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WSJ: Union Benefits Are So Good, Non-Members Should Get Them For Free
Written by Meagan Hatcher-Mays
Published 05/06/15 9:52 AM EDT
The Wall Street Journal editorial board is siding with four teachers in California who are suing their unions, claiming "coercion" and "political extortion" because "critical benefits" are being withheld from non-member employees who don't pay for them, but failed to mention the challenge is seeking to overturn decades-old precedent.
In April, four teachers filed suit against the California Teachers' Association and several other teachers' unions, arguing that their denial of certain benefits to non-members was unconstitutional, despite Supreme Court precedent to the contrary. The teachers had refused to join their representative unions because they disagree with the groups' "political activity," which is funded by members who pay full membership dues. While even non-members are required to pay some dues to the union -- a reduced share known as "agency" or "fair share fees" -- that money cannot be used for political activities.
In a May 4 editorial, the Journal sided with the suing teachers, calling their lawsuit an opportunity "to end the political extortion" by unions, despite the fact that the Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of agency fees. The editorial took special exception to the fact that non-members aren't covered by a disability insurance program that provides paid maternity leave, claiming that it is unfair for teachers to have to "ante up to receive substantial employment benefits":
Teachers who disagree with the union's agenda can opt out of membership and not pay dues. Trouble is, they then must forfeit material benefits including legal representation in workplace disputes as well as union insurance that is necessary for disability and maternity leave. They also cannot vote on collective-bargaining agreements that govern the terms and conditions of their employment.
The coercion is particularly insidious in the case of maternity leave, which the union does not collectively bargain. Teachers who want to take leaves of absence are guaranteed full-time pay only for their unused sick days. After that, their pay gets docked substantially. So if new mothers want to take a couple of months off, they in effect must either join the union -- and finance its political advocacy -- or take a huge pay cut.
Imagine if a bank made maternity leave and flex time available only to workers who contribute to a Republican political action committee. This is essentially what the union public-school monopoly does: restrict critical benefits to those who support their political spending.
But benefits like legal representation in certain employment disputes and specialized disability insurance aren't "employment benefits" -- they're union benefits, and they cost money. As the California Teachers Association pointed out in a brief filed in a similar case, most school district employers opt out of a state program that would provide similar maternity leave benefits, but because full union members want the additional coverage, the union offers it as an earned benefit. In other words, the four teachers want all the benefits of full union membership without having to pay for it.
At the very least, the Journal's admission that unions offer benefits so extraordinary that everyone should get them for free is a marked shift in its rhetoric on the labor movement. It remains to be seen if the Supreme Court will agree, however, that unions should be forced to offer benefits to "free riders." Even conservative Justice Antonin Scalia has said that "where the state imposes upon the union a duty to deliver services, it may permit the union to demand reimbursement for them; or, looked at from the other end, where the state creates in the nonmembers a legal entitlement from the union, it may compel them to pay the cost."
Photo via A. Michael Simms/Flickr under a Creative Commons License.
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Gelegs ist der Familienname folgender Personen:

 Ernst Gelegs (* 1960), österreichischer Journalist
 Josef Gelegs (1913–1969), österreichischer Fußballspieler

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Netanyahu Under Pressure to Negotiate with Hamas
Avi Yishai
In visits last week with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, and British Prime Minister David Cameron, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu came under heavy pressure to submit to Palestinian demands for the imposition of a construction freeze in the West Bank and Yerushalayim. The Israeli leader was warned to restart peace negotiations with the Palestinians this summer, or face the likelihood of seeing both France and Britain supporting a UN General Assembly resolution in September recognizing a Palestinian state with pre'67 borders. Netanyahu tried to make the best of the situation. He told reporters in Paris that Sarkozy had agreed that the Palestinians "must recognize Israel as the state of the Jewish people.
"I heard from President Sarkozy…that anyone who wants to make peace with Israel must state in the clearest manner that he is committed to peace with Israel…to peace and not to terror.
"I heard similar things yesterday in Britain and I think that in Paris and in London there's an understanding that whoever wants to make peace must commit to peace and not to the complete opposite."
Sarkozy's office responded to Netanyahu's declaration by saying: "France's position is known. It supports the solution of two nation states living side-by-side in peace and security, within safe and recognized borders." In other words, France, like Britain, seems determined to force Israel to accept a two state solution
But Netanyahu's optimistic assessment fooled nobody. His European visits had to be counted as a major diplomatic setback for Israel. They were the latest sign that Israel has become increasingly isolated in the international community.
The meeting with Cameron came on the same day that PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas and the leaders of Hamas signed a new national unity deal in Cairo. The deal had been brokered in secret by Egypt's interim military government.
Netanyahu told reporters in London that the Fatah-Hamas agreement was a "tremendous blow to peace and a great victory for terrorism. Three days ago, terrorism was dealt a resounding defeat with the elimination of Osama bin Laden; today, in Cairo, it had a victory."
Netanyahu said that in signing the unity agreement with Hamas, Abbas had "embraced" an organization that condemned the killing of bin Laden and called him a "great martyr."
"When he [Abbas] embraces this organization, which is committed to Israel's destruction and fires rockets on our cities, this is a tremendous setback for peace and a great advancement for terror.
"What we hope will happen is that we find peace – and the only way we can make peace is with our neighbors who want peace. Those who want to eliminate us, those who practice terror, are not partners for peace."
NETANYAHU INSISTS THAT HAMAS MUST CHANGE
In a separate interview, Netanyahu said, "If [Palestinian] national unity is unity for peace, then we would be the first to support it. But if it is unity to move away from peace, pursue the battle for Israel's eradication, then obviously we oppose it and so should everyone else.
"If Hamas adopted positions of peace in the unity government I would say great, let's negotiate, but in fact the opposite has happened," Netanyahu said.
Israel reacted to the signing of the PA-Hamas accord by postponing the transfer of $105 million in customs duties and VAT (value added taxes) it collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority.
The move was met with predictable condemnation from UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, and a group of countries that make donations to the PA.
In response to the suspension of Israeli payments, the EU announced an extra aid payment to the Palestinians in response to a request from PA Prime Minister Salam Fayyad for money to cover salaries and welfare payments.
EMPTY PROMISES
Norway, which chairs the committee of donor states to the PA, asked Israel to transfer the funds, and offered to create a financial "firewall" to ensure that none of the money Israel turns over reaches Hamas. However, if Hamas is given a say, as a partner in the PA government, over how all of its money is spent, such an assurance is meaningless.
Israel blocked the transfer of the tax revenues to the PA during the second intifada and again after Hamas won the parliamentary elections in 2006. After the first joint PA-Hamas government collapsed, Israel forwarded the funds to Abbas' government with interest.
Israeli government spokesman, Mark Regev, acknowledged that under the Oslo accords, "It's Palestinian money, but we can't transfer it to a terrorist organization." He added that the only action taken by the Israeli government has been to postpone a monthly meeting with the PA at which the transfer of the money usually takes place. "No decisions have been taken but there have been preliminary discussions," he added.
Israeli defense minister Ehud Barak said that he was opposed to the withholding of the tax funds, because, "they belong to [the PA] according to international agreements."
Israel justifies withholding the funds because Hamas leaders insist that they still reject the three demands for international recognition set down by the Quartet in 2006 after Hamas won a majority of the seats in the Palestinian legislature. Those demands are for recognition of Israel, a renunciation of terrorism, and an agreement to be bound by the signed Oslo peace agreements. Britain and France both cautiously welcomed the power sharing deal, even though those conditions were not met.
THE DETAILS REMAIN FUZZY
The new Palestinian national government is supposed to be made up of non-political administrators, and its goal is to pave the way for new Palestinian elections, which have not taken place for five years. If fact, Abbas' term as the elected PA chairman expired two years ago.
The composition of the new Palestinian unity government, as well as its mandate, remains unclear. Abbas claims that in the unity government, he retains the authority to negotiate a peace agreement with Israel. Hamas leaders claim that no negotiations can take place until a new government is installed after the elections. Nevertheless, the diplomatic pressure, especially from the European countries, remains entirely on Israel.
Relations between Europe and Israel have grown increasingly strained as a result of Netanyahu's refusal to agree to Abbas' demand for the imposition of a housing freeze as a precondition for renewing peace talks.
Britain, France, and the rest of the EU seem clearly inclined to give Hamas a pass, in the hope of using the UN General Assembly threat as leverage to force Netanyahu to agree to Abbas' demands for the construction freeze. The Europeans continue to cling to the idea that the peace talks themselves are a solution, rather than merely a means to an end. This is the attitude, confusing the process with the goal, which doomed the Oslo peace process to perpetual failure.
With regard to Hamas, France and Britain stated that they will judge the new Palestinian unity government by its "actions", which was interpreted to mean that they would be satisfied for the time being as long as Hamas did not launch any further attacks on Israel.
A senior French presidential source said Paris was waiting for the makeup and direction of an emerging caretaker Palestinian government to become clearer.
"We shall see in the coming days if we get useful clarifications which will allow progress," he said.
ENCOURAGING MORE ARAB DEMANDS
The problem with that thinking is that by continuing to put pressure only on Israel for further concessions, the Europeans are encouraging Abbas and the Palestinians to move the goal posts for restarting peace talks once again. Abbas has already indicated that he will no longer be satisfied with forcing Israel to impose a construction freeze. He is also now insisting on prior agreement to the one condition that no Israeli leader could ever accept, recognition of a Palestinian right of return, which even the Israeli left wing recognizes is a euphemism for national suicide.
Coupled with Abbas' new alliance of convenience with Hamas which still rejects the Quartet's basic requirements, any sign of weakness by Netanyahu under pressure could have disastrous consequences.
British and French leaders refuse to recognize the dangers inherent in the Palestinian demands, while insisting that they are still Israel's friends. After meeting with Netanyahu, Cameron said, "Britain is a good friend of Israel and our support for Israel and Israel's security is something I have described in the past, and will do so again, as unshakeable. We are strong friends of Israel."
But then the British leader added,
"We think, though, now there is a real opportunity – with the end of bin Laden, with the Arab Spring, with all that's happening in the world – we think this is a moment of opportunity… to push forward the process of peace between Israel and Palestine," referring to the latter as if it already exists.
The next day, Sarkozy told Netanyahu that France would back UN recognition for the Palestinian state under joint PA-Hamas control if peace talks had not resumed by September. British diplomats said their country shares France's view.
BRITISH TRYING TO HAVE IT BOTH WAYS
A report in the British newspaper The Guardian quoted unnamed government officials as saying, "Britain's clear and absolute preference is for a negotiation to take place between Israel and the Palestinians which leads to a two-state solution which everyone endorses. But at this point Britain is not ruling anything out. The more Israel engages seriously in a meaningful peace process, the less likely it is that this question of unilateral declaration would arise."
Asked what would happen if Netanyahu refuses to join substantive talks with the new PA-unity government, the source refused to give a specific reply. He said that under those circumstances, "Europe would be asked a very difficult question and we don't know yet what the answer to that question will be."
ISRAEL ALMOST CERTAIN TO LOSE ANY UN VOTE
Netanyahu acknowledged that such a resolution, if put to the world body's General Assembly when it convenes in September, would most likely be passed.
"Can there be an automatic majority in the UN? The answer is yes," he said. "They can say the earth is flat and pass it."
His strategy at this point is to try to make it clear to Western leaders that any effort to try to impose a solution on Israel by threatening UN recognition of a Palestinian state without a negotiated agreement would destroy the peace process rather than save it.
"A serious quest for peace can only happen through negotiations. It can only happen in negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, and not through a UN diktat," he said in Paris.
However, Netanyahu failed to get Britain and France to accept his position. Even German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has said that Germany will not recognize a Palestinian state before it reaches a peace deal with Israel, said last week, after meeting with Abbas, that, "Germany and France both want quick progress. We want a two-state solution. We want to recognize a Palestinian state. Let us ensure that negotiations begin. It is urgent."
STRONG US SUPPORT IS NETANYAHU'S ONLY HOPE
Netanyahu's last hope is to get a strong show of support against UN Palestinian recognition from the US. He is due to visit the US on May 20, where he will meet with President Obama and address both houses of Congress. While Netanyahu will find many friends on Capitol Hill, particularly among Republicans, his greeting at the White House is likely to be chilly.
The US has warned the PA against seeking recognition from the UN, but it has not said that it will oppose the resolution if it is offered in September, and has taken a "wait and see" position on the new unity deal between Hamas and the PA.
However, with that deal now a reality, the fact that Hamas is still listed by the US as a terrorist organization makes it legally and politically problematic for Obama to keep providing the PA with US aid, as well as equipment and training for PA security forces in the West Bank.
Before the unity deal was signed in Cairo, 29 US senators wrote President Obama demanding that US aid to the PA be frozen if Hamas members join the PA government. Such a move, they said, "threatens to derail the Middle East peace effort." At the very least, the unity agreement imperils $550 million in US aid scheduled to go to the PA this year.
US ON THE FENCE
The White House has not said what it will do in September if peace talks have not yet been resumed, and the Palestinians press their resolution in the General Assembly. Unless the US comes out strongly against the resolution, and persuades Britain and France to join it in trying to sideline the initiative, Israel is likely to be facing its gravest diplomatic crisis in decades.
Superficially, the US position on the Fatah-Hamas unity agreement is similar to that adopted by Netanyahu. Obama administration officials say they remain open to including Hamas in the Mideast peace process, provided it meets the Quartet's 2006 conditions.
But instead of insisting on a positive statement by Hamas accepting those principles, which Netanyahu has demanded, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said, "we're going to wait and make our assessment as we actually see what unfolds from this moment on."
At a press conference in Rome, where she was attending a meeting on Libya, Clinton said cautiously with regard to the Fatah-Hamas unity deal, "we are going to be carefully assessing what this actually means, because there are a number of different potential meanings to it, both on paper and in practice."
The US has also warned the Palestinians to ensure that the implementation of their unity deal advances the prospects of peace, implicitly rejecting Israel's view that the unity accord only advances the agenda of terrorism.
MASHAAL'S DECEPTIVE LIES
US officials also said they are studying the deliberately vague comments by the Damascus-based international leader of Hamas, Khaled Mashaal, following the ceremonial signing of the unity agreement with Fatah in Cairo last week. In a number of media interviews, Mashaal reserved the right of Hamas to attack Israel, but said that all decisions on "negotiations with Israel, domestic governance, foreign affairs, domestic security and resistance and other field activities" against Israel, would now be reached in consensus between the Palestinian factions.
He also acknowledged that in order to succeed, the unity deal needs approval and support from the EU and the US, both financially and diplomatically. "We are waiting for action from the Europeans and the Americans that would support our position and to not interfere," Mashaal said.
When asked directly whether Hamas would ever agree to recognize Israel, he dodged the question, insisting that international recognition of a Palestinian state had to precede any consideration of recognition of Israel. The statement implied that Hamas believes that it has already succeeded in turning back the clock to before 1948, when the world formally recognized Israel's independence.
Mashaal also made believe that the Quartet conditions no longer apply to Hamas, saying, "the international position, especially that of the Europeans and the Americans, is still unclear, but we hope they respect our will and decision. This is an internal Palestinian issue that no one should delay or place conditions on."
He urged the international community to continue pressuring Israel for concessions as the only way to force it to withdraw. He again ignored the fact that Israel has made steadily more generous territorial withdrawal offers to the Palestinians since the 2000 Camp David summit, and as recently as September, 2008, when the Palestinians broke off the talks, without ever responding.
HAMAS TO ISRAEL: "YOU GO FIRST"
Asked if Hamas was ready to recognize Israel as part of a permanent peace deal, Mashaal said, "first allow the Palestinian people to live on their lands freely… to establish their independent state… then ask the Palestinian people, its government and leaders about their position towards Israel." In other words, he was insisting that Israel agree to all of the Palestinian demands, with no assurance of peace in return.
Despite this lopsided approach to peacemaking, Nabil Shath, an aide to Abbas, said that in the negotiations leading up to the signing of the Cairo agreement, Meshaal had said that Hamas was prepared to adopt a strategy of "nonviolent resistance," for the time being.
The Israeli view is that the inclusion of Hamas into the Palestinian Authority undermines the credibility of the PA as a partner for peace negotiations. "We don't buy that. Its actions prove otherwise and Hamas's charter clearly calls for the destruction of Israel and all-out jihad." an Israel official said, and urged Abbas to annul the newly signed agreement with Hamas.
NEW PA UNITY DEAL UNLIKELY TO LAST
It was not immediately clear how well Hamas and Fatah have worked out their new unity deal. In the short-lived 2006 power-sharing agreement between them negotiated by the Saudis, they were not required to take decisions jointly. Instead, each faction was delegated different responsibilities, with Hamas overseeing domestic affairs while Fatah and Abbas handled peace negotiations with Israel. That arrangement quickly fell apart as each faction tried to use their areas of authority to weaken the other.
Unless Hamas and Fatah come up with a new formula for sharing power and quickly learn how to really cooperate with one another, their new unity deal won't last any longer than the first one did.
That is the assessment of outgoing Shin Beth head Yuval Diskin. In a May 4 briefing, Diskin said he doubts that Fatah and Hamas will be able to share power, or even cooperate long enough to hold elections in 2012.
He believes that the only reason Hamas agreed to sign the deal with Fatah was to get the interim Egyptian government to agree to re-open the border crossing at Rafiach. He believes the agreement was "mostly for the sake of appearances," and cannot be implemented on the ground. He also says that the chances for a true reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas in the foreseeable future are "slim."
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Health and childbirth recovery
Mum's Life Celebrity Articles list
'A very special secret': Robbie Williams and Ayda Field welcome a third child
Huge congratualations to Ayda Field and Robbie Williams who have welcomed their third child. The parents stunned fans with their joyous news earlier this morning.
The proud mum posted a black and white photo of five hands. She wrote: "I spy with my little eye an extra little hand."
The actress gushed: "So we have been keeping a very special secret! We are delighted to share with you that we have had a baby girl."
The doting parents chose the sweetest name for their daughter: "Welcome to the world Colette (Coco) Josephine Williams!!"
A post shared by Ayda Field Williams (@aydafieldwilliams) on Sep 6, 2018 at 11:46pm PDT
Ayda revealed that having their third child wasn't an easy journey for her or Robbie: "It has been a very long and difficult path to get here, which is why we have kept it on the down low."
She explained that baby Colette was born via surrogacy: "Family comes in all forms, and this little lady, who is biologically ours, was carried by an incredible surrogate mother, to whom we will be eternally grateful."
Ayda and Robbie are thrilled to have welcomed another child into their family.
"We are over the moon to have this beautiful baby girl in our lives and so blessed that we live in a world which makes this possible," the mum-of-three added.
"As with Teddy and Charlie, we ask that you respect Coco's privacy and allow us to grow into our new team of 5!" the X Factor judge said.
We are over the moon for Robbie and Ayda and their growing family. Talk about the best surprise ever.
Prince Harry gives adorable update on son Archie following royal discussions
How dare I feel tired just two weeks after the Christmas break
'Is she lonely?': 30 remarks every mum-of-one has heard


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I was Abdus Salam
After the September 11, 2001, attacks by Al Qaida the US reacted by invading Afghanistan. Osama bin Laden escaped via Tora Bora into Pakistan, and there he hid for many years. Meanwhile, the neocons orchestrated the major blunder in Iraq, which led to the mess we see today in the Middle East and Africa. It used to be North Africa, but nowadays the Al Qaida clones are found as far as Nigeria, Kenya, and France. Therefore today we can say US and EU policy has failed, and Al Qaida and its clones have spread all over.
Anyhow, the Iraq war was based on false premises. At first it was the unfound "Weapons of Mass Destruction" (WMD for short). Later, when the WMD weren´t even close to being found, Bush started peddling "we liberated Iraq for democracy". So the idea was to send several hundred thousand troops into a Muslim country (with borders drawn up by the British to have serious internal conflicts), to fight for freedom and democracy for the Iraqi people. And this, of course, the USA was doing out of love for freedom loving Iraqis, who would turn out to be raving mad Muslim mad killers after US troops followed the neocon recipe from 2003 to 2009.
And meanwhile we saw really ugly Muslim hatred emerging in the USA (hurrah, thought the neocons). Being a confirmed atheist as far as major homo sapiens religions are concerned, I didn´t think the intense hatred being fueled by the media (like Fox News and the Liberty radio network) was the right approach. The flames of hate burned hot in chat rooms in those days, oh yeah.
I sure wish I had kept a record, because that shit was really gross. The hatred being spewed was so heavy I decided to do something about it: I became Abdus Salam.
Read more ......>>>>>>
President Obombo will visit Cabo Caballo
Waziria´s president Patrice Obombo has announced that he will visit the slave island nation of Cabo Caballo next month. This step follows the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Kambo regime in 2015.
Wazirian president Obombo at his press conference
explaining plans to visit Cabo Caballo´s dictator
Many in Waziria´s capital, Kumbasi, have been critical of Obombo´s move. They point out the opening of friendly relations with the Kambo dictatorship was neither urgent nor necessary, Their consensus is that president Obombo felt it would polish his rather tarnished accomplishments before the end of his term later this year.
Thus the Kambo family dictatorship has managed to parlay a prisoner swap (the murderous Caballoan "Operation Wasp" spies for a Wazirian spy who went by the code name "Sarraf", a Jewish tourist was tossed in as a side dish) into full diplomatic relations and now a visit by President Obombo himself. This has been a motive of celebration, including a monster party thrown to celebrate "the Day of Victory over Waziria".
Cabo Caballo´s Kambo brothers have been a thorn on the side of Wazirian strategic interests for half a century. First elder brother Fabuloso Kambo, and now Ernesto Kambo, have been actively undermining Wazirian business interests in nearby countries, as well as causing uproars in the Caballoan immigrant population, known as Caballo-Wazirians. This group is rabidly opposed to the Kambo dictatorship, and has traditionally backed political parties willing to play hardball with the Kambos.
Richard Tol's paper about climate change impact
I just read a paper by Richard Tol about the impact of climate change on the world economy and humanity at large. The paper reviews the IPCC conclusions on impacts, which appear to be quite sloppy and unsupported.
This is Richard Tol
After reading this and other papers and looking over the fossil fuel resource limits we face, whereas we also know the climate sensitivity to greenhouse gas concentration is lower than postulated "by the consensus", I conclude global warming is a secondary problem which doesn't deserve half the ink it's getting. I must also conclude that President Obama isn't nearly as smart as he thinks.
Tol's paper is here: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/webteam/gateway/file.php?name=wps-78-2015.pdf&site=24
I interview Donald Trump
The following interview took place thanks to Pope Francis, who had asked me to fly to Havana to meet him and the Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill, and serve as a mediator as they begin merger negotiations.
As it turned out NY was having the mother of all snow storms and so I ran into Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump as he too waited for the airport to reopen and fly to his next campaign stop. By sheer luck, we got seated next to each other at the VIP lounge, and after I explained I had done famous celebrities, he agreed to a quick on-the-spot interview.
Donald Trump at the VIP Airport Lounge in NY
FERNANDO: Mr. Trump, we´ll make this as fast as painless as possible. Remember I don´t usually pull punches, but tonight I´m a bit tired so I´ll take it easy on you.
DONALD: Thank you.
FERNANDO: The American people are fed up with politicians, most of them think you are a pompous ass, you wear a wig, and you are as offensive as they come, yet you seem to be getting 30 % of the Republican vote. How did you connect with them, was it the discontent, frustration with the system, and the way white folk feel isolated from Washington?
TRUMP: I felt it. I mean I felt it from within. I´m white. We have tremendous discontent in the country. We have tremendous problems in the country.
FERNANDO: So would you be willing to shut down the government in order to defund Planned Parenthood?
TRUMP: I won´t answer that, because I want to show unpredictability. But Planned Parenthood should absolutely be defunded. That´s going to get me votes.
FERNANDO: Do you like affirmative action?
TRUMP: I'm fine with it, we have it, it's there. But it's coming to a time when maybe we don't need it. Take you, are you Mexican?
I interview Leonardo DiCaprio
Watching the opening of Leonardo DiCaprio ´s "The Revenant", all I could think was, "That looks like Man in the Wilderness." The Revenant was good, but as far as I´m concerned, the DiCaprio legend begins with a delightful movie about a large ship named Titanic – the budding star does a great job but dies at the end, frozen to a wooden pallet.
But I digress. I interviewed DiCaprio aboard his posh yacht as we sailed from Gibraltar to Patroklos, his Greek island, because he is credited with doing more for global warming scientific literacy than any other actor on the planet. It's true that I inflated his already large ego with some questions about his acting, but the real focus was his concern for the planet's temperature.
Fernando: So, this is the first time we've met.
DICAPRIO: Yes, it is. Please have some tartalettes, I had them flown in from Paris this morning.
Fernando: Thanks (I grab a couple), the French sure know now to make pastries. But tell me about your last movie, the one where you play the fur trapper.
DICAPRIO: It was physically grueling. And I had to spend hours getting made up. They made me get into a cold river. But they had warm towels. That´s in my contract.
Fernando: What drew you to the role of Hugh Glass?
DICAPRIO: it was epic in every sense of the word. I was pretty sure it would get me close to an Oscar.
Fernando: I heard you had problems with snow.
DICAPRIO: We had a lot of complications…it was the hottest year in recorded history. But one day we were trying to do a scene and it turned out to be 40 below zero, so the gears of the camera didn't work.
Fernando: Yeah, it´s an El Niño year. The climate can be crazy.
DiCaprio: It´s global warming.
Fernando: Do you check the weather forecast before you go make a cold weather movie in June?


– 500 foot spool of 12 gauge wire: CHECK! The standard kit comes with 24 gauge, but I used 12 gauge when I put it up originally, so I'm sticking with it. unlike the loops on the SAL-20, which were constructed with 65 feet of wire each, the SAL-30 will be using a whopping 95 feet for each loop. That's a lot of wire!
– Replacement mast poles: CHECK! Since the SAL series of antennas requires a fiberglass mast, and will not work with aluminum, I bought replacements for the ones Fido destroyed. I should have an extra section when I'm done.
– Guy rope and tensioners: CHECK! The SAL-30 kit came with enough guy rope for two levels of guys for the mast, as well as enough to support the loops itself. they also included eight tensioners, which is handy as well. Let's hope I don't screw up with the cuts.
– New support stakes: CHECK! I decided to beef up the stakes I was using with more heavy duty supports.
– Cable ties: CHECK! Cable ties are the duct tape of amateur radio. They'll come in handy during the initial construction phase.
– Heatshrink tubing, and insulators: CHECK! Heatshrink tubing is a Godsend to HAMs, almost as useful as cable ties for antenna projects. I actually have dogbone insulators for this job, although the makeshift PVC pipe sections I used for the SAL-20 worked just fine.
– Soldering gun and solder: CHECK! Actually, I better double check this when I get home. i might need to get another tip for the Weller.
– Nice weather: CHECK? If the forecasters are to be believed, we are supposed to be in the seventies this Saturday, with a 40% chance of afternoon thunderstorms. I'm not crazy about the 19 mph wind, but well, welcome to Iowa.
Dude, you go ahead and get the antenna up. I'll stay here and guard the couch. could you hand me the TV remote before you go please?
So the stage is set, and I am very anxious to see if this new antenna can hear. If I don't screw anything up, and the thunderstorms stay away until Saturday night, I should be ready to put this new antenna through its paces early next week.
Now if my helper was as enthused about this project as I am.
*I say this knowing full well that it is not true. As with all of my projects, I am certain there will be at least one trip to the hardware store for things I didn't anticipate, I just don't know what those things are yet. It would also be a good idea to mow the lawn before getting this beast up, as it will make my life easier in the long run. Hopefully I can get that done before Saturday.
In retrospect, maybe it wasn't my best decision to start airing commercials for HF Radio Review on The Mighty KBC the same week I tried to switch to a new web hosting company. In fact it was a terrible idea, but it just sort of happened that way anyways. I should know very well that these things are never quick and painless, but it would be different with my own website right? Right?? Wrong!
The good news is that, after a lot of hard work, HF Radio Review is back up, and open for business once again.
Now if I could only say the same for my SAL-20.
About two weeks ago, the unthinkable happened when my neighbor's dog (who would make a fine rug by the way) took off after a squirrel and brought down the SAL-20 antenna. While that is annoying in itself, he also managed to crack several sections of mast AND ripped one of the loops completely out of the guy ring. This wasn't going to be a simple put it back up kind of operation, this was going to need a complete rebuild.
And since I was going to have to rebuild it, I decided to take this opportunity to upgrade it as well. Ten days after making the call to Array Solutions, the Big Brown Truck delivered all of the parts I will need to rebuild the SAL-20 as its big brother, the SAL-30. I was very eager to get this beast up and running this weekend, but the weatherman has other ideas, as we can expect a soaking rain to move in tonight and stay all weekend. Should I have expected anything different? Expect a blog about hilarity that is sure to ensue.
By the way, if you have the recources, I'd like to encourage you to give what you can to the Mighty KBC. Dave Mason and Uncle Eric Van Willegen are truly trying to keep music on shortwave alive, and I hope you'll help them in the fight. Every Euro counts, so please, give what you can to keep the farts blasting into the stratosphere.


Life can become a balancing act when there seem to be a million little things on your to-do list. It's no wonder that most tasks, from buying your groceries to applying for a job, can now be accessed and completed through an app. If you're on-the-go and spend most of your time away from your computer, here are some tips and short-cuts to help you file your taxes on the go.
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Having a secure password is always a safe choice, especially when it comes to your confidential information. When filing on mobile with TurboTax, you can have confidence that your information is secure through multiple security features to verify your identity, protect your information, and notify you when changes are made to your account as you would when using your computer. No need to worry if you can never remember your password, TurboTax mobile also allows users to have Touch ID login, for easy and secure access when you're in a rush and need to quickly sign in.
See how easy it can be to file on mobile? The TurboTax mobile app – available for iOS/Android, on both phones and tablets – offers the full line-up of TurboTax products – anytime, anywhere. Plus using these tips when filing not only saves you time and energy, but it also allows you to get back to other priorities in your life. Even if that means staying at home and treating yourself for one day! Download the TurboTax mobile app today to get started!


Programs offered by the university are based on the standards set by Islamic Republic of Iran's Ministry of Sciences, Research and Technology. The programs include post-high school diploma, undergraduate, graduate, and PhD. The pages following this section show each program in detail. The university offers other programs beside the ones mentioned above such as short-courses, Farsi language program and practical courses designed for the non-Iranian students, detail of which in the pages following this section.
The programs are divided in two major groups of Islamic sciences and the humanities and applicants can apply based on their areas of interest.


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How to Cook Frozen Apple Pie
By Kristie Brown
Nicole S. Young/iStock/GettyImages
When it comes to dessert, warm apple pie is about as classic—and perfect—as it gets. Baking it from scratch is quite a process, though. Good thing pies freeze well, making them convenient to pull out for a midnight craving, unplanned guests or a quick hostess gift. It's quite easy to cook a frozen apple pie if you follow a few simple steps.
If the pie was pre-baked, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If it wasn't pre-baked, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil.
Remove the pie from the freezer and unwrap the covering. If it's a store-bought frozen apple pie, take it out of the box and remove the wrapper.
Leave the pie in its pan. If the pie wasn't pre-baked, cut three or four slits in the top crust and then brush cream on top with a pastry brush to give the pie a golden color. Sprinkle the top with sugar.
Center the pie on the cookie sheet to catch any spills from the bubbly fruit filling.
Place the cookie sheet in the oven and heat the pre-baked pie for 25 to 30 minutes. Watch the pie carefully for the last 10 minutes, and if the crust begins to brown too fast, reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lay a sheet of foil over the top of the crust.
If the pie was not pre-baked, bake it for 45 to 50 minutes.
Remove the pie from the oven carefully with oven mitts and place it on a trivet or wire rack to cool slightly before serving.
To bake a frozen pie that has thawed in the refrigerator, reduce the cooking time by half.
Frozen pies should be heated and eaten within six months.
Kristie Brown is a publisher, writer and editor. She has contributed to magazines, textbooks and online publications. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Texas at Austin.
Differences Between Dutch Apple Pie and French Apple Pie
How to Freeze a Lemon Meringue Pie
How to Keep the Meringue Pie Top From Shrinking
How to Freeze Homemade Apple Pie
How to Freeze Baked Apple Pies
How to Keep Meringue from Separating from the Crust


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She Knew Who She Was Dancing With Quote
I didn't know. of Class, she had "no intention" of going to the ceremony, but she was on tour with the Royal Shakespeare Company performing Hedda Gabler, so why not. "Oh, Fred Astaire! Come on! My.
May 20, 2018 · Context is everything. Crop out the people on the right, pretend that whatever that is she's wearing is a scrubs top, imagine that the long tables are in a cafeteria and that she's skipping the meatloaf on her cardboard tray in lieu of the pruno she has fermenting in a plastic bag inside her toilet; you can't tell me that she doesn't fall within the top 90th percentile (in terms of.
Jul 22, 2015 · Jennifer Pan's Revenge: The inside story of a golden child, the killers she hired, and the parents she wanted dead
It looks like she is pretty athletic given she did some impressive jumps in her video for the photoshoot. She might stick around in the dancing competition. She has been open about her health journey.
"Even with all the studying, I wasn't sure I was going to pass." Bradley said he knew My'Angel enjoyed dancing. So when she.
What was the reaction like backstage? I got to the green room and Lucille Ball told me she didn't know I was such a good singer and made me sit next to her and hold her hand and watch the next 20.
Kingdom Hearts Main Menu Song Orchestra Sudan's state-run news agency says the Foreign Ministry has summoned the country's envoy from Qatar, a day after the satellite news channel Al-Jazeera. Sudan's state-run news agency says the Foreign Ministry has summoned the country's envoy from Qatar, a day after the satellite news channel Al-Jazeera. Buy Musical Instruments Portland Oregon We supply Oregon grown
In a now-deleted Instagram post, the new islander from Newcastle wrote: "I don't like black guys," as she was pictured.
And she knew exactly what their rehearsal package would be, however genuinely embarrassed she might be about it, since she said supplied the quotes ("I am developing. meant to be filmed. SEE Dear.
"So, I don't know if they are planning anything that might be a surprise in the summer," she exclaimed. "Maybe there's [another] Juniors. [But] I don't have info, don't quote me on it! it's just a.
The Grand Tour. Rather surprisingly, after months of coaxing, Janet agreed to let 18-year-old Lee travel to Europe, in the summer of 1951, with Jackie—who had already lived in Paris, having.
Apr 04, 2013 · You might remember that I danced all throughout my childhood. From age three to 16, I was involved in some combination of ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and lyrical dancing, and at one point, I even considered going professional. When I was 15, I tried.
Fallout 4 Bug During Diamond City Blues Bethesda has announced the release of the 1.3 update for its action RPG Fallout 4. The update is already available for PC users via Steam, while the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions will get it. but Fallout 4 should go for broke. A New Orleans setting, for example, would allow Bethesda to fill the
Yet through whatever alchemy of grit, resilience and compulsion, Misty Copeland. of Copeland helping to potty-train Wolf, dancing with him, being a sister. "It seems like yesterday," she sighs. "I.
Stacey Dooley, 33, told Grimsby Live she was delighted to be back dancing with the 36-year-old. "We don't take it for granted, we know that people really did get behind up and picked up the phone.
Posted by Dancing With The Stars. "So, I don't know if they are planning anything that might be a surprise in the summer," she exclaimed. "Maybe there's [another] Juniors. [But] I don't have info,
Episode 1.The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson [] Moe: (checks his watch) Uh oh.Here comes the evening rush. Clear out fellas! (all the mice go out of the bar) [as Homer, Barney, Lenny, Carl, and the two barflies (Larry the Wife Dodger and Sam the Ear Bender) walk in]
Mar 12, 2019 · From 1967 to 2011, she wrote a weekly column for the Voice that won her regard far beyond this city. As a writer she was — and remains — generous in.
Laurie Anderson? Steve Martin? Frank Zappa? Martin Mull? Elvis Costello? Thelonius Monk? Dear Quote Investigator: I have a difficult riddle for you. A mailing list I belong to has discussed the following quotation several times during the past ten years, and the question of its origin has never been.
Ohashi's talent and life story seems like a perfect fit for DWTS, but she's got a long. anything right away. I just know that I want to help people and I want to empower those around me. I would.
Dance of the Night 1: We all know what went down with Amy last week. Her back seized up big time after her performance. She. The dancing pro took to the stage with microphone in hand to perform the.
The dancers are "at the heart of any piece," she said. "It is them, whether they collaborate with the movement or not." Ms. Shick herself began dancing at 7. "They're going to hate this. I know.
Feb 23, 2019 · [quote]15. Greta Garbo was Adolf Hitler's favorite actress, and he'd often send her letters and invite her to visit him in Germany. 16. Garbo also revealed to close friends that she would have killed Hitler if she had the chance: "If the war hadn't started when it did, I would have gone, and I would have taken a gun out of my purse and shot him."
Classical Music Millennium Park Chicago Summer is the perfect time to visit Chicago's Millennium Park if you're looking for live music performances. The Millennium Park Summer Music Series is a free weekly outdoor music event with concert performances from local, national and international performers every. Mar 21, 2018. Grant Park Music Festival in Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Chicago House Music Festival
She's juggled a full-time job on television, (now two of them!) but behind the scenes, Carrie Ann Inaba has dealt with years of private pain. "I've been through a lot of trauma in my life," the.
Rivera is one of the few people still to have memories of dancing with Cole in his prime. She's been a Broadway star since 1957. Yet he makes her move superbly. He knew that Marilyn totally.
Hey Rami, There's this girl I like. She's got a boyfriend and he sucks, and she likes me a lot. But she also thinks I'm a player. Like an idiot, I might have just proved her right, because I got quite drunk at a party we were both at, and hooked up with another girl at that party.…
Though Grey's career has primarily consisted of guest or recurring roles for much of the 21st century, she has one other major claim to fame: Grey won Season 11 of Dancing with the Stars. Her.
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(Dancing with the Stars) Ten years later I got an email from Lisa. The first girl mentioned above who wanted me as her special secret that nobody could know about. I hadn't heard from her in a decade.
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Category: Musicality.


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Home > News > Nursing Dept. accreditation reaffirmed
In this photo: (L-r) Maya Taylor and Oforiwah Awuah learn their profession in the high-tech Nursing Lab. Such preparation has resulted in the reaffirmation of the accreditation for the University's Department of Nursing, which will be in force until 2027.
Nursing Dept. accreditation reaffirmed
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) recently announced that the University's Department of Nursing has achieved a continuation of its accreditation until 2027.
The Nursing Program received its first accreditation in 1987 from the National League of Nursing Accreditation Commission (later renamed the ACEN) and has been reaffirmed every time the department's accreditation was due for review.
Dr. Marshá Horton, Dean of the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, said the decision by the ACEN to continue the Department of Nursing's accredited status for eight years without conditions is a testament to the quality and service of the professional academic program.
"I am not only proud of this accomplishment, I am proud of what our Nursing Department faculty and staff do every day to serve and prepare the candidates in our Nursing Program," Dr. Horton said. "The foundation and training they provide equips our students to serve communities locally and globally with excellence and compassion. Our students demonstrate this wherever they go."
Dr. Agnes M. Richardson, Chair of the Department of Nursing, said that it was a huge undertaking, but achieving eight years of accreditation was worth the wait.
"Our journey has not always been smooth over the last few years, but we undertook this process with vigilance, a little trepidation, and got through it with focus, drive and a positive attitude," the Department of Nursing Chair said.
Dr. Richardson credits the reaffirmation to the department's "awesome faculty and staff" who demonstrated the high quality of the program.
"It is only because of their hard work and dedication to this program, paired with the desire for student success, that we finally conquered this mountain," Dr. Richardson said. "I also wish to thank our students, for there is no Department of Nursing without them."
The Department of Nursing currently has 45 undergraduate students (29 juniors and 16 seniors). Freshmen and sophomores have to make it successfully through the Pre-Nursing Program before being accepted into the main nursing curriculum.
The Nursing Program had its beginning in 1975 at then-Delaware State College, largely advocated for by Hattie Mishoe, a registered nurse by profession and the wife of then-President Luna I. Mishoe.
Del State's Dr. D. Patterson's op-ed on mask mandates
University receives $22.4M in ARPA funding for upgrades
Dr. Francine Edwards named as MSI Aspiring Leader
University receives $438,000 NIH research grant


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Lost Boys Collection
Lost Boys Collection(1987-2010)
Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Horror, Crime, Drama, Thriller
The Lost Boys is a 1987 American horror comedy film starring Jason Patric, Corey Haim, Kiefer Sutherland, Jami Gertz, Corey Feldman, Dianne Wiest, Edward Herrmann, Alex Winter, Jamison Newlander, and Barnard Hughes. The film is about two Arizona brothers who move to California and end up fighting a gang of young vampires. The title is a reference to the Lost Boys in J. M. Barrie's stories about Peter Pan and Neverland, who, like the vampires, never grow up. The film was followed by two direct to video sequels, Lost Boys: The Tribe and Lost Boys: The Thirst.
Lost Boys: The Thirst(2010)
| 1h 21min | Action, Adventure, Comedy, Horror
2.6/5 (with 46 votes)
Vampire hunter Edgar Frog is destitute and nearly friendless, when the beautiful vampire-romance novelist Gwen Lieber offers him a small fortune to go on the vampire hunt of a lifetime and save her brother from an army of newborn vampires who use a new drug called the Thirst, which is a mixture of Ecstasy and vampire blood. Realising he can't do this alone, Edgar turns to his brother, Alan Frog, to help him save Gwen's brother.
Directed by Dario Piana - With Corey Feldman, Jamison Newlander, Tanit Phoenix, Corey Haim, De-Wet Nagel
Rent Amazon Instant Video | Buy Amazon Instant Video
Lost Boys: The Tribe(2008)
| 1h 34min | Crime, Drama, Horror, Thriller, Comedy
After moving to a new California town, a young woman learns that her new friends are a pack of vampires.
Directed by P. J. Pesce - With Tad Hilgenbrink, Angus Sutherland, Autumn Reeser, Corey Feldman, Corey Haim, Gabrielle Rose, ...
The Lost Boys(1987)
| 1h 37min | Horror, Comedy, Thriller
A mother and her two teenage sons move to a seemingly nice and quiet small coastal California town yet soon find out that it's overrun by bike gangs and vampires. A couple of teenage friends take it upon themselves to hunt down the vampires that they suspect of a few mysterious murders and restore peace and calm to their town.
Directed by Joel Schumacher - With Jason Patric, Kiefer Sutherland, Corey Haim, Jami Gertz, Corey Feldman, Dianne Wiest, ...
WatchPlayStream is your search engine for movies and series streams/downloads. Always get the best overview of new movies on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, iTunes Store and other providers. Where can you find the best TV shows & series for free streaming? Who offers movies and series like Moonfall, Elvis, The Visitor, Night Court, Fantasy Island and Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses for legal download? What haven't you seen yet? WatchPlayStream has the answers! Create a free account to manage your movies/TV series.


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The VI Jaguars
2018 V.I. Jaguars Team
VI Fish for Haiti
Small Fry Basketball
Neltjeberg Bay Enterprises LLC
The 2020 V.I. Jaguars Basketball Team will host its annual Paradise Showdown on March 13, 2020. Several Small Fry Basketball Teams will compete in the tournament. Stay tuned for more information.
22020 V.I. Jaguars Paradise Showdown
March 13, 2020, through March 15, 20200
Israel Poleon, Jaden Dowe, Kareem Pinney, Akydo Nielle, Angel Perez, Kevin De Leon, Isai Obando, Soirie Merrifield, Keaton Hill, Shakii Richards, Cloudelson Auguste, Jikyah Callwood, Eury Nunez, and Aton Austin.
The 2020 V.I. Jaguars Basketball Team
The 2015 VI Jaguars Basketball Team
The VI Jaguars won the 2015 Positive Guidance Tournament. The Jaguars won all five of its games. In game one, Jourdyn Rawlins scored 14 points, with 5 assists. His teammate, Jahsief Benjamin, scored 10 points. In the second game, Zayd Brannigan had 13 points and Benjamin scored 8 points. By the third game, Rawlins scored 23 points, Benjamin 9 points, and Jaalen Roberts 10 points. In game four, De'Shamoi Greaves had 16 points, with 6 steals. His teammate, Roberto Tapia scored 9 points. In the final game, Jahsheem Dawson had 18 points, JahFari Samuel had 12 points, and Khamani Olivacce had seven points.
2015 Small Fry International Basketball Tournament Results
2020 Puerto Rico Small Fry Invitational Tournament
1/19/2020 - Caribbean Rose would like to congratulate the 2020 VI Jaguars Basketball Team for winning the Small Fry Invitational Basketball Tournament. The team won the tournament 3-1. The VI Jaguars Basketball Team will compete in several tournaments this season.
1/1/2020 - The 2020 V.I. Jaguars Basketball Team will travel to Naranjito, Puerto Rico, to compete in the 2020 Puerto Rico Small Fry Invitational Tournament on January 17, 2020. Several Small Fry Basketball teams will compete in the tournament. This will be the first tournament of the season. Stay tuned for more information.
In a unique crosstown title matchup, Ponce Constancia won its fourth championship with a 42-39 decision over Ponce Lomas, as Sebastian Lezcano hit a trio of threes to lead the way with 15 points. Fernando Gonzalez topped Lomas with 14 points.
Marquette Best toppled Robert Taylor in an all-Windy City third-place matchup and Chi-Town NBN claimed the consolation championship. Longtime officer Moe Reed had his name attached to the Friendship Tournament (won by BNB Outlawz) and first-time participant Colombia, South America earned the Friendship Sportsmanship Award.
The VI Jaguars upset the solo Pirates from Chicago, 48-43, in their first international tournament game. The Pirates were last year's champions. The Jaguars lost to Ponce Lomas of Puerto Rico, who advanced to the championship. St. Thomas lost the game, 40-32, and lost to ABB from Puerto Rico, 63-59. In the seventh-place game, the Jaguars won the game with a 46-22 victory against Chicago Heights. Some of the younger players, such as Nekwante Sprauve and Khamani Olivacca, scored in the final game. Overall, team captain Jourdyn Rawlins scored 61 points and added 29 points, 20 steals, five blocked shots and 13 assists in the tournament.
Shakeem Sackey had 30 points and six steals while Jahsief Benjamin had 39 points, 22 rebounds, eight assists and seven steals. Zayd Brannigan had 26 points, 23 rebounds, eight assists, and eight assists, and De'Shamoi Greaves had 38 points and eight steals. The Tournament concludes today with the final games. Overall the VI Jaguars placed seventh at the tournament.
The tournament featured teams from the US, Caribbean, and Columbia. Meanwhile, the Positive Guidance team from St. Croix did not advance to the international tournament but instead played in a consolation bracket.
2015 St. Croix Small Fry Basketball Tournament Results
2015 Small Fry Paradise Showdown March 13 - 15, 2015
Copyright © 2020 Neltjeberg Bay Enterprises, LLC.


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Health News by Prachi Verma
IIT Mandi researchers develop portable device to screen cervical cancer
The research was undertaken by a team led by Anil Sao and Arnav Bhavsar, professors at IIT Mandi along with research scholars -Srishti Gautam and Krati Gupta. The team, along with the industry collaborators, has developed AI-based algorithms that enables the device to undertake automatic screening for cervical cancer.
ET Bureau/Nov 27, 2019
IIT Delhi turns focus on industry-led research
"Currently we are focusing on projects across domains such as defence, auto, pharma and smart home devices."
IIT-Hyderabad researchers develop method to further understand AI technology
This would help understand the artificial neural networks or ANN which are AI models and programs that mimic the working of the human brain so that machines can learn to make decisions in a more human-like manner.
ET Bureau/Sep 9, 2019
Make in India plan in works to attract medical device companies
Niti Aayog, the government's think tank, has started work on the plan, which comes as the US spars with India over price curbs imposed on medical devices to make them affordable.
ET Bureau/Aug 17, 2019
IIT Hyderabad incubated startup, BeAble, wins Rs 25 lakh in funding
The India Innovation Growth Programme 2.0 Open Innovation Challenge 2019 received more than 1,600 applications from across India.
ET Bureau/Jul 22, 2019
Corporate India tweaks variables for solving gender diversity equation
Online automobile marketplace Droom currently has 100 management vacancies, of which the company wants 60% to be filled by women.
Ashwagandha can treat cancer: DAILAB@IIT Delhi researchers
A collaborative study from Japan has been published in the Journal of Experimental and Clinical Cancer Research (JECCR), IIT Delhi shared in a statement.
Researchers have isolated Antarctic fungi for new chemotherapeutic treatment
The isolation of L-asparaginase containing fungi can lead to development of new chemotherapeutic treatment methods.
Workplace depression taking a toll on India Inc employees
The survey covered 3,000 employees from sectors such as IT, manufacturing, financial sector and startups.
IIT Kharagpur developing app to help smokers quit
A research team at IIT Kharagpur has developed a prototype of sensor-based activity tracking kit which can monitor the activities in daily lives along with the smoking habits.
ET Bureau/Dec 18, 2018
Ayushman Bharat initiative set to drive demand for phlebotomists
Experts reckon that more than 11,000 new jobs for phlebotomists are likely to be created over the next year. Due to the paucity, their monthly salaries have jumped by about 70% to Rs 20,000-24,000 over last year.
IIM-B appoints Dr Devi Shetty chairperson of Board of Governors
"It is a matter of immense happiness that one of the most well-known and respected persons in the field of medicine and in the business of hospital management, Dr Devi Prasad Shetty, is IIMB's Chairperson," said IIM Bangalore director.
IIT-Kharagpur rolls out course to connect ancient India to modern sciences
New course offered by the department of social sciences seeks to find out the contribution by Indian science to the modern sciences, and show how modern sciences can be used to look at heritage.
ET Bureau/May 2, 2018
IIT Delhi sets up Centre to study air pollution in NCR region
This centre will promote scientific research on clean air issues and provide sustainable solutions to the problem of air pollution.
Ashwagandha may be drug candidate to treat aggressive cancer
A number of studies in the recent past suggested that Withanolides, Withaferin-A and Withanone, have multi-modal anticancer activities, according to a release issued by IIT Delhi.
Panic in the air: Pollution masks, purifiers fly off shelves in Delhi
Popular websites and chemists have either run out of masks or are loaded with orders for masks and air purifiers even as air quality in the national capital.
P&G introduces six-month adoption leave for employees
Under the new policy both male and female employees of the United States headquartered fast-moving consumer goods maker working in India will be eligible for paid leave if they are the primary caregivers.
IIT-designed ambulances boost Tamil Nadu's healthcare drive
Apart from designing, the institute's healthcare technology innovation centre (HTIC) also provided technical recommendations.
Pfizer India hires Monsanto's Alind Sharma as HR head
Pfizer India has hired Alind Sharma from Monsanto to head the human resources department at the drug maker as its senior director.
1-month-old child from Kenya undergoes open-heart surgery at Fortis Escorts
A one month-old baby from Kenya has successfully underwent an open heart surgery at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute in New Delhi.


Your kids actually need to see your tears sometimes. Life is about the joys and trials and ups and downs. Do not hide it always.
Ask yourself. When was the last time you laughed? Laughter truly is the best medicine. In fact, nothing can bring more joy to your kids then when you start laughing and giggling along with them, that's joy-filled real laugh. We all know life is hard and usually in the middle of every day of your life, the laughter and the joy can potentially dissipate. But, try to find it again. Try playing a game or watching a funny movie – always make sure to find your laughter.
When your children get older, this also gets more and more challenging. It's because the time becomes tight, schedules fill up, and pretty soon, your dinner around the table will be lost. This is why it's best that you work hard on reclaiming dinner table around the table. Actually, this is the only time where you can be able to celebrate and solidify family. So, always make it your ultimate goal to have a specific number of dinners with the family every week.
Have you already experienced that moment when the noise only gets louder and louder? Certainly, matching the volume will just increase the volume. So, to combat this situation, begin to whisper your responses and then watch the noise drop. It is actually easy in your household for the noise to get loud because there are a lot of competing voices. And, this is also why the experts advice that you resort to whispering always.
Mothers must take time for themselves in the midst of their busy motherhood days. Write, paint, scrapbook, run, attend a book club or do something that can bring you joy. Some moms consider their gardening as a go-to during their stressful days. It is really good to have many ways on how to express yourself as well as allow yourself to think.
Always make it a daily priority to be thankful for all the good things. It's maybe on some days that you simply have finished a really busy day or that you successfully got loads of laundry done or even simply for the hug from your grown-up child. Always give thanks. Just remember that there's hope found in different posture of gratitude.
Mothers, we're wrong oftentimes. There's true humbleness and power in admitting to our children that we didn't listen or that we're wrong. If you make mistakes, then admit it. Simply ask for forgiveness then move forwards. This is because our children also need to know that we are real and that we truly value them.
Help build sandcastles. Run outside and play soccer in your backyard. Go fishing with them. Watch with them the movie that they like. Listen to your children when they tell you how their day went. Just be involved in almost everything they do but don't meddle too much. Just let them know that you really value them as well as the things they do, including what their hobbies or interests may be.


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2023: Time running out for new electoral bill, says INEC
Everydaynewsngr — January 15, 2022 add comment
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu
Continued delay in the assent to the Electoral Act (2010) amendment bill may affect the adoption of the new amendments for the 2023 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission has said.
The commission said though it operates based on existing legal regime, it was important to have the law that would guide the elections in place at least 12 to 18 months before the exercise.
Already, the Chairman of INEC, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, has announced February 23, 2023 as the date for the presidential election, which is about one year from now.
The amendment, prompted by the compelling need to engender transparency, improve the electoral process and boost the credibility of elections, had generated nationwide debate, especially the need for electronic transmission of results and the contentious direct primary made mandatory for political parties.
The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), revealed in his letter to the National Assembly that the direct primary clause, inserted by the lawmakers, was the sole reason he vetoed the bill, noting that parties should have options on the mode of direct primary to adopt. "You can't dictate to people and say you are practicing democracy," he added.
See also So-called bandits are displaced herdsmen fighting for their rights – Miyetti Allah
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Festus Okoye, in an interview with Saturday PUNCH on Thursday, however, said, "The commission operates on the basis of the existing legal regime. The commission released the timetable and schedule of activities for the Ekiti and Osun states governorship elections based on the extant and existing constitutional and electoral legal framework.
"The commission does not operate on the basis of speculation and deductions. Yes, the commission is aware of the pendency of a bill to amend the existing legal regime. That bill is still inchoate and does not become law until it is signed by the President and or the National Assembly determines otherwise.
See also Pantami, part of Buhari's plan to islamise Nigeria, says MASSOB
"Hopefully, issues around the amended law will soon be resolved. It is important to have the legal regime in place at least 12 to 18 months before a major election. It is also important to resolve the issues based on the differential timelines in the existing electoral act and the one that is projected in the bill."
After the President vetoed the bill, many lawmakers expressed anger over his decision.
In the upper chamber, angry senators threatened to override his veto. Some of them had begun collecting signatures to this effect, but the move was later jettisoned following persuasion from their colleagues and the party.
The two chambers agreed to revisit the bill after their Christmas and New Year recess.
… as NASS resumes Tuesday
Meanwhile, there are expectations that the new bill would be signed into law in the next few weeks, given that the President has expressed readiness to sign the bill if the contentious direct primary clause was removed, while on the other hand, the leadership of the National Assembly has also promised to revisit the bill once they resume on January 18.
See also 2023: Ohanaeze chieftain dares Tinubu, queries his source of wealth, bullion vans
The President made this commitment during his interview with Channels Television on January 5, 2022.
Asked if he would sign the bill if the mandatory direct primary clause was removed, Buhari said, "All I said was that there should be options. We must not insist that it should be direct (primary); there should also be consensus and indirect (primary options) and if they do that, I will sign. I will sign. All I would like is that there should be options. Allow them (political parties) to have other options."
Nigerians want Jonathan to return, says ex-commissioner
2023: Ambition for Reps position lands Enugu Commissioner in trouble


3 Ways to Save Time and Take Back Your Week!
Life can get busy. Between hectic schedules and other commitments, it's easy to be always on the go. Here are three ways to save time and take back your week.
Take an hour of your Sunday to plan for the rest of the week — it can make all the difference! Set aside some time, even if it's just 30 minutes, to schedule your week and prepare for what's coming your way.
Instead of spending a whole afternoon cleaning, assign a day of the week to each room of the house. Set a timer and spend just 15-20 minutes working on a specific room. When the timer goes off, stop for the day! By giving yourself a timeframe, you'll be more focused and less likely to stop or get distracted.
Between selecting the right meals and shopping for ingredients, meal planning can take hours. Grab a Blue Apron meal subscription and save time feeding your family throughout the week. Choose between the 2-Person Plan or the 4-Person Family Plan and get your meals and ingredients delivered to your door. Each week, you can select which recipes you'd like to try. You'll never run out of dinner idea again! Right now, Blue Apron is offering $30 off your first box. Check out this week's recipes or sign up at BlueApron.com.


Happy 90th Birthday to broadcaster, naturalist and conservationist extraordinaire David Attenborough!
David Attenborough was born on 8 May 1926 (not long after the Queen) and must surely qualify as a 'national treasure', although it is a term he'd prefer us not to use. While those of us alive in 1979 probably have the groundbreaking TV series 'Life on Earth' imprinted on our brains, anyone looking to find out more about his life and work so far can find plenty to inform, amuse and intrigue them in Westminster Libraries.
This entry was posted in Books and tagged BBC, biography, David Attenborough, documentary, DVDs, natural history, nature, television, TV. Bookmark the permalink.
Glad you enjoyed it. He's a legend.


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Q: Manage Visio 2013 organization chart with excel on SharePoint? is it possible to have an Excel document on SharePoint that I can then use to create Visio Organization Chart? My goal is to be able to edit the excel that will in turn update the Visio Organization Chart.
Is this possible? I am not really interested in 3rd party solutions that cost money.
Thanks!

A: Well, it's possible to some extent.. You can have Visio diagram in sharepoint auto-update from excel data when you change some values in excel sheet for shapes which already exist on the daigram (like name of a person for example). But you can't make sharepoint or visio auto-generate diagram when you add or delete persons in excel file, or when some person changes it's position for example, i.e. the functionality to automatically add/delete or move the shapes on diagram depending on the data in excel does not exist.
Also note stackoverflow is basically focusing on questions related to programming in some way, so you may try other places.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Evgeny Kuznetsoz is cleared to play in tonight's tilt against the New Jersey Devils.
After the Capitals' morning skate on Friday, Kuznetsov was asked if this was the first time he's had a concussion.
Kuzy's been out of the lineup since Brandon Tanev elbowed him in the head, but he'll return tonight and center the second line.
Welcome back, Kuzy! Your jokes were missed.


Technology has revolutionised the world, and yet far too few industries seem to have caught up. Take the NHS, for example. Only recently have a team of young doctor's and tech specialists created an app specifically for NHS staff to revolutionise the old pager system. The NHS has been relying on outdated systems of communication until the platform was created! To date, only around 2000 medical staff have taken it up, but its potential in the workplace is massive. This same principle applies to all industries. On the grand scale, technology can be used to improve productivity in the main following ways.
As stated, the NHS has previously been relying on a decades-old method of communication, even though the majority of their staff likely have a smartphone whose computing capabilities surpass the computers they used to first get to the moon. All that you need to do now is to find an app that will help your company and your industry specifically. If one does not yet exist, consider teaming together with others to create it. For most companies, however, choosing a single cloud-based app can be massively important to improve productivity by reducing processing and communication times. If there isn't one uniform approach already, you need to either implement it yourself or go to your manager. Your work will be easier, and they will like your initiative, so it is a win-win either way.
There are two things you should never do during your work day: one, excessively multi-task and two, try to work on one task for hours on end. Both detract from your ability to be productive and work consistently. You either reduce productivity by stopping tasks before you can get into a good flow, or you strain yourself mentally and become fatigued. Instead, time and track your work tasks throughout the day. Work in 45-minute cycles where you focus on one task, then switch to another. By monitoring your or your team's progress, you can make improvements as you go, based on real data.
Using your phone to have fun on your break might seem counterproductive to improving workplace productivity, but it isn't. If you don't take a real, complete break during your off-time, then you only allow the fatigue that has caused you strife to continue throughout the day. The better the breaks, the better you can come back to your work fully refreshed and ready to work. That is where technology can come into play. It is very difficult to simply turn "off" your mind from cycling around your stressors, so here is when encompassing and fun games come into play. You could play casino on Unibet, for example. The extra monetary incentive can allow you to get your mind off of your stressors at work faster, and thus engross you in the game.
Technology can be used in a variety of different ways to improve the productivity of you and your co-workers. It can help improve how you communicate, it can help you personally stay on track and work better by splitting up tasks into intervals, and of course, it can also help you disengage from work so that you can enjoy your breaks more fully and faster. Technology must be adopted full-heartedly in order to benefit from it in the workplace, so start today.


Studies show that the average Brit looks at their phone 85 times a day, so keeping them charged can be a challenge sometimes. And you never feel this more than when you have 5% battery left to snap an amazing video or make an important phone call.
Batteries naturally have a limited lifespan, and some of the newest phones don't have replaceable batteries, so when the battery starts becoming weaker and holds less of a charge, what do you do?
Sure, you could carry your charging cable with you, or get a mobile charger, but that just adds another device to have to carry around until you need it. And what if you were to forget to bring it with you?
It just seems like too much hassle. Plus, buying a mobile charger and a case separately can easily rack up your expenses. Mobile battery charging cases are the easier way to make sure that your phone can last when you need it to, while combining the protection of a case and the convenience of mobile power.
Phinexi cases are the world's slimmest charger case, which means they add NO bulk at all to your iPhone. When your phone's battery is running low, all you have to do is press the Power button on the back and it will begin charging.
If you want to charge your phone on the go, then you can wirelessly charge your phone with the worlds slimmest charging case.


Board of directors' self-evaluation is the act of reflecting upon the past in order to constantly improve. It is rooted in a sincere commitment to providing high-quality governance as trustees of an organization. When a board practices periodic evaluation, each director comes to better understand the expectations for individual directors, as well as the entire board, and to hold themselves and each other accountable for their performance.
Clearly articulated expectations are the foundation for coherent evaluation. In the absence of mutually agreed-upon goals for group processes and products, attempts at self-evaluation seem to reduce to a debate about what we think we ought to be doing. As the board undertakes self-evaluation, it may be important to examine how the discussion takes shape: Is the conversation focused on evaluating achievement, interpreting stated goals, or debating what the goals actually are? The direction that evaluation discussions take may indicate that expected outcomes need to be more clearly stated, better understood by directors, or updated to better reflect desired goals.
Self-evaluation can and should be conducted at appropriate time intervals and with proportionate levels of intensity and formality. For example, a brief and informal evaluation can be conducted within a few minutes at the end of each board meeting, allowing the group to reflect on its performance overall or on specific targets, such as director meeting preparedness or group discipline with timekeeping. In contrast, an annual self-evaluation might involve asking each director to complete a detailed survey with metrics that capture a general summary of stated goals, then compiling statistical results summaries for extended group discussion.
At Wheatsville Co-op (Austin, Texas), the board has adopted two primary mechanisms for conducting formal self-evaluation. As a board practicing Policy Governance, we maintain policies that apply to our governance process/products and to our board-general manager relationship. (We also maintain ends and executive limitations policies, but these are not considered here within the context of board self-evaluation.) Over the course of a year, we monitor the entire policy register—typically one or two policies per month—and in keeping with the spirit of constant improvement, our monitoring process has evolved over time. Policy monitoring is our primary formal method of self-evaluation.
In the past, we asked one or more directors to write a monitoring report for each policy for action at each meeting, typically as a discussion item. (The report approach was similar to that of the general manager/monitoring executive-limitations policies: providing interpretation, supporting data, and statement of compliance.) There was great variation in the quality and caliber of monitoring reports, depending on the level of effort and the author's level of knowledge. Furthermore, there was great variation in the level of engagement, as well as the level of burden upon directors: some policies are longer or more detailed than others, and developing the policy interpretation and supporting data requires thoughtful reflection. There is a significantly different level of engagement required for writing a monitoring report than for reading one!
Because our ultimate goal with policy monitoring is to assess our performance relative to stated expectations as efficiently and effectively as possible, we have moved to a system of having all directors evaluate each policy using a numerical scale. As directors read each subpolicy, submit their assessment, and have the opportunity for additional comments, they are engaged in understanding and internalizing our process and goals. Our administrative assistant uses Survey Monkey (www.surveymonkey.com) to solicit board input, and then compiles the results (typically a one-page table) for the board meeting packet. Directors can easily see how each of us has rated our performance on any given item and can quickly identify strengths and areas for improvement.
It is extremely beneficial (and perhaps more rigorous) to have direct input from all directors. As board president, I determine whether, based on results and written comments, the report should become a consent agenda item or a discussion item. I also look for any questions posed or information that would indicate the need for additional learning. At times, clarification can be provided in an email or during some other portion of the meeting (such as our "closing items" or "administrative update" or even during "open time" if there are no other speakers).
Each subcategory has four to eight points of evaluation (such as, "I am thoroughly familiar with the background material sent to me prior to board meetings" and "The board ensures that capital and operating budgets are established annually and in a timely fashion"). Directors use a numerical scale to rate performance, and our administrative assistant makes a statistical compilation of results. We typically conduct this evaluation annually, toward the end of our board year, and this method allows us to get a high-level overview of our performance, be reminded of the big-picture context of our obligations, and set goals for improvement in the coming year. Some years, we have added a midyear evaluation to ensure that we can respond and course-correct in a more timely manner.
The annual self-evaluation tool helps isolate specific areas for improvement. For example, in response to weaker performance on items related to financial understanding, the board has provided additional learning opportunities on finances. As president, I have a secondary interpretation of the evaluation results (in addition to a literal message such as: need to increase learning opportunities on finances"). The evaluation results help me to understand how directors perceive and understand our work, and it shows me where I might challenge us to improve.
For example, last year we ranked our amount of learning and training relatively low. By my reckoning (and intention in setting the meeting agendas over the course of that year), we spent around 15 percent of our 33 hours of regular meeting time focused on learning and held an additional 16–20 hours of training (full-board orientation, annual retreat, finance workshop, etc). Furthermore, we had two directors attend Cooperative Board Leadership (CBL) 101 training (one day) and three directors attend the CCMA conference (three days). Hence, my interpretation of the evaluation results was that the board as a whole was not recognizing the learning component of much of our discussion. Further, it seemed that directors should be encouraged to take more individual initiative with independent learning. We have adapted current practice by emphasizing the learning component of our educational topics, asking CBL 101 attendees to speak about the highlights of their experience during the meeting following their travel, and having the secretary send information and reminders to the board about learning opportunities such as CDS webinars .
Self-evaluation can prove to be treacherous territory when individual directors feel attacked, unfairly criticized, or evaluated based upon criteria that they did not agree to, or when expectations are unrealistic—especially given the voluntary nature of our work. Likewise, self-evaluation discussions can be weakened if directors are too timid or overly sensitive. It is also important to distinguish between the idea of learning from every experience and "protecting the level of the bar"—we do not do our best work if we brush off unacceptable performance and lack of earnest effort without recognizing this fundamental difference.
The act of self-reflection is rooted in caring about outcomes, which is distinct from caring about the work. Ultimately, fostering a culture of reflection and constant improvement is a powerful tool, which can elevate acts of self-evaluation from the routine to the sublime. A culture of self-evaluation promotes inspired thought on the part of each individual director, and it allows the board to easily share observations and ideas without confrontation or drama.
In keeping with the spirit of cooperatively organized entities, it is my firm belief that we are working toward creating more supportive environments for realizing our awesome potential. By explicitly setting our ends and means (board products and processes), checking our assumptions, and assessing our progress, we ensure continued progress on that path toward achieving the dreams and ideals that have inspired us to become part of the cooperative movement in the first place! Conscientious self-evaluation can ensure that we treat each other with the kindness and respect we all deserve, while pushing us to become the best that we can be and truly achieve our potential.


Things have been good and busy, I just haven't had much to blog about. Given that I don't blog about work, religion, politics, or family, that leaves training and cooking. With no races on the schedule, traveling a ton, and only running, there isn't much to talk about except that I've run over 100 miles for three months in a row and I'm on track to run 1000 miles this year which is about a 50% increase over last year. I'm probably in the best running shape of my life and am considering signing up for a half marathon in October. The only thing holding me back is the memory of how much my 5 minute half marathon PR hurt last October :-).
As far as cooking goes, I've been cooking out every Sunday and Saturdays I don't run church sound. I've been posting pictures on Instagram. You can see them here but I'll post a couple below anyway.
Last Sunday we drove up the river road along the Mississippi and took the ferry to a little town called Brussels that has a population of 150. We stopped by the visitor center and learned about the quilts of Calhoun county. Pretty sure we made the old lady's day letting her tell us all about it plus going on a tour of the dilapidated building :-). After picking up some pumpkins, we went to the Finn Inn where I had the best catfish ever. I'm not a huge catfish fan but this was deep fried, amazing goodness. If you are ever in Grafton Illinois, check it out. It's the first time we've done something as a family in quite a while.
That's about it. As I type this, I'm in an airplane traveling from Cleveland to St. Louis wondered what I get when I exceed the point scale with Hilton hotel points :-).
I'm dreading next weekend's half marathon. I'm in pretty lousy running shape...maybe I should've signed up for a big bike race so I'd want to run.
I am sooooooooo hungry right now!!
Ferry rides are the best!
I think I get to ride that ferry on my century in a few weeks. Wish I was even half way ready for the ride. I've been absolutely blown away by all your running. I think you could smoke a half marathon now. It would seem easy compared to all the hot/humid runs of last month. I have trouble seeing your instagram photos on my phone, but my tablet is more accommodating. They always make me hungry. Keep up all the great work with the solid running.
Glad to see a post. I love the sound of the ferry, the catfish not so much. I have a half marathon this weekend. The whole experience should be fun but not as much fun as tris.
I grew up on the Mississippi (Davenport) so I love seeing the photos...my heart went "ahhhh, home" :).
Just kidding of course, you know I love food and I never run, I just pick up the pace in a restaurant parking lot!!
Everything looks very yummy, you could fry a finger and it would be awesome!!
Looks delicious food! really, coming water in the mouth..
If you could use your travel points to sign up for races you would be set!!
Mmmm ... now I need scallops!
Great job with the running! Can't wait to hear about how the half goes!


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Q: django-vsc- Error en el extends al querer heredar un template desde una template base estoy intentando heredar desde un template base(padre) hacia un template hijo(inicio), pero escribir el codigo, y ejecutar la pagina me sale un error en la linea 1: {% extends 'Appregistos/padre.html' %}
Error en el navegador:
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Codigo en vsc:
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Probe cambiando los nombres de los templates, eliminandolos y volviendolos a crear, escribiendo el codigo de nuevo y siempre el mismo error, que no existe ese template...
La idea es que la route "", digamos solo con el ip, me salga el template inicio, que hereda de el template padre, con los cambios en los block que indico.