I hope that the content of this latest edition of the Ward 2 newsletter remains of interest and helps keep you all abreast of what is happening here in our ward and in the greater metro community.
Having read the weekend newspapers whilst sheltering from the miserable weather, I had a moment to reflect on the current state of affairs in our home town and more broadly within the country as a whole.
What came out of this was cause for serious concern – something is going very, very wrong in our country.
When the president of our country can spend, without conscience in excess of R200 million rand of public money on his personal property in Nkandla, then something is very wrong. We seem to be accelerating on a course toward the classic African basket case, governed by "big men" who see absolutely nothing wrong with abusing the state treasury for personal gain whilst millions suffer the daily indignity of bucket toilets, and for whom the struggle to even put a crust of bread onto the table is a stark reality.
What worries me is that we may rapidly be running out of time and what, if anything, will be left to salvage when power is eventually wrested from the ruling party. What future will there be for our children for surely we are only the custodians of our country for future generations.
Closer to home – last year we missed an absolutely golden opportunity to win this metro. We missed being able to govern this metro as a senior coalition partner by conceivably as little as 12 000 votes. When one stops to consider for a moment that in current DA held wards, approximately 42 000 REGISTERED voters did not turn out to vote. Did you vote, or were you one of the 42 000 ?
Had a quarter of these people voted, I may well have been writing a completely different letter to you today because so much more could have been accomplished were we afforded the opportunity to take the wheel.
What disappoints the most is that in any casual conversation when the question is raised, did you vote in the last election, there are always a number of people who will answer in the negative. Many did not vote, many were not registered to vote.
The unshakeable truth is that the only salvation for out metro and indeed our country as a whole is for each and every person who is eligible to vote, to make sure they are registered to voter, and on the day, to get out and exercise that most fundamental of civic duties. Only your vote stands between us as a successful metro and what we are now being forced to endure daily as service delivery rapidly unravels. Only your vote stands between us as a proud and successful nation bursting with possibilities or the barren alternative future as yet another African failed state.
In closing, you don't have to be one in a million – you only need to be one in 12 000.
The appointment of a new municipal manager for Nelson Mandela Bay has been postponed again, with the closing date for applications for the position having been now extended to October 12. The closing date for applications for the position of Chief Financial Officer has also been extended to the same date. Applications have also not yet been advertised for a number of executive directors' positions that are vacant.
The municipal manager's position has been filled in an acting capacity since July 2009 when Graham Richards took special leave to allow an investigation into alleged service delivery failures to take place. The CFO's position has been vacant since Kevin Jacoby took up a similar position with the City of Cape Town Municipality earlier this year.
The extension of the closing date means that Themba Hani, appointed by Eastern Cape Local Government and Traditional Affairs MEC Mlibo Qoboshiyane, will continue to serve in an acting capacity. Selwyn Thys, head of Budget and Financial Accounting, continues as Acting CFO.
In terms of the initial time frames adopted by Council on August 30, approval of the new municipal manager and CFO were to have been put to Council at its next meeting on October 11. A report to Council on the last attempt to fill the vacancy, initiated on October 27 last year, states that there were 32 applicants for the position of municipal manager of which four were shortlisted.
The original intention had been for the new municipal manager to take up his position from December 1 although that date is now likely to be changed to January 1 due to the inordinate delays and it remains the position of the DA that without the appointment of a qualified, suitable candidate to this position, that the metro will continue on its current rudderless course.
Arrears debt for property rates and service charges in Nelson Mandela Bay totalled more than R1 billion at the end of June, according to a report submitted to the Budget and Treasury Committee in August.
With interest of R215.4 million, the total amount owed stands at R1.25 billion. The figures show that the amount owed to the municipality increased by R36.6 million between the end of 2010/11 and the last financial year, with Government at R17.1 million contributing nearly half of this.
Budget and Treasury have produced figures for the past five years in the report that show that apart from the 2008/09 financial year, arrears have grown, increasing by R340.6 million over the five year period. A total of R130.4 million of the debt has been outstanding for five years or more while in excess of 50% has been owed for between one and five years.
The report stated that currently there are 23 665 business accounts worth R284.4 million in arrears – 30 days or older. Of the total amount, R143.1 million was connected to insolvencies and liquidations or matters that were being defended.
Government departments owe R40.4 million on 451 accounts, the report said letters are written at the end of every month to among others, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and Premier Noxolo Kiviet providing them with a schedule of overdue accounts, adding that as a last resort power to administration offices, stores and government houses is disconnected.
With regard to domestic accounts, the report states that because of the large number – 103 813 accounts were in arrears at the end of June 2012 – only 15 000 are contacted each month because the staff complement is inadequate.
Disconnection/restriction takes place automatically after 21 days, it said adding that the legal process of recovery had currently been suspended following a Constitutional Court ruling that final demand letters were invalid if not personally delivered in some form.
The municipality had spent just R7.1 million or 0.7% of its capital budget of R1.087 billion for the 2012/13 financial year by the end of July, according to a report submitted to the Budget and Treasury Committee. Seven departments had spent nothing by the end of the first month of the new financial year. The capital budget is funded from government grants, internally generated funding – the Metro's allocation from the fuel levy and public contributions.
No capital expenditure is funded from borrowings with Acting Chief Financial Officer Selwyn Thys stating that the municipality has "exhausted its borrowing capacity and therefore cannot take up any loans for at least the next two financial years".
The Human Settlements Directorate has recommended that an application by KFC to purchase land on the corner of Admiralty Way and Strandfontein for an outlet be refused. In a report to the Human Settlements Committee, the Directorate notes that the approximately 2 800 square metre plot is zoned for public open spaces.
It says surrounding properties are zoned for single residential, town house complexes and business purposes. It added that a residential area is planned "to satisfy different community needs" that can be social, recreational or economic. The property, it concluded was therefore required to meet these needs.
The Metro's Human Settlements Directorate has called for tenders for a further 12 residential plots in Summerstrand Ext 14. This is the second tranche of plots to be put out to tender by the Metro. The plots in Coral Street, Gomery Avenue and Birhan Street have an upset price ranging from R330 000 to R340 000 plus VAT.
Last year, the first tranche of 10 plots in Summerstrand were advertised following the lifting of the moratorium on the sale of any land owned by the municipality.
With regard to the sale of the 10 plots, Acting Municipal Manager Themba Hani told Council in reply to a question that 10 competent tenders had been received and three sales were in progress. The price for the plots, he said, ranged from R370 000 to R420 000.
Hani said the other seven plots would be re-advertised in September, adding that there were new supply chain regulations that "may have an effect on the tendering processes".
The FNB Property Barometer indicated recently that property prices in Summerstrand over the preceding seven year period had increased on average by R300 000 from approximately R1.4 million to R1.7 million, and apart from a dip in 2011, have remained largely constant since 2007.
Prices in Summerstrand for sectional title properties have in fact dropped by approximately R100 000 over the past seven years, according to FNB.
Kindly note that the following processes need to be followed when logging complaints with the Service Delivery Call Centre (JOC).
The relevant official in the Sub-Directorate is asked to contact the complainant to confirm the complaint and arrange for the complaint to be seen to. The JOC representative is to be informed of the arrangements made, in order to update the EDAMS System by placing the complaint in Stage 3 (Problem Found / Under Investigation) Once the official has seen to the complaint and confirms that the complainant is happy, the official is to send a written (email) confirmation to the JOC representative. The complaint then can be closed off by moving the complaint to Stage 6 (Job completed / No Further Processing Required).
The algae bloom that has proliferated within the new water body situated at the Kings Beach Upgrade site has been the subject of many phone calls and e-mails to me as the councilor for this area.
The water body is currently in the middle of a treatment protocol that has seen the introduction of a microbial product into the lake. The microbes are intended to compete with the same food source as the algae, ultimately resulting in the algae being starved of nutrients where after it will die.
Chemical or chlorine treatments were not an option as the water from the lake is also used for the irrigation of the grassed areas and would have been harmful to the turf.
The process has been quite complicated as the dosage has been difficult to accurately calculate specifically because the entire water body is turned over approximately every two weeks.
The treatment, whilst slow is finally beginning to show results and I am confident the correct balance will be restored, resulting in a clean pond in time for the Summer Season.
Two of the proposed pilot routes for the Integrated Public Transport System (IPTS) will link beachfront hotels with the airport.
A report to the Nelson Mandela Bay Council proposed that the "Airport Shuttle" should operate seven days a week between 6am and 8pm from the airport to 5th Avenue Summerstrand. In addition to the newly constructed stops, the buses will also use the existing curbside stops.
The shuttle will be in addition to the other seven routes linking the Port Elizabeth CBD with the Triangle, Coega, the university and airport, as well as the Uitenhage CBD with Des-patch and KwaNobuhle. The IPTS is scheduled to start in late October 2012.
The long term plan is for the IPTS to reduce pressure on these routes by taxis and busses, resulting in less congestion.
The Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism has given formal authorisation for the construction of a "seawall" and concrete refurbishment of the existing promenade on the Port Elizabeth Beachfront.
Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk announced the names of beaches that will be flying a Blue Flag over the summer season recently, saying that the number of beaches enjoying this status had risen from three to 36 over the past 12 years.
Speaking at the launch of the Blue Flag season, Van Schalkwyk said that as the number of qualifying beaches grew, "domestic visitors are increasingly exercising their choices in which beaches to visit and, as with international trends, our Blue Flag beaches are becoming 'the beach of choice".
The fact that this metro has seen a decline in Blue Flag status over the last three years from four to one is indicative of the continued lack of funding due to the ongoing mismanagement of resources within the metro and the lack of commitment to what is one of our biggest potential revenue earners and job creators – the beachfront.
Transnet plans to expand its vehicle export capacity by 338% over the next seven years to 648 000 units by 2018/19, the parastatal's CEO Brian Molefe said at a Business Chamber briefing on 03 August 2012.
Speaking at a breakfast organised by the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, Molefe said vehicle exports were projected to increase from 240 000 in the current financial year, adding later that the figures were based on interacting with the motor industry. He said there would be a "huge increase" in exports, adding that the industry itself was surprised by the strength of the export market.
With the Port Elizabeth Harbour a major exit point for vehicles, Molefe said that the terminal at the harbour would be expanded, occupying the space vacated by the manganese facility when it is relocated to the Coega Industrial Development Zone.
With regard to the export of manganese for which the construction of a dedicated export terminal at the Port of Ngqura is scheduled to start in January 2014, Molefe said the volumes would increase by 144% over the next seven years from 4.8 million tons a year to 11.7 million tons.
In total, Molefe said, R25.9 billion would be spent in the South Corridor over the next seven years, the vast bulk of it either in Nelson Mandela Bay or, as with the upgrading of the rail link with the Northern Cape, tied to developments in the Metro.
Transnet National Ports Authority is looking to appoint a Port Planning and Development Manager for the Port of Port Elizabeth who will look at, among other things, future land use proposals.
The provincial MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, MEC Mcebisi Jonas, has also provided funds for the municipality to carry out a study on possible future land uses, looking specifically at making a strong business case for a waterfront development.
The future use of the port is the focus of attention following confirmation that the manganese facility and oil tank farm will be relocated to the Coega Industrial Development zone by 2016/17. Port Elizabeth Port Manager Rajesh Dana told a public engagement meeting recently that the land on which both facilities stand would have been rehabilitated by 2019.
The possibility of a waterfront development has not been specifically ruled out, although Transnet envisages Port Elizabeth as the country's premier automotive terminal (see article above) and one of the areas for which the successful candidate will be responsible is the development of new capacity at the car terminal.
The person will also be responsible for managing integrated planning with the Metro as well as provincial and national government and Transnet and "ensuring that port developments form part of broader economic planning".
Tenders have been called for the next phase of the upgrading of the Bayworld Complex.
The Eastern Cape Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Department has provided R10 million for the next phase of the work that will be used for the revitalisation of the snake park and the "new reduced footprint of the aquarium". Museum exhibitions will be upgraded and the display hall refurbished.
Expansion of tourism partnerships to improve PR and marketing.
In order to make the facility more attractive to the public, Bayworld will spend R3.3 million on large tank aquaria, providing for underwater viewing of sharks.
It also plans to improve the penguin and seal display; expand the dinosaur park, constructing and installing robotic dinosaurs, and upgrade the palaeontology gallery and display on global warming.
The future of the Bayworld Complex was recently been placed on the agenda for the sitting of the Bhisho Legislature and a Nelson Mandela Bay Council meeting on October 11.
In questions submitted by Bobby Stevenson MPL for reply by the MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, MEC Xoliswa Tom was asked whether an agreement had been signed between her department and Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism for the future administration of Bayworld.
The agreement would transfer administration of Bayworld to Economic Development in terms of its development as a tourist attraction and employment generator. The intention is then for the Mandela Bay Development Agency to drive the re-development of the complex.
Questions were also put on the Council Agenda with regard to the current status of Bayworld and what the causes of the delay were in finalising the agreements between the Province and Metro.
In addition, Acting Municipal Manager Themba Hani was asked which department in the Metro is responsible for finalising the process and when will authority would be delegated to Nelson Mandela Bay to engage the MBDA as the implementing agent.
On Wednesday 19 September 2012, the Democratic Alliance Students Organisation (DASO) won a landslide victory in the student elections at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.
In this election DASO increased its seats on the SRC from 11 to 16 out of a possible 21 seats. DASO secured victory on every campus and faculty positions with 7 out of the 8 Oppidani Council seats. The election witnessed the highest voter turnout in the University's history with more than 6000 students turning out to vote to guarantee DASO's re-lection.
The magnitude of the DASO win shows that young South Africans have embraced a future that offers them hope and opportunity. This result will send political shock waves throughout the Eastern Cape because it clearly illustrates that young South Africans have turned their backs on the ANC aligned South African Students Congress (SASCO).
What started out as a peaceful election was disrupted by SASCO when their supporters stormed the "student kraal" and grabbed one of the ballot boxes. IEC officials and other students were intimidated and university property was damaged. SASCO's disgraceful response to democratic free and fair elections is a symptom of their attitude of entitlement to leadership at tertiary institutions across the country. This undemocratic behaviour must be condemned in the strongest possible terms and disciplinary action must be taken.
This election also illustrates massive support for DASO's delivery whilst in office and it is hoped that this result will inspire students across South Africa to rally behind DASO to make a meaningful difference, not only in the lives of students on campuses, but also give them the hope that change is on the way.
The Final Scoping Report for the manganese export terminal at the Port of Ngqura and associated infrastructure in the Coega Industrial Development Zone has been published for comment, marking another step in the process that will see the existing facility in the Port Elizabeth harbour relocated to Coega.
Port Elizabeth Port Captain Rajesh Dana told a community engagement meeting that the initial date for relocation of 2016/17 "will be met", with the new export terminal at the Port of Ngqura and other infrastructure operational by the first quarter of 2017.
He said the new facility would be able to handle up to 22 million tons a year. Rajesh said decommissioning of the existing facility in the Port Elizabeth Harbour and rehabilitation of the land would take 21 months, adding that the NPA was "very confident that the land will be available in the second quarter of 2019?.
That coincides with the timeframes within which the land on which the current tank farm stands will have been rehabilitated. The Basic Information Document for the project states that the construction and commissioning phases of the project will take approximately 36 months.
The new manganese terminal to be constructed at the Port of Ngqura would be completed by the 2016/17 financial year according to Transnet CEO Brian Molefe.
Speaking at the presentation of Transnet's Annual Results, Molefe confirmed that the current facility in the Port Elizabeth Harbour is to be relocated in 2016.
On the decision to have a dedicated rail link between the Northern Cape and Coega Industrial Development Zone for manganese, Molefe said a study had shown that a maximum volume of 92 million tons a year could be ferried on the line between Sishen and Saldanha – this would have to be shared between iron ore and manganese.
This would mean that the volumes of iron ore would be limited. It therefore made sense to have a dedicated manganese line linking Coega with the Northern Cape, he said, adding that the cost of having a separate line was in fact less because of the volumes that could be carried as a result. It was necessary therefore because of the volumes that had to be ferried.
Ratepayers will be advised on the new valuations on their properties in February next year, according to a report submitted to the Budget and Treasury Committee.
The tender for the next General Valuation was awarded in January to e-Valuations and the contract signed in March this year. The report says e-Valuation has now "moved on site" and started with the General Valuation. The first phase, which will run until the end of September, involves the compilation of a market report and the conducting of sales reviews – the field review for non-residential sales is 70% complete and that for agricultural 85%.
Further, data collection of all non-residential properties is 50% complete and for single residential properties 33%. Verification of sectional title properties has also started.
The second phase will start in October and entails the submission of the Draft Valuation Roll; final calibration of Computer-Assisted Mass Appraisal models; value reviews and quality assurances. The Final Valuation Roll will be submitted on February 1.
Metro Budget and Treasury estimated it would still take another four months before the review process that is part of the 2008 General Valuation is completed. In a report to the Budget and Treasury Committee in early August, the Directorate stated that 382 cases were reviewed in June and on this basis it was assumed it would take a further four months to complete the 1 694 cases still outstanding.
The sudden recent proliferation of illegal dumping at the rear of the Telkom Park boundary in Strandfontein Rd has been cleared.
In addition, plans are underway to close off access to this rea to prevent further dumping from taking place and town rangers will be patrolling the area and making use of CCTV monitoring to ensure that anyone responsible is caught and prosecuted.
I must extend a special thank you to seasoned journalist Patrick Cull for his excellent daily publication, Metro Minutes, from which much of the material for this newsletter was sourced. METRO MINUTES is an electronic up-to date daily newsletter sent out between 12 noon and 2pm from Monday to Friday on decisions taken by the Nelson Mandela Bay Council and its committees, in addition to business developments within the Metro.
Please advise if I can assist with any Council or Ward matters.


The MT8820C Radio Communication Analyzer platform covers a frequency range of 30 MHz to 2.7 GHz. When the dedicated optional measurement software and hardware is installed, the major Tx and Rx characteristics of LTE FDD, W-CDMA/HSPA/HSPA Evolution/DC-HSDPA, GSM/GPRS/EGPRS, CDMA2000 1X, CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Rev. A, PHS/Advanced PHS, and TD-SCDMA/HSPA terminals can be measured using a single MT8820C unit.


Arjun and Kuan Named Intel Semifinalists!
Earlier today, two Wheatley seniors, Arjun Kapoor and Kuan Yu, were named semifinalists for the INTEL Student Talent Search. This rigorous competition, a program of Society for Science and the Public, recognizes the most promising young scientists and awards them for their innovative science research. Of the over 1800 applicants, Kuan and Arjun were among 300 semifinalists nationwide — with 43 of them being Long Island students.
Arjun's project "The Construction of Low Entropy Quasi-Optimal Interconnection Network Topologies" was completed at Stony Brook University, under the supervision of Dr. Yuefan Deng.
Kuan conducted his work with Dr. Zhu at the Neuroscience Research Institute at SUNY at Old Westbury on the "Purification, Assessment, and Structural Analysis of Anti-Oxidative Compounds from the Mushroom Hericium erinaceus that Mitigate Rotenone Induced Parkinson's Disease".
A well-deserved congratulations to Kuan and Arjun on all of your hard work and continued success! Thank you as well to Alexis Blondrage, our Science Research Coordinator!


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Androcymbium vanjaarsveldii är en tidlöseväxtart som beskrevs av U.Müll.-doblies och Al. Androcymbium vanjaarsveldii ingår i släktet Androcymbium och familjen tidlöseväxter. Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life.

Källor

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vanjaarsveldii

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Palatine Park District will host the annual Hound Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 13 at 10:00am at Towne Square, 150 W. Palatine Road, Palatine. Check in will begin at 9:30am. This fun and enjoyable event consists of one egg hunt for small dogs at approximately 10:15am and a separate egg hunt for big dogs at approximately 10:25am.
A souvenir photo with a bunny mascot, eggs filled with treats, goody bag, and raffle entry are included in the registration fee. In addition to the egg hunt, participants will have the opportunity to visit with community sponsors. All owners must always have a leash and an eye on their dog. All dogs must be wearing a current rabies tag and Palatine residents must wear the Village of Palatine issued license tag to participate in this event or they must leave the area. This is a Village of Palatine ordinance and is therefore a requirement to participate in this event (Sec. 5-40). Non-residents must bring current identification along with required paperwork to register for the event.
The pre-registration fee is $8.00 per dog until Friday, April 12 at 4:00pm and will increase to $10 per dog the day of the event. Registration is accepted online at register.palatineparks.org or in person at one of three District registration offices, Birchwood Recreation Center, Community Center, and Falcon Park Recreation Center.
This year's presenting sponsor is A Closer Bond Dog School. Gold level partners include Deal With Diamond Realty – Amy Diamond, Eric Esch State Farm, Grade Power Learning – Palatine, and Buffalo Grove Animal Hospital.
For more information about this event, contact Special Interest Coordinator Lisa Schroeder at 847.496.6347 or lschroeder@palatineparks.org.


The Sims 4 PC is the highly anticipated life simulation game that lets you play with life like never before. Create new Sims with intelligence and emotion, whose every action is informed and affected by their interactions and emotional states. Experience all new intuitive and fun creative tools. Sculpt your Sims in Create A Sim and construct unique homes with the tactile room-based Build Mode. Control the mind, body, and heart of your Sims with dynamic, emotion-rich gameplay, and bring your stories to life.
2015-10-21 Matthew For Sims players who enjoy building, Sims 4 is next-level. Customization options abound and the room system is excellent. The gimmicky things like new emotions etc don't really add a whole lot to the experience, but they are good for a laugh. Overall I've really enjoyed playing Sims 4. If you have the money it could be worth waiting for a bundle sale to get some of the expansion packs as clothing/items are not exactly in abundance (though by no means severely limited). If you enjoyed previous Sims you'll love it. If you've never played before this isn't a bad place to start.
For Sims players who enjoy building, Sims 4 is next-level. Customization options abound and the room system is excellent. The gimmicky things like new emotions etc don't really add a whole lot to the experience, but they are good for a laugh. Overall I've really enjoyed playing Sims 4. If you have the money it could be worth waiting for a bundle sale to get some of the expansion packs as clothing/items are not exactly in abundance (though by no means severely limited). If you enjoyed previous Sims you'll love it. If you've never played before this isn't a bad place to start.
2015-04-10 Natalie I really like the Sims 2 games (and own them all) but I didn't like the Sims 3 all that much. The Sims 4, however, is really good. I think it combines my favourite things from the Sims 2 (customisation of Sims so that they actually look different and not like weird lumpy people like everyone in the Sims 3 does) but with the awesome additions of the newer games, like exploring the neighbourhood easily and picking up rocks and whatnot.
I really like the Sims 2 games (and own them all) but I didn't like the Sims 3 all that much. The Sims 4, however, is really good. I think it combines my favourite things from the Sims 2 (customisation of Sims so that they actually look different and not like weird lumpy people like everyone in the Sims 3 does) but with the awesome additions of the newer games, like exploring the neighbourhood easily and picking up rocks and whatnot.
2014-09-27 Thuan I did not notice a huge difference between sims 3 and 4. I did feel the graphics had a tiny amount of improvement (based on the smooth motions from the characters) but there was not a lot of things I could do that I couldn't in Sims 3. I honestly felt like it was a rebadge of sims 3 but overall, the game was not bad.
I did not notice a huge difference between sims 3 and 4. I did feel the graphics had a tiny amount of improvement (based on the smooth motions from the characters) but there was not a lot of things I could do that I couldn't in Sims 3. I honestly felt like it was a rebadge of sims 3 but overall, the game was not bad.
Want to know when Sims 4 PC CD Key Download for Origin - ozgameshop.com drops below a certain price? Enter your email address and price below and we'll let you know when it drops below that price!


Update your Pathao app (Android/iOS) today and get extra discounts by making digital payments with bKash to pay for Pathao Bike and Pathao Car rides. In this new campaign, keep an eye on Pathao app's 'Promotions' section or the offers screen regarding Digital Payment.
You'll know more about this offer by clicking the blue 'Check Offers' tab, after setting your destination but before you placed a request for a ride.
Not only that if you pay with digital payment, Riders and Captains get the opportunity to earn extra income.
This screen will be shown after completing your trip. Click on the Digital Payment button!
Then select the bKash option and make the payment.
If you face any issues while making a digital payment please make sure the Pathao app is up to date. If it is updated, please report the issue using the app.
You must have the latest version of the Pathao app (Android version 3.6.3, iOS version 2.3.4 or a more recent version).
You will only receive this discount if you make a digital payment using bKash. If you use any other method for making digital payments you won't be eligible for this offer.
The digital payment have to be made using Pathao app to avail this offer. This offer will not be applicable if the payment is made through the bKash app or *247# USSD portal.
You will only be getting this discount if you take Pathao Cars or Pathao Bike rides.
This offer is only for Pathao Cars and Pathao Bike users of Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet.
Ekshathe Moving Bangladesh – Meet Mashrafe, Win Autographed Goodies & More!


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THE GILLIAN FILES
Who is Gillian Burke? Winterwatch presenter, biologist and filmmaker
Jon Hornbuckle
georgina littlejohn
Updated: 19:20, 29 Jan 2021
GILLIAN Burke has been a regular host on BBC show Springwatch since 2017.
As Winterwatch 2021 returns for another series, let's take a closer look at the presenter's life and career so far.
Burke has been a presenter on Springwatch since 2017Credit: BBC
Who is Gillian Burke?
Gillian Burke is a TV presenter, biologist and filmmaker.
She was born in Kenya, Africa, and moved to Vienna, Austria, as a child.
Her mother worked for the United Nations in Nairobi on environmental projects and conservation.
Burke studied biology at Bristol University, and worked as a researcher for the BBC's Natural History Unit.
She now lives in Cornwall with her two children.
Burke now lives in Cornwall with her two childrenCredit: Facebook
What TV shows has Gillian Burke been on?
In 2017, Burke became a presenter on BBC show, Springwatch, a role which she currently holds.
She presents alongside Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, Iolo Williams and Packham's stepdaughter Megan McCubbin.
She has also been a producer and director on several series of the TV show, Animal Planet.
Burke is also a voice-over artist, and has worked on the Discovery Channel.
Burke has also done voice-overs for the Discovery channelCredit: PA:Press Association
what's on tv?
Meet Harry, contestant on Too Hot to Handle
QUEEN OF SASS
Get to know Desiree Burch - Netflix's Too Hot To Handle narrator
SHE'S A NATURAL
A look at the life of Chris Packham's stepdaughter Megan McCubbin
What you need to know about who is on The One Show tonight
Why was Gillian Burke's Springwatch appointment controversial?
In September 2016, Springwatch presenter Martin Hughes-Games claimed that he had been axed from the show because he is white and middle-class and the BBC wanted more diversity among its presenters.
It then emerged that Burke would be joining the team full-time but then the BBC, who denied Hughes-Games claims, said he would be back for Autumnwatch in October.
But Burke said she was "horrified" when she was accused of breaking up the Springwatch team and told Radio Times: "A friend texted me one Monday morning saying I was in the papers. Can you imagine the horror for me of apparently busting into the party and being blamed for breaking it up?
"I can totally understand why people would want to know where I've come from; the perception is that I've just shown up. But I've been doing this a long time."
Winterwatch is on BBC Two TONIGHT (January 29) at 8pm.
Innuendo reaches new heights on Springwatch with 'deepest shag'
Springwatch
Dan Walker's Strictly partner Nadiya 'splits from fiance and father of her child'
Maisie Smith and Nikita Kuzmin can't keep hands off each other after rehearsals
STORMY CHAT
GMB's Susanna snaps at Scots singer in furious row
NOT ON!
Livid The Chase fans brand show 'a fix' and say Scots contestant was 'robbed'

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Fool's Fate
The Tawny Man Trilogy Book III
The Tawny Man Trilogy Book 3
By Robin Hobb
Part of Tawny Man Trilogy
Category: Epic Fantasy
Mass Market Paperback $9.99
*This format is not eligible to earn points towards the Reader Rewards program
Feb 03, 2004 | 640 Pages
About Fool's Fate
"Fantasy as it ought to be written . . . Robin Hobb's books are diamonds in a sea of zircons."—George R. R. Martin
FitzChivalry Farseer has become firmly ensconced in the queen's court. Along with his mentor, Chade, and the simpleminded yet strongly Skilled Thick, Fitz strives to aid Prince Dutiful on a quest that could secure peace with the Outislands—and win Dutiful the hand of the Narcheska Elliania.
The Narcheska has set the prince an unfathomable task: to behead a dragon trapped in ice on the isle of Aslevjal. Yet not all the clans of the Outislands support their effort. Are there darker forces at work behind Elliania's demand? Knowing that the Fool has foretold he will die on the island of ice, Fitz plots to leave his dearest friend behind. But fate cannot so easily be defied.
Praise for Robin Hobb and Fool's Fate
"[Robin] Hobb's rich, vibrant and unique world [is] filled with sentient ships, magical beasts, and fascinating characters. . . . Highly recommended."—Library Journal
"Rich, enchanting fantasy from one of today's best practitioners . . . reminiscent of Ursula Le Guin's The Other Wind [and] Anne McCaffrey's Pern series."—BookPage
Also in Tawny Man Trilogy
Also by Robin Hobb
See all books by Robin Hobb
About Robin Hobb
Robin Hobb is the author of the Farseer Trilogy, the Liveship Traders Trilogy, the Tawny Man Trilogy, the Soldier Son Trilogy, and the Rain Wilds Chronicles. She has also written as Megan Lindholm. She is a native of Washington State.
Mass Market Paperback | $9.99
Published by Spectra
Nov 23, 2004 | 928 Pages | 4-3/16 x 6-7/8 | ISBN 9780553582468
Feb 03, 2004 | 640 Pages | ISBN 9780553898729
People Who Read Fool's Fate Also Read
Robin Hobb's Web site
Visit the author's Web site.


Ragi or Finger Millet, which is scientifically known as Eleusine coracana, belongs to the family Poaceae and sub family Chloridoideae. It is mainly grown in Asia and Africa.
It is an extremely nutritious millet seed like mustard seeds in appearance. Ragi is rich in calcium, protein, fibre, iron and amino acids. It does not contain gluten. This nutritionally rich plant has also medicinal properties.


Biomechanical assessments offer much more than just extensively testing the function, movement and strength of the lower limbs. They offer a thorough insight into your risk for injury from a variety of activities, help you to move better in daily life, perform better in sports and physical activities, and guide treatment methods to be most effective.
Biomechanical assessments can help athletes, kids, adults and the elderly alike. You don't need to be experiencing foot problems or pain to benefit from a biomechanical assessment.
We are accredited ACC providers and can assess if you are eligible to be covered by ACC. We work extensively with injuries covered by ACC and hold the ACC orthotics contract to speed up the approval and treatment process, so you get the best outcomes.
To book an appointment with one of our expert Podiatrists, just give us a call on0508 666 555, email us at info@dynamicpodiatry.co.nz or visit our contact page.
Have aches and pains that aren't going away? Come see us today!


text:
WBB Preview: Storm host Nebraska Wesleyan
Neb. Wesleyan
Neb. Wesleyan (8-6, 3-2) 20 6 22 10 58
Simpson (12-3, 4-2) 18 21 27 18 84
Cameron Kincaid
Pts: Caitlin Navratil - 18
Reb: Bailey Hallgreen Meehan - 7
Ast: Klaire Phillips - 3
Pts: Jenna Taylor - 25
Reb: TEAM - 11
Ast: Claire Johnson - 5
INDIANOLA, Iowa -- The Simpson Storm women's basketball team looks for its second-straight win when it hosts the Nebraska Wesleyan Prairie Wolves on Wednesday in American Rivers Conference action. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. at Cowles Fieldhouse.
Simpson beat Dubuque 102-65 on Saturday, nailing a Division III-best 20 3-pointers in the process. Nebraska Wesleyan suffered its first conference loss of the season in an 88-70 setback at home against Loras.
The game will be video streamed live on SimpsonAthletics.com. Fans can also access the game via the American Rivers application on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and Android TV.
Nebraska Wesleyan (8-5, 3-1) at Simpson (11-3, 3-2)
Wednesday, Jan. 9 | 6 p.m.
Cowles Fieldhouse | Indianola, Iowa
Live Video | Live Stats
NEBRASKA WESLEYAN SERIES NOTES
Simpson and Nebraska Wesleyan are meeting for the 16th time in a series that dates back to the 1983-84 season … Simpson leads the series 12-3 and is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings … the teams have split their four meetings since the Prairie Wolves joined the conference in 2016-17.
1.27.18 — L, 85-84 (Indianola)
12.2.17 — W, 108-73 (Lincoln)
2.4.17 — L, 95-71 (Lincoln)
1.4.17 — W, 65-62 (Indianola)
11.13.15 — L, 60-57 (neutral)
ABOUT THE PRAIRIE WOLVES
Nebraska Wesleyan and second-year head coach Sam Dixon won their first three conference games of the season before Saturday's 88-70 loss to Nebraska Wesleyan … the Prairie Wolves boast the league's leading scorer in guard Caitlin Navratil, who averages 22.3 ppg … she also leads the league in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.5) … Nebraska Wesleyan is the second-best team in the league at shooting the 3, averaging 7.8 per game, behind only Simpson (10.1).
LEADING THE A-R-C
Simpson leads the American Rivers Conference in five team and individual categories:
Scoring offense — 81.6 ppg
Free throw percentage — 74.1
3-point percentage — 39.2
3-pointers made — 142
Individual free throw percentage — Cameron Kincaid, 89.1
Cassie Chubb scored 21 points and the Storm made a Division III-best 20 3-pointers in a 102-65 win over Dubuque on Saturday. The Storm went 20-for-37 from beyond the arc, crushing the school record of 16 set earlier this season. Jenna Taylor scored 14 points while Cameron Kincaid and Claire Johnson had 12 apiece.
STORM NOTES
• Simpson's 20 3-pointers against Dubuque topped the previous high of 19 set by Western Connecticut State earlier this season. Simpson has set the school record for 3-pointers twice this season after last setting the record in 2010-11.
• The Storm rank eighth in Division III with 10.1 3-pointers per game and rank fifth in 3-point percentage (39.2).
• At the current pace, Simpson would crush the school record of 216 3s set during the 2011-12 season. Simpson has made at least 10 3-pointers in the last four games and is 4-1 when making 10-or-more 3s this season.
• The Storm have at least 10 steals in all but two games this season and are 8-0 when snagging at least 12 steals. Senior guard Rachel Freland leads the team with 44 steals.
• Jenna Taylor reached double figures for the 17th straight game with 14 against Dubuque. The junior from Creston is second in the league in scoring (17.8 ppg) and third in rebounding (7.4).
• Sophomore Cameron Kincaid is among the best free throw shooters in the nation. At 89.1 percent on the season, she leads the American Rivers and ranks 11th in Division III.
• Janey Botkins increased her career 3-point total to 144, currently fifth in school history. Tiffany Whitsell (4th, 153) and Morgan Mauro (3rd, 163) are within striking distance.
• Cassie Chubb continued her breakout season with 21 points against Dubuque. She averages 9.4 points and 6.1 rebounds this season after putting up just 2.1 and 1.1 a year ago.
Simpson travels to Central on Wednesday, Jan. 16. Start time is set for 6 p.m. in Pella.


Komitas (Soghomon Soghomonyan), was born on September 26, 1869 in Anatolia, Turkey, in the town of Koutina (Ketaia). His father, Gevorg Soghomonyan was a shoemaker but he also composed songs and had a beautiful voice. The composer's mother – Tagui - was also singled out for her vivid musical abilities; she was a carpet weaver.
Komitas's childhood was joyless and full of deprivations. He lost his mother when he was less than one year old, and because his father was too busy his grandmother took care of him. At age 7 Komitas entered the local elementary school. As soon as he finished school his father sent him to Broosa to continue his education. However, he failed and 4 months later he came home having ultimately become an orphan: his father passed away and Soghomon was only 11 years old… "He was a frail, weak, pale boy, always thoughtful and kind. He was dressed poorly," one of his classmates recalled about Komitas.
For his delightful voice Soghomonyan was also indebted to an event that fundamentally changed the entire course of his life. In 1881 the priest of Koutina, G. Dertsakyan, had to leave for Echmiadzin to be ordained a bishop. At the request of the Catholicos he brought the gifted orphan boy with him to study at the Echmiadzin Church Seminary. Twelve-year old Soghomon was selected out of the other 20 orphans to study at the Seminary. As it was forbidden to speak Armenian at that time the boy spoke Turkish and when being greeted by the Catholicos Gevorg IV, he replied, "I don't speak Armenian, if you wish I will sing". Then with his fine soprano voice he sang an Armenian sharakan (a church hymn) without understanding the words. Due to his exclusive aptitude Soghomon overcame all the obstacles in a very short time and perfectly learned Armenian.
In 1890 Soghomon was ordained a monk. In 1893 he finished studying at the seminary, then he was ordained a "Vardapet" (priest) and acquired his new name "Komitas" - the name of the outstanding poet of VII century, the author of sharakans. At the seminary Komitas was assigned to teach music.
Along with teaching, Komitas organised a choir, an orchestra of folk instruments, and treated folk songs; he made the first researches in the field of Armenian Church music.
The further events of Komitas's life had to do with the large music centre in Europe – Berlin, where he went to study under the protection of the Catholicos, being financed by the largest Armenian oil magnate Alexander Mantashyan.
Komitas entered the private conservatory of Professor Richard Schmidt. Within the conservatory Komitas took private classes on singing, elaborating his beautiful voice, fine baritone. Simultaneously with these classes, he also attended the lectures on Philosophy, Aesthetics, General History and History of Music. During these academic years he had an opportunity to "communicate" with European music, continually enriching the supply of knowledge, and engaging in musical criticism. Upon the invitation of the International Music Association he held lectures devoted to the Armenian church and contemporary music in comparison with Turkish, Arabic and Kurdish music.
In September 1899 Komitas returned to Echmiadzin and started his musical activity right away. In a short period he radically changed the system of teaching music in the seminary, organised a small orchestra and perfected the performance level of the choir.
Komitas visited various regions of Armenia treating and putting down thousands of Armenian, Kurdish, Persian and Turkish songs.
He started serious scientific research work, studied Armenian folk and church melodies and worked on the decipherment of Armenian khazzes and on the theory of voices. In various countries of the world Komitas appeared as a performer and propagandist of Armenian music. The composer began thinking over big, monumental musical forms. He had in mind to create the musical epic "Sasna tsrer" and continued working on the opera "Anush", which he started back in 1904.
Komitas focused on the themes concerning folk music and revealed the content of folk songs. No doubt, such world outlook had to result in an inescapable conflict between Komitas and the Church. Gradually the indifference of new leaders, negative attitude of the backward group of the church figures, gossip and slander increased so much that it poisoned the life of the composer: the man who remained in the imagination of the contemporaries as an absolutely worldly man.
The conflict turned so tense that Komitas sent a letter to the Catholicos begging him to release him and let him create and live quietly. This request remained unanswered, and the persecution of Komitas became more obvious.
In 1910 Komitas left Etchmiadzin and went to Constantinople. There he expected to find the environment that would understand him, protect him, and encourage his activity; and here he would be able to fulfil his dreams. Komitas wanted to establish a National Conservatory with which he connected the further destiny of his people's music. But the composer failed to accomplish this plan (as well as many others). His inspired ideas were only faced with the cold indifference of the local authorities. In Constantinople Komitas organised a mixed choir of 300 men and called it "Gousan". It was very popular. Armenian folk songs constituted most of its concerto program.
Komitas would often spend his time touring, giving presentations and lectures; he also acted as a soloist and conductor. He had the baritone, original for its richness and expressiveness. Due to the wide range of his voice Komitas could also sing part of the tenor. He also wonderfully mastered the flute and the piano. He was endowed with great power to influence his audience.
The well-known musicians: Vincent D'Andy, Gabriel Fore, Camille Sen-Sans… fell in love with Komitas' creative work.
In Constantinople Komitas could not find any unconditional like-minded people who would help him implement his plans. Moreover, while in Echmiadzin he was together with his native people and close to its living style and art, in Constantinople he was deprived of it. Nevertheless, he continued to work hard. Komitas paid special attention to the composition of church music. His masterpiece "Patarag" ("Liturgy") is written for the male chorus.
In the period of World War I the government of Young Turks initiated their monstrous program on violent and inhumane extermination of part of the Armenian people. In April 1915, Komitas was arrested together with the number of outstanding Armenian writers, publicists, physicians, and lawyers. After the arrest, accompanied by violence, he was deported far in Anatolia where he became a witness of the brutal extermination of the nation's bright minds. And in spite of the fact that due to the intervention of influential figures Komitas was returned to Constantinople, the nightmare he had experienced left a deep ineradicable impression on his soul. Komitas remained in seclusion from the outer world, absorbed in his gloomy and heavy thoughts – sad and broken.
In 1916 Komitas' health deteriorated and he was put in a psychiatric hospital. However, there was no hope that he would recover. The medicine was powerless against the destructive disease.
The genius of Armenian music found his final shelter in Paris, in the suburban sanatorium Vil-Jouif where he spent almost 20 years of his life.
On the 22nd of October the life of the Great Komitas came to an end. In the spring of 1936 his remains were transported to Armenia and buried in Yerevan – in the Pantheon of prominent art figures.


PureGuardian - H3200BCA: Humidifier Review • The Air Geeks, reviews of air conditioners, dehumidifiers and air purifiers.
Do you experience those sleepless nights when tossing, whizzing, and sneezing is the order of the night? Or does your skin get so dry, your lips chap and cold and allergies seem to be creeping to you every now and then? Or does your house get so uncomfortable and your concentration level just drops to zero to a point of being totally unproductive?
This could be as a result of the change of climate, leaving the moisture content of your surroundings so low to unconducive levels thus causing all those undesirable effects. While the change of climate and weather is an occurrence of nature, technology has gotten a way of containing this situation and make life bearable, through the use of a humidifier.
And though there are a number of humidifiers that cost a leg and an arm, some are pretty affordable and still do the intended work like PureGuardian H3200BCA Ultrasonic Humidifier.
Often referred to as the 100-hour, the PureGuardian H3200BCA humidifier is a quick reliever from dry, heated air that likely worsens the situation of individuals suffering from allergies and cold. It is a space-saving tower-shaped humidifier with an approximate length of 21.9 inches and a diameter of 8.8 inches and weighs about 6.35 pounds. With its small weight and size, the PureGuardian H3200BCA is assured to consume very little space and can be placed almost anywhere including on the top of your working desk.
Despite its small size, this humidifier can be comfortably used in a medium-sized room and less often in large rooms. It has a large tank with a capacity of 1.5 gallon which is easy to fill. Additionally, the PureGuardian H3200BCA has an embedded silver clean protection inside the tank which ensures that neither mold nor mildew grows on the water tank surface.
Another advantage of the PureGuardian H3200BCA is that it produces an unnoticeable soothing mist high into the atmosphere in a very quiet manner making it non-disruptive when sleeping thanks to the ultrasonic technology used to design it. Its rotational nozzle enables it to disperse the mist multi-directionally.
On the top surface, this humidifier is loaded with 3 convenient options including a night lamp, a 12-hour timer (to 4, 8, or 12 hours), and a 3 mist speed which can be set accordingly depending with the state of the atmosphere which also determines the runtime. Once the humidifier is about to run out of water an indicator light and once completely empty it automatically turns off.
This humidifier is said to have a runtime of up to 100 hours when set at a low speed and in a relatively moist atmosphere, Nut this can change to a shorter time span of even up to 8 hours in areas where humidity is a big issue. In most cases, the humidifier comes along with an aqua stick antimicrobial treatment, which is bought separately, but it is optional. The aqua stick helps to keep the water tank clean. Nevertheless, cleaning this humidifier is very easy and can be done daily or weekly, instead of incurring an extra cost on aqua sticks.
Another favorable feature of this humidifier is that it does not use filters. This reduces its maintenance cost since humidifier filters are always demanding to be replaced, are complicated to clean and also encourages the breeding of slimy mold.
Refilling: Requires to be refilled within a few hours.
Life span: Does not have a long lifespan.
It's totally silent and filling is so much easier since you can take it right to the sink and fill it. Best humidifier I have ever found and my ferns near it love it in this weather. They usually suffer during their winter hibernation period inside. I have not found one thing that I do not like."
I have owned this humidifier for four months and it started leaking a week ago. There is a lot of water on my floor every morning. It was always treated with care. The leak is a defect in the manufacturing. I would stay clear of this product"
The PureGuardian H3200BCA Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier Tower is an incredible humidifier with lots of good features. It is lightweight and small in size making it very portable and can easily be refilled directly on the tap.
Nevertheless, just like everything else this sweet humidifier also has a not so pleasant side including its lifespan. Several individuals have complained of either the timer or the mist control failing after a short time of usage, while others have claimed that it requires a refill too soon contrary to what is stated in the product features.
However, despite these few negative features, this is a nice humidifier especially for a bedroom and better still cost friendly.


Friday 12th October 2018 – Curious Cuts – Phil Clayton looks at some of the has-beens, never-weres, oddities and eccentricities of the waterways.
Friday 9th November 2018 – Three Things you do not know about the RNLI – A talk by Mark Thomas on the wide range of activities carried out by this much valued charity.
Friday 14th December 2018 – Canal and River Trust – the Chief Executive's presentation - This presentation by Richard Parry will update on CRT's progress with current projects and look at future plans.
Friday 8th February 2019 – Growing the Wooden Canal Boat Society - Chris Leah looks at the beginnings of the Wooden Canal Boat Society, the progress made, success and disappointments along the way and the present situation.
Friday 8th March – Annual General Meeting – to be followed by a showing of archive film footage of local waterways.
Friday 12th April – The Four Ages of The Canals. This presentation by Bill Walker looks at the four periods our waterways have passed through to get from the start to where they are today.
Admission to these talks is FREE. Refreshments available. Non-members are very welcome.
All meetings start at 8pm with the doors of the boat club opening at 7.45pm.
Friday 25th January 2019 – 7.30 for 8pm at the Red Bull Hotel, Church Lawton, ST7 3AJ. See Booking Form for details.
Please visit our local work party pages to find details of events where your help can be invaluable.


The Reason This Elderly Couple Always Shares A Meal Made Me LOL!
When you see an elderly couple, one that has clearly spent many years together, it's hard not to get sentimental. Seeing a love that has endured the test of time is always touching.
So, in the following fictional story, when an elderly couple at a local McDonald's split every bit of their meal with each other, there was a collective "aww" around the restaurant. But as folks started trying to figure out why the wife seemed to be waiting to eat her portion of the meal, this adorable moment took a turn for the hilarious!
Read on to hear the surprising twist. . .
A little old couple walked slowly into a McDonald's one cold evening.
The old man placed an order for one hamburger, French fries, and a drink.
After they sat down, he unwrapped the hamburger and carefully cut it in half, placing one half in front of his wife. Then, he carefully counted the fries, divided them in two piles, before placing one pile in front of his wife.
He took a sip from the drink, and then his wife took a sip. Then, he set the cup down in between them, and finally started to take little bites out of his burger.
All the while, the other customers around them started staring and whispering.
It was clear that they thought, "That poor old couple - all they can afford is one meal for the two of them."
As the man began to eat his fries, a young man came over to the table, and politely offered to buy them an additional meal.
But the old man grunted, and said that they were fine. "We're used to sharing everything," he said.
Customers who sat closer to the old lady noticed that she still hadn't taken a bite out of her food. She just sat there, watching her husband eat.
The young man came over once more, and begged them to let him buy a meal for them.
This time, the old lady spoke. "No, thank you. we are used to sharing every single meal," she echoed her husband.
Finally, the old man finished his half of the meal. And still, his wife hadn't taken a single bite.
The young man came over to their table for the third time, and asked the old lady, "What is it that you are waiting for?"
Without looking up or hesitating, she answered: "The teeth."
I hope this story blessed you with a smile!
For another giggle, check out these adorable babies have a blast!


text:
Q: Alert box cannot block the request in Firefox6 For preventing the submit button's double click, I wrote the following function which is called on the form's onsubmit event.
<script language="JavaScript">
var submitFlag = false;
function checkForm(){
    if ( submitFlag == false ) {
        submitFlag = true;
        return true;
    } else {
        alert('double click');
        return false;
    }
}
</script>
<form name="f1" method="post" action="B.jsp" onSubmit="return checkForm()">

In Internet Explorer, when I click the submit button twice the alert method occurs. If I don't click the okay button in the alert box, the jsp is not redirected.
However in Firefox6 the alert box is very fast and I have no time to click the ok button. The jsp is redirected very fast and the second request has been sent out.
How can I block the request from going through in Firefox?

A: You could disable the button.
onsubmit="document.getElementById( 'submitbuttonid').disabled = true;"

Since FFx4 (Gecko 2) they redone the boxes system, so it is no longer an actual alert/prompt/confirm box, this was done for security of the user, so there's no abuse of the boxes.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Nicholas E. Molayem is an Associate in the New York office of Vedder Price and a member of the firm's Global Transportation Finance team.
Mr. Molayem concentrates his practice on corporate finance, with a focus on secured lending and asset finance involving commercial aircraft. Mr. Molayem represents financial institutions, lessors and lessees in a wide range of financial transactions including back-leveraged and operating lease portfolio facilities, cross-border mortgage financings and revolving credit warehouse facilities.
While in law school, Mr. Molayem was a member of The George Washington International Law Review and interned with the Department of Justice, Civil Division as well as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Mr. Molayem is fluent in Farsi.


Stakeholders react to timeline that would not require IFRS until 2015 or later.
The SEC's unanimous approval in February of a new policy statement and staff work plan set the scene for a watershed vote next year on if and when the CPA profession will be required to transition to IFRS for U.S. public company financial reports.
Though much remains uncertain, the SEC made clear that it envisions 2015 as the earliest possible date for the required use of IFRS by U.S. public companies. The SEC action calls for more study of IFRS and a 2011 vote on whether to move ahead with a mandate to use IFRS. And perhaps most importantly for issuers, auditors and other stakeholders hungry for signs of which way the commission might be leaning, the SEC directed its staff to publish periodic progress reports, starting no later than October, which will be available to the public.
This article highlights the SEC plan's major points and presents initial reactions of stakeholders interviewed by the JofA.
While the SEC affirmed its desire to keep moving toward IFRS adoption, the new timeline offers issuers some breathing room from the 2014 deadline originally spelled out in the proposed road map the SEC unveiled in 2008.
That road map also would have allowed certain U.S. companies to use IFRS before 2014. But in the statement approved Feb. 24, the SEC said it is not pursuing an early adoption option and, accordingly, withdrew the proposed rules that would have permitted it. The SEC said it could reconsider this position later.
The statement also says the SEC is not ruling out the possibility that issuers may be permitted to choose between the use of IFRS or U.S. GAAP.
Ensuring that accounting standards are set by an independent standard setter and for the benefit of investors.
Investor understanding and education regarding IFRS and how it differs from U.S. GAAP.
Understanding whether U.S. laws or regulations, outside of the securities laws and regulatory reporting, would be affected by a change in accounting standards.
Understanding the impact on companies both large and small, including changes to accounting systems, changes to contractual arrangements, corporate governance considerations and litigation contingencies.
Determining whether the people who prepare and audit financial statements are sufficiently prepared, through education and experience, to convert to IFRS.
The SEC staff will conduct research, and hold discussions with investors, preparers, auditors, attorneys and academics, among others. It is unclear whether public comment on the plan would be sought.
While SEC Chairman Mary Schapiro stressed that the commission is "on track to make a recommendation in 2011," commissioners said that requiring U.S. public companies to report in IFRS is a highly significant decision that they would not make unless they are certain it is the best move for investors and the companies involved.
And in Casey's view, IFRS meets these requirements: "I am confident that, much as the commission did when it voted to allow foreign private issuers to file periodic reports using IFRS without reconciliation to U.S. GAAP, the staff will report to us that they continue to find IFRS to be of high quality, and the IASB to be focused on investors' information needs," she said.
However, Bukspan echoed concerns expressed by SEC Commissioner Luis Aguilar who, while voicing support for the SEC statement, demanded strong regulation and rigorous enforcement.
"To be effective, IFRS will require some global consistency, global structure, appropriate funding and oversight as well as consistent enforcement," Bukspan said.
Robert Howell, who teaches financial statement analysis in the MBA program at Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business, said he believes the SEC is heading in the right direction, though at "glacial" speed. Howell also shared concerns that seemed to align with the contingencies outlined in the commission's statement. "I am not sure the FASB and IASB (International Accounting Standards Board) are far enough along in standardizing accounting policies," he said.
Howell also emphasized the necessity of educating preparers, auditors and investors so that they can make an orderly transition to IFRS.
Many issuers who commented on the 2008 road map proposal raised questions about the cost of moving to the new standard. They also said the road map would not give them enough time to transition to the new standards if the SEC does not reach a decision until 2011.
The road map, which was introduced under former Chairman Christopher Cox, outlined a plan that would have required the largest U.S. companies to file IFRS reports for fiscal years beginning on or after Dec. 15, 2014, provided certain milestones (including—but not limited to—improvements in accounting standards) had been met by 2011.
For the new plan unveiled Feb. 24, early feedback from issuers interviewed by the JofA was mixed.
A key issue in any eventual SEC vote is progress of the convergence project undertaken by FASB and the IASB under which the two standard-setting boards have agreed to merge their separate sets of standards into a single, high-quality set. Under the agreement, the boards are taking the best approach from either U.S. GAAP or IFRS or jointly developing entirely new standards where the current standards of neither body are deemed to be of sufficient quality.
In response to a question from Schapiro on the future role of FASB under the staff's work plan, SEC Chief Accountant James Kroeker said he could foresee FASB continuing to have a substantive role moving forward, even post-transition.
The AICPA, while applauding the SEC's action, focused on the need for the SEC to set a certain date for the use of IFRS.
The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), which also expressed support for the SEC decision, pushed for earlier adoption. "We are disappointed that [the SEC] is not seeking an adoption date closer to the ambitions of the G-20—by June 2011—and urge the SEC to allow for early adoption of IFRS for severely affected multinational companies," said IFAC President Robert Bunting.
The SEC voted unanimously in February on a statement supporting the continued move toward adopting IFRS for U.S. public companies.
The commission also adopted a work plan under which the SEC staff will study issues surrounding adopting IFRS in the U.S., including the suitability of the standards themselves as well as both preparer and investor education.
The SEC staff will make periodic, public reports about its progress on the work plan beginning in October.
A definitive commission vote on whether to mandate adoption is expected in 2011. The earliest that IFRS would be required is 2015. The statement leaves open the possibility that companies would be able to choose between IFRS and U.S. GAAP.
The SEC also withdrew proposed rules that would have allowed some U.S. issuers to adopt IFRS early. The SEC said it could revisit that decision.
The AICPA praised what it called the SEC's "thoughtful and concrete steps" while urging the commission to set a "date certain" for IFRS adoption.
Alexandra DeFelice (adefelice@aicpa.org) and Matthew G. Lamoreaux ( mlamoreaux@aicpa.org) are JofA senior editors.


text:
Zhang Ying Bin is a paralympic athlete from China competing mainly in category F55 javelin events.

Zhang Ying Bin competed in the 2004 Summer Paralympics in Athens, Greece winning the bronze medal in the combined F55-56 class javelin.

In the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing, China, he won a silver medal in the men's F55-56 javelin throw event.

References

External links

Paralympic athletes of China
Athletes (track and field) at the 2004 Summer Paralympics
Paralympic bronze medalists for China
Chinese male javelin throwers
Living people
Medalists at the 2004 Summer Paralympics
Medalists at the 2008 Summer Paralympics
Paralympic silver medalists for China
Year of birth missing (living people)
Paralympic medalists in athletics (track and field)
21st-century Chinese people


The Archival Mapping of Places of Deposit in England and Wales: Projects datasets encompass the three archival mapping exercises which were undertaken during the period 1997 to 2001. These were the English Archival Mapping Project (Phase 1), the Archival Mapping Project for Wales and the English Archival Mapping Project (Phase 2). The data within each dataset largely corresponds with the content and composition of the questionnaires that were issued to the individual archival Places of Deposit (PoD). In addition to the main mapping project questionnaires, a separately compiled out stores questionnaire was also issued to PoDs.
For every mapping exercise, each archive was allocated a statistical score according to the returned questionnaire information. This facilitated the national, regional and inter-regional comparisons of services and facilities and provided an indication of where services were managing well and where improvements could be made. Individual participating record offices received copies of their own scores to assist their work on the development of regional archival strategies. In each case, however, no league tables or ranks of results were published for any purpose. The mapping projects were initiated to enable the archive sector to identify funding needs throughout England and Wales and to alert funding bodies to specific regions and areas of provision.
An extensive amount of dataset documentation was transferred to and retained by NDAD as the mapping projects largely focused upon the production of scoring bands and the compilation of graphical representations to indicate and compare levels of service provision. The many graphs and comparative analysis (largely displayed via Excel spreadsheets) were compiled by the creating agency to be an effective visual aid to the presentation of general data and are considered equal in research value to the datasets themselves.
Application Software: The database application was owned and developed by the Public Record Office, and based upon Microsoft Access 97.
User Interface: The Archival Mapping Project data input module comprised a number of Access forms based upon the main sections of the survey questionnaire form. The interface also provided access to a lookup selection list containing the names of the Archival Places of Deposit. The main data processing was primarily undertaken using scoring systems that were processed within Microsoft Excel spreadsheets.
Logical structure and schema: The data structure for tables was defined by the archival mapping questionnaires issued for the respective mapping projects. The datasets were transferred with original field descriptions which indicate the questions to which the fields relate. The English Phase 1 and Welsh archival mapping project datasets are identical in structure in view of having adopted the same data gathering methodology. Most records in each dataset include the key field 'PoD' (Place of Deposit). This key remains confidential.
How data was originally captured and validated: Data was input onto the paper questionnaire form issued to Archival Places of Deposit. Data was then transcribed from the questionnaire forms into a customised Microsoft Access database. One of the central functions of the structured Access database of questionnaire results was to ensure that statistical validity could be incorporated into the final survey report.
No data entry was undertaken within Excel. Excel was solely used for the purpose of analysing scoring results based upon established scoring systems. This type of data processing was used in order to produce statistical data of the kind required by major funding bodies, planners and senior managers. For example, graphical representations of regional aggregate score pivot tables and pie charts. Such information can be found within dataset documentation.
Levels of provision were assessed by placing record offices in 4 priority bands (see below). Many of the graphs compiled were expressed as percentages of the number of record offices falling within each of these priority bands. These were rounded to the nearest whole percent, for ease of comparison and analysis.
Excel data in the form of scoring results/priority bands was validated in order to identify and address any anomalies that were apparent. The Mapping Project Board decided that in certain instances where scores were seen to be unusually high or low, scores would be reassessed.
Constraints on the reliability of the data: Interpretation of the data is constrained in a minor respect by there being some additional data documented within the original questionnaires which was not captured within the datasets themselves. For example, certain entries for a number of fields in the dataset may include an asterisk '*' symbol. This symbol is often qualified in the comments field of an entry to indicate that the user must refer to the archive's original questionnaire form in order to obtain further comments relating to these answers.
Access to certain data and documentation which identify individual record offices is restricted for 30 years. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000 s.41 (1) defines this data under its absolute exemption criteria. Sensitive data on the performance of local record offices throughout England and Wales has also been closed in accordance with the FOIA s.35 exemption relating to the formulation of government policy. Crown Copyright; copies may be made for private study and research.
Originally transferred from The National Archives (TNA) in 2004. The datasets were held by the United Kingdom National Digital Archive of Datasets (NDAD) until 2010 when they were transferred to TNA.
The Archival Mapping of Places of Deposit in England and Wales projects were initiated by the Public Record Office to enable the archive sector to identify funding needs throughout England and Wales and to alert funding bodies to specific regions and areas of provision.
The mapping projects built upon a significant amount of other empirical work such as Historical Manuscripts Commission reports, the annual publication Archive Services Statistics, and the comprehensive Survey relating to Local Authority Archive Services (SOLAAS) conducted in 1992 and 1996. The Historical Manuscripts Commission first carried out a pilot Archival Mapping Project in Wales in 1996-97. The results of this project were invaluable, and the experience laid the foundations for future mapping initiatives. Ultimately however, the Archival Mapping Project for England set the pattern and methodology for future mapping projects.
An identification of those record offices which are centres of excellence in one or more areas of provision and therefore merit support for innovative projects, which will help to provide a benchmark and raise industry standards.


Since there is a new template with background that i didn't knew about,Here is my supposed to be entry which is a background that I made before the new template..
The Collab is Flight Collab..
Nice! I really liked the art style, bg and the general yet simplistic idea.
The only problem I had was it looked kinda awkward when was heading to sit on the cloud. Not movement wise, more smoothness/speed wise.
Thanks dude, As I said it wasn't finished so..
And I didn't submit it because there is a new template with background..


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Micro Beer Club
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Hallmark Hops Aboard 'The Polar Express'
"The Polar Express," Chris Van Allsburg's beloved children's book, published by Houghton Mifflin, captures the pure spirit of the holiday season. It is a time of wonder, of enchanting discovery, of boundless fascination. The inspirational tale will become even larger than life with the theatrical release of "The Polar Express." The movie, from Warner Bros. Pictures, stars the Academy Award-winning team of Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis. And now, fans of "The Polar Express" can take home a little bit of the story's magic with exclusive gifts from Hallmark Gold Crown stores.
"'The Polar Express' is such a classic Christmas story, it seemed appropriate that Hallmark Gold Crown stores, a traditional holiday destination, serve as 'The Polar Express' headquarters," said Greg Raymond, vice president of license acquisitions at Hallmark. "The one-of-a-kind Hallmark collection truly brings the classic story to life." In the movie, a young boy who wants to believe in Santa, no matter what the doubters say, is given an unexpected train ride to the North Pole. When the train reaches its destination, Santa himself materializes and offers the boy whatever his heart desires. In the end, the boy learns that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.
Fans can feel the excitement of the movie with items from Hallmark's collection, such as an authentic reproduction of the bell Santa gives the boy as the "first gift of Christmas." Also available in the collection are copies of "The Polar Express" book, Keepsake Ornaments, photo frames, gift-wrap, a tea-light holder, stocking holders, greeting cards and partyware. The variety of gifts in the collection will delight even those not so familiar with "The Polar Express" story. "Hallmark has a long history of celebrating warm holiday traditions and these traditions are perfectly in sync with what 'The Polar Express' symbolizes," said Karen McTier, executive vice president of domestic licensing for Warner Bros. Consumer Products. "Now filmgoers can take a bit of the movie magic and enchantment home with them." .
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Liaison with Client/ Architects/ Project Managers / Structural Engineers/ M&E Consultants & Engineer/ QS, etc. to produce the electrical services system design from concept to detail designs.
Assist Project Manager in up-keeping the project ISO quality documentation and records.
OND/NABTEB (Experienced), HND/B.Sc in Electrical Electronic, Technicians.
I think you may be interested in this position - Latest Jobs at Efficacy Construction Company Limited. This is the link: https://www.myjobmag.com/job/108198/electrical-electronic-technician-efficacy-construction-company?utm_source=email_friend. Copy and paste link on browser if link is not working. Check it out!


Home Decor With Pearl Grey Colour. The pearl grey conquers the whole house with its sophisticated character.
That's how and why you should think about using pearl grey in your beautiful home.
Choosing the right colors for your apartment is a bit like learning to know new people: you don't trust appearances and everyone deserves a chance, even those like gray may seem cold and detached but inside it is ready to pleasantly surprise those who give them the opportunity.
Versatile, extremely sober and decidedly elegant, grey could in fact be misleading, but when used correctly it is simply perfect throughout the house, especially when declined in the most delicate and enveloping shade of the pearl and used to embellish any surface, furnishing complement, textile and accessory. Whether small or large, modern or very traditional, there is no difference: pearl grey adapts to your every need by adding a touch of brightness to your spaces, especially if combined with other colors.
Here are some really interesting ideas on home decor with pearl grey colour.
LIVING ROOM: Probably the room in which it best fits, the pearl grey gives elegance and sobriety to the rooms, especially those in the living room. Try it on sofas and armchairs combined with touches of black and white for an extremely modern environment. Here are some examples of sofas and armchairs, preferably in fabric, which are enhanced by the colour pearl grey.
KITCHEN: Uncertain about the color of your kitchen? Pearl grey could be an unexpected surprise, being perfect on worktops as well as on the entire set of furniture. For a truly elegant touch, prefer a matte finish combined with marble splash guards and golden knobs and accessories and if you're brave enough to dare, try to extend it into the dining room: the result will amaze you. Have a look at these amazing pictures!
DINING ROOM: The perfect dining room is a warm, comfortable and cosy place that, thanks to this very elegant and sophisticated colour, recalls the very chic ambiences of the minimalist style. It is recommended to combine pearl grey leather chairs with glass tables and steel or wooden frame to give life to the maximum of elegance.
BEDROOM: If you love modern style with a Scandinavian touch, you will already have come across rooms with pearl grey interiors and have already saved them in your social feeds. Nothing could be more comprehensible: pearl grey is in fact very recommended in this environment because it is a delicate shade that combines relaxation and rest. Yes then to the use of a gray wallpaper or maybe thick curtains to obscure the light at night, but it is also absolutely perfect on sheets and furniture for a simple touch and at the same time very elegant. Let be inspired by these beautiful bedrooms!
BATHROOM: From walls to furniture, pearl grey is a classic of another environment: the bathroom. Try it on ceramic tiles combined with warm tones and transparent glass panels for the shower surfaces, but it will also be perfect on stone or concrete surfaces, resins, thermal paints and small mosaics to restore a space of extremely sophisticated and elegant charm. Enjoy these wonderful baths!
Next PostNext 10 original ideas to mix classic and modern styles in your home.


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American Duchess: A Novel of Consuelo Vanderbilt by Karen Harper
Book Reviews	by caitlinrambling December 17, 2019 December 16, 2019
Rarely do stories show the full extent of someone's life. The events that cushion the spaces between years, the hardships that push journeys ahead, and every happy moment that makes the days, weeks, months, and years worth it, novels tend to only focus on one of those moments. Never all of them together, that is, until the novel of Consuelo Vanderbilt by Karen Harper.
Published February 2016, 2019, American Duchess received respectable reviews. But, has yet to be the talk of the town the book deserves, or more to the fact, Consuelo Vanderbilt was never the talk of the town that she deserved to be either.
Consuelo Vanderbilt was born on March 2nd, 1877 to William Kissam Vanderbilt and Alva Erskine Smith. As the great-granddaughter of Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, the owner and architect of the New York Central railroad, and a political family from Tennessee that was nearly decimated by The Civil War, it was Consuelo's heavy birthright to marry well and to be great.
A potential, her strict mother, guaranteed she would meet. By forcing Consuelo's unwilling hand in matrimony to the 9th Duke of Marlborough, Charles Richard John Spencer-Churchill. Alva Belmont was a feminist fighter, renowned by Barack Obama for her later in life work for women's suffrage, she revolutionized the role of elite, married women in society, but as a mother, she earned no accommodations. She ruled Consuelo, not parented. During her parent's separation, Alva imprisoned Consuelo. Keeping her locked-in and watched-over, Consuelo was unable to correspond with her father, let alone anyone that Alva did not approve of.
Marrying Charles Richard John Spencer-Churchill was a mutually beneficial alliance for the families. The Spencer-Churchill clan was somewhat on the outs of English aristocracy and financially choked by their own architectural interests. And the Vanderbilt name, for all of its money and influence, couldn't forge an elite legacy for themselves without such a marriage.
However beneficials to the families the matrimony was, individually, Charles Richard John Spencer-Churchill was by far, the greatest benefactor. It was through Consuelo's soft-manners, American ideology, and philanthropic heart that the Spencer-Churchill family was brushed into the good graces of the crown and hearts of the lower-class community. Consuelo visited the towns that surrounded Blenheim, the palace of the Spencer-Churchill family, to donate time and food to the poorer communities. For awhile, she was known as 'Saint Consuelo," although many of her good deeds were worn unconvincingly by her husband.
After many years of an unhappy marriage together, Consuelo moved to London. In hopes of redefining herself, her identity, and her independence. While in London, Consuelo continued her philanthropic work for children and mothers of lower-income households. She also found love, the details of which can be discovered by reading on into her story.
But to touch broadly on the things survived and thrived in Consuelo's life: two world wars, two marriages, two children, countless houses, one assassination attempt, one kidnapping attempt, an aging disability, and an entire world shifting into a new decade, a new world, the twentieth century.
Consuelo Vanderbilt was largely forgotten if not for Kate Harper's book. Hopefully she can now take her place in history textbooks and stories told to young girls and as a figure head for the philanthropy and influence expected from those more privileged. This is the story of Cinderella that saved herself.
#aviation#books#historical fiction#reviewcinderella saves herselfconsuelo vanderbiltLondonreadrecommendtwentieth centuryWWIwwii
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New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy Discloses Likely Cancerous Tumor
Governor of New Jersey Phil Murphy on Dec. 1, 2019.
Tayfun Coskun—Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
By Tara Law
February 23, 2020 12:04 PM EST
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Twitter Saturday that he will undergo surgery to remove a tumor from his left kidney. There is a 90% chance that the tumor is cancerous, although doctors will not be able to determine whether it is malignant until after the surgery, Murphy's office said, according to NJ.com.
Murphy, who is 62, told the publication in an interview that his doctors are "optimistic" that they will be able to remove the entire tumor during the surgery scheduled for early March. "The prognosis is very good and I'm profoundly grateful to my doctors for detecting the tumor early," Murphy wrote on Twitter on Saturday.
He said that he feels "incredibly fortunate" that tumor was detected at an early stage, and said he does not expect to undergo chemotherapy or radiation. He will likely stay in the hospital for two or three days, and will recover at home for a few weeks, Murphy said.
The Democratic governor, who has advocated for policies intended to improve healthcare access since he was sworn in as governor in 2018, acknowledged that he is not the only person to face the threat of cancer.
"Over 50,000 New Jerseyans will hear the words 'you have cancer' this year, so I'm far from alone here. It's a situation that far too many families find themselves in. That's why we're fighting for them each and every day," Murphy wrote on Twitter. He added that healthcare is a "right" and referred to high healthcare costs as a "national emergency."
New Jersey Sen. Corey Booker expressed his support for Murphy on Twitter.
"@GovMurphy is a fighter and I know this is one he will win. Wishing him a speedy recovery. My thoughts are with him, the First Lady, and their family," Booker wrote.
7-Eleven Owner Arrested After Selling 'Dangerous' Homemade Sanitizer
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