text:
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ANIF Anti-Crisis Fund to invest in cargo transportation
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Yerevan -9	℃
Home | All news | Economics | World Bank supports improvements in education in Armenia
EconomicsTop
World Bank supports improvements in education in Armenia
Siranush Ghazanchyan Send an email March 14, 2014, 11:03
The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved a US$30 million financing for the Education Improvement Project in Armenia.The project will support the improvement of school readiness for children entering primary education and the physical conditions in upper-secondary schools. It will also promote greater links between higher education institutions and labor market in Armenia.
For over a decade the Government of Armenia has been pursuing reforms in the education sector targeted at strengthening the quality of education services delivered. These reforms include but are not limited to the development of the new national curriculum framework, standards, and syllabi for general education, extension of the general education system from grade 11 to 12, establishment of the Assessment and Testing Center (ATC) for enhanced capacity to assess student performance, and provision of universal access to internet to all schools in Armenia. The latter has considerably improved access and the quality of general education.
The new project will support improving the school readiness among those entering first grade by expanding preschool coverage in impoverished rural areas benefiting approximately 2,400 children per year. 17 high schools will be rehabilitated with enhanced construction and safety standards to benefit approximately 10,200 high school students in all regions. The rehabilitated high schools, would provide more appropriate teaching and learning environments to the students, including safer infrastructure, adequate ICT equipment and digital teaching and learning materials. The project activities will specifically cover vulnerable population including ethnic groups and disabled children.
"Establishing equitable and high-quality education system has been a corner stone of Armenia's education reforms in the past decade," says Jean-Michel Happi, World Bank Country Manager for Armenia. "This project will continue improving the relevance of educational services through accessible quality education at all levels, including for higher education, thus contributing to building country's human capital necessary to enhance the competitiveness of the economy."
The project will also support strengthening of the National Center of Education Technology for monitoring the school network and providing adequate ICT coverage and publicly available relevant and timely data to all educational institutions and to the society. The quality of general education would be also increased through the revisions and improvements in curriculum. This would indirectly benefit almost 370,000 students per year. The support for Tertiary Education through the envisioned mainstreaming of the Competitive Innovation Fund (CIF) would impact about 3,000 students annually, whose academic programs would be modernized and made more responsive to the needs of employers.
"The project will address the readiness to school of over 12,000 five year old children living in rural impoverished areas that lack preschool services," says Cristian Aedo, World Bank Task Team Leader of the project. "This will positively impact the poor population as it will improve the opportunities for children to be comparably successful at later stages of their education. The project will actively engage in activities that will boost the learning environment from full rehabilitation of 15 percent of high schools across the country to development of electronic content."
Over these years the Government has successfully increased the enrollment at preschool level along with pursuing reforms of higher education after joining the Bologna Process in 2005. To successfully complete the process, this project would be specifically focused on community-based pre-schools and enhancing enrollment rates in participating kindergartens and schools; the improvement in teaching and learning conditions in high schools; and curriculum revisions. The project will support the development of an integrated information system that will provide necessary data and analysis for policy making and recurrent improvement of general secondary and tertiary education. The proposed activities will also enhance partnerships between universities and the private sector for modernizing the higher education sector in Armenia.
Total financing of the project is US$37.5 million, of which US$7.5 million will be the Government's contribution. The World Bank will provide a US$15 million credit on standard blend IDA terms at a fixed interest rate of 1.25% per annum with a maturity of 25 years and a 5 year grace period, as well as a US$15 million IBRD loan of variable spread, with a 10 year grace period and the total repayment term of 25 yearrs.
Since joining the World Bankn in 1992 and IDA in 1993, the commitments to Armenia total approximately US$ 1,818.04 million.
Armenia World Bank
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Send2Press › Wire › Mat Ishbia News
Mat Ishbia News
News items related to Mat Ishbia as issued by the Send2Press Newswire service on behalf of the noted news source.
United Wholesale Mortgage Named a Top 25 Tech-Savvy Lender for Third Year in a Row
Tue, 27 Aug 2013, 19:33:49 EDT | From: United Wholesale Mortgage
TROY, Mich., Aug. 27, 2013 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM), a leading wholesale lender licensed in all 50 states, announced that Mortgage Technology magazine named the company to its Top 25 Tech-Savvy Lenders and Servicers list for the third year in a row. UWM says its technology is a key component to it being one of the fastest growing, most service-oriented wholesale lenders in the country.
United Wholesale Mortgage Announces a Program that Provides Free Mortgage Leads back to their Brokers
Thu, 25 Jul 2013, 07:00:20 EDT | From: United Wholesale Mortgage
TROY, Mich., July 25, 2013 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) announced that it has made available a free service designed to generate more business for its brokers. The service, dubbed UWM Connect, monitors borrower credit pulls for activity to funnel potential leads back to brokers that have previously completed deals with them.
United Wholesale Mortgage Introduces Escrow Advantage Program for Brokers
Tue, 02 Jul 2013, 17:29:05 EDT | From: United Wholesale Mortgage
TROY, Mich., July 2, 2013 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM), the fourth largest wholesale mortgage lender in the nation, announced that it rolled out a new program that gives brokers the option to waive escrows up to 90 percent LTV, with no M.I., on all conventional products in all states.
United Wholesale Mortgage Reports Huge Uptick in Originations for Q3
Fri, 19 Oct 2012, 18:09:34 EDT | From: United Wholesale Mortgage
BIRMINGHAM, Mich., Oct. 19, 2012 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM), a national wholesale mortgage lender operating in 49 states, announced that it grew its residential lending volume from $1.245 billion in Q2 to $2.019 billion in Q3, representing a 62 percent increase.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Although the Establishment and Household numbers moved in very different directions this month, viewed in context both show a significant downshift in 2017 from the last few years.
Yesterday I noted that if leisure and hospitality jobs had grown by their 12 month average of +27,000 in September vs. their actual -111,000, the September Establishment survey would have grown by a relatively weak 105,000 (yes I know it is more complicated than that, but it is a good K.I.S.S. estimate). Since in September 2016 jobs grew by +249,000, even with that hurricane adjusted estimate, YoY job growth would have decelerated to 1.3%.
In the past-WW2 era, typically late-cycle deceleration was accompanied by (and generally caused by) an increase in inflation and an increase in Fed interest rates to chase after it. The few times there were multiple YoY peaks in job growth (the 1960s, 1980s, and 1990s), the Fed engineered "soft landings" where it lowered rates after initial raises.
Per Tim Duy, who has a good record of Fed-watching, even in the absence of rising inflation, they seem bound and determined to raise rates again in December. A December rate hike shouldn't be enough to push the economy into a later recession, but it should put further downward pressure on job growth in 2018.


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Halo 4 Will Release In November 2012 on XBOX!!!
The countdown has begun for the landmark entertainment event millions of fans worldwide have been anticipating for more than four years. "Halo 4," the hotly anticipated sequel to the iconic franchise that has shaped entertainment history, will launch worldwide on Nov. 6, 2012. This is known as Election Day!
"Halo 4" marks the return of legendary hero Master Chief, named by Fast Company as "one of the most popular characters in gaming history,"1 and aims to set a new standard for blockbuster interactive entertainment with the launch. Set four years after the events in "Halo 3," Master Chief returns to confront his destiny and face an ancient evil that threatens the fate of the entire universe. Developed by 343 Industries, "Halo 4" marks a new beginning for the landmark entertainment franchise that has sold more than 40 million games worldwide and inspired multiple New York Times best-selling novels, live-action shorts, comic books, action figures and apparel.
"We are beginning a new saga with 'Halo 4' and embarking on a journey that will encompass the next decade of 'Halo' games and experiences," said Phil Spencer, corporate vice president of Microsoft Studios. "Millions of fans worldwide have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to step back into the boots of Master Chief, and, with 'Halo 4' leading the charge, we're confident 2012 will be the most successful year in Xbox history."
"Halo 3," the biggest consumer product launch of all time when it released in 2007,2 concluded the original game trilogy, but left many unanswered questions around the fates of the series' beloved hero, the Master Chief, and his artificial intelligence companion, Cortana. On Nov. 6, fans will experience the next chapter of the iconic franchise.
PRE-ORDER HALO 4
Check Out The Halo 4 Trailer Straight From E3!!!
This is What We Know About the XBOX ONE!!!
New 'Final Fantasy XV' Trailer Debuted at Tokyo Game Show!!!
EA Games Now Has Exclusive Rights to the 'Star Wars' Franchise!!
This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 18th, 2012 at 12:36 pm	and is filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
« Robert De Niro and Michael Douglas To Team Up For 'Hangover' type Comedy?!?!?
Bryan Reviews 'Queens of Country'!!! »
David Starsky:
It's 10 o'clock, you're late; I've been here since 8.
Ken Hutchinson:
8 o'clock? I didn't even know this place opened at 8.
Well, don't sweat it, 'cause ya know what? Crime called in sick, it's gonna get a late start too.
Crime called in sick, I like that...
Starsky & Hutch (2004) The Movie Quotes


Jerry Graham, the Greeneville Greene Devils boys soccer coach, was named the soccer coach for the girls program on Friday.
Jerry Graham, Greeneville's boys soccer coach, will also coach the girls soccer team, the school announced Friday.
"I feel privileged to have this opportunity to work with such a talented and committed group of athletes," Graham said in a statement. "I look forward to the challenge of continuing the tradition of excellence that has become Lady Devils Soccer."
Graham, who has led the Greene Devils to two straight Class AA state championships, replaces John Eiskamp, who retired as the Lady Greene Devils coach in January after 18 seasons and led the girls to two state championships. Graham has been the boys soccer coach since 2009.
"GHS is excited to have Jerry Graham take over as head women's soccer coach," Greeneville athletic director Brad Woolsey said in a statement. "Coach Graham has great qualifications and a great record of accomplishment both on and off the pitch."
Graham has led the Greene Devils to back-to-back state championships. Greeneville beat Page, 2-1, in the Class A/AA state championship in 2017 and, last season, Greeneville defeated Loudon 3-0 in the Class AA state championship.
The Lady Greene Devils haven't won a state championship since 2016, when Greeneville beat CPA, 2-1, in Class A/AA state. The Lady Greene Devils lost to Beech, the state champions, in the Class AA semifinals in October.
"We have the utmost confidence that Coach Graham is ready, willing and able to assume this added responsibility," Greeneville Principal Patrick Fraley said, "and keep moving the Lady Greene Devils forward toward continued success."


Rastelli Market Fresh is looking for an experienced receiver. We offer great benefits including Medical, PTO and a generous discount!
Check vendor partners in and out.
Ensure that all loss prevention policies and procedures are in effect at all times.
Responsible for maintaining all safety programs to ensure a safe work environment.
Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with vendors and all personnel.
Must possess the ability to apply on-the-job safety training to recognize and react to possible safety hazards on store premises. Also requires proper training and knowledge of the following equipment/procedures: hand jack, bailer, forklift, cutter, proper lifting techniques, proper scanning technique, hand truck, trash compactor.
Working conditions consist primarily of a temperature-controlled environment.
This job involves exposure to changing temperature and humidity (i.e. freezers, coolers and warehouse). Chemical cleaning agents, irritating or competing noises or other irritating substances, and working in areas with wet and slippery floors.
At Rastelli Market Fresh, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all employees and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability. Rastelli Market Fresh hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the position to be filled. Please send resume. No phone calls please.
Join our family and provide the highest quality meat products available to South Jersey!
The right candidate will provide prompt, efficient and friendly customer service. He or she will have the ability to recognize and cut all varieties of beef, pork, chicken, veal and lamb. Will handle food in a safe manner and ensure neatness of department. Grinds, cuts, slices and wraps all cuts of beef, lamb, veal, poultry. Rotates stock, stocks cases, and places product in the coolers and freezers.
Must be experienced in cutting and handling all types of fresh meats.
Knowledgeable of different cuts, meat types and grades.
Must have a minimum of 3-5 years of cutting experience in a fast paced environment.
Must be able to stand/wok for long hours in a refrigerated atmosphere.
For the love of great sushi! Looking for an experienced sushi chef to join our team. Will train the right candidate with previous food service experience in Asian cuisine.
General oversight of the food preparation process.
Responsible for filleting fish, following recipes and preparing items for the Sushi display case and customer orders.
Maintain the prepared Sushi display case at all times.
Ensure a positive company image by providing courteous, friendly, and efficient service to customers and team members.
3-5 Sushi making experience preferred.
Previous kitchen, culinary, restaurant, kitchen management, cooking or customer service experience required.
Bend and stoop to grasp objects.
Push and pull carts weighing up to 100 pounds.
Rastelli Market Fresh, Marlton, NJ is looking for a FT & PT delivery driver with a friendly, energetic personality. Must have a clean driving record. Apply in person at 710 Route 73 South, Marlton or respond to this ad. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.
At Rastelli Market Fresh, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all employees and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability. Rastelli Market Fresh hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the position to be filled.
As an employee at Rastelli Market Fresh, the Bakery Associate will assist the Bakery Department by wrapping, packaging, and pricing all products. Duties include maintaining presentable and adequately filled shelves and most importantly providing excellent customer service. Answers phones and takes special orders. Controls freshness by coding all products and pulling out of code merchandise daily.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an Associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this position, the Associate is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The Associate is required to stand for the majority of their shift and will frequently be required to walk or stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The Associate will occasionally be required to sit and climb or balance. The Associate must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move over 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
SUMMARY: As a member of our Deli Team, your role will include working in a fast paced environment in a well-established full service deli. You will provide courteous, friendly, and efficient customer service to customers and fellow associates.
DUTIES: - Give every customer immediate and undivided attention. Surpass their expectations with consistent, friendly service and delicious food. - Ensure a fresh and appealing display by keeping cases and clean and well stocked and properly rotated, while checking and ensuring freshness and quality of products. - Weighs, prices, and packages customer selections. - Prepares product behind the counter to customers' requests which will include slicing meats and cheeses and assisting in the adjoining bakery department. - Maintain accurate department signage and pricing. - Follow department procedures to maintain supplies, back stock and coolers and to track product transfers and spoilage. - Assist with sampling program by keeping sample areas full, clean, and appealing and by sampling products directly to customers. - Follow and comply with established procedures, including Weights and Measures, health and sanitation, and adhere to safe work practices. - Operate and sanitize all Deli equipment in a safe and proper manner. - This job posting is intended to describe the general requirements for the performance of this job. It is not a complete statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Other duties not listed here may be assigned by leadership.
At Rastelli Market Fresh, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability. Rastelli Market Fresh hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the position to be filled. No Phone calls please.
SUMMARY: Your role at Rastelli Market Fresh will include oversight of the food preparation process, creation of recipes and the selection of the items in the Prepared Foods case. Additionally you will maintain attractive Prepared Foods displays. You will ensure a positive company image by providing courteous, friendly, and efficient service to customers and team members.
Support the Kitchen Supervisor, Associate Team Leader and Chef/Cook with all kitchen functions. - Prepare Kitchen products according to recipes.
Responsible for completion of daily prep lists.
Know product availability, preparation, storage and nutritional aspects, and ensure the quality, palatability and presentation of all in-house production.
At Rastelli Market Fresh we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all team members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability. Rastelli Market Fresh hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the position to be filled. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.
Periodically change dishwater in dish machine.
Conduct general cleaning as directed.
The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop or kneel. The employee must frequently lift and/or move objects up to 15 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
We are seeking full time and part time applicants for a new bakery program to be established at our Deptford location. Onsite, we will produce scratch recipes and large quantity baking to facilitate needs for three properties.
Applicant will learn fundamental baking techniques and assist in developing a competitive list of baked goods produced for our retail locations. This list is to continuously progress to stay current for all trends and holiday needs.
Applicant is required to have 2+ years' experience working in a bakery or culinary (pastry) degree.
Applicant must be able to lift a 50lb bag of product and stand on his or her feet for a period of at least 8 hours per day.
We are seeking catering servers for farm to table events.
Set up of tables and buffet prior to event.
Knowledge of food and menu.
Serving food and drink to patrons.
Bending and standing for long periods of time.
Comfortable serving food and working with the public.
Energetic, able to work outdoors for long periods of time in weather condition such as heat, full sun, etc.
Must be hardworking, energetic, have a positive attitude and a pleasant disposition.
JOB DESCRIPTION: Your role at Rastelli Market Fresh will include oversight of the food preparation process, creation of recipes and the selection of the items in the Prepared Foods case. Additionally you will maintain attractive Prepared Foods displays. You will ensure a positive company image by providing courteous, friendly, and efficient service to customers and team members.
Surprise and delight the customers with consistent, delicious food.
Support the Kitchen Supervisor, Associate Team Leader and Chef/Cook with all kitchen functions.
Previous kitchen, culinary, deli, restaurant, kitchen management, cooking or customer service experience preferred.
Ability to learn basic knowledge of all products carried in the department. - Understand and communicate quality goals and ingredient information to customers.
At Rastelli Market Fresh we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all team members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability. Rastelli Market Fresh hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the position to be filled.


text:
The scattered vestige of the Fonte Orsina
Click here to zoom
In the southeast of the town, in between Località Podere Giardino and Muraltello, an area that in its toponym still conserves the memory of old traces, it is possible to trace the origin of the ancient compound. Through a path directly connected with the road to Orte, venturing into a field of thick vegetation, looking westward you can see an old ledge and, on the left, grass-covered, the old fount of Maerbale Orsini's garden. Further artistic proof of Maerbale's garden is scattered throughout the town of Penna in Teverina. To fully understand its grandeur, it is possible to see four travertine benches in close proximity to Palazzo Orsini. On top of those benches are now four busts portraying a maiden, a young man, a man and an old man, for this reason the name of "Benches of the Four Seasons". Another theory states that those figures were actual portraits of the Orsini family, specifically Giulia Farnese, his son Marzio, Vicino and Maerbale Orsini. Other traces of the Fonte Orsina are the two caryatids that stand as an ornament to Orsinis' estate, known as the "Mammalucchi", two allegorical figures made by Pino Logorio who created the Gardens of Villa D'Este in Tivoli and the sculputeres of the Sacred Grove, colloquially called Park of Monster, located in Bomarzo.They can be easily linked to the Orsinis because of the flattened rose engraved into the base of the sculptures.


text:
#include "MoreNeuronScene.h"
#include <cstdio>
#include <string>
#include <cassert>
#include <algorithm>
#include <random>
#include <iterator>
#include <ctime>
#include <cstdlib>
#include "Config.h"
#include "Crux.h"
#include "SimpleAudioEngine.h"
#include "GameOverScene.h"
#include "NeuronMenuScene.h"
//#include "ProtocolAds.h"
//#include "PluginManager.h"

#define SCREEN_COLS 12
#define SCREEN_ROWS 20

#define MAX_CRUX 6
#define RANDOM_INT(lenght) random()%lenght
#define RANDOM_INIT() srandom(time(NULL))
USING_NS_CC;
//using namespace cocos2d::plugin;

Scene* MoreNeuron::createScene() {
  auto scene = Scene::create();
  auto layer = MoreNeuron::create();
  scene->addChild(layer);
  return scene;
}

bool MoreNeuron::init() {
  if(!Layer::init()){
    return false;
  }

  //@todo aun no se leer desde carpeta de recursos
  //la otra alternativa podria ser un .plist
  RANDOM_INIT();
  _music_gallery.push_back(String::create("musica/mapa1.ogg"));
  _music_gallery.push_back(String::create("musica/mapa2.ogg"));
  _background_gallery.push_back(String::create("mapa/mapa1.png"));
  /* _background_gallery.push_back(String::create("mapa/mapa2.png"));
  _background_gallery.push_back(String::create("mapa/mapa3.png"));
  _background_gallery.push_back(String::create("mapa/mapa4.png"));
  _background_gallery.push_back(String::create("mapa/mapa5.png"));
  _background_gallery.push_back(String::create("mapa/mapa6.png"));*/
  _music_background = _music_gallery[RANDOM_INT(2)]->getCString();
  _effect_grab = String("objetos/agarre.ogg");
  _effect_drop = String("objetos/suelta.ogg");
  visibleSize = Director::getInstance()->getVisibleSize();
  origin = Director::getInstance()->getVisibleOrigin();

  cellWidth = visibleSize.width/SCREEN_COLS;
  cellHeight = visibleSize.height/SCREEN_ROWS;
  CCLog("VisibleSize: %f %f", visibleSize.width, visibleSize.height);
  CCLog("cellWithInit:%d", cellWidth);
  _time_elapsed = 0;
  board_crux.setCellWidth(cellWidth);
  board_crux.setCellHeight(cellHeight);
  board_crux.setGrid(SIZE_OF_CRUX);
  board_game_crux.setCellWidth(cellWidth);
  board_game_crux.setCellHeight(cellHeight);
  board_game_crux.setGrid(SIZE_OF_CRUX);
  selected_crux = NULL;
  _finished = false;
  //font
  _timer = LabelTTF::create("00", "Serif", 60);
  //@todo esto es ubicado a ojo
  this->addChild(_timer, 99999);
  _timer->setPosition(Point(visibleSize.width - _timer->getContentSize().width * 1.3 + origin.x, visibleSize.height/2 + origin.y + _timer->getContentSize().height));
  //background
  theme = createRandomTheme();

  Sprite* bg = Sprite::create(theme->bg_path);
  bg->setPosition(Point(visibleSize.width/2 + origin.x, visibleSize.height/2 + origin.y));
  bg->setScaleX(visibleSize.width/bg->getContentSize().width);
  bg->setScaleY(visibleSize.height/bg->getContentSize().height);
  this->addChild(bg);
  Sprite* logo = Sprite::create(theme->logo_path);
  logo->setPosition(Point(visibleSize.width + origin.x - logo->getContentSize().width/2, visibleSize.height/2 + origin.y));
  this->addChild(logo, 999);
  Sprite* middle = Sprite::create(theme->middle_path);
  this->addChild(middle);
  if(BigScreen){
    middle->setPosition(Point(middle->getContentSize().width/2 + origin.x,visibleSize.height/2 + origin.y - 70));
  }else{
    middle->setPosition(Point(middle->getContentSize().width/2 + origin.x,visibleSize.height/2 + origin.y - 40));
  }
  auto endGameItem = MenuItemImage::create(
				 "botones/salir.png",
				 "botones/salir_off.png",
				 CC_CALLBACK_1(MoreNeuron::closeGame, this)
				 );
  endGameItem->setPosition(Point(visibleSize.width - endGameItem->getContentSize().width/2 + origin.x, endGameItem->getContentSize().height/2 + origin.y));
  auto menu = Menu::create(endGameItem, NULL);

  menu->setPosition(Point::ZERO);
  this->addChild(menu, 9999);

  initializePerlas();
  initializeCruxs();
  translateFromCruxBoard(Point(0,1), Point(0,0));
  translateFromCruxBoardGame(Point(0,0), Point(0,1));

  auto dispatcher = Director::getInstance()->getEventDispatcher();
  //auto listener = EventListenerTouchOneByOne::create();
  _listener = EventListenerTouchOneByOne::create();
  _listener->onTouchBegan = CC_CALLBACK_2(MoreNeuron::onTouchBegan, this);
  _listener->onTouchMoved = CC_CALLBACK_2(MoreNeuron::onTouchMoved, this);
  _listener->onTouchEnded = CC_CALLBACK_2(MoreNeuron::onTouchEnded, this);

  dispatcher->addEventListenerWithSceneGraphPriority(_listener, this);
  CocosDenshion::SimpleAudioEngine::sharedEngine()->playBackgroundMusic(_music_background.getCString(), true);
  this->schedule(schedule_selector(MoreNeuron::updateClock), 1.5f);

  //Ads
  //_admob = dynamic_cast<ProtocolAds*>(PluginManager::getInstance()->loadPlugin("AdsAdmob"));
  //TAdsDeveloperInfo devInfo;
  //devInfo["AdmobID"] = ADMOB_ID_ANDROID;
  //_admob->configDeveloperInfo(devInfo);
  //_admob->setAdsListener(this);
  //_admob->setDebugMode(false);
  //_posAdmob = ProtocolAds::kPosBottom;
  // init the AdsInfo
  //adInfo["AdmobType"] = "1";
  //adInfo["AdmobSizeEnum"] = "1";
  //_admob->showAds(adInfo,  ProtocolAds::kPosBottom);
  //_admob->hideAds(adInfo);
  return true;
}

Sprite* MoreNeuron::createSpriteRandomBackground() {
  //return Sprite::create(_background_gallery[RANDOM_INT(6)]->getCString());
  return Sprite::create(_background_gallery[0]->getCString());
}

void MoreNeuron::initializePerlas() {
  SpriteFrameCache::sharedSpriteFrameCache()->addSpriteFramesWithFile("objetos/perlas.plist");
}

void MoreNeuron::initializeCruxs() {
  for(int cy = 0; cy < SIZE_OF_CRUX; cy++) {
    for(int cx = 0; cx < SIZE_OF_CRUX; cx++) {
      Crux* crux = Crux::create();

      if(!crux->init()){
	CCLog("Can't add crux\n");
      }
      board_crux.addCrux(Point(cy, cx), crux);

      _cruxs_board[cy][cx] = NULL;
    }
  }
  //conecta cruxes
  for(int cy = 0; cy < SIZE_OF_CRUX; cy++) {
    for(int cx = 0; cx < SIZE_OF_CRUX; cx++) {
      int top = cy - 1;
      if(top < 0) top = 0;
      int bottom = cy + 1;
      if(bottom >= SIZE_OF_CRUX - 1) bottom = SIZE_OF_CRUX - 1;
      int left = cx - 1;
      if(left < 0) left = 0;
      int right = cx + 1;
      if(right >= SIZE_OF_CRUX - 1) right = SIZE_OF_CRUX - 1;
      board_crux.connectCruxToCrux(Point(cx, cy), Point(cx, top));
      board_crux.connectCruxToCrux(Point(cx, cy), Point(cx, bottom));
      board_crux.connectCruxToCrux(Point(cx, cy), Point(left, cy));
      board_crux.connectCruxToCrux(Point(cx, cy), Point(right, cy));
    }
  }
  assert(board_crux.cruxAllConected() == true);
  //revuelve cruxces
  while(board_crux.cruxAllConected()) {
    for(int cy = 0; cy < SIZE_OF_CRUX; cy++) {
      RANDOM_INIT();
      for(int cx = 0; cx < SIZE_OF_CRUX; cx++) {
	int nx = 0;
	int ny = 0;
	do{
	  nx = RANDOM_INT(SIZE_OF_CRUX);
	}while(nx < cx);
	do{
	  ny = RANDOM_INT(SIZE_OF_CRUX);
	}while(ny < cy);
	if(nx == SIZE_OF_CRUX) nx = SIZE_OF_CRUX - 1;
	if(ny == SIZE_OF_CRUX) ny = SIZE_OF_CRUX - 1;
	board_crux.transposeCrux(Point(cx, cy), Point(nx, ny));
      }
    }
  }
    //assert(board_crux.cruxAllConected() == false);

  for(int cy = 0; cy < SIZE_OF_CRUX; cy++) {
    for(int cx = 0; cx < SIZE_OF_CRUX; cx++) {
      Sprite* bg_game = Sprite::create(theme->slot_holder_path.c_str());
      Point pos = board_game_crux.GridToXY(Point(cx, cy));
      board_game_crux.getNode()->addChild(bg_game, -10);
      bg_game->setAnchorPoint(Point(0,0));
      bg_game->setPosition(pos);

      Sprite* bg_holder = Sprite::create(theme->slot_game_path.c_str());
      pos = board_crux.GridToXY(Point(cx, cy));
      board_crux.getNode()->addChild(bg_holder, -10);
      bg_holder->setAnchorPoint(Point(0,0));
      bg_holder->setPosition(pos);

    }
  }

  if(BigScreen){
    board_crux.getNode()->setPosition(Point(0, visibleSize.height/2 - 100));
    board_game_crux.getNode()->setPosition(Point(0, -100));
  }else{
    board_crux.getNode()->setPosition(Point(0, visibleSize.height/2 - 60));
    board_game_crux.getNode()->setPosition(Point(0, -60));
  }
  this->addChild(board_crux.getNode());
  this->addChild(board_game_crux.getNode());
}

/**
 *Transla crux de placeholder a juego
 */
bool MoreNeuron::translateFromCruxBoard(Point pos, Point pos_game) {
  if(board_crux.getCrux(pos) == NULL) {
    return false;
  }
  if(board_game_crux.getCrux(pos_game) != NULL) {
    return false;
  }

  Crux* crux = board_crux.translateCrux(pos);
  board_game_crux.addCrux(pos_game, crux);
  return true;
}

/**
 *Transla crux desde juego a placeholder
 */
bool MoreNeuron::translateFromCruxBoardGame(Point pos, Point pos_crux) {
  if(board_crux.getCrux(pos_crux) != NULL) return false;
  if(board_game_crux.getCrux(pos) == NULL) return false;

  Crux* crux = board_game_crux.translateCrux(pos);
  board_crux.addCrux(pos_crux, crux);
  return true;
}

bool MoreNeuron::onTouchBegan(Touch* touch, Event* event) {
  if(_finished) {
    //VUELVE A EMPEZAR SI TOCA PANTALLA
    //Ads Cierre
    if(!BigScreen){
      ADMOB_NEURON_HIDE;
    }
    Scene* newScene = TransitionFade::create(0.7, MoreNeuron::createScene());
    Director::sharedDirector()->replaceScene(newScene);
    return false;
  }

  Point tap = touch->getLocation();
  CCLog("Touch began %f %f \n", tap.x, tap.y);
  CCLog("Board Placeholder %f %f\n", board_crux.getNode()->getPosition().x, board_crux.getNode()->getPosition().y);
  Point base = tap - board_crux.getNode()->getPosition();
  Point base_game = tap - board_game_crux.getNode()->getPosition();
  if(selected_crux) {

    if(selected_crux->boundingBox().containsPoint(tap)) {
      return true;
    }
  }

  //esta arriba
  if(tap.y > visibleSize.height/2) {
    for(int y = 0; y < board_crux.getGrid(); y++) {
      for(int x = 0; x < board_crux.getGrid(); x++) {
	const Crux *crux = board_crux.getCrux(Point(x,y));
	if(crux) {
	  if(crux->boundingBox().containsPoint(base)){
	    CCLog("Take from board placeholder\n");

	    selected_crux = board_crux.translateCrux(Point(x,y));
	    selected_crux_begin_grid = Point(x,y);
	    selected_crux_board = &board_crux;
	    tap.x -= selected_crux->getContentSize().width/2;
	    tap.y -= selected_crux->getContentSize().height/2;
	    selected_crux->setPosition(tap);
	    this->addChild(selected_crux);
	    CocosDenshion::SimpleAudioEngine::sharedEngine()->playEffect(_effect_grab.getCString());
	    return true;
	  }
	}
      }
    }
  }else{ //abajo
    for(int y = 0; y < board_game_crux.getGrid(); y++) {
      for(int x = 0; x < board_game_crux.getGrid(); x++) {
	const Crux *crux = board_game_crux.getCrux(Point(x,y));
	if(crux) {
	  if(crux->boundingBox().containsPoint(base_game)){
	    CCLog("Take from board placeholder\n");

	    selected_crux = board_game_crux.translateCrux(Point(x,y));
	    selected_crux_begin_grid = Point(x,y);
	    selected_crux_board = &board_game_crux;
	    tap.x -= selected_crux->getContentSize().width/2;
	    tap.y -= selected_crux->getContentSize().height/2;
	    selected_crux->setPosition(tap);
	    this->addChild(selected_crux);
	    CocosDenshion::SimpleAudioEngine::sharedEngine()->playEffect(_effect_grab.getCString());
	    return true;
	  }
	}
      }
    }
  }
  CCLog("Board realtive placeholder %f %f\n", base.x, base.y);
  return true;
}

void MoreNeuron::onTouchMoved(Touch* touch, Event* event) {
  //CCLog("TouchMoved\n");
  Point tap = touch->getLocation();
  if(selected_crux) {
    tap.x -= selected_crux->getContentSize().width/2;
    tap.y -= selected_crux->getContentSize().height/2;
    selected_crux->setPosition(tap);
  }
}
void MoreNeuron::onTouchEnded(Touch* touch, Event* event) {
  CCLog("TouchEnded\n");
  Point tap = touch->getLocation();
  Point base_board_game_crux =  board_game_crux.getNode()->getPosition();
  Point base_board_crux =  board_crux.getNode()->getPosition();
  if(selected_crux) {
    //arriba tablero
    if(tap.y > visibleSize.height/2) {
      Point tap_selected_crux = selected_crux->getPosition() - base_board_crux;
      Point near = board_crux.getNearPlaceXY(tap_selected_crux, cellWidth);
      Point neargrid = board_crux.XYToGrid(near);
      selected_crux->retain();
      selected_crux->removeFromParent();
      if(near == Point(-1, -1) || !board_crux.addCrux(board_crux.XYToGrid(near), selected_crux)){
	selected_crux_board->addCrux(selected_crux_begin_grid, selected_crux);
      }
    }else{ //abajo tablero
      CCLog("game");
      Point tap_selected_crux = selected_crux->getPosition() - base_board_game_crux;
      Point near = board_game_crux.getNearPlaceXY(tap_selected_crux, cellWidth);
      Point neargrid = board_game_crux.XYToGrid(near);
      selected_crux->retain();
      selected_crux->removeFromParent();
      if(near == Point(-1, -1) || !board_game_crux.addCrux(board_crux.XYToGrid(near), selected_crux)) {
	selected_crux_board->addCrux(selected_crux_begin_grid, selected_crux);
      }
    }
    CocosDenshion::SimpleAudioEngine::sharedEngine()->playEffect(_effect_drop.getCString());
  }

  if(board_game_crux.cruxAllConected() && !_finished) {
    _finished = true;
    this->onGameComplete();
  }

  selected_crux = NULL; //en algun lado debia haber quedado pero no flotando
}

void MoreNeuron::showMenu() {
  stopAllActions();
  unscheduleAllSelectors();
  removeFromParentAndCleanup(true);
  CocosDenshion::SimpleAudioEngine::sharedEngine()->stopBackgroundMusic(true);
  Scene* gameOver = TransitionFade::create(0.7, NeuronMenu::createScene());
  Director::sharedDirector()->replaceScene(gameOver);
}

void MoreNeuron::onGameComplete() {
  CCLog("Muy bien lo has conseguido");
  Layer* bg_credits = Layer::create();

  if(Layer::init()) {
    Sprite* bg_img = Sprite::create("mapa/fondo_fin.png");
    int last_y_item = 0;
    bg_img->setPosition(Point(visibleSize.width/2, visibleSize.height/2));
    bg_credits->addChild(bg_img);
    LabelTTF* thanks = LabelTTF::create("Thanks for playing", "ThonburiBold", 50);
    bg_credits->addChild(thanks);
    last_y_item = visibleSize.height/2 + thanks->getContentSize().height*5 + origin.y;
    thanks->setPosition(Point(visibleSize.width/2 + origin.x, last_y_item));

    LabelTTF* the_last_score = LabelTTF::create("Last Time", "Serif", 45);
    bg_credits->addChild(the_last_score);
    last_y_item -= the_last_score->getContentSize().height + 5;
    the_last_score->setPosition(Point(visibleSize.width/2 + origin.x, last_y_item));

    int last_score = UserDefault::sharedUserDefault()->getIntegerForKey("last_time", 999);
    char buff[80]; sprintf(buff, "%d", last_score);
    LabelTTF* lb_last_score = LabelTTF::create(buff, "Serif", 40);
    bg_credits->addChild(lb_last_score);
    last_y_item -= lb_last_score->getContentSize().height+ 5;
    lb_last_score->setPosition(Point(visibleSize.width/2 + origin.x, last_y_item));
    if(_time_elapsed < last_score) {
      UserDefault::sharedUserDefault()->setIntegerForKey("last_time", _time_elapsed);
      LabelTTF* the_new_score = LabelTTF::create("!!New Time!!", "ThonburiBold", 50);
      the_new_score->setFontFillColor(Color3B(255, 255, 0));
      bg_credits->addChild(the_new_score);
      last_y_item -= the_new_score->getContentSize().height + 10;
      the_new_score->setPosition(Point(visibleSize.width/2 + origin.x, last_y_item));

      char buff[80];
      sprintf(buff, "%d", _time_elapsed);
      LabelTTF* new_score = LabelTTF::create(buff, "ThonburiBold", 40);
      bg_credits->addChild(new_score);
      last_y_item -= new_score->getContentSize().height + 5;
      new_score->setPosition(Point(visibleSize.width/2 + origin.x, last_y_item));
    }
    //bg_credits->runAction(Sequence::create(FadeIn::create(1.0f), DelayTime::create(3.0f), FadeOut::create(1.0f), CallFunc::create(CC_CALLBACK_0(MoreNeuron::showMenu, this)), NULL));
    this->addChild(bg_credits, 99);
    ADMOB_NEURON_SHOW_TOP;
    //Ads
    //_admob->showAds(adInfo, _posAdmob);
  }
}

void MoreNeuron::menuCloseCallback(Object* pSender) {
}

bool MoreNeuron::isTouchEnabled() {
  return true;
}

void MoreNeuron::onExit() {
  CCLog("MORENEURON EXIT");
}

void MoreNeuron::updateClock(float dt) {
  if(_finished) return;
  _time_elapsed++;
  auto value = String::createWithFormat("%02i", _time_elapsed);
  _timer->setString(value->getCString());
}

void MoreNeuron::closeGame(Object* pSender) {
 //VOLVIENDO AL MENU
  ADMOB_NEURON_SHOW;
  //ADMOB_NEURON_LOAD;
 /* if (_admob != NULL)
    {
      _admob->hideAds(adInfo);
      PluginManager::getInstance()->unloadPlugin("AdsAdmob");
      _admob = NULL;
      }*/
  stopAllActions();
  unscheduleAllSelectors();
  removeFromParentAndCleanup(true);
  CocosDenshion::SimpleAudioEngine::sharedEngine()->stopBackgroundMusic(true);
  Scene* newScene = TransitionFade::create(0.7, NeuronMenu::createScene());
  Director::sharedDirector()->replaceScene(newScene);
}

MoreNeuronBG* MoreNeuron::createRandomTheme() {
  int pos = RANDOM_INT(4);
  return MoreNeuronBG::create(pos);
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Q: python:AttributeError: 'float' object has no attribute 'math' I am writing a very simple python script. But it gives me some error. Below is the script:
RS is list of some numbers like 0.4486449
co_D = []
for z in RS:
    t = 1.0 + z # set t = 1 + z
    y = 1.80502*t - 0.51058*math.pow(t,2) + 0.087877*math.pow(t,3) - 0.0088272*math.pow(t,4) + 0.0004744.math.pow(t,5) - 0.000010515*math.pow(t,6)
    D = (y - 1.3739537) * 4282.7429
    co_D.append(D)

And then it says "AttributeError: 'float' object has no attribute 'math'
"
How do I correct it to avoid such errors?

A: You managed to replace a * with a . here:
0.0004744.math.pow(t,5)
#        ^

This is one of the reasons the Python style guide recommends you put spaces around operators; to make this more easily spottable.
The corrected line would be:
y = (
    1.80502 * t -
    0.51058 * math.pow(t, 2) +
    0.087877 * math.pow(t, 3) -
    0.0088272 * math.pow(t, 4) +
    0.0004744 * math.pow(t, 5) -
    0.000010515 * math.pow(t, 6))

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Tim Mullaney
Opinion: Trump's weak speech won't sell tax 'reform'
By Tim Mullaney
Published: Aug 31, 2017 2:58 p.m. ET
18 paragraphs on corporate tax cuts, one or two about the middle class
Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images
Donald Trump reads his misleading and tone-deaf speech on tax cuts.
TimMullaney
Donald Trump's kickoff speech for his tax-reform drive was notable — mostly — for the way the president went into a familiar rally-like setting and droned through a speech he read off a teleprompter. But the content wasn't much better — unoriginal, mostly wrong, and probably as bad politically as it was bad economics.
It's getting harder and harder to see how this year's flavor of tax reform is a political winner — a problem for a stock market that has baked big benefits from corporate tax cuts into share prices already.
Trump's speech shows why: Instead of a rousing populist argument for corporate cuts, a tough one for even a political master, he tried to make the same trickle-down case used to sell big personal tax cuts in 2001 and 1981.
Which is both not true and not consistent with a political moment when Trump's party just faceplanted while trying to take health insurance from 22 million people to pay for a tax cut for the richest. And 2017 isn't 1986, when high consumer confidence corresponded with 63% approval ratings for President Ronald Reagan when his bipartisan tax reform bill passed, giving him political juice Trump lacks.
"We cannot restore our wealth if we continue to put our businesses at such a tremendous disadvantage," Trump said. "We must reduce the tax rate on American businesses so they keep jobs in America, create jobs in America, and compete for workers right here in America."
The problems with this pitch are myriad.
Reagan's 1986 reform wasn't about prompting short-term growth — it was about prompting long-term rationality, relative simplicity and fairness. It actually didn't boost growth, or middle-class incomes, which fell in the 1990 recession.
There's not much indication that the bill being written now will meet even the goals of fairness and simplicity, let alone stimulus.
First problem: The bar Trump set was that lower corporate tax rates, even with fewer deductions, will set off an investment boom that will raise ordinary folks' standard of living.
There's a long history of the business community insisting that embedding its self-interest in policy will unlock investment, only to see it not happen. Only about a quarter of companies whose CEOs were on the board of the Business Roundtable boosted investment in the two years after the Budget Control Act passed and the fiscal cliff of 2012-13 was resolved. We checked.
We know a corporate tax cut focused on repatriating profits held abroad will get spent mostly on stock buybacks. About three-fourths of foreign profits brought home by U.S. corporations during a tax holiday under George W. Bush went to retire shares. That does nothing for workers; no buyback ever built a factory.
Second, the bill as we're hearing about it wouldn't even do much for fairness and simplicity.
As Trump said, the main goal is to reduce the 35% corporate tax rate to as low as 15% by closing loopholes — but many ways to pay for it involve taking deductions away from individuals. Indications from anonymously sourced news reports are that the proposal may eliminate federal deductions for state and local taxes paid, cap the deductibility of mortgage interest, and limit or eliminate up-front deductibility of IRA contributions.
Look at the list of tax loopholes from the congressional Joint Committee on Taxation: Most large ones are personal-tax breaks, from employer-provided health insurance not counting as income to the mortgage and local-tax breaks, and deductibility of retirement-plan contributions. Those four alone cost $400 billion-plus yearly, the JCT says.
As bank robber Willie Sutton was quoted as saying about banks (but actually didn't), you go to personal deductions because that is where the money is. In 1986, money to cut top personal rates came partly from raising capital gains taxes 40%. Imagine Paul Ryan's reaction to reprising that.
At the same time, today's negotiators — all Republicans — want to abolish the estate tax, which only applies to estates bigger than $11 million per married couple. As Trump's aide Gary Cohn reportedly said, the tax is so easy to avoid legally already that only morons pay it, but morons cough up $19 billion yearly.
So, it looks as if the upper-middle class from the Northeast and West Coast (who use mortgage and state-and-local-tax deductions) will pay for most of a corporate and estate tax cut, with impact on truly middle-class folks unclear. Maybe there will be offsetting benefits like lower tax rates on middling incomes, but it's hard to know until we see the actual bill. Yesterday, Trump devoted one full paragraph to cutting personal taxes, and parts of a few others. This speech was about corporate taxes, with all else an afterthought. So is the "reform."
Call this year's approach what you may economically, but politically it's nuts. Imagine if Trump's populist hero Andrew Jackson had advocated for the Bank of the United States, which Jackson actually refused to recharter and essentially killed, saying it was a tool for New York plutocrats.
Or recall this year's health-care debate, with Democrats filleting GOPers as clueless tools of the rich. Unless yet-unreported benefits for middle-class taxpayers are large indeed, just hit playback and listen to what's coming.
Martin Feldstein: Tax reform will spur more economic growth
Henry Aaron: Tax reform is doomed to fail this year
Tim Mullaney is a commentary writer who covers the economy and corporate news.


text:
home > news > Environment > Toyota Reveals bZ3, Teases Another Electric Hatchback
Toyota Reveals bZ3, Teases Another Electric Hatchback
While bZ3 is China-Bound, a mysterious new model could come to the U.S.
Toyota officially unveiled its second long-range battery-electric vehicle — but that's small comfort for American buyers looking for an electric sedan as the bZ3 is specifically targeted at the Chinese market.
Toyota's newest member of the bZ line-up, the bZ3, is headed to China — and not the U.S.
But the automaker may have something of a consolation prize coming. It's now released a teaser image showing a similarly sized all-electric hatchback that, according to several sources, should be coming to the U.S. market in the not-too-distant future.
What seems clear is that Toyota is intent on countering critics who feel it has been too slow to get into the emerging EV market. As TheDetroitBureau.com reported earlier this week, the Japanese automaker is in the midst of an internal study that could lead to major changes in its electrification program.
Taking aim at Tesla
The bZ3 model heading to China appears aimed at the likes of the Tesla Model 3. It's being produced as part of a joint venture pairing Toyota with two local manufacturers: First Automobile Works and Build Your Dreams, the latter better known by its initials, BYD.
The second Toyota EV shares the same, skateboard-like architecture as the bZ4X crossover that went on sale earlier this year. (That e-TNGA platform will be used for a wide variety of all-electric Toyota models, at least under the electrification program CEO Akio Toyoda announced last December.)
The new bZ3 offers plenty of interior room and is similar in size to the bZ4X crossover sold in the U.S.
According to Toyota, the bZ3 will be capable of delivering "600+ kilometers" of range, or 370 miles, per charge. That's a significant number considering it's powered by lithium iron phosphate batteries which tend to deliver less range than the lithium-ion cells found in the original bZ4X. The crossover model is rated at just 250 miles.
The bZ3 is lighter and more aerodynamic, and it's offered only with a single motor. But the estimated range is also based on the global WLTP standard. Were it to come to the U.S., it likely would get an EPA rating of about 300 miles.
Significantly, Toyota estimates the new model will retain 90% of its range "even after 10 years."
The automaker has not yet released powertrain details — though the lack of the "X" designator in the model name suggests it will be offered only with a single electric motor.
The flat floor that comes with the e-TNGA skateboard allows for more interior room.
The bZ3 measures about 186 inches in length, with a 113.4-inch wheelbase. It stands 58.1 inches in height and has a width of 72.2 inches. That's comparable to the bZ4X in every dimension but height, the electric sedan sitting about a foot lower.
Like the bZ4X, the new bZ3 features a lounge-like interior design that takes advantage of the e-TNGA layout — which moves batteries and motors below the load floor. It has a class-larger interior than its compact footprint might suggest, as well as a flat load floor.
Mystery EV teased
The decision to focus on only the Chinese market doesn't come as a complete surprise. China remains one of the few places where sedans still have real traction with buyers.
The EV shown in the new teaser image is another matter entirely. It's hard to tell from the dark pic whether this would fall into the coupe-crossover or hatchback category. Either way, it should have a broader global appeal.
Toyota's new bZ models may be getting a third vehicle for the line-up.
There's no easy way of determining the size of the new model but it does appear to adopt some distinctive exterior design details meant to give it a sportier appearance than either the bZ4X or bZ3.
What's curious is that this model did not appear among the 16 EV prototypes Toyota revealed during CEO Toyoda's presentation last December.
Toyota rethinks its electrification strategy
But it appears the automaker's electrification program is undergoing some serious changes.
Toyoda, the grandson of Toyota's founder, has long been an EV skeptic, repeatedly stressing his belief that the best way to address automotive emissions is with a mix of hybrids, battery-electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles.
But that has generated significant pushback from environmental groups like Greenpeace, as well as from some large investors.
Reuters this week reported that a secret study is underway within the company that could lead to significant changes in Toyota's approach to electrification. One possibility would be speeding up the shift to all-electric propulsion. But the project, reportedly led by former Chief Competitive Officer Shigeki Terashi. Is also looking for ways to reduce EV production costs to help make the technology more competitive.


text:
Vax 2 the Max: Third round of prospective winners are from Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Roswell and Las Cruces
KOB Web Staff
Created: July 16, 2021 01:08 PM
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Four people were randomly selected Monday in the state's Vax 2 the Max Sweepstakes.
The third round of prospective winners are residents of Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Roswell and Las Cruces.
After each winner is verified, their names will be made public, and they will receive $250,000. The state will contact the winners, who have three days to come forward.
The state said 553,750 vaccinated New Mexicans opted in to the sweepstakes for the third drawing.
The chances to win the third drawing were:
Northwest: 1 in 329,274
Northeast: 1 in 101,821
Southwest: 1 in 85,030
Southeast: 1 in 37,625
Non-winning entries will be carried over to each successive drawing. People who didn't sign up for the third drawing can still sign up for future drawings.
The next drawing is scheduled for July 23, follwed by another drawing on July 30.
A grand prize drawing of $5 million is scheduled for early August.
Vax 2 the Max: Find out how winners are selected, when they will be contacted


Managing denials continues to be a thorn in the side of just about every healthcare organization. Traditional approaches to denial management treat the symptom rather than the underlying causes – and the back-and-forth with payers can lead to frustration on both sides rather than the spirit of collaboration that will only become more critical under shared-risk models.
A key strategy for denial management actually comes from the clinical side of healthcare, where the focus is rapidly shifting from reactively treating the sick to proactively keeping patients and populations healthy – aka, value-based care. You may have heard a little something about that.
Essentially, it boils down to the old Ben Franklin axiom that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In other words, you don't have to fix problems if you don't allow those problems to happen in the first place.
This same principle can (and should) be applied to denial management. The numbers certainly bear this out. Statistically, 2 out of every 3 denials are recoverable, and 90% are preventable. You don't have to be a math whiz to see the tremendous power of denials avoidance.
By doing a better job of moving further upstream to address denials – rather than leaving it all to the back-office – hospitals and health systems can dramatically improve both net patient revenue and cash flow. They can also reduce their costs, as fewer denials mean less rework, resources, and time devoted to appealing and recovering denied claims.
Let's take a closer look at these to see how doing a better, more thorough job on the front end can help preempt denials so providers can get paid faster, and in full, the first time around.
Billing for an ineligible or non-covered service is fairly common, as is not realizing prior authorization was required. In fact, ineligibility alone accounts for up to 75% of denials and rejections. Payer rules are often extremely complex, and hospitals and health systems work with a multitude of payers and plans – each of which has its own unique clauses, coding and billing nuances, and carve-outs. What is covered under one plan may not be covered under another – and depending on the procedure, there may even be more granular differences based on patient medical history or secondary insurance.
The good news is nearly all eligibility-related information can be identified and confirmed prior to the time of service – simply by leveraging effective and accurate patient eligibility verification technology.
Even if the full information isn't verified before the patient arrives, it can be quickly and accurately confirmed or amended as part of the check-in process once the patient presents on the day of service. The result is the patient knows what to expect – and the provider can optimize the likelihood of the most accurate and up-to-date information heading downstream to coders, billers, documentation specialists, and others involved in RCM workflows.
One day, when the bulk of hospital and health-system services are reimbursed in the form of bundled payments, managed care, or other shared-risk models, this won't be such an issue. But we're not quite there yet.
Managers and staff need to be aware of what shared-risk agreements they have, and how those affect billing and reimbursement. Because each contract is different, the process of verifying this information one contract and one patient at a time can be complex and time-consuming. Yet this pain point can be addressed with intelligent automation and more sophisticated, continuously updated claims-management technology – software that learns as it processes, and applies those learnings across all claims.
Specifically, the right technology can simplify this process by automatically comparing the services and coverage to determine whether they are included in one of the organization's contracts or should be submitted separately. By reducing these types of denials up front, the organization can then focus more of its denial management on claims that can be effectively appealed with a greater propensity for payment and a higher return on investment from a hospital resource and revenue perspective.
While some services may appear at first glance to be covered, there could be language that limits coverage solely to cases where there is a demonstrated medical necessity. Or there could be a requirement for specific clinical documentation, or coverage only under limited clinical scenarios, or requirement of documented attempt of more conservative therapy first. There could also be specific frequency limitations – what's covered one time (or several times) might not be covered the next. This is an important caveat to understand – both that it exists at all, and the fact that there are detailed terms or conditions that qualify the service as a medical necessity and approved course of care.
The right technology can alert the staff and/or provider to the existence of this conditional approval, along with details about what qualifies as medical necessity, facilitating a determination made ahead of time on whether it will be covered. The provider knows. The patient knows. And they can discuss it together.
This is one of those simple mistakes that can create a huge headache later on – and growing denial management backlog. Something as basic as a typo in a name or inputting the wrong address can cause a claim denial, creating more work and delays on the back end. The nature of this problem is a compelling reason to submit claims electronically through RCM software with built-in scrubs, automation, and edits. The software will accurately auto-populate key information, eliminating the need to re-key it each time and reducing the instances of human error. If the information is correct in the database, it will be correct in the form – and when there are discrepancies, the software can automatically correct the outdated information and/or bring the issue to the right person's attention at the right time.
A sound technology solution will also highlight missing information and prevent claims from being submitted until corrections are made. More advanced technologies will even compare the claim to a vast database of similar claims that have been denied – helping providers avoid known problem areas (such as coding errors) and suggesting appropriate alternatives that will help accelerate full reimbursement.
This has been a growing area of concern in the last few years. Medicare and Medicaid dual-eligibles, patients with supplemental health insurance, and differences in payer response time can all create issues – and lead to lost revenue if timely filing requirements can't be met.
The right technology can help determine not only which patients have more than one form of coverage, but also the proper primary and secondary order in which to submit their claims to create the smoothest path to payment.
Remember that 90% of all denials are preventable. By taking a page from the clinical world and moving your efforts upstream, you can prevent rather than treat the "disease" – and you can keep your revenue cycle, and indeed your entire organization, financially healthier. Denials avoidance is the most cost-effective approach to denial management, and it translates to more time and resources devoted to serving the healthcare needs of the community.


Sensors and Transducers journal is indexed and abstracted very quickly by Chemical Abstracts, EBSCO Publishing, ProQuest Science Journals, Index Copernicus Journals Master List (ICV=6.04), Open J-Gate, Google Scholar, Scirus, etc. Since 2011 Sensors & Transducers journal is covered and indexed (including a Scopus, Embase, Engineering Village and Reaxys) in Elsevier products.
Prof. Sergey Y. Yurish at editor@sensorsportal.com. Guest editors for special issues are welcome.


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Missions of the Church
Presbyterian Women's Groups
Community Use of the Building
Ruling Elders
Commitees
Every Member Commitment Committee
Personnel Committee
The Reverend Laurena Marie Wickham Will
Pastor Emeritus - Reverend Thomas T. Patterson
Director of Music – Edward Martin
Administrative Assistant – Debbie Massia
Sexton – Vernon H. Williams
Treasurer – Jana Norris
Bell Choir – Chris Riorden
Treasurer - Alaynna Wright
Bookkeeper – Marjorie Sherman
Office Greeter: Sophia
Live Church
Tom served as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Ogdensburg for 34 years, from 1966-2000. He received his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College and his Master's in Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary. Under his leadership the church participated in many ecumenical endeavors, including the first ever wedding in an Ogdensburg Protestant Church where a Catholic priest participated. The church saw its endowment grow from $50,000 to $500,000 during Tom's tenure. Planned Parenthood was invited to operate within the church and later in the building next door once the church purchased that property and the building was erected. The installation of an elevator for handicapped access and the addition housing Ruth's Room were major building improvements made while Tom was pastor.
Tom has been committed to the Ogdensburg community as well as the First Presbyterian Church for many years. He has served on a variety of boards including the hospital, hospital Foundation, school district, Boys and Girls Club, City Charter Commission and Hospice. He is an enthusiastic skier and loves snowy winters. He also enjoys canoeing, kayaking and living on the St. Lawrence River. He is happy to be in Ogdensburg during retirement, among many long time friends and colleagues. Between them Tom and his wife Lin have 5 children and 7 grandchildren.
As seen through the eyes of an 11 year old skier this winter Tom is "awesome". A young neighbor says he is very smart and "old school" guy with life lessons to teach the young. What more could anyone ask for than that?
The church is pleased that Tom and his wife Lynn have remained active in the life of the congregation, they are certainly an important part of not only this history but of the present church family.
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Trent Palm
Trent has been working at Viking Building Products since 2015. He specializes in off grade, closeouts, and surplus building materials.
Trent attended the University of Minnesota Duluth, where he won an NCAA National Hockey Championship in 2011 while playing for the Bulldogs. Trent graduated in 2010 with a degree in Business and a Master's degree in Education. Born and raised in the Twin Cities – Trent enjoys golf and spending time on the lake.
Contact Trent Palm:
(800) 733-3801 Trent@VikingBuildingProducts.com
We offer great deals on truckloads of a variety of building products. Contact Us
Kris@VikingBuildingProducts.com


text:
1301.0 - Year Book Australia, 2007
Governor-General launches ABS Year Book Australia (Media Release)
Year Book Australia 2007- media story-lines (Media Release)
Contents >> Transport >> Transport equipment
TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT
REGISTERED MOTOR VEHICLES
There were 13.5 mill. motor vehicles (excluding motor cycles, tractors, plant and equipment, caravans and trailers) registered in Australia at 31 March 2005 (table 22.24). This represents an increase of 2.8% since 31 March 2004. Approximately eight out of every ten vehicles are passenger vehicles. Table 22.25 shows registered motor vehicles by state or territory of registration. New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland are the states with the largest number of vehicles with 30%, 26% and 20% of the total vehicle fleet respectively.
22.24 REGISTERED MOTOR VEHICLES - 31 March
census years
vehicles(a)
Non-freight
Total(b)
(a) Includes campervans.
(b) Excludes motor cycles, tractors, plant and equipment, caravans and trailers.
Source: Motor Vehicle Census, 31 March 2005 (9309.0).
22.25 REGISTERED MOTOR VEHICLES - 31 March 2005
Source: Motor Vehicle Census, Australia, 31 March 2005 (9309.0).
The average age of the Australian motor vehicle fleet at 31 March 2005 was 10 years (table 22.26). Tasmania recorded the highest average age (12 years) while New South Wales and the Northern Territory recorded the lowest average age (9 years). Of the different vehicle types, campervans had the oldest average age (19 years), while motorcycles recorded the lowest (10 years).
22.26 ESTIMATED AVERAGE AGE OF THE VEHICLE FLEET(a) - 31 March 2005
State/territory of registration
Aust.
Light rigid trucks
Heavy rigid trucks
Articulated trucks
Non-freight carrying trucks
(b)9.0
(a) Excludes plant and equipment, caravans and trailers.
(b) Year of manufacture is not well reported for South Australian motor cycles. In 2005 it was not reported for 16.4% of motor cycles registered in South Australia.
The number of motor vehicles registered per person in Australia in 2005 was 686 per 1,000 persons. Western Australia had the most registered vehicles per person in 2005, with 763 per 1,000 persons (graph 22.27).
Shipping fleet
The Australian merchant trading fleet increased from 74 ships in 2003 to 82 ships in 2004 (table 22.28). Deadweight tonnes has fallen from 2.14 mill. tonnes in 2003 to 2.05 mill. tonnes in 2004, while gross tonnage remained at 1.6 mill. tonnes.
22.28 AUSTRALIAN TRADING FLEET - 30 JUNE
Ships no.
Deadweight(a) tonnes
Gross tonnage(b) tonnes
(a) Weight that a vessel can carry, including cargo, bunkers, water and stores.
(b) Measure of the internal capacity of a ship (in tonnes) that is available within the hull and enclosed spaces for cargo, stores, passenger and crew.
Source: Bureau of Transport and Regional Economics.
Aircraft fleet
There were 12,536 aircraft in the Australian Civil Aircraft Register at 31 December 2005, including 9,787 aeroplanes and 1,291 helicopters (graph 22.29).
This page last updated 16 January 2008


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Small Travel BookSkaryna, Frantsysk, near 1522
Printing on paper; Size: 15×10,5×6,5 cm Purchased in 2016 from a Belarusian private collector
Published in Vilna; fullness of this specimen - 18 from 25 books
The Small Travel Book, which was printed by Francysk Skaryna in Vilnius around 1522, is considered to be the first book published in the territory of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania that comprised Belarusian lands. Today the only copy of this book in Belarus is kept in the corporate collection of Belgazprombank.
The Small Travel Book represents collected church books of small size (22 books collected under one cover) with services for each day of the week. They were intended for believers who were travelling and, according to researchers, for itinerant monks as well, to enable them celebrate a monastery service. The books are decorated with unique engravings, headpieces and initial letters. 9 books have afterwords written by Skaryna himself.
Around 1520 Francysk Skaryna arrived in Vilnius and, with the support of burgomaster Jakub Babič, published the Small Travel Book around 1522 and the Apostol in 1525. It is assumed that Skaryna's printing house in Vilnius was situated in a building at 19 Didžioji St., where a memorial plaque dedicated to the Belarusian printing pioneer is installed.
There is a consensus among researchers of Skaryna's activity that constituent parts of the Small Travel Book are separate editions because each of them has its own foliation (pagination) and most of them have their own title pages. Thus, F. Skaryna printed at least 23 books in Vilnius: the Psalter, the Book of Hours, 18 akathists and canons, the Hexameron, the Triodion and the Apostol.
No full copies of the Small Travel Book survived. The most complete copies are kept in the Russian National Library in St. Petersburg (22 books), the corporate collection of Belgazprombank in Minsk and the Royal Library in Copenhagen (18 books in each).
Apart from the copy from the corporate collection of Belgazprombank, engravings 'The Baptism of Our Lord' and 'Christ Teaching Judaic Religious Teachers in the Temple' survived only in one variant in the University Library in Kraków.
© «Art-Belarus», 2014-2020
'Art-Belarus' Gallery
vul. Kazlova 3, Minsk, Palace of Art, entrance from the left side of the building Ticket price: 6 BYN, 3 BYN
About exposition Show map
zimenko@bgpb.by
artbelarus.nci@gmail.com


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What are the reasons for its good export performance?
Is it typical to not be allowed guests if you are renting a room? Is work experience pretty much the most important thing to have on a resume? My son turns 18 next year. And plans to move out on his own, Will I lose my Section 8 voucher because he has moved out ? If someone has my account number and routing number how can they steal money from my account? I just started my externship in Medical Assiting. It is day 6. They are having me do vitals, but they are not teaching me anything else?


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Tokushima City
Takako Sakamoto
Tokushima Castle and Hachisuka Clan
Reigned Tokushima for almost 300 years!
Takako Sakamoto May 09, 2014 - 5 min read
Tokushima Castle is a place that local people frequent, on school field trips, or to sketch scenery during art classes, or to practice Awa Dance before the summer festival. As I grew up in Tokushima, the place was familiar to me, too. So, on this trip to Tokushima, we didn't plan to visit the castle. However, the highway bus we took from Maiko, Kobe was delayed for 2 hours and messed up our whole schedule, and we arrived at JR Tokushima Station at 16:00, too late to visit the planned place, the Naruto German House, so we decided to go to the castle instead for it's located near JR Tokushima Station.
And I'm glad I did visit the place. If I hadn't, my impression of the castle would have remained as something familiar, but mediocre. The castle I revisited looked nothing like mediocre, but was superb, probably because I saw it as a tourist, not as a local anymore. Although the castle and other buildings are mostly gone, the stone walls, newly reconstructed gate, bridges, etc., impressed me. The whole place (there is a park called 'Tokushima Central Park' within the castle ruin premises) was well maintained and manicured, and here and there I could see how much effort has been made to keep it as it is now. Tokushima is doing a great job and it made me unaccountably proud...after all, this is my hometown, isn't it?
The History of Tokushima Castle Tokushima Castle was first built by the first lord of the Tokushima Han (Domain), Hachisuka Iemasa, in 1585. Until 1875, when the new Meiji government ordered that all castles in Japan be demolished except for certain castles, Tokushima Castle had stood there for almost 300 years under the reign of the Hachisuka Clan. The only remains of the castle buildings, Eagle Gate, was burnt down during World War II, but it was reconstructed in 1989. Although there are no main buildings left, this site was designated as the 76th of Japan's Top 100 Castles in 2006.
Hachisuka Iemasa and his father, the bandit Hachisuka Masakatsu (Koroku) I assume the father of the first lord of Tokushima, Hachisuka Masakatsu, formerly known as Hachisuka Koroku, is fairly famous. He was the royal subject of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who had first dominated almost the whole of Japan in 1590. Hachisuka Koroku's fame derives from the fact that he was a bandit before becoming the subject of Hideyoshi. The archeological studies reveal it may not be true, but it has been widely believed for a long time, since there is a writing in 'Taikoki', a biography of Toyotomi Hideyoshi published in 1626, that Koroku was a bandit. There is an interesting anecdote to show how much people believed this 'bandit' theory.
Amusing incident between Meiji Emperor and Hachisuka Mochiaki Shiba Ryotaro, the famous Japanese author of historical novels, wrote in one of his essays about a comedic incident that happened between the Meiji Emperor and Hachisuka Mochiaki, the 14th, and the last lord of Hachisuka Han. When Hachisuka Mochiaki visited Meiji Emperor in his salon, there were foreign cigars on the table. As they smelled so good, Hachisuka Mochiaki secretly pocketed one of them. Meiji Emperor, who noticed the theft, humorously told Hachisuka Mochiaki, the lord of Tokushima, "Hachisuka, blood will tell, won't it?". It is said that the Meiji Emperor believed in what's written in 'Taikoki'. Mortified upon learning about the incident, the entire Hachisuka clan tried to eliminate the stigma that their ancestor was a bandit, by asking historians to prove otherwise, but their plan failed in the end. I personally like this anecdote very much. How hilarious! I admire Hachisuka Mochiaki's audacity of stealing a cigar from all people, the Meiji Emperor! Besides, if being a bandit is something to be embarrassed of, most of the lords in the Warring States and Tokugawa period had to be ashamed, as they fought and stole lands from other lords and became lords themselves.
Anyway, this castle has been in the center of Tokushima city for a long, long time and is a great place to visit and stroll around. There is a lot to see: the site itself, the museum, the park, a fabulous garden, etc. It's within walking distance from JR Tokushima Station, so when you happen to be in Tokushima, don't miss visiting there at least once! Fore more photos, please refer to my photo story.
Japan's Top Castles
Takako Sakamoto @takako.sakamoto
I was born in and grew up in Tokushima prefecture, and have lived in many places since then: Nishinomiya, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Fukuoka and Fukui. I am currently living in Yokohama City. All the places I lived, all the places I visited, I have loved dearly. The histor...
徳島市徳島町城内1-8 (Directions)
city.tokushima.tokushima.jp
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By Takako Sakamoto
Tokushima: Top 10 Things to Do
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5 of Japan's Best Open-Air Museums
Explore Culture around Japan


text:
US Q1 GDP Growth Revised down to 1.8 Percent on Falling Exports
Today's GDP report from the Bureau of Economic Analysis revised the estimate for Q1 growth sharply downward, from 2.4 percent to 1.8 percent. As the following chart shows, the revision makes the rebound from the slowdown at the end of last year look less robust.
The early estimates for each quarter are based on incomplete data supplemented by extrapolations from historical trends, and revisions are common. The revision announced today was larger than usual, however. The average revision (without regard for sign) is 0.2 percentage points from the second estimate to the third. This time it was 0.6 points. The change from April's advance estimate of 2.5 percent was even larger. How can we explain it? >>>Read more
Follow this link to view or download a classroom-ready slideshow with charts and analysis of the latest GDP data
The Economics of the Good Life: A Critique of Growth
In the first part of my review of Robert and Edward Skidelsky's How Much is Enough? I looked at the puzzle of leisure. Why, the Skidelskys ask, do we work so hard, even when we are well enough off to afford the additional leisure we need to live a good life? Beyond that follow some even more important questions: What is a good life, anyway? Does endless economic growth make it easier or harder to live a good life? What kinds of public policy could help us live better? These questions contain both economic and philosophical elements, a combination that the Skidelsky team—the father, an economist, the son a philosopher—are eminently qualified to take on. This second part of my review explores some of their answers. >>>Read more
In the first part of my review of Robert and Edward Skidelsky's How Much is Enough? I looked at the puzzle of leisure. Why, the Skidelskys ask, do we work so hard, even when we are well enough off to afford the additional leisure we need to live a good life? Beyond that follow some even more important questions: What is a good life, anyway? Does endless economic growth make it easier or harder to live a good life? What kinds of public policy could help us live better? These questions contain both economic and philosophical elements, a combination that the Skidelsky team—the father, an economist, the son a philosopher—are eminently qualified to take on. This second part of my review explores some of their answers. - See more at: http://www.economonitor.com/dolanecon/2013/06/24/growth-public-policy-and-the-economics-of-the-good-life/#sthash.mZ8YvuZg.dpuf
Solving the Mystery of Keynes' "Mistaken" Prediction: Why Don't we Work Less and Take More Leisure
Robert Skidelsky is best known for his definitive three-volume biography of John Maynard Keynes. It hardly surprising, then, that he begins his latest book, How Much is Enough? (co-authored with his son, the philosopher Edward Skidelsky), with a puzzle posed by the master himself. Why is it that we work so many hours each week and enjoy so little leisure?
Keynes' "mistaken" prediction
In 1928, Keynes gave a talk to a group of Cambridge undergraduates on the theme, "The Economic Possibilities for our Grandchildren." Eschewing models and data, his message was that if people were wise enough to avoid ruinous wars, those living a hundred years in the future would enjoy a standard of living four to eight times higher than those living in 1928. Here are some key passages that catch the flavor of his remarks:
We may be on the eve of improvements in the efficiency of food production as great as those which have already taken place in mining, manufacture, and transport. In quite a few years—in in our own lifetimes I mean—we may be able to perform all the operations of agriculture, mining, and manufacture with a quarter of the human effort to which we have been accustomed. . . .
Thus for the first time since his creation man will be faced with his real, his permanent problem—how to use his freedom from pressing economic cares, how to occupy the leisure, which science and compound interest will have won for him, to live wisely and agreeably and well. . . .
Three-hour shifts or a fifteen-hour week . . . is quite enough to satisfy the old Adam in most of us!
>>>Read more
- See more at: http://www.economonitor.com/dolanecon/2013/06/17/how-much-is-enough-why-do-we-work-so-much-and-enjoy-so-little-leisure/#sthash.79FObQO3.dpuf
Case Study in Hyperinflation: Venezuela on the Brink
The Central Bank of Venezuela recently reported an inflation rate for May of 6.9 percent, equivalent to an annualized rate of more than 100 percent. Does this mean that Venezuela is on the brink of hyperinflation? A quick look at the relevant economic concepts suggests that hyperinflation is in fact a real danger.
What is hyperinflation and where does it come from?
Hyperinflation has a long history, but no official definition. In an influential 1956 paper, Phillip Cagan suggested limiting the term to a rate of inflation of 50 percent per month or more, which is equivalent to an annual compound rate of about 14,000 percent. That would fit extreme cases like Weimar Germany, Hungary after World War II, or, more recently, Zimbabwe, in which inflation rates reached millions or trillions of percent per year.
Although some economists still adhere to Cagan's guideline, others prefer a more flexible definition. I like to apply the term hyperinflation to any case in which inflation seriously undermines the ability of money to serve its classic functions as a store of value, a unit of account, and a medium of exchange. That can begin to happen at rates of inflation of 100 percent per year or even less. Less extreme cases like Russia, Argentina, and Bulgaria in the 1990s would qualify, even though inflation reached only the low thousands of percent per year. Venezuela may well be approaching such an episode now.
... Orginally posted by Economonitor.com, site no longer active. See here for an updated (2018) version of this post.
- See more at: http://www.economonitor.com/dolanecon/2013/06/14/venezuela-on-the-brink-of-hyperinflation/#sthash.Cex9VBxj.dpuf
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Breakup of the Ruble Area (1991-1993): A Cautionary Tale for the Euro
Good news: The euro crisis is over. At least that is how French President Francois Hollande sees it, according to remarks he made during his recent trip to Japan. Latvia's pending entry is another piece of news for the battered currency area. Never mind minor problems like a deepening recession in many countries, unsustainable government debts in others, and faltering export performance in still others.
The good news/bad news situation of the euro should serve to remind us that currency areas do not necessarily last forever. The biggest currency area collapse in recent times was the fifteen-nation ruble area, which existed briefly following the breakup of the Soviet Union. It seems like a good time to update a little slideshow I wrote a few years ago on the breakup of the ruble area and its lessons for the euro.
This is an updated version of a slideshow first published in January 2010. Click on the image to view the full updated slideshow
Good news: The euro crisis is over. At least that is how French President Francois Hollande sees it, according to remarks he made during his recent trip to Japan. Latvia's pending entry is another piece of news for the battered currency area. Never mind minor problems like a deepening recession in many countries, unsustainable government debts in others, and faltering export performance in still others.
Click on the image to view the full slideshow
- See more at: http://www.economonitor.com/dolanecon/2013/06/12/breakup-of-the-ruble-area-1991-1993-a-cautionary-tale-for-the-euro/#sthash.XlgnucI0.dpuf
Why Latvia's Decision to Join the Euro Makes Sense
Last week's convergence report from the European Commission gave Latvia the green light to become the eighteenth member of the eurozone as of next January. "The eurozone is again a club with a queue–not at the exit but at the entrance," crowed Herman Van Rompuy, president of the European Council. "Joining the eurozone will foster Latvia's economic growth, for sure," Latvian Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis said in Riga. Yet Latvians on the street are less certain. Public opinion polls show that only about 35 percent of respondents favor the switch, and opposition parties that oppose the euro have done well in recent local elections.
Who is right? Is it really a good idea for Latvia to sign on for membership in Europe's troubled currency union? Let's look at some of the factors that would make the answer "yes" or "no."
Criteria for an optimal currency area
We can begin by setting Latvia and the euro to one side to look at the broader question of which countries or regions might benefit from common currencies. Imagine that we sit down with a blank outline map of the world and try to fill it in so that countries and regions that are better off sharing currencies are assigned the same color. We ask questions like these: Should Maryland and Virginia both use the dollar? If yes, color them both green. Should Russia and Ukraine both use the ruble? If yes, color them both red, and so on. When our map is finished, the regions with the same color—whether they are sovereign nations, groups of nations, or regions that overlap national borders—are what economists call optimal currency areas.>>>Read More
US Labor Market Shows Moderate Gains in May
The US labor market continued its gradual improvement in May. The economy added 175,000 new payroll jobs, somewhat more than in March and April, as shown in the following chart. Payroll job growth was strongest in service sectors, with retail trade, professional and business services, and leisure and hospitality all showing strong growth. Construction added 7,000 jobs but those were offset by a decrease in manufacturing jobs, so that there was no net job growth in the goods-producing sectors. The addition of 13,000 local government jobs helped to offset continued job cuts at the federal and state levels.
The household survey, which includes self-employed persons and farm workers, showed an increase of 319,000 jobs. Some 420,000 new workers entered or re-entered the labor force, bringing the employment-population ratio up slightly. Since the labor force increased by more than the number of employed workers, the number of unemployed also increased. The unemployment rate, which is the ratio of unemployed workers to the labor force, rose fractionally from 7.513 percent to 7.553 percent. That will be enough for news headlines, which usually show the unemployment rate rounded to the nearest tenth of a percent, to report an increase from 7.5 to 7.6 percent. >>>Read more
Follow this link to view or download a classroom-ready slideshow with complete charts of the latest employment situation
Corporate Profits Soar as Proprietors' Income Stagnates: The Decline of Small Business and what to do about it.
Americans have long seen small businesses as the heart and soul of their economy, but small firms have not fared well in recent years. Corporations, in contrast, seem to be on a roll, with profits and stock prices soaring to record highs. Is small business really in decline, and if so, what should we do about it?
First, some data
One striking indication that small business is falling behind is the divergence between corporate profits and proprietors' income. The trend is evident in data, shown in the following chart, that were released last week by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
It is true that the two series in the chart correspond only approximately to the popular distinction between big and small business. Proprietors' income includes the current income of unincorporated businesses that have the legal forms of proprietorships, partnerships, and tax-exempt cooperatives. It does not perfectly match up with small firm size because some small firms are incorporated and some proprietorships, partnerships, and cooperatives are large. Also, proprietors' income is not, in an economic sense, a pure measure of the profits of small businesses, since it includes the imputed income of small business owners who live off the net proceeds of their enterprises without paying themselves a salary or interest on funds they have loaned to their firms. >>>Read more
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Stop Smothering Me. Leaf Me Alone!
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Fall is quickly becoming winter and the trees are shedding the last of their leaves. One common dilemma homeowners face is whether or not to rake and bag fallen leaves and debris from their lawn. With two different schools of thought on the matter, let's talk about the trouble that comes from allowing a thick layer of leaves to sit on your yard, then discuss how to deal with them.
Your yard needs a good amount of air and sunlight to maintain good health. Whenever a thick layer of leaves is covering your turf, it's essentially being smothered. If you do not remove leaves and debris from your yard, you'll likely be left with a brown, patchy, unsightly yard come spring.
Our recommendation is to rake them and bag them. Not only does this keep your yard looking nice and clean, it will lessen your workload in the spring. Also, you will help eliminate the potential for harboring unwanted plant disease and overwintering insects and pests.
If you want to use the organic matter that you have on hand, you can also mulch them and use them in your landscape beds. Lawn mowers typically have a mulch setting that will break up the leaves into smaller pieces. You can distribute these smaller bits onto landscape beds or herb gardens to provide insulation from the cold which will help protect your root systems. It is important to note you do not want to make mulch from leaves that have any existing disease.
Regardless of which alternative better suites your style, one thing is for certain: you need to make sure you don't leave a thick layer of leaves on your lawn over winter.
Don't want to mess with leaves at all this year?
Topeka Landscape is here to help so you can spend your free time focusing on prepping for the holidays! Our crew would be happy take care of your fall clean up needs, whether it's a one-time clean up or recurring maintenance. Learn more about our seasonal maintenance by clicking here and give us a shout today!


Haw-Yee Timberlake! It's Cowboy Joe Day!
We slept in a whole hour. The air is cool and tranquil until… What's that? A gang of goofy backwards cowboys rush into our cabins to gift us some of their delicious Nut-Dos (donuts). What a way to start the day! But, the day doesn't stop at donuts in bed, although delicious. No, the whole day will be zanny backwards fun!
Camp starts its day with an evening activity. The evening activity BATTLEBALL!! This camp favorite was played outside today. And the winner is to be announced tomorrow. Stay tuned. We follow the backwards tradition by going to our fourth activity first. Today was an incredible day in activities. There were many extraordinary accomplishments made across the board. To start, the campers earned a ton of Bars today. Hopefully you know a few… Andrew F. and Andrew R. got their Silvers in Backpacking. Ben S. got his silver in Soccer. Blake C. earned his Gold in Paintball and his silver in Team Sports. James S. and Mason J. both earned a silver in Team Sports as well.
Also today, the entire cabin of Graybeard taught classes (for the most part). To show our incredible staff some appreciation the boys took a load off their backs and instructed for the afternoon. If you know a Graybeard boy make sure to ask what activities they got to teach.
An overnight backpacking trip to Table Rock arrived back to camp after our delicious lunch. And boy did they have fun, especially Cooper E. In the backpacking class Seth B. and Robert H. started a fire in less than a minute. Across camp at the lake Canoeing got to go down the water slide. John B. went down eight times! In Riflery Davis M. got a great grouping. Nolan S. got two bullseyes in archery. Harrison B. got some sweet saves as goalie in soccer today. Also, Carlie P. fenced the instructor today and won!
Dinner today was pork. The pig had been roasting thanks to our great staff since the night before. And boy was it delicious! After dinner we had an evening yell. Yes, an evening yell! And then Chapel led by Nick leonard. But, the night is close to being over a secret activity is just being announced. It's PIRATEBALL!! The boys run off to play pirateball thinking today couldn't get any better but there is one more surprise awaiting them when it gets dark. Here's a hint. BOOM! Stay posted to see who wins Pirateball.
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