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UK flops in quest for Construction 2025 trade targets
7 Jul 20 The UK has spectacularly failed in its target to reduce the balance of trade deficit in building materials and components.
Seven years ago the Construction 2025 strategy document set a target of halving the UK's balance of trade deficit in building materials and components. At that time, 2013, the UK exported £6bn-worth of building materials and components each year, and imported £12bn – a £6bn trade deficit in the sector.
Since then, exports have increased, reaching a new high of £7.7bn in 2019. But imports have increased more, reaching £17.8bn in 2019, according to latest data from the Office for National Statistics.
Since the publication of Construction 2025, therefore, (subtitled: Industrial strategy for construction – government and industry in partnership), the industry's trade deficit has not halved but widened from £6bn to more than £10bn.
Most of the UK's exports of building materials and components in 2019 were to EU countries. The EU accounted for £4.36bn of exports, compared to £3.37bn to the rest of the work.
Responsibility for implementing the Construction 2025 strategy was given to the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), a panel of industry executives appointed by ministers under the aegis of the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy.
Implementing Construction 2025 was the raison d'etre of the CLC and halving the balance of trade was one of its primary targets, along with halving the time it takes to get projects from inception to completion, halving greenhouse gas emissions and a 33% reduction in construction costs (both initial and whole life).
Of these specific goals, only the emissions target currently seems achievable. And it might be interesting to know to what extent that is the result of CLC actions and to what extent it is the result of legislation emanating from Brussels.
Value of Overseas Trade in Selected Materials and Components for Constructional Use: All Building Materials & Components
(Source: ONS Construction building materials bulletin June 2020)
Imports 13,731,573 13,904,766 15,514,230 17,086,843 18,163,028 17,754,035
Exports 6,090,137 5,998,751 6,424,195 7,161,919 7,588,958 7,724,335
Balance (7,641,436) (7,906,015) (9,090,035) (9,924,924) (10,574,070) (10,029,700)


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Sea Change Radio
Independent journalism focused on environmental and economic sustainability
COP15 Wrap-Up: Climate Deniers, Drowning Islands, and Hope after Copenhagen
December 23, 2009 Full ShowACES, Barack Obama, Climate Change, COP15, global warming, Waxman-Markey Climate BillBill Baue
http://www.cchange.net/wp-content/uploads/podcasts/SC-2009-12-23.mp3
Subscribe: Spotify | Stitcher | RSS
Sea Change Radio surveys a broad spectrum of opinions and outcomes of the UN Climate Conference (COP15). We hear excerpts from a press conference there featuring a Republican contingent from the US House of Representatives, a speech by Tuvalu Prime Minister Apisai Ielemia, and an exclusive interview of European Commission Deputy Director-general of Environment Karl Falkenberg by Sea Change Climate Correspondent Cimbria Badenhausen, who covered all 2 weeks of the conference on the ground.
The UN Climate Conference, or COP15, ended in the wee hours of Saturday, December 19, resulting in a Copenhagen Accord brokered by a "limited group" of countries. Critics have slammed the deal for falling short of the commitments needed to curb catastrophic climate change, not to mention its disregard for the legitimate negotiation process by ignoring the voices of those most affected by climate change, such as small island nations. While many blame US President Barack Obama, climate journalist Mark Lynas published an eyewitness account of the late-night negotiations in the Guardian in the UK that places blame squarely on China for scuttling the more ambitious elements of the agreement.
Our survey starts at the far right with the deniers and skeptics – in this case, a contingent of six Republicans from the US House of Representatives, who convened a press conference on the last day of the conference. They led off by citing what's known as "Climategate," or the publishing of hacked emails and data from computers at the Climate Research Unit of the University of East Anglia in the UK, widely considered the epicenter of climate research. We hear from Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX), senior ranking Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee; Rep. John Sullivan (R-OK); Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), ranking Republican on the House Energy and Environment Sub-Committee; Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), a member of the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.
Sea Change Climate Correspondent Cimbria Badenhausen asked the Representatives to go on the record with their stance on the cause of climate change — and its impacts on those most vulnerable.
The Republican Representatives seem to advance a self-contradictory stance. They vehemently protested the science underlying the conclusion that human-genarated carbon emissions cause climate change, undermining actions such as the Waxman-Markey Climate Bill or the Copenhagen Climate Conference that intended to reduce these emissions. Then they embrace the idea of carbon reductions that align with their economic visions. So which is it? If you can make sense of this, please comment below or on the Sea Change Radio Facebook Fan Page.
Also on the last day of COP15, Tuvalu Prime Minister Apisai Ielemia held a press conference that started with a video documenting the impact of sea level rise on Tuvalu already. The Prime Minister then gave a scorching assessment of the conference. Despite that fact that the Copenhagen Accord had not yet been released, he could read the writing on the wall of the proceedings being co-opted by those with more political power.
Finally, Sea Change Climate Correspondent Cimbria Badenhausen spoke with Karl Falkenberg, Deputy Director-general of Environment for the European Commission. She started by asking him about his ability to speak for those less empowered, and the conversation ended talking about the need to de-carbonize the global economy.
Thanks to our COP15 Series Sponsor The Cloud Institute, as well as financial support from The ManKind Project and the Institute for Nature and Leadership, as well as other individuals.
About Bill Baue
Bill Baue is Co-Director of Sea Change Media, a non-profit that makes connections in the shift to social, environmental, and economic sustainability. He co-hosts/produces Sea Change Radio, a nationally syndicated show that podcasts globally. View all posts by Bill Baue →
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We are proud to announce that this Sunday, February 1, 2009, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 131 REGIMENT Square in Downtown VW, Vancouver West. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Condo for sale in beautiful Downtown VW.
I just sold this Condo at 602 907 BEACH Ave, Vancouver West, British Columbia .
We are proud to announce that this Sunday, January 18, 2009, 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 907 BEACH Ave in False Creek North, Vancouver West. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Condo for sale in beautiful False Creek North.
We are proud to announce that this Saturday, January 24, 2009, 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 907 BEACH Ave in False Creek North, Vancouver West. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Condo for sale in beautiful False Creek North.
We are proud to announce that this Saturday, January 17, 2009, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 1050 Burrard St. , Vancouver. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent executive suite for sale in beautiful .
We are proud to announce that this Saturday, January 17, 2009, 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 1050 Burrard St. , Vancouver. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent executive suite for sale in beautiful .
We are proud to announce that this Saturday, January 10, 2009, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 1050 Burrard St. , Vancouver. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent executive suite for sale in beautiful .
Retired Vancouver City Planner Larry Beasley's opinion of Downtown Vancouver Real Estate Market.
I had the pleasure of dining with Bob Rennie and Larry Beasley (retired Vancouver City Planner) last night. Ofcourse the topic of Vancouver Real Estate came up.


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Pregnant Woman Arrested for Pelting Brother With Frosted Cupcakes [PHOTOS]
05 Jul, 2017 by	Margaret M.
Maybe use this one to scare one of your kids who won't stop playing around with his food: Yes, you can get arrested for throwing cupcakes.
This week, a Florida woman was arrested after starting a one-way food fight with her older brother. The arrest took place at 1:45 am during the early morning of Saturday, July 1st, at the family home in Vero Beach. The police report from the incident is making its rounds and is fully available on The Smoking Gun, linked further below in this article.
Latonya Daugherty is the 24 year-old woman pictured below, arrested for throwing the cupcakes at Eddie Yaddow, her 30 year-old elder brother. I'm going to take a wild guess that the reason the police had to get involved when Eddie did attempt to fight back against Latonya, is that she is currently four to six weeks pregnant. The report indicates that there was a "verbal argument" that escalated into the cupcake throwing jamboree. While we are not sure why they were arguing, Eddie was accused of then removing the cupcake frosting from his arms and wiping it in her hair.
These are adults, folks. Adults are staying up late, refusing to go to bed, throwing cupcakes and when one smears frosting into the other's hair, the cops have to get involved to throw one of them in lockup.
Of course, Eddie has been accused of kicking Daugherty in her stomach at this time, so I'm not sure that pulling these two champs apart for the night is going to result in a stable, happier family.
In speaking to police, Daugherty's mother said that Latonya was the "initial primary aggressor as she [was the one who] threw cupcakes," but the police concluded that Yaddow's reaction "exceeded a reasonable response in self defense," causing him to be arrested for aggravated battery. Latonya's charge was that of domestic battery.
According to The Smoking Gun:
Daugherty–who told police that she was about four to six weeks pregnant–was released from jail Saturday evening after posting $1000 bond. Yaddow remains locked up in lieu of $10,000 bond on the felony battery charge.
And it must be mentioned: While the police noted the blue frosting in Latonya's hair, they did not collect the cupcakes for evidence.
You can see the two winners here:
Internet Specialist at Warfare Media.
More articles by Margaret M.


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Der Rahmer See – auch Rahmersee geschrieben; historische Schreibweise Ramer See – liegt im Gemeindegebiet Wandlitz in Brandenburg. Er ist ein Teil des Biesenthal-Wandlitz-Prendener Seengebietes, das etwa 30 große und kleinere Seen umfasst. Bekannt wurde der See durch eine an seinem Südufer in den 1920er Jahren errichtete Künstlerkolonie. Der See befindet sich im Privatbesitz einer Fischerfamilie.

Entstehung, Beschreibung und Lage

Der Grundmoränensee ist ein Relikt der Weichseleiszeit, der sich zusammen mit dem Lubowsee, dem Wandlitzer See, dem Liepnitzsee sowie der Kombination Obersee – Hellsee gebildet hat. Vor allem sein Nordwestufer wird von stärker aufragenden Endmoränen begrenzt.

Im Zusammenhang mit der Geschichte von Wensickendorf und dessen Umgebung wird berichtet, dass es an diesem See schon frühe Siedler gab und das Gewässer in Dokumenten des Mittelalters See Rademer genannt wurde.

Das Flüsschen Briese verbindet den etwas höher gelegenen Wandlitzer See mit dem Rahmersee, der über die Briese wiederum mit dem Lubowsee verbunden ist.
Der See ist in Ost-West-Richtung etwa 2 Kilometer lang und misst an seiner breitesten Stelle, einer größeren Bucht etwa in der Mitte, rund 540 Meter.

Der Rahmer See wird tangiert vom Ortsteil Zühlsdorf (Gemeinde Mühlenbecker Land) im Südwesten sowie den Wandlitzer Ortsteilen Wandlitz im Südosten und Stolzenhagen im Nordbereich. Der Siedlungsteil im Nordwestbereich gehört zu Wensickendorf und damit zur Stadt Oranienburg.

Flora und Fauna
Außer den im Märkischen weit verbreiteten Kiefern, Buchen und Eichen sind am Seeufer in den Feuchtbiotopen auch Erlen, Sonnentau, Fettkraut und Rosmarinheide anzutreffen. Im Flachwasserbereich haben sich Binsen, Schilf und Rohrkolben angesiedelt. Dieser relativ undurchdringliche Bewuchs bildet die Lebensgrundlage für Insekten, Schmetterlinge und Singvögel sowie Wasservögel und Amphibien.
Im See fühlen sich Hechte, Karpfen, Schleie, Aale, Rotfedern heimisch. Gelegentlich sind auch bereits Zander gefangen und Krebse beobachtet worden. Weil es ein im Privatbesitz befindlicher See ist, trägt er keine Nummer des Deutschen Anglerverbandes, sondern einfach die unter Anglern verwendete Nummerierung 1435.

Uferbereiche und Umgebung

Gasthaus
Die Uferregionen des Rahmer Sees sind in Teilen bebaut, es gibt keinen durchgängigen Uferwanderweg. Die nicht erschlossenen Bereiche sind hügelig oder morastig.

Am bekanntesten ist das in der Nähe des Südufers an der Straße errichtete Hotel und Gasthaus Zur Waldschänke, das in den 1960er Jahren als Restaurant Waldschänke eröffnet wurde.
Der gewählte Name wird in der rustikalen Ausstattung mit Jagdtrophäen verdeutlicht und ebenso mit der deftigen Brandenburger Küche.
Nach 1990 erwarb es ein Privatmann, der es zu einem Hotel ausbauen ließ und die Gastronomieangebote erweiterte. Im Jahresverlauf gibt es verschiedene Kulturveranstaltungen wie Feiern zum Frauentag oder zum Kindertag sowie saisonale kulinarische Abende.

Wohnsiedlungen

Am Südostufer entstand in den 1920er Jahren eine Künstlerkolonie, die amtlich zum damaligen Dorf Wandlitz gehörte. Diese erste Niederlassung wurde zur heutigen Kolonie Rahmersee, teilweise aus festen Villen, teilweise aus Wochenendhäusern bestehend. Sie wird schrittweise baulich erweitert.
Am Nordostufer entwickelten sich später um die heutige Bundesstraße 273 herum auch Wohnsiedlungen. Das sind die Siedlung Am Rahmer See als Bestandteil des Ortes Wensickendorf und ein Wohngebiet zu Klosterfelde gehörend.

Badeanstalt

Im Südwestuferabschnitt legte die damalige Gemeinde eine Freibadeanstalt mit Bootsverleih an, die 1993 an einen Privatmann verpachtet wurde. Die Pächterfamilie betreibt das Strandbad Rahmer See einschließlich eines kleinen Imbissrestaurants als naturnahe Freizeiteinrichtung. Das Freibad verfügt über einen kindergeeigneten flachen Wasserzugang, einen Steg, Sprungturm und zwei Rutschen. Außerdem gibt es einen Beachvolleyball-Platz, Tischtennisplatten und einen Bootsverleih.

Verkehr um den See
Nicht direkt am See, aber in geringer Entfernung seiner Ufer verlaufen zwei Straßen, die das Gebiet erschließen: Die Bundesstraße 273 (nördlich) und die Kreisstraße K6004 mit dem Straßenzug Wandlitzer Chaussee–Zühlsdorfer Chaussee (südlich). Hier verkehrt auch eine Omnibuslinie.

Literatur
 1000 Wege um Berlin. Karten-Buch und Wander-Führer; Ullstein-Verlag, Berlin (ohne Jahr, vermutlich in den 1930ern); Seiten 58 und 97
 Anglerführer Brandenburg, Band 4 – die Wandlitzer Seen, future press
 Anja Reinbothe: Und nüscht wie raus nach Wandlitz. – Kleine Fluchten, Teil 93: Wochenende in der Waldschänke am Rahmersee.  In: Berliner Morgenpost vom 27. April 2012

Weblinks

Einzelnachweise

Gewässer im Landkreis Barnim
See in Brandenburg
See in Europa
Geographie (Wandlitz)
SRahmersee

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Latest issue Air Cadets Gliding Scholarship SGS Silver Wings badge which has been introduced as part of the new Air Cadet Progressive Training Syllabus. The silver SGS denotes glider flying to solo standard. The badge features silver spread wing with 'G' embroidered onto woven dark blue background with black overlocked border. Size: 7.5cm x 3.2cm approx. Weight: 1g. Colour: silver/white embroidered onto dark RAF blue with black border.


Our events educate you to help you sort through the over 9000 LCBO wine listings to find your next great wine!
I am a trained wine scientist, educator, & writer. I hold a MSc in microbiology and through my company, Wine Journeys, host public, charity, and private wine tasting events. I also write about wine for 2 local magazines, Look Local Barrie and The Briar Crier.
Following my graduation with a M.Sc. in Microbiology, I began attending tastings with some of Canada's leading wine writers such as Tony Aspler and David Lawrason, taking courses offered by the WSET, reading more wine books and magazines than I can count, and travel to wine regions all over the world.
This journey made me a ardent lover of wine and food to go with it. My passion for wine finally culminated with my company – Wine Journeys. I formed it to help people discover great wines and food to go with them.
A Division of CarrMayers Inc.


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Bologna vs Fiorentina Prediction and Betting Tips
Home Match Previews Bologna vs Fiorentina Prediction and Betting Tips
Tolu Shotade, 4th December 2021 4th December 2021 , Match Preview, 0
Bologna vs Fiorentina
Serie A, KO: 11:30 Dec 5, 2021, Stadio Renato Dall'Ara
Bologna host Fiorentina in a Sunday lunchtime kick-off in Serie A with both teams looking to build on a string of impressive showings this season. A closely fought contest is expected here but given Fiorentina's poor record on the road, Bologna will fancy their chances of coming out on top.
There is plenty of belief and optimism around Bologna this season. Sinisa Mihailovic's men have made a solid start to the campaign. They have suffered just three defeats in 15 matches this term and are just six points off the UEFA Champions League places.
Bologna are getting better as the season progresses and head into Sunday's clash with four wins from their last five matches. They earned a 1-0 victory over Roma in midweek with Mattias Svanberg's first half effort proving to be the difference.
Although they have shown plenty of attacking quality this season, Bologna's recent form has been built on a solid defence which has kept clean sheets in their last two matches.
Fiorentina were also victorious in their midweek Serie A fixture, beating Fiorentina 3-1 on Tuesday. They fought back from a goal down with efforts from Jose Callejon, Dusan Vlahovic and Riccardo Scottil sealing the win.
La Viola have won eight of their last 15 Serie A matches so far. They currently occupy the final European slot but with the likes of Juventus, Lazio and Bologna closely following, they could drop as low as ninth if results do not go their way.
While Fiorentina's performances this season have brought a lot of optimism, their form on their travels still needs some improvement. Vincenzo Italiano's men have lost their last four away matches and were beaten 2-1 by Empoli in their previous fixture in the road.
The bookies appear to be spilt on this one with a win for Bologna valued at 31/16 with Vbet while a Fiorentina victory is priced at 33/20 by Unibet. A draw is set at odds of 12/5 with betfair.
Fiorentina have a 16-5 advantage with 17 draws from 38 previous matches against Bologna. Last season's meeting at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara ended in a 3-3 draw.
Marko Arnautovic has impressed since moving to Bologna in the summer and has scored six goals this season. The Austrian striker has also found the net three times in his last five matches and is priced at 21/10 by betway to score anytime.
Dusan Vlahovic continues to enhance his reputation as one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe and will be the one to watch for Fiorentina. The striker has 12 goals in 15 Serie A matches this season and is priced at 6/4 by Paddy Power to find the net.
There were six goals in the last meeting between Bologna and Fiorentina and another high scoring contest could be on the cards. Over 3.5 goals is valued at 11/5 by BetVictor, over 2.5 goals is priced at 13/15 by SBK while William Hill is offering 4/6 on both teams to score.
There were more goals after the break in the last meeting between both teams so the second half can be tipped as the highest scoring half at 11/10 with Paddy Power.
This Serie A match between Bologna and Fiorentina will be played on Dec 5, 2021 and kick off at 11:30. Check below for our tipsters best Bologna vs Fiorentina prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
Bologna Form
Fiorentina Form
Bologna vs Fiorentina Betting Tips & Predictions
Bologna To Win
Marko Arnautovic Anytime Goalscorer


Should you invest in Monnet Ispat or Bhushan Steel?
Recently two of the steel companies, undergoing proceedings in IBC, have been taken over by two of India's biggest steel companies. While Monnet Ispat and Energy Ltd. is acquired by JSW Steel Ltd., Tata Steel Ltd. has bought Bhushan Steel Ltd. now Tata Steel BSL Ltd.
The prices of both the companies look very attractive. We have tried to ascertain is it really investment worthy?
Since Monnet Ispat and Energy Ltd. has been acquired by JSW Steel Ltd., so the EBITDA margin of FY20E i.e. 26.61% is based on the EBITDA margin of JSW Steel Ltd. (for the HY ending 30.09.2018).
Similarly for Tata Steel BSL Ltd., EBITDA of Tata Steel Ltd. has been adopted.
This assumption is based on the belief that the operational efficiency of these companies will be at par with their parent companies.
Comparative Report on Tata Steel BSL Ltd. And Monnet Ispat Energy Ltd.
Company Monnet Ispat Energy Ltd. Tata Steel BSL Ltd.
The calculations of the FY20E for both the companies is by taking Q3′ FY19 earnings/ sales as a base and annualising them for the next year workings.
The resultant P/E ratio of Tata Steel BSL Ltd. is much more attractive and lower, being just 1.87 than Monnet Ispat and Energy Ltd. P/E of 20.45.
However, this Tata Steel BSL Ltd comes with a contingency that makes it a risky bet. As per the approved resolution plan, Tata Steel has the right to convert loan worth 9,000 crores provided to Tata Steel BSL Ltd., into equity. If this happens, this will result in dilution of equity to a very big extent.
In that case, the entire calculation as above will become irrelevant.
Investors with very high-risk appetite may invest in Tata Steel BSL Ltd.
The EBITDA margin of both the above companies (on a standalone basis) i.e. JSW Steel and Tata Steel is being calculated on the basis of the earnings of the half year ending 30.09.2018.
The share price for calculation of P/E is taken as of 30.01.2018 for both the companies.
Green Portfolio Private Ltd provides Portfolio Management Service.
Copyright © 2018 Green Portfolio (p) Ltd.


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Colts punter Pat McAfee announces comedy tour
by: Greg Margason - Digital Producer
Photo courtesy of LiveNation.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Jan. 6, 2016)– Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee announced Wednesday will travel around Indiana to make Hoosiers laugh.
Tickets for "The I-69 Tour" go on sale Friday, January 15 at 10 a.m. The tour will span four cities beginning in February:
Feb. 10: Victory Theatre in Evansville
Feb. 11: Honewell Center in Wabash
Feb. 12: Emens Auditorium in Muncie
Feb. 13: IU Auditorium in Bloomington
McAfee said he won't be telling knock-knock jokes or one-liners.
"I'm not a joke teller. I'm not smart enough to tell those knock-knock jokes and those other jokes and stuff like that," he said. "All my material comes from life experiences. My journey to the NFL was a ridiculous one. And then my travels since I've been in the NFL are pretty ridiculous. So, you put those together and you've got a recipe for a long night of fun story telling."
Reserved seat tickets cost $35. Tickets can be purchased at LiveNation.com starting Jan. 15.
Dr. Dre says he's 'doing great', will be home soon after suffering brain aneurysm
by Darcie Loreno and Associated Press and Nexstar Media Wire / Jan 6, 2021
(WJW/AP) -- Hip-hop legend Dr. Dre says he is "doing great" and will be out of the hospital and back home soon after suffering a brain aneurysm.
He posted an update on Instagram late Tuesday night.
'Wonder Woman 1984' debuts with pandemic-best $16.7M
by Associated Press / Dec 28, 2020
NEW YORK (AP) — Despite premiering simultaneously by streaming service, Wonder Woman 1984 managed the best box office debut of the pandemic, opening with $16.7 million over the Christmas weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday.
That's only a faint glimmer of typical business during the holiday season, when cinemas are usually packed and box-office receipts are among the best of the year. Last year, Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker exceeded $32 million on Christmas Day alone. According to data firm Comscore, 35% of North American theaters are currently open.
Piano wizard Mike Garson talks upcoming Bowie celebration, working with Reznor and why the world needs music now more than ever
by Jeremiah Beaver • Digital Producer / Jan 7, 2021
"I gathered 37 musicians and alumni who played with David from as early as 1969 all the way to the last album. Then I started asking a lot of my friends, great singers like Trent Reznor, Billy Corgan, Gavin Rossdale, Perry Farrell, Ian Astbury, Andra Day, Judith Hill, Duran Duran–it's endless!"
While preparing for an epic tribute to musical legend and long-time collaborator David Bowie on what would have been his 74th birthday, Mike Garson spoke about his role as show producer, emcee and pianist while playing the blues from his California studio.
3rd stimulus check: Will you get a $1,400 direct payment?


"A Course In Miracles Unleashed" is the first major feature-length movie, based on the ideas and message of A Course In Miracles. More than 100 individuals from all over the world tell this most exciting story of their very real physical, mental and emotional transformation through forgiveness and love, bringing about a radical shift in how they feel about themselves. They recognized who they really are.
The film reveals the process of the miraculous adventure of awakening and Self-discovery as it is "experienced and communicated by many of those who were awakened by the revolutionary mind training program of Jesus Christ in A Course In Miracles."
A Direct Encounter with Jesus Christ in the Evolution and Enlightenment of the Human Species.
This film presents a teaching which challenges the viewer's assumptions about himself at the most fundamental level, and directs him to his own personal need for the transformation of his mind. It acts as a catalyst for the viewer, in his own self identity of space / time, to undergo the experience of enlightenment necessary to fulfill his inevitable purpose for living, the most ancient quest of discovery– to remember that he is whole and perfect as God created him.
"The name of Jesus, is the name of one who was a man but saw the face of Christ in all his brothers and remembered God. So he became identified with Christ, a man no longer, but at one with God. The man was an illusion, for he seemed to be a separate being, walking by himself, within a body that appeared to hold his self from Self, as all illusions do. Yet who can save unless he sees illusions and then identifies them as what they are? Jesus remains a Savior because he saw the false without accepting it as true. And Christ needed his form that He might appear to men and save them from their own illusions.
In his complete identification with the Christ – the perfect Son of God, His one creation and His happiness, forever like Himself and One with Him – Jesus became what all of you must be. He led the way for you to follow him. He leads you back to God because he saw the road before him, and he followed it. He made a clear distinction, still obscure to you, between the false and true. He offered you a final demonstration that it is impossible to kill God's Son; nor can his life in any way be changed by sin and evil, malice, fear or death."


BS Biotechnology offers an understanding of theoretical and practical knowledge about the integration of biological and technological processes. The rise of modern technology has made possible maneuvering of biological processes towards productive ends in wide array of areas. The importance of Biotechnology in Pakistan is further enhanced by contemporary challenges posed by problems such as rising food requirements of ever increasing population, the pharmaceutical demands due to growing complexities of biological disorders etc.
Q2- WHY STUDY BIOTECHNOLOGY AT NIU?
Our curriculum consists of cutting edge topics in health, industrial, agriculture and pharmaceutical biotechnology. We particularly focus on developing such practical skills, through rigorous training in the lab settings that train our graduates for the job markets.
Our curriculum of BS (Hons) Biotechnology also prepares our students for advance studies in Biotechnology. This flexible degree program also offers the opportunity to specialize either in Biochemistry or Biotechnology. In the first two years the students take general and common theoretical courses. Emphasis is placed on practical training and developing transferable skills that will be valuable in a wide range of professional settings.
Q3- WHAT ARE THE FURTHER PROSPECTS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY?
The graduates of our programs will be able to assess underlying biological processes, whether related to disease, drug, food etc., and make use of medical technology to manipulate them to serve ends beneficial for mankind. They are likely to get jobs in pharmaceutical companies, chemical industries, academic and health related institutes and as research officers in labs. This program will also prepare students to take post graduate studies in the areas of Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Immunology etc. anywhere in or outside of Pakistan.
Q4- WHAT IS THE TOTAL LENGTH OF PROGRAM?
There are total of 4 years (8 semesters) to complete 130 credit hours for this degree.
Q5- WHAT ARE THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS DEGREE?
Please refer to http://niu.edu.pk/admission-requirements/ for detail on admission requirements.
Q6- ARE SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE?
Merit and need based scholarships are available. Please visit www.niu.edu.pk for further information.


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Opinion: Asian Americans support the Black Lives Matter movement
Zhuoran YangAugust 12, 2020
In response to Eileen Huang's letter to the Chinese community
Less than a week after George Floyd's public murder, Yale student Eileen Huang penned an open letter entitled "A letter from a Yale student to the Chinese American Community" specifically addressing the community regarding their silence on the Black Lives Matter and anti-racist protests that followed. This letter was widely circulated among Chinese people and Chinese Americans, and it received praise, but also disagreement.
In her letter, she brings up the racism against Asian people, such as the hate crimes against Chinese Americans, citing the murder of Vincent Chin. She also points out the ways in which Black Civil Rights Activists have paved the way for more equality for Chinese Americans. Even when Chin's mother was grieving for her murdered son, Black protestors were seen in the background or even in the spotlight of the footage supporting her.
However, Huang then proceeds to contrast Black American's supportive actions for Asian American rights to purportedly indifferent reactions from Chinese Americans to the Black Lives Matter movement. To support her claim of Chinese American indifference to the movement, she cites her parents and some of her peers and friends, who stereotype blacks or refuse to stand up for them.
While the rest of Huang's letter is backed by heavy amounts of historical evidence and research, her claim that almost all Asian Americans are against or indifferent to the George Floyd protests seems flimsy. For one thing, her only evidence is a few comments by her parents and people she knows personally not wanting her to associate with blacks.
She writes, "I grew up hearing relatives, family friends, and even my parents make subtle, even explicitly racist comments about the Black community: They grow up in bad neighborhoods. They cause so much crime. I would rather you not be friends with Black people. I would rather you not be involved in Black activism."
Also, she claims that "many Chinese Americans have chosen to 'stay out' of this disobedience" in the anti-racist protests.
The truth is, Asian Americans and Chinese Americans do support the Black Lives Matter movement. In fact, a few weeks ago, as reported on ABC7, Asian and Black community bonds were strengthened when the Asian American Christian Collaborative in Chicago organized a march from Chicago's Chinatown to Bridgeport. With these two different communities marching as one against racism, it's clear that Asian Americans are supportive of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Huang's parents may have been unresponsive to the movement, but is every Chinese American the same? All over social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, Chinese Americans, just like any other Asian American group, posted many images and messages supporting BLM. According to the Pew Research Center, 71% of Asian Americans stated that they felt anger over the killing of George Floyd.
Of course, there are Chinese Americans who are racist, or who are indifferent to the anti-racist movement. However, Huang mischaracterized Chinese Americans and Asian Americans as being mostly racist. As the primary targets of anti-Chinese COVID-19 racism, of course Asian Americans are against racism in all its forms.
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The Thai economy as a whole continued to gain further traction, driven by merchandise exports and tourism which continued to improve in tandem with global economic growth, and by stronger momentum from domestic demand. Private consumption continued to expand supported by improvements in employment, but overall purchasing power was recovering gradually due to elevated household debt. Private investment was projected to continue expanding with additional support from greater certainty regarding the prospects of public investment projects, although their progress must still be monitored going forward. Public expenditure would continue to drive economic growth but there remained risks of delayed budget disbursement. Furthermore, Thailand's growth outlook was still subject to risks that continued to warrant close monitoring, especially US foreign trade policies and retaliatory measures from trading partners of the US, risks of lower-than-expected growth in the tourism sector, and geopolitical risks.
The outlook for headline inflation was largely unchanged from the previous assessment with the annual average expected to be within target. However, downside risks remained as fresh food prices could fluctuate sharply depending on weather conditions and agricultural output. Core inflation was projected to edge up given the gradual build-up in demand-pull inflationary pressures. The Committee would also continue to monitor, despite full potential economic growth, structural changes that might contribute to more persistent inflation than in the past such as the expansion of e-commerce, rising price competition, and upgrades to production efficiency which reduced costs of production. Meanwhile, the public's inflation expectations were largely unchanged.
Overall financial conditions remained accommodative and conducive to economic growth with ample liquidity in the financial system. Government bond yields were largely unchanged from the previous meeting, while real interest rates remained low. Such conditions allowed financing by the private sector to continue expanding as reflected in both business and consumer loan growth. The baht against the US dollar exchange rate experienced volatile movements due to the monetary policy outlook of advanced economies, as well as increased concerns about trade protectionism measures and risks related to emerging market economies. Such exchange rate movements were in line with those of most regional currencies. Looking ahead, the baht would likely remain volatile and thus the Committee would continue to closely monitor exchange rate developments as well as impacts on the economy.
Financial stability remained sound but there was still a need to monitor risks that might pose vulnerabilities to financial stability in the future, especially the search-for-yield behaviour in the prolonged low interest rate environment that might lead to underpricing of risks. In addition, the Committee would also closely monitor competition in the housing loan market, the oversupply of condominiums in certain areas, further accumulation of household debt given that deleveraging had yet to improve, and debt serviceability of SMEs especially those affected by changes in structural factors and business models.
Looking ahead, the Thai economy as a whole was projected to continue to gain further traction driven by both external and domestic factors. However, there remained the need to monitor the strength of the domestic demand, inflation developments, financial stability risks in the period ahead, as well as impacts of trade protectionism measures and risks of lower-than expected growth in the tourism sector. Hence, the Committee viewed that monetary policy should remain accommodative.


William Tucker, well known for his works of contemporary sculptures using large scale stones and metals, has always been inspired by mythology and art history. His works have been compared to Auguste Rodin for their abstract yet definitive qualities. The exhibition, "Tucker: Mass and Figure", is now on display at Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao in Spain. It features 48 sculptures spanning the last three decades of his career, and 57 drawings to illustrate Tucker's process of artistic creations over that period. The exhibition will be open until September 14th, 2015.


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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


I have had this going back 6 or 7 years. I notice a slight dizziness or lack of balance when I walk into a store, like a grocery store. I will really notice it when I start walking down aisles in a store or walking in a mall. There is almost a fogginess, for lack of a better term, along with it. It usually passes or at least decreases when I am outside but it has been increasing in frequency over the years. I have tried researching this but have found nothing on it.
Anyone ever heard of this bizarre symptom?
I am sometimes (not too often) dizzy for many minutes at a time, going back since I broke my back and neck 4 years ago. Going up and down grocery aisles definitely aggravates the problem. Everything looks like it is washing downward before me and I can hardly see. Walking down the sidewalk can have the same effect. So can driving,unfortunately. I recently got into a small accident because of this, because I was I was in a rush to go home (I lived just across the street) and didn't stop to rest long enough. Resting (lying down, eyes shut) definitely helps. Dizziness is a pain in the neck and can be dangerous. My doctor just gave me some exercises to do and I'd better do them!
I don't recall having those symptoms in a grocery store, but I do have them when I spend too much time in a mall, or sometimes when I am walking across a parking lot or across a street. Anxiety meds helped me a lot with the latter two. I have a detox book that talks about toxins such as formaldehyde in clothing, outgassing, and other stresses. The book said that some people are like "canaries", referring back to when people used to use canaries, for their sensitivity to toxic gases, to determine whether or not it was safe to work in the mines.
Thank goodness that other people experience these things. Makes me feel less like a weirdo.
Wow -- I can't believe all of you have the same problem. My mom and I both used to get dizziness in the supermarket starting back in the late 70s, and we had no idea why. Over time I figured it had to be something about the lighting, especially since it gets worse when I'm standing in line near the cash register, and there's often extra lighting there. I still occasionally get a loss of balance in a couple of stores, but it's only happened 3 or 4 times in the past 20 years. I have had no head injuries, am in great health, and can go for months or even years without having this problem and then all of the sudden it occurs... but in just 2 stores (my local Trader Joe's and Whole Foods) and not in others. I thought maybe the uneven floor in the TJ's had something to do with it, but 99% of the time I am perfectly fine in there.
A couple of times lately I've gotten dizzy when I've been outdoors for concerts. It usually happens when I first get there. I keep thinking it has to do with adjusting to the sunlight, but it happens more often on cloudy days, so I give up.
Grocery stores sometimes aggravate dizziness for me - they don't cause it in the first place. I know that fatigue and stress can trigger my dizziness - it was obvious, for example, when I had to cancel a job interview because I was dizzy (and then ran into a pole when I tried to drive, hoping it wasn't THAT bad). (My mind is now made up that I will NOT drive, period, if there is any question.) I rescheduled the interview, and had no problem the next time (well, not with the dizziness; the interview was another thing).
I've had an MRI for dizziness, which found nothing and cost an arm and a leg. I also saw an audiologist and a head and neck surgeon (no surgery). They did rule out vertigo, because things don't spin around when I'm dizzy; instead they come down in a continuous wash. I've run out of ideas of things to check. I'm thinking maybe I'll try my ophthalmologist, since the dizziness affects my vision. The only other thing I can think of now (and a good idea anyway) is to work on my stress level.
I've been dizzy a handful of times but almost always I overheat. It doesn't matter if it's freezing outside, I start to sweat in department stores and malls. Not grocery stores though, I'm fine there and drugstores too. It's where the clothing is mostly. I'm having a reaction to something but I don't know what.
Commercial fluorescent lights flicker at a high rate. Most people don't notice it but some are bothered by it. It can trigger seizures in some, just like strobe lights do. It may also be that only certain ones in a store are flickering at just the right speed to make you dizzy.
To most of the people responding here and certainly the poster and NKBETH please look into dysautonomia. I have POTS a subtype I suppose of Dysautonomia and I plus many others I have communicated with in support groups suffer from these symptoms. Lights in stores can actually trigger tachycardia for me and some times threaten my ability to stay conscious. I suggest googling dysautonomia, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia, and check out facebook for many groups sharing info about it like the Dysautonomia Connection. MVP diagnosis these days often means dysauto instead.
I notice it sometimes when I go in warehouse type places with high ceilings (Home Depot, Wal-Mart, etc). I wouldn't really say I get "dizzy", but I do feel kinda zoned out, maybe what they call "derealization".
I also feel the same way in some stores, especially wal-mart, I keep sunglasses on it helps alittle. I also get shocked if My hands are on the metal of the shopping cart.


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Warhammer 40,000: Darktide –  komputerowa gra akcji wyprodukowana przez Fatshark i wydana 30 listopada 2022 roku na system Microsoft Windows. Gra została osadzona w uniwersum Warhammera 40,000, a jej akcja rozgrywa się na fikcyjnej planecie Atoma Prime, w kopcu Tartium.

Gra spotkała się z pozytywnym odbiorem recenzentów, uzyskując średnią wynoszącą 74/100 punktów według serwisu Metacritic.

Rozgrywka
Darktide to kooperacyjna gra akcji rozgrywana z perspektywy pierwszej osoby. Po uruchomieniu gry, postać trafia na stację kosmiczną Mourningstar, na której można m.in. wybrać misję i kupić nowy ekwipunek. Po wybraniu zadania grupa graczy przenosi się na obszar misji, gdzie musi dostać się do określonej lokalizacji, wykonać tam wyznaczone zadanie i ewakuować się na stację. Gracze tworzą czteroosobową drużynę ocalałych, która musi przebić się przez obszary i pokonać fale wrogów. Członkowie drużyny są kontrolowani przez graczy lub boty w zależności od dostępności uczestników. Każda z dostępnych klas postaci posiada samoregenerującą się tarczę. Gracz może walczyć zarówno bronią białą jak i na dystans.

Produkcja
Prace nad grą zostały ogłoszone w lipcu 2020 roku podczas prezentacji Xbox Series X/S, a twórcy udostępnili zwiastun i zapowiedzieli datę wydania na 2021 rok. Zwiastun rozgrywki został pokazany w grudniu 2020 roku, w którym zaprezentowano mechanikę walki. Twórcy skomentowali, że Darktide ma być mniej skoncentrowany na walce w zwarciu niż Vermintide 2, zbliżając się do podziału 50/50 między walką bronią białą i dystansową.

W lipcu 2021 roku twórcy ogłosili, że w związku z utrudnieniami wynikającymi z pandemii COVID-19 data wydania została przesunięta z 2021 roku na wiosnę 2022 roku. Data premiery została ponownie przesunięta na 13 września 2022 roku. Później ogłoszono kolejne opóźnienie przesuwające wydanie na 30 listopada 2022 roku.

W okresie od 14 do 16 października 2022 roku umożliwiono niektórym graczom przetestowanie zamkniętej wersji beta. Wersja na Xbox Series X/S zostanie ujawniona w późniejszym terminie. Sklep Merchoid wydał świeczkę z Darktide o zapachu miasta Tertium.

Przypisy

2022 w grach komputerowych
Gry z serii Warhammer 40.000
Gry na platformę Xbox Series X/S
Gry na platformę Windows
Gry komputerowe wyprodukowane w Szwecji
Komputerowe gry akcji
Strzelanki pierwszoosobowe


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Feature Lifestyle
Feature Politics
Chanda Mbao Helps Take Zambian Tourism to the World
staff - March 1, 2021 1
Award-winning Zambian Hip-Hop artist Chanda Mbao is back with something new for Zambian music fans. This time he's put together something quite unique in the form of a music video production for his latest single 'Every Time.' Released as...
KB and Chef 187 unveil "This love is new"
staff - February 26, 2021 5
Music producer and Nexus C.E.O., KB premiered the highly anticipated music video for "This Love Is New" which features multi awarding winning hip-hop Chef187. "This Love Is New" is taken off KB's current album "The Last Dance". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3i_FC_p1bI&feature=emb_imp_woyt
Kay Figo releases 'Tenapo' music video
Kay Figo released the video for her single 'Tenapo'. Song produced by Kekero , Video shot and directed by - Tommy Banda https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eglhoRgwmVk
Movie Review : The little Things
Kern County Deputy Sheriff Joe Deacon is sent to Los Angeles for what should have been a quick evidence-gathering assignment. Instead, he becomes embroiled in the search for a serial killer who is terrorizing the city. PROS The 3 Academy...
Macky 2 discusses mental health
staff - February 9, 2021 7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tnN2Xl-Ke8 "Mental illness is just like diabetes, or any other physical condition.. A lot of people don't look at it that way. Instead they still see mental health struggles as a personal issue and a lack of personal fortitude. Because...
Zambian man dodges second deportation bid from Australia
Chief Editor - February 7, 2021 43
A Zambian man will be allowed to stay in Australia after a second bid to have him deported was denied by the High Court. Likumbo Makasa entered Australia on a student visa in 2001 before being granted permanent residence in...
Movie review : The White tiger
An ambitious Indian driver uses his wit and cunning to escape from poverty and rise to the top. An epic journey based on the New York Times bestseller. PROS Very compelling original storyline. Great performances by the main characters. FAVORITE QUOTES Balram:...
Twenty youths from Chimwemwe in Kitwe selected to participate in Business Mobile Filmmaking Training Programme
staff - January 29, 2021 3
Sotambe mobilizes Copperbelt filmmakers to facilitate chimwemwe project Twenty youths from Chimwemwe area in Kitwe have been selected to participate in the Business Mobile Filmmaking Training Programme that has been designed and implemented by the SOTAMBE Film Institute and fully...
Movie review : Outside the wire
In the near future, a drone pilot sent into a war zone finds himself paired with a top-secret android officer on a mission to stop a nuclear attack. PROS Compelling performance by Anthony Mackie (Leo). Easy to follow storyline with...
Jay Rox releases his highly anticipated video for 'King'
Jay Rox releases his highly anticipated video for 'King' featuring Ern Chawama which has got a lot of people talking after he posted the teaser with the goat head. This song is a message to all those that still...


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Tokyo 2020: Triple jumper Nadia Eke out of Olympics after unsuccessful attempts
by Vincent Ashitey
Nadia Eke
Ghanaian triple jumper Nadia Eke has missed out on a place in the next round of the Women's Triple Jump event at the ongoing 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
The 28-year-old had a debut to forget at the Games following three unsuccessful attempts in the triple jump event.
Not too good news from the camp of Ghana. Both athletes Nadia Eke (Triple Jumper) and Unilez Takyi (swimmer) who competed today could not make it to the next stage. Nadia failed in all three jumps while Unilez placed 8th in heat 5 of the Women's 50m freestyle with time of 27.85s pic.twitter.com/vcU0PaZmYa
— GHANA OLYMPIC COMMITTEE🇬🇭 (@GhanaOlympic) July 30, 2021
Nadia Eke was Ghana's flagbearer at the opening ceremony and was confident of adding an Olympic medal to her long list of accolades.She won silver at the 2014 African Championships and bronze at the 2015 African Games in Brazzaville, Congo.
NBA roundup: Devin Booker scores 48 as Suns top Spurs
AFCON 2021: Burkina Faso progress to last 16, Cameroon top group
She also won gold at the 2016 African Championships in Durban, South Africa and is currently the continent's triple jump champion.
Nadia becomes the 5th Ghanaian athlete to exit the games at the preliminary stage following earlier exits for boxer Shakul Samed, and swimmers Abeiku Jackson and Unilez Takyi, and judoka Kwadjo Anani.
Tags: Nadia EkeTokyo 2020Tokyo 2020 Olympics
Full statement: 2021 mid-year budget review by Ken Ofori-Atta
Tokyo 2020: Ethiopian Selemon Barega upsets Joshua Cheptegei to win 10,000m gold
CAF Women's Champions League: Hasaacas Ladies pushes for final against USFA


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Q: I can't download my iCloud calender anymore I had a bat file which downloaded my iCloud calendar every hour. the link used was found via the iCloud site (the calendar is public shared). It has an webcal:// url but according to Apple's support you have to change this to http.
Using explorer of chrome, this file does not download.
In Chrome: {"reason":"Invalid or missing Origin header","error":1}
In Explorer: file seems to start, but then it says: "can't download ..."
My bat file:
@echo off
powershell -Command "(New-Object Net.WebClient).DownloadFile('http://p20-calendarws.icloud.com/ca/subscribe/1/...', 'D:\Backup\cal.ics')"
pause

The code above gives me:
Exception calling "downloadfile" with "2" arguments: the remote server returned an error: 421 misdirected request.
This used to work fine, not anymore it seems.
Any thoughts? Anyone else doing something similar?
Tried replacing http with https, but no luck. Searching if iCloud made some changes didn't turn up any results.

A: Did you recently enable Apple's Two-Factor Authentication?  I was getting the same error as you when trying to access a public Apple Calendar from someone's account -- it worked fine and then started giving the "invalid or missing origin header" information.  I had that person turn off Two-Factor Authentication and then I regenerated the Public Calendar link (using iCloud.com) and now it works fine.  Given that one of Apple's latest updates really started pushing the Two-Factor Authentication, it may have been turned on without fully realizing it (my mom managed to turn it on and didn't even know what it was when I asked her about it).
John

A: I found a solution to this issue that worked for me.
I had some calendars that had the error

{"reason":"Invalid or missing Origin header","error":1}

and some that didn't. Then I noticed that the ones that I could download without any trouble started with 'webcal://p05-' while those that had the error started with 'webcal://p45-'. So I simply unticked Public Calendar and clicked OK before selecting the calendar again and ticking Public Calendar. If that generates a URL starting with 'webcal://p45-', copy it to the browser and try downloading it, if not, try again until you get the right URL.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Project Manager, Art Information Commons
Philadelphia Museum of Art — Philadelphia
Philadelphia Museum of Art is seeking a Project Manager for a 3 year grant-funded project called the Art Information Commons.How You Will Contribute An innovative and passionate Project Manager who will work closely with the Arcadia Director of th...
Linked Data Museums--Collection management Project management
Digital Asset Librarian
Digital Asset Librarian The Philadelphia Museum of Art is currently seeking a Digital Asset Librarian to activate and expand access to our world-class art collections and the digital media that is produced from them. Working under the general d...
Digital Asset Manager Asset management
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is currently seeking a Digital Asset Librarian. Working under the general direction of the Arcadia Director of the Library and Archives, the Digital Asset Librarian will develop, implement, and sustain an institution...
Digital asset management Art history


You are visiting the placeholder page for Cheryl Carpenter. This page is here because someone used our placeholder utility to look for Cheryl Carpenter. We created this page automatically in hopes Cheryl Carpenter would find it. If you are not Cheryl Carpenter, but are an alumni of Albany High School Albany, IL, register on this site for free now.


The city of Tacloban in the Philippines has a couple of distinctions.
First, it was where the American General MacArthur landed when he returned to the Philippines with the liberation force during World War II. And so began the events that culminated in the Japanese defeat in the region.
Second, it was the city that was levelled by Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, which was among the first of the high strength typhoons predicted by global warming climate models, and which are now no longer an uncommon phenomenon. The widespread and highly visible destruction of the likeable Philippine nation became one of the pivots shifting the world towards a greater conviction on climate change action.
So it was rather fitting that when I visited Tacloban, it was also a kind of pivot for me, towards a new life. Tacloban is where the tides turn.
When I was there, it was just two years after the typhoon, and the pictures of utter desolation. Tacloban had been cut off from help, because all emergency measures and infrastructure had likewise been destroyed. The strength of the typhoon was unprecedented.
But when I arrived, the city was bustling again. There was almost no trace of the destruction in Tacloban City.
You have to look closely at where facade repairs may have stopped short, a shop or a house here and there left ruined. You could visit the Eva Jocelyn shrine, a house-turned-memorial. Its inhabitants had all been killed when a ship struck the house during the typhoon. How's that for a bizarre way to go?
I stayed in a hostel in Tacloban, the Yellow Doors. It was my first time in a very long time.
It was constructed after the typhoon through a collaborative effort, using mainly salvaged things from the aftermath of the storm. And so nearly everything from the sinks to the light fittings, book 'shelves' to coffee table, doors and and windows – all had a kind of flotsam hipster chic to it which I absolutely adored.
Indeed, what is the point of taking more fresh material from Mother Nature, when what we have already taken can be re-purposed?
I grew into adulthood in the time just before the recent social technological advances made budget travelling commonplace and assuring.
Before the age of social media, TripAdvisor, online bookings, and mobile apps, it was quite a bit harder to work out if a random hostel halfway around the world was safe – or still existing. The reason why travel agents, hotel chains, tour agencies, and such 'establishment' or 'corporate' travel norms were norms before, is because these structures manage much of the traveller's risk. You see, at that time it was too hard for the traveller to do it herself. So in my reality up until recently, the most intrepid accommodation a traveller like me would go for, is usually a B&B or guesthouse. And for most Asians – even today – you would travel with others.
So even though I had stayed at youth hostels before, I had never done it solo. Until Tacloban.
In the thick of my Blue Period, I had begun travelling again, more independently. I was resigned to life seemingly barring me from the conventional life plan. Perhaps I needed to learn how to be truly immune to becoming attached.
Nonetheless, there were always safety nets of the familiar that I kept. I would typically travel alone – but to be received by a friend on the other end. Or I would travel with a friend, but then range alone when we arrived.
And when I did travel entirely alone, I generally kept it within my own country.
One day, I was in the neighbourhood of Leyte. I needed to fly out from Tacloban anyway. So I decided it was time to let the familiar go. I decided to spend some extra time alone to look around Tacloban.
It was the middle of typhoon season, and the skies were still foreboding. So the hostel was quiet. Travellers were mostly only passing through. There was a European couple who kept to themselves, and an elderly couple doing Southeast Asia the way millennials do. They have waited for much longer than I, for the advances that make it possible to travel this way.
I suppose it was good that way. At least I was only one little step out of my comfort zone, rather than several big ones straight away.
It helped that the Yellow Doors was reassuringly decent and clean.
As an introvert as well as somewhat socially challenged (yes, the two are separate things), it is not so much that introverts dislike social situations per se, although a lot of even enjoyable kinds are draining.
It is that when unpleasant social situations occur, the effort of managing that, the assertiveness required – it's just effort piled on effort. It's simply easier to, er, eliminate the risk.
So anything that reduces being forced to expend that mental-social effort, is unspeakably reassuring – like hostel rules. Just letting things happen is much easier if you kind of have the feeling that the worst case things are not catastrophic. Then, it is much easier for my neurotic brain to be persuaded to stop thinking.
The landing memorial commemorates the arrival of General MacArthur near the turning point of World War II in the Pacific. There is a pleasant seaside park at this memorial for just chilling around. The pose of the statues is based on a famous photograph of the landing event.
Philippine history is long, extremely convoluted, with many reversals. As part of a team outing during a work meeting, my local colleagues arranged a visit to a kind of diorama museum covering pretty much the entirety of known Philippine history. Trust me, it is long-winded, with many unexpected events and alliances, plot twists, and a surprising amount of violence.
If nations were TV shows, I think the Philippines would certainly be a soap opera.
Today we are accustomed to view with utmost suspicion, the arrival of foreign militaries ostensibly coming to liberate the population from oppression. Especially those from the USA. Indeed it is rare for any nation to go to the expense of a military effort without any expectation of gain for their own land.
However, Filipinos seem to view this particular event as a genuine deliverance. A time when a general made a promise to a nation menaced by Japanese occupation, and the universe allowed him to keep it.
You can easily get to the park from Tacloban by tuktuk or public jeepney. The stop for the public jeepney is at an intersection a short distance from the park. You can take a tuktuk just to the intersection rather than all the way to the city. The jeepneys seem to wait until they have enough passengers to be 'full' before heading back to Tacloban city.
San Juanico bridge is the longest bridge in the Philippines which connect two islands. It links the island of Leyte – where Tacloban is – and the adjacent island of Samar.
The unique feature of this bridge is its meandering curve construction, which renders it quite beautiful. It is very close to Tacloban City. You can take a taxi or tuktuk to the bridge and then have a walk or run across it. By car, it can be quite tricky to stop and take photos, depending on how much traffic there is that day.
On the opposite of Tacloban, across the sea channel, is the Marabut coastline on the island of Samar. Scattered in this body of water are rocky islets that seem to bloom out over the water. Tidal movements wear away the rocks across the tidal range in a gradient, which create the dramatic overhangs.
My favourite one was an islet that had (for some reason) a bit of stray vegetation jutting out that looked like a man about to jump to the next islet!
The boat tour I arranged from the hostel linked me to the recreation desk of one of the many resorts lining the coastline. I had the boat to myself (although a couple of resort dogs tried to mooch their way onboard).
The boat stopped at a little sandy strip on one of the bigger islets. If you wanted, you could have a picnic or a swim. What I did instead was wander off to the end of the strip to where the rocky parts began. This is where the interesting parts of the shore tend to hide, if you are patient and look close.
From top left, clockwise: Colourful sponge and calcareous algae; sea urchin crouched into a hole awaiting the tide; funnelweed in a rock pool; brittlestars.
It is very likely that many readers would think, what is the big deal with a solo hostel stay? Those would be the readers for whom backpacking travel is the default of the world.
It is something else when your default has been something different – and instead of staying there, you're jumping ship to a new default.
The first landings are always significant. For the changes you work on inside only manifest once you take the first action for a different reality. It is by action that you learn how to live your new self, just as a baby must actually try to make sounds and rise, to become a toddler.
One year later, I took another major step of travelling abroad entirely solo again – but not for a weekend.
And you might say that I have toddled back.
*a quote from Prophet Muhammad, as narrated by Abdullah ibn Umar. Reported by Bukhari.
Dune Bashing and Quad Biking in Wahiba Sands!
I was googling for a place in Den Haag(I live there) and somehow found your story of the man who asked you for food in Den Haag, after reading it I took a look at your other stories and this one got my attention, because I have been to Tacloban 3 times already. But somehow I never went close to San Juanico Bridge, I will make sure to do so next time I am there. I was also in Tacloban two years after the typhoon, and I also did not notice much trace of destruction, really amazing how they rebuilt the place that fast. There is a place called Calvary Hill In Tacloban, not sure if you went there but that's the best spot to get a great view of Tacloban City.
Hi Zai! Thanks for dropping by. I really liked Den Haag!
I think the San Juanico is a pretty cool bridge. I don't know why they built it meandering though. I never got to Calvary Hill, thanks for the tip!
What a great experience for a first travel moment. Tacloban is definitively a place that is rich with history. When I visited the Philippines for the first time last year, I was intrigued by the "convoluted" history. It sounds like Tacloban is the perfect place to explore more about the country. And for you, a great moment of personal reflection. Keep traveling and sharing your stories!!
I may need to tell my dad we need to visit here the next time I visit the Philippines! I love the Philippines and am lucky to visit yearly, this looks like another place I need to visit!
The south bit of Leyte reportedly has good diving. I didn't go because it didn't look straightforward to travel from the top to the bottom – I didn't have time to do that.
I feel like I know a lot of introverts who find socially fun situations very draining. I'm the opposite. I feel very energized and excited after coming back from those situations. I really commend you for getting out there, seeing the world, and enjoying things in your own way. The Philippines are stunning and it's good to see them bustling after so much destruction in 2013.
Yes I met someone this year who is exactly like that. But nope, it's a cost for us introverts. No matter how great a time it was, we do run out of juice (and get a bit cranky). Like a cat!
I'm impressed, only in 2 years the city is alive again. Did the bridge build before or after the typhoon? If it's built before the typhoon, did it get damage or not at all?
It was built before – but I guess either it survived the typhoon or the damage was quickly repaired.
Tacloban looks absolutely gorgeous from your photos. I know it's not something that you do a lot, but I really adore travelling solo. It means that I get to see and do what I want, when I want. I'm more likely to wander around exploring and getting lost. I think it's a great way to see the world.
Beautiful pictures and wonderfully told! Definitely on my travel list!


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New Nokia device coming tomorrow
By Sam Loveridge July 22, 2013 6:06 pm BST
Nokia has teased yet another new Windows Phone device to launch at a special breakfast event in London tomorrow.
An undisclosed Nokia device will be launching tomorrow according to the Nokia Conversations blog, but fails to offer any further details.
Although Nokia has failed to give any hints as to what the product is, the Finnish smartphone manufacturer has included a picture of the Nokia logo on a red background – potentially the back of a smartphone.
"We can't tell you what it is yet. But we can tell you when. Tune in tomorrow at 9am UK time. See you then!" reads the Nokia Conversations blog.
The blog post is titled "Something BIG landing here tomorrow", could be the launch of the rumoured 4.7-inch display Nokia phablet device.
Running Windows Phone 8, the large screen device would have the biggest display in the Nokia Lumia range, even bigger than the recently unveiled Nokia Lumia 1020.
With a 4.7-inch screen it still wouldn't be as large as any of the so-called phablet devices currently on the market, like the Sony Xperia Z Ultra or Samsung Galaxy Mega. In fact, it would be beaten in terms of screen estate by the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4.
From the looks of the picture, the launch could well be for a new version of the entry-level Nokia Lumia 620.
Tipped to be called the Nokia Lumia 625, following in the footsteps of the Nokia Lumia 925 naming scheme, it will supposedly pack a 1.2Ghz processor with 512MB of RAM and a 2,000mAh battery.
That will build on the 1GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 CPU with 512MB of RAM featured in the 3.8-inch Nokia Lumia 620.
Whatever the product Nokia unveils tomorrow, TrustedReviews will be on hand to bring you all the latest news straight from the breakfast event.
Next, read our Nokia Lumia 1020 vs PureView 808 comparison.
By Sam Loveridge


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Herbs Notes from the US – August
Salem Massachusetts
Demolition began at Salem Harbor Station this past month, with crews first setting upon one of the power plant's 11 steel tanks. Workers on site said they were thrilled the plant is finally hitting the demolition milestone.
"It's been a long time coming," said Lou Arak, project director.
B5 is a large oil tank between the plant's former coal pile and Derby Street. The process to demolish it involves cutting off pieces with a claw tool on a long-reach excavator. The tool is used both to slice sections of the steel and then grab them out of place. "It can actually shear like scissors would," Arak said. "When you pull it, it'll pull across the weld lines."
Before workers could get that far, they had to tear open an entrance in the retaining wall that surrounds the tank, so the excavator could get in. This was also done with the excavator. The wall will remain in place while the tank is coming down, as it blocks noise. The pieces of tank will be stored on site temporarily and then transferred to a barge at the plant's former coal dock, from which they'll travel to a steel recycling facility.
The beginning of the demolition comes after a cleanup phase that saw a small group of workers disconnect electricity, drain oil from machines and perform other tasks in the weeks immediately following the plant's shutdown at the end of May. Demolition will focus first on the site's southerly portions, an area populated by tanks and the massive coal conveyor. Before they can be dismantled, the tanks have to be thoroughly cleaned out. Two of them still need to be cleaned; one was left with oil during the plant's last weeks, so the plant could generate electricity again should the regional grid operator request it.
"These are the last two vestiges of being able to produce power," Arak said.
Scott Silverstein, Footprint's president, said demolition on the southerly section of the 64-acre site should be complete by Thanksgiving, and there's a "time crunch" on the work, since the incoming gas-fired power plant will be erected in that area. "The tanks, the conveyor belt, the stacks, the whole area where the new plant will be built will be cleared, and then we'll move into the building itself," Silverstein said.
There's no end date for the northerly portion of the property, which includes the main building, but Silverstein said it should be completed sometime next year. And no, Footprint won't be bringing the smokestacks down all at once. Footprint won't implode any of the stacks. Two of them are too close to National Grid infrastructure to be demolished in such a way. The third stack, a newer, 430-foot one, could possibly have been taken down in that fashion, but Silverstein said that, "due to its proximity to the neighborhood, it was something that was never on the drawing board for us."
To tackle a stack, demolition crews will remove everything inside, including potentially valuable metals, and then begin chipping away at the top, letting the chunks fall down the center to the bottom, to be cleaned out later.
"Every day, it will just be imperceptibly lower," Silverstein said. "It's a little bit like you take down a tree: You take off the top branches at first, and then, you work down to the stump."
Arak said one challenging part of the demolition will be the coal conveyor, which will come down in sections, beginning at the top. The corrugated lining of the structure contains a material called transite, which contains asbestos. Once the sections are removed, they'll be brought inside the building for abatement processes. "Things like the coal conveyor are really novel," he said.
When they focus on the building itself, demolition workers will strip it of metals and keep an eye out for salvageable machines. Silverstein said that even the seemingly outdated computer equipment in the control room could find new life at another plant. "It's very hard to get spare parts," he said.
As for the plan to take materials off site, Silverstein said, "Everything that we can get onto a barge, we're going to get on a barge." They'll have to be careful, since the dock where barges will berth is being renovated to host midsized cruise ships, the first of which arrives in October. "It's a little bit of a delicate dance," he said, "but the only good thing that's come from the delays that we've faced is that it gives our folks a lot of time to carefully choreograph things and make sure we know who's got what part of the dance floor on which day."
If something can't be moved by barge, Silverstein said Footprint will rely on small trucks. "Our rule of thumb has been we want to limit trucks to … basically the size of UPS or FedEx trucks," he said.
Silverstein echoed the sentiments of site workers who were happy to see demolition begin. "We're excited to get started," he said. "I think it's good for us, and more importantly, it's good for Salem."
The demolition contractor for the project is JDC Demolition, Brockton, Mass. The firm is headed by Chris Berardi, former President of North American Site Developers (NASDI). NASDI was purchased this year Dore & Associates, Michigan.
Striking Gold!
Here's the kind of story you like to read about, and hope it happens to you some day. We can only wish.
A retired couple has struck gold after buying a farmhouse in Portugal which lay vacant for years. The couple took a gamble and purchased the rundown property at a knockdown price. The property came with a barn… welded shut, and once opened, the man's retirement fund was complete.
Inside the barn were scores of vintage cars including Aston Martins, Mercedes and various Lotus models. All dusty but roadworthy, and worth a fortune.
Philadelphia Requires New Signage on Demolition Sites
PHILADELPHIA, PA – As a measure taken in the aftermath of a building demolition that killed six people last year, the city of Philadelphia is now requiring construction and demolition sites to post large signs that provide ample details to the public about the work being done at the site. According to a report from CBS Philadelphia, the city received calls from pedestrians concerned about the safety demolition work being done at a four-story building on Market Street last year.
The building collapsed during demolition on June 5, 2013, killing six people and injuring a dozen more. Unfortunately, the city says the citizens who called "lacked pertinent information about the project" that would have led to the city stepping in and stopping the work.
The new signs are meant to provide passers-by with all the information they might need when calling to report concerns over work. The signs must measure 4 feet tall by 6 feet wide for all construction and demolition jobs on buildings with more than three stories. On those with three or fewer, smaller signs are required. The larger sign includes the anticipated completion date, the names of the developer and general contractor, an artist's rendering of what the completed building will look like must include the names of the owner and construction manager, artist's renderings of the final design, completion date, and the suggestion to call the city if problems are observed. The signs also include a QR code that passers-by can scan with their smartphones that will take them to the city's Licenses and Inspections department where they can find contact information and more information about the project.
Top 5 Safety Precautions for Demo Projects
Proper equipment, trained personnel and other measures are essential to safe demolitions.
Safety has and always will be the most important part of constructions, renovations and demolitions. Always having the best and most up-to-date equipment, as well as taking the necessary precautions, has saved countless lives throughout the years. These precautions are simple and easy things that you should always be sure to do. These precautions take just a few minutes to oversee, but could make the difference when it comes to a safe demolition. Here are the top five safety precautions for demolitions:
1. Equipment — Employees should always be knowledgeable of all aspects of work, regardless of their specialty or area of work. It's important that each and every employee understands what equipment should be worn and present throughout the demolition. Make sure that each employee also knows and understands how to use each piece of equipment properly. This quick and simple sweep to make sure each employee has all the proper equipment required can help save lives and prevent any or all future injuries as you go throughout the demolition. In addition, make sure that each employee has a hard hat, as well as a mask, gloves, and work boots.
2. Final sweep — Always do a final sweep before demolition begins. It's absolutely recommended to go into each and every room, including closets, bathrooms and hallways, to assure that everyone and everything is out of the building. It's necessary to assure that each worker is out of the building and at a safe distance before demolition begins. Likewise, make sure that the building is monitored by employees to make sure that unauthorized people do not get close to the demolition site. If others are present, make sure all equipment is equipped and readily available to any newcomers. Assign someone to assure the final sweep has been made. Make sure that everyone knows who to report to. Once the final sweep is done, notify the person in charge. The demolition can then take place safely.
3. Experienced and trained employees — It's absolutely necessary that only trained and experienced employees handle the more dangerous and explosive materials. These employees should be qualified, professional, mature and experienced enough to handle the responsibility and carefulness required by those handling explosives. These employees, if trained correctly, can help prevent accidents on the work site.
4. Brace ceilings and walkways — If for any reason anyone needs to enter the building, it's necessary for every ceiling and walkway to be braced. This will easily provide extra support in case an accident occurs, helping prevent a huge amount of accidents, injuries and even deaths.
5. Cleaning up debris — Make sure that all employees are wearing and equipped with the proper equipment to clean up any and all debris once the demolition has taken place. This equipment includes gloves, a mask and work boots. Most importantly, however, make sure that only authorized employees are present during the clean-up and demolition. This stage can be very dangerous, but taking these necessary steps can prevent an array of injuries and accidents.
Safety is always the most important thing while doing anything, especially throughout construction or demolitions. By doing these five simple things, you could easily save lives, reduce injuries and make the most of any demolition.
Costa Concordia Makes Final Voyage
Work is about to start cutting up the Costa Concordia piece by piece. It's future now, scrap metal for cars, refrigerators and washing machines.
The wrecked liner dominated the port of Genoa where ironically it was built nine years ago. It had taken four days to tow the ship from the island of Giglio after a two-year salvage operation. Another mammoth task lies ahead. Huge amounts of steel from the 115, 000 ton vessel will be transformed into girders for the construction industry. It's expected the scrap metal from its 14 decks will fetch around $360 a ton in an operation costing an estimated $134 million and led by a consortium of two Italian firms. Around 80% of the liner will be recycled and reused. Copper from the ships hundreds of miles of electrical wiring will be salvaged. Machinery from its elevators and equipment from its kitchens will also be cannibalized and reused. Before that happens all the fittings, furnishings and non-metal items have to be stripped from the ship.
Work will start on the highest of the 14 decks under what the Italians said were more stringent environmental standards than if the contract had gone to Bangladesh, India, Turkey or China.
The final voyage of the once luxury liner has cost its owners over 1.5 billion euros.
Author: Herb Duane, IDE Retired Member
The content of this article represents the personal views of the author and nothing is to be taken as representing the views, opinions, policy or position of any other persons or organisations mentioned herein or of The Institute of Demolition Engineers.
Posted on August 4, 2014 at 2:49 pm
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The TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard®, issued by Synchrony Bank, can be a worthy sidekick for the deal-savvy shopper who hunts bargains at T.J. Maxx and its affiliated stores.
Typically, general credit cards don't earn bonus rewards on purchases at discount outlets, so for T.J. Maxx loyalists who are already getting a marked-down price, this $0-annual-fee card is extra valuable.
It can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted, but if you don't frequently shop under the TJX brand umbrella, you'll rack up rewards slowly and may find redemption limiting.
There's also a store-only version of this card. It offers some of the same perks, but can be used only at T.J. Maxx and its family of stores. This review focuses solely on the open-loop TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard®.
» MORE: Is the T.J. Maxx credit card right for you?
5 points per $1 spent at stores in the TJX family (T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra Trading Post and Homesense).
1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
If you shop at T.J. Maxx at every opportunity, for all occasions — back to school, birthdays, holidays and such — you can score some serious points.
Of course, you can't buy everything at T.J. Maxx. Your everyday spending on things like groceries, gas and restaurant meals will earn a paltry 1 point per $1, and you'll be locked in to using those rewards in only one place: within the T.J. Maxx family of brands.
If you're looking for more flexible earning and redemption options, a cash-back credit card will work better for you.
The Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer, for example, offers 2% cash back on all purchases: 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay your bill. That can add up much more quickly, and you can redeem your cash back as a qualifying bank account deposit, a statement credit or a check to use however you'd like. The annual fee is $0.
And, of course, you don't necessarily have to settle for just one card. You could use the TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard® on TJX purchases and the Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer everywhere else.
The TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard® shaves 10% off your first purchase online or in store. That can make a decent dent in a big purchase, but a general rewards credit card may offer more valuable introductory incentives.
The Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® Card, for example, features an attractive welcome bonus: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.
The card also earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases (1.8% back for the first 12 months when you pay with a qualifying mobile wallet).
The TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard® snags you invites to exclusive shopping events in store and online.
You can also sign up to receive "arrival alerts" via text message or email so that you're the first to know about new merchandise at your local TJX-family stores.
There's no introductory APR period with this card, so if you need to finance a new wardrobe for work or some furniture for a remodel, you should probably look elsewhere.
The ongoing APR is 29.24% Variable. Carrying a balance will chip away at any rewards you earn, so it's best to pay your balance on time and in full every month.
If you need breathing room on interest for a large purchase, a general rewards card like the Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® Card will again be a better choice. It offers an intro 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 16.24% - 28.24% Variable APR.
If you need more time, consider the Capital One® Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card, which offers an intro: 0% on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months, and then the ongoing APR of 16.24% - 26.24% Variable APR. It, too, has a $0 annual fee.


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← Life at the Post Office
An Interesting Coupla Days →
Lex Describing the Nature of a Navy Command
Lex wrote so many things that I consider to be timeless. I've told people from time to time that many of his blog posts were not so much posts as essays.
And here he describes in a succinct and complete manner, the nature of a Navy command.
He wrote this 15 years ago, but it could have been written yesterday.
Command at sea is the pinnacle of achievement in the career of a line officer. It is the culmination of years of service, professional growth, demonstrated leadership and technical expertise in his or her war fighting specialty. Having climbed through the ranks by selection for promotion by statutory boards, and careful screening by administrative boards, an officer will finally put the US Navy Command Pin on his uniform. It is for many of us the height of our ambition, and a treasured symbol of success.
Recently it seems as though those pins are being attached with explosive bolts . As prestigious as it is to achieve command at sea, to be "relieved for cause" is more than equally disgraceful. The March issue of the Navy Times reports that 22 commanding officers had been relieved for cause in the preceding 13 months. Another three have been relieved this calendar year, bringing the total for 2004 up to nine. These numbers are unprecedented, and disturbing.
He covered his idea of an ideal CO here.
And his idea of great leadership wasn't limited to officers.
The finest leader I've ever met was a Master Chief Petty Officer who was my departmental leading chief aboard the aircraft carrier. Perhaps a hundred and thirty pounds, 5'6″ of twisted steel and immense dignity. A man who no longer had to stand a watch, but insisted upon doing so. A man who could not see a flaw, whether it was in his gear, or those who maintained it, without correcting it instantly. For whom the "path of least resistance" held no allure. For whom the care and advancement of his people only took a back seat to the accomplishment of the mission. Unlimited professionalism, enthusiasm and dedication. He was the kind of leader I wish I could be.
He was a member of the CPO's mess.
And, as Lex noted, all leaders aren't the same. They don't all come out of a "cookie cutter" with identical results.
During the fall of last year I had the opportunity (that's what we call going to sea: an opportunity) to plan and execute three major exercises for three different carrier strike groups. We essentially put all three groups through the same wringer, with only minor modifications from exercise to exercise.
And in retrospect, the fascinating thing was how three nearly identically configured carrier strike groups, facing three nearly identical scenarios, came up with markedly different processes which often led to completely different results.
Which is kind of funny, but not in the "ha-ha" kind of a way: the Navy had invested the same amount in materiel, manpower and training on each group. And yet the same input signal often yielded different outcomes. And while all strike groups were successful, some of them, or their component warfare commanders were much better than others: More lethal, more survivable, and more nimble.
Which begs the question: Why?
I learned more about leadership in the Army by watching and observing.
Most of the officers and NCOs above me were competent. One or 2 were buttheads (Lex's term, too!), and one that I can remember was exceptional. When I started reading Lex's posts, he reminded me of an Army Captain that I knew. He started out in the Marines, then switched to Army Special Forces for Vietnam as a SGT. Then went to OCS and flew helicopters in Vietnam.
In our Air Defense bunker in Germany there were teams of 6 or 8 (I forget after 45 years!) enlisted led by a Captain. And among the enlisted was an NCO, either an E-5 or E-6.
We had 24 hour shifts on the radar dais, communicating with various anti aircraft missile batteries (American and German) around the FRG.
Captain XXXX was approachable and we all shared some laughs together, but we all knew there was an invisible line we dare not cross. We would have done anything for him. One of his stories, told at oh-dark-thirty on the dais was a time when his small team in Special Forces was on a recon mission and this North Vietnamese battalion located them and, of course, was in a hurry to kill them.
They literally ran for their lives for 24 hours and successfully evaded them through the extraction.
I don't know why I have remembered that after 45 years, but we were friends – as long as we didn't cross the barrier.
He invited us to his house to share Christmas with his family as soon as we were off duty.
My idea of a good leader?
"Friendship" isn't even a component. Nice if it is there, but irrelevant. Respect is critical – both up and down the chain of command. Respect up to the CO from the XO on down. And respect from the CO down his chain.
When Lex was talking about the Goat Locker and Chief Petty Officers that he admired greatly – acknowledging that if they don't respect you as a commander, the mission will still be accomplished but you will be "mushroomed".
Kept out of the loop.
I was thinking today of a legendary Army general from WW2 – George Patton. While I think it is safe to say that among his men of the 3rd Army, George Patton was not very popular.
But I also read that among veterans of the 3rd Army, when asked where they served, most veterans would say "I served under Patton".
Not the 3rd Army.
If I may be so bold, may I suggest another component of command leadership not mentioned yet?
The leaders that are respected (and those are the only successful leaders) have an aura. By their conduct towards subordinates everyone from the XO on down knows that you'd better not suggest anything improper, or face some bad consequences. Which means as a CO one does nothing improper. Which gets the aura.
A successful leader inspires the best of his (or her) subordinates, and by his (or her) conduct, they know what they can expect in return. They can count on their CO's support and the CO expects (and gets) support and performance from them.
What prompted me to write this was yet another "removal for cause" article in the Navy Times, about a Captain who was having an affair with a Petty Officer aboard ship.
The commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer Hopper was fired last year after his shipboard romance with a petty officer was revealed, according to an internal investigation obtained by Navy Times.
Cmdr. Jeffrey S. Tamulevich was removed from his post on May 21, 2018.
In the months before his relief, Tamulevich hosted a series of sexual liaisons with a second class petty officer, showing her favoritism that troubled other leaders on board the Hawaii-based ship, the probe determined.
Her name is redacted in the copy of the internal investigation provided to Navy Times in response to a Freedom of Information Act request, but it indicates she spent many nights in the captain's quarters.
Tamulevich would peek into the P-way each morning to make sure the coast was clear before she headed to her 6 a.m. watch shift, according to the report.
Can you imagine the morale on that ship?
There seems to be no common thread linking all these CO's getting the ax – and I think that's what most disturbs naval leadership. The Navy gets pretty small at the top, and I know a number of these folks – almost all of them exceptional individuals, carefully screened for their responsibilities. But now their careers are ruined, and that's just the way it goes. Because while I truly believe we are not a "zero defect" organization, I also know, as do my peers, that you absolutely must get the big things right. You must safeguard your ship and crew – that's Hobson's choice. In other words, no choice at all.
I've been in the Navy man and boy for 26 years, and I've seen a lot of changes. This at least, has not changed.
Well said, Lex.
Update 10/28/19 1414 : In regards to Lex's saying there was very little (or no) commonality among all these firings, I came across a post that quoted former Marine Commandant Joe Dunford as he addressed some Naval Academy Midshipmen:
"With regard to leadership, with the midshipmen over here, you know, it's clearly something that you can't wrap up in 30 seconds. But I guess what I would say to you is as you make the transition – and I think a number of you are making it this year – I think you probably have been told many times, and I'll just remind you – it's no longer about you."
To more of Lex's posts
Filed under by lex, Carroll "Lex" LeFon, Carroll LeFon, Leadership, Lex, Navy, Neptunus Lex
Tagged as failed leadership, leadership, Navy, Neptunus Lex