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Oped Column Syndication
a virtual bridge between publishers & thought-leaders
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OpEd Articles
John Bruton
John Bruton, former Irish Prime Minister
John Bruton was the Prime Minister (Taoiseach) of Republic of Ireland from 1994 to 1997. He helped transform the Irish economy into the "Celtic Tiger," one of the fastest growing economies in the world. He was also deeply involved in the Northern Irish Peace Process leading to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, under whose terms a conflict of allegiances dating back to the seventeenth century was resolved.
Latest articles from John Bruton
Ireland must Work with EU Partners to Protect Itself - [John Bruton] Ireland can and must learn from the work of other EU members and, on a case by case basis, take part in joint initiatives in areas like cyber security, threat intelligence, maritime surveillance, drone surveillance, etc.
Brexit is Far from Done. It is Entering its Dramatic Second Act - [John Bruton] Can a chaotic "Crash Out" Brexit in December 2020 be avoided?
Brexit: The Era of Easy Decisions is Over - [John Bruton] The EU's strategic weight in the world will be reduced by the absence of the UK, as the EU is losing a relatively young, diverse and creative member state.
More about John Bruton
John Bruton also served as the European Union Ambassador to the United States (2004-09).
While Prime Minister, John Bruton presided over a successful Irish EU Presidency in 1996 and helped finalize the Stability and Growth Pact, which governs the management of the single European currency, the Euro.
John Bruton was first elected to the Irish Parliament ("Dáil Éireann") in 1969 at the age of 22 as a member of the Fine Gael Party, becoming Party Leader in 1990 and leading it into government in 1994. He previously served as Ireland's Minister for Finance (1981-1982 and 1986-1987); Minister for Industry & Energy (1982-1983); Minister for Trade, Commerce & Tourism (1983-1986); and was Parliamentary Secretary (Junior Minister) from 1973-1977. He has also been opposition spokesman on Agriculture and on Education.
Currently, John Bruton is Chairman of IFSC Ireland, a private sector body set up to develop the financial services industry in Ireland. He is a member of the board of Ingersoll Rand plc, and of Montpelier Re plc. He is also a member of the board of the Centre for European Policy Studies. He is a Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Transatlantic Relations in Washington DC, and a visiting fellow at the European Institute in the London School of Economics.
More John Buton's articles
Problems with Boris Johnson's New Proposals on Irish Backstop - [John Bruton] A 'Northern Ireland only' backstop would not protect Republic of Ireland's trade with Britain which is more valuable than trade across the border with Northern Ireland.
Ukraine's Election and its Prospect for EU Membership - [John Bruton] Ukrainian leaders are using the goal of EU membership as the spur to get their voters to accept uncomfortable reforms.
Trump Administration's Mideast Policy - [John Bruton] Trump Administration's Middle East policy is increasing the risk of unintended conflict between the US forces and Iranian forces & loyal militias. The policy is also making a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict impossible and a one-state solution more inevitable.
New Way Forward on Brexit - [John Bruton] How might a New Way Forward on Brexit be uncovered if the Existing Deal is not Accepted?
Brexit Testing UK's Parliament Sovereignty - [John Bruton] Parliament, not the monarch, and not people by referendum, is sovereign -- a principle not contained in a written constitution, but it is longstanding in the UK constitutional system.
Problem Lies with Brexit Itself - [John Bruton] New barriers – including the fact that the UK will be (after Brexit) having different standards, trade arrangements and tariffs than the EU – will bring delays, extra bureaucracy, and eventually bankruptcies, in their wake.
Oped Column Syndication accommodates views, opinions & perspectives from all opposing sides of the trending debates.
Latest Posts: Oped Column Syndication
Why People are Increasingly Relying on Life Coaches?
[Natalie Morales]
Life Coaches are not miracle workers, but they do have large tool kit to help people deal with their problems and convert people's Big Ideas into Realities.
Ireland must Work with EU Partners to Protect Itself
[John Bruton]
Ireland can and must learn from the work of other EU members and, on a case by case basis, take part in joint initiatives in areas like cyber security, threat intelligence, maritime surveillance, drone surveillance, etc.
Iranian Regime Lost its Charm in Middle East
[Syafruddin Arsyad]
Iranian regime has now become detached from the young Iranians as well as from its support bases in Lebanon and Iraq.
Asia-Pacific's Coastal Communities Becoming more Vulnerable by the Day
[Bahauddin Foizee]
While coastal areas of countries like Bangladesh, India, the Philippines and Sri Lanka would disappear gradually, other small island nations like Micronesia and the Maldives would be submerged under water almost completely, turning millions of inhabitants living in these countries into climate refugees.
Brexit is Far from Done. It is Entering its Dramatic Second Act
Can a chaotic "Crash Out" Brexit in December 2020 be avoided?
Brexit: The Era of Easy Decisions is Over
The EU's strategic weight in the world will be reduced by the absence of the UK, as the EU is losing a relatively young, diverse and creative member state.
Does Poor People Lack Concern about the Environment?
[Simi Garewal]
Poor people are perhaps more concerned about the adverse affects of climate change, but what's lacking is their participation to save our planet from such adverse affects.
Problems with Boris Johnson's New Proposals on Irish Backstop
A 'Northern Ireland only' backstop would not protect Republic of Ireland's trade with Britain which is more valuable than trade across the border with Northern Ireland.
The Coming Peace in Afghanistan
[Yead Mirza]
USA's growing desperation to end the Afghan war – driven by the understanding of 'costs versus benefits' of the longdrawn conflict – would bring about a positive result for achieving peace in not-so-distant future.
Alternatives to Open Space Workplaces
[Fotini Mastroianni]
Employees face many problems in the modern-day open space workplaces. There are several alternatives (and solutions) that might help.
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Vietnam's Salience in India's Act-East Policy
Yemenis Dying while Blame-Game Continues
Iranian Regime's Lost Moral Standing in Syria & Iraq
Large-scale Farming Good for Environment
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Air Pollution is a GLOBAL THREAT
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China Plans Economic Zone between Earth and Moon | ANALYSIS REPORT
Analysis Report | REPORT SYNDICATION
Lebanon Protesters Found Strength in Unity, Ditched Sectarianism
Brief Analysis | REPORT SYNDICATION
Syria Invasion might Help Erdogan's Domestic Politics, International Aspirations
Turkish, Russian and Syrian Forces Commit War Crimes in Syria
Migration to Europe: More Afghans than Syrians
The Coming Wars for Water!
Water Challenges: India Forms a New Ministry
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Q: "DecorView not attached to window manager" problem in ActivityThread.handleDestroyActivity Recently I received some error from Crashlytics, which seems a IllegalArgumentException was thrown while Activity is destroying:
Fatal Exception: java.lang.IllegalArgumentException: View=DecorView@8149dd0[] not attached to window manager
       at android.view.WindowManagerGlobal.findViewLocked(WindowManagerGlobal.java:552)
       at android.view.WindowManagerGlobal.removeView(WindowManagerGlobal.java:433)
       at android.view.WindowManagerImpl.removeViewImmediate(WindowManagerImpl.java:131)
       at android.app.ActivityThread.handleDestroyActivity(ActivityThread.java:4645)
       at android.app.ActivityThread.-wrap5(ActivityThread.java)
       at android.app.ActivityThread$H.handleMessage(ActivityThread.java:1757)
       at android.os.Handler.dispatchMessage(Handler.java:105)
       at android.os.Looper.loop(Looper.java:164)
       at android.app.ActivityThread.main(ActivityThread.java:6944)
       at java.lang.reflect.Method.invoke(Method.java)
       at com.android.internal.os.Zygote$MethodAndArgsCaller.run(Zygote.java:327)
       at com.android.internal.os.ZygoteInit.main(ZygoteInit.java:1374)

I've done some protections while using AsyncTask and ProgressDialog, but this doesn't look like a dismiss() issue.
Nearly 80% was thrown in Android API 8.x
Is there anyone known how to fix this?

A: This might be the issue of NightMode, I did know what exactly causes this, but when I use:
AppCompatDelegate.setDefaultNightMode(night ?
    .MODE_NIGHT_YES :
    .MODE_NIGHT_NO);

to replace the original one:
getDelegate().setLocalNightMode(night ?
    .MODE_NIGHT_YES :
    .MODE_NIGHT_NO);

and the crashes just gone.
I know this may not be a good answer, but if you come across the same problem someday, this may give you some tip.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Singer Vehicle Desings' new 'Ultimate Classic Porsche 911' comes with an Aria built chassis and Cosworth engine. Singer's 911 is an instant classic.
For the third installment of Singer Vehicle Designs' take on the Porsche 911, looks can be deceiving. Dressed in gorgeous all white, under the hood lies Cosworth's exclusive engine. Composite experts Aria Group will prepare, paint and deliver carbon fiber bodies for the Singer 911s. "We are thrilled to be involved with these incredible companies who together bring a wealth of heritage, intelligence and global engineering expertise to this labor of love." said Rob Dickinson, founder of Singer.
He continued: "this is not just about re-imagining an icon; we're working in a collaborative spirit of excellence to build something that celebrates Porsche's genius and the air-cooled era of the world's most important sports car: the Porsche 911." Internationally-renowned motorsport engineers Cosworth will be the exclusive supplier of the Ultimate Classic's engines. Customers will be able to choose from a 3.6-liter 300hp Touring, 3.9-liter 380hp Sport, or 3.9 to 4.0-liter over 425hp Cup spec engines.
Dickenson sought to create the 'Ultimate Classic 911' by putting together the best characteristics of the air-cooled models from 1964 to 1998. He imagined a fresh design to make the cars appear more modern while saving the older 911s from an uncertain future. The machines are based on the early '90s 964 platform for its 'perfect blend of vintage 911 character and technical sophistication'. The carbon fiber bodywork put together by the Aria Group will hark back to the road racers of the '60s and '70s. In regards to the guts of the 911, SVD has updated almost everything to top of the line quality.
Some of the more notable upgrades include Brembo brakes, Apex Tech. wiring and electrics, Spinneybeck leather and Zuffenhaus wheels. Singer Vehicle Designs has priced the cars drafted to be the ultimate modern-day, air-cooled Porsche 911 from $190,000 and $300,000, depending on the customer's specific needs and specs.


WIT membership BEFORE applying for mentee scheme.
There are no fees or credit card information required. Take a moment to fill out the online application form ... approval is immediate ... no waiting!
The WIT mentoring program provides mentees with a regional and international mentor to ensure that mentees discuss issues and receive guidance on both a local and international level that is independent from their place of work.
Mentoring is a process that links experienced transplant professionals (mentors) with those less experienced (mentees) in a relationship that is beneficial. It is about the development of a relationship that is based upon mutual respect, trust and confidentiality. Mentors not only provide support, but are also able to encourage and challenge mentees to help them develop and allow them to make informed choices that are appropriate to their own career needs.
Mentors should try to act as a positive influence by encouraging the growth and development of their mentee. They should be open and honest and maintain a professional approach and confidentiality at all times.
Members of WIT who sign up to join this program will select their own mentors from the lists available on the WIT website. Applicants will select one mentor from the available list willing to take on this role in their own country or region and a second from mentors based outside the applicant's own region. When choosing mentors, mentees are asked to think carefully about their professional development and support needs, and the qualities, experience and availability of their potential mentor. The mentor-mentee relationships are established with the agreement of both parties in each case.
If you would like to be mentored, you must first sign up to be a member of WIT. Once you confirm your email address you may apply using our online application form. To read the short biographies of the mentors on the WIT website. Please click here to go to the mentor's page for information about the mentors and their experience.
Then, from the list of available mentors choose one mentor from your own country or region (local mentor) and one mentor from outside of your country / region (international mentor). Access the online form to guide you through the mentor selection process. Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email from us with further details about what to do next.
You will be contacted at the email address you have given approximately four to five weeks after that date to confirm if your mentors have accepted the request.
Please note that the mentor based on their availability at the time of the request may refuse your request.
Mentoring is usually a time limited arrangement and you should, therefore, agree to the length of the formal mentoring relationship or agree a date at which the relationship will be reviewed with a view to ending or continuing the mentoring. Good communication is the key to developing a productive relationship.
How do I join the mentoring scheme as a mentor?
If you would like to offer your services as a mentor, please sign-up to be a WIT member and once your email has been verified you may access the online mentor application form.


Garden decks might seem like just another home addition to someone who lives in a flat but, if you have a house, you probably know that decks are a way of life. When installed and decorated properly, decks can give new function and meaning to a property, offering a relaxing space where you can dine, chat, read or stargaze. Needless to say, it also increases property value. In some regions, most houses are built with a deck, but if you currently don't have one, here are some ideas on installing decking in your garden depending on your lifestyle, budget and preferences.
We all want to be away on an exotic island somewhere after a long day at work, but what if you could bring the exotic island to your garden? Installing a holiday-themed garden deck is just what you need to forget about a busy day. For this project, you will need planks of wood in a light color to replicate sand and a few key decorations for that exotic vibe. Your exotic retreat should have a beach umbrella and as many beach-inspired decorations as possible, including a hammock, coconut shaped glasses and palm tree prints.
If you want to create a nice place in your garden to read every day, then comfort should be your number one priority. Your deck can be made from any kind of wood you prefer, but, if you're aiming for that old library look and feel, you could go for a distressed wood. Choose large sofas and armchairs and don't forget about pillows and throws, because they will make the entire space more welcoming. Placing an entire shelf on the deck is not recommended because the outdoors aren't the best place for storing books, but you can add a small table.
Cooking outdoors might just be the most relaxing way to cook, so why not turn your garden deck into a small outdoor kitchen? This is one of the most popular options among homeowners and also the most practical. To turn your garden deck into an outdoor kitchen you will need several appliances (barbecue, grill, cooker), a counter and, of course, a table and chairs. Ideally, this kind of garden deck should be covered and all the furniture should be treated with a water-resistant coating. For the finishing touches, add a few plants and decorative lights.
Last, but not least, you can set up a garden deck and use it as a space for socializing with friends. If you have a pool, you can connect it to the deck to take advantage of every inch. Either way, you will need to invest in a three-person sofa and a couple of comfortable armchairs. A social lounge would not be complete without a table, a minibar and some lights. If the space allows you, then you can also install a rocker chair.
No matter which of these options you go for, don't forget to use high quality wood for the deck and count on a team of specialists to design and install the decking for you.


text:
Search The Planet
City considers biodiesel
Matthew Artz Daily Planet Staff
Saturday September 14, 2002
A plan to reduce Berkeley air pollution and possibly save a homeless shelter may have to wait until the city budget crisis clears up.
In the coming weeks, advocates at the Ecology Center plan to ask the city to convert its fleet of 24 garbage trucks from diesel to cleaner biodiesel fuel. The $100,000 to $300,000 price tag, though, has some doubting that the city can afford a conversion.
Furthermore, denying a conversion would likely further delay the expansion of a city homeless shelter at Harrison Park.
That project is already on hold because of bad air quality. The shelter sits next to the city's waste transfer station where its diesel trucks contribute to air pollution the city says is at "dangerously high" levels.
Using biodiesel, made of soybean oil instead of petroleum, in the city's sanitation trucks would reduce soot emissions and other harmful particulate matter by 80 percent, Ecology Center representatives said. The center, which provides the city's recycling service, uses biodiesel fuel in its 10 recycling trucks.
City Councilmember Linda Maio, who will bring the request before council, said councilmembers will likely support the idea. But the price might prohibit action, Maio said.
"We squeaked through the budget this year to come up with another $100,000. ... It's a matter of cost," she said.
Biodiesel costs roughly $1 more a gallon than regular diesel gasoline, and is only about 82 percent as efficient. In addition, because the fuel is used in just one of every10,000 diesel engines, few suppliers exist.
This is bound to change, said Dave Williamson, recycling director at the Ecology Center. If more cities like Berkeley change to biodiesel, prices will fall and availability will rise.
Williamson said the effort is worthwhile because the Ecology Center's 10 biodiesel recycling trucks spare the city10 tons of pollution each year, Williamson said.
If the city followed suit, air pollution that threatens the neighborhood near Harrison Park could be improved, he said.
Berkeley already has committed itself to reducing citywide diesel engine emissions. The city has begun converting some of its diesel vehicles, like fire engines and school buses, to compressed natural gas engines, which are as clean as biodiesel and are more fuel efficient.
However, the compressed gas engines cost approximately $75,000 each, so acquiring the funds could take years, Williamson said. The advantage of using biodiesel fuel is that it can be used in a regular diesel engine, so the city would not have to buy new engines.
"We see biodiesel as a 'bridge fuel'," said Williamson. "It's a way to get cities into the alternative fuel game without having to buy more trucks."
City Council is expected to ask city staff to estimate the cost of biodiesel conversion. A final decision is not expected until December, which environmental activists say is a dangerously long wait.
"We know from [U.S. Environmental Protection Agency] reports that the air is bad. Why wait three more months to start solving the problem," said Martin Bourque, Ecology Center executive director.
Contact reporter at matt@berkeleydailyplanet.net
Links we like:
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and get free email updates.
The Pepper Spray Times
Read The January Issue
(and please support Grace Underpressure with a donation :-)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


I think that the morning is one of the most beautiful and enjoyable times of the day.
Yes, I am indeed a morning person that loves to rise early (which doesn't always happen) and enjoy a cup of coffee and alone time with the Lord.
There is nothing like waking up and knowing it is a new day, full of new possibilities. Cheesy? maybe. True? totally. Think about it...a fresh start, no mistakes hanging overhead, a new day to make new memories....its a new day that you will never relive again.
Stop to think about that. Enjoy the day. Enjoy today.
I wanted to encourage you all with some thoughts about the morning that I find extremely comforting and encouraging.
It is not that the Lord doesn't hear us other times during the day, but David cries out to the Lord in the morning for his prayer to be heard. It just speaks to the fact that there is great value in starting our days with our Savior and acknowledging his authority and power in our lives from the moment we arise.
Christ's mercies and grace is new every single morning. Wow. Praise the Lord for this truth. I love that the Lord's grace never ends- Romans 5:20 "where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more"
I am studying Proverbs 31 a lot right now as Ben and I are approaching marriage and this is such a clear picture of what a wife of the Lord looks like. Ladies, we are called Biblically to be early risers and not lovers of sleep (Proverbs 20:13). So cry out to the Lord for a heart that cherishes the mornings.
These are just a few of my favorite passages on mornings. Why they are beautiful, why they should be treasured, and why we should stop to enjoy them.
Don't rush through life without stopping to enjoy the simple things.


Max Cement is one of India's youngest players in the cement manufacturing sector and is fast-tracking its way towards becoming an established name in the business. What began as a first commissioned cement plant in Nongsning village of Meghalaya in 2011, with a production capacity of one million tonnes, has today made Max cement North-East's key player.
The proximity to high-grade limestone gives the product a unique edge over its competitors. The plant uses state-of-the-art German and Japanese technology in manufacturing superior quality cement that has already captured the market.
That's why despite many other market leaders, it is only Max Cement, who has been lauded for its quality and commitment with three prestigious awards in the last 3 years – 'Power Brands Rising Star 2012', 'India's Most Promising Brand 2013' and 'Most Promising Cement Brand 2014'.
A part of Green Valley Industries, founded by Late Shri Gajanand Agarwal, Max Cement grew out of a passion for building a stronger and more secured future for the nation. Offering sustainable growth, value creation and innovative solutions to the construction industry, the brand assures best in-class Strength, Setting and Stability, the 3Ss that have spelt success for its products.
Max Cement has carved a niche for itself with its two popular products – Max Ordinary Portland Cement and Max Portland Pozzolana Cement with significant footprints across the major markets of North East India. Be it individual house builders (IHB) or government projects or global construction firms, the consumers of Max Cement believe in the 'maximum' performance it has to offer.


Nice video, better song wax!
Hi Wax I just bought your kit and I am you rbiggest fan have always bought all of your stuff. Could you PLEASE sign my CD man PLEASE I Have a signed CD by DFD, ZO, INTUITION, YOU ARE THE LAST GUY MAN MY FAVORITE RAPPER OUT OF ALL OF THEM. Please I do not know how else to reach you please!


From a sparsely filled stadium in Chicago, USA, to a worldwide movement of millions. Since 1968, our athletes have challenged perceptions while opening hearts & minds along the way! This July, we will celebrate it all!
A global sport and social movement that touches and changes the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities through the transformative power of sports.
Special Olympics Singapore is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Intellectual disabilities (ID) is a disability characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior, which covers many everyday social and practical skills.


Activities about the Machines de l'Ile de Nantes, an interactive attraction based on the work of Jules Verne.
Students read an article, predict what they will see, watch a video and compare it to their predictions. Then they watch a video and complete listening comprehension questions.
I use this in French 3, could work for French 2 or more advanced classes.


text:
@interface JHAllTableViewController : JHEssenceBaseTableViewController

@end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Ocean Beach Town Council hears updates on City issues
Stephanie Ritter, Marin Green, Scott Grace, Melinda Therkalsen (recording secretary), Jon Carr (correspondence secretary), Mark Winkie (president), Cameron Reid and Stephanie Kane
(photos by Savanah Duffy)
The Ocean Beach Pier repairs, drug-use, dockless scooter companies and short-term vacation rentals were some of the topics revisited by police and political reps at the OB Town Council meeting Wednesday, April 24 at the Masonic Lodge, 1711 Sunset Cliffs Blvd.
Scooters and OB Pier
Although Mayor Kevin Faulconer 's community rep Anthony George, could not attend the meeting, George e-mailed a projects update to the Town Council.
It said the Mayor won unanimous City Council approval for his proposed dockless vehicle ordinance requiring companies to obtain permits and comply with new regulations in six areas: speed limits, staging and parking, rider education, data sharing, fees and identification and liability insurance.
It further stated that the reconstruction of OB Pier is on schedule and should be re-opened by Memorial Day at the latest.
OB Town Council president Mark Winkie raised the concern that pier permits are needed 60 days prior for the annual OB Pier Pancake Breakfast (September) and Ocean Beach Mainstreet Association Fourth of July fireworks. However, Seamus Kennedy, community rep for City Council member Jennifer Campbell, jumped in to inform the board that he was working with OBMA to make sure the fireworks permits are in order for July and that the pier should be repaired well before the Pancake Breakfast paperwork is required.
George's update ended with fact that the Mayor's proposed vehicle habitation regulations passed a City Council committee and will be sent for a full Council vote, but that date has not been set.
Scooter and vehicle habitation updates
With electric scooter speeds a top community concern, Kennedy said Ocean Beach, Mission Beach and Pacific Beach will have overlay zones where staging will be regulated and geofencing will reduce speeds significantly — to as low as 3 mph in areas designated for pedestrians. In addition to the boardwalk areas in Mission Beach and Pacific Beach, Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, the OB Pier and Abbott Street are other areas where speeds are reduced.
Kennedy strongly encouraged community members who shared their testimony about vehicle habitation at the City Council's Public Safety Committee meeting to show up and repeat their reports at the City Council meeting, slated to take place within the month, to ensure the vehicle habitation regulations continue moving forward.
Winkie asked what the liability is for scooter companies when someone on a scooter hits another person. Kennedy responded that under the rules just passed, the companies are required to carry liability of $2 million per incident and a minimum of $4 million a year. He was unsure at the time if the City held any liability.
Michaela Valk, rep for State Assembly member Todd Gloria, explains AB 1731.
(Savanah Duffy)
Police discuss arrests and drugs
Western Division SDPD Officer David Surwilo announced that police officers will undergo a shift change in mid-May. Officers who've been on day watch will move to night watch, night watch to afternoons, and afternoon watch to mornings. He suggested community members stop and introduce themselves to the officers on new shifts and express any concerns regarding a particular time of day.
He also corrected statements that had been circling on social media regarding last month's Town Council meeting, which, according to Surwilo, suggested that the SDPD does not arrest people nor confiscate drugs such as methamphetamines.
"Yes, we do arrest people, no we never said we won't take your meth or heroine," he stated. "We will take it, we will impound it, and we will arrest you one way or the other. And remember: an arrest is a citation or a physical transport to a facility. Those are arrests. The paper copy you get, the notice to appear, is just an agreement that you're not guilty, just like when we book you into jail, but that you will show up and talk to the judge ... we cannot book people under all circumstances into jail. We do, as a City, pay for that, and that's one of the reasons why."
One board member asked Surwilo about a death that had reportedly occurred the day prior to the meeting, claiming that social media said the death was related to fentanyl. Surwilo acknowledged that there have been deaths from opioids recently, but until medical procedures are followed and testing is complete, there is no way to confirm that a particular death resulted from fentanyl.
The room grew quiet as Surwilo explained that marijuana is not the same drug it used to be and expressed deep concern for the "nationwide epidemic" of death from opioids. "We're saying it's OK for marijuana — OK, fine. We're saying that meth and heroine are no longer felonies and we need to drop those down (to misdemeanors). There seems to be a problem, because if you're watching the news and if you're reading social media, we've got people dying who are very young, because of overdoses of meth and heroine and it's a real problem. So maybe it's OK to keep marijuana legal, but maybe we need to really reconsider the level of impact that meth and heroine have upon our children."
Lifeguard updates
San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Lifeguard Joe Gaydos reported 83 rescues to date, but no cliff calls. By June 14, he said, the lifeguards will be fully staffed.
OB Elementary School
Principal Marco Drapeau said the air-conditioning installation has begun and should be ready to go by the end of December.
OB Elementary School principal Marco Drapeau discusses updates about the school.
Short-term rentals bill
Michaela Valk, rep for Assembly member Todd Gloria, discussed Assembly Bill 1731, regarding short-term vacation rentals. AB 1731 was authored by Assembly member Tasha Boerner Horvath, Valk explained, who represents Oceanside and Encinitas. It states that if you have a property within certain coastal areas in San Diego County and it's your primary residence (you live there at least 270 days a year), you are able to use it as a short-term rental 365 days a year. If the residence you're renting out is not your primary home, you may only rent it out for up to 30 days maximum per platform (e.g. Airbnb, HomeAway, VRBO, etc.)
Point Loma-OB Monthly later reached out to Valk who clarified that if the residence is not the homeowner's primary residence, the hosting platform can only list that property for 30 days maximum. More clarification from the bill's author is sought due to the confusion behind it only mentioning three platforms, when there are many more than that. An update will be given once details have been decided.
Valk said she does not believe these complications were the author's intention and added that this is Horvath's first year in the Assembly. She invited community feedback on the bill via e-mail to her at michaela.valk@asm.ca.gov or (619) 645-3090.
Town Council membership
OB Town Council membership is now free to all who live, work or own property in ZIP code 92107. However, there are still different levels of participation within the Council: Bronze ($20 per year), Silver ($100 per year) and Gold ($500 per year). The Council is discussing a shift from being a 501(c)(4) organization to becoming a 501(c)(3).
—OB Town Council next meets at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 22 at the Masonic Lodge, 1711 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. obtowncouncil.org


text:
Renewable Carbon
About RCI
Clariter
"Our solution is in direct alignment with the Renewable Carbon Initiative's vision of empowering stakeholders to phase out fossil resources and replace them with renewable carbon. We feel privileged to be amongst the RCI members whose aim is to achieve climate neutrality by 2050."
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What to Buy Holidays & Gifts Gifts for Teens
The 12 Best Gifts for 14-Year-Old Boys in 2022
Give him a gift that is thoughtful and fun
Patrice J. Williams
Patrice is a writer specializing in lifestyle hacks, home decor, and product recommendations. She writes about the latest and greatest products for The Spruce. Her over 10 years of work has included writing for InStyle as well as expertise on-air with segments on the Today Show, WEtv, Nate Berkus Show, and she was the Savvy Shopper reporter for WPIX in New York City.
Fourteen-year-old boys can be a lot of fun, but not all are great at sharing and communicating with the adults in their lives. If you get more grunts than gift ideas when you ask what they would like, don't stress; there are tons of options out there to choose from. Whether he's into games or outdoor adventures, there's something for everyone.
While you shop, make sure that your gift is appropriate for a 14-year-old boy and has some educational value that will keep him learning. If there are safety considerations, including stylish protective gear is a good idea. You should also consider cost and if your child is ready to take care of an expensive gift, as some of these can get quite pricey.
Here, the best gifts for 14-year-old boys.
Gray Switch at Walmart
Over 1,000 games are compatible with the Switch, which is a hot item for gamers and kids of all ages.
Spin Master Rubik's Perplexus Game at Amazon
This toy is full of twists and turns and challenges along the way to making it out of the maze.
Beats EP Wired On-Ear Headphones at Amazon
Beats is a brand known for great quality and sleek designs, and this pair of headphones is no different.
Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone at Amazon
Great for beginners, this drone has adjustable speed modes and is sure to capture amazing footage.
Uncommon Goods Game of Phones at Uncommon Goods
Game of Phones is clever, affordable, and the perfect way to spend an afternoon laughing with friends and family.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic Instant Film Camera at Amazon
Available in black or brown leather, this camera perfectly evokes the heyday of instants but with some modern features.
TRSCIND Survival Gear Kits at Amazon
Every outdoorsman, or wannabe adventurer, will appreciate this complete kit.
GlowCity Light Up LED Rim Kit at Amazon
This is a perfect gift for parties and events and for teens to practice their game late into the night
EBODA Bluetooth Speakers at Amazon
This waterproof, portable speaker has amazing sound quality and a long battery life.
The Way Things Work Now at Amazon
This book makes it easy and fun to learn about everyday topics.
Gray Switch
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The Nintendo Switch is a gaming system like no other and, for that, it's an unbeatable gift for teens. They can play in the living room with friends and family; in their bedroom when the downstairs TV is being used; or, of course, on the go, from the school bus to waiting for band lessons to start.
Spin Master Rubik's Perplexus Hybrid 2 x 2 Game
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A fun puzzle is cool, but one that combines two classic puzzles is even better. The Rubik's Perplexus is full of literal twists and turns as your teen has to get the steel ball through the maze. Along the way there are 100 obstacles. It's challenging, but they'll feel so accomplished when they solve the maze.
Beats EP Wired On-Ear Headphones
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Family road trips. Zoning out while doing homework. Headphones come in handy for 14-year-olds (especially if they have younger siblings to avoid), and this pair of Beats is the perfect pick for teens because of its balance in quality and price.
Beats is one the most esteemed audio brands in the world, so even one of their most affordable pairs, like the EP On-Ear Headphones, is equipped with numerous features and high-end design. This pair is battery-free, adjustable, and connects to iOS and Android devices to take phone calls and control music. They are sleek, lightweight, and much comfier than the earbuds knotted up inside your teen's backpack.
The 16 Best Gifts for Teen Boys in 2022
Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone with 1080P HD Camera
Holy Stone's HS110D FPV Drone is distinctly suited to bring joy to teens, as it's both easy to use and easy on the wallet. Great for beginners, this drone has adjustable speed modes, altitude hold (which means stationary hovering), and an easy one-touch start and landing button that will keep teens comfortable and in control while operating. The video quality is a standard 720p, as opposed to pricier drones that shoot in 1080p, but the views from this 120-degree wide-angle camera are still breathtaking.
Uncommon Goods Game of Phones
View On Uncommon Goods
This isn't just another excuse for 14-year-olds to be on their phones. It's an exciting and competitive scavenger hunt, easy to set up and even easier to play. The objective is simple: collect the most cards, you win. Each turn, players draw a prompt card and must complete the task either the fastest or the funniest to win the card. Tasks can include anything from finding the strangest Google Image result of your name to creating a motionless five-second video selfie.
The 8 Best Card Games of 2022
Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic Instant Film Camera
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With so much of the world made digital, people have rediscovered the joy of items that can be felt, kept, and cherished—and that's why instant cameras are back. And no instant camera is better for your teen than Fujifilm's Instax Mini 90.
The Mini 90 has features that 80's cameras could only dream of. It automatically adjusts the lighting of your shot for a crisp, balanced picture every time. And, similar to a DSLR, it has numerous camera modes to fit whatever situation you're in.
TRSCIND Survival Gear Kits
A fully loaded survival kit can help teens pretend that a weekend camping trip is a fun and rugged adventure. With three different kits available, Trscind offers an assortment of essential tools for the outdoorsman. Some of the major pieces include survival knives, flashlights, fire starters, and glow-in-the-dark compasses—and that's just the start.
The 25 Best Gifts for 15-Year-Old Boys
GlowCity Light Up LED Rim Kit with LED Basketball
Your 14-year-old probably loves basketball so much that he'll hoop with friends until the sun goes down. But with GlowCity's light-up rim liner and basketball, they can play even once the stars come out. The rim lighting runs on three AAA batteries and is available in eight vivid colors. The basketball can be ordered in sizes 5, 6, or 7—the latter being the regulation size for men's high school, college, and professional sports. And the ball comes with two LED lights inside, which can easily be removed when it's time to change the batteries.
EBODA Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speakers
This bluetooth speaker can go, well, pretty much anywhere. It's waterproof (for the beach, pool, or shower) and extremely portable. A charge has up to 24 hours of playtime and there's a 33-foot range. In addition to those features, the speaker has five LED lights for a truly standout style.
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For teens who have a million questions, this book is for them. "The Way Things Work Now" breaks down topics like 3D, touchscreens, how elevators work, and more in a way that's easily accessible and understandable. The anecdotal stories can make even the least interesting topics seem fun.
Ann Arbor T-shirt Co. I Paused My Game to Be Here Shirt
Your teen most likely has a ton of t-shirts but probably nothing as fun and funny as this one. This is especially great for the teen who's a hardcore gamer who hates pulling themselves away from their favorite activity. The material is super soft, and the shirt comes in a range of sizes.
This book has sold millions and is an adaptation of the popular "7 Habits of Highly Effective People." This teen version touches on important topics of self esteem, friendships, and peer pressure. It's almost 300 pages of life lessons and written in a way young teens can identify with.
What to Look for in a Gift For a 14-Year-Old Boy
Fourteen-year-olds are on the younger side of teens, but that doesn't mean that they are short on opinions or preferences. Talk to the 14-year-old boy in your life to learn more about his interests and hobbies. This can help you narrow down on the perfect gift. Just make sure to run your ideas by his parents so that they can make sure that he is mature enough for the gift you want to give. Card games can be fun, but not all are kid-friendly.
Chances are that your 14-year-old boy has started to spend more time online and with friends. Before gifting him a toy that allows him to engage virtually, make sure to talk about internet safety. Toys that encourage your child to build and explore how parts work together can have some safety considerations. Include a helmet, safety goggles, or any other necessary protective gear with your gift so that they are able to start the fun right away.
Gifts that incorporate learning into the fun can be a great way to encourage kids to think critically outside of the classroom. For the most educational value, look for a gift that helps them see the connections between their interests and the world.
If they are a gamer, look for ones that allow them to build worlds and code. For a mechanical kid, anything that lets them explore while building and designing is great. Games and puzzles can also incorporate a variety of skills, such as communication, reading, strategy, and more. The Science Museum of Virginia's Virginia STEM Coordinator Chuck English stresses the importance of helping your child make these connections. "That helps kids see how it all fits together," he says.
What are some good gifts for the teen who likes sports?
For the basketball fan, consider GlowCity's light-up rim liner and LED basketball set. Or, if you know the teen's favorite sport, you can purchase clothing or sports gear with the team's logo. If the teen is active in a sport, look for equipment that can be used in practice or competition.
At what age do teens lose interest in the toys they liked when they were younger?
Most kids begin to lose interest in children's toys sometime during their pre-teen or early teenage years, but this varies by individual. For example, some teens will keep the toys of their youth and begin collecting those things more as a hobby. It's best not to get a toy for a teen unless you know that person wants it.
Where can I find a durable gift for a teen?
Durability is important when it comes to teens. Look for well-made items from reputable manufacturers in stores and online. Read reviews first to ensure the product can withstand use.
What are some good self-care products for a teen this age?
This is an age where most teens are going through puberty and experiencing many changes. Grooming and hygiene sets can make great gifts. For mental and emotional self-care, consider "7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" or another self-care book like it.
Updated by
Jenna Stregowski
Jenna Stregowski, RVT, has worked in veterinary medicine for more than two decades. Her veterinary experience ranges from routine wellness care and preventive medicine to emergency and specialty care, where she has performed duties ranging from specialized nursing to clinical administration. Jenna has been writing about pet care for over 10 years, including for publications like DVM 360 and DogTime.
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Apple and Google Join Hands to Develop COVID-19 Contact Tracing Technology
Apr 11 2020 · 10:51 UTC by Bhushan Akolkar · 4 min read
Photo: Unsplash
The two tech giants said that they will use a Bluetooth-based technology to accurately detect and inform people who have been in close proximity with COVID-19 patients. Apple and Google plan to work in coordination with health officials and government bodies.
The two arch-rivals of the tech industry – Apple and Google – have finally come together for a bigger cause now. Yes, it is about fighting against the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
As per the latest announcement, Apple and Google are jointly working on a technology that can help people know if they have come in contact with any COVID-19 positive patient. The two companies will use the traditional Bluetooth technology to help health agencies and governments reduce the spread. Apple has assured that user security and privacy will be central to this new technology.
What Apple and Google Will Offer
Besides, the contact tracing method will use the smartphone's Bluetooth signals. Using these signals users can know if they have been in contact with the owner of the handset. If the owner turns COVID positive in the later stage, all the users in their close proximity will receive a notification. Moreover, the technology won't record any personal information or GPS location of the handset. In a joint statement, Apple and Google said:
"Privacy, transparency and consent are of utmost importance in this effort and we look forward to building this functionality in consultation with interested stakeholders. We will openly publish information about our work for others to analyze".
When it comes to mobile operating systems, both Apple and Google together capture a dominant share of the market with their iOS and Android systems. Both the tech giants plan to release their APIs in May while ensuring that the technology is interoperable between iOS and Android devices. Besides, they will also release the framework for public health apps to manage the entire functionality.
Reportedly, both these giants will embed this technology directly in the OS. Thus, this technology will also work without the need for downloading an app.
Global organizations Share Their Opinion
The number of Coronavirus cases in the U.S. and the U.K. has exploded over the last few weeks. While the government institutions are using all its state machinery to contain the spread, a co-ordinated approach with the industry players is the need of the hour. Apple's and Google's coming together is a welcome move at this stage. In its statement, Apple wrote:
"All of us at Apple and Google believe there has never been a more important moment to work together to solve one of the world's most pressing problems. Through close cooperation and collaboration with developers, governments and public health providers, we hope to harness the power of technology to help countries around the world slow the spread of COVID-19 and accelerate the return of everyday life".
The U.S. President Donald Trump has also acknowledged the initiative. However, he has asked for some time for his administration to consider it. President Trump said:
"It's very interesting, but a lot of people worry about it in terms of a person's freedom. We're going to take… a very strong look at it, and we'll let you know pretty soon."
On the other hand, some regulators and lawmakers have raised concerns over user data privacy. In a letter to President Trump, a group of conservative Republicans in the House of Representatives said:
"We caution that actions taken to contain the spreading of coronavirus must also preserve the right to privacy held by each and every American. Google's colossal stores of data on daily movements of Americans, coupled with the might of local, state, and federal governments is an alarming prospect."
The European Union's Data Protection Supervisor has responded positively, saying:
2/3 The initiative will require further assessment, however, after a quick look it seems to tick the right boxes as regards #user choice, #data protection by design and pan-European #interoperability.
— EDPS (@EU_EDPS) April 10, 2020
The coming together of these two tech giants will set up new precedence in the business world.
next Editor's Choice, Mobile, News, Technology News
Author Bhushan Akolkar
Bhushan is a FinTech enthusiast and holds a good flair in understanding financial markets. His interest in economics and finance draw his attention towards the new emerging Blockchain Technology and Cryptocurrency markets. He is continuously in a learning process and keeps himself motivated by sharing his acquired knowledge. In free time he reads thriller fictions novels and sometimes explore his culinary skills.
By Andy Watson January 11th, 2022
Sponsored 5 Biggest Gains in Shortest Time Period
Although the S&P500 index has always been considered a conservative instrument for investors, its exceptional growth is paying off awesomely.
By Benjamin Godfrey January 11th, 2022
Market News, News, Stocks, Technology News Metaverse to Fuel Growth of Big Tech Stocks Except for Apple, Analyst Says
Apple is currently the most valuable stock in the United States, and the largest publicly traded company in the world, a milestone it solidified after briefly soaring to a $3 trillion market capitalization a few days ago.
Business News, Market News, News, Stocks TSMC Reports Record Quarterly Sales in 2021 Q4 as Monthly Revenue Hits Record High
Investors expect that the chipmaker will announce a capital expenditure budget of over $40 billion for the current year.
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One of the major debates raging in the tennis world these days is whether the Roland Garros seeding committee should depart from the regular ATP rankings and seed Rafael Nadal higher than his current (and possibly future) #5 ranking. What happens if they don't? With two big tournaments left to play - Madrid and Rome - the rankings might still change in several ways. David Ferrer and Rafael Nadal will contest the #4 spot, while Andy Murray and Roger Federer will fight over the #2 ranking. If ranking calculations are not your forte, here are the major possible scenarios.
The Basic Numbers
All four players will be seeded in both Rome and Madrid, and will get first round BYEs. Therefore, the points they can earn (in each of the tournaments) are:
R2 loss - 10
QF loss - 180
SF loss - 360
F loss - 600
W - 1000
David Ferrer & Rafael Nadal
First of all, it's important to note that Ferrer's Estoril results won't be relevant to these caculations - he already has an ATP250 tournament win (worth 250 points) that he can't count, so even if he wins Estoril his current points total won't change.
Stripping away the points Ferrer and Nadal are defending in the two clay Masters 1000 tournaments, Ferrer has 6380 points, and Nadal - 4895 points. That's a difference of 1485 points between the two, which Nadal will have to overcome in order to get to #4. Thus, we can start analyzing.
If Ferrer gets at least 515 points in both tournaments combined, he'll stay #4 until the French Open, regardless of Nadal's result. Thus, Ferrer will be #4 if:
He reaches the final of either of the tournaments
He makes at least a QF in one tournament and at least a SF in the other
Furthermore, Nadal has to get extremely good results to even have a chance of getting the #4 ranking. If he wins less than 1485 points in both tournaments combined, he'll stay #5. Thus, Nadal has to win one of Madrid/Rome and make the final of the other, and even that might not be enough if Ferrer's results are good enough. If Nadal fails to win Madrid, Ferrer only has to win two matches during the two events to stay #4.
Andy Murray & Roger Federer
Without the points of Madrid and Rome, Andy Murray has 8480 points (he didn't play in Madrid last year, and lost early in Rome), while Federer has 7310 (he won Madrid and reached the Rome SF in 2012). That's a difference of 1170 points in Murray's favor.
If Murray gets at least 830 points in both tournaments combined, he'll guarantee himself the #2 seed for the Roland Garros. Murray will be #2 anyway if:
He wins either Madrid or Rome
He reaches the final of one tournament and the SF of the other
Federer, like Nadal, has to make it far if he wants to get to #2. If he wins 1180 points or less, he'll remain #3. Therefore, Federer has to do one of the following to have a chance at #2:
Make the finals at both tournaments
Win one tournament and reach at least SF at the other
The more matches Murray wins in Madrid, the farther Federer will have to go - if Murray wins three matches (Madrid SF), Federer needs W+F, if Murray reaches the Madrid final, Federer has to win both tournaments to stand a chance.
Of course, all of those scenarios can't all happen together - out of the four players, at most one can win each of the two tournaments. The draw in Madrid might even make some of these options unreachable. But until then, you can at least know what you want your favourite player to do.
Edited on May 9: Federer's loss means that he won't be seeded #2 in France; but at most #3 (can even fall down to #4 if Ferrer does really well in Rome and Federer does not).
Personally, I think the Roland Garros seeding committee should follow the rankings as they are. The concept of protected ranking exists in the ATP for cases just like this one, when a player has been away with an injury for a long period of time. The rule, not accidentally, states that protected ranking will be used only for determining entry lists, not for seeding. There's no good reason to deviate from that rule now, and changing the seeding to fit a specific player (or a specific group of players, in this case) is a dangerous and unfair precedent.
Posted by Anna at 22:14 4 comments
Labels: Andy Murray, David Ferrer, Rafael Nadal, Rankings, Roger Federer, Roland Garros
Every year, a week after Passover, Israel commemorates Yom HaShoah ("Day of Holocaust") - the Holocaust Remembrance Day. It is a day of both grieving for the six million who were murdered in the Holocaust, and of telling the story of those who survived. As such, it is a day on which ceremonies are held all over the country, and it's marked by the 10am remembrance siren, during which the whole country halts for two minutes of silence.
This day is also characterized by all forms of entertainment being closed - theatres, pubs and restaurants are shut down for the day, most of the television channels stop their transmissions, and the ones that do work are dedicated to documentary and Holocaust-related films and shows.
Sports, of course, are a form of entertainment. That means that no sports events are staged in Israel on the memorial day, and Israeli national teams usually try to avoid participating in sporting events abroad on that day (and similarly, a week later, during the remembrance day for fallen soldiers). However, while the popular sports, football or basketball, have fairly flexible schedules, which often allow the Israeli teams not to play on Yom HaShoah, the tennis schedule is much more rigid. There's a tournament every week, it almost always starts on Monday, and if a player wishes to avoid playing on a specific day, he or she might as well skip the whole tournament.
Israeli players - Shahar Peer, Dudi Sela, Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram among them - have encountered this situation frequently, ever since turning pro. They usually submit requests to the tournament directors, asking not to play during certain national days (both memorial days and the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur). However, the schedule restrictions often do not allow for such accommodations, forcing the players to decide whether they are willing to play, while also subjecting themselves to criticism.
Criticism? Yes, indeed. The issue of whether athletes should compete on either of the memorial days is a controversial one in Israel. Teams, players and even coaches (Avram Grant, when he managed English teams, for example) are expected to do everything they can to avoid participation in any sporting events. One point of view says that athletes are just doing their job (the Holocaust Remembrance day is a regular work day for most people in Israel), and therefore there's no reason why they can't compete. The opposing view is that the day is a special one, and should be respected by all, especially by players who represent the country. And so, practically every year, raging debates occur over tennis players' decision to keep on playing.
Why now, you ask? Today was the 2013 Holocaust Remembrance Day. Today, Shahar Peer played a final round of qualifying match in Katowice, Poland. She did it after posting the following status on her Facebook page:
I am in Poland, which makes the upcoming Yom Hashoah all the more real. My heart goes out to all the innocent people who lost their lives during the Holocaust. Never again.
Peer also played with a black ribbon with the words "Never again" on it. She ended up losing 6-4 6-1 to Slovak Anna Schmiedlova, though she will still enter the main draw as a lucky loser, to play Tsvetana Pironkova in the first round.
Was she right to play? Some people commended her for donning the ribbon, thus commemorating the day in her own way. Others said she deserved to lose, since she shouldn't have played, as a representative of the Country of Israel, which mandates avoiding any kind of entertainment. A tennis match (or any sports event), they say, is entertaining other people, and thus disrespecting the spirit of the day.
Personally, I feel like this is a very individual decision. I don't think that during a regular WTA tournament (as opposed to Fed Cup or the Olympics) Peer is playing as a representative of Israel. Tennis is a solitary sport, and every player represents herself, no one else. Moreover, there's little doubt in my mind about the importance of Holocaust Memorial to Shahar herself. Three years ago, she took part in the "March of the Living" that's held every year at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp on Yom HaShoah. She was accompanied by her mother and also her grandmother, who had survived Auschwitz. The experience was documented in a special feature produced by the Tennis Channel, which is available online. With Katowice a mere 40-minute drive away from Auschwitz, is there a better way to honor this day than by living it to its fullest, playing and fighting for a win?
Shahar Peer and her grandmother, Yolina Eckstein, during the March of the Living, Auschwitz 2010
Photo by Troy Borruso
Edited to add: A day after this post was published, the WTA posted an interesting piece on their website, with Peer's quotes about what playing on the Holocaust Remembrance day means to her,. Among other things, she says she makes sure to observe the two minutes of silence at the same time of the memorial siren in Israel.
Labels: Israeli Tennis, Katowice, Shahar Peer


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OKLAHOMA CITY – It's a basic reality for many teachers and students. Traditionally, when a student is disruptive in class, they're sent to the principal's office and some form of discipline will follow.
Well, this year, at Edgemere Elementary, the teachers and students will be trying out an alternative to the old forms of discipline.
Peace. It's not something you find often at an elementary school – but Joanna Eldridge said, at times, it's exactly what her students need.
"Meditation class was a response to a need to address mental illness in young children," she said.
Eldridge is a special education teacher at Edgemere Elementary. She said, sometimes, students act out or struggle in school because they don't know how to handle the cards they are dealt.
So, Eldridge started teaching meditation class during the 2016-2017 school year. In the class, they worked on deescalating with their senses.
"I use music therapy, I use color therapy and, also, I will using aromatherapy in this room," she said.
Over the year, Eldridge started to see improvement.
"Students being able to address their emotions, begin able to name them, being able to respond in a specific moment with a correct response," she said.
Edgemere's principal recognized the success, too.
Before Eldridge knew it – a grant was written for the project through 'Partners in Action,' an initiative that connects Oklahoma City schools with community partners interested in making an impact.
Now, with the room – a different approach available to any child who needs it.
"It's not punishing students; it's helping them to replace behaviors they don't want to have as a response to certain situations," Eldridge said.
Edgmere is OKCPS' pilot community school.
From medication to meditation, or what your social circle has to do with your health.


LED Light Therapy (also known as Phototherapy or Colour Light Therapy) is the use of LED lights in specific wavelengths to cause skin cells to react in certain ways. It is the newest facial treatment technology that has taken the world by storm. LED lights of specific colours are applied to the skin, and results in reduced acne, age spots, wrinkles, and boosted collagen production.
Clients report improved skin after just one treatment, however for particularly deep wrinkles or other facial concerns a series of treatments may be recommended. Come see us in-store for your own custom facial consultation.
At K-Style LED Light Therapy Facials include a double deep cleanse of your skin to ensure that no makeup or impurities remain on the skin, gentle exfoliation using rice-grain based exfoliating cream, a series of LED lights whose colours will be custom picked to match the results you are seeking, and a relaxation face mask. Enjoy a head, shoulder, and neck massage to finish and arise feeling brand new!
IN STYLE - Editor Tested: Do LED Light Facials Really Work?
USWEEKLY - Jessica Alba's LED Light Face Mask - We Tried it and it Works!


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Islamist extremists
Values Worth Defending?
Saturday, 17 January, 2015 by Digitalnun
In recent days politicians of every stripe have appealed to our western democratic values and urged that they are worth defending in the light of violent onslaughts by Islamist extremists. At one level, that sounds eminently reasonable. I, for one, would not want to live in a society where failure to observe the puritanical code imposed by its de facto rulers could lead to flogging, mutilation, stoning or decapitation. But I am not sure that I am absolutely convinced by that appeal to 'western values,' either. As a Catholic, I'm always going to question some of the prevalent western assumptions about abortion or the morality of capital punishment, for example, not to mention having some very different ideas about poverty and riches. Yesterday's debate in the Lords about Lord Falconer's Assisted Dying Bill left me wondering whether Lady Campbell's eloquent explanation of how illness affects judgement would be matched against Lord Cashman's equally eloquent account of how he had wished to die alongside his partner of thirty-one years. The emotional charge of both was compelling, but also, for me, highlighted the way in which we are losing a common ground for our morality and our decision-making. We actually don't agree on what constitutes our core western values.
If you think that last statement too sweeping, run through some of the things you would identify with being western and democratic and ask yourself whether there is still general agreement on what they are and on what limits, if any, should be, or are, imposed and by whom. We do not agree on life-death issues, sexual morality, the legitimacy or otherwise of nuclear weapons, the duty of helping the less fortunate, and so on and so forth. Even the idea of free speech, which has been so much discussed of late, proves on examination to be more nuanced than some would have us believe. No one is entirely free to say whatever he/she likes (though it often seems they are) because we have laws governing slander and libel. The problem comes when an individual or a group refuses to accept the law and situates itself outside the common legal framework of the land. That seems to me to be happening more and more. I also wonder whether we are tending to appeal to transient emotions in much of our decision-making rather than trying to weigh pros and cons as fairly as possible. It is a piquant and sometimes discouraging mix.
This morning I find myself encouraged by two things. First, Pope Francis has been speaking clearly and plainly in the Philippines about many of the things we are arguing about in the west. He has come out on the side of the angels rather than the bankers and the religious bullies that often dominate our conversation. Secondly, the story of St Antony, whose feast we keep today, reminds me of the perennial creativity of Christianity in the face of opposition and darkness. Antony heard the gospel imperative to go and sell all he had and follow Christ. He did so, and gave the Church both the monastic and the eremitical way of life. A thousand years later St Francis heard the same gospel and gave the Church a new love of the poor Christ and a new way of following him. These are not western democratic values, although the Church has played an important role over the centuries in shaping western civilisation. What we can take from them is, I suggest, the same in each instance. We do not need to defend our values, but we do need to live them.
Categories Church, Life, Monastic life, Morality, Saints, Society Tags do we agree on what western values are, Islamist extremists, Lady Campbelll's intervention, Lord Cashman's intervention, Lord Falconer's Bill on Assisted Dying, Poep Francis in the Philippines, St Antony, St Francis, western democratic values 4 Comments
The Murder of James Foley
Thursday, 21 August, 2014 by Digitalnun
The barbaric murder of James Foley is being picked over by the media, as is only to be expected. The fact that the IS spokesman who did the foul deed is apparently British will have set alarm bells ringing in Britain, where there is already considerable concern about the role of British jihadists and the radicalisation of young Muslims by extremist clerics. Even here, in my monastic fastness, I feel uncomfortable. I have Muslim friends — kindly, civilized people, predominantly second or third generation British and middle class — who are as appalled by this kind of violence as anyone else. But, perhaps because I am a woman and a religious, I have also encountered another face of Islam, one that is much more hostile, much less ready to accommodate itself to British notions of law and justice or socially acceptable behaviour. It is this other face of Islam I find increasingly troubling.
One cannot argue with a gun or a knife, any more than one can 'dialogue' with someone who thinks one has no rights or value as a human being. The murder of James Foley, like the murder of Lee Rigby, confronts us with a form of Islamist violence that we do not know how to deal with. It is beyond our experience, outside our conceptual world. We can only ask, rather pathetically, 'How can people do such things?'
In the past Britain has been, nominally at least, a Christian country. We haven't always lived up to Christian ideals, but there has been general agreement on the Judaeo-Christian basis of much of our law, morality and social behaviour. That sort of cohesion is now breaking down. We have both an increasingly secular and an increasingly religious divide — but the religious divide is not Christian. A few days ago, newspapers were reporting that the most common newborn boy's name in Britain is now Mohammed and it is the stated wish of some groups to establish areas where Sharia is applied to everyone living there. That presents a peculiar difficulty to our liberal Western minds. Are there limits to what is acceptable? How do we reconcile the demands of some Islamist groups with our societal norms?
It is a question that affects Christians no less than our secular-minded countrymen. To be expected to be complaisant in the face of Islamist outrages because Christians are, by definition, loving and forgiving is to forget that Christian tolerance is really only a pale form of Christian patience; and Christian patience means more than just putting up with things. We are children of Light, dedicated to the service of Truth. A readiness to forgive injuries does not mean that we condone them. A willingness to accept others' differences and to defend their right to freedom of religious belief and practice does not necessarily mean we regard them as equal to our own. We walk a difficult path, seeking to be true to what we believe while allowing others to be true to what they believe. But still we must ask the question: do we have a common basis for deciding moral questions any more? Do we have a genuinely common response to the kind of militant Islam fostered by IS?
Inevitably, there will be calls for revenge, for more violence to try to end the violence we have seen in Syria and Iraq and, indeed, on the streets of Woolwich. No doubt Western governments are already planning 'appropriate responses' to try and guarantee the safety of their citizens. We know that our safety cannot be guaranteed unless there is a change in attitudes, and no one knows how to do that. It has been said that to adopt an 'eye for an eye' approach, tit-for-tat violence, leads ultimately to a world full of blind people. Can we be any more blind than we already are? IS fighters are determined to exterminate all who think or believe differently from themselves. Will there come a point when their brutality proves too much and destroys themselves as well as others? Is it possible for so much cruelty not to have a backlash? I do not know, but for all our sakes, Christian and Muslim alike, for the sake of everyone now living and for the sake of the children yet to be born, I hope and pray it may do, and soon.
Categories God, Morality, Society Tags British social cohesion under threat, Christianity, IS, Islam, Islamist extremists, murder of James Foley, murder of Lee Rigby, violence 7 Comments


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Roseller Lim (Bayan ng Roseller Lim) är en kommun i Filippinerna. Kommunen ligger på ön Mindanao, och tillhör provinsen Zamboanga Sibugay. Folkmängden uppgår till  invånare.

Barangayer
Roseller Lim är indelat i 26 barangayer.

Källor
Quick Tables: List of Municipalities
Population and Housing

Orter i Zamboanga Sibugay

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Die Liste der Stolpersteine in Edam-Volendam umfasst jene Stolpersteine, die vom deutschen Künstler Gunter Demnig in Edam-Volendam verlegt wurden, einer Gemeinde in der niederländischen Provinz Nordholland, gelegen nördlich von Amsterdam. Stolpersteine sind Opfern des Nationalsozialismus gewidmet, all jenen, die vom NS-Regime drangsaliert, deportiert, ermordet, in die Emigration oder in den Suizid getrieben wurden. Demnig verlegt für jedes Opfer einen eigenen Stein, im Regelfall vor dem letzten selbst gewählten Wohnsitz.

Die ersten, bislang einzigen Verlegungen im Gemeindegebiet fanden am 5. Oktober 2018 statt.

Verlegte Stolpersteine
In Edam wurden 23 Stolpersteine an acht Adressen verlegt.

Verlegedatum
 5. Oktober 2018, verlegt von Gunter Demnig persönlich

Weblinks
 stolpersteine.eu – Projektseite des Künstlers Gunter Demnig

Einzelnachweise

!Stolpersteine
EdamVolendam
StolpersteineEdamVolendam


Our website will be down for a little while due to cleaning and we'll be having a meeting on the Admin Section, so no one will take a look on our website (since we have a meeting) so we have to close it for a little while.
I'm not sure of the exact time of our closure so for the meantime, you can visit our website.
REMEMBER: We are not closing forever! Just for 1 hour!!


Tech companies have successfully focused the definition of smart cities on being 'wired'. In an earlier article I mentioned the three 'I's that designate smart cities according to IBM: instrumented, interconnected and intelligent. In the narrative of this company the smart city is depicted as a technology-led urban utopia, promising the solution to many urban problems, including crime, traffic congestion, inefficient services and economic stagnation and bringing prosperity and healthy lifestyles for all. I labeled this narrative as Smart City 1.0.
What does being 'a wired city' mean in practice?
Sensor networks are the cores of all urban systems; they monitor the environment (air quality, traffic density, unwelcome visitors) and act on their own in an intelligent manner, if desired. Mike Matson calculates that in 2050 a relatively small urban area of 2 million people will deploy one billion sensors, all connected by the Internet.
We all will be the center of our personal area networks (PAN) that will move with us (laptop, phone, glasses, watch, diagnostic health observation sensing unit – possibly embedded in the body and wearables). All devices within the personal network interconnect and communicate directly with sentient tools or via the Internet. They deliver information upon which we can react, but most information will be processed with artificial intelligence and result in autonomous acts, for instance the heating in every room in our house any time of the day. As part of 'the Internet of Things', domestic appliances will be connected to the Internet and artificial intelligence will optimize their use.
A Personal Area Network (PAN) will start growing around a person from shortly after birth. These networks communicate with the immediate- (house, car, office) and wider surrounding. For instance – in case of rain – a driverless car will wait for you before your door, otherwise the system 'knows' that you will leave walking.
Within (and between) cities, sensors are linked hierarchical. Sensors within the house feed the PANs of the members of a family and the control center of the apartment building and the neighborhood. Relevant data from the neighborhood, with respect to energy production and consumption, mobility, water and sewage and safety are combined with data from other neighborhoods and processed at city (or higher) level.
Not that smart after all….
Technology is not the main solution for many urban problems.
The development of cities must be based at the people and citizens and must be focused on the development of human and social capital.
Social and environmental problems are the starting point of urban policy, rather than looking immediately to technology for solutions.
The change of the balance of power between the use of information technology by business, government, communities and that of ordinary people who live in cities.
To keep the choice of technology to solve urban problems or to boost investments under democratic scrutiny.
A better balance economic between economic growth and sustainability.
Awareness of the privacy aspects of connectedness and the right to choose the degree to which an individual is connected or unplugged.
It is important to realize that adding too many considerations will make any definition meaningless. For instance, some alternative definitions of a smart city already refer at the levels of health and education of its population. In my view, considerations like these belong in a quest for developing more humane – not necessary smart – cities.
A description of smart cities should always include references to technology and to its democratic legitimation as well. This means that citizens are involved in the process of decision-making on the use of technology and keep – in general – ownership of data.
Since most of us consider the "real truth" to be inexistent, we all construct our own realities and continuously discuss their. These mental constructions depend from the nature of our assumptions about reality.
On the one hand is the belief that reality is molded by a stable chain of actions and reactions. Nobody will contest this with respect to the physical world (think about gravity). In the social world, most people believe that this is partially true at most. For instance, rising rents in cities will result in people moving out and wealthier people moving in (gentrification). A chain of related actions and reactions can be considered as a system.
On the other hand is the belief that most effects of interactions between people are unpredictable. For instance, higher rents might induce creative solutions (Airbnb, founding a private restaurant) instead of migration, and other unexpected events might follow, for instance collective resistance. Reality is considered to be a complex adaptive system, although often the use of the term 'system' is avoided and a reference is made to 'complexity thinking'.
Social systems can be influenced by changing elements in the chain of actions and reactions. Alternative scenarios can be distinguished and democracy is decision-making by representative body on behalf of the subjects who are involved.
Changing complex interactions to shape desirable outcome is virtually impossible. In this case, democracy is to leave decision-making on the people who are involved directly (self-government).
As said before, both approaches are complementary. However, nowadays they are unbalanced. Urban policy is focused at a systemic approach including more and more details and is favoring citywide solutions. In spite of comprehensive deliberation that precedes decision-making, many citizens lack involvement. The same applies to institutions and firms. Choosing in favor of an area-centered approach and involving as many stakeholders as possible might have resulted in a more profound democratic legitimation.
On the base of the foregoing Smart city 2.0 is characterized by a carefully prepared selection and democratic controlled selection of technological solutions for a specific city's problems. Alternative scenarios will be formulated and the population is stimulated to think about their (dis)advantages. In the end, the city council takes a decision and technology companies can bid. The consultation of citizens who are involved or interested continues in the executive stage. The redevelopment of the old harbor in Toronto with assistance of Sidewalks Labs (an Alphabet company) is an excellent example.
The implementation of smart-grid solutions within a neighborhood.
The organization of a citywide system of IT-enabled facilities for mutual by association of older people.
Co-development of transit services within a region-wide system of mobility-as-a-service.
In these examples, the role of ICT differs, but is always supporting if not essential. The label smart city 3.0 is applicable at cities that rely on a large number of stakeholders to define and solve problems, choosing for a centralized approach if needed and creating as much as possible support and room for initiatives for stakeholders and neighborhoods. It is easy to see that in this model, smart citizens are in the center.
In my view, cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam are on their way to become Smart cities 3.0, although it still has a long way to go. Nevertheless, their citizen-centered approach is exemplary. I come back to this later.


Please join us for lunch, proudly presented by Scenic Luxury River Cruises and National Geographic Expeditions.
National Geographic Expeditions and Scenic Luxury River Cruises have teamed up to launch a new line of National Geographic river cruises. These itineraries combine Scenic's all-inclusive luxury river cruise experience with National Geographic's legacy of science, conservation and exploration to create unforgettable experiences along the waterways of Europe and South East Asia. You are invited to the launch of our 2020 program of river cruises through Europe, Egypt and Jordan, and South East Asia.
Includes: Two course meal and two hours of beverages.
Bookings will close on Friday 29 March 2019. Sorry, late bookings cannot be accepted.