text:
Diplopundit
BBag Archive
What did you say?
X-100
FAM-Read
Mandatory Retirement Age
FS Blogmetery
Category Archives: DCM
US Embassy Finland: Thinnest OIG Report Reveals Dysfunctional Relationship b/w Political Ambassador and DCM
January 13, 2020 By domani spero in Allowances, chargé d'affaires, DCM, EUR|Europe, FSOs, Govt Documents, Leadership and Management, Oversight, Realities of the FS, Staffing the FS, State Department, U.S. Missions Tags: dysfunctional, Finland, US Embassy Helsinki
The previous State/OIG Inspection Report of the US Embassy in Helsinki (PDF) is dated September 2011, 40 pages long, includes 22 recommendations and 38 informal recommendations. The newly released OIG Inspection Report of Embassy Helsinki at nine pages, including a list of four recommendations is probably the thinnest report we've ever read (PDF). The report notes that "The Ambassador and the DCM used their access to the senior levels of the Finnish Government to the benefit of the embassy's foreign policy goals and objectives." The report's discussion on fopo goals and objectives occupied a third of a single page and we must admit, we're not any wiser after reading it.
The Embassy Helsinki report dated December 2019 found four things:
Embassy leadership used their ready access to the senior-most levels of the Government of Finland to the benefit of U.S. foreign policy goals and objectives.
The Ambassador and the Deputy Chief of Mission did not manage conflict between them in an appropriate manner, which resulted in a breakdown of trust and communication that complicated the chain of command and contributed to a stressful work environment for Embassy Helsinki staff.
Lack of teamwork and communication between Consular Section leadership and staff had a negative effect on productivity and morale.
The embassy lacked policies for some information management support services.
The chief of mission is Ambassador Robert Pence , a political ambassador who arrived in May 2018, the DCM is identified as senior FSO Donna Welton who arrived in August 2016. Post's new DCM is listed as Deputy Chief of Mission Ian Campbell.
The "longest" part of the report is on Executive Direction.
The Chief of Mission was a first-time, non-career Ambassador who arrived in May 2018. The Ambassador was the founder and Chairman of the Board of a commercial real estate development company. The Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) was a career Senior Foreign Service officer who arrived in August 2016. A first-time DCM, she served as Chargé d'Affaires (Chargé) from January 2017 until the arrival of the current Ambassador in May 2018. She previously was detailed to the Department of Defense as the acting Director for Southeast Asia in the Office of the Secretary of Defense (Policy). During the inspection, the DCM was in the process of transferring to her onward assignment and was scheduled to depart Helsinki on June 1, 2019.
OIG found that neither the Ambassador nor the DCM fully modeled the Department of State's (Department) leadership and management principles outlined in 3 Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) 1214. Embassy staff told OIG that, initially, the two leaders worked reasonably well together. However, about 9 months into the Ambassador's tenure, their working relationship deteriorated. In separate discussions with the Ambassador and the DCM, OIG noted that there was profound disagreement between the two about what led to the breakdown. OIG received information about various issues that contributed to the poor relationship, but ultimately concluded that neither the Ambassador nor the DCM managed the conflict in an appropriate manner, as called for in 3 FAM 1214b(9). According to embassy staff interviewed by OIG, the conflict led to a breakdown of trust and communication between the Ambassador and DCM that complicated the chain of command and decision-making. The conflict also contributed to creating a stressful work environment for embassy staff. For example, because of the dysfunctional relationship between the Ambassador and DCM, staff stated that it was not always apparent to whom they should report and who was making decisions on particular issues. Senior staff members described themselves as "caught in the middle."
OIG discussed with the DCM her role in the conflict and, related to one particular issue, advised her that, even though she had been serving as the Chargé and was in command at the embassy in the Ambassador's absence, it would have been prudent for her to have consulted with the Ambassador before signing off on what she acknowledged to be an important and potentially controversial action. At the time of the inspection, she agreed. OIG concluded that the DCM's approach on this issue contributed to the troubled working relationship.
In discussions with the Ambassador about the conflict, he told OIG that, with the DCM departing in a few weeks and a new DCM scheduled to arrive at the end of June 2019, he was confident that employee morale would improve. However, based on OIG's interviews with U.S. direct hire employees and LE staff, OIG advised the Ambassador that elements of his leadership and management style also contributed to the stressful workplace environment. OIG encouraged the Ambassador to:
Meet regularly, substantively, and face-to-face with individual Department section and other agency heads to provide performance feedback and to determine how the Front Office could assist each section and agency to achieve the embassy's goals.
Document his general instructions to all staff regarding the issues he expected to come to him for approval and how he wanted the information formatted and provided to him.
"Walk the halls" to observe and interact with the various sections so that he could better understand the embassy's functions and operations. • Meet regularly with the leaders of the LE Staff Committee to understand and address the unique concerns of the LE staff.
Solicit formal feedback on embassy-wide performance and morale to obtain information to formulate specific actions to address employee concerns.
OIG also provided the Ambassador with Department tools to help chiefs of mission lead their embassies. These tools included the Department's morale survey that is used to solicit feedback from staff and identify issues that are negatively affecting morale.4
New report: Inspection of Embassy Helsinki, Finland | https://t.co/tavLi4cdlC pic.twitter.com/tSz1jISuc1
— State OIG (@StateOIG) January 3, 2020
US Embassy Cairo DCM Dorothy Shea to be U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon
November 5, 2019 By domani spero in DCM, FSOs, Nominations, Officially In, Trump, U.S. Missions Tags: Dorothy Shea, Lebanon, Trump Nominations, US Embassy Cairo
On October 11, the WH announced the president's intent to nominate Dorothy Shea of North Carolina, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Lebanese Republic. The WH released the following brief bio:
Dorothy Shea, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States Embassy in Cairo, Egypt. Previously, she had served as Deputy Principal Officer at the United States Consulate General in Jerusalem, as Director of the Office of Assistance for Asia and the Near East in the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, and as a Pearson Fellow with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Ms. Shea was also the Political/Economic Counselor at the United States Embassy in Tunis, Tunisia, a Political Officer at the United States Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel, a Director for Democracy and Human Rights at the National Security Council, and a Special Assistant to the Special Envoy for War Crimes Issues in the Department of State. Ms. Shea earned a B.A. from the University of Virginia, M.S. from Georgetown University, and M.S. from the National War College. She speaks French and Arabic.
If confirmed, Ms. Shea would succeed career diplomat Elizabeth H. Richard (?–) who was confirmed U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon by the U.S. Senate on May 17, 2016.
Giving blood can save a life! The U.S. Embassy is proud to support our Egyptian friends with a #BloodDrive. Today, Chargé d'Affaires Dorothy Shea led the charge and gave blood alongside other Embassy members. Look for ways to support the medical providers in your community too. pic.twitter.com/lJ1rAyB8CK
— US Embassy Cairo (@USEmbassyCairo) October 30, 2019
U.S. Embassy Maseru: A Small Post That Works Better Than Foggy Bottom's 7th Floor
October 29, 2019 By domani spero in AF |Africa, Ambassadors, DCM, Foreign Service, FSOs, Leadership and Management, Oversight, State Department, U.S. Missions Tags: Daniel Katz, Dennis Jones, Jacob Rocca, Lesotho, Rebecca Gonzales, State/OIG, US Embassy Maseru
State/OIG recently released its review of the US Embassy in Maseru, Lesotho. Post is headed by Ambassador Rebecca Gonzales with Daniel Katz as deputy chief of mission. The full report is available here (PDF). Excerpt below.
Post Overview
The Kingdom of Lesotho is a small, mountainous country slightly smaller than the state of Maryland and completely surrounded by the country of South Africa. In 2019, an estimated 51 percent of Lesotho's population of almost 2 million were under the age of 25. More than half of the country's population lives below the poverty line, and its HIV/AIDS prevalence rate is the second highest in the world. Human trafficking is also a significant issue, as Lesotho serves as a source and a destination for trafficking in both adults and children. Approximately three-fourths of Lesotho's citizens live in rural areas and engage in animal herding and subsistence agriculture.
The FY 2019 authorized staffing levels for Embassy Maseru included 32 U.S. direct-hire positions, 3 eligible family members, and 91 locally employed (LE) staff members. Additionally, the Peace Corps had 93 volunteers serving in Lesotho. Other U.S. Government agencies represented in the embassy were the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Defense, and MCC.
Front Office and Leadership/Management Principles
The Ambassador, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, arrived in Lesotho in January 2018. She previously served as the Chief of Staff for the Assistant Secretary for Administration and, prior to that, as the Deputy Executive Director of the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs. The Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM), also a career member of the Foreign Service, arrived in Maseru in October 2017. His prior assignment was the Mission Deputy at Embassy Koror, Palau. OIG found that, overall, the Ambassador and the DCM led the embassy in a collegial manner and worked together effectively. The Ambassador, a management officer, provided the DCM with guidance on management operations, while the DCM, a political officer, advised the Ambassador on political issues. For example, the Ambassador worked with the DCM to resolve an LE staff tax withholding issue, described in more detail below, and the DCM helped the Ambassador strategize on how best to engage the Government of Lesotho on political matters. The Ambassador and the DCM had an open-door policy, which the American staff confirmed. The Ambassador held monthly meetings with all agency and section heads, in addition to a weekly Country Team meeting. The DCM attended these meetings and also met weekly with section heads to discuss and resolve outstanding problems.
OIG found the Ambassador demonstrated the Department of State's (Department) leadership and management principles outlined in 3 Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) 1214. OIG questionnaires and interviews indicated embassy staff found the Ambassador to be open, honest, caring, and passionate about her work in Lesotho. OIG interviews and surveys showed that she encouraged staff at all levels to bring their ideas, concerns, and questions to her, which led to productively identifying and resolving problems. She actively solicited feedback on issues affecting morale and sought to resolve them. For example, when embassy employees had difficulties crossing the border into South Africa, the Ambassador raised the issue with the Government of Lesotho, and the situation improved.
Embassy employees told OIG the DCM modeled 3 FAM 1214 leadership and management principles that relate to valuing and developing people, as he was skilled in mentoring and committed to subordinates' professional development. Employees also described the DCM as approachable and collaborative, and they appreciated that he organized embassy community events that included both LE and American staff.
The Front Office Led an Effort to Resolve a Tax Issue for Local Staff
OIG found that the Ambassador and DCM strengthened relationships with both LE staff and the host country by resolving a tax issue involving the LE staff. Based on Department policy, the embassy had not withheld local taxes for the LE staff. Instead, employees were expected to pay their taxes directly to the Lesotho tax authority. However, local employees had not always complied with this requirement, and the Lesotho tax authority eventually began seizing funds from LE staff members' bank accounts for back taxes. After the LE staff asked the Front Office to help resolve the issue, the Ambassador worked with the Department to allow the embassy to withhold taxes from LE staff pay. She also met with the LE Staff Committee on several occasions to hear their concerns. Furthermore, beginning in June 2018, the DCM, along with the Management Officer, met with the LE Staff Committee at least once every 3 weeks to work through the details of resolving the tax issue. The Front Office also used Country Team meetings and town halls to keep the embassy community apprised of developments. In April 2019, the embassy began withholding local taxes and sending the funds to the host country's tax authority on behalf of the LE staff.
Spotlight on Success: Crisis Preparedness Fair (Report notes that RSO is Dennis Jones)
In December 2017, the Regional Security Officer organized a Crisis Preparedness Fair as part of a broader crisis management exercise. The Crisis Preparedness Fair was an effort to involve the entire embassy community—especially LE staff and American family members— in emergency planning. Most embassy sections hosted their own emergency preparednessthemed activities. For example, the Public Affairs Section held a question and answer game show, the Information Management Office displayed emergency communication equipment, the Regional Security Office and Health Unit had trauma and medical treatment demonstrations (including CPR), and the Facilities Management Section offered fire extinguisher training. The fair included information for participants to take home. In addition to providing training and exposure to emergency resources and personnel, it gave key external contacts an informal environment in which to meet the embassy staff with whom they would interact in an emergency. The fair was well received within the community, and the Regional Security Officer planned to make it an annual event.
Spotlight on Success: Management Section Instituted a Continuous Process Improvement System to Improve Management Controls (Report notes that MGT is Jacob Rocca)
In 2018, while working on the annual Chief of Mission Management Control Statement of Assurance, the Management Officer instituted a continuous process improvement system that significantly improved the embassy's ability to track and resolve its internal control deficiencies. The embassy also created a quality coordinator position, currently filled by an eligible family member, to run the tracking system. The system includes all deficiencies identified through the statement of assurance process as well as in OIG questionnaires and recommendations in past OIG reports of other embassies. The quality coordinator tracks the deficiencies, meets regularly with the employees responsible for addressing these concerns and enters into the system updates on the embassy's progress in resolving the problems. A deficiency is not considered "corrected" until preventative measures are in place to ensure that it does not re-occur. As of April 2019, the embassy had successfully resolved 62 items identified since the process began in December 2018.
Ambassador Rebecca Gonzales has reached her target of traveling to all of Lesotho 10 districts in her first year! Check out her Qacha's Nek tour highlights on this blog: https://t.co/jzeGzQuT1Q. Where else in the #beautifulLesotho do you think Ambassador Gonzales should still go? pic.twitter.com/AMQpwclFSY
— U.S. Embassy Maseru (@usembassymaseru) March 29, 2019
To celebrate #IWD2019, Ambassador Rebecca Gonzales shared a moment with all women at the U.S. Embassy today expressing her appreciation for the work they do. Additionally, Ambassador Gonzales penned this Op-Ed: https://t.co/wSdiTfCFEM which was also published in some newspapers. pic.twitter.com/T8c1aMqdCO
— U.S. Embassy Maseru (@usembassymaseru) March 8, 2019
Senate Confirms US Ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft to be @USUN Ambassador #HappyMitch #Happy
August 2, 2019 By domani spero in Ambassadors, chargé d'affaires, Confirmations, Consulate General, DCM, Foreign Service, FSOs, Political Appointees, Realities of the FS, U.S. Missions, U.S. Senate, UN Tags: Jonathan Cohen, Kelly Craft, Richard Mills Jr., US Embassy Ottawa, US Mission Canada, USUN
Help Fund the Blog | Countdown: 4 Days to Go
Update: On August 1st, the U.S. Senate confirmed the nomination of Acting USUN Jonathan Cohen to be U.S. Ambassador to Egypt.
On July 31st, the U.S. Senate confirmed the US Ambassador to Canada Kelly to be Trump's new Ambassador to the United Nations in a 56-33 vote. The GOP has a majority in the U.S. Senate, and with the Senate Majority Leader's support, this confirmation was never in doubt in our minds even with the Democrat's scathing report. But it looks like five Democrats also joined all but two Republicans in confirming this nominee. Seven Democrats, two Republicans and one Independent were listed as "not voting."
At the United Nations, we anticipate that her transition will not be easy given the deep experience of most of her predecessors and her diplomatic counterparts from 193 member states. Four of the five permanent members at the UN: China, France, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom also did not send political donors to the international body as their representatives. The Chinese ambassador to the UN Zhang Jun has over 30 years of diplomatic experience. Moscow's man at the UN Nebenzya Vasily Alekseevich similarly has over three decades of diplomatic experience. The French representative to the UN Nicolas de Rivière has diplomatic experience going back all the way to the 1990s. United Kingdom's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Karen Pierce has been with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office since 1981. So … there you go. We're all going to have to start watching UNTV.
Ambassador Craft will also arrive at USUN while the mission's deputy and Acting Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations Jonathan Cohen is on his way out. The seasoned career diplomat has been nominated to be the next U.S. Ambassador to Egypt. His nomination is currently pending on the Executive Calendar awaiting Senate confirmation. His nomination was just confirmed by the U.S. Senate on August 1st.
At US Mission Canada, we expect the embassy's DCM Richard Mills, Jr. will now assume office as Chargé d'Affaires pending the nomination/confirmation of a new ambassador. Ambassador Mills previously served as U.S. Ambassador to Armenia from 2015-2018. He assumed his position as Deputy Chief of Mission at U.S. Embassy Ottawa in November 2018. He was also Chargé d'Affaires at U.S. Embassy Valetta, Malta from 2010-2012.
U.S. Mission Canada includes Embassy Ottawa and the following constituent posts and leadership below:
Consul General Calgary Lucia Piazza
Consul General Halifax Kevin Skillin
Consul General Montreal Robert W. Thomas
Consul General Quebec Allison Areias-Vogel
Consul General Toronto Greg Stanford
Consul General Vancouver Katherine S. Dhanani
Consulate Winnipeg Anthony Pagliai
Confirmed, 56-34: Executive Calendar #402 Kelly Craft to be the Representative of the U.S. to the United Nations, with the rank and status of Ambassador, and the Representative of the U.S. in the Security Council of the United Nations
— Senate Cloakroom (@SenateCloakroom) July 31, 2019
Senate past votes on US Amb to UN:
Kelly Craft (2019) 56-34
Nikki Haley (2017) 96-4
Samantha Power (2013) 87-10
Susan Rice (2009) Voice Vote
Zalmay Khalilzad (2007) Voice Vote
— Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) July 31, 2019
The democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee just released a rather blistering assessment of Kelly Craft ahead of her confirmation vote https://t.co/9DuOj8yYz7
— Mark Leon Goldberg (@MarkLGoldberg) July 31, 2019
Congratulations to newly confirmed U.S. Representative to the @UN, Ambassador Kelly Craft. We look forward to welcoming you to NYC, and supporting your key agenda items, like UN reform, humanitarian aid, and public-private partnerships. https://t.co/qZFIo9K9Bl
— US Mission to the UN (@USUN) August 1, 2019
The Senate just confirmed @POTUS's impressive nominee for the critical role of @USUN Ambassador: Kelly Knight Craft of #Kentucky. I'm confident our entire nation will be proud of the fine service she will render as our Ambassador to the United Nations. pic.twitter.com/8yZTeICXW0
— Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) July 31, 2019
U.S. Ambassador to Japan William F. Hagerty IV Resigns to Run For U.S. Senate
July 29, 2019 By domani spero in Ambassadors, chargé d'affaires, DCM, EAP|East Asia, Elections, Political Appointees, Politics, State Department, Trump, U.S. Senate Tags: Japan, Joseph M. Young, Lamar Alexander, Tennessee, US Embassy Tokyo, William F. Hagerty IV
Help Fund the Blog | Diplopundit 2019 — 60-Day Campaign from June 5, 2019 – August 5, 2019
On July 16, the US Embassy in Tokyo issues a statement concerning the expected resignation of Ambassador William F. Hagerty IV:
U.S. Ambassador to Japan William F. Hagerty IV is in the process of resigning as Ambassador. He was sworn in as U.S. Ambassador to Japan on July 27, 2017 and will have served approximately two years.
Ambassador Hagerty is honored to have represented the President and the American people in his work to advance the U.S.-Japan Alliance, the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in the Pacific.
Upon Ambassador Hagerty's departure, Joseph M. Young will assume duties as the U.S. Embassy's Chargé d'Affaires ad interim.
Ambassador Hagerty reportedly departed post on July 22, 2019.
According to Embassy Tokyo, CDA Young became Chargé d'Affaires ad interim on July 20, 2019. Below is his brief bio:
CDA Joseph M. Young began his tenure as Deputy Chief of Mission on August 17, 2017. Mr. Young, a career member of the U.S. Senior Foreign Service, previously served as Director for Japanese Affairs at the Department of State from August 2014. From 2012 to 2014, he was Deputy Foreign Policy Advisor for the U.S. Pacific Command. Mr. Young served as Political-Military Unit Chief at U.S. Embassy Tokyo from 2009 to 2012.
Mr. Young's other assignments include: Political-Economic Section Chief, U.S. Embassy Dublin (2004-2007); Aviation Negotiations Officer in the State Department's Economics Bureau (2002-2004); Economics Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy Beijing (1999-2002); Economics Research at the Foreign Service Institute (1996-1997); Political Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy Nairobi (1994-1996); and Consular Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy Singapore (1991-1993).
Mr. Young holds a master's degree in Foreign Service from Georgetown University and a bachelor's degree in Classics from Borromeo College. He speaks Japanese and Chinese. Mr. Young is married and has three daughters.
Tennessee loving Bill Hagerty, who was my Tennessee Victoy Chair and is now the very outstanding Ambassador to Japan, will be running for the U.S. Senate. He is strong on crime, borders & our 2nd A. Loves our Military & our Vets. Has my Complete & Total Endorsement!
Middle Tennessee Republican Bill Hagerty is in the process of resigning as U.S. Ambassador to Japan so he can run for the U.S. Senate seat that will soon be vacated by Sen. Lamar Alexander, but we won't be hearing much from him until at least next week.https://t.co/IEKuzbyput
— Local 24 News (@LocalMemphis) July 18, 2019
U.S. Ambassador to Japan Bill Hagerty Leaves Position, Is Expected to Run for Lamar Alexander's Senate Seat https://t.co/YmxVjUTN9N
— Tennessee Star (@TheTNStar) July 23, 2019
Thank you to U.S. Ambassador to Japan Bill Hagerty for hosting a reception for Tennessee and over 100 Japanese companies. Great night! pic.twitter.com/Xl2NYMUUJo
— Bill Haslam (@BillHaslam) October 13, 2017
Career Diplomat Roxanne Cabral to be U.S. Ambassador to the Marshall Islands
May 6, 2019 By domani spero in chargé d'affaires, DCM, Foreign Service, FSOs, Nominations, Officially In, Trump Tags: Marshall Islands, Roxanne Cabral, Trump Nominations, US Embassy Panama
On April 29, the White House announced the President's intent to nominate senior career diplomat Roxanne Cabral to be the next U.S. Ambassador to the Marshall Islands.The WH released the following brief bio:
Roxanne Cabral of Virginia, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
Ms. Cabral, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, currently serves as Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d'Affaires at the United States Embassy in Panama. Previously, she was Director of the Office of Policy, Planning, and Resources in the Office of the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs in the Department of State. Ms. Cabral served as Public Affairs Officer at the United States Consulate General Guangzhou, China, and at the United States Embassy Tirana, Albania. She also served in the Office of South-Central Europe in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs in the Department of State, the United States Embassy Mexico City, Mexico, and the United States Embassy Kyiv. Ms. Cabral has a B.A. from Vanderbilt University and Master of Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins University.
U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo poses for a photo with U.S. Embassy Panama Chargé d'Affaires Roxanne Cabral at U.S. Embassy Panama in Panama City on October 18, 2018. [State Department photo/ Public Domain]
U.S. Embassy Antananarivo: Diplomat Found Dead After Apparent Attack in Residence
September 25, 2018 By domani spero in AF |Africa, chargé d'affaires, DCM, Diplomatic Attacks, Foreign Service, FSOs, Realities of the FS, Security, State Department, U.S. Missions Tags: FSO Killed, Madagascar, Stuart R. Wilson, US Embassy Antananarivo
On September 24, the State Department issued a statement on the death of a U.S. diplomat assigned at the American Embassy in Antananarivo, Madagascar:
We are deeply saddened to confirm that a U.S. Foreign Service Officer was found dead in their residence in the overnight hours of Friday, September 21. Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and the U.S. Embassy Antananarivo community. U.S. investigators have opened an investigation into the matter as have the local Malagasy authorities, and a suspect is currently in custody. Out of respect for the family of the deceased as well as the ongoing investigative process, the Department does not have any additional comments at this time.
According to AFP, the diplomat was found dead after an apparent attack in his residence in Madagascar's capital and that the suspect had been arrested. "In the early hours of Sunday morning "after receiving a call from neighbours and private security guards, the gendarmerie night patrol found an American diplomat dead at his home," police spokesperson Herilalatiana Andrianarisaona told AFP."
A State/OIG report from May 2015 notes that US Embassy Antananarivo has a total staff of 296, with 57 U.S. direct-hire positions. A previous report dated February 2010 notes that there were 305 locally employed staff, and 275 contract guards.
In April 2010, the embassy occupied a new embassy compound (site acquisition was $3.6 million, and construction was $102.3 million), consisting of a chancery, a warehouse/shops facility, a Marine security guard quarters, and a swimming pool. Embassy housing consists of 38 leased and 2 government-owned residences, 1 of which is the Ambassador's residence.
The Key Officers List dated September 14 indicates that post does not have a chief of mission and is currently headed by Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Stuart R. Wilson who was originally assigned as DCM to Antananarivo in August 2017.
On August 1, a Travel Alert was issued for Madagascar indicating a change to Level 2 Exercise Increased Caution category due to civil unrest and crime.
It appears a US Foreign Service Officer was murdered in his residence in Antananarivo this weekend. https://t.co/l8DGqObEXA
— Laura Seay (@texasinafrica) September 25, 2018
Suspect arrested after death of US diplomat in Madagascar https://t.co/SJyw7bnr35 pic.twitter.com/Si7iP7Ebpd
— The Hill (@thehill) September 25, 2018
American diplomat found dead in Madagascar: https://t.co/DVDF1xMtfU pic.twitter.com/9avhLcb73c
— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) September 25, 2018
PSA For New Ambassadors Preparing to Ditch Their DCMs, Yo – Be Careful What You Wish For
January 11, 2018 By domani spero in Ambassadors, DCM, Diplomatic Life, Foreign Service, FSOs, Leadership and Management, Political Appointees, Realities of the FS, Staffing the FS, Top Ranks, U.S. Missions Tags: DCMs, Deputy Chief of Mission, ditching the DCM, political ambassadors, PSA
Posted: 1:53 am ET
Follow @Diplopundit
Remember in 2011 when we posted about the search queries in our blog for "Ambassador window of time to ask DCM to leave" and "When can the ambassador ask the DCM to leave"? (see Which Ambassador is planning to unload his/her DCM shortly and other curtailment news).
The Ambassador-DCM relationship is among the most important in determining the success of a diplomatic mission. At some point if it doesn't work, a former DCM and now retired FSO who spoke from experience told us, "it's better to move on." But that's altogether different from not even giving the new working relationship a chance to work.
We have it in good authority that a reminder is needed about tossing out a deputy ambassador without considering the consequences. Below is a post from 2011 that we are reposting as a Public Service Announcement for the newbies:
In diplo-speak, the query is about curtailment which means shortening an employee's tour of duty from his or her assignment. It may include the employee's immediate departure from a bureau or post. In this instance, possibly that of the deputy chief of mission in some unknown embassy (where about a third of total posts are encumbered by political ambassadors).
The Foreign Affairs Manual, fondly known as the FAM says that curtailment is an assignment action, not a disciplinary one. Ha-ha! Oops, did I laugh out loud? Hookay, it may not be a disciplinary one but it follows the employee around, kind of like a dark cloud that follows Eeyore all over the place.
Now on to the law of unintended consequences —
Remember the U.S. Ambassador to Denmark who according to the OIG report asked her DCM to leave post in January 2010? That resulted in a DCM staffing gap of 9 months. That's 270 days where the chief of mission (that is, the ambassador) even with an acting DCM may be forced to function as her/his own executive officer dealing with the nuts and bolts of running an embassy.
The regs says that the ambassador can initiate an involuntary curtailment, which gives the chief of mission wide authority over this matter. In fact, one political ambassador went though five DCMs during his tenure as George W's ambo in paradise. The whole two Bush terms. We even wrote a tanka about it. Another political ambassador went through seven permanent and temporary DCMs in less than one presidential term. Only one served more than six months! That one deserves a super tanka, I know, just haven't got around to writing it.
Anyway, kicking out the embassy's #2 officer may seem easy enough – he/she is not your relative and the USG pays for him/her to be relocated elsewhere but we must point out something kinda important here. See, State Department assignments are usually arranged so that folks have assignments a year before they move or rotate to their new posts. Which means, when the chief of mission unloads a staffer, particularly in the higher ranks, there isn't anyone waiting in the wings to take over at a moment's notice. Except sometimes, the mothership sends in a retired Foreign Service Office to be temp DCM. Which is fine and all, except what happens if you don't like him/her, too? I imagine that's how you could end up as a record holder of sorts or in the top list of folks who should get Bob Sutton's book for Christmas. And that's not something you really want to hang on your wall next to that stuffed moose head, trust me.
So like Eminem sings it —
….be careful what you wish for
cause you just might get it and if you get it
then you just might not know what to do wit' it ….
@StateDept Appoints Andrew Schofer as U.S. Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group #NagornoKarabakh
August 29, 2017 By domani spero in Appointments, DCM, EUR|Europe, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Service, FSOs, Hotspots, Staffing the FS, State Department, Top Ranks Tags: Andrew Schofer, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, OSCE Minsk Group
Posted: 12:06 am ET
[twitter-follow screen_name='Diplopundit']
On August 28, the State Department announced the appointment of career diplomat Andrew Schofer to be the next U.S. Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group.
The United States is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Andrew Schofer as the next U.S. Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group for Nagorno-Karabakh. Mr. Schofer brings extensive experience in Europe and International Organizations to the position, and most recently served as Chargé d' Affaires, a.i. for the U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Vienna (UNVIE). From August 2015 until January 2017, he served as the Deputy Chief of Mission at UNVIE. From August 2014 to August 2015, he served as the Counselor for IAEA Affairs at UNVIE. Prior to his assignments in Vienna, Mr. Schofer served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia, Cyprus from 2011 to 2014, and has also worked overseas at the U.S. Embassies in Kuwait City, Kuwait; Manama, Bahrain; and Moscow, Russia. Mr. Schofer's Washington assignments included postings on the Iraq Desk in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, and as Special Assistant to the Under Secretary for Political Affairs, where he was primarily responsible for the Middle East and Counterterrorism portfolios.
The United States remains firmly committed to the Minsk Group Process and helping the sides reach a lasting and peaceful settlement to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. As expressed in the June 19 and July 6 statements, the United States supports a just settlement that must be based on international law, which includes the Helsinki Final Act; in particular, the principles of non-use of force, territorial integrity, and self-determination. Andrew Schofer looks forward to helping the sides achieve this goal.
We have informed the governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan of Andrew Schofer's appointment. Andrew Schofer will assume his new position effective immediately.
Proud to join fellow #genderchampion@usunvie Andrew Schofer @ #IGCVienna launch. Let's get to work!
#GenderEquality pic.twitter.com/zsmYzNhGof
— Kate Marie Byrnes (@KateMByrnes) June 14, 2017
US Names Andrew Schofer New Co-Chair to OSCE Minsk Group – https://t.co/4JMVmUpBKv #armenia #armenian pic.twitter.com/tup86JdxR3
— Massis Post (@MassisPost) August 24, 2017
Burn Bag: A DCM Gets Kicked Out For Sexual Harassment
January 20, 2017 By domani spero in DCM, Foreign Service, FSOs, Leadership and Management, Realities of the FS, Staffing the FS, U.S. Missions Tags: Burn Bag, Deputy Chief of Mission, sexual harassment	2 Comments
Via Burn Bag:
The DCM at a large post was kicked out for sexual harassment. This was a long time coming so big props to whoever caused powers that be to take the problem seriously. But the bigger question remains – how does someone who has existed on a diet of inappropriate and abuse (sic) behavior for years get selected to lead this mission? Shouldn't a couple EEO complaints trigger some more expansive 360s?
Inbox: Female Diplomatic Security Agent Pens a Note on Sexual Harassment and Career Suicide
A Joke That Wasn't, and a State Department Dialogue That Is Long Overdue
State Dept Security Officer Alleged Sexual Misconduct: Spans 10 Years, 7 Posts.
PDAS Miller Issues Sexual Harassment Message to Diplomatic Security Employees, What's Missing?
@StateDept Task Force For New Sexual Assault FAM Guidance – An Update
Chien v. Kerry: DS Agent Files Suit For Race/Sex Discrimination, Hostile Work Environment, and Retaliation Sept 2016
Another Concerned DS Agent Pens Response to Diplomatic Security's Broadcast Message on Sexual Harassment Aug 2016
Burn Bag
Submissions accepted via BurnBag Mail or other anonymized email. Please include "BURN BAG" in subject line.
WARNING: Stay away from diplopundit.COM
Aww, @StateDept Sends Official Take Down Request For April Fools' Day Cable
Uh-oh! What's going on?
Follow and receive notification of new posts by email.
Just Laugh — Weekends Only
Shop at Our Curated Amazon Store
Recently …
As Ukraine Opens Probe Into Yovanovitch Surveillance, Foggy Bottom Remains Mute as a Mouse January 17, 2020
United Arab Emirates to Pay For Estimated $60Million USA Pavilion in Expo2020 Dubai #foreignassistance January 17, 2020
GAO Report Cites @StateDept's Obstruction in Ukraine Security Funds Review January 17, 2020
HFAC Seeks @StateDept Documents on Possible Surveillance of Amb Yovanovitch January 17, 2020
Travel With Mike and Susan Pompeo to Silicon Valley January 17, 2020
Imminent Attacks on Four Embassies But Posts and American Public Not Warned ? January 15, 2020
US Ambassador to Afghanistan John Bass Steps Down After a 2-Year Tenure January 15, 2020
Parnas Materials: Surveillance of Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch in Kyiv #Ukraine #Impeachment January 14, 2020
US Embassy Finland: Thinnest OIG Report Reveals Dysfunctional Relationship b/w Political Ambassador and DCM January 13, 2020
CRS: How has the State Department responded to protect its overseas personnel and posts from possible Iranian retaliation? January 13, 2020
Afghanistan AFSA Benghazi Consulate Attack Bureau of Consular Affairs Bureau of Diplomatic Security Bureau of Human Resources Bureau of Public Affairs Burn Bag China clinton emails Cuba Daily Press Briefing DGHR Donald Trump GAO Iraq John Kerry Libya Mike Pompeo Office of Inspector General OIG Ordered Departure Pakistan Photo of the Day Rex Tillerson Security Message SFRC Snapshot State/CA State/DS State/OBO State/OIG State Department swearing-in Travel Warning Trump Nominations Turkey Twitter Ukraine USAID USDOJ US Embassy Kabul US Embassy London Yemen YouTube
American Academy of Diplomacy
American Diplomacy | UNC
American Foreign Service Association
Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide
Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training
Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies
Tales from a Small Planet (Real Post Reports)
Una Chapman Cox Foundation
Bloggers' Rights | EFF
Media Risk Consultants
Government Accountability Project
Blog Dailies
The Consuls' Files
A Daring Adventure
Dead Men Working
The Dinoia Family
Diplo Denizen
Email From the Embassy
Foreign Service Problems
Canadian Foreign Service Problems
Gifplomacy
Foreign Service Test
John Brown's Public Diplomacy Press and Blog Review
Life After Jerusalem
The Perlman Update
Sadie Abroad
The Skeptical Bureaucrat
the slow move east
The Text Message
Unaccompanied Baggage
Well That Was Different
We Meant Well
AAFSW Blog List
AFSA Blog List
Blog Archive Select Month January 2020 (20) December 2019 (36) November 2019 (37) October 2019 (61) September 2019 (46) August 2019 (62) July 2019 (15) June 2019 (47) May 2019 (33) April 2019 (17) March 2019 (23) February 2019 (23) January 2019 (42) December 2018 (27) November 2018 (34) October 2018 (39) September 2018 (35) August 2018 (3) July 2018 (25) May 2018 (16) April 2018 (14) March 2018 (40) February 2018 (48) January 2018 (49) December 2017 (58) November 2017 (53) October 2017 (45) September 2017 (58) August 2017 (53) July 2017 (76) June 2017 (56) May 2017 (58) April 2017 (22) March 2017 (36) February 2017 (29) January 2017 (50) December 2016 (70) November 2016 (41) October 2016 (40) September 2016 (46) August 2016 (48) July 2016 (41) June 2016 (44) May 2016 (46) April 2016 (58) March 2016 (80) February 2016 (57) January 2016 (63) December 2015 (65) November 2015 (53) October 2015 (36) September 2015 (60) August 2015 (58) July 2015 (59) June 2015 (65) May 2015 (63) April 2015 (57) March 2015 (77) February 2015 (37) December 2014 (46) November 2014 (27) October 2014 (53) September 2014 (47) August 2014 (48) July 2014 (38) June 2014 (33) May 2014 (33) April 2014 (30) March 2014 (41) February 2014 (41) January 2014 (40) December 2013 (38) November 2013 (25) October 2013 (34) September 2013 (39) August 2013 (22) July 2013 (38) June 2013 (45) May 2013 (50) April 2013 (44) March 2013 (16) February 2013 (20) January 2013 (40) December 2012 (37) November 2012 (26) October 2012 (29) September 2012 (37) August 2012 (22) July 2012 (46) June 2012 (37) May 2012 (54) April 2012 (46) March 2012 (38) February 2012 (39) January 2012 (39) December 2011 (30) November 2011 (48) October 2011 (49) September 2011 (31) August 2011 (35) July 2011 (50) June 2011 (68) May 2011 (63) April 2011 (85) March 2011 (66) February 2011 (63) January 2011 (41) December 2010 (56) November 2010 (49) October 2010 (46) September 2010 (59) August 2010 (42) July 2010 (77) June 2010 (26) May 2010 (46) April 2010 (53) March 2010 (90) February 2010 (85) January 2010 (91) December 2009 (92) November 2009 (89) October 2009 (88) September 2009 (75) August 2009 (67) July 2009 (64) June 2009 (101) May 2009 (105) April 2009 (148) March 2009 (144) February 2009 (101) January 2009 (58) December 2008 (50) November 2008 (39) October 2008 (38) September 2008 (16) August 2008 (7) July 2008 (3) June 2008 (13) May 2008 (25) April 2008 (16) March 2008 (10)
FOIA'd, Washington, D.C.
Not Yet Jailed, Washington DC
Go Ahead Speak, I Won't Sit Up at Attention
Pardon Me, I'll Be As Quiet As a Mouse
Blog Tickler
© 2008-2019 diplopundit.net. Some Rights Reserved. No Claim to Original U.S. Government Works.


allergens (peanut, tree nut, seafood, fish, milk, eggs, soybeans and wheat) must be clearly identified, however small the amount. Example: instead of simply albumin the ingredients list should read Albumin (egg…... Egg allergies disproportionately affect children; experts estimate that up to 2 percent of kids are allergic to eggs. It is one of the most common food allergies in children, coming in second to milk allergy, and is typically diagnosed before age two.
Highly allergic children can have a mild reaction from foods contaminated with egg from cooking surfaces and utensils, being in the kitchen when egg is being cooked or when touched by someone who has been handling eggs.... Most of the time egg intolerance symptoms in adults start out mild, but they tend to worsen the more often you eat eggs. Egg intolerance symptoms in babies are also hard to pin down. If you see any sign if egg allergy symptoms baby seek medical advice straight away.
While the white of an egg contains the allergenic proteins, event participants with an egg allergy must strictly avoid all eggs and egg products, including the yolks. That's because it is nearly impossible to separate the egg white completely from the yolk, making the risk of cross-contact huge.


text:
The Miami Jazz Project
Arthur Barron Dave Liebman Abel Pabon
Selection #: ZM 201409
Availability: Worldwide
1. DAHOMEY DANCE 5:11
2. LORDY LOURDES 5:40
3. JINNISTAN 7:16
4. WINTER DAY 6:57
5. MR. Q 7:07
6. Intro to Slow Dance on the Killing Ground:
BLESSINGS ETERNAL 1:09
7. SLOW DANCE ON THE KILLING GROUND 6:16
8. SCHEER JOY 5:23
9. MISSING PERSON 3:19
10. TU AMOR NERI 7:59
Dave Liebman - soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone
Arthur Barron - tenor saxophone, alto saxophone, flute
Abel Pabon - keyboards
Josh Allen - acoustic & electric bass
Eric England - electric bass
Michael Piolet - drums
Alfredo Chacon - vibraphone & percussion
Buy Now at CDBaby
Download Now at iTunes
Saxophonist and flutist Arthur Barron, known for his work with Hilton Ruiz and Jerry Gonzalez, and legendary soprano saxophonist Dave Liebman, of Miles Davis, Elvin Jones, McCoy Tyner and Chick Corea fame, team up for an outing of original compositions and remake of John Coltrane's Dahomey Dance with Miami-based keyboardist and production wiz Abel Pabon (Nestor Torres), bassist Josh Allen (Negroni's Trio), bassist Eric England (Troy Roberts), drummer Michael Piolet (University of Miami Stamps Quintet) and vibraphonist and percussionist Alfredo Chacon (David Bisbal), delivering The Miami Jazz Project's brand of fusion soundtrack.
Musicians are all influenced, in one way or another, by their predecessors. For me, it was jazz saxophonists John Coltrane, Joe Henderson and Dexter Gordon, as well as the avant-garde rocker Don Van Fleet (aka Captain Beefheart). And, of course, Miles Davis, whose seminal Jack Johnson LP was one of the prime motivators for my desire to become a musician. That innovative album, together with Miles' subsequent recordings, ushered in a new jazz genre recognized as fusion.
As Dave Liebman states in his book What It Is; "We are responsible….the people of my generation for keeping this music alive….the spirit of this music; its tradition; the people who came through it and why they created it; the blood, sweat and tears that were literally put into this. We are now left with the flame that's been handed down to us and we have to be true to the cause. We are missionaries from the other side and we have continuous work ahead of us."
With Dave's quote in mind, The Miami Jazz Project CD features its own brand of contemporary jazz. It can be regarded as an extension of the tradition that Miles and other bands like Weather Report laid down. The tracks include both acoustic and electric material with stylistic elements rooted in mainstream jazz, blues, jazz rock and world music - a fusion of harmonic structures and modal works. Although comparisons can be made to what came before, the depth of the performances along with the original compositions and the overall production sound results in this music taking on a life of its own on this recording, as well as representing how the fusion style has evolved over the decades since Miles broke ground. Arthur Barron
DAHOMEY DANCE: this blues is one of Coltrane's lesser played tunes, presenting the classic challenge of trying to be true to the original concept while at the same time giving it a contemporary approach and sound. The arrangement of the horns and the rhythm took care of that aspect with the solos reflecting our own individual slant applied to Trane's chord changes. Dave Liebman
LORDY LOURDES: inspired by a special lady friend Lourdes Gonzalez, this tune features an eclectic blend of a Middle Eastern influenced head and a blues-like bridge over an R&B styled vamp. Solos are based on diminished and Middle Eastern scales along with blues phrasings. I like an air of mystery in my work, and Abel's co-writing and arrangement of the piece conveyed the feeling that I was seeking. - Arthur Barron
JINNISTAN: the concept of the tune evolved through my study of Sufism when I came across Arabian folklore about Jinns, thought by some to be supernatural spirits with powers that could influence people to do good or evil. According to Islamic mythology, the Jinns lived in a place call Jinnistan in ancient Persia. This piece is centered upon a driving vamp over a fused Middle Eastern/Jazz melody, culminating with a repeating blues riff. We let loose with abandonment on the solos. Arthur Barron
From left : Dave Liebman, Abel Pabon, Arthur Barron.
WINTER DAY: this tune was written exactly on such a day which happens quite a bit where I live in the Pocono Mountain area of Pennsylvania. Invariably, you get such days when there is nothing happening outside; meaning you are left with more time on your hands than usual. Arthur had been requesting something to record with this being the result. Dave Liebman
SHEER JOY: this was one of the few commissions I have ever received coming from an amateur saxophonist in Germany who owns a successful computer company and somehow found me through mutual friends, resulting in being hired to write a tune for him to play. His last name was Scheer, so with a play on words using a familiar expression, I wrote this eighth note based lyrical composition. Dave Liebman
MISSING PERSON this is a short duo meant to highlight two horns in a playful conversation, setting up an improvisatory atmosphere. The title refers to people we meet in life who may not be technically "missing" but in social interaction don't seem to be on the same page as oneself or what is happening around them….physically present, but mentally not all there. Dave Liebman
TU AMOR NERI this piece was written for Afro-Cuban dancer and choreographer Neri Torres. It is essentially a Bolero played in 4/4 time with a jazz feel. Much time was spent on the melody, which ended up being a fairly complex composition with an introduction followed by five sections, each expressing different moods and dynamics embellished by Dave's signature harmonic concepts. Arthur Barron
Producer and Musical Director: Abel Pabon Arrangements: Dave Liebman and Abel Pabon. Engineer: James Delia Mastering: Sound Lab at Disc Makers. Photography by Ken Kay, James Delia and Jack Frisch (artist photos). Art Direction and Package Design: Jack Frisch. Executive Producers: Arthur Barron and Joachim "Jochen" Becker.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Exocoelactis är ett släkte av koralldjur. Exocoelactis ingår i familjen Exocoelactiidae.

Exocoelactis är enda släktet i familjen Exocoelactiidae.

Kladogram enligt Catalogue of Life:

Källor

Havsanemoner
Exocoelactis

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Secole: Secolul I - Secolul al II-lea - Secolul al III-lea

Decenii: Anii 90 Anii 100 Anii 110 Anii 120 Anii 130 - Anii 140 - Anii 150 Anii 160 Anii 170 Anii 180 Anii 190

Ani: 135 | 136 | 137 | 138 | 139 | 140 | 141 | 142 | 143 | 144 | 145

Evenimente

Decese

140


In collaboration with the Department of Defense, the NBA continues its Commitment to Service initiative that allows NBA players, coaching and teams to work side-by-side with our nation's military to better communities across the country. Teams and their current and former players are partnering with local installations and a variety of military and veteran-serving organizations for several activities, including leadership seminars, community service events and basketball-focused fitness activities for active and retired service members and their families.
The Atlanta Hawks will host a group of veterans and their families to share their experiences and insights on life after serving. The Hawks will also continue their "Crown and Courage" Program for military members, where service men and women receive complimentary seats and are honored in-arena.
The Boston Celtics will celebrate Hoops for Troops Week by honoring military veterans each game through their Heroes Among Us program. The Celtics also invited 16 family members from the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) to participate in pre-game shoot around, fan tunnel and a special meet & greet with NBA Referees and Retired United States Army General Martin Dempsey.
The Cleveland Cavaliers visited Wright-Patter Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio where they met with commanders, toured the base, and played their annual Wine & Gold Scrimmage on the airplane hangar in front of military service members and fans. The Cavaliers will also host a "Salute to Service Night' at the Quicken Loans Arena during Hoops for Troops Week.
The Indiana Pacers partnered with the USO of Indiana to honor local soldiers through the Sideline Soldiers program, which allows military personnel and their families to serve as VIP guests at Pacers games. Each Sideline Soldier and their family participates in a pregame meet & greet with Pacers player Thaddeus Young, receives complimentary tickets and are in-game recognition.
The Los Angeles Lakers and former Laker Robert Horry hosted 50 United States service members for drills, games and provided them with Lakers gear and tickets. Los Angeles Lakers alumni James Worthy and Metta World Peace will also host pre-game basketball clinics with United States soldiers. The Lakers launched the USA Junior Lakers youth basketball program for on-base families and Junior Lakers players.
In honor of Veterans Day, Miami HEAT legends Pat Riley, Alonzo Mourning, Glen Rice and Shane Battier will surprise veterans with a newly renovated home.
The Philadelphia 76ers have teamed up with NBA referees will honor children of fallen military members at home games as the "Strong Kid of the Game", and participate in the Captain's Huddle, ball kids, and game ball delivery to the referees.
Josh Jackson and Ryan Anderson will visit Luke Air Force Base and a local veterans hospital. Suns players and employee volunteers will also team up with Habitat for Humanity to restore an American Legion Outpost.
The Utah Jazz will host a "Commitment to Service Event" with both Jazz players and active military members and their families at Dave & Buster's for a celebration of their sacrifices to our country.


text:
Home Letters Surprise Me About More
Community Guidelines Resources for Educators Partners Facebook Twitter
Cole M. Virginia
States' Rights
My letter has to do with the idea of a more popularly accurate and personal way of government, the state and local government should have a larger impact, for people are more personally represented through said governing bodies.
Dear Future President, October 25, 2016
I am writing to you today as a student, but also as a United States citizen who will eventually be eligible to vote for you, if you decide to run for reelection in 2020. An issue that is on my mind is the idea of representation in our democracy, and how we can make it as personal and accurate as possible. The ratio for a representative in the national government is much greater than a local or state government, where laws can be crafted for each state's needs, and where culture and geography can be taken into consideration. Being a Virginian, from Frederick County, I am able to experience the locality and "homey feeling" a small town sets off, while also being able to experience the culture of a smaller city, one with thriving business.
The tenth amendment of the United States Constitution was drafted into the Bill of Rights, and gives powers not defined in the Constitution to the states for their interpretation. This ideology of states rights can be traced back to the Anti-Federalists, who became Democratic-Republicans in the early 19th century. I think most people want to see themselves making an impact for their community through their government, even if they cannot be present when decisions are made concerning them. According to an Article on Annenberg Classroom, which discussed the tenth amendment, the Supreme Court has had to rule what was a "defined power" in the Constitution. The real argument has to do with what some people believe is defined, and what others believe is not. Some powers that are specifically defined (and belong to the federal government) are: the power to declare war, collect taxes, and manage interstate trade. Some people just have a more flexible interpretation of the Constitution than others do.
David Morris wrote an article in the Huffington Post, which outlined one piece of policy that has slipped into the hands of states, the process of how elections are held. Regardless of who is being voted for in a specific state, county, or even district; each state (or local) government is responsible for handling their own election process; but this has caused the federal government to intervene several times. This goes to show that some things are just left better to the higher government; for if there is not some kind of federal unity, at least for an election such as the President, it can be unfair to some groups of people in certain districts.
The population differs from state to state, but so does culture, geography, and economic situations. Everyone is different, and the more personal we make our government, the more accurately everyday people can be represented, their ideas heard, and actions taken from them. I am in no way suggesting that we resort to direct democracy as in Athens where EVERY man voted with either a black stone or white stone. Although, I am indicating the fact that government is for the people, and by the people. As a citizen, I want the government running my life (whether I accept it or not) to be personal and accurate. An Encyclopedia Britannica entry on "states' rights" points to the tenth amendment of the Constitution and discusses the idea that state governments can respond more appropriately to its own needs. As a Virginian, I am competing for attention in the House of Representatives with 750, 866 other people. Each delegate in the state government represents only about 83,000 people, and in comparison, that is no large number. Please be sure to understand, that as president, you are representing 320 million people and there are only 535 people "personally" representing us. With that said, make sure smaller governments are permitted to make decisions that would affect them more than the entire United States as a whole. Thank you for your time, whoever is reading this, I commend you.
Cole M.
Morris, David. "The Obstacles We Face On November 8th." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com. Web. 25 Oct. 2016.
"Tenth Amendment." Annenberg Classroom. Web. 25 Oct. 2016.
"States' Rights." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica. Web. 25 Oct. 2016.
👏 Applauded
Report a problem... When should you flag content? If the user is making personal attacks, using profanity or harassing someone, please flag this content as inappropriate. We encourage different opinions, respectfully presented, as an exercise in free speech.
Letter not displaying properly
Media in this letter is not playing/displaying
Letter content violates terms of use
More from this group More from Virginia More about these issues
James Wood High School
Concerned Colonels
Letters to the Next President by James Wood High's AP English 11 students
Kaitlyn F. Virginia
President, stop hunger now.
A letter to the President discussing world hunger and the causes.
View the letter →
Chierren D. Virginia
Ways we can prevent divorce.
Allison H. Virginia
Dear President
Heroin Usage in Teens and Young Adults
Cully W. Virginia
The Plight for LGBT Rights
Long have the voices of the LGBT community been silenced in this country. This marginalized group that has just as much say as the next, in actuali...
Seth Virginia
Remove The Exemptions
My argument against the exemptions for vaccination. The safety of children comes first to me, and think that vaccines should be required.
Henry B. Virginia
letter about fats, sugars, and serving sizes
Caroline Virginia
A Nation Divided Can Not Stand
we have a growing America, lets bring the new, old, similar and opposing together.
Emma Virginia
We need more orphanages.
Kevin K. Virginia
Homework is too much
All letters from this group →
Lea L. Virginia
End Rape Culture!
I believe that with the help of the next president of the United States we can all help to end the inequality between sexes as well as to stop the ...
Kendall M. Virginia
Stop and Frisk in New York
I am writing to inform you of issues in our country that I believe should be fixed. It arose in New York City's Police Department and it involves t...
Cameron S. Virginia
School Food
School food should be changed because, students do not like it as much, and it is not healthy.
Alaysha Virginia
I think people should help the homeless just as much as other people get the help they need. Homeless people deserve to live too.
Antanaya Virginia
Mr. or Mrs. president of the United States there should be policies on Gun Control. The reasons for this is because people who have a violent backg...
Heather C. Virginia
Straight Conversion Therapy
My issue is straight conversion therapy.
Gelsy M. Virginia
Equality for all
I believe the next president should work Equality for all, because too many people discriminate against the people who are not like them.
Anna N. Virginia
Climate change is harming the environment, and this is what we can do to help our planet.
Cameron D. Virginia
Violence Toward Police
All letters from Virginia →
Karina H. California
Same Neighborhood, Different Dreams
We all know that a solution to a big problem cannot be realistically executed in a matter of hours, that is why I am asking you to actually look in...
Van Anh B. Maryland
Asian Representation
Asian Americans should be better represented in the government.
jaren Oregon
Underrepresentation
kids of color are underrepresented in kids books
Kiana Maine
As an insignificant but individual Maine student, I recommend that you look before you leap.
Keena B. Colorado
LGBT+ Representation In The Media
A bisexual student's thoughts on the lacking of LGBT+ representation in the media, why it is an issue, and how to solve said issue.
All letters about these issues →
#2nextprez
Letters to the Next President 2.0 engaged and connected young people, aged 13-18, as they researched, wrote, and made media to voice their opinions on issues that mattered to them in the 2016 Presidential Election.
Sign up to receive information and resources that support participation in this project.
Home Browse Letters Surprise Me About Support Guidelines Partners Opportunities Resources Facebook Twitter
© National Writing Project 2018 | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy


A multiple site, public art-installation project linking four geographical points around the islands of Malta and Gozo.
These compass points become the focus for community activities, story gathering, workshops and creative events, acknowledging the historical, mythological and living presence of the winds and their importance in Mediterranean culture.
Valletta 2018 is collaborating with the Rubberbodies Collective investigates wind-lore and its cultural influences in a combination of traditional arts and digital media. Il-Warda Tar-Riħ (The Windrose Project) instigates an exchange of cultural and artistic ideas, knowledge and skills in Għarb, Marsaxlokk, Mġarr (Malta) and Sliema.


Underwater welding is an energizing profession opportunity which consolidates the best of welding with the thrill of diving. For some individuals this profession is more engaging than standard welding – mostly due to the feeling of experience, yet halfway in light of the fact that the pay is typically higher. Turning into a qualified underwater welder takes a lot of time and commitment, so guaranteeing that you increase all the important, proficient capabilities is crucial for both your security and people around you. Accordingly, it's imperative to locate the most ideal underwater welding school to help you on your trip.
Here are 25 of the best from around the globe.
Without uncertainty, the Commercial Diving Academy must be one of the best diving schools in America – if not the whole world. This isn't the course to begin it requires a lot of diligent work, responsibility and commitment. The days are long at ten hours each and you'll do physical training each day to ensure you're sufficiently fit to dive – and that is on top of all the hypothesis and viable abilities that you'll learn.
The underwater diving and welding preparing which you can attempt at the Divers Academy International will give you both hypothetical and down to earth involvement in working in an underwater environ. This school is really supported by Lincoln Electric so you'll be utilizing their hardware while you study. With the insurance of having top of the range, great quality hardware available to you, this course gives you an ideal beginning on your underwater welding training venture.
The Divers Institute of Technology offers a seven-month long commercial divers course; month four spotlights on underwater welding. You don't need to have welding background because you will begin by learning the systems of topside welding. In few days you'll transfer your abilities underwater, into an extensive indoor tank so that your coaches can screen your advancement closely.
For a genuinely intense plunging and underwater welding course, this is an incredible decision. If you examine through this Canadian school, you'll be full-time students for the space of a year. Amid this time, no less than 60 hours will be sent on underwater welding, including both classroom time learning in the hypothesis, and practical time putting your new abilities under a magnifying glass.
On the off chance that you study through Hydroweld USA's in Florida, you don't even need to overcome the elements. That due to the fact that they're home to a gigantic indoor tank, which will give you the full underwater welding background, without venturing far and wide into lakes or oceans. provided that you're as of now a qualified jumper, this course comes in at under $5,000 and it endures only ten days, so it won't take much time or cash to get you well on your approach to turning into an expert underwater welder!
Hydroweld depicts themselves as 'the underwater welding specialists', so you essentially know you've gone to the opportune spot. They may have an office in the UK, yet their training is as of now occurring in Thailand. The charges that you'll pay will cover all you're training and materials, however you will need to pay for travel, settlement and nourishment cost yourself.
In case you're now a qualified diver, then you can select on a Lloyd's Register underwater welder course, which compasses only ten days. You don't even need to have any earlier topside welding background before you begin, in spite of the fact that it would be a clear point of preference. Given that you are now a qualified diver– and that you have all the proper equipment– you'll wind up paying not exactly $5,000 in educational cost expenses, making it a truly reasonable alternative.
As an underwater welding student, you have two options from the National University Polytechnic Institute. If you're already qualified in commercial diving then you can go straight into their underwater welding course, which teaches all the techniques associated with wet welding. However, underwater welding is actually a module that everyone covers as part of the commercial divers program.
In this escalated course situated in Canada, you can concentrate full time for a time of 35 weeks. This is in no way, shape or form a quick or simple alternative; however the standard of the preparation you'll get is excellent. And in addition underwater welding and cutting, the course covers modules, for example, oil rig investigation and repair.
In only two semesters at Santa Barbara City College, you can finish a Marine Technology course. It covers everything from a prolog to marine welding up to cutting edge underwater welding, and a great deal more. You'll need to give the majority of your own diving hardware, however as it's a junior college the educational cost charges are much less expensive than at numerous different foundations, making this a reasonable alternative for some students.
The name of this course says it all, truly: Ultimate Diver Training. The Ocean Corporation doesn't simply show you how to end up a business diver– rather; they instruct an extensive variety of abilities that mean you can turn your hand to various diverse profession ways. And additionally surface and underwater welding, you'll spread thorough preparing in apparatus, submerged nondestructive testing, and a great deal more.
Typically, business plunging capabilities just show you how to dive securely, without allowing you to practice or increase any significant involvement in the underwater welding industry. Nonetheless, at the South Central Louisiana Technical College, some portion of the educational modules covers both topside welding and underwater welding. This will give you a sum of 90 clock hours on these procedures alone, on top of the various materials that the course covers!
DiveSafe International is one of the best-known schools inside of the plunging business. They offer an extensive variety of business and recreation jumping courses, which, with extra preparing, can get you well on your approach to turning into an expert underwater welder. You'll get the opportunity to learn in the dazzling setting of British Colombia, Canada, making preparing all the more pleasant!
In the event that you finish the Underwater Welding course at Interdive, you'll leave with a universally perceived capability that meets both the British Standard (BS) and the American Welding Society (AWS) benchmarks. The serious course goes on for three weeks, yet the drawback is that you'll need to contact the middle straight forwardly to inquire about course accessibility and costs, neither of which is distributed on the site.
You don't need to have any past welding background to select on the Coded Underwater Welder Training course at Specialty Welds, on the grounds that both dry and wet welding strategies will be secured in the syllabus. It's a full-time course enduring two weeks, implying that you'll get a sum of 80 hours of preparing. The course keeps running at a few distinct areas around the globe, so either picks the one nearest to you, or the one that appears like the most energizing enterprise!
Whatever your expertise level, the Professional Diving Academy will have a course to suit you. They begin by offering business diving taster days for beginners; right the route through to exceedingly specific expert capabilities. Underwater welding is secured in both the underwater Welding and Burning Fabricator' and the Weldcraft – Pro Underwater Coded Welder courses, giving you the alternative to pick the course that most suits your craved career path.
The Underwater Center is an authority in giving a scope of expert business plunging and ROV working capabilities. Their Subsea Construction course covers submerged welding, smoldering, throwing and fixing. You can either take this as a standalone course, or update it to either a 'Premium Industry Package' or 'Development Career Package', both of which join various capabilities to abandon you with an advantageous, prevalent arrangement of expert aptitudes.
Situated in Belgium, DiveWise teaches divers in both dry and wet welding. To guarantee exclusive requirements in the first place, on the off chance that you as of now have dry welding knowledge then you'll need to demonstrate it by performing a little down to earth test.
Qualify to be a Level 2 IDSA Underwater Welder in Palermo, Italy. Twice per year they offer courses in both seaward and inshore diving, which is impeccable on the off chance that you'd want to do one over the other.
Lasting nine hours a day, six days a week for two weeks in succession, the Norwegian School of Commercial Diving puts on a really escalated submerged welding course. The course charges do incorporate convenience, however, so you're getting great worth for your cash.
It won't get away from your notification that you'll need no less than a fundamental comprehension of Spanish before you begin at this school. In any case, on the off chance that you can see, then you will be taught everything that you have to think about underwater cutting and welding (in both viable and hypothetical terms) in an excellent aggregate of only 72 hours.
XLT offer a few distinctive welding-related courses, including underwater welding. Enduring only a couple of weeks at most, this course will get all of you set and prepared to go quicker than most (which is awesome in case you're in a rush), yet you'll need to meet their base ability level necessities before you begin.
You must be quick to pack yourself a spot at the MCDTC, on the grounds that classes just run three times each year, and every class is restricted to a greatest of 12 students. On the other hand, you'll take in everything from the fundamental phrasing up to underwater welding systems and applications, which covers all that you have to know!
Set in the shocking Canadian farmland, with Canadian Working Divers Institute offers an exceptional course which compasses 12 weeks. Five understudies are designated per guide, implying that you can get truly customized, pertinent exhortation that is custom-made to you.
As underwater welding is an extremely concentrated occupation, you should have qualified as a business diver before you're qualified for this course. Once you begin you'll be amazed by how extensive the course really is. Enduring 24 weeks, this isn't a short course, yet the plunge school has considered everything, notwithstanding offering an assortment of lodging suggestions and feast gets ready for your utilization while you're a student.


Please use our easy Domain Search to the Top Right of the Site to Purchase the Domain of your Choice.
Are you looking for the best, reliable, secured and cost effective domain registration service? Domain registration service provided by us includes registration of name, renewal of name, transfer of name, link building strategy service, private domain name registration etc.
These services of domain registration provided by us are very cost effective. We have an advanced control panel and there are not much of tranquil included in domain registration. You can manage all your internet domains from single control panel. We will help you to ensure that you do not face any problems while registering the name you desire. You can call us to know the rates.


It's April and that means a whole month of poetry events thanks to the O, Miami Poetry Festival. Last year we did a roving poetry party on a bus and this year its only getting better. Join us in your pjs at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens on Friday, April 6th for Poetry in Pajamas! Free cereal and milk bar! Free RSVP here.


text:
Q: Help with examples $3.9$ and $3.10$ in Aluffi's Algebra: Chapter $0$ I am studying Aluffi on my own, so I was hoping someone could check my thinking for examples $3.9$ and $3.10$ (p. $24$-$26$).
Example $\mathbf{3.9}$
Let $C$ be a category, $A, B$ be objects in $C$ and $\circ_{C}$ be composition in the category. We define $C_{A,B}$ to be a category as below:
Let $\text{Obj}(C_{A,B})=$ all $(f,g)\in \text{Hom}_{C}(Z,A)\times\text{Hom}_{C}(Z,B)$ for every object $Z$. If $O_{1}=(f_{1},g_{1})$ and $O_{2}=(f_{2},g_{2})$ are objects in $C_{A,B}$, then we define the set of morphisms between $O_{1}$ and $O_{2}$ as
$$\text{Hom}_{C_{A,B}}(O_{1},O_{2})=\{\sigma\in\text{Hom}_{C}(Z_{1},Z_{2})\mid f_{1}=f_{2}\circ_{C}\sigma\text{ and } g_{1}=g_{2}\circ_{C}\sigma\}.$$
Where $Z_{1}$ and $Z_{2}$ are the sources of $f_{1},g_{1}$ and $f_{2},g_{2}$, respectively. Composition in $C_{A,B}$ is inherited from $C$. That is, if $\sigma\in\text{Hom}(O_{1},O_{2})$ and $\tau\in\text{Hom}(O_{2},O_{3})$, then $\tau \sigma=\tau \circ_{C} \sigma$. By definition, $f_{1}=f_{2}\sigma$ and $f_{2}=f_{3}\tau$, which means that $f_{1}=f_{3}\tau\sigma$. Similarly, $g_{1}=g_{3}\tau\sigma$, thus $\tau\sigma\in \text{Hom}(O_{1},O_{3}).$ Associativity follows directly from the associativity of $\circ_{C}$.
If $O=(f,g)$ is an object in $C_{A,B}$ and both $f,g$ have source $Z$, then $1_{O}=1_{Z}$ (the identity morphisms are the identity morphisms in $C$). I believe I have constructed a category the way Aluffi was alluding to, but I just wanted to make sure.
Example $\mathbf{3.10}$
This just seems to be a carbon copy of example $3.9$, which is what I am concerned about. In fact, the only thing I would change is to include that $A$ is $\alpha$'s source and $B$ is $\beta$'s. I am not seeing any reason why the inclusion of $\alpha$ and $\beta$ changes anything.
Edit: I just realized that in order for $(f,g)$ to be an object, it would also need the additional restriction that $\alpha f=\beta g$.
I would also like to ask, do these categories have special names? Thank you!

A: Your observations are correct. Example $3.10$ is a variation on example $3.9$ inducing more conditions on the given morphisms. There this simply means we add an object $C$ an require compatibility of the morphisms $f,g$ with the new morphisms $\alpha,\beta$ (compatibility=some diagrams commute).
Well, they have special names in some sense as they may be realized as instances of more general category-theoretic constructions (such as slice or comma categories). I do not think it will greatly help to elaborate on these, although I can if you want me to.
Think about these categories like this: They are templates for universal constructions (which is covered in §I.$5$ of Aluffi). By this I mean that we can use these categories to characterize certain objects.
For example, take sets $A,B$ and consider their cartesian product $A\times B$. If you take $Z=A\times B$ with $(f,g)=(\pi_A,\pi_B)$ the coordinate projections, then you can construct for any pair $(f,g)$ from a given object $Z$ a (unique) morphism in $C_{A,B}$ from $Z$ to $A\times B$: $Z\to A\times B,\,z\mapsto(f(z),g(z))$. We say that $(A\times B,\pi_A,\pi_B)$ is a terminal object of $C_{A,B}$. The analogue construction for the category $C_{\alpha,\beta}$ is called the fiber product.
Aluffi uses the categories $C_{A,B}$ and $C_{\alpha,\beta}$ as ad hoc constructions to introduce these concepts formally by means of diagrams valid in any category. This is in the end one of the main points of a category-theoretic-minded approach towards algebra.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text: require('../../proto')(__dirname + '/../../croc.js', __dirname);

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Q: Изменение свойств локального пользователя средством PowerShell Написал скрипт на создание определенного количества пользователей, но не знаю как сделать следующее:

*

*Нужно прописать пользователям "среду" , чтобы при входе запускалась программа.

*На вкладке "Общие" проставить галочки "Запретить смену пароля пользователем" и "Срок действия пароля неограничен"

A: Попробуйте вот это:
$Comp = ([adsi]"WinNT://$env:COMPUTERNAME")
$UserToModify = $Comp.psbase.Children.Find("Гость")
$UserToModify.LoginScript = "c:\scripts\some_logon_script.ps1"  # Сценарий входа
$UserToModify.UserFlags = 64 -bor 65536   # Это флаги
$UserToModify.SetInfo()

В сценарии входа вы можете выполниить запуск необходимой пользователю программы и настройку «среды».
Более подробная информация про флаги настройки пользователей:  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/305144


text:
<!DOCTYPE html>

	<meta charset="UTF-8">
	<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1">
	<link rel="stylesheet" href="static/style.css" />
	<title>{% block title %}{% endblock %}</title>
	{% block head %}
	{% endblock %}

{% block content %}{% endblock %}


text:
Naga conundrum
People of Nagaland have experienced the highs and lows of the political movement which since the late 40s saw the spread o..
Milking tragedies
What would have been another sensational crime in UP which gradually fades away has instead evolved into a political fight..
UP's casteist society
In Uttar Pradesh, crimes take place at regular intervals but the most shocking yet uncomfortable fact, is that in many ins..
Tipping the scales of justice
Almost 28 years after one of the worst communal outrages in the history of independent India, a special CBI court in Luckn..
Curious twists and turns
What was to have been an investigation by a high profile agency-CBI- into Bollywood actor late Sushant Singh Rajput'..
Economic strangulation
It's time that society, the district authorities of Dimapur and the state government take stock of the recurrence of..
Re-naming game
Changes that the Modi government has been pursuing relentlessly has percolated to every aspect of life such as history, ar..
Construction scams
It is an irony that the abode of the most respected institution-the judiciary in Nagaland- has been dogged by various alle..
Transformation process
Either it is tweaking existing laws or enacting fresh amendments, the Narendra Modi government continues with its politica..
Too much too many
It was something that had been spoken about but only quite abstractly and it unfortunately took the September 22 shooting ..
Wrong dose
Bowing down to intense pressure from scores of organisations including student bodies, the state government decided to rev..
Politics of agriculture
Both the ruling BJP and its long-time ally, Shrimoni Akali Dal(SAD) have come a long way together through thick and thin a..
Prev 12345678910111213141516171819202122232425 Next


The Body Fat Breakthrough is written by Ellington Darden, PhD, an exercise researcher and pioneer of Nautilus fitness equipment.
Dieters can lose up to 30 pounds in 30 days while simultaneously building muscle and gaining strength.
The Body Fat Breakthrough program is designed for people who want to lose up to 50 pounds but can't find time to exercise.
You will only need to work out once or twice a week for 20 minutes on this plan to get results.
The program advocates a meal plan where the majority of calories comes from carbohydrates. This makes the diet an appealing way to lose weight without having to give up your favorite foods.
The level of carbohydrates is higher than many other weight loss diets. A higher intake of carbs enhances your ability to recover from the specific exercise techniques that are outlined in the Body Fat Breakthrough.
A 6-week meal plan is provided, which consists of six small meals each day containing 100 to 400 calories. During the 6-week program the calories descend by 100 every two weeks. This gradual reduction makes your body become more efficient at burning fat.
In weeks 1 and 2 women eat 1400 calories and men consume 1600 calories per day.
The calories drop to 1300 a day for women and 1500 a day for men in weeks 3 and 4.
In weeks 5 and 6 calories are further reduced by 100 to 1200 per day for women and 1400 for men.
Body Fat Breakthrough recommends using frozen dinners for the first two weeks of the plan because they make portion control simple. You easily learn what 300 calories looks like without the need to weigh and measure. In weeks 3 and 4 fresh food substitutions are introduced which involve some weighing and measuring.
Drinking cold water can increase your rate of fat-burning. Your body needs to use energy to warm the water and this causes consumption of extra calories.
Water also assists with weight loss by supporting kidney function, eliminating constipation, and reducing your appetite.
Dieters are advised to drink a gallon of ice-cold water every day.
The foundation of The Body Fat Breakthrough is its unique exercise program using negative or eccentric weight training. Scientific research shows that this technique is one of the best ways to build strength and muscle.
Recovery is also much faster after performing this type of exercise. Additionally it accentuates fat-burning by increasing the production of certain metabolic compounds. Because it is so effective it is only necessary to do this training for 20 minutes, one or two times per week.
Also recommended is walking at a leisurely pace for 30 minutes after your evening meal.
The Body Fat Breakthrough: Tap the Muscle-Building Power of Negative Training and Lose Up to 30 Pounds in 30 Days! retails at $26.99.
Produces fast results with very little time required for exercise.
Body Fat Breakthrough allows for a relatively high intake of carbohydrate foods.
Includes a 6-week meal plan with recipes.
Provides inspirational before and after photos of people who have had success on the program.
Necessary to have gym membership and to use exercise machines.
May be necessary to have a trainer assist you to be able perform the exercises as described.
Requires the use of frozen dinners for the first 2 weeks, which may not appeal to all dieters.
Body Fat Breakthrough does not offer options for vegetarians or dieters with food intolerances.
The Body Fat Breakthrough allows for rapid fat loss with minimal exercise through the use of negative weight training.
This six-week program can help dieters lose up to 50 pounds by working out just once or twice a week.
However, adherence to the meal plan and calorie amounts are vital for success.


With Halloween approaching, Young Sheldon, in its October 25 episode "Seven Deadly Sins and a Small Carl Sagan," refused to miss the opportunity to create a caricature of Christians and how they regard the day.
Mary has been tasked with setting up what she dubs the "heck house" following the disaster from the previous year when "a nine-year-old crapped himself" and "one of the actors got pregnant" because of the adultery demonstration.
The idea of this "heck house" not only portrays Christians as obsessed with converting people through fear, which involves the usual anti-religious quip from Young Sheldon (Iain Armitage), but also with a focus on sin and punishment in a hypocritical way.
Mary: Instead of calling it "Hell House," which is a little off-putting, I'm gonna call it... "Heck House." Isn't that great?
George Sr.: That is great.
Georgie: You don't really mean that.
George Sr.: Yes, I do.
Georgie: Oh, I get it. Happy wife, happy life.
George Sr.: You need to stop talking.
Missy: So it's not gonna be scary?
Mary: It will, but without all the blood and gore.
Missy: But I like blood and gore.
Meemaw: Hang on, y'all are trying to scare people into joining the church?
Mary: Yeah. But people like getting scared on Halloween anyway. Why not make 'em jump in the right direction?
Sheldon: Actually, fear has been a recruiting tactic used by organized religion for centuries. When you add guilt to keep people in line, it's an extremely efficient form of crowd control.
Mary: Our religion is based on love, Sheldon, not fear.
Sheldon: So what happens when people don't follow the rules?
Mary: They burn in hell. Because God loves 'em.
Mary, in an angel costume, waits in a separate room of the house, provided by a real estate agent who was promised a role in the lust demonstration. She is alone, except for her husband George Sr. (Lance Barber) and her mother, Meemaw (Annie Potts), lamenting how nobody has come to this room decorated to look like heaven so that they may come to the faith.
The unhelpful comments from George Sr. and Meemaw as to how Mary and her church could have earned more converts are interrupted by Pastor Jeff, dressed in drag for his Halloween costume. Instead of lamenting the lack of converts, he emphasizes a celebration of all the money they've made, and offers grapes from his costume.
Mary: Look at this. We threw a party for heaven and nobody came. Not one person chose to be saved.
George Sr.: Well, did you tell 'em about the cupcakes?
Meemaw: Where I think you went wrong is in your timing. If you'd done this deal during a war or a plague, then you'd have a boatload of converts.
George Sr.: Famine. Famine would bring 'em in.
Mary: What do you know about famine?
Pastor Jeff: Why so glum? This is going great. Donations are through the roof.
Mary: Nobody wants to be saved.
Pastor Jeff: Yeah, but donations are through the roof.
Mary: Is that all this means to you, raising money?
Pastor Jeff: Hey, that money is gonna do a lot of good for a lot of people. Now, quit being such a fun sponge. Here, have some grapes.
The show presents another stereotype then, that Christians are not only hypocritical when it comes to claiming to be about love, but that they care more about getting money than bringing people to the faith.
Not all is completely lost, however. Sheldon's older brother, Georgie (Montana Jordan), has the opportunity to hook up with classmate Veronica Duncan. She wants to stop by the "heck house" before they go back to her house, however. And while Mr. Lundy's presentation on greed doesn't seem to win over any converts, he is able to do so with lust. Veronica runs to the heaven room to become a Christian afterwards.
Georgie: Some stupid haunted house my mother's doing for the church.
Veronica: Let's check it out.
Georgie: But I-I thought we were going to your house.
Veronica: We are, let's just do this first. It'll be fun.
Adult Sheldon: My mother's fears that no one would be saved that Halloween night were proven incorrect.
Mr. Lundy: As they kissed, she thought about the choices that led her to this moment.
Adult Sheldon: Mr. Lundy's scene about lust made a deep impact on my brother's date.
Mr. Lundy: Her youth was gone. She had traded her beauty for a few tawdry dollars, and now she had nothing left but shame... ...and venereal disease.
Adult Sheldon: She asked to be saved by Jesus.
Veronica: I don't want to live like this anymore.
Adult Sheldon: And as it turns out, she was. She went on to live a life devoted to God, feeding the poor, even helping her sister start a literacy program for female prisoners. My brother, on the other hand, became a devout atheist after that night.
Being that this is Young Sheldon, however, missing out on hooking up with a girl made Georgie an atheist because his date turned into a devout Christian. Bringing up a positive and real world side effect of faith is something the show has done before, only to have adult, atheist Sheldon needing to have the last word.


Do spirits haunt the Gardens of Versailles?
That's not a ghost in our homepage picture; it's just a statue (at least, we think it is). But it's easy to imagine ghosts wandering the vast gardens here at the Palace of Versailles, about 12 miles outside of Paris. One ghost in particular has a reputation for showing herself. In 1901, on a sultry August afternoon, two visitors to the Gardens of Versailles claimed to have witnessed the gardens magically transform to their 18-century grandeur. Then, they said, they encountered the ghost of Marie Antoinette, whom they spotted calmly lounging and drawing in her sketchbook. The queen of course had been guillotined a century earlier. The story was later adapted as an opera, which debuted in 1991.


text:
We Are Ballymore
Ballymore
[London: 2 May 2018]: Today, the London City Island developers announce the launch of a new terrace encompassing a pop-up DJ booth and cocktail bar. The vibrant new space, designed with a warehouse aesthetic, is the latest in a long line of creative and cultural initiatives to be unveiled on the island.
The launch of the vibrant new space coincides with the release of a number of new homes at London City Island. A varied selection of Suites, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, 3 bedroom and 4 bedroom apartments will be released for sale on 15th May, with prices starting from £420,000.
Forming part of the The Grocer, London City Island's independent Italian restaurant & deli, the new terrace venue will have its own resident DJ for the summer season, providing the ideal soundtrack for all social occasions. Since opening in 2016, The Grocer has set the benchmark for the retail and leisure spaces across the development, physical proof of EcoWorld Ballymore's vision to provide residents, and the local community, with a social hub and destination for morning coffee, glass of wine or pizza and Italian tapas.
The design of the terrace seeks to provide an escape from the fast-paced lifestyle of the Island's creative inhabitants. Jazz, funk and soul anthems will compliment a variety of seating and chill-out areas designed with a warehouse-chic, making use of industrial materials such as refurbished shipping containers and steel planters. A pop-up bar, serving the freshest alcoholic concoctions will also take pride of place on the terrace, while the waterside location offers guests a panoramic vista of Canary Wharf and The City.
Central to Canning Town's exciting programme of regeneration, London City Island is a landmark development with culture and creativity at its core. Connected to Canning Town by a striking 260 ft. red footbridge, the development will comprise 1,600 residential units, along with independent cafes, shops, restaurants and diverse cultural facilities. A number of the UK's foremost cultural institutions, including English National Ballet, The London Film School and The Line, will be moving to the island in the near future, giving proof to the claim that it is very much more than just a place to live. Similarly, creative partnerships with arebyte, Studiomakers and Trinity Art Studios have enabled the launch of two art galleries on site, as well a number of studios and workspaces for residents and local creatives.
For further images or information on London City Island please contact:
Hayleigh O'Farrell
Head of Communications
Ho'farrell@ballymoregroup.com
About London City Island:
London City Island will comprise 1,700 new homes set on an island of 12 acres, with independent artisan restaurants, shops, creative hubs and al fresco spaces. The London Film School is relocating to the island, joining English National Ballet and English National Ballet School who are also making the island their new home, cementing the island's position as a hub for the arts. In addition, east London's contemporary art walk, The Line, will soon extend to the island and set up an information hub. The first phase of the Island, created by Ballymore, is now complete and fully occupied, Phase Two, a Joint Venture between EcoWorld and Ballymore is currently under construction.
London City Island launches pop-up cocktail bar and DJ booth for the summer season
BALLYMORE PEOPLE
/ ballymore
/ askballymore
© Ballymore 2022


When the teacher appears, we may not acknowledge the lesson immediately.
I am sharing an example.
A few days ago at a potluck, I jokingly asked if your covered dish was beef tartare. You lifted the cover on the platter. I saw sliced cucumbers and tomatoes and . . .
"It's live food", you said, and lowered the towel.
Vibrant colors flashed. I said, "Yes, live food".
The next morning while at the lake with Kaia, it hit me, like never before.
The power of live or die, live or dead, has survived for centuries.
Africa, after the extermination and extraction of many of Her species and much of Her lands, continues to exude a high vibration. You'd have thought all that death and destruction would have made the continent morose and uninhabitable, yet we travelers still want to visit there.
All that to say 'There is no living without dying. One is necessary for survival of the other.


NS 20W came down August 8th.
Per NYSW Railfans Facebook page, apparently SU-99(?) derailed near Hale Eddy at around 0300 this AM?
In the New Jersey railfan section, I noticed that the two E8s which I believe will power the Toys for Tots train were in an NS train traveling toward Suffern. Have they or will they be moved over the Southern Tier line to Binghamton?
rhallock wrote: In the New Jersey railfan section, I noticed that the two E8s which I believe will power the Toys for Tots train were in an NS train traveling toward Suffern. Have they or will they be moved over the Southern Tier line to Binghamton?


text:
Das Estadio Nacional de Fútbol ist ein Fußballstadion in Managua, der Hauptstadt von Nicaragua. Es ist Heimspielstätte der nicaraguanischen Fußballnationalmannschaft. Es bietet derzeit 15.000 Zuschauern Platz. Nach der dritten Ausbauphase sollen 30.000 Plätze vorhanden sein.

Verbindung zur Universität
Das Stadion befindet sich auf dem Gelände der Nationalen Autonomen Universität Nicaraguas (UNAN). Seitens der Hochschule ist damit die Förderung studentischer Sportaktivitäten sowie die des Leistungssportes von Studenten verbunden. Mit dem Bau verbunden waren umfangreiche Untersuchungen und Forschungen von Universitätsinstituten hinsichtlich Bodenzusammensetzung, Erdbebenschutz, Bodenschutz und anderer Aspekte.

Weblinks
 Soccerway: Estadio Nacional de Fútbol (mit Bild)

Einzelnachweise

Fußballstadion in Nicaragua
Sport (Managua)
Erbaut in den 2010er Jahren
Fußballstadion in Nordamerika


The Red Reveal Bouquet bursts onto the scene with a bold beauty that cannot be denied! Ready to celebrate any of life's special moments, this daring bouquet weaves together rich red roses, red gerbera daisies, red carnations, and red Peruvian Lilies with lush greens to create a simply unforgettable gift of flowers. Presented in a modern red glass vase to add to the drama of this arrangement, this flower bouquet is set to send your thinking of you, happy birthday, or, "I love you," wishes across the miles.
STANDARD bouquet is approximately 14H x 12W.
DELUXE bouquet is approximately 14H x 13W.
PREMIUM bouquet is approximately 15H x 14W.