If you plan on creating images for your social media or blog posts, having a list of your favorite stock photo sites can come in super handy.
A quick heads up that a few of the sites mentioned below may require you to sign up to the image creators email list to receive your free stock photos.
This site features fashion, nature, foodie, and architectural photos. You can use these images for personal & commercial use, so you don't have to worry if you plan on using an image for something you'll be putting up for sale.
High-quality nature, food, and city landscapes are the main categories on Cupcake. You can use these images for basically anything, and I just have to add that I LOVE their logo so much lol. It's so cute!
With hundreds of new photos added weekly, StockSnap is one of my go-to sites for stock photos. They have an awesome search feature where you can view the most popular images, more recent and most commonly downloaded. These photos also fall under the CC0 license so you can use them for just about everything – personal or commercial!
Awesome site for landscape and fashion shots. I do kinda wish they would incorporate a search feature, but they do have categories which can be helpful. On another note, you can receive 14 free stock photos every week if you decide to sign up for their newsletter. Yay!
Lots of scenery and landscape shots, and an awesome search function that you can use to filter and find the perfect photo.
If you're looking for minimalistic shots, this site is perfect for you. I need say no more. Haha.
Business, food, fashion, and nature shots are just a few of the categories PicJumbo has to offer. Really great site if you need some bright and colorful images.
One of my favorites, and probably one of the most popular as well. There are pages upon pages of incredible stock photos for just about every category out there.
Also a popular go-to for many. This site hosts high-quality, unique stock photos, illustrations, and vectors.
Pictography has some beautiful landscape and city shots, that you can use in any way you'd like.
A few popular categories on LifeofPix are architecture, people, city, and animals.
This site hosts location specific images perfect for travel bloggers, and those who need some awesome landscape shots.
Stunning black & white shots and landscape image galore.
Sign up for their newsletter and receive 7 high-quality stock photos, or browse through their latest pics.
Lots of location-specific images here, so another great option for travel bloggers as well.
Mmtstock includes bright, fun and colorful stock images available for both personal and commercial use.
On Epicantus, Daria shares high-quality object, animal, and landscape images.
Great site for architecture, business, nature, people and object images!
Sign up for access to a stock photo library with over 300 free photos! With a variety of color schemes and concepts, you're bound to find the perfect photos for your design needs.
If you need colorful, fun and stunning stock photos, be sure to sign up for 15 free photos from Allison at Wonderlass!
Need some feminine, chic, and minimalistic shots? Get 15 free stock photos from Helene In Between.
Get 10 free business & lifestyle shots perfect for bloggers and online entrepreneurs! Definitely check these out if you're brand colors include white, black and maroon.
Sign up to receive feminine stock photos every month, and also get 10 free photos you can use for social media and blog images when you sign up.
Sign up for 50 stunning stock photos created by Jasmine from Color U Bold. The pack of 50 includes images perfect for bloggers and online business owners. From lifestyle to girl boss and holiday images, it's like stock photo heaven!
Need some food, fitness or weight loss photos for your blog? Focus Fitness has 40 pages of amazing, high-quality stock photos you can use, just be sure to abide by the licensing. Excellent for health and fitness blogs looking for natural, professional photos.
And that's a wrap! I hope you found this post helpful and can refer back to it when you're looking for new images to incorporate into your blog + business images.
Thank you so much for including my photos!
Great sites. Thanks for this post and way to share unstoppable photos!
These are absolutely fabulous sites that I have used in the past definitely recommend! Also I do my own stock photos now and offer 50 new styled stock photos for free! You can check out my blog Rebekah!
Thanks for the list Rebekah! It's very helpful for everyone who deserves free amazing resources.


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Projects news
Trang chủ » Projects news
BECAMEX VSIP BINH DINH INDUSTRIAL PARK: READY PREMISES TO WELCOME INVESTORS
With the determination of the functional branches of the province and Becamex Binh Dinh JSC, the infrastructure of Becamex VSIP Binh Dinh Industrial Park has gradually been completed, of which, 210 hectares are eligible for secondary investors to receive the site for project implementation right in the early this year.
Phase 1 of Becamex VSIP Binh Dinh Industrial Park (IP) project in subdivision 7 of Nhon Hoi Economic Zone (EZ) has an area of 1,425 hectares, of which, 1,000 hectares of planned land are for the industrial park and 425 hectares of planned land are for investment in the construction of residential, commercial, service, and resettlement areas…
Binh Dinh Becamex JSC accelerates the construction of Binh Dinh Becamex VSIP IP infrastructure. Photo: TIEN SY
In order to have clean premises to hand over to investors for building technical infrastructure and implementing projects in accordance with planning, the functional branches of the province and Van Canh district authorities have stepped up the inventory and compensation for site clearance for businesses and people affected by the project. According to Mr. Dang Van Viet, Deputy Head of the Provincial Site Clearance Board, up to now, 98.04% of the planned land area for the IP and 95.79% of the planned land area for construction of housing for workers, commercial, service, and resettlement areas… have been inventoried, of which, 642.1 hectares have been handed over to Provincial EZ Management Board and Binh Dinh Becamex JSC to manage and implement the project.
Currently, Becamex Binh Dinh JSC has been investing in building technical infrastructure, housing for workers, commercial and service zones, and resettlement areas on the allocated areas. Mr. Nguyen Van Lang, General Director of the Company, said: We have fully arranged the workers, vehicles, machines, and equipment on the construction site to accelerate the construction progress with the highest determination. Thus, until now, 210 hectares of land in the IP have completed the basic technical infrastructure, qualified for secondary investors to receive the site for implementing projects immediately, of which, 12 hectares have been handed over to Kurz Group (Federal Republic of Germany). The Hiep Vinh 1A resettlement – residential area and the rows of houses for workers in the IP have also been basically completed, meeting the conditions of land allocation for people and workers to live and work in the IP in the second quarter of 2022. Currently, the Company is gathering resources to strive to complete the technical infrastructure and wastewater treatment plant of Phase 1 with a capacity of 4,000 m3/day at the earliest time.
About 1.8 km from Becamex VSIP Binh Dinh IP to the East, Binh Dinh Water Supply and Sewerage JSC is also urgently building a clean water supply plant with a capacity of 2,900 m3/day to supply the IP. Directly directing construction workers, Mr. Huynh Thien Hoa, Head of Project Management Department of Binh Dinh Water Supply and Sewerage JSC said: The Unit drilled 4 wells for water in An Long 2 and An Long 1 villages, Canh Vinh commune, Van Canh district; built water treatment clusters and reservoirs, the plant operating and management area, the water pipeline system from the plant to the IP… We are determined to complete the water treatment clusters and put them into commissioning, then complete construction of other items, ensuring enough clean water for the IP in the first quarter of 2022.
Along with support for Becamex Binh Dinh JSC to invest and soon complete the technical infrastructure, the functional branches of the province have also actively implemented promotion and attraction of investment in Becamex VSIP Binh Dinh. Mr. Phan Viet Hung, Deputy Head of Standing Committee of Provincial EZ Management Board, said: Currently, besides Kurz Group, there are 3 other enterprises coming to learn, select the premises, and prepare for investment registration for implementing projects at Binh Dinh Becamex VSIP IP. In the coming time, besides supporting Kurz Group in completing the necessary procedures to start the construction of the high-tech emulsion and thin-film production factory in the first quarter of 2022, we will continue to coordinate with Becamex Binh Dinh JSC to boost advertising and promote the attraction of more secondary investors investing in Binh Dinh Becamex VSIP.
PHAM TIEN SY / baobinhdinh.vn

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
La artsmithite è un minerale.

Etimologia
Il nome è in onore del geologo statunitense Arthur E. Smith jr. (1935-2009), collezionista di minerali, detto Art.

Abito cristallino

Origine e giacitura

Forma in cui si presenta in natura

Note

Collegamenti esterni

Fosfati, arsenati e vanadati (minerali)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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North London News
London dad who gave out free school uniforms to struggling families has now collected over 400 Christmas presents for kids in poverty
Verral Paul-Walcott has become Haringey's very own Santa
Ella DoyleReporter
Get FREE email updates for North London
A dad-of-two from North London who gave out school uniforms to struggling local families has now collected over 400 Christmas presents for children in poverty.
Verral Paul-Walcott, 35, developed a thirst for good deeds in lockdown, and has since created his own national outreach program across London.
He said: "It's just continuous support from a massive community of people.
READ MORE: Why are there no glasses designed for Black people?': London sisters fight racism by creating glasses for Black features
"I asked for Christmas presents from an Amazon wishlist, and had over 400 delivered to a school.
"And these presents are like, Monopoly, Nerf guns, Barbie dolls, footballers, action mans, wrestlers - brand new toys."
Verral created his first outreach programme in the lockdown of December 2020
He has been able to tap into schools' Pupil Premiums, which are the accounts that help children at a disadvantage.
"I don't know the exact names, but each school is able to identify how many children won't have much this year," he explained.
"Whether it be that their parents get school dinners for free because they can't afford it, or they've noticed that a kid's coming into school with the same clothes every day, and they're getting smaller."
The dad-of-two said feeling lost during lockdown sparked his outreach work.
"During Covid last year, it was turbulent. No one really knew what they were doing," he explained.
Verral's wife and two children
"I came across this homeless lady in a tent. I asked her if she was hungry, she said yes. I got her some food.
"She was shaking so I asked if she was cold. She said yes. I got her some gloves.
"She burst into tears - she was literally crying about gloves that cost me 50 pence. And then it dawned on me," he said.
"I went on Facebook and ranted about the situation that homeless people are in. And just went full force. And then that video hit 6k views."
Suddenly, Verral had a following of thousands that were listening. He began creating outreach programmes for the homeless and those in poverty.
He said: "I set up tabs in local shops, where people can use the money I put behind the till to be able to eat out.
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"The average person who uses a food bank, they can't eat out on a Friday night. It becomes so monotonous."
After a struggling mum got in touch to say she couldn't afford her children's uniforms, he held a community picnic to raise money for school uniforms for local kids.
Since then he has had help from corporate companies including Morrisons, Coca Cola, and London football clubs Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
He said: "This has always been me. But Covid has given me that time to sit down and reflect and be like, it's not about me. It's about other people."
Verral isn't a registered charity, and all donations are made through his JustGiving page. You can find it here.
Do you have a story you think we should be covering? Email ella.doyle@reachplc.com.
East End's Captain Tom, 101, raises £1m for charity walking round his garden
'My dad would do anything for anyone, he gave me his kidney': Daughter 'inspired' by London Marathon hero dad


text:
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	path(r'view_base/', include('view_base.urls')),
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


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UK Planning Law Blog
Real opinions on the alphabet soup of planning and development from s106 agreements to CIL, PDR to DCO, BIDs to UBR, viability to profits for everyone
Planning TV
Category: Neighbourhood Plans
Residential first for Neighbourhood Development Orders
Posted on 2019/04/30	By Lucy McDonnell and Roy Pinnock
Categories:	Localism, Neighbourhood Development Order, Neighbourhood Plans
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Back in 2013, we highlighted the first Neighbourhood Development Order (NDO) – made to permit specified development without further permission – under the Localism Act 2011 regime, in Cockermouth. In the five years since, however, only two other NDOs have been made (and the Cockermouth NDO expired in 2017).
Following that hiatus, the first NDO to authorise residential development has now been made. Kettering Borough Council made the Broughton Neighbourhood Development Order, along with the Broughton Neighbourhood Plan, on 17 October 2018. The NDO, approved by a 93% "yes" vote at the September 2018 referendum, permits the redevelopment of a BT exchange to provide between 5 and 7 dwellings, each with one or two bedrooms, aimed at younger people, single occupancy or older people downsizing. The NDO identifies the site as a valuable strategic site, to deliver smaller properties to meet local needs, replacing a currently unattractive building adjacent to a conservation area.
Previous NDOs permitted changes of use, and works to shop fronts and windows in Cockermouth, which has now expired, and the reinstatement and extension of a single dwelling in the Yorkshire Dales.
Brought forward alongside a Neighbourhood Plan, the Broughton NDO is a sensible step for the community in encouraging the type of development they wish to see when the site comes forward for redevelopment, alongside an allocation in the neighbourhood plan. It remains to be seen whether this will prove to be a sufficient incentive for this development to come forward within the lifespan of the NDO.
It also highlights the very limited number of communities who have taken forward the opportunity to develop NDOs. As with Neighbourhood Plans, the time and expertise involved in preparing an NDO is considerable – the Broughton neighbourhood group first applied for designation in 2013. While the Localism Act has provided opportunities for communities to have a greater say in the development of their local area, the practical difficulties limit the opportunities for communities to take forward those opportunities. Given limited Parliamentary time available, it seems unlikely that this will be resolved, notwithstanding the continuing political lipservice to localism.
Neighbourhood plans v housing
Posted on 2018/02/15	By Lucy McDonnell
Categories:	Localism, Neighbourhood Plans
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As the need for housing gains increasing traction, to what extent are neighbourhood plans having to take a back seat? Six years after they were introduced by the Localism Act 2011, neighbourhood plans have surprised many commentators with both their level of take-up by communities, and the importance afforded to them by the government. We look at some recent decisions.
This article was first published in Property Law Journal (February 2018) and is also available at http://www.lawjournals.co.uk/.
Neighbourhood Plans and Local Plans – Overtaking ahead?
Categories:	Judicial Review, Neighbourhood Planning Act, Neighbourhood Plans
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We reported earlier in the year on the Court of Appeal decision in the DLA Delivery case. The Court of Appeal considered a neighbourhood plan which had come forward in accordance with the emerging local plan, rather than the out of date strategic plan.
The Court of Appeal upheld the decision of the High Court, finding that Neighbourhood Plans (NPs) can be prepared in accordance with an evolving plan before an up to date Local Plan is in place. However, as discussed previously, this could be a risky approach for NP groups where a local plan with a higher objectively assessed need is subsequently adopted, and the NP quickly becomes out of date.
This is almost exactly the situation in Farnham. The then draft Farnham Neighbourhood Plan (FNP) survived a judicial review of the decision of Waverley Borough Council that the basic conditions were met, on the basis the plan was prepared in accordance with the emerging local plan, rather than the existing local plan. Lang J in the High Court followed DLA Delivery, finding the test that an NP must be in general conformity with the strategic policies in force is a flexible test, and a matter of planning judgment, dismissing the claim.
Following an 88% "yes" vote at referendum, the FNP was formally made in July 2017, becoming part of the development plan for the local area. The FNP allocated land for approximately 2214 homes for the NP period to 2031, based on a need for 2,300 to 2032 in the 2016 pre-submission draft of the Waverley Borough Local Plan. The FNP reports close cooperation with the Borough Council on housing need.
However, on examination of the draft Local Plan, the Inspector suggested modifications leading to an increase in the housing target from 519 to 590 homes per year, increasing Farnham's target to 2,780. The Council's intention is to address this by considering additional sites in Part 2 of the Local Plan. The modifications to the housing targets have been noted by the Council's Special Executive committee, and authority given to the Head of Planning to agree the final submission to the Local Plan Inspector. The report to the Special Executive noted that full weight would continue to be afforded to the FNP, Part 2 of the Local Plan will take precedence where there is a conflict, as the more recently adopted document. It envisages that additional allocations at Farnham will be made through Part 2 of the Local Plan.
While the Council is supportive of the FNP, it must be disappointing for the FNP group who had worked hard to allocate appropriate housing sites that further sites will now be allocated by the Council. While the FNP body could seek to modify the plan, the amendments facilitating modification in the Neighbourhood Planning Act 2017 are not yet in force, and modification is unlikely to be appealing so soon after the original version was made. To avoid similar situations in the future, other bodies preparing NPs should consider taking a robust approach and set out a strategy for dealing with increases in housing numbers (perhaps by way of future modifications or identifying white land to be released if required), to avoid the result of their hard work quickly becoming out of date.
As discussed previously, the December 2016 Written Ministerial Statement (WMS) provides additional protection for neighbourhood plans, providing that NPs will not be considered out of date where:
The Written Ministerial Statement or the NP are less than two years old;
The NP allocates sites for housing; and
The LPA can demonstrate a three year housing land supply.
This gives NPs some additional leeway, protecting their position where the LPA can meet some, but not all, of its objectively assessed need. However, the recent Inspector's decision at Thames Farm, Shiplake near Henley on Thames demonstrates how strictly this can be applied. The Inspector granted permission contrary to NP policies where the LPA had a three dwelling shortfall against three year housing land supply, suggesting that NP bodies should be cautious about relying on the WMS.
Categories:	Neighbourhood Planning Act, Neighbourhood Plans
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We look at the current status of neighbourhood planning. The government has demonstrated its continuing commitment to neighbourhood planning by naming a Bill after it, including it in a written ministerial statement and in the housing white paper, and continuing to emphasise its importance in recent appeal decisions. This article considers recent developments and the direction of travel.
This article was first published in Property Law Journal (May 2017) and is also available at http://www.lawjournals.co.uk/.
Neighbourhood Plans First But How Long Will They Last?
Categories:	Habitats and Species, Judicial Review, Neighbourhood Plans
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Judgment has been handed down in the first Neighbourhood Plan (NP) case to reach the Court of Appeal, reinforcing the position that NPs can come forward in the absence of up to date Local Plans.
As discussed previously, developer DLA Delivery Limited judicially reviewed the decision to hold a referendum on the draft NP as, in addition to environmental concerns, DLA claimed that the plan was not in accordance with the appropriate strategic policies. The NP had been prepared in accordance with the policies of the unadopted, emerging Local Plan, rather than the expired strategic plan.
In the High Court, Foskett J dismissed the claim, allowing permission to appeal on the ground of conformity with strategic policies. Permission was subsequently given to appeal on additional grounds.
Conformity with what?
On the first ground, whether the district council misunderstood and misapplied the requirement that the NP be in general conformity with the strategic local policies, Lord Justice Lindblom agreed with Foskett J that a NP could proceed in the absence of a strategic development plan document. Lindblom LJ added that where the local plan is historic, a NP cannot logically lack general conformity, as the plans are made for wholly different periods. The judgment makes clear that a NP can come forward in the absence of an up to date local plan. Both the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) references to a NP being in general conformity are intended to prevent the "mischief" of a NP frustrating an up to date local plan, rather than requiring a local plan to be in place first.
Properly assessed, but not explained
On the second ground, whether the NP failed to meet Habitats Directive requirements due to the lack of evidence that the Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) required to mitigate the proposed development would be provided. Lindblom LJ found that the examiner was not irrational to have considered that SANG would have to be provided, despite the timing and location being uncertain (unlike the level of certainty needed when dealing with a planning application). The examiner failed to address the lack of evidence for SANGs, and should have done, but Lindblom LJ did not consider this to be fatal, finding that addressing the lack of evidence would not have changed the conclusion.
This judgment clearly demonstrates that NPs can come forward in the absence of an up to date local plan. However, the groups preparing NPs in such areas should be aware of the risk that their NPs may become "out of date" when a local plan with a higher objectively assessed housing need is adopted. The Written Ministerial Statement, as clarified by the Housing White Paper, provides protection for NPs unless there is a significant lack of delivery in the local planning authority area – but this will be outside the control of the NP group. Many NP groups and local authorities will also be reassured by Lindblom LJ's robust defence of the current way of appointing examiners.
The judgment also flagged other areas of caution for NP bodies. Lord Justice Lindblom found the consideration of the environmental mitigation by the examiner was not wholly correct, whilst concluding that it was not fatal to the plan. The conclusion that the screening opinion was actually in breach of some habitats legislation will be a particular red flag. Screening opinions and SEA considerations raise particular risks for NPs. NP forums need to give careful attention to their proper preparation, which can be tricky where groups may have limited experience of such documents.
Neighbourhood Plans Fudge
Posted on 2016/12/14	By Roy Pinnock
Categories:	Housebuilding, Neighbourhood Plans, Planning Appeals, Planning Guidance, Planning Policy
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The Government's solution to the so-far intractable problem of Neighbourhood Plans that do not meet housing needs is here in the form of a Written Ministerial Statement (WMS) calling time on the relative certainty provided by the NPPF and firing the starting gun for changes to the NPPF due with the issue of the Housing White Paper early in 2017. Most Neighbourhood Plans (NPs) will be going nowhere sensible, even more emphatically than ever.
Nothing comes of nothing
The Courts have confirmed that the Examination tests for a Neighbourhood Plan are a cake walk that does not require any sensible relationship with strategic goals of meeting Objectively Assessed Needs. NPs can be passed fit for service at Examination simply having "regard to" national policies where it is "in general conformity with the strategic policies" that may date back to the 1990s and have little or no relationship to the ongoing mess of housing delivery.
Equally, the ability to put NPs in place without any up to date strategic policies – and the endless snakes and ladders of the Local Plan process – creates a challenge for those promoting NPs as a positive framework for local growth. Adopted NPs may provide a warm glow that immediately fades as an absent overarching housing land supply weighs in under paragraph 49 of the NPPF.
The Government's response to date has been wholly political. In some cases NPs have been effectively ignored; in others the out of date NP policies have been given determinative weight, refusing permission for 100 homes at Yapton in an area of housing need with 3 years' HLS on the basis that out of date NP policies should be given "significant weight".
Sticking Plaster Applied
The WMS states that
"relevant policies for the supply of housing in a neighbourhood plan … should not be deemed to be 'out-of-date' [under NPPF49] where […]":
the WMS or the NP are less than 2 years old
the NP "allocates sites for housing"
the LPA "can demonstrate a three-year supply of deliverable housing sites".
Cue some authorities currently bobbing around on the Local Plan process to ditch infrastructure planning, batten down the hatches with a 3 year supply and encourage NPs through the process. Cue some NP that allocate a couple of single unit sites being treated as up to date even if there remains a housing shortfall in the neighbourhood.
A far better solution would simply be to require the NP examination regime to grapple with the unconstrained Objectively Assessed Needs for their area and plan to meet an equitable slice of them until the Local Plan comes along. NP authors are, after all, engaging in devolved governance. With that great power comes great responsibility.
A layer of complexity, a review of the ramifications of the Localism Act five years on
Categories:	Housing and Planning Act, Localism, Neighbourhood Planning Bill, Neighbourhood Plans
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The Localism Act 2011 obtained royal assent in November 2011, gradually bringing into effect a raft of legislation supporting the government's communities-based agenda. Following the Conservative Party's 2010 manifesto, subtitled 'Invitation to join the government of Britain', localism remained a focus of the coalition government, and remains a focus of the current government.
This article was first published in Property Law Journal (October 2016) and is also available at www.lawjournals.co.uk
Neighbourhood Planning Unchained? The Neighbourhood Planning Bill 2016
Categories:	Neighbourhood Planning Bill, Neighbourhood Plans, Planning Guidance, Planning Policy
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Having lost its infrastructure component between the Queen's Speech and publication, the slimline Neighbourhood Planning Bill had its first reading in the House of Commons earlier in September, and its technical consultation is open for responses until 19 October 2016.
The most interesting element of the Bill from a neighbourhood plan perspective is the process for modifying a neighbourhood plan – although the requirement for subsequent regulations means the precise effect is not yet known.
Changes to bear in mind
This provision is helpful following the changes to the Planning Practice Guidance made earlier in the summer, which suggested that a fresh neighbourhood plan process would be needed (including a referendum) to update a plan where its policies become out of date.
The Bill provides a three tier process:
The local planning authority may make minor modifications with the consent of the neighbourhood planning body, without further consultation, examination or a referendum.
Where more substantial changes are proposed, a streamlined process is available (as long as the changes do not change the nature of the plan). An examiner will then consider the amended plan (normally via written representations, and a further referendum is not required).
If the modifications would change the nature of the plan, a fresh neighbourhood plan process would be required.
While it is questionable how streamlined this written representation process will be, and whether it would apply in circumstances where neighbourhood plans must be updated to be in general conformity with new local plans, the prospect of a quicker and simpler way of modifying a neighbourhood plan is to be welcomed. Owners and developers will need to monitor carefully whether changes are being made that would prejudice their interests (and whether the process is being followed properly).
There are also several provisions which seek to give greater weight to neighbourhood plans, perhaps with political intentions. For example, provisions give weight to neighbourhood plans which have passed referenda but have not formally been "made" by the local authority. It is not clear how much of an issue this has been, particularly given the current Planning Practice Guidance which states that emerging neighbourhood plans can be a material consideration, referring back to paragraph 216 of the National Planning Policy Framework weighing of emerging plans. However, the Government is clearly keen to emphasise the importance of neighbourhood plans, and make it clear that local planning authorities cannot limit the consideration of neighbourhood plans by failing to "make" them. The Bill also requires local planning authorities' statements of community involvement to set out their policies for giving advice and assistance with the making and modification of neighbourhood plans.
These changes demonstrate the continuing focus on and political will behind neighbourhood planning.
Categories:	Housebuilding, Housing and Planning Bill, Localism, Neighbourhood Plans, Planning Appeals, Planning Guidance, Planning Policy
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Neighbourhood Planning remains a political priority and is one of the areas for which Planning Policy Guidance has recently been updated. Following the Woodcock Holdings decision, relating to the Husterpoint and Sayers Common 2031 Neighbourhood Plan, the recommended approach to Neighbourhood Plans emerging before up to date Local Plans are in place has been clarified.
Already clear?
In Sayers Common, the Secretary of State dismissed an appeal despite his Inspector's recommendation to allow it. He concluded that the proposal would conflict with the Neighbourhood Plan, formally made after the Inspector's report. Permission was refused as the proposal would conflict with a requirement to enhance the existing settlement pattern, and was considerably in excess of the 30-40 dwellings the Neighbourhood Plan considered could be accommodated during the plan period.
However, this was quashed when Woodcock Holdings Limited successfully challenged the decision, on the basis that the Secretary of State had failed to identify the nature and extent of the conflict with the Neighbourhood Plan, had not applied the presumption in favour of sustainable development, the PPG guidance (that permission would seldom be refused for a pre-examination draft plan had not been complied with), and that the NPPF policy regarding weight to be afforded to an emerging plan had not been followed. The judgment did conclude that a neighbourhood plan could come forward ahead of a Local Plan, but the legal challenge was allowed on all grounds (see our blog on the detail).
The planning application has been re-determined by the Secretary of State, who again refused permission on the basis that it was not in accordance with the Local Plan or the now-made Neighbourhood Plan, to which he gave "careful consideration". He also gave the emerging Local Plan "very limited weight", and reached the same conclusions regarding conflict with the policies as before.
As discussed previously in relation to the DLA Delivery Limited case, which challenged a Neighbourhood Plan prepared in accordance with an emerging local plan (rather than the existing expired core strategy), there has been debate on the treatment of Neighbourhood Plans which come forward in the absence of an up to date Local Plan. Recent updates to the Planning Policy Guidance clarifies the Government's position where a Neighbourhood Plan comes forward in advance of a new Local Plan. The Guidance states that:
Neighbourhood Plan policies "may become out of date, for example if they conflict with policies in a Local Plan that is adopted after the making of the neighbourhood plan. In such cases, the more recent plan policy takes precedence".
communities may decide to update all or part of their Neighbourhood Plans where they have become out of date, which will require a fresh examination and referendum, putting a considerable burden on Neighbourhood Plan steering groups.
The best way to avoid this is to ensure that Neighbourhood Plan policies either do not interfere with meeting Objectively Assessed Needs or, more difficult where there is no proper assessment of needs on the table, that any restraint policies are consistent with maintaining a 5 year housing land supply. The PPG update does not suggest that a Neighbourhood Plan that is immediately out of date at adoption – because its policies thwart a 5 year Housing Land Supply – should be given more weight than the policy imperative to maintain housing land supply and meet OAN.
In Woodcock Holdings the relevant parts of the Neighbourhood Plan were held to be inconsistent with the NPPF in this sense and so unlikely to survive either examination or allow a finding of prematurity. The latest Sayers Common decision does not explain how an out of date set of NP settlement policies could be given overriding importance relative to national policy requirements in that sense.
Putting the Neighbourhood Plan cart before the Local Plan horse
Categories:	Development, Housebuilding, Housing and Planning Bill, Judicial Review, Localism, Neighbourhood Plans, Planning Appeals, Planning Guidance, Planning Permission, Planning Policy
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The Court of Appeal has granted permission for the first Neighbourhood Plan case to be heard by it on appeal. The appeal is brought by DLA Delivery Limited, who applied for planning permission for 63 houses on the edge of the village of Newick, East Sussex. DLA promoted its site as part of both the Local Plan, and the Neighbourhood Plan process, which have been running concurrently. Although DLA's land was identified as a suitable reserve housing site in the emerging Local Plan, the Neighbourhood Plan did not allocate it.
Accordance with what?
While the Local Plan is still emerging, the Neighbourhood Plan has been progressed. DLA sought permission to judicially review the local planning authority's decision to hold a referendum on the draft Neighbourhood Plan (which has subsequently been formally made, becoming part of the local development plan). In addition to environmental grounds, DLA claimed that the Neighbourhood Plan was not in conformity with the appropriate strategic policies. The Neighbourhood Plan had been prepared in accordance with the policies of the emerging Local Plan. However, as the Local Plan had not yet been adopted, the plan currently in force covered the period to 2011. DLA argued that the Neighbourhood Plan could not be in accordance with the strategic policies, and therefore meet the basic conditions to be made, as the plan it related to was not yet in force.
Court of Appeal prepared to look again
The claim was dismissed in the High Court by Foskett J, but granted permission to appeal on one of eight grounds – the need for the Neighbourhood Plan to be in 'general' conformity with strategic policies. Permission to appeal on the other grounds has subsequently been granted by Lord Justice Lindblom in the Court of Appeal.
The case raises interesting points at a time where neighbourhood planning is a political priority, with measures to speed the process included in the Housing and Planning Bill. Meanwhile, Local Plans with their need for a vast evidence base, may lag behind. It remains to be seen how the following issues, addressed in the High Court in Woodcock Holdings, will be dealt with by the Court of Appeal.
Where Local and Neighbourhood Plans come forward at the same time, should the Neighbourhood Plan look back to the existing plan, or forward to the emerging plan?
How can a Neighbourhood Plan, in general conformity with an out of date Local Plan, meet the needs of the community going forward?
Should a Local Plan be able to override a Neighbourhood Plan once it has measured its objectively assessed need, if more homes are needed?
Independence day?
A further point of interest raised by the appeal is the appointment of Neighbourhood Plan Examiners. While Local Plans are examined by inspectors appointed by the Planning Inspectorate, Neighbourhood Plan examiners are appointed by the relevant Neighbourhood Plan steering group. Whilst the claimant emphasised that they made no criticism of the examiner personally, they did suggest that the appointment of the examiner by the parish council gave rise to an appearance of bias. It will be interesting to see what the Court of Appeal make of this "apparent bias" in the appointment of examiners – should it be another job for the Planning Inspectorate?
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Section 73 Changes – Don't Let the Gremlins In
(How) Can Planning Speed Up Delivery? (part 2)
General Election 2019: Vote Planning
Where next for stewardship?


I was at the Sweet Beets farmer stand looking for some dinner ideas when these steak tips found me. On hot summer days grilling outdoors is a no-brainer. I'd been craving Korean food for a while, and my first thought was to make bulgogi. I asked my Korean colleague Andrew to send me a recipe to try out.
Bulgogi in Korean means "Fire Meat". Traditionally sliced beef, pork or chicken is marinated in a sugar, soy sauce mix, and then stir-fried in a pan with onions, mushrooms and scallions. A proper bulgogi also includes pears; I excluded them because they are out of season and weren't available at the market. The combination of the sweetness of the sugar, the saltiness of the soy sauce and the char on the meat are delicious.
Combine sugar, soy sauce, water, sesame oil in a mixing bowl.
Add the garlic, ginger, onion, segmented scallions, and meat to the bowl. Mix well and marinate for at least 1 hour.
Prepare a HOT grill by loading up with your choice of charcoal, and grill the steak tips about 3 – 4 mins on each side. If you cook the beef on a stove top, you can pan-sear with a cast iron skillet over high heat, making sure to drizzle some olive or sesame oil in the pan ahead of the meat.
While the steak is cooking, Add the remaining marinade to a sauce pan, and bring it to a boil. Boil over low-medium heat and simmer until the sauce is reduced to about 1/4 cup, about 5 mins.
Plate the beef bulgogi on a large plate, drizzle the sauce and garnish with the remaining scallion and sesame seeds.
Serve it with rice, vegetables or fresh romaine.


text:
Q: Send HTML form via axios In my vue app I have a regular <form> when I hit submit it sends the right data but it doesn't set the authentication headers on the request. I have axios configured to attach these headers on every request so I need to send the data via axios.
From the axios docs I know I can post data like this
axios.post('/user', {
    firstName: 'Fred',
    lastName: 'Flintstone'
  })

and I also know I can run a custom function on a form post by adding @submit.prevent="handleSubmit to the <form> tag.
What I can't work out is how to get all the values from the form inputs and send it via axios.

A: In your handleSubmit function, you can use the FormData class like:
handleSubmit (event) {
    event.preventDefault()
    let formData = new FormData(event.target)
    axios.post('/user', formData).then(response => ...).catch(error => ...)
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Georgetown University's Women's and Gender Studies Program maintains a varied list of great resources for current students, faculty, and graduates. In this section, you will find information about scholarships and grants, summer and study abroad programs, competitions, and research opportunities.
Because of the nature of the material they study, students are encouraged to explore a broader field of scholarship than that offered by the Georgetown campus itself. The social sciences require an understanding of and participation in interactions that can only be realized out in the world. To this end, the Program maintains this list to aid its students in their endeavours.


text:
Tech Enablement
Ecosystem Partners
Sebastien Gaudin
Co-founder & CEO of The CareVoice
"I have spent all of my career in the health care. Given a choice, I wouldn't do anything else."
Upon graduating masters in pharmaceutical and commercial sciences in France, Sebastien worked in Sanofi, a world leading pharmaceutical company, for twelve years, where he held various positions in business development and marketing across multiple therapeutic areas and geographic markets.
In 2011, he assumed a management position in Sanofi China focusing on diabetes portfolio and it was a great experience.
"I met many knowledgeable and committed people (Chinese Ministry of health representatives, hospital leaders, etc.) and well, I got the sense of all that could be done in this dynamic country, where many healthcare-related needs remain unmet." - Sebastien Gaudin.
Later on, he got the idea of a digital health startup that could address the consumer's mistrust for medical services in China, a recommendation platform similar to TripAdvisor but dedicated to healthcare. He then left Sanofi to launch The CareVoice in early 2014.
Return to About Us
Health service partnership
business@thecarevoice.com
The CareVoice
https://user-assets.sxlcdn.com/images/602868/Fntb1L-0aU0f1UsRbeN93rOl7hZg.png?imageMogr2/strip/auto-orient/thumbnail/1200x630>/quality/90!/format/png


Hannah and Colleen bring along the amazing and talented Steve, who has been learning and speaking Kurdish for many many years. He shares with us about the history of Kurdish, the various dialects/languages that are part of Kurdish, and some of his own experiences speaking the language.
Join us in Nashville or Iraq!


Here are the shows we recommend this week. The Presets/Cut Copy show for Monday at Emo's is SOLD OUT but try Waterloo, End of an Ear, or Sound on Sound in person if you really want to go. I believe tickets are something like $18.
Update: The Kooks/The Whigs show at Antone's Saturday night has been cancelled due to illness.


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pdxf Apr 16, 2009 9:38 PM
Brian Libby at PortlandArchitecture.com has written an article on the OMSI site. Looks like it may be catching on!
urbanlife Apr 17, 2009 2:00 AM
seriously I would laugh if the city council actually changed their minds and worked with OMSI to put this next to them because of this site...I would dare say that would give this site something to brag about if that were to happen.
pdxf Apr 17, 2009 2:34 AM
I would probably laugh as well, and the odds a pretty long, but you never know!
pylon Apr 17, 2009 3:51 AM
pdxf-
although, with only the information I currently have, I think the ballpark might best work in the Lloyd lot, I've got to say to that it's awesome to see you and this forum having an impact. Right on, PDX.
Delaney Apr 17, 2009 5:13 AM
Originally Posted by pylon (Post 4200270)
I would agree with you if the LLoyd lot was big enough for major league expansion, but it isn't.
philopdx Apr 17, 2009 8:06 AM
I have to say, after finding out that there will never be an option to expand the ball park into an MLB-level facility, I've turned against the project. What's the point of all this fuss if we are cutting off the most likely avenue for adding another pro team?
Also, I read an article in the Portland Mercury concerning the plan, and the reputation of Cordish in particular. I had no idea they enforce strict dress codes in their developments, tend to push their own franchise restaurants, and actually successfully opposed light rail in downtown Kansas City.
In a letter to the mayor of Kansas City the president of the company said that light rail would have "disastrous implications and would be terrible public policy."
Sorry, but we don't need "drill baby drill" clowns like this within 500 miles of Portland. Are they going to insert themselves into OUR city's transit discussion? Because they "... have concerns about how it would impact pedestrian flow and access" to their development? Frankly, knowing this about them now leaves a very bad taste in my mouth.
Here are the links:
http://www.portlandmercury.com/portl...nt?oid=1315006
http://www.kctribune.com/article.cfm?articleID=18732
http://thebridge.typepad.com/thebrid...-by-drted.html
http://voices.kansascity.com/node/1943
Happy Reading... :hell:
Okstate Apr 17, 2009 4:18 PM
From reading about the company it appears they aren't against light rail but rather are trying to keep the affluent in their development while discouraging the "less fortunate" associated with riding mass transit. I don't think they'll worry one bit about Portland b/c we've got people from all spectrums on our mass transit. What a silly, stupid company. I still am not against a "goofy" rose quarter redevelopment, I just wish it were a more reputable company. Then again, I suppose you can't have both.
zilfondel Apr 17, 2009 9:28 PM
For reference, here is KCgridlock's Kansas City Power & Light District photo thread. Since Cordish built that development and has been saying thats what they want to build here, I think it could help give us some idea of what they're trying to do.
http://www.kcphotos.com/gallery/albu.../kcmo_0484.jpg
One thing is for sure - their stadiums are much nicer than ours. The round one reminds me of the MC, but oval instead of square.
IMO, it doesn't seem inherently bad or anything, but definitely not organic. Kind of reminds me of those big malls they build in Hong Kong and Japan that anchor huge new developments. However, their district appears to be right in downtown, not in a secluded separate area like the Rose Quarter, and they were even able to renovate an old historic theater and reuse it. RQ would have to rely on really good architecture and mix of restaurants and such to bring people in... I wonder about how this would impact downtown Portland. It seems like many suburbanites do currently visit downtown; would downtown dry up as people visit the RQ "Power and Light District" instead?
pdxf Apr 18, 2009 12:43 AM
OMSI site discussed on the Portland Mercury Blog (affectionately titled 'Fantasy Baseball Stadiums', which I don't necessarily disagree with):
http://www.portlandmercury.com/blogt...eball-stadiums
WonderlandPark Apr 18, 2009 1:53 AM
I have seen and walked through the Power & Light district last fall. It is just a mess of chain stores & restaurants, "charmed" up with some McHistoric "industrial" details, tied to a sports arena. Portland doesn't need or want this sort of thing. During the day the district sits empty except for some office crowd people. Its charmless & contrived. Portland has so much else going for it. Why on earth did someone thing the copying the Power & Light district is a good idea?
RED_PDXer Apr 19, 2009 8:55 AM
The problem with the Rose Quarter is that there are too many mega-sites there. The Rose Garden is huge and impassible, the MC is also big and impenetrable, I-5 blocks access from one direction, and the convention center also occupies a huge chunk of land. Putting in another big box style development only creates more of the same. PGE park was nice because it's compact and sits at the edge of downtown against the hillside. Rose Quarter could be improved by creating new access points to the waterfront and greater connectivity to surrounding neighborhoods - not by building another big box development mimicking the MC.. I'm increasingly disturbed by Cordish and his company's history.. This just seems contrary to Portland..
As for the OMSI site, It seems much more appropriate than the MC site, but OMSI owns about 14 acres of land suitable for redevelopment and has a master plan for a million square feet of new development there, including research and office spaces in high rises, museum expansion, and even a little bit of retail. Their proposal includes towers where the sketches show the baseball stadium would go. I'm not sure this plan jives with their agency mission.. They are a non-profit, but not a public agency. Can eminent domain be used for a minor league baseball stadium? http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/i...r_big_exp.html
I performed a more accurate site study for my proposed OMSI site yesterday, and while the AAA baseball stadium works well, the steps that would need to be taken to upgrade the site to MLB standards in the future would probably be unfeasible (footprint of the stadium would most likely require the removal of the Opera building, changes to the alignment of the Max Line, and potentially some slight modifications to a rail alignment). Of course these could probably be overcome, but they definitely add a higher degree of complication.
This has been an interesting process, and the idea went further than I thought it would. In addition to Brian Libby picking up the idea, I was contacted by the Burnside Blog, and was emailed by KOIN who wanted to do a story on it (I think the site would require additional study before I would feel comfortable presenting the idea, especially with my more accurate site plan). I'm a little disappointed that I didn't do a more accurate study earlier, but I'm happy that the idea, which still could potentially work, is being discussed as an option. I found it incredibly interesting how a simple idea posted on a message board could get people thinking, and perhaps there is more power to this message board than originally thought--which could prove useful in the future!
NewUrbanist Apr 20, 2009 5:00 PM
Pdxf -
I wonder if your stadium could work on these blocks in the Central Eastside?
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=se+wat...h&z=16&iwloc=A

View Larger Map
It is still close to the new MAX alignment, on empty blocks. The only issue is ODOT purchased the property when an expansion of I5 was considered to be necessary, so taking the property from a state agency will be problematic.
Originally Posted by NewUrbanist (Post 4205555)
I'll have to take a look and see. My initial look is that they are probably too small, unless we take out I-5, which I definitely wouldn't mind seeing.
If anyone is interested, I also posted a more accurate site plan for the OMSI site (http://www.liquidosity.com/baseballatomsi/) which illustrates the issues with the MLB portion. Again, the site would work for AAA, but to me, the best option for a site is one that could be expanded in the future, and the MLB expansion may be an issue for the OMSI site.
urbanlife Apr 20, 2009 7:52 PM
looking at your new image, I dont see OMSI wanting to give up that much of their land...I am thinking this would be a hard sell.
And the site in the central eastside is definitely too small...great location though...hell, why not down in the south waterfront, the condo market is a bust right now...
Oh, and the city council will be making a decision this wednesday....so we will probably know more then...unless their decision is to take longer making a decision, which is a likely thing to happen.
MightyAlweg Apr 20, 2009 8:15 PM
If anyone is interested, I also posted a more accurate site plan for the OMSI site (http://www.liquidosity.com/baseballatomsi/) which illustrates the issues with the MLB portion. Again, the site would work for AAA, but to me, the best option for a site is one that could be expanded in the future.
I love the idea of a MLB stadium near downtown Portland, and your OMSI plan is fun to look at. Very well done! (I wish Mayor Adams wasn't so quick to throw the Beavers a bone with a hastily built AAA stadium that can't be expanded and dooms Portland to another 30 years of no additional major league sports. But that's another topic.)
That said, where is all the parking for an OMSI or Eastside plan? A MLB Stadium with dozens of home games per year is going to need parking spaces for 20,000+ cars within walking distance. I don't see inclusion of parking in any of the Eastside stadium plans thus far.
Using San Diego's Petco Park as an example, as it is similar to Portland's plans sitting on the perimeter of the downtown core and directly adjacent to a major light rail station, there was still a need for Petco Park to develop 11,000 new parking spaces close to the field, in addition to the 15,000+ other spaces gobbled up on game days in nearby downtown garages.
Since Petco Park opened in '04, the percentage of fans using light rail to get to the stadium has grown to 12% of fans. The majority of those are using Park & Ride stations in Mission Valley or the South Bay to take one of the light rail lines serving Petco Park. But that still requires tens of thousands of parking spaces to be used by fans arriving directly at Petco Park via car.
Safeco Field in Seattle has about 8,000 spaces dedicated to the ballfield, with additional surface lots and garages in south downtown soaking up the 15,000+ additonal spaces needed. I imagine they'll get some folks arriving via light rail when Link opens later this year.
Angel Stadium in Anaheim has 15,000+ parking spaces in surface lots around the field, plus 5,000+ more in offsite lots within walking distance. There is also the Anaheim Depot train station directly adjacent to the stadium, and many fans arrive via Amtrak Surfliner or Metrolink commuter trains on game days. That station is slated to be transformed into the massive ARTIC complex as the southern terminus of the California High Speed Rail system, although Surfliner and Metrolink trains will still serve the station on separate platforms.
http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/gallery.aspx Scroll down to Anaheim ARTIC Station video to see a quick flyover of ARTIC and how it relates to the adjacent Angel Stadium
My long-winded point...:rolleyes: Even with rail transit serving stadiums directly, you still need to accomodate at least 10,000 cars in lots directly adjacent to the facility. You can accomodate thousands more cars further out for a lower price, and you can encourage rail travel with adjacent and efficient stations, but you can't have a MLB stadium without a lot of parking.
Parking is an issue that I think could be solved in the event that Portland lands MLB team, there is certainly land on the eastside where parking facilities could be added (of course parking for AAA stadium would need to be figured out). Something in SOWA could be interesting and have tremendous views if we want to designate the land for that purpose.
Depending on what OMSI wants to pursue, I wonder if the city could offer them the Memorial Coliseum as part of their expansion plans. I know it would have the disadvantage of being separated from their existing campus, but if they were of different enough purposes, they could in some ways act as different museums. This of course, could also save the MC.
Even if the OMSI or Lloyd cinema sites aren't upgradeable to MLB stadiums, they would save the Memorial Coliseum. Parking for 9,000 fans wouldn't be much of an issue, particularly if a deal could be struck at Lloyd Center with their large parking garage.
MLB won't happen for a few years, giving us some breathing room to find a proper location for a stadium in the future.
pdxhome Apr 20, 2009 11:11 PM
I have a question, and I do not intend to sound careless about the potential razing of the MC.
Much of the architectual argument in preserving the MC has been focused around uniqueness of the design (bowl inside of a glass box). If the MC were saved, and re-used (athletic center, commercial development, OMSI annex, etc.), then don't all those ideas potentially alter the facade or interior, thereby removing the very architectural components that make the building special?
I remember seeing rendering a long time ago for the MARC where the entire building was stripped and reclad...


A team of enthusiastic young black entrepreneurs launched a wellness centre at the OR Tambo airport, joining the international trend to establish 'airport cities' across the globe.
Launched in early February this year at OR Tambo International Airport (ORT), the Phela-Live Wellness and Fitness Centre is a first-of-its-kind concept in SA. It will see health and wellness being incorporated in a holistic experience for ORT employees as well as travellers passing through this African portal.
The centre, which will bring together two vital components in holistic wellness, fitness and relaxation, is the brainchild of a talented team of South African entrepreneurs: Tshepo Mokgoatjana (General Manager), Mpho Mohale (Managing Director), Samora Mtsi (Finance Director) and Khasiane Mohale (Executive: Health and Safety). BBQ spoke to the Phela-Live team and found out more about this exciting new venture.
How was the Phela-Live concept conceived?
TM: We have a very diverse team. Mpho is a very visionary person, and has the capability of looking at something, seeing its potential and being able to visualise the finished concept, communicating that vision to us. More than two years ago, he started talking about the issue of wellness. There is a sports field at the back of the airport, which the airport uses once a year for its annual sports day. Our other business enterprise servicing maintenance at the airport was contracted to cut the grass, tidy the area up and ensure it was ready for the sports day. We realised that the facility was not really being used to its full potential, and thought about building a gym there. As we worked through the concept we decided that this area was not the right place for such a facility. Mpho has always been passionate about health and wellness and always reminds us that our health is our greatest asset, especially because we all work so hard in our lives. He suggested that we come up with a way to preserve our health, instead of just spending it all in the pursuit and creation of wealth. When we saw this space, formerly the International Trade Centre building, we realised that it was ideally suited to the development of a wellness centre.
MM: When I was growing up, I was a health fanatic. I have a second Dan in black belt martial arts, so throughout my young life I have always been in training. However, in later life, one gets caught up with work commitments and working life with its pressures and the reasons not to exercise start to catch up with you. However, as you grow older, you realise that your health and wellness really are your greatest assets and need to be looked after. It is difficult for many people to actually do that. The airport is like a small city. There are around 22 000 people working here every day in various shifts. As a company working here ourselves, we saw the need to bring an environment where people don't need to deal with the hassle of road traffic to get to their gym and wellness centres. The concept for Phela-Live was born out of this initial germ and it has grown over the last three years. Our research suggested that most of the companies working at the airport had employee wellness programmes, yet many of them only had facilities to offer employees counselling, stress and trauma support – all reactive offerings in the face of employee ill-health, not really proactive preventative wellness offerings. If you're healthy, it is more likely that you will become a better functioning and happier employee in the workplace. As a team we also found that we were working too hard and getting stressed and there was nowhere at the airport hub to really go and de-stress, work out and get fit.
SM: It is true that when employees are stressed and unfit, it has the potential to affect a company's bottom line, which relies on those employees being able to perform their duties each day. Looking at international trends, a lot of global companies have picked up on this fact. More and more companies in South Africa are also realising that employee wellbeing is good for business. Many South African companies have started internal corporate gyms. Some of the companies here at ORT are head offices. They have corporate gyms and understand the value of wellness for their employees. When you start looking at the costs in terms of medical aids, sick leave, and also the lack of productivity among employees due to wellness issues, all of this translates into an impact on the bottom line. Various studies have been done into this area. Years ago when we were presenting to ACSA and presented the slides, it was like preaching to the converted. They agreed with these findings and the impact on their own business. There is a great realisation that the wellness programmes that these companies are engaging in actually need to change, as a lot of them are reactionary. It has been proven that the biggest factor around wellness is ensuring mobility. If you can keep people mobile, if you can get people to exercise, even if it is only for 20 minutes a day, it will make such a difference to people's quality of life.
What are your collective corporate backgrounds and what is your prior experience or interest in the fitness and wellness sector?
KM: Starting with Mpho, he is a facilities management expert and has worked in the past for a range of international companies, bringing a vast range of construction and maintenance experience to the new venture. Being a sports fanatic, Mpho plays a major role in a number of aspects of the business. Samora is our financial planning specialist. He is good with numbers. His academic background is in accounting and financial portfolio management, so his corporate administrative skills will also contribute hugely to the effective day-to-day running of the company. Tshepo is a trained communicator with vast experience in the world of journalism, including working as a producer in prime-time television here in South Africa. I have worked in the fields of health and safety and environment management within the corporate environment, and will be contributing those specialist skills to the new venture.
Can you tell us how your previous corporate experience will add value to your business?
SM: Working for corporate giants, we have all learnt about being disciplined. When it comes to the level of professionalism required to be able to compete with the big wellness companies such as Virgin Active and Planet Fitness, we do have that invaluable level of corporate exposure. We have all been in management in such large-scale corporate organisations and, at the end of the day, running a business is running a business. You do not necessarily have to be a technical guru in a particular sector. I believe you build great teams to help you to operate the business and play in different sectors. We have proven this so many times in the past regarding the other businesses we own and operate. We have sometimes been accused of fronting, with people commenting that there is no way that a business that is run by young black professionals could actually operate at this level. But we say, there are the businesses, there is no-one behind us, this is the team that is making those businesses a success. We believe in going against the grain. It was very clear, very early on in our lives, and we have known each other for a very long time going back to tertiary education level. We were always the ones to question everything and to find new and better ways of doing things, not necessarily the established way.
MM: You could say that we are mavericks in the business world, in a positive way. We understand there is a certain academic way of doing things, yet this is balanced by the reality of the business world and how things are really done. We have travelled and done business extensively in Africa and have visited China. We have spoken to people, we have seen how things are done, and we have learnt that there is never only one way of doing things. It is essential to adapt in business. In SA there are a lot of business opportunities, but sometimes people do not concentrate on finding and realising those opportunities. As business people, we want to tap into that. It is becoming more of an enabling environment for the entrepreneur. It is a case of formulating the right strategies, accessing the opportunities and maximising them.
Tell us about Phela-Live as a fitness and wellness concept. Why the idea of locating this concept at an airport?
TM: It is all about location, location and location. We didn't want to just build another retail operation in this unique location, otherwise we would simply have opted for a franchise opportunity with an established wellness brand. We wanted to launch a new boutique wellness offering at this important location, one that had a personal touch and a distinct style in terms of décor and ambiance, and product offerings. A key selling point for selecting this location was the fact that each day, around 18 000 people are located in this airport hub. If you as a company take a decision to build something so personal, something so grand, then there is no better place than the airport. However, the decision was based upon solid business fundamentals and research. Before we considered opening this centre, we met with the airport management and we took with us our research based on surveys with individuals working within the airport hub. We asked those being surveyed if, presented with a world-class fitness and wellness facility at the airport, would they join? The response was both positive and enthusiastic. We then met with ACSA and took with us a dossier containing all our research findings together with our proposal. The end result of this process was that before we have even opened our doors officially, people have come to sign up for membership. So, ultimately the decision to locate Phela-Live wellness centre was based upon sound market research data and solid business principles and practices. Already at prelaunch phase 1 000 people joined, which surpassed the target we set for our prelaunch member marketing campaign.
Is the strategy to build on the global trend towards developing airport cities, and as a result creating new fitness and wellness hubs based at airports?
MM: In terms of the aerotropolis concept, there was not a clear direction for any of us to follow. Someone had to make a bold move and we believe that is what we are doing. Other businesses will see what we are doing and will see that the idea of an aerotropolis development can be a reality, not only in South Africa but across the African continent. We listen to people's ideas, to their specialist expertise, to their counsel and we ensure that we work even harder to realise the idea of a new fitness and wellness hub concept based at airports. Airport companies are creating an enabling environment for companies such as Phela-Live and we have been engaging them for the past two years in our concept as part of their airport city planning. They are keen to make sure that an enabling environment is created so that concepts such as ours do not fail and can contribute to the creation of successful and vibrant airport city hubs.
Can you tell us more about your range of innovative and technologically advanced offerings?
SM: The MyWellness Key offer is a critical part of this unique offering and will be fully integrated into the client experience. The key not only provides you access to the facility, but it is a key into which will be loaded all your personal fitness and wellness programmes, so even if your personal coach is not available, you have a choice of using Phela-Live's full range of coaches, or your key provides all the information you need on implementing successfully and safely your personal programme. You are able to load your personal programme onto the machine and it will guide you. When you get onto the treadmill, just plug your MyWellness Key in and it will load your personal programme onto that piece of equipment, telling you how many kilometres you have to run, at what speed, and advise you on the duration of that particular programme. It tracks and uploads your performance as you go. There is also a cloud-based offering, the MyWellness Cloud where all of that personal fitness information will be made available in the cloud, so you can be anywhere in the world and as long as you have internet access, you can log in to the MyWellness Cloud, download your fitness and programme statistics and you are able to utilise that information wherever you are. Many of our members may be members of a programme such as Discovery and Vitality and the interesting thing is that such programmes accept you from credible sources to monitor your progress as part of your general health and wellness care. For the regular business or leisure traveller, this MyWellness Cloud integration is a unique selling point for Phela-Live and one that resonates with the traveller on the move who still wants to ensure that they maintain their health and fitness wherever they go.One of the beauties of this facility is the actual building itself – the sheer amount of space available. So, we have large studios that can accommodate large numbers of people comfortably. Our large aerobic studio will be implementing a whole range of programmes including Pilates, right the way through to yoga. Phela-Live has brought in a highly experienced fitness manager who has trained in the United States and who has developed a whole range of exciting programmes for those people who are looking to access the latest health and fitness techniques.


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HMS Jervis (F00)
Jervis, probably in the 1930s. Original photo believed to be in the public domain.
J, K, and N, 1937
HMS Jervis was the lead ship of the J-class destroyers, laid down in 1937. Built as a flotilla leader, Jervis commissioned on 8 May, 1939, less than four months before the outbreak of war in Europe. She captured a blockade runner on the 5th of September, and spent the next months running sweeps in the North Sea, until she suffered a collision in March, 1940. After completing repairs, Jervis transferred to the Mediterranean, where she was heavily involved in the fighting with the Italian Navy, boarding and scuttling the heavy cruiser Pola during the Battle of Cape Matapan. After surviving the evacuation of Crete, she ran supplies to Tobruk, and was damaged in the December, 1941, human torpedo attack on Alexandria. She would go on to provide cover fire for the Sicily, Salerno, Anzio, and Normandy landings, before she was decommissioned in September, 1944, for a refit. She rejoined the fleet in May, 1945, and helped mop up in the Mediterranean, before she was decommissioned again in 1946. Jervis was used for explosives testing the following year, and sold for scrap in 1949. She received thirteen battle honors, her record only being matched by HMS Nubian and HMS Orion, who served with her, and only beaten by HMS Warspite, who had the advantage of WWI service.
Fun Fact: Jervis was known as Lucky Jervis, due to never losing a crewman, despite all the damage she took in five and a half years of heavy fighting.


INTRALOT's Systems Technical Division after committing itself to Excellence in 2007 is passing now to the 2nd level of Business Excellence as defined by the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) with its General Technical Division being awarded the "Recognised for Excellence in Europe - 4 Stars" distinction. The award was delivered to INTRALOT during a ceremony that took place on October 22nd in Athens.
INTRALOT was recognised by EFQM for its successful actions and best practices towards Business Excellence following its engagement when passing the 1st level of the model. All levels of the EFQM program "Levels of Excellence" are based on 8 important principles of excellence; Results Orientation, Customer Focus, Leadership & Constancy of Purpose, Management by Processes & Facts, People Development & Involvement, Continuous Learning, Improvement & Innovation, Partnership Development and Corporate Social Responsibility. The distinction was a result of an evaluation procedure realised by the Hellenic Management Association, the national partner organisation of EFQM in Greece that ratified INTRALOT's consistency with the above mentioned principles and EFQM Model's 9 criteria covering areas such as leadership, strategy, people, partnerships & resources, processes, customer results, people results, society results and key performance results. The assessment was completed mainly via top management interviews and various employees' focus groups emphasizing upon organisation's determination and commitment to business excellence and continuous improvement.
EFQM is a non-for-profit organization which is the focal point of the Organizations which are pursuing the best practices for their businesses. The above program was founded in 2001 in order to compensate the efforts and the results of the enterprises which adopt the EFQM model as well as to motivate them to keep seeking the everlasting improvement of their entrepreneurship.
Mr. Constantinos Farris, General Technical Director Systems Division of INTRALOT S.A., stated: "The continuous improvement of INTRALOT's services and products is the company's never ending, essential and dynamic goal adopted by the Management Team all over the world. The EFQM Business Model for Excellence seals our commitment, placing it within a tangible framework in everyday practice".


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Previous (Molasses)
Next (Moldavia)
Microscopic photo of the hyphae and spores of the mold Aspergillus fumigatus
Molds (American English) or moulds (British English) are microscopic, multicellular fungi. They are generally composed of hyphae (filamentous structures) that are usually separated from each other by divisions called septa. They are genetically similar to yeasts (single-celled fungi).
Fungi (singular fungus), which also include mushrooms, mildews, and yeast, make up one of the kingdoms in biological classification and are eukaryotic organisms that digest their food externally and absorb the nutrient molecules into their cells. Fungi differ from bacteria in having a cell nucleus; from plants in not making their own food through photosynthesis; and from animals in not being mobile and in absorbing nutrition externally rather than internally.
Molds do not form a specific taxonomic grouping. They can be found in the divisions Zygomycota, Deuteromycota, and Ascomycota. Xerophilic molds use the humidity in the air as their only water source; other molds need more moisture. The molds Neurospora crassa and Aspergillus nidulans are commonly used model organisms.
Molds are often viewed negatively as causes of food spoilage and allergies. However, they serve important purposes, including key ecological roles as primary decomposers of dead organic matter, and in the production of foods (such as cheese) and antibiotics (such as penicillin).
2 Growth in buildings
3 Uses and health effects
Moldy bread
Moldy nectarines
Slime molds and water molds are not fungi, and thus not true molds. Slime molds (or slime moulds) are peculiar protists that normally take the form of amoebae, but under certain conditions develop fruiting bodies that release spores, superficially similar to the sporangia of fungi. Water molds (or water moulds) or oomycetes are a group of filamentous, unicellular protists, physically resembling fungi.
There are thousands of known species of molds. They have long hollow tubes called hyphae, which aggregate into a dense network known as mycelium. The mycelium grows through the medium on which the mold feeds.
The primary energy source for molds is organic matter, which is broken down into simpler compounds by enzymes released from the mycelia. Molds are important decomposers of dead plant and animal matter. By decomposing organic matter, molds play a big part in material biodegradation, enabling decay and rot necessary in all ecosystems, releasing carbon and other materials back into the environment where they can be reused by plants.
The enzymes and mycotoxins released by molds can inhibit the growth of other molds and microorganisms. Some mycotoxins are considered to be harmful to health.
As decomposers, molds are a big cause of the spoilage of foods, and can often be seen growing on food left too long in a refrigerator. They also can damage clothing and wood and other building materials. Molds, like all fungi, need moisture to grow, so the best way to prevent damage from them is too avoid dampness.
Although molds grow on organic matter everywhere in nature, their presence is only visible to the unaided eye where conditions allow mold colonies to grow. In man-made environments, humidity and temperature are often stable enough to foster the growth of mold colonies, commonly seen as a downy or furry coating growing on food or surfaces. Thus buildings, being stable environments, enable mold proliferation.
Stilton cheese contains edible mold
Molds reproduce through small spores, which can remain airborne indefinitely. Spores are able to survive extreme temperatures and pressure. Some molds can begin growing at temperatures as low as 2 °C. When conditions do not enable growth, molds can remain alive in a dormant state, within a large range of temperatures before they die. This explains how molds can survive harsh conditions such as containers in refrigerators or inside building structure cavities. Moving air may prevent mold from growing since it has the same desiccating effect as lowering humidity.
Although the presence of mold may indicate unwanted decomposition, some molds are cultivated deliberately for their byproduct compounds. Examples include making certain types of moldy cheese, and for the production of antibiotics derived from their natural defenses against bacteria. Alexander Fleming's famous discovery of the antibiotic penicillin came from the mold Penicillium notatum.
Growth in buildings
Mold growing on carpet
Same mold as above on carpet, four months later
Food sources for molds in buildings include cellulose-based materials, such as wood, cardboard, and the paper facing on both sides of drywall. Carpet contains dust and other organic matter.
Mold colonies are commonly seen in damp areas, such as basements and bathrooms. Mold colonies also grow inside building structures. Growth is fostered by the moisture in a building's structure, especially following floods and water leaks. Sometimes its presence is seen on wall surfaces; it may produce an identifiable smell. The main problem with the presence of mold in buildings is the inhalation of mycotoxins. All organic matter is a food source for mold; soap, paper, wood, and dust are just a few examples.
If a house has excessive mold, there is usually too much moisture in the house, possibly from the basement, a leaking roof, or leaks from plumbing pipes behind the walls. Insufficient ventilation can also cause moisture build-up from normal human activities such as taking showers and baths and cooking. Mold colonies often form where ventilation is poorest, and on perimeter walls, because they are coolest, thus closest to the dew point.
If there are mold problems in a house only during certain times of the year, then it is probably either too air-tight, or too drafty. Mold problems occur in airtight homes more frequently in the warmer months (when humidity reaches high levels inside the house, and moisture is trapped), and occur in drafty homes more frequently in the colder months (when warm air escapes from the living area into unconditioned space, and condenses). If a house is humidified artificially during the winter, this can create conditions favorable to mold.
In extreme cases of mold growth in buildings, it is easier to condemn the building rather than clean the mold to human-safe levels.
Uses and health effects
Cultured molds are used in the production of foods including cheese (Penicillium spp), tempeh (Rhizopus oligosporus), quorn (Fusarium venenatum), the black tea pu-erh. and some sausages. Soy sauce and miso production uses the mold Aspergillus oryzae and other microorganisms to ferment a soybean and wheat mixture.
Penicillium, in addition to its usefulness in the production of cheese, is especially invaluable as the source of antibiotics. It is estimated that penicillin has saved at least 200 million lives since its first use as a medicine in 1942.
Some mycotoxins produced by molds are known to be harmful to health in all people. Other mycotoxins cause immune system responses that vary considerably, depending on the individual. The duration of exposure is a key factor in triggering immune system response. Farm animals often die or suffer from mycotoxin poisoning. Mycotoxins resist decomposition from cooking, and remain in the food chain.
Spores can be allergenic. When inhaled, mold spores may germinate, attaching to cells along the respiratory tract and causing further problems in those with weak immune systems. One example is Stachybotrys chartarum, which has been associated with sick building syndrome.
Malmberg, P., A. Rask-Andersen, M. Lundholm, and U. Palmgren. 1990. "Can Spores from molds and Actinomycetes cause an organic dust toxic syndrome reaction?" American Journal of Industrial Medicine 17: 109-110.
Morrow, M. B., H. Prince, and S. A. Selle. 1937. "Molds in the etiology of asthma and hay fever: a preliminary report." Texas State Journal of Medicine 30: 754-762.
Morrow, M. B., and H. E. Prince. 1962. "Factors affecting mold growth and dissemination." Review of Allergy and Applied Immunology 16 (1962): 476-478.
Rudeschko, O., A. Machnik, H. Dorfelt, H. -H. Kaatz, B. Scholott, and R. W. Kinne. 2004. "A novel inhalation allergen present in the working environment of beekeepers." European Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology 59(3): 332-337.
All links retrieved October 13, 2018.
Mold Overview and Health Concerns
Mold history
Slime_mould history
Water_mould history
History of "Mold"
Retrieved from https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/p/index.php?title=Mold&oldid=1015321


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Find: Apple Releases iBooks 2, iTunes U, and iBooks Author for Interactive Textbooks
Here comes change.
Apple Releases iBooks 2, iTunes U, and iBooks Author for Interactive Textbooks [IBooks]
In an education focused event in New York today, Apple showed of its new version of iBooks and its new creation tool, iBooks Author.
iBooks 2 has a strong focus on textbook design, layout, and easy glossary searching. The books will focus on visuals in landscape mode and straight text in portrait mode. Like any good textbook, the Apple versions will have Q&A sections, critical thinking questions, and are packed full of images. Also included is a streamlined highlighting system that automatically converts your highlights into study cards. High school textbooks are priced at $14.99 or less. iBooks 2 is available for free as an update to iBooks in the iTunes App Store right now.
To accompany the new bookstore, Apple has a new textbook creation app called iBooks Author. The app tries to make book creation as simple as possible with drag and drop functionality, templates, widgets, and organization tools. It's available as a free download in the Mac App Store right now. In order to preview the books you create you need to update to a new version of iTunes, which is also available now.
Finally, iTunes U is getting an overhaul and an app today. It will allow students to access lectures, notes, and streams directly from an iPad in the same way they would an online class. Once exclusive to universities, it's now available to K-12 schools as well. If universities support it, the app will fully integrate with textbooks in iBooks. iTunes U is available as a free download in the iTunes App Store right now.


well, I am only a tenth of the way there BUT, counting my blessings and giving thanks daily for my overflowing cup.
101. 18 years with my beloved - where did the time go?
102. the failure of the propane which led to the discovery of the delight of smoked chicken breast.
104. a visit with my niece, brat-girl, and her new husband in their cozy home.
106. amazing border crossing guards in both directions.
108. weekly all-in-one night of soccer for all four soccer-playing kids.
110. sitting in Sunday morning service while the baby played the whole hour in the nursery.
I am admittedly, an optimist. My dear husband and eldest son are not. In fact, though they argue against it, they are indeed pessimists.
Me - "hello boy of mine. how is your day going?"
Drew - "thre is no why."
Me - "? you can't claim a "meh" day without a reason"
Drew - "You of all people shuld know by now that I m not one for reason."
Me - "*sigh* well Mister pessimist then you can't claim to be a "realist" The reality is your day is average ie "fine" - if there is nothing identifiable that causes your day to be below average then it cannot be defined as 'meh' "
Drew - "thats very optimistic reasoning and therefore not real."
Me - "not optimistic at all. Optimism would say without an identifiable cause for a below average day you must define your day as "wonderful", "great", "over-flowing with possibilities"! All spoken with great enthusiasm and even bigger smiles."
Drew - "spoken by an optimist. even worse an optimists view on on a pesimist. it just doesn't work."
Me - "Indeed it does work. You just don't like the fact that my neutrality - ie your day is fine - is realistic."
Drew - "If your nuetral why aren't I?"
Me - "because "meh" isn't neutral it's negative. "woohoo" would be positive (though extremely so). fine is neutral. regardless of your pessimistic outlook I still love you more than life!"
What I found even more interesting, is that moments after this conversation I went on to read this blog post by Ann Voskamp. As I pondered her thoughts, I read this quote and it spoke to me.
"When we fixate on the worst in something, we render ourselves incapable of fixing anything.
But attend to the good in something — and we act towards the best in everything."
This is it - when we focus on the adverse- when our immediate reaction is the extreme negative response to any circumstance, then the situation seems hopeless... too much to bear let alone overcome. The influence on those around can be depressing, suffocating desperation. But this isn't TRUTH.
Romans 15:4-6 "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Romasn 15:13 " May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
If I have this hope, how can I choose to react in the negative? to focus on the worst scenario as one without hope?
Romans 8:37 " No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."
I am not left to my own devices to just "get by" or survive.
"You may not be able to picture what you can't see but only real things fill up space. And the real reality is that your glass is really right full."
and they ring so true the glass is indeed ALWAYS "really right full".
I had opportunity to meet with an amazing group of women this evening. My Bible study group. Five homeschooling moms who love the Lord and desire to be the wives and mothers God calls us to be. We are working through The Resolution for Women by Priscilla Shirer. I have found the book, for the most part, thought provoking and challenging.
I love our discussion time. The laughter and sarcasm. The honesty and openness. The woundedness and the healing. The safe place to be real and transparent. To learn and grow and change. No judgement. Encouragement and love and prayer.
...but when I look at this image, I breathe deep and drink in the beauty of the moment.
92. my eldest - who still gives me hugs and occasionally lets me tuck him in.
98. scrapbooking weekend with the girls.
There are so many SWEET things in my life - my husband, each of my children, friendships, my faith. It was hard to just pull one of these "most importants" out and distinguish it as "sweet", so I went typical with this week's challenge.
Who can resist home-made waffles with chocolate chips, fresh strawberries and whipped cream?
So much for which to be thankful!
81. homemade chocolate chip bran muffins. This recipe from a friend makes me happy.
82. so many encouraging words from friends and family.
84. a new shirt in my favorite colour - red!
87. sunshine, blue skies and warm weather.
88. watching my eldest come down the hall with his Bible - not well enough to go to church but spending time in God's Word anyways.
89. our Sunday lunch tradition - sharing what God showed us that morning.
90. cleaning out the wardrobe of clothes that no longer fit!
I had lots of ideas for hands in previous challenges. To be honest, I hadn't really thought of what to do this time around until I saw Christine's picture of her daughter's hand ready to pick up a worm. ew!
- but since I posted those on my facebook status and took the pictures without the intention of the photo challenge, I thought it would be cheating.
Good thing my sons see me as "flower-worthy" on a regular basis!
though, periwinkle, like dandelions, do not make a long lasting cut flower.
three sets of hands flying. well, at least there were three until the camera came out and one decided not to participate. Even still, I love the movement in this picture and the three distinct personalities that define my sons.
Lastly, a little boy who has clearly seen this so often that he is quite confident in how a camera works!
Like many kids the motivation of stickers or candy was enough to send me into a panic Sunday mornings. On the short drive from our door to the church parking lot, I crammed for the "test" – did you or did you not know your Bible verse this week? Of course the incentive was not enough to hook me into a weeks' worth of work that would really cement the verse in my memory. After all, I only really needed to know the verse long enough to get credit. To be honest, aside from the standard John 3:16 type verses, I don't remember much of my early memorization attempts.
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