text:
package org.locationtech.geogig.api.hooks;

public class CannotRunGeogigOperationException extends RuntimeException {

    private static final long serialVersionUID = 1L;

    public CannotRunGeogigOperationException() {
        // default constructor, needed by jdk6
    }

    /**
     * Constructs a new {@code CannotRunGeogigOperationException} with the given message.
     *
     * @param msg the message for the exception
     */
    public CannotRunGeogigOperationException(String msg) {
        super(msg);
    }

    public CannotRunGeogigOperationException(String message, Throwable cause) {
        super(message, cause);
    }

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Web-Notification
Language : English हिंदी (Hindi)
English हिंदी (Hindi)
Time, Now
When you understand the value of today, you feed the good wolf!
An astute interpretation of the classic Native American tale, "The Two Wolves" by Prem Rawat An excerpt from Prem Rawat's address in Miami Beach, Florida | April 10, 2016
I'd like to tell you a very simple little story, and it has something to do with each one of us, as individuals, as we look at ourselves, as we understand ourselves. And the way this story goes is there was a young American Indian, living in a camp. And one day he approached the chief and said, "Chief, I'm confused."
And the chief looked at him and he says, "Why are you confused? What are you confused about?" He says, "Well, I see some people who are good sometimes and the other times they're bad! How can this be? If they're good, shouldn't they be good? If they're bad, shouldn't they just be bad. But sometimes they're good; sometimes they're bad. How can this be?"
And the chief looked at the young kid and he said, "It's very simple. Inside each one of us we have two wolves—a good wolf and a bad wolf—and they're constantly fighting each other. And that's why sometimes people are good and sometimes people are bad."
So this really got the young kid thinking. And he thought, and he said, "Chief, tell me which wolf wins?" And the chief looked at him and said, "The one we feed the most.
I think after you hear that story you just need to go away, sit down in a quiet room for about an hour, and do a little thinking. Because right there that story says, "Things are not that complicated. That this whole achieving that beautiful thing in your life is not that difficult. All you have to do is feed the right wolf."
But this is where I will interject—that's not our strategy. Our strategy is not to feed the right wolf. And the story very clearly says, "Which wolf will win? The one we feed the most." But our strategy is to beat the bad wolf. And this is why we don't succeed.
Why do we beat the bad wolf? Because this is what, somehow, we have been told: "Beat the bad wolf." Sounds logical? Never, ever thinking, "Well, ah, what is that going to do for the good wolf? I should, you know, feed the good wolf, so that the good wolf will be strong."
But, "No, and let, let's, let's figure out a way to beat the bad wolf." And that's what we do. "Oh, I made a mistake! Oh my God, I made a mistake. I made a mistake! I made a mistake, I made a mistake, I made a mistake. Oh, man, I made a mistake."
You have to stop that thing that just comes and beats the…—I won't say the word, but it starts with a "c", ends with a "p"—out of you again, and again, and again, and day, and night, and influences your dreams, influences your happiness.
That's life! That's life—to know yourself, to understand, to feed the good wolf. Feed the good wolf. When you understand the value of today, you feed the good wolf! When you understand the value of yourself, you feed the good wolf. When you lament in sorrow, when you watch your dreams crumple…
Because you created those dreams; nobody else created them for you. You created them yourself.
You created your dreams. Maybe there are better dreams—doesn't matter. You've got to have the good wolf win in your life.
-Prem Rawat
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Oradea Part Three
Posted on September 28, 2008 October 2, 2008 by enchantedisle
Like many Romanian cities, in Oradea the atmosphere is relaxed and the economy is on the up. But Oradea's ghosts at the table are the Synagogues. Recent travels in central and eastern Europe have brought home the holocaust in a way that somehow I wasn't expecting. You know about the camps but visiting cities where a substantial proportion of the population were taken away and murdered in a short spell of time – it brings it home in a different way.
There's a full account at this site but Oradea had one of the largest Jewish populations in Romania – making up a third of the city's population. They made an enormous contribution to the city – most visible today in the Art Nouveau buildings many of which they financed and designed.
Persecution by the Romanian 'Iron Guard' fascists began in the late twenties. Things worsened in 1940 when the region became part of Hungary again and Jewish men were directed into labour battalions. In 1944 the surviving population were concentrated by the Hungarian authorities into an appalling, uncovered ghetto before later that year they were sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau on cattle trains (90 people to a wagon for a four day journey).
After the War the remaining Jewish population regrouped – but the Communist regime was hostile and many emigrated when they had the chance. Now the Jewish population is down to less than a thousand (but still the largest in Romania). There's a Jewish community centre (with police guard) within a coral which keeps the flame alive – and looks after two synagogues. Elsewhere, right at the heart of Oradea, is the enormous Zion Nealog Synagogue. Abandoned relatively recently it's now slowly falling apart – too big to keep up for such a small Jewish population. Despite being in the city centre you access it down a rough path where the caretaker hangs out in the porch – a dishevelled but friendly old guy with a dog, some chickens and a rubber truncheon for company.
The ruined Synagogues are unsettling – hit you hard.
You can still sense what a vibrant community it must have been – dynamic and creative. The totality of the violence. The madness of it – 1944 – the war was already lost. The vacuum.
Tags: Bihor, Oradea, Romania, TranslyvaniaCategories: East
2 thoughts on "Oradea Part Three"
mellotroncilk says:
i really like the way you write about oradea, i have never read someone who, despite being a tourist(?), managed to see the history of the city in a whole and not just superficially. i am half jewish, by the way, and my grand grandparents have died in auschwitz-birkenau in 1944 too.
it's a shame that the city doesn't look after these marvellous buildings. we use them for nothing and let them perish…(just like the beautiful park hotel, that once vas the most luxorious one, with peacocks and deers strolling on its yard)
John Andrews says:
Since your visit there is a small organisation – Asociatia Tikvah at http://www.tikvah.ro trying to improve recognition of the Jewish contribution.
PreviousOradea Part Two
NextI had a strange dream…


text:
Home / Decision Making Process
What is a Decision making Process?
A decision-making process includes the series of steps taken by a manager or another individual to initiate specific actions that meet certain needs. Ideally, decisions are made based on analyses of objective facts, supported by various tools and business intelligence (BI). Decision-making processes play an important role in determining both organizational and management activities. Decisions are made at every management level that affect whether or not business goals are met. In addition, decisions reflect the functional core values that an organization adopts to guarantee optimal controllability and growth.
Different options or directions are possible in every business situation. The variety of alternatives for each action makes the decision-making process a critical element of managing a successful business. It is therefore not surprising that the decision-making process is an integral part of modern management and is seen as the primary function of general management.
Every manager consciously and unconsciously makes hundreds of decisions. For managers it is therefore a reasoning process based on the knowledge, assumptions, preferences and beliefs of the decision maker. Each decision-making moment produces a final choice. The decision-making process is a continuous and indispensable part of the management of organizations and business activities.
Making decisions leads to different types of outcomes, challenges and successes. There are several approaches to decision-making, such as proactive and reactive decision-making. Proactive decision-making involves anticipating problems and events, and taking action to work around those problems and maximize successful outcomes. Reactive decision-making involves taking actions after an incident or problem occurs.
Decision-making process techniques
Techniques to support the decision-making process are divided into two categories: individual and group decision-making techniques. Examples of group decision-making techniques are the consensus method, voting, the Delphi method or participatory decision-making. When difficult decisions have to be made in daily life, many people use a list of pros and cons. This is a tool aimed at individual decision-making. The TDODAR decision-making model is also a decision-making tool. This model was originally developed for pilots in threatening situations.
It is believed that when people are rational beings, free to make their own decisions, they behave according to relational choice theory. This theory states that individuals consistently make choices that lead to the best outcome for that individual, while taking into account all available considerations. An example of a method to support the making of considerations is the cost-benefit analysis. In reality, however, there are multiple factors that can influence the decision-making process and lead people to make irrational choices. A rational decision is generally seen as the best decision to achieve set goals and results.
The decision-making process consists of several steps, depending on the method used. However, the same basic steps are reflected in all methods. The first step involves identifying a problem or issue on which to make a decision. After that, it is important to collect as much relevant information about this issue as possible and to identify the effect of various decisions. In step three, the alternative choices are evaluated and a final choice is made. The decision is then implemented in the organization, after which the situation and the impact of the decision are monitored. A rational decision-making process has several extra steps, such as weighing criteria and assessing options based on data.
Decision-making process tips and tricks
What are the most effective models and methods to support the decision-making process? How can I optimize my individual decision-making process? Or how do I ensure that my team makes better decisions in the workplace? How can I use the different theories of decision-making for my personal development?
Impact Analysis (IA)
by Patty MulderDecision Making December 5, 2018 December 11, 2020
This article explains the Impact Analysis in a practical way. After reading it, you will understand the basics of this powerful decision making method. What is an Impact Analysis? In…
Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA)
by Ben JanseDecision Making August 26, 2018 January 13, 2021
A Multiple-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA, or Multi-criteria analysis (MCA), is a decision-making analysis that evaluates multiple (conflicting) criteria as part of the decision-making process.
by Ben JanseDecision Making August 12, 2018 December 11, 2020
Risk Analysis helps organisations to map the threats, following which possible suitable measures are taken. Read more about this powerful management tool.
Decision Matrix Analysis
by Patty MulderDecision MakingTemplates June 26, 2018 January 13, 2021
The Decision Matrix Analysis is a simple answer to ensure that, when making the best decision, all these different factors are taken into account.
by Patty MulderDecision Making June 13, 2018 December 11, 2020
The Monte Carlo Simulation is a computer-operated technique in which a physical process is not simulated once, but many times. This way, possible risks in quantitative analysis and decision making come to light.
Blindspot Analysis
by Patty MulderDecision Making June 5, 2018 December 11, 2020
The Blindspot Analysis uncovers dangerous, incomplete, incorrect and outdated assumptions that can inhibit decision making within an organisation.
Ladder of Inference
by Patty MulderDecision Making January 30, 2018 December 11, 2020
The Ladder of Inference provides insight into the mental processes that occur within the human brain. It describes the perception starting from senses to the series of mental steps that need to be taken to work towards an action.
What-If Analysis
A What-If Analysis is about looking at what happens when certain actions are taken. From the different scenarios, you then look at which results contributes most to the objective.
Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)
by Patty MulderDecision Making July 17, 2017 December 11, 2020
The Analytic Hierarchy Process is an international decision-making technique. It is intended to help people or organisations make the right choice in complex decisions.
Force Field Analysis (FFA)
by Patty MulderDecision Making May 3, 2017 December 11, 2020
Learn how to use the Force Field Analysis by Kurt Lewin to weigh pros and cons of a wanted change and make an indication on it's possible success. Read more


This easy chicken salad comes together so quickly and is a great way to use up those extra cranberries you have laying around after the holidays (or pick some up on sale at the store!).
If you want to make this salad super easily, then just use a rotisserie chicken! I often do this when I'm in a rush and it cuts down on time spent cooking the chicken breast!
Another thing I like about this recipe is that it doesn't use a lot a mayo and is partly made with greek yogurt. (I've tried to do it with just greek yogurt and substituting other things for the mayo, but it just doesn't work. So, I can live with one tablespoon. The taste it adds is worth it). I also use full fat versions for both the mayo and the yogurt to maximize taste. I think that using full fat versions of things is better for you—cuts down on random artificial ingredient substitutions brands make to lower calories and fat content.
If you want to make this with your own chicken breast, what I usually do is cook it on the stovetop with a little olive oil. I let the outsides get browned and crispy—tastes delicious in the salad! Once it's cooked you can shred with a fork.
Shred the rotisserie chicken and add it to a large bowl with the chopped pecans and green onions.
In a large measuring cup, measure out a half cup of cranberries, then roughly chop them on a cutting board. Return them to the measuring cup and mix in a teaspoon of maple syrup. Add them to the bowl with the chicken.
In a separate, smaller bowl, add the greek yogurt, mayo, mustard, 1 teaspoon of maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder and lemon juice. Stir it together until well combined. Pour the mixture into the larger bowl with the chicken and other solid ingredients. Stir until combined. Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with more cranberries and green onions. Enjoy!


text:
E-Commerce & Labour Laws - Applicability Of The Shops And Establishment Act On E-Commerce Entities
By - Abhilasha SG on March 31, 2022
Is Shops and Establishment Act Applicable To E-commerce? Regulating E-Commerce Entities - The Shops and Establishments Act ("Act") was primarily enacted to regulate the conditions of labour for those working in shops and establishments. This legislation is an aspect of newly updated labour and employment laws. It is pertinent to note that there is no central Act applicable to the whole of India; instead, the entry "shop/trade licenses" is a State subject in List II of Schedule 7 of the Indian constitution. As a result, the rules for these establishments differ from state to state as the Act is regulated by the Labour Department of the respective states concerned.
Analysis Of "Shops" And "Establishments" With The Help Of Precedents
Is Shops and Establishment Act Applicable To E-commerce?
Model Shops And Establishment Bill 2016
Conclusion - Is Shops and Establishment Act Applicable To E-commerce?
The registration of shops and establishments is necessary to ensure the rights and obligations of the employee and employer and to ensure humane working hours, sensible leave policy, reasonable opening and closing hours, healthy wages etc.
Gaining a license under the Shops and Establishments Act is significant as it acts as proof of undertaking for commercial activities such as carrying out trade and business. Another incentive is that government benefits can be availed only by those entities registered under this Act.
In the case of The State of Mysore vs The Manager, Brooke Bond India[1], the Karnataka High Court held that the very idea of a "shop" in that connotation betokens a room or a place or a building where goods are sold. The rest of the definition merely implies ancillary places such as storerooms, godowns, workplaces etc., which are mainly used in connection with the business. An analysis of the definition of "shop" and "commercial establishment" makes clear that one element is common to both i.e., that there has to be a premises where (in the case of a commercial establishment) any business, trade or profession is carried on for profit and where (in the case of a shop) any trade or business is carried on, or where services are rendered to customers.
The carrying on of a trade or business or a profession necessarily has to have a close and intimate connection with the premises. It cannot be disputed that trade, profession or business can be carried on without there being a premises -- the definition requires the existence of areas such as offices that must have a necessary connection with the premises.
In the case of Chief Commissioner, Delhi v. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry[2], the Court, while interpreting the definition of "commercial establishments" laid the following essentials for a place to fall within the definition of "commercial establishments":
It must be a "premises" and,
It must have some trade, business or profession being carried on or,
Any work in connection with or incidental or ancillary thereto is carried on within.
In the case of Shri Mookambika Temple vs Mr Raviraja Shetty[3], the court held that a plain reading of the definitions of the expressions "shop" and "commercial establishment" would show that unless the premises is being used for trade or business purposes or there is an element of commerce, it cannot be considered either a shop or a commercial establishment.
In the case of Father Thomas Anthonysamy & Anr vs The State Of Bihar & Ors[4], the court held that to be considered an establishment, the dominant nature of work has to be seen to test whether the work performed by the establishment falls under the category of carrying on business, trade or profession or any work in connection with or incidental to the business trade or commerce. An establishment, according to the Bombay Shop and Establishment Act 1948, must practice the business/trade/commerce in connection to the same to qualify as one.
Thus, an examination of recent case laws relating to the Act shows that the definitions of "shop" and "commercial establishment" are mutually exclusive and the presence of a premises is sin qua non for any entity which seeks to obtain registration under this Act.
Most State Acts have a separate section on exemptions from registrations. E-commerce does not come under this section in any of the State Acts. However, it is also not expressly mentioned within the definition of "shops" or "establishment", giving rise to the conundrum of its applicability to e-commerce entities. Therefore, a deeper examination of this issue is necessary.
Based on the aforementioned precedents, it is clear that the presence of premises is a prerequisite for getting registered under the Act. However, since e-commerce companies operate completely in an online mode on the internet, physical space is not necessary for business – especially in the wake of the e-commerce boom that has changed the way traditional markets operate in the last 2-3 years.
As per the Karnataka Shops and Establishment Act, a "shop" means any premises where any trade or business is carried on or where services are rendered to customers, and includes offices or warehouses (whether on the same premises or otherwise) used in connection with such trade or business, but does not require that a commercial establishment or a shop be attached to a factory.
Thus, an e-commerce entity having an office space or a warehouse also necessitates that the e-commerce entity be registered under the Act. No e-commerce entity can function without a registered workplace, even if it might be the home of the entrepreneur itself as it will be considered an office, thereby warranting a license under the Act. By implication, if there is a physical place to handle the official work of an e-commerce business, then a license under the Act is required.
In this context, it is pertinent to note the proposal by the government of Rajasthan to include e-commerce within the purview of the Rajasthan Shops and Establishment Act 1958. The proposed amendment states, "Any premises where any trade or business or e-commerce is being carried out but (the premises) is not covered under a shop or a commercial establishment' would be included."[5] The move by the government of Rajasthan acknowledges the applicability of the law to e-commerce companies,[6] but the proposed amendment fell short of being enacted into law.
Moreover, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry (Shri C.R.Chaudhary) while answering unstarred questions in the Parliament regarding regulations governing e-commerce clearly stated that the "Activities of e-commerce companies inter alia involve the compliance of Shops and Establishment Act of the State concerned."[7]
Furthermore, The Reserve Bank of India has laid out Know Your Customer (KYC) guidelines - accounts of proprietary concerns[8] under which if a separate account in the name of the business is to be created for e-commerce transactions, a license under the Act would be a necessity. Thus, as most e-commerce entities have a payment gateway for their online store, RBI requires valid entity proof for the same via the Shops and Establishment license which will enable opening the account with ease.
Model laws, which are not legally binding, lay down policy guidelines that can be adopted by state governments either in the form approved by the centre or with changes. All shops and establishments not covered by the Factories Act 1948 will come under the purview of this model law but it will not be a mandatory provision for the country as a whole. Units employing 10 or more workers are proposed to be brought under this Act.[9] However, it is applicable only to retail stores.
The e-commerce regulatory space could have been better governed by unequivocally including e-commerce within the ambit of this Model Shops and Establishment Bill 2016 especially in the wake of e-commerce companies flouting labour laws as the concept of gig economy grows more popular. E-commerce companies have so far managed to present themselves as mere 'facilitators' or 'mediums' between online sellers and buyers with no physical establishment or labour obligations and archaic laws have enabled them to do so and make their own rules.[10]
A detailed analysis of the diverse provisions of the Act shows that the Act is a beneficial legislation that has been enacted to regulate the conditions of work of the employees. The welfare of the employee is a social need that cannot be denied.[11] Mandatory registration of e-commerce companies under the Act would certainly provide much-needed recourse for workers/employees not covered under the Factory Act 1948. It is pertinent to ensure that the loophole in the law is not exploited to evade registration under the Act in the absence of a traditional brick-and-mortar store with business conducted online through websites, especially in the era of e-commerce.
It is suggested that the courts take the lead and provide a purposive and beneficial interpretation of the Act so that the scope is expanded to include economic activities conducted even in the absence of any physical premises. As e-commerce is not defined in the central and state laws as a shop or establishment, it is about time that the legislature takes the first step to amend the Act to make it more inclusive especially in the wake of changing developments such as the one proposed by the government of Rajasthan.
The outdated labour laws are very much in need of an overhaul to effectively address the challenges and concerns posed by e-commerce. Bringing e-commerce under labours laws such as the Shops and Establishment Act is essential to ensure basic working conditions for employees.
[1] https://indiankanoon.org/doc/94032/
[2] New Delhi, 1974 II LLJ 21 (SC): 45 FJR 306: (1974) Lab IC 1004.
[3] https://indiankanoon.org/doc/82758442
[4] https://indiankanoon.org/doc/179165997/
[5]https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech-news/rajasthan-government-plans-to-bring-e-tailers-under-labour-laws/articleshow/48768448.cms
[6]https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/labour-pains-for-e-commerce-players-115081600604_1.html
[7] https://dpiit.gov.in/sites/default/files/lu288.pdf
[8] https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=5673&Mode=0
[9]https://www.livemint.com/Industry/SyrViFq1fakIAf4HiRGbWP/Four-more-states-may-adopt-model-law-allowing-shops-to-stay.html
[10] https://indianonlineseller.com/2015/07/ecommerce-firms-will-be-covered-under-shops-act-in-rajasthan
[11] https://indiankanoon.org/doc/715812/
Contributed by Abhilasha SG, Associate
King Stubb & Kasiva,
Advocates & Attorneys
New Delhi | Mumbai | Bangalore | Chennai | Hyderabad | Kochi | Kolkata
Tel: +91 11 41032969 | Email: info@ksandk.com


text:
Doctors and cops among 277 arrested in human trafficking, online prostitution sting in Florida
POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) - A week-long undercover sting targeting human trafficking and online prostitution in Polk County ended with 277 arrests that included doctors, pharmacists and law enforcement officers.
"That's the most we have ever arrested in the history of the sheriff's office," Sheriff Grady Judd said.
"Operation No Tricks, No Treats" started last Tuesday, October 10 and ran through Monday, October 16. During that time, undercover detectives posted fake ads or profiles online posing as prostitutes or someone who solicits prostitutes. Other detectives responded to profiles and ads posted by prostitutes.
According to the sheriff's office, 51 of the arrests were related to those who advertise as prostitutes online and 209 of the arrests were those who solicited undercover detectives posing as prostitutes. Seventeen arrests were made for other offenses.
Sheriff Judd identified some of the suspects arrested in the undercover operation as doctors and pharmacists, former and current law enforcement officers, a lawyer, two men who traveled to have sex with minors and two sex offenders.
These are some of the men arrested that the sheriff identified:
Cancer surgeon at Tampa General Hospital
Pediatrician at Health Care Alliance in Wesley Chapel
Teacher from Lake Academy
Active Colonel in the US Marine Corps
Air Force veteran
Retired Broward County deputy sheriff
Retired police officer from Birmingham, Alabama
The sheriff's office even caught one of their own. Former Sergeant Luis Diaz resigned from the force after 17 years.
"We are absolutely embarrassed," Sheriff Judd said. "We hold our own accountable. He messed up and no longer works for the Sherriff's Office."
Investigators say 215 suspects drove to Polk County from locations throughout Florida. Some were in the state visiting from Alabama, California, Delaware, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
"Welcome to Polk County," Judd said to them during his news conference.
Polk County detectives worked with detectives and investigators from Haines City police, Lakeland police, Lakes Wales police and Winter Haven police.
"We are committed to fighting human trafficking by arresting those who engage in prostitution and trying to identify human trafficking victims," Sheriff Judd said in an earlier news release. "It's no secret…you need to stay out of Polk County if you're going to commit crime."
Source: https://www.nbc4i.com/news/u-s-world/doctors-and-cops-among-277-arrested-in-human-trafficking-online-prostitution-sting-in-florida/1096287648?fbclid=IwAR1IH5wT2OYZ6CHTvK3pRafKv7shvegILi2-3XczsEEWlHCWRdAC5gsiKyk
Newer PostTBI: 22 Men Indicted in Brentwood Human Trafficking Operation
Older PostFBI Announces Results of Operation Cross Country XI
End Slavery TN


Leonie | Oy Vey - Ka Pai!
So this week John Campbell on Checkpoint has been doing a story on how low paid workers on a wage have not been paid for all the work they do. I felt compelled to write in to them about the culture in Libraries whereby the library closing time is the the same as the employees finishing time. This makes it impossible to ever go home at the time one is paid till. Eg: Till needs be done, customers who come at last minute are served, computers need to be shut down etc. They were interested in my story and the interview I had with Zac Flemming might be broadcast this evening.
I wanted to write this post about why I felt the need to bring this issue up. There are many pressing concerns that I have about many other issues. It has been a year since I left my job in the Library and have slowly been recovering from the devastating effect the restructure had on me. However, as it is now coming out with the hundreds of people from different work places bringing this issue to the media I felt it necessary to point out that it is happening for local government employees as well. To me this is a huge issue of the lowest paid workers being taken for granted and the absolute arrogance of employers. People need their jobs and over time a culture has developed whereby people are too afraid to speak out for fear of recriminations – with good reason too! So the employers get away with bullying and control over their workers. People understand without it being overtly said – although it HAS also been overtly said – that if you don't like it you can use the door.
Personally I've had a gutsful! That's why I am speaking up. The libraries are full of people who love their jobs and need their jobs, so working a bit extra here and there is just part and parcel. Its the culture. Its what you do to keep your job. I have never in my life begrudged working extra here and there precisely because I have always loved my jobs and therefor put 200% into them. NOW.. thats OK if, and only if, it is somehow acknowledged, recognized or something is given back in return. I'm sure there are those for whom this is the case. There ARE good and fair employers out there. My problem here is that the extra mile is being taken for granted.. it is expected and as I said if you don't do it you are looked upon as being somehow "difficult" or "not a team player" or a "trouble maker".
In conclusion I think the part that makes me the maddest is how scared perfectly intelligent sane rational hard working people are of speaking out about unfair practices. And further to this how management takes advantage of this culture. They who sit on their lovely salaries are far away from the coal face and the reality of low paid workers. Keeps alive an atmosphere of secrecy and fear. A never ending cycle. This is exactly how abuse happens in relationships.
I wonder how you and your colleagues in senior management are getting on. Are you OK? Are you sleeping well at night? Are you worried at all about how your steady income will be affected by the FFF changes? No, I didn't think so. I just thought I would let you know about some of the effects this is having on YOUR hard working colleagues at the coal face – although it sticks in my craw to say colleagues – as there is nothing collegial about how staff are being treated.
These colleagues of yours, I would like to remind you, are the very people who have made the libraries the heart and soul of their communities. It is not you and your team of "change analysts and consultants" spewing out wordy documents full of FTE's and number crunching equations. It is the staff at the coal face who have personal interactions with all sorts of people, helping them with issues to do with books but also a million and one other things.
I want to tell you, Mirla and co, about one memorable customer interaction.
A customer comes and sits down for a reference enquiry. As I am a trained counsellor one of my strengths is my ability to really listen even when there are many other things on my plate to do. We have always been taught to put the customer first, other jobs can wait. This customer tells me that she has just been diagnosed with a terminal illness and she is looking to empower herself by finding as much literature to inform herself about her condition. We sit for a long time – maybe 3/4 hour. I don't rush her. I order in a couple of relevant books and find some up to date articles and print them off for her. I also listen as she tells me a little about how she is doing. She thanks me at the end and asks how much that would be. I reply that it is $3.60 for the printing. She looks incredulous and says something like " you know I've been to quite a few medical specialists who have charged hundreds of dollars but I didn't get nearly as much as what you have given me". This is just one of a million examples of what staff are doing for customers.
Mirla, every single librarian, library assistant, casual, shelver will have many their own stories. I guess I gave you that personal example as I (foolishly and naively) have always expected that the way we treat our customers would be the way you – management would treat your staff ie with respect and compassion. How misguided I was.
What makes me so so sad about this process is that you now have these beautiful, hard working, compassionate people sick with worry, in tears and many times too intimidated by everything about this cruel process to stand up and fight. It broke my heart to see one of my colleagues the other day just a broken woman. I have watched her go from a proud, hard working, quiet, no nonsense person who more than anyone else I knew never complained, happily gave an excellent service to all customers, always kept abreast of changes and passed all knowledge onto everyone in the team. In short this is your ideal employee. She has gone from that to being depressed, hurt and angry finding it difficult to concentrate or enjoy anything else in her life.
So Mirla, really this letter is coming from my broken heart. Broken hearted that a group of people who work so hard and passionately could be treated in this way. You the creators and instigators of the flawed design and inhumane process of FFF SHOULD BE losing sleep with the knowledge of the huge toll this is having on your fellow workers.
Oh and one more thing while I'm writing to you. How condescending for you to say that those who have left do not want to be part of the future. I resigned from the job I love because I felt intimidated by the FFF process and because of the secrecy, lack of information and insecurity of not knowing if I had a job and what that job looks like and on what days, hours etc. I have worked extremely hard during my time at the library, I have also upskilled myself by learning Te Reo Maori for five years. I am definitely part of the future Mirla. It seems as though its you that can't keep good people around due to this diabolical process.
Going through the FFF Library restructure process has been like a grief process. I hear all the time the lament that "things will never be the same again" even for those who keep their jobs and also for customers. What is under estimated by senior management is that if it effects the staff then it WILL have a flow on effect to customers. This is because at the center of a library are people. Without people and relationships and community what is left?
It was the staff team that putting the heart and soul into my library. I had the good fortune to have worked with an amazing group of people. Library staff are underpaid for what they do so most people who do the work do it because they are passionate. There are the creatives – people who found things in op shops for programs, built amazing things and got family members involved. Much of this work was outside work hours and it helped to create magic. Our team worked well because we had people with different strengths. We had our own speciality interests and also helped each other out when needed. There was not a feeling of separateness between librarians or library assistants. Everyone pitched in and there was a feeling of more or less equality. How sad it is that something that works so well is being destroyed. We continually had good feedback from customers.
This is going to change. With the new organisational chart, positions have been carved up and new "specialist" positions created. Community librarian, events librarian, heritage librarian. I guess some people will get a nice new specialist position but of course they will likely need to spread themselves between a couple of libraries. I envision a split occurring between the "specialist" more senior positions and the library assistants and network library assistants who will have to work even harder to do the core work of serving customers, processing books, shelving. No one has mentioned the reduction in shelving hours. Who will pick up that slack? This group of people are already disadvantaged because having less hours and now they will have more work. Oh yeah! more for less – there you go.
Management constantly have said there are "opportunities" for staff with the new roles. Yes but only for some. It will not be a team effort any more as different people will be working at different places at different times. Customers wont have any certainty in seeing the people they have grown to know and trust over the years.
In short the heart and soul is being ripped out by FFF.
My career at the Library began as a volunteer. What a wonderful way to integrate into the community. A win-win. The library gets help with manpower and volunteers have a sense of being an important part of their community. I came to be a volunteer after a serious car accident which led to my being unable to continue with my previous career which was in the counselling/disability/mental health area. Truth is that I have found it hard to accept that I now have been the one needing help in these areas. Harder still has been the loss of confidence that I experienced.
I worked as a volunteer for about a year and loved every minute. With the amalgamation of the councils came some new processes, I secured temporary paid employment sorting the books to go to the other libraries. I did that for 6 months. Then I became a casual worker until I successfully got a part permanent role as a Library Assistant.
My contract was 2 days a week and when I could I would do extra hours. This suited me due to my ongoing health issues after the car accident. I made really good use of my time by deciding to learn Te reo Māori. See my Te Reo blog to read about my amazing journey.
Despite some ups and downs due to my health challenges I thrived and loved my Library work. I could utilize my counselling and advocacy skills and my strength of being patient with people and following through to the end with requests. Being slightly obsessive compulsive there is nothing I love more than shelving books, putting them in order, straightening, tidying. I also used my growing knowledge of Te reo Māori.
With the amalgamation there were some big changes happening. Centralizing human resources and other departments felt to me like a move away from a feeling of community. To me it seems like there is one set of principles and values for customers and another for staff. Lots of fabulous programs happening everywhere, happy customers, feedback always good – no, feedback always excellent! With the feedback about staff always the best. We loved hearing the feedback and it made us feel good but we never felt valued by management. In 6 years of employment I never met anyone from HR or is it People and Capability? I can't keep up with the name changes. I never saw senior management or HR people visiting us in the library. Shouldn't they do a shift of work out in a community library once in while to actually experience what we do?
Over time I found the culture more challenging. No-one dares speak up about anything for fear of losing their job! How ridiculous – this is across the board in our society. Also there is no support for vulnerable people. The strongest survive by "sucking it up" I never heard that term being used as much as when I worked in libraries.
Because I loved the job and was privileged to work with the most awesome bunch of both staff people and customers I hung in there. I tried my best to ignore the goings on in upper management. Till the FFF. I was dealing with quite a few personal challenges along the way but I knew this challenge was too big. I did try to talk to my branch managers and although they are supportive people who genuinely want the best for their staff, I don't think they are trained well enough in people management. I also tried to talk to someone on the "change team" and they were actually quite dismissive. "we don't know the answers to your question" This has has been the refrain throughout the process.
Knowing that my position and extra hours were going to be axed, not knowing what the new positions would look like, what hours, what days or where they would be. The unknown created too much anxiety in me. I need to know where I am and what I am doing so I can plan my time. The thought of going up against my colleagues was something that made me feel sick. Going to an interview to justify my existence without even knowing the details? – couldn't stomach it. And maybe above all, the lack of respect I felt throughout the process. Just FTE's not people.
The conclusion: The survival guide is that you need to be able to put your blinkers on, spew out all the jargon and spin that they want hear. I've never been good at that – There's no room for vulnerable people – maybe that was part of the plan – to get rid of the weakest. Basically I have left a job I was bloody good at and had lots to offer.
Looking back in my diary I see it was as early as May 2016 that we started to hear murmurings about some big changes ahead. I remember this because I had annual leave at the beginning of June and I asked my colleagues to keep me posted as I did not want to miss any announcements. Little did I realize that almost ONE YEAR later the process is still going on and that it would get a hell of a lot worse!
At the beginning we heard that cuts needed to be made and therefore there would be a restructure and part of that would result in less POSITIONS (FTE's ) at most Libraries. We also heard that it could involve people working across more Libraries. The "more for less" motto was alive and well from the get go. Being amazing, hard working flexible people that love our job we all groaned a bit and smiled and got on with the job.
Little by little we were fed messages from above. Most of them, to be honest, said absolutely nothing. They were I guess what you would call placating, big statements about how we were going to take Libraries into the new era (of digital) and they sounded like corporate speak. Every week or so we would receive such an email which meant the working party could start ticking boxes. This was known as consultation.
5F Please provide your feedback on the impact of the proposal on your position(s).
Well!!!! Throughout the whole process and even till today when the first round of positions have been sent out – there has NEVER been any detail about what the new positions will actually look like. Like which library, what days and how will the hours be spread out. There has never been any clarification about the "scheduling tool" How does it work etc. So in our feedback we were expected to comment without all the information. Yep: Box ticking.
Meanwhile the months rolled on. I must make mention here that since about the beginning of 2016 there had been been a hiring freeze so there had been quite a lot of natural attrition. Till now I would guess probably enough to make the savings needed – of course if you include the money that could have been saved not paying all the "change experts" and working groups etc.
Then the big proposed FFF document was released earlier this year. This is the point when I resigned. (More about my personal experience in part 2.) This document had proposed organisational charts showing how many and of what type – librarian, library assistant, network library assistant – there would be across each local board area. More questions were raised. Try as we may the questions did not get answered. We had road shows, we had a visit from the area manager, the PSA. NO ONE!!!!!! seemed to be able to answer our specific questions – namely what is my position going to look like? How will it work? No one had answers.
Then came the voluntary redundancies; 70 something. We did hear that some were not so voluntary.
The stress grew, the tensions grew. Staff could see that they would be competing against their colleagues and friends for positions. They started to try to do what they could to have more strings to their bow so they could write it on their CV. So much for "working as a team" Morale was very low – now even lower. And still the secrecy – "don't say anything to the public". We were reminded that we were still employed by Auckland Council and even if we are angry or distressed we needed to smile at the customers, fake it if necessary and not show what we are feeling and not say what we are thinking.
A CV writing workshop was organised (more $$$$) outsourced of course. People were literally told what to and not to write for better results. Only 2 pages, don't forget digital competency digital competency digital competency! No cover letter. Breeding ROBOTS! Even your CV isn't yours anymore.
Now the final draft with the positions has been released. For many the worst is realised : there are not enough positions that give enough hours for many to live on. My colleagues are besides themselves. They can't live on 20 or 22 hours. It's also causing terrible rifts and bad blood between previous friends as they scrap for the few available positions. And still… no-one knows what their position will look like. This is as nasty a process as I've seen in my working life.
To apply for a position you have to answer a series of questions: The first question is "What does Our Promise to Auckland mean to you?" Words cannot express what I feel about this question. Answer: Just parrot back their words. The second question is "How can you DEMONSTRATE your WILLINGNESS to work in an AGILE and FLEXIBLE environment?" ANSWER: I'll send my kids away, give up all extra curricular activities and despite the part time position not being enough to live on I won't get another job, I'll do anything at all so I can be available 24/7 at short notice with no overtime or allowances. Then "Why do you believe you are suitable for this position?" Answer: because I have been doing it for the last umpteem months/years. So I guess the job goes to whoever can best regurgitate the spin of the "Fit for the Future". It's become not about who you are as a person not about the amazing depth of experience you bring to your work, but how much you can parrot off what they want to hear.
What sums up this process of restructure for me is a lack of respect for the hard working, lowest paid front line people. These are the people affected most. I don't see senior management making any contribution whatsoever to the savings! I'm glad they have enough comfortable hours to make ends meet. They need to live in our shoes for a while.
Does NZ have a problem with anti-Māori racism?
Does NZ have a problem with anti-Māori racism? This question was asked at the time that New Plymouth mayor Andrew Judd has said he will not seek re-election after receiving abuse for campaigning for greater Māori representation in Taranaki. How sad.
What do I think? Yes we definitely have a problem. A complex problem that doesn't have any easy answers. Like Andrew Judd although to a lesser extent I have experienced quite a bit of racist comments when I have spoken to people about my learning Te Reo. The most common comment I get is "why would you want to learn Te Reo? Some from people genuinely interested in what motivates me – but many with a kind of derogatory tone.
My experience in NZ is that racist attitudes are common, not only towards Māori but to Pacific peoples, Asians, Muslims, people with disabilities to name few. People are scared of the unknown, scared of difference. Anything not like me is somehow wrong. The majority of people will band together in their own groups where they feel safe. Is it a tribal thing that groups are formed of your "own people" and then the aim is to convert, have power over or even go to war with the other tribe? The fear that somehow they (the other tribes) will jeopardize your way of living, take something from you, kill you..
The answer is definitely to have conversations. But people need to be ready for that and we in NZ are not quite ready. Māori are still fighting for their identity, for their rights to their language, their land. Many are still angry from the wounds of colonization. This wounding and anger can be intimidating for Pākehā/Tauiwi and can result in some of the negative attitudes. People who have chosen not to look more deeply into the devastating consequences of colonization can have the popular in NZ attitude " just get over it!" UNHELPFUL. Anyone with any serious problem will know that someone telling them to "just get over it" will only make them feel misunderstood and more defensive.
So, my answer has been to learn Te reo Māori and to experience tikanga in an immersion setting. I believe it is the only way to really have that conversation. I acknowledge that Māori have had to learn the ways of Pākehā and to make the relationship more equal and to deepen my understanding I chose to do this learning. What I was not expecting was that what I received back was infinitely more than what I put in. I have learnt so much (see some of my earlier posts) , not only about Te Ao Māori but about myself and my attitudes and I have also delved deeper into trying to work out my own complicated whakapapa and who I am…. not there yet.
Would people in France ask someone why they are learning French?
I have been learning te reo Mäori now for three years. I am of Jewish-German descent and grew up in Australia. I left at age 19 and my wanderings took me to Israel and then here to Aotearoa.
I have a tendency to throw myself headlong into whatever I do – it has been no exception with learning te reo Maori. At work, socially and just about everywhere I go I am outspoken about what I am doing. My close people think it's great that I am doing this and I am grateful for their support. Then there are the many random people that I talk to at work, neighbours and others I meet during day to day interactions. A few find it hard to cover up their racist views and some possibly think I am just plain crazy. ( I do live in a very white, right, middle class area.) The majority of people though will say something like "that's nice" (not really interested) and others ask "but why?", "what for?" and most will ask "what are you going to do with it?" My responses vary from short and sweet "Why not" to longer discussions if people want to know more.
I have been thinking about why so many people that I meet find it so curious and need to question me (or anyone) as to why I am learning an official language, the first language of our country. Ko te reo rangatira. Would people in France ask someone why they are learning French? We are in the Pacific and Mäori is a pacific language. It belongs here and the more I learn the more it feels so right for this place. As I have said before a culture cannot be really known until the language is known. Te ao Mäori has so much to offer. Apart from the reo being beautiful, poetic, spiritual and in tune with nature, the tikanga also has a deep and inherent wisdom. My hope is for it to be just a normal thing for all people to learn and speak Mäori.
Here's to a truly bi-cultural country! People who are bi-lingual do better, kids learn better. You can see things from different perspectives and be more compassionate towards differences. Make te reo Mäori compulsory in schools!!
Oy vey: I'm sounding like a politician.
Ka pai: Kua whakaputa ahau i täku whakaaro e pä ana ki tënei kaupapa.
So what's happening with my learning Te Reo Māori?
I guess I'm having a bit of a break. The level 4 class that I did in Manukau came to an end. Now I go on Tuesday evenings to the level 3 class to consolidate, practice and help where I can.
I've had a rough ride these last couple of months. My mental health has not been good. Few reasons I can think of – Its winter, went to visit my mother – always triggers emotions. Brother Chuck was there and his partner Stella which was great. However, I feel a great divide between me and my family. I am uncompromisingly anti-occupation – be it in Aotearoa or Palestine. In the eyes of my family and friends in Israel this makes me anti-Israel and therefore on the side of the enemy. I have felt a growing anger about the occupation for some years now, since I decided to read and educate myself on what exactly happened with the formation of the state of Israel. Anyway maybe I'll talk more about that sometime else but suffice to say that the current war in Israel/Palestine has effected me greatly.
I have been feeling somewhat disconnected from te ao Māori as well – Aotearoa/New Zealand seems quite schizophrenic to me – there are really 2 worlds here: a Pākehā world and a Māori world. Most of the time now I feel like I don't belong in either. Somehow, the learning of te reo Māori is still important to me – I am wanting to continue and have begun enrolment into Te Wānanga Aotearoa. I guess with my pain around what's happening in Israel/Palestine the learning of te reo is a way I can express my political viewpoint. The issue of the two worlds is such that I am learning te reo Māori and tikanga Māori in an immersion method – and can totally see that the language is inseparable from the culture.
Ko te Reo te tikanga, ko te tikanga te Reo. Is that a whakatauki? or did I just make that up?
What this means is that te reo Māori is an alive language embedded within a rich, spiritual culture and I love it, I feel comfortable with it. But I don't really have where to go with it – I go back to te ao Pākehā- to work etc and although I do my bits in Māori – colleagues are getting used to me greeting, speaking and singing bits of Māori through the work day. And occasionally I have been able to have some conversations with customers and friends in Māori.
Oy vey: I don't know which world I belong to.
Ka pai: I can bridge two worlds and see things from both perspectives.
I just found this saved in my documents from almost a year ago.
So Im still studying Te Reo Maori although it doesn't feel right to say that I am "studying".
It is really more that I am experiencing Tikanga Maori through immersion learning of Te Reo Maori. I feel extremely privileged, lucky to have found the group I am learning with. Loving, giving people.
A sentence I often hear from my esteemed Kaiako" its only you who stops yourself " Its so true, I question myself all the time, what are my motives? Well I guess everyone has motives for different things they do.
I've spoken before about my motives of wanting to belong, of learning a language to help my health issues, and my motives (political) of supporting the continuance of the first language of Aotearoa.
As I go on though I've had other thoughts, like it doesn't matter what my motive is, I'm loving it, I'm getting something from it so I'm doing it. I have spent a large part of my life trying to do what I think other people want from me in order to be accepted, be recognised, be appreciated.. Guess what?? It hasn't worked. I'm doing this because I want to – that feels good. But I can feel the old dynamics surfacing – still wanting some sort of recognition. Only I can give this to myself. I know it well but one thing to know it and another to not be dragged back when the going gets tough.
And as I go on I have felt its been a bit like a love affair – I get excited /and nervous before going to class, I feel quite elated when Im "IN" the immersion. Kei roto i te reo. Then I go down in mood afterwards as I wait till next class.
Oy vey: I have a pathetic track record for relationships.
Ka pai: This is different, hang in there. Kia kaha!
I'm half way through my third year of learning te reo Mäori. So, this year a couple us are doing the level 3 class again as tuakana (older siblings) as kind of helpers. We help by sitting with the new students and also by modelling the "ture" rules, the code of behaviour. This includes things like making sure everyone can go at their own speed regardless of their level of te reo. I must talk about this rule a little. It has been amazing experiencing a different model of learning to what we all know from school. In formal education there is a class of students and all are expected to reach a certain level of curriculum by a certain stage. In our classes it dosn't work like that. In reality everyone is different, coming in at a different level and with a different learning style and at different speeds. It is unrealistic to expect that people will be able to get to the same place at the same time. The way I see it, it is a vertical structure rather than horizontal. Students start at there own point and travel along at their own speed. In reality this calls for much patience in class – to respect others who are in a different place to you. A common behaviour that we don't encourage is helping someone else by telling them the answer. Unless they ask for help. A student must have the space to do it in their own time. We work in groups and mostly the groups are arranged by having people of similar levels in them.
For me personally this is a continuing learning curve. Two main reason. Firstly, my default position has always been that I am not good enough, can't get it right etc, so I can get very stressed and flustered if I feel like I SHOULD be doing something better etc. The pressure I put on myself is exactly that: pressure that I put on myself. I have to constantly remind myself that I'm ok as I am and I can go at my own speed and not like anyone else. Sounds easy enough but changing a lifelong tendency to feel like I have to please others, especially teachers, is hard going. Secondly, I do admit to having a tendency to jump in and "help" when I know something and someone else doesn't. We like to think of this as being "just trying to help" but in fact it can be just the opposite. I don't like seeing the discomfort and struggle in the other person and automatically try to relieve it. I remember how frustrated I felt in my first year – I even went home in tears sometimes!! I'm thankful to have this awareness of myself doing it as I am learning lots about myself as well as this reo ataahua.
Ngä mihi nui ki wënei akoranga.


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Home/Entertainment/MOVIE REVIEW: GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS
MOVIE REVIEW: GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS
Kevin Wozniak May 31, 2019 Entertainment, Movie Reviews Leave a comment
Godzilla: King of the Monsters is a film reminiscent of 90's summer blockbusters like Armageddon and Twister. It's a big, dumb, loud, chaotic mess with a lot of big name actors and a number of thrilling, visually stunning set pieces you can't help but love.
The title Godzilla: King of the Monsters implies that this is a Godzilla movie, which it only kind of is. This is as much a Godzilla movie as Captain America: Civil War was a Captain America movie. Sure, Captain America is in Civil War, but that movie is more of an Avengers movie than a Captain America movie. Godzilla is certainly in King of the Monsters, with more screen time than he had in Gareth Edwards' 2014 film, but this movie should have just been called King of the Monsters, as the film focuses on the rise of these new titan creatures that are coming to the Earth's surface like Godzilla. We get a slew of new monsters, such as Mothra, a giant, majestic moth, Rodan, who feels like Satan's version of a pterodactyl, and the three-headed nightmare, Ghidora, all of whom are awoken and reign chaos on Earth, whether they do it for good or for evil.
The monsters are simply glorious and watching them battle is something to behold. These battle sequences are the reason why big screens exist (seeing this movie in IMAX is essential). The scale of how big these monsters are and watching them shoot fire, lightning, or whatever other magical powers they have at each other while grappling and throwing each other around will have you wanting to stand up and cheer. The film runs at 130 minutes long and I genuinely wish that all 130 minutes were just these monsters beating the hell out of each other.
Unfortunately, there is another aspect that stops King of the Monsters from true glory: the humans. These characters are terrible in every sense of the word. First of all, there are so many characters in this movie that I genuinely don't know any of their names. None of them are developed and they all have terrible dialog and character motivations. These are characters that if they died, and a number of them do, you do not care less. Some characters died and I didn't realize it until a few scenes later. These are also some of the dumbest characters in recent film history, ranking right up there with everyone in the Jurassic World films. These are characters who would rather run towards the fighting than away from it. Characters who have no issue putting their face right up to a monster's face. Are we supposed to be surprised if they die or the monster goes off? No! You touched a prehistoric monster without knowing what it is going to do! That's what you get!
But, in classic blockbuster fashion, our main characters are the kind of characters who dodge danger by the inch, which happens too often that it gets to the point of annoying come the end of the film. As Godzilla and Ghidora reek havoc all over Boston, an odd choice to hold the film's final set piece, our main characters run amok through all the chaos and mayhem and not get stepped on by either monster or not get crushed by a demolished building or a flaming car. Hell, these characters don't even get debris in their eyes when a gigantic gust of wind blows in their face. I got some debris in my eye watching this movie in a theater, Lord help me if I was in a ravaged city with metal, glass, dust, and monster non-sense.
In a movie where all I want, and I assume most people want, is to see the biggest monsters beat the crap out of each other, the characters shouldn't matter and they really don't. The problem with these stupid, undeveloped characters is that they are all played by great actors who are wasting their talent and time, which was the same issue in Kong: Skull Island, the second film in this Monster Universe. With Oscar nominees Ken Watanabe, Sally Hawkins, David Strathairn, and Vera Farmiga (who deserves a special prize in this movie for "Worst Cinematic Mom of 2019"), Emmy nominees and winners Kyle Chandler, Millie Bobby Brown, Bradley Whitford, Thomas Middleditch, and Charles Dance (who might be the best character here and far and away gives the best performance), and up-and-comers like O'Shea Jackson Jr. and Anthony Ramos, this is as stacked of a cast as there is, yet they're all wasting their time reading terrible dialog. This is the kind of movie that would have been better with a lesser cast, where the main actors are more B-character actors because then we wouldn't have to see such talent being wasted.
Follow Kevin on Twitter and Instagram, @kevflix.
Criteria - 85%
Even with the human characters being horrible and take away from the overall monster rumble that is taking place before us, Godzilla: King of the Monsters pays off thanks to the insane, breathtaking, mindless battles amongst our monsters. Watching Godzilla, Ghidora, Rodan, Mothra, and other monsters go at it is exactly what you want in a summer blockbuster.
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Třebíč, South Moravia/Brussels, Dec 11 (ČTK) — Czech house owner František Ryneš, who complained against being fined for using a video recording that helped identify two men who broke his window, is not surprised that the EU Court of Justice today did not clearly side with him, he has told the Czech News Agency.
The Luxembourg court ruled that the directive on protection of personal data concerns also camera systems installed on private buildings and recording public space. However, the court said the Czech courts should take into account the owner's rightful interest in protecting property, health and life.
Ryneš said the court's advocate general Niilo Jaaskinen took a similar position in summer already.
The Luxembourg court said Czech courts should decide whether the owner's interest in property protection prevailed over the privacy of the perpetrator, based on the details of the case.
Ryneš produced the camera recording to prove the guilt of two vandals who broke a window of his house in Třebíč, but one of the vandals filed a complaint with the Czech Personal Data Protection Office against the making of the video recording, and the office imposed a fine on Třebíč.
He said the two men who broke the window were not punished.
Ryneš took the matter to court and his case finally got to the Supreme Administrative Court, which addressed the Luxembourg court, asking whether it considers the recording unlawful.
Ryneš said it needs to be said whether the right of the criminals prevails over the right of those who protect themselves against crime.
"I would like the Supreme Administrative Court to make this absolutely clear," he said.


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At the Children's Museum of the Arts young artists ages 10 months-15 years can see, make and share art.
cmany.org
Swordsmanship dates back as far as 3000 BC.
More About CMA
CMA launches several large-scale art exhibitions every year that features both established artists and children's work.
Plan a visit to the Children's Museum of the Arts or register your child for classes.
See more CMA videos on the NYXT website.
nyxt.nyc/cma
How to Resurrect a Wooly Mammoth
Youth: How to Resurrect a Wooly Mammoth
Quest For The Crown
Children's Museum of the Arts
CMA Kids tell a story of medieval magic about the quest for the crown.
http://cmany.org
At the Children's Museum of the Arts, young artists ages 10 months-15 years can see, make, and share art. CMA launches several large-scale art exhibitions every year that feature both established artists and children's work.
Don't miss the next event http://cmany.org
Share your photos with #children'smuseumofthearts
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Children's Museum of the Arts


On 23rd August 2018, Luxembourg's regulator, the CSSF, published a Circular 18/698 which set out to codify the organisation, substance and authorisation of Luxembourg investment fund managers. Amongst others the circular replaces Circular 12/546, which detailed the CSSF's expectations for UCITS managers and also served as the benchmark for AIFMs under the AIFM Directive.
The new Circular contains important guidance on what investment fund managers need to have in place to comply with AML/CTF legislation, including situations where distributors and Transfer Agents are appointed either by the Manager or by the Funds directly.
This approach to further clarify and summarise what is expected of a Luxembourg management company is very helpful according to Daniela Klasen-Martin, Managing Director and Country Head, Crestbridge Luxembourg, a leading independent administration, management and corporate governance solutions business.
"The Circular is a summary of practices that management companies were already doing in Luxembourg but which had not been formally set in writing; for example, the number of mandates that directors can have, which the CSSF has limited to 20 mandates.
"However, the regulator has clarified that if a promoter has multiple fund structures, a director can combine all of them into a single mandate. There is also an indication in terms of the number of hours a director can spend working for an AIFM, which is 1,920 professional hours per year," explains Klasen-Martin.
What the regulator is saying, in effect, is that a director to a Luxembourg management company needs to be full-time.
The Circular also stipulates what is expected of Senior Management (also known as Conducting Persons) with respect to their AIFM responsibilities. There is a EUR1.5 billion AUM threshold. Klasen-Martin says that if the management company has less than EUR1.5 billion it will require two Senior Managers, but the CSSF may accept that one can be located outside of Luxembourg and work there on a part-time basis, provided there is sufficient substance in Luxembourg to support the Senior Manager in their role.
Independent risk management is one of the core operations that Crestbridge provides as a third party AIFM to investment funds. It has a dedicated team of seven risk managers, as well as a dedicated team providing the oversight and governance function. "We also have valuation officers, who oversee the valuation function of some of the funds on our platform; although some funds use an independent valuation agent.
"What we really focus on is risk management, control and oversight; these are key aspects to an AIFM," emphasizes Klasen-Martin.
With the new substance requirements detailed in the Circular, the upshot is that it will take time and significant human resources for fund managers to set up their own Luxembourg AIFM.
Currently, we act as the external AIFM to approximately 50 investment funds. These include a range of European managers (UK, Germany, Italy) in addition to a number of managers from the US and Asia.
Article initially published in PrivateEquityWire. Republished with the authorisation of the author.


When the opportunity presented itself last week to take a spontaneous road trip to Eugene, Oregon for a day and a half, I hopped in the car and headed south. Fall is my favorite time of year in Eugene. It's a gorgeous place to watch the leaves change and being a college town, there's always a feeling of excitement when classes start up again for the year no matter how long it's been since you've been out of school.
About two hours from Portland, Eugene makes for a quick and easy getaway from the city. I used to live in Eugene not so long ago and wanted to share a few favorite places around town. This list is by no means exhaustive of all of the tasty eats, activities, and sights to see. Consider this part one of your city guide to Eugene, Oregon.
If it's cold and rainy, drive around Skinner's Butte to catch a glimpse at the beautiful autumn foliage in Eugene. Or feel collegiate as you stroll through the University of Oregon campus which doubles as an arboretum with over 3,000 trees. Be sure to check out the historic Hayward Field, home to the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Track and Field. After all, Eugene's nickname is "TrackTown USA." Then there's Hendricks Park, the City of Eugene's oldest city park filled with 200 year-old fir trees and a beautiful rhododendron garden. It's the perfect spot for wandering on a clear fall day.
We all have our favorite local coffee shops and mine in Eugene is Vero Espresso. Serving Stumptown Coffee out of a restored, bright yellow Victorian mansion (you can't miss it) on 14th and Pearl, Vero is a popular spot for Eugene locals. Unfortunately, the service can sometimes err on the side of apathetic, but you'll forget by the time your delicious, weekend-only breakfast sandwich arrives. Be early if you plan on reading or writing in the comfortable, communal seating area as it can fill up quickly with professors and upperclassmen preparing for their classes.
A warm roasted squash, goat cheese and gruyere brioche at Noisette Pastry Kitchen.
If you're in the mood to get away from it all, Noisette Pastry Kitchen is located on a quiet street in Downtown Eugene. Noisette offers a range of sweet and savory options as well as a macaron of the day at the register. Let it be known that I scarfed down a pain au chocolat before savoring a warm roasted squash, goat cheese, and gruyere brioche, and took two almond macarons filled with chocolate ganache for the road. There are too many good options at Noisette to choose from. It's the best kind of problem to have. Then there's the perennial favorite, Sweet Life Patissere. Should you truly want to treat yourself, Sweet Life is one of the best casual places to grab dessert and catch up with friends. Tucked away in the funky yet family-friendly Whiteaker neighborhood is cozy, and as the name implies, sweet. Their seasonal dessert selection is one of the best in town.
Being that Oregon is the best state in the U.S. for beer, it's no surprise that Eugene is home to a solid selection of local breweries. The Ninkasi tasting room is a top choice with a full lineup of Ninkasi classics alongside a rotating, seasonal tap list and a great outdoor patio. Other options include the always stellar Falling Sky Brew House & Gastro Pub or Oakshire. If you're pressed for time and can only make one beer oriented stop, I'd make it Bier Stein. With a rotating selection of over 30 beers fresh on tap, it's my favorite beer geek spot in town. You can even view the tap list in real time here. The new digs on 16th and Willamette have been seriously upgraded with a large electronic tap board and an impressive stock with over 1,000 local and international bottles. The food is beer hall-style approved and the staff is the perfect combination of friendly and knowledgable.
Planning a quick getaway to Eugene or have a favorite spot in town? More on the best restaurants, wineries, sights and entertainment are to come.


Freelancers are becoming increasingly popular as more businesses turn to them for their expertise and quick turnaround. However, working with freelancers comes with a new set of pros and cons while finding the right freelancer for the job requires a different level of selectiveness.
A freelancer is not an official employee thus your business is not obliged to cover taxes or work benefits.
Freelancers have low overheads since they provide their own expenses such as office space, supplies, computers, etc.
Hiring a freelancer allows you to focus on a specific skill required for the job.
With a freelancer, you are not tied into an employment contract per se. The length of the relationship depends on your business needs.
Working with freelancers often comes with a few disadvantages. Among these disadvantages is freelancer loyalty in which case a freelancer may leave your business after completing a specific task due to a new client that may pay a higher fee. Freelancers have multiple clients thus your business most probably won't get their undivided attention.
Another drawback involves copyrights whereby a freelancer has legal copyrights unless a contract or agreement is signed stipulating that upon completion all rights are transferred to your business.
Other disadvantages include lack of oversight since the freelancer works from the comfort of their home and companies are not able to directly supervise them.
When finding a freelancer, look at freelance job boards such as Upwork, Guru and PeoplePerHour, which provide a vast number of freelancers. Alternatively, you can also search social media or ask your social network for any recommendations.
A freelancer's profile will be a good indicator of their technical expertise and skills. In the interview process, establish the freelancer's skills in communication, availability, and reliability.
When hiring a freelancer request references or look at the freelancer's profile reviews. Request work samples where possible.
Since freelancers often have multiple clients, communication is king to a great working relationship. Be clear with deadlines, thescope of the work, and request regular updates. This will help keep the project on track.
Connect with your freelancer whether it is over video chat or other communication means.


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Home Afternoon Tea
Choose your Restaurant
Afternoon Tea at Fortnum's is Closed (For Now)
In line with current government restrictions, our restaurants and bars are temporarily closed until further notice.
We can't wait to welcome you back as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have a restaurant booking with us, it has automatically been cancelled.
Our book is open to take reservations from 2nd December! For the first time in The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon's history, we are offering a beautifully crafted Festive Afternoon Tea menu to make your seasonal celebrations with us extra-special.
View Our Festive Afternoon Tea Menu
OPENING TIMES FROM 3RD DECEMBER
Monday – Saturday 11am - 7pm
reservations@fortnumandmason.co.uk
about the tea salon
ABOUT THE DIAMOND JUBILEE TEA SALON
Read about some of the changes we've made to help keep us all safe. Find out more
Our Tea Salon has been a great many things for over 313 years. It began as an apartment for the Fortnum family, then became an interior decorating department in the 1920s and 1930s, and later an antiques department and a restaurant known as St. James's. Since 2012 it has paid homage to the timeless tradition of Afternoon Tea.
Epitomising the sophistication of Afternoon and High Tea in all its splendour, our Diamond Jubilee was named in honour of Her Majesty's visit in 2012, when she formally opened the room, in the company of their Royal Highnesses the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge. And today and every day, it is the perfect place for your Afternoon Tea party.
Fourth Floor, Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1A 1ER
Celebrating NormaliTea
With schools heading back in September, Fortnum's is here to bring some much-needed NormaliTea. With anniversaries to celebrate, memories to make and friends to catch up with, join us in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon for a Classic Afternoon Tea and we'll serve another to a member of your group for free throughout September. Terms apply.
Birthday Tea for Free
We know organising birthday celebrations can be a little hard at the moment, so this October and November we're putting the Happy back into Birthdays with 'Birthday Tea For Free'. Join us at Fortnum's for Afternoon Tea and for every guest in your booking with a birthday during the month you're dining in, we'll serve them a Birthday Afternoon Tea for free. Terms apply.
Give the Gift of Fortnum's
Gift an unforgettable visit to the best place for Afternoon Tea in London, our Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon.
Together for Tea
After nearly three months of virtual birthdays, housebound anniversaries and missing friends and family, it's time for some proper memory making. To celebrate, we've created Together for Tea - for every Afternoon Tea ordered in August at the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon and The Fortnum's Bar & Restaurant at The Royal Exchange, we'll serve another one to a member of your group, for free.
Christmas in Piccadilly
Piccadilly has been the heart of Fortnum's for centuries, and never is this more true than at this special time of year. With everything you need under one rather magnificent roof, we've made sure Christmas at Fortnum's is as joyful as ever, but just as importantly, safe.
More Bars & Restaurants
Feast at Fortnum's. Where food is just about as good as it can be.
Explore Our Restaurants
There's no place like our Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon to host a special occasion – from a much-needed catch up to a birthday surprise, even your wedding reception. Discover the endless possibilities for your event here, with three dedicated spaces - our North & South Salons, The Drawing Room and Tea Tasting Room.


It-teknikernas yrkesroll håller på att omstöpas. För den som vill ha kvar jobbet är det dags att börja anpassa sig till nya tider.
Hälften av kontorsarbetarna i Norden använder molntjänster i jobbet – utan att be it-avdelningen om lov.
Take a moment to think about it. The mobile market – hardware, software, apps, services, infrastructure – is expanding to just about every corner of the wold. And as mobile connects the entire planet – linking billions of people in real-time from almost any place you can imagine – it is re-constructing how people everywhere engage in shopping, banking, entertainment, work, healthcare and learning.
This isn't news, of course, mobile's momentum has been building for years. But when you consider some of the data released this year – and give it time to really sink in – the implications are staggering.
Figures published earlier this year from the UN's International Telecommunication Union (ITU), for example, reveal the amazing spread of mobile connectivity. According to the ITU's "facts and figures" publication, mobile penetration rates (pdf) are now about equal to the global population – including an 89% penetration rate in "developing countries," which currently have the highest mobile growth rates.
In other words, nearly everyone on the planet has a mobile phone – or will have one soon enough.
The ITU report also notes that "mobile broadband" subscriptions have grown from 278 million in 2007 – when the iPhone was first introduced – to 2.1 billion in 2013 – an annual growth rate of 40%.
While larger still in the developed world, since 2010, mobile broadband adoption has grown fastest in developing countries – with rates hitting 82% in Africa and 55% in the Arab states.
One stumbling block to universal mobile penetration, of course, remains cost – at least with respect to data connectivity. The price of the phones and smartphones have dropped in price significantly. Consider that Nokia releases its Asha 501 next month – for $99 or less (without being subsidized by a contract). The Asha 501's specs are surprisingly robust, although the device is initially designed only for 2G networks.
Android smartphone prices could go even lower. There are already numerous Android phones available in the developing world for less than $100 (off-contract). And venture capitalist Marc Andreessen recently told Bloomberg, expect $50 Android smartphones to be available this year.
Mobile broadband, though, is still relatively expensive in the developing world. As the ITU notes, whereas an "entry level mobile broadband plan" represents approximately 1-2% of per capita income in developed nations, in developing nations the cost ranges from 11-25% of per capita income." That said, mobile broadband is often cheaper than wired-broadband in developing countries.
If the ITU's numbers aren't enough to convince you that mobile is eating the world, look back just a bit farther.
At the end of 2012, Mary Meeker, an analyst with Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers, offered data on global Internet trends and the stunning rise of mobile was plain. There are already, she noted, more than 1 billion smartphone subscribers worldwide. In addition, since the fourth quarter of 2010, smartphone and tablet sales have exceeded PC sales – and the growth trends continue to favor these newer devices. Mobile devices now account for 13% of global Internet traffic – and rising.
If this keeps up, and all indications are that it's not going to stop any time soon, the global trend toward mobile will reach every corner of the globe and affect just about every aspect of our lives.
Av 22 viktiga områden som regeringen vill reda ut lägger Digitaliseringskommissionen extra kraft på fem stycken. – It i skolan är ett av områden där det behövs mycket åtgärder, säger kommissionens ordförande Jan Gulliksen.
Såväl lärare som elever har i högre grad dator i skolan nu jämfört med för tre år sedan.
Men elevernas it-användning består till stor del av att söka information på nätet och för att utföra skrivuppgifter. Det är fortfarande ovanligt att eleverna använder datorer på lektionerna i matematik och det syns inte heller någon tydlig ökning av it-användning i naturorienterande ämnen och teknik.
Det framgår av skolverkets rapport It-användning och it-kompetens i skolan som publicerades i april.


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India, Spain for resolving South China Sea disputes peacefully
Written by PTI on 1st June 2017
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Madrid, May 31 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish President Mariano Rajoy today stressed the importance of resolving the disputes in the strategic South China Sea in accordance with the universally recognised principles of international law, a statement that could anger China.
In a joint statement after their wide-ranging talks, the two leaders reiterated their commitment to the freedom of navigation and overflight and unimpeded commerce based on the principles of international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
They urged all parties to resolve disputes "through peaceful means without resorting to threat or use of force, exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities, and avoid unilateral actions that raise tensions."
Regarding the South China Sea, the two Heads of Government stressed the importance of resolving the disputes in accordance with the universally recognised principles of international law, including the UNCLOS.
While in Germany, Modi and Chancellor Angela Merkel had also touched upon the issue of freedom of navigation in international waters. However, the two leaders had not specifically mentioned the South China Sea issue.
"Both sides underlined the importance of freedom of navigation in international waters, the right of passage and other maritime rights and obligations in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and other principles of international law. Both Leaders attached particular importance to security, stability, connectivity and sustainable development of the blue economy in the Indian Ocean Region," a joint statement issued by India and Germany had said in Berlin.
China claims sovereignty over all of South China Sea.
Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Taiwan have counter claims.
China is engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in both the South China Sea and the East China Sea. Beijing has built up and militarised many of the islands and reefs it controls in the region.
Both areas are stated to be rich in minerals, oil and other natural resources. They are also vital to global trade.


Home Made Austin: Kerbey Lane Fall Menu is Here!
Kerbey Lane Fall Menu is Here!
Please note that I sampled these dishes as part of a Kerbey Lane Fall Menu Tasting. As always, all thoughts & opinions are honest & my own.
Even though it's still a toasty 90+ degrees most days in Austin, fall is on it's way. Soon(ish) we'll be able to go outside without melting, & my morning cup of hot coffee won't leave me blasting the AC in the car during my commute.
But, we don't have to wait for temps to dip below 80 to enjoy the Kerbey Lane Fall Menu. It's now available at all locations!
We recently ventured over to the South Lamar location to try a few Fall Menu items out. You need to get yourself to the nearest Kerbey Lane and try some of these Autumn-inspired goodies. We were so pleased with the everything we tasted!
We started out by sampling the Frito Pie, which was filled with Akaushi beef. Just like the Frito Pies you had at Friday night football games....but so much better. Akaushi beef, a Japenese Wagyu breed of cattle from HeartBrand Beef, is raised locally & featured throughout the Fall menu. You can really taste the quality. HeartBrand Beef is raised hormone & antibiotic free & their cattle are fed an all-natural, vegetarian diet.
We then moved on to the Texas Benedict. I always love trying the different Eggs Benedict that are part of the seasonal Kerbey Lane menus, but this guy may be my favorite version. Two huge pieces of sweet, thick cornbread topped with queso, pico, Akaushi steak, avocado & of course two perfectly poached eggs. It's decadent, delicious & all I could want in breakfast. A must-try.
Texas Street Tacos, again featuring Akaushi steak, were a great mix of flavors & textures. Warm corn tortillas are stuffed with steak, caramelized onions, tomato, bright cilantro & topped with queso fresco. A refreshing guacamole salad is served on the side....because what taco isn't made tastier with a little avocado?
Our final entree of the evening was a creamy, cozy Pork Belly Mac & Cheese. I was immediately enamored with how oozy, gooey, cheesy the mac & cheese was. If you think everything is better with a little more cheese (me!) you will be very happy. It reminded me of my Mom's cheesy macaroni. And that's a very good thing.
I loved the addition of pimentos & fresh parsley, it added a nice pop of brightness to the dish.


Just under the eaves of the Tokyo Kotsukaikan in Yurakucho is one of the loveliest markets the city has to offer, and one of the earliest I ventured to here when we first arrived. It was the first place I stumbled upon Kamakura Brand vegetables, which led me to the delightful edible treasure trove that is the Kamakura Market. It also opened my eyes to antenna shops that represent each prefecture's specialties. (See my 2013 article at Metropolis here about that clever phenomenon.) All of my sentimentality aside, this weekly market and its fifty to sixty vendors overflow with great things that will delight those looking for an interesting souvenir as well as those hoping to stock up on groceries.
Takashi Noguchi from Sakosenshokukoge in Ibaraki.
Cold winds guided me over to Takashi Noguchi from Sakosenshokukoge in Ibaraki who was on hand with some of the exquisite textiles from the weaver and dyer he works with there. The scarves, stoles, and other items were stunning pieces. Using mostly natural dyes such as indigo and sakura (cherry) wood, Akira Sako, the workshop owner then works his magic on the loom to create unique designs for these smaller items as well as kimono. Sako moved from Shinjuku to Senshokumura, a village famous for dyeing, and has been perfecting his craft for more than fifty years.
Tasty greens and more from Nagano Frais Marche.
Those hankering for fresh vegetables will also find plenty to satisfy even in winter. Growers from Nagano are well represented by Nagano Frais Marche, a cooperative retailer, whose table tempted with spicy arugula, spinach, and wasabina among others. For a complete meal set, canned wild boar was also for sale. (A farm pest due to its love of fresh grains and vegetables, wild boar is a favorite ingredient in Japanese curry and a game meat rural areas hope will capture the interest of taste buds everywhere.) Fresh walnuts along with a handful of dried fruits were also available.
Vendors from Aomori were on hand with apples fresh and dried, while another table groaned with fresh produce from Fukushima prefecture. The finds there included a bag of deep red beans similar to kintokimame (kidney beans). These go by the name sasagi and are a popular addition to rice. They add color but don't break up as easily as adzuki beans sometimes can.
Dressing Sisters beautiful array of products.
Dressing Sisters, a little company located in Machida, was also on hand with a complete selection of their delectable dressings. All handmade using organic ingredients from Kyushu, their table represents something a flavor party. Be prepared: it will be difficult to choose just one.
A lovey assortment of daikon. Pickles, anyone?
Directions: Turn left out of the station toward Tokyo Koku Kaikan and look for the fun under the overhang!


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When you stay at Buya Futhi Bed & Breakfast in St. Lucia, you'll be near the beach and 6 minutes by car from St Lucia Crocodile Centre. Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, laundry facilities, and a library. Free self parking is available onsite.
Located in Mossel Bay, 387 Bushbuck is a 1-minute drive from Pinnacle Point Beach and Golf Resort and 9 minutes from Diaz Beach.
Located in Knysna, Elalini Backpackers is within a 15-minute drive of Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve and Brenton on Sea. Free self parking is available onsite.
With a stay at Cliff Cottage in Hermanus (Westcliff), you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Whalehaven Winery and Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Free self parking is available onsite.
With a stay at Periwinkle Grove Cottage in Clarens, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Clarens Brewery and Richard Rennie Art Gallery. Free self parking is available onsite.
With a stay at Auberge Daniella in Franschhoek, you'll be a 5-minute walk from Dutch Reformed Church and 5 minutes by foot from Franschhoek Art House. Free self parking is available onsite.