country, in addition to the usual popular alcoholic brands of rum, whiskey such as Malibu, and Jack Daniels. This they hope will bring in a different clientele.
"We wanted to create a place for a mature crowd – hence the age limit being set at 21. It is important for people of this age group to feel comfortable when going out, this is why we also include the different aspects and elements to 232 with the various rooms such as the lounge, the VIP club and the VVIP section," said Mr. Davis.
The building was designed by Ms. Kathleen Jah an architect worked tirelessly to create the space that is now 232 Complex. She also handled the creative direction for the interior design to make for a remarkable set up. The interior is local, rustic, and authentically Sierra Leonean, something the beach really needed.
Opening hours for the club will be 11pm-5am and the restaurant hours will be Sunday-Sunday 12 Noon to Midnight.
Entrance fees for the club will be Le 50,000 per person.
Look up 232 Complex on both Facebook and Instagram under the handle @232Complex.
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I think I now know what parents go thru with kids and cell phones, and no I dont have a kid of my own yet. I am the one that manages the office cellphone bill, and well, its not be the best part of my job. This goes back to the whole paper work and meetings thing that i posted about a few months ago.
So, we get our new bill in this month, and it has all the credits and bull crap it should have after the last few months. But, then I see we are getting charged like 650 dollars more then we were last month. So, I'm like what the hell is going on. Well, then I realise that we are getting charged beacuse we went over our "pool plan". Since we droped about 13 phones last month, we now have less mins in our pool. So, then I had to go thru and audit each cell phone bill, and figure out who went over there bill, and by how much. So, to me, our service techs are like kids, they have a cell phone, and think they can use it for all there personal calls also. So, now Dennis and I have to figure out how we are going to handle this.
So, that is my update for now. I'm tried. Monk is now over, so I'm going to bed.
My Dad and some of the other sales people have had that problem before with their service reps. A couple of years ago, it got to the point where, after warning them, they were going to have to fire them unless they got it under control, which I think they did.
When I work for the company in the summer, I have my own (which my parents pay for), and any work-related calls get cashed out to my parents.
However, if I did have a company cell phone, I wouldn't ever use it for anything personal, except in the case of an emergency. I'm kind of surprised people abuse their cell phones like that, it seems....cheezy, i guess.


BROWNSVILLE, Texas — For the third consecutive year, the Port of Brownsville joins the entire U.S. trucking industry in celebration of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (ATA), Sept. 9-14.
"Cargo moving to and from the Port of Brownsville gets there basically by water, rail or road. It's a relationship dependent upon the cooperation of each mode of transportation and truck drivers play a vital role in our success," said John Reed, chairman of the Brownsville Navigation District.
The event highlights the efforts of professional truck drivers who deliver the nation's freight safely and securely every day. In 2017, the Port of Brownsville recorded more than 300,000 truck movements.
According to the American Trucking Association, there are more than 3.5 million professional truck drivers nationwide. These professional men and women log more than 273 billion miles annually and deliver nearly 70 percent of U.S. freight tonnage – or 10.55 billion tons. The trucking industry is an astounding $738.9 billion industry, representing 81.5 percent of the nation's freight bill.
During this week, truck drivers entering the port will receive tokens of appreciation from both the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority and the port.


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Super WiFi
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A team of Rice University students recently tested a new technology, "Super WiFi", in Smithville, Texas, working with Technology For All Training Manager John Dees. The technology takes advantage of the unused analog TV broadcast channels to transmit Internet over a wider area than a standard WiFi signal.
The technology is being developed through a National Science Foundation grant to the university, and Technology For All is assisting with testing efforts in Houston and Smithville. "This is a really exciting innovation in the way people can get Internet," said Dees.
The team of students, consisting of graduate and undergraduate students involved in Electrical Engineering studies, set up the Super WiFi system at the local high school football stadium bleachers. Using the stadium allowed the team to test the system without having to climb a water tower while getting the height needed to perform proper testing.
The Smithville ISD superintendent, Dr. Rock McNulty, paid the team a visit to see their work and ask questions. SISD is a TFA partner, working with the Houston-based organization on various technology projects and proposals. "This is exciting," Dr. McNulty said, "We are happy to help."
Smithville proved to be a good test site for the new technology, because of its rural area and availability of analog TV channels (called "white space") to use. The team plans additional tests in the area, including a possible longer-term installation and test.