Salina is one of the Y-shaped group of Unesco-protected volcanic islands that rise out of the azure-coloured waters off the north-east coast of Sicily. It is one of the mystical sounding Aeolian Islands, the name conjuring up images of Odysseus and his sojourns in the land of the Sirens, a region so beautiful and alluring that he almost forgot to return home.
The Aeolian archipelago consists of eight islands: Salina, an island with a history of salt production, hence the name; Vulcano, nearest to Sicily; Lipari, the largest of these islands with the biggest population of all-year residents; Stromboli, immortalised in the eponymous film with Ingrid Bergman; Panarea, which attracts celebrities in search of seclusion and exclusivity; Filicudi, Alicudi and Basiluzzo.
Capofaro, literally 'head lighthouse' is Tasca D'Almerita's super-luxury hotel on the island of Salina Every year in July for the last 6 years or so they have held a Malvasia weekend to celebrate the virtues of the local grape variety. Although Tasca produce their own range of wines on the island, including their own stylish dry Malvasia, they also encourage all the other local producers to get involved. Although at first Tasca might have been viewed with suspicion by the locals as outsiders coming in and stealing their thunder, collaborations like this have helped dramatically to make the other producers realise that Tasca's efforts benefit them all.
The famous sweet wine from these islands is the Malvasia delle Lipari Passito DOC. Its fame and notoriety goes back to the times of classical antiquity. It must have a final alcohol volume of 18% with 6% residual sugar and the colour ranges from honey when young to amber when aged. It is made from dried grapes (min 92-95% Malvasia and min 5 % Corinto Nero), but nowadays most producers also make a dry Malvasia as well as a red or rosé. The dry whites are often 100% Malvasia but some are blended with grape varieties such as Carricante, Inzolia and Catarratto to give a little more acidity and freshness, while the reds are either the local Corinto Nero or a blend with local Etna varieties Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio or even Nero d'Avola.
There was more than a touch of glamour at being collected in Tasca's private yacht and whisked across the sparkling cobalt-blue sea to Vulcano, then Lipari and finally Salina.
What was especially good about the way this weekend was organised was the altruistic and inclusive approach by the Tasca family to the other producers, the sense of 'we are in this together' – such a forward-looking approach is what is needed to promote the generic appeal of these islands and their wine.
We visited two producers, Punta Aria and Lantieri, on the austerely beautiful black-sanded island of Vulcano. The former make a really delicious and versatile Malvasia delle Lipari with flavours of orange peel and spice and contrasting bitter-sweet notes; served chilled, it would be great with prawns in a chilli jam. The latter make a full and fleshy dry Malvasia, richer than many others.
On Lipari we had a quick visit to Tenuta di Castellaro where Massimo Lentsch has made an obviously huge investment in creating a beautiful winery; Salvo Forti, who believes fervently in 'natural wines', has been employed to make the wines. Unfortunately I found several of their wines a bit too funky/faulty to be enjoyable but there was an attractive red wine made from Corinth Nero . It is a real pity that several of the wines were so flawed and hard to enjoy as they were a lovely team of people and I am keen to see them do well.
After a brief swim in the sea near Lipari's disused pumice factory with its white pumice beaches we headed to the lusher and greener vegetation of Salina and our luxurious stay at Capofaro. The setting for Capofaro is stunning. The low rise, white-washed rooms and suites are decorated in a style reminiscent of the Greek Cyclades and look out across the Tasca vines and the 'wine dark' sea to the islands, with the eponymous lighthouse punctuating the scene. Everything is cool, elegant, minimalist and white both inside and out of the en-suite rooms.
But it is the views from the terraces and verandas that captivate the most; the foreground of Tasca's bright green Malvasia vines, intermingled with lively spurts of vibrant magenta bougainvillea, soft-green olive trees and the occasional lemon tree, merges into the sparkling deep blue sea on the horizon with the islands of Stromboli and Panerea glittering in the distance. At night, except for the rhythmic beam of the lighthouse, the lighting outside is deliberately kept to a minimum so that you can really appreciate the amazing star-filled skies. There is a feeling of relaxed elegance but at 500 euros a night in high season perhaps this is nothing less than you would expect.
We had barely had time to settle in our rooms before a quick change and it was time for dinner and a self-serve tasting with all of the major Malvasia producers on Salina. Tasca, Hauner, Fenech, Caravaglio, Marchetta, Colosi, Virgona, D'Amica and Florio (who source their grapes on Salina) were all either present at the dinner or had sent their wines. Of course there was a huge variety of styles.
Next day our little group of mainly Italian journalists were split into two groups and visited 2-3 of the producers on Salina individually. I visited D'Amica, the smallest of the producers, who cultivate organically and also employ Salvo Forti as their consultant winemaker. Most of their wines were a little too funky with some unattractive, sulphide aromas. Next we visited Fenech with an amazing sea view and a smart new stainless steel cellar. His dry Malvasia was richer and had a more unctuous texture – his wines were round and appealing.
Next onto Virgona where there was a long discussion about the fate of the caper and how to protect the Salina provenance for this all important crop that Salina is world famous for. We also tasted a beer made from Malvasia, their exciting new project. It was very good, with a full-flavoured, hoppy style.
Finally we called into Gaetano Marchetta, a big, bluff, generous man who insisted on giving us jars of capers and sundried tomatoes and where we tasted a very old Malvasia delle Lipari from 1972 which was still holding its own.
That evening I did my own seated tasting of all of the producers who had shown their wines but even within this fairly small group there were some very divergent styles.
Several of the dry Malvasias stood out for me as especially good: Tasca's Tenuta Capofaro 'Didyme' 2015 Malvasia IGT Salina was a delicious dry and fresh Malvasia, much paler in colour than most, in a crisper style with light green herbal/olive notes and pithy, pink grapefruit flavours, almost reminiscent of some elements of Sauvignon Blanc. Meanwhile Fenech's dry Malvasia Maddalena 2015 100% Malvasia was much more golden coloured, with a rich, full bodied style and waxy, lemon oil notes.
My favourite of the dry whites was Carlo Hauner's 'Iancura' 13% 2015 IGP Terre Siciliane, 20% Ansonica/Inzolia 80% Malvasia. The name 'Iancura' is an Aeolian island dialect word meaning "whiteness" and refers to the state where the calm sea merges with the white-blue sky and represents a mood of grace, calm, and joy. This was a pale, very limpid wine with light honey, acacia and cream notes on the nose, a full textured wine with waxy lemon peel, orange peel and spice notes intermingled with a savoury finish. Very clear, pure and precise. Hauner also make 'Hiera', a very attractive red with a stunning label; the name means 'sacred' and is taken from the ancient name for Vulcano. The 2014 (13.5%) was made from Calabrese (Nero d'Avola), Alicante (Grenache) and Nocera.
This medium-bodied wine had delightfully contrasting flavours of sweet red fruits followed by tart redcurrant with smoke and spice notes and a pleasing freshness on the finish.
Caravaglio's Malvasia Bianco Secco IGP Salina 2015 had an attractive blend of orange peel, a hint of honey and flower notes followed by pithy, green olive flavours and a salty, savoury finish. I also liked Marchetta's 'Bianco Del Comandate' Malvasia 2015 which, like the man himself, was generous and bursting with the richness of local flavours of lemon, orange peel, delicate flowers and wild herbs and of course the sea-salt fingerprint of many of these volcanic whites from Salina.
The haunting beauty of the islands, the distinctive local wines and produce left me wanting to return and linger a while and discover more.
With special thanks to my generous hosts the Tasca family, Grassi partners and the local producers.
© 2016, Susan Hulme MW. All rights reserved.
Valpolicella is a wine region we all think we know. Many of us may have cut our teeth on this light, fruity red when we first began to drink wine, but, like in many great wine regions, nothing stands still. I discovered there is always something more to learn on my first trip of 2016 when I attended the 13th edition of Anteprima Amarone. This is the big showcase event where the newly-released Valpolicella Amarone wines are first shown to the press at the end of January; it is held in the beautiful city of Verona in the Veneto.


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AT&T, With DirecTV, Has the Firepower for a Major Stock Move
Investors are discounting AT&T in several critical areas. They are wrong.
Richard Saintvilus
Jul 22, 2014 6:00 AM EDT
NEW YORK (TheStreet) – No one is going to deny that AT&T (T) - Get Report is a mature company. Growth has slowed over the past couple of years, but the Dow component is one the market's top dividend payers with a yield of 5.20%.
The company's management isn't satisfied with the status quo. It wants to show Wall Street that maturity is not an enemy of growth.
AT&T's $48.5 billion deal for satellite TV provider DirecTV (DTV) was its first real sign of how serious management has become. Observers are taking a wait-and-see attitude. The company reports second-quarter earnings Wednesday.
Chipotle Just Said 3 Amazing Things on its Earnings Call
Netflix Just Exceeded A Big Milestone: 50 Million Members Worldwide
Bill Ackman Says He's Spent $50 Million on Herbalife Battle
The stock closed Monday at $35.96. Shares are up 2.3% on the year to date. But over the trailing 12 months, AT&T stock has gained only a fraction, trailing the telecom sector's 12% gain. During that same span, both smaller rivals Sprint (S) - Get Report and T-Mobile (TMUS) - Get Report have gained 27% and 29%, respectively.
I would be a buyer here ahead of Wednesday's report. Investors are discounting AT&T in several critical areas -- both on its on merits and on the potential accretive value from DirecTV.
First, on its own, the stock is trading at just 10 times trailing earnings, even though shares are a mere 2.5% away from their 52-week high. When we factor the valuation on fiscal 2015 estimates of $2.75, AT&T shares still trades at a P/E of 13, which is three points below the industry average and one point below Verizon (VZ) - Get Report.
From my vantage point, AT&T is trading on the assumption that it will yield little to no growth. But there are more reasons to own this stock than for its dividend.
With DirecTV coming onboard, I think AT&T can reach $42 sometime in 2015. I say this knowing full-well that the deal still needs to pass regulatory approval. I don't think the market fully appreciates how much scale AT&T can drive across all of its businesses through DirecTV.
Consider, AT&T already sells its U-verse video service as a bundle. Management wants to grow that business and has already targeted 21 new markets where it wants to deliver U-verse using its GigaPower ultra-fast fiber network.
DirecTV not only complements this long-term vision, it can help AT&T grow its base businesses, including its smartphone business, which makes up over 90% of the company's phone sales.
To that end, management deserves credit for its decision to exit the handset subsidy model. It was a questionable decision at first. But it has shown how competitive the company can be given how that decision has reduced the churn rate, which is the metric that tracks customer cancellations.
Combine this with the company's strong wireless-segment and wireless-data business and AT&T will have enough firepower in its core business to avert any price war from Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile. This is because with DirecTV coming into the fold, AT&T now has a credible partner to help drive higher penetration in both mobile and data through video bundles.
To the extent management can find the right product and price mix, AT&T can drive churn even lower by offering customers across all regions the sort of value combinations they can't be without. It's at that point the market will move the discussion away from "which is the better network" to which company offers the best value. My money is on AT&T.
At the time of publication, the author held no position in any of the stocks mentioned.
Follow @Richard_WSPB
This article represents the opinion of a contributor and not necessarily that of TheStreet or its editorial staff.
TheStreet Ratings team rates AT&T INC as a Buy with a ratings score of A-. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:
"We rate AT&T INC (T) a BUY. This is based on the convergence of positive investment measures, which should help this stock outperform the majority of stocks that we rate. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, attractive valuation levels, good cash flow from operations, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures and notable return on equity. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had sub par growth in net income."
Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:
T's revenue growth has slightly outpaced the industry average of 3.5%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly increased by 3.6%. This growth in revenue appears to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, improving the earnings per share.
Net operating cash flow has slightly increased to $8,799.00 million or 7.31% when compared to the same quarter last year. In addition, AT&T INC has also modestly surpassed the industry average cash flow growth rate of 1.93%.
The debt-to-equity ratio is somewhat low, currently at 0.88, and is less than that of the industry average, implying that there has been a relatively successful effort in the management of debt levels. Even though the company has a strong debt-to-equity ratio, the quick ratio of 0.42 is very weak and demonstrates a lack of ability to pay short-term obligations.
The company's current return on equity greatly increased when compared to its ROE from the same quarter one year prior. This is a signal of significant strength within the corporation. Compared to other companies in the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry and the overall market on the basis of return on equity, AT&T INC has underperformed in comparison with the industry average, but has exceeded that of the S&P 500.
You can view the full analysis from the report here: T Ratings Report
OpinionMediaTelecommunicationsInvesting

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby on Monday reportedly ripped the animal rights activists who continue to target his company and its live killer whale shows as "small-minded" and ignorant.
Mr. Manby told the ICR Conference in Orlando that the backlash against SeaWorld, which was brought to a head following the 2013 release of the critically acclaimed documentary "Blackfish," has been driven by "lies" and people lacking in "critical thinking," Business Insider reported.
"One hundred years from now, people are going to be begging for zoos and aquariums to take the animals from the wild because the extinction rate is so high," Mr. Manby reportedly said.
After facing years of criticism for the alleged mistreatment of animals, SeaWorld announced in 2016 that it was terminating its in-park Orca breeding program and phasing out its live killer whale shows.
Read the original article at washingtontimes.com here.


text:
namespace IndependentReserve.DotNetClientApi.Data
{
    /// <summary>
    /// Represents IR bank transactions
    /// </summary>
    public class Transaction : TransactionBase
    {
        /// <summary>
        /// id of network transaction linked to this bank transaction
        /// </summary>
        public string BitcoinTransactionId { get; set; }

        /// <summary>
        /// output index of bitcoin transaction linked to this bank transaction
        /// </summary>
        public int? BitcoinTransactionOutputIndex { get; set; }

        /// <summary>
        /// id of ethereum transaction linked to this bank transaction
        /// </summary>
        public string EthereumTransactionId { get; set; }

        /// <summary>
        /// Used to correlate against other entities that triggered this transaction
        /// </summary>
        public string CorrelationId { get; set; }
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
alias pbcopy='xclip -selection clipboard'
alias pbpaste='xclip -selection clipboard -o'

# Easier navigation: .., ..., ~ and -
alias ..="cd .."
alias ...="cd ../.."
alias ~="cd ~" # `cd` is probably faster to type though
alias -- -="cd -"

alias cl="clear"
alias ls="command ls --color"
alias la="ls -lahFog"
alias mkdir="mkdir -p"
alias grep='grep --color=auto'
alias egrep='egrep --color=auto'
alias fgrep='fgrep --color=auto'

# Print each PATH entry on a separate line
alias path='echo -e ${PATH//:/\\n}'

# Git
alias gs="git status --short"
alias gc="git checkout"
alias gd="git difftool --no-prompt --extcmd \"icdiff -NH\""
alias gl="git log --oneline --decorate --all --graph"
alias ga="git add ."
alias gcm="git commit"

# Misc
alias findHere="find . -iname "
alias psg="ps aux | grep -v grep | grep -i -e VSZ -e"
alias myip="curl http://ipecho.net/plain; echo"
alias top-commands='history | awk "{print $2}" | awk "{print $1}" |sort|uniq -c | sort -rn | head -10'


Rachael Blackmore, rider of Another Cyclone trained by John Joseph Hanlon, reported to the Clerk of Scales that her mount stopped quickly and was pulled up.
P.D. Kennedy, rider of Mountain Ranger trained by Sean Byrne, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made bad mistakes in the back straight and was never going thereafter, eventually being pulled up.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Dressednblack trained by Timothy Doyle had blood at the nose as a result of Exercise Induced Pulmonary Haemorrhage when examined post race.
Under the provisions of Rule 90 (iii), the Stewards allowed Optical Confusion, trained by Michael Butler, to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the horse was correctly vaccinated in accordance with Rule 91.
B. Browne, rider of Steelambition trained by Paul W. Flynn, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount choked in running.
Under the provisions of Rule 90 (iii), the Stewards allowed Biddy The Boss, trained by Gavin Cromwell, to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the horse was correctly vaccinated in accordance with Rule 91.
Under the provisions of Rule 90 (iii), the Stewards allowed Solar Heat, trained by Mrs D.A.Love, to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the horse was correctly vaccinated in accordance with Rule 91.
J.P. O'Sullivan, rider of Fiveaftermidnight trained by P.J. Rothwell, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung badly left during this race.
D.N. Russell, rider of Red Pearl trained by Stephen Ryan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was never happy on today's ground.
The Stewards enquired into the reason lodged by Mr. W.P. Mullins, trainer, for the withdrawal of his charge Ballycasey (change in going) from this race. Mr. Mullins stated that Ballycasey was always considered to be a horse that ran his best races on good ground even though he had gained success on many different ground descriptions. He added that the animal had not won for over a year and consideration was now being given to running him in cross country races where the ground is generally good or thereabouts. In analysing the horses career he felt that as a young horse he handled all ground descriptions and ran very well in Graded company without winning a Grade 1 race, but in latter years the horse struggled in handicap company and had been competing in conditions races where he had run well without always running to his handicap mark. As a result the horse had dropped significantly down the handicap. In summary he felt that Ballycasey was suited by small fields of runners but competing on todays ground conditions with a large number of runners where he would encounter kickback was not suitable to him at this stage of his career. Mr Andrew Shaw, IHRB Senior National Hunt handicapper gave an assessment of the horses career where he referred to successes on all going descriptions, the majority being on soft or heavy ground. He added that Ballycasey had dropped significantly from a rating of 160 last year to todays mark of 147. Having considered all the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanation.
The Stewards requested a report from Gordon Elliott, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Clarcam (FR), placed first, as compared with its recent run at Punchestown on the 25th April where he finished eleventh beaten 54 lengths by the winner Patricks Park whom he reversed placings with today. Gordon Elliot stated that Clarcam (FR) had run a very good race at Aintree on the 13th April but disappointed at Punchestown. He added that a number of his runners at that time of the year ran below par but this animal remained in light training without getting a summer break and reappeared fresh today to run back to his best form. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report.
Under the provisions of Rule 90 (iii), the Stewards allowed Drumcliff, trained by Harry Fry (in GB), to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the horse was correctly vaccinated in accordance with Rule 91.
P. Townend, rider of Haymount trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a bad mistake early in the race.
The Stewards enquired into possible interference about 100 yards from the finish involving Espere, ridden by C.T. Keane, placed first and Mr Top Hat (GB), ridden by D.P. McDonogh, placed second, where it appeared that Mr Top Hat (GB)ran short of room and checked. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judges placings and took no further action.
Under the provisions of Rule 90 (iii), the Stewards allowed Bronagh's Belle, trained by W.P. Mullins, to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the horse was correctly vaccinated in accordance with Rule 91.


text:
Maps and Geographic Information Systems
Motus Terra – The Motus Station Viewshed Planning Tool
Pennsylvania Unconventional Natural Gas Wells
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
Powdermill Vegetation Survey
Historic Aerial Imagery
Childs Frick Abyssinia Expedition
Powdermill Nature Reserve Recreation Maps
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Powdermill Nature Reserve, the 2,200 acre environmental research center of Carnegie Museum of Natural History, has been dedicated to its mission of research, education, and conservation for more than 50 years. Additionally, Powdermill offers recreational opportunities for the entire family.
Our nature center is open free to the public.
April 1-November 15
Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Sunday, noon-4:30 p.m.
November 16-March 31
Wednesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Closed Monday and Tuesday
Powdermill Nature Reserve Hiking Trails (PDF) are open dawn to dusk.
Additionally, there are five geocaches located along the Black Birch Trail near the nature center. See the geocaches PDF map.
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Our eNews features information on exhibitions, upcoming events, and subscriber-only special offers!


Can circuit training be used to improve cardiovascular fitness in middle and secondary physical education classes?
"Prior to the White House Conference of 1953 very few physical educators stressed physical fitness as an important objective of their individual progress" (Undlin, 1965, p.1). The Presidents Council on Physical Fitness, developed as a result of this conference, and was one of the early instigators of the trend towards the reemphasis of physical fitness in the United States (Undlin, 1965, p. 1). Since then the emphasis on physical fitness has declined, and some question if physical education can accomplish these goals. Recently, however, Veraoff (1988), McGinge (1985), Ross & Gilbert (1985), and Updyke (1989) stated ... "educators consider the physical education class to be the most appropriate mode for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory fitness in children" (Dunham, Li, 1993, p. 181). In addition, the National Conference for Youth Fitness Study discovered that virtually all children (97%) were enrolled in physical education class, but only 36% attended them daily (Vogel, 1991).
Unfortunately, there is alarming research implying that physical educators are not doing all they can to improve fitness of students during class time. Dunham and Li (1993) said "children do not achieve fitness in a typical school physical education program" (p. 181). Griffy (1987) argued that as secondary physical educators "we have failed to provide an experience that our students perceive as meaningful..." (Strott, 1994, p. 333). Jewett & Bain (1985), Koperaud (1986) explained that physical fitness is almost universally recognized as a major goal of physical education (Dunham & Li, 1993). Yet research attains that physical educators are not accomplishing this goal during scheduled physical education classes. The literature also suggests, if there is a change in teaching strategies, then improvements in cardiovascular endurance may be possible.
Yengo, Sean P., "Can circuit training be used to improve cardiovascular fitness in middle and secondary physical education classes?" (1996). Master's Theses. 55.


The biggest part of judging character is knowing yourself.
Most people focus on what to say and how to say it. How can I sound smart? How can I deliver this speech for maximum impact? How can I get my people to do what I want? But it's more important to know why you're communicating. What do you want people to take away? What action should they take after you interact? By mastering the tools that our assessment provides, people will truly understand their Why.
Most all our actions dial back to our core motivation in life, understanding this explains why we do the things we do. As much as people would like to fancy up what their motivation is, the reality is humans are motivated in one of 4 ways. This has been demonstrated over and over again in my mentorship when I go in to fix a crisis. Understanding what motivates or what someone's WHY is allows you to easily speak to that Why and move them forward using their own internal motivation programming.
Every communication should have a call to action, even if that call to action is to leave with a positive feeling about you or your brand. Ask yourself why you're communicating before you write, pick up the phone, or step into your next meeting. Then make sure you understand the others persons why then dial in your tone, word choice and delivery that all service THEIR motivation or WHY while moving them to the goal. Using their learning style and motivation core color together creates a powerful tool in life and business.
Employees learning styles are how they imprint, retain, and remember information. Learn how delivering messages so they land on the intended receiver can revolutionize your effectiveness.
When a team is properly rewarded the level of the teams engagement, excitement, and commitment is legendary. Learn how to understand and utilize reward languages in your business and life.


Kim has been with Motorcycling Queensland since June 2002, originally in the post of Development Officer and more recently in the role of Operations Manager (since October 2010).
He has since stepped up to the role of General Manager, and works with the MQ Board to achieve the organisation's strategic and operational objectives.
Hailing from Muswellbrook, Simon Wadwell has had a long history in the sport as a competitor in motocross, supercross, dirt track, enduro and trail riding. He's spent many years as an office-bearer and volunteer in both QLD and NSW and looks forward to utilising his skills in his new role with MQ.
Simon is also a qualified motorcycle and plant mechanic and high-risk work assessor, with construction qualifications as well as 14 years of experience in administration of not-for-profit organisations in QLD and NSW.
Karly has been with Motorcycling Queensland since August 2013. She holds a Bachelor of Business with majors in Sport and Recreation and Travel and Tourism.
She is responsible for the processing of all riding licences, including riding numbers for over 7,000 licence holders each year, as well as managing and maintaining MQ's Suspended Riders list. Karly is also responsible for the scheduling and development of training programs for coaches and officials.
On top of all that, Karly looks after the MQ Elite Rider Training Program, acts as the secretary of the MQ Coaching Committee, is the MQ office liaison with the MQ subcommittees and oversees the development of MQ Grants.
Shandelle joined Motorcycling Queensland as Accounts Officer/ PA to the General Manager in December 2013.
She is responsible for maintaining up to date and accurate accounts for MQ, MGHT, QMP and all sport committees. Shandelle is also responsible for the preparation and monitoring of budgets for both MQ and QMP.
As well, she prepares monthly reporting for the Board, quarterly reports for the SEQ Council of Mayors, and assistance to subcommittees in payment of accounts, budgeting, prize money, reporting and sponsorship invoicing.
Rachelle joined Motorcycling Queensland in 2008. Rachelle is responsible for many of the front office reception duties, managing the Blue Card application and renewal procedure, and a variety of other administrative tasks that MQ delivers to its licence holders.
Rachelle is also coordinating the MYLAPS timing system throughout the state, including organising training for clubs.
With a long and varied career working as a writer and photographer within the motorcycle media and for several manufacturers, John has spread motorcycling's good word in Queensland for more years than he'd care to admit. He'll look after the organisation's media, communications and public relations including: MQ and Queensland Moto Park eNewsletters, media releases, website maintenance, social media and more.
Got an event or a result that requires promotion through MQ's channels? Get in touch with John here.
Emma is our Events Assistant, and overall office dynamo, who works across reception, admin, Ridernet enquiries, and post-event reports as well as trail ride data acquisition and support.
She has a Bachelor of Business majoring in Sport Management and Event Management, and she leaves a wake of organisation behind her like a Dean Ferris rooster tail.
She joined us in May 2018, and knows a guy who owns a motorcycle.
Racer, bike shop owner, tour operator, trailride organiser, Ray has been passionately invested in motorcycles in every possible way, since before he shoe-horned an XR350 powerplant into a CR500 chassis as the owner of Australian Dirt Bike Wreckers almost 30 years ago.
Ray sees what's best about motorcycling and motorcyclists like no-one else does, and as such he's perfectly suited to oversee the QMP monolith, negotiate with bureaucracy and steer its long-term direction.


text:
Home › Historical Dictionary of Rococo Art (Historical Dictionaries of Literature and the Arts)
Historical Dictionary of Rococo Art (Historical Dictionaries of Literature and the Arts)
Hardcover / Used - $15.21 USD Quantity
The Rococo emerged in France around 1700 as a playful revolt against the grandeur of the Baroque and the solemnity of Classicism. It flourished during the reign of Louis XV and began to go out of fashion in the second half of the 18th century. During this brief period of less than a century, it spread throughout the courts and cities of Europe, with significant regional variations on the style developing in Bavaria, Potsdam, Venice, and Great Britain. The period produced an extraordinary number of artistic innovators, who challenged received conventions, developed novel subject categories, and eroded hierarchical distinctions between the arts.The Historical Dictionary of Rococo Art covers all aspects of Rococo art history through a chronology, an introductory essay, a review of the literature, an extensive bibliography, and over 350 cross-referenced dictionary entries on prominent Rococo painters, sculptors, decorative artists, architects, patrons, theorists, and critics, as well as major centers of artistic production. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Rococo art.
Signing Naturally: Student Workbook, Units 1-6 (Book & DVDs)
The Great Grammar Book (Mastering Grammar Usage and the Essentials of Composition)
Best Practices in School Psychology IV
The Norton Field Guide to Writing with Readings and Handbook (Fourth Edition)
The Great Artists: A Library of Their Lives, Times and Paintings (Set)


The sociocultural movement La Movida released a wave of suppressed creativity and tested the boundaries of freedom. Spanish photography is still outstanding. In just a few decade, a closed society has been transformed into a multifaceted country in which contemporary culture enjoys a strong position. A present famous photographer says, "the mechanisms of deception through photographic manipulation is one of the best art work that someone can produce" He himself says that his work is intended as a kind of vaccine against excessive realism of photography.
Rising star Javier Vallhonrat says: "I think the world holds many secrets, we are very mysterious creatures in a mysterious world, though some endeavors to dream that everything is in wikipedia and in the end we will believe that the reality is that it fits in google. So I like that all the photos that interest me look bad on the internet". As a matter of fact, the development and progression of selecting a scene frame has drastically changed due to the showcasing platforms. The new changes have been adopted quickly and ever expanding ideas are in place.


I'm so in love with this months make. It's the perfect hoodie and I know it will get worn to death.
As soon as Tilly and The Buttons announced she had a new book in the pipeline, I had preordered it on Amazon. I really love Tilly's patterns, they fit me well and suit my style perfectly. This new book, just in case you don't know, is for stretch fabrics and every one of the patterns included is brilliant.
I love wearing hoodies, especially at the seaside on holiday. This star fleece Sweatshirting Fabric is perfect for this pattern ….. it's utterly delicious. The glitter stars are gorgeous and the fabric has a beautiful fleecy snuggly reverse side.
I love the contrast of dark grey and silver, it has just the right amount of stretch but is very stable, making it extremely easy to sew. I used a jersey needle and zig zag stitch first as I'm not always very accurate with my 5/8" seam allowance on the overlocker. Once I'd sewn the seams on the sewing machine, I then overlocked the edges.
The Stella Hoodie pattern in Tilly's book is very straightforward. The pattern needs to be traced but the lines are really clear. I had hoped to cut the pattern out of one and a half metres of the sweatshirting as it's quite expensive but realised I couldn't quite do it and needed another half metre. However, in the end I discarded the hoodie lining pieces as I thought the double layer of this fabric was too thick and heavy for the hood so instead I used a leftover piece of green Art Gallery Jersey from another project. As it has moons and stars on it, I think looks lovely with the grey. And the hood is now a perfect weight.
I added the front pocket to it as I love having somewhere to keep my hands warm. It's a double layer of fabric and very snuggly and I even managed to pattern match the stars.
I love that this pattern has cuffs and I always take great delight in matching up the seams. Careful pinning usually pays off!
And for the hem, I used my Coverpro machine. I've only had it a couple of months but I love it, it makes such a great job of hemming and allows the hem to stretch so no more popped stitches.
I had to shorten the sleeves and the body of the hoodie, and I also made the side seams slightly boxier. It's a perfect shape and I'm looking forward to wearing it with my grey jeans – snow is forecast this Easter weekend so it will keep me cosy.
As always, Minerva have some glorious fabrics and this is definitely high up at the top of the list for me – I'm going to get it in another colourway to make another Stella hoodie with the matching jogging bottoms, even though I shall never jog hahaha! I feel the cold, even in summer, so I know I will be snuggly when wearing these.
I hope you all have a wonderful Easter Day whatever you are up too. And I also hope that you eat lots and lots of chocolate!


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In order to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health, a student must earn at least 120 credits comprised of General Education requirements, major courses, and general electives. All students in the Community Health major must complete all major requirements and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a major GPA of 2.0 to graduate with the degree.
Identify individual and community level needs for health promotion and disease prevention.
Identify principles of community health that are needed for the development of effective health promotion and disease prevention strategies.
Apply statistics and research methods to accurately describe the distribution and examine the determinants of population health.
Apply statistics and research methods to community health program evaluations.
Describe how to plan, implement and administer short- and long-term community health interventions.
Communicate and disseminate the results of community health program evaluations.
Describe how to advocate for effective community health initiatives at the local, state and federal levels.
Identify strategies that effectively incorporate cultural competence within health promotion and community health initiatives.
Demonstrate competency in planning, preparing and delivering effective community health presentations.
In addition to completing a major course of study, students are required to complete a set of General Education requirements intended to provide exposure to broad areas of historic and contemporary human thought and experience. The program that each student must follow is determined by his/her date of matriculation at the University of Maryland--College Park.
New freshmen who matriculated in Fall 2012 or later.
Transfer students (from private or non-Maryland public institutions of higher education) who matriculated to the University of Maryland--College Park in Fall 2012 or later.
All transfer students who matriculated to the University of Maryland--College Park starting in Fall 2016 regardless of the date of their matriculation to another Maryland public institution.
Returning or transfer students who have had a separation from the University of Maryland--College Park of five or more continuous years.
To learn more about the General Education program, please visit http://www.gened.umd.edu/.
*If you are a University of Maryland student who falls under the CORE program, please contact an academic advisor for more information on requirements.
Health Electives (18 credits total): Health electives allow the student to tailor their educational experience and to be exposed to a variety of topic areas in the context of community health. Students may select any six (18 credits) health electives from a pre-determined list.
Below is a list of courses that count as electives in the Community Health major.
Not all courses are offered each semester, and some are only offered in summer and winter.
Restrictions and prerequisites for all courses must be met, and may change over time.
When permission to enroll is required for courses offered outside the BCH Department, you must contact the specific Department offering the course for that permission.
Honors courses listed below are restricted to students who have applied and then been accepted into the BCH Honors program.
If you find another UMCP course that you believe is clearly related to public/community health, please email a justification to your academic advisors (Ms. Hodgson and Mr. Wootten) who will consider adding it to the approved list of electives.
Portrayal of Drug Use and Addiction on Screen: Does Hollywood Get it Right?
Non-Standard Courses BCH will Count as Health Electives: DBCH academic advisors email Community Health majors the list of updated non-standard courses that will count as health electives each semester prior to registration.
This chart outlines the sequence of Community Health major required coursework as well as co and pre-requisite courses for students who entered the major between spring 2011-spring 2018. Students entering the major in fall 2018 or later must follow separate course requirements. Note that the 6 required health electives for the major are not listed on the chart, as these can be taken at any point in time prior to the HLTH491 Community Health Internship.
The Department of Behavioral and Community Health is excited to offer our students the following three guided specialization areas in the Community Health major!
Special Populations: Life circumstances and related bio/psycho/social conditions can warrant special attention in understanding health risks of populations. People with characteristics or circumstances that have unique health implications may include the groups and subgroups in the following categories: women, children, ethnic minority groups, people with disabilities, the LBGT community, older adults, and people living in poverty, as examples. Specific health risks and approaches to addressing these risks are explored within this specialization area.
Health Communication: Health communication is the study and use of communication strategies to inform and influence decisions that enhance health. Health communication is fundamental in disease prevention, health promotion, health care policy, and the business of health care. Health communication uses a variety of approaches to deliver targeted messages to diverse audience segments ranging from at risk groups, to health professionals, to policy makers. This specialization focuses on theory and practice in understanding health communication uses, and methods and materials that can be applied to health campaigns and social marketing efforts.
Health Risk Behavior: Risk behaviors are those associated with increased susceptibility to disease and/or injury. Risk behaviors are many and varied and include cigarette smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, poor nutrition practices, unprotected sexual behavior, distracted driving, and violence, as examples. Understanding health risks associated with specific patterns of behavior, why people engage in health risk behaviors, and methods of prevention are explored in this specialization.
Your specialization will be recognized in a letter from the Department of Behavioral and Community Health. This letter will be provided after you have completed all requirements for the Community Health major. The specialization will not be noted on your transcript.
Grades of C- or higher are required in all coursework applied to your Specialization.
What steps should I take to declare a specialization?
Review the Specialization table and guidelines in this document (also provided on the Department website).
If selecting a course outside of the approved list, email Matt Wootten AND Jenny Hodgson with the syllabus and a brief justification for why you think the course fits in your Specialization.
The syllabus will be reviewed for applicability and you will be notified via email.
Outside courses must be submitted for approval prior to the HLTH491 internship semester.
In the semester in which you are graduating, you will receive an email through the listserv requesting confirmation of completion.
Upon review and approval, a letter from the Department Chair will be emailed to you as recognition of your Specialization.
Keep this letter as documentation of your Specialization.
Which courses can count toward my specialization area?
Have a minimum of 3 credits.
Clearly address your specialization area theme.
Directly address health content/promotion, or address one or more social determinants of health (e.g., physical environment, policy, societal/cultural forces, economics).
1.Can Peer Education experiences count for more than one specialization area?
No. Peer Education experiences cannot be double counted and will be applied toward one Specialization only.
No more than 3 credits of Peer Education coursework can count toward a Specialization.
2.Can courses used as health electives outside of the Department of Behavioral and Community Health be used as one of the three required HLTH courses?
Because these courses do not have the "HLTH" course code, they fall in the "other" category and can be used once to ensure that students are getting Specialization information from an accredited and monitored entity.


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text:
Q: Customer Journeys with varying cadence With my current client, I find a lot of their journeys (in non-SFMC terminology - these can be built in Journey Builder or Automation Studio, or both) are focused around delivering a certain number of emails by an end date.  Customers who join 3 months before the end date should get the same number of emails as those who join a week before the end date.  I'm wondering if anyone has come across a clean way to achieve something like this in Marketing Cloud?
The stopgap way I've been doing this has been to simplify this into maybe 4 tracks depending on entry date, and set a different cadence for each of these tracks.  This is not particularly reusable though, and can lead to drop offs in comms at the start and end of the track, especially for those who sign up near the opening point of each track.

A: My approach will be to have it built in Automation Studio, with a daily execution.
When subscriber joins, you calculate the number of days between each email ([end date]-[join date])/[number of emails] and write this number into a field in a DE, along with the next date of sendout.
Your automation should look for all subscribers whose send-out date = today, send the emails, and increase the date by adding [days between emails] to today's date.
The automation should then end on the end-date. Avoiding sending out emails pass this point.
Additional info:
You would ultimately end up with one master DE, keeping track on all subscribers on this journey, as described above. But from a send-out perspective, you want to use separate sendable Data Extensions, each belonging to one of the emails in the journey. These should all be updated using Query Activities in one of the first steps of your Automation. You can place all Query Activities in same step, as they update different DEs.
Each DE should contain recipients to receive the email X on the particular day.
Next step should consist of same number of Send Email activities, each linking the relevant email to a Sendable DE updated in the previous step.
The emails should contain AMPscript, incrementing EmailNumber value in the main DE, as well as increment the NextEmailDate with the number of days originally set on the day of subscriber joining the journey.
This way you ensure the tracking is linked to unique emails, and Query Activities build sendable DEs containing only the recipients for that specific date (looking at NextEmailDate together with EmailNumber).

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Home › Dirty Politics › The Flawed Foreign Sports Talent Scheme
The Flawed Foreign Sports Talent Scheme
Posted on May 31, 2011 by admin	Posted in Dirty Politics
Disgraceful Foreign Sports Talent Scheme – A National Shame and Waste of Tax Payers' Money
"Maybe people value my football abilities more across the Causeway than in my own Singapore." Fandi Ahmad, former Lions star, who is joining the Johor FA team as adviser but holds out hope for a national job.
"We seem to be relying exclusively on foreign-born talent to rake in the medals while the local potential serve as sparring partners and ball pickers." – Patrick Tan
"These people are opportunists. They have the notion that Singapore needs them more than they need Singapore." -Jeffrey Law Lee Beng
" It is ironic that a person who was born and bred here is unable to obtain citizenship, while others born and raised elsewhere have been granted citizenship" – Jeffrey Law
"中国人怎么了,我们在奥运会上有金牌,我们有自己的卫星,我们能登上月球,我们很多的世界第一。你们有什么??有本事不要花钱来买我们的运动员!" – Source
"I want Singapore sports to do well at the international level with local-born sportsmen, with more funding, focus and effort to groom our young, aspiring sportsmen to greater heights." – Jason Kho in "The S'pore I want to see in 2032"
"One main reason for the bilingual inability is that the entire team comprises imported talent from China. No other sports team in Singapore is so glaringly lopsided. I am certain that when the Foreign Sports Talent Scheme was initiated in 1993, it was not meant to purvey an entire team of foreign imports." – George Low Ser Hui
"First, Singapore discovered that some so-called foreign talent was not really very talented. Second, there was the discovery that, in some cases, when a foreign chief executive officer (askmelah: or coach) was hired, he or she discriminated against Singaporeans when hiring staff (players)." – Tommy Koh
[Updated 10 Jun 2014: A brainchild of STTA president Lee Bee Wah, the trust fund came about after Dr Lee's conversation last month with paddler Isabelle Li at the 19-year-old's graduation ceremony at Republic Polytechnic. Askmelah will like to give Lee Bee Wah where credit is due to her. Local paddlers get S$1 million boost to their Olympic dreams]
Wikipedia has a comprehensive list of foreign-born sportsmen and sportswomen (many of which are China-born) that Singapore has "embraced", sadly. The fault lies squarely with the officials and MCYS, not the foreign players.
The entire Table Tennis National Team are all (almost) filled by China Nationals in the last 10 years or more, depriving promising Singaporean players the chance to represent our own country. These players are recruited and paid handome salary to work full-time here, excluding other attractive benefits such as game bonuses and other benefits such as sponsored education. Nevermind all of them are now Singaporeans (it is a technical requirement in order to represent Singapore), there are obvious signs that they are still very far from being fully integrated. They still use their Hanyu Pinyin names, speak their native language (many hardly speak English which is a common language here, UPDATED 31Oct2012: Language proficiency a KPI for national table tennis players), all born in China (where is the multi-racial composition?) and many will likely to return and retire in China when they no longer able to represent Singapore. Even the coaches all come from China. How to encourage Patriotism with such flawed policy? It is time to put a stop to this nonsensical policy and stop squandering precious tax payers' money.
Singapore are often publicly critised by neighbouring countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand for "employing foreign mercenaries" and implied that Singapore polluted a beautiful game such as SEA game and brought shames to the sports by winning medals at all cost. The Singapore policy makers must have forgotten that Sports is about inspire others and overcome one's limitation, sportsmanship – it doesn't matter if you win or lose, history has shown many sportsmen and sportswomen won people's heart even if they lost the race or the competition. Wikipedia has defined Sportsmanship as expresses an aspiration or ethos that the activity will be enjoyed for its own sake, with proper consideration for fairness, ethics, respect, and a sense of fellowship with one's competitors (vaiorus definitions on the internet have all emphased fair play and respect for opponents). Singapore has clearly failed in this respect with the foreign sports talent scheme.
When foreign-born athletes win trophies and bring glory to our country, we question their 'Singaporeanness' and we do not feel proud of their achievements. When they do not perform, we criticise their ability, send them home, and question the whole idea of the Foreign Sports Talent (FST) scheme. It is high time that the flawed foriegn talent scheme be scrapped once and for all. For those talented sports talents who geniuely want to be part of us, let's welcome them with open arms and give them a passport once they prove themselves (a good example is Jing Hun Hong), but no special treatment please, let's level the playing field for our own sportsmen and sportswomen. Let the genuine pride of winning returns and let sports unite all Singaporeans, regardless of colour, race and religion, like it once was. I miss the days of Fandi Ahmad, C Kunalan and Junie Sng, I have not had that pride for a long time since.
[ click here for Flawed Foreign Sports Talent scheme Part2 ]
Why there isn't a single native born Singaporean in this picture?
Source: ST 28 Jun 2012
Does he has any intention to stay in Singapore after his sports career is over?
Source: The Straits Times 20 Aug 2011
Other related links:
Tao Li set to get some $40,000 for SEA Games wins
China-born swimmer Tao Li blames her poor performance on 'change of coach'
Right at home in S'pore
Imports 'failed', but locals will take up baton: Athletics chief
Language proficiency a KPI for national table tennis players
A Brief History of Table Tennis in Singapore
http://www.tremeritus.com/2012/11/09/time-to-scrap-the-flawed-foreign-sports-talent-scheme/
Is the PAP's "foreign talent" sports policy giving Singapore negative publicity overseas?
Source: Temasekreview.com July 31st, 2010
The PAP's controversial "foreign talent" sports policy to import established sportsmen and women from other countries to represent Singapore in international competitions has drawn flak not only from Singaporeans, but from other countries as well.
During a Malaysian parliamentary session on 26 July 2010, Senator Datuk Nor Hayati Onn mooted the idea of recruiting "imports" from other countries like the PAP to represent Malaysia in sports.
Her suggestion was shot down by the Malaysian Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Senator Gan Ping Sieu who said doing so may create a "negative perception" on Malaysia.
"I'm not trying to accuse other countries of anything here, but take Singapore's national table tennis squad for instance. All of the athletes are imported from China. If we follow the practice, it may give a negative perception towards our country," Mr Gan said.
His remarks, which were not reported by the Singapore media, nevertheless caused a stir among Singapore netizens, many of whom agreed with him that the PAP is disgracing Singapore by "buying" medals using foreign imports instead of nurturing local talents.
What do you think of Mr Gan's statement? Do you agree with him? Share your views here.
Olympic council wrong to deny S'pore-born paddlers SEA Games chance
Source: The Straits Times Jul 26, 2011
THE Singapore National Olympic Council has got it wrong in its rift with the Singapore Table Tennis Association (STTA) over SEA Games entries ('Isabelle not in SEA Games list'; last Saturday).
Certainly, winning medals is important and the SEA Games are where Singapore can thrive in the medal haul.
And certainly, sending the country's top three China-born players will virtually guarantee Singapore medals.
But will it improve their game or the standards of table tennis in Singapore?
Competing in the SEA Games will be a walk in the park for the likes of Feng Tianwei, Wang Yuegu and Li Jiawei.
Few in Asean can match them and the trio will certainly reap the financial benefits of the government scheme rewarding medal winners.
But what about the Singapore-born talent we have been trying to nurture?
If they cannot be exposed to competition at such a rudimentary level like the SEA Games, how will they improve and hold their own internationally?
The foreign talent scheme was mooted on the basis that foreign athletes would act as a catalyst to spur local talent. The aim was to enable local athletes to scale greater heights. Now, the aim seems to have shifted.
We seem to be relying exclusively on foreign-born talent to rake in the medals while the local potential serve as sparring partners and ball pickers.
I applaud STTA president Lee Bee Wah for her courage in doing what is right for Singapore table tennis, even if it means sacrificing a few medals.
We need more sports officials like her to do what is right rather than what is convenient. Let's keep our three top players for major international competitions and let the juniors gain exposure in the SEA Games.
Patrick Tan
Askmelah's note: I applaud Lee Bee Wah's change of heart despite her earlier position:STTA president Lee Bee Wah had said: "It doesn't mean that we should look at them [foreign-born table tennis players] differently because they're not born and brought up in Singapore. The important thing is that they have embraced Singapore and want to be a part of it. And they wanted so badly to win a medal for our country. We should not be harping on where they are born. I hope mindsets change."
[Updated 17 Nov 2011: Isabelle Li has done us proud and props should be given to Lee Bee Wah for finally do something right for the Singapore Sports development. A small step but a crucial one.]
Time to rethink Foreign Sports Talent scheme
Source: My Paper, Oct 17, 2008
I CANNOT understand the brouhaha over table-tennis team head coach Liu Guodong's rejection of a new two-year deal offered by the Singapore Table Tennis Association, and paddler Li Jiawei's engagement to a Chinese businessman.
Although both played a key role in helping Singapore win a silver at the Beijing Olympics, there were other factors, such as good training amenities, proper administration and the support of fans.
If they have decided not to stick with Singapore, despite having been well taken care of, there is nothing much the country can do.
Singapore must not allow them to hold the country ransom just because their services are now sought after elsewhere.
Pandering to their demands will cause unhappiness and impede the sport's progress.
The various sports associations have been recruiting foreigners to improve the standards of their games under the Foreign Sports Talent scheme.
It saddens me to know that although these sportsmen and women are granted Singapore citizenship, along with other benefits, some have no qualms about leaving our country for good.
These people are opportunists. They have the notion that Singapore needs them more than they need Singapore.
It is time sports associations took stock of this sorry state of affairs.
Granting foreign athletes citizenship so that they can represent Singapore internationally is not a good option.
Mr Jeffrey Law Lee Beng
Is the foreign talent scheme working?
Source: The Straits Times March 9, 2008
DEBATE RAGES ON…
THE behaviour of some athletes, like China-born thrower Dong Enxin who has gone AWOL, has given critics the chance to question the usefulness of the Foreign Sports Talent scheme.
THEY created history just two days before, emerging second to mighty China in the World Table Tennis Championships.
But when paddlers Li Jiawei, Wang Yuegu, Feng Tianwei, Yu Mengyu and Sun Beibei arrived at Changi Airport last Monday, only two Singapore Table Tennis Association officials and one player's family members were present to receive them.
This, after the women – all foreign sports talent from China – had recorded the Republic's best finish at the event.
The conspicuous absence of any fanfare has added more fuel to the already raging debate surrounding the Republic's Foreign Sports Talent (FST) scheme.
Twice, over the past few weeks, the scheme – introduced in 1993 to fast-track promising foreign athletes for Singapore citizenship – was brought up in Parliament.
According to figures mentioned before the House, 54 foreign-born athletes have since become Singaporeans.
But only 37 of them are still in active training. Table tennis player Zhang Xueling, badminton's Xiao Luxi – both from China – and Brazilian footballer Egmar Goncalves are among those who have packed up and returned to their native homelands.
The 30 per cent drop-out rate prompted Nominated MP Jessie Phua to say in Parliament on Wednesday: 'It is certainly not a case of a few bad apples.
'There are some real issues to be addressed.'
The reasons behind the implementation of the FST scheme were simple enough 15 years ago.
With Singapore's small talent pool of less than five million and with so few citizens willing to commit to a life of pursuing sporting excellence, there was a need to look abroad for promising youngsters.
These foreign stars would not only bring success to the country, but also hopefully inspire young Singaporeans to follow in their footsteps.
Yet, today, it has turned out to be much more complicated.
With instances of these new Singaporeans returning to their native countries at their peak (table tennis' Zhang), some even going AWOL (thrower Dong Enxin) and now the seemingly indifferent public sentiment to their successes, the spotlight is now more than just on medals.
Said SingaporeSailing president Low Teo Ping: 'The most tangible measure of success would be the the number of gold medals won.'
But there are also the intangibles, he noted.
'What's important is also the legacy they leave behind, whether these stars can transfer their expertise and inspire our home-grown youngsters.'
Parliamentary Secretary (Community Development, Youth and Sports) Teo Ser Luck agreed, but added: 'What is integral is that these athletes also help build the system, and be part of the sporting pipeline for Singapore.
'They must essentially lift the standard of their respective sports.'
This week, Teo told Parliament that, in spite of the recent questions being asked of the scheme, it is here to stay.
But he told The Sunday Times that he is concerned that foreign talent has become the overwhelming majority in certain sports.
He said: 'This is an issue. It's also important that we do not become a trading hub, where one foreign athlete that leaves is replaced by another.'
Football Association of Singapore general secretary Steven Yeo is another who subscribes to the view.
Since 2002, the FAS has drafted eight foreign-born footballers into the national team.
But Yeo added that the long-term emphasis is still on Singapore-born footballers, saying: 'The FST scheme should never be at the expense of local talent.'
Along with football, table tennis and badminton account for over 60 per cent of the 54 citizenships given out so far.
And neglecting the development of local talent has been something both table tennis and badminton have been accused of in the past.
Half of the 10-member badminton team that finished a best-ever third in the team event at last year's World Junior Championships were foreign-born, for instance.
But this is set to change for table tennis, with the sport's world body recently passing a rule that restricts paddlers from switching nationalities once they turn 21.
Yet, while the consensus is that the 15-year-old FST scheme needs fine-tuning, there is no denying that it has its merits.
Foreign talents have come closest to breaking the country's Olympic medal drought, one which dates back to 1960 when Tan Howe Liang won a weightlifting silver.
Table tennis paddlers Jing Junhong (in 2000) and Li Jiawei (in 2004) were both a win shy of bagging a medal at the Olympics. They lost both their semi-finals and subsequent bronze-medal play-off matches in the singles.
At last December's South-east Asia Games in Thailand, the foreign brigade contributed 34.9 per cent of Singapore's 43 gold medals, even though they made up only 7.6 per cent of the 423-strong contingent.
In the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the four golds won in table tennis were down mostly to foreign talent.
Their golden performances have also rubbed off on the locals.
Shuttler Kendrick Lee, who became the first Singaporean in 24 years to reach the South-east Asia Games badminton final last year, is one who will readily credit Indonesia-born Ronald Susilo for his success.
Said the world No 21 shuttler of his teammate: 'Ronald sets high standards, so the rest of us have a good gauge of what it takes to be a world-class player.'
The FST scheme has also allowed locals opportunities to compete on the world stage, alongside foreign talents.
Even officials who have had bad experiences dealing with foreign talents are of the opinion that the FST scheme still has a role to play.
The Singapore Athletic Association's experience of bringing in eight China-born athletes has resulted in a well-documented waste of $1 million in funds.
Although three eventually became Singapore citizens, only thrower Zhang Guirong is in active training.
But SAA president Loh Lin Kok maintained that, with competition for sporting success so keen, it would be naive of Singapore not to do what other countries are also doing.
China-born athletes now represent European countries in table tennis and badminton, while African runners are a common sight in Middle East nations.
Said Loh: 'Look at the big picture, if we don't get them in, others will. We shouldn't and won't close the door totally. But we must use our bitter experience wisely, and fine-tune the system to decide who to give citizenships to.'
When asked how the scheme could be improved, sailing supremo Low said it was important to 'establish the desired outcomes'.
He said: 'If it's to catalyse local development, then let's be clear about that. Foreign athletes musn't be brought here on an experimental basis, say I try five and hope three can be successful.'
Mr Teo acknowledged there was room for improvement, especially in efforts to integrate the FST athletes into society.
He said: 'There should be a concerted effort by us to welcome them and show our support.
'But athletes must also be willing to make the effort.
'It always takes two hands to clap.'
Give native-born athletes a chance
Source: The Straits Times Aug 2, 2011
THE Singapore National Olympic Council should rethink its policy and give native-born talent a chance to compete in the South-east Asia Games and other regional contests to gain experience and sharpen their skills ('Isabelle not in SEA Games list'; July 23).
How else can we nurture native-born talent to represent and win for Singapore?
We should not always depend on foreign talent to win. We cannot have a mindset that native-born talent cannot be developed to succeed internationally.
Jeffrey Tan
Integration: Different strokes by imported sports talent
Source: The Straits Times 16 Jul 2012
MR ALBERT Tye ('Wrong to insist athletes should speak only in English'; last Thursday) disagrees with Mr Patrick Tan's view ('New sports citizens then and now'; last Tuesday), arguing that it is all right for new sports citizens representing Singapore in the Olympics to speak only in Mandarin in public interviews, rather than in English.
National badminton players who are new citizens, like Xing Aiying and Fu Mingtian, exemplify the sterling efforts at integration.
Initially, Xing and Fu spoke in Mandarin when they were interviewed but learnt enough English subsequently to speak in the language when they were interviewed on television.
They did not speak the most fluent English then, but it was the effort they made that was heartwarming. They demonstrated a desire to be accepted and integrated; I am certain they are already better English speakers now.
The story of bemedalled national swimmer and record-breaker Tao Li is similar to her fellow China-born new sports citizens.
Today, she speaks Singapore-accented English, like a native Singaporean. Indonesian- born shuttler Ronald Susilo speaks like a true-blue Singaporean.
Mr Tye affirms that 'the larger national aim is for a population that is effectively bilingual, not monolingual'.
Well, that is exactly the point: Even now, the China-born national table tennis players can speak only in Mandarin.
Perhaps, one main reason for the bilingual inability is that the entire team comprises imported talent from China.
No other sports team in Singapore is so glaringly lopsided. I am certain that when the Foreign Sports Talent Scheme was initiated in 1993, it was not meant to purvey an entire team of foreign imports.
But we are seeing a virtually complete foreign-scouted team with little hint of native-born citizens making a genuine breakthrough.
How long will this continue? The national association should make urgent efforts to help its imported players integrate and embrace our local cultures and language.
Nothing demonstrates that more than to see them on television singing our National Anthem during the awards ceremonies.
George Low Ser Hui
The Tao Li way to foreign sports talent
Source: My Paper, Jan 7 2009
I AM a fervent follower of the local sports scene who strongly believes that the current Foreign Sports Talent (FST) Scheme needs some fine-tuning.
In sports such as table tennis and badminton, the respective associations field teams made up wholly of FSTs. In football, teams with a majority of FSTs are fielded.
Fielding such teams does not benefit local-born sportsmen and sportswomen. It also makes one wonder if sports associations are merely paying lip service to their claim that it is important to develop local talents.
Most FSTs were handpicked by Singapore sports associations when they had reached their teenage years or were older, when their sporting potential was quite obvious. Singapore is therefore accused by other countries of "buying success", which gives little credence to the claim that Singapore "groomed them into champions".
Sports associations are implementing the FST Scheme inappropriately. They should instead follow the examples set by the swimming and bowling associations – which select and groom only Singapore-born athletes – which do
not rely heavily on FSTs.
A 20-per-cent cap on the number of FSTs should also be implemented for all national teams.
The national women's swim team, where Tao Li is the sole FST, is a prime example of how the scheme should work.
She serves as a guide and spur for local female swimmers. This thus fulfils an important aim of the scheme, which is to benefit local-born athletes.
That aside, Tao Li was brought to Singapore at a relatively young age, and has assimilated well into Singapore society.
Consequently, most citizens accept her as one of them. Sadly, the same cannot be said of many other FSTs. Bowling also deserves a note of praise. Despite not having any FSTs, world-champion bowlers like Remy Ong and, more recently, Jasmine Yeong-Nathan, have made their mark.
Mr Calvin Ng
A good year By Seah Chiang Nee
As fans savour Singapore's best year in competitive sports, debate rages on about imported talent.
Extracted from Littlespeck.com Jan 13, 2003
Some 18 months ago, even as the economy was turning downwards, the government launched a S$500mil programme to make Singapore one of the top 10 sporting nations in Asia. It also set up a Sports Ministry.
The money goes not only to developing facilities, importing foreign coaches, and sending promising Singaporeans for training abroad.
Central to it is a scheme to identify young foreign athletes and grant them citizenship so they can help to win championships. It involves mapping out a study-and-career programme.
Those selected include Chinese provincial school champions in table-tennis, badminton, basketball and field athletics and promising badminton and tennis stars from Indonesia.
Although theirs is traditionally a migration society, some Singaporeans do not want to see Singapore win sports medals in this manner.
"I'd rather see our resources spent developing our own home-grown talent," said one sports fan.
There's no pride in spotting and buying foreign talent, he said.
"What message are we sending out to our promising young sportsmen?" Yeo Eng Chin wrote in a local newspaper. "Work hard, play hard but take a back seat when it comes to international contest. Let the foreign imports do the job."
More achievements appear to be on the way.
The next game that will benefit from the scheme is women's basketball. Six China-born girls, aged between 14 and 15, are making an impact since their arrival two years ago.
Last month they were given permanent residency status. Their assignment this year: Win the South-East Asia Games in Vietnam in December.
Malaysia's gain
Source: The Straits Times 17 Mar 2012
'It is ironic that a person born and bred here is unable to obtain citizenship.'
MR JEFFREY LAW: 'Skater Anja Chong's desire to compete for Singapore, where she was born and raised, should be favourably considered for awarding citizenship ('S'pore skating hope dons Malaysia colours'; Wednesday). This is especially so when we compare her to other less-deserving athletes who were granted citizenship to represent Singapore in football, table tennis, badminton and swimming. It is ironic that a person who was born and bred here is unable to obtain citizenship, while others born and raised elsewhere have been granted citizenship.'
Bad move, Egmar
New citizen under fire for decision to quit Singapore and return to Brazil
By Marc Lim
EGMAR GONCALVES did not do himself, the Football Association of Singapore and the Foreign Talent Scheme any favours when he announced that he will leave the Republic for good.
In an interview with Timesport last Friday, he said he intends to return to Brazil for good when his contract with S-League club Home United ends at the end of this year.
And chances are, he will surrender his Singapore passport.
It was only two years ago that the then-31-year-old striker was given Singapore citizenship in order to play football for the Lions.
Among those who voiced their disappointment was former national coach Jita Singh who, as technical director for Police FC (now renamed Home United) in 1995, talent-spotted Goncalves.
Said Jita: 'There is no denying his commitment and dedication. But when you leave a country just two years after it had granted you citizenship, it's not good.
'He may have his reasons, but it makes the passport look cheap.'
Former international R. Suriamurthi added that the imminent departure will not help FAS' push for foreign talent. But the association have only themselves to blame.
He said: 'Egmar didn't ask to be a Singaporean. The FAS approached him, so they must have known what they were doing, giving him citizenship at the age of 31.
'He was a good player, but at 31, how long more can he play?
'Now that he wants to go back, no one can blame him. He does not speak English well, so what can he do if he stays here?'
Goncalves, who reportedly earned more than $500,000 during his eight years in Singapore, has bought six homes in Brazil.
Which led Kok Wai Leong, team manager of S-League club Singapore Armed Forces FC to comment: 'He can't buy six homes in Singapore with $500,000, can he?
'Basically, that sums it up. He knows where his wealth is and where his future will be taken care of.'
Goncalves may be the first player to score 100 S-League goals, but his strike rate for the national team was pathetic: three goals in 12 appearances.
Too old to play in the South-east Asia Games (now an U-23 tournament), he was drafted into the national team mainly for the 2002 Tiger Cup.
But he failed to score in all three preliminary-round matches and the Lions did not make the semi-finals.
Noh Alam Shah, who often had to play second fiddle to him in the national team, had mixed feelings.
Said the Tampines Rovers forward: 'The good thing is I learnt a lot from him.
'On the other hand, he was the player who took a striker's spot in the national team.'
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My favourite quote today
"I am afraid the cruise ship is over capacity limit, and it used to be a luxury cruise ship. The designer's claim that it is not sinkable, the name is Titanic. There are not enough life boats, no preparation or provision for failure. Thank you Mr Goh for reminding us." - Low Thia Khiang
"Till today, I am still puzzled by why the PAP cannot fight a fair election without gerrymandering, abusing the GRC system, basically, making sure they enter into a boxing ring with an opponent who is expected to fight them with hands tied behind the back. There is a reason why bullies are not popular in schools. Why not be the school prefect?" - Alvinology
"The question to ask is what lies at the root of the discontent or the disengagement between the G and the people. I am going to stick my neck out and say that it is ministerial salaries. I consider it the root of all evil. Serious. It reduces what should be a social compact into a business contract. " - Bertha Henson
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It's something we nearly all have to buy at some stage or another, baby gifts. Sometimes picking up some clothes for a few months ahead and for the right season seems the easiest option. But there's a whole world of endless choices online, more specifically on Etsy. For those not familiar with Etsy, Etsy is an online marketplace allowing crafters sell handmade crafts or vintage items only. There are so many talented Irish crafters on Etsy selling beautiful pieces giving you the opportunity to buy local and give fabulous gifts.
I've picked out some of my favourites after doing a quick search on Etsy for baby gift ideas made in Ireland. Top tip: when searching narrow the Shop Location (on the left) to Ireland. That way you know your results are from Irish shops, and that will help with shipping costs.
Cowls are so handy for young ones, they are that little bit harder for Baby to remove themselves and loose. These grey with black flec matching pom pom hat and cowl are perfect for boys or girls. Made by myself 😉 along with plenty of other cosy pieces at Cosy by GG. The pieces are made from Acrylic yarn to avoid any reactions with baby. The hat can be made for any age.
Woodland decor is the big "in" theme at the moment What could be more cute than a personalised piece of artwork for the little one's nursery. Nicola from Rosa Lilla has so many ideas to choose from as well as custom orders. I love this little fox one. At €11.80 this makes for a lovely token present.
So I'll let you in on a little secret, my next hobby HAS to be working with wood. I just love the look, the feel, the textures everything about wood. So the personalised suncatchers from Art Wood Ireland catch my eye for more than one reason. €45.00 with non-personalised options coming in cheaper.


text:
Teleas szaboi is een vliesvleugelig insect uit de familie van de Scelionidae. De wetenschappelijke naam van de soort is voor het eerst geldig gepubliceerd in 1964 door Fabritius.

Scelionidae

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
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Birds fly where they will and there's no way to predict when one or more might strike the space shuttle during launch or landing. To reduce the chances, Kennedy Space Center makes use of several bird-deterrent methods.
As a shuttle glides to a stop at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, NASA's contrator team, EG&G feels a sense of accomplishment in creating the safest environment possible for its return.
According to Ron Feile, EG&G air traffic controller, NASA's Space Shuttle Program mandates that NASA has a hazard management plan. The SLF plan includes the use of pyrotechnics, propane cannons and bird-watch activities.
About five hours before a shuttle's first landing opportunity, several EG&G workers are stationed at the SLF's Landing Aids Control Building, the control tower and at the runway overrun area monitoring bird activity.
Air traffic controller Vaden DeJarnette said that large flocks of birds can be detected on radar as they fly over or around the SLF.
"We mostly rely on communications from the bird-watcher and our own visual confirmation," DeJarnette said.
An astronaut flying in the Shuttle Training Aircraft over Kennedy communicates runway conditions, including weather, wind and bird concerns back to the shuttle crew.
Inside the control tower, EG&G air traffic controller Donny Linton monitors the runway for birds and keeps in touch with bird-watcher Bob Smith, who is stationed in a specially equipped truck on the ground.
Smith fires shotguns and pistols loaded with blanks to scare large flocks of birds away from the runway. From time to time, he sounds a special siren from his truck or uses a remote control to set off cannons.
A series of 25 liquid propane cannons, placed in strategic locations along the east and west sides of the SLF runway, are controlled by air traffic controllers in the tower and remotely by bird-watchers in the field. These cannons, installed in September 2007, are fired randomly by zone, individually or all at once. Each rotates in a 360-degree pattern for the greatest effect.
Bird-watcher Kurt Asche said that Ospreys have tried to build nests in the landing facility's Mate-Demate Device and that it's a popular hangout for vultures.
"The bird threat can come from any direction, at any time, day or night," Asche said.
He also said shooting blanks at birds requires timing.
"There are times not to shoot at them. You don't want a flock of birds flying around as the shuttle is landing," Asche said.
Feile said the SLF team also monitors bird activity when crews are at the center for Shuttle Training Aircraft practice.
"It gets more interesting during the winter months with the addition of migratory birds from the north," Feile said. "It's just the nature of doing business on a wildlife refuge."


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As a peace activist, Howard was involved in several groups campaigning against the war. Anti-war organisations included the Fellowship of Reconciliation and the Union for Democratic Control. Perhaps the most prominent was the No-Conscription Fellowship (NCF), set up to resist conscription but, in effect, also to oppose the war.
Howard became chairman of the Harrow branch of the NCF. He later looked back on those campaigning days.
My family and friends were quite sympathetic. There was no question about that. You see, my father being a Quaker, my mother very sympathetic towards it, I had no difficulty on that score, and most of my personal friends felt the same. I only had one friend who was in the army and lost a brother in the war and who was for a time inclined to be stand-offish about the whole thing, although in later years we renewed our friendship on a very friendly footing.
The co-ordinating body at that time was known as the No-Conscription Fellowship. The two leading spirits in that were Fenner Brockway and another man, Clifford Allen. They weren't the only ones by a long way but they were the most well-known. But then it was organised into groups - branches.
There was a branch at Harrow. You see, you felt the necessity of keeping in touch with people of like mind to watch the whole situation. It was just as well we did, because it did keep a public eye on what was going on. I was a member of the Harrow branch. In fact I was chairman of the Harrow branch.
We felt we must band together to watch the acts of Parliament; to keep in touch with the press attitude. You see, we'd got to deal with a very hostile press at that time, and the thing was to keep in touch with the press position and if necessary to arrange for suitable reports and replies to be made through the columns of the press - to attacks, or speeches on the subject.
The No-Conscription Fellowship organised a bureau that co-ordinated all these press attacks and replies and published periodical reports on what was going on. And one of the features of the various branches was to keep local members in touch with the attitudes of local people to the pacifist views. It was very poorly understood by people at large. They didn't know much about pacifists at that time.
Today, campaign groups highlight misleading or inadequate media coverage of events. It's all too easy to believe everything we see or read in the news. How do you find out whether you understand all sides of a story or debate? Does the internet make things easier or more complicated?
Howard's comments show how activism must include the press--just as today. The alternate story of pacifism often does get lost in the news unless there is a Howard or group of Friends who monitor the news. In terms of the internet, it only makes it easier if readers are open to reading alternative views of how to address conflict. I've had many students who wrote about watching TV news with a parent or grandparent, with no apparent sense of how to judge one-sided reportage. Teaching critical thinking is essential.
Howard's campaigning against the war is a reminder that pacifism is not passive. Indeed, it often leads to conflict.
Howard was well aware that pacifism is not passive but involves actively making the case for peace. Today Quakers and others campaign against war, the arms trade and military power.


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The 2020 Porchlight Business Book of the Year is here!
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The 2019 Business Book of the Year: Don't Be Evil
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The 2019 Porchlight Business Book of the Year is Rana Forhoohar's "penetrating indictment of how today's largest tech companies are hijacking our data, our livelihoods, our social fabric, and our minds."
We are proud to announce that the Porchlight Business Book of the Year for 2019 is Don't Be Evil: How Big Tech Betrayed Its Founding Principles—and All of Us (Currency) by Rana Foroohar. The award was presented at our annual industry gathering at the Freehand Hotel in New York City.
"For many years, the mantra echoing from Silicon Valley has been one of disruption. And disrupt they have, as Rana Foroohar's Don't Be Evil well explores," said Owner, President & CEO Rebecca Schwartz of the award-winning book. "With some of the finest business reporting and writing of the year, this year's Porchlight Business Book Award winner thoroughly documents the results of that disruption, making it essential reading for those who wish to understand both the daily news and its broader implications."
"That the best book of 2019 came out of the Current Events and Public Affairs category should be no surprise," added Editorial Director Dylan Schleicher. "There are many important and exigent discussions we need to have in the business world and as a society—about the health of individuals, organizations, and our overall economy, about the rise of economic inequality and decline in innovation, about the credibility of the information we receive and the durability of our democratic institutions—and all of them are tied in a big way to the rise of Big Tech. There are many books that covered these developments this year, but Rana Foroohar's examination of the industry and its effects on our world is the most well rounded, all-encompassing, and even handed of them, which is why we've named it the Porchlight Business Book of the Year."
Silicon Valley has always painted its intentions in a utopian hue: to connect humanity, democratize access to information, to disrupt an old order of entrenched power and usher in a new, more equitable and innovative age. But, as Foroohar lays out in Don't Be Evil, "the supposedly decentralized Internet economy has spawned a handful of ruthless oligopolies that have begun to use their power to undermine start-up growth, job creation, and labor markets."
In many ways, developments in Big Tech mirror those in the nation's financial institutions that led to the Great Recession—documented so well in Foroohar's previous book, Makers and Takers—that were also sold as an opportunity for innovation and a new economy that ended in a similarly increased concentration of wealth and risk, political clout and privilege, and a lack of any real accountability.
But Foroohar doesn't just point out the many transgressions coming out of Silicon Valley and the challenges they pose to us as a society, she also offers solutions, from a "national commission on the future of data and digital technology" to a digital New Deal to ensure employment and "remake the real economy for the digital age."
Rana Foroohar is a global business columnist and an associate editor for the Financial Times and CNN's global economic analyst. Her previous book, Makers and Takers: How Wall Street Destroyed Main Street, was shortlisted for the Financial Times and McKinsey Business Book of the Year award in 2016. For 13 years, she was an economic and foreign affairs editor and a foreign correspondent at Newsweek. During that time, she was awarded the German Marshall Fund's Peter Weitz Prize for transatlantic reporting. After this, Foroohar worked at Time for six years as an assistant managing editor and economic columnist. She has earned awards and fellowships from institutions such as the Johns Hopkins School of International Affairs and the East West Center. Foroohar is also a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations. A graduate of Bernard College, Columbia University, she now lives in Brooklyn, New York.
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