text:
Magic Unlimited
Australian Magician Tim Ellis performs at Corporate Events & Private Parties - Call now 03 9486 4445
2 entries from September 2015
The Optus Merry Go Round
My wifi has been playing up. It seems to reset itself or something because frequently I have to manually reconnect my notebook, and my printer keeps going offline as does my Akruto sync that keeps my phone and computer talking to each other.
My modem is provided by Optus,... yes, here we go again... but I already know going into a store will not achieve anything, they will tell me to call technical support on 131 344 (where I will be kept on hold until I hang up out of frustration after an hour or so) or I can go to their website... I chose the latter.
Going to their home page I see this:
and I click on SUPPORT - as you would
Which takes me to their SERVICE HUB where you can type your question in and you are offered a few stock answers - none of which helped me unfortunately.
At the very bottom of the page is a link saying CONTACT US - pressing this takes you to a page called ASK OPTUS
where, after you ask your question again, and they provide the same answers again, you are given the options of:
JOIN THE OPTUS COMMUNITY (You need to register to join a forum where you can chat with other disgruntled Optus customers)
PHONE US (They give a number 133 937, which they said is "General Enquiries/Tech Suport", but it's actually just General Enquiries, once you eventually get through, they will transfer you to the back of the line at Tech Support on 131 344)
At the bottom of that page you see two more additional options. Contact via Facebook or Twitter
I chose the Facebook account and received a fairly prompt response which ended with me being told
"If that's the case it's best to get in touch with our tech support team on 131344 or via http://yesopt.us/chat2us to get this further investigated. Steph"
I clicked on the link she gave and was back on the website
I click on TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES and was taken to this page
Not exactly helpful.
I did notice at the bottom of the NEED A HAND? page was the option to FILL IN A FORM and they would get back to me...
So I clicked that link and was taken to...
Yes, the merry go round had completed a full lap and was ready to start again!
I went back to Facebook and asked
"Why is there no link to tech support on your web page"
and Dave replied
"We have this one - http://www.optus.com.au/.../answer/how-to-contact-optus.... Not sure if that's what you were after. Dave"
Yes, that is indeed what I was after, but you cannot actually find that page. It's deliberately hidden.
It appears that the only way you'll get it is by going to the ASK US page and typing in HOW DO I CONTACT OPTUS.
Even then, it gives the same options: Optus Community, Facebook, Twitter, 131 344. Plus an OPTUS APP you can use for questions about your mobile service
But at the very bottom of the page....
It's like discovering buried treasure... those magical words... HOW TO EMAIL US. Clicking on them takes you to
But the excitement is short lived
The next screen warns you off emailing by letting you know it may take several days to get a reply... and again directs you to OPTUS COMMUNITY ("Discuss your problems among yourselves please, don't bother us.") PHONE US, or us LIVE CHAT... sounds promising, but that link tells you to download the OPTUS APP, Live Chat is for Mobile support only...
So, as I refuse to sit on hold for hours at a time (again), my only option is to fill in the form and wait a few days for them to reply. (Bearing in mind, the last time I did this they didn't reply at all. I had to fill out and submit the form THREE TIMES).
At least I get to sit on a bench and watch the Merry Go Round turning, taking all the other customers for a ride while I wait for my phone to ring....
UPDATE - OCTOBER 2 - I GOT AN EMAIL FROM OPTUS-----------
Thank you for sending your concern to us.
This is in response to the email you sent on 30 September about Internet Connection Issue.
I'm sorry for the inconvenience this has caused you. Thank you for letting us know about this; I can see how this may be a cause of concern for you. We appreciate the feedback and suggestion that you will be providing and my apologies again for the experience that happened.
I can see that the issue have not yet been raised to our Technical Support; I highly suggest to contact our Team so we can perform troubleshooting and check what's causing the issue for Internet Connection drop outs. Just to set your expectation factors that can impact speed such as demand on the network, local conditions such as internet traffic, hardware, and the source or destination of the site being accessed. You can contact them directly by dialing 1300739407 Hours of Operation: 24 x 7 (Open all Hours).
Or you can get in touch with our Webchat team online for further assistance, you may use the link - http://yesopt.us/cu.
Optus Email Servicing
Ref #: 1742-48915
Posted at 11:01 AM in Complaints Dept., Web/Tech | Permalink | Comments (0)
Repost of 'RePop' from 2002
Magic and the internet certainly make strange bedfellows. Magic is known by it's desire to keep secrets, whereas the 'net is all about spreading information at lightning speed.
It only took 12 hours from the time David Blaine performed the "Beer Can Trick" on his 'Vertigo' TV Special for the secret of the trick to become available on the internet auction site eBay. The advertising read: "David Blaine - "Resealed" beer can effect from "Vertigo". Yes! As seen on TV this week."
As I have a vested interest in protecting the secret of this trick, I took a personal interest in this matter. The history of this effect is that Anders Moden first published it on the Electronic Grymoire on February 13, 1997. Few magicians were interested in his idea back then, I was one of the few who actually took the idea and modified and developed it further to suit my style. I even paid Anders for the right to include my version ('Soda Resurrection') of his trick ('Healed and Sealed') in the Ellis & Webster lecture notes '24 Years of Living Next Door to Ellis'. David Blaine also paid Anders for the exclusive rights to perform the trick on TV until the year 2005.
I contacted the man who was offering the secret of the trick for sale on eBay. His name is Stephen Pellegrino of St. Louis Magic, and this is what he had to say about the effect: "My principle is based on another effect that has nothing to do with a beer or soda can, that I adapted and is over 50 years old. I literally worked this out this morning." It sounds like he watched Blaine perform, figured out how the trick was done, then released it for sale as his own creation. A colleague of mine actually bought Mr Pellegrino's manuscript and strangely enough the method used was exactly the same as Anders' original trick. The only difference is that in Anders' version, the can is also crushed, and then uncrushes itself. This is what Blaine performed, but Mr Pellegrino may not have noticed and so he didn't include that part of the trick in his manuscript, so his customers would be within their rights to accuse him of false or misleading advertising.
Mr Pellegrino argued that the method was "over 50 years old" and to prove his point credits several people in the manuscript he offers for sale. Richard Stevenson is credited for a trick where a soda can's pull tab is removed and restored… though it has nothing to do with resealing a can. David Harkey is credited for an effect where you appear to be eating from a can. Paul Harris and Bill Herz are credited for a re-working of the climax to a John Kennedy effect. This is close to Anders' effect however, when Anders contacted Kennedy, John said "Your effect sounds different from mine. Nice idea!" All of these credits, and the omission of Anders' name, suggest that Pellegrino was trying to justify that the effect was "old" and therefore okay for him to sell.
A few days later the effect appeared on one of Steve Fearson's many web-sites, all re-packaged with slick new graphics, and re-named 'Re-Pop'. Mr Fearson wasn't selling it, but offering it free to anyone who bought one of his other products. Fearson denied he was cashing in on Blaine's success, saying: "I do not claim to be selling the same method that was used on the David Blaine special, Vertigo. My ad clearly states, "Recreate the magic you saw on TV". From that, someone decided to describe my ad as saying, "Get the same trick David Blaine did on 'Vertigo' for free".
A week later, out came a booklet called 'Three Secrets Revealed' with ads touting: "Did you see the David Blaine specials? Here is a new booklet with three great tricks. Just like David Blaine did on TV." This was featured on the websites of many major magic dealers and was again seeking to cash in on Blaine's success. This also featured "The UnCanny. Another oldie, but not quite as ancient. An empty beer or soda can refills itself." This booklet was written by a street performer named Stefan Keppner. Some of these dealers, when contacted, agreed to withdraw the book from sale.
So why is it, that in a business where we "protect our secrets", do so many of us rush out to tell our colleagues how the latest tricks are done… especially if there's a buck or two in it as well? It doesn't even matter whether we have any legal or ethical right to the secret or not. Mr Fearson said, on the public Genii Forum on the internet: "I don't belong to any of your organizations and I haven't infringed upon any copyrights. I am doing perfectly legal and in my opinion, quite ethical business." Mr Pellegrino used Copyright Law to point out that the actual text of an idea is protected by the law, but the idea itself is not. So, he is quite within his legal rights to rewrite the instructions of any trick in his own words, and sell it as his. There is not a darn thing the inventor of the trick can do about it. As Fearson said, on the public Genii Forum: "So kick me out of your clubs and blow me out your magic circles. I'll keep working."
So how do inventors of magic protect themselves? On the website www.magicinventors.com Chuck Leach has a section headed 'Legal Dept.' which explains: "The purpose of the Legal & Ethics Fund will be to generate issues, information and resources to try and improve the protection of magic intellectual property." Great. However, Chuck also runs the website 'Secrets Revealed' which advertises "Did you ever wonder how David Copperfield made the Statue of Liberty disappear? Or about his other amazing illusions? A magician won't tell you these secrets. But we will! These are the secrets you really wanted to know. The ones even the Masked Magician was afraid to reveal! The magicians are steaming mad about this site. But we don't care! If you want to know the secrets, we're going to tell you… everything!"
I asked Chuck Leach: "What rights do you have to give away the secret of Copperfield's Statue of Liberty vanish, and how do you think doing so will enhance magic?" Chuck's reply was: "Are you implying that I have no right to explain how that illusion is done? There is no patent on that illusion sir, and it is not illegal to explain the method to it. And as for how it enhances magic? The method to that illusion is one of the few secrets in magic that is actually exciting to learn. It is truly ingenious and learning it inspires a fledgling magician to learn even more about the art."
I also asked him: "Are the tricks simply "revealed'/explained, or do the visitors to your site have to buy the props/secrets (like the 'Twisting Arm Illusion' or the 'Balducci Levitation')" Chuck said: "I don't know what props you are referring to when you talk about those two illusions as there are none involved. The methods are revealed and explained, if it makes you happy we can call it teaching. And yes, they have to buy the secrets. As a matter of fact, you could hardly call my sites exposure sites since there is absolutely nothing exposed until you do pay. So I guess that answers your question, yes they have to pay before learning. My sites are a part of the Magic Secrets Network, run by Magicheck.com which is a site that supplies magic webmasters with the ability to create a gateway page that customers can't pass through without a password. A password costs them $29.95 for a one year period. But you must already know this if you visited my site, so why are you asking?"
(I wonder how Mr Leach would feel if another website were to "reveal" the secret passwords to his site for free?)
Yes, if you pay $29.95 Mr Leach will tell you how Blaine, Copperfield etc do their tricks. Who runs Magicheck? Steve Fearson. However, Steve won't let just anyone in. You must first read and agree to The Magician's Oath before he'll accept your $29.95.
His site explains: "The magician's code is a statement of ethical guidelines designed to help keep the art of magic alive and healthy. We require that you agree to our stated code of ethics before subscribing. Although the traditional magician's code is not enforcable by legal means, some of the issues regarding copyright infringement and the internet are, and we reserve the right to cancel your membership if it is found that you have purposefully violated any part of the code."
The code you need to agree to is "based on" one established by the IBM in 1993 and before they'll tell you how the "big boys" tricks are done you are required to agree that: "I understand that The Magic Secrets Network uses the terms "Exposure" and "Secrets Revealed" as tools to draw as many people as possible to the art through web searches and advertisements, introducing them to magic, and concepts like the magician's code of ethics as well. But Magicheck does not condone exposure for exposure's sake. The Magic Secrets Network is a learning facility. During a performance, the use of such terms should generally be avoided." Another clause talks about the need for respect within the magic community: " I agree that the originator or inventor of a trick should be credited when possible. If there is a performer who has become associated with the effect through outstanding performances, they may be credited as well. This should be done out of respect but also to encourage future inventors by letting them know that we respect their work and the community will not forget their contributions."
Steve Fearson, on the public Genii Forum, also had a word for magic inventors: "It doesn't matter what you invent, if you don't do anything with it you're not going to be recognized for it. Generally, the guy who does the footwork will get the credit. That holds true for marketing as well as performing. And you'll be lucky indeed if you find a guy like Mike Ammar or myself, who is willing to give credit once you've let it slip away."
Anders Moden should be so lucky.
Steve Fearson has the final word: "The fact is that unless you work harder than me, the future of magic and the net is in my hands."
The original 'Healed and Sealed' by Anders Moden can be purchased at: http://home5.swipnet.se/~w-52256/healedandsealed.html
Tim Ellis's 'Soda Resurrection' can be found in the book TIMELESS MAGIC and purchased here http://www.timellismagic.com/magicians/magic-shop/
Posted at 05:22 PM in Complaints Dept., Current Affairs, Magic | Permalink | Comments (0)
Qantas - The Saga of the Lost Reading Glasses
Andy Gross
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Paul Daniels - RIP
Mark Kalin in Conversation
Are they STILL in business?
George on I went to Mid City TV Repairs and met The Plasma Professor
Tim Ellis on How are Optus even still in business?
Cameron on Qantas - The Saga of the Lost Reading Glasses
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Baghead Kelly on Is Fiverr even worth five bucks?
Tim Ellis on I went to Mid City TV Repairs and met The Plasma Professor
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A fresh coat of paint can transform a room and do wonders for your home. Whether you're looking to complete a traditional interior painting project or desire distinctive details like accent walls, striping, faux finishes, or low- or no-VOC paints, we can meet all your interior painting and finishing needs. Our painting contractors will treat your home like their own, paying special attention to detail and communication, creating an environment in which you will feel comfortable.
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text:
The Explorer Pass
What is the Explorer Pass?
FAQ – Explorer Pass
where do you want to get to
Stratford-upon-Avon Kenilworth Warwick Royal Leamington Spa Birmingham airport
how will you be travelling
By car By train By bus or coach Parking
Easily accessible from the North and South via the M1, M5, M6, M40 and M42. Leave the M40 at junction 15 and take the A429 to Warwick.
Warwick town centre is just a few minutes walk from the train station – visit www.chilternrailways.co.uk or www.nationalrail.co.uk
There are drop off points at the bus stations, St Nicholas Park and near the Racecourse. Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/travel or www.nationalexpress.com
The bus station is located in the town centre. Visit www.stagecoachbus.com for regular services throughout Warwickshire
There is a variety of multi-storey, surface and on-street parking is available visit www.warwickdc.gov.uk/parking for more information
Places to visit in Warwick
Visit Britain's Ultimate Castle!
Hill Close Gardens
Take a trip to these magical hidden gardens……
Have a fantastic day at the races in Warwickshire.
Warwickshire's award-winning art gallery.
St Mary's Church, Warwick
A wonderful place full of history and serenity.
An historic group of timber-framed buildings dating from the late 14th century clustered round the Norman gateway into Warwick,…
Market Hall Museum
Visit Market Hall Museum in Warwick which has recently opened after a major refurbishment. The Museum celebrates the stories of…
Shakespeare's England
Shakespeare's England is the official destination management organisation for Stratford-upon-Avon,Warwick, Kenilworth, Royal Leamington Spa and the surrounding towns and villages.
Keep up to date with updates from Shakespeare's England

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Grenade, 2 Pistols On Hijacked Libyan Plane: Maltese PM . Al-Qaeda Indian sub-continent (AQIS) operative Mohammed Abdur Rehman has admitted his links.
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text:
Scaptomyza argentifrons är en tvåvingeart som beskrevs av Hardy 1965. Scaptomyza argentifrons ingår i släktet Scaptomyza och familjen daggflugor. Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life.

Källor

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"We have specified an OL Series Oil Less Air Compressor and were planning to locate it on our building roof. It will be in a shed (not exposed to the elements) but we do not plan to heat the space. Is this allowable with these units?"
"We recommend that our compressors (both oil less and lubricated) are not installed anywhere with temperatures going below 50F. Below 50F oil viscosity changes and proper lubrication can become an issue. Furthermore, NEVER install our compressors in an area below freezing. There are numerous problems that can occur in this case but the biggest of all is that the liquid generated during compression can freeze and once down stream can jam the system with ice plugs."
So in short, do not install a General Air Products compressor in any area that is below 50F and NEVER below freezing. remember if freezing is an issue for your system please take a look at our Dry Air Pac which was designed specifically for these situations.
Thank you John for asking the question and for letting us post it here!


text:
The Pupil Premium Funding (2019 – 2020)
No pupil should be left behind. To achieve excellence, we must consistently pursue excellence in expectations, teaching and learning for the benefit of those whom we teach.
Pupil Premium Funding: £8,220
Proportion of cohort: 17%
Number of pupils in receipt of Pupil Premium: 7
Pupil Premium Lead: Mrs L. Pigram
IEB member responsible for Pupil Premium Mrs H. Faulkner
Date of next strategy review: Spring 2020
The Pupil Premium is additional funding given to publicly funded schools in England to raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils and to "close the gap" between them and their peers. It was introduced in April 2011.
Children currently eligible to receive Pupil Premium funding are:
Pupils in year groups EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) to Year 6 - recorded as "Ever 6;"
Looked after children (LAC) defined in the Children Act 1989 as children who are in the care of or provided with accommodation by an English local authority;
Children who have ceased to be looked after by a local authority in England and Wales because of adoption, a special guardianship order, a child arrangement order or a residence order;
Pupils in year groups Reception to Year 11 recorded as an Ever 6 service child or somebody in receipt of a child pension from the Ministry of Defence.
2019-2020, A STRATEGY
Overall objectives (2019 – 2020)
Every pupil that attends our school is entitled to a quality education and to learning experiences. These give them a secure foundation on which to build upon their education. Pupils in receipt of Pupil Premium funding are no different.
The Pupil Premium funding will be used to address the objectives listed below:
To embed the positive relationships that we have with pupils, families and educators in order to proactively identify individual needs and barriers to achievement.
To work collaboratively to address individual need and barriers to achieving the best possible education in order that pupils achieve outcomes which enable them to successfully progress to the next stage in their education.
To target funding to the individual, or group where appropriate, in order to address barriers to learning and achievement.
To "narrow and close the gap" between the achievement of these pupils and their peers nationally.
To access strategies and resources to ensure that the pupils who need it most are given opportunities that have a positive impact on their lives, experiences and educations.
To embed high quality teaching at all levels that challenges and encourages pupils in receipt of Pupil Premium funding to make good progress and achieve targeted goals.
To continue to embed quality learning behaviours that ensure that pupils in receipt of Pupil Premium funding are able to take responsibility for their own learning and outcomes.
Barriers (2019 – 2020)
At St. Mary's we are committed to building a school culture where socio-economic barriers to learning and achievement are overcome and where every child is known, valued and educated to the highest level.
The barriers that face our pupils are individual. Whilst the school does understand that there may be "overarching" barriers that inhibit more than one child, we are steadfast in our commitment to working with individuals. Therefore, whilst the overarching barriers are noted below, individual, pupil specific barriers are not.
Having analysed the data, known barriers and Passport Meetings, St. Mary's has identified the following general barriers (notwithstanding the above mentioned comment about individual barriers will not be noted here). It should be noted that many of our pupils will be experiencing more than one of these barriers to learning and will also be supported through other strategies, for example strategies supporting pupils with Special Needs:
The limited cultural capital and enrichment experienced by many of our pupils limits their educational experience, vocabulary and understanding.
The school has experienced high mobility. When children have experienced more than one educational setting, there has been an impact on outcomes, progress and self-esteem which may take time to address. 46% of our current pupils did not start at the school in Reception.
The previous uncertainty about the school's future has impacted on pupil morale and commitment to learning which is taking time to reverse/address.
A lack of quality vocabulary and ability to manipulate language effectively impacts on learning and outcomes.
Emotional well being (due to external factors including mental health and family vulnerabilities) impacts on self-esteem and behaviour for learning and the vulnerability that some pupils experience.
Irregular attendance of school of some pupils has impacted on learning and outcomes. Significant "chunks" of learning have been missed in some cases and pupils find it difficult to "catch up."
Gaps in learning and basic skills have impacted on learning and the ability of some pupils to make good progress.
A historic high staff turnover in some classes has resulted in the school having to address levels of teaching and learning.
Strategy (2019 – 2020)
Our strategy is reviewed as part of our ongoing school improvement cycle at least termly. Our strategy is focussed on the individual pupil and ensuring that barriers to learning are not seen as barriers to success.
Our strategy will:
Ensure that the provision for pupils in receipt Pupil Premium is clearly identified by all as a whole school priority (and development plan) and monitored, as such, by leaders and IEB members effectively.
The school development and improvement plans and processes will clearly identify the strategy and improvements being implemented across the school. Staff will be able to articulate what Pupil Premium provision is, what the school has implanted, which children are in receipt of Pupil Premium funding and the impact of the strategy at the end of the assessment period.
Focus on the individual. Where opportunities and good practice identify areas whereby resources may be "pooled," this will be done
Passports will be used by teachers, pupils and families to provide tailored support, where appropriate. Where resources have been "pooled" the impact will note how the intervention has benefited all relevant pupils. This includes academic and other measures.
Continue to embed opportunities whereby work with pupils, families and staff identifies barriers to learning, achievement and well being (in school and external to school). This strategy will ensure that the needs of the pupils is considered at all times
Passports will clearly indicate barriers to learning and how these have been addressed. They will demonstrate that a clear rationale and process has been developed for each individual child, considering the needs of the child alongside best practice. Where it is considered that adaptations to provision are needed, this will be clearly indicated along with the reasons why.
Continue to embed the systems whereby individual need is addressed and reviewed regularly,
Passports will clearly indicate barriers to learning and how these have been addressed. They will clearly identify how the spending allocated to each pupil has been used alongside the impact of the intervention for each pupil and, where appropriate, all pupils. Passports will identify regular review meetings have taken place and appropriate actions have been followed.
Provide appropriate support and intervention focused on closing gaps in learning. This will, in turn, enable pupils in receipt of Pupil Premium funding to close the gap between the outcomes that they achieve and the outcomes that all other pupils nationally achieve.
Pupils will make good progress (using school progress criteria) and a significantly higher proportion will achieve age related expectations or above at the end of the academic year when compared to last academic year (37.5%).
Enable staff to access high quality, tailored, CPD (continual professional development) and support that enables them to ensure that Quality First Teaching, rather than a reliance on intervention, results in good progress and outcomes (using school performance and external, end of Key Stage measures as well as Ofsted and SIAMS criteria)
Teaching and learning in all areas will be 100% good or better (using OfSTED criteria). Monitoring and triangulation of evidence (including data) will prove that pupils have experienced high quality teaching and achieve outcomes that are at least in line with similar pupils nationally (where there are additional barriers/needs) and where there are no additional barriers (such as Special Needs), pupils will achieve in line with their peers nationally.
Provide opportunities for pupils in receipt of Pupil Premium funding to access educational and cultural experiences that enable them to develop their skills, understanding and knowledge
The number of pupils experiencing extra-curricular experiences and accessing out of school provision will improve from 2018-2019 data (14% attending out of school provision). Pupils will be clear about their local and national heritage and will use the knowledge and understanding that they gain from these experiences to enhance their work and behaviour.
Continue to embed the attendance, behaviour for learning, monitoring, Passport, family liaison and other strategies identified in the 2018-2019 plan that were considered successful.
The outcomes of these strategies will be measured using outcomes for pupils in receipt of Pupil Premium funding (at the end of the assessment period). These will consider whether they have made good progress (at least 6 steps) from their starting points and whether their outcomes are at least in line with national outcomes. In addition, attendance for this group of pupils will improve by at least 2% (from 2018-2019 data) and family liaison will be positive with no complaints about provision for pupils entitled to Pupil Premium. The number of families successfully applying for free school meals will increase from 17% (September 2019). Behaviour will be judged as at least good using OfSTED criteria and pupils will note that they feel safe in school.
Our strategy is informed by reviewing current best practice and effective provision and by undertaking reviews of the rationale for employing these strategies. We use current information from a variety of sources including the Educational Endowment Fund.
Accountability (2019 – 2020)
Headteachers and governors are responsible for deciding how to best allocate the funds. The progress and outcomes of pupils that receive this funding is closely monitored and tracked to ensure that we are working to close the gap between these pupils and all other pupils.
The Interim Executive Headteacher and leadership team will regularly and rigorously monitor and evaluate and review the strategies put into place and will report to the IEB about the impact of spending, the progress of pupils in receipt of Pupil Premium and the outcomes.
The leaders will use a variety of mechanisms to monitor, review and evaluate the provision it offers. These include, but are not limited to:
Pupil Progress Meetings
Challenge and Support Meetings
Performance Management (where appropriate)
Moderated assessment sessions
Learning walks
Learning discussions with pupils and others
Regular, rigorous management meetings to assess impact
A review of the school improvement plan (specifically the sections that include Pupil Premium)
Reports to the IEB
The IEB, in turn, will us a variety of systems and processes (including, where necessary, external review) to review the reports and to hold the school to account.
The Pupil Premium provision is reviewed annually in the Autumn Term and monitored termly thereafter. The data and the development plan are also reviewed termly.
The next full internal review is due at the start of the Spring Term, 2020
The school also uses professional support to review the provision it offers. In the Spring Term of 2019, the school commissioned a review of its use of the Pupil Premium funding and were delighted with the outcomes, several of which are noted below:
There are very few pupils eligible for Pupil Premium, so support is personalised and systems of accountability are structured around the progress of individual pupils rather than groups.
When speaking of identifying and addressing barriers to learning, "The barriers identified are those the school can make a difference to, and there is no sense in which barriers are used as an excuse for under performance."
The school works closely with parents, consulting them with regard to their child's needs, and sharing the strategies to be used to improve their child's outcomes.
Please see the documents, below, for last year's outcomes and progress.
What if I believe my child is entitled to Free School Meals and, therefore, Pupil Premium?
Your child may be eligible for free school meals if you are receiving any of the following:
Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
Child Tax Credit (not Working Tax Credit), with an annual income below £16,190
Pension Guarantee Credit
Employment and Support Allowance, income related
Support under part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act, 1999
Working Tax Credit run-on, paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
Universal Credit, with a household income of £7,400 or less (after tax and not including any benefits you get)
Please click on the link to the Essex County Council Website which gives further information on how to apply:
https://www.essex.gov.uk/free-school-meals
Department for Education Articles and advice for children and young people.
What our school has done (strategy and spend)
Pupil Premium End of Year Review 2018 - 2019.pdf
Pupil Premium Strategy Statement 2018-2019 following end of year outcomes.pdf
Pupil Premium Stratey Statement 2018-2019 (update following April data).pdf
Pupil Premium Strategy, spend and analysis 2018-2019i.pdf
Pupil Premium Strategy, spend and analysis 2017 - 2018.pdf


The 2B7404P Infinity® Squared Weighted Pop-up Soccer Goal continues the evolution of the 2B7404P Infinity® Pop-up Soccer Goal line. The unique and durable design allows this goal to pop-up and fold back into position in seconds. The weighted base makes this goal ideal for grass, turf, the gym, and even the parking lot at the tailgate. Each 2B7404P Infinity® Weighted Squared Pop-up Soccer Goal includes a carry bag and nylon anchor pegs.
Includes Nylon anchor pegs and carry bag.


text:
ESG reporting: why it's more important than ever
By Dr Keith Whitehead CEnv, British Safety Council on 06 June 2022
With investors, customers and society increasingly expecting businesses to be able to prove they are acting in a way that protects the environment and people, accurate and credible ESG reporting is rapidly gaining in importance.
Lately, three letters have dominated the conversation around sustainability reporting: 'ESG'. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) is essentially a framework for assessing the impact of the sustainability and ethical practices of a company.
It was derived from the 'Triple Bottom Line', also known as the 'People, Planet and Profits' (PPP), a concept introduced in the 1990s. The rationale behind PPP was that businesses should focus on each of the three 'P's and not just on 'Profits', since all three were (and remain) equally important for any commercial enterprise to be sustainable.
Photograph: iStock
This concept evolved into ESG, which today is the bedrock of Sustainable and Responsible Investing (SRI). Today, investors (such as stock market fund managers who purchase shares and invest finance in companies on behalf of organisations like pension funds), business partners and customers are much more focused on the ethical practices of a business.
This means areas such as the management of environmental and social impacts and challenges, fair treatment of employees, respect for human rights, anti-corruption practices and diversity on company boards.
As a result, companies that have a poor record of ESG practices are coming under increasing scrutiny from investors, business partners, customers and activists like environmental non-governmental organisations (NGOs), trade unions and labour rights campaigners. Also, the number of investment funds that fully consider the ESG factors arising from a company's activities when making their investment decisions is growing rapidly and is expected to continue rising significantly over the next decade.
The key ESG areas that a company must assess, manage and publicly report on to demonstrate they are adopting a responsible approach to their business include the following.
Environmental criteria may include a company's energy use, waste, pollution, natural resource conservation and treatment of animals. The criteria can also be used to evaluate any environmental risks a company might face and how the company is managing those risks. ESG reporting criteria focus on areas such as a company's approach to managing and minimising waste and pollution, resource depletion, greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation and climate change, for example.
Social criteria
Social criteria essentially mean how a company manages relationships with employees, suppliers, customers and the communities where they operate. It also means examining, reporting and demonstrating that the company actually lives and meets the social responsibility values it claims to hold and achieve.
Examples include, does the company donate a percentage of its profits to the local community or other corporate social responsibility projects? Does it encourage employees to perform volunteer work?
Another key example is whether the company's working conditions genuinely ensure that the health and safety of the workforce is protected and enhanced and whether the company's business model and operations take into account (and avoid a negative impact) on other stakeholders, such as the fair treatment of workers in the supply chains.
McKinsey research has shown that customers are willing to pay to 'go green'. Photograph: iStock
Companies will also wish (and need) to avoid negative environmental impacts during the sourcing of materials, goods, services and people used in their business model.
Governance criteria
From a governance angle, investors will generally want to know that a organisation uses accurate and transparent financial accounting methods and that stakeholders are allowed to vote on important issues that relate to all aspects of the business, including its ESG performance.
They may also want assurances that companies avoid conflicts of interest in their choice of board members; have suitable anti-corruption and bribery policies, procedures and safeguards; have a suitably diverse company board (in terms of age, gender, educational and professional background); do not use political contributions to obtain unduly favourable treatment and, of course, don't engage in illegal practices.
Why address and publicly report on ESG issues?
Increasingly, when private individuals are looking to invest in companies through practices like buying shares (or asking where their pension contributions are being invested), they are looking to invest in companies with good or excellent ESG credentials.
Taking account of an organisation's ESG performance is most likely to be an investing approach used by millennials, who will comprise 75 per cent of the workforce by 2025. Morgan Stanley Bank recently conducted a survey that found that nearly 90 per cent of millennial investors were interested in pursuing investments that more closely reflect the ESG values they hold.
According to EcoVadis, a business sustainability ratings platform, 91 per cent of companies take sustainability into account when making purchasing decisions, and 85 per cent of consumers are now more likely to purchase from a company with a reputation for sustainability and social diversity.
Keith Whitehead: "The number of companies reporting on ESG is increasing all the time."
Addressing and improving the company's approach to ESG issues (such as improving sustainability, protecting the environment and being socially responsible), can bring a number of important benefits for a business. These include:
Facilitating growth
Cost reductions
Increasing employee productivity and engagement
Investment and asset optimisation
1. Facilitating growth
A strong approach to ESG issues can help a company tap new markets and expand into existing ones while attracting ethically minded investors and customers. And when governing and regulatory authorities trust corporations, they are more likely to award them the access, approvals and licenses that afford new opportunities for growth.
Good ESG performance can also drive consumer preference. McKinsey research has shown that customers are willing to pay to 'go green', and found that upwards of 70 per cent of consumers surveyed on purchases in the automotive, building, electronics and packaging categories said they would pay an additional five per cent for a green product if it met the same performance standards as a non-green alternative.
2. Cost reductions
When implemented, effective ESG policies and processes can also substantially reduce CapEx (capital expenditures) and OPEX (operating expenses) in areas such as raw material and resource use. This includes better management and minimisation of increasingly expensive and depleting resources, such as water and energy.
Good ESG management can also lead to financial savings by helping to prevent the creation of waste from a business and help to control potentially indirect costs associated with ESG-related liabilities.
3. Increasing employee productivity and engagement
A strong approach to and effective management system for ESG can help companies attract and retain quality employees, enhance employee motivation and increase productivity overall.
Employee satisfaction is positively correlated with shareholder returns. For example, a London Business School report found that the companies that made Fortune's '100 Best Companies to Work For' list generated 2.3 per cent to 3.8 per cent higher stock returns per year than their peers.
Sustainability actions often lift a company's reputation and status, leading many job seekers to believe they'd feel proud to work for an organisation admired for its sustainability performance. A recent study across number of career fairs found that attendees considered an organisation's sustainability credentials as a key factor when assessing their employment options.
Employee engagement in sustainability issues can increase productivity and wellbeing. Illustration: British Safety Council winner, Rimsha Ahmed (best wellbeing poster comp. 2018)
4. Investment and asset optimisation
Continuing to rely on energy-hungry plants and equipment, for example, is a large financial burden for many organisations.
Although the investment required to update equipment, plant and buildings so they are more sustainable, use less energy and create less carbon emissions may be substantial, choosing to postpone or delay such upgrades for short-term financial reasons can be the most expensive option of all.
The rules of the game are shifting: regulatory responses to emissions and energy security issues – as seen during the Ukraine conflict – affect both energy costs and balance sheets in carbon-intensive industries. Also, bans or limitations on materials and items like single-use plastics or diesel and petrol-fuelled cars will introduce new constraints on multiple businesses. This could leave many businesses struggling to catch up with new duties, rules and restrictions around ESG issues like sustainability, climate change and environmental protection.
Implementing ESG management and reporting into business
When an organisation is seeking to address and manage ESG issues – and report on their performance in this area – there are five main steps to follow.
1. Establish a ESG baseline
An organisation should engage with all its stakeholders to understand what is most important to them and how those priorities align to the business.
Next, the organisation will need to define its metrics, goals and targets for improving ESG performance. It then needs to decide on the most appropriate reporting standard to follow – such as the Global Reporting Initiative Reporting guidelines, for example. These provide a framework of ESG KPIs that an organisation can measure itself against and report on. The organisation can also review the UN Sustainable Development Goals to assess which goals meet the ESG priorities and align the goals to their business sustainability strategy.
2. Assess the current ESG status
The organisation should examine its current processes and procedures to determine if there are already suitable and adequate ESG controls in place. If there are gaps in the ESG controls, the organisation should draw up a plan of action to address them and put in place additional policies, procedures and processes to close them.
3. Design and implementation of an ESG
This phase is about deciding how to implement controls and who will be responsible to implementing, managing and monitoring them.
For example, if an organisation decides that one of its ESG goals is to measure and minimise greenhouse gases (GHGs) – and has decided on the metrics it will use to set targets and assess its progress – it will need to ensure the data collection process for GHG measurement is accurate and correctly scoped. It will also need to ensure this is the case for all other relevant ESG reporting KPIs.
4. Sustain ESG
Once an organisation begins collecting ESG data, it needs to ensure continuous monitoring, auditing and inspections of the whole ESG process and ESG data.
This may include having controls tested throughout the year and making sure there is evidence to support audit trails or certifications. In other words, ensuring the ESG policies and processes are being followed – and ensuring there is adequate data and documentary proof the ESG performance targets are actually being met.
If any gaps in ESG performance or expected achievements of ESG targets emerge during the monitoring process, they must be addressed at the earliest opportunity.
5. Assurance of ESG
The onset of mandatory non-financial reporting of ESG issues by large businesses means it is now essential that investors and the public have the confidence that an organisation's ESG reporting is accurate, reliable and credible.
It is now essential that investors and the public have the confidence that an organisation's ESG reporting is accurate, reliable and credible. Illustration: iStock
It is therefore vital that all data an organisation reports on is accurate, comparable and based upon robust reliable data and information. Although the reporting can be done internally, stakeholders like investors often want assurance that the organisation's ESG data and reporting is accurate from an independent, external, third-party assessment body.
The future for ESG looks promising, with more organisations feeling the need to publish ESG reports so they can maintain a proactive and positive relationship with their internal and external stakeholders and fulfil their ESG policies, strategies, targets and promises.
International frameworks, indices and initiatives – such as the UN 2030 agenda, the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris and COP26 Glasgow Climate Change Agreements – mean the number of ESG topics that are already being reported (and will have to be reported in future) by organisations is increasing and deepening.
As a result, different frameworks, standards, ratings and indexes with international recognition have started to guide ESG reporting.
In the future, it is envisaged that all types and sizes of companies globally will be consistently reporting their ESG activities in some form. There are already software solutions that make this process easier by connecting data streams and automating responses using the data provided.
The number of companies reporting on ESG is increasing all the time, and the existing regulations already set minimum requirements for the standard and content of ESG reporting. So, if a company should be reporting because its investors, business partners and customers are already expecting to see reliable ESG data from the business – but fails to do so – it risks losing market share, investor confidence and customer loyalty.
Dr Keith Whitehead CEnv is senior environmental consultant at the British Safety Council
Contact Dr Keith Whitehead at:
britsafe.org/about-us/contact-us/
It's time to act on Net Zero
'The days of make it, sell it, throw it away, are gone'
Time to report on climate change risks and opportunities
A step up
By Peter Bennett, Access Industry Forum (AIF) on 01 March 2021
Guidance has been published to make it easier to communicate the essential messages for safe working at height to designers, clients, managers, supervisors and workers.
By Ian Gil-Rodriguez, Draeger Safety UK on 18 January 2023
New research shows a majority of workers would be happy to be tested for drugs and alcohol at work to keep everyone safe, and developments in oral fluid testing kits mean the process is now faster and less invasive.
Starting the conversation on mental health at work
By Claire Fleming (Mental Health Foundation) and Alison Pay (Mental Health at Work) on 06 December 2022
Supporting workers' mental health can reap benefits for a business, and one of the simplest ways to get started is to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable talking about their mental health and seeking help if they need it.


text:
arduino + servos + relay ?
so I'm building a project with some servos controlled by an Arduino, powered from an external power source. during "no command signal" (whenever the controller is booting, or just not connected), my servos are misbehaving... (moving fast and out-of-range), so - I decided to cut their power during these periods.
I want to use the Arduino, through one of its digital-out-pins to control the external power supply to the servos. all grounds are commonly connected. what's the best (/easiest) way to do this?
RanTalbott February 7, 2010, 4:33pm #2
what's the best (/easiest) way to do this?
The easiest way is probably to use a relay, because it's simple and will introduce the lowest loss in a relatively-high-current path.
Whether that's best will depend on your application. The relay consumes power that might be scarce in a battery-operated system, for example. It can be bulky, compared to a transistor. And it may cost more, though the small increment in cost probably won't matter if you're only building one or two of these.
What you'll want to do is set up the transistor that controls the relay so that the default condition is "off" while the Arduino is powering up. This can get tricky, because even a pin that's set as an input may leak a little current, especially if it has an internal pull-up. I haven't done this sort of thing on an Arduino, but I've had to do it on other systems, and what I did was add a resistor of a couple of K to ground, to act as a pull-down until the pin was configured as an output and driven high.
Hi Ran - thanks for your help. I'm a bit confused though, do I still need a transistor if I'm using a relay? what is the general wiring scheme in this case?
also, I though that relays are used when two circuits are electrically decoupled (one just switches the other, each with its own 'battery'). however, here I still need the arduino to control the servos, and hence the ground should be common. would that still be valid ?
zoomkat February 7, 2010, 6:00pm #4
You may be able to switch the ground line on/off using the below MTP3055VL MOSFET, which is made for using 5v on the gate.
http://www.fairchildsemi.com/ds/MT/MTP3055VL.pdf
do I still need a transistor if I'm using a relay?
Yup. The relay coil usually needs more current than an Arduino pin can supply, so you use an external transistor (like a 2N2222) to switch the relay. There are examples in the Playground area of the site for wiring this setup (one of these days I need to figure out how to export Eagle schematics for easy inclusion in forum postings, but today is not that day).
You could use the relay either to switch the positive side of the power going to the servos, or to connect the ground. You do still need to make sure that the servo and Arduino grounds are connected when you're running the servos, because there's a logic signal between them.
I took a look at the datasheet zoomkat linked to, and that actually looks like a good possibility, unless you're running a lot of servos. The problem with solid-state switching in uses like yours is that there's a loss of energy in the transistors: the Darlington transistors most commonly used can lose as much as 2V under heavy load. But the MTP3055VL only wastes about .2V for each Amp of load, which will almost certainly be acceptable for your purposes.
You could use it to switch the ground on the servos, and wire it up just like you would the transistor that controls the relay in the approach I originally suggested.
Make sure that you shop for the MTP3055*VL*: there are some flavors of MTP3055 that don't have "logic level" turn-on thresholds, and won't be as efficient if you try to turn them on with an Arduino pin.


text:
Q: C++ "stock ticker" with UTF-8 strings A part of the project includes something similar to a scrolling 'stock ticker', where a larger string "scrolls across" a fixed width output string.
Using C++ 11 on Linux, the concept is clear when using latin characters. Something like this:
std::string inputString, outputString;
for (int inIdx = 0; inIdx < inputString.size(); inIdx++)
{
    // shift output one character left
    for (int i = 0; i < mOutputTextWidth - 1; i++)
        outputString[i] = outputString[i+1];

    // Append character to end of output
    if (inIdx < inputString.size())
        outputString[mTextWidth] = inputString.at(inIdx);
    sleep(1);
}

You would get something like:
[           ]
[          H]
[         HE]
[        HEL]
[      HELLO]
[     HELLO ]
[    HELLO  ]
[   HELLO   ]

I need to make this work for UTF-8 non-latin characters.  From what I've read, it is a complex subject. In particular std::string::at or [] returns a char, which breaks on long UTF-8 characters.
In C++ what's the right way of doing this?
Eg. Japanese
[              ]
[            こ]
[          こん]
[        こんば]
[      こんばん]
[    こんばんは]
[  こんばんは  ]
[ こんばんは   ]

(I know the glyph widths will vary by language, that's ok.  I just can't figure out how to manipulate UTF-8 strings)

A: On systems that support Unicode natively (which includes Linux)1, you can simply use the standard C++ multibyte support and work with wchar_t types to handle one unicode code point at a time.
For example like this:
#include <algorithm>
#include <clocale>
#include <cstdlib>
#include <iostream>
#include <string>
#include <vector>

int main()
{
    std::string inputUTF8 = "こんばんは!"; // assuming this source is stored in UTF-8

    std::setlocale(LC_ALL, "en_US.utf8"); // tell mbstowcs use want UTF-8->wchar_t conversion
    std::wcout.imbue(std::locale("en_US.utf8")); // tell std::wcout we want wchar_t->UTF-8 output

    std::vector<wchar_t> buf(inputUTF8.size() + 1); // reserve space
    int len = (int)std::mbstowcs(buf.data(), inputUTF8.c_str(), buf.size()); // convert to wchar_t
    if (len == -1) {
        std::cerr << "Invalid UTF-8 input\n"; // mbstowcs can fail
        return 1;
    }
    std::wstring out;
    for (int i = 0; i < len * 2; i++)
    {
        out.assign(std::max(0, len - i), L' '); // fill with ideographic space (U+3000) before

        out.append(buf.data(), std::max(0, i - len), std::min(len, i) - std::max(0, i - len));

        out.append(std::max(0, i - len), L' '); // fill with ideographic space after

        std::wcout << L"[" << out << L"]\n";
    }
}

Output:
[      ]
[     こ]
[    こん]
[   こんば]
[  こんばん]
[ こんばんは]
[こんばんは!]
[んばんは! ]
[ばんは!  ]
[んは!   ]
[は!    ]
[!     ]

Beware that mbstowcs and other locale stuff is not thread-safe.
Another possibility is to use a library like iconv.

1 Unfortunately on Windows Unicode support is crippled; it's wchar_t is 16 bits long and actually represents UTF-16, as such the program will work for the basic plane code points only (which still includes the typical CJK symbols, but not unified Han or other symbols above U+FFFF). Though that can still be fixed by taking UTF-16 into account.

A: After the numerous warnings against wchar I implemented a solution based on the comment referring to this post from rustyx.  There might be holes in this approach but so far works for me when tested with English/latin and Japanese input.
(I believe the code below works only with UTF-8, not sure about other legacy encodings like EUC-JP, SHIFT_JIS, etc)
Note that symbolLength() identifies the number of code points present and which will not be the same as the screen width since differing widths (or zero width!) code points might be present.
TqString::TqString(const std::string &s) { assign(s); }

TqString::TqString(const char *cs)
{
    std::string s(cs);
    assign(s);
}

TqString::TqString(size_t n, char c)
{
    std::string s(n, c);
    assign(s);
}

TqString &TqString::operator=(const std::string &s)
{
    assign(s);
    return *this;
}

// Unlike size(), this returns the number of UTF-8 code points
// in the input string

size_t
TqString::symbolLength() const
{
    int  symCount = 0;
    int skipCount = 0;

    for (int i = 0; i < size(); i++)
    {
        unsigned char c = at(i);
        if (skipCount == 0)
        {
            if (c >= 0xF0)
                skipCount = 3;
            else if (c >= 0xE0)
                skipCount = 2;
            else if (c >= 0xC0)
                skipCount = 1;
        }
        else
        {
            --skipCount;
        }

        if (skipCount > 0)
            continue;

        symCount++;
    }
    return symCount;
}

// Scan input string, skipping over 'n' symbols, and returning the last

std::string
TqString::symbolAt(off_t n) const
{
    std::string outString;
    int skipCount = 0;
    int symCount = 0;

    for (int i = 0; i < size(); i++)
    {
        unsigned char c = at(i);
        if (skipCount == 0)
        {
            outString = c;
            if (c >= 0xF0)
                skipCount = 3;
            else if (c >= 0xE0)
                skipCount = 2;
            else if (c >= 0xC0)
                skipCount = 1;
        }
        else
        {
            outString += c;
            --skipCount;
        }

        if (skipCount > 0)
            continue;

        if (symCount == n)
            break;

        symCount++;
    }

    return outString;
}

void
TqString::shiftLeft()
{
    std::string outString;
    if (size() == 0)
    {
        assign(outString);
        return;
    }

    for (int i = 1; i < symbolLength(); i++)
    {
        outString += symbolAt(i);
    }

    assign(outString);
}

// shift then append 's' to the end
void
TqString::shiftLeft(const TqString &s)
{
    shiftLeft();
    append(s);
}

std::string
TqString::str() const
{
    std::string ret(data());
    return ret;
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Crowding in Prisons Increases Inmates' Risk for Covid-19 Infections
Citing COVID threat, researchers urge policy changes to ease prison crowding
Crowding in prisons dramatically increases the risk for COVID-19 infections among inmates, according to a new study by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). The authors of the study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, argue that policy changes are necessary to protect the vulnerable population of incarcerated men and women.
Earlier studies found that the incidence of COVID-19 infection is significantly higher in prisons than in the general population, but the degree to which crowding contributed to the problem was unknown. The senior author of the JAMA Internal Medicine study, MGH infectious diseases physician Amir Mohareb, MD, has worked on a pro bono basis with several advocacy groups working to ensure that infection control measures are implemented in prisons during the coronavirus pandemic. One group he advised, Prisoners' Legal Services of Massachusetts, was suing the state's Department of Correction over its practices. Mohareb and his colleagues analyzed a trove of data in Massachusetts that allowed them to examine more closely what's driving the high incidence of COVID-19 in prisons.
One element the data lacked was detailed information about each individual inmate who became ill, which would have allowed Mohareb and his team to study the characteristics of who got COVID-19 and who didn't. However, they had other critical data, including weekly reports on the number of positive COVID-19 tests at 14 Massachusetts state prisons, the population of each prison, and the number of inmates the facility was designed to hold (known as design capacity). "So we asked, What are characteristics of these facilities that might lead to more COVID-19 transmission?" says Mohareb, who is also a researcher at MGH's Medical Practice Evaluation Center.
Incarcerated population density is reported as percentage of facility design capacity. In the counties in which state prisons are located, the COVID-19 incidence was, on average, less than 50 cases per 100 000 person-weeks from June 2020 to September 2020. COVID-19 incidence in these counties was, on average, greater than 250 cases per 100 000 person-weeks from December 2020 to January 2021. Error bars indicate 95% CIs.
Their analysis found that crowding at the facilities varied greatly during the observation period, with the population at some dropping as low as 25 percent of design capacity, while others were extremely crowded, reaching up to 155 percent of design capacity. Mohareb and his colleagues found that as facilities became more crowded, the threat to inmates rose: Every increase of 10 percentage points in a prison population relative to the facility's design capacity raised the risk of getting infected with COVID-19 by 14 percent. As Mohareb notes, that means a facility doesn't have to be exceeding its design capacity to increase the danger for inmates, since a prison that's operating at 80 percent capacity is riskier than one at 70 percent capacity. "We may need to have stricter thresholds for where we draw the line on how crowded a facility can be," he says.
To study the effect of crowding another way, Mohareb's team calculated the percentage of inmates in each prison who were housed in single cells during each week of the observation period. They found that every 10-percentage-point increase in the proportion of inmates living in single cells reduced the risk of COVID-19 infection in that prison by 18 percent.
Similar to other studies, this investigation found that inmates in prisons have a significantly greater risk—more than sixfold—for becoming infected with COVID-19 compared to the general public. But in a novel finding, Mohareb and colleagues showed that infection rates in prisons tended to reflect those of their surrounding communities. "We found a very close association," says Mohareb. When numbers of COVID-19 cases were low in Massachusetts during the summer of 2020, they tended to be low in prisons, too. And as numbers spiked in many communities late last year, they also soared in local prisons. "Prisons are intricately linked to their surrounding communities," says Mohareb, noting that greater attention to infection control (through vaccination and routine testing) among guards, support staff, vendors, and others who come and go from these facilities is essential.
While COVID-19 vaccination became available to inmates in Massachusetts state prisons earlier this year, it is optional; what's more, news reports indicate that a significant portion of prison workers remain unvaccinated. Mohareb and his coauthors argue that policymakers should strongly consider decarceration—releasing prisoners deemed to be at low risk for reoffending—as a way to lower the risk for COVID-19 in prisons. "It was the almost universal opinion of experts in public health, infectious disease and epidemiology from the start of the pandemic that prisons were going to be places of immense suffering unless inmates were released in a coordinated manner," says Mohareb. "And that really didn't happen."
Drug-Resistant Bacteria Found in the Guts of Lemurs Who Live Around Humans
The Burden of the Covid-19 Pandemic May Contribute to Outbreaks of Violent Protest and Antigovernment Sentiment
News August 10, 2021


Let's get one thing straight first.... I used to be a massive fan of Nokia and my first dozen phones were all Nokia, but when I moved over to smart phones (whenever that was) they didn't seem to keep pace with the competition. Most of you will know I am a massive Apple fan, and every where I go so does my iPhone, but being a gadget geek I love to try out new gadgets, and when Nokia UK gave me the opportunity to try out the Lumia 1520 I couldn't turn it down.
In summary I really like the phone, the feel, quality of the screen, camera etc is very good. How the phone feels in your hand is also pleasing (sounds wrong but if a phone feels horrible then the overall experience can be ruined).
Below I have summarised what I like about the phone and also don't like.
The size - thought it would be to big but actually after using the 6" screen going back and picking up my small iPhone really does feel strange.
The Camera - its pretty good, I am not sold on some of the functions but certainly managed to grab some great pics (see a collection of them below), the video on this is also very good.
Nokia MixRadio - is a great alternative to spotify, has some fantastic features for creating playlists.
Here Drive+ - as far as sat nav's on phones go, this is the best built in one I have used, the larger screen is also a bonus.
Nokia Storyteller - is a great little app for collecting pictures and video of places you have been, and lets you collect them all in one place. Found this very hand when showing the wife pictures of a walk that me and the youngest went on.
the way you can adjust the size of the tiles and personalise the home screen!
Kids Corner- this is a very simple and easy way to lock the phone down and be safe in the knowledge that the kids cants access something they shouldn't.
Data Sense - I am lucky that I have a 10GB data plan, but if you are on a restricted plan and you want to keep control of the data you are using then this built in app is perfect for tracking what you are using!
I have to admit there are very few, well in fact whilst writing this post I could only think of one, this is potentially a big one but if the rumours of introducing Android apps is true then this will resolve this main concern.
3rd party apps, the developers for Android / iOS either aren't developing the apps for windows or those that are certainly don't seem to have put the effort in!
So in summary I have been very pleased with the phone and how I got on with it. Would I consider getting a Nokia next time around? The answer to that has to be maybe, because I am so embedded with Apple but I certainly like the phone and would seriously consider it! I would certainly like this as work phone to replace my crapberry! but I wish I could have kept this phone, which gives you an idea of much I liked the phone.
The main issue for me is I am well embedded as an Apple user, for me to switch to another operating system would have unforeseen costs, such as repurchasing apps that I already have on the Apple iOS, that could potentially get quiet expensive! Shame there doesn't appear to be a way to transfer 3rd party apps without buying them again?
As mentioned earlier on in the blog attached are a few pictures we snapped using the Lumia 1520!!


Otherwise content users of Boxee or Hulu on the big screen in the living room, the tyranny of the keyboard and mouse may finally be over! GlideTV Navigator is a palm-sized remote control that features a trackpad and backlit AV buttons, just the thing to further enable your YouTube addiction beyond the confines of your computer nook. Works with Windows XP or Vista (we're assuming there's a Windows 7 version on tap as well), Mac OS X, and the Sony PS3, and the package includes a charging cradle and USB receiver. Sadly, the on-screen keyboard and integrated search apps are Windows only for the time being. Look to spend about $149 -- but not before peeping the gallery below.


Delivery is only available to qualifying postcodes within a 3 mile radius of our premises.
All online customers whose postcodes lie within our delivery area are given the choice of "Delivery" or "Collection" in the checkout. Customers whose postcodes lie outside of our delivery area MUST COLLECT THEIR ORDER.
We aim to have delivery orders delivered within 45 to 90 minutes of the customer placing an order (depending on distance and time of day), and Collection orders ready to collect within 20 minutes, depending upon the size of the order. During busy periods times may vary, if there is a significant delay where possible we will contact you.


Whether you're experiencing depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide or living with a mental health condition yourself, or helping a friend who is, there are so many organisations that specialise in supporting people with their mental health. Many of us don't know who they are, or where to find them though so here is a list of some of the best. As an R U OK Day Ambassador looking after your mental health, and looking out for your mates, is important to me – so here's a little gift to keep in your back pocket, and share around if you like.
Never be afraid, nervous or ashamed of checking out these resources, contacting any of these organisations, or sharing them around. They are here to help, whenever you need it.
This is by no means a complete list of services and organisations that are dedicated to looking after our mental health. If there are any you know of that you think should be on this list, let me know.
LGBTQIA health organisations and community groups.
Suicide Call Back Service is a nationwide service that provides 24/7 telephone, video and online professional counselling to people who are affected by suicide.
MensLine Australia is a telephone and online counselling service for men with family and relationship concerns. Telephone, video and online professional counselling.
The Mental Health Line acts as a single point of contact across NSW, and people dialling this number will be directed to mental health service local to where the person is calling from (via triangulation). It's a free service, open to people not covered by Medicare (e.g. overseas students or tourists). The people who staff the intake services have clinical backgrounds, such as mental health nursing, psychology, social work, OT and welfare backgrounds.
Similar services are available in some other states are detailed on the NSW Health page linked to.
1800RESPECT is a confidential service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. to provide support for people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, sexual assault, domestic or family violence, amd their friends and family.
– Information: On sexual assault, domestic and family violence, abuse, and other issues.
– Counselling: What you talk about and how much you say is up to you. We can listen and work with you to come up with things that might help. Workers and professionals can also use this service.
Health Direct Australia is a free government funded service that offers 24 hour health advice and information on all health needs and concerns. We also direct people to appropriate services where and when they need them.
R U OK boosts your skills and confidence to identify, talk with and help friends and family when they need it. When someone is struggling with life, you could turn things around in ways you might not have imagined.
R U OK also take speakers into schools, universities and corporate arenas, and creates a voice in the media to generate conversation around mental health and suicide prevention. Contact the team on hello@ruok.org.au to ask about our speakers and the services we provide.
Australia has some of the best online safety and wellbeing resources in the world. This Wellbeing Hub from the Office of the eSafety Commissioner brings those resources together in one place to make it easier for all Australians to get the right information and support when they need it.
The WayAhead Directory is a comprehensive online database used to find services in NSW, to make referrals and access mental health information and resources.
Beyond Blue is equipping everyone in Australia's diverse communities with the knowledge and skills to protect their own mental health.
Beyond Blue also gives people the confidence to make anxiety, depression and suicide prevention part of everyday conversation by encouraging open conversations and being a support when needed.
Beyond Blue offer a huge range of services and resources for people of all ages, genders, sexual preferences and cultural backgrounds experiencing different types of these conditions. Services include Online Chat Forums, Staying well and recovery resources and NewAccess – a free service that provides support in the form of a coach who will guide you in setting practical goals that will help get you back on track.
SANE's work includes mental health awareness, online peer support and information, stigma reduction, specialist helpline support, research and advocacy for Australians affected by complex mental illness.
BITE BACK is an online interactive space where you can learn how to amplify the good stuff in life! Through our activities, videos and fact sheets you can learn how to increase your levels of wellbeing, deal with stress and harness your strengths so you can live your best life.
Blokepedia is creating a caring and supportive community that encourages men to connect, openly share their stories and discuss the issues and topics that affect them.
The Men's Shed exists because most men have learned from our culture that they don't talk about feelings and emotions many do not take an interest in their own health and well-being. The Men's Shed provides safe, comfortable, productive environments for men to talk, bond, build and share.
Outside the Locker Room was founded by AFL player Jake Edwards and works with all types of sports clubs, from community to professional, all around Australia to develop and support the overall health and wellbeing of players through education, mentoring, tools and networks.
Support After Suicide provides support to people who are bereaved by suicide, including friends, family and young people. They also offer education and training to health, education and welfare organisations to build capacity for the support of those affected by suicide.
Gia Allemand Foundation believes in the fundamental right for women, trans-men, and non-binary individuals assigned female at birth to receive accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and social support for reproductive mental health and illness.
Reduce the stigma and raise awareness of reproductive mood disorders, suicidality, and depression.
Provide educational opportunities for those unable to obtain primary and mental health care services due to geographical location or financial means.
Provide global crisis intervention and peer support services at no-cost regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identification, political affiliation, or socioeconomic status.
Provide individuals with a path to recovery following a diagnosis of mental illness, reproductive mood disorder, suicidal ideation or attempted suicide.
Alcohol and Drug Information Service ( ADIS). The Alcohol and Drug Information Centres are state and territory-based services that offer information, advice, referral, intake, assessment and support 24 hours a day. Details for each state service are in the link.
The centres offer services for individuals, their family and friends, general practitioners, other health professionals and business and community groups.
Your employer may have an EAP partner that gives you access to a set number of free counselling and psychology consultations. If you're unsure, just ask or search your company intranet if you have one.
QLIfe – LGBT service similar to Lifeline. Phone on online chat.
Listen with Love – R U OK Mental health resource for the LGBT+ Community.
Wingman – Beyond Blue Mental health resource for gay men.
Here's why I helped Beyond Blue launch Wingman in 2017.
Black Rainbow is Australia's first and only National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer, Trans* and Intersex (LGBQTI) Suicide Prevention National Advocacy Platform and National Touchpoint.
We support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBQTI people who are homeless, leaving domestic violence relationships or the justice system. We are 100% Indigenous owned and operated.
5. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) health and community groups.
Counselling Services, Youth and Adult education and groups, community connections and groups, sexual health.
The Gender Centre specialises in working with and supporting the Transgender community and is committed to developing and providing services and activities, which enhance the ability of people with gender issues to make informed choices. We offer a wide range of services to people with gender issues, their partners, family members and friends in New South Wales.
social support in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
batyr focuses on preventative education in the area of youth mental health. batyr provides programs that train young people to speak about their personal experience with mental ill health and start a conversation in their community. They also take speakers into schools, universities and corporate arenas to continue this conversation around mental health.
Project Rockit Believe In A World Where Kindness And Respect Thrive Over Bullying, Hate And Prejudice And All Young People Are Free To Realise Their Potential.
For Over 10 Years (!) PROJECT ROCKIT Has Been Empowering School Students To Stand Up To Hate Instead Of Standing By Watching. Through The Lens Of (Cyber)Bullying, Our Workshops Explore Themes Of Diversity, Belonging, Respectful Relationships, Values And Ethics, While Building Student Voice, Leadership And Empathy.
7. Governing Bodies, Organisations and Research.
The Mindframe National Media Initiative provides access to up-to-date, evidence-based information to support the reporting, portrayal and communication about suicide and mental illness in media, marketing, advertising .
Suicide Prevention Australia provides national leadership for the suicide prevention sector in Australia. SPA works collaboratively to develop a community that knows how to ask for help and how to give help.
The Black Dog Institute is dedicated to understanding, preventing and treating mental illness, creating a world where mental illness is treated with the same level of concern, immediacy and seriousness as physical illness; where scientists work to discover the causes of illness and new treatments, and where discoveries are immediately put into practice through health services, technology and education.
ACON's Pride Inclusion Programs offer a range of services to assist employers, sporting organisations and service providers with all aspects of LGBTI inclusion.
We are born with a roller coaster of emotions because we are meant to ride it. From the dark depths of sadness and shame to the starry heights of pride and joy, we're meant to embrace, experience and learn from them all. We're just not meant to live in any of our emotions permanently.
It's ok not to be ok, but it's not ok to go through it alone, because you don't have to.
R U OK Day Ambassador, Head of Social Media @ Colloquial, Social Media and Content Strategy, Social Media @ TEDxSydney, LGBTQIA+ Blogger, Influencer, Model.
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Duncan Hall to host second-annual ND 110 climb to honor first responders
Ryan Peters | Wednesday, September 9, 2020
Duncan Hall will host its signature charity event, ND 110, from 5 to 8 p.m. in Notre Dame Stadium Wednesday.
Founded by juniors Conor Milligan and Patrick Creaven, ND 110 is a 110-story stair climb in which participants raise money for Heart 9/11, a disaster relief organization founded by first responders in New York. The 110-story climb matches that of first responders during 9/11.
Milligan and Creaven established the charity event last year as an effort to honor emergency responders. Both of them have connections to New York and the events that unfolded on 9/11 –– especially Milligan, whose family knew a police officer, Ramon Suarez, who died in the rescue efforts.
"Something I've always done on 9/11 is go [climb] 110 flights of stairs," Milligan said. "And so we said … we can make this a fundraising activity for the hall because there's a void in that front."
Last year, ND 110 raised over $2,000 with roughly 100 students and 20 local firefighters participating in the climb.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions the event is open to only Notre Dame students this year; however, the organizers –– Creaven, Milligan and junior Sean Andersen –– are expecting close to 200 sign-ups.
"We want to essentially double our benchmarks we set last year, so we want at least 200 participants and $4,000 in donations, and as of [Monday evening], we were [at] over 180 sign-ups," Creaven said.
The restrictions placed on the climb by the pandemic forced the three Highlanders to adapt and be much more flexible throughout the planning process.
"There's definitely a lot more hurdles," Anderson said. "First of all, you have to keep everything socially distant and safe and follow all of the University's guidelines. And then on top of that [we had] to keep an open line of communication because things change so quickly: Everything had to get switched to online, and we have to control the flow through the entire stadium."
Photo courtesy of Duncan Hall
Participants climb the stairs during the inaugural ND 110 last year.
In order to comply with University guidelines, groups will be limited to 10 participants and will start every three minutes. Participants from outside the Notre Dame campus will be able to participate in a virtual climb to help the fundraising efforts. ND 110 facemasks and t-shirts will be for sale, with all proceeds going to Heart 9/11.
Milligan said ND 110 is the first student group to ever rent out the Stadium for student use, and because of this, they needed to look to the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs, which plans Storm the Stadium, for guidance.
"Working with the stadium team was something new for everyone involved," Milligan said. "Their event was similar, but also … we needed a playbook to go off of."
Students are asked to arrive 10 minutes before their registration time and ensure they are complying with all of the University's health guidelines.
Milligan said him and the other organizers are excited to be able to finally get ND 110 underway after months of planning.
"I hope to just be able to donate as much money as we can to [Heart 9/11]," Milligan said. "We wouldn't be working on it if we didn't think it was one of the best places you could put your money or your time."
Tags: Duncan Hall, ND 110, Notre Dame Stadium
About Ryan Peters
Ryan is a sophomore in Knott Hall who hails from Lake Forest, Illinois. He is majoring in business analytics and minoring in constitutional studies. He currently serves as an associate news editor for The Observer. Follow him on Twitter @peterrsryan.
Contact Ryan
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